The Mechanics (2025)

17/07/2025

CLSU graduates ace MPLE 2025; outdoes national passing rate

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) College of Engineering alumni continued to prove excellence in Master Plumber Licensure Examination (MPLE) 2025, who achieved an overall passing rate of 59.9%, they outperformed the national passing rate of 57.75%.

CLSU satisfied their reputation with 26 passers whom 21 are first-time takers with 70% passing rate while 5 are repeaters, according to Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

MPLE 2025 was held on July 12-13 2025 in N. C. R., Baguio, Butuan,Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal,Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Rosales, Tacloban andPuerto Princesa, Palawan. It recorded a total of 2971 passers out of the 5451 examinees on the national level.
__________________________
𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗬: Riane Zyreh Del Mundo
𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗕𝗬: James Alfred L. Papio

13/07/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦| Mula sa halos isang linggong pagdiriwang ng Sinag ng Kalinangan, Agapay, ay Dalubhasaan (SIKAD) 2025, muling naging makulay ang buong unibersidad sa pamamagitan ng iba't ibang mga kaganapan na siyang naging hudyat sa pagsisimula ng panibagong taong panuruan, bagama't hindi ito ang unang linggo ng simula ng pasukan.

Tampok sa hanay na ito ang mga larawang nakalap mula sa pagdiriwang ng SIKAD 2025. Halina't tunghayan ang mga emosyong nakuhanan ng lente ng mga dyorno mula sa publikasyong ito.
_____________________________
𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗮: Lorien Victoria Motol, Ian Dale Refe, Aiyssa Grace Dumlao, Maureen Jade Domingo, Justin Dela Cruz, Hazel Shane Corpuz, John Carlo Tanguilig, and Eugene Andrei Boco

𝗜𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗮: James Alfred L. Papio, Prince Mhar Lapat, and Michaela Angel Naranja

12/07/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | SEKDER ’25 Highlights Role of Youth in Nation-Building; Marks Third Day of SIKAD 2025

In line with the third-day celebration of Sinag ng Kalinangan, Agapay at Dalubhasaan (SIKAD) 2025, the University Supreme Student Council (USSC) spearheaded the leadership seminar “SEKDER: Steering Excellence through Knowledge, Development, and Empowered Rights” on July 9, 2025, at the CLSU Auditorium.

Representing University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, Vice President for Administration Dr. Ariel G. Mactal opened the event with a message highlighting the true essence of leadership.

Dr. Celyrah B. Castillo, Dean of the College of Home Science and Industry, delivered the remarks of Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, which underscored the importance of cultivating leaders.

The first speaker, Mr. Junior M. Pacol, faculty member from the Department of Filipino, delivered a talk titled “Guro ng Bayan, Gabay ng Kabataan: Rooted Educators as Co-Leaders of Change and Culture”, emphasizing the significance of community service, encouraging students to engage in meaningful leadership roles that address the needs of their local communities.

Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan addressed participants with a message on the critical role of youth in nation-building, particularly in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in driving national change.

“Kayo ang mitsa ng pagbabago; nawa ang henerasyon ninyo ang siyang maglalagay sa ayos ng napakaraming taon ng pang-aapi, pag-aalipusta, pag-eexploit ng ating sektor ng agrikultura at pangingisda,” Sen. Pangilinan expressed.

Ms. Kim Modelo, Vice President of the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), followed with her session “On ‘Student Power’ and Youth Activism,” focusing on the power of student activism and the collective responsibility of the youth to influence social and political change.

The event also featured pre-recorded messages from Cong. Raoul Danniel Manuel, former Kabataan Partylist representative, and Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, both of whom further encouraged students to actively participate in causes that drive social justice, reinforcing the idea that leadership begins with taking action for the greater good.

Special performances were rendered by the CLSU Tanghalang Gagalaw (TANGLAW) and the CLSU Maestro Singers. The program was hosted by Kate Justine Briones and Tristan Jay Nening.

__________________________
𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗬: Heart Benito
𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 𝗕𝗬: John Carlo Tanguilig
𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗕𝗬: James Alfred L. Papio

12/07/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Random Play Dance 2025 Idinaos sa SIKAD; Buhos ng Ulan, Patuloy

Hindi alintana ang maulang panahon, matagumpay pa ring isinagawa ang “Random Play Dance 2025: Back to the Beat, Dance!” sa ikatlong araw ng Sinag ng Kalinangan, Agapay at Dalubhasaan (SIKAD) noong ika-siyam ng Hulyo sa CLSU University Athletic Grounds.

Pinangunahan ng University Supreme Student Council (USSC) na may layuning palakasin ang koneksyon at pakikiisa ng mga mag-aaral bilang bahagi ng pagbubuo ng komunidad sa unibersidad, at isa rin ito sa mga programang hinintay at kinasabikan ng lahat sa kabila ng panaka-nakang buhos ng ulan.

Bago ang pagsasayaw, isinagawa rin ang fun run na nilahukan ng mga mag-aaral mula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo, kabilang ang ilang mga cosplayer. Sa mismong programa, sabayang inindak ng mga kalahok ang mga sikat na awitin tulad ng: Bboom-Bboom, Gnarly, Otso-Otso, Gangnam Style, Cheer Up, Gabriela, Like Jennie, Very Nice, at iba pa.

Ang aktibidad ay naging daan upang muling maipamalas ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang talento sa sayaw, at magsilbing espasyo para sa masayang interaksiyon ng bawat isa.

Isa sa mga inisyatiba ng USSC sa ilalim ng SIKAD 2025 ang Random Play Dance na naglalayong itaguyod ang pagkakaisa, kultura, at malikhaing pagpapahayag sa CLSU.
_______________________________
Article by: Lawrence Gualon
Contributor: Carlos Rodriguez
Photos by: Ian Dale Refe
Layout by: James Alfred L. Papio

12/07/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 |CLSU celebrates SIKAD through vibrant Cultural Show 2025

As part of the Sinag ng Kalinangan, Agapay at Dalubhasaan (SIKAD) celebration, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) held the 2025 Cultural Show on July 11 at the CLSU Auditorium, showcasing various expressions of Philippine culture through student-led performances.

Organized by the University Supreme Student Council (USSC), the event featured a series of dance, music, and theater presentations that represented cultural traditions from different regions of the country. The program aimed to highlight the creativity and artistic talents of CLSU students.

“Art is not merely a performance—ito ay protesta, ito ay panata, ito ay pag-ibig at higit sa lahat ito ay pakikibaka,” said USSC Vice Chairperson Kristian James Cornel during his opening remarks.

In addition, Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, Head of Cultural Affairs states that arts and culture is the only thing that keeps us humane and who we truly are, emphasizing the relevancy and impact of preserving heritage and social customs.

Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President of Academic Affairs also delivered a message in the presence of Dr. Roy Searca Jose P. Dela Cruz saying “We are reminded that the heart of the university is not just research output or our academic ranking; but the living culture, music, dance, and story telling"

The program opened with traditional dances from different regions of the Philippines such as Sua Ku Sua, Kadal Tahu, Pansak Si Laley, Singkil, Cariada Ti Mannalon, Ang Binata, Panuyom, and Kabilaw performed by the Bithay Sining Dance Company. Tanghalang Gagalaw sa CLSU (TangLaw) presented theatrical pieces combining dance and spoken word, while the Maestro Singers and CLSU Band delivered vocal and instrumental performances.

Artworks by CLSU Pigura were exhibited in the auditorium lobby, along with a short film presentation featuring students’ visual art projects.

The event concluded with a modern pop performance by Bithay Sining Dance Company and a musical set by the CLSU Combo Band.

The Cultural Show is part of CLSU’s ongoing initiatives under SIKAD (Sinag ng Kalinangan, Agapay, at Dalubhasaan), aimed at promoting Filipino culture and student creativity.
_______________________________
Article by: Riane Zyreh Del Mundo
Contributor: Ed Ronelle Sabino and Carlos Rodriguez
Photos by: Ian Dale Refe, Eugene Andrei Boco, Hazel Shane Corpuz
Layout by: James Alfred L. Papio

11/07/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | CEnelas 3.0 Equips Freshmen, College Ready

In spite of continuous rainshowers affecting Science City of Muñoz, the College of Engineering Student Government (CESG) pushed through the CEnelas 3.0, an orientation program for 1st years, shifters, and transferee students last July 4, held at CLSU Multi-Purpose Gym (MPG).

The program started with the singing of national anthem, invocation, and the CLSU Hymn, followed by the inspirational opening remarks of the College Dean, Dr Roy Searca Jose P. Dela Cruz, whom welcomed the students and shared words that could help them throughout their stay in the institution.

On the other hand, Dr. John Paulo C. Sacdalan, Department Head of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) introduced the set of BSABE Instructors and Professors, as well as the ABE program. He shared his college experiences and connected it to the progressive change of today's generation. He also introduced the previous topnotchers of CLSU-DABE, the year of their pinnacle of success, and other relevant achievements of the department.

Following Dr. Sacdalan is Engr. Mary Grace J. De Guzman, the College Registrar, whom discussed the function of the college registrar in helping students with completion, gave tips on how to properly deal with completion and subject standing problems, encourage students to monitor their grades, and introduced the process of Leave of Absence, Completion, Enrollment, and Dropping.

Records-in-Charge (RICs) of BSABE, BSCE and BSIT, Sir Julius Ragasa and Sir Andrew Sinense, who talked about the retention policies, enrollment, graduation, and promoted the official website and pages of the Office of Admissions to properly guide the students.

The program continues as Engr. Laila Marie A. Lavandero, CEn Guidance Coordinator talked about the difference of guidance councilor and guidance coordinator; she also informed the students about the CEn Guidance and Wellness Center (Room 412), and how to make appointments where you can have a place to rest, sleep, and other services they cater.

During the middle of the program, CESG conducted an interactive activity Human BINGO, which served as their ice breaker and also the time to have a small break and snack time of the students, while the crowd had the opportunity to watch an Arnis Anyo Performance right after the break.

On the other hand, promoting the own college publication of CEn, current Editor-in-Chief Riccy Nhel Henzen B. Juan introduced The Mechanics to the students, enumerated facts, discussed how publications work inside the university, tackled the history of The Mechanics, and encouraged the crowd to apply for the recruitment of the publication.

Being the governing body of the college, CESG Governor Rashela Ballesteros introduced the remaining officers and student leaders, and invited students to be part of the participation and representation of the college.

Meanwhile, outgoing CEn Councilor with CEn Councilor Elect, and outgoing USSC Councilor Hon. Dharcel Parungao introduced and invited the students to engage with the upcoming activities of the university.

Lastly, Karce Philippines introduced their calculator which is Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) certified for Board Exam, and they also teach some calculator techniques and gave away some of their products to the lucky freshie.

Hosted by Arthur Domingo and Kacey Pidazo, the program started at 8:20 AM and lasted until 11:50 AM, and the orientations of different department commenced later that day, at exactly 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

10/07/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Third place, three wins; The Mechanics ranks among top in LIBOT 2025 journalism tilt

Recognized for its performance across multiple categories, The Mechanics emerged as one of the leading college publications during LIBOT 2025, clinching third place in the Best Overall Newspaper category held on July 7, 2025, at the Academic Affairs Amphitheatre.

With the theme “Press Forward: Forging Ethical Journalism in an Unfiltered World,” the event gathered student journalists from across Central Luzon State University as part of the ongoing Sinag ng Kalinangan, Agapay, at Dalubhasaan (SIKAD) 2025 celebration.

Competing among eight official college publications, The Mechanics earned 2nd Best Editorial Cartoon through the entry of Justin Dela Cruz, 3rd Best Development Communication Page by Alxander Alquiros, and 2nd Best Branding Newsletter Layout by James Alfred Papio, contributing to its overall third-place finish in the Best Overall Newspaper.

Leading the overall rankings was The Educator of the College of Education, followed by The Lens from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).

Other participating publications included The Plowman of the College of Agriculture (CAg), The CBA Link of the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), The Newspeak from the College of Home Science and Industry (CHSI), The Talons of the College of Science (CoS), and The Speculum of the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine (CVSM).

LIBOT 2025 is part of the annual SIKAD celebration, organized by The CLSU Collegian, the university’s official student publication.
_______________________________
𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗬: Jannelle Puntilar
𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 𝗕𝗬: Marc Sebastien Esguerra
𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗕𝗬: James Alfred Papio

09/07/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Eskolta

“Stop, I’m losing me”
Taylor Swift

Expectations vs. Reality ba talaga? Or maybe you just planned the whole thing excited, kaya when you encountered a dead end bigla ka nalang nagmala Taylor Swift, ‘cause you think you are losing yourself na and wishing na tumigil muna ang lahat.

Akala mo ito lang ‘yun. Teka lang, may hidden passage ka pang lilikuan.

And here’s the thing… Sa buong talambuhay natin para tayong naglalakad sa isang mahaba at masikip na eskinita. Isang pasikot-sikot na daan na binubuo ng iba't ibang mukha, tanawin, at pangyayari. Minsan may mga taong sumalubong, mayroon din mga lugar na tumatatak, pero ang madalas ay mga alaalang nabubuo at naiiwan habang patuloy sa paglakad.

College is the best four years, or n years since hindi naman lahat dire-diretso ang tinatahak na daan, of your life eka nga nila. Subalit ang ‘di nila sinabi… Sa enrollment palang talaga namang malalaspag ka na parang white shoes sa grass field tuwing umuulan.

Welcome to ESKOLTA! Hindi ito yung kalye sa Maynila ha, kundi yung daan kung saan naliligaw pa din ang mga freshies kahit tila ba tutuklawin na sila ng hawak nilang mapa, iiyak sa CR kasi hindi na raw kaya, at magpapanggap na alam ang nangyayari kahit sobrang lost at gusto nalang tumitig sa bintana.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗗 | 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗮

Orientation Day — a.k.a. Hanap ng Kakampi.

The first day feels like a scene straight out of the Hunger Games. Lahat ay naka-ayos, may bitbit na planner, at may ngiting ready for collage ang aura. Pero deep inside…isa lang ang dasal nila, “Lord, bigyan mo ako kahit isang kaibigan, please.”

At kahit 'yung mga kaklase mong tahimik sa gilid— magme-mental note na. Naghahanap kung sino ang nagbibigay ng sagot, este libreng notes pala.
Makikinig pa ’yan nang maayos sa kung anong sasabihin ni Dean habang palihim na sumusulyap sa katabi, iniisip kung makikipag-small talk ba siya. Ang totoo, naghahanap lang ’yan ng kasangga.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗻𝗮 𝘀𝗶 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗮! | 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗽 𝗻𝗶𝘆𝗮.

College will be fun! Pero not until you realize… ang Room 108 ay hindi sa 1st floor, hindi rin sa gilid ng lab. Worst is nasa kabilang buhay yata!

Ito pa mga sis!

Kahit may class schedule ka na, good luck pa rin! Kasi minsan feeling mo nasa Amazing Race ka. Minsan naman ay sa Escape Room. May mapa ka nga, pero kulang sa context clues!

“Bakit tatlo ang hagdanan? At bakit parang bawal umakyat pero kailangan?”

By the time makarating ka, para kang nag-exam sa PE—hulas, hingal, at despite the struggle late pa rin.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟯: 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 | 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗦𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗻?

Madalas magsisimula ka na sigurado at desidido… Pero one day habang kumakain ka ng tusok-tusok sa MPG o hindi kaya’y nag s-space out with staring at the vast nothing sa Oval, mapa-patanong ka nalang sa sarili mo: “Bakit nga ba ako mag-e-Engineering?”

Talaga nga naman college = existential crisis!

Sa gitna ng iyong existential crisis, makikisabay ang mga bagay na hindi mo ine-expect: (1) unli-requirements, (2) groupmates na hindi nagpaparamdam, at (3) mga prof na nangangarap maging YouTuber sa dami ng recorded lectures.

In fairness, kahit puro sablay, may mga “wins” din naman minsan. Such as:

Makakahanap ka ng real friends

Mga kaibigan na makakasabay mo magpuyat every quiz and exams. Yung makakasama mo sa library kahit wala naman kayong gagawin kundi mag-scroll despite having gigantic academic workload. Lastly, ‘yung makakasabay mo mag submit ng late without guilt. (Tip: GDrive na walang laman technique)

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗻!

Sa bawat kanto ng kolehiyo, may character development. Minsan through tears, minsan sa gitna ng tawa habang naghahabol ng paper. Either way, lalaban ka.

Freshman year will feel like being thrown into an entirely new world— a world na may cheat code pero hindi mo alam kung paano mo makukuha. Parang lahat sanay na, may new friends, may group na. Samantalang ikaw? Parang character na bagong gising sa simulation, clueless kung saan magsisimula.
Pero habang naglalakad ka sa sarili mong ESKOLTA, matututuhan mong hindi mo kailangang masterin ang lahat agad agad. Hindi kailangang laging maging tama o palaging una. Ang mahalaga—umuusad ka pa rin kahit paunti-unti— no need to overtake.

Minsan, sapat na ang extra rice para sa ubos mong energy, extra hug para sa pagod mong puso, at extra tulog para sa mga bagay na hindi kayang tapusin ng pag-iyak.

At kapag natapos ang taon, mapapaisip ka, “Grabe! Ang dami kong dinaanan pero andito pa rin ako. Slight baliw, pero buo and naka-survive.”

ESKOLTA will never be just a kanto na dadaanan mo lang. Ito ‘yung bubuo sa’yo all throughout the journey. Isang makipot na hidden eskinita ng buhay na kung saan ang daan ay hindi laging tuwid o maliwanag. Minsan, ito’y madlim, putikan, at magulo. Kaya sa bawat hakbang, may madadaanan tayo na magiging bahagi ng ating pagkatao, na kahit kailangan nating iwanan, alam natin na sila ay mananatili pa rin—upang maging gabay para lakbayin ang panibagong ESKOLTA.

09/07/2025

AVISALA, ENCENTADIA!

Inihahandog ng The Mechanics ang 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗶 ng mga manunulat na kwalipikado sa pagsusulit matapos ang dalawang bahagi nito.

Ipinapaalam namin na ang ikalawang bahagi ay maihahayag matapos ang mga susunod pang listahan ng pasado.

Pagbati, mga bagong manunulat ng The Mechanics!

08/07/2025

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | Weighed, but Found Wanting

Perhaps there shall always be instances where your response just won’t suffice the magnitude in want; in Lino Brocka’s direction, weighed, but found wanting.

As students at a state university, surely, none of us are strangers to heat. It’s a whole punchline at this point: , GOOJOODOQ fan in hand, grappling for that last seat at the jeepney— that might just be the identity of the modern CLSUan. More often than not, even I, a student from the department of what is considered to be the summer capital of CLSU, typically find myself drenched in sweat by the time I get home; after all, air-conditioning doesn’t cover the entire perimeter of the campus.

Following such treacherous conditions born by the summer heat, with temperatures rising to extent of 37°C, 38°C, reaching up ‘til 42°C, enraged CLSU students turned to online platforms to rightfully voice out their frustration after the university just seemed to refuse all calls to employ long-term solutions that will fundamentally solve the problem of ventilation— or lack thereof— , as well as to critically address the nuances involved in simply pushing out memorandums that facilitate class cancellation after cancellation. Just a week preceding the final week of regular classes for the academic year, on May 22, the CLSU Board of Regents officially approved the new academic calendar for the following academic year 2025-2026, in which the school year would experience a shift in schedule, now commencing from July of 2025 until April of the following year, just narrowly avoiding the onslaught of El Nino’s flames.

Alas, it almost seemed as if the university actually took a minute of silent thought and made the collective connection that if students aren’t equipped with armored suits and air-conditioned bunkers required to brave through the heat, then maybe they shouldn’t have had to make such sacrifices in the first place. At the verge of celebration, again do I check the memo: a 4 week vacation.

Now, at that point, I was already burnt out beyond belief; the summer heat had long incinerated my drive. A win is a win, and I was willing to take whatever sorry excuse of a break that anyone had to offer. For a regular undergraduate student, such is the optimistic perspective. But studying at a state university like CLSU, being in irregular standing is considered just as normal as being a regular student is, meaning, not everyone would be granted a summer break.

While the new academic calendar means less heat for students in the following years to come, just as much did it take away students' chances at achieving their prospective goals, midyear OJT students at experiencing cohesive immersion, and graduating students at being given a just timeframe to fulfill their requirements.

While it is long overdue that Philippine universities shift to an academic calendar that actually favors their students’ best interest—after all, if we can’t solve climate change with our hands alone, then we should probably avoid it as our next best precaution—such changes should be gradual and students must know of such grave decisions beforehand. CLSU was almost there, yet it just wasn’t quite enough.

Please, continue heeding our voices, but next time, you must confirm if you heard it right!

08/07/2025

𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠 | Nang Magsuot Ka ng Dalawang Uniporme

Habang naging makulay ang simula ng taon sa Central Luzon State University, paunti-unti ring lumilitaw mula sa ilalim ng mga sigaw, ang mga karanasang tampok sa reyalidad ng buhay sa kolehiyo, tulad na lamang ni Sawney na nagsisimula ang oras nang dalawang beses sa isang araw.

𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗴-𝗗𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗽
Magmula pa sa Guimba, Nueva Ecija, sinisimulan ni Sawney ang umaga bilang isang mag-aaral ng BS Information Technology sa CLSU para sa kanyang pangarap maging isang Virtual Assistant o VA pagkatapos ng kanyang pag-aaral.

Sadyang maraming magagandang pangarap ang gustong marating ng kabataan ngunit hindi ito madali para sa kanila lalo na kung sila ay pinatikim ng reyalidad ng buhay nang masyado pang maaga.

Isa si Sawney sa 38,277 mag-aaral mula sa iba’t ibang unibersidad sa Pilipinas na nagtatrabaho habang nag-aaral, upang mapunan niya ang kanyang mga pangangailangan, ngayong walang mapagkukunan. Ang kanyang trabaho: lahat ng kaya niyang gaw’in para sa kanyang pangarap. Mag-luto, maging isang volunteer, mag-ayos at mag-organisa sa mga tampok na kaganapan sa kanyang pinagtatrabahuhan ay ginagawa niya. Balak niya rin makibahagi sa pagtayo ng negosyo.

“Top 1 na ‘yong financial problems kasi, uh, being orphaned at a very young age, napakahirap talaga ‘non, especially [kapag] wala nang sumu-support sa’yo and, kung ang kamag-anak mo rin ay hindi naga-assist so, wala kang choice kundi mag-trabaho talaga,” wika niya.

Makikita ang tanging suliranin ng bansang Pilipinas ay ang kakulangan sa salapi at kayamanan na siyang kadalasang balakid upang makamit ang bawat pangarap ng mga mag-aaral, lalo pa’t maaga itong napagtatanto ng kabataang Pilipino.

𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘄𝗮’𝘆 𝗜𝘀𝗮
“Nang malaman kong magka-family ang ate ko, which is yung natitirang magus-support…alam kong magiging hirap sa pagpo-provide ng support para sa akin,” tuloy niya

Para kay Sawney, ang trabaho ay isang pangangailangan upang matamasa ng bawat Pilipino ang ginhawa ng buhay, magkano man ang kinikita. Para rin sa kanya, sapat lamang ang kinikita upang may baon siya pang- araw-araw.

“’Yong sa work ko kasi, ‘yong mga kinakain ko dun sa pinagse-stay-an ko, ‘yun na yung sahod ko. Ang kinikita ko lang naman sa isang linggo ay sabihin nating 400, tapos times 4 kapag isang buwan ,” ani niya.

Si Sawney ay alanganing napabibilang sa mga manggagawang may mababa ang sahod sa Gitnang Luzon na nag-eestima mula 435 hanggang 550 piso, isama man ang kanyang kinakain at ang kanyang pangangailangan sa kanyang pinagtatrabahuhan.

𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁...
Para kay Sawney, mas maayos pa para sa kanya ang magtrabaho mula sa sariling diskarte kaysa umasa pa sa mga subsidiya ng gobyerno.

Magkasangga ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) at ang Kagawaran ng Paggawa at Empleyo (DOLE) para sa kanilang Special Program for Employment of Students o SPES.

“Hindi ako naging iskolar ng barangay o ng ano man sa LGU dahil ang mga may kapit ang nabibigyan ng iskolar. Kung aasikasuhin ko naman, hindi rin magawa kasi, last [time na] inasikaso ko yung SPES hindi rin naman natuloy kasi may proble—need daw ng parent income,” saad niya bilang isang naulila.

“Based on my experience, mas pinipili ko na lang ang current work ko. Mas gusto ko na dun kasi naalagaan ako ng employer ko ng mabuti, nasu-sustain naman nila ako and, ayon,” ibinahagi niya.

“Fair treatment ang kailangan ko from [the] community and society. Kung kaya ‘yon [ng community] marami pang opportunity na makikita ang working students,” kanyang hinaing.

𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗵𝗮𝘁
Doble man ang papel sa buhay ni Sawney bilang mag-aaral at manggagawa, kinakailangang kumilos ang bawat institusyon ng gobyerno lalo na ang pamantasan na ngayo’y nag-aalok ng trabaho para sa mga mag-aaral.

Ang pamantasan ay dapat magsagawa ng mga programang pang-iskolar na nakatatanggap ng benepisyong kinakailangan tulad ng makakain, maisusuot, matutulugan, at iba pa.

Ngunit, dapat bigyang-pansin ang aktuwal na kalagayan ng mag-aaral katulad ng pagpapanayam, balidasyon na hindi na mangangailangan pa ng mga teknikal na dokumento.

Palawakin at pagbutihin ang mga programang kahalintulad ng SPES sa kolehiyo, sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng reform consultations kasama ang mga manggagawang kabataan upang matukoy at masolusyon ang ano mang hadlang at suliranin sa bawat aplikasyon.

Ngayong dumadami na ang mga manggagawang kabataang nag-aaral pa, palawakin ang suporta sa pagnenegosyo, pagtutok ng teknolohiya sa makabagong pagtatrabaho, lalo na ang pagpapalawak ng financial literacy sa bawat mag-aaral ng pamantasan.

Sa pagdating ng panahon, pinapangarap ni Sawney ang makatungtong muli sa entabladong naka-toga, dala-dala ang kanyang mga karanasan, mga hinaing, at ang kanyang pagsisikap.

“Sabi ng prof namin, you can’t adjust the time since it is constant. Although constant siya, what you can only do is to manage your work properly within a certain time, siyempre with discipline,” huling pamamahagi ng saloobin ni Sawney.

Kasabay sa pagtakbo ng buhay, patuloy na dadami ang mga kabataang magtatrabaho kung walang magagawang alternatibong solusyon ang pamahalaan.
Ito man ay pag-unlad sa empleyo at ekonomiya ngunit magdadala ito sa lumalalang krisis ng edukasyon.

Ilang sikad pa kaya ang gagawin ni Sawney para sa kanyang mga pangarap?
_______________________________________________
Isinulat ni: Alexander Ian Alquiros
Iginuhit ni: Justin Dela Cruz

08/07/2025

𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗟 | Gitnang Luzon, sa mga Kumukutitap na Silahis ng Espektro

Sapagkat ang reaksyon sa pagitan ng dalawang pwersang nagtutunggalian ay nakatakda na mismo sa mga alituntunin ng liknayan, hangga’t may pananamantala ay mayroong mangangalampag; habang ang bulkan na inihulma ng ‘di masusumang karahasan, sa kalaunan ri’y bubulwak.

Malinaw na kinilala ng sangka-Sielesyuan ang esensya ng pagprotesta bilang isang paraan upang maigiit ang kanilang mga panawagan, matapos markahan ang pagbubukas ng panibagong taong akademiko sa paglunsad ng Pride March nitong ika-7 ng Hulyo, bilang parte ng mga aktibidad ng SIKAD 2025. Mula sa patuloy na pagkaltas ng pondong nakalaan sa sektor ng edukasyon, maging sa kawalan ng kalayaan at saligang batas upang ipahayag ang ating pagkakakilanlan, saloobin, at mga piyesa, makikita na mayroong samu’t-saring tipo ng motibasyon na nagtutulak sa atin upang ipanawagan ang pagbabago na kanilang hinahangad.

Bagamat ang Pride, sa kolokyal o popular na pagkakakilanlan rito, ay karaniwang naiuugnay sa liberasyon, kalayaan, pagmamahal, at tapang, gayundin itong mas malalim na sumisimbolo sa mga salik na nakaiimpluwensiya sa mismong kalayaan ng bawat isa na magmahal, at sa kasaysayan ng tapang ng sangkabaklaan na siyang nagbigay daan sa liberasyon na sa kasalukuya’y walang tiyak na hangganan sapagkat patuloy na nagbabago ang mga kondisyon sa ating reyalidad; sa katunayan, ito pa nga ay lumulubha.

Ang usaping sektoral kagaya ng Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) at ang selebrasyon ng Pride ay hindi maiwawaglit mula sa usaping uri. Hindi nakakulong sa espektro ng mga kulay ng bahaghari ang ipinaglaban ng sangkabaklaan na nagprotesta sa Stonewall noong 1969 sapagkat mayroong direktang korelasyon ang mga krisis na dinaranas sa sektor ng LGBTQ+ sa usaping lahi; sa usaping trabaho, kasarian, maging sa lupa. Kaya naman hanggang ngayon ay nahihimok pa rin ang daan-daang mga LGBTQ+ sa bansa na tumungo sa lansangan upang igiit ang kanilang mga karapatan, sapagkat hindi tunay na mabubuwag ang kadena ng isa kung hindi tuluyang makakalas ang bigkis-bigkis na metal na nakapiring sa nakararami.

Sa mga nagdaang taon, nakapang-aninag naman tayo ng mga hakbang na ginawa upang maging kumportableng espasyo ang pamantasan para sa iba’t ibang indibidwal na pagkakakilanlan ng mga estudyante. Ngunit hindi nagtatapos sa usaping ekspresyon ang mga polisiyang tulad ng mandatory uniform policy, sapagkat dagdag pasanin rin ito sa gastusin ng mga mag-aaral, lalo na sa mga departamento na mayroong mahigit isang pares ng uniporme.
Kasalungat ng mga pahayag na nagsasabing hiwalay na insidente ang paggiit ng kasalukuyang kabataan-estudyante sa kanilang karapatan, makikita ang pagpanawagan at pagprotesta bilang natural na tugon tungo sa nararanasang inhustisya at pang-aapi. Malabo namang tumungo sa lansangan ang mga estudyante kung tunay na kinikilala at tinutugunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan. Direktang kahihinatnan naman ang mobilisasyon ng matinding pang-aapi, at mayroong malapit na ugnay sa kinabibilangang uri.

Ang Pride ay hindi simpleng laban para lamang sa pagpapatatag ng SOGIE at iba pang porma ng “dekadensya”, dahil hindi rito nagwawakas ang represyon na nararanasan ng sangkabadingan: sakop nito ang kanilang kabuhayan, sakop nito ang panawagan para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa, at sa pagpapanagot sa mga primaryang pasimuno ng matinding kahirapan sa bansa. Hindi rin hiwalay ang mga kabataan-estudyante sa pagpapanawagan sa kanilang karapatan dahil harap-harapan nilang nararanasan ang pang-aapi. Bagamat walang restriksyon sa edad ‘pag dating sa kahirapan, ang pagpapanawagan ay natural na reaksyon sa panunupil.

Hindi kagaya ng profile picture ng mga korporasyon sa Facebook, ang bahaghari ay hindi naglalaho sa pagsapit ng Hulyo! Sangkabaklaan, patuloy na makipagtunggalian!

The Mechanics

17/07/2025

13/07/2025

12/07/2025

12/07/2025

12/07/2025

11/07/2025

10/07/2025

09/07/2025

09/07/2025

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share