SIRMATA | Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 December, 2021

Univerity Sirmata Ranks 5th in PhLE Top Relevance. Excellence. Growth. Performing School The official publication of Mariano Marcos Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 State University college students December, 2021 Dana Meryll Gapas MMSU.SirmataOfficial Performing as good as last SirmataOfficial June 2021, BS Pharmacy [email protected] graduates of the Mariano Marcos State University MMSU TO HOLD LIMITED (MMSU) recorded a high passing F2F IN 2ND SEM percentage of 81.25% that placed the university as the number After more than three semesters of The number of participating students five top performing school flexible learning, MMSU will open shall also be limited, according to Joint in the Pharmacist Licensure its doors to students for limited Memorandum Circular No. 2021-004 of the Examination (PhLE) held last face-to-face classes (F2F) this second Commission on Higher Education (CHED) November 2021. semester. and the DOH. A cyclical student shifting mechanism shall be in place to limit the From the 32 PhLE takers of the According to the Vice President for number of students on campus at any given MMSU College of Health Sciences, Academic Affairs, Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, time. 26 successfully passed, thus, the conduct of F2F classes will be across contributing to the overwhelming all the programs and year levels but will be The memorandum circular also stipulates university passing rate. From the limited to laboratory courses for non-fourth- that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) total number of passers of the year students. whose localities are under Alert Levels 1-3 university, 18 were first timers and 8 may conduct limited face-to-face classes. were repeaters. The exact date as to when limited F2F Currently, Ilocos Norte is classified under will commence is yet to be announced, Alert Level 3. The registered percentage of though, as the province has recorded a sharp the university exceeds the national rise in COVID-19 cases in the past few Early last year, only health-related success rate of 50.91%. weeks. Add to that the threat of the new degree programs were allowed for limited coronavirus variant Omicron, which Gov. F2F. For this, the university was able to A total of 2,371 pharmacy Matthew Marcos Manotoc confirmed, is secure a permit to conduct limited F2F in graduates from all universities already in the province. BS in Nursing, BS in Physical Therapy, and nationwide took the examination Doctor of Medicine. and these MMSU passers are among Students who will participate in the 1,027 new pharmacists in the limited F2F will be required to have a full But following the release of the country. vaccination card, notarized parents’ waiver, aforementioned memorandum circular a medical certificate issued by a government and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) The said examination was physician, and registration with a PhilHealth Resolution No. 148-G, all HEIs nationwide administered by the Professional insurance or any equivalent insurance are now allowed to apply for F2F in all Regulation Commission Board in its that covers medical expenses related to programs across all year levels. testing centers across the country. COVID-19. The results were released last December 3, 2021. INCLUDE HELLO, IS IT SABIK KA WHAT LOWER YEAR MEAT YOU’RE NA BA? MAKES THE LEVELS TO F2F LOOKING FOR? STALLION CLASSES! LEGACY? 10 05

02 NEWS Sirmata Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December, 2021 MMSU CBEA Team Notches 1st Place Produces 4 in Nat’l Biz Case Tilt RNs, 31 PTs Dana Meryll Gapas Shaina Dwine Pablo With sharp analyzing skills and on point delivery powers, a team of senior students from the MMSU College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) was awarded as champions The MMSU College in the first National Business Case Competition initiated by the Northwestern University (NWU) of Health Sciences with the theme, “ Together Towards Tomorrow”, December 10. (CHS) achieved an 80 percent passing The team was composed the students. “I think the The national business The group bested rate on the Professional Regulation Commission- of five CBEA students, reason why our team case competition provided nine other groups from administered Nurse Licensure Exam (NLE) namely, Arnold Ruiz made it is that we are very a platform in order to various schools in the on November 21 and 22, 2021. It outperforms the ( BS Accountancy), collaborative with our showcase the students’ country. They received a national passing rate of 51.45 percent by a wide Julianne Marie Albano ideas especially because abilities to solve and give certificate and Php 5,000 margin. ( BS Tourism), James we come from the different solutions to problems, it as c prize. Saint Louis Four of the five MMSU students who were all Carlo Lucas ( BS departments in our college served as an opportunity University Tuguegarao repeaters passed the exam. They are among the 6,086 Business Administration – that’s why there are to develop, improve and and the Camarines Sur passers, with 11,828 examinees around the Marketing Management), multiple point of views promote innovative answers Polytechnic Colleges country. Christopher Ruiz ( BS in solving the given case to the various business finished second and third, The NLE was administered in Metro Economics), and Dhana problems. We are looking issues of the society respectively. Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Antonio ( BS Business forward to joining more nowadays. Iloilo, Koronadal, Legaspi, Lucena, Pagadian, Administration- Human business case competitions Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Resource Management). to really represent the Zamboanga. The results were released on December According to Lucas, intellect of MMSU CBEA 10, 2021 or in 12 working days after the last day of the biz case competition students”, he added. exam. was very beneficial for Their coaches were Prof. Meanwhile, MMSU CHS generated a 68.89 them because it made Adrian Galapon, Prof. percent passing rate on the December 2021 them revisit and apply Emil James Tangonan and Physical Therapist Licensure Examination the learnings they gained Ms. Mary Jean Tumamao. (PTLE) regulated by the Professional Regulation from their classes. It In the competition, each Commission. also made them realize team was tasked to analyze The exam was passed by 31 out of 45 test takers how important joining a case study, create and from the university. They are among the 978 passers competitions is for it really formulate solutions, out of a total of 1,418 examinees across the brings out the creativity submit a presentation and country with a national passing rate of 68.97%. and analytical skills of deliver their analysis. The PTLE was held AACCUP Accredits 11 MMSU on December 5-6, 2021 at various testing centers Degree Programs Ian Paul Villanueva located in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and After a thorough review by its Board of Trustees, the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Pampanga and results were Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) informed the MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis on released on December 13, December 3 that 11 programs, including seven undergraduate and three post-graduate programs, 2021. have attained a Level IV accreditation status These are Bachelor Education in postgraduate Communication, BS in It is also used by of Science (BS) in programs. Environmental Science, the Commission on Accountancy, BS BS in Entrepreneurship, Higher Education in Agricultural and Level IV is the highest and BS in Tourism and the Department Biosystems Engineering, accreditation status Management. of Budget and BS in Biology, BS AACUP awards for a Management (DBM) in Economics, BS in program. Accreditation from an as a benchmark for Nursing, Bachelor of external body like the their State Universities Elementary Education, For next year, eight AACCUP enables the and Colleges and Bachelor of programs are slated to institution to upgrade (SUC) leveling and Secondary Education in be surveyed, the MMSU its academic portfolio. Program Expenditure the undergraduate and Chronicle reports. It helps identify its Classification (PRExC), Master of Arts (MA) These are the BS in strengths and weaknesses respectively. in Nursing, MA in Civil Engineering, AB as well as areas needing Education and Master in in Sociology, BS in improvements, AACCUP’s Cooperative Management, official website says. BS in Development

Sirmata NEWS 03 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 December, 2021 MMSU SECURES AWARDS IN INT’L BIO CONFERENCE CHED Grants TDP 4 Bio Researches Secure Assistance Dana Meryll Gapas to Studes Awards in Int’l Conference Dana Meryll Gapas The University clinched four awards in the poster presentation competition of the 48th international For the first virtual conference of the Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSMB), with the semester, 249 theme, “ Facing North: Navigating the New Normal through Research Translation and Harmonization”, MMSU students held on December 1-4, 2021. received their stipends from the Tulong Dunong Among the 13 entries research on, ‘Constituents titled, ‘Screening and competed in four Program (TDP) of the under the Health and from Psychotria Fermentation Performance contested areas: Commission of Higher Wellness category, Luzoniensis (Katagpong- of Nipa Yeast Strain health and wellness, Education (CHED) at the research on ‘Liver gubat) Inhibit Production Potentials as Starter environmental and the Ferdinand E. Marcos Histopathology of Male of IFN-Y and IL-2 in Culture for Bioethanol industrial biotechnology, Hall, December 16. ICR Mice under Chronic- Concanavalin a Stimulated Production’ and ‘Isolation, agriculture and fisheries Binge Feeding Using Murine Splenocytes’ Characterization, and and bioinformatics. Students received an Alcohol Beverages’ piloted by Prof. Ma. Identification of Fungi amount of Php7, 500 each conducted by the group of Danica Ines- Ramil, Prof. from Plant Biomass for The goal of this as an assistance to their Dr. Doreen D. Domingo. Rhian Jaymar D. Ramil, Bioprocessing Technology’ year’s international school needs. Ms. Rejean L. Anastacio, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, conducted by the group virtual conference is to Ms. Althea Jomari G. Taisuke Konno, Toshihiro of Prof. James Paul D. challenge education, According to Eunice Lagazo, Ms. Marie Grace Murata, Kyoko Kobayashi, Madigal, Ms. Karyl Mae health, environmental Villanueva, fourth year M. Seggay, Dr. Gail and Kenroh Sasaki D. Ramos, Ms. Thiara and data science in the student of the Bachelor Domecq C. Tanawit, Prof. garnered third place. Celine E. Suarez, Dr. new normal. of Science in Civil Jessica G. Asuncion, Ms. Shirley Agrupis and Engineering and recipient Donna Mae B. Foronda Meanwhile, Frenzee Kroeizha L. Certificates and cash of the CHED-TDP, this and Mr. Jeve Rafael A. on the category of Pammit finished second prizes with the amount CHED program gives Macabiog landed second Environmental and and third places. of Php 3,000 (2nd resources needed to place. In addition, the Industrial Biotechnology, place) and Php 2,000 ( continue their education. “I two research projects A total of 47 entries 3rd) were given to the use my stipend to finance winners. my needs in school, especially that I am a 2nd Year BSE Studes Reap graduating student. I am grateful for this program, Awards in AEEP Shaina Dwine Pablo it is a big help for us to get by mainly in these tough The Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English students of the College of Teacher times of the pandemic. I Education (CTE) won awards in the 2021 APEC Entrepreneurship Education Program (AEEP), will study harder and better held virtually on December 13-21. and be a role model to my With the theme “Capacity Excellence Award. Sumalde’s plan title is “Caring Entrepreneurs fellow beneficiaries,” she Building for APEC Youth group, on the other hand, for the Future. Meanwhile, the added. Social Entrepreneurs: Work earned third place, receiving the group which Pascual belonged and Challenge Together,” the Outstanding Award (Sustainable to was also honored with the The Tulong Dunong program aims to foster individual and Eco-Friendly Entrepreneurs). Notable Prize - business plan title Program (TDP) of students’ capacity building and is “Warm-Hearted, Empathetical CHED is a Grants-in-Aid contribute to broadening the The Judges’ Award went Entrepreneurs”. program that aims to offer social entrepreneurship ecosystem to the group, which included financial assistance to all by inviting stakeholders and Nolasco - business plan title They were coached by Mr. Mico qualified tertiary students. launching start-ups to solve social is “Entrepreneurs Aiming for T. Sacramed, the Entrepreneurship Allocating such an problems in the region. Self-Development and Personal Education adviser of CTE. These amount for these students Growth”. The Achievement Award second year students are among the means investing for the The 2021 AEEP was hosted by went to the group which includes 35 college students from 10 APEC future hope of the nation. the Ministry of Education in the Raquino and Ranes – business member economies. Each student beneficiary Republic of Korea and organized receives a total of Php15, by the Institute of APEC 000 every year. Collaborative Education (IACE). The MMSU Office Jan Donyl Suguitan, Hershey of Student Affairs and Sumalde, Jerlyn Nolasco, Erin Services (OSAS) and the Raquino, Beverly Ranes, and Cashier’s Office distributed Josanne Pascual were among the the stipends and ensured members of the winning groups the safety of the students in the AEEP’s social business from the virus. planning exercise. These chosen The business plan Suguitan beneficiaries are expected belongs to, entitled “Colorful and to claim the other Cheerful Entrepreneurs,” took Php7,500 this coming second place and received the semester.

04 OPINION Sirmata Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December 2021 entertainment news therefore, students’ program “Extra,” who died after jumping welfare and sentiments from a Manhattan apartment building should always be a due to depression. This is just one of the consideration in every many examples of death cases linked to move the school wants depression not only in the United States but to take. here in the Philippines as well. Do we still need Facilities are to have a similar case in our very own grounds perhaps wholly before we step up? Is solution more vital prepared to cater than prevention? students but what’s To be a premiere university by 2028 the sense of having has always been the President’s word of these conveniences if mouth in her speeches, but is it right to claim the students who will this as a primary reason for an immediate use them are not in call for a face-to-face class? If her defense condition to maximize is the “conduct and guidelines” of limited it? The conduct of face- face-to-face classes under the CHED-DOH to-face shouldn’t be Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. just an abrupt decision 2021-004: Guidelines VISION OVER on the Implementation but with enough of Limited Face-to- face Classes for All preparation on to which Programs of Higher Education Institutions must be considered. (HEIs), is it enough to just rely on it even if We never want to jump the University has not PROTECTION yet viewed the situation into something we and sympathized with Edsel Harry R. Turda the students? The are not prepared to, school has long been labeled as the second especially endangering home of learners; one’s health. Long term achievements EDITORIAL really get rid of the the Higher Education come with long term fact that we really Institutions (HEI’s), With the suffered and constantly MMSU has one of the preparation. sudden suffering from the highest rates of fully change pandemic’s wrath that vaccinated students Fact must be heard of health created distance from which is 99% while the the life we used to live. faculty and staff have a that we must learn to rate of 99.5%. However, “MMSU is now more than just the adapt and be ready to ready to have face- protocols that the climate brought by to-face classes on University is observing, the sudden changes February 07, 2022!”, the mental health and the pandemic, the when I heard these physical preparedness the pandemic brought words from the of the students should students continuously University President, be contemplated. to our learning it really created agonize from particular question— The recent instance environment. But or doubt—gets into that we should ponder seemingly unfaltering the picture on to what upon on is the case of being ready isn’t extent that “readiness” Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 health crisis. Many of the University is winner of the Miss always believing that truly at. It is accurate USA pageant and a have lost their loved to mention that among correspondent for the preparedness are only ones, almost everyone fully equipped facilities has disconnected from and high vaccination their lifestyles, many percentage of the had their livelihood University. The aim permanently shut to attain the vision of down and students a premiere university tried to weather shouldn’t be as risky depression and as compromising the anxiety. We cannot students’ welfare. SIRMATA Edsel Harry Turda Editor-in-chief / Jamico Cris Jingco; Althea Dela Cruz Associate Editors / Christelle Alynna S. Agustin; Angel Alyssa Pascua; Rizza Swerte Urbina Managing Editors / Grazielle Reina S. Laran; Maria Anna Jessica Rosqueta Circulations 2E0d2it1o-r2i0a2l 2Staff Managers / Shaina Dwine Pablo News Editor / Jesusa Mae Sumaoang Features Editor / Princess Alyzza A. Calamayan Literary Editor / Adrianne Lorenzo Corpuz Sports Editor / Anthony Joseph V. Duyao Layout Artist / Neil Bryant Baliao Visuals Editor / MMSU.SirmataOfficial Ian Paul R. Villanueva; Dana Meryll Gapas; Graziel Mae G. Ramat; Kyle Nojen O. Andres; James Carlo Lucas; Warren Raciles; Mary SirmataOfficial Grace Tajon; Marc Louie Pasion Writers / Casmir Remyell Cadiente Photojournalist / Aira Nadine Q. Pascua; Paola Joy Francisco; [email protected] Lujean Guieb; Illustrators/Graphics Artists / Edmar Delos Santos; Randy C. Gianan Jr.; Hyung Sun James Maestrado; Ryand Angelo Ugalde; Jayson Sabong; Jessa Mariz Corpuz; Christian Jay Perpuse; Correspondents / Prof. Bryan R. Realgo; Prof. Bryan Eli B. Sadorra Technical Advisers / Dr. Editha B. Valdez English Critic / Prof. Djoanna D. Pungtilan Fillipino Critic / Dr. Marlina L. Lino Ilocano Critic

Sirmata OPINION 05 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December, 2021 ‘‘EUPHORIA INCLUDE LOWER YEAR LEVELS TO F2F CLASSES! Maria Anna Jessica A. Rosqueta Circulations Manager All college However, attending is not going to leave that a maximum of 30% for laboratory courses to courses and virtual and real venues the society sooner than indoor venue capacity have face-to-face classes year levels in of classes that gives we have predicted and and 50% outdoor venue because they need the university social presence to so the ideal way to capacity is allowed application to validate must be included to students have significant deal with it would be in real time for fully their learnings but this partake on the very- differences on how they learning how to live vaccinated individuals is also accurate to other soon conduction of affect the mental states with its presence, to but they have also courses whether they limited face-to-face and learning effectivity move in the community established a Cyclical are in health-related classes. After nearly perceived by students. while protecting Student Shifting System degrees or not. Other two years since the Lower year levels who ourselves from it. in order to reduce virus degree courses must be COVID-19 pandemic have been admitted reproduction while treated with outmost has forced academes last year and this year Vaccinated students allowing universities to equality and significance to close its physical to the university has are the only ones move. and must be given the doors to students, never experienced yet allowed to participate chance to practice their learners in all programs the thrilling and realistic in the limited face-to- This shifting system knowledge in their and year levels are feeling of attending face classes and the limits the number of own fields especially finally allowed by the college in face-to-face Commission on Higher students who are present to the lower year levels government to return to venues. They have Education together in the campus in a given who are just starting to universities in order to missed many student with the Department day but because it is discover the importance endeavor learning and activities held in the of Health have created cyclical, it is giving a and beauty of their our very own university university, which they protocols and guidelines chance to all programs chosen career path. is accommodating all could remember in to be followed in order courses and year levels programs and year their college days but to reduce the risk of to participate in face-to- Allowing lower year levels but will be the most important another outbreak. face classes given that levels of non-laboratory limited to laboratory factor to be considered Currently, the province they have designated courses to participate courses for non-fourth is the easiness to is classified under Alert schedules. in the limited face-to- years students. connect, communicate, Level 3, which means face classes shall give and to create positive Truly, it is important them more vigor to With the efforts relationships with dedicate themselves to made by the each other if given the ‘‘Other degree courses learning for this will administration and opportunity to attend cater their needs that are the Information and face-to-face classes, must be treated with not being met during Communications which does not isolate outmost equality and flexible learnings. This Technology team of them from the whole significance and must will remind students the university, flexible world. be given the chance to that their degree courses learning has been made practice their knowledge are just as important sufficient and thriving Covid -19 cases in in their own fields” and applicable as upon delivering the province have risen others. Likewise, it will academic information again in the middle teach and instill in the to students to continue of January and the minds of students the learning by developing Omicron variant, which importance of learning our MMSU virtual is milder to vaccinated how to live with the learning environment people than previous presence of the virus and hosting a variety variants, has been because life does not of virtual programs to detected as present in stop even if it tries to hone the confirmity the vacinity just recently hinder the world from of new students to the and this is clearly an moving forward. university. indication that the virus

06 OPINION Sirmata Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December 2021 ‘‘FRUSTRATED WRITER DECREASE PUV FARES Edmar Delos Santos Correspondent “Ibalik po muna ang from their respective unemployed Filipinos pre-pandemic fare of distance learning. But dating fare sa jeep, hometown is not yet part stood at 3.16 million. jeepneys, as it could be there are still some who kawawa ang mga of the estimation. Therefore, maybe, their costly for them now to are skeptical about it. parents are part of these pay the roundtrip 80 estudyante.” Although during the affected workers. Hence, pesos to fare compared But, jeepney drivers peak of the pandemic, some students are facing to the cost they pay for should not be the ones It is one of only 50% is the financial problems their online classes. to blame for this issue, the primary maximum capacity of at this time. So, this Furthermore, in distance but also because of sentiments of public utility vehicles sector is one of the most learning, they could the gasoline and oil MMSU students (PUVs), that is why affected. only need 100 pesos for price hike. So, even that need to be drivers are greatly a one-week subscription though PUVs now addressed by concerned affected by their daily However, only to the internet. Thus, accommodate 100% agencies today as the earnings. Thus, it is selected courses and in-person could be more maximum capacity, they limited in-person classes acceptable to pay the year levels will attend expensive for some still earn higher before fast approaches. The new PUV fare. Though, the limited face-to-face students than online the pandemic compared University President today as many could classes; some are still learning, especially today. announced last January observe, jeepneys concerned about their those whose parents are in her State of the are fully-loaded with allowances as they will unemployed during the Accordingly, is University Address that passengers. That is divide the money for pandemic. the university taking it will possibly start why many express their their food, snacks, and note of this issue as on February 7. She sentiments over social travel expenses. Meanwhile, some it may be one of the says that the institution media about bringing students want the idea of possible reasons for is ready. Though the back the pre-pandemic Most of these in-person classes as it is the students to face question is, are the fare in riding public students would want far more effective than financial problems? And students prepared transportation, as now to bring back the is the government doing financially? many passengers ride something with the jeepneys compared ‘‘Jeepney drivers possibility of bringing Many students are to the previous half- back or decreasing the apprehensive about capacity in PUVs. should not be the jeepney and tricycle going to university, not ones to blame for fare that affects many only because of the For the above this issue.” students who will attend health crisis but also reason, many students the limited in-person with their transportation are now worried about classes? Students are expenses. Before the their allowance, as just hoping that they have pandemic, riding a going to university plans on this matter. jeepney from Laoag to starting in February Batac only cost them 25 could cost them a lot. With these, is the pesos. Now, they have Some of them are university and the to pay 40 pesos because anxious because of their students ready for the of the fare increase. financial status. limited in-person classes Therefore, now, it in February? I guess would cost them 80 It is due to the effect they do not have a pesos just for roundtrip of the pandemic— choice. transportation expenses. many extracted from Note that their fare their previous job. In November 2021,

Sirmata OPINION 07 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December, 2021 WE ARE ‘‘EQUALS ALSO HERE James Carlo R. Lucas Literary Writer We, as a and even employees events and activities go university and that the a unique persona and society put their prejudices through a systematic students should abide has their own identity have towards us. Deny it process before it comes by. Nevertheless, I think and preferences to flown or not, no matter how into realization; is that that some of it is too follow. It is inhumane far much we give attention really hard to put up an much in the sense that it to take out the freedom enough in terms of to providing safe space event or program that affects the performance of the students to acceptance, but the to homosexuals, we will focuses on LGBTQ+ and confidence of the express themselves and criticisms and prejudices never solve the problem students? Is it the lack students. Examples of to choose whatever that the LGBTQ+ people if it comes within the of effort coming from these are the hairstyles happens to their bodies experiences are the university. I just can’t the Student Councils that the student choose, despite the authority of testaments of how far put it into a whole idea and organizations? Or the clothes they want the university over its we still need to go to about the lack and how is it because it’s being to wear, and the students. break free from the real hard it is to implement blocked by the higher- personal statements and problem – the internal activities in-lined with ups? expressions that they As Kalyn Belsha homophobia that people celebrating the presence wish to portray. says, “If you’re subconsciously practice of LGBTQ+. OPPRESSED suspended from school all the time. As a campus EXPRESSION From the point of because of your hair and journalist who is also Talking about the view of a student, I what you wear, how are a part of the LGBTQ+ core and characteristics Obviously, some understand that these you supposed to have community, I believe of homosexuals, I think things do not reflect regulations were curated faith or confidence in that we are not getting that we are not given what they truly are. I am to mold us to be the your school, and that the same respect and the full platform to fully aware that there person they envision us staff and the institution privileges that straight showcase it. There is are different policies to be. But I also think cares about you?” people enjoy. an inadequacy when it in each college in our that every student has comes to representations Despite the reversals It is human nature to in the activities ‘‘If you’re suspended from and inequalities that reject something that is being implemented the LGBTQ+ people unconventional and that by the different school because of your experienced along the people like me should Student Councils and hair and what you wear, way of their academic still fight for the things organizations. During how are you supposed to life, I still believe that we want and take the the recently concluded have faith or confidence in there is the vast majority extra mile to get equal coronation night of your school.” of people who support with heterosexuals. Miss MMSU 2022, I and rally behind us. To realized that women are be seen, to be felt, and INCLUSIVITY WITH very much treasured to belong – these are the LIMITS and celebrated; and that strides that we all want they deserve every bit of you to take. As a student The MMSU has adoration that they can in this university, I take always been very receive. On the other part in creating a more supportive in creating hand, it hit me how inclusive and the truest awareness about sexual the LGBTQ+ people safe place for the people orientations and gender long for this kind of like me. inclusivity. However, applause. Everybody we cannot avoid some knows that all of the instances that students

08 FEATURE Sirmata Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. YMOIUNDNSGDecember2021 Entrepreneurs in the Making Jesusa Mae Sumaoang If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. - Milton Berle. With the advent of technology and the internet, the number of business and entrepreneurship ventures founded by young entrepreneurs around 20 years of age is impressively on the rise. It's a known fact that the generation of teenagers today were the first to have grown up with the advent of the internet. And due to the ease of access in terms of starting a business online, many promising entrepreneurs have emerged while still in their teens. One of the known successful young entrepreneurs in Ilocos Norte right now, is Stephen Jas Domingo. He is the owner of ARAMID, a clothing brand based here in Ilocos Norte. This clothing line showcases the Ilokano culture through its designs. In an interview, Stephen mentioned that the said business venture started as a project for his Entrepreneurship subject in highschool. The name of the shop stems from the Ilokano word aramid, which means to create. Stephen’s brand featured the Ilokano icon, Juan Luna, the Ilokano literature called Daniw, and even the local weaves namely the Binakol and Inabel. His brand had been featured on trade fairs due to its uniqueness. Another local young entrepreneur is Aaron Gabrielle Gajeton, a student at Mariano Marcos State University. Aaron is the owner of Panyapak Custom and Repair Shop. The name of the shop originated from the Tagalog word that translates as shoes. Aaron repairs those shoes that look worn out, and makes them look good as new, and also customizes them according to the design of his customer’s preference. One of his unique designs is a shoe designed with inabel cloth. He admitted that he faced some difficulties in marketing his business at first, but he then came up with an online marketing strategy. He started with his own shoes, and customized them, then flexed them to everyone. He also created AVPs for his shop, and offered free cleaning and customizing to his close friends, in order to establish his brand’s name. Currently, Aaron accepts a Luzon-wide custom and repair service for his shop. They say that opportunity only knocks once, so once it arrives at your doorstep, you should grab it. Today’s generation is full of creative and innovative minds. Despite the adversities that they face, they always find ways to showcase their talents, and make income for themselves. They knew how to grab the opportunity that comes knocking at their door, and they also knew how to create a door that will lead them to greater possibilities.

Sirmata FEATURE 09 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 December, 2021 Conviction. amazing services in perspective of our be you.” somehow. The strong Sense of the university finally world. As ancient Determined to living beings capable Motivation. unfolded her true as this illusion, our of conquering the And value as a woman. capacity to be more always keep going. world and slaying life. Empowered. And as she dances than who we were, Determined to always Diverse characters “Pursue what you with life’s rhythm, who we are now, and keep rising. No matter who cannot be believed, may it be realization dawned who we will be, is how hard things defined by any word, big or small. There on her, and she more than anything, could get, or how bad label, or standards. is nothing wrong eventually was able greatly, and more things might turn out, Yes, they are called starting now or to appreciate that astoundingly greater they’d find the silver “women” of the later; life is not a being able to know than how we consider lining in everything, universe. race, pursue what your place and value ourselves now. My you believe, as long in the world is a pride message is this, my as it’s considerate to all of them, women. fellow women, don’t and respectful to Showing off her be strong, don’t others.” Living up to conviction and being aspire to be strong, this mantra is Lyza a vocal person, Lyza and don’t wish to be Claire Antonette ”sends a message strong. Because you Daquioag Raque, already are, you a fourth year BS in to all just need to Pharmacy Student of Mariano Marcos Today, the State University, and currently the Executive Secretary women are strong of the University and powerful to Student Council. withstand and She is an amazing woman who feared no one, and has a powerful personality. breakthrough the perspective of our One of her biggest world” achievements was when she was able to serve her fellow students. This is how she was able to apply women her own principles of out there: leadership. “For many years, Empowered by even with the longest motivation, energized span of history, by enthusiasm and women are perceived, fueled by burning treated, and viewed desire to serve and as the more inferior stir a big difference, gender We had she was able to been undignified dominate her with these unequal feasible platforms reception pressure for a brighter by our society, by the present-tomorrow people. But this view of her people. She is old, and outdated. indeed sprinkled her Today, the women purpose with various of every race, of ingredients. She lived every kind, and of in accordance with the every existence, are principles of a value- strong and powerful oriented woman. to withstand and Her transparent and breakthrough the Jayson Sabong

FEATURE Sirmata 10 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December 2021 When we say exotic foods, we describe them skin becomes as a unique exquisite dish. Of course, you’d more puffed be excited to try out a classic food that is out. It always only made from a certain area? Dive right takes a while but in the Ilocos region as we experience a bite the result makes it all of their meaty dish called \"Bagnet.” The Ilocano Bagnet, worth it. Just by looking simply known bagnet, is a special beloved meal of many at it, the golden-brown tint Filipinos, especially Ilocanos all throughout the globe. It's a of the crispy skin will surely delicious slice of pork that's been deep fried at least twice to grab your appetite. Who wouldn’t get that crispy, bubbled skin onto it. You've kind of heard of want to hear the words “golden-brown Chicharon and Lechon Kawali, right? Your curiosity should crisp” when talking about food, right? get a little high when I tell you that this is different from the A typical bagnet dish/appetizer is a dipping sauce two. How come? of fish paste with minced white garlic, tomatoes, and green Going back in history first. Bagnet was served onions; but, nowadays, it can now be prepared in a variety to Spanish conquistadors when they first arrived on the of ways. A variety of recipes, such as bagnet kare-kare, seashore and discovered the lands of Ilocos, according to bagnet paksiw, bagnet pinakbet and more, can be found local stories. As a result of the dish's creation, the business in restaurants and roadside food stalls. Heck, even bakers of creating bagnet has been passed down from generation to are wise enough to include bagnet flavoring in their hopia generation. The local government of Narvacan, a municipality pastries. As a tribute to their distinctive meal, there is even in the province of the Ilocos Region, has even registered it a Bagnet Festival to celebrate a dish that originated in the as its One-Town-One-Product with the Department of Trade Ilocos region. and Industry. Its name “bagnet” is derived from the Ilocano Bagnet is considered as one of those street food that word \"Bagnetin,\" which means \"to preserve,\" because can be eaten as a bite snack on the go or combined with rice Ilocano families used to preserve pork meat as part of their for a meal at home. This is a delicacy you'll want to have regular dishes. Even if you store them as leftovers for several repeatedly, especially for all those meat-lovers out there. days, as long as they are perfectly cooked, they will remain excellent. Bagnet is crispy from the skin and fatty meat altogether, unlike Chicharon, which is only crispy pork skin, and unlike Lechon Kawali, which is fried whole liempo, making the only crispy piece is the pork skin. In the original recipe step, the pork must be dried while being sliced into pieces of cubes as a start. The pieces of meat are then dipped in a large pot of briskly boiling water for about 20 minutes or so. It doesn’t get done there for the frying part is done in 2 stages. They repeat the technique until the pork Hello, is it meat you’re looking for? Kyle Nojen Andres

Sirmata LITERARY 11 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December, 2021 Sabik ka na ba?WarrenRaciles Sabik ka na ba? Sabik ka na ba? Sabik ka na ba? Sabik ka na ba talaga? Sa mga araw na kay Sa pagsuot ng Sa mga ngiting Kaunting tiis na lang uniporme na kay nakabalot sa likod ng aking kaibigan, sigla, mga maskara, Sa mga lugar kung ganda, Sa ingay ng mga Ipagpatuloy ang ating saan ka masaya, Sa pagpasok sa tindero’t tindera, ginagawa para sa ating Sa mga taong iyong paaralan ng walang Sa sikip sa loob ng bus na kayrami ng karga. kaligtasan, laging kasama. pangamba, Sa Poong Maykapal ay Sa pagharap sa mga manalig ka lang. gurong maalam at matiyaga

LITERARY Sirmata 12 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December 2021 I know you’re tired, And the forthcoming STAY Like how everybody future. is tired. Stay still, let it STILL But no one is tired go. enough Let everything sink James Carlo Lucas To stop from moving, As long as you from going forward. float. Rest if you may Staying still may Until you come back feel stagnant and to your senses. mundane, If nothing goes But there’s no you right, of tomorrow Wait for now and Until you get trust – through what you’re Trust your waiting going through. season, The joys of life Every waiting minute does not come from is not a waste, places you want to For it brought you go, everywhere, up to But it’s placed this moment right there, in front of you.

Sirmata LITERARY 13 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December, 2021 GAYYEM Gayyem, dumani manen SITSIRITSIT dagiti istoria ken KULIBANGBANG, panagrarambak, SITSIRITSIT panangipakita’t SALAGUBANG ragsak ti nakem, panangiparikna’t gasat ken ayat. Lagipem kadi, dagiti naibaga ken naikari a biag ken arapaap, nga inkanto sursuroten. Sitsiritsit kulibangbang, Saanmo liplipatan no kasanom sarakem kadi no inarakop ti sipnget, ayanno’t papanak, no kasanom sinabat ana a dalan iti innak ADAPGAINTIANWAEGNLABAS ti dalluyon, pagnaan, ken no kasanom ana a ridaw iti innak sinasarak ti silaw. serrekan. Sikanto kadi ti Sitsiritsit mangidalan salagubang, no kasano a saraken ipangngegmo ti silaw kaniak no siasinno’t no kasano a riknaen ti namnama, kaduak, ken no kasanom a no ana’t uni a Taliawem no kasano gun-oden ti biag ken pakapamiliarak, kaadayon arapaap. no ana nga uni ti sipod nirugianam iti Ngem no saanmo aweng ni gasat. magna maidalan ida, Dagiti marismo, iti dalan iti biag ken panunotem kadi a kulibangbang, arapaap. sika’t nagbalin a surotekto a No kasano kaadon silaw dagiti rigat, kadagiti naawanan panangtungpal namnama arapaap. sakit, ken kaawan ken napukawan Laglagipekto a namnama. gasat ken ririkna. pananggutigot iti No sinnon dagiti nangibati dalanko, ken nangisukat Mamatiak kenka. ita ken agnanayon a kenkan. Agtultuloyka a pudno. Adayon. Ingget mangigun-od, Natagari a adayon, mangidalan ken salagubang, ken ingget adon. mangitalinaed. Gapo ta Iso a kitaem a agnanayonka a ayayamekto ditoy rumayrayray, panunotko nalaing gayyem. dagiti uni ken ti turong dayta dalanmo. aweng Ta ngan-nganim nga inpangngegmo, magun-oden dagiti arapaap ken planom. Agtalekka laketdi, kalpasan dagiti Randy Gianan Jr. naglabas a panawen

IMIRRIMSRAMIMARMTATAAMATATSTAASAIRSSISRSIMIIRRRIMRAMMMAMTATAAAATTSSTAASAIIRRSISRSMMIIRRIMAAMMAATTTAATAAAATTSSAASSIIRRISIRRRMMIRMMMAAMAATATTAATTAAAATSSASSSIRMISIIRRRMIARMMMATMAAAATTAATTSAATSSIARSISIRRMISIRRMMIARMMAATATATAATAT COMICS 14 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 December 2021 Sirmata Relevance. Excellence. Growth. CBAUPCTKAYIN

SirmataMATA SIMRAMTAATSAIIRSIRMRMAMATTAA-ASSIISIRRRMMMAA-AT-SAIRSIMRAMATTAA-ASISIRRMRMAM-A-A SPORTS 15 Vol. XXXVIII No. 2 Relevance. Excellence. Growth. December, 2021 The MMSU Stallions have taken home the SCUAA-I crown more times than any other team in the region with an astonishing achievement of 17 consecutive overall championships. What is the secret behind this fitness test instead of the traditional What makes the Stallion legacy? Unigames and College Intramurals form. STALLION Angelo Lamsen, the chief of Sports Development of MMSU The scouting of athletes during LEGACY? stated that “A stallion is always Region 1 Athletic Association Grace Tajon [being] high-spirited, aggressive in (R1AA) adds to the options of pursuing its goal, both in academics selecting athletes for the university. and in sports.” However, student-athletes choose a path outside the green and gold “Discipline runs in our veins. grasses as the slated offer from We value trainers and coaches who university is relatively dimmer in inculcate this characteristic in our comparison to other schools. athletes. In return, we have included trainers’ and coaches’ educational Positively, Lamsen reiterated advancement in the list of activities the future of MMSU athletes. in our upcoming sports programs.” According to him, the university Lamsen added. will be sending athletes to international meets soon. “Training As a foundation, the MMSU have is the key and our University provided guidelines in selecting the President is very supportive of the athletes bestowed to represent the needs of our athletes and trainers,” green and gold colors. It is a 10-tenet Lamsen finished. discipline which elaborates the thorough methods of the university Given the fact that they are in acquiring future champions. the undefeated competitor in With the surreal performance in the the region, MMSU Stallions are SCUAA-I, coaches and trainers are the proud 17 years consecutive planning to have a roster of athletes overall champion of SCUAA-I. that will undergo regular training With a challenged tone, CHUMS in their field of sports. They also squared that their goal to become planned for a new system of sifting globally competitive is the main players, which includes a physical determination of the university. University Unlocks Phase II Grace Tajon and Marc Louie Pasion in Gymnatorium Construction The university construction last 2020, improve the quality of the grandstand and track oval finished by the end of continues to push will feature a basketball university sports brand. awaits, followed by the 2022. “Being able to for sports growth court with around 3,000 This area includes a music relocation of the volleyball improve the facilities, as it commences phase II seating capacity including room, equipment room, and tennis court to the athletes will surely for the development of bleachers, of which the and a training studio High School building. enhance their skills too,” the gymnatorium located area totals to an estimated among others. The Phase III Prof. Rowell Tagatac, beside Teatro Ilocandia. 2,050 m2. The court is Apart from the of the gymnatorium is chief of Center of Human The MMSU surrounded by various gymnatorium, putting up a Movement Studies rooms that help expected of MMSU said. The gymnatorium, which began to be gymnatorium will not only be for MMSU students, but it will also be of interest to the public.

sports Sirmata Relevance. Excellence. Growth. STAYING MOUNT-READY: The Bubble Regimen Marc Louie Pasion 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… The discipline. In the 15 days that the training ensued, no one got in buzzer resounded across the or out of the bubble without proper and valid reasons. Hence, entirety of the court as the the athletes who were invited to participate needed to be shot clock expired. You just drained the basket that won the game, yet fully vaccinated in order to mitigate the chances of a bubble no screams were heard throughout. implosion. As you walk towards the hotel, you As a result of being confined in an isolated location, their suddenly look back, picturing the court as if it were filled with thousands of training regimen was restrictive, but free enough to allow people. You exit the court with a sigh on them to train their respective needs for each sport. As the your face, as you look forward to another first proper training for each team, conditioning was of day of training tomorrow. SPORTS BUBBLE: THE NEW utmost importance to guarantee that the athletes will be NORMAL…? prepared for longer training sessions in the forthcoming You probably heard the term “sports months or so. Therefore, the coaches put an emphasis bubble” by now, a famous concept integrated by league directors across various sports in hopes of on core exercises to maximize their cardiovascular bringing traditional sports back into popularity amidst endurance. the ongoing fiasco brought by the pandemic. The idea is simple. Games are to be held in an isolated location THE FUTURE OF THE STALLION BRAND away from the public, and no individual shall ever get in OF SPORTS or get out without proper testing. The National Basketball The success of this bubble is a step in Association successfully implemented their bubble last 2020, which makes you wonder if the same concept can be the right direction for the future of traditional transferred to a local scenery, albeit without the funds that the sports in MMSU. With possible games right NBA has. Luckily, we know the answer. around the corner, the university may now be THE BUBBLE CRAWLS ITS WAY TO THE UNIVERSITY. open to the idea of bubble training for every Our university’s Center for Human Movement Studies sports team. We are all looking for ways to organized a similar bubble concept for our swimming and athletics adapt and make sports be accessible again team that was held from the last week of November to the first week of December. But, in comparison with the typical sports to all students and athletes alike. While bubbles we see throughout the world, the bubble was only designed bubble training is still miles ahead from for training, one of the few proper training that any MMSU sports successfully bringing back traditional team conducted since the start of the pandemic. This concept was already being prepared for as early as August. Various revisions sports, it is a symbol of hope for every for the proposal were made before the bubble concept was finally student in MMSU that someday, we approved. might get to cheer for our respective IT IS NOT AS EASY AS YOU THINK IT IS. To prevent the bubble from collapsing, sustainability colleges again, as the games and safety were two of the highest priorities that CHUMS intensify and boil down to last- needed to ensure in order for the bubble to work properly. second miracle plays. Luckily for them, the university’s swimming pool ONE FINAL CONCLUSION provided the necessary accommodations for all 20 of The competition is now stiff its participants – 8 athletes and 2 coaches for each and it seems like all the signs point towards us being dethroned and stripped of the title we desperately defended for the last 17 times. With all the other universities getting better and better every single year, it is now up to the athletes to stay mount-ready for the possibility of a chance to defend our title as the best sports team in the whole of Region 1. The ball is now in our court. What are we going to do about it?