El Fuente PH

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬!

El Fuente PH now invites all the undergraduate students of Ateneo de Zamboanga University to join as 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬. Be empowered with the opportunity to facilitate a group of youth and deliver a session on the Basics of Gender and Development.

Grab the chance and explore your potentials in Advocacy-related engagements. This is in partnership with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) under the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement Office - AdZU.

You will get a chance to inspire fellow students and work together for the benefit of the community while volunteering with our student body. Your voice makes a difference!
🗓𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 October 23, 2024. Don't miss this chance to be part of something much bigger and build a little part of the future!

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://forms.gle/endARJ9i93KTst2j9

Join us in the movement of a positive change of the empowered youth!

𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

Through the collaboration with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, El Fuente Ph, with the trained volunteers facilitated the classes of first year students and delivered a session on Youth Empowerment as part of the common module of NSTP today, October 19, 2024.

The volunteers were deployed to the different NSTP classes and immersed themselves with fellow Ateneans, students, and youth as they discussed a topic that they relate to the most and that they are passionate about–Youth Empowerment. During the 3 hour session, volunteers employed meaningful and fun activities, facilitated discussions and conversations, and shared important lessons and information pertaining to the youth sector.

In total, the volunteers handled 23 NSTP classes today.

This engagement session is one of the activities of El Fuente PH being a testament to the commitment of the organization on empowering the youth and giving them the platform to nourish and develop their strengths, and maximize their potentials for the benefit of others.

This engagement is supported by the Advocacy Program of the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement, through Mr. Red Lacastesantos.

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 : 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

On October 16, 2024, an orientation and training session for National Service Training Program (NSTP) resource speakers took place in the AVR room of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) building, focusing on youth empowerment. This was organized by the advocacy program of the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement office as part of its efforts to prepare volunteers for service in the classes of NSTP.

The session presented an overview of the youth empowerment module, and this was in turn aimed at preparing the volunteers on how to conduct discussions and activities on issues of the youth. Volunteers were also oriented on their role, one of which was reaching out to fellow Ateneans to address the challenges faced by the youth sector.

Volunteers will be set up in different sections within NSTP classes to foster effective rhetoric, sensitize each other on issues perceived to be relevant, and show the office of SACSI commits students to empowering themselves as they stay actively involved in community issues.

The orientations put the volunteers in a position to be able to contribute adequately in class and to increase the levels of engagement and dialogue among the students.

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬!

The registration for Youth Empowerment resource speakers volunteer is 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝! Don't miss out on this opportunity to share your knowledge and skills with the next generation.

To register, please visit https://forms.gle/endARJ9i93KTst2j9

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬!

El Fuente PH now invites all the undergraduate students of Ateneo de Zamboanga University to join as 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬. This would be a wonderful opportunity to share your insights and passion for 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 in partnership with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) under the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement Office - AdZU.

You will get a chance to inspire fellow students and work together for the benefit of the community while volunteering with our student body. Your voice makes a difference!

🗓𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑. Don't miss this chance to be part of something much bigger and build a little part of the future!

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://forms.gle/endARJ9i93KTst2j9
Join us in the movement of a positive change of the empowered youth!

EYES HERE, ATENISTAS!

Here is the program flow for the Nationwide Candle Light Event on the 52nd Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law titled "TUMINDIG". See you tomorrow, September 21, 2024, at the Grounds of Sauras Hall and Xavier Hall from 5:30PM to 7:00PM.

In partnership with:
Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement Office - AdZU
El Fuente PH
Youth Alliance for Human Rights Ateneo - YAHRA
USAD Ateneo de Zamboanga
Ateneo Biological Society
The BEACON Publications
Students' Initiative for Nationalist Approach in Governance - ADZU
International Studies Organization of Ateneo
Peers' Circle - ADZU
SITE Academic Organization
Accountancy Academic Organization
Liberal Arts Academic Organization
Education Academic Organization

This is for the information of everyone.

Tumindig: A Solidarity Statement

"Patuloy na tumitindig ang ating mga tinig, alay sa kinabukasang walang takot at pang-aapi. Nawa'y maging gabay ng bawat isa ang pagkamulat, pakikibaka, at pagtutulungan para sa makatarungan at mapagpalayang bukas."

“𝑫𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒌𝒖𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒈𝒂 𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒏”

As we commemorate the 52nd anniversary since the declaration of Martial Law under Marcos Sr. The Social Development Unit, in collaboration with the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University cordially invites the community to a Film Viewing of the award-winning movie by Lualhati Bautista “Dekada ‘70”, today at 3:00 PM at BC Lobby.

The movie Dekada '70 is inspired from a political novel that follows the life of a Filipino family during the time of Marcos' Martial Law. We also follow Amanda Bartolome's (played by Vilma Santos) journey to her social and political awakening as a mother, wife, woman and as a Filipino.

We welcome everyone to join and embark the experiences of those who uphold the dignity of democracy. Together, we'll honor the courage and resilience of those who fought for justice, Freedom and human rights. Let's remember their sacrifices and continue their legacy.

“𝑫𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒌𝒖𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒈𝒂 𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒏”

As we commemorate the 52nd anniversary since the declaration of Martial Law under Marcos Sr. The Social Development Unit, in collaboration with the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University cordially invites the community to a Film Viewing of the award-winning movie by Lualhati Bautista “Dekada ‘70”, today at 3:00 PM at BC Lobby.

The movie Dekada '70 is inspired from a political novel that follows the life of a Filipino family during the time of Marcos' Martial Law. We also follow Amanda Bartolome's (played by Vilma Santos) journey to her social and political awakening as a mother, wife, woman and as a Filipino.

We welcome everyone to join and embark the experiences of those who uphold the dignity of democracy. Together, we'll honor the courage and resilience of those who fought for justice, Freedom and human rights. Let's remember their sacrifices and continue their legacy.

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄-𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐞: 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Today marks the anniversary of the Zamboanga Siege in September 2013, a moment that leaves scars in this vibrant city. It serves as a reminder of the tragedy and suffering experienced, as well as the strength and resilience of the people of Zamboanga in tough times. But the effects of those days still linger, reminding us how fragile peace can be.

The Siege in Zamboanga started last September 9, 2013, as members of the MNLF occupied certain coastal areas in the city to press their claim for an independent Bangsamoro state. For many weeks, there had been loss of life, displacement of thousands of people, and large property damage.

It gives meaning to the pain and loss so many families went through for one reason: to remember the siege. The acts of violence have very real-life repercussions, from the immediate destruction of buildings into the community, relationships, and trust its residents have for one another. This is about healing and reconciliation without revisiting the tragedy.

As Zamboanga commemorates the siege, it is time now to look forward to the future. With one grand gesture, it has concretized steps toward peace-building and, in the process, pointed out a necessary continuity of discourse among its populace. But lasting peace would require constant effort from every level of society.

The Zamboanga Siege commemoration is a grim reminder of how fragile peace is, yet so resilient the community is. With every passing day, as the people of Zamboanga recall their very own history, they repledge towards a strong, considerate, and solidaristic future. It is one of those days when pain is remembered, yet embracing hope trying to peek from behind the curtains of adversities. And that spirit of Zamboanga lives on, proving well enough that in the worst of worsts, hope does still prevail.

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲

It is, therefore, very important to celebrate this Grandparents Day, considering all the impact our grandparents make in our lives. They are the root of our family tree and stand for love, wisdom, and those specific, vital lessons of life that will attach us to our past. This day is, thus, a good reminder to appreciate their sacrifices and to make them happy. We reinforce intergenerational bonds in celebrating them by creating memories that will make them feel wanted and appreciated.

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦

Every second Sunday in September, the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Fascism reminds us to take a stand for one of the grim moments in human history. It is not only a day to remember the cruel crimes that occurred under fascist regimes but more of a clear and loud call to remember the millions who suffered and acknowledge how relevant their stories still are. As we reflect, we must understand that the echoes of fascism ring loudly in today's world, as a counterpoint to resurgent authoritarianism, nationalism, and intolerance.

History has lessons to teach: Complacency may open the door to tyranny. We remember each statistic from the cruel crimes of the Holocaust through the persecution of all those other unwanted individuals, representing lives lost to hate. In times when far-right movements make headways and hate crimes are on the rise, remembering becomes an urgent issue. We owe it to the victims to not have their stories trail off into the dark corners of history. It is here that education plays a great role; teaching the younger generation about the past thus enables them to recognize the signs of fascism and stand against it.

It is not enough to remember; it needs a response. We have to speak out for human rights, to stand in solidarity with communities that are marginalized, and to resist all those forces which would foster division. It is now time for governments to take a firm stance against hate by adopting policies that guarantee inclusion and diversity. As we remember this day, let remembrance turn into an active movement for change, so that lessons of the past guide us toward a future where such cruel crimes never occur again. Fascism is still at war, and it is our joint duty to remember these victims, as well as to go on building a more decent and humane world.

𝙱𝚢: 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜 𝙽𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚍 | 𝙴𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛-𝚒𝚗-𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚏
𝙴𝚕 𝙵𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎 𝙿𝙷 | 𝟻:𝟹𝟶 𝙿𝙼 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟾, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬: 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲

As we celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8, it's time to confront the uncomfortable truth: the global literacy crisis is far from over. Millions continue to be denied the basic right to read and write, kept in a vicious cycle of poverty and social exclusion. This day is not only one for celebration but also a strong call to action: hence, a need for us to look upon literacy as a cornerstone of human dignity and social progress.

Living in an information-driven world, illiteracy is something more than a personal setback; it is a social plague. UNESCO estimates that 773 million adults have poor basic literacy skills. This should stir something inside us: how can we countenance this reality where so many are left in the dark? It's not a privilege but a basic human right to be given to everybody. We must rise and demand that the governments make literacy initiatives a key part of their core responsibilities.

The most reprehensible aspect is the gender disparity in the statistics on literacy. In large parts of the world, system-wide barriers keep women from getting the education they so rightly deserve. When we withhold education from half our citizens, we hamstring entire societies. Giving women the gift of literacy is not just a moral obligation-it's economic necessity. Literate women contribute to the health, education, and economic stability of their families-as many studies have shown. This International Literacy Day should highlight urgent, targeted policies that eliminate obstacles in female education and place women at the forefront of the literacy movement.

Among these challenges, there are also successes that light the way forward. Indeed, many organizations and programs have actually reported great successes in increasing literacy, especially among underserved populations. These stories of success do more than inspire; they provide critical lessons. Where there is success, we should be looking at what worked and continue replicating it at scale to meet those at the back. International Literacy Day should afford an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge, celebrate successes, and more importantly, learn from those successes and spread the lessons learned far and wide.

Addressing the literacy crisis requires a united front. It is something no one can do on their own; it requires the collaboration of governments, NGOs, educators, and community leaders. This day should galvanize us to make partnerships that actually drive real change. A comprehensive strategy will be invested in educational infrastructure, teacher training, and community involvement. We cannot afford to perpetuate a vicious cycle of illiteracy that was stifling individual and social development by continuing with a fragmented response.

We cannot afford to be complacent when celebrating International Literacy Day. The stakes are too high, and the consequences for inaction are just too deadly. Besides, it's a skill and also a potent tool for transformation and uplift. We must go all the way in being outspoken in advocating those policies that make literacy a fundamental right, gathering resources towards pulling down barriers to education. Now it's time for action. It is only when we believe in the power of literacy to change lives that we make sure everyone gets a full chance to read and write and prosper. The future of our societies depends on it.

𝙱𝚢: 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜 𝙽𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚍 | 𝙴𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛-𝚒𝚗-𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚏
𝙴𝚕 𝙵𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎 𝙿𝙷 | 𝟺:𝟶𝟿 𝙿𝙼 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟾, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐋𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦

La Independencia, a monthly periodical published on September 3, 1898, is regarded as one of the most significant periods in Philippine history when it hit the newspaper stalls and became the voice of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. General Antonio Luna founded and edited the publication which was more than a mere news organ because at times of great change and disturbances; it transmitted nationalist fervors.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞
La Independencia came at a very opportune time when the longing for freedom was in the air, as it were, within the mind of every Filipino. Guided by Luna's able hands, the periodical aspired to articulate the dreams and travails of a people fighting for independence. It thus reached the people not just reports about military encounters but, more valuable still, news about the struggle for self-governance. Luna had been the Supreme Chief of the Army under Emilio Aguinaldo and the editor of La Independencia, evidence of how tightly intertwined journalism and activism were at the time.

As the Filipino-American War ensued, the publication continued to move along with the times. Even as Luna had to give up editorial duties due to his military duties, Rafael Palma took on the duty of acting editor of the paper so that La Independencia would remain a vital force in molding public opinion and offering unity to Filipinos.

𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
The abiding contribution it gave was when La Independencia published the Spanish lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem entitled "Filipinas," written by Jose Palma, on September 3, 1899. This not only ensconced the anthem in the national psyche but also underlined the strength of print media in the creation of a collective identity among Filipinos. The anthem resonated with resistance and pride as symbolic of a nation on the threshold of independence.

The last edition of La Independencia came out on November 11, 1900; that was the end of a very important period. Its impact remains today, however, to show just how important publications have been and remain to be in the struggle for liberty and voice.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲
With the advent of digital media, the role of publications these days is very important in different forms. Just as it was possible for La Independencia to carry revolutionary ideas to the people, so do today's publications-in print or digital-form keep informing, inspiring, and mobilizing communities about certain issues. They give a platform to the people for voicing their opinions, advocating change, and connecting with wider social movements.

Where modern publications bear a singular difference in challenges, such as the facilitation of misinformation or the sustaining of journalistic integrity in a world commanded by social media, they also have the great benefit of access to unprecedented global platforms, whereby many diverse voices may be amplified. The foregoing legacy of La Independencia stands as a continuing testimony to the power of the written word in its function of shaping society.

The story of La Independencia is a history not just about the newspaper itself but about the redemptive power of journalism to shape national identity and proclaim a call to action. Its legacy points out today that the task of publishing as advocacy for truth and justice remains timely. Living in a confusing media today, it is more important than ever to remember the spirit of La Independencia through commitment to values such as integrity, freedom, and a search for knowledge.

𝙱𝚢: 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜 𝙽𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚍 | 𝙴𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛-𝚒𝚗-𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚏
𝙴𝚕 𝙵𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎 𝙿𝙷 | 𝟿:𝟻𝟻 𝙿𝙼 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟺, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 | 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚

Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, dismissed, has been arrested in the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area in Indonesia. This information was released by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who confirmed her arrest on September 4.

On Septe­mber 3, at 11:58 PM, officers in Tangerang City caught Guo, as re­ported by the Department of Justice (DOJ). It's confirmed by the NBI Dire­ctor, Jimmy Santiago, that Guo is now in Indonesian Authority's custody. The DOJ spokesperson, Mico Clavano, reveals her location as Jatanras Mabe­s Polri, where she’s be­ing overseen by the­ Indonesian Police.

“Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco is currently coordinating with the Indonesian immigration authorities for her possible return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” said Gilbert Cruz, chief of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). Santiago indicated that if Guo is returned, she would be immediately turned over to the Senate, though the timing would depend on weather conditions.

Until now, no legal court mandat­e­ has issued an arrest for Guo. The Senate has only issued a warrant due to institutional disregard. The guess is that the Indone­sian police caught her. She possibly fe­ll into trouble due to immigration issues. It's like­ly that her sister, Shiela Guo, and accomplice­, Cassandra Ong, encountered similar situations.

The schedule for Guo's return to the Philippines is still vague. Senator Risa Hontiveros articulated her desire that Guo would show up at a Senate hearing that is set for September 5. “I’m really hoping makaharap na siya bukas. So, tinatarget namin,” she said, alluding to their attempts to get Guo back quickly.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that the Indonesian government has been keeping the situation under its strict surveillance since the arrest of Shiela Guo and Ong on August 22. He pointed out the hypothetical scenario of sending prosecutors to Indonesia to help the authorities in the investigation.

It appeare­d that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sugge­sted Guo might probably return to the Philippine­s within the day. This would be based on the­ findings from the police investigation.

As Guo was unlawfully arrested, she will be subjected to inquest proceedings to enable the Philippines to keep her in custody. Her legal representatives may assert her rights against custodial investigation, which stipulates that the charges should be filed within 36 hours to avoid the invalidation of her detention.

Remulla characterized Guo's case as "very complicated" and pointed out that several government officials, for instance, the Commission on Election, are currently conducting the investigation. He­ then pointed out Guo's mistakes, in particular, her passport issues.

Alice Guo's situation is on the edge because of serious charges like qualified human trafficking and money laundering against her related to the leasing company, Baofu, which the authorities claim was a front for illegal activities linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Reports are saying that she escaped on a boat from the Philippines in the middle of July, thus, her sister's information about her whereabouts is questionable.

𝙱𝚢: 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜 𝙽𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚍 | 𝙴𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛-𝚒𝚗-𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚏
𝙴𝚕 𝙵𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎 𝙿𝙷 | 𝟼:𝟺𝟿 𝙿𝙼 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟺, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺

𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘙𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 04, 2024 𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 “𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘎𝘶𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘢”

𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘳.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴/𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦-𝘨𝘶𝘰-𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥-𝘫𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘢-𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘢/

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐄𝐝'𝐬 𝟏.𝟓 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚

During the House appropriations committee's deliberations of DepEd's proposed P793-billion budget for 2025, Education Secretary Sonny Angara revealed that there were over 1.5 million unused educational materials stored in warehouses since last year, which includes laptops, books, and furniture, among others; It stunned Angara who succeeded as Secretary for Department of Education in July after the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to him, this material has stood for four years and is in need of disposal. The Air Force should help with the distribution of these materials in order to prevent supplies from expiring; by September he said, they hope most of this backlog will be cleared.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro raised concerns over the performance of the computerization program after several delays and deficiencies in the implementation were flagged by the Commission on Audit available.

Omar Romero, DepEd undersecretary for legal affairs, said that 90 percent of the items stored with its Third-Party Logistics Partner have been retaken and are being prepared to transport at regional offices or schools division offices.

IT experts further testify that digital devices like laptops serve only for three years because they constantly lose some 5% of their value every month.

State auditors have been escalating their issues with the computerization program which aims to give all public schools a complete computer package. A 2019 audit report by the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed that the Department of Education (DepEd) was only able to deliver the ICT packages to 8,523 of the proposed 14,342 schools due to procurement and logistics concerns from 2015 to 2019.

It also got a bit too much time for the program to be switched off the air, even if the funds were there for it. As per the report of the state auditors, it was found that Rep. Jinky Luistor of Batangas discovered that DepEd used P2.75 billion only from the P11 billion allocated for the computerization project in 2023.

On the other hand, Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo said that in 2023 alone, the department spent all its confidential funds amounting to P112.5 million with an apparent efficiency rate of 143%.

These factors raise crucial questions about the poor management of educational resources. The current backlog clashes with the department's strong desire to speed up the distribution of these materials to schools nationwide.

𝙱𝚢: 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜 𝙽𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚍 | 𝙴𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛-𝚒𝚗-𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚏
𝙴𝚕 𝙵𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎 𝙿𝚑 | 𝟻:𝟺𝟸 𝙿𝙼 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟶𝟺, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺

𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘙𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 02, 2024 𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 “𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘢: 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘌𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 2020 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥-𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳”

𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘳.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴/𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘢-𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘥-𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴-𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥-2020-𝘰𝘶𝘵-𝘦𝘯𝘥-𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳-2024/