DMMMSU-SLUC The College Forum

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐑𝐂𝐘𝐂 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬' 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥

During the conduct of the Second Quarter Nationwide Simultaenous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on June 18, 2026, Red Cross Youth Council (RCYC) President Mike Paul M. Maennel emphasized the pivotal role of students in responding and assisting with the evacuation process.

Aimed to strengthen disaster awareness and response readiness among students and personnel, Maennel observed that some participants of the activity remained uncertain about evacuation routes and proper drill conduct.

“As a Red Cross Youth member, I saw the earthquake drill as more than just a school activity. Instead of only focusing on what I needed to do, I also paid attention to how students responded and how effective the evacuation process was,” Maennel said.

He noted that “some students were still unsure of where to go after leaving the building, while others were not taking the drill seriously,” underscoring the need for continued awareness and disaster education efforts.

Maennel added that students are instrumental during emergencies by remaining calm, assisting others, and encouraging adherence to safety protocols.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office of DMMMSU-SLUC led the conduct of NSED to prepare and remind the shared responsibility of the university community in ensuring safety during unforeseen disasters.

According to Edwin P. Sabangan Jr., officer-in-charge of the campus DRRM Office, the activity was designed not only to rehearse evacuation procedures but also to assess and reinforce the campus’ overall emergency preparedness mechanisms.

“The DRRM office aims to achieve these objectives: ensure the university community is well-oriented on evacuation areas, test the campus emergency communication chain, and emphasize that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Sabangan said.

Sabangan stressed that earthquake drills should be regarded as life-saving exercises rather than routine compliance activities.

The DRRM officer also highlighted the importance of consistent participation in preparedness activities, noting that regular drills help cultivate faster and more organized responses during actual emergencies.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 | Ariel Caldito Jr.
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 | John Paul Binsol and Kurt Razel Paragas

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

Beyond the familiar shade of leadership lies a range of colors. While these colors do not always introduce themselves loudly, they exist and grow in their own ways.

These hues represent individuals whose gender identities and expressions influence not only how they see themselves, but also how they lead others. Their visibility carries a symbolic meaning in society, reshaping leadership from the normal lens of what our officials should be.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

In a world ruled by men and women, a splash of new hues emerges from the sidelines. Within this, Edrian Rocaberte, OIC-Chairperson of the Campus Student Body Organization, entered the world of leadership while exploring both responsibility and self-identity. His experiences make sense in leadership because it is grounded by lived realities.

“Bilang isang lider-estudyante, nasaksihan ko na ang mga LGBTQIA+ student leaders sa ating campus ay mahuhusay, inspirasyonal, at may puso para sa tao," he shared.

These characteristics reflect a type of leadership that was formed through experience rather than convention. This drives them to implement platforms such as fora, awareness campaigns, and advocacy-driven initiatives within the campus.

Because of these initiatives, he further stated that students were given equal opportunities to lead, serve, and contribute to the development of the student community. Hence, gender goes beyond identity, influencing how leadership includes understanding, empathy, and inclusivity.

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲

Carrying both identity and responsibility is never an easy task. Edrian shared that he encountered challenges that led to moments of adjustment, self-doubt, and the struggle to balance between being true to himself and the expectation of being a leader.

“May mga moments din na gusto ko nang sumuko dahil sa pagod, pressure, at sa pakiramdam na kailangan kong baguhin ang sarili ko para lang makasabay o makapag-fit in sa ganitong environment,” he narrated.

This dilemma helped him reshape his perspective. As he realized, "Mas masarap palang mabuhay kung nagpapakatotoo ka. Mas masarap lumipad kapag ang pakpak mo ay hindi pilit binabago, kundi hinahayaan mong maging makulay sa sarili nitong paraan."

Through his experiences, it shows that gender within leadership spaces sparks negotiation, ultimately becoming a source of change not just within individuals but also to the community they lead.

"Nagpapatuloy ako hindi dahil madali, kundi dahil naniniwala ako sa mga taong patuloy na naniniwala sa akin, at higit sa lahat, naniniwala akong may mga pakpak pa ng mga batang bakla na kailangan kong kulayan—for just being here, living, and striving," he added.

For Edrian, being a LGBTQIA+ leader is not just about representation, it is his way to inspire young LGBTQIA+ individuals who may still be struggling with confidence or self-expression. He serves and perseveres to be a living reminder that even the quietest wings can one day soar in their own colors.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞

Within the walls of expectations, judgments, and quiet limitations, the celebration of Pride Month is beyond what we see on the surface of commemoration of identity and expression. Their visibility in the realm of leadership becomes a quiet sign of changing recognition, inclusion, and understanding.

“Pride Month, for me as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a student leader, is more than just a celebration—ito ay sumisimbolo sa pagpapalaya sa tunay mong pagkatao,” he reinforced.

This perspective clears the path of connection between identity and service. As he further emphasized, LGBTQIA+ leaders have the capacity to liberate, stating that genuine leadership is not measured by the number of followers but by how many people are helped to feel free, heard, and confident in their own worth. The celebration is a call to action to make these spaces safe and inclusive for all.

“Marami sa mga miyembro ng community ang nasa iba't ibang larangan ng ating lipunan at patuloy na umaambag sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa. And they exist, they are worth fighting for, and they deserve respect,” he added.

After all, LGBTQIA+ students are already part of these spaces; they were never outside them. In these spaces, leadership does not always arrive in its traditional form. Sometimes, it arrives in color.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 | Winkle Ann Aboc
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 | Lance Bayola

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠 '𝟐𝟔 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲

AGOO, La Union — Freshielubong 2026, a campus familiarization program organized by the Campus Student Body Organization (CSBO) and the Campus Student Council (CSC), provided orientation activities on campus navigation and services to first year students on June 15, 2026.

In an interview, CSBO Officer-in-Charge Chairperson Edrian Rocaberte said the organizers designed Freshielubong to ease the uncertainty many first year experience as they enter a new academic environment.

“Through Freshielubong, we wanted to help ease those worries, assist them in adjusting to their new environment, and make their unang byaheng kolehiyo truly remarkable and memorable,” Rocaberte said.

He also commended the CSBO, CSC, and student volunteers for their contributions in carrying out the program on the opening day of classes.

“It was heartwarming to see that while we were fulfilling our goals and objectives, our student volunteers, facilitators, and fellow student leaders were also genuinely enjoying the experience as they welcomed the freshies and guided them through our campus tour,” he added.

The program featured guided campus tours where first year students were led through academic buildings, administrative offices, and key student areas by student government volunteers who provided directions and orientation support.

An organization booth fair was also conducted as part of the initiative, allowing accredited student organizations to present and sell their works as well as accept applications from interested applicants.

Furthermore, the student body carried out a Pasahero Note Corner and a photobooth to allow first year students to write down their initial impressions and document their first-day experience on campus.

Supplementary activities included Tugtugang Pagsalubong, featuring live performances from student musicians, and the presence of college mascots that interacted with freshmen during the program.

Freshman Chloe Decano, a Bachelor of Science in Biology student, said the campus tour helped ease the adjustment of new students to the university environment.

“As someone po na bago po sa campus, parang naliligaw po kami sa mga places and yung campus tour po yung nagbigay sa amin ng guide para po makita yung mga places at para ma-familiarize kami sa mga possible po naming classrooms po in the future,” Decano said.

She added that some areas of the campus stood out for their learning environment.

“Pinaka-interesting na yung mga place po na pwede ka pong mag-aral po — parang sa forest — kasi may peace po,” she further reiterated.

The student-led initiative was facilitated to assist first year students in adjusting to university life.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 | Janelle Tangog
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 | John Paul Binsol and Jireh Hermano

𝐈𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧.

The stories of the studentry are ready to find their way into your hands.

Look back on a year marked by milestones, challenges, achievements, and shared experiences through The College Forum official newsletter, 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 2024–2025 and 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 2025–2026.

Stay informed with the latest edition of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐝 2025–2026. Carrying campus developments, student concerns, and community updates, this issue delivers the stories and truths that keep the student body informed and engaged.

Discover stories, issues, and perspectives that deserve a closer look in 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬, the official magazine of The College Forum that explores the ideas and realities that define student life beyond the headlines.

Journey through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance in 𝐁𝐚𝐨𝐧, the official literary folio of The College Forum. Through poetry, prose, and creative expression, this issue traces the five stages of grief—uncovering the pain of loss, the process of healing, and the courage found in moving forward.

Grab your copy at The College Forum booth today and take home stories worth reading, remembering, and sharing.

‘𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝!’

Bawat year level ay may sariling lore, main character build, at campus archetype na kilalang-kilala na ng lahat.

May laging puyat pero present pa rin, may laging may ganap or org life supremacy, at may parang naka-infinite social battery kahit gabi na.

Pero ang ta is nong, sino ang pinaka-OP na build ngayong acad year?

𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚 | Jireh Hermano
𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐧 | Chiara Vianca Nuñez, Lance Bayola, Galicia Anne Panes, Margoux Fronda

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘥;
𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴;
𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚.

The College Forum is now accepting new applicants for the academic year 2026-2027. Below are the steps and requirements for the application.

You may visit The College Forum table on the Organization Fair tomorrow, June 15, or scan the qr code for the application form.

You may pass your application form alongside your requirements until June 26 at The College Forum office at SLUCian Hub, 2nd floor.

𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 | Benjie Boadilla, Kimwell Cua

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | 𝐈𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Today’s the day.
Or maybe tomorrow?
The day after?
Yes, the day that follows…

To take pride as payment
for the cost of being–
In feast,
and celebration,
and non-persecution.

In fiesta banderitas,
in colored crayolas,
through skylit scarlet,
through patches of violet.

Spread like wildfire
burning with ire,
Yes! Live! Ever brimming
with passion, undying.

Fearless with agency;
Faceless, Never I'll be.

In dependence I flee;
Independence–I’m free.

Written by Elric John Gabriel Rom
Illustrated by Aluminum

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐍 | 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬

A school must be a community built on respect, trust, and human interaction. Yet, what happens when the very people expected to assist students become the source of discomfort?

Based on student interviews, one thing is clear: the experience is mixed. Some staff are “approachable, respectful, at maayos makipag-usap,” making students feel seen and valued. But others leave a completely different impression—one that quietly damages the institution’s image.

One student described their experience bluntly: “Mixed yung experience ko... may mga staff na okay, pero meron ding may attitude.” This inconsistency creates uncertainty. Students begin to question whether they will be helped—or judged—each time they approach an office.

Even outside offices, communication remains an issue. As one participant observed, “may ibang staff na hindi nererespeto yung isang student.” Another shared how a simple inquiry turned into an uncomfortable moment: “sumasagot in a loud or rude tone... parang napapahiya ka in front of others.” These experiences may seem small to some, but for students, they leave lasting impressions.

The impact is deeper than inconvenience. It shapes behavior. “If they are kind and approachable, I feel comfortable; if not, I hesitate,” one student admitted. This hesitation can discourage students from seeking help—even when they truly need it. Over time, this creates a culture of silence and avoidance.

More importantly, it affects how students see their school. “These experiences shape my overall perception... as either welcoming or unwelcoming.” Staff are frontliners. Their attitude becomes the face of the institution. No matter how strong the academic programs are, poor service can overshadow everything.

To be fair, not all departments fall short. Many students acknowledged that finance staff are generally “good” and “organized,” and some administrators respond efficiently. But consistency is the real issue. Good service should not be a matter of luck or timing.

So, what needs to change?

Students are not asking for perfection. They are asking for the basics: respect, patience, and professionalism. As one student suggested, “Sana mas maging patient, respectful, and approachable sila.” Another emphasized the need for training, saying staff should “treat students with kindness, listen actively, and provide help in a clear and friendly manner.”

At the end of the day, education is also about how students are treated outside of it. A school that fails in basic human interaction risks losing not just its reputation, but the trust of the very people it aims to serve.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 | Mylene Revilla

𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙨 𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙩…

…ibang mukha na ang sisilip sa entrada. Mababakante na ang silid at ang mga silya. Mamamayani ang alunignig ng tahimik na mga tinig, at lalangitngit pa rin ang pinagsaluhang mga halakhak. Aalalahanin ang nalikhang yabag sa lagaslas ng mga dahon sa pasilyo. At sasalikop ang gunita sa pagitan ng mga bahagi ng hindi na okupadong espasyo. Maaantala ang paglilibang sa pagdating ng itinakdang oras. Maisisilong sa sulok ang mga kuwento ng nakalipas. Ngunit hindi magiging puwang lamang ang pagdaan ng maghapon at ng magdamag… sapagkat lumisan man ang lahat, may mga mananatili pa ring sasaksi at susunod sa paglipad.

𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚 | Shaira Sarmac
𝐊𝐮𝐡𝐚 | Gillian Joy Rivera, Jasmine Kaye Boniol, at John Paul Binsol