ILUSSTRADO

𝐀𝐧𝐨 𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫?

In today’s digital world, hate has become easier to express and sadly, easier to normalize.

Behind screens, usernames, and comment sections, people often feel a sense of distance and invisibility. This illusion of anonymity makes it easier to say things they might never say face-to-face. A single post, opinion, or perspective that goes against someone’s beliefs can quickly become a target of ridicule, hostility, or hate.

What makes this even more concerning is how hate speech is often disguised as something harmless.

Sometimes it comes in the form of “𝘫𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘴.”
Sometimes as “𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.”
Sometimes as “𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘮.”

But where do we draw the line between criticism, humor, and hate?

Today, June 18, marks the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵, reminding us that hate speech is more than just harmful words—it is often the first step toward division and dehumanization.

As emphasized by 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺-𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘯𝘵ó𝘯𝘪𝘰 𝘎𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴, hate speech fuels division by targeting specific groups, including women, migrants, refugees, LGBTQIA+ people, persons with disabilities, and many other minorities. In our digital age, it spreads faster than ever, amplified by online platforms, algorithms that reward outrage, and systems that often prioritize engagement over empathy.

Too often, controversy gains more attention than compassion. Outrage gets more clicks than understanding. And in spaces where visibility is currency, cruelty can become content.

As a Social Studies major and future educators, this serves as an important reminder that hate speech is not merely an individual issue. It is also deeply rooted in social structures, prejudice, misinformation, and inequality.

This is why education matters.

Beyond teaching facts and theories, we also carry the responsibility of helping learners develop critical thinking, media literacy, empathy, and social awareness. We must encourage them not only to question information, but also to reflect on how their words and actions affect others.

Because words matter.
Language shapes realities.
And discourse shapes society.

In a world where hate can spread in seconds, choosing respect, dignity, and compassion becomes a powerful act of resistance.

— Elisha Faith Suribas
Layout by Ianne Jel Echavia

𝘁𝗲𝗦𝗦𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀?
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‎Did you choose this program because you love history?
‎‎Were you inspired by a teacher, a moment, or a dream?
‎‎Or was it something deeper — a passion to understand society and create change?
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‎Every Social Studies major has a story behind their choice. At this moment, we share the voices of our beSSTies as they answer the question: “Why did you choose BSED Social Studies?”
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‎These testimonies remind us that every journey is different, yet all are rooted in purpose, passion, and the desire to make a difference.
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‎And if you haven’t shared yours yet, there’s still time. It’s your turn to tell your story.
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‎Click the link below!
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‎https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHPxIK-cu4UPb6s06aIyiu7U2-cXPbFIOwgEBHiWt4XhYAhA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107019534900022621126
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‎𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗮𝗻. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻. 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻.
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‎Today, we proudly celebrate the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence—a milestone that honors the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of our heroes who fought for the freedom we cherish today. This day stands as a powerful reminder of our nation’s journey toward sovereignty, unity, and self-determination.
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‎As we commemorate our rich history, we also look ahead to the future we are building together. The theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” reminds us that our freedom is deeply rooted in the struggles of the past and carries the responsibility of shaping a brighter tomorrow for the generations to come.
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‎May this celebration inspire every Filipino to uphold the values of patriotism, justice, and national pride. Let our history continue to guide us, our freedom strengthen us, and our future unite us as one nation.
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‎Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Layout by Elisha Faith Suribas
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝘀
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‎Earlier this morning, Mindanao was struck by a magnitude 7.0–7.8 earthquake, sending strong tremors across the region and prompting immediate evacuations in affected communities. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the Earth’s dynamic nature and the importance of staying alert and prepared at all times.
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‎Mindanao lies within a system of active faults and trenches, including the Cotabato, Philippine, and Sulu Trenches, making it highly vulnerable to seismic activity. In essence, our region and our country lie beneath a system of active faults and trenches; therefore, we must continue to seek information, strengthen preparedness, and act collectively to ensure safety and resilience.
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‎Mag amping!
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‎Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST)
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ADVISORY | Due to the recent earthquake and in compliance with the suspension order issued by the City Government of Davao, all classes, and enrollment activities today, June 8, 2026, are suspended to allow for a thorough inspection and assessment of our campus buildings and facilities.

Please wait for further announcements regarding the resumption of classes, enrollment activities, and office operations.

Stay safe, UMians.

‎𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
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‎Every year on June 5, the world observes the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. Proclaimed by the United Nations in 2017, this observance raises global awareness about the threats posed by illegal fishing to marine ecosystems, food security, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the ocean. The date also commemorates the entry into force of the Port State Measures Agreement, the first binding international treaty specifically designed to combat IUU fishing.
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‎Illegal fishing depletes fish stocks, damages marine biodiversity, and undermines efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries. By promoting responsible fishing practices and stronger enforcement of fisheries laws, we help protect our oceans for present and future generations. This observance is closely linked to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
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‎Our oceans are a shared responsibility. Let us stand together in safeguarding marine resources, supporting our fisherfolk, and ensuring that every catch contributes to a sustainable and thriving future. Because healthy seas mean food security, economic stability, and a better world for all.
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‎𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
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‎“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥.”
‎ — Philippine Eagle Foundation

Observed annually from June 4 to 10 pursuant to Proclamation No. 79, s. 1999, Philippine Eagle Week serves as a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of the Philippine Eagle. Known scientifically as Pithecophaga jefferyi, the Philippine Eagle is the national bird of the Philippines and one of the largest and most powerful forest raptors in the world. Endemic to the country, it symbolizes strength, freedom, and resilience. Despite its majesty, the species is classified as critically endangered, with only a few hundred breeding pairs remaining in the wild due to habitat loss, deforestation, hunting, and other human-induced threats.
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‎These remarkable creatures deserve not only our admiration but also our protection. As apex predators, Philippine Eagles play a vital role in maintaining the balance and health of our forest ecosystems. This observance also advances SDG 15: Life on Land through biodiversity conservation, SDG 13: Climate Action through forest protection, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by encouraging collective action among communities, organizations, and environmental advocates.
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‎By safeguarding their habitats and supporting conservation initiatives, we help preserve the rich biodiversity upon which countless species—and future generations—depend.
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‎𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁. 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿.
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‎Today, June 4, we observe the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, a day dedicated to recognizing the suffering of children affected by violence, armed conflict, abuse, and exploitation. Established by the United Nations in 1982, this observance serves as a global reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the rights, dignity, and well-being of every child. Every day, children living in conflict zones face unimaginable hardships. According to the United Nations, violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with over 41,000 grave violations verified worldwide.
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‎Children continue to endure killing and maiming, abduction, recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of life-saving humanitarian assistance. Among the most affected are children in Gaza and other conflict-affected regions, whose lives have been disrupted by displacement, loss, insecurity, and limited access to essential services.
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‎This observance reflects the global commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Protecting children from violence, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies are essential steps toward building a world where every child can live with dignity, security, and hope.
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‎Through collective action and advocacy, we can help create environments where children are empowered to thrive rather than merely survive.
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‎Source:
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‎"International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression | United Nations" https://www.un.org/en/observances/child-victim-day
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