The Echo

CARTOON | No more growing up

Cartoonist: Junrick Amodia

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | Sa kabilang panig

Ni Micael Bernardo

Nakatayo ako habang naghihintay ng bus. Mag-aalas-sais na ng hapon. Unti-unti nang humahaba ang anino ng waiting shed sa kalsada habang ang araw ay dahan-dahang lumulubog sa likod ng mga gusali. Marami nang tao sa paligid, mga estudyanteng pauwi, mga empleyadong pagod mula sa trabaho, at mga drayber na tila nagmamadaling habulin ang oras.

Sa harap ko ay ang malapad na kalsadang katatapos ko lamang tawirin—ang bagay na kinatatakutan ko: ang tumawid sa daang puno ng rumaragasang sasakyan.

Para bang ang bawat hakbang ng mga paa ko ay maaaring ikamatay ko. Hindi ako natatakot dahil hindi ko alam kung paano makarating sa kabilang bahagi ng daan. Natatakot ako dahil sa mga posibleng mangyari habang nasa gitna ako nito. Dahil may mga drayber na tila bulag sa kanilang dinaraanan. Dahil may mga sasakyang ayaw magpahuli. Dahil may mga taong ayaw huminto.

Ngunit nagawa ko.

Kahit namumula ako sa kaba, nakarating din ako. At doon ko napagtanto kung gaano kasarap sa pakiramdam ang mapagtagumpayan ang isang takot. May halong pagmamalaki. May halong saya.

Habang naghihintay, hindi ko mapigilang mapatingin sa lawak ng aming eskwelahan sa kabilang bahagi ng kalsada. Patuloy ang paglabas ng mga estudyante mula sa bagong exit gate. Ang iba ay magkakasamang naglalakad. Ang iba naman ay nag-iisa.

Sa lawak ng campus na iyon, ilan kaya ang tunay na malaya?

Malaya sa buhay. Malayang mangarap. Malayang gawin ang gusto nila.

Hindi rin nakaligtas sa paningin ko ang mga taong dumaraan. May isang babae na nakatayo sa sulok malapit sa parking area. Tahimik lamang siya habang nakatanaw sa mga taong naglalabasan.

Makalipas ang ilang sandali, lumabas na rin si Myra. Isa siya sa mga kilalang student ambassador sa marketing office. Matangkad, maputi, at maganda ang mukha. Makikita sa kanya ang kumpiyansa at karangyaan.

Napansin kong napatingin sa kanya ang babaeng nasa sulok. Pagkatapos ay mabilis nitong inayos ang buhok niya. Inayos ang damit. At saka muling tumingin kay Myra.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang ibig sabihin noon.

Inggit ba? Paghanga? O simpleng paghahambing sa sarili?

Ayaw ko rin namang manghusga. May sarili rin naman akong mga iniisip.

Inilipat ko na lamang ang paningin ko sa pedestrian lane. May isa-isang tumatawid. May mga estudyanteng nakayuko habang naglalakad, tila pasan ang buong mundo sa kanilang mga balikat. May mga nakataas ang dibdib, na para bang walang anumang problema ang kayang sumira sa araw nila. Mayroon ding nagmamadali, natataranta sa bawat busina at bawat segundo ng paghihintay.

Lahat sila ay may kanya-kanyang pupuntahan.

Lampas sampung minuto na ang lumipas. Wala pa ring bus. Naupo ako at inilabas ang cellphone at earphone ko upang magpalipas ng oras.

Maya-maya, nakaramdam ako ng paggalaw sa paligid. Pag-angat ko ng tingin, saka ko lamang napansing may bus na palang dumaan. Agad akong tumayo at itinaas ang kamay. Ngunit huli na. Palayo na ito. Nakasakay na rin ang mga estudyanteng nakatayo malapit sa kalsada.

Kaunti na lamang din ang mga taong nasa harap ng eskwelahan. Wala na ang babaeng nasa sulok.

Napabuntong-hininga ako.

“Ano ba ’to,” bulong ko sa sarili. “Gagabihin na ako.”

Muli akong umupo. Masakit na rin ang buong katawan ko sa kakahintay.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas nang may isang taong tumabi sa akin.

Paglingon ko, siya ’yong babaeng nakita ko kanina malapit sa parking area. May bitbit siyang tote bag at laptop bag sa likod. Tahimik siyang naupo sa kabilang dulo ng waiting shed. Mukha rin siyang matagal nang naghihintay.

Hindi nagtagal ay nagsalita siya.

“Na-miss mo rin?”

Napatingin ako sa kanya.

“Oo,” mahina kong sagot. “Paglingon ko, palayo na.”

Napangiti siya.

“Same. Pagdating ko, nakaalis na. Nahirapan din kasi akong makatawid kanina.”

Pareho kaming napatingin sa kalsada.

Maya-maya, may grupo ng mga estudyanteng dumaan sa harap namin. Tawanan sila nang tawanan habang naglalakad. Sinundan sila ng tingin ng babae. Pagkatapos ay tumingin siya sa sarili niyang sapatos.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero naalala ko iyong nakita ko kanina sa parking area. Iyong pag-aayos niya ng buhok. Iyong pagtingin niya kay Myra.

“Taga-rito ka rin?” tanong niya.

Tumango ako.

“Oo.”

“Ako rin.”

Sandali ulit kaming natahimik.

At pagkatapos ay sinabi niya, na parang kinakausap ang sarili niya, “Ang bilis ng iba, no?”

Napatingin ako sa kanya.

“Parang alam na nila agad kung sino sila. Kung saan sila magaling. Kung saan sila papunta.”

Hindi ko agad nasagot ang tanong niya dahil hindi ko naman talaga alam kung ano ang isasagot. At dahil kung minsan, iyon din ang iniisip ko.

Sa paligid ko, parang lahat ay may direksiyon na. May ibang may matataas na grades. May leadership positions. May mga taong parang siguradong-sigurado na sa sarili.

Samantalang ako, natatakot pa ngang tumawid sa kalsada.

Napangiti ako nang bahagya.

“Mukha lang siguro.”

Bigla siyang napatingin sa akin.

“Ano? Na alam nila.”

Tahimik siyang natawa.

“Siguro,” sagot ko.

Ilang segundong nagkaroon ng katahimikan sa pagitan namin.

Pagkatapos ay tumingin siya sa pedestrian lane. May isang estudyanteng nakatayo sa gilid, naghihintay ng pagkakataong makatawid. Katulad ng ginawa ko kanina. At katulad ng ginagawa naming lahat sa iba’t ibang paraan.

“Hindi naman siguro kailangang mauna,” sabi niya.

Hindi ko alam kung para kanino ang sinabi niya. Para ba iyon sa akin, o para sa sarili niya?

Ngunit napatango na lamang ako.

Maya-maya, dumating ang bus.

Pareho kaming tumayo at sumakay. Nauna siyang bumaba, at bago iyon, ngumiti siya. Hindi iyong malaking ngiti. ’Yong tipong may naisip lang siyang bagay na nagpaaninag ng pag-asa, at pagkatapos ay bumaba na siya.

Hindi ko alam ang pangalan niya. At marahil, hindi ko na rin siya makikita ulit, kahit na sa parehong paaralan kami nag-aaral.

Ngunit habang pauwi, naisip ko ang pagtawid ko kanina.

Akala ko noon, ang mahirap ay makarating sa kabilang bahagi ng kalsada.

Pero siguro, mas mahirap ang pagtawid mula sa pagdududa tungo sa paniniwala sa sarili. Mula sa takot tungo sa lakas ng loob. Mula sa paghahambing tungo sa pagtanggap.

At tulad ng pagtawid sa pedestrian lane, walang shortcut.

Kailangan mong maghintay. Hindi mo maiiwasang mangamba, mag-alinlangan, at matakot. Hindi mo rin palaging alam kung kailan ligtas nang humakbang.

Ngunit sa huli, kailangan mo ring sumubok.

At bago mo pa mapansin, nasa kabilang panig ka na pala.

Photo Credit: Lui Adriel Malapitan

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | GVCFI takes part in 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Reaffirming its support for regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and ASEAN community-building, Green Valley College Foundation Inc. (GVCFI) joined the opening of the ASEAN Month 2026 Celebration on August 4 at the KCC Mall of Marbel, Koronadal City.

Organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XII (CHEDRO XII), the three-day celebration carries the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together," in support of the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship 2026.

Present during the opening ceremony were GVC President Atty. Romeo A. Sustiguer Jr., EdD, PhD; Student Affairs Officer and SSG Adviser Johnly Pasigna; faculty members; and student delegates representing the institution.

One student from the institution showcased Myanmar's cultural attire at the ASEAN Cultural Booth, highlighting the country's rich traditions and cultural heritage alongside exhibits from other ASEAN member states.

GVCFI students also participated in the opening ceremony, joining delegates from participating higher education institutions (HEIs) from Region XII and selected HEIs from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in celebrating ASEAN's shared identity, cultural diversity, and commitment to regional collaboration.

The ASEAN Month celebration will run until August 6, featuring academic competitions, cultural presentations, and collaborative activities designed to deepen students' understanding of ASEAN values and strengthen ties among participating institutions.

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 | Charlotte Muyco returns to International Trail Stage, represents PH in SEATRC 2026

Marking her second consecutive year carrying the country's flag on the international trail-running stage, Charlotte A. Muyco, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student-athlete of Green Valley College Foundation Inc. (GVCFI), once again represented the Philippines in the Southeast Asia Trail Running Championships (SEATRC) 2026 held in Bali, Indonesia, from July 24 to 26.

Competing against Southeast Asia's top trail runners, Muyco finished fifth in the Vertical Race before returning to compete in her second event during the three-day championship.

The latest international stint followed Muyco's historic appearance in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) 2025 in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, where she became one of Green Valley College's first student-athletes to compete in one of trail running's premier international competitions.

Although she admitted her preparation for this year's championship fell short of her expectations, Muyco remained determined to deliver her best performance for the Philippines.

"I sincerely prayed that even if I didn't have enough training, I could still give a good performance," she said.

Muyco also battled fever, dehydration, and eye pain upon arriving in Indonesia. Despite the setback, she recovered in time to compete in both events.

One of the defining moments of her race came when she trailed the leading pack during the uphill section. Refusing to surrender, Muyco mounted a comeback on the downhill course, catching up with her teammates and a Cambodian runner before battling all the way to the finish line.

"I thought I had no chance anymore because my competitors were already far ahead of me during the uphill. But I pushed myself during the downhill and caught up. We fought until the finish line," she recalled.

Muyco's international journey began in September 2025 when she represented the Philippines in Spain, paving the way for another national team selection this year.

Long before wearing the Philippine flag, her passion for running started in Grade 5 after a classmate encouraged her to join a district athletics meet.

Although she lost her first race, the experience motivated her to continue training under the guidance of her father, a former runner, whose influence inspired her to pursue the sport.

Years later, that determination has carried Muyco from local competitions to the international trail-running circuit, where she continues to represent both the Philippines and Green Valley College against some of Southeast Asia's finest athletes.

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗡 | Pax Silica

Cartoonist: Allyssa Labrador

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | GVC conducts Institutional Sales and Marketing Training

KORONADAL CITY – Green Valley College Foundation, Inc. (GVCFI) successfully conducted its Institutional Sales and Marketing Training on July 27, 2026, at the 4th Floor Review Center, GVCFI Building.

The training was attended by members of the Executive Committee: College President Atty. Romeo S. Sustiguer, Jr., EdD, PhD; Executive Vice President Jo Ronar Gleen Barillo, RN, LPT, MAN, CIIA; and Vice President for Academic Affairs Celly C. Templonuevo, LPT, MIE; Scholarship Director Febie Jean E. Tejada, MPA; along with faculty members, staff, and selected student leaders.

Leading the session was Vice President Celly C. Templonuevo, LPT, MIE, who discussed the institution’s profile, specifically the beginnings of the school, which was founded in October 1995 as the Green Valley School of Arts and Technology.

Meanwhile, College President Atty. Romeo S. Sustiguer, Jr., EdD, PhD, discussed the importance of managing energy, reiterated that standardized knowledge, marketing skills, and sustaining positive energy are key elements in effectively promoting the institution.

The scholarship grants and opportunities available to students were emphasized by Scholarship Office Director Febie Jean E. Tejada, MPA, giving participants a hands-on understanding of their key role in sales and marketing.

To make social media content more relevant, timely, and effective, Ms. Maricar A. Rotonel, LPT, station manager of Radio Goodvibes, discussed strategies for creating creative and engaging social media content.

The speakers discussed key topics such as effective communication, customer relations, digital marketing, and strategies to promote GVCFI’s academic programs to partner institutions and the community.

The activity aimed to equip participants with practical sales and marketing skills to strengthen the school’s outreach and enrollment programs.

The event concluded with a workshop and open forum where attendees shared ideas on improving GVCFI’s sales and marketing initiatives.

The training will resume on August 1, 2026, with activities and demonstrations to further enhance the participants’ sales and marketing skills.

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Green Valley College Foundation, Inc. (GVCFI) conducts its Institutional Sales and Marketing Training on July 27, at the 4th Floor Review Center, GVCFI Building.

📷: Lorenz Gayanilo

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀

Truth does not disappear simply because it is ignored. It may be drowned out by noise, hidden behind silence, or overshadowed by fear, but it endures. As long as there are individuals willing to ask difficult questions, verify facts, and tell stories with integrity, the truth will always find its way to the public.

Today, July 25, we commemorate National Campus Press Freedom Day, honoring student journalists who devote themselves to responsible journalism through careful reporting, research, and fact-checking, not for recognition, but to uphold accountability, justice, and the public's right to know.

Established under Republic Act No. 11440, signed into law on August 28, 2019, National Campus Press Freedom Day recognizes the vital role of campus journalists in promoting truth, responsible journalism, and freedom of expression. More than an annual observance, it serves as a reminder that a free campus press is essential to a democratic academic community where ideas may be expressed, questioned, and discussed without fear.

As the official student publication of Green Valley College Foundation Inc., The Echo remains committed to responsible campus journalism by amplifying student voices, reporting with fairness and accuracy, and pursuing stories that matter to the academic community.

Campus journalism is more than writing stories. It is a commitment to serve the truth and the community. As student journalists continue to inform, question, and document the realities around them, they affirm that democracy is strengthened when truth is protected and every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Students can now monitor GVC Finance Queue live on Facebook

Students of Green Valley College Foundation Inc. can now monitor their queue numbers through the Finance Office’s page after it began livestreaming its queuing system on July 25, allowing students to check their turn without repeatedly going to the office.

The new system was introduced following a concern raised by a student during the General Orientation on July 12 regarding the difficulty of monitoring the queue while attending classes, particularly for students whose classrooms are located on the upper floors of the school building.

Under the previous setup, students had to go to the Finance Office to check the queue display and determine whether their number was approaching which require them to leave their classrooms and return several times while waiting for their transaction.

The concern also involved students who might miss their queue number while not around the campus once a number has been passed, students may have difficulty proceeding with their transaction under the existing queuing procedure.

In response, the Finance proposed making the queue available through Facebook Live, allowing students to monitor the numbers even inside the classroom using their mobile devices.

Through the Facebook Live queue, students can now monitor the ongoing numbers from their classrooms or other locations and proceed to the Finance Office when their turn is approaching, helping them manage their time while waiting for transactions.

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | Green Valley College Foundation Inc. is upgrading its comfort rooms with new cubicles and improved facilities to provide a cleaner and more comfortable restroom environment for students. The renovated comfort rooms will soon be ready for use.

via Emelyn Joy Quindo, The Echo