The FIAT Publication

𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵

As the new year begins, January reminds us to care for our liver, the body's "silent workhorse." Liver cancer is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, often developing from long-term Hepatitis B or C infections that show no early symptoms. In the Philippines, it is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

This "silent killer" slowly affects the liver while the person feels perfectly fine, until it shows its severity as cirrhosis or liver cancer, but advances in healthcare are changing this story.

Through early screening, vaccines, and healthy living, we can stop risks before they become a crisis. Caring for our liver is more than just a task; it is an act of discipline and respect for the body that sustains us.

In January, the Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month (RA 10526) is observed nationwide, highlighting the vital importance of awareness and early detection. True wealth lies in our health. Let us stay informed, get tested, and protect the gift of life.

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Words by Damsel Sophiel Batutay
Layout by Nenia Faith Lacorte

𝙏𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙨 𝙣𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙬!

Parang nag-factory reset ang utak after the holiday break, ‘no?

Let’s dive into the second semester with confidence at maraming "bahala na…” Pero ang tanong, enrolled na ba?

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Words by Mj Aisles Durana
Art by Jasmine Cumi Faulve

The Feast of the Black Nazarene, celebrated every January 9, is one of the most significant religious events in the Philippines. This annual devotion honors the life-sized image of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, known as the Black Nazarene, enshrined in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. The highlight of the feast is the Traslación, a grand procession reenacting the transfer of the image from its original location in Intramuros to Quiapo. Millions of barefoot devotees join this procession, seeking to touch the image or the rope pulling its carriage, as a symbol of humility and penance.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a powerful reminder of our deep faith and trust in God. Our faith in God is strengthened through our efforts, experiences, and sacrifices. Witnessing the devotion of millions who walks barefoot—enduring the scorching heat under the sun, along with the swarm of devotees. It shows that faith is not about comfort, but about surrender—believing even when things are difficult.

Overall, the Feast of the Black Nazarene serves as a source of spiritual strength, encouraging devotees to persevere, deepen their faith, and trust that every hardship has meaning when offered to God.

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Words by Sofia Marisse Villaruel
Layout by Kian Nathalie Seno

𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲, 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲

As environmental challenges continue to grow, Zero Waste Month calls us to slow down and think about how our everyday choices affect the world around us. It reminds us that caring for the Earth starts with awareness and a sense of responsibility to change our habits, even in small ways.

This month puts focus on reducing waste at its source, choosing reusable options, and using resources more wisely. By practicing the simple principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, we take meaningful steps toward protecting our environment and safeguarding it for future generations.

Zero Waste Month also highlights the power of collective action. When communities, schools, and organizations work together to promote sustainable practices, small efforts can create lasting change. Every mindful choice helps build healthier ecosystems and a more sustainable society.

May this month inspire us not only to minimize waste but also to embrace a lifestyle rooted in care and discipline that gives respect to our planet. Let Zero Waste Month be a reminder that lasting change begins with us.

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Words by Jeferson Camacho
Layout by Jackie Kaye Tocong

𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘆

The Feast of the Epiphany shines a spotlight on the extraordinary pilgrimage of the Three Kings, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, whose quest to honor the newborn Christ has become one of the most enduring stories of faith. Guided by a radiant star across vast lands, the Magi’s arrival in Bethlehem symbolizes the revelation of Jesus to the world, a moment that continues to inspire reflection and reverence.

Each king carried a gift steeped in meaning. Melchior presented gold, a tribute to kingship and earthly authority. Caspar offered frankincense, a fragrant symbol of divinity and prayer. Balthazar brought myrrh, a precious resin foreshadowing sacrifice and mortality. Together, their offerings embodied devotion and acknowledged the sacred mystery of Christ’s dual nature is both human and divine.

The legacy of the Magi endures as more than a tale of distant travelers. Their journey is a reminder of the universal call to seek truth, follow the light, and give with sincerity. In every Epiphany celebration, the Three Kings stand as timeless figures of wisdom and humility, guiding hearts toward faith and deeper understanding.

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Words by Alexa Dominique Ignacio
Layout by Charisse Everly Bajada

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗽, 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀! 📣

Enrollment season is officially here! Regular enrollment for the Second Semester will take place from January 5 to January 10, allowing you six days to follow the indicated enrollment process and finalize your schedule.

Get ready for a new semester ahead, as classes begin on January 12, 2026.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

There are moments when time feels heavy: right before an exam begins, during late nights spent finishing requirements, or when deadlines quietly remind us of the dreams we are chasing.

There are also moments when time feels too fast: when we are with people we love, when we finally breathe after a long day, or when we realize how quickly a semester, a year, or a phase of life has passed.

Time Consciousness Week calls us to reflect on these moments. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of how we use our time, especially in our academic lives where discipline, punctuality, and responsibility shape not only our performance, but our character. Being time-conscious is not simply about meeting deadlines; it is about honoring our goals, respecting others’ time, and recognizing the value of every opportunity given to us.

Celebrating this week is a reminder that time is both a gift and a responsibility. When we learn to value it, we learn to live with greater purpose — making each moment count toward the future we are building.

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Words by Mary Chelleen Faith A. Baylon
Art by Ariane Valenzuela

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗼𝗱!

In the midst of a world that is constantly changing and often uncertain, Mary stands as a gentle sign of God’s enduring love. Chosen to be the Mother of God, her life reveals a faith that is humble, steadfast, and deeply rooted in trust in the Lord.

Today, January 1, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, honoring her unique role in the mystery of salvation. Through her willing “yes,” Christ entered the world, bringing hope, mercy, and light to all humanity.

As Mother of God and Mother of the Church, Mary teaches us how to listen to God’s voice and respond with faith, even in moments of fear or doubt. Her quiet strength continues to inspire believers to live with compassion, courage, and unwavering hope.

This feast invites us to begin the year with hearts open to grace, placing our lives under Mary’s loving care as she gently leads us closer to her Son.

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Words by Xander Lumayag
Layout by Kian Nathalie Seno

𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘄𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻

Tuwing ika-30 ng Disyembre, ginugunita ng bansa ang Araw ni Rizal bilang pag-alala sa kanyang buhay, mga prinsipyo, at sakripisyo. Tinitingala si Rizal hindi lamang bilang manunulat kundi bilang huwaran ng katapangan, talino, at di-matitinag na pagmamahal sa bayan. Pinatunayan niya na ang tunay na pakikibaka para sa kalayaan ay maaaring maisakatuparan sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, pagsusulat, at paninindigan sa tama, higit pa sa paggamit ng dahas.

Si Dr. José Protacio Mercado Alonzo y Realonda, o José Rizal, ay isinilang noong Hunyo 19, 1861 sa Calamba, Laguna. Sa panahon ng pananakop ng Espanya, kanyang nasaksihan ang pang-aapi at kawalang-katarungan sa ating bayan. Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga nobela, sanaysay, at liham, ipinahayag niya ang pagmamahal sa Inang Bayan at binuksan ang isipan ng mga Pilipino sa kahalagahan ng kalayaan at pagkakakilanlan.

Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, ang alaala ni Rizal ay patuloy na nagbibigay inspirasyon sa bawat Pilipino upang ipaglaban ang katarungan, itaguyod ang kaalaman, at pagyamanin ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Ang kanyang buhay ay nagpapaalala na ang bawat salita at gawa, kung isinagawa nang may integridad at malasakit, ay maaaring maging sandata sa pagtataguyod ng tunay na kalayaan at kaunlaran ng Pilipinas.

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Words by Alexa Dominique Ignacio
Layout by Jackie Kaye Tocong

𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗦 | 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

Outside the church's closed doors, where the lamp post stands as the only source of light, it glows softly against the night, cutting through the darkness as Christmas arrives without carols.

Beneath the light, a young man stands still, his gaze fixed upward, eyes filled with longing, carrying the memories of how Christmas felt before. He was once one of the kids who excitedly waited for Christmas; now, older, he stands beneath the lamppost reminiscing about it.

While everyone celebrates, he remains motionless, as if time itself paused just for him. He searches through the shadows for the warmth and familiar joy that Christmas used to bring, but all he finds is emptiness.

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Captured by Shanell A. Belvis

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗻!

From twinkling lights to shared laughter, our hearts are glowing with the true spirit of the season — community, gratitude, and joy. This Christmas, we celebrate not just the festivities, but the warmth of togetherness that makes us Perpetualites unite, cherishing the true meaning of the holidays.

Wishing everyone a new season filled with peace, happiness, and bright beginnings.

From your Fiat Publication family, the Merriest of Christmas, Perpetualites! 🎄

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Words by Mary Chelleen Faith A. Baylon
Layout by Raiza Chloe Tumlos

𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | UPHS‑PdP holds year‑end Noche Buena drive

Ending the year with hearts full of gratitude and compassion, the University of Perpetual Help System—Pueblo de Panay (UPHS-PdP) lived out the spirit of Christmas by bringing Noche Buena packages to the residents of Brgy. Punta Cogon in an outreach led by its faculty, staff, and administrators on December 19.

Beyond the act of giving, the initiative became a celebration of generosity and hope, reminding families that the true essence of Christmas is found in sharing with others.

“The outreach activity in Punta Cogon involved personally giving Noche Buena packages and greeting the families in the community. We were welcomed with warm smiles and sincere gratitude, which made the experience meaningful for everyone involved,” Basic Education Principal Jeric Fuasan, a participating faculty member, expressed.

With the entire UPHS-PdP community working together in preparing and distributing the packages, the grateful reactions of the recipients reflected the impact of the simple gesture.

“The exchange created a moment of connection that strengthened our sense of community and reminded us of the importance of being present for one another,” he added.

The outreach was not just about giving gifts; it was also about building connections, sharing meaningful moments, and fostering a deeper sense of community.

UPHS-PdP proudly upholds the Perpetualite value of being true Helpers of God by serving the community with sincerity and joy.

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Layout by Hyrisha Kaye Coniendo