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The Touchstone, Sanchez Mira (2025)

21/11/2025

| 𝗜𝗣𝗢𝗡

Na para bang sa isang iglap ay naglaho na lang bigla gaya niya?

–
Komiks ni Victor Moises Arda

21/11/2025

| 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮

/fi-luh-foh-bee-uh/
Noun
English Word
(from Greek "philos" meaning love and "phobos" meaning fear)

- the fear of falling in love or forming emotional attachments.

Example:

"Every time I start falling for someone, my philophobia kicks in, whispering, 'Remember how that last one ended?' and suddenly, I just don't want to love again."

–

20/11/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗡 | The Day After Tomorrow

“What we ignore today becomes the disaster we face tomorrow.”

Imagine waking up one morning to find that the future we feared has finally arrived. The floods that used to reach only our ankles now swallow entire barangays. The heat that once felt uncomfortable now sends people to emergency rooms. The storms that used to scare us now destroy us. This is not science fiction. This is not a prediction for the next century. This is the Philippines in the age of climate change, and the day after tomorrow is happening today.

Climate scientists have long warned that the world is running out of time. Yet here we are, a country that contributes the least to global carbon emissions but suffers some of the worst consequences. In a single year, we endure scorching El Niño seasons that parch our farmlands, followed by intense La Niña rains that flood our lowlands. Farmers lose crops, families lose homes, children lose schooling days, and communities lose hope. Climate change is no longer a distant environmental issue. It is a daily humanitarian crisis.

Here in the Philippines, its impacts appear everywhere. We see it in the Cagayan River that now swells to dangerous levels during strong typhoons, submerging communities and placing thousands of residents at risk. We see it in the cracked rice fields of Nueva Vizcaya during the dry months, in the rising tides that slowly erase coastal towns, and in the violent typhoons that rewrite the histories of Eastern Samar and Leyte every few years. We even see it in the price of vegetables, the scarcity of fish, and the unbearable heat in our classrooms.

As the crisis grows larger, our response must grow stronger.

The government must take bigger steps, reinforce environmental policies, invest in renewable energy, and develop climate-resilient infrastructure. Communities, especially vulnerable ones, need urgent adaptation programs. But climate action cannot rest on institutions alone. Every Filipino carries a responsibility for the future of our home.

Small actions matter. Segregating waste properly, conserving electricity, reducing single-use plastics, choosing local products, supporting clean energy, and planting trees can create meaningful change when practiced by millions. These simple acts form the foundation of a climate-conscious society.

More importantly, we must continue raising awareness. The youth hold some of the loudest and most influential voices in our generation. When we speak about climate change, when we write about it, and when we demand accountability, we remind our leaders that this crisis affects real lives. Silence is more dangerous than any storm.

In truth, "The Day After Tomorrow" is not just a warning. It is a reminder. Every day that we ignore this crisis, we lose another part of our country, our culture, our people, and our future.

Yet it is also a call for hope.
We still have a choice.
We can choose to act today.
We can choose to care today.
We can choose to shape what the day after tomorrow will look like.

The climate story of the Philippines is still unfolding.
And we are still the authors.

–
Article by Wilbert Joshua Quina

19/11/2025

𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸

Global warming and climate change are not just a warning anymore, but an emergency. As the gas emissions blanket the world, heat is trapped, disrupting the usual balance of nature, and climates become extreme. The Philippines, known as one of the most vulnerable climate countries, is drowning in sorrows because of strong storms and floods. It is sweating with worries about the rising temperature and unpredictable seasons. Yet even with the alarming changes in nature, the actions taken are very limited and slow. We are watching the world and its people crumble and we are acting as if we have all the time left.

Last 2024, the Philippines was ranked seventh as the most affected country by extreme weather. Just this November of 2025, two typhoons hit the country, causing major floods, ruining houses, farms, and taking many innocent lives. Climate change also poses dangers to coastal communities due to rising seas and increases health risks due to rising toll of extreme heat. Climate change is not just an environmental issue anymore, but it is a social, cconomie, and moral issue. All these consequences we suffer from, for our personal benefits.

Small human activities that we think can't make a change, do. Using too much electricity for light and charging our mobile phones burns fossil which contribute 68% of greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. Our unwillingness to lessen and change these habits is slowly reaching the world's limit it does not have the time to wait for us to move.

This is the moment for us to take action with urgency because the longer we wait, the harsher the consequences get. We are not making the move only for the earth now, but also for ourselves. The past couldn't give us a future but we can change that for the next generation. Climate action is not a one-man job, it a responsibility of every Filipino. Should we demand for stronger climate policies? Invest more in renewable energy? Should we take actions?

The clock is ticking and the world is heating up. So, we either act with urgency or stay still like we always did. But may every strong storm and flood, every seashore erosion, every heat wave be a reminder that the world is getting weak. The future depends on every decision and act we make today.

The world is giving us signs. Are we ready to act and listen?

—

Written by Aeouin Domingo
Layout by Erica Mae Pedro

19/11/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗡 | Innocence Left in the Rain

In every typhoon that tears through our country, in every flood that swallows our streets, in every fire that devours homes, there are victims whose cries we rarely hear—the ones whose meows, moos, or barks are filtered out by the noise of human tragedy. They have no names on official lists. No reporters chase after their stories. No government official stands before cameras to promise help for them. They do not sin, yet they suffer for the sins of others.

They are the munings and bantays we leave behind.

When Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) ravaged the central Philippines in early November 2025—bringing winds of nearly 175 km/h, flooding barangays in Cebu, and leaving more than 269 people dead—it wasn’t only humans who fought for survival. In one heartbreaking scene, four dogs clung to the branches of a tree in Cebu as floodwaters rose around them. Two were pets, two were strays, but at that moment they were simply four souls trembling in terror, waiting for footsteps that never came.

While we humans ran for safety, they waited by gates that would never open again.

And days later, as Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) intensified into near–super typhoon strength—reaching winds of 185 km/h and placing 30.8 million Filipinos within its threat zone—animal groups pleaded with the public: “Unchain your pets if you cannot take them.” For many animals, a chain is not just restraint; in a flood, it is a death sentence.

In Talisay City, a man climbed onto a rooftop submerged in brown water to rescue a dog stranded by Tino’s floods. It was a moment of courage—but also a reminder of how many others were not found. How many pets waited in backyards, confused, tied, calling out for owners who had no way—or no plan—to bring them along?

There is a kind of heartbreak only an animal can feel—the kind that comes from loving without conditions and being abandoned without mercy.

Not all animals are perfect. Some are mischievous, noisy, stubborn. But none of them deserve the terror of facing a disaster alone. They cannot understand why the people they trusted suddenly disappear. They cannot plan their escape. Their entire world is built around the humans who once promised to care for them.

Yet in times of calamity, it is always the innocent who suffer first.

What makes the pain deeper is knowing that—even without storms—our country is already full of injustices. Wrongdoers walk free. Corruption thrives. People who inflict harm get chance after chance. But animals, who offer nothing but loyalty, are given none.

How is it that creatures who give love, comfort, and companionship are left to starve on rooftops or drown in rising waters? How is it that in a nation overflowing with pakikiramay, our most defenseless beings still feel the sharpest edge of human neglect?

Animals do not ask for much.
Just food.
Just shelter.
Just a small space in the lives of the people they adore.

During Uwan, animal shelters begged for help—food, water, temporary housing—because strays curled under cars and stairways, trembling, with nowhere safe to hide. A garage, a small roofed corner, even a box lined with old towels could have saved a life.

Maybe the storms will not stop. Maybe disasters will always find our shores. But the cruelty—the abandonment—that can stop. That is the part we can control.

Because calamities do not reveal how strong our winds are.
They reveal how strong our humanity is.

And the question remains:
When the next storm comes, will we finally choose to protect those who have never stopped loving us?

--
Article by Yaoweng Dabalos
Graphics by Alexis Paul Fonacier

19/11/2025

| 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

/tra-jec-to-ry/
noun
English word

— a path, progression, or line of development that resembles the curved course of a moving physical object.

Examples:

I question if our friendship ever truly mattered, because she was never the person I believed her to be, and now we're moving on our own separate trajectories.

We broke up because our trajectories became incompatible—he stopped envisioning our future, and I didn't.

Though it could still work out differently,
for now, this is the way that it has to be.
We're on our own trajectories.

—

17/11/2025

November 17 is the day when the nation honors the Filipino students who uphold the spirit to champion for a better society with pride, affirmation, and leadership.

National Students' Day was institutionalized through RA 11369 to recognize the contribution of student activism to democracy and to practice good leadership among students.

The annual celebration was led by the National Youth Commission (NYC) with the support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The theme, "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bawat Batang Mag-aaral, Ipaglaban!", is a testament where prioritizing the students' rights for a better future is a must.

May this day motivate the students to realize the importance of education for democracy and good leadership as well as for leaders to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino students.

Written by: Koreena Vidad
Layout by: Kevin Dalire

17/11/2025

| Rainy Season: Surviving and Thriving Through the Downpour

Monsoon Madness is Coming!

Will you swim or survive the Philippines’ rainy season?

The Philippines’ rainy season (June to November) isn’t just about cozy days and lush landscapes; it’s a battle against nature’s fury. With an average of 20 typhoons hitting the archipelago annually, coupled with habagat rains usually within 24 hours, this season tests resilience like no other. Floods submerge cities, landslides bury communities, and storms disrupt livelihoods.

Yet, for farmers, these rains are lifelines for crops like rice and corn. Climate change has the stakes: shorter dry spells, storms, and rising flood risks demand smarter preparedness: it’s survival. Are you ready to face the deluge?

The Good Side of Rain:

Rainy season sustains agriculture by nourishing crops like rice and corn while cutting irrigation costs and enriching soil. It replenishes water sources, from urban to rural areas, ensuring drinking supplies and hydropower generation. Economically, it drives tourism to waterfalls and fuels cultural festivals post-harvest. Health benefits include reduced heat stress from rain’s calming effects. Despite risks like floods, adopting climate-smart practices—rainwater harvesting, flood-resistant crops—can maximize its benefits.

Challenges:

The rainy season in the Philippines brings a host of challenges, including widespread flooding in urban areas due to poor drainage and overflowing rivers, and in rural areas due to inadequate infrastructure. Health risks also rise, with a higher incidence of diseases like dengue fever, leptospirosis, and the common cold. Finally, landslides pose a significant threat in mountainous regions endangering communities and infrastructure.

Preparing for the Rainy Season:

• Clear gutters, reinforce roofs, and stock emergency supplies (flashlight, radio, canned food).
• Flood Readiness: Map evacuation routes, secure documents in waterproof bags, and keep a go-bag (clothes, meds, water).
• Driving Tips: Slow down in rain, avoid flooded roads, and check tires/brakes.
• Weather Alerts: Monitor PAGASA updates and heed typhoon signals:
• Emergency Contacts: Save local disaster hotlines and share plans with family.

Stay proactive, chimkens—prep now to weather the storms!

—
Written by Jheanne Myrelle Guieb
Layout by Mark Deniel Naceno

17/11/2025

LITERARY | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

When was the last time you were asked,
"How are you?" or "Are you okay?"
Simple questions, but meaningful for everyone, especially those quietly struggling.

In a world that hums with noise, notifications, deadlines, rehearsals, applause.
There are silences that scream louder than any crowd.

He walks the campus halls with a smile stitched from habit.
His laughter rehearsed like a line from a play he no longer believes in.
Behind his eyes, a storm brews, unseen, unspoken.
Like the typhoons that gather over the valley,
waiting for the right moment to break.

No one asks.
Not because they don’t care,
but because they assume he's fine.
He's always fine.

He's the planner, the poet, the one who makes others feel seen.
But who sees him?

Until one day, a voice, soft, unassuming
asks, “Hey… how are you?”
Not in passing. Not as filler.
But with pause. With presence.
With the kind of sincerity that makes walls tremble.

And in that moment, the dam cracks.
Not into a flood of tears, but into a whisper:
“I’m tired.”
And that whisper is enough. Enough to begin.
Enough to remind him that he is not alone.

That even the strongest need asking.
That healing begins not with grand gestures,
but with small questions that carry the weight of love.

So he writes this down, in the margins of his journal,
“Ask. Even if you think they’re okay.
Because sometimes, the bravest thing someone does is answer honestly.”

--
Written by Mr. J
Illustration by Sherwin Adducul

17/11/2025

| 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰

/his-tri-on-ic/
adjective
English word

— Overly theatrical or dramatic in behavior, speech, or emotions.
— It’s often used to describe someone who exaggerates feelings to get attention.

Examples:

Her histrionic sobs about missing her ex felt like the world had personally betrayed her.

My classmate reacts histrionically whenever we voice an opinion that disagrees with his.

Politicians go histrionic over campaign promises, acting like their speech is going to solve all problems of the country.

—

16/11/2025

LITERARY | 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞, 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫

Many believed a cat’s eyes were mirrors of the unseen, catching the flicker of spirits moving between worlds. Sometimes, I wonder if it caught a glimpse of my weary and dim soul, searching for a place to rest and hope beneath the cacophony of our campus.

It was a random Friday when I saw a cat with soft orange-and-white fur lying peacefully on one of the benches in front of our building. As I stared blankly at it, a silly thought popped into my mind: “Sana pusa na lang ako, para wala na akong problema.” The chaos of doubts and worries weighing on my chest that early in the morning grew heavier. I found myself wondering how students who followed their passions would look at the cat, and whether they would see something different from what I saw.

Would they look at it enviously like I did? Or would they stare at it dearly, with eyes shimmering with awe and quiet tenderness, seeing in that small, wandering creature a reflection of the freedom they already hold?

Moments later, the cat suddenly opened his eyes and stared at me. It felt like he was looking through me, making me feel both exposed and understood.

I was still enjoying our staring contest when my friend called out, “HOY BAKIT MO TINITITIGAN SI TWINKLE JAN? TIME NA OH!” The confusion hit when I realized that Twinkle was the cat’s actual name. The silence between us broke, and he quickly stood up and walked toward the faculty area before I had the chance to pet him. As for me, I continued to walk, still unfocused and disturbed by what had just happened.

Time slipped by, and eventually our vacant hour arrived. “Time to review again,” I reminded myself, knowing that the break was never meant for rest but for pushing myself to keep going, to survive the day’s weight with whatever strength remained. Throughout the hour, it felt as if my mind was about to explode, each brain cell obliterating one by one. All I could think about was the life I might have had if I had chased what I truly wanted, instead of sitting here wondering why the cat’s name was Twinkle. To take a short pause from ineffective studying, I decided to buy Dutch Mill at the canteen.

Along the way, I saw Twinkle with makeup smothered across his face. A pop of pink blush, easily three times more vibrant than his already rosy nose, bloomed across his cheeks and blended perfectly into his features. The moment I saw it, I burst into laughter, my eyes folding into slits and my smile stretching to my ears. And once again, a fleeting moment occurred where our eyes locked in a gentle, unspoken pull. A soft glow seemed to linger around him, and for a moment the noise on campus felt different, as if the world paused for a heartbeat.

Then there it was: a twinkle of spark in his eyes, reflecting the lost star buried in the depths of my soul’s agony and hopelessness. I could see fragments of myself in Twinkle’s eyes—gloomy, dull, and exhausted. Yet when he blinked, that spark wavered and danced like a small flicker in the dark, as if the universe was quietly telling me that not all was lost, that I was not lost.

For a moment, the weight in my chest eased, just enough for a faint warmth to creep in. I wanted to reach out and hold onto that tiny flicker before it disappeared. Even as I hesitated, I realized it wasn’t just his eyes carrying it. That spark had found its way into me too, a small ember buried beneath the gloom, quietly reminding me that even in the darkest corners, hope still lingered. And with it came a fragile yet growing certainty: a hope that the path I was on, however uncertain, might still lead me to the dream I held close. It was the dream that helped me endure the long nights of doubt, the weight of indecision, and the moments when I questioned if I was moving at all. It was then I realized that a place to rest and hope could not be found in the campus or its people; it had always been within me.

A cat’s eyes may mirror the unseen, but our own gaze reflects where the truth speaks most clearly. In Twinkle’s eyes, I found a reminder that the hope to keep going begins with trusting the path I’m on, because it has always been within me. That small ember beneath my doubts glowed quietly, showing me that even through uncertainty, I am still moving toward the dream I’ve held on to—and toward a place where I can finally rest and believe in what lies ahead.

—

Written by Dawn Charlyzz Molina
Illustration by Duval Martinez

15/11/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Agkaykaysa Scholar students from Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez Mira, Claveria, and Santa Praxedes received their Educational Assistance today through the No Barangay Left Behind (NBLB) Program led by Governor Edgar “Tatay Egay” Aglipay at the new gymnasium of Cagayan State University-Sanchez Mira, with Campus Executive Officer Dr. Rodel Francisco T. Alegado present to welcome the scholars and support the activity.

The distribution, facilitated by the Provincial Government of Cagayan through the Provincial Treasury Office and POPE, was also attended by Franco Mamba III representing the Office of the Vice Governor, Sanchez Mira Mayor Abraham Bagasin, Santa Praxedes Mayor Esterlita Aguinaldo, along with other provincial and municipal officials.

This initiative forms part of the Governor’s E.G.A.Y. Governance Platform, further advancing his advocacy to ensure that no Cagayano learner is left behind in accessing quality education.

—

Photos by Yaoweng Dabalos

The Touchstone

21/11/2025

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