Author: The JMarian Publication

The JMarian is the official student publication of Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc.

JMCFI COM sets sail at Pagmaya 2024

The three-day annual Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC- SN) Mindanao Regional Assembly has come to an end, last Feb. 12, 2024 at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Pagmaya 2024, this year’s theme for the 13th APMC-SN Mindanao Regional Assembly, is a celebration centered on uniting paths and weaving the narratives of healing and hope as future healers of the land.

Participated by ten medical schools all over Mindanao, namely, Brokenshire College School of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc., Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. – College of Medicine, Liceo de Cagayan University – College of Medicine, Mindanao State University General Santos – College of Medicine, Mindanao State University Iligan City, College of Medicine, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – College of Medicine, University of Southeastern Philippines – School of Medicine, University of Southern Mindanao College of Medicine and the host school Xavier University – Dr Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine.

The said event started with loud screams and chants for the opening parade bringing pride and honor to the different participating schools. Mr. Andro S. Larong – MSC President, Ms. Sunday Joy Tachado – APMC Sr. Representative, and Mr. Gabriel B. Pamati-an were the banner bearers from JMCFI COM.

Different academic and non-academic events were started simultaneously in the afternoon. In which participants from JMCFI COM showcased their research entry for both basic and translational/clinical categories with the title “ANTI-ANGIOGENIC ACTIVITY AND IC50 OF PINEAPPLE PEEL EXTRACT USING IN OVO DUCK CHORIOALLANTOIC ASSAY” and “HEROES WITHOUT CAPES: UNVEILING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF DOCTORS TO THE BARRIOR WORKING IN GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED AND DISADVATAGED AREAS” by Mr. Vincent Arvie Ono-on, Ms. Ma. Adrianne Pama, Ms. Sunday Tachado and Ms. Geremy Fe Josol, Ms. Evgenia Kampitsis, Mr. Andro Larong, respectively.

For the physical sports, JMCFI COM basketball boys, basketball girls, and volleyball mixed headed by their team captains, Mr. Leonard Ramon Felonia, Ms. Michelle Ang, and Mr. Samsodin Gamdamra showcased their talent and sportsmanship as they conquered the battle between the different participating teams.

On the second day, the most awaited battle of the brains for this years medical quiz bee competition represented by Ms. Frechie Alzate, Ms. Yedda Arao, Ms. Yvonne Sumalinog and Mr. Ron Ampo for team 1 and Ms. Wynzi Centillas, Ms. Evgenia Kampitsis, Mr. Dave Angchangco and Mr. Andro Larong for team 2 for JMCFI COM.

Along with the Clinicopathologic Case Presentation, participated by Ms. Jorramae Barrosa, Ms. Wynzi Centillas, Ms. Deanne Marie Joyce Hasan, Ma. Camille Ara Platon, Mr. Dave Angchangco and Mr. Shandeen Victorio with a final diagnosis of the case “Acute Respiratory Failure secondary to Acute Respiratory Distress secondary to Pulmonary Tuberculosis” In the afternoon, JMCFI COM basketball girls bagged third place against the USM COM, while the participants from JMCFI COM won the second place on the Larong Pinoy (sack race, chinese garter and patintero).

Finally with pride and honor volleyball mixed rose above the net and won and held as champions against DMSFI.

On the final day, loud cheers and chant from different participating schools filled the gymnasium for the awarding ceremony.

JMCFI COM participants shows excellence by bringing pride and honor as they have won various awards for both academic and non-academic competitions, with both research teams qualified for the APMC-SN National Convention which will be held in San Beda College.

Non-Academic Competitions Volleyball mixed – Champion Volleyball MVP – Mr. Ian Borral (1st year medical student) Basketball girls – 2nd Runner Up Larong Pinoy – 1st Runner Up Physical Sports – Over all 2nd Runner Up Academic Competitions Basic Research Category – 2nd Runner Up Translational/Clinical Category – 2nd Runner up The event ended with celebration of talents and wit uniting each medical schools within Mindanao as one being the future physicians of the country.

SC to release 2023 Bar exams results by December

Photo Courtesy: JMCFI College of Law Facebook Page

An exciting and uptight announcement ahead as the office of the 2023 Bar Chair Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando just announced the release of results of the 2023 Bar Examinations that will be on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

The screening of the passing examiners will be held at the Supreme Court (SC) Courtyard and shall be open to the public at 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. All list of passed examiners will be shown on full LED walls. Individuals shall wear a proper attire as they enter the premises of the SC.

On the other hand, individuals who are outside Manila will also watch it on a livestream through the official website of the SC and their official social media pages. Livestream links and QR codes via Facebook and YouTube will be posted before the release of the results on December 4.

Around 10,816 aspiring lawyers took the bar examination last September 2023. In the previous exams, around 3,992 bar takers became successful.

COM in search for Bruno in ‘Menchanted’ fete week

“It was 5 years ago when we are [sic] just having discussions as to what uniform will be used in the College of Medicine, and now we are gathered here to celebrate this Medicine Week 2023,” Dr. Jed Enumerables, the Associated Dean of the College of Medicine of Jose Maria College Foundation Inc., recounted as he officially declared the opening of the Medicine Week 2023 themed “Medchanted : a magical world to remember”.

The program started with an opening prayer led by Marian O. Baligia, the Executive Auditor of the SIGMA Council. It was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and JMC Hymn.

An opening remarks by Andro S. Larong, the President of the SIGMA Council highlighted “the tough 4 months since we started this medicine school journey for A.Y. 2022 – 2023, but despite those challenges, we still manage to overcome and endure those hardships, and with that, we can finally have the chance to destress, enjoy and build camaraderie and friendship among JMC medical community”. This was then followed by the official declaration of Medicine Week 2023 by Dr. Enumerables.

Various events were prepared by the SIGMA Council, which started with a cheering competition in which each of the houses—House of Mirabel, House of Luisa and House of Isabel showcased their creativity and talents. What came after was the Amazing Race in which medical students were grouped accordingly to search and fight for each quest in order to find Bruno (Mirabel’s ostracized uncle who has the ability to see the future in the Encanto movie). There were 11 stations to search for quests and at every station, two teams will compete to complete their quest.

In the afternoon, the sports fest was officially opened with the first game for basketball (women’s category) and volleyball (mixed category) played between House of Luisa and House of Isabela, followed by succeeding games between the three Houses. Lastly, an eSports tournament played by six teams was held at the Theatre B, JMCFI building.

The event ended with fun and full of excitement for the succeeding days of this Medicine Week 2023 celebration.

“Everything was done with a heart, making the students realize that medical school is not just all about academic trainings; it’s also building a family with your fellow medical students,” Princess Yu, a junior clerk, realized after the first day of the three-day Medicine Week Celebration.

Agri faculty nails best paper award at int’l confab

DAVAO CITY – Dr. Alminda Fernandez’s team was honored as the Best Paper Presenters at the 4th International Conference on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Management for Sustainable Development (ICRIEMSD 2023) held on Nov. 3 and 4, 2023, via Zoom and Google Meet. Her paper titled “Growth and Yield Booster for Petchay using Biofertilizer” stood out as a beacon of innovation and impact.

“The heart of this conference beats with the rhythm of exceptional ideas, and at its core lies the best position paper, poised to make waves that drive meaningful change.”

As the gavel falls and delegates prepare to debate, one position paper emerges as the cornerstone of innovation and the impact of relentless pursuit of knowledge, unveiling the narratives of petchay booster to yield and growth using the Biofertilizer. 

The research revealed the positive impact of using biofertilizer, leading to a significant boost in crop yields. This biofertilizer, manufactured by Davao Thermo Biotech Corp., is derived from local waste byproducts and undergoes a 45-day composting process facilitated by thermophilic bacteria.

This approach not only addresses waste management challenges but also offers a sustainable and effective biofertilizer for crops, showing great promise for Filipino farmers.

Their team comprised certified researchers from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, along with professionals in the field of agriculture. Attaining their research goals demanded extensive training and a steadfast resolve.

They operate as a collective, driven by a common aspiration to elevate the agricultural industry through pioneering solutions. Their dedication extends beyond research to the dissemination of knowledge.

With over 60 published works and 81 citations, the lead researcher said, “We are resolute in our pursuit of excellence.”

With the challenges they have encountered alongside in making the paper, they said that “Achieving this level of success demanded significant investments in finances, time, and intellectual effort.

Even as experienced researchers, we encountered challenges, particularly in obtaining accurate data and results due to adverse weather conditions and pest infestations. This led to repeated trials until optimal outcomes were achieved.

The process required substantial dedication, patience, and occasional budget constraints. Despite moments of doubt, our unwavering commitment and collective determination kept us moving forward, resulting in each accomplishment serving as a testament to our perseverance.”

In reflecting on this achievement, they are inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of agricultural research, striving for even greater heights of innovation. Our success serves as a testament to the potential for positive change that lies within the realm of sustainable agriculture. They are looking forward to further collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the JMCFI community and beyond as we collectively work towards a future of enhanced agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.

As to conclude this insightful journey, it is imperative to acknowledge the vital role of platforms like JMCFI in fostering an environment of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and recognition. Events such as the ICRIEMSD 2023 serve as beacons, illuminating the path towards a sustainable future.

Dr. Alminda Fernandez’s exceptional contribution exemplifies the power of research in propelling us towards a more prosperous and eco-conscious agricultural landscape. In the spirit of this achievement, it is essential to recognize that the pursuit of knowledge is an ever-evolving endeavor.

The challenges faced, the breakthroughs achieved, and the lessons learned all contribute to a rich tapestry of progress. We hope this success story resonates not only within our community but also across borders, inspiring fellow researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to embark on their own journeys of discovery. In the grand scheme of things, this award is not just a recognition of Dr. Fernandez’s work but a celebration of the collaborative spirit that drives us all.

Together, we can continue to forge new paths, unearth novel solutions, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous world. The seeds of innovation have been sown, and we eagerly anticipate the bountiful harvest they will yield in the years to come.”

APS promotes prioritizing mental health thru talent show

Do you believe that destressors flush away your worries? Do you even do something to relax and remove yourself from stress?

Killing two birds with one stone, JMCFI’S Association of Psychology Students (APS) organized the Psychie Talent Day to identify the future representatives of their respective expertise and help them ease the academic stress they are experiencing.

With the theme, “Surmounting the Obstacles of Stigma, Emphasizing the Prominence of Mental Health”, the Psychie Talent Day was held on Oct. 20, 2023.

Several activities such as indoor and outdoor sports, traditional and digital poster making, and musical events were prepared to encourage the students in showcasing their talents.

The talent day had an interesting twist when the organizers decided that the showcase of talent will simply be in a presentation form and no competition will take place.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the posters made by the students where they explained how they understand the theme through their artworks.

It is worth noting that the Association of Psychology Students has long been advocates of mental health and each year, they promote it using different means.

FPOP concurs with JMCFI for HIV/AIDS awareness campaign

Cognizant of the continuing highest number of HIV/AIDS cases logged in the region, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) conducted a symposium in partnership with Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI).

As Davao Region Department of Health (DOH) tallied 84 cases in February this year alone, this led the FPOP to organize a symposium that raises awareness among young people.

Isaih John C. Guanzon, a graduating student of UM pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and an active community-based screening motivator and peer educator, energetically kicked off the session with an engaging icebreaker, featuring group quiz and a pre-test to gauge students’ prior knowledge on HIV/AIDS.

He then proceeded in sharing his profound insights on HIV/AIDS awareness, underlining the importance of the context. He emphasized on the misconceptions circling around the issues of HIV.

Bryner Selibio, a second-year BSED-English student, posed a question: “What’s the message you’d like to convey to foster sensitivity and eliminate the misconception that only LGBTQIA+ community members, especially gay individuals, are the sole victims of HIV/AIDS?”

“I understand your perspective because we share a common view, but it’s not about your identity; it’s about your actions,” Isaih John C. Guanzon, the resource speaker responded.

With the students actively and enthusiastically participating in various activities, namely, poster making per college department, group quizzes, and pre-tests, the FPOP generously sponsored snacks and refreshments, in addition to the prizes that they will give to be announced on their official Facebook page.

The determination of the Department of Health to address the issue on the persistently high number of HIV/AIDS cases in the region, tallied by the Davao Region Department of Health (DOH) in February of this year alone has led the agency to direct the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) to conduct the aforementioned symposium to young adults like the active students of JMCFI, believing that in one way or another, understanding and awareness on HIV/AIDS is spread, not the virus.

PH Kids’ learning stats on the dole

In a country where “no child is left behind” is a top priority, an educator can ask, “Where did I go wrong?” when learning poverty is still pressing.

Learning poverty in the Philippines was pegged by the World Bank in 2022 at 91% — which means around nine out of ten children aged 10 struggle to read simple text. This translates to the Philippines remaining among the poorest in learning in East Asia and the Pacific, with nine out of 10 Filipinos unable to read and understand simple, age-appropriate reading material by age 10, according to a World Bank (WB) report on the quality of education in the region.

The Department of Education, through its then Secretary Briones, launched its 3 Bs dubbed “Hamon; Bawat Bata Bumabasa”, a project that aims at strengthening the reading proficiency of every learner and to nurture a culture of reading which is requisite in all content areas.

“As an avid reader myself, I’d like to witness the next generation become well-rounded readers as well since reading give [sic] a multitude of benefits on well-being and the learning process. This initiative is another step of the Department to champion reading as a foundational tool for quality education,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

However, numbers still do not lie. The statistics still have had no relative improvement. What’s even worse is that this is linked to poor teaching quality. Teachers’ lack of mastery of what they teach and teacher absenteeism have contributed to the Philippines’ high learning poverty. This is what the New World Bank report found.

Data collected from classroom observations show that most teachers in the Philippines use ineffective or weak teaching practices, which “translate into poorer learning outcomes,” the report stated.

Another shortcoming of the Philippine education system is its weak teacher training programs. “While data suggest that a significant percentage of the region’s teachers are trained each year, new surveys in Cambodia, Fiji, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Vietnam indicates training programs do not employ practices linked to improved student learning,” the report also stated.

The report also found that slightly more than 40% of students surveyed in the Philippines, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam report, on average, that their teachers are sometimes or often absent. That presents another factor in the picture—teacher absenteeism.

Spending more on other priorities is robbing children of their education. While the Philippines is earmarking 17.5 percent of the total government budget on the schooling sector, this is a red herring at its best, because the government spending on education represented only 3.2 percent of the country’s wealth or gross domestic product (GDP).

We, in the strongest terms, stand for the legislation of allotting more budget for Education to augment the learning wealth of our future nation-builders.

Student researchers to convoke in TUKLAS 2023

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES—Student researchers of the College of Business Education (COBE) of Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) will convene in a research forum dubbed “TUKLAS 2023” on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the JMCFI College Library.

The activity, hosted by COBE, is themed “Sustaining the Culture of Research through Student Presentation and Publication”.

Dr. Susan S. Cruz, the Dean of COBE, said that “the research forum is an inter-program contest that aims to sustain the culture of research in the whole College of Business Education community.”

“This will serve as a venue for undergraduate students to present their completed research, exchange ideas, and receive constructive feedback from the experts,” she added.

The event includes the presentation of studies and research poster making.

A professor and director of the Ateneo de Davao Center for Educational Research and Advocacy, Dr. Marleonie M. Bauyot, is the research plenary speaker.

The said event is anticipated to be graced by the School President of JMCFI, Dr. Felix C. Chavez, Jr.

COMETS administers blood typing activity; exemplifies contribution, advancement to healthcare

DAVAO CITY — As the week for Medical Technologists started, the Coalesced Organization of Medical Technologists (COMETS) once again made its way to promote their work by showing their dedication and highlighting their skills by extending services to the school through the ABO Blood Typing Activity.

What better way to start the event than to showcase skills and provide services that will exhibit the importance of Medical Technology?

The COMETS invited JMarian students and employees to take part in their activity which provides individuals with information about what type of blood they have with only a prick of a finger. Their blood types are determined by the blood typing procedure, which also reveals intriguing inheritance patterns and the concept of the appropriate types of blood suitable for an individual.

The activity took place in the JMCFI Radiologic Technology Laboratory on September 19, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The activity was initiated by the Program Head of the College of Allied Health Sciences Education, Ms. Queen Jane M. Bacon, RMT, MSMT, and made possible with the help of the COMETS officers and their coordinator, Ms. Alexis Joy Davila, RMT. In charge of the event are the Registered Medical Technologists, and the professors of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Mr. Rigidor S. Padayhag, RMT, and Mr. Tom Anthony Tonguia, RMT.

 “The purpose of this activity is to make people aware of their own blood types. The Philippines, being a developing country, numerous citizens are really not that enlightened in terms of obtaining medical information and do not know their own blood type, that is why this activity is held free”, Adrian Ray Gonzales, COMETS’ Vice President, stated.

This activity has given way for students and employees in the school to determine their blood types, especially those who are incapable of knowing their own blood type.

By signing a form, interested students and employees would have to stand in line to have their blood checked by having their fingers pricked, a procedure more commonly known as Capillary Blood Sampling, which only needs a tiny amount of blood from the patient.

“While it really is painful having your middle finger be pricked with a needle, it really helped me clear up the misconceptions I had. I actually thought that I was O positive, but it turns out that I’m actually B positive. So it really is helpful in clearing up any misunderstanding”, Shaena Mae Estolas, a participant, expressed.

 “I have always been curious about my blood type. I’ve never been to any hospital and have also never checked my blood type. It really is an effective and helpful activity, especially for those who are unable to know their own blood types. So I am really glad that they decided to make this activity free of charge, it gives opportunities to people like me to be aware of the type of blood that one has”, Joanna Marie Ladeza, a participant, said.

 “It’s really interesting to know what your blood type is. I actually have an idea of what type of blood I have but it’s not medically confirmed, so I’m really grateful that they had this. Not only is it cool being pricked, but it is also very informative”, Rodelyn May Escovidal, a participant, shared.

147 participants joined in the activity and had their own blood checked. Despite having fear of needles, the participants left the event with amazement and a sense of triumph as they exited the room knowing their blood types.

The MedTech week, which started on Monday, September 18, 2023, was designed to celebrate the advancement and contribution of Medical Technology in the area of healthcare.

The JMarian inducts new editorial board for A.Y. 2023-2024

“I’ve been in dire straits the past few days in setting up the new editorial board of The JMarian. All candidates have impeccable communication skills, making each one of them deserving of the role, especially that of being the chief editor of the publication.”

That is how Mr. Lord Vincent Van Mendoza, the adviser of JMCFI’s college student publication (The JMarian), described his feelings about the grueling screening process of the campus publication.

Following the exhaustive screening process—testing journalism knowledge, taking the pen-and-paper test, and acing the face-to-face interview—JMarian finally installs new members of the editorial board who will be serving the publication for the academic year 2023-2024.

In the final screening process, Mr. Mendoza shortlisted 7 applicants whom he thought would be most fit for the EIC role. On the day of the interview, 2 applicants expressed that they wished not to pursue their intent and the choice was down to 5. Among the 5, 2 were assigned as the news and literary editors.

The new set of editorial board members are as follows:

CHIEF EDITOR: Lanz Lexi Liane Clapis

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Alexis Reign Colonia

MANAGING EDITOR: Dameille Potente

SECTION COPY EDITORS:

  • News Editor: Nicholuz Marie M. Betoro
  • Feature Editor: Joshua V. Baguio
  • Literary Editor: Kimberly Ann P. Trinidad

CONTRIBUTORS:

Fahdia P. Kandog

Angelica Luardo

“As someone who loves writing and connecting with people through facts and discussion of opinions, I am elated to be included in the editorial board of our very own The JMarian. The journey to reach this point was not easy; I even had a mental block when I was interviewed. I was stuck with underestimating and overestimating my capacity, but in the end, when you have an excellent advisor to guide you, you will surely find a position that will fit you. To say that I am happy is an understatement. I am elated, in bliss, you name it. Above that, I also feel humbled to be given this responsibility and to serve the JMarians by delivering not just truthful contents but also ones worth reading“, Dameille expressed.

These successful candidates will have to undergo the apprenticeship phase in the first semester. Scholarship grants await the editorial board members for the second semester. This incentive not only recognizes their dedication and talent but also paves the way for their future in journalism.

Applications for visual journalists such as photojournalists, graphic designers, cartoonists, etc. will have yet to be announced by the new editorial board of The JMarian.