THURSDAY May 12, 2022

CAND R CATALYST
Quality and Dauntless News: By the People and for the People

URS - ANGONO gem indeed, whose sparkle is pivotal Here's to the development of
to the welfare of the whole URS
GRADUATES PASS community.
URS - Angono Campus!
LET 2022 A diligent student and an honorable
leader, Chua's life is showered with
achievements. His educational
background and accomplishments
speak for himself, not to mention a
soft heart and a lending hand that is
always ready to help. Now, let us take
a glance at the list of
accomplishments he has made over
the years now that he is about to
graduate.
Logo of the Professional Regulation
Commission. - Continued on Page #6

On Friday, March 11, 2022, the

Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) released the
official list of board passers on its
website.
The University of Rizal System (URS)
- Angono, College of Education
graduates passed the Licensure
Examination for Teachers garnering a
100 percent passing rate at the
Elementary level and 71.43 percent at
the Secondary Level. There were a
total of 19 people who passed the
examination and all of them were first-
timers.
- Continued on Page #2
A Glance Back at the
Steep Mountain: Chua’s
Achievements in URS
If you are a student of the University
of Rizal System today, you have
probably heard the name 'Jan Derek
L. Chua'. He is currently the first
Student Regent of the University who
came from Angono Campus, a rare
URS - Angono
celebrates its College of
Education Week this
year
Prof. Celina B. Cerda uttering her
welcome remarks during the opening
ceremony of COE week
The College of Education (COE)
kicked off its first COE week
celebration under the New Normal
with a theme: Resiliency towards
Objectives: Combating
Procrastination and Starting a New
Chapter by Motivation.
- Continued on Page #2
Newly painted walls and classrooms on
the second floor of URSA.
"The physical environment of the
school speaks to the contribution
that safe, clean, and comfortable
surroundings make to a positive
school climate in which students
can learn."
Some broken classroom windows,
rooms lacking fans and lights, not-so-
clean facilities, and the walls that
have been long since last painted
were just some of the issues that
needed to be given attention to at the
URS - Angono Campus before. It
must have been the lack of
opportunity that was stopping the
school because of the ongoing
classes back then, but it seemed that
they took the chance that the students
were on virtual learning to address
these problems.
- Continued on Page #11
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NEWS SECTION CANDOR CATALYST May 12, 2022

URS - ANGONO 8,737 out of 15,696 (55.66%) The College of Education

passed the elementary level (COE) kicked off its first
GRADUATES PASS COE week celebration
while 12,074 out of 22,454
LET 2022 (53.77%) successfully
under the New Normal with
a theme: Resiliency
BY JHONREY MOISES passed the secondary level, towards Objectives:
with Mindanao State Combating Procrastination
University (MSU)-Marawi City and Starting a New Chapter
and Bulacan State University by Motivation.
(BatSU) - Sarmiento Campus
Various activities for the said
as top-performing schools,
celebration were unveiled on
respectively. the opening ceremony via
Google Meet and Facebook
Logo of the Professional Regulation Jenechielle Sambalod Lopoy Live last March 4, 2022, with
Commission. from Saint Michael's College welcoming remarks from
of Laguna topped the exam Prof. Celina B. Cerda, Dean
On Friday, March 11, 2022, for elementary teachers with of College of Education.
the Professional a rating of 93.80 percent.
Regulation Commission Meanwhile, Lanvin Sean The College of Education -
(PRC) released the official Bautista Delos Santos from Student Council (COESCO)
list of LET passers on its the National Teacher's prepared a This or That, a
website. College came first in the Get to Know Me (Would You
exam for secondary teachers Rather) activity, and a profile
The University of Rizal with a rating of 92.80 percent frame inclined with COE
System (URS) - Angono, week.
College of Education URS - ANGONO There were also contests
graduates passed the CELEBRATES ITS organized by sub-
Licensure Examination for COLLEGE OF organizations: Elite Guild's
Teachers garnering a 100 EDUCATION WEEK Show Off Your Accent;
percent passing rate at the Ugnayang Kayumanggi's
THIS YEAR
Elementary level and 71.43 Pagsasabuhay Ng Mga
BY PAULA VILLANUEVA Lumang Pinoy Komersyal;
percent at the Secondary
Daskalos Coalition's Demo
Level. There were a total of
Teaching; and, a Quiz Bee
19 people who passed the from HM Society.
examination and all of them
were first-timers. The Awarding of Certificates
for winners and those who
The examination was given participate was held on March
last January 30, 2022, in 29 11, 2022, during the closing
testing centers across the program. There were also
Prof. Celina B. Cerda uttering her some intermission numbers
country. According to PRC welcome remarks during the from Phoebe Magos, who
and the Board for opening ceremony of COE week
performed the song "Kung
Professional Teachers (BPT), Wala Ka," a dance
2|Page
NEWS SECTION
performance from Riyurii
Ingeniero, and another song
performance from Ashley
Gomez.
At the end of the program, the
past COESCO presidents
uttered their congratulatory
messages for the success of
this year's COE week, and
Yvhonne S. Lozada,
COESCO's current president,
gave her closing remarks.
URSA'S STO
SUCCESSFULLY
HOLDS THE STEP
WEBINAR SERIES
BY EDRICK MORANO
Student-Teachers of URS Angono
engaged in the game "It's
Jamboard Time!" by Dr. Claire Vico
during the first session of the STEP
Webinar Series.
The Student-Teacher
Organization of the
University of Rizal System -
Angono Campus held a
five-day webinar series
entitled "Student-Teacher
Enhancement Program"
(STEP) attended by the
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graduating fourth-year
education student in
preparation for their
upcoming internship
program, held from
January 31 to February 9,
2022, via Google Meet.
The first session was divided
into two parts. Both were held
on the 31st of January, 2022,
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The speaker was the dean of
the college of education,
Celina B. Cerda, MA. Ed,
LPT, taught the graduating
students about coping and
stress management amidst
the pandemic and the
workloads given by the
school. The speaker in the
second part was Teacher III
at Taytay Senior High School,
Mrs. Claire D. Vico. She
imparted strategies for
teaching in both face-to-face
and online class setups.
The second session was held
on the 2nd of February, 2022
from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Associate Professor, Dr.
Glenn M. Ison shared his
knowledge on how to develop
communication skills
because this skill is a must
when you enter the teaching
profession.
The third session was held on
the 4th day of February 2022
from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The students were told about
May 12, 2022
the expectations in practice
teaching by Dennis Niño A.
Ancheta, Ed.D, Principal II.
They also learned from Ms.
Raven B. Rodriguez, Teacher
I, varieties of classroom
management in both face-to-
face and online class setups.
The fourth session was
Student Teachers'
Orientation which was led by
Dean Celina B. Cerda. Also,
they were taught how to make
classroom-based action
research by Roger DM.
Ebreo, Special Science Class
Teacher, which student-
teachers can use when they
enter the field. This was held
on the 4th day of February
2022 from 9:00 am to 4:00
pm.
The last session was held on
the 9th day of February 2022
from 9:00 am to 12:00 nn.
The speaker was MA. Ed,
Professor, and Campus
Research Coordinator of
URSA, Prof. Sheryl Ann
Perciano taught the
graduating students how to
make an E-portfolio which is
essential to the new class
setup.
The webinar series which
comprises five sessions
aimed to help the participants
to have a critical
understanding of the journey
they are about to face in the
future field of teaching.
3|Page
COLUMN
FACE-TO-FACE GRADUATION:
THE END OF THE PANDEMIC
OR THE START OF A NEW
SURGE?
BY CAROLINE JOY L. GERVACIO
In-person graduation was approved in
regions with alert levels 1 and 2 on March 25,
2022, by the Department of Education.
Therefore, face-to-face graduation
ceremonies will be authorized, with strict
adherence to the protocols. Since the
COVID positive numbers are decreasing,
they now allow both physical and virtual
graduation depending on the alert level.
“With the continuous downward trend of
COVID-19 cases and easing of restrictions,
we are allowing the conduct of limited face-
to-face and virtual graduation, depending on
the alert level status in each region,”
Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis
Briones said.
In this academic year, we'll see the first batch
of graduates to complete the K-12 curriculum
finally receiving their hard-earned success in
finishing tertiary education. Since in-person
end-of-school-year rites are not allowed for
two years, students chanted for physical
graduation ceremonies since the COVID
surge has declined a great deal, to which the
education body adheres. Private schools
may implement their schedules based on
their academic calendars, whereas public
schools must conform to the revised school
calendar due to the academic year's
extension. Attendance will also be limited to
graduates, guardians/parents, teachers, and
school employees.
However, is it reasonable to conclude that
the number of people infected with COVID is
reducing as massive political rallies take
place around the country? Can schools
ensure the safety of the students? Will these
procedures be strictly followed at all times?
To ensure the safety of the attendees,
schools must have people that can facilitate
if the protocols and guidelines are being
followed. They should have enough staff and
faculty to secure it. Aside from manpower,
the schools must execute the ceremonies in
less than two hours, not reaching the
maximum capacity of the venue with
physical distancing. The equipment and
tools used must be sanitized after every use
because the graduating students especially
in private schools’ house elementary to
college graduates. In this kind of situation,
the graduates are divided by levels and
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number of students. Face-to-face
graduation is a significant part of students'
existence, especially for college graduates
who are near to closing a chapter in their
lives. It is their final farewell to their youth
and academic lives before entering the real
world, where they will focus and build their
careers. Throughout the years, before the
pandemic, the peak of every learner's world
is graduation, a symbol of success. Another
level unlocked, another milestone achieved.
It might be small and insignificant for
thousands of learners graduating every year
but for a child, it is the little wins that take
them a step closer to their dreams.
Hence, is it reasonable to assume that the
pandemic will end with the declining number
of COVID positives and the ability to handle
in-person graduation ceremonies and
political rallies? Or will this spark a new
surge? Whatever the case may be, we
cannot deny the students their right to
rejoice. Therefore, our advance and
warmest congratulations to the graduates of
twenty twenty-two.
DR. MARITA R. CANAPI
EMBARKS ON A NEW JOURNEY
By JAY L. CONDAT
It is with delight and pride that the
University of Rizal System (URS)
congratulated its former President, Dr.
Marita R. Canapi, after being in the news
for her recent appointment as the new
commissioner of CHED, or the
Commision on Higher Education.
Dr. Marita R. Canapi proudly brought a
new milestone to the institution on
February 15, 2022, when she was
appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte
as the new CHED Commissioner,
alongside Dr. Jo Mark Libre, former Vice
President for Communications and
External Affairs at the Jose Maria College
Foundation, Inc. Dr. Canapi previously
served as the second president of the
University of Rizal System.
Having served the institution for two terms
from 2012 to 2020, URS rose and became
triumphant in various fields: academic and
non-academic that established its own
name as one of the best academic
institutions in the region, even up to now
with its new President, Dr. Nancy T.
Pascual. The newly appointed
May 12, 2022
commissioner is not new to the field of
upholding excellence and development in
educational institutions. In fact, she
previously served as the Vice President of
Academic Affairs at the University of
Makati from 2005 to 2011 and briefly
served as VPAA, too, at the Pamantasan
ng Lungsod ng Marikina. She has a
doctorate degree in Education as well as
a master's degree in Education with a
specialization in Educational
Management. She also received a
National Scholarship from the Department
of Science and Technology to attend the
Baccalaureate Program in Physics for
Teachers at the Philippine Normal
University in collaboration with De La
Salle University, where she graduated
with Latin honors.
Furthermore, she has previously taught
Education, Research, Management,
Physics, and Mathematics at the
University of Makati, Philippine Normal
University, and Arellano University, as
well as the Graduate Scholars of Smart
Education Program. With all of her
accolades from and contributions to the
various institutions, most especially in
URS, it is needless to say that she can
also transfer her leadership, expertise and
professionalism as a newly-appointed
commissioner to the Commission on
Higher Education, in the pursuit of
bringing development to and ensuring the
quality standards of many centers of
learning in the country. She has proven
herself that she was and will always be a
beacon of URSian excellence. It might be
a new environment to her, but the URS,
as her home, knows and is confident that
she is capable of improving the quality of
the tertiary education programs as one of
the commissioners on a larger and wider
scale.
Indeed, her vast experience and
competence have brought a significant
impact to the entire URS community and
institutions she has served. It is evident
that skills wise, not to mention her
passionate heart, she is deserving to fill in
the shoes of former commissioners. And
as she steps on a new challenge, she is
ready to co-serve and contribute in
championing the welfare and advancing
the development of the students in our
nation.
4|Page
FEATURE
GAWAD PARANGAL 2022:
Recognizing URSA
Students’ Excellence
By AUBREY LYN YBAÑEZ
USSC invitation for Gawad Parangal 2022.
©URSA-USSC FB
Finally, a wonderful ceremony honoring
the university's pride was held. The
Supreme Student Council of the
University of Rizal System Angono
campus held a Facebook live event
entitled "Gawad Parangal 2022" on
March 28, 2022 with the theme:
"Celebrating the Excellence of Students
in Hard Times" to recognize university
students who have excelled in their
academics.
More than a month before the said
event was held, the search for those
qualified students started. Online
application with a set of qualifications
was the means of USSC to identify and
gather those outstanding students.
They have garnered 627 qualified
applicants for the academic excellence
award. During the event, Dr. Norma F.
Elviña, the campus director gave an
inspirational message. The awarding
started after her heartwarming
message for everyone. Academic
awardee from College of Arts and
letters was acknowledged followed by
the academic awardee from College of
Education. They’ve also acknowledged
the Top 10 students from each field.
There are also other awards, such as
the Scholastic Award Society, which
was given to outstanding students who
maintained grades of at least 1.9.
Special awards were also given to
selected students who demonstrated
exceptional commitment and
performance, including those who are
members of the USSC. Talented
students were also showcased during
the short breaks of the event.
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Students who were a part of this event
were so glad and proud that the
culmination of all of their hard work was
finally recognized. During the
pandemic, all of us dealt with a variety
of challenges, not only in school but
also in our daily lives. There are
numerous students who doubted if they
would ever survive in this new normal
mode of education, eventually a lot of
these students made it and were
acknowledged as one of those
outstanding students who manage to
make it and rise into difficult situations.
The event brings joy not just to the
students who received awards, but also
to their families and friends who were
able to watch the awarding ceremony
through Facebook live. It shows that
even though we are struggling on
various things in life, there are still some
things to celebrate.
FEELS GOOD TO BE
BACK: GABURSA 2021
BY RACHELE ANN S. MEMBREBE
Majestic. Zaena Kayla Ballestero (left) and
Mark Angelo Piol (right) strikes a pose as
the new king and queen of GABURSA
2021. ©USSC
GABURSA revealed the
unquestionably beautiful faces of URSA
students last November 29,
2021.Despite the fact that three years
have passed, the prestigious pageant
that showcased the beauty and wit of
URSA students continues to take place.
As they warmly welcome the 21
dazzling candidates, USSC proudly
presented the Ginoo at Binibining URS
Angono with the theme: " Flaunting
Beauty and Grace in the New Normal."
Gorgeous men and women
demonstrated how devoted and
prepared they are to participate in
URSA's most anticipated event.
May 12, 2022
Because of the pandemic, the
coronation night was aired live on the
University of Rizal System Student
Council's Facebook page. As we
embrace the new normal, no one can
halt the event. It's a fantastic
opportunity for the applicants to show
off their stunning looks and sharp wit.
Fellow URSA students expressed their
delight at witnessing the pageant; some
claimed they are all lovely and looked
well in various clothes. Carrying the
pride of several college departments,
they strolled across the stage, smiling
and radiating confidence. The nice
comments and feedback from them in
the comment box tells it all; it's a terrific
method to learn how this event became
so popular. Ms. Abigail Nichole
Florendo, Binibining URSA 2018, and
Mr. Christopher Martinez Desingco,
Ginoong URSA 2018, went across the
platform, proud and pleased. The
reigning Ginoo at Binibining URSA
2018 ultimately handed over the crown
to Ginoong Mark Angelo Piol, and
Binibining Zeana Kyla Vallestero, the
two new titleholders, who showed off
their obviously beautiful looks and how
bright they are at answering the
questions. It is true that pageants can
assist in teaching people how to be
confident in their own skin. Pageants
are not only about make-up and
hairstyles, but also about hard work and
dedication. Beauty is not necessarily
about the physical appearance that
draws attention; it may also be about
the personality that draws the heart.
If you want to be the next titleholder,
you should join this pageant that will
help you gain confidence and self-
esteem. "Who will be Binibining URSA's
next Ginoo?" sounds exciting, right?
ONE OF THE PIONEER AND
GREAT TEACHER WE KNOW
By: MARICRIS P. MANZANO
5|Page
FEATURE
With his solid twenty-two years of
experience as public-school teacher,
which 3 years were from the Private
school, 6 years and 1 month as
Master Teacher, he consistently
initiated and facilitated programs and
projects with the school level and
district level. He is Prof. Nelson B.
Sepato. He completed many courses
under his belt namely: Bachelor in
Broadcast Communication, Post
Baccalaureate in Teacher, Education
major in English, Master of Arts in
Education major in Educational
Management, Doctor of Philosphy
major in Educational Management
(on-going) V. Mapa High School,
Manila Secondary.
He served as a Department Program
Coordinator, teacher librarian,
LRMDS Coordinator, Liaison Officer
for Provincial teachers, Property
Custodian, Physical Facilities
Coordinator and Education
Management Information System
Coordinator. These positions and
notable careers only signify what he
is capable of in leading, mentoring
and coaching his colleagues,
coordinating with school heads and
senior leaders in the crafting and
implementation of the plan for
students’ and teachers’ improvement.
These initiatives led to the
development of supervisory and
managerial skills aimed at improving
the performance and competencies
of his colleagues. He was also a
Department Chairperson for six (6)
years and guided and mentored 8
teachers.
“My exposure equipped me with the
skills in providing technical
assistance on curriculum
implementation and professional
growth, leading the team in the
setting up of a healthy, conducive,
and caring environment to our
learners and school personnel,” said
Prof. Sepato.
Immediately after his appointment as
Master Teacher, he has served as as
an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in a
school designated after the
retirement of the principal. Being the
President of the Municipal Federation
of Public School Teachers in
Binangonan Sub-Office and Board
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Member in the Rizal Federation of
Public School Teachers paves the
way to becoming one of the members
of the Division Fact-finding
Committee and consequently a
member of the Formal Investigation
Committee which made him to be
more understanding, fair, just,
analytical, appreciative, critical
thinker, objective, truth-seeker, open-
minded, and broad-minded.
Moreover, he has served as a
Resource Speaker in some training
and seminars in the Division Level
and to the District Level as a
demonstration teacher, curriculum
writer, module evaluator, and guest
resource speaker in the training and
workshop for teachers and education
students from 2015 to present at the
University of Rizal System, and to
some public and private educational
institutions in Rizal. Those
experiences and opportunities
opened more doors in his career as
an educator. Wherein he also
became a facilitator in the division
and district seminar-workshop on the
Enhanced Master Teachers’
Development Program (MTPDP) and
very recently Regional Writer on the
Designing and Development of
Learning Resource Package for
Master Teachers Professional
Development Program 2.0 (MTPDP
2.0).
In terms of Research, he is an
advocate of research and innovation.
He collaborated with his colleagues in
conducting Action Research and
presented the outputs in the district,
division, regional, and international
research conferences. He has served
as the SEARCH Coordinator in our
school from 2013 to present and
consequently appointed as District
Research Chairperson/Focal Person
(DEAR) from 2015 to 2020 in which
he was able to mentor teachers who
have participated in the conduct of
different research conferences from
district level to international level.
Additionally, many teachers in the
district have presented their papers in
the Division, Regional, and
international Research Congress
under his supervision and mentorship
and have won awards and
May 12, 2022
recognition. His background in the
field of research could help research
enthusiasts to work on innovative,
progressive and timely research
materials.
In 2017, he was a finalist in
Guronasyon Search for Most
Outstanding Secondary School
Teacher in Rizal; Champion in the
District Guronasyon Search for Most
Outstanding Secondary School
Teacher, 3rd Place in the 2015 District
Guronasyon Search for Most
Outstanding Secondary School
Teacher. Additionally, he bagged the
Most Outstanding Officer-in-Charge
in the District Award during the
District PRAISE celebration in 2017;
and was recognized as one of the
Officers-in-Charge of Margarito A.
Duavit Integrated School in 2022,
Service Award in 2019, and several
awards as School Paper Adviser who
won in the different writing categories
during the conduct of Training of
Trainers for School Paper Advisers
from 2003 to 2016. He is currently
serving as Part-Time Instructor under
the College of Education of University
of Rizal System-Angono Campus.
The position provided him the
opportunity to mentor and guide
education major students with the
latest trends in education as well as
the new literacies across curriculum.
“My education and skills best define
me,” said Prof. Sepato.
Prof. Nelson is now currently
pursuing Doctor of Philosophy major
in Educational Management at
University of Rizal System-Morong,
He also completed Master of Arts in
Education major in Educational
Management at University of Rizal
System-Morong and Philippine
Normal University after finishing his
Post Baccalaureate degree in
Teacher Education major in English
(PBTE-English) and Bachelor in
Broadcast Communication both from
the Polytechnic University of the
Philippines (PUP-Manila).
Indeed, with his astounding career
and achievements, it is needless to
say that he has greatly influenced
many students and colleagues for a
long time in his service.
6|Page
EDITORIAL
CAND R CATALYST
Editorial Board
JAY L. CONDAT
Editor-in-Chief
JHONREY M. MOISES
Managing Editor
EDRICK V. MORANO
News Editor
RACHELE ANN S. MEMBREBE
Feature Editor
Writers:
AUBREY LYN YBANEZ
PAULA MAE M. VILLANUEVA
ASHLEY ANN O. HERNANDEZ
RACHELE ANN S. MEMBREBE
CHENEE R. CEBUJANO
KIMBERLY A. DEALAGDON
MARICRIS P. MANZANO
Photojournalist
CHENEE R. CEBUJANO
Cartoonist
JAY L. CONDAT
Layout Artist
CAROLINE JOY L. GERVACIO
A GLANCE BACK AT THE
STEEP MOUNTAIN:
CHUA’S ACHIEVEMENTS
IN URS
By Caroline Joy L. Gervacio
If you are a student of the University
of Rizal System today, you have
probably heard the name 'Jan Derek
L. Chua'. He is currently the first
Student Regent of the University who
came from Angono Campus, a rare
gem indeed, whose sparkle is pivotal
to the welfare of the whole URS
community.
A diligent student and an honorable
leader, Chua's life is showered with
achievements. His educational
background and accomplishments
speak for himself, not to mention a
soft heart and a lending hand that is
always ready to help. Now, let us take
a glance at the list of
accomplishments he has made over
the years now that he is about to
graduate. Chua graduated from
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elementary and junior high school
with honors. He is the class
salutatorian in senior high school and
was offered seven scholarships from
different universities but chose URS
Angono as his second home. In this
university, he flourished to be the
University of Rizal System Student
Federation Vice President for Internal
Affairs in 2018-2019, University of
Rizal System Student Federation
President in 2019-2021, and
University Supreme Student Council
(USSC) President - till this day. Aside
from academics, he is also involved
and passionate about the community,
having served as the Local Youth
Development Council Chairman for
Education in the municipality of
Angono Rizal, Provincial Youth
Development Council Chairman for
Education in the Province of Rizal,
and became the Treasurer of the
Philippine Association of Campus
Student Advisers (PACSA), Luzon
Chapter. He also conducted donation
drives for the Typhoon Ulysses and
Taal Volcano Eruption victims, he
also called for an academic break for
the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses,
and an academic break for All Souls
Day. Chua is indeed a teacher at
heart. He provided printed modules
for students, and conducted free
thesis printing for third-year and
graduating students. He
spearheaded the Gawad Parangal
URSA 2022 for the academic
excellence award, the scholastic
honor society, and special awards for
students with academic
achievements. He is invited as a
speaker in international, national,
regional, and local webinars,
recognized as the most outstanding
student leader and according to him,
his greatest achievement is to be the
very first Student Regent from the
University of Rizal System
Angono. He made a very glorious
path that he no doubt had a hard time
making. He sets the standard for the
next Student Regent and all students
as well. He is a reminder that through
hard work and perseverance,
anything is possible. Now that his
leadership is coming to an end, we
thank him for sharing his glow and
making this university shine like never
May 12, 2022
before. You brought honor to this
institution and your legacy will remain
rooted in URSA.
YOUR EDUCATION, YOUR
WAY!
By Maricris P. Manzano
The COVID-19 pandemic has
presented many challenges to
students that may affect their studies.
Some of the students are
experiencing difficulties adjusting to a
new normal setup that leads them to
have a mental health breakdown.
School is not only about academics; it
also involves social interaction. But
because of the pandemic, they need
to study at home. There are a lot of
challenges and struggles in online
classes which are faced both by
students and teachers. I can see that
procrastination is one of the issues
we can talk about. In a study by
Oxford Learning, it was found that
students who were procrastinating
could have a negative effect on their
classmates, their school, and even
their health.
Students who experience
procrastination may experience
serious issues like depression which
can affect their performance in school
and their personal lives. The students
are not able to complete their
activities or assignments due to a lack
of concentration. Because of this,
they will just scroll on their social
media accounts until they have
nothing to finish. We can also include
time management because, as we
experience online classes, there are
a lot of things we need to accomplish:
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EDITORIAL
household chores, schoolwork, and
work. That's why there's a struggle to
manage our time. One of the hardest
things I've experienced in an online
class is that we need to study by
ourselves and need to understand the
subject itself individually. With
distance learning, you're mostly left
alone and don't have the opportunity
to speak face-to-face with your
teacher or the students in your
classes since everything is done
through a screen.
I've always found that learning online
makes me struggle with time
management even more than
learning in the classroom. With online
learning, there are also other
obstacles, including a distracting
home environment or having no
access to comfortable study spaces.
There's also a solution if we are tired
of attending online classes. The
feeling of being isolated from both
your peers and your instructors can
lead to motivational issues; this is
why you need to find ways to stay
motivated. When you feel
disconnected from an assignment or
task, you may experience a lack of
motivation.
You may go over an assignment or
task that appears to be tedious at
times. Instead of having to put it off as
the days go by, contemplate how you
can make the assignment or task
more interesting. Using this system
involves you using your imagination
to skillfully modify the work you will
submit. Try to inflame your interest in
the task at hand. Along with the time
you set aside to complete
assignments, you also need to set
aside time to review the tasks for
each of your classes so that you can
create a weekly agenda in order to
avoid attaining poor results. I know
that we all have a different capacity to
learn. That is why some of us find
independent learning a difficult thing
to do. For many students, online
learning is merely a formality rather
than a genuine substitute for
traditional classroom instruction.
Some teachers only share material
with students and do not teach it.
There are students who learn quickly,
but some students can't even
CANDOR CATALYST
complete the assigned task; these
students aren't gaining real, long-
term knowledge. Some students do
not even have the equipment needed
to attend their online classes. They
don't have computers, phones, or
cameras. The number of these
devices in households is frequently
limited, and worst, they do not have
them at all, which can be very
inconvenient for online appointments,
classes, and meetings that occur
simultaneously. Also, some teachers
don’t consider the fact that during
online classes, the student may lose
the internet connection.
Unfortunately, if this occurs, the
student is graded based on the
number of questions answered and
recorded accordingly even before the
connection is lost.
Remember that people all over the
world are going through many of the
same things you are. Be patient and
compassionate, because like you,
there are many people out there who
are taking their time, trying their very
best to adjust to this phenomenon
called "new normal”
BACK IN THE
LIMELIGHT
By: Jay L. Condat
"A bend in the road is not the end of
the road… Unless you fail to make
the turn."
- Hellen Keller
This quote best describes how the
College of Education at the University
of Rizal System Angono Campus
thrived this academic year 2021–
2022. After being confronted by the
pandemic for two years, it is
incredibly hard to face the challenges
and uncertainties brought by an
unseen enemy. However, the college
remained unruffled and committed to
continuing to serve and champion the
welfare of its students first and above
all else. With fewer graduates in
recent years, it was evident that the
College of Education has lost its
luster. For instance, in 2020, the
college produced a low number of
graduates, with just 92 students who
May 12, 2022
received diplomas, 52 from the
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and
Restaurant Management, 37 from the
Bachelor of Secondary Education
major in MAPEH, and 3 from the
Bachelor of Secondary Education
major in English, as the lowest.
These figures were unusual for a
college where both students and
professors are held to rigorous
expectations. With the pandemic,
they found it quite difficult to solve
problems and improve their
mechanisms. This year, however, is a
completely different story for the
college, notably with the upcoming
graduation of fourth-year COE
students in mid-June. Prof. Celina B.
Cerda, dean of the College of
Education, proudly announced that
205 students will graduate this year.
75 are from the Bachelor of
Elementary Education, 53 from the
Bachelor of Secondary Education
major in Filipino, 45 from the Bachelor
of Science in Hospitality
Management, 30 from the Bachelor of
Secondary Education major in
English, and 2 from the Bachelor of
Science in Hotel and Restaurant
Management.
Truly, after two years of hard work,
these huge and overwhelming
numbers of graduates are what make
this year remarkable for all in the
College of Education, not to mention
its other achievements, one of which
is this year's LET Passers. After all
these years, the College of Education
has finally found its way back to the
forefront, especially now that there is
a Cum Laude and a Leadership
Awardee, along with the students
from the College of Arts and Letters.
Many students and professors are
delighted that their hard work and
determination are about to pay off.
Given all of the sacrifices they made,
it is a remarkable achievement for
everyone else in the College of
Education. And in the graduation
rites, their tears of exhaustion will
become tears of joy, pride, and glory
to all who have helped them on their
journey — their beloved professors,
fellow students, friends, families, and
the Almighty God.
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LITERARY
“ADVERSITY TO SUCCESS”
By: Ashley Ann O. Hernandez
It’s been two years since the most
devastating plot twist of our life
happened. A lot of changes occur,
such as mass gatherings, staying
outside as much as you like, getting
closer to someone, and even hugs
are advice to avoid doing while we
are still in the midst of the
pandemic. The educational system
and the mode of learning have also
changed, and everyone has no
choice but to adapt to this ‘New
Normal.’ But in line with this, the
students of the University of Rizal
System Angono Campus will have
the upcoming graduation rites of
batch 2021-2022, and they strive to
survive despite the challenges
faced by both teachers and the
students. What are the coping
mechanisms that the students and
teachers did to adapt to these new
changes? What impact did it have
on their mental health and financial
status? How did they achieve
success?
Many people died, including loved
ones, friends, and even the
person that we thought they didn't.
Most of those challenges that
everyone faces include daily living
expenses. This pandemic has
caused a lot of hardship physically
and mentally to the students and
teachers. Another educational
system has been implemented
which caused a lot of exhaustion
and confusion since most of us are
novice in this kind of system. That’s
why a lot of academic breaks
happen to help the students and
teachers to have time to rest, focus
on themselves and their family, as
well as to have time to accomplish
other tasks. Indeed, this pandemic
CANDOR CATALYST May 12, 2022
has a wide range of effects on the worked hard to be in their current
students and teachers. Some situation.
people were happy because they Surely all their hard work has paid
had more opportunities to spend off as they are now graduating to
time with their families, while others their dream profession. This is such
were worried and anxious about a great opportunity that we should
what was going on in the world. all celebrate and be proud of as
another group of professionals will
Students of the University of Rizal
shine as they have the name of the
System Angono campus
URSA who molds them and brings
demonstrate strong resilience and
out the best version of themselves,
coping mechanisms in this time of
and ready to fight the battle in the
pandemic. Behind every success is
working field.
the hardships and the breakdowns
moments of the students who are It's difficult to fight for something
battling to achieve their dream that we can't even see, nor touch,
profession. To make their dream or even hear. These successful and
possible, they gradually adapt to wonderful accomplishments of
this new mode of learning. URSA and the upcoming graduates
can serve as a role model and
They utilize everything they have,
motivation for us to work harder
despite the lack of gadgets and
until we achieve one of our goals: to
financial support for mobile data
graduate and use everything that
and internet connection, students
we have learned in the field.
still find ways to attend class and
Perhaps the lesson here is that "no
comply with every subject they
situation can break what we wanted
have. The school has also been a
to become." Life is full of
big help to the students’ success,
challenges that shape and
teachers have given them some
strengthen us. Congratulations to
extensions in finishing their
the entire class of 2021-2022; your
activities and most importantly have
dedication and hard work will surely
provided webinars such as
help URSA students to continue
“Kumusta ka? A Talk About Stress
fighting for their dreams while
and Coping in the New Normal” A
battling an enemy we cannot see
webinar to encourage the students
nor touch.
to continue. Also, the dialogue
series with Dean Celina B. Cerda of
the College of Education, assists SWEET VICTORY
the students in alleviating and By: Chenee Cebujano
Education paves the way to a brighter
resolving problems in class as well
future
as students' concerns.
A glue that joins our dreams like a
As a result of those sleepless suture
nights, pressured moments, efforts, A pathway to have a divine success
encouragement from family,
And smooth drive to our greatness.
friends, and the assistance of the
professors, URSA will now have
Taking each moment one breath away
another batch of the students to
As we worked on pandemic outbreaks
graduate - those students who
globally
9|Page
LITERARY
Life’s living is full of uncertainty
But remain determined daily.
Where there are dreams all the way
May you find, you’re calling in the
day.
Success, like happiness, is more than
a destination.
Every man is said to have his peculiar
ambition.
A light of academic excellence
And the backbone of inner resilience
Graduation day is the capstone of a
dream
And their hope will come as true it as
may be seemed.
And triumph held after periods of due
Realizing the glorious thrill come true
Today, everybody is wearing a toga
as a fulfillment
Coz’ they were triumphant and
resilient.
Con-GRAD-ulations!
By: Kimberly Dealagdon
Graduation is a once-in-a-
lifetime occasion. It is a moment
to be celebrated with family,
teachers, and peers. It is a
celebration that highlights not
only the achievements of
students but also the success of
the educational institution. For
two years, our recent graduates
have been denied this
opportunity due to the COVID-
19 pandemic. Cory Booker said
"Real bravery is clinging to a still
voice in your head that says, ‘I
must keep going." That voice
that says to you, "Get out of bed.
"Keep going. I will not quit.
The upcoming Commencement
Exercises for Batch 2022 will
honor graduates who have
CANDOR CATALYST
persevered through the years
where all kinds of challenges
were thrown in their way. The
faculty and staff at the University
of Rizal System Angono took
notice of their grit and marveled
at how they rose to
the challenge, and how they
overcome the barriers that put
them in the situation they can't
control. No one was left behind
in building their knowledge and
skills while
maintaining relationships. They
were diligent, focused, and
remained in overall good humor
despite these difficult times.
These students of batch 2022
are one of the most triumphant
and resilient group of students.
This batch has not only survived
the pandemic but has risen to
the occasion and made the
university proud. This proves the
students' resiliency and flexibility
when it comes to coping with the
challenges that are thrown at
them. They are dedicated in
achieving their goals, regardless
of the challenges they
experienced. Their coping skills
and resilience make them rise to
the top. This makes the URSA
community proud of them. The
class that is beyond
expectation.
After all, just like what
Paulo Coelho said "When you
want something, all the universe
conspires to help you achieve
it." This will serve as a reminder
for everyone that life may be
bumpy and a roller coaster ride,
you will still achieve it when you
focus on your goal and strive
harder. and now with the lifting
of restrictions, it is now possible
for parents to watch their
children receive their degrees
while beaming with pride.
May 12, 2022
Survived!
By: Aubrey Lyn Ybañez
These years gave us an awful
lesson
It taught us how freedom can be
hindered without being in prison.
The plague had begun and so is
the misery of man.
Everything happened in a month
and none of us had a plan.
The giants of education are not
an exception
Pandemic also gave its lesson.
It made everyone detach from
their habit
and try a new world inside the
hole of a rabbit.
Kudos! to the people in charge to
facilitate.
This institution was able to create
ways to thrive.
Education amidst crisis, Survived!
keeping the roots of knowledge
and morals alive.
Now, we have to commend the
giants that made it possible.
Because of them, we can now
harvest the fruits we planted long
ago
Their perseverance made us
reach our best.
It is now the time for the birds to
fly from their nest.
Despite the struggles that we
went through.
It's now the finishing ceremony
where dreams do come true.
It may be the last time we will
meet each other,
but the commencement will
remind us that as giants we are
brothers and sisters.
10 | P a g e
DEVELOPMENTAL COMMUNICATION
Here's to the
development of
URS - Angono
Campus!
BY JHON REY MOISES
Newly painted walls and
classrooms on the second floor
of URSA
"The physical environment
of the school speaks to the
contribution that safe,
clean, and comfortable
surroundings make to a
positive school climate in
which students can learn."
Some broken classroom
windows, rooms lacking
fans and lights, not-so-
clean facilities, and the
walls that have been long
since last painted were just
some of the issues that
needed to be given
CANDOR CATALYST
attention to at the URS -
Angono Campus before. It
must have been the lack of
opportunity that was
stopping the school
because of the ongoing
classes back then, but it
seemed that they took the
chance that the students
were on virtual learning to
address these problems.
Refurbished. Chairs and ceiling
fans inside the newly-painted
classroom in URSA
Last October 2021, the
URSA requested the
Provincial Government for
the immediate
rehabilitation of the campus
facilities, with the second
floor of the building as the
top priority. The
rehabilitation was finished
this February of 2022.
They fixed the ceilings and
re-painted the walls. The
May 12, 2022
classrooms all have sliding
windows, well-lit and well-
ventilated because of the
additional ceiling fans and
fluorescent light. They
repaired the green board
and whiteboard and put a
fire extinguisher in every
classroom in case of
emergency. And as part of
the preparation for the
possible limited in-person
classes, they are building
more sinks, particularly at
the entrance gate and on
the second floor, and
renovating the bathrooms
for boys and girls.
Some students of URSA
could not hide how
delighted they were with
these developments and
were very stoked to enjoy
them once the limited face-
to-face classes began. For
the future plans, Dr. Norma
F. Elviña, our Campus
Director, hoped the URSA
would be expanded or have
more area to add rooms
and accommodate more
students. Other than the
physical development, Dr.
Elviña also wished for the
professional development
of the faculty and staff. She
hoped to have more Doctor
of Philosophy (Ph. D), All
but Dissertation (ABD), or
any doctorate because the
academic ranks of the
faculty will help the
program.
11 | P a g e