VALOR - PATTERNS
Patterns of thought, framed—whether defining, dissecting, or describing, each paper traces a path
to clarity.
A Shift to Equality: A Narrative of Cyclists Facing Road Superiority in the Philippines
By: Andrei John Solano, Dirk Ian Diamante, Liam Lael Ladores, Miguel Ryan Vengco, Slevin Ryje De Dios
Paddling along the streets should not be a battle for survival as every ride through Metro Manila felt like a battle. Cyclists like Miguel suffer from the harsh realities of road discrimination, hazards, and overlooked bike lane laws. Having bike lanes alone wasn’t enough, as more cyclists remained vulnerable on the road. The struggle for safety and equality became an urgent concern many cyclists couldn’t ignore.
GAMEbling: Analyzing the Ties Between the Philippine Government and Online Gambling
By: Nica Bangalan, Jeraldine Gusi, Jessica Jaime, Rhoanna Malabaguio, Patrichsia Mamaril
In the digital age where everything has been adapted to fit online accessibility and convenience, online gambling in the Philippines has driven economic growth and expansion, creating jobs for the people and generating revenue. Nevertheless, this accessibility attracts both experienced gamblers and novices with ease, providing opportunities for illegal activities such as money laundering, scams, failures in regulatory functions, and corruption.
Filipino Staple: Promised Affordability in Exchange for Poor Quality
By: Andre Lorenzo Santos, Carl Ivan Lladones, Daniela Eunice Castrodes, Krizzia Mae Raymundo, and Gabrielle Unarse
As Filipino citizens, raising their voices concerning the unfair exchange of hard-earned money for substandard products was a vital prowess to provide awareness towards the inflation that circulates within the country's economy. It is purported that low-quality food products may not be well for the citizens, given the inequitable rise in market values. This paper tackles the developmental rice programs and underlying predicaments that befall the agricultural sector of the country. It plays around with the Rice-For-All Program, launched as a follow-up to "Program 29" and offers alternatives, such as Sulit and Nutri Rice, which aims to allocate more affordable rice options to Filipinos.
Considered Aspects: Factors of the Immense HIV Cases in the Philippines
By: Sebastian Beau Pamintuan, Jan Mathieu Tagorio, Nona Mejia, Irish Trisha Zape, Eian Gabrielle Zingapan
An emerging epidemic fueled by behavioral, systemic, and social factors. The Philippines’ struggles to face and counter these challenges as HIV cases continue to surge at an alarming rate. Unsafe sexual practices, substance abuse, misconceptions along with societal stigma, and the inadequate knowledge of HIV heavily contributes to the rapid spread. Comprehensive sexual education, better government policies and advocacies, and improved health care of the Philippines that can curb this epidemic.
Caught in between, US or China: How Strategic Alliances from US or China can Propel the Philippines' Economic Growth
By: Karl Xyras Christian Barrantes, Amber Jillian Caras, Terence Dominic Nolasco, Azriel Wayne Omalza, Frances Jaela Palestroque
The Philippines stands at a crossroads, caught between fostering stronger ties with either the US or China. While the US offers a partnership on strengthening democracy, building defenses, trading ties and security, China fuels economic development through projects and economic expansion. Both alliances offer distinct paths of growth, but as a democratic nation, it is ultimately up to the Filipino people to decide the country's fate. Whether the nation’s future lies with the US or China, their choice will determine the direction of the country's economic growth and international alliances.
Rooted in the nation’s desire for economic stability and improved governance, the push for Charter Change, also known as Cha-Cha, emerges as a proposed solution. By opening the economy to foreign investors, advocates believe it can drive both growth and development. However, this shift may also strengthen political dynasties and reduce accountability within the government, potentially compromising national autonomy. Thus, while Cha-Cha offers economic potential, it demands careful consideration.
By: Quian Ayrand Fuertez,, John Arciel Magnaye
Refined Rules, New Realities : The Cause and Effect of Charter Change
Selling Fear: The Profitable Politics of Sinophobia in the Philippines
By: Ybarro Arone Pangilinan, Rosario Adel Santos
Political tensions and territorial disputes with China have sparked fear and resentment among Filipinos, escalating Sinophobia. As discrimination undermines diplomatic relations, the Philippines faces the threat of global isolation and growing internal divisions that erode its sovereignty and stability.
"Sa malulupig, 'di ka pasisiil". The lyrics of the Philippine national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, remain profoundly relevant as the country strives to uphold the rights of farmers and Indigenous People against the threat of land monopolization. A just and sustainable approach to land governance is essential, a way to address the pressing concern deeply rooted in historical injustices and perpetuated by economic and political interests.
By Therenz Estanislao, Michael Mayo, Andreia Basi, Lian Diez, Jennica Mogan
Sa Manlulupig, ‘Di Ka Pasisiil: Emancipating Filipinos From the Threat of Land Grabbing
Catholicism: The Repudiation of Progression
By: Jamilla Alincastre, Camille Cupalao, Emren Manalastas, Mackenzie Riguer, and Aice Rodriguez
With legacies of traditional values upheld through time and schools marked by excellence, Catholicism is integral to the growth of modern Philippine society. However, as conservative moral standards adapt to modern propositions and equally erudite secular institutions bring forth significant feats across various fields, the prevailing influence of Catholicism is challenged. In the uprising of contemporary conventions and scientific development, the advancement of the Philippine society necessitates recognizing and inhibiting the authoritative sway of Catholic beliefs and figures.