The Philippine education system has faced criticism recently due to learning poverty and low proficiency levels among children, regardless of their social class, location, gender, home language, type of school, or early childhood education. This issue was highlighted in a report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II) titled “Miseducation: The Failed System of Philippine Education.” With this F mark, one might question if there is still hope for the Philippines, considering that “our best learners are comparable only to the average students in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei ..read more

Back in the day, March, April, and May were the ultimate months for Filipino kids—it meant summertime. No more school stress, no more fretting over grades; just pure, unadulterated fun under the blazing heat of the sun. And you know what else? It was prime time for one of Cebuanos’ favorite outdoor activities in the 80s: flying kites. However, recent changes in the Philippine school calendar, aligning with neighboring countries, shifted the academic year from starting in June (promulgated in R.A. No. 4116) to commencing in August and ending in June. This adjustment has elicited complaints due ..read more

The construction industry, widely acknowledged as a catalyst for global economic growth, confronts numerous challenges. In the Philippines, situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, these challenges are compounded by the frequent occurrence of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and typhoons. As technology continues to advance, so do the demands and complexities of engineering. This is why many engineers pursue advanced degrees such as master’s or doctorate programs. These higher degrees provide them with the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge, receive specialized skills training ..read more

Sure, you can talk all about those fancy restaurants and exquisite food you’ve had, but let’s be real—nothing hits the spot like slurping down a warm bowl of utan bisaya. It’s like a big hug from home—something that wraps you in comfort and nostalgia with every spoonful. Traditionally prepared with malunggay, squash, eggplant, gabi, okra, alugbati, and sikwa, this vegetable soup has been a beloved staple for generations among the people of Cebu.  It’s not just healthy—it’s also super affordable and easy to whip up with common ingredients, making it a go-to for lots of families. Here’s Ho ..read more

Taxes—while many find them complicated and maybe even boring—are crucial for economies, funding public services, and shaping fiscal policies. And for some reason, even though taxes can be tricky, there are those who love diving into the intricacies of this field. Meet this group of students from the University of San Carlos (USC). They recently made history as the first Filipino team to have won the championship in the Deloitte Southeast Asia Tax Challenge 2024, held on March 14–15 in Jakarta, Indonesia. These USC students Emerged as Winners in the Deloitte Southeast Asia Tax Challenge Team “H ..read more

Being the best school in the Philippines is great—but staying on top is even more challenging. Research shows that maintaining those high standards and continuously striving for improvement are crucial factors in learning and preserving leadership status in education. In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in comprehending the determinants of school effectiveness. As a result, independent metric-based rankings such as EduRank have emerged, leveraging data, scientific publications, and citations to discern the preeminent schools, not only within the nation but across Asia and glo ..read more

‘Asa ta?’ Guess it’s time to put an end to this age-old question. Whether you’re planning a cute date, hanging out with friends, or just chilling with family, here’s a fresh spot in Cebu City that’s worth checking out. It’s got a relaxed vibe, perfect for Instagram pics, and, of course, serves up the coffee fix you need to get through the day: The Coffee Bar. With so many coffee shops popping up around the corners of Cebu City, deciding on the ideal spot to get a sip of freshly brewed, high-quality coffee can be a bit of a challenge. Amidst this caffeinated landscape, The Coffee Bar distinguis ..read more

Music has always been a powerful means of communication. It has the ability to transcend language barriers—allowing people to connect and understand one another on a different kind of emotional level. Whether conveying joy, sorrow, or unity, music serves as a universal language that resonates across cultures, fostering a shared human experience. As such, can music ever be illegal? While music is a form of artistic expression protected by freedom of speech, certain legal considerations surround its use. For instance, copyright infringement, unauthorized use of intellectual property, or the cont ..read more

FREE Tuition Fee + Monthly Allowance of P2,500, Apply for VICSAL College Scholarship Program Now! “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This is a question often asked in grade school, sparking a kid’s dream of a better tomorrow, a brighter future. Yet, those dreams may seem far away for many of these students, prompted by the daily challenges of financial hardship. According to the Philippine Statistics Office, about 18.6% of Filipinos aged 5 to 24 are not going to school, mainly due to the high cost of education and financial problems. In the last school year, the dropout rate in colleg ..read more

There’s a trend going viral over TikTok right now: “When did you realize that your family is poor?” A simple question, yet it has gained massive responses because it cuts deep, making us reflect on life’s disparities. For some, it’s the stark contrast in school supplies or the struggle for basics. Others remember the whispered conversations about bills. Each response echoes the realities of life—that not all families are capable of living a comfortable life. In fact, in the survey conducted last year, around half of Filipino families still considered themselves poor despite the poverty rate dr ..read more