TCC Quill

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Education is, rightfully, recognized as a basic human right. Yet many people around the world continue to face barriers that not only prevent them from accessing quality learning opportunities but also discourage some from pursuing education altogether. Poverty, unequal systems, and unsafe or underdeveloped learning environments remain significant challenges. These barriers affect not only individuals but also the progress of entire communities, limiting opportunities for growth and development. When education remains out of reach, cycles of inequality are more likely to persist across generations.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. It aims to strengthen education systems so that they can meet the needs of every learner, especially those who would benefit most from additional support. More importantly, it highlights the idea that access to quality education should not depend on a person's background or circumstances. Education should be a fundamental right enjoyed by everyone, not just by a privileged few.

Improving education requires a shared effort among governments, communities, schools, and families. Governments must invest in effective and accessible education systems. Schools should provide safe and supportive environments where learners can grow and develop not only as students but also as individuals. Communities also play a significant role by encouraging learners to stay in school, complete their education, and pursue their goals despite the challenges they often face.

Education is more than preparation for a career; it is preparation for life. It shapes how people think, make decisions, and understand the world around them. Education provides individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to create positive change within their families and communities. When societies invest in quality education for all, they are investing in themselves and in a future that is brighter than they can imagine. When societies invest in quality education for all, they are investing in their own future—a future that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲?

What started as a humorous online skit has quickly become one of social media’s biggest trends. “Sharmaine” and “Melanie” are the now-viral names given to an orange and an avocado, respectively, sparking countless memes, jokes, and references across various platforms.

The trend can be traced back to content creator BAET, whose comedic fruit skits introduced the now-famous names. In the videos, fruits were given human names and personalities for comedic effect, with an orange being called Sharmaine and an avocado being called Melanie. The clips rapidly gained popularity online, inspiring recreations, parodies, and references from users across social media.

As the trend spread, more people joined in by assigning human names to everyday objects, food items, and even random household products. What began as a simple joke evolved into a shared online experience, highlighting the internet’s ability to transform ordinary ideas into widespread cultural phenomena.

Today, Sharmaine and Melanie have become more than just names—they have become symbols of one of the internet’s latest viral trends, showing how humor, creativity, and shared experiences can bring online communities together through a single joke.

By Gershea Torregosa
Graphic design by Dexter Siao

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬
by Claire May Oyan

TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental — The Student Body Organization (SBO) of the College of Education (CoEd) formally honored outgoing student leaders and welcomed newly elected officers during its Ceremonial Turnover of Leadership and Responsibility held on June 4, 2026, at the CCJPS 101 and 102 Multipurpose Room of Tagoloan Community College (TCC).

Anchored on the theme, “Honoring the Legacy: Empowering New Leadership in the College of Education,” the ceremony underscored the value of leadership continuity, service, and accountability within the academic community. The event gathered advisers, faculty members, student leaders, and guests to witness the formal transition of responsibilities for Academic Year 2026–2027.

The program opened with an invocation, followed by the Philippine National Anthem and the TCC Hymn. In her opening remarks, Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Maria Chrisandrea R. Lomoljo highlighted the importance of student leadership in fostering unity and service within the institution. College of Education Dean Dr. Frederick W. Gomez also encouraged the incoming officers to remain committed to their duties and to lead with integrity and purpose.

Messages of inspiration were delivered by Dr. Merilyn A. Tangon, Vice President for Administration, and Mr. Leoneil R. Sulapas, Dean of Student Affairs (DSA). Dr. Tangon emphasized that leadership must be demonstrated through action, stating, “When we say leadership, we don’t just utter or say it, but with our actions.” Mr. Sulapas, meanwhile, underscored the importance of character in leadership, noting that “Being a good leader doesn’t necessarily need a high intelligence, but with higher character and values.”

Faculty members and program heads also shared messages of encouragement for the newly elected officers. Among those who delivered inspirational remarks were Krisha Angela Omayao, PhD; Josie M. Sardido, PhD; Jo-Ann R. Hinosolango, MAED-TPE; Michael Vincent S. Casiño, MAED, MAED-ENG; Laugene Faith C. Amora, MAFIL; and Joresa Lim, LPT. Their messages reinforced the importance of integrity, dedication, and servant leadership in student governance.

A tribute video showcasing the achievements and contributions of outgoing officers was presented, allowing attendees to reflect on their dedication and impact throughout their term. The highlight of the ceremony was the official reading and recognition of the newly elected officers, followed by the formal turnover of responsibilities.

The ceremonial event concluded with a reaffirmation of the College of Education’s commitment to developing competent, responsible, and service-oriented student leaders who will continue to uphold the institution’s values and serve the student body with dedication and excellence.

Photos by Mavic Edorot

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲?

Health is one of those things that, fortunately, often goes unnoticed until circumstances change. From a simple illness to an infection that goes untreated, or even an underlying condition that is discovered too late due to inaccessible expert care, health becomes most visible when it is at risk. For many individuals and families, access to medical care is not a given but a blessing. For those affected, it forces a choice between basic needs and medical care—a choice that should never have to be made. This is why health is not just about medicine; it is a way of living, a form of social interaction, and a foundation of social security.

Global health has improved over time and continues to advance with each passing day. Child survival rates continue to rise due to developments in medicine, while public health services help reduce the spread of preventable diseases through early detection and the distribution of vaccines. This shows that progress is possible when health is treated as a priority rather than a luxury or an afterthought. Good health within populations serves as a gateway to stronger communities. It improves mental well-being, supports learning and productivity, and enables people to contribute more effectively to society.

Unfortunately, as is true with many things, equality in health remains more of an aspiration than a reality. Many people continue to struggle to access medical care, including basic preventive services, healthcare treatments, and even essential medicines. In some places, health facilities are distant, insufficient, or sometimes nonexistent. For others, the challenge is not the lack of available services but the lack of financial resources to access them. Recent global health emergencies have also exposed major weaknesses in healthcare systems—weaknesses that continue to limit access to care for vulnerable communities.

This is why Sustainable Development Goal 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. The goal recognizes that good health depends not only on healthcare services but also on the conditions in which people live. Access to nutritious food, clean water, and proper sanitation, along with quality education that helps people understand how to prevent diseases, all contribute to a person's health and well-being. Providing a safe environment is equally important. Achieving this goal means creating opportunities for everyone to receive the care and support they need, regardless of their situation or circumstances—a fundamental right that every person deserves.

Improving community health requires shared responsibility. Not only governments, institutions, and healthcare workers, but also individuals have a role in promoting and improving access to healthcare. Through cooperation within communities, solutions can be created in a more equitable way—by the people and for the people.

A healthier future begins when health is treated as a basic human right rather than a luxury reserved for the fortunate. When people can access the care they need in a truly equitable way, free from discrimination and exclusion—especially exclusion caused by financial hardship—communities become stronger. And strong communities are the foundation of individual prosperity.

𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐥

Dalawang simpleng kataga, ngunit para sa marami, isa itong kalayaang matagal na ipinagkait at patuloy na ipinaglalaban.

Sa mundong madalas magtakda ng hangganan kung sino ang karapat-dapat mahalin at kung paano dapat ipahayag ang pagmamahal, ang malayang pagmamahal ay nagiging isang tahimik ngunit makapangyarihang anyo ng paglaya—paglaya mula sa takot, panghuhusga, at mga pamantayang nagkukulong sa tunay na pagkatao.

Ang magmahal nang malaya ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagpili ng taong mamahalin, kundi higit sa lahat, ito ay ang tapang na yakapin ang sarili, igalang ang sariling identidad, at mamuhay nang tapat sa katotohanan ng sariling puso—kahit sa gitna ng hindi pagkakaunawaan at pagtutol ng iba.

Ngayong Pride Month, ipinapaalala sa atin na ang pagmamahal ay hindi dapat sinusukat, nililimitahan, o pinagkakaitan. Sapagkat sa isang mundong may puwang para sa lahat, ang bawat isa ay may karapatang magmahal at mahalin nang malaya—dahil ang pag-ibig ay hindi kailanman isang pribilehiyo lamang ng iilan, kundi ito ay karapatan ng lahat.

Salita ni Hanna Baylin
Likha ni Cashzandra Gumba at Dexter Siao

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬?

In a world capable of producing enough food to feed every person, the persistence of hunger remains one of humanity’s greatest contradictions. Fields continue to yield harvests, markets remain stocked, and technology advances at an unprecedented pace. Yet millions still struggle to secure their next meal. Hunger today is no longer merely a problem of food production. It is a problem of access, inequality, and collective will.

The image of a child clutching a piece of bread is more than a symbol of poverty. It is a reflection of systemic failures that deny individuals their most basic human right: the right to food. Behind every hungry child is a story of economic hardship, displacement, unemployment, conflict, climate-related disasters, or social neglect. Hunger strips people of dignity, weakens communities, and limits the potential of future generations long before they have the chance to dream.

Food insecurity extends far beyond an empty stomach. Children who lack proper nutrition often face stunted physical growth, weakened immune systems, and reduced academic performance. Families forced to choose between food and other necessities become trapped in cycles of poverty that can persist for generations. When hunger persists, development slows, opportunities disappear, and entire communities are left behind.

The challenge becomes even more urgent in times of crisis. Natural disasters, economic downturns, and public emergencies can quickly disrupt food supply chains and livelihoods, pushing vulnerable families deeper into hardship. This reality underscores the importance of preparedness, effective relief systems, and responsive governance. Food assistance should not be viewed as charity. It should be recognized as an investment in human survival and social stability.

Achieving food security also requires strengthening the systems that sustain it. Farmers remain at the heart of this effort. Supporting climate-resilient agriculture, improving access to resources and technology, protecting agricultural lands, and ensuring fair opportunities for producers are essential steps toward building a future where food remains accessible despite growing environmental challenges. Sustainable agriculture is not simply an environmental concern. It is a social and economic necessity.

Governments and institutions cannot carry this responsibility alone. Communities, schools, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. Reducing food waste, supporting local farmers, advocating for stronger food programs, and participating in community initiatives are actions that contribute to a broader culture of food security. Ending hunger demands not only sound policies but also compassion translated into action.

The vision of a hunger-free world is neither unrealistic nor unattainable. What stands in the way is not the absence of resources, but the absence of urgency. Every child deserves nourishment, every family deserves food security, and every community deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Until no one is forced to wonder where their next meal will come from, the fight against hunger remains unfinished. The measure of a society is not found in the abundance it creates, but in whether that abundance reaches those who need it most. Hunger is not inevitable. It is a challenge that can be solved if the world chooses to act.

This Pride Month, we recognize and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the right of every individual to be respected and valued for who they are. Beyond the colors and celebrations, this month honors the history, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community in its continuing pursuit toward acceptance and equality.

We are called to practice understanding and empathy in how we treat one another, regardless of background or identity. May this observance encourage us to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and accepted—not just in words, but in action.

Let us continue building a community where differences are valued, voices are heard, and every individual is given a true sense of belonging.

by Hanna Baylin
Graphic design by Dexter Siao

Warmest Birthday Greetings to Our Dedicated Senior Staff Writer, Claire May Oyan!

Your passion for storytelling, creativity, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire the entire publication staff. Through your words and hard work, you bring stories to life and help strengthen our publication with every article you write.

May this new chapter of your life bring you success, growth, and more opportunities to shine both in journalism and beyond.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬?

Poverty is more than the absence of money. It is the absence of opportunities, security, and hope. It deprives individuals and families of access to quality education, healthcare, decent work, and a dignified life. Despite global progress over the years, poverty remains a persistent challenge, especially among communities vulnerable to disasters, economic instability, and social inequality.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1, No Poverty, calls for collective action to ensure that no one is left behind. Achieving this goal requires more than temporary assistance; it demands long-term solutions that empower people to become self-sufficient. Access to financial services, social protection programs, livelihood opportunities, and disaster-resilient development initiatives can help break the cycle of poverty that traps generations.

Ending poverty is not solely the responsibility of governments and institutions. It is a shared commitment that requires compassion, inclusivity, and active participation from every sector of society. Every effort to create opportunities, support vulnerable communities, and promote equitable development brings us closer to a future where every individual can live with dignity and security.

A world free from poverty is not an impossible dream. It is a responsibility that begins with recognizing that every person deserves the chance to thrive.

𝟏𝟕 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤

What good is economic progress if millions still go to bed hungry? What value does innovation hold if entire communities remain trapped in poverty? And what kind of future are we building if development today comes at the expense of generations yet to come?

These are not distant questions reserved for world leaders gathered in international summits. They are questions that concern every student sitting in a classroom, every worker striving to make ends meet, every family hoping for a better tomorrow, and every citizen who dreams of living in a fairer and more sustainable world.

More than a decade ago, the international community made an ambitious promise through the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a promise to confront the challenges that continue to divide societies and threaten humanity’s future. It was a declaration that poverty should not define a person’s destiny, that quality education should not be a privilege enjoyed by a few, and that prosperity should never come at the cost of the environment.

Yet today, despite remarkable advancements in technology, communication, and economic development, many of the world’s most pressing problems remain painfully familiar. Families continue to struggle with rising costs of living. Communities face the devastating effects of climate-related disasters. Inequality persists in many forms, limiting opportunities for countless individuals simply because of where they were born or the circumstances they inherited.

This reality reminds us that development cannot be measured solely by infrastructure, statistics, or economic indicators. True progress is reflected in the lives of people—in whether children have access to education, whether communities are safe and resilient, whether opportunities are accessible to all, and whether future generations will inherit a planet capable of sustaining life and prosperity.

The Sustainable Development Goals challenge us to look beyond ourselves and recognize that the world’s problems are deeply interconnected. Hunger is linked to poverty. Poverty is linked to education. Education is linked to opportunity. Opportunity is linked to equality. And all of these are connected to the health of the environment that sustains us. Ignoring one issue inevitably affects the others.

What makes the SDGs remarkable is that they are not merely a government agenda. They are a shared responsibility. Their success does not rest solely in the hands of policymakers or international organizations. It depends on the everyday decisions made by ordinary people—the choices to be informed, to participate, to care, and to act.

For young people, this responsibility carries even greater significance. The year 2030 is no longer a distant milestone. It is a future rapidly approaching, and today’s youth will be the ones who inherit its outcomes. Whether that future is marked by greater opportunity or deeper challenges depends largely on the actions taken today.

Educational institutions therefore hold a critical role in this global mission. Beyond producing graduates, schools must cultivate individuals who understand that learning is not only about personal success but also about contributing to society. Knowledge becomes meaningful when it is used to solve problems, uplift communities, and create positive change.

The Sustainable Development Goals ultimately represent something larger than policy frameworks and international agreements. They represent hope—the belief that humanity is capable of choosing cooperation over division, sustainability over exploitation, and compassion over indifference.

But hope alone is not enough.

The real measure of our commitment to the SDGs will not be found in speeches, documents, or declarations. It will be found in our willingness to turn ideals into action. Because the greatest threat to sustainable development is not a lack of solutions—it is the belief that someone else will solve the problem for us.

The world has already made its promise. The question now is whether we are willing to keep it.

—30—
Layout by Dexter Siao