TSU - CCS The Browser

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | Extreme Heat Intensifies Across PH, Prompting Schools to Adapt

The heat index across the country has continued to climb this week, with Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reporting “danger” levels in numerous places due to the persistent high-pressure area conditions that have pushed heat index readings to 40°C to 42°C. The public is being advised nationwide to take precautions against heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly during peak hours, due to the rising temperatures.‎

Jorybelle Masallo of PAGASA-IAAS noted that the heat may continue to intensify in the coming weeks. According to a report from ABS-CBN News, she stated, “We expect that there will be areas where the heat index will continue to rise from April to May.”

The Department of Health has warned the public to stay hydrated, minimize sun exposure, and take precaution against heat-related illnesses.

In Tarlac City, the heat index reached 38°C based on the forecast of PAGASA - National Capital Region PRSD, falling into the “Extreme” caution category and prompting advisories from local government unit authorities. The local government also advised the public to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, avoid direct sunlight from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rest in cool or shaded areas, and limit vigorous outdoor activities. Children and elderly individuals were also emphasized as they tend to be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Within Tarlac State University, the rising temperatures have begun affecting students’ comfort and productivity. In response to the continuing rise in heat index level, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) issued Office Memorandum No. 23 dated March 30, allowing students to observe temporary adjustments in the prescribed school uniform until the remainder of the second semester.

In compliance with the memorandum, College of Computer Studies (CCS) Student Council implemented flexible dress arrangements to lessen heat discomfort, allowing students to wear red shirts, CCS Red Hawks shirts, official CCS organization shirts, and white shirts on designated days.

Students are urged to put their health and safety first as the institution keeps an eye on the situation for any changes, as PAGASA predicts prolonged high heat index readings in the upcoming weeks

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Written by Juliana Joves
Layout by Joseph Garcia

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 | CASHING OUT OF COURT

Money talks, but it also has the power to silence. In the case of the Epstein files, it is apparent that extreme wealth can drown out victim testimonies, deafening the justice system to the much louder influence of money.

Recently, the US Department of Justice started releasing more than three million pages worth of materials related to the convicted s*x offender Jeffrey Epstein. Referred to as the “Epstein Files”, the collection of documents, images, videos, and emails present incriminating evidence of its namesake criminal’s s*x trafficking rings. However, despite the extensive library of documented crimes, no one else has been charged. While law observers state that “cases aren’t built on documents”, their inaction fuels the belief that the law is not for the millions of masses, but for those who can afford to cash out of court.

The files were supposed to be for legal judgment, however its release persisted to be a stark reminder of how the powerful remains untouched. If the three million pages of documented crime aren’t sufficient enough to trigger a prosecution, the public is left to wonder what is the real barrier to justice: the perceived lack of evidence or the influential status of those involved.

Before being available to the public, the files already underwent heavy redactions, so much so that people joke the DOJ ran out of ink in the process, extending past their deadline for the release date. Even with that much filtering, media outlets still insist on censoring Epstein’s crimes. News reports use “young women” or “underaged” to refer to the victims when “children” would have been the correct term.

The use of elusive language here is harmful to the victims as it posits the idea that it would have been less serious of a crime to traffic them had they been older. This removes the focus from the fact that children were s*xually abused, and instead shifts the problem towards their age, making it seem like a pesky technicality. Moreover, as the media refuses to acknowledge the victims as “children”, this minimizes the weight of Epstein’s s*x offence, further dissociating him from the fact that he is a pe*****le.

Equally important was the mention of Filipinos in the Epstein files. An individual named Jun Lyn Fontanilla, along with her spouse, Jojo, was mentioned multiple times in the mail exchanges. In relation to this, her Facebook picture thread from 2010 resurfaced, depicting the couple with Jeffrey Epstein and referring to him as “boss”. They were also photographed with Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew, and Bill Clinton who were notable figures associated with Epstein. Other Filipino nationals include Mervin Dela Cruz, and a worker named “Tes”. All three expressed their gratitude for their employer’s apparent generosity, demonstrated by granting them a paid trip to and from the Philippines.

Not only that, but Epstein also hired a Philippine-based team to conceal his disgraced reputation online. The Filipino workers were tasked with softening the digital footprint of his crimes by cleaning up search results linking to his arrest, overwhelming the algorithm with positive and misleading content. Their services were reportedly underpaid—“insanely low”, even in Philippine industry standards.

These instances just further demonstrate how powerful money can be, especially for the citizens of capitalist countries like the Philippines. Even though these Filipinos were not directly involved in their employer’s evil wrongdoings, this doesn’t spare them from the fact that at some point in their employment, they defended their boss’s behavior. It doesn’t absolve them of the moral obligation especially since Epstein used them to his benefit.

Ultimately, the Epstein files reveal a judicial system where the truth is a currency many simply cannot afford to spend. When three million pages of evidence cannot secure a single prosecution beyond the original convict, when victims are systematically erased through redactions and euphemisms—the message to the public is clear: this is not justice. This is a system that protects the wealthy at the expense of the vulnerable. As long as the influential are allowed to use their billions to redact their crimes and rewrite their history, the legal system remains a pay-to-play arena—allowing the most dangerous among us to effectively cash out of court.

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Written by Jasmine Madronio
Layout by Joseph Garcia
Cartoon by Von Tanedo

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | TSU-CCS reps bag top awards at IRCITE 2026’s IT Marketing Challenge

Tarlac State University – College of Computer Studies (TSU-CCS) representatives secured top awards at the 2026 International Research Conference on Information Technology Education (IRCITE), held at Bulacan State University in Malolos, Bulacan, on March 19.

A Computer Science trio composed of Carl Lawrence Muldong, Chantelle Claveria, and Kharl Asuncion, under the guidance of their coach Karizza Felix, successfully presented their entry in the IT Marketing competition, earning them 1st Runner-Up honors.

Senator Jazzmine Faye Samson also contributed to the team’s project. However, she was unable to attend the presentation due to her responsibilities as a core member of the TSU Student Council.

Through their achievements, the CCS representatives showcased their creativity, skill, and excellence at this year’s IRCITE, further strengthening the college’s legacy of outstanding performance in the field of information technology.

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News by Hermie Sarceda
Layout by Gabriel Mendoza
Photos from Student Society on Information Technology Education (TSU Chapter)

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | TSU implements flexible learning modality amid upcoming nationwide transport strike

This afternoon, March 25, Tarlac State University’s Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (TSU-OVPAA) released a memorandum this afternoon, declaring a switch to flexible learning modalities is to be implemented for all undergraduate and graduate programs on March 26 and 27, Thursday and Friday.

Due to the expected nationwide transport strike on the aforementioned dates, respective college Deans, Associate Deans, and Department Head were advised to shift to either the online synchronous, or asynchronous approach.

It was explained that this shift is to ensure the continuity of learning and prevent any possible transportation issues the students and university staff may experience.

Considering this measure, the learners are to be given enough period for the accomplishment and submission of the academic requirement that should be given within the period.

Meanwhile, university offices will remain open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the cancellation of f2f classes.

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Report by Phoemela Sapasap
Layout by Joseph Garcia

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | TSU-CCS bound for IRCITE 2026 - Bulacan State University

Delegates from Tarlac State University - College of Computer Studies have set foot at this year’s International Research Conference on Information Technology Education, hosted by Bulacan State University - Malolos, Bulacan.

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Report by Hermie Sarceda
Photo from Ma'am Jo Anne Cura - SSITE Adviser

A fire broke out at TSU – San Isidro Campus earlier this morning

The fire reportedly started beside the CCS building, where a large amount of thick smoke quickly spread and covered a wide portion of the surrounding area, making the situation visible from different parts of the campus, causing concern among students, faculty, and staff who were present in the area at the time of the incident.

Shortly after the initial outbreak, the fire began moving toward the College of Architecture and Fine Arts, raising further alarm as the flames and smoke appeared to approach nearby structures within the campus grounds.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown as of this writing; however, emergency responders and local authorities are already on the scene and are actively working to contain and extinguish the fire to prevent it from spreading further.

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Photos from Raye De Guzman