𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐘𝐏𝐈: 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐲𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐲

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” But does it really make the fish foolish? Or just the judgement?

It is a conflict of a man versus himself once again for the Bicol University students as recent exchanges of hurtful words and ‘trashtalks’ were thrown–which only started with a humorous comment.

While the scorching heat among colleges and campuses intensifies and feels like a tight game in the finals, the temperature on social media platforms remains unfazed and cranks up to a whole new level, as they kick-off a heated discourse about forte and intelligence hierarchy. This is after a consecutive exchange of debates regarding the comparison among Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR) and other colleges and programs of Bicol University.

With the continuous spike of hate comments, especially in a Facebook group dubbed BU Student Forum and a subreddit, r/BicolUniversity, this situation became foul that deviates from the university’s vision to foster “productive scholarship, transformative leadership, collaborative service, and distinctive character.“

𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞

The Facebook group, composed mainly of BU students, sparked a series of dialogues containing different views and perspectives on status or dominance structure in their respective fields. Each person posted their concerns anonymously that heavily triggered discussions and installed a wall or barrier among students. This scenario has long been a social problem of ego conflict and social degradation.

Several people threw negative comments that came from that specific group and therefore continued in the comment sections.

"Wala kaming pakialam kung Topnotcher kayo. Hindi naman kayo nananalo sa amin ilang taon na.“ “Siyempre kayo nananalo, eh 'yan lang naman ang specialty course niyo, diba? Nakakahiya naman kung matalo pa kayo sa own game niyo.“ These were one of the most intriguing posts that ignited numerous debates and chaos. This also increased the tension within the online world, with students from different programs disputing the legitimacy of others’ claims while supporting their own.

Amid the mounting criticisms, some anonymous members of the page began to voice their strong defense of the institute. One person said that it was important to recognize that IPESR is still a part of Bicol University and its students are included in the BU Olympics, just like those from other campuses. The unnamed person also added that each campus has its own area of focus or specialty, and the institute happens to be centered on sports, which is why they succeed in that particular field.

“I don't get the hate the IPESR students are receiving right now. Yung isa sabi "BQ lang naman lahat ng nakakapasok diyan" and "Home of the Champions but never home of Achievers?" Excuse me? Marami na pong graduates and naproduce ang IPESR na competent P.E Teachers hindi lang sa region kundi sa buong Pilipinas,“ an anonymous person defended as they were attacked by hate speech.

Another student voiced out a concern and stated, “As a student athlete of AYPI (IPESR), reading those hate posts against IPESR makes me doubt myself even more.“ This student’s comment shed light on the emotional toll that the ridicule was taking and how it eroded their self-esteem, making them question their abilities.

While the online discourse continues to spiral, other students still value the reputation of the university and support the university’s goal in nurturing individuals who are not only academically competent but also respectful of one another’s differences.

“Can we please normalize having a harmonious year in BU without degrading other courses? All courses have a different struggle or pressure. You should help each other instead of competing with other people. Battle for your own growth not the growth of other people. LET'S SPREAD KINDNESSSS!“

𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The unending back-and-forth discussion became a breeding ground for personal attacks and unresolved problems. The comments often filled with mockery and sarcasm created an atmosphere of division rather than healthy conversations.

This is a reminder of a singular, narrow definition of intelligence wherein people mostly do not recognize other fields of study and view others through a lens of conventional markers of wisdom.

Through Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory, composed of at least eight intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. This knowledge will reconsider the assumptions, embrace the diversity, and highlight that a unique intelligence is just one facet of a much broader spectrum of humankind.

The idea that intelligence can only be measured through exams or competition fails to account for the many ways in which individuals excel. The varied intelligences present in the community must be acknowledged and respected by students if Bicol University is to fulfill its objective. Every program has intrinsic value, whether it be in engineering, sports, or the arts, and valuing these distinctive contributions helps foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

In this sense, diversity is not a barrier to unity, but the very foundation of it.

𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

As the debate rages on, the bickering over which course or program is “better,“ only serves to divide than to unite and undermines the very principles that BU stands for.

Rather than comparing and pitting these intelligences onto one another, the community should recognize the diverse talent each student brings to the table. Instead of fueling this toxic atmosphere of competition, BU students should choose to engage in uplifting their own colleagues.

At this premiere and multi-awarded university in Bicol, the goal is to create an environment where students—whether a champion athlete or a top academic performer—feel appreciated in their journey toward success, with the four pillars: leadership, scholarship, service, and character, guiding them toward a future of collaboration over competition.

What is needed from the situation is the understanding and acceptance of diversity in all forms–differences in degree program, achievements, and intelligence. At this point, the man versus himself conflict should be fixed as it will be a domino effect–stupid judgements make a stupid fish.