THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2021-2022 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (ISSUE NO. 2 & 3)

VOLUME XCIII / NO. 2 · DECEMBER 25, 2021 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

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NEWS

ACTING NEWS EDITOR: JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

UST Paskuhan raises over P233K as Rector urges Thomasians to help ‘Odette’ victims THE UNIVERSITY’S first live Paskuhan concert amid the Covid-19 pandemic raised over P233,123 for partner communities and victims of Typhoon “Odette,” which caused widespread damage in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

During his Paskuhan Mass homily, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said the University intentionally toned down the campus’ Christmas lights and decorations to sympathize with Filipinos affected by the typhoon.

“Now, one of the major attractions through the years has been the Paskuhan lights and decorations, which we intentionally toned down and made simpler… After all, sparkle and glitter are not the main event— maraming nawalan ng trabaho, marami din ang nawala,” Ang said.

Ang encouraged the Thomasian community to be “Christmas pilgrims” and send aid to people affected by “Odette.”

“This Christmas, make a journey to our beloved campus for spiritual reasons. Light a candle and say a little prayer for the world, for, perhaps, the victims of the typhoon,” he said.

The concert featured live performances by Mayonnaise, Nobita, and Orange & Lemons. The concert was held at the Quadricentennial Pavilion and broadcast live through the UST Tiger TV Facebook page.

The Thomasian gaming community also mounted the Paskuhan: Bayanihan Cup, an eSports tournament, which raised over P30,000 funds for partner communities in Nueva Ecija and Rizal.

This year’s Paskuhan celebrations had the theme, “The Pilgrimage: Our Road through Trials, Our Road to Triumph.” J.B. ANGCO AND J.B. LIM

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Now, one of the major attractions through the years has been the Paskuhan lights and decorations, which we intentionally toned down and made simpler… After all, sparkle and glitter are not the main event—maraming nawalan ng trabaho, marami din ang nawala

Accountancy transfers to Albertus Magnus

By John Ezekiel J. Hirro and Laurd Menhard B. Salen

AFTER 15 years at the UST multi-deck carpark building, the UST Alfredo M. Velayo (AMV) College of Accountancy transferred to the Albertus Magnus Building on Dec. 1.

The UST AMV College of Accountancy had been housed at the carpark since 2006.

According to the assistant dean, Asst. Prof.

Christine Alday, the construction integrity of the carpark building prompted the transfer of the college.

“We transferred to the Albertus Magnus Building because it is safer than the Multideck Parking Building,” Alday told the Varsitarian.

Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., regent of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA), said the fourth floor of the carpark building would be used by the University’s basketball and volleyball teams for their inhouse “bubble” training.

Safety concerns

Albert Cruz, chair of the accountancy program,

said it was “unsafe” for the college to remain at the carpark, given its population.

“We transferred to Albertus Magnus Building mainly because of the safety of the carpark building. Apparently, it is unsafe for the college with a 4,000-5,000 population to remain on the premises because of the construction integrity,” he told the Varsitarian.

Alday said the carpark building was never supposed to house students.

The fourth floor of the carpark was constructed when Accountancy separated from the College of Commerce in 2004.

In 2018, when a vehicle short-circuited and caught fire in the carpark building, Lester Toribio, an incident commander, raised concerns over the safety of the building, which was built by a private contractor, Selegna Holdings, under a build-operate-transfer deal.

“The carpark building is the weakest building in the entire UST campus. UnACCOUNTANCY PAGE 9

Fr. Richard Ang RECTOR OF UST

WITH REPORTS FROM FAITH RAGASA

► OPM bands Mayonnaise (top) and Orange

& Lemons (bottom) perform during the Paskuhan 2021 concert, which was held at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.—PHOTOS BY JOSELLE MARIE B. REYES/ THE VARSITARIAN

UsapangUste

UST is Pacucoa’s top university for 11th straight year FOR THE 11th straight year, the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (Pacucoa) has named UST as the No. 1 university in terms of accredited programs.

Pacucoa has accredited 59 programs of UST, data from the accrediting agency showed.

Over the past year, 11 new UST programs were accredited

by Pacucoa.

UST recorded the highest number of Level 4 accredited programs in the Philippines with 26. Level 4 is the highest in the five-level accreditation system of Pacucoa.

Eleven programs were granted Level 3 accreditation, while two were listed under Level 2.

The University was also cited for being a finalist in the 2021 Gawad Edukampyon Awards under the excellence in

Pagsauli ng mga gusali, simbolo ng mapagpalayang Pasko mula sa ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig

flexible learning and responsive management category.

The University of Mindanao had the second highest number of Pacucoa-accredited programs with 45.

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta- Las Pinas (38), University of Batangas (37), and the Lyceum UniversityBatangas (36) completed the top five.

The awarding ceremony was held on Dec. 7 via Zoom.

Pacucoa’s criteria for accreditation include teaching and learning outcomes, research productivity, community service, linkages and consortia, career planning and student development, and planning process.

UST has been cited for having the most number of Pacucoa-accredited programs in the country since 2013.

JOANNE CHRISTINE P. RAMOS

SAKSI na ang Unibersidad sa bawat mahalagang pangyayari sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa, magmula sa panahon na sinakop ng mga Kastila ang Filipinas hanggang sa madugong panahon ng pananakop ng mga Hapon.

Inokupa sa panahong ito ang mga gusali ng Unibersidad bilang bilangguan hanggang sa mapalaya ito pagkatapos ng digmaan.

Ngunit kailan nga ba naibalik

dibuho ni jerome carlo d. macanaya

sa administrasyon ng Unibersidad ang mga gusali nito?

Naging malaya ang Maynila at ang Unibersidad mula sa mga Hapon noong Pebrero ng 1945 at Disyembre ng nasabing taon.

Mag-papasko nang tuluyang ibinalik ng hukbo ng Estados Unidos ang mga gusali ng UST sa administrasyon ng Unibersidad.

USAPANG USTE PAHINA 7

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THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

NEWS CSC tells Thomasians: Don’t vote for thieves, fraudsters, turncoats THE UST Central Student Council (CSC) and college student councils urged Thomasians not to settle for the “lesser evil” in the 2022 elections, and instead “unite for the common good.”

In a statement on Nov. 15, student leaders listed the types of candidates to be avoided, stopping short of naming names.

Thomasians, they said, should not vote for the following:

a ; f e i h t a d u a rf o h w d a h d e k a f l ; o hs t c n e m u c o d a ; c i b ro eh p m c a e r p a l ;c ti a o l np r u t a ; d r a w o c a t p u r ;o n c s r e p a r o t i a r t o e h ; t yr n u o c a tep u fo eh t Due tr ;noita r sinamd tna vres f o n ta s ; i l y r t ne up om i c a x a; t r e d a v en a n a - i t n a r o. e p t a d i n a c

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UST GenSan main bldg topped off, set to finish construction by 2023

► The UST General Santos main building is topped off on Dec. 4. UST GenSan is the first UST campus outside Luzon.—PHOTO FROM UST FMO DIRECTOR FR. DEXTER AUSTRIA, O.P.

The CSC said voting for these candidates would go against the three core values of Thomasians — compassion, commitment, and competence.

In the same statement, UST student leaders urged Congress to impose stricter rules on the substitution of candidates, which, they said, were being used for “selfish political strategies” and in bastardizing the Philippine electoral process.

“We call on the patriotic, mass-oriented legislators in Congress to amend the current Omnibus Election Code, specifically the bounds of substitution, and on the Commission on Elections to faithfully promulgate and implement its rules and regulations for free, fair and honest elections as to never allow this mockery of Philippine democracy and constitution to ever happen again,” the statement read.

Under Article 9, Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code, substitutions are allowed in case “an official candidate of a registered or accredited political party dies, withdraws or is DON’T VOTE FOR THIEVES PAGE 9

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THE UST General Santos (GenSan) main building, the first edifice in the 76.78-hectare Mindanao campus, is expected to be completed in 2023, University officials said during the building’s topping off ceremony on Saturday.

The topping off rites were attended by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Facilities and Management Office (FMO) director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P, GenSan City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, and Abelardo Tolentino Jr., architect of the UST GenSan main building.

The six-story building will house four units: the School of Business and Accountancy, the School of Health Sciences, the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Technology.

UST GENSAN PAGE 10

THE ENRICHED virtual mode (EVM) will remain the primary mode of instructional delivery for all programs in UST even as the University prepares to expand limited face-toface (F2F) classes to non-health programs, the Office of the Secretary General said.

In a memorandum dated Nov. 24, UST Secretary General Louie Coronel said only selected programs would have limited in-campus classes. “(Limited F2F) shall only be considered for learning competencies or learning outcomes that cannot be effectively achieved using EVM,” the memorandum read.

EVM, which makes use of synchronous and asynchronous learning strategies using the UST Cloud Campus and other platforms, was introduced in the first term of Academic Year 2020 to 2021.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof.

Cheryl Peralta and Coronel earlier told the Varsitarian that the University would prioritize programs that require hands-on experience in the expansion of limited F2F classes.

ENRICHED VIRTUAL MODE PAGE 6

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► Aerial perspective of the UST General Santos campus: The 76.78-hectare cam-

pus in Brgy. Ligaya, General Santos City is expected to house 15,000 students.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2021 LICENSURE EXAMS

College of Nursing extends perfect nursing board exam streak

By Laurd Menhard B. Salen

‘Enriched virtual mode’ still main learning strategy

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UST recorded a 100-percent passing rate in the November 2021 licensure examinations for nurses, marking the seventh consecutive time the University was spotless in the nursing board exams.

The University was named the No. 1 top-performing school in the November 2021 examinations with all 58 Thomasians making the cut. Three Thomasians made it to the top 10.

Margaret Lucas Sta. Maria led the fresh batch of Thomasian nurs-

es with a score of 87.80 percent, sharing the fourth spot with five other examinees.

Also in the top 10 were Thomasians Anneka Marjan Halum Goingo, who ranked seventh with an 87.20-percent mark, and Graciele Adelfina Zaraspe Averia, who placed ninth with a score of 86.80 percent.

Kiarra Belle Arante Poblador of the Siliman University in Negros Oriental is this year’s topnotcher, scoring 89.40 percent.

The University’s five-year streak of being the top-performing

nursing school in the Philippines was snapped in July 2021 due to low examinee turnout. It has however maintained its immaculate streak for the seventh straight nursing board exam cycle.

The national passing rate in the November 2021 licensure examinations for nurses slid to 51.45 percent or 6,086 passers out of 11,828 examinees, from July 2021’s 64.65 percent or 5,008 out of 7,746 examinees.

The November 2021 licensure examinations were held from Nov. 21 to 22.

UST dominates OT, PT board exams A THOMASIAN topped the December 2021 occupational therapy (OT) licensure examinations, while the University was named the No. 1 top-performing school in the physical therapy (PT) licensure examinations.

Maria Regina Cerezo topped the OT board exams with a score of 85.40 percent.

She was joined in the top 10

by Thomasians Andryella Maxie Ibarra (No. 2, 85.20), Nadia Isabel Trajano (No. 3, 84.60), Kenneth Sacro Porlucas (No. 5, 84.20), Prin-

cess Madarang (No. 6, 84.00), Carl Simon Concepcion No. 7, 83.60), John Ephraim Alviz (No. 8, 83.20), Chiara Betina Cabildo (No. 8, 83.20), Lindsey Monique Gaela (No. 8, 83.20), Roxanne Sabido (No. 8, 83.20), Kimberly Kiang (No. 10, 83.00), and Glenn Regondola, Jr. (No. 10, 83.00).

UST was the No. 3 topperforming school in the OT board, recording an 88.9-percent passing rate or 48 out of 54 examinees. UST posted a 100-percent passing rate in the February 2020 OT board

exams.

The takers of the OT exams doubled, from 216 examinees in 2020 to 400 this year. The passing rate slid to 70.75 percent from 2020’s 73.61 percent.

The University meanwhile maintained its perfect passing rate in the PT exams, with all 40 of its examinees making the cut.

Thomasian Andrea Joyce Ansong led the new batch of Thomasian physical therapists with a score of 87.30 percent, placing 10th nationwide.

Jasmine Lianne Esguerra of the Our Lady of Fatima University – Antipolo City topped this year’s PT board exams with a score of 90.40 percent.

The University of the Philippines – Manila also recorded a perfect passing rate in the OT board exams to tie with UST at No. 1.

The national passing rate in the physical therapy board exams rose to 68.97 percent, or 978 out of 1,418 examinees, from 2020’s 61.0 percent, or 729 out of 1,195 examinees. JAMILAH ANGCO

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

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SPECIAL REPORTS

EDITOR: AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

TOMSPEAK

Dorms, condos around UST cut rates, prepare for resumption of F2F classes

What do Thomasians wish for this Christmas?

By Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad and John Aaron C. Pangilinan

I wish for the graduating batch to pass their thesis subjects! I also wish for safety and good health among my friends and family and also, I wish that those who didn’t get to spend time with their friends or loved ones will be able to have a grand time celebrating and creating new memories next year.—Kristal Nocos, College of Fine Arts and Design I wish to graduate and maintain my good grades in 2022. I also wish to have a successful thesis defense. I wish that my family and friends are all safe and healthy. Hopefully, Covid cases and restrictions continue to decline, to let us spend more time face to face with our loved ones in the coming year.—Kim Julianne Co, College of Commerce I want to achieve my goals and find success in everything I do.

I know I may encounter challenges as I work hard; I wish to be patient and motivated to learn more and yearn for growth this coming new year.

—Gwyneth Faith Ty, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management I wish that 2022 will be the year I stop filling myself up with doubts and uncertainties. I also wish to not regret taking every chance or opportunity that may come for me. If fear and regret would cheat me out of the best thing that’s out there for me next year, I would be robbing myself of one of the best things that may happen in my life, and I just wish that won’t happen to me or people closer to me as we hop on to a new chapter of our lives.

—Maria Juvice Buñag, Faculty of Arts and Letters

► The skyline along España is seen from the UST parade grounds—PHOTO BY MARVIN JOHN F. UY/ THE VARSITARIAN

AFTER tenants left en masse due to lockdowns in 2020, dormitories and condominiums around UST are preparing for the return of students as the return of face-to-face classes (F2F), albeit at limited capacity, looms.

The One Santo Tomas has cut its rates due to the low number of tenants. “‘Yong rate namin before the pandemic sa isang 14 square meters na unit ay P13,000 per month.

Ngayon, ang ino-offer namin ay P10,000 at negotiable pa siya,” Monneth Sandicon, assistant property manager at The One Santo Tomas, told the Varsitarian.

North Forbes Place Dormitory, located on Dapitan Street near UST Hospital, is also offering discounts amid the pandemic, with additional price cuts for vaccinated tenants.

Pacific Suites on Dapitan Street is giving discounts of up to 20 percent for tenants renting for at least seven months.

Athena Ladies Dorm on Dos Castillas Street is also offering “pandemic promos.”

“The rate before was P5,500 per student per month but during the pandemic, we gave a discount on a case-to-case basis depending on length of stay and number of persons per room,” Dr. Ruth Ang, Athena Ladies Dorm president and a UST alumna, said.

Gloda Building slashed rates by about half, particularly for

Thomasian student-athletes who stayed despite the suspension of F2F classes.

Rates at the Holy Spirit Ladies Dormitory near UST Gate 7 remained the same as two years ago, but the dormitory allowed occupants to leave their belongings in their rooms without requiring any payment.

“They went out pero ni-reserve pa rin nila ‘yung kuwarto nila. [...] In fact, they left some of their things behind in their rooms. [...]

We don’t charge them,” dormitory administrator Salome Ancille said.

Prices and discounts varied depending on rates set by unit owners in condominiums like DORMS PAGE 13

Filipinos urged to judge credentials, not survey results, in picking 2022 bets

By Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa and John Aaron C. Pangilinan

PROFESSORS from the UST Department of Political Science said Filipinos should gauge the competence of bets in the 2022 elections through their credentials, not their performance in surveys.

Asst. Prof. Dennis Coronacion, chair of the UST Political Science Department, said surveys should not be the only basis for whom to vote for.

“Surveys are not 100-percent accurate. They were created by mathematicians and social scientists in order for us to measure, to get some degree of certainty in the world of uncertainty,” he told the Varsitarian.

Coronacion said the downside of surveys was that they could trigger “herd instinct” especially among undecided voters.

“Some [voters] would think na, ‘Natatalo na manok ko, so gusto ko ‘yung sure winner, so

SUBSTITUTION RULES PAGE 12

My ultimate wish this Christmas is to have peace of mind. I hope that the pandemic will soon end for us to be together again. I wish for a world full of understanding and openness that can bring world peace which will unify us all.

—Irish Jan Nohay, College of Education I hope there’d be a better healthcare system in the country that acknowledges and values the efforts of nurses through decent and rightful compensation. I wish for nurses to have decent, humane, and supportive work environments. I hope all the appreciation posts would turn into concrete plans that properly benefit nurses.

—Marian Fatima Donato, College of Nursing

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Comelec should amend candidate substitution rules—UST political analysts

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) should revise rules on candidate substitution to prevent election aspirants from exploiting loopholes, political analysts from UST said.

Asst. Prof. Dennis Coronacion, chairman of the UST Department of Political Science, and election law professor Enrique de la Cruz said the Comelec should be stricter on the withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

“Itong substitution na ‘to, if hindi ‘to ma-amend, I think this is going to be a major part of our elections,” Coronacion told the Varsitarian.

“Sa akin lang, they have given so much freedom to our politicians and so many options. Given the circus-like scenario that we saw [recently], this should give us more reason to be strict,” he added.

De la Cruz, a municipal councilor in Bulacan,said the Comelec should limit the period of substitution to to a period not exceeding the filing of certificates of candidacy.

Coronacion proposed an amendment to disallow replacements or substitutes for candidates

I wish to gain more drive and commitment to whatever life has in store for me in 2022. Hopefully, things around us can get a little kinder despite the looming uncertainties caused by the pandemic. I genuinely look forward to spending quality time with my family and friends, catching up on the things we’ve missed, and celebrating the growth we’ve always yearned for. On the practical side of things, I really have to get myself a job that pays the bills and be more persistent about it. The future intimidates me, but I have to convince myself to build a favorable endeavor even in my worst or so-so decisions in life.

—Sophia Gwyneth Forones, Faculty of Arts and Letters

As always, I wish the best for myself and everyone. As a Senior High School student, it is a dream to step foot in the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Bldg. with my friends before we graduate. May the pandemic come near to an end with ligtas na balik eskwela and no student left behind. Most importantly, I wish for the best outcome on the upcoming Halalan 2022.—Pia Marie Lagalagot, Senior High School

lilipat na ko. Ayoko sayangin ‘yung boto ko, so lilipat na ko sa top contender.’ ‘Yun ‘yung ‘di magandang aspect ng surveys,” Coronacion said.

Asst. Prof. Ronald Castillo said that while election surveys offered a snapshot of the electorate’s choice, voters should personally scrutinize the track records of candidates before arriving at a decision, in accordance with the principles of reason and truth of St. Thomas Aquinas. “[Surveys] may tell people na magaling si ganyan, people support him. And when people think that way, they find reasons to give their support also,” Castillo said.

“Voters should not be looking at survey results. Voters should be looking at the credentials of 2022 BETS PAGE 5

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Because of the pandemic, many freshmen and transferees have yet to experience being a UST student on campus. My wish is that when all is well, we can finally interact physically with the friends and classmates that we met in our online classes and have fun and full experience of being a Thomasian student.

—Justin Elijah Paz, Faculty of Engineering I wish to give myself a chance to take a break to refresh myself.

I wish to give myself an opportunity to focus on my self-growth.

I want to focus also on the people around me, going out of my comfort zone and experiencing even the most mundane things in life. I wish for genuine healing not just for me, but for all people struggling right now. I hope when the new normal comes, they, too, would give themselves a chance to “take a break.”—Julianne Allysia Andan, College of Science

This Christmas, I am faithfully hoping for a stronger, wiser and more spirited version of myself who’s going to be so grateful that I made it through 2021. Furthermore, I am hoping that 2022 will bless and grace each one of us with the love, courage and peace we all rightfully deserve.—Ivy Denize L. Guevarra, AMV - College of Accountancy I guess my wish would be finding my passion again for my course.

I feel like I’ve lost it due to the continuous burnout and stress since the pandemic. By 2022, I do hope that things will somehow be a little bit better than this year. For now, I’ll continue to pursue this dream and be glad for the positive stuff, no matter how small they are.—Carla Leana Salao, College of Architecture As a college student, I would love to see myself next year walking inside the four corners of the University. I want to experience real college life behind screens, to be more independent living in a dormitory, to make chika with blockmates, to experience the organization life personally and meet orgmates, to eat around UST, to experience the ever-famous Paskuhan, and lastly, to cheer and shout out loud “Go USTe!” in the UAAP.—Kevin Christian S. Crisolo, Faculty of Arts and Letters I want to return to the non-Covid life where we don’t need to wear face masks and worry about the virus. Also, I want to see students including myself return to campus for face-to-face classes, and personally I want to experience Paskuhan on campus. I have a strong feeling that we will be able to gradually return to normal life in 2022, and I am hoping for the best.—Anne Marielle Santos, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management

► DIBUHO NI CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

WITNESS

EDITOR: MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

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Filipino Dominicans celebrate golden anniversary THE DOMINICAN Province of the Philippines marked its golden anniversary on Dec. 11, with rites virtually attended by Master of the Order and UST Chancellor Fr. Gerard Timoner III, O.P. Filipino Dominicans gathered at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, the mother church of Filipino Dominicans. Domicans in UST also celebrated solemn vespers and renewed their profession at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church.

Echoing Pope Francis, Timoner said the unity of truth and charity is the foundation of the Order.

“We were all accepted to the Order on the basis of mercy, not merit. [G] od’s power shines through us when we keep our word, when we are true to our vows,” Timoner said in his message to the Filipino Dominicans.

“It is no wonder that our motto ‘veritas’ is also understood as passion for the truth and compassion for humanity,” he added.

During the rites at Santo Domingo, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula was conferred honorary membership to the Priestly Fraterni-

ties of St. Dominic.

In his acceptance message, Advincula said he always considered himself a “son of St. Dominic” as he was “trained and honed” in Dominican institutions.

Advincula finished his bachelor’s degree in theology at UST and earned his licentiate in canon law at the Pontificia Università San Tommaso D’Aquino or the Angelicum in Rome.

“I pray that as a member of the Dominican family I too may learn from St. Dominic as I shepherd the local Church entrusted to my care,” Advincula said.

On Dec. 8, Advincula also presided over the ordination of Dominican priests at Santo Domingo.

In his message, Advincula reminded the ordinands that they should always treat each other with camaraderie and as brothers.

“You are never alone, you are never

► UST Dominicans pose for a photo after renewing their vows to the Master of the Order on Dec. 11, during their cele-

bration of the 50th anniversary of the Dominican Province of the Philippines—PHOTO BY MARVIN JOHN F. UY/ THE VARSITARIAN

in isolation, you are never priests by yourself and deacons by yourself … you will always be in communion,” Advincula said.

Advincula also emphasized the meaning of synodality.

“The word synod means together on the road… this connotes fellowship, togetherness, accompaniment, and communion,” he said.

“If the Church is to be synodal, she must have priests and ministers who are imbued with the spirit of synodality. As we celebrate this ordination liturgy, let us consider well the ministry of priests and deacons in terms of the synodality of the Church,” he added.

Pope Francis formally opened the Synod of Bishops for the entire Church on Oct. 10. The synod is under the

theme, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

The Dominican Province of the Philippines was established on Dec. 8, 1971 as the 41st province of the Order of Preachers.

Fr. Rogelio Alarcon, O.P. was its first provincial. A. M. C. CRUZ AND A. N, C. CRUZ WITH REPORTS MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

AS YEAR OF ST JOSEPH ENDS:

Catholics urged to discern, commit like St. Joseph CATHOLICS should be like St. Joseph and be ready to obey and accept responsibilities, Church officials said as the “Year of St. Joseph” came to a close.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo, head of the Episcopal Commission on Laity of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said being continually obedient like St. Joseph would make it easier to follow God’s word.

“May we also have the kind of readiness to discern the will of God for us, and when we find the will of God, we are ready to follow it,” he told the Varsitarian.

Pabillo said parents should help their children strive for goodness.

Pabillo, the new apostolic vicar of Taytay, Palawan, also emphasized the importance of “ordinariness.”

“Ordinaryo lang si San Jose, wala naman siyang milagrong ginawa… but he was so important in the life of Jesus. Kung wala si San Jose, hindi magsu-survive si Jesus,” Pabillo said.

“Although very ordinary sa kanyang pagtatrabaho, sa kanyang gawain, napakalahaga ng papel niya.

Iyan din ang papel ng maraming lalaki, ang pagsuporta at pagpapanatiling matatag ng kanilang mga pamilya.

Iyan po ang magbibigay ordinariness—ang pagtupad sa ating mga duties,” he added.

UST Parish Priest Fr. Paul Reagan Talavera, O.P. said the dedication of St. Joseph could be seen in Covid-19 frontliners such as health and other essential workers.

“Marami ‘yung mga nasa background na hindi natin matatawaran ang ginawa nilang sakripisyo para sa lahat … Sila ‘yung mga hindi natin napapansin pero very essential and crucial ‘yung ginampanan nilang mga papel,” Talavera said.

Pope Francis proclaimed Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021 as the “Year of Saint Joseph.” .

An association of Catholic men dedicated to St. Joseph in the Philippines was institutionalized in response to the Pope’s declaration.

The Men of St. Joseph - Philippines was formed to spread devotion to St. Joseph and to urge the faithful

to imitate the saint’s virtues.

“The Men of St. Joseph is formed to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal,” Fr. Erwin Mendoza of the Oblates of St. Joseph said during the launching of St. Joseph’s Men on Dec. 8.

The launching coincided with the National Consecration of Families to St. Joseph led by Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the CBCP, at the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City.

The national consecration marked the culmination of the Year of St. Joseph.

Pabillo said the establishment of Men of St. Joseph aimed to strengthen the sense of paternity and faith in the family.

“Sa Pilipinas, kailangang-kailangan natin ang the sense of fatherhood kasi ang mga tatay parang nagiging pabaya,” Pabillo said.

Castillo said voters should not “base their choices on somebody else’s truth.”

“If we based our votes on what the polls say, then we didn’t use our own intellect given to us by God. As Thomasians, we have to ensure that when we vote, we live up to the principle of reason and truth,” he added.

Marishelle Medina, a journalism professor, said that while survey results were important in generating opinion, they should not be taken at face value.

“When they see that a candidate is ahead in the polls, they need to question the numbers: How did the pollster arrive at this number? Who

did the survey? When did they do the survey? Who is the pollster to begin with?” Medina said.

“It’s not so much the number but the candidate itself: Who is this candidate? What is his history? Where did he come from? What has he done? What can he do? Statistics is just a single indicator…you can’t put all your faith in numbers,” she added.

The campaign period for national positions in the 2022 elections will begin on Feb. 8 until May 7, 2022, while those vying for local positions may campaign from March 25 to May 7, 2022.

Election Day is on May 9, 2022.

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH PAGE 9

►

2022 bets ► FROM PAGE 3

candidates. Who should be looking at survey results? Politicians,” he added.

Coronacion stressed that a “conscience vote” was needed in 2022.

“Filipinos shouldn’t base their selection of candidates on surveys. It should be based on their conscience on who they think deserves to be voted or to occupy these public offices.

‘Yan ang primary basis,” he said. “[Polls] are meant to know kung ano na ang status ng iyong sinusuportahang candidate. But regardless kung ano ang outcome ng survey, you should follow your heart,” Coronacion added.

EDUELLE JAN T. MACABABBAD

Pope Francis confers highest honor on former UST rector POPE FRANCIS has conferred the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award on former UST rector Fr. Norberto Castillo, O.P. for his contributions to the Church.

Castillo, 77, received the papal award during a Eucharistic celebration and solemn investiture ceremony led by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas on Friday, Nov. 19, at the UST Hospital Chapel.

Castillo was the 91st rector of UST. He served two consecutive terms: from 1982 to 1986 and from 1986 to 1990.

He was born on Nov. 20, 1943 in Tacloban City and was ordained priest on Sept.

8, 1973.

He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry, licentiate in sacred theology, and doctorate in philosophy from the University.

He is a former chemistry board topnotcher and managing editor of the Varsitarian.

From 1978 to 1982, he was the director and principal of UST Angelicum College in Quezon City. He became an academic consultant of the school from 1994 to 2002.

He was vice president and dean of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran from 1976 to 1980.

Castillo was socius or assistant to the prior provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines from 1977 to 1980.

In UST, he served as dean

► Fr. Norberto Castillo, O.P.

of UST Faculty of Philosophy from 1994 to 1996 and 2008 to 2012, and became vice rector for religious affairs in 2010.

He serves as spiritual director of the UST Pax Romana Alumni Association, Inc. and continues to write for the Philippiniana Sacra, the scholarly journal of the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties.

He is also a conventual lector of the convent of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is the highest distinction awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Church.

MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO AND ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ WITH REPORTS FROM JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ, O.P.

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

6

CIRCLE

Thomasian musicians bag awards in NAMCYA 2021 TWO musicians from the Conservatory of Music won in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) 2021 on Nov. 26.

Voice major Nerissa De Juan was named champion in the Senior Voice category. She sang four songs: “Erwatung” by Arnold Schoenberg, “Bel Raggio Lusinghier” from the opera “Semiramide” by Gioachino Rossini, “Duyan ng Kasaysayan” by John Pamintuan, and “Mutya ng Pasig” by Nicanor Abelardo.

“I was honestly surprised because years ago, this was just a dream, and now that it has already happened, I couldn’t believe it,” De Juan told the Varsitarian.

The music senior dedicated her performance to two teachers who passed away this year, Lemuel Dela Cruz and Genesis Rivera.

Piano performance alumnus Reynaldo Gendrano won first prize in the senior piano category. He played German composer Robert Schumann’s “Piano Concerto in A minor Op. 54.”

Gendrano said he chose the piece as it was “full of depth, of happiness and longing, of dream and reality, and of coldness and warmth.” “[It] affects me emotionally, as if I’m the one l narrating the entire piece,” Gendrano told the Varsitarian.

Two children of Flute and Music Education professor Edgardo Silangcruz also won prizes in the competition, with both under the open woodwinds category.

Former principal flutist of the UST Wind Orchestra and Flute Performance graduate Josh Rampall Silangcruz bagged the third prize with his performance of Carl Nielsen’s “Flute Concerto.”

Silangcruz told the Varsitarian he wanted to challenge his skills as a musician by choosing a difficult piece such as Nielsen’s Concerto.

Manila Symphony Orchestra flute and piccolo musician and Flute Performance graduate Jean Galway Silangcruz performed “Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 39” by Lowel’ Liebermann,” where he received an honorable mention award.

2019 Piano performance graduate Denzel Abarquez performed “Nocturne Op. 55 No. 2 in Eb major” by Polish composer Frederic Chopin, where he won third place and the best interpretation of a contest piece.

Two members of the UST Symphony Orchestra String Department won in the senior strings (violin) category. Maria Monica Bacus performed “Violin Concerto in A minor” by

► Nerissa De Juan

► Reynaldo Gendrano

Russian composer Alexander Glazunov, where she won first place and the best interpretation of a contest piece.

Jose Marie Eserjose performed “Violin Concerto in E minor Op. 64” by German composer Felix Mendelssohn and “Fiori di Bulgari”

by Chinese composer Jeffrey Ching, where he won second place.

Fourth-year Violin Performance major Alain Cabanes De Asis received an honorable mention in the senior strings (violin) category. He played “Violin Concerto” by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and “Fiori di Bulgari” by Chinese composer Jeffrey Ching.

“I am thankful for the award they gave me. It’s a great avenue for musicians to grow,” Asais told the Varsitarian.

NAMCYA’s theme this year was “Panagbangon, Pannakapaimbag: Pagbangon, Paghilom.” The competition was founded in 1973.

“Muli nating bigyang pagpupugay ang ating mga kabataan, sila ang ating kayamanan bilang Pilipino,” Renato Lucas, NAMCYA president and UST professor, said in his speech on the opening of the finals week.

The winners were announced live on NAMCYA’s official Facebook and Youtube pages.

The performance of the winners can be streamed on NAMCYA’s official Facebook page.. ALLAINNE NICOLE C. CRUZ

EDITOR: NOLENE BEATRICE H. CRUCILLO

Virtual UST Christmas Concert celebrates triumphs amid pandemic

HOMEGROWN musical talents of the University collaborated to mount, albeit virtually, the annual Christmas concert on Dec. 10, which was streamed live on the UST Facebook page.

Fr. Rector Richard Ang, O.P. in his opening address said the concert and other virtual “endearing” Christmas celebrations should remind Thomasians about the first Christmas.

“These are virtual reminders that will keep the memory of the first Christmas alive in our midst,” he said. “Let us continue to be grateful because there are people who care.”

Music Dean Antonio Africa opened the concert with his self-composed piece, “Christmas Fireworks,” as fireworks displays from past Paskuhan concerts and this year’s lighting of Christmas lights and decorations on campus were shown on screen.

An assembly of choirs, which included the UST Singers, UST Community Choir, Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, Coro Tomasino, performed popular Filipino Christmas carols and Christmas classics from all over the world, from Arnel De Pano’s “Tala ng Pasko,” to Ariel Ramirez’ “La Peregrinación.”

Faculty members of the Conservatory also lent their voices to the concert.

Accompanied by Coro Tomasino, tenors Eugene de los Santos, Ronan Ferrer, and Randy Gilongo sang John Francis Wade’s “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Composer Norman Agatep’s “Gloria” was sung by sopranos Elisanta Cortes, Nenen Espina, Naomi Paz Nemenzo and Thea Prosia.

The Conservatory’s Guitar faculty also performed an acoustic rendition of “Winter Wonderland” by Richard Smith and Felix Bernard, arranged by Asst. Prof. Alberto Mesa.

Under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera, the UST Wind Orchestra played a medley of classic Christmas songs, “Adeste Fideles,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

The UST String Ensemble, conducted

by Arnold Josue, also performed Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons ‘Spring’.”

Class ensembles also showcased

► UST musical groups perform during the University’s Christmas Concert, “From

Trials to Triumphs,” on Dec. 10—SCREENSHOTS FROM THE BROADCAST

entertaining performances and renditions of “Sleigh Ride” by Mitchell Paris and Leroy Anderson, and “Sing, Praise & Thanksgiving” by Malcolm Archer.

Thomasians Pauline Aguila and Reynaldo Gendrano showcased a modern medley of Ben & Ben songs, “Ilang Tulog na Lang” and “Bibingka” and Christmas classics such as “Jingle Bells,” “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” and “Carol of The Bells” in their piano duet, “A BENtiful Christmas.”

Music Regent Rev. Fr. Jose Ma. Tinoko, O.P. said that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the Christmas concert, held annually since 2003, has only been downscaled but “never totally forgotten.”

“This Christmas 2021, we are continuing with this tradition, although a

bit subdued, but with the same spirit and enthusiasm,” he said in his message. “May the UST Conservatory of Music this year bring the same message and spirit, which the birth of Christ brings to the world– the message of joy, the message of peace, the message of love and fraternity, not only now, but always, even beyond Christmas.”

The concert was capped off by a reprise of Filipino Christmas songs, “Ilang Tulog Pa Ba” by Moy Ortiz and “Pasko Na!” by Ryan Cayabyab, as well as “Pasko sa UST” composed by Dean Africa, from the UST Community Choir.

The Paskuhan Mass and Concert-fora-cause were celebrated on Dec. 17, both of which were live-streamed on Facebook.

C.R.C. MAGPALI

Enriched virtual mode ► FROM PAGE 3

“We will only be expanding this to other programs with intended learning outcomes that cannot be fully achieved with [EVM]. These will mainly be skills-based courses that require in-person instruction,” they said in a joint statement.

“We will likewise determine which year levels and courses will be prioritized per program to progressively increase the number of students and academic staff who will enter the campus at any given time,” they added.

The officials said that academic units could apply for limited F2F classes for

their programs as soon as they secure an endorsement from the University Crisis Management Committee (UCMC).

“As soon as the proposals of academic units are approved by the (UCMC), the retrofitted facilities are ready for visit and the documentary requirements have been completed by the academic units, we can submit their applications even before December,” Peralta and Coronel said.

Academic units eyeing limited F2F classes must also coordinate with the Facilities Management Office for the retrofitting of facilities, the Health Service for orientation on health protocols and the Office of the Vice Rector for Academic

Affairs for the preparation of documents.

The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Pharmacy and College of Rehabilitation and Sciences began conducting limited F2F classes in June, while the College of Nursing started limited in-person classes on Nov. 8.

The UST Health Service earlier told the Varsitarian that less than one percent of medicine and allied health students participating in limited F2F classes had contracted Covid-19.

A total of 25,696 out of 46,543 or 55.21 percent of students in UST have completed their Covid-19 vaccinations as of Nov. 19.

C.J. PARAS

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

PINOY

PATNUGOT: SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

7

Lapulapu o Lapu-lapu?: pagtanggal ng gitling bilang pagwawasto

OPISYAL nang gagawing Lapulapu ang pagbaybay sa pangalan ng bayani ng Mactan sa bisa ng bagong batas.

Sa nilagdaang Executive Order 152, aalisin na ang gitling sa gitna ng umuulit na pangalan ng kilalang datu upang maging “Lapulapu” imbis na “Lapu-lapu”.

Ayon sa nilalaman ng batas, papalitan ng bagong pagsasatitik ang lahat ng sangguniang tumutukoy sa bayani ng Mactan maliban sa mga pangalan ng lugar na naisabatas katulad ng LapuLapu City sa Cebu.

Inuutusan ang lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno na kupkupin ang pagbaybay na ito habang inaanyayahan ang pribadong sektor na gamitin din ito upang magkaroon ng pagkakapareho sa gagamiting pagbaybay.

Sang-ayon sa pagbabago si Antonio Hila, program lead ng Kasaysayan sa UST Graduate School, sapagkat mayroon itong primaryang sanggunian mula sa kasaysayan. “[I]to naman talaga ang tawag sa

bayani ayon sa mga records. Ito rin ang tawag ng mga bayani natin [kay Lapulapu] sa panahon ng Kastila, nila Rizal at Luna,” wika ni Hila sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

Sa kabila nito, pinuna ni Hila ang batas sa dahilang dapat din daw binigyang pansin ang mismong Labanan sa Mactan at ang pagtatama sa mga maling kaalaman tungkol dito.

“What is important is the battle, maraming kasing kuro kuro tungkol sa labanan [sa Mactan]. Pinatay daw ni Lapulapu si Magellan pero hindi naman talaga kilala kung sino ang nakapatay… Sa history, you don’t speculate,” dagdag ni Hila.

Para naman kay Mark Angeles, nagtuturo ng kritisismong pampanitikan mula sa UST Departamento ng Filipino, nararApat na baguhin ang pagbaybay sa pangalan ng bayani ngunit pinuna niya ang kakulangan nito ng leksikal at semantikong elaborasyon.

“Halimbawa, bukod sa [halos] kapangalan nito ang isang uri ng isda-na naging joke pa nga, dahil kusinero

UsapangUste ► MULA PAHINA 2

Ayon sa mga datos, nanatili ang opisina ng Rector, sekretarya, registrar, at treasurer sa dati nitong kinalalagyan bago pa ang digmaan gayundin ang silid-aklatan at College of Commerce.

May mga opisina at kolehiyo na kinailangang ilipat ng puwesto gaya ng Colleges of Law, Education, Philosophy, at Pharmacy.

Inilipat din ang College of Medicine sa dating gusali ng College of Education upang mabigyan ng kalalagyan ang Santo Tomas University Hospital.

Dahil sa pagkasira ng mga kagamitan sa loob ng mga gusali, sinimulan na rin ng Unibersidad na magpagawa ng mga mesa para sa dissection ng mga mag-aaral ng Anatomy.

Bagaman marami ang ginawang pagbabago sa loob at labas ng mga gusali, hindi maitatanggi na nagbigay ito ng bagong pag-asa sa bawat Tomasino na kahit ano pa man ang mangyari, babalik at babalik pa rin sila sa lugar na tinatawag nilang tahanan.

Tomasino siya Hindi maitatanggi ang galing ng isang Tomasino sa larang ng agham at pananaliksik, isa na rito si Simon Miguel Lopez.

Naging tanyag si Lopez sa larangan ng pananaliksik at siyensya, partikular na sa Biochemistry, mula sa kaniyang pagtatapos ng pag-aaral hanggang sa ngayon.

Nagsimula siyang makitaan ng husay mula pa sa murang edad at mas lalong lumago at nalinang nang tumungtong siya sa Unibersidad.

Hinirang na kampeon si Lopez sa Young Scientists Forum sa 2nd International Union of Biochemistry Education Conference and 46th Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Annual Convention noong 2019 kung saan nagpresenta siya ng kanilang pagaaral na pinamagatang “Choliner-

gic, beta-secretase, and oxidative activity evaluation of spider venom from Philippine Tarantula (Therposidae)”.

Nakamit din niya ang Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award noong 2017 at sa taong din iyon, nanalo ang kanilang pangkat sa San Beda College Pre-Med Quiz Bee. Mula sa kanyang pagtatapos sa Unibersidad, patuloy ang pagkamit ni Lopez ng mga karangalan sa pananaliksik, kung saan isa siya sa mga kilalang dalubhasa sa larang na ito.

Ngayon, ginugugol ni Lopez ang pag-aaral ng mga venom-peptide therapeutic research at balak niya ring tahakin ang paggawa ng pestisidyo na makakatulong sa mga magsasaka o peptide-base versatile materials para sa pag-unlad ng biotechnology ng bansa.

Nagtapos si Lopez sa Unibersidad noong 2019 sa kursong biochemistry ng Faculty of Pharmacy.

Kasalukuyan siyang isang science research specialist I sa Marine Science Institute at nakabase sa Institute of Chemistry ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas-Diliman.

CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS AT MATTHEW G. GABRIEL

Tomasalitaan: Kamanyáng (png). - mabangong resin o dagta mula sa punongkahoy na ginagamit sa paggawa ng pabango at gamot o inihahalo sa insenso upang lalo itong bumango Hal.: Dumating ang tatlong hari dala ang mga kamanyang, mira at ginto upang bigyang dangal ang ipinanganak na Mesiyas sa Bethlehem.

SANGGUNIAN: UP Diksyonaryong Filipino The Varsitarian, Tomo 15, Bilang 2, Disyembre 20, 1945, 1940-1947, p. 1

Iisang baybay at pagtatama sa nakasanayan

► The Lapulapu Shrine in Lapu-Lapu

City.—WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

raw ang pumatay kay Lapulapu--nariyan din ang isang uri ng kugon,” wika ni Angeles sa Varsitarian.

Malinaw na layunin ng batas na bigyan ng iisang pagbaybay ang pangalan ng bayani na tugma rin sa mga tala ng kasaysayan.

Paliwanag ni Hila na bunga raw ng pagtuturo ng mga Kastila ang nagsanhi ng pagbabago sa pangalan ng bayani, nagkaroon ng pagsulong sa wika at tuluyang napalitan ang orihinal na “Cilapulapu”.

“Nagbago nalang sa paglipas ng panahon… ang mahalaga kasi ay ang tunog. Style lang [ang gitling] sa pagsulat, unless you say ‘Lapu gitling Lapu’.

Dahil naman sa narinig ng mga Kastila, ang ‘ci’ naging ‘si’. Base sa narinig nila, ito na ‘yung tinuro nila,” ani Hila.

Sinangayunan din ito ni Angeles kung saan nagmula ang pagbabagong ito sa mga nagsalin ng akda ni Antonio Pigafetta, ang tagatala ng paglalayag sa Cebu kasama si Ferdinand Magellan, at pati na rin sa pasalin-dila na pagkuwento.

Giit ng dalawang dalubhasa, mahalaga ang pagbabagong ito sa

pagkilala sa bayani ng Mactan.

“Para may uniformity, [mas] makikita na mahilig [ang mga ninuno natin] sa mga paulit-ulit na salita. Respeto na rin para sa bayani ang paggamit ng pangalang [tugma] sa kasaysayan,” paliwanag ni Hila.

Ani Angeles, dapat lang na itama ang nakasanayan dahil ideolohikal ang diskurso ng wika bilang bahagi ng dekolonisasyon ng ating kamalayan at kasama rito ang pagsusuri sa kung paano tinatrato ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno si Lapulapu.

“Kung dini-distort ang konsepto ni Lapulapu, ng mismong mga nagtatakda kung ano ang dapat sundin, paimbabaw ang pagtatama ng kasaysayan, kung hindi man isang uri ng manipulasyon,” diin niya.

Nilagdaan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang batas noong ika-siyete ng Disyembre at may kaugnayan din sa paggunita ng 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations ng Filipinas, kung saan ginugunita din ang tagumpay sa Labanan sa Mactan. MATTHEW G. GABRIEL

House Bill 10305 na naglalayong makilala at mapagyaman ang kultura ng Filipinas, aprubado na sa Kamara INAPRUBAHAN na ng Mababang Kamara sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa ang isang panukalang-batas na mayroong mandatong patugtugin ang mga awiting Pilipino sa mga hotel, restaurant, tourist bus, at sa mga international flight patungo sa Filipinas.

Nakasaad sa House Bill 10305, na ipinasa nitong ika-29 ng Nobyembre, na kinakailangang mga awiting Filipino ang bubuo sa 50 porsiyento ng ipatutugtog sa mga tourist bus at mga international flight na patungo sa ating bansa, samantalang 25-porsiyento naman sa mga

hotel, resort, at restaurant.

Ayon sa pangunahing mayakda ng panukalang-batas na si Lito Atienza, deputy speaker ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan ng Filipinas, ninais niyang isabatas ito upang makatulong sa pagpapakalat ng mga awiting Pilipino.

“Upang ang lahat, both local tourist and specially foreign visitors may be exposed to Philippine arts, culture, songs, and music… para po naman mas higit nilang makilala ang ating pagkatao, ang ating kapuluan, ang ganda ng ating kapuluan,” wika ni Atienza sa isang panayam sa

Varsitarian.

Bukod pa rito, nais din niyang magkaroon ng pagpapahalaga ang bawat mamamayan ng ating bansa sa kung ano ang mayroon tayo na maaari nating maipagmalaki sa buong mundo.

“It’s also a way of orienting our young Filipinos to be more appreciative of who are we, ano ba ang Filipino… matututo ng ating kanta, ating tugtugin, mabuti po yan para sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan,” paliwanag niya.

Aniya, malaking tulong din ang panukalang-batas na ito sa

Mindanao campus was built with the intention of preserving the UST branding while exhibiting General Santos City’s culture and diversity.

In his speech, Ang said higher education is a “key to a better life,” and bringing UST closer to the people of Mindanao will help this cause.

UST-GenSan is expected to take up to 15,000 students in its first 15 years.

“This is our gift to the people of General Santos; it is Luzon meeting Mindanao. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, UST remains committed to spreading quality education, and this building is a testament and proof of our single-mindedness to establish our presence in General Santos,” the Rector said.

Rivera said the city of GenSan was looking forward to the opening of the Mindanao campus.

[I]t is our pride and honor to

work together with an institution dedicated to a generation, advancement, and transmission of knowledge to form competent and compassionate professionals committed to the service of the church, the nation, and the global community,” Rivera said.

Bishop Cerilo Casicas of the Diocese of Marbel in South Cotabato led the Eucharistic celebration and blessing of UST General Santos.

The Rector will form a committee to determine when classes in UST GenSan will open, Austria told the Varsitarian.

“Early part of 2023 will be the completion of construction of the main building. As regards the timeline of the opening, the Father Rector will form a committee to determine that.

Most likely, 2023 or 2024,” he said.

UST GenSan is the first UST campus outside Luzon. JAMILAH

HOUSE BILL 10305 PAGE 13

►

UST GenSan ► FROM PAGE 3

The main building will have 77 classrooms, 25 laboratories, a 100-person capacity chapel, a 65-person capacity cafeteria, a library, a clinic, student organization rooms, a 300-person capacity auditorium and three function halls.

Also to be housed in the main building are the rector’s office and boardroom, the vice rector’s offices, executive offices and a lounge for administrators.

Classrooms will be located at the second to the fifth floors of the building, while the upper ground floor will have the chapel, cafeteria, library and administrative offices.

Atop the building is a viewing deck that will feature a 360-degree view of GenSan. Tolentino, an architecture alumnus and president of AIDEA Philippines Inc., said the

B. ANGCO

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

8

OPINION EDITORIAL

Finally, a ‘normal’ Christmas AS THE second year of the Covid-19 pandemic draws to a close, the country appears to have achieved what were seemingly impossible only months before: dwindling cases of the disease, decreasing hospitalization numbers, reopening the economy. And finally, a “normal” Christmas season—normal, at least, by the pandemic’s standards.

But to wholly enjoy the holiday season (and make it last), it is essential to look back, do a bit of personal retrospection, and recall all of the best moves, while discarding the poorer ones, that got us to where we are right now.

Vaccination remains to be the best strategy in getting a ticket back to normalcy.

Recent studies from health experts and biologists suggest that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) might be here to stay and society will eventually learn to live with it like other endemic viruses such as the common cold and flu. The country has fully vaccinated 36.9 percent of the population or over 40 million Filipinos; this is about a third of the target herd immunity. For the second round of national vaccination, the government is eyeing to administer seven million more vaccine doses to bring the total fully vaccinated population to 54 million.

During this most wonderful time of the year, the best gift you can give to your family members is to get protected against Covid-19. In that way, there will be no spoilers to the noche buena, photo opportunities, and general jolly mingling.

The new alert level system, initially piloted in Metro Manila back in September before its nationwide implementation the following month, has allowed for local government units to target high-risk areas while releasing from the lockdown the different commercial establishments and enabling economic and recreational activities to resume. Once more, malls welcomed their patrons with holiday sales while parks and city grounds have reopened to the public and are lit up with shimmering Christmas lights and bright-colored parol.

One can only imagine how the situ-

And e v ob,al tel su r e b m e h tr e u r t n o s a e r o f e h . tn o s a e e s u a lc ie h B w e y a me v ay h n m s e l b u o n r i t s i , h d lt r o w e w k at r e h d n a w o ne kc a e p r o f r u o Saroi evmosach re v o li v e dna l a s ti e ga w g n e i s d a u l ic d n a h t a e d n aw e n r e h . dt l r o w ation could have been different had this system been implemented by the national pandemic task force earlier. But then again the pandemic has been one big game of trial-and-error; whether the government has more hits than misses only time will tell. The test of sustainability, however, begins now.

While the improving pandemic situation is truly a cause for celebration this

Christmas, complacency should not be invited back into our households nor our hearts, and should be best left at the front door. The Delta surge back in August feels like ages ago, but the horrific memory of 20,000 daily cases and overwhelmed hospitals and health workers linger, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant, which has been tagged as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization.

While those fully protected against Covid-19 and those who have received booster shots may less weight off one’s mind, there is still a big population out there with no protection yet. The hard-earned lessons from the Delta variant should serve as a cautionary tale lest we trigger another wave due to the negligence in following basic and minimum health and safety protocols.

The Bible reminds us to “be sober, be vigilant” for “the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.” While the thief Jesus Christ is referring to in the Gospel of John is demonic in nature, just the same, the pandemic has robbed thousands of jobs, killed millions of lives, and destroyed the hope of even more than we can ever fathom.

This Christmas, we should look back and meditate on the year that has been and the year that is still to come. Let us delight in the reunion of family and friends while making sure to still wear masks and observe physical distancing whenever necessary. Let us enjoy the reopening of public spaces while still being responsible to public health by getting vaccinated and/ or “boosted.” And above all, let us remember the true reason for the season. Because while we may have many troubles in this world, we take heart and know peace for our Savior has overcome evil and all its wages including disease and death and renewed the world.

No more taking Christmas for granted Fourth Wall JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

FOR NEARLY two years now Covid-19 has been the Grinch who stole Christmas for much of the world, Christian or not.

Now, with new Covid-19 cases consistently averaging less than 1,000 daily, and with the country moving on from the (confusing) community quarantine system to the (just as confusing, yet less restrictive) alert level system, the country is poised for a better Christmas.

Shops are reopening to their patrons and recover their former vibrancy. Malls are mostly open, blasting the same old Christmas classics— the Jose Mari Chans, the Mariah Careys and the Michael Bublés. Divisoria and Baclaran are, once again, filled with people looking for the best bargains. Christmas parties are allowed again, kids

Itsr ae’hl tcenhuw Co1- d i v 9 s e a lc i w e g , rn ui sa g t u b r o f e h t e m i,tg n i e b Chs a m t s i r g n is d e v m o s r p e c n, a l y b f m oc e l s a m r o n e c mn oa s l b f m o e s , f e h i cl h r v w a h n e b Grd e hy canwim oa rf s o n i p y e l ht i F r o j f a m e h t s a p o. wst r a e y are caroling again! We can now celebrate Christmas with friends, not just family. We can attend Simbang Gabi and smell the bibingka being baked on street cafes. As things are normalizing, the “Filipino Christmas” is as Filipino and as Christmas-y as ever. Finally.

We remain wary and cautious, but with a huge number of us now vaccinated, there’s hope.

The traditions are mostly back. This Christmas season, let’s be thankful for the little things. The past two years have shown us what we had taken for granted, and after such a tumultuous year, no mas! The celebrations may be exhausting, the preparations may be costly, and we may not be in the mood to socialize, but ever since Covid-19 taught us what Christmas can *not* be, let us appreciate the things that make Christmas special.

Sure, Covid-19 is far from ended. Even if the numbers are dropping, this does not mean we can be complacent and live as if it were pre-pandemic times.

It’s unclear whether Covid-19 cases will surge again, but for the time being, Christmas is providing some semblance of normalcy, some semblance of relief, which have been Grinched away from Filipinos the majority of the past two years.

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

John Ezekiel J. Hirro Editor in Chief Miguel Louis M. Galang Associate Editor Laurd Menhard B. Salen Acting Managing Editor Jacqueline B. Martinez Acting News Editor Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. Sports Editor Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat Special Reports and Science & Technology Editor Jiselle Anne C. Casucian Features Editor Mariel Celine L. Serquiña Witness Editor Samantha Nichole G. Magbuhat Patnugot sa Filipino Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo Circle Editor Renzelle Shayne V. Picar Chief Photographer Jan Kristopher T. Esguerra Art Director

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Felipe F. Salvosa II, Christian V. Esguerra Assistant Publications Advisers

Joselito B. Zulueta Publications Adviser

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

OPINION Botched batch

Accountancy ► FROM PAGE 2

Gotnem r v dna lo h scla i fdolu htsre x e l a rieh t s ro e , o t ta ,tsael v i g h c ta B 2022 eh t i x e ti. se vr sed Sts tnedu fo eh t suoe tiph c tabe v ah ne b eh t ba l s ta r o f s tlneami r pdxna e snotilapuonhemgtilwprcenvi rep x e . y m u cl n e t i s r n ou c

Thunder Up JOHN EZEKIEL J. HIRRO

IN FIVE MONTHS, possibly the unluckiest batch of students in our generation will finish college. Finally, it’s going to be over for Batch ‘22, and oh what a relief!

This is the group of alums that will go down in Pinoy history as the hapless kids who got to tastetest an undercooked K-to-12 basic education curriculum in 2012 and endure two more years of high school that, simply put, globalization required.

It seems absurd that in an age when information is out there on the Internet, Youtube education is as good as it gets, and more college dropouts are making it in the world’s richest list, there’s still a need for more years in school than less.

I was more fortunate than my other friends who went to public high schools, where needed facilities and learning resources were either nonexistent or always delivered half a school year too late.

But that didn’t mean I was in a lot better situation

at the Catholic school where I spent and completed my own senior high years. Despite best efforts from the admin and teaching staff, I couldn’t quite comprehend how two years of that kind of instruction could actually prepare me better for employment or college thereafter.

And then, just barely through college sophomore year, Covid-19 came in and became a pandemic—reminding us, among other things profoundly consequential, what “viral” originally means. And just like that, and in a stroke of another bad luck, the graduating K-to-12 batch became the Covid-slash-virtual batch.

It’s now nearly two years of a virtual ride, but the truth is, this is pretty much what’s already been happening all along for some time now. In case we’ve not noticed, the world has gone virtual, and the pandemic just confirmed we’re already there.

The graduating class won’t know for now how

much spending the second half of university life at home and mostly glued to a computer screen will impact the quality of their learning and overall experience. It’s like the two darn extra years of high school, when no senior knew for sure if they were really useful and needed as advertised.

It’s a good thing that face-to-face classes at the tertiary level are slowly being resumed. Student-teacher interactions in the online setup are extremely limited, accessibility is fluctuating, and mental health is declining. According to the latest available data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), at least 1 in 7 children globally had been directly affected by lockdowns. An international survey conducted by UNICEF and Gallup found about 1 in 5 individuals aged 15 to 24 saying they had often felt depressed or had little interest in doing THUNDER UP PAGE 10

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Paskuhan spirit is alive and well NOLENE BEATRICE H. CRUCILLO

RECENTLY, a quote by St. Augustine of Hippo has stuck with me: “Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.”

It’s the most beautiful time of the year. It’s Christmas, and it was supposed to be Paskuhan season in the days leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Because of the pandemic, the Paskuhan celebrations have all gone virtual. In 2020, we settled for a replay of previous Paskuhan concerts streamed on Facebook. This year, we had live bands perform for the concert, but the celebration remained virtual.

The pandemic also cost us physical attendance to the past two Paskuhan Masses, Agape and lighting of Christmas displays. It was just impossible to make those events visitable for all Thomasians, given the restrictions the government has imposed to prevent the spread of the dreaded Covid-19.

As a graduating student whose home for the

last six years has been UST, it was disappointing, to say the least, to accept the fact that I will not be able to experience the University’s Christmas staples in my last year. I sure do miss Paskuhan in UST. But compared to what the whole world is going through, I could not help but remain thankful.

The Philippines’ unemployment rate soared to an all-time high last year. Also last year, there was a record number of Filipinos who were expecting a sad Christmas and a record low expecting a “merry” Christmas. The pandemic has caused the most ultimate of disruptions.

Adding salt to the pandemic-caused wounds, typhoon “Odette” ravaged Visayas and Mindanao and claimed the lives of hundreds and destroyed the homes of thousands.

Just like what UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said in his homily during this year’s Paskuhan Mass, “we intentionally toned down and made simpler the University’s Christmas lights and decors to keep with the time. After all, sparkle and glitter are

► FROM PAGE 3

not the main event; maraming nawalan ng trabaho, marami ring nawala.”

This year’s Paskuhan concert had a fundraiser for victims of “Odette.” It raised over P233,000.

Missing celebrating Christmas in the University may be discouraging, but there are our Filipino brothers and sisters unable to celebrate Christmas at all.

The University’s initiative to launch fundraisers is part of what Paskuhan makes Paskuhan: it’s not always about the glitter and the glamour, it’s also about the giving and the charity.

There are also several Thomasians who have initiated their own fundraisers for victims of the typhoon. It shows, after all, that despite us not being able to attend our usual Christmas rites at our beautiful campus, the Thomasian spirit of giving is alive and well.

As Father Ang said in his homily, hope springs eternal. The best is yet to come, and happier days may be near, and ahead of us.

Sapilitang Aguinaldo Kurò-kurò SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

INAABANGAN ng mga Filipino ang Disyembre upang makatanggap o makapagbigay ng mga regalo sa kani-kanilang mga mahal sa buhay o kahit sa simpleng bunutan lang sa klase o opisina.

Kaugalian na ng masa ang magtipid at maglista kung sinu-sino ang kanilang mga pagbibigyan at kung anu-ano ang kanilang mga bibilhin, minsa’y may kasamang pagplano kung saan magbabakasyon at magdiriwang ng Pasko na karaniwang kasama ang pamilya.

Bagamat inaasahan ang pagdaloy ng mga regalo o salaping matatanggap, nakakalimutan ng mga tao ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko kung saan namimigay tayo ng regalo sa isa’t isa kapag bukal ito sa loob at hindi sapilitan.

Kahit sa panahon na puno ng galak, hindi naiiwasang magkaroon ng tensyon pagdating sa pagbibigay ng regalo at karaniwan itong napapansin sa mga kamag-anak o hindi kaya sa mga kakilala lamang, nagreresulta sa pagtatampo o pagkakaroon

disqualified.”

The candidate can be replaced by another before a deadline, provided that the replacement belongs to the same political party as the one being substituted.

While the CSC acknowledged that politicians have the right to change their minds, it said running for public office requires decisiveness.

“Running for public service is not for the faint-hearted and undecided. It is a duty, mission and commitment that aspirants should embody with respect and honor. As the lives and welfare of the Filipino people for the next years are at stake, it is definitely not a game of cards full of deceit and trickery,” it said.

The statement was signed by the presidents of the CSC and college-based student councils.

CHRISTINE JOYCE A. PARas

Year of St. Joseph ► FROM PAGE 5

i b l s g a Mn a s l r a a s t a h l a n t a p d i n h t i l p n i g n a g n a s i o a t a n y a g i m g n , o k s at mi h p o k g u d a k a p , a l i n d n i h t a p d o s u b a n i g n a i g - s a p k u b da l p gn a gm Pionip l ta niw a g no ti osulap o na lih d an tapy d gib agmn y a g i b a nm p u k i l a m u b g n a e t r w s a n g n a b i a s g n o a b . n o a t ng masamang loob kapag hindi nabigyan ng kahit anong anyo ng pamasko o hindi nasunod ang gusto.

Paalala ni Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP Public Affairs executive secretary, na dapat binibigyang atensyon ang paghahanda sa sarili upang alalahanin ang pagdating ng Mesiyas nang hindi nakatuon ang pansin sa pamasko lamang.

“Kinakailangan din na [mayroon] tayong ginagawa para magkaroon tayo ng [growth] in our spiritual life. Alalahanin ng tao na ‘di naman tayo nabubuhay sa tinapay lang, sa pisikal… materyal,” ani Secillano sa lathala ng DWIZ. “Hindi naman namin ipinagbabawal na mag-enjoy kayo, mag-party kayo, bumili kayo ng mga bagong kagamitan, kung ano-ano pa man. Pero i-tone down lang at bigyan natin ng balance, ang ibig sabihin nito ay kung may panahon kayo para diyan, kung may ginagastos kayo para diyan, huwag niyo naman kakalimutan din ‘yung para sa mga kaluluwa, ‘yung espiritwal na pamumuhay natin,” pagpapatuloy niya.

derneath the classrooms are cars that are combustible and prone to create large explosions. Fast food establishments and restaurants, they all use gas to cook,” Toribio told the Varsitarian in 2018.

The 52-year-old Albertus Magnus building now houses the UST AMV College of Accountancy, the College of Education, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), Education High School, and the Conservatory of Music.

Alday also said that the transfer was planned in 2019 but was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Programs under CTHM will occupy the sixth to eighth floors of the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building (BGPOP) once faceto-face classes resume.

The Department of Communication and Media Studies of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, which is composed of journalism and communication programs, will also transfer to BGPOP.

Don’t vote for thieves

The Unse v’yitas rieonvt hs rcenuia l rdnusfi trap fo tah w Panahu ks e kam Pa:nahu ks s ’ti tons y a w tluoba eh t re t il g dna eh t , r u o ms a l ’ t g i o s l a t u o b a e h t g n i v g d n a . e h t y i r a h c

Blue Lightning

9

Tradisyon na sa Pilipino ang mamigay ng regalo ngunit dahil sa pag-uugali na mag-shopping at pati na rin sa pagkakaroon ng Christmas Bonus o 13th Month Pay sa mga trabaho, hindi maikakaila na may mga taong umaasa na makakatanggap sila at sasabihing masama ang tumanggi sapagkat hindi raw dapat nagdadamot sa Pasko.

Minsa’y naoobserbahan ito sa mga ninong at ninang na dapat sapilitang binibigyan ang inaanak kahit hindi man lang binigyang paalam kung puwede ba sila gawing pangalawang magulang ng bata at magpaparinig kapag hindi nabigyan. Nagresulta ito sa iba’t ibang pakulo ng mga padrino at madrina na mga requirements o kinakailangan bago sila mamigay ng aginaldo tulad ng palaro o biruan na magtatago na sila upang maiwasang mamigay ng pamasko.

Isa pang halimbawa ang ugali ng mga Pilipino KURÒ-KURÒ PAGE 10

►

The obligations of the Men of St. Joseph include a daily prayer to St. Joseph and building national unity through yearly conferences and retreats, which can deepen the faithful’s “commitment and devotion” to God, St. Joseph, and the Church, Pabillo said.

Pope Francis, in his apostolic letter “Patris Corde,” said fathers should engage in responsible parenting.

“A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world, but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child. Whenever a man accepts responsibility for the life of another, in some way he becomes a father to that person,” he said.

The year 2021 also marked the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as patron saint of the universal Church.

A. M. C. CRUZ

DECEMBER 25, 2021

ART BY ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA, GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA, JEROME CARLO D. MACANAYA

10

LIMELIGHT

THE VARSITARIAN

ART DIRECTOR: JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

Glistening once again

DECEMBER 25, 2021

LENSPEAK

The Varsitarian

Photos by Francia Denise M. Arizabal, Renzelle Shayne V. Picar, Joselle Marie B. Reyes, Gillan Kin Q. Robles, Camille Abiel H. Torres, Marvin John F. Uy, and Arianne Maye D.G. Viri

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

12

COMICS

ART DIRECTOR: JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

VACATION MODE KARL JOSHUA L. ARON

CHRISTMAS COMEBACK ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA

LECHON DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

Substitution rules ► FROM PAGE 4

who decide to voluntarily withdraw.

“Mere withdrawal lang. Dapat wala na ‘yung mga option. Dapat wala na rin ‘yung sobrang laking freedom na binibigay sa kanila para maging parte ng political strategy,” he said.

De la Cruz said amending election guidelines would not take much time as the Comelec possessed full authority to implement election rules.

“We just need a Comelec resolution to change the previous Comelec resolution.

And how fast can that be? Well, tomorrow they can do it, because the Comelec has sole authority to promulgate rules affecting elections,” he said.

The use of substitution by voluntary withdrawal was most famously seen in 2016, when Martin Diño, a barangay chairman at the time, backed out from the presidential race and was replaced by Rodrigo Duterte.

“It was spontaneous. There was no plan to deceive the people there. Pero ngayon kasi, now that it has turned into a strategy by the politicians, parang there is an element of deception there,” Coronacion said.

Why political drama works

Coronacion also said the substitution of candidates through the withdrawal provision of the election rules was being used as a “marketing strategy” to entice voters to support certain candidates.

“May appeal ‘yong ganong klaseng candidate, kasi nga, it’s part of Philippine political culture that, you know, our voters are not really fond of voting for candidates who are very aggressive. They would rather elect political leaders who [...] manifest a certain level of indifference toward the idea of running for public office,” Coronacion said.

Such a strategy, according to Coronacion, can also affect voter turnout by attracting or discouraging individuals from voting, especially the “die-hard” supporters.

The UST political science chairman said voters should be able to see whether candidates were being sincere and authentic.

Edmund Tayao, a professor from the

Thunder Up Ateneo School of Government, said that Philippine politics remained focused on personalities rather than parties or political platforms. “[A] political system supposedly identifies procedures, institutional procedures like party conventions and nominations, and so on. And supposedly institutional processes. But all those are not present in the Philippines. Everything depends on the personality,” Tayao, a former political science professor in UST, told the Varsitarian.

Coronacion said deception as an election gimmick bastardizes the meaning of elections.

Such campaign tactics may also preoccupy candidates with gimmicks rather than platforms, policies, and agenda.

“So nawawala yung faith sa electoral process [...] and it’s a sad thing. Pag naging ganyan ang pananaw ng mga tao that they had lost faith on our election process, baka bumaba ang ating voting turnout.

Sa ngayon parang nae-entertain pa sila e,” Coronacion said.

For the coming 2022 elections, Comelec has recorded 10 substitution bids for national positions as of Nov. 15.

Candidates who withdrew included Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa from the presidential race, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go from the vice-presidential race and broadcaster Noli de Castro from the Senate race.

Substitute candidates include President Duterte for senator, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for vice president, former anti-communist insurgency task force spokesman Antonio Parlade Jr. for president, Go for president, former police chief Guillermo Eleazar for senator, and former Palace spokesman Harry Roque for senator.

“Because of the developments and because of what took place back in 2016, I think it’s about time for our legislators to amend that part of the election law,” Coronacion said.

“Elections should be done in a very simple way because it’s meant to allow the people to choose their next set of leaders…

[Once] the voters get confused, I think it’s going to affect the integrity of the election results,” he added.

► FROM PAGE 9

things amid the Covid-19 pandemic. A UNICEF-cited analysis by the London School of Economics estimated lost contribution to economies due to mental disorders that lead to disability or death among the youth at nearly $390 billion annually.

It’s also a good thing the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is now pushing to start face-to-face classes in all degree programs in low-risk areas. According to the CHEd, more than 70 percent of higher education personnel have been injected with Covid-19 vaccines. The country also recently started pediatric vaccination, which government officials believe is the biggest necessary step for the resumption of

face-to-face classes all over the country. This year, over 21,000 students from about 200 higher education institutions all over the country have participated in limited in-person classes, which to date have been mostly limited to medical and health-allied science courses.

So far so good, according to the CHEd, which recently reported that Covid-19 infection among participants of limited face-toface classes had been “very minimal,” with infections recorded so far all being mild to asymptomatic cases.

Government and school officials should exert all their efforts to, at least, give Batch 2022 the exit it deserves. Students of the piteous batch have been the lab rats for all experiments and pilot implemen-

tations without ever experiencing curriculum consistency. With the first semester of Academic Year 2021-2022 looming to a close, guidelines and necessary adjustments should be completed by now to let Batch 2022 experience face-to-face classes one last time.

A few more months of pilot face-to-face classes may add more inconsistency to what has already been a wildly erratic academic journey. But at the very least, experiencing real-life school for one last time will give these poor lab rats some semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy, and a much-needed and deserved denouement.

Whatever, the end is nigh to a bizarre and mind-blowing adventure for the K-to-12-slash-Covidslash-virtual batch. Sa wakas.

lang ang ibinigay na pamasko at kakantahan ng “Thank you, thank you! Ang babait ninyo! Thank you!” ng pagalit o padabog.

Magsilbi sanang aral sa lahat na dapat hindi pinipilit ang isang tao na mamigay ng pamasko, kahit kadugo pa nila, hindi dapat inaabuso ang pagiging bukas-palad ng mga Pilipino at gawin itong palusot o dahilan na dapat magbigay nang magbigay upang bumalik ang swerte na inaabangan sa bagong taon. Tunay ngang isang beses lang sa isang taon ang pagdiriwang ng kapanganakan ni Hesus at dapat salubungin ito sa magarbong paraan tulad ng pamimigay ng regalo ngunit hindi dapat ginagawang sukatan ng pagmamahal at pagiging mabuti ng isang tao ang presyo ng aginaldo na kaya niyang ibigay.

Kinakailangang matuto

ng mga Pilipino na magtira para sa kanilang mga sarili at pahalagahan kung ano ang kanilang matatanggap at natanggap sa Pasko, higit sa lahat ang magpasalamat kung sino ang mga nakaalalang bigyan tayo ng regalo.

Inuuna dapat ng bawat isa ang kanilang kasiyahan at kapakanan ngayong Pasko ng hindi isinasakripisyo ang ating kabaitan. Kapansin-pansin na nasa pandemya pa rin ang bansa, mahal o mura man ang presyo ng regalo na ibinigay, intindihin sana natin sapagkat nasa krisis pa rin ang bansa. Kaya’t hindi dapat kampante ang lahat na kaya ng bumangon sa mga gastusin at utang ang lipunan lalo na’t mararami sa ating mga kababayan ang nawalan na ng trabaho, mahal sa buhay at lakas ng loob na lumaban pa.

Kurò-kurò ► FROM PAGE 9

na hinuhusgahan ang indibidwal na may trabaho o saka lamang nagkatrabaho ngunit hindi man lang namigay ng aginaldo sa kanyang pamilya o kakilala kaya’t babansagan na madamot o gahaman. Lingid sa kaalaman ng karamihan, maaaring walang ipon ang naturang tao o ‘di kaya’y maliit lang ang kinikita.

Sa kasalukuyan, pinayagan na ng Department of the Interior and Local Government ang pangangaroling sa mga lugar na nasa ilalim ng Alert Level 2.

Subalit sa pangangaroling, may mga inaabuso ang kabaitan ng namimigay kung saa’y paulituit silang bumabalik o hindi umaalis sa tapat ng bahay na kinantahan hangga’t hindi sila nabibigyan kahit barya o ‘di kaya’y nagrereklamo kapag maliit

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

NEWS Rector: ‘UST a testament to enduring relationship between Holy See and Filipinos’ THE UNIVERSITY is a witness to the long-standing relations between the Holy See and the Philippines, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P said during the webinar marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two states last Nov. 18.

“The unity between the Philippines and the Vatican is the assurance of the Pope to be with us [and] accompany us in our historical quest for the spiritual order of society,” Ang said. “The Holy See has always been our companion in our history.”

UST was made a pontifical university by Pope Leo XIII in 1902, which means it is allowed to grant ecclesiastical or Vatican-approved degrees in philosophy, theology and canon law.

Pope Pius XII then bestowed upon it the title of “The Catholic University of the Philippines” in 1947.

The University was visited by three popes: Pope St. Paul VI in 1970, Pope St. John Paul II in 1981 and 1985, and Pope Francis in 2015.

“As our country embarks on another national [and] histori-

► UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. speaks during the virtual lecture,

“An Overview of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Holy See and the Philippines,” organized by the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila in collaboration with UST on Nov. 18.

cal event, may this celebration of friendship in the Philippines Holy See diplomatic relations remind us of our filial relationship with the Holy Father and inspire us to commit always to the will of God and rely on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we decide through democratic means the future and destiny of our country,” Ang said.

The apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, said that to ensure a bright spiritual future, the country must preserve its families by “bringing about a culture of integrity – one which honors goodness, truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity as the firm foundation and the moral glue which holds society together.”

“With these noble sentiments resonating in our minds and hearts we thank the Almighty God for 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See,” Brown said. “We recommit ourselves to the strengthening and solidification of those relations in our present time.”

UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. said the Vatican and the Philippines remained firm in their mission and partnership in bringing Christian education to the youth.

“Vatican City and the Philippines may be half of the world’s circumference apart, but we have the same mission and partnership in bringing Christian education to our youth,” Coronel said.

“As we continue our history, the Holy See and UST attest to our daily encounter with the people. Therefore, the love story of the Holy See and UST becomes a potent witness of telling the world of God’s love,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said that he hoped the Church could bring healing to

it is inevitable for the translator’s word choices and syntax to find their way into the translated work.

“So parang nag tatalaban kayo ng may akda; hindi lang siya ‘yung parang ini-impose mo sarili mo doon sa text, mayroon din siya sayo,” he said.

Hidalgo said she was anxious over whether the stories would still be relevant today.

“May mga stories na set in pre-Martial Law days. It is a time which has elapsed, I mean ibang panahon na ngayon [and] I had my anxieties about that,” she said.

She said a translator has to be a scholar of the author’s world, able to put himself or herself in the author’s shoes, and possess a “generous spirit.”

“You devote a lot of time to [translation] and a lot of effort, and in the end you have to share the spotlight with someone else,” she said.

‘Dream come true’

To be translated into Filipino was a “dream come true” for Hidalgo.

“I have always wanted, dreamt of some writer in Filipino deciding that he likes my books enough to want to translate, even just a portion of the books,” Hidalgo said.

Going through her translated short stories, she said it was like “revisiting an old place” and meeting “strangers you used to know.”

For Pascual, it was important to have an “emotional connection” with the stories he was going to

House Bill 10305 ► FROM PAGE 7

industriya ng turismo dahil sinasalamin nito ang pagkatao ng isang Pilipino.

Nilinaw din ni Atienza na may karampatangang parusa ang mga mahuhulinh hindi susunod sa nasabing panukala.

“We have to be proud and confident, meron tayong galing na dapat pinapalakpakan natin muna tapos papalakpakan din ng banyaga… pero kung tayo mismo hindi natin pinapalakpakan ang sarili natin, hindi tayo papalakpakan ng banyaga, so we have to start somewhere, this is the beginning,” diin ni Atienza.

Pagpapaunland sa larangan ng musika

PORTS FROM ALEXANDRA L. MANGA-

Bukod sa magandang epekto ng panukalang-batas na ito sa turismo at kultura ng bansa, hindi maitatanggi na makikinabang din dito ang industriya ng musika.

Ayon kay Ma. Alexandra Chua, kawaksing dalubguro sa Conservatory of Music ng UST, magkakaroon ng magandang epekto ang batas na ito sa industriya ng musika ng bansa.

“I am very positive with the effect of this. We really need exposure. If something is to sell, you need to advertise it, and if people do not play it, then people wouldn’t know it. So, malaking suporta na rin ito sa ating industriya,” wika ni Chua sa Varsitarian.

Binanggit din niya na matagal nang problema para mga musikerong Pilipino ang kakulangan ng exposure o pagkakalantad kaya’t nahihirapan kumita ang industriya.

“Alam niyo naman syempre ang mga musikero madalas yan, sariling sikap lang talaga lahat sila. Starving artists. So, napaka ganda ng magiging epekto nito sa ating industriya. Kasi, it’s not only we consume Filipino music but we will earn as well,” paliwanag niya.

Aniya, sa patuloy na pagsikat at pagpapakilala sa musikang Filipino, magkakaroon din ng positibong epekto ito sa iba pang kalakip na industriya katulad ng turismo, venue ng mga konsiyerto, at mga piyesta.

Kinilala man sa tamang direksyon ang batas na ito, idiniin ni Chua na mayroon pang mga dapat tugonang issue ukol sa paglaganap ng musikang Filipino.

“For film we have the Film Development Council of the Philippines, for books we have the National Book Development Board. But we don’t even have a council for music. We have to have a conducive environment to foster creativity and innovation in music,” wika ni Chua.

Ang panukalang batas ay kasalukuyang nasa plenaryo ng Senado. CAITLIN DAYNE

SAR

A. CONTRERAS AT MATTHEW G. GABRIEL

HOLY SEE AND FILIPINOS PAGE 14

►

Authors tackle challenges, anxieties of translation in virtual book fair forum TRANSLATION entails overcoming differences with the author and becoming a scholar, UST authors said during a virtual forum at the Manila International Book Fair last Nov. 17.

Fictionist Chuckberry J. Pascual translated into Filipino two short story collections by veteran Thomasian writer Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo.

Pascual said that he was initially hesitant to translate Hidalgo’s work because of gender differences.

“Iniisip ko kasi baka mamaya ang ideal translator ni [Hidalgo] ay babae rin. So isa ‘yon sa mga bagay na talagang kailangan kong i-overcome habang sinasalin ko ‘yung mga libro,” he said.

He said the process of translation is “essentially rewriting” and

13

translate.

“Tingin ko ganun din ako as a reader, emotional ang connection ko sa mga binabasa ko. And in this case, tina-translate ko rin,” he said.

“Sa Bayan ng Nagngangalit na Buwan” (Where Only the Moon Rages) and “Kundiman ng Panahong Naiwan” (Ballad of a Lost Season) are published by the UST Publishing House.

The virtual forum titled “The Other World: The Challenges and Anxieties of Translation” was moderated by Thomasian author John Jack Wigley. It was part of the UST Authors Series at the online Manila International Book Fair.

SAMANTHA FATIMA C. CREENCIA WITH RE-

Dorms ► FROM PAGE 3

Grand Residences España 2 on Lacson Avenue.

“Dito wala [pong discount] kasi mga unit owners naman po kasi ‘yung mga nagpapa-rent,” Jennifer Tuy, a staff member at Grand Residences España 2 administration office, said.

Rates of two- to four-person rooms in dormitories ranged from P8,200 to P16,500 per month. Rates for dormitories and bed spacers that charge per person stood at P5,500.

For high-rise condominiums, prices ranged from P10,000 to P18,500 per month for units that could house up to four occupants. Prices also varied depending on the size of the room.

A 14 sq.m. unit at The One Santo Tomas, which can accommodate up to two occupants, is priced at P10,000 per month, while a fully furnished unit at Pacific Suites good for four occupants is priced at P18,500 per

month.

At the North Forbes Place Dormitory, a 12 sq.m. single room is priced at P9,000, while a 14 sq.m. room for two ranged from P9,500 to P16,500.

Rates at the Holy Spirit Ladies Dormitory depended on the number of occupants in a room and whether the room has its own bathroom. The rate of a private room stood at P8,200 a month.

The above-mentioned rates exclude electricity, water and internet costs.

Covid-19 protocols

Dormitories and condominiums have implemented different Covid-19 protocols, including temperature checks, UV disinfection and RT-PCR tests for tenants.

“The survival of our business depends on the resumption of face-toface classes, but we want to make sure that all the students and teachers are

safe before classes resume,” Athena’s Ang told the Varsitarian.

“All new tenants need to have a medical certificate or a negative Covid test result before coming in, or they can avail [themselves] of the services of our in-house medical doctor for screening,” Ang said.

The One Santo Tomas requires tenants to undergo RT-PCR testing but does not require vaccination.

“Hinihingan namin ng RT-PCR or antigen test ‘yung mga titira. Then, ‘di naman kailangang vaccinated. Pero lahat ng employees dito ay vaccinated na,” Sandicon said.

Grand España Residences 2 requires swab tests for new tenants, but tenants may present either a medical certificate or vaccination card, Tuy said.

Residents testing positive will be quarantined inside their unit, Tuy said.

North Forbes Place Dormitory

requires tenants to be fully vaccinated and present a negative Covid-19 test.

Mary Anne Cosares, caretaker of the dormitory, said each room was limited to a maximum of two tenants.

“Binawasan namin, kasi dati sa isang room, apat sila. Ngayon, dalawa na lang,” Cosares said.

Most dormitories and condominiums like Gloda Building strictly prohibit visitors and outsiders from entering the building. “[Dito kasi], bawal pa talaga magpaakyat ng mga bisita. So, kumbaga mga parents lang [‘yung puwede]. Pero yung halimbawa classmate, hindi pa puwede ‘yun,” said the building’s caretaker, Lino Adorna.

Hopes for normalcy

Cosares lamented the lack of tenants as students shifted to online learning.

“Sobrang nakakalungkot dito dahil kami lang. Halos lahat ng floor

bakante. Sa isang floor, tatlong tenant lang,” said Cosares.

Dormitories like the Athena Ladies Dormitory that previously catered only to students were forced to change their target market to cope with the pandemic.

“We targeted the working people who work from home most of the time but need to report to their nearby office a few times a week. This enabled us to pay for the salary of our staff,” Ang said.

Adorna said he was thankful for the improving pandemic situation in Manila.

“Siguro kasi parang medyo lumuwag na rin. Makikita mo naman ‘yung mga bata mga nasa labas na rin…hirap na rin ‘yung mga negosyante,” he said.

UST is eyeing to expand limited F2F classes to more degree programs in the second term of the Academic Year 2021-2022. EDUELLE JAN T. MACABABBAD AND JOHN AARON PANGILINAN

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

14

SPORTS

EDITOR: ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

All love between Ayo, ex-Tigers, a year after fallout

► FILE—Former UST head coach Aldin Ayo instructs graduating guard Renzo Subido and team captain CJ

Cansino.—MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA/ THE VARSITARIAN

MORE THAN a year after the infamous ‘Sorsogon “bubble” fiasco’, former UST Growling Tigers head coach and current Bicol Volcanoes head coach tactician Aldin Ayo said says there’s no love lost between him and he’s in good spirits with his former players.

Ayo currently coaches After the Bicol Volcanoes at the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

After the Volcanoes’ win against the Laguna Heroes on ‘ win against the Laguna Heroes on Dec. 12, Ayo met with former Tigers , Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller,.

Both players, who players for the Manila Stars, who had a game earlier in the day.suffered a loss after Bicol’s scheduled game throughout the day.

“I was able to talk to Brent and Ira, I think that was last week… Hindi ko naman masasabi na wala nang (ng sama ng loob,) kasi wala naman talaga. , Kkahit no’ng kasagsagan ng problema, I never felt bad sa kanila,” Ayo told said in an interview with the Varsitarian Ayo saidstated he was elatedproud of to see his former players thrive in with their roles for their respective teams in the MPBL. Aside from Bataller and Paraiso, six6-foot-two2 swingman Rhenz Abando is also playing in the MPBL for the San Juan Knights.

After the Tigers’ fallout in 2020, Paraiso, Bataller and Abando All three players have left USTjumped ship from España to Muralla to play for the Letran Knights in the NCAA. come NCAA Season 97.

‘Stronger bonds’ for Ayo and his boys after Sorsogon aftermath

Following the ‘bubble’ fiasco, Ayo said believes that what had transpired during the peak of the “bubble” controversy over the past year strengthened his bond with his former players.

He also believes hehim and his former players were all “victims.,” of last year’s mishaps.

“Kami mismo alam namin what transpired last year and we were all victims dun sa nangyari. Then I think because of what happened baka [naging] mas malakas pa yung naging relationship namin,” Ayo said.

Ayo,The an NCAA and UAAPtwotime collegiate champion coach, also revealed that ke was stillhe still keeps in touch with former TigersUST team captain CJ Cansino, the first player to break away from the once-promising Tigers team last year.

“It just happened na tipong, I messaged CJ “kamusta” and the usual “CJ meron ka ba nitong gamit”, “ papabili ba ako ng ganito?” ‘yong mga

kanila and hopefully they continue improving and learning sa mga experiences,” Ayo said.

‘Mayhem’ rolls on… elsewhere

‘‘

Kami mismo alam namin what transpired last year and we were all victims dun sa nangyari. Then I think because of what happened baka [naging] mas malakas pa yung naging relationship namin, Aldin Ayo

FORMER UST GROWLING TIGERS HEAD COACH

ganyan kasi ‘yon ang usual naming ginagawa eh.”

Seeing his former players makes him reminisce about his stint in UST, Ayo said.

The 44-year-old tactician admitted that he he misses his players and want to reconnect with them once more.

“Of course, I miss them. Siguro sila din miss din nila ako, natural lang ‘yan, syempre we had been together for two years…of course if you worked together that long you’re going to miss each other especially during practices kasi dun talaga kami nagkakasama and sometimes off the court din,” Ayo said.

“Pero there are things that we cannot control e, which is eto na nga yun na we’re not together, pero hopefully ‘yung mga natutunan nila samin nakatulong sa kanila and hopefully they continue improving and learning sa mga experiences,” he added. However, he said there wereare things “we cannot control,” and so he hopes his players would remember his lessons on and off the court. “[H]opefully, ‘yong mga natutunan nila sa’min nakatulong sa

Prior to the pandemic, the “Master of Mayhem” received offers from leagues including the MPBL and Chooks-to-Go 3x3, both of which he committed to.

Before becoming the Volcanoes’ head coachhis current stint as the maestro of Bicol’s playbook, Ayo spearheaded the Chooks-to-Go Nat’l 3x3 team, Manila Chooks, the country’s national 3x3 team that competed in Doha, Qatar, last November.

Manila Chooks bowed out of the Doha Masters prematurely after absorbing a loss against Serbia’s Liman team.

Ayo said it was difficult to get back on track after the controversy.

“Ang daming nawala sakin e, pero pag nawala kasi sayo dun mo maa-appreciate kung ano ‘yung mayroon ka,” he said.

Ayo also said he was grateful for his former UST assistants and now head coaches McJour Luib and Jino Manansala.

Luib and Manansala are also part of Ayo’s coaching staff in the MPBL. With his the indefinite ban in of the UAAP yet to be lifted, Ayo continues to pursue coaching even outside the collegiate level.

“The more [na] nadedeprive ako sa basketball, the more na nagpupursigi ako sa basketball, because alam mo ‘yong tipong mahal na mahal mo yung isang bagay [then] tinanggal sa’yo? The more na hahanapin mo because ‘yon talaga [gusto] eh,” he added.

“What I’ve learned is, ‘pag may dumarating na mga problema or mga challenges or difficulties, as long as you handle them well, they become positive and could make you stronger,” Ayo said.

“I think I can say that in spite of what happened, I’m still here, we’re still here because we did things the right way, we were able to handle those problems the right way,” he added.

Just last year, Ayo also received an offer to coach overseas, but no further details have been disclosed as negotiations are “still ongoing,”.

Before his ‘indefinite ban’, Ayo mentored UST for seasons 81 and 82.

His final year with the Tigers saw him propelling the España-based squad to a Finals appearance against an unblemished Ateneo Blue Eagles.

MARK ERNEST V. VILLEZA

Obiena says he won’t abandon PH despite PATAFA spat FILIPINO Olympian EJ Obiena has asserted that he had no intentions of leaving the Philippines despite receiving passport offers from other countries following pressure from local track and field officials over training fund issues.

“Even now, in this current crisis, I have no desire to change nations.

I see these statements on social media and active encouragement to switch allegiances. But this is not who I am and why I do this,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Obiena revealed that other countries had offered “lucrative pay packages” to compete for their flags but he and his mentor, Jim Lafferty, had declined them.

“Mr. Lafferty and I always agreed [that] loyalty matters… I love my country. I am proud to compete for the flag of the Philippines. I get chills every time I hear our anthem played and to watch that flag rise high,” Obiena said.

“I take pride and joy to win and win even when I’m not supposed to be the victor. I will never abandon my nation because of money. That’s not loyalty. At least not how I define it,” he added.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) is investigating Obiena for allegedly embezzling training funds.

Patafa had asked Obiena to return about P4.8 million in financial assistance after he supposedly “falsified the liquidations submitted to the Patafa” and failed to pay his coach Vitaly Petrov €85,000 (or roughly P4.8 million).

The 26-year-old Obiena had decried Patafa’s allegations as damaging to his reputation and demanded an apology from involved authorities and a “full and public withdrawal” of the sports association’s investigation.

But contrary to accusations of local track officials, Obiena’s mentor James Michael Lafferty said that

► Obiena

the Filipino Olympian had actually overpaid his coach Vitaly Petrov over the past 35 months.

Lafferty said Obiena had paid €87,817 to Petrov, which was more than the agreed amount of €85,000.

The Philippine Sports Commission approved the budget for Obiena’s payment of training fees to Petrov on Jan. 6.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) released partial payment for Petrov only five months later, in May, which forced Obiena to pay his coach with his own money prior to the Olympics, Lafferty said.

Obiena’s funding from Patafa ended in August, forcing him to refrain from joining competitions for this year.

His last competition was on Sept. 13 in Berlin, where he placed fourth in the ISTAF Berlin Continental Tour. Lafferty said his money would “run out in two weeks,” because the Patafa hadn’t given him money since August. MARK ERNEST V. VILLEZA

Holy see and Filipinos ► FROM PAGE 13

individuals subjected to hate, discrimination and oppression.

“May we always strive to live by the shining tenets of our faith, and inspire each other and our people to stand in solidarity and fraternal love in the fight for global peace, justice and stability,” he said.

Locsin said the relationship between the Philippines and the Vatican was special as it was a connection between two Catholic states.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican secretary for relations with states, said the Holy See and the Philippines have continued to work together to “promote peace and the common good.”

Gallagher said he was elated at how Filipinos have remained steadfast in their faith despite hardships, adding that Filipino faith was “unparalleled.”

“I am aware of the constant yearning for a better life for themselves and their children. No one can underestimate the [h]ardships they undergo in places where they are present, but they always do so generously and with a smile on their face and faith in their heart,” he said.

“May God help the Philippines to follow the path that has already begun today towards a continuing

development that preserves and promotes the true value of Filipino culture,” he added.

Representatives of the Holy See signed a treaty establishing diplomatic ties on April 8, 1951, during the term of President Elpidio Quirino.

The agreement raised the Apostolic Delegation to the Philippines to the status of “Nunciature.” Archbishop Egidio Vagnozzi became the first apostolic nuncio to the Philippines on April 9, 1951.

The establishment of the Nunciature allowed the Vatican to “facilitate dialogue with civil authorities, foster contacts with the local churches and maintain presence in international life.”

Former chief justice Manuel Moran was the first Philippine ambassador to the Holy See. He presented his credentials to Pope Pius XII on June 4, 1951.

The virtual lecture titled “An Overview of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Holy See and the Philippines” was organized by the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila in collaboration with UST. It coincided with the 500th year of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, where more than 80 percent of the population is Catholic. ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ AND MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

THE VARSITARIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2021

SPORTS

15

UST coaches, student-athletes all set for training ‘bubble’ THE GROWLING Tigers and Golden Tigresses are gearing up for their inhouse training next year, after the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) gave UST the green light to establish a “bubble” for student-athlete training amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Growling Tigers and Golden Tigresses are gearing up for their in-house training next year, after the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) gave UST the green light to establish a “bubble” for student-athlete training amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

UST athletes will be housed on the fourth floor of the carpark building, which includes lodging quarters, a physical therapy room, an isolation room, a pantry, a viewing room for film and a prayer room.

“We have to go to this extent to create this kind of setup para lang makapagtrain for the upcoming season. They waited two years to be able to play again,” Jude Paulite, the Tigers’ health and safety officer, told the Varsitarian.

Each lodging room is good for three persons.

Participants of the “bubble” training will be prohibited from eating inside their quarters and entering other people’s rooms.

Health protocols were also put in place for the Quadricentennial Pavilion, which now has physical distancing markings and disinfecting stations.

Paulite said that only the gym’s lower half would be opened.

“Whenever you’re not in the court, you’re at the bench or on the sidelines, you [need] to have your mask on,” Paulite said.

Teams will only gather when training and dining.

“We can’t take any chances na even if we feel like we’re safe in the bubble,

any random event na mag-cause ng contact will ruin the whole setup for not just our team, the volleyball team, for UST—the whole community.”

Nicael Cabañero, a rookie for the Tigers, said it would be inevitable to get homesick, but he remained excited to participate in the “bubble” after over two years of no sports.

“It’s so hard to be separated from my family pero iniisip ko na para sa dreams and goals [ito]. My family is my inspiration and everything, hangga’t maaari titiisin ko talaga ang homesickness na ‘yan,” Cabañero said.

UST athletics moderator Rod Sambuang said no one would be allowed in and out of the “bubble” once training begins.

Failure to maintain and comply with the rules and regulations for the resumption of athletic training will result in the revocation of UST’s entitlement to hold the “bubble,” according to the certificate of authority granted by CHEd and DOH. “The team will follow the safety protocols sa Covid. ‘Di po nagkulang ang mentors and coaches namin sa pag-instruct about our safety,” Cabañero said.

Golden Tigresses assistant head coach Yani Fernandez said the retrofitted facilities would be well-utilized in preparation for UAAP Season 84.

“With the amount of time that the players and coaches will use the facility, there really is no question that its use will be pretty much maximized,” Fernandez said.

“The challenge now for us coaches

► UST IPEA Regent Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P. (middle) receives the certificate of authority for the resumption

of athletic training from Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero de Vera III and Health Secretary Francisco Duque II.—PHOTO FROM FR. CANSANCIO

is to not just properly craft a training program that will ensure the team’s competitiveness in UAAP Season 84 but also to cater to the social and mental needs of our players since staying in the bubble can have very challenging repercussions,” said Fernandez.

The “bubble” training is expected to begin in January.

Excluded athletes dejected

Several student-athletes from sports outside basketball and volleyball are disheartened after being excluded from the UAAP’s resumption set for next year.

John Celestino Romero, a member of the UST Tracksters, said the non-inclusion of athletics in Season 84’s lineup of sports was “unfair.”

“Masakit po kasi parang ang unfair po nila sa amin, kasi kami po ‘yong non-contact sports pero isa po kami sa mga hindi makakasama,” Romero told the Varsitarian.

Tiger Paddler Mcleen Dizon was

also disappointed with the exclusion of table tennis, especially as the his team was just coming off a championship from UAAP Season 82.

“Siyempre, masakit sa amin na hindi included ang table tennis kahit hindi naman sya contact sport,” Dizon said.

Although sad with the UAAP’s decision, Dizon said he remained optimistic as the slow resumption of collegiate sports could prelude the expansion of the UAAP to more sports.

“Hopefully, sa susunod, makasama na din ‘yong ibang sports,” Dizon said.

On the contrary, UST Tigershark Robin Leyva Serranillo said limiting the event to two sports only was a necessary safety measure to ensure that there would be no great gatherings.

“I find it acceptable that only a few select sports are included with the return of the UAAP,” Serranillo said.

Student-athletes outside basketball and volleyball are not yet allowed to participate in UST’s in-house training.

Golden Tigresses add seven rookies The UST Golden Tigresses have added seven new volleyball rookies to their roster ahead of UAAP Season 84, which is expected to begin in the second quarter of next year.

UST has secured the commitments of former Junior Golden Tigresses Bernadette Pepito, Athena Sophia Abbu and Renee Lou Peñafiel, as well as provincial recruits Jonna Perdido, Pierre Angeli Abellana, Angeli Marie Bacalso, and Elisha Julienne Apostol.

“Potential naman lahat meron sila. Sa system naman, kaunting adjustment kailangan, especially sa homegrown talents natin,” coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes told the Varsitarian.

All seven rookies are eligible to play for Season 84 next year.

Reyes said there would be a series of training and evaluation for the rookies once face-to-face training starts.

Juniors to seniors

Pepito will spearhead UST’s Season 84 rookie class.

Pepito bagged the Best Libero plum in seasons 79 to 82 of the UAAP. She was also named into the Philippine national volleyball team this year.

“Unang-una na reason [sa pagstay ko] is ‘yung mga tao na nakapaligid sa akin, mga tao na tumu-

played with cornerstone players Eya Laure, Maji Mangulabnan, Imee Hernandez and Janna Torres during their high school years.

Recruits

► Left to right, from top row: Jonna Perdido, Athena Sophia Abbu,

Renee Lou Peñafiel, Pierre Angeli Abellana, Angeli Marie Bacalso, Elisha Julienne Apostol and Bernadette Pepito.—PHOTO FROM UST ASST. COACH YANI FERNANDEZ

long and nag-guide sa akin since day 1. And syempre ‘yung sistema na mayroon si UST pagdating sa academics,” she told the Varsitarian.

Peñafiel, a five-foot-eight blocker from the Junior Tigresses, also committed to play for the UST. She averaged 13 points per game for the Tigresses during the semifinals of UAAP Season 82.

“Nag-stay din talaga ako sa UST dahil sa program ni coach Kung Fu,” she told the Varsitarian.

Season 82 junior second-best

blocker Abbu also decided to stay with UST for college.

The 18-year-old spiker acknowledged the need to tweak her playing style in preparation for tougher games at the collegiate level.

“There’s still a lot of adjustments to make, like reading the opponent’s offense and attacks, especially that I usually play middle blocker. I also have to work on my service and be more consistent,” she said.

Pepito, Peñafiel, and Abbu had

UST also recruited three Palarong Pambansa players to its collegiate volleyball team.

Perdido, who played a crucial role for Davao’s bronze medal finish in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa National Rebisco Volleyball League, will bolster the team’s hitter depth joining Laure and Babylove Barbon.

The Golden Tigresses also added Abellana, who was the Best Outside Spiker in the 2019 Central Visayas Regional Finals.

Cebuana middle blocker Bacalso also joined the Tigresses. Bacalso won the Best Blocker plum in the 2019 Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Tournament.

Completing UST’s rookie pool is Ilongga talent Apostol, who won top medals and championships in several regional competitions.

They are set join the likes of Laure, Barbon, Hernandez, Ysa Jimenez and KC Galdones in the upcoming season.

The UAAP is looking to start Season 84 in the first quarter of 2022 with basketball. Volleyball events are expected to follow in late April.

NICOLE ANNE D.G BUGAUISAN

Romero said virtual track training was difficult due to lack of equipment.

“Sa totoo lang po, hindi po ako nasasatisfy sa [online] training po namin, feeling ko po kasi parang walang improvement na nangyayari sa akin,” Romero said.

Dizon, a champion paddler, shared the same sentiment.

“Mahirap ‘yong online training sa table tennis kasi kailangan may table talaga at may training partner ka, unlike sa ibang sports na pwede naman mag-isa lang mag training,” Dizon said.

According to Dizon, most of the Tiger Paddlers’ online training sessions mainly revolved around physical conditioning. Other drills that enhance their techniques in playing table tennis were very limited, he said.

“Kapag dumating ‘yong time na makapag training ulit kami ng face-toface, sobrang maninibago kami,” Dizon said.

UAAP Season 84 is expected to begin in March 2022.

ANNA BARLAM AND JOSE AMA ROSARIO

UAAP reveals logo for Season 84 A SIPA-INSPIRED logo won the UAAP’s logo design competition, which garnered over 200 entries nationwide.

The winning logo was made by Far Eastern University’s Darryl John Digal. It will be the league’s official logo for its 84th season expected to begin in March next year.

In his design brief, Digal said that his logo symbolized the country’s “athletic heritage and culture, emphasizing the mission to promote cultural diversity, character development and athletic excellence.”

A student from the UST College of Fine Arts and Design was named among the nine finalists of the logo design contest.

Ralph Rainell Estrella said his finalist entry was mainly inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has sidelined the collegiate league for almost 2 years.

“Considering the fact na [the contest was] open for all and not just limited to students of UAAP schools, sobrang thankful pa rin,” Estrella told the Varsitarian.

The winning logo will be formally unveiled during the opening ceremony of UAAP Season 84. JOSE AMA ALBERTO B. ROSARIO

May we allow ourselves to be evangelized by the humility of Christmas and the humility of the manger, by the poverty and simplicity with which the Son of God entered into the world.

-POPE FRANCIS

ART BY KARL JOSHUA L. ARON AND CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES