THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 06

VOLUME XCIII / NO. 6 · MARCH 31, 2022 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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► FILE—A maintenance worker arranges chairs to be used by graduates at the UST Open Field ahead of the Baccalaureate Mass in 2018.—PHOTO BY DEEJAE DUMLAO

‘GRAD-WAITING’

SPORTS ► PAGE 11

Obiena urges UST athletes to win another overall UAAP title

Separate graduation rites for batches 2020, 2021, and 2022 are being considered, says UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. THE UNIVERSITY is considering conducting face-to-face (F2F) graduation ceremonies for the first time in two years at the end of Academic Year (AY) 2021-2022.

According to UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., there have been early discussions held regarding the guidelines on how to conduct in-person graduation ceremonies safely as Covid-19 continues to spread in the country.

“We are exploring all possibilities sa graduation na ito,” he told the

Varsitarian.

“I already convened the Central Graduation Committee, we already talked about [the possibility of F2F graduation ceremonies] and they are positive about it,” he added, noting that his office had also engaged in consultations with scientists, doctors and mathematicians aside from

700 profs back Leni for President IN A RARE move, more than 700 UST faculty members endorsed Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo for president, saying she was the leader who embodies UST’s “3Cs” (compassion, competence and commitment).

The group “Thomasians for Leni” on March 1 released a statement of support for the vice president’s candidacy signed by 396 faculty members from at least 22 UST academic units. The number increased to 738 as of March 30.

600 PROFS PAGE 9

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deans.

According to the academic calendar, this year’s Baccalaureate Mass is scheduled for June 3, while solemn investitures are on June 8.

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 1 until March 31.

Coronel said the University was still “testing the waters” of Alert Level 1 and more serious discussions would be held once Metro Manila retains its low-risk classification and Covid-19 reproduction rate.

“We need also to determine what would happen in the coming days and coming months that would affect our decision […] but I can only speak for as of now,” he said.

The secretary general said the University would also survey graduates of Batch 2020 and Batch 2021 if they would like to have catchup graduation ceremonies.

GRAD CEREMONIES PAGE 9

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Catholics elated with return of in-person Holy Week activities AFTER TWO years of the Covid-19 lockdowns forcing Holy Week activities to be observed unconventionally, devotees are excited to celebrate traditionally this year.

Corazon Bayaton, a devout Catholic from UST Senior High School faculty, said she and her family were looking forward to celebrating this year’s Holy Week as they always had before Covid-19.

“I feel happy and excited that this year, we will be able to commemorate the Holy Week because some restrictions were lifted and that we can again observe the Holy Week traditions,” Bayaton told the Varsitarian.

HOLY WEEK PAGE 9

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► Devotees have their palm fronds blessed on Palm Sunday at the Manila Cathedral

on April 10.—PHOTO BY MARVIN JOHN F. UY

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

2

NEWS

ACTING NEWS EDITOR: JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

No 100% classroom capacity in UST yet despite easing of restrictions on HEIs

Library launches book pick-up service

► FILE—UST medical technology students—all dressed in full PPE gear—undergo training at the University’s Central Laboratory as part

of their limited face-to-face clinical internship program.—PHOTO FROM THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY FACEBOOK PAGE

THE UNIVERSITY will not yet increase classroom capacity for limited face-toface (F2F) classes to 100 percent despite the government’s amended Alert Level 1 guidelines allowing classrooms to be fully occupied.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, in IATF Resolution No. 164, increased the allowable seating capacity in classrooms of higher educational institutions (HEIs) in areas under Alert Level 1 to a maximum of 100-percent capacity.

UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof.

Cheryl Peralta said the University would retain its guidelines on limited F2F classes to ensure the safety of students.

“We will maintain cohort schedules for limited F2F classes in order to ensure physical distancing as we gradually expand the implementation to other programs,” Peralta told the Varsitarian.

“The University shall take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of our stakeholders in the conduct of in-person classes,” she added.

The cohort schedule is the batch system followed by academic units in conducting F2F classes, in which students are divided into groups that shuffle between in-person and online classes to prevent crowding inside classrooms.

In a memorandum dated March 1, the Office of the Secretary General said UST would

continue its expansion of limited F2F classes to more programs subject to the approval of the University Crisis Management Committee.

UST is already conducting limited F2F classes for select courses in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Nursing, and College of Science. The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management will begin limited in-person classes on April 18.

Assoc. Prof. Gezzez Granado, CTHM dean, told the Varsitarian that four laboratory courses would be included in the limited face-toface (F2F) classes, namely advanced baking and cake decoration, pastry arts, international cuisine and in-house practicum.

Granado said 240 culinary entrepreneurship students (120 sophomores and 120 juniors) would join the F2F classes. Senior hospitality leadership students with audit classes will also participate in the engagements.

The classes will be divided into morning and afternoon sessions and will accommodate only 20 students per session.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Arts and Letters is preparing to apply for F2F classes for journalism students who will take broadcast journalism and photojournalism courses in Academic Year 2022-2023, Artlets Dean Marilu Madrunio told the Varsitarian on March 4.

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 1, the

most lenient in the country’s alert level system, until March 31.

‘Too shambolic’ and risky

Microbiology professor Miguel Carlos Arada said he preferred limited capacity classrooms in limited F2F classes as increasing the allowed capacity to 100 percent could be “too shambolic.”

“I prefer to continue imposing capacity limits as this pandemic still continues to affect everyone, and implementation of full capacity is far too shambolic. After all, we already explored, invested and experienced online teaching. Maybe we can blend and do some modifications about these teaching strategies and come up with a better plan,” Arada told the Varsitarian.

Bea Limson, a medical technology senior, also believed that classroom capacity limits should be retained.

“I think that it is better to retain the capacity limit in the institution for the safety of all because not everyone has their own condo units or dorms where they could stay as the physical classes start. There’s still a risk of contraction of the virus outside the school premises, especially to the commuters,” Limson said.

A full classroom also raises doubts and virus contraction concerns for communication CLASSROOM CAPACITY PAGE 9

Plaza Mayor’s tiger to undergo facelift THE TIGER statue and UST block letters at the Plaza Mayor will soon be remodeled, UST Facilities Management Office (FMO) Director Fr. Dexter Austria said.

“Confirmed ang change of design ng UST block letters and the tiger, approved by [UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P.] during the economic council meeting,” Austria told the Varsitarian.

Austria said the redesigned structures would be unveiled next academic year.

The same structures will be erected in UST General Santos (GenSan) and UST Santa Rosa.

Former UST College of Fine Arts and Design faculty member Anthony Zamora will design the new tiger statue, Austria said.

“What prompted the Father Rector to initiate the change probably was to inaugurate a new era after the Covid-19 pandemic,” Austria said. “[The redesigned structures also aim] to signal UST’s aggressive expansion to Sta. Rosa and General

Santos. You will see that symbolic dynamism in the block letters and tiger statue,” Austria added.

The University has been associated with the mascot since 1992 when its varsity team moniker transitioned from “Glowing Goldies” to the “Growling Tigers,” thanks to the “Mommy Tiger,” former Institute of Physical Education and Athletics assistant director Felicitas Francisco.

The official mascot of UST is the Bengal tiger, which bears the University colors gold, black and white.

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THOMASIANS can now have library materials picked up and delivered to them through a third-party courier, thanks to a new service of the UST Miguel de Benavides Library.

Chief Librarian Ma. Cecilia Lobo told the Varsitarian that faculty members and students had been calling for an easier way to access library materials amid the pandemic.

Thomasians can borrow books and other library materials for one week and renew them once for another week. The borrowing privileges are as follows: • administrators, academic officials, faculty members, and support staff – maximum of six books • graduate students – maximum of four books • undergraduate and high school students – maximum of three books To avail themselves of the service, administrators, faculty and students must accomplish the form at bit.ly//USTBorrowLibMat and select “Courier Service” as the mode of pick-up.

Borrowers must wait for the Circulation Section’s (CS) acknowledgment of their request. The CS will send terms and conditions via email, which borrowers must sign and send back.

Upon confirmation, a CS staff will process the request and inform the borrower once the material is ready for pick-up. The materials requested will be ready after two working days from the date of request.

The borrower must book a third-party courier service and shoulder the delivery fee. The pick-up station will be at the Dapitan Gate from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Once the booking is confirmed, the borrower must send the following information to the CS: • name of courier service (e.g., Lalamove, Grab, Borzo, etc.); • name of the courier driver; and • expected time of arrival at the UST Dapitan Gate 10.

The courier driver will also sign an acknowledgment slip, and a CS staff will notify the borrower of the successful pick-up.

JAMILAH B. ANGCO

‘Throw away political gender stereotypes’—Guanzon THE RIGHT to run for office is a right of every qualified Filipino regardless of gender, and women should be empowered to enter politics, retired Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said in a UST forum.

Guanzon said in the “Beyond Women Empowerment” webinar hosted by the UST Central Student Council on March 17 that gender bias in the country’s political scene should be quashed, especially ahead of the 2022 national elections. “​​Politics is not the job for women—that’s wrong. […] Elections and the right to run for office is everybody’s right as a Filipino. I would encourage you to run for office if it is your dream job,” Guanzon, who is vocal in supporting the candidacy of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo for president, said.

Guanzon also emphasized that women in the country comprised a huge voting bloc.

According to Comelec data, the number of registered female voters in the Philippines as of May 2019 was 31,816,812, nearly 1.8 million more

than the 30,026,959 registered male voters.

“For the last three national elections, there are more women than men who are registered voters. Now, it’s around the same, and women still outnumber the men,” Guanzon said.

“Also, in voter turnout, there are more women who go to the polls than men. I don’t know why, but maybe the men are at work in the field, or the women are more civic conscious, and that’s a good sign,” she added.

Guanzon encouraged Filipinos to vote for the right people, especially in Congress, to ensure that laws for women’s rights and gender equality could be passed.

“If the one elected as president has nothing between his ears, we are going to be seriously at risk,” she said.

“What’s important is to elect the right president.”

Guanzon retired as Comelec commissioner on Feb. 2, 2022 after serving from 2015 to 2022. She served as commissioner in the Commission on Audit from 2013 to 2015 and as mayor of Cadiz, Negros Occidental from 1986 to 1992.. FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

NEWS Artlets dean urges Big Tech to boost fact-checking FACEBOOK, Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft, also known as Big Tech, must engage in more fact-checking initiatives to combat disinformation, especially with the upcoming 2022 national elections, Dean Marilu Madrunio of the Faculty of Arts and Letters said.

Madrunio, citing Farjad Manjoo’s “Tech’s Frightful Five: They’ve Got Us” column for the New York Times, said fact-checking should be part of these companies’ social responsibility because they have the power to influence decision-making in society.

“Little or no checking allows unscrupulous parties to spread disinformation or fake news through the facilities of these companies. As such, according to Manjoo, more efforts should be done,” the dean said in her opening speech during the “e-Leksiyon: Taming Tech Titans” webinar on March 9.

In the 2017 column, Manjoo said the five tech giants were among the top 10 most valuable companies in the US and had continually grown “stronger and richer” over time.

Because of the influence and reach of these tech companies, Madrunio said their products have become embedded in daily human life.

“A more interesting question relating to Filipinos at this time is: Will these companies have any impact on local and national elections in the Philippines this 2022?” she said.

According to the 2022 Digital Report, Google, Facebook, and Youtube (owned by Google) were the top three most-visited websites in the Philippines. Most of the country’s 48.10 million users primarily use the Internet to find information, the report said.

However, these websites, especially Facebook and Youtube, have also been infamously used to spread propaganda, misinformation and disinformation.

Facebook and Google have started partnering with news organizations, civil society groups, and academics for fact-checking of content on their sites.

“Indeed, while these companies help us in more ways than one, by making our daily lives convenient, we should also be wary about the disadvantages that they can bring. A few months from now, we shall be holding our elections where the use of information and communications technologies will play a crucial part,” Madrunio said.

Stricter political campaign regulations Marie Fatima Gaw, a University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman professor and project co-lead of elections watchdog project Digital Public Pulse, said digital platforms like Facebook should make both politicians and “intermediaries,” or those who campaign for politicians, accountable for the hyper-partisan content they propagate.

“Facebook, Google, [and other tech giants] can actually not only create literacy campaigns or create more rigorous content policy moderation but also try to investigate the insidious campaign industry that supports all this [propaganda],” Gaw said.

Gaw, a researcher of algorithms, said these tech companies

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News orgs should penetrate TikTok to combat fake news — GMA social media head NEWS ORGANIZATIONS should explore and make their presence felt in new and emerging social media platforms such as TikTok to help flag fake news.

► Madrunio

‘‘

Little or no checking allows unscrupulous parties to spread disinformation or fake news through the facilities of these companies. As such, according to Manjoo, more efforts should be done Marilu Madrunio

FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS DEAN

should ensure the flow of credible information beyond the elections.

Social media platforms use algorithms to sort content by looking into what a user views and spends time on, and then creating a personalized user experience.

Benjamin Bunquin, another project co-lead of Digital Public Pulse, said these algorithms are crucial in shaping public opinion since they can be a tool for manipulation by politicians and politician communicators.

“It’s all of these technological features that are malleable and can be manipulated by individuals who have malicious or who have that desire, really, to sort of influence public opinion. That’s really the biggest implications of the role of big tech in the elections,” he said.

Roy Tan, the head of politics and governance of the Asia-Pacific branch of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, said the social media website’s policies are “ever-changing” and “ever being updated” to ensure that users see things they want to see.

“But having said that, I think it’s also important to know that we also realize that that could also be a double-edged sword in that sense. We do realize that we need to ensure that we have policies in place to ensure that what you want to see is also within the means of what you should be seeing,” Tan said.

E-Leksiyon: Taming Tech Titans was the eighth installment of the National Forum on Communication and Democracy: Philippine Elections 2022 series organized by the Philippines Communication Society (PCS) to discuss the impact of technology giants in amplifying and limiting information flow during the election season. JOANNE P. RAMOS

Aileen Perez, GMA Public Affairs social media head, said journalists must “learn to convey messages in new platforms” to reach a wider audience, particularly those who seldom consume content from the mainstream media.

“Dapat andun tayo [journalists], dapat alam natin ‘yung mga content na idedeliver natin dun. I think it’s not actually a battle between traditional and alternative journalists. I think it should be [that] the traditional journalists should learn how to convey their messages doon sa bagong platform,” Perez said during the 23rd Inkblots campus journalism conference on Feb. 26.

Perez said the presence of news organizations on social media would help contain the spread of false information.

“I know there are a lot of fake news on Tiktok, but ‘yun nga [ang problema] kasi wala tayo[ng news organizations] doon e… Ang magaling ngayon sa mga troll at purveyors of fake news e marunong sila doon sa bagong platforms na wala tayo,” she said.

“It’s important for journalists to learn how to manage these platforms,” Perez added.

TikTok is a social media platform where users can post and share shortform videos ranging from 15 seconds to three minutes. It is the fourth mostused social media platform in the Philippines, with 67.9 percent of internet users (51.61 million of 76.01 million users) using it monthly, according to the 2022 Digital Report.

However, it is infamous for being

► GMA Public Affairs social media head Aileen Perez talks during the 23rd

Inkblots campus journalism conference on Feb. 26.

a platform where misinformation and disinformation are spread, especially about the upcoming national elections.

The theme of the second virtual installment of Inkblots, the annual UST National Campus Journalism Fellowship, was “Press freedom and democracy: The role of the campus press in the 2022 elections.”

Rappler’s central desk senior editor Joel Pablo Salud was the keynote speaker for the 23rd Inkblots. He talked about fact-checking and covering the elections, which he said should be “fair, balanced and, most of all, based on facts.”

Salud urged campus journalists to “band together” in the fight against fake news this election season.

“I think it’s important that campus journalists band together because they will be able to reach a lot of young people regarding issues involved. Half of the voting population is from their age group,” he said.

Perez discussed social media, fake news and the 2022 polls, while UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary

Studies fellow Asst. Prof. Joselito de los Reyes stressed the importance of campus press in shaping public opinion.

De los Reyes, in his message, said campus publications should make their presence felt and explore strategies to reach a wider audience in social media.

“May mensahe ang pagiging irrelevant at dito tayo sinasamantala,” he said.

UST journalism professor and 2020 Marshall McLuhan Award fellow Christian Esguerra talked about the media’s role as a watchdog of democracy and power.

In his message, Esguerra stressed the importance of media independence.

“Media, as an independent monitor of power, has a social contract to the people, at ‘yun ay ang pag-alaga sa interest nila at siguraduhin na hindi sila aabusuhin ng mga taong nasa kapangyarihan. We have to be independent to be able to perform our job, our role as a monitor of power,” he said.

Rappler’s justice and anti-corruption reporter Lian Buan moderated

UST confers posthumous honorary doctorate on Century Pacific’s Ricardo Po Sr. THE UNIVERSITY conferred a posthumous doctorate on the late Century Pacific Food Inc. founder Ricardo Po Sr. at the Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P., building on Saturday, March 19.

Po took up chemistry at the old College of Liberal Arts (now College of Science) from 1952 to 1954 before dropping out to work as a journalist for a Chinese newspaper in Binondo. UST

awarded him a masters in business administration in 2006.

“Ricardo Po Sr. did not become a full-fledged chemist in 1956, but he was a true-blooded Thomasian as he was a servant leader, effective communicator and collaborator, analytical and creative thinker and a life-long learner,” UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., said in his concession address.

Graduate School Dean Prof. Michael

Anthony Vasco delivered the address of the petition, while Science Dean Prof. Rey Donne Papa read the diploma during the solemn investiture.

Po was nominated to become honoris causa recipient by the College of Science and was endorsed by the Graduate School before undergoing the screening process of UST’s Academic RICARDO PO SR. PAGE 9

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► FILE—UST

administrators confer a posthumous honorary doctorate on the late Ricardo Po Sr., founder and chairman emeritus of Century Pacific Food, at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the BGPOP building on March 19. .—ARIANNE MAYE D.G. VIRI

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

4

WITNESS

EDITOR: MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

UST Santisimo Rosario Parish marks 80th anniversary

Sainthood cause advances for Argentine cardinal who organized 1st World Youth Day

THE UST Santisimo Rosario Parish marked the 80th anniversary of its canonical establishment with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Jose Advincula on Monday, March 21.

In his homily, Advincula honored the priests and lay leaders who “contributed immensely” to the growth of Santisimo Rosario.

“We thank them for being the sycamore trees that helped us see Jesus clearly amid the crowds of parish life, limitations and difficulties along the journey,” he said.

The Manila archbishop urged parishioners to strive to be missionaries and agents of “synodality” for a renewed Church.

“The Church is ever on the way, ever on pilgrimage, ever on a mission,” he said. “If we stop journeying on the way, we end up standing in the way and we become stumbling blocks to the faith progress of our co-pilgrims and fellow missionaries.”

“We are challenged to be missionaries in our ways, and I pray that each of you may courageously and faithfully take on this challenge to SANTISIMO PAGE 9

►

► Pironio

► UST Dominicans pose for a photo during the Santisimo Rosario Parish’s 80th anniversary Eucharistic cele-

bration presided over by Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila on Monday, March 21. JOSELLE MARIE B. REYES

CBCP condemns historical revisionism on 36th anniversary of EDSA People Power THE CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has condemned “the distortion or the truth of history,” reminding Filipinos of the “injustice and cruelty” of Martial Law. Releasing a pastoral letter on the 36th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution that toppled Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, the CBCP called on the people to defend the truth, especially during the forthcoming election, in which Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is running for president.

In the letter, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, the CBCP president, said distortion of historical truths “poisons our collective con-

sciousness” and “destroys the moral foundation of our institutions.”

“Let us stand up for truth [because] an election or any process that is not based on truth is but a deception and cannot be trusted,” David said.

“Disrespect for truth is disrespect for freedom,” he said. “When we disregard truth, we disregard our obligation to be accountable.”

David also condemned the rampant disinformation regarding the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, which he said led to a “pandemic of lies” on social media.

“We wish to warn you of the radical distortions in the history of Martial Law and the EDSA People

Power Revolution. [Let] us examine ourselves. Perhaps we, too, sow the virus of lies, which spreads wildly and numbs our consciences,” David said.

“The peaceful revolution was not an invention of one person, one party, or one color. It was a triumph of the entire Filipino People,” he added.

David also reminded Filipinos that in voting, the common good should be the “foremost concern.”

In a virtual presser following the release of the letter, David said the letter was issued because “we don’t want the dark age of Martial Law repeated.”

“We have been involved in

politics because we are citizens of this country. Our involvement as CBCP is based on moral guidance… ang pinaninindigan lang natin dito ay katotohanan,” he said.

“In the age of social media, nababaluktot ang katotohanan.

Ayaw namin mangyari na our people are deceived,” he added.

David also warned against the dangers of disinformation, citing the story of Jesus and Barabbas.

“People favored Barabbas because may mga pwersa na bulung-bulong lang that were able to influence the people to choose Barabbas, we do not want that to happen,” David said. ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ

POPE FRANCIS has advanced the cause for sainthood of Argentine Cardinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio, who helped establish the first World Youth Day celebrations.

On Feb. 18, the Pope authorized the promulgation of the heroic virtues of Pironio through a decree by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which elevated his status from “Servant of God” to “Venerable.”

In 1994, UST conferred an honorary doctorate in sacred theology on Pironio.

Pironio was born in Nueve de Julio, Argentina on Dec. 3, 1920 and was ordained priest in 1943.

Pope Paul VI appointed him auxiliary bishop of La Plata in 1964 and bishop of Mar del Plata in 1972. Pironio was elevated to cardinal in 1976.

As cardinal, Pironio participated in the conclaves—an assembly of cardinals at the Vatican followed by the papal election—that elected John Paul I and John Paul II. In 1984, Pope John Paul II named him president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity in which he helped promote the first World Youth Day events: Rome in 1986, Buenos Aires in 1987, Spain in 1989, Poland in 1991, Denver in 1993, and the Philippines in 1995.

The late prelate also served as prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and of Societies of Apostolic Life.

Pironio died on Feb. 5, 1998 of bone cancer and is buried at the shrine of Our Lady of Lujan in Argentina.

His cause for beatification was formally opened on June 23, 2006.

Candidates for sainthood require two miracles attributed to their intercession. On the approval of the authenticity of the first miracle, he or she is beatified or named “Blessed.”

Canonization requires a second miracle. MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

Holy Week ► FROM PAGE 5

Restrictions on Holy Week observance the past two years included a prohibition on religious activities in some community quarantine classifications, which forced changes on how traditions were observed.

During the early days of the pandemic in 2020, the Vatican decreed that Easter could not be canceled or postponed because it was “the heart of the entire liturgical year and not simply one feast among others.”

Adhering to the Vatican’s directive, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) instructed dioceses to livestream Holy Week rites, emphasizing Domus Ecclesiae or the “Church of the family.”

Priests went around the streets of their parishes on Palm Sunday to bless palm fronds of the faithful in front of their homes. No Holy Water was used during the blessing, as a precaution.

Chrism Mass was held on Maundy Thursday but only the clergy were allowed inside cathedral churches, observing physical distance, hygiene, and sanitation.

For the rite of the “Washing of the Feet,” the CBCP had suggested that it be omitted, or the number of people whose feet would be washed be reduced.

The Visita Iglesia was replaced by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament while the faithful waited at their houses with lighted candles.

Catholics were instructed to follow reflections on the Passion of the Lord

on television or the internet before the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday.

Easter Vigil had a reduced number of readings as allowed by the Roman Missal. The Blessed Sacrament was carried by the presider around the parish, instead of the traditional long procession of the Santo Entierro or the image of the interred Christ.

The faithful were urged to bring a statue of the Blessed Mother at their doors or windows during the Salubong rites at dawn on Easter Sunday.

Bayaton said she and her family would prepare spiritually to have a better Holy Week experience this year.

“Aside from these traditions, what is important is that we also prepare ourselves intrinsically for these Holy Week activities to be more meaningful,”

she said.

Fr. Joseph Franz Dizon, parochial vicar of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in the Diocese of Malolos, said the resilience and faith of Filipino Catholics had been evident amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Faith and resiliency always go together,” Dizon said. “Filipinos do not give up on their faith because of their resiliency. Filipinos do not give up on their faith because of their resiliency. They hold on to their faith in times of crisis and calamities lalo na itong Covid-19 pandemic.”

The priest also reminded Catholics to observe health protocols such as wearing facemasks and maintaining social distancing when attending the activities.

On Feb. 22, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines released guidelines for Lent and Holy Week 2022.

In the guidelines, Baguio Bishop Victor Benedico, CBCP Chairman of Episcopal Commission on Liturgy, said Church leaders should coordinate with local officials on religious processions and ensure that social distancing would be observed.

Virtual broadcasts of activities are also encouraged for Catholics who could not attend physically.

Popular devotions like the “Pabasa” may be organized considering compliance with health protocols.

Holy Week will be commemorated from April 10 to April 16. ALLYSSA CRUZ WITH REPORTS FROM ALENA CASTILLO

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

LITERARY Unitas marks 100th anniversary UNITAS, the University’s official scholarly journal for the humanities, arts, and the social sciences, is commemorating its centenary this year.

Established in 1922, Unitas is the oldest extant university-based academic journal in the country.

Since last year, Unitas has been holding a series of international online lectures on contemporary literary and cultural studies titled “UNITAS 100.”

The journal’s year-long celebration will continue with the Authors International Lecture series from February to April and will feature authors who have been published in Unitas.

Among the slated sessions are lectures from: Former United Nations official David O’Connor who will lecture on “The Sustainable Development Goals and the Importance of Cultural Change.”

Juan Miguel Leandro L. Quizon of the Chinese University of Hong Kong on “Dictatorship’s Temporal Edifice.”

Jesus Cyril Conde of Ateneo de Naga University on the “Metonymies of Ethno-

► FILE—A maintenance worker arranges.—PHOTO BY DEEJAE DUMLAO

botany and the Fellowship Discourse of Sagrada Familia Healers in Irosin, Sorsogon, Philippine.”

Vincenz Serrano from the Ateneo de Manila University on the historiography and poetics of Nick Joaquin’s “A Question of Heroes.”

The journal will also cap off its hundredth anniversary with the completion of its digitalization project, which will make available online Unitas issues from 1922 to 2022.

“This project will include abstracts and keywords which will be the journal’s gift to its loyal readers worldwide by way

of providing them the convenience of a scholar-friendly archival research on various aspects of the 100 years of the intellectual history of the Filipino intellectuals in its pages,” Prof. Maria Luisa Reyes, Unitas editor in chief, told the Varstiarian.

Unitas will also host the Asian Journals Network colloquium, which will be attended by editors and staff members of various journals in Asia, Reyes added.

The UNITAS 100 lectures can be viewed by the public via Unitas’ official Facebook page.

SAMANTHA FATIMA C. CREENCIA

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‘Democracy needs bookstores’: Philippine PEN condemns bookstore vandals THE Philippine Center of the International PEN (Poets & Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) condemned the anti-communist vandalism done to Popular Bookstore and Solidaridad Bookshop, which is owned by the late National Artist F. Sionil José.

In a statement on March 23, the writers’ group decried the “red-tagging and thuggery” done to the two independent bookstores and called on police to “act with urgency” in investigating the incident.

“Bookstores are channels of free expression and free opinion that are necessary to the health and well-being of a democracy,” it said.

On the morning of March 22, the owners of the Tomas Morato-based Popular Bookstore said that the shop’s walls had been vandalized, with the words “NPA Terrorist” written

in red graffiti.

Solidaridad Bookshop, located on Padre Faura Street in Manila, told the Varsitarian that they found their signage in a similar red-splattered fate the same day.

The Philippine PEN said that bookstores carry out “debates and dialogues that are necessary to a functioning democracy.”

“Ideological tagging and the violence of political partisanship have sought to silence the bookstores, perhaps even kill and drive them out of business,” it said. “We urge enlightened Filipinos who care deeply for the health of our democracy to condemn the violence.”

Solidaridad Bookshop also serves as the headquarters of the Philippine PEN, whose founder José established in 1957. ALEXANDRA L. MANGASAR

Palanca Awards returns after 2-year hiatus THE CARLOS Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the longest-running literary contest in the country, is back for its 70th edition after a twoyear hiatus brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We know that the past two years have been very challenging for everyone because of the pandemic,” said Palanca spokesperson Bernardita Ben said in a press release. “As we slowly get back on track and ease into the new normal, we believe the time is ripe too, once again, to promote and celebrate Philippine literature and honor our literary artists.”

A “Kabataan Division” will also be open for writers below 18 years old for the English and Filipino categories and must follow the themes “Life in the Midst of the Pandemic and Coping in the New Normal” and “Buhay sa Gitna ng Pandemya at Pagharap sa ‘New Normal,” respectively.

The contest is open to all Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages except directors, officers, and employees of the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. Authors who wish to join may submit only one (1) entry per category.

Entries are due by May 31. The official contest rules and entry forms can be found on the official website of the Palanca Awards.

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature is an annual literary event funded by the Carlos Palanca Foundation Inc. NAME SURNAME

The a cn la P iw tpe c a snoi mbuso t s ti :rsaeilugo erta c

- Novel and Nobela - For the English category: -Short Story -Short Story for Children -Essay -Poetry, -Poetry Written for Children -One-act Play -Full-length Play

- For the Filipino category: -Maikling Kuwento -Maikling Kuwentong Pambata -Sanaysay -Tula -Tulang Para sa mga Bata -Dulang May Isang Yugto -Dulang Ganap ang Haba -Dulang Pampelikula

- For the Regional Languages category: -Short Story-Cebuano -Short StoryHiligaynon -Short Story-Ilokano

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

6

OPINION Leni’s true enemy is misogyny

EDITORIAL

Let women campaign without prejudice March is National Women’s Month, but you can always count on some privileged men to spoil the celebration with their pettiness.

Speaking on a radio program, Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin “’Boying” Remulla (7th District) claimed that a certain politician paid their supporters to attend a campaign rally in General Trias.

“In the province of Cavite, there’s a politician that has been paying P500 to anyone that will attend [the rally],” Boying said in Filipino. “You know they are not locals because of their uniforms; they’re assembling them. Their uniforms are pink, it’s so obvious.”

Remulla further said that the students who attended the demonstration looked like activists and leftists trained by the National Democratic Front, only this time they were donning pink bandanas.

Without a doubt, the politician in question is Vice President Leni Robredo. She was the only electoral candidate that recently staged a rally in the country’s second most vote-rich province (around 2.30 million voters). Moreover, her campaign colors are unmistakably pink.

But the grave point of concern here is anything but rose-colored: it’s Remulla’s dull, brash, and duplicitous line of reason— if the congressman even possesses one.

Regarding the half-a-thousand payout, by calculation Robredo would have had to withdraw nearly 23 million pesos to pay the estimated 47,000 that attended her Cavite tour. That’s almost twice her net

Why si ti ta h t n i eh t 21styrutne c s ’ t l i u cs i f o d t e v eil nb , emo w y l n a e mi o c e w p s o h e w r i p sr ao f s n o i t s fo ? p r e w o p Whne mow hs s e c dru nes a v i l e d n o, s r e i h m t o r p s ’t es o r m l h a t s y a w tl a t s a e l n o n ag m i t a wn o e h t s e n i l t e do i s r c s i d m e h t r o t s i w te h .e v ita r an

Fourth Wall JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

worth (11.9 million) in 2020 according to her latest Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Robredo, who has been vocal about wealth transparency among public officials, cannot possibly dream of spending such an amount of money just to buy attendees and on top of mounting a nationwide campaign.

Otherwise, the Comelec, and even the Commission of Audit, would have flagged her by now.

But perhaps most contentious is Remulla’s insinuation that his very constituents are malleable enough to be bought out by politicians if the price is right. Not only does he demean the people of Cavite, but also his dignity as a public official in the kind of political ideology he advertises: one dependent on unsubstantiated claims and founded on dynastic power to maintain a foothold on the people.

Indeed, Remulla deliberately chose to perpetuate the culture of disinformation, which has marred Philippine politics in the last six years, in the hopes of securing those touted “800,000 votes” for fellow political dynasty proponent Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., a promise made earlier by none other than lawmaker’s own brother, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla.

Not long after, presidential aspirant and Caviteño Sen. Panfilo Lacson took to Twitter to express concern about the same “politician” (he didn’t name names) for “inciting” a coalition government with the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front EDITORIAL PAGE 9

►

There was an infamous viral tweet by nowsuspended Twitter user @r3yster, a Bongbong Marcos supporter, that read: “Once again.

Number one reason why I wouldn’t vote Leni Robredo as the President of the Philippines?

She’s a woman. Women are meant to serve men. Women are meant to be our follower (sic). They are not meant to be a leader (sic). It will always be men who takes leadership, not women (sic).”

Definitely the sexist Twitter user isn’t alone in his stance. Thousands of Facebook users are constantly on the comment sections discrediting the vice president and her achievements simply because she’s a woman.

The sexism has become more rampant in the administration of the ultra-sexist President Duterte.

In January 2021, when rumors were

Its ’ tuobaemit e z io n t g e h ct r s t n e m fv o e i h c a n e m o w n si c t i l o p d n a sr e oh i t s fo p . pihs reda l Its ’ emit e w e snemo w r o f o h w y e h .t r a still swirling that his daughter would run for president, Duterte said the job of chief executive was not for women.

“Hindi ito pambabae,” Duterte said. “Alam mo, the emotional setup of a woman and a man is totally different. Maging g**o ka dito.”

It’s difficult to comprehend, why in this day and age, women are still looked down on. Robredo is an economist, member of the bar, and a very effective vice president. Her office yielded the highest rating from the Commission on Audit for three consecutive years, probably the most indicative of transparent service.

Unlike the fake macho snoozing in Malacañang, Robredo’s presence during the Covid-19 emergency was felt.

The Robredo name isn’t as deeply ingrained in Filipino history as Marcos’s, hence her trailing in surveys behind Bongbong. After all, she did not have a dictator for a father, nor is her family dynastic.

It is appalling how our misogynistic disregards Robredo’s track record. Her taking off her high heels after the CNN presidential debate in UST drew flak from supporters of survey-leading candidate Bongbong. Factchecking collective Tsek.PH said Robredo was the No. 1 victim of disinformation among FOURTH WALL PAGE 7

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

News Jamilah Mae B. Angco, Justin Benedict T. Lim, Christine Joyce A. Paras Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa, Joanne Christine P. Ramos Sports Anna Clarissa M. Barlam, Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan, James Paul R. Gomez, Jose Ama Alberto B. Rosario, Mark Ernest V. Villeza Special Reports Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad, John Aaron C. Pangilinan Features Judd Ericka Marie F. Crescini, Nina Angela Mikaela Cruz, Faith Nicole S. Gelacio, Jade Veronique V. Yap Literary Samantha Fatima C. Creencia, Alexandra L. Mangasar Witness Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Allyssa Mae C. Cruz Filipino Caitlin Dayne A. Contreras, Matthew G. Gabriel Science and Technology Louise Marie Therese B. Padillo, Adrian L. Parungao Circle Allaine Nicole C. Cruz, Charm Ryanne C. Magpali, Larissa Mae C. Tan

Art Karl Joshua L. Aron, Zymon M. Gailo, Athea Monique Z. Gala, Gwyneth Fiona N. Luga, Jerome Carlo D. Macanaya, Christine Angelie P. Orines Photography Francia Denise M. Arizabal, Joselle Marie B. Reyes, Gillian Kin Q. Robles Camille Abiel H. Torre, Marvin John F. Uy, Arianne Maye D.G. Viri Editorial Assistant Jessica C. Asprer

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

Joselito B. Zulueta Publications Adviser

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THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

OPINION Buhay ang wika kahit sa patay na pandinig

700 profs ► FROM PAGE 1

y atunP ang RA 11106 na y buha na y buha ang a ikw at hind amngl adolimt sa as kbing na amg aslit ’t ay k walsink onit ang nsig e.angul Sa ongbap ,oit ing a lusibonk o epart ng lipuna ang amg ibng at hind na amngl ulongka o anlimt sa amg alispec holsc at imar na inr angsil maintdh ng ibang ilpnoP na y ma pandig.

Kurò-kurò SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

KAPURI-PURI ang pagkumpleto ng Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino sa Implementing Rules and Regulations para sa isinabatas na RA 11106 na pinamagatang An Act Declaring The Filipino Sign Language As The National Sign Language Of The Filipino Deaf And The Official Sign Language Of Government In All Transactions Involving The Deaf, And Mandating Its Use In Schools, Broadcast Media, And Workplaces.

Sa batas na ito, ginawang mandato ng adminstrasyong Duterte noong ika-30 ng Oktube, 2018 na gamitin ang Filipino Sign Language bilang opisyal na wika ng mga Pilipinong bingi o mahina na nagbunga ng pamantayan na matatawag nating atin at hindi na kinakailangang umasa pa sa American Sign Language.

Bago pa man maipatupad ang RA 11106, mayroon nang S.B. No. 2117 o kilala bilang An Act Requiring The Use Of Filipino Sign Language Insets For Local News Programs, Amending For The Purpose Section 22 Of Republic Act No. 7277, As Amended, Otherwise Known As The “Magna Carta For Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)” kung saan kinakailangang may sign language interpreter sa mga programang balita sa telebisyon na inaprubado noong 2014. Ang pinagkaiba lang nito sa RA

11106 ang paggamit ng FSL sa mga transakyon sa gobyerno, pagturo sa mga paaralan at mga trabaho upang mapagsilbihan ang mga bingi.

Mahigit tatlong taon man ang inabot sa pagbuo ng pamantayan na nilikha ng KWF, tama lang din ang oras nito sapagkat nasa pandemya pa ang bansa at nahihirapan ang mga bingi bunga ng paggamit pa rin ng face mask ng publiko. Umaasa ang mga bingi sa galaw ng bibig ng kausap nila o mas killala bilang “lip reading”. Sa ganitong paraan, kung hindi man marunong ng FSL ang kanyang kausap, maaari niya pa ring maintindihan ang sinasabi ng kapwa niya sa paraan ng obserbasyon sa galaw ng labi at dila upang malaman ang salitang binibigkas.

Pag naiisip ang FSL o ano mang senyas na kinakailangan ang mga kamay, madalang na isipin ng lipunan na para lamang ito sa komunikasyon ng bingi sa kapwa bingi. Bagkus, nagkakaroon ng limitasyon at eksklusyon dahil hindi itinuturo sa pangkaraniwang curriculum ang FSL at may sarili o hiwalay na mga paaralan o special school para lamang sa mga bingi.

Sa gabay ng batas na ito, hindi na magiging ekslusibo para sa mga bingi ang pag-aaral ng FSL dahil ihahandog na ng mga pampublikong unibersidad ito bilang elective course o opsiyonal na kur-

so na maaaring aplayan ng mga mag-aaral na nais matuto. Matagal naman nang mayroong mga kurso sa sign language, mahusay lamang ang hakbang ng gobyerno na palawakin ang access nito at magsilbing paghikayat sa mga Pilipinong may pandinig na lumahok.

Dagdag pa rito, dahil sa lahat ng mga pampublikong unibersidad bukas ang opsiyonal na kurso, libre ito para sa mga mag-aaral. Ayon sa CHED, mayroong 667 na mga pampublikong pamantasan ang bansa, kung saan bawat rehiyon may tatlo o higit na pamantasan upang pantay at umaabot sa mga malalayong probinsya ang FSL. Hindi limitado sa pampublikong unibersidad ang nasabing kurso, pati na rin iilang pribadong institusyon bukas ang FSL. Kahang-hanga na kahit hindi kinakailangang magbigay ng kursong FSL, kumikilos at lumilikha ng sariling hakbang ang mga pribadong paaralan upang pagsilbihan ang mga mag-aaral na gusto o nangangailangan nito tulad ng Kolehiyo ng Miriam at Pamantasang De La Salle San Benildo. Mabuting punto ito sapagkat hindi nagiging eksklusibo sa mga pampublikong paaralan ang pag-aaral ng FSL, nabibigyan din ng KURÒ-KURÒ PAGE 10

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Tiger fans should not do a Duterte Cal het ationpublc out if it elasr e akf ,swne but usingca it of being paid yb a R “P hinery”mac just ausebc of an leang it hosec ot suepr s kmac of mationrdsf and htigour ing,yl hmuc e lik Rooigdr Duert ouldw abel het alitcr espr ” an,ry“b ” “ased,bi and ” e. ak“f

Pipebomb ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

ALL OUR HEARTS were broken on Tuesday as the UST Growling Tigers lost their second straight game against the UP Fighting Maroons. The game was full of stories: it was ex-UST captain CJ Cansino’s first game against the Tigers since transferring to Diliman after the Sorsogon “bubble” controversy in 2020; the Tigers were seeking their first win of the young UAAP season; and it was UST rookie Jordi Gomez de Liaño’s first matchup against UP, the team he played his high school years for.

Of course, The Varsitarian (“V”) chose to focus on Cansino’s “homecoming.” We have covered the Sorsogon saga, UST’s rebuilding, and everything in between. As campus journalists, we are taught how not to sound robotic and seek storylines to provide better reports on events.

Prior to the game, the “V” pursued this angle.

We asked Cansino after UP’s loss to Ateneo what he felt about going against his former team the next game and published a quote card on social media and a report on our website containing the exTiger’s words as part of our advancers for the USTUP game.

After the game, the “V” released a scorecard with the caption, “CJ Cansino and the UP Fighting Maroons use a strong second half to eclipse UST, 98-82. The Tigers have lost their first two #UAAPSeason84 games by a combined 41 points.”

Fourth Wall

► FROM PAGE 6

the country’s presidential bets. She has been absurdly accused by fake news peddlers of being involved in her husband’s death and being linked with high-profile illegal drug personalities and communist rebel groups.

She’s also the recipient of out-of-line mockeries as seen in the infamous Vicentiments “LenLen” series, which is flat-out negative campaigning against the vice president.

It’s about time to recognize the achievements of women in politics and other positions of leadership.

It’s time we see women for who they are.

Of course, the Cansino angle was important for the reasons mentioned above. There are Thomasians who seemingly just want to forget the fact that Cansino was a former Tiger and called out the Varsitarian for including his name in the caption. We have been called out in the past for mounting a one-on-one interview with Cansino after he decided to transfer to UP. But Cansino is still a former Tiger, and he’s still an important angle to the UST-UP game on Tuesday.

Those comments are tolerable, but we take exception to a vilifying comment by the fanpage “The Growling Tigers of UST” that read: “Buti pa si CJ nabangit (sic), pero mga players ng UST hindi.

PR machinery working within the V.” A “Homer Espiritu” replied to the comment, saying, “May PR machinery? Ibig sabihin ba niyan may nagbabayad sa kanila? Isn’t that corruption? School organ na tumatanggap ng publicity fee? Alam ba ito ng UST Admin?”

Even if Cansino and the UP Maroons have a “PR machinery,” it is another thing to accuse them of paying the Varsitarian for good press, since public relations is, like journalism, a legitimate profession. Journalists and PR publicists are information handlers; they’re media professionals.

Those who say that Cansino and his team have a “PR machinery” and that the Varsitarian is being

Grad ceremonies

paid to “publicize” them, should be asked where they got the idea that public relations practitioners pay the media for publicity. Is that their experience of public relations? Nagbabayad ba sila for their publicity? Are they themselves involved in corruption?

Those who disparage the “V” on the UST fan page should be reminded that when the Tigers were rebuilding, the “V” ran stories introducing UST’s new recruits to the UST community and reported on what the coaching staff thought they would contribute to the team. Prior to the UAAP, the “V” released infographics containing the names and photos of UST’s new Tigers. There was a point last academic year when almost all of the Varsitarian’s sports content was about the Tigers and their new recruits.

Call the publication out if it releases fake news, but accusing it of being paid by a “PR machinery” just because of an angle it chose to pursue smacks of disinformation and outright lying, much like Rodrigo Duterte would label the critical press “bayaran,” “biased,” and “fake.” Moreover, everyone should be reminded that the Varsitarian is not under the UST administration; it practices editorial independence.

Sports may make us emotional at times, but let’s remain rational. Let’s not do a Duterte.

► FROM PAGE 1

“We are exploring all possibilities in order to accommodate everyone,” he said.

“But this is subject to a lot of variables like the availability of alumni, if they are still in the Philippines and if they will be available on the specific dates that we set.”

The University’s deans have expressed willingness to conduct F2F graduation ceremonies, Coronel said.

The decision will ultimately be made by the University Crisis Management Committee headed by UST Rector Fr.

7

Richard Ang, O.P. This year’s graduating batch is composed of the pioneer graduates of the K-to-12 curriculum that added two years of senior high school to the country’s educational system. UST has about 8,000 graduating students in AY 2021-2022.

In the past two years, the University sent off its graduates with virtual graduation ceremonies including an exit through the Arch of the Centuries via UST Minecraft and a Baccalaureate Mass livestreamed on Facebook.

The breakdown of the faculty members is as follows:Faculty of Arts and Letters – 65; Faculty of Civil Law – 8; Faculty of Engineering – 53; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery – 57; Faculty of Pharmacy – 31; Graduate School – 16; Institute of Physical Education and Athletics – 7; Institute of Religion – 29; Senior High School – 91; Education and Junior High School – 26; UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy – 29; College of Architecture – 16; College of Commerce and Business Administration – 27; College of Education – 38; College of Fine Arts and Design – 12; College of Information and Computing Sciences – 5; College of Nursing – 25; College of Rehabilitation Sciences – 30; College of Science – 34; College of Tourism and Hospitality Management – 13; Conservatory of Music – 13; Ecclesiastical Faculties – 1; Other units – 7.

Among the signees were Asst.

Prof. Emerito Gonzales and Asst.

Prof. Edilberto Gonzaga, president and internal vice president of the UST Faculty Union, Nursing Dean Prof. Rowena Escolar-Chua, Accountancy Dean Patricia Empleo, Commerce Dean Leonardo Canoy Jr. and Education Dean Pilar Romero.

Prof. Maribel Nonato, who was appointed assistant to the Rector for UST General Santos, also signed the statement.

The Varsitarian has learned that two signatories on the list were not faculty members: one was a Senior High School student and one was a Civil Law student.

According to the group, it was “a first in the history of UST” that faculty members banded together to support a candidate.

“Our country is at a crossroad.

We are in a critical period of our history. We need a competent, committed, and compassionate leadership to rise above troubling times, to overcome health and economic challenges, to revive the respect for human dignity, to achieve moral restoration, to champion truth, justice and peace,” the faculty members said.

“We need the leader that is Leni Robredo,” they added.

According to the faculty members, they “aspire for a leadership that clearly espouses and exemplifies” the values in the seal of Thomasian education (Servant leader, Effective communicator and collaborator, Analytical and creative thinker, Lifelong learner).

“Leni Robredo has consistently demonstrated exemplary servant leadership by promoting advocacies on life, freedom, justice and solidarity in the service of the family, community, Church and environment,” they said.

“She has […] repeatedly shown respect for the dignity of a person regardless of race, religion, age and gender,” they added.

Thomasians for Leni is composed of UST students, faculty members and alumni, as well as Thomasians from UST Angelicum and UST Legazpi, who support Robredo’s candidacy for president in the 2022 elections.

The group was launched in December 2021 with 1,500 Thomasian volunteers. Its Facebook page has more than 15,000 followers as of this story’s writing.

Robredo herself attended the group’s launch, during which she said the country needed a leadership that would embody the University’s “3Cs.” The 2022 elections are slated for May 9, 2022. JOANNE RAMOS

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

8

FEATURES

EDITOR: JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

How a UST student’s thesis led to Manila Zoo rehab

By Nina Angela Mikaela Cruz

ANIMAL welfare and comfortable living spaces were the top priorities of a Thomasian’s architecture thesis which inspired the newly-rehabilitated Manila Zoo. “I grew up in Manila and the Manila Zoo has become a big part of my childhood where I’ve also shared a couple of great memories there with my family,” architecture alumnus Kevin Siy told the Varsitarian.

“Seeing it fade through time urged me to make it as my thesis project.”

Dubbed the “Bagong Manila Zoo,” the park now boasts of a more sophisticated interior design as well as more comfortable spaces for the animals.

According to Siy, redesigning the homes of the animals was the primary change he wanted to address in his project.

“The main concept of my proposal is to replicate the habitat of the animals and maximize the space we have so that we can provide a more ideal home for them,” he said. “We don’t want them to feel enclosed all the time so hopefully with the new renovations, the animals can move more freely and enjoy their new homes.”

Among the key concepts of his project include larger enclosures for the animals, viewing tunnels for the crocodiles living underwater, and a bigger pen for Mali, the country’s lone elephant.

While conceptualizing his thesis, Siy interviewed zoo caretakers, veterinarians, and other staff in a bid to create a “prime tourist spot and center for education” for the general public.

“I wanted the younger generations to enjoy the park with their families as well and to be able to see its full potential,” he said. “I also believe that the animals who live there deserve the best environment because it greatly influences their overall health and welfare.”

The Manila city government col-

‘‘

I wanted the younger generations to enjoy the park with their families as well and to be able to see its full potential.

Kevin Siy

laborated with Jose T. Mañosa & Associates, an architectural design and planning firm, for the rehabilitation of the park. Siy said that about 20 percent of his thesis was realized in the rehab project.

He presented his thesis to the local city government back in 2019 when the park was closed to the public after being tagged as a major pollutant to Manila Bay. A soft opening of Manila Zoo was held earlier in December. It has since reopened to the public free of admission and limited only to 1,000 visitors per day.

► RENDERS OF

THE NEWLY REDESIGNED MANILA ZOO PHOTOS FROM KEVIN SIY

Thomasian journalist cited

by Filipino migrant workers body

UST alumnus is behind Batman digital double REMEMBER how cool Bruce Wayne looked in his motorcycle in the latest Batman film? A Thomasian artist made all that happen.

For digital character artist Ryan Serrano, working on Bruce Wayne’s digital double in the 2022 superhero film “The Batman” was a dream come true.

“As a Batman fan since I was a kid, it was a huge honor to be part of this film alongside some of the best [visual effects] artists in the world,” Serrano said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

The 33-year-old advertising arts alumnus specializes in character modeling, specifically, creating digital doubles, creatures and wardrobe for New Zealand-based digital visual effects company Weta Digital.

Besides working on Batman’s biker double, he also worked on the digital doubles of background characters in one of the night club fight scenes of the film.

“I told [Weta Digital] my forte is doing characters, and then during that time they needed an artist to help in the Batman team to work on a bunch of character digital doubles,

so they took me into the team,” he said.

Back in his college years, Serrano also did preliminary character models for GMA teleseryes such as “Encantadia,” “Atlantika” and “Zorro.”

But his first superhero film credit was 2017’s “Power Rangers.” He has since gone on to work on several Hollywood films including “I Am Mother,” “The Wandering Earth,” “Pacific Rim Uprising,” “Men in Black International,” “Bloodshot” and Disney’s live-action “Mulan.”

Serrano graduated from UST in 2011. He is currently based in Wellington, New Zealand.

ART BY ZYMON M. GAILO

By Nina Angela Mikaela Cruz

A THOMASIAN journalist was the recipient of the 2021 Commission on Filipino Overseas Migration Advocacy and Media Awards for her coverage of Filipino migrant workers.

Buena Bernal, a UST journalism alumnus, has been covering overseas Filipinos for eight years and began when she was assigned to Rappler’s labor beat.

“I was assigned to populate with stories the section called #BalikBayan,” she told the Varsitarian.

“The push-and-pull factors of labor migration were deeply intertwined with the causes I support as a development journalist.”

In 2015, she left Rappler to become a freelance journalist and went on to work with CNN International Asia Pacific, Al Jazeera English, Union of Catholic Asian News, and Asia Sentinel.

She joined Channel News Asia in 2018.

In 2020, she covered one of the Filipino migrant workers that survived the Lucky Plaza car crash in Singapore a year earlier that killed two Filipino workers and injured four others.

The story received support from the public and an online donation raised SGD360,000 for the victims.

Bernal said that while field re-

► Bernal

porting takes a toll to the body and mind due to the long hours of interviewing and covering different conflicts, she would rather remember the stories than the challenges.

“Journalists are asked too many times about sacrifices they made for a story,” she said. “In the end, I would rather remember the stories than the challenges.”

Bernal graduated from UST in 2013.

NINA ANGELA MIKAELA CRUZ AND JADE VERONIQUE YAP

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

SCI-TECH

EDITOR: AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

What does ‘Alert Level 0’ look like?

the president of the end of the public emergency.”

Austriaco was referring to President Duterte’s proclamation to put the entire country under a state of public health emergency due to the effects of Covid-19, which was extended to September of this year.

He further said that while small surges are still possible, with the rallies and sorties of candidates in the 2022 elections drawing crowds of thousands, immunity brought by the Covid-19 vaccines will mitigate them.

“We’ve had campaigns for one month already and there has been no up in cases,” he said. “What this means is that there is a robust population immunity in the Philippines, that regardless of the large gatherings, the virus has not been able to find a significant number of new individuals to infect.”

Austriaco predicted that with the current setting, mask mandates will be relaxed by December if not by the third quarter of this year.

He also said that the upcoming national polls will play a significant role in Covid-19 protocols as the country transitions to a new administration with possibly new mandates and restrictions.

“The question is whether the government will relax the minimum public health protocols or will the government leave it to the next administration,” he said.

“I’m hoping definitely by Christmas, and hopefully by the third quarter [of 2022] if not sooner, but with the political thing, it’s so hard to know now,” he added.

Metro Manila and 47 other regions in the country are under Alert Level 1 until April 15.

ADRIAN L. PARUNGAO

ART BY ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA

AS THE country enjoys relaxed restrictions, health authorities are looking into the possibility of an “Alert Level 0” amid decreasing Covid-19 cases. But what does life under that alert level look like?

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said that discussions were ongoing within the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases about the possible guidelines under Alert Level Zero, taking into account the country’s improving pandemic situation.

This includes possibly forgoing the wearing of masks and strict observance of hand hygiene, Duque said.

For Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., a molecular biologist and professor at the UST Department of Biological Sciences, said the government should adopt a “wait-and-see” approach first before downgrading to a lower alert level.

“We have to wait now for our president, as well as the world, if [they] will end the state of public emergency,” he said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

“The question is whether Alert Level 0 will happen before or after the declaration of

9

Six Thomasians in medicine board top 10 (No. 6, 87.33 percent), Sushmita Mae Rose Contreras (No. 7, 87.25 percent), and Mary Joeline Arada and Mikhael Palao (tied at No. 10, 86.67 percent).

UST got an 85.71-percent passing rate, with 120 out of 140 examinees acing the exams.

The passing rate declined from 94.38 percent, or 302 of 320 examinees in the November 2021 cycle of the physician exams.

Linnaeus Cruz of the University of the Philippines – Manila led the new batch of physicians

By Jamilah B. Angco

SIX Thomasians landed in the top 10 of the March 2022 physician licensure examinations, where UST was the second top-performing school.

Mitch Roy Maristela led the new batch of Thomasian doctors after placing fourth nationwide with a score of 87.83 percent.

He was joined by five more Thomasians in the top 10: Daryl Obciana (No. 5, 87.58 percent), Madelaine Johanna Abraham

Ricardo Po Sr. with a score of 90.25 percent.

The University of the Philippines – Manila was named the top-performing school, after it notched a passing rate of 91.23 percent or 52 out of 57 examinees.

The national passing rate decreased to 50.30 percent (1,427 of 2,837 examinees) from 72.85 percent (1,677 of 2,302 examinees) in November.

The exams were held on March 6, 7, 13 and 14.

UST gets 100% passing rate in 2022 licensure exams for elementary teachers

By Jamilah B. Angco

THE UNIVERSITY posted a 100-percent passing rate in the January 2022 licensure examinations for elementary teachers, with an alumna in the Top 5.

Regina Gabrielle Torres led the new batch of Thomasian elementary-level teachers with a score of 91.80 percent.

All 13 examinees from UST made the cut, but UST did not qualify for a top-performing school spot as it did not meet the 50-examinee requirement.

The University posted a

92.31-percent passing rate in the licensure examinations for secondary-level teachers, with 12 out of 13 Thomasians acing the exams.

Jenechielle Lopoy from the Saint Michael’s College of Laguna topped the licensure exam for elementary-level teachers with a score of 93.80 percent, while Lanvin de los Santos from the National Teacher’s College led the new batch of high school teachers with a score of 92.80 percent.

Mindanao State University – Marawi City (90.53 percent) and Cebu Normal University (88.73

percent) were the top-performing schools for the elementary- and secondary-level examinations, respectively.

The national passing rate for elementary teachers was almost unchanged, from 55.96 percent or 4,883 out of 8,726 examinees last September 2021 to 55.66 percent or 8,737 out of 15,696 examinees in the latest cycle.

The national passing rate for secondary teachers decreased to 53.77 percent (12,074 of 22,454 examinees) from 57.76 percent (10,318 of 17,863 examinees).

► FROM PAGE 3

Senate, Council of Regents, and Board of Trustees.

The award was received by Ricardo’s wife, Angelita, and sons Ricardo Jr., Teodoro Alexander, Christopher, and Leonardo Arthur.

After his journalism stint, Po started the Cathay Promotions Advertising Company, which designed the logo of the SM group.

After losing money due to the 1973 stock market crash, Po started his canning factory in 1978. The factory later became the leading exporter of privatelabel tuna products in the country.

His company, Century Pacific, produces canned products under brands like Century Tuna, 555, Argentina, Birch Tree, Swift Premium, and Fresca Tuna.

Forbes magazine listed him as the 16th wealthiest man in the country in 2021, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (around P70 billion).

The billionaire died at age 90 on Oct. 11, 2021, due to complications that arose from surgery.

Posthumous award

Po is the first recipient of a posthumous honorary degree from the University.

UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., said UST was in the process of offering the honorary degree to Po before he died.

“Actually, we are really intending to give him the award noong buhay pa siya. Kaya lang because of the process, the long process of this conferment, he passed away, unfortunately,” Coronel told the Varsitarian.

Honorary degrees or honoris causa (for the sake of honor) are academic degrees awarded to prominent individuals for their involvement in the advancement of their fields that had led to the development of the community, society, and nation.

Other well-known honorary degree recipients from UST are General Douglas McArthur (1945) and former presidents Manuel Quezon (1936) and Corazon Aquino (1987). FAITH YUEN WEI V. RAGASA

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

10

COMICS

ART DIRECTOR: JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

NOCTURNAL GRIND KARL JOSHUA L. ARON

SUMMER? ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA

SALUBONG CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

Editorial

Classroom capacity

► FROM PAGE 6

as part of their plans if they win the executive seat. It’s obvious, however, who he was pertaining to when he attached a news report about Robredo’s Cavite rally in his tweet.

The Robredo People’s CouncilCavite, the rally’s organizers, has since decried the bayaran allegations and red-tagging done by Remulla and Lacson and called them out for their “irresponsible and damaging” remarks, especially to the young volunteers that attended.

The democratic socialist political party Akbayan, which has endorsed Robredo, released a statement throwing support for her Cavite and denying her ties with armed nonstate actors like the CPP-NPA-NDF. In the first place Remulla and Lacson should not look far in their red-tagging mania. They should look at Malacañang whose incumbent got into power with the help of the reds in 2016. And that’s the reason

Kurò-kurò

why there were leftists in the first cabinet of the president. This shows that fascists and communists are birds of the same feather: both are socialists and both worship naked power that ruthlessly employ either for base personal or blind ideological ends.

Why is it that in the 21st century it’s still difficult to believe in women, especially women who aspire for positions of power? When women show success and deliver on their promises, there’s almost always at least one man waiting on the sidelines to discredit them or twist the narrative.

Remulla and Lacson probably won’t admit it, but the issue lies not in Robredo nor in her campaigning abilities: it’s in their fragile ego that simply cannot accept a woman beating them in their own playing field in this day and age. That’s why they resort to outmoded, backward-

thinking tactics like disinformation campaigns and, even more dangerous, red-tagging.

We have historically come a long way to ensure that women are given equal rights and opportunities in society—and this extends to their dignity and freedom to run for the highest office in the country or any position for that matter.

The author Virginia Woolf sums up this enduring struggle in her seminal essay, “A Room of One’s Own”: “The history of men’s opposition to women’s emancipation is more interesting perhaps than the story of that emancipation itself.”

If women are now freely allowed to have rooms for themselves, then women must also be free to campaign without prejudice from anyone..

► FROM PAGE 7

pagkakataon na buksan ang oportunidad na ito para sa mga magaaral na kabilang sa mataas na antas ng lipunan.

Naipamalas na rin ang FSL sa iba’t ibang lalawigan tulad ng Antique, kung saan ikinasa na ng Provincial Board ang ordinansa na ituturo ang FSL bilang hiwalay na subject sa mababa at mataas ng paaralan na may akda ni Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao, miyembro ng Provincial Board.

Ayon kay Dra. Liza Martinez, tagapagtaguyod ng FSL at komisyoner sa KWF, maituturing na makasaysayan at dakilang gawa ang pagsasabatas ng RA 11106 at pagkumpleto ng IRR. “Sa batas na ito, ang Pilipinas ay isa sa apatnapung bansa na kinabibilangan ng isang daan limampu’t

dalawang bansa ng UN na nagsabatas ng pagkilála sa wikang senyas ng komunidad ng mga bingi,” ani Martinez sa lathala ng Daily Guardian.

“Sa ASEAN naman, pangatlo lámang ang Pilipinas kasunod ng Malaysia at Thailand na may ganitong kakaibang batas at táyo ang pinakamasigasig ngayon na nagsusulong ng ganitong uri ng pagkilála sa wikang senyas sa buong ASEAN,” dagdag niya.

Patunay ang RA 11106 na buhay na buhay ang wika at hindi lamang limitado sa binibigkas na mga salita kaya’t sinasaklaw nito ang sign language. Sa pagbabagong ito, nagiging inklusibo o parte ng lipunan ang mga bingi at hindi na lamang nakukulong o nalilimita sa mga special school at maaari na rin sil-

ang maintindihan ng ibang Pilipino na may pandinig. Bagamat malayo at matagal pa ang magiging bunga nito sa lipunan dulot ng pandemya ngunit pinatunayan ng KWF na hindi kailanman huli ang lahat para paglingkuran ang mga bingi upang hindi sila mapag-iwanan.

Panahon na upang unti-unti tayong, mga nakakarinig, makipagsapalaran sa wika ng mga bingi o mahina ang pandinig. May kapakinabangan ang pag-aaral ng FSL, lalo na kapag hindi kaya ng isang indibidwal magsalita dulot ng sakit.

Gayunpaman, nagkakaroon na ng representasyon at pagpapahalaga para sa mga taong may kapansanan maging anuman ang pagsubok ng pandemya, kahit maliit man ang hakbang o progreso.

instructor Tito Quiling Jr. “Given the intermittent surge and outbreaks, academic staff and students need to be more settled with the University’s preparation. […] Returning to a full classroom may not happen right away as with other institutions, but it seems more ideal to have a capacity limit given the gradual change, and also considering that not every student is living in Metro Manila,” Quiling said.

Participants of the F2F classes are required to be fully vaccinated. Flexible learning modalities are available for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated students.

Santisimo

► FROM PAGE 2

The IATF requires HEIs to ensure that students participating in F2F classes have medical insurance policies that cover medical expenses related to Covid-19.

According to IATF Resolution No. 164, HEIs have the autonomy to choose which learning modalities they would operationalize, as long as there would be continuity of learning under any flexible learning modality subject to the condition that the HEIs may require.

Student dormitories will be allowed to operate without restrictions.

Before restarting F2F classes under Alert Level 1, HEIs are required

► FROM PAGE 4

live out and witness to our Christian faith in whatever circumstances you find yourself in,” he added.

Advincula ended his homily by reciting Pope Francis’ prayer for the end of the war in Ukraine.

“We unite ourselves to our brothers and sisters who are experiencing the pains and violence and the cruelty of war,” he said. “Let us fervently offer our prayers for the violence to stop and for the voice of peace to be heard.”

The Mass was concelebrated by UST Vice Chancellor Fr. Filemon de la Cruz, Jr., O.P., prior provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, and UST Parish Priest Fr. Paul Talavera, O.P. In his message, Talavera said he was grateful that the parish was able to celebrate its 80th anniversary with on-site rites amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also thanked the late Archbishop Michael James O’Doherty and all the pastors who served the parish for paving the way to the “unforgettable milestone.”

On March 21, 1942, the Santisimo Rosario Church, the chapel of

UST, was declared a parish church by O’Doherty, then Manila Archbishop.

A month after, O’Doherty canonically inaugurated the parish during a Pontifical High Mass at the chapel.

Fr. Emiliano Serrano, O.P. became the first UST parish priest.

The UST chapel, which was completed on Nov. 13, 1932, is among the earliest edifices on the Sampaloc campus.

From 1942 to 1954, the parish housed the image of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, which was saved from the bombings that destroyed the old chapel of the University in Intramuros.

The image of the Blessed Mother was transferred to its permanent home at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City on Oct. 10, 1954.

Since then, the parish church has become the venue of the official and religious functions of the University, namely: the annual Misa de Apertura, Eucharistic celebrations in honor of St. Dominic de Guzman and St. Thomas Aquinas, and annual novena Masses and grand procession in honor of Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario, the parish’s patroness.

THE VARSITARIAN

MARCH 31, 2022

SPORTS

EDITOR: ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

11

Obiena urges UST athletes to win another overall UAAP title WORLD No. 5 pole vaulter EJ Obiena sought to rally fellow UST athletes in preparation for the new UAAP season where the University is eyeing a 45th general championship.

“We do it for the country, for the sport, and we do it for UST,” he said in a message during UST’s virtual kickoff rally on Saturday.

“It’s time to bring back that crown to España. Go, USTe!” As narrated by UST Tracksters head

coach Manny Calipes in July 2021, Obiena cleared the five-meter bar during one of his training sessions in UST but was, however, unofficial.

The Thomasian became the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the Olympics in 2019 after clearing 5.81 meters.

Obiena is currently the Asian record holder in pole vault after clearing 5.92 meters in September 2021, a record that would eclipse Kazakhstan’s Igor Potapovich’s 23-year-old record.

UST claimed its 44th UAAP general

championship in Season 82, the season cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Winning the general championship in Season 84 would give UST its third general championship five-peat in the final four era.

UST won straight UAAP general championships in seasons 58 to 62 and 69 to 75. The University is heading into Season 84 with four straight general championships.

During the kick-off party, UST Fr. Rector, Richard Ang, O.P. reminded

► Obiena

Thomasian athletes to remain grounded.

“I hope you always bear in mind that you are Thomasians…Be humble in times of victory and be dignified in times of defeat,” Ang said.

UST athletics director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P. also nudged the athletes to stay humble because “there is no boastful Thomasian.”

UAAP Season 84 will start on March 26 with the men’s basketball event. M.E.V. VILLEZA

Salinggawi seeks smooth UAAP comeback after pandemic hiatus

► Salinggawi Dance Troupe members pose for a photo in front of the Quadricentennial

DESPITE the two-year hiatus of the UAAP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Thomasians can expect a rust-free Salinggawi Dance Troupe in this year’s cheerdance competition, the group’s head coach said.

In an interview with the Varsitarian, Salinggawi head coach Mark Chaiwalla said the past two years without regular training had been a challenge for the team.

Before starting an on-campus “bubble” training on March 7, Salinggawi’s training was exclusively virtual.

“Siyempre with two years of no physical training, it would greatly affect their athletic capabilities,” he said. “But even with the limited time to prepare physically after coming back, we will make sure that things would look the same, or even better.”

Micha Perol, co-captain of the team, said not training together was detrimental especially as cheerdance is a group competition.

“As the pandemic started, our training becomes difficult for us since we were only using

virtual tools to train altogether,” she said. “But despite the boundaries of our screens, we are still able to push through our training for the past two years.”

Chaiwalla said the pandemic also adversely affected the team’s composition.

Aside from losing a number of athletes and coaches in the past two years, Chaiwalla said the team was also unable to conduct its normal recruitment programs.

Still, the head coach said the Thomasian community could expect an energized Salinggawi.

“Look forward to a Salinggawi that doesn’t look like it went through a pandemic,” he said. “[Our goal] is to get that ninth championship crown, and of course, to make the community proud regardless of the result,” he added.

Chaiwalla said Salinggawi’s UAAP routine would include dance segments that would showcase the strength and versatility of its members.

“In terms of performance, Salinggawi is known for its ver-

satility in dance,” added PeroL. In Season 82, Salinggawi placed third in the dance category with 349.5 points, lagging behind the National University Pep Squad and Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, which scored 369.5 and 362 points, respectively.

Salinggawi settled for fifth in the stunts category with 66 points while placing fourth in the pyramid with 90 points.

Salinggawi will perform last in Season 84’s cheerdance competition, which has yet to have a final date.

UST is tied with the University of the Philippines for the most number of UAAP cheerdance titles at eight.

Salinggawi is the only team in UAAP history to have won five consecutive titles.

The CDC will be among the nine featured events for the upcoming UAAP season, along with men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball, men’s beach volleyball, co-ed event poomsae, and men’s and women’s chess.

JAMES PAUL R. GOMEZ

Pavilion PHOTO FROM SALINGGAWI’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Ababou, 3 UST students join new UAAP season’s broadcast team FORMER “King Tiger” and league MVP Dylan Ababou and three Thomasians will be part of the broadcast team for UAAP Season 84, which will kick off tomorrow, March 26.

Ababou, a member of the UST champion team in Season 69, will be joined by students Kobe Dayao, Denisse Valdesancho, and Andrea Endicio in the list of 18 correspondents, 14 analysts and 10 anchors for the new UAAP season.

Dayao was tapped as an anchor, while Ababou will be an analyst. Valdesancho and Endicio will be UST’s correspondents for basketball and volleyball, respectively.

“I owe a lot to UST Tiger TV and the experience I was able to absorb from that team,” Dayao, a journalism student, told the Varsitarian. “It’s an incomparable experience that I don’t think you get elsewhere.”

“Doing play-by-play and practicing journalism, I believe, are two completely different disciplines,” he added, “but

if I had to point out one similarity between the two, I’d say it’s the research aspect of it all.”

Valdesancho, a biochemistry student and also a UST Tiger Radio jock, is a frequent host of University events, including last year’s Paskuhan and the recently concluded UST virtual kickoff rally for Season 84.

“This has been one of the things I really wanted to try out upon entering UST so I immediately grabbed the chance upon hearing the news,” she said. “To be able to represent and report for my own school gives me the advantage to generate authentic stories that highlight our athletes and school spirit as a whole.”

Unlike Dayao and Valdesancho, Endicio is not a part of broadcasting-related organizations in UST but has experience in joining pageants. “[But] ever since I was young, I’ve been joining public speaking contests and pageant training, which have helped me a lot,” she said.

► Former UST King Tiger Dylan Ababou and students Kobe Dayao, Denisse Valdesancho, and Andrea Endicio will

be among the UAAP’s correspondents, analysts and anchors for UAAP Season 84.

“I really learned that I should always be confident with what you are saying, and in order to do that, I have to be prepared; you have to know what

you are talking about and what you are trying to share,” she added.

There will be no courtside reporters at least at the start of this UAAP season,

which will be held in a “bubble” at the Mall of Asia Arena. JAMES PAUL R. GOMEZ WITH REPORTS FROM ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

Sports

► PAGE 11

Obiena urges UST athletes to win another overall

Salinggawi seeks smooth UAAP comeback

WORLD No. 5 pole vaulter EJ Obiena sought to rally fellow UST athletes in preparation for the new UAAP season where the University is eyeing a 45th general championship. ► PAGE 11

The Varsitarian MARCH 31, 2022

ROOKIE IS CAPTAIN OF ROOKIE-RICH TIGERS Not long ago, the Growling Tigers were among the top teams in the Philippine collegiate basketball with a solid core of talents—CJ Cansino, Renzo Subido, Rhenz Abando, Soulemane Chabi-Yo, Brent Paraiso and Mark Nonoy—under the tutelage of coach Aldin Ayo. But gone are those days.

With the new UAAP season set to open on March 26, UST is fielding an entirely new team seeking to rebuild the one disbanded prematurely during the pandemic.

Leading the charge is new team captain Paul Manalang, a former National University Bullpup brought in by Ayo in late 2019, a year after the Tigers reached the UAAP finals and lost to the Ateneo de Manila University.

Manalang, who spent the last two years fulfilling his residency requirements, now finds himself in unfamiliar territory, rookie team captain who has yet to play a single minute as a UAAP senior. “‘Yun ‘yung binigay sakin ni coach na challenge. Kailangan i-accept ko

‘‘

‘Yun ‘yung binigay sakin ni coach na challenge.

Kailangan i-accept ko ‘yung challenge na ‘yun and embrace ko ‘yong responsibility and ‘yong role as a team captain.

Paul Manalang

GROWLING TIGERS CAPTAIN

‘yong challenge na ‘yun and embrace ko ‘yong responsibility and ‘yong role as a team captain,” he said.

Manalang said team veterans Sherwin Concepcion and Dave Ando, who were part of the Tigers’ Season 82 lineup, were helpful in his transition to team captain.

“Iniisip ko noong una na baka ‘di sila makinig but eventually noong tumagal, na-earn ko naman ‘yung respect ng pagiging isang leader,” he said. “Sila yung nagiging sandalan ko kapag may kailangan akong message na i-send sa team namin.”

Manalang said he would do his best to retain the identity of Ayo’s Tigers. “‘Yong natirang staff ngayon is staff pa din ni coach Aldin. So siguro, same pa rin ‘yong identity ng Growling Tigers, siguro ngayon lang mas gutom and mas excited kami,” Manalang said.

The Growling Tigers will begin their UAAP Season 84 campaign against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on March 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena. JOSE AMA ROSARIO

Manalang

UST MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

Dave ANDO

Rafael BIAG

Patrick JAVIER

Nicael CABAÑERO

Ivan LAZARTE

Aldave CANOY

Christian Royce MANAYTAY MANTUA

Sherwin CONCEPCION

Christian Royce MANAYTAY MANTUA

Joshua FONTANILLA

Miguel PANGILINAN

Jc Alvin GARING

Rafael PANGILINAN

Jonathan GESALEM

Brian SAMUDIO

Jordi GOMEZ DE LIAÑO

Bryan SANTOS

Ian Joseph HERRERA

Renzel YONGCO

New pole vault sensation?

This Thomasian also cleared 5 meters THERE have only been three Filipino pole vaulters who have cleared five meters: Edward Lasquete and EJ Obiena, who are both Olympians, and Hokett de los Santos, a UST freshman.

De los Santos, a College of Tourism and Hospitality Management freshman, registered a five-meter jump in the Southeast Asian Games performance trials of Milo and the Philippine Athletics Track And Field Association (Patafa) in Baguio on Feb. 24.

De los Santos is trained by no other than Emerson Obiena, the father of EJ, the Asian pole vault record holder who participated in the Tokyo Olympics last year.

“At my age, clearing five meters is a big achievement,” he told the Varsitarian.

De los Santos’ feat was praised by EJ, who also congratulated his father

for producing his second five-meter vaulter. EJ was trained in pole vaulting early on by his father.

“This kid just etched his name in the books! Five meters, baby! Let your work show! Proud of you, bud!” EJ wrote in a Facebook post addressed to de los Santos.

According to Emerson, de los Santos’ five-meter vault could be the start of something special.

“For me, Hokett breaking that five-meter barrier opened up the possibilities of him being one of the elites,” the older Obiena said.

“That’s where we started and now we represent the Philippines and the whole of Asia and are winning in an event mostly dominated

by Europeans and Americans,” he added.

De los Santos did not grow up in pole vaulting. He was a basketball and volleyball player before he was

encouraged by his physical education teacher in high school encouraged him to try athletics.

Emerson saw de los Santos’ talents when he visited Ilagan, Isabela for an athletics clinic to train grassroots athletes.

After junior high school, de los Santos transferred to UST, where he is training under coaches Obiena and Junrey Bano.

“Masipag siyang bata,” Emerson said. “‘Di ko masasabi kung anong mangyayari sa hinaharap pero malaki ang potential ni Hokett.”

De los Santos said among his goals was to be like EJ and “give honor to the Philippines.”

“I don’t know what will happen in the future, I will just continue my training and aiming for greater heights,” he said. “But I will do my very best as I always do.” MARK ERNEST V. VILLEZA

► Hokett de los Santos (left) becomes the third Filipino pole vaulter to register a five-meter jump in the Southeast Asian Games performance trials of Milo and the Philippine Athletics Track And Field Association (Patafa) in Baguio on Feb. 24.