The Varsitarian P.Y. 2019 - 2020 Issue No. 08

VOLUME XCI / NO. 7 · AUGUST 21, 2020 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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DUTERTE’S ANTI-OLIGARCHY, PRO-POOR STANCE A ‘TOTAL LIE,’ SAY OPINION MAKERS SPECIAL REPORTS PAGE 6

FILIPINO p.3

EDITORIAL p.4

FEATURES p.8

Pagsasalin sa Filipino, napapanahong tugon sa lumalalang pandemya

Ninoy is assassinated again

Benedictine Fr. Maramba will live on in his music

NAGSAGAWA ng serye ng e-lektura ang Tanggol Wika at isa na dito ang e-lekturang pinamagatang ‘Pagsasalin at COVID-19’ na isinagawa noong ika-9 ng Mayo.

BOTH IN HIS SACRED and secular compositions, Fr. Manuel P. Maramba, OSB, esteemed retired faculty member of the Conservatory of Music, embodied the Filipino’s glorious Catholic faith and cultural identity.

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NEWS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

NEWS COORDINATOR: AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

Nursing takes over: UST Hospital gets new medical director, CEO MORE changes are coming at UST Hospital after a professor at the College of Nursing was appointed medical director.

Dr. Charito Malong-Consolacion will serve a three-year term beginning July 28, according to a letter of appointment signed by Fr. Napoleon Sipalay, O.P., Dominican prior provincial and chairman of the board of trustees.

She replaced Dr. Marcellus Francis Ramirez, who served as acting medical director for almost two years.

“I hope you all accord the same commitment, respect and dedication to the new medical director,” Ramirez said in a text message to his team.

Her appointment came just days after Fr. Julius Paul Factora, O.P, the regent of Nursing, was named chief executive officer of UST Hospital.

Consolacion earned her nursing and medicine degrees from UST. She finished her residency in internal medicine at UST Hospital, where she became a nephrology consultant.

Consolacion earned her master’s degree in hospital administration, magna cum laude, in 2019.

At Nursing, she was the subject coordinator of health assessment.

Consolacion received the Gawad Santo Tomas for research and community service in 2018.

Factora will serve a three-year term beginning July 17, according to the letter of appointment signed by Father Sipalay.

He succeeded Fr. Manuel Roux, O.P., the former UST vice rector for finance who served as hospital CEO for four years. Roux oversaw the completion of the St. John Paul II expansion building, which was inaugurated in July 2019.

Factora earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1995 and obtained his doctorate degree in canon law from the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties in 2012.

Factora obtained his bachelor’s degree in sacred theology in 2005 and licentiate in 2008.

He is also an assistant professor of the Faculty of Canon Law. LAU-

OB I T UA R Y

Ramon Francisco, journalist, editor and educator, writes 30

RAMON S. FRANCISCO (PHOTO FROM BERNADETTE FRANCISCO)

THE PRIVATE division of UST Hospital on Leon Ma. Guerrero Drive.

FORMER UST Journalism coordinator and long-time Manila Bulletin associate editor Ramon S. Francisco passed away on July 27, 2020 at the age of 72, according to his family.

“Mon,” “Kiko” or “RamFra,” as Francisco’s friends, students and colleagues called him, graduated summa cum laude from the UST Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, precursor of Arts and Letters, in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

That same, year he began twin careers as a newspaperman and college professor in UST, where he taught journalism, political science, English and contemporary world geography. Like many journalism professors, he held classes in the morning, so he could work in the newsroom in the afternoon and evening.

(FILE PHOTO)

FR. JULIUS PAUL FACTORA, O.P. (left) DR. CHARITO MALONGCONSOLACION (right) (PHOTO GRABBED FROM UST WEBSITE)

RD MENHARD B. SALEN

Ramon Francisco... PAGE 5

UST shows support for ABS-CBN after House vote denying franchise; Thomasians slam House decision THE UNIVERSITY threw support anew to shuttered media giant ABS-CBN a day after a House panel denied its bid for a broadcast franchise.

“We believe that ABS-CBN deserves to be given another chance to renew its franchise to continue its invaluable service to the nation and the Filipino people,” UST said in a statement posted on the University’s social media accounts on July 11.

The University said the Lopez-led TV network competently provided information and public service, which are of “paramount importance” during a pandemic.

“We sympathize with the network’s thousands of employees who stand to lose their jobs and whose families will be deeply affected by this sad turn of events,” the statement read.

UST has shown consistent support for the media giant since the Office of the Solicitor General petitioned to shut down its operations in February. The Supreme Court later junked the quo warranto petition.

SUPPORTERS of ABS-CBN rally outside the TV network’s headquarters to oppose the shutdown of the media giant. (PHOTO BY NADINE ANNE M. DEANG/ THE VARSITARIAN)

UST shows support... PAGE 7

Pharmacy, accountancy deans get posts in professional organizations PHARMACY Dean Aleth Therese Dacanay has been elected member of the board of trustees of the Philippine Pharmacists Association.

Dacanay, president of the Philippine Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, was the only Thomasian in the nine-member board of the the national professional organization of licensed pharmacists. She will occupy the post until 2022.

Accountancy Dean Patricia Empleo was appointed chairperson of the national committee for faculty development, co-chairperson of the national committee for research

and development and a member of the continuing professional development council of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).

Accountancy College Secretary Francisco Caliwan Jr. was appointed secretary of the national committee for faculty development and national committee for research and development.

Caliwan and fellow faculty member Alfonso Garcera were also elected director for education and director for commerce and industry, respectively, of the PICPA-Western Metro Manila Chapter.

PHARMACY DEAN ALETH THERESE DACANAY (left) ACCOUNTANCY DEAN PATRICIA EMPLEO (right). (PHOTOS GRABBED FROM UST WEBSITE)

Student leaders hit Duterte gov’t for ‘unprioritizing’ Covid-19 STUDENT council officers criticized the government’s lack of a clear plan to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic following President Rodrigo Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address on July 27.

UST’s central and college-based student councils also decried the lack of accountability among public officials found to have violated quarantine rules amid a crackdown on dissenters and attacks on press freedom.

“As we reflect upon the state of our nation, so stands our responsibility to address incompetence, the lack of national response from the administration in implementing the need for mass testing and systemic protocols in containing the virus and its blatant value for militarization over medical solutions,” the Central Student Council (CSC) said in a unity statement with local student councils.

The CSC hit the Duterte administration’s double standards in reprimanding quarantine violators, citing Metro Manila Police chief Debold Sinas and Sen. Koko Pimentel as examples.

“It is first and foremost just that we demand accountability from our officials before creating rushed laws that impede our fundamental rights and freedom of speech,” the council officers said.

“From the administration’s low-blow attack of rejecting ABS-CBN’s franchise in an effort to stifle press freedom, to the expedited approval of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, the government has made the silencing of our fellow Filipinos its utmost priority in a time of crisis,” the statement read.

The student leaders also urged Thomasians to speak up for the silenced and the oppressed.

“As our rights are being taken away, we can no longer sit idly by and watch our freedom slowly being compromised and abused by those in position of power,” they said.

The statement was released right after President Duterte ended his 5th State of The Nation Address.

FILIPINO

The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

PATNUGOT: JOSELLE CZARINA S. DELA CRUZ

Edukasyong kultural, isusulong ng mga guro

Pagsasalin sa Filipino, napapanahong tugon sa lumalalang pandemya NI CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS

Nagsagawa ng serye ng e-lektura ang Tanggol Wika at isa na dito ang e-lekturang pinamagatang “Pagsasalin at COVID-19” na naganap noong ika-9 ng Mayo.

ASST. PROF. ALVIN RINGGO REYES (LARAWAN MULA SA UST WEBSITE) NINA CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS AT BEA ANGELINE P. DOMINGO

Hinimok ng isang Tomasinong propesor ang mga guro na sa halip na sagasaan ay kilalanin ang kakayahan ng mag-aaral sa paglikha ng ideya bilang daan sa patuloy na pamumulaklak ng kultura.

“Kapag ang mga bata ay nakikilala nila ang sarili nilang kultura at nakakagawa ng inobasyon sa isip nila tungkol sa angking kultura na iyun, d’un natin matitiyak yung sustenance,” wika ni Alvin Ringgo Reyes sa isinagawang webinar tungkol sa edukasyong kultural ng Kongreso ng Gurong Mag-aaral (K-GuMa) noong ika-25 ng Hulyo.

Tinalakay din ni Reyes ang inilabas na “Most Essential Learning Competencies” o MELCs ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon na siyang ituturo sa mga mag-aaral ngayong pandemya.

“So ang depinisyon nila ng Most Essential Learning Competencies ay indispensable. Ang ibigsabihin ng indispensable ay makalimutan mo na lahat ng mga aralin, ito ‘yong hindi mo dapat makalimutan kasi kakailanganin mo ito,” wika niya.

Sinabi ni Reyes na nakaangkla ang MELCs sa pambansang aspirasyon na gusto ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon na kahinatnan ng lahat ng bata na dadaan sa Basic Education System.

Binigyang-diin din niya ang mga iminumungkahi o ipinapanukalang MELCs ng Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP) ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) gaya na lamang ng pagbibigay ng espasyo sa pagtuturo na mayroong interaksiyon sa mga lokal at katutubong pamayanan, pagtuturo sa mga mag-aaral na maging sensitibo at magalang gaano man katindi ang pagkakaiba-iba ng mga tao, at pagkakaroon ng espasyo sa mga klase ng preserbasyon ng kultura sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasok sa pambansang kurikulum ng indigenous knowledge systems, index of cultural knowledge, at essential cultural knowledge.

Ayon kay Reyes, isa sa mga layunin bilang guro ang gabayan ang mga mag-aaral na isentro ang kaalaman bilang tulong sa bayan at hindi sa pansarili lamang.

“Isa sa mga paraan natin para gawing kapakipakinabang ang edukasyon o Essential Learning ... PAHINA 10

Pinamunuan ito ni Vlad Gonzales na bahagi ng Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas ng UP Diliman at kinatawan ng Tanggol Wika.

Ayon kay Gonzales, ang pagsasalin ay isang paraan upang makamit ang kaligtasan at kalayaan ng bayan at ng taong-bayan.

“Ito po ay pagtatangkang magkaroon ng materyales na aayon sa panahon ng pandemiko at umaayon din sa mga pangangailangan ng mga guro na dahil sa pangyayari sa ating bansa na may kaugnayan sa sakit, kinakailangan muna tayong manatili sa ating bahay” wika ni Gonzales.

Tinalakay din dito ang anyo ng pagsasalin kung saan kabilang ang interlingguwal na pagsasalin na siyang ginagamit natin sa pagsasalin ng mga materyales na may kaugnayan sa COVID-19.

Binanggit din ang iba’t ibang taktika na maaaring gamitin sa pagsasalin gaya ng borrowing, explication, o equivalence.

“So kung naglilipat ka gamit ang borrowing, ang madalas na ka-combo talaga niyan ay explication kasi nga baka ang assumption mo o tanaw mo

hindi palaging may taong magpapaliwanag nyan” dagdag pa nito.

Nagbigay din ng ilang mga halimbawa si Gonzales kung paano ito gagamitin ang mga taktikang ito sa pagsasalin ng mga materyales.

“So halimbawa kung ikaw ay going for equivalence, ang PUI mo ay magiging TIM (Taong Inaalam kung Maysakit) kasi ‘yon naman ang esensya ng Person Under Investigation sa unawa nung tagasalin” giit niya.

Kaniyang nabanggit na sumasalamin din ang pagsasalin sa ating pangaraw-araw na buhay at dahil dito nagkakaroon ng iba’t ibang pananaw tungkol sa mga isyu.

“Meron tayong ginagawa sa ating araw-araw na pamumuhay na akala natin ay hindi translation pero dahil kasi iba tayo ng kahulugan, kumakalaban tayo sa kung ano man yung dominante o alam ng mas marami na pananaw sa isang tao, sa isang isyu, o sa isang bagay tayo ay mga tagasalin din at muli tayo ay nagsusulat ng ating mga bagong pananaw ng ating mundo.” wika niya.

Ibinahagi ni Gonzales ang bagong konsepto ukol sa kontra pagsasalin at kontra perspektiba na maaari nating

RAS AT BEA ANGELINE P. DOMINGO

NAGBITIW na si Jerry Gracio bilang komisyoner ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, dahil sa mariing pagtutol niya sa mga patakaran ng pamahalaang Duterte.

Binigyang-diin ni Gracio na ang pagsasabatas ng Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 at ang pagbasura ng Kongreso sa hiling na prangkisa ng ABS-CBN ang nag-udyok sa kaniya para tuluyang iwan ang kaniyang puwesto. Naging manunulat si Gracio para sa ilang palabas ng nagsarang TV network.

“Hindi ang mga kasama sa Komisyon ang dahilan, kundi ang mga patakaran ng mismong pangulo (Rodrigo Duterte). Mahirap namang

patuloy na maglingkod sa ilalim ng Tanggapan ng pangulo kung hindi ka na umaayon sa [kaniyang] mga patakaran,” wika ni Gracio sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

Dagdag pa niya, hindi na niya kayang magsilbi sa isang “pasistang” gobyerno.

Nagbitiw sa puwesto si Gracio, komisyoner sa mga wika ng Samar-Leyte sa KWF, noong ika-11 ng Hulyo.

Ayon pa sa kaniya, napilitan na lamang siyang gawin ang kaniyang tungkulin dahil walang itinalagang kapalit sa kaniya sa kabila ng ilang beses na pagpasa ng liham ng pagbibitiw sa puwesto.

“Palala nang palala ang sitwasyon natin, dahil na rin sa pandemic.

Nagkamit ng Rector’s Award sa Ustetika: ‘Kaligayahan ko ang magsulat’ NI BEA ANGELINE P. DOMINGO

TINALAKAY ni Vladimeir Gonzales sa kanyang serye ng E-lektura ang ‘Video Games at Panitikan’ at ‘Pagsasalin at Covid-19’ noong Mayo 9.

(LITRATO NI CAMILLE ABIEL H. TORRES/THE VARSITARIAN)

isaalang-alang sa pagtukoy ng ating papanigan.

“May karapatan pala tayong sa kakayahan na gumawa ng kontra o bagong kuwento at puwede iyon itrato bilang kontra pagsasalin. Muling pagsusulat, isang bagong klase ng katotohanan.” wika ni Gonzales.

Dagdag pa rito, binanggit niya na ang paggamit ng social media ay isa sa mga paraan upang masaksihan, maisagawa ito at magkaroon ng interaksiyon sa mga eksperto ng iba’t ibang larang bilang isang gabay sa pagsasalin o pagtanaw sa relatibong kahalagahan ng mga bagay.

Komisyoner ng wika, nagbitiw; ayaw manilbihan sa ‘pasistang’ gobyerno NINA CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRE-

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Hinayaan natin ang impunity nang magsimula ang tokhang, kaya mas lalong lumala ang kalagayan natin sa gitna ng pandemic,” wika niya sa Varsitarian.

Sinabi rin niya na sarado ang isip ng gobyerno sa mga kritikong nagsasalita laban sa mga ginagawa nito.

Nanawagan si Gracio sa mga alagad ng wika na itaguyod ang kahalagahan ng wikang Filipino sa gitna ng “represyon at kasinungalingan.”

“Kung sinasagkaan ang kalayaan ng tao na magpahayag, ano pa ang silbi ng wika? Tandaan natin na ang pangmamaliit sa wika ay hindi lang nagaganap sa bulagsak na gamit nito,” sabi niya.

Itinalaga bilang komisyoner sa KWF si Gracio noong 2013.

SA KABILA ng pagkatalo at kabiguan sa pagsusulat, binigyang-diin ng Tomasinong si Carmel Illustrisimo na mahalaga ang proseso ng panitikan.

“Read a lot. Write a little every day.

Savor the whole process. And even if you’re afraid, jump in and do it anyway.

I’ve been through countless rejections and I almost stopped writing. But I loved it so much that I always picked up my pen again,” wika ni Illustrisimo sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

Nakamit ni Ilustrisimo ang prestihiyosong Rector’s Literary Award (RLA) sa ika-35 Gawad Ustetika, ang pinakamahabang taunang palihan pampanitikan sa Unibersidad sa pangunguna ng Varsitarian.

Ang RLA ang pinakamataas na parangal na maaaring igawad sa nagkamit ng unang gantimpala at nagpamalas ng adhikaing Kristiyano sa kahit anong kategorya ng Ustetika.

Tumatalakay ang akda niyang “The Silence of Stars” sa karanasan ni Estrella, nag-iisang babaeng anak sa pamilya, na biktima ng panggagahasa noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig.

“May napanood akong play about comfort women last year, at doon nagsimula ‘yong interest ko sa World War 2. That’s the setting of my short story.

I chose the title ‘The Silence of Stars’,” wika niya.

Winika rin ni Ilustrisimo ang kahulugan ng mga bituin bilang natatanging koneksiyon ng mga karakter sa kaniyang akda.

“The main character found solace and hope watching the stars, even though they’re distant. Silent witnesses sila, kung baga.” wika ni Ilustrisimo.

Pinangaralan din ng unang gantimpala ang kaniyang akdang “The Ones Who Walk Away from Ilocos” sa kategoryang essay.

Binuo ang lupon ng inampalan ngayong taon nina Allan Justo Pastrana, Mariano “Marne” Kilates at Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta (Poetry); Rebecca Añonuevo, Michael Coroza at Vim Nadera (Tula); at Augusto Aguila, Angelo “Sarge” Lacuesta at Paolo Enrico Melendez (Fiction).

Kasama rin sina Eros Atalia, Joselito de los Reyes at Chuckberry Pascual (Katha); Jose Wendell Capili, Nestor Cuartero at Shirley Lua (Essay); Beverly Siy, Gary Devilles at Oscar Campomanes (Sanaysay); at Ralph Galan, Jose Victor Torres at John Jack Wigley (One-Act Play/ Dulang Isang Yugto).

Pagsalin ng banyagang cartoon sa Filipino, hindi dapat tutulan NINA CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS AT BEA ANGELINE P. DOMINGO

NAKAGISNAN NA ng bawat batang Pilipino ang panunuod ng iba’t ibang cartoon shows sa telebisyon lalo na sa araw ng Sabado dahil sa wala silang pasok at itinuturing nila ito bilang bahagi ng kanilang pagpapahinga.

Iilan lamang sa mga paboritong panuorin ng mga batang Pilipino noon ang mga programang Doraemon, Spongebob Squarepants, at Wonder Pets kung saan naka-dub ang mga ito sa wikang Filipino.

Kamakailan lamang, nagsalita si Sen. Pia Cayetano ukol sa pagpapanatili ng wikang Ingles sa mga programang pambata upang makasabay sa pag-unlad ng global na ekonomiya at magkaroon ng kasanayan sa paggamit ng wikang Ingles.

“Bakit ba kailangan ipilit i-dub ’yan?

Just play it in English. It’s cartoons, it’s just meant for them to hear it… Pipilitin niyo pang i-dub ’yan, that will take more time, that will take more resources, will cost us and yet you can just be playing the thousands and millions of materials available online”, wika ni Sen. Cayetano.

Subalit, sumasang-ayon naman siya sa paggamit ng ating mother tongue, ang wikang Filipino.

“I’m just saying that I’ve seen a shift between the English proficiencies of the generation of my parents, to my generation, to the younger generation and that was simply because there were political positions made and the shift happened and I’m not happy about it”, dagdag pa niya.

Kaugnay nito, nagbigay naman ng saloobin tungkol dito ang convenor ng gru-

pong Tanggol Wika na si David San Juan.

“Sa aking palagay ay hindi kailangang ipagbawal ang dubbing sa wikang sarili para mapahusay ang pag-iingles… Ang purpose ng dubbing ay para makaabot sa mga kapwa Pilipino na ‘di marunong mag-English ang mga pelikula o palabas na dayuhan. Samakatwid, pag-eetsepwera sa kanila ang anumang hakbang na maglalagay ng limitasyon sa dubbing”, wika nito.

“Ang dubbing sa wikang sarili ay nakatutulong sa pagpapalaganap ng wikang pambansa na tandaan natin ay atas ng Konstitusyong 1987. Ang panukala ni Sen. Cayetano ay lalabag sa diwa ng Saligang Batas, kung gayon,” dagdag pa ni San Juan.

Para naman kay Roy Cagalingan, OIC-Puno, Sangay ng Edukasyon at NetART BY GWNETH FIONA N. LUGA

Pagdub... PAHINA 10

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OPINION The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

Contra Coro

Dead Air

EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P.

JURY P. SALAYA

I became more Dominican by being a Varsitarian

Communication and creativity BECOMING part of the art section of the Varsitarian and eventually becoming its editor have made me realize that media and the arts are interrelated: communication is complemented by creativity.

Starting as a neophyte staff artist in the ‘V’, I started asking myself whether I was simply here to create trendy artistic outputs that please the audience because of their design appeal or whether there’s more to art direction that meets the eye.

Though it’s true that we artists should have mastery in skills, we should also have a point-of-view, perhaps a message we wish to instill through our craft: our voices as creative people matter especially during our present political climate.

Former V art director Shaina Santander said on her farewell column on 2018, “There is a danger that, with the detachment of some artists from society, they may be left clueless and ignorant of the sufferings of their fellow countrymen.”

As an artist we have an avenue through which we can communicate in a creative way our opinion or particular stand on an issue to our audiences.

To produce relevant creative outputs that inspire and even compel the audience into action is my duty as a campus press artist.

Having a purpose is what gives our work meaning.

To produce relevant creative outputs that inspire and even compel the audience into action is my duty as a campus press artist.

And as an art director, my duty is to uplift the artists that I am handling and push them to unleash their fullest potential in design and communication.

Along with that, it is my mission to try to elevate the artistic standard of the publication.

As this publication year comes to an end, I would like to thank the people who have been with me throughout my stay in the ‘V.’ To my friends in the ‘V,’ thank you for being my anchor. I would have already quit and given up my position if you guys aren’t there to support and comfort me with your presence.

To the art section, it has been such a joy working with you all. Having the opportunity to lead a diverse and skillful group of artists has been my privilege.

Thank you for your trust.

To the outgoing and incumbent staffers, thank you for making this journey an enjoyable one.

And to my past self who was desperate to find his real purpose career-wise, just hang on there, trust the process and most importantly believe in yourself.

EDITORIAL

Ninoy is assassinated again HISTORY is written by those who hanged the heroes.

One of the hangmen-revisionists is Rodrigo Duterte who claimed in his latest State of the Nation Address that he had “dismantled the oligarchy in the Philippines without declaring martial law.” He was apparently pitting himself against his idol, the corrupt strongman Ferdinand Marcos, whose dictatorship provided the grisly context for the assassination in 1983 of Ninoy Aquino that unleashed the pro-democracy wave that led to the Edsa revolution in 1986 that toppled the dictatorship and restored democracy in the country. Weeks before, his son Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, filed a bill seeking to change the name of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas. In the guise of patriotism, the younger Duterte’s parochialism and revisionism seek to erase the fact that Aquino was killed in the airport now named after him. The move is classic historical revisionism by the inheritors of the Marcos legacy of bloody authoritarianism. Duterte himself is one of those hangmen of Aquino: one of his first acts in office was to order the burial of the late dictator at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

At this time when historical revisionism is in fashion, Rizal’s warning in his novel El Filibusterismo through the wise Indio priest Father Florentino is relevant: “What is the use of independence if the slaves of today become the tyrants of

tomorrow.” With a single stroke in the history books, Duterte is erasing the injustices and atrocities committed during martial law, sanctifying the ground on which he seeks to tread bloodily. But in his vain hopes of revising the past in order to glorify his idol the deposed strongman, he has only proven himself a big joke, more brutish and pathetic than his tyrannical predecessor.

Duterte’s strongman pretensions are displayed against the backdrop of a crumbling economy and the sky-rocketing number of Covid-19 patients that has made the Philippines the worst hotspot in the region. The Philippines is now turning into a graveyard, not so much because of the dead piling up due to the virus, but because of the utter stupidity, incompetence and vileness of the highest authority in the land.

The British historian Arnold Toynbee observed that civilizations die because of two reasons: The first is because of external threats or powers that assert claim over it (the red alert is raised here over the douchebag from Davao’s Peking-duck ways with the Beijing bully).

But the second which ultimately determines the success of the first, is when the people within a threatened society no longer believes in the value of who they are and what they are fighting for. (Are you listening, DDS?) Perhaps the President isn’t aware of the corruption and lousiness of his administration and how poorly it is handling

Duterte seems to be toying with the nation’s fate as the country is placed in the grip of despair for his failure to take the pandemic seriously, hoping that China would eventually throw him a bone.

Editorial PAGE 11

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P.

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

Editor in Chief Associate Editor

NEIL JOSHUA N. SERVALLOS Online Coordinator AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT News Coordinator KLYRA V. ORBIEN Acting Special Reports Editor FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA Sports Editor JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN Features and Circle Editor JOSELLE CZARINA S. DE LA CRUZ Filipino and Witness Editor MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA Chief Photographer JURY P. SALAYA Art Director

FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser

JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser

NEWS Charm Ryanne C. Magpali, Laurd Menhard B. Salen, Camille Abiel H. Torres SPORTS Malic U. Cotongan, Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr., Jasmin Roselle M. Monton SPECIAL REPORTS Joenner Paulo L. Enriquez, O.P., Camille M. Marcelo, Nuel Angelo D. Sabate FEATURES Ma. Jasmine Trisha L. Nepomuceno LITERARY Leigh Anne E. Dispo, Sofia Bernice F. Navarro FILIPINO Caitlin Dayne A. Contreras, Bea Angeline P. Domingo WITNESS Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Joenner Paulo L. Enriquez, O.P., Mariel Celine L. Serquiña SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Miguel Louis M. Galang, Jade Veronique V. Yap CIRCLE Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo, Neil Paolo S. Gonzales ART Karl Joshua L. Aron, Mariane Jane A. Cadiz, Alisa Joy T. del Mundo, Jan Kristopher T. Esguerra, Gwyneth Fiona N. Luga, Catherine Paulene A. Umali, Rae Isobel N. Tyapon, Sophia R. Lozada PHOTOGRAPHY Nadine Anne M. Deang, Jean Gilbert T. Go, Renzelle Shayne V. Picar, Bianca Jolene S. Redondo, Camille Abiel H. Torres, Marvin John F. Uy, Arianne Maye D.G. Viri EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jessica C. Asprer

“TRUTH,” according to that strange Dominican mystic Meister Eckhart, “is something so noble that if God could turn aside from it, I could keep to the truth and let God go.” My brief stay in the Varsitarian can be likened to the story of a man who undertook a crazy love affair, only to find out that the woman he liked was in fact his wife in disguise, testing him whether he would remain faithful.

But unlike the adulterous man, I could honestly say that I never left my Order, nor had I the intention of being unfaithful to the vows which I professed. In fact, truth be told, I was able to appreciate my vocation in a much deeper way, since it enabled me to have a glimpse of the religious life from the perspective of goodhearted and honest lay men and women.

I am sure that some of the staff are somewhat unsatisfied with how I man-

Truth is indeed so noble, that if one tries to keep it and let God go, he will discover that God never left him. aged the publication. But if it is any consolation to them, some of my brethren were not all that satisfied either. Initially, I imagined that it would be easier for me to contact sources and gather information given my status as a friar. In reality, to my chagrin, it became much harder for me to approach some brothers who turned out to be even more aloof and tactful in giving interviews upon knowing my affiliation with the staff.

Striking the balance between my task as the editor in chief and my identity as a Dominican gave me countless headaches and literally drenched my pillow with tears. But it has also kept me on the right track, reminding me that my business in V was not to please any particular group, but to be in the service of truth. My brethren kept on reminding me: “Veritas.” And however cliché that may sound, truth, as Eckhart again insists, cannot be found without committing a hundred errors along the way.

Keeping this in mind, I eventually found pleasure in being the occasional source of annoyance to both parties. It assured me, in a way, that I was doing the right job; that with every mistake and mess I am getting myself into, truth becomes more and more brought Contra Coro PAGE 5

OPINION

The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

Contra Coro FROM PAGE 4 to light. For what is truth if not that which moves us and unsettles us from our cozy encumberments and conveniences. It is messy and disconcerting, but it is also meaningful and liberating, just as Jesus used spittle and mud to make the blind man see.

I am in no way undermining the seriousness and discipline required in searching for the truth. Just as the journalist is only as good as the information he or she acquires, the preacher is only as effective as the knowledge he gains from assiduous study and wisdom learned from the crucible of experience Like Jacob wrestling with the angel of God, we must be prepared to wrestle with the truth, to argue about it in conversations, to let our convictions be exposed to criticism, allowing ourselves to ask the difficult questions we usually avoid or fail to see. Only then can we ask for truth’s blessing.

And this can only happen if we admit our insufficiency and allow others to help us in seeking and speaking the truth. In my community, we usually have those dreadful long meetings wherein we discuss practically everything related to our way of life. It takes a long time for us to discuss, argue, and more so, to resolve things and reconcile our different perspectives. But in doing so, we are reminded that searching for the truth is essentially a communal endeavor. However sure we are of our own opinions, there might be something that the other is saying which we do not know and which we ought to hear. For no individual, however brilliant and experienced, is self-sufficient in looking for answers.

Thus, my brief detour ends with the realization that my Dominican and Christian vocation has been enriched by letting it be tested in the fiery furnace that is the Varsitarian.

It made me more conscientious regarding the things that are taking place in society. It has improved me spiritually, becoming aware of my ultimate dependence on God and on my brethren. It has disturbed me, allowing me to confront my doubts and overcome my fears. It has also widened my mind to learn things by listening to different opinions, affirming my faith along the way by the simple fact that it is something I can share. Truth is indeed so noble, that if one tries to keep it and let God go, he will discover that God never left him.

No to the return of capital punishment 540 FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA

“Allowing the government and the current state of justice system to implement death penalty in a country deep in poverty is just the same as offering a loaded gun to a thief holding you hostage in your own home.”

THE GUN itself is neither evil nor good.

Much like most inanimate objects, the loaded gun is good orevil depending on its use by the one handling it.

This is the simplest understanding I have of the current issue on the revival of the death penalty as a solution to crime and as an aid to the war on drugs.

With the approval of the President, lawmakers are pushing for the return of the death penalty purportedly to “ensure order in the society and respect for the law.”

In an online hearing on Aug. 5, ACT-CIS Party-list

Rep. Niña Taduran said that the certainty of death could make criminals think their actions twice.

People who are pro-death penalty believe that reviving this law will not necessarily mean that every criminal will be killed because there is a judicial process before imposing death on a certain suspect.

Most say that death penalty itself is not evil, explaining that whoever gets them does deserve their punishment.

Some, like Sen. Manny Pacquiao, point out that in the Bible, death penalty was imposed and that execution then was way worse than that of the proposed

James Bond

His students remembered him as a James Bond-like figure who spoke with an English accent, wore shades and brought an umbrella.

“Sir Kiko was every Thomasian journalism student’s idol, he taught us newbies the essentials of journalism,” former Varsitarian news editor Lester Hallig said in a Facebook post.

He liked to call students by the names of celebrities he reminded them of, said Joy Comia, former managing editor of the Varsitarian.

Daughter Bernadette, in a message to

lethal injection in today’s time.

These points of views are too ideal and could not possibly be executed in the actual Philippine context.

An article from Inquirer published in 2017 points out that worsening crime in the country does not have any connection with the death penalty.

Also, the numbers show how the system and current practices of recording crimes are severely flawed as multiple discrepancies in numbers and reports could be traced.

540 PAGE 11

Anti-terrorism law is anti-Muslim, anti-Filipino Social Idiopathy AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

“It’s time the Supreme Court listen to the people. The more than 25 petitions filed against the Anti-terrorism law should impress upon the justices and lawmakers that the law smacks of state terrorism and should therefore be declared unconstitutional.”

HOW DARE a non-Muslim defend the anti-terror law and cite the alleged peace in Mindanao as having been occasioned by the law when countless of our Muslim brothers have been falsely tagged as terrorists!

No longer should we pass it as a joke that Muslims are violent. It is prejudice like this that leads to abuses and discrimination from law enforcers.

The Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 allows arbitrary arrests and long prison sentences of suspected individuals. History will teach us that Muslims are especially at risk of being randomly suspected as terrorists.

On June 12, six officers from the Manila Police District reportedly illegally broke into the home of Muslim jewelry traders Abdullah Palawan Maute and Saadudin Alawiya in San Andres Bukid without any search warrant or warrant of arrest. It is terrifying that even before the ATA was signed into law, such illegal breakins had been happening. And yet, lawmakers and supporters of the law have turned a blind eye.

Disgustingly, in January, Manila Police District Chief Brigadier General Bernabe Balba signed a memorandum ordering station commanders to submit personal information of Muslim students in Metro Manila. The memorandum cites the information is part of “the strengthening of peace-building and counter violent extremism of the PNP.” Call it what it is—islamophobia in disguise of law enforcement.

When law enforcers insinuate that young Muslims are predisposed to violent extremism, it should alarm the people that a law like ATA will only catalyze these discriminatory practices into lethal abuses.

Supporters of the ATA will cite the 2017 Marawi siege to justify its importance. But Marawi was laid siege by Maute and Islamic State militants; the victims were Muslims themselves Undeniably, the threat of terrorism in the country is real, but this law will only make things worse. The ATA will only open old wounds

Ramon Francisco FROM PAGE 2 A stroke in December 1996 did not stop Francisco from working. After his recovery he continued his editorial duties at the Bulletin, where he also helmed the magazine Animal Scene.

He retired from teaching in 2003, after 36 years of mentoring a host of Thomasian journalists.

In 2000, Francisco received The Outstanding Thomasian Alumnus Award for media, cited as belonging to a “fine breed of Filipino journalists who have been schooled and formed as responsible, principled and ethical practitioners of journalism.”

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Francisco’s former students and colleagues, said: “He loved history and journalism, he would reminisce the golden age while listening to Frank Sinatra singing in the background. He loved watching movies about the world war and of course, James Bond.”

“When he suffered a stroke … all he could think about was getting better in order to go back to work at the Manila Bulletin and UST. He was dedicated to his profession even when another stroke impaired his speech, he carried on because he loved teaching,” she added.

Bernadette said her father regular gave speeches at the annual Teodoro Valencia lectures on Journalism, “never letting his disability get in the way.”

Thomasian blood

Francisco told the Varsitarian in 2011 it was having “Thomasian blood” that pushed him to be a good journalist.

“Para sa aming mga mamamahayag, ang nagbibigay inspirasyon … ay ang propesyon naming naglalayong magbigay impormasyon sa publiko,” he said.

Francisco worked for various national publications — the Evening News, The Manila Times and the Evening Post — before settling at the Manila Bulletin.

He worked with industry heavyweights like Jose Luna Castro, managing editor of the Times, Felix Bautista, Kerima Polotan, Prudencio Europa and Cris Icban.

As a reporter, he was eyewitness to the assassination attempt on Pope Paul VI by a Bolivian artist upon the Pontiff’s arrival in Manila in 1970, and covered the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ participation in IMFWorld Bank meetings.

Ex-Manila Bulletin reporter and editor Aris Ilagan once described Francisco as “intolerant of grammatical abuse.”

“Once he sees your story, he will get a red ballpen from his pocket, encircle your mistakes and show them to you right away,” he said.

Born on Feb. 17, 1948, Francisco started out as a radio station jockey after finishing high school. In college, Francisco became editor in chief of the Flame, the Artlets student publication.

In a 2002 interview with student-researchers, he said: “I would say that my time as a journalist was very, very interesting, very colorful, and if I were to live my life again, I would exactly do the same thing. Exactly the same thing. I wouldn’t wish for any other [life].” LEIGH ANNE E. DISPO

and throw away years of peace-making efforts between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The government should have learned by now that militaristic approaches to terrorism have given rise to splinter groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf, and Maute Group. In fact, it was the years of fighting against these groups that have impeded the passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which was sought by Muslims to ensure peace in Mindanao.

And now, the anti-terror law, which threatens the safety of our Muslim brothers, will only undermine all those efforts.

It’s time the Supreme Court listen to the people.

The more than 25 petitions filed against the Anti-terrorism law should impress upon the justices and lawmakers that the law smacks of state terrorism and should therefore be declared unconstitutional.

Former UST High principal, physics and eng’g profs lead faculty retirees RECTOR Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. honored 37 retiring faculty members of the University in an online video tribute last July 30.

In his message posted on the University’s Facebook page, Ang reflected on how things have changed in the “new normal,” such as the virtual ceremony for faculty retirees.

“Today’s event may be a new experience for us all since this is usually held in the University but it doesn’t mean that this occasion [...] is less solemn and meaningful,” Ang said.

“In fact, the things that we used to do face-to-face can actually be fully approximated in a virtual environment as long as the spirit of the occasion is genuinely present,” he added.

Prof. Evelyn Laurito of the Faculty of Engineering had the longest tenure in this year’s roster of retirees, serving UST for 44 years.

She was followed by former UST High School principal Editha Fernandez of the College of Education and Assoc.

Prof. Angelina Silverio, physics department coordinator of the College of Science. They served for 43 years.

Assoc. Prof. Ma. Socorro Guan Hing, director of the Office of Student Affairs, also retired after 32 years of service.

LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

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SPECIAL REPORTS The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

ACTING SPECIAL REPORTS EDITOR: KLYRA V. ORBIEN

Duterte’s anti-oligarchy, pro-poor stance a ‘total lie,’ say opinion makers PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte claims to have dismantled the oligarchy without declaring martial law when his congressional allies shut down media giant ABS-CBN. It’s all for show as well as for the benefit of pro-Duterte business interests, according to analysts and experts.

In a speech before soldiers in Jolo, Sulu last July 13, Duterte slammed the Lopez-run ABS-CBN, whose franchise application was denied by the Duterte-controlled House of Representatives three days earlier. “’Yun namang ABS-CBN, binaboy ako.

Pero sinabi ko kapag ako nanalo, bubuwagin ko ang oligarchy ng Pilipinas. Ginawa ko (ABS-CBN ruined me. But I said that if I won, I would dismantle the oligarchy in the Philippines. I did it),” Duterte said in Jolo.

“Sabi ko (I said) without declaring martial law, I dismantled the oligarchy that controlled the economy of the Filipino people,” he added.

Duterte, in his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, again claimed he was a victim of oligarchs like the Lopezes.

“Media is a powerful tool in the hands of oligarchs like the Lopezes who use their media outlets to battle with political figures. I am a casualty of the Lopezes during the 2016 elections,” he said.

Duterte often claims ABS-CBN refused to air his election advertisements. ABSCBN explained that Duterte’s ads, which were meant to counter controversial spots featuring children reacting to his use of foul language, could not be accommodated due to time limits imposed by the elections commission. This also happened to other candidates, the TV network said.

Aside from the Lopezes, Duterte has attacked the Ayala conglomerate of the Zobel family and businessman Manuel Pangilinan, who heads the PLDT and Metro Pacific groups.

Duterte claims the Ayala-controlled Manila Water Co. and Pangilinan’s Maynilad Water got favorable water concession deals back in 1997 when the government-owned water monopoly was privatized.

Both groups also own the telecoms duopoly of Globe and PLDT, which the Dito Telecommunity backed by China Telecom and a Duterte political contributor, Dennis Uy, wants to break.

New replacing the old

but not changing the game,” he told the Varsitarian in an interview.

While competition will break up the concentration of economic power in major industries, Duterte’s attacks will scare away investors, who abhor political pressure and demand respect for contracts, he said.

“This is again a very negative signal to investors because it also implies political pressure on businesses despite full adherence to contracts,” Mendoza said.

Political analyst Edmund Tayao said the government should look at regulations rather than targeting particular business interests.

“It’s not a question of toppling them down (oligarchs). It’s a question of making government work independent of particular concerns,” he said.

Karol Ilagan, a senior reporter for Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, called the president’s statement on dismantling the oligarchy a “public relations strategy.”

Ilagan, who also teaches journalism in UST, said the president was going for the “easy sell,” a strategy similar to that of US President Donald Trump.

“When you say, ‘tear down the oligarchy,’ it sounds so good. It resonates with people, especially if you have a lot of poor people in your country [..] ito kasi ang madaling maintindihan (this is what’s easy to understand),” Ilagan said.

In an online press briefing on July 28, Malacañang spokesperson Harry Roque insisted that the president was “neutral” on the ABS-CBN franchise.

“Neutral po siya doon sa botohan na nangyari sa Kongreso. Pero meron rin po siguro siyang personal na paninindigan at ipinarating naman niya `yan sa publiko.

Pero hindi po siya nakialam sa botohan sa Kongreso (He was neutral on the voting in Congress. He has a personal stance and he has brought it to the public’s attention.

But he did not interfere in the voting),” Roque clamed.

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

RONALD MENDOZA Dean, Ateneo School of Government

Duterte propagating ‘anti-elite brand’

JOEL PABLO SALUD Journalist, LiCAS.news, Former EIC of Philippines Graphic

Ateneo School of Government Dean Ronald Mendoza said Duterte’s attacks against ABS-CBN and its owners, as well as other top conglomerates, did not dismantle the oligarchy but just opened the market to new players.

“Forcing the present owners out and replacing them with new owners in no way ends oligarchy—it is merely replacing the players

ART BY SOPHIA R. LOZADA, JURY P. SALAYA, AND JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

PROF. EDMUND TAYAO Political Analyst, Ateneo School of Government

KAROL ILAGAN Senior Reporter, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

Veteran journalist and editor Joel Pablo Salud said the president’s supposed “neutral” stance on the franchise controversy was a “blatant, flat out lie.”

Salud pointed out that the president had threatened to block the ABS-CBN franchise for years and his political allies were only too willing to accommodate him.

“It is not a secret that many in Congress are in a way very loyal to the [administration]. It’s not a decision that is representative of what the people want, [but] a political decision favoring the President,” he said.

The House’s rejection of ABS-CBN’s

No oligarchs were dismantled... PAGE 9

NEWS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

A closer look into reduced miscellaneous and other school fees A FACEBOOK post by a mother of an engineering student went viral in June when she asked why UST was charging a number of miscellaneous fees despite classes going fully online next term.

University services.”

To help students, UST reduced down payments to P5,000 and allowed up to four installments.

How does UST’s fees, all-in, compare with neighboring schools in Manila’s university belt?

In UST, a liberal arts freshman will pay P46,417 in total fees for 18 units as well as physical education (PE) and the National Students’ Training Program or Reserved Officers’ Training Corps next term.

The University of the East is charging first-year students P41,443.46 for 20 units, and the Centro Escolar University, P36,155.00. Adamson University is charging communication freshmen P36,081 next term.

Emillie Gemanil-Espina for instance asked why athletic, alumni, cultural and energy fees were still being charged on enrollees.

Espina, a lawyer, also complained that her queries were left unanswered by the administration.

“We parents have our qualms about the so many fees being charged, most especially at this time and we would like to know the answers to the commonly shared questions by the parents,” she told the Varsitarian in an interview.

“We are expecting that the University will not just shrug its shoulders on our queries and more importantly, we demand the justification for the charges being imposed,” she added.

Just how much in fees is UST charging for Term 1 of Academic Year 2020-2021?

Also, why was tuition not cut despite the change in the mode of learning?

Here’s what the Varsitarian found.

Decreases, increases

Under the schedule of fees released by the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance, fees for drug tests, retreats and recollections, and PE uniforms were removed. Others were cut by 20 to 50 percent.

The athletic fee was reduced to P900 to P1,000 from P2,000, while fees for library and medical and dental services were cut by about a third.

The audiovisual fee was lowered to P200 from P450 while the energy fee was cut in half to P1,000.

Special development and physical infrastructure development fees stood at P800 and P850, respectively, after being reduced by about half.

Other fees for University-wide organizations and student councils were

UST’s FAQs

In the “Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions” posted on the UST website, the University administration said there was no tuition reduction because “[t]uition [goes] to the salaries and benefits of employees. Whether classes are held onsite or offsite, the academic staff and support staff continue to work to ensure the delivery of

Breaking down fees... PAGE 10

ART BY JURY P. SALAYA

OB I T UA R Y

Fr. Alex Bautista, priest-architect teaching at UST Architecture; 50 RENOWNED priest-architect Fr. Alex Bautista died on July 9. He was 50 years old.

Bautista succumbed to an underlying neuromuscular ailment at the Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan City, according to a post from Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news service.

Bautista, who is from the Diocese of Tarlac, finished his bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University in 1990 and theology in 2001 at the University of Navarra in Spain.

He taught at the UST College of Fine Arts and Design and College of Architecture. Bautista also taught humanities courses at Our Lady of Peace College

Seminary in Tarlac.

Vylon Balintag, Bautista’s former student, described him as an outgoing and caring mentor who was “very close” to their batch.

“He always reminded our class to strive for the church and always hope for God’s mercy and compassion,” Balintag told the Varsitarian.

Bautista is known for designing churches and buildings in the country and abroad, such as La Sagrada Familia and the Shrine of San Josemaria Escriva in Tarlac.

He designed the altar and the papal chair used by Pope Francis during his Mass at the Quirino Grandstand in January 2015.

Bautista served as architec-

tural consultant to the Episcopal Commission on Cultural Heritage of the CBCP. He also served as consultant to many church projects in several archdioceses and dioceses.

Fr. Gerry Perez, Bautista’s friend, told the Varsitarian: “Fr. Alex was gentle and humble in his ways, always paying close attention to the details of the architectural plans that he beautifully and expertly designed, thus showing his deep love for liturgy and the Church.”

He served as parish priest of La Sagrada Familia at Gerona town in Tarlac before his death.

LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN WITH REPORTS FROM MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

FR. ALEX BAUTISTA

(PHOTO GRABBED FROM CBCP NEWS)

UST shows support... FROM PAGE 2 On May 6, UST lamented the government’s order to close the media giant and said it was a “disservice” to the country to deprive the people of access to information amid a pandemic.

‘Misuse of power’

Students and educators issued statements expressing their dissent over a House committee’s decision to deny ABSCBN’s bid for a franchise renewal.

Faculty members from the Department of Communication and Media Studies on Saturday said: “Filipinos have been deprived of an important source of news, information and entertainment by a regime that prefers only praises and propaganda.”

“The 12th hearing became an orgy of personal and petty gripes of onion-skinned politicians against ABS-CBN,” read the

statement, signed by 20 faculty members.

“Instead of hearing all stakeholders, the committee members regurgitated arguments already debunked by competent government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Justice,” the statement read.

The UST Journalism Society on Saturday called the decision a “dastardly crime against press freedom.”

“This arrogance and misuse of power delivered yet another blow to press freedom, which is already being battered by a draconian cyberlibel law, troll armies, media killings, and the indifference and skewed priorities of some journalists,” the statement read.

The Arts and Letters Student Council

also condemned the lawmakers’ decision.

“President Duterte and his cronies in Congress did not only deprive us of our right to a free press but also displaced at least 11,000 media workers amid the country’s worst public health and economic crisis,” it said in a statement.

“It is deplorable how at a time when the free press plays a crucial role in reliably informing the public about the Covid-19 pandemic, the Duterte regime has again proven itself as an enemy of democracy by denying the franchise application of ABSCBN,” the statement read.

The University’s theater guild, Teatro Tomasino, said in a statement the decision was not only a blatant attack to press freedom, but also “towards the right of the people to information.”

Mediartrix, a multimedia student

organization, also said that the government should have prioritized the ongoing pandemic instead of killing the franchise.

On July 10, in a 70-11 vote, the House Committee on legislative franchises adopted the recommendation of a technical working group to kill the bills seeking to grant the network a new franchise.

Seventy of 85 panel members and ex-officio members voted against granting the franchise. Eleven voted in favor, two inhibited and one abstained.

On May 5, The National Telecommunications Commission ordered ABS-CBN to stop operations after the expiry of its legislative franchise. ABS-CBN signed off at 7:52 p.m. on the same day, the second time for the network to shut down since the Marcos regime. AHMED KHAN CAYONGCAT AND LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

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Embrace social media to further evangelization, promote the culture of truth and charity,’ Catholics urged in UST webinar CATHOLICS must embrace social media and promote the culture of truth in it, speakers said in the UST Tiger TV webinar series “Business Unusual” on July 6.

The webinar tackled the effectiveness of spreading the Gospel through social communication in the so-called “new normal.”

The Varsitarian editor-in-chief Br. Eugene Dominic Aboy, O.P. said that the Church must embrace social media to further evangelization now that public worship is prohibited.

“If there is something that this pandemic has proven in our society and our Church is the reality that we have no choice but embrace social media in order to further our evangelization,” Aboy said.

Aboy, who is also a friar under the Dominican Province of the Philippines, said the Church must maximize its presence in the social media.

“When we talk about social media the Church is not the first thing that comes to mind.

That’s one reason we need to maximize our presence on social media,” he said.

Theology professor Fr. Wenifredo Padilla, OP, urged students to be always prepared and be rooted in faith in expressing thoughts on social media.

“Social media is only a platform, para siyang megaphone na magbo-broadcast, ibig sabihin kailangan nating i-emphasize `yung content…Kung walang laman ang sasabihin ang mabo-broadcast lang ay `yung kawalan ng laman nung sasabihin natin,“ Padilla said.

“Ang hamon natin sa mga Thomasians, estudyante, ay palalimin natin `yung ating pagsasanay, paghahanda, itong lockdown na naranasan natin, ito’y isang napakagandang pagkakataon para paghandaan `yung ating sasabihin,” he added.

Santisimo Rosario Parish Priest Fr. Paul Reagan Talavera, O.P. reminded the faithful about the proper etiquette in using social media platforms.

“Sinasabi dito sa ethics in the internet napakahalaga na isipin ng mga gumagamit ng media `yung tinatawag nating solidarity…Ang pinapaalala sa atin dito `yung responsible use ng media…ito ay ginagawa natin for the common good, para sa lahat, kasama tayo doon.”

Talavera said.

“If we are working for the common good then we are also contributing for the good of others,” Talavera added.

Promotion of truth and charity

Leo- Martin Angelo Ocampo, academic collaborations officer of the Ecclesiastical Faculties Social media... PAGE 10

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FEATURES The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

EDITOR: JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

Benedictine Fr. Maramba will live on in his music

FR. Benildus Manuel P. Maramba receives the ‘Outstanding Conservatory Alumnus’ award from Dean Antionio Africa while Fr. Regent Jose Tinoko, O.P. looks on during the ‘Tribute to the Thomasian’ Concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Nov. 17, 2019. (PHOTO BY RENZELLE SHAYNE V. PICAR/THE VARSITARIAN)

BOTH IN HIS SACRED and secular compositions, Fr. Manuel P. Maramba, OSB, esteemed retired faculty member of the Conservatory of Music, embodied the Filipino’s glorious Catholic faith and cultural identity.

Fr. Maramba was able to immortalize the Filipino’s Catholic faith, history and culture in his music,” said Ferdinand Bautista, a former student of Maramba.

The Benedictine monk-composer succumbed to pancreatic cancer on July 13 at the age of 84.

He is remembered through his liturgical compositions, which include three Masses, “Papal Mass for World Youth Day 1995,” “Mass in Honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz” and “Mass in Honor of the Santo Niño.” A complete musical setting of the Liturgy of the Hours being sung in the Montserrat Abbey of Manila was also composed by Maramba in the 1980’s and 90’s. “[Fr. Maramba] would insist on using the approved vernacular texts, the reason why there are many versions of his liturgical compositions,” Bautista told the Varsitarian in an online interview. “[He] would make sure his works would always conform to the updated liturgical texts from the Vatican,” he said.

Maramba also composed cantatas and hymns such as the official hymn to the 1996 National Eucharistic Congress. He also composed Ballet Philippines’ music for “Awakening,” and the music for Philippine Ballet Theater’s production of “Seven Mansions.”

Some of his notable secular works although still carrying very overt religious themes include “Ang Sarswela sa San Salvador” and the operas “Aba! Santo Nino,” “La Naval” and “Lord Ukon Takayama.”

Conservatory of Music Dean Antonio Africa said that Maramba was instrumental in shaping the Conservatory to what it is today by being the moving spirit behind the UST Symphony Orchestra (USTSO) and UST Symphonic Band, which became the UST Wind Orchestra.

“There was a time when the Conservatory almost folded up due to low enrollment, but it did not happen because Maramba proposed the re-activation of the UST Symphony Orchestra, which was approved by the then Rector, Rev. Fr. Norberto Castillo, O.P.,” Africa said.

“It turned out that the idea of reactivation was the solution to the problem because with the orchestra, more students enrolled, making the Conservatory the biggest in terms of student population,” the dean added.

Father Maramba receives a plaque of appreciation during “A Monk’s Legacy” Concert hich commemorated the 125th anniversary of the arrival of Benedictine monks in the Philippines, at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, Feb. 8, 2020. (PHOTO BY MARVIN JOHN F. UY/THE VARSITARIAN) Today, the USTSO has established itself as the premiere all-student orchestra in the Philippines.

Africa said that the high number of winners from the Conservatory in national music competitions from the ‘80’s to the present may be attributed to Maramba’s vision of monitoring and supporting students who would wish and work to compete.

“Fr. Maramba’s way of inspiring students to excel has produced many competent, compassionate, committed and excellent Thomasian music professionals today,” the dean said.

The makings of a legend

Born on July 4, 1936, Maramba’s undeniable musical genius shone through even in his younger years. He had his first public performance at the Saint Joseph Parish in Las Piñas City when he was just 11 years old, eventually becoming the accompanist of the Las Piñas Boys Choir three years later.

After completing his bachelor of music degree in piano at the UST Conservatory of Music, he obtained his master’s degree of music in piano, artist diploma in piano, bachelor of music in composition and teacher’s certificate in theory at the Peabody Conservatory at John Hopkins University.

The Benedictine monk also went to Yale University’s School of Music for his master of musical arts in performance. Further studies of the Benedictine monk were at the Kirchenmusikschule in Regensburg, Germany where he studied sacred music and the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna, Austria where he studied the piano, organ and harp-

sichord.

He made his monastic profession with the Benedictine order in 1962, taking on the Benedictine name “Dom Benildus,” and was ordained to the priesthood in December 1967. He was assigned at Las Cruces Parish in New Mexico from 1976 to 1977.

Maramba was also president of the Philippine Society of Organists, board member of the Piano Teachers Guild, and a member of the National Music Council of the Philippines and League of Filipino Composers.

Firm but caring mentor

Bautista said that one of the most important legacies left by the musical prodigy were “the ‘receptacles’ of Fr. Maramba’s genius,” his students.

He is remembered as a stern and meticulous teacher inside the classroom but a dear friend after the school bell rang.

Mickey Jacinto, Maramba’s student in sacred music, advanced keyboard harmony and atonal theory 18 years ago, recalled fondly how Maramba’s classes were like.

“Whenever he was mad, he could really make a student melt in a flash, but, after class, he became your friend, he would approach you and say things that would make your heart melt and [make you] gain confidence,” Jacinto said.

“Under his tutelage, we cannot see failure as an end,” he added. “I fondly remember him giving us stars on our papers when we did a good job on them, as [if] we were in preschool. He rewarded us...after Fr. Maramba PAGE 11

Raul Sunico: Golden sound plus a golden heart ACCLAIMED PIANIST and former Conservatory of Music dean Raul Sunico is the embodiment of the “golden sound” complemented by his “golden heart.”

Sunico is noted both for his sublime musicianship and his kindness.

Najib Ismail, a collaborative pianist, chamber musician and music professor in the Conservatory of Music, said Sunico possessed a talent that pianists called the “golden sound.”

Conductor and another UST Music faculty Hermegildo Ranera described Sunico as a “true friend in the strictest sense of the word.”

“He is the type of person who goes out of his way to help,” said the conductor. “Very generous not only in monetary terms but offers his valuable time and best effort to the needy.”

Ismail and Ranera made their remarks after Sunico received the Gawad Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) para sa Sining last July 5.

“It’s a great honor,” said Sunico about the Gawad CCP. “It’s something that comes out of the blue, na suddenly you were awarded this. You know, what you’ve been doing, nakikilala pala ng iba, narerecognize pala ng iba.”

Ranera, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) resident conductor, has worked with Sunico on numerous shows.

“He is an excellent, award-winning world-class pianist who holds the distinction of being the only pianist in the world to perform the four concertos of Sergei Rachmaninoff in a single evening and the three piano concertos of Tchaikovsky in a similar setting,” Ranera told the Varsitarian.

Ranera said he had conducted the PPO when the orchestra accompanied Sunico on the piano during the 2002 Philippine premiere of Busoni piano concerto , 2003 Rachmaninoff concerto, and the 2015 Tchaikovsky Piano concerto. He said the three concertos would be among Sunico’s best performances.

Sunico obtained a double bachelor’s degree in music and of science in mathematics, as well as a master’s degree in statistics, from the University of the Philippines before pursuing further studies abroad.

“Though I was already working in the bank afterwards and teaching Math in UP, my break came when I was invited to play in Malacañang for President Marcos’ birthday, and it was then when Mrs. Marcos had heard me and offered me a scholarship to study abroad,” Sunico said.

He finished his master’s degree in music at Juilliard School in New York and his doctor of philosophy degree in piano performance at New York University through a scholarship from the former first lady’s Young Artists Foundation of the Philippines, which launched his prestigious career as a pianist.

Sunico won the silver medal in the 1979 Viotti International Piano Competition in Vercelli, Italy and received the

Henry Cowell Prize in the 1980 University of Maryland International Piano Competition in the United States He has also served on the juries of the Bergen Philharmonic Competition in New Jersey, Isidor Bajic Memorial Piano Competition in Novi Sad, Serbia, Piyabhand Sanitwongse Piano Competition in Bangkok, Thailand, Manila Symphony Competition, Jeffrey Ching Piano Competition, and the Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines Competition in Manila.

Sunico was hailed as The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) Awardee for Music in 1986. He received the PAMANA Presidential Award for Overseas Filipinos in 1996, Ceres Alabado Award for Children’s Books in 1995, UP Professional Award and Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award, given by the City of Manila in 1998, and the KATHA Award for Best Solo Instrumental Recording, given by the Philippine Recording Industry in 1999.

Sunico served as dean for the Conservatory of Music from 2002 to 2016 He likewise served as president of the CCP from 2010 to 2017.

Currently, he is the chairman of the doctoral studies program of music and the performing arts at St. Paul College of Manila. He remains a member of the UST Conservatory faculty.

Faculty member Ronan Ferrer, who teaches voice at the Conservatory recalled Sunico’s kindness during their music camp back in 2005 that took place in Iloilo.

“During our 2005 music camp in Iloilo, we were stranded because of some money problems with the host, and he used his own money to pay for our airfare,” Ferrer said.

“He is generous to a fault,” added the tenor. “Students would line up to his office for scholarships and even allowance money. He said he is just paying it forward. He got a lot of help when he was just starting so that’s why he is helping others now that he is capable. He is kind even to those who are not kind to him.”

According to Ismail, Sunico has always extended an ear to everyone.

“He is a very warm person, wonderfully quick witted and you always feel his concern and kindness for his faculty and the students which is why he is very much beloved,” Ismail said.

“Music made my life more meaningful,” Sunico said, “and of course this is my main profession now. I’m happy that it’s not only my own development that is important, but the fact that I was able to help other people too, especially the young.”

“I am able to share my knowledge with the students,” he added. “Hopefully they in turn, when their time comes, that they can be able to share their knowledge in others.” NOLENE BEATRICE H. CRUCILLO, NEIL PAOLO S. GONZALES WITH REPORTS FROM MA. JASMINE TRISHA L. NEPOMUCENO

RAUL Sunico, former Conservatory of Music dean and president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, receives a bouquet of flowers after his Rachimaninoff Conert on Jan. 26, 2019. (PHOTO

BY JOSE MIGUEL J. SUNGLAO/THE VARSITARIAN)

LITERARY The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

Journalism alumna bolsters self-publishing industry with PaperKat Books

BY LEIGH ANNE E. DISPO

URGING aspiring writers to get published, Journalism alumna Kath EustaquioDerla established PaperKat Books to boost the nascent self-publishing industry in the country.

KATH EUSTAQUIO-DERLA

“I believe I have to make sure that no story or manuscript goes to waste. I believe that every person has a story to tell,” she said.

Founded in 2014, PaperKat Books is the self-publishing arm of Derla’s family’s printing company, the HS Grafik Print.

“We go beyond writing and self-publishing. I always mention that writing is the easiest part, selling the book is the hardest,” she told the Varsitarian in an online interview.

Self-publishing allows writers to produce their own books with the help of the publisher who will provide personnel to assist the writer, from an editor and a layout artist to marketing people and distributors.

With PaperKat Books, the author can talk to different professionals with different fees and timelines depending on their preferred standard and

(PHOTO GRABBED

FROM HER FACEBOOK ACCOUNT)

capability.

As the CEO of the self-publishing arm of their family business, Derla is redefining the industry A self-published author herself, she writes and teaches other authors about personal branding and book design.

PaperKat includes a team of mentors and editors which help writers make strategies on writing, publishing and selling books, provides six-month mentoring programs through online classes, and guides authors through a step-by-step instruction on planning and self-editing.

Derla originally wanted to take up architecture or advertising because her father used to work in an advertising agency before starting a printing company with her mother in 1983.

Surrounded with production materials for printing, she

was taught design at an early age.

Derla took up A.B. Journalism and graduated from the University in 2006, convinced by her parents that knowing both writing and design will give her the advantage in her career.

“It took some time but they were right. Being a writer-designer is profitable, even outside of the corporate world.

And what I learned about journalism in college gave that solid foundation,” she said.

Derla recently won the 2018 Best Editor (English Category) and Best Printing Service during the Gawad Parangal sa Mundo ng Literatura Awards of Penmasters League.

Aside from being the coo of her family’s design-and-print business HS Grafik Print, Derla is also a published author.

‘Writers, artists should make sense of the pandemic,’ urges Ustetika founder VICTOR EMMANUEL Carmelo “Vim” Nadera said a writer has the power to create literature that can bestow hope for Filipino readers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Bilang mga alagad ng sining, kayo (manunulat) ang hahanap ng interpretasyon , ang makapagbibigay pangalan sa mga abstrakto na mga pangyayaring ito,” Nadera said in an online lecture on July 18.

(As disciples of the arts, writers should seek interpretation, the only ones who can give name to these abstract events happening today.)

He added that more than COVID-19, writers should also document national human rights and freedom of expression protests, because these are crucial moments in history.

“Tayo ang may kapangyarihan upang tukuyin ang mga bagay na hindi masintas-sintas,” he said, adding that a writer is the nation’s voice

weighing on the pandemic.

(We are given the power to pinpoint and stitch national events conspiring.)

Nadera urged writers to give a fresh perspective on everyday activities and to be more observant.

He emphasized that it is a writer’s duty to pinpoint what cannot be understood, and help “ordinary people” value what the community has experienced.

For amateur writers one of the first steps to writng is to establish an everyday journaling schedule, Nadera said.

Writers should also use the five senses to maximize literary imagery.

Nadera was one of the speakers in the Facebook online lecture series titled “Writing in the Time of COVID-19” hosted by Likhaan, the University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing. SOFIA BERNICE F. NAVARRO

ART BY RAE ISOBEL N. TYAPON

‘Imitate Nick Joaquin’s nationalism through literature,’ youth told

NICK JOAQUIN (ART BY KARL JOSHUA L. ARON)

THE NATIONAL Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) revisited the life of the late national artist for literature Nick Joaquin, calling on Filipino youth writers to reflect Philippine culture in stories and literary works.

In a webinar last July 30, the NCAA described Joaquin’s works as “nationalistic” and timeless in encompassing Philippine culture that still resonates with today’s generation. “[Ang mga akda ni Nick Joaquin] ay nagpapakita rin ng malalimang at mahalagang kapatiran ng isang henyo sa kamalayan ng kaniyang bayan,” the NCCA said in “Padayon Presents”, an online series of the agency’s past televised productions.

(Nick Joaquin’s works showcase a deep and meaningful relationship of a literary genius to the consciousness of his nation.)

Carlos Palanca Hall of Fame writer Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. said the life and works of Nick Joaquin is the “best legacy” for young Filipino writers to learn from.

“In writing, discipline, industry, and consistency are Nick Joaquin’s best legacy to the younger Filipino writers: to keep producing that kind of art throughout your life,” he added.

Charo Joaquin Villegas, niece of Nick Joaquin, pointed out that Joaquin’s stories always included the theme of family and nationalism, values which are characteristic of the Filipino culture.

Nick Joaquin, also known as Quijano de Manila, was conferred the title National Artist of the Philippines for Literature in 1976.

He obtained his Associate in Arts from the University of Santo Tomas for his essay “La Naval de Manila.”

“Padayon Presents” is part of NCCA Hour, the government culture agency’s online series aired every Tuesday and Thursday. SOFIA BERNICE F. NAVARRO

No oligarchs were dismantled... FROM PAGE 6 franchise is expected to displace thousands of workers even as the unemployment rate is at an all-time high of 17.7 percent, equivalent to 7.3 million Filipinos out of work.

Salud said the president’s claim that he had toppled the oligarchy was also Malacañang’s latest narrative to propagandize Duterte’s “anti-elite” brand.

“These are all lies, these are all government’s narrative compelling us to believe na galit sila sa mga abusadong mayayaman (they are mad at the abusive elite) and that they are [..] advocating the interest of the poor which is the total lie,” he told the Varsitarian.

Press freedom a casualty

Mendoza, Ilagan and Salud agreed that the House’s denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal was a blow to press freedom.

Ilagan said many people lost access to the news when ABS-CBN was shut down.

“Puwede tayo magpaikot-ikot doon sa punto na may GMA pa, may iba pang news organization diyan (We can go around in circles on the point that GMA Network and other news organizations are still there) [..] for me, one news outlet na mawala (gone) is one too many,” Ilagan said.

“Of course the context, too, is that we are in a pandemic, and we need more information, not

less,” she said.

Tayao however argued that the House rejection of ABS-CBN’s franchise was not the president’s doing, since it could have been renewed in the previous administration.

“They failed to muster enough time to renew it,” he said.

He said that the presence of other media organizations were signs of a free press in the country.

“I am still able to speak and I am not being shut down. Inquirer is still there, Philippine Star is still there, [Varsitarian] is still there. I don’t think this has anything to do with press

9

freedom,” Tayao added.

Mendoza said that if the president was serious in toppling the oligarchy, there should be law in place to regulate the concentration of power, to empower the next generation of leaders.

“We need a dynasty regulation law to quash fat dynasties in the country, so that more young leaders can try to serve the country, and leaders could be held accountable in elections,” he said.

Mendoza said ABS-CBN’s closure is a “black mark on the rule of law and media freedom in the country.” NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE AND LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

10

COMICS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

ART DIRECTOR: JURY P. SALAYA

TAHO NI RAYA GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA

MIMATOLOGY ALISAJOY T. DEL MUNDO

KINDNESS RAE ISOBEL N. TYAPON

Breaking down fees... FROM PAGE 7 retained, while the Student Activity Fee rose to P350 from P200.

Fees for guidance and counseling, alumni, cultural activities and community service also remained unchanged.

Energy, lab fees

Espina’s post, which has been shared more than 4,000 times on Facebook, questioned why the energy fee remained at P1,000 despite the fact that students won’t use classrooms next term.

“As I have posted the same letter I sent to the university [...] on my Facebook account, I have received hundreds of private messages from parents, guardians and students who share my sentiments,” she said.

UST’s Covid-19 FAQs explained that the energy fee would be “for the maintenance of air-conditioning units and other equipment in the University.”

It said “The energy fee, already reduced by 50%, will again be reviewed at the end of the term in case there is completely no face-to-face class held.”

Another parent with similar concerns said the University registrar, Cesar Velasco Jr., responded by email to her queries, which she posted as a comment to Espina’s Facebook post.

Laboratory fees are still included to cover salaries of laboratory personnel, and also because faculty members would still conduct onsite lab demonstrations during online classes, the email stated.

Medical and dental fees were retained as UST still conducts online medical and overall health and wellbeing consultations, the email

Pagdub... MULA SA PAHINA 2

explained.

Moreover, the UST Miguel de Benavides Library, including e-books and online databases, can still be accessed online and is manned by a skeleton workforce.

The email also explained that the fee for the Varsitarian, the official student publication of UST, was retained as it continues to gather news and regularly publish online.

Fees are likewise being charged to pay for contracts, maintenance and interfacing of the UST Cloud Campus, the main learning management system to be used for online classes next term.

UST in July said on its social media accounts that various online and cloud-based resources are available to students, such as GSuite or Google applications, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.

“The frequently asked questions did not satisfy my queries because I believe that such were prepared during the normal times when physical presence of the students was the norm in schools. The circumstances are very different now during this period of pandemic,” she said.

Central Student Council Public Relations Officer Jeric Sun said the officers wished they could address all queries regarding the fees and refund but claimed they are also “in the dark” of the issue.

Sun also said it was not “justifiable” to charge the students with fees for facilities they won’t use and urged the administration to release a statement to enlighten the concerns of students, parents, and faculty members.

“All I could give as of now is a promise that [..] we will continue to [work] to bring light into this matter,” Sun told the Varsitarian.

Refunds

Online classes OK, but…

UST’s FAQs also said refunds of unused fees would be reviewed on a case-to-case basis as students paid either in full or installment basis.

The percentages of the fees to be refunded was being reviewed as other fees varied per program and year level.

“The Accounting Department humbly asks for patience and understanding as its operations are currently constrained by quarantine guidelines pertaining to the age and at-risk conditions of personnel,” it said.

Espina said she received an informal communication from a UST employee advising her to read the FAQs. The engineering student’s parent, however, said the University’s FAQs did not satisfy her.

Espina said she was in favor of online classes as long as there was no vaccine against Covid-19 available, but called for “reasonable guidelines.”

“Online learning is the best solution at this time. Universities should adopt reasonable guidelines on how to go about online education.

It needs to periodically assess its system and improve it along the way,” she said.

Espina said she forwarded her concerns to the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education.

On July 22, Espina started an online petition contesting fees charged by the University.

working ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, nagsisimula ang pagtanaw at malasakit sa wika sa pagkabata at sa bawat tahanan.

“Maituturing na mahalagang puwang ang dubbing at pagsasalin sa Filipino ng mga cartoon. Sa murang edad ay namumulat na natin ang mga kabataan sa realidad na hindi lámang umiiral sa Ingles ang kanilang daigdig,” wika ni Cagalingan sa Varsitarian.

Iminungkahi naman ni Wennielyn Fajilan, tagapag-ugnay ng UST Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin, ang panonood ng pambatang palabas ay mahalaga na karaniwan ang naririnig na wika upang makasabay sa imahinatibong mundo.

“Ilang dekada nang namamayagpag ang mga isina-Filipinong cartoon at animé dahil nasasapul nito ang pangangailangan ng mga batang Filipino na unawain ang mga palabas na banyaga gamit ang wika ng tahanan at ng komunidad… Mahalaga ang tunog na pamilyar, ang mga salita at pahayag na malapit sa kulturang kinalakihan para makasabay sa imahinatibong mundo ng mga palabas pambata,” ayon kay Fajilan.

Para naman kay Joselito Delos Reyes, tagapag-ugnay ng programang creative writing, dapat na laliman pa ang pangunawa at baka kailangang lagpasan pa natin ang usaping tulad nito.

“Baka ang mas magandang pagtuonan ng pansin ay ang isang

dahilan kung bakit tayo nakasadsad: dahil napakaraming Lupin sa kanilang hanay.

Pa-Ingles-Ingles pa nga ang marami sa kanila”, wika niya.

Dagdag pa niya, hindi naman naglaho ang kaalaman natin sa wikang Ingles sadyang hindi lamang tayo nabibigyan ng pagkakataong lumago ng mga namamahalang iba ang hangarin.

“Ang tagal na nating umi-Ingles, ikinalakal na nga natin ito...Hindi makasabay dahil ayaw pasabayin ng mga namamahala na ang prayoridad ay panatilihin tayong busabos ng mga mas makapangyarihang bansang Ingles man o hindi ang wika”, wika ni Delos Reyes.

Hindi rin sumang-ayon si Alvin Ringgo Reyes, tagapangulo ng UST Departamento ng Filipino, sa nais mangyari ni Sen. Cayetano kaya’t sinabi nito na tama lamang na itanim ang paghubog sa kaakuhan bílang Pilipino habang musmos pa lamang dahil bahagi ang mga taong ito sa paghugis ng kanilang identidad.

“Kung ako nga ang masusunod, mas mainam na lubusin na natin. Bukod sa cartoons na nasa wikang Filipino, cartoons na replektibo ng kultura at kalinangang Filipino… Ang kailangan natin ay mga materyal na tapat talaga sa kaakuhan natin bilang mga Pilipino para hindi lumalaking may kaisipang kolonyal ang mga bata”, dagdag pa niya.

CHARM MAGPALI, CAMILLE MARCELO AND LAURD MENHARD SALEN

Essential Learning... MULA SA PAHINA 2 Social media... FROM PAGE 7 urged Thomasians to live in accordance with the University’s motto, Veritas in Caritate (truth in charity.)

“The motto of our University is Veritas in Caritate, truth in charity, so when we say something hindi lang dapat true, dapat sinasabi din s’ya in a charitable way,” Ocampo said.

Aboy encouraged Thomasians to

be committed to truth and charity in dealing with other people.

“As Thomasians we are always committed to truth and we are also asked to be charitable to others. And `yun `yung nakikita kong isang malaking bagay sa aking posisyon as student also as a member of the order. I try to strike the balance to the many voices that I

encounter every day,” Aboy said.

On Dec. 4, 1963 Pope Paul VI promulgated Inter Mirifica, the decree on the media of social communication of the Second Vatican Council. It recognizes the mass media as a medium for evangelization. JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ,OP

pagkatuto ng ating mga estudyante ay i-resentro o i-refocus `yung kanilang mental capabilities sa pagtugon sa kanilang bayan,” sabi niya.

Pinaalalahanan din niya ang kaniyang mga kapwa-guro na mahalaga ang kanilang tungkulin para sa ating bayan.

“Napakahalaga ng papel na ginagampanan natin bilang mga guro diyan dahil tayo ang binigyan, pinagkatiwalaan ng Panginoon na

magsalin ng kultura sa susunod na salinlahi o henerasyon ng kapwa nating tao,” wika ni Reyes.

Nagtapos si Reyes ng kursong secondary education major in Filipino sa Unibersidad noong 2007.

Siya ang tagapangulo ng UST Departamento ng Filipino, at kalihim ng Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino, Inc. mula taong 2010 hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

SPORTS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

11

How UST athletes strive to be in condition despite the ‘new normal’ WITH THE shortened UAAP season officially closed, Thomasian athletes now face new challenges to maintain themselves in tip-top shape amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

UST Tracksters head coach Manny Calipes and UST Male Tennisters head tactician Alexander Diego weighed in on carving the Thomasian athletes for the “new normal” in sports.

With fewer equipment, no proper facilities and an abrupt change in training routine, UST teams are striving to overcome the challenges of transition amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fitness

"Physically, kailangan ibalik 'yong condition ng katawan nila. I know they are playing Tennis (at home) but they aren't as physically fit as before," head coach Diego admitted in an online interview with the Varsitarian.

According to the tactician, the men’s tennis team was culture-shocked after not being able to train daily for two to three months, but as quarantine protocols eased in some provinces, the tennis team start to train more.

“Na-monitor ko ‘yong players na malapit dito sakin sa Lanao. Allowed na kami to play tennis pero with safety protocols.”

Competitive Mindset

The UST Tracksters train with limited equipment and facilities under the supervision of veteran coach Calipes.

“Sila naman ang gumagawa ng kanilang kapalaran, kaming mga coaches ay guide lamang para ituro sa kanila ang mga tamang directions sa paglalaro at para na rin sa kanilang future at buhay,” the athletics tactitian said.

Calipes explained how all UAAP teams endure the same struggles today but, according to the seasoned mentor, the success of adjustments comes with discipline, dedication, and pride.

"Ang ating mga athletes ay gigil na gigil magperform kaya kung ano ang ibibigay nila sa amin, kukuhanin namin," Calipes said when asked about the possiblity of competing without a crowd for next season.

Mental Stability

“Mahirap magtraining ng madaming iniisip, especially safety,” head coach Diego admitted.

For the men’s team tennis head coach, beyond the team’s communication, being with the family continues to be a huge help for his players.

"My players are staying with their families, that's the big help for us.

Their parents are helping us to make then realize what's happening now.”

Calipes also said mental health is a major concern and said that communicating is one of the key components in keeping his players sane during this crisis.

"We continue communicating. We transform our team into prayer warriors when there is a need. Our team’s group chat is a close family unit, our second family," Calipes said.

The lawn tennis and athletics sporting events were two of the cancelled events for UAAP season 83. JASMIN ROSELLE M. MONTON

A TENNISTER tries to hit the ball during a UAAP game.

(PHOTO BY MARY JAZMIN D.

AND ROMMEL BONG FUERTES JR.

TABUENA/THE VARSITARIAN)

Editorial FROM PAGE 4

Growling Tigers' assistant coach trains pros despite Covid

BY ROMMEL BONG FUERTES JR.

AFTER AIDING the UST Growling Tigers to a podium finish in the shortened season 83, assistant coach Joph Cleopas continues his pursuit in molding basketball players even under the pandemic.

J Hoops is a basketball clinic owned by Cleopas that trains not just aspiring ballers, but also profes-sional players.

The clinic has been training notable players recently including UP graduate Paul Desiderio, Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, Mac Tallo of the Manila Stars and several more.

Focus kept

Despite training professionals almost daily, the Cebu-bred coach continues to train the Growling Tigers by way of online monitoring.

"We've been sending them workouts. If nagagawa naman nila 'yon, hindi mahirap bumalik sa shape nila," Cleopas said in a previous interview with the Varsitarian.

The coach reiterated that there shouldn't be any time wasted at home, especially since the team can be allowed to train again anytime soon.

"We are keeping our players ready as much as possible and the coaching staff are giving their best to prepare our players not just physically but also mentally,” he said.

Cleopas served as a trainer for Batang Gilas, Philippines' under 17 basketball program, from 20162017.

this pandemic He didn’t dismantle the oligarchy; he just dismantled the oligarchies who are not on his side or who didn’t contribute to his campaign kitty, replacing them with his cronies, ala Marcos and his Benedictos, Disinis, and Danding Cojuangcos. (Where are they now?) The oligarchy and big business that Duterte claims he has crushed are also the ones that are providing people jobs and helping the economy keep itself afloat. But of course he doesn’t care about the people losing their jobs since they’re employed not by his cronies but by the “oligarchy,” whatever that means

in his twisted vocabulary. He doesn’t care for ordinary Filipinos, just as when he refused to stop flights to and from China ostensibly because Beijing might retaliate against tens of thousands of Filipinos working there; when he finally imposed the travel ban, he included Taiwan because he said Taiwan was part of China.

Not only did he expose his ignorance, but he also betrayed his lackadaisical interest in the fate of the tens of thousands of Filipinos working in Taiwan. In short he really doesn’t care about Filipinos; all he wants is to please or appease China.

Duterte seems to be toying with the

nation’s fate as the country is placed in the grip of despair for his failure to take the pandemic seriously, hoping that China would eventually throw him a bone. It may be that one of his sinister tactics is the devastation of his own nation so that the Filipinos would forget, as Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. said in his life and proved in his death, that “the Filipino is worthy dying for.” Today, our citizens are demoralized to the breaking-point. And Duterte, for all his misplaced priorities and lack of concern for his people, seems to be doing it on purpose so that they could be pummeled to submission all

540... FROM PAGE 5 The fight against drugs could be viewed in the same way dubious reason for the return of capital punishment. To associating multiple killings and other crimes to drug use does not hold water.

From these observations, I could not help but think about how our officials have been able to propose a solution as heavy as taking someone’s life on something they could not even record properly.

If the basic recording of crimes in the current system cannot even be executed well, how could the people possibly trust that the current justice system could ensure that the death penalty wouldn’t be imposed on the wrong persony?

Moreover, multiple studies and research prove that drug use and crime rates are higher in places with higher economic inequality.

Facts like this should be enough to make one see that pushing death penalty in a country where poverty is evident is a call to establish a law target-

the more.

This may make sense, considering his heightened aggression and cruelty to his critics at a time when the country is plagued by the novel coronavirus and is facing economic ruin. He wants to beat the Filipinos to a pulp, silencing them through the Anti-Terror Law, blinding them through the ABS-CBN shutdown, confusing them by employing trolls and appointing comical officials and incompetent retired generals. He seeks to dismantle our democracy. But democracy will fight back. The tyrants of today will be the hanged despots of tomorrow.

Fr. Maramba... FROM PAGE 8 ing the poor.

With these data, death penalty as the proposed solution to lessen the crime rate and drug dealing doesn’t hold water and is in fact a stupid move.

Now, to propose this kind of solution amidst the pandemic is obviously dumber.

It is still glaringly clear that we are not winning this war against the Covid-19 virus as thousands continue to be added to the number of infected cases per day.

It’s appalling to see House of Representatives members exerting effort to pass the death penalty bill rather than direct the efforts for actions against the pandemic.

More so, officials who push for the bill and who cite the Bible as an argument on their side.

We should take note that the Bible does not have verses stating that God imposed death penalty as a commandment or an encouragement to help fight evil.

“An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is primitive

biblical justice that was rejected

by Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Why go back to the Old Testament?

Who are we to deny a person a chance to change and realize his or her mistakes?

We do not and never will hold the power to decide whether to take someone’s existence, whatever reason we may have.

Life imprisonment should enough.

In a pandemic, when hundreds of lives are being taken away in an instant, reviving death penalty is out of the question.

The cons obviously outweigh the pros, so why are we still calling for the bill to be passed?

Allowing the government and the current state of justice system to restore the death penalty in a country deep in poverty is just the same as offering a loaded gun to a thief holding you hostage in your own home.

It’s insane and plain stupid.

college with the St. Benedict medallion.”

Conservatory faculty member and former EDSA Shrine rector Fr. Leo Nilo Mangussad, also a former student of Maramba, recalled his passion for teaching music.

“He has the attitude of a tireless teacher who is not chained simply to the requirements of a subject but leaps beyond it and transcends the subject matter into a sublime musical experience,” Mangussad said.

Mangussad mentioned that the Benedictine monk was the one who urged him to pursue further studies abroad.

“We would not be where we are now if it were not for his persistent prodding,” he added. “We continue to keep his legacies alive by how we were molded, the Symphony Orchestra, the Sampung Mga Daliri concerts, the faculty, etc.”

“Despite him being strict, he is a loving professor and you can feel the concern he had for all his students, that concern that we become the best of what we can be,” Africa told the Varsitarian.

As part of the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Benedictine monks in the Philippines, the Conservatory paid tribute to his music with a concert in February.

“We expect an even wider use and appreciation of his music once disseminated, and only then can we truly measure the significant contribution of Fr. Maramba to Philippine Music,” Fr. Mangussad said. NOLENE BEATRICE H. CRUCILLO, MA. JASMINE TRISHA L. NEPOMUCENO

INSIDE

Sports

UST Coaches: athletes strive to remain in condition during “new normal” PAGE 11 UST Poomsae Jins snag eight medals in nat’l inter-school tilt PAGE 11

The Varsitarian AUGUST 21, 2020

As lockdown eases, Thomasian athletes venture into business

BY MALIC U. COTONGAN AND ROMMEL BONG FUERTES JR.

AS METRO Manila eased quarantine protocols and businesses slowly reopened, Thomasian athletes ventured into online selling.

Former Golden Tigress Chloe Cortez stepped out of her comfort zone and put up an online shop to earn money amd the crisis.

"I was already thinking of putting up a business even before the pandemic started, but I didn’t really have the time and there wasn’t a specific business that I had in mind at that time," Cortez said in an online interview.

The middle blocker also said the pandemic was an eye-opener for athletes as most of them were not allowed to train and some got cuts in allowances.

"The future isn’t as certain as it was before, so I decided to push through with my online dessert shop to gain some extra income. It was more of a contingency plan in case worse comes to worst," said Cortez.

Cortez's business, “Bakedt by Chloe,” sells different variants of cookies.

Two UST Tigers Spikers also entered the online selling business.

Former middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay started his food delivery business named “Sherep,” serving chicken wings, fried rice, coffee jelly, tapioca and buko pandan.

Graduating player and team captain Wewe Medina sells his home-made "Wewe's Crab Paste" through an online store.

Chloe Cortez finished her UAAP career in Season 79 where the Golden Tigresses placed fourth.

Sumagaysay played his last year with the Tiger Spikers in Season 81 and landed fifth, while Medina's final year with UST was cut short after the cancellation of Season 82.

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@VSportsUST

UAAP SEASON 82 HOLDS

VIRTUAL CLOSING CEREMONY; UST CLAIMS 44TH CHAMPIONSHIP UST OFFICIALLY claimed its 44th UAAP general championship, to go with seven MVPs, on July 25 in a season cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

The school won the overall titles in the seniors’ and juniors’ divisions during closing ceremonies streamed online as the government continued to ban mass gatherings.

UST amassed 179 points for 16 junior events and 209 points for 19 senior events, for its fourth straight UAAP title.

“The UAAP is proof that excellence in sports continues to thrive and flourish in university campuses, and that the rigorous training our athletes undergo as well as the unwavering support given to them by their coaches, fans, and friends make them the champions they really are,” UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said.

Named Most Valuable Players in the juniors’ division were UST Judoka Joshua Quizon, Tigershark Camille Lauren Buico, and Tiger Jin Marco Anthony Rubio.

For the seniors’ division, the

MVP awards went to Growling Tiger Soulemane Chabi-Yo, Growling Tigress Grace Irebu, Tiger Sand Rancel Varga, Lady Spiker Babylove Barbon, Golden Judokas Nick Gabriel Ligero, Tiger Paddlers Raymark Mabuang and Sharlene Love Gabisay.

UST football team senior Aljiren Lan Fuchigami and Junior Tigress Regina Grace Jurado were recognized as the Athlete Scholars of the Year.

Ateneo de Manila University turned over its hosting duties to De La Salle University for the upcoming season 83.

“The UAAP also is pressing the reset button, that we will be back stronger than ever,” said UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag. JASMIN ROSELLE M. MONTON

ART BY MARIANE JANE A. CADIZ AND JURY P. SALAYA

ART BY ALISA JOY T. DEL MUNDO

FOR THE LATEST COVERAGE ON THE UAAP, FOLLOW @VSPORTSUST ON TWITTER OR VISIT www.varsitarian.net/sports

UST Poomsae Jins snag eight medals in national inter-school tournament UST POOMSAE Jins garnered eight medals at the 2020 Online National Taekwondo Inter-school Poomsae Championships on July 26.

The UST players tallied three golds, one silver, and four bronzes in the tournament.

Assistant coach Rodolfo Reyes Jr. competed with the current roster and bested all of his opponents with a 8.333 score in the senior mens category.

In women’s play, veteran medalist Jocel Lyn Ninobla gathered 8.233 points for her performance in the senior women’s category to land another gold while rookie Aid-

aine Krishia Laxa bagged a bronze in the same category with 7.767.

UST’s Nicole Labayne won gold with the score of 8.000 while Stella Yape scored 7.700 to earn a bronze in the junior women’s category.

Junior Jin King Nash Alcairo also earned a bronze in the Junior mens category with a score of 7.767.

Eljay Vista nabbed a silver in the cadet male category with a score of 7.833.

The Philippine Taekwondo Association transitioned to online tournaments due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA

A UST Poomsae Jin participates in a competition held over a videostreaming platform. (PHOTO BY JAZMIN TABUENA)