Ang Pamantasan Vol. 40 COVID-19 Special Issue

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

COVID-19 Special Issue • Volume 40, Issue 4

Beyond yond the Filters

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

EDITOR’S NOTE As of writing, the COVID-19 pandemic has already reached approximately 25 million cases around the world; more than 200,000 cases nationwide. The battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is undeniably harsh, yet, other battles remain harsher.

No one was ever prepared when the pandemic began to take over our lives. With each blink of our eyes, cases are rising exponentially, and lives and livelihoods are being taken away. It seems like we are fighting a silent war against something unseen, a war that is very difficult to win, and we are left with no choice but to adapt and survive. Even after the months that had passed since the first case of the virus surfaced in the country, the clamor of the Filipino mass remains the same–the outcry for resources, action, and a concrete plan, which are vital to, if not win, survive this battle and keep people alive. And instead of being heard and listened to, the mouths of those crying for help are muffled and those who speak the truth are silenced.

Now more than ever, narratives are imperative.

This special issue, UNMASKED, reveals the lives of the Filipinos, and the socio-economic and political situation of the country amid the pandemic. The articles in this publication divulge what’s underneath the surface of this global health and economic crisis–stories of the struggles and challenges that urge each of us to continuously demand what is due, and the small significant impetuses that keep us living and fighting.

The fight against the pandemic might be far from over, but the fight for the basic rights of the masses and for the truth has always been unceasing. The battle against the pandemic is undoubtedly harsh, and this is the time that the strife of truth must remain harsher.

Ang Pamantasan, amid the pandemic, chooses to merge with the calls, bear truthful information, and join the front line.

Without you, readers, this wouldn’t be written and published, hence, the publication is anticipating your interest and engagement. May this issue give you a broader perspective and encourage you to make a stand in this dire time.

RAVEN KHATE VILLALUNA Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF Raven Khate Villaluna Editor-In-Chief Mecaela Mae Gumade Associate Editor Nicole Anne Mendoza Managing Editor Amiel Rose Aquino Keane Andre Escobar Ina Francesca Gonzales Anne Nicole Carig Kent Marvin Mojica Dwight Justley Ulep Section Editors Mauren Dorothy Merca Marella Iris Palces Alaiza Elaine Manansala Art Cedrik Romero Florianne Khaye Gonzales Elecyl Cabalquinto Patricia Gabrielle Marquez Phoebe Stacey Almario John Denzel Castillo Fatima Rayyan Salabi Jessa Yuki David Keith Kendrick Dionisio Staff Writers Sharmaine Mararac Board Secretary Aristotle Castronuevo Circulations Manager Lexandrine Gwyn Belezo Graphic Artist Carl Justine Mogol Ashley May Hernandez Junnine Marie Tupaz Princess Faith Tupaz Illustrators/Cartoonists Lorraine Anne Guillang Photojournalist Chalina Yubhel Inocerta Anna Casandra Mariño Catherine Estoril Contributor Illustrators Kim Angelo Navaja • Jhon Bert Payos Layout Artists

Contents Rundowns

News within the University and the country

04 Navigating the pandemic: PLM takes efficiency measures 06 PLM honors the sacrifices of its fallen alumni 07 PLM holds first online graduation for Class of 2020 08 Election postponement: SSC, CSCs to holdover positions 09 Surge of fake Facebook accounts feared to sow harmful disinformation 10 PH’s “new normal”: Economic and social repercussions 11 Unending cycle: PH loans series 12 Series of unfortunate events: DOH incomprehensible approach vs Covid 19 13 Transportation during pandemic: Absence of traditional jeeps takes toll on commuters 22 PLMayers, naki-party sa Grand Mañanita

Narratives

Feature stories of notable scenes during pandemic

14 Quarantine and psychopathology: Minds in peril from another pandemic 15 New normal education: Only for the privileged 16 Online business: A typical Filipino survival response to pandemic crisis 17 No, we don’t need a mockingjay for this one: On who should the face of the opposition be 15 New normal education: Only for the privileged 16 Online business: A typical Filipino survival response to pandemic crisis 18 UBOSEN: Administration effects ‘The Final Solution’ for COVID-19 in an effort to rid the country of the virus 19 From policies to pandemic: Jeepneys on their way to extinction 20 A battle of rights: Cyber libel vs. press freedom

Commentaries

Ideas and point of views

21 University Speaks: Students’ Opinion on Online Classes and PLM’s Blended Learning System 23 Denial of public interest 24 What’s in line with online 25 Romanticizing Filipino resiliency 27 Choosing the lesser evil 27 Working privately as a public servant 28 Cancel culture needs to be cancelled 29 Balik probinsya, bagong pag-asa: The aftereffects

Quarantimes

Culture and life under quarantine

30 Growing fad: TikTok as a platform 31 Sapagkat siya ay bata 32 Isang Liham Mula sa Gen Z: Ang bagong normal sa panahon ng pandemya 34 Endeavors for your mind 35 5 Filipino films that conquered Netflix 36 In a faraway land: Threats of the pandemic to IPs 37 Rekwerdo 38 Social distancing

rundowns

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Photo courtesy: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Facebook Page

NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC

PLM takes efficiency me I

Fatima Rayyan SALABI

n accordance with the occurrences brought about by COVID-19, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) has taken a series of measures and reassessments in order to navigate through the pandemic and to prepare for the next academic year’s transition to the “new normal.”

CAMPUS EFFICIENCY MEASURES On March 14, 2020, University President Emmanuel Leyco on his official Facebook page reported that PLM shall limit operations inside the campus to essential units, with staff deployed alternately, and full-time regular employees compensated according to the guidance issued by the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) on COVID-19 resolution.

In addition, the University activated its own COVID-19 Task Force, which it reconstituted on June 18 with medical experts, to lead the school’s pandemic response, such as creating new and updating existing policies, informing and educating the community about the virus, and recommending workplace guidelines for COVID-19 prevention among others.

PLM also began a campus-wide clean-up and decontamination on March 9, 2020, including the aerial disinfection conducted via the Manila Health Department’s misting operation.

Along with the extensions of quarantine measures in Metro Manila, President Leyco also issued an Office Order that suspended all academic activities, online classes, and public transactions, and implemented a work-from-home arrangement for employees.

4

The Order also included the maintenance of a minimum skeletal staffing at different University offices, in which all personnel who will physically report to work will receive a P500 hazard pay.

Meanwhile, recently on August 2, the University has implemented a 2-week lockdown due to the active and suspected cases within the campus, where four COVID-19 patients have been confirmed, with two recovered and one deceased.

PLM has also described the lockdown as a response to the call of the health care workers for a breather after months of battling in the frontline of the public health crisis.

PLM will be acquiring rapid test kits for the employees who will return to work.

school students who have unfinished thesis or dissertation were given period extensions, while the graduating PLM undergraduates’ theses were not required to undergo final defense.

The ‘Pass’ mark shall not be included in the student’s General Weighted Average (GWA) nor be used for purposes of scholarship, retention, or academic honors.

STUDENTS RECEIVE A PASSING MARK In the same effort, PLM made national news when the Board of Regents unanimously approved the Alternative Grading System for the Second Semester of the Academic Year 2019-2020 proposed by the University Council.

“The unprecedented global impact of COVID-19 made it impractical for both faculty and students to continue a meaningful academic engagement without being distracted by the real life consequences of the lockdown,” said President Leyco.

The memorandum was released on April 21, issuing a ‘Pass’ mark to all officially enrolled students in the Academic Year 2019-2020.

Under the memorandum, students with incomplete marks from last year’s second semester and graduate

However, this future scenario also battles with the preexisting digital divide, and consequently, may leave many students and teachers unconnected while the country moves on to the new normal.

In an interview with Headline Manila of Manila Public Information Office (MPIO), President Leyco revealed that only about half of PLM’s students and teachers have access to the internet.

“We are now focusing the school’s resources to boost our virtual capability and sustain accessible but quality education during this public health crisis,” President Leyco said in an announcement on May 12.

Although classes will rely mostly on online video lectures and exercises, the school has mentioned plans of making use

FLEXIBLE LEARNING SYSTEM With existing guidelines still prohibiting face-to-face classes in both the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) measures, classes for the A.Y. 2020-2021 will be fully online as of the start of classes on September 3, as most academic institutions embraced digital solutions amid the pandemic.

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

rundowns

Photos by: Raven Khate Villaluna

easures of other ways, such as distributing printed modules in order to accommodate students who do not have the equipment for virtual learning.

PLM, on its official website, has also reported on the retrofitting of facilities and making reassessments on the school’s annual budget plan as preparation for the virtual lectures this upcoming school year.

The University has also conducted a series of “Faculty Online Teaching Training” sessions from June 15-26, 2020 and further advanced training on July 3 and July 6, assuring that the faculty members are exploring more strategies and are also developing online modules for virtual classes.

However, this extension does not apply to the students’ entire balances. They must pay one-third of the unpaid fees, while the remaining fees can be settled within one year and are given the option of three equal installments.

EXTENSION ON TUITION FEES PAYMENT The rise of confirmed cases have put the country’s

ONLINE PLMAT The circumstances brought about by COVID-19 have led to the conducting of the university’s first fully online PLM Admission Test (PLMAT) on the last batches of examinees.

The online test was initially meant to accommodate the batches of PLMAT takers scheduled in late March 2020 that were prevented from taking the physical exam due to the declaration of ECQ. On June 11, however, another online PLMAT was organized after the university decided to extend the deadline

economy to a halt when strict lockdowns were first implemented, and it has yet to recover even as restrictions and measures are lifted.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of our people economically, including the PLM community. We are hoping to lighten their load and give them time to get back on their feet with minimal disruption in their studies,” Pres.

Leyco remarked during the PLM Board of Regents’ meeting on May 29.

Later, on June 2, the school announced its approval to give a one-year period allowance for students with unpaid tuition and other fees, particularly graduate students and those on doctorate programs, and to allow them to enroll for the next semester despite the unsettled accounts.

of applications for the third time.

The problems encountered during the online exam prompted the university to release an official statement, acknowledging their delayed processing of the examinees’ applications, and the technical glitches on the examinees’ end, more especially the instability of internet connectivity that resulted in many examinees being dropped from the exam link.

On July 9, PLM announced an online re-examination scheduled on July 13 for the previous batch of examinees who completed their requirements but were unable to access the online exam.

As of August 3, 2020, PLM has announced a total of 6,924 PLMAT passers.

“

With existing guidelines still prohibiting face-toface classes in both the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) measures, classes for the A.Y. 2020-2021 will be fully online as of the start of classes on September 3, as most academic institutions embraced digital solutions amid the pandemic.

5

rundowns

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

PLM honors the sacrifices of its fallen alumni Marella Iris PALCES

P

LM mourns the passing of members of its community, primarily those in the medical field, by holding memorials as well as publishing press releases since the start of the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last April 2, 2020, the university administration along with Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso held a tribute for the passing of two alumni doctors, Dr. Israel Bactol and Dr. Cenover Nicandro “Nicko” Bautista, to honor them for their service to the Filipino people while in the front lines against the pandemic.

Dr. Bactol, who took chemistry in PLM as his undergraduate study until he became a graduate of PLM College of Medicine (PLM-CM) Class of 2011, was the first doctor who lost his life against COVID-19, dying on March 21.

On the other hand, Dr. Bautista, who first entered PLM as a psychology undergraduate and then graduated as part of PLM-CM Class of 2014, was one of the medical crew who died onboard the Lion Air Medical Evacuation flight that caught fire just before take-off in NAIA last March 29.

In a press release published last April 17, 2020, the university announced the death of another member of its medical community, Dr. Maria Teresa Ballat Dajao, who died in a vehicular accident last April 15, 2020. Dr. Dajao earned her psychology degree in PLM, who then proceeded to become a community doctor and continued her service to her fellow Manileños until her passing.

Similarly, the university mourned the death of College of Nursing alumna Maria Grace Esteves Laureta, announcing her passing in a post dated April 21, 2020 in its official Facebook page. She finished her nursing degree at PLM in 1980 and last served as part of the COVID-19 frontline as an ICU Nurse in St. Barnabas Medical Center, a

non-profit hospital in Bronx, New York, USA. PLM also mourned the passing of Dr. Jose Gerardo Oliva Los Baños, announcing his death in a press release dated April 27, 2020. Though not one of the many bright minds that graduated from PLM-CM, he was one of the faculty that nurtured them, serving as the chairperson for the Department of Psychiatry of the college for 13 years since 2007.

PLM reported another one of its alumni losing his life against the battle with COVID-19, namely Dr. Danilo Bolima, last May 8, 2020. He graduated in 1986 from the PLM College of Nursing and went on to further his studies in the field of patient care in other countries.

NON-MEDICAL NOTABLE PERSONS REMEMBERED AS WELL PLM also mourned the loss of other significant members of its community who succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering tributes and announcing their passing with press releases as well.

Included in the online memorial that the university officials held attended by Mayor Domagoso, PLM honored one of its former consultants, veteran actor Mr. Domingo “Menggie” Cobarrubias, who died last March 26. As part of his duty as both a PLM official and an artist, he was one of the contributors in the development of programs established by PLM Tourism students. During special events, he shared his talents in the performing arts for the enjoyment of the PLM community.

In another press release published last May 15, 2020, PLM announced the death of Senator Teresa “Tessie” Aquino-Oreta, who served as a member of its Board of Regents from 2014 to 2019. Known as a legislator, Sen. Aquino-Oreta authored and co-authored the Philippine

Science High School System Act and Early Childhood Care and Development Act, among others. She also served as the chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts, and Culture during her term as senator from 1998 to 2004.

Another notable alumnus who died amidst the pandemic is revered screenwriter Manuel “Manny” Buising, who was the editor-in-chief of “Ang Hasik”, PLM’s student publication during the Martial Law era. A press release dated May 19, 2020 detailed Mr. Buising’s achievements: from graduating Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in Filipino in 1972, to writing screenplay for movies that starred the late Fernando Poe Jr. such as the original “Ang Probinsyano” as well as penning plays like “Kung Bakit May Nuno sa Punso” and “Patay-Bata.” His talent in writing granted him awards in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award in Literature and eventually earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2005. He then later served as a member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

FIRST PLM EMPLOYEE DEATH FROM COVID-19 Last July 22, PLM confirmed through a press release that one of its employees passed away that same day due to COVID-19-related issues.

The 57-year-old female last reported being on campus last July 9 and exhibited flu-like symptoms on July 11.

She then took a swab test the following week in a Manila hospital as her symptoms worsened, which led to her confinement and eventually her death.

Along with offering condolences to the bereaved family, President Leyco assures the PLM community that there is no transmission of the virus within campus grounds, and that disinfection protocols have already taken place to protect the rest of the university’s employees from COVID-19.

Courtesy: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Facebook Page

66

The Official Student Publication The Official Studentng Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod Maynila of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

rundowns

Photo courtesy: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Facebook Page

PLM holds first online graduation for Class of 2020 Mecaela Mae GUMADE

P

LM honors the Class of 2020 graduates on its first-ever virtual graduation rites aired online last June 30, 2020, in accordance with imposed national health protocols on the current COVID-19 pandemic.

With this year's theme, “Solidarity and Hope: Living beyond the COVID-19 pandemic”, the 52nd commencement exercises recognized the momentous milestone of 1,033 graduates as they bravely took on the challenge of thriving beyond the uncertainty of the present time.

University President Emmanuel Leyco led the commencement rites with his opening remarks, addressing the pressing weight of today's global pandemic situation, especially on the poor. Despite the restrictions of physical distancing, he encouraged to further strengthen our solidarity, bearing in mind the hope of a better tomorrow.

Acknowledging his remarkable support on the local COVID-19 response, a Doctorate Degree in Public Health, honoris causa, was conferred to Ramon S. Ang, the president and chief operating officer of San Miguel Corporation.

Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso expressed his salutations to the new graduates, impelling them to uphold the PLM values of karunungan, kaunlaran, at kadakilaan, and to remain

steadfast during trying times.

“Most of all, maintain a close relationship with God and you shall never lose your way,” the Mayor said.

The University graduates’ names, consisting of 674 undergraduate degrees and 354 master’s and doctorate degrees, were read alongside their degrees and special citations, conferred by University President Leyco.

Batch valedictorian and magna cum laude Gerald V. De Asis delivered his address, encouraging his fellow graduates to persevere on achieving their goals despite hurdles. “Believe that nothing can hinder us from achieving our defined success. Not our past failures nor this crisis”.

He reminded them to take a break when needed, as he emphasized that ‘progress and healing are not linear’. He also encouraged the youth to speak loud and clear in the face of injustice.

“The future of our country lies on the capability of the youth”, De Asis said in his valedictory address.

“This is the time to be loud. So loud, so the adults and authorities will hear us as we demand transparency, accountability, and aligned solutions. No one can measure the power of collective humanity amongst us”.

The airing of the commencement exercises was moved from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and were viewed by the graduates and their families through Facebook, YouTube, and the PLM website.

PARENTS, GRADUATES VOICED OUT DISMAY ON THE AIRED COMMENCEMENT RITES As the online graduation rites proceeded on honoring the graduates, apparent disappointment from families and students were expressed on the comment section as the presentation flashed, criticizing on what they deemed to be an insufficient effort of making such a significant occasion satisfactory for the viewers.

Christina Cerezo, BS Psychology graduate, admitted that she’s upset on the said presentation. “I was really disappointed sa pagpresent nila ng graduates; sobrang pinagsisikan sa isang slide ‘yung faces to the point na halos hindi na ma-distinguish and hindi na talaga nababasa ‘yung names. The editing was really bad.”

Despite her discontent, she hopes that such circumstances served as a lesson for the university’s administration to further ensure the appropriate management of future significant events.

“Although I’m not satisfied sa naganap na graduation, I was thankful sa Pamantasan for giving us a high-quality education,” Cerezo added.

University President Leyco addressed such grievances in his statement released the same day of the online graduation. He apologized and assured that they will work with their outsourced production crew to re-do the presentation, ‘showing individual graduates with their earned degree and honours, if any’.

7

rundowns

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Photo by: Ang Pamantasan

ELECTION POSTPONEMENT

SSC, CSCs to holdover positions Nicole Anne MENDOZA

T

he PLM Student Commission on Elections (PLM COMELEC) announced the postponement of the 2020 PLM Supreme Student Council (PLM SSC) and College Student Council (CSC) elections last June 3, 2020 on their official Facebook page.

With the graduation and resignation of some officeholders, particularly in the presidential positions, the independent student constitutional commission resolved to have a holdover of positions with respect to the PLM SSC constitution.

Initially, according to PLM COMELEC’s Board Resolution No. 04-2020, the incumbent vice president shall take over and temporarily assume office as an acting president when the presidential position is made vacant.

Second, “non-graduating incumbent officers shall assume the office on an interim basis and shall temporarily assume the duties, functions, and responsibilities until a new set of officers shall be qualified and elected in a regular election.”

8

Third, an acting officer will be elected by a majority vote of the SSC officers and he/she shall serve for the unexpired term, or the election, depending on the case.

Other pointers tackled the probable cases of conflict, the temporary guidelines on resignation filing and filling vacancies, and the outgoing officers’ clearances.

The holdover of positions placed SSC officers on an interim basis: Hannah Enriquez as the PLM SSC Acting President, Erica Jane E. Padilla as the PLM SSC Acting Vice President, Aubrey Mae P. Retardo as the PLM SSC Acting Executive Secretary, Jon Ehroin L. Barawid as the PLM SSC Acting Treasurer, Mark Christian U. Bamo as the PLM SSC Acting Auditor, and Ryan Joshua O. Caragdag as the PLM SSC Acting Public Relations Officer, together with the respective college representatives additionally.

Currently, strategies are being devised and practiced to ensure that all student concerns are properly addressed. In an interview with Enriquez, she stated that compressing SSC commissions is one important adjustment.

Given that some annual projects cannot push through due to the constraints brought by the current situation, they agreed to compress their respective commissions to a skeletal team.

Specifically, this skeletal team is composed of the Commission on Information and Communication (CIC), Commission on Health and Wellness (CHAW), Students’ Rights and Welfare Commission (STRAW), Department of Finance and Operations (FINOP), and Commission of Collegiate and Civic Affairs (COLCIV).

According to the PLM SSC Resolution No. 17, s. 2020, “several departments and commissions are headed by multiple officers from the Core Committee and serve different purposes for the council and the university.”

Also, in order to effectively divide their time for student council work and personal matters, they have resolved within the council to take the weekends off.

According to Enriquez, they believe that these strategies are working alongside their team dynamics.

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

rundowns

Surge of fake Facebook accounts feared to sow harmful disinformation Mecaela Mae GUMADE

T

housands of Facebook users, including some students and faculty members of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), clamor against the sudden proliferation of impostor accounts on the social media giant last June.

Surge of these fake accounts alarmed netizens as these profiles, which are commonly empty aside from bearing the names and sometimes even have few photos of the original users, may sow false information. Adding to the unrest are reports that some users receive death threats from their poser accounts.

The rise of dummy accounts first came into light when Tug-ani, the official student publication of University of the Philippines-Cebu, found several profiles bearing the names of arrested student activists that surfaced days after their initially peaceful protest to junk the railroaded Anti-Terrorism Bill last June 05, 2020.

In a statement, the UP System assured their students, faculty, and alumni that their data protection officer had tapped the National Privacy Commission (NPC) for help in reporting fake accounts directly to Facebook.

These cloned accounts further peak in number in the succeeding days, affecting students from other universities, as well as journalists, activists, personalities, and active Facebook users.

Several other university officials urged their communities to remain vigilant from fake profiles and advised them to instantly report accounts that seem "inauthentic."

Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro said that despite past complaints regarding fake accounts, this large-scale surge of profiles is unusual.

NPC already coordinated with Facebook to monitor and report its findings of these multiple dummy profiles.

Moreover, the social media giant stated that they are

conducting further investigation and "taking action on any accounts that violate [their] policies."

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that the department's Office of Cybercrime will be conducting its own investigation on the proliferation of fake accounts, in coordination with the counterpart units within the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

However, in an interview with dzMM Teleradyo, NBI Cybercrime Division chief Victor Lorenzo dismissed the surge of fake accounts to be "in all probability, a glitch in the system", stating that it is "very hard to create an account on Facebook these days if you're creating multiple accounts under one ID, one cellphone number, one location."

FAKE ACCOUNTS SPECULATED TO SILENCE VOCAL ONLINE GOVERNMENT CRITICS Despite NBI's claim, victims of fake accounts don't believe that it's all that simple, as some of them even received malicious messages from these impostor accounts.

Emergence of these fake profiles was first noticed amidst successive days of rampant calls on various social media platforms to junk the railroaded bill, and now ratified, Anti-Terrorism Law. Consequently, these accounts seemingly target students, journalists, activists, and vocal dissenters of ATL as they discovered not just one, but multiple fake profiles bearing their identities.

Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 received tumultuous backlash from numerous groups, organizations, institutions, personalities, and individuals due to what they argued to be an unnecessary law amidst the already dire situation of the ongoing pandemic.

Critics of the said law condemn its seemingly broad and vague terms which are open to abuse, easily accusing and branding anyone as 'terrorists' without undergoing due process.

Furthermore, ATL is accused of having unconstitutional provisions and are feared to be used for stifling freedom of expression and the right to dissent.

PLM President Emmanuel Leyco released a statement on his official Facebook page last June 07, 2020, that he stands with the academic community and the rest of the Filipino people in rejecting the "Terror Bill."

"We need public laws that encourage creative thinking, not stifle it by allowing possible misinterpretations of constitutionally protected exercise of freedoms as a 'terroristic act," he said.

The OnePLM alliance, constituting of university's student councils and organizations, released a joint statement in opposition of the ATL before and after its passing.

"We call on our lawmakers to withdraw their support from the bill and for the President to veto the AntiTerror Bill. We also enjoin everyone to register their opposition to the Anti-Terror Bill and collectively oppose any future measures that will bank on our civil liberties painstakingly fought by our precedessors!"

The alliance also marched along with numerous progressive groups and individuals, joining in the collective call to sack the ATB on the "Grand MaĂąanita" held at the University of the Philippines-Diliman on June 12.

Despite the legislation of the ATB into law last July 03, the outcry of various nationwide sectors to repeal it further amplified.

As of this writing, the ATL is being persistently challenged, with over 29 petitions calling for it to be vetoed already filed in the Supreme Court.

9

rundowns

SOURCES

Data: Oxfam via Statista Map: Vecteezy

4.7M Other High Income

30.5M Central Asia

30.5M Europe

COVID-19 COULD PUSH HALF A BILLION PEOPLE INTO POVERTY Additional people in poverty due to a 20% income drop caused by a Covid-19 recession*

44.9M Middle East and North Africa

239.8M East Asia & Pacific

54.3M Latin American and Carriebean

44.6M Sub Saharan

128.8M South Asia

Africa

* Poverty level - people earning below $5.50 per day

PH’S “NEW NORMAL”

Economic and social repercussions Fatima Rayyan SALABI

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte alerts the Filipinos of the circumstances as the country moves on to a socalled “new normal” on June 1, 2020 as he lifted one of the strictest and longest lockdown in Southeast Asia to rebuild the country’s devastated economy.

Ever since then, community quarantine protocols and the levels of quarantine restrictions among different cities and provinces have been re-updated and reextended.

On Monday, June 29, 2020, Malacañang claimed it was winning the fight against COVID-19. However, on Tuesday, the President extended the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila until July 15, and Cebu City still remained under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

“The answer really is up to you,” Pres. Rodrigo Duterte said in his address as he warned unaware possible carriers of the virus of their role in shooting up the spread even more, “Simple lang ang hinihingi ng gobyerno… ‘wag na ho muna kayong lumabas,..stay healthy.”

The solution to the problem seems to be as simple as not stepping outside of your house for a year, however, varying circumstances among different socioeconomic groups have left many, if not most, of the population with confusion and an understandable anxiety in what exactly the future holds for the citizens and the country under the “new normal” regime.

PH POVERTY INDEX AND ECONOMY According to a report by Oxfam, half a billion of the world population, about 370 million coming from the East Asia, Pacific, and South Asia alone, being pushed into the poverty level could be the future unless urgent actions are taken.

World Bank (WB) analysts reported that the recession would likely worsen poverty in the Philippines, and delay its bid to becoming an upper middle-class country by two years.

The unemployment rate also reached its highest record in the Philippines, with 4.99 thousand jobless jumping up to 7.25 million in the June quarter 2020.

According to the June 2020 Philippines Economic Update: Braving the New Normal by the WB, real time tracking of the impact of COVID-19 suggests Philippines has yet to experience the worst effects of COVID-19 as the abrupt decline in economic activity continues to deepen.

10

In another light, WB revealed that accelerating public spending, supportive fiscal policies, a stronger push on public investment, the recovery of global growth, and the expected increased economic activity in the upcoming 2022 national elections are reasons to expect the return of economic growth and improvement of poverty figures in the following two years.

However, strengthening the capacity of the health care system to control the outbreak while protecting the poor and vulnerable households still remains an urgency at the moment for the country as it battles the recent economic shocks.

TRAVEL, BUSINESS, AND DIGITAL ECONOMY Since the strict restrictions on movement, travel and businesses have been one of the most hit by the new measures.

“Travel, as we know it, will change forever. That is why it is important that we embrace the new normal,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat said.

Even as landmarks gradually re-open and strict travel restrictions are lifted, tourists spots and public events and establishments, such as fairs, malls, and restaurants, are expected to receive a much smaller and controlled number of visitors as crowded events become risky and domestic and international flights lose demand.

Consequently, the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) reported it may lose about P250 billion until the end of the year, while the prolonged global recession dominates companies’ risks perceptions, according to the World Economic Forum.

A rapid survey by the government revealed that more than half of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—which constitutes most formal business establishments in the Philippines—have already closed due to the enhanced community quarantines, while those that remained open suffered a 66.5 percent drop in sales.

Meanwhile, whereas most businesses are downscaling, companies that invest in digital technology are flourishing amidst the pandemic.

Being self-quarantined at a mass scale further spurred consumers to utilize electronic payment and the internet for the purchase of goods and services such as food delivery and utilities.

“This change in consumer behavior and firm operations is expected to continue even after quarantines end,” Rong Qian, WB Senior Economist remarked during the launch of the Philippines Economic Update, June 2020, “The country must ramp up its efforts to accelerate the digitalization of the economy.”

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2020 Inclusive Internet Index, with less affordable smartphones and mobile data in the global context and relatively slow mobile internet speed, the Philippines is considered among Asia’s weaker countries in advancing internet inclusion.

Without shifts in investment, the country may be straining its existing networks and internet infrastructure due to pandemic-driven data demand, and it would mean neglecting the inevitable change in the way of life, i.e. online is going to be how people buy essentials now, pay bills and utilities, attend school, and earn income.

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND DIGITAL BRIDGING Many workers, students, and citizens will be left behind as the country transitions to a “new normal” where work, education, and essential activities and transactions shift to online platforms.

Nevertheless, with a population of 73 million internet users and with most households having more than one mobile phone as of January 2020, the tools and connection are already present in the Philippines.

The City of Manila and Quezon City have already confirmed to provide tablets, laptops and other appropriate learning materials to public school students and teachers for the distant learning scheme for the upcoming school year.

Likewise, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), have started lining up month-long free webinars last June for teachers, students, government and private employees, and the general public in different regional clusters.

“We hope that these online trainings will help Filipinos in their transition to the new normal,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said.

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

9T

rundowns

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

PHILIPPINE’S TOTAL DEBT

UNENDING CYCLE

PH Loan Series

I

Amiel Rose AQUINO

t is indeed true wars are very expensive, and in order to win a war we need a lot of money—a lot of it.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought so many nations down their knees, leaving economies to bleed; the Philippines is not an exemption.

In order to sustain financial support to battle this pandemic, donations were given, as well as series of domestic and global loans were granted:

MARCH 23, 2020

MARCH 18, 2020

MARCH 15, 2020

The Treasury received a ₱300 billion credit line via a bond repurchase deal by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Given that a bond repurchase was made, The Treasury must pay

To fund local relief efforts, the World Bank granted a $100 million loan line

To initially help respond to the coronavirus outbreak, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) allowed a $3-million grant (about ₱150 million). Succeeded by the declaration of Metro Manila under community quarantine; strict

it back with more money in a shorter time.

(about ₱5 billion).

measures along with curfew hours were imposed.

MARCH 26, 2020

APRIL 9, 2020

APRIL 10, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte was given additional powers to realign the funds under

As the number of cases arises Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III admits that this year’s economy will foresee

the 2019 and 2020 budget for three months as the Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan

“zero growth” and may even contract. Another $5.6 billion (about ₱280 billion) from the World Bank and ADB, three folds higher than the original borrowing plan capped at ₱100 billion.

Another $500 million (about ₱25

to heal as one takes effect. Philippines was also declared under state of national emergency.

APRIL 28, 2020

billion) loan was given by the World Bank.

APRIL 27, 2020

The Treasury raised $2.35 billion (about ₱119 billion) by offering 10- and 25-year dollar bonds to global investors, which will be paid with low interest.

APRIL 24, 2020

Additional $200 million (about ₱10 billion) was granted again by the ADB to continue layout the government’s emergency cash aid to poor Filipino households.

Another loan granted by the ADB was a $1.5 billion (about ₱76 billion) loan to further strengthen our COVID-19 response programs.

MAY 7, 2020 The United States government added another ₱298 million to the coronavirus response fund, providing ₱768 million (about $15.2 million) to our COVID-19 response budget.

MAY 15, 2020 In order to subsidize the second tranche of cash aid release under the Social Amelioration Program, President Duterte asks Congress’ to help to find additional funds.

MAY 29, 2020 The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approves another $750 million (about ₱38 billion) loan, under specific conditions. The World Bank again also approves a new $500 million (about ₱25 billion) credit line.

JUNE 29, 2020 Two loan agreements were agreed upon between Philippines and the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) amounting ₱14B to fund the Build, Build, Build Program and to help revive the economy from the pandemic aftermath.

Taxes are the main source of funds in every nation. As our list of loans becomes longer, the years to pay it becomes longer. In the long run this debt may take a toll in the following years with the following implications.

HIGHER TAXES EVERYWHERE In order to pay the country’s loans in full and in allotted time, Filipinos are looking towards a future with higher taxes everywhere. Lawmakers are finding ways to boost and generate funds to help revive our economy.

Their particular interest—the Digital Market.

Last May 19, 2020, Congressman Joey Salceda filed House Bill No. 6765 or the Digital Economy Taxation Act, which aims to collect tax on digital services such as those offered by Facebook, Google, Netflix and Spotify as well as for digital retailers like those on the Lazada and Shopee. "[These] companies are making a killing because of isolation but are not paying enough taxes," Salceda

JUNE 17, 2020

MAY 31, 2020

MAY 29, 2020

The first COVID-19 loan from a bilateral

Government

The China-led Asian

partner was granted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A new ₱23.5 billion Japan loan was given to support hiring of contact tracers, maximize testing and among other anti-pandemic projects.

borrowings for COVID-19 response reaches $4.858 billion (about ₱246 billion) as of mid-May.

Infrastructure Investment Bank approves another $750 million (about ₱38 billion) loan, under specific conditions.

discusses. With this bill it could generate an estimated 29.1 billion pesos (nearly $573 million) annually and help the country recover from the impact of the virus.

Additionally, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. filed Senate Resolution No. 410 which backs up Salceda’s proposed imposition by including those who make a living in online streaming and such jobs alike.

HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE An increase in tax always opt to boost economic revenue and induce employment but if not carefully analyzed increase in tax might complicate economic growth and result in mass unemployment.

As taxes become higher small business owners

will most likely struggle. Many businesses will close henceforth, a decrease in jobs for our workers.

OTHER COLLATERALS Most of our borrowings greatly rely upon Chinese money. These grants however, apply special conditions which are not publicly stated. In the following years, the interests will continue to grow and we can’t comply with the allotted period, we are looking towards other means to pay it back.

Numerous people are concerned with the so-called "Chinese debt trap,” recalling Sri Lanka’s experience, which was forced to lease its Hambantota port to Chinese operators in order to cope with its debt to Beijing.

11

rundowns

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

DOH’s incomprehensible approach vs COVID-19 Amiel Rose AQUINO

F

or the past four months Filipinos have been compliant in following the government’s strict quarantine protocols. Starting from the Enhanced, moving onto General and up to Modified General Community Quarantine, the general population complied eager to help our share in preventing further transmission of infections. It has been months and still no such favorable outcome is visible.

Even before a national emergency was declared numerous representatives have been wary of the possible outcome if we ever have such a case. Many suggested that a travel ban should be imposed from foreigners coming from Mainland China-the origin of the CoronaVirus.

Earlier this year, January 29, 2020, House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda voiced her concerns when she asked Sec. Francisco Duque III that wouldn’t it be a more careful move to limit and restrict entry of foreigners from the origin of the virus.

“Since we’re a heavily populated country and we’re clearly incapable of handling such crisis should it happen in the Philippines. Would it not be prudent, Mr. Secretary, to be proactive and ban temporarily any mainland Chinese tourists in any airport, or port, not just Wuhan?”

In which the Secretary defended that it is unfair to ban only Chinese tourists wherein other countries also have confirmed cases.

“If we do this, then the concerned country – China in this case – might question why we’re not doing the same for all other countries that have reported cases of the new coronavirus. It’s very tricky… but we commit to take this into consideration,” Duque said.

On June 30, 2019, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in our country; A 38-year old Chinese lady.

NEGLECT TO FRONT LINERS Following the series of local transmissions that occur and the declaration of the Luzon-wide lockdown, the number of cases slowly started to become out of hand.

Health workers and all our essential front liners started to become infected hampering down our fight in this crisis. Equipped only with limited Personal Protective Equipment yet with all the lives sacrificed by these heroes they only receive little to no hazard pay at all.

Reports circulated that private nurses only received a hazard pay of only ₱200 a day since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

With that, Administrative Order No. 26 was created and it sets the amount of hazard pay that shall be received at ₱500 daily for all the health workers and essential government personnel reporting from work amidst the crisis.

This same order also urges “private hospitals and other facilities are strongly encouraged” to provide similar compensation to their front liners.

Months passed, and numerous of our front liners have fallen ill and died and haven’t received proper compensation yet . Last March 2020, Administrative Order 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act was enacted. It allows Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to exercise authority to carry out urgent measures in order to combat the COVID-19 emergency for three months unless extended by the Government. One of its provisions includes giving a P100,000 benefit for health workers with severe cases of COVID-19 and P1 million for those who died from the disease.

“It is really shameful,” he told the President in

Filipino. “They lost their lives and my people act as if there’s no sense of urgency. I really feel so upset, Mr. President.” The Health Secretary said in an interview last June 4, 2020 as he blames his staff with the delay in compensation.

UNCOORDINATED SYSTEM Numerous lawmakers have repeatedly called out Sec. Duque’s incompetency in leading out our nation’s battle with the virus. Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate is also one of the many who has shown dismay.

“When we had the three cases of Chinese nationals from Wuhan, that was what we are acknowledging as the first wave,” Duque explained in a committee hearing last May 20.

In which Rep. Zarate questioned why he did not impose stricter health protocols as early as January if such conditions had already arisen.

“If there was a first wave by January, why did you not declare a health pandemic or an emergency, based on Section 7 of Republic Act No. 11332? Why did you allow COVID-19 to spread before doing quarantine measures?” Zarate said.

This brought panic and confusion to Filipinos to what is the current state of our fight in this outbreak.

Series of incompetencies followed as Duque began to put blame on his staff for DOH’s shortcomings.

Initially, he put the blame to his subordinates for the slow pace of contact tracing that could have mitigated the transmission of the virus, as well as the slow compensation for the health workers who died of COVID-19.

“While I do not and cannot question the presidential prerogative to hire and fire his Cabinet secretaries and other political appointees not protected by the civil service law, it is kind of boring to see Secretary Duque pointing fingers at his subordinates and other people for his pattern of failures in running the DOH--and getting away with it each time,” Lacson commented.

Senator Lacson was one of the 14 senators who requested Duque’s resignation due to “failure of leadership, negligence, and lack of foresight” in leading our battle with this COVID-19 pandemic.

“

If we do this, then the concerned country – China in this case – might question why we’re not doing the same for all other countries that have reported cases of the new coronavirus. It’s very tricky… but we commit to take this into consideration.

SECRETARY FRANCISCO DUQUE III SECRETARY

12

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

rundowns

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Photo courtesy: Michael Varcas, Philippine Star

TRANSPORTATION DURING PANDEMIC

Absence of traditional jeeps takes toll on commuters, drivers Jessa Yuki DAVID

A

s traditional jeeps are restricted to ply routes since March, both commuters and jeepney drivers faced difficulties for their daily living in this time of pandemic.

After three months of strict implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, lack of public transportation greets the Filipino workers on their first day back to work last June 1, 2020.

Loads of commuters piled up due to the absence of public transportation such as public utility buses, UV express vans, and jeepneys. These lead some commuters to start walking from home and even asking for trucks who offer free rides. Others are forced to use more expensive modes of transportation or use their bikes to work.

“Three months under [quarantine] and still they have no clear plan in place. What happened to foresight? It’s good they have air-conditioned vehicles. Why don’t the DOTr officials try to commute from their homes to their offices?” Senator Nancy Binay said as the struggle of commuters were reported. She stated that it was unfair that commuters face so many challenges and limited choices.

As trains, point-to-point buses, and taxis cannot suffice the limited capacity and the need for transport for our commuters, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) decided to resume the operation of 980 UV Express vans on June 29 while banning the traditional jeepneys.

According to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, jeepneys are not allowed to operate considering that passengers are facing each other without one-meter distance.

Also, he doubted that jeepneys cannot comply with cashless transactions knowing that the majority of commuters are low income earners who do not have smartphones.

Traditional jeepneys remain prohibited amidst the ongoing PUV modernization and modernized jeepneys take the former “hari ng kalsada’s” route. This threatens the traditional jeepney drivers as jeepney phaseout might be pushed through in the middle of the crisis.

“If you would insist on modernization, which people cannot do at this time, and you would not allow them to work, then you are favoring the people who already have them [modernized jeepneys]. Those who have none would be on the losing end,” Vice President Leni Robredo stated on her weekly AM radio program.

Most jeepney drivers resort to begging in the streets as they lose their livelihood for a number of months. “Nakakahiya sana manghingi pero tinitiis para may

makain,” stated by Noeme Bayona, one of the jeepney drivers that are forced to seek help on the street.

There are organizations and Facebook groups like “Quarantine Tribute Tips” who were able to extend help for some jeepney drivers but still not enough to sustain their daily needs.

However, the Palace denies that they are using the pandemic as an advantage to push for jeepney phaseout.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that jeepneys were the last priority because of their face-to-face seating arrangement that allowed direct transmission of the virus.

The government guarantees jeepney drivers to receive a cash aid as they remain unable to ply roads due to restrictions. This will come from the Bayanihan Act which granted President Duterte additional powers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Later in the week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that more than 36,200 jeepney drivers already received their financial aid in contrary to the protest of 6 jeepney drivers arrested in Caloocan who seeks for financial aid and pleads to allow them to ply routes.

DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao explained that jeepney drivers will no longer receive cash aid from them if they already got compensation from other agencies and local government unit. She stated that the list of beneficiaries can be seen on the official website of DSWD and LTFRB. Five months in lockdown, some jeepney drivers are still waiting for cash aid from the government. The social welfare department recently asked PISTON jeepney group to submit a new masterlist of its members who should get financial help despite having already a list months ago.

“Para kaming bata na pinaghahanap ng karayom sa gitna ng dayami… Hindi namin makita iyong saan nga ba namin dapat kuhanin, sino nga ba talaga ang dapat magbigay ng tulong sa sektor ng transportasyon,” said by PISTON’s group president Mody Floranda.

Many jeepney drivers have been forced to return again to begging for alms after Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna went back under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) starting last August 4, 2020 to August 18, 2020 that bans all modes of public transport.

13

narratives

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

QUARANTINE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

Minds in Peril from another pandemic Art Cedrik ROMERO

A

cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, housed one Filipina crew member waiting for repatriation— similar fate happening to thousands of Filipino workers, OFWs and the likes, seen in floating imprisonment vessels dotting the Manila Bay seascape.

On a reverse storyline where instead of reuniting with her family in a return back home in the Philippines, she instead met an unfortunate fate borne out of the circumstances also faced by millions of Filipinos under lockdown.

“It is my sad duty to report that a 28-year old female mariner committed suicide in her cabin in the ship where she’s had to stay because repatriation flights back to the Philippines have been suspended again,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr stated in a tweet following the incident.

Disorganized government data may not reveal, but thousands of OFWs, cabin and crew members, residing amongst the floating quarantine facilities in Manila Bay, are stranded in a depressive state, waiting for their test results so they can finally disembark. To be patient and "resilient" was the words thrown off by government officials—assuming that their degrading mental state was a small price to pay in adherence to the COVID-19 response plan, or the lack thereof.

Filipino resiliency has again and again been flaunted to give the Filipinos a false sense of overcoming. It, however, is not something that should be romanticized so as to cover up the government's lack of response to the citizen's welfare. This false positivity is a mirage, an illusory sense that people should not depend on the government, hold them accountable, but rather just build themselves from the ground up.

THE SUN IS NOT SHINING The situation that the Filipina crew member found herself in is not an isolated case of course. A month before the incident, a Filipina domestic worker staying at a shelter run by the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon reportedly jumped from the second floor of the shelter and died of injuries.

According to a study, published in the research journal, The Lancet, those who have been quarantined, even then from previous outbreaks, showed prevalence of psychological distress and disorder.

Aforementioned study reported on general psychological symptoms, emotional disturbance, depression, stress, low mood, irritability, insomnia, post-traumatic stress symptoms (rated on Weiss and Marmar's Impact of Event

14

Scale–Revised), anger, and emotional exhaustion.

Reported stressors include: separation from loved ones, loss of freedom, uncertainty over disease status, and boredom. In our local setting however, immense poverty and the inadequacy of pandemic response becomes a huge factor in the equation that resulted in a havoc, shattering even the firmest believer of Filipino resiliency.

The visible plight of the Filipinos to live is still evident, that even facing jail time seems to be sacrificial for some crumbs. Frustrations are manifested in the recent SWS survey described as the "worst trend in survey history" stating how 83% of Filipinos say their quality of life has worsened this year. This is neither shocking nor uncalled for, considering the gross incompetence of response that drowned us in a collective anguish.

One that is also foreseen is the spike in mental health consults amidst lockdown. The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) psychiatrist Bernard Argamosa says their crisis hotline received an average of 30 to 35 calls per day and 400 calls per month during the lockdown. Most of which is "anxiety-related" concerns, at its peak caused by the unprecedented nature of the pandemic.

The populace is in a situation fraught with uncertainty, we are facing an unseen foe at varying degrees but of the same sort. As to how we can stretch the bands of the acclaimed Filipino resiliency, and to what limits should not be a question of inquiry in the first place. The people should not be placed in a situation where the deterioration of mental health comes last in a mind clouded but on an empty stomach.

HOSTILITY IN SUPPOSED SANCTUARY Whereas our homes are supposedly retreats aiding in the cessation of virus transmission, it is also within the same walls that the perils of mental health trauma and violence occurs. The country’s Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recently warned of the rise of domestic violence cases linked to the lockdown measures since mid-March in the capital and nearby provinces.

The psychological trauma of domestic violence can vary from person to person, but most impacted are long-term victims already incapacitated of abuse that an escape from home is their only refuge. In distressing times like these where home is nothing but a place for violence, the lack of emotional support can lead to heightened fear, anxiety, depression, anger, posttraumatic stress, social withdrawal, the use of illicit drugs,

alcohol dependence, and even suicide ideation.

Far more traumatic are instances of sexual acts and exploitation to women and even minors. Disturbingly, children as young as five years old were reportedly forced by their own parents or relatives to perform lewd sexual acts in front of a web cam in exchange for cash from foreign sexual predators as a quick—and deemed “harmless”—way out of poverty.

As Mullen and Fleming abstracted more than a decade ago on a study, consistent were the significant links between the history of child sexual abuse and a range of adverse outcomes both in childhood and adulthood. It was a formative experience, a very damaging one, that can be lessened and hopefully ceased, through a community effort.

BEEN IN THIS STATE OF MIND Much like COVID-19, related mental health disorders also have symptoms that we can look out for and treat upon notice. To be resilient has always been an admirable Filipino trait, or myth. What needs to be overrated, however, is owning up those emotions and getting all the help that is available.

Maybe the Filipina crew member would have followed the usual storyline, where she reunited with her family, given better conditions. Much like the fate of many Filipinos in deplorable conditions, maybe this would have been prevented, if given proper response. Mental health disorders, although not spreadable by respiratory droplets, are still on the rise. One thing to note, however, is that mental health illnesses are not waiting for any vaccine.

It's one thing to raise awareness about mental health, and another to actually treat it. “In order to harness these feelings and direct them in productive and adaptive ways, we must acknowledge them to ourselves,” psychotherapist Dana Dorfman said, pointing out how not only can this provide relief, but it also reduces the power these feelings may have over you. The recognition of these detrimental feelings will always be a hard first step, but then the desire to seek for help will surely come after.

Not a vaccine, but a collective effort is needed to seek help for loved ones, in reporting cases of violence, and even reaching out to people struggling in self-isolation.

Coping, surely, is individualized, in a way that one-sizefits-all does not apply. But in the individualistic becoming of our society, the term "bayanihan" outweighing "resiliency" might be our response to the second pandemic attacking the minds.

The National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline (24/7 free service) 0917899-USAP (09178998727) 7-989-USAP (7-989- 8727)

Department of Social Welfare and Development (02)931-8101 to 07

PNP Women and Children Protection Center 410-3213

Hopeline Philippines (24/7 hotline): 0917-558-4673 (Globe); 0918-873-4673 (Smart) 02-88044673 (PLDT) 2919 (toll-free for Globe and TM)

Philippine National Police 723-0401 to 20

NBI Violence Against Women and Children Desk 523-8231 to 38/525-6028

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

narratives

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ILLUSTRATION BY JUSTINE MOGOL

NEW NORMAL EDUCATION

ONLY

FOR THE PRIVILEGED C

OVID-19 really turned the universe 360 degrees.

From the endless beeps of cars on the streets to the loud buzz of people coming together for work and parties; the world shifted from its usual busy schedule into a “more relaxed and laid back” pattern.

The pandemic has also taught everyone different life lessons—lessons that will be inculcated in their minds for the rest of their lives. But one thing’s for sure, COVID-19 made almost everyone realize that quality education in this time is not for all. It is only for those who are privileged.

All sectors of the society are heavily affected as the pandemic still continues to threaten the lives of people across the Philippines. From the economic collapse and the government’s failure to cater the people’s increasing demand for food and health services, the country is now expected to develop new sets of ideas that could alleviate the current standing of the country, especially to our education system. Since face-toface classes are strictly prohibited, the education sector is considering the use of alternative learning modalities, especially the use of online platforms as a way of delivering their services to every student.

Some schools and universities have already started using applications such as Zoom, Edmodo, Google Classroom, and Messenger to conduct their online classes since the start of lockdown. These tools play a huge role in the process of learning of every student even without personal and face-to-face interaction with their teachers.

Last June, a viral Facebook post by Mico Tan spread like wildfire. The post featured a boy and his grandmother spotted at SM Muntinlupa checking out their newly bought cellphone. According to the

Keith Kendrick DIONISIO Facebook post, Lola Emma, a vegetable vendor, earns around 200 to 300 pesos a day and this hard earned money is then divided into their everyday expenses.

Unfortunately, there were some days when she didn't earn anything at all. She saved up money to buy her grandson a phone to be used in his online classes despite the fact that her earnings were barely enough for their survival. This is a sad reality that most Filipinos are facing today; they have to juggle between choosing whether to prioritize solutions for the new normal education system or buying basic necessities and health essentials just to survive in these trying times.

This coming academic year, online classes have become the ultimate solution to deliver quality education. In order for the students to survive this new normal education system, each of them must have a laptop or a personal computer, and a strong and stable internet connection. Institutions must be aware that their students are not of the same level on the socioeconomic spectrum. Some of them are from well-off families, others are from the middle class, and the rest are from low-income earners. This only means that not all students are fortunate enough to have these gadgets and materials that would suffice their needs for their education. While some are busy worrying for their food to eat and basically how to survive, many will be forced to find ways to keep up with the new education system.

On a survey conducted by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Supreme Student Council (PLM SSC) last March 14-17, almost half or 47.23% (2,258) of their student respondents do not have internet connection and/or have problems with internet stability. Furthermore, the Department of Information and Communications Technology also revealed on

their 2019 National ICT Household Survey that only 15.7% of the interviewed households have access to the internet at home. This is a clear manifestation that this new system would just widen the gap of the country’s digital divide, leaving the poor and marginalized sector behind. It is also an affront to every person’s right to accessible education as stated in Article 26 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

One of the worst things that could be brought by this system would be the increase in the number of outof-school youth in the country. Since the new normal education system highly depends on electronic devices and the internet, students who are not financially stable will eventually prefer to stop their studies. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country has a whopping 3.6 million out of school children and youth and 17.9% of those have stopped because of the high cost of education and other financial concerns. This already huge number could eventually increase due to online learning.

While the intention of using an online platform to continue the learning process of students is good and is somehow attainable to some, it is just unfair to those students who are also willing to learn and continue their studies but do not have the privilege of having enough resources. The best thing to do now is to find solutions that will benefit each student regardless of their socio-economic status. Various groups from schools nationwide, like Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK), strongly advocate for academic freeze, which is “the most humane option” in the current circumstance.

Academic freeze means suspending all classes including online and offline classes that will ensure that no students will be left behind.

17.9%

47.23% or

2, 258 of the student respodents of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila do not have internet connection and/ or have problems with internet stability.

Source: PLM Supreme Student Council

of those have stopped because of the high cost of education and other financial concerns..

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

15.7%

New normal education: Only for the privileged

BY THE NUMBERS

of the interviewed households in the country have access to the internet at home.

Source: 2019 National ICT Household Survey

17.9%

15.7%

47.23% 15

narratives

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ONLINE BUSINESS:

A typical Filipino survival response to pandemic crisis Aristotle CASTRONUEVO

R

esilience is thought to be one of Filipinos’ greatest traits, that no matter how badly a calamity or an upheaval strikes, we can always get by and think of ways to survive and adapt. It is a good thing that we think we can always rise from any problem no matter how sunk-deep we are, there will always be ways to stay afloat. But that’s the thing, when we look through at how Filipinos can get by, in any way they can, we overlook the bigger problem behind all this— a lack, or none of government’s accountability for a response and recovery plan to ensure our health and economic safety.

I woke up one day where everything was being posted and displayed online. Numberless stories, my days, and the blistering increase of online business pages in different social media platforms. Surprisingly, even live cows, pigs, and fish are now available online — things one wouldn’t really expect when browsing in the virtual world.

Inarguably, the economy took the hardest hit bore the heaviest brunt from the lockdown. It became an unprecedented challenge for the government to balance the economy and the health of the masses. Some businesses must continue to operate, albeit not “business as usual” and with very strict restrictions.

In the guidelines that were released by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), with transition from ECQ to GCQ, the imposition of protocols clearly defined that certain businesses were not allowed to operate with regard to the various phases, for example, malls and commercial centers. In phase 1: ECQ, they are not allowed to operate. In phase 2: MECQ: Minimum 50% work from home and 50% on-site. And in phase 3: GCQ: Allowed with safety protocols. Different categories require different rules. Establishments like amusement parks, casinos, tourist destinations, travel agencies, and others that can threaten the safety of many, may not open without further notice – which led to the early announcement of job lay-off and closure of their sites.

As what the Filipino populace experienced during this global crisis, getting business online is one of the means to go moving forward and survive. Many of our businesses are endeavouring to move much of their services and selling of products online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the virus has transformed that; compelling businesses to adopt technology to move online. As most shoppers are dubious to return to their everyday habits and only go outside to buy essentials, online selling is the best approach to stay afloat.

In small businesses, it’s not sufficient to make up for their closed physical retail spaces. Online sales are typically less lucrative, in part because of costs for conveyance. Instead, many are depending on loans, donations, and an upsurge in the support of the public.

Filipinos are markedly searching high and low for ways to earn money and serve food on their tables during the pandemic. We are resorting to online selling because we need to conquer and live. And what's the gloomiest part? The government plans to impose tax on almost everything — including online businesses.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) under the Department of Finance (DOF), released the Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC No. 75-2020) that sets the deadline for all online sellers to register and pay their taxes until August 31, 2020; including small internet entrepreneurs who get a small amount of profit in this economic crisis due to the pandemic.

It’s stated in the last paragraph of the memorandum that “All those who will be found later doing business without complying with the registration/update requirements, and those who failed to declare past due taxes/unpaid taxes shall be imposed with the applicable penalties under the law, and existing revenue rules and regulations.”

The RMC-60-2020, dated June 1, informed “all persons doing business and earning income in any manner or form, specifically those who are into digital transactions through the use of any electronic platforms and media, and other digital means, to ensure that their businesses are registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 236 of the Tax Code, as amended, and that they are tax compliant.” The order includes partner sellers or merchants, as well as other stakeholders such as payment gateways, delivery channels, internet service providers, and other facilitators.

The BIR promised that online sellers need not to worry as the agency will be reasonable on their declarations and no hefty fees will be charged such as P500 registration fee and P30 documentary tax stamp.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque released a statement that those earning below P250,000 are exempted from paying income tax. This is pursuant to the Republic Act No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Despite the benefit of a widespread shift of online shopping, it threatens people's safety against online scams and fraud from cyber criminals.

Child sex abuse pornography were sold for as low as a hundred peso online — a child exploitation brought by poverty and pandemic in the internet.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) lately blamed telecommunication companies for failure to block some sexual materials as evidenced by triple increase of reports of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) during lockdown in the country with nearly 280,000 reports from March to May 2020 according to the report of DOJ Office of Cybercrime (OOC) last May 25.

Online transactions continue to help many Filipinos to cope with the restrictions of lockdown but an increase in phishing and online fraud should always be taken into consideration. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines and the central bank reported “a 100% increase in phishing and warned everybody to be cautious when it comes to bank details,” said by Karlo Nograles, government official.

Undeniably, online selling is an effective way to fulfil the needs of everyone and helps to slow down the spread of the virus. But it fires a shot in the different social status in our nation. It may be very helpful to those who need to earn money for everyday survival. But, it is also considered, in one way or another, as anti-poor as not everyone has access to smartphones and internet, and is literate with the use of digital advancements compared to those who belong to middle class households and above. The poor are considered vulnerable during this pandemic, and they should not be left behind.

Safety is paramount as we continue to fight against COVID-19 and lesser face-to-face communication and transactions are vital. For our part, patronizing the local products, home-made goods, and helping our fellow Filipinos in rebuilding their lives play important steps to reclaim what has been gone. Supporting online sellers will make us more resilient for present and future crises, and will save most of us from the consequences and disasters brought by not only because of the pandemic but also by the existing unfair economic system in the society.

16

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

narratives

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ILLUSTRATION BY JUNINE TUPAZ

NO, WE DON’T NEED A MOCKINGJAY FOR THIS ONE:

On who should the face of the opposition be Keane Andre ESCOBAR

N

o one can deny that the time is ripe for a long-brewing urban mass movement, what with the government’s highly inadequate response to the health and economic crisis the COVID-19 pandemic has ensued. Hashtags calling to #OustDuterte and other calls have trended on practically every social media platform, and people are starting to defy repressive lockdown measures to mobilize on the streets.

Government-appointed officials are resigning out of protest to the regime, and even artists that are usually apolitical are starting to organize and collectively speak up.

Alongside this growing social movement is discourse on the alternatives if and when the ouster succeeds, and most especially on its leadership. Surely, this movement against overt tyranny and dictatorship should be about forming a broad front against a common enemy, but who will lead the broad masses of Filipinos towards that goal?

One of the most outspoken critics against the administration, there is a lot of pressure on Frankie Pangilinan to be the “face” of the opposition. Touted by Vice as the “Face of Gen Z activism”, Frankie hit the headlines as she tweeted biting takedowns against reactionary officials and misogynists, all while maintaining a snarky, self-deprecating humor that’s popular to Twitter’s demographic: angsty youth and adults with a general discontent to practically anything. Not only Kakie, but a certain Aling Marie as well was called the Filipino Mockingjay for the growing social movement. As she first became viral with a video of her proudly proclaiming “Kayumanggi ako!” against diehard Duterte supporters (DDS), Aling Marie then became a guest-of-honor to various mobilizations, particularly the Grand Mañanita held in UP Diliman in commemoration of Independence Day. Thousands rallied behind her as she voiced her dissent against the Anti-Terrorism Bill, saying, “Kung meron mang terorista, yan ang gustong magtatag ng terrorist bill.”

True to its form, micro-discourse on who should be the face of activism sprouted here and there, even pitting the two aforementioned individuals against each other. That premise lies upon the implication that mass movements need a face to succeed. As such, an important question raised in any mass movement is not only who its leader should be, but rather if it even needs an individual leader in the first place. Sure, a group may act as a vanguard to correctly guide the actions taken by the movement, especially when that broad front only has certain unities. However, would it be wise to depend an entire movement on an individual with their own whims? After all, there is a fine line between representation and identity politics, the latter being devoid of any liberating potential for the marginalized.

The case against having a “face” of the opposition goes way back to history: during the Marcosian ouster movement and People Power, it is no mistake that the political crises was not maximized enough to initiate a complete overhaul of the system to more democratic alternatives. What happened instead was a complete co-optation by the Aquinos, when Cory Aquino was touted as the face of the opposition, which set the precursor to the heavy Liberal-Nacionalista dichotomy that shapes Filipino electoral politics up until today. A change in leadership did not mean a change in the system—in fact, the former “face of the opposition” only maintained the conditions set by her predecessor and quashed any existing revolutionary forces borne out of it.

Constitutionally, of course, it is only right that the vice president, even from whatever party, should be the one to step up. It is merely important to point out that in an attempt towards legitimate change, the discourse must be framed around options outside the shallow promise of personality politics to lean towards the interest of the masses instead.

As much as the use of their platform to voice out dissent against pressing issues is important, the broad united front against tyranny and repression should not be hinging on whether or not an individual be put on a pedestal as the representative of the opposing side.

So, maybe the revolution does not need a face. Or better yet, maybe the face of the revolution is the collective faces of the toiling masses, whose everyday existence in itself is a struggle for liberation. From the people comes the power; not from Twitter influencers, not from politicians, not even from activists themselves, but from the broad mass of the Filipino people waiting to exact revolutionary change.

17

narratives

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ILLUSTRATION BY JUNNINE TUPAZ

UBOSEN

Administration effects ‘The Final Solution’ for COVID-19 in an effort to rid the country of the virus John Denzel CASTILLO

A

FTER a series of loans, donations, and arms trade contracts from foreign countries, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque declared that the Philippines will no longer need to borrow money from other countries in order to quell the epidemic.

“We now have enough money and military capability to combat the virus. We have purchased the necessary supplies and military equipment in order to halt the growth and spread of COVID. The final solution is now underway,” he said in high spirits during a press briefing held last July 1, 2020 at the Malacañang Palace.

This statement came after the government recently procured guns, munitions, artillery, and a series of planes from multiple countries such as China in order to aid medical and armed personnel to eliminate the threat of the virus.

The move towards military solutions was met with praise from statesmen and international organizations across the globe. The World Bank lauded the quick and decisive action that the country has undertaken, noting that ‘the level-headedness of Rodrigo Duterte should be seen as a role model for decision makers across the world, a trait highly reminiscent of former President Ferdinand Marcos, a memorable client of the World Bank.’

Beijing released a statement after striking multiple arms contracts and loans for the Philippines, remarking that “neighbouring countries must always have each other’s back”, adding that it is in Philippines and China’s best ‘interest’ for the future.

“Sabi ko sa inyo, doktor lang kayo, I am the President. Itong bwisit na virus na ‘to, gago talaga ‘to. Kaya kayo, ikaw na virus ka, you go away and leave my country. Marami akong pulis, they are now armed. Ipapakalat ko sila. Kung hindi

18

kita mapapatay, ikukulong kitang buang ka. Stop it or ubos kayo,” the President claimed strongly in a press meeting. Duterte’s speech came after signing the Anti-Terror Bill into law. He claimed that the urgency of this bill to pass stemmed from the fact that the virus’ propaganda and deceit has seen itself ingrained in the Philippines, and in order to stop it in its tracks, ‘brute force’ must be applied.

He also ensured that other viruses should not be wary of it, especially if they follow the law.

Duterte further added that the law will definitely stifle free speech, a right which the President claimed ‘the Filipino people have had enough of.’

Recent door-to-door programs sweeping through barangays in order to isolate infected individuals have proven effective in the country’s militaristic campaign, as individuals suspected to have the virus were easily convinced to enter quarantine facilities conveniently located inside jails and similar correctional facilities. Operations conducted by the police have also seen huge success as the presence of police and military forces in checkpoints located along critical points of the cities have greatly dissuaded the virus to spread.

The Department of Health has recently seen its duties relegated to recovery work for patients as they administer bullets to COVID-positive individuals; a solution that has seen success in quelling the virus. When asked about whether the ‘medicine’ was safe for the patient, the DOH secretary told media correspondents that “(our) focus is flattening the curve. Everything else comes second.”

With abysmal recovery rates, an astounding 100% mortality rate, and low trends in infections, Secretary Francisco Duque III commented that it will be a matter of time before we beat another UP prediction.

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

narratives

From policies to pandemic:

Jeepneys on their way to extinction Art Cedrik ROMERO

I

t was a spectacle, in the fast-paced city of New York to see a peculiar looking vehicle traversing its busy streets.

Its sheen, almost optimus prime looking front and elongated body that can seat a large group of passengers, is unusual in its streets mostly crowded with taxis.

The New York appearance of the Philippine Jeepney is not an everyday sight to see, especially not in America.

Expectedly, posts of Filipino Pride flooded social media in brag about it, being an iconic moment. A cultural symbol, Jeepneys turned public transport staples in the tapestries of Filipino life, faces an uncertain future.

While they are a visual feast of kitsch decoration, they also contribute to the crippling congestion and pollution, that the Duterte administration, in an inadvertent move, wishes to fix in a systemic change of sorts. Whereas the vision of streets filled with eco-friendly, solar-powered vehicles seems exemplary and promising, it's more than just a pipe dream. Detrimental to think, it could take thousands of vehicle out of service and endanger livelihood of drivers and others in the Jeepney industry.

Thousands of job loss poses a great danger more than just the mere tarnishing of a renowned Filipino icon.

ON THE LOSING SIDE In 2017, when the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program was first launched, many transport groups held several strikes nationwide in opposition. The decades-old mode of transport, entrenched not only in the lives of million Filipinos but in the national psyche, was called to modernize.

The Department of Transportation issued Department Order No. 2017-011 (Re: Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance) or the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) was not just a mere modernization program, as per its site description. It is a "comprehensive system reform that will entirely change the public land transportation industry."

Among the major components of the program is fleet modernization, based on extensive consultations with jeepney associations, as well as local and international manufacturers. It also features a regulatory reform and sets of new guidelines for the issuance of franchise on road based public transport services.

It was received negatively by various transport groups prior to its launch. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) strongly opposed to the idea of a modernized jeepney costing P1.4 million to P1.6 million—which will obviously drown drivers in debt and cause increased fare to commuters.

Comprising around 2% of vehicular traffic in National Capital Region (NCR), government's promises of lighter traffic seems like a sham. According to Crispin B.

Beltran Resource Center (CBBRC), drivers, small-time independent operators and commuters will be at a loss while foreign and local companies can take advantage of the situation by monopolizing technology and increasing fares by up to 50 percent.

THE PLIGHT AMIDST PANDEMIC Just as jeepneys navigating New York streets was an unusual sight, so are drivers-turned-beggars on our own streets, out on a desperate act produced by anti-poor policies. Displaced jeepney drivers resorted to begging, with no choice, in adherence to the restrictions imposed three months ago barring most public transport.

With the threat of PUVMP and COVID-19, it completely immobilized thousands of drivers, jobless and destitute.

Easing of lockdown policies aimed at salvaging our recessing economy, allowed newer passenger vehicles to operate under strict regulations. Howbeit, jeepney drivers remained on the sidelines.

In what the people see as a continuous pattern of growing crackdowns on peaceful protests, included those ensnared was a group of six jeepney drivers.

PISTON transport group had organized the rally, asking for permission to resume operations and to request government aid, which has been criticized for being insufficient.

Said transport group has previously clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte. In 2017, amid a dispute over government plans to phase out jeepneys, Duterte said he would order the military and police to manage protests and told the group to be ready to face rubber bullets.

PISTON-6, jailed while protesting for their livelihoods, was released on bail. Ironically, they were jailed for making themselves vulnerable to COVID-19 while protesting but their imprisonment led two of them to test positive. The cramped facility, with no hint of disinfection, led two of them, including the 72-yearold Elmer Cordero, at more grave health risks.

As of this writing, jeepneys are still scarcely operating, with the socalled "king of the road" at the bottom of the public

transportation hierarchy.

In 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte became controversial as he told this affected sector: “Mahirap kayo? P***ng ina, magtiis kayo sa hirap at gutom, wala akong pakialam (You’re poor? Son of a b****, endure hardship and hunger, I don’t care). It’s the majority of the Filipino people. Huwag ninyo ipasubo ang tao (Don’t endanger the public).” A scoff on PISTON and leftist groups protesting how the PUVMP is anti-poor.

If by some God-given miracle, they survived the trials and tribulations of a global pandemic, the threat of PUVMP will still drive them to extinction. An uphill battle will continue once we're past this health emergency, with them, sadly on the losing end.

With the commuting situation far from any semblance of modernity, and the promised "golden age of infrastructure" more unlikely, PUVMP will always be center stage for questioning and scrutiny. Just as how jeepneys brought clamor in New York and exclamations of pride, may these same voices reverberate the muffled voices of drivers continuously silenced to a hush.

ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA CASANDRA MARIÑO

19

narratives

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

A Battle of Rights:

Cyber Libel vs. Press Freedom Alaiza Elaine MANANSALA

“

In this generation where a news article or a criticism by a journalist can be posted in one click and could go viral in a blink of an eye, the wall between the government’s obligation to protect individuals from defamation and the constitutional right to press freedom had and will always be prone to collapsing.

W

ith the Philippines under quarantine, the virtual world has become the primary platform utilized by journalists for reporting news, sharing sentiments, and airing criticisms. Before the signing of the Cybercrime law in the country way back September 2012, no one can be punished by acts committed online—which meant freedom, for most people, as you can do anything online and not be responsible with it.

However, the year now is 2020 and cyber libel may be used as a masking tape to silence the press.

Amidst the pandemic, Maria Ressa, founder of Rappler and former Rappler journalist Reynaldo Santos Jr. were convicted of cyber libel last June 15, 2020. Cyber libel is a libel committed through a computer system or any other similar means. With the case of Maria Ressa, it was about a May 2012 article which cited an unintelligence report alleging businessman Wilfredo Keng to be tied in an illegal activity. Keng denied that accusation. At the time thatis article was published online, the Cybercrime law did not yet exist. However, a loophole made the lawsuit valid because the article was considered to be “republished” when a typo was corrected back in February 2014.

“I think what you’re seeing is death by a thousand cuts—not just of press freedom but of democracy,” said Ressa in an interview with BBC after the verdict.

This was supported by Foreign Correspondent Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) saying that it was “a menacing blow to press freedom.” However, Judge Rainelda Montea explained that her verdict was based on evidence presented to the court and freedom of the press “cannot be used as a shield” against libel. This takes us back to the time when Cybercrime was just passed into law and several lawmakers filed a petition against it, for according to them, it was “unconstitutional due to vagueness” and curtails “constitutional rights to due process, speech, expression, free press, and academic freedom.”

Another recent incident labelled as an attack to “press freedom” in the country was the threat of cyber libel case against campus journalist Joshua Molo, Editor-in-Chief of UE Dawn. It all stemmed from his Instagram post expressing his disappointment to his former teachers after they mocked his criticism of the government’s efforts in handling COVID-19.

His former teacher threatened to sue him with cyber libel unless he will do a public apology or sign a waiver that he would not post sentiments critical of the government again. For his family cannot afford the legal battle, Molo publicly apologized and waived his right to free speech.

In this generation where a news article or a criticism by a journalist can be posted in one click and could go viral in a blink of an eye, the wall between the government’s obligation to protect individuals from defamation and the constitutional right to press freedom had and will always be prone to collapsing. Considering that thin line, the right of free speech is not absolute at all times and under all circumstances. Cyber libel can be a shield for one’s reputation and property or a poison targeting the voice of journalists.

Various citizens’ rights have clashed before the court and no matter the case, it will always end the same—one wins while the other loses.

Maria Ressa

20

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

uspeaks

uspeaks

commentaries

Search U-Speaks

Home • JUST NOW

What is your outlook on conducting online classes to deliver quality education during this pandemic?

Newsfeed Messages Notifications

Like

See More

Comment

Share

Sean Asiel Logica 3RD YEAR CED

It will be challenging not only for us, students but also to our professors and the admin because this pandemic shows that the academe needs more improvement about the internet interactions and all but I believe they are trying their best to give the students all needed.

Like

Reply

Chesca Bunda 3RD YEAR CHASS

Students are very much unprepared to engage in blended learning because not all of us have the same privilege to participate in online discussions nor access the needed mediums to do so, as well as the flexible learning environment at home.

Like

Reply

NotYetReadyForThisSchoolYear 3RD YEAR CHASS

As a student staying in the province right now, it is not very ideal because of two things; 1. I don’t have a stable connection, may it be internet or data. 2. We always have power interruptions (sadly, hindi kami meralco) and when it happens, which is all the time, it takes almost 24hrs bago bumalik yung power. For these two reasons, conducting online classes amidst this pandemic is unfair for those people like me who are also experiencing the same things. Not to forget not everyone can afford to buy gadgets to use in their online classes.

Like

Reply

Hamsteruuu 3RD YEAR CS

Education is progressive. We should always continue learning despite everything happening. However, we should consider these trial times a moment to make time for ourselves and our family. Let’s allow ourselves to heal from everything that is happening around us. The effect it gives is truly tiring and requires much effort to focus on selfreflection.

Like

Reply

Reena Hanael Reybuenan 2ND YEAR CAUP

Personally, it’s not helping us, students. Seeing how the government responds with this pandemic is clearly not advisable to continue this school year. I really do not want to stop schooling but seeing other students and their financial status and health situation make me think that it’s difficult to do since not all schools, teachers and students are prepared. Also, not all students have the same capability to learn and others will have a hard time to cope up with this method.

Like

Reply

Kirk Andre Pangilinan 3RD YEAR CS

Very poor. Online class is proven not to be effective to tackle subjects that need to be hands-on especially us science students who have lab subjects. I’m not sure how it can be handled by our lab teachers.

Like

Reply

Paul

3RD YEAR CET

As an engineering student, it’ll be harder for us to comprehend the upcoming subjects not only because we need an actual practice with proper resources for our course, but we also skipped a lot of critical information due to the pandemic which caused the university to conduct mass promotion.

Like

Reply

Myc

3RD YEAR CED

In my opinion, online classes may not be totally effective in delivering quality education. Some students do not have access to resources needed in online learning (wifi, laptop/tablet). Online assessments can also be a problem since it can possibly lead to cheating.

Like

Reply

Clarence 2ND YEAR PLMBS

I’m not very enthusiastic about it. No one expected the sudden shift to online classes due to the pandemic but we can’t just cancel the academic year. Online classes are supposed to be the solution, yet it won’t be as effective due to problems like connectivity issues and students lacking online class materials because of financial issues. The “Quality” in quality education will be questioned due to these obstacles.

Like

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Reply

SEE MORE AT P39

rundowns

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

PLMayers, “naki-party” sa Grand Mañanita

P

Dwight Justley ULEP

inangunahan ng grupong One PLM Alliance ang paki-kiisa sa “Grand Mananita” noong ika-12 ng Hunyo, 2020, kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng ika-122 taon ng kasarinlan ng Pilipinas, na idinaos sa University Avenue, UP Diliman.

Binuo ang pagkakaisa ng ilang mga estudyante at ilang dati na ring kinatawan ng One PLM Alliance. Nakiisa ang grupo sa daan-daang indibidwal at militanteng pangkat upang kundenahin ang pamamalakad ng gobyerno.

Itinugon ng kilos protesta ang pagbabasura sa Anti-Terrorism Bill dahil sa kwestyonableng konstitutyonalidad nito at sa posibilidad na maaari itong abusuhin kaugnay ng umaambang pasismo ng administrasyong Duterte.

“Mayroong presence ng militar and pulis lalo na sa mga entrance patungong venue. pero sa mismong venue naman, wala. Pero bago ang event may mga nai-report na harrassments from them sa mga entrances” paglalahad ni Juine Lavarias, isa sa mga iskolar na nakidalo.

Bagaman nagkaroon ng pag-ulan na dala ng Bagyong Butchoy ay marami ang nakiisa sa kilos protesta, tinupad ng mga dumalo ang social distancing at mahigpit na pagsusuot ng facemask alinsunod sa idineklarang quarantine protocol sa kasagsagan ng pagsiklab ng pandemyang COVID-19.

Kinumpirma rin ni Lavarias na ang buong kilusan ay sumunod sa 1.5m social distancing at pagsusuot ng facemask at faceshield. Nagkaroon din daw ng pamimigay ng mga libreng pagkain, tubig, at mask para sa mga nakiprotesta.

Para sa mga hindi nakapunta sa lugar ay naglunsad rin ang organisasyon ng “online protest” sa kanilang social media platform kasama ang ilang mga estudyante ng pamantasan bilang pag-abot ng pakikiisa sa daing ng grupo.

Ang pagdalo ng One-PLM sa Grand Mananita ay isa sa mga naging hakbang ng organisasyon na magkaisa at mabigyan ng boses ang mga iskolar sa pagpuna sa mga kakulangan ng gobyerno at pagtaguyod ng karapatang pantao sa ating bansa.

Nakilahok rin sa pagkilos ang ilang mga progresibong organisasyon tulad ng Anakbayan, Gabriela Youth, Kabataan Partylist, Panday Sining, Bahaghari, Concerned Artists of the Philippines(CAP), at College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP).

Iniangkop ang pangalan ng programa hango na rin sa kontrobersyal na pagtitipon para sa kaarawan ni Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas sa kalagitnaan ng ipinapatupad na Enhanced Community Quarantine noong nakaraang Mayo 12, 2020 na tinawag umanong “Mañanita”.

Photo by: Lorraine Anne Guillang

22

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLEY HERNANDEZ

commentaries

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Denial of public interest N Phoebe Stacey ALMARIO

“

The country must be a safe place for dissent that advocates the good of public interest. The Anti-Terror Law is the last thing the nation needs right now.

o matter how loud the cries of common people may be towards flaws possessed by an administration, there will always be those who try to silence it. As the country continues to drag along countless of burdens, implementing a law that favors and secures everyone is commendable. However, the recently signed Anti-Terror Law presents vague decrees and guidelines which causes in it dressing up as fear rather than security.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, also known as Republic Act No. 11479, is an “act to prevent, prohibit, and penalize terrorism, thereby repealing RA No. 9372, otherwise known as the ‘Human Security Act of 2007’.” Under Section 2, it defines how the State aims to protect every person’s life, liberty, and property from terrorism. Indeed, it may sound appealing and vital for everyone’s well-being, until it is to be comprehensively read and understood. On the contrary, current administration’s President Rodrigo Duterte honored and signed the proposed bill into law, last July 3, 2020.

Still under the state of shock from the current Coronavirus pandemic, it is questionable to promulgate such law during an untimely crisis. With an economic turmoil, wherein inflation rates are greatly increasing together with the country’s unemployment rate getting worse, and has not even gotten better, Anti-Terror Law does not contribute any solution for the mentioned circumstances. In addition to this, the outcries of public health “frontliners” for financial and resources aid are still yet to be addressed after months of this gruesome battle. Furthermore, the uproar of the public is justified by the administration’s negligence to demonstrate obvious and proper handling of the pandemic, such as lack of mass testing, lack of facilities and resources, even though emergency powers and funds have been granted to the president.

The loopholes in between the vague points of the law make it nothing but a blur.

Found under Section 3 which is the definition of terms, “designated person” or a terrorist is broadly described, alongside the acts that are considered to be terrorism, that equate to a lifetime imprisonment. In addition to this, under Sections 4 to 12, are specific acts of violence such as damage to property, causes or intentions of death, usage of weapons, and the like. It is clearly stated that advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, and other similar exercises of civil and political rights, which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person or to cause serious risk to public safety, are not determined nor defined as terrorism. Relating it to the recent arrests during protests by various groups that did not show any violent acts, such as the police crackdown at an LGBT Pride event that protests peacefully for the then Anti-Terrorism Bill in Manila last June 26, the ways of the men in uniform are the opposite of what are stated in the Anti-Terror Law. Hence, educating those who will exercise such law is a must before red-tagging certain personalities. Adding up to the loopholes of the supposed national security law, is found under Section 29, which is the Detention without Judicial Warrant of Arrest. It may be possible to do so if the act done is under Section 4, however if it falls under Section 9, which pertains to banners, speeches, and writings, it sounds more of a violation to one’s rights than an act of terrorism.

Such inadequately described decrees are to blame for this law to be considered as the most scrutinized by analysts, groups, and media during these recent times. It also serves fear to the public opinion which is supposed to voice out its needs to the administration.

For the said law allows anyone to silence any critics or dissenters along its way. Similarly, the same administration who runs the inhumane war against drugs may now easily label progressive activist groups, even those led by students, as “terrorists,” given the currentaffairs involving such groups and journalists alike.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article III, or the Bill of Rights, explains one’s civil and political rights, the limits of freedom of speech, of expression, or press, and the requisites for an issuance of a warrant of arrest, at the same time, the situations that allow arrests without such warrants, which apparently were neglected by the principal authors for the modification of RA 9372. Not only does it make the Anti-Terror Law unconstitutional, but also abridges the fact that the republic is under democracy but the current administration fails to prove so.

The current administration has surprisingly shown its capabilities of not knowing how to handle such crisis very well. While other countries are battling with the unseen enemy, the Philippines disregards public health and focuses on shutting down a media giant, arresting journalists and common people, sending threats to dissenters, changing the name of an airport, and allowing foreigners to degrade Filipino people. Regards the pandemic, the daily number of COVID-19 cases alone makes it to the headlines.

Instead of promulgating fear disguised as a national security law, the administration may consider focusing on how to build confidence within its people that such implementations do not threaten nor violate constitutional rights. The country must be a safe place for dissent that advocates the good of public interest. The Anti-Terror Law is the last thing the nation needs right now.

23

commentaries

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

What’s in line with online W Ina Francesca GONZALES

“

The complaints circulated in various social media sites and illustrated how resorting to online methods, compelled by the government’s policy against face-to-face classes and in line with the new normal, is a romanticized yet pretentious alternative that is bound to impair the quality of education and deteriorate the academic resilience of the Philippines’ “hope of the future.”

24

ith the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent new normal amidst the academic year (AY), PLM administered an alternative method to conduct the interrupted entrance exam through an Online PLMAT, which was one of the first fully-online entrance exams in the country. However, inevitable consequences surfaced as the faulty online system failed to prevent technical difficulties and heightened the odds of the applicants having easier means for entering the university without actually deserving it, exposing how an unsuccessful entrance exam may just produce a generation of students that are far behind of the excellent students that they are supposed to become and reflects how these online alternatives are just bound for eventual catastrophes.

Last June 11, applicants expressed their frustrations as some claimed to have experienced difficulties during the admission test ranging from unsuccessfully logging into their accounts, inability to access several sections of the actual exam, problems in the submission and processing of the finished exam, and repeated crashing of the site during the exam which only had an allotted time for answering, albeit the university affirming to be ready in handling the surge of PLMAT takers that day. The complaints circulated in various social media sites and illustrated how resorting to online methods, compelled by the government’s policy against face-to-face classes and in line with the new normal, is a romanticized yet pretentious alternative that is bound to impair the quality of education and deteriorate the academic resilience of the Philippines’ “hope of the future."

PLM’s online system for these virtual platforms is definitely imperfect, as students and faculty already experienced technical issues frequently such as defective information or document processing that usually takes extensive waiting, trouble in logging in and handling profile accounts, and ineffective dissemination of information in different formats and sources. The circumstances of technical glitches that were encountered during this exam reflected the flawed technological condition and exposed how prone to complications such as cheating, the online system is. It helped illustrate how the AY, generally, is still not ready for online alternatives of teaching and accomplishing requirements. In response to the incident, PLM decided for a re-examination of the affected applicants.

The Online PLMAT, originally, was administered to cater the last two batches of examinees that were scheduled for March exams but were not able to take the physical exam due to the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila. As explained from the press release of the official PLM page, registration was eventually opened to more applicants, which is effectively the third extension of the application period.

Admittedly, PLM is one of the prestigious universities in the country that provides quality education and produces excellent students without demanding any tuition fee, attracting thousands of applicants to endeavor entering it every year. Devising an alternative method for students to be qualified in the middle of a pandemic is a percipient and considerate effort that the administration carried out for the sake of the applicants.

Likewise, innovation and resourcefulness are always the answer in addressing roadblocks in any development. However, with the digital divide cutting deeper in the country’s educational system, it is evident that the pushing through the implementation of online-based learning does not equate into having quality education, especially in skill-based lessons. The mere occurrence of an unsatisfactory online entrance exam reflects how we are too distant from the privilege of actually and effectively being able to conduct online classes.

The authenticity of the applicants and the students’ performance in fulfilling academic requirements, such as online quizzes or these online exams, also become questionable. It is undeniable that students utilize any means possible in order to pass the educational standards, but the core principles “Karunungan, Kaunlaran, at Kadakilaan“ that guide and build the PLM character likewise become questionable as cheating is more widely accessible with these online programs.

For instance, an applicant or exam taker successfully passed the admission test through accessing other educational websites while taking the exam. Fairness is at issue as this applicant posted in a Facebook page that she admittedly clicked on other websites just to “grab the opportunity” to pass, whereas opportunities of other applicants to enter the university were hampered due to reasons that were not even their fault.

The university has so far accepted 6,705 freshmen students for the AY 2020-2021. The last two batches of examinees will allow more aspiring applicants to enter the university once they pass. However, learning to think critically, to question wrongdoing and injustice, and to apply various lessons whether courserelated or not, might be irresolute if students start to view online requirements as easy-way routes to pass, especially with newfound means to condone cheating. Like what people have claimed, from cheaters come the breed of crooks and pretenders.

It has only been months since officials forced to pave the way for online alternatives, to salvage what is left to prevent academic freeze no matter how students themselves beg for it. But these online means have always been a privilege and never a socially equitable idea. Students’ lack of access to the necessary devices and materials entails their inability to efficiently study, thus leaving them behind on the pursuit of the university for the quality education that it vows to provide.

ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLEY HERNANDEZ

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

commentaries

Romanticizing Filipino resiliency “

We heal as one”, a fitting tagline for The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or R.A. 11469, takes into account the most prominent feature of Filipinos- a warm personality exhibited by smiles no matter the situation. That we are resilient, standing up and rebuilding a day or two after a calamity, finding alternative sources of income during quarantine in this new normal. But as much as we all smile for the camera, it doesn’t mean that everything’s fine the way it is. That instead of taking a proactive approach, we accept the bare minimum and positively accept any hardship that may come, all in the name of the “Filipino spirit”.

Resiliency, according to Merriam-Webster, means “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change”. Yet it seems that “Filipino Resiliency” does not particularly echo that definition. We often attribute resiliency to Filipinos being able to help one another get back up after natural calamities, like during the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda. We admire and congratulate children who persevere in crossing mountains and rivers just to be able to get an education amidst limited resources (that are often personally provided by their teachers).

Now, with a global pandemic disrupting everyone’s lives, we have devised different ways on how to adapt and live on in a “new normal”. However, this representation of resilience has made us too independent and self-reliant that it makes complaining about the current situation frowned upon. We hesitate in saying “enough is enough” to people in positions that should be helping us but instead continue to only urge us to give donations and work together by ourselves, demanding discipline and compliance to laws enacted.

We need to stop romanticizing Filipino resiliency. Firstly, this encourages toxic positivity. Merely looking at the “bright side” and not demanding changes in the system will only continue to oppress those under it. We cannot simply move on with our lives and not process the trauma we experienced. Complaining is not a bad thing, most especially if it is within reason and with valid proof; the only way to correct what is wrong is first acknowledging it before finding the best solution. This was exhibited with the public response during Taal Volcano’s eruption early this year, as the people focused on giving immediate relief and were not easily impressed with half-hearted excuses by authorities when asked about disaster relief funds.

Second, we must know the past in order to correct its mistakes and prevent it from happening again in the future. We often forgive and forget past transgressions and do not seek to learn and improve the ever-present problem. We become too complacent and instead use this resiliency as a substitute for how the government addresses the situation. History can be our basis to understand how current events came to be, recognize patterns of events, learn from our losses and predict what comes after.

Finally, we need to choose who we put in positions of authority. True leaders must go beyond their individualistic tendencies and prioritize the people they will serve. We must demand accountability and concrete evidence of improvement must be seen. Financial transparency must also be adopted since it is the people’s money being used, and thus should be used wisely by someone who translates and solves the people’s grievances. This is a necessity most especially during this pandemic, where emergency funds are being released and constant loans are being taken by the country. After all, it will be the current and future taxpayers’ burden to pay off the country’s debts, so it’ll be best if we get our money’s worth.

Our resilience has been taken advantage of. Some think that Filipinos are resilient, therefore it is excusable if government aid and restoration efforts are delayed. It has turned into a misguidance for a better reality, clinging to this passive, positive mindset and forgetting that we also need concrete, real, and long-term solutions. We cannot just wait for various acts of our bayanihan spirit to dictate the assurance of our safety and stability, because that is the job of the government.

Don’t get me wrong, I like seeing inspirational stories of people seeing a light at the end of the road and managing to get up—that there is hope. That we can continue to find alternative ways of living, that we as a community can work together and inspire others. But the continuous flashing of such stories also makes me frustrated—'yun nalang ba? Also, those featured portraying Filipino resiliency are most often belonging to the poor and marginalized.

This just highlights social inequality; we do not call the rich resilient—why would we? They never had a need for it. We’ve romanticized being victims of the circumstance that we’ve normalized coping with perceived powerlessness, or simply waiting until the problem passes.

Resiliency is not enough. Active change should be expected and implemented, not just the bare minimum. To romanticize Filipino Resiliency is to negate every reason why we are resilient in the first place. We do not live in an ideal world where romanticizing resilience is enough. The true Filipino Spirit can take everything with a smile and makes it sure that what was once a hindrance will never again hinder us in the future.

Patricia Gabrielle MARQUEZ

“

Our resilience has been taken advantage of.

Some think that Filipinos are resilient, therefore it is excusable if government aid and restoration efforts are delayed. It has turned into a misguidance for a better reality, clinging to this passive, positive mindset and forgetting that we also need concrete, real, and long-term solutions.

25

commentaries

T Mauren Dorothy MERCA

“

If academic freeze will be effective this coming academic year, students and educators will be free from the work load as well as academic pressure that will add on to the stress brought by the pandemic.

Thus, they can focus more on their families and basic necessities.

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Choosing the lesser evil

hough the semester for school year 2020-2021 is right around the corner, many students are still on the fence whether they would continue their education and proceed with online classes or delay and prioritize their welfare.

Many have displayed strong opposition to the idea of distance and blended learning for the said academic year and advocated Academic Freeze.

Academic freeze will be inclusive – students, faculties, employees of both the public and private sectors. It promotes the concept of not leaving a single student behind. If academic freeze will be effective this coming academic year, students and educators will be free from the work load as well as academic pressure that will add on to the stress brought by the pandemic.

Thus, they can focus more on their families and basic necessities.

Contrary to academic freeze, the government has leaned towards continuing the education in the country through blended learning and online classes. This will require gadgets, stable internet connection and a great deal of self-sufficiency from students, educators and parents. Which are all exclusive only to those who can afford it. This is one of the biggest problem in pursuing this kind of medium of education, it is only for the privileged.

If we hold this school year, everything will follow. For the private sectors and non-tenure position in the academe, many will be laid-off from work, thus increasing the number of unemployment amid the pandemic. No academic year means no graduates, which will lead to low human resource in some fields and then prompts to cripple a part of the economy. And if the economy goes down, so will we.

Also some students just can’t afford the delay. With the pandemic causing financial problems to some, there is no longer a choice for them but to push through with online classes in order to get a degree and land a job with a decent pay to help their families. However, to some education is no longer an option since their basic needs are already on the line.

In choosing which the lesser evil is, we must first acknowledge that there is no equity in education amid the pandemic.

Some LGUs set-up possible solutions regarding this, some are to distribute gadgets and some provided internet connection in places of their jurisdiction. Although these might not seem solid solutions, it must still be recognized that it is a start. The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Land Bank of the Philippines are offering a study-now-pay-later loan for eligible students and recipients. Some private institutions provided their students with the resources that they need for online classes. Unfortunately this is only available to those who are within reach of these organizations, the study-now-pay-later loans from the GSIS and Land Bank are still exclusive only to those who will meet the requirement.

Many countries have move propelled in facing this pandemic. Some have flattened the curve and allowed the normal face-to-face classes. As soon as they started having children

go to school, number of cases immediately increased. Have we learned nothing from them? We, who are still in the first wave and have not yet lifted the quarantine since it was first imposed are proposing that some classes will be held face-to-face in low risk areas.

Aside from health risk and financial matters, the learning competency of students is also a liability in choosing the lesser evil. Some schools have already adopted the blended learning style of education even before the pandemic. However, this is not the case for all institutions. In face-to-face classes, educators have different types of teaching in order to accommodate different learning styles of the students. They cater to the needs for the students, but with online classes most students will be forced to read and understand their modules and PowerPoint presentations on their own; it is expected that students will be provided with mere instructions. Skill-based programs will be difficult to execute in such terms. Are assessments going to be valid and effective in this type of education?

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is one of the universities that provide free quality education in accordance with the Free Tuition Law. The said law grants the right to access to quality tertiary education. Would online classes do justice to the law? Is “quality” still on the table? Provided that PLM is known to produce competent graduates, will this still be the case even if students were taught online? How will the institution uphold kadakilaan, karunungan at kaunlaran knowing that some of its students are left behind?

This is no longer a question of which is the lesser evil.

People in power will decide on how many will be victims of the crooked system.

ILLUSTRATION BY CATHERINE ESTORIL

26

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

commentaries

Working privately as a public servant H

ow embarrassing it is to have an administration that keeps information hidden from its people.

How awful it is to be an employee that tolerates this administration’s masquerade. Unable to come up with an excuse, the current administration's communications team was exposed for the cut speech of President Rodrigo Duterte at Jolo, Sulu that earned the public's distrust.

A few days after the president’s speech to the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 11th Infantry Division, held at the Kuta Teodolfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu last July 13, surfaced a sourced unedited version that exposed how his communications team edited out inappropriate parts of his dialogue. The Presidential Broadcast Radio Staff-Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM) released a video of the speech online that only included the acknowledgement of the country’s men in uniform, the recent clash involving the deaths of AFP soldiers by PNP personnel, how Duterte dismantled oligarchy in the Philippines, proposed benefits and projects for the people of Mindanao, and how the president advised his daughter not to run for candidacy.

On the other hand, the unedited version discloses how Duterte mentioned personalities that he considers as the country’s oligarchs, such as the Ayala, Consunji, Lopez, and Pangilinan families. In addition to this, he also described how ABS-CBN ruined his reputation and how he would not allow nor grant any petition from the said party

regardless of how legal it may be. He persuaded the audience by saying, “I am not politicizing you, I am talking to you as a Filipino citizen.” As per the president’s own statement, the whole nation deserves to hear the speech out.

While the RTVM, under PCOO (Presidential Communications Operations Office), paves its way to the headlines of various news platforms, certain lawmakers eagerly files House Resolution (HR) No. 1062, which directs the House Committee on public information to investigate PCOO, on July 23. These Makabayan lawmakers namely, Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party), Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, and Eufemia Cullamat (Bayan Muna), France Castro (ACT Teachers), and Sarah Elago (Kabataan), strongly express that the move to edit Duterte’s speech ‘further puts into question the credibility and transparency of the national government communications arms.’

Indeed, the action of RTVM determines how public service now equates to public relations.

It is not surprising that a public servant’s actions and statements regarding the nation must be known to the knowledge of all. Regardless of how inappropriate its demonstration may be, these activities are vital to the public. As stated in Article III, Section 7 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “the right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.” Furthermore, PCOO itself violated its own mandate stated under Executive Order No. 4 S. 2020, which is “to ensure transparency and full and appropriate disclosure” of the policies and official activities of the President and the Executive branch.

RTVM and PCOO did not release explanations nor valid excuses for such action. Even Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque insisted that there is no policy to edit Duterte’s remarks.

Additionally, RTVM Executive Director Dennis Pabalan assured that they will be airing the president’s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) live and without any edits – something they are required to do and something that does not revive their credibility.

On the recently held SONA last July 27, Duterte also inappropriately mentioned similar names such as Ayala and other considered oligarchs - how they take control over the country’s water and power services, Sen. Franklin Drillon on defending ABS-CBN, and Globe and Smart Communications to improve their services by the end of the year. He has been known to these kind of statements ever since he took position which leaves the question of why the need to filter his speech to the RTVM. Shortly after silencing public dissent and opinion with a freedom-threatening law, enters another mishap of the current administration. The nation relies on the government for an unfiltered portfolio of actions. If one decides to tear a page out, then the country certainly lives in lies. RTVM and PCOO must make up for their recent dishonesty because the truth always finds its way out.

Phoebe Stacey ALMARIO

“

The nation relies on the government for an unfiltered portfolio of actions.

If one decides to tear a page out, then the country certainly lives in lies.

RTVM and PCOO must make up for their recent dishonesty because the truth always finds its way out.

27

commentaries

Cancel culture needs to be cancelled

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ILLUSTRATION BY CATHERINE ESTORIL

C Anne Nicole CARIG

“

This just, all the more, goes to show that cancel culture takes effect on the people themselves and not on the mistakes that they have made.

With all these said, cancel culture may just be equated to “blatant hate”, and it is not quite an effective measure to address issues of indifference.

28

ancel culture is a direct attack to someone’s identity more than to the problematic, culturally inappropriate and socially immoral behavior or statement that one has committed or said.

President of the Mises Institute, Jeff Deist, identified cancel culture as the “means of shutting people out of jobs, opportunities, platforms, and social setting— attempting to impoverish people, financially and otherwise.” An article from 2019 suggests that the reference of this culture is believed to have originated from the 1991 film New Jack City which had the word “cancel” directing to a person in the script, a line from a character which put forward the idea of removing a person from someone’s life owing to the violence that the person has caused.

From 2014 to present, social media users have recognized it even more and made use of the term “cancel” to collectively shun and boycott people whose behaviors are perceived offensive and/or unbecoming.

At length, there are a number of celebrities and influencers, both internationally and locally, who have been “cancelled” by a vast population of social media users, specifically on the Twitter platform.

There is no way racism, sexism, homophobia, and other derogatory remarks would have been acceptable and it is just right that we reach out to people who have perpetrated such insensitivity and draw apology, atonement and changed actions from them.

However, as time progressed, the cancel culture has suffered grave repercussions as people deliberately abused it to instigate hate on social media and worst, it even led some to exercise entitled vigilantism. In the light of mob mentality in social media, a lot of people nowadays refuse to understand an issue and its underlying factors, and eventually just side with what the vast majority thinks is correct and proper, disregarding the possibility that it could have not been the absolute truth. It does not only hinder growth and improvement but also unintentionally promote cyberbullying, online negative criticisms, and toxicity which can potentially harm the target’s mental wellbeing. Also, cancelling someone does not necessarily guarantee the downfall of the wrongdoer’s career and reputation, if that is the supposed goal of the act. This just, all the more, goes to show that cancel culture takes effect on the people themselves and not on the mistakes that they have made. With all these said, cancel culture may just be equated to “blatant hate”, and it is not quite an effective measure to address issues of indifference.

To be fair, cancel culture would not have existed and further ensued had there been an effective implementation of the law to everyone. It primarily aimed to serve social justice for those deprived of it and to hold people accountable for their unbefitting conduct.

We cannot deny that for some, it could have been the last trope for someone to finally speak up for the long withheld grievance.

However, cancel culture does not just impose the scheme of “eliminating” as the means of “correcting” but also propagates the idea of exclusivity and casting out.

There are so much more “humane” alternative ways to correct someone’s improper behavior, and one of which is to educate and let them learn what could have they possibly done or said wrong.

We must also give them room to have character development, most especially when they have sincerely atoned for their past mistakes.

Even the law is considerate to every punishment it serves; it gives people a chance to correct and realign their lives. Inculcating a culture that does not allow growth ruins the opportunity to shape a better and harmonious society. Above all, we must also understand that there is a bigger challenge we must solve that lies in our distorted stigma and old ideologies that push people to be indifferent or ignorant of these issues.

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

commentaries

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa: The aftereffects

L

ast May 6, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the implementation of Executive Order No. 114, also known as the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program, to primarily decongest Metro Manila by sending back Filipinos— those in the capital and overseas alike—to their respective provinces while providing them financial and industrial aid.

Alongside this is the Hatid Probinsya Program, which is the government’s scheme to transport stranded Filipinos back to their homes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While these programs may seem sound with their vision of “disinfecting and decluttering” the capital, even with the many clauses on paper they prove to be ineffective at all to curb the more apparent dilemma the country is facing against COVID-19. In fact, these programs may actually be making the situation worse.

Although E.O. 114 has been suspended since June 11, the detriments of this so-called “effort” have already taken place in the southern regions. Evidence shows that states that were already struggling to contain the virus by themselves plus keeping their economies afloat showed a resurgence of infections after the first few batches of the BP2 beneficiaries were sent their way. These people were only found out to be carriers of the virus when they already arrived in their respective destinations, unknowingly spreading the virus undetected as they were asymptomatic. Not only did this create a new bloom of cases, but this only transferred the COVID epicenter from NCR to provinces that were supposed to be barely unaffected at the least.

Adding to that, the program also covers sending students studying in the capital back to their distant homes, forcing them to make decisions that may set them back on their education more than they would do them good; they have the choice to either go through online classes with the subpar internet services available (that is if they have access to the internet in the first place), transfer from their schools in the capital to those in their provinces, or skip the incoming academic year altogether. It is a shame that the youth, whose role as key to the country’s future is becoming clear day by day, have to make such sacrifices when they shouldn’t be present at all.

While the BP2 program may have a long-term plan of helping the country’s overall economy especially in agriculture, the way it was implemented in haste proved to be more harmful and less useful in the Philippines’ fight against the virus. One cannot help but think that the only reason why it was approved immediately was that the principal author of the program is endorsed by the one who executed it, without reviewing further its clauses and if it would actually help beat the current health crisis.

BP2, although earnest and ideal in what it wants to achieve, is not a solution to eradicate, or at least alleviate, the growing number of cases in the country. The immediate concern is to address the pandemic by implementing plans and programs formed from the advice of those who are actually in the medical field, and this program is definitely not one of them. If the government actually took precedence in the implementation of mass testing as well as a comprehensive contact tracing system, then perhaps all pushes to restart and improve the economy will find success. Otherwise, if their priorities are left askew as they are now, the Philippines’ state will only go downhill regardless of the exhaustion all of those at the frontline have experienced and will continue to. Can we really afford that to happen?

Marella Iris PALCES

“

Otherwise, if their priorities are left askew as they are now, the Philippines’ state will only go downhill regardless of the exhaustion all of those at the frontline have experienced and will continue to.

Can we really afford that to happen?

29

quarantimes

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Illustration by: YUBHEL INOCERTA

GROWING FAD: Tiktok as a platform Sharmaine MARARAC

T

he worldwide health situation during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been devastating. Most of those who have the luxury to do so turned to social media applications as a means to escape this reality, and video-sharing platform TikTok has only gotten immense popularity as more people are now staying indoors with more free time until the crisis is handled.

For people who have time to kill, TikTok’s short-form videos that can easily be put together with in-app functions and its “For You” page that is personalized for every user allow them to escape the unlikeable reality of a pandemic into an easier, relaxed other-world.

An alternate world where we get to see users lip-sync to bad movie lines and trendy songs, act out scenarios that could only get so cheesy, post skits and other comedy content, dance and sing regardless of talent, and guiltlessly enjoy it. It is addicting. However, we can’t pick apart reality and just focus on the parts we like. At some point, we’re going to have to get off our phones and really deal with the “new normal”, whatever that means. Or we could put it off for as long as we like. We shouldn’t, but before the inevitable, it could be that the reason we are so into it is that the entertainment we find in TikTok gives us new ways to keep our mind off the stress even for a while. It helps users be more creative during a trying time.

TikTok user @davaoconyo has been clever in incorporating humor in different situations, at times featuring Filipino TV clichés and using high-context Filipino jokes. Meanwhile, TikTok user @macoydubs’ videos showcasing Filipino interactions, such as the stereotypical Filipino mom’s way of tutoring her child, is something that many find hilarious. This type of content presents scenarios that we feel we could find ourselves in as Filipinos and so we relate to them. Some content creators on the app also do

30

not shy away from social commentary when it comes to mass testing and government response.

As for other TikTok content, there’s always a friend who’s doing another dance challenge, and no matter how overdone a trend is, we tend to just take it. We associate seeing the same type of formula with a sense of familiarity. There is calmness in knowing you’re participating in something that others are also enjoying to do, as if you’re bonding with others even though you’re physically apart. Maybe this sense of belonging is why we love harmless humor that is hinged on Filipino experiences, it feels inclusive.

TikTok isn’t a life-changing platform that cures depression or directly saves lives, it is what it is, though every once in a while we see wholesome videos that give us good vibes too. It’s been a part of the quarantine life of many.

TikTok can also be a place where we can be educated and help important topics be heard, as long as it is used right. When the pandemic hit, different coronavirus-related content emerged, such as providing insights on how to deal with being under quarantine, encouraging people to stay at home, sharing personal stories on how one’s spending their time on lockdown, or just finding humor in the different aspects of life when you’re encouraged to stay inside. Relevant topics being brought to light in TikTok, such as the lack of better and sufficient pay for most essential workers, is a step forward. The surge of useful TikTok content related to the pandemic can help us be more active in doing our part for others’ sake. Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) joined TikTok with a video featuring 3 of its personnel dancing to the song “The Weekend” while safety tips on preventing COVID-19 showed on the screen. TikTok star Charli D’Amelio worked with a brand in a campaign that promoted social distancing. TikTok also made an effort in fighting misinformation amidst pandemic. It engaged in a partnership with the World Health Organization

(WHO) through creating an informational page about the pandemic on the application last March 2020. This is to help users have accurate and crucial information easily accessible to them. In addition to that, WHO in its official TikTok account also offers users with trustworthy, timely information, as well as tips on staying safe and preventing spread of COVID-19. Sensor Tower reported last April that TikTok had already reached more than 2 billion downloads globally.

This shows that TikTok has a wide reach, and this influence can help combat false news.

Of course, another point to make when talking about the trend application is that we should be careful not to let TikTok desensitize us. Seeing funny content related to life in quarantine, while these videos were intended to help us see things in a positive light, should not downplay how the pandemic in the real world, outside our screens, is affecting real lives. The pandemic is taking so much from so many. Such a powerful platform can highlight a socially aware vision, or it could turn us tremendously unconcerned.

Many resorted to TikTok as a way to pass time and temporarily evade the pressure of our current reality, but we can also utilize it to uplift, raise awareness, and disseminate crucial information.

TikTok can be useful in conveying public health messages in an ongoing pandemic, and we acknowledge that. We only have to be so careful in not letting it detach us from everything else entirely, but it’s alright to loosen up a bit every once in a while. We’re all trying to get by.

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

“

Kahit gaano man kahigpit o gaano man kalalim ang posibilidad ng pagbabanta at pagpapatahimik, hindi mababago ninuman na, ang mga hija lamang sa kanilang paningin, ay hindi na nila magagawang hamakin.

Sapagkat siya ay bata Ina Francesca GONZALES

H

ija.

Isang salita o pangngalang nangangahulugang “anak na babae” na nagmula sa etimolohiyang Espanyol. Sa mga pangkaraniwang kaganapan, ito ay ginagamit bilang palayaw sa mga babae, lalo na’t kung nasa kabataang edad, bilang pagpapalang sila ay babae at mananatiling anak na babae.

Subalit, kasabay ng paglipas ng panahon ang patuloy na pag-unlad ng mga talasalitaan at pangunahing kahulugan nito, batay sa paglilinang ng bawat henerasyon sa mga salita. Sa ating kasalukuyan lipunan, ang pagiging hija ay nagkakaroon ng iba’t ibang katumbas, lalo na sa mga matang hindi pansin ang linya sa pagitan ng tama at mali, sa moral o hindi, o/at sa pagkakamali o panig na pinipili.

Hija kang tatawagin habang ika’y tinuturuan ng iba’t ibang aralin sa paaralan. Hija kang tatawagin upang kunin ang iyong atensiyon sa isang diskurso o kung ang iyong isipan ay okupado sa ibang usapan. Hija ka ring tatawagin sa pakikipag-talakayan, marahil upang ipahayag na ikaw ay masunurin lamang at mapagpakumbaba, at ang sistemang machismo ang patuloy na mangingibabaw bilang nasa katwiran.

Hija…

Iyan din ang itinawag sa amin noon. No’ng ang aming karanasan ang naging basehan para sa lahat ng hinagpis na dulot ng nakaraan. Mula sa paghawak sa kamay na minsa’y mas humigpit. Sa mga mumunting tapik sa balikat na sa kalauna’y dumidiin at dumadapo sa ibang bahagi ng likuran. At sa matatamis na taguring nauuwi sa pagkasanay at pagiging kanilang pag-aari ng lingid sa iyong kaalaman.

Nakapaninikip ng dibdib. Wala kang mapuntahan, ni wala kang mapagsabihan sapagkat, sino ka ba? Ang isang hijang tulad mo, itinuturing na kulang ang kaalaman sa mundo at hindi tunay na mulat sa realidad ng tao, ay paniniwalaan ba?

Ang iyong mga salita ay walang halaga. Ang iyong testimonya ay walang konkretong kakayahan sa harap ng hukuman sapagkat ang kanilang simpleng eksistensya ay isang malaking pribilehiyo upang ang iyong pagkatao ay yurakan. Anuman ang kanilang sambitin, kahit ipangalandakan man ang kanilang masidhing pananabik sa kapusukan ay walang katumbas na kasalanan. Ang nakararami sa lipunan ay magbibigay ng pahintulot na ang kanilang mababang pagtingin sa iyo ay may kabuluhan.

Bilang isang hija, hindi kasalanan ng isang lalaki o ninuman na ika’y tudyuhin sapagkat sa mata ng iba, kasalanan ng iyong kasuotan, gaano man ito kahigsi o gaano ka man nito nasasaplutan, na bigyan sila ng dahilan. Anuman ang iyong paninindigan,

ang pinanghahawakan ng iba’y ang isang hija ang dapat dumistansya. Ang isang hija ay dapat tila Maria Clara – maganda, tahimik, mahinhin, mapagpakumbaba at masunurin sa anumang paniniwala ng mas matanda o ng isang lalaki, kahit ang konseptong ito’y nagdulot sa kanya upang siya ay halayin sa huli.

Ngunit hanggang saan nga ba talaga ang hangganan ng pagiging isang hija?

Hanggang sa anong estado mananatili na ang iyong mga salita’t pananaw ay nagmula sa iisang hija lamang – isang anak na matatabunan ang kaalaman at ituturing na hindi mahalaga ang saloobin sapagkat siya ay bata. Hanggang kailan papairalin nang nakararami na anuman ang iyong mapait na karanasan sa sekswal na karahasan ay walang halaga sapagkat patuloy nila itong kukunsitihin at hindi babaguhin?

Puro na lang dahilan, puro na lang katwiran at paumanhin. Kahit gaya ng sabi nila, hindi naman tela ang panukat sa respeto at hindi damit ang sumasagot ng oo.

Masyadong mahigpit ang hawak nila, kahit ang panunukso ay hindi ko kailanman ginawa. Hindi naman sila hayop na walang kakayahang kontrolin ang tukso, ‘di ba?

Hindi na tama. Sapagkat ang hija ngayon ay mas mulat na, mas kilala na ang kanyang halaga. Anumang karanasan o estado, ang mga hija ay mas lumalaban upang itayo at manindigan sa bandera ng sa karahasa’y naging biktima. Sabay-sabay ang pagpapakita na ang kanilang pananaw sa mga hija at ang kulturang yinuyurakan ang pagkatao ng mga biktima ay mali at hindi na dapat manatili, kahit sila ay bata.

Hindi naman ito paglaban para sa karapatang makapaglakad ng walang anumang saplot o makapaghubad sa harap ng publiko, sa gitna ng daan. Ito ay ang pagtatanggol sa ating karapatan na hindi na muling bastusin at lalon hindi ma-rape sa anumang oras ng gabi, sa anumang lugar, o sa anumang bihis na kasuotan, upang sa wakas ay mawala ang pangambang nananahan sa ating kamalayan kasabay ng pagiging babae sa lipunang mapusok. Ang sabi nga ni Kakie Pangilinan bilang bahagi kanyang makabagong tweet laban sa isang macho journalist kuno na nangungunsinti sa panliligalig at pagkontrol sa kilos ng kababaihan, “Calling me hija will not belittle my point”.

Kung ang pagiging hija ay ang pagbuwag sa kasanayang paulit-ulit ipagtatanggol ang kaisipan na ang biktima lagi ang may kasalanan at sa kasanayang hindi kayang kontrolin ng mga rapist ang kanilang mga sekswal na simbuyo, aking pagmamalaki ang pagiging hija. Kahit gaano man kahigpit o gaano man kalalim ang posibilidad ng pagbabanta at pagpapatahimik, hindi mababago ninuman na, ang mga hija lamang sa kanilang paningin ay hindi na nila magagawang hamakin.

31

Mail New message Recipient Subject:

Mahal kong Future Generation

Isang Liham Mula sa Gen Z: Ang bagong normal sa panahon ng pandemya

Elecyl CABALQUIN Florianne GONZAL

Attachment:

S

New Normal by Junnine Tupaz.jpeg

a mga panahong isinusulat ko ito, gusto kong malaman ninyong nasa kalagitnaan ng paglaban sa isang mapaminsalang pandemya ang ating bansa. Sa mga panahon ding ito, madalas akong tanungin kung ano ang bag ko? Para kasi sa kanila, kailangan daw munang may bag ako bago magsalita. Puro na lang daw kasi ako patutsada. Puro na lang react. Puro na lang post at share ng kung ano.

E, wala naman daw akong bag.

Alam niyo ba future generation, minsan, halos gusto ko na silang tanungin kung ano rin ba talagang bag nila. Tapos, tanungin din kung pasasabay ba sila sa pagbili ko ng bag. Kasi, baka naman wala rin naman silang bag pa, sadyang feeling lang nila mayroon hehehe. Kaya heto, dahil matagal akong nanatili sa loob ng bahay #HouseMatefEeLz, inilista ko ang aking natunghayan sa nasabing panahon. Baka sa ganitong paraan ay magkaroon ako ng bag.

Tunay ngang walang kahit na sino ang may alam sa kung anong pwedeng mangyari kinabukasan. Naalala ko, pumasok pa ako ng Lunes. Pagkarating ng Martes, ni hindi ko alam na matatagalan na ang susunod kong pagtapak sa Pamantasan, at maging ang pagkakataong makita ang aking mga kamag-aral. Tumigil ang buhay ng halos buong bansa at maging ng buong mundo nang dumating ang kaaway na hindi inaasahan. Sa isang iglap, maaaring mawala ang pinakamamahal mong buhay o ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay. Maaari kang malagutan ng hininga nang hindi man lamang nakikita o nakakasama ang kahit isa sa mga mahal mo sa buhay sa takot na baka rin sila ay mahawaan.

Sa ganitong panahon nasubukan ang pagiging madiskarte at malikhain ng mga Pilipino. Lahat ay nagnanais na malagpasan ang mga madilim na pagsubok. Kung kaya’t alinsabay sa paghahanap ng solusyon sa kinahaharap na krisis ng bansa ay ang pagtatalaga ng mga “Bagong Normal” kung saan umiikot ang buhay ng bawat isa sa panahong isinusulat ko ito.

Ang sulat na ito ay naglalaman ng kakaibang karanasan at mga bagong gawing nabuo sa gitna ng pandemya.

Send

“Hi mga Sis! Pre-loved clothes po, murang-mura lang.”

“Bagong lutong ulam para sa inyo! Swak na swak sa budget.”

“On-hand mga Sis. Order na kayo!”

“Bagsak presyo na lang! Original Price: P5000, Now: P3000” “Pa-mine na lang po sa magugustuhan.”

“Mine means sold po. Reminder, magiging Bogus Buyer/Joy Reserver ang magbubura ng comment.”

“PM IS THE KEY!” Sigurado akong pamilyar ang mga linyang ito sa mga kasabayan kong #Housemates. Marami ang nakinabang sa malawakang benepisyo ng makabagong teknolohiya sa panahon ng pandemya. Tanging kanikanilang mga gadget ang naging kaagapay at batayan ng impormasyon sa araw-araw. Ibinida ang iba’t ibang larangang pinakamahuhusay sila.

Nagsulputan sa internet ang iba’t ibang putahe at panghimagas, kilala man o hindi. Kada-scroll ay bubungad ang iba’t ibang damit, mayroong mga nagamit na nang kaunti at mayroon din namang naitago lang mula noong binili. Mayroon ding mga gamit na handa nang bitiwan ng may-ari. Post lang sa Facebook, kikita ka na. Basta, PM ka lang.

Negotiable naman ang presyo ng iba. Minsan, kahit 2 gives, 3 gives, o kahit na ilang gives ‘yan, pwede. Marahil ito ang naging sagot sa pagsasara ng establisyimento at kawalan ng pampasaherong sasakyan.

Bilang pag-iingat din, mas gugustuhin nga naman na um-order na lang online. Ngunit ang mas malalim na dahilan nito ay ang pansamantalang pagkawala ng maraming hanapbuhay ngayon dahil na rin sa desisyon ng kani-kanilang kumpanyang kinabibilangan. Samantala, mayroon pa rin namang iilang kumpanyang patuloy na nagserbisyo sa gitna ng pandemya. Sila ang nakinabang sa ideya ng Work From Home setup kung saan gamit ang mga gadgets, nakapagseserbisyo ang mga manggagawa mula sa kanilang sariling mga tahanan.

Sa katulad na pamamaraan din nairaraos ang mga klase na hindi natapos dahil sa pandemya. Maswerte ako dahil kasali ang aking paaralan sa iilang nagsagawa ng Mass Promotion. Gayunpaman, hindi

lahat ay nakaranas ng ganitong pribile napilitang magpatuloy sa pamamgitan ng normal klase sa loob ng silid-aralan guro at nakikinig pa rin ang mga mag-a nakaharap sa mga gadgets, mula rin sa Bagamat ganito ang naging sitwasy ng nagsipagtapos ngayong 2020. Ang p bawat mag-aaral ay ang araw ng kanila lumipas na lamang ang araw na sila ay ng diploma sa harap ng kanilang mga m Nagkaroon ng paraan ang mga paarala pamamagitan ng pagbibidyo sa buong ay nasa kanilang mga bahay, nanonoo halos hindi nila literal na hawak kamay nanunumbalik ang saya oras na tawag Dahil, kahit ano pa man, hindi maikaka nila ang diplomang pinakaaasam.

Sa kabila ng mundong magulo at m natatanging paraan upang pakalmahin taong inilaan ang kanilang oras upang minamahal at ang mga taong mahahal na ang matagal nilang mga drawing no online celebrations. ‘Yung tipong kaara na matagal niyo nang naiplano, pero a sa harap ng camera. Mayroon ding mga ng barkada. Kung dati'y panay ang “mi chatbox, ngayon, biglang nagkaroon n man at hindi personal, ang mahalaga a bawat isa ang kanilang presensya sa m At ang tunay na minahal ng madla a pagsambit sa matagal nang nais na “I d dito, kasalan doon. Trending sa social

quarantimes

NTO LES

ehiyo. Ang ilang mag-aaral ay n ng online class. Tulad din ito n, nakapagtuturo pa rin ang mga aaral, ‘yun nga lang, ang lahat ay a kanilang mga tahanan. yon, isang pagbati pa rin sa lahat pinaka-inaabangan sa buhay ng ang pagtatapos. Hindi hinayaang y magmamartsa at tatanggap magulang, guro at kaibigan. an upang maisakatuparan ito sa g programa at ang lahat ng dadalo d. Nakalulungkot man dahil y ang tagumpay, muli namang gin na ang kanilang pangalan. ailang sa wakas ay nakamit na

masalimuot, pag-ibig ang n ito. Saksi ako sa dami ng makausap ang kanilang mga laga sa kanila. Ika nga, nakulayan oon. Nandiyan ang maraming awan ng matalik mong kaibigan ayun at nakiki-birthday ka na lang a hindi inaasahang virtual reunion iss you bespren” na laman ng ng oras para sa isa’t isa. Birtwal ay patuloy na naipadarama ng mga mahal nito sa buhay. ay nang isakatuparan ang do”. Oo, tama ka! Kasalan media ang iba’t ibang

kwento ng pag-ibig. Akalain mong mula sa ‘di mabilang na taong karaniwang dumadalo sa mga kasal, naging lima hanggang sampung katao na lamang. Kung dati rati’y magagarbong dekorasyon ang nagpapatingkad sa kulay ng kasal, ngayon ay ang kanilang gamit na protective gears. Oo, tuloy ang kasal kahit pa naka-facemask at kahit pa #SocialDistancing. Marami ang natuwa sa ganitong kasalan dahil ipinakita nitong hindi sa ganda ng programa, masasarap na pagkain, o isang katutak na bisita ang mahalaga, bagkus ang pangakong binigkas na habambuhay na pagsasama.

Ang pandemya ay nagbigay sa bawat isa ng sapat na oras upang gawin ang mga bagay na hindi nila masyadong nagagawa noon. Kaya naman, araw-araw, makakakita ka ng posts sa kanilang social media accounts tungkol sa mga bagay na kanilang kinawiwilihan. Karamihan ng myday at stories ay librong binasa nila sa kasagsagan ng pandemya.

Sa wakas ay nabuklat na rin ang matagal nang nakabinbin na babasahin. Dumami rin ang mga ate at kuya mong vloggers. Pagbidyo sa sarili at pagpost ng mga ito sa kanilang channels ang nagbigay aliw sa kanila sa panahong ito. Samantalang ang iba, gumawa ng mga Facebook pages upang doon i-post ang kanilang mga tula at iba pang literary pieces. Pati rin ang mga magagaling magpinta, sumayaw at kamanta ay todo share rin ng kanilang obra ngayong quarantine.

Totoong kung iisipin, maraming magagandang bagay ang nabuo sa loob ng quarantine. Natuto ang mga taong pangalagaan ang kanilang sarili. Natutuhan ding pumirmi na lamang sa bahay kung wala namang mahalagang gagawin. Marami ring nagkaroon ng oras upang tingnan ang totoong kalagayan ng bansa. Maraming nakisangkot. Maraming naging mulat.

Ngunit, future generation, hindi ko kayo gustong bulagin sa mga nakakatuwa at nakakahalinang bagay na ito. Hindi natatapos sa mga nakasulat sa itaas ang tunay na bagong normal na dinaranas ng maraming Pilipino.

Nais kong nalaman mong isang pasakit sa mga ordinaryong

mamamayan ang pag-usbong ng mga bagong normal. Ang nangyaring online selling, ay para lamang sa mga taong may kakayahang makipagsabayan sa takbo ng lumalagong mundo ng social media, at iyong mga hindi, siguradong kalam ng sikmura ang kapalit. Hindi rin lahat ng sumubok sa ganitong pagkakakitaan ay naging matagumpay, kapag hindi naging patok, ititigil din. Ang mangyayari sa kanila pagkatapos? Hindi ko rin alam. Ang mga work from home set-up, ay malaking ginhawa para sa mga taong halos makipagbakbakan sa kung saan tuwing oras ng trabaho. Pero kung iisipin, sino ba’ng naka-work from home set-up? Hindi ba’t sila ring mga de-opisina?

Ang mundong tunay na tumigil ay mundo ng mga simpleng trabahador. ‘Yung mga itinuturing na isang kahig, isang tuka. Ang mga nasa laylayan. Bagama’t gumagawa ng paraan upang maisalba sila, hindi ito sapat.

Sa oras na dumating sa inyo ang sulat na ito, future generation, sana kahit papaano ay nakahihinga na nang maluwag ang aking mga kapwahousemates. Sana’y hindi na kami housemates na lamang maituturing.

Sapagkat sa oras na isinusulat ko ito, wala pang lunas na natutuklasan para mapuksa itong napaka-mapaminsalang pandemya.

Kumusta ang Pilipinas sa panahon mo, bata?

Naisakatuparan ba ng matiwasay ang pagsulong ng online classes?

Nanatili bang limitado ang bilang ng estudyante sa bawat silid? Ang mga pampasaherong sasakyan, maging ang malls, at iba pang matataong lugar ay nanatili bang hindi siksikan? Ang facemask at alcohol, parte na ba ng hygiene? Naisalin ba ang mga bagong normal mula sa panahon ng pandemya hanggang sa pahanon mo?

Sikapin mong magkaroon ng bag, bata. Kwentuhan mo rin ang mga susunod pang henerasyon mula sa’yo.

Nagmamahal, May Bag na Batang Gen Z (sana)

quarantimes

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ILLUSTRATION BY FAITH CACNIO

National Mental Health Crisis Hotline: • 0917-899-8727 • 989-8727

ENDEAVORS FOR THE MIND S

Patricia Gabrielle MARQUEZ

ocial awareness is the ability to have acute awareness of one’s environment and take into account appropriate reactions while having empathy for other people. This is an integral part of community development that is needed, most especially at present. However, being updated on social issues can affect one’s mental health negatively, so it is important to also practice mental self-care while doing so.

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has taken the world by storm, stopping everyday routines of work and school due to lockdowns imposed, and finding everyone in varying states of confusion and worry.

Unfortunately, the pandemic isn’t the only problem we currently face, as every month there seems to be a new social issue that is continuously occurring, whether it’s inside or outside our country.

From confusing lockdown guidelines to #BlackLivesMatter, social issues have continued to pile up even while facing a global pandemic, with various social media platforms having shared countless sources of news updates. However, as much as we want to be updated on current issues, we can get overwhelmed, and this can affect our mental health negatively. The World Health Organization (WHO) gives importance to taking care of our mental health while adjusting to the new normal, which can be difficult for everyone, especially to those who have mental health illnesses. To take care of our mental health is something only we can do for ourselves, so what can we do to be updated on social issues while also giving importance to our mental health?

Detoxing from social media could be a good first step. Most news and information about the current

34

happenings in the world are being spread online, and adding various unrealistic lifestyle expectations could make things worse. Sudden and constant updates of news reports about the pandemic can cause anyone to feel anxious, so it would be better to only seek information from reliable sources at specific times during the day, once or twice. Stay away from unhealthy posts of people and fake news; if must, unfollow them or lessen social media usage. In looking for news updates, be sure to always check the source (hyperlink, author and date), read beyond the headline, and be wary of sources cited within the report. Also, note that satirical posts do exist. Most importantly, check for personal confirmation bias, which dictates whether personal beliefs or values have an effect on the interpretation of information given.

Doing a hobby could also help since it gives a semblance of order and routine that can get you grounded, as it can be exhausting to continuously absorb news from social media. Instead, you can redirect your attention into a more creative outlet that could help you achieve a healthier mindset. Some people have resorted to being a plantita, as taking care of plants can help reduce psychological and physiological stress according to Lee et al. (2015). From full meal recipes to practical alternatives, baking and/or cooking can be a meditative process that takes the mind away from everything else except the dish you’re making. Books, a tried and tested way of taking your mind off reality, have also been made available online by many websites like Audible and Scribd; the arts and cultural community also giving access to musicals, operas, and even museum exhibits

with Google Arts & Culture providing free virtual tour to museums and famous landmarks. The same can be done with online courses to sharpen skills, learn a new hobby or have more knowledge about a topic that interests you: Coursera and edX are a few sites or apps to try for this. Studies also state that exercising can also help in reducing anxiety and depression, have sharper memory and thinking, and give an enormous sense of wellbeing—something made easy to achieve with numerous tutorials and classes made available online. With the power of the internet (and mindful usage) you can find what suits you best!

At times when we feel stressed, human connection and support can help us be more at ease. We are social animals that crave to be with people who share common values and beliefs with us—a reason why we love social networks so much. Keep in touch, check in with your family and close friends, and try to only share truthful news to them. Offering help and connectivity gives advantage to both parties, and the bayanihan spirit can support the community to face the coronavirus disease better.

The pandemic has us on edge for a “can this get any worse?” mindset that we lose focus on what we could be doing productively for a more positive way of living.

It is okay to be fearful of what is happening, and it is actually important to acknowledge these feelings. With everything happening in our society, although it is crucial to be conscious of social issues, it is also alright to pause and take a break when everything becomes too much. Instead of anticipating something bad, wouldn’t it be better to direct your intent into a positive active contribution—starting with yourself?

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

5

quarantimes

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Phoebe Stacey ALMARIO

FILIPINO FILMS

Q

THAT CONQUERED

1

uarantine season seems a bit far from being over.

Aside from discovering one's self, exploring new skills or starting out a workout routine, sometimes we just want to literally sit back and relax. During these much needed "lazy days," we have Netflix Philippines as company. Here is a list of five Filipino films that took a spot in the country's trending list:

2

Through Night And Day

Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap

Two years after its original release, it ranked first on the list for more than a week. This romantic film, starring Alessandra de Rossi (Jen) and Paolo Contis (Ben), features a 13-year couple questioning the stability of their relationship during a dream vacation in Iceland. (Get your tissues ready for this one!)

Aspiring to be big time thieves, a group of friends plan the heist of their lifetimes without expecting the sudden twist of events.

Originally released in 2018, this comedy film will make you love Filipino cinema more.

3

4

Pamilya Ordinaryo An award-winning film directed by Eduardo Roy Jr. depicts how a teenage couple, living as pickpockets in Manila, initiate desperate measures to find their kidnapped child. As unconventional and unfiltered it may seem, the film also portrays how the urban poor families are taken advantage of.

5

On Vodka, Beers, And Regrets With just a few months later its first release, this film starring Bela Padilla (Jane) and JC Santos (Francis) emphasizes how we are the ones responsible for fixing ourselves, regardless of how much our significant other tries to offer help. (We will leave the rest of the story to your watching.)

Untrue This mind-boggling and psychological film succeeded to become a trend. It can be perceived as a typical love story, but it isn’t. Not only does it paint how the past may ruin the present, it also shows how creative Filipino cinema may be.

These films are just the tip of the iceberg. As of writing this, more Filipino films are lined up for release these upcoming months. As Netflix makes its way to our daily lives, it also recognizes the excellence of Filipino minds behind these masterpieces.

35

quarantimes

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

THREATS THREATS THREATS of the pandemic to IPs In a faraway land:

Anne Nicole CARIG

T

he world was once filled with music and laughter until there was a sudden shift into absence of sounds, if not screams of horror, voices of spontaneous dread or the siren of ambulances chiming forth. At the height of a pandemic, a health crisis and its repercussions had taken its toll to almost the entire world.

Filipino people in the metro have first-hand experienced its adverse effects, extending to the remote regions of the country— in a faraway land.

As the Philippines currently faces a moment of crisis at a time of pandemic, this does not only threaten those in the metropolitan areas but also poses even greater risks to the Filipino indigenous people whose major population resides in remote regions. According to the United Nations, the socio-economic marginalization makes the indigenous peoples all the more vulnerable to pandemics. Vast majority of the IPs live in multigenerational homes which exposes them, especially the elderly, to greater possibility of rapid and widespread infection. Likewise, they have limited, if not zero, access to information in their native language which makes it difficult to disseminate all the necessary news and public announcements regarding the current situation. While the wide physical proximity

ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA CASANDRA MARIÑO

that stretches between the urban region and the outlying places where most IPs live play a vital role in this occurring challenge, it would not have been this severe if there had been strategic efforts for inclusivity.

Even prior to the pandemic, most IPs have long been enduring pre-existing poor health conditions, such as diabetes, malnutrition and hypertension, owing to the fact that they are deprived of adequate access to health services and medical solutions and interventions. Not only have they been tagged disadvantaged but also alarmingly discriminated when it comes to provision of medical care. A research conducted on 2019 has identified three discrimination subthemes that indigenous patients have encountered in southern Ontario: unwelcoming environment, stereotyping and stigma, and practice informed by racism. This created a resilient social imbalance and exclusivity which further caused the disclination of some IPs to avail health services that should have been for all.

Indigenous tribes in the Philippines have lived through generations while preserving their diverse practices and cultural integrity. Based on the 2015 population consensus, the number of IPs in the

Philippines is approximately 10-20% of the national population of almost 101, 000, 000. The ethnic groups from the north are collectively referred to as Igorots while it is in the southern area where Lumads thrive.

Other major existing cultural tribes in the country are Badjaos, Ati and Tumandok, Mangyan, Palawan tribes, and Aetas. Living in isolation, for the most part on the top of the secluded mountains, is the reason why these ethnic groups have continued to survive throughout the history up to the present timeline even after three periods of colonization.

In 1997, a law safeguarding, respecting and recognizing all the rights of indigenous cultural communities in the Philippines had been enacted. This is recognized in the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 or Republic Act No. 8371. Despite the law being in full-effect, there are still challenges to its effective implementation. The natural forests are gradually being transformed into mining concessions and alleged development projects.

These activities on their cultural and territorial lands may induce potential risks not only to the IP communities’ health and security but also to their primary means of living which relies on agriculture.

In the light of a pandemic, not only these ethnic groups’ cultural identity is in peril but also their livelihood and most importantly, safety. When an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented in hopes of preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), some Filipinos have suffered from work displacement, lack of means to live, and worse, hunger due to the late and insufficient distribution of relief and financial aid. Most IPs depend on agriculture and with the quarantine measures swiftly being dispersed even to rural areas, it is not unbeknown to us that they are also affected, considerably even. At a time like this, an urgent response to the needs of our IPs such as medical aid and relief including their basic necessities must be the utmost priority of the national and local government.

Physical distance must be the only border that divide us from our own indigenous people and not the disproportionate purveyance of rights, access to services and resources, respect and inclusivity. We could have eradicated the discrimination that over the long haul ensued if we truly liberate ourselves from the old distorted stigma and stereotypes. At a time of pandemic, most especially, it is best to remember that there’s more than to the indigenous peoples’ cultural brands and images, there are lives that complete the communities, and for them to continue thriving, they must be prioritized.

36

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

quarantimes

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

Rekwerdo

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

quarantimes N BY ATIO O STR CACNI U L IL H FAIT

Elecyl CABALQUINTO Florianne Khaye GONZALES

D

os mil treinta Isang matining na tunog mula sa despertador ang humila sa aking diwa mula sa pagkakahimbing. Kaunting unat at agad kong ginawa ang mga ritwal na sa siyang nagpasisimula sa aking araw. Hindi ko nakagawiang mag-agahan dahil tila ba umiikot ang aking sikmura kung agad na malalagyan ng laman hindi pa man din tuluyang nagsisimula ang maghapon. Sa pagkakataong ito, walang pinagkaiba.

Walang pagdadalawang-isip kong kinuha ang tasa upang isalin ang kape na tanging kailangan ng aking katawan bilang pampaningas. Isang paglanghap sa aroma’t isang higop ng pagtikim, agad na may naalala – ang inumin na ito ay walang pinagkaiba ngunit may alam akong pamamaraan kung paano ito gawing higit na espesyal. Gamit ang whisk, aking isinibad ang gatas at nang makuha na ang tamang timpla, inilagay ito sa ibabaw ng kape na kanina ay sinisimsim. Bahagyang natigilan nang maalala na maraming taon na rin ang lumipas nang huli ko itong nagawa. Ito ang naging bulong ko sa’king sarili: “Dalgona...”

Sa byahe papasok ng opisina, samu’t-saring tao sa kalsada ang aking nakasalamuha.

Gaya nang nakagawian, ang mabigat na daloy ng trapiko ang kahaharapin gayun na rin ang hirap sa paghahanap ng masasakyan. Tila buwis-buhay pa rin ang pinagdaraanan ng mga tao makarating lamang sa paroonan. Anong bago? Ang tila piltrong nakaharang sa mukha ng mga ito. Tatlong wisik din ng alkohol sa sariling palad ang iginawad ng ale sa aking kaliwang dako. Maraming taon na ang lumipas ngunit mukhang tama sila nang sabihin na ito ang bagong normal. Halos lahat ay higit na naging malinis sa pangagatawan.

Agad akong napalingon sa sigaw na narinig ko mula sa labas ng dyip na kinasasakyan.

Nang aking lingunin, ito’y nagmumula pala mua sa isang grupong nagtipon at nag-aaklas sa labas ng isang gusali. Hawak ang placard, nakita ko kung paano nila isigaw ang mga karapatan na tila ba nyuyurakan. “Hay, may mañanita na naman pala diyan?,” ani ng babae sa harapan ko. “Matagal din kasing halos kulang daw ang pasahod,” sagot naman naman ng isa pa sa tabi nito. Tama nga ako. Isa nga itong pag-aaklas. Isang mañanita.

Ilang taon na ang lumipas, ngunit tila kapareho pa rin ng sa dati ang dinaranas ng mga manggagawang Pilipino.

Nang makaupo sa sariling luklukan, agad kong sinimulan ang mga gawaing nakaatas sa akin para sa naturang araw. Hindi nagtagal nang tumunog ang telepono ng isang katrabaho. Hindi ko naitago ang bahagyang pagtawa nang marinig iyon dahil sumagi sa isipan ang paraan kung paano ko noon sinabayan ang indayog ng tugtog nito. Sa pagnanais na makawala sa pagkabagot na dala ng ilang buwan na pananatili sa bahay, ilang bidyo rin sa Tiktok ang aking pansamantalang pinagkaabalahan. At sa tuwing naririnig ko ito at ang mga kagayang kanta, walang ibang naglalaro sa aking isipan kung hindi ang naranasang home quarantine sa kasagsagan ng pandemya.

Sa pagtakbo ng araw ay nadaanan ko ang isang karinderya. Katakam-takam na ginisang sardinas na aking nadatnan. Habang kumakain kasabay ng mga katrabaho, hindi mawaglit sa aking isipan ang mga pagkaing pinagtyagaan ng masa noong mga naturang panahon. Karamihan, sa mga delata lamang umasa upang mairaos ang kanilang pang araw-araw. Paanong hindi kung tiyak ang pagdaan sa butas ng karayom upang makahanap ng mapagkakakitaan noong nasabing panahon? Bagamat hindi maganda sa kalusugan, wala naman nang iba pang mapamimilian.

Ilang minuto bago bumalik sa trabaho, aking pinasadahan ng tingin ang telepono.

Isang post mula sa matagal nang kaibigan ang pumukaw ng aking pansin. Isa itong larawan ng sikat na artista na kanyang iginuhit. Muling gumuhit sa aking alaala ang naturang paraan upang makahanap ng pagkakakitaan noong panahon ng quarantine.

Maraming tao ang humiling na gamitin ang kanilang talento upang isabuhay anuman ang nais ipaguhit ng mga ito.

Nakatutuwa lang balikan na karamihan din sa mga ito ay ginawa ang nasabing paraan upang makalikom ng pondo para sa mga naisagawang donasyon na layong tulungan ang mga nangangailangan sa gitna ng krisis. Hindi lamang ito ang naging plataporma bagkus ang ilan ding mga musikero, mananayaw, o maging mga komedyante ay nagsagawa ng palabas sa birtwal na pamamaraan. Maging ang nasa industriya ng showbiz ay ganito ang ginawa upang maipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng aliw sa madla. Dito napatunayan na kung gusto, tunay na maraming paraan.

Matapos tanawin ang pag-aagaw ng liwanag at dilim mula sa bintana, napagpasyahan kong buksan ang telebisyon upang malibang. Ang nais ko lang ay ipahinga kapwa ang utak at katawan matapos ang isang nakapapagod na araw sa trabaho. Isang pelikula ang nakita na agad nanamang nagpaalala ng mga gawing naisabuhay sa panahon ng pananatili sa tahanan noon. Ang bidang lalaking ay nakabihis ng isang pansundalong damit samantalang ang babae ay may kasuotang nagsusumigaw ng pagiging propesyunal nito. “Parang si Capt. Ri at Se-ri”. Wala sa sariling naibulalas ko ang mga naturang salita.

Ilang sandali pa at natapos na rin akong maghapunan at ngayon ay naghahanda na upang matulog. Isang musika mula sa radyo ang aking narinig habang nagsisipilyo.

“Magkahawak ang ating kamay at walang kamalay-malay.” Napasabay pa ako sa kanta ng aking paboritong banda. Gayunpaman sa halip na ang mga musikerong tumutugtog ang maisip, ang mga bida sa isang pagtatanghal na sina Joy, Anthony, Hector, at Emman ang naalala. Isama pa rito ang masalimuot nilang karanasan na bumuo sa kwento ng isang dula-dulaan na ipinalabas sa Youtube habang ang lahat ay abala sa pananatili sa kanilang mga tahanan. Wala nga yatang makalilimot sa kakaibang karanasan na ito sapagkat ang nasabing industriya ay hindi naman madalas na mabigyan ng pagpapahalaga at nararapat na pagkilala rito sa ating bansa.

Tuluyan ko nang inilapat ang aking likod sa malambot na kutson alinsunod sa pagaayos ng mga unan at kumot sa pagnanais na makatamasa ng isang kumportableng pamamahinga. Naging mahaba ang aking araw at napuno ito ng mga alaala na bagamat ilang buwan ko lamang naranasan, alam kong habambuhay na tatatak sa aking isipan.

Isang pikit at bigla muling may naalala. Akala ko tapos na ngunit heto at may pahabol.

Dahil sa pagdilim ng aking paligid ay s’ya ring alaala ng isang madilim na bayan. Isang bayan kung saan ang mga mamamayan ay napupuno ng pangamba para sa sariling mga buhay hindi lamang dahil sa banta na dala ng pandemya bagkus maging ang mga isyung panlipunan na higit pang lumala. Ang pag-atake sa mga karapatang pantao, lalong higit sa malayang pamamahayag ay tila bangungot na pilit kong iwinawaglit sa isip sa takot na muli itong maransan. Sa takot na muling masadlak sa kaguluhan ang bayang sinilangan.

Isang sigaw ang aking pinakawalan at pasasalamat dahil nakayanan kong dumilat.

Muling nagising ang aking diwa at nakakita na ng liwanag. Ngunit isang tanong sa aking isipan ang namutawi: Totoo bang liwanag ang aking nasisilayan?

Sa patuloy na pagbabalik-tanaw, aking natanto na maaaring mayroong iilang magagandang memorya ang iniwan ng pandemya. Ngunit kung iisiping mabuti, isang masalimuot na alaala ang itinanim nito sa puso at isipan ng bawat Pilipino. Isang sugat na nakuha nating lahat mula sa madilim na nakaraan. Isang sugat na tiyak mahihirapan sa paghilom. Isang sugat na nagpamulat sa ating lahat.

Taong dalawáng libó’t tatlóng pû.

Maraming taon na ang nagdaan mula nang mabalot ng pandemya ang Pilipinas dulot ng COVID-19. Dahil dito, napilitan ang mga mamamayang manatili sa sariling mga tahanan. Ang mga naunang nabanggit ay ilan lamang sa mga bagay na nakapagpapaalala ng naturang panahon sa mga taong nakaranas nito. Taon-taon man ang lumipas, wala pa ring kasiguraduhan kung tunay ngang liwanag ang ating nasisilayan gaya ng walang kasiguraduhan kung tuluyan na nga bang nakabangon ang bayan mula sa mga dating hindi kanai-nais na kaganapan na patuloy binabaharin maging ang kasalukuyan.

37

quarantimes

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ILLUSTRATION BY JUSTINE MOGOL

S O C I A L

DISTANCING Kent Marvin MOJICA

S

a panahon ngayon kung saan lahat ay umiikot na sa mundo ng digital media – mapa-negosyo, paaralan, entertainment, at ang mga dominanteng plataporma sa social media, hindi lahat ay nakatatanggap ng pribilehiyo na gumamit at magkaroon ng gadgets at matutunan kung paano gamitin ang mga ito.

Sa Sitio San Roque, isang liblib at tahimik na barangay sa Masbate, wala ka nang maririnig na mga batang naglalaro sa kalye, o kaya’y mga nag-uusap na tricyle drivers sa kanto, ni ultimo sigaw ng nagtitinda ng balot. Pagsapit pa lamang ng alas-singko ng hapon, lahat ay pumapasok na sa kanilang mga tahanan upang gawin ang kani-kanilang pinagkakaabalahan. Ang tanging makikita mo na lamang ay ilaw mula sa selpon o laptop, habang kausap ang kanilang mga guro’t kamag-aral, o kaya maririnig ang “Binibining Marikit” habang may sumasayaw na alintanaw sa kanilang bintana. Mayroon ding paulit-ulit na maririnig na katagang “welcome to mobile legends”, habang naaamoy ang katakam-takam

38

na sinigang, bulalo, kare-kare, at inihaw ng tilapia sa bawat tahanang madadaanan. Mapa-bata o matanda, lahat ay pamilyar na sa mga eksenang ito.

Ngunit sa ‘di kalayuang barangay, kabaligtarang mundo ang iyong masasaksihan. Nagsimula nang umikot sa buong barangay si Mang Kanor upang magbenta ng balot. Kahit madilim na’y walang sawang naghahabulan ang mga bata sa kalye’t mula sa distansya, maririnig ang mga kwentuhan at halakhak ng mga kalalakihang nag-iinom sa harapan ng tindahan ni Aling Lydia - maingay, madilim, at amoy bagoong, daing, at ginisang kamatis ang makikitid na daan.

Sa ibang dako ng kalye, makikita sa mga kabataan ang kaba at pagmamadali habang naghahanap ng signal sa kalsada. Matatanaw rin ang mariing pagtitiyaga habang nakaluklok sa bubungan, naghihintay na maipasa ang kani-kaniyang takda sa guro upang hindi mapabayaan ang pinagsumikapang marka sa hapit ng kagipitan. Ang iba nga’y naka-free data lamang at

humihingi na ng tulong sa kanilang kamag-aral para lang makapagpasa.

Hindi natin namamalayan na ang paggamit ng nakararami sa mga pinakatanyag na mga programa online tulad ng Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, o Twitter bilang pampalipas oras o ang kanilang paglalaro ng online games, panonood ng pelikula at sa pagsali sa webinars, may mga taong walang ibang mapagpipilian kundi mabayad sa piso net o gastusin ang natitirang pondo ng pamilya at magpaload na lamang ng GOSURF50 kahit wala nang pang-ulam. Anuma’y susubukin, kahit ang maghagilap ng signal sa kung saan-saan kahit may kaakibat na kapahamakan upang maitawid lamang ang pag-aaral.

Sa pagsubok na kinakaharap ng mundo ngayon, mas umutlaw ang digital divide. Hindi lahat ay may kakayanang makisabay, makiuso, at magkaroon ng kinakailangang gadgets at kagamitan. Makikita mo na lang ang distansya ng bawat pangkat ng lipunan sa isa’t isa.

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

uspeaks

uspeaks

commentaries

Search U-Speaks

ABOUT THE COVER

• JUST NOW

As a student, what are your expectations on our University’s flexible learning system in the incoming academic year?

Like

Comment

Share

Sean Asiel Logica 3RD YEAR CED

Maybe the given time for submission for the requirements because not all students have the stable internet connection.

Like

Reply

Chii

3RD YEAR CN

I am expecting that not everything will be perfect since this is a very new approach in learning.

Like

Reply

Chesca Bunda 3RD YEAR CHASS

As a student from a state university, I expect our school to understand the situation of their students and respond to their needs in a way that students would still be able to maximize their capacity. I hope admins and professors would help us adjust in the new learning environment for us to participate actively in this new norm. No students left behind.

Like

ILLUSTRATION BY JUSTINE MOGOL

D

epicted in the UNMASKED’s cover illustration is one’s notion of what it means to be vulnerable and destitute of any sense of safety. To be unmasked, more than the mere exposition of our outward guise, means to be susceptible to the dangers of our times—be it in physical and mental health, economic recession, and even on speaking our views. To remove the mask is to be in the absence of one’s comfort and be with the mass, without hiding in some cover and protection brought by privilege.

The TV screen in colored nosignal prompt is symbolic to the attacks on press freedom, brought by the government’s inadvertence.

Wrapped in a semblance of concern over oligarchic figures, they instead deprived millions of Filipinos to accessible information and entertainment.

And in continuation to their hellish crusade, critics are incessantly silenced; further strengthening it with the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Devoid of vibrancy, darker hues of blue signifies the melancholia of isolation. Far from the symbolisms and the atmosphere that the colors primed to understanding is the message: “Now unmasked, what will be your role in voicing out the demands of the toiling mass?”

Reply

NotYetReadyForThisSchoolYear 3RD YEAR CHASS

I am expecting that they have found an alternative way for those who can’t always be. Is zoom call really necessary? How about those who can’t join the call, are they already considered absent? Is it their fault they don’t have good internet/ data connection?

Like

Reply

Hamsteruuu 3RD YEAR CS

I would really love to continue with the class but since we are in the cause of this pandemic, I would rather choose to extend time for preparation for online class. I bet even the professors and teachers are having a difficult time to cope with the technology they aren’t used to before pandemic. I would really appreciate it if the government will strategize even more on how different sectors including departments of education should prepare for a better academic year. #AcademicFreezeNow Like

Reply

Reena Hanael Reybuenan 2ND YEAR CAUP

It’s fair, accessible and considerate to all students.

Like

Reply

Kirk Andre Pangilinan 3RD YEAR CS

I expect fair, feasible and accessible education to us students.

Like

Reply

Paul

3RD YEAR CET

It’s actually hard to comprehend a lesson online, especially the ones that need a lot of solving (because we already tried it) so if the school year were to continue, I expect it to end up for us to self-study.

Like

Reply

Myc

3RD YEAR CED

I have high hopes that PLM will be able to conduct online classes in a satisfactory manner and that they will be able to provide assistance to students who cannot afford the resources needed in the upcoming school year.

Like

Reply

Clarence 2ND YEAR PLMBS

I expect no less from my university which I already hold in high regard. I do understand that they want to give each and every one of us a chance to participate in this academic year despite the pandemic, and I commend them for that. I see the efforts of the administration and the student councils to help the students. Though I have lowered my expectations due to the problems of online learning, I would still very much like them to overcome these challenges and pursue the quality education that our university is proud of, despite the obstacles.

Like

Reply

Batang Edukista 3RD YEAR CED

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Academic freeze. There are a lot of factors to consider din kasi if online class will be pursued. Not only the allocation of devices and mobile data, but also the expenses like electricity bills and such. If by modules, we cannot guarantee the full quality of education because we know that different students have their own ways of learning and it cannot be only done by modules and such.

Like

Reply

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLEY MAY HERNANDEZ

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Covid 19 Special Issue • Volume 40, Issue 4