The LaSallian June 2021 Issue

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Volume LVIII Number VI

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UNIVERSITY

VANGUARD

OPINION

MENAGERIE

SPORTS

Making sense of the USG’s money

Unraveling millennia of human migration to the Philippines

Learning on trial

The fight for intersex inclusion

The rise of celebrity boxing

Dispelling the stigma and misinformation around intersex people is the first step toward a more nuanced understanding and recognition.

Celebritites have stepped up to the ring in hopes of winning back the hearts of fans.

For months, various USG units had their accounts frozen due to updates in DLSU’s systems, forcing many to reschedule their projects.

Ancient DNA data reveal new information about the roots of our civilization and culture.

The LaSallian As CHED suggests the "flexible learning" scheme, many question its implications on the future of education.

Illustration by Eliana Fabia An unprecedented blend of a pandemic, an ASF outbreak, and a barrage of storms sent farmers in a tailspin in the past year.

Easing the blows of RTL, pandemic to Filipino farmers The agricultural sector has managed to endure the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite lockdown measures severely impacting other sectors, by continuously supporting the country’s food security.

But the past year has been quite a challenge for the industry: changing quarantine protocols inhibited the mobility of goods in different areas, tropical cyclones devastated large swaths of farmland in the latter half of last year, and an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, which just recently President Rodrigo Duterte declared to be a nationwide state of calamity, have painted a grim picture for Philippine agriculture, whose output declined by 3.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021.

Meanwhile, two years after the signing of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), the policy continues to spark debate as farmers call for government support to mitigate its negative impacts on their earnings. But as the RTL shows promising benefits to the general public in the middle of the pandemic, mitigation strategies for rice producers have been put in place and protecting the livelihoods of farmers now boils down to proper strategy and implementation.

Worsened suffering Even before the pandemic, local farmers have long struggled with the low selling price of rice plants—about P6 to P15 per kilogram (kg)—compared to the P32 to P48 market price of regular-milled

NEWSBITS

and well-milled rice. Danilo Ramos, a rice farmer in Bulacan and the Chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), says that under the RTL, the price of rice plants dipped, while the market price of rice grains remained high, disadvantaging both farmers and consumers.

Despite the pandemic affecting local farmers, Engr. Agapito Pascual, an agricultural officer in the Municipality of Norzagaray, Bulacan explains that only their mobility under quarantine was hindered. “‘Yung production natin ng food which is the basic need natin, ay nagpatuloy,” he adds.

(The production of food, which is our basic need, continued.)

He also acknowledges how the government had provided help to farmers in their locality by distributing free seeds and fertilizer, doling out the Survival and Recovery Aid amounting to P15,000 per farmer, and providing farm machineries under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

But Ramos contends that the financial subsidy for rice farmers—about P5,000 each to 591,246 out of 2.7 million rice farmers in the country—is not enough. “‘Yung ayuda na natanggap ay puwede naming sabihin na mumo o katumbas ng patak ng ulan sa malawak na kabukiran o ambon sa disyerto,” he laments.

(The aid we received is measly or a raindrop in vast farmland or a drizzle in a desert.)

DLSU falls again in THE Asia University Rankings

DLSU found itself in the 401+ bracket in THE Asia University Rankings 2021, falling from its 301-350 position last year.

RTL as a long-term solution Geny Lapina, an assistant professor from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), asserts that while the transition brought about by RTL

will be painful for rice farmers, it would be better to continue the policy instead of reversing it. Besides lowering the price of rice, the RTL will also allow imports to temporarily support the country’s food supply chains given the inhibited mobility of goods under lockdown measures and the recent calamities that struck the agricultural sector.

Lapina maintains that rice farmers must get the support they need from the government to aid them throughout the transition. “Generally, it will always be difficult to balance between consumers and producers,” Lapina writes in an email to The LaSallian, adding that this is because lower prices are preferable to consumers while hurtful for producers. “We simply must support farmers. Other countries do so, and we should too.”

Dr. Imelda Molina, also an assistant professor from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in UPLB, believes that the RTL has been a “game changer” for the Philippine rice economy. As a member of a team of rice policy experts assigned to comment on the DA roadmaps, she argues that the policy is not exclusively pro-consumer; the support for farming machinery and training provided by the RCEF, programs introduced by the RTL, makes the law pro-farmer as well.

She points out that the lower rice prices have significantly helped poor families, who spend one-fifth of their income on rice, get through lockdown measures during the

House approves P401B Bayanihan 3 Bill

Vaccination of frontline workers begins in June

by Barbara Desiree Gutierrez & Tia Mozelle Medalla

Amplified calls The KMP continues to coordinate with the national government and with local government units (LGUs) to advance farmers’ calls. Products by provincial farmers are gathered and sold in urban areas, while relief operations are done through the collaborative effort of volunteers and LGUs. Farmer organizations in Norzagaray lend capital to farmers in the locality.

Production subsidy and cash aid are two points from the collated “Sampung puntong kahilingan” drafted by the KMP and other national organizations that echo the needs of farmers. Ramos suggests that the government prioritize the country’s food self-sufficiency by passing House Bill 477, or Rice Industry Development Act, which aims to enhance local rice production and give subsidies to local farmers.

Pascual, on the other hand, calls for the full implementation of RTL and a dry run of the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law which will help industrialize the country’s agricultural sector.

US lawmakers introduced last September 24 the Philippine Human Rights Act, which seeks to sever aid to Philippine military and police over human rights concerns.

The Philippines officially launched its vaccine rollout to essential workers through a “symbolic vaccination” last June 7.

pandemic. “We must give the RTL a chance, especially now that we have [already seen] the initial benefits in just two years,” she asserts. “So how much more if this stays on the horizon for more than six years?”

However, Molina acknowledges that while there is support from the government, a law is only as good as its implementation.

Beneficial to both sides To help the livelihood of farmers stay afloat, Molina suggests leveraging e-commerce as a way to market food products to help businesses prepare for future crises, as she argues that the COVID-19 pandemic will surely not be the last of its kind.

Meanwhile, Lapina notes that the DA’s budget, which is about 1.5 percent of the 2021 national budget of P4.5 trillion, should be increased. The country’s neighbors typically allocate at least three percent of their national budget to agriculture, with Vietnam spending the most at around six percent. Indonesia, meanwhile, has recently increased its agriculture allocation from three percent to about six percent amid the pandemic. “Sadly, agriculture support in the country has not been consistent and often only high when there is [a] crisis,” Lapina writes.

The agricultural budget is also highly rice-centric, he highlights. Allocating the budget to other high-value crops, such as cacao, coconut, and coffee, will provide rice farmers with more options for livelihood.

“Rice farming alone will not lift rice

FAST NUMBER 1.5 million - As of June 6, over 1.5 million Filipinos—just above one percent of the country’s population—have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

JUNE 11, 2021

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Section Editor: Frank Santiago

The USG faced a budget cut this year, pushing OTREAS to find new ways to fund their ongoing scholarship programs.

by Nelcze Zulueta

Making sense of the USG’s money The University Student Government’s (USG) operational fund for Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021 stood at P397,687 when it was approved in a Legislative Assembly session last March 30. The figure is 29 percent lower than what was handed out by the DLSU administration in the previous year, placing greater emphasis on how and where the amount will be spent.

So far, the Office of the Treasurer (OTREAS) has implemented multiple scholarship programs and the One Kit, One Student project, a fundraiser to provide school supplies for elementary students. Meanwhile, the rest of the USG has one term left to utilize their allotment that, until recently, had been out of reach for some units due to technical limitations resulting from DLSU’s ongoing digital transformation initiative.

Where the money goes The USG currently has two types of funds: operational and depository. The operational fund is an annual allocation that comes from the University. The USG, accredited student organizations, and other student groups are each given a portion of this amount, which is then budgeted by their respective treasurers.

On the other hand, the depository fund is cash collected by the units themselves, whether through donations, fundraising activities, sponsorships, or solicitations, that is kept with the Accounting Office. It is not possible to move money between the funds.

However, one major difference between the two is that operational funds need to be consumed within the year as any amount left unused will be returned

to the University; depository funds, meanwhile, can be accumulated for years.

“That is the main reason why we always tell the [USG] units to use up their operational funds first before they use their depository funds,” Executive Treasurer Noel Gatchalian says.

The operational fund, he explains, was split among the USG units based on their termly Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Measures (GOSM), which contains planned initiatives and their projected costs.

In OTREAS’ latest budget allocation, fixed allocations were distributed to the USG’s large-scale activities, such as the University Vision-Mission Week, and its commissions and departments. Batch governments were allocated specific percentages of the overall budget, with larger batches and the frosh batches given bigger cuts.

College governments were given an averaged amount based on their total student population and an equal division of their remaining appropriation, while the Executive Board (EB) based their split on proposed projects.

To prevent overspending, OTREAS constantly monitors the projects of all units by reviewing their pre-activity documents and project proposal forms, which should contain a breakdown of expenses, the source of funding, and even projected income, if any. Gatchalian clarifies that their office addresses these concerns ahead by turning down projects they think may go over the budget.

Funding USG programs OTREAS maintains several sources of funding for its financial aid initiatives,

by Michele Gelvoleo & Dustin Albert Sy

which includes the Achiever Scholar Program, the Lasallian Scholarship Program, the Student Allowance Program, and the Dean’s Lister Grant. Gatchalian reasons that since the operational fund is limited, depository funds needed to be created.

For years, the USG maintained two such accounts: the Centralized Student Allowance Fund or Achievers’ Scholarship Fund and the Student Government Allowance Fund.

“We also have the support of DLSU Parents of the University Students Organization and [DLSU] Science Foundation Incorporated,” Gatchalian adds, noting that the latter backs their Lasallian Scholarship Program.

The USG also plans to increase its depository funds by holding an internal fundraising activity handled by the Office of the Executive Secretary. Lanyards and t-shirts projected to cost P35,000 will be sold to members of the USG as memorabilia, the proceeds of which will go directly to scholarship programs.

Money out of reach But despite all these plans, some USG offices were unable to actually use their money. Gatchalian reveals that this problem stemmed from the DLSU administration’s Banner Initiative to Transform, Unify, Integrate, and Navigate (BITUIN), a part of which is institutionalizing a new centralized software database for financial processing.

When student groups would need funds for their projects, they fill out

IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO TRANSFER FUNDS BETWEEN THE OPERATIONAL AND DEPOSITORY FUNDS.

forms, such as a Payment Requisition Slip, and send it to the Accounting Office for processing. These include details on the purpose of the transaction as well as the corresponding account where the cost would be incurred.

However, the migration from the old financial system to BITUIN required changes to the account numbers. “You need new BITUIN account numbers, but there are new account numbers that have to be placed in the PRS and all,” Gatchalian clarifies. “The BITUIN committee [hadn’t] yet prepared the new account numbers for some of the colleges.” This led to a temporary freeze in transactions for some USG units.

“We really thought that BITUIN will be fully functioning by April...

We thought it was going to be fully functioning even by May,” he adds. It was only on June 9 that the other units were furnished a new account number, leaving them with only one term to consume their operational funds.

Before the announcement, OTREAS had taken preemptive measures for the affected college and batch units by having the officers reschedule their projects to another date. Gatchalian shares that the contingency plan would have taken place around the second week of June had the issue with BITUIN persisted.

Nevertheless, he stresses the urgency of resolving pending transactions within the USG, emphasizing that “collaboration is key” as he continues to work together with the Office of Student Leadership Involvement, Formation, and Empowerment on formulating contingency plans.

UNIVERSITY

Layout Editor: Alyssa Saludo

As the pandemic drags on, vaccines became a political tool

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Realpolitik does not stop in the middle of a pandemic. International affairs continue to influence local courses of action—the most evident at present being vaccine distribution. Launching into a global market for COVID-19 vaccines, the Philippines faces not just the challenge of vaccine supply inequity but also the need to keep an eye on the geopolitical implications of international deals.

As of May 30, over eight million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to the Philippines, while three million Filipinos have been vaccinated for the first dose and one million for the second dose. Former Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit estimated that the government inoculates approximately 350,000 to 500,000 Filipinos a day—with an aim to vaccinate 70 percent of the population for the rest of the year.

An exercise of soft power For most developing countries, vaccine accessibility is considered a privilege rather than a necessity. While different COVID-19 vaccines have been formulated by countries like Russia and China, the distribution of these jabs to developing countries has been viewed as a form of vaccine diplomacy, where relations between nations are fostered through guarantees of a steady vaccine supply.

Russia and China are in a better position to use these vaccines for diplomatic affairs as they are being produced by state-owned corporations, reasons Dr. Renato De Castro, holder of the Charles Lui Chi Keung Professional Chair in China Studies. By comparison, pharmaceutical companies in other Western countries are privately owned and are less concerned with state interests.

According to International Studies professor Dr. Dennis Trinidad, this form of state power gives vaccine-producing states leverage over more vaccinedependent countries.

States have two ways of exerting their power, he says. One is through “hard power”, which involves coercion such as military intervention. On the other hand, a state can also employ “soft power”, a more persuasive approach.

“Soft power provides an opportunity for countries to improve [their] image in the international community,” Trinidad explains.

Having been the epicenter of the pandemic and facing the brunt of criticism for failing to control the initial outbreak, China stands to benefit the most in the ensuing vaccine deployment by using it as a conciliatory tactic which in turn can help expand its influence over other countries.

This diplomatic game has been a great concern in geopolitical affairs as they strategize to distribute COVID-19 vaccine jabs globally to develop their diplomatic relations with other countries.

Last March, leaders from the United States (US), Australia, India, and Japan held a virtual meeting to discuss China’s vigorous vaccine diplomacy as they geared to produce over 500,000 vaccine doses in an effort to expand their political influence. China has developed over four different versions of COVID-19 vaccines, and most of these are produced and distributed “to promote their diplomatic game,” De Castro adds.

‘Receiving end’ In a bid to increase confidence in China-made vaccines, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed in a televised address last January 13 that Chinese vaccines are as good as those produced by American and European pharmaceuticals. This statement was met with public backlash, which was

further fueled when the administration moved to secure 25 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from Chinese firm Sinovac to be delivered in tranches. As of May 20, 5.5 million doses of Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine have already arrived in the Philippines.

Lawmakers also questioned the seeming preference of the government for vaccines developed by China. “There are other vaccines with a much higher efficacy at lower, if not more competitive, cost.

Why are we insisting that we buy Sinovac?”

Sen. Franklin Drilon questioned task force officials in a hearing last January 15.

Trinidad, however, points out that the administration’s relations with China may have little to do with the acquisition of Chinese vaccines. “Because our country is at the receiving end of the vaccine production, we do not have much of a choice to choose the vaccine we want,” he explains.

by Orville Apostol, Tia Mozelle Medalla, & Jemimah Tan

According to De Castro, the vaccine’s diplomatic opportunities are mostly being utilized in the context of the two great powers: the US and China. China, he maintains, continues to challenge the dominance of the West in the international stage. China’s success in improving its image through its vaccine distribution will provide the country with the soft power to pursue its national interests of being at par with Western influence, and the US will try to oppose this in claims of preventing China from becoming a hegemony.

The current race for vaccine distribution has allowed for the revival of

China’s 2017 proposal of a “Health Silk Road” where the country presents itself as an “alternative” to Western leadership in global health. “China will try to,” says De Castro, regarding China’s likelihood of success, “but of course, I don’t think the United States and the Western powers will take it lying down—they will also react.”

Last May 17, US President Joe Biden announced that he will send an additional 20 million doses of domestic-approved vaccines abroad, noting that the US has promised to donate more than any country. This move, he explained, aims for the country to lead the world with a demonstration of “innovation, ingenuity, and the fundamental decency of American people.” On the other hand, China argued

that, unlike the US, it will not use vaccine diplomacy to “lead the world.”

Considering this, Trinidad laments that amid the US-China rivalry, international politics are returning to a “zero-sum perspective,” which he argued would be dangerous. Similar to the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union, the former seems to label China as a “strategic competitor” whose gains will be at the expense of the West. He maintains that while China’s world health initiatives will be helpful to countries without their own vaccine production, it only becomes a concern if viewed from such a mentality.

“I hope that the Philippines would not be forced to choose between the US and China in the future,” Trinidad writes.

Illustration by Addie Holgado

“States will always utilize whatever instruments or tools of power [are] available in order to pursue their national interests.”

However, he also notes that exporting Sinovac and Sinopharm—two of the several COVID-19 vaccines being developed in China—to developing countries like the Philippines and Indonesia will allow China to promote their scientific and technological advancement. “To a certain extent, Chinese vaccines may create a better image for China, especially if they are proven to be effective against the disease,” he posits.

Another factor that affects vaccine confidence is transparency. “Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca—they’re very transparent regarding the tests,” De Castro states. “China, on the other hand, has not been so transparent.” Until recently, Sinovac had kept quiet about its clinical trial data, in particular the third phase of the trial. The shot, however, is more effective than it proved in the testing phase, making up for its earlier lack of data transparency.

Not a new Cold War “States will always utilize whatever instruments or tools of power [are] available in order to pursue their national interests (including commercial and diplomatic goals) in the international system,” Trinidad states.

Global superpowers are racing to supply developing countries with COVID-19 jabs in what has been described as vaccine diplomacy.

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EDITORIAL

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Learning on trial Students and educators have toiled under the online learning setup for more than a year now, and it is beginning to look as if authorities have completely turned their backs on going back to fully face-to-face classes. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently announced a “flexible learning” scheme, a policy which will allow Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to “mix-andmatch” teaching methods to suit the ongoing pandemic. The initiative hopes to combine digital and non-digital technology in learning, with CHED even claiming that this setup does not necessarily need an internet connection.

Critics slammed the move, especially since the commission believes that this scheme will “continue in school year 2021 and thereafter.” There are various factors that should be considered before implementing this policy in the years to come: how learning is evaluated, the capacity of teachers and students for flexible learning, and the digital divide in the country. However, with the flexible learning setup, the learning process has changed, thus deeming it would be vital to revisit how institutions evaluate their students.

The decision of CHED to resort to flexible learning calls to question their perception of the experience of the average Filipino student. problematic because it exacerbates the huge digital divide.

Although it is easy to say that this crisis provides an opportunity for innovation, the lack of structural mechanisms such as

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decent internet infrastructure exacerbate the inequalities within our educational system, exacerbating an already huge gap in accessibility.

It is no exaggeration to say that higher education molds the future of our country.

Though recent policies such as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act ensure free internet service in public

Space in this world ADIPISCING ELIT

T H I N K I N G

BY ALYSSA SALUDO

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor University Editor Menagerie Editor Vanguard Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Art & Graphics Editor Layout Editor Web Editor Training & Development Manager Externals Manager Training Manager Office Manager

Jan Emmanuel Alonzo Oliver Barrios Sabrina Joyce Go Frank Santiago Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan Jasper Buan Diego Vergel de Dios Lauren Sason Jihan Marie Ferrer Alyssa Saludo Rafael Gabriel Arceo Miguel Kou Ana Mapa Ian Kevin Castro Kim Balasabas

UNIVERSITY Helen Saudi (Asst. Ed), Warren Chua, Isabela Marie Roque, Deo Cruzada, Sabine Cariño, John Robert Lee, Jemimah Tan, Sophia De Jesus, Dustin Albert Sy VANGUARD Melissa Reyes (Asst. Ed), Eiji Sunagawa, Kenneth Tan MENAGERIE Marie Angeli Peña (Asst. Ed), Magz Chin, Catherine Estepa, Isabelle Yaun Santiago, Blair Clemente, Albert Bofill, Joaquin Luna, Lance Spencer Yu, Angelo Emmanuel Fernandez, Criscela Ysabelle Racelis, Iona Gibbs, Marypaul Jostol, Alexandra Simone Enriquez, Bea Cruz SPORTS Jeremiah Dizon (Asst. Ed), Miguel Robles, Rain Leoncio, Drew Beltran Acierto, Arvin Marion Abaniel, Nico Meer, Annika Cañiza, Joaquim Antonio Arquelada, Franz Aren Reyes, Gab Minamedez, Dayne Aduna ART & GRAPHICS Erika Ingalla (Asst. Ed), Addie Holgado, Ninna Manzano, Amanda Nunag, Blaise Calpito, Ruaina Moreno, Nicole Esquivel, Denika Layaoen, Yssa Surla, Casie Aviles, Kathleen Marasigan LAYOUT Maren Rose Marasigan, Jacob Dy, Sofia Eloisa Placino, Jill Aycardo WEB Paolo Panlaqui, Alex Adriano , Alexa Lagman, Daniel Mercado PHOTO Nala Chincuanco, Ashley Go, Shai Concepcion, Evan Olfato, Yvan Martinez, Enrique Manuel, John Amadora, Enricko Montoya, Earl Arel, Anton Trivino SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Andrea Punzalan, Arden Bacallan, Sofia Dimalanta, Shannon Matsuda, Yanna Zhang, Erinne Ong, Ramon Castañeda, Gershon De La Cruz, Westin Louie Perez, Alfonso Reyes, Nikki Lacuna, Kyra Choa, Enrico Sebastian Salazar, Eliza Santos, Anakin Loewes Garcia FACULTY ADVISER Yellowbelle Duaqui DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Franz Louise Santos STUDENT MEDIA COORDINATOR Jeanne Tan STUDENT MEDIA SECRETARY Ma. Manuela Agdeppa Student Media House, Fifth Floor Br. Connon Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004 5244611 loc. 701 info@thelasallian.com thelasallian.com All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the Editorial Board.

areas, this is still insufficient as a limited number of Filipinos are connected to the internet and people cannot go outside to connect to these public places because of health risks amid the pandemic.

According to a survey from the Social Weather Stations, at least 42 percent of students do not have any devices for flexible learning, while at least 32 percent do not have access to the internet. A bandaid solution solves nothing, perhaps only aggravating the present flaws.

While there may have been government investments in technology, training, and facilities, these are not enough to ensure that flexible learning would be effective for students. CHED must proactively reevaluate its policies and strategies through consultations with various stakeholders in the field of academics and education; a nonparticipatory relationship through a top-down approach will fall short of any resolution.

How we respond, therefore, to the needs of students and teachers should take into consideration what is needed and not what is merely convenient or easy. It is no exaggeration to say that higher education molds the future of our country. We must act, then, to ensure that the compromises we make and accept will provide a fair learning environment for all Filipinos.

For Filipinos, the month of June means two things; Independence Day for all and Pride Month for some. Our countrymen commemorate the month they are liberated from their colonizers and look back to the time when they achieved freedom. On the other hand, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates their freedom and love, showcasing what it means to be loud and proud. More importantly, this is also the time LGBTQ+ couples gets to revel in their love.

While most heterosexual couples can express their love in public, it is a different story for those in the LGBTQ+ community,who must face struggle, hardship, and difficulty even when just wanting to be together on the streets. Strangers are quick to bat an eye when they see two people of the same sex hold hands. When you’re the object of this discriminating gaze, you get conscious, worried, and scared at the same time.

You start to feel like you do not have any right to be yourself, as if your preferences are invalid and your beliefs are taboo. People throw at you quotations from a book written thousands of years ago to justify their claim that your kind of love is wrong—using teachings and traditions to “prove” that love among LGBTQ+ couples is non-existent. But when did loving someone become wrong?

Such prejudice is all around, yet there is no national law protecting the queer community from it. In a research done by Philippine Corporate SOGIE Diversity and Inclusiveness Index, not one of the 100 Filipino companies surveyed had any anti-discriminatory policy for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite its other

THE LACK OF PROTECTION EXPLAINS WHY THE LGBTQ+ HIDE IN CLOSETS, WEAR MASKS, AND LIVE LIVES THEY DO NOT WANT, PRETENDING TO BE PEOPLE THEY ARE NOT IN FEAR THAT COMING OUT MIGHT ENDANGER THEM.

finding, there is a dominant attitude of harassment and discrimination toward members of the LGBTQ+ in the country’s professional scene.

Knowing these ought to make one think if there is a safe space here in this country—where we can be our true selves and feel that we are not an outcast from society. Members of the community are afraid to show their true colors because of the harsh consequences that they would likely face. In fact, there are cases of violence and abuse beyond simple discrimination; there are cases as deplorable as murder.

The lack of protection explains why the LGBTQ+ hide in closets, wear masks, and live lives they do not want, pretending to be people they are not in fear that coming out might endanger them.

This is an issue that has been going on for decades, yet policymakers have continued to sit on it. Further inaction will only lead to more victims, more rights stepped on, and more unequal opportunities. While many Filipinos may be tolerant of the LGBTQ+ community, this sometimes comes with conditions: “Okay lang maging bading basta...”

(It is okay to be queer as long as...)

We do not want tolerance. We seek acceptance. We deserve nothing less than equal rights with everyone else, and with that, safe places and protection from heterosexist harm. Moreover, we want to celebrate love just like normal couples. We want to be able to hold hands on the streets without fear of judgments. We want to express ourselves free from all the societal norms hindering us to show who we are.

OPINION

Layout by Kyla Depante

5

Can’t you read?

ELEVENTH HOUR

BY FRANK SANTIAGO

It was over a year ago, right before COVID-19 took over headlines indefinitely, that the major news item was about reading comprehension—or lack thereof.

Let me jog your memory: in December 2019, people threw a fit when a 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) report found that among 79 countries surveyed, the Philippines placed dead last in reading comprehension among 15-year-old students. “Over 80 percent of students in the Philippines did not reach a minimum level of proficiency in reading,” the report read.

For some, the results seemed conflicting with what we’ve often been told about our country’s literacy. The Philippines boasts a literacy rate of 97.95 percent, according to a 2019 UNESCO report, besting more developed countries like Singapore.

Others, however, argue that the PISA report was not ideal because it was in English instead of in the local languages.

Yet, a few months back, the Philippines was found to still rank highly in the 2020 EF English Proficiency Index, placing second in Asia and 27th overall. While the country has been sliding down the global rankings

in past years—it fell seven spots from 2019—its position nevertheless shows that the country remains competitive in English proficiency.

Against this bleak digital landscape, however, there is still much we can do. Individually, we can be more prudent with our own online activity.

All this leads us to conclude that the problem is not necessarily in being able to read and write, but in understanding the text itself. Reading comprehension, after

all, requires one to process information from written material, drawing one’s own conclusions or inferring unclear details from context.

This gap has a lot of broad repercussions, more so when you consider how avid social media users Filipinos are.

In past years, international surveys by consultancy firms like We Are Social and Hootsuite have ranked the Philippines as the highest in terms of time spent online and on social media.

The current pandemic also compounds this dilemma: with limited physical interactions, social media is perhaps the only way that people can still reach out to friends and family, resulting in more time spent online. As people clock in more hours on sites like Facebook and Twitter, they are more exposed to its content, which in recent years has been rife with trolls and fake news. A person with limited reading comprehension would more likely take things at face value and believe the misinformation and disinformation in front of them, especially if what they are shown agrees with their pre-established beliefs and views.

But perhaps it’s not that surprising when you look at the social media activity of the people close to you. When was the last time your classmates excitedly forwarded a “suspension announcement” that did not come from a verifiable source?

Or perhaps your friends regurgitating articles—that were apparently published years ago—thinking they were breaking news? Or even your relatives sending you a Facebook post with poorly edited images and comically large text that they boldly claim was an astute political take?

These aren’t isolated incidents, and while it may seem silly at first that some of our acquaintances don’t immediately realize that what they’re posting or sharing might be flat out untrue, the fact that it happens so often becomes concerning.

Misinformation on COVID-19, supposed local remedies, and fear mongering over alleged vaccine side effects have made frequent rounds on social media these past months, alarming even public health experts of the “infodemic” that has taken hold in different parts of the world.

Meanwhile, politics remains a very heated topic—intensified even further

as the 2022 elections draw closer—with social media promoting echo chambers among supporters and critics of various government personalities. Within these circles, facts blur into opinion: it doesn’t matter if the claims are actually true, so long as it aligns with what they already believe is true.

Against this bleak digital landscape, however, there is still much we can do.

Individually, we can be more prudent with our own online activity. Factchecking and verifying information as they arrive to us is one way. Another is, of course, reading everything first before sharing, especially for news articles with strong headlines. Spreading fake news makes it thrive, and by not allowing it to go further, we prevent it from reaching others who might fall for it.

But the most difficult step is correcting others who do share and believe in fake news. While it may be awkward to call out your friends and family for being wrong, it is important to remain respectful when correcting each other so that they would be more open to alternate perspectives.

No matter what, we always have to read—and read carefully.

A garden and a lifeless rock

FRAMES OF REFERENCE

BY JASPER BUAN

For most of human history, Earth was the only world we had known to exist. From our ancestors’ eyes, they resided on an island amid a sea of countless stars, their mark on the world as delible as footsteps on a beach.

We know now, of course, that Earth is but one of eight planets in our solar system, and that these eight are but a blip amid the 4,300 exoplanets we’ve since discovered. Even then, these 4,300 are nothing compared to the billions of stars (many of which are home to planets) in the billions of galaxies contained in the observable universe.

Humanity has long dreamt of new lands and new worlds—it is in our nature to explore, to reach beyond the confines we find ourselves in.

The three missions we’ve sent to Mars in the past year—Hope, Perseverance, and Tianwen-1—are testaments to this. They have rekindled hope for a multi-planetary future, with Mars in the spotlight as Earth 2.0, subject to human colonization and exploitation.

At least, such is the narrative being peddled by various public figures, with none perhaps as outspoken as SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Musk has previously made clear that he sees the fate of humanity dichotomously: we either go extinct on Earth or flourish among the stars, unshackled by our origins.

Of course, he and many others are right to be concerned that there is a nonzero probability of an extinction-level event within our lifetimes.

With the recent collapse of the Arecibo telescope, our capability to spot near-Earth asteroids has been drastically diminished.

Climate change has forced us to face our indelible and wide-reaching impact on the planet and its biosphere. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our globalized society’s susceptibility to transmissible disease.

That we should be prepared is obvious, but Mars is not the only answer, and neither is it the most cost-effective or efficient one. That dream of inhabiting the

I BELIEVE THAT EXPANDING OUR HORIZONS AND DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGIES IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL OF US.

Red Planet might be glamorous, but we must realize that there is much work to be done on Earth as well.

To be clear, I am not saying that our efforts toward studying and inhabiting Mars are wasted. Quite the opposite. I believe that expanding our horizons and developing new technologies is for the benefit of all of us.

What I reject is this narrow-sighted framing of Mars as our only hope and refuge—a shining beacon on a hill that will guide us to a utopic world—and the realityignoring optimism that comes with it.

Mars is not a playground. Almost all of its water is trapped as ice in its poles. Its atmosphere is one percent that of Earth’s.

It has no magnetosphere to block solar radiation and its regolith contains toxic perchlorates. Not to mention that it is, on average, 900 times farther from the Earth than the Moon, meaning that any Martianto-be is in for a long trip both ways.

We must face the reality that current and near-future technology will

not be sufficient to transform Mars into Earth 2.0 (much to the chagrin of Elon Musk’s Twitter header). A self-sustaining Martian colony is in our far future if it were in our future, to begin with.

When thinking about Mars, I am often reminded of The Expanse, a sprawling space opera set in the 24th century where humanity has colonized the solar system. In The Expanse, the Earth is governed by the United Nations and Mars is an independent congressional republic.

In the show’s third episode, Earth’s ambassador to Mars tells UN Undersecretary Chrisjen Avasarala, “You know what I love most about Mars? They still dream. We gave up. They’re an entire culture dedicated to a common goal, working together as one to turn a lifeless rock into a garden. We had a garden and we paved it.”

We have a garden right now. Let’s make the choice to not pave it over.

JUNE 11, 2021

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Graphics by Justin To New genomic data provides a glimpse of our past— answering questions long posed by anthropologists.

Complex ancestry The study features the analysis of broad population-genomic data, covering 1,028 individuals from 115 indigenous groups. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), a type of genetic variation, were also identified among the tested individuals.

An SNP is a change in a single nucleotide—the basic building blocks of DNA—at a specific position of the genome.

These changes can be prompted by random

by Cielo Bagnes

mutations and can also be passed from one generation to the next.

Larena elaborates that the patterns and frequency of these changes can be used in investigating genetic variation within and between populations. In their study, massive amounts of data were acquired from observed patterns of genetic variation in both individuals and populations. The study then proceeded with a systematic analysis of the obtained data to make inferences about the demographic past.

These inferences may estimate a certain population’s structure, size, diversity, and even accounts of admixture or interbreeding between groups of people.

Prehistoric Filipinos At the end of the most recent ice age, newly-risen seas restricted the amount of inhabitable land, and some landmasses were even split into multiple islands.

Larena clarifies that there were at least five waves of modern human migration into the Philippines. The first two, the Southern and Northern Negritos, entered the archipelago around 40 to 50,000 years ago. They were discovered to be genetically related with Australian Aborigines and Papuans and were also regarded as the “First Filipinos”.

Succeeding the migration of the First Filipinos was that of Manobo-related and Sama-related groups. Ancestral Manobos and Samas emerged fifteen and twelve thousand years ago, respectively. Both entrances, Larena adds, occurred at a time when climatic events brought significant changes to Sundaland’s landscape.

Lastly, the Cordillerans were approximated to have arrived seven to ten thousand years ago. This event was also preceded by the separation of the group from the indigenous Taiwanese, such as the Amis, Atayal, and Paiwan. Similar to the third and fourth wave, the fifth wave simultaneously arose with climate-induced geographical changes but in the South China-Taiwan greater area.

Resistance and isolation The exact reasons why the Cordillerans had the least amount of genetic admixture are yet to be determined.

“We may never know for real, given that it is very difficult to formally test the various hypotheses,” Larena admits.

However, it can be surmised that this phenomenon is attributed to geographical isolation and cultural reasons.

This geographical isolation may stem from the Cordillerans’ preference to reside away from coastal areas. They, unlike other ethnic groups, lived across landlocked mountain ranges in the north of Luzon.

Cultural reasons, Larena adds, may involve linguistic and customary practices, which may hinder intermarriages between different ethnic groups.

Rise of rice One of the notable findings in the study is the role of Northeast Asian (nEA) ancestry in the development of rice agriculture. nEA ancestry, Larena defines, is “a genetic component which is found in high proportions among China’s northern Han and Far-East Russia’s Siberianrelated communities.” Archaeological proof conveys that the domestication of the cereal crop began around eight to ten thousand years ago along Northern China’s Yellow River.

In addition, the rice variant Oryza japonica was domesticated roughly eight thousand years ago along the Yangtze River.

Relating these with ancient DNA data, it has been discovered that inhabitants of Northern East Asia already possess high levels of nEA ancestry.

These data may also suggest that increased proportions of nEA ancestry are likely to be discovered among the East Asians who have initiated cereal domestication.

However, Larena acknowledges that strong archaeological support has yet to be established to prove this hypothesis.

In addition, the researchers posit that cereal agriculture was advanced by these populations with nEA ancestry who have migrated southward into coastal Southern China and into Taiwan. However, there is only a minimal nEA genetic signal among a number of Filipino coastal communities.

Similar to the former, its association with the spread of farming remains a speculation until further investigation.

Ultimately, there is still much to be discovered in the lives of early Filipinos and only time will tell the hidden stories embedded within their lost culture.

Section Editor: Jasper Buan

The hows of hand hygiene

by Bea Isabel Condes

UNRAVELING MILLENNIA OF HUMAN MIGRATION TO THE PHILIPPINES With its abundance of shorelines, the Philippine archipelago has long been theorized to have been traversed by early humans through land bridges or early seacraft such as the balanghai.

This theory, known as Wave Migration, was first proposed by American anthropologist H. Otley Beyer but was later discredited due to a lack of archaeological evidence. Soon after, modern theories such as the Out-ofSundaland and Out-of-Taiwan emerged to better investigate the prehistoric habitation of the Philippines, particularly by those of Austronesian descent.

With slightly inconsistent details, supporters of the Out-of-Sundaland claim that Austronesian peoples came from the now recessed Sundaland landmass, which encompassed modern Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Malay Peninsula. Meanwhile, Peter Bellwood, proponent of Out-of-Taiwan, argues that the first Austronesians left Taiwan and entered the Philippines at around 2200 BC. These peoples were discovered to have resided in northern Luzon, specifically in the islands of Batanes.

Of the two models, the Out-of-Taiwan model, however, is more widely recognized due to its further linguistic, archaeological, cultural, and genetic support. While both theories are currently deemed justifiable, a recent study from Uppsala University reveals findings that are inconsistent with either model.

The study also explores the minimal genetic legacy of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, the least admixture of the Cordilleran group, and the emergence of cereal agriculture in the Philippines.

Maximilian Larena, one of the authors of the study, entitled Multiple migrations to the Philippines during the last 50,000 years, explains the methods and findings of the paper.

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Every May fifth, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducts the Clean Your Hands campaign, calling for the observance of correct hand hygiene practices and better accessibility to relevant facilities and resources. In 2020 and 2021, the campaign was conducted in the context of a global health crisis, with a reiteration of approved techniques in hand sanitation practices. Guidelines were given on both hand-washing with soap and the use of alcohol-based hand rubs, with the conclusion: “Conducting hand hygiene at the right time, using the right technique, with either alcohol-based hand rubs or soap, water and disposable/clean towels is critical.”

Both soap and alcohol are sanitizers, but as their components differ, so do their mechanisms. How exactly do soap and alcohol work to remove pathogens, and how do alcohol-based sanitizers, such as gel and disinfectant wipes, compare?

A closer look Dr. Gil Penuliar from the Institute of Biology at the University of the Philippines explains that soap ingredients, when activated through hand-washing, “act as a surfactant and emulsifier that kill and remove most microorganisms by disorganizing and dissolving their membranes and washing germs off with water.”

Soap is composed of molecules that are highly attracted to water at one end and highly attracted to lipids—a major component of pathogens like viruses and bacteria—at the other end. Molecules that have this kind of structure are called surfactants. The end that binds to lipids kills pathogens by destroying their membranes, and the end that binds to water is what allows these pathogens to be washed away with water. This latter property, making two normally unmixable liquids washable using one another, is what it means to be an emulsifier, which is a type of surfactant.

Regarding alcohol and other alcoholbased products like sanitizing wipes and gels, Penuliar says that they kill germs by denaturing proteins critical for cell survival and by dissolving membrane lipids. Like soap, alcohol also reacts with membrane

by Enricko Montoya

Knowing how antiseptics best work can help us make more informed decisions during these times.

lipids to destroy pathogens, but it cannot act as an emulsifier, making the removal of the pathogens from the hands require physical, mechanical action—in other words, scrubbing.

From the above, it can be seen that both soap and alcohol are not effective on their own, requiring water or proper scrubbing technique. This is what Penuliar means when he says that the efficacy of sanitizing agents is affected by whether they are used properly or not. Under the assumption that these sanitizers are used properly, he ranks soap as most effective, followed by alcohol, hand wipes, then finally, hand sanitizing gels. Regarding alcohol and alcohol-based products such as wipes and gels, he explains that the closer the alcohol concentration is to 70 percent, the better.

Sanitizers in practice For someone who wishes to minimize the transmission of pathogens, Penuliar offers suggestions focusing on the frequency one washes their hands.

He adds, however, that in the absence of soap and water, alcohol-based sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of 70 percent are good alternatives. Penuliar also notes that UV light sanitizers are available for disinfecting inanimate objects and surfaces.

Penuliar says that there should be no major concerns on the regular long-term use of hand sanitizers, but warns that too much use may affect the condition of the skin. In addition, alcohol-based products used in excess may cause skin drying and irritation.

Certain ingredients in some sanitizers, like triclosan, can also enter waterways, harming aquatic life and causing bacteria to become resistant to antimicrobials.

Overall, both soap and alcohol are effective when used right. Soap needs water, and both need the proper hand scrubbing technique. The WHO reminds that this technique includes not just the palms and fingers, but also the back of the hand, between the fingers, under fingernails, and down to the wrist, with a scrub of 20 to 30 seconds for alcohol products and 40 to 60 seconds for soap and water. And while this seems difficult to remember, they are words to live by given the current global health crisis.

JUNE 11, 2021

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OUT OF THE SHADOWS

OF THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE

THROUGH THE SHADOW OF THE VALLEY

The fight for intersex inclusion

The power of community pantries

Navigating faith in a pandemic

Dispelling the stigma and misinformation around intersex people is the first step toward a more nuanced understanding and recognition.

Filipinos’ willingness to extend a helping hand knows no bounds—but for how much longer can our country sustain these community pantries?

The absence of communal gatherings has brought about a fundamental shift in how we view faith and religion.

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Section Editor: Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan

Looking into the promise of urban planning

Finding a home in animal shelters

Correcting inefficient public infrastructure starts with prioritizing the needs of the people.

Animal shelters provide a safe haven for those who have been overlooked and abandoned.

by Yvan Martinez

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

The fight for intersex inclusion

Intersexuality encompasses the complexities of identity and gender.

People often whisper in hushed tones the word “hermaphrodite” as an insult or a means to label something which they cannot fully comprehend. Now considered a pejorative slur, this misnomer has pervaded Philippine society, creating this barrier of ignorance that has stigmatized the intersex community.

Replacing the misnomer, “intersex” is a more inclusive and appropriate umbrella term that covers a wide range of biological variations. According to United Nations (UN) Free & Equal, “Intersex people are born with sex characteristics (including genitals, gonads, and chromosome patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.”

Despite being recognized as a legitimate third sex category by countless countries and even intergovernmental organizations such as the UN, much of the progress here in the country remain stunted by misinformation and lack of awareness. Intersex Philippines hopes to change this by leading the charge toward the recognition of intersex in laws and lives of all Filipino people—signaling a more hopeful and inclusive future.

by Albert Bofill, Marypaul Jostol, & Joaquin Luna

“UNDERSTAND YOURSELF FIRST. ACCEPT YOURSELF FIRST.”

Struggling to come out The misconceptions surrounding intersex people have instilled a fear of coming out in many, which Jeff Cagandahan, cofounder of Intersex Philippines, refers to as an “invisibility issue.” The intersex community is bigger than what the statistics reflect; such

FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE

Drinking the forbidden elixir tasted like freedom to me.

By Lizelle Villaflor

numbers only document those who publicly disclose this kind of information about themselves. They do not take into account the people who are coming to terms with being intersex or others who are unaware that they are intersex. Coupled with society’s limited knowledge of the matter, intersex individuals are afraid of the kind of treatment they will inevitably receive. “[Many] claim that intersex people are rare dahil dun sa invisibility issue.

[In truth], kaunti ang lumalabas dahil dun sa stigma at discrimination,” Jeff says.

(Many claim that intersex people are rare due to the invisibility issue. In truth, only a few come out due to existing stigma and discrimination.)

Intersex individuals in the Philippines are also repeatedly stigmatized and harassed.

Alym Escultura, also a co-founder of Intersex Philippines, remembers being misgendered and yelled at while being in a public restroom.

He also remarks how the treatment of intersex individuals in the Philippines can be cruel and invasive, which took a toll early on in his life. “I almost lost my scholarship because See Intersex, Page 3

His racing heartbeat against mine, I realize he’s as beautiful as the moon.

By Andy Jaluague

Fate’s blade mocks me, yet I shall pay no mind.

I found liberation in the ghost of your touch.

By Albert Bofill

By Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan

2

MENAGERIE

JUNE 11, 2021

Illustration by Addie Holgado Urban planning promises a more sustainable city life for all.

LOOKING INTO THE PROMISE OF URBAN PLANNING Filipinos are no strangers to the sight of congested streets filled with sprawling lines of bumper-to-bumper traffic. The unforgiving sight of long, busy queues at transport terminals, with trains and buses filled to the brim with disgruntled commuters no longer faze the most seasoned commuters—in fact, it would be stranger for cities to be devoid of these eyesores.

by Catherine Estepa, Matthew Gan, & Marie Angeli Peña

This, coupled with poorly-located infrastructures and the lack of green spaces in highly urbanized settings would make even the most optimistic citizen wonder if this nationwide malady is still salvageable.

The answer? Absolutely. It may seem questionable to the everyday resident commuter—especially one familiar with the woes of Philippine public transportation—but the field of urban planning holds significant promise for turning this frustrating circumstance around.

At the heart of mobility “Good urban planning is something that is people-centric—kasi, at the end of the day, [we always plan] for the people,” articulates Julius Dalay, a licensed urban planner working at the helm of one of the largest online commuter communities in the country, Commuters of the Philippines.

Although the field is commonly associated with the transportation issues that plague our country, Dalay is quick to remind that urban planning encapsulates more than that. “[It’s] basically having that synergy between the interaction of people, surroundings, and infrastructure and making them work cohesively as one,” he expresses earnestly. He adds that urban planning without keeping the people and other mentioned tenets in mind defeats its purpose, which—among many— is to revitalize and improve cities and infrastructures for the convenience of the general public.

Robert Anthony Siy II, a city and regional planner who is now a full-time policy advocate for the civil society organization Move as One Coalition, echoes the sentiment: “There are social and economic interactions in a city that are very important [...] the [technical] solutions are out there, but the most difficult challenges are social and political.” In the same vein, Siy affirms that the concept of urban planning is not a cookie-cutter field but a multi-disciplinary one.

Urban planning, as a sphere of public development, strives toward equitable progress that does not leave anyone behind; to do so, Siy reiterates that it must center around building a flourishing and inclusive community. “We need, as much as possible, for those steps [forward] to be a win-win [situation] for different groups,” he declares.

Realigning priorities Much of the issues that surround urban planning in the country can be attributed to the misplacement of priorities within government agencies. Siy cites the average road travel speed and road widening project completion rate performance indicators of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways as examples as he believes that the focus on road widening and creating more expressways only adds to the existing road congestion. In line with this, Siy also believes that there is a strong need to reform the Philippine civil service. “We need good minds and the best minds that can help review what’s existing [and] shape things in a way that will make them more relevant to our situation today.”

Urban planning, as a sphere of public development, strives toward equitable progress that does not leave anyone behind.

Dalay believes that if the government will properly incentivize the creation of green spaces and people-centric infrastructure, it will create a domino effect where both the public and private sector are encouraged to develop such projects.

“We need to show [the government] that making [infrastructure] more accessible creates more jobs, more revenues, ergo, more money to spend for more infrastructure,” he explains.

A metropolis for all The kind of progress being sought by the public is not as inconceivable as many seem to believe. Urban planners like Dalay and Siy have seen the stillexisting potential in city centers where active mobility, accessibility, and green spaces can be introduced without having to sacrifice the pursuit for economic development.

Several proposals have already been drafted by urban planners to satisfy these demands, many of which no longer prioritizes car owners but instead adapts to all urban dwellers. Dalay reveals that some of the proposals consider the design of mixed-use developments, which allow for the optimal use of limited spaces that should make accessibility a reality in urban areas. Once constructed, the properties in such types of conceptual designs can be transformative.

With the same philosophy in mind, Siy and his colleagues have campaigned for a number of ways to utilize the remaining green spaces in the metropolis without neglecting the need for transport and mobility, “Like the idea of using some

of our road space [and] converting more of that into pedestrian space [where] you can actually grow pocket gardens.

Siy highlights the need to identify and acknowledge what is most relevant to the Filipino people today, “I think the view today is that planning needs to be for [the] people and it needs to be inclusive and participatory.” He proposes that for this to become the common practice, local governments need to be empowered, especially with decisions related to public transport and mobility within their communities. “Local officials know much more intimately the conditions and the needs of their constituents versus a national government official,” he adds.

A step forward It is clear that a shift in priorities is long overdue. As Dalay points out, “We need to show the people that our cities can move, our cities can breathe, our cities can live— [that our cities] could be better without prioritizing car ownership.”

Urban planners like Dalay and Siy have made long strides in the past couple of years to realize their vision for more livable cities. But even so, the field of urban planning still needs more people to be involved in alleviating the issues existing today. Siy believes that anyone could define their own role in this pursuit, stating that anyone can “have a very key role to play in making our cities more livable [...] It’s the one place where you can define [your] contribution to making the field a richer one for everyone.”

MENAGERIE

Layout Editor: Alyssa Saludo

3

Illustration by Kyana Ayahao

As lines grow longer in community pantries, systemic issues of hunger and poverty come to light.

Aside from a health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has also only brought about an economic one. The shutting down of businesses and subsequent employee lay-offs have greatly exacerbated the already-pervasive issues of hunger and unemployment in the country. As ayuda (relief aid) and other government support services remain insufficient for the needs of the people, more and more are rendered vulnerable in the prolonged lockdown.

On the morning of April 14, a small bamboo stall with a selection of vegetables was quietly set up along the busy Maginhawa St. in Quezon City. It had a small cardboard sign that read, “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.” A few onlookers inspected the stall and by the end of the day, a line had formed down the street. In a matter of days, inspired by what would become known as the Maginhawa Community Pantry, more community pantries began to pop up across the country.

(Give what you can, take only what you need.)

As crowds poured in and contributions came left and right, these community pantries found themselves in the center of a media maelstrom, viral think pieces, and government inquiries. Through it all, pantry organizers continue to face pressure and struggles as they contend with the seemingly insurmountable social ills amid the pandemic.

Hungry for survival Community pantries wouldn’t exist without the grassroots movement as a whole—emphasizing the day-to-day struggle of the working class to find ways to

Intersex...

From Page 1

of a medical examination that my college required. [Others] were just examined for 10 minutes? Five minutes? I was examined for three hours,” Alym shares.

Jeff recounts a similar experience with the medical community when he visited a doctor for a check-up. “Nagpacheck-up ako noon at dahil sabi ng doktor ay rare [ang condition ko] tinawag rin niya ‘yung co-doctors niya,” he recalls, “at habang binubulalat ka niya, nandun sila nanonood which is mali dahil may privacy kami at hindi dapat ginagawa ‘yun.”

(I had a check-up with my doctor before and he said that my condition was rare. So he called his fellow doctors and while he was examining me, I was being watched by everyone. That was wrong because it violated my privacy.)

OF THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE

The power of community pantries feed themselves and their families. Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) members Erlinda Aquino and Kristhean Navales are full-time teachers organizing several school-based community pantries. “Tayo na lang talaga nagtutulungan. Kung sino pa ang mahihirap, tayo-tayo na lang rin magtutulungan sa panahong ito,” Aquino says.

(It’s just us working together. Even if we’re already poor, it’s only us helping each other at a time like this.)

While resilience may be the pretty— and overused—narrative, the community pantry efforts stem from systemic issues of hunger and poverty, providing muchneeded essentials ranging from food, books, sanitary necessities, and even medical help and family planning consultations. Martie Bueno, an organizer for a community pantry in General Trias, has witnessed goods being gone in mere minutes, but for her, this isn’t a mark of people’s greed but the failure of the state to prioritize welfare of its citizens.

“Community pantries shift the power to allocate goods and resources to the people,” she explains, “[...] It’s political from the very definition of politics.”

A collective effort The self-initiated nature of the community pantries allows for much variety in how each one is set up. Some pantries may open during typical meal times to cater specifically to serving meals, while others may be open all day long.

While the Maginhawa Community Pantry had started with minimal volunteers on-site, most pantries now have onsite volunteers to control crowding and maintain physical distancing protocols.

The scrutiny was worse in school.

He would frequently excuse himself from attending classes, particularly Physical Education if it required changing one’s clothes. “Siyempre ‘pag shower, ang mga babae [...] pakikiusapan ka na ‘pakisabon naman ng likod ko,’” he shares, “Hindi ko alam kung paano magtago [at] ‘di parang maliliit ka.”

(When I shower, the women would ask me to wash their backs. I did not know how to hide and it felt shameful.)

Finding solace Conceived in 2017, Intersex Philippines establishes itself as a safe space for intersex individuals and a platform to promote public cognizance of intersexuality. “We decided to establish Intersex Philippines as a support group,” explains Jeff. “We know [...] the feeling of [being] alone dahil akala mo ikaw lang ganyan sa mundo.”

(We know the feeling of being alone, thinking you’re all alone in the world.)

by Matthew Gan, Jamie Sanchez, & Isabelle Santiago

Many of the resources pooled for these pantries come from both the organizers’ own pockets and their own beneficiaries. Romano Beler, an organizer of the Sulyap ng Pag-asa community pantry in Quezon City, shared that many of their beneficiaries had left small, loose change in place of the goods that they took from the pantry. In one day, the loose change had amounted to P87, which Beler and the other organizers were able to use to buy two kilograms of rice to replenish the pantry. Recounting the experience, he says, “Masaya ‘yung community. Simple, payak, pero tumutugon siya doon sa tawag ng pangangailangan ng komunidad.”

(The community is happy. [It’s] simple, but it responds to the call of the needs of the community.)

The initiative brings out much of the good nature of those willing to help, as DLSU alumni Martin Cervantes (ADV, ‘01), who spearheaded the University’s own pantry known as Dude, Pantry, Chong, believes that people are inherently compassionate, no matter how individualistic the system may be. “When you have the humanity in you, you don’t just think about yourself—you also think about others,” he shares.

undertones because the status quo is supported by the policies and dynamics that govern our country. As such, community pantries that arose from these deeply-rooted issues send a strong political message about the current social climate.

“When you have the humanity in you, you don’t just think about yourself, you also think about others.”

Pantries under threat While community pantries can momentarily soothe the growl of people’s stomachs, it is undeniable that more comprehensive solutions are needed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

Hunger, unemployment, and other socioeconomic ills take on political

Bueno shares how a barangay official pressed her with questions upon setting up the pantry, “Sino ba raw ‘yung sponsor ko?

Sino raw ‘yung mga kasama ko? Sino raw ako? San daw ako nakatira?”

(They asked who my sponsor is, who my companions are, who I am, where I come from.)

This apprehension extends to actual intimidation with organizers of community pantries being blatantly red-tagged and harassed by the state forces. In the last few months, a member of ACT, Rosanilla

To divulge being intersex is undoubtedly a difficult process, whether done in person or on the internet. As a primarily online-based organization, Intersex Philippines values the importance of fostering online and offline camaraderie with those who reach out to them. The coronavirus may have robbed them of the opportunity to meet with people face-to-face, but trust and a cordial relationship with them can still be achieved through constant communication. “Regularly, we exchange pleasantries like ‘How are you?’ or ‘How are you doing right now?’” Alym shares.

Checking in on one another, especially through tough times like now, makes people feel valued and loved.

The lack of financial resources and new members may be discouraging—the latter often due to people’s reluctance to come out—but Intersex Philippines is resolved to power through these

challenges. In 2018 and 2019, the group was invited and recognized at the Asian Intersex Forum, where intersex people from various regions in the continent came together. For some, the event also marked their first proud public declaration of their intersexuality.

From relaying their experiences to drafting projects that are aimed to address regional needs, the forum created a sense of hope and belonging.

“Nakapagshare [‘yung iba] ng experiences in [their] projects—kung ano ba ‘yung naging successful, ano ba ‘yung hindi naging successful project from Europe, [for example], at kung applicable ba ito sa Philippines. We share experiences, at kahit papano, nakakatulong ito,” Jeff remarks.

(Many shared their experiences in implementing projects—what exactly were successful and unsuccessful in Europe, for example, and if they are applicable here in

Consad, was seen in news headlines being reported as a victim of repeated red-tagging, surveillance, and threats. Bueno herself, whose parents are members of the police force, is worried that she might be questioned next. “Sometimes I think to myself, if ever one day I get red-tagged, I wonder if my parents will take the side of the state or mine,” she admits.

Fighting the good fight While collectivism and volunteerism are honorable ideals, Cervantes dreams of a better world where the well-being of many is not hinged on the goodwill of the few. He expresses, “My dream is mawala na ‘yung mga pantries na ito. Para kapag wala na ‘yung mga pantries, alam natin na nasagot na ‘yung kailangan.”

(My dream is for us to outgrow the need for these pantries. For when they are gone, we know that what we citizens need has already been answered.)

Amid all the challenges, the community pantry organizers promise to continue doing their work. “Kung sino ang nangangailangan, kung sino ang kumatok, kung may sobra kami, then iyon ‘yung pagsasalu-saluhan namin,” Beler says.

(Whoever needs help, whoever approaches, for as long as we have to spare, then that is what we will give.)

The advent of community pantries has highlighted the systemic inequalities long plaguing the country. While the bayanihan spirit is indeed worth celebrating, it is also imperative that this public initiative become a call for government accountability— demonstrating the collective power of citizens to demand social change.

the Philippines. We share experiences, and in many ways, it helps us.)

Slow and steady wins the race Admittedly, the process of selfacceptance continues to be a struggle within the community—a struggle that Intersex Philippines knows too well and the very same struggle that mothered their organization.

“Understand yourself first. Accept yourself first. Seek help from those who are intersex also,” Alym encourages.

The journey that Intersex Philippines arduously set forth is starting to bear fruit and no longer do its members have to hide behind aliases and excuses to appear normal for they were always part of the norm.

What the intersex community needs from society, especially from the government, are recognition, respect, and well-defined laws to protect the welfare and rights of all Filipino intersex. As Jeff aptly remarks, “We don’t need fixing.”

4

MENAGERIE

JUNE 11, 2021

Animal shelters provide a safe haven for those who have been overlooked and abandoned.

by Yvan Martinez

Finding a home in animal shelters City sidewalks have long been a refuge for strays and abandoned animals alike. Left alone in the cold to fend for their survival, these furry little creatures have had to face harrowing ordeals, come rain or shine. Death is a fate that many have succumbed to—either due to hunger or the injuries and illnesses sustained from living along the dangerous streets of the metro.

by Alexandra Simone Enriquez & Catherine Estepa

As the threat of the pandemic continues to persist, the population of abandoned animals remains on the rise.

The added financial stress brought upon by the pandemic has left many pet owners with no other choice but to abandon their companions. These days, a stray’s only chance of reprieve comes in the form of initiatives from determined animal welfare groups, whose volunteers’ kind eyes and warmth represent the salvation they have so longed for.

Paw-ssion Caring for pets is a conscious kind of effort that can be compared to parenthood— a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. “Pets, for me, signify kindness and compassion because they rely on us— their humans—for their nourishment, shelter, and healthy wellbeing,” says Greg Salido Quimpo, current president and campaigns manager of Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), an animal welfare organization based in Tarlac City dedicated to providing shelter and nurture for all animals.

The people behind these organizations easily share one advocacy—to imbue society with the values of compassion and respect for all lives. In the Philippines, it is not uncommon to see stray animals in skin and bones, so much so that many have become desensitized and immune to their sad stares and cries for help.

Jill Delos Santos, founder and president of Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART) and its sister organization, Phoenix Legacy of Compassion, credits her time growing up with a lot of pets as the foundation of her strong compassionate bond for animals.

She has made it her mission to make the world a safer place for animals through PART. “[We should be] taught that every living being in this world is interconnected and they also have the right to be here,” she remarks.

Pet perils Beyond accepting animals into their sanctuaries, animal welfare groups also take it upon themselves to feed, spay-neuter, and medicate all animals

that are in need of care and nurture, including those that live outside of the shelters. This huge undertaking is made possible with the help of individual volunteers. “They clean dog pounds of mud, bathe the dogs, feed them, deliver dog food, donate cash, [...] and more noble acts that are inspiring,” Quimpo details.

However, animal shelters have recently found themselves grappling with not only the loss of manpower but donations as well. Animal shelters and welfare organizations like PART and AKF rely heavily on the financial help of donors and volunteers, and without their support, they struggle to sustain operations.

PART understands this absence all too well; two of their programs, Meals on Wheels, where they routinely follow a path to feed stray dogs in the area, and Pet in Poverty, which helps pet owners to have the resources to provide for their pets, have been underfunded for months.

“All of our animals under our care from the sanctuary to the outside—we have lessened their food intake because that’s the first area where we can cut a lot,” narrates Delos Santos.

PART has also borne witness to the tragedies that befall animals when natural calamities such as typhoons strike the country. Delos Santos recounts, “We’ve always tried to educate people [...] We’ve always said that, ‘If it’s not safe for you, then it’s not safe for your animal.’”

In response to these events, animal welfare groups would try to raise awareness about these tragedies and educate people on compassion and the value of animal lives. Phoenix, for example, has a program called Community Outreach and Rescue Education (CORE) where they conduct several outreach activities in different communities.

Animal prejudice The mission of animal welfare groups like PART and Phoenix will always involve the struggle to defend and advocate for those they’ve sworn to protect. And while many families have pets lovingly treated at home,

not all animals are afforded the same treatment. Because of the abundance of strays in some communities and the inability to provide for these animals, some see their presence as a threat to the safety of the community. Some opt to euthanize the strays—something most animal lovers deem as inhumane. “If you do mass anti-rabies shots for animals, mass spay-neuter, mass microchipping, I think those things would help in empowering the community to actually open themselves in knowing the strays that live in their community,” Delos Santos argues.

Delos Santos suggests that “discrimination plays a huge part on how these animals are viewed and how they are treated on a day-to-day basis,” pointing out how most pounds do not host animals with a breed as they get adopted more quickly compared to stray mutts. This kind of preference uncovers how most owners adopt pets with a breed.

Life and soul For Delos Santos, one does not necessarily need to be an animal lover to provide this care—to be humane toward those that have no home is often the best we can do. After all, they are more than just guards for our homes or for our amusement—they have souls, too. “The unconditional love that a dog gives is humbling—you can never find that anywhere else, and, for that, you owe them the best care you can provide,” Quimpo emphasizes.

Change starts with people’s behavior as empathy can go a long way.

Buying or adopting a pet should be met with the utmost understanding of the responsibility of caring for another life. As Delos Santos ultimately says, “We all feel the want to be loved and cared for and not be hurt. They value their lives the same way we value ours.” Like children, being a guardian to a vulnerable living being should not be based on one’s fickle idea of ownership, hoping to find a profitable use for them. Instead, we should create a companionship that can mutually offer unconditional love and support through the tough times ahead.

MENAGERIE

Layout by Maxine Lee & Hannah Timoteo

5

THROUGH THE SHADOW OF THE VALLEY

More and more places of worship have had to adapt to the disconnect brought by the pandemic.

Navigating faith in a pandemic

by John Amadora

Today’s outside world is almost unrecognizable. The cacophony of noises that once signified a city’s hustle and bustle has been replaced with unnerving silence, leaving little to no trace of what everyday life used to be.

The same can be observed in houses of worship, where walls that used to echo the lively voices of people chanting, singing, and praying now enclose tranquil, empty spaces. For places that have never been quiet, the silence they now hold is all the more deafening.

With no foreseeable end to the pandemic in sight, the idea of gathering as a community has since been challenged, prompting an unconventional shift that would redefine it. Along with this comes the impact that such unusual times would have on people’s faith as they contemplate the roles that places of worship and religion now play in their lives.

The digital church When the pandemic broke out in March of last year, big gatherings immediately became a health hazard. Unlike tradition, much-anticipated religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Easter were not celebrated communally as Muslims and Catholics socially distanced from their loved ones. Most liturgical services all over the country were halted, and several religious groups found themselves at a loss on how to resume operations without jeopardizing their communities.

Missy Sanares-Reyes, a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Church in Makati City, remarks how her parish took a three-month adjustment period before successfully conducting online masses on video streaming platforms like Facebook and YouTube. “Our parish was still catching up [on acquiring] the [necessary] equipment [to film and broadcast online masses], so these [formally] began in June,” she recounts. Since then, other liturgical activities have also relied on the said video

streaming platforms, from Lectio Divina sessions to the Lenten season’s Stations of the Cross.

AS THE PANDEMIC DRASTICALLY CHANGED OUR LIVES, RELIGION REMAINS A STALWART INSTITUTION AMID STRUGGLE AND UNCERTAINTY.

The successful shift to an online environment was made possible by select parishioners and parish staff, who volunteer to film and participate in these liturgical activities physically. To ensure their utmost safety, the parish imposed the necessary precautions that are in accordance with the

by Deo Cruzada & Marypaul Jostol

rules set by the Inter-Agency Task Force.

These range from physical distancing, proper sanitation within all areas of the church and for shared equipment, and swab and rapid tests.

The physical interaction that brings people together during worship may be absent, but to many, it is now the least of their concerns. With the help of the internet, community worship can still be achieved from the comfort of people’s homes. “It made it possible for those not allowed to go out, such as seniors and underage children, to still attend mass and hear the Word of God,” Sanares-Reyes emphasizes.

Spiritual solidarity Despite face-to-face community worship curbed by the pandemic, religion can still serve as a support system even in a time where contact can only be done through screens. Emily Ann Lombos, an industrial-organizational psychologist from Ateneo de Manila University and a fellow parishioner of St. Alphonsus, cites an initiative of her parish titled COVID Conversation, a special Zoom session where they discussed the pandemic and provided support and resources for those who needed it. “That conversation [helped] share information to the community, and [consequently], they were linked to specific resources,” she shares. The church’s priority lies on the physical and mental wellbeing of its parishioners and such programs serve as a checkpoint for how each individual is coping.

Given that the majority of the parishioners are self-sufficient and have

access to their own medical care and safety materials, many efforts to assist the nearby parishes in other communities are being done. Sanares-Reyes states that one of their most successful undertakings was a parish fundraising through the selling of Advent wreaths and face masks containing the parish logo. Resourceful parishioners like the neighborhood’s Green Cross product distributors have also donated a number of essentials. “Our parish priest has encouraged many outreach programs to donate food and medical needs to other parishes that have not been able to cope with the decrease in [their] income,” she remarks.

Faith in the time of pandemic In these times, how would one’s individual faith continue to hold up? For some, the pandemic urges them to turn to God to help strengthen their faith.

According to Lombos, one reason why people turn to religion as a source of strength is that it provides a sense of guidance and consolation. “These religious practices help us deal with life: challenges, difficulties, crises, [they] give us a handle to hold onto.

[They are] something that we’re familiar with, and that’s where religion can come as [a form of ] guidance, or as a way for people to cope,” she explains.

On the flip side, a lot of people would find themselves disillusioned from their faith over the course of the quarantine period. Lombos explains that this reaction would be driven by a sense of fear and frustration coming from the strange uncertainties of our age and worsened by the tediousness and discomfort of today’s reality. Anger

coming from the desire to blame higher powers for what is happening right now are both valid factors as to why people’s faith would die down. “[The situation] is something new, it’s something unfamiliar. Thus, [many have this urge] to find something to blame, because it is a problem bigger than themselves,” she adds.

She goes on to suggest that a Christian way of handling these emotions would be to look toward Jesus for inspiration: “If you connect it to faith, go back to how Jesus handled His anger. Go back also to the fear and how you could be relating it to the narratives of our faith, the stories in the Gospel.”

A sense of community Religion serves many functions in society. For a country that has had its fair share of crises, it provides answers to questions that are beyond human comprehension, offers emotional comfort, and finds order where there is chaos. Individuals that share beliefs and values group together and interact, helping out one another materially and spiritually when things are difficult. Even for a moment, that togetherness helps alleviate a part of their suffering. In a country where systemic solutions are few and far in between, it is no wonder that we cling to the possibility of the heavenly great beyond.

As the pandemic drastically changed our lives, religion remains a stalwart institution amid struggle and uncertainty.

As Sanares-Reyes puts it: “The church, being our spiritual home, provides consolation, guidance, and comfort during these desperate times.”

JUNE 11, 2021

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Section Editor: Jihan Marie Ferrer

Illustrations by Casie Aviles, Sarah Chuang, Eliana Fabia, Addie Holgado, Erika Ingalla, Ruaina Moreno, Carl Soriano, Pat Soriano, & Yssa Surla Researched by Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan & Marie Angeli Peña

PAINTING WITH LIGHT

JUNE 11, 2021

7

Love is loud

PAINTING WITH LIGHT Section Editor: Lauren Sason

JUNE 11, 2021

by Eunice Uy Tan

by Nelcze Zulueta

by Nathan Velez

by Anton Trivino

by Anton Trivino

by Earl Arel

by Lauren Sason

JUNE 11, 2021

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HALFTIME THOUGHTS

UNCONVENTIONAL BEGINNINGS

TRAILING ON NEW GROUND

The rise of celebrity boxing

DLSU rookies on their unique first year

Inside DLSU Sports Teams’ virtual recruitment

A digital revolution for sports cards

With the popularity of boxing declining over the years, celebritites have stepped up to the ring in hopes of winning back the hearts of fans.

The unprecedented situation has forced rookies to adjust as they try to remain in tip top shape for the resumption of the season.

Traditional methods of recruiting have drastically changed, but coaches have found ways to continue strengthening their respective lineups.

The advent of technology coupled with the pandemic has made sports NFTs a new way for fans to express their devotion.

UNCONVENTIONAL BEGINNINGS

The swift ascension of celebrity boxing has gained the interest of a ton of new fans.

DLSU rookies on their unique first year

by Koby del Rosario & Rain Leoncio

HALFTIME THOUGHTS

The rise of celebrity boxing

Nobody could have predicted how the rise of social media would shift the landscape of sports. In the case of boxing, YouTube stars have burst onto the scene and popularized a new branch of the sport known as “celebrity boxing”.

Subsequently, retired professional athletes have also started participating in this new trend.

In doing so, they have started a debate on whether this development is beneficial for the promotion of what many consider a “stagnant” sport or if it instead spits on its very integrity.

A new era Perhaps the lure of celebrity boxing started with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor’s fight, which clinched the former’s 50th win of his unblemished career. However, this was more accepted because although the latter may not have been a boxer, he was still a big name in combat sports.

But a big turning point for celebrity boxing was when British YouTuber Olajide “KSI” Olatunji went against American YouTuber Logan Paul, first in an amateur bout in August 2018, and then in a professional rematch in November 2019. The first match ultimately ended in a draw but sold out 21,000 tickets in Manchester Arena, alongside 1.3 million pay-per-view buys, making it the biggest non-professional boxing match in history at that juncture. However, the second fight exceeded it. Olutanji trumped via split decision, but, in a way, they both still won. According to Forbes, the fight brought in close to 3.5 million USD, and both boxers earned 900,000 USD each.

Notably, outside of Mayweather bouts, the second fight earned more pay-per-

SPORTSBITS

Section Editor: Diego Vergel de Dios

by Aren Reyes Illustration by Nicole Esquivel

view buys than any previous HBO and Showtime fights.

But, realistically, is trying to keep the integrity of boxing at the expense of continued deterioration really worth it?

No discussion on celebrity boxing is complete without the man who is currently making the most noise in

Perez wins at Baku Despite experiencing hydraulic issues with his car, Sergio Perez emerged victorious after the unfortunate exit of Max Verstappen.

Hollywood, Jake Paul. Initially more known as the younger brother of Logan Paul, Jake has now established himself as a household name with his controversial actions. In the boxing scene, his first fight was in an undercard in the first KSI-Logan bout against Olatunji’s little brother, Deji, which he won via technical knockout in the fifth round. In his first professional match in January 2020, he went against British YouTuber AnEsonGib, whom he knocked out in the first round. His next two fights were against two retired professional non-boxing athletes, namely, three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson and Bellator MMA champion Ben Askren. Jake knocked out both individuals in the second and the first round, respectively.

A notable celebrity boxing match occurred last November when a pair of former heavyweight champions, 52-yearold Roy Jones Jr. and 54-year-old Mike Tyson, duked it out in an exhibition that ultimately ended in a draw, while recently, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Logan Paul faced off in a bout which drew disappointing reviews no victor was declared.

For every UAAP season, a new narrative is shaped and new stories are told. Fresh faces from all walks of life begin a new chapter not just in their athletic careers, but also for themselves.

For any rookie, their debut season presents a chance to prove themselves at the collegiate level and showcase why they were recruited to represent their respective teams. An athlete’s first year is always deemed to be the most exciting, and it lays the foundation for years to come.

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing an unorthodox year for all athletes, DLSU rookies Kevin Quimbao (basketball), Enrique Vecin (football), Milcah Mina (swimming), and Peter Nonaillada (baseball) discuss their first year experiences as DLSU athletes despite the present circumstances and restrictions.

Adjusting to the system Transitioning from high school to the collegiate level is always a nerve-wracking experience for any rookie because of the newborn challenges it may entail. Coupled with the limitations brought about by the pandemic, this was made even more difficult for Lasallian athletes. Football rookie Vecin shares, “With the pandemic being a major factor, the transition was difficult. I had a difficult time learning the ropes around some of the processes done at the University.”

Nonetheless, they have all stated that the online experience, the system, and the teams were tremendously welcoming. Basketball rookie Quimbao shares, “Gusto nila maging involved ako [...] Ginuide rin ako ni coach Derrick [Pumaren] kasi mataas ang expectation ng mga tao pati nila sakin dahil number one high school player ako.” When asked who has mentored and guided him so far, he furthers, “So far ngayon si kuya Justin Baltazar, pero ‘di pa siya nakaka-sali sa training ulit.”

(They want me to be involved [...]

Coach Derrick also guides me because the expectations of people for me are high since I am the number one high school player.)

(So far, it’s kuya Justin Baltazar, but he hasn’t joined training.)

Since the pandemic prevented a traditional athletic year from occurring, there were several experiences that every rookie missed. Reminiscing on times before the pandemic, baseball rookie Nonaillada shares, “I’ve experienced having off days as a player, celebrating hard-earned victories, experiencing defeats so heartbreaking that it is still hard to move on from it, getting injured in the field, having the sermon of a lifetime after committing a very crucial error, cracking jokes while dying during intense routines, and sharing food with the opposing team after a game.” With the pandemic being a huge hindrance, he further acknowledges, See Rookies, Page 10

For the rookies, adjusting to online training and classes will not be a hindrance to their expected success.

A new dispute Many journalists and professional See Celebrity, Page 9

Saso wins US Women’s Open title

Yuka Saso triumphed over Nasa Hataoka in a threehole playoff after they finished the final hole with the same score at 4-under.

by Ana Mapa

Azkals fails to China in World Cup, Asia Cup qualifier The Azkals suffered a tough defeat against China, though the team may still qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Nieto, Ildefonso out for Clark qualifers, OQT

Matt Nieto and Dave Ildefonso have begged off on joining the squad for the upcoming tournaments after both sustained injuries.

SPORTS

Layout by Maren Marasigan

9

by Anton Trivino

TRAILING ON NEW GROUND

INSIDE DLSU SPORTS TEAMS’ VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT An instrumental aspect of collegiate sports, online recruitment has posed a unique challenge for coaches.

With the cancellation of the UAAP season, athletes and coaches alike have fully adapted to the online setup. The quarantine period has affected how the University recruits athletes—forced to communicate digitally, coaches can no longer approach prospects face-to-face.

Eyes on the prize Normally, the players would be toured around the campus, while the coaches connect with them to impart what the University can offer. Swimming coach Evan Grabador expresses, “Mahirap.

Noong wala pang pandemic, pinapakita namin yung mga sports facilities, gym, equipment, [at] budgets na ibinibigay para sa mga atleta natin.”

(It’s hard. Before the pandemic, we show the athletes our sports facilities, gym, equipment, and the budgets that we offer to them.)

Now, the coaches have to talk with aspiring collegiate athletes online, no longer able to bond with them in person.

With that, several DLSU coaches have expressed their difficulties in competing with other schools as it all comes down to how the coaches convince these athletes to play for them.

“In terms of recruitment, we cannot compete with other schools that are state colleges. They [offer] free tuition. The only way that we can challenge them is [to present] them the program of La

Salle. It’s a big factor,” shares football coach Alvin Ocampo.

Celebrity...

an article from The California Aggie, he says, “They give the boxers licenses when they’re not a boxer. They could get them killed. Why do they give licenses to people who have never in their life even thrown a punch?”

However, there are also some who lean toward the positive outcomes that this new trend brings. Tyson, in that same article, stated that they owe the YouTubers respect for “saving” the sport and that they should be allowed to fight for separate belts because they gave boxing new life in a time when UFC was completely dominating combat sports.

From Page 8

fighters have claimed that this trend is nothing but a “cash grab” and is considered an insult to those dedicating their lives to the prestigious sport. Longtime Yahoo Sports analyst Kevin Iole stated that boxing will take a big hit with this trend because it is more about opportunism than an active promotion of the sport. Others like perennial champion Canelo Alvarez choose to lay the blame on those who sanction these fights. In

FAST NUMBERS

“...THERE WILL ALWAYS BE COMPETITION, YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO ADJUST.”

On the other hand, men’s basketball coach Derrick Pumaren saw this adjustment as a silver lining for his team.

Reaching out to athletes who take an

14 Before the Lakers’ loss to the Suns, LeBron James had won 14 straight first round playoff series in his NBA career.

emphasizes that it is up to the swimmers to report their attendance by the end of each week. “Meron kami swimming Monday to Saturday at your own venue.

Ang Zoom training, strength and conditioning iito [at] ginagawa namin [on] Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning before their [classes] start,” he explains.

(It’s hard for us, because we need water, thus the honesty system is going to be used. ) For the football team, aspects of virtual training that are not present such as kicking and interval runs necessitate asynchronous sessions. A new addition to the team’s training program is the combination of different exercises. “We try to put variations sa training, kasi if you only stick sa football, you’re really going to lose players kasi they lose interest,” Ocampo points out.

(We try to put variations in training because if you only stick to football, you’re really going to lose players cause they lose interest.)

Admitting that he still remains

strict and demanding, Pumaren gives importance to the interactions he has with his players as it constitutes a major part of the team dynamics. “Hindi ka pwede sigaw nang sigaw at magalit nang magalit dahil iba ‘yung nagagalit ka nang face-to-face—you feel each other. Pero if it’s online, hindi, iba eh,” he explains.

Pumaren advises aspiring athletes, saying, “It’s not going to be given to you on a silver platter; wherever you go, not just in La Salle, you need to fight it out.

There will always be competition, you have to be able to adjust.”

(You cannot keep shouting and scolding your players, because when it’s face-to-face and you get mad, you feel each other. But if it’s online, no, it’s different.)

Although the abrupt transition brought hardships to the sporting world, many teams continue to strive for greatness. Coaches are still encouraging future DLSU athletes to follow their passion and dreams. The hard work, dedication, and effort of the athletes and coaching staff to adjust to the virtual setup have taught them many lessons that go

A new outlook All things considered, I would lean more toward welcoming the change. I understand that we as fans, especially us

boxing-obsessed Filipinos, want our sport to be respected and scorn those who go against these ideals. But, realistically, is trying to keep the integrity of boxing at the expense of continued deterioration really worth it?

Over the past decade, boxing has lost its allure, as matches started to become boring and predictable, while UFC has continued to showcase premier action-packed bouts. This new trend of boxing gives us a new reason to always tune in, whether it is to finally see Jake Paul meet his match or just to support our favorite influencers. As Whyte stated, we

are creating a new audience so boxing can thrive again.

Celebrity boxing is here to stay for long, especially as new fighters from different fields continue to emerge. This trend should not be condemned because it is a different category of boxing— completely separate from conventional fights. This new facet of the sport will only benefit the up-and-coming boxers because more fans are being introduced to the world of boxing, giving them a much larger audience because of YouTubers who decided to take their talents to the ring.

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by Dayne Aduna & Tana Melgar

interest in playing for the Green-andWhite can easily be done by the click of a button. Pumaren comments, “We were able to take advantage of the pandemic and get some players in [our] wishlist. We can really explain things, sell La Salle to them, and be honest. We let them know what’s really in store for them in La Salle.”

New habits Now limited to the screen, the sudden shift from daily training sessions has athletes and coaches alike used to experience. Adjustments were made to adapt to the online setup, with each coach modifying their respective programs so their players could accomplish them from their homes.

Due to limited facilities, a new training strategy was also created to ensure the continuous progress of the swimming team, “Mahirap para sa amin lalo na ang swimming kailangan mo ng tubig, honesty system talaga ang mangyayari diyan,” Grabador says. He

British professional boxer Dillian Whyte echoed the sentiment, adding, “It’s good that two guys can bring all these fans. Everyone’s complaining about it, I think it’s great.” Another argument used by the supporters is that these YouTubers do have professional boxers as trainers (Paul with Shane Mosley), which serves as evidence that they are taking the fights seriously.

Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather Jr. duked it out in an entertaining eight round bout last June 7.

After his win over Nordine Oubaali, Nonito Donaire has officially become the oldest boxer to win a bantamweight world title at 38.

Margielyn Didal is bound for the Olympics despite a 17th place finish in the 2021 World Skateboarding Championships.

10 SPORTS

JUNE 11, 2021

A digital revolution for sports cards

Graphics by John Amadora & Addie Holgado

Times are constantly changing, with technology making strides in many directions and in many different fields—including sports. While sports collectibles have always been a stable part of the fan experience, allowing fans to collect valuable player cards, jerseys, photos, and autographed items, recent technology has enabled fans to do this on a new level— with NFTs.

by Annika Cañiza & Raphael Serrano

NFTs, which refer to non-fungible tokens, are digital assets that are stored in blockchains. They can take the shape or form of many different things, such as digital artworks, virtual real estate, and now, digital sports valuables. Recently, several platforms that sell sporting NFTs have surfaced for all kinds of sports, such as baseball, Formula 1, football, and perhaps most popularly, basketball.

This not only proves how far society has come from buying and selling physical sports memorabilia, it also provides a new platform that allows fans to connect to the sports they love in new and inventive ways.

Risks and rewards Although a relatively new creation, sports NFTs are the new craze in the industry and have steadily garnered traction among fans. Right now, there is no denying that the potential of sport NFTs seems limitless, especially with the world as borderless as it is with the

NBA top shot NFTs started way back in 2014 when they were primarily used for storing artwork to be preserved digitally. An NFT is a digital asset that represents realworld objects like art, music, in-game items, and videos. These assets grew in popularity when the pandemic shut down the sports world, and many sports fans started collecting, trading, and selling cards a huge amount. A great example of this is the rookie card of LeBron James, where his signature sold for 5.2 million USD, tying with the most expensive sports trading card with MLB legend Mickey Mantle.

In 2019, the National Basketball Association (NBA), in collaboration with some of its players and Dapper Labs, started its own NFT called the NBA Top Shot where it showcases jaw-dropping plays and unforgettable highlights of each active NBA player. It is being sold ranging from 9 USD to 230 USD per pack. The price per pack depends on the quality of each highlight, the stardom level of the player, and the exclusiveness of the card.

Fans can collect and trade through blockchain technology.

According to a study from NonFungible and BNP Paribas-affiliated research firm L’Atelier, the value of NFT transactions has quadrupled to 250 million USD. A single clip of James and Zion Williamson is being sold for almost 200,000 USD each.

power of the internet. There are many opportunities that could be found here, especially in looking into the numbers.

NBA Top Shot, for instance, was able to earn 500 million USD in transactions within the first three months of this year.

Even for the skeptic, it would be difficult

Rookies...

always believed in the importance of practicing.”

From Page 8

“It is very cliché to say, but the field has been my second home, the coaches are my second parents, and my teammates are my second brothers, but the pandemic has robbed me of experiencing all the what-ifs and what-could’ve beens.”

Hoping that the pandemic ends sooner rather than later, swimming rookie Mina says, “Being in an online training program is hard for us swimmers because we are used to swimming everyday and because of that, I expected more land training sessions with the team rather than training in the pool.

Adjusting to a full year of online sessions is an immense change, but she expresses, “As a student, I strived to be someone who makes school a top priority and exerted a lot of effort on learning good time management because I have

...it also provides a new platform that allows fans to connect to the sports they love in new and inventive ways.

THE ADVENT OF TECHNOLOGY coupled with the pandemic has made sports NFTs a new way for fans to express their devotion.

Mentally and physically prepared Times have never been more different, and as a rookie you are already going in an environment wherein everything is new. So, with the pandemic, it only makes the task more challenging for these newcomers.

For Mina, she was able to use the pandemic to her own advantage and use it for rehabilitation. “I underwent two surgeries because I wasn’t able to recover well from the first one. I was diagnosed with post-operative stiffness but waited after the UAAP Season 82 to finish so that I can go on with my second surgery.

Amid the pandemic, it benefited me so much because I had all time to fully recover,” Mina shares. Moreover, the break has given her a new perspective on her mental approach, Mina expounds, saying, “I learned that my desire to

to deny such numbers, showing that people are actually investing money in this young industry of sporting goods.

However, this opportunity also poses risks, as there are still unknown and volatile factors surrounding NFTs. Many people engage in NFTs right now as a method of earning money by trading these tokens with others, and because of this, prices have risen, but with this, there is the danger that they could fall in the future. Given that this industry is so young, the actual value of these NFTs could still be artificially inflated. However, this also means that over time, it is possible that these prices could go down.

TRUSTING THE PROCESS IS SOMETHING THESE ROOKIES HAVE DONE IN ORDER TO STAY FOCUSED ON THEIR END GOAL.

Although it is difficult to determine where this industry could potentially end up in the long-run, the fact remains that NFTs, especially in the sports industry, have grown in value in such a short amount of time, and their current high values cannot be denied.

The future is bright The pandemic has changed the landscape in terms of interacting with other fanatics across every sport. With heightened restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and the increasing developments in technology, sports fans have found ways to adapt and join the hype train. From trading

sports cards to NFTs, fans adjusted and understood the new trend.

Despite that, NFTs still have their disadvantages. The first is the environment, because of the energy that is being used to power large computers in the verification processes by blockchain.

The second is social, where people see NFTs as one brilliant way to make money.

The market is still growing, and it may still go through bumps along the way.

But the future of sporting fan culture is bright, from collecting rookie cards back then to now collecting them digitally, with a wide variety of memorabilia from a picture of rookie players to exciting highlights of players.

change will always depend on my ability to use my clever thinking to come [up] with solutions to problems.”

Trusting the process is something these rookies have done in order to stay focused on their end goal. For Nonaillada, he knows that patience and hard work in the long run will benefit him. “I will just have to keep training with the team, I just have to be patient and know that the harder I work for something I am passionate about, the greater the feeling of fulfilment will be when the time comes,” he says. Vecin on the other hand sees this as a time to work on possible holes in his game, as he shares, “I have been doing my best to maintain my overall physical fitness while slowly trying to work on some of the weak spots in my game. The trainings held (individually and collectively) is a big help for me since it provides a good perspective on which parts in my game I could tackle and improve on.”

Lastly for Quiambao, the pandemic has brought him some luck since this had affected his eligibility to immediately play for the team, which means that now he can ramp up his preparations for the upcoming season. “Kung hindi nag-pandemic, ‘di ako makakapag laro ng Season 83. Kung baga, nag-pandemic siya, sa Season 84 ready to play na ako. Lahat pina-practice ko talaga, mentally and physically,” Quiambao shares.

(If the pandemic did not happen, I would not have been able to play in Season 83. Since it did happen, I’ll be ready to play in Season 84. I’ve been practicing every aspect possible, mentally and physically.)

With reports of the season possibly starting on February next year, the ability of these student-athletes to capitalize on the resources that they have now and use it to integrate themselves to their respective teams and stay fit could be crucial to their potential success.