[THE DAWN] Volume 73 - Issue 5

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST

APRIL 25, 2021 — ISSUE 6, VOLUME 73

DAWN

Independents endorse Cayabyab Ang Sandigan standard bearer gets Independent bloc’s approval

“Raymond Cayabyab may have failed two times in a row to win a position in the USC, but this did not stop him from serving the UE community.

He has been willingly active in serving his purpose by promoting students’ rights and welfare. This is evident when he accepted the vacant

position in the second semester of Academic Year 2019-2020 in the University Student Council,” he said.

“We need a president who can stand still amidst any struggles and challenges brought about by any circumstances and will continuously intensify the voice of the students,” he added.

The independent bloc’s representative also said that they have already plans for the College of Dentistry (CDent) to help its students shift from the conventional logging system to the online-programmed logging system.

“Clinicians have been facing problems in the logging system even before the pandemic, such

as in the distribution of logs and the lining up of the students to get logs. We’re planning to have a collaboration in helping CDent clinicians to shift from the conventional logging system to the online-programmed logging system,” Dela Torre said.

“We believe that this initiative would be more convenient and beneficial to our clinicians, as it would help them to focus more on their theoretical and dexterity,” the CDent presidential candidate added.

The Miting De Avance in the UE Manila campus will be held on April 29, while the UESC Election will be held on April 30, 2021, from 8 AM - 5 PM.

Kapit-Bisig Party Alliance (KBPA) chairperson Ivy Joyce Parreñas said she is determined their political party is more ready to serve the University of the East (UE) studentry as they make their comeback this 2021 UESC election.

“Mas paiigtingin namin ang paglaban at pagsulong sa karapatan at kapakanan ng mga estudyante at mamamayan,” Parreñas said in an online interview with the Dawn.

Parreñas said KapitBisig went through “several obstacles” which compelled them to skip the student council elections last year.

“Gaya ng ibang organisasyon o samahan, dumadaan din ang Kapit-Bisig sa iba’t ibang pagsubok. Sa nakalipas na taon, nagpalipas muna kami ng student council elections upang magpuna at magwasto,” the Kapit-Bisig chairperson added.

The political party, Parreñas said, held many workshops to align their members to the ideology, values, principles and beliefs of their organization.

One of the good results of their recalibration is being able to return this election.

However, the political party was only able to field candidates in the College of Business Administration (CBA) Student Council. When asked why, Parreñas said: “Hindi na

mahalaga siguro kung anong konseho ang mayroon tayo ngayon at kung ano ang wala.

Ang mahalaga, nagbalik na tayo at muling magpapaigting ng pakikipaglaban para sa mga karapatan ng estudyante ng pamantasan. Handa na tayo at magpapasiklab muli ng pusong tunay, palaban, at makabayan.”

Kapit-Bisig is not endorsing any University Student Council (USC) and other college student council slates in the elections.

MANILA — Independent candidates in the 2021 University of the East (UE) Student Council Elections have endorsed Raymond Cayabyab, standard bearer of Ang Sandigan sa Silangan, as the next University Student Council (USC) President.

Dentistry Student Council (DSC) presidential candidate the independent bloc’s chief representative Patrick Lawrence Dela Torre confirmed to the Dawn that their bloc will support Ang Sandigan’s Cayabyab as the next President of the highest student body organization.

“We support Raymond Cayabyab as the next USC President,” Dela Torre said in an interview with the Dawn.

Dela Torre said Cayabyab is the leader that students need in this time of crisis, adding that Ang Sandigan’s presidential candidate “exemplifies the spirit of a true warrior.”

Senate forwards EnSC complaint to CHED The Office of Senator Joel Villanueva is now reviewing the petition letter sent by the University of the East (UE)-Manila Engineering Student Council (EnSC) regarding the impending closure of the UE-Manila Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department.

It has already been forwarded to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for review and evaluation.

Earlier this month, the EnSC had sent a four-page petition to Sen. Villanueva, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, urging the committee to “conduct an inquiry on the unjust closure” of the ECE program.

The Council reiterated that the said program “does not

deserve to be shut down and should continue to be offered.”

The EnSC stressed that the “alleged grounds propounded by the University Board for the planned closure are flimsy, unfair, and unreasonable” to the students especially to third-year and fourth-year students, which can be a cause of the delay in their finishing of the course.

Kapit-Bisig returns, hopes to win CBA seats

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NEWS

APRIL 25, 2021 — VOLUME 73, ISSUE 6

SPECIAL REPORT: BROKEN PROMISES

SHS students to leave UE after graduation

By Gillian Q. Mortera, Editor-in-Chief

The University of the East (UE) has been involved in many controversies—the unjust revocation of scholarships, annual tuition hikes and refusal to implement academic breaks, among others. What made it worse is the persistence of the University to impose elitist, anti-student policies.

Even before this school year started, the University administration never failed to disappoint its students, contradictory to its claim that it “declares adherence to academic freedom, progressive instruction, creative scholarship, goodwill among nations and constructive educational leadership.”

The UE administration’s neglect to care for our welfare brought into question whether or not students should still stay in this University, or frankly if it is still worth it to pay for huge, unreasonable tuition and other fees, knowing how they treat their stakeholders.

Aishely Garcia, a Grade-12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) student from UE Manila, has already decided not to enroll in UE, both because of personal reasons and the current issues of the University.

“Honestly, before the circulation and emergence of issues about my university, I already have other and preferred schools in my mind for college. Additionally, the current issues of the university

indeed affect my decision about not enrolling at UE,” the HUMSS student said.

“Considering that everyone is struggling and the students are barely managing their aspirations, hope, and other valuable things, in my view, some decisions of the university lack compassion,” she added.

She also said that the University has difficulties in fixing and improving the system of online classes.

“UE has been maximizing its resources and plans to ensure that the students will be provided a good education.

However, let us admit that a sudden technology-based setup of education requires extensive preparation and skills, and I believe that the quality of learning has decreased, and everyone is exhausted,” she said.

This was also the sentiment of Marielle Claryss Aquino, a Grade-12 Visual Arts (VAS) student from UE Caloocan, saying that the system of the University became problematic.

“Yung unbelievably high na tuition fee raise nila, lalo na’t

online classes naman ngayon.

I mean, it’s unsettling to me kasi may teachers pala na hindi pa nasuswelduhan and it got me thinking kung saan yung extrang binabayad namin,” she said.

She also said that she may still consider UE as one of her options in college because of her preferred course offered as long as the system is favorable to its students.

“Another thing that is a major contributor is the number of times that they declined requests for academic break or suspensions considering the volume of schoolwork na binibigay nila,” Aquino added.

Meanwhile, Xyra Crisa Lei Guzman, a student under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) strand in UE Manila, said that

she wanted to study in UE but then the issues in the University keep piling up.

“First, ang damot nila sa academic break. Second, hindi sila considerate. Lastly gusto ko sana mag-apply sa public school this college,” the STEM student said.

When asked about how she reacted to the revocation of scholarships, she said, “I think qualified students deserve scholarships, lalo na lahat tayo nahihirapan dahil sa situation na to. And not everyone na nagaaral sa UE afford ang tuition.

Dadagdag pa ang sistema na hindi naman makatwiran.”

She also said that the tuition hike is insensible because of the unused miscellaneous and the disqualification of some students from scholarship grants.

UE–Caloocan Communications Department holds third ‘JOURNTALKS’ webinar

By Maria Nykhaela G. Javillonar For the third time, the University of the East (UE) – Caloocan’s Department of Communication, with the cooperation of the Association of Communication Students (ACTIONS), held yet another “JOURNTALKS” webinar focusing on tips regarding the betterment of one’s digital publishing skills and capabilities via Google Meet, along with ACTION’s official Facebook page on Friday, April 23, 2021.

Featured in this webinar is Ms. Annalyn Rebecca Eisma, a social media writer from ABS-CBN news, who discussed concepts regarding competent website management in publishing online content that will end up reaching a wider range of audiences.

In her discussion, Ms. Eisma mainly focused on the technicalities of utilizing search engine optimization and search

engine marketing as a way of aiding communication students by sharing more mediacentered career options beyond camera-focused professions.

“Usually naman kasi kapag naintindihan mo ‘yung language ng target market mo, makukuha mo rin kung ano papatok sa kanila,” Eisma stated.

She also emphasized the importance of using keywords and using language catered

towards specific target audiences to be able to better reach and connect with them.

The guest speaker said that when it comes to the world of digital publishing, it may be considered of essence to not only focus on general media knowledge but also on certain technicalities that may be vital to an aspiring content creator’s success.

The last two journalism

and digital publishingcentered webinars that the Department of Communication and ACTIONS have organized were “JOURNTALKS: BuhayJournalist,” featuring Ms. Jacque Manabat and Mr. Raffy Tima on October 31, 2020, and “JOURNTALKS: Digital Publishing and Mobile Journalism,” featuring Mr. Zhander Cayabyab on March 12, 2021.

“Nag-alis sila ng mga scholar tapos nagtataas [ng] tuition. Hindi ko ma-gets para saan yun. Mahaba nga time ng class sa UE during online class pero hindi pa rin enough reason yun para mag-increase. Lalo na nasa bahay naman tayo at walang benefits na nakukuha,” Guzman said.

The end of the school year is nearing, yet there is no hint whether or not the University feels remorse. If these antistudent policies will continue and worsen, what would happen to the University?

Does the University of the East still adhere to the core values of Excellence, Integrity, Professionalism, Teamwork, Commitment, Transparency, Accountability, and Social Responsibility? The answer appears to be no.

CSC asks for update on scholarship fiasco

The University of the East (UE)-Caloocan Central Student Council (CSC) has asked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to respond to the letter of the council regarding the scholarship turmoil.

“Urgency is humbly requested in tackling the issue as delays are unfavorable on the side of the affected students, especially when considering their financial burden,” the letter read.

“If any important resources such as the student manual, the UE–Caloocan Student Constitution, our previous appeals to the administration, or an updated timeline of events are needed by the Commission, we can provide them via email as soon as possible at the request of your good office,” the Council added.

NEWS 3

APRIL 25, 2021 — VOLUME 73, ISSUE 6

SPECIAL REPORT: SHATTERED DREAMS

Students wonder if UE really cares

By Jose Emmanuel S. Junio and Brix Lelis

Amid the challenges and struggles brought about by the pandemic, the University of the East (UE) students faced another setback after the UE administration revoked the academic scholarships of first-time scholars, asserting that a scholarship grant is not a matter of right but a mere privilege.

Solons push for probe vs NTF-ELCAC funds

By Karen Louise C. Delos Angeles In the wake of fresh redtagging controversies, House Deputy Speaker and 1-PACMAN Rep. Mikee Romero proposes for the House to begin the investigation and audit of the P16.4 billion 2021 fund of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) funds as early as next week.

“We want NTF-ELCAC officials to give details as to where and how the funds are being used and how their vilification tactics translate to having more communist rebels turning their backs on insurgency, Should NTFELCAC fail to substantiate their claims and justify use of funds, Congress may realign its budget to more urgent needs.” Romero said.

Romero said on NTFELCAC’s unlawful profiling and red-tagging of community pantry organizers, that the attribution of malice without presenting hard evidence, “sows division among Filipinos

and sends a chilling effect to those who may want to help their fellow kababayan.”

NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. denied the controversy and said that they are just checking the community pantries’ situation to ensure that the organizers have no other agenda.

Parlade added that the task force has nothing to do with redtagging the community pantries and its organizers.

The Commission on Audit (COA) and National Privacy Commission (NPC) was asked

by Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Juliette Uy to immediately conduct their special audits on the NTF-ELCAC funds, covering who, where, why, and how the fund was spent starting from the year 2019 until this year.

Uy also reminded the NTFELCAC that they are accountable to Congress, and emphasized that “the Congress will not tolerate abuses, violations of law, and all other conduct unbecoming of public servants and agencies of government.”

On February 8, a memorandum circulated in several colleges, stating that the University will review and evaluate the scholarship grants of first-time scholars and the processing of these scholarships shall be “suspended until further notice.”

The University Student Council (USC) and the Central Student Council (CSC) pled for dialogue and consultation with the management to seek further clarification on the newlyadministered policy change and the basis for the selection of the students who will qualify for the scholarship.

The office of University President Ester Garcia, however, did not respond to the call of the student councils.

A month after, the first-time scholars, who were not included in the approved list, have been told to pay half of their fees as soon as possible and “settle their accounts until June 30 (one month after the end of the second semester) without incurring any penalties.”

USC President Justine Jae Calatong forwarded a petition to the Office of Senator Joel Villanueva to gain additional legal support for the investigation of UE’s scholarship fiasco.

The CSC, then, filed a petition to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), asking for its intervention regarding the scholarship revocation of firsttime scholars.

Last April 6, the USC, CSC, and the UE Faculty Association (UEFA) signed a tripartite

letter addressed to Pres. Garcia about the rationale, scope, and untimely implementation of the scholarship revocation.

Under Sen. Villanueva’s endorsement, CHED NCR Regional Director Virginia Akiate said that the complaint of the Student Councils is now being investigated and reviewed by the regulatory body, giving Pres. Garcia three days to take action on the scholarship turmoil upon the receipt of the CHED indorsement.

In response, Pres. Garcia exclaimed that no “unjust” revocation happened and that the claims of the Student Councils have “no basis,” reiterating that the University “immediately” notified and informed all affected students.

With that, Angelo Clevs Manalaysay, a first-year student from UE-Caloocan, slammed the decision of the administration, saying that the action was “far worse than inconsiderate.”

“The tuition fee they’re now requiring us to pay is big enough for us not to let this slide. We are all after the scholarship, not because we simply want it but because we know that we deserve it,” Manalaysay affirmed.

“To President Garcia, may you have a good sleep by night and have the courage to face us by day. As the president of this University, we want to hear more from you–not [with] words which try [to] invalidate our positions but with words which shall reflect justice,” he added.

The student also said that

the scholarship revocation was “devastating” not just to him but also to his family, as the scholarship is his only hope to continue his education.

“The sudden disqualification is simply not right [...] you did not simply strip us of our scholarship grants, but also our last strand of hope to proceed amidst this global pandemic,” he lamented.

Likewise, civil engineering student, Merveilleux Rose Salientes, expressed the same sentiments over the “unjust” scholarship revocation, asserting that the “UE administration is showing no compassion” which makes her regret studying in the institution.

“After receiving the news of revoking my college scholarship, my family would have to work even harder than before to ensure that my tuition fees are to be paid off,” she reiterated.

“I am so disappointed and dismayed by how low the UE administration has gotten nowadays. They no longer had the students’ welfare and well-being in mind,” the civil engineering student exclaimed.

Manalaysay and Salientes are just two of the hundreds of first-time scholars whose dreams are being shattered while trying to cope with the uncertainties of the better tomorrow promised in the East.

Does UE really care? Does tomorrow still begin in the East?

Students of the University appear to have had enough of all of it.

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COMMENTARY

APRIL 25, 2021 — VOLUME 73, ISSUE 6

EDITORIAL

Lualhati’s open secret

The University is widely known for its marvelous infrastructures that tower both the landscapes of the cities: Caloocan and Manila. It is also acknowledged virtually in social media as an attractive place filled with good news and telltale stories of excellence, compassion, and all the things that might resemble the University as a utopian institution of academe and vanguard of quality education.

However, are we really seeing the reality of what the University really is, or is it a mirage that we are only forced to see as the University covers up its own dirty secrets?

Notably, the University has a long history of denial and cover-ups of the controversies that surround the academe. However, it went far beyond when, on the 8th of January, the Warrior community was surprised by a leaked letter from the Office of President Ester Garcia which circulated the social media. The letter is about the “temporary suspension” of the academic scholarship of those students who previously had a failing grade in any of their subjects. The circulation of such notice caught a lot of students, and even the University Student Council (USC), Central Student Council (CSC), and the faculty members of the University, off-guard and were left with frustrated minds to which the student councils responded with letters and requests for explanation and clarification.

However, the University administration and the Office of the President did not stop from concealing information from all of the students and faculty of the University which mostly affects the students, with numerous exchanges and releases of documents and announcements which were done under the nose of the students and the student councils of both the Manila and Caloocan campuses, such as the sudden announcement of the reviewing of the scholarships of first-time scholars, the unforeseen removal of the Scholarship section of the UE website, and the surprise and disreputable compelling of the members of the University’s faculty.

Despite the careful execution of their surprise announcements and notices, the University is evidently playing dirty with their deceitful and exploitative moves that endanger the rights and the status of the students of the University, but all these secretive steps that the University does only CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

EDITORIAL BOARD VOLUME 73 GILLIAN Q. MORTERA Editor-in-Chief

MIKHAELA P. LLADONES Filipino Editor

JANAE P. AMMUGAUAN

PIOLO S. ALMOITE

MAE ANGELLA F. FLOTIBLES

EDGIN KRISTOFFER S. ANGELES

Features Editor

Sports Editor

Chief Photographer

Art Director

EDITORIAL STAFF

ANNA MARIE S. ATUTUBO

JESSICA ANN S. EVANGELISTA

MARIA NYKHAELA G. JAVILLONAR

CYNDH JEZRILL MARC C. VILORIA

ERICKA A. AUSTERO

KAREN LOUISE C. DELOS ANGELES

JOSE EMMANUEL S. JUNIO

BRIX LELIS

AIRA JULIANNE C. MANGALI

KYZYL KATE D. MENDOZA

Senior Writer Senior Writer Junior Writer

Senior Writer Senior Artist

Junior Writer

Junior Writer

Junior Writer

Junior Writer

Junior Artist

Mr. EDILBERTO B. SULAT JR. Adviser

The Dawn is the official student newspaper of the University of the East and has been so since 1947. Its office is located on the third floor of the College of Engineering Building, UE Caloocan, 105 Samson Road, Caloocan City.

THE WATCHMAN

Journalism: Its limits and excesses BRIX LELIS

Journalism is a double-edged sword. It can destroy and create. It can transform you into a hero overnight, but it can also turn you into the worst person the next day.

A pen is said to be mightier than the sword, but the power of media to manipulate, influence, and impact people transcends beyond imagination.

GMA-7 veteran reporter Tina Panganiban-Perez is under fire on the internet after the public called her out for asking a ‘dirty question’ to Ana Patricia Non, the founder of Maginhawa Community Pantry, which the people perceived to be unethical.

In a virtual conference, Non was taken aback and displayed her discomfort after Tina asked her if she had any affiliation and connection with the communist groups, clarifying the basis of malicious red-tagging allegations that have been thrown by the red-taggers.

Non told Tina, “Sa totoo lang po, wala akong link sa Communist Party. Pasensiya na po, napakadumi po ng question na ‘yan.”

Feared for her and the volunteers’ safety, Non temporarily halted the operation of the community pantry she organized when several police forces and government supporters relentlessly red-tagged and accused her of having links to communist groups.

Tina’s manner of questioning drew mixed opinions and reactions from fellow journalists with some defending her, saying that there was nothing wrong with the question because she was just doing her job, while some condemned her, believing that she has no right to demand an

answer on totally false charges.

Freshman journalism student Katrina Manubay believed that it is “extremely unethical” since Perez had already assumed the truth behind the baseless accusation when she asked a yes-or-no question directly to a redtagged individual.

“I believe that journalism ethics include impartiality holding that decisions should be based on objective criteria, rather than on the basis of bias and prejudice,” she exclaimed.

“Journalists must defend the truth against propaganda and disinformation since redtagging is very prevalent in the country, she added.

Manubay also affirmed that interviews need real-time factchecking and that journalism should be based on the principles of veracity, asserting that journalists “cannot colligate lies with the whole truth.”

Likewise, Krizel Payumo, a third-year journalism student, expressed utter dismay on Perez, reiterating that the broadcast journalist could have asked a better question to Non since the latter already cleared that her intentions on initiating the cause were just to help.

“Sana inayos niya yung pagtatanong niya ky Ms. Patricia.

Tulad ng sinabi ni Ms. Patricia, ang intensyon niya is tumulong sa mga taong walang makain.

May mga tao na katulad ni Ms. Patricia na handang tumulong ng kung anong makakaya niya para sa kapwa niya,” Payumo underscored.

“Ang isang journalist ay dapat iniisip muna ang dapat itanong sa ini-interview [...]

You need to be careful with every word you say and every word you use because you’re a journalist,” the senior

journalism student added.

Backing up their claims, Jayrald Monton, a second-year international studies student, shared the same opinion on the issue, saying that asking that kind of question was a “very dangerous thing” since the country is currently in a heated political argument and the prevalence of red-tagging and blacklisting continues to rise.

“The way she asked her question to the interviewee was very incendiary and immediately put Non in the spot of red-tagging allegations,” Monton underpinned.

“That question was very presumptive to me in a way of logic that they really have a basis for someone to be redtagged. I don’t know anything about journalism ethics, but putting that scenario in my lenses as a normal spectator, [it] was very unethical and malicious,” the foreign studies student reiterated.

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics states that ethical journalism should always be accurate, fair, and thorough. It acts with integrity and ensures that there is a free exchange of information to provide enlightenment to the public. It always strives to minimize harm, while balancing the people’s need for accessible information against potential danger and discomfort. The pursuit of news is not a license for excessive intrusiveness.

Journalists should be careful with the weight of the words they carry because there is nothing scarier than people who don’t realize the gravity of the words they speak.

The power of journalism is boundless, but misusing it is a crime.

COMMENTARY 5

APRIL 25, 2021 — VOLUME 73, ISSUE 6

THE CATALYST

NOVUS HOMO POLITICUS

Better off without them

Ballots lash Salots

JANAE P. AMMUGAUAN

WITH more than a year of enduring the lockdown and bearing with the inflated debt for supposed to be COVID emergency responses, we are catapulted further back from the starting line.

There was once a glimmer of hope when the numbers are finally falling but alas, knowing the cracks in the system very well, the whole nation was disappointed but not surprised.

While it is clear that this progress reversal is due to the government’s reckless efforts to reopen the economy, they blame us, civilians, once more.

As quarantine rolls in and businesses close, hunger and starvation open their doors for most of the population.

Since we are left to fend for ourselves like survivors shoved onto an uninhabited island, a limited food supply forces each one of us to go outside of our homes and toil away in vain hopes of feeding our families.

Not only did this endanger our own health, but it’s also safe to say that we are also endangering others by being exposed while the pandemic looms. At this critical situation wherein we’re about to restart again, the community pantries answered the desperate prayers of every mother and father kneeling before the heavens.

This is proof that we Filipinos still uphold ‘Bayanihan’ and resilience at the

center of our psyches; that our innovation amid these difficult times is a weapon no one can reckon with.

However, with the recent malicious accusations made to the people who made these pantries possible, the government has once again proved that their priority is not our welfare but something more sinister than a sly villain’s self-interest.

For months, everyone tirelessly begged the government to extend assistance where it is due. Yet, immobile minions headed by their indolent master have proved time and time again that they are deaf to our agony.

While we lose loved ones, struggle with education, and break our backs working to provide for even our most basic needs, they mock our perseverance by treating the pandemic as extended vacation leave.

Instead of leading us out of our distress, these public servants slap us right across the face by doing whatever they want without regard for health protocols, resource scarcity, or transportation constraints.

Some even had the audacity to play golf in the middle of the night and leisurely posting what-nots on social media.

Instead of the government hearing our cries for help and distributing resources

EDITORIAL | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 leads to an assumption of concealing something and the students must know more about it.

Called the Streisand effect, the more an entity hides something from the public, the more enticed the public will get to get whatever is hidden from them, and as the University continues to hide the truth behind the rash revocation of scholarships and the multitude of changes in scholarship status and other university academic policies, the more the students of the University will fight to get the answers that they deserve to have.

As proof, the USC and CSC both held surveys to gather statistics of the number of affected students of these opportunistic moves of the university and they also reached out to the respective investigative authorities, such as the Office of Senator Joel Villanueva and the Commission on Higher Education, that might help the

JOSE EMMANUEL S. JUNIO equitably, insult is added to the injury by antagonizing and redtagging persons who reach for justice and take leaps to help those which the administration shoved aside and thrown under the bridge.

We do not deserve an incompetent leadership that refuses to serve its people but instead burdens its citizens with the dilemma of surviving a single day amidst a pandemic.

Shall the security is really the problem like they have claimed, how could the always favored enforcers crumble to the image of a small community pantry where people vigilantly line up to pick an egg or two?

A government is ultimately established for the wellbeing of a nation; its primary responsibilities include procuring projects by the people and the people.

As brilliant as a community pantry sounds, it is a piece of solid evidence that we are the only ones who can heed the call of our fellowmen and the harsh truth, for now, is that we Filipinos have been abandoned by our elected leaders. We all hope deep down that someday this flawed system gets fixed, finally becomes fair and just.

Ultimately, our prayers include achieving a regime that miraculously makes a decision that benefits every Filipino and does not aggrieve those who voluntarily give.

students to free themselves from the oppression and uncertainties that the University does to them under the orders of Pres. Garcia and these steps that these student councils had made are proven to be a major win in this long war of attrition.

Despite the blatant denial of the University and Pres. Garcia of the issues regarding the scholarship revocation of more than a thousand students despite the strong pieces of evidence pointed against them, it is still expected that the student council leaders and the student themselves will fight to get the justice and answer that they long to seek for. The students must not stop from fighting against a system that hides the truth, for the truth and only the truth will set them free from their woes and uncertainties about their scholarships and rights as the students of the University.

DAWN

SUBSTANCE OVER FORM

STARTING as one of the frontrunners of democracy in Asia, the Philippines saw how its democracy progressed–or regressed–over passages of time.

Per history, we have witnessed the ascendance of soldiers to the position of a Supremo and a president of a fresh republic from the manacles of the Spanish monarchy and, later on, the American rule through the Jones Law. Filipinos have been led by statesmen and professionals hailing from different backgrounds and expertise with the eventual independence from its foreign conquerors, bringing us to the present we know.

However, we wonder what has happened to our country to end up having a government notorious for corruption and incompetence?

When the country’s democracy was attacked under the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand Marcos, there has been a paradigm shift in the Philippine political landscape.

Before, the country’s politicians possessed degrees in law, civics, arts, and sciences with a lifestyle enriched by their socio-economic status and prestige.

Like the late President Ramon Magsaysay, we also had leaders who went from being a mechanic and a guerilla to become the leader of the nation to a prosperous agricultural revolution until his unprecedented demise.

But ever since the 1986 election and revolution, the political paradigm has since then changed.

The lawyers turned to celebrities; statesmen turned to businessmen; politicians turned politicians with little to no practical experience in politics.

The climate has changed, and so were the usual candidates for presidential elections for the past 30 years.

Not only did the shift affect the presidential slates the Philippines saw during the presidential elections, but it also affected the electoral turnouts per presidential election.

For the past six presidential elections since 1986, only two had over 80% of electoral turnouts: the 2016 presidential elections where the then-mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte won and the 1998 presidential elections when the

actor-turned-politician Joseph Estrada became the president.

With this information, it is concerning there is a lesser and lesser ratio of Filipinos participating in elections due to the factor concerning candidates’ desirability to the eyes of voters.

This political paradigm shift was embodied by the change of status of candidates, a shift of ideals of the people and the politicians’ interests, and other reasons that could either make or break the democracy that we all cherish country.

But most of all, the populace intervention and participation in elections are what made the most change.

You see, in order to avoid further attacks on our nation’s democracy and liberty, the people must ensure who they are voting for is the one that they deem to be righteous of the position at stake.

A vote is all it takes for a potential dictator to not achieve their ambition of leading a nation with their strings.

A vote is all it takes to position the respectful and the just who had more remarkable experience than those who only ran for office because of wealth and fame.

Democracy is a free-flowing one. It allows all kinds of people to have a chance, whether it is a genuine calling or not.

Even so, it is the duty of the voters to have an open mind and choose the people who are fit for the responsibility of leading.

Every Filipino must exercise their right to vote because every ballot sheet represents one’s hand on what the country will become in the future.

Being a Filipino entails serving the people and shaping the change that the people and future generations wish by participating and electing candidates deemed suitable by the plurality, or hopefully, even the majority.

An election is vital for people to be directly involved with the country’s political arena’s ongoing changes.

As such, voting is as crucial as the election itself.

The people must know that a simple dot on a paper will lead an entire nation to a different road that the Filipinos aspire to take.

The people can only get rid of the ‘salots,’ the cancer of the society who only seeks the best of their self-interest if people vote them out of the ballots.

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8

FEATURES

APRIL 25, 2021 — VOLUME 73, ISSUE 6

Oppa, Saranghae

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER

By Jessica Ann S. Evangelista

Once upon a time, as little girls, fairy tale stories were what we used to devour. We have memorized and loved the entire narrative of Cinderella and Snow White because our parents wanted us to believe that regardless of any conflict, everything is going to be alright, and a handsome Prince Charming is waiting for us at the end of the aisle.

This concept has comforted us for many years, until adulthood came. Now, the once cheerfulness for a happy ending has been replaced with a cruel pessimism that life is truly awful and the once-called standards are now referred to as foolish expectations of what a relationship should be like.

I’m beginning to think that no matter how much we convince ourselves that we no longer need happy endings because we are now more realistic and practical, we cannot deny that it is human nature to want an uplifting outcome. At this time, we believe that we are old enough to believe in fairy tales, however, unconsciously, we have found an alternative to satisfy our need for a happyever-after narrative—the Korean Dramas. After all, what is so wrong to believe that we can be happy with our true love without the threat of losing it any time soon?

Over the years, Korean Dramas have become a sense of normalcy and happiness for the Filipinos, normal in a way that they become a part of our daily routines because they keep us sane. They keep us distracted from the awfulness of the real world yet still allow us to hope for a happily-ever-after.

Those who like men long for the good-looking and romantic “Oppa” as a replacement of our childhood Prince Charming who became lost in the woods, failing to find us, while those who like women desire for the beautiful, demure Korean

PAYBACK TIME

leading lady who becomes a substitute for the Damsel in Distress they have always been longing to save. In other words, in Korean Dramas, it is a winwin situation for all of us.

KDramas have easily met the peak of popularity because of their unique narratives that are a perfect mixture of drama, action, romance, and everything in between. However, the reason people keep coming back and getting so obsessed with these stories are the Korean actors who play as the most attractive and tender leading men or love interest.

Descendants of the Sun is one of the highly anticipated Korean dramas of 2016, it follows the love story between Yoo Shi Jin (played by the evercharming yet dashing Song Joong-ki), a special forces officer, and Kang Mo Yeon (portrayed by the beautiful, versatile Song Hye-Kyo), a doctor. DOTS taught us there should be a separate line between our careers and our love lives. We should not mix these two up or allow them to go against each other because there is a way that we can be successful in both. This drama affirmed that we might need to sacrifice something for now, but in the grand scheme of things, it will all work out in the end.

Following a somehow similar story, Fight for My Way (2017) circulates on the lives of the underdogs or the people competing in their chosen endeavors but with less chance to succeed. While navigating through a fast-

paced, competitive world, longtime friends Ko Dong-man (played by the nation’s favorite boyfriend Park Seo-Joon) and Choi Ae-ra (the lovable Kim Jiwon) have begun to develop feelings for each other. However, since they are familiar with one another’s childish, immature qualities, this gives them a hard time trusting each other romantically. Fight for My Way punched its way into our hearts when it has enlightened us that we have our respective timings.

The breakthrough in our success as well as in our love life arrives once the universe feels that we are deserving of it, that we are finally ready to embrace anything that comes with it.

Now, due to the global pandemic, our lives and dreams were put on hold. However, thanks to Netflix, we have been able to watch one of the dramas that saved us during our isolation, 2019 worldwide hit Crash Landing on You tells the romance between Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok (played by the hunk, gorgeous Hyun Bin), a North Korean special officer

and Yoon Se-ri, a famous, South Korean chaebol (played by the lovely Son Ye-Jin), the two meet in an unexpected paragliding accident. They fall in love with each other regardless of the poor relation of their territories.

CLOY taught us that we don’t have to force things, especially love, because no matter what obstacles the two of you face, no matter how many times you get separated from each other, if you guys are meant to be together, the universe will always find a way to make you end up in each other’s embrace.

These Korean Oppas may have given us unrealistic expectations of what a boyfriend or husband should be like, but their stories give us real, concrete lessons that might come in handy as we seek our kind of happy endings. Why do we have to deprive ourselves of happy feelings just because we are afraid that it is all fictional and it is not going to last?

At some point, we have to let go of the idea that real life is always lurking at our backs and conspiring miserable situations

to throw at our paths because good things won’t come to us unless we believe that they will. It’s better to believe in something than to suffer because of disbelief.

We should never feel bad about wanting to love and wanting to be loved. Happy endings are just as valid as sad endings. It’s okay to be hopelessly romantic. It’s okay to be into romantic comedies.

You are not an idealist if you still believe that there is someone destined to be with you, to stand by your side, and to hold your hand as you reach for your dreams whether it’s above or on the ground.

Real-life is indeed complicated but happy-everafter does not neglect that reality, in fact, it just rises above it. Live your story in any way that you want. There are no rules. Happy endings do not necessarily mean “the end”.

They are reminders that we have the choice to be happy with the person we love because a once make-believe can turn into a tale of a coming true.

Cyndh Jezrill Marc C. Viloria

SPORTS 9

APRIL 25, 2021 — VOLUME 73, ISSUE 6

In the photos are (from left) Alyssa Valdez, Marck Jesus Espejo, Bryan Bagunas, and Alyja Daphne Santiago.

Photo courtesy of Tiebreaker Times and ABS-CBN News

Valdez, Bagunas lead indoor volley NT tryout pool

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has announced that it will conduct a three-day national team bubble tryouts in Subic, Zambales, PNVF President Ramon “Tatz” Suzara said last Wednesday, April 21.

Over 100 best and the brightest men’s and women’s volleyball athletes are expected to see in action on April 28 to 29, held at the Subic Gym, while the men’s and women’s beach volleyball players will play on April 30 at the Subic Tennis Courts.

“The PNVF is currently prioritizing its elite/highperformance initiatives through the National Team Commission, Suzara stated. ‘’The national team will be focusing on the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in December.’’

Leading the cast of women’s and men’s squad are the former 3-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alyssa Valdez of Creamline Cool Smashers (CCS), former 4-time UAAP best attacker Jaja Santiago, fresh from winning the Japanese league title for Ageo Medics, Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas Bryan Bagunas who snagged the silver medal last 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Manila after 28-year medal drought.

Meanwhile, former University of the East (UE)

prodigy and 2-time UAAP best libero Kathleen Arado and 2017 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championships 2nd best libero Dawn Macandili, undeniably two of the most prominent and stellar liberos in the country were also invited to the tryouts.

National coaches Dante Alinsunurin (men’s volleyball), Arthur “Odjie” Mamon (women’s volleyball), Paul Jan Doloiras (women’s beach volleyball), and Rhovyl Verayo (men’s beach volleyball) will manage the tryouts.

The players, coaches, organizers, and officials involved will undergo RT-PCR tests 48 hours before the bubble tryouts with a guaranteed turnaround time of 24 hours.

Suzara and PNVF SecretaryGeneral Donaldo Caringal and Medical Commission head Dr. Jose Raul Canlas met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrators and Philippine Red Cross officers at the Subic Gym on Monday to settle the health and safety protocols.

Here are the invited players to the tryouts: Women’s Volleyball Setters - Rhea Dimaculangan (PLDT), Kim Fajardo (F2 Logistics), Alohi Robins (Cignal

Alfafara (PLDT), Marck Espejo (Cignal), Dan Aldrin Garnica (USPF), Bryan Bagunas (Go for Gold), Alden Dave Cabaron (SWU), John Ashley Jacob (University of MindanaoDavao), Nico Almendras (NU/ Sta. Elena), Noel Kampton (DLSU), Leo Aringo (NU), Louie Ramirez (Perpetual), Alche Gupiteo (UST), Jian Matthew Salarzon (Bacolod), Jomar Candelario (UB).

Opposite Hitters - John Vic de Guzman (PLDT), Ysay Marasigan (Cignal), Mark Enciso (IEM), Joeven dela Vega (Navy), Jao Umandal (PLDT), Banjo Mondero (NU/Sta. Elena), John Mark Ronquillo (DLSU), Leodie Vitente (SLU).

Middle Blockers - Rex Intal (Cignal), Kim Malabunga (Go for Gold), Francis Saura (Go for Gold), John Edward Carascal (SWU), Nilo Jasmin Jr. (SWU), Chumson Njigha Jr. (Ateneo), JP Bugaoan (Cignal), Lloyd Josafat (UE/PLDT), Anthony Ekwenugo (USC), Kharyl Parce (NU), Rayver Sison (Davao), Leo Ordiales (NU).

Libero - Jack Kalingking (Navy), Ricky Marcos (Go for Gold), Manuel Sumanguid (Cignal).

Women’s Beach Volleyball Sisi Rondina (Creamline), Bernadeth Pons (Creamline), Dij Rodriguez (Creamline), Dzi Gervacio (Creamline), Alexa Polidario (Abanse Negrense), Babylove Barbon (UST), Jackie Estoquia (Sta. Lucia),

Milena Alessandrini (UST), DM Demontaño (Sta. Lucia), Princess Robles (NU), Honey Grace Cabansay (UST), Jennifer Cosas (Abanse Negrense), Jovelyn Gonzaga (Army), Jozza Cabalsa (Air Force), Mylene Paat (Chery Tiggo), Jannine Navarro (Chery Tiggo), Tin Tiamzon (F2 Logistics), Javen Sabas (PUP), Gen Eslapor (UST), Mer Jauculan (UST).

Men’s Beach Volleyball Jude Garcia (Creamline), Jaron Requinton (Creamline), Anthony Arbasto (Creamline), Edwin Tolentino (Air Force), Ranran Abdilla (Creamline), Ronald Umang-it (Mapua), Joven Camaganakan (IEM), AJ Pareja (Creamline), Jade Becaldo (Cebu), Calvin Sarte (Davao), James Pecaña (PLDT), Jason Uy (Army), Greg Dolor (Navy), Philip Bagalay (Creamline), KR Guzman (General Santos), Joshua Miña (EAC), Reuben Inaudito (Air Force), Kurl Rosete (Navy), James Buytrago (Creamline).

Beach Volleyball Juniors Women - Justine Jazareno, Roma Mae Doromal, Kathrina Epa, Kizil Doren, Grydelle Joanice Matibag, Althea Marie Bacalanos, Maria Megan Gumban, Samantha Maranan.

Men - Pol Salvador, Rancel Varga, Dominique Gabito, Alexander Cabatuan, Jefter Guerrero, Efraem Dimaculangan, Amil Pacinio, Mar Angelo de Lara, Jay Rack Dela Noche, Eugene Gloria.

the match to her advantage.

Macrohon’s second attempt lift with 125 kgs, unfortunately, was judged foul, pushing them to challenge the ruling.

The challenge was eventually denied.

Asserting her mastery, the 2019 Southeast Asian games gold medalist capitalized Kang’s 125-kg missed lift, redeeming herself at the clean and jerk with 126 kg, her best attempt, enough for a bronze-medal finish.

The 24-year-old Filipino weightlifter raked in her second bronze after hammering a total lifted weight of 225 kgs,

placing third behind China’s World Champion Zhang Wangli 263 kgs and South Korea’s Kim Suhyeon with 244 kgs.

Macrohon, also the 2020 World Cup bronze medalist in the 71 kg, pushed herself entering a heavier weight category, competing and giving world record holder Zhang a run for her money.

China’s Zhang nabbed three gold medals after displaying a stellar performance in the snatch (115 kgs) and clean and jerk (148 kgs) with a total lifting weight of 263 kgs.

South Korea’s Kim secured three silver medals on her

pocket with a 244-kg total output, after fusing 106 kgs in the snatch and 138 kgs in the clean and jerk.

The Philippines now has two gold medals of Vanessa Sarno in the women’s 71 kg, six silver medals, and three bronze medals in the continental meet.

Meanwhile, national team stalwart and Asian Games champion Hidilyn Diaz, who settled for fourth place in the 55-kg category, booked her ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in summer 2021, hoping to bring home the firstever Olympic gold medal for the flag and country.

Kristel Macrohon captures double bronze in Asian Weightlifting tourney

By Brix Lelis

Kristine Macrohon banners Philippine Flag as she grabbed two bronzes during the Asian Weightlifting tournament.

Photo courtesy of INQ Sports

HD), Jia Morado (Creamline), Jasmine Nabor (Chery Tiggo), Kamille Cal (NU).

Outside Hitters - Alyssa Valdez (Creamline), Myla Pablo (PetroGazz), Kalei Mau (F2 Logistics), Ces Molina (PetroGazz), Kat Tolentino (Choco Mucho), Faith Nisperos (Ateneo), Ivy Lacsina (NU), Michaela Belen (NU), Angel Canino (DLSU).

Opposite Hitters - Jovelyn Gonzaga (Army), Mylene Paat (Chery Tiggo), Dindin Santiago (Chery Tiggo), MJ Philips (Sta. Lucia), Kim Kianna Dy (F2 Logistics), Eya Laure (UST/ Chery Tiggo), Alyssa Solomon (NU), Alleliah Malaluan (DLSU).

Middle Blockers - Aby Maraño (F2 Logistics), Risa Sato (Creamline), Jaja Santiago (Chery Tiggo/Ageo Medics), Majoy Baron (F2 Logistics), Dell Palomata (Air Force), Ria Meneses (PetroGazz), Bea de Leon (Choco Mucho), Maddie Madayag (Choco Mucho), Marist Layug (PLDT), Imee Hernandez (UST), Thea Gagate (DLSU), Lorene Toring (AdU).

Libero - Dennise Lazaro (Choco Mucho), Dawn Macandili (F2 Logistics), Kath Arado (PetroGazz), Jennifer Nierva (NU), Bernadette Pepito (UST).

Men’s Volleyball Setter - Jessie Lopez (Air Force), Kim Dayadante (Go for Gold), Ish Polvorosa (Cignal), Josh Retamar (NU/Sta. Elena).

Outside Hitters - Mark

Filipino pride Kristel Macrohon bagged two bronze medals in the women’s 76-kilogram category of the 2020 Asian Weightlifting Championships on Thursday, April 22, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, bringing the country’s total medal count to 11.

Macrohon spoiled another bronze in the snatch when she fell short at 99 kgs to Korean Kang Yeounhee, who won with a solitary kilogram at 100.

Kang experienced difficulty lifting 120 kgs in the clean and jerk, allowing Macrohon to take

10

SPORTS

APRIL 25, 2021 — VOLUME 73, ISSUE 6

Hidilyn Diaz carried 53kg for PH in the women’s weightlifting of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Photo courtesy of Rappler

Hidilyn Diaz lifts her way to Tokyo Olympics

By Jessica Ann S. Evangelista

Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz has sealed her fourth Olympic appearance after hoisting a 94kg snatch and a 118kg clean and jerk, bragging a total lift of 212 kg, to finish 4th place overall in the Asian Weightlifting Championships women’s 55kg event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sunday, April 18.

Despite missing the podium finish, Diaz has completed the sixth tournament requirement to secure a slot in the world’s biggest sporting event.

The Zamboanga native ranked fifth in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) rankings women’s 55-kilogram division, while she comes second in the Olympic standings. Last year, Diaz copped a trio of golds in the 2020 Roma World Cup. This summer, Diaz is bid to

win the Philippines’ first ever Olympic gold medal. With her qualifying, the country now has seven bets in this year’s Olympics. Joining Diaz are pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, boxers Irish Magno, Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Carlo Paalam.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is funding the campaign of the Filipino athletes eyeing slots in the 2021 Tokyo Games. Sports bureau

chairman William Ramirez said that the agency might be going through difficulties due to the pandemic, but they guaranteed to support the athletes in their journey.

PSC financed the national weightlifters with over P4.9 million pesos covering airfare, hotel accommodation, allowances, and other travel expenses from April 11 to 25. This includes a P1 million bankroll for Diaz and her team.

Kai Sotto during FIBA U19 Baksteball World Cup 2019.

Photo courtesy of Rappler

Kai Sotto to join Adelaide E-Gilas reclaims ESports Open III 36ers, Gilas Asia Cup

By Anna Marie B. Atutubo

E-Gilas Pilipinas went home victorious after toppling Indonesia over in the Southeast Asia Conference of the FIBA ESports Open III with two wins in the best-ofthree series last April 18.

The PH team may have succumbed to Australia last November; they still stood firm as they fought against Indonesia, making it possible to clinch their second triumph.

It was a tough battle as Indonesia gained the first advantage, but Shintarou did not stay still as he garnered a five-point lead of 53-48. E-Gilas then swept Indonesia with a dunk and a three-pointer, ending Game 1 with a total of 60-53.

Game 2 then went on with an IzzoIV-Shintarou combo, with the former having 12 points, eight boards, and three crucial steals while the latter

By Aira Julianne C. Mangali

E-Gilas dominated Indonesia during Esports Open III. Photo courtesy of The Manila Times

had 19 points and eight dimes.

The PH team then sealed it with an 8 point lead in the final quarter, 44-36.

Moreover, Shintarou was also crowned as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series, with 44 points for the whole tourney.

The PH team consists of five players, namely; Aljon Cruzin (Shintarou), Philippe Herrero IV (IzzoIV), Custer Galas (Custer), Arnie Sison (ElChapo), Rial Polog Jr. (Rial), and two other members; Clark Banzon (Clark) and Ian Santiago (Ian), while

their coach is Nite Alparas.

Game 1: Philippines 60 – Shintarou 25, IzzoIV 20, Custer 9, Rial 4, ElChap0 2 Indonesia 53 – TrulyAs 17, DogsEyes 14, C2S 13, Lebror 9, Lordie 0.

Quarters: 14-17, 30-27, 4539, 60-53 Game 2: Philippines 44 – Shintarou 19, IzzoIV 12, Custer 6, ElChap0 5, Rial 2 Indonesia 36 – DogsEyes 18, TrulyAs 7, Mannuel 6, C2S 3, Lebror 2 Quarters: 8-10, 21-18, 3521, 44-36

Kai Sotto is set to join the Australian National Basketball League team Adelaide 36ers.

On Wednesday, the 7-foot-3 Filipino basketball player’s new path was announced in an interview with sports journalists gathered by the Smart and East-West Private.

During an online interview, Sotto confirmed that he would also be joining the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) of Gilas Pilipinas that is set to happen this June and the Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur (FIBA) Asia Cup 2021.

Sotto decided to play with Adelaide 36ers in Australia after being ruled ineligible for the 2021 NBA Draft because he just graduated from high school.

Nonetheless, the team Adelaide 36ers and their chairman Grant

Kelley warmly welcomed Sotto to their lineup.

The 18-year-old basketball player would be the first Filipino to compete in the Australian pro league under the league’s Special Restricted Player rule, which, according to Adelaide, aims to promote closer ties with the rest of the FIBA Asia zone.

In 2008, Gilas Pilipinas centerpiece Jayson Castro was on the track of becoming the first Filipino to play in the National Basketball League (NBL); however, before his debut, his team Singaporebased Slingers withdrew from the Australian league.

Sotto has already signed a multi-year contract with NBL’s 2021-2022 season, according to the Adelaide 36ers, who have a 10-14 record and currently in the standing of seventh place in the league.