DAWN DECEMBER - ISSUE 2, VOLUME 74
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST
University of the East– Dentistry building
CDENT DEAN: SOME STUDENTS STILL AFRAID OF F2F CLASSES
By Karen Louise C. Delos Angeles & Marie Gold Vivien M. Totanes by the Commission on Higher to ensure a safe reopening of Amid the reopening of the College of Dentistry (CDent) to limited Education (CHED), the on-campus classes. in-person classes, Dean Rhodora Luciano bared that some students Department of Health (DOH), “What we can do in the student remain hesitant to go back to the traditional learning setup. This was after the University transition, citing that students and the Inter-Agency Task council is to keep reminding of the East (UE) reopened the want to “stay at home.” Force (IATF). our students to observe safety face-to-face Clinical Dentistry “Some are very excited to go In addition, the University measures and protocols classes for graduating students back to face-to-face classes and also implemented a new set provided by our College inside for the first semester of the A.Y. clinics and eager to learn more of policies to be imposed the building and encourage 2021-2022. with regards to clinical training, on campus, which are in them to get vaccinated,” Dela In an interview with the but of course some are still accordance with the current Torre said. DAWN, Luciano said that afraid and would like to play health guidelines. The DSC president also stated students were excited to return safe and stay at home,” Luciano Likewise, Dentistry Student that due to the University’s to in-person classes. underscored. Council (DSC) President Patrick free vaccination program, it The CDent dean, however, To ensure students’ safety, Lawrence Dela Torre reiterated is projected that the majority stressed that some are still the dean shared that UE follows the importance of following the of students are now fully half-hearted with the ongoing all health protocols mandated protocols and safety measures vaccinated.
“Nagbigay naman na po ng libreng vaccination sa UERM and UE main, so we believe that almost everyone has already been fully vaccinated,“ he added. Furthermore, Dela Torre remarked that the DSC will coordinate with the CDent administration to offer all the assistance they can give. “We will also be in touch with our College’s administration to whatever assistance they might need so we can help them,” the DSC president said.
Following the reopening of institutions for face-to-face classes, University of the East (UE) is also considering a switch to in-person on-thejob training (OJT). UE students undergo virtual OJT this year due to the health restrictions brought about by the pandemic. However, Prof. Annabelle Espiritu, the UE Caloocan OJT & job placement coordinator, bared that they are now discussing the possible transition to a physical OJT setting. Espiritu told the DAWN that the University is now coordinating with its
students who are still in the province,” the DSC president claimed. In mid-November, CDent already offered Clinical Dentistry for graduating students for the first semester. Dela Torre revealed that students were not surprised by the transition from online to face-to-face classes since the college has been reminding them to be prepared. “Iba pa rin kasi ang face-toface classes lalo na sa kurso namin. Paghahanda na rin po ito ng mga graduating students namin para sa practical phase ng board exams,” he said.
UE, partner companies discuss possible shift to F2F OJT
affiliated companies. “We are currently coordinating with our partner companies [for the OJT],” Espiritu said. UE is reportedly finalizing the OJT setting that it will apply, as well as the agreement with its partner companies. “Series of meetings are held to discuss matters concerning OJT and its transition from online to face-to-face (inperson) OJT,” the coordinator added. Aside from that, the University also coordinated with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regarding its plans.
Over 40% of CDent students unsure of F2F classes
Less than half of the students surveyed in the College of Dentistry (CDent) remain undecided for the limited inperson classes next semester. University of the East (UE) President Ester Garcia disclosed that 146 students, or 42.57% of the total respondents, were unsure if they are ready to return to the traditional learning setup. Survey also shows that out of 343 respondents, only 197 students agreed with the reopening of limited face-toface classes for the second semester of the A.Y. 2021-2022. Meanwhile, CDent Student
Council (DSC) President Patrick Lawrence Dela Torre told the DAWN that the college is not requiring Dentistry students to enroll in in-person classes. “May mga estudyante pa rin kasi na nasa probinsya at hindi pa rin pinapayagan lumuwas ng Maynila para mag-aral,” he said. Dela Torre further stated that the UE administration encourages students to enroll “if we can and if we are allowed by our parents.” “So, the option to enroll [in] pure online classes will be beneficial to some of our
NEWS Only few are willing for F2F classes, Garcia says Despite the demands of youth groups and student councils to immediately start face-to-face classes, only few are willing to go through it. In an exclusive interview with University of the East (UE) President Ester Garcia, she said that not all students are willing to undergo face-to-face classes. “All I can say is that, after all the preparations, not all students are willing to undergo face-to-face classes,” Garcia said. The University President said that the only face-to-face classes for next semester will be those
approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This means that only the Engineering, Tourism, Hospitality Management, and Dentistry degree programs will push through with the limited face-to-face classes. To address the concerns of those unwilling to attend inperson classes, Garcia said that the University will implement blended learning. “In 2022-2023, we will have blended learning, using whatever method is best for the subject matter,” the University President added.
Warrior student-leaders hail as champions in national speech contests
Two Warrior-delegates from the University of the East (UE) Manila have asserted their dominance in the 59th National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute Conference (NRYLIC). University Student Council Dranto bagged the highest (USC) president and placement in the oratorical International Studies senior speaking contest. Raymond Raph Cayabyab Dranto scored 95% in hailed as the champion in her oratorical piece that extemporaneous speaking. highlights the relevance of Cayabyab’s speech centered Rizal in community building. on how Jose Rizal became The 59th NRYLIC was the role model in citizens’ facilitated by Knights of pandemic recovery. Rizal together with The Rizal Meanwhile, USC viceAcademy For Innovation president and Accounting and Leadership on Friday, Management senior Chelsea Dec. 17, via Zoom.
Raymond Raph Cayabyab (left) and Chelsea Dranto (right).
UERM ranks 2nd in PT board; posts 95% rating in Nursing exam
The University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC) was among the top-performing schools in the December 2021 Physical Therapist Licensure Examination (PTLE). As per the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 61 out of 62 examinees in UERM passed the examination, enough for a top two placement with 98.39% passing rate. The December 2021 PTLE has registered a 68.97% national
passing rate after 978 out of 1,418 examinees successfully made the cut. Meanwhile, UERM tallied a 95% passing rate in the November 2021 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE). PRC data shows that the campus has produced 19 new nurses out of 20 examinees. The November 2021 NLE posted a 51.45% national passing rate after 6,086 out of 11,828 examinees passed.
Reopening of F2F classes spurs mixed opinions from students By Terenz Dave L. Silverio
Several students from the University of the East (UE) Manila and Caloocan campuses have expressed their support for the possible shift to in-person classes, while some are also claiming their safety is at risk. from an on-site class is an Carl Darwin Lastimosa, a important part of learning Biology freshman from UE communication. Manila, said that he was “I am for the implementation “ecstatic” about the reopening of face-to-face classes because of campuses. I believe that interaction is an “Despite all the issues and essential component of the problems that come with learning process especially limited in-person classes, I to that of communication actually feel very ecstatic about students,” Pineda said. it. It’s about time that we get The Communication student, to experience this after almost however, stated that some two years,” Lastimosa said. students do not have the He also noted that face-to-face “same level of readiness as classes are more supplemental the COVID-19 pandemic than the current method of continues to wreak havoc.” learning. UE Caloocan’s Interior “Normal face-to-face classes Design sophomore Julianna make me learn more effective Rosal echoed the sentiments and efficient. It’s difficult for of Pineda, highlighting the us to learn the specimens, let students’ need for social alone dissect the specimens interaction. using only our minds,” the “I think it would be much freshman said. [more] bearable in a new Similarly, for Janna Pineda, a environment wherein you Communication student from know there will be people you UE Caloocan, the interaction can physically go to for help,”
Rosal said. Meanwhile, Sam Salicio, a Medical Technology student at UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC), said that he felt mixed emotions about the transition. “I get excited for the fact that finally, students can go back to the normal school setup yet anxious at the same time, risking my health for the possible virus infection,” he shared. Although he is physically prepared for in-person classes, Salicio admitted that he is not mentally ready for it. As much as they are for inperson classes, these Warriors also share the same worries about the shift to the traditional learning setup. Rosal attested, “I’m kind of afraid with the different variants that keep coming this year. We are slowly going back to normal, but are we really safe?”
UE-Manila tallies 100% passing rate in elementary LET, 50% in HS By Marie Gold Vivien M. Totanes
The University of the East (UE)-Manila tallied a perfect passing rate in the September 2021 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) at the elementary level and a 50% passing percentage at the secondary level. According to the examinees. Professional Regulation Meanwhile, the said Commission (PRC), UEcampus also posted a 50% Manila was flawless at the passing rate in the secondary elementary level after its lone level after three new Warrior examinee had successfully educators out of six made the passed the examination. cut. PRC results show that the The September 2021 LET in September 2021 elementary the secondary level registered LET recorded a 55.96% a 57.76% nationwide national passing rate, passing rate, yielding 10,318 producing 4,883 elementary secondary teachers out of teachers out of 8,726 17,863 examinees.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, PRC conducted the first batch of the LET qualifying examination on September 26, 2021, in at least 26 testing facilities across the country. The exam results were released online on November 29, 2021, together with the official list of passers, topnotchers, top-performing schools, and the performance of schools for both elementary and secondary levels.
CAS-Manila, orgs call for ‘Ligtas Balik Eskwela’
With the possible shift to in-person setup, University of the East (UE) student councils and recognized student organizations (RSOs) have campaigned for the safe reopening of face-to-face classes. Led by the UE Manila College of “Ang bulok na sistema ng ating Arts and Sciences Student Council edukasyon ay mas naipakita nang (CASSC), student-leaders issued a dumating ang pandemya sa ating unity statement, calling for “Ligtas bansa, bagamat ang suliraning ito na Balik Eskwela.” ay matagal ng namamayagpag noon “Maraming mga estudyante pa man, hindi maikakaila na hindi ang hindi makasabay sa bagong prayoridad ng ating gobyerno ang sistema ng edukasyon. Marami ang sektor ng edukasyon,” they said. hindi na nag-aaral dahil walang The student council and the sapat na kagamitan at kakayahan RSOs reiterated that the allocated upang lumahok sa online class,” government funds for the the statement read. education sector is not enough to Student-leaders stressed that the ensure the security of the students. youth must have access to quality “Hindi makatarungan ang halos and affordable education, urging dalawang taon na sarado ang mga the University and the Philippine paaralan. Ang pondong panggovernment to ensure the safe edukasyon na inilaan ng gobyerno implementation of in-person ay hindi sapat upang matiyak classes. ang seguridad ng mga mag-aaral
sa dami ng mga kinakailangang punan ng ating panawagan,” they underscored. They also proposed the installation of sanitary equipment and salary increase for teachers and nurses. “Nanawagan ang Konseho, kasama ng mga organisasyon, na sa pagbabalik eskwela, siguraduhin ng pamahalaan at ng aming pamantasan ang seguridad, kalusugan, at kaligtasan ng mga bawat estudyanteng babalik sa paaralan,” the statement read. “Kaakibat ng ligtas balik eskwela, ang konseho ay nananawagan din na magkaroon ng mass testing at masugid na contract tracing upang makampante ang mga estudyante at magulang at masiguro na malayo sa kapahamakan,” it added.
NEWS
Warrior grads land in Nursing, PT board exams top 10
Three University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC) alumni have displayed their excellence in the latest board examinations. Ian Carlo Medina has made it
to the top 10 of the December 2021 Physical Therapist Licensure Examination (PTLE). The UERM alum has placed seventh in the exam after scoring 87.65%, according to
the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Meanwhile, two Warrior graduates have also willed their way in the top 10 board passers of the November 2021 Nursing Licensure
Examination (NLE). Data from PRC shows that Bryan Emmanuel Agosto landed third in the said examination, after scoring 88.20%. Also claiming her spot in the
top 10 is Marionne Leigh David who posted 87.40%, enough to gain the top six placement. The November 2021 NLE recorded a 51.45% national passing rate after 6,086 out of 11,828 examinees passed.
UERM Physical Therapist and Nursing Boards topnotchers, from left, Ian Carlo Medina (PTLE Top 7), Marionne Leigh David (NLE Top 6), and Bryan Emmanuel Agosto (NLE Top 3).
Warrior artist gains recognition at 34th Awit Awards By Shekinah Faith P. Requintel
Warrior singer-songwriter Sharmaine Hannah Garcia, popularly known as Shane G., has won the People’s Voice Breakthrough Artist recognition at the 34th Awit Awards on Nov. 29. Garcia, also a UE Jam in the People’s Voice Sessions’ member, categories: Breakthrough garnered 55,115 votes and Artist and Favorite Female secured the top spot for Artist on her single “Head the said award. Over Heels.” Meanwhile, earning The ‘Head Over Heels’ second place was artist has reportedly racked Zephanie with 6,861 votes over 160,000 streams on and followed by Nobita Spotify. with 1,992 votes. Earlier, she was The Warrior artist was recognized by Korean nominated for two awards Popstar Bang Chan after
her self-care ballad “Loved” was featured on VLive last November 6. Awit Awards is the longest-running and one of the most prestigious music award-giving bodies in the Philippines. The music awards are given annually by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) to recognize outstanding artists and music in the Philippines.
UE produces 17 new accountants in December 2021 CPALE
The University of the East (UE) campuses have yielded a total of 17 new accountants in the recently concluded December 2021 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE). The two campuses scored Professional Regulation higher ratings compared Commission (PRC) to the national passing announced that 12 out of 31 percentage of 21.87%. Warrior examinees from UE Both CPA board examinations Manila have achieved passing this year recorded no marks, posting a 38.71 % topnotchers and toprating. performing schools. Meanwhile, UE Caloocan To qualify in the topfinished the said examination performing schools, with a 50% passing rate after institutions shall register at five out of 10 examinees have least 80% overall passing successfully made the cut. percentage and shall have 20
or more exam passers. CPALE is considered as one of the hardest board exams in the country with only 318 out of 1,454 examinees successfully passed the latest exam. It can be recalled that the October 2021 CPALE also registered no topnotchers and top-performing schools. The previous board exam posted a national passing rate of 15.3% having 361 passers from the 2,367 aspiring accountants.
UE Manila students win bronze in PH case study competition A group from the University of the East (UE) Manila has ranked third place in the 2021 PwC Philippines M&A Challenge case study competition. UE Manila’s “Team Marbles” from the University of consists of Accountancy the Philippines-Diliman juniors Alexsandra Aggabao, clinched the championship, Racky Marson Escueta, and which was followed by the Kyle Clarence Williams, delegates from the University as well as Management of San Carlos in second place. Accountancy senior Cathleen The said contest is the Rose Dela Cruz. country’s pioneer merger They climbed their way to and acquisition-focused case a podium finish through the study competition that aims mentorship of their coach, to help students learn from Prof. Lindley Jan Mesina. PwC’s experienced M&A Aside from the recognition, professionals. the UE Manila students will It also offers an opportunity also receive Php25,000, for undergraduate students while the University will get studying business-related Php10,000. courses to challenge their The group reportedly battled analytical abilities and against 78 other teams from gain hands-on experience nearly 50 universities and as professional financial colleges in the Philippines. advisors. Meanwhile, the team
NEWS COVID-19 UPDATES IN THE PHILIPPINES FROM NOVEMBER 28, 2021 TO DECEMBER 20, 2021 By Allena Mae E. Bonifacio and Shekinah Faith P. Requintel
November 28, 2021 The Philippines tightened border controls amid the threat of the Omicron variant, banning entry of travelers from countries placed in the “red list”. In a statement, presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said that countries barred and placed in the “red list” are those with reported cases of the variant B.1.1.529 or the “Omicron.” Initially, the travel ban only covered seven African nations: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique. The country’s COVID-19 task force then added seven more European countries; Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy on the “red list.” Moreover, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. announced that the Philippine government secured a deal with Pfizer-BioNTech for 20 million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Galvez said that the additional vaccines are procured to be used as booster shots and pediatric evaluation. It is expected to start arriving in the first month of 2022. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 838 new confirmed cases, the lowest tally in 11 months, since Dec. 28, 2020. To date, a total of 2,831,807 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Philippines, 2,766,816 of which have since recovered. November 29, 2021 The Philippines launched a threeday nationwide vaccination campaign from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. The “Bayanihan Bakunahan” aims to vaccinate nine million citizens across 8,000 vaccination sites within 16 regions nationwide. President Rodrigo Duterte described the campaign as the “single biggest push to fast-track vaccination,” expecting to reach the country’s vaccination target by the end of the year. “By the end of 2021, we expect to fully vaccinate a total of 54 million Filipinos; we also aim to inoculate 80 percent of the population of minors aged 12 to 17 years; and complete the booster shots for those belonging to A1, A2, and A3 sectors,” the President said. Meanwhile, the DOH recorded 665 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total caseload to 2,832,375. It is by far the lowest record of daily infection count tallied for this year, since July 14, 2020. November 30, 2021 DOH recorded 425 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s overall caseload to 2,832,724. It is the lowest daily count in nearly 17 months since July 2, 2020, wherein DOH recorded 294 infections at that time. The reported deaths are 44, raising the overall death toll of COVID-19 in the country to 48,505. While the recorded recoveries tallied to 909, increasing the total recovery count to 2,768,389. As of date, 35 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, which is approximately only more than 30% of the overall Philippine population. On a positive note, the Philippines has maintained below 5% positivity rate for at least 18 days, from
November 10. The ideal positivity rate set by the World Health Organization (WHO) is below 5%, and it must be maintained for at least two weeks for countries to reopen. December 1, 2021 The DOH reported 167 coronavirusrelated deaths, pushing the total fatalities to 48,712, accounting for 1.72% of all tallied COVID-19 cases in the Philippines since 2020. The health department also logged 951 newly recovered coronavirus patients. Raising the survival rate to 97.7% of the 2,768,999 case count. According to the health department, the Philippines still has 15,327 COVID-19 active cases, with 500 new cases today. Moreover, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) has proposed another round of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” nationwide vaccination campaign. The country reportedly seeks to fully vaccinate 54 million Filipinos by the end of 2021. December 2, 2021 The DOH authorized the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for fully vaccinated individuals. This came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer to be used as an additional dose. Following the government’s booster drive, adults vaccinated at least six months ago are eligible to get a booster shot as soon as December 3. Only those who received one dose of Johnson & Johnson can get booster shots three months after getting vaccinated. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. affirms that vaccine supply is no longer an issue and said that there is “more than enough” for a booster drive for the general adult population. He said the country is expected to receive 217 million doses of COVID-19, procured and donated. Meanwhile, 564 new COVID-19 infections are recorded, bringing the overall nationwide case count to 2,833,473. About 15,188 are classified as active cases, 715 of which are asymptomatic, 7,126 have mild symptoms, 3,817 in moderate condition, 2,463 with severe symptoms, and 1,067 in critical condition. December 3, 2021 Metro Manila is now in the “very low risk” category for coronavirus infections, according to the independent analytics group OCTA Research. According to the findings, Metro Manila had significantly lower average new cases in comparison to the same period last year. Only 138 average new cases from November 26 to December 2 this 2021. Meanwhile, DOH reported 544 new coronavirus infections, raising the total COVID-19 cases to 2,833,878. The total recoveries also climbed to 2,769,914, with 734 new recoveries. The country’s positivity rate has been maintained below 5% since November 11. December 4, 2021 The Philippines reported 517 additional COVID-19 cases on Saturday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,834,294.
DOH also logged 1,139 additional recoveries and 243 new deaths, with a total number of recoveries of 2,770,726 and deaths of 49,230. “Moreover, 228 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” the health department added in a statement. DOH also recorded a positive rate of 1.8% in 35,238 tests conducted in December. December 5, 2021 The country logged 603 new COVID-19 deaths on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 49,386, according to DOH. Meanwhile, the total number of infections in the country is now at 2,834,775 after 603 new cases were reported. The total number of deaths accounts for 1.74 percent of all cases or exactly 49,386 deaths. December 6, 2021 The Department of Health (DOH) reported that the Omicron variant is not yet detected in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Department of Health has recorded 543 additional cases of COVID-19, 830 persons were cured and 113 died. The total number of recorded cases in the country was 13,548 active cases, 2,772,107 were cured, and 49,499 died. December 7, 2021 The Department of Health (DOH) reported 356 new COVID 19 cases on Tuesday. This is the lowest since July 2, 2020, when an additional 294 cases were recorded at that time. With new cases, the country’s current active COVID19 infection count is 13,026, 0.5% of all 2,835,345 confirmed cases of the disease since the outbreak of the pandemic. Meanwhile, DOH recorded 871 new recoveries and 92 deaths. A total of 2,772,728 patients recovered and 49,591 died. The positive rate remains low at 1.4% of the 24,360 people tested for coronavirus. December 8, 2021 DOH reported another 171 deaths associated with COVID-19 but only six of them were from December. According to DOH, the 171 deaths in the country were due to COVID19 complications, which increased to 49,761 and represents 1.75% of all 2,835,593 confirmed cases. The DOH has recorded 370 additional cases of COVID-19. Meanwhile, 859 people were cured and 171 died. The total number of recorded cases in the country logged to 12,510 active cases, 2,773,320 cured, and 49,761 died. December 9, 2021 The health department aimed to fully vaccinate 90% of the Philippines’ population before Duterte ended his term, a DOH official revealed. “The President’s marching order has been for us to inoculate no less than 90% of the Philippine population, which is equivalent to about 99 million Filipinos before the end of the administration of President Duterte,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said. Amid the Delta variant-driven surge in September, the government increased the herd immunity target to 90% from 70%.
Meanwhile, about 6.5 million Filipinos belonging to the 12-17 age group have secured their COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. said. December 10, 2021 Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the latest number of daily COVID-19 cases in the capital region is six times lower than in July 2021. “[The] National Capital Region’s recent cases per day is already six times lower than July of 2021, which was 628 cases per day, and almost three times lower than the January 2021 of 288 reported cases per day,” Vergeire said. Metro Manila is now at “minimal risk” for COVID-19, being the virus epicenter, after nearly two years into the pandemic. The capital region has a negative two-week growth rate and average daily attack rate (ADAR) of 0.87 per 100,000 population. An ADAR of less than one means that an area has minimal risk case classification. ADAR is the number of new cases in a city or province over two weeks, divided by the population of the city or province. December 11, 2021 The country’s COVID-19 death toll surpassed 50,000 on Saturday, with 135 additional people succumbing to the disease, according to the DOH. The death toll is now at 50,096 or 1.77% of the total case count, which has risen to 2,836,360 with the report of 356 new infections. December 12, 2021 The health department on Sunday logged 402 new COVID-19 cases nationwide, bringing the total number of cases to 2,836,592. The death toll also increased to 50,280, with 184 new fatalities recorded, but the DOH emphasized that only six of them happened in December. December 13, 2021 The DOH reported 360 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, increasing the total number of cases in the country to 2,836,803. According to the DOH’s most recent case bulletin, the number of active cases has dropped further to 11,083, with a significantly smaller number of new infections. Meanwhile, the DOH posted 519 fresh recoveries, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 2,775,379. With 61 more deaths, the death toll has risen to 50,341. December 14, 2021 The country logged 235 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, December 14, the fewest in nearly 19 months or since May 23, 2020, when the country had 180 infections. The cases added raised the country’s total caseload to 2,836,868. Of these, 0.4-percent, or 10,526 people, remain active. The health department also reported ten deaths. The cumulative death toll in the country as a result of COVID-19 has risen to 50,351. Meanwhile, recoveries increased by 780, for a total of 2,775,991. December 15, 2021 Despite a sustained drop in new cases due to the threat of the potentially more infectious Omicron coronavirus variant, the country will stay on Alert
Level 2 until December 31. Health undersecretary Vergeire said that the DOH remains reluctant to give a more relaxed Alert Level 1 due to the looming threat of the new variant. “So for now, we will stay in Alert Level 2 so that there would still be restrictions and we can still prevent the spread if ever that Omicron is here already, of this variant among our communities,” she said. December 16, 2021 According to Vergeire, the government would increase border control, case detection, execution of basic public health standards, and vaccination. “We won’t change anything. Whatever we are doing right now is the key, the formula for us to be protected against any type of variant,” the health undersecretary said. “What we’re going to do is to intensify our response, especially with our borders,” Vergeire added. December 17, 2021 The Philippines logged 582 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, bringing the total national tally to 2,837,464. There are 10,167 current cases or 0.4 percent of the total. From December 4 to 17, 54% (315) of the 582 new cases were recorded. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 death toll increased by 74 to 50,570, while recoveries increased by 494 to 2,776,727. December 18, 2021 The country’s health department reported 291 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, putting the Philippines’ total caseload to 2,837,555. The DOH tallied 106 more deaths, bringing the total fatalities to 50,675, while the recoveries are now at 2,776,956 after 523 patients were cured. December 19, 2021 Due to the failure of 41 laboratories to submit data, the DOH tallied 203 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the country’s lowest single-day infection since May 2020. According to the health department, the statistic brings the overall number of cases to 2,837,577. Meanwhile, the Philippines logged 395 new recoveries, bringing the total number of survivors to 2,777,109. The DOH also listed 64 new deaths, pushing the country’s COVID-19 fatalities to 50,739. December 20, 2021 The DOH confirmed the detection of the country’s third case of the Omicron variant, which is believed to be driving the recent rise in infections in South Africa and some European nations. Vergeire said in a press briefing that the third case was a 36-year-old male returning overseas Filipino worker. The patient reportedly arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport from Qatar on November 28. The health undersecretary revealed that the latest Omicron variant positive in the country was aboard Qatar Airways, with flight number QR 924. Moreover, she also revealed that the person had a travel history in Egypt. “The case is currently finishing his home quarantine in Cavite and has remained asymptomatic since his arrival,” Vergeire attested. Photo courtesy of NBC News
EDITORIAL
Two Thousand Twenty-Too
It seems like the chance to return to traditional learning will come to blur after the surge of the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines during the last week of December 2021. Accompanied by this worry are the possible imposition of lockdown, return of face shields, and closure of malls. Again. The issue beneath these concerns is not new to us. However, the pandemic slapped us with the reality that it could come to worst. Data shows that the country has been eyeing to flatten the curve after recording 235 new COVID-19 cases in the same month. Yet, everything is coming down the drain due to the threat of the Omicron variant and the unjust policies highlighting the well-favored class of the society. And we cannot blame the students nor their parents for their worries about going back to in-person classes, of course. Despite the efforts and well-designed plan of the University, almost everyone will still choose the safety of their children without having the second thought of compromising the quality of their education. It has become the new normal after all. But who really is to blame for the unprogressive status of our education? Is it the students and parents who are unappreciative of the University’s strategies to conduct face-to-face classes? Or the University that cannot promise accountability to students who may be infected by the virus? It’s just envious how some well-known and affluent individuals do not get to fret about this. Because why would they be? They have their power and money. Despite the government showing no mercy to its constituents for breaching protocols, these rule-breakers in power are sleeping soundly because of the immunity granted by the government. There is no need for them to deny it, though. We have all been aware of how the administration spins us, even turning every executive department as its accomplice to save these privileged from rotting in prison. It has always been the case — the rotting system only crucifies the poor. But why does it have to be the poor who always suffer the consequences? Another lockdown? Another year of selflearning? Businesses only wanted to generate income. Students only wanted to study. Breadwinners only wanted to survive their families. This pandemic really heightened the existing disparity between the rich and the poor. The expiration of the Duterte administration does not mean the end of this misery. If the rotten system still prevails in the coming years, it will always be 2020 for the nth time. And only the upcoming election can tell if we can ever recover from the consequences of this pandemic.
DAWN V74 Editorial Board Gillian Q. Mortera Editor-in-Chief
Mikhaela P. LLADONES Managing Editor
Jan Michael Vito H. MARZAN Sports Editor
Mae Angella F. FLOTIBLES Chief Photographer
Brix LELIS
News Editor
Janae P. AMMUGAUAN Features Editor
Edgin Kristoffer S. ANGELES Art Director
Writers
Piolo S. ALMOITE
Marc Stephen M. ANDRES
Karen Louise C. DELOS ANGELES
Jessica Ann S. EVANGELISTA
Maria Nykhaela G. JAVILLONAR
Shekinah Faith P. REQUINTEL
Allena Mae E. BONIFACIO
Jazmine Dhane O. GARCIA
Amby Marielle L. MASIGLAT
Terenz Dave L. SILVERIO
Marie Gold Vivien M. TOTANES
Artist
Cyndh Jezzrill Marc C. VILORIA
Rabbi Polina Danielle T. CRUZ
Mr. Darwin M. GUIANAN 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 Rot Behind Glorious Title Abyss
THE global pandemic is a wrecking ball that successfully prompted the public health crisis, and it continues to do so despite the ease of strict regulations on other regions of the country. After nearly two years of misery, one cannot forget how the Philippine government has underestimated the risks of rapid Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) before its spread. From authorities failing to keep up with the preventive measures of neighboring countries up to the overall burden of mismanagement of the general public’s health and safety, it’s no longer a surprise to be deemed the lowest on the economic resilience ranking. After all, this isn’t the first time and first category that the government has failed. But ranking lowest despite soaring debts accumulated ‘to ease the damage of the pandemic,’ isn’t it about time to question where the funds go? In March 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte requested special powers from Congress, using the reason that he needed the ability to reallocate cash from the 2020 national budget so that the government could respond to the public health crisis more effectively. Several lawyers questioned the measure as ‘unnecessary,’ claiming that he did not need these special powers because the executive branch already had them under current laws. Regardless, the law was signed on March 25 of the same year, and Duterte is bound to provide weekly updates to Congress on the use and realignment of funds linked to the measure. On March 15, the Asian Development Bank extended a $3-million grant (about P150 million) to help the Philippines respond to the coronavirus outbreak. Then on the next day, the government unveils a P27.1-billion initial spending plan for COVID-19 response, disclosing all the beneficiaries to the public, including reskilling of displaced workers, subsidy to farmers and fisherfolk, cash subsidy for displaced workers, unemployment benefits for displaced workers, and support to micro-businesses. The funds seem to have been appropriately allocated at this angle, but the
good news turned sour as people from various groups protested, claiming they didn’t get enough support, unlike what’s being reported. Hence, the resurfacing allegations of mismanagement of COVID-19 money, which are later joined by the outrage of healthcare workers demanding the release of underpaid payments as a new wave of Delta variant cases hits our shores. While the Philippines struggles over lack of funds, the Department of Health (DOH) faces alleged corruption of P67.3 billion, a fund meant to respond to the COVID 19 pandemic. Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon said, “We should investigate the Department of Health’s handling of COVID-19 funds. The deluge of deficiencies that the Commission of Audit findings uncovered is alarming and disturbing.” Duterte, siding with the DOH, then countered that it’s impossible to steal P67.3 billion. “To the issue whether the money has been stolen, that is pure bullshit,” he stated. The massive loans didn’t end even in 2021, resulting in our country being named the World Bank’s top borrower for the fiscal year, with $3.07 billion on its tail. Though these figures are supposed to aid the local economy and augment the pandemic response for the sake of those reaching their limits, we still placed last. Did these figures really serve the purpose why they are
requested, or did they end up in the pockets of corrupt political elites that couldn’t care less about those on the brink of starvation and infection? Prior to the outbreak, the Philippines was one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Many facilities were being created one after another, indicating its rapid growth. It is visible that the economic recovery began after decades of painstaking reforms, not to mention paying debts acquired during the era of dictatorship. It overcame the “Sick Man of Asia” reputation and eventually adorned the “Asia’s Next Tiger” title. It’s also important to take note that behind the flattering title, we’ve been wrestling against public health emergencies due to unequal distribution of resources and capacity before the pandemic even came through. For instance, urban areas have more resources, while rural places have fewer. In some cases, for a population of up to 20,000 people, there is only one physician, while there is only one bed for 1000. Looking back to our national government’s response in the past and now, it is logical to say that the budget is not the root of the problem but the system itself. The rotting system was clearly caught off guard and overwhelmed in the face of the pandemic. What’s to say if something worse comes in? Various health networks, organizations, and trusted health figures have expressed their dismay, pointing to severe flaws and failings in handling and acknowledging this crisis. But whether the government and its departments evenly distribute the funds to the public or keep it for themselves? We might never know.
FEATURES The Vote is Syncing Photo Couresy to AFP
THINGS have changed. Who knew that face masks, which we only see most often being used by doctors and celebrities, would be a part of our daily fashion? Or that schools and classrooms would be pushed onto the screens of our devices? Or how social distancing would be a part of our daily routine, and quarantine would be our go-to solution in this pandemic? We may be in the new normal kind of society, but we are stuck on a rotten system that is no better than the one we were used to before the outbreak. Things are changing, but we are still circling in old practices, old solutions, and dreadfully predictable methods. Everyone is moving forward while we are still sitting on a couch, watching the chaotic situation outside our bubbles. Activists are screaming on the streets, but we are lying on our beds with our earphones on. People are being locked up, getting tired of this circus. And here we are, the audience of a show paid off by our negligence. Businesses are closing, education is becoming more and more restricted, front liners are getting exhausted, people are dying, injustices are prevailing, yet this administration remains unbothered but prevailing over these matters. We have reached the breaking point. We can no longer afford to force ourselves to spend time and energy without contingencies and reliefs. We shouldn’t get used to old-fashioned trends and cycles; we cannot afford to sit and indulge in this clownery that has caused thousands of casualties. One must stand up, or at least dare to, for us to move forward. It is time to pop the bubble and get to the streets— not just to watch the news but to see the people for yourself. It is high time to read not just empty speeches; decipher the lines between their sweet promises and flower-filled propagandas. It is your turn to listen not just to the defense of each political party but to the critiques and complaints of the people, your people. The assurance of our social structures and systems is at stake. We are at a time where everything is falling apart like withered leaves. Years have passed, and we are just mindlessly forcing things out, shoving away purpose and patriotism. We opted to settle for a subpar system that drowns its citizens in rampant injustice and corruption. We are used to biting our tongues and holding our breaths while our government officials toss the coin to decide whether they’ll move their hands to their duties or not. Now, it’s about time to step up our play, for they are not the sole players in this game. We have been living on empty promises of change, but look around you; we are still in the same place, stuck in the hands of abusive leaders with fat pockets. We have to stop adapting and make our mark; resiliency isn’t always the key. We need someone who would allow us to swim back to the boat; someone who would throw us a floater and not curse words; someone who knows how to sail on the waves and not let his people be bait for sea cows and whales. It is time to cast our vote on a captain who anchored his ship on a people-centered platform and not on the sand washed away by rain. Our future is at stake. We would not want another captain who would drown us in the sea. Together, we can conquer the sea. Listen well: get to the boat and sync our votes. We own the sea, and once again, we would sail on it together, even against the current.
Metamorphosis
type of happiness, and overwhelming liberty that I longed for months. This studioI WALKED into my old apartment, hoping for a familiar sense of calm, a rush sorry “I’m world. ic euphor little like a bubble that perfectly encapsulated my own room was my home, my escape from the mayhem of the outside world, much for leaving, but I’m here now,” I lovingly whispered. in and are probably unusable. Much like everything else in here, these are caked My toiletries were in disarray. These cosmetics are about two years old now again. ized es, I choke. “I left. I know. I’m sorry,” I apolog dust. As I run my fingers through the dirty plastic containers of my old perfum my on me, and the cobwebs were laughing on my face. The mess was shoving I sat on the bed in defeat. The cramped space felt like it was crashing down from the inevitable. inadequacy right up my throat. I was unable to protect my so-called safe place first, my eyes drifted towards a round, maroon figure. I sobbed as my hands clean to house the of In the midst of collecting myself and strategizing which part out of all these months, all alone in the dark, collecting filth as it stayed in its place reached out to the soft teddy bear that had been patiently waiting for me loyalty. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry...” I knew it was silly to apologize to all these inanimate objects. ed my worst, and the ceiling treated my agonies like sacred secrets. These unfinish What you don’t understand is that the cold floor cradled me when I was at red punctu walls ss was too much to bear. This small room with apple-green carboys of cosmetics were the only witnesses to my cries of help when loneline madness, and I was unable to take care of it properly. by nails is my palace of solitude. It was the only thing that shielded me against my ies, and absolute freedom that I longed for months, but the dust beat me to I walked into my old apartment hoping for peace, a plethora of great memor times, hard the my cozy abode as a sign of gratitude for helping me cope through territory. I envisioned days of development and change within the doors of but the pandemic took that away from me. and the thick layer of dust covering my sanctuary serves as proof. I unexpectedly grew above and beyond the four walls of my comfort zone, or look for more room to bloom?” Grabbing a rag to clean up the soot, I ask myself, “Should I reclaim my space
FEATURES : y l l a u t r i V Studying y e n r u o J g n i A Learn onar aela G. Javill by Maria Nykh
IT SEEMS as though people are becoming more laid-back nowadays, like when the pandemic first began to flourish. Individuals are no longer that enveloped with paranoia about going outside for leisure, especially when the once tight-knitted restrictions are gradually loosening. As a matter of fact, after two years, students from other places in the country finally started to attend face-to-face classes once again, a scenario that for a moment, we’d never thought of realizing again. Although new variants of the virus keep emerging, it may only be a matter of time until we, Red Warriors, may once again walk on the grassy fields of our respective campuses. What we’ve been longing for behind the bright screen will be within our reach once again. And when that time comes, you might be surprised to find yourself mis sing certain things you did during online classes.
While learning virtually, you may find yourself feeling more comfortable sitting however you want, without being reprimanded for ‘disrespectful behavior.’ You don’t even have to wear restrictive uniforms in your own home; a simple shirt will do just fine as long as you feel comfortable and look presentable. Another luxury of having classes at home is that when nature calls, there’s nobody to stop you from letting it all out; you can just turn off your camera or even wear Bluetooth headphones if you don’t want to miss out on the lecture. Moreover, this online setup also seems an advantage for introverts or students who have trouble expressing themselves in front of many people. For instance, your anxiety may be lessened during an online defense because you can speak while sitting down in front of your device. You may even have the option to not see the faces of the listeners, unlike in face-to-face classes wherein you may feel much more nervous about standing against the expectant gazes of many. You could even secretly use some note cards to guide you in case you forget what you were planning to say. Meanwhile, there are also certain advantages for those who may be considered cunning and mischievous enough to utilize certain ‘techniques.’ Don’t know the answer during recitation? Then you could say that you were simply ‘disconnected’ or that your internet connection was unstable. You could even sneakily search for some answers in the browser while you are ‘trying to regain connection.’ In addition, during classes, it may be easier for you to just hit up your friend’s DMs to chat or check out memes on your newsfeed. While these are tried and tested methods to get by, please refrain from doing any of these. After all, what truly matters at the end of the day is for you to learn something and not just get good grades without actually even understanding anything. These are just a few things that you might miss when online classes finally come to an end, and just like any other school memory, you’ll have these to one day look back upon to laugh at your little shenanigans. When face-to-face classes begin once more, you’ll be able to continue making more memories with the people around you, but beyond a screen this time. However, suppose it just so happens that you’re not only one of the students who were part of the first batch to have undergone the K-12 program. In that case, it may be likely that you may not even get to experience regular classes or even face-to-face graduation ever again. It may be sad to accept such a reality, but life does not end when you graduate. You can still visit the campus and hang out with your old classmates to reminisce and laugh on what could have been. Life may not be fair, but it’s up to you whether you choose to let it weigh you down or let it help you grow. Whether it be online classes or face-to-face classes, there are surely many things you’ll miss about being a student. You might be busy working hard for the future or you may sometimes be too frustrated with academic requirements, but do not forget to treasure these little moments you are experiencing in the present. After all, your classes may be virtual, but the memories you make will be a huge part of your learning journey, and that is the reality.
Post-Pandemic Syndrome by Marc Stephen M. An dres
and everybody had practically TWO years have already passed in this pseudo-post-apocalyptic world, accepted life as it is and began to adjusted to the situation in their own creative yet unblameable way. Some could happen once they stayed out of embrace the comfort of their homes, away from all the bad things that their personal bubble. all of this is temporary and how the Most people are still stuck in the past, occasionally ranting about how and there is some sort of marked sun will shine upon us again. It’s as if some prophecy had been laid down, me to introduce my thoughts, so I day which would magically snap things back to normal. It is too early for will just take every idea with a grain of salt. Let us be honest with ourselves Some did not receive things too well on the other end of the spectrum. the world in chaos. But the truth is— here; as of now, as you read this, it is just another long speech about our heads. As we continue to stay our own worlds have morphed. We all deal with personal dystopia inside stagnant, we lose parts of ourselves that can never be recovered. ct to someone speaking from the Our routines consist of staring at a screen for hours, trying to conne disembodied voices akin to ghosts other side of the display. Someone, somewhere that is not here, like this what we dreamt of? A goal we emphasizing this part of our routines as ‘going to class and studying.’ Is phrase swirling on our minds: “I am absolutely need to achieve? Whatever the reason is, there is only one tired.” ne even more so than the virus Post-Pandemic Syndrome. This was the silent outbreak that plagued everyo y. No matter where we go, where could do to us. It is a sickness that takes us even if we are perfectly health as if panic, fear, stress, hysteria, we hide, we escape; it follows us like banshees over our shoulders, almost and anxiety choke us until we suffocate, and there is no stopping it. the most memorable struggles, We are choking. We were supposed to have the most unforgettable times, me only takes as much as we are sitting on the border of the natural world and blissful ignorance. This syndro in one direction, and we are being willing to give. Hope and closure? Only one thing is certain: time is going we reach the shores of the new swept by the current. This sickness will be along that journey, and when world, would we still be willing to swim back?
FILIPINO
Espesyal
Masiglat ni Amby Marielle L.
karamihan NALALAPIT na naman ang kapaskuhan— ang holiday na paborito ng . Subalit, ang dahil bukod sa masaya ang pagdiriwang, ito’y okasyon din para sa pamilya pagkakataon hindi kung isa, isa’t sa it pagdiriwang na ito’y hindi lamang para sa mga malalap bang mas nga pa ano din ‘to upang makapagsimula ng panibagong mga samahan. At ’t panonood ng payak na paraan para sa masayang pagsasama kaysa sa pagsasalo-salo ating mga paborito? kaibigan sa Halina’t maantig sa mga sumusunod na pelikula at isama ang pamilya’t mga tawanan at iyakan!
Seven Sundays (2017) sa direksyon ni Cathy Garcia-Molina “Sa lahat ng pagkakamali ko, kayo ang tama sa buhay ko. Kapag aalis ako, masaya ako kasi alam kong maayos na kayo.” —Manuel ‘Di maikakailang ang palabas na ito’y makapagpapaluha sa ilan, subalit kung ang paguusapan lang din nama’y pamilyang Pilipino, ‘di dapat ito mawala sa listahan. Umiikot ang istorya sa apat na magkakapatid na sina A (Allan), B (Bryan), C (Cha) at D (Dex), at kay Manuel— ang kanilang tatay. Bilang ang apat na magkakapatid ay matatanda na’t may sari-sariling nang buhay, bihira na lamang nila makasama si Manuel. Ngunit, sila’y nagsama-samang muli nang malaman nilang may sakit na cancer ang kanilang ama. Ang palabas na ito’y pinakikita ang tipikal na pamilyang Pilipino kung saan ang mga problema’t alitan ay hindi maiiwasan. Minsan nga’y palagi pang nand’yan, subalit kahit na ganoon, sa dulo’y nananaig pa rin ang pagmamahalan. Binigyang-diin din nito ang pansariling problema ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya. Mayroon man tayong kanikaniyang pinagdadaanan, hindi ibig sabihin no’n ay mag-isa tayo ‘pagkat kahit kaila’y ‘di mawawala ang ating pamilya’t mga kaibigan sa ating piling. Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013) sa direksyon ni Cathy Garcia-Molina totoong ikaw, dapat kami ‘yon. Habang buhay “. . . pamilya mo kami. Dapat kung sino man ‘yong nakakakilala sa ‘yo, ‘yung ka na lang bang magsisinungaling sa amin?” —Bobbie ng naunang palabas, ang Four Sisters and a Ma, I’m sorry, Ma! Kasi hindi talaga nakakasawa ang palabas na ito. Gaya kapatid na sina Teddie, Bobbie, Alex, Gabbie, Wedding ay pelikulang pampamilya. Inilahad rito ang kuwento ng limang magka ‘to ay napilitan ang apat na babaeng umuwi at CJ - ang nag-iisang lalaki na ikakasal na sa kaniyang nobya. Dulot ng balitang ama sa iisang bubong ay naungkat din ang mga sa bahay ng kanilang nanay. At habang tumatagal ang muli nilang pagsas problemang matagal na nilang iniiwasan. na ito. Kaakibat ng mga halakhak na inyong Kung tawa at luha din naman ang gusto ninyo ay hindi kayo bibiguin ng palabas kagaya nga ng pinararating ng linya ni Bobbie sa mailalabas ay ang kirot ng katotohanan na lahat tayo’y nagkakamali. Ngunit pa tayo, ‘yon ang ating pamilya. itaas, kung mayroon mang mga taong tatanggap sa ‘tin kahit na ano at sino Ang Tanging Ina (Film trilogy) sa direksyon ni Wenn Deramas “. . . walang inang ‘di napapagod. Napapagod ako, pero kinakaya ko… Hindi dahil obligasyon ko ‘yon, kung ‘di dahil mahal ko kayo.” —Ina Aming tanging ina! Dahil sa palabas na ito’y naging nanay ng karamihan si Ina - ang super single mom ng kaniyang isang dosenang anak. Umiikot ang palabas sa mga bagay na madalas sinasarili ng isang tayo ulirang ina. Pinakita rito ang sakripisyong ginagawa ng ating mga nanay para sa kadahilanang hindi mahirapan at makaramdam ng kalungkutan. Gayunpaman, gaya sa nabanggit na linya ay walang inang p ‘di napapagod. Kaya kahit na anong sikap, makararamdam at makararamdam talaga tayo ng paghihira at hindi nila ‘yon kasalanan. Buhat ng mga pelikulang ito ang katotohanan ng buhay; na ang buhay ay hindi palaging masaya’t magaan. Subalit, itinuro rin ng palabas na ito na walang problema kung hindi perpekto ang ating buhay a dahil kahit na gaano pa kabigat ang ating mga dinadala, malalagpasan natin ito kung tayo’y sama-sam at nagtutulungan.
Bar Boys (2017) sa direksyon ni Kip Oebanda “. . . kung ‘di ka natatalo, ‘di ka na gumagalaw.” —Justice Hernandez pare-parehong nakapasa sa law school kasama Ang pelikulang ito’y umiikot sa magkakaibigang sina Erik, Chris, at Torran na estudyante, ang kani-kanilang paraan sa pag-aaral, ang kanilang isa pang kaibigan na si Josh. Itinanghal nito ang iba’t ibang uri ng at ang mga suliraning dinaranas nila sa labas ng eskuwelahan. -sakto ang isang ito. Maraming bagay rito ang Kung inspirasyon lamang din sa pag-aaral ang inyong kailangan ay saktong pera at ang kahigpitan ng mga magulang. Naituro maaaring mai-ugnay sa totoong buhay gaya na lamang ng kakulangan sa sa proseso’y ilang beses tayong madarapa. Maaari sa Bar Boys ang pagiging matiyaga at ang tindig ng hindi pagsuko kahit na linya ni Justice Hernandez sa itaas, kung hindi tayo tayong matalo nang paulit-ulit ngunit sino nga ba ang hindi? Gaya nga ng natatalo’y wala tayong kapupuntahan.
Hintayan ng Langit (Heaven’s Waiting) (2018) sa direksyon ni Dan Villegas “Tama na. Tutal naging masaya naman tayo, ‘di ba? Sa mga pinili natin.” —Lisang Kasabay ng muling pagkikita sa purgatoryo ng dating magkasintahang sina Manolo at Lisang ay ang pagbabalik ng mga bagay na matagal nang natapos. Ipinakita sa palabas ang mga pangyayari sa tinatawag nilang ‘kalagitnaan’ at ang aral na kapag tayo’y nagtanim ng mga hinanakit at sama ng loob ay tutubo lamang ito. Sa kay tagal nang ‘di pag-akyat ni Lisang sa itaas, hindi pala ang kaniyang ugali ang siyang tumatali sa kaniya sa ‘kalagitnaan’ kundi isang lihim na ‘di nabigyang kasaraduhan. Kahit na ba nang matapos pa ang kaniyang buhay. Ang Hintay ng Langit ay sadyang magaan sa kalooban; nakakikita tayo ng ibang pananaw patungkol sa mga bagay na akala nati’y matagal na nating alam. Ang linyang nasa itaas ay patungkol sa moral na ang mga nangyayari sa ‘tin ay pawang ating kagagawan. At hindi dahil nagsisisi ang isang tao sa kaniyang ginawa ay ‘di na siya masaya dahil minsa’y nakagagawa tayo ng mga maling bagay para sa tamang mga dahilan. ito, tiyak namang Hindi man kayo mapaiiyak o mapahahagalpak sa tawa ng mga pelikulang al na samahan at maaantig pa rin nito ang inyong mga puso. Ngayong panahon ng mga espesy palabas kasama ang pagmamahalan, ano pang hinihintay ninyo? Umupo na’t manood ng mga mga espesyal na tao para sa inyo!
FILIPINO n o a T g n o g a B a s g in il H
kesyo hindi dapat katakutan ‘pagkat hindi PAGBABAGO. Sabi nila’y pagbabago lamang ang permanente’t palagian sa mundo. Na ito raw ay o ang tawag sa nagdala sa ‘tin mula Pagbabag n. pagnilaya at ito matatakbuhan o ‘di kaya’y maiiwasan, bagkus ito’y subukan nating abangan sa pagkakasakop, demokrasya’y mula paanong kung sa mga karwahe papunta sa mga dyip, eroplano, at traysikel. Pagbabago ang tawag sa na naman sa pagpapalit ng badarating ating natamo. Ang pagbabago raw ay dulot ng paglipas ng panahon. At ang pagbabagong ito ay gong taon. kinagabihan? ‘Yong pagbibiruan natin Naaalala mo pa ba ang panahong sumasaglit tayo sa pamilihan upang may lusis na masisindihan ng mga torotot, hindi ba’t halos marindi gamit ang pangalan ng mga paputok, tanda mo pa ba? ‘Yong pag-iingay natin sa pamamagitan at mga prutas ng ating mga nanay, maging ang mga kapitbahay sa ‘tin? Paano naman ‘yong pagkupit ng ilang piraso sa baryang tsokolate natin dahil tanging hiling natin pagtalon ‘yong ba pa mo rinig mo pa ba ang hagikgik natin kahit napagsasabihan tayo? Higit sa lahat, tanda ay tumangkad at maabot ang kahit na ano? napapalayo na tayo sa noon. Imbes Para bang kahapon lamang ang mga memoryang ‘to, mga ganap na kay sarap balikan sa tuwing Ang pagbibiruan natin ay kadalasa’y na sumaglit para bumili ng lusis gamit ang kakarampot na barya, ipon nati’y para na sa Media Noche. sa kabila ng pagdiriwang. ‘Yong sa telepono na lang, lalo na’t marami sa ating mga kaanak at mga kaibigan ay kailangan pa ring kumayod Kung dati’y tayo ang kumukupit sa pag-iingay na labis nating kinatuwaan noong mga musmos pa tayo, kinabubugnot na natin ngayon. bilihin at sa bulsa natin nanggaling ang mga tsokolate’t prutas, tayo na ngayon ang sumusuway sa kukuha nito ‘pagkat mahal na ang mga mga bagay na noo’y ‘di natin inda. kundi dasal ating pinambili rito. At higit sa lahat, hindi na mumunting hiling tulad ng pagtangkad ang kalaya sa mga bigkis ng oras. gaanong tayo rin Ito ang pagbabago at siyang katotohanan. Hindi na tayo mga bata at mas lalong hindi na minsa’y may sobra pa para kung at lahat Hiling mo marahil ngayong may edad ka na ay para sa ‘yong pamilya. Bagamat natutustusan ang i rin ang ilaw ng tahanan. Malayo pa sa mga luho noon, iba na ang mga numero sa merkado ngayon. Nanghihina rin ang haligi at napupund man sa ngayon, darating ang punto na iaabot na nila sa ‘yo ang baton upang ipagpatuloy ang karera. kolehiyo. Batid mong kung tutuusi’y Hiling mo marahil sa huling araw ng Disyembre ang maliwanag na kinabukasan mo pagtapos ng palugid upang maging handa sa ng atin sa y nagbibiga na hindi preso ang eskwelahang minsa’y kinatatamaran mo, bagkus ito’y bakod estado sa buhay upang maging grado’t ang lagi an kung ano ang nasa kabilang panig. At sa kabilang panig na ‘yon, hindi na pamantay matagumpay kundi ang sarili mong pananagutan na ikaw lang ang makapagpapatibay. Bilang Pilipino, siguro’y hindi ka na Hiling mo marahil sa susunod na taon ay wala nang sakit na pipilay sa bansa at sa ating mga plano. mo na lang ay wala nang dumagdag nasusurpresa pa sa mga balita ng korapsyon at mga krimen ng mga opisyales at pulitiko. Ang hangad ng paraan ang suliraning pera pa sa mga problema ng kahapon na hindi pa rin natutuldukan hanggang ngayon. Maaari pang magawan subalit mas mahirap lumaban at dumepensa kung kalusugan at kaligtasan ang pag-uusapan. mo sa umpisa ng Enero. Na nawa’y Sa kabila ng mga kahilingang ito, tiyak kong ipagdadasal mo rin na maging maayos na ang loob Higit kaninuman, mas alam mo bato. ng na bigat sa pagpapalit ng taon ay mapalitan din ng saya’t pagkakuntento ang saloobing kasing lang para sa sarili. Kahit na oras ang mga pinagdaanan mo at ang nararapat para sa determinasyon mong magpatuloy. Kahit na kaunting sandaling panahon lang para magpunas ng pawis at iidlip ang tulog na hindi makamit-kamit. pagbabago ang lumipas at tiyak na Kay sayang lumingon sa ating pinanggalingan ngunit ang pag-abante ang tanging daan. Maraming naitabi, naikubli, at maging ang mga mayroon pa sa hinaharap. Simpleng palatandaan ang bagong taon para alalahanin ang mga natapos, o, hindi ang panahon. dadalhin para sa pag-abante. Sa bandang huli, desisyon mo ang tunay na nag-uudyok ng pagbabag
Kasalukuyang Pagbebenta ni Jazmine Garcia
an ka kung paanong nagpatuloy ang daloy MINE. Steal. Grab. Kung alam mo ang mga salitang ito, tiyak na may kaalam bago ang ideya, tunay na solusyon naman para ng bentahan nitong mga nakaraang taon na may pandemya. Hindi man na Bukod sa ginhawang dulot nito sa pamimili, sa mga naiwang nangangapa sa kalagitnaan ng kagipitan. Ito ang live selling. nasa likod ng screen. lumikha ito ng bagong sangay sa merkado kung saan yayabong ang mga ang mga social media platform tulad Ang live selling ay isang pamamaraan ng pagbebenta ng mga bagay gamit mga paboritong application, hindi na kadudang Facebook at Instagram. Gawa ng palagiang laman ng feed ng ating t nito, awtomatiko itong naging parte ng dudang mapupukaw nito ang atensyon ng kahit na sino. Sa lalong pagkala g mga notification kung mayroon nang buhay ng mga Pilipino. Kung minsa’y may mamimiling nakaabang sa kaniyan na araw para masiguradong makatitipid kahit bagong labas na live. May mga nanay na naghihintay pa ng mga partikular kasing tutok sa kanilang mga devices sa kung na ba limang piso o bente lamang ang diperensya. May ilang suki rin na paano sila manood ng mga balita sa telebisyon. wala, lahat ay pwede mag live selling. Dahil Anuman ang iyong kasarian, matanda ka man o bata, may kaya man o ng pera, may hinihintay mang ayuda o wala. sa kasalukuyang pandemya, isa ito sa mga naging daan upang kumita syon kumpara sa karaniwan na pagbebenta. Ginagamit din ito dahil hindi na nito kinakailangan pa ng pisikal na interak ong hahanapan ka niya. Tipikal na ginagawa Damit, bags, kolorete, at kung anu-ano pa, itanong lang kay seller at sigurad maghintay sa kumpirmasyon ng seller sa live, ng isang taga-tangkilik ay mag-comment ng bagay na gusto nitong bilhin, makapagbayad. At sa loob lang ng ilang magpadala ng mensahe rito at saka ka bibigyan nito ng mga detalye upang nanay o ‘di kaya’y si anak. araw, may padala na sa ‘yong pintuan at mangangamot ulo na naman si nitong live na nag-viral online. Si Daisy tuwa nakatu sa Kailan lamang ay may isang live seller ang sumikat dahil netizens matapos sumikat ang kanyang live Cabantog o mas kilala bilang Madam Inutz ay kinagiliwan ng madaming g paninda. Marami ang naaliw dito dahil sa kung saan libu-libo ang nanuod ngunit ni isa ay walang bumili sa kaniyan ng madla. Madami rin ang humanga sa pamamaraan ng pananalita ng live seller na siyang tila bago sa mga tenga da. Higit sa lahat ay naantig niya ang mga kaniyang pagpupursigi sa kabila ng hindi gaanong mabunga na pagtitin na mayroon palang karamdaman. manonood sa pagkuha niya ng inspirasyon sa katauhan ng kaniyang nanay hanap ng paraan upang makalusot sa Hindi nga ba’t kay taba at kay husay ng mga Pinoy? Lagi tayong nakaha Nakaaaliw man o desperado sa paningin ng problema kahit na ba pilit tayong pinagsasaraduhan ng pinto ng kapalaran. agumpayan ng marami nating kababayan ang iilan, hindi maikakailang isa ang live selling sa mga dahilan kung ba’t napagt dag sa badyet sa mga bilihin. Nag-abot unos na akala nila’y wala ng pagtatapos. Nagbibigay tulong ito kay nanay pandag din ito kay ate, kuya, o bunso pangbayad tulong ito kay tatay para sa mga bayarin sa loob ng tahanan. Nagsilbing liwanag sa gastusin sa eskuwela. yanang Pilipino na tingin mo’y kababaliwan Kaya ano pang hinihintay mo? May maiaalok ka bang produkto sa samba na hinahanap mo, nariyan na pala sa harapan nila? Bakit hindi mo na subukan ang mag-live selling at baka ang sagot at steal na rin! mo! Kaya tawagin na sina nanay at tatay, ate at kuya, at mag-mine, grab,
SPORTS UE Chess player continues to cope up amid disbandment
Former UE women’s chess team captain, Sabel Palibino, tries hard to make ends meet after the sudden disbandment in the early days of the first semester of the school year 2021-2022, August 10. Palibino primarily struggled with telling her parents about the team dismissal but was able to inform them in the end as she did not really have a choice. Her teammates transferred schools and realizing that they would not have a chance to play together in the UAAP saddened her. She said that its sole impact is the financial burden given to their families, considering that the announcement was abrupt and they were not able to budget and plan for the fees ahead of time. And according to Palibino, her only chance to pay for the tuition
was the academic scholarship, but unfortunately, she was not included in the 7% quota. Regardless of what happened, the former team captain still keeps in touch with her teammates and coach. In addition, they still play together or join when there are online chess tournaments and from time to time, they check one another. Hopefully, she believes that the University will reinstate the team once everything goes back to normal since they are still one of the best performing teams, even in the UAAP.
Petro Gazz clinches third in PNVF Champions League By Piolo S. Almoite
The Petro Gazz Angels outlast Tuguegarao Perlas in four sets, 25-11, 26-24, 19-25, 25-20, to capture the bronze medal in the inaugural Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League last November 25, 2021, at the Aquamarine Recreational Center Gym, Lipa, Batangas. After a five-setter loss against points while Michelle Morente California Precision Sports and Nicole Tiamson had 13 (CPS), the Angels made sure points each for Tuguegarao to take care of business this Perlas, which placed fourth time behind a spectacular with a 2-3 slate. floor defense led by the former CPS (2-3) and Baguio (0UAAP best libero and former 5) tied up at fifth and sixth, UE Women’s Volleyball Team respectively, while the assistant coach Kathleen Faith undefeated F2 Logistics Cargo “Kath” Arado. Movers ended the Champions Arado ended the match on a League with a (5-0) record and high note, producing a double- Chery Tiggo Crossovers with double performance with 19 three wins and two losses. digs and 17 receptions, while The Philippine National former DLSU setter Chie Saet Volleyball Federation (PNVF) tallied 25 excellent sets under Champions League is backed head coach Arnold Laniog. by Rebisco, Pitmaster This year, Petro Gazz’s bronze Foundation, Inc., Top Speed, medal served as its second title 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine after securing the third-place Sports Commission (PSC), finish in the country’s first pro and Philippine Olympic league season of the Premier Committee as platinum Volleyball League (PVL) in sponsors; F2 Logistics, Ilocos Norte. Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Petro Gazz started a 2-0 Foundation, and Mikasa as record against the California gold sponsors; and BCDA, Precision Sports (CPS), but the Philippine Red Cross, Lipa Angels ran out of steam as they City, Davis Paint, and Emerald succumbed to the Antipolo- PVC Pipes, Fittings and based squad in a five-set Doors as silver sponsors with thriller. Taguig Representative and On the other hand, Heather Champions League Chairman Anne Guino-o scored 16 Alan Peter S. Cayetano. Petro Gazz Angels bagged bronze after a 4 set win against Tuguegarao.
Politics hinder gold
“I THINK I’ve seen this scene before, but I didn’t like the ending.” At 14 years, 1 month, and 20 days young, Wesley So became the youngest Filipino chess grandmaster and the 19th youngest to reach the title. He rose to elite status and made waves across the country and the world. After an internal issue between two governing sports bodies, So, who was deprived of his gold medal’s monetary and material incentives at the 2012 Summer Universiade, expressed his intent to switch nationalities from representing the Philippines to the United States. By November 2014, his intention was finally accepted when he was confirmed to be representing the United States Chess Federation, as shown on the rating list. Triumph for So, but agony for his birth country, as the US now reaps the rewards of his excellence. With the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics concluded, the Philippines finally bagged the elusive gold through Hidilyn Diaz. And through pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, the rise of the possibility for another gold in our history has begun. Indeed, for every Filipino following the events of the international sports competition, the future has never looked brighter
than that very moment. EJ, who previously represented the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), became the Asian record holder for pole vault at 5.93 meters at the International Golden Roof Challenge in Innsbruck, Austria on September 12, 2021, where he finished 1st place in the tournament. Then came November, where a tumultuous week for EJ and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) began to take place. EJ was accused of embezzlement and was ordered to return 85,000 euros, which the PATAFA accused him of not paying his coach, Vitaly Petrov. The accused rising star denied the claims and even vowed to show evidence that he paid coach Petrov. The drama continued with Petrov claiming that the PATAFA coerced him to make EJ look bad by answering a questionnaire used as something against the pole vaulter. The issue between a player and a governing body is not new here in the country. This issue might be the very sound reason why we are not excelling in the sporting world. With great athletes from different sporting events, the problem has always been from lack of support or
recognition. As a result, athletes who had the potential to go big on center stage eventually resorted to retiring or transferring to other nations. Even the most popular sport in the country is not safe from the so-called “politics” of the sporting world. The oldest basketball league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), has always been the subject of this so-called issue. From lopsided trades to companies having multiple teams to even barring potential players from seeking good fortune overseas, the country has seen a lot of dramas. Dramas that the athletes couldn’t afford to care less about given the high expectations and pressure and the weight of their training. Aside from personal interest and selfish pursuit of gains, corruption has hindered the 110 million-strong nation from gaining success in the sporting world. While neighboring countries like Indonesia and Thailand can host prestigious sporting events, the best our country can do is the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The case of Obiena shows just how corrupted our country is. It displays how the matter of greed is poisoning the sprout of hope that’s just about to spring from its seedbed. Despite his excellence in sports, the very same organization that should have been helping him tried to tie him down for unknown reasons. Thankfully, despite the commotion, EJ will continue to represent his country. Will there come a time where our country will thrive in sports? Where and when will the governing bodies go all out for their talented athletes? I don’t think it will happen in the near future. The future of our athletes looks bright! Or is it?
CHED approves in-person training of collegiate athletes
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has finally allowed universities and colleges to conduct face-to-face training for collegiate athletes, provided that they adhere to its stringent guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic participating athletes, coaches, halted sports events and and trainers. activities for nearly two years, Universities must also attach forcing student-athletes to sworn statements, promising undergo body conditioning that they will follow the health sessions with their coaches regulations to prevent virus virtually. transmission. However, due to less strict CHED also requires schools health restrictions and the to provide proof of document decline of COVID-19 cases, the that the activity has clearances Commission green-lighted the from the appropriate local return of physical training. government unit (LGU). CHED also crafted guidelines Moreover, universities must for schools that include specific administer regular disinfection health and safety regulations and sanitation of the facilities that are required in this where the training will take pandemic situation. place. According to the guidelines, CHED also mandates schools institutions must provide a to provide a screening section letter of intent as well as sample wherein they will monitor health declaration forms to the temperature of the players
before and after the training, as well as supply them with personal hygiene kits. Athletes and trainers are also required to undergo RT-PCR testing and a 14-day quarantine period, regardless of a negative result, to ensure the safety of the participants. Student-athletes aged 1821 must present parental and school consent before joining the in-person physical training. Earlier, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) revealed that it targets to open Season 84 in February 2022. The UAAP will open the season with the collegiate basketball tournament, giving less than four months of in-person preparation for basketball skippers and coaches.