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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020
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THE OFFICI A L STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE ATENEO DE M A NIL A UNI V ERSIT Y DEEPER INTO THE TRUTH
VOL. XCI NO. 3
Check out Vantage Magazine vantage.theguidon.com
ADMU LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. The Ateneo De Manila University tertiary schools utilize Canvas for online learning. PHOTO BY LORENZO CORRO
Admin discusses second semester plans for load revision, possible on-site lab classes BY JUANCHO BELISANO AND PATRICIA YAP FOLLOWING THE decision to continue online classes for the second semester of AY 2020-2021, the Loyola Schools (LS) administration is preparing for a new load revision system and the possibility of on-site laboratory classes. According to Information Tech nolog y Resource Management Office (ITRMO) Director Sandra Lovenia, the previous load revision process encountered delays due to automation limitations and bottlenecks in departmental processes. Meanwhile, School of Science and Engineering (SOSE) Dean Evangeline Bautista, PhD said that in spite of successful online laboratory classes in the first semester, there are still classes that must be conducted on-site due to equipment and safety needs. REDEFINING THE SYSTEM Given the short time frame between the Intersession and First Semester periods of AY 2020-2021, Lovenia said that the administration lacked the time to develop a completely new load revision system. Instead, they purchased Forms Approval, a Google Forms add-on that automates the sending of load revision requests for faster processing. However, the ITRMO belatedly realized that there was a queue to the add-on’s automation. Lovenia explained that this queue contributes to a longer process of workflow as high numbers of submissions get queued—this ultimately led them to subscribe to a faster processing service. “[Forms Approval] has to process the different requests, and one of our analyses showed that there’s a certain queue [that] takes a while especially if there’s a lot to process. [...] We had to subscribe to an additional service para mas
SPORTS
mapabilis ‘yung processing,” she said. Additionally, Lovenia noted that the load revision process can vary in speed because different departments are handling the requests. To solve this, they will automate the categorization of requests and approve all requests through Ateneo Integrated Student Information System (AISIS). To i l lu st r ate, Loven ia mentioned that students who have load revision requests without additional payments can already be added to their official class lists. With the automated categorization, the Central Accounting Office no longer has to manually identify whether a student still has to pay for tuition. “It’s easier to access the records of the student [...] [so the departments] can easily approve [requests]. Ibig sabihin we expect that there will be shorter time to process certain requests because in a way, the [load revision] steps have also been revised,” Lovenia said. Despite plans for the new load revision system, Office of Management Information Systems Director James Gregorio and Assistant Director Jay Delfin said that AISIS has yet to be fully synchronized with learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas and Moodle. According to them, the implementation of the new load revision system is a huge task that requires many offices at work so that they can finish the improvements by December. “ We are just currently exploring the possibility [of fully synchronizing AISIS and LMS] but with [the new load revision system] already queued for second semester registration, we might not be able to make it happen for January 2021,” Gregorio and Delfin said. WEIGHING OPTIONS As for the on-site laboratory classes, Bautista said that these
will cover graduating students only as they must achieve certain learning outcomes for graduation. Through several consultations with different LS departments and faculty, on-site laboratory classes were narrowed down to Biology and Chemistry classes, as well as some thesis work. “BS Chemistry is a concern because they have board exams. BS Biology is a concern because students are going to medical school, so there are requirements to do in on-site laboratory classes, which is why we have no choice but to have it,” Bautista clarified. Baustista explained that there are currently two modes proposed for on-site laboratory classes. In bubble mode, students will be quarantined on campus for two weeks and if no COVID19 symptoms develop, they can participate in laboratory courses. The other mode is strict social distancing, which will allow only three students in a laboratory classroom at a scheduled time. Students who choose this can either commute to and from their homes or dorm on campus and shoulder their living expenses. Bautista also mentioned that the Office of Admission and Aid can possibly lend financial assistance to scholars in need of aid. According to Bautista, the schedule of laboratory classes in both modes is still being finalized by SOSE departments. However, it will most likely be compressed to a span of two weeks to one month should it be deemed necessary. She also clarified that students will use personal protective equipment and observe social distancing for both modes to ensure safety. University Physician Dr. Norman Dennis Marquez added that the University’s Occupational Safety and Health Committee was tasked to issue protocols in preparation for the gradual reopening of the University.
FEATURES
Losing school spirit
On the 14th day of Christmas
Marquez explained that the University has been adapting evidence-based safety and health measures since March. This included reconfiguring offices and classrooms for two-meter distancing, maintaining desirable campus population, tracking mobility with the use of technology, and intensifying the University’s regular cleaning and disinfection. However, Bautista said that obtaining the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) approval is the main issue. CHED’s guidelines allow face-toface classes in low-risk modified general community quarantine areas starting January 2021, but the LS cannot predict whether Quezon City will become a highrisk area by then. Bautista added that they have informed students that they may not graduate on time if CHED does not approve their proposal. Thus, they hope to receive their approval before the first semester ends. FOR THE COMMUNITY Amid the complications of these changes, Bautista claimed that they are doing their best to help students graduate on time.“[Students are] aware of that because in that sense our hands are actually tied. But we want to make sure that we [...] explore all options to help them be able to graduate,” she said. Marquez requested for the LS community’s patience as plans are still tentative due to “volatile” circumstances. Similarly, Lovenia also asked for understanding from the community since their current plans require more rewiring and restructuring. “For now, we just want to continue to thank the communit y for being so patient and understanding. We are continuously adapting and adjusting to this new nor m a l ,” G r e g or io a nd Delfin added.
BEYOND LOYOLA
A virus behind bars
Junior Term Abroad program to ease into resumption amidst COVID-19 pandemic BY ANNA PINEDA AND MOIRA V. CAYABYAB IN SPITE of the limitations brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vice President for University and Global Relations (VPUGR) Jose M. Cruz, SJ released a memo on September 25 announcing the resumption of the Junior Term Abroad (JTA) Program in the Fall Term of 2021. In an inter view with The GUIDON, Cruz further explained that the University’s partner institutions are ready to resume their mobility programs with the Loyola Schools (LS) students. The administration has already started accepting applications, deciding on approvals, and considering other preparatory steps because preparations for the JTA Program take at least one year. PREPARATION AND SAFETY MEASURES With respect to health protocols, Office of the Internal
Relations (OIR) Director Karen Sunico said that the OIR has been directly communicating with the Ateneo’s partner universities since March to survey their readiness and preferred mode of delivery in their student exchange programs. Sunico added that the Ateneo’s partner universities relayed their own health policies and protocols to the University administration to ensure the safety of both their local and international students. Cruz reiterated that JTA students are expected to follow the health protocols of their host universities and host countries. Cruz also said that JTA students must first be cleared by the LS Health Services and the LS Office of Guidance and Counseling before joining the program, as well as acquire travel and health insurance for the entire duration of their stay abroad. Fo l l o w i n g outbound operations, Sunico said that most partners were prepared to JTA PROGAM RESUMPTION › 3
ATENEO STUDY ABROAD FAIR. In line with the Junior Term Abroad (JTA) Program, students explore their opportunities by visiting the Ateneo Study Abroad Fair in 2017. PHOTO COURTESY OF ATENEO STUDY ABROAD HELPDESK
INQUIRY
Power imbalance in the Sanggunian
OPINION
A matter of Pride
2
News
COA-M, LIONS launch RecWeek fully online amid suspension of on-site classes BY ELLY ADLAWAN THE COUNCIL of Organizations of the Ateneo - Manila (COA-M) and the League of Independent Organizations (LIONS) set up different initiatives to launch the Recruitment Week (RecWeek) for AY 2020-2021 online. COA-M and LIONS also coordinated with Developer Student Clubs - Loyola (DSC Loyola) to launch Pavilion, an application that served as a centralized information hub for Loyola Schools (LS) organizations. Unlike in previous years, this virtual RecWeek was conducted for two weeks to give ample time for students to register and for organizations to promote their advocacies and plans. Although the project heads agreed that RecWeek 2020 was an overall success, difficulties in transitioning to the online setting and managing their workload brought challenges to the event’s execution. SHIFTING TO THE ONLINE SETTING The COA-M a nd LIONS RecWeek websites were used a s t he m a i n i n for m at ion platforms for the organizations’ advocacies a nd initiatives. Students also needed to register their attendance to RecWeek and fill out application forms through the websites. A fter sig n ing up, t he y received additiona l instr uctions
for at tend i n g i nter v ie w s , consultations, and assemblies. COA-M RecWeek 2020 CoProject Head Keanne Abalos said the COA-M website was formed by the Web Development Committee, an internal three-person team. Meanwhile, LIONS RecWeek 2020 Project Head Alannah Mitra noted that the LIONS website was created in partnership with the User Experience Society. Mitra shared that although the website was already developed years ago, updates are appended to it yearly. In addition, COA-M and LIONS initiated live online events to promote the organizations. According to COA-M RecWeek 2020 Co-Project Heads Isabelle Cruz, COA-M took a “twophase” approach with these programs. Events in the first phase tackled topics about LS organization life and culture, while the second phase included events for organizations to promote their projects for the year. Furthermore, LIONS provided organizations with initiatives for social media promotions. Mitra said that they prepared a calendar where organizations can schedule their promotional posts to avoid overlapping with other social media blasts. LIONS also created promotional templates for organizations that did not have their own creative teams. Meanwhile, DSC Loyola launched Pavilion, the official RecWeek application containing
information about both COA-M and LIONS organizations. Pavilion Product Manager Cedric Atienza stressed the need for an offline application that could help students with connectivity issues. “Considering our remote setting [and] the fact that not everyone has access to stable Wi-fi or internet, we wanted to provide this platform [...], [so] you can still read about the orgs even if you don’t have internet,” Atienza said.
a series of changes in the academic calendar. “Lahat ng unthinkable nangyari na. I mean, who would’ve thought na ma-adjust yung classes? [...] Talagang kailangan maging alert and [...] level-headed ka talaga sa mga nangyayari,” Abalos said. (All unthinkable situations had already happened. I mean, who would’ve thought that classes will be postponed for a month? So you really need to be alert and levelheaded with what’s happening.)
NEW CHALLENGES Aside from introducing new initiatives, Cruz stressed that the online shift gave rise to challenges for the team because there was a lacking basis for their plans. “Wala pa kaming basis for a fully online event except for OrSem, [but] OrSem [...] is totally different from RecWeek. So hindi kami fully makabase on them na parang [...] talagang on our own feet kami,” Cruz said. (We didn’t have a basis for a fully online event except for OrSem, which is totally different from RecWeek. We’re on our own feet.) As for the Pavilion team, Atienza noted that they struggled with time management—on top of developing the application, their members were also busy with internships, part-time jobs, and online classes. Likewise, Mitra shared that balancing both RecWeek and academic requirements was a learning curve for LIONS. Additionally, RecWeek 2020 was rescheduled three times following
THE FUTURE OF RECWEEK Abalos and Cruz noted that a mix of on-site and online activities for the next RecWeek may not be feasible considering that bans on on-site gatherings may continue. With this, COA-M will still continue to improve their website and online marketing initiatives. Similarly, Mitra said that LIONS is looking for more initiatives that can boost audience participation such as online events and interactive posts. “We just want the website to push through, but then the promos, ‘yung mga marketing gimmicks can be done on-site. We’re [...] thinking of ways on how to integrate yung dalawang worlds na ‘yun,” Abalos said. For Pavilion, Atienza said that a content management system will be included in the next update so that organizations can independently edit the content of their respective pages within the application.
READY FOR RECRUITMENT. COA-M and LIONS launch online alternatives for Recruitment Week as students of the Ateneo adapt to online classes. PHOTO BY DARYL SY
Pangga Kasangga provides outsourced LS workers with short-term, medium-term support BY ZOEY C. ATILLO THE SANGGUNIAN, the Ateneo Loyola Schools Faculty Association (ALSFA), and the Development Society of Ateneo (DevSoc Ateneo) launched resource mobilization initiative Pangga Kasangga on October 14 to provide immediate and medium-term aid to the Loyola Schools’ (LS) outsourced workers. Given the online shift, LS workers from the Ateneo MultiPurpose Cooperative (AMPC), Skew Matrix, Megaforce Security, Gonzaga cafeteria, and the John Gokongwei Student Enterprise Center (JSEC) were rendered unemployed due to the “no work, no pay” arrangement. Despite the early release of the prorated 13th month pay to University employees, the Board of Trustees implemented a hiring freeze on new jobs and contractual engagements. Beyond conducting fundraisers for the affected sectors, Pangga Ka san g ga ent a i ls on l i ne consultations with workers,
provision of medium-term assistance through livelihood oppor t u n ities, a nd longterm plans on reforming the University’s labor practices. IMMEDIATE AID ALSFA President Carmel Abao, PhD said that Filipino Department Assistant Professor Gary Devilles, PhD and ALSFA Vice President Rafael Saldaña, PhD initiated the project over concerns regarding workers’ conditions amid the University’s online shift. Sanggunian President Jb Bejarin added that the ALSFA reached out to the Sanggunian for help in organizing the initiative and later partnered with DevSoc Ateneo to ensure its sustainability. Bejarin revealed that their first target amount of Php 135,000 was reached on November 2 through donations from alumni, administrators, faculty members, and non-government organizations. Php 5,000 was then given to each temporarily displaced worker in the AMPC.
Staff of the Office of the Vice President for the Loyola Schools pose for a group photo in preparation for the Faculty Day 2019-2020. PHOTO BY JIM DASAL
The fundraising for Skew Matrix and five JSEC employees a re cu r rently ongoing, a longside consu ltations with Megaforce Security and Blue & Gold regarding the next phase of fundraisers. Bejarin said that they are also directly consulting and communicating with the workers through Facebook so that the latter can communicate their immediate needs via polls and group chats. They aim to hold at least one online consultation with the workers per week, though this schedule is flexible depending on the workers’ availability. “The focus is not really on what support is given, but it’s focused on what resources are mobilized depending on the context and the need of the sector involved. We treat each group as a sector, and we consult them before making calls for aid,” Bejarin said. SUSTAINABLE SUPPORT Abao said that Pangga Kasangga is more than just a fund drive as it
generates income for workers who have lost their source of income. In line with this, Bejarin discussed two medium-term projects in the works, tentatively named Pangga Kasosyo and Pangga Katrabaho. Pang ga Kasosyo includes livelihood opportunities and capacity-building in financial literacy, setting up businesses, and technical-vocational livelihoods. Meanwhile, Pangga Katrabaho involves job placement services such as résumé crafting, job matching, and linkages to micro, small, and medium enterprises. Bejarin added that they are also looking into providing peer support and spiritual compa n ionsh ip. Howe ver, he clarified that all of these in itiatives w ill depend on t he pa r tnersh ips t hat they have yet to formalize. He also mentioned donor fatigue and finding external partners as the project’s main challenges. The latter was especially difficult due to the limitations of online meetings,
prompting the launch of more communications ca mpa ig n materials to reach other donors. “We’re taking a more proactive approach to reach potential groups who can help directly. We aim to penetrate the org community in trying to help out, kasi some of them naman have projects catered to livelihood and business,” Bejarin said. WORKERS’ WELFARE DevSoc Ateneo President Angel Oviatt said that they are in need of legal assistance as there have been difficulties in communicating how these workers would be laid off. Bejarin clarified that they have to probe the suspension of the workers’ job contributions for the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth. “[The AMPC workers] wrote a letter directly to the Board of Directors for an explanation of their temporary dismissal. They are open to negotiation, but I believe it’s been difficult for them to contact since it has to be through
formal dialogue,” Oviatt explained. Abao further reiterated that the Ateneo is responsible for negotiating with contracting parties. She expressed that the Ateneo should be concerned with their outsourced workers since they prov ide v ita l service to the community. To ensure better protection for workers’ r ights, Abao stated that the A LSFA has been discussing an audit for the Ateneo’s labor practices on contract ua lization a nd regularization. She mentioned that the University needs to reform its labor practices to stay “true to its word of magis.” “In Ateneo, we keep on doing donation drives for health workers, frontliners. [...] We’re always advocating for something outside. This is happening in our own backyard, so hindi pwede na we turn a blind eye. We cannot not look at this kasi this is on our campus,” Abao said.
EDITOR: LEIKA GOLEZ | LAYOUT ARTIST: FIDESS BISNAR
3
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIME’S UP ATENEO
PHOTO ESSAY
Time’s Up Ateneo honors its first anniversary through online initiatives BY ALLIANZA O. PESQUERA PHOTOS BY TRISHA CORN TIME’S UP Ateneo launched their new website on October 15 to honor the first anniversary of their establishment and the 2019 protest against sexual misconduct. In the website, they publicized numerous testimonials and online discussions featuring sexual violence survivors and advocates against sexual harassment. The test imon ia ls were published in different forms, namely, interviews, open letters, and visual art. For example, Pat’s Story is a two-part interview series with Patricia Escalante (AB EU ‘15 and AB PH ‘16), who shared that numerous people supported her after she disclosed her story amid last year’s events.
“I think [receiving support] was the most beautiful thing about it. G oing public— although there were some risks and fears on my part—allowed me and a community to create that space for ever yone to come together and start a dialogue. [...] There is a space now because people speak up, people come forward,” she said. Time’s Up Ateneo also hosted an online commemoration on October 31, which featured Ateneo Senior High School Safe Spaces member Kara Angan, Protect Our Students! PH member Kit Andres, and Philosophy Department Instructor Danna Aduna as speakers. Angan and Andres gave insights on how students can navigate the antisexual violence movement, while Aduna discussed how Time’s
Up Ateneo contributed to the drafting of the Code and Rules. Aduna explained that they pushed for the clauses that prevent grooming by prohibiting amorous relationships between teachers and students. They also pushed for less restrictive non-disclosure ag reements and better protection services for reta liator y insta nces. She added that the creation of the Committee of Decorum and Investigation Alert form is an example of the Code and Rules ma king “sig nif icant progress” to address sexual violence, as University personsin-authority are now duty-bound to report a sexual harassment act. The testimonials and online discussions can be found on Time’s Up Ateneo’s official Facebook page and website.
“I think [receiving support] was the most beautiful thing about it. Going public [...] allowed me and a community to create that space for everyone to come together and start a dialogue.” PATRICIA ESCALANTE AB EU ‘15 AND AB PH ‘16 TIME’S UP ATENEO’S ONLINE COMMEMORATION. Key speakers, Kara Angan, Kit Andres, and Danna Aduna, all discuss with each other, over a Zoom call last October 31, 2020, the legacy of the Time’s Up Ateneo protest and the struggles against sexual violence that still remain.
Junior Term Abroad Program to ease... accommodate students on-site for the Fall Term of 2021, prompting the University to consider resuming the JTA program despite apprehensions brought by the pandemic. According to Sunico, the four schools’ individual regulations will coordinate with the OIR in modifying the application process suitable for the online setting. However, each student must first check with their school’s student exchange coordinator before applying since schools have their own policies, requirements, and application processes. In line with this, Ateneo Student Exchange Council (ASEC) President Hannah Co shared that ASEC has launched the Ateneo Study Abroad Fair website. The wesbite contains information about the JTA and Senior Term Abroad—specifically scholarship opportunities, embassies and ambassadors, available partner institutions and universities, and past
outbound students’ testimonies.
UTILIZING REMOTE LEARNING As for the JTA students of Spring Term 2020, Sunico said that they were given the choice to either return to the Philippines or remain in the host country to avoid exposure to COVID-19 during the long-haul flight. She also explained that students may resume the program online in three ways. They can take online courses hosted by their host university, take online fasttrack courses offered by the LS, or simultaneously take courses from both the host university and the LS. According to Sunico, most students who returned to the Philippines continued the program through their host universities’ online courses, but some classes were not suitable for online delivery and remote setting. Since
incomplete classes did not count in the number of required units that students needed to take in their JTA, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs created JTAfast track courses to address the students’ lack of units. Students meant to take their JTA for the Fall Term of 2020 were also given the opportunity to experience their JTA through virtual programs hosted by either their partner universities or the VPUGR and Office of Student Affairs.
POSSIBLE CANCELLATION Even with protocols and safety precautions in place, the resumption of the JTA program is still not final as the administration recognized the possibility of another cancellation due to safety concerns. “Aside from the resurgence of cases is the enforcement of related restrictions: immigration controls, flight reductions and cancellations,
reduced travel options [for students],” Cruz said. In spite of these limitations, Cruz said that the University will still attempt to continue the JTA program. “The JTA program has been an effective opportunity for students to grow in awareness and care of other societies. We shall strive to maintain the program, for as long as conditions allow,” he said. Co also encouraged students to apply for the JTA program despite the possibility of a cancellation. “I think if you want it, just go for it kasi i-reregret mo. On ASEC’s side, that’s what we’re really telling everyone. Based on the testimonies of [past JTA students], JTA is a really fun experience,” Co said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ATENEO STUDY ABROAD HELPDESK
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Opinion
VOLUME XCI, NO. 3 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020
EDITORIAL CARTOON BY JAMES ELIJAH YAP
Founded 1929 by Rev. Frank O’Hara, SJ First Editor-in-Chief, Manuel C. Colayco, AB ‘30
PURPOSE To serve as a record of Ateneo history in the making; to serve as an organ of journalistic expression; to serve God and country.
Danielle Margaux R. Garcia, BS CTM ‘21 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Tatiana L. Maligro, AB COM ‘22 ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Bryce R. Rubi, BS ME ‘21
A matter of Pride
MANAGING EDITOR
Carmela B. Masiglat, BFA ID ‘22 DESIGN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Leika Mae A. Golez, AB COM ‘21 NEWS EDITOR
Mercedes Calista S. Crespo, AB DipIR ‘21 Gerrick Spencer C. Limsiy, BS ME ‘21 SPORTS EDITORS
Raphael Patrick C. Dela Cruz, AB LIT (ENG) ‘21 BEYOND LOYOLA EDITOR
Keziah Maru Z. Pasion, AB COM ‘22 FEATURES EDITOR
Jeanella P. Mangaluz, AB COM ‘22 INQUIRY EDITOR
Andrea Mikaela B. Llanes, AB COM ‘22 Beatriz Ysabel C. Reyes, BS ME ‘22 VANTAGE MAGAZINE EDITORS
Kathleen Rae U. Yap, AB COM ‘22 BROADCAST NEWS EDITOR
Maria Victoria P. Tenido, AB IS ‘23 BROADCAST NEWS PRODUCER
Kaye Elizabeth P. Veneracion, BS ME ‘22 Raya Ashaunti H. Barreiro, BS DS ‘21 PHOTOS EDITORS
Neil Christian R. Reyes, BS CH-MSE ‘23 Tiffany Kate C. Ng, BS ME ‘22 GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITORS
Mariana D. Gardoce, AB COM ‘22 VIDEO PRODUCTION EDITOR
Beatrice R. Bacason, AB COM ‘22 VIDEO PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Bea Katrina S. Sison, BS MIS ‘21 DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT EDITOR FOR DESIGN
Davin Sean Cuaso, BS MIS ‘21 DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT EDITOR FOR TECHNOLOGY
Katrina Bernice M. Tan, AB COM ‘23 EXTERNALS MANAGER
Regina Mae C. Yu, BS ME ‘23 HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Jose Angelo A. Buenaventura, BS CTM ‘23 Enrique Benjamin B. Halili, BFA CW ‘22
IN EVGENY Afineevsky’s documentary Francesco, Pope Francis asserted his support for same-sex civil union. “[Homosexual individuals] are children of God and have a right to a family,” he said. “What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered.” The Pope’s statements birthed a divided Church in Asia’s largest Catholic nation, prompting mixed reception from religious leaders and government officials. Senate President Tito Sotto has been one of the loudest voices expressing doubt that Pope Francis’ civil union stance would have an effect on Philippine legislation. However, Sotto neglects to remember how deeply rooted the connections of Church and state are as religious leaders continue to influence politics and policy. If Filipinos are to move forward, it is essential to acknowledge and dismantle the systems and cultures that have historically prevented the protection of
Filipino LGBTQI+ individuals in the first place. A CABINET STILL IN THE CLOSET Catholic doctrines continue to affect the tone and passage of Philippine laws. One such example is how the Family Code strictly defines marriage as an act between a man and a woman— painting a heteronormative definition of a family. Efforts to move past these gender binary mindsets have proven to be immensely flawed. Former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez filed the Civil Partnership Act (House Bill 6595) back in 2017 to push for the recognition of civil partnerships between same-sex couples. While the bill was made with good intentions, it creates more barriers for LGBTQI+ couples. For instance, in order to “qualify” for legal recognition, a couple must be publicly acknowledged and have already lived together for at least two years.
Another popular bill aiming to recognize and protect the identity of the LGBTQI+ community is the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expressions (SOGIE) Equality Bill, which was refiled by Senator Risa Hontiveros in 2019. Unfortunately, senators continue to block the bill’s passage—citing that it would destroy family values and that it is not fit for Philippine culture. To date, the SOGIE Equality bill remains up for debate in the House of Representatives.
pardon of US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton, who raped and murdered a Filipina transgender woman in 2014. Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno also passed an antidiscrimination ordinance, but did not speak up on the unlawful arrest of the Pride 20 protesters in his jurisdiction. As the COVID-19 pandemic leaves LGTBQI+ individuals even more vulnerable, it is high time to put their needs at the forefront.
Structural changes within society are necessary to unlearn the culture of violence and bigotry that LGBTQI+ individuals have been subjected to. Starting at the root of the problem leads to more opportunities for LGBTQI+ individuals, and fosters more accepting environments for the community as a whole. Through normalizing SOGIE in everyday conversations and crafting inclusive spaces where LGBTQI+ individuals can be themselves without fear, we can change attitudes and mindsets that have repressed the LGBTQI+ community’s basic rights. While the Pope’s statement is revolutionar y, changing policy and public opinion can only be done through our united volition. Now, more than ever, we must move towards a more accepting society—one where LGBTQI+ individuals know that they are heard and validated regardless of religion.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Despite claims that the Philippines is one of the most “gay-friendly” countries in the world, local companies continue to hold biases against LGBTQI+ employees while performative politics continue to serve as an issue to the sector. For example, Senator Imee Marcos vocally supported the LBGTQI+ community, yet embraced the presidential
COMING OUT Involving LGBTQI+ individuals in policy-making is a necessity if we hope to ensure genuinely inclusive legislation. However, we cannot stop advocating for civil union if we hope to ensure that their rights are upheld. To start paving the way for same-sex civil unions, the country must first lay the foundations for acceptance of LGBTQI+ community through anti-discrimination laws such as the SOGIE Equality Bill.
happened in Philippine history.” However, Martial Law was undoubtedly one of the darkest chapters of Philippine history, and what makes it worse is that it is barely or wrongly remembered by today ’s gener ation. This ignorance and social memory loss stems from the Philippine judicial system’s pursuit and fervor for justice, or lack thereof. The Marcoses and their supporters, who have been proven guilty for a number of crimes, have not been held accountable by our judicial system. These martiallaw figures have successfully rehabilitated themselves back into society, through elections and appointments to office, which heavily aids in our denial or negligence of their crimes. For example, Imee Marcos has become a senator, and her son has
taken her position as governor of Ilocos Norte, with relatives bearing high positions in the province as well. It took 27 years for former First Lady Imelda Marcos to be convicted of her seven counts of graft for funneling public funds to overseas bank accounts. This begs the question if Martial Law ever truly left, since no one has been held accountable. If the guilty are able to assume power in the absence of any conviction, this lack of accountability makes it easier for us to forget what happened. This is extremely dangerous because what we choose to remember and what we choose to forget both reflect our values as a nation. As a result, corruption is the norm today, with authorities learning that the law has no meaning beyond their willingness to enforce it.
Remembering the events and victims of Martial Law has the power to turn this around. The current judicial system promotes shortcuts and quick fixes while sacrificing longterm goals of justice and social equity. With low conviction rates, long trial times, and the impunity of the rich, our weak justice system leaves many holes and opportunities for crime and corruption. Our values as a nation have been ref lected in people’s increasing ability to not care, to remain indifferent. If we choose to always stay in the middle to “stay out of politics” and avoid confrontation, then we will always remain defenseless. A constant curiosity and relentless pursuit of the truth are necessary if we truly want to change society.
If this social memory loss persists, then we risk the chance of history repeating itself. We must make the atrocities of Martial Law less of a taboo topic in society and instead integrate them in our educational system, museums, and memorials. Many Filipinos today still do not know what happened during Martial Law, let alone why it happened. This will not only produce aware and educated Filipinos who can keep the judicial system on its toes, but also a nation grounded on a foundation of strong core values and the affirmation that this will never happen again.
amongst friends and greenery. For some of you, this is your last year in school and you will have to experience it in confinement. Certainly, much more is being taken away from other people, especially the marginalized youths. But today, you face the simple fact that you are being called to suffer a crisis like no other in living memory, and it does weigh heavily on your spirits. Like all things that weigh heavily on us, perhaps we can lighten its load if we could begin to articulate what it is. We can call this crisis a temporary disruption. One day, things will go back to normal and everything will be restored. If we are just patient enough to survive all the anxiety, we will be able to go back to life as we knew it. So be patient.
This pandemic that keeps you locked up at home is just a very long and pregnant pause. You can bawi consume, travel, and party again after. For now, stay put and stay in cyberspace school. With this pandemic, all that was put on hold for a bit. Like any break from what we are used to, it is a chance to reassess what we are deprived of in order to weigh their necessity. Those things that we used to do a lot caused global warming, species extinctions, and pandemic causing invasion of habitats—not to mention global inequalities. If we could only sustain this lifestyle, we could avoid the very scary things that global warming will bring, and we could also reduce the ongoing mass extinction.
What this pause is giving us is the opportunity to rethink the destructive way we live in order to realize that it isn’t so bad to live sustainably. It is showing everyone, if only anyone would see, that we don’t have to do the things we did to live well. But it’s not so easy to reform, is it? We all know that this sudden pause caused greater poverty for the marginalized millions and economic insecurity for the middle classes. When the infections ease up, governments will scramble to get us to spend to get the economy going because people need to earn money again to live. But we need to find a way to transition to a good normal that will bring about equity and sustainability. That’s a very complex knot to untangle, but with
this pause, we know that we are not captive to life as we knew it. Maybe there is another way to talk about this lockdown. Sure, much of our anxiety these past months was caused by the deprivation of our broader community and open spaces, but a great part of our anxieties was caused by the sudden withdrawal from our world destroying busyness. If we are to build better, we need to recognize how the lockdown is a period of withdrawal from a life of addictions. Instead of anxiously focusing on when our diversions will be restored, we should focus on the living we are doing without them.
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS
Azequiel Lexander P. de Luna, BS ME ‘22 Earl Christian L. Yu, BS ME ‘22 RESEARCH MANAGERS
NEWS Allianza O. Pesquera, Anna Pineda, Billie Asuncion, Elly Adlawan, Jillian Lopez, Juancho Belisano, Mina Mata, Moira V. Cayabyab, Patricia Yap, Zoey C. Atillo SPORTS Adelene Ha, Astrud P. Castro, Augusto Cruz, Gap B. Estrella, Ira Nepomuceno, James B. Gavina, Javier P. Mapa, Jeremy L. Chua, Jigger F. Enriquez, Joachim S. Melo, Juliana L. Ong, Juris Salvanera, Kristen C. Sison, Kristen R. Matias, Kyla A. Algarra, Lei P. Macaranas, Miguel A. Dimaiwat, Neal R. Beltran, Nielbert A. Dy, Noah M. Imson, Ra Solomon, Selina A. de Dios, Tristan A. Abuel, Vito Martin, Xavier C. Bautista BEYOND LOYOLA Alexanda L. Grantoza, Derick M. Gabrillo, Deryn Ventilacion, Felicity C. Santos, George D. Kho, Jerika P. Uy, Justine Ramirez, Kiana Alvoteros, Kris M. Fetiza, Pioee B. Bassig, Patricia Nicole M. Mejia, Troy G. Tarriela, Zachary C. Gonzales FEATURES Adrian Jesper C. Cea, Aisha Said, Chloe Ruiz, Eala Julienne P. Nolasco, Enzo Lagamon, Gabrielle A. Cortes, Genesis Jacinth Tan, Jacob S. Tambunting, Jullia Chen, Liam Isaiah Lao, Nina S. Gopaldas, Ryan Suarez, Yves Lazaro INQUIRY Christianna P. Lugod, Denise C. Marcelo, Francis Caiga, Gerard Ignacio, Justin B. Jimenez, Kara Angan, Malaika E. Paculan, Manolo G. Soliven, Paolo Buenaseda, Renz Miciel M. Trovela, Romulus Cruz, Russell Louis Ku, Sean D. Carballo, Vincent Halog VANTAGE MAGAZINE Ann Domingo, Anya Nellas, Arnald Paguio, Caitlin C. Young, Dani Capinding, Danielle H. Ramos, Daniela Lorenzo, Gabrielle I. Lombos, Gabriel V. Saulog, Jana V. Codera, Justin Ginete, Leilah Simon, Lyrah Lapid, Natalie R. Gavino, Patricia Villora, Therese Garcia, Therese Hipol, Zoe Andin BROADCAST NEWS Elian Dominguez, Hannaniña T, Mantos, Iana Padilla, Joaquin Salazar, Lars Salamante, Maegan Sang Tian, Martin Ramos, Rebecca Filasol, Samantha Onglatco, Shawn Vincent G. Nagrampa, Teo A. Ricaforte, Una Garcia PHOTOS Alexis Wang, Bettina Cuan, Bruce Ong, Casey Mateo, Daryl D. Sy, Eirenne A. Lumasang, Gabriel J. Medina, Jamie Go, Jason Mariano, Jerry Feng, Jim Dasal, Joshua R. Dy, Julia Carpio, Kevin Sornet, Laura Limsenkhe, Lorenzo Enrico M. Corro, Nate Bosano, Paulina Singh, Ranz D. Santos, Soleil Nicolette, Stella Arenas, Trisha Corn, Zoey Ignacio GRAPHIC DESIGN Allan Raymundo Jr., Andy Granda, Cameron Polintan, Cecilia Datiles, Dana Lee, Felizia Tiburcio, Fidess Bisnar, Frances Lopez, Geri Puno, James Elijah Yap, Janis M. Villavicencio, Jay Bustamante, Julia J. Santos, Kaitlyn W. Mercado, Kurt Tan, Maiden Mirabueno, Mika Medina, Mikhaella Norlin Magat, MJ Sison, Sam Dellomas, Sam Sacluti, Tiffany Cu VIDEO PRODUCTION Abigail M. Chua, AJ Bagapuro, Alexis Nicole Ferreras, Alissa Evangelista, Bea Pangandigan, Ethan Cheng, Ella Alabastro, Ena Algopera, Hannah Arias, Jaf Tumale, Jan Ong, Julian Michael Maiz, Justine B. Tiongco, Matthew V. Samson, Lou del Rosario, Patricia Corpus, Seve Vargas, Therese Macasaet, Trinity Yeung, Yanna Estrellado DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT Abby Moreno, Anton Benitez, Apa Cruz, Cobbie Quintos, Dani del Rio, Eli Tan, Franz Taborlupa, Giddy Garcia, Harvey Sison, Jacob A. Juinio, Jonathan Talbot, Keith Bartido, Miggy Pinaroc, Pat Ramos, Pauline M. Baterna, Prezil Ong, Zekie Ordoveza EXTERNALS Aaron Christopher L. Gapuz, Helena Lorenzo, Ivan Bueno, Jorge Alfred R. Taruc, Marina Patricia Penerya, Matthew G. Yuching, Nikki Macaraig, Sofia Sanchez, Tricia R. Alcantara, Zheinna Lozano HUMAN RESOURCES Anicia Guanlao, Ashley Lumauig, Cielo Regalado, Diana Rivera, Dre S. Guerrero, Em Enriquez, Gerard Ma, Isaiah Limpin, Julia V. Quizon, Kassandra Patrice I. Sanchez, Keisha Mercado, Kendji Tuazon, Kyra Ingrid A. Mallari, Margaux Arcinas, Matthew Cañete, Micah Avry Guiao, Romeo Arches Descalso III, Tris Almeida, Wira Dosado RESEARCH Aga E. Villaroman, Angela San Juan, Frances Realda, Jake de Jesus, Joseph Garay, Justine Sarsuelo, Kaye L. Cortado, Kiara Rodriguez, Lander Pua, Lenz A. Dagohoy, Miguel H. Palmero, Trisha M. Purificacion
BLUE JE A NS
The nationwide social memory loss BY JERIKA UY THE COUNTRY’S social memory of the Marcos regime is one that has diverged over time and across generations. In Memory, Truth-telling, and the Pursuit of Justice: A Conference on the Legacies of the Marcos Dictatorship, Imelda Marcos defends Martial Law by calling it, “one of the best things that CHALK MARKS
To be so young and locked down BY AGUSTIN RODRIGUEZ
SOCIAL MEDIA Abbey Palomo, Belle Medalla, Cloie Pino, Gia Crisologo, Joaquin Querido, Katherine O. Go, Piper Berbano, Rei Jamola
Luz R. Rimban MODERATOR
For comments, suggestions, and contributions, email:
desk@theguidon.com
YOU HAVE been locked at home for all of summer and what would have been a normal semester. So many things have been taken away from you: The encounters within and between classes that build and seal friendships, the endless meetings that teach creativity and resilience, and the nurturing moments dwelling
Jerika Uy is a BS Management Engineering freshman and Beyond Loyola staffer of The GUIDON. She may be reached at jerika.uy@obf. ateneo.edu.
Agustin Martin Rodriguez, Ph.D. is a professor from the Department of Philosophy.
The GUIDON | November-December 2020
Daybreak
BEATRIZ C. REYES
Spaces for interaction “W H AT’S NEXT in your quarantine to-do list?” Friends and family have asked me this question. What else is there to do now, anyway? I’ve tried my hand in the kitchen to make bread that does not rise, and to prepare baked sushi that is several minutes past its best baking time. I’ve tested out my green thumb by tending to once-a-week watering of cacti and succulents (Spoiler alert: They’re still alive!). I’ve even streamed countless hours on Netflix—either by myself or with friends through Netf lix Party (now Teleparty) over the social media application of the pandemic, Zoom. Wake up, eat, work, leisure, sleep, and repeat: It’s as if the same day has been on constant replay since March 15. Nine months in lockdown, nobody expected that we’re still shuffling within our own spaces at home, still finding which routine works best, and still attempting to comprehend everything that’s happening. Tha n k f u lly, t hese n ine months have given me spaces for reflection. One of these is about happiness. I learned that discovering happiness amid the pandemic doesn’t come from how many Coursera certificates I’ve finished, how many webinars I joined, or how many hobbies I picked up and (unfortunately) dropped midway. Happiness, in my opinion, comes from the little things. These may be receiving messages from friends, getting to know the people around you
Unsteady BEA BACASON
A thousand black sheep “WALK FAST and hold your bag tight,” they said as we walked past a beggar. Not long after, young mothers and persons with disability alike, would knock on our car window for alms as we ignore them for a time before we knock back—a signal that we had no alms to give, even though we had. Five months ago, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a garbage collector who arrived at our door. He was begging for monetary donations for his co-workers who are put at great risk of catching the diseases. He handed me a piece of paper with a list of people who donated Php 300, Php 500, and up. I didn’t have cash that day, so I went to look for someone who had. My relatives, however, only gave me Php 50. I told my parents about my disappointment and they simply laughed me off. “Nilalagay lang nila na malaki yung amount para obligado ka magbigay,” they chided. To them I was kind, but naïve at best. I was smart, a top student, but in their eyes, I was a sheltered girl—one whose ideas are to be discredited because she was young. Many have pointed out the disparities between the values of the older generations and the younger ones. Make no mistake, my parents are good people, and their generosity at the time of comfort proves that. They raised me to be God-fearing, kind, and grateful. Yet if one’s upbringing in the family helps
(physically or virtually), or even remotely helping with donation drives and fundraising programs. These little things value human interaction; it’s this happiness that I’ve recently learned to rediscover. I used to take these moments for granted. Ironically, these now inf luence who I am and what I value. The pandemic has reshaped how I view myself and the world. While in this new abnormal (I don’t believe we should get used to the phrase “new normal” since nothing about this situation is normal— or worth getting used to—in the first place), there seems to be much more time. Case in point: No more travelling to and from school means that three hours are freed up in my weekday. This time is spent elsewhere. I read a quote from Nobel-winning economist Daniel Kahneman that reads: “The easiest way to increase happiness is to control your use of time. Can you find more time to do the things you enjoy doing?” In the age where social distancing rules should strictly be followed and face-to-face interaction is as limited as it gets, the pandemic taught me to value human interaction in whatever form it is available. The quarantine has given me more than enough time to do just that. I’ve learned how to better understand my family, to genuinely know and care about the people who I remotely work with, and to curiously learn more about the national situation. Everything now occurs through desktops and cell phones. Despite this, human interaction is the happiness that I took for granted, recently learned to rediscover, and what I’ve learned to value–now more than ever. determine who you are and who you value, then where does that leave me? As an aspiring journalist, I could never describe the pain of listening to the people I love religiously agree to every Duterte crony who stripped ABS-CBN of their broadcasting franchise. When my family claims that activists only serve to disrupt the peace and order, I respond with how these people have fought for the rights we enjoy today. When they insist that the impoverished are only poor because they had too many kids or dropped out too early, I fire back with an explanation of systemic poverty—only to have my ideas jested. Unfortunately, my story is just one of many. There are far many stories of an outspoken young man and woman who earned the grumbles of their relatives at dinnertime. Far more anecdotes of activists who have been disowned or resented by their family members. Altogether, these are the narratives of those who are torn between familial love and the fight for the world they dreamt of. I still yearn for the time when my parents understandd why I am who I am today; a moment when they accept why I chose to fight the battles they never faced and why I chose to speak out for those whose voices have been silenced. I hope for the day they understand that compassion cannot co-exist with hostility, and that charity cannot work with indifference. To any parent reading this, you must accept that the world you grew up in is vastly different than the world it is today. Societies change but some values remain— and if I were to follow the lessons of kindness that your generation have taught me, I would rather risk getting scammed or tricked than let another man go hungry.
Sparks
REGINA MAE C. YU
In our unspoken moments WHEN I was younger, I used to believe that I could help the people I loved by fighting their battles for them. Every time someone would confide in me, I would think a thousand times over how I could possibly share the burden and just make their suffering go away. It really mattered to me that I was able to do something about every situation, and it still does. Eventually I realized that sometimes, the best I could do is to be on the sidelines, reminding them that they are not alone. Looking back, whenever I would find myself in a rough patch, I would often go to my friends to seek comfort and assurance. I never expected them to be the ones solving my problems, but I went to them for a warm hug and a gentle smile to remind me that we will always find a way out. They always made me feel that I never have to go through anything alone, and that was enough to make me believe that there will always be some light at the end of the tunnel. It took me a while to realize it, but
I know now that I don’t have to be the hero in someone else’s story. Just like how I craved a sense of companionship, perhaps that’s what they needed from me too. As much as I would want to do something more for the people I love, their battles are their own chances to grow. I have no intention of leaving them to do everything alone, but I am giving them the much-needed space to breathe. When they finally call me, I will still be there. We all have our unspoken moments of vulnerability that we would rather keep within our own little worlds. We may not know it at the time, but the people who care would be able to sense our absence in between sentences. They would be able to grasp the hints of distress in our simplest banters—or the lack of it. In those moments when we feel alone, that’s when we should glance sideways to see those who walk with us in silence. I may not always be there in the grand scheme of things, but I will be there for the late nights, the sad afternoons, and the somber mornings. I will be there through the little things that fill the gaps and holes when everything’s falling apart. I have a list of sad songs we can listen to together and a list of sappy movies to cry to without worrying if it’s too much. I know this might not be a lot, but sometimes a gentle nudge is all we need to keep it together.
“It took me a while to realize it, but I know now that I don’t have to be the hero in someone else’s story. ”
Self-discovery GERRICK C. LIMSIY
Finding my purpose FWEET...TAKE your mark... Bang! My heart raced as I quickly swam stroke after stroke. I looked beside me. I was falling behind. I swam faster and faster. Slap! I looked at the display board. I had beaten my personal best time! I was dead tired, but adrenaline pumped through my whole body and kept me energetic. A smile of joy was evident on my face. The months of training felt worth it for those 30 seconds of bliss. I had just shaved off 0.05 seconds off my 50m Freestyle best time! In a swimmer’s mind, nothing beats the feeling of working so hard for months to shave off a few milliseconds off our best times. Despite the thrill that swimming brought me, a defining moment in my career was realizing that I could only go so far in my sport. Back in high school, my peers in the team were quitting the sport one by one, giving me the idea that my time in swimming was almost up. At that point, after investing hours and hours of training time, when do I say that it’s over? Moreover, according to data from the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (US NCAA), only 6.13% or around one in every 16 high school varsity athletes successfully become college varsity players. More glaring is the fact that only 0.05% or one in every 2,000 high school varsity athletes make it to professional or national team squads. That means a vast majority of us have to go through that decision one way or another. My decision was finally made in Grade 10 when I realized that I wasn’t going to be part of that 6.13%.
After finishing in the middle of the pack in every competition I joined, I reached a point when I lost motivation to continue pouring my heart out in training. At that point, I decided to quit swimming and to shift my attention to other things that I was more talented in. However, just like most former athletes, I could not leave the world of sports completely. Four years ago, in my college freshman year, I found a new passion in sports journalism. After being an athlete for most of my life, I was mesmerized by the inspiring stories that sports journalists conveyed in their works. I wanted to produce inspiring works like that. What fueled my passion the most was to be able to show the human side of athletes that were usually glossed over by many fans. I wanted to tell people about the blood, sweat, and tears that athletes shed to reach the pinnacle of athletic competition. Looking back at my swimming career still brings me joy and nostalgia. Sometimes I would have vivid dreams of staring at the lane line and swimming my heart out during a race. Other times, I would remember those Friday training sessions where we usually did something fun as a team. However, I have moved on now. The competitiveness, the drive to win, and the hunger for excellence that I developed through swimming has now t u r ned into ke y t r a its in producing quality articles and chasing tight deadlines. Sports journalism has now become my way of giving back to sports and inspiring others through storytelling. I may never be the athletic star that I dreamed of becoming, but through sports journalism, I can now be the wind that clears the sky for people to see those stars.
Effervescence NEIL R. REYES
Research access: Denied RESEARCH AND development have often been overlooked in the Philippines. For the past decade, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) did not receive any significant increase in their budget allocation. This year, the DOST was forced to cut their budget for research and development institutes because the administration only approved Php 23.89 billion of their initial proposal of Php 36.269 billion. These budget cuts, along with decreased opportunities for research, has made it difficult for scientists to pursue studies that can further the country’s development. The continuous neglect of scientific research leaves institutes waiting again for another year—hoping that they will receive enough budget to sustain their drive for innovation. Despite the lack of government funding, our scientists have historically created systems that improve the lives of Filipinos. In 2012, DOST spearheaded Project NOA H to improve disaster risk reduction by providing tools and information t h a t c a n c re a te b e t te r assessments for natural disasters. It gave timely advisories for affected localities, real-time weather information, and hazard maps even at barangay-level. However, operations were halted in 2017 due to lack of funds. It would have greatly helped i n t he recent t y pho on s that hit the countr y and minimized losses.
The isms AZEQUIEL P. DE LUNA
Politics and memory lanes 2020 HAS been a disaster calendar, hav ing frequent entries of heavy news. Due to the quarantine restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the radiant idiosyncrasies of life are now diluted, replaced by a surge of online classes or work— forcing normalcy. Memories are now filled with Canvas, Zoom, and social media, with no room for spontaneity. On top of this, Filipinos are continuously divided on the government’s responses to different crises. The disasters, politics, and isolation induce people (such as myself) to respond to these issues. One issue that I wanted to tackle for this piece was the mass student strike petition because contributing a fresh opinion to the discourse is relevant, especially now when everyone’s voice must be heard. However, I decided to scrap that. I changed my mind when I called a friend to hear her opinions about the petition. I expected the conversation to be political, but we went down the memory lane instead, talking about cringey memories such as the time I recorded a harana for my crush five years ago. Su r pr ise! The cr ush she was talking about was herself (such clownery!). We went on a storytelling spree, sharing the time when I stalked her Twitter to decode her cryptic tweets and find out if she liked me. She also shared that time when I
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Scientific projects like Project NOAH highlight the importance of boosting support for scientific research. We have scientists who contribute groundbreaking ideas in their respective fields— allowing them to be part of Asia’s leading scientific researchers. The success of our researchers means that our scientists can leave a significant impact in the scientific world and Filipinos’ lives. Supporting scientific research also boosts people’s trust in scientists. This will allow them to see that scientists are important in building knowledge; it will also develop a culture where people consider data as a ground for truth. In a time when disinformation is prevalent, being data-driven is a must. Moreover, resea rch a nd d e v elo p m e nt s h o u ld b e encouraged to mitigate the decrease of Filipinos who pursue the sciences in the country. Instead of empowering our own, we rely on the success of foreign scientists’ research and projects. Neglecting the call of scientists for support will only force them to leave despite them having the potential to contribute to nationa l development. In doing so, they are left to ha r ness t hei r k nowled ge abroad and become part of the long list of Filipinos that we claim to be proud of—but did not even bother to support in the first place. Now is the time to shift our focus to our own scientists and let them shine in their respective fields. They can turn the Philippines into a nation that produces their own medicines as cu re for illnesses a nd become a forefront of natural production research by studying alternatives using resources found in the archipelago. went to their fair, promising to give me a book when I see her. Apparently, she intentionally left it at home so that I have a reason to see her again. We laughed and cringed as we looked back at these memories. By the end of the call she told me: “It’s been a while since people made memories, huh?” I realized that I had a hard time remembering remarkable memories this year. A ll I remember from 2020 is stressing over academics, organizational work, and heavy news. I focused too much on moving forward, that I forgot the importance of looking back. I forgot what life used to look like. Sometimes, people need a pause from the headlines, and take the time to reminisce. Memories remind us of how beautiful life can be, amid a year that robbed us of our ability to make new, meaningful ones. It’s a breather that allows us to take a hold of ourselves, and remember the life we are fighting for. While it is important to respond to current issues, reminiscing allows us to see surrounding discussions under a new light, thus allowing us to understand it in a more personal manner. It’s oxymoronic, but moving forward requires a step back. Reminiscing with my friend allowed me to come up with a strong stand regarding the petition, but I decided to forego politics for now. I need more reminiscing, and I feel that the readers of this piece need this reminder too. I’m certain that the day after I finish writing this will be another day of us coping with 2020, but it’s nice to have a break. It reminds us of what’s in store for the future after we deal with the present’s mess—paving the way for the future’s memory lanes.
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News DISTANCE LEARNING. As the Ateneo continues the school year with off-site classes and despite the unified learning platform, student experiences still vastly differ. PHOTO BY LAURA LIMSENKHE
Atenean Voice What concrete steps can the University take to improve online classes next semester?
Enza Quimson Sanggunian School of Science and Engineering Representative
[The University should] make sure that all professors and faculty abide by the memos released by the Vice President for the Loyola Schools. This is to ensure that boundaries of the students [and] the faculty are protected. The memos also outline guidelines for everyone to follow just so there is a sense of regularity and organization across all the classes and schools [...]. If students know that these guidelines will be followed by the professors, then that could be at least one worry they don’t have to think about when it comes to learning in this setting.
Nina Sevilla 1 BS LM
I think that [online classes] should cater to everyone’s learning style. A lot of students are [more] inclined to listening, watching, or reading, [so] I think having more options to learn would be really helpful. [...] I also personally like synchronous online sessions [and group works] because it helps me feel more engaged. It is also important for professors to connect to their students since most of the time we feel greatly detached, and it really pushes me [to do more] if the professors give constructive and personal comments.
Wes* 3 BS EcE
I think that synchronous classes are underutilized. Students like me rely more on the modules because most of the time the professor will [have a] voiceover [for] the module presentations. I wish synchronous classes could be more engaging and informative. The University can implement other methods of synchronous classes like consultations, group study meetings, or live streaming.
Jolie* 3 AB COM
Some of my professors have broken [online learning] rules but no one’s really spoken up about it. The curricula should also be reviewed and revised accordingly. While some of my professors have been compassionate about deadlines, it’s also not healthy that a semester’s worth of work is assigned to us in just one quarter. Because of this imperfect quarter system, it’s felt like we’ve done a lot more work for a shorter period of time compared to regular, on-site classes
Miguel Bradford Lao 1 BS MAC
Activities such as the use of game-based learning platforms can be incorporated in online classes so that students would not only understand the lessons in a fun and engaging way, but they would also [...] have a sense of community. In addition, small breakout sessions after every class can be conducted wherein students can check in on each other [...] to make sure that no one gets left behind in the class. These suggestions can possibly create a more positive environment where students can motivate one another.
Althea Ramone R. Veloso 2 AB COM
A concrete step the University can take to help improve online classes next semester would be to improve the Loyola Schools Learning Management Systems (LMS). [...] The confusing LMS has led students to pass requirements late or even miss synchronous classes. [...] Some professors also don’t utilize the canvas features the same way, so if there could be suggested or required features to be utilized, this might help in better navigation and use of our current LMS.
Jhoana M. Garces, PhD Assistant Professor, Biology Department
Online teaching preparation is almost tantamount to preparing from scratch—there is a necessity to evaluate existing practices, habits, contents, and assessments again. This takes so much time and effort, so a general consideration for teachers, in terms of the number of courses to teach and prepare per quarter, is necessary. Three different course preparations in one quarter is very demanding even for senior lecturers who have been teaching the same courses for years.
Dino Carlo A. Saplala Instructor, Economics Department
Although there are some challenges, I found the quarterly system helpful for core courses and for dividing the load in a semester. Just like what we did for some SOCSC 13 topics, the University can probably have each department set up standard online modules per course so that faculty do not have to start from scratch. The University can also improve on identifying major courses that are better suited for a semester, adding one week more per quarter, and maybe putting a break in between.
Borj* 1 BS CTM
One of the struggles I’ve faced this second quarter is securing a required reading or book. [...] I hope they consider the availability of the materials, especially those that are required, via the Rizal Library RemoteXs website [and] give an alternative [platform]. Although the Rizal library is readily available, the professors should also mention the necessary [pages] from these books [...] so librarians won’t have a hard time scanning the book’s entirety [...]. Textbooks and readings are so hard to find right now, especially in this online setting.
KC* 2 AB PSY
One of the things that make online classes inefficient is the heavy workload of written outputs within a compressed quarter. Every week, papers are expected to be submitted with discussion boards, group-based academic papers, and other non-written activities on top of self-studying. Given these, restructuring the output system can be a starting point. [...] By stipulating a strict number of graded requirements [...], workloads can be more manageable [and] students can focus more on learning rather than submitting requirements.
*Editor’s Note: Some interviewees’ names have been changed upon their request to protect their identity.
Glimpses CMH initiates Mental Health Series to promote discourse on mental health
Sanggu implements Code of Internal Procedures for fine-tuning its operations
The Sanggunian Commission on Mental Health (CMH) first launched the Mental Health Series on September 12 to promote discourse on mental health and foster a compassionate community attuned to mental health concerns. Under the project, various online initiatives such as infographics, interactive polls, and motivational messages are regularly released in accordance with the chosen monthly theme. These are then posted to the CMH Facebook and Twitter pages thrice a week. For example, they spearheaded Take a Breather, a monthly podcast where CMH members share their personal mental health stories and exchange advice on how to handle problems related to mental well-being. They also imparted words of reassurance and encouragement to students through a series of graphics as the latter resumed online classes for the first semester’s second quarter of AY 2020-2021. MINA MATA
On October 15, Sanggunian Interim President Jb Bejarin approved the Sanggunian Code of Internal Procedures (CIP) to maintain “consistency, efficiency, and invariability” within the Sanggunian. Notably, the CIP outlines the Sanggunian members’ rights, including the right to security of tenure assuring them a full term of service. They also have the right to set flexible working hours, albeit recommending members to restrict business hours from 9 am to 9 pm. The CIP also guarantees that members are fairly recruited through two deliberation phases and are properly integrated through Sanggunian orientations. Moreover, the CIP seeks to clarify the responsibilities of members by distinguishing the different positions and units in the Sanggunian. It also gives the standards for retention and reapplication into the body, as well as the procedures for filing a leave of absence or resignation. MINA MATA
Kythe-Ateneo conducts fundraising for children’s hospital equipment Kythe-Ateneo’s online fundraising program, Funds for the Kids, raised monetary donations to supply pediatric hospitals with medical equipment. These donations were given to the Kythe Foundation’s eight affiliate partner hospitals, which include the National Children’s Hospital and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. However, due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses on November 11, the organization extended its donations to affected families by providing them with 50% of the fundraiser’s proceeds. With a goal of reaching Php 56,000, the fundraiser took place in two batches from November 4 to November 18 and November 23 to December 6. Various donors supported the fundraiser by purchasing the organization’s own activewear and nightwear lines. Dri-fit shirts and athletic shorts were sold individually or in sets during the first batch, while nightwear was sold only in the second batch. Order sheets were accessible through the Funds for the Kids Facebook page. JILLIAN LOPEZ
LSOGC hosts Wellness Week 2020 virtually In a formal invite to the Loyola Schools community, the Loyola Schools Office for Guidance and Counseling (LSOGC) Director Gary Faustino announced this year’s Wellness Week 2020 with the theme, “Stop, Look, Listen, Adapt.” Faustino shared that its theme was chosen in consideration of the University’s transition and adjustment to online learning. Held from November 9 to November 13, the week-long virtual program consisted of eight wellness seminars facilitated by the LSOGC guidance counselors. These seminars covered various topics such as personal care, mindfulness, and relationship building. For example, the Gardening for Wellness workshop discussed ways to foster self-care through plants, while the Art for Mindfulness workshop explored the connection between art therapy and self-expression. Interested participants signed up through the LSOGC Facebook page and joined the webinars through a Zoom session. JILLIAN LOPEZ
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Sports
KAELA AGUILAR: A NEW ACE Emerging as the Rookie of the Year last UAAP Season 82, Ateneo Table Tennis team’s Kaela Aguilar prepares to propel in the next season.
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School spirit in the “new normal” PHOTO BY KELLY VENERACION
BY IRA NOPOMUENO
SINCE ATENEO’S time in the National Collegiate Athletic A ssociation (NC A A), the University’s cheering tradition has united countless generations of Ateneo supporters by fueling school spirit with its distinctly unintelligible chants. With the cheering tradition’s momentous past, the uniqueness of Ateneo’s cheers have been marked by the echoing drums and the cheerleaders’ routines. However, due to the COVID19 pandemic, athletic events have been put to a halt and has restricted the presence of cheering and school spirit in the new normal. While the pandemic has placed the tradition in a difficult place, the Ateneo school spirit endures. MAKING HISTORY Tracing its roots to 2,000 years ago, Ateneo’s cheers were derived from the exotic chants that echoed throughout Rome’s Via Appia in support of victorious warriors returning home. These Roman rallying calls inspired the unintelligible lyrics behind some of Ateneo’s express cheers. The University’s express cheers consist of the five primary chants that were consecutively performed during halftime breaks in games —Fabilioh, Halikinu, Rhumba Yell, Three Fights, and Blue Eagle Spelling. Aside from these, Roll out the Victory and Go Ateneo were also used to inspire and motivate the Blue and White’s sporting teams. However, in contrast to Rome’s cheers that were chanted solely in celebration of victors, Ateneo’s brand of cheering catered to teams who have suffered defeat as well. “We use [cheers] both as a
rallying cry kapag natatalo yung team (when the team is losing), but also as a cheer for when the team gets momentum,” said Blue Babble Battalion Co-Captain Migs Cruz. When Ateneo took the leap from the NCAA to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in 1978, the Blue and White’s cheering antics underwent major revisions to rectify the hooliganism that prevailed during Ateneo’s time in the NCAA. As such, heckling, taunting cheers, and halftime stunts that called out the name of opposing schools were restricted by the UAAP. Cheers like Give Them the Axe were also discontinued due to the UAAP’s reforms against violence. From obscure Roman chants to Ateneo’s reformed way of cheering, the Blue and White has had a rich tradition in showing their support for their sports teams. However, the onslaught of the pandemic has prompted school spirit and cheering to take a back seat amid quarantine restrictions. FINDING SPIRIT Due to the cancellation of sporting events, school spirit and cheering were directly affected as opportunities to learn the cheers were limited with the annual Cheer Rally getting called off. Likewise, the restrictions on all on-site activities narrowed the Blue Babble Battalion’s reach in the Ateneo community. “There are some days when we can’t do anything. We just have to wait for what the government tells us is safe to do. What the school tells us is safe to do,” Blue Babble Battalion Program Head Ralph Aligada lamented. However, even prior to the pandemic, Ateneans’ unfamiliarity with the cheers has already been a
challenge for the Blue and White’s cheerleaders. This unfamiliarity has been a collective effect of the various hurdles faced by the cheering tradition. For one, the Blue Babble Battalion had to adjust to the University’s revised academic programs. From 2002 to 2006, Ateneo’s cheers were passed on through the Introduction to Ateneo Culture and Traditions (InTACT) and Physical Education (PE) classes. However, the aforementioned classes no longer include teaching the cheers in their syllabi, leaving students with the annual Cheer Rally and the actual sporting games as the only avenues to learn the cheers. Moreover, the exact meanings of the cheers have been lost in history, reducing its collective meaning to the Ateneo community. The various reinterpretations by the inheriting generations and the routinary executions of the cheers have resulted in varying understandings of the chants throughout the years. “You know how because of decades of doing the same thing, you forget the real meaning. That happens,” Aligada explained. FALLIBLE YET ENDURING While the cheers are often seen as gibberish, Blue Babble Battalion Program Co-Head Rafael Dimaano remained confident that the Blue and White’s cheers still hold valuable meaning in uniting the Ateneo community as a whole. “It has meaning. Wala lang (it just doesn’t have) exact meaning, but [the cheers have] a meaning for everyone,” he affirmed. In order to strengthen Ateneo’s cheering tradition, proactive measures were set in place even before the pandemic. According to Aligada, there were plans to reincorporate teaching the cheers
in InTACT and PE, with the latter allotting one hour per semester in teaching the Ateneo cheers. “We are now trying to embed cheering tradition again to at least InTACT, kasi diba (because) it’s part of Ateneo culture,” Aligada added. Moreover, the Blue Babble Battalion Program Heads held regular meetings with the University Athletics Office and the College Athletics Office to ideate on how the cheering tradition can be reinvigorated back into the Ateneo culture. Despite the numerous hurdles that the cheering tradition and Blue Babble Battalion have faced, Ateneo’s school spirit still endures—especially in these unprecedented times. Beyond cheering and Ateneo sports, the University’s school spirit continues to manifest itself in Ateneans being men and women for others. This has been evident in Ateneo’s Disaster Response and Management Team (DReAM Team), who has been providing relief efforts to those affected by Typhoon Ulysses. “School spirit should not be limited to basketball alone [or] to sports alone. Especially now, it should be manifested in doing what is right,” Aligada said. MEANINGFUL GIBBERISH Despite the incomprehensible chants, Ateneo’s cheering tradition has undoubtedly bolstered school spirit and improved the morale of the Blue and White. The COVID-19 pandemic may have affected this tradition, but the true Atenean spirit manifests itself in ways more than just Ateneo’s athletic runs. “I think we will never be at risk of [a] total lack of school spirit,” Aligada assured. “Because as long as the school is there, the spirit will always be there,” he added.
LOUD AND PROUD. The cheering squad from the Blue Babble Battalion ignites the school spirit among the crowd and players with their thunderous chants. PHOTO BY ZOEY IGNACIO
I think we will never be at risk of total lack of school spirit...Because as long as the school is there, the spirit will always be there. RALPH ALIGADA ATENEO BLUE BABBLE BATTALION PROGRAM HEAD
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Sports GALLERY OF E AGLES
Kaela Aguilar: A new ace BY ADELENE HA
ENTERING SEASON 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) as a heavily recruited talent, Kaela Aguilar was an immediate contributor to the Ateneo Women’s Table Tennis Team. In her debut season, the undefeated super rookie was a key factor in the team’s silver medal finish which ultimately rewarded her with the Rookie of the Year award. However, the table tennis star has had her fair share of battles on
and off the court. Throughout her career, Kaela battled with anemia and a compromised immune system while also facing constant pressure to perform at her best. Despite these circumstances, the Bulacan native continues to push forward as she trudges towards her ultimate dream of becoming an Olympian. EYES ON THE GOAL Although Kaela has achieved much success in table tennis, her first encounter with the sport came by chance when she was in the fifth grade. On a rainy day,
Kaela was stranded inside the Sta. Rita Elementary School due to flooding. Coincidentally, she was stuck in the classroom where table tennis tryouts were being held. Despite having no initial interest in the sport, her schoolmates encouraged her to try out. With her natural talent and feel for the game, she immediately got accepted into the school’s varsity team. Despite her family’s support, many of her peers doubted her ability to succeed in the sport. However, Kaela simply used this to fuel her motivation to work even harder and be the best table tennis player she can be. “So noong una madaming comments na parang hindi ka naman gagaling diyan, wala kang mararating diyan, ganoon. So ako, ginawa ko nalang inspiration iyon na sumikap ako para mas lalong gumaling (At first, there were many negative comments that doubted my ability to succeed in table tennis. However, I simply used this as inspiration to work harder and be better),” she shared. With a renewed mindset to prove her critics wrong, Kaela was determined to turn herself into a formidable player and continued to train with a single goal in mind—to qualify for the Palarong Pambansa. With her hardwork in training, Kaela topped the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association Meet on her first try and secured a ticket to the nationwide competition in her fifth grade. Since then, Kaela was a regular fixture in the Palarong Pambansa until Grade 10. As she made strides in the national stage, Kaela turned her attention to international meets with the ultimate goal of becoming an Olympian. Kaela’s first taste of
S P O R T S O P I N IO N
Online training: Fruitful or futile? A LT HOUGH AT HLET ES today are depicted as reallife superheroes with their extraordinary strength and power, it is ultimately a romanticized notion that unwittingly adds to the narrative that sports figures are invincible. However, this is far from the truth, as athletes are equally susceptible to personal struggles and the harsh realities of the world. In today’s context, athletes have had to adjust to the quarantine restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic by migrating their team trainings, meetings, and team bondings online. Although this forcible shift was made for everyone’s safety and best interest, there are arguably
some negative effects that emerged. From fatigue to burnout, these are just a few threats to an athlete’s well-being that should not be ignored. A SHIFT IN PSYCHE Even before the pandemic, getting through hours of grueling and demanding varsity training was no easy feat. Now, without the company of teammates and coaches physically present in online training, it has become even more difficult to stay driven to finish workouts. Although applications like Zoom allow users to send digital claps and words of encouragement, these do not motivate athletes in the same way that high fives and booming cheers do. What more on the days that asynchronous training is the only
option? With some individuals residing abroad, or with unstable internet connection not allowing calls, finding a common schedule becomes challenging. With no other choice, athletes are forced to finish their workouts alone, which sometimes leads to unproductive and dragging sessions. Ryan Herrera, a rookie winger from the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT), shared, “The normal chats that we players have during training and the camaraderie that everyone shared is definitely not the same... I guess in a way, because of this, I lose motivation at times.” However, the problems do not stop there. Other factors like the lack of access to the usual facilities, such as the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center and the Blue Eagle Gym, have created further setbacks
As she slowly regained her footing, an opportunity came knocking when National Team Coach Ting Ledesma—who also mentors the Ateneo Women’s Table Tennis Team—offered Kaela a spot on the Lady Eagles’ roster. Despite not having plans of studying in Ateneo, Kaela was eventually persuaded by the veteran coach to don the Blue and White. Upon entering college, Kaela shunned all the pressure and remained optimistic in her efforts to bounce back into top form. “Natutunan ko na huwag agad bibitaw, kasi hindi pa naman tapos [ang laban] (I learned to never give up first because the fight is not yet over),” the Lady Eagle said. Apart from the desire to improve her game, Kaela’s renewed energy towards table tennis was a result of her resolve not to leave her rookie season with regrets. “Sinabi ko sarili ko, ‘Enjoy mo lang iyan. Okay lang, wala naman mawawala sa iyo eh’ (I told myself to just enjoy the game because I got nothing to lose),” she shared.
CARVING HER OWN PATH From a chance encounter with table tennis to overcoming her health ailments and poor play, Kaela’s grit and perseverance have propelled her to reach great heights. Apart from her long term goal to become an Olympian, Kaela currently has her sights set on bringing home the Season 83 championship for the Ateneo Women’s Table Tennis Team. Simultaneously, the table tennis star is also working to zero in on the prestigious MVP award. “Gusto kong mag-champion kami next season, and gusto kong isama doon [na] makuha ko yung MVP. (I want us to be the champions next season, and I want to grab the MVP award along with it),” Kaela asserted. With a paddle in one hand, Kaela will continue to take the table tennis world by storm.
student managers also host frequent game nights to break the monotony of days at home and routine training. Aside from the increased efforts to bring teams together, the forced break from straining competition has also been a welcome change for some. This period has been used for rest and rehabilitation, especially for athletes with previous nagging injuries. Others who were on the brink of burning out also enjoyed the extra time to reevaluate their careers after a long hiatus from their sport. Most impor ta ntly, this experience has taught athletes to challenge themselves to rest, ref lect, and recuperate when needed. While powering through challenges and remaining driven is admirable, acknowledging the strain on the mind and the body and making changes to combat it are just as valid and commendable.
evaluation of the current situation and the well-being of the team. “There is a time to push and focus on mental toughness, and there is a time to pull back and understand the challenges the team faces,” Mumar said. Striking a balance between these two factors while conducting online training will be key for the months to come. Keepi n g t he l i nes of communication open is also vital moving forward. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board of Directors and the University Athletics Office should continue to disseminate as much information as they can regarding the fate of on-site training and the next UAAP season. This is especially important because the lack of direction can be burdensome for athletes. “It’s hard to motivate yourself if you don’t know what you’re training for,” explained Bautista. A lthough the COV ID-19 pandemic has brought about burdens and difficulties, athletes and coaches are hopeful that they can suit up for action soon enough. In the meantime, they will continue to persevere in true superhero fashion.
CHANGING THE GAME Despite her rise in becoming one of the promising young table tennis players in the country, Kaela’s career nearly ended when she was diagnosed with anemia in 2017 as her team of doctors feared that this diagnosis would evolve into leukemia. Simultaneously, the budding star was deemed ineligible to play in the Palarong Pambansa as she aged out of the competition. Because of this dramatic turn of events, Kaela spiralled into a slump that nearly made her put down the paddle forever. Even after recovering from anemia, she experienced a series of poor performances throughout her stay in senior high school. “May time na ayaw ko na nang maglaro kasi may time na yung performance ko sobrang baba (There was a time when I didn’t want to play anymore because of my poor performance),” Kaela recalled. Instead of wallowing in defeat, Kaela took this time to step back and reevaluate her athletic career. In search of motivation to continue playing, Kaela recalled her initial SOARING HIGH. Emerging as the Rookie of the Year in the last UAAP Season 82, Ateneo Table Tennis team’s Kaela Aguilar prepares to propel in the next season. dream to become PHOTOS BY ZACH GARCIA an Olympian. for student-athletes. With limited resources, it is likely that improvements in fitness and skill have stagnated or even regressed. For athletes who are used to being in peak physical condition, dips in performance can potentially be detrimental to their physical and even mental well-being. On top of the issues with online training, student-athletes are simultaneously adjusting to distance learning as well. Although there is a sentiment that working from home gives athletes more time to accomplish modules and requirements, it is simply not the case. “Online learning consumes so much more time than usual… So it’s tough, honestly, to manage the expectations of having to perform well in both school and training,” shared Martina Bautista, captain of the Women’s Lawn Tennis team. With everything being done remotely, the lines between school, training, and the personal lives of these student-athletes have been blurred.
ILLUSTRATION BY KURT TAN
BY SELINA A. DE DIOS
international competition came in 2016 when she donned the country’s colors in the Southeast Asian Table Tennis Association Championships. She then followed this up with an impressive first place finish in the junior’s division of the 4th Philippine Super League in 2018 and a Top 8 finish in the senior’s division the following year. Her Top 8 finish ultimately qualified her for an official spot in the national team’s Team B that represented the country in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
THE SILVER LINING Despite all of these challenges, the online shift has also resulted in some positive changes. For one, teammates, coaches, and student managers have been forced to think more creatively to strengthen relationships and encourage connections during a time of social distancing. For Bautista, her team implemented a mentor-mentee system to provide direct guidance and counselling for each member. “It is one veteran to one rookie, essentially, so that the rookies can transition into [the] studentathlete life better. I think it’s also easier to open up to one person rather than a big group right away, especially online,” she shared. Meanwhile, Herrera’s seniors have tried to be extra approachable and welcoming by being active online. “They would joke around in the group chats to lighten the mood,” he said. The AMFT’s
MOVING FORWARD A lthough Ateneo teams have already experienced nine months of online training due to quarantine restrictions, knowing where to go from here remains the biggest question on everyone’s minds. Ateneo Women’s Basketball Team Head Coach LA Mumar stressed the importance of discernment and constant
*Editor’s Note: Selina A. de Dios is currently the team captain of the Ateneo Women’s Basketball Team.
Even before the pandemic, getting through hours of grueling and demanding varsity training was no easy feat.
SERVICE INTERRUPTION The implementation of the online National Service Training Program this year raises questions regarding its impact on partner communities given the limitations of online engagements.
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EDITOR: JEAN MANGALUZ LAYOUT ARTIST: ALLAN RAYMUNDO JR.
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ILLUSTRATION AND INFOGRAPHIC BY JULIA J. SANTOS
A LL E Y ES followed t he S a n g g u n i a n’s interim government as the Loyola Schools community transitioned into an online setup for the academic year. In a previous interview with The GUIDON, Interim Sanggunian President Jb Bejarin made his goals clear: Increase engagement with the student body and strengthen the Sa ngg unia n’s inter na l structure. Concerns regarding the latter have lingered for years, setting forth the notion of a system overhaul. To e s t a bl i sh i nte r ior re for m s , t he S a n g g u n i a n is introducing a new Code of Inter na l Procedures (CIP)—an initiative Bejarin proposed during his term as the Sanggunian Vice President for AY 2 019 - 2 0 2 0 . A f te r f ur ther development by the Sanggunian’s current Central A ssembly, the docu ment is now in ef fect a nd pend ing public release as of w riting. INTRODUCING IMPROVEMENTS Sangg unian Interim Vice President Kat Moreno states that one of the student government’s prevailing problems is the of f ices’ inabilit y to work independently. “Before...the g reat challenge was [that] units work in silos, which
System reboot With the interim Sanggunian government eyeing structural changes to the student government, The GUIDON takes a closer look at these internal reforms. BY GERARD IGNACIO AND RENZ MICIEL M. TROVELA
shouldnt be the case,” says Bejarin, explaining that units should work complementar y with one another. Using the Commission on Anti-Sexual M isconduc t a nd V iolence (CASMV) as an example, Bejarin explains that members may find it difficult to balance internal operations while ha ndling sexual harassment cases. Furthermore, Moreno notes the commissioners’ difficulties in executing projects due to the “added bureaucracy” from the previous years. Bejarin cites the Department of Students Rights, which was removed since its sole function was to coordinate projects between the commissions and the OP. In the new configuration, the units can report directly to the president in lieu of passing through a middleman. The CIP enacts changes in the Sanggunian’s structure through unit reconfigurations. Comparing the current structure
with its antecedent, the Office of the Executive Secretar y and the Office of the Solicitor General have been removed. Meanwhile, the Commission on Socio-Political Formation, the Commission of Ateneans for Indigenous People, and the Of f ice of the Bu klod Ambassador were moved from the Department of External Affairs (DEA) to the Office of the President (OP). According to DEA Chairperson Jerard Afable, the DEA is now a support unit of the advocacy commissions instead of its coordinating unit.
CONSIDERING THE NEW CODES Beyond structural changes, the CIP also defines expectations for every Sanggunian member. Moreno states that the changes in the CIP include a streamlined Sanggunian application process and clarified member roles. In addition, Bejarin stresses that the CIP now highlights expectations from members, as well as their respective rights and responsibilities. Moreno further reiterates t he a dd it ion of cle a rer accountability clauses in the CIP,
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This is [the] foundation for the future of Sanggu, and [wherever] else we can take the student body. JB BEJARIN SANGGUNIAN INTERIM PRESIDENT
acknowledging the confusion a nd miscommunication that new members may have experienced in the previous years. According to her, the CIP now prescribes departmental ma nu a ls t hat deta i l t he objectives of Sanggunian units. Bejarin says that these manuals will be written by respective unit heads and will await the Office of the Vice President’s approval before publication. A fable agrees that these manuals provided the department with a certain workflow to guide them in serving more efficiently. “We underwent [an] institutional identity crisis so at least for DEA, we finally had a manual that stipulated: ‘What are our const it ut iona l ma ndates? ’ [and] ‘How can we execute these mandates?” he says. CALCULATED RISKS The new changes in the Sanggunian entail new risks and challenges in balancing
independence and collaboration. A teneo C ODE R e s e a rch , Training, and Development Head Trisha Reyes mentions that ensuring the collaborative aspect of autonomy may be a challenge given the added communication layers. “I think it’s the alignment among all of them that becomes incredibly crucial once they allow that collaborative autonomy to happen in practice,” she says. To set commu nit y-w ide collaboration in motion, Moreno says that the Sanggunian will place emphasis on the course representatives’ roles this year to better speak for the different courses in policymaking. Ateneo CODE Coordinating Head Jordan Jacinto addresses further concerns that this may only still add to the bureaucracy: He notes that course representatives must ba la nce goa l a l i g n ments with the Sanggunian and the representation of their respective courses since they are still external liaisons. With this, it is important to remember that the CIP may alter the Sanggunian’s course for years to come. “This is [the] foundation for the future of Sanggu, and [wherever] else we can take the student body,” says Bejarin, who counts on these types of changes to sustainably serve Atenean batches from now on.
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lnquiry
Braving deeper waters Despite the onset of national calamities, the Loyola Schools (LS) population continues to balloon—challenging the University’s financial planning. Scholars now face factors beyond their control that may hamper their ability to continue with the University.
The community by the numbers This infographic presents an analysis of LS student and scholar populations from AY 2009-2010 to AY 2020-2021. WRITTEN BY FRANCIS CAIGA RESEARCH BY FRANCES REALDA, ANGELA SAN JUAN, AND AGA VILLAROMA
BY PAOLO BUENASEDA AND ROMULUS JATHNIEL DC CRUZ
WITH A 25% nationwide drop in basic education enrollees, an abrupt unemployment rise, and the imperative transition to online classes, Ateneo continues to adjust to the new precedent set by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid these unprecedented changes, students confront persisting financial and health difficulties. The pandemic debilitated the Philippine economy, leaving thousands with little to no job security and financial support. Thus, financially sustaining one’s education became even more burdensome for all students. Scholars, however, might find themselves at a higher risk. SCHOLARLY WOES Freshman scholar Claire Pillos says that her scholarship helped ease her family’s financial burden. She shares that her father still physically goes to work despite health risks in order to provide for her and her sister who is still studying. Pilos’ concerns are not isolated, as some students are similarly unable to continue with their studies completely despite their scholarships. Sophomore scholar Sophia Ruiz says that she knows students who are considering taking a leave of absence (LOA) due to financial struggles. “They have to support their families [because] a lot of their parents lost their jobs during the pandemic,” she shares. Office of Admission and Aid (OAA) Director Jose Maria Edito K. Tirol, PhD confirms that there are a number of scholars who have taken a LOA. Another financial concern is having the devices and stable internet connection needed for online learning, as not all students can afford these additional expenses. Ateneo Gabay President Jubert Calamba explains how additional expenses for internet or mobile data could be harder for scholars whose parents lost their jobs. “Nagiging m ab i gat tal a ga [i nter net expenses] (Internet expenses are becoming hard to bear) on the side of the scholar,” he says. Personal study space is also a source of unease—Pillos says that she was worried about finding a comfortable place at home where she could focus on her studies. In addition, students, particularly in rural areas, may face uncontrollable external factors such as weak connectivity throughout the semester. “[Unstable internet connection] cost me a lot of trouble during the first quarter [...] it continues to persist even during finals season,” says Ruiz, who resides in the province. Tirol explains that troubles with work spaces at home are commonplace among scholars. “For many scholars, it’s easier to study on-campus [because] the computers are there, the internet is there, the WiFi is there. [Especially in] provinces where their wifi’s really bad,” he says.
ILLUSTRATION AND INFOGRAPHIC BY SAM SACLUTI
CRUCIAL INVESTMENTS Amid these challenges that scholars face, The GUIDON’s research notes a significant increase in scholars this AY. According to Tirol, the administration increased scholarship grantees and coverage while also providing resources according to those in need. The increase in scholar population is coupled with a significant spike in the LS student population. In fact, AY 2020-2021 saw the most number of students compared to previous years, with 9,346 students currently enrolled in the LS. Tirol mentions that Ateneo’s decision to end AY 2019-2020 on May 8, mass promote, and refund tuition fees created good public relations for the University. Tirol adds that prospective transferees have already inquired more about Ateneo. It is important to remember that the student population will bear an impact on the University’s budget, as various measures have already been taken to manage the finances. For example, Tirol states that a hiring freeze was implemented, while work promotions and wage rises were temporarily halted. This new policy allowed the OAA to retain its current employee plantilla. In addition, Vice President for the Loyola Schools Maria Luz Vilches, PhD mentions that funds for major improvements such as building enhancement projects were cut. Moreover, Tirol notes that it is the OAA’s mandate to properly allocate funds for scholars. Despite this, the pandemic created an influx of scholarship requests that the fund could not handle. Since the OAA did not want to turn down these requests, the office communicated with Vilches on two separate occasions to increase the budget allocated for scholarships, as well as cover students and scholars who were waitlisted and appealing. Tirol explains that alumni and corporation donors would typically sustain their funding, but this year’s circumstances required OA A to further coordinate with Vilches to maximize the funding for scholarships. VITAL SYNERGY To better address the scholars’ financial concerns, Ateneo Gabay and OAA also collaborate to address these. However, Calamba describes the relationship between the two as “complicated” and “halfbaked.” He attributes this to two factors: The first being that Ateneo Gabay is not the home organization of scholars—rather, it “serves” scholars. The second is that the
35.88%
7% -2.3
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[Unstable internet connection] cost me a lot of trouble during the first quarter [...] it continues to persist even during finals season.
SOPHIA RUIZ SOPHOMORE SCHOLAR
OAA, as an administrative office, cannot have an inclination towards a specific student organization. Nevertheless, the OAA and Ateneo Gabay have cooperated on a number of projects in the wake of the recent typhoons. To illustrate, constituency checks were released to the scholar population through both the OAA and Ateneo Gabay. Tirol notes that their office ordered 50 devices for scholars last November. Through scholarship funds, the OAA is also planning on providing additional allowances for scholars most affected by the typhoon. “This additional allowance [will be] apart from whatever allowance we are already giving [scholars],” he explains. Additionally, Calamba states that the scholar sector received a Php 40,000 internet load subsidy from the Sanggunian for students in need of internet subsidization. However, Calamba emphasized that not all students will be able to receive the subsidy due to limitations in funding. “We don’t even think na baka sumobra sa 50 yung mga magiging recipients nung internet load subsidy,” he says. (We don’t think that the recipients of the internet load subsidy will exceed 50 people.) UNCERTAIN TIDES The OAA fears that calamities as strong as Typhoons Rolly or Ulysses may compromise the added allowances. Aside from financial obstacles, Tirol is also concerned about the mental well-being of students amid online learning. “The longer online learning continues, the more difficult it may be for OAA to deal with the total hells of our scholars,” he added. Despite budget constraints, the scholar population is now at its highest since AY 2015-2016. With a growing number of new scholars, Calamba reiterates that Ateneo Gabay can offer assistance. Their support group is now open to collegiate scholars of all levels. “In-adapt namin lahat ng previous projects namin for scholars to online setup,” he says. (We’ve adapted all our projects for the scholars into the online setting.) Even with the community’s collective effort, Ateneo is still grappling with persistent financial and health difficulties for students. Both the students and the administration must grapple with the deluge of external adversities that impact the University’s financial sustainability but more importantly, they must do so as a united community.
The GUIDON | November-December 2020
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Brick and mortar In light of restorative justice, the Loyola Schools (LS) management carries the burden of disciplining its staff and students. However, University online arrangements make this serious burden even heavier. BY KARA ANGAN AND VINCENT HALOG
THE SHIFT to online learning poses great challenges to the LS, a community that integ rates and reinforces holistic formation through rules and regulations. However, LS students and employees may find its academic policies challenging to observe at this time. In any case, the LS is expected to embrace the Jesuit principle of restorative justice in disciplinary cases, even as the school goes online. Restorative justice heavily emphasizes dialogue, relationship building, and communication of moral values between the offended and the offending parties in a case. As the LS continues to operate online, it is crucial to look into the disciplinary practices of a community now restricted by the pandemic. WITHIN THE CLASSROOM To guide the LS community in remote learning, the Associate Deans for Academic Affairs and for Graduate P r o g r a m s joi nt l y i s s ue d t he academ ic policies for the First Semester of AY 2020-2021 If feeling pala ni last August 26. However, these sir hindi makakaguidelines have maintain ng integrity t u r ned into a source of confusion ‘yung [memo], what’s for some. the point? Bakit pa Steve* recounts how his instructor may memo kung requ i red t hem to turn on their ‘yung rules ni sir ang cameras and masusunod? microphones as they synchronously took exams outside the official class STEVE hours, thus SOPHOMORE STUDENT v iolating t he memo’s clause on synchronous class sessions. Describing their confusion, Steve says, “If feeling pala ni sir hindi makaka-maintain ng integrity ‘yung [memo], what’s the point? Bakit pa may memo kung ‘yung rules ni sir ang masusunod?” (If sir feels that the memo doesn’t maintain integrity, what’s the point? Why release a memo if our instructor can overrule it?)
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Aside from the faculty’s reinforcement of the policies, their knowledge of these academic policies was also called into question. “I don’t know if the professor we had was just ignorant or maybe there was no proper orientation,” says Amber*, whose instructor gave them assessment tasks that differed from the class syllabus. Patrick* shares the same experience in his online classes. Whether on-site or online, however, the Magna Carta of Undergraduate Student Rights already prohibits any changes in requirements without the approval of the department chair and the consent of the class. Addressing these concerns, School of Social Sciences Dean Fernando Aldaba, PhD maintains that departments may add academic guidelines provided that they do not clash with LS official policies. Since Steve and Amber’s instructors transgressed existing LS rules, their cases were brought to the department chairs concerned. Steve noted that their instructor became more lenient about microphones but maintained that the students should keep their cameras on. As of writing, Amber’s case is currently being processed by their school’s dean with the possibility of reaching the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA). Nevertheless, LS Human Resource Services Head Marie Milagros Tendero shares that faculty in the LS are never suspended or terminated for violating academic teaching policies alone. She says that academic cases are handled by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who imposes no penalty beyond a reprimand. OUTSIDE THE WALLS However, Tendero explains that an employee may incur severe sanctions depending on the gravity of the offense, including but not limited to the falsification of documents, habitual absences, and theft. Citing the University Employee Code of Discipline, she explains that penalties may include a written reprimand, suspension, or termination. Due to remote working arrangements, Tendero shares that the process of filling out and exchanging documents for disciplinary cases have changed. For employees who do not have internet access, the LS arranges on-site hearings.
In other cases, documents are physically transmitted to the employee’s place of residence. Ultimately, Tendero ensures that the Ignatian principle of care for the person is practiced when processing disciplinary cases in the LS. “The guiding principle in handling these complaints is due process and impartiality,” she states. Besides this, Tendero says that the counseling, spiritual direction, and other forms of support are offered to both the complainant and the alleged offender during and after the case hearing. SUPPORTING THE HOME Students may also find themselves with a disciplinary case—as such, the administration also offers their support to the accused. The Office of Student Discipline (OSD), which deals directly with student violations of the handbook, emphasizes the same compassion and restorative justice for students. Student Discipline Administrator for Gender and Special Concerns Maria Estrella V. Paulino shares that the COVID-19 pandemic’s toll on mental health has led to a closer coordination between OSD and the LS Office of Guidance and Counseling. Considering the added anxiety with facing an investigation, Paulino notes that students involved in complaints are approached first by guidance counselors before getting informed of their disciplinary cases. On April 24, OSD released a memo temporarily suspending the processing and hearing of cases involving non-graduating students. This was followed by another memo on August 14 fully fleshing out new discipline processes, including the resumption of disciplinary hearings, online formation sessions, and the inclusion of community service projects. In lieu of on-site community service, OSD allowed students to propose Community Service Projects such as the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontliners and COVID-19 kits for jeepney drivers. Paulino adds that they also refer students to Jesuit feeding programs if they live close to these sites. Despite these innovations, OSD cites difficulties in reaching out to students with complaints as they often do not reply to emails or phone
calls. When all means fail, OSD calls the student’s home. SETTING THE GROUNDWORK Bridging the communication gap in a remote setting comes with multiple challenges. According to Aldaba, academic policies are communicated through several layers. From the Vice President’s Council, LS rules are discussed with department chairs and program directors before reaching the faculty. A ll memos, he adds, are also sent through Blueboard, a mailing list for a nnou ncements relevant to University personnel. Students may also approach the Sanggunian’s Student Rights and Welfare Desk should they need assistance in filing cases. MARIE MILAGROS TENDERO Despite these HEAD efforts, Amber and LS HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES Steve’s cases reveal the deficiency of this communication process in ensuring that LS policies are clear and consistent. As Patrick shared with his professor going overtime on learning hours, “In on-campus classes, it’s easier to tell your prof that we’re going past class hours or we’ve been spending too much time on it. [...] It’s not like emails can be seen as urgent compared to actually talking to them live.” Online or offline, the LS is a community rooted in compassion and inclusivity. However, crafting policies is different from the continued enforcement of these rules. As the University continues online, it is imperative that students, faculty, and administrators play their part in enforcing the policies that intend to protect them.
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The guiding principle in handling these complaints is due process and impartiality.
*Editor’s Note: Interviewee names have been withheld upon their request to protect their identities and privacy.
ILLUSTRATION BY CECILIA DATILES
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lnquiry
Service interruption The implementation of the online National Service Training Program this year raises questions regarding its impact on partner communities given the limitations of online engagements.
BY CHRISTIANNA P. LUGOD AND MANOLO G. SOLIVEN
IN BUSTLING online classes, professors are expected to quickly adapt their curriculum to the demands of remote learning. No subject was exempt from the online migration—even the University’s National Service Training Program (NSTP). NSTP falls under the Loyola Schools’ Integrated Ateneo Formation (InAF) Program, which aims to form “persons-for-and-with-others who will contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Philippine society” through its yearly mandated programs. Headed by the Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI), the University’s NSTP consists of two programs: Punla (NSTP 11) and Bigkis (NSTP 12). Both programs are made up of six modules, one or two of which are reserved for online community engagements sessions. These sessions come in the form of calls between students and their assigned communities. However, questions regarding the program’s implementation in an online setting begin to surface as NSTP classes continue to be taught in a detached online environment. LONGING TO DO MORE According to OSCI Director Ophalle Alzona-Pornela, the office confronted several challenges in fully transitioning both programs online. “There are old partners that would have been a good fit for our activities, but do not have stable internet connections,” she explains. NSTP 11 student Regina Louise Caburnay shares her appreciation for the online course. “What’s nice about the program is that they provide us with opportunities for us to really get to know what certain laborers have been experiencing this pandemic,” she says. Despite this, uncertainty with NSTP remains, and some students have expressed worries on the extent of their learning given the limited interactions. Caburnay feels that she missed out on more enriching experiences with the community compared to older batches who participated in the on-site NSTP. Assistant Director for NSTP 11 Carlos Granados Jr. shares that OSCI received similar feedback from other students who underwent their course. “For NSTP 11, students usually were surprised that they have learned a lot even if it was designed to be an online course. Some students also wished that there would be more opportunities for online engagement,” he says. Lyka Pacleb, a junior who underwent the online NSTP 12 course, echoes similar sentiments. She says that the online interactions
ILLUSTRATION BY MIKA MEDINA
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Namimiss ko talaga yung mga estudyante nakikipagbiruan sa amin, nagkakaroon ng tawanan, selfieselfie. Hindi katulad dito, parang puro seryo-seryoso ang usapan dito.
RICARDO DELA CRUZ UP-KK-JODA MEMBER
she had with her partner community, the University of the Philippines Kampus-Kmart Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (UP-KK-JODA), made her long to aid them further. Pacleb says that her group* conducted two online interviews with the UP-KK-JODA jeepney operators. Based on these interviews, they designed a social media campaign as an action plan. By the end of their interactions, however, these plans were presented to the community but did not reach fruition. In addition, the decision to implement the campaign was ultimately left to the group. However, such action plans are not necessarily scrapped once engagements conclude. Assistant Director for NSTP 12 Anitta Nuevo explains that some project proposals will be turned over to their partner communities, while others will be further built upon by partnering departments. “We also encourage our students to pursue their project proposals as their thesis, or as an advocacy project,” Nuevo adds. THEN AND NOW Pacleb also raises concerns on the UP-KK-JODA drivers’ possible struggles during online NSTP. She cites one of the drivers her group interacted with who was working while in-call. Besides this, she expresses her worries with regard to the community’s internet accessibility. UP-KK-JODA members Ricardo dela Cruz and Mac Casinas confirm
that communication issues such as unclear audio hampered the engagements. “‘Yung salita imbis na dire-diretso mo maintindihan ang sinasabi na salita, napuputol ang salita dahil [...] hindi ho pare-pareho yung ginagamit naming lakas ng internet,” says Dela Cruz. (Instead of being able to directly understand what the students are saying, what they say becomes unclear because of disparities in our internet connection.) Although the drivers express their appreciation for the opportunity to share their narratives with students even in the online setting, Dela Cruz and Casinas reiterate their preference for on-site NSTP. “Namimiss ko talaga yung mga estudyante nakikipagbiruan sa amin, nagkakaroon ng tawanan, selfie-selfie. Hindi katulad dito, parang puro seryo-seryoso ang usapan dito,” Dela Cruz says. (I really miss having the students joke around with us, laugh with us, take selfies with us. It’s not like the online NSTP where our interactions seem so serious.) To improve online NSTP for students and partner communities alike, Dela Cruz hopes that students can physically meet up with communities again in appropriate conditions so that both parties can better c om mu n ic a t e w it h e a c h o t h e r. P a c l e b e x p r e s s es her desire for st udent projects to be actualized, emphasizing the importance of taking action on community issues after gaining awareness.
A TWO-WAY ENGAGEMENT With reservations coming from the students’ and community’s sides, Development Studies associate professor Mark Abenir mentions that reciprocity in community engagements is important. “Students get something out of the engagement, which basically is a learning experience in serving other people and of course...the service rendered by the student [should be] helpful and useful for the community in the long-term,” he states. Moreover, he posits that community engagements must be people-centered. “Empowerment of our partners is very important, and empowerment happens if they (our partners) have a participation in the creation of a project,” Abenir adds. He explains that communication between students and partners must be constant, such that a feedback system is present. OSCI assures that they are open to feedback from both students and partner communities. “We take into account the feedback we received from our students and partners. Knowing how we can better serve them is important to us,” says Granados. Alzona-Pornela adds that they receive feedback from partner communities for urgent concerns after each engagement, and once more at the end of the quarter and semester. “We’ll also make necessary adjustments to the conduct of our online engagements based on feedback of all stakeholders,” she says.
However, Abenir holds apprehensions towards gathering feedback within the limited time frame of a quarter.“Partners would not tell you that [honest feedback] because there is a power dynamic there. For example, they would say ‘Ateneo [is] partnering with us!’ Because for them, it is a privilege,” he says. This power dynamic urges students to examine their privilege and look beyond mere interaction with partner communities. “Aside from being...aware and encouraged to think about the community’s situation...what can you do to actually change it? What can you do to actually solve the problem that these communities are facing?” Pacleb says in a mix of English and Filipino. “Students are willing to help out if they have the opportunity.” With communities facing the combined effects of natural disasters, socioeconomic struggles, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the students are encouraged to be socially aware and action-oriented. Hopefully, adjustments made to NSTP’s future modules help enhance its capacity for both s t u de nt for m a t ion a nd community development. *Editor’s Note: Inquiry Editor Jean Mangaluz and Inquiry Staffer Manolo G. Soliven were members of Lyka Pacleb’s NSTP 12 group. Mangaluz and Soliven were largely excluded from interviews with Pacleb, Dela Cruz, and Casinas to ensure objectivity.
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EDITOR: RAPHAEL C. DELA CRUZ LAYOUT ARTIST: JANIS M. VILLAVICENCIO
Beyond Loyola
A virus behind bars BY ZACHARY C. GONZALES AND JERIKA P. UY ILLUSTRATION BY CAMERON POLINTAN
WITH THE onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and hygiene protocols have become the norm—but in a “new normal” that has ushered in the birth of socially-distanced realities and the death of social gatherings, persons deprived of liberty (PDL) are anything but protected behind bars. As the world’s second most congested penal system, the Philippine prison system has long struggled with overcrowding and unsanitary facilities, among other issues. With PDLs becoming increasingly vulnerable to human rights violations and exposure to COVID-19, their state reflects deeply-rooted institutional and bureaucratic pitfalls. These include the stigma against prisoners and their rehabilitation, ultimately laying the foundation for how we treat those behind bars. UNDER LUCK AND KEY Low quality food, poor ventilation, and inadequate sanitation are other problems that plague Philippine prisons. For instance, Cavite Provincial Jail medical assistants handled the corpse of a Nigerian inmate with little protective medical equipment, who was later found to have had COVID-19. In addition, the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) alone exceeds its capacity by over 400%. Amid these issues, Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Executive Director Eli Lumbo, SJ mentioned that the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penolog y (BJMP) have been conducting efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in these prisons. Some of these measures include the suspension of visitations, disinfections, provision of face masks, and isolation facilities. However, in lieu of mass testing, the Department of Health is only conducting “targeted testing” in select facilities where cases are high. Additionally, the prison system has also been struggling with a lack of personnel. Even prior to the pandemic, the actual ratio of personnel to PDL for city and municipal
jails was at 1:24 compared to the ideal ratio of 1:7. This large difference leads prison personnel to rely on inmate gangs or pangkats to maintain order in the prison especially in cases of conf lict between inmates. Inmate gangs, having increased in number during the pandemic, have already caused several violent riots in prison. According to Lumbo, the rise in riots may have been caused by the lack of family visits and outreach programs due to the pandemic. “[Until now], it’s still lockdown—no visits from anyone from the outside is allowed. That’s why we think—a number of us think—that’s why the riots happened,” he said. “Parang nawawala na ang ‘loob’ ang mga bilanggo (It seems that the prisoners are starting to lose themselves). What makes them deal with incarceration are the visits from loved ones. But now, nawala yun, so kaya riots (But now, that’s gone, thus the riots). Before the pandemic, riots have been almost nil.” At the core of these concerns lies the lack of funding—or where existing funds go, Lumbo suggests. From the Php 246.1 billion allocated for the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the 2021 proposed national budget, a meager Php 19.8 billion was allocated to the BJMP. Moreover, the BJMP has not allotted funds to build new jails despite persistent over congestion. Even food, a basic human necessity, is allocated only Php 60 per prisoner a day—leaving a scant Php 20 per meal. During a joint Senate probe in 2019, former NBP inmate Godfrey Gamboa explained that inmates were only fed with broth and often died due to malnutrition. ON DEBT ROW The looming chaos of the pandemic, however, is not without its gains. As the local transmission of the virus began in early March, the Supreme Court released thousands of PDLs in a bid to decongest the country’s vulnerable prisons. By October, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta stated in a video
conference that 81,888 PDLs had been freed—albeit conditionally for some—between March 17 and October 16. For a number of PDLs, this would be their first taste of liberty in years. To those often brushing with the law, legal or otherwise, it is no secret that the Philippine legal system often trudges slowly. Prison reform expert Raymund Narag revealed that some PDLs can go as long as 16 years awaiting trial, thus unnecessarily incarcerating them far longer than need be. Going beyond the stipulated six-month period in the revised case guidelines, this has contributed to heavy prison congestion as more individuals are admitted than released. Similarly, these prevailing institutional and bureaucratic issues within the mainstream system are understood to result in prejud icia l inclinations against PDLs. Humanitarian Leg a l A ssista nce Fou ndation Executive Director Atty. Rommel Abitria observed that some communities a re illequipped to welcome PDLs back to society—in part due to social stigmas PDLs must grapple with after release. “Is it better for the baby [referring to the late-Baby River] to be separated from the mother PDL?” questioned Abitria. “Or is it just better for PDLs to be inside the jails so they will not do harm to society? The answer would always be in favor of warehousing the PDL in jail.” PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE The narrow prioritization of security and order within the prison system, as opposed to rehabilitation and reformation, may only serve to toughen the inmates that live within—hampering their reintegration into the world beyond the cell. With Narag’s recount, this is also projected to only worsen as the cycle tapers at release and reintegration. “Because really we should not bla me them a lone—of course they are at fault, but we also are at fault. We should ask ourselves, ‘What have I done or what have I not done to address
this situation?’ So, this is bigger than Bilibid, this is bigger than the PDLs, this is bigger than us,” Lumbo stressed. However, with incarceration comes rehabilitation—an often dow nplayed legal mandate within BuCor and even the BJMP. As Lumbo pointed out, BuCor follows a twin mandate: Safekeeping and reformation. According to its website, BuCor has a number of reformation programs in place to facilitate the rehabilitation of PDLs in areas such as moral-spiritual and livelihood. Lumbo recognizes and commends the efforts BuCor has made in rehabilitating PDLs but admits that there is still a long way to go. “I was talking with one [BJMP] official who was here [in NBP], and he said, ‘Parang ano na mangyayari sa mga PDL? (What’s happening to the PDLs?) They’ve been here five years, 10 years, and what reformation have they received?’” he recounted. Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo echoed said woes when he lamented in a mass in November the saddening and infuriating conditions of prisons— places he claimed should be rehabilitation facilities, yet seem anything but. He ended the mass by reminding listeners that PDLs are still human beings deserving of attention and care. With all that has been said on the humanity of PDLs, it all boils down to remembering that they are no different from the people outside of prison. For as long as social stigmas against PDLs persist, their hope for reintegration remains far out of arm’s reach. In this regard, Lumbo asserts that those behind bars may not be the only ones who lack and need rehabilitation; those on the opposite end may also need some rehabilitation of their own. “It’s not just rehabilitating the PDLs, but also rehabilitating people outside, yes? They also have to change perceptions of people inside,” Lumbo posited. “That’s why conversion is an ongoing progress not just for those in prison but also for us. We’re learning as we go on.”
CONCEALED FISSURES OF THE MIND While there is a rise in mental health awareness in the Philippines, systemic cracks and fissures continue to hinder the fulfillment of the Mental Health Act’s primary objectives.
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Beyond Loyola
Loud voices in quiet spaces BY TROY G. TARRIELA ILLUSTRATION BY SAM DELLOMAS
WHILE THE country’s first mental health law aimed to help end the discrimination against mental health, the stigma persists. One in five Filipinos suffer from mental health issues—this underscores the rising mental health illness incidence over the past decade. The University of the Philippines conducted a study in 2017, which found that the stigma against mental health has been present since the 16th century and only increased despite the advent of scientific methods that understand and treat mental illnesses. The study also explained that the stigma has been shaped by a culture of hiya (shame) and fatalistic resignation. These aspects of Philippine culture that characterize mental health behaviors have proven to be detrimental. Moreover, a 2018 study revealed the substantially negative implications of the prejudices created by prevalent perspectives on mental health in the country. These included increased financial strain, lost opportunities, aggravated mental health, and reduced social connections for those experiencing mental health issues. However, not only does, the stig ma ag a inst menta l health proliferate discrimination and greatly harm the su r v iv a l of persons w it h mental health issues, it also impacts their families. Behav ioral Science Professor A ndrea Mar tinez identif ied that this ser ves as a primar y ba r r ier a g a inst Filipinos’ w i l l i n g n e s s to s e e k inter vention or
med ic a l t reat ment . T h is, in t ur n, f ur ther reinforces t he silence a rou nd menta l health and the perpetuation of the stig ma. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the realities of mental health issues in the country as mortalities that catch public attention. Subsequently, this prompted the Department of Health and the World Health Organization to set up a special initiative, which identified 3.6 million Filipinos suffering from mental health issues. In turn, officials say the country has been plunged into a mental health crisis. However, the healthcare system’s capacity to respond to such a crisis may be limited given the inaccessibility of mental healthcare in the Philippines. President of the World Association for Psychological Rehabilitation Dr. Lourdes L. Ignacio asserted that “[In] the Philippines, the shortage of human and financial resources along with the stigma on anything ‘mental,’ and the low prioritization for mental health hamper the national capacity to respond to the increasing needs of the Filipino to sustain a good quality of life.” This neglected mental healthcare system accentuates the harrowing reality of increasing suicide rates that continue to plague the Filipino. While mental health takes the spotlight as both a national and global concern, a renewed conversation on the underlying issues of the mental healthcare system in the country is brought to fore. Now, both legislators and top executives have called for the full implementation of the mental health law in a bid to save lives. Perhaps, with the growing call to address the festering ails of the mental healthcare system in the Philippines, help may come soon rather than later.
Concealed fissures of the mind BY KIANA ALTOVEROS AND KRIS M. FETIZA
LAST OCTOBER, the Philippine Medical Students’ Association-UER M posted a series of photographs show ing the rundown pavilions of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). These photographs, a lbeit outdated, prompted viewers to ref lect on the lack of suppor t g iven to menta l healthcare in the country. With the approval of the Mental Health (MH) Act in 2018 and the rise of mental health issues during the COVID-19 lockdown, mental health is now more recognized as a national concern. However, inaccessibility and age-old stigma remain the biggest fissures in mental health and psychiatric treatment. A CENTURY OF MENTAL CARE Decades before the MH Act was established, state institutions have been actively providing psychiatric care—albeit underfunded and centralized to the north. Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital (MMWGH) and the NCMH are the only two hospitals providing tertiary care for mental disorders in the Philippines. Since the early 1900s, treatment in the country has been centralized at the NCMH in Mandaluyong City. Meanwhile, the MMWGH in Bataan was initially built as an extension service for the NCMH to receive patients abandoned by their families. A s id e f r o m t h e t h r e e state-sponsored psychiatric institutions in Luzon, 32 out of 58 private psychiatric facilities in the Philippines are located in the National Capital Region. In compliance with the MH Act, the NCMH is currently working to decentralize mental healthcare to the community level. MM WGH Chief of Hospital Dr. Lourdes Evangelista said at a public revalida that there is a def icit of mental health professionals, especially in rural areas. She also lamented that government spending for mental health is only 0.22% of total health expenditure.
However, NCMH Medica l Spec ia l ist III Dr. Joef f re y Cr u zada noted t hat recent budget increases have f inally a l lo w e d NC M H t o r e n o vate their aged facilities. “I t h i n k t here’s more bud get now compared [to] before… I think most of our buildings have been renovated,” he explained. “Not only us, but also other areas that have mental health facilities.”
doors to fill in the gaps within the country’s mental healthcare systems open. THE NEEDS OF THE NEW ERA The Hontiveros-backed MH Act brings renewed hope for the f uture of mental healthcare through notable prov isions: Decentralization mandates such as LGU-led mental health programs, as well as the integration of mental health
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Ultimately, disregarding the cracks and fissures of the MH Act’s execution serves as a digression and a setback to the goal of MH system reconstruction and eventually, the future of psychiatry in the country.”
Aside from financial concerns, the long-standing stigma against mental health has also discouraged those in need to seek help. In a bid to move past this, Evangelista confirmed that the MMWGH—formerly Mariveles Mental Hospital—underwent the name change. “The name wellness center resonates positivity, [intended] to change the mindset of people who will utilize our services–that they are here not because they are ill but because they wish to be well,” she said. In addition, MH Act author and principal author Senator Risa Hontiveros has pressured the Depar tment of Health (DOH) to fully implement all the provisions of said law. As officials increasingly recognize the need for accessible and well-funded mental health services and programs, more
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JAYCOB BUSTAMANTE
ser v ices i nto f u nda menta l hospital operations. Cruzada added that the Act’s legal authorization has incentivized LGUs to formulate their own MH programs and policies. Though arduous and complex, he believes that collaborative effort with LGUs will launch t he integ ration of menta l health into the country’s public healthcare system. To ensure that the goals of decentralization are met, Cruzada noted that the NCMH has reached out to LGUs through “creating modules and treatment guidelines” prescribed by the DOH. These measures, he said, will assist LGUs in developing local mental health systems that can identify and promote treatment for nearby patients. However, the LGUs’ efforts to spread awareness of existing programs appear to be
inadequate. Cruzada noted that there are several mental health facilities in Davao, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga but the public is not aware of their existence. ACCESSIBILITY MATTERS With the MH Act in place, rebuilding the national mental healthcare system to repair its cracks and fissures is underway. However, the implementation and execution of the Act’s provisions— primarily its logistical mandates— must be strictly supervised. The MH Act’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) play a significant role in ensuring the fulfillment of these provisions. An open-line structure called the pyramidal referral system was introduced in Section 19 of the Act’s IRR to achieve decentralization. In this system, community-based general practitioners are tasked to examine patients before referring them to the next mental health service provider such as acute psychiatric units and MH facilities. Cruzada described this as the reason behind the prominent decline in patients from far-flung provinces visiting the NCMH. Similarly, Evangelista mentioned that the MMGWH has established its own referral system in Bataan to bridge the gap between patients and community-based treatment. In citing proper measures to ensure community awareness, Cruzada stressed the importance of LGU presence and their willingness to create and adapt their own policies. According to him, there have been instances that mayors steer clear from discussions on mental health. “It’s still a battle against discrimination,” he admitted. Society’s prejudiced views on seeking professional help have intensified the stigma surrounding mental illness. While lawmakers grapple with this issue, provisions dedicated to sustain the quality and accessibility of MH institutions are continuously challenged by the lack of budget and lenient implementation of decentralization programs. Ultimately, for as long as cracks and fissures in the MH Act’s execution are overlooked, the future of mental health system reconstruction in the country remains bleak.
The GUIDON | November-December 2020
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Chasing elusive justice BY JUSTINE RAMIREZ AND DERYN VENTILACION
Tr ig ger war ning: This ar t icle contain s me nt ion s of sexual violence. IN 2017, a report by the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) u ncovered t he ex per iences of indigenous women under mass abuse in armed conf lict and found that they were often sexually exploited, brutalized, massacred, and asked to be silent about these assaults. The TJRC conducts community consultations through the listening process of its “dealing w ith the past” framework, which pursues truth, justice, as well as reparations for and non-occurrence of atrocities. Assuring such “accountability and redress” for victims of collective trauma—particularly the stories of women—are imperative in illustrating the image and futures of survivors. GENDER DIMENSIONS In the experience of former Senior Gender Adviser of the TJRC Ma. Lourdes Veneracion-Rallonza, PhD, stigmatization and men taking “center stage” in conversations are cultural barriers within Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) communities. “[Men] are the overt ones....the cultural practice essentially is that it is very male,” she said. While women possess influence, it is not the norm for them to command the conversation—thus causing gaps in policy-making. To address these issues, the TJRC’s listening process utilizes the gender perspective to consider the concerns of men and women in all aspects of the program. One concern that emerged was ensuring that women would have safe spaces to voice out their concerns. With this, Veneracion-Rallonza stressed that the most underrepresented groups are integral in transitional justice inter ventions. “Gender has to be front, back, and center,” she said. According to Veneracion- Rallonza, the results of listening processes conducted in 2015 revealed
that inequality is rooted in gender. Gender roles dictate that men are the voice of authority in the public sphere, while women are discouraged from talking about their abuse for fear of ostracization and vilification. When sexual violence is employed as a weapon of war that targets women, it further aggravates gender inequality among communities. For example, rebel groups and the military during Martial Law used rape, forced marriage, and other forms of gender-based violence to instill fear in ethnic communities. Given the weaponization of sexual violence, the listening processes also revealed that men and women have varied experiences in armed conflict.
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Gender has to be front, back, and center.”
MA. LOURDES VENERACIONRALLONZA, PhD FORMER SENIOR GENDER ADVISER OF THE TJRC
For instance, it is considered taboo for women to openly d isc uss t heir ex per iences with sexual violence—thereby placing reconciliation out of arm’s reach. On the other hand, trauma-laden memories of men from past encounters with conflict—such as Martial Law—are likely to drive them into “folds of rebel formations” such as the Moro National Liberation Front. Veneraction-Rallonza also shared that a survivor’s admission of their sexual violence experience in a Palimbang Massacre documentary took her by surprise. “[...] It was something that she admitted to...openly in the video...it was [part] of a community experience of a collective trauma,” she recounted.
ILLUSTRATION BY FELIZIA TIBURCIO
Due to the dominance of male voices in policy-making discussions, female narratives were only uncovered in women-exclusive forums that were guided by trained female facilitators. To this end, transitional justice can be attained not only by acknowledging gender differences and cultural barriers, but also through developing gender-sensit ive prog r a ms geared towards Bangsamoro communities’ healing. WEAVING PERSPECTIVES The recommendations and fema le na r ratives g at hered t h rou gh t he TJ RC ’s listening processes contributed to the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Securit y (NA PW PS)—specif ically, the NAPWPS’ protection of women in armed conf lict and its participation in peace-building initiatives. In line w ith this, gender perspective integration in tra nsitiona l justice continues through recent efforts from both the government and civil societ y. In the hopes of securing transitional justice in the BARMM, a re-filed House Bill 4003 awaits passage and hopes to pave the way for a National Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission for the Bangsamoro. Formerly House Bill 5669, House Bill 4003 was lauded for its inclusion of women in developing transitional justice interventions. However, the bill has not moved past the Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity as of writing. In October, the Ateneo Political Science Department launched a project entitled “Surfacing Narratives Towards Transitional Justice in the North and South: Weaving Women’s Voices–A Memory Project in Aid of Developing Transitional Justice Interventions.” The 20 monthlong project, which received a grant from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, a ims to a id in c reat i n g “gender- sensit ive t r a n sit iona l just ice mechanisms” by highlighting the experiences of Filipino women under conf lict. Through this and other efforts, the voices of female survivors and leaders will find their way into renewed narratives of justice.
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Beyond Loyola
Clanging animosity
and Operations Off ice Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy. Even non-partisan sectors, such as the media and advocacy groups, have been caught in the crossfire. For Abao, anti-left sentiments reinforce the lack of ideological discourse in the country and the prevalence of personality-based politics. “We are all affected by this because without any opposition force, there will be no checks on [the] government,” she said. “[What] this means is that the space for institutions and civil society to influence policy and governance becomes constricted.”
BY GEORGE D. KHO AND FELICITY C. SANTOS ILLUSTRATION BY ANDY GRANDA
THE THREAT of communism continues to be accentuated by various government off icials. Relent less a nt i-lef t cla mor has taken hold of government statements, mass media, and social dialog ue—allowing off icials and ordinar y citizens a like to hurl accusations of t ies to com mu n ist g roups. This sets a dangerous tone for critics of the administration as they become more v ulnerable to red-tagging. W h ile outspoken suppor te r s o f t h e a d m i n i s t r a t ion i n v o ke t h e i r r i g ht to f r e e speech when questioned about red-ta g g i n g rema rks, the act is perceived as a threat none t heless . T he resu lt i n g p ol it ic a l c l i m a t e m a y n o t on ly jeopa rd i z e d issent i n g voices, it may a lso shape t he path of politica l dia log ue a nd opp osit ion i n t he cou nt r y. This re-emphasizes the i mp or t a nce of gover n ment a nd med ia responsibi l it y i n public d iscou rse.
REVERBERATING NOISE News outlets, as well as public officials, are highly influential actors in shifting public perspective. Consequently, the messages and rhetoric that they respectively convey are likely to fuse into national consciousness. The manner and frequency of recurring messages, as explained by University of the Philippines Journalism Professor Danilo Arao, can give “an impression of the truth” to audiences. Arao also noted confirmation bias—the disposition of people to favor information that reaffirms their beliefs—as one of the factors that inf luence the impact of disinformation. This coincides with cognitive dissonance, wherein people resist ideas that cha llenge their beliefs. Arao added that, on top of these, the delivery of fake news creates the “recipe for widespread dissemination.” To push the diffusion further, social media comments and statements that tie activists to
terrorists and rebels have now become common vessels of disinformation. Such anti-left narratives allow public attention to shift towards one supposed national enemy: Individuals associated with the political left. Moreover, the perceived legitimacy of the government’s social media pages support the clamor of anti-left narratives when these accounts assist in reframing accusations as verified truths. Communication Professor Joanna Arriola emphasized that, under the Duterte administration, this coordinated behavior can be linked to the president’s populist approach. “They are [very] confident about their ability to get the buy in or, at the ver y least, the silence of the majority,” Arriola said. This aggressive approach, along with recurring statements and disinformation echoing in spaces of discourse, subsequently heightens red-tagging and widens the divide among sectors.
CONSTRICTING SPACES Arriola noted that the framing of anti-left narratives and its consequences have mostly been tolerated by the administration as these work in their favor. “It establishes boundaries between themselves and those who oppose them in whatever [way], those who are critical, those who dissent. That’s the ‘us versus them’ narrative,” she said. The “us versus them” narrative simplifies labeling between cr itics and suppor ters and makes it easier for officials to apply anti-left narratives across voices of dissent. Politica l Science Professor Carmel Abao pointed out that anti-left rhetoric is used to suppress critical thinking and dissent, including non-left affiliated opposition. This rhetoric is seen in how opposition congressmen and activists have been tied to communist groups by officials such as Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. and Presidential Communications
KEEN EYE The shrinking domain of opposition indicates that democratic spaces continue to be shaped by political dialogues within the country. As red-tagging and anti-left narratives are echoed, truthful discourse and Filipino lives
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remain threatened. For Arao, false narratives and peddlers of such rhetoric will continue to shape public opinion for as long as media organizations give them airtime and unwittingly amplify these messages. “The future of public communication rests on giv ing rele v a nt med ia l iter ac y,” Arao said, adding that audiences must learn the value of asserting a free media and demanding “responsible gatekeeping” on behalf of social media platforms. Moving for ward, the need to reg ulate false narratives g iven the political climate set by the current administration appears to be crucial now more than ever in the defense of tr uths. With the media and the government working towards creating responsible spaces for discourse, battling disinformation and overcoming hostility with spaces for dialogue will be possible.
Anti-left sentiments reinforce the lack of ideological discourse in the country and the prevalence of personalitybased politics. ILLUSTRATION BY DANA LEE
Waiting in the wings BY PIOEE B. BASSIG AND PATRICIA NICOLE N. MEJIA
VICE PRESIDENT Leni Robredo’s programs and pronouncements have often been received ambivalently. For example, Robredo and the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) disaster relief operations have both been praised and dismissed as disingenuous exhibitions. Robredo and government critics have also been lambasted often, with their detractors asserting that the former are dishonest and incapable of serving as public officials. The responses to Robredo’s leadership come in tandem with reignited discussions on how the vice president ought to fulfill her role as the second-in-command. With this, muddled expectations levied upon the vice president reveal that the second-highest office in Philippine democracy is misunderstood. JUST THE SPARE? The vice president’s function remains contested despite provisions in Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution delineating the qualifications and responsibilities of the role. These state that the vice president is first in the line to succession should the president be incapable of serving their term. For instance, the country has seen the vice president take over the presidency once when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed Joseph Ejercito Estrada’s seat following his ouster in 2001.
Apart from this, Article VII, Section 3 states that the vice president can assume a Cabinet position. Robredo has served in two Cabinet positions since assuming the vice presidency: First as Chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) in 2016 and second as Co-Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) in 2019. These appointments garnered criticism and controversy, with President Rodrigo Duterte refusing to appoint Robredo to a Cabinet position out of lack of trust. Following his doubts, Duterte instructed Robredo to “desist” from attending HUDCC meetings, leading to her resignation from the council in 2016. Three years later, he fired Robredo from the ICAD less than a month after her appointment— since then, she has not held any Cabinet position. While the powers of the vice president codified in law are far from extensive, the OVP officially recognizes some advocacy functions. The capacity to fulfill this mandate, however, hinges on the OVP’s budget allocation. As such, the OVP identifies the following core functions: To implement programs that ensure Filipinos are effectively afforded social services and to coordinate with the public and private sectors to improve social programs.
Congruent to these core functions, Robredo and the OVP have launched advocacy-based projects. For instance, their f lagship anti-poverty program Angat Buhay has formed a coalition of indiv iduals from private and public sectors to help deliver social services to poor communities. Meanwhile, Robredo launched Sikap.ph in response to the COV ID -19 pandemic—a platform where
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displaced workers can view job listings for free. Without a Cabinet position, Robredo has had to maximize the OVP’s budget—one of the smallest allocations in the government. With the office’s financial limitations, the private sector has significantly contributed in bringing several of the former’s programs to fruition. While the OVP may have gone above and beyond its mandated function, the
The current discourse is especially unique because of the partisan language employed by Duterte, which continues to fuel public confusion on the already-contested executive position.
president’s mandate and resources are comparably far more extensive. VICES AND VIRTUES As Robredo continues to deliver social programs despite her position’s limits, discussions on her post have only been further fueled by Duterte’s hostility. The current discourse is especially unique because of the partisan language employed by Duterte, which continues to fuel public confusion on the alreadycontested executive position. Furthermore, Duterte and his supporters have lambasted Robredo for overstepping her bounds under her role. This illustrates that the vice president’s limited constitutional powers leave room for open interpretation and foster contradictions between the two executive officials—both in their mandate and practice. The vice-presidential role also appears tumultuous to hold under the current administration given that Duterte and Robredo have often disagreed on salient issues. Such disputes include the extent of proactive governance in response to Typhoon Ulysses and the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the ambiguity surrounding the current constitutional provisions, collaboration between the president and vice president may serve to be systematically incompatible. The Duterte-Robredo tandem, however, is a stark contrast to those of their predecessors. Every other vice president under the 1987 Constitution has held a Cabinet position for extended periods of time and worked more closely with the president in executive matters—creating space for productive collaboration. Given the various disputes that have been exposed throughout the administration’s run, the vice president’s constitutional mandate and its limitations have been mined by defenders of the administration to discredit its critics. This reveals a need to reexamine constitutional provisions and ultimately decide whether the vice president’s mandate must be fleshed out. In the meantime, however, responding to the barrage of global and national crises calls for the vice president’s office to be maximized and empowered— not undermined.
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EDITOR: KEZIAH MARU Z. PASION LAYOUT ARTIST: MJ SISON
THE HUMBLE DOT The period in a text message can change the whole complexion of your conversation. What does it say about the messages people make and the people who make them?
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BY MIKHAELLA NORLIN MAGAT
On the 14th day of Christmas HUMAN INTERACTION in the warmth of proximity is all we want for Christmas. These come in the form of family reunions, exchanging of gifts and laughter with friends, and other celebrations that give meaning to the Yuletide season. However, in light of the pandemic and our sociallydistanced reality, these gifts have become too costly to afford. Under normal circumstances, students studying away from their hometowns would be rushing to buy gifts to bring back to their families for the holidays. However, this season of gift-giving is nearly impossible to sustain given the COVID-19 pandemic—for students who find themselves stuck in Metro
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I don’t even think about it because I still think: it’s coming soon but I don’t feel Christmas because I’ve been here and I don’t even see the difference. ANGELO KOUAME 3 AB IS
Manila, the process of acquiring the necessary documents for local travel is already difficult. Consequently, many students have chosen to stay put and spend Christmas away from their homes as locally stranded individuals. With this, four Loyola Schools students share their plans for spending the holidays away from the ones they love. LAST CHRISTMAS As people f locked to the provinces in March, Angelo Kouame (3 AB IS), EJ Falcon (3 BS PSY), and Bianca Manzano (3 BS CH) thought it would be safer to stay in the Ateneo Residence Halls. At that time, these students had no idea that the pandemic and quarantine protocols would last for the rest of the year. The same is also true for Julia Ocoma (3 BS MGT-H) and her brother, who remain in Metro Manila with their aunt and uncle while the rest of their nuclear family are in Naga, Camarines Sur. The four share how much they value Christmas and the meaningful traditions that they have grown to love. However, with strict quarantine protocols still in place, the usual holiday festivities can only be revisited in memory. Kouame recounts how he spent Christmas Eve at the Ivory Coast last year. Back then, only smiles and laughter were contagious as his family would dine and dance the night away. While waiting for midnight, Kouame would meet a friend outside to simply bond and exchange conversations about life. The holiday affairs for Kouame and his family were as solemn as they were jubilant. Similarly, Falcon reminisces and shares how he has always spent the holidays in Cagayan de Oro (CDO). Being reunited with his family and his close friends from high school is an occasion he looked forward to each year. “Christmas was a
Because of the travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this Christmas season introduces a more unique experience— especially for those who remain stuck in Metro Manila, separated from their families. BY ENZO LAGAMON AND YVES LAZARO ILLUSTRATIONS BY KAITLYN MERCADO ‘coming home’ event for me,” he emphasizes. “I also get to spend some time [not just with] my family [but also] my CDO friends.” Manzano, on the other hand, remembers making her favorite buko pandan with her mother as their long-standing Christmas tradition. “Christmas is a day of feasting with the family and reconnecting with other relatives,” she explains. Manzano notes how important coming home is for her to make up for lost time spent studying away. Finally, Ocoma recalls that her parents and little sister would drive to Manila from Naga, proving that home was more about the people than it was about the place. With a daily itinerary, they would travel around Manila and visit different malls. Ocoma emphasizes how precious being with her family is at this time of the year. These students’ memories of a normal Christmas are no stranger to many who have grown up with the people they call their home. Christmas was about the people in the parties, in dancing, in the preparing of meals. However, each student’s experience is also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in light of the pandemic. THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR This year has challenged everyone to alter expectations for the coming holiday season. However, it becomes a bigger challenge for these four students
who are unable to celebrate Christmas with their usual routines and traditions. Evidenced by these memories of a “normal Christmas,” the holiday is not so much about the gifts and the handa, but about being with the people closest to their hearts. Hence, Falcon shares that in this “new abnormal,” it is all about perspective. “[My friends and family] might not be here, but at least I’m still able to contact them virtually and I get to spend Christmas with people who have the same situation as me who can understand and relate to me,” he says. This is why Falcon looks forward to the weekly dorm activities and is excited to find out what they have in store for the Christmas festivities. More than this, he shares the wishes of many for the holiday season: For the pandemic to f inally come to an end. While an optimistic perspective plays an important role in keeping hope alive, it does not mean that spending Christmas away from home has not affected these students negatively. Kouame, for example, admits that he ha s not put much t hou ght into how he would be spending Christmas this year. “I don’t feel Christmas yet because I’ve been here and I don’t even see the difference,” he says. He later adds that he might just eat dinner out with some friends and their families since movement is heavily restricted in the dorms. When it is already safe
enough to travel though, Kouame wishes to bring his family to the Philippines once more so they can finally spend time together. Similarly, Manzano shares that instead of doing her usual holiday routines with her family, she might just “[pa-deliver] food and call it a day,” or, more hopefully, make her favorite buko pandan to keep at least one of her traditions alive. As she braves on academic responsibilities one step at a time, Manzano’s holiday wishes are simple: To end the semester strong and to have her family safe and well. While Ocoma’s family couldn’t do their usual drive from Naga City to Metro Manila to visit her and her brother—her yuletide hopes have not faltered. Ocoma plans on shipping gifts and packages to Naga so her family there can open it come Christmas dawn. Though top of her wish list is for life to finally get back to normal, Ocoma also prays for healing in all forms and ways. “What keeps me going is the thought that somehow and some way this will all make sense...that something good comes out of [all of this],” she shares. CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS Although concrete plans for the holiday season remain uncertain, the four students share the common hope that they can finally reunite with their loved ones soon to make up for what has been lost because of this pandemic. Given the high likelihood of spend ing Ch r istmas unconventionally, Falcon imparts that so long as people can still find means to bond with friends and family, the holiday is still worth celebrating. “The spirit of family transcends virtual communication, and the spirit of Christmas transcends our reality. It goes just beyond physical connections. It’s our familial connections, our relationships with one another,” he says.
With little decorations adorning the streets and with festivities severely constrained, the four students expressed the difficulty of remaining optimistic in having to spend an important celebration away. While they are saddened about the way things are right now, they have not yet given up on hope. Although yearly traditions have to be let go to make way for safety, there are still different ways to keep the season merry and alive for now.
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The spirit of family transcends virtual communication, and the spirit of Christmas transcends our reality. It goes just beyond physical connections. It’s our familial connections, our relationships with one another. EJ FALCON 3 BS PSY
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Features
Pinoy Big Bet: Banking on slim chances Amidst a pressing pandemic and disquieting national issues, Pinoy Big Brother auditionees take their chances and shoot for the stars, wishing for a ticket to a secured tomorrow and an opportunity to fulfill their dreams. BY CHLOE RUIZ AND RYAN SUAREZ
THROUGH TIME, reality shows have become a staple in Filipino television alongside teleseryes and news programs. Beyond simple water cooler moments and trending topics on social media, the events and relationships built within these shows drift into the everyday lives of audiences. Aside from providing entertainment, reality shows have created opportunities for its contestants to g a in fa me a nd for t u ne — may it be through game shows or sing ing competitions. However, given the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine protocols, shows that were ongoing prior to the lockdown such as The Voice Teens cut their production short. Despite this, television networks such as GMA Network adjusted both ongoing and newly launched shows in line with the “new normal” through production changes and concept ideation. Similarly, ABS-CBN planned to air a new season of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)—a prominent reality show that recently opened its doors for virtual auditions. As the call for future housemates echoes, PBB presents a one-ina-million chance for auditionees to secure a bright future in a time filled with uncertainty. A HOUSE OF STARS Adapted from a European reality franchise, PBB first aired in 2005 through ABS-CBN. Featuring contestants called “housemates,” the show follows their lives inside the house as they take on weekly
challenges and open up to the general public. The show has since produced 14 Big Winners— most of whom are successful in the entertainment industry. Years after its first season, its identity and influence in the local entertainment industry remain intact as audiences continue to welcome it warmly. Communication Department professor Christine Anne R. Cox explains that it serves as an escape from reality as viewers follow the lives of other people—a way to ignite their innate inquisitivity. The show has also become a ref lection of society’s plight. “[In the show,] naha-highlight ‘yung [housemates’] struggles, ‘yung kanilang issues....and it gives us a peek into our own situation (In the show, the housemates’ str ug gles a re highlighted, with their issues... and it gives us a peek into our own situation),” Cox explains. In addition, Cox notes that PBB underscores the Filipino identity—especially with the Philippine flag’s colors gracing the show ’s logo and w ith culturally iconographic designs adorning the house’s interior decor. Aside from this, theme songs such as Pinoy Ako and Otso Na are declarative anthems of national pride—suited to uplift and empower the audience and housemates alike. This year, the long lines outside Araneta are nonexistent, as the audition process only requires applicants to post a one-minute c r e a t i v e introduction
v ideo on Filipino live st rea m ing app K U M U. H o w e v e r, t h e d r e a m t o b e c o m e a PB B h o u s e m a t e
Villarosa and Kyle Dela Cruz, aspiring student-auditionees who grew up gazing at the PBB house from their screens.
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And that’s all it takes—for a chance to be recognized, to win...it gives us a sense of hope in a way [that] this could be our chance, our ticket...out of that situation. CHRISTINE ANNE R. COX COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT PROFESSOR
rema ins—t he nu mber of auditionees sk y rocketed f rom 4 , 60 0 to 37,0 0 0 w it h in t he f irst t h ree day s. Cox explains that the inf lux of auditionees may a lso be attributed to a “mild sense of desperation” with regards to the pandemic. “They will take that cha nce to be able to participate in something that could lift them out of their situation,” she adds. Among these hopefuls are Ya ni
REACHING FOR THE SKY Fo r Un i v e r s i t y o f t h e Philippines Los Ba ños communication ar ts student Ya n i V illa rosa , becom ing a housemate has always been her dream. Aiming to build a name for herself, she sees PBB as an oppor tunit y to ex plore new paths and expand her career opt ion s . V i l la ros a f i r s t aud it ioned i n 2 018 — h o w e v e r, s h e d i d not reach the line c u t- o f f . T w o yea rs later,
Villarosa’s friends pushed her to roll the dice of fate once more. Kyle Dela Cruz (4 AB DipIR) shares similar dreams with Villarosa, but has always been held back by prior commitments. Apart from PBB being his childhood dream, he wishes to help his father who suffered from a stroke last summer. “I saw how...my family struggled, financially din [sic]... it costed us millions...right now, I want to join to earn a chance to win and...help my family,” he expresses. Both Villarosa and Dela Cruz are aware that the journey to the stars would not be easy. As studentauditionees, they bear the uncertainty of awaiting the audition results. As a freshman, Villarosa chases her dream even while college is in the picture. “If ever na matanggap ka pa…kailangan mo mamili kung gusto mo bang ituloy muna ‘yung sa college mo or kung gusto mo bang tumuloy na ng PBB...‘Yun ‘yung pinaka-struggle as a student-auditionee (If ever you get accepted...you have to choose if you want to continue college or if you want to enter PBB…That’s the most pressing struggle as a studentauditionee),” she says. Villarosa adds that becoming a PBB housemate is an experience unlike any other. “Parang mababalikan mo kasi ‘yung college, pero ‘yung makapasok ng PBB… parang hindi siya nangyayari lagi, so ako talaga if ever pipiliin ko ‘yung PBB (I think you can still return to college, but getting into PBB doesn’t happen a lot, so for me, I would really choose PBB),” she explains.
A lt hough V illa rosa a nd D el a C r u z ’s a s p i r a t ion s app e a r br i g ht , t hei r pa rents believe t hat t hey shou ld still prioritize their college education over showbiz. Despite this, the student-auditionees remain firm in chasing their dream to grace PBB. While Dela Cruz sees the show as a chance to serve as a light of hope for his family, he feels that the risk is heavier as he is a graduating student. “I’m gonna get delayed in school... but personally, I’ve accepted that,” he shares. TRACES OF STARDUST Season after season, PBB has continued to inspire its audience to reach for the stars—even if sacrifices must be made. Facing crossroads, Villarosa and Dela Cruz hold on to their goal of becoming a PBB housemate. Whether or not they are granted the experience, they both believe that opportunities are better taken than forgotten. Their stories are only a few droplets in a sea of auditionees who all hope to score a seemingly impossible shot to enter the house. Even with the faintest of opportunities, betting on seemingly improbable chances can spark a fire bright enough to momentarily cast away the darkness of anxieties and fear. “And that’s all it takes—for a chance to be recognized, to win...it gives us a sense of hope in a way [that] this could be our chance, our ticket... out of that situation,” Cox says.
ILLUSTRATION BY GERI PUNO
The GUIDON | November-December 2020
Hitting record: The era of Virtual YouTubers BY GENESIS JACINTH TAN AND NINA S. GOPALDAS ILLUSTRATION BY M. MIRABUENO FROM INSTAGRAM influencers and vloggers to video game streamers, internet personalities have shaped pop culture. As stories of people attaining fame and career through streaming platforms circulate, becoming a YouTuber now graces the list of desired careers. With the rise of career options in streaming, the digital era ushers in the birth of Virtual Youtubers (VTubers)—animated 2D or 3D characters brought to life by the human voices behind them. ANIMATED ROLES 2020 has seen VTubers expand into a global trend. At the root of Virtual YouTubing is Kizuna Ai, a 2D anime-style model who first coined the term. In just four years, she has amassed over 2 million subscribers and expanded her platform to include brand deals and commercial appearances, eventually leading to a successful career. While the use of anonymous avatars in anime-style designs are characteristic of Japanese pop culture, the surge in VTuber popularity has led to the globalization of the Virtual YouTube community. In the Philippines, several VTubers have risen to success. Lyrica, a 69 year old retired magical girl, has garnered over 36,000 subscribers since her debut in June. Sharing the YouTube spotlight with 35,000 subscribers, Kaheru Orange is famous for her virtual trashcan
home. Kisaragi Sekai, who debuted in March of this year, shows off his magic-casting abilities to 1,300 Twitch followers alongside his group, Pandemonium. These characters’ charm lies in their quirky authenticity and ability to entertain despite their avatar masks. Joshua Banguilan, a first year BS Biology student from University of the Philippines Diliman and a fan of VTubers since 2016, affirms this. “They’re very similar to actual streamers you’ll find on Twitch. They’ll play games, chat, talk about things,” he says. Behind their anony mous characters, VTubers can express themselves and their talents without fear of judgment. “It is an extension of myself that I couldn’t really show to others. […] You can express your [creativity] and your talents through streaming,” Lyrica highlights. LIVE SUPPORT With the rising popularity of VTubers, VTubing technology has become more accessible. Despite all this being made available, however, a successful stream still requires careful preparation. “What a lot of people don’t know is: There’s a lot of hardware and software required for tracking with models,” Sekai says. “You need a decent camera that can record 60 FPS (frames per second), you have to prepare the characters, make them responsive
Entering the digital era, Virtual Youtubers represent a future of streaming where freedom is infinite; they bring forth the security of anonymity, diverse personalities, and innovative entertainment.
and fine-tune them, set your stream overlays, et cetera.” Since VTubers design a persona complete with personalit y traits, background stories, and mannerisms, there is much work put into staying in character. In fact, Kaheru admits that she first started streaming as someone completely different from her true personality, but eventually became more comfortable with being her true self. Sekai also shares in keeping his VTuber and personal identities separate, revealing that not many of his friends know of his VTuber activities. “We don’t want people who know us to know that we’re doing this because, I guess, it’s kinda embarrassing,” he admits. While he has also grown to be more comfortable in acting naturally, he still tries to avoid “breaking the fourth wall,” especially since Pandemonium has a concept and universe to maintain. As their popularity rises, the struggles they face also become apparent. Lyrica, who tries to maintain a regular streaming schedule on both Twitch and YouTube, admits that it is a struggle for her to sleep properly sometimes. For someone who became a VTuber when the global audience may not have been as receptive, Kaheru
sometimes has to deal with discouraging comments that put down Filipino VTubers. From setup to planning, and the way one presents themselves on stream, VTubers are immersed in taxing work. However, at the end of the day, the community motivates Kaheru, Lyrica, and Sekai to continue their journey as content creators. BEYOND PIXELS Despite struggles, the joy of entertaining others keeps VTubers going. “By streaming, I can still see people happy, and their reactions make me happy as well,” Kaheru says.
The humble dot The pandemic has left the world more text-based than ever, as messaging apps rise in popularity and necessity. With this rise, however, come new thoughts on semantics and written rules—particularly with the period. BY JACOB TAMBUNTING AND LIAM ISAIAH LAO ILLUSTRATION BY FRANCES LOPEZ
THESE DAYS, periods are more than just a punctuation mark. As modern communication e vol ve s , t he p e r io d h a s recently been perceived as a sy mbol of anger, insincer it y, a nd passive-agg ression, pa r ticu la rly t h rough t he medium of messag ing. Messaging has made w r iting more conversational, s e t t i n g a side t r a d it ion a l grammar rules in place of more casual forms of expression.
In turn, a divide arises between casual conversationalists and those who simply like to be grammatically correct. Today, the divide is more pronounced than usual. The COV ID -19 pa ndem ic has allowed texting to become the most convenient mode of communication as faceto-face commu nication remains restrained. Despite the connections fostered by messaging, there persists a
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disconnect between people as the med iu m leaves messa ges open to inter pretat ion. PERIODT. Periods have not always been a sign of anger and hostility. In writing, a period simply marks the end of a statement. Irene Benitez, English Department professor and a member of Generation X, elaborates further upon this with her experience as this is the first time she’s heard of the period
connoting anger. “When I use periods...it’s not a show of anger but rather simply using English correctly,” she shares. “[I’ve] never had that [miscommunication] with my relatives and friends.” The view on this perilous pu nct uation has sh if ted, however. “There’s a new way of communicating and the connotation of a period is very different from what it used to be–especially with the younger generation,” says KB Belandres,
As if through reciprocation, VTubers also provide a safe space for fans, and the growing trend invites acceptance into what can be a misunderstood niche. “When I started watching VTubers, I felt ashamed at first,” Sam Arnaldo (5 AB IS), a fan of VTubers, confesses. However, as she met other f a n s , s he b e g a n to t a ke c om for t i n V T u b e r s a nd their communities. “VTubers provide a certain comfort to me. They remind me to just rela x, to just sit down rather
t ha n stress out over ot her things,” she ref lects. A s V T ubers a nd t heir community continue to grow, many more will turn their passion for streaming into careers. The innovation they have brought forth marks the beginning of a new era of streaming. It extends beyond the conf ines of identit y, where streamers a re f ree to be perceived as a cha racter of their desig n. V T ubers have developed a trend set for grow th, and the possibilities are endless.
Music Department teacher in Xavier School San Juan and a member of the millennial generation. “I t h in k tex t messaging limits how you are able to convey emotions in the way that you write. If there’s one thing that history taught us–or at least language shows–is that it evolves constantly.” A lthough Belandres sees the period as simply the end of a sentence, she has used the punctuation connote hostility. “I think there [were] one or two times where I felt like that period was the final punch to the message. It’s just like ‘Here, take it,’” she shares. In spite of the new semantic rules created by messaging as a medium, the youth do not always perceive the period as all anger and aggression. Javi Del Mundo (2 BS LM), a member of Generation X, explains that the use of the period simply shows formality. He feels that the period on its own does not connote anger—rather, it is the context behind the message. “Some people just have different messaging styles. It can mean [hostility], but I think unless they outright say it, there’s no need for you to try to guess and assume,” he states. “The only way to know for sure is to ask.” The usage of the period has mor phed sig nif icantly from generation to generation, both in meaning and usage. In spite of generational differences, however, everyone is still trying to navigate this new medium and its unspoken conventions.
of ‘are’ or ‘u’ instead of ‘you’,” Del Mundo states. Understanding the context of sending and receiving a period is key in the formation of its reputation. “I always ask students to consider three things: Purpose, audience, and context. When one is a sender of a message, he or she must consider who the recipient is,” Benitez explains. “In the same way, as a receiver, we also have to consider the context of the sender.” Misunderstanding these factors to communication can lead to miscommunication between people who text in different ways—B ela nd res prop oses the need to beg in learning subtle social cues for the sake of compromise. Although the process entails trial and error, this allows older and newer generations alike to understand and learn from it.
A PERIOD IN TIME With texting not necessarily taught in the academe, each generation’s experience paints the picture of how texting has evolved. “There is no r ulebook. A f ter talking to a lot of people over time, you realize that not a lot of people are using periods, and that’s okay. You rea lize that it’s okay to use ‘r’ instead
FULL STOP With the limitation and freedom that texting provides, the conventions that it creates hold a significant yet fragile place in the culture of those who use the medium. Serena M. Vaswani, a professor and linguistics expert from the Com mu n icat ion Department, believes that a greater appreciation of nuances in the way people communicate ma kes us more sensit ive i n en g a g i n g w it h on l i ne communication. “I also think that consciously ref lecting on these differences helps us become more discerning and critical of the way we are shaping language and how it is shaping us, in turn,” she says. By choosing to look behind the surface of how people text, people who subscribe to modern texting conventions can better understand what people want to convey. As communication evolves across generations, active mindfulness of contexts behind the humble dot allows people to recognize meaning beyond conventions.
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Features
Beneath the coveted crown Beyond seemingly perfect figures are lesser-known accounts of beauty pageant contestants’ aspirations and wearying journeys amid a beauty-obsessed culture. BY JULLIA CHEN AND GABRIELLE CHRISTINA A. CORTES ILLUSTRATIONS BY MIKHAELLA MAGAT
WITH PAGEANT season just around the corner, murmurs of people gathered to place bets on candidates they picture worthy of the title grow louder into distant cheers of the crowd. All eyes and ears are attuned to one stage filled with women who exude beauty, grace, and eloquence. This obsession with pageantry is deeply ingrained in our culture, with Filipinos avidly searching for contestants who could bring home the next crown. The accolades beauty queens obtain are celebrated by people from all walks of life—however, behind these triumphs are stories devoid of the glitz and glamor we have grown accustomed to. Beneath the sash that holds a beauty queen’s title is a chain that binds her to a grueling undertaking. CROWD FAVORITE Images of tall women with slender builds usually come to mind when a Filipino thinks of beauty queens. Fueled by the desire to strut on the same platform, contestants attempt to fit
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These advocacies are [new]. It’s now the beauty contestant who brings her advocacy to the pageant. That is an interesting development. ANJO LORENZANA ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
themselves into these standards for a greater chance at winning. “These pageants originated from the West, so the [standard of beaut y] is consistent w it h how t he org a n izers [constr uct] what beautif ul m e a n s ,” C o m m u n i c a t i o n Department Assistant Professor Anjo Lorenzana explains. This ideal representation of beauty dates back to the Spa n ish colon i zat ion a nd the introduction of Flores de Mayo, where the Reyna Elena is crowned as most beautiful. This notion of beauty perpetuated until the American colonization, where the Manila Carnival was established and a Carnival Queen would be crowned to
attract foreign tourists with her beauty. Eventually, the emergence of televised American media cemented beaut y pageants into Filipino culture for good. These pageants mainly revolved around physical beauty. However, this standard changed when advocacies were added to the criteria, thus allowing contestants to engage in sociopolitical discourse. “These advocacies are [new]. It’s now the beauty contestant who brings her advocacy to the pageant. That is an interesting development,” Lorenzana shares. With the vast reach of beauty pageants, these have easily become a potential avenue to advocate for change. This opportunity inspired Nicole Villasper, a second ye a r A B H i s tor y s t ude nt f rom t he Un iversit y of Sa nto Toma s a nd w i n ner of M iss U-B elt 2020, to join pageants. Hav i n g been a n ac t ive participant in organizations that focus on social studies, Villasper sought for a platform where she could speak about issues that plague the Filipino community. “I never saw myself f it ting t he [convent ion a l] b eaut y standards, but I felt like I had somet hing to say. I ’ m v e r y p a s s ion a te a b out [s t a t i n g ] my opin ions about socia l issues ,” she e x pla i n s . W h at w a s once a mere celebr at ion of beaut y ha s now become a platform that can amplify diverse voices, as present-day candidates join pageants to ser ve as catalysts for social change. In pursuit of t heir a mbitions a nd advocacies, contestants embark o n a lo n g a n d difficult journey to fulfill their
beauty queen dreams. THE SASH THAT SHACKLES Behind the spectacle showcased on-stage are months of stringent preparation. “I had to start my day from 7 am until 2 am for the Pasarela training, for the Q&A, for gown fittings, [and personality development training], so it was a very rigorous training,” Villasper details. “It was really hard because I was so burned out.” All efforts amount to their two-hour performance on stage. According to her, the actual competition was a nerve-wracking experience as they had no inkling of their destiny. “In beauty pageants, it’s really like a gamble. You can’t really say if you’re gonna win or not, so you just really have to give your all,” she explains. This determination resulted in her winning Miss U-Belt 2020 and receiving admiration from her community. “More people believed in my potential and what I [could] do,” she says.
While her victory amassed recognition, unrealistic pressure had been impressed upon her. “There are times [when] people would [tell me to act a certain way because I joined beauty pageants], but there are times [when] I don’t want to look good,” she recounts. Despite this, she learned to filter the criticism thrown her way. “If I feel like that comment comes from someone who doesn’t know me personally, then I don’t take it personally as well.” Amid hurdles, candidates also go beyond measure to fulfill their dreams of becoming a beauty queen. In the case of Katherine Guevarra, a second year BS Accountancy student from Jose Rizal University, she refused to let her financial instability impede her journey of competing in Mr. and Ms. JRU 2020.While she garnered the support of her peers, classmates, and professors, her parents had discouraged her from joining the pageant
because of monetary constraints. This tainted her relationship with them. “I asked my auntie and then umiyak talaga ako sa kanya. Nagpa-help ako [sa kanya] na sabihin [kina] papa and mama na gustong-gusto ko talaga yung pageant na ‘yun (I asked my aunt and I cried to her. I asked her to help me tell my papa and mama that I really wanted that pageant),” she divulges. Due to these circumstances, she endeavored to save up for the competition. “Nag-ipon ako ng money through my savings, and also, nag-online selling din ako (I saved money through my savings and I also ventured into online selling),” she shares. The strides she took paid off when she won the titles Best in Advocacy and People’s Choice. Although these preparations and struggles play a massive role in the competition, they easily go unrecognized by the public. Villasper says that women do not endure the painstaking process of competing in pageants for superficial reasons. “These girls do not just join pageants for the sake of it, because they want to look pretty. [They] join pageants because of the opportunities [these] give. It allows women to have a voice that is not only heard but is actually listened to and valued,” she explains. Despite this, misconceptions on the focus and intentions of beauty pageants and their contestants prevail among Filipinos. DOUBLE-EDGED CROWN The purpose of beauty pageants is often misconstrued due to their commodification of beauty. Since the pageant industry economically thrives on this, p eople tend to fixate on
women’s beauty in lieu of the work that contestants pour into competitions. “You have the talent scouts and then you have the fashion designers, and you definitely have media and advertising. Media companies actually give space for it because it is a revenue-generating content,” Lorenzana explains. This cultivates a culture obsessed w it h physica l appearances. Villasper notes that people continue to eye candidates who conform to a certain standard of beauty. “Pageants now [are] no longer fo c u s e d o n t h e p h y s i c a l a spec ts on ly, but it ’s st i l l a de ter m i n i n g factor. A nd so before, I’ve experienced screening for pageants and being told that, ‘You’re a great candidate but can you lose a little more weight?’” she recounts.
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These girls do not just join pageants for the sake of it, because they want to look pretty. [They] join pageants because of the opportunities [these] give. It allows women to have a voice that is not only heard but is actually listened to and valued. NICOLE VILLASPER MISS U-BELT 2020
In light of this beauty-obsessed culture, she urges people to refrain from making insensitive comments about candidates’ phy sic a l at t r ibutes. “I ’ ve know n girls who had their own share of criticisms that aren’t always constructive,” Villasper says. “ We must remember t hat t hese g irls a re a lso hu ma ns, a nd t hat [ hatef u l com ments] a f fec t their confidence.” In spite of t he ma n ner by which the media zeroes in on beaut y queens’ appea ra nces in lieu of t heir a rduous jou r neys, societ y must look b e yond t hei r o s tent at iou s facade a nd read deeper into the causes they f ight for.