NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 / VOL. XCII NO. 3
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T H E OF F ICI A L S T U DEN T PU BL IC AT ION OF T H E AT EN E O DE M A N I L A U N I V ER SIT Y HOLD THE TRUTH TO POWER
WORK FROM CAMPUS. Admin conducts surveys regarding the students’ interests on the resumption of face-to-face classes, primarily prioritizing the students of the School of Science and Engineering. PHOTO BY SOLEIL NICOLETTE
LS admin begins preparations for pilot blended learning BY JUAMI AIZPURU AND MOIRA V. CAYABYAB
AS THE Loyola Schools (LS) administration continues to develop plans for the possible resumption of face-to-face classes (F2F), the School of Science and Engineering (SOSE) released its initial plans to pilot limited on-site laboratory classes for the second semester of AY 2021-2022. Such plans were formalized after the Inter-Agency Task Force placed the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 2 beginning November 5, allowing limited F2F classes in all degree programs. However, not all LS degree programs are
expected to be accommodated on campus next semester. In the current plans for the immediate return to campus, SOSE Dean Raphael Guerrero, PhD said that the Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Departments are involved in implementing F2F classes. For the other SOSE departments not mentioned, he said its faculty members decided that online classes are still appropriate at this stage. Vice President for the Loyola Schools Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD also said that she formed a team composed of different LS sector representatives to plan for the F2F setup next semester. According
How we will fare in the pilot implementation will be good input for how we can improve our processes for the next school year. MARIA LUZ C. VILCHES, PHD VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE LOYOLA SCHOOLS
to her, “Task Force New/Next Possible” has been meeting assiduously so they can submit the proposal to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) before the end of this semester. INITIAL PLANS For the five SOSE departments proceeding with F2F classes, Guerrero said they are planning rotational schedules for the laboratories and facilities they will be using to avoid any close contact among batches of students. Vilches also said that students and staff will be able to choose if they want their classes to be fully online or a blend of online and on-site. “For the succeeding years, we will have some guidelines in place. Bottom line is that we aim
Sanggu announces ARSA, ASCS indefinite hiatus BY ELOIZA MARIANO AND WEI TANAMAL
THE SANGGUNIAN announced that the Ateneo Resident Students Association (ARSA) and Ateneo Sports Club Sector (ASCS) will be on an indefinite hiatus due to “difficulties posed by this pandemic.” According to the October 8 memo, the two sectors will not be participating in Central Assembly (CA) sessions until further notice. According to Sanggunian Vice President and CA Chairperson TJ Alcantara, while the hiatuses impact the CA, University dormers and student-athletes can still be represented through their respective Schools and other sectors they belong in. PHOTO SOURCED FROM JAMIE GO
Notably, the Sanggunian established the Committee for Sectoral Reform on March 22 to ensure that the various Sanggunian sectors are properly represented in the Loyola Schools (LS). However, Alcantara said the committee did not push through because of time constraints. REASONS BEHIND THE HIATUS Former ARSA Director and Finance Officer Emerson Mananquil and former ASCS member Dynniel Morales both said that they experienced difficulties in adapting to the online setting and replicating
to go back on-site gradually as the main mode and make the online setup [a] supplement,” she added. Moreover, Guerrero said the main goal of returning on-site is to maintain the University’s standards of excellence in providing education to students, such as by giving them access to the University’s facilities. However, he acknowledges that the safety and health of both students and staff are more important. “Of course, education is paramount but we are prioritizing safety. We want to ensure everyone’s safety and health first before we even consider going back on-site,” he added. PILOT BLENDED LEARNING › 5
WHAT’S INSIDE OPINION The circus of electoral substitutions Page 06
SPORTS The return of on-site practices Page 12
bonds they once had through physical infrastructures. However, Mananquil mentioned that he did not anticipate a hiatus until ARSA Comelec raised the issue because ARSA members were planning to conduct online elections and launch future projects. Last May, ARSA Comelec postponed ARSA’s General Elections until the majority of its members had returned to the Ateneo Residence Halls (ARH). According to ARSA Comelec Chief Commissioner Haesyl Khu, this decision is based on Article 1 of SANGGU ANNOUNCES ARSA, ASCS › 5
INQUIRY When the party is over INQ / Page 01
BEYOND LOYOLA Economy of disinformation BL / Page 01
FEATURES Christmases when you were mine FTS / Page 01 Like us on Facebook facebook.com/TheGUIDON Follow us on Twitter @TheGUIDON Follow us on Instagram @theguidon
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News
Revisiting One Big Strike, Time’s Up Ateneo influences on Sanggu, admin policies BY BILLIE ASUNCION AND JOAQUIN BAANG
AFTER GATHERING community preferences through the Sanggunian’s focus group discussions, individual consultations, and surveys, the Loyola Schools (LS) administration granted an academic break from November 2 to 5. This break entailed the suspension of asynchronous and synchronous classes for its duration to give the LS community “breathing room.” Notably, Sanggunian President Kara Angan said that the academic break is merely a “band-aid” solution while more long-term policies are underway. According to her, the Sanggunian is consolidating proposals to re-evaluate the curriculum and academic policies, but is faced with “competing interests.” “We, by our mandate, really represent student interests but when it comes to compromises, we also have to care and be compassionate as well to the other sectors whether it’s in terms of wages or workload or anything in between,” she said. AFTER THE ONSLAUGHT This marks the second year in a row that the administration granted an academic break that the Sanggunian requested. However, in November 2020, it had instead been a mass student strike that prompted the Sanggunian to formalize that request. Angan noted that the 2020 academic strike illustrated how students have always cared for on-campus issues but did not have the avenues to communicate their concerns. “I think [One Big Strike] was really a turning point for Sanggu and the sectors last year when it came to re-evaluating people having a seat at the table,” she said. In relation to this, One Big Strike (OBS) petitioner Elise Ofilada said that OBS worked closely with the Sanggunian to reach out to administrators and
organizations, especially for getting signatories in their open letter requesting a town hall meeting with the administration. While OBS has not been active this semester, Ofilda said that its members continue to release statements in line with OBS’ original call for compassion in their other organizations. “I think Ateneo’s very sheltered culture was shaken by what we did, and it really challenged people to think not just of themselves or for themselves as Ateneans [but] to be people for others,” she added. A QUESTION OF PROGRESS That said, academic breaks have not been the only results of LS-wide calls for compassion and discourse. This is partly due to how the Sanggunian has continued to open lines of communication with the LS community amid times of crisis. In 2019, the Sanggunian also met with Time’s Up Ateneo (TUA) after the on-campus protest against sexual misconduct and impunity to help the administration write the Code of Decorum and Administrative Rules on Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct, and Inappropriate Behavior (Code and Rules). Nowadays, the Sanggunian Commission on Anti-Sexual Misconduct and Violence (CASMV) collaborates with TUA to discuss how to approach sexual harassment issues and forward survivors’ interests, according to CASMV CoCommissioners Louise Sanchez and Michelle Go. TUA member Dasha Uy noted that TUA provides an outside perspective in meetings with CASMV and the LS administration. “We’re not tied down in the same way that the Sanggunian might be, and we're not tied down in the same way that the administration might be.
We are a bit more critical about the way that we [...] see sexual harassment issues in Ateneo, [and] that's what we bring to the table,” she added. However, Uy said that TUA’s engagement with the administration “hasn't really been formalized” beyond the Code and Rules. “We think it’s important to emphasize the crucial role that advocates within the community have in conversing with the administration for these policies,” Sanchez and Go added. CHARTER FOR GROWTH In a more inclusive step towards progress, Angan said the best way to tap into the LS community’s issues was through forming systemic multi-sectoral committees to allow more students to be involved in the Sanggunian’s overall decisionmaking process. She also cited the Sanggunian’s previous collaboration with the User Experience Society to increase the rate of course and faculty evaluations from the students. According to her, the Sanggunian is also testing a new safe space policy in recognition of the “power dynamics” within the student government. Since this year’s recruitment week, all the Sanggunian’s members and its applicants must declare that they have not committed—and will not commit—sexual and gender-based violence during their terms. Sanchez and Go added that CASMV has launched campaigns to inform the community about the University’s support services, debunk harmful misconceptions surrounding survivors, and encourage empathy. They also cited their talks with the LS administration to organize safe space training for student organizations and human resource departments as part of their long-term projects.
RALLYING ON. Scenes from previous demonstrations depict the strong and tenacious efforts that Ateneans have exhibited in order to fight for fair and just policies within the Loyola Schools.
We’re not tied down in the same way that the Sanggunian might be, and we’re not tied down in the same way that the administration might be. We are a bit more critical about the way that we [...] see sexual harassment issues in Ateneo, [and] that's what we bring to the table. PHOTOS BY NATE BOSANO, JULIA CARPIO, JIM DASAL, GABRIEL J. MEDINA, AND ALEIXS WANG
DASHA UY MEMBER, TIME'S UP ATENEO
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EDITOR: ALLIANZA O. PESQUERA | LAYOUT ARTIST: KAITLYN W. MERCADO
CHALLENGE ON WELL-BEING. This year’s semesterly setup is being compared to the quarterly system of last school year, with both having negative implications on the pacing of lessons and students’ overall well-being. Students increasingly succumb to burnout while trying their best to keep up with the workload and pressure of this semester. PHOTO BY ELLY KIM
Sanggu pushes for ‘academic ease’ to ensure LS well-being BY ZOEY C. ATILLO AND YUAN PLACIDES
AFTER CONDUCTING a study on the Loyola Schools’ (LS) well-being through using the Semestral Set-up and Online Learning Survey, the Sanggunian Committee on Online and Blended Learning (COBL) released the survey’s preliminar y findings on October 14 and submitted policy recommendations for academic ease on November 5. COBL’s proposed academic ease entails flexible deadlines, removal of deductions for late submissions, the creation of avenues for anonymous class concerns, and renegotiations of class syllabi and policies midway through the semester. These recommendations served as the Sanggunian’s response to common student issues such as the compounded workload, overlapping deadlines, and professors’ noncompliance to academic policies and their retaliation against students raising concerns. LS COMMUNITY CONCERNS In The GUIDON’s independent study on the quarterly setup conducted last academic year, 92% of 38 respondents said that their workload was “doable” as they were able to submit on time while reaching their tasks’ desired level of quality. Meanwhile, COBL’s survey revealed that the freshmen’s main concern in the current setup is the number of assessments and deadlines, while scholars were most concerned with their semestral workload. Both sectors for transferees and students with
mental health concerns also cited their classes’ fast pace as their common problem in this setup. In contrast to the quarterly mode, Nicole* (5 BS BIO) viewed the semesterly setup as “more stressful and draining” due to the increased amount of subjects taken simultaneously alongside more workload. Chemistr y Department instructor Allan* also said that several of his students asked for deadline extensions because they struggled with the workload and the limited time for completing lab assessments. With this, LS Office of Guidance and Counseling (LSOGC) Director Gary Faustino said that the pandemic presented both students and faculty a learning curve they needed to adapt into. He explained that it would be unfair to judge anyone who did not perform well in either studying or teaching. “It’s not really the system [that’s the problem], it’s getting used to the system. [...] Of course, some are survivors, they can do it. But there are those who will be affected by it—and they were affected by it. [...] So it's not really a matter of quarterly or semestral [because] both faculty and students were not ready,” he said. As such, Faustino encouraged students to trust their professors in curating key topics for effective online learning. While there are “negotiables” for him as a teacher, he clarified that constant negotiations would “destabilize” the patterns that teachers established for their own well-being.
LAYING OUT ROADMAPS Nonetheless, School of Social Sciences Representative Ivan Nabong said that, because of the increased workload, COBL recommends lessening academic requirements and granting deadline extensions for students with four or more deliverables in one day. He also said that initiatives on academic ease do not stop with recommendations. According to him, the Sanggunian continues to coordinate with other LS sectors such as home organizations so these policies are addressed in line with their continuous dialogue with the student body. “And in the level of the school Sanggunian, whatever concerns that [students] have, kung ifo-forward nila samin (if they forward it to us), it’s really acted upon. [...] The setup is very difficult for everyone, so on our end, we’re trying to make sure that the experience will, at the very least, be as easy as possible,” he said. With these aims in mind, Nabong said the Sanggunian is currently amending the 2019 Magna Carta of Undergraduate Students’ Rights to fit the current LS context and protect students from professors who would retaliate after receiving class concerns. He added that the new University Steering Committee on Health and Well-Being complements COBL’s studentcentered role and strengthens its stance on academic easing. According to the November 11 memorandum, this Committee
aims to “direct and coordinate various University functionalities that contribute to well-being.” As part of this Committee, Vice President for Human Resources Ma. Victoria Cortez, PhD said that the Office of Human Resource Management and Organization Development will continue to develop and administer initiatives promoting LS employees’ physical, social, and mental well-being, such as
Group Health Insurance and wellness programs. Aside from these, she mentioned that employee-led programs, like Sickness Aid Plan and Solidarity Fund, help build a sense of community among employees in need through donations. Faustino also said that, on top of peer support groups, the LSOGC is planning to conduct animal-assisted counseling
wherein a therapy dog becomes part of the therapy process. “It’s a healthy thing to be dialoguing, and that takes a little more courage from the students’ part because you’re talking [to] people of authority when you deal with [reconciling class concerns],” he added.
The setup is very difficult for everyone, so on our end, we’re trying to make sure that the experience will, at the very least, be as easy as possible. IVAN NABONG SANGGUNIAN SOSS REPRESENTATIVE
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News
PHOTO ESSAY
Ateneans win international, national podium awards in business-related competitions BY JOAQUIN BAANG AND WEI TANAMAL PHOTOS BY JESH QUIAMBAO
OVER THE past few months, three Atenean teams have bagged podium awards in one national and two international competitions. These competitions were the 2021 Search for the Best Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Ethics Challenge, and the Hong Kong Baptist University-Wing Lung Bank International Institute for Business (HKBU-IIBD) International Case Competition. On October 21, the Loyola Schools’ (LS) Team Ayos won the top prize in the Technology Category of BIDA, a competition wherein teams pitch innovative ideas in their respective categories. Team Ayos is composed of Kevin Andrei G. Sornet (2 BS ITE), Beatrice Angela V. Gan (2 BS ITE), Justine Allyson Y. Ngo (2 BS ITE), Lucas Martin U. Reyes (2 BS ITE), and Adrienne Irvin T. Yu (2 BS ITE). In addition, Quantitative Methods and Information Technology (QMIT) Department faculty advisors Joseph Benjamin R. Ilagan and Marianne Kayle H. Amurao mentored the team. On October 23, Team Astraea won second runner-up in the Asia Pacific Regional Finals of the CFA Ethics Challenge, which is the first CFA Ethics Challenge ever held in the Philippines. Team Astraea is composed of Tiffany Diane P. Golangco (4 BS ME), Kathleen Anne V. Go (4 BS ME), and Shenzen P. Golez (4 BS ME).
ATENEO BROUGHT HOME AWARDS. Ateneans bagged podium awards from various international competitions: 15th Search for the Best Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Ethics Challenge, and the 2021 Hong Kong Baptist University IIBD International Case Competition (HKBU-IIBD).
Mentored by Finance and Accounting Department faculty advisor Alfonso Miguel N. Sevidal, Team Astraea and other university-sponsored teams analyzed cases concerning common ethical issues using the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Finally, another Atenean team made history after successfully landing a podium finish for the 10th consecutive year. Composed of Tiffany Diane P. Golangco (4 BS ME), Hazel Anne Louise L. Si (4 BS ME), John Michel C. Lee (4 BS ME), and Beatriz Ysabel C. Reyes (4 BS ME), Team Ateneo de Manila and QMIT faculty advisor Gabe Sin won the Silver Award in the HKBU-IIBD business case competition that concluded on November 9. The LS has been competing in the said competition since its establishment in 2008. The school’s 10-year record of landing in the top three positions for the finals has yet to be matched by other universities competing in HKBU-IIBD. Editor’s Note: Beatriz Ysabel C. Reyes is the Managing Editor of The GUIDON.
The GUIDON | November-December 2021
Blended learning... RETROFITTING FACILITIES FOR SAFETY As SOSE pilots the blended setup for next semester, Guerrero said that they have taken steps to modify existing facilities to be more conducive for classes during the pandemic. According to him, there are now signages around campus to indicate the flow of traffic as well as indicators for working areas in laboratories. Aside from adhering to CHED regulations for physical spacing, Guerrero said that SOSE is planning to improve ventilation in laboratories and other air-conditioned rooms without windows. In such rooms, he said that they also plan to monitor CO2 levels and sterilize the air at regular intervals while in a working condition environment. “We’ll be putting [in] receptors and air purifiers. The receptors are there to measure CO2 levels since studies have shown that when CO2 levels increase, you basically share more air so […] the level of CO2 is proportional to the likelihood of getting infected in a closed environment,” he said. Guerrero also mentioned that, as a long-term plan, the administration is considering means of tracking students within the campus through a Quick Response code and Radio Frequency Identification attachments to IDs. “This way, we can take note of who enters the campus and who leaves and even where you are at any given time while you’re on campus,” he added. The GUIDON reached out to Central Facilities Management Director Michael M. Canlas regarding the preparations made to follow health protocols and sanitation regulations, but University Marketing and Communications Office Director Matec D. Villanueva responded on his behalf. “We will release to the community the pertinent communications regarding the preparations being undertaken by the [U]niversity for the possible campus reopening or limited [F2F] classes at the appropriate time. Until then, we will refrain from giving any interviews,” she said. APPREHENSIONS AND SOLUTIONS Despite the University’s adjustments to the campus, SOSE Sanggunian’s survey found that several students are still concerned for their safety, the safety of their families, and the travel, commute, and living expenses needed for F2F classes. Additionally, SOSE Sanggunian Representative Rika Cruz said that some students residing within NCR also raised their concerns regarding modes of transportation they can take in going to campus. To address these concerns, Cruz said that the LS administration plans to resume the Blue Biyahe services for students. Students who enter campus must also be fully vaccinated and carry signed parental consent forms. Ateneo Scholars Sector Representative Lars Salamante also raised concerns of scholars residing outside of NCR and the challenge of finding proper accommodation within or nearby the University. He added that addressing these concerns should be extended towards professors and other personnel working in the University because of how their workload will be affected. “But that’s why it’s not easy just to announce that we are now back on-site for a face-to-face mode of learning and teaching. We have to anticipate concerns and try to find ways by which these could be addressed even before we implement the on-site mode no [how] matter limited,” Vilches said. Guerrero added that some faculty members are hesitant to go back to F2F classes due to health concerns and because working from home has been more convenient. With this, he said they need to plan which work needs to be done on-site and what schedules to follow for staff members. “That’s why, fortunately, for next semester, we are starting with SOSE and with a very limited number of on-site classes. This will be our pilot for a more expanded implementation next school year,” he added. Associate Dean for Student Formation Leland Dela Cruz, PhD also mentioned during the COVID Care and Recovery Forum that students residing outside of NCR are not required to attend F2F classes. In line with having voluntary participation for F2F classes, Commission on Disability Inclusion Co-Commissioners Rachel Peralta and Kathreena Velasquez said that having optional on-site classes is especially beneficial for students with disabilities (SWD). For Peralta and Velasquez, hybrid learning can help SWDs logistically and ensure their safety since some SWDs have auto-immune or chronic diseases which put them at a higher risk of infection.
The current guidelines tell us that as long as we’re at Alert Level 2, and if we have the support of the LGU [...] and we have fully vaccinated faculty members and students, we can have on-site classes at this point in time. RAPHAEL A. GUERRERO, PHD DEAN, SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
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ARSA AND ASCS ON PAUSE. With the current situation of online classes, the Sanggunian announces the indefinite hiatus of organizations ARSA and ASCS amid the growing possibility of on-site classes and activities.
Sanggu announces ARSA, ASCS... the ARSA Constitution where a resident student and eligible voter is defined to be one “presently residing in the areas under the jurisdiction of the ARH.” Similarly, ASCS Interim Representative Anthony Luna said that ASCS experienced difficulties in disseminating information and conducting elections due to the unresponsiveness of the different sports clubs. He said that the sports club members are inactive because they want to focus solely on their academics in the meantime, given that they cannot play sports on-site. With plans for the resumption of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season next year, Luna revealed that the Ateneo Varsity Sports Sector is currently looking for ambassadors to support the emerging sector. Luna and Alcantara also mentioned the emerging Varsity sector has been consulting with ASCSto ultimately gain formal recognition in the CA and be ready for the UAAP. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE Notably, the 2019 Constitution for Undergraduate students acknowledged the need for official representatives for ARSA, while the 2019 Sectoral Referendum formally recognized ASCS as a sector. Former ASCS Representative Jerard Afable said that ASCS’s accreditation helped the sector lobby for their budget in the CA. The budget requests are often allotted for sports equipment, facility rentals, and transportation. However, he noted how “daunting” the bureaucratic process is in becoming a sector due to the paperwork, procedural items, and the vote needed from the student body.
In line with this, Alcantara said the newly-established Sectoral Affairs Division under the Office of the Vice President is charged with coordinating sectoral concerns and engagements. According to Alcantara and Sectoral Affairs Division Head Anton Burog, the Sanggunian reconvened the remaining sectors—which are the League of Independent Organizations and Scholars sector—to write the Sectoral Reform Bill. Alcantara and Burog also mentioned that they plan for this bill to be more comprehensive and inclusionary of emerging sectors, such as the varsity and transferee sectors. “We’re trying to have more people join the Central Assembly through sectoral accreditation. [U]ntil then, they can’t have a formal seat because they have to be voted in,” Burog said. PLANS FOR REPRESENTATION Moving forward, Morales hopes that ASCS will be more than what it was pictured two years ago once it’s more stable in the near future. For this, Luna said that he and the rest of ASCS’s transition team have started looking for the next representatives who are willing to build up the sector and be advocates for sports. Khu also expects that ARSA will get back on its feet again once on-site classes resume. She also mentioned that temporary volunteers or appointees will be elected until a General Election can be conducted in February 2022. In terms of sectoral representation in the CA, Alcantara said to expect the Sectoral Reform Bill to be completed by January or February 2022. “Our hopes in the future is that, when these sectors are empowered to really stand on their own, their voices could be heard more and louder, they wouldn’t really need to depend always on the Sanggu,” he added. PHOTOS SOURCED FROM JAMIE GO
EDITORIAL
The circus of electoral substitutions EDITORIAL CARTOON BY KYLA NICOLE VILLEGAS
FOR YEARS, the 1985 Omnibus Election Code has allowed electoral substitutions for the elections. In fact, President Rodrigo Duterte was a substitute who replaced Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) candidate Dino Martin during the 2016 elections. There are three conditions that permit a candidate for substitution: Death, withdrawal, and disqualification by COMELEC. However, recent developments in the electoral landscape of the Philippines such as presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio’s substitution for Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats’s Lyle Uy have sparked discussions among politicians and citizens alike about the potential abuse of electoral substitution. Given the vagueness of the aforementioned conditions, COMELEC must revisit and review its conditions for substitution by assessing its current processes and protocols to ensure that the electoral process will not be made a circus by political aspirants.
To add fuel to the fire, despite announcing his retirement from politics, Duterte formalized his bid for a senatorial seat only to withdraw one month after. He supposedly pledged support to Presidential Candidate Senator Bong Go, who has also since withdrawn his candidacy. This abuse of electoral substitutions paints a picture of politicians making a noisy, circus-like publicity stunt out of the national elections. This has raised some concerns that these actions might be reflective of how they would potentially run the government should they win. Politicians running for national office must not tarnish the integrity of the elections by using provisions like substitution as leverage to further their own agenda. Allowing practices like this to continue will not only ridicule our election process, but also cause further confusion to citizens’ understanding of the electoral landscape.
A CIRCUS-LIKE ELECTORAL LANDSCAPE On November 9, Duterte-Carpio officially withdrew her candidacy for Davao City mayor six days before the deadline of filing for substitutions. Shortly after, she confirmed her candidacy for Vice President (VP) under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas as Presidential Candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s running mate.
COMBATING CONFUSION Recently, Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez filed a House bill to prohibit the substitution of a candidate on the basis of withdrawal. Rodriguez asserted that voluntary substitution might lead to a “manipulation and mockery of the election process.”
BLUE JEANS
Lights on BY MARIA SOPHIA ANDREA E. ROSELLO
EVER SINCE I was young, I have always looked forward to Christmas. There was something about the twinkling lights everywhere and cold weather that albeit felt warm to me. There’s this one place in particular that I find myself always drawn to during this time of the year, and it was my city’s plaza; Plaza Mabini, for those Batangas natives. The plaza is situated in the middle of most major establishments in our city. It’s right in front of the city hall, one of the city’s oldest churches, and is practically a quick three-minute walk from my old elementary and high school. What I loved about it was that during this time of year, the plaza was like our own local Disneyland. Lights could be seen everywhere—hung on trees, along railings, and in various Christmas props and decor. Each shining and shimmering light made me forget about all the negative things that have happened during the months past within the year. All that I could think of was
sought out for that specific plaza during Christmas. That plaza, especially during Christmas time, grew to become my happy place. I found solace knowing that there was somewhere I could always find myself going back to when life felt all too much. On my most recent visit, I only had time to pass by and not stay for longer. Maybe it was something about the serenity given by the yuletide, but my entire mind had its stellar focus just on the bright lights that surrounded me and nothing else. I have always found the month of December daunting as it always symbolized a type of closure to me. During the week after Christmas and before New Year, I usually take some time to reflect. Years may pass and I may age, but the regular fleeting feeling of carelessness my inner child has is reignited when I sit down at the plaza and look at the lights. I like acknowledging my past and where I came from more than anything else.
I like acknowledging my past and where I came from more than anything else. Looking back on who I was helps me recognize who I am becoming now.
Additionally, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, along with other senators, filed a bill that seeks to amend the Omnibus Election Code to remove withdrawal as a valid reason for voluntary substitution. On the other hand, COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez validated withdrawal as a condition for voluntary substitution, since banning withdrawal might hold political parties hostage to an unsure aspirant. COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon has echoed Jimenez’s stand regarding the issue, explaining that permitting the substitution of candidates does not affect the ability of other candidates to fairly compete in the elections. Given all of these considerations, the removal of withdrawal as a valid grounds for substitution might not be practical in the long run, since not all political aspirants should be deprived of the right to withdraw because of the potential abuse of a select few. Ultimately, the provisions in the 1985 Omnibus Election Code must be revisited to ensure that the substitution process is not abused to ensure that the integrity of the electoral process is protected. PROTECTING ESSENTIAL INTEGRITIES As the 2022 Presidential Elections approaches, it is essential to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Elections are a crucial political activity that needs to be honored by both candidates
and citizens. With the recent events involving the substitution of influential politicians, it seems that the electoral process has turned into a game whose rules only those in power can understand. The COMELEC must actively ensure the integrity of the elections by making sure that provisions like substitution are not taken advantage of, if not amending the provision entirely. To do this, the COMELEC must be stricter in regulating the substitution of candidates by being more critical about initial candidates who show signs of being a placeholder for another candidate. Some signs might include filing their Certificates of Candidacy at the last minute and showing no genuine intent to run, such as Senator Bato Dela Rosa repeatedly expressing giving up his presidential bid should Duterte-Carpio run. From there, they can declare the supposed placeholder a nuisance candidate, therefore prohibiting any abuse of substitution to happen. Moving forward, certain provisions in the Omnibus Election Code that are subject to abuse such as substitution must be amended to identify the parameters that will protect the integrity of the elections. Should these amendments take place, the COMELEC—alongside the legislative and judiciary branches of the government—must strictly implement these provisions to avoid turning the filing of candidacy period into a circus.
being in that moment in time, nothing more. Maybe it was the nostalgia factor of it all, but there was just something about that place around this time that made me feel like a carefree child again. People say going back to places can bring back old memories, and for me, there is no lie in that saying. I may be 20 years old and sitting on a park bench in silence, but as I look around the area, a never-ending flood of memories would wash over me. I look at the well-lit slide on the corner, near the big pink lollipop light, and I see myself back in elementary— waiting in line for the Vikings ride with my sixth grade classmates. I remember the shaking of my knees when my classmates and worrying about how we needed to run fast enough back to our school’s waiting area before we would get picked up. When I look at the plaza’s glittering fairy lights along the flower shops right in front, near the church, I remember the swarm of boys from my school buying their last-minute Christmas or Valentine’s gifts during the holidays; the innocence of puppy love blooming alongside each sale. Even after moving to a completely different city for the latter part of my high school life, I still went and
Looking back on who I was helps me recognize who I am becoming now. I have always heard my older relatives say that my generation is growing up too fast, and I see it with myself too. I am just in my second year of college, but I am already thinking of my career and life postgraduation while working countless internships and doing various organizational work. It does feel too grown up sometimes. I am still a child at heart, and am not at all ashamed of it. People nowadays are too excited with the idea of growing up, becoming an adult, and accomplishing what they need to, almost like running on a ticking clock. Sitting down at the plaza with all of the decorations sparkling at me has consistently shown me that it’s not bad to let your inner child roam free sometimes. Taking time to sit back, reflect, and just look at the bright lights is a practice of self-care and self evaluation I don’t plan on removing from my routine. Life may become chaotic, but there is always a brighter and lighter side of things. Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello (2 AB COM) is a Social Media staffer of The GUIDON. You may contact her at maria.rosello@obf. ateneo.edu.
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Opinion
VOLUME XCII, NO. 3 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
CHALK MARKS
The obscurity of independence BY RAPHAEL C. DELA CRUZ
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.
Tatiana L. Maligro, AB COM ‘22 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Andrea Mikaela B. Llanes, AB COM ‘22 ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Beatriz Ysabel C. Reyes, BS ME ‘22 MANAGING EDITOR
Neil Christian R. Reyes, BS CH-MSE ‘23 DESIGN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Allianza O. Pesquera, AB COM ‘22 NEWS EDITOR
Martin Javier P. Mapa, BS ME ‘23 Joachim Miguel S. Melo, AB-MA POS ‘23 SPORTS EDITORS
Kiana Lane R. Altoveros, BS LM ‘23 BEYOND LOYOLA EDITOR
Aisha C. Said, BS LM ‘23 FEATURES EDITOR
WHILE THE question “Is the Philippines truly independent?” may be answered simply, a closer look at this line of thinking leads to more questions, namely: What is independence? To what extent does this supposed independence reach in contemporary Filipino society? In answering the first question, anyone may say that independence equates to autonomy or, in this case, political autonomy. As a capacity for self-determination or self-governance, political autonomy concerns itself not only with countries and the recognition and respect they receive internationally, but also the individual’s right to participate in national, collective self-rule. Therefore, independence does not merely refer to an entity; it encompasses the citizens of the country in relation to all the rights that go with it.
While this interpretation necessarily focuses on a macro view of independence, focusing on the local context would lead to a deeper discourse on independence. A local perspective necessarily shifts to a more micro focus. Independence does not only apply on a static level of recognition and sovereignty granted to a nation by fellow nations, but it also takes into consideration a state of living that must be continuously upheld for the citizens by the state. Independence then becomes a dynamic concept that is affected by various factors and potential issues that must be resolved in attaining independence such as social justice, economic development, national integration, and cultural identity. In this sense, principles such as unity with regard to freedom such as freedom of education, speech, and other
human rights, and identity in relation to a national culture, become central. This does not mean that unity and identity are part and parcel of independence. Rather, unity and identity should be secured if a state is truly independent. This is particularly important in a colonized country such as ours, which is still in the process of remedying the scars left behind by our colonizers. Focusing on the dynamic nature of independence that lies within the citizens of the nation, one aspect is the misaligned vision of the different socioeconomic classes in the Philippines. Looking at the history of our nation, there is a clear gap between the so-called landed elite and the masses. In The Philippines Is Not A Small Country, Medical Anthropologist and Writer Gideon Lasco traces back the lack of unity between Filipino communities to the arrival of Spanish colonizers, criticizing how the presence of a foreign oppressor failed to unite us. Eventually, a sense of unity did come forth, albeit according to social status. This is clearly seen during the Philippine revolution in the early 1900s. Due to the power afforded to them by Spain, the landed elite focused on maintaining their
status quo as the most powerful families in the Philippines while supporting secession from Spain and the US. On the other hand, the rest of the Philippines aimed for the upheaval of the status quo, hoping that revolution meant the end to their struggles. Unsurprisingly, these vested interests became a source of contention that seem to have been cultivated throughout the past century, continuously existing in Philippine contemporary society through woes of freedom and the violation of human rights. Another aspect is how we ascribe nowhere near as much value to products of our own culture and history compared to the value we place on Western concepts and ideals. Harking back to Lasco’s criticism that foreign influence or power simply divides the nation, Niel Mulder echoes this in his journal article entitled Filipino Identity: The Haunting Question, wherein he explains: “As a ‘modern’ American-educated nation, academic circles have recognised that the depth of the colonial impact has led to the ‘mis-education of the Filipino’ and a ‘colonial mentality’ that keeps inferiority feelings alive, while fostering the blind acceptance of the superiority of anything emanating from the United States.”
True independence for a nation, therefore, is the political autonomy granted by the recognition of other states, the cognizance to uphold the rights of its citizens, and the ability of its citizens to accept and celebrate their own culture. To this end, the Philippines is not yet truly independent. While the country enjoys political autonomy on the world stage, issues and conflicts arising from within its own borders as well as the prejudices of its own citizens fail to wholly encapsulate the obscurity of independence.
breakfast sandwich on another. Before, noon meant cafeteria lunch with my high school friends but a study session at Matteo in college. 3 PM was my favorite. This hour meant huddling with my org mates at the MVP building until sundown. And if we had no orals the next day, we’d walk to Regis for dinner and go out for drinks. Suddenly, I remember freshman year. There was always something new: A different food stall to try at Gonzaga or JSEC, a new lanyard from an org General Assembly that I was pressured into, or seniors excited to impart a piece of college advice or two. In my eyes, everything seemed fresh and novel. I had many things to associate my memories with. It could be a crack on one of the Ateneo pavement bricks before my first Math long exam or a lost umbrella, bringing me to the day of my first orals at the Dela Costa building.
I distinguished days by associating faces, times over the clock, and events during my first year in Ateneo. It’s tough having the same photographic memory now when I’ve spent most of the last two years in enclosed spaces. I got too fond of seeing figments of faces, of hours on my watch, and sceneries as a way of remembering. It’s difficult to do that these days. I struggle to distinguish one day from the next when all I could see are people in pixels and boxes arranged on a screen. I fail to tell the difference between an online meeting to another when, apart from my calendar labels, there is only a red button to end the day with. There are lesser things now that I could remember the days by. In 2022, I’ll be entering my last year of college. At that time, three batches would have graduated online before ours. Still, I am confronted
with questions on how I can best remember my would-be senior year long after it has gone. How do I know I’ve truly lived my remaining college years if I couldn’t remember days as vividly as I used to? In the past two years of life in distance and spaces, I realize I still differentiate days from another—just not in ways I used to do. Last month, I remember having fun on a Wednesday over jokes and banters shared in my Philosophy class. In sophomore year, I remember being excited and thrilled for my first set of Zoom classes. Back then, I was happy enough to feel closer to Ateneo again. Today, I no longer distinguish days by remembering the faces I see and greet at busy halls, by the hours on the clock, nor by org dinners at Regis. This time, I remember feelings.
Raphael C. Dela Cruz is a freshman law student at UP College of Law (BGC). He was the Beyond Loyola Editor of The GUIDON, AY 2020-2021. He may be contacted at raphaeldc99@gmail.com or 09178872355.
To this end, the Philippines is not yet truly independent.
Marina T. Mata, AB EC-H ‘23 INQUIRY EDITOR
Ann Gabrielle V. Domingo, AB COM ‘23 Daniela Ines D. Lorenzo, AB COM ‘23 VANTAGE MAGAZINE EDITORS
Samantha Dominique S. Onglatco, AB COM ‘23 BROADCAST NEWS EDITOR
Martin Angelo C. Ramos, AB COM ‘22
Retrospect
AISHA C. SAID
BROADCAST NEWS PRODUCER
Casey Augustine A. Saballe, BS PSY ‘23 Daryl Robyn D. Sy, AB COM ‘24 PHOTOS EDITORS
Kristine Kaitlyn Marianne W. Mercado, BS CS ‘23 Tiffany Gabrielle H. Cu, BS PSY ‘23 GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITORS
I remember faces
Abigail Pia M. Chua, BS CH-MSE ‘25 VIDEO PRODUCTION EDITOR
Alissa Mae Evangelista, AB COM ‘23 VIDEO PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Carmela B. Masiglat, BFA ID '22 DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT DEPUTY FOR DESIGN
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Jose Angelo A. Buenaventura, BS COMTECH ‘23 Enrique Benjamin B. Halili, BFA CW ‘23 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS
Azequiel Lexander P. de Luna, BS ME ‘22 Kiara Florencia D. Rodriguez, AB-MA POS ‘23 RESEARCH MANAGERS
NEWS Juami G. Aizpuru, Billie Asuncion, Zoey C. Atillo, Joaquin Baang, Moira V. Cayabyab, Carlo G. Gonzaga, Eloiza Mariano, Anna Pineda, Yuan Placides, Wei Tanamal SPORTS Tristan A. Abuel, Miguel Asis, Ralph Anthony Bautista, Neal R. Beltran, Augusto L. Cruz, Gap B. Estrella, Jilliana Marie Gonzales, Lei P. Macaranas, Vito Martin, Kristen R. Matias, Anton E. Mercado, Ira Nepomuceno, Juno Ileana Reyes, Juris Salvanera, Kristen C. Sison, Ra Solomon, Vincent Somera, Ray R. Vicente BEYOND LOYOLA Jana O. Ang, Biel L.B. Arevalo, Pioee B. Bassig, Francis Caiga, Angela Divina, Derick M. Gabrillo, Zachary C. Gonzales, Alexandra L. Grantoza, Ram Hebron, Max S. Kang, George D. Kho, Yves Lazaro, Justine Ramirez, Felicity C. Santos, Jerika P. Uy, Deryn Ventilacion FEATURES Katrina B. Antonio, Gab Aplasca, Aidan Reuel A. Bernales, Jullia G. Chen, Gabrielle Christina A. Cortes, Ashley Enriquez, Reign Iris Centeno, Enzo Lagamon, Liam Isaiah Lao, Christianna P. Lugod, Eala Julienne P. Nolasco, Ryan Suarez, Genesis Jacinth Tan, Jacob Tambunting INQUIRY Bianca Balobalo, Marelle Bañez, Alexandra P. Elicano, Ariana Enriquez, Gerard Ignacio, Patricia G. Policarpio, Camille Salipsip, Jude Lourence G. Segovia, Aren Teodoro, Andrea Tibayan, Lucas Tolentino, Khaela C. Vijar VANTAGE MAGAZINE Ena Algopera, Martin Celiz, Kris M. Fetiza, Therese Garcia, Natalie R. Gavino, Noelle D. Lejano, Gabrielle I. Lombos, Ylia Macazo, Giu Martinez, Jewel Ruther Miraña, Julianne Ng, Rina Julia Ortega, Jia Parma, Ryan Reyes, Rome M. Saenz, Leila Simon BROADCAST NEWS Julia Ericka C. Bayocot, Allison A. Co, Wira Dosado, Rebecca Filasol, Yanni Jose S. Francisco, Belle Gregorio, Kristen Louise Ifurung, Hannah Mantos, Samantha C. Olegario, Iana Luis Padilla, Maegan San Tian, Ria Tenido, Alia Tuprio, Kathleen U. Yap PHOTOS Stella Arenas, Nate Bosano, Bettina Cuan, Jim Dasal, Elly Kim, Eirenne A. Lumasang, Cinta Maddatu, Matthew V. Profeta, Jesh Dominic B. Quiambao, Paulina Singh, Kevin Sornet, Soliel Nicolette, Vionna Villalon, Alexis Wang GRAPHIC DESIGN Jaycob Bustamante, Sam Dellomas, Jose Emmanuel B. Laurel, Pau Lasala, Frances Lopez, Jezzyrae B. Maglente, Mello Jericho M. Malig, Franz Manlutac, Danni Natividad, Samantha Rose M. Ragaza, Chantal Ramos, Gerald Lois M. Roldan, Kurt Tan, Andie Tsai, Kyla Nicole Villegas, Julia Yabut VIDEO PRODUCTION Ella Alabastro, Hannah Arias, Jake Calingasan, Raya Ferrer Carrillo, Angelo M. Castro, Ethan Cheng, Lou Del Rosario, Fran Enriquez, Sophia Estoquia, Jeremy P. Fortaleza, Nicolah T. Gapuz, EG Golloso, Angela R. Manalastas, Marjorie Denise F. Manguiat DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT Josh de Vera, Emman Evangelista, Charm E. Naciongayo, Aidan P. Olarte, Jared U. Ong, Iya L. Perez, Julia J. Santos, Kevin A. Sibug, Katrina Bernice M. Tan EXTERNALS Tricia R. Alcantara, Silas S. Chiew, Alyanna De Leon, Irish Crystal Dio, Monica Gallardo, Cholo Hermoso, Angela T. Ibarra, Helena Lorenzo, Allyzah D. Mama, Nicole Mediavillo, Nina Sevilla HUMAN RESOURCES Tris Almedia, Justin Altubar, Julio Balagtas, Juleane B. Borres, Matthew Cañete, Anicia Guanlao, Dre Guerrero, Lexi Lagamon, Gerard Ma, Denev C. Ng, Kendji S. Tuazon, Yana Alessandra Villanueva, Regina Mae C. Yu, Libby Zorilla RESEARCH Samantha Ackary, Mark Lyster Carlota, Rafael H. Garcia, Arianne B. Mendoza, Kaiser F. Patawaran, Lander Pua, Trisha M. Purificacion, Enrikko Sibayan, Aga E. Villaroman SOCIAL MEDIA Daena Bigcas, Rei Jamola, Bea Pangandian, Noelle Paterno, Hailley Quiban, Maria Sophia Andrea E. Rosello, Kimberlynn G. Si, Althea Ramone R. Veloso, Bella Yara
Luz R. Rimban MODERATOR
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I REMEMBER things as if they happened yesterday. When I was a child, I used to spend hours playing with crayons and some empty sheets. My mom would tell me that I drew landscapes and scenery of places we’ve been to before. Recently, I went over my childhood box and saw old drawings buried in dust. Some of them I’ve sketched in kindergarten, filled with stick drawings of my friends and me playing over the seesaw and swings. And the strange thing is, I still see the exact moment in my head. I see pigtails, frills, and bows over beaming little kids. I remember faces. INTENTIONAL SELF-CARE is more difficult than it seems. It is more than the glamorized idea that the media portrays it to be. In essence, to care for oneself is to choose oneself, but no one really ever talks about how difficult it is to do that. I used to think that self-care was just a reward we had to earn, a luxury of those who had the time and resources. Selfcare is a tedious and sometimes difficult process of setting boundaries and ensuring that you don’t overextend yourself, while simultaneously making conscious efforts to better your well-being. Recently, I came across an article about a reinterpretation of the myth of Sisyphus, the king who was punished for cheating death twice. Every single day for eternity, he had to push a boulder up a slope only for it to roll down that hill. It discussed The Myth of Sisyphus, a book by Albert Camus who saw the myth’s namesake as an unstoppable force. He imagined Sisyphus to be smiling as he pushed the boulder, and I find his reinterpretation to be unique. He used the story as an allegory towards our constant struggle in seeking
I remember the faces of my childhood neighbors as we played patintero in the morning and played house in the afternoon. In 2019, I remember shy yet hopeful faces of OrSem blocks housed in the massive covered courts. Then, in some room over SEC-A, I remember the faces of my Ateneo professors, whose eyes lit up as we nodded our heads over their soulful class lectures. I also remember time. In high school, 9 AM meant recess or a quick homeroom film viewing session. In college, it meant rushing from the dorm to Berchmans for my Theology class, carrying annotated readings in one hand and a
Durée
CASEY MATEO
The boulder that comes with intentional self-care the meaning and value of life. Instead of seeing Sisyphus’ struggle as a chore, Camus wanted to see his struggle as something to accept and rejoice in. He wanted to point out that we should start accepting our experiences, whether they were struggles or achievements, with joy and intent. We are all Sisyphus in a way. Though not as evil, we all have our struggles and hardships, and the weight of the boulder represents our daily struggles. These may be minor tasks— mustering up the strength to get out of bed or conversely, our inability to go to sleep. There are moments when it feels as though we’ve been pushing a huge boulder up a hill. Getting out of bed, showering, eating healthy, setting boundaries—these all
seem easy on paper, but at times, it feels like Sisyphus’ giant boulder. The act of self-care that I struggled with most was setting boundaries, especially since a toxic “relationship” I had last year. Throughout the relationship, I always felt anxious and doubtful, and most times it felt one-sided. Being the typical people pleaser that I am, I stayed. It was hard for me to realize that I should give time to myself. However, after he ended things, I slowly realized that there are more important things in life than a fling. It made me understand my self-worth. Although difficult at first, I started to learn how to set boundaries. This is something that I am still getting the hang of because at times it feels like a never-ending cycle. I
realized that this kind of selfcare involves going through the hassle of setting time for yourself and it involves mustering a lot of physical, emotional, and mental will to do so. Setting time for myself and what I love doing made me see that being intentional with the actions that you do for yourself isn’t easy but is vital to place value in oneself. As Camus imagines Sisyphus’ smiling as he pushes the boulder up the hill, I would like to believe that he was pushing the boulder because he got to see the sky before it falls over the other side of the hill. Much like intentional self-care, pushing our metaphorical boulder is something that we have to do day in and day out just so we can continuously see the sky.
We are all Sisyphus in a way. Though not as evil, we all have our struggles and hardships, and the weight of the boulder represents our daily struggles.
The GUIDON | November-December 2021
I HAVE been studying in Ateneo since I was nine years old. Entering as a shy third grader, I had no idea what to expect in this new school filled with new faces. Even at an early age, I was already worried about what my peers would think of me since I was a transferee. It also didn’t help that I came from that rival school famously pitted against Ateneo during University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) games. I remember thinking if I would ever be considered a “true” Atenean considering the three years that I was not there. However, as I grew older—and hopefully wiser—I realized that this kind of thinking only undermines and even diminishes the efforts of those who have spent even less time than I have in Ateneo. In 2016, Ateneo High School (AHS) opened its doors to female applicants for the first time. Unfortunately, this transition was met by negative reactions
from my batch mates and some AHS alumni who claim that the exclusive tradition should be kept. The concept of “homegrowns and transferees” prompted multiple arguments among the students which, unsurprisingly, created a toxic atmosphere. Admittedly, though not as strongly, I also was not the best in creating a more welcoming environment for the new members of the community. In hindsight, there was no excuse for how the whole thing played out. In the next two years, there was always an underlying yet palpable tension within the community. Essentially, this conflict raises the question: Does this mean that transferees are less of an Atenean just because they entered at a later time or spent a shorter time? Of course, I recognize that this is not and should never be the case. In fact, even if they had just been in the school for a few months, the people who I
Dust Bunnies
DARYL D. SY
This is the captain speaking I OFTEN think about how much my mind is like an airplane. There’s the pilot who is focused on navigating the plane through the clouds and away from trouble. There’s the stressed-out working woman who can’t stop thinking about her responsibilities. There’s the crying child in the corner who has no idea what's going on. What the child doesn't understand is that there’s a lot going on, and
At this point, I rely on muscle memory to get me through the day, barely being conscious. If you ask me what I had for lunch yesterday, I wouldn’t be able to tell you.
MY PARENTS were born in the 1960s, my siblings in the 1980s, while I was born in the 2000s. You could say that we have a little bit of an age gap. It’s fascinating to have three different generations living under the same roof. In my house, there is always something new for each one of us to learn. One day I could be teaching my parents how to use an online shopping app, the next day I could be learning about what a FamiCom is from my siblings or what EDSA looked like during the People Power Revolution from my parents. As the bunso, I have always been taken care of by those around me. If I couldn’t understand my math homework, I could always ask my kuya for help. If I wanted to rant about my horrible day, I knew my ate would listen. I loved being the
as all of this is transpiring while she's stuck 36 thousand feet in the air—who’s flying the plane? Everyday, I wake up to the same ceiling. I reach for my phone to check the time and it’s a few hours past noon. I roll out of bed and go to the kitchen to make myself a cup of black coffee that has way too much sugar in it. After a few sips, I make my way to my laptop to work. From there, I click, type, and scroll until dinner time. At the table, my attention is split between my food and my family trying to spark a conversation, then afterwards, it’s back to the screen. I continue to work until sunlight peeps through my blinds and I decide to go to bed just to go through the same routine all over again. At this point, I rely on muscle memory to get me through the day, barely being conscious. If you ask me what I had for lunch yesterday, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. As work piles up, I find myself stuck in the process of constantly going into autopilot mode just to save myself from the horrors caused by my own consciousness. Despite getting things done half-consciously or with minimal effort, I find peace knowing I once again survived being helpless while driving an airplane plagued by never-ending turbulence. What matters is that I get things done, right? youngest, but as the years pass by, I have realized just how much responsibility it bears. There is a lot that comes with being the youngest in a relatively big family. Part of it is getting to watch all your older siblings and cousins try new things before you. When I was in high school, most of them were already finished with their education. A few were in medical school, while some had already joined the workforce and others started having families of their own. If I learned anything from them, it would be to face every challenge with a smile and to see every failure as an opportunity to learn something new. As inspiring as it was to watch them achieve milestone after milestone, there was always a strange feeling in my chest
No Holds Barred
MARTIN RAMOS
The measure of an Atenean As a school that prides itself with developing “persons for others,” it is evident that not everyone gets to embody this even if they spent 20 years being taught this phrase. Can we truly then classify these people as true Ateneans or simply just graduates of the Ateneo?
In times when I have a grip on reality, I look back and wish I hadn’t been the way I was, going about my day mindlessly. Days felt rushed, I was lost in time, just taking in and passing on whatever fell into my hands. I dreaded going to bed because it just served as a reminder that another day of the same routine was coming. As time flies, I realize that so much more is going on around me than what I make myself aware of. Living on autopilot barely got me through those days of exhaustion and wanting to give up. Hours, days, and weeks flew right by, and I was just getting more numb by the second. I stayed tired when what I really wanted was to get out of the trance I was in. I wish I had savored the scrambled eggs I whipped up when I woke up for breakfast without thinking about the things I had to do later in the day. I wish I had remembered what song I was singing along to when I almost slipped in the shower. If flying a plane this high up in the sky was as beautiful as the way I thought it would be, I’d be flying forever. I just need to find romance in my everyday life. Every now and then, I fall back into the pit of exhaustion and my mind goes into automatic mode. I wake up, work, eat, sleep, repeat. I unconsciously fall back into the routine that makes me fall out of love with life. Then something snaps me back into reality. Sometimes it’s food, sometimes it’s being in good company, but most times it’s when I’m staring at the same ceiling I wake up to everyday and finally feeling like I’m awake. Whenever I feel like I’m losing myself again, I just remind myself: A plane can’t fly without its pilot.
encountered actually did better in embodying the Atenean value of being men and women for others. Ironically, those who perpetuated such a divisive and hostile environment are those who have been in Ateneo the longest. One would think that this type of mindset and behavior would not begin from those most exposed to the Atenean ideals. Though I have long graduated from AHS, it was disheartening to read tweets from current students recently that the issue still exists within the community. With problems ranging from discrimination to misogyny, often springing from “homegrown” students, the never ending question remains: Does the number of years a student spends automatically equates to being a full fledged Atenean? Undeniably, the University has produced quality graduates who have created positive change in society. But on the flipside, there are Ateneo alumni who have been on the negative public eye for
Double-blind
TIFFANY CU
Finish lines ALL MY dreams are bad. When I fall asleep, I either coast through the night in sweet oblivion or wake up several times in cold sweat. The feeling of panic is constant, but the scenes are either one of two: Running away from something or chasing after another unknown. When I startle awake, my heart is still beating a mile a minute, my knuckles white from my fist gripping the blanket. While I dread the thought of sleep because of this, my dreams only mirror the feelings I have in my waking hours. I shoulder a lot of work in hopes that it pays off in the end—that there is a finish line. Once crossed, I can finally shift to basking in the feeling of having “made it.” Consequently, I am always chasing after deadlines, grades, or other achievements that may bolster my perceived chances of success. However, the pressure of having every action count towards the endgame is heavy, and the fatigue sets in quickly. In these times, I find myself running away from the thought of work, binging on books and shows to block off the anxiety that comes with actively thinking about the long run. Nevertheless, even hiding from my problems spurs heavier feelings of dread, and I find myself guilted back to my desk. One of the earliest lessons I learned in school was delayed gratification—the art of investing my time and effort into a goal I can enjoy after I
Constellate
KAITLYN W. MERCADO
Pillars of strength knowing just how far behind I was. Though I have learned and continue to learn a lot from them, I somehow feel like I am always trying to catch up on the road they paved. On the other hand, I find that the best part about being the youngest is getting to hear the crazy stories my relatives have accumulated over the years. We often spend long nights at my grandmother’s house where my mother and uncle would catch up
over a few drinks. My cousins and I would sit along the dining table with them and the night would be spent exchanging outrageous stories that could range from my parents’ activist days to my cousin’s hectic shift as a medical intern. I loved nights like this when I got to hear about the amazing lives the people around me have led. It made me proud to be part of such a family, though I would never be able to say this to their faces, of course.
achieve it. In its healthiest form, delayed gratification serves to build more permanent solutions to problems. For example, therapy isn’t fun and often entails confronting unwanted emotions, but it’s a long-term investment in developing better coping mechanisms and resolving past trauma. Nonetheless, the concept of delayed gratification is also twisted to support forms of toxic productivity, pushing the narrative that rest and leisure are gratifications best delayed in favor of more “productive” goals. When paired with a heady sense of ambition, it’s easy to get lost in the bustle of work and neglect to savor the present. Students play the long game by studying in the present to get good grades in the future. But when the assessments never end, when does the student enjoy their reward? Playing the long game isn’t a bad thing, but burnout becomes an inevitable opponent when it’s the only game being played. I’d assumed that the completion of my goals would free me of further struggle. I’m starting to realize that life doesn’t work that way. In developmental psychology, Erik Erikson is a staple name for identifying the stages of psychosocial development. In his model, each stage of life centers around a crisis, and there’s always something to work through regardless of achievement. For the longest time, I thought this was all it meant to be the bunso—to watch, listen, and learn. To some extent it’s true but the COVID-19 pandemic has put a whole new weight on what it means to be young and healthy. Half of the people who would be laughing and telling stories until the early hours of the morning are now part of the vulnerable group. Age has suddenly become so much more than a number. I haven’t been to my grandmother’s house in the longest time in fear of potentially bringing the virus to her. I do the grocery for my mother so she doesn’t risk being exposed to a crowd. I haven’t seen my sister for the longest time as the travel ban to Japan hasn’t been lifted. It isn’t so much about feeling left behind anymore when the
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their involvement in less than desirable political and business endeavors. In all honesty, whenever I see their names on the news for whatever negative reason, I feel ashamed to share the same University as they do. As a school that prides itself with developing “persons for others,” it is evident that not everyone gets to embody this even if they spent 20 years being taught this phrase. Can we truly then classify these people as true Ateneans or simply just graduates of the Ateneo? While knowing the University’s chants can be a good representation of school spirit, perhaps it would be good to revive and refocus the importance of being a person for others in and beyond Ateneo. Maybe, then, we can start to have a true measure of what it means to be an Atenean based on how they treat others, and not on how loud they cheer or how long they stay.
Some people may pass through each stage with relatively more grace than others, but for the most part, everyone faces an innate crisis even in old age. It seems like having everything figured out at any point in time is largely unsustainable, if not impossible. There is always another crisis, another finish line to chase after. Growth involves struggle, and it’s a lifelong endeavor. While we work to reach our goals, we may find that our quality of life is better when we don’t live for them. Better yet, I’ve found that expanding the scope of my goals to include closer relationships and establishing healthy habits have helped me prioritize my well-being in the present. At the very least, it can improve my quality of sleep.
Playing the long game isn’t a bad thing, but burnout becomes an inevitable opponent when it’s the only game being played. lives of your loved ones are at risk. In more ways than one, I’ve come to learn that being the youngest also means becoming the future of my family. I am not just the bunso, I am a person that my family depends on especially during these trying times, and I could be the one paving the way for someone else in the future. It’s my responsibility to live out what I learned from my family–to always get back up and to do your best for the people you love. Maybe someday I could tell my own stories to a younger generation and bring honor to the ones before me. For now, I am just as much a pillar of strength for my family as they are to me.
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Sports
G A L L E R Y O F E AG L E S
Isaac Go: Doubted turned decorated BY RALPH ANTHONY BAUTISTA AND IRA NEPOMUCENO
BEFORE HIS name became another essential piece in the future of Philippine basketball, George Isaac Go (BS MAC ‘20) carved out a legacy built with leadership and poise at the collegiate level. However, it is unknown to many that the former Blue Eagle—whose clutch DNA became critical in Ateneo’s recent title runs—came from a long and arduous athletic journey.
UNLIKELY STAR Compared to other athletes, Go had no interest in basketball at a young age as he preferred staying at home to play with his video games and toys. It was his brother Gian who loved the sport and forced Isaac to play with him. Everytime Go found himself quitting, Gian encouraged him to keep going and fostered his love for basketball, promising that Go would one day get to play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). However, Go’s lack of athleticism and aggressiveness on the court stirred serious doubts on his future in the sport. In Xavier Grade School, Go would often find himself warming the bench with minimal playing time. Seeing the young athlete’s struggle, Go’s family couldn’t help but question his ability to make it to the UAAP, assuring Go that switching to another sport was an option. Despite this, the former Blue Eagle was determined to grow and develop in basketball as he eventually decided to embrace the sport. It was only when he entered Xavier High School and qualified for the RP Under-16 Youth Team that Go started reaping what he had sown, having the chance to represent
the country in the FIBA Asia U16 in Nha Trang City, Vietnam. Stepping foot into the Loyola Heights as a Blue Eagle, Go was once again faced with doubters. As a 250-pound big man, Go certainly carried a lot of weight that hindered his mobility. Apart from Go’s outstanding basketball skills, Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team Head Coach Tab Baldwin revealed that he did not expect much from the athlete in the beginning. Baldwin initially viewed Go as an intelligent yet unathletic and out of shape athlete, pushing the veteran coach to intensify the conditioning drills and put Go on a diet. As a student-athlete majoring in Management of Applied Chemistry, Go found managing his time to be his biggest challenge. In an effort to juggle his academic and athletic responsibilities, Go had to forgo most of his time with friends to focus on what needed to be done. “I only have 24 hours [a day], that as much as every opportunity presents itself, I can’t grab ever ything. I have to allocate time for rest, for family, [and] for studying. It’s trying to do that balancing act, that’s really the most difficult challenge,” Go explained. Despite h av i ng been confronted with numerous hurdles in his journey, Go has continued to exemplify true sportsmanship even amid failures. For him, there are a lot of things that are out of anyone’s control despite doing one’s best. What matters most is
how one seeks to improve himself after failing. “Sometimes, no matter how much effort you put in, talagang pinush mo (when you really push it), you gave it your all, talagang you’re gonna fall short sometimes. You just have to accept it,” he said, “That maybe next time, you can look for ways to improve, but at this moment, your best is just for here.”
CONQUERING DOUBTS Learning from his prior experiences and the criticism he’s endured, Go became more motivated to work on his craft. Eventually, the player who was overlooked for his frame began to redefine the center position with his floor spacing, composure under pressure, and unparalleled basketball IQ. The 6’8” big man’s unique perks that were rare for his stature reaped recognition on a national level, with his name being picked first overall by the Columbian D y ip i n the 2019 Philippine Basketball
GO FOR GOLD. Even during his collegiate days, national basketball player Isaac Go was already making a name for himself through his numerous contributions to the Blue Eagles’ UAAP championships. FILE PHOTOS BY KELLY VENERACION CAPTION BY BETTINA CUAN
Association (PBA) Rookie Draft. Go also suited up for the latest Mighty Sports Philippines unit that captured the title in the Dubai International Basketball Championship last 2020. The then 23-year-old youngster benefited from the experience as he was exposed to veteran personnel such as Andray Blatche, Renaldo Balkman, and Beau Belga. What stands out in the decorated athlete’s plethora of accolades is the honor of being appointed as captain of the national team. Go’s leadership pedigree proved to be invaluable in a youthful yet talented Gilas cadets roster which exceeded expectations in both the FIBA Asia Cup and Olympic Qualifiers held in 2021. The Go-led squad that was also armed with other former Blue Eagles performed sensationally in the world stage, tallying an impressive 6-0 record in the 2021 FIBA Asia Qualifiers. What some thought of as a collegiatecaliber Gilas team even engaged in a slugfest against the basketball powerhouse Serbia in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July. Go, who averaged 3.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in a quality 12 minutes per contest during the Asian tourney was an embodiment
to the worth of intangibles in the game. His unselfish mentorship was second to none, and his efforts in building chemistry t h roug h prepa rat ion a nd communication were valuable. Despite an already overwhelming basketball resume, Go still continues to take strides in preparation for his future athletic and professional careers.
IN THE NAME OF VERSATILITY Following his participation in Gilas Pilipinas’ surprising run on the world stage, Go has been tending to a multitude of matters. Now, he is in current negotiations with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on his future as part of the program. “Currently, my Gilas contract is up until February with SBP. We’re looking into contract negotiations and the possibility of me staying with the program and going through with it. Especially with the 2023 World Cup in mind,” he said. The three-time UAAP champion may be renowned for his savviness on the hardwood, but Go also prides himself in other areas that require sharp intellect as he remains to be a student-athlete.
Go is currently completing his master’s degree on Sustainability Management in the Loyola Schools. Already in his thesis year, the wellrounded athlete hopes to finish this academic endeavor by 2022. On top of his academic and athletic duties, the former Blue Eagle also flaunts a presence in the NBA TV Philippines community, filling in as a writer for NBA Philippines and an occasional figure in the show NBA Hype. When asked about what can be expected of him in the future, the versatile athlete spoke of a continued pursuit of perfecting his craft—a true testament to Go’s untiring dedication to do more. “Even though the quarantine has been tough, I’ve made strides in my game both physically and mentally that hopefully could surprise people,” Go revealed. “There are a lot of opportunities in the works that hopefully I am able to capitalize on and do my best in,” he added. Being the decorated player that he is, Isaac Go’s legacy on and off the court may have already been cemented throughout history, but one thing that separates him from the rest is his unrelenting passion for excellence in everything he does.
The GUIDON | November-December 2021
11
SPORTS OPINION
The weight of priorities BY KRISTEN C. SISON AND RAY VICENTE
BEARING THE brunt of the pandemic, student-athletes have opted out of their athletic commitments in the face of decaying passions and i nc rea si ngly bu rden some personal and academic lives. While the student-athletes’ respective sports have played huge roles in their lives, the stagnation of local sports has led many studentathletes to rethink the practicality of their passion and pursue different avenues of growth. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to fuel these decisions in light of the prolonged cancellation of collegiate tournaments, athletes should not be stigmatized for leaving their teams and stripping off their jerseys to choose more promising paths. BRAVING THE STORM Restrictions imposed by the pressing crisis have called for the staging of a “new normal” that entails shifts from the usual student-athlete routines in the physical setup. Not only were competitions in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) postponed indefinitely, but transitions to unfamiliar methods of conducting both sports and academics had to be made. While athletes were forced to grapple with more strenuous
ILLUSTRATION BY PAU LASALA
online learning, training was constrained in the online setup as athletes no longer had the proper equipment, appropriate training spaces, and physical guidance from coaches. These troubles were compounded by the shallower sense of team dynamics—as athletes were forced to engage through on-screen interactions with their teammates. Andie Avedillo, a central defender for the Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT), echoes this sentiment. “I have to be with other people in order to actually learn the game properly. When we’re on-site, Coach [was] always emphasizing that you have to do well as a team because it’s a team sport. Now during the pandemic, you’re learning by yourself; it’s hard to readjust [from] that thinking of being in a team to just working on your individual skills.” Amid this absence of normalcy and the uncertainty of the UAAP’s return, student-athletes were forced to keep pace and remain hopeful. While life went on for studentathletes, they were faced with a growing sense of demotivation as the sports scene stalled, and the government began lagging behind in its pandemic response. HOLLOW IN SPIRIT Because of the lack of definite competition dates and face-
to-face training, one could understand why athletes began losing passion and fire towards their sports. The demotivation caused by the current uncertainty of collegiate sports—coupled with the difficulties in balancing online academics and their personal lives—has taken a toll on the mental health of all athletes. The recurring theme of uncertainty in Philippine sports has led athletes to look for a new outlet or space to focus their efforts on. These are usually areas wherein progress could extend beyond their collegiate years, such as their academics and various organizational work. As Philippine sports has been put on hold, athletes begin weighing their priorities, deciding to pursue other goals while canceling out those that do not serve them anymore moving forward in the new normal. Former Ateneo Men’s Track and Field sprinter Gio Divino has chosen to pursue his interest in software engineering in lieu of the tough adjustments needed for online training. After a stint on the Ateneo High School team, Divino aimed to be a pole-vaulter in college; a plan cut short due to the postponement of the season. While he may have left the AMTFT, Divino translated his desire to be in a team onto
his passion outside of the sport, as he has focused his efforts into software engineering. “I guess I wanted to do something I felt was bigger than myself, which was my career, software engineering,” he said. As a software engineer for health technology company DashLabs, Divino hopes to make an impact on the community by developing software which helps healthcare become more accessible to all especially during these times. “Everything I’m doing is trying to do something good for the community,” he added. Besides Divino, aspiring lawyer Avedillo has also hung up her boots and turned her attention to her academics and her work for numerous organizations. This was a tough decision for Avedillo, who has played football for over seven years and had dreamed of donning the blue and white jersey in the UAAP since her high school days. After numerous lockdowns and months of waiting for action to return, Avedillo decided to focus on other aspects of her life. No one can blame Avedillo for her decision to leave the AWFT in light of the stagnant state of the UAAP, and her desire to grow in other aspects of her life is admirable. Avedillo has taken to her home organization Ateneo Lex—where she is a member of the
administrative board—as an avenue for her to pursue her interests in law and community building. While her passion for football will never die, a new love for working in sector-based activities and projects has blossomed. Her additional involvement in KYTHE has also given her a new way to give back not only to the Ateneo community but to the service of others amid these trying times. Although athletes value their collegiate athletic careers, the Philippine sports hiatus caused by the pandemic has contributed to the athletes’ decision to trail other endeavors. With athletes being trained to be achievers or go-getters, their decision to focus on endeavors less affected by the pandemic should not be taken against them. COURAGE AMID DROUGHT Wit h ma ny var ying circumstances that affect studentathletes these days, one can only imagine the added pressure and work that they are confronted with. Student-athletes who choose to leave their teams should not be looked down upon but be understood, as COVID-19 has affected not only their academic life but also their athletic dreams. The emotional toll of not being able to do what you love is hard
on everyone, and arguably more so to athletes whose careers were cut short because of the pandemic. Mental health is often unspoken among athletes and should now be more important due to all the hardships that the pandemic has brought upon us. Having to balance an athletic life with the responsibilities of a college student is undeniably a difficult task. Besides mental health, the physical toll of shifting training spaces and environments must also be taken into account as it is hard to prepare for a sport without being in the actual arena, court, or field. Athletic training is conditioning your body to perform at its best in the specific environment where you are competing. That is difficult to do when your oval or football field becomes your driveway or street. Undoubtedly, it is not weak but brave for student athletes choosing to let go of their athletic dreams. Letting go of something so meaningful is always a tough decision— one that very few can make without any second thoughts. Student-athletes putting their future first and their uncertain present second should be better understood by everyone amid the struggle of all to adapt to the new normal.
THE WEIGHT OF PRIORITIES Uncertainty has been the name of the game for all student-athletes in the pandemic. The brave decision to step away from their sports should be understood.
EDITORS: JAVIER P. MAPA AND JOACHIM S. MELO • LAYOUT ARTISTS: TIFFANY CU • READ MORE AT theguidon.com
Sports
12
The return of on-site practices BY MIGUEL ASIS AND NEAL R. BELTRAN
WHO WOULD have ever thought that the words of the great Allen Iverson would resurface and become a significant point of discussion during the middle of a global crisis? Yes, “We talkin’ about practice!” With the Inter-Agency Task Force’s (IATF) recent decision to lower restrictions down to Alert Level 2 in numerous regions including Metro Manila, the return to on-site practices has been set in motion. Though on-site practices are the first crucial step in the comeback of collegiate sports like the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), a simple return is not as easy as it seems given the current circumstances. In light of the lowered restrictions, each university is required to file a proposal that will need to be approved by both its respective Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). While numerous requirements are still currently being processed, the IATF’s lowering of restrictions indicates the looming end of online training—a bright spot as 2021 comes to a close. IATF GUIDELINES In a recent appearance on DZMM, Interior Undersecretary Epimaco V. Densing III mentioned that contact sports such as basketball are now a l lowed,
while also reminding the public that health protocols must still be followed. As per the guidelines, indoor facilities are required to follow a 50% maximum capacity, while outdoor areas are slightly more lenient at 70%, with both only catering to fully vaccinated adults. On the contrary, minors who are unvaccinated are also finally allowed in these facilities after almost a two-year hiatus. This has left a questionable loophole with many pondering why unvaccinated minors are being allowed inside these institutions in the first place. However, Densing credited the vaccine drives as effective and vital factors when it came down to the decision of loosening restrictions as Metro Manila was able to achieve a 90% fully vaccinated rate as of early November. Given these requirements, the University Athletics Office (UAO) has already been prompted to send out proposals to CHED and the LGU concerned. In Ateneo’s case, it is the office of Quezon City (QC) Mayor Joy Belmonte, whose clearance hinges on CHED’s decision to formally begin on-site training. Concerning the parameters for clearance, UAO Director Emmanuel Fernandez mentioned that the QC local government
will most likely follow suit with whatever CHED decides, provided that the University complies with the CHED guidelines. Fernandez then delved into the school’s initiative to submit propositions even before CHED had laid out any of its guidelines in order for Ateneo sports teams to hit the ground running once the gosignal is given. Ateneo has already written to CHED, inviting them to inspect the campus to further accelerate the process once everything gets cleared. Without the UAAP’s official memorandum, other UAAP universities are also taking the initiative by completing the requirements that they anticipate will be laid out by CHED. By preempting the preparations, the hope is that this will allow the universities to save time and to smoothen the processes once everything is finally approved. “The schools are doing whatever they can within their power as they await all these guidelines,” Fernandez remarked in Filipino. PROPOSING PROTOCOLS AND GUIDELINES According to Fernandez, Ateneo is proposing to start on-site practices for the Men’s Basketball Team, as they are the first team expected to participate in the upcoming UAAP season tentatively scheduled for March. H o we ve r, the M e n’s Basketball Team cannot return to on-site practices just yet. The implementation of on-site training depends on one of two outcomes: Either CHED and the LGU approve of Ateneo’s proposal, or Ateneo draws up plans that comply with CHED’s upcoming memorandum. “There’s no team yet [that has] started training on-site because
even if kahapon lumabas lahat sa news that [on-site training] is allowed, si CHED, technically, wala pang nilalabas na actual memorandum (even if the news reported that on-site training is allowed, CHED technically hasn’t released a memorandum),” said Fernandez. Alternatively, Ateneo’s current proposal also serves the purpose of proactive compliance for when CHED releases a memorandum enumerating the requirements that need to be met to begin on-site practices. “[CHED has not given] official guidelines to schools to be able to comply with kaya wala pang nag-susubmit ng (that’s why no schools have submitted) requirements to CHED,” said Fernandez. Moreover, the lack of a memorandum has made it difficult for teams to meet CHED’s demands, delaying the start of on-site training. “Because wala pang nagsusubmit ng requirements, wala pa ring pwedeng mag-training kasi (nobody has submitted requirements, no teams can practice because) you need approval by two parties: It’s CHED and the LGU,” he added. To gain CHED’s approval even before the memorandum’s release, Ateneo proposed a bubble setup wherein the Men’s Basketball Team—including players, coaches, and staff—will reside in Cervini Hall and travel to the Blue Eagle Gym by shuttle. Throughout the proposed six to eight week long training camp, all players, coaches, and staff are required to be fully vaccinated and to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. In the event that someone within the bubble tests positive for COVID-19, they will be placed
in an isolation room and practices will be postponed until everyone is tested. The mentioned protocols and guidelines are among the few of many in the meticulously planned proposal by the athletic department, and more proposals will be made as long as IATF restrictions continue to loosen. END OF ONLINE TRAINING The recent downgrade of IATF restrictions kickstarted the process of schools’ return to on-site practices. Regardless of IATF guidelines, each school is still required to file a proposal that needs to be approved by CHED and the LGU detailing the intricacies of how on-site
practices will be held. In the case of Ateneo, several protocols and guidelines have been proposed to CHED and the LGU, which include the strict implementation of a bubble setup to minimize the risk of exposure on the players, coaches, and staff. Despite more hurdles needing to be cleared before returning to on-site practices, the recent developments are a positive sign as the end of online practice nears. Editor’s Note: CHED has since permitted all eight UAAP schools, including Ateneo, to conduct on-site training.
Because wala pang nagsusubmit ng requirements, wala pa ring pwedeng magtraining kasi you need approval by two parties: It’s CHED and the LGU. EMMANUEL FERNANDEZ UAO DIRECTOR
BACK ON THE HILL. Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team (AMBT)’s Angelo Kouame heads back to the Loyola campus for training. PHOTO BY PAULINA SINGH
NAVIGATING FOREIGN WATERS To pave the way for internationalization, Ateneo opens its doors to exchange students amidst the online setup. However, cultural barriers challenge the LS’ inclusivity.
EDITOR: MINA MATA • LAYOUT ARTIST: GERALD LOIS M. ROLDAN • Read more at theguidon.com
Inquiry
03
ILLUSTRATION BY FRANZ MANLUTAC
When the party is over BY PATRICIA G. POLICARPIO, CAMILLE DOMINIQUE (MON) SALIPSIP, AND KHAELA C. VIJAR
JOINING STUDENT organizations is considered a vital part of one’s college journey. With students hoping to hone their skills and form newfound friendships, the student-organization culture in Ateneo continues to thrive. Amid the heavy pressures of University life, students join these groups to find lifelong support systems. However, recent accounts of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior during organization events have spotlighted a seemingly overlooked issue in these student groups. Amid the anger surrounding these stories, the discussion on safe spaces within student organizations sparks the question of upholding the balance between professionalism and fun among these circles. ON THE SEARCH FOR A SUPPORT SYSTEM During her freshman year in 2018, fourth year John Gokongwei School of Management student Kim* looked forward to joining student organizations and finding the support system she needed to navigate college life. Studying in a
difficult course, she thought that she needed all the help she could get from people who understood her. However, during one organization’s orientation at the start of the year, she was shocked to hear highly inappropriate jokes from the officers throughout the program. A few weeks later, Kim attended an off-campus welcoming party and participated in a game where her fellow organization members had to pump balloons with an air pump right between a man’s legs. Throughout the rest of her stay in the organization, she was persistently asked invasive questions. Since her fellow members seemed unfazed by the invasion of personal boundaries, she realized that this was simply the norm within LS organizations. Thus, Kim never filed any reports. More than three years later, incidents like hers still occur within the organizational community. Given the Ateneo’s shift to the online setup, Council of Organizations of the Ateneo (COA-M) President Kichee Pinera attests that even more reports have begun
to surface. She affirms, “It has become apparent to a lot of people that certain things or certain practices we’ve done in the past aren’t as safe as we thought it was.” T hu s, w it h t he r isi ng number of sexual misconduct reports being posted online, students organizations face renewed pressure to address the deep-seated problem of harassment in their circles— especia lly a s yea r-ending bonding events loom ahead. SHAPING SAFER SPACES Pinera explains that upholding safe spaces in student organizations is essential since members serve as the group’s foundation. “You can have the principles, you can have the advocacy all you want, but if you don’t take care of those people who are passionate enough to serve those advocacies… [then] I don’t think an org could survive,” she shares. When cases of sexual misconduct arise within student groups, the Office of Student A ffa irs (OSA) st ates that student organizations should not investigate sexual misconduct cases to avoid further escalation. Instead, the University’s Office of Human Resource Management and Organization Development and the Committee on Decorum and Investigation are tasked to handle the investigations. Meanwhile, student survivors are encouraged to approach the Sanggunian Commission on Anti-Sexual Misconduct and Violence (CASMV) for peer-level support. They may also directly report the incident to the LS Gender Hub, the University’s main office dedicated to providing support services to student survivors. Unfortunately, these support mechanisms had not yet been established at the time
of Kim’s incident in 2018. As an added effort to uphold safe spaces within student organizations today, OSA held an orientation entitled OSCARs: Onboarding Session on the Code and Rules for Student Organizations last September 17. The in-depth discussion on the University’s Code of Decorum on Sexual Harassment emphasized the need to abide by the prescribed courses of action to maintain safety within organizations. According to OSA Coordinator for Gender and Development Neil Reyes, one Executive Board member from every student group under OSA was required to attend. He adds that, in the following years, the onboarding session will become a requirement for organization registration in the LS. Despite preventive measures in place to uphold safe spaces, there has been an inf lux of posts on the ADMU Freedom Wall about sexual misconduct within student organizations. With that, COA-M, the League of Independent Organizations (LIONS), and the Sanggunian released a statement last October 17 affirming a coordinated response in ensuring safe spaces within student organizations. LIONS Coordinator Alexa Derpo shares that student leaders have yet to release an update following the post but assures that preventive measures such as workshops against misconduct are in the works. Reyes adds that the OSA is actively collaborating with the LS Gender Hub to craft the necessary policies. “If student organizations are not safe, then we feel like we have not done our job properly. If going into student organizations would look terrifying or would look unsafe to students,
then that would be a problem for us because, ultimately, OSA is a formation office,” he shares in a mix of English and Filipino. However, the introduction of clear-cut guidelines and avenues to report sexual misconduct cases does not always mean students can easily come forward; in a culture rampant with victim-blaming and judgment, cases often remain unreported. AN EXERCISE IN TRUST Because of the victim-blaming culture, Reyes shares that reports are primarily made on anonymous platforms such as ADMU Freedom Wall. “I think it’s the fear of not receiving the proper help that student victims expect from the University, from the offices, and not just from OSA,” he says. To trust the LS offices with such vulnerable experiences is yet another obstacle among student victims to overcome, according to Pinera. Given the isolating nature of the online setting, Reyes adds that it may be difficult to ensure that each student is aware of the support CASMV and the LS Gender Hub can provide. Derpo and Pinera agree that it is not enough for students to be aware of the protocols, but they must also feel safe and comfortable enough to share deeply personal experiences. Alongside their work with CASMV and LS Gender Hub, both Derpo and Pinera emphasize their commitment to fostering cultures where members can safely and comfortably come forward with sexual misconduct cases. While the officers are mandated to uphold the guidelines and policies, Reyes points out that keeping each organization member in check is a collective effort. He shares that balancing professionalism and fun within these organizations requires careful discernment and as-
sessment on what actions or conversations are appropriate within these settings. To do so, Reyes hopes that organization officers can familiarize themselves with different topics about gender sensitivity. ON THE PATH TO MOVING FORWARD As the community takes its steps moving forward from these issues, Kim expresses her desire for student organizations to discuss cultivating safe spaces in general assemblies. “We can also share it during the [Freshman Orientation Seminar], and events with facilitators and hosts. They could integrate how they could cultivate a safe space for the participants in that event,” she says. In line with this, Derpo and LIONS Community Affairs Director Yuki Abion stress that the efforts to solve this major issue should be banked on collaboration. COA-M and LIONS highlight the importance of relying on first responders to give victims the assistance they need. Along with that, Pinera states that COA-M is looking into holding seminars as a way to incorporate practices that ensure safe spaces in student organizations. On this note, Reyes reiterates the importance of being aware of the appropriate actions done during the appropriate times: “We need to uphold that [student organizations] should still be a safe space for everyone. We hear the complaints, [and] we are working with [different] student groups to address the complaints.” *Editor’s Note: The name of an interviewee was changed to protect their identity and privacy.
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lnquiry
Cannot be reached BY BIANCA BALOBALO AND ALEXANDRA P. ELICANO ILLUSTRATION BY SAMANTHA ROSE RAGAZA
BE COMMUNICATIVE, be transparent, and be inclusive— these are just to name a few of the expectations that Loyola Schools (LS) students have for the Sanggunian. Steadfast in their mission to ensure that all student needs are met, the Sanggunian relies on participatory governance to involve students in the various decision-making processes—from the ideation, execution, and evaluation of policies. However, the Sanggunian faces steep obstacles as it attempts to secure greater participation from students and reverse the dismal rates of engagement in the past. Despite the Sanggunian’s efforts to improve and “revolutionize” their communication strategy this year, students still question the efficiency of the Sanggunian’s communication lines, especially in resolving student concerns. SPOTTING DISCONNECTIONS The purgatory of distance learning—from exclusively attending classes on a computer to grappling with the fast-paced academic calendar—has made students much more vulnerable to burnout. In response to the second year of online classes, many students called for an academic break on anonymous platforms such as Freedom Wall. While the Sanggunian remained at the forefront of receiving these complaints, students criticized them for their bureaucratic and slow efforts in lobbying for the break to the LS administration. Students also felt “kept in the dark” and unable to keep track of important updates on the push for an academic break because these were mostly posted on Facebook. The Ateneo Assembly President Arianne Garcia suggests that this is due to Facebook’s algorithms. “There is a possibility that even if you post [updates on the academic break], hindi makikita ng lahat (not everyone will see them), [...] so I think [sending emails to] people or communicating with student orgs for disseminating information can be a way to improve [this],” Garcia says. The Ateneo Assembly Executive Director Myra Arce agrees that the roadblocks in dissemination are a primary driver to the “detached” relationship between the Sanggunian and the student body. Aside from that, she also believes that the student body’s low levels of engagement may be caused by their lack of knowledge on the Sanggunian’s internal structures and processes. Thus, students may find it difficult to fully understand and participate in the Sanggunian’s efforts. Arce asserts, “The student body has become or has grown uncaring towards what Sanggu does and it’s not entirely on Sanggu. At the same time, it’s not entirely on the student body.” She further emphasizes that the student body must understand its role in the improvement of the Sanggunian and encourages them to participate in efforts like constituency
checks and other surveys that help improve the Sanggunian. LOOKING INSIDE Acknowledging the dismal rates of engagement in previous years, Angan emphasizes, “It was really important for me to basically revamp the communication strategy. We needed to move Sanggu towards a place that meets students where they are and that comes with… making sure that [we], as communicators, make sure that the message is reaching people.” To efficiently reach students and address their concerns in an objectively structured manner, the Sanggunian relies on bureaucracy in their communicative processes. Thus, once the Sanggunian receives student complaints through Facebook or email, they deliberate and relay the concerns to the appropriate Sanggunian commissions and offices in the LS.
For example, academic concerns are forwarded to School Sanggunians, who are in direct contact with deans and departments. Meanwhile, other concerns regarding student rights are relayed to the appropriate student rights commissions. In doing so, Sanggunian Communications Chair Jean Mangaluz emphasizes that the real decision-making powers do not fall on the Sanggunian but on the LS administration. By serving as a liaison, the Sanggunian is instead like a moving bridge that connects the student body to the administration. However, Mangaluz acknowledges that engagement can still be improved by steering away from a social media-centered approach. Thus, the Sanggunian has since sought to encourage engagement by tapping various sectors such as LS organizations, the beadle community, the University Athletics Office—instead
of just “passively posting” updates on the Sanggunian’s social media accounts. Moreover, Angan adds that the Sanggunian is currently working on a Concern Management Plan for internal processes. This is to avoid bottlenecks from unanswered queries. “[This would be] linking up all the different commissions, School Sanggunians, [and] the internal people who handle our Facebook and emails, and then basically streamlining based on any frequently asked questions or concerns,” Angan expounds. FIXING THE COMMUNICATION LINE Given the low levels of engagement between the Sanggunian and the student body, Political Science Assistant Professor Anne Lan Candelaria, PhD, warns that the lack of proper communication makes the student body feel
neglected and leads them to further disengage. Thus, a clear communication plan is essential to the Sanggunian’s relationship with the student body. She emphasizes that it prevents occurrences of unwanted miscommunication, which is especially important in the digital space that is always prone to misinterpretation and incoherence. Once the Sanggunian can clearly communicate with the student body, Candelaria says that students will further see them as a strong and dependable figure that is fully capable of representing the whole community. “[The Sanggunian] has to be robust, given that they are the only recognized organization to represent the undergraduate community in the LS. If they are organizationally weak, they cannot effectively represent [students],” Candelaria explains. In order to maintain a well-en-
gaged relationship between the student government and the student body, she advises that the Sanggunian must be transparent in terms of its weaknesses and limitations when it comes to meeting students’ needs. At the same time, the student body must also familiarize themselves with the Sanggunian’s goals and missions. “The fundamental problem is that people don’t often ask who Sanggu is…. It must be answered in order to know if [the Sanggunian] is something or someone that [students] can relate to,” Candelaria says. Being aware of the Sanggunian’s limitations can help the students set realistic expectations when it comes to the governing body’s capabilities. Therefore, transparency should not only be applied to the Sanggunian’s accomplishments and progress, but it must also extend to its constraints and weaknesses. THE BIGGER PICTURE In order for the Sanggunian and the student body to foster a better relationship, Arce states that the two must work together. She further emphasizes that the Sanggunian has to go beyond their usual reaching-out initiatives, which currently consist of surveys and broadcasts when crises erupt in the LS, such as during the mass student strike. Mangaluz shares similar sentiments, “You need to engage people on issues they care about. Otherwise, they won’t engage at all. That’s where you start, eh, on issues they care about.” By improving their communication with the student body, Angan hopes to create a more engaged LS community. She asserts, “It really needs a whole upheaval of how we’ve [Sanggunian] been doing things or how we’ve been operating. So hopefully, in the next elections, the seeds that we have sown will bear fruit.”
It really needs a whole upheaval of how we’ve been doing things or how we’ve been operating. So, hopefully, in the next elections, the seeds that we have sown will bear fruit.
KARA ANGAN SANGGUNIAN PRESIDENT
The GUIDON | November-December 2021
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Navigating foreign waters BY MARELLE BAÑEZ AND ASHLEY ENRIQUEZ PHOTOS BY JIM DASAL
BENEATH THE grove of trees, the Red Brick Road comes alive with students from all walks of life, pervading the campus with laughter and chatter all around. To many, this scene has replayed throughout their college life several times. To some, it is an invitation into a world unlike their own. International exchange students (IXS) are welcomed to the Ateneo with chika about campus professors, detailed descriptions of sisig, and plans to meet at white sand beaches—signifying the beginning of a cross-cultural exchange that grants students a plethora of memorable experiences. Unfortunately, this scenario currently remains to be a distant memory of the past, for the
“
pandemic has brought unprecedented setbacks in the Loyola Schools’ International Student Exchange Program. However, in an effort to materialize the Ateneo’s vision of internationalization amid the online setup, the University once again opened its doors to IXS through the Online Learning Exchange Program (OLEP). MANEUVERING THE SHIP For Korina Takeuchi, a thirdyear student of International Christian University from Japan, the online student exchange experience dulls compared to the possible colorful memories of physically immersing in the LS community.
As one of the students included in the pioneering OLEP batch, Takeuchi’s motivations for applying to the program are simple. She primarily chose the Ateneo because she wanted to study both English and a new language. “I am [a] little more confident about myself because gradually, I feel like my English skill has been improving,” she shares. The Filipino language course she is taking has also helped develop her skills in speaking Filipino. She still finds most of her courses enjoyable even with the online setup, which fulfills the two-way process of cross-cultural exchange where the learning and sharing of cultures intertwine.
I sometimes feel difficulty with group work because we arrange things online. I also feel difficulty when my Filipino friends start working one day before the deadline. Japanese people prefer to prepare as soon as possible.
KORINA TAKEUCHI FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT
A distinct memory she had from her experience was when her professor asked her to talk about Japan’s former Princess Mako, whose story made rounds on social media after she gave up her royal title to marry a commoner. Despite apprehensions, she was delighted by the class’ positive reactions. While she was able to share a piece of her culture, she has gained insights from her classmates’ culture as well. For her Philippine Cinema course, she took interest in the class’ featured films because of her peers who discussed and imparted knowledge on Filipino values. However, Takeuchi’s experience still comes with a set of challenges—all worsened by the online setup. For one, the language barrier remains to be a problem for organic interactions to transpire. “When Filipino students start talking in Filipino, I feel like I’m left behind,” she divulges. Additionally, cultural differences further play a part in her experience. Pertaining specifically to group work, she shared that there are occasions where she finds it difficult when her Filipino friends work on a requirement a day before the deadline. “Japanese people prefer to prepare as soon as possible,” she adds. She also mentioned having trouble arranging group work through Facebook due to limitations in face-to-face communication, shedding light on the downsides of online learning. Apart from her classmates and peers, Takeuchi has also faced challenges with the Office of International Relations (OIR) that is responsible for guiding IXS throughout the academic year. Takeuchi lamented how the OIR announced procedures regarding Withdrawal with Permission through a Facebook post without any further details. This prompted her to message the OIR’s official page for help, but it was to no avail. In the end, she was able to accomplish the process on her own. However, she missed her deadline after she was unable to click submit.
While she understands the mistake on her part, she hopes that the OIR would consider IXS’ unfamiliarity with the Ateneo’s various systems and inform students better on procedures.
She notes that internationalizing higher education institutions (HEIs) is operationalized through mobility programs. These programs require the movements of students or faculty to different HEIs to abide by certain partnerships. SURFING THE TIDES OF Notably, the geophysical GLOBALIZATION boundaries of cross-cultural Cruising through the rough seas education have now been broken of the online setup takes time to get down thanks to the maximization used to. However, border closures of digital platforms. Salvador says opened the doors for the develop- that this provides more outlets ment of digital instrumentalities to for the University to partake in sustain education. For the Ateneo, the creation and production of this has birthed the OLEP. knowledge, the ultimate functions According to OIR I nterim of academia. It bridges the Ateneo I nbound C oordinator Karla to the rest of the world, allowing Roxas, a total of 40 students from it to benchmark curricular the Ateneo’s partner universities programs in the University. in nine countries—Belgium, Once the OLEP is further imBrunei, China, France, Indonesia, proved and institutionalized, she Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain— adds that it will become possible enrolled in the program since its to commence other exchange launch in the second semester of opportunities in the UniversiAY 2020-2021. ty—particularly the launching Political Science Assistant of courses offered entirely online. Professor Alma Salvador, PhD shared that the online exchange TRANSCENDING BARRIERS program is a response to the Amid the setbacks of online constraint of the pandemic. She learning, Ateneo remains deemphasizes that the program, like termined to pursue its mission any initiative of the Ateneo, was of internationalizing education created along the lines of its thrust to tear down communication and educational philosophy of barriers and borders to progress. “being persons for others.” Thus, However,the University must all foreign exchange projects ensure that its online system is administered are always geared efficient and the community is towards a level of competency and inclusive in order to reach this the greater good. goal. Doing so plays a great part in “When we speak of interna- the overall experience of the IXS tionalization of higher education, and the success of the program. what is being internationalized “My life as an Atenean is through transnational processes challenging, but I also enjoy my is education, per se. Education difficulties,” Takeuchi shares. Her is never territorial...it knows no positive disposition has helped boundaries,” Salvador elaborates. her find joy in her challenges, Ultimately, Ateneo was incen- but this also reflects the need to tivized to transform into a global take further steps in improving university because globalization the IXS’ experience. brings forth the inevitability To achieve internationalizaof internationalization. tion, the LS community must “Academic mobility requires heed the voices of the IXS as a vital face-to-face interactions because stakeholder in the actualization of it entails socialization in the a global university. The Ateneo realm of culture. When you’re must enhance its navigation chart a student abroad, you’re not towards inclusive education—one only there to study but you’re that is buoyant amidst the ebbs there to [undergo] an immersive and flows, capable of seeing process of acculturation,” beyond differences despite being highlights Salvador. miles apart.
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PHOTO BY SOLEIL NICOLETTE
Tricks of the trade T H E E V O L U T I O N O F AT E N E O T R A D E BY JUDE LOURENCE G. SEGOVIA AND ANDREA TIBAYAN PHOTO BY JACINTA MADDATU
FROM USED clothes and books to luxury cars and hectares of land, Facebook group Ateneo Trade does not fall short on its variety of listings. With almost thirty thousand members, the online selling group has been many Ateneans’ go-to source for buying and selling goods and services that are otherwise unavailable on other platforms. While the group has become a free space for Ateneans to market their products and services, Ateneo Trade has faced criticism for its outlandish and extravagant listings—especially at a time when socioeconomic inequality is highlighted. Recently, a “bumping” raffle trend has surfaced within the group wherein a random commenter on a listing to increase its engagement are promised a certain amount of money once the item is sold. What was once a small group for Ateneans to simply trade their items has evolved into a large platform that begs questions on the group’s regulating and legal practices. TRACING ROOTS Before gaining traction, Ateneo Trade began in 2012 as a simple trading community where Ateneans exchanged clothes and textbooks or sold extra tickets for concerts. “I think the [convenience is] the value [of the group], but things have definitely changed over the years,” said Andrea Atienza, one of Ateneo Trade’s moderators. Atienza has been a member of the group since 2013. When she was an undergraduate student, listings were much smaller and simpler. However, she believes the dynamics of the group changed when the pandemic began. “Because there’s no one on campus anymore [and] everything’s online, [Ateneo Trade] kind of evolved. [...] The trends
change every year. There was a time [where the group sold] all food. In 2015, it was makeup everywhere. Some people sold a lot of t-shirts. I did notice in the last couple of years that a lot are selling properties,” Atienza says. Atienza also attributes the changing trends in the group to the aging population of Ateneo Trade, which countless Ateneo alumni still join. “[The group does not consist of] all college students. It’s open to all Ateneans [from] ADMU. You get a mix of everyone from every age group and SES (socioeconomic status). It’s a sign of an aging population. For some people it’s their jobs, for others it’s their families,” she says. WRAPPED IN CONTROVERSIES As these changes continue to happen in Ateneo Trade, the once self-effacing online selling group has also turned into a hotspot of controversies among the Ateneo community. With items already extending to real estate and other luxury items, members began criticizing some listings for being insensitive and historically incorrect. In 2017, a product called “Break In Case of Martial Law,” which was a pair of yellow slippers inside a glass jar, incited criticism from several Ateneo Trade members who said the item capitalized on the Martial Law period and its victims. Despite the outrage it caused, Ateneo Trade’s moderators decided not to delete the reposted item, citing the apolitical nature of the selling platform. Today, the “bumping” raffle trend has also raised questions among members of the online selling group, stating that it technically violates Ateneo Trade’s current rules and regulations on prohibiting raffles. When asked whether the “bumping” trend violates this
bility. [...] We trust everyone’s maturity and responsibility in making sure transactions are good,” Atienza emphasizes.
They (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises or MSMEs) are the ones that provide basic services to many Filipinos and through e-commerce, you make it easier for these MSMEs to thrive especially with the pandemic. JAN FREDRICK P. CRUZ ECONOMICS LECTURER
rule, Atienza says the moderators have not made a definitive decision but have let the trend continue. “We kind of made it allowed because it’s not really harming the group, although I understand the sentiments [from] the group. It [looks like] spam, but it does help [the sellers] have exposure about the item,” she explains. In addition, Atienza clarified that group administrators only reprimand and remove sellers
who violate group rules. Given the growing membership of Ateneo Trade and the larger listings posted on the group, Atienza and the other moderators agreed to relegate the responsibilities of transactions between the buyer and seller themselves. “The legalities fall upon the individual sellers and buyers. It’s up to them to go through the correct process. Ateneo Trade is just a platform. For us, we’re giving everyone the responsi-
LIMITING A FREE MARKET While the growth of the Ateneo Trade calls for stronger regulations on the transactions happening within the group, it remains true to its identity as an informal trading platform and continues to practice loose self-regulation. For Marketing and Law Professor Atty. Eugene Kaw, the bumping trend is not necessarily illegal nor harmful, but it may not be a sound business practice. “The closest thing that I can think of is it’s close to unfair competition. Loosely, ha? Hindi strictly. Because how about those sellers who do not have the resources or the capacity to incentivize? Kawawa sila. [...] If you have the money, the resources, you could create that advantage, but [I] don’t think it’s illegal,” he says. Given these changing trends in Ateneo Trade, Kaw emphasized the need for self-regulation. “It should be regulated by the administrators themselves. It is not uncommon actually that in certain industries, there is self-regulation, so that can be a process that they can do,” he says. Because the efficiency of the online selling group lies on “good faith and trust,” Economics lecturer Jan Fredrick Cruz also believes that Ateneo Trade’s group rules and regulations should be properly enforced. Otherwise, “a little” negligence from the administrators can cause a breakdown in the contractual obligations and trust between the seller and the buyer. “[Ateneo Trade] should be regulated, so [that] it is still compliant with laws that protect consumers’ rights, confidentiality, and privacy of buyer and seller. It
should be able to protect intellectual property rights and the reputation of established businesses. To that extent, there should really be a regulation,” Cruz claims. Nonetheless, he recognizes the essence of online selling groups like Ateneo Trade in the Philippine economy. He emphasizes that as the country relies on small businesses, these online platforms help keep the country’s economy afloat. Another factor that makes small groups like Ateneo Trade a popular selling platform is the reduced “information asymmetry” among group members. According to Cruz, information asymmetry pertains to the minimal information a buyer has regarding the seller’s product or service—making the buyer uncertain as to whether they should continue the transaction. However, because Ateneo Trade is exclusive to the Atenean community, members of the group are more likely to trust the bargain. “Ateneo Trade [r]educes information asymmetry by way of employees, teachers, and students selling the goods so there is some level of trust. At the end of the day, this person I’m talking to is also my classmate [or] my professor. There is less incentive to engage in fraudulent behavior,” Cruz says. While Ateneo Trade largely remains loosely regulated, both its moderators and members are subject to its constantly changing trends and rules. The platform’s success lies in its convenience, ease, and informal nature, thus making the group attractive not just for students, but for alumni as well. However, as the community continues to grow, the need to properly manage the group becomes more vital to prevent it from disarray.
LIFE AND DEBT The size of government debt has drawn concern from the public, but economists have noted that its composition and spending are far more important.
EDITOR: KIANA R. ALTOVEROS • LAYOUT ARTIST: TIFFANY CU • READ MORE AT theguidon.com
Beyond Loyola
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Economy of disinformation BY MAX S. KANG, GEORGE D. KHO, AND YVES LAZARO ILLUSTRATION BY JOSE EMMANUEL B. LAUREL
BENEATH THE political agitation associated with disinformation lies a complex web of networks pushing forth false narratives amid weakly regulated social media algorithms. As the public increasingly begins to scrutinize disinformation, advocacy groups and the press have constantly emphasized the culpability of the state and big tech groups. However, disinformation actors in the local scene continue to operate in a highly commercialized manner due to huge market demand— alluding to a thriving industry of disinformation. With Filipinos now more reliant than ever on social media as their source of information, further understanding disinformation tactics is crucial in preventing netizens from helping circulate the falsehoods they see online. DEPLOYING DISINFORMATION Social media has become a potent area for disinformation with politicians such as the Marcoses deliberately weaponizing it for personal gain. Dissecting or identifying disinformation across social media is difficult because it coexists with news, opinion, and entertainment, according to University of the Philippines Diliman Communication Research Assistant Professor Fatima Gaw. G aw expla ined that the difficulty stems from computational propaganda
wherein disinformation actors strategically deploy bots and trolls. “Bots are programmed accounts online that can facilitate massive or organized inauthentic actions,” she said, illustrating how the movement of these bots make certain topics trend. On the other hand, Gaw described trolls as paid individuals who use inauthentic accounts to manufacture discourse and f lood opposing opinions on news articles through very hostile discourse rather than with rational arguments. Trolls and bots have long been utilized by candidates and government officials to manipulate public opinion during events such as the 2016 Philippine elections. President Rodrigo Duterte even admitted to paying social media users and groups to spread propaganda and disinformation during his campaign. More than a product of paid propaganda, the spread of disinformation is also due to the algorithms of many digital platforms. Gaw noted that commercial platforms are not necessarily made for users of various backgrounds to converge for political debates. “Their political [and] economic character as a commercial [technology] platform—that denies their media or editorial responsibility—is one of the reasons why disinformation [permeates] these platforms,” she said, pointing to the
platforms’ lack of accountability in moderating circulating and popular content. While algorithms are necessary for platforms to function efficiently due to the sheer amount of content being uploaded at a time, Gaw noted there must be mechanisms in place to prevent actors from manipulating them. “[A lgor it hms a re] not necessarily the enemy here. They’re mechanisms to govern [social media content]. But how the algorithm works—the logic that fuels their decision-making—is what [makes it] problematic,” Gaw explained. A WHOLE INDUSTRY Beyond algorithms, trolls, and bots, disinformation also involves various actors engaged in a shrouded yet organized industry. University of Massachusetts Amherst Global Digital Media Associate Professor Jonathan Corpus Ong, PhD stated that digital disinformation is merely an expansion of traditional tools that consultants and campaign strategists have long used. “What we call trolling is often cloaked in industry jargon … so it’s made [to] sound more respectable than what it actually is,” he said. As such, disinformation actors often see their work more as advertisement and public relations (Ad and PR) rather than political trolling. In a report entitled Architects of Networked Disinformation, Ong illustrated various stages of
such campaigns. First, political clients set objectives for Ad and PR executives. Strategists then plan how the “click army” would fulfill these goals. Lastly, operators carry out the plan through positive branding, diversionary tactics, negative campaigning, trending, or signal scrambling. All these steps lead to networked narratives that reach grassroots supporters and mainstream media. Ong noted that merely pursuing trolls alone to combat disinformation is inefficient given their low-level position in a much larger hierarchy. Aside from being smaller targets, operators often see and justify their work as mere gigs while differentiating themselves from “true trolls” such as actual supporters. “No one is a full-time troll. Trolling is a sideline,” Ong remarked. Furthermore, Ong raised that the news media’s focus on progovernment disinformation risks limiting the issue to the administration. In reality, the industry heavily involves many other political actors to varying degrees. “Everybody is in on it,” he said, stating how consultants would also work for local-level officials and even between unaligned candidates. As such, discussions on disinformation must not see it simply as a struggle of political agendas, but as a highly organized industry with actors on various levels that are motivated by commercial interests.
PASSING THE BUCK Social media platforms have virtually no monetary incentive to take long-term action against political disinformation since it still brings in engagements, and by extension, revenues. This holds true especially for countries in the Global South. While platforms have pledged to help maintain the integrity and quality of Philippine political content as the 2022 elections approach, content moderation policies are still implemented on a case-to-case basis and are thus easily exploited by disinformation actors. “How [these platforms] intervene is very symbolic, very tokenistic,” Gaw said. “For example, very big, tentpole events like COVID-19 or the US election—those things, they act on. But the issues of smaller countries like us [...], it’s not a priority for these platforms to act on.” Gaw further noted that platforms are only likely to take action if faced with legaleconomic consequences, such as the ongoing antitrust lawsuit being levied against Facebook by the United States Supreme Court. Nevertheless, she emphasized that social media is merely a platform for the advertising industry that actively bolsters the spread of disinformation. Ong similarly cautioned against mainstream reportage glossing over how advertising
agencies take in political clients, for whom disinformation is then manufactured. As such, tackling this industry should not just concern social media platforms. Ong advocated for a Whole-ofSociety approach. “There needs to be discussions of ethics and self-regulation within the industry [...]. Hatihati [yung campaign work] (the campaign work is split), so no one is fully responsible—but everyone is complicit,” she said. Both Gaw and Ong stressed that civil initiatives remain e qu a l ly i mp or t a nt a nd encouraged the youth to take collective action by volunteering in anti-disinformation efforts. According to Gaw, the electorate must remain vigilant against disinformation and educate one’s personal circles. Meanwhile, Ong called for the creation of safe spaces wherein disgruntled workers and whistleblowers from the advertising industry can share experiences of being made to manufacture disinformation. Ultimately, accountability for t he consequences of disinformation cannot be ascribed to any single sector or platform. Only with a holistic understanding and structural approach to the machinery of political campaigning can there be a pushback against falsehoods online.
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Beyond Loyola
Cutting coal BY BIEL L.B. AREVALO AND JUSTINE RAMIREZ ILLUSTRATION BY SAM DELLOMAS
CARBON DIOXIDE emissions from coal-fired power plants, the most polluting energy resource in the world, massively exacerbates rising global temperatures. In the Philippines, coal-fired power plants account for nearly half of the power generators despite a moratorium on coal projects being announced in October 2020. To accelerate the energy transition away from coal, local groups across the archipelago have begun to lobby for further state action and more thorough collaboration between the government and the power sector. In February 2020, Visayan Church leaders and social organizations gathered to request Philippine financial institutions to cease funding for coal plant projects. Their “Withdraw from Coal” campaign pointed out that the increasing share of coal in the country’s power mix calls for “more ambitious ways forward” from the finance sector. At the same time, Mindanaoans await a financing mechanism to rehabilitate the Agus-Pulangi hydropower plant which will “enhance the reliability of clean energy generation in Mindanao.” Once the plant’s rehabilitation plans are final, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III expressed that his agency will order the closure of coal-fired power plants in the region. Though Luzon still struggles with housing the highest capacity of coal-fired power plants,
funding from a partnership with the Asian Development Bank may aid in the region’s decarbonization. Despite these current efforts, more must be done to save the country from climate ruin. Manila Electric Company chair Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized that collaboration within the power sector—as well as between the power sector and the government—is crucial to decarbonizing the Philippine energy mix. The country’s recent membership in the Accelerating Coal Transition (ACT) program may aid in its next steps towards reshaping the energy market and achieving its goal of decarbonization. Though the world will see record-high emission levels in 2023 due to the present failure to transition away from coal, the International Energy Agency (IEA) insists that the path to net-zero emissions by 2050 is “narrow but still achievable,” with enough global effort. Though the Philippines’ pledge to become a zero emissions society is crucial to global climate recovery, global commitment is equally vital to the country’s security amid a climate crisis. Flooding, sea level rising, drought, and biodiversity loss are only some of the hazards that the country faces as the nation “most at risk from the climate crisis.” Given the Philippines’ unique vulnerability to the effects of global warming, cutting coal then becomes the keystone of a national plan for survival.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) insists that the path to net-zero emissions by 2050 is “narrow but still achievable,” with enough global effort.
COP OUT. As the Philippines continually pursues policies that are not aligned with the commitment of COP26, its citizens constantly face catastrophes associated with climate change. PHOTO BY JIM DASAL
COP26: A catalyst for change? BY ANGELA DIVINA, ALEXANDRA GRANTOZA, AND DERYN VENTILACION AFTER A one-year postponement, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) was held in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 13. With the aim of decreasing global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, resolutions made by delegates from nation states were designed towards curbing deforestation, methane emissions, coal-fired power, and fossil fuel financing. However, international and local supporters of the climate movement were disappointed by the underwhelming pledges and limited representation. According to climate activists, these issues dampen the success of the summit and are extremely disheartening to countries like the Philippines, who are most at risk from climate change. This vulnerability to the climate crisis makes it crucial to examine the impact of COP26 pledges and local environmental policies on grassroot communities, and the ways in which the country can move toward environmental sustainability. ROADMAP INTERPRETATION To successfully combat climate change, global policies often involved gradual steps, such as national capacity building, but the Glasgow Climate Pact surprised many with its emphasis on rapid solutions. This was seen in their call for the rapid phasing out of coal and fossil fuel subsidies. Such drastic measures featured in the Glasgow Climate Pact, however, are predicted to help nations reach temperature cut-off estimations. Other ways of reaching this temperature cutoff by 2030 was emphasized in the calls of many activists and civil society networks regarding collaborative measures and an inclusive and transparent policy making process. Additionally, nations are urged to help
mitigate the negative effects of climate change by making their own environmental policies more relevant to stakeholders. Looking back, the pledges made in COP26 echoes the sentiments of the Philippines’ current environmental laws, such as the Renewable Energy Act and Executive Order (EO) No. 23. While these policies differ in scale and target outputs, their goal is uniform: Accomplish climate justice. Some Philippine laws, however, hinder environmental reform as they do not directly address the root problems behind climate change. For instance, instead of identifying the socio-cultural roots of deforestation, EO No. 23 jumps directly to preventative measures, such as imposing moratoriums on harvesting timber. To address this, Climate Change Commission (CCC) member Rex Victor O. Cruz PhD foregrounds that stakeholders’ active participation in combating climate change heavily depends on the cost implications to themselves. Cruz highlighted this point by noting that, through the CCC’s efforts, farmers were able to further understand their role in the climate change discussion, which is beneficial to achieving climate justice. Through the direct involvement of the farmers in the climate change discussion, Cruz underscored how climate change should be communicated through its impact on stakeholders instead of focusing solely on technicalities. By helping individuals understand their power as part of a community, interconnected climate justice strategies will be more obtainable. ILLUSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY Greenpeace Philippines Campaigner Virginia Benosa-Llorin shared similar sentiments regard-
ing poor government intervention, claiming that current actions are conflicting with climate goals. She mentioned how disaster response projects are misaligned due to unsystematic food sourcing, plastic packaging, and poor nutrition of relief goods. Benosa-Llorin also believed that the government should be more firm towards corporate polluters in light of the continued expansion of coalpowered plants. More than just holding companies accountable, she hoped that national policies would encourage polluters to change their business models and enable a rapid shift to renewable energy. To address these issues, Benosa-Llorin called for more robust global and national environmental policies for disaster preparedness and renewable energy. “The House of Representatives had adopted a resolution declaring [a] climate emergency. Unfortunately, we still do not have a coherent, national-level solution,” she said. Benosa-Llorin also lamented COP26’s weak stance against the climate crisis because it failed to end government and corporate carbon offsetting schemes. While carbon offsetting seems environmentally sound at first glance, this process is often used by polluters as a means to escape accountability. It allows companies to avoid cutting carbon emissions directly, and push the burden onto consumers. Furthermore, the majority of carbon offsets do not achieve the emission reductions that they promise. NOT JUST BOTTOM-UP CHANGE As evidenced by weak national policies, the government has struggled to implement decisive climate action in the country. This is evident in global events such as the COP26, where de-
veloping nations are still forced to take the backseat in policy making and negotiations. Additionally, there is a continuous clamor for national climate strategies to be long-term and to have a stronger national context. Thus, while the Philippines has various environmental laws for solid waste management, clean water, and clean air, Cruz accentuates the need for a National Land Use Act and revised forestry code. According to him, these additional policies would help reduce greenhouse gases and create more sustainable practices. Cruz also mentioned that the Philippines has the necessary legal framework to combat climate change, but it needs to be updated in regards to the current context of stakeholders. “Naniniwala [ako] na yung national framework policy na ‘yan (I believe that our national framework policy) should not stifle the imaginativeness, the creativity, and the uniqueness of local conditions,” he emphasized. With this, he suggests that the government’s environmental duty does not end with overarching legislation; rather, they must also empower local communities. In the aftermath of these critical climate discussions, Benosa-Llorin applauds the unrelenting efforts of the climate movement in pushing for climate justice at COP26. She especially holds youth activists in great esteem as she, like Cruz, encourages the government to satiate civil society’s appetite for contributing to climate action. “No more excuses, no more delays; the time to take climate action was yesterday. Confronting the climate crisis needs every hand on deck,” she asserted.
The GUIDON | November-December 2021
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Beyond Loyola
What makes a top cop? BY FRANCIS CAIGA AND ZACHARY C. GONZALES FROM OVER 100 police generals, only one can take the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) chain of command. This year in November, after being scrutinized under the
general criteria based on merit, reputation, and seniority, Police General Dionardo B. Carlos was appointed as the PNP’s chief over two more senior officers than him. While it may be argued that merit and reputation might have weighed more in this appointment, seniority has seemingly
THE NEXT TOP COP. As former Lieutenant General Dionardo Carlos eases into his new position as Philippine National Police Chief, the selection process determining eligibility for this highly coveted position is questioned. Collage made with photos sourced from The Wikimedia Foundation: Photos by the Philippine National Police and Philippine News Agency. PHOTO MANIPULATION BY MATTHEW PROFETA ILLUSTRATION BY KAITLYN W. MERCADO
been considered inconsistently. Besides this issue, the actual consideration of seniority in the appointment of PNP chiefs ostensibly leaves younger yet brilliant police personnel out of the radar. SCREENING THE FITTEST In the PNP, only around 147 out of the organization’s 218,442 police personnel are police generals, said Deputy Director of the Center for Police Strategy Management Police Colonel Victor V. Arevalo. These senior officers, furthermore, are filtered for the highest position of the PNP as they are evaluated multiple times until the National Police Commission formulates a shortlist. Seeing how these decisions unfold, Arevalo noted that choosing the next PNP chief among a multitude of capable and reliable police generals must have been complicated. These police general candidates have decades-worth of experience, but once they root for the chief position, appointment decisions remain muddled with inconsistencies.
Although the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año has publicly shared the standard they follow, not even the Republic Act (R.A.) 6975—which created the PNP—contains such criteria. Wanting formalized criteria can then lead to unexpected selections, such as Senator Bato Dela Rosa’s PNP chief appointment in 2016 which surpassed senior police generals from three Philippine Military Academy (PMA) classes. At the time, however, Camp Crame members understood the appointment. Reports said that Dela Rosa’s appointment was largely due to President Rodrigo Duterte’s unfamiliarity with other PNP generals early in his term in office. While Carlos’ case is seemingly similar to Dela Rosa’s, Arevalo said, “General Carlos is the youngest among the three [generals], and among the considerations, in my take, [is the] upcoming big event, the national and local elections.” He also noted that Cruz and Dickson—the other two candidates for the position— were retiring around March 2022, which could have posed a challenge to the PNP’s electionsrelated preparations had their terms been cut midway. On the other hand, Carlos’ retirement is set in May, giving enough time for the national democratic event.
AGE OF MAJORITY Looking at the past, PNP chiefs serving for merely a year—just before they hit retirement—is nothing new. One of the main reasons why PNP chiefs have the penchant to serve unusually short terms is due to the untimely intersection between their age of appointment and compulsory retirement. As per Section 39 of R.A. 6975, all police personnel are compelled to retire upon reaching 56 years old. Historically, however, PNP chiefs have the tendency of averaging at least 54 years old once appointed to the position. This means PNP chiefs have a maximum of two years to see their ambitions through. The historical tendency of appointing PNP chiefs nearing retirement age is not coincidental but a product of the very institutions of the PNP. Most of the current police generals begin PNP training decades before at around the same age range. By the time these police officers have gone through the necessary promotions, the pool of eligible individuals for PNP chief are the same age and close to retirement. “I am a PMA graduate of class ‘94. We have a range… we entered the academy… with the range of 21, 22, 23 [years old]. We have a group of people entering almost the same age,” said Arevalo.
As of writing, the 52-year-old police colonel shared that in about three years from now, he and his PMA batchmates will likely get their Police Brigadier General rank. This will finally make them eligible to be considered for the next PNP chief. “[By] 2023, we have only the remaining two years in the service. That’s why [if] we will be appointed, some of us will only serve for two years,” Arevalo added.
referencing the good credit ratings achieved in the 2010s. Despite the public’s sentiments, the present size of the debt does not directly affect Filipinos. However, the public’s fears are not unfounded. “People associate more debt with more corruption because they can’t feel where the loans are spent,” Institute for Leadership, Empowerment, and Democracy Executive Director Zy-za Suzara said. Apart from lapses in the COVID-19 fiscal response, recent events such as the investigation into Pharmally Pharmaceutical have cast doubt on the government’s commitment to
economic recovery. Thus, it remains imperative that the public sustain calls for accountability as the national debt continues to grow. Recovery hinges on these loans being spent properly, which in turn requires good governance.
ON THE OFF CHANCE With the highest-ranking officer in the PNP replaced every two years, and the post seemingly never passing to younger police officers, there are ostensibly wellfounded morale and continuity concerns. However, Arevalo confirmed this should not be the case; he claimed members of the PNP are trained to be good, to serve, to develop, and to wait when given the chance. In due time, one may find themselves next in line for PNP chief. As it appears, change may regularly come for the PNP chief but not for their selection criteria anytime soon. The importance of seniority permeates deep within PNP culture and tradition, and perhaps will remain so as one of the many aspects holding the overall structure together. Until then, what seems to fundamentally make a top cop is one fortunate older one.
Life and debt BY PIOEE B. BASSIG AND RAM HEBRON THE PHILIPPINES has a turbulent history with debt. The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ borrowing sprees scarred the economy and, with it, scores of Filipinos. Today, the public is especially alarmed about the size of the national debt, which has been critical in fueling economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Senator Panfilo Lacson falsely claimed that every Filipino owed Php 120,000 as their share of the national debt. Though experts have repeatedly addressed misconceptions on the matter, public misunderstanding and misleading statements persist, making it necessary to clarify the dynamics of debt. DISSECTING DEBT In 2020, COVID-19 and hard lockdowns depressed consumer activity, which in turn adversely affected production. Under these conditions, Filipinos’ incomes suffered. Thus, the government’s only viable option for funding economic stimuli was to borrow as raising taxes would have further discouraged spending and worsen the recession. Given the scale of the crisis, large loans were necessary. As of September, the Treasury reported that public debt totaled Php 11.9 trillion—63.1% of the nation’s total income or Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite historic highs, economists argued that the debt’s size should not be a chief concern. In assessing the
nation’s economic standing, the focus should instead be on the debt’s composition and spending. The composition of debt is concerned with two matters: The source and the maturation of the loans. Currently, domestic borrowings make up 70.4% of public debt. These are owed directly to Filipinos, who purchase securities like treasury bonds from banks and bills from the government for additional income from interest. In contrast, foreign debt cannot be as easily controlled by the government if it accumulates. “The supply of those foreign currencies is something the country has to earn through real GDP growth,” said economist Emmanuel de Dios, PhD. Another key difference between domestic and foreign debt is the impact of repayment on the Philippine economy. When domestic borrowings are repaid, the money will still circulate in the economy since the government is simply paying Filipinos back. However, this is not the case with external loans, economist Solita Monsod, PhD stressed. Apart from mostly internal debt, most of the Philippines’ debt are long-term loans. Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development Associate Director Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, PhD emphasized that this affords the nation “more breathing room.” This means more
time to focus on economic recovery efforts before loan payments are due. As a caveat, Peña-Reyes did note that since long-term loans entail more risk for lenders, interest rates are higher. DEBT AS A LIFELINE As Peña-Reyes and other economists have highlighted, the prime concern with debt is the ability to repay it. Ultimately, debt payment will rely on the income and growth generated by the programs funded by the loans themselves. Thus, whether the government can pay its dues depends on how wisely the loans are spent today. Peña-Reyes joins many economists in the belief that the fiscal response must be more vigorous. The efforts of economic managers towards national recovery have been conservative, focusing on keeping good credit ratings which are threatened by a rising debt-to-GDP ratio. As such, economist Cielito Habito noted that the government has largely turned to reserved, short-term pandemic solutions instead of a more determined strategy.
To ensure that the nation can return to economic growth and comfortably repay debts, economists have identified key areas to spend on. For one, Monsod reiterated the necessity of investing in health infrastructure which has not been sufficiently prioritized in the past. Fu r t h e r m o r e , Pe ñ a-Re y e s highlighted spending on weaknesses—such as agriculture and digital infrastructure—that have made the country’s economy fragile. He added that investing in these areas is crucial so that the Philippines can achieve not just economic recovery, but long-term resilience as well. Peña-Reyes argued that there is still room to borrow, even as the debt’s size has alarmed Filipinos. With economic forecasts showing optimistic improvements, he also emphasized that now is the time to take on debt and spend it when the need exists. “While you’re in a good position to borrow, you borrow,” Peña-Reyes remarked,
ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA YABUT
EDITOR: AISHA C. SAID • LAYOUT ARTIST: JEZZYRAE B. MAGLENTE • READ MORE AT theguidon.com
LEAVING THE RAT RACE With a rigid educational system straightening students’ paths, three people share what it’s like to run the other way.
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Christmases when you were mine As families begin to prepare for their old and new Christmas traditions, some have to go through the season of coping with the loss of a loved one. BY AIDAN BERNALES AND ENZO LAGAMON
THE MOST wonderful time of the year is a season of colors, blaring Yuletide songs, and numerous unique traditions. It is a season that comes to life with family and community. For some, however, their Christmas plans may not be as merry or joyful. For those whose loved ones have passed away during this season, the holiday carols may sound different, decorated trees shine more dimly, and relatives come home for more painful reasons. As people begin to flood the malls once more for the holidays, others pack flowers and candles to bring to the cemetery. Two people who continue to grieve share their stories of mourning as they go through the season of giving, confronted with the reality of loss. THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Just like everyone who celebrates Christmas, Mariana Ramos, a Grade 12 student of Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu, is no stranger to special traditions. For her, Christmas finds a special place in her heart when she reminisces on the special bond she had with her father as they feasted over their favorite meals. “I eat a lot with my dad, so during Christmas we would have a lot of food,” Mariana shares. She adds how this tradition even meant exchanging food-related gifts with one another. Mariana and her father used to spend most of the year together,
ILLUSTRATION BY ANDIE TSAI
bonding over home-cooked meals and mall hangouts. She says that one of the most crucial questions she and her father enjoy answering is what dishes they’d be preparing for the festivities. For her, Christmas is largely defined by bonding with family over the most hearty and comforting meals.
My dad's physical presence is not here, but he is still spiritually here. He visits us in dreams.
MARIANA RAMOS
Bro. Eugene L ea ño, a seminarian at the Society of Saint Paul, shares similar memories of the extra special Christmases he spent with his mother. This season was one of the only times in the year that he could be with her. “Family time may sound normal to others but, as a seminarian, I’m away for most of the year. The only time I’m with my family is during Christmas,” he says.
Bro. Eugene shares how his mom stood at the helm of ensuring the celebrations were grand: Planning staycations, cont acting relatives, a nd cooking pasta. This especially touches his heart because his mother never really cooks; when she does, it’s her famous carbonara on special occasions like his birthday and Christmas. For Bro. Eugene and Mariana, Christmas is colored mainly by their memories with the ones they’ve lost. Most of Mariana’s happiest memories always had her dad in the picture. On the other hand, Bro. Eugene’s mother was the cohesion that brought and kept their family together. While their eyes light up in admiring and reminiscing their past Christmases, there remains a vague and unmistakable feeling that washes over them—longing. LOSS IN THE SEASON OF GIVING As the winter solstice gets closer, the nights in December become longer. The bold and flashy Christmas lights distract most people from these long nights, but not even the lonesome candlelight on the Facebook profiles of the bereaved can help them escape the darkness. “I’ve been a teacher to many students before who lost their parents in the middle of the school year. I didn’t know the extent of their pain until I lost my own,” Bro. Eugene recounts. Bro. Eugene lost his mother to COVID-19 back in September, right when Christmas music started filling the malls. He
recalls what his mom had to go through, from the day that she lost her senses to the conversation she had with their househelp where she said, “Wala na. Natalo na ako ng COVID (It’s over. COVID beat me).” Mariana’s sorrow when she lost her father back in April— when many had already taken their Christmas lights down—is still present as the year comes to a close. “I really didn’t expect that he would pass away so suddenly at such an early part in my life,” she says, acknowledging that it takes quite a long while to cope with loss properly. Christmas this year will be a much needed distraction for the two. Mariana shares that her relatives try to squeeze in get-togethers and calls to be there for them. The presence of family members and friends has helped comfort them. This year, Bro. Eugene will be spending his Christmas away from home for the first time. He will be in the seminary, busy with Christmas preparations. “Distraction is my coping mechanism,” he says. While hints of grief remain in their words, Christmas for the both of them remains a season of hope—maybe even more so now. UNWRAPPING GRIEF Things have changed now that grief plays a significant role in both of their Christmases. Mariana shares their plans to spend the Christmas season with their extended family outside of their hometown. “[Staying in Cebu] reminds us too much of my dad,” she says. It is important for her family, especially her mother, that the Christmas season stays joyous. While they can remember and smile about their memories with their father, they also want to
start a new chapter with just the three of them. Mariana says her father would have wanted that too. Bro. Eugene, on the other hand, will be busy with liturgical work. The Christmas season is when he gets to unwind and be with his mom. “I will miss that the most during Christmas,” he expresses after realizing things wouldn’t be the same anymore. Bro. Eugene shares the type of relationship he had with his mom. “I could tell my mom my deepest secret and not be embarrassed.” He even recounted how one night after her passing, he instinctively opened his phone and tried to call her, hoping he could tell her everything about his busy day and she would be on the other end, listening. “I don’t think I can or will form the same emotional connection with anyone else,” he says. Like Bro. Eugene with his mom, Mariana felt free of judgment around her father, too. “I’ll miss talking with [my dad]. He’s one of the few people who can actually understand me,” she recounts. Both of them know, however, that their loved ones aren’t totally gone for Christmas. Mariana realizes the importance of celebrating the gift of company this year and how her father is still very much part of that. “My dad’s physical presence is not here, but he is still spiritually here,” she says. “He visits us in dreams.” Similarly, Bro. Eugene has received messages from friends and family that his mother visits them in their dreams. She would bid them farewell but also confess that she would have rather lived. Bro. Eugene, however, believes she actually is still living, just somewhere else. He takes comfort in praying that she is in a better place. The bright colors are still up, the music still blaring, and the
traditions are reimagined into new ones. While Christmas won’t ever be the same for the bereaved, it may still be the season where they can hope for brighter and happier tomorrows. As a parting wish, Mariana prays that her father is happy and rests well, while Bro. Eugene hopes his mother enjoyed her life here as he very much enjoyed hers. As these words escape their lips—past the Christmas lights, food-centered gifts, and festive carbonara—there is an unshakeable feeling that these words have been heard. Their loved ones are out there listening, after all.
I've been a teacher to many students before who lost their parents in the middle of the school year. I didn't know the extent of their pain until I lost my own.
BRO. EUGENE LEAÑO
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Features
ILLUSTRATION BY JAYCOB BUSTAMANTE
Treading the delicate line As the 2022 elections bring political tensions within Filipino households, rooms at home feel much smaller and families begin to feel less and less familiar.
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I think a part of me still hopes that someday, I can have another civilized discourse with them and hopefully— little by little— change their minds.
BEA* PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT
BY GAB APLASCA AND LIAM ISAIAH LAO
HEATED POLITICAL discourse stretches into Filipino homes. Within the room’s four walls is a battleground for the intergenerationa l wa rfa re that reigns among ideologies of family members. With the clock ticking down to the 2022 elections, political polarization is inflaming on the domestic scale just as it is nationally. Ties may begin to fray and tensions may start to grow under roofs where ideals clash as the election season draws near. In light of these quarrels, two students share stories of political exchanges over their family dinner tables. THICKER THAN WATER Gary* (4 BS ME) first noticed the chipping of the paint on his familial relationships with the filing of certificates of candidacy in October. After expressing his support for a certain candidate, he sensed his parents’ unease. Not ic i ng h i s pa rent s’ objection to his pick, Gary attempted to explain his choice only to receive more contempt. “I would say their surprise wasn’t really [shock]… they’re just not comfortable with my preferences,” he said. Psychology sophomore at Assumption College Bea* reveals that her first encounter with political friction in the family occurred in 2017. As she previously shared their support of a certain former president, Bea was met with her parents’ shock when she started sharing posts exposing their faults. “It's a disbelief for them that I don’t share the same political views as them anymore,” she says. Despite the differing contexts of their familial discords, both
individuals felt that the chasms in their relationships widened like never before. “Usually, they bring up politics at the dinner table. So for me, it’s kind of hard to sit through... it's so painful to listen to them,” Bea remarks. Gar y acknowledges that a contrast of communit y inf luence, affinity, and belief largely color their political gap. “I think they just have a different world and different sources of information from me altogether,” he points out. While both of them describe a close-knit relationship within the family, continuous political disagreements have diminished their openness towards their loved ones. This has prompted Bea to request her parents not to discuss politics while she is around, whereas Gary refrains from openly expressing support for his bets to keep the peace within their homes. The big elephant in the room remains, and it has left both Bea and Gary disheartened and discouraged from attempting to reconcile their political beliefs. Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope remains that harmony will one day return to their respective homes. “I think a part of me still hopes that someday, I can have another civilized discourse with them and hopefully—little by little—change their minds,” Bea concludes. PROFESSIONAL PERCEPTIONS Navigating family life with political differences can be a much more difficult endeavor during a pandemic. Conf lict can seem inescapable, given that physical space cannot separate family members when arguments arise. According to registered guidance counselor for students and families Arminda Muga, individual experiences can explain
why differing political views exist in a household despite the kinship. “While family members may have common experiences, [parents] may also bring with them their beliefs from their family of origin. Family members may also be exposed to the realities in their community that they realize they value most,” she explains. Muga adds that these learned values act as a compass for individual discernment on political issues which lead to varied and opposing stances among family members. Conf licting viewpoints may seem natural within the household, but it could pose deeper implications on the individuals within. Marilou Borje, guidance counselor at the Loyola Schools Office for Guidance and Counseling (LSOGC), explains that these conf licts could deeply affect familial wellbeing and relationships. She furthers that disagreements without hearing the other party could lead to resentment and invalidation, and it reinforces feelings of depression. In some family dynamics, these feuds also magnify the power imbalance between parties in strife. This could eventually spark feelings of anxiety, as Muga notices that speaking out in some homes may lead to a deprivation of needs such as food or their allowance. In response to political conf lict, both counselors emphasize the need for empathy and respect amid standing by one’s truth. Intelligent discourse and constant engagement even beyond politics could help resolve arguments, especially if respect is maintained between parties. Borje suggests that in lieu of emotionally charged exchanges and comparison to other candidates, one could instead
speak of their own candidates’ platform and achievements and stand for their truths alone. Even when faced with misinformation, she maintains that respectf ul discourse without appearing dismissive of the other party is most effective when handling conflicts. Apart from conflict resolution, Borje and Muga reinforce that awareness of one’s limits when it comes to political discussions is essential to self-care and selfregulation. Hence, knowing when to disengage and take care of one’s emotional wellbeing can aid greatly when faced with disagreement. HEADS AND TAILS Political disagreement among family members may seem unavoidable at times and, if left unchecked, could amplify negative emotions and harm one’s mental well-being. However, disagreements do not have to end this way. Past the facade of politics and the stress caused by the pandemic are loved ones who are also striving for a better life and a better future. Despite the conflicts, Muga encourages everyone to remain hopeful and continue caring for family members who may have different political views. After all, resolving these disagreements can take one step at a time. “What is essential is buried with what is urgent… Times are difficult and it takes choosing to be hopeful for us not to go to the direction of despair and even apathy,” Muga concludes. *Editor’s Note: The names of the interviewees have been changed at their request in order to protect their identity and privacy.
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What is essential is buried with what is urgent... Times are difficult and it takes choosing to be hopeful for us not to go to the direction of despair and even apathy. ARMINDA MUGA GUIDANCE COUNSELOR FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
The GUIDON | November-December 2021
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Building bridges: Rescue buying online Netizen-led rescue groups transform the civic engagement landscape from on-ground to online, as rescuing both produce and strays become one click away. BY CHRISTIANNA P. LUGOD AND EALA JULIENNE P. NOLASCO
MOST PEOPLE are inclined to spend during Christmas— whether it be spending money on gifts, spending energy in the kitchen whipping up Noche Buena, or spending time with loved ones and pets alike. Traditional Filipino holidays are abundant in food and furry friends, yet abundance for some is a nightmare for others. Mid-pandemic, Filipino farmers further struggle to prevent post-harvest spoilage as more checkpoints causes delays and limits mobility on farm-tomarket roads. Along these lanes and streets are millions of stray animals who have nothing but the road to shelter them. In the spirit of sharing, netizenled rescue groups for produce and for strays share how they turned advocacy to reality. Proving that there is hope in a world burdened by excess and access, these advocacies embody how online platforms can be avenues for mindful consumption and civic engagement. REAPING WHAT WE SOW: RESCUE PRODUCE An irony that sprouted in the pandemic-struck Philippines is that more families have nothing to eat while more farmers suffer harvest spoilage as they are unable to sell the produce in time. This
supply chain disruption hits farmers hard due to inefficient checkpoints and closed stores. To help ease the existing market dilemma, spouses Ace and Andie Estrada founded the produce rescue group and social enterprise Rural Rising (RuRi) after spotting farmers giving away vegetables in their residential Baguio. Ace Estrada, in his now-viral Facebook post, wrote: “The harvest is in, but it cannot reach consumers outside the city resulting in too much supply and too little local demand.” After the Estradas’ friends asked how to help, the spouses responded by sending trucks from Baguio to Manila to sell rescue produce. Then, when RuRi gained traction, farmers themselves began to reach out to the couple to seek help with selling their harvest. Once a couple-led initiative, RuRi is now an online community of over 20,000 rescue buyers. One of these patrons is Nikki CarsiCruz, PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies Chair in Ateneo de Manila University, who partakes in RuRi’s advocacies for food foraging, community building, and sustainable consumption. “[Foraging entails] structuring our desires based on what nature provides in abundance, when nature provides in abundance,”
Carsi-Cruz says of RuRi’s supplybased produce buying philosophy. She also appreciates how the bulk-buying nature of rescue buying encourages patrons to reinforce a generous community. “It's a big cultural battle of reducing our entitlements and increasing our concern, connectedness, and obligation towards providing for others beyond ourselves,” she shares. NO FUR BABY LEFT BEHIND: RESCUE STRAYS Unattended abundance is a real threat to both farmers and animals alike. In 2019, 12 million stray cats and dogs roamed Philippine streets. While leading animal welfare non-profit organizations like Compassion and Responsibility for Animals Welfare Philippines (CARA) and Philippines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) foster strays, both organizations’ physical and financial capacities remain limited. Animal lovers, mindful that the Animal Welfare Act has no strict provisions about starting one’s own animal rescue shelter, seized the opportunity to make adoption more accessible. With a mission of fostering “unwanted and lost animals,” Cats and Dogs Rescue PH
Game and grind Unlike other demanding money-making pursuits, play-to-earn games let players hit two birds with one stone: Investing and having fun. BY GABRIELLE CHRISTINA A. CORTES AND ARIANA ENRIQUEZ
THE PHILIPPINES hosts an ever-booming gaming community that attracts professionals, casual gamers, and beginners alike. Amid the challenges of a global health crisis, gaming has thrived not only for entertainment but also as a source of comfort. Beyond the pixels, some games have introduced a digital currency that can be converted to real-life cash.
With the emergence of nonfungible token (NFT) games, the rewards reaped from the endless plays have evolved into next level form: Real money. Students are no stranger to this new play-to-earn arena, as NFT games like Axie Infinity continue to soar in popularity among the Filipino masses.
ILLUSTRATION BY MELLO JERICHO MALLIG
ON COOLDOWN NFT Games are powered by a breakthrough technology called blockchain. To kick off the playto-earn proper, one must invest money in the game and earn digital currency from wins before cashing out into real money. In Axie Infinity, for instance, a player buys NFTs in the form of creatures named Axies to battle against others.
SOCIALLY-DISTANT RESCUES. Rescue buying groups allow concerned citizens to contribute to advocacies such as stray animal adoption and helping local farmers sell produce. The emergence of these groups on social media platforms helps connect farmers to consumers, as well as strays to their future owners—even during the pandemic. PHOTO BY VIONNA VILLALON
(CDRP) utilized Facebook to create a community of animal lovers interested in rescuing and adopting stray cats and dogs all over the National Capital Region. On this page, CDRP admins screen hundreds of adoption posts sent by rescuers for publishing. These posts contain pertinent detals such as the rescuer’s location, the rescued stray’s age and sex. Some rescue groups have actual shelters to serve as temporary homes for rescues w a it i n g for p e r m a n e nt adoption. Two of them are
Angels of the Strays and Strays Worth Saving. Various animal rescue groups also surface in other parts of the Philippines, such as the Dogs and Cats for Adoption in Laguna. Regardless of geography, what binds these groups is their commitment to ensuring that adoption is free and prospective fur parents are both ready and impassioned to caring for the rescued strays.
The game and money tandem draws in students looking to earn extra cash amid the loss of baon from remote learning. Even with remote learning’s adverse repercussions on mental health, its flexibility has provided Butch Castro (4 BS CS) an opportunity to be a full-time student and part-time Axie Manager. Castro started with PlayStations and Nintendo Gameboys as a kid. Eventually, he became interested in cryptocurrency and came across NFT games as a college student over the pandemic. Castro was skeptical at first but was convinced by a friend’s first-hand experience with play-to-earn games. He later became part of something bigger—entrusting Axie Infinity Scholarships to those in need of extra income. Most of the applicants Castro screens come from diverse
backgrounds ranging from farmers, fishers, parents, to fellow students. To scale, most of the successful applicants he sourced from social networking sites earn more than a wage earner in the province would. “I think that’s why it grows in popularity [in developing countries] like the Philippines… it gives them another income stream other than their daily job,” he shares.
REGULAR RESCUES, NOT SEASONAL SERVICE Ultimately, rescue groups alone are not sufficient solutions to the
AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD Beyond the realm of gaming are students who juggle play-to-earn games with academics. Aian*, a Business Administration sophomore at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, takes on the job of teaching game beginners while being an Axie scholar herself. “I have to tutor four scholars, and then I have to do my own [win] quota,” she shares, pointing out the stress around NFT gaming. Managers like Castro also bear the responsibility of guiding Axie scholars under their wing. To ease the burden of balancing tasks, Castro quit playing the game and focused on nurturing his growing guild with assistance from his Axie friends. Castro mentions that both parties get varied earnings from the standard 60-40 ratio, where managers usually receive a higher cut as the scholars’ primary investors. On the other end of the spectrum, scholars like Aian make use of their pay in varying ways. “Axie already paid for a number of my online shopping orders, while some of it has gone to bills like groceries,” she shares, adding how her friends were able to use Axie earnings to purchase gadgets for online classes and medication for family members. Much of the game’s charm lies in its simple play interface, rewards, and mechanics. Despite
plights of farmers and strays. Their circumstances are a plea for more long-term and legitimate initiatives from governing bodies, such as reexaminations of current farm-to-market systems and animal welfare institutions. The emergence of rescue groups nonetheless remains a testament to the spirit of sharing and loving. Though the holidays may be a good excuse to exercise these loving capacities, the endurance of post-harvest spoilage amid widespread hunger and the stark number of strays attest that rescuing and goodwill is a yearlong endeavor.
this, NFT games are still unable to dodge controversy. BUFFS AND NERFS Thousands of computers are needed to run the Ethereum software required by NFTs. This has sparked serious discourse on sustainability, as a single Ethereum transaction alone produces 34 kg of carbon dioxide, enough to power a US household for two and a half days. Additionally, stories of exploitation plague the Filipino Axie community. Castro shares that a handful of his scholars switched managers as they were only given a 10% cut. “Many Filipinos are easy to convince [and] be given a really low cut just because they want to earn money. In other countries, it’s just really unheard of,” he says, adding that the risk of payout scams are another issue as well. Apart from the time and efforts demanded by the game, an unspoken capital plays a role in manager-scholar partnerships— trust. A manager gambles on an investment, and they trust that the scholars won’t use more than one account to prevent being banned. On the other hand, scholars keep their fingers crossed in hopes that their managers don't run away with their hard-earned income. The money-earning prospect of the game certainly reels people in, but striding the industry with caution mantles the threats that come with it. As play-to-earn games continue to rise within universities, Aian and Castro urge students to gear up with proper information to safely navigate the NFT investing niche. After all, a game well played is one where you don’t lose more than you give. *Editor’s Note: The name of the interviewee has been changed at their request in order to protect their identity and privacy.
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Leaving the rat race In a competitive Asian society that prizes a Bachelor’s degree, three individuals remind us that futures still exist without a punctual graduation or diploma BY GENESIS JACINTH TAN AND KATRINA B. ANTONIO
THE PHILIPPINE society has always valued traditional education—a linear path believed to lead young people to a land of career opportunities. Students set their eyes on graduation as a satisfying finish line, and parents are there to lay down the path for them, no matter the cost. However, this collective view casts a shadow on those who take unconventional paths to success, leading them to face speed bumps and hard turns in their educational journeys. With the rising costs of higher education and a sudden shift to remote learning, more college students than ever have put a halt to their schooling. Though this decision is often accompanied by alternative pursuits toward learning, a deeply embedded stigma still persists. Three former students share their stories of being out of school, showing that taking roads less travelled is by no means a lesser choice. OUT OF THE “RACE” College is meant to be a pitstop, a place that polishes students before sending them into the real world, with a running start. University life provides people with specialized classes, leadership opportunities, and a space to create lifelong connections, serving as an ideal place for growth. Even with all of these things laid out, a few students share their stories of being unable to find their most fulfilled selves in college. In January 2020, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman student Caitlin Artates filed an indefinite leave of absence (LOA), but it took her strides to reach this
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You shouldn’t always pressure yourself to do something. Focus on the little things that you’ve been neglecting. RANCE DIZON ADMU STUDENT ON LOA
decision. After an initial attempt to underload for a semester in UP Baguio, Artates would later transfer to UP Diliman in hopes of handling her bipolar disorder better. “While that improved my grades, it didn’t quite fix my motivation to study,” she shares. When schools closed down a few months later, the pandemic worsened mental health and aggravated financial difficulties among Filipino students. Within a term of online schooling, both Rance Dizon (2 AB COM) and Leila* made a pivotal decision after unconducive experiences with the new setting. “A lot of motivation went out the window as soon as second semester hit,” Dizon shares. He started neglecting his schoolwork, and his mental
health suffered, prompting him to take an LOA at the start of his second year. Leila, a former student from De La Salle - College of St. Benilde, admits to struggling with anxiety and screen fatigue from overwhelming workloads that were only aggravated by her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). “I was functioning a lot better when there was still physical class,” she says. Leila stopped her schooling halfway through her second year. Through plenty of selfevaluation and laying out reasons for leaving conventional education, these students mustered the courage to make the daunting choice. Even so, this is only the beginning of leaving the race, and the events that follow can pose even greater hurdles. BACK TO THE STARTING LINE A society that is warped by meritocracy perpetuates social comparison and stigma. Young adults whose graduations are delayed or unable to be completed may face judgment from their peers, parents, educators, and future employers. Beyond these external perceptions is a far more important critic: The self. Leila’s decision to drop out stemmed from the introspection of her capacities and future ambitions. With her parents’ full support, she invested her energy as a jewelry maker, allowing her to become financially independent and feel capable at her job. Despite her positive experience with dropping out, Leila advises students to seriously contemplate leaving school given everyone’s varying circumstances. “Take
a short leave instead, just for mental health, at least. It’s better to continue and graduate. I'm lucky to have loyal supporters, clients, and our family business to fall back on.” Dizon consulted heavily with his loved ones, and while his friends immediately agreed with his decision, his parents initially discouraged him. “They were hesitant at first... they were thinking, ‘What will [you] do within that year of not studying?’” he shares. Eventually, he convinced them by expressing his grievances about online learning and promising to remain productive. Initially, Dizon helped run their family business over the pandemic. Eventually, he took more time to nurture his passion for filmmaking as he applied for internships while working on projects of his own. Dizon highlights that he has unproductive periods too—and that is okay. “You shouldn’t always pressure yourself to do something. Focus on the little things that you’ve been neglecting,” he points out. Dizon adds that he had consulted with the Loyola Schools Office of Guidance and Counseling (LSOGC) in processing the request as a general procedure for LOAs rooted in ment a l hea lt h concerns. During the LOA, the student’s assigned counselor will also check in on them through regular counseling sessions. This is all important so that students’ mental health concerns are addressed—hence why LSOGC Director Gary Faustino advises those who plan to file for a leave to visit the LSOGC immediately.
Faustino mentions an increase in students’ mental health concerns over the pandemic, associated with learning obstacles and a lack of “connection” online. “It has destabilized emotions. There’s an increase in anxiety [and] meaninglessness,” he shares. Though he admits that it has been a complicated and difficult time, he affirms that the office and the counselors have “managed to adapt” in order to address students’ concerns with respect to their circumstances. Education is not meant to be a race, but uncertainties abound when one strays off this common path. Regardless, the world is far from over—and a new chapter of self-discovery begins for those who’ve chosen the road less traveled.
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You’re living your life for you. Find your truth and fight for it no matter what, and keep in mind that you’re worth fighting for.
CAITLIN ARTATES FORMER STUDENT, UP DILIMAN
HALF A MARATHON Leaving school and straying away from the traditional Bachelor’s degree path is far from easy. It has its rocky beginnings, and it comes with its detours— with some onlookers calling it a route for “failure.” Nevertheless, the experiences of Artates, Dizon, and Leila have proven that the road does straighten itself out. In retrospect, Artates now feels that she has learned not only how to be independent but also more about herself. Today, she is both a graphic designer and a consultant for Mysterium, an institution for tarot and intuitive development. She has also since acquired a certification as a life coach and is looking forward to synthesizing it with her passion for tarot. Overall, the three students’ time away from school allowed them to relearn what is most important: Self-growth, freedom, and one’s truth. The uncertainties of the future, after all, are always present. To this, Artates emphasizes, “You’re living your life for you. Find your truth and fight for it no matter what, and keep in mind that you’re worth fighting for.” In these uncertain times, there is no one to judge, not even those who’ve taken the unconventional timeline. Their stories are a testament that regardless of the cards dealt— or in this case, the racecourse’s obstacles ahead—the finish line is always there. *Editor's Note: The name of the interviewee has been changed at their request in order to protect their identity and privacy.