JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
The Progressive Official Student Publication of the University of San Carlos
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | VOL. 6 NO. 3
USC to Adapt Flexible Learning for A.Y. 2020-2021 Jeanne Sherlyn Tello The COVID-19 pandemic is modifying the norm, and education has not taken a backseat. For the first semester of academic year 2020-2021, the University of San Carlos (USC) will be adopting a flexible learning set up, in line with Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines. Flexible learning is an approach that involves the use of digital and non-digital technology, covering face-to-face learning and off-campus modes of delivering the modules to the students. In this, USC will use a learning management system known as Canvas Instructure, a platform with more simple and insightful features that Continued on page 2
Valorant: The Future of FPS? Dave Bernasibo
OF BACKDOORS AND BELLIGERENTS by the Editorial Board
Illustration by Matthew James Lazala The pandemic has opened a gate. What was once considered normal prior to the COVID-19 crisis is now confounded as the bedrock culminating the global halt of our state of affairs. To move forward, then, entails the reimagination of an alternative securing the public’s welfare in the days to come. From the government to the academe, the institutional response to the outbreak captures the heart of a dog-eats-dog world—of a system designed to premium the accumulation of wealth and consolidation of power. Different sectors of the larger society, as a result, continue to be
The Trolley Problem PAGE 12
OPINION
vulnerable amid this pandemic, while those in the upper echelons are prioritized and safeguarded. It can be recalled that as the coronavirus made international headlines, the approach of the Duterte administration downplayed its repercussions and tiptoed around Chinese interests. Seven months since then, the cases of infections have soared to more than 200,000. Full story on page 10
With its release last June, Valorant, Riot Games’ newest video game, has already been taking the spotlight in the gaming scene. The fast-paced team-based first-person shooter (FPS) has taken the community by storm, for both FPS fans and newcomers alike. Many who want to explore the FPS scene have picked up Valorant as their first game. Continued on page 5
Gov. Gwen’s Insistence On Tuob: The Science Berns Mitra In late June, Province of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia publicly shamed a doctor who criticized the growing online support for traditional steam inhalation therapy or tuob. This set off a series of other unfortunate events revolving around the governor’s insistence on its efficacy, causing even medical societies to speak out. But what does science say? Continued on page 2
Afloat PAGE 13
LITERARY
Remembering Randall Echanis: Who Did They Kill? PAGE 8
FEATURE
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NEWS FEATURE
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
USC to Adapt Flexible Learning for A.Y. 2020-2021 Continued from frontpage
students and teachers can conveniently use, and is accessible via Android and iOS smartphones. Face-to-face learning, according to the university, is the last resort and will only be done when the IATF issues a memorandum allowing higher education institutions (HEIs) to conduct this. The university has also assured that they will meet government safety guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. “Transition to flexible learning and online learning was really problematic for us and topsy-turvy, particularly for students, and we were listening to their voice on how to address and discern their concerns,” said Fr. Narciso Cellan, SVD, the new president of USC. In a zoom meeting last June 30 called HEdConnect convened by CNU, the
educational leaders from different institutions gathered to discuss the new standard for the higher education sector. Fr. Cellan discussed that before the COVID-19 pandemic, other schools in USC such as the School of Engineering and School of Law and Governance have maximized the use of online learning through the use of Canvas Instructure.
R4E also calls for the university administration to be more responsive and inclusive with the policies for the academic year to ensure that the right to accessible and quality education of students is upheld. The alliance also expressed concern for the general welfare of the staff, as teachers have shelled out expenses from their own pockets for them to conduct online classes.
The Rise for Education Alliance USC, however, said that the alliance echoes the sentiments of the students and is firm with the stand that they do not agree with it. “According to an ongoing survey of the alliance, there are students who have not enrolled again for this school year because the conditions of flexible learning would only add burden on top of the awful conditions on economic, health, and the like,” R4E USC told Today’s Carolinian.
“Long before the pandemic, our educational system has already been rotten. Now, more than ever, there is no other way to face these challenges, but to truly stand in solidarity with one another,” said R4E USC. “Ultimately, as we approach the 4-month mark of the world’s longest lockdown, it is high time to implement pro-people, scientific and health-focused policies for a better normal for all.”
As Above, So Below: Birdseye and the COVID-19 Pandemic Abygale Velasquez There are currently 194,252 COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, of which 18,370 are from Central Visayas, according to the Nationwide Cases Data of the Department of Health (DOH) as of August 24. On March 16, Mayor Edgardo Labella placed the entire Cebu City under community quarantine. Not long after the announcement of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and lockdowns in different areas, students and alumni from University of San Carlos launched a software designed to aid contact tracing in an effort to curb the spread of the disease. This was together with Increment Technologies, the university’s Department of Computer, Information Sciences and Department of Mathematics, ChildLink Learning Center, USC Supreme Student Council, and Computing Society of the Philippines and was made fully available on March 29th. Birdseye is a centralized real-time precautions and contact tracing application. This was developed for individuals, businesses, transportations, barangays, and especially for local government units (LGU) to monitor and trace individuals using visited places, transportation used, temperature, and symptoms reported. Despite its usefulness, there are currently only a total of 320 users three months after its release. The team and volunteers of Birdseye have been reaching out to LGUs to use the application and implement it. However, none of them responded. It was just recently when Kennette Canales, the head of Birdseye said that they already have a contact within the
Cebu City Command Center and are currently processing the memorandum of agreement (MOA). Kent Bacatan, the marketing director, said that “I think initially they didn’t expect for things to get so out of hand. I assume that’s why they didn’t implement us immediately. However, LGU responses have improved recently, especially that the need for contacttracing solutions has arisen.” They are also working on collaborating with different organizations, including the Sangguniang Kabataan federation. Although they also aim for penetrating the business sectors, Canales said that their immediate goal is connecting with the LGUs. On the implementation of the application nationwide, Canales said that “We are focusing on Central Visayas for now, especially in Cebu City.” Birdseye helps individuals by identifying areas and modes of transportation where a case of COVID-19 infected patient has been reported. It also identifies whether one has been in contact with a confirmed patient by comparing areas they’ve visited as well as the mode of transportation that was used. This allows companies to check the status of their employees and clients before entering their premises. Transportation operators can check the status of passengers before entering the vehicle. Most importantly, this would help the economy recover as quickly as possible. Its features include location and transportation matching and mapping, which match and map
previously visited places and transportation used by an individual to the affected ones. Temperature management monitors the temperature of an individual every after reading using any thermal scanners. It records patients considered as PUI, PUM, positive, or negative as well as the deceased. It also encourages individuals to report symptoms. A QR (quick response) code is auto generated when an individual or a business establishment registers. This will allow the easier scanning and recording of a user or an establishment’s information. It would send emails or notification to admin accounts when scanned results are not clear in the past 14 days. For authorized users, they can manage and monitor the implementation of mass testing, record, and update the results. If a user’s results are still pending, they are to self quarantine until their results are available. For businesses, DOH, and government agencies, they can have a bird’s eye view of all locations, number of individuals and modes of transportation. It requests clients and customers to fill in the health declaration form in hotels and restaurants in compliance with the DOH guidelines. It also links the accounts of employees to the main business account to track their health status. The developers also plan to offer precautions on logistics and plasma donation module. TC
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NEWS FEATURE
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Gov. Gwen’s Insistence On Tuob: The Science Continued from frontpage
Since a memorandum issued by the head of administration at Cebu Capitol requiring routine tuob among its employees became public knowledge, the doctor and the healthcare field have vastly used their individual platforms to inform the public that steam inhalation has no proven disease-preventive effects. This, they assert, is especially untrue when it comes to “tuob” against COVID-19. In another video of one of the governor’s press conferences, Garcia exclaims that there is already a cure to COVID-19 and that the cure is steam inhalation.¹ The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorically denied the existence of any licensed medication for COVID-19.² What was once individual objection among doctors eventually became collective as medical societies published a joint statement on June 25 categorically denying the efficacy of steam inhalation therapy as a cure for COVID-19. “Because steam inhalation does not kill the virus and may cause potential harm, we cannot, in good conscience, endorse its use as [a] preventive or curative measure,” the statement emphasized. To contradict the doctor Garcia shamed, she cited local doctor Dr. Dale Pasco’s advocacy for and study on steam inhalation therapy in beating COVID-19. However, Pasco’s study on the viability of steam inhalation for symptom relief or for shedding the virus is neither complete nor conclusive and thus is also not peer-reviewed.³ In research, it is of utmost importance that studies are peer-reviewed to double-check methodology, analysis of data, and ethical standards, among other factors. An experimental study must also be replicable by other independent researchers and produce the same results. Again, as Pasco’s study is not complete, it can not yet be peer-reviewed or replicated for verification.
However, the current medical literature against steam inhalation for COVID-19 or any other viral disease is overwhelming. Firstly, while steam inhalation is usually practiced to relieve congestion, congestion is not a symptom of COVID-19.5 Furthermore, a study on the Cochrane database shows that steam inhalation has not been proven to provide relief even for congestion. As such, steam inhalation has no proven efficacy for neither symptom relief or cure to disease.6 On steam inhalation’s viability specifically for COVID-19 relief, Reuters reports that neither the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nor the WHO have endorsed “tuob” as a remedial or preventive measure.7 In fact, a CDC representative told Reuters that he was “not aware of any scientific studies that show steam therapy helps with the coronavirus.”8 On the contrary, a study in the British Journal of General Practice shows that steam inhalation is a dangerous practice with a tendency to cause physical injury. Lack of evidence for symptom relief paired with the harm in its practice have brought doctors to omit it from professional guidelines and patient brochures.9 Further, steam inhalation therapy may even increase the virus’s infectivity in enclosed places by facilitating its aerosolization i.e. giving it a fine airborne mist that others may inhale. “Even if [one is] wearing complete PPE, any procedure related to the airway, where there are droplets and aerosol, would really expose you to the risk of infection, and that’s the same way with steam inhalation,” Dr. Jean Lindo told the Inquirer.10 While the study on steam inhalation therapy by Pasco et al. remains to be seen and peer-reviewed, science does not support steam “tuob” as a viable or safe practice. TC
Moreover, CDN reported that the steam inhalation therapy Pasco has in mind “is entirely different from the traditional ‘tuob’ most Cebuanos have known and practiced in their respective homes”. In fact, the same report states that Pasco “will be introducing to city hall officials the proper techniques in doing steam inhalation”.⁴
REFERENCES: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1384087185126276&ref=watch_permalink ² https://www.who.int/…/novel-…/advice-for-public/myth-busters 3 https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/…/cebuano-doctor-leads-s… 4 Ibid 5 https://www.cdc.gov/…/2019-…/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html… 6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16855975/… 7 https://www.reuters.com/…/false-claim-steam-therapy-kills-c… 8 Ibid 9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3381273/ 10 https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1299253/doctors-reject-tuob-it-pushes-door-wide-open-for-coronavirus-infection 1
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NEWS FEATURE
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
Actors Form Group to Support Free Speech, Build Better Nation Januar Aguja Due to the Philippine government’s prioritization of controversial agendas unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic, Filipino actors formed “AKTOR (League of Filipino Actors)” on May 30 in an effort to organize entertainers to play an active role in raising awareness of the current issues in the country. In a livestream on Facebook, Dingdong Dantes announced the formation of the group on Film Makers Unite! The next day, AKTOR released a statement in Tagalog through their Instagram account, saying that the group was organized “to create a community of artists that have a conscience to defend our desire to create new stories that would help form [the Philippines] to a more prosperous country.” In the same statement, the artists’ group criticized the government’s lack of a comprehensive plan to solve the problems brought by the pandemic, saying that instead of controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus, “the control is [now] focused on the storytellers.” The group also shared their concerns on the cease-and-desist order on ABS-CBN by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that led to the shut down of their television and radio broadcast on May 5 and the passage of the Anti-Terror Bill by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3. They also criticized the guidelines issued by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on June 30, requiring production companies to register all of their productions (films, television shows, commercials and animation works) with the council at least seven days before production is scheduled to commence. These guidelines, according to the artists’ group, did not abide by the agreed guidelines with the InterGuild Alliance, which
they said is a true representative of workers in the industry.
Bascon, Khalil Ramos, Richard Guiterrez, among others.
The group then questioned why the government is attempting to increase their grasp and control on freedom of expression of the Filipino people, saying that “all these orders [from the government] are meant to control the way we tell our stories, which is to limit how we convey the truth to the people,” adding that these actions from the government create a “culture of fear”.
The artists’ group continued to speak out on current issues since their first statement was published. They voiced their opposition on Congress’ decision to “kill” the franchise renewal application of ABS-CBN on July 10, which they sympathized with the network’s employees who lost their jobs as the result of decision and “mourn[ed] with millions of Filipinos who have been deprived of their hobbies and the free flow of information in the news”.
The political climate in the Philippines turned sour and decisive since President Duterte took office in 2016. Since the malady of extrajudicial killing (EJK) grew prominent in public discourse, the idea that actors should remain “apolitical” or “neutral”, unless it’s election campaign season, has slowly become infeasible. Many actors may feel like they’re complicit to injustice when they have a big platform to raise awareness of our country’s issues to a larger society. The group noted that “actors are just being treated as puppets and merely as tools to entertain and bring joy,” a perception they want to end as they envision AKTOR to be a socially-conscious and responsible group for their society and their industry. They also want to “convey and be heard about our rebukes about any law and order that stands in our way of creating freely,” adding that they “refuse any intrusion in the process of the industry without any true consultation of the people who make them.” Along with Dantes, the statement was signed by many well-known Filipino actors in the industry. These actors include Agot Isidro, Angelica Panganiban, Cherry Pie Picache, Gabbi Garcia, Glazia de Castro, Iza Calzado, Janine Guiterrez, Jasmine Curis-Smith, Joem
The group also gained new members like Angel Locsin, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Piolo Pascual as they posted an inspiring video to show their appreciation to the medical frontliners who worked tirelessly in fighting COVID-19. The video was posted days after medical association groups posted an open letter that called for Metro Manila to be placed back under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and demanded for more effective solutions in curbing the spread of the coronavirus in the country as confirmed cases continued to increase, placing health workers in unending danger. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) responded by placing Greater Manila Area under Modified ECQ, however President Duterte (who heads IATF) criticized the open letter as he felt that medical association groups should have privately addressed their concerns to IATF. AKTOR concluded their first statement, dated July 1, by saying that they “trust in [their] ability as Filipino creators to change how stories are told, and to one day bring attention to the power of the true heroes of our country, which is our people.” TC
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NEWS FEATURE
Concerned Groups Assail Anti-Terror Law’s Passage Vanessa Escobar For the Duterte administration, safeguards on terrorism are considered urgent despite the scaling public health crisis today. On July 3, the government repealed the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007 by way of legislating the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Several groups, in response, poured statements of condemnation, with numerous petitions filed to challenge the law’s constitutionality. “For the law-abiding citizen of this country, I am addressing you with all sincerity. Do not be afraid if you are not a terrorist,” President Rodriogo Duterte said days after the law was passed, a rhetoric reminiscent of the justification of the government’s brutal drug war. Under the law, acts of terror are defined to include endangering a person’s life, causing extensive destruction of public and private property, and releasing dangerous substances. The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), the body composed of appointed officials from the executive branch, is tasked to designate individuals as terrorists. By mere suspicion, persons can be detained for 14 to 24 days. Surveillance and warrantless arrest are also allowed upon the council’s decision.
petitions were from a group of lawyers from Far Eastern University, Ateneo Human Rights Center, constitution framers, labor groups, Makabayan bloc, Pro-Labor Legal Assistance Place (PLACE), Sanlakas, group of church leaders, Cebu youth groups, online influencers, the former Philippine Vice President and group of Moros. In Cebu, Abante Kabatan-onan Usba ang Katilingban (AKUaK), a freedom-loving youth organization, was formed in response to the law. Citing the arrest of Cebu 8 as the state’s response to activism, AKUaK member Michael Quijada told Today’s Carolinian that the passage of the law is alarming, as strides to silence activists will worsen. For Quijada, the youth’s participation in order to maintain progress and uphold democratic principles is crucial. “Talk about the issue. Don’t be afraid, ask. Be educated and immerse (sic) in different sectors,” he urged. TC
With the law now in effect, 24 petitions as of writing have been filed to contest the law’s constitutionality before the Supreme Court. The
Valorant: The Future of FPS? Continued from frontpage
Aside from its low minimum hardware and software requirements, it’s also a mix of two prominent FPS game formats, the gun-based economy and action-packed tactical shooter like Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and the ability-slinging, fast-paced hero shooter games like Overwatch and Paladins. With that being said, what does Valorant’s arrival to the FPS gaming scene say about the future of the genre? Will it dictate how prospective games are produced? Or will it remain as the gateway for players new to the FPS genre, then leaving them to decide on whatever playstyle fits them best? Easily Accessible With only at least a dual-core CPU and an Intel HD 3000 as a minimum requirement to play the game, Valorant is easily accessible to casual gamers who have not invested as much in building a gaming-ready PC. This requirement is consistent with Riot Games’ flagship game, League of Legends, which also requires the lowest minimum specs to run compared to other multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. These low requirements would also make sense if Riot Games intends Valorant to be a gateway game, as it did with League of Legends, although while not being the firsts in their respective genres. Gameplay and Mechanics Similar to CS:GO, the gameplay of Valorant follows a 5v5 format, wherein, the offensive side tries to plant the bomb or “spike” as the game calls it while the other tries to defuse it, or alternately try and kill players of the opposing team to win the round. The game also has a “buy phase” at the start of each round, where players get to select their guns and abilities to use for that round, or in the subsequent rounds if the player gets through the round without dying. Its shooting mechanic is also similar to CS:GO, as each gun has its own spray pattern which players will have to figure out and master for themselves,
as well as decreased accuracy when shooting while moving and a decrease in movement speed when carrying heavier weapons. While the majority of its gameplay is akin to CS:GO, the abilities of the different characters known as Agents is what makes it more like those hero shooters like Paladins and Overwatch. Most of these abilities function as utilities, such as Jett’s smoke bombs and Omen’s teleportation, while others provide additional damage for players, like Viper’s poison bombs and Phoenix’s self-healing molotovs. These abilities, except the ultimate which requires to be charged for a certain time, can all be selected during the round’s buy phase, which is notably different from the aforementioned hero shooter games where they are available all throughout the game without the need to buy them. This change makes the buy phase all the more critical, as teams should deliberately plan among each other as to what strategy they would want to employ in the upcoming round and thus have to choose abilities which suit the tactic that they will be going for. What the Future Holds Valorant was received well by long-time players of the FPS genre, seeing it as a new avenue for them to showcase and hone their skills, as Valorant brings in new experiences, yet players of the genre will still be familiar nonetheless. With the fusion of hero and tactical shooters, it is no surprise that players who have long ignored the FPS community would lend their eyes and hands on this new game. With a mix of beginner and renowned FPS players who migrated from CS:GO and Overwatch on its player base, newcomers of Valorant would surely be enticed to test the waters and shoot their shot with this game. With this said, will Valorant become the new face of FPS? It is too early to say that, but one thing is certain — it will most likely be the fire that reignites the flame of FPS games, and surely it will inspire new games that follow its format. TC
© 2020 Riot Games Inc.
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NEWS
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
“Walang Iwanan”: Faculty, Staff in Private Schools Call for Job Security, Financial Transparency Brynch Bonachita As threats of layoffs and wage cuts loom, a coalition of education frontliners in private schools laid out their demands to “preserve jobs, uphold integrity in education” amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Another crisis is here. Like everyone else in the country, the educational sector is deeply affected,” said Jonathan Te, acting president of the Siliman University Faculty Association. In an online press conference and webinar last August 12, the Coalition of Teachers and Staff of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (CoTeSCUP) underscored the concerns and demands of workers. This came after several educational institutions were reportedly claiming losses because of the outbreak. “While we understand the adversities faced by administration in private schools, colleges and universities,” said CoTeSCUP lead convenor Rene Tadle, “we are nonetheless concerned at actual and threatened retrenchments of employees, reduction of wages and benefits, denigration of job security and lack of workers’ voice in the policies being crafted.” “Losses do not necessarily mean financial distress or bankruptcy on the part of the schools,” Tadle averred.
In managing losses, school administrators should prove that losses impair the institution’s business value and must exercise due diligence before implementing decisions, said Grace Soccoro Larcena, the Vice President of the College Faculty Independent Union (CFIU) of the University of San Carlos. In this, Larcena added, schools should be transparent by presenting their financial statements for review. The coalition also assailed issuances from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), particularly Labor Advisory 17 and DO 213, saying that they are used by the management against the “exercise of the basic right to tenure and fair labor practices due to faculty and non-teaching staff.” Among the demands of CoTeSCUP are: • State assistance to private schools should be conditional on a no layoff commitment; • Transparency by schools in their financial statements; • Withdrawal of covid-related DOLE rules such as Labor Advisory 17 and DO 213; • Implementation of health and safety plans for schools; • Drafting policies for online teaching and learning; • Participation of unions or workers’ representatives in crafting all covid-related plans. TC
Stop Hate For Profit: 1100 Companies Pull Ads From FB, IG Berns Mitra Over the course of the past few months, upward of 1,100 major companies including Coca-Cola, Best Buy, and Boeing have hit the pause button on their Facebook advertising endeavors, forcing the social media titan to make so-far unsatisfactory concessions. Privately-owned Facebook has been no stranger to hate speech and festering intolerant sentiments. In fact, it has been their home for years. Reactionary individuals and movements, ironically, have long since found their safe space on the platform, which has so far allowed their condescending content to prosper. Such posts are only occasionally taken down once reported. Fed up, activists organized the Stop Hate For Profit movement urging businesses to pull advertising money from Facebook and, its subsidiary, Instagram — to tremendous success. In only two months, industry giants like Unilever began withdrawing their Facebook expenses and are now joined by several other big names. This forced Facebook executives to finally listen and sit down for a meeting with representatives from the movement to discuss how it could improve its services and, eponymously, stop hate for profit. Vox
reports, however, that the social network gave no clarity and produced no concrete results to the satisfaction of the movement. While its initial goal was to “hit pause” on advertising for the month of July, many companies have expressed that they are still unwilling to continue marketing on the platform. The roster of boycotting entities has expanded to include nonprofits and even unions like the National Union of Healthcare Workers. This is only the first step — a “warning shot across Facebook’s brow” as the Stop Hate For Profit website calls it. The movement plans to get “bigger and broader until Facebook takes the common-sense steps necessary to mitigate the damage it causes.” Perhaps, this is a move toward progress. Perhaps, it is refreshing to see the immutable aspects of our daily lives finally held accountable. But what does it speak of the power of capital in a supposedly democratic landscape when large companies can influence what influences? TC
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
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FEATURE
Cebu LGUs’ Response to the Ongoing Battle Against COVID-19 Helena Montana As Cebu battles against COVID-19, Local Government Units (LGUs) continue to deal with the lack of health facilities, the deployment of more police and military forces, the daily spike in positive cases and the prospect of increased conduction of tests to keep up with the people’s needs. According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Cebu City is “more likely” the new epicenter of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country.
Norman Navarro on June 29, Calamba village chief Victor Quijano Jr. on June 30; Inayawan Barangay Captain Kirk Bryan Repollo and Calamba SB member Renante Bendol on July 3; and Barangay Captains Catalina Cabardo (Basak-Pardo), Harry Eran (Cogon Pardo), Lourdes Ramirez (Sto. Niño), Clifford Jude Niñal (San Nicolas Proper), Michael
The DILG sees that increasing the number of law enforcers is a resolution to the growing problem. As a result, DILG ordered the deployment of more police and military forces to Cebu City to implement the lockdown and quarantine measures. Strict health standards for the public, such as the mandatory wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing, will be rigidly enforced by the police. Meanwhile, DILG - Central Visayas issued show cause orders (SCOs) to the barangay captains of Bulacao and Capitol Site in Cebu City on Thursday, July 9, 2020. The fifth batch of barangay officials were issued SCOs by the DILG - Central Visayas for the alleged demerit in the proper implementation of the community quarantine guidelines under their jurisdiction. On the same day, DILG - Central Visayas’ Bantay Korapsyon lawyers Louthera Christie Rizon and Christian Fernandez served the SCOs to Bulacao Barangay Captain Rodrigo Jabellana and Capitol Site Barangay Captain Manuel Guanzon and their respective Sangguniang Barangay (SB) members. DILG - Central Visayas, as of this writing, has issued a total of 11 SCOs to Cebu City barangay officials prompting them to explain their take on the allegations. The ones who were issued SCOs were namely: Basak San-Nicolas Barangay Captain
(Guadalupe) members on July 7.
Gacasan and their SB
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 aims to finish the P294-million construction project of the 11 dormitories and COVID-19 isolation facility in Cebu by the end of July 2020. On July 9, Edgar Tabacon, DPWH 7 director, said they are building container van-type dormitories and additional isolation facilities for mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients in different areas in Cebu. These include six offsite dormitories with a budget of P84 million
for medical personnel inside the Cebu City Quarantine Center (CCQC) premises at Block 27, North Reclamation Area in Cebu City. According to Tabacon, the LGUs requested dormitory facilities for health workers and they are currently constructing 96 rooms to accommodate one health worker per room. Among the facilities that are currently under construction are a 13 million-peso isolation facility for COVID-19 patients at the CCQC, two facilities worth P28 million for medical personnel, a two-unit isolation facility worth P26 million for COVID-19 patients at the Hoops Dome on Gun-ob St. in Lapu-Lapu City, an isolation facility for the medical personnel inside the DPWH 7 compound with a budget of P42 million, a temporarily converted quarantine facility in Barangay Apas, Cebu City with a P35 million budget, a women’s center intended to be the Cebu Provincial Police Office’s quarantine facility in Cebu City with a budget of P2.5 million, isolation facilities for patients and dormitories for medical personnel at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) compound in Lapu-Lapu City upon the request of MCIA Authority General Manager Steve Dicdican for airport arrivals, a P15 million facility at the Cebu North Bus area since it is accessible to hospitals, the construction of two off-site dormitories and an isolation facility worth P26 million for positive asymptomatic personnel of the DPWH 7 inside the office compound at the South Road Properties. All 11 projects are funded by the DPWH, added Tabacon. According to him, their office is currently drafting a memorandum of agreement with the DILG and the Department of Health (DOH) regarding completion of facilities, operations and the maintenance of water and electricity. TC
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FEATURE
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
REMEMBERING RANDALL ECHANIS: WHO DID THEY KILL? Joshua Gaboya Illustration by Seth Farre On August 10, the dead body of an activist, agrarian reform advocate, and peace consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) was found in a rented home in Novaliches, Quezon City.
peasant education, propaganda, and labor in several regions of the Philippines. Until his release following the EDSA People Power Revolution, he spent three years in solitary confinement.
Randall “Ka Randy” Echanis, 72, who had apparently been seeking medical treatment, died of multiple stab wounds alongside an incarcerated civilian, Louie Tagapia. While the pool of suspects remains wide and their primary target unclear, the death of the late Anakpawis chair marks the loss of a prominent figure in the fight for laborers and peasants alike.
He was arrested yet again in 1990, and was detained with his wife and his daughter, twoyear-old Amanda. They were released two years afterwards. Echanis, among others, was also tried in 2015 for the killing of 67 people whose bodies were discovered in a mass grave around nine years prior.
According to Jobert Pahilga, a long-time lawyer and colleague of the deceased, Echanis began as a student; he joined in protests against the United States’ constant intervention in the affairs of the Vietnamese war, joined the Kabataang Makabayan, and was also the University of the East’s chapter president for the organization. Echanis was also one of the many who wore targets on their backs during the time of the Marcos regime. In 1983, he was arrested after years of hard work in the name of forwarding
These did not mark the end of his work or the beginning of a more quiet life, however, as he continued to advocate for the Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya (SELDA). During the Duterte administration, he advocated for reforms in land distribution and living conditions for both farmers and fisherfolk. His passing was felt strongly in the hearts of many people. Former Anakpawis representative Ariel Casilao, denounced his killing, referring to it as the mark of the Duterte regime’s attack on national leaders of legaldemocratic movements. Similarly, Kilusang
Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), and Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA), among others, also condemned the murder. His work was not the only thing to outlive him, though. Many of his colleagues remembered him for his humor and his simple, almost childlike personality, which drew a sharp contrast to his formidably sharp intellect. “Sobrang sakit lang sa dibdib,” Pahilga said in remembrance of his friend and colleague. Even through tears, however, he asked for the people to honor Echanis through the continued struggle for national liberation. TC
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
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FEATURE
Diagnosing Deviance: Pasaway and Pandemic Brynch Bonachita and Gabrielle Chan The roadmap to recovery begins with an assessment. In today’s pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded more than 150,000 COVID-19 cases as of August 15. Yet, where a scientific eye is needed, the national government dispensed a militarized approach in curbing the spread of the disease, boldly pronouncing months later that the curve is plateauing, despite the lack of extensive contact tracing and proper mass testing. Spikes of infection, in the same breath, are conveniently attributed solely to behavior. Following a report that the Philippines has the highest COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque blamed the common Filipino on April 16 for being supposedly hardheaded—the same narrative peddled by President Rodrigo Duterte against Cebuanos, after Cebu City was tagged as the epicenter of the disease. But where reason falls short, data redeems. In face of studies and analyses, the “pasaway” narrative only proves its illegitimacy and detachment, as no behavioral evidence supports a claim slanted to hide state neglect amid the scaling threat of the virus. Pasaway, gahi’g ulo? A global survey conducted by YouGov and the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London shows that in June, Filipinos placed second among 27 countries for wearing masks when leaving their homes, and first in always avoiding crowded areas. Similarly, data has illustrated the effect of the novel Coronavirus on consumer behavior among Filipinos. A graph from Google shows that among ASEAN countries, the Philippines has consistently had the greatest drop in visitations to recreation areas due to fear of catching and spreading the virus, beginning March of this year. Makoto Tsuchiya, economist at Oxford Economics Ltd., says such caution to return to regular consumer activities will result in the Philippines having one of the slowest return rate to pre-pandemic levels, a predicament quite opposite from what is being suggested by the “hard-headed citizen” narrative. These data make the discipline of all citizens quite apparent, further backed by Google’s reporting that the percent change of visits
and length of stay at different areas outside of residential homes have consistently been below baseline ever since the beginning of lockdown in March. In addition, Google shows a graph that illustrates incidence of visits and lengths of stay at recreation areas by region in the Philippines. Despite statements that Cebuanos are gahi’g ulo, which is to blame for the highest concentration of positive cases in the country, Central Visayas has had one of the greatest drops below baseline in recreational outings for the past two months. Underlying realities It is evident that Filipinos can be relied upon to follow proper health protocols dutifully and voluntarily. Instead, what is conveniently overlooked by government officials are the disconcerting social realities people face that cause them to push the boundaries of quarantine. “It is not a matter of gahi lang gyud og ulo,” said sociology and anthropology professor Zona Hildegarde Amper in a Cebuano culture and society webinar, “but of socio-economic context and lived experiences of people.” For those under the poverty line, deviant behavior points to precarity and vulnerabilities aggravated by the health crisis. In Cebu City, the percentage of poor households is 49% as of 2016, per Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) data. While staying at home is an ideal to debilitate the spread of the virus, Amper notes that for those in informal settlements, the concept of “home is not restricted to a house, but extended to the common spaces within the community due to limited spaces within their houses.” In these cramped and often neglected spaces, congestion makes it difficult to maintain social distance, lodging slum dwellers to the threat of infection. The economic decline, on the other hand, has also meant that cordoning themselves at home is a luxury they cannot afford, as daily wage earners need to scramble for work to make ends meet. “We need to understand the social context,” Amper urged in Cebuano. “[Government] interventions should correspond to the conditions of the people and the community.”
Behind the smokescreen The pathway to recovery, if anything at all, only uncovers the dismal state of institutions, with the outbreak underscoring government incompetence and an ailing healthcare system. On July 28, the DOH sounded the alarm that the health system is set to be overwhelmed. “From 16,388 dedicated beds for suspected, probable and confirmed COVID cases, 8,577 are now occupied or about 52.3 percent. This means we are now in the warning zone level,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. Meanwhile, a survey conducted by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers and the Alliance of Health Workers revealed that health workers are being overworked yet underpaid in containing the outbreak. Respondents of the study also said that there is an inadequate number of health personnel and medical supplies in health facilities. This, despite a total of P606 billion war chest allocated for the pandemic. It, then, comes as no surprise that blanket iterations delegating blame to the common Filipino are baseless and detached—even more so, an ill-conceived attempt to whitewash the government’s hand in the crisis. Under the neoliberal state, responsibilization is a practice that renders responsibility to the individual instead of the institution, which, as a result, glosses over the administration’s lack of urgency in implementing health-based measures. Social theorist Gerald Cradrock writes that “the neoliberal project is not so much a project to ‘responsibilize’ citizens,” for their own conditions, but a project to ‘irresponsibilize’ institutions created by the collective vision of the welfare state.” The pasaway narrative, emboldened by government leaders, promotes a palliative approach to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Strides to deflect accountability has only ushered public frustration, as five months into quarantine, major cities and citizens continue to be disillusioned and apprehensive with the state’s public health priorities. In all of this, the Filipino is, once again, today’s casualty. TC
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EDITORIAL
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
EDITORIAL
OF BACKDOORS AND BELLIGERENTS The pandemic has opened a gate. What was once considered normal prior to the COVID-19 crisis is now confounded as the bedrock culminating the global halt of our state of affairs. To move forward, then, entails the reimagination of an alternative securing the public’s welfare in the days to come. From the government to the academe, the institutional response to the outbreak captures the heart of a dog-eats-dog world—of a system designed to premium the accumulation of wealth and consolidation of power. Different sectors of the larger society, as a result, continue to be vulnerable amid this pandemic, while those in the upper echelons are prioritized and safeguarded. It can be recalled that as the coronavirus made international headlines, the approach of the Duterte administration downplayed its repercussions and tiptoed around Chinese interests. Seven months since then, the cases of infections have soared to more than 110,000. What’s more, the figures of the Department of Health may well be just the tip of an iceberg, as mass testing and aggressive contact tracing remain insufficient to chart the spread of the disease. In an effort to project a veneer of duty, the government has spurred lopsidedly designed recovery plans. Think-tank IBON Foundation, for instance, notes that the Philippine Program for Recovery with Equity and Solidarity (PH-PROGRESO) and recuperation bills in Congress abet businesses in glaring contrast with the minimal support given to millions of families. In tandem with the lack of social relief and financial aid, a record of 14 million unemployed in April 2020 is parsed by the economic think-tank as the worst unemployment crisis in Philippine history. Yet, amid the growing
public unrest, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) pressed to open classes this August. The platitude that learning should continue and cannot wait as espoused by CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III could only thus be viewed as empty and detached. Such framework of education trickles down even in our university. Where students appealed for a proactive and empathic approach, the University of San Carlos was sluggish and reactive in dispensing administrative decisions needed to protect its constituents. After all, despite the scaling threat of the virus at the time, the administration claimed that the campus is the “safest place” for students to be instead of suspending classes at the onset of an unprecedented health crisis. Unheeding to the overwhelming call to end the second semester of academic year 20192020, the institution’s misplaced priorities are displayed further. Worse, students will have to teeter in social insecurity now as the groundwork for an unequal model of pedagogy is laid out in the university’s insistence to hold classes by shifting through blended learning. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that bodies of power remain as instruments slanted to serve a concentrated few, characteristic of the system that undergirds it. Faced with a crisis that broods in growing intensity, the way out will be treacherous but necessary, and it could only be trudged by undertaking a new normal — one that addresses the semi-colonial and semi-feudal orientation of the country and defined by a new democracy that professes the will of the majority. As inked in history, moments of gross discontent set the stage to break loose from the old world. This one is no different, but only if we fight for it. TC
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OPINION
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
The Trolley Problem: Which Way To Go? Phoebe Bulotano
Illustration by Christine Mae Alferan The narrative of the trolley problem starts with power—the power to choose. In a scenario wherein a trolley, going at full speed, is about to hit ten people on the track, the train conductor has the option to avoid that catastrophe. But the only way to do that is to switch to another track which entails hitting one individual instead of ten.
parents or a guardian is advised to facilitate the lesson. This passes on the burden from the teachers to the parents or the guardians who may not have the time or capability to teach the students, saturating the quality of education as a result. In turn, the learning rate of students will significantly vary from one household to another.
Here, in ethical conundrums, life forces us to make choices, even if the options presented to us are no good. It can either be as simple as choosing where to go for coffee or deciding the future of the 27.7 million enrolled students as of 2019.
Most notably, an environment that displays problematic and toxic behavior is not fit for home learning and can cause additional stress as it disrupts the focus and concentration of the students. For some, this can be their own homes. Despite this, some students are forced to continue and balance their schoolhome situations.
Now as the uncertainty brought by the pandemic continues to gloom over us, students frantically await the future of their education, leaving the educational sector its own version of the moral dilemma. Most schools and universities, in particular, will adopt online classes, mimicking classroom interactions through video-conferencing apps like Zoom and Google Meet. Teachers can discuss the module and students can interact with them through the given platform. Ideally, it is the closest alternative for physical classes, only that it leaves out the underprivileged. According to the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Education (DepEd), only 67% of the Philippine population have internet access. To leave out the 33% creates a gap in literacy between the students. Additionally, this method precludes students who lack access to laptops, phones, or any devices needed to access the internet. If this were the case, the next option would be distanced learning. Lesson plans and learning modules are given at home. For students who cannot learn independently, guidance from
For many students and teachers, the last resort is to call for an academic freeze, which temporarily cancels the academic year. Schools will momentarily halt their openings and the academic year will only resume once experts have finally confirmed that it is safe to conduct physical classes. In this way, there are no students that will be left behind during the transition to blended learning because there is no blended learning to begin with. However, this freeze might risk students to domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse since they are not going to school. In low-income families, the students who rely on meal or allowance subsidy based on educational conditions will be deprived of it and may expose themselves to labor just to earn money. Although not perfect, the classes conducted physically are still the most accurate method. But as long as we do not flatten the curve, it is irresponsible and dangerous to resume physical classes.
Recently, DepEd moved the beginning of the semester in public schools from August 24 to October 5, for being unprepared to shift to distanced learning. However, unless proper health-oriented solutions are provided by the government, this is counter-productive. Continuously postponing classes or waiting for a vaccine is not viable, as it becomes a last-minute, preventive response to answer its wary stakeholders and to absolve itself from responsibility to provide access and safe education for all. The need for mass testing and promotion of proper health protocols is heavily necessary for the safe resumption of classes. Without it, the students will become another casualty, an added statistic to the growing number of positive cases. Arguably, there will be necessary sacrifices made, but before that, everyone’s well-being must be considered in the process. During the pandemic, the educational sector, both public and private entities, is challenged to provide accessible education for all that puts the needs of students on top. Admittedly, the success of school reopenings is a combination of different sectors fulfilling their obligations and tasks. But there is a fine line between shifting their responsibilities to others and doing their jobs. The thought experiment does not end with a solution, rather, it ends with a question that has no right answer: are we willing to sacrifice one for the good of the many or the other way around? Most importantly, have we, as a society, made peace with reducing living beings as mere dispensable data or statistics instead of considering individuals having aspirations, emotions, or experiences? TC
JULY-AUGUST 2020 | Vol. 6 No. 3
Afloat
LITERARY
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by Kim Libarnes
Illustration by Philip Luke Manghihilot
Usually, a couple minutes after three in the morning, I’d already be up. Call time in the kitchen is strictly four o’clock. I mean, I could report later if it weren’t for the stern German cook, who unfortunately is the head chef. Life on the cruise isn’t suite.
feel more of a cruise passenger than a kitchen boy. I took my towel out, dried off and stepped out of the bath. My feet had taken me just a couple of steps before the kitchen in our Quezon City apartment. Unlike the ship, my imagination had not stayed afloat.
For everyone on board, it’s just their start of the day. But for us in the kitchen trench, a battlefield is cooking. Breakfast time is the busiest for the staff. Potfuls of soups, bacon, hash browns, eggs, and breakfast sausages come in and out of those aluminum doors every couple of minutes. Passengers barge in, with the elderly, eyeing their morning coffee, and kids, their bowl of cereal. A packed kitchen up until the breakfast buffets end at ten in the morning, a slight breather until we get to lunch, then dinner. This scenario plays in for a good six days a week. On Fridays, my day off. My shift ends just before dinner. I get back to my quarters at seven, just in time for me to call my son, who had woken up on the other side of the planet. I share a room with three of my co-workers, who are also Pinoys. For most nights, a couple of episodes of Breaking Bad would lullaby me before I call it a day. But some nights, I put on my staff ID, a thick hoodie, and head to the ship’s movie theater. It’s usually different every night. It could be stand-ups, musicals, but tonight, it’s DC’s Shazam for the cruisers of the Liberty of the Seas. This is probably one of the best perks here on the ship as a worker. The theater isn’t always as packed during movie nights, typically just a few elderly couples or some kids with their families in the chair rows filled up on the front. Just last Friday, I took some time to relax at the Pure Harmony Spa — the ship only offers half off for us workers, but hey, it’s better than nothing. Been feeling a bit sore from all those late night shifts a couple weeks ago, so I decided to give it a go. The spa had this hot steam bath that made me feel 18 again. It promised some sort of exfoliating effect, but I’m just glad it cleaned some nasty skin gunk off. Days off at the spa really make me
As I blink, the 30 plus kitchen platoon I used to charge on with had now boiled down to two: Kiko, who is 7, and my mother who lives with him, both prepping our morning almusal. The latter too enjoys her morning coffee, and my junior, his bowl of cereal. The flaming stoves and steaming dim sum-filled pots now reduced to a household skillet. Packed breakfast buffets then, now become solemn late brunches at home. I blink again, where DC’s Shazam switches to the local PBO. Movie chairs shrink, becoming living room couches. No big screen previews this time, and we have the makeshift coffee table in the sala, instead of cupholders. Darkness takes a glimpse of me one last time, where the hot steam baths of Pure Harmony Spa, reduced to a bathroom shower. Bath salts and washes become our shared bar of Safeguard and a couple of shampoo sachets. Rationing water pails since it seems as if the virus is choking the water supply as well. Not as exfoliating, but still gets the job done. I still share a room with Pinoys, but not my co-workers. It’s been five months since we were forced to repatriate with the lack of cruise trips due to the pandemic. Every day feeling as if our two-bedroom flat is slowly becoming a luxury liner in the making. Should this be some sort of post-fantasy stress disorder, I’m just hoping I can keep my head from sinking. It’s not as smooth sailing as what I’m used to, but hey, at least I’m promoted to captain now. My morning routine had taken a shift as well. No more daybreak alarms for me, usually a couple minutes after three in the afternoon, I’d be up. TC
10.01.20
FIRST SEMESTER CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AUG 24 AUG 31 SEPT 8 SEPT 9 SEPT 17-18 OCT 5 OCT 12-17 NOV 1 NOV 2 NOV 4
CLASSES START NATIONAL HEROES DAY SVD FOUNDATION DAY OSMENA DAY PRE-MIDTERM EXAMS WPRORLD TEACHERS’ DAY MIDTERM EXAMS ALL SAINTS DAY ALL SOULS DAY FEAST DAY OF SAN CARLOS BORROMEO
NOV 19-20 NOV 30 DEC 1-4 DEC 8 DEC 14-19 DEC 19 DEC 25 DEC 30
PRE-FINAL EXAMS ANDRES BONIFACIO DAY FINAL EXAMS FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS FEAST OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION FINAL EXAMS FOR NONGRADUATING STUDENTS CLASSES END CHRISTMAS DAY JOSE RIZAL DAY
The Progressive Student Publication of the University of San Carlos
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