The Varsitarian P.Y. 2018-2019 Issue 06

Volume XCI, No. 6 • January 28, 2019 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSIT Y OF SANTO TOMAS Manila, Philippines

Rector: Children belong in schools, not jails Philippine bishops: UST RECTOR Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. cautioned against lowering the age of criminal liability to 12 years old from 15, saying children should be educated, not imprisoned.

In his homily during the University Mass for the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas on Jan. 25, Dagohoy said children should be seen in schools and playgrounds, where they belong. “[A]ng mga bata saan dapat makikita? Sa tamang lugar: sa eskuwelahan, sa laruan, hindi sa kulungan. Kapag nilagay mo sa kulungan [ang mga] ‘yan, tama ba ‘yon?” he said.

Actions that are not in line with

the heart and mind are “sinful,” which, he said, is what a number of politicians have become.

“Iba ‘yong sinasabi, iba ‘yung ginagawa. Sumasala. Iba ‘yung sinasabi, hindi malinaw sa ginagawa. Hindi maganda,” he said.

On Jan. 23, the House of Representatives approved on second reading a bill that seeks to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old instead of nine, as proposed originally.

House Bill 8858 seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006, which set the minimum age of criminal liability at

15 years old.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Salvador Leachon, chairman of the House Committee on Justice, has clarified that children would be put in “reformative institutions” and not prisons.

Under the measure, children above 12 years old but under 18 will be subjected to an intervention program and exempted from liability unless the minor “acted with discernment.”

‘Not justified’ Dagohoy urged lawmakers to rethink their plan and scrutinize the bill Rector PAGE 3

Can they lead another EDSA? THE CATHOLIC Church in the country played a huge role in the peaceful uprising in 1986 known as the People Power Revolution, which toppled the 21-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Three decades later, Church officials are not keen on leading another one.

The first People Power revolution by millions of Filipinos who flocked to the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, today known as EDSA, is considered as the first uprising that shed no blood and took no life, where people from all walks of life — including members of the clergy and religious, took part in.

In a statement after the 1986 snap elections rigged by electoral fraud and which proclaimed Marcos as the winner against Corazon Aquino, widow of Ninoy Aquino Jr., Marcos’ main critic, the late Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal called on “every loyal member of the Church, every community of the faithful, to form their judgment about the February 7 polls.”

“If such a government does not of itself freely correct the evil it has inflicted on the people then it is our serious moral obligation as a people to make it do so.

We are not going to effect the change we seek by doing nothing, by sheer apathy. If we did nothing we would be party to our own destruction as a people. We would be jointly guilty with the perpetrators of the wrong we want righted,” Vidal, then president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said.

By Feb. 23, 1986, Sunday, crowds trooped to EDSA, responding to the call of Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin through the Church-run Radio Veritas to support then rebel leaders Fidel Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile who both broke ties with Marcos. Days later, the Marcoses fled the country.

Today, the Church’s role is to provide guidance and serve as a voice for the people, but not as leaders of a revolution.

“If you’re looking at the [Church] leadership EDSA PAGE 12

Curing a social ill

'Humane, scientific' way urged vs Duterte's drug war HOW SHOULD the country solve its drug problem and save those who are afflicted?

On Jan. 7, members of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) spoke out against criminalizing drug users under President Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, his “Tokhang” war waged against users and pushers, the innocent women and children, but not the big guns.

The country’s psychologists called for a “scientific and humane approach” to addiction and urged the government to treat the Philippines’s drug problem as a health issue. “[We] oppose the current

approach of criminalizing drug use, with its attendant programs that vilify drug users, violate human rights and disregard legal and due process,” the group said in a statement.

“Criminalizing drug users has been shown in other countries to be ineffective in solving the drug addiction problem.”

Among those leading the association are UST faculty members Marc Eric Reyes and John Manuel Kliatcho, who are serving as vice president and executive secretary, respectively.

In 2017, then Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II remarked that “drug lords [and] pushers are not part

WHAT’S INSIDE

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of humanity,” commenting on a report

by Amnesty International that said the death toll in Duterte’s drug war can qualify as crimes against humanity.

“In other words, how can that be when your war is only against those drug lords, drug addicts, drug pushers.

You consider them humanity? I do not,” he said.

The government’s treatment of drug addicts–as humans beyond redemption –”runs counter to the prevailing scientific view of addiction” that is stated in the landmark legislation of the Philippine Mental Health Law. Republic Act 11036 defines drug rehabilitation as the “process

UNIVERSITY

Inefficiencies hound UST’s e-Learning system with the challenges that come with the shift to digitalization.

NUISANCE BET The fate of Angelo de Alban’s candidacy for the Senate in the 2019 midterm polls is now in the hands of the Supreme Court.

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Humane PAGE 6

SOCIAL MEDIA A study by University researchers reveals social media may be making users feel lonely and fear of being left out.

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‘Missing’ UST student raises concern about ‘immersions’ THE UNIVERSITY had no knowledge on the supposed immersion of a UST legal management freshman who went “missing” last December.

UST Simbahayan Director Mark Anthony Abenir said his office did not approve nor receive an application for any off-campus community activity involving Rizza Divine Camingawan’s immersion under the League of Filipino Students (LFS) – UST. “Every off-campus community development or community immersion activity undergoes through proper protocol…anything contrary to this is not supported, not promoted, not approved. [If there] is no faculty supervision, [the activity will] not be allowed to push through,” Abenir told the Varsitarian in a Facebook message.

“We are conscious in instilling to our students that they can be agents of social transformation and advocates of truth centered in Christ while being responsible in addressing their academic obligations and working for the unity and sanctity of their respective families,” he added.

Rizza Divine’s parents did not know at first about the immersion that Rizza Divine went into.

On Dec. 19, Rizza Divine left her family a Facebook message, saying she wanted to spend the Christmas vacation with farmers. “[N]apagpasyahan ko na po makipamuhay at makicelebrate ngayong Pasko at Bagong Taon sa hanay ng mga magsasaka,” she said on the same day she was last seen by her family after she asked for permission to go to the mall.

Rizza Divine also appealed for understanding from her parents for not being with them during the holidays.

“Hindi niyo man ako kapiling nang pisikal ngayong Pasko dahil napagpasyahan ko na ipagdiwang ito kasama ng mga magsasaka, narito lang ako sa mga puso niyo at Missing PAGE 5

2 News

Acting Editor: Kevin A. Alabaso

JANUARY 28, 2019

UST’s e-Learning faces hurdles CONCERNS have been raised on the University’s e-Learning system as the lack of familiarity of professors and UST’s poor internet connection are hampering the transition to a digital campus.

Prof. Cheryl Peralta, UST vice rector for academic affairs, admitted to challenges in transitioning to “blended learning” or the alternate use of online and face-to-face classes, which coincided with the implementation of new curricula.

“Iba-iba rin kasi ‘yong edad ng mga faculty [members], so iba-iba rin ‘yong level ng technology expertise nila,” Peralta told the Varsitarian. “Bago [rin] kasi ‘yong curriculum. While they are teaching new content, they are also trying a new strategy (online classes), so it might be a bit of a challenge [for them],” she added.

The UST Educational Technology Center (EdTech) has facilitated trainings and seminars for faculty members to assist in the adoption of technology in teaching strategies.

A Center for Innovative Teaching and Educational Delivery was also established to teach new “learning principles and practices,” Peralta said.

The academic affairs head said the administration was addressing concerns on poor internet connection in the campus, as this was preventing students and teachers from adjusting to online classes.

Two faculty members from the Faculty of Arts and Letters and Senior High School, who spoke on condition of anonymity, aired concerns over the implementation of the University’s e-Learning system.

An assistant professor said there was a need to further improve the scheduling classes. “[The University should] not combine the online and face-to-face session on one particular day…It’s too difficult for students [to juggle between two types of learning,” she told the Varsitarian.

The other faculty member pointed out that the new strategy would have a selective compatibility with other subjects.

“It’s just a waste of effort in terms of [conducting lectures]. May instance kasi na magpo-post ako ng reading materials online pero sa susunod na mag meet kami ng klase ko, idi-discuss ko lang rin naman,” she said.

The SHS instructor questioned the capability of professors in adapting to the new system, saying that not all professors are “computer-literate” enough.

“Hindi lang ‘yong preparedness regarding trainings on how to use the online platform [ang kailangan].

‘Yong emotional or psychological preparedness ng mga traditional teachers na tulad ko, [x],” she said.

A third faculty member from Artlets said critics of e-learning should have an open mind to the adoption of new technology.

“The problem with some faculty members is they tend to shoot down innovation. Some are stuck in their ivory towers and do not realize that the way students learn and absorb knowledge has changed drastically,” he said.

“Some of these critics also do not attend training sessions, which is unfortunate. As university faculty, we need to continuously improve our content and teaching methods,” he added.

Blended learning The “blended learning” strategy was introduced in Academic Year 2018 to 2019 in a bid to ease the work schedules of professors, and was initially applied to general education (GE) courses, Peralta said.

It was rolled out to first year students, who attended online and face-to-face classes alternately. eLearning PAGE 5

Campus press urged to fight fake news, disinformation

By KEVIN A. ALABASO and JULIA CLAIRE L. MEDINA

FORMER UST vice rector Fr. Virgilio Ojoy, O.P. urged campus journalists to seek guidance from the teachings of the Church in discerning what is good and evil as they write their stories.

In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration for the 91st founding anniversary of the Varsitarian last Jan. 16, Ojoy said fake news triggers baseless analysis and sows confusion as it infiltrates communities, families, newsrooms and publication offices.

“As writers and journalists, we strive to strike a balance in our reports, cleanse our articles of prejudices and always exert an effort to approximate the truth,” he said.

The former Varsitarian associate editor said it is through the recognition of the goodness, the holiness and the values of Jesus where one can recognize the evil within.

“But many times, we only perceive the evil that exists in others. We find it difficult to see the evil in ourselves or worse, we keep pointing to the devil in others so that we could camouflage the tactic to hide the demons in us,” he added.

The Varsitarian, founded on Jan. 16, 1928, is the Philippines’ oldest Catholic newspaper and one of the oldest student publications.

Press PAGE 14

Sampaloc crime rate down in 2018–police

SAFER STREETS? Data from the Sampaloc police showed incidents of crime around the area of the University decreased from 2017 compared to in 2018.

MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA

ADVERTISING ARTS senior Patricia Esguerra recalled the night of October 2017 when three men stole her bag after she left it on a table inside a convenience store on España Boulevard.

“I entered [Ministop] to buy something and left my bag on a table. When I came back, the bag was gone,” Esguerra told the Varsitarian through Facebook message.

“It took hours before [the police officers and I] saw the CCTV footage [from Ministop],” she added.

Esguerra’s experience was one out of the 94 theft incidents recorded around the campus in 2017 by the Manila Police District Station 4.

Records obtained by the Varsitarian showed that such incidents and other “focus crimes” went down in 2018 compared with 2017.

These “focus crimes” are those identified by the Sampaloc police as incidents regularly reported in the vicinity of the University.

These include robbery, murder, physical injuries, motorcycle

or vehicle carnapping, theft, homicide and rape.

Reports of physical injuries topped the list, with 142 incidents in 2018 compared with 163 in 2017, or a 12.88 percent decrease.

Incidents of theft went down to 78 compared with 94 reported in 2017.

Murder and vehicle theft were both down by half in 2018, with 19 reported murders in the previous year compared with 38 in 2017, and three incidents of stolen vehicles in 2018 compared with six

previously.

Cases of motorcycle theft stood at 25 last year, from 26 in 2017.

Homicide was down to four from 19 incidents, and incidents of rape decreased to 31 in 2018 from 39 in 2017.

“Maraming incidents diyan [along UST] ng robbery and theft simply because marami kasing potential victims diyan [na mga estudyante]. Sabi nga nila, hindi ka naman mag-aaral sa UST kung hindi capable ‘yong Crime rate PAGE 13

LTC, Lakasdiwa to face off in CSC polls Architecture RIVAL student political parties Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) and Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) will once again face off in this year’s Central Student Council (CSC) elections.

The UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Jan. 22 that the two political parties had complied with the requirements set by the UST Students’ Election Code (USEC) of 2011.

Moriah Vernice Mendiola, Comelec chairwoman, said Lakasdiwa and LTC were the only University-wide political parties that applied for

accreditation this year.

The date of the filing of candidacy for the CSC elections has yet to be announced.

Lakasdiwa was the sole accredited political party last year but did not field any candidates during elections.

In the 2017 student polls, the party also failed to field a presidential bet, as there was no “competent and willing” member for the highest position. As a result, then medical technology junior Steven Grecia from LTC ran for president unopposed.

LTC did not apply for accreditation last year following its year-long suspension for violating

online campaigning rules during the April 2017 elections.

“We acknowledge our suspension due to our past mistakes and shortcomings and we are here to make amends,” LTC Chairwoman Sky Makayan told the Varsitarian in a Facebook message.

“We intend to revitalize not only our party and the principles that we adhere to, but we also intend to once again ignite the trust of the students not only towards us but to the entirety of the system of political parties,” she added.

Political PAGE 14

Bishop: ‘God can’t be mocked’ DELEGATES to the fourth Philippine Apostolic Congress on Mercy (Pacom) were told to abhor “reckless” civil leaders and uphold life amid cruelty and persecution last Jan. 24 to 26 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Lashing out against dishonest politicians, Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said the faithful must stand up against “those who attack the Catholic faith” and respond with prayers and politeness.

“Even some of our civil leaders are cruel morally and physically corrupt. Yet, we will not be afraid…because of Jesus whom we turn to and we have to trust. They insulted our good God. God cannot be mocked,” he said in his homily.

Santos also stressed the need to defend life “when it becomes cheap and people suffer so much because of the irresponsible and dishonest civil authorities.”

In recent months, the Catholic Church has been the object of President Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades such as suggesting that “useless bishops should be killed” and declaring

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos delivers his homily on the opening Mass of Pacom.

GENIELYN ROSARIO M. SORIANO that “God is stupid.”

Caloocan Bishop Pablo David, vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, urged Catholics not turn a blind eye on the thousands killed under the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

“No one cares about strangers, you will only start

caring once you give them a name, once they begin to have a face. [K]ilalanin ninyo ang mga pangalan nila, mababagabag ka,” David said during his talk, titled “Selfie Syndrome and the Image of Mercy.”

No one has the right to call someone “evil” because even Bishop PAGE 13

puts up ‘library satellite’ NEW FACILITIES will soon be available for architecture students for making their plates.

College of Architecture Dean Rodolfo Ventura said a portion of the UST Publishing House and printing press under the Domus Mariae International Residence would be renovated to make way for the project.

The idea, he said, came after the Miguel de Benavides Library prohibited architecture students from doing their plates inside its reading halls. “[I]t is unfair for [the students]…[they] do not have the luxury of using the main library so we needed to look for an alternative solution,” Ventura told the Varsitarian.

The “library satellite” will be located at the printing press area, under Domus Mariae and will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The “studio” will be located in a portion of the UST Publishing House.

The project will provide a working space where students can do their plates and access books, but not the whole collection of architecture-related books in the central library. “[W]e have big papers, big tables and, in a way, messy. That is our true nature [of work]. So what I requested the library, if they cannot give us that provision… it would be fitting that they provide us some sort of a satellite [library]”, he added.

The college will also launch a studio that will serve as a common space for students in the higher level. Given limited space, the college will “try to make it exclusive” for UST architecture students, for easier monitoring of the facilities.

In December 2018, the project was awarded to a contractor.

The Facilities and Management Office facilitated construction and renovation of the spaces.

The blessing of the new facilities will be on Feb 26, the first day of the College of Architecture week. MAREM A. DE JEMEL

Editor: Arianne Aine D. Suarez

JANUARY 28, 2019

Book borrowings down, electronic access up THE MIGUEL de Benavides Library saw a decrease of 69 percent in the number of books borrowed by users in the past five years, data obtained by the Varsitarian showed.

The Central Library recorded a total of 39,516 books borrowed last semester, the

lowest number of books checked out since Academic Year (AY) 2013 to 2014, which saw a total of 126,319 borrowed books.

A total of 130,981 books were borrowed in AY 2014 to 2015; 129,766 in AY 2015 to 2016, 107,570 in AY 2016 to 2017; and 84,520 in AY 2017 to 2018.

Chief Librarian Ma. Cecilia Lobo attributed the decline in book borrowing to the increasing number of Thomasians opting for electronic resources.

She said it was possible that more students preferred using the resources only while inside the library, as using electronic resources outside was more convenient. “[K]ahit madaling araw

Special Reports 3

puwedeng i-access ‘yong mga digital resources samantalang kapag book, you have to come here to borrow it,” Lobo told the Varsitarian in an interview.

The decline in book borrowing, however, does not mean Thomasians no longer utilize the library resources, she said.

“Puwedeng ayaw lang [ng Thomasians] i-uwi [‘yong mga libro] kasi mabigat, samantalang ‘yong mga smartphone, isang picture lang dalawang picture ‘di ba?’” she said.

Despite the decline in book borrowing, library visitors increased by 89 percent to 949,329, from 501,600 visitors in 2013.

Diana Padilla, assistant chief librarian, said students should maximize the use of library resources whether online or in the library.

Lobo and Padilla

maintained that the reasons they mentioned behind the book borrowing decline were just “assessments,” as they did not conduct any study on the matter.

Use of electronic, online resources on the rise While the number of borrowed books has decreased, the library’s online and electronic presence has expanded, a report for AY 2017 to 2018 bared.

The report showed 10,948,882 remote log-ins in the library’s electronic database, which included the accessing of electronic journals, e-books, open-access resources and local databases, among others.

Lobo said the demand for digital materials was a result of greater research activity among undergraduate and graduate students. “‘Yong naisip namin, usually freshmen and sophomores, sila ‘yong nagboborrow talaga kasi basic [education] or ‘yong basic Borrowing PAGE 7

Book borrowing at the UST Miguel de Benavides Library recorded has dropped by 69 percent since Academic Year 2013 to 2014.

MICHAEL ANGELO M. REYES

Rector: Children belong in schools, not jails FROM PAGE 1

carefully, warning that the legislation might not serve its intended purpose.

He added that the proposal should be backed up by a scientific study that will look at its possible consequences.

“We recognize the situation, the gravity of criminality happening in the country, but we have to ask ourselves whether such kinds of policies would really address the issue,” he told the Varsitarian in a chance interview.

Lawyer Kath Panguban of the National Union of People’s Lawyers said the legislators are using the bill as a “face-saving measure” as they could only go after the children and not the adult criminal offenders and syndicates.

“Sinasabing the children are used and exploited by adult crime offenders or syndicates para gumawa ng krimen so kung ganun ‘yong rationale nila, why don’t go after these syndicates, these adult offenders who as they claim are exploiting children sa paggawa ng krimen?” she said in a phone interview.

She also slammed the “unclear” working definition of the term “rehabilitation” in the proposed measure, saying it could be subject to misuse and abuse in the future.

Under RA 9344, children may be rehabilitated through diversion or intervention.

A diversion program refers to the program that the child in conflict with the law, aged 15 to 18, is required to undergo after he is found to have acted with discernment for a crime without the need to resort to formal court proceedings.

The intervention program refers to a series of activities that are designed to address issues that caused the child, aged 15 and below, to commit an offense. It may include counseling, skills training and educational activities for the child’s psychological, emotional and psychosocial well-being.

Two children are seen playing along P. Noval street just outside the University. Under Congress’s original proposal, children as young as 9-year-old who break the law may be arrested.

MICHAEL ANGELO M. REYES “Sa punto de bista namin, kapag ang mga batas na pinaguusapan natin ay involved ang mga bata, wala dapat na vague terms… Isa ‘yan sa mga binibira namin ngayon sa panukala,” she said.

Panguban stressed the importance of releasing a child who committed an offense aged 15 below to his parents, nearest relative or guardian to “lessen the displacement” in their communities.

“For children below the minimum age of criminal liability, [intervention is necessary] para ma-assess ano ang

mga risk factors bakit siya nakasama doon sa isang krimen. Ganon din ang maga-apply kahit 16 years old to 18, [they are] subject to diversion programs,” she said.

In a statement, the UST Volunteers for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UST-Unicef) called the bill “ironic and hypocritical” for violating a child’s rights.

Although the bill promises to put children in “intervention facilities,” the organization pointed out that the country lacks resources.

UST-Unicef said children in conflict with the law were merely exploited by adult criminals, making them “victims of circumstances and environment rather than mere perpetrators of crime.”

“Lowering the age of criminal liability not only disregards the fact that children at that age are still not mature enough. It also makes younger children vulnerable targets of crime syndicates and other violators of children’s rights,” the statement read.

Lack of rehabilitation facilities

The law needs to be amended, but the age of criminal liability must still be at 15 years old, said lawyer Antonio La Viña, former dean of the Ateneo School of Government.

La Viña said only few fully operational “Bahay Pag-asa” or rehabilitation centers around the country could facilitate the needs of children in conflict with the law. “[The law] needs to be amended to provide more facilities, to take care of those children… but it doesn’t have to make them criminals. By making them criminals, they would be treated [as] adults when they are not,” he said in a chance interview.

He said children should be separated from adult criminals even in rehabilitation facilities.

But for Panguban, the current Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act is a “huge advancement” for children’s rights. The law, however, is not properly implemented due to the lack of budget allocation.

“Wala ngang budget na inilalaan para doon sa Bahay Pag-asa, sa pag establish nila ng restorative justice system for the children. ‘Yon ‘yong need [unahin] e… tapos kating-kati na sila pababain ‘yong criminal age of liability,” she said.

Only 55 “Bahay Pag-asa” centers are currently operational out of the 113 required by the law, the Senate Committee on Justice revealed in a committee hearing last Jan. 25.

It was only in 2013 that the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Center received the P400-million budget for the creation of the rehabilitation centers.

President Duterte wants to lower the age of criminal responsibility, arguing that offenders have been using minors as accomplices and drug couriers to escape prosecution. JOB ANTHONY R. MANAHAN

4 Opinion

JANUARY 28, 2019

Editorial

The great e-Leap backward ACADEMIC affairs head Cheryl Peralta has admitted to technological inadequacies within the campus system that allegedly militate against the full implementation of the online-aided classroom instruction. But she has also blamed the problem on the resistance to the new system of “old professors” who presumably aren’t tech-savvy and who stick to their old ways.

But it has been 15 years since UST’s Educational Technology Center (EdTech) launched online courses through the Electronic Learning Access Program (e-Leap) and obviously, EdTech and Peralta should have input the “technological literacy time lag” between the old and new generations in the faculty to UST’s decision this school year to become a “cloud campus.”

Alas, the most advanced cloud campus in this side of Sampaloc has not only seen overcast clouds, but hit deep freeze like the harsh winter being experienced at present by the West as a result of climate change.

At the start of the second semester, some faculty members teaching freshmen courses have told EdTech that based on their experience in the first semester, e-Leap is not exactly a great leap forward but a jurassic leap backward because of the unreliable Internet system on campus. Critics have said, Internet connection on campus through “Veritas” does not reach especially those in the classrooms.

Peralta has ordered teachers to utilize e-Leap and make it 50 percent of instruction, an impossible ratio to achieve vis-a-vis actual face-to-face classroom instruction because of poor Internet. Peralta has acknowledged the poor Internet exposure but still she insists on the same online equity.

But the challenge remains that not all students have the means to access the Internet to participate in these classes.

Should we sacrifice the true essence of learning just to keep up with globalization and modernization of methods in teaching?

While it is good that UST tries to be at par with universities abroad in e-learning, it seems it is doing so just to keep up with the Joneses and, like Freudian penis-envy, for sheer technology-envy. In short, it is trying to use technology just for the sake of using fancy technology and not for education and the needs of a developing nation.

And UST academic officialdom is likewise averse to—or seems ignorant of—the fact that the Philippines is a laggard in Southeast Asia as far as Internet bandwidth is concerned. The Philippines with a population of more than 100 million has a mere 15 megabits per second of Internet compared with the 54 mbps of tiny Singapore (with just 5.8 million people), Malaysia has 20 mbps but its population is only 32 million. Thailand has 17 mbps for a population of 69 million.

At the least, academic planners of UST—many of whom come from the positivistic sciences like Peralta— should have done their homework or at least, should not be intellectually dishonest about Philippine realities that militate against the full use of digital technology. They should likewise be aware of UST realities such as the many dead spots on campus that hamper digitalization.

Editorial PAGE 14

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928 CHRISTIAN DE LANO M. DEIPARINE Editor in Chief KLIMIER NICOLE B. ADRIANO Managing Editor LEXANNE O. GARCIA Associate Editor JULIA CLAIRE L. MEDINA News Editor KEVIN A. ALABASO Acting Assistant News Editor MA. ANGELICA D. GARCIA Sports Editor ARIANNE AINE D. SUAREZ Special Reports LOUISE CLAIRE H. CRUZ Features Editor ELMER B. COLDORA Literary Editor LYON RICARDO III M. LOPEZ Circle Editor MICHAEL ANGELO M. REYES Chief Photographer NATHANAEL JONAS S.J. RODRIGO Acting Art Director News Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat, Marem A. de Jemel, Angelika V. Ortega, Neil Joshua N. Servallos Sports John Ezekiel J. Hirro, Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa, Ivan Ruiz L. Suing, Theresa Clare K. Tañas, Justin Robert Valencia Special Reports Lady Cherbette Agot, Job Anthony R. Manahan, Klyra V. Orbien Features Alyssa Carmina A. Gonzales Literary Karl Ben L. Arlegui, Jessica Joy C. Buenafe, Briana Michaela C. Diche, Matthew Dominic D. Dimapawi, Hailord N. Lavarias, Therese Marie F. Ungson Filipino Vivienne Audrey P. Angeles, Malic U. Cotongan, Joselle Czarina S. de la Cruz, Francis Agapitus E. Braganza, Chris V. Gamoso Witness Eugene Dominic V. Aboy, O.P., Pearl Anne M. Gumapos, Mariel Celine L. Serquiña Science and Technology Miguel Alejandro IV A. Herrera, Roland Adrian D.L. Ignacio, Beatriz Avegayle S. Timbang Circle Jiselle Anne C. Casucian, Nolene Cruicillo, Katrina Isabel C. Gonzales Art Mariane Jane A. Cadiz, Alisa Joy T. del Mundo, Mari Kloie D. Ledesma, Jury P. Salaya, Rica Mae V. Soriente Photography Deejae S. Dumlao, Hazel Grace S. Posadas, Enrico Miguel S. Silverio, Jose Miguel J. Sunglao, Mark Darius M. Sulit, Mary Jazmin D. Tabuena Editorial Assistant Jose Miguel S. del Rosario FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser Letters/comments/suggestions are welcome in the Varsitarian. Only letters with signatures and corresponding contact details will be entertained. Original manuscript contributions must be typewritten, double-spaced, on regular bond paper, and should include a signed certification bearing the author’s name, address, year and college. The identity of the writer may be withheld upon request. The editors will not be responsible for the loss of materials. Contributions must be sent to THE VARSITARIAN, Rm. 105, Tan Yan Kee Student Center, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.

Duterte should take a page from Aquinas WITH A president who attacks the Church and a society plagued with blinding propaganda, the teachings of the Angelic Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, the University’s patron saint, is a good reminder that both faith and reason are needed to know the truth.

Since the onset of Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, the Filipino Catholic Church has vigorously hit the President for his anti-poor and inhumane policies. Duterte responded with accusing bishops of being gay, living luxuriously, womanizing, and other forms of corruption. He even mocked Church doctrines by calling God “stupid” and questioning the Holy Trinity.

Obviously, Duterte fires these tirades to distract Filipinos from government inefficiency such as the rising inflation and unemployment rate, and China’s occupation of islands in Philippine territory or its exclusive economic zone.

Time and again, the current administration has used propaganda to hinder rational discussion on relevant issues in the country. Instead of justifying why he extended martial law in Marawi or catching bigtime drug lords, he spends hia time silencing his critics while blurting out racist and sexist statements.

It is not shocking that

The hypocrisy of many Filipinos stands out here: they are Catholics but they fall short of defending the faith when the President attacks it.

Duterte would hit the Church that strongly has spoken against the inhumane policies of his administration.

For one, the Church’s opposition to the administration’s repressive and murderous policies is not a violation of the doctrine of the separation of the Church and State since the doctrine simply means that the State cannot establish a state religion and cannot interfere with the free exercise of religions.

The President does not need to believe in God even if Aquinas long arrived at the five scholastic proofs on the existence of God, but he certainly needs to learn to respect other people’s beliefs.

Noticeably, the President has singled out the Catholic faith to villigy. He has shown respect for the Muslim faith,

and surely, he will not speak against the religious sects of Iglesia ni Cristo and that of Apollo Quiboloy’s for they had endorsed his candidacy back in 2016.

The Catholic Church, meanwhile, has continuously spoken out against the loss of the lives of thousands of drug suspects and has denounced his anti-poor policies. For that, it has taken the jabs and jeers from the President and his blind followers. Shameful as it is, the hypocrisy of many Filipinos stands out here: they are Catholics but they fall short of defending the faith when the President attacks it.

Aquinas’s political philosophy also emphasizes that the goal of a political community should be the common good.

Political

authorities must pursue this common good by maintaining a just society where citizens would flourish physically and morally.

In doing so, Aquinas stressed that these leaders must possess the four cardinal virtues - prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude.

Perhaps the President and our political leaders should take a page from Aquinas’s teachings in leading the country. Aquinas reminds us that politics is good and beautiful, if only applied and pursued properly.

As for the Church, there is no need to worry as She transcends politics in universality and purpose. Being vocal against the administration’s repressive and murderous policies is just one of the Her ways in aiding man-made institutions to lead people for the common good.

Questions on the doctrinal matters should strengthen Catholics’ faith in God and in the Mother Church. Aquinas reminds us that faith is an intellectual act that may lead us to the truth.

In a country bombarded with political leaders mocking Church doctrines and crafting inhumane government policies, St. Thomas serves as a model to study, learn more about the world, about God and share the knowledge to create a more just society. This Dominican spirituality reminds us Gird your loins PAGE 14

Children as collateral damage for crimes?

JUST A DAY after the Sinulog Festival, a Filipino tradition honoring the Child Jesus, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 8858 which sought to lower the age of criminal liability to nine years old.

Even if it was later changed to 12, it is still perplexing to think of reconciling a people who celebrate the humility and innocence of Sto. Niño, who at the same time support a legislation that criminalizes children for being victims of poverty in a country, governed by incompetence and corruption.

It is a shame to realize that the representatives of the people—let that sink in, our representatives!—can consider children as criminals while they cuddle their already convicted amigos! Did it not even occur to them that lowering the minimum age of criminal liability could encourage and justify the abuse of children?

The pathetic logic of these legislators—again, our representatives!—goes: Since we are part of the system that can’t implement the law, let us change the law that we can’t implement. The congress does not see that the real problem lies in the implementation

Targeting the most vulnerable sector of the society only proves that this administration could not really afford to go against the big fish like the drug lords and powerful syndicates. of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (JJWA) that holds the minimum age of criminal liability at 15 years old. It is simply not the law, it is them.

Instead of lowering the minimum criminal liability age, the amendments should address the underlying reasons as to why and how the children get involved in criminal activities.

Justice panel chair congressman Salvador Leachon gives false hopes to the public when he said that children would not be jailed in ordinary prisons, but in “reformative institutions” like the Bahay Pag-asa. True, the JJWA states that each of the 81 provinces and 33 cities must have a child-caring institution.

on improving the dismal conditions of the existing childcare facilities and programs.

The lack of rehabilitation and maintenance of the facilities reflects the sincerity that these politicians have toward these matters concerning children.

Aside from the rehabilitation efforts, the government’s approach in addressing the issue should always boil down to poverty.

Crime reports from the Philippine National Police states that most of the children in conflict with the law were from the poor communities or indigent families.

Lawmakers who lobby and support the current amendments pin the accountability to young minds who cannot even fully grasp the consequences of their actions, making them easy targets of exploitation and abuse. What the government should be concerned about is how to establish a mechanism that would liberate the children from violence and exploitation and not just letting them live in an oppressive society that compels them to engage in criminal acts.

But to note, the country only has around 55 operational Bahay Pag-asa units. Voila!

Our good representatives would need more budget conveniently justified by what the JJWA requires.

In addition to our lamentations, the existing childcaring units have been proven to be ineffective as they cannot provide the psychological and physiological needs suitable to young minds.

The congestion in the Bahay Pag-asa units would also worsen, leaving the repercussion of an unsanitary and unhealthful environment to the children.

If the bill becomes a law, If they are really for the interest and welfare of the the government would betray children, government officials its mandate in protecting and should focus its amendments asserting the rights of the children.

JANUARY 28, 2019

Bullying the bully IT IS WORRISOME that the public’s reaction to the alleged bullying incident involving an Ateneo de Manila Junior High School student last December went out of hand.

One of the videos showed the implicated student taunting and attacking another student inside a comfort room, with the latter ending up with a bloodied nose.

With the public expressing their sentiments, the alleged bully, became the bullied. He became the target of memes, parody videos making fun of him and challenging him for a fight, if not demonizing him.

People should not forget is still a minor, who must still be treated humanely despite how abhorrent his actions were.

What the alleged bully did to his fellow student in the video was unacceptable, but the reactions of the supposedly older and more mature Filipinos were just as worse.

Social media have prompted Filipinos to constitute themselves as a lynch mob calling for the blood of a minor.

Even Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. joined in the fracas, saying the alleged bully “should be beaten senseless.”

Apparently the same should be

Sadly, it would seem that social media nowadays are used to bully and bamboozle others rather than build bridges of communication.

done too on a spoiled brat who has peddled his cheap services to the thug and bully Duterte and who seems impervious that his statement is unbecoming of someone who’s to officially represent before other countries the Philippines that’s a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child.

There is no excuse for physically assaulting and attacking another person, but perpetuating the cycle of violence by hate speech and calls for blood will not help address the matter effectively or arrest the spiral of violence in our society.

It is dismaying that the alleged bully is a Taekwondo athlete, who should have been propagating the sport as a way

to teach and promote dignity and honor.

The skills he acquired from learning the sport are meant for self-defense and should have never been used for the sole purpose of dominance or to boost his ego.

Taekwondo is supposed to instill discipline to its practicioners, but what the alleged offender did was the exact opposite.

As the Philippine Taekwondo Association said, Taekwondo “is firmly anchored on the sport’s virtues of integrity and self control.” It was never a means of violence, despite it being a contact sport.

While Ateneo has addressed the problem by dismissing the alleged offender, bullying cannot be solved by the

mere dismissal of a student.

Bullying also happens in other schools. It also happens in adult workplaces and even inside the household. It is a problem of the society itself.

Dealing with it properly requires constant effort from the mass.

Bullied people and even the bullies may be in need of help, especially counseling.

The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, which mandates all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address acts of bullying inside their institutions, should be strictly implemented and followed.

The incident should serve as a wake-up call for the government and other schools to strengthen and improve their regulations and protocols in addressing cases of bullying.

This incident shows how powerful and influential social media can be. Sadly it would seem that social media nowadays are used to bully and bamboozle others rather than build bridges of communication. Social-media users should learn responsible use of technology. Many people cry foul over bullying and yet they themselves are guilty of the same practice in their hate speech and blood cries on social media.

No time for another data breach LAST JAN. 8, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., via Twitter, said that Filipinos should bring their birth certificate when renewing their passport because the agency is “rebuilding [its] files from scratch because [the] previous outsourced passport maker took all the data when contract (was) terminated.”

Days later, he retracted his previous statement, saying the data were not taken away but were rather just made inaccessible by the previous French passport-printing contractor, Francois-Charles Oberthur Fiduciaire.

The DFA, not having back-up files for important data, proves how incompetent it is, to think that last August President Rodrigo Duterte even signed the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the National ID System, which integrates all governmentissued identifications of every Filipino citizen. How can we now trust a government that allows data breaches?

With this passport chaos, Filipinos have to carry the burden of the DFA’s recklessness, which puts citizens at risk of fraud.

Even worse, a breach may

Seats in government will be filled this upcoming midterm elections and it is but vital that the security of our data is ensured. cause a concern to a people who have to elect their officials soon. To note, in 2016, months before the presidential election, two different hacker groups—Anonymous PH and Lulzsec Pilipinas—taunted the Commission on Elections.

The hackers successfully defaced the agency’s website and exposed elections-related data, which included not only the publicly known information of millions of Filipinos but also their voter registration information.

A cyberattack that happens months before elections could be a “trial run” for a more massive attack that might happen come election day. In the case of Ukraine’s presidential election in 2014, they reportedly experienced

dangerous “cyberattacks on electoral servers and personal computers of election staff” which were meant to disrupt and sabotage the election results.

The Ukrainian Security Service said offenders try to discredit general, presidential election results through previously installed software that will fake results in the given region.

In a report published by The Guardian, Trend Micro, a multinational cyber security and defense software company, warned the Philippines of the possible threats and risks we might experience as a consequence of data breach.

“Cybercriminals can choose from a wide range of activities to use the

e-Learning

Missing

FROM PAGE 2

FROM PAGE 1

“Isa sa mga feedback [na natanggap namin galing sa professors ng GE courses] ay ‘kalat-kalat’ ang load [nila].

[That’s why] we started to cluster [them] kasi nagiging issue rin ‘yong room allocation and facility availability,” she said.

She said the strategy would also help students manage their workload especially those participating in international programs with partner universities abroad.

“Sa mga first year muna kami tumutok kasi kailangan namin ng patterns na pwede namin pagbasehan for future programs,” she added.

Medical technology freshman Dhon Aldous Castro said the implementation of online classes cannot be regarded as a practical strategy to teach students, especially those living in dormitories that do not have internet connections.

“Most of my blockmates are having a hard time [in] using the e-learning site. They either pass their online task on the wrong place or cannot connect to the [website at all],” Castro told the Varsitarian in a Facebook message.

He said the University was not ready to pursue a “blended learning” strategy because of lack of reliable internet connections. “[T]hough [UST has its own Wi-Fi network], it is still unreliable because [it] is inaccessible and often times, too slow,” said Castro. “[Students often need to] go to coffee shops or internet cafés just to attend their online class, which is not a practical thing to do because you still have to pay for those services,” he added.

Computer desktops with internet connections, however, are available for use free of charge on the first and second floors of the Miguel de Benavides Library. A.H. CAYONGCAT and N.J.N.SERVALLOS

hinding-hindi ako mawawala.

Hiling ko lang naman ngayong pasko ay maintindihan niyo po ako,” she said.

Roland, Rizza Divine’s father, said he received a text message on Dec. 24 from someone who claimed to be his daughter, who assured him that she was “well taken care of.” He said her daughter’s original contact number could not be reached anymore.

He said a certain Patrick Henry Fernandez reached out to him on Jan. 5 through Facebook Messenger to arrange a meeting with someone named Mark concerning his daughter’s whereabouts.

“Sabi [ni Mark] sa akin nasa Quezon [province daw ang anak ko]. [O]kay lang daw ang anak ko pero ayaw niyang [sabihin] ‘yong eksaktong lugar, noong tinanong ko kung nasaan

information gathered from the data breach to perform acts of extortion. In previous cases of data breach, stolen data has been used to access bank accounts, gather further information about specific persons, used as leverage for spear phishing emails or BEC schemes, blackmail or extortion, and much more,” Trend Micro said.

These government agencies just slapped into the faces of Filipinos its irresponsibility and lack of accountability.

Admitting their faults does not justify their carelessness that can result in issues of national security. Security measures should always be in place.

Seats in the government will be filled this upcoming midterm elections and it is but vital that the security of our data is ensured.

Our information must not be used to manipulate the elections. Engineered elections kill democracy.

The passport chaos should serve as a reminder for us, especially those in position, that it is highly necessary to intensify and solidify our standards when it comes to data protection and security.

banda [si Rizza] para sunduin ko na siya,” Roland said.

Roland then sought help from radio station dzBB on Jan. 15, claiming his daughter went missing after he lost contact with her on Christmas Eve. A few hours after Roland spoke to dzBB, Mark reached out anew and asked him not to publicize the matter due to the “political situation” of the country.

“Siguro po huwag na lang natin gawin ulit ‘yon kasi mainit po ‘yong political situation ngayon.

Hindi naman po sa pinag-aalala ko kayo pero baka po kasi isipin ng kung sino-sino na ‘yong simpleng pag-immerse sa mga farmers ay kung ano-ano na [‘yong] ginagawa,” Mark told Roland in a text message.

On Jan. 17, the 18-yearold’s father told the Varsitarian that his daughter came home

Opinion 5

Manila Bay, Boracay rehab: Reviving our waters PEOPLE can attribute the clutter and societal mess in the Manila Bay to abstract culprits, like heavy industrialization, unmanageable population growth, and the perpetual suspect, that, is the government.

But the country’s problem with poor sewerage system is only an effect of a bigger problem. The dismal amount of proper urban planning, or the lack thereof, inevitably results in the overall degradation of the environment of Manila; hence, the deterioration of water quality within the bay and its other waterways.

Several industries operate along the bay in the highly urbanized Metro Manila area. There are shipyard facilities in Cavite and in Bataan. Several

It is hoped that the government’s efforts to rehabilitate the bay will also reavh its full realization and not fall into the old Filipino habit of “ningas kugon.” heavier industries, refineries and a power plant are also there. At the ports, an average of 30,000 ships arrive and depart annually to transport passengers, manufactured goods and raw materials. All over are industrial discharges and untreated domestic wastes from drainage and sewer outlets.

After the success of the rehabilitation of Boracay, which President Duterte described as a “cess pool,” we must give credit to where it is due. It is hoped that the government’s efforts to rehabilitate the bay will also reach its full realization and not fall into the old Filipino habit of ningas kugon.

This rehabilitation is not an effort only of the government but must include most importantly the private sector, for it was generations of Filipinos who have allowed this to happen to the world famous Manila Bay and other bodies of water in the country.

Closing establishments, which pollute the bay, should be carried out. These companies adjacent to the rivers and the bay should be held liable. This should let them think twice before they start throwing trash again.

As an architecture student and foremost, a Filipino, I strongly support the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay and of other bodies of water not only in the capital city but in the whole country as well. The responsibility of taking care of the environment should always be the priority of everyone.

The second priority is the architecture of the place, then man as last priority. It is most often than not that the order is the other way around. We must serve the environment. When that is settled, numerous opportunities for waterfront development would arise and we can all reap benefits in the long run.

Moreover, it could be an inspiration to everyone in the Philippines to finally appreciate our country and to keep it clean. Filipinos may soon realize that the cleanliness of a place changes the way we experience spaces. We can’t always blame the government for everything as we ourselves are the culprits of destroying the environment. We must start with ourselves.

Once the cleanup is done, a new master plan for the area should be implemented. Stricter environmental regulations must also be implemented on the Pasig River and other connected waterways that connect to the bay. Because of the area being a tourist spot, we should begin designing urban waterfront developments that can enhance people’s quality of life in all aspects.

on Jan. 16, Wednesday night.

The day after, his wife Luisa clarified that their daughter had yet to return.

She also said she was able to talk to Rizza Divine on the phone last Jan. 16 but heard voices of other people dictating to her daughter how she should answer during the call.

“Boses niya [‘yong naririnig ko], kaya lang may mga tumatawa [sa background]. Tatlong babae ang naririnig ko. [Kapag may itatanong] ako sa kaniya, may sumasagot ng isasagot niya,” Luisa said.

“Kapag sa text, ‘di ako [sigurado] kung siya ‘yon.

Kaya sabi ko tawagan ako, para mapanatag ang kalooban ko na buhay pa [siya]. At saka lagi kong sinasabi sa kaniya na mag-aral ka,” she added.

Luisa said her daughter has been contacting her and

her husband separately.

She also revealed that her daughter had refused to continue her studies and did not enroll this semester, but promised to be back on March.

The participation of Rizza Divine in an immersion was confirmed by the League of Filipino Students (LFS)UST, saying that immersions or integration programs were part of the student organization’s orientation.

In a statement, LFS-UST mentioned that Rizza Divine had assured her parents that she was safe and unharmed during the immersion. She lost communication with her parents because of poor signal, it added.

LFS is not a recognized student organization in UST. A.K.H. CAYONGCAT, A.V.ORTEGA, N.J.N.SERVALLOS with reports from J.P.V. SAGUYOD

6 Sci-Tech

JANUARY 28, 2019

‘Humane, scientific’ way urged vs Duterte’s drug war FROM PAGE 1

of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs and other dangerous drugs.” Its aim, the law states, is “to enable the patient to confront his or her addiction and cease subtance abuse to avoid the psychological, legal, financial, social and physical consequences.”

“The criminalization approach distorts ordinary citizens’ and law enforcers’ perceptions of addiction. By exposing people to frequent occurrences of “tokhang” and vigilante-style killings, it desensitizes them to violations of human rights and reinforces the view that the lives of innocent people are mere collateral damage,” PAP said.

Carlos Conde, a representative of the Human Rights Watch in the Philippines, said the PAP’s statement provides a different view of the drug war coming from those in the medical field.

“That [PAP statement] is extremely important because for the longest time, we haven’t really heard any counterpoint or any sort of different perspective of the drug war.

It is important for the PAP to come up with that because they are so knowledgeable about these things,” he said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

Conde said government was missing opportunities to solve the roots of the country’s drug problem by not dealing with it as a health matter.

“Their (drug addicts) behavior and conduct pose a certain risk not just to themselves but to the public. If we don’t treat the problem from a public health perspective, then, we’re losing a lot of opportunities to really get to the bottom of the problem. Using crime [and] the police to deal with this is not only ineffective, but is also quite brutal,” he said.

From their observation as a human rights group, he said the government’s rehabilitation programs are “questionable” as it is detentionbased more than community-based programs.

“It would be very difficult to convince the government to do a community-based approach [because it] doesn’t accept the fact that this is a public health issue more than anything else,” Conde added.

The official death toll on Duterte’s drug war has reached 5,000 according to official data from authorities in December last year.

Conde disputed this figure, citing reports that there have been incidents where police in drug operations would plant evidence on bodies of those killed, and that other groups are claiming that the death toll could be as high as 30,000.

“There are indications that this “nanlaban” thing is largely fictitious. We think that 5,000 is still conservative. If you take into account that there have been tens of thousands of killings, including those who have been killed by unidentified people [and] gunmen, that figure of nearly 30,000 is probably not a stretch, that’s probably closer to reality than 5,000 record [the] police is saying,” he said.

A report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) in September of last year showed that an estimated 27,000

SECOND CHANCE. Drug surrenderees who underwent rehabilitation from the Archdiocese of Manila’s Sanlakbay program pose with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, marking the completion of their 6 months to one year program. (Photo courtesy of Sanlakbay program)

drug surrenderees, who were below 18 years old, were recorded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the start of the Duterte presidency in July 2016 up to in April 2018.

Of the number, 2,279 were 15 years old and below while the rest were above and below 18 years of age, records from the PNP showed as obtained by the PCIJ. Former PAP president Ma. Regina Hechanova said the association has developed evidence-based interventions.

One of this is the “Katatagan Kontro Droga sa Komunidad,” a community-based drug treatment program with Quezon City and San Juan as its pilot cities.

Their evaluations, she said, showed a decrease in symptoms of dependence in substance use and an increase in drug recovery and life skills, psychological well being as well as quality of family life.

Today, the program is being used by local government units of Caloocan, Malabon, Pasig, Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon and in Talacogon in Agusan del Sur. She said, however, that the government

The Manila archdiocese’s Sanlakbay program consists of psychospiritual approach, values formation and counseling and livelihood program.

(Photo courtesy of Sanlakbay program)

“Ang problema sa Simbahan, ayaw niya pa kumilos. [S]iyempre mas madaling magingay kaysa gumawa. We have the resources but we lack faith.”

—Fr. Roberto “Bobby” de la Cruz Program minister, Archdiocese of Manila’s “Sanlakbay”

may have launched a war that “it did not prepare for” when it asked drug addicts to surrender without any proper communitybased treatments.

“Even the agencies that were supposed to be in charge of this were not prepared at the deluge of clients. Two and half years since they surrendered, less than a quarter of the surrenderees have been treated. From what we know not even half has been assessed. In the meantime, there are people who have been killed who never got the chance to receive treatment,” Hechanova said.

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 44 drug treatment and rehabilitation centers in the country in 2016.

“We’re not hoping that it will happen but things like these, they have a way of creeping up to you and when you’re in, you’re done.”

Malpractice?

Eduardo Caligner, a PAP board member who teaches at the UST Graduate School, said the government may be committing a medical malpractice by asking psychology graduates to perform the role of psychologists in rehabilitation centers despite not having the license yet to practice.

“Why does the government resort to malpractice? Because they can only hire as much number of licensed psychologists. [K] nowing they lack the required number of professionals there, sa simula pa lang, may problema na. Hindi siya magiging effective,” he said in an interview.

Conde said this may be an indication that the government is taking “a lot of shortcuts” in dealing with the country’s drug problem.

“Clearly, if that is the case, a lot of shortcuts are being taken by the government in dealing with the drug issue and one of them is just naming or appointing people who are not really that qualified to conduct this program,” he said.

—Carlos Conde Human Rights Watch representative

Reaching out to ‘lost sheeps’ Before priesthood and in his teenage years, Fr. Roberto “Bobby” de la Cruz was into drugs. Today, the UST alumnus is the program minister of Sanlakbay, the recovery program of the Archdiocese of Manila for drug users.

Sanlakbay began in 2016 when Duterte rose to power. Under Caritas Manila, the Church’s efforts to rehabilitate drug users is composed of psychospiritual approach, values formation, counseling and livelihood program.

Since then, de la Cruz said they have had 1,000 drug surrenderees. 275 of those from 16 parishes have completed the rehabilitation program.

From a series of meetings with government agencies, he said the initial plan was to build a facility-based rehabilitation center but with the “influx” of drug surrenderees, the government opted for the creation of community-based programs where addicts will be treated in barangay centers.

The said program has its regular staff for sustainability which includes teams composed of volunteer doctors, catechists and even drug addicts who were rehabilitated.

De la Cruz said UST doctors initially offered clinical and medical help but the said efforts cannot be “reconciled” at present as drug users are hesitant of seeking help as well.

He added that the DOH wanted to turn Sanlakbay into an official drug rehabilitation center but he opted for it to remain as a

“support and recovery center.”

“Puwede na kaming support lang, as long as importante sa amin na nakakausap namin ‘yung mga drug addicts. May sariling identity tayo [as a] Church, hindi tayo nongovernment organization [o] social worker lang at para sa akin, importante ‘yun na may identity tayo. Support lang kami, kaya hindi naman ito tinatawag na rehabilitation center,” he said.

On cases of extrajudicial killings, de la Cruz said the killing of drug users and pushers may also come from their own and not only from police and vigilante groups.

“Ang may interest dito ay hindi lang naman ‘yung mga pulis [pati] ‘yung mga pushers din. Mayroon din silang making impluwensiya kung tutuusin. [D]efinitely, ang puwedeng maging sanhi ng kamatayan, hindi lang police, maraming dahilan para mamatay. Puwede ring lumaban, possible ‘yun. Lalo na kung ikaw ay pusher, alam mo na ganito ‘yung labanan, lalaban ka talaga,” he said.

But in all of this, de la Cruz said the President’s drug war opens an opportunity for the Church to reach out to drug addicts whom he referred to as “lost sheeps.”

“Hindi sila lalapit sa Simbahan, that’s against their nature. This time, dahil sa gano’n, nagkakaroon ng opportunity ang Simbahan to evangelize them,” he said. “And yet ang problema sa Simbahan, ayaw niya pang kumilos. Tama ba ako? Hindi lahat, mayroong mga reservations, siyempre mas madaling mag-ingay kaysa gumawa. We have the resources but we lack faith.”

Human rights advocate Conde warned that this may soon affect other classes in society and not only the poor should the killings and the treatment of drug addicts as criminals continue.

“If this government is allowed to continue to do this, this will affect the students of University of Santo Tomas so it’s just a matter of time. We’re not hoping that it will happen but things like these, they have a way of creeping up to you and then you’re in [and] you’re done,” he said KLIMIER NICOLE C. ADRIANO, CHRISTIAN DE LANO M. DEIPARINE AND ROLAND ADRIAN D.C. IGNACIO, with reports from BEATRIZ AVEGAYLE S. TIMBANG

Editor: Arianne Aine D. Suarez

JANUARY 28, 2019

Alumnus declared a ‘nuisance’

Special Reports 7

By LADY CHERBETTE N. AGOT and K.V. ORBIEN

As midterm polls near, bishops urge Pinoys: Choose right leaders

LAWYER Angelo de Alban, a University faculty member, has appealed to the Supreme Court to allow him to run for the Senate in the 2019 midterm polls, after he was declared a “nuisance” candidate by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec identified de Alban as among the 13 bets lacking the financial capacity to mount a nationwide campaign. Only 63 candidates made the cut.

In a petition filed in October of last year, Comelec questioned de Alban’s intention to run for senator and his capacity “to sustain the financial rigors of waging a nationwide campaign.”

De Alban, a former Varsitarian writer, said he had filed a motion before the high court, saying the Comelec’s first division committed a “grave abuse of discretion” by rejecting his bid for the Senate.

“It is unfortunate that the Comelec preempted the highest court by releasing a second list and conditioning the public.

We are praying that the [Supreme Court] will issue a TRO (temporary restraining order) to include my name again,” said de Alban in a text message.

He said Comelec did not give a definite timeline in finalizing its ruling, which has delayed the process.

“We are prepared to elevate the matter to the highest court in order to settle once and for all this unreasonable and discriminating label of nuisance candidate,” de Alban added.

In December of 2018, Comelec’s law department originally declared 95 candidates as “nuisance” for lacking the financial capability to run a nationwide campaign.

Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code defines “nuisance” candidates as those who make a mockery out of the election process, cause confusion among voters by using similar names with other candidates, and have no bona fide intention to run for the office.

Should he be allowed to run and

WITH ONLY three months to go before Filipinos flock once again to polling stations for the 2019 midterm elections, bishops have urged the Catholic faithful to be critical in exercising their right to vote.

In a pastoral letter after their 118th plenary assembly, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its president, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles urged voters to elect public officials who think of the common good and not personal political interests.

“Participation in politics for Christian lay people is not just limited to nonpartisan involvement. Christians are also encouraged to engage in principled partisan politics. This means that they can campaign for good candidates as an exercise of their Christian faith,” the pastoral letter titled “Seek the Common Good” read.

The council also called on the youth to use their skills and knowledge in social media in upholding what is true and just for the common good.

“No one can say in this age of the social media that she or he cannot participate in politics. Each of us can let our voice be heard and be a part of national conversation by posting our views in the social media, but with great respect for others and with the end of advancing the truth,” the letter read.

CBCP also warned against the “insidious” threat of constitutional change and federalism following the passage of a draft constitution in the House of Representatives December last year.

Federalism, CBCP said, would allow political dynasties to continue and would open the country’s resources to “foreign ownership and eventual control.”

“We denounce any attempt to avoid the 2019 elections. This right of the people to vote should not be shelved,” the council added.

The midterm elections, to be held on May 13, will fill posts in the Senate, the House of Representatives and local government units. K.V. ORBIEN

Laywer-prof Angelo de Alban goes to SC

Will the gods of Padre Faura heed de Alban’s petition? The UST alumnus has taken his case to the Supreme Court for reconsideration after Comelec named him a “nuisance candidate for the 2019 senatorial elections.

(Photo grabbed from de Alban’s Facebook page)

win a seat, de Alban said he would focus on education, health, agriculture and housing.

Political analyst Ramon Casiple said joining a political party could have helped de Alban avoid the said disqualification.

“A candidate may be disqualified on the basis of being a nuisance candidate [that is if he does] not have a campaign machinery, financial capacity or physical ability to mount a campaign in the jurisdiction in which he plans to run. Usually, this is cured by being in a political party,” Casiple told the Varsitarian in an email interview.

UST economics alumnus and former solicitor general Florin Hilbay made it to the

list under the Aksyon Demokratiko Party.

The UP law graduate, who helped win the government’s case over the West Philippine Sea in The Hague, said he would focus on improving the quality of education in the country and defending the Constitution from attempts to be amended.

The midterm elections, to be held on May 13, will fill seats in the Senate, the House of Representatives and local governments.

The official campaign period for senatorial candidates and partylist groups will begin on Feb. 12 while the period for local bets will start on March 29.

Book borrowing down, electronic access up FROM PAGE 3

introduction pa lang sila sa mga subjects.

Pagdating mo ng [higher years], that’s the time na nagreresearch ka na for your thesis or [proposals],” she said.

Mary Grace Artillaga, a political science freshman, said she uses electronic resources from the library because they are “useful” in tracking available book titles even from home.

“By simply typing the title and author, [the book will appear] quickly. The website as well makes us Thomasians updated in our library activities like our borrowed or returned books, overdues and fees. It can be accessed anywhere and anytime,” she said in an online interview.

April Tolentino, a communication arts junior, said looking for updated research materials through electronic resources was more convenient, compared with physical books.

“May times talaga na mas efficient maghanap ng research materials sa e-resources kaysa sa hard books,” she said.

Library no longer a ‘traditional space’ Raquel Lontoc, head librarian of the General Reference and Information section, said the library has added new sections and has been beefing up resources online to cater to more students.

She lamented, however, that some of the library’s facilities remained unknown to some students and faculty members.

“Traditionally, our students’ connotation about the library is boring, library equates to books, printed materials. They don’t know na mayroon nang facilities, spaces in the library where they can collaborate, [charge] their mobile gadgets... and designated areas to discuss with their classmates,” she said.

Edward Puzon, the General Reference and Information section’s assistant head librarian, said the library was trying to make changes to stay relevant to the students.

The library is not against adjusting to digital demands as emerging new technologies have led to the “new roles the library plays,” he added.

Despite the decline in book borrowing statistics, data from the central library showed an increase in the use of electronic resources.

MICHAEL ANGELO M. REYES

“Nakita natin ‘yong need sa mga ganoong resources... Maraming useful na [online] websites pero saan kayo kukuha ng related literature [for thesis]? Ang problema sa internet, web crawlers lang magbibigay ng results [unlike librarians] who sort [all those] information,” he said.

Gian Donado, a sophomore from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, said he never borrowed books from the library, preferring to photocopy only the parts he needed.

Donado said he had used the library’s electronic resources “a couple of times.” He also goes to the library to use the internet for his assignments.

Pharmacy junior Christian Pua said

more students needed to be informed about the services in the library.

“The library can do so much more and yet it’s something not all Thomasians know yet,” he said.

Library fees Lobo said the increase in fees this year went primarily to book acquisitions, hardware and software maintenance, and improving the library’s facilities.

Thomasians pay a library fee ranging from P1,500 to P6,000 per term.

Fees for library materials and online databases increase by 8 to 10 percent every year. The library imports its system,

software and database subscriptions from overseas.

“Lahat ‘yan talagang sa ibang bansa, konting-konti lang naman ‘yong local na meron tayo tapos kahit mga books, ini-import pa din talaga. ‘Yun lang ang pinupuntahan ng library fee, wala namang pinagdadalhan kundi para ibalik din sa [students],” she said.

In 2016, the central library added a gadget section and leisure reading area. In 2017, it funded a project called “Maker Space,” an interactive gadget

section. LADY CHERBETTE N. AGOT, JOB ANTHONY R. MANAHAN with reports from K.V. ORBIEN, HAZEL GRACE S. POSADAS

8 Witness

JANUARY 28, 2019

Apply Aquinas’s teachings on truth—scholars WITH TIRADES against the Church and questions on the truth, St. Thomas Aquinas’s works, one of the bedrocks of Church Catechism, continue to shed light on contemporary issues today.

Fr. Rudolf Steven Seño, O.P., an instructor at the Faculty of Philosophy, said the culture of fake news can be fought by following Aquinas’s openness to a “bigger and more complete” truth.

“What is good about Aquinas is that he tries his best to know both sides of the issue. He does not only give the arguments that support his thesis [but] shows that the objections to his arguments are not totally wrong,” he said.

In recent months, Duterte has repeatedly criticized fundamental Catholic teachings, saying that Jesus Christ was “unimpressive” for letting himself be crucified and calling the doctrine on the Holy Trinity as “silly.”

Fr. Jose Antonio Aureada, O.P., member of the Commission on Higher Education’s Technical Committee for Catholic Religious Studies, said Thomas reconciled perspectives from Aristotle, Muslim and Jewish philosophers that enriched faith through mutual dialogue.

“Walang problema kay St. Thomas ang issues na nangyayari ngayon. And I think he would not condemn them but see to it, that when he seeks for a resolution, hindi nako-compromise ang faith,” Aureada told the Varsitarian.

Aureada explained that the Church follows Aquinas’s innovative spirit in contextualizing Christian doctrine and values with cultures and social issues. “[Thomas] would cling to old values and [apply] it according to the needs of the current times… He has that experimental spirit but not to the point of compromising the core values of the Catholic faith… [`Y]on din ang strategy ng Simbahan ngayon,” he stressed.

Seño added that Aquinas’s philosophy calls for Filipinos to be more critical and open-minded in dealing with information to avoid prejudice.

“Aquinas was critical in [screening] the limited perspective of some information. This is in contrast to the culture of fake news wherein people are gullible to believe in anything without verifying its veracity. The point of this virtue is to see the bigger picture, not just a one-sided story,” he said.

In January, over 300 Facebook and

Bishops hit spiral of hate THE CATHOLIC Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called for an end to the cycle of hate in the country, following the bombing of the Jolo Cathedral.

Two improvised explosives went off at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu taking 20 lives and injuring more than 100 people, last Jan. 27.

“The culture of violence has gradually prevailed in our land. The recent bombing of the cathedral of Jolo is further evidence to the cycle of hate that is destroying the moral fabric of our country,” the statement, titled “Conquering Evil with Good,” read.

CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles called on Filipinos to continue the dialogue between Muslims and indigenous people, combat violent extremism and uphold the peace process.

“The freedom of expression does not include a license to insult other people’s faith, especially our core beliefs,” Valles said.

Calling the blasts senseless, inhuman and abominable, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the attackers to stop destructive activities and start a new life of “truthfulness, justice and love befitting true human beings.”

“Shock, anger and sadness envelope our hearts. What has happened to humanity? Is there no more room for decency and conscience?” Tagle said in a separate statement.

Since 2000, there have been at least 10 attacks on the cathedral and the surrounding area, allegedly by terrorist groups. PEARL ANNE M. GUMAPOS

ANGELIC DOCTOR. The image of UST patron St. Thomas Aquinas, renowned theologian and Doctor of the Church known for his “Summa Theologia,” is paraded in a procession at the University grounds on Jan. 26.

MICHAEL ANGELO M. REYES

Instagram accounts in the Philippines were removed by the social media company for violations of its community standards, including the use of fake accounts.

In a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations last year, internet users in the country rose to 42 percent, with 32 percent of them using the internet for three hours or more a day.

The survey also found that the perceived seriousness of fake news is directly related to the frequency of users online.

Philippine Philosophy, founded on Thomism In his book titled “Mga Tomasino sa Pilosopiyang Filipino,” philosophy Professor Emmanuel de Leon tackled the historical development of Philippine philosophy, focusing on Thomasian philosophers who were mostly influenced

by Thomism.

“In the history of philosophy in the country, we cannot deny that Philippine philosophy is founded on Aristotelian and Thomistic tradition. [T]he Thomasian philosophers used Aquinas as their foundation,” he told the Varsitarian in an interview.

He pointed out that the Thomasian philosophers followed Aquinas’s attitude in searching for truth by being open to other disciplines while remaining grounded on their scholastic roots.

“They were articulating the Thomas

who was open to other perspectives, not the Thomas who was misinterpreted during their time as the ‘be-all and endall’ of philosophy,” de Leon said.

De Leon said Aquinas plays an important role in deepening the academic discourse and opening the intellectual consciousness of students to other perspectives.

Fr. Maximo Gatela, O.P., assistant dean of the UST Faculty of Philosophy, also said Aquinas’s philosophy is closely knit with the Filipino way of thinking, which is realistic and humane.

“Thomism is realistic... That tells us a lot also about Filipino Philosophy. Hindi [ito] masyadong lumilipad sa alapaap at hindi [rin] gumagapang sa lupa; dapat makatao,” he added.

According to Gatela, Thomism encourages Filipino values, which fosters humanity, family, God and community.

“A fulfilled and happy person is the opposite of a depressed person. [Thomas] has no answer to all our problems, but he gives us a sense of direction of human life as God has designed it,” Gatela said.

Aquinas and catechism Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., an American Thomist from the Dominican Province of St. Joseph, said the Church’s catechism would be impossible to understand without understanding Aquinas’s principles.

“Aquinas is useful because he helps the Church appreciate, protect and

expound the holy teaching that Jesus gave to his Church... [I]f you want to understand what the Church teaches, we need to read St. Thomas,” Cuddy said.

He added that Aquinas’s teaching is an invitation for the Church to “return to reality” and respond to issues in a society that has become detached from religious truths.

“Thomas and the Thomists are needed now because Pope Francis is calling us back to reality, back to God... [W]hat calls us to action are realities enlightened by reason,” he said in a conference last November titled “Rediscovering our Roots.”

In his greatest work Summa Theologica, Aquinas tackled the proofs of God’s existence, man’s ultimate purpose, faith and morality.

Aquinas wrote that the pursuit of knowledge and truth could only be found in God. He studied in Monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy and was taken in as an apprentice by St. Albert the Great, who taught him Aristotelian philosophy.

He was canonized by Pope John XXII on July 18, 1323.

His feast day falls on January 28. He is the patron saint of Catholic schools and universities. EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P., PEARL ANNE M. GUMAPOS and M.C.L. SERQUIÑA with reports from N.J.N. SERVALLOS

‘Sole to Soul’: An invitation to genuine happiness IN HIS book “Sole to Soul,” former UST rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. gives a subtle critique on the egoistic and materialistic attitude prevailing in the society, stressing simplicity and gratitude as paths to happiness.

The book is a compilation of his columns published in the Manila Bulletin, which are reflections on social issues and Sunday Gospels.

The title alludes to man’s restless feet (sole) and anxious spirit (soul) as one desperately seeks complete happiness in the modern world.

“Many people today are unhappy. It’s not really a formula for being joyful but to make people aware of what causes their unhappiness.

If you know the cause of the problem, it’s already half solved,” he told the Varsitarian.

With society and media seeking to dictate what would make people happy, de la Rosa urges his readers to focus on life’s essentials: family, friends and the moments made precious by their presence.

Technology and social media only increases one’s worries and impedes people’s ability to create healthy relationships, de la Rosa argues.

For him, the obsession for control and other utilitarian ends only aggravate people’s frustrations, making them susceptible to despair.

“The alarming rate of suicides around the world is perhaps one of the pitfalls of progress. Thanks to our technological society’s fascination with disposability and instantaneity, life itself has become disposable; death, an instant escape from, or solution to life’s problems; and love, a facile excuse for suicide,” he writes.

Sole to Soul invites its readers to reject society’s standards, which only exalts the attractive, rich and successful, rather than a relationship with God. Simply put, the three-time rector was

echoing St. Thomas Aquinas, who said: “Our constant bickering will only be satisfied if we direct our lives to God whose other name is Happiness.”

In a world where suicide rates continue to increase, mutual suspicion arise between groups, and anxiety grips the members of society, de la Rosa’s book serves as a reliable companion and a timely reminder that the pursuit toward happiness is no different from the path to holiness.

“Sole to Soul” is de la Rosa’s third book and is published by St. Paul’s.

De la Rosa, a former Varsitarian Witness (Religion) editor, led the University as Rector Magnificus for three terms, from 1990 to 1994, to 1994 to 1998 and from 2008 to 2012.

In 2004, he was named chairman of the Commission on Higher Education and served until April of the following year.

His other books include “Beginnings of the Filipino Dominicans” which won the National Book Award for History, the Manila Critics Circle Award and Catholic Authors Award, and “We Become What We Love.”

EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.

Editor: Lyon Ricardo III M. Lopez

Circle 9

JANUARY 28, 2019

CCP pays tribute to Alan Rivera, pioneer of installation art

By KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines mounted a grand retrospective exhibit in honor of the late Thomasian artist Alan Rivera, a pioneering installation artist, on Nov. 17, 2018 to Feb. 3, 2019.

The exhibit, “Continuum/ The Art of Alan Rivera,” featured some of Rivera’s installations as reconstructed by his peers and former students as well as Rivera’s self-portraits from the private collection of the Rivera family.

Rivera (1941-2015) was widely known for his installations which were mostly made from organic materials such as driftwood, branches, stones, wires and cloth.

Lourdes Rivera, his wife, said the best way to honor her late husband was through the reconstruction of memories.

“The concept is generic to the posthumous definition of the exhibit…

It took us three months to gather [all] archival documents,” she said in an online interview with the Varsitarian.

The works of Rivera largely tackled socio-political and environmental issues such as migration and deforestation.

Displayed along the exhibit entrance of the 4th floor atrium, Pasilyo Victorio Edades (Hallway Gallery) was “Once Upon A Time – This Earth Had Trees,

Mountains, Lakes, Animals and Men” (1970), an installation of uprooted trees and dried leaves reconstructed by young artist Nika Dizon.

Another piece, “AIDS” (1993), recreated by Mark “Mcouy” Gonzales with the support of Thomasian artist Alfredo Esquillo of Eskinita Gallery, was a bust sculpture mounted on a wooden cross with a gauze and a spool of red thread at the bottom.

Thomasian sculptor Ramon Orlina and Rivera’s son Diego recreated one of Rivera’s masterpiece, “The Church of the Crucified Forms” (1992), a glass sculpture of Jesus on the cross along with pieces of wood hanging behind it.

Rivera’s fascination with eastern “Zen” philosophy were shown in “The Gospel According to Zen,” a yellow circle of sand with a cement slab in the middle.

The original piece was first mounted in 1992 as part of Rivera’s two-man exhibit with Alwin Reamillo in Australia.

The artists who reconstructed Rivera’s works held fundraising exhibits in order to raise money to cover the costs of the installations.

“The [exhibit] presented here is a showcase of the generosity of the spirit of these artists from both ends of Rivera’s personal and professional spectrum,” said

Rica Estrada, head of the CCP visual arts and museum. “[It also] aims to show this young audiences the diverse works of Alan Rivera and how he was one of the early Filipino artists that worked with installation and concept-based art,” she added.

Rivera took up architecture at the old College of Architecture and Fine Arts in 1963. Architecture sparked his interest in exploring different materials and disciplines in making installations.

“Architecture took meaning in his art; his installations circumvent its motion, the materials used and its permanent presence.

Alan loved conceptualizing architectural plates as much as he hated math,” said Lourdes Rivera.

He was a recipient of the Thirteen Artists Awards in 1972 along with fellow Thomasians Danilo Dalena, a former art editor of the Varsitarian, and Justin Nuyda.

Rivera, with Thomasian artist and first CCP curator Roberto Chabet, who helped establish the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards, also formed “Shop No. 6,” a group of artists who made waves in the art scene in the ‘70s. Among the members of the progressive group were Joy Dayrit, Joe Bautista, Rodolfo Gan, Yolanda Laudico, Fernando Modesto, Boy Perez, and Dalena.

CONTINUUM. Thomasian artist Raul Rivera’s works are displayed in an exhibit honoring the pioneer of art installation at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

MARK DARIUS M. SULIT

Raul Sunico goes all-out ‘Rach’ with PPO

Raul Sunico, former Conservatory of Music dean and president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines receives a boquet of flowers after his Rachimaninoff conert on Jan. 26.

JOSE MIGUEL J. SUNGLAO

PROFESSIONAL musicians usually play one solo concerto per concert, but Raul Sunico took on the challenge of performing all four of Russian composer Sergey Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos.

Under the helm of music professor Herminigildo Ranera, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) accompanied Sunico throughout his endeavor.

Raul Sunico’s “A Rach Concert” last Jan. 26 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) was historic because the piano virtuoso took on the challenge of performing Russian composer Sergey Rachmaninoff’s four piano concertos in a single night.

Sunico, the former dean of the Conservatory of Music and the former CCP president, said that he chose Rachminoff’s concertos to challenge his “memory and endurance.” “[Rachmaninoff’s concertos] are so fulfilling to play and perform because of the intensity, melodic appeal,

and lyricism that serve to project the performer’s inner soul,” Sunico told the Varsitarian.

Playing with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the helm of UST Conservatory professor Herminigildo Ranera, Sunico opened the concert with Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 1 in F♯ minor, Op. 1,” an 1891 musical piece composed of a vivace or lively opening, an andante cantabile or soft and flowing section and an allegro scherzando, an upbeat finale.

This was followed by Rachmaninoff’s popular “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18,” a composition dedicated to Rachmaninoff’s physician who helped him recover from his depression.

Sunico then moved onto “Piano Concerto No.4 in G minor, Op. 40,” a 1926 composition which was dedicated to Rachmaninoff’s friend and contemporary, fellow Russian composer Nikolai Medtner.

Sunico capped the night with Sunico PAGE 11

10 Filipino

JANUARY 28, 2019

Ang ating pagpatay o pagbuhay sa wika?

MARIING tinutulan ng mga dalubwika ang hakbang ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) na i-armonisa ang mga wika sa Filipinas.

Isinagawa ang pag-armonisa sa mga wikang rehiyonal sa pamamagitan ng pagalinsunod ng mga ito sa Ortograpiyang Pambansa.

Ayon kay Rachell Lintao, dalubguro mula sa Unibersidad, mayroon mang pagkakahawig ang bawat wika sa bansa,

hindi ito sapat na dahilan sa pag-aarmonisa. “[T]o prove that Philippine languages come from a single language family would be inappropriate or impudent considering the processes by which all languages develop. Therefore, I do not agree to such move for harmonizing the different Philippine languages,” wika ni Lintao sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

Dagdag pa niya, dapat mabigyangpansin ang pagkakaiba ng bawat wika dahil

sa kani-kaniyang katangian at ortograpiya ng mga ito.

Sinang-ayunan naman ito ni Resty Cena, dalubguro mula sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas-Diliman, na hindi dapat samantalahin ang pagkakahawig ng mga wika sa pag-armonisa ng wikang pambansa.

“One does not need to do the extra step of ‘harmonization’ to take advantage of the similarities of languages belonging to the same family; that happens in the mere act

of description,” paliwanag ni Cena.

Alinsunod sa atas ng Saligang Batas 1987 na paunlarin ang Filipino upang maging ganap na wikang pambansa, nagsagawa ang KWF ng pambansang kampanya sa estandarsisasyon ng wikang Filipino at armonisasyon ng mga wika sa Filipinas.

Itinala sa KWF Medyo Matagalang Wika PAGE 12

Paul Castillo:

Makata sa panahon ng ligalig SA PINAKAUNANG koleksiyon ng tula ni Paul Castillo na pinamagatang “Walang Iisang Salita,” malikhain niyang isiniwalat ang kahirapan at karahasan sa lipunan sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang rehimen.

Noong nakaraang taon, naiuwi ni Castillo ang unang gantimpala para sa kaniyang koleksiyon ng tula na “Luna’t Lunas” sa ika-68 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Pinarangalan rin siya sa Makata ng Taon: Talaang Ginto (2017 at 2018), Maningning Miclat Poetry Awards (2013) at Gawad Ustetika (2010).

Binubuo ito ng 41 na tula na hinati sa tatlong bahagi.

Wennie Fajilan

Tomasinong guro, nanguna sa Gawad Balmaseda ng KWF PINARANGALAN ang disertasyon ng isang Tomasinong propesor sa ikalimang Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda na ginanap sa Bulwagang Romualdez sa tanggapan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa Maynila noong ika27 ng Enero.

Tinanghal na pinakamahusay ang saliksik ni Wennie Fajilan, propesor ng Departamento ng Filipino sa Unibersidad, na pinamagatang “Pananalig sa Bata: Kasaysayan at Panunuri ng Muling Pagsasalaysay at Pagsasaling Pambata sa Filipino.”

Paliwanag ni Fajilan, tinalakay ng kaniyang pag-aaral ang mga prinsipyo sa pagsusulat ng salaysay at pagsasalin ng mga makabatang akda na nakatuon sa pangangailangan mga batang Filipino.

“Ang kahalagahan ng pananaliksik sa bayan ay ang kontribusyon natin para sa pagtuklas ng mga sagot sa mga suliranin ng bayan, lalo na sa panahon ng krisis at sa panahon ngayon na marami tayong mga suliranin na dapat tugunan,” wika niya sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

Nakamtan ni Fajilan ang kaniyang doktorado sa Filipino major sa Pagsasalin sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas-Diliman.

Ipinagkakaloob ang Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda sa mga natatanging tesis at disertasyon sa agham, matematika, agham panlipunan at iba pang kaugnay na larang na isinulat sa wikang Filipino.

Si Julian Cruz Balmaseda ay isang dalubhasang makata, kritiko at iskolar ng Filipino.

Kinikilala ng KWF sa Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaseda ang mga natatanging tesis at disertasyon sa agham, matematika, agham panlipunan at iba pang kaugnay na larang na isinulat sa wikang Filipino. V. A. P. ANGELES at M. U. COTONGAN

Sa “Pasahero,” buhay na buhay na inilarawan ni Castillo ang persona na nagpupunas ng mga sapatos ng pasahero sa dyip gamit ang sariling damit. Sa kabila ng kaniyang malikhain na paglalarawan, hindi maitatanggi ang masalimuot na katotohanan kung paano nagiging desperado ang mga tao upang maitawid ang isang araw.

Makikita sa mga sumusunod na taludtod kung paano halos ibinenta ng persona ang kahihiyan makagawa lamang ng paraan upang kumita: Pagdating sa dulo, hinubad niya paitaas ang manipis na saplot na sandaling nagpalaho sa lahat bago inalis sa kaniyang ulo…

Nang muli niyang matipon ang kinalat na kahihiyan, lumagos sa magkabilang palad ang inilakip na patawad.

Ipinapakita naman sa “Pagkakabód” ang pagiging dahop sa buhay sa pamamagitan ng persona na pinapanood ang kaniyang anak na lumusong para humakot ng ginto. Ngunit ang kapaitan na magpasisikip sa dibdib sa tula ay kung paano isinugo at pinapanood ng persona ang anak sa isang buwis-buhay na trabaho.

Lalaliman mo ang Makata PAGE 11

Usapang Uste

Santo Tomas noong panahon ng digmaan SA LIBRO na “A Diary of the Japanese Occupation,” inilahad ng dating rektor ng Unibersidad na si P. Juan Labrador, O.P. ang masalimuot na dinanas ng UST matapos itong lansiin ng mga Hapon.

Taong 1939 nang magsimula ang isa sa mga pinakamadugong labanan sa kasaysayan na nagbunga sa pananakop ng mga Hapon ang Filipinas.

Ayon kay Labrador, sa simula’y nagpakita diumano ang mga Hapon ng lehitimong galak at pakikipagkaibigan na taliwas sa kanilang tunay na motibo.

Bagaman hindi direktang pinuntirya ng mga dayuhan, nakaranas pa rin ng pagmamalupit at nagtamo ng pinsala ang Unibersidad.

Dahil sa pagkasira ng mga gusali ng Unibersidad, naantala ang panuruang

taon noong 1942. Nalimitahan din ang kanilang mga gawain dahil kinakailangan pa n a isangguni ang mga ito sa mga mananakop.

Sa mga panahong ito rin lumaganap ang sakit na malaria ngunit ayon sa salaysay ni Labrador, hindi magawang tumulong ng mga medikal na propersor ng Unibersidad dahil makapagbibigay ito ng konotasyon na kapos sa kakayahang manggamot ang mga Hapones na doktor.

Sa loob ng tatlong taong pananakop ng mga Hapon, tikom ang bibig ng mga Filipino dahil peligroso ang magsalita at magsulat

tungkol sa kanilang pagmamalupit. Mahigit pitong dekadang ikinulong ang mga sentimentong ito sa talaarawan ni Labrador at muling binubuksan ngayon para sa sambayanang Filipino. Dagdag pa niya, walang laban ang mga isinulat na salita sa dahas, baril at mga balang kanilang dala.

Tomasino Siya Kinilala si Felino Palafox Jr. bilang Usapang Uste PAGE 12

Sci-Tech 11

JANUARY 28, 2019

‘Use virus to combat antiobiotic resistance’

Asst. Prof. Donna de la Cruz-Papa lectures of phage theraphy at the Benavides auditorium.

A PARASITIC virus that does not develop resistance may prove to be a more effective cure against bacteria, a UST researcher said.

Phages or bacteriophages are viruses that can infect and cause pathogenic bacteria to lyse or burst. They kill specific bacteria and do not infect animal, plant or human cells.

“Phages are the ‘forgotten cure’ and there is fewer studies on their use as of

today, but now, phages are known to be the ‘re-emerging’ treatment [for] antibiotic resistance,” said Donna de la Cruz-Papa, an assistant professor at the College of Science.

She is part of UST Beats, a research group at the UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences that spearheads the study of phages in the country.

Most of bacterial infections are treated

with antibiotics— medicines (mostly developed from fungi) that inhibit and kill bacteria. But in the past years, due to misuse and overuse of antibiotics, it has caused a lot of bacterial organisms to acquire defenses.

In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) came out with a study warning the world would be headed for “a post-antibiotic era,” where common infections and minor injuries that have been treatable for decades, may once again kill.

Papa said phage therapy could help address the problem.

Unlike antibiotic, which develops resistance, phages stop reproducing once they destroy their target.

The WHO said infections caused by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may result in an estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide and is predicted to increase to 10 million by 2050.

AMR is considered as one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development.

It will also affect the economy worldwide with losses amounting to 100 trillion dollars, according to WHO. Scientists worldwide have been experimenting on phages even before the emergence of antibiotics in the 1900s, said Papa, adding it was proven to be safe and no side effects have been recorded so far.

“In Eastern Europe and US, phage preparations have long been used in hospitals and for food safety,” she said.

In some countries, phage products are applied as skin patches, oral treatment and via injection.

Several published scientific papers in Western countries have cited the success of phage therapy in curing wound infections, lung infections and diabetes; reducing almost a hundred percent mortality rate.

Papa and her team have discovered several application of phages in animal models specifically in aquaculture, industry and medical field.

According to the phage therapy center in Georgia, even though bacteria can still develop resistance to phages, it is relevant to think that phages would naturally evolve alongside to attack it. When superbug or microorganism that is immune in almost all antibiotics appears, the “super” phage will be there to kill it.

“We need more scientists to work on bacteriophages and explore their potential, not only for human treatment but also for aquaculture, agriculture and food safety,” Papa said.

Papa said she looks forward to the development of phage therapy work in the Philippines. Her team already started on animal models and have not reach to human trials yet. MIGUEL ALEJANDRO IV A. HERRERA

Makata sa panahon ng ligalig FROM PAGE 10

paglubog sa malabong tubig at lalong lalalim ang pang-unawa kung bakit laging nasa hukay ang aking mga paa tuwing sumisisid para sa ginto.

Sa ibabaw, walang ibang inaalala kundi ang sandaling maaaring guguho ang guwang na ginawa para maitakas ka at gugunaw sa pangarap na ika’y mapagtatapos Inialay naman ni Castillo ang “Neo” para kay Horacio Castillo III, ang magaaral ng abogasya sa Unibersidad na namatay dahil sa hazing. Dito ikinumpara ni Castillo ang kaso ni Horacio kay Kian at Carl Angelo Arnaiz, mga bata naman na namatay dahil sa Oplan Tokhang.

Tinalakay niya kung paano nagiging bulag ang hustisya sa paglilitis ng kaso at sa pagsisiwalat ng katotohanan. Dagdag pa rito, ibinunyag din ng tula kung gaano kabilis ang paglilitis na maaaring magpakita na hindi ito na pinagdesisyunan nang maigi o isinantabi na lamang: Kaya ika’y nanindigan at dali-daling tumutol sa laganap na pagpaslang at kawalan ng paghatol.

Ngunit higit na mabilis ang hukumang namamaril kaysa mga mambabatas na nanggisa ng salarin.

Sumunod niyang ipinakita sa tulang “Rebisyon” ang iba’t ibang mukha ng kasalukuyang rehimen.

Binigyangdiin niya nagbubunga na sa historical revisionism o ang pagbabago sa katotohanan ng kasaysayan ang mga

Social media foster feeling of being left out–UST study

By THE VARSITARIAN SCI-TECH TEAM SOCIAL media is supposed to connect more people, but a new UST study showed users could in fact be lonelier.

Fear of missing out (FoMO) exists when an individual is anxious of being left out and feels the constant need to know what the others are doing, according to the study by Marc Eric Reyes and his co-authors.

Their study — “Fear of Missing Out and its Link with Social Media and Problematic Internet Use among Filipinos” — focused on a kind of social anxiety that stems from not being in touch with the events in the cyber world.

“It is an anxiety that emanates from the feeling that you are not up to date because of the phase social media [and] news pass very quickly,” said Reyes, a professor from the College of Science and a clinical psychologist.

A total of 1060 Filipinos completed their tests, which measured their FoMO scale, social networking time use scale (SONTUS), and Internet addiction.

They found that Filipinos are extensively engaged in social media, specifically in Facebook, which results in Problematic Internet Use (PIU).

Fifty six percent of social media users suffer from FoMO and 51-percent of Filipinos engage in PIU, which is linked to FoMO. PIU has been described as the incapacity to control an individual’s use of the Internet that leads to adverse consequences, specifically physical, emotional and social or functional impairment.

Those who habitually post four or more times per day in social networking sites are most likely to be affected by it.

Reyes and his co-authors noted that FoMO is associated with negative emotions such as loneliness, boredom and depression.

People who suffer from FoMO have a tendency to yield misinterpretations that others might be having more rewarding experiences than them. These individuals fail to perceive that the posts they see on social media is a polished version of someone’s life.

They oftentimes end up feeling sad and lonely because they substitute social media contact for real personal interaction, increasing their sense of

isolation.

“They have the fear of not being able to have [enough] social skills to engage with people. They [are afraid to] say something wrong and be judged from something they say,” he said.

According to the statistical report of We are Social, 67 million internet users nationwide spend an average of nine hours and 29 minutes per day on the Internet.

Reyes and his co-authors also argued that the Filipino’s engagement in social media and Internet to satisfy the need for “relatedness” is not sufficient to replace a face-to-face interaction.

“The social media platform is a good way of engagement” Reyes said. “But it also brought you farther, in a sense that you tend to brush off contact very easily or sometimes it becomes very impersonal.”

Reyes and his co-authors hoped that their study, which was published in the North American Journal of Psychology 2018, would raise the awareness of readers about the current status of social media use and PIU among Filipinos.

kuwento ng namatay sa tokhang, pagiging “berdugo” ng rehimen at talamak na pagkalat ng fake news.

Sa pamamagitan ng hulagway ng namayapang Dominikong historyador na si P. Fidel Villaroel, O.P., ipinakita ni Castillo na kung ano ang isinusulat sa kasaysayan ay maaaring maging daan para paniwalaan ng lahat.

Kanina, sabi mo, kahit historyador, pinagtataksilan maging ng gunita ng katawang nasa bingit ng panahong maaaring hindi-hindi itatala.

Ipinakita mo habang nasa burol ang payapang mukha at lalim ng gatla mula sa kahapong kaniyang ginugol na ngayo’y binago ng ibang salita.

Pinatunayan ni Castillo na hindi natatapos ang kagandahan ng tula sa papel lamang. Walang-takot na ginamit ni Castillo ang kaniyang boses bilang makata upang magbigay-ilaw sa mga marahas na katotohanan. Isinulat niya ito nang hindi nagtutunog mesiyas, kundi gamit ang mata ng isang mamamayan na may malasakit sa kaniyang lipunan. Tunay na walang iisang salita ang makapagpapatahimik sa katotohanan.

Kasalukuyang nagtuturo ng panitikan at humanidades si Paul Castillo sa Unibersidad. Isa rin siyang resident fellow ng UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies. Nagtapos siya ng masterado sa creative writing at kasalukuyang kumukuha ng doktorado sa panitikan.

Inilimbag ng UST Publishing House ang kaniyang koleksiyon noong 2018.

FRANCIS AGAPITUS E. BRAGANZA

Sunico FROM PAGE 9

Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30.”

“The third [concerto is] decidedly among the most demanding of all the concerto repertoire. Not only do [it] contains the most number of notes, but the technical (and often musical) demands are at times overwhelming,” Sunico said.

In 2015, Sunico, also accompanied

by PPO and Ranera, was also the first musician to play all three of Pyotir Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s concertos in one evening at the National Museum.

A faculty member at the Conservatory of Music, Sunico has received the “The Outstanding Young Man of the Philippines” Award for Music in 1986 and the Presidential Order of Merit in 2015.

All proceeds from “A Rach Concert” will be used to fund the Sunico Foundation of Arts and Technology which gives scholarship grants to students gifted in the arts and sciences. J.A.C. CASUCIAN

12 Witness

JANUARY 28, 2019

Can they lead another EDSA? FROM PAGE 1

today, I don’t think there will be another EDSA revolution. [I]t happened because the support of the people was there. EDSA is a combination of people power and Church power. I think the bishops will just remain to be prophets meaning preachers of the word, shepherds that are against injustice,” Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP’s permanent committee on public affairs, told the Varsitarian in an interview.

Still, he said, the Church remains an institution in the country that the government listens to, despite attacks from President Duterte himself.

“The Church should somehow stand up and then try to go against the rising oppression, injustice. When [people] go to march and protest something, the government just shrugs them off. But look at how t h e Church is doing it. In fact they a r e pissed off at the Church. So I think as an institution, [we can] w e l l respond to all these [attacks] and at the same time thwart and stop it from proliferating,” Secillano added.

Caloocan Bishop P a b l o Virgilio David, CBCP vice president, said EDSA only worked through “the impulse of the Holy Spirit,” and through instruments such as Cardinal Sin. David, a staunch critic of the Duterte administration’s war against drugs, said Church leaders speak out from the “perspective of moral and spiritual leadership.”

“Our role is really spiritual and moral leadership, never political leadership. [W]hen we speak out about certain matters that may have political implications, w e do so not as political leaders [but] from the

perspective of our moral and spiritual leadership such as when we defend life, the dignity of people, the poor. It’s not politics, it’s basic morals,” he told the Varsitarian.

Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani said the Church only acts “in concert” to change an evil situation where there exists already a long-standing oppression of the people.

“Sometimes when abuses creep forth, the Church is also obliged in a special way to exercise a prophetic role of not only announcing the Good News but also denouncing evil,” Bacani said in an interview.

The prelate chided the President for his attacks on the Church, saying his behavior “goes beyond the bounds of civility.”

“The present president does not appear to always be sane. The way he speaks, it goes beyond the bounds of civility, not only of statesmanship but of simply pure civility.

[T]he kabastusan is directed towards the Church, not only towards the bishops and the priests but the doctrines,” he said.

The country’s bishops broke their silence on Duterte’s tirades against the Church in a pastoral letter after their 118th plenary assembly last Jan. 28.

“We respect the freedom of conscience and religion of people of other faiths, including former Catholic Christians who may have already renounced their faith. We also respect the freedom of expression of our fellow citizens in this country, including their personal opinions about faith and religion. But as far as we know, the freedom of expression does not include a license to insult other people’s faith, especially our core beliefs,” they said.

The bishops added that, while they have no intention of meddling in state affairs, the mounting death toll on Duterte’s war on drugs cannot be ignored.

“But neither do we intend to abdicate our sacred mandate as shepherds to whom the Lord has entrusted his flock. We have a solemn duty to defend our flock, especially when they are attacked by wolves,” the bishops said.

Secillano said the Church serve as a

moral guardian to the people and must speak out on issues affecting the nation that have a moral implication.

“It is not meddling with state affairs.

All issues confronting the nation have moral aspects to them [...] if the Church is going to be quiet about that, that’s tantamount to supporting in silence what’s happening in the country today,” Secillano said, referring to extrajudicial killings.

A report by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in December of last year bared that the President’s “Tokhang” war had taken 5,050 lives since it began in July of 2016.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas earlier this year reportedly said on radio he was worried more about the President’s health and his attitude toward the Church, noting that the Church has been around for 2,000 years and has gone through a lot.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, in response to Villegas, told Church leaders not to meddle with state affairs and the methods of the government for the good of the nation.

“The Church is only protecting the interest of the people, not our own personal interest. [I]t’s not politicking. [T]he Church is the protector of the people [...] from those who would abuse them,” Secillano said, stressing that the Church was there to lend courage.

Secillano said Duterte was not the first to attack the Church.

Former president Benigno Aquino III said in his speech during Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines that the Church “remained quiet” during the abuse of the Arroyo administration and “members of the clergy think that the way to be true to the faith means finding something to criticize.”

“It’s going to end soon. The people are already realizing the fact that we have a president who may have the political will,” Secillano said, “but he’s using that political will to thwart the Senate and it’s not healthy for a democratic country like us.” EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P., PEARL ANNE M. GUMAPOS AND M.C.L. SERQUIÑA with reports from JOSELLE DE LA CRUZ

Ang ating pagpatay o pagbuhay sa wika?

Usapang Uste

FROM PAGE 10

FROM PAGE 10

Plano 2017-2020 ang pagpapatuloy o higit of the Department of Education in Ilokanopang pagpapaunlad sa pangangasiwang speaking provinces. [W]e encourage the pangwika. provincial government of the Ilokanospeaking provinces… [t]o intervene and Pag-usbong ng Ortograpiyang exhaust all the means in its disposal to Pambansa prevent the bastardization of the Ilokano Unang inilathala ng komisyon language in their jurisdiction,” ayon sa ang 2009 Gabay bilang pantulong sa pahayag. alituntuning pangwika. Nirebisa ito noong Paliwanag ni Almario, nakatuon 2013 bunga ng kakulangan sa katangian ng sa paraan ng pagsulat ang konsepto ng mga katutubong wika sa bansa. armonisasyon na isinasagawa ng komisyon.

Dito nailathala ang Ortograpiyang “Hindi naman namin hina-harmonize Pambansa (OP) na ipinalaganap ng KWF ‘yong language [dahil] ang hina-harmonize sa mga guro at kawani ng pamahalaan. namin ay how to write. [Ito] ay para pare“Marami nang naikutan ang komisyon. pareho ang paraan ng pagsulat. Para kahit Sa pamamagitan ng Uswag: Dangal ng anong wika mo, anybody can read you, Filipino series ay naipapalaganap ang OP ganoon ang idea ng harmonization,” wika maging ang masinop na pagsulat sa mga ni Almario. mamamayan,” wika ni Virgilio Almario, Ayon pa sa kaniya, magbubunsod ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan salungatan ang bawat wika kung kaniat tagapangulo ng KWF. kaniyang ortograpiya ang susundin. Isa rin Layunin din ng komisyon na itong paraan upang maisakatuparan ang maglunsad ng ortograpiya sa iba’t ibang pambansang literasi. wika upang magamit sa pagtuturo kasunod Binigyang-diin naman ni Michael ng implementasyon ng Mother Tongue- Coroza, tagapangulo ng National Based Multilingual Education (MTB- Committee on Language and Translation MLE). ng Pambansang Komisyon para sa Kultura Kaugnay nito, unang inilunsad ang at mga Sining na hindi lamang gabay ang OP-Ilokano noong ika-18 ng Oktubre 2018 OP kundi isang sistema na dapat ituro at na tinuligsa ng Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga gamitin.

Ilokano iti (GUMIL) Filipinas o Ilokano “Ang OP mismo ay isang sistema, Writers Association of the Philippines. sistema ng pagsusulat ng wikang Filipino “While we support the initiative of the sa isang estandardisadong paraan. [D]apat KWF to develop the National Language, ipinagagamit ang OP dahil sistema ‘yon ng we take exception to the move of Chairman pagsusulat… ng Filipino gamit ang ating Almario to compel a regional language bagong alfabeto,” paliwanag niya. like the Ilokano to use the standards set by Ayon pa kay Coroza, hindi lamang the Ortograpiyang Pambansa, disregarding nakatuon sa iisang wika ang OP. in effect its existing and popular system of “Kapag kasi binasa mo ‘yong mismong writing,” ayon sa kanilang pahayag noong Pambansang Ortograpiya, doon mismo sa ika-28 ng Oktubre 2018. mga dokumentong ‘yon, pinapahalagahan Ayon pa sa GUMIL Filipinas, kaiba ang wika ng iba’t ibang pook [at] rehiyon sa nabuong Tarabay o Guide to the sa Filipinas,” wika niya.

Orthography of the Ilokano Language Binigyang-linaw naman ni noong 2012, wala sa mga manunulat ng Purificacion Delima, kinatawan ng wikang OP-Ilokano ang guro o may sapat na Ilokano ng KWF, malaki ang maitutulong kaalaman sa pagsusulat ng wikang Ilokano. ng armonisasyon sa bawat diyalekto “We are informed that KWF only upang magkaroon ng mabisang sistema ng consulted with teachers and school officials pagsulat.

“[M]atutulungan ang mga wikang maraming diyalekto na magkaroon ng iisang estandardisadong ortograpiya na matututohan ang mga mag-aaral para sa higit na episyenteng sistema ng pagsulat at matatag na estado nito bilang wika,” wika niya.

Binanggit naman ni Jerry Gracio, kinatawan para sa mga wika ng SamarLeyte ng KWF, ang pagtatakdang isasagawa ng Komisyon para sa pagtuturo ng OP. “Pero titiyakin ng Komisyon, bilang ahensiya na may kinalaman sa wika na ito ang magtatakda ng mga patakaran hinggil sa wika para ituro ng mga guro. Dahil iyon ang tungkulin ng Komisyon sa ilalim ng batas,” sabi niya.

Sa kamay ng mga guro Ayon kay Almario, mahalaga na magkaroon ng malay ang mga guro sa ortograpiyang ginagamit nila sa pagtuturo.

Dagdag pa niya, “‘Yong problema kasi ng mga teachers na hindi makumbinsi ay tamad nang mag-aral, ‘yong mga matatanda.

Pero ‘yong mga younger ones, walang mga problema sa kanila.”

Sang-ayon dito sina Gracio at Coroza na kaakibat ng mga higher education institutions ang mga guro sa pagpapalaganap ng Ortograpiyang Pambansa.

“Tungkulin ito ng mga guro sa Filipino. Nagsasagawa na ang KWF ng mga pagsasanay sa mga guro para maipalaganap ang OP,” wika ni Gracio.

Paliwanag naman ni Coroza: “Ang problema kung mismong mga taga-higher education institutions ang hindi nagtuturo niyan…kaya dapat na nata-target ‘yang mga higher education institutions.”

Batay sa KWF MMP 2017-2020, kabilang ang kampanyang estandarsisasyon at armonisasyon ng mga wika sa adhikang maging sagisag ang wikang Filipino ng diwang maugnayin hinggil sa pangangalaga ng mga wika at kulturang katutubo. JOSELLE CZARINA S. DE LA CRUZ at CHRIS V. GAMOSO

katangi-tanging Tomasino matapos ipamalas ang kaniyang husay sa larangan ng negosyo sa loob at labas ng bansa.

Nagtapos siya ng kursong architecture sa Unibersidad noong 1972. Sumunod siyang kumuha ng masterado sa environmental planning sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas noong 2003. Nagtapos din siya ng Advanced Management Development Program for Real Estate sa Harvard University.

Nagsilbi siyang pangulo ng Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners at gobernador ng Global Peace AssociationPhilippines, at tagapayo ng Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement. Noong 2009, iginawad sa kanya ang titulong People of the Year ng People Asia Magazine.

Ilan lamang sa mga gusali na kaniyang idinisenyo ay ang La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon Memorial Circle, Supreme Court Centennial Building at Qatar Embassy sa Parañaque.

Naging bahagi rin siya sa pagtatayo ng ilang imprastraktura sa labas ng bansa tulad ng Philippine Embassy and Chancery sa Brunei, at SM Cina at Tzu Chi Schools sa Iran.

Kapuwa Tomasino rin ang napangasawa ni Palafox na si Wilma. Gayundin ang isa nilang anak na nagtapos naman sa Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

Taong 2009 nang ginawaran siya bilang The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Awardee sa kategoryang ng Business, Finance, at Accounting. V.A.P. ANGELES at M.U. COTONGAN Tomasalitaan: Abay (pangngalan) – tabi, dais Napapawi ang lungkot at pagod na dulot sa akin ng maghapon kapag ako’y namamahinga na sa abay mo.

Mga Sanggunian: TOTAL Awards 2009 A Diary of the Japanese Occupation ni P. Juan Labrador, O.P. A History of the University of Santo Tomas (Four Centuries of Higher Education in the Philippines) ni P. Fidel Villarroel, O.P. Diksyunaryo-Tesauro Pilipino-Ingles ni Jose Villa Panganiban

JANUARY 28, 2019

Witness 13

Bishop: ‘God can’t be mocked’ FROM PAGE 2 those who had sinned were innately good yet were defeated in their spiritual battles, he said.

“When we learn to see the woundedness of other people, we are brought closer to Divine Mercy because you will never see the woundedness of other people if you are only obsessed with yourself, your concern and your own interest,” said David.

Strengthen morality with obedience Antipolo Bishop Francisco de Leon said the faithful should combat the erosion of morality in society by their constant “yes to God” during the concluding Mass of Pacom. “[In saying ‘no to God,] It will be easier to commit adultery [and] fornication. There will be less respect of women... [T]here will be abortion and increase of divorce,” he said in his homily, echoing Pope St. Paul VI in the encyclical Humanae Vitae.

Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, which promotes the wide use of contraception, was enacted in December 2012.

De Leon said following the commandments and Church teachings must come from the love of Jesus Christ.

“Gawin mo ang tama. But you will be criticized for doing what is right… [Y]ou have to be prepared that when you say ‘yes’ to God, you will be tested, you will face confrontation,” he said.

Echoing de Leon, Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila, pointed out that a healthy faith and relationship with Jesus Christ is key to fighting depression.

“Kailangan natin tandaan na ang awa ng Diyos ay ‘di nakapapasok [sa] kaluluwa ng tao dahil may obstacles na nakaharang,” he said.

Stressing that “mental health issues are caused by bad spirits,” Syquia said a life of sin and selfishness makes the devil stronger and increases one’s tendency to fall into confusion and depression.

“Put your self-love in the last place so that it does not [over] take your deeds. Para makilala ng tao na ang Diyos ay tunay, dapat lahat ng action ay love for God. Do not focus on your ego,” he said during his talk, “Immortal Combat: Divine Mercy and the battle for souls.”

An estimated 3,000 delegates from 56 dioceses participated this year’s Pacom, with the theme “The Divine Mercy in Communion with the Young.”

Pacom, which originated from the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, is a national congress to promote the devotion to the Divine Mercy. EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P.,

and M.C.L. SERQUIÑA, with reports from V.A.P. ANGELES and JOSELLE CZARINA S. DE LA CRUZ

Crime rate FROM PAGE 2

pamilya mo [at] may kakayanan ka. Kung ikaw ay snatcher, saan ka ba pupunta? Diba doon, sa may area ng UST? Kasi maraming estudyante doon na mga potential victims,” Capt. Philipp Ines, public information officer of Sampaloc police, told the Varsitarian in an interview.

On the initiative of Sampaloc police, tricycle drivers around UST were formed into a watch group named “Eyes on the Street” to reduce cases of robbery and other crimes, said Ines.

Stickers with control numbers were placed on tricycles, and “Lingkod Bayan” cards or contact details of the police were distributed around the campus for easier coordination with the authorities.

“Kung ikaw ay isang estudyante at may nakita kang krimen, ang hihilingin lang namin sa iyo ay tulungan mo kami. Kung may napapansin kang unusual, dapat i-report mo sa amin,” Ines said.

“Hindi ma-a-address ng police ‘yan alone. Kayo ang nandiyan,” he added.

Ines said the police was planning to open a new outpost on Alfonso Mendoza Street near Dapitan Street and add more motorcycles to patrol the vicinity of the campus.

SUN Watch revival In 2013, the Sampaloc-UST Neighborhood Watch (SUN Watch) was launched, aiming to prevent crimes in the Sampaloc district.

The watchdog group was composed of UST and partners such as schools, business establishments, the PNP and barangay patrols.

Two years since it was founded, SUN Watch was modified by Central Student Council (CSC) president Ina Vergara to include a financial literacy seminar for

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, speaks at a session of the Philippine Apostolic Congress on Mercy last Jan. 24.

GENIELYN ROSARIO M. SORIANO

Bishops and other members of the clergy kneel during the Eucharistic prayer for the Mass on the first day of Pacom.

GENIELYN ROSARIO M. SORIANO

A layperson reflects during one of the sessions of the three-day apostolic congress on mercy.

GENIELYN ROSARIO M. SORIANO

Ex-seminarians welcome to alumni group THE UST Alumni Priests Association (UST ALPA) has amended its Constitution to include former seminarians, marking the first “inclusive” homecoming of the Central Seminary last Jan. 28 to 30.

Fr. Amadeo Alvero, UST ALPA public information officer, said non-ordained members were included in the celebration as they were essential in the history of the Central Seminary.

“They have been forgotten for a very long time. For this year, we have to include them.

Although they have other vocations taken after studying here, [even if they were] not ordained, they are [still] a part of us,” Alvero told the Varsitarian.

Alvero explained that the revision was led

by ALPA’s executive board, along with Msgr.

Bernie Pantin, the board chairman, and Fr. Arthur Opiniano, president of the host batch 1994.

Section 2 of Article 3 of the UST ALPA Constitution stated that “All who graduated

or at least finished one semester of classes in any of the Ecclesiastical Faculties but did not receive the sacred orders are considered as associate members.”

The association honored three alumni who were raised to the episcopate: Iba Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr., Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Nolly Buco and Kabankalan Bishop Louie Galbines.

Among the eight golden jubilarians awarded were Msgr. Rolando Oliverio, Fr. Josefino Sebastian, Fr. Erno Diaz, Antonio Hidalgo, Erasmo Lapig, Jose Parohinog, Msgr.

Nicasio Melicor and Fr. Felipe Maticas.

UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. was among the 28 recipients of the silver jubilarian award.

“Sixteen Benjamins,” newly ordained priests, took their oaths as new ALPA members while 18 associate members of batch 1993 were given the silver jubilarian award.

Exhibit bravery, herd the youth

In his homily, Bishop Santos urged his fellow Thomasian priests to be courageous in executing their mission for the Church.

“We have many Thomasian priests standing side by side with the poor to fight for justice and peace; [w]ho put courage to serve his parishioners from calamities. Only God knows who protects their cub from the wolves using only their bare hands and bended knees,” Santos said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Antonio La Viña, former dean of Ateneo de Manila University’s School of Government, urged the clergy to return to being a missionary Church for the youth.

The youth is a sign of hope as they would “build the country” once the members of the clergy reach out to them, La Viña said in a conference during the homecoming’s second day.

“The one thing that [would drive] this country is the fact that there [are] a lot of young ALPA PAGE 14

tricycle drivers as well as basic art workshops for their children with the help of the College of Fine Arts and Design student council.

Drug tests and accreditation of tricycle drivers who operate near Light Rail Train stations around the University—Tayuman, Bambang, and Legarda—were also conducted to help ensure the security of Thomasian commuters.

With only a few months before the academic year ends, hopes for the revival of the project amid reports of theft and harassment becoming prevalent on social media, may not materialize.

Incumbent CSC Vice President Victor Amores, who banked on the platform of ensuring Thomasians’ safety and security,

told the Varsitarian in April 2018 that he was eyeing to bring back SUN Watch as part of his campaign promises.

The Pharmacy senior who ran unopposed in last year’s student council polls said his concern was the safety of Thomasians who go out at night to study in co-working establishments around UST. Today, the project, which had the original purpose of crime prevention outside the UST campus, may turn into a community development project instead. “[‘Yong] SUN Watch, ire-rebranch siya this year. [I]mbis na ang focus namin ay ang mga barangay at mga [tricycle drivers], ang focus namin is mga future leaders na sa mga schools, along kung saan naka-locate sa mga

barangays nila. Ang gusto ng Simbahayan [ay] magkaroon ng youth formation para at least sila rin makagawa ng activities sa kanilang mga communities,” the council vice president said.

He said the council was supposed to reach out to Manila City Hall but was told by the Office for Student Affairs (OSA) that the office would instead get in touch with city officials.

With the Student Affairs office handling the process of re-organizing SUN Watch, the CSC will instead conduct a seminarworkshop on disaster and risk reduction management as part of its sustainability project scheduled in March. MAREM A. DE JEMEL and A.V. ORTEGA

14 Limelight

JANUARY 28, 2019

Acting Editor: Nathanael Jonas S.J. Rodrigo

TOMAS U SANTOS BY NATHANAEL JONAS S.J. RODRIGO

BUHAY BILLY YATO BY MARI KLOIE D. LEDESMA

CACA BY JURY P. SALAYA

Political FROM PAGE 2 The Varsitarian has reached out to Lakasdiwa, but it has yet to respond to a request for an interview.

Central political parties are allowed to spend only P2.00 for every student enrolled in the University, which amounts to P80,000, according to USEC. College-based political parties are allowed to spend only P4.00 for every student in the faculty or college.

Founded in 2005 by former CSC auditor Froilan Pipit, LTC was a product of local political parties aiming to form a “united coalition.” Today, it has 16 college-based affiliate parties.

Lakasdiwa was established in 1992 by Errol Lachica as part of efforts to “form a multiuniversity sector political party” under the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas.

The party’s first candidates won seats in the council in 1993 to 1994.

Editorial FROM PAGE 4 Burden to students, parents As it is, digitalization or UST’s pretension of being technologicallysavvy, has merely added to the increasing costs of education.

In 2016, the pioneer batch of UST Senior High School (SHS) students were required to have iPads so they could access textbooks electronically.

Parents and students raised their eyebrows and had this decision by the inaugural SHS administration not met criticisms, it wouldn’t have retreated and made the requirement optional.

The SHS requirement was stupid, unfair, and ultimately irregular and highly unethical. Philippine textbooks in basic education have always been notoriously defective, so why demand the first batch of SHS to use electronic textbooks by Philippine publishers?

If publishers haven’t improved the quality of textbooks for grades 1 to 10, how could the same publishers come up with fool-proof textbooks for the inaugural year of SHS? And since many parents have been complaining of the extra costs of educating their children because of two more years added to basic education, why force them to buy expensive tech gadgets and, here’s the irregularity, force them to buy from the UST SHS administration who was making such a demand? For an institution that prides itself in ethics, the requirement smacks

Abstain Elections in the University are normally successful, but the year 2017 was different.

Probably one of the most controversial student elections in UST, four out of six posts in the council–president, vice president, treasurer and auditor– were left without winners due to massive abstentions among voters.

But the election saga was far from over. In July, Comelec was ordered by the Central Judiciary Board (CJB), CSC’s judicial arm, to proclaim the candidates who lost to “Abstain” votes as winners in the student polls. “[Comelec] violated [Section 5 of Article 10 of the USEC] by including ‘abstain’ in the ballot as if it is a name of candidate.

The said act of Central Comelec, even if previously done, cannot be established into a custom or established practice in contemplation of Article 2 of the Civil Code because it is contrary to the said law,” CJB’s resolution read. “[T]he abstentions should

not have been counted or tallied because they are not votes,” the resolution added.

Article 10 Section 5 of the USEC states that the ballot shall contain the printed names of candidates, their position and their party, a box before the candidates’ names, a serial number and instructions.

In August, Comelec proclaimed Grecia as president, Gabriela Sepulchre as vice president, Daveson Nieto as treasurer and Richard Javier as auditor. Less than a month after, the four rejected their positions and filed their resignation letters.

The officers said they resigned to “maintain unity” among Thomasians amid clamor, particularly on social media, for them to reject their positions to pave way for special elections.

The special elections, however, did not push through despite plans by Comelec, and as a result, only the secretary, Therese Gorospe, and public relations officer Francis Santos, now the council president, were able to serve in the CSC.

Election concerns allayed Last year, local Comelec units reported that only a short time was given to students for the use of computer laboratories.

There was also a lack of facilities.

Comelec chief Mendiola said the poll body was eyeing satellite venues for voting at the Quadrecentennial Pavillion, the Plaza Mayor or the Tan Yan Kee Student Center lobby to address last year’s problems.

Central Comelec is expecting a higher voter turnout this year as it will retain electronic voting. Voters will also be given the option to leave the ballots unanswered as a substitute for “Abstain.” “’Yong automated [voting] kasi para lang siyang paper ballot na in-automate…[you] can leave some parts doon sa paper ballot as blank [kaya siya ireretain],” Mendiola said.

Last year, only 26,148 out of a population of 37,658 students, or 69.44 percent, participated in the University-wide student elections. A.V. ORTEGA

of impropriety and conflict of interest.

UST planners should have learned from the SHS gaffe, but they obviously did not since they have since required college students and teachers to use e-Leap despite the woeful communications infrastructure on campus.

ALPA

Football

Outcomes-based education It is a shame that faculty members are pressured to use e-LEAP as a tool for teaching. They should have the freedom to choose between traditional and electronic methods or mix the two according to a measure or balance that’s their decision to make based on academic freedom.

UST has implemented another problematic pedagogical approach, that is the outcomes-based education (OBE).

The University should not turn a blind eye to the truth that not all courses offered in UST such can use e-learning for effective and full learning.

E-learning is best in technology, full science courses, not the liberal arts, arts and humanities, social sciences, languages, and cultural studies.

The fact that UST is Asia’s oldest university should have compelled its leaders and planners to make the necessary distinctions and gradations and to practice prudence and discretion, There’s simply no single pedagogical approach that will apply across the board. There’s no such thing as onesize-fits-all in education. To insist on e-Leap and OBE and for faculty and students to toe the line is not wisdom, but fascism.

Press FROM PAGE 2

It has been recognized by the Catholic Mass Media Awards, the International Association of Business Communicators, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Founded by a group of students led by Jose Villa Panganiban, the ‘V’ has produced journalistic and literary titans such as Arsenio Lacson, Felix Bautista, Jose Burgos, Jullie YapDaza, Neal Cruz, Jake Macasaet, Francisco Tatad, Antonio Lopez, Alice Colet-Villadolid, Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta, Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, Norma Miraflor, Eric Gamalinda, Vim Nadera, and Eugenia Duran-Apostol.

It has produced four National Artists: Cirilo Bautista, Bienvenido Lumbera, J. Elizalde Navarro and F. Sionil José.

Nonoy

FROM PAGE 13

FROM PAGE 16

FROM PAGE 15

people. What’s different now, with the young people everywhere, they have access to the same things that everyone [have]. They have a strong advantage,” he added.

In line with the theme “Courageous, Creative and Faithful: Thomasians for the Youth,” Fr. Renato de Guzman said the clergy should strive to be a “synodal Church” and a Church that journeys with the youth.

The youth needs a Church that “listens, accompanies and discerns,” de Guzman said during the conference.

A challenge for the clergy is to help the young people realize their full potential, said Jude Liao, a youth coordinator from the Diocese of Cubao.

Another challenge for members of the lay ministry was to teach the fast-paced youth that not everything is instant, Liao said echoing the contents of the Filipino Youth’s Open Letter to the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

The letter talked about the concerns and goals of the young people in line with the celebration of the Year of the Youth.

A total of 258 Thomasian priests and non-ordained members returned to the University for the three-day event. PEARL ANNE M. GUMAPOS and JOB ANTHONY R. MANAHAN

tinatrabaho ang championship, lagi kaming nabibitin kaya pinaghandaan talaga namin ‘yan ngayon ng mabuti,” she said.

Aside from La Salle, Rubio sees the Far Easten University as an obstacle for their championship bid.

The Lady Booters have yet to follow up on their championship they last won in 2012.

UAAP football action will begin on March 2 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. J.E.J. HIRRO

nailalabas lahat ng potential niya, ngayon ko pa lang nakikita how good he really is and I think may ibubuga pa siya,” Garcia said.

Nonoy’s passion for basketball started in third grade under the tutelage of his father Donis, who is also a basketball player.

He was a three-time MVP in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association, where he was recruited

by Growling Tigers assistant coach Nap Garcia. J.E.J. HIRRO and JUSTIN ROBERT VALENCIA

Softbelle FROM PAGE 16

lost seasoned pitcher Antolihao to graduation last year.

“Malaki ang expectation ko sa kaniya kasi siya ‘yong lumalabas na number one pitcher ngayon and malaki ang importance niya sa team kasi maganda ‘yong skills niya and doon siya nirerespeto ng mga kasama niya,” Barredo said.

Last season, the Tiger Softbelles settled for another silver finish after faltering against Adamson anew in their third-straight finals stint.

F.Y.W.N. RAGASA

Gird your loins FROM PAGE 4 that studying is also a form of worship.

It is a challenge for Catholic schools such as the pontifical, royal and Catholic University of the Philippines, UST, to improve on catechesis.

Amid the calls to reinstate capital punishment, lower criminal liability to nine years old and the normalization of extrajudicial killings, the Philippines must take a step back and reassess its moral values. Seven hundred fortyfive years since his death, St. Thomas Aquinas and his teachings remain relevant for Filipinos to pursue and discern the truth while living in the chaotic Philippine society.

Editor: Ma. Angelica D. Garcia

Tiger rookie Mark Nonoy sets high hopes THE UST Growling Tigers may have found their next point guard next season in Mark Nonoy, the one-and-done rookie of the Tiger Cubs.

The 5’8” floor general has been making waves in the UAAP Season 81 boys’ basketball tournament as he leads the league in assists and steals with a 6.1 and 1.9 output per game, respectively.

Although a newcomer, the 18-yearold Nonoy already emerged as the Tiger Cubs’ main offensive weapon this season, averaging 20.1 points per game.

The Negros Occidental native already committed to suit up for the seniors’ team after he graduates next year.

“Exciting ang next season para sa’kin. Bago ang team, bago ang coach at collegiate players na ang mga kalaban. Pero kahit na rookie ako, dadalhin ko pa rin ‘yong leadership ko,” Nonoy told the Varsitarian.

This season, he already registered three triple-doubles in his young UAAP career.

He tallied 17 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists in 34 minutes of action in the Tiger Cubs’ 75-63 win against the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) last Nov. 18.

He followed it with another outing of 27 markers, 12 boards and 11 assists in UST’s 85-63 victory against the University of the East last Jan. 13.

He also collected 30 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in the Tiger Cubs’ second matchup against UPIS last Jan. 20.

With the recent 80-65 win against UPIS, the Tiger Cubs rose to a 5-5 winloss card to remain in contention, behind fourthrunning Adamson University who carries a 6-4 slate.

Nonoy T h o s e numbers also allowed Nonoy to s i t at second place in the Most Valuable Player

(MVP) race after the first round of eliminations with 70.9 statistical points (sp), while Ateneo de Manila University behemoth Kai Sotto is at first place behind 93.3 sp.

With his league-leading assists and steals average, Tiger Cubs head coach Bonnie Garcia said Nonoy will play a big role for the Growling Tigers next season, who are looking to address their woes in sharing and taking away the ball from the opponent.

“Nonoy will fare very good sa Tigers because we need a very good point guard there, I am sure na sobrang fit siya sa lineup at sa system pagpasok niya next season,” Garcia said.

The Growling Tigers ranked dead last in the league last seasonin assists and steals with a 12.9 and 3.4 per game output, respectively.

UST’s top point guards Marvin Lee and Renzo Subido, both of which are pure scorers, combined for just 3.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game last year.

But even with Nonoy’s breakout season, Garcia believes that the rookie has yet to unlock his full potential and is just starting to get comfortable in the “UAAP brand of basketball.”

“Very talented ‘yong bata. Day to day, nag-i-improve talaga siya sa lahat ng aspect but I believe na hindi niya pa

Nonoy PAGE 14

JANUARY 28, 2019

Sports 15

Tigresses seek to bounce back from 7th to Final 4

The Golden Tigresses celebrate their win against the Adamson University in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference last Sept. 9.

MARK DARIUS M. SULIT DESPITE the absence of team captain Tin Francisco and skipper EJ Laure, the UST Golden Tigresses are still a force to be reckoned with this year, their coach said.

Francisco sustained a left anterior cruciate injury while Laure, who suffered a shoulder injury last season, opted to skip the tournament anew out of respect for the current roster of the Tigresses who have been training all year long.

“Temporary setback sa amin ‘yon pero asahan nila na makikipagbugbugan kami in a sense na maglalaro talaga kami,” UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes Jr. told the Varsitarian.

After a disastrous campaign last season, the Tigresses are looking to bounce back this year with a younger core.

Last Season 80, the Tigresses crashed to seventh place behind a 4-10 win-loss record — their worst performance since the Final Four format was introduced.

This year, Reyes said the new-look Tigresses got their much-needed experience from joining pre-season tournaments.

Despite a lineup consisting of eight

rookies, the Tigresses still bagged their thirdstraight Philippine University Games title last October and managed to cop silver in the Philippine Super Liga Collegiate Grand Slam last December.

For Reyes, the Tigresses’ pre-season stints gave the team a big boost for Season 81 in terms of maturity and exposure.

“Ang maturity, na-de-develop ‘yon through experience and based doon sa mga preseason tournaments namin, unti-unti na nilang na-a-adapt ang sistema, kailangan na lang ng consistency” Reyes said.

He added that the pre-season tournaments helped the team improve on their chemistry and allowed them to cope up with pressure during games. “’Yong iba kasi camera-conscious masyado, tapos ‘yong iba, umaayaw kaagad kapag maraming tao ang nanonood. I think ‘yong mga pre-season namin nakatulong kasi hopefully, dapat naka-adapt na sila and naovercome na nila ‘yon, especially the rookies,” Reyes said.

With the Tigresses’ impressive showing in

their pre-season stints, the tactician is confident the team will be more competitive this season.

The Tigresses will lean on four-time UAAP beach volleyball Most Valuable Player Sisi Rondina, Season 80 Rookie of the Year Milena Alessandrini, rookie Eya Laure and veteran players Dimdim Pacres and Caitlyn Viray.

In preparation for the upcoming UAAP season, the Tigresses also underwent a training camp in Baguio and Thailand in early January to further hone the team’s skills and techniques.

With one last chance to bag the championship this year, newly-appointed team captain Rondina said she will go all out and treat every game as equally important.

“Lagi namin inaasam ang championship pero hindi namin makukuha ‘yon kung hindi namin pagta-trabahuhan. Kailangan namin dumaan sa butas ng karayom para makuha ‘yon pero stick lang kami sa goal namin at huwag kalimutan lahat ng pinaghirapan namin,” she said.

UAAP volleyball action will begin on Feb. 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena. IVAN RUIZ L. SUING

Female Tennisters eye back-to-back crowns THE UST Female Tennisters focused on their footwork and stroke development for greater agility as they seek to defend their title this Season 81.

Last year, the Female Tennisters ended a five-year title drought after

besting Ateneo de Manila University in the finals to secure the title that capped their undefeated campaign.

“Because there were no shortcomings last season, I expect a 101 percent performance and I expect them to deliver during games this year,” UST head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz told the Varsitarian.

Despite the loss of former team captain Ebeb Caorte, former co-captain Kendies Malinis and veteran player Danica Bautista due to graduation, Sta. Cruz said the team will still be intact with Season 80 Most Valuable Player Erika Manduriao, team captain Ingrid Gonzales and senior player Meann San Jose still playing.

He said the Female Tennisters joined more pre-season tournaments last year like the Ateneo Inter-school Tournament in October, which helped him analyze his players’ capability during games.

With an intact core this year, Sta. Cruz is confident of the team’s chances of a back-toback championship.

“As defending champions with most players still in the lineup, I can say that UST has a deeper reserve players than other teams and that boosts our chances for a second-straight title,” he said.

With roughly a month left before the UAAP Season 81 lawn tennis tournament, the Female Tennisters have intensified their training

regimen.

“The training is vital to improve the performance of the team. Lahat ng instructions ko ay nasusunod ng mga players which is essential for the preparation for the tournament,” he added.

Sta. Cruz also listed Ateneo, National University and De La Salle University, as hurdles in the Female Tennisters’ title bid.

In her last playing year, team captain Gonzales emphasized the importance of communication to strengthen the team’s support system.

“Pinakamahalaga ang pakikipagusap para magabayan namin ang isa’t isa during and after the games. Hindi naman nagkukulang si coach and ako, bilang team captain, na magbigay ng advice sa kanila,” she said.

She also urged her teammates to enjoy the competition.

“Siyempre may pressure na mag backto-back pero nasa amin naman ‘yon kung paano namin haharapin ‘yong pressure.

Sinasabihan ko lang sila na dapat masaya at mahalin ang ginagawa namin,” Gonzales said.

The Female Tennisters are the winnigest team in the women’s division with seven championships. THERESA CLARE K. TAÑAS

Sports

JANUARY 28, 2019

Exposure-seeking Golden Sox crash out of PBL

By JUSTIN ROBERT VALENCIA

AFTER winning their first game, the UST Golden Sox suffered four consecutive defeats to crash out of playoffs contention in the inaugural Philippine Baseball League (PBL).

The Golden Sox cruised to a 6-4 win against the University of the Philippines before succumbing to De La Salle University (6-13), Adamson University (9-15), Itakura Parts Philippines Corporation (4-8), and Ateneo de Manila University (12-13).

Despite their 1-4 win-loss record in the seven-team tournament, Golden Sox head coach Jeffrey Santiago said the PBL gave the rookies the exposure they need for the upcoming UAAP season.

“Ang goal lang naman namin dito sa PBL ay mabigyan ng exposure ang rookies para makita namin ang laro nila sa actual game at hindi lang sa practice, para na rin maevaluate na namin sino ang first nine namin sa UAAP,” the 56-year-old mentor told the Varsitarian.

Aside from exposure, Santiago also used the PBL as an avenue to scout the strengths of the other UAAP schools competing in the tilt, namely defending champion Adamson, Ateneo, La Salle, UP and National University.

The pre-season tournament served as Santiago’s way of assessing the Golden Sox’s mishaps in the three most important aspects of baseball – batting, fielding and pitching.

With fielding as one of UST’s main problems, Santiago required all the players to learn to play at least two positions.

“Kailangan nilang matutunan ‘yong madaming position para puwede namin paghaluin ‘yong magaling

sa opensa at magaling sa depensa para solid ang lineup namin,” he said.

Even with the team parading 11 rookies, Santiago believes that this squad is “better and stronger” than last year’s team in terms of offense.

Despite their offense not translating into wins in the PBL, UST still averaged 7.4 runs per game, compared to their UAAP Season 80’s 5.7 average.

In their games against Ateneo and IPPC, the Golden Sox registered more hits than their opponents, 18-11 and 10-7, respectively.

But those numbers were not enough for Santiago as he still wants his wards to put more effort in batting to keep them in tiptop shape just in time for the UAAP. He added that the team still lack the killer instinct he wants to instill in his players.

“Ang problema kasi, kapag lamang na sa pitch count, nag-re-relax. Kahit dalawang out na ang kalaban, doon pa nakakascore kasi nag-re-relax, sasabayan pa ng error ng infield. Wala pa kaming killer instinct na kapag lumamang, tuloy-tuloy na,” the tactician lamented.

With less than a month left before the tournament, team captain Alwen Cabang is confident that the Golden Sox will deliver this upcoming UAAP season.

“Mas malakas ang team ngayon kasi lahat may palo, lahat nag-ko-contribute sa opensa, lahat lumalaban talaga hanggang dulo,” Calbang said.

The Golden Sox will miss the services of third baseman Jefferson Vergara and second baseman Alzer Jacinto this season due to personal reasons.

UST will open its UAAP campaign against Ateneo on Feb. 17, Sunday, 7 a.m., at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Lady Booters seek to end 2-year reign of La Salle THE UST Lady Booters will bank on their national team mainstays this Season 81 after back-to-back finals losses against the De La Salle University in the UAAP women’s football tournament.

The Lady Booters and Lady Archers met in the UAAP finals in the past two seasons, but UST fell short both times.

This year, UST head coach Prescila “Aging” Rubio said the Lady Booters would lean on their core group composed of Hazel Lustan, Charisa Lemoran, Shellah Mae Cadag, Ivy Lopez and Nicole Reyes, who all participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Asian Qualifiers in Tajikistan last Nov. 4 to 13.

The five were part of the Philippine women’s national football team, who placed second in Group A behind a 3-1 win-loss record. “ N e w experience at a high level ‘yong Qualifiers and naka-build ‘yong lima ng confidence doon na puwede nilang magamit sa UAAP and ‘yong experience, naipapasa nila ‘yon ngayon sa rookies,” Rubio told the Varsitarian.

Despite fielding a roster consisting of mostly rookies this year, Rubio said youth will not be a setback for the team.

“Championship pa rin ang aim namin this season kasi ayaw naman namin na hanggang first runner-up na lang kami palagi. Our rookies are progressing greatly and they’re ready pero we don’t settle for ‘puwede na’ so we’re pushing them further,” she said.

With a better team chemistry this season, graduating team captain Lustan is confident that the Lady Booters can finally bag the crown this year.

She said the 2018 Philippine Football Federation Women’s League where they placed second last November expanded their skill set for the season.

“Kaya naman mag-champion and mataas ang expectation ko sa team namin kasi kahit ‘yong rookies, tumaas ang skill level nila and konting hasa na lang ang kailangan sa mga dapat nilang i-improve,” she said.

With roughly two months left before Season 81, Rubio is confident the team will be ready to compete more than ever. “ T h r e e years na naming Football PAGE 14

New Softbelles captain is hungry for UAAP crown THE UST Tiger Softbelles will rally under a new team captain in an attempt to finally end Adamson University’s eight-year UAAP softball dynasty.

Newly-appointed team captain Celyn Ojare will replace three-time UAAP Best Pitcher Ann Antolihao, who exhausted her playing years.

With the departure of Antolihao, rookie pitcher Ojare will be playing a big role for the Tiger Softbelles following three-straight finals losses against the Lady Falcons.

“Determined akong makukuha namin ang championship ngayon kasi ‘yon na talaga ‘yong goal namin ever since and gift na rin namin sa mga aalis na seniors kasi gusto namin sila bigyan ng memorable na exit,” said Ojare in an interview with the Varsitarian.

But despite being a rookie, the 19-yearold Ojare said pressure would not be a problem for her.

“Siyempre kinailangan kong magadjust and hindi naman maiiwasan ‘yong pressure kaya ginagawa ko na lang ‘yong tama at ‘yong dapat,” she said.

Softball was not Ojare’s first love, having played volleyball first before finding her current niche.

She started her softball career in freshman high school when she was discovered by Imanuelito Llave, her coach at Antonio J. Villegas Vocational High School in Tondo, Manila.

The Iloilo native was scouted by Tiger Softbelles head coach Sandy Barredo during her high school’s tune-up game against UST in 2012.

Ojare has copped several medals including the Most Valuable Player award and Home Run Queen in the 2014 National Capital Region Softball Meet.

She was also part of the Philippine juniors’ softball national team that competed in the 2014 World Softball Series in Delaware, United States of America, the 2014 Asia Pacific Middle East Regional League Tournament in Clark, Pampanga and the XII Junior Women’s Softball World Championship in Clearwater, Florida in 2017.

But despite a decorated high school career, Ojare is aware that the UAAP is a completely different playing field.

All UAAP schools tapped her services for their respective senior teams, but Ojare said UST’s consistent sports and academic programs were the deciding factors in choosing her new home.

The De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, National University, University of the Philippines, University of the East, including reigning champion Adamson, all pitched in for her.

“Kinonsider ko ‘yong factor na magaganda ‘yong binibigay na benefits and equipment ng UST para sa athletes nila and maganda rin ‘yong sports program nila r i t o , ” Ojare said.

With roughly a month left before the UAAP Season 81 softball tournament, Barredo is confident that Ojare will deliver right away.

T h e tactician will bank on Ojare’s services even more this season, since she Softbelle PAGE 14

Ojare