The Varsitarian P.Y. 2014-2015 Issue 08

Volume LXXXVI, No. 8 • May 13, 2015 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSIT Y OF SANTO TOMAS Manila, Philippines

Parents, USTFU seek suspension of K to 12

By ARIANNE F. MEREZ

Tuition hike limited to 2.5-5.3% THE UNIVERSITY administration has slashed next academic year's tuition hikes to just 2.5-5.3 percent from 5-8 percent, after strong opposition from students.

Under the final schedule of fees released by the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance last March 26, the tuition increase will now amount to P34 per unit for first-year students (up 2.5 percent), P67 per unit for secondyear students (5.1 percent), P68 per unit for third-year students (5.3 percent), and P32 per unit for fourth- and fifth-year students (2.4 percent).

In the original proposed schedule of fees released last February, the tuition increases amounted to P67 per unit for firstyear students, P100 per unit for second-year students, P101 per unit for third-year students, and P64 per unit for fourth- and fifthyear students.

Central Student Council President Ina Vergara urged Thomasians to understand the administration’s decision, as “codevelopers” of the University.

“This is also for the betterment of our University. We should understand that we, as students, are also co-developers of UST,” Vergara told the Varsitarian.

The library fee will have the highest increase among other school fees for academic year 2015-2016, with a 30 to 33-percent hike. The increase amounts to P365 for first- and second-year students, P384 for third-year students, and P356 for fourth- and fifth-year students.

Physical Education fees will Tuition PAGE 3

The Varsitarian launches national campus press awards JOURNALISTS should always strive to deliver the news accurately and responsibly despite the accelerated pace of social media, ABS-CBN senior correspondent Willard Cheng said during the launch of the first UST National Campus Journalism Awards (UNCJA) last March 21.

“As we demand responsibility and accountability from our leaders in our writings, we should exact the same high or even higher standard of responsibility from ourselves, whether in journalism contests like this one, or when we find ourselves as colleagues in the real world later on,” Cheng said in his message before an audience of campus journalists from different student publications in Metro Manila.

“This is how we keep ourselves relevant and credible in the public that we serve.”

Cheng, the keynote speaker during the UNCJA launch at the Varsitarian office, also Campus PAGE 3

ANOTHER group of parents and teaching and non-teaching personnel is set to appeal to the Supreme Court to suspend the full implementation of the new K to 12 basic education program, citing unclear provisions as well as the lack of public consultations and government preparation.

Members of the Parents Advocacy for Children’s Education (PACE) are calling upon other parents to join their efforts to seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the K to 12 Law from the high tribunal.

“We (parents) should unite para ma-suspend itong K to 12. If we really are considered as stakeholders, dapat konsultahin tayo, dahil tayo ang nagpapadala ng estudyante sa mga eskwelahan,” PACE Founding Chairman and UST High School Parents Association board member Revenendo Vargas said during a conference at the Ambassador Hotel last April 11.

Abakada Party Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz backed the group’s petition, saying the lack of consultation with parents could be the basis to challenge the K to 12 Law, which will add two more years of secondary education.

Parents of UST High School students remain opposed to the K to 12 program.

“When we conduct regular meetings either within the organization or together with the administration and teaching staff, it has always been expressed that we really are not for the K to 12,” said Anniela Soliven, parents association president, in an interview.

Last March 12, an alliance of higher education institution (HEI) employees named “Suspend K to 12 Coalition” marched from Plaza Salamanca on Kalaw Street to the Supreme Court last and filed a petition also requesting for a TRO on K to 12, which they described as an “unprepared and ill-designed education program.”

“The government is not ready to implement a 12-year basic education program as mandated by the K to 12 Law, as seen in the insufficiency of classrooms, facilities, and instructional materials needed by the current 10-year program,” the coalition said in a statement.

The government should first “increase its budget allocation for education, the salaries and benefits of both teaching and non-teaching personnel, and provide sufficient in-service professional development for teachers” before pursuing full implementation, it added.

Rebecca Añonuevo, who teaches in UST and K to 12 PAGE 10 A mother carries a bigger burden in the new basic education program. The K to 12 program will add two more years to the 10-year basic education program.

JEAN HELENE C. ESTELLA and KENO CARLO C. ENRIQUEZ

Tiger Softbelles’ win regain UAAP general championship for UST

By KARL CEDRICK G. BASCO UST REGAINED its rightful spot in the UAAP, winning a record 40th general championship.

The Tigers collected a total of five championships and finished with 283 points, just three points ahead of two-time champion De La Salle University, which posted 280 markers.

The University of the Philippines finished third with 236 points.

UST was poised to regain the overall title after the first semester events, leading La Salle, 152-147.

But the Tigers lost ground after the football team and women’s squads volleyball and chess faltered.

In the meantime, the Green Archers were threatening to overtake UST with at least three La Salle teams reaching the finals. UST's athletic moderator Rodrigo Sambuang of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) admitted that he and the rest of IPEA administration nearly lost all hope of winning the overall title.

After 15 events, La Salle eventually took a 274-273 lead over UST. But thanks to the Tiger Softbelles' epic climb from sixth to third

For breaking news and real-time updates visit: www.varsitarian.net

place, UST secured the overall title.

But the championship trophy was not formally awarded to UST in the UAAP Season 77 closing ceremony last April 11 due to a score clarification

by La Salle. UAAP Season 77 secretary-general Rodrigo Roque said a letter containing the tabulation of the final scores had been sent to IPEA Director Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P. last April 17, confirming UST’s victory.

Tough road back Some coaches and athletes attributed UST's struggle to regain the overall title to the school's inability to get more quality athletes.

“I think the problem is lack of [quality] players since there are schools that offer better benefits, unlike in UST which prioritizes academics,” told baseball team captain Arvin Plaza.

“What other schools do is offer way better than what UST does.”

But Sambuang reiterated that UST maintains the practice of amateurism in the league and will only offer resources within the University’s capacity.

“Kung ano lang ‘yung matira sa atin, ‘yun lang ang atin. We are honest with the athletes to the limited benefits that UST can give,” Sambuang said.

Men's football coach Marjo Allado admitted a UST strategy.

“Kung hindi kami pumasok sa championship, we made sure na both men’s and women’s team ng La Salle ay nasa likod namin,” he said.

For Season 77, the Growling

ELATED. The Tiger Softbelles pulled an important upset against La Salle late into the softball tournament to secure a playoffs spot and UST's 40th UAAP overall title.

BASILIO H. SEPE

Tigers won a total of five gold, five silver and seven bronze medals.

UST lorded it over in men’s and women’s judo, men’s taekwondo, women’s beach volleyball and women’s track and field while securing silver in tennis, fencing and men’s beach volleyball.

Settling for third were men’s volleyball, swimming, chess, tennis, track and field and women’s taekwondo, softball and poomsae.

Chasing back-to-back With National University (NU) targeting its first ever general

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championship in Season 78 after winning a season-high six gold medals, UST coaches are not threatened of the Bulldogs and still look at La Salle as the school to beat.

“Given ‘yun kasi bumibili sila [NU] ng players pero hindi naman lahat kaya nilang bilhin. It takes three to five years pa bago nila tayo madikitan sa general championship. Ngayon, baka sa La Salle pa lang mahirapan na sila,” badminton coach Noli Cajefe said.

According to Sambuang, the Overall PAGE 3

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The Varsitarian MAY 13, 2015

Editor: Lord Bien G. Lelay

QS ranking: UST a ‘4-star’ university

THE LONDON-based consultancy QuacquarelliSymonds (QS) has given the University of Santo Tomas four out of five stars in its “Stars University Rating,” the first such rating for a Philippine university.

According to the QS Top Universities’ website, a university with a four-star rating is “highly international, demonstrating excellence in both research and teaching, and provides an excellent environment for students and faculty.”

UST recorded a perfect five-star rating in four out of eight criteria, namely: employability, facilities, engagement, and access; four stars in the teaching category; three stars in internationalization; and one star for specialist criteria and research. UST was the sole Philippine institution to be rated.

“UST graduates consistently and yearly dominate the top ten in courses with board exams (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Engineering, Architecture, Accountancy, Education, etc.). This proves the University’s superior academic programs,” said QS Top Universities website. “UST has produced national heroes, church martyrs, renowned scientists, national artists, internationally renowned business people and athletes, prominent doctors, four presidents of the Philippines, three vice presidents and six Chief Justices.”

The new QS rating system evaluates an institution against over 50 different indicators, and awards universities between one and five+ stars over eight wider fields, as well as an overall rating, apart from the yearly QS world and Asian rankings.

With this rating system, QS aims to give students an additional tool for choosing a university.

In 2014, UST ranked 141st in the Asian University Rankings, and 701st in the World University Rankings. ARIANNE F. MEREZ

Civil Law performance in bar exam at par with other schools' UST MAY have recorded a lower passing rate in the October 2014 bar exams, but the University is still at par with other Philippine law schools in terms of passing rate, Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina said.

Civil Law placed fifth on the list of topperforming schools with a 43.95-percent passing rate, meaning 69 out of its 157 examinees hurdled the bar. This was lower than last year's 63.67 percent.

“Traditionally, UST has always been a top-performing law school. This year should be no different. The difference though [is that] the passing rate among these top law schools is getting smaller. We expect to improve further over time,” Divina said in an email.

The University of the Philippines (UP)Diliman recorded the highest passing rate of 73.84 percent followed by San Beda CollegeManila (55.88) and Ateneo De Manila (53.78).

Other universities that recorded higher passing rates than UST were University of San Carlos (51.49) and Ateneo de Davao (45.10).

Divina, who is also the president of the Philippine Association of Law Schools, added that none of the schools that produced this year’s topnotchers obtained a passing rate higher than 60 percent, except for UP-Diliman.

Meanwhile, 40 percent of the total number of successful bar examinees this year came from San Beda College, UP-Diliman, Ateneo de Manila, and UST. Irene Mae Alcobilla of San Beda College topped this year’s bar exam, with a score of 85.5 percent. Christian Drilon of Ateneo (84.45 percent) and Sandra Mae Magalang of UPDiliman (84.60 percent) placed second and third, respectively. No Thomasian made it to the list of top 10 passers.

Former Varsitarian associate editor Roman Loveria was among those who passed.

The national passing rate dropped to 18.82 percent or 1,126 passers out of 5,984 examinees, from last year’s 22.18 percent or 1,174 out of 5,293 examinees.

The 2014 bar exams were held in UST during all four Sundays of October. Essaytype questions accounted for 80 percent of the exams while the remaining 20 percent were multiple choice questions.

Bar exam rules state that an examinee is “deemed to have passed [the] examinations successfully if [he or she] has obtained a general average of 75 percent,” but the Supreme Court en banc has the discretion to lower the passing grade upon recommendation of the bar exam committee chairperson.

The high court lowered the passing rate to 73 percent for the 2014 exams, just like in 2013.

The court also decided to move the 2015 bar exams to November to give way to law schools that will change their academic Bar Exams PAGE 10

Indie bets dominate CSC polls INDEPENDENT candidates nearly swept the slate of Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) in this year’s Central Student Council (CSC) elections, winning five out of six CSC Executive Board positions including the presidency.

Independent candidate Anna Mariz Mangalili will lead the University-wide student council for A.Y. 2015-2016 as the next CSC president, after a lopsided victory over incumbent CSC secretary and Lakasdiwa standard bearer Rosevielentine Rosales.

Mangalili, a junior Management Accounting student, won a total of 15,718 votes (56 percent), higher than the 8,916 votes (32 percent) obtained by senior Clinical Pharmacy student Rosales. Eleven percent of the total voting population, or 3,340 students, abstained.

“Gusto ko munang makilala ‘yung mga nanalong CSC officers kasi kailangan naming mag-work ng maganda para may maganda kaming output para sa students,” Mangalili said in an interview with the Varsitarian after the proclamation of winners at the Plaza Mayor last April 17.

Senior Architecture student John Louis Tingzon, the lone winner from Lakasdiwa, will be next CSC vice president after winning 12,189 votes (43 percent).

Tingzon defeated incumbent CSC auditor and sophomore Travel Management student Patricia Alexis

Independent presidential bet Anna Mariz Mangalili addresses the audience during the mandatory debate last April 14. Mangalili won the election with 56 percent of the vote.

JOHN PAUL R. AUTOR

Canoza, who got 10,446 votes (37 percent). A total of 5,281 students (19 percent) opted to abstain.

Maria Yvonne Erica Yap, a Political Science junior, is the next CSC secretary, winning 17,255 votes (61 percent). This was 10,634 votes higher than the 6,621 votes (24 percent) obtained by junior Communication Arts student Nazka Alecksia Tantay of Lakasdiwa. A total of 4,024 students (14 percent) chose to abstain.

Another independent candidate, Roi Sergio Rey, a Marketing Management freshman, won the post of CSC treasurer with 12,474 votes (44 percent), defeating

Management Accounting junior Lene Benette Gabriel of Lakasdiwa who got 10,452 votes (37 percent).

A total of 4,945 students (18 percent) abstained.

CSC chief of staff Zeth Renae Raquedan, a junior Medical Technology student, was proclaimed the next CSC auditor after he won 13,935 votes (49 percent). He defeated Financial Management freshman Veronica Jalandoni of Lakasdiwa, who got 8,546 votes (30 percent). Meanwhile, 5,379 students (19 percent) abstained.

For the position of public relations officer, Civil Engineering freshman Ranel Simon Rey won

with 14,060 votes (50 percent), beating Interior Design sophomore Justin Miguel Co of Lakasdiwa who got 8,766 votes (31 percent). A total of 5,197 students (18 percent) opted to abstain.

Winners of the local student council elections were also proclaimed together with the new set of CSC officers. The newly-elected presidents of the different faculties and colleges of the University will become members of the next Central Board.

They are Joanne Clara Paguia Polls PAGE 3

Outstanding Thomasians recognized in Student Awards THOMASIANS from several faculties and colleges were recognized in the 2015 UST Student Awards held at the Quadricentennial Pavillion on May 8, with the Tradition of Excellence Award bestowed upon an organization in the College of Architecture.

The UST Architecture Network received the top honor for student groups, which is conferred on recognized student organizations that have won awards for five consecutive years.

Bro. Valentinus Ruseno, O.P. of the Faculty of Sacred Theology led this year’s recipients of the Rector’s Academic Award, the highest academic award given to students for academic excellence.

Other Rector’s awardees were Glenn Mikko Mendiola (Philosophy), Jeri Charlotte Albano (Medicine and Surgery), Henrick Ryan Fong (Pharmacy), Ma. Francia Afulugencia (Arts and Letters), Shikara Poblete (Engineering), Atom Von Monfero (Education), Van Alistair Faeldon (Science), Sharleen Jae Salazar (Architecture),

Usapang Uste MULA 1762-1764, napilitan ang Unibersidad na pansamantalang itigil ang mga pang-akademikong gawain nito nang pinilit ng mga mananakop na Inglatera na kamkamin ang Maynila.

Sumailalim sa mabigat na pagsubok ang Unibersidad nang sakupin ng mga Briton ang Filipinas matapos ang Pitong Taong Digmaan.

Noong Oktubre 1762, nilusob ng Iglatera ang Filipinas.

Walang habas ang Britanya sa pagwasak at paglapastangan sa mga simbahan sa Intramuros kabilang na ang Simbahan ng Santo Domingo kung saan idinaraos ang mga mahahalagang tradisyon at pagdiriwang ng Unibersidad tulad ng pagtatapos.

Dagdag

Francheska Garcia (Commerce and Business Administration), Joane Cawaling (Music), Ivan Gabriel Simpauco (Nursing), Angela Camille Amurao (Rehabilitation Sciences), Christine Gamboa (Fine Arts and Design), Noel Andro Bico (Accountancy), Jirah Miah Kogami (Tourism and Hospitality Management), and Jane Therese Casuncad (Information and Computing Studies).

The Pope Leo XIII Community Development Award was given to Jhunnel Sarajan (Commerce and Business Administration), Alyssa Faye Santamaria and John Charle Valdez (Nursing), Edward Joseph Tañedo (Rehabilitation Sciences), and 20 student organizations. This award is given to students with outstanding involvements in community development activities.

Recipients of the Quezon Leadership Award were Christian Dale Dakila (Sacred Theology); Red Aian Caragdag and John Derek Clutario (Pharmacy); Maria Robelyn Jugo and Denise Abby Muños (Arts and Letters); Vincent Nikko Noel Almeda and Ronelle Anne Bombales

(Engineering); John Paul Barral (Education); Dennis Edward Lagman and Patrick Ortega (Science); Pauline Christine Solano (Commerce and Business Administration); Hans Joseph Lim, Roman Agustin Pangan, and Alyssa Faye Santamaria (Nursing); John Arden Romanillos (Rehabilitation Sciences); and Diane Guevara (Accountancy). This award is given to students who had led and organized activities that had contributed to the welfare of students.

Fifty-two students and 23 organizations were given the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award, an honor given to students whose performances in regional, national, or international competitions, conferences, or congresses signify the University’s commitment to excellence.

Also, 16 student organizations were given the St. Dominic De Guzman Award for their outstanding performances in organizing activities that were of significance to the entire University. DAYANARA T. CUDAL and BIANCA

KRISTIN A. TARAY

Bulacan naging UST campus noong Ika-18 na siglo pa rito, pinagpapaslang rin ng mga Briton ang mga taong nagsisimba at winasak ang mahahalagang kagamitan ng simbahan gaya ng imahen ng Santisimo Rosario.

‘Di kalaunan, nagbunga ang sunod-sunod na paglusob ng mga Briton sa pagkaparalisa ng mga kalakalan at institusyon sa Maynila lalo na ang mga aktibidad ng Unibersidad.

Natigil ang klase sa Unibersidad nang gawing kuwartel ng mga sundalong Ingles ang mga gusali at pasilidad nito.

Sa kabila ng suliraning ito, pilit humanap ng paraan ang Unibersidad na maipagpatuloy ang mga gawain nito sa pamamagitan ng paglipat sa mga propesor at mag-aaral sa hasyendang pagmamay-ari ng mga Dominikano sa baranggay ng Balite sa bayan ng Calumpit at sa

bayan ng Pandi, Bulacan.

Gayunpaman, hindi nagtagal at muling naharap sa pagsubok ang Unibersidad nang sumugod ang mga rebeldeng nagnanais angkinin ang lupain ng mga Dominikano at paslangin ang Dominikong hermano na namamahala ng hasyenda.

Dahil sa mga naganap na paglusob ng mga tulisan sa mga hasyenda, naging lubos nang mapanganib para sa mga propesor at mag-aaral na ipagpatuloy pa ang aralin sa hasyenda.

Makalipas ang dalawang taong pananatili sa bansa, nagtapos ang pananakop ng Britanya nang pormal na lagdaan ang Treaty of Paris na siya ring tumapos sa Pitong Taong Digmaan noong 1763.

Taong 1764, tuluyan nang nilisan ng mga Ingles ang Maynila upang ibalik ang pamamalakad sa Espanya alinsunod sa kasunduan na Usapang Uste PAHINA 6

IICS to use cloud tech for some courses KEEPING up with trends in Information Technology (IT), the Institute of Information and Computing Sciences (IICS) has adopted “cloud technology” in teaching some of its courses.

Through the Internet program NetSuite Academy, students can now run computer applications online without having to buy, install, or manage their own servers for courses such as Accounting and Financial Management, Business Administration, and e-Commerce.

Since a number of IICS programs offer business-related courses, NetSuite’s business concepts and principles will be useful, IICS Director Alex Santos said.

“The present direction in terms of IT services is cloud technology. We partnered with NetSuite so our students enrolled in Accounting classes can use the web application in their laboratory activities,” Santos said in an email.

Cloud technology allows users to run and manipulate their IT systems— computer applications, operating systems, servers, and network switches— Cloud PAGE 10

Editor: Andre Arnold T. Santiago

MAY 13, 2015

The Varsitarian Special

Reports 3

BBL hit for ‘major constitutional flaw’ A STATE within a state.

This is what the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) seeks to establish, an act that will run afoul of the 1987 Constitution, according to experts and analysts.

The Aquino administration, seeking to secure what it claims will be a legacy of peace and development in war-torn Mindanao, appears bent on having the BBL passed by Congress, after signing a peace agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels last year. The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which was brokered

by Malaysia, was signed after 17 years of negotiations between the Philippine government and MILF rebels.

The BBL will expand and replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), with a plebiscite scheduled in September and elections for the Bangsamoro government synchronized with the 2016 elections.

The Bangsamoro region will have its own flag, billions in annual subsidies from the national government, powers to tax and operate free ports and economic zones, and jurisdiction over minerals and other natural resources. Critics are thus calling for major changes to the draft of BBL, which is pending at the committee level in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Former senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said the BBL’s “major constitutional flaw” was the proposed parliamentary form of government for the Bangsamoro region.

“In a parliamentary government, only legislative officials are elected by the people. The elected legislative officials in turn elect the executive officials,” he explained. “[They should] make the proposed government of the BBL conform to the presidential form of government, not parliamentary.”

Article 7, Section 4 of the BBL draft states that the Bangsamoro legislature or parliament will be composed of at least 60 members, with only 40 percent consisting of elected district representatives. Half of the parliament will consist of representatives of political parties. The remaining 10 percent will consist of non-Moro indigenous peoples, namely the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, B’laan, and Higaonon.

History Department chairman Augusto De Viana echoed Pimentel, saying the government should not favor any particular ethnic group.

“You’re creating a government within a government, a state within

Campus FROM PAGE 1 reminded student journalists of the grave duty associated with their jobs.

“Journalism is powerful and we should be careful with this power by exercising it responsibly,” said Cheng, a former editor of The Guidon of Ateneo de Manila.

The UNCJA was established through the efforts of retired Washingtonbased labor lawyer Julio Macaranas Jr., a two-time editor in chief of the Varsitarian.

The awards are also dedicated to the memory of Macaranas' late mother,

Tuition FROM PAGE 1 also increase by 2.5 percent or P68 for first-year students and P134 for second-year students.

Thomasians enrolling in the National Service Training Program will have to pay an additional P100 (up 5.1 percent) next academic year, while those who will join the Reserve Officers' Training Corps will have to pay an additional P101 (up 5 percent).

Last academic year, tuition increased by 2.5 percent or P31.23 per

Football FROM PAGE 3 Three days after the national meet, he flew to Manila to enroll at UST. Just like any other athlete from the province, Anotado was initially shocked with the intensity of games in Manila especially in the UAAP. He admitted feeling inferiority during his rookie season.

Constantly reminding himself to prove his worth in the team, Anotado slowly made his presence felt in the league. He eventually earned a spot in the starting lineup after a clutch performance against the University of the East in Season 76 when he delivered the gamewinning goals inside the final 10 minutes.

With the absence of veteran players this year due to academic

a state, and that is unconstitutional,” he said.

MILF demobilization seen The key feature of the proposed Bangsamoro government, according to government peace negotiators, is the “asymmetrical relationship” it will have with the national government. This means the Bangsamoro region will have a special status that will be unlike that of local governments. The lack of this special status supposedly led to the failure of the existing ARMM, which was established following the 1996 peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of Nur Misuari.

The MILF is a breakaway faction of the MNLF. Opposition to the BBL has grown after a breakaway faction of the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), figured in the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January that killed 44 police commandos. The BIFF and others such as the Abu Sayyaf kidnap group are not included in peace negotiations.

Dennis Coronacion, political science professor at the Faculty of Arts and Letters, is in favor of the proposed BBL to allow greater self-rule for Muslim Mindanao. “It enhances the concept of regional autonomy in Mindanao, which is good for the Muslims in the south because it gives them more opportunity to determine their future and shape their lives,” he said.

The BBL should also create an environment of peace in Mindanao, he added, given the impending demobilization of MILF fighters after

decades of rebellion.

Coronacion agreed that some BBL provisions needed to be sorted out. “Some [provisions] are lying near the thin line that separates what is constitutional and what is not,” he said. “[One provision] will allow the autonomous regional government to incorporate Islamic doctrines in their laws, but experts say this is against the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.”

Article 10 of the BBL states that the Bangsamoro Justice System “shall consist of a Shari’ah law and Shari’ah courts which shall have supremacy and application over Muslims only; the traditional or tribal justice system, for the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro; and the local courts; and alternative dispute resolution systems.”

Pimentel said imposing the Shari’ah law would be harsh. “Shari’ah, as practiced in Saudi Arabia, allows the cutting off of the hand of a thief. Or the stoning to death of a woman caught in adultery. We cannot allow such ‘cruel punishments’ to be imposed on criminals in any part of the country,” he said.

Also contentious is Article 5, Section 2, which seeks to form region-level duplicates of constitutional bodies such as the Commission on Audit, Commission on Elections, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Human Rights, and Office of the Ombudsman. The Bangsamoro will also have its own police force.

Critics fear that the Bangsamoro government will be unchecked, with its own audit body and police, who will be appointed by the Bangsamoro chief minister. Lawmakers are wary of allowing the Bangsamoro to have its own police force following the Mamasapano massacre.

De Viana said the problem with the Bangsamoro proposal was that it would be an “autonomous” area on paper, but would be a clan government in practice.

“The ARMM is the poorest region in the country despite the billions of dollars [given to it] as aid,” he pointed out.

Coronacion noted that the MILF was willing to cooperate despite Congress’ threat to water down the proposed BBL. “The MILF leaders have said that they do not mind if the result is a diluted version of the proposed BBL, so long as their basic demands are addressed,” he said.

For De Viana, there is no other alternative to the proposed parliamentary government for the Bangsamoro, except to crush the rebellion. M. G. C. ESMAYA and M. G. F. G. ROPERO

Mercedes, who taught him how to write.

Macaranas said the establishment of the annual awards were also his way of giving back to the University and the Varsitarian. “The extended time that I served in the Varsitarian during my entire four years in the Faculty of Civil Law has left an indelible imprint in my mind,” he said in his speech.

Macaranas said his experience in UST's official student publication helped him a lot in his higher studies in Princeton University in New Jersey and Columbia University in New York. “They are quite aware that one who had served as editor in chief has various attributes to do well in an Ivy League School,” he said.

UNCJA is open to all college and university student publications, print or online. It honors outstanding works in journalism in three categories: “Best InDepth News,” “Best Feature,” and “Best Editorial.”

The Best In-Depth News should be a comprehensive report on any issue of utmost importance to students; the Best Feature celebrates outstanding profiles about a person, group or institution within the participating publication’s school or community, or an interesting event; and the Best Editorial reflects the depth of a paper’s knowledge and understanding of a topic or issue and how it affects readers.

“To get one of the awards, you have

to really write well, do research, and give it an appropriate perspective and a very nice subject,” Macaranas said.

Entries will be evaluated by a fiveperson panel composed of professional journalists. The panel can opt not to choose a winner if the entries fail to meet its standards.

The winner for each category will receive P10,000 in cash, a trophy, and a medal.

Deadline of submission of entries is on Oct. 23, 2015. The winners will be announced during Inkblots, the annual national campus journalism conference organized by the Varsitarian since 1999.

unit for second- to fifth-year students.

Tuition increased by 3.5 and 3 percent in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Under Section 42 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 or the Education Act of 1982, “Each private school shall determine its rate of tuition and other school fees or charges… subject to rules and regulations promulgated...”

By law, 70 percent of tuition increases must go to salaries, wages, allowances, and other benefits of teaching and non-teaching personnel; and 20 percent to the improvement or modernization of buildings, equipment, libraries, laboratories,

and similar facilities, and payment for other operational costs. The remaining 10 percent represents return on investments for higher education institutions if they are stock corporations. Otherwise, it must be used for operations.

The Commission on Higher Education uses inflation—the rate of increase in prices of consumer goods and services as measured by the consumer price index—as a guide for regulating tuition hikes. Inflation averaged 4.1 percent in 2014, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. ROBERTO A.

Polls

deficiencies, the sophomore booter almost single-handedly carried UST in a rather forgettable campaign where he scored a total of 11 goals.

Despite failing to lead the Golden Booters to the Final Four, Anotado caught the attention of United Football League’s Loyola Meralco Sparks team manager Arman del Rosario and tapped him to join the most celebrated team in the local professional league.

Anotado is currently playing with Philippine Azkals stars Phil and James Younghusband and Anton del Rosario in the UFL. He was also invited to try out for the national team that will compete in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore this June.

“I was surprised when coach (Allado) called me and asked me to try out. To be honest, I never saw myself playing for the national team,” he said. KARL CEDRICK G.

BASCO

VERGARA, JR.

Auspicious FROM PAGE 5 colta, anyway,” Tristan said. The driver hesitantly agreed. It was obvious how Tristan just wanted to get more of the festival than merely watching it from inside the car. “Let’s meet at the square by Santa Cruz 30 minutes from now, okay?”

Tristan agreed. In a minute he was out of the vehicle and his driver’s sight.

Red lanterns that danced in the evening breeze by the windows, jade bracelets spread over sheets on streets, Santo Niños with coins and fat Buddhas with greens, the salty smell of cooked ham, the odor of firecrackers. Everything from what Tristan could hear, to what he could see, feel, and smell, had the Chinese New Year vibe in it. The festivities distracted him that he didn’t feel the 15-minute walk it took him to reach Mang Stanley’s to fetch the tikoy.

It had been tradition for the Ang’s

BIANCA KRISTIN A. TARAY

FROM PAGE 2 (Accountancy), Jan Dominic Castro (Arts and Letters), Audrey Bianca Navia (Architecture), Robin Ramos (Civil Law), Jhunnel Sarajan (Commerce and Business Administration), Maria Celina Castro (Education), Gabriel Torrecampo (Education High School), Marie Vanzuelo (High School), Sharlene Santiago (Engineering), Mikel Villamora (Fine Arts and Design), Kenneth Gacula (Medicine and Surgery), Aemillio Cecilio Enginco (Music), Shera Heart that whenever a man turns 18, he must take the first bite of the tikoy to be prepared by the eldest man in the family.

It is believed to be a gesture of blessing and a passage of authority, responsibility, and well being to younger generations of men.

They arrived 30 minutes before nine o’ clock. As was expected, Tristan came home with an already distressed angkong by the door. “I know that today is your birthday, but please, do not begin the year by making me upset. Where’s the tikoy?”

Tristan handed it over. The old man then proceeded to the kitchen without even taking a second look at him.

A quarter past nine and dinner was set. Seated at the corner was angkong, to his right was a-má and his uncle–his father’s brother–with his wife; to his left was another uncle, younger and still unmarried, and the children of his older sibling. Tristan sat opposite his grandfather. Angkong, after the prayers, took a portion of the tikoy and had it passed to Tristan on the other side of the table by

Overall FROM PAGE 1 UST administration is expecting for a bounce back season from the women’s volleyball team with the installation of a new head coach, Emilio Reyes Jr., describing the team as the “breath and water” of the University.

UST still holds the record of having the most number of general championship titles with 40 overall crowns, winning 25 in the last 28 years, followed by Far Eastern University with 16. KARL CEDRICK G. BASCO Go (Pharmacy), Rei Opina (Philosophy), Janela Love Nartates (Physical Education and Athletics), Catherine May Ortega (Rehabilitation Sciences), and Hariett Marie dela Cruz (Tourism and Hospitality Management). Meanwhile, the College of Nursing has put the proclamation of its winners on hold due to pending complaints.

Elections were held from April 14 to 17.

This year, 69 percent or 28,161 out of the population of 40,639 students, data from the Registrar showed, participated in the University-wide student elections, the highest turnout in eight years. ROBERTO A. VERGARA, JR.

way of a-má. Angkong took another portion and sent it by way of his youngest son.

As Tristan received both portions and placed it on his plate, he realized that staring at him were people he had lived with for so long but with whom he had little association. Since the day his father died, he was forcibly taken from his mother to live in the house of a man who stressed that he must forget he was a son of a Filipina–a Chinese in a foreign land; a merchant alone and not a friend to anyone. He looked to his left and saw his cousin, a girl¬–the innocence of her eyes, the suspense and excitement it possesses in anticipation of his rite of passage before them. He then looked at angkong who stared blankly at him. They were all waiting.

He seemed to have heard his mother speak again, “Remember that you are my son.”

He took the two slices of tikoy, forked them as one, and ate. ALPINE CHRISTOPHER P. MOLDEZ

4 Opinion The

Varsitarian MAY 13, 2015

MAY 13, 2015

Midnight fumes

Editorial

K to 12 troubles largely self-inflicted THE FATE of the K to 12 education initiative hangs in the balance as the Supreme Court has given due course to the petition of the Suspend K to 12 Alliance of educators and concerned groups to stop Republic Act 10533, which mandates the full implementation of the new basic education system next year.

Teaching and non-teaching members of higher educational institutions (HEIs) who have formed themselves into the alliance described K to 12 as an “ill-designed education program.”

Manila Auxillary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, who is also the point man of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on land reform and other social justice issues, has meanwhile appealed to the government to suspend the implementation “until the real and valid concerns and grievances of our education workers are fully addressed.”

The Parents Advocacy for Children’s Education has also backed the suspension, noting unclear provisions in the new law, as well as lack of government preparation and lack of consultation with relevant sectors that will be affected by its implementation.

In the petition, the Coalition for K to 12 Suspension, headed by UST Faculty Union external vice president Rene Luis Tadle, said the K to 12 Program is against the Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution as it fails to provide teachers and non-teaching staff full labor protection and safety net employment.

With the implementation, “education workers face the risk of early separation, forced retirement, constructive dismissal, diminution of salaries and benefits, labor contractualization and a general threat to self-organization," the petition states.

These are due to the two-year transition period by the shift from the traditional 10-year educational curriculum to 12 years. Therefore, there would possibly be two school years when there would be no enrollees for college.

RA 10533 failed to address the issues facing education staff, as shown by reports of retrenchment of affected professors and lower compensation for college faculty members who opted to transfer to senior high school program just to keep their job.

All in all, some 60,000 college teachers and 20,000 non-teaching staff nationwide are in danger of losing their job once the law is fully implemented next year. A study by the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Labor and Employment has shown that around 85,000 HEI employees risk Editorial PAGE 10

The Varsitarian FOUNDED JAN. 16, 1928

RALPH JOSHUA D.R. HERNANDEZ Editor in Chief GRACELYN A. SIMON Managing Editor GENA MYRTLE P. TERRE Acting Associate Editor LORD BIEN G. LELAY News Editor PAUL KENNEDY A. LINTAG Sports Editor ANDRE ARNOLD T. SANTIAGO Special Reports Editor JUAN CARLOS D. MORENO Features Editor JONELLE V. MARCOS Patnugot ng Filipino APRIL JOY E. DY Witness Editor HEDRIX AR-AR C. CABALLE Sci-Tech Editor KRISTELLE-ANN A. BATCHELOR Circle Editor MICHAEL CARLO C RODOLFO Online Editor KENO CARLO C. ENRIQUEZ Art Director JOHN PAUL R. AUTOR Photography Editor News Dayanara T. Cudal, Arianne F. Merez, Bianca Kristin A. Taray, Jerome P. Villanueva, Roberto A. Vergara, Jr. Sports Angelica P. Abello, Karl Cedrick G. Basco, Delfin Ray M. Dioquino, Josiah Darren G. Saynes Special Reports Mary Grace C. Esmaya, Mary Gillan Frances G. Ropero Features Jelina Anne S. Bunagan, Mone Virma Ginry P. Gumapac Literary Josef Brian M. Ramil, Alpine Christopher P. Moldez Filipino Erika Mariz S. Cunanan, Maria Koreena M. Eslava, Kimberly Joy V. Naparan Witness Angeli Mae S. Cantillana, Danielle Ann F. Gabriel, Marie Danielle L. Macalino Science and Technology Maritz L. Lubo, Rhenn Anthony S. Taguiam Circle Elyssa Christine A. Lopez, Ethan James M. Siat, Aliliana Margarette T. Uyao Art Jean Helene C. Estella, Ma. Aurora A. Gonzalez, Kirsten M. Jamilla, Ava Mariangela C. Victoria Photography Nazzi M. Castro, Alvin Joseph Kasiban, Basilio H. Sepe Editorial Assistant Julius Roman M. Tolop

FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser Letters/comments/suggestions/contributions are welcome in the Varsitarian. Only letters with signatures 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 a writer may be withheld upon request. The editors will not be responsible for the loss of materials. Contributions must be sent to THE VARSITARIAN office, Rm. 105, Tan Yan Kee Student Center Bldg., University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.

ANOTHER YEAR, another missed opportunity for the UST Golden Tigresses.

The saying “nice guys finish last” sometimes holds true for sports, and the Tigresses, nice as they are, once again practically finished last after failing to enter the Final Four of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament for the third straight season.

The Tigresses, with a championship-caliber lineup on paper, proved one of the more disappointing UST teams in recent memory.

This is not a dig at the team, that sparked a mid-season outburst that put them as high as third place, regaining the Thomasians’ attention and excitement. But as the UAAP season progress, for unknown reasons, the Tigresses faltered.

A crippling five-set loss to the University of the Philippines in the penultimate regular season game last Feb. 14 was a critical blow. A victory could have assured the Tigresses an automatic Final Four slot, considering their last game was against the winless University of the East.

As Greg Popovich famously said to his world champion San Antonio Spurs a couple of years back, “I need to see some nasty.”

Another five-set defeat eleven days later in the semifinal playoff against an FEU team the Tigresses handily beat not once, but twice in the season, was the final nail in the coffin.

Outgoing head coach Odjie Mamon, in all his infinite wisdom, couldn’t figure out a way to get into his player’s heads.

In the aftermath of the crucial loss to the Lady Maroons, the embattled coach, who turned the Tiger Spikers into instant title contenders in the men’s division, finally ran out of words to say.

“Masakit sa bangs,” he told sports website Spin.ph.

Mozzy Ravena, who, like Mamon, was a three-time UAAP

champion in her days of donning the black and gold, said the current batch of Tigresses lacked fighting spirit.

In an exclusive interview with the Varsitarian, Ravena said that the girls might have lacked heart and the will to win, as cliché as that might sound.

Maybe she was right.

Maybe the Tigresses did have shortage in strong will and fighting spirit. Maybe the Tigresses were too nice for their own good.

Don’t get me wrong, being nice is not a bad thing.

Connecting with fans and supporters is always a pleasant touch. It shows that players

genuinely care. However, come game time, all the attention and focus should be centered at the task at hand.

And that task is to win.

LeBron James, arguably the best basketball player on Earth today, is also perhaps one of the biggest villains in sports. He won back-to-back championships in the last four years after leaving his hometown to form a super team in Miami.

Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, has been very vocal on how he thrives in playing the villain role, saying he prefers to play on-the-road so he can hush an entire arena. He won three titles in enemy territory.

Christian Laettner of Duke University, one of the greatest collegiate players in U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association history and the face of evil for everyone except for the students in Durham, perhaps said it best in the ESPN 30 for 30 film aptly titled I Hate Christian Laettner: “I’m sorry if people think sports is this goody-goody like we’re sitting in church, it’s not. It’s Cult PAGE 11

Do not rely on last-minute miracles MARY JANE Veloso was supposed to be executed in the prison island of Nusakambangan, Indonesia along with eight other drug trafficking convicts from Brazil, France, Africa and Australia.

According to media reports, the surrender of Maria Kristina Sergio, Veloso’s recruiter, paved the way for the “postponement” of the execution.

The Indonesian government led by President Joko Widodo, at the last minute, decided to grant the appeal to spare Veloso at least until the resolution of the pending Philippine case against Sergio, where she would be tapped as a witness.

After the postponement, Veloso’s case caused uproar from netizens and even key government officials for lack of persistent actions, considering that Veloso was already imprisoned in Indonesia since 2011.

In media reports, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) insisted that it had done what it could for Veloso and her family such as providing legal aid, covering the family’s travel expenses to Indonesia and representing Veloso at the “highest level” of Indonesian government.

In a timeline of events on Veloso’s case released by the Philippine Star, the statement

There should be amendments to the laws regarding dealings, labor concerns and engagements of OFWs especially, but not limited to, those facing capital punishment. of DFA and Migrante National, an organization with a vision of helping distressed OFWs, were combined to see the different sides of the story and sought to shed some light on the lapses.

The DFA had asserted that it had provided legal aid to Veloso but as seen in the timeline, an embassy-hired law office, Rudyantho & Partners Law Office only represented Veloso during the appeal stage of the case. This means that before and during the trial, Veloso was being legally assisted by lawyers provided by Jakarta.

According to the DFA, it has a P100 million fund for legal aid of distressed OFWs. Aside from this, the DFA collects fees from OFWs for “passport issuance, documents authentication and other consular services.”

If it has this big of a budget in carrying out its responsibility

of ensuring the protection and assistance to OFWs, then why was it not utilized to aid Veloso since her arrest in 2011?

Earlier this year, reports were released that Malacañang had placed the legal assistance fund “under appropriations approved for conditional implementation.”

If one also examines the constitution, in section 3, Rule IX or the “Legal Assistant for Migrant Workers Affairs” of Republic Act No. 1002 or “An Act Amending Republic Act No. 8042,” otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, the legal assistance fund shall only be used “in the absence of a 'counsel de oficio' or courtappointed lawyer.”

Sometimes. especially in this case, bureaucracy causes more harm than what it aims to prevent.

Media reports had also

quoted the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) which serves as Veloso’s present legal counsel, for questioning the credentials of the translator given to Veloso during her trial, the missing emphasis on the drug trafficking angle for Veloso at the start of her court proceedings, lack of transparency and continuous communication with the family on updates on the case and the four years late filling of judicial review on Veloso’s case.

The case of Veloso is an example of the mediocre legal assistance by the government to OFWs facing capital punishment.

To refresh, this was not the first time that an OFW was put on death row in a fellow Southeast Asian country.

In 1995, Flor Contemplacion, a Filipino domestic helper was hanged to death in Singapore for allegedly killing her fellow domestic helper, Delia Maga and a threeyear old Singaporean boy whom Maga was taking care of.

It was only after Contemplacion’s death that further investigations and witnesses rallied on Contemplacion’s innocence.

After 20 years, the country seemed to have not learned enough from its lapses on the Roseline PAGE 10

THERE IS more to the month of May than Laboracay, the summer party destination during the one-day holiday.

Since Proclamation No. 439 was signed in 2003, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has been holding the celebration of the National Heritage Month every May to honor the country’s cultural treasures and raise awareness of their significance.

The NCCA deems the University as a heritage conservation paragon. With its high-quality research outputs, UST has been of great help in protecting cultural heritage sites and artifacts.

NCCA Commissioner Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, who heads the NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Heritage (NCCA-SCH), said UST has also helped both national and local governments in cultural mapping, conservation of archival materials and restoration of important works of art.

Last May 4, UST and the NCCA signed a memorandum of understanding that basically formalized their partnership in promoting and protecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the Philippines.

It is not a lopsided partnership; since it also complements UST’s efforts in enhancing its cultural heritage prestige.

That prestige owes to the growing reputation of UST as a repository and advocate of cultural heritage, as reflected in several of its well-known agencies such as the UST Archives, Vivencio del

After the haze, it has become clear why I felt content in the brevity of a single stick.

There is no point indulging on these little rods whose smoke I blow for the winds to take or inhale slowly to corrode my lungs.

What’s the point in all of this— when everything vanishes into thin air?

When all that would be left are my soot-thick lips— and all that has touched them is gone.

JOSEF BRIAN M. RAMIL

Palanca Awards: Much ado about copyright AFTER much criticism, the Carlos Palanca Foundation (CPF), which hands out the prestigious Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (CPMA), has retracted its amendment to the contest mechanics which granted it copyright to winning pieces.

Rule No. 21 stated that the writer of a winning piece granted the Foundation “concurrent and nonexclusive right to exercise the full copyright and all other intellectual property rights” to their works, including those that had previously won in the contest.

Moreover, the rule required that the writer waive “all moral rights” over his winning pieces in favor of the Palanca.

Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, states that the author carries the right to allow or deny action on his work such as its reproduction, adaptation, and translation.

“Moral rights” of the author were broadly defined in the amendment, spanning his authorship to objection to any modification on his work.

However, Rule No. 21 was deleted before it could be formally implemented after drawing flak from writers. Other revisions in the rules were also made.

“The revisions address the concerns raised by members of the

T

literary community, whose opinions CPMA highly values, on the rules regarding the assignment of “moral rights” and the retroactivity to past award-winning works which have been provided in the superseded rules,” a statement from the foundation said.

“These two matters have accordingly been deleted,” according to the Foundation’s press release.”

Sylvia Palanca-Quirino, director general of the CPF, told the Varsitarian in an email that “the revised 2015 rules [have] been released and are final.”

According to Filipino ficitonist Eros Atalia, who has won his share of Palanca awards, changing the contest rules of the contest would have a big effect on the writers. He explained that he had consulted the foundation in the past when his works were ada[ted for the big screen.

He said the amendment would have been a dampener on young writers who wanted to participate in the contest.

He explained aspiring writers would like to participate in the Palanca awards for the sheer prestige of the contest, but they would think twice because should the amendment had been retained, they would not own copyright to their winning works and worse, give up any chance to cash in on them through movie and other adaptation deals.

In an online article, former

Auspicious

RISTAN made loud slurping sounds as he ate the spaghetti in front of him. “Slow down, anak. Isn’t angkong buying you stuff like this at home?” He looked up to his mom and, still with a string or two in his mouth, answered, “Not that he does not, Má. It’s just that your spaghetti’s always different.” He then twisted a cluster of spagos with his fork and devoured a third of the serving he was given in a matter of seconds. “Way better than what they give me. It’s sweet.”

“It’s five, already. You told me to notify you when it’s time,” Tristan toured his eyes around the room at the sound of her mom’s reminder and quickly searched for the clock. “Well, I better be off now, Má,” he said with slight frustration. He forked in what’s left of his meal and drank a glass of water. “Ever since you went to college, your schedule’s been never that stable and certain,” his mother remarked as he started packing his bag. Tristan grimaced, “Don’t worry, Má. Angkong already knows that I come to see you every now and then; they actually don’t care anymore. They can’t keep me away from you forever, you know.”

Elena kissed her son’s forehead and hugged him tight, “When you take the rite, above all things, remember that you are my son.”

5

Promote and protect culture and heritage

The last cigarette has burned in my hand, Reminding me how tonight is no different from all other nights— debauchery in nicotine like there’s no tomorrow.

Tigresses: Nice girls finish last

The Varsitarian Literary

Varsitarian managing editor Ramil Gulle said Rule 21 would not work to the advantage of writers.

“I’m just saying, by way of crazy hypothetical scenarios, that having another party as co-owner of your literary work (whether the CPF or some other entity), the situation can become messy, complicated, stressful, and potentially disadvantageous for you,” his online article read.

Contest guidelines were also updated in the revision. Rule No. 16 now states that works published between May 1 of the previous year until April 30 of this year, and unpublished material may be entered in the contest.

Both the Novel and Nobela categories have been re-opened this year. These categories are biennially held; the last time in 2013. Works published two years prior to April 30 and unpublished works may qualify.

For Dulang Pampelikula, only unpublished or unproduced works may be entered.

The CPMA, now on its 65th year, was established in 1950 to recognize the work of exceptional Filipino writers. Among its recipients are literary titans and National Artists such as F. Sionil Jose, Cirilo Bautista, and Rolando Tinio.

Winners will be announced on Sept. 1. ALPINE CHRISTOPHER P. MOLDEZ and JOSEF BRIAN G. RAMIL

Tristan guffawed. “Yeah, Má. As if angkong’s got a womb! Look, they may have taken me away since Papa died, but I’ve always found my way back. You’ve always found a way in. I’ll always be your son.”

Tristan got in his car, and waved his mom goodbye as the chauffeur drove away.

Pasay, a city to the south of Binondo, might be a bit far when you were clogged in traffic, but to Tristan, it was blissfully so near. Every meter away from his angkong’s house at the heart of Manila was a comfort to his own.

“Until when are you going to hide that we’re visiting Ma’am Elena, sir?” Tristan was dumbfounded by his driver’s question. Indeed, he lied to angkong about his visits. “Sir, a slip may lead you to a school in Hong Kong.” Tristan remained silent. He looked at his reflection in the rearview mirror. “I don’t understand, Manong. Look! I’m not chinito. I’m not fair-skinned. I’m as brown as you are. I even speak Fukien badly.” He looked to the setting sun at the bayside of Roxas Boulevard. “Why must I be fully angkong’s grandson and only partly my mother’s son?”

As their vehicle descended Jones Bridge, down to busy Santa Cruz, Tristan watched what was happening outside the car. It was the eve of Chinese New Year.

“Manong, why did we go here? Aren’t we supposed to take the avenue that goes down directly to Binondo?” asked Tristan. “Oh, sorry, sir. Your angkong made it a point that we get the tikoys at Mang Stanley’s before we head home,” his driver said. With a smile, Tristan assured him, “I see. Not to worry then, Manong. Take your time with the traffic, I’m not in a hurry.”

Dancing life-size dragons roamed the streets. Firecrackers boomed from all directions. Escolta Street, only meters from where they were stuck in traffic, was filled with people buying and selling all

I believe UST-NCCA accord is promising for a 404-year-old university which abounds in cultural treasures and still has potentionals waiting to be tapped.

Rosario Heritage Library, Center for the Conservation of Cultural Properties and the Environment in the Tropics, UST Museum of Arts and Sciences, and Cultural Heritage Studies Program of the UST Graduate School.

UST also has esteemed faculty members who are also heritage scholars and experts, as well as artists and cultural workers, some of them holding important positions in government or international institutions, such as Dean Raul Sunico of the Conservatory of Music (he’s president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines) and CCPET head Eric Zerrudo, who’s vice-president of the Philippine Unesco Commission.

Father Rentoria himself, who’s an Augustinian friar, has UST links since he’s an alumnus of the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties.

I believe UST-NCCA accord is promising for a 404-year-old university which abounds in cultural treasures and still has potentials waiting to be tapped.

The NCCA can help stabilize the protection of UST’s five cultural treasures–the UST Main Building, Central Seminary, the Arch of the Centuries, UST’s open spaces, and the most recent UST Archive’s collection of the ancient baybayin scriptures.

(Much, much earlier, in 1939 in fact, the National Historical Institute placed a historical marker at the old UST Press, today’s UST Publishing House, as being the oldest press in the Philippines.)

Through the memorandum, the NCCA will also stage more cultural events on campus which will equally render more exposure for UST. There will be a higher chance that the University will finally be recognized globally for its outstanding efforts.

Likewise, this step forward can harvest more UST graduates who can become cultural heritage practitioners and advocates themselves.

The University already has an impressive pool of alumni who are inclined toward the arts–a myriad of award-winning artists to testify the entitlement.

With the likes of UST Archivist Jose, who once headed the NCCA SCH, and well-acclaimed sculptor Ramon Orlina among many other artists, it is undeniable that the University has produced outstanding culture and heritage figures.

Just recently, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) named College of Fine Arts and Design alumnus Alvin Zafra as one of its Thirteen Artists Awardees for 2015.

Zafra joins the array of Thomasians who have been previously awarded with the same prestigious merit.

Chris Millado, CCP’s vice president and artistic director, said in a press conference that Zafra and his co-awardees are distinguished for their strong impact in the visual arts movement.

Through this partnership, UST can further gauge its students into becoming high-caliber artists or cultural preservation workers.

More Thomasians can bring the same sense of pride for UST. I see no disadvantage in the accord. I hope the NCCA’s projects and activities will be executed effectively and truly raise awareness of the people on the importance of heritage. With this optimism is also the faith that this may also be the start for a beautiful and lasting partnership between UST and the NCCA. sorts of gift items and lucky charms ready to explode at the strike of twelve.

Chinese New Year had always fascinated Tristan. It particularly interested him how, through the years, more and more Filipinos were embracing the occasion. He had observed that as time went, more and more non-Chinese were taking to the Chinese celebration.

His fascination, however, ceased at home. The first new years he had with angkong since he transferred to his house when he was eight still left him with awe and excitement, but it didn’t last long; the new year celebrations he had with his parents in Pasay still had the best impact on him–not with dimsum and tikoy and pansit; the hotdogs, fried eggs and “tasty bread” still were the best dishes he loved to savor, and yes, his mother’s spaghetti.

“Manong, angkong may become upset if we get really jammed.

How about if I get the tikoy myself? It’s just a few blocks along EsAuspicious PAGE 5

6 Filipino

The Varsitarian IKA-13 NG MAYO, 2015

Patnugot: Jonelle V. Marcos

Kung bakit Abril ang Buwan ng Panitikan MATAPOS ang dalawang taon na talakayan ng National Commision for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at National Book Development Board (NBDB), pormal nang naitalaga ang buwan ng Abril bilang Buwan ng Panitikan sa pamamagitan ng Proclamation No. 968 noong Pebrero 10 ni Pangulong Aquino III. Sa panayam ng Varsitarian kay Roberto Añonuevo, direktor heneral ng KWF, sinabi niya na malaki ang kahalagahan ng pagkakatalaga na magkaroon ng buwan para sa panitikan sa muling pagpapakilala nito sa bansa kasabay na rin ng pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ng isa sa pinakamahalagang simbolo nito na si Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.

Usapang Uste MULA SA PAHINA 2 kanilang nilagdaan.

Upang hindi na muling maharap sa matinding suliranin, ipinagkaloob ni Haring Carlos III ang titulong “Royal University” sa Unibersidad noong 1785 na nagpapasailalim dito sa proteksyon ng Espanya.

Tomasino siya Alam niyo ba na isang Tomasino ang utak sa likod ng mga matatayog at matatatag na istruktura sa bansa?

Si Cesar Canchela, nagtapos ng kursong BS Architecture sa Unibersidad noong 1949, ay kinilala bilang nasa likod ng pagkabuo ng isang prosesong pang-arkitektural tinawag na “Canchela Shelter Components and Stacking Process,” paraang higit na mabilis at abot kayang pagpapatatayo ng mga gusali.

Ayon kay Canchela, ang pagkawasak ng mga makasaysayang gusali sa Filipinas noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig ang nag-udyok sa kaniya na pasukin ang mundo ng arkitektura at umisip ng paraan upang higit na mapatibay ang kaniyang mga gawa at maiwasang maulit ang sinapit ng mga mahahalagang istruktura sa bansa.

Bukod pa rito, kilala rin si Canchela sa commercial and insitutional buildings sa bansa at sa kaniyang mga naiambag sa larangan ng architectural design, technology and building management.

Patunay sa larangang ito ang humigit-kumulang 30 mga gusali ng kaniyang husay sa pagdesenyo ng mga nito. Matatagpuan ang karamihan sa kaniyang mga dinisenyo sa Maynila tulad ng Metropolitan Hospital, Polymedic General Hospital at ang 1,664-unit NHA-Vitas Medium Rise Socialized Housing Project na nasa Tondo. Habang ang ilan naman ay nasa probinsya gaya ng University of Nueva Caceres sa Naga City, Camarines Sur at marami pang iba.

Kilala rin siya sa pagtatag ng design and construction of buildings na asignaturang maghihiwalay sa arkitektura bilang ekslusibong dominyon o kadalubhasaan ng mga arkitekto. Dahil dito, mas naging maayos ang kurikulum

Dagdag pa ni Virgilio Almario, Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan at tagapangulo ng KWF, Abril ang napiling buwan para sa pagdiriwang dahil buwan ito ng kapanganakan at kamatayan ng karamihan sa mga kilalang manunulat ng panitikan tulad nina Emilio Jacinto, Paciano Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Edith Tiempo at Bienvenido Lumbera.

Sa buwan ding ito ginaganap ang mga pagdiriwang ng panitikan tulad ng Children’s Book Day, International Day of the Book or World Book Day at World Intellectual Property Rights Day. Bagaman hitik sa mga pampanitikang pagdiriwang sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo, inamin ni Añonuevo na nahuhuli ang Filipinas sa pagpapalaganap ng panitikan kaya naman naisipan ng KWF na kumilos sa pambansang antas upang maging mabilis ang muling paghikayat sa mga mamamayan na bigyang suporta ang lokal na panitikan.

“Tungkulin ito ng bawat Filipino. Kung ang bawat Filipino ay tatalikod sa mga ganiyang tungkulin ano ang mangyayari sa ating panitikan?

Kinakailangan na tayo ay makilahok, alinsunod sa ating konstitusyon,” ani Anonuevo, isang Tomasino at batikang makata na kasama na sa Palanca Awards Hall of Fame.

Ayon kay Almario, isang magandang oportunidad ang pagdiriwang upang mabigyan ng sapat na atensyon ang panitikan maging ang paraan ng pagtuturo nito sa mga paaralan.

Aniya, masyadong nakukulong sa tradisyonal na pamamaraan ang pagtuturo

para sa kursong Architecture at hindi na naihahalo sa iba pang kursong teknikal na kumukuha ng specialty boards tulad ng civil engineering, interior design at landscape architecuture.

Noong 1975, itinaguyod niya ang United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) kung saan siya ang tumayong pangulo mula 1985 hanggang 1986 at pangalawang pangulo naman mula 1975 hanggang 1980.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagkaluklok niya sa iba’t ibang posisyon sa organisasyon, nakabilang siya sa mga nagsulat ng Architects’ National Code na naglalaman ng mga regulasyon na dapat sundin ng mga arkitekto sa bansa.

Sa kaniyang kahusayan, tinanggap ni Canchela ang Most Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Architecture ng Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) noong 2007.

Sa kasalukuyan, miyembro si Canchela ng Filipino Inventors Society at nananatiling pinuno ng mga komite ng UAP. KIMBERLY JOY V. NAPARAN Tomasalitaan: Duyo (PNG) – pinakamahalagang panig ng simbahan o bulwagan na karaniwang nasa dulo Hal.: Nangangamba si Padre Alfonso na baka bumigay na ang lumang duyo kaya naman agad niyang iniatas ang pagkukumpuni rito.

Mga Sanggunian: Villarroel, Fidel (2012). A History of the University of Santo Tomas: Four Centuries Of Higher Education In The Philippines, 1611-2011 (Vol. I) Manila: UST Publishing House.

Duka, Cecilio (2008).Struggle for Freedom: A Textbook on Philippine History British Conquest of Manila.

Nakuha mula sa http://malacanang.gov. ph/the-british-conquest-of-manila/ 2004. TOTAL Awards 2014 Souvenir Program Canchela, C. V. Nakuha mula sa http://www.zoominfo.com/p/CesarCanchela/ 28006994 (1992). Building Houses for the Poor: A Souce Book on LowIncome Housing Programs, Strategies, Technologies and Designs. Manila: Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation

ng panitikan sa puntong nakasisira na ito sa mga estudyante dahil lumilitaw na mahirap unawain at higit pang mahirap mahalin at tangkilikin.

Dahil sa masalimuot na proseso ng pagaaral ng panitikan, unti-unting nababaon sa kung ano-anong katawagan at teorya ang tunay na kahulugan ng isang babasahin na kadalasan, mismong mga guro ay hindi rin tunay na naiintindihan.

“Dapat itinuturo ng guro kung paano mo ito (kasisiyahan), kung paano mo ito magagamit para lumaki ang mga bata na gusto nilang magbasa,” ani Almario.

Dagdag pa rito, hinimok din niya na isaayos ang industriya ng mga aklat sa bansa na ang tanging harangarin sa kasalukuyan ay ang makapaglimbag at makapaglabas ng libro upang kumita.

Kung magpapatuloy ang ganitong pamamaraan sa industriya, lalong uunti ang bilang ng mga akdang likha ng mga Filipinong manunulat.

Patuloy na pagtangkilik Sa isang banda, sinabi ni Almario, kakabit na ng buhay ng bawat Filipino ang panitikan kahit noong panahon pa nina Balagtas at Rizal kaya naman nakalulungkot isipin na hindi na ito napapansin lalo pa at nauuso na ang electronic media.

Bagaman lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami, nakapaloob sa Section XIV ng Konstitusyon na may responsibilidad hindi lang ang pamahalaan kung hindi pati ang bawat Filipino na suportahan at patuloy na payabungin ang panitikan sa bansa.

Nakapaloob din sa Proclamation No. 968 na mahalaga ang ginagampanang papel ng panitikan sa pagpepreserba at paghihikayat ng mga Filipino na makilala ang halaga ng mga naiwang akda ng mga ninuno na siyang naguugnay sa nakaraan at kasalukuyan.

“Nais naming magkaroon ng Buwan ng Panitikan upang maibalik ang atensiyon ng taong bayan sa mahalagang papel ng panitikan sa ating buhay,” aniya.

Dagdag ni Almario, napakaganda at napakayaman ng ating panitikan lalo na ang

folk literature ngunit hindi natin ito nagagamit ng maayos.

Patunay na rito ang pagkakaroon ng bansa ng humigit sa 50 epiko na naglalagay sa bansa sa listahan ng may pinakamaraming epiko sa mundo.

Ipinaalala naman ni Añonuevo na hindi lamang pasulat na pamamaraan ng panitikan ang itatampok sa Buwan ng Panitikan kung hindi pati rin ang oral tradition ng bansa mula sa Batanes hanggang Basilan.

Kabilang rin rito ang mga ambag ng mga katutubong Filipino sa panitikan na hindi gaanong nakakarating sa kamalayan ng marami.

Napansin din ni Añonuevo na nahuhuli na ang Filipinas sa pagpapalaganap ng ating panitikan at naungusan na tayo ng Indonesia dahil sa masigasig nilang pagsasalin at produksyon ng mga lokal na akda.

Aniya, dapat tularan ng Filipinas ang Indonesia dahil sa masigasig nitong pagsasalin at produksyon ng mga lokal na akda na tiyak namang magagawa sa bansa dahil sa lupon ng mga mahuhusay na manunulat na tiyak na mabibigyang rekognisyon sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Panitikan.

“Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin maipapakita ang rebolusyon—isang rebolusyon na nagbabayanihan ang mga Filipino para sa pagpapaunlad ng panitikan at pambansang wika,” wika niya.

Bilang pakikiisa sa marangal na layuning ito, nakilahok ang iba’t ibang unibersidad sa bansa kabilang na ang UST upang ipagdiwang ang Buwan ng Panitikan sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng mga programa na higit pang maglalagay ng pagtangkilik sa sariling panitikan sa kamalayan ng bawat Filipino.

Noong ika-21 ng Abril, inilunsad ng UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies ang libro ni Virgilio Almario na pinamagatang “May mga damdaming higit kaysa atin” sa Civil Law Auditorium, Main Building ng Unibersidad bilang pakikisama sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Panitikan. ERIKA

MARIZ S. CUNANAN

‘WIKApedia’ inilunsad SA PAGPAPAHALAGA sa wika nagmumula ang pagpapahalaga ng mga mamamayan sa kanilang pagkakakilanlan.

Ito ang naging pangunahing layunin sa likod ng paglulunsad ng WIKApedia, isang munting proyekto ng Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) sa Facebook na nagsimula noong Agosto ng nakaraang taon bilang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika at patuloy na umaani ng rekognisyon at pagtangkilik sa humigit 60,000 page likes nito.

Halaw ang pangalan ng proyekto sa pinagsamang mga salita na “wika” at “encyclopedia” sapagkat ito ay isang kalipunan ng mga aralin at paglilinaw hinggil sa wikang Filipino na nagnanais maghain ng isang lunan para sa makabuluhang diskurso.

Sa isang personal na panayam kay Tyron Casumpang, manunulat sa Filipino ng PCDSPO at may likha ng WIKApedia, nagsimula ang ideya sa proyekto noong may nakita siyang infographic ng tamang gamit ng ‘nang’ at ‘ng’ na nagbunsod sa kaniya ng pagnanais na maglabas ng infographic na mayroong layout na mas nakaka-engganyong tingnan at konseptong mas komprehensibo kumpara sa kaniyang nakita.

Sa kabuuan ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika, arawang naglabas ng WIKApedia infographic ang PCDSPO gamit ang pahina ng Official Gazette na mabilis namang kumalat online kaya ng matapos ang Agosto, nagkaroon na rin ng sariling pahina ang WIKApedia.

Bukod pa rito, binigyan ng pagkakataon si Casumpang ng PCDSPO na ipagpatuloy ang kaniyang proyekto hanggang matapos ang termino ng kasalukuyang administrasyon dahil sa hindi inaasahang pagtangkilik ng mga tao sa mga infographic na inilalabas nito.

Pagtatama sa mali Sa kagustuhan ng PCDSPO na higit na pagtibayin ang kredibilidad ng pahina, nakipag-ugnayan ang kanilang opisina sa

Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino na agad namang nagbigay suporta sa proyekto sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga karagdagang sanggunian kay Casumpang at muling pagsusuri sa impormasyon sa infographic bago ito ilabas sa opisyal na pahina.

Gayunpaman, hindi pa rin nakaligtas sa mga pagkuwestiyon at pagbatikos ang WIKApedia sa kabila ng pagtangkilik ng karamihan.

Pahayag ni Casumpang, likas na mayroong matitigas ang mga ulo na hindi bukas ang kaisipan sa pagtatama ng mga maling natutunan at baguhin ang nakasanayan na.

“Maraming maling naituro na kailangang iatama, ano pa ang saysay ng pagkakaroon ng mga iskolar kung hindi naman pakikinggan ang bunga ng [kanilang] masigasig na pag-aaral?

Nakakatakot, kasi nagkakaroon [ang mga Filipino] ng kultura ng pagmamarunong,” aniya.

Labanan ng mga wika Sa usapin naman ng tunggalian ng wikang Filipino at Ingles, nanindigan si Casumpang na hindi kailangang mamili sa dalawa.

Aniya, hindi kalaban ng Filipino ang

Ingles, sapagkat isa lamang itong maling kaisipan na kadalasang bunga ng usapin hinggil sa higit na pagpapahalaga ng mga Filipino na matuto at makapagsalita ng wikang banyaga kaysa sa sariling wika.

Paglilinaw pa niya, hindi maikakaila na mahalaga ang matuto ng ibang wika, partikular na ang Ingles upang makipagtalastasan sa ngayo’y globalisado nang mundo ngunit hindi ito dahilan upang talikuran ang wikang Filipino.

“Mahalagang matuto ng Ingles para magkaroon ka ng laban sa pandaigdigang mga usapin pero bago ka maging globally competitive, kailangan mong maging locally responsible, dahil sa dulo, wala namang natatalo sa natututo,” aniya.

Maliban sa Ingles, binigyang paliwanag din ni Casumpang na hindi isinasantabi ng WIKApedia ang iba pang mga katutubong wika sa bansa sapagkat bahagi na ito ng buhay at pagkakakilanlan ng mga Filipino.

“Nakikita sa wika kung paano tinitingnan ng tao ang buhay. Doon pa lang, malalaman mo na kung bakit mahalagang matuto ng ibang wika bukod sa sariling wika, nagkakaroon ka ng ibang pagtanaw sa mundo at mas nalalapit ka sa katotohanan,” aniya. MARIA KOREENA M. ESLAVA

Tyron Casumpang, may likha ng Wikapedia

BASILIO H. SEPE

MAY 13, 2015

The Varsitarian Literary

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8 Sci-Tech

The Varsitarian MAY 13, 2015

Editor: Hedrix Ar-ar C. Caballe

On ethical drug testing Calimag, in a press conference last December, reiterated the PMA’s stand against the clinical trial of the anti-dengue drug ActRx TriAct following health risks.

ActRx TriAct is a combination drug composed of artesunate and artemether that are antimalarial drugs, and berebrine, a herbal drug designed to treat malaria and dengue.

The drug, which was initially tested for malaria treatment in Palawan last 2012, was again tested in 2013 to treat around 300 dengue patients in San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.

PMA, along with the World Health Organization and the Philippine College of Physicians, sought to stop the trial because it involved dengue patients, not malaria, for which the drug was intended.

Clinical trial for ActRx TriAct on malaria treatment in Palawan was cancelled a year later following an investigation on questionable practices by the Food and Drug Administration. ThenHealth Secretary Enrique Ona issued a memorandum reversing this cancellation, and that the drug be used in a clinical trial in San Lazaro Hospital for dengue treatment instead.

Calimag explained that the trial should be cancelled because it did not follow the standard procedure for testing new drugs.

"A drug that is proven effective for cure against a certain disease cannot be used to treat another," she said. "There are different microorganisms involved. Malaria is caused by a protozoa, while dengue is caused by a virus."

PMA is pushing for an investigation on the clinical trials, as well as on the possible sanctions on Ona and other people involved.

lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

Llanes

On healthcare standards Last 2013, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) ordered the closure of 218 out of 491 Nursing programs and schools around the country after implementing its standards.

Llanes said the decrease in nursing schools in the country was intended to ensure the quality of the profession in the Philippines.

In the CHEd Memorandum Order No.18 released last 2011, in order for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to continue offering nursing programs, educational standards have to be maintained.

Nursing schools with a 30 percent passing rate will be monitored to make sure they comply with requirements set by CHEd while schools with a passing rate of 30 percent and below for three consecutive years will be immediately closed by CHEd to ensure that nursing schools produce globally-competitive professionals.

"This is why I advise HEIs with low averages to shape up and change their practices," Llanes said. "It's not too late to check if they follow the right standards."

Calimag is also pushing for the passage of the Physicians' Act which, if passed, would replace the Medical Act of 1959 in the supervision of medical education and medical practice in the country.

She said more focus should be put in other aspects of Philippine healthcare, such as primary care, non-communicable diseases, and

Pagasa warns of hotter months due to El Niño

By RHENN ANTHONY S. TAGUIAM HOTTER months loom ahead as the El Niño marches its way to the country from the Pacific.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Association (Pagasa) warned Filipinos in its report last March of potential dry spells and drought brought by warmer winds accompanying the El Niño phenomenon.

Meteorological agencies like Pagasa monitor areas in the Tropical Pacific known as “Niño regions” where the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere can alter the temperature of an area.

Formally known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, an El Niño is a surface temperature anomaly that occurs every two to seven years when the Tropical Pacific experiences an unusual warming in an extended period of time. This affects the Pacific Ocean, as well as countries in Southeast Asia like the Philippines.

While an El Niño can spawn from the unusual warming of the Tropical Pacific, an abnormal cooling can create a La Niña.

The opposite of the El Niño, a La Niña is formed when waters in the Pacific Ocean become cooler than what is normally observed.

Pagasa senior weather specialist Analiza Solis explained that the country is experiencing a “weak El Niño,” a sub-category of the phenomenon that is characterized by dry spells and potential drought.

Calimag

“Weak” on a new level Warm water usually builds up in the western Pacific region during normal climate conditions. Easterly winds push these waters to the west where low pressure areas are built and cause rainfall. However, during an El Niño, the easterlies are weaker and western currents push warm water back to the east. As a result, areas to the west have high pressure while warm water stays in the Pacific.

As a result, regions in the Tropical Pacific including the Philippines may experience reduced rainfall due to rain migrating to the oceans, which also means that tropical cyclones could gather more power and become more devastating upon landfall.

Though the El Niño phenomenon could be classified into weak, moderate and strong subcategories, all three have occurrences of dry spells and strong tropical cyclones. However, unlike typhoons during the rainy season, typhoons that form during an El Niño may not even enter the country due to the western current that pushes them away.

Citing typhoon “Milenyo” as an example, Solis said that the damage it caused to the country during its rampage coinciding with the El Niño last 2006 was not because of the rains or flooding but because of strong winds.

However, Solis added that because moderate to strong El Niño usually occur during the latter part of the year, the weak El Niño being experienced right now may develop into a moderate or strong El Niño.

Aside from a year-long dry condition and warmer weather, a weak El Niño may progress to become a strong El Niño which may bring devastating typhoons into the Philippines, just like “Ondoy” and “Yolanda,” which made landfall last 2009 and 2013 respectively, that appeared during strong El Niño events.

Persistence and resistance Pagasa added in its El Niño Watch that the current phenomenon may persist until June to August this year.

Due to the onset of drier months, Solis advised that government sectors should be more prepared especially for areas in northern Philippines that experience dry spells.

“Farmers could plant dry-resistant varieties of plants,” Solis said. “In terms of water supply, citizens should start conserving water.”

Dams Management Department manager Romualdo Beltran of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) added that the El Niño may affect hydroelectric power sources that contribute about 10 percent to the power provided all over the country, and dams El Niño PAGE 10

After the presidency Both professors became governors of their respective organizations prior to the presidency and have no plans of being reelected next year.

PMA presidents are limited to a single re-election. "[There is] no more third term," Calimag said. "It is time to move on to the greater responsibilities after the second term."

Prior to her presidency, she served as one of the PMA's governors in 2004 and 2013. She has been a member of the association since 1982.

Calimag was also president of the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists from 2010 to 2011, and of the Manila Surgeons Alliance last 2002. Aside from her Doctor of Medicine degree, she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Education at the UST Graduate School last 2010.

She served in the field of organized medicine for 31 years and spent 27 in the academe, focusing on the application of online technology to medical studies as well as research on drug monographs and general anesthetics.

Meanwhile, Llanes also affirmed that she would not be running for another term next year.

"We have to aim for milestones during my term this year," she said. "I'm not allowed to run for another term [for both positions] next year because this is already my fourth year as a governor."

The presidency in the PNA could coincide with the two-year term for governors. Newly-appointed governors can run again for one more term.

Llanes is currently teaching in the College of Nursing in the University, where she also served as an assistant dean.

She was also the assistant dean in the Graduate School of Saint Paul University and the dean of the Olivarez College of Health Related Sciences.

Llanes was also one of the 27 participants of the Global Nursing Leadership Training last 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland and also served as the PNA's governor since 2012. RHENN ANTHONY S. TAGUIAM

A question from Alyana Micaela Chua InfoQuest from the Faculty of Arts and Letters Can classes during the summer affect the performance of students?

IT IS a scientific fact that man is biologically programmed to adapt with the changes in their environment. But can Thomasians withstand the drastic changes brought by the shift in academic calendar and still perform well?

People use up energy to release heat and regulate their body temperature in order to survive. We have natural responses when exposed to different levels of heat that might affect our performance.

In his book “Human Thermal Environments: The Effects of Hot, Moderate and Cold Environments on Human Health, Comfort and Performance," Environmental Ergonomics professor Ken Parsons of the Loughborough University said people have different responses to different temperatures.

Changing temperatures can result in the clouding of consciousness, confusion, illness and collapse, he said. Other less obvious effects can be seen through thermoregulatory responses, such as hyperthermia, when the body keeps more heat than it releases, or hypothermia, when the body releases more heat than it keeps, which can be lethal for a person especially in the El Niño season.

Hotter temperatures can help the body move faster while sweating may affect a person’s grip.

Parsons said there is no simple direct relationship between climate and temperature and responses such as aggression and depression.

A u t h o r s Elizabeth Jago and Ken Tanner, in a compilation of studies from the University of Georgia, wrote that working in comfortable temperature could boost performance.

Lee Herrington's study in 1952 found out that temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius (ºC) tend to reduce work efficiency and output.

Jago and Tanner said that as temperature and humidity increased, "achievement and task performance

deteriorated, attention spans decreased, and students reported greater discomfort."

Their study concluded that cooler classrooms created increased feelings of comfort, activity, and productivity.

They added that air condition could be considered as the most critical factor in providing an optimum thermal environment for learning.

‘Summer mode’ According to the study by Glen Earthman, a professor of the US Environmental Protection Agency in 2012, temperature, heating and air quality are the most important individual elements for student achievements.

Studies have found that students perform mental tasks best in rooms kept at temperatures in the range of 20 to 23ºC, mainly because they are comfortable.

As students report greater discomfort, their achievement and task performance deteriorate.

Claudette Agnes, the head of the Department of Psychology of the College of Science, said it was possible for students to adjust to the academic calendar shift but with some challenges.

Because of a "summer mode" where students are geared for vacation in the months of March to June, students may find it harder to adjust to the academic calendar shift because they are used to treating the period of summer classes as vacation, Agnes said.

"Thomasians are aware that other students from other schools are enjoying their summer vacation," she said. "Some students cannot join their family outings because they still have classes."

She added that one primary advantage of this adjustment is for students to be ready for the ASEAN integration.

Agnes suggested that students should start conditioning themselves for their bodies to cope with the academic shift both physically and mentally, and also advised students to start adapting to the new calendar through “slowly accepting its existence.” MARITZ L. LUBO

and RHENN TAGUIAM

ANTHONY

MAY 13, 2015

Divorce a ‘quick fix’

Thomasians head doctors’, nurses’ groups TWO THOMASIANS have been tapped to lead the country's organization of physicians and nurses.

Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag, a professor from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, was picked for a second term as president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) last March, while Dr. Mila Delia Llanes, an assistant professor at the College of Nursing, was elected president of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) last January.

Editor: April Joy E. Dy

S.

“TRUTH is not decided by the majority.”

Church leaders remain firm in their stance against divorce, despite a survey showing more Filipinos are in favor of the measure.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) released a survey last March revealing that 60 percent of adult Filipinos were in favor of legalizing divorce.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas called the pending divorce bill a “quick fix” to couples' incompatibilities that would provide an option for married couples to take the easy way out and separate because of “whimsical” grounds.

“When the [expedience] of divorce is readily available, a couple will be less likely to work on differences, dialogue and reasonably work out solutions because there is a quick fix to ‘incompatibilities,’” said Villegas, also president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, in a statement last March 25.

Fr. David Clay, assistant executive secretary of CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said the growing number of people in favor of divorce was not due to a weakening of Catholic morals. Instead, Filipinos are being influenced by Western ideologies and television programs that revolve around plots of infidelity, Clay said.

Rizalito David, a socio-political analyst and executive director of ProLife Philippines Foundation, cited the pressure of “economic hardships” as another reason for the supposed increase in support for divorce. “More likely they are feeling the pinch of hard labor, that is why they are considering

separation. But this can be avoided if the government engages in programs that will keep the family intact,” David said.

Survey flawed?

David questioned the phrasing of the questions in the SWS survey, which he said had a pro-divorce slant. “For policy-making, survey questions should be phrased in an open-ended manner to be able to provide the respondents the reason for their answer,” he explained.

The fourth-quarter survey of the SWS was conducted from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, 2014, using face-to-face interviews with 1,800 adults from Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The question asked was: “How much do you agree or disagree with this statement: ‘Married couples who have already separated and cannot reconcile anymore should be allowed to divorce so they can get legally married again.’”

The latest survey showed that six out of 10 Filipinos back divorce. In 2011, just half of respondents favored divorce, up from 43 percent in 2005. More married men and women also support divorce, according to the survey.

“Among those who are married, 58 percent agreed in Dec. 2014, up from 49 percent in March 2011 and 41 percent in March 2005,” the SWS report showed.

Clay said the survey should have included the reasons of the respondents for agreeing to legalize divorce.

“I do not know the reasons people gave for answering they agree with divorce. Maybe they are concerned with other people who are not happy with their marriage,” Clay said.

“Just because they answered 'yes,’ or I agree,' it doesn't mean they will follow it. If you know you are a good Catholic, you don't have to follow what the survey says is popular.”

The SWS poll showed a consistent high percentage of support for divorce among those with “live-in” partners (66 percent in 2014, 62 percent in 2011 and 63 percent in 2005). It also found that 16 percent of Filipino adults have livein partners, double the recorded eight percent in 2011 and four times the 2005 proportion of four percent.

BIBLICAL episodes and characters in the New Testament were re-defined by scholars from the Asia-Pacific region during the Joint Conference of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP) and Society for New Testament Studies (SNTS) last Feb. 28 to March 1 at the Institute of Preaching in Santo Domingo Church, Quezon City.

The conference featured 21 scholarly articles aiming to explain “unanswered questions” in some books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts.

Among the presenters from SNTS is Yutaka Maekawa of Japan’s Kwansei Gakuin University, who presented “Jesus Touching: Jesus’ Physical Movement in the Gospels.” The study showed how the physical movements of Jesus affected the faith conviction of the characters in the New Testament.

“Analyzing the physical movements of Jesus is important to comprehend the perspectives of the gospels and to clarify the prevalent opinions during the early Christian period,” Maekawa stated in his article.

The study showed that three verbs in the Greek language, which means “to touch,” “to grasp with hands,” and “to take hold of,” were used to define the physical touches of Jesus.

Ten of the 29 uses of the verb “to touch,” six of the 31 uses of “to grasp with hands,” and four of the seven uses of “to take hold of” involve the presence of sick people and those with sick

There are also fewer married individuals in the survey.

David said it was expected that cohabiting individuals would have a high support for divorce. “Naturally, those who are engaging in live-in relationships have a higher tendency to favor divorce since they are the ones who have no clear intention of getting married in the first place,” the priest said.

Support for divorce was also shown to be highest among the socioeconomic class D population or the low middle class, with 60 percent agreeing to divorce, up from 52 percent in 2011 and 42 percent in 2005.

David said class D had the highest tendency to be affected by programs on TV and the latest trends. “Class D is where the majority of the Philippine population is included. These are the TV-watching population and those easily influenced by emotion, so you can easily predict a high percentage in this class as opposed to Class ABC which are the intellectuals, and the Class E or the urban poor who have no access to media,” David explained.

Remedies Advocates of the divorce bill, or House Bill No. 4408, are hoping Congress will consider reviving discussions on the measure, for the sake of those in “failed marriages.” “ T h a t many Filipinos now openly support the passage of divorce is an indicator that it has come of age,” Gabriela

Biblical scholars redefine stories in New Testament

Yutaka Maekawa discusses Jesus' "Physical Movement in the Gospels."

The Varsitarian Witness

9

party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan said in an interview with GMA News Online. Ilagan explained that Gabriela’s proposal would not allow divorce on flimsy grounds.

Gabriela proposes to allow divorce for married couples who have been living separately for at least five years at the time of filing of the divorce petition, and with no hope of reconciliation. They must also have been legally separated from each other for a minimum of two years. The couple must prove in court that the breakdown of their marriage is irreparable.

Catholic leaders warn that such a proposal would bring serious damage to family life.

Archbishop Villegas said divorce would traumatize children who would be forced to choose between their parents in custody battles. He added: “Visitation rights are a poor substitute for living with one’s parents.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about marriage as an “indissoluble union of man and woman that God has joined together,” and an important institution that affects the individual person and the society.

Church tribunals however grant a decree of nullity (annulment in common terms), on grounds such as underage marriage, forced consent, impotence, and mental incapacity.

Physical abuse and violence are not grounds for annulment.

Villegas also cited provisions in the Family Code and Republic Act No. 9262 or the “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act,” that would render the divorce bill unnecessary in cases of violence and abuse in marriage.

Data from the Office of the Solicitor General showed that 10,528 annulment cases were filed in 2012, an increase from 9,133 cases in 2011.

DANIELLE ANN F. GABRIEL

Francis predicts brief papacy

NAZZI M. CASTRO

children. Included was Mary Magdalene, who asked for spiritual healing.

“The context of the touch is mostly Jesus healing sick people. The plot is almost the same in each story—there was a sick person, people ask Jesus to heal the person, Jesus met and touched the person, and the person was healed,” Maekawa said.

The article also showed that the physical touching of Jesus in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John signify different perspectives of the earthly life of Jesus.

The physical touching in the Gospel of Mark focuses more on the people’s wish to touch Jesus.

The Gospel of Matthew focuses on the physical touches of Jesus, and the Gospel of Luke shows the people’s connection to God through the touches of Jesus. No episode of physical touching was shown in the Gospel of John.

The best presidential bet Presenting his article titled “The Child in Matthew 18:2, isn’t he a best presidential bet?,” Fr. Leander Barrot, a representative from CBAP, redefined the word “child” as a metaphor for humility and discipleship.

Matthew 18:2 says: “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them,” and “Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Scholars PAGE 10

POPE Francis has opened the possibility of a short pontificate, two years after his election to the papacy.

In an interview last March 13 with Mexico’s Televisa, Pope Francis hinted that his term as pope would be brief. "I have the feeling that my pontificate will be brief: four or five years.

It is a vague feeling I have that the Lord chose me for a short mission. I am always open to that possibility,” the Pope said.

Citing Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who was the first pope to resign in seven centuries in February 2013, Pope Francis said stepping down from papacy was also possible for him. “In general, I think what [Pope Emeritus] Benedict XVI courageously did was to open the door to other bishops. Benedict should not be considered an exception, but an institution,” he said.

Recalling the days prior to his election, Pope Francis said he missed the times when he was cardinal-archbishop of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Francis said that since he was elected pope, he had grown unaccustomed to the thought of traveling, and would prefer the comforts of home.

“The only thing I would like is to go out one day, without being recognized, and go to a pizzeria for a pizza. In Buenos Aires, I was a rover,” the Pope said.

The Holy Father also revealed how unexpected his election to the papacy was. The Pope said he expected the conclave to be short as he had already prepared a homily for his return to Buenos Aires. It was only in the afternoon of the day of his election that he realized that he wouldn’t be going back home.

“Something happened, I do not know what.

In the room, I saw some strange signs. They asked me about my health. And when we came back in the afternoon, the cake was already in the oven. In two votes, it was all over,” the Pope said.

Holy Year of Mercy Last March 13, the Pope announced the start of an “extraordinary jubilee” at the end of this year, to be dedicated to the theme of “mercy.”

Pope Francis urged the faithful to start a journey inspired with spiritual conversion, to understand the Christian mission of being bearers of mercy.

"We are united with so many Christians, who, in every part of the world, have accepted the invitation to live this moment as a sign of the goodness of the Lord. For this reason, I have decided to declare an extraordinary Jubilee that has the mercy of God at its center," Pope Francis said during rites at St. Peter’s Basilica marking the second anniversary of his election to the papacy.

Fr. Luke Moortgat, who heads the observance

of the Year of the Poor in the Philippines, said the Holy Year of Mercy would highlight the utmost value that Pope Francis places on people in need of God’s consolation. "You could see that he wanted the people to embrace a life filled with mercy. He wants mercy in our world," Moortgat said.

Pope Francis officially presented the Bull of Indiction or the fundamental document that outlines the overall intentions for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy last April 11.

In the document titled Misericordiae Vultus or the “The Face of Mercy,” Pope Francis said the Holy Year would be about living the mercy that God extends to all.

“The mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality through which he reveals his love as that of a father or a mother, moved to the very depths out of love for their child,” the document states.

The Holy Year of Mercy will start on Dec. 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and will end on Nov. 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King.

The Pope wants all parishes to be part of the worldwide celebration of the “24 Hours of the Lord” in which Catholic churches would be open for prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and confession.

Francis also plans to send “Missionaries of Mercy”, priests to whom he would grant the authority to pardon even those sins reserved to the Holy See, during Lent of the Holy Year.

“They will be living signs of the Father’s readiness to welcome those in search of his pardon,” Pope Francis wrote in Misericordiae Vultus.

The proclamation of an extraordinary jubilee or holy year began with Pope Boniface VIII in 1300.

Jubilees aim to encourage holiness of life, stronger faith, and works of charity. There have been only 26 ordinary jubilee celebrations, the last of which was the Jubilee of 2000. MARIE DANIELLE L. MACALINO

10 Limelight

The Varsitarian MAY 13, 2015

Art Director: Keno Carlo C. Enriquez

MAY 13, 2015

Editor: Paul Kennedy A. Lintag

The Varsitarian Sports

HS coach takes charge of women’s volleyball

TOMTOM! BY JEAN HELENE C. ESTELLA

AWARE of the huge attention given to women’s volleyball, newly minted UST Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes, Jr. insists he's up for the challenge for the underachieving squad.

“Mas gusto ko magtrabaho under pressure, doon made-develop ‘yung patience at kung gaano kalawak ‘yung pag-iisip natin,” Reyes told the Varsitarian. “It’s a personal matter, my willingness to carry the team. Sabi ko nga, it is another page sa buhay ko.”

The former UAAP girls’ volleyball champion coach was named new chief tactician of the Tigresses last Apr. 22.

Reyes’ first task is to end the Tigresses’ threeyear Final Four drought. He will inherit an intact lineup featuring UAAP Season 77 Rookie of the Year EJ Laure, Best Blocker Marivic Meneses as well as veterans Pam Lastimosa and Mela Tunay.

Although he said that there would be some slight changes in the team’s system, Reyes opted to keep Vilet Ponce-de Leon as assistant coach and Ian Fernandez as trainer.

“Simple lang ako, kung ano ‘yung gusto ko, ‘yun dapat ang mangyari. Kung ano yung dinesign ‘yun ‘yung gusto kong lumabas. Kung kailangan kong mag-champion, kailangan kong magchampion,” Reyes asserted.

Reyes wants to instill a different and more difficult training regimen to form a “real Thomasian fighter.”

BEN N' VIDES BY KIRSTEN M. JAMILLA

TOM-ASH-ANN BY MA. AURORA A. GONZALEZ

“Dapat maramdaman nila ‘yung hirap ng training para sa ganun pagdating sa laro ‘di nila basta basta ibibigay ‘yung laro, kasi nandoon ‘yung motivation na pinaghirapan mo ng matagal,” Reyes revealed.

Despite having a strong team, the Philippine Army assistant coach would focus on the various skill sets of his players to develop multi-tasking and the squad’s stamina which he considers their foundation.

Regarding his target in the next UAAP season, the 34-year-old coach is setting the bar high as he wants to win back the UAAP title.

On the other hand, Reyes, who will still be manning the girls’ volleyball team, is not worried about not getting highly-touted recruits this year, trusting the players who chose UST out of dedication.

“Hindi ko kailangan ng malaking pangalan.

Gusto ko ‘yung dedicated, kung sino ‘yung talagang gustong mag UST at ibibigay yung sarili sa’min,” he told. “Gagawa kami ulit ng panibagong star.”

Reyes steered UST to the girls' volleyball championship when the team was bannered by then-Most Valuable Player Laure in Season 76 and a runner-up finish in Season 77. He was the assistant coach of head tactician Francis Vicente during the Alyssa Valdez and Dindin Santiago era in the UST girls’ volleyball team. KARL CEDRICK G. BASCO

Red Lions maul shorthanded Tigers in FilOil K to 12 FROM PAGE 1 Miriam College, said during the protest: “Ang K to 12 ay produkto ng cramming o pagmamadali. Matatapos na ang termino ng pangulo at gustong ipatupad ang batas na hindi nagsaalang-alang sa karapatan ng mga guro at kawani.”

Other supporters of the petition are faculty unions and associations from UST, Far Eastern University, Adamson University, St. Scholastica's CollegeManila, San Sebastian College, Mapua Institute of Technology, and Centro Escolar University.

Another gathering was held by the Suspend K to 12 Coalition last May 9 at the Liwasang Bonifacio wherein four thousand protesters gathered to call again for the suspension of the K to 12 program.

The rally, featured several speakers including Rene Tadle and Vargas from

Editorial FROM PAGE 4 losing their jobs on the transition period.

Because of the looming crisis, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said DepEd is “planning” to hire 30,000 to 41,000 high school teachers for 2016 and 2017 and the department will prioritize displaced teaching and nonteaching staff.

We don’t think this “planning” is sufficient. The DepEd has given a very uncertain solution to several conditions that would definitely occur after the implementation.

We acknowledge the advantages of implementing K to 12 as it could help pave the way

Scholars FROM PAGE 9 According to Barrot, who is also the vice president for academic affairs of San Sebastian College, the “child” in the verses carries the traits of the best presidential bet because he possesses the five faces of a humble disciple— “does not cause sin to believers,” “seeks out the lost and rejoices,” “corrects a sinning brother,” “forgives from the heart,” and “upholds the dignity and sacredness of matrimony.”

The study also emphasized that presidential bets should imitate Pope Francis, who professes humility and compassion. “Like the present pope, a truly humble [leader] must have a heart for the poor. It is a sign of humility to

UST, David San Juan of De La Salle University and Tanggol ng Wika, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition National Chairperson Benjo Basas, Alliance of Concerned Teachers’ Rep. Antonio Tinio, and Sen. Antonio Trillianes IV, among others.

“Kapag hindi ka nagrereklamo, sasagasaan ka. Kaya nga tayo tumitindig dito. Hindi pwedeng sinubukan lang natin, kailangan nating pilit na pigilin ito,” Trillanes said. “Palalakihin natin at palalakihin ‘yung ating boses hanggang sa makarating sa Korte Suprema at sa Malacañang."

Trillianes added the next gathering against K to 12 could be held in Luneta to accommodate a larger crowd.

Tadle, USTFU Internal Vice President and head of the Suspend K to 12 Coalition, said the government should first address problems in Philippine education before fully implementing the K to 12 Law. “Bago tayo magdagdag ng Grades 11 to 12, ayusin muna ang mga problema

[na meron tayo ngayon], kasi kung hindi aayusin, masasayang lang ang buwis na binabayad ng mga tao,” Tadle said.

Meanwhile, San Juan claimed the K to 12 curriculum was not meant to improve students' learning, but was aimed at producing workers to be sent abroad.

Basas said: “Tandaan natin, ang eskwelahan ay hindi ginawa para lang sa layunin na magkaroon ka ng trabaho. [Ito] ay ginawa upang turuan sa kabuuan ng pagkatao ang isang tao at mamamayan."

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo earlier called for the suspension of the K to 12 program, saying that the looming retrenchment of HEI employees would be overwhelming and could lead to “unjust labor practices.”

Around 85,000 HEI employees are at risk of losing their jobs during the two-year transition period of the K to 12 program, according to a study by CHEd and the Department of Labor and Employment. With reports from

for ASEAN integration and global competitiveness of the Philippine education system. It would also empower high school graduates by making them job-ready even if they decided not to take up college anymore as senior high school students would be made to pursue three career tracks—academic, sports and technical-vocational.

But many of these adjustments may displace higher education faculty and workers. This has been evident for example in Miriam College, which ironically was headed before by CHEd Chair Patricia Licuanan. Many general education faculty have been given their walking papers. Apparently Licuanan and the CHEd have not fully thought of the implications of K to 12 to higher education.

The impact of the displacement

has been taken for granted by both DepEd and CHEd. In effect, government has poorly handled the transition because of its incompetence and insensitivity.

Moreover, the new curriculums being devised for basic and higher education as a result of K to 12 have been largely positivist-oriented at the cost of the humanities. Educational planners in basic and higher education seem bent on removing humanities from the curriculum.

Many of these concerns have been raised before even if the DepEd and CHEd have hardly done consultations with stakeholders in the education sector. Their incompetence, arrogance and insensitivity mean that the troubles facing K to 12 now have been largely self-inflicted.

reach out to them,” Barrot said.

Roseline

First of its kind Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P., director of the Institute of Preaching, said the conference was the first of its kind in the country. “CBAP holds a presentation annually, but this is the first time that SNTS was invited to present papers in the country,” Marquez told the Varsitarian.

Marquez said the gathering could be an avenue to expand knowledge in Catholicism among Filipinos, in preparation for the 500th year of Christianity in the country.

A total of 63 delegates attended the conference, with 16 scholars coming from Austria, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and India. ANGELI MAE S. CANTILLANA

11

DAYANARA T. CUDAL

FROM PAGE 4 case of an overseas worker.

In the Middle East and other countries, numerous OFWs are awaiting capital punishment.

In an article released by GMA News, the Department of Foreign Affairs tallied more than 80 OFWs on death row, most of which are in Saudi Arabia.

The case of Veloso, Contemplacion and other OFWs on death row must set as a reminder that there is a need for aggressive actions toward protecting the dignity, welfare and safety of OFWs. Aside from dwelling on repeated safety hazards on publicity materials

El Niño FROM PAGE 8 that are needed for irrigation and domestic usage.

“Rainwater collected in the dams is what we use during the dry season,” Beltran explained. “We normally have enough reserves to meet the demands of consumers [during dry seasons], but problems may arise if we don’t get to collect sufficient rainwater because of lessened rainfall [during the El Niño].”

Meanwhile, engineers from the UST Facilities Management Office assured that the University’s power and water supply are wellmaintained and are ready for the dry spells if ever they start threatening areas around Metro Manila.

Head electrical engineer Oliver Gagarin explained that more than

Bar Exams FROM PAGE 2 calendars in preparation for “integration” in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

UST will host the 2015 bar exams anew.

Stricter admission process To improve the University’s performance in the bar exams, the admission criteria and process in Civil Law for academic year 20152016 will be “more stringent.”

Honor graduates and those who will do “remarkably well” in the admission test and interview will be preferred, according to Divina.

“We offer them scholarships, book allowance, and board and alone, the DFA along with other government agencies must ensure that its laws are executed well and even amended.

Last April 30, media outfits such as the Manila Bulletin released an article which informed of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago’s passage of a bill “expanding the scope” of the legal assistance fund for distressed OFWs especially those facing death penalty. It is about time something like this is drafted.

There should be amendments to the laws regarding dealings, labor concerns and engagements of OFWs especially, but not limited to, those facing capital punishment.

It should not boil down to last minute miracles again just to save a life when there can be hope through a long-term process.

20 buildings in the University are equipped with diesel generators with enough power to support facilities in case of power outages.

Buildings and Grounds superintendent Lawrence Pangan also assured a surplus of water when shortages occur in Metro Manila.

“There are three deep well sources around the University, all with adequate supply of water should we need them,” he said, adding at these are located in the UST Hospital, St. Martin de Porres Building and Roque Ruaño Building.

In-house mechanical engineer Antonio Espejo said that aside from deep well sources, facilities in the University also rely on recycled water maintained in a sewage treatment plant.

“Much of the water we use in the University are recycled,” he said.

“The only water we get outside are the ones we use in sinks. Everything gets recycled from there.” lodging subsidy. Such offer spreads around by word of mouth even among other top universities,” he said.

Divina noted that since he took over as Civil Law dean in 2009, UST has been consistent in inviting top graduates from the different colleges and faculties of the University to enroll in its law school.

Students will also be required to take mock bar exams every year until they graduate, to prepare them for the actual exams.

“We will individually and personally attend to their needs and requirements. We will assign peer coaches from our faculty to guide, counsel and inspire them, as well as to monitor their bar exam preparations,” Divina said.

ARIANNE F. MEREZ

Cloud FROM PAGE 2 as long as there is an Internet connection.

Santos described the program as a “very flexible way of learning,” because students can access the system anytime and anywhere.

The NetSuite Academy program was pilot-tested on third-year Computer Science and Information Systems students in the first semester. Information Systems students now use NetSuite in their Accounting classes.

The institute is also looking at the possibility of incorporating “open-source technology” in its courses. This will allow students to examine the internal structure of computer programs and design similar applications. ARIANNE F. MEREZ

By JOSIAH DARREN G. SAYNES

Mario Bonleon bumps against a defender.

Cult FROM PAGE 4 competitiveness, it’s intensity, it’s passion.”

Sometimes in sports, one must embrace being a villain to be successful for it is not a fairy tale anyway.

No good team in their right state of mind would hand over a victory so the other side could have a feel good moment and live happily ever after.

Probably the best local collegiate example I can think of is the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, the now back-to-back UAAP women’s volleyball champions.

Their villainous and relentless approach allowed them to score a sensational sweep of this year’s tournament. They show no signs of slowing down for Season 78.

The Tigresses need to have that same fire and intensity to finally go over the hump. Ironically, the team needs to start emulating its rookie, Cherry Rondina.

In an otherwise painful and forgettable season, Rondina stood out for UST with her immense amount of passion inside the court, serving as an effective spark off-the-bench.

At the very least, that is what the Tigresses lacked and that is what they sorely need.

The UST Golden Tigresses need to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the dark side.

As Greg Popovich famously said to his world champion San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs a couple of years back, “I need to see some nasty.”

I was extremely nervous when UST’s lead in the overall title race evaporated into thin air. I thought, like my two predecessors, I was a jinx.

The UAAP coverage for Season 77 had a lot of highs and lows. When we go to arenas for free to witness the greatness of our fellow Thomasians, we were also witnesses when they are at their most vulnerable after a crushing defeat.

UST finally capturing that elusive 40th title validated that all the crazy weekends of an insane amount of breaking news and the missed time with family, friends and loved ones was all worth it.

KENO CARLO C. ENRIQUEZ

ED DAQUIOAG tried to carry the load for UST but the undermanned Growling Tigers bowed to the San Beda Red Lions, 64-74, in the 2015 FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the San Juan Arena last May 2.

After a tightly contested first half, the reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball champion managed to pull away against the Growling Tigers after a 20-8 blitz in the third quarter to open a commanding 61-48 lead entering the final frame.

The Tigers relied on the stellar performance of Daquioag who spearheaded an 11-2 run to trim the lead to just 10, 59-69. The veteran guard scored 29 points.

"Learning experience 'to kasi as of now seven veterans 'yung hindi naglalaro satin. Pero hindi ganitong outcome 'yung ineexpect natin kasi lumalaban naman ang mga bata," head coach Bong dela Cruz said. "Kinulang sa suporta si Ed (Daquioag) pero pagbalik nila Kevin (Ferrer) and Karim (Abdul), maba-balance na ang scoring."

The Growling Tigers, who dropped to a 1-2 win-loss record, only had three players from their UAAP Season 77 lineup. Ferrer is

Reyes, Jr.

out with the Sinag Pilipinas national team, while Abdul, Renzo Subido, Reggie Basibas and John Macasaet are still out due to injuries.

Rookie Mario Bonleon and Jon Sheriff added 15 and 10 points, respectively, for the Tigers.

Neither UST nor San Beda pulled away early at the first half. Pierre Tankoua gave San Beda its largest lead of the half, 31-22, at the three-minute mark in the second quarter.

The Tigers led briefly, 32-31, following a 12-4 run capped by a jumper from Sheriff. But San Beda's Ranbill Tongco drained a buzzerbeater to retake the lead at the half.

The Tigers scored their first victory in the off-season tournament against the Mapua Cardinals, 78-59, behind Bonleon’s 22 points last April 30.

In their opening game, the Tigers dropped a 59-60 heartbreaker against the UE Red Warriors.

BOX SCORE: UST 64- Daquioag 29, Bonleon 15, Sheriff 10, Vigil 3, Lao 3, Kakonda 2, Magno 2 San Beda 74- Dela Cruz 15, Koga 11, Amer 10, Tankoua 8, Tongco 8, Sara 8, Adeogun 4, Mocon 3, Mendoza 2, Cabanag 2, Sedillo 2, Reyes 1 Quarter scores: 17-21, 32-33, 48-61, 64-74

Ferrer, 2 volleybelles join PH squads FOR MANY years, UST has consistently produced Philippine team-calibre players.

This summer, three Thomasian athletes will be donning the national colors in upcoming international events.

Growling Tiger Kevin Ferrer will suit up for the Sinag Pilipinas basketball squad scheduled to see action in the Southeast Asian Games in June in Singapore.

Meanwhile, UAAP Season 77 Best Blocker Marivic Meneses and Rookie of the Year EJ Laure were part of a Philippine team that defied expectations and snagged seventh place in the Asian Women’s Under-23 Volleyball Championships last May 1 to 9.

Ferrer, after nursing a right hand injury in the last UAAP season, is finally back in shape to join forces with fellow collegiate standouts Keifer Ravena, Mac Belo, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and naturalized center Marcus Douthit.

Sinag Pilipinas breezed through the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship last April, which served as a qualifier for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships in September.

The lanky forward said he was looking to use his seventh stint with the national team to power the Tigers’ campaign next season.

“To be a part of the national team is an honor since millions of Filipinos are dreaming to become a part of the Philippine team, so I think I’m super blessed,” he said.

Meneses and Laure, both first-time members of the national team, provided quality minutes off-the-bench as the country went head-to-head against Asia'a elite.

Meneses vowed to work hard for the national team, knowing also that it could improve her game for UST in the future.

Ferrer, Laure and Meneses

“Flattering, syempre kasi nakaka-honor para sa part mona maging part ng national team. Pressured din syempreat the same time kasi bitbit mo hindi lang ‘yung pangalanng school mo which is UST, bitbit mo din ‘yung pangalanng country mo,” Meneses said.

The 17-year-old Laure said she did not expect to be included in the 12-woman roster of the U-23 squad, which features reigning two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez, Kim Fajardo and Myla Pablo under the tutelage of head coach Roger Gorayeb and Thai coach Tai Bundit.

“Nakaka-overwhelm talaga kasi ‘di ko naman inexpect kaagad na magna-national team ako. Ine-expect ko na magi-improve ako kasi si coach Tai ‘yung nagte-training sa amin at saka nado-double time kami para umayos ‘yung performance,” Laure said. DELFIN RAY M. DIOQUINO

Sports

MAY 13, 2015

The Varsitarian

Unsung heroes

Despite having a significantly lower fanbase, the Tiger Softbelles notched several crucial wins to lock up UST's 40th UAAP overall title

UST ALMOST fell short of bagging the UAAP overall title for the third straight season until the Tiger Softbelles saved the day.

The school thus captured its 40th UAAP general championship, which almost slipped away due to De La Salle University's strong performance. La Salle worked its way up the ladder with three of its teams reaching the finals of their respective events.

Not if the Tiger Softbelles could help it.

As the last UST team playing, they had immense pressure on their shoulders.

Things were not looking great for them at the beginning of the second round after they fell to sixth place with a 3-5 win-loss record. La Salle's softball team was sitting comfortably in second place with a 6-2 card.

Tiger Softbelles head coach Sandy Barredo knew his wards had their work cut out for them, and emphasize the urgency to deliver for UST.

“Ang sinasabi ko sa kanila, buhat natin ‘yung UST," he said. "Maganda ‘yung i-share ko sa’yo ‘yung problema ng UST para pare-pareho tayong may problema. Ngayon, pare-pareho tayo ngayong magtutulungan."

In the end, the Tiger Softbelles came through with clutch performances down the stretch, including a crucial 6-2 win against La Salle late in the second round.

With the win, they climbed to second place after sweeping their last four games, secured a Final Four spot and more importantly, saved the general championship for UST. “Ayaw nila matalo, gusto nila manalo. Lagi kong sinasabi, ‘Oh last game na ito,’ tapos sasabihin nila, ‘Hindi coach, lalaro pa tayo.’ Sabi ko sa kanila, kung gusto niyong manalo, maglaro kayo ng maayos,” Barredo said.

On their way to winning the general title for UST, the Tiger Softbelles almost had a chance to face the undefeated and five-time defending champion Adamson University in the finals but the Softbelles suffered a humbling 9-1 defeat at the hands of the University of the Philippines in their Final Four knockout match.

Barredo admitted that La Salle’s early dominance was a surprise to him since the Archers were never really a

UAAP powerhouse when it came to softball. The Lady Archers eventually crashed out of contention after a fourgame losing skid.

“Hindi puwedeng tayo ang malaglag. Hindi uso sa La Salle ang softball, sa atin uso kasi tayo nagdodomina ever since. Kaya kailangang talunin natin (sila),” he said.

Barredo said he had to make several changes in the lineup until he found the right combination. He cited backup pitcher-turned-starter Anne Antolihao as the team’s most valuable player with her contributions on both ends of the pitch.

“Kinabahan ako kasi isang malaking responsibilidad ‘yungbinigay ni coach sa akin pero [kailangan] lakas lang ngloob and tiwala sa teammates at higit sa lahat tiwala sasarili,” Antolihao said.

UST’s center fielder Kristine Lacupa said the team took time to gel but were united in their goal to overcome La Salle.

“Kung natalo pa kami nun, syempre baka ‘yung blame sa amin na parang wala man lang kaming naitulong. At least kahit papaano, makabawi man lang kami samga gastos ng school para sa amin, dapat may mai-contribute din kami.” Lacupa said. DELFIN RAY M. DIOQUINO

Football revelation UST coaches bank on prestige, once frustrated equipment to lure top recruits in swimming SOMETIMES letting go leads to better opportunities.

Steven Anotado is probably thankful that swimming did not work out for him early. He found his niche in football and emerged as the top striker for the UST Golden Booters this year.

“From Grade 1 to 3, I and my twin brother (were into) swimming but I could not win and reach the regional meet and Palarong Pambansa so I shifted to football,” Anotado told the Varsitarian.

Influenced by his cousin, Anotado, a second-year Sports and Wellness Management student, transferred to football when he was in Grade 4 but failed to qualify for his school’s football team in North Cotabato.

Anotado, not ready to give up easily, tried his luck anew the following school year and was finally successful of transitioning from a swimmer to a football player.

“During that time, I decided to focus on football alone,” he said. “I never thought of returning to swimming because I easily found my happiness in football the moment I learned it.”

From then on, the 19-year-old booter managed to become one of the Cotabato region’s main strikers in the Palarong Pambansa from 2008 to 2013, drawing the attention of a number of collegiate scouts and coaches.

Anotado said it was De La Salle University that reached out to him first back when he was in third year high school. But he said he decided to suit up for UST after Golden Booters’ head coach Marjo Allado talked to him the following year in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa in Dumaguete.

Anotado, the fourth leading scorer in UAAP Season 77, admitted that he was waiting for someone from UST to recruit him during that time. Allado approached him during their semifinal game against Region IV-B and offered him a slot in the Tigers’ lair.

“Dream school ko talaga ang UST dati pa. Walang kinalaman ‘yung football,” Anotado said. “I always saw pictures of UST especially the Main Building on the internet since I was in Grade 6 and made me want to study here.”

Football PAGE 3

DESPITE the lack of private benefactors, UST still provides top-of-the-line equipment, housing and respectable monthly allowances for its student-athletes.

As far as budget is concerned, many UST coaches see no problem when it comes to the support their respective squads receive.

Golden Booters head coach Marjo Allado said there was no need for UST to offer money to student-athletes during recruitment because the school already offers a lot of benefits.

“When it comes to budget, I think we don’t have to complain kasi napaka-generous ng UST. I think some universities, when it comes to recruitment, they offer money. Hindi ‘yan kailangan ng UST, eh. Sa amin, sakto lang ‘yung binibigay [na budget] ng UST pero when it comes to equipment, hospitalization and scholarship of the players, sobra-sobra na,” Allado said.

Benefits for student-athletes include scholarship, which is either full or partial depending on the recommendation of the dean or coach, free board and lodging and free medical and hospitalization at the UST Hospital.

Aside from athlete’s monthly allowance which amounts to P2,500 for the team captains, P2,200 for the co-captains and P2,000 for the regular players, they are also given food and game day stipends.

Having played for five years in the UAAP, Paul Romero, outgoing team captain of the UST Tiger Jins, noted the increase in allowances as well as the improvement of their dormitories since his first stint in the collegiate ranks.

“Nagkaroon ng pagtaas ng budget for the UST teams kasi compared dati, ang allowance is P1,000 lang. And for the dorm, sobrang better ng dorm ngayon compared dati,” he said.

A July 2010 report by the Varsitarian revealed the poor conditions at Active Dormitory on España Boulevard corner Eloisa Street where UST athletes were houses. Among them, “leaking ceilings, erratic water supply, and mediocre food."

Now, some female UST athletes are residing at Dapitan Residences while many of their male counterparts are staying at Residencia Josefina dormitory on Laon Laan Street.

Romero said slots for dormitory lodging were limited and usually given to student-athletes from the provinces. He said the dorm’s management also provide food for the athletes.

When it comes to equipment, UST also provides players

with premium gears, as attested by the coaches.

“Pagdating sa gamit, [top-of-the-line] lahat ng gamit namin. Especially sa badminton team, hindi dito nabibili‘yung gamit natin, galing pa ng abroad. Iba ‘yung mayabang pagdating sa apparel, sa gears. So pagdating sa UAAP, ‘yun ang panghatak ko pagdating sarecruitment,” UST Shuttlers coach Noli Cajefe said.

“We, as coaches, always give the players the top-of-the-line equipment. ‘Yung mga taga-probinsya na players, they’re very happy when they receive the equipment kasiminsan hindi nila kayang bilhin ‘yung mga ‘yun eh. So pagdating dito sa UST, binibigay lahat sa kanila,” Allado added.

Despite the common notion that the battle for recruitment of athletes favors the schools that have the grandest offers, UST coaches and players still adhere to their belief that aspiring collegiate players who wish to play for UST will choose the University despite “bigger” offers from other UAAP schools.

“Kapag pumunta ang player sa UST, gusto niya talagamaglaro para sa UST. Kung ico-compare mo before, kapag sinabi mong UST sa UAAP, baon na ‘yung iba eh,kasi pantaypantay, hindi nabibili ‘yung player noon. Pumupunta [sila] sa atin para i-train at kapag pinagbasehan ‘yung training program, lamang tayo doon sa tiyaga at galing ng coaches dito sa UST,” Cajefe said.

For the veteran coach of the UST Golden Sox, Jeff Santiago, holding on to the prestige that is UST itselfshould be enough in luring potential players in choosing the University.

“Yung prestige natin ay ‘yung ating university. Mgacollege students ‘yan eh. Unlike sa ibang university, they offer money para pumunta sa kanilang eskuwelahan. Pero sa atin, minemaintain natin 'yung pagka-amateur ng bata, estudyante, manlalaro. Walang pinag-uusapan na pera,” Santiago said.

ANGELICA P. ABELLO