The Varsitarian P.Y. 2015-2016 Issue 09

Volume LXXXVII, No. 9 • April 29, 2016 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSIT Y OF SANTO TOMAS Manila, Philippines

No tuition hike at start of K to 12

By ROY ABRAHMN D.R. NARRA and ALHEX ADREA M. PERALTA

AFTER a decade of increases in tuition and other fees, UST will not hike tuition next academic year, amid tight competition for enrollees among universities in the first year of the K to 12 transition.

Responding to a letter from the Varsitarian, Vice Rector for Finance Fr. Manuel Roux, O.P., said the University did not apply for tuition hikes this year.

In a wide-ranging interview after ending his four-year term as Rector, Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. said he believed there needed to be a pause in tuition hikes.

“I’m not the rector anymore so I cannot officially say [there will be no tuition hike].

There is a tuition committee that’s under the vice rector for finance. If there is [no tuition hike], I think the reason is the University has been raising its fees for the past four years,” Fr. Dagohoy told the Varsitarian.

Fr. Dagohoy, a licensed accountant, said UST was ready to absorb deficits expected during the painful K to 12 transition, and could tap into savings from excess revenues accumulated in previous years.

The University had excess revenues of P100 million to P200 million every year from “academic income” such as miscellaneous fees and revenue from UST hospital, he said.

“You look at the bottom line and from our savings, that’s where we are going to [plug] the deficit,” he said. “Mabuti nga tayo [at] mayroon tayong naipon. Kung wala Workers start the construction of the new building that will house the University’s laboratories.

University builds new Central Laboratory LABORATORIES will soon be transferred from the Main Building to a new facility being constructed along Padre Noval Street.

The soon-to-rise Central Laboratory will house the laboratories of the College of Science, College of Rehabilitation Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy, and will be opened next academic year.

“The reason is very simple: the [Main Building] is very old,” Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. told to the Varsitarian in an exclusive interview after ending his stint as Rector. “[A] laboratory that uses chemicals can actually compromise the integrity of the building.”

According to the public notice posted at the site of the new laboratory center, the project,

which is handled by IronconBuilders and Development Corp., started on Sept. 21, 2015 and would be completed this Sept. 14.

UST’s laboratories are managed by the Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Office, headed by Ross Vasquez. The Main Building houses almost all laboratory rooms of UST, specifically on its higher floors.

“The University, considering this as a heritage site, decided to build another structure prioritizing the laboratories, which also comes in the best interest, to provide its students with world-class laboratory facilities in line with the current curriculum,” Facilities Management Office (FMO) Director Fr. Rolando Castro, O.P. said in an interview.

The new laboratory building will be

parallel to the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex and adjacent with the FMO building.

It will also house 32 teaching laboratories at the second to sixth floors, a 200-seater lecture hall and a Central Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Office at the topmost floor, and a loft-type roof deck with solar panels.

After the laboratories are moved, the vacant spaces in the Main Building will be converted into function rooms.

Dagohoy ended his first term as rector a month ahead of schedule last March 31.

Vice Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. assumed the post of Acting Rector (see related story on page 2). JULIUS ROMAN F. TOLOP and

JEROME P. VILLANUEVA

UST Santa Rosa campus to open in 2020

By JEROME P. VILLANUEVA FOUR years from now, UST will be able to extend Thomasian education to Santa Rosa, Laguna, the first campus of the University outside Metro Manila, Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. has bared.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Varsitarian after ending his four-year term as rector, Fr. Dagohoy said the site development plan by the Makati-based TCGI Engineers was submitted to him last March and the construction contract was ready for bidding.

“The site development plan is finished. Actually, it’s ready for bidding but it was caught up with the transition, so it’s up to the Economic Council now to take that up and

continue the work we have started,” Fr. Dagohoy said.

“Site development will take over a year, and then the construction of the building will take a year and a half. That would mean 2017 or 2018,” Fr. Dagohoy said. “Plus one year for planning for academic personnel, so that’s 2019, practically just in time for the first batch of K to 12 graduates. So, it will open in 2020.”

New undergraduate programs will be offered in the new campus.

“Mga bagong programs ito na ginawa ng Science and Engineering.

We are not planning to open new programs here in the España campus [because] we are congested here,” he said.

The construction of the Santa Rosa campus was first announced

by Fr. Dagohoy in his Rector’s Report last year.

Mindanao campus The Santa Rosa campus will open ahead of another planned expansion project, the General Santos Campus in Mindanao, which has stalled due to lack of government permits. The General Santos (GenSan) campus site sits on 82 hectares of agricultural land that needs conversion for institutional use.

Fr. Dagohoy said he was able to secure approval of city officials but at the national level, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) had yet to approve the permit that would allow further development of the satellite campus.

UST bought the land for P96 million in 1997.

“Plans for the GenSan campus started way back during the time of Fr. Tamerlane Lana. That was 20 years ago. That’s how delayed we are as far as [the] GenSan [campus] is concerned,” Fr. Dagohoy said.

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B.H. SEPE

DAR first approved the conversion of the land in 2003 and issued another order in 2008, extending the development period of the site until 2013. The order expired on July 22, 2013, putting the construction of the UST GenSan campus on hold.

In 2013, the General Santos City Council approved the change in the zoning classification of the property to institutional from agricultural through City Ordinance no. 15 s. 2013.

Fr. Dagohoy said the University would have to reassess the programs to be offered in General Santos, citing the “fast-changing educational landscape.”

Documents submitted to the city council indicated that UST planned to offer the following programs: Bachelor in Secondary Education (major in English, Math and Science), Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing, and Bachelor of Science in Tourism.

Pope confers highest honor on Thomasian sculptor SCULPTOR Wilfredo Layug was conferred the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, the Holy See’s highest recognition for the laity, for his ecclesiastical art, joining the Thomasian roster of papal awardees.

Layug, 57, received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, which translates to “For the Church and Pope,” during Holy Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, Pampanga offered by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas last March 8.

Layug joins the list of Thomasian papal awardees such as Chief Justice Andres Narvasa (1977), former Graduate School Dean Magdalena Villaba (1987), Dr. Milagros Fernandez (1984) and Benedictine liturgist Fr. Anscar Chupungco (2013).

In a phone interview with the Varsitarian, Layug said he was overwhelmed in receiving the papal honor.

“Diba Katoliko tayo, mahal natin ang Holy Father. Kapag binigyan ka ng ganitong karangalan, [nakaka-overwhelm]. Sinurpresa ako ni Archbishop Socrates Villegas [nung binigay ang award na ito],” Layug said.

Asked what works he considers his masterpieces, the sculptor cited the retablo behind the altar he had donated to the Pontificio Collegio Sculptor PAGE 11

Layug

2 News

APRIL 29, 2016

Editor: Dayanara T. Cudal

Dagohoy tops election for Rector FR. HERMINIO Dagohoy, O.P. topped the election for Rector among Dominicans in UST last April 25, nearly a month after completing a first term marked by big-ticket projects, efforts to boost the University’s international profile, and a fourth papal visit.

Fr. Dagohoy’s election by members of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas began the selection process for the rectorship. His election still has to be confirmed by the Vatican and the Master of the Order of Preachers.

But Rome has historically never disagreed with the election results, and UST rectors are traditionally allowed to complete two fouryear terms.

Sought for comment, Fr. Dagohoy said he would “think hard pray about it.”

In an earlier interview with the Varsitarian, he said he stepped down last March 31, a month earlier than scheduled, to give more time for the election and transition process as well as preparations for the K to 12 transition (see related stories on pages 1 and 2). Fr. Dagohoy added that he preferred to be sent to Dominican missions after years of serving in administrative positions, but said the decision to reelect him was up to his brethren.

Vice Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. is the Acting Rector.

The April 25 convocation nominated two other candidates aside from Fr. Dagohoy: Fr. Ang and Fr. Rodel Aligan, O.P., regent of the Faculty of Arts and Letters. The Dominican priory in UST has around 40 members.

The UST General Statutes states that any Filipino member of the Dominican Order holding a civil or ecclesiastical doctorate B.H. SEPE degree is eligible to become Rector. Around 15 Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. during his Rector’s Report at the Medicine Auditorium last Oct. 16. to 20 Dominicans are qualified, Fr. Ang said.

After the convocation of the University’s Dominican friars, UST Vice Chancellor Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P. will approve the terna or list of three candidates and present it to the Academic Senate, which THE UNIVERSITY has set a prudent financial management, Only around 40 advanced-level would be the scenario. There will then scrutinize and rank the candidates. target of 6,000 new students, Fr. Dagohoy bared. The existing high schools will be able to will certainly be adjustments The Senate is composed of the Vice mostly in senior high school enrollment would also be able to send graduates to college next [because] nobody could claim Chancellor, who is the provincial or head of (SHS), during the painful K to support University operations, academic year. that we are entirely K to the Dominican Province of the Philippines, 12 transition next academic year he said.

As a result, the University 12-ready,” Fr. Dagohoy said. to avoid incurring a shortfall in “We would be able to will offer only 22 out of its But he cited the strength Dagohoy PAGE 11 revenues, Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, manage to absorb the huge existing 53 programs. of the University in the O.P. has bared.

Fr. Dagohoy said all implementation of the K to 12 losses for the next five years, but This will be 3,000 students [UST] must look at other sources universities face this problem, basic education reform—tenured short of the normal freshman of income [and] hope that the warning that some schools would faculty members who can teach enrollment of 9,000 every year, number of students would return be forced to shut down. “The specialized subjects in UST as only 1,000 first-year college to normal after four [or] five P200-million [losses] will be SHS. students are expected to enroll years,” Fr. Dagohoy said. “We incurred if [no students enroll] “Pagdating sa K to 12, next academic year because of have huge bottom line [savings] or only half the [target] is met. masuwerte ang University [kasi]

By ALHEX ADREA M. PERALTA the implementation of the K to every year. Mabuti nga tayo Ito ang problema ng madaming in the first place, we don’t have and JEROME P. VILLANUEVA 12 basic education reform, said meron tayong naipon, kung wala universities kaya ang nakikita problem with tenured faculty,” Fr. Dagohoy in a wide-ranging tayong naipon mahihirapan ang natin, marami ang magco-close Fr. Dagohoy told the Varsitarian.

FOR THE past two academic years, UST raised nearly interview with the Varsitarian University mag-absorb ng losses after a year or two.”

Fr. Dagohoy again gave P31 million in donations for scholarships, research after ending his four-year term. na ‘yan.” assurances that the University grants, professorial chairs and special projects, a If UST fails to hit its With high school students K to 12 readiness would retain 1,200 tenured financial report showed. enrollment targets, annual losses required to go through Grades 11 Fr. Dagohoy gave the faculty members this coming The UST Research and Endowment Foundation, could hit around P200 million and 12 starting this June, there University a score of 8 on a scale academic year, adding UST was Inc. (REFI) through the Office for Grants, Endowments for the next five years, but this will be a significant reduction in of 1 to 10 when it came to K to still hiring SHS teachers. “We and Partnerships in Higher Education (OGEP) provides could be plugged by savings enrollment in college programs 12 preparedness. financial assistance to faculty and students who wish to Shortfall PAGE 11 accumulated over years of for the years 2016 to 2022.

“We don’t know really what engage in research projects.

In the financial report, OGEP Director Fr. Rolando de La Rosa, O.P. said donations to the foundation for the fiscal years 2013 to 2015 amounted to P30,971,577.52.

Faculty members, support staff and students benefited Executive Board at Central Board.

SA BAWAT pagtatapos ng akademikong sa bawat fakultad at kolehiyo sa UST. from the funds, he said. taon, nagiging maingay ang pulitika sa Kaiba naman sa dalawang sangay REFI had assets of P430,822,439. Expenses for the loob ng Unibersidad partikular sa eleksiyon ng CSC, isang pambihirang katangian ng Tomasino siya period reached P8,040,450.

Patuloy na pinagyayaman ng isang ng Central Student Council (CSC), ang Board of Students ang pagkakaroon ng For fiscal year 2013-2014, the biggest donation, pinakamataas na governing student body sa isang class reporter mula sa bawat klase Tomasinong inhinyero ang makabagong P1.7 million, came from alumna Josefina SevillaUST. na magsisilbing correspondent para sa teknolohiya ng pagtatayo ng imprastraktura Gardinier. It went to the David and Josefina Gardenier sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang Gayun pa man, alam n’yo bang may Varsitarian.

Scholarship Fund, which supports students pursuing nauna nang University-wide student body “Such a step as the formulation of a kahusayan sa structural engineering. degrees in secondary and elementary education.

Ang abilidad ni Engr. Jose Sy bago pa maitatag ang CSC? Board of Students in the University of Santo In the period 2014 to 2015, a donation of P9 million Sa isyu ng Varsitarian noong Tomas is one of the best ways by which we ang nagpababa sa mataas na presyo was given to the Manuela F. Evangelista Fund, a fund akademikong taong 1927-1928, inilimbag can create a better and greater university ng konstruksiyon ng mga gusali sa established by UST alumni to support theology students ang rekomendasiyon ng isang hindi spirit among our students,” pagsasalaysay pamamagitan ng paghahalo ng mga and catechists at the UST Central Seminary. pangunahing materyales tulad ng konkreto pinangalanang opisyal ng Unibersidad ukol sa nalimbag na artikulo. sa pagtatatag ng “Board of Students,” na Taong 1981 nang itatag ang CSC, Grants and projects Usapang Uste PAHINA 8 naglalayong magsilbing tagapamagitan sa kasama ang dalawang sangay nito, ang From 2013 to 2015, thesis grants were granted to mga mag-aaral at sa mga dekano o sa Rektor.

22 faculty members, five of whom were finishing their Sa dalawang sangay ng CSC sa masters’ degrees. The rest were pursuing doctorate kasalukuyan, mas hawig ang Board of degrees.

Students sa Central Board kaysa sa Executive Travel grants were given to 14 researchers from Board.

Arts and Letters, Science, Accountancy, Architecture, Ang Executive Board ay binubuo ng Engineering, Music, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Sciences anim na opisiyal (president, vice president, and the Graduate School. secretary, treasurer, auditor at public Four faculty members from Pharmacy received relations officer) na ibinoto ng mga mag-aaral P25,000 each in financial assistance for professional sa buong Unibersidad kaya hindi tiyak kung development in the fiscal year 2014 to 2015. saang fakultad o kolehiyo manggagaling ang The grants office also spent P1.8 million on mga maluluklok sa puwesto. institutional development projects. The fund was Samantala, ang naunang Board of used for the purchase of electrical, hardware and Students ay binubuo ng tatlo hanggang conservation supplies; payment for the employees; apat na kinatawan mula sa bawat kolehiyo and the installation of advanced gamma scanners for sa kondisiyong hindi lalampas sa 20 ang high quality reproduction of images at the Miguel de kabuuang bilang nila—bahagyang pareho sa Benavides Library. ngayong Central Board na binubuo ng mga REFI also extended assistance to charitable pangulo ng mga local student council mula missions in Baler, Makati, Malabon and Bulacan conducted by Thomasian doctors.

University eyes 6,000 new students to avoid shortfall

UST raises P31M for research, scholarships

Usapang Uste

Pamahalaang pangmag-aaral noong 1920s

Assistant Editor: Danielle Ann F. Gabriel

UST still out of world subject rankings FOR THE fifth consecutive year, UST failed to gain a spot in the Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) worldwide subject rankings, left behind by University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila and De La Salle University.

UP ranked in four subjects, down from last year’s 11 subjects. The state university placed in the 101-150 bracket for English and Literature, 151-200 for both Agriculture and Forestry and the Modern Languages, and 301-400 for Medicine.

La Salle entered the 151-200 and 201-300 brackets for English Language and Literature and Education, respectively. Ateneo also placed at the 151-200 bracket for English Language and Literature.

The last time UST figured in the top 200 of the subject rankings was in 2011, when it entered the 101-150 bracket for English and Literature. The latest QS ranking by subject is the world’s largest subject ranking, covering 42 disciplines.

According to the official QS website, the annual World University Rankings by Subject provide employers, students, parents, and academics with the “most comprehensive insight into global university performance at the subject level.”

Beyond rankings Fr. Herminio Dagohoy O.P. said UST was not in the QS subject rankings due to the University’s failure to submit data required by the London-based QS. “I think hindi tayo seryoso mag-submit nung mga data na kailangan ng QS. You have to provide QS with the research and activities of the

particular department where you want to be ranked,” Fr. Dagohoy said in an interview with the Varsitarian after ending his first term as Rector.

While research in UST is improving, there is a need to establish a central data management system, he said. “Our problem is structural in the sense that we need to have more dedicated people and come up with a very good data management system because our data is not yet computerized and that takes a lot of time,” Fr. Dagohoy said.

But UST’s failure to appear in the QS subject rankings does not define its overall performance as a competent institution, he said.

“Universities are complex institutions and no ranking can say that one university is better than the other. The ranking does not capture the University’s role in the community,” Fr. Dagohoy said.

Lack of focus in research General education department chairs pointed to the University’s perennial problems in research and publication.

Augusto de Viana, history department chairman, said there were limited slots for faculty who want to do research. “In our department, there are 28 tenured professors and there are only very limited slots for members who could be allowed to do research. The University also has limited funds for research,” De Viana said in an interview.

De Viana said the cessation of the publication of Unitas, the official scholarly journal of UST for the humanities, liberal arts and the social sciences, in 2009, and Ad Veritatem, the official multidisciplinary

research journal of the Graduate School, in 2012, forced faculty members to publish outside UST. “As a result of the two journals being shut down, we have to publish outside UST or abroad. The good thing is that our research are accepted abroad. The bad thing is we are killing our own publication and promoting the publications of others,” De Viana said.

Literature department chairwoman Joyce Arriola said research and publications in the University were not extensive.

“We have faculty members who are still just finishing their doctorate degrees so their priorities are in their coursework and dissertation writing. We have only a few faculty members doing research and a number are fellows of the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS),” Arriola said, adding that creative writing under CCWLS is only half of the literary research required. The other half is the publication of criticism, which UST is poor at, Arriola added.

The Philippines is one of the 60 countries worldwide that have universities recognized by QS. The rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

In the QS world university rankings last year, UST kept its place in the 701+ bracket. UP, Ateneo and La Salle slid, placing in the 401-410 bracket, 501550 bracket and 701+ bracket respectively.

Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology dominated the QS subject rankings. ALHEX ADREA M. PERALTA and JEROME

P. VILLANUEVA

Spiritual conversion urges to address ‘ecological crises’ CARING for the environment is an obligation, not an optional duty for Catholics.

Nearly a year since the release of “Laudato si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on taking care of creation, the Thomasian community was urged to safeguard the “common home” in the “Ambag Kalikasan” retreatconference last April 5 to 7.

Fr. John Leydon, Philippine coconvenor of the 2014 Global Catholic Climate Movement, said taking care of the environment should be prioritized by every Catholic.

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiworks is essential to a life of virtue, not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience,” Fr. Leydon said.

Fr. Leydon reiterated Laudato si’s call to the faithful to start cultural change through “profound interior conversion” to eradicate “ecological crises” mainly caused by irresponsible use of technology.

“Ecological crisis is not a Catholic crisis, it’s a human species crisis. The root cause is our modern culture, which [the Pope] characterizes as the technocratic paradigm,” Fr. Leydon

said in his keynote address.

Fr. Benny Tuazon, executive director of the Ministry of Ecology of the Archdiocese of Manila, said the Pope’s encyclical correlates the environment’s importance with the principles of Christian faith.

“Using the present crisis, the Pope presented how Christians regard creation. Ultimately, the goal of the encyclical is not only for all to care for the Earth for our own survival, but also for our own salvation,” Fr. Tuazon told the Varsitarian.

The retreat-conference was the University’s contribution to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) call for “integral faith renewal” in preparation for the 500th year of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021.

Thomasian response Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Fr. Filemon de la Cruz, Jr., O.P., urged the Thomasian community to lead and actively participate in ecological affairs to preserve the “common home.”

“As a Catholic University, we are not only called as an institution. We are gathered as a community of Christ. In

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APRIL 29, 2016

Laudato si’, you can see the richness of our faith tradition at work in addressing the concerns of our common home,” Fr. de la Cruz said.

Fr. Rolando Castro, O.P., head of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Dominican community in UST, said the modern generation is blinded by worldly things, reminding Thomasians of the Creator’s promises of an “eternity with Him.” The retreat-conference also highlighted the Thomasian’s “outputbased contribution” to taking care of the environment.

Engineering alumnus Rikki Macolor presented his invention, the solar lamp, which lighted 1,300 houses after the devastation caused by Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013. Macolor was among the young people who delivered testimonies during the youth encounter with Pope Francis at UST in January 2015.

“You have a lot of Filipinos who have talents, but the problem is they do not have enough knowledge to do such,” Macolor said. “I think awareness should be the first step to actually do something.”

Other Thomasians recognized

were Antonio Espejo of the UST Facilities Management Office, who talked about the UST Sewage Treatment Plant, and Chemical Engineering senior Ralph Dequiña, who presented his “Green Hope” project, primarily powered by renewable energy.

Leo-Martin Angelo Ocampo, a faculty member from the Institute of Religion, translated Laudato si’ into Filipino, to help the laity understand the Pope’s message.

“If a document as important as Laudato si’ becomes translated into Filipino, then it becomes accessible to more people, especially to simple folk.

Mas tumatagos sa puso,” Ocampo said in an interview.

With the permission of the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, the official publisher of the Vatican, he started the translation of Laudato si’ in June last year and managed to publish the Filipino version in two months.

Laudato si’ is the second encyclical of Pope Francis, which focuses on the need for people to take action amid worsening environmental problems. JOHN GABRIEL M.

AGCAOILI and LEA MAT P. VICENCIO

Eng’g places 3rd in international debate faceoff THREE Thomasians bagged third place in an international engineering debate competition in Bandung, Indonesia last March 16 to 18, as the only representatives of the Philippines.

Chemical Engineering seniors Vince Luiz Cruz, Paul Ryan Henry Manzon, Queen Desiree Dalisay and adviser Ayesha Duavis secured a podium finish in the debate contest of Chemical Engineering Challenge (IChEC) 2016. The first place was won by the University of Indonesia.

Bandung Institute of Technology took second place.

The tournament adopted the Asian Parliamentary Format. Each team was composed of three members, namely the prime minister, deputy prime minister and whip.

The topic was whether “technology issues should be the first consideration in the development of coal in the chemical industry.”

The Thomasians passed the elimination round, which was an essay-writing contest. In the final round, UST went against Diponegoro University. The Thomasians argued that legal and regulatory issues should be considered first.

This was the first time that Thomasians participated in the event.

Chemical Engineering Department Chairman Mark Emile Punzalan said the UST engineering students’ first-ever win in the debate category opened doors for the faculty to join other competitions aside from research competitions and quiz contests.

“This also shows the versatility of the students and a valid proof that they are able to meet some of the student outcomes that we have set. I also hope that this win serves as motivation and inspiration to all the students to take on challenges and opportunities, even in the out-of-the-classroom setup,” Punzalan said in an email to the Varsitarian.

The debate is a new competition in the annual event. Other competitions involved plant design, solving problems, making posters and a seminar.

Dubbed as one of the most prestigious chemical engineering competitions, the 20th IChEC sought to boost the awareness of chemical engineering students on various issues and train them in solving global problems through multidisciplinary skills. KATHRYN V. BAYLON

4 Opinion

APRIL 29, 2016

Editorial

A failure of Thomasian education?

IT IS ironic how a university that prides itself as the oldest Catholic university in Asia is also the home of students who are mostly morally selective and apathetic to Catholic teachings and values.

A voter-education survey of the Varsitarian showed that Thomasians consider morality as the most important quality of a candidate for the national elections (39 percent); followed by education (28), government platform (16), and experience (13). Popularity and “endorsements” came out the lowest with one percent each.

However, 48 percent or 653 students of the 1,361 randomly selected respondents for the same survey also answered that they were in favor of “death penalty,” while 39 percent (529 respondents) were not. The remaining 13 percent or 179 respondents had no answer.

A more recent survey showed that Miriam Defensor Santiago and Rodrigo Duterte—candidates who supported the Reproductive Health law and death penalty for drug traffickers—are the top presidential bets of Thomasians while Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—the heir to the dark and shameful Marcos legacy, and Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo are statistically tied for the vice-presidency.

The inconsistency between the choices made by Thomasians in these social and political issues, and the Christian values that the University upholds shows that the kind of Catholic education they receive from UST, the Catholic University of the Philippines and the only pontifical university in Asia—is mediocre and even shallow.

The moral laxity and Christian mediocrity of Thomasians and of Filipino Catholic youth in general is a sad reality in today’s society. Most people of this “new” generation have “morally justified” violations of traditionally held moral beliefs, such as those against gay marriage, pre-marital sex, contraception and abortion.

More alarmingly perhaps, while young Filipinos are liberal with sexual morality and condone contraception and even abortion, which is killing, they go for harsh capital punishment, easily abandoning the Catholic Church’s pro-life advocacy “from womb to tomb.”

It has been a common notion among the youth to condone immoral actions so as to promote equality and justice among all, using collective benefits as justification.

After all, they could always argue that what is moral for one might be immoral for another. In short, they don’t have any notion of moral absolutes. The only absolute rule for them is relativism.

Beyond board-exam results and international rankings, the true measure of Thomasian education should be how well the students uphold the core values of UST—competence, commitment, and compassion—and foundational Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life and Editorial PAGE 10

FOUNDED JAN. 16, 1928 LORD BIEN G. LELAY Editor in Chief ANGELI MAE S. CANTILLANA Managing Editor ARIANNE F. MEREZ Associate Editor DAYANARA T. CUDAL News Editor DANIELLE ANN F. GABRIEL Assistant News Editor DELFIN RAY M. DIOQUINO Sports Editor MARY GILLAN FRANCES G. ROPERO Special Reports Editor ERIKA MARIZ S. CUNANAN Features Editor ALILIANA MARGARETTE T. UYAO Literary Editor MARIA KOREENA M. ESLAVA Patnugot ng Filipino MARIE DANIELLE L. MACALINO Witness Editor DARYL ANGELO P. BAYBADO Circle Editor RHENN ANTHONY S. TAGUIAM Online Editor ROBERTO A. VERGARA, JR. Assistant Online Editor AVA MARIANGELA C. VICTORIA Art Director News Kathryn Jedi V. Baylon, Clarence I. Hormachuelos, Roy Abrahmn D.R. Narra, Alhex Adrea M. Peralta, Jerome P. Villanueva Sports Carlo A. Casingcasing, John Chester P. Fajardo, Philip Martin L. Matel, Randell Angelo B. Ritumalta, Leif Arild F. Sykioco Special Reports Paul Xavier Jaehwa C. Bernardo, John Paul P. Corpuz, Monica M. Hernandez Features Mary Grace C. Esmaya, Maria Corazon A. Inay, Vianca A. Ocampo Literary Josef Brian M. Ramil, Cedric Allen P. Sta. Cruz Filipino Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas, Bernadette A. Paminutan Witness John Gabriel M. Agcaoili, Krystel Nicole A. Sevilla, Lea Mat P. Vicencio Science and Technology Maritz L. Lubo, Mia Rosienna P. Mallari, Kimberly Joy V. Naparan, Julius Roman M. Tolop Circle Amierielle Anne A. Bulan, Ma. Czarina A. Fernandez, Ethan James M. Siat Art Chinny Mae F. Basinang, Kirsten M. Jamilla, Seldon May T. Tagao, Freya D.L.R. Torres, Iain Rafel N. Tyapon Photography Alvin Joseph Kasiban, Amparo Klarin J. Mangoroban, Miah Terrenz Provido 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 and corresponding contact details will be entertained. Original manuscript contributions must be typewritten, double-spaced, on regular bond paper, and should include a signed certification bearing the author’s name, address, year, and college. The identity of 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, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.

Filipinos as stewards of creation EVERY time I see the stream of polluted water beside our home in the province, I cannot help but wonder how clean and clear it was during the old days. Although it is still not as polluted as the other rivers in the country, time may come that its state will worsen.

My late grandmother used to tell us stories about them bathing, swimming and fishing in it. For sure, it was an amazing sight to behold. Unfortunately, my generation will never be able to see its former glory.

It is undeniable that the world is facing a lot of environmental problems. Global warming, which leads to unstable climate, melting of polar glaciers, rising sea levels, among others; all types of pollution—air, water and land; deforestation; illegal logging and mining; and exploitation of natural resources, and endangered animals and plants—are just some of the issues that humankind is facing.

In the Philippines, disregard for the environment is indeed a grave matter of concern. Our country is still largely engaged in the use of coal, a major cause of pollution, as an energy source.

Poaching of endangered species, illegal mining operations, and

Ours is a generation of convenience, characterized by consumerism and capitalism. We continue to harm our environment by making our lives easier. other unlawful environmental activities are prevalent. Moreover, proper waste segregation and disposal remain problematic and perhaps, unimplementable.

When we look upon our environmental legislation, it would seem that we are a developed country. We probably even have some of the best environmental laws in the world, enough to ensure the conservation and protection of nature and our environment. Despite this, we continue to face ecological problems because our national laws and governmental policies are not concretely implemented to their fullest and strictest sense.

We can further trace the root cause of the situation to our ways of living. Ours is a

generation of convenience, with a “technocratic” civilization characterized by consumerism and capitalism. We continue to harm our environment by making our lives more convenient.

For instance, we use disposable plates and utensils when eating because we simply do not want to wash our dishes.

We use straws when drinking when we can still perfectly drink without using such. We continue to dispose everywhere or burn our trash because we became so used to these ways—all for our convenience.

Because of modernization and industrialization, most people have lost their bond with nature.

We are no longer amazed by the tall green trees but are rather

mesmerized by giant skyscrapers.

We no longer appreciate the birds that fly but are rather interested in seeing airplanes and rockets making their way up in the sky.

Because we are all busy with our “advanced” lives, we take nature for granted, and its wonders are just but another ordinary sight for us, if not tourists’ spots.

It is very alarming that we only start caring when we are already experiencing danger and calamities, which could have been prevented in the first place.

What is more concerning is there is no continuing effort from most people when it comes to active participation in environmental advocacies.

We often go to environmental conferences or participate in environmental funruns, campaign, clean-up drive and tree planting activities, but most of us stop there. Most of us think that once we do one noble act for the environment, it is already enough.

It is still commendable, however, that the Philippines has already made a lot of progress in saving our environment. The dying Pasig River, although still Excelsior PAGE 5

MTRCB fosters discrimination of fat people “UY, TUMABA ka!”

This phrase has become standard greeting between friends who have not seen each other for ages. Though it may be impolite, the fact it is often heard in presumably polite circles should indicate not only a contagion of impolite remarks but also of obesity.

As of 2015, three out of 10 Filipino adults were said to be obese, data from the National Nutrition Council disclosed.

This has been a steady increase in the Philippines for the past two decades. In 1995, only 16.6 percent of Filipino adults were obese, but in recent years, the percentage has reportedly climbed to a staggering 31.1 percent.

Despite society being more open to diversity, being fat remains an object of ridicule.

Last March, the Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) slapped an “X-rating” on an independent film for its seemingly demeaning title. ”Ang Taba ko Kasi,” a full-length film entry to the 2016 CineFilipino film festival directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, is a comedy which

Despite the acceptance of almost all the minority groups in today’s society, fat people have seemingly failed to get ‘tolerance’ from other people. centers on a plus-sized woman’s quest to trim down.

The main character, played

by Cai Cortez, ventures into swimming and gets infatuated with her buff instructor.

Cortez, whom I personally deem to be the perfect representation of strong, “horizontally challenged” women, portrayed a role which spoke to all types of audiences, hitting one of the many taboo topics in the Philippines: weight.

MTRCB decided to hand out the X-rating on the grounds of discrimination, saying the film employed “strong offensive language/insult on the appearance of a person.”

With this, Laxamana and Cortez, coincidentally both

plus-sized individuals, openly expressed their dismay. Cortez took to social media her grief, saying the word “taba” is a description, not an insult.

“Pwede pong pakiexplain, MTRCB? Taba is a description,” she wrote in her Instagram. “It is not an insult.

Same as payat, tangkad, liit, may mas malalala pa ngang trailer galing sa ibang bansa o sikat na pelikula dito na paulitulit na ina-advertise sa theaters eh. What is so offensive with ours that you labeled it [with an X-rating]? Would you have done the same if our title was ‘Ang Payat Ko Kasi’?”

Now, the only question to be answered is: As a fat person, will you be offended by the film’s title?

It is ironic that despite the acceptance of almost all the minority groups in today’s society, like gay people and immigrants, fat people have seemingly failed to get “tolerance” from other people.

I am not in any way implying that fat people are a minority, but the way the society describes and treats fat people is in no way accepting. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to always bear in mind how fat people should not be at the receiving end of jokes, let alone ridicule.

The Philippines harbors a considerable population of fat people. But beyond that, Filipinos must change their own mindset and adjust to a more tolerant perspective of various kinds of people. If we begin to accept other people, it will create a harmonious environment for all people involved.

How many companies have capitalized on the theory that fat people are not beautiful?

That apparently one can only be pleasing to the eye when he or she wears a size small?

Or that when a fat person does eventually want to improve his or her lifestyle by eating Tempus PAGE 5

APRIL 29, 2016

Presidential bets put Vice Ganda to shame PRESIDENTIAL debates have so far approximated the ambience of a circus rather than become occasions for intelligent exchange on sociopolitical platforms and vision.

The sad consequence is that the electorate remains at a loss on the future of Philippine democracy.

Political entertainment at its most crass was seen in the first two debates in Cagayan de Oro in February and in Cebu City last March.

Debating issues regarding corruption, crime, leadership competence, and political vision, the candidates seemed to have abandoned substance for flair and the ability to work up the crowd.

Liberal Party bet and administration candidate Mar Roxas opened the schoolyard fight by pouncing on Grace Poe’s inexperience in office, saying that the “presidency is not an on-the-job training.”

Roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay, meanwhile, lashed out at each other as they argued over the jarring contrast between Makati the business district (due to the Ayalas and private developers) and Makati the seedy city run by the Binays.

Sen. Miriam Santiago,

If only the candidates were as aggressive in commenting on issues as they were in tearing one another down, voters would have a better time discerning whom to vote for. as usual, played jester as she justified her eligibility in running for office, saying she is still alive: “Hindi ako pinatay ng guardian angel ko.”

While viewers of the first round of debates got a kick out of the candidates pulling at each other’s pigtails, hardly any substantial debate happened.

If only the candidates were as aggressive in commenting on the issues as they were in tearing one another down like kids fighting in a sandbox, voters would have a better time discerning whom to vote for in May. The second debate was hardly any improvement as the candidates continued to brawl and babble, even without Santiago.

Perhaps the second debate

was worse since in the first hour-and-a-half, the candidates wasted time debating the rule whether candidates could bring notes to the podium.

When the matter was settled however, Binay insisted on bringing documents to the stage.

The rumble continued with the candidates indulging in personal attacks.

Binay brought up Poe’s American citizenship, and Poe retaliated by citing the corruption allegations against the former Makati mayor.

The same allegations were made by Roxas against Binay.

Meanwhile Duterte again declared Roxas’s Wharton management degree was a fake, without citing any proof.

Too bad the Commission on

Elections-sponsored presidential debates merely added to the confusion of the electorate.

Political analysts commented that topics covered by the presidential debates were not discussed extensively.

UST Political Science Department Chair Dennis Coronacion said the debate provided the public a glimpse of the candidates’ character.

The third installment of the “PiliPinas” debates held in Pangasinan last April 24 enabled the candidates somehow to redeem themselves. Finally they were able to explain to the public their platforms and approaches.

Although mudslinging is perhaps unavoidable even in presidential debates, candidates should always strive for focus on issues, not on personal attacks or muckraking.

In focusing on political profanities and drollery in the previous debates, candidates failed to educate voters on what they could bring to the Malacañan table.

What they achieved was to somehow make quite a claim to rivaling stand-up comics.

The way they savaged one another should put Vice Ganda with his sarcasm and outright put-downs to shame.

Filipinos want ‘simple, comfortable life’ THE COUNTRY’s next four administrations have a tough challenge ahead of them.

The results of a survey conducted by the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) last March showed that majority of Filipinos want a “comfortable and simple life” by 2040.

The survey, conducted as part of Neda’s long-term vision program dubbed as “AmBisyon Natin 2040,” also disclosed that many Filipinos prefer to work in the country rather than abroad 25 years from now.

Of the 10,000 respondents, 79 percent said they wanted a simple and comfortable life with enough money for their family’s daily needs, a car, a medium-sized home, their own business and time to relax with family and friends, go on occasional trips around the Philippines, and provide college education for their children.

Sixteen percent said they wanted an affluent life, while about four percent wanted to have the life of the rich.

Just in time for the upcoming national elections, this goal imposes a big challenge for the future leaders of the country.

Excelsior

FROM PAGE 4

polluted, has improved its state since 2011, with the initiatives of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. A lot of “natural integrated protected areas” have been declared and maintained.

Most municipal and city governments have also adopted proper waste management systems.

The City of San Fernando in Pampanga was even able to attain “zero-waste” management of garbage since 2013, because all of its barangays have their own material recovery facilities and every household properly segregates. It was also able to properly and effectively implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or Republic Act No. 9003, which has

Opinion 5

Photojournalism as a calling I NEVER understood the power of a photograph until I became a photojournalist.

I did not know that I could use my camera not only as an instrument to produce art, but as a tool for sparking change.

When I started doing photography, I really did not care much about the people or the places that I captured through my lens.

But as I pursued this passion, I realized that there was more to just capturing a moment through my camera.

Photography, oriented toward journalism, has the bigger and nobler purpose of telling stories and conveying messages behind the images that are captured.

From caring only with aesthetics, I am now more focused on finding the meaning of every event that I go to.

With all the coverages that I have been through, I have become more socially and politically aware of what is happening around me.

When I covered the protests and rallies during the last State of the Nation Address of President Aquino III, I felt the anger and rage of the protesters who condemned corruption and poverty, only to be violently dispersed by the police.

I felt their desperation and dismay over the “non-inclusive” government, which prided itself with a boosting economy despite the poor remaining as such.

The only way for these people to express their disappointment to the government was to burn effigies in Mendiola, and the only thing I could do was to capture that

Photography, oriented toward journalism, has the bigger and nobler purpose of telling stories and conveying messages behind the images that are captured.

With the current state of the Philippines, we are far from being a middle-class country which can provide such a kind of life for most Filipinos.

At present, the country’s per capita income, which reflects the kind of lifestyle Filipinos have, is at $3,500 (around P160,000). This is far from the project’s goal of $11,000 (around P500,000), which is enough to eradicate poverty by 2040.

Moreover, the Philippines still remains to be one of the largest sources of overseas workers.

This scenario will seem to continue for the coming years, as the unemployment rate is at 5.8 percent, meaning 1 out of 10 Filipinos does not have a job, according to the January 2016 Labor Force Survey of the

Philippine Statistics Authority.

Moreover, 1,844,710 overseas Filipino workers were deployed in 2014, while an average number of 6,092 Filipinos were leaving the country per day in 2015.

Neda’s vision requires immense support from the next four administrations. After all, the incumbent president and his or her Cabinet compose the Neda Board.

Without the proper implementation of necessary policies by the government, this vision will remain a mere dream for Filipinos.

The attainment of this goal can only be possible if the future administrations will be able to build a more inclusive government that will provide affordable education to the youth, develop an

effective and efficient mass transportation system, and energize the economy to foster the right climate for jobs and business.

With just a few weeks before the May 9 elections, the fulfillment of this vision also lies at the hands of Filipino electorate.

With the goal of becoming a middle-class country by 2040, choosing the next leaders who will run the government has become more crucial for Filipinos.

Like what Neda Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra said during the launching of this project, the government’s primary role in attaining this goal was to enable continuous growth in the economy, invest in every Filipino and protect them against instability.

Filipino voters should elect leaders who have the capacity to protect everyone against social, environmental and economic instability, above all.

Surely, the country will face various challenges in the next 25 years, but with the combined efforts of the government and Filipino citizens, the country may even celebrate a progressive Philippines sooner than 2040.

been a struggle for other cities and municipalities to comply with.

It is also noteworthy that the University of Santo Tomas has also been committed in protecting and conserving the environment.

It adopts a smoke-free policy, recycles rainwater for planting and cleaning purposes, observes proper segregation and maintains a long line of trees inside the campus, among others.

Its offices and colleges recycle papers; some adopt a styro-free policy. Students are also actively participating in environmental advocacies, cleanup drives and community service, with several organizations such as Earth-UST, and many more.

The challenge for all of us now is to continue what we have already started. In a country where most people are Christians, everyone must realize that disregard for the environment is

an “ecological” sin. As such, we do not remain true to our purpose as stewards of God’s creation.

All of us can become environmentalists in our own personal ways. The Earth was entrusted to all of us, and we are the ones responsible for all that is happening to it. As said in the Scriptures, we feel God’s love and presence through His creation— that includes not only the land, the water, the air, the animals, but also our fellow human beings.

As highlighted in two landmark Supreme Court decisions, Oposa v. Factoran and Resident Marine Mammals v.

Secretary Reyes, every Filipino has the right to fight for the environment, especially for those who cannot speak for themselves and those who are yet to born.

We should uphold the concept of “intergenerational responsibility” by ensuring a

is beautiful,” when they “balanced and healthful ecology, themselves complain aloud how, in accordance within the rhythm for an instance, a fat person they and harmony of nature,” not only FROM PAGE 4 sit next to in a jeepney should for ourselves but also for our children and their future children. healthy food or going to gym, pay for two seats.

In our age where As noted in Pope Francis’ society will always be quick to encyclical, Laudato si’, “the judge, let alone ridicule, the said acceptance and tolerance have been the norm, is it really too environment is a part of a logic efforts?

However, fat people are much to ask to extend the same of receptivity. It is a loan to each generation, which must then not the only ones who are courtesy to fat people? Just like hand it to the next.” Thus, we obese, but rather the condition any kind of form of prejudice, are all called towards ecological affects people who are not discrimination based on a conversion—to shun our old evidently fat. There is such a person’s “size” needs to end.

It does not mean that if habits and strive to find ways thing called as “thin-outside-faton how we can contribute to the inside (TOFI)” which describes you are fat, you are also lazy, protection and conservation of how thin individuals who have undisciplined, unhealthy, or a our environment through our own disproportionate amount of burden to the society. body fat. People who are TOFI Filipinos can leave the simple ways.

We should never lose hope are at a higher risk of type two theaters with more than a in saving our environment in diabetes, among other diseases. healthy laugh after watching Therefore, what people a movie about a fat woman’s spite of the veracity and severity of the problem, because despite need to do then, regardless of dream to trim down her shape, everything that was already lost, their waistline, is to develop a perhaps with a real sense of understanding for every type of there is still so many that are left to healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Individuals cannot preach individual—no matter how big us, which are really worth fighting that they believe “everybody or small. for.

Filipino voters should elect leaders who have the capacity to protect everyone against social, environmental and economic instability, above all.

moment.

Right then it struck me that covering events of national significance was not just a practice, but a profession—a “calling.”

Now I do photojournalism because I believe that I can help spark awareness and change through the images that I capture and publish, hoping that the ones who will see them will be encouraged to do something and be involved with social issues that our country is facing.

Moreover, when I entered the Varsitarian, I also gained a deeper perspective towards the Church and the University.

I witnessed how committed Filipinos are in professing their faith by covering events such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene, the Holy Week celebration in Santo Domingo, and La Naval procession, among others.

I also saw how united that Filipino Catholics are in welcoming the head of the Catholic Church during my participation in the papal visit coverage last year.

By covering University-wide festivities and UAAP games, I developed a new sense of belonging to UST and a deeper bond with my fellow Thomasians. I saw them cry over the loss of the UST Growling Tigers during the championship, but I also witnessed them cheer in support of all the Thomasian athletes.

Most of the time, I thought that I was only doing this because it is my job. But now I know that I am doing this not only for the V or for the people who see my photographs published, but also for myself.

I became a wiser and a more open-minded person by immersing myself in the Thomasian community, all because I am a photojournalist.

When I share my experiences with my fellow photojournalists, friends and even with my family, our conversations go beyond the normal “small talk” because we most likely end up debating on social and political issues; and I am glad that I can express myself and make my own stand.

I owe these all to photojournalism and to the V. I was able to see more than what the naked eye could perceive through the lens of my camera.

Tempus

6

Editor: Daryl Angelo P. Baybado

CIRC

UST’s Lucky 13: Zaragoza, Bautista named National Artists

By AMIERIELLE ANNE A. BULAN and CEDRIC ALLEN P. STA. CRUZ THE PONTIFICAL University now has 13 National Artists with former Varsitarian literary editor Cirilo Bautista and the late architecture alumnus Jose Maria Zaragoza joining the roster after their conferment and elevation to the Order of National Artists (ONA) in Malacanang ceremonies by President Aquino III last April 14.

Also conferred as National Artists were Francisco Coching for the visual arts, Alice G. Reyes for dance, and Ramon Santos and Francisco Feliciano for music.

Manuel Conde (cinema), Federico Alcuaz (visual arts) and Lazaro Francisco (literature) likewise conferred the ONA posthumously.

Following the conferment rites was a performing-arts tribute to the new ONA honorees at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

The tribute included performances by Ballet Philippines, Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of UST Conservatory of Music professor Herminigildo Ranera.

In honor of Bautista, his poems—“Concerning Poetry,” “Patalim” and “Poem Addressed to Himself”—were read by Tanghalang Pilipino actors Liesl Batucan and Remus Villanueva.

Bautista, a senior associate of the University’s Center for Creative Writing and Studies, said being National Artist was the zenith of his life in literature.

Bautista, 74, said he felt honored because the award recognized At the CCP tribute, newly conferred living National Artists are joined on stage by relatives representing posthumous honorees.

B.H. SEPE his contributions to the flourishing of Philippine arts and culture.

“Artists are the transmitters of culture,” he explained.

He urged UST to keep the Thomasian tradition of writing alive, particularly Catholic writing. “I will say to keep up that tradition because it is already dying in competition with the modern ways,” he deplored.

Zaragoza meanwhile was recognized posthumously for his architectural designs. During the tribute, his 36 office buildings, 45 churches, four hotels, two hospitals, 15 airport terminals, five low-cost and middle-income housing projects and more than 270 residences, were flashed in an audiovisual presentation.

Zaragoza (1912-1994) was represented by daughter Loudette Zaragoza-Banson at CCP. Banson said her father expressed deep love not only for the country’s cultural heritage but also for the Blessed Mother.

“My father was really dedicated to his work, especially to religious infrastructure during his latter years,” she said. “He had this love for the Virgin Mary that our family is so proud of.”

Zaragoza was influenced by his professor in architecture, National Cirilo Bautista during the tribute by the UST Creative Writing Center last October at UST; Jose Ma. Zaragoza; and the Santo Domingo Church, Artist Juan Nakpil, said Zaragoza’s son, Ramon.

Zaragoza’s most celebrated work.

“The first National Artist for architecture, Juan Nakpil, was one of my father’s greatest professors,” said the younger Zaragoza, who also took up architecture in UST. “That is why the family is more than happy with this award since he now joins the company of one of his professors.”

ORDINARY paper napkins were For the Zaragoza family, the Santo Domingo Church was their transformed into powerful and father’s most treasured works. interesting canvases in Rodolfo Ramon Zaragoza said his father had won in an international Samonte’s solo exhibit, “The competition in which “they (the Dominicans) invited all the best Abstract McSketches of Rodolfo architects in the world to design the best church.”

Samonte,” at Galerie Astra in Santo Domingo Church, also called the National Shrine of Our Makati City last March 17-31.

Lady of the Rosary La Naval de Manila, was declared a National Fine Arts alumnus Rodolfo Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2012.

Samonte said he spontaneously With Bautista and Zaragoza on the list, UST now has 13 National made the sketches on paper Artists. Others are Arturo Luz, J. Elizalde Navarro and Ang Kiukok napkins while having breakfast for the visual arts; Ernani Cuenco for music; Gerardo de Leon for film; daily at fast-food chain Leandro Locsin, Ildefonso Santos Jr. and Juan Nakpil for architecture; McDonald’s, thus his new series Rolando Tinio for theater and literature; and F. Sionil Jose and called “McSketches.”

Bienvenido Lumbera for literature.

Samonte explained he discovered the ability of an ordinary material to be maneuvered into vividly painted canvases.

His 38 works on exhibit were mostly in ink highlighted Mcsketch No. 40, 12” x 7” by acrylic paint and followed his abstract expressionist bent— geometric shapes clashing with chaotic lines in black and white.

Some were accented with colors red and cinnamon brown.

Samonte said the dynamics of the symmetrical lines and geometry on the paper napkins show effects not present in linen or cotton canvases.

“The patterns would not have CONSERVATORY of Music Dean Raul Sunico was the main feature the same effect without the pulps in “Melodies and Memories,” a concert last April 17 at the Paraclete and weaves of McDonald’s paper Auditorium, College of the Holy Spirit (CHS), Mendiola, Manila. The napkins,” Samonte said in an event aimed to raise money for the CHS scholarship program and the interview with the Varsitarian.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Global Ministry which promotes devotion to the first “It adds to the complexity of the Filipino saint among overseas Filipino workers (OFW). abstract work as the ink joins and “This is also in memory of [Philippine Daily] Inquirer columnist becomes coherent with the line Josephine Darang who promoted devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz in positions.” her column, ‘Purely Personal’,” Fr. Erno Diaz, a Filipino priest in the “Without the texture and Archdiocese of New York and founder of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Global absorbency of the paper napkins,” Mcsketch No. 34, 12” x 14” Mcsketch No. 36, 12” x 14” Ministry, said in his opening remarks.

Samonte added, “the stains The concert opened with the Ambassadors of Light, a chorale and smudges will not show its consisting of musically-talented, blind children and young adults, totally unexpected.” intended natural and abstract performing the songs, “San Lorenzo Hymn” by Dom Benildus Samonte is also an acclaimed effect.”

Maramba and “Karamay ni Hesus” by Anderson Go. printmaker and digital artist. He Renowned art critic Cid Sunico performed three preludes by Russian composer Sergei was influenced by primitivism, Reyes praised Samonte. a type of modern art alluding to “What is so breathtaking the stylistic elements of tribal with Samonte’s new series is the Sunico PAGE 10 objects and non-Western art unbelievable inexhaustibility of forms, of which he practiced the composition of the works,” with Thomasian multi-awarded said Reyes during the opening painter Mario Parial and former night. “He turned an ordinary material into a medium that would Varsitarian art director Ramon Dellosa during his stay in the excite the audience as each stroke University. AMIERIELLE ANNE A. of paint on the paper napkin BULAN Samonte at the exhibit’s opening. proceeds in a direction that is

Samonte’s ‘McSketches’: Paper napkin as art

Sunico concert raises funds to promote OFW devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz

Sunico

CLE

7

APRIL 29, 2016

USTv Awards tackle May 9 polls But most of the awards are personalityand showbiz-oriented

TAKING into account the May 9 elections, the 12th edition of the USTv Students Choice Awards introduced new categories to recognize broadcast initiatives to raise public awareness about clean, honest, and responsible elections.

But it was also noted that with 32 categories mostly focused on personalities (there were even awards for hosts or “personalities” of reality, game, sports and gossip shows, and for Maine Mendoza as “social media phenomenon”), the USTv Awards might also have adopted the shallower aspects of Philippine politics—its personality orientation, crass celebrityhood, and focus on show biz and entertainment, rather than substance and intelligence.

Its formal awarding ceremonies held April 21 at the Plaza Mayor, USTv gave ABS-CBN’s “#Halalan2016” campaign the awards for the Student’s Choice of Public Announcement for National Elections and Student Leaders’ Choices of 2016 Election Awareness Program and Election Station ID. Student’s Choice Awards were determined by a general survey of UST students. Student Leaders’ Choice Awards were determined by a vote of student leaders sitting in the final deliberation panel that confirmed the survey results.

In his opening remarks, UST SecretaryGeneral Fr. Winston F. Cabading, O.P. said the USTv Awards were an “all in one package.”

“USTV XII covers the essential facets of Thomasian student formation namely, socio-cultural, socio-political, and moralspiritual,” Cabading said.

Themed “Veritas in Caritate: The Youth Empowering the Family through Modern Media,” this year’s USTV is organized by the Office of the Secretary General and the Student Organizations Coordinating Council.

Chris Tiu

Atom Araullo

Other winners of Student Leader’s Choice Awards: TV Network for Entertainment: ABSCBN: TV Network New Media: ABSCBN; and TV Network for Promoting

Family-Oriented Values: ABS-CBN; TV Personality: Atom Araullo (ABS-CBN) Winners of Student’s Choice Awards: Student’s Choice of News Program: TV Patrol (ABS-CBN); Public Affairs: I-Witness (GMA 7); Drama Program: On the Wings of Love (ABS-CBN); Magazine Program: Kris TV (ABS-CBN); Magazine Program Host: Kris Aquino (ABS-CBN); Sports Program: Sports U (ABS-CBN); Sports Pogram Personality: Dyan Castillejo (ABS-CBN); Comedy Program: Home Sweetie Home (ABS-CBN); Reality/ Game Show: The Voice Kids Season 2 (ABS-CBN); Talk Show: Tonight with Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN); Talk Show Host: Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN); Documentary Program: Reel Time (GMA News TV); Variety Show: Eat Bulaga (GMA 7); Youthoriented Program: iBilib (GMA 7); TV Personality and their (sic) Advocacy: Atom Araullo (ABS-CBN); TV Program: State of the Nation with Jessica Soho (GMA News TV); TV Commercial: McDonald’s Tatanda at Lilipas din Ako. Students’ Choice of Social Media Personality: Atom Araullo (ABS-CBN); Personality for Social Media Development: Gretchen Ho (ABS-CBN); Social Media Campaign for Catholic Formation: #Nazareno2015 (ABS-CBN); Social Media Campaign for Social Action: #TrafficPatrol (ABS-CBN); Social Media Campaign for Environmental Protection: “Justice for Pamana” of Matanglawin (ABS-CBN): Social Media Campaign for Socio-Cultural Development: #Courtesy Series (ABSCBN); Social Media Campaign for SocioPolitical Development: “Dapat Tama” (GMA 7); Special Citation for Social Media Phenomenon: AlDub (GMA 7).

Celebrity performances included ABS-CBN artists Alex Gonzaga and Anne Curtis who won “Student’s Choice of Reality/Game Show Host” and “Student’s Choice of Variety Show Host” respectively.

Anne Curtis

Alex Gonzaga

AMIERIELLE ANNE A. BULAN, MA. CZARINA A. FERNANDEZ and ETHAN JAMES M. SIAT.

Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo

Maine Mendoza

Gretchen Ho

Dyan Castillejo

Gretchen Fullido

Photos by ALVIN JOSEPH KASIBAN

Museum director shows off coloring skills UST MUSEUM Director Fr. Isidro Abaño shows his prowess as a colorist in “Color More, Stress Less,” an exhibition of his collaboration with other artists, at the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences.

Abaño explores the psychological dimensions of art particularly its soothing qualities by highlighting the recent fad on adult coloring books.

He displays an array of coloredpencil artworks on black and white illustrations—mostly from adult coloring books such as Bookware Publishing’s “Books for the Soul” and “Kulay Pinoy,” by artist Vermailene Barrios.

“Coloring is a hobby which calms and relaxes our minds,” Abaño said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

“Since our eyes are easily attracted to colors, we tend to take a break from our problematic thoughts and just focus on stroking the colored-pencils.”

Other illustrations, which mostly depict Mandala symbols, religious icons and animals were drawn by artists Owen Los Baños and Mike Torres and UST physician Dante Lerma, former fine arts dean Jaime de

Abaño

los Santos, and fine arts graduates Red de Leon and Jacqueline Callanta.

Abaño encourages the exhibit viewers to also try coloring the displayed samples of coloring sheets.

Adult coloring books have recently become trendy since many people take to them to relieve stress.

Aficionados said they could meditate while enjoying the repetitive action of the hands while coloring.

“The repeating strokes of colors with colored-pencils and pen is hypnotic in nature,” said Abaño. It

makes me feel like I am enclosed in a no-worry zone.”

Along with the colored-pencil artworks, Abaño also displays informational posters discussing the know-how of colored-pencils and a chart comparing 19 brands of wax-

based, oil-based and water-soluble colored pencils taken from the book, “The Ultimate Guide to Colored Pencil,” by graphic designer and art director Gary Greene.

Lectures tackling the psychology of colors and its effects on human mind

were held by the UST Department of Psychology chair Claudette Agnes and Psychological Association of the Philippines Clinical Division chair Prof. Grace Evangelista last April 12 and 14, respectively, at the UST Civil Law auditorium.

8 Filipino

Patnugot: Maria Koreena M. Eslava

IKA-29 NG ABRIL, 2016

Panitikang Filipino: Yumayabong o naluluot?

BUNSO kung maituturing sa ating mga pambansang pagdiriwang ang Buwan ng Panitikan ng Filipinas (BPF) ngayong Abril na isang malaking hakbang sa pagpapayabong ng pambansang pagpapahalaga sa ating literatura at mga manunulat.

Sa kasalukuyan, ikalawang taon pa lamang nito sa bisa ng Proklamasiyon Bilang. 968, s.

2015, na nilagdaan ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III alinsunod sa probisiyon ng Konstitusyon na dapat payabungin ang kasaysayan, kultura at sining ng bansa.

Inilarawan ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan na si Virgilio Almario ang selebrasiyon bilang pagkakataon upang “bigyan ng espesyal na pagtingin at pagmamalasakit ang panitikan ng Filipinas pati na ang mga awtor [ng bayan].”

Binigyang-diin naman ng direktor ng Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS) ng Unibersidad na si Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo na saklaw ng pagdiriwang ang lahat ng uri ng panitikan na nasusulat sa higit isandaang wika ng Filipinas.

“Ang buwan ng panitikan ay hindi lang naman para sa panitikan ng Filipino kundi sa panitikan ng Filipinas,” aniya. “It is actually a celebration of the literatures in the Philippines in all the languages.”

Dagdag pa niya, mahalaga ang ganitong uri ng pagdiriwang lalo na sa mga developing countries na malimit makalimutan ang kahalagahan ng kultura at sining sa pangangailangang unahin ang ekonomiya, negosyo at siyensiya.

Abril ang napiling buwan upang

idaos ang pagdiriwang dahil sa pagtitiyap ng mga makasaysayang pangyayari tulad ng kapanganakan ni Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar noong Abril 2, 1788 at ng International Book Day o Dia de Libro.

“Malaking pagdiriwang sa Europa ang Dia de Libro lalo na sa Espanya kung saan nagbibigayan pa ng rosas,” ani Almario. “Idinaraos ito dahil sa death anniversary nina Shakespeare at Cervantes.”

Nakamamanghang pumaloob din sa buwan ang World Intellectual Property Rights Day na ginunita rin sa bansa sa pamumuno ng Intellectual Property Office, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at National Book Development Board.

Magugunita rin sa buwan ang anibersaryo ng kapanganakan at kamatayan ng mga ina at ama ng panitikan na sina Emilio Jacinto, Paciano Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Edith Tiempo at Bienvenido Lumbera.

Kultura ng pagbabasa Malaki rin ang gampanin ng BPF sa pagpapalaganap ng kultura ng pagbabasa sa mga mamamayan lalo na sa mga kabataang nakalilimot nang magbuklat ng libro.

Binanggit ni Almario na pangunahing layunin ng pagdiriwang ang gamutin ang kawalang-interes ng mga Filipino sa pagbabasa.

“Marami sa atin, kahit edukado, ay hindi [na] nagbabasa ng libro o dyaryo,” ani Almario. “Hindi umaabot sa isang milyon ang sirkulasiyon ng dyaryo habang isang libo naman ang literary books. Hindi

kumikita ang imprenta at industriya sa paglalathala ng libro.”

Nais rin niyang himukin ang mga mambabasa na kilalanin ang kanilang mga manunulat.

“Ang mga awtor natin, hindi masyadong kilala,” aniya. “Katulad ko, hindi naman ako makikilala kung hindi ako national artist eh.

Mas kilala ang mga komiks writers, ‘yong ibang artist o painters kasi mas napo-promote sila ng media.”

Samantala, kinakitaan naman ng kakulangan ni Hidalgo ang sistemang pang-edukasiyon sa bansa na sanhi ng baluktot na pagtingin ng kabataan sa kasaysayan at katamaran sa pagtuklas ng nakaraan. “‘Yung mga history book hindi pa nare-rewrite,” batid niya.

“Ang nakalagay about martial law, puro positive. We tend to forget the intellectual heritage. It is everybody’s responsibility to take care of the rich heritage.”

Kinakitaan naman ng kabutihan ng premyadong manunulat at guro na si Joselito Delos Reyes ang pagusbong ng makabagong anyo ng panitikan sa panahon ng teknolohiya tulad ng spoken word at mga kuwentista sa Facebook.

“Gamitin ang social network dahil ito ang pinaka-accessible at pinaka-interactive ngayon,” aniya.

“Wala na munang value judgment kung maganda o pangit ang nababasa, ang mahalaga, mayroon.

Kapag dumaming lalo, magkakaroon na ng pagkakataong makapamili, saka pa lamang titining, magiging mapagnilay at gaganda.”

Panitikang Tomasino Isa sa mga naging paghahanda

para sa BPF ang personal na pag-anyaya sa mga unibersidad na may writing centers tulad ng CCWLS ng Unibersidad na sinuklian naman nito ng pagiging lokasiyon ng ilang programa ng KWF tulad ng USTingan.

Ipinagmamalaki naman ni Hidalgo ang mahabang kulturang pampanitikan ng Unibersidad na nagbunga ng mga mahuhusay na manunulat na hinubog ng Faculty of Arts and Letters na kilala noon bilang “Philosophy and Letters.”

“In the 1960s, my classmates were all writers,” gunita niya. “Doon talaga nag-e-enroll ang mga gustong maging manunulat, journalists and poets.”

Datapwat naging masigla sa mahabang panahon, tumamlay ang panitikan bunsod ng malakas na censorship sa panahon ng batas militar bago muling nabuhay sa pamumuno ng isa sa mga haligi ng panitikan sa bansa na si Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta.

“UST administration has always been aware that we have that rich tradition,” ani Hidalgo, “which is why CCWLS was established to begin with, [pero] parang nag-wane din noong nag-retire si Ophelia Dimalanta.”

Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok,

Panitikan sa panahon ng Internet MAY BISA ang pagbabasa na humihigit sa nakaimprentang teksto ng mga aklat, lathalain at iba pang mga babasahin.

Bisa na nakapagpapaintindi sa mga bata ng mahahalagang alituntuning-moral sa buhay, sa pamamagitan ng mga hayop na nakikipaghalubilo at nakikipag-usap sa bawat isa. Bisa na nakapagpapalawak ng bokabularyo sa wikang Filipino man o sa Ingles. Bisa na nakapagpapalakbay sa mortal na buhay ng mambabasa tungo sa iba’t ibang dimensiyon ng mundo.

Ngunit ano na nga ba ang kahalagahan ng pagbabasa sa nagmamadaling panahon ng internet at social media lalo na ngayong buwan ng Abril na ipinagdiriwang ang Buwan ng Panitikang ng Filipinas?

Masasabi na ang layunin ng selebrasiyong ito ang pagpapaunlad sa kaalaman ng mga Filipino ukol sa panitikang Filipino (paglilinaw, ang sumasalamin ang panitikang Filipino sa lahat ng panitikan sa bansang Filipinas at hindi lamang “Tagalog”) gayundin ang pagtataguyod ng isang kultura ng pagbabasa sa Filipinas.

Mababatid na sumasabay ang panitikan sa modernisasiyon ng mundo—sa pabago-bagong aspekto ng teknolohiya at internet.

Ang modernisasiyon na ito ang nagluwal sa mga makabagong anyo at

pamamaraan ng pagtula, pagkukuwento at iba pang anyo ng panitikan.

Nariyan ang mga kuwentong isinulat sa anyo ng isang bidyo na may kaagapay na musika habang binabasa kung saan maaalalang sumikat si Marcelo Santos III, na mayroon na ngayong dalawang nailimbag na libro. Nariyan ang mga lupon ng maiikling tula na mabilis basahin ni Lang Leav. Nariyan ang lumalagong panitikan ng spoken word poetry sa bansa kung saan naging tanyag si Juan Miguel Severo na pinamagatang “Prinsipe ng Hugot.” At nariyan din ang battle rap na pinabantog ng FlipTop Battle League na itinuturing na makabagong anyo ng balagtasan.

Dahil din sa internet, mas naging malapit o accessible ang mga akda, tula at sulatin ng mga manunulat sa maraming mambabasa.

Katulad na lamang ng mga kuwento sa Wattpad na kalaunan inilimbag bilang mga aklat.

Nariyan ang mga social networking site na nagsisilbing plataporma ng mga manunulat.

Halimbawa na lamang dito ang unang aklat ni Joselito Delos Reyes na iStatus Nation, lupon ng kaniyang mga istatus sa Facebook na tumatalakay sa iba’t ibang mukha ng buhay: masaya, masalimoot, mapolitika, “ma-anoano.”

“Ang mga makabagong anyo at pamamaraan ng pagkukuwento ang nagpalapit sa bituka ng henerasiyon ngayon o tinatawag na mga “milenyal” sa kultura ng pagbabasa. Walang masama sa pagbabasa ng Wattpad, ang mahalaga rito nagbabasa sila,” ani Delos Reyes sa naunang ulat ng Varsitarian.

Nakatutulong nga ang mga ito upang maging malay ang mga milenyal sa kultura ng

pagbabasa. Ngunit sapat ba ito? Hindi siguro.

Hindi tayo nakatitiyak kung may kalidad na pampanitikan ang mga akdang binabasa nila sa internet lalo na sa social media.

May malay nga sila sa pagbabasa ng ganitong mga akda, ng mga hugot at mga bidyong may musika, ngunit mulat ba sila sa makulay at malawak na kasaysayan ng panitikang Filipino?

Halimbawa, sa mga maiikling kuwento ni Nick Joaquin? Sa mga tula nina Rio Alma, Bienveńido Lumbera at Edith Tiempo? Ang tanong pa nga, kilala ba sila ng mga milenyal na kinalakhan na ang mga modernong manunulat?

Sa mga milenyal ngayon, higit sa kilalang mga Filipinong manunulat, tunay ba talaga nilang binabasa at ninanamnam ang hiwaga ng kanilang mga akda? Hindi masama ang pagbabasa ng mga banyagang akda ngunit mas mabuting malaman at mabasa rin ang mga akdang isinulat ng mga Filipino pagkat ang mga akdang ito ang sumasalamin sa ating kultura at pagka-Filipino.

Dagdag pa rito, higit pa sa kultura ng pagbabasa ang nanganganib na pagkalaho ng ilang mga panitikan sa Filipinas. Sa isang ulat, natatakot ang ilang mga Kapampangang makata dahil iilan na lamang sa kanilang probinsiya ang may interes at humaling sa pagtula sa Kapampangan.

Ayon pa sa ulat, internet ang tinutukoy na isa sa mga dahilan ng kawalan ng interes ng mga milenyal sa ganitong panitikan dahil mas nahuhumaling ang mga mambabasa ngayon sa mga banyagang akda at ibang anyo ng panitikan.

Higit sa layunin ng pagkakaroon ng kultura ng pagbabasa sa bansa at pagtatampok sa panitikang Filipino ngayong buwan ng Abril, hinihimok tayo ng selebrasiyong ito na kilalanin at alamin ang ating pagka-Filipino sa pamamagitan ng mga akdang kinatha—hindi lamang gamit ang tinta kundi ang buhay at karanasan—ng mga Filipinong manunulat.

Katulad na lamang ng nagsulat ng sanaysay na ito—isa siyang Kapampangan, ngunit kamakailan lamang niya nalaman kung ano ang Krisotan (ang Kapampangang anyo ng balagtasan). JASPER EMMANUEL Y. ARCALAS

patuloy na sinisikap ng institusiyon na mas lalong pagyamanin ang panitikan sa kampus sa pamamagitan ng paghikayat sa mga baguhang manunulat na lumahok sa kanilang mga workshop. “[Our] mandate is to try and restore the literary culture that existed for a very long time in UST,” wika ni Hidalgo. “We’re trying to nurture young writers while providing peer support for all writers. We [also] want to strengthen the MA program and we want to have an undergrad program, [and] eventually, a Ph.D.” BERNADETTE

A. PAMINTUAN

Usapang Uste MULA SA PAHINA 2

at bakal habang ginagamit ang mga natatanging disenyo gaya ng post-tensioning.

Sa konseptong ito, pinatitibay ng mga kable sa pagitan ng mga haligi ang isang istruktura na mayroong kumplikadong hugis at porma. Bagama’t mas manipis ang mga hanay ng sementong ginagamit sa ganitong paraan, nakamamangha ang tibay nito na maaasahang ligtas sa mga sakuna.

Bago nakilala ang kumpanya ni Sy ngayon na Sy^2 + Associates, itinatag ito noong 1983 sa pangalang Aromin, Origenes and Associates Inc. at napatanyag bilang Aromin & Sy + Associates, Inc. (ASAI), na kinakitaan na noon pa man ng kalidad ng paggawa.

Sa kanilang mga unang taon, nakatanggap na agad sila ng ilang proyekto sa Middle East at Guam bago maatasang idisenyo ang Pacific Plaza Condominium at ang SM Megamall, kasalukuyang pinakamalawak na shopping mall sa bansa, noong 1987.

Bilang presidente ng naturang structural engineering design firm, nakilala rin siya sa paggamit ng permanent retaining wall systems na binubuo sa pamamagitan ng mga paraang geoteknikal gamit ang soldier piles, secant piles, sheet piles at diaphragm walls.

Espesyal ang mga nabanggit na materyales na may kakayahang sumalungat sa mga tulak at galaw ng lupa upang maging ligtas ang gusali sa lindol.

Nagtapos si Sy bilang cum laude sa kursong Civil Engineering sa Unibersidad noong 1978, bago maluklok sa ika-11 puwesto sa Civil Engineering Licensure Examination nang sumunod na taon.

Naging miyembro rin siya ng Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), American Concrete Institute (ACI) at American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). MARIA KOREENA M. ESLAVA AT BERNADETTE A. PAMINTUAN

Tomasalitaan Himagal (png)—sahod; kita Hal.: Hindi niya ramdam ang pagtaas ng kaniyang himagal dahil sa taas ng presyo ng mga bilihin.

Mga Sanggunian: 2009 TOTAL Awards Souvenir Program The Varsitarian, Tomo II, Blg. 1, Hulyo 1, 1928

Sci-Tech 9

APRIL 29, 2016

Some species of animals exhibit homosexual behavior

By KIMBERLY JOY V. NAPARAN HOMOSEXUAL behavior seems to violate nature’s need for procreation, but recent research studies have found out that homosexual behavior in animals may be much more common than previously thought.

Several researchers have discovered that humans are not the only mammals that practice and express homosexuality and that evolution may have something to do with this behavior.

For instance, the University of Oslo’s “Against Nature?” was an exhibit last 2006 to 2007 that showed about 1,500 animal species that practice homosexual behavior, like in mammals such as bisons, bears and rats; in fish species such as salmon; reptiles like lizards; amphibians like frogs; and insects such as house flies.

Although Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection predicts evolutionary disadvantages for animals that fail to pass along traits via reproduction due to homosexuality, occurrences of homosexual behavior in more than 10 percent of species in the world seem to contradict this belief.

Sociobiologists—or scientists studying social behaviors in animals—found out that homosexual interaction between animals can pave way to the genetic evolution of “advantageous social behavior.”

Advantageous social behavior as what other sociobiologists would call as “social adaptive gestures” are acts that occur when an animal wants to avoid conflict.

These behaviors manifest in actions such as courtship to instinctive factors such as detecting the presence of predators.

But critics of this phenomenon believe that

same-sex sexual interactions in animals are not identical with human homosexual behavior and cannot be truly labelled as such.

They also believe that acts such as mounting or caressing members of the same sex are only to display dominance, and not necessarily exhibit homosexual behavior.

According to Mae Lowe Diesmos of the College of Science Department of Biological Sciences, homosexuality in animals may be evident but they are only practiced in a small percentage in animals.

“This behavior is a sign that there could be changes in the chemical response in their brains or when the sex ratio is not balanced,” she said in an interview.

The zoologist added that homosexual behavior is one way of telling that an animal is experiencing a disturbance in their physiological cycle. However, it must be noted that this is still different from human sexuality.

“Just because it is natural in the animal kingdom, it does not necessarily mean that this is also applicable or true in humans. Human sexuality is far more complex,” she said.

Diesmos added internal factors such as hormonal changes and anatomical makeup can greatly affect the behavior of animals.

“Behavior is governed by hormones, in a scientific point of view these [brain] chemicals can be controlled so that a behavior which is not [supposed to be] normal can occur,” she said.

UST biologist Thomas Pavia added that some animals do not simply exhibit homosexual behavior, but are also biologically homosexual.

“Ninety-nine percent of invertebrates are

hermaphrodite—half male, half female,” he said. “There are even amphibians that possess two sets of reproductive organs.”

Hermaphroditism is when an animal has both ovaries and testes. Almost all earthworms, flatworms, sponges, snails, other invertebrates and fish species are hermaphrodites. However, this occurrence is very rare on vertebrates like mammals and reptiles.

Pavia said homosexual behavior is more observed in places with high density or populous areas.

“Perhaps, we could say that homosexuality [in animals] exists because it is a nature’s way of controlling a population especially when there’s a competition between animals,” he said.

Bison, lizard and rats.

UST named National Professor is delegate in Nobel laureate meetings Fuel Testing Center UST HAS been named the National Fuel Testing Center by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) after powering explorations in alternative energy.

The DOST will be forming a facility providing testing services to fuel cell researchers in the country and will be supervised by the UST Fuel Cell team led by Asst. Prof. Bernard Tongol from the College of Science.

This facility was made possible through Tongol’s efforts on the project “Nanostructured Electrocatalyst Composites for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell: Preparation, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation” that focuses on ethanol’s potential as an alternative fuel source.

Ethanol is a widely used fuel by consumers for being hydrogen-rich and less toxic compared to its methanol counterpart.

Tongol said the project could be an avenue to increase awareness of Thomasians on alternative energy research, including studies on fuel cell and nanotechnology.

”The prototype that is being developed in this project could be used for low power devices with potential impact to the community,” Tongol told the Varsitarian in an email.

He said this could be an advantage in fuel cell-powered-emergency LED devices that could be used for search and rescue efforts in a natural disaster.

The project is funded by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology, Research and Development department of the DOST with a budget of P15 million for two years beginning November of 2014 until the same month in 2016.

Advanced equipment were also acquired through the grant, such as a fuel cell test station and a potentiostat,which are currently being operated in the University’s Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.

The Department of Energy Systems Engineering in Korea’s Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology stands as the project’s collaborating agency. MIA ROSIENNA P. MALLARI

A UST chemist represented the Philippines in an international meeting with Nobel laureates in Japan last March 6 to 12.

Karen Santiago, Ph.D. was selected by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as one of three delegates who represented the country in the 8th HOPE meetings, which aims to help post-graduate students, candidates in doctorate programs, and young researchers from the Asia-Pacific and African region to establish dialogue between their respective countries.

Santiago, together with biologist Emmanuel Ryan de Chavez from University of the Philippines Los Baños and physicist Jade Dungao from De La Salle University, joined 108 delegates in the international meeting.

“One of the advantages of these meetings is that researchers like me who come from a third world country can ask for research assistance in terms of laboratory equipment from other countries such as Japan,” Santiago said in an interview.

The chemistry professor also presented her research under the Bio-Analytical Chemistry category titled “Conducting Polymer-Based

Conductometric Electronic Nose for the Headspace Discrimination of Philippine Pandacus Species,” which focused in using nano-polymers as sensory materials to help authenticate plants using the vapor content of their leaves.

Santiago, who is also the associate director of the UST Office of International Relations and Programs, said the dialogue she had with the laureates and other distinguished scientists fostered interdisciplinary relationships with the different fields of studies in science.

“There is one fellow from Thailand who was interested [and] willing to work with me in my future research,” she said.

“I also look forward on working with the other two Filipino delegates because they too want to have [an] interdisciplinary research.”

Present in the symposium were Nobel laureates Makoto Kobayashi (Physics, 2008), Serge Haroche (Physics, 2012), Shuiji Nakamura (Physics, 2014), Jean-Marie Lehn (Chemistry, 1987), Ada Yonath (Chemistry, 2009) and Barry Marshall (Physiology/Medicine, 2005), who also served as lecturers.

They advised participants to “always remember that their research

Santiago

studies must be for the greater purpose or benefit of their communities” and must offer alternative solutions in the long run in order to promote the quality of science in the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions.

Other delegates came from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the host country Japan.

The HOPE meetings have been organized since 2008. KIMBERLY JOY V. NAPARAN

2 Thomasian scientists feted by country’s Research Council TWO THOMASIAN scientists were awarded with distinctions by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) last March 16 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The NRCP granted Professor Emeriti Fortunato Sevilla III and Beatrice Guevara, researchers from the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Science, the Award of Distinction and Member Emeritus Award, respectively.

Cristina Binag, also a professor from the College of Science, was re-elected as Corporate Secretary of the NRCP for the year 2016-2017.

Binag, who was also a former director of the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, will be serving her second consecutive year as Corporate Secretary of NRCP, where she also serves as the chair of the Chemical Sciences Division.

The NRCP is a branch of the Department of Science and Technology

that aims to identify and provide solutions for national issues through promotion and support of multi-disciplinary scientific and humanity researches.

Juggernaut of innovation Sevilla was one of the three Filipino scientists honored with the Award of Distinction for his contributions to the field of Analytical Chemistry and for pioneering innovative research on chemical sensors and biosensors. His research led to the publication of many leading international journals and approved patents.

“The award is mainly recognition for past achievements,” Sevilla said. “One of my strong points is the innovations that I made in low cost and microscale instrumentation for chemical education.”

Amaryllis Torres, Executive Director of the Philippine Social Science Center, and Felipe De Leon, Jr. former chair of the NRCP Division of Humanities and currently the commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the

Arts received the same award, which is given to active NRCP members for their significant and outstanding contributions to science and research, and for their dedication and service to the science community of the country, along with Sevilla.

“I feel that each awardee assumes a personal responsibility to continue doing good research and to train new researchers to be excellent,” said Sevilla.

“I see this award as recognition of the committed support provided by UST to researchers without which, excellence will not be achieved.”

Recognized as UST’s top scientist, Sevilla is also one of the most decorated academicians in the University and was given the title Professor Emeritus, the highest title bestowed by the University to a faculty member, last year.

Mentor of science Guevara was one of the two NRCP members that were given the Member

Emeritus award Chemical Science Division.

She received the award, which is given in recognition to distinguished NRCP members who serve as inspiration to budding scientists in the country, alongside renowned national scholar Vivencio Jose of the University of Philippines-Diliman.

Guevara was recognized for her inspiring leadership in the formulation of policies, and settling directions for the growth and development of basic sciences in the field of Chemical Sciences.

“I consider myself more of a science teacher than a scientist in the true sense of the word. To teach science effectively, one must do science,” Guevara said.

She strongly advocates that a teacher must mentor at least five protégés to the doctorate program before retiring so as not to leave a vacuum in the University.

Although she has retired, Guevara is still affiliated with the University as Professor Emeritus. MARITZ L. LUBO

Sevilla

Guevara

Binag

10 Limelight

Art Director: Ava Mariangela C. Victoria

APRIL 29, 2016

BUHAY USTEDYANTE BY CHINNY MAE F. BASINANG

BEN N’ VIDES BY KIRSTEN M. JAMILLA

USTIPS BY FREYA D.L.R. TORRES

Editorial on truth and justice.

If most Thomasians are pro-death penalty, they fail to practice compassion and ignore Catholic teachings on truth and justice, since they ignore the fact that capital punishment in the Philippines has been meted out mostly to the poor; and that it is a cruel and inhumane punishment.

It is ironic for one that UST students should choose the death penalty overwhelmingly on the year chosen by Pope Francis, a recent UST visitor, as the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

It is said that UST has the most extensive program for theological instruction for undergraduates in all of the Philippines. But what good is having an extensive theological curriculum when UST students do not seem to know, much less appreciate, the Church’s highly strong but very nuanced stand on moral and social issues?

Capital punishment has no moral value. It is not a proper corrective measure for it kills a person who can still be reformed. It does not foster positive change but instead instills fear—naked

fear—among the citizenry.

And if Thomasians observe the values of truth and justice, why should they even consider Bongbong Marcos as vice-president? The young Marcos is heir to the Marcos legacy whose depredation and corruption he has never condemned. Thomasians even ignore the fact that the Marcos dictatorship led to killings and widespread suppression of human rights and fostered the corruption and mismanagement that continue to be the devil the nation at present.

If Thomasians look the other way when confronted with the killings and corruption of the Marcos dictatorship; if they support politicians from the dark past or those who condone contraception or abortion in the name of “reproductive rights”—and those who campaign against the Christian values of life and family—and who have merely a “cafeteria” commitment to Church teachings and standards, then UST should just junk its theology and history classes and its community-development activities.

UST should be the first to instill Catholic values upon its students and promote the dignity of the human person.

Its pride should rest upon students who go outside its walls as smart, responsible,

upright, and compassionate individuals.

More than the experience and educational background, Thomasians should look at the values and positions of the candidates on Catholic issues.

They should demand clear explanations on how these candidates position themselves with issues such as divorce, same-sex marriage, and death penalty.

UST should not prioritize measuring its growth through quality rankings or surveys. Rather, it should be more faithful to its core Catholic identity and its vision-mission as well as the titles and honorifics it so proudly puts before its name (“pontifical” abnd “Catholic”) by ensuring that its values are forever inculcated in every graduate that it produces.

The University should rethink its priorities now more than ever, especially since the world is in the midst of rapid modernization, with people tolerating violations of sacrosanct values, with the youth no longer able to tell the difference between good and bad, between morality and immorality, between what should be condoned and what should be condemned. That is why the University should shine as the light to guide the young, and remain true to its roots and the original charism of its founders.

Tuition

Volleyball

Lady

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Crown

FROM PAGE 12 least a runner-up finish. Its men’s volleyball team is ahead of UST in the standings.

With this, UST’s chances of a title repeat rests heavily on the Golden Booters, who will battle it out against the University of the Philippines in the Final Four, in an attempt to clinch a finals berth. La Salle sits at second place behind University of the Philippines (UP).

Possible ending However, the Golden Booters should aim higher than claiming a Final Four spot. They also have to finish a notch higher than La Salle to give UST some breathing room in the overall plum race.

With La Salle’s men’s volleyball team placing above the Tigers and their women’s football club on the verge to win the title, the Lady Spikers should not win the championship for it will spell doom for UST.

Sunico

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tayong naipon, mahihirapan ang University mag-absorb ng losses,” Fr. Dagohoy said.

Accumulated savings also mean the University will not shut down due to financial difficulties, unlike other private schools.

“Ito ang problema ng maraming universities kaya ang nakikita natin, marami ang magco-close sa mga ‘yan after a year or two,” Fr. Dagohoy said. “‘Pag wala kang estudyante, for example, wala kang pagkukunan ng fixed cost mo e.

Sa atin mayroon pa tayong naipon na pwede natin paghugutan,” he added.

With high school students required to go through Grades 11 and 12 starting this June, there will be a significant reduction in enrollment in college programs for the years 2016 to 2022.

Only around 40 advancedlevel high schools will be able to send graduates to college next academic year.

As a result, the University has opened only 22 out of its existing 53 programs.

University bared UST’s weakness in the defensive end in a four-setter victory as four Blue Eagles scored in double digits. Ateneo outscored the Tiger Spikers in the spiking department, 57-36.

UST took the first set of its match against the National University last March 30 but failed to execute in the subsequent sets and eventually surrendered another four-set match.

A shutout loss to the University of the Philippines last April 3 ended UST’s hunt of a semifinal spot and they capped their disappointing season with another defeat against the FEU. “Bata pa [ang team]. Maski ‘yung mga senior ko, hindi nagperform sa level ng expectation natin. Kulang rin sila sa experience.”

The team badly missed the services of former Tiger Spiker Mark Alfafara, who anchored the team last season highlighted by a UAAP all-time best 37 points in the Final Four, as there was no clear go-to guy for UST during those losses.

The lone bright spot was rookie Manuel Medina who tallied a teamhigh 10.2 points per game and was the only Tiger Spiker to average in double digits.

at present is not her first love. Like every other Filipino, Lemoran was exposed to basketball at a young age.

The rookie said she liked football better because it gives her a different kind of happiness especially when she finds the back of the net.

Before joining UST, Lemoran had been a staple in football tournaments in Negros Occidental.

She led San Carlos City to a championship in the Ladies Under-19 category of the 2nd Ceres Football Cup last year and was named division’s Most Valuable Player.

But for the Negrense, collegiate football is harder due to tougher competition and on top of that, she has to battle sadness of being away from her family.

“Nanibago ako sa training, kasi sa amin hindi masyadong intense (‘yung training,) dito hard talaga pero kaya naman.”

Although the Lady Booters finished at the last place anew, with a 1-1-4 win-loss-card, Lemoran said she does not regret choosing UST and promised they will become a better team in the coming seasons.

“Mag i-improve na kami. Bago lang ‘yung team, bago lang ‘yung coach. Next year, hopefully mas buo na kami.” Lemoran said.

Rachmaninoff as well as “Aragon” by Federico Longas, and“Etude in E, op. 10 no. 3,” “Etude in A-flat, op. 25 no. 1” and “Polonaise in A-flat, op. 53” by Polish great Frederic Francois Chopin.

Conservatory alumnus Rogelio Peñaverde, Jr. serenaded the audience with “Granada” by Agustin Lara, “Some Enchanted Evening” by Richard Rodgers, and “Madaling Araw” by Francisco Santiago.

For the second part, Sunico played “Sonatine; Modere; Mouvement de minuet; Anime” by French composer Maurice Ravel, and “Nocturn in C-sharp minor” by Nicanor Abelardo.

He performed more familiar fare (at least to the Filipino audience) with “Bato sa Buhangin” by Ernani Cuenco and “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan” by George Canseco.

He then went on to perform “Liebestraum” and “Vallee d’Obermann”

by Hungarian composer Franz Liszt.

For the finale, Sunico, Penaverde and the Ambassadors of Light earned a thunderous standing ovation after performing “This is the Moment” from the Broadway musical, “Jekyll and Hyde.”

Sunico explained his repertoire to the Varsitarian.

“Well I played some Rachmaninoff, Longas which is Spanish, and also Chopin, then the second half was an

If the Taft-based volleybelles take the women’s volleyball title, it will have a five-point lead in the overall title. And even if the Golden Booters claim the football crown, La Salle will still win the general championship title if they placed second in the men’s football.

The Thomasian community could only hope for the Lady Spikers to lose in the finals of the tournament for UST to have a higher chance of sealing a second straight overall crown.

Nonetheless, the Golden Booters need to finish the football tournament ahead of La Salle because failing to do so means throwing UST’s general championship hopes out of the window.

“Right now, sinabi na namin sa team na kanina na tine-test tayo. Hindi pa naman tapos ‘yung laban. Hindi naman nating pwedeng spoil ‘yung mga remaining games.” Allado added.

The Golden Booters is set two play the semifinals match against top-seed UP squad on April 28. impressionistic French composer Ravel.

I also played three Filipino compositions.

Usually I ask the organizers what kind of audience will be coming. If it’s a classical audience, then it’s something more substantial. If it’s a mixed audience, like tonight’s audience consisting of alumni of the College of the Holy Spirit, I play something heavy, I play something light, and I play something Filipino, which I did tonight.”

For the New York-based Penaverde, the concert revived memories of his postgraduate studies in the Big Apple when he handled the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir at the church dedicated to the Filipino saint where Father Diaz was parish priest.

A leaf-collage portrait of the saint by artist Fernando Manipon was exhibited during the concert.

The concert marked the ninth anniversary of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Global Ministry. Named after first Filipino canonized saint who was martyred in Japan in the 17th century, the foundation is dedicated to addressing the spiritual needs of OFW’s.

Ruiz is patron saint of OFW’s.

Proceeds of the concert would go to funding the erection of statues of San Lorenzo Ruiz in domestic airports so that OFWs leaving the country could pray and ask for the saint’s intercession in their life and work abroad. They would also fund the production of a TV Mass DVD that would be given to Filipinos abroad, specifically in the Middle East, where they have no access to Catholic Mass.

Editor: Delfin Ray M. Dioquino

Sports 11

APRIL 29, 2016

Dagohoy defends Tigers vs game-fixing

By PHILIP MARTIN L. MATEL FR. HERMINIO Dagohoy, O.P. defended the Growling Tigers amid allegations of game-fixing in the last UAAP season when they lost to the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in the finals.

But Fr. Dagohoy said UST would look to “reform” the league, if indeed the illegal practice was taking place within the league.

UST will host the next UAAP season.

“If there is one (game-fixing), it is outside the University [and] that’s our concern in the UAAP, of [school] presidents,” he told the Varsitarian in an exclusive interview after ending his fouryear term as Rector. “We were actually talking about reforming the UAAP two years ago when UE was the host, and then UP. Nothing happened.”

Fr. Dagohoy said complaining of game-fixing would look like he was sour grapes over UST’s loss to FEU, and added it was “unfair” to accuse the Tigers of selling games.

“I mean, I love this group, these guys, and I do not want to think that one player [sold] the game or what,” he said. “These are good people, they stuck with us for a very long time. I hate to think about it.”

Not happy Fr. Dagohoy, however, confirmed the Varsitarian’s report that the Tigers were being investigated over complaints by some players of physical abuse.

“I am not happy with that,” Fr. Dagohoy said. “The recent issue surrounding the men’s basketball team is something that we have to look into, particularly our sports program. The sports program does not only mean training, but also in terms of how do we really take good care of our athletes.”

UST is also looking at the bigger picture. “We are [looking at] how we could address, for example, their housing facilities, what is happening there, who takes care of the discipline, who takes care of assisting them in their studies. Those are areas that are already on the table,” he said.

Dagohoy

Biggest regret As for embattled coach Bong de la Cruz, whose contract expires this month, it is up to the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) to decide whether he would remain as the Tigers’ chief tactician.

“I received during my term, four or five applications, so that would be evaluated by IPEA. Before the end of the month I think IPEA would suggest two or three names to [Acting Rector Fr. Richard Ang] for appointment,” he said.

One of his biggest regrets, Fr. Dagohoy said, was missing three UAAP basketball championships.

“Our sports programs are still okay, because we have a different strategy, and other universities have different strategies.

For example, we have a complete setup, because that’s our advocacy, Olympianism, amateurism. We have a complete program, we engage in all sports programs of the UAAP,” he said.

Lady Booter bright spot From bad to worse, UST in forgettable season seventh in UAAP volleyball Lemoran

HAVING the chance to play for a dominant team in the UAAP is a dream that most athletes out from high school aspire for, but UST Lady Booters rookie Charissa Lemoran had other things in mind.

The 16-year-old blue chip rookie raised eyebrows when she opted to play for the UST Lady Booters, which last tasted the championship four seasons ago despite luring from other UAAP schools.

“Actually, dalawang taon na ako hinihintay ng La Salle,” Lemoran said. “Kaya lang nagkaproblem ‘yung sponsor ko (sa kanila) kaya nirecommend niya na mag-try ako sa UST.” The Negros Occidental-native said the presence of her former teammates and the University’s good academic standing made her choose UST. The rookie did not disappoint and is proving she is worth the hype. So far this season, Lemoran and veteran Jennizel Cabalan leads UST in goals delivered with three apiece.

“Ang mindset ko kasi before every game, kailangan talaga manalo.”

With her small frame and quickness on grass, it is a surprise that the sport she enjoys Lady PAGE 10

Sculptor FROM PAGE 1

Filippino in Rome and his “Our Lady of Hope,” a seven-foot Marian image placed at the sanctuary during the Mass of Pope Francis in Leyte last year.

Layug, who was unable to finish his fine arts degree in 1983 due to financial problems, said the identity of his works stemmed from the “hyperrealism” concept, describing his pieces as having “almost real” skin texture.

He said that when he was young, he sculpted a UST-inspired wooden piece, as his mother really wanted him to study in the Pontifical University.

Dagohoy

FROM PAGE 2

and the University’s vice rectors, deans and secretary general. The Vice Chancellor then transmits the ranked list to the Board of Trustees, whose members include the vice rectors, the secretary general and other Dominican friars.

The transmittal to the Academic Senate and the Board of Trustees was set on April 28.

The names and credentials of the chosen candidates will later be submitted to the Master of the Order, Fr. Bruno Cadoré, O.P., who will endorse the ranked list of candidates to the Vatican’s

By JOHN CHESTER P. FAJARDO THE UST Tiger Spikers, once considered as the most formidable force in men’s collegiate volleyball, suffered their worst finish in the UAAP since the Final Four began in 1993.

No thanks to a five-game skid during the second round, the Tiger Spikers, who reached the Final Four last year, dropped out of the semifinal race and crashed to seventh place.

UST seemed to have found the right footing after three consecutive wins from the late first round and early second round but a five-setter heartbreak against De La Salle University last Mach 16 sparked the dry spell.

“Lumabas na doon ulit ‘yung mga problema. We’re not able to get over that slump,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon in a postgame interview.

It is only the fourth time, third in the last four years, the

As a student in 1981, Layug was asked by the government of President Ferdinand Marcos to restore the woodwork of the Fort Santiago gate in Intramuros, Manila.

He underwent apprenticeship in Spain in the 1990s.

In 2009, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit Award by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

In 2013, he was the subject of “Dukit,” a full-feature film in the Metro Manila Film Festival’s New Wave Category by acclaimed screenwriter Armando Lao. On June 2, he will finally receive his bachelor’s degree as a Rector’s Scholar, together with his son Josef, also a student of the College of Fine Arts and Design.

“Na-develop ko ‘yung style

na ‘to. Hindi kasi parang paggising mo may talent kang ganito. It’s also inborn. I believe it’s inborn in my younger days na nakakapagtrabaho na ako ng clay,” the Pampangabased sculptor said. “‘Yung tradition dito ng wood carving matagal na sa Betis [in Pampanga]. ‘Yun ang base ko. Tapos, in-improve ko lang ‘yun.

Nakatulong ‘yung UST sa akin sa paghubog ng talent na ‘yun. Hindi naman madali iyon. Kailangan mo talagang lumabas, i-expose sa lahat.”

Other notable works include altarpieces in chapels, churches and cathedrals across the country such as Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, Dagupan and Urdaneta in Pangasinan, San Jose, Nueva Ecija and at Loyola Memorial Park in Parañaque. JEROME P. VILLANUEVA

Congregation for Catholic Education for final evaluation.

The Holy See will then issue the declaration “nihil obstat,” Latin for “nothing obstructs” or “there is no obstacle,” and gives the name of the chosen nominee back to the Master of the Order, who makes the official appointment.

Rome is expected to make a decision before June.

UST rectors have traditionally been reelected to a second term, as in the case of Fr. Norberto Castillo, O.P. (1982-1986 and 1986-1990), Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. (1990-1994 and 19941998), and Fr. Tamerlane Lana, O.P. (1998-2002 and 2002-2006).

Fr. Dagohoy was internal

auditor and director of finance and administration of UST Hospital before assuming the rectorship in 2012. He is a member of the Scientific Council of the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem, and head of the Association of South East and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities, an association promoting Catholic higher education in the region.

Fr. Ang, the University vice rector, was dean of the Ecclesiastical Faculty of Philosophy. He finished philosophy at the Faculty of Arts and Letters in 1990, sacred theology at the Faculty of Sacred Theology in 1997, master of arts

Tiger Spikers missed the Final Four.

UST surrendered its lead on the standings against general championship rival La Salle in what could be a crucial two-point difference in the overall crown race.

UST could have overtaken La Salle if the Archers lost all of their last three games and if the Tiger Spikers won their last match against the Far Eastern University for an identical 5-9 win-loss record.

But La Salle lorded it over the University of the East last April 10 and UST bowed out from the Tamaraws last April 13. “’Yung sinasabi ko na to finish higher than La Salle or tabla lang, wala na talaga sa kamay namin.”

Tigresses

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with 223 points in 14 games played while UST captain EJ Laure placed fourth with 208 markers.

Head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes was optimistic of his team’s chances next season.

“What is important now is, skills wise, nag-improve tayo. Kaya lang nagle-level up na lahat ng other UAAP teams so kailangan, meron tayong i-offer na bago. Mayroon naman pero talagang nagkulang tayo sa leadership,” Reyes told the Varsitarian in an interview.

Last March 30, the Tigresses had a chance to notch semifinals berth but fell short against long-time rival FEU Lady in theology in 1999 and doctor of philosophy in 2010.

Fr. Aligan is a member of the UST Board of Trustees and Council of Regents. He is assistant professor at the Faculty of Sacred Theology, where he had served as dean. He is ecclesiastical adviser of the Catholic Physicians Guild of the Philippines and a member of the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board.

He finished philosophy at Dominican House of Studies in 1978. He pursued further studies in UST, namely: Master of Arts in Higher Religious Studies in 1993, Licentiate in Sacred Theology in 1993 and Doctor of Sacred Theology in 1998. JEROME P. VILLANUEVA

Losing streak UST was leading La Salle by a set last March 16 before Raymark Woo took matters into his own hands for the come-frombehind victory.

Last March 19, defending champions Ateneo De Manila Volleyball PAGE 10 Tamaraws, 25-20, 20-25, 15-25, 20-25.

The Tigresses could have sent the match to a decider in the middle of the fourth canto, 14-15, but the Lady Tamaraws ignited an impressive 7-0 blitz to pull away for good, 22-14.

UST ended their campaign with a 5-9 win-loss record, worse than their 6-8 finish last season.

However, Reyes believed he has somehow set the foundation for the next season and UST’s lethal scorers are likely to dictate the Tigresses’ future.

“This season is a good experience para sa dalawa (Rondina and Laure.)

Definitely, ‘yung leadership nila mararamdaman na natin next year, third year na sila nun. I think ‘yung leadership ang magdadala sa atin next year,” Reyes said.

Shortfall FROM PAGE 2

don’t have a problem [because] even [some of the] tenured faculty would still have a load, because our [general education] is spread out until fourth year,” he said.

Fr. Dagohoy stepped down as rector last March 31, a month ahead of schedule, to give his successor more time to adjust ahead of the K to 12 transition.

Vice Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. assumed the post of Acting Rector, the first of a series of steps need to choose UST’s next rector.

KATHRYN JEDI V. BAYLON and JEROME P. VILLANUEVA

Sports

APRIL 29, 2016

Keeping UAAP crown rests on Golden Booters

By JOHN CHESTER P. FAJARADO and RANDELL ANGELO B. RITUMALTA

AS IN last year, UST once again needs a savior in the final stretch of Season 78 to save the UAAP general championship and the Golden Booters seem like the last possible hope in securing back-to-back titles.

Last season, UST banked on the heroic efforts of the Tiger Softbelles who clinched the general championship for the school for the third straight year. But it was a close affair as UST led La Salle by only three points.

This season, it’s now the Golden Booters who could save the day for UST. UST is ahead of La Salle by 15 points, 262-247, but three of the four remaining UST teams failed to enter the Final Four and the men’s football team has the only chance to land a podium finish.

The Golden Tigresses will not be competing in the semifinals for the fourth straight year and dropped to sixth place. The Tiger Spikers landed seventh place after finishing third last season while the women’s football team again finished last.

La Salle’s women’s football team is ahead of the pack while the Lady Spikers are already assured of at Crown PAGE 10

UST Hype third in UAAP streetdance

UST Hype’s politics-inspired dance routine brings the University to its first streetdance podium finish.

ALVIN JOSEPH KASIBAN

ALVIN JOSEPH KASIBAN

A Golden Booter defends against an Ateneo Striker.

THE UNIVERSITY secured its first podium finish in the UAAP streetdance competition at the MOA Arena last April 9.

Newcomer UST Hype’s politics-inspired routine was good enough for third place behind three-time champion UP Street Dance Club and De la Salle University.

“Gusto naming magbigay ng lasting impression at gusto naming mapakinggan,” UST coach Chips Beltran said . “Baguhan tayo dito, dayo tayo dito. Itong top three [finish] bonus na lang for us.”

The dancers were clad in modified Filipiniana with one dancer depicting a Filipino farmer.

The election-relevant piece also utilized Gloc-9’s hit song “Upuan” in a part of their performance.

The group ended its routine with one member flashing a “vote wisely” card to the audience.

The result was the highest finish for UST since the

competition started in 2011. Only La Salle and UP have won the title since then.

Salinggawi Dance Troupe had been UST’s representative in the last editions of the UAAP streetdance, however, the dance troupe decided to opt out of the competition to focus more on their annual concert.

UST Hype is a collaboration of Flux and Project Pax, the champions and the second placers in this year’s “Hype,” the university-wide streetdance competition of the same name.

“We didn’t have any conflict.

We adapted to our different dancing styles,” UST Hype cocaptain Jao Vinluan told the Varsitarian in an interview.

But the future of UST Hype remains uncertain as UST officials have yet to decide if the winners be name the University’s official streetdance group. JOHN

Tigresses miss UAAP Final 4 for fourth straight year

By CARLO A. CASINGCASING THE GOLDEN Tigresses have failed to enter the Final Four for the fourth consecutive year despite a solid lineup this season.

The Tigresses capped the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament in poor fashion after getting a 25-17, 21-25, 20-25, 20-25 beating at the hands of University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons at the Mall of Asia Arena last April 10.

The Tigresses were third in the blocking (1.76 blocks per set) and digging (9.93 digs per set) departments behind league leaders De La Salle University and the Ateneo De Manila University.

UST’s Cherry Ann Rondina trailed the league’s top scorer Alyssa Valdez Tigresses PAGE 11

CHESTER P. FAJARDO

Golden Sox bags rookie MVP award DESPITE an awful fifth-place finish this season, the UST Golden Sox have found a gem in rookie Julius Diaz.

Diaz bagged both the Rookie of the Year (ROY) and Most Valuable Player awards in the UAAP Season 78 baseball tournament.

The Tanay, Rizal standout also shared the Most Runs Batted In (RBI) award alongside De La Salle University’s Jonathan Park and Ateneo De Manila University’s Jerome Yenson with 12 RBIs in 10 games played.

Diaz, the 2015 Palarong Pambansa Homerun King, said earning both ROY and MVP awards were unexpected due to the high level of competition.

“Sabi nga ni Coach Jeff (Santiago), once na mag-cut kang training malaki na mawawala sa player kaya mas pag-i-igihan ko pa ang pag-te-training. Hindi naman porket MVP ay

perfect namaglaro,” Diaz told the Varsitarian in an e-mail.

Diaz could have been explosive in the UAAP juniors’ arena after being part of the UST juniors’ baseball program during his first year in high school. But travelling back and forth to Tanay forced him to leave the lair in the middle of the academic year.

Joining UST again was not a walk in the park for Diaz.

“Sabi ni Coach Jeff, sa college na lang daw ako bumalik kaya na-challenge ako na mas galingan ko pa para hindi masayang ‘yung second chance na ibinigay sa akin ni coach.

Kaya nung [Palarong Pambansa], ang una ko talagang hinanap habang naglalaro kami ay si Coach Jeff,” Diaz said.

Diaz picked UST over the University of the Philippines, Adamson University and National

University.

“Family ko ang naging inpirasyon ko dahil sa mga national games nanalaruan ko kahit isa hindi sila nakapanood kaya ginagawa ko lahat para may maiuwi ako na awards.”

With three individual awards under his belt, the Sports Wellness and Management student asserted it would have been more special if the team reached the finals this season.

Former captain and Season 73 Rookie of the Year Arvin Plaza said Diaz’s unwavering passion toward the sport and focus give him the edge over other UAAP household names.

“Magaling siya. Wala siyang pressure maglaro. Wala siyang masyadong iniisip at nakikinig kapag sinasabihan namin. Ang tingin namin ‘yun ang naging key kaya niya nakuha ang mga awards niya,” Plaza said. CARLO A.

CASINGCASING

Diaz