BOTOMASINO 2021

BOTOmasino VOLUME XCII · MAY 10, 2021

Special Coverage of the 2021 UST Central Student Council Elections

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Campus politics dying in UST?

In retrospect: The outgoing CSC

Meet the candidates

Are Thomasians no longer interested in student politics?

The outgoing CSC Executive Board, led by Robert Dominic Gonzales, was met with the tense political climate in the Philippines and a sudden year-long term extension brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meet the six candidates for this year’s CSC elections

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BOTOMASINO The Varsitarian MAY 10, 2021

OPINION

Student election red-tagging, meddling A question to a vice-presidential candidate during the 2021 Central Student Council election debates last April 27 made its way through the UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) filter, and it read, “You have been red-tagged multiple times and posted publicly for shame you bring to the University. Why are you running now?”

That an ostensibly stupid but dangerous question like this Toeing OSA’s party line was allowed space in public discourse is alarming; it does The Comelec also failed to protect the candidates from not in any way contribute to the overall advancement of the the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) marionettists, as seen after democratic exercise. The question was outright a candidate for P.R.O. was forced to change his accusatory and obviously leading, and obviously Zoom background of a rally with a placard that Thunder Up said, “Karapatan sa edukasyon, ipaglaban,” to a promoted red-tagging for ends that were clearly anti-democratic.

UST background for no reason at all but blatant JOHN EZEKIEL J. HIRRO Only recently, GMA reporter Tina Panganicensorship. ban-Perez drew flak for asking Maginhawa ComOSA has the right to be mad if the candidate munity Pantry organizer Ana Patricia Non if she had links had used a pornographic or a violent Zoom background, but with Maoist-led rebels. Panganiban-Perez should have known asking to take down a Zoom background that simply reflected better, especially being a journalist for decades, that while a the candidate’s political platform is downright meddling. reporter’s first responFor self-introspection, sibility is to the truth, the OSA should ask itself: asking leading questions What is wrong with a that further echo the Zoom background with country’s anti-insurgency socio-political content? task force’s mischievous Does the Student Handbut dangerous anti-red book say anything about propaganda only does using photos of rallies more harm than good. for Zoom backgrounds?

The hosts of the UST Why is OSA meddling in debates deserve some the elections for student slack (they’re not even government which are journalism students!), supposedly free and indebut the Comelec should pendent? take this advice from the How the Comelec had National Union of Jourallowed the OSA to internalists of the Philippines fere in such a petty issue about questions in public also reeks of intimidation forums: “We should not of student leaders that is be party or add credence another failure of its manto red-tagging campaigns dated duty to “deputize... that vilify human rights for the exclusive purpose defenders...by linking of free, orderly, honest, them to the armed compeaceful and credible munist movement. We elections.” The Comelec should be mindful of the didn’t even react to OSA’s risk our line of questionmeddling that put its ing would pose to our own independence under interview subject.” question. As far as we’re Other student council concerned, after failing to candidates were right to filter the red-tagging quescall out Comelec—even tion, this would be strike after it had apologized— two for the Comelec. as the election-governing Safe and fair elections body did not even deand healthy political nounce (or even mention) discourse should be the red-tagging it had allowed to thrive in UST. done. It simply apologized OSA should stop its petty for the “oversight in filtercensorship and anti-activing out a controversial question” and made a vague promise ist bogey, which may be the reason why there’s alleged political to “take necessary actions to mitigate the damage it may have apathy among Thomasians in the past years. At the least the caused” and “inspect election and campaign-related events OSA, like the petty and very mean Senior High School adminismore closely to prevent occurrences that affect the safety and tration of Erika Bolaños that removed an official from a supposintegrity of every candidate.” edly independent student government and barring him from The Comelec must have forgotten that it is mandated, college enrollment because of his alleged leftist links, should under the UST Students’ Election Code 2011, to “stop any stop being an embarrassment to the Thomasian community. illegal election activity, or confiscate, tear down and stop any And the Comelec, the point man in ensuring that democunlawful, libelous, misleading or false election propaganda.” racy thrives in UST, should stop being a marionette.

Safe and fair elections and healthy political discourse should be allowed to thrive in UST. OSA should stop its petty censorship and anti-activist bogey, which may be the reason why there’s alleged political apathy among Thomasians in the past years.

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

EUGENE JOHN EZEKIEL DOMINIC J. HIRRO V. ABOY, O.P.

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

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The Students’ Code impasse, explained

BY NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE AND CHARLIZE GABRIELE L. LINANTUD

IT’S BEEN 17 years and the University’s Students’ Code has yet to be passed.

In 2004, Central Student Council (CSC) President Xialeemar Valdeavilla wrote the first draft of the code—the “Magna Carta for Students,” a charter that detailed students’ rights and sought participation in the University’s policymaking bodies.

The 2007 revision to the document changed it into what is now called the “Students’ Code.”

The Students’ Code covers Thomasians’ rights and responsibilities in areas such as academics, freedom of expression and organization and policymaking, among others.

The most recent development came during the term of Francis Santos in Academic Year 2018-2019.

Santos was able to submit to the Council of Regents his administration’s version of the code.

Outgoing CSC President Robert Dominic Gonzales, who was Santos’ executive secretary, said the Council of Regents had recommended several revisions to the code.

lo submitted the charter to de la Rosa for final approval.

The code, however, seemed to have been forgotten in the year that followed.

The CSC president, Leandro Santos II, said the administration probably did not prioritize the Students’ Code due to preparations for the University’s quadricentennial anniversary.

After several amendments to the code, the CSC obtained the approval of the Student Welfare and Development Board in 2010.

In 2011, CSC President Lorraine Taguiam and Central Board of Students Speaker Lester Lomeda came close to clinching de la Rosa’s approval.

But de la Rosa, whose term was about to end, deferred the passage of the charter and said it would be more fitting for the next rector to sign the code.

Shift of priority

Gonzales said he was not able to prioritize the charter’s passage due to other issues that arose during his

Honest ako dun talaga, we had a shift of our priorities during the pandemic.

Of course we need to prioritize first ‘yung mga urgent concerns natin ngayon sa student body and faculty.

—Robert Dominic Gonzales OUTGOING CSC PRESIDENT

Gonzales said the UST administration, under Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., formed an ad hoc committee to review the code.

Gonzales said the CSC was supposed to discuss the code with University officials in early 2020 but efforts were stymied by the end of Dagohoy’s rectorship and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dagohoy was replaced by Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. in April 2020. The pandemic has prevented face-to-face classes, meetings, and transactions in UST since March 2020.

Almost-passages

In 2006, the CSC and the Central Board of Students finished the draft of the code and submitted it to the rector, Fr. Ernesto Arceo, O.P. Arceo was ready to sign the Students’ Code but deliberations were disrupted when he resigned following a dispute over a P3-billion project to expand the UST Hospital.

Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. succeeded him as rector.

Due to the sudden change in the University leadership, 2008 CSC President Angelo Cachero was forced to go back to square one.

The following year, CSC President Jeanne Luz Castil-

presidency.

“Honest ako dun talaga, we had a shift of our priorities during the pandemic. Of course we need to prioritize first ‘yung mga urgent concerns natin ngayon sa student body and faculty,” he said.

Gonzales said that when the CSC officers’ terms were extended in August 2020, they tried to approach the Office of the Secretary General for updates but were not able to get a response.

Ang will be the fourth UST rector to deal with the student charter if the next student leaders push for its passage.

Some candidates for this year’s CSC polls have included the approval of the students’ code in their campaign platforms.

Vice-presidential candidate Gerald Matthew de la Cruz said he was planning to launch a campaign that would remind the students of the importance of the student code.

“Kailangan makuha natin ang students’ backing kapag pinupush natin ang students’ code,” he said.

Krizia Milleny Bricio, the sole presidential candidate, said she would like her administration to focus on the passage of the code.

BOTOMASINO

The Varsitarian MAY 10, 2021

Campus politics dying in UST?

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For breaking news and real-time updates on this year’s student elections, scan the code below

Only six candidates are vying for spots in this year’s student polls, of which three are running unopposed.

There are no candidates for treasurer and auditor.

Are Thomasians no longer interested in student politics? percent or 26,148 out of 38,045 students.

Divinagracia said the UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) should consider being more lenient with the requirements for candidates to boost student participation in campus politics.

“Baka masyadong stringent ‘yung rules ng (Comelec) and hindi nakakatakbo ‘yung ilan dahil lagi silang nadidisqualify,” he said.

BY NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE, KIMBERLY G. HIPOLITO AND CHARLIZE GABRIELE L. LINANTUD

TWO CHARACTERISTICS define the dwindling political interest among Thomasians in this year’s Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board elections: the lowest number of candidates in recent years and the lack of candidates for treasurer and auditor.

“In a way, it is quite alarming….

For the past number of years, I’ve been [seeing the] dwindling interest of students in the political race, especially in the CSC,” Asst. Prof. Froilan Calilung, who teaches political science in the University, told the Varsitarian.

CSC Secretary Krizia Milleny Bricio of the Faculty of Arts and Letters is the only candidate for the presidency in the upcoming student polls.

Gerald de la Cruz and Arnet Paguirigan, also of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, are likewise running unopposed for the positions of vice president and secretary, respectively.

Three students are vying for the public relations officer (PRO) position: outgoing Institute of Information and Computing Sciences Student Council PRO Carl Jeric Mataga, former College of Commerce Student Council vice president Jerome Espinas and UST Pedagogue PRO Gabriele de Lara.

The shrinking political interest this year could be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic and the lack of face-to-face classes, Calilung said.

But enthusiasm for student politics had been dwindling even before the pandemic hit, he said.

Anthony Divinagracia, a political science lecturer, said the lack of candidates could be “seasonal” and “circumstantial.”

“Kumbaga ang mindset ng mga bata ngayon...we don’t have the luxury of time to engage in student politics and we would like to mind our own academic business,” Divinagracia told the Varsitarian.

“Makikita mo naman e, may say pa nga sila (Thomasians) sa national pol-

itics. Bakit wala sa UST politics? Kung tutuusin it is a microcosm of it.”

Divinagracia said the lack of students wanting to take responsibility did not necessarily mean that Thomasians were politically disinterested.

But it was “highly irregular” that students gunning for higher positions were running unopposed, Divinagracia said.

“Suppose you managed to get a certain number of votes to get elected, the issue is, paano ka mamumuno kung ang tingin ng pinamumunuan mo, hindi ganoon kaimportante yung eleksyon na ‘yon? One way of showing importance to that election is by fielding in other candidates kasi kahit naman sino pwede tumakbo,” he added.

Only the post of public relations officer in this year’s polls is being contested by more than one candidate.

Independent trend

‘Presence not felt’

Calilung said he was concerned over the lack of students who want to serve in the student council, because it could be proof that the CSC was “ not as evident or visible or easily felt.”

“I don’t want to say that Thomasians, in general, are not that politically aware, or there is a culture of indifference—hindi doon nagkukulang.

Siguro over the past few years, nakukulangan ‘yong mga estudyante sa presensiya ng CSC,” he said.

Divinagracia said: “The students are not seeing [the CSC] as relevant as before. Hindi issue na puro indepen-

ART BY CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

dent [ang candidates] pag mababa ang voter turnout. ‘Pag mababa ‘yan, ang ibig sabihin no’n, hindi interesado ang mga students kahit karapatan nila ‘yon dahil hindi nila nakikita na may

effect kayo sa kanila.”

The voter turnout for the University-wide elections in 2019 was 55.54 percent, or 21,122 out of 38,032 students, significantly lower than 2018’s 68.72

In 2020, the Comelec did not approve any political parties.

This year, no political party filed for re-accreditation and registration.

In effect, all candidates vying for CSC spots this year are running independently.

Outgoing CSC President Robert Gonzales said he did not want to continue the “dirty politics” of political parties during his early years in the University, so he ran as an independent candidate in the past two student elections.

“When I ran for council, one thing that I wanted to abolish was the dirty politics which was evident during my first year in college and... even before I entered UST,” he told the Varsitarian.

Calilung said having a strong political party system could create a pool of candidates willing to serve the student body.

Having political parties would also encourage political discourse, which Divinagracia, a former Varsitarian editor in chief, said was healthy for student politics in UST. “From debates, nagkakaroon ng discourse which is healthy for any political exercise. Kung unopposed ka, sino kapalitan mo ng idea?” he said.

This year’s student polls will be conducted via the Zoom virtual meeting platform and an electronic voting system (EVoSys), from May 10 to 15, excluding May 13.

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BOTOMASINO The Varsitarian MAY 10, 2021

A repeat of history?

CSC secretary guns for highest student office ANOTHER Central Student Council (CSC) secretary is running unopposed for the presidency in this year’s student polls—Krizia Milleny Bricio from the Faculty of Arts and Letters.

Bricio, a legal management junior, is advocating for a “better” and “healthier” academic environment amid the University’s “enriched virtual mode” of instruction.

“I mainly advocate for quality and inclusive education,” she told the Varsitarian. “I believe this is essential in our fight for quality education.”

Bricio has two main platforms: “Conduit” and “Constitution Revision.”

Through Conduit, Bricio aims to directly connect Thomasians in need of educational or health assistance to willing donors and sponsors.

“Maraming Thomasians ‘yung lumapit sa CSC asking for help na i-share ‘yung publicity materials nila asking for blood donations or mayroon din tayong mga [nagpapatulong] for their research,” she said.

Bricio’s second platform focuses on revising the CSC constitution to promote efficiency, accountability and transparency.

Bricio aims to institutionalize existing CSC committees to better delineate tasks, introduce more sanctions and disciplinary measures for CSC officers to hold them accountable for violations and publicize the council’s financial and

PRESIDENT

KRIZIA BRICIO

audit reports.

She also vows to remain committed to representing the interests of the Thomasian student body, just as outgoing CSC president Robert Gonzales had. Like Gonzales, Bricio ran for the presidency after serving a stint as secretary of the student council.

“We will continue the legacy of being vocal and representing the Thomasians not only in the University but also in the national level,” she said.

Bricio has been working in the CSC for four years.

She said her proudest achievement was furthering the CSC’s community development projects as its secretary, through which the council was able to extend help to communities affected by natural disasters and the pandemic.

As the second-highest-ranking CSC officer, she became interim president of the council when Gonzales went on a two-month leave of absence from December 2020 to February this year.

Bricio called on Thomasians to be critical in choosing their next leaders, not only in the upcoming student polls but also in next year’s national elections.

“The effects of the incompetency

‘‘

We will continue the legacy of being vocal and representing the Thomasians not only in the University but also in the national level.

—Krizia Milleny Bricio CSC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT

of our leaders are very evident, especially in this time of pandemic, and I hope that we also share and discuss what we learn from this experience of ours to our family, friends, and even neighbors,” Bricio said.

“Our fight for better conditions, quality education and good governance all relies on our vote,” she added. JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

Who will make up the new CSC Executive Board?

SECRETARY

ARNET PAGUIRIGAN JOURNALISM junior Arnet Paguirigan vows to bridge the gap between the student body and the administration as she guns for the position of secretary.

According to Paguirigan, she chose to join this year’s elections because she saw how crucial student representation is.

“More than ever, we need to address the important issues that we have about distance learning and amplify the concerns of the student body,” Paguirigan told the Varsitarian.

“Kung bibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na maupo sa konseho, tayo ang mga magiging isa sa magiging frontliner para maitaas ang concerns ng student body sa administrasyon.” Paguirigan said.

Paguirigan has two campaign platforms: “YOUth Decides” and the “Safe Space Policy.”

YOUth Decides is Paguirigan’s take on voter education. She said

she wants to urge Thomasians to register for and participate in the 2022 national elections.

“Nakatuon [i]to para sa education and information ng ating student body regarding the process of voter’s registration and at the same time para ma-inform sila regarding sa mga kandidato na tatakbo para sa darating na 2022 elections,” she said.

The Safe Space Agenda, meanwhile, aims to implement a safe space policy in the University and conduct discussions to educate Thomasians and prevent gender-based discrimination.

Despite being the sole candidate for the secretarial position, Paguirigan urged Thomasians to be critical and thorough in choosing the next student leaders.

“It is important that we vote for leaders who promote inclusiveness and instill accountability in one’s action,” she said.

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

GABRIELE DE LARA ADVOCATING for a progressive pro-choice leadership management style and a mental health-friendly workload for the Thomasian community is College of Education junior Gabriele de Lara.

Running as an independent candidate, the former CSC executive coordinator to the secretary hopes to revive the CSC website and use it as a database for grievance, evaluations and other student concerns.

His “Project: INITIATE” also aims to integrate project trackers, donation drive requests and event calendars into the CSC website.

“Unahin natin ‘yung pagkinig sa [kung] ano ‘yung mga concerns [ng mga Tomasino].” He said. “We need to acknowledge their voices and validate them.”

De Lara’s platforms, Project: INITIATE and Validate: The

Wellness Focus, both intend to enhance information dissemination for Thomasians and to raise the University’s mental health consciousness for both students and faculty members.

His second platform, “Validate: The Wellness Focus,” aims to pursue a student and teacher-friendly academic calendar that would help address the “increasing health concerns” among members of the Thomasian community.

De Lara is confident that he can deliver quality service and assures that he will be able to view things in a greater perspective should he be voted into office.

“I can promise them that I will always do everything to the best of my abilities and potential, especially when it comes to welcoming and having their voices heard and validated in every dialogue,” he said.

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

JEROME SETH ESPINAS HIS EXPERIENCES and skills as a student leader, together with his values and plans of action, are what the third-year marketing management major Jerome Seth Espinas can offer to the Thomasian community as he runs for the position of PRO. The independent candidate said that he would dedicate himself to serving the Thomasian community by campaigning for pro-student causes, listening to students’ concerns and amplifying their voices.

“I want to help out my fellow students by bridging the gaps between the student body, the CSC and the admin so that there would be a healthy dialogue and I believe that serving through the CSC would be the perfect avenue for that,” Espinas told the Varsitarian.

Espinas plans to establish “LINK: The Thomasian Learning Community,” a Facebook group

open to all Thom administrators Espinas als stigma surroun by encouraging avail themselve social support s “I want to u platform to figh stigma, raise aw mental wellnes small efforts an this advocacy w riers to achievin health outcome Espinas als head a project t showcase inspi Thomasian arti sino” and create podcast show w “This podca to help student as this project w tive, educationa time, entertaini

Sole VP candidate wants clearer guidelines on online classes

LIST OF OFFICIAL CENTRAL BOARD CANDIDATES

COLLEGE OF ACCOUNTANCY Lynnuelle G. Corocotchia

ARTLETS junior Gerald de la Cruz, the only vice presidential candidate in this year’s Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board elections, wants the University to ensure student welfare amid the current online learning environment.

Among de la Cruz’s platforms is the “STRAW Initiative,” which aims to push forward “comprehensive” guidelines and policies regarding distance learning.

STRAW stands for the Student Rights and Welfare Coalition, which de la Cruz

aims to revive and maximize “to address the different problems that students, organizations and student councils are facing in the online/distance learning setup.”

“From my own personal experience, mas mabigat dalhin [ang online classes] ngayon given na some professors expect you na 24/7 ka lang nasa bahay, na kaya mo i-accomplish lahat ng [tasks],” he told the Varsitarian.

“So I think kilalanin natin not just ‘yung academic hardships ng mga estudyante but

[also] their personal problems.

Kilalanin natin yung mental health problems na dinadala ng mga estudyante natin and ‘yung burnout na nae-experience not just ng mga estudyante but yung mga professors din natin,” he added.

The legal management major also wants to mount a voter education program to prepare Thomasians for the 2022 national elections.

“Hindi siya titigil lang sa national elections. I think ‘yung voter’s education is a process…’Yung pag-educate dapat natin ay tuloy tuloy kasi nakikita natin yung importansiya considering ‘yung nangyari sa 2016 national elections na ramdam pa rin natin ‘yung effect hanggang ngayon,” he said.

M.D.M.P. REYES

‘‘

Kilalanin natin yung mental health problems na dinadala ng mga estudyante natin and ‘yung burnout na naeexperience not just ng mga estudyante but ‘yung mga professors din natin.

VICE PRESIDENT

GERALD DE LA CRUZ

CSC CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE Lu Bernadette Leyva, Maria Eleanor Mabini

FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW Nathan Raphael D.L. Agustin

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Noriel A. Beltran, Heather Anne V. Montalban

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING Kyla Christine A. Sarcos

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND DESIGN Keanni Lae B. Baylon

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & SURGERY John Cyril L. Alnajes

CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC Athena Marsha B. Macatangay, Benedict Sibley L. Kawi

COLLEGE OF NURSING Mary Clare Dominique C. Quimson, Xydre Nicola Star O. Toquilar

FACULTY OF PHARMACY Mishaila Lia A. Gomez

INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS

Jesse Kirei I. Tan, Paul Raeoiux F. Mendinueto

COLLEGE OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES Jan Therese A. Parcon, Marie Frances B. Pagaduan

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE Dean Lotus C. Alano

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

Gershei Mae Quirao

JERIC MATAGA

INFORMATION technology junior Jeric Mataga wants to protect student activists, being one himself.

“Student activists clearly fight for the improvement of the lives of their fellow students and fellow Filipinos, so it makes me wonder why the government or even school administrations go after these people. It’s quite unchristian, morally evil and legally incorrect to go after these activists,” he told the Varsitarian.

Mataga wants to ease the academic workload of students by doing away with “output-based education.”

“Mas mainam na mag-pokus tayo sa [asynchronous] learning para makapag-aral din ’yung mga mababagal ‘yung computer or internet,” he said.

He also wants to ensure the safe resumption of face-to-face classes in UST, noting that some courses require immersive labora-

COLLEGE OF TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

tory classes.

“Ultimately, maipaglalaban namin ito through the students and the admin. Kailangan namin ang opinion at boses ng mga estudyante, at kailangan din natin yung policy changes and support ng admin,” he said.

His platform, “Estudyante ng Bayan,” seeks the creation of a forum where students can air their grievances and vote in polls.

“Isa ito sa mga paraan para makuha natin yung tugon ng mga estudyante at makapagsimula ng mga diskusyon at usapan, at para ma-transform ang opinyon ng mga estudyante papunta sa konkretong aksyon, papasok tayo sa policy-making kasama ang admin,” Mataga said.

He aims to create a Discord server to boost the “morale and social activity of Thomasians.”

Executive board PAGE 7

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Krystall B. Abulencia, Lance Avery D.C. Alo, Naomi Claire D. Estavillo

EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL Christophe Joshua F. Lopez

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Marga Lonyle N. Lominoque Jazper Jhun DC. Bautista

NOTE: The Faculty of Arts and Letters, Institute of Information and Computing Sciences, College of Commerce and Business Administration and Faculty of Sacred Theology do not have presidential bets in this year’s student local council polls.

ART BY JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

masians, University and alumni. so wants to break the nding mental health g Thomasians to es of online psychoservices. use my voice and ht against the wareness and foster ss. I believe that our nd actions regarding would remove barng positive mental es,” he said. so plans to spearthat will feature and irational stories of ists, “ARTISTomae an informative with “PodcUST.” ast series is designed ts unwind and relax would be informaal and at the same ing,” he said.

—Gerald de la Cruz

6

BOTOMASINO The Varsitarian MAY 10, 2021

TAGISAN 2021 RECAP:

CSC bets thumb down resumption of face-to-face classes, want vaccines first Although no central political party was reaccredited for this year’s election, the six independent candidates for the Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board manifested similar stances on several campus and national issues during the “Tagisan 2021” debate.

THE SIX independent candidates vying for CSC positions in this year’s student polls were unanimous on their stances on issues surrounding the resumption of face-to-face classes in UST and the government’s Covid-19 pandemic response.

All candidates opposed the resumption of face-to-face classes in the University without Covid-19 vaccination during the “for or against” portion of the Tagisan.

They were also against the increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in the West Philippine Sea and compromising national security for the sake of friendship with China; the shutdown of media giant ABS-CBN; the militaristic pandemic response of the government; abusive penalties against curfew violators; the prioritization of politicians for inoculation; the Anti-Terrorism Law; the dolomite sand project in Manila Bay;

the construction of the Kaliwa Dam and jeepney modernization.

All supported the passage of an anti-red tagging bill; increasing community pantries and same-sex unions.

The debate was held online and streamed through the Thomasian Media Circle and Talents’ (Tomcat) Facebook page.

Platforms

Running unopposed for the presidency, outgoing CSC Secretary Krizia Bricio of the Faculty of Arts and Letters vowed to rally for a “policy-driven CSC” and push for a more efficient, accountable and transparent CSC.

She said she wanted to introduce more disciplinary actions other than impeachment and suspension to make CSC officers and members accountable for their actions.

But there will have to be revisions in the CSC Constitution, she said.

Bricio also pledged to disclose the financial and audit reports and minutes of the meetings of the council to promote transparency.

Voter education ahead of 2022 nat’l polls

Two candidates vowed to start programs to educate and prepare Thomasians for the upcoming 2022 national elections.

Sole vice-presidential bet Gerald de la Cruz of the Faculty of Arts and Letters wants to tie up with various universities and colleges, organiza-

tions and offices in the country.

Lone secretary candidate Arnet Paguirigan, also of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, said it was vital to “educate students about the process of voting.”

Student rights, societal issues

Public relations officer (PRO) candidates vowed to fight for students’ rights, educate Thomasians on the problems of society and push for a unified “academic ease” in the University.

Jeric Mataga of the Institute of Information and Computing Sciences said he wanted to be remembered for fighting for student rights.

“We shouldn’t be here sitting pretty holding our high positions doing nothing and just holding events,” said Mataga.

Jerome Espinas of the College of

Commerce made the same pledge.

“Gagamitin nating ang CSC bilang plataporma para bigyang kaalaman ang mga Tomasino sa kinakaharap natin ngayon na isyu at makisali sa diskusyon sa paaralan at lipunan,” he said.

College of Education PRO bet Gabriele de Lara proposed a uniform implementation of academic breaks in the University.

“I-institutionalize natin yung academic break [dahil sa mga nakaraang buwan] kanya-kanyang nagpapatupad ng academic break ang bawat academic unit,” he said.

Online campaigns started on April 24 and will end on May 8.

The election period will run from May 10 to 12 and May 14 to 15. The proclamation of new CSC officers will be on May 15.

JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

Where do candidates stand on issues in and beyond the University?

Krizia Bricio

FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS

● No vaccine, no face-to-face classes FOR ● Increased community pantries FOR ● Abusive punishments for violators of curfew AGAINST ● ABS-CBN Shutdown AGAINST ● Dolomite sand project in Manila Bay AGAINST ● Same-Sex Union FOR ● Increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in West PH Sea AGAINST ● Anti-Terror Law AGAINST ● Jeepney Modernization AGAINST ● Prioritization of politicians in PH’s vaccine rollout AGAINST ● Passage of Anti-Red Tagging Bill FOR ● Construction of Kaliwa Dam AGAINST ● Militaristic over medical pandemic response AGAINST ● Friendship with China over Sovereignty AGAINST ● Resumption of face-to-face classes in UST AGAINST

PRO

Gabriele de Lara COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

● No vaccine, no face-to-face classes FOR ● Increased community pantries FOR ● Abusive punishments for violators of curfew AGAINST ● ABS-CBN Shutdown AGAINST ● Dolomite sand project in Manila Bay AGAINST ● Same-Sex Union FOR ● Increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in West PH Sea AGAINST ● Anti-Terror Law AGAINST ● Jeepney Modernization AGAINST ● Prioritization of politicians in PH’s vaccine rollout AGAINST ● Passage of Anti-Red Tagging Bill FOR ● Construction of Kaliwa Dam AGAINST ● Militaristic over medical pandemic response AGAINST ● Friendship with China over Sovereignty AGAINST ● Resumption of face-to-face classes in UST AGAINST

Vice President

Gerald de la Cruz FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS

● No vaccine, no face-to-face classes FOR ● Increased community pantries FOR ● Abusive punishments for violators of curfew AGAINST ● ABS-CBN Shutdown AGAINST ● Dolomite sand project in Manila Bay AGAINST ● Same-Sex Union FOR ● Increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in West PH Sea AGAINST ● Anti-Terror Law AGAINST ● Jeepney Modernization AGAINST ● Prioritization of politicians in PH’s vaccine rollout AGAINST ● Passage of Anti-Red Tagging Bill FOR ● Construction of Kaliwa Dam AGAINST ● Militaristic over medical pandemic response AGAINST ● Friendship with China over Sovereignty AGAINST ● Resumption of face-to-face classes in UST AGAINST

Secretary

Arnet Paguirigan FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS

● No vaccine, no face-to-face classes FOR ● Increased community pantries FOR ● Abusive punishments for violators of curfew AGAINST ● ABS-CBN Shutdown AGAINST ● Dolomite sand project in Manila Bay AGAINST ● Same-Sex Union FOR ● Increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in West PH Sea AGAINST ● Anti-Terror Law AGAINST ● Jeepney Modernization AGAINST ● Prioritization of politicians in PH’s vaccine rollout AGAINST ● Passage of Anti-Red Tagging Bill FOR ● Construction of Kaliwa Dam AGAINST ● Militaristic over medical pandemic response AGAINST ● Friendship with China over Sovereignty AGAINST ● Resumption of face-to-face classes in UST AGAINST

PRO

PRO

COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCES

Jerome Espinas ● No vaccine, no face-to-face classes FOR ● Increased community pantries FOR ● Abusive punishments for violators of curfew AGAINST ● ABS-CBN Shutdown AGAINST ● Dolomite sand project in Manila Bay AGAINST ● Same-Sex Union FOR ● Increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in West PH Sea AGAINST ● Anti-Terror Law AGAINST ● Jeepney Modernization AGAINST ● Prioritization of politicians in PH’s vaccine rollout AGAINST ● Passage of Anti-Red Tagging Bill FOR ● Construction of Kaliwa Dam AGAINST ● Militaristic over medical pandemic response AGAINST ● Friendship with China over Sovereignty AGAINST ● Resumption of face-to-face classes in UST AGAINST

Jeric Mataga

● No vaccine, no face-to-face classes FOR ● Increased community pantries FOR ● Abusive punishments for violators of curfew AGAINST ● ABS-CBN Shutdown AGAINST ● Dolomite sand project in Manila Bay AGAINST ● Same-Sex Union FOR ● Increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in West PH Sea AGAINST ● Anti-Terror Law AGAINST ● Jeepney Modernization AGAINST ● Prioritization of politicians in PH’s vaccine rollout AGAINST ● Passage of Anti-Red Tagging Bill FOR ● Construction of Kaliwa Dam AGAINST ● Militaristic over medical pandemic response AGAINST ● Friendship with China over Sovereignty AGAINST ● Resumption of face-to-face classes in UST AGAINST

ART BY JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

President

BOTOMASINO

The Varsitarian MAY 10, 2021

7

TOMSPEAK: Thomasians want online learning environment revamped

BY KIMBERLY G. HIPOLITO

What concerns do Thomasians want the next student-leaders to address?

“I am hoping that they would tackle the issue regarding the online setup of classes because it is...antipoor and requirement-based. [I]t does not focus on honing the technical skills of students based on their programs.”—Tristan Dulay (Faculty of Pharmacy, second year)

Robert’s CSC:

Student representation trumps projects

BY NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE

The outgoing Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board, led by Robert Dominic Gonzales, was met with the tense political climate in the Philippines and a sudden year-long term extension brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gonzales and his CSC members were supposed to step down from the council at the end of Academic Year 2019-2020. Their terms were extended until the end of Academic Year 20202021.

Gonzales said he made good on his promise, made two years ago, to prioritize student representation, though he felt he could have done more.

“I think the CSC and the local councils were able to deliver the service that the student body needs most especially during this time. Yes, we have done our primary duties but I think we could have done more,” Gonzales told the Varsitarian in a Zoom interview.

Gonzales said the CSC, under his presidency, was able to advocate for reforms and issues that affected students the most.

“Representation does not stop within the University, hanggang sa national level siya... [N]akakatuwa kasi kahit na sabihin na nating student council lang tayo sa UST, we still made an impact in [other] universities all over the Philippines, so that is really a big thing,” he added.

CSC Executive Secretary Krizia Bricio, who led the executive board when Gonzales went on a leave of absence, said representation mattered more than pushing for the projects they had planned.

“We saw na ang pinaka-importante ngayong time ng pandemic is student representation more than the events that we used to hold sa CSC,” Bricio told the Varsitarian.

The CSC, under Gonzales’s term, became a co-petitioner of the youth-led coalition against the Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020.

to address the concerns of Thomasians amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Whenever we receive emails, parang pare-pareho ang concerns ng mga estudyante and that makes it more alarming kasi it’s not just an isolated case of just one student experiencing it,” he said.

Bricio, who handled the CSC’s paperwork, however, lamented how it was difficult for the CSC to receive responses from UST officials about certain issues.

“There are just some offices na mahirap din talaga i-contact. I guess it’s because of the pandemic itself,” she said.

Gonzales recalled the council experiencing delays in project implementation due to the Office of Student Affairs’ lack of an approval process during the early days of the pandemic.

Grievance

In retrospect

In line with the CSC’s focus on student representation, Gonzales said officers had to boost the grievance system

Transitions, adjustments

Aside from the transition to the online setup, the CSC officials said the council had to adjust to the appointment of Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. as the 97th Rector Magnificus of UST. “During that time, we also had the transition to a new admin. And then nagkaroon din ng transition sa other offices and of course there were unforeseen circumstances pagdating sa mga officials natin,” Bricio said.

Gonzales said officers had to “reinvent” their projects to fit the limitations imposed by the pandemic.

“We tried to reinvent them in a way na pwede siya gawin through online platforms, so majority no’n ang focus ay mga community development projects at saka mga projects dealing with mental health, campaigns and advocacies,” he said.

Of the 60 projects the CSC members proposed since 2019, only 13 were implemented.

Gonzales launched “Project HOPE,” which aimed to motivate Thomasians amid the Covid-19 pandemic, on Jan. 30.

Gonzales also led the launch of "KASANGGA: Students' Rights and Welfare Week," which happened in February, and "EKONdisyon," an economic forum, in January.

Bricio, who proposed 17 proposed projects, launched three.

Bricio organized "Secretariat 2019: Chamber of Secretaries," a one-day seminar and workshop, on September 14, 2019.

She also mounted "SINAG Youth Camp,” a three-day leadership workshop for partner-communities, in July 2019 and was in charge of the welcoming party for UST freshmen in 2019, along with CSC reasurer Jan Rafael Lipat and auditor Patricia Cruz.

During her campaigns, Bricio called for a better grievance system and for the CSC to be more vocal on social issues.

Lipat proposed nine projects, four of which were completed in 2019.

Lipat organized "Byaheng USTe: University Expo 2019," an event that showcased cultural diversity among colleges in the University, on Aug. 15, 2019.

Another project under Lipat's leadership was "DIAMONDS: Finance Officers Bootcamp," a symposium on financial literacy, which happened on Sept. 26, 2019.

Lipat also spearheaded the "Humans of UST" exhibit, held on Nov. 21 to 23, 2019.

Cruz, whose campaign for auditorship revolved around transparency and efficiency, proposed seven projects, of which five materialized.

Cruz was able to hold "Veritas Policy", a system that mandates auditors of local student councils to release their records; "Experience CSC," a project where Thomasians volunteered for CSC events; and "Veritas 2.0: Auditing Beyond Numbers" in December 2019.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jericho Sun proposed four projects. None were implemented up to his resignation. WITH REPORTS FROM CHARLIZE

“‘Yung data privacy, ang daming naging issues involving professors/students na nale-leak online at nagiging viral. While we have our own opinions, how can they further protect our professors? How can they encourage the students to find or learn better ways to address their opinion to their professors?”

—Angel Nicole de Castro (Faculty of Arts and Letters, second year) “I would appreciate if the CSC candidates would address the demanding academic load of students despite being in a pandemic [and how it] affects the mental health of the students; a more established grievance system through which the students can air their concerns; stronger student representation and better transparency.”

—Joseanne Perez (Faculty of Arts and Letters, second year) “I hope that they will be able to implement a scholarship program for students greatly affected financially by this pandemic and are eager to attend school but don’t have enough financial aid to support their education. There are numerous students who have the potential of contributing to the country in the future but can’t pursue this dream in this time of crisis.

This would be a big help to them and for their families that are also struggling.”

—Trisha Montaña (Faculty of Engineering, third year) “I would like the CSC to address the traffic protocols and guidelines for the recommencement of face-to-face classes [this] early.”

—AC Santos (Faculty of Pharmacy, fourth year) “The next members of the Central Student Council Executive Board should be mindful of the actual struggles that the Thomasians are experiencing this remote learning. They should also know how to handle these assessments and how to negotiate them with the admin to execute essential actions. Their initiatives should not only focus on projects but also on actions like academic breaks if deemed necessary, based on the students’ responses.”

—Frangel Ty, Former Executive Coordinator to the PRO (Institute of Information and Computing Sciences, fourth year) “The retention of [school] fees even though we are in a virtual set-up is questionable. Also, incidents of red-tagging have been on the rise inside and outside the University. It’s crucial to know how they will uphold and protect the democratic rights of the student and amplify the voice of the student body.”

—Jan Therese Parcon, Former Executive Associate to the PRO (College of Rehabilitation Sciences, second year) “The CSC has shown exemplary performance in recent years, I think it would be vital for them to address how they can improve the student government even further.”

—Lu Bernadette Leyva (College of Architecture, third year) The CSC candidates should help address flaws in the system of virtual education. We were given an academic break and a week to rest, but going back to online classes with our piles of work doubled shows how the break was only a band-aid solution. Aside from the flaw, there are numerous consequences of the said system that has holistically deteriorated the Thomasian community. The future CSC should answer the call of Thomasians for compassion especially during this pandemic.”

—Simon Malicdem (UST-AMV College of Accountancy, first year) “Budget transparency. I hope the CSC would be more transparent on how they utilize their budget, especially now that they cannot hold as many events as they did before given the constraints brought by the pandemic. I also hope that they would encourage other university-wide organizations to do the same.”

—Deiyanella Basas (UST-AMV College of Accountancy, second year)

GABRIEL L. LINANTUD

“I would like the CSC to address the possibility of UST applying a ‘No-Fail Policy’ in today’s online class setting.”

—Khristia Cuenca (Faculty of Engineering, third year)

Executive board FROM PAGE 5 “Kung merong suporta ng admin at ng mga estudyante, kaya rin natin i-challenge ang mga mali sa current educational system natin sa bansa,” he added.

Mataga’s third platform promotes social activity in the Thomasian community through the use of the instant messaging platform, Discord.

“With moderators, bots, and thorough guidelines, masisigurado natin ang safety ng lahat sa server na ito.”

Mataga explained.

Mataga also aims to advocate for

professional help to aid Thomasians care for their mental health and to host community events and tournaments with online games, such as Valorant, Mobile Legends and Call of Duty, to boost morale.

Should he be given a seat in the council, Mataga vowed to fight for the needs and demands of the students in accessing their rights to a quality education.

“Ayaw kong maging event-organizing candidate lang. Gusto kong gumanda yung kalagayan ng bawat

estudyante habang naka-upo ako sa Central Student Council at umaasa rin ako na may magpapatuloy ng adbokasiya kong ipaglaban ang mga estudyante sa mga susunod na Central Student Councils,” he said.

“I truly believe that the CSC can lead the Thomasian community to make powerful changes in our society.”

The Central Student Council Elections will be held online this coming May 10 to 15, 2021.

JADE VERONIQUE V. YAP

“I want the CSC candidates to address issues regarding student welfare. Students are mentally and physically drained because of online classes, and I want to know how, as student leaders, they’ll be able to assist students with their diverse concerns.”

—Mary Jesserae Anselmo (College of Nursing, first year) “Sana mabawasan ‘yung synchronous classes kasi nga hindi naman lahat may stable internet connection...Hassle sa iba na umattend ng classes tapos may chance pa ma silang ma-failure due to absences.”

—Justine Nicole Valencia (College of Science, second year) “Sana maaddress po nila yung plans for transition natin back to face-to-face classes soon.”

—Jericho Dagang (Faculty of Engineering, second year)

ART BY GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA