THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 01

VOLUME XCIII / NO. 1 · NOVEMBER 22, 2021 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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OCTA URGES CLEARER GUIDELINES FOR F2F CLASSES

By Joanne Christine P. Ramos and Christine Joyce Paras

THE PHILIPPINES is now ready for actual face-to-face classes, but clear protocols and guidelines must first be in place, said OCTA Research Fellow Guido David on Nov. 12.

In an interview with the Varsitarian, OCTA fellow Guido David said the government must issue clear policies on vaccine mandates, class attendance, frequency of classes and testing before reopening schools.

“I think we’re ready in terms of the lower risk level, but I think we have to have these clear guidelines in place and a lot of things sorted out before we can have actual F2F classes,” David told the Varsitarian. ► IS UST READY FOR F2F CLASSES? PAGE 9

► Nursing seniors start their limited face-to-face classes at the St. Martin de Porres Building’s Simulation and Clinical Skills Laboratory on Nov. 9, 2021.—photo

USTFU says admin should consult it on real classes

By Joanne Christine P. Ramos

The UST Faculty Union (USTFU) is calling for its inclusion in the policy-making process for limited face-to-face (F2F) classes in the University.

USTFU President Emerito Gonzales said the union had yet to be consulted by the UST administration since the University started opening F2F classes in June this year.

According to Gonzales, the University and USTFU should be equally involved in

crafting protocols and policies for the resumption of physical classes.

“It is important that the union must be part of the policy-making body for the F2F classes since the faculty members are directly placed in harm’s way,” Gonzales told the Varsitarian in a Nov. 10 email.

The union president said he was in favor of the limited F2F classes in the University, but was concerned for faculty members whose roles had yet to be clarified.

FACULTY UNION PAGE 7

contributed by the ust nursing journal

NEWS ► PAGE 3

UST yields 302 new physicians, lands 7 topnotchers in med boards MORE THAN 300 Thomasians passed the October-November 2021 physician licensure examinations (PLE), where UST was named the fourth top-performing school.

WITNESS ► PAGE 4

CBCP says no to endorsement, yes to voter education THE CATHOLIC Church does not meddle in politics, and its role during elections is to educate voters, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Philippines (CBCP) said during the eighth Philippine Conference on New Evangelization.

►

UST up 9 spots to 177th in 2022 QS Asian ranking THE UNIVERSITY leaped nine places to rank 177th in the 2022 Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) Asian university rankings.

UST’s overall score slightly rose to 28.9 from 28.3 in the previous rankings. It remained fourth among Philippine universities. ► QS ASIAN RANKING PAGE 5

SCI-TECH ► PAGE 5

UST researchers lead trials for cheaper, faster Covid-19 test kits RESEARCHERS from UST have been tapped to validate a newly developed Covid-19 test kit that would cut down costs and turnaround time for results.

THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

2

NEWS

ACTING NEWS EDITOR: JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

Vaccine mandate pivotal in reopening F2F classes —Fr. Austriaco

In Artlets forum, Robredo calls for end to ‘bad governance’

By Jamilah Mae B. Angco and Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa

IMPOSING a vaccine mandate is key to ensuring a safe and manageable reopening of face-to-face classes (F2F) in higher education institutions, a Thomasian priest-scientist said.

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., a molecular biologist and visiting professor at the UST Department of Biological Sciences, said that if universities were willing to require vaccines for their students and staff, the reopening of schools would be “relatively safe.”

“I think that the evidence suggests that if a university wants to reopen in a safe — not only a safe but in a way that is manageable — then vaccines are the way to go,” Austriaco told the Varsitarian.

Austriaco cited his experience in F2F classes in the United States (US), where he is a professor at Providence College in Rhode Island. He said reaching a “significant” population immunity against Covid-19 would limit the spread of the virus.

“The pandemic has relatively been calm because we have a vaccine mandate at my university here… If a university is willing to mandate a vaccine for its staff and its students, I think the experience here in the United States has shown that this is relatively safe,” Austriaco said.

OCTA Guido David research fellow shared the same regarding vaccines for in-person classes, saying it is one major consideration.

“Even if the level of vaccination is not up to, or we haven’t vaccinated everyone, but the risk level is very low, then, in theory, we can reopen face-toface classes and there would be any significant risk of transmission or outbreak but this may not be something considered by those in charge, “ David explained to the Varsitarian.

Aside from vaccination, wearing masks would be necessary inside classrooms, Austriaco said.

Social distancing can be eased once

► Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P. talks about the country’s preparedness for face-

to-face classes in a VExclusives episode.

‘‘

I think that the evidence suggests that if a university wants to reopen in a safe — not only a safe but in a way that is manageable — then vaccines are the way to go.

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P. POSITION

the vaccination rate among students and university staff reaches at least 97 percent, like other universities in the US, the OCTA Research Team fellow added.

“So, if we are able, at UST, to get 97, 98, 99 percent… we can afford to relax our minimum health standards,” Aus-

triaco said.

“Hopefully, our students…, wherever they are from the Philippines,… will have access to these vaccines. They will complete the double dose in the hopes that they will be able to return to campus safely and securely,” he added.

“If we gradually reopen in a safe way, then the University can learn how to change and improve its policies as more and more students return to campus,” the Dominican priest said.

Austriaco said it was too early to require booster shots among F2F participants.

“Some Thomasians may have been vaccinated in March. They will have to get booster shots eventually when vaccine supply allows, and when a majority of our kababayans have been vaccinated throughout the rest of the provinces,” Austriaco said.

He added that Metro Manila may face another surge in Covid-19 cases by early 2022 if the distribution of shots for first-time and booster-shot vaccines is not planned carefully, and the government must ensure a balance in its vaccine distribution to prevent surges in the future.

“It is becoming clear that if we are not careful — for boosters — if we’re VACCINE MANDATE PAGE 9

Computerized record system noon, myUSTe na ngayon

USAPANG USTE PAGE 9

dibuho ni jerome carlo d. macanaya

►

communication among leaders, especially amid the pandemic.

“Kung walang epektibong komunikasyon na nangyayari sa mga asosasyong ito, sa mga sektor na ito ng gobyerno, hindi natin maa-achieve ‘yung ideal na goals natin for our country,” he said.

“Communication needs to be clear and consistent and also adaptive,” he added.

Gonzales also stressed the importance of countering fake news.

“Ang mortal enemy natin ngayong pandemic ay fake news.

So kailangan nating i-tackle ang fake news [and] prevent misinformation and disinformation,” Gonzales said.

The leadership summit, “Upsurge: Leadership Through the Screens,” was hosted by the UST Legal Management Society in collaboration with other student councils in Metro Manila.

JOHN AARON PANGILINAN

Booster shots

UsapangUste

PAMILYAR ang bawat Tomasino sa myUSTe Student Portal, isang website kung saan nakatala ang mga impormasyon tungkol sa mga magaaral tulad ng mga grado, klaseng kinukuha, at matrikulang kailangan bayaran..

Isa ito sa mga kagamitan ng unibersidad na matagal nang ginagamit at mas lalong napaPAkinabangan ngayong panahon ng pandemya.

Ngunit paano nga ba nagsimula ang ganitong sistema sa Unibersidad?

Bago pa magkaroon ng computerized system, mano-manong pagsulat ang ginagawa sa pagtatala ng impormasyon ng mga mag-aaral.

Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo urged Thomasians to vote for leaders who unite rather than divide, in a speech before a conference hosted by the UST Legal Management Society.

Robredo, who is running for president in the 2022 national elections, said the country needed to put an end to bad governance.

“Pinakamahalaga, tumindig para siguraduhing mawawakasan ang bad governance na ugat ng patuloy na pagkagutom, kahirapan, at kamatayan ngayong panahon ng pandemya,” Robredo said.

Robredo also called on student leaders to be “beacons of harmony” and try to reduce conflict amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former UST Central Student Council president Robert Dominic Gonzales, who was among the speakers of the event, underscored the importance of clear

►

► Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo delivers her mes-

sage in the leadership summit, “Upsurge: Leadership Through the Screens,” a conference hosted by the UST Legal Management Society.—screenshot from the event

UST’s online learning system wins excellence award THE UNIVERSITY won an excellence award for its “enriched virtual mode” (EVM) of instruction in the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and Rex Education’s Gawad Edukampyon Awards on Monday.

EVM is UST’s official mode of instruction amid the Covid-19 pandemic, introduced during the first term of Academic Year 2020 to 2021. It employs synchronous and asynchronous learning strategies using the UST Cloud Campus.

UST’s e-learning program has been in place for two decades.

“It does pay to be a few steps ahead,” UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said in his acceptance speech.

“The challenges that beset higher education institutions in the time of the pandemic have created various opportunities to reassess and reinvent teaching and learning modes as well as put in place proper technology to address learner needs effectively

and deliver lessons efficiently.

This was foremost in our minds even before the pandemic happened,” he added.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta said the University’s early adoption of an e-learning program “proved to help Thomasians’ transition to a University-wide shift to online and even offline learning.”

The Philippine Normal University was awarded the same title for its “PNU CHED HiEd Bayanihan.”

The award for flexible and responsive management is given to higher education institutions (HEIs) with “outstanding management responses to ensure continuity of education” amid the pandemic.

CHEd and Rex Education, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, launched the Gawad Edukampyon in January 2021 to recognize outstanding initiatives of HEIs during the pandemic. JAMILAH B. ANGCO

THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

NEWS

3

UST produces 302 new doctors, 7 topnotchers in October-November 2021 med board

art by athea monique z. gala

UST, which fielded 320 examinees, produced 302 new licensed physicians, or a 94.38-percent passing rate.

Seven Thomasians ranked in the top 10 of the examinations.

Alyssa May Madriaga led the new batch of Thomasian physicians with an 87.33-percent score, placing third nationwide. Madriaga previously topped the 2015 nursing licensure examinations.

Thomasian Emmanuel Luis Mangahas scored 86.92 percent to rank sixth in the nation. He shared the sixth spot with Michael Brian Alvarez and Marie Bernadine Caballes of the University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM).

UST alumni Ivan Gabriel Simpauco and Miguel Luis Arkoncel placed seventh (86.83 percent) and eighth (86.75 percent), respectively.

Thomasians Aldric Mikhail Aw, Johnvert Batara and Lawrence

Raymond Mariano tied for the 10th spot with 86.50-percent scores. They shared the rank with Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health’s James Michael Suarez.

Former Varsitarian science and technology editor Hedrix Caballe and witness editor Marie Danielle Macalino passed the examinations.

UPM’s Ian Gabriel Juyad topped this year’s batch of PLE takers with a score of 87.50 percent.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila was named the top-performing school, with a 98.06-percent passing rate, or 101 out of 103 examinees making the cut.

UST produced the most number of newly licensed physicians and placed fourth among top-performing schools.

The national passing rate in the October-November 2021 exams slightly increased to 72.85 percent, or 1,677 out of 2,302 examinees, from 70.12 percent in September, or 1,084 of 1,546 takers.

The examinations were held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 at testing centers in Metro Manila and Tuguegarao, Cagayan. FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA

OCTA: Expect ‘better’ Christmas, 2022

By Jamilah Mae B. Angco

WITH THE dwindling number of Covid-19 cases across the country and a steadying Covid-19 vaccine stock, Filipinos may look forward to a better Christmas season and next year, an OCTA Research fellow said.

Guido David, an OCTA Research fellow and a professor at the University of the Philippines, said the drop in daily cases being logged by the country was the best indicator that the pandemic situation is improving.

“Right now, I’m personally not seeing any major obstacles to going back to the old normal. At least we can do it gradually. We can do it in a safe and calibrated manner so that it doesn’t ‘BETTER’ CHRISTMAS PAGE 7

►

Thomasian’s children literacy program receives ESD Okayama Award

infographic by christine angelie p. orines

MORE THAN 300 Thomasians passed the October-November 2021 physician licensure examinations (PLE), where UST was named the fourth top-performing school.

THOMASIAN-led youth organization Streets to Schools won this year’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Okayama Award for its “Ladders to Literacy” initiative that promotes literacy among Filipino children.

Qjiel Mariano, a nursing junior who heads Streets to Schools, said that through Ladders to Literacy, the organization aims to address the learning crisis among children regardless of social status by helping them develop reading and writing skills, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a greater call to action by the World Literacy Foundation that reading and writing must be championed amidst the school lockdowns,” Mariano told the Varsitarian.

LITERACY PROGRAM PAGE 11

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THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

4

WITNESS

Dominican Curia clarifies use of post-nominals of laity THE DOMINICAN Curia has released a circular letter clarifying the use of post-nominal initials of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic (LFSD) last Friday, Nov. 12.

The curia, headed by Master of the Order of Preachers and UST Chancellor Fr. Gerard Timoner III, O.P., said lay men and women shall append “OP” instead of other post-nominal letters.

“As needed, the Prior Provincial and his Council are to ensure that the initials are used in such a way that any confusion among the faithful regarding the canonical status of the members is avoided,” the letter read.

Lay Dominicans were also advised to use “OP” if he or she decides to use post-nominals. It does not “imply” that the laity “should or is encouraged” to include it.

Other post-nominal initials such as “OPL”, “OPs”, and “O.P.” (with or without “Mr./Mrs.”) for the Dominican laity are still “regulated very differently in various provinces.”

Depending on the circumstances of his province, the prior provincial has the right to determine if the lay Dominican will not use post-nominals at all “to avoid confusion [o]n different levels.”

The General Council deliberated on the proposal presented by the members of the committee namely: the General Promoter of the Laity, General Promoter of the Priestly Fraternities, and President of the International Council of Dominican Lay Fraternities, during its last plenary council meeting.

The curia hoped that the provision will lead to a more “harmonious path” towards promoting “greater communion” among the members of the branches of the Dominican family.

According to the General Declarations of the LFSD in 2019, the lay people of St. Dominic are those “faithful who [a]re called by a special vocation to progress in the Christian way of life and to animate temporal things through the charism of St. Dominic.”

EDITOR: MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

Catholic Church’s role is to educate voters, not endorse candidates—CBCP official The Catholic Church does not meddle in politics, and its role during elections is to educate voters, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Philippines (CBCP) said during the eighth Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE).

“The Church is merely asking to present her policy views and to respect her right to participate in public debate without its religion and ministers being impugned. Karapatan din ng Simbahan na makisangkot, makihayag, at makialam sa lahat ng Pilipino kung ano ang kanyang pananaw at saloobin sa mga nangyayari sa ating lipunan,” Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP Committee on Public Affairs, said during his talk on Oct. 23.

According to the Canon Law (Code of Canon Law, Canon 285, No. 3), clerics are prohibited from running and accepting any government positions

since “they entail sharing in the exercise of civil power,” he stressed.

The Archdiocese of Manila’s Commission on Social Communication has launched the “One Godly Vote” campaign, which Secillano said aims to “educate voters and evangelize the political system.” “[One Godly Vote] is not a promotion of Catholic dogmas or doctrines but a means to achieve greater understanding of societal issues leading voters to make informed choices during the election,” Secillano said.

He emphasized that the voters’ education program is not a means to endorse any candidate in the 2022 elections.

“Our motivation is to achieve a renewed kind of politics by focusing more on the following: moral principles than on the latest polls; the concern and needs of the weak than on benefits for the strong and powerful; and the pur-

suit of the common good rather than on the demands of narrow and selfish interests,” he said.

Citing the letter “Living the Gospel of Life” by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secillano called on Filipino voters “to see beyond party politics, analyze campaign rhetoric critically and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not simply party affiliation or mere self-interest.”

He stressed that elections are a “serious matter,” and it is the Church’s prophetic role to “speak the truth no matter how painful it is.”

“They should not compromise their votes. They should shun money, they should not be cowed by intimidation, they should not be swayed by empty, shallow and outrageous promises, and they need to hold on to the sacredness of their vote as if their choice is God’s choice to lead us to our future,” he said.

Saying ‘yes’ to God’s mission

Cardinal Jose Advincula called on Catholics to bring hope to others despite one’s hardships during the closing Mass on Oct. 24.

“Take courage, get up. Jesus is calling you. We are called to encourage others, give them hope, and boost their morale. We are called to help others to get up, start anew and not to put them down,” the Manila archbishop said in his homily during the Mass in the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Advincula said prayer is “truly authentic” if it involves others.

“Sometimes when we are too absorbed with our own concerns. [W] e may tend to forget that we are also called to be concerned about others— to help and bring others to Christ,” he said.

EDUCATE VOTERS PAGE 10

Thomasian priests named new chancellor, vice chancellor of Manila archdiocese MANILA Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has appointed Fr. Isidro Marinay as the new chancellor and Fr. Carmelo Arada, Jr. the new vice chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila.

The appointments were announced on Nov. 4 through a circular letter from Fr. Reginald Malicdem, who had been chancellor of Manila since August 2015.

Marinay will also be the episcopal vicar for chancery matters and a member of the presbyteral council and college of consultors of the archdiocese.

Marinay is the dean of studies in the philosophy department of the San Carlos Seminary.

Marinay obtained his licentiate in sacred theology and master’s in oriental religions and cultures, magna cum laude, from UST. He finished his doctorate degree in Philippine studies from the University of the Philip-

► Fr. Isidro Marinay (left) and Fr. Carmelo Arada, Jr. (right)

pines-Diliman.

Marinay was the editor of the Witness or religion section of the Varsitarian in 1994.

He had served as editor in chief of the UST Journal of Theology, the official student publication of the UST Faculty of Sacred Theology Inter Nos and the Benavides Newsletter.

Under the pen name Jose Maria de Nazareno, he has written biographies of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin (“Happy

Life of Sin”) and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma (“Jose S Palma – In the Palm of God’s Hand”).

In 2011, he won the Inter Nos lifetime achievement award during the University’s quadricentennial celebration.

His book “Sick Situations and Pastoral Heart” was named Best Book in the ministry category of the Catholic Mass Media Awards in 2013.

He was also one of the 12 fellows of the 54th University of

the Philippines National Writers Workshop in 2015.

Meanwhile, Arada will occupy the vacant vice chancellor post of the archdiocese.

Arada graduated from the UST Central Seminary in 2005 and earned his licentiate in sacred theology in 2010.

Before he was appointed, Arada was assistant commissioner of the Commission on Liturgy of the archdiocese.

He is also a parish priest of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish in Paco, Manila and a member of the Dominican Clerical Fraternity of the Philippines.

The new appointments will take effect on Monday, Nov. 15.

Malicdem said he was grateful for his term as chancellor.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as chancellor of the archdiocese for the past six years,” he said. ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ

MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

Filipino bishops applaud Maria Ressa’s Nobel The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) cheered Rappler CEO Maria Ressa’s Nobel Peace Prize and expressed hope it would pave the way for a freer press in the Philippines.

“We, your pastors and bishops, wish to add our voices to that of the entire nation in congratulating Ms. Maria Ressa, for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts ‘to safeguard freedom of expression,’” CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao said in a statement.

► Journalists Maria Ressa (Philip-

pines) and Dmitry Muratov (Russia) are recipients of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.—photo from nobelprize.org

“We are grateful that Ms. Ressa, together with many of the distinguished and dedicated members of the fourth estate, have discerned the signs of the times and have valiantly responded and continue to respond to this particular invitation,” he added.

Echoing Pope Francis, Valles said he hoped Ressa’s recognition would pave the way for Filipinos to have a firm conviction in building a nation where the press is “free, at the service of truth, goodness and justice.”

He emphasized that the “mission and vocation” of the press is to “search for the truth” and “help build a culture of dialogue,” amid disinformation and fake news.

“As Filipinos and Bishops, we commit our continued collaboration in order to uphold these values,” Valles said.

Ressa is the first Filipino to receive the Nobel Prize. She is the founder and CEO of the digital news media outlet Rappler, which has been on the receiving end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s several threats.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said Ressa and her co-winner, Dmitry Muratov, head of Russian paper Novaya Gazeta, were recognized for “their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.” ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ

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THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

SCI-TECH

EDITOR: AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

5

Faith-based organizations crucial in boosting Filipinos’ vaccine confidence - WHO

By Ma. Alena O. Castillo

► Left to right: Prof. Pia Marie Albano, Asst. Prof. Nikki Heherson Dagamac, Asst. Prof. Maureen Sabit and

Mr. Reuel Bennett—photos from ust website

UST researchers lead trials for cheaper, faster Covid-19 test kits RESEARCHERS from UST have been tapped to validate a newly developed Covid-19 test kit that would cut down costs and turnaround time for results.

The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) kits developed by MiRXES Pte Ltd, a biotech company from Singapore, eliminate the need for RNA extraction, a time-consuming step most PCR machines undergo before detecting the virus, said Prof.

Pia Marie Albano, the lead proponent of the trial.

“The kits can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in either nasopharyngeal or saliva samples which would [also] cut down the cost since patients can self-collect their samples and there will be no need for swabbers,” she told the Varsitarian.

Positive samples can also be further tested for mutations or new variants, she said.

“What interests us as well is testing the positive samples for the mutations. We have qPCR-based kits that can identify the variants of concern,” she said.

The team collaborated with Singapore Diagnostics in Makati to conduct trials on at least a thousand participants from both clinical and community

settings.

After the kits pass the validation tests, they can be used as a cheaper alternative in gene sequencing to track mutations, especially those that show resistance to the vaccines.

“Once we have the data, we write our report and MiRXES will apply for FDA approval [and] once registered, the kits can be distributed to India and SEA,” Albano said.

She is joined by Asst. Prof.

Nikki Heherson Dagamac, Asst.

Prof. Maureen Sabit, and Reuel Bennett from the UST Department of Biological Sciences.

Hurdles

Recruiting participants, however, posed as a struggle for the researchers.

“Many hesitated to join because of stigma stemming from being infected with or having close contact with Covid-19 patients,” Albano said during the second Science, Technology, and Society Summit of the UST College of Science on Nov. 12.

Some daily wage earners, despite being close contacts, were hesitant for fear of losing their source of income once they tested positive, she said.

But the biggest challenge for the team was getting access to areas with high Covid-19 cases and their respective quarantine

facilities and testing sites.

“In the past, I would only need to present to the medical director and the department heads of the hospitals whenever I would invite for collaboration. However, this clinical trial taught me the importance of understanding the local power dynamics in order to access potential participants,” she said.

In Candaba, Pampanga, the team converted the trial’s monetary compensation to sacks of rice for those participants with families to tide them over the quarantine.

They were also able to identify any close contacts in the process.

“This clinical trial became beneficial to the local community because the timely release of their official COVID-19 results helped identify and isolate the infected individuals,” Albano said.

She said that future clinical trial investigators should possess flexibility as the pandemic presents unforeseen changes and diversity of situations.

The clinical trial could also open doors to increase research capacity and facilitate the creation of a technical team of researchers should the country face another surge or pandemic, she added. CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS AND L.M.T.B. PADILLO

Alumna is new DOST innovation council exec A THOMASIAN has been appointed as the new deputy executive director of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST – PCIEERD).

Niñaliza Escorial, a chemical engineering alumna, will oversee the operations of the country’s innovation council.

“With so many things happening right now—new technologies coming in, the pandemic coming in—and there are many tools that could be used, […] it should all be integrated strategically in such a way that your human resources could respond to anything,” she told the Varsitarian.

Escorial is one of the council’s longest-serving employees, having led

its Industrial Technology Development division since 2003 prior to her appointment.

She was involved in the conceptualiza► Niñaliza Escorial tion of DOST projects like One Lab, Food Innovation Center, Smart Food Value Chain, and packaging and metrology research.

Escorial obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at UST in 1987 and finished her master’s degree in chemical engineering at De La Salle University in 1993. ADRIAN L. PARUNGAO

CHURCH officials and faith-based organizations play a vital role in encouraging people to support the government’s vaccination program, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

WHO representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said the extensive influence of religious leaders and groups would help build public trust in Covid-19 vaccines.

“We recognize the role of religious organizations as a catalyst for health and critical sources for support and information. Health and social measures must be informed by faith-based values to be effective and sustainable

in stopping [the spread of] Covid-19 and giving help to those in need,” he said during the webinar titled “Collaboration in health emergencies: WHO, faith partners and national governments,” on Nov. 10.

Abeyasinghe said multi-level approaches and collaboration among the religious and private sectors and the national government had been instrumental in the country’s fight against Covid-19.

“The pandemic cannot be addressed by the health sector alone.

We must work together to make a whole-of-society approach to this solution,” he said.

VACCINE CONFIDENCE PAGE 9

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Chemistry professor bags Germany grant for antibiotic study A RESEARCHER from the College of Science has been awarded the new Digital Cooperation Fellowship grant from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany to conduct a study on antibiotics.

Prof. Allan Patrick Macabeo will pursue his study on antibiotic compounds found in local fungi species to develop drugs against disease-causing bacteria like E. coli and tuberculosis.

The rise of drug-resistant microorganisms is a special concern that needs to be addressed in the research, he said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

The study, titled “Drug discovery of biologically active natural products from Philippine Hypoxylon Species,” will be a collaboration between the UST Research Center for the Natural Sciences and Applied Sciences and the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research in Germany.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation engages academic cooperation among scientists and scholars from Germany and abroad.

Macabeo obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry in UST in 1999 and 2003, respectively, and his doctorate at the University of Regensburg in Bayern, Germany.

► Prof. Allan Patrick Macabeo

In 2015, he was named Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology for his work on natural products from Philippine medicinal plants and agricultural by-products. ADRIAN L. PARUNGAO

QS Asian Ranking ► FROM PAGE 1

Ateneo de Manila University jumped 11 spots to rank 124th.

De La Salle University also ranked six spots higher, rising from 166th to 160th in the 2022 rankings.

Ateneo de Davao University, Mapua University and Siliman University all stayed in the 501 to 550 bracket.

Two Philippine universities that were unranked last year entered the 2022 rankings: Cebu Technological University (651+) and Lyceum of the Philippines University (651+).

A total of 15 Philippine universities made it to the 2022

rankings.

The National University of Singapore remained the top university in Asia.

A total of 687 institutions were ranked this year, with universities from Hong Kong and China dominating the top 10.

UST remains the only Philippine university with a five-star QS rating, which is determined based on factors such as facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility and inclusiveness, among others.

Mapua kept its four-star rating, while the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Central Luzon State University, Cebu Technological

University and Central Mindanao University received three-star rankings.

The 2022 QS Asian university ranking was based on universities’ academic reputation (30 percent), employer reputation (20 percent), faculty-student ratio (10 percent), international research network (10 percent), citations per paper (10 percent), papers per faculty (5 percent), staff with a doctorate degrees (5 percent), international faculty (2.5 percent), international students (2.5 percent), inbound exchange students (2.5 percent) and outbound exchange students (2.5 percent). JAMILAH B. ANGCO

THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

6

OPINION

EDITORIAL

Substitution:

The Duterte (and PDP-Laban) party trick LET’S GET one thing straight—substitution of candidates is legal.

Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code makes it so. According to the law, candidates can be substituted in case of death, disqualification, and withdrawal.

For the 2022 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set November 15 to be the last day of substitution of withdrawn candidates. It is also the last day for the substitute of an official candidate of a political party or coalition who withdrew, died, or was disqualified by final judgment, to file a certificate of candidacy (COC) in order to reflect the name of the substitute on the official ballot. Substitution can also be made past November 15 to mid-day of election day in the event of a candidate’s death and disqualification, as long as the replacement has the same surname as the person being substituted.

The most famous case of candidate substitution in the Philippines was that of now-president Rodrigo Duterte. The thenDavao City mayor was able to join the 2016 national elections thanks to a handover from Martin Diño, a barangay captain at the time, who had been PDP-Laban’s presidential candidate until he backed out supposedly because he felt “insulted” by the Comelec that

branded him a nuisance candidate.

Six years on, another Duterte is being linked to substitution. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on November 9 further fueled rumors of her seeking higher office in the 2022 elections as she announced her withdrawal from reelection, less than a week before the deadline of substitution. She

times that she would seek reelection in Davao. Should she join the presidential or vice presidential race, she would definitely garner votes, especially in Mindanao.

But there has to be something said about the rule of substitution.

Pro-administration political parties have explicitly admitted fielding placeholders for

Saa r s a h e h t g i r o t n u r d neag h rce . d n i m But r o f e h te k a s, f os e n hr ita f Coc e ld mu o h s t o n e b n a r e l b sa en t f o ld ai n c t i l o p s e i t r a p h et k a m ya r e k tc uo m f o s e n h o i t c e l a h g l n e i s u tr o v l h n k w e t s d . l a y o l p resigned from Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the regional political party she established, by way of a handwritten letter on November 11.

Sara is an unquestionable powerhouse.

She had led presidential surveys prior to the October 8 deadline of filing of COCs for all elective posts and has remained a preferred candidate of many pro-administration political parties despite her claiming numerous

the 2022 polls. Lakas-CMD fielded obscure candidates Anna Capela Velasco and Lyle Fernando Uy for president and vice president, respectively. The Cusi faction of PDP-Laban fielded Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go for the top two positions.

Lakas-CMD’s secretary general Prospero Pichay said Velasco and Uy were mere place-

holders as his party awaited Sara’s decision.

De la Rosa also admitted that he was hoping for Sara’s presidential bid and that he would be willing to step aside should she seek to succeed her father.

The Comelec actually has the power to cancel the COCs of candidates it would deem as nuisance ones, or those aiming to make a mockery out of the elections.

According to the poll body’s website, “[a] ny candidate for any elective office who filed his certificate of candidacy to put the election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates or who by other acts or circumstances is clearly demonstrated to have no bona fide intention to run for the office for which the certificate of candidacy has been filed, thus preventing a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate, may be declared a nuisance candidate and his certificate of candidacy may be denied due course or may be canceled.”

Sara has the right to run and change her mind. But for the sake of fairness, the Comelec should not be an enabler of candidates and political parties that make a mockery out of the elections through their telenovela writing skills and ploys.

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

John Ezekiel J. Hirro Editor in Chief Miguel Louis M. Galang Associate Editor Laurd Menhard B. Salen Acting Managing Editor Jacqueline B. Martinez Acting News Editor Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. Sports Editor Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat Special Reports and Science & Technology Editor Jiselle Anne C. Casucian Features Editor Mariel Celine L. Serquiña Witness Editor Samantha Nichole G. Magbuhat Patnugot sa Filipino Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo Circle Editor Renzelle Shayne V. Picar Chief Photographer Jan Kristopher T. Esguerra Art Director

News Jamilah Mae B. Angco, Justin Benedict T. Lim, Christine Joyce A. Paras Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa, Joanne Christine P. Ramos Sports Anna Clarissa M. Barlam, Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan, James Paul R. Gomez, Jose Ama Alberto B. Rosario, Mark Ernest V. Villeza Special Reports Eduelle Jan T. Macababbad, John Aaron C. Pangilinan Features Judd Ericka Marie F. Crescini, Nina Angela Mikaela Cruz, Faith Nicole S. Gelacio, Jade Veronique V. Yap Literary Samantha Fatima C. Creencia, Alexandra L. Mangasar Witness Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Allyssa Mae C. Cruz Filipino Caitlin Dayne A. Contreras, Matthew G. Gabriel Science and Technology Louise Marie Therese B. Padillo, Adrian L. Parungao Circle Allaine Nicole C. Cruz, Charm Ryanne C. Magpali, Larissa Mae C. Tan

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Felipe F. Salvosa II, Christian V. Esguerra Assistant Publications Advisers

Joselito B. Zulueta Publications Adviser

THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

OPINION ‘Thou shalt nots’ in elections

Faculty Union ► FROM PAGE 1

It is antimpor hat serotv be earw of usal alpoitc edr sag and alicsuper msoratfpl being espoud yb .osplitc Even emor antimpor is Filipnos ingakt enot of Gos ’d hou“t shalt ” snot henw it omesc ot oting.v

Lookout JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

WE ARE six months away from the 2022 elections, and boy, we’re in for a ride. The deadline for political parties to substitute candidates has just passed, and the election drama is as storyline-rich as ever: President Duterte is suddenly running for the Senate. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is suddenly running for a higher position—vice president—despite previous assertions of reluctance. The namesake of the late dictator, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is seeking the presidency and going against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, to whom he lost the vice presidential race in the 2016 polls.

The campaign period for national posts will be from February 8 to May 7, 2022, yet candidates have already held motorcades and posted political advertisements. They have also started their usual bickering and grand-standing.

Indeed, it is election season! Voters, beware, as this is also the season of confusion and disinforma-

tion.

As usual, there are things to watch out for. Bishop Pablo David, incoming president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), has urged Filipinos—especially Christians—to trim down their candidate lists by subjecting them to the 10 commandments.

“It is not enough to pray for good candidates, which, of course, is also important,” David said on Nov. 18. “The Lord has given us those candidates already. Unfortunately, the Lord is not a voter in the coming elections. We are.”

“Follow the commandments,” David added. “Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not lie. Doon pa lang, iiksi na ang listahan.”

Indeed, the 10 Commandments have survived the tests of time and remained timely and timeless.

The list is relevant, too, this coming election season, when politicians—like biblical anti-Christs and false prophets—show great signs and wonders to

deceive.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Thou shalt not murder. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

It’s a shame for a predominantly Christian country to have a President who fosters the culture of violence, peddles lies, and calls God “stupid.” Yet President Duterte has called God “stupid,” launched a drug war that has killed thousands, defended his corrupt allies, and thrown harmful allegations against his opponents and critics.

Had Filipinos been more mindful of the 10 commandments, the Philippines would not have suffered the Duterte regime. With the looming 2022 elections, we should not make the same mistake.

Voters should watch out for liars. We live in the digital age when information is easily accessible.

LOOKOUT PAGE 10

►

Saso goes the way of So Pipebomb ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

LAST NOV. 3, global golf sensation Yuka Saso, who was one of the Philippines’ representatives in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, announced that she had opted to be a full-fledged Japanese citizen and to drop her Filipino citizenship. Her decision was based on Japanese law, which requires dual citizens to elect their nationality at the age of 22.

Saso, 20, will become a Japanese citizen come 2023.

While Saso failed to bring a medal for the Philippines in the Olympics, she has the potential to do so in the future. Just in June, Saso was hailed as the winner of the 2021 US. Women’s Open, becoming the first Filipina to win a golf major.

“I will be turning 22 years old on 20 June 2023 and, after much thought and consultation with my family, friends and advisors, I have begun the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship,” Saso said.

“Thank you for respecting my choice. I am grateful to both my Filipino and Japanese

It si gnil ap t h stnermopsl vdena e ta s rop us rof -dl ro w s a lect lhniame r a yr os . s em Our se t lh ae r . srutonem s v ni If e w tup lamin s k i r ni gniv g meh t eh t rop us y eh t ,de n eh t e b y a m e t w ’ n d c l e u p o hx s e h t s e h g i f o s d r a w e m o r f . m e h t supporters. I would not have achieved anything in my career without your support,” she said. “I look forward to making you proud as I continue with my professional golfing career.”

While Saso herself had admitted that her reason to play for another country was due to citizenship technicality, it’s an undeniable loss for the country’s sports program, which earlier lost chess grandmaster Wesley So. In 2013, the woodpusher placed second at the Chess World Cup and won a gold medal at the Unive Crown Group.

It was also in 2013 when he won gold in the Summer Universiade in Russia. Universiade is considered the largest multi-sport event in the world apart from the Olympics. Under Republic Act 9064, Filipino athletes who win medals in international competitions are entitled to cash awards. So said he should be entitled to P1 million, but the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said

that Universiade wasn’t among the international events whose Philippine winners the government would compensate.

“Because of a quarrel between the kings of the sports bodies, not only did the country refuse to acknowledge my efforts, they refused to give me the P1 million promised to athletes who bring home a gold medal,” So said.

The “quarrel” So was referring to was the squeeze play between the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee. Both sports bodies were vying to be in charge of the country’s national basketball program at the time.

While basketball had little to no relation with chess, the POC’s apparent pettiness with the matter forced their hand to not sanction So’s participation in Universiaide.

The chess prodigy decided to emigrate to the PIPEBOMB PAGE 10

►

Are arts and culture a mere afterthought in UST? Offbeat MA. JASMINE TRISHA L. NEPOMUCENO

THE UNIVERSITY has course offerings dedicated to music and fine arts. It has a designated Research Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities in which new knowledge on Filipino culture and identity emerges. It is the home of the internationallyacclaimed UST Singers and eight-time UAAP Cheerdance champions UST Salinggawi. It has produced several National Artists such as Bienvenido Lumbera, Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana, Ernani Joson Cuenco, Arturo Luz, and Bobby Mañosa. Yet arts and culture still seem like an afterthought in UST. While the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics enjoys the Quadricentennial Pavilion and its well-equipped facilities for training, we at the Conservatory of Music—the full orchestras, ensembles with hundreds of singers—are crammed in lobbies, corridors, and even the staircases since our number cannot be contained in recital halls that are not conducive to large-ensemble

g n i o e h J t ’ V ‘ e v a g e m y t i e n h u t o r p , o t e n m r a , e l o r f s d n e h a vt i n w e o c r g ,dyesltb,niedsl arnNa ticm l a n o i t Ar, s t id n a r e h t o Ths n a i soahm w r o b a l o t f i l e p n u i h p ts l r i a h P d e n ar u t l d n g c a i v m e h g t n o i r a t e g dn o u r t f s – y e h t s u j d e n o t , d e b t r o d s p n a eu b v i r g o e m c a p s . o e t a e r c rehearsals.

For a University that has produced acclaimed performing artists such as the UST Singers and UST Symphony Orchestra, the resident student orchestra of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it is shocking that the Conservatory of Music hardly has a decent music hall even as it celebrated its 75th founding year last year.

The fresh and innovative art pieces of young artists from the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), the theater design plans of the students from the College of Architecture—all remain confined within the Beato Angelico Building left as fleeting ideas to be shelved away for who knows when. During my sophomore year, our class was invited to a presentation by Architecture students about a proposed ‘theater building’ within the campus. The plans featured modernistic and baroque styles that would complement the UST’s architectural aesthetic. By the end of the

7

presentation, however, the moderating professor said these proposals would remain as such unless the University actually decides to do something with these plans.

UST possesses the resources, manpower, and potential to truly strengthen the Filipino arts and cultural identity. It is like a gold mine waiting to be discovered -- a discovery that may never happen should it continue to turn a blind eye.

It should promote collaboration among the visual artists of CFAD, the musicians of the Conservatory, actors from both local and universitywide theater organizations, and the creative writers from the Faculty of Arts and Letters to stage an original and world-class Filipino production that would truly allow the nation’s heritage to shine.

Our identity as Filipinos will remain murky if only few individuals are genuinely concerned and OFFBEAT PAGE 10

►

Gonzales said that aside from the USTFU, the Central Student Council (CSC)must be consulted for the F2F classes.

“Ideally, there should be a joint UST-USTFU-CSC committee for the F2F classes wherein management, the [USTFU], and the CSC are equally represented,” Gonzales added.

The union president said there were a lot of issues that had yet to be addressed before F2F classes, such as the vaccination status of a class to be allowed for in-person classes, whether unvaccinated teachers and students would be allowed to attend, whether faculty members can refuse to do onsite work and whether sick leaves would be used when a teacher contracts Covid-19.

“Will the admin shoulder the confinement of teachers who got infected by Covid on top of their basic hospitalization benefits?

Will the admin accord them a new set of 14-day sick leave for their mandatory quarantine upon exposure to the virus?” Gonzales said.

“Can a faculty member refuse?

Who should shoulder the expenses for RT-PCR testing? […] Questions like these remain unanswered to me, to us in the faculty union,” he added.

On Nov. 5, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) said limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs would be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 provided that colleges and universities have high vaccination rates, approval from local government units, and retrofitted facilities.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta earlier told the Varsitarian that the University was still awaiting specific guidelines from CHEd regarding in-person classes for more degree programs.

‘Better’ Christmas ► FROM PAGE 3

involve a high level of risk,” David told the Varsitarian.

He said that Covid-19 risk levels were more manageable as of late, noting that cities outside Metro Manila had been averaging lower daily cases.

Metro Manila, which recently de-escalated to Alert Level 2, is averaging about 400 cases a day.

Cebu City has been logging fewer than 15 cases per day, while Davao City is averaging 30 daily cases.

“I think we’re going to have a better Christmas and a better next year. Hopefully, no more of these threats, variants, and outbreaks.

Maybe just small outbreaks but nothing that we can’t manage,” David said.

David also reminded Filipinos that relaxed protocols should not lead to complacency.

“Let’s try to still do our part and try to observe safety protocols because the more we help one another, the more this will work,” he said.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reported that 107,858 health protocol violations were recorded from Oct. 1 to Nov. 6, most of which were Filipinos not wearing face masks.

THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

8

CIRCLE

EDITOR: NOLENE BEATRICE H. CRUCILLO

Thomasian painter Nemiranda mounts exhibit for quincentennial of PH Christianity

By Larissa Mae C. Tan

PAINTING alumnus Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda Jr. commemorated the quincentennial of the arrival of Spain and Christianity in the Philippines in his solo exhibit “NEMIRANDA: Present Day Visual Historian,” at the ManilART 2021 fair held from Oct. 20 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premiere in Taguig City.

“When I paint historical subjects, it is as if I put on my shoes as if I was part of that history,” Miranda told the Varsitarian. “I try to feel that I was part of that to give life and meaning to what I do.”

Accentuating the hues of the Philippine flag, the main highlight of the exhibit was “500 Years of Heroism,” a 5 x 8 in. mural showcasing both historical and modern-day heroes. “[The artwork] depicts heroism [since] the discovery of the country, from Lapu-Lapu to Jose Rizal and to the present days heroes—our frontliners,” he said.

“Battle of Mactan” commemorates the victory of Lapu-Lapu against Portuguese explorer Magellan on April 27, 1521.

The exhibit also featured artworks revisiting significant events such as typhoons Ondoy and Yolanda, the eruptions of Taal and Mayon volcanoes, the war in Marawi, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Referred to as the “father of imaginative figurism,” Nemiranda utilizes an art style that uses the imagination to illustrate human subjects and events without the use of references.

Miranda graduated from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts in 1970.

The solo exhibit displayed 30 artworks from the Nemiranda Arthouse.

ManilART is a project co-presented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to feature talented Filipino artists from all over the country and highlight Filipino culture through the arts.

With the theme “Continuing Legacies,” ManilART 2021 showcased artworks from over 20 local galleries.

► ‘500 Years of Heroism,’ a 5 x 8 in. mural showcasing heroes

► ‘Battle of Mactan’ commemorates the victory of Lapu-Lapu against

Magellan and his men ► Nemiranda

Edgar San Diego pays tribute to Filipino culture in first solo painting exhibit

Advertising alumnus wins COP26 art competition A THOMASIAN’s piece won the DigitalArt4Climate art competition at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

Advertising alumnus Bricx Martillo Dumas’ artwork “Nexus” was

► Edgar San Diego mounts his first solo art exhibit, “Baro’t Saya Tuwa at Ligaya,” at SM

By Allainne Nicole C. Cruz

RENOWNED fashion designer Edgar San Diego paid homage to Filipino culture in his first solo exhibit “Baro’t Saya Tuwa at Ligaya,” at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 15.

Fusing painting and fashion, the fine arts alumnus shaped a theme that emphasized his love for both: “Tribute of Joy to the Filipina and her Traditional Dress amidst the Pandemic.”

“My orientation is fashion and I’m into costumes and I love the culture. Everything I love I put it into my painting,” San Diego told the Varsitarian.

Using the Baro’t Saya, the

exhibit displayed a collection of costumes and paintings.

San Diego said her daughter, Abby, was the primary muse and inspiration of the exhibit.

“Since the pandemic, she is…often in the house, so she can pose for me. I ask her to take proper form, lighting and I take a picture of her and she becomes my referent,” said San Diego.

Among San Diego’s artworks was Manila Carnival Queen, a 24 x 33 in. acrylic painting of a woman surrounded by circus characters while riding a zebra side-saddle.

San Diego also exhibited a 24 x 33 in. acrylic painting of a woman donning a

Filipiniana with two angels at each side, titled “Reyna de las Flores.”

The Thomasian designer started preparing for the exhibit in May last year and finished it a month ago. “I make it a point to finish one painting every week,” he said.

San Diego was known for hand-painting gowns when he was an undergraduate in UST. San Diego has also championed Philippine culture through fashion shows all around the world.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the special services of Jose Reyes Medical Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

► Nexus

Megamall on Oct. 15.—PHOTO BY JOSELLE MARIE B. REYES/THE VARSITARIAN

named first among 208 artworks from 58 countries. “[Nexus is] all about our everyday lifestyle na nakakaapekto sa ating environment, hindi natin napapansin ay may malaki pala siyang epekto,” Dumas told the Varsitarian.

His digital artwork portrayed an image familiar to Filipinos: a hand holding a cigarette with leaves spewing out like smoke and a plastic bag of water with a straw.

Dumas said he drew inspiration from his 2019 experience with a vending machine in Mindanao that charged P2 for potable water.

The 2016 documentary film COP26 COMPETITION PAGE 10

►

THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

NEWS Vaccine mandate ► FROM PAGE 2

not careful by the first or second quarter of next year, Metro Manila will become vulnerable again,” Austriaco said.

David added: “We also have to think about the possibility of booster shots for certain individuals, but not for everyone.”

The World Health Organization earlier recommended Covid-19 vaccine booster shots after the latest research data showed that vaccine efficacy starts to wane six months after an individual becomes fully vaccinated.

Austriaco said vaccines remain the best tool to limit the spread of the virus.

“The vaccination may be waning, but if everyone is vaccinated, the virus is going to struggle. Vaccination still works, it might not be as good, but you are still protected somewhat as compared to someone who’s never been vaccinated,” he said.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. recently announced that the government was planning to launch a booster-shot rollout

by Nov. 15 with two million doses allotted for healthcare workers and five million for immunocompromised individuals and the elderly.

Manufacturers behind the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccines are seeking amendments to their emergency use licenses to include third vaccine doses.

“We don’t want to lose the gains that we have achieved. So it has to be a balance between vaccinating our kababayans who have not yet been vaccinated and then making sure that we have enough supply,” Austriaco added.

Austriaco said he hoped more Thomasians would be able to return to campus by the second term of Academic Year 2021 to 2022.

“It is my dearest hope and prayer that in the second semester of this academic year, at least some of our undergraduates can return to campus to face-to-face and show us the way how we can reopen safely so that all of our students will be able to return to Sampaloc to enjoy and to live and to remember this Covid-19 pandemic as something that happened in the past,” he said.

On Nov. 5, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) said limited faceto-face classes in all degree programs would be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 provided that colleges and universities have high vaccination rates, approval from local government units, and retrofitted facilities.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta earlier told the Varsitarian that the University was still awaiting specific guidelines from CHEd regarding inperson classes for more degree programs.

WITH REPORTS

FROM

JOYCE A. PARAS

CHRISTINE

IS UST READY FOR F2F CLASSES? ► FROM PAGE 1

Other policies to be observed during the actual classes, such as social distancing, ventilation measures, and degree of interaction, must also be settled, he said.

David suggested requiring in-person class participants to wear face masks, maintain a limited degree of interaction and follow social distancing.

Vaccination is also one major consideration in the reopening of these classes, he said.

“If the level of vaccination is not up, or we haven’t vaccinated everyone, but the risk level is very low, then, in theory, we can reopen F2F classes, and there would not be any significant risk of transmission or outbreak,” David said.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) announced on Nov. 5 that limited F2F classes in all degree programs would be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 if colleges and universities have the following: high vaccination rates, local government unit approval and retrofitted facilities.

90-minute limit

David said classes should be kept short, at between 60 to 90 minutes.

“I would argue that classes should be kept fairly short, like an hour or maybe an hour and a half at most. We shouldn’t [have] long three-hour classes yet,” he said.

Longer class hours “would probably be okay” as long as they are held outdoors, David said.

Proper classroom ventilation should also be assured.

“I’m not imagining it with plastic pieces covering each student. I’m imagining it to be a normal classroom. There would be proper ventilation,” David said.

“Students would be wearing face masks, people would be one seat apart, and the professor would not be directly in contact with the students...that should be the proper way,” he added.

Awaiting CHEd guidelines

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has yet to release guidelines regarding limited F2F classes for all degree programs, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta said.

“[Academic units] are expected to implement the same institutional health standards and protocols used by the first programs that resumed face-to-face classes,” Peralta told the Varsitarian.

UST required earlier batches of participants in limited F2F classes to undergo a two-week quarantine before the first day of classes.

At least three days from their first day of classes, students must test negative from Covid-19, with their RT-PCR results as proof.

Some students were also required to submit physical examination results and medical clearance, and to avail themselves of health insurance.

Vaccinations against tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tetanus were mandatory for medical technology students, while physical therapy students were required to get flu shots.

They were also required to accomplish health declaration and contact-tracing forms through the Stay Safe PH application and Thomasian Online Medical Services and Support site.

JUSTIN BENEDICT T. LIM

SCAN ME! Watch the Varsitarian’s interview with Dr. Guido David by scanning this QR code using your mobile device

“We need to engage and empower people, especially those disproportionately vulnerable, to the threats and impacts of the pandemic. FBOs (faithbased organizations) are effective partners for community engagement, given the trust, respect, and sense of purpose they have among the community,” he added.

Abeyasinghe said several faithbased organizations have partnered with the WHO, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Caritas Philippines, Lingap Pangkabataan, Philippines Children’s Ministries Network, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, National Council of Churches in the

Strengthen dialogue and partnership

Fr. Dan Cancino, Jr., executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on Health Care, emphasized that dialogue is essential in showing solidarity with those suffering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“To emerge better from the crisis, the principle of subsidiarity must be implemented, respecting everyone’s autonomy and capacity to take initiative. It gives hope in a healthier and more just future,” Cancino said.

Fr. Antonio Labiao, Jr., executive

UST grad is topnotcher in electronics eng’g, electronics technician boards A THOMASIAN secured spots in the top 10 of the October 2021 licensure examinations for electronics engineers and electronics technicians, placing ninth and third, respectively.

UST alumnus Tim Patrick Nieves scored 87.80 percent in the electronics engineering boards and 93 percent in the electronics technicians boards.

The University fielded 26 examinees, of which 17 passed, or a passing rate of 65.38 percent.

UST recorded a perfect passing rate in the electronics technician boards, with all 17 takers passing the exams.

The national passing rate for electronics engineers slightly dipped to 47.84 percent (710 of 1,484 examinees) from 49.43 percent (2,460 of 4,977) in October 2019.

For the electronics technician exams, the national passing rate rose to 75.77 percent (738 of 974 examinees) from 65.58 percent (2,589 of 3,775 examinees) in 2019.

FAITH

UST produces 27 chem technicians, 6 chemists

Vaccine confidence Philippines, Ranao Muslim Christian Movement for Dialogue and Peace, and World Vision Philippines.

OC TOBER 2021 LICENSURE EXAMS

YUEN WEI RAGASA

► Dr. Guido David

► FROM PAGE 5

9

secretary of Caritas Philippines, said partnership is key to establishing a “clear system” in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

“Partnership is always effective in any program like this. Everybody should be involved. We need to have a clear direction [with the pandemic response],” Labiao said.

Labiao added that local churches should do their part in answering questions regarding the vaccine and encouraging the faithful to get vaccinated.

The two priests were among the presenters of a case study on health emergencies in the Philippines during the WHO and Religions for Peace Global Conference, which will run until Dec. 3.. ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ

THE UNIVERSITY recorded a 90 percent passing rate in the October 2021 licensure examinations for chemical technicians, significantly higher than the national average of 81.24 percent.

Twenty-seven out of 30 Thomasians passed the examinations.

UST also produced six new chemists, posting a 40-percent passing rate, slightly higher than the national passing rate of 36.31 percent.

The University of the Philippines (UP) – Los Baños was named the top-performing school in both examinations after recording perfect passing rates.

UP Los Baños, Adamson University and Mindanao State University – Marawi Citywere the top-performing schools in the chemical technician exams JOANNE RAMOS

UsapangUste ► FROM PAGE 2

Ngunit, nang magsimula na ang pag-usbong ng mga computer, nakisabay na rin ang unibersidad sa paggamit nito.

Noong Nobyembre 1973, inanunsiyo ni Fr. Leonardo Legaspi, OP, unang Filipinong Rector Magnificus ng Unibersidad, ang paglulunsad ng unang computerized record system na higit na nagpadali sa proseso ng talaan.

Una itong ginamit ng 6,500 estudyante ng Atelier o Architecture and Fine Arts at Engineering nakita dito na napabilis ang paglilista ng personal at akademikong impormasyon ng mga mag-aaral.

Ayon kay Dr. Norberto de Ramos, dating tagapangasiwa ng Registrar, ang dalawang buwan na ginugugol sa paghahanda ng mga listahan ng mga mag-aaral, indibidwal na mga grado, at iba pang

mga tala, naging dalawang linggo na lamang.

Sa tulong ng bagong sistemang ito, maaaring makita na ng mag-aaral ang kaniyang mga grado pagkatapos ng semestre kung saan malalaman na niya ang kaniyang academic performance at makikita ang mga asignaturang dapat pang bigyang-pansin.

Tomasino Siya

Natatangi talaga ang kahusayan ng isang Tomasino pagdating sa larang ng sining, at hindi nalalayo dito si Michael Alexander Ocampo, mas kilala bilang Chester Ocampo, isang alagad ng sining.

Naging tanyag siya sa kanyang pamamaraan ng pag-ukit, kung saan gumagamit siya ng kahoy na iniinit bago ito lapatan ng disenyo.

Natampok siya sa iba’t ibang mga artikulo at mga eksibit dahil sa kakaibang pamamaraan

na ito, katulad ng kanyang eksibit na “My Trees” noong 2010 sa Araneta Center.

Ayon kay Ocampo, ang kanyang ina ang nagpakilala sa kanya sa mundo ng sining na lubos niyang minamahal mula pa sa kanyang kabataan hanggang sa ngayon.

Noong 2016, isa siya sa mga ginawaran ng Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award para sa kategoryang Visual Art. Ginawaran din siya ng Anvil Award bilang tagapagtaguyod ng kultura noong 1992.

Nagtapos ng kursong Communication Arts si Ocampo noong 1987. Sa ngayon, isa siyang manunulat at guro ng sining sa Unibersidad at sa Manila Waldorf School.

Tinuturing rin siya bilang isa sa mga kilalang tagapagtaguyod ng sining at kultura ng bansa.

CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS AT MATTHEW G. GABRIEL

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

10

COMICS

ART DIRECTOR: JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

RAYA’S INVISIBLE HORROR GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA

INTO THE ONLINE-VERSE JEROME CARLO D. MACANAYA

7AM CLASS ZYMON M. GAILO

Lookout ► FROM PAGE 7

Some politicians are now backtracking on their previous controversial claims and spouting lies for the good of their names. This country has had enough liars in its history, we need no more!

We should also watch out for those who disregard human rights. It is dangerous when a politician easily brushes off human rights, such as the rights to life and freedom of expression.

These people do not deserve public office and positions that are supposed to safeguard and protect these rights.

Let’s also be wary of grand pronouncements. We were already scammed by President Duterte and his promise to eradicate drugs in three to

six months. Addressing problems is not just about setting deadlines. There have to be concrete plans and solutions, not empty rhetoric. It’s easy for politicians to claim to be the savior of the Philippines.

The upcoming 2022 elections are significant for a country that has yet to defeat Covid-19 and a deeply rooted corruption problem. Quality of life in the Philippines got significantly worse, and an economic bounceback is overdue to alleviate the pandemic’s effects on Filipino’s lives.

It is important that voters be aware of usual political red flags and superficial platforms being espoused by politicos. Even more important is Filipinos taking note of God’s “thou shalt nots” when it comes to voting.

Pipebomb ► FROM PAGE 7

United States in 2014. The chess prodigy said he had wanted to “represent a country that has been so good to him,” but he couldn’t do that over politics by the country’s sports bodies. Early in his career, So had been backed by the PSC, National Chess Federation of the Philippines and other chess stalwarts in the Philippines Currently, So is the eighth highest rated chess player in the world.

The country’s loss was heartbreaking, even more so in retrospect. Yet the

country seems to do little about investing in athletes from lesser-known sports.

Saso has her reasons, but the Philippines definitely could have kept her, if only government support for athletes were more consistent.

It is appalling that sports development and state support for worldclass athletes remain a sorry mess.

Our athletes are our investments. If we put minimal risks in giving them the support they need, then maybe we shouldn’t expect the highest of rewards from them.

Offbeat ► FROM PAGE 7

engaged with the state of our arts and culture. And the best and most ideal place for identity-building lies within the four corners of UST. It should instill in its students a sense of responsibility in taking art and cultural matters as seriously as politics or sports because it will define our development as citizens

and ultimately, our progress as a nation.

Joining the ‘V’ gave me the opportunity to meet, learn from, and converse with great minds, incredibly talented artists, National Artists, and other Thomasians who labor to uplift the Philippine arts and culture and giving them a stronger foundation – they just need to be boosted, supported, and given more space to create.

Educate voters ► FROM PAGE 4

UST alumnus Christian Lubaton, medical director of a private clinic, said life’s trials led him to discover his mission.

“God calls us for a certain purpose; that purpose for me came from pain. I grew up with a large family. My dad got sick and eventually passed away. I was searching for meaning and healing, and God led me to become a doctor,” Lubaton said.

Lubaton said mission is journeying and sharing the gift of faith with others.

“I surround myself with people na lumalaban, kaya lalaban din ako. I surround myself with people na matatapang, kaya tatapang din ako. I surround myself na nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit,” he said.

“We are fellow missionaries in life and whatever God has called us into, [we] say yes. He did not call us alone; we are here and better together,” he added.

This year’s PCNE was held online for the first time. It was postponed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The threeday conference was divided into two series.

Its main theme, “’For a Synodal Church: Encounter, Participation and Mission,” was in line with the Synod on Synodality called by Pope Francis to institute greater participation and consultation within the Church.

Series 1 focused on the “Synodality in the history of the Church,” “Synodality in the Philippine Church experience” and “Synodality in the Filipino culture.”

Series 2 focused on the “Encounter (of what we have seen and heard),” “Participation (We)” and “Mission (cannot but speak).”

The online event was attended by priests, bishops, archbishops, celebrities, professionals and UST alumni.

Since 2013, UST has helped mount the PCNE, which was started by the Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Manila.

PCNE aims to “provide avenues of inspiration and directions imbued with the spirit of mission for evangelization in our contemporary world.” MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO AND ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ WITH REPORTS FROM SAMANTHA FATIMA CREENCIA

COP26 competition ► FROM PAGE 8

“Before the Flood,” and the long-term effects of humans’ consumption choices were also among Dumas’ inspirations.

“I felt that this was something that we needed to work on — offering drinking water to the community and having sustainable solutions for our future. It was a solution that was both available and affordable, but we needed something that had [a] lasting impact [on] the community and [on] the environment,” Dumas said.

Dumas set aside his signature colorful illustrations for the competition as he believed the style did not reflect the state of the environment.

“At first, I wanted to create this artwork using this signature style, full of colors and depicting a happy mood. Then I realized that I didn’t want the final output to reflect happiness but more [of] a sober mood that will show the state of the world and our environment today,” he explained.

Dumas graduated from the UST College of Fine Arts and Design in 2012. He is taking his master’s degree in cultural heritage studies at the University.

DigitialArt4Climate is a multi-stakeholder initiative that uses blockchain technology to establish authenticity on any digital file.

The central theme of the competition was “Humanity

challenged by climate change.”

“This competition may come to an end, but our fight for climate justice is far from over,” Dumas in his recorded speech via the DigitialArt4Climate’s official Youtube account.

The announcement of the winners was posted to Instagram on Nov. 14.

Amir Karimi, Ekaterina Lestienne, and Chloe Hajjar won second place, while Mathare Roots and Graffiti Girls won the special award.

“Nexus,” together with the other 30 climate action artworks, will be exhibited in Glasgow, Scotland.

ALLAINE NICOLE C. CRUZ WITH REPORTS FROM JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

THE VARSITARIAN

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

SPORTS

EDITOR: ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

Chabi-Yo departs from UST to turn semi-pro in Europe SEASON 82 most valuable player (MVP) Soulemane Chabi-Yo will forego his final year with the UST Growling Tigers to join a semi-professional league in Europe.

“We are grateful for his playing years with us and we wish him the best in his international basketball career,” coach Jinino Manansala told the Varsitarian.

The 25-year-old Chabi-Yo played a oneand-done season in the UAAP where he won MVP honors. He was fundamental in UST’s finals run, tallying 16.9 points per game and 14.7 rebounds per game.

Chabi-Yo said his decision to play in Europe was mainly influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, sidelining the country’s collegiate league for two years.

“For the past three years, I have been turning off so many offers in Europe. My plan was to finish my playing years in UST, but since Covid came, it destroyed everyone’s plan,” he wrote Manansala.

The 6’6” Beninese standout still had one playing year left prior to his decision to compete overseas. With his departure, 6-foot-8 center Adama Faye, a foreign student from Senegal, is expected to step up for the Tigers.

JOSE AMA ALBERTO B. ROSARIO

11

NCR mayors want contact sports limited to fully vaccinated individuals Metro Manila mayors have come up with a proposal to allow only fully vaccinated individuals to participate in contact sporting events in the region.

The mayors’ proposal, contained under Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) Resolution No. 21-28, aims to incentivize vaccination. “[O]nly fully vaccinated adults and minors shall be allowed to play or watch in an organized or unorganized [contact sporting] event…to ‘incentivize’ persons to get vaccinated,” the resolution read.

The MMDA recommended that local government units (LGUs) be given the authority to allow or prohibit spectators in contact sporting events.

Players are given the option to not wear face masks while playing. They are required however to wear masks when not playing.

The MMDA submitted the recommendations for review by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The IATF guidelines on alert levels allow contact sports to be held only if approved by LGUs. Non-contact sports on the other hand are allowed even without LGU approval at 50 percent indoor capacity.

The UAAP is eyeing two contact sports, basketball and volleyball, to headline its 84th season which is expected to launch in February.

J.A.B. ROSARIO

► Soulemane Chabo-Yo (middle) is defended by Bright Akhuetie (right) while

Juan Gómez de Liaño watches (left).—file photo

Great Tablan ► FROM PAGE 12

CHEd kicks off vaccination program for student athletes THE COMMISSION on Higher Education on Wednesday began vaccinating around 300 student athletes, including those from UST, a program that is expected to help schools prepare for the new UAAP season.

Vaccinations will be an integral part for the UAAP’s 84th Season where every athlete, officials and coaches are required to be vaccinated in compliance with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF) guidelines.

“It’s better to be vaccinated because it’s for our own good,” UST Growling Tigers guard Nicael Cabañero told the Varsitarian.

Fellow Tiger Soulemane Chabi-Yo and UST women’s badminton team captain Elij Maridaine Peña were also inoculated.

The government’s pandemic task force requires full vaccination for face-to-face training and “bubble” activities.

“We will support everything that we could support sa IATF o NTF na talagang mabakunahan lahat ng players, staffs,

► UAAP athletes receive Covid-19 vaccines during at the UP Diliman–College of Hu-

man Kinetics.—photo from the national task force against covid-19

coaches, at tsaka ‘yong mga sports personnels sa ating mga eskwelahan para makapag start na tayo ng mas maaga,” vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said during the ceremonial vaccination at the University of the

Philippines-Diliman.

The UAAP is looking to start Season 84 in the first quarter of 2022 with basketball.

Volleyball events are expected to start after Holy Week. NICOLE ANNE D. BUGAUISAN

Literacy program ► FROM PAGE 3

“Not having literacy skills would amount to a lifetime of inequality as reading and writing is a fundamental skill and a necessity to exercise the right of a person to information,” he added.

Collaborating with partner communities, Streets to Schools created storybooks that discussed topics such as children’s rights, poverty, inequality, women empowerment, public health, and climate change, which are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. The organization won a $3,000 grant for their victory.

Mariano said his organization would produce more storybooks using the cash grant.

The “Wise Wayz Water Care” program

of Triple P – Partners for People and Planet from South Africa won the same award and grant.

The ESD Okayama Award is an award that recognizes and supports the promotion of local community efforts for the sustainable development of education around the world.

The selection committee consisted of the six leading organizations in ESD, including United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Bangkok, Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Asia-Pacific Cultural Center for

► Streets to Schools volunteers pose with

children at the Museo Pambata.—photo contributed by qjiel mariano

Unesco, Japan Council on Education for Sustainable Development, The Goi Peace Foundation, and the Okayama ESD Promotion Commission.

always siyang pupunta sa akin, lalapit sa akin magpapatanggal ng kaba,we call it pagpag,” Llamas said.

From their own rituals before stepping inside the mat, Al and Dither are both together in facing personal problems.

Llamas shared his last conversation with Dither on how he worries and concerns about his health, since Dither felt that he is not in his best condition as an athlete, and wanted to quit on the national team.

“When he was [having] problems nag-approach din siya sa akin not only as a coach but also as a kuya, parang feeling niya nga raw ano nahihirapan na raw siya kumilos as an athlete, he feels like he needs to focus more in his health,” he said.

Dither’s father also said that due to the pandemic, the lack of physical activity could possibly be the reason of Dither’s health risk.

When Dither was rushed to the hospital unconscious, multiple organ failure started to resurface and develop.

Jun said his eldest son was a fighter but he cannot take that Dither is suffering in the hospital, he wants Dither to rest easy rather than see him in a difficult state.

Embodying the judo discipline

The Japanese word judo in English is “gentle way,” Dither had the character and lived upon this discipline in judo even outside the mat.

Dither’s girlfriend, Trish Bandol said that despite Dither’s achievements in his judo career, the big man was still soft and ever loving to all the people that surrounded him.

She also mentioned in her eulogy on how Dither would sometimes feel small and doubt himself.

“There were times when Dither would doubt himself, doubt who he was as a person.

“Take away all my medals”, he said. ‘Take away my Judo, who am I? I’m just a fat guy,’” Bandol said.

Dither’s father shared on how Dither was bullied in high school due to his weight, but Dither had always the patience and kindness.

“Kasi yung mga nambubully, sabi ko Dither harapin mo yan, kapag tinuluyan ka sige.

Pero hindi naman,” he added.

Dither had always found a way to be the “bigger” person.

More than the legacy that he left in judo and the honor that he gave to the university, Dither will be remembered for the kindness and ease that he brings. NICOLE ANNE D. BUGAUISAN

Sports

Chabi-Yo departs from UST to turn semi-pro in Europe Season 82 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Soulemane Chabi-Yo will forego his final year with the UST Growling Tigers to join a semi-professional league in Europe.

► PAGE 11

► PAGE 11

CHEd kicks off vaccination program for student athletes

The Varsitarian NOVEMBER 22, 2021

FOR REAL-TIME SPORTS UPDATES, FOLLOW:

@VSportsUST

REMEMBERING THE

‘GREAT TABLAN’ OF UST

THE MAN who dominates inside the mat is the same man who touched people’s hearts with his gentleness. UST’s two-time judo MVP Dither Tablan will not only be remembered with his legacy in the sport, but his greatness will remain eternal as he lived with grace and honor.

Jun Tablan, Dither’s father says that his son has this charismatic energy to all the people that surrounds him, captivating each person that he comes close to.

“Si Dither parang virus ito eh, kapag yan lumalapit sa tao [para bang] na(ta) tame yung tao...Gentle giant nga ang tawag sa kanya,” he said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

His father also mentioned how Dither juggled his student-athlete years in UST and took everything seriously from his academics up to his judo career.

“There is no such thing as too young to die,” Jun added after being proud of the legacy that Dither left.

Jun is also willing to give the uniform of Dither to the university as a form of memorabilia.

The Great Tablan

Tablan paved the way for the four-peat-championship of the UST men’s Golden Judokas from 2017-2020.

The two-time MVP dominated the heavyweight division and also represented the country in the 2019 Southeast Asian Game under the Kurash team and 2019 World Martial Arts Mastership.

Al Llamas, a former Golden Judokas captain and one of Dither’s closest friends who also competed in the national level, said that he witnessed the hard work and perseverance of Dither from his early years of practicing judo.

“When we are about to compete,

Regarded as the ‘King Judoka,’ Tablan had a stellar collegiate career for UST. He dominated the heavyweight division of men’s judo and helped the UST Judokas secure a rare four-peat during his time.

GREAT TABLAN PAGE 11

►

Tigers awaiting approval of on-campus training ‘bubble’ ahead of Season 84 The new-look UST Growling Tigers are ready to conduct in-person team training for the first time during the Covid-19 pandemic, head coach Jinino Manansala said.

Manansala said UST was awaiting the approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) for the creation of a training “bubble” on the University’s campus.

“Ang hinihintay na lang natin is ‘yong pagpunta ng CHEd at DOH sa UST. Iche-check nila ‘yong venue kung saan gagawin yung practice ta’s kung saan kami titira. Ayon na lang,” he said.

Once authorities green-light UST’s training facilities and return-to-training safety protocols, the Tigers will immediately travel to campus, Manansala said.

So far, team training was limited via Zoom, he said.

Tigers are given daily workout tasks by their coaches and team therapists. After their workouts, the players have their conditions monitored by team staff.

Manansala said that despite the virtual

► The new recruits of the UST Growling Tigers pose for a photo at the Quadricentennial

Pavilion—photo provided by coach jinino manansala

training, the Tigers have remained eager to train and play.

“Ito namang nga bata, gutom ‘tong mga ‘to.

Talagang bibigay nila ‘yong best nila sigurado, excited na ‘yang mga ‘yan magka-UAAP talaga,” he said.

Metro Manila mayors have come up with a

proposal to only allow fully vaccinated individuals to participate in contact sporting events in the region.

The UAAP is eyeing two contact sports, basketball and volleyball, to headline its 84th season which is expected to launch in February. JOSE AMA ALBERTO B. ROSARIO

UST jins snag medals for PH in online world tilt TWO UST Poomsae Jins secured podium finishes at the Online 2021 World Taekwondo Poomsae Open Challenge III held on Oct. 30 to 31.

UST’s representatives added two silver medals for team Philippines’ 1-3-2 haul.

Tiger Jin Justin Kobe Macario won silver with a 7.420-point performance in the men’s over-17 individual freestyle event.

Vincent Rodriguez also secured silver after tallying a score of 7.310 in the family pair sibling event.

“Every competition, I just want to give my best and whatever the results may be, the important thing is I enjoyed and gave my all to represent our country,” Macario told the Varsitarian.

Lady Jins Jocel Lyn Ninobla and Aidaine Laxa finished seventh in the women’s under-30 individual category and sixth in the women’s open individual under-30 group 2 event, respectively. ANNA CLARISSA M. BARLAM