THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2020-2021 ISSUE 07

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VOLUME XCII / NO. 7 · JUNE 20, 2021 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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UST turns 410 ‘We need to love more than ever’

UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. called on Thomasians to “love more than ever” in a Eucharistic celebration commemorating the University’s 410th founding anniversary. Ang, the 97th Rector Magnificus of UST, said it was important to recognize the milestone even amid the difficulties brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Tinatanong ko ang aking sarili kung nararapat ba tayong magdaos ngayon ng espesyal na okasyon kung kailan marami ang nagdurusa at naghihirap sa buhay dala ng hamon ng pandemya. [Ngunit] kailangan nating mabuhayan ng loob para mapagpatuloy ang akademikong komunidad,” Ang said in his homily on April 28, UST’s foundation day. The Rector underscored the importance of looking back at UST’s rich history so Thomasians could move forward with their Thomasian identity intact. “Nararapat at napapanahon na magbalik-tanaw tayo sa kasaysayan ng Unibersidad upang may mapulot tayong aral at inspirasyon. Magkaiba man tayo ng karakter…nagkakaisa tayo bilang mga Tomasino,” he said. “In history, we look into the past like a mirror in hopes of

seeing ourselves clearly reflected and to understand the future,” Ang added. Quoting ex-UST rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Ang pointed out that the history of UST has been “impelled by faith, propelled by hope and compelled by love [and] charity.” “Thomasians, going to the history of the University is not intended at all to burden your memory. It is meant to illuminate your soul and revitalize the Tria Haec hiding inside you. We need to love more than ever,” Ang said. The Tria Haec (Latin for “These Three”) refers to the three theological virtues — faith, hope and love — represented by three statues on the Main Building tower. Ang also urged Thomasians to acknowledge their limitations and entrust themselves completely to God. “Today, there is an ongoing war: the war for life, war for health and war for well-being… We deal with weaknesses and vulnerabilities with the grim reality of sorrow, death and desperation…We need to hope more than ever even if there are causes for despair. Hope transcends such hardships,” Ang said. The theme of the celebration is “500 years of Christianity and 410 years of Fidelity,” in line with the quincentennial of Christianity in the Philippines. As part of its 410th anniversary celebration, UST held an online concert called “Musikang Tomasino: Tapat sa Diyos at Bayan,” which featured a 45-minute compilation of works by Thomasian composers. It was live-streamed via the UST Conservatory of Music Facebook page and YouTube channel. UST turns 410 ► PAGE 11

Fr. Richard Ang, O.P FILE PHOTO

Benigno Simeon Aquino III 1960-2021

‘May his legacy of integrity inspire all Filipinos’ THE UNIVERSITY offered its condolences to the family of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who died on the morning of June 24 at the age of 61. “The Thomasian family joins the nation in praying for the eternal repose of the soul of the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno “Noynoy” Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III,” UST said on its social media accounts. “May the former President with his legacy of humility and integrity continue to serve as an inspiration to the country’s future leaders,” it added. The University remembered Aquino, who, in his words, recognized UST for having “educated the best the country has to offer” during the Quadricentennial celebration in 2011. The late president died in his sleep at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City due to renal disease secondary to diabetes, according to his family. Aquino’s friends and former colleagues mourned his passing. Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who belongs to Aquino’s Liberal Party, cited the ex-president’s moral rectitude. “Nakakadurog ng puso ang balitang wala na si PNoy. Mabuti siyang kaibigan at tapat na Pangulo. He tried to do what was right, even when it was not popular,” Robredo said. Aquino’s vice president, Jejomar Binay, said, “Noynoy and I may have had political differences during the last few years of his term, but that will not diminish the many years of friendship between our families.” Ateneo de Manila University, where Aquino earned his economics degree, also extended its condolences. “Ateneo is one with the Filipino nation in mourning the death of former President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, the 15th President of the Philippines and a distinguished Ateneo alumnus,” it said. PNoy’s death a ‘wake-up call’ ► PAGE 10

‘Teachers are most important resource in online learning’ ACADEMIC institutions should learn how to prioritize teachers amid challenges in learning brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, to fulfill their missions of providing quality education. During the Passion for Scholarship And Love for Mission or “PSALM” Conference on April 23, UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl Peralta said teachers are the most important resource amid online learning. “Teachers are our most important resource and partners in the mission of producing competent, compassionate, and committed Thomasians,” Peralta said. “The realization of a school’s mission lies in the intensity of its teachers’ passion,” she added. Peralta said UST faced many

challenges, such as technology and internet limitations, adjustments in assessments, grading schemes, modifications in work arrangements and support services for faculty and students, but was able to weather them. “Even prior to the pandemic, UST has put a lot of premium on the pursuit of excellence and continuous quality improvement in order to remain relevant,” she said. Asst. Prof. Carmina Vicente of the College of Education said student-teacher interaction in the distance learning setup is “the cornerstone around which to build effective schools.” Marilyn Tinio, vice principal of the Okinawa International School in Japan, urged teachers to be considerate in handling student matters.

Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization Director Ethel Valenzuela said the lack of well-trained teachers and the poor condition of schools in many parts of the world have been jeopardizing education quality. “Clear expectations for teachers have to be set, high-performing and promising students should be encouraged to enroll. Teacher support is essential,” she said. The inaugural PSALM conference was a confluence of the College of Education’s 95th anniversary, the 14th Fr. Antonio Gonzales, O.P. Memorial Lecture, the 6th Dr. Lourdes Custodio Memorial Lecture and the 2nd Nenita Caralipio Honorary Lecture. NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE AND KIMBERLY G. HIPOLITO

NEWS page3

National Artist Arturo Luz passes away Thomasian National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz died on May 26 at age 94.

WITNESS pages 6-7

‘Be wary of misinformation,’ Pope tells Catholics

UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta delivers the opening address for the PSALM Conference on Apr. 23. SCREENSHOT FROM THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION’S EVENT FEED

POPE FRANCIS urged Catholics and social communication ministries to be wary of misinformation and to verify before sharing information in his message for the 55th World Communication Day.

SCIENCE page8

‘Believe only in vaccine info based on science’ A DOMINICAN priest-scientist urged Filipinos to only believe in scientific data as the country deals with low vaccine confidence and politicians promoting an unproven and unregistered antiparasitic drug as Covid-19 treatment and prophylaxis.


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