THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2020-2021 ISSUE 08

VOLUME XCII / NO. 8 · AUGUST 15, 2021 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines

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Fr. R ich ard A n g , O. P.

UST’S 97TH RECTOR INSTALLED NEWS p.2

NEWS p.3

Pandemic master plan is put in place

Fr. Miranda ends 5-year stint as secretary-general

Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. unveiled UST’s pandemic roadmap as he assumed office as the 97th Rector of the University on May 13.

“It was my pleasure serving you for the last five years.

Keep me blessed with your unending grace,” he wrote in a Facebook post. Miranda remains in UST as prior of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas.

NEWS p.6

Bricio of Artlets is new CSC president Formerly its vice president, Krizia Bricio will lead the Central Student Council in Academic Year 2021-2022.

ART BY KARL JOSHUA L. ARON, CATHERINE PAULENE A. UMALI

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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NEWS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

UST’s PT, OT programs receive Asean University Network quality seal

TWO UNDERGRADUATE programs of the UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS), physical therapy and occupational therapy, have been granted the Asean University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) stamp.

The programs received the certification on June 3. AUNQA assessed the programs in November 2020.

“Achieving excellence is always a work in progress, never a quick fix, and we continue what was started and always try to strive to make a better rendition of it,” CRS Dean Dr. Anne Marie Aseron told the Varsitarian.

The AUN-QA certifications validated the college’s vision, Aseron said. CRS wants to be: 1.) the standard for academic excellence, research and community service; 2.) the preferred school for rehabilitation sciences programs; 3.) the top-perQuality seal ► PAGE 3

No UST in 2022 QS world university top 1,000 THE UNIVERSITY fell to the 1,001–1,200 bracket in the 2022 Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) World University ranking, reflecting tough challenges to higher education posed by the pandemic.

The University of the Philippines fell three spots to 396th but remained the highest ranked Philippine university in the QS tally.

Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University remained at the 601-650 and 8011,000 brackets, respectively.

The University has failed to climb up the QS ranking in the past decade.

From 2018 to 2021, the University was in the 801-1,000 bracket. This was lower than its ranking from 2014 to 2017, when it placed in the 701+ bracket.

UST was in the 601+ bracket in 2011 and 2012—a decline from its 2010 ranking, when it placed in the 501-550 bracket.

QS ranking ► PAGE 5

ACTING NEWS EDITOR: LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

FR. ANG PRESENTS UST’S PANDEMIC MASTER PLAN DURING INSTALLATION Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. formally assumed office as the 97th Rector of UST on May 13, unveiling a roadmap to ensure the University’s survival beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.

The installation rites, which were delayed by a year after Ang went on medical leave, were markedly simpler and attended only by top administrators and UST fathers because of quarantine protocols.

After reading the appointment decree from the Vatican’s Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education and Seminaries, UST Vice Chancellor Fr. Filemon I. de la Cruz, Jr., O.P., prior provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, administered the solemn oath of office on Ang, who knelt at the sanctuary of the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church.

De la Cruz and Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, O.P., rector of the UST Central Seminary, assisted Ang in wearing the Rector’s collar. All wore face masks with the abbreviation “UST” designed like paw scratches of a tiger, the University mascot.

In his inaugural message, Ang said being at the helm of UST amid the Covid-19 pandemic was a huge challenge, but assured Thomasians that under him, UST would “continue to adapt to the changes no matter how disruptive they may be.”

He also unveiled his plans for his four-year tenure, summarized by seven key points: upgrading UST’s information and communications technology infrastructure; advancing synergy among University disciplines, offices and institutions; enriching the research ecosystem of UST; furthering internationalization; strengthening industry-academe-alumni partnerships; advocating for the well-being of all University stakeholders; and strategic resource management for UST’s expansion.

The four-year roadmap, dubbed “UST Vision 2024 and Beyond,” aims to make the University “one of the leading Catholic institutions of learning in the Asean region, with the fast-

Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. is installed as UST’s 97th Rector. (PHOTOS FROM UST’S FACEBOOK PAGE)

est growing reputation in education, research and service,” he said.

Improved information technology infrastructure

Ang underscored the importance of upgrading the University’s information technology (IT) infrastructure to ensure the delivery of quality education, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Prompted by the shift to the remote teaching and learning environment, UST will consider upgrading IT infrastructure for increased accessibility, connectivity and speed,” he said.

Ang introduced the “enriched virtual mode,” UST’s distance learning strategy, in May 2020. The mode of instruction makes use of synchronous and asynchronous learning strategies using the UST Cloud Campus.

“Poor digital scales and connectivity issues remain to be roadblocks among most of our learners. We are aware of the importance of IT integration in education,” Ang said.

‘‘

Without a doubt, becoming Rector of this University is a tall order— being given the responsibility to lead the University during this global pandemic is a hundred times more challenging.

—Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. 97TH RECTOR OF UST

The Rector urged deans and administrative officials to innovate courses and make them more “interdisciplinary.”

He also called on different units of the University to do away with “crab mentality.”

“In my administration, I am empowering all of you to collaborate, not to compete, to cooperate and not to outdo each other. Let us cultivate a culture of support and rapport. I say: down with crab mentality, out with envy—they have no place in this Catholic University,” he said.

UST will collaborate more with other Dominican Province of the Philippines schools such as the Letran colleges, he said.

“We may have distinct systems as educational institutions, but we all share the same Dominican roots. We will strive to walk hand-in-hand with other Dominican schools through sustainable partnerships that will bring mutual benefits to our schools,” he Vision 2024 ► PAGE 10

Synergy

Medicine’s sesquicentennial batch told:

‘Continue, challenge and conquer with compassion’ THE FACULTY of Medicine and Surgery celebrated its 150th founding anniversary with an unveiling of historical markers and a Eucharistic celebration led by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. The first marker was unveiled during the inaugural ceremony of the sesquicentennial celebration at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on May 28. The plaque will be placed at the entrance of San Martin de Porres building, which is being renovated.

The second marker was unveiled at Plaza Santo Tomas in Intramuros, the original site of UST, on May 29. The marker was installed on the pedestal of the monument of the UST founder, Miguel de Benavides, the third archbishop of Manila.

In her message during the unveiling of the first marker, Medicine Dean Ma. Lourdes Maglinao said the sesquicentennial celebration was a testament of how the faculty has evolved through time.

“Our alma mater is the cradle of Philippine medicine and the birthplace of Filipino physician heroes.

The [medicine sesquicentennial] is a celebration of Thomasian grit, gratitude and glory. It is a renewal of a lifelong quest to be the biggest, the brightest and the best in medical education,” she said.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Medicine Regent Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P. Ang said that the celebration was a fitting tribute to past generations of “missionaries and vanguards” in medicine such as Dr. Jesus Valencia, Dr. Graciela Gonzaga, Dr. Rolando Lopez and Dr. Angeles Tan-Alora.

“What you are enjoying at present came at the great sacrifice by dedicated leaders who lighted the torch for your pathway. You must therefore preserve the legacy that your stalwart predecessors secure unselfishly for your sake. Respect for tradition and honor for their heritage will forge a clear vision about where you are heading 150 years from now,” Ang said.

Ang said the sesquicentennial celebration was a “milestone for both the University and the Filipino nation.”

Marker for Medicine’s sesquicentennial

Aparicio urged Thomasian doctors to “make use of the sesquicentennial motto”: “continue, challenge and conquer with compassion.”

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, a UST alumnus, attended the celebration.

In his keynote address, Duque, who earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology and medical degree at the University in 1978 and 1982, looked back on his UST days and narrated how the campus became his “second

home.”

Duque praised the faculty for remaining “true to its mission of forming capable and compassionate individuals committed to the service of the church, the nation and the global community.”

“Since its inception in 1870, the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery has been at the forefront of medical education and development in the country….Through the unique Christ-centered formation of the faculty, graduates emerged truly equipped to continue the legacy of Saints Cosmas and Damian, proudly carrying the seal of Thomasian education,” he said.

The health chief, who has been widely criticized for his handling of the pandemic response, also expressed his gratitude to the University for giving him “sublime foundations” in his career in public service.

“The Thomasian ideals I carry with me perpetually propound me to seek improvements in public health.

The competencies that the faculty of UST Medicine ► PAGE 5

NEWS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

After 15 years, gates of Heaven’s Touch to close

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Fr. Miranda ends five-year stint as UST secretary general

BY JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

BY LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

They say that in heaven, love comes first. Heaven’s Touch Cuisine surely made heaven a place on earth for Thomasians, but soon it will close its gates for good The establishment’s manager and main cook, Ligaya Piadoche-Cordova, also known as “Nanay Gay,” told the Varsitarian that the favorite eatery on Asturias Street closed on June 2.

Cordova said the Villa Maria Asturias Building, where Heaven’s Touch had operated for more than 15 years, was sold to a new owner, prompting her to close the restaurant.

“Sa totoo lang hindi ko alam paano at saan ako magsisimula, ilang luha na ang naubos sa ilang araw na pagiisip na ang tinayo ko na institusyon ay magpapaalam na,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Cordova started managing Heaven’s Touch, then a struggling eatery, in 2006.

“Meron nang Heaven’s Touch before 2006; mga 2004 pinasalo sa’kin. So kung ano siya nung dinatnan ko ayun na talaga siya…Kinausap ako nung mayari ng building na ako humawak ng Heaven’s Touch, pinasalo kumbaga. So nag-‘back to zero’ talaga ako,” she said.

Thanks to Artlet tambays (loiterers), Heaven’s Touch started booming in the 2010s.

“First batch ng tambay ay mga AB talaga. Tapos parang nag-aya lang sila nang nag-aya hanggang sa dumami na.

Kada walang class, dito sila tumatambay. Dito na rin nagbe-breakfast, lunch at dinner,” Cordova said.

Through Heaven’s Touch, Cordova said she was able to finance the education of three of her four children up to the college level.

But since the pandemic hit and face-to-face classes in UST were barred, Heaven’s Touch struggled.

“Technically kaya naka-survive kasi walang rent na binabayaran,” Cordova said.

“Sinubukan kasi namin magbukas kaso wala talagang customer e. Tapos sinubukan namin mag-online noon kaso hindi din ganun kalakas. Syempre sa halagang P70 na food, may delivery fee na nasa P100 plus…mas mahal pa sa pagkain mo.”

Heaven’s Touch and its manager, ‘Nanay Gay’ Cordova (PHOTO FROM HEAVEN’S TOUCH FACEBOOK PAGE)

‘HT Blessed Initiative’

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Cordova and her children started the HT Blessed Initiative, a food drive that has provided thousands of meals to frontliners and other workers.

“Noong unang wave, mga medical and non-medical frontliners ang nabigyan namin. Mga nasa 3,000 total,” Cordova said.

Celebrities and politicians partnered with the HT Blessed Initiative for their food drives, she said.

“Second wave namin, around 3,000 na blue collar workers. Partnership ‘yon with Erwan Heussaf and isang private company. Third wave, lumapit si Angel Locsin at sinuportahan ang initiative namin, para sa mga street dwellers naman,” Cordova said.

“Sa fourth, dinalaw pa kami ni Melai Cantiveros. Nagka-courtesy call pa kami kay VP Leni,” she added.

Alumni bid farewell

Cordova’s post earned numerous comments from UST alumni and students who expressed sadness over the

closure of their “home.”

“My go-to tambay place during college days and even after college. Mahal na mahal ka po namin and thank you so much for everything, especially the days [na] pumupunta lang ako sa HT para lang umiyak,” political science and civil law alumna Sky Makayan said in a Facebook post.

Renz Tabora II, another alumnus, wrote: “Sobrang laki ng pasasalamat at utang na loob ko sayo, Nay. Kung nanalo lang ako sa lotto, ako na sana ‘yung bumili ng building na yan.”

Since the pandemic, several food establishments around the campus, whose main customers were students, closed as classes shifted online: Chiquitos on Tolentino Street, Jollibee on Asturias Street, McDonald’s on Padre Noval Street and the UST carpark, Karaage Koto on Padre Noval, and a few Dimsum Treats branches.

Asked if she has plans to reopen Heaven’s Touch in the future, Cordova, just like Rick Price’s 90’s hit song, said: “Only heaven knows. Hindi ko pa talaga masabi.”

AFTER FIVE YEARS of keeping the University seal, Fr. Jesus Jay Miranda, Jr., O.P. has ended his term as secretary general of UST. Miranda will lead the Dominicans in UST after being elected prior of the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was installed on June 3.

Miranda replaces Fr. Rodel Aligan, O.P., regent of the UST Graduate School and dean of the Faculty of Sacred Theology.

Aligan’s 15-year tenure as regent of the Faculty of Arts and Letters has also ended.

The acting director of the UST Purchasing Office, Fr. George Phe Mang, O.P., replaced Aligan as Artlets regent.

Science Regent Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. was named the new secretary general of UST. Former master of students at the Santo Domingo Convent Fr. Ramon Salibay, O.P. was named the new director of the Institute

Fr. Miranda

of Religion and Graduate School of Law regent.

He replaces Fr. Florentino Bolo, Jr., O.P., who was named assistant for apostolic life of the Master of the Order of Preachers, UST Chancellor Fr. Gerard Timoner III, O.P. WITH REPORTS FROM JACQUELINE MARTINEZ

Quality seal FROM PAGE 2 forming school in licensure exams; and 4.) the recipient of the highest accreditation levels, she said.

The AUN-QA certification is the first international recognition received by the physical therapy program and the second for the occupational therapy program, which has been accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy since 2010.

Aseron said the college’s sports science and speech-language pathology programs were strong candidates for accreditation by Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (Pacucoa).

“In 2019, these two programs received the candidacy status…

Both programs are due for Pa-

cucoa Level I accreditation in the next academic year and are receiving ample guidance and support from the older siblings, physical therapy and occupational therapy,” she said.

AUN-QA is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ quality assurance mechanism for higher education in the 10-member regional bloc.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy joined 12 other programs in UST that are AUN-QA certified, namely: accountancy, biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, electronics engineering, elementary education, medical technology, nursing, pharmacy, psychology and secondary education.

NAME SURNAME

Krizia Bricio of Arts and Letters is new CSC president

NEW CSC OFFICERS 2021-2022

President

Krizia Bricio

BY JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS

24,896 VOTES Vice President

Gerald de la Cruz FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS

23,587 VOTES

Arnet Paguirigan FACULTY OF ARTS AND LETTERS

23,811 VOTES PRO

Gabriele de Lara COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

11,067 VOTES

ART BY JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

Secretary

LEGAL management junior Krizia Bricio will lead the Central Student Council (CSC) in Academic Year 2021-2022.

Bricio, who ran for the highest CSC seat after serving as council secretary for two years, was proclaimed president-elect on Friday, May 15.

Bricio said she would focus on creating a “policy-driven,” more efficient, accountable and transparent CSC by revising its constitution.

“I am hoping that we will be able to set our whole [year’s] agenda and our [timetable] for the revision on our first meeting or second meeting,” Bricio told the Varsitarian.

Bricio, who ran unopposed, won 24,896 votes cast online. A total of 3,952 Thomasians did not vote for president.

Gerald Matthew de la Cruz, another legal management junior, was elected vice president after winning 23,587 votes. Non-votes totaled 5,261.

The lone candidate for secretary, Arnet Paguirigan, a journalism junior,

was proclaimed secretary with 23,811 votes. A total of 5,037 ballots were unanswered.

Education junior Gabriele de Lara dominated the election for public relations officer, garnering 11,067 votes. He bested marketing management junior Jerome Espinas, who got 8,529 votes, and information technology junior Carl Jeric Mataga, who got 4,812 votes.

A total of 4,440 ballots were left unanswered.

All candidates in this year’s student polls ran independently. No student ran for the treasurer and auditor posts.

The Varsitarian reached out to the UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) about the voter turnout for this year’s polls but did not receive a response.

The new Central Board of Students, composed of local student council presidents, was also proclaimed and will serve as the legislative arm of the CSC for next year.

The newly elected local student

council presidents are Lynnuelle Corocotchia (Accountancy), Lu Bernadette Leyva (Architecture), Nathan Raphael Agustin (Civil Law), Benedict Sibley Kawi (Conservatory of Music), Heather Anne Montalban (Education), Keanni Lae Baylon (Fine Arts and Design), Christophe Joshua Lopez (EHS), Kyla Christine Sarcos (Engineering), Jazper Jhun Bautista (JHS), Naomi Claire Estavillo (SHS), Mary Clare Dominique Quimson (Nursing), John Cyril Alnajes (Medicine and Surgery), Mishaila Lia Gomez (Pharmacy), Paul Raeoiux Mendinueto (Physical Education and Athletics), Jan Therese Parcon (Rehabilitation Sciences), Dean Lotus Alano (Science), Gershei Mae Quirao (Tourism and Hospitality Management).

No candidate ran for president in the Faculty of Arts and Letters.

Voting for the CSC elections lasted for four days starting May 11 until May 15 (excluding May 13) through an electronic voting system.

Winners were proclaimed via Facebook live.

4

SCI-TECH The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

EDITOR: MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG

Science dean named ‘Outstanding Young Scientist’

by Nat’l Academy

Covid-19 vaccine intervals explained The world’s best shot against Covid-19 often comes in two doses Most of the currently available Covid-19 vaccines in the Philippines are administered in two jabs.

There is a specific interval between the administration of the two jabs, depending on the vaccine brand.

The job of the first dose is to allow the body’s immune system to recognize the antigens or the proteins that stimulate the production of antibodies.

The second dose, on the other hand, acts as a “booster” to ensure that a person’s immune system develops a memory response against Covid-19 should the body encounter it again.

Science Dean Rey Donne Papa

President Rodrigo Duterte completed his Covid-19 vaccination using the Sinopharm vaccine on July 12. His second Sinopharm vaccine dose was given 70 days or 10 weeks after his first jab.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a three-to-four-week interval in administering two Sinopharm doses.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said that the chief executive’s second dose was given late based on the advice of his doctor.

However, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the second dose should be administered as close to the recommended interval as possible.

Administering it earlier than recommended is discouraged.

Most two-dose Covid-19 vaccines follow the recommended three-to-four-week interval.

For the Sinovac and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines from China, the WHO said that past the three-to-four-week interval, the second dose be given at the “earliest possible opportunity.”

The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine follows a 21-day interval between doses.

Moderna and Bharat BioTech’s vaccines both have 28-day intervals for their two doses.

Gamaleya’s Sputnik V is another twodose Covid-19 vaccine that follows a threeweek interval schedule. The second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is administered within two to three months from the first shot.

Single shot

The Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, the only single-dose vaccine in the world, is a viral vector vaccine that uses a modified and harmless version of a different virus (the adenovirus which normally

causes the common cold) to deliver immune response instructions to the body’s cells.

Results of early phase clinical trials involving over 40,000 participants showed the development of a strong immune response in preventing Covid-19 at 85 percent 28 days after inoculation.

Last July 1, Johnson & Johnson announced that their vaccine was found to be effective against the more transmissible Delta variant based on a small, early study conducted. KATHERINE ANNE L. ESCARILLA

What is the Delta variant?

‘Explosive,’ ‘variant of concern’

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., a molecular biologist and visiting profes-

sor in the Department of Biological Sciences, advised local government units (LGUs) to watch out for “explosive” numbers of cases as a sign of the Delta variant.

“With the original variant, if you have one person who was sick, that person could infect two other people.

But now with the Delta variant, if one person is sick, he can infect five to eight people which is why it is so explosive,” Austriaco said in a Palace briefing on Thursday.

In the event that the highly infectious variant is detected, Austriaco

said LGUs must intensify their contact tracing efforts and swiftly implement localized lockdowns within barangays.

LGUs should also prepare isolation facilities instead of having people infected with the Delta variant undergo home quarantine.

“We cannot have home quarantine. Bakit? Because with the transmission…if a single person becomes Covid positive and they go home, everyone in the house will pretty much Delta variant ► PAGE 10

DEAN REY Donne Papa of the College of Science has been given the “Outstanding Young Scientist” award by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) for his contributions to the biological sciences.

Limnology, or the study of freshwater ecosystems, is Papa’s field of expertise.

He is one of the founding members of the Philippine Society for Freshwater Science and last year became the first Filipino representative of the International Society of Limnology.

He was part of the team of aquatic biology researchers from UST and the University of Philippines that visited Lake Taal in December and called for its proper conservation and management posteruption.

Papa is also conducting a study on the Seven Lakes of San Pablo in Laguna.

The NAST is a scientific advisory body under the Department of Science and Technology.

Thomasians who have previously been awarded the “Outstanding Young Scientist” award include Alicia Aguinaldo, Christina Binag, Allan Patrick Macabeo, Bernard John Tongol, Mario Tan, John Donnie Ramos, Grecebio Jonathan Alejandro and Thomas Edison dela Cruz.

Papa received his citation on July 15 during the NAST’s annual scientific meeting. MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG

Graduate School prof named ‘National Academician’ ART BY CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

THE DELTA variant, first detected in India, has been found to be more contagious and is causing sweeping surges in nations that have vaccinated the majority of their population. It poses a bigger threat to nations that have yet to vaccinate most of their people, the Philippines included.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta variant, or B.1.617.2, has increased transmissibility due to the mutations on its spike protein, allowing for easier infection and spread from one person to another.

Health authorities have said that it may be 50 percent more infectious than the Alpha variant first detected in the United Kingdom, which was already 50 percent more transmissible than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.

The Philippine government has imposed travel bans on several countries including Indonesia which had become the Covid-19 epicenter due to the huge surge in cases brought by the Delta variant.

ART BY JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

Why is there an interval between two vaccine doses?

BY JOANNE CHRISTINE P. RAMOS

ASSOC. PROF. Arvin Diesmos of the UST Graduate School was conferred the title “National Academician” by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) during its 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting on June 12 via Zoom.

Diesmos is a renowned biologist who specializes in herpetology or the study of reptiles and amphibians.

He had discovered several new species of frogs, lizards and snakes in the country, such as the Platymantis diesmosi or the Mt. Malinao cliff frog of Bicol, the lizard Parvosincus arvindiesmos and earthworm Pheretima diesmosi.

Diesmos earned his doctorate from the National University of Singapore after finishing his

Assoc. Prof. Arvin Diesmos

master’s in biology at University of the Philippines-Los Baños.

He had also served as senior scientist at the herpetology division of the National Museum.

In 2013, Diesmos was admitNational Academician ► PAGE 10

FEATURES

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

EDITOR: JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

5

UST Medicine FROM PAGE 2

Meet May Parsons, the Thomasian who administered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine

surgery and medicine aims to develop are identical to the competencies we wished to improve in our healthcare system,” the health chief said.

ART BY ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA,

Unveiling of marker in Intramuros

What does it take to be the first female anything? According to American actress Meryl Streep, it takes grit, and it takes grace The same is true for May Parsons, a UST alumna, who was the first nurse to administer a Covid-19 vaccine.

Parsons obtained her nursing degree from the University in 2000.

Two decades later, she was tapped to take one of the world’s first steps in defeating the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I was the first to get signed off as competent to vaccinate for Covid in preparation for the rollout. I was asked to vaccinate on Dec. 3 and completed my training on Dec. 4. I gave the [first] Covid-19 vaccine on

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at 6:31 a.m.,” she told the Varsitarian.

After graduating and passing the licensure examination for nurses, Parsons became a scrub nurse at the UST Charity Division.

After working at the UST Hospital for three years, she moved to the United Kingdom in 2003. She continued her work as a scrub nurse for the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust in Rugby, Warwickshire and later became a post-anesthesia care unit nurse.

Now, she is a modern matron or department head of a UHCW ward where she attends to clients suffering from respiratory problems and infectious diseases.

Parsons said that administering the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine dose—a Pfizer-BioNTech shot given to 91-year-old Margaret Keenan—was both an honor and an achievement.

“I felt truly honored that my hard work and vaccine advocacy have been well and truly recognized,” she said.

“We don’t nurse to be famous or rich. We nurse because we care and that is my contribution to humanity. I see nursing and the care and passion I deliver it with as a way of

building my home in God’s paradise.

Every good deed symbolizes every brick in my home with the Lord,” she added.

“I felt very hopeful for our future, as an Asian woman, to be given the task and praying I did it justice. I wanted to make everyone proud of our accomplishments, from the researchers to our vaccine trial volunteers, to the delivery people to the vaccinators. I felt an enormous responsibility in opening the door for our way out of the pandemic,” Parsons said. JADE VERONIQUE V. YAP

UST cycling club donates bikes for school staff

(PHOTOS FROM TEAM ESPAÑA FACEBOOK PAGE)

THE TREND of biking to work has been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out last year. Aside from helping workers avoid crowded commutes, cycling is also a good means for exercise and strengthening one’s immune system.

To help UST personnel cope with the trend, members of the cycling club Team España mounted a fundraiser, through which they were able to procure 10 bikes.

“It came to our knowledge that some employees of UST were required to follow a (skeleton) workforce system due to the pandemic. We felt obliged to help in any way we could,” Team España captain Jose Mari Boje told the Varsitarian.

Members of the cycling club, composed of UST students, faculty workers, staff and alumni, biked 500 kilometers of the Mindoro Loop on June 18 and 19 for their “Piso per Kilometro” campaign.

“This pandemic has been a challenge

for all of us, but our organization looked at it as an opportunity to give back to our community,” Boje said. “We may just be a group of young cyclists but our organization’s direction and vision will always include the core values we were taught at school.”

The fundraiser called on sponsors to donate P1 to P100 for every kilometer of the Mindoro Loop Team España was able to clear during the campaign.

The cycling club was able to secure pledges from 15 sponsors, including the Fraternity Officers Council (Fratofco) from the Faculty of Engineering.

“We thought that if we ourselves as students are having a hard time coping with the new normal, then how much more does the pandemic affect those who rely tremendously on their occupations to survive?”

Fratofco chairman Aaron Crucillo said.

The bikes were turned over to UST workers on June 23. M.D.M.P REYES

QS ranking FROM PAGE 2

Former ‘V’ art editor designs bike rack art installations in Manila THE CITY GOVERNMENT of Manila recently unveiled art installations in the form of bike racks in some of the city’s historic sites, all designed by a Thomasian.

Fine arts alumnus Mark Wesley Pahate expressed his love for Manila’s history, culture, diversity and energy through the art installations, made possible by a partnership between the Manila city government and insurance firm Allianz PNB Life.

Pahate’s designs featured different cultural and historical references.

“Kalesa,” mounted at Plaza Roma in Intramuros, symbolizes the horse carriages used during the Spanish colonial era

“Alon” at Rajah Sulayman Park is depiction of the Manila Bay sunset.

“Tabak” at Bonifacio Shrine pays tribute to the courage of Andres Bonifacio and his men in fighting for freedom for Filipinos.

“Maya,” installed at Liwasang Bonifacio, was based on the maya bird, the national bird of the Philippines until 1995.

Pahate told the Varsitarian that the project sought to evoke nostalgia and memories of growing up in Manila, as well as promote tourism.

“As a Manileño, born and raised, I had a

Mark Wesley Pahate (left) and Alexander Grenz, chief executive officer and president of Allianz PNB Life (right)

MAYA

Bike rack art ► PAGE 9 ALON

UST administrators were joined

by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña-Pangan and Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat at the sesquicentennial rites in Intramuros.

“Your institution has grown into a big institution of higher learning in medicine in the country, and of course, with the guidance of our Christian faith, of our Catholic Church,” Domagoso said.

Puyat called the sesquicentennial celebration a “historical moment.”

“To say that the day is a celebration will be an understatement, for an educational institution to mentor and harness the knowledge of skills of men and women in the medical profession for 150 years is indeed a historical moment,” Puyat said in her speech.

“This moment is special considering the time we live in now, where the graduates of the university are in the front lines leading us in the battle against an invisible enemy on a daily basis even at the cost of their own lives,” she added.

The faculty announced other projects to celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary, such as charity balls, community pantries and telemedical missions.

Later this year, the faculty plans to have an unveiling ceremony and blessing of the redevelopment of the San Martin de Porres building, presentation of sesquicentennial commemorative stamps and the launch of the UST Medicine sesquicentennial commemorative book.

The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, the oldest medical school in the Philippines, traces its beginnings to the “Facultad de Medicina y Farmacia,” which opened on May 28, 1871, by Spanish decree.

Surviving the Philippine revolution against Spain, the war against the United States and the Japanese occupation during World War 2, UST Medicine has become a Center of Excellence for Medical Education, producing the most number of medical graduates and topnotchers in the board exams. NAME SURNAME

UST landed on 500th place, the last spot, in the 2009 QS World Ranking.

The highest ranking for UST in the QS survey came in 2008, when it landed in the 401-500 bracket. The QS survey started in 2004.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology remained the top university in the world in the 2022 ranking.

Stanford University, previously the no. 2 university based on the QS world ranking, shared the third spot with the University of Cambridge.

The University of Oxford rose to become the second best university in the world.

National University of Singapore remained the top university in Asia, retaining its 11th spot in the 2022 rankings. Nanyang Technological University, also in Singapore, ranked 12th.

The QS World University ranking evaluates universities around the world according to six metrics: academic reputation (40 percent), employer reputation (10 percent), faculty/ student ratio (10 percent), citations per faculty (20 percent), international faculty ratio and international student ratio (each at 5 percent). NAME SURNAME

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WITNESS The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

EDITOR: MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

UST campus ministry head ‘Sir Tsard’ Pazcoguin; 41

BY MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO AND JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

UST Center for Campus Ministry Director Assoc. Prof. Richard Pazcoguin, better known in the University as “Sir Tsard,” passed away on June 25. He was 41.

Pazcoguin died at 10:17 p.m. in UST Hospital after a bout with pneumonia.

Pazcoguin was a full-blooded Thomasian. He finished at the UST Grade School in 1991 and UST Education High School (EHS) in 1995.

He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education, major in religion education, in 1999.

Pazcoguin earned his master of arts in higher religious studies, magna cum laude, from the University in 2004, obtaining the Rector’s Award for Academic Excellence.

From 2006 to 2007, Pazcoguin served as a supervising teacher of religious education EHS. He was also an adviser for the Marian Evangelization Community, a University-wide religious organization.

He was awarded the “Gawad San Lorenzo Para sa Natatanging Likha” during the 2008 Dangal ng UST Awards for his musical composition “We Are Thomasian Christians.”

He sang and composed “Children of Unending Grace,” which was written in time for the Quadricentennial celebration of UST in 2011.

He co-wrote theology books including “Salva Vida (Salvation Story and Study for College)” and authored the web-enhanced “Theology 1 Course for the Electronic Learning Access Program (e-LeAP) of UST.” Pazcoguin was active in leading University events, including “Ambag” or the University-wide retreat for administrators, faculty members and members of the support staff, and student recollections. He often played the organ during Masses at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church.

He was named director of the campus ministry since 2016 and served as vice president of the Sanctus Dominicus Lay Dominican Fraternity of UST until his death.

In a statement, the University described Pazcoguin as a figure synonymous with the University’s liturgical celebrations, having served UST, the Santisimo Parish and the Dominican Laity.

“Under his leadership, student religious organizations continued to be havens for the Catholic formation of our learners,” the University said.

“We commend Sir Tsard to the Father’s loving embrace and are one with his family in mourning his passing.

Eternal rest grant unto Richard, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest In peace,” it added.

Thomasians bid farewell

Dominican Prior Provincial and UST Vice Chancellor Fr. Filemon Dela Cruz, Jr., O.P. said Pazcoguin could simply be described as a “good and faithful servant.”

He said Pazcoguin had become the “face of religious activities” in the University and people would remember him for a long time.

“Richard is one person who does not only teach but also inspires. You can talk about him as a campus minister, as an administrator, as a friend, as a choir member or a choir master, as an eating buddy,” de la Cruz said.

“I got used to looking at the choir [and] seeing him there at alam namin pag siya’y umawit, ito’y hindi lang isang awit. Ito’y isang panalanging madamdamin,” he added.

UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said: “Our brother Richard is a blessing [and] relevant to us. [T]here are so many ways of saying yes to the Lord, be it a small place or simple [and] viral ways… His life is saying, ‘Yes, Lord,’” Ang said.

Pazcoguin

Former UST Rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. remembered Pazcoguin as a “kind speaker” and “good teacher” to the people around him.

“His passing away seems unfair because he was a very good person, son and friend. A responsible brother [and] a very active member of the Dominican Laity,” De la Rosa said.

Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Fr. Pablo Tiong, O.P. remembered Pazcoguin for being always in action.

New Manila Archbishop Advincula vows to be a ‘listening shepherd’ to Manileños THOMASIAN Cardinal Jose Advincula vowed to be a “listening shepherd” to the Manila flock during his installation as the 32nd Roman Catholic archbishop of Manila on Thursday, June 24, at the Manila Cathedral.

“My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I have nothing new to tell you today except my commitment to renew my heart’s desire to be a listening shepherd to the flock entrusted to my care,” Advincula said in his first homily as head of the archdiocese.

“Audiam” or “I will listen” is Advincula’s episcopal motto, which was derived from the young Samuel’s response to the call of God from the Old Testament, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

Echoing Pope Francis, he said being a “listening shepherd” means listening to every member of Christ’s flock, especially the “lamb” or the youth and those belonging to the peripheries.

“It is my ardent desire to listen to all but especially to the lambs which represent our youth and other people in the peripheries; because of less attention given them by the Church, their faith is as fragile as the health of a lamb – they are the first target of the marauding wolves. I cannot feed my flock unless I listen first to their needs, their longings,” Advincula said.

THOMASIAN ARCHBISHOP. Cardinal Jose Advincula delivers the homily during the rites for his installation as the 32nd Roman Catholic archbishop of Manila on Thursday, June 24, at the Manila Cathedral. (PHOTO FROM THE MANILA CATHEDRAL FACEBOOK PAGE)

cardinal in November 2020, Advincula was the archbishop of Capiz, a post he took over in 2012.

He was bishop of San Carlos in Negros Occidental from 2001 to 2011.

He was born on March 30, 1952 in Dumalag, Capiz and was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Capiz on April 14, 1976.

In 1995, he served as rector of the St. Pius X Seminary in Roxas City, Capiz. He became parish priest of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Dao, Capiz in 1999.

Capiz to Manila

The 69-year-old cardinal said that he thought he would spend his remaining years in the Archdiocese of Capiz, where he had served for nine years.

“But in a mysterious fashion, God has called me to get away from my comfort zone, and serve Him in a manner far beyond my expectations. And it demands of me a lot more than I can give if I am to shepherd His flock after His own heart,” he said.

Before being promoted to the rank of

‘We are with you in this journey’

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Advincula’s predecessor, reminded the new Manila archbishop to be true to himself while serving the Catholics in the archdiocese.

“Joe, just be who you are. Ang tinawag ng Diyos, ikaw; at ang maglilingkod ay ikaw, at ang ibibigay mo sa napakabuhay na Sambayanan sa Arkidioyesis ng Maynila ay ikaw. Ikaw ang biyaya ng Diyos,” Tagle said in a video message

from Rome.

In a video message, former Manila archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales told Advincula to also pray for the various people he would encounter in the metropolitan cities.

“Manila is a very intricate place — the kaleidoscope of socio, economic, political, ideological and inter-cultural is present in Manila. [Manila] is a new and challenging world. Many are with you and many are waiting for you,” Rosales said.

The Archdiocese of Manila is known as the Philippines’ premiere see, which covers five highly urbanized cities — Manila, Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong and San Juan.

The apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, also wished Advincula “many years of shepherding this flock” and promised “unwavering support” and their “fervent prayers” for his mission.

Listening shepherd ► PAGE 11

“May you always continue to do things for the Lord,” Tiong urged Thomasians. “Evangelize your life and talents [because] that is the best thing that God gave us in the person of Sir Richard.”

Bearer of God’s love, kindness

Philippe Jose Hernandez, assistant director of the Communications Sir Tsard ► PAGE 11

Bishop Pabillo leaves Manila for new Palawan ‘mission’ POPE FRANCIS has appointed Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo as the new apostolic vicar of Taytay, Palawan, ending the Thomasian priest’s 15-year stint assisting in the Archdiocese of Manila.

Pabillo is not new to Palawan. Pabillo is a former Salesian priest who was incardinated to the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa.

Until his appointment as bishop on May 24, 2006 and transfer to Manila, he was the parish priest of the St. Ezequiel Moreno Parish in Palawan.

Pabillo succeeds Bishop Edgardo Juanich in leading the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay. Juanich resigned in 2018 due to health reasons.

According to the Code of Canon Law, an apostolic vicariate is a small community that “has not yet been established as a diocese due to special circumstances and needs to be shepherded by an apostolic vicar or apostolic prefect who governs it in the name of the Supreme Pontiff.”

Pabillo said the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay is a “mission territory,” being one of the “youngest” ecclesiastical territories, the “poorest” in terms of material resources as a Church and “challenging” in terms of location.

“I thank the Holy Father that in the near twilight of my life, I am still given a chance to work in a mission territory and to live poor among the poor—the fisherfolks, the subsistence farmers and the indigenous peoples,” Pabillo said during the Mass for the feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul at the Manila Cathedral.

“My saying yes to this assignment is my small way of living out the missio ad gentes (mission to the nations), our theme this year,” Pabillo added.

The prelate said that an installation date had yet to be determined because he still did not know when he would go to Palawan.

“I still don’t know when I would go there to Palawan—that depends on the readiness of the people and the priest[s] there especially in this time of the pandemic,” he said.

Palawan ‘mission’ ► PAGE 11

FILIPINO

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

PATNUGOT: JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ, O.P

Mga dalubguro sa Filipino ng UST, sumailalim sa pag-aaral ng pagsasaling teknikal

Lumalahok ang mga dalubguro sa Filipino ng Unibersidad sa isang pagsasanay kasama ng mga tagasalin mula sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino at Lexcode Inc.

BY SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

SUMAILALIM ang mga dalubguro sa Filipino ng Unibersidad sa isang serye ng pagsasanay para sa pagpapayabong ng kanilang kasanayan sa pagsasaling teknikal noong Pebrero 20, 27, Marso 6, at 13, 2021 kasama ng mga tagasalin mula sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at Lexcode Inc. na isang translation company.

Ani Prof. Wennielyn Fajilan, tagapangulo ng Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin, inorganisa ng UST, KWF at Lexcode ang seminar-workshop na “Linangan: Masulong na Pagsasanay sa Ebalwasyon ng Saling Teknikal” upang mahasa ang kasanayan ng mga tagasalin ng tatlong institusyon pagsusuri ng mga salin ng mga tekstong teknikal patungo sa wikang Filipino.

Kabilang sa mga tagapagsanay sina G. John Enrico Torralba, puno ng Sangay ng Salin ng KWF, Gng. Chrisitine Ignacio, Direktor ng Lexcode Inc, Asst. Prof. Alvin Ringgo Reyes, tagapangulo ng Departamento ng Filipino, at Prop. Franz Giuseppe Cortez, tagasalin at propesor mula sa Departamento ng Pilosopiya.

“Ang pinakalayunin niya ay nasa keyword niya, ‘masulong,’ hindi ito yung introduction course, kumbaga advanced training ito para sa mga evaluators ng pagsasalin na hindi gaanong common lalo na’t wala pang istandard para sa pagsusuri ng mga saling teknikal sa bansa,” wika niya sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

“Ang [UST Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin] ngayon ay nakapokus sa pagsasaling teknikal. Marami kaming ginagawa na pagsasaling teknikal specifically para sa mga questionnaires ng mga researchers,” aniya.

Dapat tukuyin muna ng tagasalin ang antas ng kanyang mga mambabasa upang mas maging mainam ang daloy ng paglilipat ng mensahe mula sa simulaang teksto,

ayon kay Fajilan. “[A]ng intention mo ay magkakaiba ang audience. For example, ‘yung one group ‘yung translation ay para sa mga bata, ito para sa magsasaka, barangay officials, etc.,” paliwanag niya.

Kaugnay nito, nagpahayag ng kagustuhan si Fajilan na isa-publiko ang pagsasanay sa susunod na pagkatataaon upang madaluhan ito ng iba’t ibang institusyon ng wika .

Binigyang-diin naman Mark Anthony Etcobanez, instruktor sa Departamento ng Filipino sa Unibersidad, ang kahalagahan ng malayang talakayan sa pagpapatuloy ng mga programa para sa pagsusulong ng pagsasaling teknikal..

“Sa malayang talakayan kasi nabigyang pansin ‘yung mga agenda, ‘yung mga patuluyang gawain, ‘yung mga pwedeng gawin ng tatlong institusyon para magpatuloy ‘yung mga ganitong gawain,” aniya..

Akreditasyon ng mga tagasalin bilang propesyunal, iminungkahi

BY SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

IMINUNGKAHI ng isang Tomasinong guro ang pagbibigay ng sertipikasyon at akreditasyon sa mga tagasalin sa bansa upang mas makilala sila bilang mga propesyonal.

Ayon kay Ian Mark Nibalvos, guro sa Departamento ng Filipino ng Unibersidad, masusing pag-aralan ng mga paaralan at mga pambansang institusyon ang mga paraan upang maisulong ang propesyonalisasyon ng pagsasalin.

Aniya, maaaring sundin ang sistema sa mga bansang Canada at Australia. “[M]atibay ang pagkilala ng kanilang pamahalaan at gobyerno sa mga gawaing pagsasalin at seryoso ang kanilang mga gobyerno na ang mataas na antas sa kalidad ng serbisyo sa pagsasalin, lalong-lalo na sa mga legal na dokumento,” wika ni Nibalvos.

Kinakailangan ng pagsasanay, akreditasyon, istandardisasyon ng translator’s fee at pagkilala sa karapatan ng tagasalin, dagdag pa niya.

Saad niya, napag-iiwanan na ang bansa sa patakaran ng pagsasalin dahil walang koordinasyon at pagpapahalaga para sa mga tagasalin. “[S]a Canada, kinikilala ang Canadian

Binibigay ni Leonardo Tejano, tagapangulo ng Center for Iloco and Amianan Studies sa Mariano Marcos State University, ang kanyang mensahe para sa Buwan ng Panitikan 2021:

Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)… Samantalang dito sa Australia, ito naman ang National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Limited,” aniya.

Ilan sa mga benepisyo ay mga oportunidad sa trabaho, pagkakaroon ng mas maraming kliyente, mga pagsasanay, networking, insurance at promosyon.

“Sa aking palagay, handa na ang ating bansa para sa pagsasa-proseso ng

pagsasalin o sertipikasyon ng pagsasalin.

Nararapat din na ibigay ng ating pamahalaan at kahit sino mang institusyon ang de-kalidad at mataas na antas ng serbisyong pagsasalin sa mga Pilipino.

Magagawa lamang ito sa pamamagitan ng isang malinaw na susing hakbang ng sertipikasyon.”

Isa si Nibalvos sa mga nagsalita sa ikatlong serye ng webinar na “Salintasan” na isinagawa noong ika-26 ng Marso.

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‘Wikang Filipino, napag-iiwanan sa cyberspace’ NAGKUKULANG ang wikang Filipino sa mga teknikal na salita at napag-iiwanan ito sa cyberspace na kasalukuyang dinodomina ng wikang Ingles, ayon sa dating tagapangulo ng Departamento ng Filipino sa Unibersidad.

Ayon kay Prof. Imelda de Castro, miyembro ng Executive Council on Culture and the Arts ng National Committee on Language and Translation, tinugunan niya ang suliraning ito sa pagbubuo ng bilingual na diksyunaryo.

“Ang naging problema natin ay tinatawag na kakulangan ng teknikal na termino upang mapasok natin ang daigdig ng cyberspace at para masabi rin natin na hindi lang ang wikang Ingles ang laging nagdodomina,” ani de Castro.

Ayon kay de Castro, may dalawang aspekto ang proseso ng modernisasyon: ang paglalawak ng bokabularyo ng wika at ang pag-unlad ng bagong estilo at mga uri ng diskurso.

Saad niya, mahalaga ang pagpapalawak at pagpapaunlad ng mga termino sa Filipino na ukol sa mga information systems upang maging mas madali ang pag-unawa ng tao sa kompyuter.

Upang mapunan ang pangangailangan ng pagsasaling teknikal sa kompyuter, kailangan ang mataas na antas ng organisasyon at codification para magbunga ng leksikograpiya na binubuo ng mga layunin.

“Ang konklusyon ng pag-aaral ko ay ang paggamit ng orihinal na Ingles na termino. Ito ay repleksyon na ang wika ng rehistrong kompyuter ay nasa wikang Ingles,” sabi ni de Castro.

Estilo sa pagsasalin

Kailangan ding pagsikapan ng isang tagasalin na alamin at intindihin ang layunin ng tekstong kanyang sinasalin upang mas maging makabuluhan ang kalalabasan ng kaniyang trabaho.

Ayon kay John Dale Trogo, guro sa UST College of Education, mahalagang makabuo ng wastong komunikasyon sa kliyente upang makalathala ng de-kalidad na pagsasalin.

“Ang pagsasalin, hindi lang tinitingnan ang produkto o salin mismo kundi ‘yung proseso o serbisyo ng pinagdaanan ng isang kliyente para Cyberspace ► PAGE 10

Kolonisasyong internal, patuloy pa rin; karagdagang dekolonisasyon, kailangan BINIGYANG-DIIN ng isang manunulat ang kahalagahan ng patuloy na dekolonisasyon ng wika, sapagkat patuloy pa rin umano ang kolonisasyong internal.

Ayon kay Leonardo Tejano, tagapangulo ng Center for Iloco and Amianan Studies sa Mariano Marcos State University, “tinatanggalan ng pakpak” ng kolonisasyong internal ang pagyabong ng mga katutubong wika.

Upang ma-decolonize ang wika, kailangan umano na maging maingat ang mga mananaliksik sa pagpili ng metodo sa pagsusuri ng katutubong wika at sa pagtatala ng mga karanasan ng mga katutubo.

Hinimok din ni Tejano ang paggamit ng wikang kinagisnan o mother tongue sa pag-aaral ng mga estudyante upang ma-intelektuwalisa ito at hindi maging balakid sa pagkatuto.

“Isa ang nakita kong balakid sa pagkatuto at pagtanggap ng guro ng feedback mula sa mag-aaral at pagiging mahiyain nila magsalita

ang palagay nila na hindi sila magaling mag-Ingles, na mas mababa ang pagtingin sa kanila kung Filipino ang gagamitin nila at nakakahiyang labis pag wikang katutubo ang gagamitin nila,” wika niya sa kanyang mensahe na pinamagatang “Wikang kKtutubo: Wika ng Dekolonisasyon.”

“Sa ganito ay itinuturing natin ang isang linggwistikong pagbalik o linguistic turn sa pagsasakasaysayan bilang lohikal na pagbibigay tuon sa relasyon ng wika at tagapagsalita nito at ng mundo o mundong ginagalawan. [M]eron itong dalang kultural na bagahe na dapat taglay din ng mananaliksik,” pagpapatuloy niya.

Ang mensahe ni Tejano ay pinalabas sa “Buwan ng Panitikan 2021: Limandaang Taon ng Pagsulat sa Kalibutang Filipino,” isang okasyon na pinangunahan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino bilang pakikiisa sa Buwan ng Panitikan. BEA ANGELINE P. DOMINGO

EDITORIAL

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

9

Bike rack art FROM PAGE 5 wealth of experiences to draw from…Being from the city, I just tried to remember things about the city that could potentially be visually interesting and serve the function of bike racks,” Pahate said.

“We hope to elicit a few more fond recollections from Manileños who visit them,” he added.

While art innovation during the pandemic may be challenging, artists could use the opportunity to find new ways to express themselves, Pahate said.

“Necessity is the mother of invention.

Creatives need to find ways to express themselves, they just have to do that in ways that are most relevant to the situation we have been forced to face,” he said.

Pahate obtained his advertising arts degree from the University in 2000. MA. DYANNE MIRASOL P. REYES

Hechanova FROM PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

Comelec must extend voter registration With the 2022 national and local elections in the Philippines just a year away and considering our still unfinished battle against Covid-19, our collective preoccupation is now getting shifted to politics and all its feculent splendor.

Oh well, at least, after almost two years of disabling lockdowns and vexatious restrictions, we’re beginning to have a sense of normalcy—out of all the insanity.

We’re back to the old normal.

The pandemic has brought the economy and much of our social life to a standstill, but it can’t slow down the delirious lead-up to a predicably nasty election season. It can’t even budge the Commission on Elections (Comelec), despite calls for the extension of voter registration beyond the September 30 deadline.

Much as it has been declaring success for surpassing its initial target of 59 million registered voters by two million last August, and exceeding the four million new voters mark two months earlier, the Comelec is still falling short by huge numbers. Of the 73 million Filipinos qualified to vote in 2022 per a Philippine Statistics Authority projection, around 12 million still have to register.

For the 2016 national and local elections, which hit a record-breaking voter turnout of almost 82 percent, only 54 million registered out of the 64 million qualified to vote. There was a nearly 76 percent turnout in the 2019 polls, during which registration reached 62 million (three million later deactivated) out of the more than 68 million qualified. So, the Comelec shouldn’t be jumping up and down for outdoing itself and exceeding its own downsized expectations.

The Senate on Sept. 14 unanimously adopted a resolution that urged the Comelec to extend voter registration by a month, saying an extension of the registration period would help prevent disenfranchisement of voters.

It was only on August 23 when the Comelec extended voter registration hours to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and holidays. Almost two weeks later, on September 2, the Comelec approved the resumption of voter registration in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine, which was then imposed over 15 areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Better late than never, but these measures were not enough to solve the voter disenfranchisement issues introduced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

But given its propensity towards the use of outdated and even questionable electronic vote-counting machines and system, it’s still perplexing how the Comelec is still requiring in-person registration like it’s still 1940 (when it was created), and especially during a pandemic. No matter how much elections are hated or enjoyed, people would rather risk life lining up these times for vaccinations, not for some biometrics and voter’s certificate.

Disappointingly, the commission’s iRehistro program is merely an online application for personal registration at designated locations around the country. What a waste of time and tax money, and how inconsiderate and stupid that is! It’s imbecilic stuff like this that reminds us we’re hopelessly third world.

It’s tragic, too, that despite our ever-increasing reliance upon and growing success with virtual transactions that cover everything from shopping and travel to banking and education, the agency that’s tasked to prepare our polls and count our votes remain disconnected from the demands and realities of the times. Too bad for Comelec, common sense has sold out online.

As it’s not likely the Comelec will grow some sense any time soon (it hasn’t all these years) and virtualize, voter registration, once and for all, it can at least afford some compassion, if not more due diligence. The extension of the registration to another month or two will allow more time and safer conditions for millions of remaining unregistered voters to go out and sign up.

The subsistence and success of democracy, after all, are in the numbers.

Moreover we must remind the Comelec of its mission statement declaring themselves as “guardians of the sovereign will of the Filipino people…commit(ing) ourselves to conduct clean, credible, free, honest, orderly and modernized electoral exercises and to empower the electorate toward a vibrant Philippine democracy.”

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN Acting News Editor FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA Sports Editor AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT Special Reports Editor JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN Features Editor MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA Witness Editor JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ, O.P. Patnugot sa Filipino MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG Science and Technology Editor MA. JASMINE TRISHA L. NEPOMUCENO Circle Editor JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA Art Director

NEWS Jamilah Mae B. Angco, Charm Ryanne C. Magpali, Jacqueline B. Martinez, Christine Joyce A. Paras, Joanne Christine P. Ramos SPORTS Anna Clarissa M. Barlam, Nina Angela Mikaela Cruz, Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr., James Paul R. Gomez, Mark Ernest V. Villeza SPECIAL REPORTS Kimberly G. Hipolito, Charlize Gabriel L. Linantud, Nuel Angelo D. Sabate FEATURES Ma. Dyanne Mirasol P. Reyes, Jade Veronique V. Yap LITERARY Leigh Anne E. Dispo, Sofia Bernice F. Navarro WITNESS Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Sophia T. Sadang FILIPINO Bea Angeline P. Domingo, Samantha Nichole G. Magbuhat SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Caitlin Dayne A. Contreras, Katherine Anne L. Escarilla CIRCLE Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo, Allaine Nicole C. Cruz, Larissa Mae C. Tan

FELIPE F. SALVOSA II CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA Assistant Publications Advisers

ART Karl Joshua L. Aron, Athea Monique Z. Gala, Gwyneth Fiona N. Luga, Christine Angelie P. Orines, Catherine Paulene A. Umali PHOTOGRAPHY Francia Denise M. Arizabal, Renzelle Shayne V. Picar, Camille Abiel H. Torres, Marvin John F. Uy, Arianne Maye D.G. Viri EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jessica C. Asprer

JOHN EZEKIEL J. HIRRO

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

Editor in Chief Associate Editor

JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser

Paing’s basketball stint in UST, under his respected mentor and coach Hermenegildo “Herr” Silva, paved the way for the rise of his popularity as one of the country’s best defenders in basketball.

Aside from being a part of UST’s basketball team, Hechanova also shone in the University’s golf and volleyball varsity teams.

He graduated from architecture in March 1951, but he took up classes in engineering to exhaust his fourth year in UAAP after his graduation. At the time, he also took and passed the architectural board exams in his first try.

Beyond sports

Hechanova’s career as an architect from 1951 to 1975 also bloomed to success when he collaborated with his friend Umberto Lammoglia to establish a firm, which enabled them to design structures and houses in Makati and Quezon City.

During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Paing remained active in sports and started leading civic organizations.

After being a member for five years, he became the president of the local Rotary Club in Makati.

Hechanova also became the president of the Manila Polo Club and the Manila Golf and Country Club from 1971 to 1972.

Paing also made a mark in the business industry by managing corporations, including the food company RFM Corporation and the Concepcion Industries founded by his fatherin-law, Jose Concepcion Sr.

540 FROM PAGE 12 not a rich country,” which means government could offer national athletes only as much.

However, earlier this year, Olympic boxing hopefuls Irish Magno and Eumir Marcial expressed concern about delayed and insufficient allowances for training abroad.

Because of the eensy-weensy allowance, athletes have sought sponsors.

But big sponsors, as Diaz’s victory proves, would only show up when athletes have won already.

With less than sufficient support and the private sector coming to the aid of athletes only after they become champions, promising athletes who may snag the country’s next Olympic gold will need to think twice before pursuing their dream.

If this is the situation, no matter how determined or disciplined the athlete is in improving their skills, the chances of Filipino athletes getting gold will continue to remain slim.

Improving the situation of the current and future pool of aspirants by upgrading training facilities and sending financial aid their way will most likely produce more medalists rather than rewarding one champion as if none can follow.

With inadequate support from government and the private sector it’s no wonder why it took us 97 years before we won our first gold medal.

10

COMICS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

ART DIRECTOR: JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

WELCOME ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA

LAST PUSH CATHERINE PAULENE A. UMALI

FUDTRIP KARL JOSHUA L. ARON

Delta variant FROM PAGE 4 get Covid-19…You have to take the person away and put them in an isolation and quarantine facility,” he said.

Moreover, the national government should also prepare to implement more stringent mobility restrictions to quickly contain the surge.

“If we can do this, we will not lose control [of Delta’s spread],” Austriaco said.

The World Health Organization and the CDC also label Delta as a “variant of concern.”

“The Delta variant is a variant of concern that WHO is tracking and monitoring around the world…

As of today, the Delta variant has been reported in 96 countries and we expect that the Delta variant will continue to spread,” WHO’s head of strategy, planning and coordination Vismita Gupta-Smith said.

Gupta-Smith said what makes the variant more difficult to contain is the increased social mixing and mobility due to the relaxation of public health protocols.

“Proven public health and social measures that we know prevent infections, reduce the spread of some-

Vision 2024 FROM PAGE 2 body who is infected with the virus to others and save lives. And [another] factor is the uneven and inequitable distribution of vaccines,” Gupta-Smith said.

Vaccines vs Delta

As the country continues to ramp up its vaccination efforts, with lags in between due to its lacking vaccine supply, how effective are the Covid-19 vaccines against the Delta variant?

An analysis by Public Health England in June revealed that two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines were 96 percent and 92 percent effective in preventing hospitalization.

Moderna also announced that their vaccine was effective against Delta and other coronavirus variants while Johnson & Johnson are still conducting clinical studies of their own.

Likewise, the WHO has maintained that all of its authorized Covid-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant. The Philippines’ rolled-out vaccines are all WHO-authorized.

CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS

added.

More research, internationalization

For his third agenda, the Rector urged the research clusters of the University to double down on their efforts and be open to more diverse topics, especially on the natural sciences and humanities.

“There is a need to revisit and recalibrate the research policies and guidelines of the University: We should be open to more diversity,” Ang said.

“Researchers should not forget about ethics and morals. We have a social responsibility as a Catholic institution,” he added.

Ang said he wanted to see more collaboration between the University and its partner-institutions abroad.

In the long run, Ang said the campus would be diversified by slowly increasing the number of foreign students and by inviting more foreign scholars to the University through grants.

“I am convinced that we will steadily rebuild from the rubble and the University will make headway in our internationalization efforts in the very near future when the virus is defeated. The virus must be defeated,” he said.

to the pandemic and the implementation of the K-12 curriculum.

He said the University would strengthen industry-academe-alumni partnerships, which he said could bring alternative sources of funding for the University.

“We may need to focus on financial sustainability in the long run. I believe that we may have to diversify our financial resources by exploring external funding and philanthropic support to fulfill our vision and mission. It wouldn’t hurt if we practice frugality and simplicity,” he said.

In the next five years, there will be “gradual progress” in the construction of the first quadrant of the UST Santa Rosa campus and the main building of the UST General Santos (GenSan) City campus, Ang said.

He said the Santa Rosa campus would initially offer science and engineering programs, while health sciences, business and accountancy, engineering and technology and pharmacy and pharmaceutical science programs would be offered in UST GenSan. “We shall start small, but we need to prepare the manpower and program designs as early as now. Anticipation is the rule of the game,” he said.

First Chinese-Filipino rector

Expansion to Santa Rosa, GenSan

National Academician FROM PAGE 4 ted to the University of Kansas for post-doctoral studies on a Fulbright senior scholarship through the Philippine-American Foundation.

Diesmos said his road to being a full-time scientist was a long one.

“When I was still a boy, I always wanted to become a scientist. And it did happen—dreams do come true, if you put your mind and heart to it,” Diesmos told the Varsitarian.

“My goal is to make great and lasting contributions to nation-building, to serve and uplift the scientific community and to help younger folks attain their dream of becoming a scien-

tist,” Diesmos said.

Diesmos is the seventh Thomasian to be named to the NAST, joining Professor Emeritus Fortunato Sevilla, graduate school faculty members Mudgeekeewis Santos and Veronica Chan, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Maribel Nonato, tropical medicine specialist Dr. Remigio Olveda, and historian Gregorio Zaide.

The title “academician” is one of the highest distinctions conferred on a scientist by the NAST, a body under the Department of Science and Technology. MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG

Ang admitted that the University had seen a decrease in revenues due

A Thomasian himself, Ang graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Letters with a bachelor’s degree in philos-

ophy in 1990, and in sacred theology in 1997 from the Ecclesiastical Faculties.

He completed a double degree and graduated with a licentiate in sacred theology and a master’s degree in religious studies at the Ecclesiastical Faculties and the Graduate School in 1999.

He then earned his doctorate in philosophy at the Ecclesiastical Faculties in 2010. He consistently received Latin honors throughout his years as a student of UST. Ang, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1998, was vice rector of UST for eight years under the rectorship of his predecessor, Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. Ang topped the voting of the Academic Senate on the terna or list of three eligible candidates produced through secret balloting by the Dominican fathers in UST. Since assuming the rectorship, Ang has led UST’s transition to distance learning and finalized the new collective bargaining agreement of faculty members for 2016 to 2021.

According to the University’s general statutes, the Rector, as the chief executive officer of the University is responsible for the promulgation of laws and rules in the University, appointment of heads and officials, crafting of the annual budget of the University, and the approval of programs and semestral schedules of all faculties, colleges and schools. NAME SURNAME

Cyberspace FROM PAGE 7 makuha niya ‘yung kanyang pangangailangan dito sa kanyang dokumento,” wika ni Trogo.

Aniya, kinakailangang malinaw at tumpak ang ideya ng isinalin na dokumento. Mas lalo umano itong mapapadali kapag mayroong style guide o estilo ng pagsulat kung saan ibabase ang pagsasalin. “[W]alang standard na paman-

tayan sa pagsasalin sa bansa. Wala pang pangmalawakan po na pag-oorganisa ng mga tagasalin sa Pilipinas… hindi pa kilala ang pagsasalin sa iba’t ibang industriya, ‘yung kamalayan ng mga kliyente ay hindi rin ganun kalalim,” sabi niya.

Gayunpaman, matutugunan daw ang mga suliraning ito kapag nagkaroon ng kolaborasyon ang kliyente

at tagasalin para mapalawak ang kaalaman nila at maipalaganap ang serbisyong pagsasalin sa iba pang sektor.

Nagsalita si de Castro at Trogo sa huling webinar ng Salintasan 2021 noong ika-28 ng Mayo, na idinaos sa pangunguna ng UST Sentro ng Salin at Araling Salin. SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

SPORTS

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

EDITOR: FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA

UST coach joins WNBL Legends Circle

UST basketball standout Rafael Hechanova; 93 Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association.

In 1975, he was appointed as second vice president of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Hechanova was inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.

The basketball hall of famer was also the chairman of the Philippine Olympians Association, which recently launched a website that will serve as a database for all the Filipino Olympians.

BY ANNA CLARISSA BARLAM

FORMER UST basketball star and Olympian Rafael “Paing” Hechanova passed away on Aug. 26. He was 93.

Hechanova, whose trademark was his tough defense, led the UST to remarkable feats during his inter-collegiate basketball stint with the Glowing Goldies.

In 1951, the Goldies gave the University a grand slam of tri-titles—the UAAP, National Intercollegiate, and National Open basketball championships.

He joined the Philippine basketball team in the same year when they snagged a gold medal in the inaugural Asian Games in New Delhi.

“From intramural find to captain of the Glowing Goldies, the Pontifical Pillar silenced Japan’s ace forward as anchor man of the Champion Philippine Cagers at New Delhi,” a 1951 report by the Varsitarian archives wrote.

“Clean, admired by friends and foe alike and one of the country’s best guards.

He is the University of Santo Tomas’

Rafael ‘Paing’ Hechanova as a player for the UST Glowing Goldies (PHOTO FROM JOSE MARIA BONIFACIO ESCODA)

edition of the typical Filipino athlete,” it added.

Hechanova was named “Mr. Basketball” in a unanimous vote by the Philippine Sportswriters Association for his achievements at the time.

He also competed for the country in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki and the 1954 Asian Games in Manila.

The Olympian played commercially for the YCO Redshirts in the now-defunct

Years in UST

Born in Jaro, Iloilo, on July 8, 1928, Paing began playing basketball when he was 10 years old.

He played hoops during his high school years at the Colegio de San Agustin High School and even excelled in academics, graduating as salutatorian in 1947.

Hechanova pursued architecture at UST and was granted a half-scholarship because of his high school honors. He was later granted a full-scholarship when he joined the Glowing Goldies in 1948.

Hechanova ► PAGE 9

UST WOMEN’S basketball team head coach Haydee Ong has been inducted to the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Legends Circle.

Ong is a former UST women’s basketball player, who later coached the national team from 2008 to 2014.

“I always believed I was born to help young female athletes find their way in this ugly dog-eat-dog world where the motto has become ‘win at all price’ instead of ‘paying the price to win,’” she told the Varsitarian.

“I will continue to help in whatever way possible to improve women’s level of play, improve the condition of their lives and instill values and morals to our young women athletes hoping they will be given a better opportunity than what I had during my time.”

Aside from Ong, Cristina Columna, the first international Filipina referee, and national team mainstay Emilia Vega were named during the WNBL opening on July 17.

In 2010 during the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Women’s Championship hosted by the Philippines, Ong as a team cap-

Listening shepherd FROM PAGE 6 Manila Auxiliary Bishop Pabillo said the appointment of Advincula was an answered prayer.

“Do not be afraid. We are ready, as always, to cooperate and collaborate with our shepherds. You are not in this alone,” Pabillo said.

Advincula and Brown both expressed their gratitude to Pabillo for administering the archdiocese over the past 16 months.

“He was able to steer the wheel, and manage the archdiocese until today when it is being transferred to my management. Thank you very much Bishop Pabillo for the work well done,” Advincula said.

God’s perfect timing

While the Covid-19 pandemic has “held us hostage for a year and half already,” Advincula said the date of his canonical possession happened “in God’s time.”

He said God’s mysterious design made his installation an event of “great historic significance,” citing three reasons.

First, his appointment as Manila archbishop was made during the Year of St. Joseph, his personal saint and namesake.

Second, this year marks the 500 years of the arrival of Christianity in the country. Advincula stressed the importance of “missio ad gentes” (mission to the nations), reminding the faithful that they were “gifted to give.”

Third, his installation coincided with the 450th founding anniversary of the City of Manila and the Feast of St. John the Baptist, whose “total and unconditional trust to God” Advincula aims to emulate.

Before the Eucharistic celebration, Advincula was welcomed

by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko”

Moreno Domagoso, Pabillo, and other officials at the Postigo Gate of Intramuros.

The historic gate was reserved for the highest authority in the country, the governor general and the archbishop of Manila during Spanish colonial times.

At the Ayuntamiento de Manila, the city mayors under the Archdiocese of Manila handed over the symbolic keys to their cities to Advincula.

The crozier that Advincula used during the installation originally belonged to Archbishop Artemio Casas, also a Thomasian and the first rector of the postwar Manila Cathedral. Casas became the first bishop of Imus and later on Archbishop of Jaro.

The crozier symbolizes Advincula’s pastoral function in the local Church and role as “shepherd of the

11

flock of God.” Only 400 attendees were allowed inside the Manila Cathedral during the event in accordance with Covid-19 health protocols.

The rites was streamed live on the Facebook pages and Youtube channels of the Archdiocesan Office of Communications, TV Maria, Radio Veritas, Manila Cathedral, CBCP News, and all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Manila.

Advincula is the first Manila archbishop who was already a cardinal prior to his installation.

Seven days before his installation, Brown bestowed the cardinal’s insignia to Advincula, marking the first time in Philippine history that a Filipino cardinal received the insignia in his home country instead of the Vatican. MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO AND CHRISTINE JOYCE A. PARAS

UST Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong

tain led the country to its first-ever gold medal.

Coaching for the Perlas Pilipinas, the women’s team bagged silver medals during the Southeast Asian Games in 2011 and 2013.

While coaching for UST, the women’s basketball team finished second in UAAP Season 82.

During her playing years in the University, Ong was crowned UAAP MVP in 1991 where she also led the UST women’s basketball team to championships from 1988 to 1991.

MARK ERNEST V. VILLEZA

Palawan ‘mission’ FROM PAGE 6

Pabillo had served as the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, which had been sede vacante for 16 months before Cardinal Jose Advincula took over on June 25.

Pabillo was ordained priest by Cardinal Jaime Sin in 1982 after finishing sacred theology at the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties. In 1986, he obtained his licentiate degree in the Sacred Scriptures at the Pontificium Institutum Biblicum in Rome.

Pabillo heads the Commission on the Laity of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

He previously served as the head of CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Action – Justice and Peace and the Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate.

CHRISTINE JOYCE A. PARAS WITH REPORTS FROM MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO

Sir Tsard FROM PAGE 6 Bureau, said Pazcoguin’s “constant humble presence helped make UST a place where you felt the love of God.” “He would be in UST — sometimes seven days a week — serving in celebrations that praise God Almighty, and he inspired Thomasians to do the same,” Hernandez told the Varsitarian.

Leo Ocampo, a faculty member of the UST Institute Religion, admired Pazcoguin’s humility, saying “he was well-loved wherever he was and was kind to everybody.”

The UST Center for Campus Ministry (CCM) called for prayers from the Thomasian community for the passing of its late director.

As director of the campus ministry, Pazcoguin helped manage seven student religious organizations (SROs) and assisted the Thomasian community during liturgico-sacramental celebrations and various activities related to campus evangelization.

Christopher Alcantara, O.P. an education alumnus and former

member of the UST Marian Evangelization Community, mourned Pazcoguin’s demise, saying “the University lost a great administrator, teacher and catechist.”

Alcantara said the late adviser of his former organization helped students understand the faith.

“Sir Tsard was a lot of things to a lot of people. A friend, a teacher, a father figure. But above all these things and above everything that the world can offer him, he understood that sic transit gloria mundi (thus passes worldly glory),” Alcantara said.

“He regularly lent aid when aid was needed, making the love of God be felt by other people,” he added.

As an educator, Pazcoguin taught theology courses at UST Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Arts and Letters, College of Education, College of Commerce, College of Rehabilitation and Sciences and Conservatory of Music.

He also taught seminarians at the UST Central Seminary, Santo

Domingo Church and the Recoletos School of Theology in Quezon City. .Ryan Morales, education alumnus and former office of Christ Youth in Action, thanked Pazcoguin for “his passion and evident love for the liturgy,” which brought students closer to God. “I am sure that many students in his classes, and those whom he had encountered in the SROs, would attribute the awakening and deepening of their love for the liturgy to him,” he said.

Clarisse Enriquez, a behavioral science alumna and former member of UST Campus Feast, said Pazcoguin never failed to document various events in the University.

“I have so many pictures taken by him… since he really likes taking pictures during events. I am really thankful for that since I can go back to that particular memory that I have through his pictures,” Enriquez said.

“Sir Tsard was very supportive and he always gives us an opportu-

nity to serve more and to grow more in our faith,” she added.

The Bosconian Thomasian Youth Movement (BTYM) expressed its gratitude to Pazcoguin for helping establish the organization in 2013 alongside de la Cruz, who was then CCM director.

“Thank you, Sir Tsard for all the lessons in the classroom and in life.

For being our kalakbay in the youth ministry; for the friendship, the generosity, and the love that you have shared with us all,” it said.

Pazcoguin was a full-blooded Thomasian. He studied from grade school until he obtained his Master of Arts in Higher Religious Studies, magna cum laude, from the University in 2004, earning the Rector’s Award for Academic Excellence.

He is survived by his siblings, Dennis and Racheal.

He was laid to rest at the Sanctuarium in Quezon City last July 1.

WITH REPORTS FROM CAITLIN

Obiena FROM PAGE 12 Olympics 2024

DAYNE A. CONTRERAS AND JOENNER

UST Athletics head coach Manny Calipes said the experience Obiena gained in the finals would prepare him for the next Olympics.

“The experience he gained today will prepare him much better for the next Olympics in Paris…Bata pa siya and the next Olympics is just three years from now,” Obiena’s former coach told the Varsitarian.

“The confidence level we expect from EJ was not there today. Kailangan pa niya maging consistent sa PB (personal best) niya to be able to challenge the best athletes,” he added.

Obiena set the country’s record with a 5.87 meter jump in a competition in July.

Medalists Duplantis and Braz had personal bests at over 6 meters, with Duplantis holding the current world record at 6.18 meters and Braz’s 6.03-meter jump in Rio 2016 setting the Olympic record.

Obiena is the first Filipino to qualify for the summer Games in 2019 after clearing the required 5.81 meters during a pole vault meet in Piazza Ciari, Italy. MARK ERNEST V.

PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ, O.P.

VILLEZA

Sports

FOR REAL-TIME SPORTS UPDATES, FOLLOW:

@VSportsUST

The Varsitarian AUGUST 15, 2021

After falling short in Olympic debut,

Obiena says he’ll be back ‘to win’ THOMASIAN pole vaulter EJ Obiena’s Olympic campaign ended after he failed to clear 5.80 meters in the men’s pole vault finals on Aug. 3.

Obiena missed his first two leaps at 5.80 meters before taking his final attempt twice due to technical concerns.

The former UST Trackster, however, still dislodged the bar in his final jump, landing him in 11th place in the overall rankings.

Armand Duplantis of Sweden took home the gold medal after clearing 6.02 meters without any foul in the tournament.

USA’s Chris Nielsen bagged a silver medal after clearing 5.97 meters on his first attempt while the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Thiago Braz of Brazil settled for bronze after a 5.92-meter leap.

Obiena easily cleared 5.55 meters on his first attempt but used his third attempt at the 5.70-meter mark to advance.

‘‘

I still love representing my great country.

I still love competing.

I still know I can win.

—EJ OBIENA THOMASIAN OLYMPIAN

Obiena ► PAGE 10

UAAP eases player eligibility, age restrictions after pandemic-hit seasons

Support for Olympic athletes comes too little, too late HOUSE AND LOT, a condominium, millions of pesos, and free plane flights for a lifetime: all of this weightlifter Hidlyn Diaz deserves for winning the Philippines’ first ever Olympic gold medal.

Under Republic committed.

Act 10699, an Olympic In total, Diaz received at gold medalist is enleast P55.5 million in cash. titled to P10 million, Diaz was also rewarded silver medalist P5 with a condominium unit in million, and bronze Eastwood City from Megamedalist P2 million. world Corporation, lifetime To reward the hisfree flights from AirAsia, lifetoric Filipina, business time free gas from Phoenix tycoon Dennis Uy P5 Petroleum, vehicles, meals 540 million, President for life in several restaurants, Duterte P3 million, houses and lots, and more.

FAITH YUEN WEI House Deputy Speaker The flood of “support” N. RAGASA Mikee Romero P3 from officials and brands for million, the Philippine the Filipina, seemed sudden Olympic Committee as offers instantly took off (POC) P3 million, Max’s Group P3 after she won the medal. It seemingmillion, Zamboanga City P3.5 milly became a social media trend for lion and Universidad de Zamboanthese companies to reward Diaz for ga P1 million. her historic feat These were apart from the P10 Though there is nothing wrong million Diaz was entitled to receive with rewarding the medalist under Republic Act 10699 or the with cash and incentives, the act National Athletes and Coaches somehow covers the fact none of Benefits and Incentives Act, the P10 them took note of Diaz’s needs as an million Manny V. Pangilinan and athlete before she won the historic San Miguel Corporation’s Ramon medal. The support, definitely, was Ang each pledged before the Olymnot as loud as the congratulations. pics for medal-winning athletes, Before the Olympics, Diaz had and the additional P5 asked for financial support from the million the national government and private companies. sports commission Where was everyone then?

Contrary to the common belief that an athlete’s win is largely or solely based on grit and skills, it actually takes not less than a whole team to land a gold medal. A team consisting of coaches, rehabilitation staff, nutritionists, therapists and managers can be possible only with sufficient financial capability and government support. That is the reason why we have the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

A recent Manila Times report showed that the PSC had a P601 million budget for the 2020 Olympics. This was just half of the P1.2 billion budget of the PSC for athletes’ preparation for the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

But the budget for the Tokyo Olympic cycle from 2017 to 2021 was 16 times more than the country’s P133.9 million budget for the 2016 Rio Olympic cycle— roughly P2,120,873,000, of which P1,870,873,000 had already been spent, the report noted.

The numbers, for sure, show that the government has enough funds to support its athletes.

Olympic pole vault representative EJ Obiena earlier told the Varsitarian that athletes should realize that “the Philippines is 540 ► PAGE 9

ART BY CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

The UAAP has relaxed the age limit for certain players and allowed two more years of eligibility for those affected by the pandemic-hit Seasons 82 and 83, a league board member said.

The league will extend its athlete age limit by one year. But the extension will only be applicable for those, who enrolled in their respective universities in Academic Year 2019 to 2020.

Rod Roque, the University of the East’s representative in the UAAP board, said the league would now accept student-athletes up to the age of 26 years and 364 days.

“We, in the UAAP, are, of course, thinking of the best scenario for our athletes. To give them their last hurrah in the UAAP, we are extending the age

requirement to 26,” he said in an episode of UAAP Talk.

“Gusto namin sila talagang bigyan ng chance kasi alam ko, being a former athlete myself, it’s really frustrating to train hard and not to put those efforts into the competition. So we are extending it for them.”

The previous age limit was 25 years and 364 days.

Roque also assured athletes, who were not able to play in the truncated Season 82 and the cancelled Season 83, would get their two playing years back.

“How can you count playing years when they were not able to play? So, we extended again for the benefit of our athletes,” he said. NINA ANGELA MIKAELA CRUZ

Eya Laure stays in UST; sister EJ unlikely to return Eya Laure has committed to remain a UST Golden Tigress despite the indefinite UAAP shutdown and opportunities to go professional, UST Athletics Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P. told the Varsitarian.

Eya, the younger of UST’s Laure sisters, was the Rookie of the Year in UAAP Season 81, the last full UAAP season, where she averaged 16.4 points per game.

“Eya is staying with UST. She assures me of that,” Cansancio said.

However, Eya’s older sister EJ is unlikely to suit up again for the Golden Tigresses.

Assistant coach Yani Fernandez told the Varsitarian that EJ has not enrolled in UST since the abrupt end of Season 82.

“And nagpaalam na rin siya dati na last na niya ‘yung Season

82,” he said.

Cansancio added: “EJ will turn pro, I guess.”

Like Eya, EJ is a former UAAP Rookie of the Year.

However, her collegiate career was derailed by a shoulder injury that sidelined her for two years.

She averaged 14.5 points in two games in Season 82, the only year the Laure sisters shared the volleyball court as collegiate Golden Tigresses.

Eya has three more years of eligibility for the Tigresses.

Meanwhile, her older sister, EJ, still has a year of eligibility left.

The sisters were reported to have been linked with the Cherry Tiggo Crossovers of the Premier Volleyball League, a professional volleyball league, in March. JAMES GOMEZ