18 minute read
OBITUARY
PRESENTATION 101 CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES
RAYA’S DEFINITELY EXISTENTIAL GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA
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ACADEMIC BRE— KARL JOSHUA L. ARON
Free the sails FROM PAGE 9
they don’t possess the entire truthful picture. Fake news, mis- and dis-information are all by-products of this open media environment. So, how can we segregate the truth-tellers from the propagandists? Journalism scholar Jane B. Singer identifies certain norms that not only serve as “identity markers of the professional news worker,” but also as “boundary markers” distinguishing the media professional from the multimedia star. The first distinction lies in the ethical practice of verification or “getting information right.” Gonzaga’s show isn’t necessarily privy to this regard as the interview is structured as a sort of candid talk show with no time to actually backtrack and verify what has been said by Bongbong.
Next is the principle of independence or “serving the public vs. serving commercial or other vested interests.” Bongbong is the wedding ninong of Gonzaga, a crucial bit of fact that was ironically never brought up in the episode, and that could ultimately compromise Gonzaga’s credibility as a so-called “journalist.”
Lastly, there is the promise of accountability. Gonzaga’s great failure with this interview is that she neglected her being accountable for the consequences of her actions. Actions that could threaten to erase the horrific memories and faces of Martial Law from the Filipino consciousness. And she has the power to do that because she is an “influencer,” a role that fits her more appropriately and that the general public should identify her with.
In Gonzaga’s defense, she can do whatever the heck she wants with her show. But something must be said of being accountable and responsible to the truth; of speaking the truth of our history as a Filipino nation even if it hurts doing so. As the journalist and activist Hernando J. Abaya once said, it is that “voice of anguish … alone that can rouse the conscience of our smug society from its agelong slumber and guide it onto the road to change—and greatness.”
Hot take FROM PAGE 9 trustworthy. Winning their trust will need a massive, collaborative effort on the part of government, public health authorities, and local leaders.
We have seen this happen before. Seven years ago, when the West African Ebola outbreak swept Liberia, mistrust in government and public health authorities posed a significant obstacle to halting the virus’s spread.
It is true that government is hard to trust right now amid all the corruption and lies it peddles. Hell, even our procurement of pandemic supplies is riddled with anomalies!
But as informed citizens, it is also our responsibility to educate our misinformed friends. After all, the fight against infodemic is a fight shared by everyone. As a medical technology student, I consider myself lucky that I could debunk false claims about health, diseases, and vaccines almost instantaneously as I see them. But not everyone shares the same privilege.
I myself had caught Covid-19 and experienced isolation. But thanks to being jabbed with the Sinovac vaccine, I was able to recover from what could have turned out to be something worse.
Outside of citizens’ shared responsibility, the country also needs trustworthy leaders to lead its pandemic response. As the general election nears, our call for a good pandemic response extends to those who will be put in power.
Editorial FROM PAGE 8
True to his betrayal of the Constitution and the people, Duterte has allowed totalitarian Communist China to occupy Philippine territory and given preferential treatment to its nationals ostensibly to draw more foreign investments. Duterte as bully and slaughterer reflects the murderous bossism of China. We have treason in high places and its name is Duterte.
We have now right before us the living dead of totalitarianism. The face of that living dead is Duterte.
Duterte’s totalitarianism and state terrorism are paving the way for Martial Law II, and 49 years removed from Marcos’ declaration, we defiantly decare: Never again!
Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it, and Filipinos must heed the archbishops’ call to resist inhumane governance, denounce state killings and vote for ethical politicians in 2022. The Philippines does not have to lie prostrate in the Valley of Death!
The Church and other Christian institutions in the country, including UST, play an important role in contributing to voter education and the upliftment of the democratic consciousness of Filipinos, many of whom are prone to demagoguery and fascist bluster. After all, the 1987 Constitution that was birthed in the aftermath of Marcos’ reign of terror, “implor[es] the aid of Almighty God” in the Filipino people’s building of a just and humane society and the establishment of a government that promotes the common good; conserves and develops our patrimony; and “secures to ourselves…the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.”
As the only Pontifical University in the Philippines and Asia, UST has the right and authority to stand up to state terrorism and acts of ungodliness; and by doing so it is serving well its duty as an academic and social institution. That’s why it’s appalling how a social media post of the University denouncing Martial Law has been met with vicious responses from pro-Marcos and pro-Duterte revisionist trolls. It’s a shame that taxpayer’s money is being wasted on trolls and bots to deflect criticism of strongmen and state terrorism! Some have even accused the University of politicking, failing to realize that standing up for life and human rights is not political partisanship but an act of moral will. It is a responsible human act. It just so happens that human life and human rights are not a priority in Duterte’s M.O. We do not need an inhumane president, let alone one who called God stupid. For reflection, we suggest that Duterte read Psalm 23, and realize that being godly is the only way out of the Valley of Death.
As the Northern Luzon archbishops said: “This is not the time for despair but courage. This is not the time to be quiet but (the time) to stand up for God. Against the tide of murders and plunder, let us bear witness to truth and life!”
Never again to Martial Law! Down with murder and plunder! Down with despotism! Down with treason! Duterte out!
ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA AND GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA ART BY
Limited face-to-face classes ‘more exhausting,’ but students thankful
FROM PAGE 1
clerkship on June 9.
Annex G of the CHEd and the Department of Health’s Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-001, states that PT interns are required to complete a minimum of 480 hours of face-to-face clinical rotations in a clinical affiliation center.
Cruz also said that her experience was fun as physical interaction is crucial in their practice simulated assessments and exercises before their internship proper.
Cruz attended the bridging program thrice a week from June 21 to July 28.
According to Cruz, junior and senior PT students were required to undergo quarantine two weeks before the first day of classes. They were also required to take lab tests, flu shots, and negative swab tests three to four days before the first day of classes, and submit a medical clearance from their doctor as well as health insurance, to qualify for the limited face-to-face internship.
Cruz said full vaccination against Covid-19 was not required among the students due to the limited availability of shots at the time.
Cruz said that during face-to-face training, students underwent laboratory simulations such as PT examination, evaluation, treatment and management, and module assessments. These were designed to enhance their skills and address learning gaps caused by the lack of physical interactions amid the shift to online learning, she said.
Dianne Parado, a medical technology student who started her internship at the UST Central Lab last July 26, said entering buildings around the campus had become more time-consuming due to the required signing of health declaration forms for contact tracing.
“[D]uring this pandemic, it’s not that easy to enter the building anymore. We were asked to download an app (Stay Safe PH) na we’re required to answer as well as the [Thomasian Online Medical Services and Support] for contact tracing. It’s a bit time-consuming especially during our first day back in UST,” Parado said.
However, she sees this not as a challenge, but as a necessary move from the University especially during this pandemic, adding that administrators, faculty members and personnel were helpful in helping and assisting them with their concerns.
Fourth-year medical technology student Kenneth Von Areta, who resides in Batangas, said that he was initially nervous about commuting to Manila again, especially when Covid-19 cases were still rising in the area in July. He was excited to be able to apply the skills that were taught to them online.
He said the instructors and lab technicians were understanding toward the students’ performance and addressed their questions and concerns.
“Naiintindihan nila na kahit di mo ma-perform nang maayos yung experiment ay okay lang since first time namin. Open [rin] sila sa questions if ever may gusto ka itanong. When it comes to operating the machines naman, i-de-demo muna nila then after noon, kami naman. Very clear yung rules and regulations [rin] nila,” he told the Varsitarian.
Parado’s block was divided into six groups and each group became their own laboratory “bubble.”
Signages were placed on the corridors within the central lab to direct students where to go. Students were assigned specific rooms on the upper floors during lunch breaks.
Medical technology students were required to attend the biohazard and safety seminar conducted by the Infection, Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) of the UST Hospital, where they took a test to obtain their IPCC Certificate.
Parado said they were asked to submit their Covid-19 RT-PCR test results three to seven days prior to the start of their duties, as well as physical examination results, proof of vaccinations for tuberculosis or Bacillus Calmette–Guérin, hepatitis B, and tetanus.
Health insurance, medical clearance, and parents’ consent were also required, Parado said.
Medical technology students started their internship program last July 5, but it was postponed due to the implementation of quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila due to the Covid-19 Delta variant threat.
Internship activities resumed with a reduced number of rotation days on Oct. 18 after being suspended on Aug. 2.
The College of Nursing was also scheduled to start their limited face-toface Related Learning Experience on Aug. 9 but it was also postponed due to the threat of the Delta variant.
Ready for more
In Parado’s opinion, the University will be ready to accommodate more students for limited face-to-face classes provided that students and faculty members are fully vaccinated.
“I think with policies and protocols in terms of health declaration, social distancing and whatnot, okay siya. Nu’ng nag-face-to-face kami, I feel like nasunod talaga siya ng students and faculty members, like sa lab, one student per table, everybody wears complete PPE, and when performing lab procedures, we do it one at a time,” she said.
She hopes the University will accommodate more medicine and health allied students to undergo limited face-to-face learning in the future since most of the students were already fully vaccinated.
“[W]ell-prepared naman ang college for protocols to follow prior to [the] start [of the internship]. Sayang rin kasi yung opportunity na matutuhan `yung skills in preparation narin for the students na magiging professionals soon,” she added.
Areta suggested having more days of clinical rotation for the next batch of interns next term.
“Sana ma-maximize next sem[ester] ‘yung time for internship. With regards to the protocols, [...] very strict naman `yung pag-implement nila and very effective. [H]opefully, mas lalo pang bumaba `yung cases ng Covid para mas effective lalo `yung practice ng mga interns sa lab and para ma-maximize,” he said.
Cruz said her experience was fun not only because she was able to see her classmates in person, but also because physical interaction during simulated assessments was helpful to her in learning more about her course. JAMILAH
Students observe and participate during a face-to-face class. (PHOTO FROM MICHAEL CUEVAS)
B. ANGCO AND CHARM RYANNE MAGPALI Classrooms used for the limited face-to-face classes are retrofitted. (PHOTOS FROM
MICHAEL CUEVAS)
Youth voters FROM PAGE 2
“The goal now is to make sure that the young people, especially the first-time registrants, have access to information, be adequately and properly informed, and be critical enough to pick out which is true and which is fake to critically enrich the discourse,” Ignacio said.
“Kung ang sinasabi ng pattern ay nakukuha ng mga kabataan ang impormasyon nila sa social media, kahit Facebook man yan, TikTok man yan, Instagram man yan. Dapat tinitingnan [ng mga institusyon] kung paano nila iyon magagamit para mapanatiling may alam ang kabataan,” he added.
“Bata, Bata, Mulat KNB? The Youth Vote in 2022,” was the second webinar in the Philippine Communications Society’s “National Forum on Communication and Democracy: Philippine Elections 2022” series.
The webinar was launched in cooperation with the University of the Philippines’ internet TV network, TVUP, and featured representatives from the youth sector.
lic health relations sa sport bubble. I would even argue that keeping these student athletes in a bubble is safer compared to ‘pag nasa probinsya sila,” the director said.
The league’s Board of Directors consulted with — (SBP) and sees Clark, Pampanga as the front-runner for where the potential UAAP bubble would be held. Season 84.
“We really have to make sure the safety of every athlete [is intact] but it has changed, we’ve been very conservative but now we are very open,” the director emphasized.
The UAAP will follow the IATF’s order and will see to it that every participant for next season--coaches, players, staffs and others--are fully vaccinated.
Another aspect for the UAAP’s reopening is the resurgence of physical training.
Since the start of community quarantines, coaches have administered online training setups where athletes would receive daily workout routines virtually.
“Zoom training is good in terms of maintaining physical fitness pero iba pa rin ‘yong scrimmages or magkita kita sila ng actual,” Saguisag said.
The league has yet to announce which events will be included in the upcoming season.
UAAP cancelled season 82 early April in 2020 while season 83 was scrapped last December due to health and safety reasons. ROM-
Exec thinks UAAP can pull off ‘bubble’ set-up for Season 84
UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag (left) ina UAAP Talk episode.
IN PREPARATION for the planned UAAP reopening in 2022, Executive Director Rebo Saguisag affirmed that the league can resume in a bubble set up for season 84.
“If may makaka-pull off nito, it’s the UAAP kasi andiyan na yung dorms, food and lodging,” Saguisag said in an interview on Power and Play.
“After a year, sanay naman ‘tong mga bata na to to be away from their families for an extended amount of time,” he added.
According to the director, the league has crafted and submitted protocols for resumption to the Commision on Higher Education (CHEd), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
“Approval na lang yan, nagkaroon lang ng lapses kasi if you remember sometime no’ng March, nagkaroon tayo ng ‘season two’ ng ECQ kaya medyo naantala,” Saguisag said.
The eyed bubble setup for the league is in line with the memorandum of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) for public activities.
Protocols on the capital region’s alert levels systems state that contact sports “conducted under a bubble-type setup as provided for under relevant guidelines adopted by the IATF” are allowed.
“Kailangan natin i-emphasize na ‘pag magrere-open tayo, iba ‘yong pub-
‘Bubble’ set up ► PAGE 12
Physical Therapy and Sport Science interns in a Zoom meeting for the
Tiger Sports Freehub. (SCREENSHOOT FROM KEN ERBVIN SOSA)
CRS launches virtual clinic for UST student-athletes
THE COLLEGE of Rehabilitation and Sciences (CRS) has launched the Tiger Sports Freehub, a virtual clinic that provides free wellness and rehabilitation programs for UST’s student-athletes.
The virtual clinic, which officially opened on Aug. 25, offers five services: strength and conditioning, general wellness program, injury assessment and referral, physiologic testing, and injury monitoring and management.
“Our goal is to provide our athletes with evidence-based interventions and programs in enhancing their sports performance,” Tiger Sports Freehub chief supervisor for UAAP Ken Erbvin Sosa told the Varsitarian.
“In these trying times, they should not be left behind. They need us more this time.”
The project is led by physical therapy (PT) and sports science (SPS) interns under the supervision of medical doctors and coaches in an interprofessional collaborative effort.
The Tiger Sports Freehub utilizes Facebook and Zoom as its main platforms to disseminate information about the clinic and provide assessments to athletes.
Student-athletes are advised to join its official Facebook Group, UST-CRS Tiger Sports FreeHub, to undergo initial screening and assessment, which will be conducted by PT and SPS interns via Zoom.
Athletes need to book additional appointments after their initial checking for a more
New recruits supercharge rebuilding UST Tigers
GOLDEN FUTURE: New Growling Tigers (left to right) Joshua Fontanilla (Master’s studies), Luis Gandalla (Freshman), Zane Jalbuena (Grade 12), Soysoy Escobido (Grade 12). Jordi Gomez de Liaño (Freshman), Nicael Cabañero (Freshman), Kean Baclaan (Grade 12), Dave Maghirang (Freshman), Brix Reyno (Grade 11) and Arjay Pantaleon (Grade 11). (PHOTO FROM
COACH JINNO MANANSALA)
THE UAAP may be on a prolonged hiatus, but UST has remained busy recruiting for its men’s basketball program.
The UST Growling Tigers secured the commitments of five key players, looking to rebuild a once-promising team later depleted following last year’s Sorsogon “bubble” fiasco.
After the departure of CJ Cansino, Mark Nonoy, Renzo Subido, Brent Paraiso, and Rhenz Abando, the Tigers has recruited Jordi Gomez de Liaño, who will add height and shooting to UST’s wing rotation.
Gomez de Liaño averaged 13 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 30 percent from deep for the University of the Philippines (UP) Integrated School in UAAP Season 82.
LA Casinillo, who was recruited into UST by former coach Aldin Ayo in 2020, has also committed to the Tigers.
The six-foot-two guard is currently in the UK, where he trains with his father, Leo, a member of the UST Tiger Cubs coaching staff.
Casinillo is a former Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) juniors MVP.
Former De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) standout Kean Baclaan has also committed to join the Tigers, but will have to wait one more year before suiting up for the Tigers in UAAP Season 85.
At five foot eight, Baclaan, an incoming Grade 12 student, averaged 16.38 points, eight rebounds and 3.69 assists for DLSZ in Season 82.
The Tigers also added six-footfour Fil-Australian Royce Mantua, who currently plays overseas for the City of Blacktown Storms Youth in the New South Wales Waratah league, where he is averaging 10.2 points per game (ppg).
Mantua played nine games for the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws in Season 82 and averaged almost 3 ppg.
UST also got its top pickup in Nicael Cabañero, a bulky point guard touted by recruiters as a “complete package.”
Cabañero was part of the pool of players for the Batang Gilas under-17 basketball team. He was also the MVP of the Milcu Got Skills under-15 tournament in 2018.
The new recruits will join incumbent Tigers Soulemane Chabi-Yo, Dave Ando and Sherwin Concepcion and earlier recruits Paul Manalang and Joshua Fontanilla.
ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.
UST Teletiger places 2nd in int’l Tekken tourney
BY JAMES PAUL R. GOMEZ
A MEMBER of the UST Teletigers bagged silver in the East Asian leg of the Tekken Online Challenge held on Oct. 2.
Teletiger Michael Angelo “TGR RGN” Balaga succumbed to PlayBook Esports’ Alexandre “PBE AK” Lavarez, 1-3, in the final round of the Tekken tournament.
Down two games to none, TGR RGN clawed back with a 3-1 effort, claiming his only set in the best-offive series.
“Compared to the other opponents that I have faced, he (Laverez) has a much fasterpaced game. We knew each other’s characters; that is why he anticipated my movements,” Balaga said in an online interview with the Varsitarian.
Balaga admitted his lack of composure in the final stretch, causing him to be predictable against PBE’s bet.
“I knew his playstyle, and I knew how he was going to play the character. It’s just that I was not able to adjust to it,” he said.
TGR RGN advanced to the Finals after squeaking by Omega Esports’ Juliano “Omega Jules” Lozano, 3-2, in the “Loser’s Bracket.”
Balaga held an 11-2 win-loss record in the tournament with an 84.62 win percentage.
The 18-year-old civil engineering freshman joined the Teletigers last year and represented the University in the AcadArena Aces: Campus Open Tekken 7 last February, where he also placed second.
TGR RGN took home P20,000 as cash prize.
Michael Angelo “TGR RGN” Balaga (PHOTO GRABBED FROM BALAGA’S FACEBOOK)
ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA AND CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES ART BY
Read full story on PAGE 15
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