The Varsitarian P.Y. 2019-2020 Issue 02

VOLUME XCI / NO. 2 November 9, 2019 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS Manila, Philippines

Nene Pimentel and the ‘V’ libel case

By John Ezekiel J. Hirro “ONE of the most fundamental freedoms accorded to citizens like us who live in a democratic country is the freedom of speech and of the press.”

This was the closing paragraph drafted by the late former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. for the counter-affidavit of two former Varsitarian staffers in a 2011 libel case. facebook/varsitarian

Pangangalaga sa katutubong wika ng bansa, sapat ba?

Ni Joselle Czarina S. de la Cruz NAG-UUMAPAW sa sari-saring kultura ang Filipinas, pero sapat ba ang pangangalaga ng bawat mamamayan sa mga yaman na ito ng bansa?

Isa ang wika sa mga pamanang pangkultura sa bansa at ayon sa Atlas ng mga Wika sa Filipinas ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), mayroong 130 katutubong wika ang bansa.

Pero napangangalagaan ba ang mga katutubong wikang ito?

Binigyang-diin ni Virgilio Almario, tagapangulo ng KWF, mayroong kakulangan sa kaalaman ang mga Filipino tungkol sa kahalagahan ng mga katutubong wika.

“Politically, hindi pa ganoon ‘yong pag-iisip nila tungkol sa pangangalaga ng kanilang wika. [S]a bawat wika, may sarili siyang mundo na binuo. Sayang, kasi bawat wika na namamatay para kang nawawalan ng isang kamalig ng karunungan,” wika ni Almario sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

Ayon pa kay Almario, kasama sa pag-aalaga sa wika ang pag-aalaga sa wikang pambansa dahil ito ang nagiging tulay para sa mga katutubong wika sa Filipinas.

Sinang-ayunan naman ito ni Jerry Gracio, kinatawan ng wika sa Samar-Leyte ng KWF, at sinabing dapat ang mga tagapagsalita ng mga wikang ito ang dapat manguna sa pagpapayabong nito.

“Dapat malaman ng mga tao na may iba pang mga wika na sinasalita sa kanilang lugar. [B]ahagi ang wika ng pamanang kultural ng isang bayan.

Ang linguistic diversity ay yaman na dapat alagaan. Unless, wala talaga tayong paki sa sarili nating kultura,” wika ni Gracio.

Iginiit ni Abdon Balde, Jr., kinatawan ng wikang Bikol ng KWF, mahalagang magkaroon ng pag-aaral sa mga wikang ito nang maipalaganap ang kahalagahan nito.

“Kapag nawala ito ay mawawalan tayo ng ugat. Mawawalan tayo ng mga kaalamang magiging basehan natin sa pagsulong. [M]agiging hungkag ang kaluluwa at kaisipan,” giit ni Balde.

Sa tala ng KWF, limang wikang katutubo sa bansa ang tuluyan nang namatay: Inagta Isarog ng Camarines Sur; Ayta Tayabas ng Tayabas, Quezon; Katabaga ng Bondoc Peninsula, Quezon; Agta Sorsogon ng Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon; at Agta Villa Viciosa ng Abra.

Idineklara ng United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) ang taong 2019 bilang International Year of Indigenous languages.

Sa datos ng Unesco, mayroong 2,680 wika sa buong mundo ang nanganganib nang mamatay.

Pangangalaga... PAGE 3

twitter@varsitarianust

and Cliff Venzon, as the complainant Angeles was backed up by the law firm of a former cabinet official.

The Varsitarian reached out to Pimentel, who had served three Senate terms and investigated Angeles’s firm as head of the Blue Ribbon Committee. The former lawmaker and PDP-Laban founder agreed to represent the two staffers, without hesitation, Salvosa said.

Youtube/TheVarsitarianUST

Nene Pimentel... PAGE 5

Instagram: varsitarian.ust

BREAKING NEWS & REAL-TIME UPDATES at www.varsitarian.net

V-Special Reports

Human rights advocates urge UST to teach Martial Law subject HUMAN RIGHTS advocates lamented students’ lack of knowledge on the horrors of Martial Law and urged universities to take steps by teaching it.

Hilda Narciso, a political prisoner during the Marcos regime, slammed the “empty” content of the Martial Law years in history books in elementary and high school, and the lack of detail in lessons delivered by teachers.

“Dapat lang [ituro ang Martial law]... Dapat lang talaga na maging conscious ang mga teachers na ipasok nila ang details...Anong ipapasok nila kung sila mismong [teachers] hindi nila alam?” Narciso said.

In a 2007 study, Narciso said only general figures from the Martial Law era were written on the back pages of textbooks. Specific events such as human rights violations were not mentioned, she said.

She urged teachers to do their own research and not rely solely on textbooks.

“Pumunta kayo sa Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Quezon City) maram-

ing documents ‘dun, pumunta kayo sa Commission on Human Rights, sa internet marami kayong makukuha, maraming libro,” Narciso said.

Narciso also said UST should posthumously commemorate Thomasian victims of human rights violations under the Martial Law era. “[Thomasian Martial law victims] are very humane people coming from your school, dapat sila lagyan ng marker at ibigay ang kwento nila … do something about it, where students could come and do their own personal research about them,” Narciso said.

Narciso was among the speakers in UST Simbahayan’s forum at the TARC Auditorium last Sept. 20. The forum, titled “Talakayang Martial Law,” was in line with human rights week, which had the theme: “Francisco De Vitoria: Linggo ng Karapatang Pantao.”

Teach Martial Law subject PAGE 5

PHOTO BY MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA

Features PAGE 7

INSIDE

Sports PAGE 12

UST rises in 2020 QS Graduate Employability reankings NEWS PAGE 2

A blatant farce EDITORIAL PAGE 4

Thomasians triumph in beauty contests

ASEAN EXAMINES QUALITY OF UST EDUCATION

UST wants to be the second Philippine university to receive the seal of quality from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), undergoing stringent assessment from regional experts in October.

Assessors from the Asean University Network (AUN) visited the campus to interview administrators, faculty, students, staff, alumni and employers, and inspected University facilities, in what a top UST official said was the culmination of “centuries worth” of preparation.

Prof. Clarita Carillo, assistant to the rector for planning and quality management, said the AUN assessors reviewed an institutional self-assessment report (SAR) that took her team six months to write.

“We have been doing many quality assurance practices, both internal and external; some explicit, others implicit. All these we actually tried to articulate in our Self-Assessment Report,” she told the Varsitarian.

We have The team of assessors been doing included Prof. Fauza Ab. many quality Ghaffar of the University assurance of Malaya, Prof. Sany Sanuri bin of Universiti Utara practices, Assoc. Prof. Tan both internal Malaysia, Kay Chuan of the Natioand external; nal University of Singapore and Prof. Hanna Bachsome extiar-Iskandar of Universitas plicit, others Indonesia. implicit.

The AUN-QA team held meetings at the BuenavenPROF. CLARITA tura Garcia Paredes, O.P. CARILLO Building from Oct. 21-25, and visited the Faculty of Arts and Letters, College of Commerce, the Faculty of Engineering and other University units.

“

A CLACKER with the words 'Never Forget' is seen during the Martial Law Commemoration protest last Sept. 8.

LENSPEAK PAGE 8

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The libel complaint was filed by businessman Edgardo Angeles, head of Selegna Holdings, the company that operates UST’s multi-deck carpark, after the Varsitarian published a story on a legal dispute between the University and Angeles’s firm.

In a Facebook post, Varsitarian assistant publications adviser Felipe Salvosa II said “odds were stacked mightily” against the staff members, Rommel Rio

Chabi-Yo named UAAP 82 hoops MVP

‘Plan-do-check-act’ Carillo said quality assessment at the institutional level made administrative and academic units in the University more aware of the need for “continuous and collective quality improvement.”

University units executed a “plan-docheck-act” cycle, which allowed for more effective problem-solving, she said.

Asean examines... PAGE 5

2

NEWS

The Varsitarian

NOVEMBER 9, 2019 • EDITOR: JOHN EZEKIEL J. HIRRO

UST rises in 2020 QS Graduate Employability rankings

By Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat THE UNIVERSITY rose to the 251-300 bracket in the 2020 Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) Graduate Employability rankings released on Sept. 19.

UST placed second among Philippine universities, only behind Ateneo de Manila University, which ranked in the 161-170 bracket.

A total of 758 universities were included in the survey. UST soared from the 301-500 cluster to place in the top 60 percent this year.

Office of the QS/Times Higher Education Rankings deputy director Nestor Ong said UST excelled in the employer-student connections criterium, where it ranked 57th with a score 90.2 out of 100.

The University ranked 60th in graduate em-

ployment rate with an 89.5 score.

Ong said the Office of Alumni Relations’ grad-

uate tracer, the UST Alumni Information System, played a significant role in collecting data for the study.

De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines both ranked in the 301-500 bracket.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology remained as the top university worldwide.

The universities were evaluated based on employer reputation, alumni outcomes, partnerships with employers, employer-student connections and graduate employment rate.

“The graduate employability ranking provides innovative insights and a rich dataset of unprecedented nuance to this critical conversation in attempting to measure graduate employability in a global level,” Ong said.

UST FACULTY Union chief Dr. George Lim speaks during the assembly held last Oct. 18. PHOTO BY JEAN GILBERT T. GO

Apostol

Pharmacy professor Jovencio Apostol, 51 PROFESSOR Jovencio Apostol of the Faculty of Pharmacy died on Sept. 10 at the age of 51.

Apostol was a multi-awarded researcher who received the National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Award for Research in Pharmacy in 2017 and the Pharmacist of the Year Award in the field of Research by the Philippine Pharmacist Association.

He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy degree at UST in 2013.

Apostol began teaching in the University on Sept. 11, 1992.

His ashes were brought for a requiem Mass at the Santisimo Rosario Parish on Sept. 11.

Pharmacy Regent Rev. Fr. Pompeyo de Mesa, O.P., who presided over the Mass, said in his homily Apostol was known as “Bapa,” a Kapampangan word for “uncle,” as he was seen as a father figure in the faculty.

“He (Apostol) will be hugely missed by many, not just in the faculty, but around the world,” Pharmacy Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Mary Jho-Anne Corpuz said.

Pharmacy Dean Prof. Aleth Therese Dacanay remembered Apostol as a person whom anyone could seek advice from because of his wit and wisdom.

“What makes this even more painful to us whose lives Joven has touched, is the fact that we will always remember the good times, those happily spent working together,” Dacanay said.

His former students and colleagues also expressed on social media how he left a mark on their lives. “[Isa kang] malaking rason kung bakit ako nagtuturo, [I] modeled myself after your teaching style,” Aaron Cobeng said in a Facebook post.

His cause of death was not disclosed by the family.

The interment was held at Sta. Lucia Memorial Park, San Luis, Pampanga on Sept. 13. AHMED KHAN H. CAYONGCAT

USTFU assembly ratifies distribution of P22M in 'savings' UST FACULTY Union (USTFU) chief Dr. George Lim got the upper hand over his critics after finally securing approval for last year’s distribution of P22 million in union “savings.”

Data from the USTFU Commission on Elections showed that of the 684 attendees in the faculty assembly last Oct. 18, 452 faculty members voted to approve the distribution. Sixty voted to disapprove, while 169 attendees didn’t cast votes. Three votes were deemed spoiled.

The general assembly was held to discuss and ratify the controversial distribution of union savings through USTFU Board Resolution 2018-004, in compliance with a May 9 order issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Lim told the Varsitarian that the ratification should put the issue to rest.

In February, seven faculty members led by former union vice president Rene Tadle filed a complaint against USTFU officials for failing to secure assembly approval for the distribution of the funds, citing the union’s constitution and by-laws.

Lim’s critics had wanted the USTFU leadership held accountable for the distribution, and made assurances to faculty members that they would not be asked to return the money if the DOLE decided to sanction union officials.

But Lim argued that without a majority vote of the assembly, faculty members must return the full amounts they received last year to the union fund.

Article 10, Section 4 of the union constitution and by-laws provides that union funds must only be used for labor education programs, collective bargaining agreements, welfare cooperative programs and other plans or programs that will promote the interest and welfare of the union and its members.

Removed Faculty members Rene Tadle and Gemma Aboy, who were among the complainants, were removed from the heavily guarded USTFU assembly last Oct. 18.

“It was embarrassing, we were being treated as if we were criminals,” Tadle said.

The Varsitarian learned that Aboy was rushed to the UST Health Service after being removed out of the voting area.

She claimed she was “detained” for a long period, which led to her legs and arms numbing.

Tadle said Aboy was held at the lobby of San Martin de Pores Building for a long period and was not given a chair.

Lim denied claims that the two were maltreated, and explained that they were “merely escorted out of the voting area as [they] were taking unauthorized pictures of documents related to the ratification process and in a way intimidating some of the members who were simply exercising their right to vote.” “[They] were simply escorted out of the building [and we] don’t have handcuffs nor chains, so we don’t [know] about her (Aboy’s) claim of being detained,” Lim told the Varsitarian.

Tadle, Aboy, Noel Asiones, Michelle Desierto, Leonardo Guevarra Jr., John Vincent Ignacio and Ramil Sotelo Sasi were the complainants who filed the case against USTFU officials before the DOLE in February.

After failing to get approval during the May 19 special general assembly due to low turnout, another special general assembly was held on May 29 in compliance with the resolution. However, the assembly failed to get a quorum of at least 620 attendees.

The Oct. 18 general assembly attained quorum with 684 attendees, more than the required 631 attendees.

Student's threats vs IICS admin lead to suspension

By John Ezekiel J. Hirro THE INSTITUTE of Information and Computing Sciences (IICS) has “excluded” a graduating student for one term, for using foul language versus administrators in an Instagram video rant.

Frangel Ty, an information technology (IT) senior, was effectively suspended and could only be readmitted after the first term of Academic Year 2019-2020, according to a resolution of the IICS Student Welfare and Development Board.

Ty provided the Varsitarian a copy of the resolution dated Aug. 20, 2019.

He protested an IICS policy that barred him from enrolling two thesis-related courses under a co-requisite system, as it would delay his graduation.

“Hindi ako pinayagan magco-req, tapos n’un madedelay na naman ako nang isang taon. P****g ina ng IICS. Ngayon kailangan kong sumugod sa kanila kasi bobo sila,” Ty said in a video on Instagram, which he deleted an hour after he posted it.

At the end of the video, he showed a picture on which was written: “Institute of Information and Computing Sciences, SUSUNUGIN KO ‘TO… wait lang (I will burn this down… just wait).”

The resolution stated that Ty violated the Students’ Code of Conduct that forbids the use of “foul, vulgar or rough language in conversations and communications,” even if the video was supposedly restricted to his friends. “[Ty] used vulgar words in the video; threatened to burn IICS; and disrespected the administration…

We cannot accept his explanation that he did not intend to malign the administration. The fact that he posted the video on Instagram, which can be viewed by his friends, plainly shows his malevolent intention,” the resolution read.

The board did not accept Ty’s explanation that he did not intend to publicly harm the institute and that the video was uploaded out of frustration, as he and other IT seniors would not be able to graduate on time because of the co-requisite system.

In June, Ty’s attention was called after he criticized the IICS administration’s measures to prevent suicides on Twitter. But the disciplinary board ruled that the tweet was a “valid exercise of freedom of expression.”

“The administration [is just] blocking hallway windows [in IICS] to reduce cases of suicide instead of actually talking to students and fixing the system,” Ty tweeted on June 17.

He told the Varsitarian that the suicide case that prompted the blocking of hallway windows was “personal” to him.

“Ka-batch ko yung tumalon and I know kung gaano kahirap ‘yung pinagdaanan niya during those times,” Ty said.

Aside from the one-semester suspension, Ty was disqualified from being elected officer of any recognized student organization. He will be put under probation in case he applies for readmission. WITH REPORTS FROM CAMILLE ABIEL H. TORRES

Thomasian tops October 2019 CPA boards A THOMASIAN emerged as the topnotcher for the third straight year in the October 2019 certified public accountant (CPA) licensure exam, while five others landed in the top 10.

Justine Louie Santiago led the newest batch of Filipino accountants, posting a 90.33-percent score.

The University’s passing rate however declined to 57.32 percent, or 227 out of 396 examinees, from last year’s 76.82 percent, or 285 out of 371 takers.

Marc Angelo Santos placed fifth with an 89.17-percent score.

UST-AMV College of Accountancy Batch 2019 valedictorian Bill

Julius Ocampo (89 percent) and Alyssa Nicole Rosario (87.50 percent) landed sixth and ninth, respectively.

Lovel Dulay and Jhudge Salaya shared the 10th spot alongside two others, after recording identical scores of 87.33 percent.

University of the Philippines Diliman was the lone top-per-

forming school anew, posting an 84.21-percent passing rate, or 64 out of 76 takers making the cut.

The national passing rate plunged to 14.32 percent, or 2,075 out of 14,492 examinees making the cut, from last year’s 25.18 percent or 3,616 out of 14,358 examinees.

CHARM C. MAGPALI

EDITOR: JOSELLE CZARINA S. DE LA CRUZ • The

FILIPINO

Varsitarian

NOVEMBER 9, 2019

3

MICHAEL COROZA

Kampeon, tagapagtaguyod ng wikang Filipino Ni Joselle Czarina S. de la Cruz

Pangangalaga sa katutubong wika ng bansa, sapat ba?

(MULA SA PAH. 1)

Bunsod ng kahirapan Isa sa pangunahing dahilan ng pagkamatay ng mga katutubong wika ang pag-iisip ng mga tagapagsalita nito sa “ekonomikong pangangailangan.”

Ayon kay Almario, may mga katutubo na naipagpapaliban ang kanilang wika dahil kailangan nilang magsalita ng wika na makatutulong sa kanilang pangangailangan sa pang-araw-araw.

“Marami tayong mga katutubo na may kani-kanilang mga katutubong wika pero ang nangyayari dahil sa mga pangangailangan nagkakaroon ng kaisipan na limutin ‘yong kanilang katutubong wika at mas pag-aralan ay ‘yong wika na kailangan nila para mabuhay,” wika ni Almario.

Paliwanag ni Gracio, malaking salik ang kahirapan at displacement ng mga katutubong ispiker ng wika.

“Dapat nating tiyakin ang kabuhayan ng mga katutubong nagsasalita ng mga wikang ito, ipaglaban ang kanilang mga lupang ninuno. Dahil kapag nawala ang mga tao, mawawala rin ang wika,” ayon kay Gracio.

Iginiit naman ni Balde, malaki ang pagsisikap na dapat manggaling sa pamahalaan o mga politiko sa pag-aalaga ng mga pamanang kultural na ito.

“Ang problema ay walang kooperasyon at tulong ng local government units. Sa isip siguro ng mga politiko ay hindi ito pagkakakitaan. Wala ngang significant na pondo para dito,” giit ni Balde.

Wika, pag-aralan, isama sa akademikong usapan Marapat ding mahikayat ang mga Filipino na pagtuonan ng pansin ang pag-aaral at pagpapayabong sa mga wikang katutubo.

Ayon kay Rosalyn Mirasol, propesor sa Ingles sa Unibersidad, mahalagang mapag-aralan ang mga wika para maipamulat ang kahalagahan nito sa mga

kabataan.

“Mahalagang ma-realize rin ng mga estudyante na mahalagang malaman nila kung ano ‘yong identidad nila,” wika ni Mirasol sa isang panayam sa Varsitarian.

Iginiit ni Raquel Jimenez, propesor sa Ingles sa Unibersidad, dapat na manguna ang mga kabataan sa paggamit ng kanilang mother tongue hindi lamang sa eskuwelahan kung hindi pati sa pang-araw araw na pamumuhay.

“Huwag ikahihiya na siya’y Ilokano o may ibang wikang ginagamit... gamitin pa rin ang wika. [K]ung sila’y magiging magulang, ituro sa kanilang mga anak ang wikang ginagamit ng kanilang lahi,” giit ni Jimenez.

Nanawagan si Evalyn Abiog, propesor sa Ingles sa Unibersidad, sa mga estudyante na manaliksik tungkol sa wikang katutubo dahil para ito sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng bansa. “[I]tuon sana nila ‘yong pananaliksik sa wikang katutubo dahil ito’y hindi naman magagawa ng iilan lamang. Ito’y para sa ating lahat, lalo na sa kabataan,” wika ni Abiog.

Isang pananaliksik tungkol sa wikang Mag-Antsi ang isinasagawa nina Mirasol, Jimenez at Abiog. Kasama sa kanilang saliksik ang pagtuklas sa kaalaman ng mga ispiker ng wikang ito tungkol sa sarili nilang wika.

“Ang problema ay walang kooperasyon at tulong ng local government units. Sa isip siguro ng mga politiko ay hindi ito pagkakakitaan. Wala ngang significant na pondo para dito.”

HINDI nahuhuli ang mga Tomasino sa pangangalaga ng wikang pambansa at isa na riyan ang katangi-tanging pagtataguyod at pagmamahal ni Michael Coroza sa wikang Filipino.

Si Coroza ang isa sa mga hinirang na Kampeon ng Wika ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino ngayong taon. Kinilala siya hindi lamang sa angking galing niya sa larangan panitikan at pagsasalin kung hindi pati sa pagsasabuhay niya sa kaniyang tungkulin bilang alagad ng wika.

Nagtapos siya ng pilosopiya sa Unibersidad noong 1990. Nakuha niya ang kaniyang masterado sa Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) noong 2001 at doktorado sa University of the Philippines noong 2010.

Kasalukuyan siyang propesor sa Kagawaran ng Filipino sa ADMU. Siya rin ang tagapangulo ng Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas at ng Pambansang Komite sa Wika at Salin sa Pambansang Komisyon para sa Kultura.

Walong beses na rin niyang nakamit ang mga pangunahing gantimpala sa Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

Ilan sa kaniyang mga naisulat ang “Dili’t Dilim” (1997), “Mga Lagot na Liwanag” (2002), “Imbisibol Man ang Tatay” (2009), “Ang mga Kahon ni Kalon” (2010), “Ang mga Lambing ni Lolo Ding” (2012), at “Nawawala si Muningning!” (2015).

Sa isang eksklusibong panayam sa Varsitarian, ibinahagi ni Coroza na hindi lamang siya mananaysay, kuwentista at tagasalin, isang malaking gampanin niya ang pagbabahagi ng kaalaman sa kaniyang mga estudyante.

“Lagi kong sinasabi na nagtuturo ako ng bagay na hindi ko basta pinag-aralan, nagtuturo ako ng buhay at pagmamahal. Totoo, hindi ko lang ito itinuturo, ibinabahagi ko ang aking pagmamahal at buhay. ‘Yon ang panitikan sa akin,” wika ni Coroza.

Binigyang-diin din ni Coroza ang kahalagahan ng panitikan sa identidad ng mga Filipino at sa bansa.

“Nasa mga panitikang ‘yan ang kabuoan ng ating pagkatao bilang mga Filipino, kaya dapat ito’y binabasa. [L]ahat dapat sana magkaroon ng interes sa panitikan,” sabi niya.

Ayon kay Coroza, bukod sa isang karangalan ang kaniyang natanggap, mas itinuturing niya itong hamon.

“Isang pagpapahalaga ito sa nagagawa, ginagawa, sa nagawa na at gagawin pa. Pero higit sa isang karangalan, isang hamon ito para sa atin.

Hamon na huwag tumigil sa mga nasimulan na,” wika niya.

“Marami-rami pang nalalabi sa buhay ko at ang ibig sabihin na ginawaran ako ng ganitong titulo, ibig sabihin, lalong dapat ko pang ipagpatuloy ang aking ginagawa. Kaya isang malaking hamon higit sa isang karan-

Pinarangalan si Michael Coroza bilang Kampeong ng Wika ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino ngayong taon. KUHA NI NADINE ANNE M. DEANG galan ang tinanggap ko na ito,” dagdag pa niya.

Ang simula, ipagpatuloy Itinuturing niyang literary mothers sina Ophelia Dimalanta, Magdalena Alonso-Villaba, at Benilda Santos.

Isang malaking bahagi rin ng buhay ni Coroza ang pagsali niya sa Linangan sa Imaheng Retorika at Anyo simula pa noong 1998.

Ayon kay Coroza, hindi lamang sa panitikan niya nagamit ang wikang Filipino kung hindi pati sa pilosopiya. “[N]agka-interes ako sa [pagiging] makata, nagkaroon ako ng interes sa wika, sa Filipino at nakita ko ang pangangailangan na dapat talakayin ko ang pilosopiya mismo sa wikang Filipino,” wika niya.

Wika ni Coroza, ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa pilosopiya ang isang pagpapasiya sa kaniyang buhay na pinangangatawanan niya hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

“Mataas naman ang marka ko sa mga subject kong Ingles, pero naging isang politikal na pagpapasiya para sa akin na gamitin ang Filipino para sa pagpapaliwanag ng mas mataas na bagay,” wika niya.

Dagdag pa niya, ginawa niya ito

hindi lamang para sa kaniyang sarili kung hindi pati sa kaniyang mga kababayang Filipino.

May sari-sariling paraan ng pagbuo ng konsepto ng wikang Filipino ang bawat wika sa bansa kaya dapat itong pangalagaan, wika ni Coroza.

“Napakasaklap na katotohanan na nangyayari. Dahil ‘yong mismong pagwawalang-bahala mo doon sa mga wika na ‘yon at mga wikang pambansa at sa Ingles ka lamang nag-aaral at nagdidiskurso, Ingles lang ang alam mo, hindi mo naiintindihan ‘yong tunay na Filipino,” wika niya.

“Kapag Ingles lang ang alam mo, ang dami mong hindi naiintindihan sa Filipino. Hindi lang ‘yong pambansang wika, kundi pati ‘yong mga katutubong wika at kaya nawawala,” dagdag pa niya.

Iginiit ni Coroza na hindi dapat isawalang-bahala ang wika at panitikang Filipino dahil bahagi ito ng yaman ng bansa.

“Sana mauntog kayo sa lahat ng dapat kauntugan para makita ninyo kung bakit mahalaga ang wika at panitikang Filipino. At mas sumulong-sulong naman ang ating kaisipan patungo sa higit na malayang kalagayan ng ating buhay,” giit niya. MAY ULAT MULA KAY NEIL JOSHUA N. SERVALLOS

UsapangUste

UST Departamento ng Filipino, lumalaban para sa wika noon hanggang ngayon NI Neil Joshua N. Servallos MAHALAGANG papel ang ginampanan ng Departamento ng Filipino sa Unibersidad sa pagtataguyod ng wikang Filipino.

Itinatag ni Jose Villa Panganiban ang Kagawaran ng Tagalog noong 1938. Hanggang sa tinawag na itong Kagawaran ng Pilipino noong 1967.

Taong 1979 nang isinama ito sa Departamento ng Wika, kasama ang mga wikang Ingles at Español.

Ipinaghiwalay ang Departamento ng Ingles at Filipino kasabay ang ikaapat na sentenaryo ng Unibersidad sa inisyatibo nina Marilu Madrunio, dating tagapangulo ng Departamento ng Wika, at Clarito Carillo, dating bise rektor ng mga Ga-

waing Pang-akademiko.

Isang pambansang kumprensiya rin ang sinimulan ng Departamento ng Filipino sa pangunguna ni Imelda de Castro, dating tagapangulo ng Departamento ng Filipino. Nagbigay-daan ito sa pagpapaigting ng kasanayan at kakayahan ng mga guro sa Filipino sa larang ng pananaliksik.

Nagsilbing tatak ng UST Departamento ng Filipino ang pambansang kumperensiya na naging pamagat din dyornal pampananaliksik sa Filipino.

Taong 2011 nang magbukas ang Batsilyer sa Pansekondaryang Edukasyon medyor sa Filipino sa Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon. Itinalagang tagapangulo si Roberto Ampil sa kaparehong taon at nanilbihan siya hanggang 2016.

Sa unang bahagi ng termino ni Ampil pumu-

tok ang isyu tungkol sa resolusyon ng Commission on Higher Education na Memorandum Order No. 20 o ang pag-aalis ng 15 yunit ng kursong Filipino at Panitikan sa core subjects sa kolehiyo.

Mariin itong tinutulan ng ng mga dalubguro sa Unibersidad. Dahil dito, itinatag ang Tanggol Wika o Alyansa ng Mga Tagapagtangol ng Wikang Filipino sa pangunguna ng mga guro sa Unibersidad katuwang ang mga tagapagtaguyod ng wika mula sa ibang pamantasan.

Nanguna rin ang Departamento ng Filipino sa Unibersidad sa larang ng pagsasalin. Inilunsad ang natatanging Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin sa UST noong Agosto 2018 at ngayong taon, ganap na itong operasyonal. Departamento ng Filipino PAH. 10

4

OPINION The Varsitarian

NOVEMBER 9, 2019

Where It Matters Most

Fourth Wall

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

Less than mediocre CARS UPON cars lining up, filling the roads and hardly moving an inch.

People fill the jeepneys, buses, trains, and stations—not being able to leave on time. Either the blistering heat of the afternoon sun or the heavy downpour of a thunderstorm accompanies the travelers as they take their hourlong trips to-and-from their destinations.

This is the usual scenario in Metro Manila.

In a study done by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in 2018, the cost of daily traffic in the National Capital Region is around 2.4 Billion pesos, and is set to reach 30 Billion pesos should the traffic problem remain unsolved.

Politicians and government agencies all promise to fix the problem, but it only gets worse.

Last September, news regarding a patient’s death inside an ambulance stuck in traffic was circulating around social media and popular news outlets. Earlier this month, Mass transportation systems like the Light Rail Transport (LRT) systems 1 and 2, along with the Metro Rail Transport (MRT) system, experienced breakdowns and maintenance issues.

On September 30, drivers around the country declared a national transport strike. Jeepney and tricycle operations ceased their operations for a day in protest of the government’s modernization program.

In response to the calls of activists and protesters, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo took public transportation to work on October 11, perhaps incredulous at all the negative reports about government handling of the traffic situation. He arrived at work late after a four-hour commute, yet he still claimed that there was “no transport crisis,” but rather there was a traffic crisis.

The fruitless promises and maintenance work only add to the difficulty of the people, resulting in more traffic and difficulties in traffic.

What was once an easy 30-minute travel distance easily turns into an hour.

In doing this, Panelo seems determined in not taking the problem seriously. Instead of actually putting an effort to solve the transport crisis that the filipino people are facing, he treated the traffic problem all too casually, making light of the daily travails of the ordinary Filipino commuter.

The fruitless government promises and uncoordinated public works only add to the difficulty of the people, resulting in more traffic and difficulties in traffic. What was once an easy 30-minute travel distance easily turns into an hour.

Philippine Statistic Authority’s (PSA) Economic Indicator published in December 2016 revealed that an average of 12 million Filipinos take the Light Rail Transport System Line 1, 5 million in Line 2, and an average of 10 million take the Metro Rail Transport System.

Less than mediocre PAGE 10

A surreptitious exit – a typical ninja move

EDITORIAL

A blatant farce INTIMIDATION and fear have always been a familiar tool in dictatorial regimes. While others use them with subtlety and cunning, some despots prefer a more unrefined and haphazard manner in showing the whole world that decency and diplomacy, which are the demands of democracy, are the last things they care about.

Last July, four bishops and three priests were charged with inciting sedition against the government. Others including Jesuit priest Fr. Albert Alejo were accused of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. As if the charges weren’t ridiculous enough, the complaint was filed by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group basing it primarily on a sworn statement by Peter Joemel Advincula, alias “Bikoy,” the same man who went viral after tagging the President and his family in illegal-drugs operation.

It has never been a crime according to the laws of our land to speak against the government’s policies that go against morality and the right to life. In fact, our very democracy guarantees that opposing views should be heard and that those who have something to say should be given a voice. When bishops and priests speak out against inhumane policies, they are simply doing their job as conscientious citizens.

As president of the country, Duterte has the principal duty to ensure that democratic exchanges take place so that certain views may be evaluated and that the powers that be may be held in check.

But instead, what we have is a dictator who takes pleasure in making offensive remarks but not man enough to take such remarks when they’re pointed at him. This is one person who relishes dishing it out but cannot take it. Always sporting the braggadocio of machismo and making misogynistic remarks, he turns sissy and whines and sobs hysterically when he’s criticized. This one sissy doth protest too much.

At the outset, Duterte claims to be ushering in an era of peace. But three years have passed and what we see in addition to a society fueled by more anger and violence, is a government that would gag and silence anyone who comes in its way until finally no one would dare speak.

This is Duterte’s brand of “peace.”

However, any peace built upon fear is fragile and is destined to break. The only way to counter a government which uses fear as a mechanism for control is for citizens to stand their ground and show that they are not afraid. To be fair, the Church has its share of errors and shortcomings. But this does not delegitimize its cause in seeking a more just and humane society.

To throw tall accusations against Church leaders despite unfounded bases is shameful.

The government only continues to disgrace itself by using tactics which are obviously false and contrived. Duterte’s hunger for blood is now being directed against Church leaders and clergy men. And because he cannot find any fault in their character nor link them with any illegal activity, he desperately pulls off one stunt after another which only adds hilarity to his ever-increasing notoriety.

For what seems a stroke of divine justice, Philippine National Police chief General Oscar Albayalde recently resigned from his post following the “ninja cops” controversy linking him to illegal-drug recycling activity. And as for the President, his health condition is not getting any better. By now he should be familiarizing himself with holy writ which says that “no one has ever attacked the Lord’s anointed and remained unpunished.”

If the administration thinks that it could silence its critics by trumped-up charges, it is largely mistaken. As long as there are people who would not be dissuaded by powerplay and political tactics and continue to fight for the rights of the oppressed and the marginalized, despotic regimes will be doomed to self-destruction.

It is nonsensical and downright laughable that Duterte accuses the bishops in of destabilizing the government when he freely let loose derogatory statements at anybody without impunity while his self-contradicting interpreter Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo would later call the remarks a joke. The Duterte administration does not need the help of bishops and priests in bringing it. Duterte and his men are doing a pretty good job at it on their own.

FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928

EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P.

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

Editor in Chief Associate Editor

JOHN EZEKIEL J. HIRRO News and Online Editor FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA Sports Editor JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN Features and Circle Editor JOSELLE CZARINA S. DE LA CRUZ Filipino and Witness Editor MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA Chief Photographer JURY P. SALAYA Art Director

FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser

JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser

NEWS Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat, Charm Ryanne C. Magpali Camille Abiel H. Torres SPORTS Malic U. Cotongan, Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. SPECIAL REPORTS Klyra V. Orbien FEATURES Ma. Jasmine Trisha L. Nepomuceno, Neil Joshua N. Servallos LITERARY Leigh Anne E. Dispo WITNESS Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Mariel Celine L. Serquiña SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Jade Veronique V. Yap CIRCLE Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo, Neil Paolo S. Gonzales ART Mariane Jane A. Cadiz, Alisa Joy T. del Mundo, Gwyneth Fiona N. Luga Catherine Paulene A. Umali, Edward Jefferson Uy PHOTOGRAPHY Nadine Anne M. Deang, Jean Gilbert T. Go, Renzelle Shayne V. Picar, Camille Abiel H. Torres Marvin John F. Uy, Arianne Maye D.G. Viri EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jessica C. Asprer

A GRACEFUL and aboveboard exit is what honest government officials want for their retirement: to be able to step down from their position with their reputation and integrity intact.

A legacy to leave behind – a great throwback for coming generations to emulate as a prototype.

Quintessential? Yes, indeed, but that may not be anymore in the case of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde who tendered HIS early retirement last Oct. 14 or a measly 25 days before his mandatory retirement on Nov. 8, his 56th birthday.

Albayalde stepped down from his powerful post after he was alleged to have been involved in the controversial Nov. 29, 2013 anti-drug operation in which 13 cops from Pampanga PNP were accused of hiding over a hundred kilograms of shabu worth P648 million and apparently “recycling” a larger part of the drug load, as what “ninja cops” do.

The team was led by police Lt. Col. Raymundo Louie Baloyo IV, then their intelligence chief. The whole operation and team were under General Albayalde who was the provincial director of Pampanga back then.

Meanwhile the Senate didn’t take the hasty resignation of the former

It appears that Duterte has taken this issue of Albayalde’s sudden retirement lightly, which is ironic on how he slams other government officials who are linked to drugs.

PNP chief lightly. On Oct. 18, Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of both the Senate Blue Ribbon and Justice committees, recommended the filing of criminal charges against General Albayalde and the 13 cops for violation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for “alleged misappropriation of drugs.” He said that Albayalde’s resignation would not stop the filing of any case if evidences so warrant.

Amid General Albayalde’s continuous denial of his involvement in the controversial drug raid, three former PNP generals came out in the open during the Senate public hearing to expose him of tampering with the charges filed against the 13 cops.

Former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who resurfaced the “ninja cops” issue, told the Senate that the former PNP chief made a call to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief, Director General Aaron Aquino, not to proceed with the outright dismissal of the 13 cops and instead to just enforce a one-rank demotion which eventually was implemented. Aquino validated the talk with Albayalde.

Another official who made a damaging expose was retired police Gen. Rudy Lacadin who was then the CIDG deputy director.

Surreptitious exit PAGE 10

FROM PAGE 4

OPINION

The Varsitarian

NOVEMBER 9, 2019

5

Richard Gomez's indecent exposure ACTOR and Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez’s provocative large painting titled “Oooohh” was said to have fetched P196,000 when it was hanged at the recent ManilART fair in Taguig City.

The acrylic-on-wood showed a plainly painted male genitalia using one primary color on a black background. Because of the subject matter, the work got much attention on social media and got sold more than other works by more established artists, particularly those who were academically trained.

Gomez did not walk the path that most artists go through. His fame gave him the advantage of maximum media exposure. He could use the brush perhaps but his craft remains dubious.

In short, Gomez earned his slot at ManilART through his show-biz connections, not his social standing in the creative industry. But of course like any show-biz person, he may have artistic inclinations, and he may seeking artistic fulfillment in the fine arts. But he has a long way to go as far as artistic training is concerned.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist,” said Picasso. He meant that for one to make good art one must know the fundamentals of the discipline.

And obviously the most established way of learning the fundamentals is through fine arts school.

Gomez said his painting aims to tackle topics such as lust, self-pleasure and power. It may display grotesquely those attributes but his approach is too literal. In short, his painting could hardly be called a creative work.

Although his name has cache in show business, it has none in art. His inclusion in the 11th ManilART fair might have been motivated by the organizers’ need to better market the art fair, not exactly to present Gomez as worthy of the art lover’s attention. Definitely Gomez could hardly be in the league of the artists presented in the art fair, which had for its theme, “Showcasing the Global Filipino Artist.”

But Gomez’s example could provide some instructions to the fine arts student and the neophyte visual artist. For one, it is important for every artist to learn the business side of art in order to better market his works. An art work is nothing until it reach-

Dead Air JURY P. SALAYA

An exhibit of one’s work is a dream come true for every artist. It is not only about mounting one’s painting or sculpture but also exposing one’s artistry (or lack thereof) and even one’s soul and being for the whole world to see—and critique. es the market—the art-gallery row, the art festival—and gets sold.

For fine arts students of UST, Gomez’s achievement may be a fluke, but they should be able to derive certain lessons, and not alone how not to paint the male organ. To be sure, they should focus on their art studies and training to become better craftsmen. How could one gauge one’s success in artmaking? If one got invited to participate in an art exhibit.

An exhibit of one’s work is a dream come true for every artist. It is not only about mounting one’s painting or sculpture but also exposing one’s artistry (or lack thereof) and even one’s soul and being for the whole world to see—and critique.

Gomez of course has exposed himself likewise in “Oooh,” and the result is indecent exposure and, to say the least, an artistic failure. But the buyer of his painting might have interests other than art and therefore, Gomez should not be entirely pilloried for earning a fast buck through his dubious work that purports to be art.

Different strokes for different folks. Gomez’s painting obviously appeals to the taste of the art lover who bought it, even if it leaves a bad taste for the rest of us in the art world.

ASEAN EXAMINES QUALITY OF UST EDUCATION FROM PAGE 1 “We are, therefore, able to review better our systems and processes, such as the coordination and interaction between and among the offices of the University, with the end-in-view of constantly improving the delivery of our services as we work towards the attainment of our mission-vision,” she said.

Carillo said institutional quality assessment would help the University grow and improve from an outsider’s perspective.

Preparations, she said, began even before the University became an associate member of AUN-QA in January 2016.

Twelve UST programs have previously been certified by AUN-QA: accountancy, biology, chemistry and psychology (February 2017); elementary education, secondary education, medical technology, and pharmacy (June 2017); and biochemistry, chemical engineering, electronics engineering and nursing (April 2018).

Carillo said institutional recognition meant that the University would be opening its doors to more opportunities in terms of internationalization, networking, academic and research colla-

boration, faculty and student exchange, student internship, and many others, “further heightening our participation in the educational aspect of the Asean integration.”

Four criteria According to the AUN-QA website, assessment is composed of four criteria categories: Strategic QA, Systematic QA, Functional QA and Results. These categories are further divided into 25 criteria and 111 sub-criteria and assessed based on a 7-point scale. A score of at least 4 out of 7 must be attained to earn the AUN quality stamp.

The AUN-QA Network seeks to raise the quality of higher education in Asean and collaborate with regional and international bodies.

According to the AUN-QA website, a university must have AUN-QA membership or associate membership and have at least three cohorts of graduates from the same program at the time of application, to qualify for assessment.

The applying university submits its SAR to the AUN secretariat, and a progress report on the recommendations 9 to 12 months after assessment.

Teach Martial Law subject FROM PAGE 1

‘A possibility in UST’ Earlier in September, the University of the Philippines-Diliman announced it would offer a general education elective on the culture, literature and language of the Martial Law years.

Professors Archie Resos and Dennis Coronacion, heads of the University’s history and political science departments, respectively, said it was possible for UST to offer the same course.

“Students in UST should be given enough awareness of Martial Law’s comprehensive impact in the various facets of Filipino lives, especially in the political, economic and social aspects,” Resos told the Varsitarian.

“Students fail to consider that martial law is in the constitution to [protect the people], and not to propagate abuse,” he said.

Resos said that without checks and balances, martial law could be used for personal ambition.

“Martial law’s purpose [is altered] if it is utilized for personal ambition to extend political power, or even hold such power in perpetuity,” Resos said.

In 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos inked Proclamation 1081, which placed the country under Martial Law. Marcos

shut down Congress and mass media, and changed the 1935 Constitution to extend his rule beyond his two-term limit.

In a 2008 interview with the Varsitarian, Reynaldo Lopez, a student leader in the Faculty of Arts and Letters during Martial Law, recalled that many Thomasian student activists worked underground and staged rallies against the Marcos regime.

A number of University organizations took part in protests, including Artistang Artlets, Pax Romana and the AB student council. State forces were deployed within the University campus to strain activism.

When ex-senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated in 1983, UST Rector Fr. Fredrick Fermin, O.P. attended his funeral. Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, mother church of the Filipino Dominicans, was used for Aquino’s wake and funeral Mass.

‘Way of teaching’ Resos warned that Martial Law under Marcos should be taught with caution.

“Allow the students to see the purpose of Martial Law in the 1935 Constitution and provide them with primary sources so that they can critically assess the positive and negative consequences of Marcos Martial Law era,” he said.

Jerbert Briola, deputy executive di-

rector of the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, likewise said schools should be cautious and critical in teaching Martial Law. He warned that the subject could be used as a tool for historical revisionism and rehabilitate the images of Marcos and other perpetrators of abuses and corruption.

“We should take into consideration ‘yung content, baka ang ituro nito ay revisionism, baka ang ituro ay glorifying Marcos as a hero...We need careful evaluation kung paano siya ituturo,” Briola said during the Simbahayan forum.

Coronacion said the professors’ views of Marcos and the Martial Law years would be crucial in shaping the students’ attitudes toward the subject. “[Teaching Martial Law] shapes the minds of students... Ang nadidinig kong opinyon ng mga estudyante, kung ano `yung sinabi ng mga professor nila ‘yun na rin ang nagiging stand nila,” he said.

Since Marcos, two presidents have declared martial law. In 2009, President Gloria Arroyo imposed martial law in Maguindanao and suspended the writ of habeas corpus following the Maguindanao massacre.

In 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed martial law in Mindanao and suspended the writ of habeas corpus following the terrorist attack on Marawi City. KLYRA V. ORBIEN

Nene Pimentel and the ‘V’ libel case FROM PAGE 1 “I was once the adviser of Xavier University’s [law school journal],” Pimentel said. “[I understand] the situation.”

The complaint was eventually dismissed by the Makati prosecutor’s office.

“If no law can abridge our freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, we submit that no whimsical complaint [s]hould be allowed to trample upon the freedom of the press [w]hich we exercised in our student publication with

due care and without malice even if the attempt is made by wealthy and presumably powerful individuals,” Pimentel wrote in conclusion of the counter-affidavit.

Pimentel was a stalwart of freedom and became a democracy icon for his fervent opposition to the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

A civil rights lawyer and 1971 Constitutional Convention delegate, he began his political career in 1980 as mayor

of Cagayan de Oro City, and was elected senator in 1987 upon the restoration of democracy. He ran for vice president in 1992 in a ticket with Senate colleague Jovito Salonga, but lost.

Pimentel returned to the Senate in 1998 and served two more terms until 2010. He became Senate president from 2000-2001, during the aborted Estrada impeachment trial.

Pimentel died last Oct. 20 due to complications from lymphoma.

6-7

FEATU The Varsitarian

NOV

Alumna awarded gold medal for nursing excellence in Texas A UST nursing graduate was one of the six awardees who received the highest recognition for outstanding nurses in Excellence in Nursing (EIN) Awards by the Good Samaritan Foundation last Sept. 5 in Houston, Texas.

Jennifer Luna, who graduated in 1995, was the sole recipient of the gold medal award for the Clinical Nursing Education category.

“I am very grateful to represent the Philippines through the gold medal award for clinical excellence,” Luna told the Varsitarian.

“I felt honored and at the same time challenged to keep excelling and innovating.”

In 2000, Luna migrated to the United States, where she obtained a masters’ degree in nursing and an MBA in Healthcare Administration in University of Phoenix in Arizona.

She was then working as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse for the Critical Care Unit (CCU) in Houston Methodist Hospital.

She is now pursuing her doctorate in nursing at the University of Texas.

Luna now has three American Board of Nursing specialty certifications: CCRN-K (Critical Care), CVRN-BC (American Board of Cardiology), and RN-BC (Nursing Professional Development).

Luna took the position of being a full time nursing professional development specialist or nurse educator in Houston Methodist Hospital, as well as an evidence-based practice mentor.

She is also a Magnet Program Ambassador, a distinction of excellence in healthcare in the same hospital.

“The nursing profession is one of the most trusted professionals in the world.” she said. “I realized that our most vulnerable patients are counting on our expertise so being a nurse is a serious responsibility,” Becoming a nurse Luna pursued nursing, inspired with how ICU nurses at-

tendant to her grandmother who was then suffering from multi-organ failure.

“I would often go back to this story as to why I chose to be an ICU nurse. I fell in love with ICU nursing,” she said.

Having a mother who is also a nurse was also a big influence.

“Growing up, seeing my mother take care of us, had entrenched in me that there is tremendous value in being a clinical expert through nursing excellence, whether you are in a hospital environment or even at your very own home,” she said.

In UST, Luna saw the struggles of poor patients in the charity ward and in medical missions.

“It strengthened my passion to deliver unparalleled care through nursing knowledge, skills, and innovation from then on,” she said.

“I realized that our most vulnerable patients are counting on our expertise so being a nurse is a serious responsibility.”

Luna started her career in the Philippines as an industrial health nurse at Fujitsu Computers Corporation, before moving to the Makati Medical Center as a nurse for the Critical Care Unit.

During her stay, Luna trained in general medical-surgical ICU and moved up to managing post open-heart surgery ICU patients before transferring to Houston, Texas in November 2000.

“If you embody integrity and competence, everyone will start to trust you. One day, it may be their own life that they are fully entrusting in your care, so it is crucial to live by these values every day,” she added.

After all the achievements, Luna believes that success is not about getting accolades or earning money, but a relentless discovery to keep innovating and discovering new opportunities and solutions in everyday challenges.

“I am very honored to provide unparalleled clinical expertise as a nursing professional development specialist,” Luna said. “The recognition humbles me.” MA. JASMINE TRISHA L. NEPOMUCENO

Premier artists gather on stage to celebrate CCP’s 50th anniversary last Sept. 21.

Premier Thomasian talent for CCP’s golden annive

By Neil Joshua N. Servallos THE COUNTRY’S premier and promising artists, including notable Thomasians, delivered spectacular performances in “Bulawan,” the 50th anniversary concert of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) held last Sep. 21.

The first day of the anniversary celebration held on Sep. 20 focused on the fundraising gala for the revitalization and rehabilitation of the CCP building. The renovation will last for three to five years.

“The CCP Main Building is now in need of major renovation and technical upgrading, if it is to remain a cultural landmark and a leading showcase of performing arts,” CCP chairwoman Margie Moran Floirendo said.

CCP vice president and art director Chris Millado stressed the role of the center in preserving Filipino culture and arts.

“The formation of our national culture is still an ongoing project but I think we should celebrate the breakthroughs and the gifts that our local artists have,” Millado told the Varsitarian.

The second day of the fundraising gala featured a concert, where some notable Thomasian performers took part.

Among them was celebrated pianist Raul Sunico who enthralled the audience with two exceptional numbers, “Liebestod” by Tristan and an original arrangement of Isolde and George Canseco’s “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan.”

The former Conservatory of Music dean stressed the importance of support for the arts, not only by the government but also by the people.

“Funding alone will not provide impetus if the public remains distant. The CCP shows are affordable and offer a lot

of variety. It is up to the audiences to s and hear what there is to enjoy,” he state Theater actress Joanna Ampil alon side the Philippine Philharmonic Orche tra delivered a medley of West End h – “Sun and Moon” from “Miss Saigon,” Don’t Know How to Love Him,” from “J sus Christ Superstar,” “On My Own” an “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miser bles,” and “Memory” from “Cats,” und the baton of Herminigildo Ranera.

Meanwhile, revered soprano Rache Gerodias, who majored in voice perfo mance from the University and graduate cum laude in 1993, delivered a stellar pe formance together with Korean bariton Byeong-in Park as performers from Ball Philippines captured the audience wi an excerpt of “Carmina Burana.”

“I’m just honored to be performin together with all the other artists. To part of this historical event is very speci

Advertising graduate debuts accessory line in

BY NEIL JOSHUA N. SERVALLOS

1995 Nursing graduate Jennifer Luna receives the Gold medal for Nursing Excellence last Sept. 5 in Houston, Texas. PHOTO FROM JENNIFER LUNA

PHOTO BY MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA

INSPIRED by classical art, advertising arts alumna Angelie Nethercott will debut her brand “Alexie” during the FilipinaZ fair this Oct. 11 to 13 in The Fifth at Rockwell Events Hall, Makati.

Nethercott, who obtained her degree from the University in 2018, described Alexie, which specializes in hand-crafted shoes and accessories as “classical and romantic.”

The brand, according to Nethercott, began when she bought and hand-painted two pairs of plain slide sandals for herself and for her sister’s birthday.

“After wearing it for a few days, someone asked me where I bought them, from there I had an idea take their order,” she told the Varsitarian. “I created [pieces] inspired by the personality and looks of the client.”

“Alexie is a journey of discovery and canvas of expression. Giving birth to art pieces that will make people stop, stare and wonder,” Nethercott explained.

Inspired by the aesthetics from the Victorian era, Nethercott said her fascination for classical art stemmed from her mother’s jewelry business and their home interior.

The 27-year old stated that this event will not only allow her to showcase her brand but also to support its women empowerment advocacy, which she mentioned as one of her brand’s core values.

A long journey to Alexie

Advertising alumnus Angelie Nethercott poses next to her products from the Alexie fashion line. PHOTO

BY M.J.F. UY

Nethercott took up occupational therapy from 2009 to 2013 in the University but transferred in the same year to major in physics until 2014.

Nethercott highlighted that she faced a lot of self-doubt in the past but with her newly found brand, she said she wants to start a program that will allow young people to explore their passions.

By 2014, she found herself in advertising arts where she was awarded the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award from the University and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the College of Fine Arts and Design in 2018.

“I want to share my passion and art to these people for them to see the beauty of character and confidence. That when one finds out what is uniquely their own, they own it—They become

one with the art.” she added.

She also received three Awards of Merit and five Awards of Excellence Philippine Quill Awards in the Philippine Quill Awards in 2017.

Nethercott said she plans to create more wearable art pieces and dreams to enter the international fashion industry.

“Malayo pa dapat kong lakbayin at

URES

VEMBER 9, 2019 • EDITOR: JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

THOMASIANS TRIUMPH IN NAT'L BEAUTY CONTESTS

By Ma. Jasmine Trisha L. Nepomuceno and Neil Joshua N. Servallos

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because CCP has been the home of the artists like us,” Gerodias stated.

The UST Symphony Orchestra String Quartet alongside tenor Radnel Ofalsa, who graduated from the University this year, major in voice performance and won first prize in National Music Competition for Young Artists in 2017, and Daloy Dance Company represented the bright future of the performing arts in their performance of “Hanggang” by Wency Cornejo.

USTSO president Ram Sajota urged Thomasians to come see performances at the CCP for “it is teeming with talent, fresh ideas, and contemporary beats.” “[The CCP] embraces not just the culture but also life itself - that amidst the grandiosity of life in the metro, we can stop and sing to reflect,” Sajota said.

The two-day gala also showcased the best of Philippine art, from folk rituals, dances, visual arts, literature and music.

WITH REPORTS FROM JISELLE CASUCIAN

n charity bazaar

THOMASIAN alumnae Nina Tay Lee and Kristi Celyn Banks recently joined the prestigious list of Thomasian beauty queens.

Last Sept. 8, interior design alumna Nina Tay Lee bagged the crown for Miss Chinatown Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the pageant aiming to cultivate the Chinese-Filipino identity in building bridges through these two nationalities, Lee bested 11 women to win the title, along with the Best in Swimwear and Best in Formalwear awards.

“Building bridges doesn’t only mean you’re building [a] bridge to another person, but it’s more of building bridges throughout the whole community together,” Lee told the Varsitarian.

The 25-year old Lee shared that this was her first pageant and she did not expect on winning or placing.

“What prompted me to join the pageant in the first place is all about representation and how I could more or less pay back what I owe to the people who have loved and cared for me all these years.,” she said.

Lee, along with the other winners of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown, are expected to be the ambassadress of the Chinese-Filipino community while representing the youth with their respective advocacies.

“My advocacy is all about growing passion,” Lee stated. “I want [to help] people to hone their hobbies and interests so that in the future they’ll be able to cultivate passion-driven careers,” Advocacies take the crown Meanwhile, philosophy alumna Kristi Celyn Banks won the 2nd Princess honors in the Miss World Philippines 2019 pageant held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sep. 15.

The 25-year old who currently works as a legal assistant cited women empowerment as one of her main advocacies.

In cooperation with the local government of Mandaluyong city for the “Batang Ina” project, Banks aims to help teenage mothers with counseling and education.

She added that this project helps young mothers who are unable to produce enough milk for their babies through milk banks, where other mothers are encouraged to donate their excess milk.

“We are able to make sure that the newborns are receiving the nutrients that they need,” she said.

Banks obtained her degree from the University in 2015 and also served as Central Student Council treasurer.

She also won the Miss Bluewater Day Spa special award alongside Michelle Dee, the current Miss World Philippines.

Patrisha Kamille Gutierrez, a speech language

25 year-old Nina Tay Lee is Miss Chinatown Philippines 2019. PHOTO BY MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

.

pathology graduate in 2017, landed in the Top 22 of the pageant.

Gutierrez highlighted that joining the pageant gave her the chance to promote her advocacy, which is the rights and inclusion of differently-abled children.

“I would still continue with this line of work, hopefully, with bigger projects because there is a great need for awareness and services for children with special needs especially in rural areas,” the 24-year old said.

Along with Banks and Gutierrez in the Top 22 were Kayesha Clauden Chua, who graduated with a hotel and restaurant management degree in 2013 and Louise Theunis, a masters in pharmacy student.

Patricia Ann Tan, who graduated with a fine arts degree in 2019 also fought for the coveted crown.

The first Miss World Philippines pageant was held in 2011. WITH REPORTS FROM MARIEL CELINE SERQUIÑA

Philosophy alumna Kristi Banks won the 2nd princess honors in the Miss World Philippines 2019 pageant last Sept. 15. FROM OFFICIAL MS. WORLD PH PHOTOS

Thomasian siblings ace licensure exams for physicians

dapat matutunan. Madami pa din akong gustong gawin at i-explore,” she said.

“There’s too many plans, but I take it day by day.”

Established by advocacy group Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation in 2013, FilipinaZ is a fundraising event for women which highlights handmade crafts and artworks created by women themselves.

The Peralta siblings with their parents. PHOTO GRABBED FROM FEDERICO PERALTA IV'S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

UST’S Federico Peralta IV topped the September 2019 medicine board exams with a 90.92-percent score.

But what made his feat even more impressive was the fact that he was the third in his family to make it in the Top 10.

His eldest sister, Ana Bianca Eloise, placed sixth in the 2015 physicians’ licensure exam with an 89.17-percent score, while another sibling, Ana Eryka Elaine was fifth in 2017 with 89.67-percent.

The Peralta siblings were apparently influenced by their parents who are both doctors.

Ana Eryka Elaine said their parents gave them freedom to pursue whatever career they wanted.

But she picked medicine anyway, having seen “the power that healing brings to people.”

“That kind of goodwill made me realize that I wanted to become just like them, even though I knew how much personal time I would have to dedicate to it,” she told the Varsitarian.

Federico said his sisters’ high rankings in their respective exams served as a motivation for him.

“My family has always been my inspiration and source of strength to overcome everything. I’m also doing this for my future patients,” he said.

“I have exhausted all means and effort to strive for the best possible outcomes.”

Aside from being an aspiring surgeon, Federico, the youngest of the Peralta siblings, wants to teach in a review center as a way of giving back.

According to their father’s Facebook post, Ana Bianca Eloise is preparing to become an oncologist.

Ana Eryka Elaine said she wants to help women as an OB-GYN oncologist after her residency training.

“I'd also like to teach in medical school someday after I finish residency,” she said.

The sisters were magna cum laude graduates while the youngest finished summa cum laude. NEIL JOSHUA N. SERVALLOS

LENSPEAK

The Varsitarian NOVEMBER 9, 2019 EDITOR: MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA

LITERARY

The Varsitarian

NOVEMBER 9, 2019

9

Tangible truth of our humanity expressed in Hidalgo’s ‘Collected Stories & Tales’ ENCOMPASSING all her distinctive voices throughout the years as a storyteller, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo’s newly released collection of stories are all drawn from moments that have lingered, offering glimpses into the most vulnerable and most tender part of the human soul.

It includes both her early and new, unpublished stories, as well as three of her other story compendiums and her two novels “Recuerdo” and “The Book of Dreams.”

“Though magic is essential to the tale, ‘magic’ need not mean the supernatural. What must always be present is enchantment, a kind of spell,” Hidalgo wrote in the preface.

This magic is evident in “Sylvia”, which tells the tale of two friends who lucidly recount how their lives are intertwined with Sylvia whose ghost continually haunts them, so much so that the narrator Victoria is able to say with such eloquence, “…to speak of Sylvia was to speak of ourselves as well.”

In “Confrontation,” we are drawn into the story of Cecilia, whose narration about Baguio City has such clarity it seems to jump right off the page.

But beyond this, what strikes the reader even more is the protagonist’s poignant moments with Mario where Hidalgo’s portrayal of college romance throbs with enchantment that the readers can connect with.

Viola in “Ballad of a Lost Season” recounts her childhood with Jaime, whom she reunites with in college.

As they reminisce about their time as children, their reunion promises a continuation in their interrupted romance. But instead, Viola concludes her feelings disquietly: “Soon, Jaime was just another season remembered.”

In their final parting, nothing grand happens. Yet it is precisely because of this ending that the story seems to have a vulnerability that cannot be dismissed.

In one of Hidalgo’s unpublished stories, titled “One Sunny Morning,” the reader is immersed

through a woman’s day with her daughter. They visit her husband’s grave and later end up in a café.

The woman is momentarily distracted by a passing man she recognizes, but she concludes he is only a stranger; a “wishful thought.” At first there seem to be an air of hesitation, but as the story ends with the woman smiling brightly at her daughter, it feels like an exquisite portrayal of acceptance instead.

Hidalgo’s collection gives us a glimpse of how writing masterfully is made; to dissect the layers of our humanity and portray it in the most honest way.

Not merely enchanting us by weaving supernatural elements in her writing, Hidalgo does so much Palanca awardee Nerisa del Carmen Guevarra and award-winning director Jose Mojica answer questions from the audience during the forum hosted by the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies. PHOTO BY NADINE ANNE

Photo grabbed from UST Publishing House Facebook page

By Leigh E.Dispo

Hidalgo’s book is available at the UST Publishing House. more by bringing the magic out of her characters’ ordinary lives.

The power that Hidalgo bestows upon her characters is their humanity to recognize the thing that unnerves them and make it their source of courage. This is the kind of spell that she gives us: to be tough without losing our tenderness.

Hidalgo is the director of the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies and Professor Emeritus of University of the Philippines in Diliman.

She teaches creative writing and literature in the University.

“Collected Stories & Tales” was published early this year by the UST Publishing House.

‘Entertainment news a reflection of the people’ Entertainment news is concerned not only with celebrities, but also with the ordinary people who support them, a Thomasian entertainment writer said during a lecture titled “Entertainment Writing in the Philippines in the Advent of Social Media” at the Miguel de Benavides Library auditorium last Oct. 17.

Julianito “Boy” Villasanta, an Arts and Letters alumnus and author of “Exposé: Peryodismong Pampelikula sa Pilipinas,” said entertainment news writers must treat “every piece [as] a challenge” by giving deeper analysis and proper contextualization.

“Laging nandoon ‘yung sociopolitical context mixed in my write-ups.

Makikita doon kung [gaano kalaki ang parte ng] society sa process ng movie writing [and] entertainment writing,” Villasanta said.

UST Publishing House (USTPH)

Director Ailil Alvarez emphasized the need for more works like “Exposé,” which took an academic approach to entertainment writing.

“Works such as [“Exposé”] are ultimately testaments to the continued relevance and pervasiveness of pop culture in our lives. It is very clearly an attempt to elevate discussions on popular culture to the level of academic discourse,” Alvarez said.

“Exposé” is a sociopolitical study on the history of movie journalism in the country, published by USTPH in 2007.

Other speakers in the lecture were Danny Vibas, Pilar Mateo and Art Tapalla.

The forum “Entertainment Writing in the Philippines in the Advent of Social Media” was organized by the USTPH. LEIGH DISPO WITH REPORTS FROM JISELLE CASUCIAN

‘Test new waters, get influence from fellow artists,’ Thomasian artists urged

By Leigh Anne E. Dispo THOMASIAN writers emphasized the role of art in evoking and renewing one’s senses in the forum “Espektakulo: A Conversation on Film and Performance Art” at the auditorium of Miguel de Benavides Library on Sept. 18.

The event featured award-winning director Jose Mojica and Palanca awardee Nerisa del Carmen Guevarra, both fellows of the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS).

Mojica pointed said art can be employed to make people “feel,” stressing the need for artists to test new waters and experiment to “renew their senses” continually.

“There’s so many things happening around, and your-

self becomes the mediator in which we use art in order for us to respond to that kind of sound, voice, experience [or] question,” he told the Varsitarian.

Emphasizing that the “body is personal and political,” Guevara said life and experiences can be communicated through representational performances.

The 2020 UST Creative Writers Workshop director added that art springs from being influenced by other writers to continue or add to their work instead of simply being inspired.

“I believe in the discipline of influence. And at the very best, we pay homage to other creators by either continuing the work or introducing a new [one],” she said.

The forum was the 11th installment of the UST Authors Series organized by CCWLS.

Hemley: ‘Narrative tales bridge cultural differences’ A UNIVERSITY of Iowa professor emeritus said narrative tales are important to “learn from one another” and understand differences in culture.

“Narrative is one way of learning from one another. [N]ations try to create this narrative that appeals to tranquility,” Robin Hemley said during his lecture titled “Travel Tales” at the Miguel de Benavides Library

auditorium last Oct. 1.

Hemley, who is the director of the Yale-NUS College creative writing program and writing center, discussed how cultural differences of various countries worked in his narrative tales.

“Every border has a localized problem; some borders are taken lightly in other countries,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of written accounts, he said note-taking “imprints the experience” and gives a fuller story, compared with taking photographs.

“Travel Tales” was the latest edition of the International Writers and Scholars Series organized by the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies. LEIGH DISPO

Prof. Robin Hemley delivers his lecture titled “Travel Tales” during the International Writers and Scholars Series last Oct 1. PHOTO

BY CAMILLE ABIEL H. TORRES

10

COMICS The Varsitarian

NOVEMBER 9, 2019 • EDITOR: JURY P. SALAYA

MIMATOLOGY ALISA JOY T. DEL MUNDO

TOMAS U EDWARD JEFFERSON B. UY

TRES CATHERINE PAULENE A. UMALI

Departamento ng Filipino MULA SA PAHINA 3

Sa kasalukuyan, naging tapat at masigasig ang Departamento ng Filipino para sa pagyabong ng wika at kulturang Filipino hindi lamang sa loob maging sa labas ng Unibersidad.

TOMASINO SIYA Isa si Lydia Tansinsin sa nagpabago ng pagtingin sa inhinyeriya na tanging lalaki lamang ang maaaring tumahak nito.

Nagtapos si Tansinsin ng kursong chemical engineering sa Unibersidad noong 1954.

Naku ha naman niya ang kaniyang masterado mula sa Tokyo Institute of Technology at doktorado sa Bulacan State University.

Isa rin siya sa gumawa ng planning manual para sa National Science Development Board at National Economic and Development Authority.

Nakamit ni Tansinsin ang Outstanding Alumni for Science and Technology mula sa UST noong 1984 at ang Thomasian Engineer Hall of Fame noong 1987.

Kilala siya sa mga kontribusyon niya sa larangan ng inhinyeriya at bilang isa sa mga tanyag na babaeng inhinyero.

Nagsilbi siyang dating tagapangulo ng Board of Chemical Engineers ng Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) mula 1985 hanggang 1995 at naging presidete ng National Convention of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers noong 1978 hanggang 1980.

Pinarangalanga siyang Chartered President of the Philippine Technological Council and chartered Chairperson of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations.

Taong 2018, isa si Tansinsin sa mga retiradong guro na kinikilala ng Unibersidad para sa pagtagumpay sa kani-kanilang mga larang sa pagkadalubhasa kasabay ng ika-80 anibersaryo ng UST Graduate School.

TOMASALITAAN Hikí (png.) – malakas na pagtawa Pinagalitan siya ng kaniyang ina dahil sa paghikí sa kalagitnaan ng seryosong pag-uusap.

Sanggunian: • TOTAL Awards 1984 • UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino

Surreptitious exit...

General Lacadin claimed before the Senate hearing last Oct. 9, that Albayalde called him over the phone when he was conducting a district-level probe into the questionable 2013 drug operation in Mexico, Pampanga upon orders of retired Magalong, then-CIDG chief.

According to Lacadin, Albayalde inquired if indeed he was conducting an investigation on them and the drug raid. Lacadin responded on the affirmative and tried to console Albayalde that if he had nothing to hide, then he didn’t have anything to fear. What caught Lacadin by surprise was when Albayalde said, “actually Sir, I only got little from that.”

Obviously, the sudden and stealthy resignation of Albayalde was brought about by the pressure from what had transpired in a marathon public hearing at the Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said that Albayalde’s resignation will would not clear him of the allegations. Senator Francis Pangilinan also said that officials who had resigned while facing corruption allegations should still face the charges.

Despite all of these accusations from three top police generals, President Rodrigo Duterte continued to support Albayalde. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo even said in a press briefing that it was just right to give Albayalde the presumption of innocence until clear and concrete evidences would prove otherwise. But as Senator Gordon, during one of the hearings, described how Albayalde erred, he doggedly said, “General, you dropped the ball big time”.

However, what is unfair about the situation was that Albayalde would still have his retirement benefits as PNP chief because he

reportedly did not resign from his post but was only on a “terminal leave” and that he was “on non-duty status” until his retirement.

It appears that Duterte has taken this issue of Albayalde’s sudden retirement lightly. The kid-glove treatment given to Albayalde and other Duterte officials like who have been accused of drug-dealing, like former Customs Director Nicanor Faeldon, stands in contrast to the way petty drug pushers and alleged drug dealers, numbering some 6,700 as of last count, have been gunned down summarily. This has also brought into light the violation of human rights because of the extra-judicial killings.

“Papatayin ko kayo,” President Duterte often warns those involved in drugs in his speeches and talks. But suddenly he is all silent about his own top police officer’s involvement in drug trafficking!

But it seems that he can’t dodge the case when the PNP-CIDG last Oct. 21 forwarded its referral complaint to the Department of Justice (DoJ) with Albayalde’s name on top of the list in the 2013 raid. The DoJ reopened the preliminary investigation last Oct. 16. Albayalde welcomed his inclusion in the complaint and will submit his counter affidavit on Nov. 5.

There are three reasons behind the sudden resignation of Gen. Albayalde, namely: First, that he resigned because he may be judged in the court of public opinion as guilty of the charges hurled against him and will risk being unceremoniously dismissed from his post, if ever he did not resign; Second, he resigned because he wanted the issues to be shut down immediately and hopefully have a permanent closure, and; Third, that maybe he was advised to proceed with an early retirement so as not to

tarnish even further the already perceived maligned image of the PNP and drag the name of the institution deeper by going into the details of the 2013 Pampanga drug raid controversy.

The decision of Albayalde is ‘one for the team’, a sacrifice on his part, his close allies tend to say so. Or is it just filtering the situation? An early retirement will benefit the wellknown retiree in safeguarding what is expected to be a lucrative retirement package.

However, what could have been jeopardized at this point in time is Albayalde’s big chance of being appointed to a ranking government position like being Cabinet secretary because definitely any appointment on the government hierarchy will encounter rough sailing with head-on protests from some sectors.

What matters most now is that due process be given and the people who are really involved in this brouhaha, face the consequences of their deplorable actions and misdeeds. And that they be meted with the deserving punishments. In hindsight, the government needs to examine and assess officials and their track records if they are thinking of promoting or appointing them to positions of power and influence in the future.

While the Senate appears not to go easy with Albayalde and the 13 cops who are the leading cast of this aberration, it would be interesting to find out how Malacanan would react should the real score on the 2013 incident be finally determined.

We must be on the constant look-out, lest we forget that graceful exits are really reserved only for the righteous who hang their gloves, remove the bandage and bare clean hands.

Less than mediocre FROM PAGE 4

We deserve better than rusted railroads, broken clogged highways and cramped spaces. Why settle for less-than-mediocre when we can ask for better?

We deserve brand new systems for transportation—organized and systematic.

Point-to-point stops should be the norm, and scheduled departures and arrivals should be followed by the mass transportation system.

Brand new machineries and engines, which should have been provided by the government, are long overdue.

However, there should be discipline not just in the government, but in the civilians as well.

The 2019 semi-annual report made by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) also revealed that 6.7 million vehicles are registered in the country, with an 8.68% increase in registrations from 2018 to 2019.

Considering the number of vehicles travelling the Philippine roads, traffic rules should be revamped and implemented more strictly, perhaps imposing of higher or stricter penalties for non-abiding citizens should be implemented.

We have to enforce what we, as a nation, will benefit from. Otherwise, we will not receive the proper services due to us.

Maybe it’s time to demand to get what we, as a nation are deprived of.

EDITOR: FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA •

SPORTS

The Varsitarian

NOVEMBER 9, 2019

11

UST squads keep titles with sweep of UAAP beach volleyball tourney

By Malic U. Cotongan UST BEACH volleyball squads Tiger Sands and Lady Spikers defended their championship titles in their UAAP season 82 finale on October 6 at the SM Sands by the Bay. Lady Spikers Genesa Jane Eslapor, Babylove Barbon and MJ Ebro made history with four straight championships while Tiger Sands Jaron Requinton, Rancel Varga and Efraem Dimaculangan claimed back-to-back titles.

UST triumphed in the womens’ division championship matches against archrival De La Salle University Spikers tandem Ernestine Tiamzon and Justine Jazareno after a 21-14, 20-22, 15-12 and 27-25, 21-18 victory.

The Eslapor-Barbon duo swept the elimination rounds with a 7-0 win-lose record and dropped only the second salvo of game one in the final match versus the Lady Archers in their entire season campaign.

In men’s play, UST also went unscathed after maintaining a 7-0 win-lose slate in their elimination matches.

The Requinton-Varga tandem dominated their match against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws Jude Garcia and Doy Barica with a convincing 21-10, 21-11 and 21-19, 21-18 win.

“Kung titignan natin, sobrang lakas talaga ng FEU kasi ‘yong players nila eh seniors na [at] graduating na kaya ‘di papayag ‘yong FEU na gumraduate sila nang hindi nakukuha ‘tong kampeonatong ito.”

UST head coach Paul Jan Doloiras told the Varsitrian.

The Tiger Sands pulled away with a 5-2 rally topped by Requinton’s cross-court kill to defend the crown.

Lady Spiker Barbon and Tiger Sand Varga emerged as this season MVPs. “May pre-competition kami sa Surigao at nakita namin ‘yong magandang performance niya [Varga]. Lumalaban ngayon si Varga at ‘yong character niya, mas tumatagal, mas nabubuo,” Doloiras said.

Barbon and Varga showed humility as they both did not expect to be hailed as

Lady Bulldogs sweep UST for historic 6th straight title THE NU Lady Bulldogs captured their sixth straight UAAP women’s basketball crown at the expense of the UST Growling Tigresses, 66-54, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Nov. 23.

The Lady Bulldogs have now won 96 straight games in four seasons and tied Far Eastern University with the most titles in UAAP women’s basketball history.

NU started off hot with a 25-8 opening canto and never looked back.

“The first quarter was really hard,” MVP Grace Irebu of UST told the Varsitarian, “Some of my teammates are still not focused and didn’t execute the plays, and NU took advantage.”

The Lady Bulldogs outscored the Tigresses from the perimeter, 29-10.

NU starters chalked up 53 markers, just one point shy of the entire UST team’s 54-point total.

Playing without former MVP Jack Animam, Monique Carmen and Kaye Pingol propelled NU with 15 points apiece.

Rhena Itesi tallied 12 points with eight rebounds. Reynalyn Ferrer scattered 16 points while Irebu tallied a double-double with 11 markers and 10 boards. ROMMEL BONG FUERTES JR.

this year’s best players.

“Hindi ko siya [MVP title] inexpect pero no’ng tinawag ako, sobrang saya ko kasi first time kong maka-MVP,” Barbon admitted.

Varga acknowledged the contribution of Requinton to their successful campaign and dedicated the MVP trophy to the whole beach volleyball community and Tiger Sands.

Passing on a legacy Head coach Doloiras revealed that MVP Sisi Rondina still contributed to training the España-based beach volleyball squads for this UAAP season after the veteran graduated last year.

“Nakakapressure kasi wala na si Ate Sisi na magdadala sa amin. Kami-kami na lang at kung ano ‘yong nasa training namin, ‘yon lang din ‘yong inaapply namin sa laro,” Barbon admitted.

Dolorias displayed great relief after the teams defended their titles, showing that the young team overcame the pressure of keeping Rondina’s legacy and their extra effort paid off.

“Laging may pressure. Sa training, talagang sobrang naghirap ‘yong mga bata.

Ang sa amin lang [coaching staff], makita lang naming mag-enjoy sila sa ginagawa nila at sa laro.”

The Tiger Sands tandem of Jaron Requinton and Rancel Varga (above) dive to keep a rally alive; Babylove Barbon and Gen Eslapor (below) celebrate their victory.

PHOTOS BY M.J.F. UY

UST retains UAAP table tennis crowns REIGNING champions UST Tiger and Lady Paddlers defended in their respective titles in the UAAP season 82 best-of-three table tennis finals at Blue Eagle Gym last Nov. 20.

The Tiger Paddlers outlasted the National University Bulldogs, 2-1, while the women’s team swept the Ateneo de Manila University Lady

Eagles, 2-0.

NU secured an early advantage after beating the Tiger Paddlers in game one, 3-2.

“It was a very humbling experience for the whole team. The loss fueled the team to bounce back and take the back-to-back championship

title,” UST men’s team head coach Jackson Que told the Varsitarian.

The Tiger Paddlers bounced back to tie the matches, one game apiece, after a 3-1 win.

Reymark Mabuang capped UST’s 2-1 win in the deciding matches.

The reigning champions earned a

ticket to the finals with a perfect 14-0 elimination round record.

In women’s play, the Lady Paddlers survived the Lady Eagles with a 3-2 victory in their first game.

Lady Paddlers Sherlyn Gabisay and Ciara Derecho lost to Kaela Aguilar and Ann Gela Borbon, in their respective singles matches.

UST duo Emery Digamon and Erika Villanueva posted a win over Ateneo’s Geque Carado and Hellari Calvo.

UST’s Shaeena Ronquilo and Danica Alburo sealed the Lady Paddler’s victory after thwarting Ana Calvo and Joy Bulaqueña in their final singles matches.

UST entered the semifinals with a 13-1 win-loss slate, the lone loss given by the Lady Eagles.

“The best opponent we had was Ateneo. Almost all of them are left handed and this makes them difficult to beat,” Lady Paddlers head coach Lorinda Wadjad told the Varsitarian.

Mabuang and Gabisay took home this season’s Most Valuable Player awards.

UST will lose the services of graduating paddlers Mabuang, Alburo, Kathleen Tempiatura and Kate Encarnacion. MALIC U. COTONGAN

Tiger Paddlers Prince Karl Garcia (left) and Joshua Bismonte (right) prepare for their opponents' service. PHOTOS BY M.J.F. UY

INSIDE

Sports

UST beach volleyball squads keep UAAP title PAGE 11 Lady Bulldogs sweep UST for historic 6th straight title

PAGE 11

The Varsitarian NOVEMBER 9, 2019

Junior Golden Sox dethrone Ateneo to recapture title

A Junior Golden Sox pitches against the Ateneo Blue Eaglets.

PHOTO BY JEAN GILBERT T. GO

By Faith Yuen Wei N. Ragasa THE UST Junior Golden Sox reclaimed the UAAP boys’ baseball title after overthrowing defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets in their do-or-die match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Tuesday.

After missing out entirely on the championship hunt last year, UST completed its Cinderella run as it nabbed its second championship in three years.

Junior Golden Sox Raphael Regalado shut down Ateneo’s chance to equalize in the bottom of the last inning through his pitches which caused Kean Agcaoili, Juan Carlos De La Rosa and Daniel Fabella to strike out.

“Kinontrol talaga namin ‘yong pitching. Na-condition ‘yong pitcher ko. Pag naka-hit ‘yong batter nila baka matalo

UST Woodpushers reap UAAP silver, bronze THE UST Male Woodpushers capped their UAAP Season 82 campaign with a silver while the Female Woodpushers settled for bronze on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Male Woodpushers accumulated 35.5 points in 14 rounds, behind the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, who tallied 43 points.

Male Woodpushers Julius Gonzales and Brylle Vinluan ended their season with victories over FEU’s Jeth Morado and John Jasper Laxamana.

UST’s Melito Ocsan Jr. settled for a draw against Tamaraw Renzl Sevillano while John Jacutina picked up the lone win for the FEU Tamaraws against Samson Lim. In the women’s division, UST gathered 35.5 points behind top seed Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and runner up De La Salle University Lady Archers, with 40 points and 38.5 points, respectively.

Female Woodpushers Maycydel Fajardo, Jamaica Lagrio and May Ann Alcantara settled for draws against Lady Tamaraws Bea Mendoza, Marife Dela Torre and Viona Nepascua, respectively.

Shania Mendoza picked up a match-deciding win against UST’s Marylaine Lumacad that gave FEU the championship.

“Talagang nakabuo tayo ng matibay na team. Kaunting hulma pa at mas maganda ang kakalabasan,” Woodpushers head coach Ronald Dableo told the Varsitarian.

The Female Woodpushers rose to third from last season’s fifth-place finish while the Male Woodpushers improved to second after placing fourth last season.

Male Woodpusher Antonio Almodal III secured a gold medal in board five while Gonzales and Vinluan received silver and bronze in boards one and four, respectively.

In women’s play, Vanezza Villamil grabbed gold in board five. Female Woodpushers Fajardo and Lagrio nailed silver finishes in boards two and three while graduating team captain Alcantara nabbed bronze in board four.

Expecting the podium Ending their season 81 campaign in fourth place after tallying 25 points, the Male Woodpushers hungered for a podium finish this year.

The men’s team set themselves as main contenders in the championship race after placing second in their elimination rounds with 21 points, creeping behind top-seed Far Eastern University Tamaraws who tallied 21.5 points.

The tactician displayed gratitude towards the attitude of the new recriuts in the men’s team.

“Nagpapractice sila araw-araw kahit halos isang buwan lang ‘yong training preparation bago ang pasukan. Mga talented ‘yong men’s team natin,” he said.

In women’s play, the Lady Woodpushers capped the first round of their elimination matchups in second place with 17.5 points.

The Lady Woodpushers settled for a 2-all tie in their eliminations faceoff against the top-ranked Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws with 21.5 points.

Head coach Dableo believed the women’s team has the capacity to finish stronger this season after a deadlock with FEU and beating defending champion DLSU with a 3-1 victory.

“May tiwala ako sa bawat isa and [sa] line up ni coach. [We] learned from the mistakes committed sa mga previous games.”

UST will lose the services of graduating woodpushers Villamil and Alcantara. MALIC U. COTONGAN & ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

FOR THE LATEST COVERAGE ON THE UAAP, FOLLOW @VSPORTSUST ON TWITTER OR VISIT www.varsitarian.net/sports

CHABI-YO NAMED SEASON 82 MVP Beninese big man Soulemane Chabi-Yo becomes UST’s first MVP in a decade and eighth overall, after finishing with 76 statistical points.

By John Ezekiel Hirro UST big man Soulemane Chabi-Yo is this year’s UAAP men’s basketball Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Golden Tigresses team captain Grace Irebu bagged the award in the women’s category.

Season 82 marks the first time that both men’s and women’s MVP awards went to players from UST. The only other pair to do it in UAAP history was Far Eastern University’s Terrence Romeo and Camille Sambile in Season 76.

The Beninese center garnered a total of 76 statistical points (sp), far ahead of De La Salle University’s Justine Baltazar, who had 64 sp.

Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles’ Ange Kouame had the second most sp with 72.93, but Chabi-Yo’s topping eliminated Kouame from the race, as a league rule states that only one foreign athlete can enter the Mythical Five.

Chabi-Yo led the league with 14.73 rebounds per game (rpg).

He was also fifth in scoring, averaging 16.93 points per game (ppg) without making a three-pointer.

Irebu secured her second-straight MVP award with the league’s second-highest scoring average of 21.93 ppg on a 51-percent clip.

Speedster Mark Nonoy was named Rookie of the Year with 39.28 sp. He averaged 10 ppg, 3.86 rpg, and 2.29 assists per game.

The former Tiger Cubs floor general placed second in the MVP voting in his one-and-done juniors season last year.

Sherwin Concepcion finished second in the top rookie race with 33.71 sp.

SOULEMANE Chabi-Yo goes up for a shot over DLSU’s Jamie Malonzo. PHOTO BY JEAN GILBERT T. GO FEMALE woodpusher Vanezza Villamil faces a Lady Tamaraw in the gold-medal match. PHOTO BY M.J.F. UY

pa kami, kaya ang sabi ko tirahin lang ng tirahin kasi magaling talaga ‘tong pitcher ko.” Golden Sox head coach Jeffrey Santiago told the Varsitarian.

Ateneo started strong with converted runs from Marcel Guzman and Fabella in the first inning.

UST answered back with a run-batted-in hit from Bryan Camarsi that sent Jester Tapia to home plate, 2-1.

The Junior Golden Sox snatched the lead in the fifth inning, scoring three runs courtesy of Miggy Reyes, Steven Dominguez and Camarsi’s hits which pushed Alwyn Piñero, Tapia and Camarsi home, 4-2.

Ateneo trimmed the gap to one at the bottom of the fifth after Guzman hit a rightfield fly for his run to third base and UST’s wild pitch that led him to finish and score.

Regalado was named as this season’s Finals MVP.

Nonoy and Chabi-Yo are also the first Tigers to win the MVP and ROY awards in the same season since Dylan Ababou and Jeric Teng in 2009.

The Tigers finished the season as runners-up to the Ateneo Blue Eagles after being swept in the finals.