Vital Signs November 2019- May 2020 Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2019 - MAY 2020

DOCS OF ALL TRADES. Taga-West physicians-to-be proved that their versatility and grit shine through as they emerge victorious in the debate, research presentation, and quiz bee competitions in the 8th APMC-SN Visayas Regional Convention. Photo by Hannah Andrea A. Sagsagat.

WVSU COM dominates 8 APMC-SN Visayas Reg Con th

By Nizza Ann E. Regalado

Basta taga-West, the best!

All delegates of the West Visayas State University College of Medicine earned an award during the 8th APMC Visayas Regional Convention held November 1416 at the Southwestern University-PHINMA in Cebu City.

This year saw the first ever APMC Visayas Regional Convention Debate Cup, where the WVSU COM Debate Team reached the Grand Finals and came home with the 1st Runner-up trophy. Dexter Aquino was awarded as Best Debater.

For the Clinico-Pathologic Case Presentation, the WVSU COM team

was awarded 2nd Place and the award of Best Presentation to boot. Jose Ramman Yap donned the medal of Best Speaker.

The two teams of WVSU COM for the Research Competition (Basic Category) placed in the top three.

The study entitled “In Vitro Cytotoxic Effects of Brown Seaweed (Sargassum cristaefolium) Ethanol Extracts on A549 Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines” was awarded 2nd Place, while “In Vitro Phagocytic Enhancement of Human Blood Neutrophils Against Escherichia coli Using Sulfated Polysaccharides

Isolated from Gracilariopsis heteroclada” won 3rd Place.

The WVSU COM team for the Research Competition (Translational Category), with their study entitled “Prevalence of Non-suicidal SelfInjurious Thoughts and Behavior Among Young Adult College Students in Iloilo City” bagged the 3rd Place trophy.

The taga-West team for the Medical Quiz Bee Competition took home the 2nd Place title.

The WVSU COM delegation garnered awards in every academic competition of the convention.

ASP champions OA’s Amazing Race 2019

By Salve Rachelle Y. Billena

The medical students of Roxas Hall were pitted against each other last November 16, Saturday, from morning to mid-afternoon in the Order of Asclepius’s (OA) The Amazing Race 2019: Pokémon Edition.

Nine teams made up of three groups of three from Batch Amare et Servitium Patriae (ASP), Batch Advocatus Gloriam Salutem (AGS), and Batch Dum Vivimus Servimus (DVS) had to strategize, think critically, and execute different tasks in order to finish the race.

The event kicked off with a Zumba session for the participants led by an

instructor from Anytime Fitness Iloilo, one of the event’s major sponsors. The groups were then briefed and were assigned with chaperones, which were members of OA, that were to accompany the different teams in their conquest to the “catch ‘em all.”

All of the teams started in West Visayas State University’s Grandstand and were led by the clues to various places around Iloilo City, such as Jaro Cathedral, Boardwalk, Molo Church, and Megaworld among others. The clues ultimately led to West Visayas State University - College of Medicine’s very own home at Roxas Hall

where the teams victoriously crossed the finish line. (to page 8)

GAME OF GRIT AND GUTS. One of the competing teams from Batch Aspera et Servitium Patriae (ASP) performs a tough task while visiting one of the stations in the Order of Asclepius’ “Amazing Race” competition. Photo by Chrisitian Jim V. Cogollo

NEWS

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Med Night 2019 goes Havana

By Airel Guillamas

“DVS, THE BEST!” Batch DVS proved that thier chant “DVS, The Best!” holds true to its essence as they received the overall champion award for Hinampang 2019 in the Havana Nights-themed Medicine Night.. Photo by Chrisitian Jim V. Cogollo

Probably one of the most awaited events by every student in Roxas Hall, this year’s Medicine Night was truly a success.

Last November 23, 2019, at The Mansion in General Luna St., Iloilo City,

the students of Roxas hall glammed up and wore their most fashionable florals and bright popping colors that jive to the theme of the said event, Havana Nights.

During the event, winners from the previous Hinampang games were awarded their certificates and trophies, as well as the winners of the MediCine and MedScenes events of Vital Signs.

The Battle of the Bands part of the program also witnessed the bands from each year level compete and at the same time jam with the Roxas Hall student body to the tune of their original songs and renditions of selected songs.

The most awaited part of the night, the yearly Mess Medisin contest by the Order of Asclepius, showcased this year’s theme of Filipino gods and goddesses, which witnessed the contestants showing off not only glamour but also their talents and wits. In the end, Denzel Dumalag of Dum Vivimus Servimus (DVS), who played Galang Kaluluwa (one of the first rulers of the Earth), was crowned this year’s Mess Medisin, with Amare et Servitium Patriae (ASP)’s Ryann Gil Babon (Barangaw, god/ guardian of the rainbow) as 1st runner up and Advocatus Gloriam Salutem (AGS)’s Jan Rebb Balintongog (Dumangan, god of good Harvest) as 2nd runner up.

With Mess Medisin closing the final contest for Hinampang 2019, the scores were tallied and DVS was declared as the overall champion, garnering a total score of 605 points. Batch Advocatus Gloriam Salutem (AGS) followed at second place with 556 points, garnering only one point away from Batch Amare et Servitium Patriae (ASP) (555 points) at third place.

This year’s Medicine Night allowed students to let their hair down and pretend like there’s no upcoming exam on Monday.

Not only that, the event also allowed the students from different year levels to mingle, bond, and perhaps get a chance to finally get that photo with “crush”.

DOH holds consultation meeting for scholarship grantees

By Clyde Aubrey O. Rojo

The Department of Health Center for Development – Western Visayas conducted a consultation meeting with DOH medical scholars from affiliated schools, West Visayas State University College of Medicine (WVSU-COM) and Iloilo Doctor’s College of Medicine (IDCM), on November 23, 2019 at Punta Villa Beach Resort, to which 92 medical students and post-graduate interns attended.

The consultation meeting, held annually, aimed to provide a venue for a dialogue between the DOH Human Resource Development Unit and the medical scholars on various issues and

concerns pertaining to the DOH Medical Scholarship Program.

The clauses and provisions contained in the scholarship agreement, including those about the return service scholars are required to render after passing the physician licensure examinations, were thoroughly discussed and clarified.

The scholars raised all their concerns and questions and got satisfactory responses on certain issues, most specifically on the delayed release of both the monthly and semestral allowances, one of the open forum topics brought up by the scholars and addressed by the DOH coordinators.

The consultation meeting also tackled the differences between the provisions stipulated in the scholarship grant agreement from the previous years with those in the current version.

The manner of filing for travel reimbursements for pre-service scholarship program summer immersion was threshed out in detail.

The event, which started at 9 in the morning and lasted until 2 in the afternoon, also challenged the writing abilities and strengthened the team-building skills of the medical scholars.

The event was spearheaded by DOH HRDU, Ms. Cristian Cordero, DOH Training Specialist II, and Ms. Riyan Gonzaga, DOH Computer Programmer I.

DVS dominates MediCine, MedScenes

By Cyril Jay E. Villanueva

The annual Med-Scenes and MediCine, two highly anticipated photography and filmmaking events sponsored by the Vital Signs, has kicked off once again at Cinematheque Center Iloilo on November 16, 2019, the two competitions participated on by the residents of Roxas Hall, Batch Dum Vivimus Servimus (DVS) snatched Best Film in MediCine and Overall Champion for MedScenes.

MediCine 2019, the official film festival of WVSU-COM, had the theme “Healing the Least, the Lost, and the Last”, was participated by the three batches with ASP’s Hele ng Maya, AGS’s Who the Hell Killed Baby Jesus? and DVS’s Dear Ian and Ibig.

“MediCine is a unique event as it brings light to the topics in society that physicians usually encounter, such as this year’s themes that involve post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicide, anti-vaccination claims, and the struggles and triumphs of doctors in geographically disadvantaged areas. Honestly, I couldn’t be more proud,” Marjoe Renz Dominic P. Deita, committee chair for MediCine, said.

Best Film award was given to DVS’s Dear Ian as well as special awards for Best Actor in Lead Role (Patrique Sta. Maria), Best Screenplay and Best Poster.

ASP’s Hele ng Maya was also in a spree as it claimed five special awards namely Best Actor in Supporting Role (Ryann Babon), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, and Best Original Song.

Daphne Dy and RB John Tacardon (AGS) were awarded Best Director for the film Who the Hell Killed Baby Jesus?, and Mahfe Canino also received the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Rhona Delle Erada from the film Ibig (DVS) won the best actress award in a lead role.

MedScenes, the photography contest, was also dominated by batch DVS, garnering first place for the three different categories, namely LitMus Theme Category, Vital Signs Category, and Freedom Category.

Irish Remy Abuel (DVS) won first place for all categories, sharing first place with Precious Joy Aungon (DVS) for the Freedom Category.

The different entries for both MediCine and MedScenes were judged by Daniella Julieta Caro, Raymundo Salao, and Maurice Donyell Zafra, all members of the Cinematheque Iloilo board.

Winners were given certificates and the coveted Hinampang points equivalent for their wins. The competition winners also earned the bragging rights that Roxas Hall students were more than book smart, they also have an artistic eye behind and in front the lens.

The awarding of winners was made during the Medicine Night as culmination of Hinampang 2019.

NEWS

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VS fails to garner 3-peat for Best Departmental Paper, wins minor awards in COPRE '19

By Julinchel H. Licayan

DOCTORS-CUM-WRITERS MAKING WAVES. The VS staff garnered several minor awards in the annual Regional College Press Conference by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region VI. Photo by Chrisitian Jim V. Cogollo

The Vital Signs (VS) Publication, the official student publication of West Visayas State University – College of Medicine, clinched 2nd place as Best Departmental Paper in the annual College Press Conference hosted by Philippine Information Agency Region 6, held at Iloilo Grand Hotel last November 29, 2019.

The VS Publication had placed first as Best Departmental Paper, a major category of the publications competitions, for two consecutive years (2017-2018), and garnering second place this year did

not allow VS to claim a three-peat.

This year, the publication has also dropped out altogether from the top five of the Best Newspaper/Tabloid, another major category, wherein they placed 3rd last year.

However, several minor awards were nabbed by the publication, including Best Magazine Lay-out (5th), Best News Page (4th), and Best Filipino Page (2nd).

Mithridate, the publication’s Literary Folio, won 3rd place as Best Literary Folio under Special Categories of the competition.

COM sends aid to Mindanao quake victims

By Hannah Andrea A. Sagsagat and Mark Arlo Segundo

A donation drive was done last November 2019 to help survivors of the strings of magnitude 6.0 earthquakes that jolted some parts of southern Mindanao.

The activity was initiated by the Medicine Student Council (MSC) and Bisayang Doktor Organization to answer the call for help from COM alumni currently practicing in the affected areas. They also partnered with MICROBIA, the WVSU BS Biology students’ society, in gathering goods and cash donations from students and faculty.

The donated goods were personally handed over by the MSC officers to the Philippine Coast Guard Western Visayas

last November 28, 2019 who then delivered the goods in the quake-hit communities.

The cash donations were given to Eldie L. Pino, a third year medical student of the college whose household in Matanao, Davao del Sur was severely damaged by the 6.9 magnitude quake and its succeeding tremors last December.

“Reaching out to those affected is indeed fulfilling because as future physicians, we should always be ready to help those in need,” Tonee Golez, MSC chairperson, remarked when asked for a comment on the relief efforts of the college.

“If we are capable of helping other people, then we should,” he added.

OPINION

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The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State UniversityCollege of Medicine La Paz, Iloilo City JULINCHEL H. LICAYAN Editor-In-Chief NIZZA ANN E. REGALADO CRISHEL C. LIM Managing Editors AIREL JAYE M. GUILLAMAS KHRYSTI LOU D. SULLEZA Associate Editors MARJOE RENZ DOMINIC P. DEITA HANNAH ANDREA A. SAGSAGAT News Editors CARL ANGELO M. HOFILEÑA CLYDE AUBREY O. ROJO Opinion Editors SHAIRA RAE Y. BILLENA CYRIL JAY E. VILLANUEVA Feature Editors LERA GAY V. BACAY Filipino Editor JOHN SPENCER B. TAÑALAS Sports Editor SALVE RACHELLE Y. BILLENA Literary Editor SHAIRA RAE Y. BILLENA Editorial Cartoonist NIKA GRACIA I. LEGASPI Contributing Cartoonist CHRISTIAN JIM V. COGOLLO Photojournalist EUNICE V. SERMONIA, MD, FPPA Adviser JOSE NEMESIO A. GRANADA, MD, FPCS, FPSGS, FPSCRS, FPALES Dean CELINA C. GELLADA, MD, FPPS, FPSDBP Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences JOSELITO F. VILLARUZ, MD, PH.D., FPPS President email: vistasignpublication@gmail.com

facebook.com/vitalsignswvsu

EDITORIAL

COVID-19: When lies can kill On March 21, news broke out of a doctor’s death after allegedly having contracted COVID-19 from a patient who lied about their travel history. The day after, the Department of Health (DOH), through Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire urged the Filipino people to disclose all their information to all health care workers. She added that leaving out information would increase the chance of health care workers to be infected by the disease. Patients must give full disclosure of their travel, health, and exposure history to their physicians and other concerned health care professionals.

There are those who would argue that the choice to conceal their personal details may be justified by a person’s basic rights to their liberty and privacy. However, during times of public health emergencies, under Section 9 of the 2018 Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases (RA 11332), “non-cooperation of persons and entities” in times of public health emergencies is prohibited or illegal.

It is a medical professional’s responsibility to be honest about the diagnosis, treatment options, risks and prognosis to a patient under their care, as stated under Article III Section 5 of the Code of Ethics of the Medical Profession. To do otherwise, would be unethical and may lead to dire legal repercussions. The pandemic has now highlighted the impact of the opposite perspective.

On March 28, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) reported “very disturbing” numbers. Confirmed COVID-19 cases had reached 1, 057 with 68 deaths. Of the 68 deaths, 12 were medical doctors.

The Philippine’s current health care situation is as such: doctor-to-patient ratio is at 1:40,000 as compared to the standard 1: 1000 set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Oscar Tinio, the spokesman and former president of PMA, estimates that as of March 29, more than 5% of the country’s health workers are currently on quarantine. Both Health Undersecretary Vergeire and Dr. Tinio have accentuated that hospitals are undermanned and running low on personal protective equipment (PPE). They may soon be overwhelmed and face a shortage of hospital beds for handling severe and critical COVID-19 cases.

A patient who has lied or has not disclosed the whole truth will not only endanger their self by hampering their own treatment plan but will also bring more damage to an already overstretched and overloaded health care system.

Under RA 11332, all health care professionals and institutions are required to “accurately and immediately report” diseases and health events of note by the DOH. Physicians will not be able to act on this requirement without the patient’s complete and truthful health history, as this is an indispensable component in the process of making a precise diagnosis and management plan.

Heath professionals realize however, that one of the main reasons preventing patient’s full disclosure is to avoid the social stigma surrounding COVID-19. In social media alone, a wealth of discriminatory remarks towards individuals linked with the disease can be found. The discriminatory attitude towards the disease may be a source of anxiety and fear, preventing people from being candid about their health history.

It is important for all stakeholders to foster an environment that encourages honesty and exchange of information. The government and media must take the lead in this agenda while health care workers strive to build a more comfortable patient-health worker relationship. Every citizen must do their own share to “flatten the curve”. In this, the patient is already able to contribute a great deal when they give their complete and full history to their health care provider.

During this pandemic, your honesty may save lives. Tell your health care worker the truth.

OPINION

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Continuing Education in Isolation The current state of the country As the world continues their “Battle against COVID-19”, or in our country’s case: “A tragic comedy starring our countries leaders’ and their thinly veiled plans that go unopposed to bleed the country dry of its wealth and its people’s rights”, it does not come as a surprise that all sectors of the country are affected. From business, trade, tourism, healthcare, and to our economy, no front is left unchallenged. Education is just one facet being whittled away as this pandemic continues to fester.

Based on how the news reports and case numbers are going as of this writing, there is little confidence we will be out of these troubled times soon. A lot can be pinned on how our country’s leaders have underestimated and mishandled the whole situation, how wasted the months of lockdown have been, and how it has caused its citizens to gradually grow weary of this extensive lockdown, with their fear of the virus also waning. Four months of this lockdown have left the people starving: for a proper government response, for literal food and supplies as some are indeed left starving, and for an end to this current reality. The economy agrees with the masses’ sentiments as it forces the government to reopen, much to the chagrin of the health sector. Because even though the enemy is very real and still at large, we have no choice as the lifeblood of the country is slowly depleting. A resurging of cases, along with prolongation of this pandemic, is no doubt inevitable.

The struggle to find a new ordinary With no clear end in sight, a “new normal” is being established. This requires industries and institutions, specifically those under lower levels of lockdown, to innovate themselves in order to comply with the bare minimum health standards in order to operate. Private and public schools are no exception to this and it will be interesting at best and depressing at worst, to see how this will be tackled.

The Department of Education has made their plans clear amidst this pandemic. They intend to push through with the upcoming school year and have released their Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP). The salient points from this plan would be that classes will start “flexible or blended learning” this August 2020, and that face-to-face classes will only be permitted if the area wherein they operate is considered “low-risk”.

While this comes as a relief to the parents that believe their children’s education must continue despite the conditions, this decision greatly impacts those families that have been affected financially by the closing of businesses,

Med-in-a-Box

By Carl Angelo M. Hofileña

decreased consumers and decreased workhours which consequently lead to lower income, or even total lay-offs.

Not to mention the costs of adjusting to this new educational scheme wherein parents and educators alike are expected to have computers with decent internet connection. Good on those families that invested in such devices, but for those who are only about to purchase these, it will cost them up to the tens of thousands and this is just for the device or computer alone. The online aspect of this system alienates any child whose family is unable to afford this.

This decision is basically an ultimatum: “Keep up with the changes and guidelines, or get left behind”.

Another cost to consider is the internet plan to avail of. It has long been a complaint among users that our country’s internet service providers do not offer the best speeds or services in their basic plan. And again, not all students or educators live in areas where they may avail of such; some only rely on mobile data or satellite signals.

What’s more, tuition fees for certain schools have been maintained or have even increased despite the apparent absence of certain services in online learning, specifically the miscellaneous fees. Although this has been defended by said schools as alternative learning will entail more expenses to bring educational materials to homes, this counts to the added burdens families will have to face.

All these factors should have been considered when the initial decision to have blended learning as early as August was made. As of now, online learning and by extension, online assessments in the form of examinations, seem unfeasible for all but the few privileged enough to afford it.

How we perceive education Education in the country is delivered through formal systems, roughly taking up 14 years of a person’s life. And as someone who has undergone through this as most have, the emphasis of our educational system has always

seemed to be the end-point. It’s always the results, the rankings, and the passing rates. It’s so fixated on outputs for each component of a grade that it may seem more like paperwork.

This issue was evident as students experienced this for a short while with alternative learning last semester.

When students accustomed to the structured educational style were suddenly shifted to a self-directed type of learning, this came as a shock. Materials and guideline were posted and they were left to their own devices. But it became cumbersome to comply with the deadlines as the only motivation then was the ticking clock. It wasn’t about what the students learned. The important thing was to pass something by the due date.

Though no system is perfect, this alternative form of learning where it has become impersonal and digital, seems rife with difficulties in both properly imparting knowledge to the students as well as properly assessing what the students learn. This could and should still be improved if this will remain a mainstay form of education moving forward.

What should be vs. What will be With the current trajectory of cases in most regions, an early implementation of face-to-face learning is becoming less and less likely, forcing schools to cling to the proposed blended learning models. This, coupled with the still stunted economy creates an impossible situation for those financially challenged. Education should, like a lot of things such as healthcare, be affordable and accessible to all. It should open our minds as we attempt to understand others and the world around us. It shouldn’t have to be gated behind impossible criteria or paywalls, much more so in the times we are in now.

This move by the Department of Education seems anti-poor and frankly makes them seem out of touch with the capabilities and limits of the average Filipino family. It should be a no-brainer to halt the upcoming school year, as what is a half-year or year without formal education for the safety of the students compared to a forced school year wherein the efficacy of this alternative learning is still questionable.

Still, it is very simple to state what is ideal and should be about any given situation. What’s difficult though, is the implementation of such ideals. The truth of the matter is that this pandemic we are in demands losses and compromises to be made if we are to survive it, but one can’t help but desire for our leaders to adopt more sensitive and comprehensive approaches where they take into the consideration the needs and worries of the majority.

ABS-CBN Franchise Non-Renewal - A Clear and Present Threat to Democracy “Truth hurts, and it hurts the most those with something to hide.”

In Philippine media, ABS-CBN is a major and leading player. It came under fire from President Duterte for airing news reports critical of his administration.

Duterte further alleges that ABS-CBN TV network refused to air his 2016 presidential campaign ads in favor of an ad paid for by Antonio Trillanes, then a vice presidential candidate. The ad is criticizing then presidential candidate Duterte for his public remarks during his campaign. As a consequence, Duterte publicly declared that he will oppose the congressional franchise renewal of ABS-CBN TV and radio network. ABS-CBN's current 25-year franchise is set to expire on March 30, 2020.

The media has evolved into a crucial institution in any democratic society. It has become a watchdog in the functioning of a nation. In addition to its basic role as a provider of information necessary for rational debate, it exposes government excesses and corruptions, holds those in power accountable, and helps ensure transparency in governance. Aptly, it has been called the fourth estate as, unhampered, it effectively complements the check and balance functions among the executive, legislative, and executive branches of the government.

On the other hand, the media as in any major branches of Philippine government has shortcomings of its own. The Philippine media has a few other major players in addition to ABS-CBN, like GMA, and TV5. And they shape public opinion. Media practitioners who are not strictly adhering to journalistic ethics and standards could subvert

Second Opinion

By Clyde Aubrey O. Rojo the core functions of media. The presence, however, of social media not only leveled the playing field for media practitioners; it also markedly increased the number of active media participants. Media power is, thus, spread broadly among the practitioners and media outlets and the truth, in open and free discourse, could be expected to find a way to prevail and reveal itself.

Whatever shortcomings, however, the media may have, it cannot be overemphasized that the nonrenewal of their franchises to operate their TV and radio networks is a clear and present threat to democracy. The non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise on the bases of criticisms hurled against the president is against a core principle of democracy – the freedom of the press. Our Philippine constitution guarantees such freedom when it says in Section 4 of Article III, Bill of Rights, that “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech,

of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.” In addition, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers,” says Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

ABS-CBN may be guilty as charged for being critical of the current administration, yet it is simply discharging its function as watchdog when it scrutinizes or reports on the actions and pronouncements of the president. And if, indeed, ABS-CBN erred in not airing the ad, the proper course of action is for Duterte to file a case against ABSCBN in court. To not renew its franchise is to threaten its media practitioners and prevent them from freely exposing the excesses, corruptions, and wrongdoings in the government so this country can become a better place for Filipinos.

For the president to oppose the ABS-CBN franchise renewal is a clear and uncalled for retaliatory act, one that is against a dearly valued democratic tenet – the freedom of the press. The opposition of the president is also an indecent and abusive suggestion for the Philippine Congress to not pass a bill that approves the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise. The President of the Republic, the Senators, and Members of the House of Representatives ought to always place themselves “In The Service of the Filipino Nation.” For them not to renew the ABSCBN franchise is to put Philippine democracy, already weakened, in greater peril.

FEATURE

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https://www.devex.com/news/to-contain-the-spread-ofcoronavirus-manila-grapples-with-lockdown-96823

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In Isolation

By Airel Jaye M. Guillamas

oneliness has many faces. It's just as multi-faceted as any feeling.

As we read and hear the news about this new pandemic that has come to us, we also see a different kind of lonely. Frontliners sacrificed their time to be with their family just to be there for those who need them, they may not be alone but they still feel the ache of loneliness for their family. Patients battling their sicknesses, waiting for the next time a nurse or a doctor comes in to check on them- that's another kind of lonely.

When we are faced with trials and when troubled, it is always a comfort that we have people we can count on to and hold on to, someone to comfort us and hold our hands when we are unsteady. But that was all taken away by this pandemic. Patients with the virus need to face their battle alone. Their loved ones have to stay away from them, for safety reasons. No hospital visits were allowed. Just like what Howie Severino said in his documentary, as one who experienced the disease first hand, it's true that there were many of them fighting the sickness, but in truth it is a battle you face alone.

We cannot even begin to imagine the loneliness they may feel during their isolation. A million thoughts must have run through their minds

including their families, the possibility of not surviving and a lot more.

Their only human contact would be the next time the doctors or nurses pop in to check on them. No matter how much they wish to be with their families and no matter how much their families want to come it just cannot be.

Perhaps another sad face of this pandemic is for families of those who died. It is already such pain to not be near your loved ones while they are ill, how much more when you cannot properly say goodbye? During those last moments, they weren’t able to hold the hands of their loved ones, not able to say their last I love you and farewells. One advantage of this modern technology that we have now is that though the patients can no longer be visited by their families and loved ones while isolated, communication is still possible. Video calls, and chats help them to somehow ease the pain of loneliness and isolation.

Iza Calzado, a celebrity who also survived COVID-19, shared in an interview her new perspectives after her experience. She said that in the end, we must all realize that the material things we have in this world will not matter when facing life and death. It is the love that we surround ourselves with, our relationships and faith that will count. In loneliness and isolation, we are left with our thoughts and the memories we’ve made- let’s make them count.

https://www.worldvision.org.ph/campaigns/statement-of-world-visionphilippines-on-promoting-child-rights-amidst-the-covid-19-emergency-response/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-28/philippine-hospitals-in-warning-zone-as-cases-keep-rising

http://www.panaynews.net/modified-gcq-for-wv-by-june-1/

The https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/ how-iloilo-city-became-wakanda-of-philippines

By Khrysti Lou D. Sulleza

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o cars on the streets, empty roads, malls and shops are closed except perhaps those who sells essential needs, classes were suspended and people were required to stay at home. COVID-19 had spread like wildfire from country to country and the Philippines was not exempted. Now, the whole country is in Enhanced Community Quarantine in attempt to put a stop on this pandemonium. Our frontliners are staying true to their oath and are doing their best in treating those who are affected despite the risk of getting infected. Iloilo City was dubbed as the “City of Love” because of its people who are known to be very hospitable, kind, thoughtful and of course by their “malambing” accent.

Since day 1 of this ECQ, Ilonggos were disciplined enough to stay at their homes and obeyed the protocols but this also means no work for most people. Even early in this fight, there are already a lot of bumps in the roads and problems that have aroused. Medical supplies were depleted, PPE’s that

our frontliners needed are lacking and the number of PUMs and PUIs started to rise up. But Ilonggos did not back down nor show any signs of waving a white flag. The good governance of the city Mayor, Governor and the whole LGU kept the spirits of the people high and it gave hope to those who needed it.

The Mayor’s quick actions to announce the ECQ and his initiative to acquire PPEs and test kits as early as possible had led to great advantages and made the situation of Covid-19 somehow controllable. But to be able to achieve success, it can’t be done by only one person and so many Ilonggos started helping one another.

Since all medical students, clinical clerks and PGIs were all pulled out from their duties in the hospital, this doesn’t stopped them from helping.

They immediately donated their remaining PPEs and even showed their creative sides by making improvised face shield which is made from scratch to be used by our brave frontliners. Their cool use of their voice and influence in social media by

calling for donations for the hospitals and spreading awareness about the COVID-19, urging those who have travel histories from affected areas and with signs and symptoms to submit themselves for proper monitoring, as well as pubs on how to protect one’s self from getting the virus by proper handwashing, made a big impact in combatting the pandemic.

Day by day, Ilonggos keep on showing their bayanihan spirit. Rich families had reached out and offered their help by donating food and PPEs to the frontliners as well as to the less privileged residents of the city. Schools also offered shelter to those who are for isolation and also served as temporary home of our healthcare workers who cannot come home yet to their families. Private companies also put aside their competitions and unite together to serve better the Ilonggo communities.

Iloilo may just be a small province but its people have big hearts. They made sure that no one gets left behind and together they will flatten the curve while saying “Bató, Iloilo!”

FEATURE

7

Passion and Profession: How After Clinic Group exhibited their art the second time around

By John Spencer Tañalas and Hannah Andrea Sagsagat

Photo Credits: Dr. Melanie Tendencia and John Spencer Tanalas

W

hat do doctors actually do? Put a stethoscope on your back and make you take deep breaths? Write prescriptions? Ask you about your diet, family history, and everyday activities? Operate on you? Yes, they do these things. And a lot more.

But after their clinic hours, what is a doctor?

A doctor is another human being trying to live the life of his dreams. An individual with both compassion and passion.

“The After Clinic Group” is a group of doctors who have the gift to take up not just a stethoscope but also a paint brush to heal and to be healed.

For the second time, a collection of paintings made by doctors after their clinic duties was showcased to promote the love for art and its beneficial effects in human lives.

The masterpieces of the doctors were displayed at Cinematheque Centre Iloilo. It ran from November 23 to December 13 of 2019, with the theme “Positive Ions”. According to their poster, it is an atom that released its negatively-charged particle and plays many important roles in cell metabolism. To them, these positive ions can represent hope, well-being, good things to come, and aspirations. And these can boost one’s selfesteem and stir enough energy for one to pursue a noble cause.

These doctors, who have years of formal medical training, did not go to art school. But with their God-given artistic abilities, make

a collection of colors portray a radiance of positive vibes. A total of nine doctors of different specialties compose the group. Doctors Dureza Abad, Krys Balmaceda, Minda Cabrera, Eva Catedral, Amee Lou Ponje, Carlo Ben Losande, Melanie Tendencia, Anna-Marie Velasco, and Elaine Veñegas are the individuals who, with a canvas and brush, forge a bond between paintings and people. All of them contributed eye-catching and breath-taking depictions of life and the wonderful world we live in.

They wanted to heighten the appreciation of people, especially doctors for the arts. It is their way to tip the scales of passion and work in a balance. The art exhibit, by way of the theme, wanted to emphasize the role of a less stressful environment in a person’s life through art creation or appreciation.

“Creating those masterpieces make me enjoy the moment and still discover myself. No hassle. No rush. Just pure destressing from a day’s tiring and pressuring work,” Dr. Tendencia quipped.

But aside from showcasing their talents and encouraging people for art appreciation, what they did was for a cause. The paintings and drawings were for

sale and the proceeds will be for that doctor’s chosen charity.

For year 2020, the After Clinic Group is planning on conducting art exhibits twice a year, first on June and then on October or November.

This is the second art exhibit by the After Clinic Group. The first one was held at Museo Iloilo last February 22 - March 28, 2019.

NEWS

8

DVS, AGS tie as champions in Roxas Hall’s LitMus 2019

By Salve Rachelle Y. Billena

Taga-West medical students showcased their talents through speaking, singing and performing last November 8, Friday at the COM Auditorium and PESCAR gymnasium for the West Visayas State University’s: COM annual Literary Musical (LitMus) Competition, themed “Frontiers: Medicine at the Face of Adversity.”

ACA-FELLAS. Batch AGS’s Daft Punk medley won the first ever a cappella competition The event kicked off in the WVSU-COM annual literary-musical competition, garnering points that tied with the individual literary overall with Batch DVS. Photo by Julinchel H. Licayan events at the COM Auditorium, such events, while Batch ASP dominated most as Extemporaneous Speaking, English of the second places, leaving the third Declamation, Filipino Declamation, and places almost equal.

Character Impersonation, performed by In the group singing competitions, Batch members of Batch Amare et Servitium DVS garnered first place in the Chorale Patriae (ASP), Batch Advocatus Gloriam competition, Batch ASP in second, Salutem (AGS), and Batch Dum Vivimus followed by Batch AGS in third. However, Servimus (DVS). These were followed by Batch AGS managed to wow the audience the Vocal Solo (Pop), Vocal Solo (Classical), with their A Capella performance thereby Vocal Duet, Chorale, and A Cappella where earning first place, while Batch DVS and the medical students showcased their Batch ASP garnered the second and third vocals up until mid-afternoon. The program spots, respectively. for the major group events, Disco Derby The freshmen, the always known and Lip Synchronization, were continued at underdogs, surprised the crowd by the PESCAR gymnasium. garnering first place with their Lip The results of the competition Synchronization performance of Tangled. were announced late in the afternoon, The Little Mermaid was performed by Batch immediately after the performances.

AGS, earning second place, with Batch Batch DVS and AGS nabbed most DVS coming in third with their medley of of the top spots in the individual literary High School Musical. While for the upbeat,

ASP champions OA’s ..... from page 1 With a budget of 100 pesos, the participants follow where the clues led, of which they may obtain after they earn the badges in each “gym” upon successful completion of the tasks.

Finishing the race was no easy feat as the teams, apart from completing each station’s task, also had to strategize their consumption and how they would earn more funds in order to follow the trail of badges.

Team Feraligatr from Batch DVS proved themselves as veterans of the game by placing first in the team rankings, while Batch ASP dominated the overall rankings. Batch DVS followed in second, and Batch AGS in third place.

The overall rankings have corresponding points awarded per place which contributed to the overall points garnered for Hinampang 2019. high-performance competition, Disco Derby, Batch AGS grabbed the crown, with Batch DVS coming in second, and Batch ASP in third.

Overall, Batch DVS and Batch AGS tied for the most number of points of 147, with Batch ASP hot on their tails at 138 points.

These points contributed to each batch’s overall score for Hinampang 2019, that of which was awarded during MedNight, held last November 23 at The Mansion Hotel.

To Care: WVSU-COM support to students

By Shaira Rae Y. Billena

TOKENS OF TAGA-ROXAS HALL LOVE. As the COVID-19 pandemic caused many WVSU-COM students from other Philippine provinces to be locally stranded in Iloilo, the WVSU-COM admin made a labor of love by sending them “care packages”. Photo by WVSU-COM Medicine Student Council

Since the start of the community quarantine and the suspension of classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Visayas State University-College of Medicine (WVSU-COM) administration and student council have been actively attending to the well-being of the student body.

Last March 26, the WVSU-COM administration and student council released

Pagtatap (meaning “to care” in Hiligaynon), a platform in the form of an online page for the students’ mental health and other concerns.

“The College has always been supportive to our students, and bringing this FB page to your home is one way of reaching out to your problems and concerns as we, your faculty and other healthcare workers, continue to fight against this virus,” stated Dr. Jose

Nemesio A. Granada, dean of the WVSUCOM, in a message for the students in the Pagtatap page.

The page has been an avenue for the students to communicate their physical, emotional, mental health, or academic concerns with the school administration, and has been regularly posting materials to aid in easing anxiety during this time. The page had also featured encouraging messages from numerous members of the faculty.

The WVSU Medical Education and Research Foundation, Inc. (MERFI) and the WVSUCOM Scholarship Committee, in cooperation with the administration and the student council, also pledged to give financial assistance to students with the urgent need for it through the Pagtatap Petty Cash Loan Program.

Furthermore, care packages and meals have been regularly distributed to the stranded dormers of the college through the efforts of the student council, administration, and generous donors.

The WVSU-COM administration and student council also expressed their desire to continually support their students during the quarantine through the Pagtatap page and other relief efforts.

FILIPINO

9

COM muling nakilahok sa University Days Ni Khrysti Lou D. Sulleza

Ilang taon din na hindi nakasali ang College of Medicine sa iba’t ibang patimpalak na ginaganap tuwing WVSU University Days. Naglalaban-laban ang iba’t ibang undergraduate colleges ng main campus at external campuses sa larangan ng isports, literary-musical at sa pinaka-inaabangang Mr. and Ms. WVSU. Ngunit ngayong taon ay nakipagtagisan din ang mga estyudante ng Medisina sa Literary Musical contest at Mr. and Ms. WVSU. Nag-uwi ng iba’t ibang parangal ang mga kalahok ng COM sa Literary contest.

Nakamit ni Dexter Aquino ng batch AGS ang unang pwesto sa Photo Contest.

Nakuha naman ni Shaira Rae Billena (AGS) ang ikalawang pwesto sa Pencil Drawing contest. Naiwagi ni Ciara Alyssa Trunio (AGS) ang unang pwesto sa declamation at nanguna rin si Japhet Jude Golocino (DVS) sa English Essay Writing. Nakuha naman ni Cyril Villanueva (ASP) ang ikalawang pwesto sa Extemporenous Speaking. Naipanalo rin nina Eldie Pino, Mark Arlo Segundo at John Prostado (DVS) ang ikatlong pwesto sa Quiz Bee. Sa Musical contest ay nakamit ni Maphete Dianne Lustre (DVS) ang unang pwesto sa

NAGNININGNING NA TAGUMPAY. Nakipagtagisan ng talino at ganda ang mga pambato ng WVSU-COM sa Mr. & Ms. WVSU at pareho nilang nasungkit ang 1st Runner up. Litrato ni John Spencer B. Tañalas

Vocal Solo Classical at ang Ikalimang pwesto naman sa Live Band Competition ay naiuwi ng AGS Band.

Isa din sa naging highlight ng University Days ay ang Mr. and Ms. WVSU na ginanap sa huling araw ng buong linggong selebrasyon. Parehong nakuha nina Theo Pido at Danielle Tirado ng Batch

ASP ang 1st runner up at nasungkit naman ng ILS ang korona at titulo bilang Mr. & Ms. WVSU. Hindi man nakasali sa sports events ang COM ay naipamalas pa rin nila ang mga kakayahan at angking galing sa LitMus at Mr. & Ms. WVSU, at ito ay pinatunayan ng bilang ng mga parangal na nasungkit.

Selebrasyon ng World Kidney Day idinaos sa kabila ng COVID-19 Ni Lera Gay V. Bacay

DRINK YOUR WATER BES. Nakilahok at nagbigay ng malaking suporta ang mga doktor ng WVSU-COM sa 2020 World Kidney Day. Litrato ni Chrisitian Jim V. Cogollo

Marso 2020 nang umusbong ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa, ngunit sa kabila ng pangambang dala nito ay patuloy na ipinagdiwang ng College of Medicine ang 2020 World Kidney Day na ginanap noong Marso 12, 2020 sa Roxas Hall, West Visayas State University.

Taunang idinadaos ang World Kidney Day at ang tema sa taong ito ay, “Kidney health for everyone everywhere – from prevention to detection and equitable access to care” at layunin nito na malaman ng publiko ang kahalagahan ng ating mga bato. Kabilang din dito ang malawakang

pagbibigay alam na ang sakit sa bato ay maaaring maiwasan at malunasan.

Pinangunahan ng batch Dum Vivimus Servimus(DVS) ang pag organisa ng nasabing selebrasyon at kaugnay nito ay may ginanap na Zumba dance for Kidney Health na nilahukan din ng mga faculty at staff ng COM. Si Dr. Lynette Alcala naman ang nanguna sa ribbon cutting ceremony para sa pambukas na programa.

Nagbigay ng mensahe si Dr. Rey Isidto, Chapter President ng Philippine Society of Nephrologists at binigyang diin niya ang tumataas na bilang ng kaso ng Chronic Kidney Disease at ang mga sumasailalim sa hemodialysis, nagpapahiwatig lamang ang mga ito na napakahalaga pa rin ng wastong pangangalaga sa kalusugan upang maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng sakit sa bato.

Ipinaalala naman ni Alexander Vidal III ng batch DVS sa kapwa niya medical students ang malaking parte na ginagampanan nila sa kampanyang ito, kabilang na dito ang pagbibigay alam at pagtuturo sa publiko ng mga paraan sa wastong pangangalaga ng ating mga bato at kung paano maiiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng sakit sa bato.

Sa ikalawang bahagi ng selebrasyon ay nagkaroon ng mga poster presentation ang batch DVS at ipinakita rito ang mga dahilan ng pagkakaroon ng sakit sa bato at ang iba’t ibang paraan kung paano ito maiiwasan at magagamot.

FILIPINO

10 Sa mga nakaraang linggo, ilang beses nang pinahaba ang quarantine. Ang dalawang linggo, naging isang buwan. Ang isang buwan, naging isang buwan at kalahati. Sa pagsusulat ng artikulong ito, nasa ika-pitong linggo na tayo ng quarantine, at hindi natin alam kung kailan ito matatapos. Hindi natin alam kung kailan tayo babalik sa tinatawag na “normal”.

Pagkatapos nito, babalik tayo sa normal.

Sa bawat beses na pinahahaba ang quarantine, ito ang maririnig ko nang paulit-ulit. Tiisin lang daw natin ‘to, malalagpasan daw natin ‘to. Kapag bumaba na ang bilang ng mga COVID-19 cases, magiging normal na ulit ang buhay.

Ngunit… tama ba na babalik tayo sa normal?

Ito ba ay para sa kabutihan ng sambayanang Pilipino?

Bago pa man magsimula ang COVID-19 pandemic, ano ba ang tinatawag nating “normal”?

Normal ang nakalulungkot na sitwasyon sa ating mga ospital. Noong 2019, pinutol ang badyet ng Department of Health ng sampung bilyong piso, kahit na kulang sa mga pasilidad ang ating mga pampublikong ospital. Hindi nakagugulat na hindi ginawang prayoridad ng pamahalaan ang pagbibigay ng tamang sahod sa ating mga healthcare workers, kasi bago pa tayong tinamaan ng COVID-19, sadyang hindi sapat ang pasahod sa ating mga nars at iba pang healthcare workers.

Bago pa man dumating ang COVID-19 sa Pilipinas, ang doctor-to-patient ratio sa ating bansa ay 1:33,000--isang proporsyong napakalayo

Bagong Normal

Wala Pahuway Ni Nizza Ann E. Regalado

sa global average na 1:6,600. At dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng mga doktor at iba pang mga healthcare workers na namatay dahil sa pandemyang ito - na maari naging dulot ng kakulangan ng personal protective equipment at suporta mula sa gobyerno - aasahan nating lalo pang lalaki ang kakulangan ng mga taong handang magbigay ng serbisyong medikal.

Normal ang mababang pagtingin ng mga mayayaman at makapangyarihan sa mga mahihirap. Sa libo-libong biktima ng digmaang kontra-droga, iilan lang ba ang nahuling mga mayayaman at prominente? Ang karamihan sa mga raids ay naganap sa mga low-income na barangay, at hindi sa mga klab at bar na pinupuntahan ng mga may pera. Sa libo-libong mga Pilipinong lumabag sa alituntunin ng quarantine, iilan lang ba ang nahuling mga mayayaman? Bakit kapag

dumaragsa ang mga tao sa palengke upang mamili ng pang-araw araw na pagkain, wala daw silang disiplina, pero kapag pumipila ang mga sasakyan sa Starbucks, cravings lang daw? Bakit parang magkaiba ang batas para sa mayayaman at sa mahihirap?

Normal ang laganap na karahasan at pangaabuso. Malungkot mang isipin, ngunit hindi bago ang shoot-to-kill order ng administrasyong ito.

Sabi ko nga, libo-libong mga Pilipino ang namatay dahil sa digmaang kontra-droga. Hanggang ngayon, naghahanap pa rin ng hustisya ang mga pamilya nina Kian de los Santos at Danica May Garcia, mga batang kinilala ng gobyerno bilang collateral damage lamang. Nasa maling lugar lang daw sila, sa maling oras. Dapat daw hindi sila nanlaban; dapat nakiusap na lang sila. Paano makikipag-usap si Winston Ragos, kung ilang linggo na siyang hindi makabili ng gamot dahil sa quarantine? Paano ka makikiusap sa pulis na inatasang mag-shoot to kill?

May mga nagsasabing dahil sa COVID-19, humihina na ang gobyerno. Hindi raw handa ang ating mga pinuno sa ganitong klaseng krisis, kaya naman lumulubha ang kanilang paglilingkod sa bayan.

Pero ang mga kahinaan at kakulangan ng pamahalaan ay matagal nang nariyan. Normal na ang mga iyan.

Kapag matapos ito, tayo’y hindi dapat pumayag na bumalik sa “normal”. Ibinunyag ng krisis na ito ang lahat ng kailangang baguhin sa ating bansa. Simulan na natin ang pagbabago.

Pananaliksik sa Bayang Kapos Bago matapos ang taong 2019, naging maingay ang pagpuna ni Senator Cynthia Villar, chairman nang Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform Committee ng Senado, sa malaking bahagdan ng budget ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura na ginugugol para sa pananaliksik sa programa sa pag-mamais. Umani ng batikos ang senador nang sabihin niyang “bakit baliw na baliw” ang kagawaran sa research at dinugtungang hindi kelangan ng mga magsasaka ang research; ayon sa senador, higit kelangan nila ng tulong galing sa ahensya. Hati ang naging pagtugon ng mga Pilipino sa komento ng senador; may nagsasabing isang importanteng bahagi nang pag-unlad ng isang bansa ang research, samantalang may iba namang naniniwala na dapat munang tumugon ang ahensya sa agarang pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka bago nito isulong ang pananaliksik.

Bilang isang bansang tinaguriang “the rising tiger economy of Asia” bakit nga ba mahalaga sa patuloy na pag unlad ng bansa ang pananaliksik?

Paano nga ba babaguhin ng research and development ang isang bansang kulang ang atensyon na binibigay sa larangan ng pananaliksik?

Isa sa nagiging basihan kung gaano kalago ang ekonomiya ng bansa ay kung paano niya ginagamit ang kanyang yaman upang makagawa ng mga produktong nakatutulong sa kanayang pag-unlad. Hindi lamang paggamit sa natural na yaman ng bansa ang tinutukoy dito, kundi pati na rin ang human resources ng bansa. Kadalasan, nagagamit ang human resources kapag tinutukoy ang dami ng mga manggagawang pwedeng mag trabaho at mag ambag sa pag unlad ng bansa.

Ngunit madalang sa hindi na naiisip ang mga scientist at researchers kapag tinutukoy ang human resources.

Ang pananaliksik ay isang teknikal na gawain na naglalayong magbigay ng sagot at mapabuti ang pag-unawa ng lipunan sa mundong kanilang ginagalawan. Ang mga researchers ng ating bansa

Sizt,Anong Bago Ni Cyril Jay E. Villanueva

ay walang tigil sa patuloy na pag-diskubre at pagdagdag ng bagong kaalamang nagagamit natin sa araw-araw. Mula sa resulta ng pananaliksik, natutulungan ng mga researchers ang bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng bagong pananaw sa isang umiiral na problema o paggamit sa bagong tuklas na imbesyon. Isang magandang halimbawa dito ay ang pananaliksik na ginagawa nang International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) sa Los Baños, Laguna upang makadiskubre ng mga bagong variety ng bigas na kayang mabuhay kahit sa kondisyong taliwas. Ang mga pananaliksik ng IRRI na kanilang ibinabahagi sa mga magsasaka ay nagagamit para matulungan di lamang ang sektor ng agrikulturang hirap na noon pa, kundi pati na rin ang buong bansa. Dahil dito, maari nating sabihin na isang magandang puhunan ang research upang masigurado ang pag unlad ng bansa.

Isa sa nagiging rason kung bakit paliit ng paliit ang bilang ng mga nais manaliksik sa Pilipinas ay ang kakulangan ng suporta at budget mula sa gobyerno.

Ayon sa Philippine Institute for Development Studies, nahuhuli ang Pilipinas sa listahan ng mga bansang umuunlad kung pagbabasehan ang kakayahan nito sa pananaliksik. Pang 73 ang bansa sa hanay ng 127 na bansa na kinompara sa Global Innovation Index. Dahil sa kondisyong ito, nahihirapang yumabong ang pananaliksik sa Pilipinas. Ang kakulangang ito ang nagiging

dahilan kung bakit mahirap maingganyo ang mga Pilipino sa pananaliksik. Sa bawat pagbabawas ng budget na ginagawa ng gobyerno sa budget na nakalaan para suportahan ang mga research and development sa bansa, tinutulak palayo ang mga scientist at researchers sa oportunidad na sila’y makatulong at maging bahagi ng mayabong na human resource ng bansa.

Hindi madaling gawain ang pananaliksik.

Ang dedikasyon, oras, at talinong ginugugol ng mga Pilipinong gustong makatulong sa bansa ay hindi matutumbasan ng ano mang salapi.

Kaya nakakapanlumong marinig mula sa isang senador na namumuno sa komiteng pang agrikultura na kwistyunin ang kahalagahan ng research na isa sa bumubuhay sa industriyang kanyang pinangangasiwaan. Kung patuloy ang pagsasawalang bahala ng gobyerno sa tulong na kayang ibigay ng pananaliksik para umunlad ang ating bansa, patuloy pang lalangawin ang bulwagang dapat sana’y napupuno ng mga taong nag-iisip na mabago at mapalago ang bansang salat sa pag unlad.

Ayon sa inilabas na datos nang United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sinasabing ang mainam na proporsyon ng researchers at nang bilang mga mamamayan ay 380 mananaliksik sa bawat isang milyong Pilipino. Ibig sabihin nangangailangan ang bansa ng higit 19,000 na mananaliksik para punan ang matinding kakulangang ito. Ang lawak na diperensyang ito ang pilit pang pinalalapad habang pinupuna ni Senador Villar ang budget ng kagawaran ng agrikultura. At habang patuloy na walang kibo ang gobyerno sa isyung ito, patuloy naman ang pagsisikap ng researchers at scientists na gustong makapag ambag sa pagunlad ng bansa. Mga taong naiintidihan na sa isang mundong pinagagalaw ng mga bagong kaalaman, imbensyon, at siyensya, malaking bahagi ng pagunlad ng isang bansa ang nakaatas sa pananaliksik.

SPORTS

Shut up & Play &

Professional athletes are paid top money because they are exceptional in playing a sport, some of them even become brand ambassadors. They get to do what they love every single day and that is to compete and play. People watch them in televisions or even go to the arena as they chase championships, trophies, and medals. Fans follow them on Instagram and twitter, trying to know who they are outside the court or field and for some kids, these players are their role models and heroes. It is without a doubt that athletes have a great impact to the people, especially the youth.

Right now, we are facing an unseen enemy that has affected the entire world and made the lives of millions harder but for the Black community in the United States, as Dr. Fauci stated, they are facing a “double The whole world paused when COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic by WHO (World Health Organization) on March 11. All were caught off-guard including the sports world. Games were cancelled and no one knew when it would come back, it was in an indefinite time out.

As the world starts to ease up from strict lockdown protocols even if cases are still rising by the thousands every day, talks about when will sports be back started to gain momentum. Leagues that were not able to finish their season, like the NBA (National Basketball Association), have long been preparing on how they will be restarting their season. The NFL (National Football League), is one of the least affected by the pandemic because they are yet to start their season, but they are planning to push it further for a month to study what other leagues are doing right or wrong and better prepare for their return.

Sports will be back, but how we experience it will be changing. Things will be a lot different, there will be no more high-fives with the fans because there is no one in the arena. The home-court advantage is gone, the excitement brought by the loud cheers will be replaced by the whistle of the referee. Regular testing will replace signing of the jersey for a fan, quarantine will be more common than injuries, and disinfecting solutions will be sold like sports drinks.

whammy.” Institutional racism was the first foe that the Black community has been trying to defeat. And the death of George Floyd resulted in a massive wave of protests against social injustice that was long overdue. Even the pandemic cannot prevent the protesters from coming out to the streets, make their voices heard and demand, a systematic change in their country.

Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Colin Kaepernick, and Lebron James, were already using their status as superstar athletes to raise awareness and demand equality and equity for the African American community, but in the past, they were not given as much attention compared to what we are seeing today. In 2016, when Colin Kaepernick refused to stand up during the singing of the national anthem to show his disagreement with how the racial minorities are treated was seen as a disrespect to the national flag. In 2018, when Lebron James made political comments and criticized Donald Trump by saying that he “doesn’t give a fuck about the people” was told by Fox News host Laura Ingraham to just “shut up and dribble”.

A new normal in Sports Replay

By John Spencer B. Tañalas Each league is trying to come up with a plan that will first and foremost ensure the safety of the players and all the staff of the teams and secondly, to formulate ways in which competitive sports are still enjoyed by the fans. The NBA is planning to restart on July 30 wherein they will be creating a “bubble” that will hold all the teams in one place.

For now, Disney World in Florida will be the mecca of basketball. Stringent health protocols are put in place to ensure that players are safe and free from COVID-19, testing will be done every day. They will be there for about 3 months depending on how deep the team can go into the playoffs. The players are not forced by their ballclubs to play, they have the option to opt out and skip the remainder of the season, whatever their reason may be, they

11 Should athletes just play and stay silent?

Should athletes just play and not care about politics? Should athletes just play and not talk about public health? No, athletes have the unique opportunity to provide us with entertainment and also promote social, political, and health awareness. They are community mobilizers that impact the place they live in and even across the globe. Their words and action reach a larger scale of people and their influence is tremendous.

They are not just highlight reels; they can also highlight social injustices that is much of a pandemic as COVID-19. Right now, athletes are leading the campaign against racism and social injustice and have also pushed the different professional leagues to create avenues in which they can continue to speak out and make an impact to the community. These players should not stop in their involvement even if their respective seasons’ start, they are to continue to inspire the people, to stand as role models, to be involved in the community, and be a part of the voice that demands justice, equity, and peace. They are more than athletes.

As the world tries to reopen to salvage what is left of the global economy, various leagues are also planning to restart, or start their seasons. Some of the athletes are anxious that this would distract them and the people from the movement they have started, that the surge of this historic crusade against racial injustice will dwindle down. This of course, is a possible outcome, but right now, leagues are trying to make a conscious effort to make it all work, for the players to play and for them to still lead the charge for change.

And these superstar players in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and other leagues must not let go of the momentum they have right now, just as they don’t let the opposing team control the game.

These athletes should continue to further the movement even when they are playing or walking down the streets. They are more than athletes. will not just get the paycheck. Numerous players have already signified that they will not be going to Florida like Avery Bradley of the Lakers, stating that the health of his family is the more important thing to him as of this time. Some players are anxious about the restart that this will be a distraction to the Black Lives Matter movement, some say that this can be another platform where they can further the campaign against social injustice. There are a lot of things that will happen from this time to the restart of the season, but the good thing is that, NBA is back!

Locally, the Philippine Basketball Association has started talks with the Inter-Agency Task Force regarding the return of the oldest professional basketball league in Asia. In areas where GCQ (General Community Quarantine) is in place, only non-contact sports are allowed, this includes tennis, badminton, running, biking, equestrian, golf, and others. Meanwhile, sporting events can resume in areas that are placed under modified GCQ. Dr. Paul Pottinger, an infectious diseases specialist, says that “there are definitely going to be short-term changers in what sports look like, there could be long-term changes, I think there should be long-term changes.” Yes, sports will not be the way it was before, but it can still be a source of inspiration and hope to young children that someday all will be well and they too can step into the big leagues.

SPORTS

12

Fit at Home

By John Spencer B. Tañalas

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/HIIT-Workout-Weight-Loss-43627997

There are some who say that when you enter medical school, one of two things can happen, you can either gain more pounds or lose the remaining fats in your body.

With the stress and anxiety that we face each day, most of us, if not all, order our favorite comfort food and a large milktea to relieve us from our worries for a moment.

After finishing that last bite and sip of that sumptuous meal, we then say these words, “gatambok na ko”, “tumataba na ako”, or touch our bellies and feel regret. This cycle continues and for some their bodies do not change – why are they lucky – for most people, the fats are stored.

In a regular school year, it’s a challenge to squeeze in a trip to the gym, but in the current situation where the trips outside are limited, one may find that perfect spot in the house to finally do that workout that was so elusive before. There will be no time wasted in travelling to the gym, you’ll just walk through the door and to the next room to do the workout. It is your own space

and there will be no feeling of insecurity and intimidation – sometimes we just can’t shake off this feeling – because there will be no one else but you.

Doing your workouts at home will save you some money. Aside from not having to pay for gas or fare going to the gym, you won’t have to pay for gym membership as well. Home workouts are also easier to fit into an already busy schedule because you are already in your workout area. There is even no need to change clothes if you’re comfortable working out in your shirt and pajamas. It is also safer to do workouts at home; gyms can be a petri dish for bacteria and source of viral infections. Not everyone sanitizes the equipment they use after using it. At home, you know for a fact that your little workout zone is clean.

Equipment might be a problem in doing home workouts. No dumbbells, pull up bars, or treadmill. But to a motivated person, this will not stop him or her from continuing to pursue that healthy body. Here are some

alternatives that are already found in the house: (1) Bottles, which you can use as hand weights. You just need to fill it up with water or sand depending on how heavy you want it to be. (2) Towels to help you build, tone, and strengthen the shoulders. This can also help in resistance training and stretching. (3) Paint cans as alternative to dumbbells. (4) Chair, where triceps dips and inclined pushups can be done. (5) Stairs, as the cardio workout machine and to strengthen the calf muscles. (6) Wall, to do your wall sit ups while watching the TV. In the end, you are not obligated to work out, especially if you’re tossed up in a tight schedule. But if you are really motivated to get that beach bod even if summer is months away or you just want to start living a more active lifestyle, you now have the option to go to the gym or do it in your own home. As Rico Blanco said in his song “Antukin”, “kung ayaw may dahilan, kung gusto palaging mayroong paraan”.

APMC cancels Medlympics for student safety

By Julinchel H. Licayan

The 14th of March 2020 marks the cancellation of this year’s Western Visayas Medlympics (WV-M), Palarong Medisina and Central Visayas Medlympics (CV-M).

A month prior to this announcement, on the morning of February 8, the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges, Inc. (APMCI) through its Executive Director Dr. Ramon L. Arcadio, had already released an advisory on the cancellation of the Palarong Medisina.

The advisory was released without consulting or warning any of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges Student Network (APMCSN) officers. It was made “due to the uncertainties of the novel Coronavirus”.

In accordance to this advisory, on that same day, (APMC-SN) Visayas announced the cancellation of Palarong Medisina and the CV-M through a letter posted in their official FB page, addressed to all medical students and signed by the APMC-SN National President, Leandro F. Salazar. It was not until March 14 that APMC-SN also announced the cancellation of WV-M. All three events, as their name suggest, are sports competitions between medical schools of a certain region. The Central Visayas Medlympics: SULBONG, was supposed to be attended by all Cebu medical

schools and was scheduled on February 22 to 23. Palarong Medisina: SIDHI, was to be hosted by UP Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University and was scheduled on April 18 to 19.

The Western Visayas Medlympics, was what the student athletes of Roxas Hall have been preparing and training for, to be hosted by University of St. La Salle - College of Medicine (USLS-COM) and scheduled on April 18 and 19.

In the posted letters, Leandro Salazar asked for the students’ “cooperation and understanding in this time of crisis”. The APMCI and APMC-SN’s concern is not unfounded, considering that the reported number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 98 as of March 14, according to a press release by DOH. However, despite being understanding and accepting of the circumstances, after training for months in anticipation for a heated competition, planning for the logistics of transport, meals, accommodation, venue and the like, athletes and non-athletes could not help but be saddened by the announcement.

“I was really saddened when the news came out. All of those days for practice down the drain. It took some time for us to accept

the circumstances since some of us are already in our 3rd year and this was our last year to represent West medicine… I'm still dealing with the acceptance part, but I know this wouldn't be the last time that we'll play with one another,” Sean Angelo Mueda, the men’s football team captain of West Visayas State University College of Medicine (WVSUCOM) expressed his dismay.

When asked about how they felt about the cancellation as the expecting host, John Simon Velasco, the executive president of USLS-COM Student Council at that time, answered, “As the host school, we were saddened by the cancellation of the Medlympics because we prepared so much for it and we already had a lot of plans in mind. However, we completely understood the reason behind it and we think it was also the best thing to do, given the rising number of COVID-19 cases at that time.”

No approximate dates have been given for the rescheduling of these three events.

However, if the concern is body contact, e-sports has the advantage of grappling opponents behind screens in the safety of your own home, e-sports may have hope of being conducted sooner than any type of sports.