The LaSallian July 2021 Issue

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JULY 14, 2021

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T H I N K I N G

Volume LVIII Number VII

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UNIVERSITY

VANGUARD

OPINION

MENAGERIE

SPORTS

In PH, legal limbo further marginalizes sex workers

Open wide!: Are vegan diets viable for children?

Beware of their luck

How art conservation defies time

Incandescent

Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy lead La Salle’s new backcourt

Current laws seem to disagree on how to handle sex workers, leaving these women in a tight spot.

While there is some evidence that adults may benefit from a vegan diet, its effects on children have not been widely probed.

As the nation faces a common threat, Office Manager Kim Balasabas warns readers of connivers in power.

Art reflects our culture and history. Preserving it for the next generations is no small feat.

This spitfire DLSU duo looks to prove that they are the best guards in the UAAP.

Despite the tribunal’s ruling five years ago, China refuses to keep their hands off the disputed waters.

Five years later, the Duterte admin’s approach to the WPS dispute remains unclear Over the past few months, tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) have escalated between the Philippines and China. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has since lodged a series of diplomatic protests calling out China’s encroachment in the area, which stemmed from the sighting of around 220 Chinese fishing vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef, a maritime domain within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

As Chinese vessels have yet to vacate the EEZ in response to the DFA’s diplomatic actions, the incident has served as a reminder of growing Chinese aggression in the region. For the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte’s continued pursuit of friendlier relations with China continues to put the country’s independent foreign policy stance into question.

Duterte’s ‘pro-China’ stance In July 2016, at the start of Duterte’s presidency, the Philippines won an international arbitration case against China over disputed territories in the South China Sea, a region that was renamed as the West Philippine Sea in 2012 through Administrative Order No. 29 under the Aquino administration.

Despite Duterte’s campaign promise to assert Philippine sovereign rights over the waters, the arbitration

NEWSBITS

ruling had been put aside to improve relations with China in favor of the country receiving economic aid and investments.

On rare occasions, however, Duterte had opposed illegal Chinese activities in the disputed waters. For instance, last May 14, he refused to withdraw ships that patrolled the Kalayaan Islands and Mischief Reef after critics called his early campaign promise to plant a Philippine flag in the Spratlys a joke.

The president reiterated, however, that the Philippines owed China a debt of gratitude for its donation of COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Dennis Coronacion, an assistant professor from the University of Santo Tomas Political Science Department, says that Duterte’s recent stand against Chinese territorial aggression was “short-lived” and that, throughout his time in office, the President has “made it clear that he wouldn’t want to antagonize China, especially when it comes to the South China Sea issue.”

“I think it has something to do with the upcoming election,” he reasons. “He was probably worrying at the time na baka makaapekto ‘yun sa kanyang popularity at sa magiging kandidato ng kanyang partido sa pagkapangulo.”

(He was probably worrying at the time that it might affect his popularity and his party’s future presidential candidate.)

Despite Duterte’s numerous statements rejecting the Philippines’ arbitration victory, the DFA continues to file diplomatic protests

More Filipinos willing to get COVID-19 jab

Filipinos inclined to get vaccinated against COVID-19 doubled in June, according to the latest survey by Pulse Asia.

by Orville Apostol & John Robert Lee Illustration by Sarah Chuang

as part of the Department’s mandate to protect the country’s national interests, Coronacion shares.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alma Salvador, an assistant professor from the Ateneo de Manila University Political Science Department, explains that the contradictory actions are part of “a policy of strategic ambiguity.” For a “small middle power” like the Philippines, having an ambiguous foreign policy allows the country to balance its relationships with China and the United States, she explains.

The nine-dash line vs the EEZ The WPS is enclosed in China’s ninedash line, a demarcation that encompasses almost 80 to 90 percent of the South China Sea. The country has used this claim to fully take over small islands within the region, leeching off natural oil and gas reserves.

However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration declared in 2016 that the nine-dash line violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and that the historic rights and maritime entitlements of China to the South China Sea are against international law.

After the tribunal ruling, China responded that it will “neither accept nor participate in the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines.”

Salvador mentions that Chinese aggression is a continuous pathway of

World Bank apologizes for PH education report

The World Bank apologized for the early release of an education report that said there was a “crisis in education” in the Philippines.

schemes—which is eventually part of an evolving grand strategic plan of China. “From incursion to militarization, and islandification, which became prevalent during the PNoy administration, to an expansion of militarization during the Duterte administration would be the path-dependent development of Chinese foreign policy action,” she expounds.

To add to this increasing threat over the region, China passed in January the Chinese Coast Guard Law, which enables the country’s maritime enforcements to apply violent force against foreign vessels they claim are violators in areas within their jurisdiction, which includes the West Philippine Sea. Coronacion worries that this law may even put Filipino fishermen in harm’s way as it may open them to being harassed.

Defense ministers from member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met online last June 15, expressing concern over the ambiguity of China’s policy and pushing for a Code of Conduct to help straighten out disputes.

Where to go next Salvador says that the next presidential administration can propose a clear-cut policy that qualifies the Philippines to assert maritime claims while remaining conscious of how the country would present itself globally.

If the Philippines would focus on pursuing its maritime claims, the government

PH declared least safe country

The Philippines ranked lowest again in the World’s Safest Countries 2021 which graded the country’s peace, security, natural disaster risk, and effects of the pandemic.

should heavily invest in building up its armed forces, she advises. “It will also entail that you have purchased weapons and arsenals that would make sure that your navy can reach the farthest of the seas.”

Salvador also puts forward a middleground alternative, which involves reorienting the Philippines’ identity on the global stage while observing how middle powers such as Indonesia protect their domestic waters for environmental and resource management. “‘Yung EEZ, pag-isipan natin ‘yan. But it should be more for environmental protection, for joint development, which means we have to partner with China in that area and swallow our pride and be pragmatic about this thing.

It does not happen overnight,” she asserts.

(Let us rethink the EEZ.) Coronacion, on the other hand, suggests that the next administration should peacefully resolve issues with China. Moreover, he asserts that military response would not deliberately solve the conflict between the two countries, rather it would worsen the Philippines’ identity on the global stage.

“If we would go that way, in the long run, we would lose credibility in the international community,” he posits. “Second, we would be easily defeated, considering the fact that China has a far more superior military arsenal compared to what we have under our possession.”

FAST NUMBER P11.07 trillion—Debt recorded in May reached an all-time high at P11.07-trillion as the need to finance COVID-19 measures continues to swell.

JULY 14, 2021

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IN PH, LEGAL LIMBO FURTHER MARGINALIZES SEX WORKERS

by Isabela Marie Roque & Jemimah Tan

Prostitution is a polarizing topic in the Philippines where conservatism is admired. Compounding this dilemma are legislations that seem to contradict one another; some authorities are adamant on criminalizing sex work, while other groups are taking steps toward normalizing prostitution as a legitimate profession.

In honor of Labor Day this year, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed that his administration would make efforts to improve workers’ welfare and rightfully honor their rights as laborers. But can the same be said for sex workers?

Legal inconsistency At a glance, the laws that apply to prostitution in the Philippines seem contradictory. Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) states that prostitution is punishable with a minor arrest or fine not exceeding P200. If a person is found to be a repeat offender, they can be slapped a penalty ranging from P200 to P2,000 or serve a prison sentence of at most four years and two months.

While Article 202 of the RPC criminalizes prostitutes, Article 341 on white slave trade covers pimps, or those who recruit people into sex work, penalizing them with jail time of eight to 12 years. In both cases, the law treats individuals involved in the sex trade as criminal offenders.

But not all laws look at the issue this way. More recently, some legal measures have instead viewed these individuals as victims. The Anti-Trafficking Persons Act of 2003 declared that the State recognizes every human person’s dignity and vowed to develop programs to eliminate human trafficking, protect people from threat of violence and exploitation, and ensure the recovery and rehabilitation of trafficked victims. This sentiment was echoed in 2009 by the Magna Carta of Women (MCW), which acknowledged prostitution as a form of violence against women, with victims and survivors entitled to legal protection.

The MCW had also sought to amend or repeal provisions in existing laws that discriminate against women, including Article 202 of the RPC. While the provision was amended in 2012, only vagrancy was removed, and prostitution remained a crime. Worse still, in 2017, the article was revised again. This time, the fine swelled to a range of P20,000 to P200,000.

“If you look at these laws...it appears that our government or lawmakers, they want to cover everything without a thorough and careful study of what is needed to at least eliminate or mitigate prostitution,” explains Atty. Neptali Salvanera, a lawyer who specializes on labor-related issues and a parttime lecturer from the Commercial Law Department. This ambiguity in legal status, he adds, has led to the marginalization of sex workers.

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Section Editor: Frank Santiago

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Regulations around sex work could also be inferred from two other legal codes: Section 62 of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines requires that massage clinic attendants secure clearance on venereal disease, while Article 138 of the Labor Code considers certain women who work in night clubs and massage clinics as employees of those establishments.

Despite the inconsistencies in legislation, Salvanera notes the silver lining of offered protection. “‘Yung thrust of the ordinances in the labor code of protecting them is also there, so protection means protection from prosecution and protection from hazard ng health.”

REINFORCING THE IDEA THAT PRESENT LAWS NOT ONLY FAIL TO PROTECT SEX WORKERS BUT ALSO INCREASE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH IT.

Prosecution and discrimination Inherent dangers to sex workers often originate from current policing strategies, according to Salvanera, as sex trade is still criminalized. The police, he explains, can easily arrest female prostitutes through this law, rendering the protection offered by the Anti-Trafficking Persons Act of 2003 and the MCW futile.

“It’s always a fallback law on the part of the police,” Salvanera summarizes, “so walang lusot ‘yung sex worker.”

(This leaves the sex worker with no way out.)

Sex workers who prefer to remain in their occupation also face labor discrimination. While Article 138 of the Labor Code entitles women workers a regular employment status, Salvanera argues that they are still not protected in the same way as other employees.

“Hindi naman sila nagrereklamo kasi mae-expose sila. Mahihiya sila mag-file

Sex workers struggle to reach a state where they are treated as laborers with rights rather than criminals.

ng case,” he furthers, reinforcing the idea that present laws not only fail to protect sex workers but also increase the stigma associated with it.

(They would not file a legal complaint because it would expose their occupational status. They would rather not file a case.)

In her article Selling sex amidst the Philippine drug war, Dr. Sharmila Parmanand, a gender studies expert from the London School of Economics who researched on sex trafficking in the Philippines, writes that the current administration’s war on drugs has made sex workers more susceptible to police abuse because they are categorized as prime suspects of drug use due to a perception that it is widespread among them.

Parmanand adds that many of the 50 sex workers she interviewed had police officers threaten to plant drugs on them if they did not pay bribes or give in to sexual demands. “Gina, for example, was taken to a precinct, where her phone was confiscated and she was threatened with false drug charges. She was made to dance for the police officers and then taken by

one of them to the toilet where he raped her,” she recounts.

“In the past, I could still shame the cops who were trying to extort from me. I would taunt them for being too cowardly to go after the real criminals instead of us helpless women,” one of Parmanand’s interviewees, a sex worker in Metro Manila, recalls in the article. “But things have changed now. We do not fight back.

We are too scared.”

In need of reform Salvanera also brings attention to the gaps in the laws surrounding sex work in the Philippines, saying that such legal inconsistencies reveal a lack of policy direction from the government. The work goes beyond the simple reforming of laws, he highlights, adding that there is a need to codify all existing laws on sex trade.

The lack of reliable data on sex workers has also made policies largely ineffective. Salvanera says that there is a need to better understand why indviduals turn to sex work in the first place, drawing on how women’s groups and activists

point to gender bias and socio-cultural and economic factors such as poverty as possible factors.

Additionally, the difference between trafficked and voluntary sex workers is not as clear cut. While trafficked victims are lured into labor by sex traffickers, those who voluntarily go into sex work do so to escape poverty.

Regardless of how policies would be shaped to address the issues surrounding sex work, Salvanera notes that there is a marked difference between decriminalizing and legalizing it. He elaborates that the focus of decriminalization is protecting sex workers who are deemed as victims, while legalization would instead acknowledge the industry as a whole, meaning that clients, pimps, and establishments involved in sex work would also be given protection under the law.

With that, he calls for the Philippine government to be consistent in the creation of its laws, and more so in the implementation.

“The government should determine once and for all the policy direction it wants to take,” he concludes.

UNIVERSITY

Layout by Alyssa Saludo & Hannah Franchesca Timoteo

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Graphics by Zoila Caga & Eliana Fabia Within the confines of people’s homes are cases of domestic violence unseen and unheard.

A ‘SHADOW PANDEMIC’

How domestic violence rose amid COVID-19

by Barbara Desiree Gutierrez & Helen Saudi

From March to December 2020, as lockdown restrictions remained in place across the country, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) received 521 requests for assistance on domestic violence incidents. The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, recorded 15,553 cases of violence against women (VAW) last year. While there was an observed drop in reports compared to the previous year, there remains a concern that a large number of cases go unreported and that the actual figure is much higher.

Indeed, the University of the Philippines (UP) Population Institute estimated in October that about 838,000 married women would have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partner in a nine and a half month period under quarantine—a far cry from what was recorded in official figures. The PCW believes that this slump in cases can be attributed to restricted movement in communities and the lack of knowledge on where and how to report these cases. As quarantine measures persist, a “shadow pandemic”— as the United Nations describes it— continues with women victims at a greater risk while stuck at home with their abusers.

Anguish indoors The Commission on Population and Development, in a report released last March amid the celebration of Women’s Month, reiterated the importance of protecting women, citing a Social Weather Stations survey which found that one out of four adult Filipinos believed violence is among the most pressing problems women are facing in the present health crisis. This is because lockdown measures require people to spend more time at home, making some victims more exposed to the abusers that they live with.

Gabriela Youth UP Diliman Chairperson Catherine Basallote reasons that the underlying cause in this rise of incidents is multi-faceted, spanning cultural, social, and economic issues.

However, she emphasizes that the main driver is patriarchy. “With patriarchy mixed with capitalism, men get to see women as objects and as something they own, they can use and abuse,” Basallote explains.

Worsening economic conditions within a household could also serve as a trigger for abuse, she adds, as tension commonly arises when couples struggle to meet basic needs. PCW echoes Basallote’s statements, citing difficulty in procuring basic food and non-food supplies due to unemployment and dwindling financial resources as a

possible cause for abuse inside homes.

“These are expected to potentially weaken family stability and provoke household tensions especially between spouses/ partners,” the commission writes to The LaSallian.

“With patriarchy mixed with capitalism, men get to see women as objects and as something they own, they can use and abuse.”

Sustaining safe spaces To combat the rise of domestic violence, PCW leads an Anti Violence Against Women advocacy campaign in partnership with local government units and non-government organizations. An annual 18-day campaign to end VAW has also been put in place.

Taking community quarantine measures into consideration, PCW has initiated a consolidated list of VAW phone hotlines on its website and Facebook page, guaranteeing access to important information to encourage victims or concerned citizens report VAW incidents.

Similarly, Basallote shares Gabriela Youth UP Diliman contributes to ending VAW by providing legal services for victims. They have also begun SH-OUT Now, a campaign which seeks to fight against sexual harassment especially in schools and universities. Aside from these actions, Basallote says that these “systemic issues” can be addressed by advocating for better laws and policies.

Though classes are currently being held online, DLSU also remains open to receive reports of abuse from members

of the community. With the recent establishment of the Lasallian Center for Inclusion, Diversity, and Wellbeing, Director Dr. Estesa Legaspi says that they aim to raise more awareness on the help they can extend and are open to providing victims legal aid as well as medical and psychological support.

DLSU’s Safe Spaces Policy, which was approved in November last year, covers a broad range of sexual offenses, including physical assault and threats.

As part of these policies, the University is currently developing an internal grievance body, the Committee on Decorum and Investigation, dedicated to act as the main body in the investigation and resolution of cases of all forms of sexual harassment and discrimination.

Legaspi believes that the awareness of these support systems enables victims to speak up and become empowered. “It doesn’t mean that if it’s not reported, it’s not happening,” she remarks.

“By talking about these things that were or are still considered taboo,” Basallote notes, “women are empowered to speak up and take actions. Most importantly, women will feel that they aren’t alone and that there are others who are willing to help them speak up and take actions too. It doesn’t have to be an individual burden. We collectively struggle and unite.”

facebook.com/TheLaSallian “What we’re seeing is by June 14, our supply will begin to normalize.” Sike.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr.’s prediction seemed to have been too optimistic. It is the middle of July, and the country’s supply of COVID-19 jabs is hardly normal: shortages in a handful of local government units recently had to put their vaccination drives at a standstill. This setback is but a latent effect of government inaction months prior. From their complacency then, the ordinary Filipino is bound to suffer now.

The cities of Makati, Parañaque, and Cebu are only some of the several that suspended first-dose inoculation for some time due to stockpile problems. Back in March, Davao City also did the same after running out of vaccines, and so did Cebu City and the City of Manila in April.

The national government attributes the shortage to the slow arrival of supplies, which the President said in May were only being delivered in small-quantity shipments. Fair enough, there is some truth to this: despite how much the government has already procured and the agreements it has entered into, the vaccines are simply not coming in fast enough. And although supplies keep arriving, obviously not enough of them do. The country, then, is now merely at the mercy of the global supply chain, with few other options but to wait.

Still, this is no valid excuse. The country would not have been stuck in this limbo had the government ordered vaccines much sooner. And yes, we are going to again bring up the fact that late last

B A S T I O N

At a standstill year, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III mishandled negotiations for the early arrival of the Pfizer vaccine, which, for all we know, could have kicked off a more steady vaccination drive than the shortageridden one we have now.

Policy research from the World Bank shows that supply bottlenecks for the COVID-19 vaccine are largely the result of countries not procuring shots soon enough.

Had the Philippines put in early pre-purchase agreements, it could have been at a more

VOLUME LVIII NUMBER VII

O F

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EDITORIAL

JULY 14, 2021

T H E

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C R I T I C A L

privileged position to receive the jabs. Instead, the nation finds itself in a waiting game, as manufacturers juggle a bulk of orders from multiple countries.

This leaves the Philippines with a lessthan-hopeful outlook for its vaccination

Hello, open-source!

T H I N K I N G

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EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor University Editor Menagerie Editor Vanguard Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Art & Graphics Editor Layout Editor Web Editor Internal Development Manager Externals Manager Training Manager Office Manager

Jan Emmanuel Alonzo Oliver Barrios Sabrina Joyce Go Frank Santiago Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan Jasper Buan Diego Vergel de Dios Lauren Sason Jihan Marie Ferrer Alyssa Saludo Rafael Gabriel Arceo Miguel Kou Ana Mapa Ian Kevin Castro Kim Balasabas

UNIVERSITY Helen Saudi (Asst. Ed), Warren Chua, Isabela Marie Roque, Deo Cruzada, John Robert Lee, Jemimah Tan, Sophia De Jesus, Dustin Albert Sy VANGUARD Eiji Sunagawa, Tiffany Blanquera, Bea Isabel Condes, Tommy Vasquez MENAGERIE Magz Chin (Asst. Ed), Marie Angeli Peña, Catherine Estepa, Isabelle Yaun Santiago, Blair Clemente, Albert Bofill, Joaquin Luna, Lance Spencer Yu, Angelo Emmanuel Fernandez, Criscela Ysabelle Racelis, Iona Gibbs, Marypaul Jostol, Alexandra Simone Enriquez, Bea Cruz, Alyssa Ann Dela Cruz, Ryla Monica Espiritu, Andy Jaluague, Jamie Pauline Sanchez, Lizelle Villaflor SPORTS Miguel Robles (Asst. Ed), Joaquim Antonio Arquelada (Asst. Ed), Jeremiah Dizon, Rain Leoncio, Drew Beltran Acierto, Arvin Marion Abaniel, Nico Meer, Annika Cañiza, Franz Aren Reyes, Gab Minamedez, Dayne Aduna, Tana Melgar ART & GRAPHICS Erika Ingalla (Asst. Ed), Addie Holgado (Asst. Ed), Pat Soriano (Asst. Ed), Ninna Manzano, Ruaina Moreno, Denika Layaoen, Yssa Surla, Casie Aviles, Kyana Ayahao, Eliana Fabia, Carl Denzyl Soriano LAYOUT Hannah Franchesca Timoteo (Asst. Ed), Maren Rose Marasigan, Jacob Dy, Sofia Eloisa Placino, Jill Aycardo, Maxine Lee, Kyla Depante WEB Emmanuelle Castañeda (Asst. Ed.), Paolo Panlaqui, Alexa Lagman, Daniel Mercado, Beatrice Cabug, Elliamae Ang, Alyssa Casandra Wee PHOTO Zoila Caga (Asst. Ed.), Enricko Montoya (Asst. Ed.), Ashley Go, Evan Olfato, Yvan Martinez, Enrique Manuel, John Amadora, Earl Arel, Anton Trivino, Justin To, Apa Reyta, Christian Segui, Nelcze Zulueta SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Arden Bacallan, Sofia Dimalanta, Yanna Zhang, Ramon Castañeda, Westin Louie Perez, Alfonso Reyes, Nikki Lacuna, Kyra Choa, Enrico Sebastian Salazar, Anakin Loewes Garcia

FACULTY ADVISER Yellowbelle Duaqui DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Franz Louise Santos STUDENT MEDIA COORDINATOR Jeanne Tan STUDENT MEDIA SECRETARY Ma. Manuela Agdeppa

Student Media House, Fifth Floor Br. Connon Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004 5244611 loc. 701 info@thelasallian.com thelasallian.com All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the Editorial Board.

targets. The latest update from the Department of Health reports that only a little over 13 million Filipinos have been administered doses; of these, only 3.5 million are fully immunized or just 3.26 percent of the population.

The shortage had already prompted the government last May to reconsider its goal of 70 percent by year end, instead opting for just up to 60 percent of the population of the so-called “NCR Plus 8”.

When it hopes to achieve that and when it actually can both remain unclear; more so for national outcomes.

But we refuse to believe that there is nothing the country can do but wait for more vaccines. It is perhaps time that a whole-of-society approach be considered for procurement. We have observed considerably successful efforts by the private sector to obtain jabs for students and employees and would very much like to see companies put profit aside and instead willfully contribute to this most urgent social cause. If these initiatives are coordinated along with those of the government and perhaps even of the civil sector, the Philippines’ shortage problem could at the very least be alleviated.

Filipinos may keep asking themselves what could have been had the government ordered doses much sooner.

But for firms, organizations, and other such entities with the means and resources to help, it could be more important to ask what could be if all hands are on deck.

We just hope the government thinks the same—for all our sakes.

BY RAFAEL GABRIEL ARCEO As a computer engineering student, I have always been interested in software, hardware, and everything in between.

The only way to understand how things work is to deconstruct them and see the genius behind everything. To do that, I had to go away from the proprietary, closed nature of products from companies like Apple and Microsoft and transition to an open, learning-conducive environment, which can be seen through open-source software.

Open-source software is software that has its entire code-base open to the public.

Usually, these types of software are put under an open-source license such as the GNU Public License or the MIT License. These licenses permit users to view, copy, distribute, and edit software. This is in stark contrast to proprietary software which intentionally hides the codebase, only allowing a number of developers access to it. In the end, proprietary software is usually paid, whereas open-source software usually comes at no cost.

This idea of having software served in this manner might be baffling to many.

We have grown to understand that software must be paid. Personally, in the past, I have associated proprietary software with quality software, and software that is “freeto-download” to be poor and might even be malicious. However, my entire perspective on open-source software changed when I was introduced to Linux.

Linux in itself is not necessarily an operating system (OS), but rather, it is a

kernel—a piece of software that runs all the time and helps coordinate various different tasks required by the computer and the user. Known Linux-based OS’ are Ubuntu, Fedora, and the popular mobile OS Android. Linux, which started off as a passion project by Linus Torvalds, has grown to become one of the greatest pieces of collaboration in human history.

It has over 28 million lines of code with thousands of developers worldwide inspecting, enhancing, and maintaining it.

I can bet that your favorite websites run it.

What’s amazing is that you can check the source-code for yourself, as it is hosted publicly in Github.

The kernel, which uses a penguin as its mascot, has become the hallmark of what open-source can truly be: a collaborative project with a passionate community around the globe. Do these developers get anything out of it? Yes, they do. Aside from the various donations by big tech companies to the Linux Foundation, developers have also benefited from committing their code into the Linux kernel as it usually enhances their own developer experience.

With thousands of eyes watching the kernel, finding new bugs, vulnerabilities and developing new features has become rapid. Linux is just one of thousands of open-source projects that are currently in development.

Inspecting the code is one thing, but maintaining, developing, and understanding how it works is an entirely

different story. This is where the revenue of open-source software is generated.

Companies such as Red Hat—the developer of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, and Fedora—have understood this, and made it so that if users wanted customer support or more features for said piece of software, users could pay.

Because of this model, they have become incredibly valuable. Recently, IBM bought the company for around 34 billion USD.

THE ONLY WAY TO UNDERSTAND HOW THINGS WORK IS TO DECONSTRUCT THEM AND SEE THE GENIUS BEHIND EVERYTHING. If you’re a developer, or maybe even a curious learner, I suggest you delve into open-source software. Not only will you find open-source alternatives to your favorite applications, you might even prefer them over its proprietary counterpart.

OPINION

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Beware of their luck

INCANDESCENT

BY KIM BALASABAS

A crisis is a lot of things.

It is a time of distress that disrupts routine, a crucial circumstance that could change the future. It is a test of minds, grit, and will. It is a uniting moment—a situation that often needs alliances to solve the matter at hand. It is all of us bracing ourselves for whatever impact. It is a crossroad in essence and a history in the making.

For politicians, however, it is a cornucopia of exploitative opportunities.

In a play of emotions between fear, uncertainty, and restlessness, citizens cling to the only constant and visible source of power—the government. We saw this in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, when then-United States (US) President George W. Bush’s approval rating shot up from 51 percent to 86 percent, even growing to become 90 percent the following week. In 2004, then-United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair’s popularity suffered a low 30 percent due to his military support for the US in the Iraq War; following the panic because of the July 2005 bombings, however, it grew to 45 percent.

President Rodrigo Duterte was also

able to enjoy this sudden constituent credence when his approval ratings last year grew to 91 percent, up from the already-controversial 87 percent less than a year prior.

A RATHER COSTLY TRUST FROM FILIPINOS GAVE OUR POLITICIANS A FALSE SENSE OF SELF-ESTEEM.

All of these leaders did relatively nothing but be visible and pay lip service.

Despite their floundering reputations, they were able to gather public support for government acts no matter how

questionable. Bush, for one, took a slow approach to responding to the attacks, only taking action after his rating went up.

Blair, meanwhile, even with his infamy, merely condemned terrorism in a speech.

And in Duterte’s case, his statements of nonchalance toward the virus early into the outbreak and the weekly public addresses he has been holding apparently earned the appreciation of many.

This kind of enduring support for the leadership in such difficult moments may be attributed to the “rally around the flag” effect, which is a phenomenon that arises when a nation faces a common threat. This has been thought to be caused by patriotism, as in people sticking to the communities they feel they belong to, or by opinion leadership, which happens through the absence of criticisms and opposition to the government and its policies and consequently a wider adherence to these powers.

Duterte’s still-high approval rating is an indication of this phenomenon: that figure was not a commissioned falsity; it was the true pulse of the people. A rather costly trust from Filipinos gave our politicians a false sense of self-esteem.

Politicians building up their reputations with superficial deeds, especially during the pandemic, is nothing new and it is an unfortunate fact that it works and that their acts reassure people.

The virus has become a catalyst for more politicking. Even with the delayed response—in both preventing further spread of the virus and procuring equipment and vaccines to overcome the pandemic—the soaring number of cases, and a negatively growing economy, the support has been nothing but firm.

Public officials, meanwhile, have been unapologetic in their failures— even putting the blame on others—and while many scrutinize the misaction, there appear to be significantly more who are content with what they think is happening.

We have to recognize that we are all in our own bubble of criticism and disapproval. But in the parts of society that we miss to engage is where the manipulation happens. That is enough to mobilize any politician’s desires, as we saw in the support and passing of the Anti-Terrorism Law, the praise for and continuous funding of the dolomite

beach in Manila Bay, and the public’s justification for the government’s missing or insufficient aid—all aged but still crucial matters.

Our politicians took the empty streets and stomachs as a playground for more of their empty campaigns and promises. But it is something. And when people have nothing, they will get as much of anything that they can. They know this. And they take no shame in taking advantage of the near-desperate vulnerability of their constituents for a chance to win them again—a shot at a hold of power for more disservice.

We have to see through this.

We can rally around the flag, have the desire to protect the welfare of our fellow countrymen, but we must be careful not to become gullible and complaisant.

In our misfortunes, we ought to stand together and listen to each other, aware of what we need and deserve, and resisting incompetent authorities. While we all scramble for a better way out, they enjoy the opportunity to be popular bogus phony figures.

Our tragedies are nothing but their fortune. Beware.

Abandoned state

UNDERSCORING MARKS

BY IAN KEVIN CASTRO

For the past five years, we have seen how our dream of finally achieving change in this country has slowly slipped away from our hands. Even the smallest hope some of us had eventually faded by increments. Back in 2016, right before the national elections, we were repeatedly promised that “change is coming” just like what traditional politicians would say—but now it is more like a scam being shoved down our throats.

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to deliver his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26, where we expect to hear another round of false promises, trying to pass the blame antics, and derogatory remarks pointed toward critics. All of these are expected but what Filipinos really want to hear are his plans to address looming problems in the country.

To emphasize, SONAs are regarded as the achievement checkpoints of a country’s leader every year wherein he or she looks back on the projects and progress made. During his address last year, we witnessed an unclear scheme with

regards to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and a tanking economy, emphasizing the Duterte administration’s lack of urgency when it comes to the most serious matters.

The ongoing rhetoric that our President is employing, however, keeps on making Filipinos suffer. In May, it was reported that 3.73 million remain jobless although the employment rate significantly increased. This is one of the many global impacts the pandemic has left on us, and yet the government is still slow in acting upon it.

Back then, we would always find hope when a new leader was proclaimed and after hearing their plans for the country’s future. Five years ago, many believed that change would finally come. After numerous presidents, the Philippines might be able to step on its own foot again—with better policies that will surely cater to the needs of the masses. It was also five years ago when the leader that we have right now deceived us when he portrayed himself as a father of Filipinos.

The leader we have right now is supposed to lead our country; not be dictated and held by a string by another country’s leader.

Apart from his rowdy behavior in front of the media, his lackluster stance on territorial disputes—specifically on the West Philippine Sea—is a clear sign that his words are always substantiated by the absence of actions. This kind of effort is not what our country and fellow countrymen deserve. Indeed, we deserve more than just false promises and a lack of political will to assert diplomatic jurisdictions.

The leader we have right now is supposed to lead our country; not be dictated and held by a string by another country’s leader. His current actions set the stone for future problems as priorities keep shifting from one problem to another, sometimes with band-aid solutions while some are left completely ignored. Perhaps some people still cling to the change he promised, somehow lured by the numerous credit-grabbing instances the current administration has committed. Among these include the Skyway Stage 3 project, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, and the LRT-2 East Extension Project—

all original projects that were greenlit by administrations before him.

While the government continues to capitalize on ways they can gain support from the public, let us remind ourselves how the government mishandled key issues in the country that had rippled effects on the people. Our country continues to drown in international debt due to mishandling of funds, especially when a crisis hits the country. It might not be felt yet, but a scarring effect awaits us Filipinos.

With one more year in Malacañang, can President Duterte still steer our country into fine shores? It seems vague and unlikely. Is there still a need to hear everything that comes from our foulmouthed leader?

Seeking change is not wrong. But a change in leadership, now more than ever, would be more appropriate to really experience meaningful change.

I am sure we have had enough. In a few weeks, we will know if the state of the nation is really addressed— or rather, abandoned.

VANGUARD

JULY 14, 2021

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Unwise antibiotic use drives the need to manage medication

OPEN WIDE!

Antibiotic use has been formed by decades of success in improving medical care through the treatment of bacterial infections and controlling the transmission of disease. While the discovery of antibacterial agents has transformed modern medicine, our reliance on them has led to the inevitable evolution of bacteria, bringing greater threats to public health.

by Tiffany Blanquera

As the popularity of veganism grows, children are left in a gray zone.

Are vegan diets viable for children?

Veganism and vegetarianism are popular dietary choices that have been gaining popularity over the last decade. The rationale behind many of these choices ranges from activism—for animal and environmental rights—to health, religion, or culture.

Because of the increasing number of adults going vegan over the past decade, the plausibility of passing down this diet to their children is not far-fetched. While there is some evidence that teenagers and adults may benefit from a vegan diet, its effects on children have not been widely probed.

Whether or not children can adopt vegan diets is currently being explored

by Assistant Professor Eleanor Sibug and Fidel Mar Sebastian of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Santo Tomas.

A full plate When people go vegan, they stop using and consuming animal-based products such as meat, cow milk, and eggs.

As such, vegan diets are mainly composed of vegetable products that provide similar nutritional value. However, while the most nutrients required by our bodies may be present in vegan food products, there are some that can only be found in significant amounts in animal products.

While a child can go vegan after their six-month breastfeeding period, Sibug encourages that “there [should be] a need for proper planning because if the vegan diet is not well planned, there is a great possibility that those important nutrients will not be given to the infant.” Furthermore, she suggests that vegan parents consult with a dietician or Barangay Nutrition Scholar when planning their child’s diet.

Sebastian emphasizes that because animal products such as meat are the best sources of protein, there should be a “need to understand the essential amino acids as the building blocks of [these proteins] that are present in the different [vegetation].”

Aside from protein, nutrients such as Vitamin B12 and Creatine are essential for bodily functions like developing red blood cells and strengthening muscles, particularly meat.

Sebastian also adds that vegan food may lack other essential amino acids which can only be found in nonanimal products. To compensate for

by Eiji Sunagawa & Tommy Vasquez

this, the child has to essentially consume more food containing the missing nutrients to satisfy the body’s need for these. According to Sibug, this may not be optimal as the meal may not be fully consumed by the child due to its potential bulkiness.

...VEGAN FOOD MAY ALSO LACK OTHER ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS WHICH CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN NON-ANIMAL PRODUCTS.

Big choices Now that it is established that vegan diets, to some degree, could work for infants beyond the six-month breastfeeding period, a question lingers: Is it worth it?

Going back to the idea of the need for proper planning, Sebastian brought up the idea of complementation in the context of vegan diets where vegan products lacking certain nutrients need to be complemented with other products;

in this case, especially for infants and children, it would be important to consult experts and conduct inquiries on these complementary vegan products.

But a nutritionist-informed dietary plan and consultations with pediatricians are not the only factors a parent must take should they decide to feed their infants vegan diets. Children can be picky eaters, and this behavior can limit their nutrition.

Sibug notes that there is always the possibility that children would not like a vegan diet. The consequences of forcing on these diets, regardless, Sibug mentions, “would be another factor that would affect the nutrient intake of the children.”

This also challenges some of the studies and articles that explain how children with vegan diets generally have healthier cardiovascular profiles. “We don’t only consider the cardiovascular health but also the nutritional deficiencies that may happen,” says Sebastian regarding the advantages and disadvantages of vegan diets. Children on vegan diets can develop Vitamin B12, calcium, and iron deficiencies if not appropriately planned.

Sebastian also points out her concern about the discovery—or lack thereof—of certain allergies or food intolerances. Removing animal-based food sources from children’s diets may allow these allergies to remain unnoticed at a very early age. “We cannot discover those if we’re only [exposed] to a vegan diet,” he adds.

The tipping point In the end, the vegan option is more viable among adults and young adults who, by then, would have a proper nutritional foundation. Still, it’s not like we can say that a vegan diet for infants and children is impossible; after all, meeting the standards mentioned above, such as a nutrition plan and a child’s preferences, could make a vegan diet viable. That being said, this should not be a reason to overlook a regular and varied diet.

Despite their revolutionary benefits in the clinical setting, antibiotics have their fair share of disadvantages. Bacteria that were once susceptible to antibacterial agents can adapt to these agents when routinely exposed to them.

As such, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens continues to pose a threat to public health, requiring strategies that mitigate its spread and optimize antibacterial use.

At a glance Antibiotics are substances that act upon bacteria and are intended to treat and control bacterial infections. Compounds like broadspectrum antibiotics intend to “kill all and inhibit all [bacteria]”, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics only target “certain groups [of bacteria]”, explains Dr. Marlien Balolong, a professor of microbiology at the University of the Philippines.

Its fundamental mechanism focuses on inhibiting the formation of specific structural components, such as the cell wall that protects bacterial cells from external stressors and confers strength. Antibacterial agents may also arrest processes like DNA synthesis to inhibit its proliferation or protein synthesis to prevent cellular transport and metabolism.

The discovery of antibiotics led to the production of different classes of antibacterials that are publicly available. These classifications are “dependent on the particular aspect of the pathogen you’re trying to either control or eradicate,” says Dr. Elis Maghirang, a professor of the Biology Department and an emergency medicine physician.

Its widespread application as a medication regimen has led to a healthier world but because of its popularity, it continues to exert its own influence on personal and cultural beliefs individuals may have regarding healthcare. Balolong explains that in far-flung rural areas, some believe these drugs to be the last resort to a very serious infection and that one could simply drink or take them at any time they decide.

Advancements in science and medicine are not without societal pressure. Decisions related to one’s health may be swayed by the pervasive effects of medical populism, which thrives on the politicization of complex health issues. For Maghirang, the prevailing attitude toward antibiotic use is

susceptible to “cherry-picking data to be used for other interests’’ and that its foundations may be rooted not in credibility but in medical popularity.

A change of behavior When antibiotics are used to kill bacteria, some resistant bacteria are left behind to proliferate as a result of spontaneous mutations that yield a competitive advantage. The inappropriate use and overprescription of antibiotics as a treatment have increased the occurrence of resistant bacteria and have contributed to the difficulty in managing disease.

Maghirang describes the present circumstance of antibacterials in clinical practice as a “shotgun instead of a sniper rifle” to stress that no one size fits all approach will work. When combined with “poor implementation of regulatory methods,” antibiotic resistance may be the reality for patients in the 21st century.

Progressive action, thus, is essential in preserving the effectiveness of current antibacterial therapies and reducing the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant infections. According to Balolong, the Food and Agriculture Organization launched iAMResponsible, a campaign to urge the livestock sector, human sector, and environment sectors to come up with responsible antibacterial use.

Additionally, in order to correct and reduce inappropriate medical practices around antibiotic use, Balolong suggests that individuals should “go to your doctor and ask if it’s time for antibiotics or if it’s just rest,” to prevent resistance against medication.

Increasing awareness for proper antibiotic use calls for a holistic approach.

Maghirang stresses that it is “pointless to treat and kill the bacteria if it’s not on an appropriate timing, environment, and setting.”

Curbing old habits Antibacterial drugs have become a standard for the treatment of infections, but irrational practices continue to pose mounting threats to global public health. Reducing misuse by improving how antibiotics are prescribed by physicians and used by patients can alleviate the burdens of medical costs, prolonged care, and increased mortality—leading to better public welfare.

by John Amadora

THE CLINICAL MISUSE AND ABUSE OF ANTIOBIOTICS might come back to bite us.

JULY 14, 2021

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Section Editor: Glenielle Geraldo Nanglihan

ON THE HOOK

CRACKS BENEATH

HANDLE WITH CARE

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN

Going deeper into Pinoybaiting

Inspecting corporate social responsibility initiatives

Unpacking misconceptions on sustainability

The whys of children’s educational programming

How art conservation defies time

Foreign content creators barely scratch the surface when they capitalize on Filipino culture for social media buzz.

Corporate social responsibility shifted how enterprises represent their values. But are they putting their money where their mouth is?

Sustainability practices focused on individual lifestyles aren’t enough to curb climate change.

Children’s shows become gateway for kids to understand the nuances of the world.

Art reflects our culture and history. Preserving it for the next generations is no small feat.

Illustration by Addie Holgado Time stands still for a moment as we glimpse at our past in preserved art.

How art conservation defies time To stand before a work of art is to take in its splendor—bright hues masterfully laid out across the canvas, striking faces with eyes that seem to pierce your soul, and stunning landscapes captured in up to 20 feet tall paintings. As your eyes rove across every detail, you begin to comprehend the weight of time and how art seems to defy it.

Even after decades of sitting idly in museums and galleries, these cultural relics are amazingly preserved, thanks to the magic touch of art conservators.

The country has been home to many virtuosos in Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo, who remain immortal through their creations that conservators revive. For 24 years, independent conservator Missy Sanares-Reyes has hovered over dingy canvases and fractured statuaries, moved by a sense of love and responsibility for our artistic heritage.

FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE

by John Matthew Gan & Lizelle Villaflor

Into the thick of it The arduous conservation of art begins with dirty work, assessing the filth,

holes, and overall damage. Sanares-Reyes traces most of the ruin of artworks— molds, cracked paint, fading colors—to the environment. “Because [our climate is] so hot and humid, it can cause a lot of damage to any kind of material,” she points out.

She introduces us to her studio, where one of her colleagues currently works on a painting of a cherry blossom tree. “It was torn before, but [my colleague] was able to patch the holes, and now she is retouching [those] parts,” Sanares-Reyes explains. The process of restoring art is meticulous; she explains that one must be careful not to impinge on the original artistry of the

Sitting alone on our rusty swing set, I write letters I know I can never send.

Your silhouette paints itself so hauntingly in this haze.

By Lance Spencer Yu

By Catherine Estepa

piece. “You have to respect the original. You cannot alter it [nor] use things that will be permanent, [but instead] use materials that can be removed.”

Art conservators bring in proficiency from various disciplines, whether they are working in a studio or at a church on top of scaffolds 30 feet high. Having finished degrees in art conservation and art history, Sanares-Reyes had to go back to school to gain credits in chemistry, yet another field related to art restoration. She finds being adept at carpentry—for constructing the frames—and even physical agility— for climbing up scaffolds during fresco See Art conservation, Page 3

As the candles burn in anguish, so does my hope in you.

By Magz Chin

Piecing the shards into a ghost; I wander, lost, but not in you.

By Criscela Ysabelle Racelis

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MENAGERIE

JULY 14, 2021

What lies beneath Filipinos’ curious need for foreign validation?

ON THE HOOK

Going deeper into Pinoybaiting Get yourself a clueless foreigner uncomfortably munching Jolllibee’s Filipino-style spaghetti and you’ll instantly get a thousand likes from elated Filipinos. Other times, it’s some Hollywood celebrity endorsing a local brand, causing passionate fans to stampede to its stores. Without a doubt, Filipinos have normalized—and celebrated—the sight of a foreigner grasping Filipino culture in their hands.

by Bea Cruz & Marypaul Jostol Illustration by Yssa Surla

With the country’s powerful social media presence, many local brands continue to fight tooth and nail for international endorsers and foreign content creators to conjure up reaction videos to all things Filipino. Our culture being acknowledged and showcased on the global stage is undoubtedly thrilling to see, but the socalled “Pinoy pride” can be both a blessing and a curse if we turn a blind eye.

Dishonor to us all “Pinoybaiting,” a term coined by content creator M.A. Buendía, is a marketing strategy used by content creators to attract Filipino audiences and fans. “Foreign [YouTubers] exagge[rate] reaction videos to our singers, [or TV] shows, and films involving the Philippines in their plotline,” he explains. This content typically ranges from clickbait headlines expressing disbelief at how beautiful a local tourist spot is to half-hour videos on Filipino celebrities.

To Buendia, the country’s long colonial history has shaped this modern phenomenon. “It has been in our DNA to always crave validation and recognition from other races. Most of us think that we’re inferior to others, so when we’re getting some attention [especially from foreigners], we feel proud.” From beauty pageants to boxing matches, and now, to

content creation, the utterance of Pinoy pride often requires foreign validation.

While some foreign content creators do strive to represent our culture genuinely, it is almost always devoid of social consciousness. After all, it is their white privilege that allows them to cultivate a back-to-basics, minimal lifestyle in beachy locales around the Philippines. This pictureperfect image often neglects the borderline gentrification and displacement of natives, such as in the case of the Ati tribe of Aklan.

Picking apart appealing facets of our culture without understanding the centuries of its erasure and its modern-day ramifications does more harm than good.

Foreigners speaking Filipino in their vlogs, for example, can barely do good to the still predominantly Western education system that continues to benefit the elite and the powerful. With this in mind, Buendia urges Filipino users to be more critical of the content they embrace. “Wanting to be entertained and being an enabler of an unfair system are two different things,” he says.

The bigger picture For certain companies, recruiting foreign endorsers is not the end goal. Smart Communications solidified its place in the industry by integrating the interests of its target market with its branding. First Vice President in Strategy and Corporate Brand Lloyd Manaloto cites popular culture as an example. “My own personal belief is that for

“The Philippines doesn’t need shady creators for publicity.”

a brand to succeed, it needs to be woven into popular culture. It needs to be connected; otherwise, it will not be relevant,” he posits.

Recently, Smart saw an endorsement boom as they sought out numerous popular culture icons—many of whom were foreigners. He firmly believes that marketing “involves trying to change behavior,” recalling a previous campaign in which big names like Son Ye-jin, BTS, and Chris Evans uttered the Smart tagline in Tagalog.

Ultimately, people are loyal to the company because the latter fulfills its promise of delivering the best services possible, but these foreign endorsers are never far from their thoughts, “When you talk to the fans, ‘yun ang tinatandaan nila. It resonates.”

(When you talk to the fans, that is what they remember. It resonates.)

However, Manaloto insists that the practice is not entirely responsible for their success. Whenever the need for foreign endorsers arises, Smart strives to balance by unequivocally supporting local talents as well. He cites their cordial ties with the men’s national basketball team Gilas Pilipinas as an example. “When you have a company sponsoring a team like Gilas, it tells [people] that the Filipino can compete abroad; the Filipino can go toe-to-toe with the rest of the world,” he envisions.

At times, such a balance can be achieved in a single project. Earlier this year, Smart’s Valentine’s Day campaign

was a celebration of local and international icons, with Ben&Ben writing a song for a commercial starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin.

Room for improvement People are entitled to enjoy what entertains them. However, turning a blind eye on such red flags has consequences.

Why must taking ownership of one’s national identity entail your favorite Western celebrity butchering the phrase “Mahal kita?”

As evidenced by Smart’s collaborations with homegrown talents, Filipinos are more than capable of making a name for themselves.

Supporting them and the companies that are genuinely interested in giving them a platform is a step in the right direction.

Above all, it’s time to view our heritage and culture as more than just Instagrammable pieces. So much of our history and self-determination is embroiled in the struggle to challenge unjust systems. In this way, culture is not just about the feel-good iconography but also actively veering away from colonial commodification.

“The Philippines doesn’t need shady creators for publicity. We have so many talented and world-class personalities who bring pride [to] our country and put us on the map,” Buendia stresses.

MENAGERIE

Layout Editor: Alyssa Saludo

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Graphics by Jihan Marie Ferrer & Enricko Montoya

CRACKS BENEATH

Inspecting corporate social responsibility initiatives

by John Matthew Gan

Nowadays, one would be hard-pressed to find a neglected niche in the market that has not yet met a certain demand or addressed compelling public issues.

There seems to be a business catering to every little want and need of the global consumer. But at the core of these enterprises is the ability to not only attract customers and earn profit but also to meet customer needs.

But for these businesses to auspiciously reel in their target audience, the average consumer must be convinced of the company’s good intentions. With a quick press of a button, it is now easy for the masses to learn about the companies that they patronize. As such, firms worldwide try to leave a good impression on their customers through corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. This way, companies capitalize on good intentions, not only as a general obligation but also as a strategy to stand out in the intensely competitive market.

An appeal to virtues Norby Salonga, a social entrepreneurship professor from the Decision Sciences and Innovation Department and the director of the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development Center, expresses that people show interest in companies with good CSR practices simply because they want to support establishments with values and practices that are aligned with their own.

“As consumers, we’ve started to realize that these companies have to utilize our limited resources very responsibly,” Salonga says. But sustainability in business does not only concern the environment but also the labor practices, governance, and ethical standards that they are to observe.

“It’s not just about following or promoting sustainability; it’s that they’re expected to.

That is [the] basic responsibility of these companies,” he says.

Salonga recalls that, for example, when food security became a major issue at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to panic buying, companies started to shift their focus toward delivering their products to consumers safely amid a shortage crisis, and those that rose above the occasion to ensure the ample supply of essential goods did not go unnoticed by the public. “In a

Art conservation...

From Page 1

restorations—to require dedication and versatility out of every art conservator.

“It takes an interesting skill set [but] most of all, patience and love,” SanaresReyes expresses. She regards her profession as demanding but equally—exceedingly, even—satisfying. Perhaps it would be easier to have these artworks preserved in a digital format simply, but she doubts it can come even close to replacing the original. “There is sacredness to the original piece,” she claims endearingly, “[It] becomes a religious experience when you see an original work of art that you used to see only in books.”

Even after over two decades of working as an art conservator, SanaresReyes ponders upon her profession with bright eyes and a warm smile, “It gives you some kind of fulfillment to know that you [have] contributed to preserving a piece of art that will be handed down to generations.”

Going back to the roots Artworks are an enduring source of knowledge for anthropologists and history curators, who regard the pieces as snapshots of society, culture, and daily lives of the past

normal situation, they (businesses) sell these products with brand promises, but in the case of the pandemic, they produced these products to attend to the urgency of the needs of the people,” he says.

“WE HAVE TO INSIST ON OUR RIGHTS IN ENSURING THAT WHAT WE GET FROM THESE COMPANIES ARE NOT JUST THE STANDARDS BUT THE QUALITY OF THE STANDARDS OF THOSE PARTICULAR SECTORS.”

A vain ploy In 2015, British journalist James Bartholomew coined the term “virtue signaling” in an article for the British magazine The Spectator to describe the increasingly common phenomenon of advertising one’s virtues. “It’s noticeable how often virtue signaling consists of saying you hate things. It is camouflage,” he wrote.

and up to the present. “It’s good to go back to your roots to see where you’re going forward,” Sanares-Reyes says, describing artworks as a door to the past—a peek into how things like the beliefs, attitudes, and talents of people then can influence that of people in the present. With profound respect for Filipino heritage, she expresses that everything across time is encased in the arts.

The struggle of what is considered Filipino is also often in question, especially when it comes to intertwinings of external cultures and traditions in the process.

Sanares-Reyes cites Juan Luna’s worldrenowned work as an example of its use of borrowed European art forms, noting that despite its external influences, the symbolism present within the art reflects the Filipino ideals, hopes, and dreams of the art at the time.

“It’s what we do with it to make it our own that gives it its stamp of identity,” she opines, describing the Filipino talent as one that can create magic out of whatever is given, even for the things that are not indigenous to them. As many Filipinos often look to indigenous cultures for inspiration, appreciation, and admiration, it upholds the significance of why traces of these cultures—found in the arts and its works— must be preserved for generations to come.

As companies continuously try to convey their good virtues through CSR, they risk appearing insincere with the advocacies they are promoting, which may drive away potential consumers.

Virtue signaling is most apparent when Pride month rolls around the corner.

As support and advocacy for the rights of the marginalized LGBTQ+ community have become a popular standpoint for good virtues, it has become a way for certain enterprises to produce shameless, pandering efforts. Rainbow-colored logos, branding changes, and merchandise come bursting down on June 1, only to seemingly disappear when July comes around.

Similarly, many companies pledged to do better in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement last year, coming out with statements and black squares on Instagram. A year later, many of these companies have yet to fulfill their promises.

CSR efforts should go beyond profitcentered marketing campaigns and translate into palpable support for comprehensive policies. In the Philippines, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) bill still has a long way to go. At the same time, only a handful of companies implement anti-SOGIEbased discrimination policies and seminars.

“The emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace should be reflected in the organization’s support of the LGBT community,” says Angelique Blasa, a CSR professor from the Management and Organization Department.

Staying close to home In pursuit of a good image, many corporations jump on the CSR train, to which Blasa says it is important to emphasize that words conveying good virtues need to be cemented with genuine concrete actions so that their motives for doing so will not be in

Uncertain ambitions Despite their best efforts, there remains a scarcity of art conservators in the country. The opportunities for one to be trained and educated in art preservation are costly and not readily available. SanaresReyes says many budding conservators will find themselves having to train under mentors and take up studies all across Asia and Europe.

You have to respect the original. You cannot alter it [nor] use things that will be permanent, [but instead] use materials that can be removed.

Scholarships were generously offered by different learning opportunities but have since become rare because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our world has different priorities now; with this pandemic, funding for cultural endeavors is the first that will disappear in times of need,” she laments.

Sanares-Reyes notes that while the field is mainly supported by art collectors

How can corporations be the vanguard for social change?

question. “An organization’s stand on a social issue should align with its core values and culture. The advocacy should start within the organization,” Blasa posits.

She says that businesses need to observe the different levels of CSR as reflected in a framework known as “Carroll’s pyramid”, which includes economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities. A business must have the means to be responsible before it can become responsible, and before a company can promote the welfare of others with good virtues, it has to attain its legal and ethical responsibilities.

Salonga says a more genuine business strategy is for firms to have CSR programs that cater to their field or industry, such as banking institutions providing financial literacy programs and real estate companies providing affordable housing opportunities.

“You’re not just building your business, you’re also building the sector you’re a part of, and you’re most likely ensuring that the people who are directly involved in your business will also benefit,” he says.

Blasa also adds that these social marketing campaigns are much more risk-averse than topical social marketing campaigns because they show their priorities, such as beverage industries providing clean

water sources for communities with limited water access. “These are some ways on how consumers can see that organizations create these products not just for the consumption of those who can afford, but also of those who do not have access,” she says.

who need conservators to preserve and take care of their art collections, their demand also falls within the scope of public and private works of art. “We also want to help preserve public art, you know? Public sculptures and things like that, and national parks,” she expounds, highlighting that despite the niche outlook of the field, there exists an unseen need for their profession.

Advancements in technologies over the years have made it possible to use different kinds of special equipment and machinery to automate certain tasks and procedures to conserve art more efficiently and with less effort. But she says acquiring modern equipment is difficult and expensive, especially for a profession that has only very limited means to do so. Despite this, she believes in the words given by one of her colleagues: “The best thing is to know how to do everything with your hands from the beginning.” After all, what can be done by a machine is only augmenting what can be done by hand.

the experience additionally enriching was that the owner—knowing that it was such a huge piece—said, ‘Please go ahead and hire students to help you.’” She has witnessed the younger generation’s energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity and discovered the certainty of a better future for Philippine art conservation.

Her generation of restorers has been minimal in number and in establishing awareness of the importance of conserving art. With today’s better access to technology and research, she envisions braver and stronger voices that would bring forward the nation’s responsibility to preserve our national artworks, whether it be a painting, a circa 60s film reel, or an old Art Deco building.

Sanares-Reyes finds art made anew and art preservation efforts renewed through the upcoming generation of conservators who will seal its cracks and patch up its holes. “It keeps me going as well, to see [them sharing] the passion, [and] whether there’s big money in it for them or not, they still forge ahead.”

With heartfelt conviction, she expresses, “When you see that kind of passion and willingness to sacrifice, then you just know that there is hope for the future.”

Art anew Sanares-Reyes fondly recounts one of her memorable experiences working on a Botong Francisco mural. “What made

Power to the people Salonga reminds the public of their position to influence how businesses operate through their brand preference.

“We have to insist on our rights in ensuring that what we get from these companies are not just the standards but the quality of the standards of those particular sectors,” he explains. After all, many historic movements such as the Chicano labor strike have called for consumers’ support through worker-led boycotts.

With the assessment of consumer needs and the ideals that businesses wish to uphold, consumers can influence enterprises to do better and encourage other consumers to do the same, as there is strength in numbers. To ensure that these companies uphold the standards of their industries, it is up to the public to use their patronage as a bargain. “We have the buying power. So let’s use that to influence these organizations to shape up,” he asserts.

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MENAGERIE

JULY 14, 2021

HANDLE WITH CARE

Unpacking misconceptions on sustainability

by Ana Mapa TO ACHIEVE genuine change, collective action should be centered in sustainability movements.

Now that the world has found itself at the mercy of a climate crisis, the need has arisen for a middle ground—which, as agreed upon by 193 countries in the United Nations, was sustainable development.

These days, sustainability is more commonly known through the proliferation of metal straws and Instagram-worthy eco-friendly packaging. However, this commercialized image of the movement barely scratches the surface.

Redefining sustainability Sustainability isn’t just an underlying cultural practice that can be seen within local areas, rather it collates the efforts of many into living life to its fullest without harming the environment. Julie Balarbar, chair of the Marketing and Advertising Department, sees sustainability as a way to better the world for the future generations to come. “Some think it’s too difficult or too abstract. But if they can be shown how to make simple and baby steps, then each one can contribute.”

Sustainability, moreover, is not simply the act of purchasing reusable goods and products and calling it a day. Former DLSU environmental education professor Carmeleah Ang See says, “More often than not, the general public will see postproduction waste...but we’re not looking at pre-production waste.” Similarly, Balarbar believes that from a marketing standpoint, companies should work toward more long term sustainability rather than fixating on short term decisions.

Deconstructing the illusions While the popularization of sustainable living is something to be celebrated, commercial giants and fleeting trends have mercilessly exploited the movement. Brands have tried to use the heightened interest in sustainability to their advantage—in some ways less honest than others. “Some companies

by Monica Espiritu, Catherine Estepa, & Criscela Racelis

might be using it to sell products but are not really practicing sustainability,” Balarbar mentions.

Ang See advises consumers to be aware of something called “greenwashing.”

In the race to gain public attention and support, labels have not only made false promises regarding sustainable practices but also harmed the environment even further in the process. “For example, H&M has this program of collecting old clothes for recycling,” she adds, “but then one news [report] showed their clothes piles being burned.”

Furthermore, it is no secret that living a zero-waste lifestyle entails investing in often-expensive sustainable products.

Neither is it a surprise for the less fortunate to prioritize the price of their own survival instead of the environment’s. However, Ang See and Balarbar both believe that sustainability need not be the premium, high-cost, inaccessible way of life that it is right now.

And in the Philippines, where we grapple with proper plastic waste disposal, the prevalence of single-use plastic is something to be regretted. Many paint the sachet economy as sustainability’s biggest adversary; however, Ang See contends that this is a problem of the corporations, not of the poor. While the tingi culture is a staple in Filipino life, it does not have to come hand-in-hand with the use of plastic sachets. “It should not be an argument against the less privileged, against the poor, because the sari-sari store has existed since the Spanish period,” she asserts.

Beyond the packaging issues To lobby for sustainability means expanding its definition to include the preproduction factor into the equation—from chemical use in manufacturing to carbon emissions in transport and distribution.

“Look at how the food got to you in the first place,” illustrates Ang See. As she points out, to focus on postproduction alone would only result in halfbaked solutions to a heavily nuanced issue.

“If you have the frame of mind where you look at the pre-consumption...then you make better decisions. You can address those hindrances [to sustainability] better,” she explains.

The rallying call for sustainability has pushed brands to rise to the challenge of corporate responsibility. “The newer companies are embracing the sustainability framework as their business model, and old companies are changing their current practices to achieve sustainability goals,” she says, citing Adidas and IKEA as prime examples of brands that have integrated sustainability in their pre-production activities.

To make a commitment Ultimately, for the country to be truly sustainable, sustainability needs to become a collective effort, lest Filipinos are left behind to suffer the brunt of climate change. Bearing this mind, Ang See directs the focus back to the government, the one body of influence that has the capacity to induce the cooperation of the entire country. “You need to look at what are the current laws and policies on sustainable development?...What is our government doing to mitigate climate change?”

For genuine sustainable change to happen, it is necessary to veer away from a capitalist understanding of sustainability that places the burden on the individual consumer to save the world.

Ang See stresses that “to really commit to living a sustainable lifestyle, you need a paradigm shift...It has to be a conscious decision to follow this way of life, rather than just follow it because it’s trending on social media...Without that, it’s not gonna happen.”

MENAGERIE

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ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN

THE WHYS OF CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

by Magz Chin & Ana Mapa Illustration by Ruaina Moreno

“Bawat bata may tanong. Ba’t ganito? Ba’t gano’n?”

(Every child has a question. Why are things like this? Why are things like that?)

Colorful visuals, informative learning, and interactive dialogue are what viewers are treated to when watching an episode of the 1994 children’s educational television show Sine’skwela. The science-centered program introduced the basics of the subject through television learning, a practice done in order to accommodate a wider audience, making the program unique for its time. Fast forward to today, and the remnants of these shows are making a comeback.

Media plays a big part in opening children’s eyes to the world; the question is what kind of world is being introduced.

This is where children’s educational programming comes into play, being the gateway to exploring deeply-rooted beliefs and social mores.

Ba be bi bo bu Local educational programs for kids, such as Sine’skwela and Hiraya Manawari are often sprinkled with familiar Filipino imagery. “There is a contextualization that would never be replicated by international content; for content creators, it’s the Filipino child that we see,” Knowledge Channel and YeY! channel head Danie Sedilla-Cruz elaborates.

However, compared to international children’s programs, the country hasn’t gotten close to covering socio-political content. As someone who specializes in children and teenagers, psychologist Isabella Coscolluela notes that, “I haven’t

seen anything that compares to shows like [Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood] where they tackle more serious issues.”

There’s a fear of creating content deemed too harsh for kids to handle. “When you talk about [socio-political issues] now, it’s so polarizing because [you won’t] be able to [send] your message across without sounding like you’re siding with someone,” Sedilla-Cruz stresses. Despite one’s good intentions to properly educate kids on social issues, there is a preference for more “lighthearted” topics and programs.

What do you see?

The 90s ushered in a golden age of children’s educational programming in the country. Coscolluela cites that these shows “teach [children] how to count and how to read; [discussing] math, science, or sometimes historical or values education.”

Programs such as Math-Tinik, Bayani, and others complemented the Department of Education’s curriculum. While cartoonish sets and kitschy characters dazzle children on the other side of the screen, meticulous planning goes into creating the content they see.

A careful production process is done, starting with selecting topics suitable that wouldn’t confuse or frighten children too much. Sedilla-Cruz elaborates, “We do a script committee meeting [for creating shows]. I’m there; the scriptwriters are there; we have a child psychologist there; and if needed, we have a subject matter expert.”

Beyond the bright colors and catchy songs are real-life conundrums.

“Understanding more complex concepts of society may be more difficult for [children] to grasp, but it’s also important [given] that they can transition to thinking ‘Oh, there’s a world outside of mine,’” Coscolluela points out. Children eventually realize that the stories onscreen aren’t just make-believe.

“EXPOSURE IS IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY AT A YOUNG AGE AND GUIDED

BY PARENTS [SO THAT] IT WON’T SCARE THEM TOO MUCH YET.”

Stop, look, and listen Typically, shows make use of characters and their storylines to integrate issues that reflect qualms in society. In moments where a certain issue becomes too difficult to explain to children, Coscolluela advises that “storytelling would be more appropriate.” Monitoring what children see on screen also poses a challenge. As addressed by Coscolluela, “Exposure is important, especially at a young age and guided by parents [so that] it won’t scare them too much yet.”

At the end of the day, progressive children’s programming can only open the conversation about certain serious topics—parents still have to explain and answer questions children might have after watching. “It should be a conscious effort among parents to make their child aware of what’s happening right now and how things are impacting their lives,” SedillaCruz emphasizes.

Introducing these topics to kids is vital as it is the way for children to face life’s complicated roadblocks. “Media is supplemental because it has to start

METICULOUS CARE is put into the process of crafting children’s shows as both entertaining and educational.

at home with these kids’ parents,” Cosculluela suggests.

More modern shows have also begun leaning toward a more globally driven mindset. Gerhard Pagunsan, a pioneer cast member of Hi-5 Philippines, lauded the show’s “message of inclusion and part in the progress of the global village.”

As part of the multinational franchise, the show aims to promote diversity to younger audiences. Coscolluela, meanwhile, highlighted the early 2000s program 5 and Up for their feature on Asian-Americans and racism in the local context.

Till next time!

“It’s very easy to say [that you’ll produce a program], but a lot of things come into play when you make an episode,” Sedilla-Cruz admits. Despite the reluctance of networks in showcasing sociopolitical topics in children’s educational programming, hope is still high that the tide will turn. Sedilla-Cruz adds, “At the end of the day, it [boils] down to the capacity of the [production team] to be able to craft [the intended] message in order for it to be effective.”

These colorful characters and singsong dialogues that permeate Filipino children’s formative years are a powerful force that can shape the minds of the new generation. Though sometimes treated as fragile and naive, children surprise adults with their capability to show a nuanced understanding of the world.

JULY 14, 2021

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NO LIMITS

BEHIND THE WORDS

ON A BIGGER STAGE

Filipino Olympians’ journey during a pandemic

The legacy of women in sports podcasting

Azkals finish strong in historic World Cup qualifiers berth

Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy lead La Salle’s new backcourt

After being delayed for a year, Filipino Olympians are ready to showcase their athletic prowess on the world’s biggest sporting event.

With podcasting, women are able to create their own niche as well in the sports and media industry.

After an impressive showing in the recent qualifiers, the Azkals look to build on their success on the field.

This spitfire DLSU duo looks to prove that they are the best guards in the UAAP.

Section Editor: Diego Vergel de Dios

Illustration by Sarah Chuang

Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy lead La Salle’s new backcourt Highly regarded as star players in their former schools, Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy once lit up college basketball by entertaining fans across the country as they led their respective teams to the finals. Now, they are embarking on a new journey in their collegiate careers as members of the DLSU Green Archers.

In light of the UAAP’s cancellation and the imposition of quarantine measures across the country, Nelle and Nonoy share their experiences on adjusting to a whole new sporting environment, including expectations for themselves and the entire team, as they yearn to bring glory to their new school.

Up and coming backcourt duo After failing to bag a Final Four spot in the last two seasons, the Green Archers are longing to see a finish above fifth place.

With the addition of both these highly talented guards, fans of the Green-andWhite can be excited to watch the future success they may bring to the school.

Both Nelle and Nonoy show optimism with the idea of becoming a duo. “Excited ako kasi si Evan pass-first na point guard, puwede naman akong combo guard para sa kanya. Mas madali na lang para sa akin kasi nandiyan si Evan,” Nonoy expresses.

(I’m excited because Evan is a pass-first point guard. I can be a combo guard for him.

It’ll be easier for me because Evan is there.)

Nelle shares the same thoughts, “It’s exciting kasi siyempre kilala na si Mark. He knows his ways in UAAP; I know my ways through NCAA. I know how he plays, and he knows how I play, so the familiarity is there.”

But transferring to a different school poses additional challenges for the studentathletes. On top of the new culture and academic responsibilities, transferees are also challenged to keep or surpass the level of gameplay that they have had in the past.

For Nelle, there are specific goals in mind. “Gusto ko ulitin ‘yung Mythical Five from my last playing year in the NCAA—I want to top that hopefully. Bring La Salle not only to the Final Four but to a championship.”

When asked about where he wants to see themselves as a backcourt when all is said and done, Nelle explains, “One of the best, coach Derrick [Pumaren] talked to me, and he talked to Mark on what we have to do. He said we had to top everyone off.”

Fitting into a new team With only a few holdovers from the previous year, the Green Archers are going

La Salle fans are waiting for the two guards to lead the school to championship contention.

by Rain Leoncio & Miguel Robles

to have a new-look squad when the UAAP reopens during Season 84. Forming a new team will pose a ton of challenges for the players and the staff, but this is something both Nelle and Nonoy are ready for.

Nelle is used to seeing himself in winning situations, as a former champion and Mythical Five member during his days with San Beda. A leader in his previous team, Nelle reveals, “I have to relate back to my old team in San Beda since we had a good run.” Nelle emphasizes that the key to the success of his old team was to their camaraderie on and off the court, before and after the games. With this new-look team, he’s looking to carry over some of the things that brought success to his days in San Beda with very little holdover from the previous season’s squad.

However, fitting into a new team is no easy task. But Nonoy wants to prove to people that going to Taft was the right decision for him. “Magkaiba at bago yung sistema na papasukan ko. Siguro, hihigitan ko pa ‘yung nagawa ko last season. Gusto ko na tama na

lumipat ako sa La Salle, [na] tama ‘yung mga coaches na nag-guide sa’kin, [at] gusto ko lang talaga na hindi ako comfortable kung ano meron ako noong last season,” Nonoy shares.

(The system I’m going into is different and new. I want to go beyond what I did last season. I want to be able to say that going to La Salle was the right choice, that the coaches were right to guide me, and that I just was not comfortable with what I achieved last season.)

A team for the present and the future There is a lot of excitement and optimism around the new-look squad, with the Green Archers having been able to nab a ton of current and young talent. Although because of the pandemic, the team has not socialized and trained together much.

Nonoy finds that as a new team, they will only be able to see what they have once full on court training resumes. “‘Yung iba kasi rookie pa lang, iilan lang kami ang nakalaro noong Season 81,” he says. When it comes to building team chemistry, this can only be truly built during training, and Nonoy is keen on getting training camp started in order to

NO LIMITS

continue to build as a team and accomplish the school’s aspirations.

(Some of the players are only rookies and only a handful of us have played during Season 81.)

Despite the barriers, Nelle expects only the best for the squad. “Champions, I’m not gonna lie,” he proclaims, describing what he hopes the Taft-based team would achieve for this upcoming season and for the seasons that will follow. Nelle says that coach Derrick has been very vocal in their Zoom meetings and that he wants the team to have a tunnel-vision mindset when it comes to winning, “Coach Derrick said in Zoom na if you are not in it for the championship, you should be last place.

Why compete at all if you are not in it for the championship?” Nelle comments.

With the season rumored to start in the first quarter of next year, Nelle and Nonoy are excited for what the future holds with the Green-and-White. They have set some high expectations for themselves and the team.

With the guidance of coach Derrick and a rejuvenated backcourt, it seems that La Salle’s future is in the right hands.

Graphics by Carl Soriano & Ashley Go

Filipino Olympians’ journey during a pandemic

by Drew Beltran Acierto & Koby del Rosario

The COVID-19 pandemic has halted every sporting event that was set to happen in the past two years, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Fortunately, the 2020 Summer Olympic Games are due to take place on the rescheduled date of July 23 to August 8 this year. With the delays given to the qualification process coupled with the restrictions in proper training procedures, Tokyo-bound

SPORTSBITS

Filipino Olympians Cris Nievarez (rowing) and Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo) share their journey in passing qualifiers, their current training regimen, and their expectations in representing the country this July.

Essence of qualifying Qualifying for a spot in the biggest athletic competitive stage is a real challenge.

See Olympians, Page 10

Ohtani becomes first MLB All-Star two-way player

Shohei Ohtani pitched and batted for the American League in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, becoming the first two-way player in game history.

WITH SEVERAL ATHLETES, the Filipinos are waiting for the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the country.

Watanabe, Obiena to carry PH flag in Tokyo EJ Obiena and Kiyomi Watanabe will carry the Philippine flag in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics this year.

Tab Baldwin open to Gilas picks from PBA

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin says that PBA players could be part of national team if they are are willing to devote time and effort.

Edu tears ACL anew Having torn the ACL in his left knee, 21-year-old basketball player AJ Edu will be on the sideline for six months.

SPORTS

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by Eunice Uy Tan Podcasts have been a terrific avenue for women to continue ampifying their voices despite the pandemic.

BEHIND THE WORDS

The legacy of women in sports podcasting Sports podcasts have been present for a long time now. The audio program acts as an engaging platform for listeners to know more about every sport, every league, and even every athlete. As it continues to develop, these podcasts stimulate the minds of avid fans by providing fresh, in-depth perspectives—whether on or off the playing field.

While podcasts impart interesting entertainment and reliable analyses, it is also keen on talking about topics that most people shy away from. From racism to gender inequality, a number of hosts use their podcasts to shed light on such outspoken issues. Especially about the struggles women face in a male-dominated field, Ceej Tantengco of Go Hard Girls and Martie Bautista of So She Did have taken the stand to provide powerful narratives about being female in the world of sports.

Bearing the torch Inspiration plays a great deal in pursuing a passion, as it creates initial momentum for one’s purpose. Given the plethora of sports podcasts, the ability to stand out stems from the motivation to be creative and distinct in discussing topics.

For Tantengco, more than the desire of beginning a podcast, it was about “giving better coverage for women in sports.” Aside from having a background in journalism, advocating for a more equal sports world for women became her main agenda upon entering podcasting. “I wanted to do women’s sports in a way that I wanted to see it covered as a sports fan and as a woman,” she expresses.

Meanwhile, Bautista seized the timely opportunity to be part of a new podcast with the intent of purely focusing on female players and personalities, which she

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“Don’t let gender stereotypes hold you back.”

compared to men. In addition, many leagues are now being constituted for women to showcase their skills. While receiving exposure that can make young girls’ dreams turn into reality, “We can have a more equal sports industry at all levels,” Tantengco expresses.

The future of the sports industry is set to be bright for women personalities out there. Some of the leagues are now allowing women to cover games. For example, Becky Hammon recently coached the San Antonio Spurs when the head coach was thrown out of the game.

Talking about sports always reminds sports fans of sweaty men playing ball in a grass field or a packed stadium. Double standards, Tangtengco says, make it hard for women to join the sports industry.

“That’s not because men are naturally born better than women at basketball. Women have had fewer games to play in their entire lives, whereas boys have had basketball games since they were four years old,” she stresses.

However, times have changed, and people now see women compete in highintensity matches. Big leagues are paying more attention and investing more in women’s leagues. “We have Tottenham Hotspur, even Barcelona who just recently won their champions league for the women[‘s] [league] and you also have [the] US league and most recently the Japanese league [is] happening,” Bautista adds.

Taking the leap The sports world is now adapting to women who are making names for themselves. Bautista shares her idea about women sharing the spotlight with men, “It’s going to be a big storm, and you have a lot of women athletes already picking and grabbing all [the] headlines compared to the men.”

With podcasting equipped to deliver sports narratives, it is only a matter of time before every athlete’s journey is heard, especially women. It is pivotal that their voices of triumph and defeat are given undivided attention. Tantengco, as part of an all-female crew, believes that being set apart from the crowd means being different with your approach in sports podcasting.

She shares, “Find the stories that only you can tell. Find the discussions that only you can have with your unique perspective.”

Even with lacking equipment, success is not far-fetched as long as one is innovative and full of passion and perseverance. Maximizing podcasting as an avenue to recognize deserving yet neglected voices is one of the crucial elements to create tremendous ripple effects. As Bautista puts it, “There’s a load of sports in the country and loads of women athletes that have their own stories to share.” By listening to female podcasters, female competitors are given the chance to empower themselves and share their stories.

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The number of players with Finals experience from the Suns-Bucks 2021 NBA Finals.

EJ Obiena has moved to sixth place in the world pole vault rankings.

With the withdrawal of F2 Logistics, only 10 teams will join the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.

Twelve hours of basketball will be played in the Philippine Basketball Association, composed of both 3x3 and 5x5 games.

easily relates to as a former athlete. Bautista also attributes her onset to the former, whom she highly praises for being a vivid example. “I [want to] use that platform for those specific girls who won’t be listened to,” she says.

Despite promising horizons, there is still the challenge of facing the audience, especially one that is selective in terms of the guests or themes being presented. Bautista claims, “It’s one of those frustrating things as a woman journalist, but I’d say there’s still hope in [Filipinos] just grasping the idea that there are more and even better women athletes in the country.” While difficult, the opportunity to make an impact will never be lost as the stories portrayed could act as an extra push for aspiring Filipina athletes.

Additionally, having women take the helm over discussions normalizes discourses about gender equality and women empowerment in sports, which have been sidelined for a long time already.

by Jeremiah Dizon & Raphael Serrano

Breaking barriers There has always been that common perception of women not receiving equal opportunities in the sporting industry. The industry mostly gives chances to women who have glamorous personalities or beautiful physical features. Tantengco provides advice to women going into sports, saying, “Don’t let gender stereotypes hold you back.”

Many women have qualified to compete in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics

10 SPORTS

JULY 14, 2021 Graphics by Addie Holgado & Nathan Velez

The future looks bright for Philippine football with a stable and developing young program.

ON A BIGGER STAGE

Azkals finish strong in historic World Cup qualifiers berth As the second round of the Asian section of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers resumed earlier this year, the Philippine national team put on a strong showcase in their three remaining games, accentuating their campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Guam last June 11.

Despite exiting from the World Cup contention, the Azkals clinched a ticket to the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers in what was hailed as their strongest qualifying berth in history, finishing with their highest group stage tally of 11 points, placing behind China and Syria.

Goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann shares to The LaSallian his insights into this success and on what it was like playing under strict quarantine measures.

Keys to success Schipmann finds that what drove the squad was the addition of young players, while still keeping a fair bit of experience to help guide the new

Olympians...

From Page 8

As the lone Filipino representative for rowing, Nievarez faces pressure as he seeks to return prestige for the sport, sharing, “Twenty years na bago magkaroon ng rowing [representative] sa Olympics. Si Benjie [Tolentino] ‘yung last. So, mula nung pagpasok ko po dito, ‘yun na po yung sinabi ng lahat ng mga coaches na kailangan daw talaga na maibalik ulit ‘yung rowing sa Olympics.”

(It’s been 20 years since there was a [Philippine] rowing competitor in the Olympics. Benjie Tolentino was the last one.

So, since I got here, that’s what the coaches have been telling me, that there is a need to bring back [Philippine] rowing into the Olympics.)

However, the pandemic has posed challenges to the qualifying process as well.

Taking into account the hindrances he was faced with, Nievarez shares, “May qualifying kami ng April kaso na-postpone siya gawa nung pandemic tapos na-lockdown ako dito sa

generation. Heading into the competition, the Azkals surprised fans with a freshfaced roster manned by nine debuting players—midfielders Oliver Bias and Matthew Baldisimo; defenders Mar Diano, Jefferson Tabinas, Michael Kempter, and Mark Winhoffer; and keepers Schipmann, Kevin Ray Mendoza, and Quincy Kammeraad.

The German-Filipino shot-stopper also praises coach Scott Cooper’s guidance throughout the tournament. “He gave us a plan to match the enemies and was always able to show us their strengths and weaknesses, so that we knew where the enemies were to be wounded,” he shares.

Quezon City. Hindi ako makauwi ng probinsya, so ‘yung training ko tuloy-tuloy dito.”

(We had qualifying in April, but it got postponed due to the pandemic and I was on lockdown here in Quezon City. I couldn’t go home to the province, so my training here continued.)

It is no doubt a big achievement for any athlete to be chosen and qualified to represent their country in the Olympics—the grandest stage in sports. Barbosa recounts, “‘Yung nakaqualify po talaga ako sobrang thankful ako kay God kasi apat kami nag-qualifying tapos ako yung binigyan niya. ” (When I was able to qualify, I was really thankful to God because four of us tried to qualify, and I was the one given [a spot.])

First-timers Although both have experienced international tournaments, Nievarez and Barbosa are both first-timers when it comes to the Olympics. According to the latter, it was 13 years ago since a Filipino last qualified for the Men’s Taekwondo event in

by Annika Caniza & Aren Reyes

Challenges faced Even with the success and potential that the Azkals have under their wing, there were still elements beyond the team’s control, posing as challenges or hindrances to the young squad. Moreover, given the current pandemic, there are many underlying issues that the team continues to tackle.

For instance, Schipmann reveals that the bubble systems in countries each have differing regulations. As a result, the team was not able to train and spend as much time together before the tournament, as the players arrived at the venues at different times. This, according to Schipmann, added a layer of difficulty.

the Olympics, and he could not be any more proud in representing the country.

“PAG-DATING KASI SA ROWING, MAS BETERANO, MAS MALAKAS...

ANG GOAL KO TALAGA DITO IS MAKALAPIT SA MGA BETERANO...”

Meanwhile, Nievarez shares his expectations on the quality of play he will be going up against. To him, being older in the game has its advantage in the playing field, the 21-year-old SEA Games 2019 gold medalist shares, “Pag-dating kasi sa rowing,

Keeping a positive attitude In spite of the circumstances faced by the Azkals and other teams in the tournament, the competition was still successful in bringing together teams from all over Asia in the spirit of competition. Following this recent campaign, the Azkals securing a spot in the Asian Cup qualifiers’ third round has been a very positive showing on behalf of the country’s athletes.

The gratitude the team expressed, not only in being able to compete but simply in being together as a team in the competition has definitely shown both on and off the pitch, as Schipmann shares, “We can be happy that we have been able to play or train.”

Throughout all of the challenges, as well as the successes, Schipmann maintains a positive outlook, saying, “In the end, it didn’t matter who was standing on the square. It was all about winning, and that’s what everyone who was there wanted.”

With the promising performance by the Azkals Development Team in the 2020 season of the Philippine Football League and with this recent Azkals showcase, the Filipino football faithful have so much to look forward to. As Schipmann puts it, “I’m sure in the future we will have a really strong team that will fight for the country and make them proud. There are so many good players with Filipino blood, so I see a really good future ahead of us.”

mas beterano, mas malakas...Ang goal ko talaga dito is makalapit sa mga beterano...”

Although he may be one of the youngest in the sport to qualify for the Olympics, Nievarez is excited to do his best come July and show everyone the hard work he has put in.

(When it comes to rowing, the more experienced you are, the stronger you are...My goal is to try to be near the veterans.)

With both rowing and taekwondo getting more attention in the country, the two hope that the viewers would try watching their respective sports, as it could be seen as enjoyable as those that are regularly televised. “Ang gusto ko lang mangyari is manood lang talaga sila like ‘yun nga kasi pag ‘di sila nanunuod [ng live], ‘di talaga nila malalaman like ‘pag nanood lang sila sa TV or sa cellphone. Sa personal kasi iba yung [feeling], parang ikaw din ‘yung kinakabahan,” Barbosa explains.

(I want them (Filipinos) to watch it because they would not know the feeling

if they would just watch it on TV or on the cellphone. In person, you feel as if you are the one getting nervous.)

To represent the Philippines in the Olympics is a huge dream for many Filipino athletes. It takes courage to represent the country knowing that their lives could be endangered due to the pandemic.

These brave athletes would do anything to make the nation proud—whatever the cost.

Nievarez and Barbosa are just two of the 19 Filipino athletes, as of writing, who will don the colors of the nation in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. If there is anything that these Olympians would do, it would be to give their all. “Asahan niyo po na magpapakita kami ng magandang performance sa darating na Olympics at suportahan niyo po ang lahat ng atletang sasabak sa Olympics,” Nievarez assures.

(Expect that we will show a good performance in the coming Olympics and support all the Filipino athletes that will compete.)