Thomasian Engineer Newsletter Volume 10 Issue No. 2 | A.Y. 2023-2024

THOMASIAN ENGINEER

The Official Student Publication of The Faculty of Engineering, University of Santo Tomas

ART | WALDY HANS V. DE CASTRO

FoE future plans

WRITERS | EUNICE E. ABAYON & JOSE MIGUEL C. BALLECER

Directed and Ironed out

The Faculty has set its eyes on the numerous opportunities relative to the improvement of its R&D in the coming academic years, particularly the expected increase in the number of Faculty members who have garnered their doctoral degrees, enabling them to lead such improvement within their respective departments.

“Number one improvement, dumarami ang bumabalik [na may PhD] so tumataas ang PhD Faculty members ng Engineering; nagkakaroon na sila ng kanyakanyang research agenda per department,” Dean dela Cruz explained.

In the academic year 2022-2023, the recorded faculty-to-publication ratio was 162:100, with a faculty research population of 38 percent, while there were a total of 13 index journals and 2,128 citations.

The Faculty’s research endeavors also reported three external grants from Chemical Engineering (ChE), Electronics Engineering (ECE), and Mechanical Engineering (ME) for Academic Year 2023-2024.

Proving this outstanding record, the Faculty Research Ethics Committee (Engg-REC), with its chair, Engr. Seigfred V. Prado, PhD, SMIEEE, was recently recognized by UST’s Institutional Research Ethics Board under the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation (OVRI).

As part of its commitment towards continuous improvement, the Faculty, aside from the recently inaugurated Human Performance Laboratory in the Fr. Roque Ruaño O.P. Building, plans on establishing more facilities aimed at enhancing its research capabilities, namely, an anechoic chamber, a computing lab, and a data center laboratory.

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The Faculty also plans to institutionalize and harmonize the research policies across the six departments by providing basic policies to be strictly implemented.

Furthermore, the Faculty also envisions itself handling a research center in addition to six existing research centers within the University, “Research Center for Engineering and Technology,” under the OVRI.

The proposed research center will be servicebased and provide technical solutions to and potential collaborations with the different facets of the professional industry.

Aspire for excellence, always

Apart from research and development, the Faculty is also eyeing revisions to its current curriculum by conducting a reduced total number of virtual classes, following a shift from a 12-6 to 14-4 onsite-to-virtual-week ratio in the coming academic years.

In addition, the Office of the Dean discussed a significant change in the reduced maximum number of units required to earn offered undergraduate programs and the further integration of lecture and lab courses, addressing the lack of contact hours among courses.

Engineering freshmen are also to expect a restructured curriculum to better transition into each department’s specialized subjects.

“Ngayon palang nag-full onsite na pwede natin ma-factor out [ang] pandemic kaya ngayon palang natin na-eevaluate nang tunay [ang] curriculum,” Dean dela Cruz elaborated on the move regarding the revisions of the curriculum.

UST Eng’g to improve energy improvement measures in 2024

The University, through its second Energy Management Forum, recognized and awarded buildings and individuals in its effort to improve its energy efficiency after recording a total of 7.47-percent energy savings for the year.

UST Facilities Management Office Engineer, Engr. Oliver Gagarin shared in an interview with the publication that in 2023, the Fr. Roque Ruano, O.P. Building saved a total of 917,029.07 kwH resulting in a 53.20-percent kwH savings. However, upon assessment, only 14 of the 27 Energy Accounting Centers (EAC) qualified for the first Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Awards held last year.

Fr. Roque Ruano, O.P.

WRITERS | JOSE MIGUEL C. BALLECER & SZARINA JULIA D. SILVA

Moreover, the Faculty aims to expand its undergraduate offerings further by proposing two newlystructured curricula; the Honors Program, otherwise known as the “4+1 curriculum,” currently aimed to be offered to ChE and ECE students, will allow students the opportunity to complete their master programs in a year after completing the baccalaureate program, under certain criteria.

On the other hand, the Faculty will strengthen its Transnational education offerings through a 2+2 curriculum, allowing students to study internationally and gain double degrees, along with further increasing engagements with its international partner academic institutions.

The Faculty also plans on improving the Master’s Program offerings following the recent membership grant in DOST-SEI’s Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT), allowing MS ChE and MS ECE students to apply for scholarships under the government agency.

Dean dela Cruz also discussed the Faculty’s plans to offer additional master’s programs: an MS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Industrial Engineering.

As of writing, all six engineering programs offered by the Faculty are Level 3 PAASCU and ABET accredited, with the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) having accreditation for ChE and ECE.

Aimed at continuing excellence across the departments, the other four engineering programs are targeted to be accredited by the AUN-QA by November 2025. Moreover, plans on earning accreditation from the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) for its 4-year curriculum have also been discussed, following the Faculty’s last accreditation for its 5-year curriculum.

Maximizing into translations

With its aspirations for the continuous improvement of facilities within the Fr. Roque

Building failed to qualify for the awards as it counted as one of the 12 buildings that require a realignment of target energy consumption after the transfer of the College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) to the UST Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building. Only buildings without realignment of consumption and present commitment to the University’s energy conservation measures (ECMs) were qualified.

This year’s Energy Management Forum recognized USTH Benavides Cancer Institute (314,391.95 kWh savings), St. Raymund’s Building (457,481.74 kWh), and St. John Macias Building (870,131.02 kWh) for the small, medium, and large building categories, respectively, for their efforts in realigning their efforts towards energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, Engr. Jeffrey G. Mercado, MSMgtE of the Mechanical Engineering department and Engr. Raymond Marquez, MBA, ACPE of the

Ruaño O.P. Building, the Faculty’s administrators have also laid out improvements in the coming academic years.

The building will see a renovation of its Engineering Service Oriented Facilities, the AVR, and the Dean’s Office’s Equipment Room, which will soon serve as home to the Industrial Engineering’s Industrial Engineering Design and Ergonomic Applications (IDEA) Laboratory, Digital Drafting rooms, four Thesis Rooms, and two additional computer laboratories.

The IDEA lab will provide the Department with a new laboratory for the courses Physical and Cognitive Ergonomics, Biomechanics, and Industrial Engineering Capstone Design Project.

Dean dela Cruz highlighted the relevance of providing thesis rooms for instructional purposes and also addressed the lack of open laboratories that allow the conduct of research.

Despite significant innovative efforts, the Faculty has consistently made efforts in energy management, as reflected on the University’s energy management 2023 report, where the building is said to have consumed 806,601.85 kWh and saved 53.20 percent.

The Faculty has a set energy management committee led by Engr. Jeffrey G. Mercado, MSMgtE, and Engr. Ma. Francesca D. de Guzman, MSc from the Mechanical Engineering Department, and Engr. Zane Ninia D. Sallan, MSEgyE, from the Electrical Engineering Department.

However, Dean dela Cruz also mentioned the possibility of an increase in consumption due to an increase in onsite classes for the coming academic years.

In leading the Faculty, Dean dela Cruz emphasized the goal of always aspiring for excellence and recognized the goal of continuous improvement.

“We follow the vision statement—for Engineering to be a premier institution,” he shared as their guiding principle.

Electrical Engineering department, were recognized for their contributions to the University’s efforts.

“ ‘Yung award na yun offered ko talaga sa [Engineering] kaya pinakita ko agad sa lahat ‘yan–sa atin ‘yang award na yan,” Engr. Mercado, Most Promising Energy Management Advocate award recipient stated.

Despite being one of the top energy-savings in its builing category, Engineering fell short of recognition due to its ‘lack of commitment’ to the energy conservation measures of the University, Engr. Mercado shared briefly in an interview.

Engr. Mercado said that the lack of commitment aims to be resolved through a meeting with the Faculty’s laboratory supervisors to improve ECMs and ensure proper equipment set-ups across all departments.

Currently, the University has 22 ECMs and aims to reach 10-percent energy savings by 2025.

53.20%

2023 kWH SAVINGS OF RUAÑO

MOST PROMISING ENERGY MANAGEMENT ADVOCATE AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Engr. Mercado, MSMgtE Engr. Marquez, MBA, ACPE

UST-ESC ‘24 election narrowly averts ‘failed election’

The UST Engineering Student Council (UST-ESC) 2024 elections faced a significant challenge due to low voter turnout within the UST Faculty of Engineering (FoE), almost resulting in a ‘failed election’ last April 27, 2024.

According to the UST Engineering Commission on Elections (COMELEC), an hour before the deadline set by the UST Central COMELEC, the Faculty fell short of the required 67-percent voter turnout by 0.33-percent. This discrepancy is based on Article XVIII, Section 12 of the ESC 2018 Constitution, which stipulates that “the voting power required should be two-thirds of the Engineering student population.”

UST Engineering COMELEC Commissioners had to approach students passing by the Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. Lobby to encourage them to cast their votes via their onsite voting precinct just to meet the required quota for the voter turnout.

Both online and onsite voting precincts were scheduled to take place on April 24 to 27, but the onsite precinct was only able to operate for a day due to the University’s shift to Enriched Virtual Mode (EVM) of instruction in light of the high heat index.

“Ang nangyayari kasi talaga is hindi mawawala ‘yung point na need mo pang pilitin ang student body to vote para lang ma-reach ‘yung required voter turnout,” Academic Year (A.Y.) 2023-2024 UST Engineering COMELEC Chairperson Vincent Anthony de Leon highlighted how the efforts are a reflection of the state of student politics within the Faculty.

With minutes remaining, the UST Engineering COMELEC reported a turnout of 2726 out of 4066 eligible voters, amounting to 67.04-percent. This led to the proclamation

of the winning candidates for the ESC 2024 elections, averting a failed election.

The voter turnout for ESC elections has consistently exhibited a trend of relatively low engagement.

Specifically, the Faculty’s participation in the 2024 elections reflects a decline from previous years, where engagement ranged from as high as 69.63-percent in 2023, but was higher compared to rates such as 57.58-percent and 49.13-percent during the 2018 and 2019 ESC elections, respectively.

This trend highlights a continual challenge in fostering robust student participation from the Faculty in ESC electoral processes, as evidenced by the need for Special Elections in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

However, in 2020, the UST Central COMELEC postponed the central and local student council elections due to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We must continue to advocate for the right to vote and foster student engagement in this event,” de Leon emphasized.

The Faculty faces persistent issues in ESC’s affairs, such as a lack of candidates running, near-failures or failed elections due to low voter turnout, vacancies in key positions, absence of political parties, and a surge in Certificates of Candidacies only on the last day of filing.

In an interview with the publication, de Leon recognized the shortcomings of the UST Engineering COMELEC in delays in information and announcement dissemination but believes that promoting the election is a shared responsibility among Faculty students and stakeholders.

“This is an ongoing effort that we all need to contribute to,” de Leon added.

UST

Eng’g quizzers clash in fully-onsite 43rd GIQC bout

The 43rd General Information Quiz Contest (GIQC) by Thomasian Engineer, the official student publication of the UST Faculty of Engineering (FoE), returned as an onsite LAN-based event on February 16 at the UST Medicine Auditorium.

Thomasian Engineer’s Associate GIQC Head, Yitzhak Osei Bumanlag,

officially commenced the program with his opening remarks, highlighting that the GIQC is a “chance for future Thomasian engineers to showcase their wits and intellectual prowess.”

With the theme “Resurface: Through the Tides & Times,” this year’s GIQC consisted of three categories, namely, Faculty, Student-Pair, and StudentIndividual. Each category comprised rounds with varying difficulties—easy, average, and difficult. All difficulties consisted of six questions, each having a time limit of 30

WRITER | JUSTINE C. URBAN

PHOTO | RAY BALTAZAR O. ALUNEN

WRITERS | MARC IVAN D. DILLA, AARON CHASTINE V. VILLAJIN, & JUSTINE C. URBAN PHOTO | DAXIA JENNAYA BIANCA L. RIGOR

seconds, 1 minute, and 3 minutes and meriting three (3), five (5), and nine (9) points for each correct answer in the easy, average, and difficult rounds, respectively.

The Chemical Engineering (ChE) and Civil Engineering (CE) departments took the top spots in the three categories of the competition.

ChE Department’s Engr. Edgar Clyde Lopez, MSc. and Engr. Rhovee Vistan, MSc., scored 54 points and emerged as champions in the Faculty category, outperforming the competition.

Kevin Escalante and Kurt Gohan Pumicpic of the first team of the ChE Department prevailed in the Student-Pair category with 42 points, while the CE Department’s Mark Añasco triumphed in the Student-Individual edition with 36 points.

“We’re not really sure that we [could] win the contest because we’re only third place during the average

round. However, even though that is the case, we still just enjoyed the event and answered the questions to the best of our knowledge,” Engr. Lopez, Faculty category champion, remarked about his experience of the GIQC.

Sharing the podium in the Faculty category were first runnersup Engr. Mark Lawrence Lupoy, MSc., and Engr. Michael Matias, MES, of the Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department and second runners-up Engr. Abiel Badillo and Engr. Yoshiki B. Kurata, PhD, CIE, Assoc. ASEAN Engr. of the Industrial Engineering (IE) Department.

Following the ChE-1 team in the Student-Pair category were James Abris and Mayumi Calpotura of the ChE-2 team as first runners-up and Alec Mendoza and Sophia Gabrielle Suarez of the ECE-1 team as second runners-up.

The Student-Individual category’s first runner-up was Kathryn

Angel Cruz of ECE-1, while ChE-2 Ron Jay Valencia bagged third place after winning against ChE-1 Mariella Mergenio in a tiebreaker round.

Among the panelists for the event were Asst. Prof. Colleen Amado, PhD, for physics and Assoc. Prof. Josephine Bernadette Benjamin, PhD, for mathematics, while for humanities, Mr. Anthony Divinagracia, MA, was present among the roster of resource persons for the event.

The GIQC tests participants on topics concerning UST and FoE history, history, current events, general knowledge, algebra, calculus, plane trigonometry, plane geometry, solid geometry, chemistry, and physics.

Victors of the GIQC, representing the FoE, triumphed in both the individual and team categories of the 44th Pautakan hosted by the Varsitarian on April 16, reclaiming their success from the last in-person competition in 2019.

Senior Eng’g students receive fieldwork exposure via international, local plant tours return

WRITERS | MARK RAFAEL SANTOS & DOROTEO D. PRUDENCIANO II

Fourth-year Industrial Engineering (IE), Chemical Engineering (ChE), and Civil Engineering (CE) students participated in the onsite return of plant tours last April 2024, with IE students visiting South Korea and all three departments exploring Cebu and Bohol. The 94 IE students flew abroad from April 8 to 13 to visit four plants, namely, the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), Yeongheng Energy Park, Korea District Heating Corporation, and the Seoul Energy Dream Center.

Meanwhile, 23 IE students hopped to Cebu from April 9 to 12 for the local itinerary spanning four power plant locations: Treasure Island Industrial Corporation, International Pharmaceutical Inc., YES! The Best Cebu 91.5 Radio Station, and Richli Water Treatment Plant.

The students were accompanied by IE Department Chair Engr. Ninna S. Ocampo, MBA, PIE, and IE faculty members, including Asst. Prof. Charmina Lou C. Bautista, MES, PIE, Asst. Prof. Charlie A. Marquez, MSIE, PIE, and Engr. Yoshiki B. Kurata, PhD, CIE, Assoc. ASEAN Engr for the South Korea tour, and Engr. Ildefonso Joseph Angelo O. Valte IV, MBA for the Cebu-Bohol tour.

Fourth-year IE student Mikaela Joy Noveno shared, “Our exposure to various plants in South Korea helped us identify best business practices that we can use as benchmarks for our future careers as industrial engineers in the Philippines,” when asked how the South Korea tour prepared her for her future career as an industrial

engineer.

She also mentioned how the tour allowed them to apply an industrial engineering principle, “Kaizen,” which means continuous improvement.

Another international plant tour attendee, Charlize Peralta, highlighted three key takeaways from her trip, mentioning the importance of process streamlining and caring for the environment, as she believed it was a great factor in the company’s success. Peralta added, “If others can do it, so can we.”

As the first department in the Faculty to resume international tours after the pandemic, Engr. Kurata identified that planning and communication with the stakeholders, students, and co-faculties are essential to the event’s success.

“Planning has to be holistic because we have to get all the sides because we might not be able to see the other side of things that they can see. At least in our preparation, we are ready [for] any case, whatever [may] happen,” he explained.

On the other hand, 206 CE and 85 ChE students also experienced the return of the onsite plant tours held at Cebu and Bohol from April 15 to 18 for ChE and April 8 to 12, 2024, for CE.

ChE students went to International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Profood International Corps in Cebu and Richli Water Treatment Plant in Bohol, while CE students toured the University of San Carlos, Cordova Link (CCLEX) Toll Operations Center and LightStrong in Cebu, and Malinao Dam in Bohol.

“The designing of a whole

coconut processing line was a serious problem since all the resources available were generalized.

The plant tour helped us realize how a whole raw coconut must be received, cleaned, and stored,”

ChE student Joshua Mar Bas said, explaining how his visit to a coconut manufacturing plant was important.

KOREA

Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), Yeongheng Energy Park, Korea District Heating Corporation, and Seoul Energy Dream Center

CEBU

Treasure Island Industrial Corporation, International Pharmaceutical Inc., Richli Water Treatment Plant, University of San Carlos, CCLEX Toll Operations Center and Lightstrong, and Malinao DAM

Bas added that these insights gained from the manufacturing plant would never be taught in a classroom as they involve very specific, technical, and critical steps in the coconut processing line.

Engr. Kurata concluded that the benefit of plant tours for students lies in their exposure to different cultures, enhancing their technical knowledge, and their ability to interact with diverse people, which is crucial for working for multinational companies. He added that it also provides hands-on experience and insights into various industries beyond the classroom environment.

Mechanical Engineering (ME) students of the Faculty were the first to have their onsite plant visits post-COVID, leading the initiative last November 19–25, 2023, in Cebu and Bohol.

ChEXPO returns onsite, sparks product sustainability, creativity

The Chemical Engineering Exposition (ChEXPO) returned onsite after years of virtual modality with the theme, “2024 ChEXPO: A Trip to the Future with ChEnnovations,” held at the Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. Building Quadrangle on May 13, 2024.

The expo involved 11 teams of third-year Chemical Engineering (ChE) students enrolled in course CHE2128, or Chemical Process Laboratory, tasked with developing sustainable, innovative, and marketable products under the guidance of their course instructors, Engr. Francis Darwin Eugenio, MSc. and Engr. John Victor Mateo, MSc.

The panel of judges included ChE faculty, Prof. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, PhD, Asst. Prof. Carol M. Encarnado, MS, and Engr. Jean Raynell S. Bello, MSc; Mapua University Professor, Engr. Bernice Lorraine Roy; and UST Civil Engineering (CE) Alumnus Engr. Aerol Cedrick Treyes, while TomasInno Center (TIC) Manager and Electronics Engineering (ECE) faculty Engr. Raymond A. Marquez, MBA, ACPE, also offered feedback for product improvement and potential investors.

“Soaprise” of Group 2, consisting of Gwyneth Fortaleza, Doroteo Prudenciano II, Miriam Farah Ruano, and Shanyne Surla, emerged in first place with 655 points and reaped awards for Best Product Packaging,

Best Design Inclusivity, Most Innovative Product, Best Product Presentation, Most Marketable Product, and Most Sustainable Product.

The winning product is a paper soap, which aims to maximize resources and reduce solid waste by utilizing fruit aromas for its scent and its peels for the packaging, which is available in three scents: calamansi, lemon, and orange.

Meanwhile, “Mung Tomas” of Group 1, consisting of Ma. Angela Mendoza and Jose Andrew Oracion placed second, and “Bagnutsse” of Group 4, consisting of Mayumi Calpotura, Angelo Luis Isidro, Maraya Issabelle Lerios, Josh Adrien Llantos, and Jewel Eve Mariano, placed third with 652 and 647 points, respectively.

Additionally, major awards for Most Innovative Product, Best Product Presentation, Most Sustainable Product, and Most Marketable Product were bagged by Groups 1 and 4, while “Wooden Walks” of Group 5 received Most Marketable Product.

Minor awards were also given to Group 1 for Best Consumer Value and Best in Cultural Impact, and to Group 4 for Best in Industry Impact.

ORSP-UST inspires

Moreover, 2024 ChEXPO Project Head Shanyne Surla stated that the expo was both challenging and fulfilling for the ChE students, as although it called for full involvement and batch planning with peers, they were able to acquire feedback from consumers and experts in the field.

“Through the expo, mas natutong makisalmuha sa iba’t ibang tao ‘yung may different perspectives,” Surla added, highlighting its significance.

The 2024 ChEXPO featured products from the fields of food technology, personal hygiene, healthcare, and energy, each addressing a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Aeta students to ‘dream big’

The Operations Research Society of the Philippines - UST Chapter (ORSP-UST) held the final phase of “ORACLE: OR Community Drive” at the Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. Building on May 11, 2024.

ORSP-UST Executive Vice President for External Affairs and Project Head Angela Louise Arias shared that the organization’s community development project has been ongoing for several academic years with partner school Villa Maria Integrated School (VMIS) in Porac, Pampanga.

She said the organization’s goal is to assess whether the students’ mathematical proficiency is aligned with their current grade level, as the Philippines has consistently ranked low in mathematics-based courses.

“Although this term, ang naging difference lang is we were motivated to make them dream big—to go to big schools,” Arias highlighted in this year’s project implementation.

ORSP-UST provided lessons and assessment tests, along with school supplies, to the Grade 10 Aeta students

of VMIS during the first and second phases of the project.

According to Arias, the organization donated scientific calculators and held a calculator workshop and a diagnostic test during the project’s first phase, while for the second phase, an online tutorial session was led by the ORSP-UST Academics Team.

The third and final phase of the project began with the opening remarks from Arias, followed by a campus tour highlighting the following places in the University: Chemical Engineering Laboratory 9 and Industrial Engineering Laboratory at the Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. Building, UST Plaza Mayor, Santísimo Rosario Parish Church, and the Arch of the Centuries.

Moreover, a post-test was given to the students to assess the improvement in their mathematical proficiency and competency after the series of lectures given in the preceding phases, which revealed an improvement in students’ scores compared to their pre-test performance.

She underscored how most of the Aeta students dream of becoming math teachers, engineers, or architects, adding that their dream careers being focused on mathematics gave the organization further reason to push through with the project.

“They really want to learn. Minsan lang talaga, they don’t have the resources to do so,” Arias said, adding that patience was key to teaching the students.

As the project concluded, a graduation ceremony and awarding of certificates were held to recognize the students’ efforts in the academic program.

“I think to contribute sa community development, it can be as simple as volunteerism kasi no one really starts big. You can always start at the very bottom and work your way up,” Arias shared when asked about how engineering students can contribute to community development.

ORSP-UST aims to make 100 high school students in the country mathematically proficient by 2025.

PHOTO | DOROTEO D. PRUDENCIANO II

WRITER | KIM V. DATOR

WRITER | ARYZZA ANTONETTE A. APEROCHO

Eng’g conferred 10 student recognitions in UST annual student awards

WRITER

|

JOSE MIGUEL C. BALLECER

The Faculty was recognized on Student Awards Day after having recipients in the Rector’s Academic Excellence Award, Pope John Paul II Outstanding Achievement Award, and St. Albertus Magnus Award on May 24, 2024.

Prior to the conferment of awards, UST Acting Rector, Rev. Fr. Isaias Tiongco, O.P., and keynote speaker and University Alumna Alice Eduardo congratulated the awardees for the effort they have poured throughout their journey.

“May your journey be as bright and as inspiring as you are,” Eduardo shared as she closed her talk. Following this, the Rector’s academic

The University and the UST Faculty Union recognized 26 faculty members from the Faculty of Engineering (FoE) for their years of service and outstanding achievements during the 2024 Dangal ng UST on May 9 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

This year’s Dangal ng UST recognized awardees for the Academic Year (A.Y.) 2018-2019 (21st), A.Y. 2019-2020 (22nd), and A.Y. 2020-2021 (23rd) with this year’s theme “Gurong Tomasino sa Pagbangon, Paglalakbay, at Pagsulong.”

Awardees for the 21st Dangal ng UST were Asst. Prof. George Y. Chao Jr. and Asst. Prof. Delfin R. Jacob, MSIE, PIE, for 20 years of service; Prof. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, PhD and Assoc. Prof. Peter S. Lim, MSCE, MBA, MABE, for 30 years of service; Asst. Prof. Rodelio A. Tiburcio, MCM, and Assoc. Prof. Jose Jesus P.

excellence was awarded to the graduating students with the highest GWA per academic unit.

Civil Engineering (CE) senior JF Nichols G. Cortez received the award for the Faculty after emerging at the top of the graduating class with an academic rating of 1.151.

“I would like my batchmates, particularly my blockmates, to know that this award is theirs as it is mine. I mean it in the most literal way when I say that this wouldn’t have been possible without our culture of collaboration,” Cortez shared.

Meanwhile, CE student Rasheed Alpad received the Pope John Paul II Outstanding Achievement Award in the individual category for

his achievement in the International Student Broadcasting Championship 2023.

Recipients in the same category were Justin Mark Agno (IE) and Legolas Peñaredondo (CE) for their performances in their respective sports in UAAP Season 86.

Six undergraduate theses were recipients of the St. Albertus Magnus award for research work, five of which were from the Industrial Engineering Department and one from the Chemical Engineering Department.

The student awards day marks the beginning of the University’s graduation season, honoring academic excellence, leadership, the arts, and sports.

26 Eng’g Faculty honored in ‘Dangal ng UST’

WRITER | MARC IVAN D. DILLA

Fajardo, MSCE, for 35 years of service; and Assoc. Prof. Maria Theresa L. Roque, PhD, and former FoE Dean Assoc. Prof. Josefin S. de Alban Jr., MA, Ll. B., for 40 years of service.

Asst. Prof. Beatriz A. Belmonte, PhD received the Gawad San Alberto Magno Award for outstanding research, while Prof. Michael Francis D. Benjamin, PhD received the Gawad San Lorenzo Ruiz Award for outstanding achievements for the non-service awards. Both faculty members are from the UST Chemical Engineering department.

The 22nd Dangal ng UST awardees were Asst. Prof. Jojo F. Blanza, PhD, and Asst. Prof. Carol M. Encarnado, MS, for 20 years of service; Asst. Prof. Remigio D. Rambongga, MME, Assoc. Prof. Patrick Ellis Z. Go, PhD, and Asst. Prof. Rogelio L. Vicente Jr., RMEE, MTech, for 25 years of service; Assoc. Prof. Joehanna K. Ngo, PhD, PIE, ASEAN Engr, for 30

years of service; and Assoc. Prof. Ricardo S. Balog, MEng, Assoc. Prof. Bernadette M. Duran, MEng, and Asst. Prof. Nelson M. Pasamonte, PME, MSME, ASEAN Engr, FPSME, for 40 years of service. Recognized in the 23rd Dangal ng UST were Asst. Prof. John Michael S. Abrera, MEng, MSc., for 20 years of service; Asst. Prof. Danilo Jr. C. Guinto, MS, and Asst. Prof. Beverly S. Sarausad, MS, for 25 years of service; Asst. Prof. Rogelio Jr. O. Almira, PME, MSMgtE, ASEAN Engr, Assoc. Prof. Joycelyn P. Poblete, MEng, PECE, and former FoE Dean Prof. Philipina A. Marcelo, PhD, for 30 years of service; and Asst. Prof. Angelo A. Morsiquillo, MEng, for 40 years of service.

Dangal ng UST is an annual awards cermony that recognizes faculty members for their loyalty to the University and accomplishments on the local and international stage.

UST-ESC’s TURU bridges educational gaps for indigenous learners

T hrough the initiative of the UST Engineering Student Council (UST-ESC), the third year of TURU: Tulong sa Kabataan, Edukasyon ay Makamtam Project commenced at Villa Maria Integrated School (VMIS) in Porac, Pampanga, on April 28 and May 5, 2024.

Volunteer tutors from various engineering organizations, including UST Engineering Pax Romana, UST One Voice Engineering Chorale, UST Cisco Networking Academy Gateway Engineering (CNAG), Electrical Engineering Circuit (EEC), and UST Operations Research Society of the

WRITER | NICOLE A. NADELA

Philippines (ORSP), have joined forces with ESC staff and advisers to collaboratively teach the students as part of the project, aiming to impart valuable knowledge and skills to the students of VMIS.

Moreover, ESC has called upon students from the Faculty to contribute by donating suitable books that can be utilized as essential learning materials for the students, with drop-off points set in front of the ESC office. More than fifty books were collected throughout the project.

“This experience, for me,

emphasized the disparity in education and opportunities for many children,” Josiah Jaisel Junio, one of the project heads, remarked, reflecting on the cause that inspired the success of this year’s TURU. Junio also highlighted the importance of initiatives like TURU in filling educational gaps for those who are underprivileged and unable.

TURU is an annual project of the UST-ESC dedicated to enhancing indigenous learners’ educational experiences and providing vital education assistance to support the advancement of quality education.

PAUTAKAN 2024

Eng’g at 13th win in Varsi’s Pautakan quiz tilt

The UST Faculty of Engineering (FoE) defended its Pautakan championship title, winning both individual and team categories at The Varsitarian’s 44th Pautakan held at the UST Medicine Auditorium on April 16.

James Abris, a second-year Chemical Engineering (ChE) stdent, finished strong during the Individual Elimination Round against 13 competing academic units of the University, securing the top spot in the Top 5, with a total score of 125 points, thus advancing to the Individual Final Round.

Afterward, Abris ruled the Individual Final Round with a final score of 100 points, grabbing the Championship title for the said category. On the other hand, Augustine John Abat of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) (90 points) and Vinci Julian Henson from the UST Faculty of Pharmacy (80 points) bagged second and third place, respectively.

“Sa lahat ng sinalihan kong competition, ito ang pinaka-sweetest, marami akong sinakripisyo at lahat ‘yon nagpay-off […] Also, sa mga ka-teammates ko, over time nagdevelop kami ng camaraderie, [and] of course, I learned how to lean on sa ibang tao, and magtiwala lang sa kanila,” Abris stated his feeling after being both winners for the individual and group category.

Moreover, the Faculty’s Team, led by their team captain, Mayumi Calpotura, a third-year ChE student, clinched the second spot during the Team Elimination Round with a score of 110 points, also making their way to the Team Final Round.

During the Team Final Round, the Faculty continued to reign in the quiz contest after winning a close battle against the team from FMS. Engineering garnered 145 points, while FMS got 140 points, and the UST Alfredo M. Velayo (AMV) College of Accountancy team scored 100 points, making them the first and second runners-up, respectively.

Representing the Faculty alongside Calpotura were Abris, Mark Francis Añasco (CE), Kevin Escalante (ChE), Kathryn Angel Cruz (ECE), Sophia Gabrielle Suarez (ECE), and Kurt Gohan Pumipic (ChE), with Engr. Rhovee Vistan, MSc., and Engr. Mark Lawrence Lupoy, MSc., ChE, and ECE faculty members, respectively, as their coaches.

“Sa new batch, [they’re] very dedicated, at sumusunod naman sila sa akin. Despite the challenges like online modality, na-absorb nila lahat, [and] I expect na malayo mararating ng

mga batang ito,” Engr. Vistan stated this as he described the new batch of the Faculty’s Pautakan representatives.

He also mentioned that this batch’s champions are as competitive as the FoE’s 2019 champions.

“Mas nakakakaba kapag nanonood kasi hindi ko kontrol ‘yung sagot tapos, unlike, noong kami pa ng mga ka-teammates ko, nag-eenjoy lang habang sumasagot […] Nakikita namin ‘yung sarili namin sa kanila na nagcocompete,” added Engr. Joseph Matthew Caballas, Pautakan 2019 Champion in the Individual and Team categories.

The quiz competition included questions categorized into UST history, history, general information and current events, humanities, science and technology, and mathematics. Among the 15 participating faculties, colleges, and institutions, the Faculty has the most championships, with 13 titles after winning the recent 44th Pautakan.

Pautakan, the country’s longest-running intercollegiate quiz bee, hosted by The Varsitarian, returned to its traditional in-person format after a five-year hiatus.

ME, CE alumni top engineering 2024 licensure exams

UST Batch 2023 alumni John Carlo N. Delos Santos (MUST Batch 2023 alumni John Carlo N. Delos Santos (ME) and Jonas Aldrin W. Abad (CE) placed fourth and fifth in their respective Engineering Licensure Examinations in the first quarter of 2024.

Delos Santos, the Faculty of Engineering (FoE) Rector’s Academic Award recipient (A.Y. 2022-2023), achieved a 91.85-percent rating in the February 2024 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Exam (MELE), granting him the fourth topnotcher spot. The University recorded an overall passing rate of 68.14-percent from its 77 out of 113 passers.

When asked what kept him going throughout his review period, Delos Santos answered that it was his “biggest why.”

He added that endurance and consistency in performing at his best were his daily challenges, while creating

WRITERS | ANDREA NICOLE I. LLANERA, & DOROTEO D. PRUDENCIANO II

PHOTO | JEFF RONALD C. CANLAS

WRITER | SZARINA JULIA D. SILVA

a clear, specific, and achievable vision and goal helped him stay on the right track despite obstacles encountered.

To put it simply, trust the process. You will never feel prepared to take the board examination; I didn’t feel prepared either. When I thought I would easily pass the most recent [p]re-board exam, I ended up receiving a failing grade. Recognize that every day is different when it comes to your ‘level of best,’ but ultimately, what counts is that you won’t have any regrets,” Delos Santos shared in an interview, offering his advice to future engineers.

Meanwhile, Abad was among the 33 passers of the April 2024 Civil Engineering Licensure Exam (CELE) with a 92.95-percent rating, earning him the fifth topnotcher spot, where the University recorded a 47.14-percent (33/70) passing rate.

In Abad’s Facebook post, he highlights how ‘[he] failed to graduate with honors, so [he] topped the board exam instead.’ In an interview with the publication, he noted that topping the board exam was his last chance to prove his excellence, motivating him to work harder, and how reaping the fruits of his labor validated all his hard work and sacrifices.

Initially planning to take the CELE in November 2023, Abad felt that his preparation was inadequate as the exam approached, given the decline in his physical health, as he often sacrificed sleep, proper meals, and exercise to catch up on his studies.

“I made the difficult decision not to take the exam and take the April 2024 board exam instead. This choice was not made lightly, as it meant that I would be out of sync with most of my batchmates,” Abad said, adding that there were times when he questioned his choice.

By not having a strict schedule during his review period, Abad used his extra time to build a stronger knowledge foundation and take better care of his health.

“[Y]ou do not need to graduate with Latin honors to become a topnotcher. An ordinary engineering student who finds difficulty in studying engineering and fails from time to time could achieve the same success,” said Abad when asked for a message to engineering students yet to take their respective licensure exams.

Four other licensure examinations were conducted in the first half of 2024, including the February 2024 Master Plumber Licensure Exam (MPLE), where the University was the second top-performing school after recording an 81.67-percent (49/60) passing rate.

Meanwhile, a passing rate of 45.31-percent (29/64) was achieved in the April 2024 Electronics Engineering Licensure Examination (ECELE), and a passing rate of 80.95-percent (17/21) for the April 2024 Electronics Technicians Licensure Examination (ECTLE).

As for the UST Electrical Engineering department, an 88-percent overall passing rate (22/25) was recorded in the April 2024 Registered Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination (REELE) while the May 2024 Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination (ChELE) recorded a 75.76-percent overall passing rate (25/33).

UST ChE department marks its nonagintennial legacy

WRITER | ANDREA NICOLE I. LLANERA

The UST Chemical Engineering (ChE) Department, together with the UST Chemical Engineering Alumni Association (USTChEAA) and the UST Chemical Engineering Society (ChES), inaugurated its 90th founding celebration on campus on February 17, 2024.

Alumni, faculty members, and students commenced the Nonagintennial celebration with a parade from the Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. Building, toward the San Martin de Porres Medicine Auditorium.

Each ChE section showcased train carts representing Leadership and Governance, Thomasian Identity, Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, Resource Management, Public Presence, Community Development, Student Welfare and Services, and Internationalization. These themes emphasize the objective of the university.

Moreover, a Eucharistic celebration was presided over by ChE Batch 1981 alumnus Fr. Francisco Hernandez, SDB, with Faculty Regent and Vice-Rector for Finance Rev. Fr. Roberto L. Luanzon, Jr., O.P., SThD, DL, and ChE Batch 1991 alumnus Fr. Dennis Jones Garcia, CJM.

Former UST Faculty of Engineering (FoE) Dean and USTChEAA Adviser Prof. Alberto A. Laurito outlined the Nonagintennial celebration, followed by a speech from UST Engineering Hall of Famer and UST ChE 1978 alumnus Engr. Ramon S. Abadilla.

USTChEAA President ASEAN Engr. Nathaniel R. Orillos granted the Nonagintennial Alumni Awards (NONAA) to outstanding alumni and featured performances by Golden Jubilarians (Batch 1974), the current Nonagintennial Batch, and selected ChE students.

The event resumed in the Engineering Conference Hall with the reopening of the 2009 diamond time capsule and prize-giving for the best train carts. The winners were 2ChE-C in first place, 1ChE-A in second place, and 1ChE-C in third place.

Fiesta games at the Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. Building Quadrangle were carried out to conclude the event.

PHOTOS | SEBASTIAN RAJ R. GAUCE

ENGR. JOHN CARLO N. DELOS SANTOS ENGR. JONAS ALDRIN W. ABAD

Eng’g honors 117th faculty week, nods celebration of dep’t weeks

T he UST Faculty of Engineering (FoE) marked its 117th founding anniversary with the celebration of Engineering Week 2024 last February 12 to 17, 2024, under the theme “117UMINATE,” followed by week-long celebrations for each of its six departments.

The celebration included seminars on AutoCAD and topics like love, a job fair from different fields of engineering, presentations of students’ and faculty members’ theses through a symposium, and an exhibit to commemorate Faculty patron Blessed Jordan of Saxony.

Furthermore, various events showcased the different talents and abilities of the engineering student body, such as a film festival, ball games, musical performances, and the Thomasian Engineer’s 43rd General Information Quiz Contest (GIQC).

The Faculty celebrated Thomasian Engineering Alumni with the Engineering Grand Alumni Homecoming (EngGAHling) 2024 and the Chemical Engineering (ChE) Department’s Nonagintennial: The 90th Year Celebration.

CE brings Y2K Nostalgia

The UST Civil Engineering (CE) Department, through the UST Association of Civil Engineering Students (UST-ACES), began its 117th-anniversary celebration from February 19 to 24, 2024, with Y2K/Euphoria-themed events ranging from athletic events to informative games.

Throughout the week, students from all year levels tested their general knowledge of current events, structures, and problem-solving. Meanwhile, fourth-year CE students opened week-long booths focusing on their section’s respective specializations in Civil Engineering.

PalaiCEpan, the hallmark event of ACES, began on the fourth day of CE Week, with fourth-year student Ronald Jerome B. Alvez securing the Overall PalaiCEpan Champion title. ACES also provided various food stalls for the student body, conducted an Open Lab guided by Engr. Rocel Pioquinto-Surla, MEng, and invited review centers for CE graduating students.

ECE nurtures robotics and technology

Following the CE Week, the UST Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department, along with the UST Network of Electronics Engineering Students (USTNECES), celebrated its 64th founding anniversary with “MagnifECEnce: The ECE Week 2024” from February 26 to March 2, 2024, inspired by a Hollywood/Las Vegas theme.

ECE Week allowed students to enhance their skills in robotics through a Sumobot Battle and deepen their knowledge of artificial intelligence, circuits, and the different tracks of ECE through workshops and seminars. Furthermore, NECES conducted PalaECEpan, a contest of wit and intelligence, divided into two rounds: a Preliminary Round, where they sorted the participants into groups, and a Final Round, where the top ECE students compete for their last chance at the champion title.

ChE marks 90th milestone

The UST ChE Department, with the UST Chemical Engineering Society (UST-ChES), kicked off the celebration of “ChE Week 2024: Forging the 90lden Era through Brilliance” from March 18 to 23, 2024, to commemorate its 90th founding anniversary.

Focusing on going green and sustainability, ChES nurtured the creativity and knowledge of ChE students through various activities such as a poster-making competition, vocal and dance performances, seminars

discussing industries, and a podcast for balancing different commitments.

ME cultivates career readiness

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) Week 2024, led by the UST Mechanical Engineering Club (UST-MEC), commemorated the ME Department’s 84th founding year from April 16 to 20, 2024, emphasizing the significance of career readiness.

ME Week conducted seminars on robotics and different career paths for mechanical engineering students to equip them with the necessary preparations. Other events included contests on AutoCAD, photography and filmmaking, and tournaments in basketball and volleyball.

Food booths also occupied Ruaño Drive with the ME Week Food Fair and ME merch such as shirts, lanyards, and stickers sold throughout the week.

EE blends development and culture

The UST Electrical Engineering Circuit (USTEEC) spearheaded the Electrical Engineering (EE) Department’s 78th founding year through EE Week 2024 from April 15 to 20 with the theme “SURGE: Exceeding Expectations, Advancing to Greater Heights.”

EE Week fostered students’ critical thinking through seminars on the fundamentals of research writing and financial management and encouraged self-expression through music.

The EE Department also integrated traditional Filipino games and showcased students’ talents and skills in singing, chess, e-sports, and knowledge in electrical engineering through a quiz show and tournaments.

The celebratory event concluded with the EE General Assembly awarding contest winners throughout the week.

IE promotes human integration

commemorate its 47th founding anniversary on April 15 to 19, 2024.

The week-long celebration encouraged students to consider the inclusion of humanization in integrating studies, design, and projects. The IEC also hosted events such as poster-making, a variety show, and a research colloquium showcasing nine research studies on Production Engineering and Quality Engineering and ten studies on Service Engineering.

Additionally, IE Week featured seminars on financial management, emergency preparedness, holistic well-being, and inclusivity and respect, culminating with a masquerade ball to recognize IE representatives and contest winners.

WRITERS | KATELEEN A. VICENTE & LANCE TRISTAN G. AQUINO

PHOTO | DAXIA JENNAYA L. RIGOR

Hopeful ideas, undisturbed realities

A country anchors itself highly on its leaders—ones who steer hope towards an imagined future for its countrymen. But when these leaders voyage only for themselves and leave everything behind, one can only expect the country to eventually hit rock bottom.

Two years into the Marcos Jr. administration, it has become quite easy to pinpoint what sets it apart from others: that, as long expected, the agenda remains to be the restoration of their public imagery rather than the shambles it once promised to fix. While many others seemed to have passed, one that is perhaps the most alarming is the recently released Memorandum Circular No. 52 on June 4, 2024—a mandate that the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge be recited in the weekly conduct of flag ceremonies within government agencies and educational institutions, attempting to cause a shift in the country’s view of its independence and the Marcos administration.

With countless more serious issues and disputes surrounding the country, these leaders choosing to steer the wrong wheel makes our final destination even more uncertain and questionable.

Started simply as campaign branding, Bagong Pilipinas stood at the forefront of Marcos Jr.’s supposed governance. Known to have mentioned his father in his speeches, the President’s branding resonates with Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s ideology of Bagong Lipunan, otherwise termed the New Society. Forcing himself to be a voice of hope for the millions of Filipinos who have supported him,

Bagong Pilipinas is guided by three ideas—Isip, Salita, and Gawa which, in the end, aim to encourage continuous nation-building. More than this, the memorandum mandates the use of the Bagong Pilipinas logo among all national government agencies in their letterheads; even train stations were not marked safe.

The hymn carries the new administration’s branding, “characterized by a principled, accountable and dependable government reinforced by unified institutions of society, whose common objective is to realize the goals and aspirations of every Filipino.” The released memorandum tackles the manner in which a country pursues its independence, and its validity is hinged mainly on Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which expounds on three main entities: the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols that represent the country’s traditions and ideals. While it is undeniable that it is ingrained in Filipino culture to highly value such ideologies, a thorough examination of the said branding elicits personal gain rather than establishing the so-called ideals. In Section 19 of RA 8491, it is stipulated that the government is allowed to impose new regulations on how the ceremony is performed. This seemingly oversimplified understanding of the law led to a mandate that, more than anything, does not mirror the reality of the country.

“Principled, accountable and dependable government,” as the Palace defines the Bagong Pilipinas branding of the administration, is far from millions of Filipinos’ reality. Good governance is founded on the concepts of transparency, accountability, and responsibility, all

of which the administration assures the people it embodies. For so long, the current president has made a number of statements, vowing that the country will flourish under his administration and even before assuming his position, Marcos Jr. has made promises to seat himself above his competition. One would be the infamous 20 pesos per kilo of rice, a promise he has repeated throughout his campaign but a promise left as it is will simply be a promise. Two years into the administration, the President has been tainted by broken promises, a feeble attempt at writing his legacy that would put a new face on the ill-reputed Marcos dynasty. The repetitive cycle of promises being broken has left the administration’s three guiding characteristics of principle, accountable, and dependable for a country that has yet to fix its own shambles as nothing but a self-serving stunt.

If principle has been a top priority for Marcos Jr., then it would have been true that the cabinet and the majority of the administration were not effortlessly appointed, which exudes nothing but nepotism, cryonism, and personal agendas. Even those with little to no background about the position have been granted the opportunity—such as Cesar Chaves—over actual intellectual and skilled public officials who could have brought forth valuable contributions to the Department of Transportation (DoT). To address the elephant in the room, it is only fair to say that a “principled” administration would not let Vice President Sara Duterte—a no familiares in the realm of education, let alone effective leadership—run the Department of Education (DepEd), which under her ruling only worsened the situation. If the administration really had the principle, then it would not have allowed or simply

urged Duterte’s stepping down, potentially saving millions of Filipino children who are hanging on the ripped, tight rope of Philippine education.

If the administration is really accountable, then it would not have been found focusing on anything but pressing matters, such as the circulating issues in the West Philippine Sea and the possible entrance of Chinese spies within the homeland. To mention a few, as of February 2024, the Philippines stands at a whopping 15.18 trillion pesos in debt, around 30 percent of which are external debts. Worse, the country, under the current administration, has recorded an average 5.8 percent and 6.0 percent customer price index in 2022 and 2023, respectively, way above the highest index of 5.2 percent recorded in the previous state of affairs. Although if things go a little too personal, accountability in this Bagong Pilipinas being fabricated is Marcos Jr. settling the longdiscussed riches stolen by his own family, or maybe making his own mother and the rest of his family accountable for all the killings and sufferings they have considered a legacy.

If the administration is dependable, then the fact that the country faces unending altercations with the Chinese government in matters concerning its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea would have been nothing but fake propaganda to threaten the masses. With the latest escalated actions of the Chinese coast guards in June, a number of Filipinos were left injured and unsafe, which has been happening for years. Or perhaps it really meant being dependable to other nationals, alleged criminals, and even spies, akin to how the infamous Bamban Mayor Alice Guo issue continues to plague the nation after her name rose to the center of events after a POGO raid in her town occurred, where she is suspected to have ties, which eventually led to a question of her nationality. Though comedic to a degree, the

issue that anchors itself heavily on Guo goes beyond these trending one-liners; it is realizing that the possible entrance of Chinese entities has gone so deep into the system that it is only a matter of time before, whether the nation likes it or not, it forcibly bows to its aggressors.

Surely, it is no harm that a country hopes for its best state, its own ideal—especially since it has been a collective Filipino dream that a good leader alongside his administration would steer the wheel towards that path. But so far, dreams are simply dreams without the realization of their leaders, who find themselves in the middle of divisive ground, with the two highest positions of government in constant disagreement. What can be seen as the unification of two of the most prominent political dynasties early in the campaign period up until the inception of the current administration, the Marcos-Duterte was nothing short of a powerhouse despite its stained histories. However, the self-serving partnership has slowly reached its end and now, the unity that has seated the dictator’s son in the highest position of leadership is slowly being realized in shambles. After all, the famed Marcoses never boded well with unity after years of his father’s divisive leadership. For a leader to steer his country towards its best state, it must first find itself within a grounded reality, far from what the Marcos administration is now in.

If Bagong Pilipinas is what the administration strives for, then it must be certain that it leads to a never-been-reached destination whose ideals align with its reality. Otherwise, this wishful thinking would be nothing but an imagined ideal that serves the interests of those who lead the voyage and bring the country closer—not to the heights it has imagined for itself but to rock bottom while pushing us further down for their own gain—and give them the power to define these ideals based on their own, undisturbed realities.

THOMASIAN ENGINEER

Eunice E. Abayon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Justine Keith R. Moises ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jose Miguel C. Ballecer MANAGING EDITOR

Reinehard T. Aytona PUBLISHING EDITOR

Szarina Julia D. Silva NEWS EDITOR

Doroteo D. Prudenciano III ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

Hannah Andrea P. Romerosa LITERARY EDITOR

Mary Angela P. Aquino FEATURES EDITOR

Patricia Nikole A. Valdecañas TECHNICAL EDITOR

Zein Ady Kristianna P. Advincula SPORTS EDITOR

Ray Baltazar O. Alunen HEAD PHOTOJOURNALIST

Daxia Jennaya Bianca L. Rigor ASSOCIATE HEAD PHOTOJOURNALIST

Cris Jefferson M. Juan ART DIRECTOR

Zhanieah Ramiro LAYOUT DIRECTOR

Jamie Franchesca Q. Lopez GIQC HEAD

Yitzhak Osei G. Bumanlag ASSOCIATE GIQC HEAD

NEWS | MARC IVAN D. DILLA, ARYZZA ANTONETTE APEROCHO, NICOLE A. NADELA, KIM V. DATOR, MARK RAFAEL SANTOS, ANDREA NICOLE I. LLANERA AARON CHASTINE V. VILLAJIN, KATELEEN A. VICENTE, JUSTINE C. URBAN, LANCE TRISTAN G. AQUINO FEATURES | MARI BERNADETTE R. REGALADO, MANUEL EUGENIO A. ALLAM, LANCE KASEL C. LASAM LITERARY | MAYCHIE L. ORTEGA, EIYZEN KLEIN L. CAYABYAB, AINSLEY JUDD D. TUMBAGA, LARIE ANDRE M. LANSANGAN, ENZO P. QUIAMBAO, JONAH MARI TYREL CRUZ, ALECKS JIANNA RAVAL SPORTS | AXEL ADAME, JUAN CARLOS MIGUEL FERNANDEZ PHOTOJOURNALISM | RONIELLE ANGELA T. REY, ATHEA ERELLE E. CAGAS, JEFF RONALD C. CANLAS, SEBASTIAN RAJ R. GAUCE, JONEL R. UMBAL, KHAREL JOY D. SIAPOC, ENZO RAPHAEL O. RARUGAL, LIANNE NICOLE D. ESTAVILLO, IRAH HYALIN M. RACPAN, ALEX MIGUEL T. TACDERAS ART | DANNELLA FAITH D. FERRER, GIAN WAYNE P. AVELINO, KHIANNA FLOR M. LAO, WALDY HANS DE CASTRO LAYOUT | ARGUS NATHAN C. ATENDIDO, LUKE JOHN BENJIE T. RENDON, MARGARETH D. PENDON, MICAH A. POLINTAN, NEIL KRISTOFFER J. GANADEN

Engr. Ma. Madecheen S. Pangaliman, MSc ADVISER

Exclusives

Play through a rigged game

The sports field presents athletes of different backgrounds who rose to the top with their unriddled abilities, talent, and indomitable spirit in playing the game. It shows that as long as you are good at what you do in this field, the consequential success will be yours for the taking, and more opportunities will fly right to you. A foolproof storyline that is one for the books, but we fail to consider that one thing that could change it all: double standards.

Significant strides have been made in the sports industry, with women now excelling in various sports and the officials’ active attempts to foster a more inclusive environment. The rampant acknowledgment and presence of women in maledominated sports indicate clear signs of progression. Yet, the persistence of stereotypes and biases towards certain groups and backgrounds remains a challenge, often overshadowing the talent of these individuals.

This prejudice often results in a lack of opportunities for one gender or sports event over the other. In the case of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), only certain games are being shown on television or live-streamed, specifically men’s basketball and women’s volleyball, but over the recent seasons of the UAAP, the counterparts of each sport are now being broadcast as well. Still, only a handful of the association’s sports are being highlighted or televised, such as badminton, softball, table tennis, and baseball.

Ingrained within the country’s culture, basketball and volleyball remain the Filipinos’ favored sports as they garner the attention of the masses through both the real and digital worlds. Through a wider audience, it increases their marketability, which leads to more private company sponsorships. In a December 2023 Manila Bulletin article, “Filipinos as default basketball and volleyball fans: 2023 crowd record,” the two sports do not go without an audience of fans flocking to see the competitions from both collegiate and professional levels.

Professional leagues are not exceptions to this culture of favor itism. A good example is the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), where men dominate both leagues. Although the NBA has shown progress in incorporating women’s basketball into its tournaments, it still has a lot of room for improvement. Such is also the case with the PBA, which added 3x3 women’s basketball to its roster only recently.

Similar to the NBA setup, Formula One also opens up opportu nities for female racers through the Formula One Academy, a racing series that breaks down barriers and promotes inclusivity for female racers in the world of motorsports. Though the competition has a longstanding history of cases where female drivers excelled in motorsports, they were not given enough

support and resources to continue participating. Ironic as it seems, these stereotypes have no basis for motorsports, as an event, does not heavily rely on the physical capabilities or constitution of a person, which leads to a decline in participation.

In the grand scheme of things, international sports leagues such as the NBA and the International Tennis Federation give enough recognition and spotlight to women who play the sport. However, there is still that unnecessary label involving gender when it comes to their achievements, with people fixating on these stereotypes, ultimately undermining their efforts as athletes. Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, shows her disbelief as to why there is always such unnecessary categorization—the specificity of being labeled as a woman who plays the sport instead of being someone who just plays the sport. Truth be told, it is hard for anybody to find a place in our modern society where every action and movement will be judged.

Besides the side of televised sports, the limelight of female athletes has often been disregarded in general, especially in the Philippines, where there are many scrutinizing remarks about sports being a career, especially for women who take it as a career. Take Hidilyn Diaz as an example. She shocked the entire country with her feat of bringing home the first Olympic gold medal. She was not given enough financial support and was even wrongfully accused of being an enemy by the government in 2019. After achieving her feat, she received recognition from different companies and groups commending and rewarding her for her efforts. She was only given proper attention after winning, as if internationally representing the Philippines in weightlifting was not enough reason to support her in the first place.

In truth, being in this industry is a rough path.

Only in your achievements will you be recognized, and not through the amount of blood, sweat, and tears you’ve sacrificed.

Diaz is just the tip of the iceberg, with others such as Margielyn Didal, Nesthy Petecio, Bianca Bustamante, Janelle Mae Frayna, and Agatha Wong creating ‘Herstory’ in their respective sports in the international scenes alongside the Filipinas and RP Blu Girls that shattered boundaries for current and aspiring athletes. These women have proven that gender should not be a barrier in sports, and their achievements should be celebrated and recognized.

Even the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics prove that gender does not define your capabilities as an athlete. With Carlos Yulo acquiring two gold medals and Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas bagging two bronze medals, making up the country’s best run in the Olympics thus far, it goes to show that we should close doors on this conventional and conservative perception of gender-exclusive sports.

Regardless of their origin, orientation, and gender, these do not define the capabilities and potential of any athlete. Playing sports holds no grounds for judgment, especially inside the playing field, where the only goal of these individuals is to play and endure the challenges they face.

WRITER | YITZHAK OSEI G. BUMANLAG

Let them eat ... cake ?

With the wave of social media trends, it is inevitable for netizens to hop on in exchange for likes and attention, but when trends are done merely for the sake of glitz, a simple click of a button could launch repercussions beyond reality’s control.

This was the case for Haylee Baylee, a model and influencer who was one of the lucky attendees of the world’s most prestigious and glamorous event—the Met Gala. Originally, actors, actresses, models, celebrities, and anyone relevant to contemporary society was invited to the event, but with the growing impact of social media, influencers and content creators have come to be invited to the star-studded ball.

Baylee donned this year’s Met Gala with a dress closely resembling Rococo fashion, to which Marie Antoinette’s fashion, the last Queen of France prior to the French Revolution, belonged. In true influencer fashion, Baylee took the opportunity to create a TikTok video of her Met Gala gown in the streets of New York. Said video had her proudly showing off her Marc Bouwer ensemble with the audio “Let them eat cake” from Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film adaptation of Marie Antoinette. The audio’s origin is a phrase claimed to have been said by Antoinette when she was informed of the famine brought on by severe winter and widespread starvation, where the people no longer had bread to eat. It is a phrase symbolizing Antoinette’s disconnection from reality and her belief that the issue of starvation was not real.

Baylee’s use of the audio granted her backlash from all social media platforms because of her insensitivity in lieu of its origin and despite the ongoing war in Gaza, causing her to lose thousands of followers. She then released an apology video, sharing that she was not invited to the event and was a mere pre-event interviewer. From that moment forward, Baylee’s influencer career was in need of resuscitation. As a public figure, her online reputation has carried on to her reality.

With a multitude of trends appearing, anyone can easily join in less than a minute, possibly granting a number of views and likes. When asked why, their answer would most likely be to simply “join the trend.” The role of online identity in our real identity has significantly increased due to the growth of the social media landscape, most especially in the Philippines—the social media capital of the world.

Rather than providing an escape from the real world, the virtual space has become an extension of our reality. Every post, like, and follower count has become a checklist for selfvalidation.

While creating an identity or persona online can be a way to boost one’s confidence, it can easily turn into a surface-level facade anchored on pathological peoplepleasing.

“

Cliche as it sounds, thinking before clicking is a rule everyone should remember whenever posting.

One’s digital footprint can never be erased and is easily accessible to anyone online—a footprint so immortal that it can follow you beyond the screen.

From this, we can only wonder how much of our reality has merged with the virtual world or perhaps the virtual world has molded our reality.

The evident obsession with creating a specific ‘branding’ or persona online is heavily rooted in the consumption of influencer content. Gone were the days when Instagram was solely used to share snaps from our day, as it has now become a platform for brand partnerships, idealistic lifestyles, and aesthetic ‘effortless’ posts. Of which, let us be honest, are far from the real picture of our daily lives. The curated life portrayed by these influencers— posts that require heavy production efforts, too much for a one-man team—has become a blueprint for an average individual’s reality.

Continuous advancements in technology merit the role of social media—a virtual space to grow and merge seamlessly with reality itself. These worlds have interconnected with each other, molding our reality according to the terms of our virtual reality. Undoubtedly, the connection between the two cannot be destroyed, as society now relies heavily on social media. The challenge we are left with is to draw the line between the two and not lose ourselves in the process.

WRITER | SZARINA JULIA D. SILVA

Firing on allcylinders

WRITER | MARK RAFAEL SANTOS

Whenperennial fascism, atrocities, and things that continuously impede societal growth take root and refuse to leave, it is the people’s obligation to speak up, uphold beliefs, and push back for their communities—always, in all ways.

A 2024 study from Digital 2024, proves the Philippines to be dominant in digital spaces, ranking 4th globally in terms of spending time in social media, amassing an average of three hours and thirty-four minutes of social media use among its users, even with an internet speed lagging far behind the global median speed. However, views regarding the use of these platforms, particularly when participating in social movements, recently began to be viewed negatively, mongering apathy through the branding of anyone who aims to maximize the reach of their dissent and discuss pressing issues online as people who live in an ‘echo chamber’.

Standing as one of the most prominent avenues for commu nication through words and different media, the use of social media has established itself as one of the most common reasons people surf the net. For instance, Greta Thunberg’s #FridaysForFuture movement, Laverne Cox’s advocacy for transgender rights, Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice, and even local journalist Maria Ressa’s fight for press freedom all championed their urgent and pivotal messages online to create waves of information about relevant issues around the globe. Their voices reached great heights, for they not only took it to the streets but also aired it online, where undeniably a vast mass of people from all sectors are reached—refuting the idea of social media as an echo chamber for its mere existence does not dampen important messages but instead allows it to travel to various places with just multiple clicks.

The accessibility paved by social media for social participa tion earned the brand of ‘slacktivism’, a term that refers to the perceived low-effort, low-impact online activism. This concept has been debated over the years about whether it strengthens or weakens offline political participation. Online pessimists hypothesized that the simple nature of internet use replaced people’s inclination to participate in on-the-ground movements due to the rise of online engagements, like sharing and signing petitions, being seen by these people as sufficient to emanate change. However, most global studies have shown that,, although weak, there is a positive relationship between online activities that are trivialized as mere slacktivism and offline political engagements, debunking the idea that a substantial number

of people view online engagements as a be-all-end-all means to help. Still, it is yet another outlet that can be maximized to further causes in areas that can easily reach more people, keeping in mind the benefit it has to grassroot activists who organize people on a much larger scale.

Like any other platform that involves dissent, social media is no exception to the damaging setbacks caused by the people on it. The exchange of information online can give rise to disagreements and malicious personal attacks on each other, but so can other platforms that involve people: strikes, street protests, and other forms of demonstrations. All of which have problems associated with people’s personal feelings entangled with them. Singling out online participation with these dividing brands, such as slacktivism, is counterproductive. It reduces the impact of the messages spread online and exposes the activists, who aim to widen their reach through social media, to more attacks from people who are on the hunt to accuse anyone who asserts their political views online— activists, we know nothing of the movements they take away from their screens. For what reason will this divide cause when irresponsible social media usage is a discussion apart from social media activism? Wouldn’t this divide be an opportunity for the oppressors to advance their plans? It is important to recognize these challenges, and work towards responsible and effective use of social media for activism as social media activism is not an entity to be feared because it does not limit people to its vastness but instead must be celebrated, for it allows political conversations to traverse larger spaces.

Locally, President Marcos Jr. maintained a wide gap among other presidential candidates in the 2022 elections amidst the controversies he faced with his educational and family background. The decades-long machinery established to create an attractive image for him certainly worked, and along with this is staggering data that no one can deny. Although not limited to social media, his online propaganda works are glaringly evident to be ignored; accounts personifying real humans on Facebook and Twitter constantly share posts and reply to other people with their support for Marcos with disregard for truth and accuracy. With this, it can be deduced that simple clicks online should not be diminished to mere slacktivism, for social media, just like any platform, must be seen for its potential to bring forth change and counter historical distortion to adapt to the continuously evolving political landscape.

Social media likes, reposts, and replies definitely won’t feed the poor, cure the sick, and free the oppressed, but so do street protests, mass boycotts, and union strikes on their own.

Activism is a multi-faceted campaign that aspires to change through persistent efforts made by people for the people, and learning how to tackle the multitude of spaces available for catalyzing significant changes is just as important in reaching these goals. “

The Mad Science of Philippine Politics

The major players of the current Philippine government have an array of experiences with distorting beliefs and history; they are not beyond manipulating science.

A viral video, which later became a meme, emerged in October 2019 showing an annoyed Senator Cynthia Villar spewing the now-popular line “Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin niyo ba yung research?” It speaks a lot about the Philippine political climate when the Senate Agriculture Committee Chair questions the necessity of the proposed P150 million research budget for the National Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture.

As responsible citizens, we must ponder, “Does science have a place in Philippine Politics?” The short answer is yes, as almost all current political decisions are backed by scientific assertions to affirm the project’s feasibility and importance.

However, like our government, the complete truth behind using and presenting these “sciences” is filled with deception and negligence.

As reported by a March 2022 GMA News article, “San Miguel reaffirms commitment to build P95-B Pasig River Expressway (PAREX),” San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon Ang assures the public that the project will employ sufficient sustainable and green architecture principles to mitigate environmental impacts. Ang even emphasized that the P2-billion budget for removing three million metric tons of solid waste will aid in reviving the Pasig River.

A blatant example of suppressing science is how the key propo nents of the PAREX project failed to mention and fully address its damaging effects on the river’s ecosystem despite SMC already sealing a contract with government agencies. In an October 2021 Inquirer article, “Scientists join opposition against River Expressway project,” the national science organization, Agham, stated that the expressway would prevent sunlight from reaching the waters, causing harmful effects on the river’s food chain. Indeed, science does not play sides. Yet, the powerful side has played with science, almost always to their benefit. This resembles SMC’s justification and claim that the Pasig River is already “biologically dead.” Agham retaliated with their statement, “Calling a certain body of water ‘dead’ does not warrant big corporations’ interest in building more infrastructure to satisfy their bottomless profit thirst.”

On another transportation-related issue, one of the main selling points of the highly-criticized PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) is its climate-friendly transportation

alternative. The Department of Transportation states that according to the Jeepney Market Transformation Programme Study by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the new Jeepney units will significantly reduce the annual carbon dioxide and particulate matter emissions.

However, science is and should continue to be a holistic field that considers all factors. The government can learn much from this principle of inclusivity because the data on the environment-friendliness of the new Jeepney units to be rolled out with the PUV Modernization program may be sound and truthful. Still, it fails to reflect the dreadful financial burden the jeepney drivers, most already below the poverty line, will be forced to carry. Reflecting on these consequences, the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) considers PUVMP not just an environmental, transportation, or cultural issue but, more so, a threat to human rights. A solution by science is one in which no one is left behind; no one is sacrificed.

As for environmental actions, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has advocated for the restoration and expansion of mangroves in the Philippines. The department lists numerous science-backed benefits of these plants in protecting coastal areas, aiding food security, alleviating poverty, and preserving biodiversity. Thus, numerous mangrove planting initiatives by various DENR groups have been seen nationwide.

Simply acknowledging the solutions of science to a problem is one thing; applying these solutions is another. The DENR seems to have struggled with the latter. Truly, science is a tool, but tools can be misused. In the November 2022 Philstar article, “Planting wrong mangroves species a risky waste of time, group says,” and the June 2023 Inquirer article, “DENR planted ‘wrong’ mangroves species, say advocates,” conservation organizations repeatedly called out the DENR because of the carelessness and public-stunt nature of their initiatives. Mangrove Matters PH urged DENR to implement science-based protocols and monitoring in their mangrove planting.

The common denominator with these three scenarios that limit the potential of science to help national growth is, to no surprise, the interference of personal interests. SMC, DOT, DENR, and several other powerful authorities only see science as a means to an end—using science to justify attempts at satiating their bottomless greed.

These entities have proven that when science is suppressed, distorted, and ignored in the creation and implementation of political policies, then the Filipino people are not only plagued with misinformation and fake news but also by hard facts. When governed by lies and manipulated science, how exactly can the Philippines and its community expect to win against such unfavorable odds? Simply, with harder facts.

The scientific groups Agham and Mangroves Matter PH and the CHR have explicitly shown that the best way to ensure the purity of science in politics is through vigilance, aggressive illumination, and the spreading of deeper, more inclusive, and methodically correct facts

Tandaan, sa kamay ng sinungaling at mapanlinlang, sayang ang siyensiya.

WRITER | JF NICHOLS CORTEZ

The warm embrace of kindness

WRITER | PATRICIA NIKOLE A. VALDECAÑAS

“Be the reason someone believes there are still good people out there.”

Simple acts such as saying “good morning” to people we encounter, saying “thank you” to service crews, helping a struggling friend, or even listening to someone’s stories of hardships can bring the brightest smiles to people’s faces. These actions don’t require much effort, yet individuals often forget to do them or even give them importance in their daily lives. It seems that kindness is no longer valued as a trait in today’s world.

However, being nice doesn’t necessarily equate to being kind. Niceness is typically associated with polite words and a pleasant demeanor, while kindness entails a generous and supportive attitude. It’s possible for someone to project niceness without truly embodying kindness.

Niceness requires minimum effort, but kindness means going above and beyond to make a significant impact without expecting anything in return. Consider a bullying situation, for instance. A nice person may not want to get involved and instead opt to show niceness to the bullied individual privately. However, a kind person would make an effort to stand up for the victim and end the bullying as much as possible.

Why does the world seem to be losing its kindness?

Today, it’s striking to see how individuals are increasingly preoccupied with their ambitions and self-preservation, often under the guise of helping others. The fast pace of life has left little room for genuine, attentive listening and empathy towards those around us.

Additionally, people have become more hesitant to show kindness as a form of protection, fearing being taken advantage of.

The Joy in Kindness

They say kindness is universal; it spreads from person to person, potentially lighting up the world. Everyone is fighting a battle that only they know of, and in this suffocating world, a simple act of kindness may just be what they need to feel alive again. No matter how challenging life may be, there are people who possess the ability to absorb the kindness

of others and transform it into something beautiful.

The warmth of kindness can spread like sunshine, bringing hope and comfort to those facing their own difficulties. Even small acts of kindness can have a heartfelt impact on those who receive them. Just as the sun brightens the day, these gestures can uplift and inspire countless individuals, giving them a sense of importance in today’s world.

Practicing self-kindness involves taking the time to acknowledge your thoughts and struggles without being overly critical of yourself. It means forgiving your imperfections and understanding that you deserve kindness and compassion. It also involves embracing yourself for who you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses, and treating yourself with the same care and understanding you would offer a friend.

Like everyone else, it just so happens that we are facing each day for the very first time. Being kind to yourself means accepting that committing mistakes is a natural part of life and doesn’t diminish your value as a person—a commonality that connects you to people rather than isolates you from them.

Witnessing individuals who genuinely exemplify kindness is like a refreshing breeze in this challenging world, inspiring others to embrace empathy and uplifting the hearts of all.

Kindness is like a soft, knitted blanket woven with threads of empathy and compassion, enveloping you in its comforting embrace at the end of an exhausting day. Inside its cozy warmth, you find solace and hope, easing the burden on your tired heart as you wish for brighter days ahead.

Every day, life offers many opportunities to be kind, and it’s up to you to seize them. Instead of seeing kindness only as an action, consider it a quality a person can develop. Life can be pretty challenging at times, but it becomes much more manageable when we approach it with kindness and compassion. Let kindness be the light you eagerly seek in a world filled with darkness and negativity.

How are you going to spread kindness today?

Dear Ruaño: An open letter to the people I met in college

I found solace inside the comfort of my room for two years, posting, tweeting, watching TikTok videos, Instagram reels, and a whole variety of entertainment in hopes of keeping my sanity intact. During those years, I was compelled to shut myself out from the outside world; I was only allowed to keep the virtual one. I spent seemingly endless nights with my online friends, playing all kinds of video games we could scour online. There was comfort in hearing online strangers-turned-friends laugh on this ragged headphone I had worn for the last few years.

Just as I was about to turn my laptop off, a notification popped up on the corner of my screen: face-to-face classes are now mandatory as instituted by the Commission on Higher Education. At first, I was thrilled; then, as usual, I spiraled down into thinking about how I could possibly socialize in this vast university, worried that they may have all found their clique already; thus, I got scared. I no longer wanted to go to school, and it felt like I was transported back to when I was in kindergarten, afraid to step into the unknown.

Little did I know, everyone felt the same way I did. We were all just a bunch of kids, terrified to delve into what was unfamiliar to us, defenseless to the change that was bound to happen. As the onsite classes became more frequent, I began to tear my walls down. I ate lunch with my blockmates, shared stories on how I braved the online recitations during our major courses, and relived the funny moments we shared inside the four corners of our Zoom meetings.

Finally, I allowed myself to be vulnerable. It was not an easy feat. Dare I say that it was one of the most difficult moments to endure in college—to allow yourself to be raw and dauntless. In my experience, I only met “my” people once I put down the mask that concealed all my deepest anxieties about fitting into this new environment. The people who gave me the courage to face the vexing courses that I was tormented to attend, those who were alongside me as I rode the tides of the crashing waves and scorching heat of Ruaño.

Simply put, all the people I have met and am yet to meet at this university have impacted the trajectory of my life at some point. Whether they were the ones I had encountered strife with or especially those that made engineering bearable even for a short period of time, with the moments I studied here, I can confidently say that entering Ruaño was the easy

WRITER | MARI BERNADETTE R. REGALADO

part. The hard part is to stay. To stay despite the nagging voices in my head telling me that I am not good enough to be a Thomasian engineer. To stay in spite of all the failed exams I got, even when I had stayed up all night revising my notes and practicing numerous problem sets. To stay, despite and in spite.

So, to the people I had the pleasure of meeting at the Faculty of Engineering, this letter is for you. You made this journey worthwhile. I can still vividly remember how we talked about everything and nothing. When I was doubting my capabilities, you were beside me. While I was contemplating whether I was on the right track, you were there. Your presence made everything worthwhile. Suddenly, receiving low scores wasn’t so bad with your witty jokes and corny punchlines. The long-vacant hours weren’t so boring after all, as we went on a mission to find the best hangout spot, mouthwatering foods, or even solve the equation we could not solve on our own.

The nights I spent crying eventually turned into nights I would spend studying in the coffee shops around a spectacular group of people—each with their own unique gifts. All my worries go out as I jam into our quickwitted, friendly banter. We all struggled in our own way, yet spending those moments together scratched a familiar itch in my being that healed me in some peculiar way. You were the silver lining in all the negativity that I had encountered. I was lucky to meet you. Indeed, college wasn’t so bad after all.

College friendships may seem rare, but I assure you, they are not. I’ll let you in on a little secret. For once, let go of the desire to be loved by everyone because, to be honest, we are not everyone’s cup of tea. Instead, be raw and genuine with yourself; then, you’ll meet your own people. Sooner or later, the strings of fate will work their magic if you trust the process. Remember, we are not meant to be alone; that is the beauty of life that we can experience through friendship.

As Taylor Swift once said, “I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.” So long live, my dearest friends. If fate intervenes and we go on our separate journeys, I plead with you to at least keep our memories in the back of your mind. So that when our paths cross again, we’ll have our beautiful college memories to relive. You will always have the summer sunshine and the running-under-the-rain memories of mine here in Ruaño. Moments are frozen in time, yet the nostalgia is something I will always be happy to revisit.

The art of academic comeback

WRITER | MANUEL EUGENIO A. ALLAM

“Every passing hour brings the Solar System forty-three thousand miles closer to Globular Cluster M13 in Hercule—and yet, there are some misfits who insist that there is no such thing as progress.” - Kurt Vonnegut, The Sirens of Titan

Horribly failing an exam may be the best and worst thing that could happen to a student. The reason why it’s the worst is pretty self-explanatory. No one in their right mind would wish to fail and then purposely do so. But then, no one in their right mind would also unintentionally fail an exam and say, “This is the best thing that ever happened to me.” Yet, in some ways, whether we like it or not, it should be. It is a cruel form of motivation, giving one a do-or-die, now-or-never sense of determination. Like a bird constantly falling and struggling to fly, it is a necessary step, an event willed by fate, something almost inevitable without which it would never learn to soar into the sky.

So when all is said and done, no other form of such blissful joy carries a student into a higher state of euphoria and ecstasy. The friendly face of a passing or high score is enough to relieve a student’s burden, even for the briefest moments. Moments that remind one that they can achieve anything if they really set their mind to it—even if the task feels daunting or the likelihood of success feels low—just when it seems all hope is lost, they are redirected back to the path where they were once on, where they wanted to be. Against all odds, they finally escaped the fringes of failure. This is what many call an academic comeback.

Such feats of academic comebacks being condensed in the phrase “when all is said and done” is quite foolish, don’t you think? What was said and done was a lot of hard work and a few hours of sleep. It was the time spent in front of a screen or textbook, tethered by headphones and caffeine. In the realm of engineering, it is also the piles of yellow pads riddled with numbers and practice problems front and back, the line-up of YouTube tabs bearing the likes of Organic Chemistry Tutor or enginerdmath, or the stacks of empty index cards bound to be filled with formulas that define the laws of physics and nature itself.

Yet, this is only the exams—a mere 15% to 20% in the grand scheme of things. Failing one exam might be heartbreaking, but failing an entire course is another. In many programs, including the lovely confines of the UST Faculty of Engineering, one would be forced to retake the failed course, delaying them by a few months or years before they could get back on track. Academic comebacks, like most things, are not linear. It cannot always be achieved within the span of a semester for something as challenging as engineering.

Whether one fails an exam or a course, the effect it leaves is something we refuse to experience again at all costs. As we leave the classroom after a grueling exam, some of us find ourselves gazing into the distance, trying to process what has just transpired. Perhaps we approach that circle of fellow warriors gathered outside and rant about the difficulty of the questions, discuss the correctness of our answers, or both, one after the other. We head home defeated, arriving at a resolution, promising to do better the next time around.

We all strive to avoid failure, but none of us are completely immune to it. We are still prone to mistakes. But we are also equally capable of learning from it and doing better. Humanity’s survival had long depended on it, for the discovery of ignorance led to the pursuit of knowledge. It’s like that old saying, “To err is

human, to make an academic comeback divine,” or something along those lines.

Besides, one can always learn more from failure than success. Does that mean the greater the failure, the greater the chances of success? In a way, it is, but at the same time, it ought to be viewed as an inspirational statement and not as advice. Do not intentionally fail numerous times to achieve greater success. That’s not how learning works. What’s the point of trying and trying until you succeed if you never even tried in the first place?

Luckily, the world is in no short supply of examples of people who tried and tried—those struggling students who managed to achieve academic comebacks. In the country, a civil engineering student who failed his midterms and frequently got the magical tres eventually emerged as a board topnotcher. Similarly, a mining engineer managed to rank ninth on the licensure exam despite having nine failing grades and spending nine years in college as well. There’s also a Cebuano electrical engineer who faced discouragement and setbacks yet ranked third on the boards. Not to mention the everyday stories of our fellow classmates who managed to pass their exams after notoriously failing an unhealthy number of times.

One of the brightest moments of joy is following a great deal of pain or exhaustion: that sudden release of weight on your shoulders, the untying of that knot in your chest, and the promise that everything can and will be alright again. After so much suffering, we finally worked our way to happiness. We worked our way to an academic comeback. Something was repeatedly proven and encouraged to the point that it finally deserved its own term, collectively allowing students the distinction and honor of achieving such an academic and universal phenomenon, no matter how small or large.

There may be students who never got a chance to see a failing grade, but that’s probably because they had worked hard for it most, if not in their entire lives. They could also be inherently intelligent, something they and we have no control over. What we do have control over is the grit and will to not just be like them but, more importantly, to be a better version of ourselves. If there’s also one thing we know, it’s that intelligence can be learned. Our brains can be stimulated if we want them to (or if they want them to). Everyone learns differently, so it’s okay to learn in a way that works best for you. Don’t be discouraged by skeptics—if they can do it, so can you. We’re all just humans.

So when all is said and done, just when it seems all hope is lost, you are redirected back to the path to where you were once and where you are destined to be. Against all odds, you managed to turn your grades, or even your life, around. You escaped the fringes of another failure, scathed but no longer reckless. You can do it too. You can do it again.

This is the art of the academic comeback.

Unknowingly

WRITER | JOSE MIGUEL C. BALLECER

Within its bustling streets and noisy roads, others would say it’d be impossible to find a home, but I found the home I’ve been longing for—a peace that only Manila could bring out. For so long, I’ve searched for one; who knew that after almost feeling displaced my entire life, I’d find that home in you?

You saw a side of me no one else has. You gave me a chance to be myself—a chance to freely show the world what I was capable of with no judgment. Thanks to you, I was given the chance to bring color into my life. The dull self I had at the beginning of my journey slowly shed itself as I began to find solace in you. You broke the shackles that once set me back, the chains I once allowed to control me. As I had set anew, you allowed me to spread my wings and be true to myself, which I never knew was possible. I saw a side of me that barely appeared before—one that smiled more, one that felt their emotions even more. You allowed me to be comfortable with who I really was and what I was truly meant for. For having seen a side I have shown only to you, I am forever thankful, Manila.

Albeit only finding your beauty lately, you have provided me with a set of friends I’ve come to call family. The set of people who’ve been there with me through it all—the set of people I didn’t even know I was in desperate need of. Just like you, they’ve set me free of the chains holding me

back for so long. They’ve filled my life with memories as we journeyed through you, from the National Museums, Binondo’s escapades, Intramuros’ aesthetic, Quiapo, even Divisoria, the after-classes and meetings at James and Che, and the ever-reminiscent streets of España. You’ve opened your doors to us as much as you could, and you provided us with places that gave us memories to fill our lifetimes—memories that will spark joy within us despite being at different points in our lives. They’ll probably never know, but I’ve come so far thanks to them, and I’d forever hold them dear to my heart as much as I hold the feeling of freedom you gave me, Manila.

Onlookers see you as a place that strikes fear, one they would instinctively avoid given your record, but Manila, you’re the place that encapsulates my freedom, the place that became my home. You opened your arms as I beamed with joy and as I showed you my capabilities, but you also gave me a feeling of comfort that I could always run to when feelings of sorrow invaded me. Manila, you became a warm blanket for the cold wind that endlessly tired me throughout my journey as a college student. Or you simply resembled the feeling of a tight hug that dissipated the feeling of disappointment and filled the void in me.

Oftentimes, I find myself in awe at how much I’ve changed—how much this home has changed the person I once was. Manila, you will always be the first to have seen a different side of me—an unexpected one, if I may say so. Undoubtedly, I’ve grown so much in this home—I’ve improved, and I can certainly say that I find myself in a better place thanks to you.

Now, as I continue my dance with fate and a new part of my life unfolds, I hope to always find comfort within your noisy and busy streets. As I slowly leave this fast-paced city and its bright lights, this city that never sleeps, I bring with me the memories you gave me, the feelings you imparted, and my learnings as I took each stride.

Soon, if I ever find myself within you again, I will always remember the comfort you gave and the joy only you have allowed me to feel. Manila, you have always been and will always be a city of hope. Unknowingly, you are the home I’ve been yearning for for so long.

Until we meet again.

ostering sportsmanship and teamwork among departments, the Engineering Ball Games mark its much-anticipated return as the Faculty of Engineering celebrates its 117th Founding Anniversary from February 12 to 17, 2024, at the UST Open Seminary Court.

The basketball tournament sparked intense competition, with the Civil Engineering (CE) Department emerging as the victor in the Women’s Category, triumphing over the Industrial Engineering (IE) Team. Over the men’s side of the court, the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Team displayed dominance against its counterparts from the CE department.

The volleyball competition proved to be equally fierce, with the CE and IE teams earning the nods of their competitors as they emerged as the victors of the Men’s and Women’s categories, respectively.

Following the Faculty’s foundation week, the departments took to court their own versions of their ball games in their respective department weeks.

Duking it out with a competitive force, the CE department showcased their student-athletes through the CEa Games from February 19 to 22, 2024, featuring an exhibition game between the CE Faculty and the Association of Civil Engineering Students (ACES) members.

The Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department, however, added another flare to their ball games with a mixed format in their volleyball and basketball competition through their event “LaECEshow: Sparking Hoops and Glory in Showtime Spectacle,” held at the Central Seminary Gym on February 29 and March 1, 2024.

The IE and ME departments engaged in a basketball and volleyball tournament in their respective sports fest, “IE Siklaban: The UST Industrial Engineering Ball Games” and “COMBUST VI: The Mechanical Engineering Sportsfest”. However, the EE Department took a different route, as they celebrated traditional Filipino games at their event, “FUSION: Merging Culture and Diversity through Filipino Traditional Games.”

Undeterredby their fourthplace finish in the previous season, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigersharks embarked on a new journey to redirect their stroke toward redemption following the UAAP Season 86 Swimming Tournament with a brand new mindset.

Following a competitive four-day tournament from November 23 to 26, 2023, at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the UST Female Tigersharks ended their six-year medal drought after finishing podium with a bronze. They wrapped up their campaign with a commendable 1-6-6 gold-silver-bronze record, amassing 192 points, following Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) 351 points and the University of the Philippines’ (UP) 435 points.

On the other hand, the Male Tigersharks, despite their impressive 6-4-1 gold-silver-bronze medal haul, found themselves at fourth for the second consecutive year. The team accumulated 209 points, falling short of UP’s, De La Salle University’s, and ADMU’s 267.5, 329.5, and 405 points, respectively.

“It’s always too early to quit.” The Thomasian Rookie of the Year Johan Carlos Aguilen, with his quote marking the former season. “There are always opportunities to learn, so always observe, adjust, and take things into mind as they can greatly affect your career, performance, and maybe your life in the future.”

Opening the season and relaying to the finish line, the UST Tigersharks drafted group and individual placement hauled two silvers, a bronze medal in the women’s division, and one gold medal in the men’s play.

At the last event of the first day, UST trailed its lone gold in the 200-meter medley in the men’s division, whipping Johan Carlos Aguilen, Lance Lotino, Jules Mirandilla, and John Paderes.

“It was a really heavy day with all the pressure and expectations… But, at the last event of the

WRITER | YITZHAK OSEI G. BUMANLAG

PHOTO | JEFF RONALD CANLAS

PHOTO | JONEL UMBAL

competition’s first day, we bag ourselves a gold medal! It rekindled the fire inside us and kind of lifted the pressure on the upcoming days,” First-year Electrical Engineering student Johan Carlos Aguilen said after clinching their first gold of season 86.

Sprinting to the second tournament day, Mirandilla clocked 55.92 seconds in the 100-meter individual butterfly tournament, bringing the second gold for the men’s division. Starting a great feat, Alyza Ng from Female Tigersharks secured their first gold in the 50-meter breaststroke event after logging 33.90 seconds.

With the everyday games, the Tigersharks did not miss the advice of their coaches, “Coach always said to have fun… Swim your heart out, and just focus [on] what is in front of you.” Aguilen said.

“I think I’ve failed to realize the most important thing in swimming: I didn’t start training as early as possible and failed to be as consistent,” Aguilen added what improvement he must make after their placed finish of the season. “But overall, I think I did a really good job of not giving up!”

Racking up the season’s tally, Mirandilla and Paderes bagged gold in the 50-meter butterfly and 100-meter backstroke events, respectively. Mirandilla topped the event with a 25.43-second performance, while Paderes registered a 59.55-second output on the tournament’s third day.

Shairinne Floriano finished second in the 100-meter backstroke in women’s play at 1:16.14. Ng continued piling up medals for the team with Honey Escarez, Jan Sarmiento, and Kyla Managuelod, who took silver in the 200-meter relay.

Approaching the last day of the tournament, Floriano from the women’s division reaped silver and bronze medals in the 200-meter breaststroke and 200-meter butterfly events, respectively. In men’s play, Johan Aguilen floated the

silver medal in the 50-meter freestyle event after registering 24.24 seconds.

“Aside from [the] physical aspect, you should have the will and discipline of someone who is committed to late nights and early mornings and somewhat ‘alone’ but fun and fruitful life. Second, you should have a heart that never gives up despite the circumstances that you are actually facing.” Aguilen highlighted being a swimmer and being effective in the sports you are in. “And lastly, have faith. Always remember that if the world is against you, God is always with you. Matthew 19:26.”

Unlearning past mistakes and embarking towards redemption, Season 86 Thomasian Rookie of the Year and Electrical Engineering student Johan Carlos Aguilen, together with the UST Tigersharks, are redirecting to stroke up their mindset and bring the golden double back to España.

WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT

192 POINTS

209 POINTS BRONZE

PHOTOS | THE VARSITARIAN

A POETRY IN MOTION:

TRAJECTORY TOWARDS ENGINEERING TERRITORY

Entering the same path but with a different ending for the Engineering Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams (EMBT and EWBT), the EWBT failed to land on a podium after losing its battle-for-third match while the EMBT clinched a bronze finish in the Thomasian Goodwill Games Basketball Tournament with a nerve-racking win at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on April 15, 2024.

Dominating the paint against the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), EMBT’s defensive transition and successful offensive strategies allowed them to control the game, leading to a 6658 win to start their campaign.

Despite committing fouls and errors, EMBT took charge of the paint and controlled the fast plays of the game to carry the momentum throughout the quarters. Driving their run to the threepoint line, EMBT fired three-point shots to cap the game.

Over the women’s court, the EWBT showcased impressive shots as they ran through their consecutive wins in the tournament. Their second game completely dominated the Medicine Women’s Basketball Team (MWBT), stretching a 40-point lead, 68-28.

Engineering smoothly executed aggressive skills and teamwork to widen the gap in the first half, 28-16. Following the final half of the game, EWBT maximized the missed attempts of their competitor and exhibited excellent passes, defenses, and steals to rule the game.

Looking smooth to sweep Bracket A of the Thomasian Goodwill Games, EMBT tasted their first loss against the Juniors Team B (JRS), 65-71. Carrying out fouls in the first half of the game opened the momentum for JRS to stretch out the lead and left EMBT with no openings to execute its plays.

Adjusting the offensive pattern for the Engineering team, the shooting guards started to boost the three-point shots the following half and strengthened their defense strategy. However, JRS denied the entrance of the opposition’s offense to cut Engineering’s momentum short.

On the other hand, in the

women’s category, the EWBT continued to overwhelm their bracket as they finished the elimination round on a high note, outmaneuvering Nursing with a commanding 59-36.

Ending the tournament’s elimination round on top of their brackets, the Engineering men’s and women’s teams secured a spot in the next level of the competition.

Entering the semi-finals match with a strong drive towards a podium seat, the College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA) played ahead of EMBT to clinch its place at the finals match of the tournament. Similarly, the EWBT tasted an unexpected loss against the Senior High School Women’s Team. These losses settled the Faculty’s men’s and women’s division to fight for the bronze finish.

Rising to regain their greatness in the women’s division, EWBT fell short of sitting on the podium against the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) Women’s Team with a close 60-63 output. Despite building momentum in some parts of the game, the match was a chasing game with alternating favors each quarter.

Entering the game’s last minutes with a small margin, the IPEA women’s team pulled off wonders to snatch the bronze and made the EWBT to a fourth-place finish.

In the men’s category, recalibrating their mindset toward a third-place finish, EMBT displayed dominance and played all out over the Senior High School Men’s Basketball Team (SHSMBT) to land on a podium in this year’s entry of the Thomasian Goodwill Games Basketball Tournament.

Determined to finish strong this year, EMBT stabilized their scoring

output and strengthened their position inside to stretch out the gap by the end of the first half. Heightening the anticipation towards the second half, EMBT committed numerous fouls, leading to the momentum of SHSMBT. However, despite the nail-biting rallies in the last seconds of the game, EMBT composed the tension and took the bronze to Ruaño. Concluding the Thomasian Goodwill Games Basketball Tournament, the Faculty’s men’s and women’s divisions ended with the best production they could shoot. The EMBT and EWBT are determined to traject their experience to the next entry of the Universitywide tournament.

WRITER | AXEL ADAME

FROM THE EDITOR

To the Thomasian Engineering community and readers from across the University,

The Thomasian Engineer, the official student publication of the UST Faculty of Engineering, has always taken pride in its goal—to serve the community and deliver information with nothing but veracity. Yet, through the years, its vision for those who call Ruaño their home has also evolved. That from merely crafting stories, we, for the longest time, have also aspired and driven ourselves to bridge the field of engineering to what it used to be unfamiliar with—the marvelous world of writing and journalism.

In the years I have spent in Ruaño, it has not been new to hear sentiments that people who excel in sciences, mathematics, and engineering per se often fall short in writing. Well, I have witnessed how a few really struggled, with some not even trying because they did not have motivation. Yet, I have always believed that we, Thomasian engineers, can be versatile—what’s not to like about having the best of both worlds? That if we can be critical in solving complex engineering problems, we can also be critical in exploring the world around us through reading and writing. While it started as or could still be a creative avenue for a few in our very own “asylum where they raised me,” writing for the Thomasian Engineer has empowered us in many ways unimagined. This is why I have always said that our TEam has always championed such versatility—and for that, we shall all take pride. But our mission never stops there—we also envision the entire community as being the same champions.

Now, as the publication continuously finds ways to open the world of Engineering to more opportunities while championing its stories and triumphs, the second volume of the Newsletter for the academic year 2023-2024 offers you a variety of articles that you will surely enjoy yet think through.

You will find articles that feature the most notable achievements of the Faculty and students in the academe and in sports, among other fields, throughout the academic year; stories that may bring, spark, or elicit joy in you; and most importantly, these pages contain articles that will challenge your values and stances, championing the real, critical Thomasian spirit. All these, coupled with the unmatched creations of our greatest artists in the TEam.

I hope that flipping through these pages will open your eyes to the wonders that writing and journalism bring forth and encourage you to ponder the world that surrounds us as much as we, in Thomasian Engineer, do and be the champions we have long strived to be.

Yours in Thomasian Service,

Eunice Abayon Editor-in-Chief