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Augustinian the
Responsive • Developmental • Research-based
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines VOLUME LXVI• NUMBER 3 • SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
EDITORIAL:
EDITORIAL: Filipinos Filipinos Sing in in Sing Crisis
Crisis “Do you hear the people sing? ”
SPECIAL REPORT: An Unseen Promise
The PH gov’t plan on mass testing
ARTWORK: ROMARI CHARLZ F. DIAZ
NEWS • PAG E A 2
NEWS• PAG E A 3
SPORTS FEATURE • PAGE A8
USA launches sytemwide COVID 19 response
Pol Sci, USASG pioneer San Agustin Model Congress
Bryant: Umukit ng Pangalan sa Kasaysayan
USA community supplies gallons of essential alcohol to frontliners.
We’re online! VIsit our website, www.usapublications.net
Siya pa rin ang pinakamagaling na basketbolistang tumatak ang pangalan sa kasaysayan.
Pol Sci, USASG promote youth activism by spearheading the first San Agustin Model Congress.
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A2 Augustinian the
Volume LXVI • Number 3 September 11, 2020
NEWS
CHED, DepEd plans USA launches sytem-wide COVID 19 response opening of classes in August B Y PA U LENE A . BU ENA FE
DESPITE the on-going increase of COVID-19 cases in the country, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd) announced that they will push through with the opening of the academic year 2020 – 2021 in August, implementing the flexible learning system to match the “new normal” during the pandemic. CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III explained in an interview with The Manila Bulletin that flexible learning is not only equivalent to online learning but also employs offline methods to deliver lessons to students such as modules, take-home activities and learning packets. “The intention of flexible learning is to decongest the classroom, to reduce the number of students who go to the classroom at one time so that social distancing and the health of the students can be protected,” said De Vera. Meanwhile, Education Secretary Leonor Briones confirmed that Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has approved the resolution on the opening of classes on August 24 and DepEd’s Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) as an action to ensure continued schooling amidst the health crisis. “I acknowledge the fears and apprehensions of our learners, parents, and teachers that attending schools in August might still not be safe in light of COVID-19. I would like to assure everyone that we will observe all the guidelines of the Department of Health and the IATF,” said Briones in a virtual briefing. Furthermore, Briones said that schools will adopt alternative teaching modes through blended and distance learnings that include online classes, printed modules and lessons delivered on television and radio as approved by the IATF. As of September 11, there are 248,947 cases of COVID-19 and a death toll of 4,066 in the Philippines.
Iloilo City reaps praises for COVID-19 pandemic response B Y ROMA R I C HA R LZ F. DIA Z
WHILE THE NATIONAL government’s actions toward the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic tend to frustrate more and more people all over the country, the local government unit (LGU) of Iloilo City has been receiving positive feedbacks in social media sites due to its initiatives during the crisis. Through the donations of prominent Ilonggo families and businessmen, the LGU has been able to purchase 2,500 COVID-19 test kits. They also set up 240 community kitchens and collaborated with a bakeshop to introduce “Ilonggo pan de sal” with its regular delivery throughout the community. “Our goal is for no Ilonggos to go hungry during this time of crisis,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, “What I’ve learned is the burden of this task has become manageable with all the support and help of the Ilonggos,” he added. Furthermore, the Department of Health (DOH) has also granted the request of Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda to accredit Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) as a testing center of COVID-19 in the country. In his facebook post, Treñas acknowledged the Ilonggo people, from the business sector and private individuals saying, “We are Wakanda because we move as one,” referring to the fictitious country in Marvel’s Black Phanter franchise. Netizens have also given the city names such as “Republic of Iloilo City,” “a country of its own within a country,” for its efforts to combat the virus while supporting its residents with minimal national government aid. In the time of this pandemic, Treñas said that people should show compassion towards each other so that no one will be left behind in the fight.
GALLONS OF HELP. Dr. Regina Aileen May Vergara, Academis Supervisor of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, hands over 70 percent ethyl alcohol to the city government. FILE PHOTO • MAYOR JERRY TREÑAS FACEBOOK PAGE BY HONEY MABELLE A. VILLARBA THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN, through its Crisis Management Team, prompted social actions to help constrain the crisis and alleviate the effects brought about by COVID-19 to the city of Iloilo and Panay as well. Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, OSA, university president, convened and named the University of San AgustinCrisis Management Team for COVID-19 with its goal of taking major actions to mitigate the effect of the pandemic and to ensure the safety of its students and stakeholders. “This USA Crisis Management Team was made in early March, even when classes are still on. With its main purpose as the initial response to the pandemic, it ensures a heath safety community and mitigates the effect of the pandemic to the school as well,” said Comendador. At this time, the University served as the venue for the training of medical technologists on the conduct of quantitative
polymerase chain reactionbased testing for COVID-19 and the College of Technology’s “Formulation, Methods of Manufacturing and Application of Chlorine-based Surface Disinfectants for the Inactivation of SARSCoronavirus-2” which distributed 1,260 liters of hypochlorite solution to various hospitals. “It was good that the University was able to have some initiatives here and the University’s disaster fund known as USAFER funds were really helpful as well,” stated Comendador . Meanwhile, the Augustinian chemists and pharmacists produced 916 liters of alcohol that was distributed to 10 hospitals all over the province of Iloilo likewise to the LGUs and private and public institutions that they can reach out. Dr. Regina Aileen May Vergara, academic supervisor of the Chemistry and Physics Department stated, “We believe that the frontline workers benefitted from our
donations, even the hospitals as far as Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and in the province of Iloilo.” Consequently, the Augustinian friars stretched out aid on their projrcts namely: Sanag Easter quarantine project, fire disaster aid, amelioration assistance to in-house scholars,
relief goods for the poor in school, and the donation to Saguday Parish. “We had some constitutional responses as well as the responses from the different units. We took the initiative to be of help to those enduring the initial stage of the lockdown, and we’re happy that we collated a venue or platform where we can share our aid,” expressed Comendador. Furthermore, various organizations of the University also had programs to help those affected by the pandemic; the Vice President for Augustinian Formation and Mission office through the USA Student Government and Student Affairs and Welfare Office(SAWO) facilitated the travel back to their homes of the 50 students stranded in Iloilo City as well as the USA Little Theater and USA Publications in uplifting spirits and disseminating relevant information. “There were students who were stranded and cannot go home so the organizations took the initiative in locating them and extending help to them. In these trying times, working as one really helped a lot,” concluded Comendador.
FILE PHOTO • USA COVID RESPONSE TEAM
CARITAS. The University, through the CMT-Social Action, distributed gallons of alcohol to various municipal and provincial hospital in Panay.
Duterte urges stronger ASEAN cooperation amidst COVID-19 crisis BY GLAIZ A RAE D. AMABLE AS THE WORLD sags under the weight of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), President Rodrigo Duterte encouraged for stronger cooperation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the first videoconference summit between heads of state on April 14. In his address during the special summit on COVID-19, Duterte called for an “effective and strategic response” by the regional bloc as the virus had upended thousands of lives and forced lockdown of major cities globally. “This virus threatens to exact the highest toll – on our peoples and our economies. We are forced to impose drastic measures to address this pandemic. We asked our people to distance from each other and stay home. We reduced socio-economic activities to the barest minimum. And we closed
our borders, creating barriers for mobility and trade,” said Duterte. Duterte noted that health care systems are under stress with hundreds of healthcare workers quarantined, personal protective equipment and supplies become scarce, and some hospitals were forced to deny admission amid surging cases of infections. “We need to boost production and facilitate intraASEAN trade of these life-saving necessities,” added Duterte. Despite the crisis, the President encouraged ASEAN leaders to keep trading amid the global pandemic to sustain the region’s economy. “ASEAN must remain open for trade. Crisis or no crisis, as no country can stand alone. Let us, therefore ensure the supply chain connectivity and the smooth flow of goods within the region,” he stressed.
Furthermore, he called ASEAN to pursue vaccine and research and development initiatives as it braces for future outbreaks. “It is therefore imperative that we support vaccine and research and development initiatives,” emphasized Duterte, adding, “We have to be ready for future outbreaks. We, therefore, have to improve
and expand existing ASEAN mechanisms to cover public health emergencies. Specifically, we should establish an early warning signal for pandemics in the region. This is something vital and concrete that we can do in a collective manner.” Finally, Duterte extended the Philippines’ gratitude to countries that helped amid the coronavirus emergency.
ASEAN SUMMIT ON COVID-19. President Rodrigo Duterte attends the virtual conference and highlights ASEAN collaboration to defeat coronavirus pandemic. FILE PHOTO • CNN PHILIPPINES
VIRUSES DON’T DISCRIMINATE AND NEITHER SHOULD WE. Do not make assumptions about someone’s health status based on their ethnicity, race, or national origin. Huwag gumawa ng sariling paniniwala o haka-haka tungkol sa estado ng kalusugan ng sinuman batay sa kanyang lahi o etnisidad. Indi pag i-base ang health status sang isa ka tawo sa iya lahi ukon nasyonalidad.
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NEWS Pol Sci, USASG pioneer San Agustin Model Congress Senate approves Duterte ‘special powers’ in COVID 19 fight BY EMY ROSE G. GALLEGO
BY EMY ROSE G. GALLEGO
FUTURE LEADERS. Caro delivers his message to the delegates of SAMC during its plenary at the University’a auditorium. WITH THE AIM of promoting youth activism, the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in collaboration with the University of San Agustin Student Government (USASG), spearheaded the first San Agustin Model Congress (SAMC), a twoday simulation of the Philippine legislative process, March 11-12. Patterned after the annual Philippine Model Congress, SAMC is a youth-led initiative that provides students the opportunity to engage in discussions on numerous issues currently affecting the country. “Organizing the first ever model congress in the entire region was highly
motivated by seeing it as a response to the calling of youth activism in political, social, economical, and civic affairs of society. Apart from such, it is organized to complement the BS Foreign Service and AB Political Science programs’ syllabi, incorporating relevant activities in the curriculum for the development of the students,” said Ervin Caro, USASG Vice President for Internal Affairs. Like a real Congress, bills were drafted by the delegates and undergo committee hearings- an avenue for young individuals to experience being in the shoes of the country’s lawmakers.
“They [delegates] are growing and we will see the mature plants during the process, and eventually it will bloom as experts of crafting bills, debate, and knowledgeable of the rules and procedures during sessions,” shared Edren Buday, committee head. The bills drafted in the committee sessions and passed in the general plenary ranged from Integration of Voter’s Education in the curriculum, SK separation from Sangguniang Barangay, and an act providing relocation, transportation, and rehabilitation of trees during infrastructure projects.
USA PUB PHOTO • STEVEN JOHN N. SUMBING
“I, together with my coauthors Andrei Marpuri and Rvee Jude Olandesca, decided to make this bill so that we can give a possible and realistic solution to environmental issues, specifically tree cutting. We believe that our idea of moving trees through the help of latest technologies, researches, and machineries such as “tree spade” is more beneficial not just for the environment but also to us citizens,” said Gil Panado, proponent of the Tree Rehabilitation Act. The proposed bills will undergo lobbying either in the senate or in the offices of local congressman in the province.
UP-NIH probes pioneers PH COViD-19 testing kits BY JEFF G. TOLENTINO
COVID-19 KITS. The GenAmplify Corona Virus Disease-2019 rRT PCR Detecion Kit.
FILE PHOTO • MANILA HEALTHTEK, INC.
the testing kits developed by UP scientists hit mass production to relieve healthcare burden on lack of testing capacity. “Upon the company’s submission of necessary requirements today, the FDA issued a certification for this CoVid-19 test kit to be allowed for commercial use,” stated FDA Director General Eric Domingo. “This is the first locally made PCR-based COVID-19 test kits
approved by the FDA which was developed in collaboration with UP-NIH funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),” FDA added. Keen on addressing healthcare demand for testing kits availability, Deputy Executive Director Raul Destura of PGC expected an increase in outputs to 16,000 tests per day by May 1 as to current 8,000 to
AUGMENTING PHILIPPINE TESTING capacity amidst CoViD-19 pandemic, University of the Philippines National Institute of Health (UP-NIH) with Philippine Genome Center (PGC), and Manila HealthTek Inc. pioneered the first locallymade CoVid-19 testing kits. After completing field trial and issuance of certificate of registration by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 3,
10,000 tests daily. “I know we need the testing kit very badly, but we have the moral responsibility to make sure that the technology we’re putting out there is of excellent quality. At the end of the day, our main intention is public safety and service to the community,” shared Destura. Destura led the team of UP scientists who invented the low cost CoViD-19 testing kits costing around Php. 1, 320 per test – six times cheaper from foreign kits. “Ang maganda nito, kun mayroon na tayong local na manufacturing mas maging sustainable at tuloy-tuloy ang supply ng ating kits [What’s good in this is that if we have local manufacturers, our testing kits supply will be sustainable and continuous],” said FDA Director General Eric Domingo in an interview. The SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing kits employ a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) boosting accuracy as opposed to rapid test kits proven to have inaccurate results.
VOTING 12-0, the Senate of the Philippines approved on March 24, a bill declaring the presence of a national emergency and granting President Rodrigo Duterte the “necessary and proper” powers to deal with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Senate Bill (SB) No. 1418 also known as “Bayanihan To Heal As One Act” authored by Senator Pia Cayetano gave the president the authority to “reprogram, reallocate, and realign” any appropriation in the 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to fund measures that will address the crisis brought about by the viral disease, including social amelioration for communities who have been affected by the lockdown. “The bill that I sponsor today proposes to raise enough money to support families for two months, so that each of these 18 million household gets between 5,000 to 8,000 pesos per month from various national government and local government programs, whether in cash or kind, but mostly food,” said Senator Pia Cayetano in her sponsorship speech. According to Cayetano, the total Emergency Subsidy Program will require a total of P97.4 billion per month or around P200 billion for two months for all households working in the informal sector. “These are excruciatingly difficult times, especially for them, and we must do what we can to help. No one would be left behind,” she added. Under the proposal, Duterte has the authority to direct the operation of private hospitals, medical and health facilities, passenger vessels, as well as other establishments which will serve as housing for health workers , quarantine centers, and location for medical relief and aid distribution. Duterte can also regulate the public and private transportation, traffic, and the use of power, fuel, energy, and water. All the powers given to the President will remain in effect for at least three months — “unless extended by Congress.”
Ph as es of C ommuni t y Quarant i n e M eas ures 1 ECQ
(ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE)
Stringent quarantine measures implemented in areas of highrisk spread of COVID-19.
2
MODIFIED
ECQ
3 GCQ
4
MOODIFIED
GCQ
(GENERAL COMMUNITY QUARANTINE)
Stringent Relaxed quarantine quarantine measures measures in implemented in areas identified areas of highas low to risk spread of COVID-19 with moderate risk some leisure in the spread of activities COVID-19. allowed given it follow strict health protocols.
A more relaxed phase of GCQ which offers permissive socio-economic activities with minimum public health standards.
Total Lockdown.
Limited movement.
Movement within GCQ zone only.
Permissive socio-economic activities with minimum public health standards.
Essential economic activity only.
Selected business and skeletal workforce only.
Government offices and up to 70 percent workforce in businesses.
Permissive socio-economic activities with minimum public health standards.
No public transport.
Limited to essential transport.
Transport supports for private and government sectors.
Permissive socio-economic activities with minimum public health standards.
Classes are suspended.
Classes are suspended.
Flexible learning arrangements.
Flexible Learning arrangements.
SOURCE: WWW.OFFICIALGAZETTE.GOV.PH
VIRUSES DON’T DISCRIMINATE, AND NEITHER SHOULD WE. Respect COVID-19 patient’s right to privacy. Be careful not to discriminate them as they are already burdened with social criticism and hate. Dapat irespeto ang karapatan ng mga taong may COVID-19. Iwasang maging sanhi sa pagpapakalat ng mapanirang commento laban sa kanila. Magpakita sang respeto sa kinamatarong sang mga pasyente sang COVID-19. Ang diskriminasyon kag dumot indi solusyon sa pagsulbar sang krisis.
A4 Augustinian the
Volume LXVI • Number 3 September 11, 2020
EDITORIALANDOPINION
Filipinos Sing in Crisis E D I T O R I A L
Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men? Less than six months from the start of 2020, the Philippine government has exhausted all possible remedy in bandaging the falling pieces of Duterte’s administration. Less than one percent of 109 million Filipinos of which 8.7 percent are of the vulnerable population were tested, healthcare system took major hit as cases continuously increase, and the economy plunged down as industries froze. Its failure to grant and alleviate the plight of the masses in the quest for mass testing over the ravaging coronavirus pandemic to the internal and external dispute of the government’s backbone with other branches, and the mishandling of the Department of Health (DOH), was a massive toll on the Filipino people. Drastic steps taken by the government have only resulted to myriad of events that continued to fuel distrust in the administration. As iconic as the 1980 Les Misérables musical, the lyrics of the song Do You Hear the People Sing dubbed as “The People’s Song” is an epitome of how the Filipino people feel towards the efforts of the government in thwarting the effects of the pandemic as well as the administration’s way of “good governance.” With the crippled economy, lack of testing facilities and equipment,
added by overworked medical professionals and understaffed health care facilities, DOH remains complacent that the country’s response to the pandemic is of a “model country” as claimed by health secretary Francisco Duque III. Data, however, suggests that rate of infection and measures taken by the government is far worse than what could count as average. Testing capacity according to DOH is only at 7,000 tests per day on the firstweek of May as opposed to projected 30,000 a day by the end of May 2020. Laboratories nationwide are having delays for accreditation and lack of equipment and staff is also a challenge. A battle in which the Philippines is losing but is masked by complacent optimism. Over the course, drastic measures to hold up the fighting image of the government bearing equality to all Filipinos only to divulge an indelible line that separates the classes of the society and the selective process and justice that each social class receives. Politicians and people in power are those that are prioritized in testing rather than the high risked population. Various whistleblowers have leaked that dozens of politicians and public officials as well as their relatives despite showing no symptoms were among the first to be tested and confirmed in various reports in social media
and in national televisions. It would seem that the government did not only had preset priorities over its citizens but also selective justice in implementing the law. Philippine’s poor healthcare system was quite not enough to burden the people. The administration has decided to up the game as it topples press freedom and freedom itself – the very concept of democracy. Waging a blatant attack on one of the country’s biggest and prominent telecommunications network, the administration has yet again launched an unprecedented step in silencing press freedom without giving consideration to the consequences it entails in times of a pandemic wherem information plays a vital role in the welfare of the public. On May 5, 2020 ABS-CBN went off air following cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Comission over its franchise controversy. However, the network has insisted that it have abided by the rules and regulations required in its license renewal. ABS-CBN has closely documented brutal war on drugs by President Rodrigo Duterte and has also warned by the president to block the network’s franchise renewal. The broadcasting network was first closed down on September 23, 1972, during the declaration of martial law under the presidency of
Ferdinand Marcos. In times when press freedom is compromised, it is the people that upholds the fourth estate of the society as watchdogs of the government. This was exemplified when the public raised uproar in major social networking sites over selective justice presented by the administration. Major Gen. Debold Sinas of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) primarily geared in upholding the law perfectly embodies this government’s selective justice over those with position and power in the government as compared the common people. Sinas disregarded quarantine protocols during birthday party at the NCRPO Headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City as dozens of cops gathered for the celebration. On the same day photos of the occasion were posted on NCRPO’s Public Information office that triggered netizens. In his defense Sinas insisted that some photos were edited and the participants have “observed protocols” as opposed to what is evident. Facing a probe by the Police Internal Affairs Service, Duterte was quick to defend saying that Sinas is an “honest and a good officer” and will not be relieved from his duties. However, Joseph Jimeda a fisherman who violated enhance community quarantine protocols to
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LOCKDOWN CRACKDOWNS
ROMARI CHARLZ F. DIAZ
Glaiza Rae D. Amable, BS MLS ’22
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Editor-in-Chief
EMY ROSE G. GALLEGO Managing Editor PAULENE A. BUENAFE Financial Director GLAIZA RAE D. AMABLE Associate Editor JEFF G. TOLENTINO Associate Editor JERICO M. SEVERINO Circulation Manager MARIA CRISTY E. DAGUAY Moderator ART AND DESIGN TEAM: Geremy T. Gallenero (Art Director) June Ivan S. Gumban, Leunamme C. Pabion (Staff Artists) COMMUNITY AFFAIRS TEAM: Emy Rose G. Gallego (Community Editor) Marlyn Rose B. Marcelo (Staff Writer) CREATIVE WRITING TEAM: Chito Cezar P. Batoon Jr. (Literary Editor) PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM: Miguel Carlos J. Llamado (Photography Director) Rotsen C. Agreda, Michael ER B. Tuares, Steven John N. Sumbing (Staff Photographers) Laurence D. Dorego (Intern) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TEAM: Joanna Wayne S. Horneja (Program Director) Pauline C. Arada (Staff Writer) Honey Mabelle Villarba (Intern)
Augustinian the
THE AUGUSTINIAN is the official student newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines. It is published regularly by the USA Publications, which envisions itself as an Augustinian center of campus journalism, fostering the advocacy of the common good and acting as voice of the student body through responsive, developmental, and research-based campus journalism. Contributions, comments, and suggestions may be sent to the editors. No part of this publication can be reproduced by any means without permission and authority from the USA Publications. Colophon: This newsletter was carefully designed to balance traditional principles, history, as well as modern trends to maximize the amount of information without compromising the visual appeal of the publication. This was produced using Adobe Photoshop CS6, Adobe InDesign CS6, and Adobe Illustrator CS6. Exo and Merriweather were used for the text. Address: 2/F Alumni Bldg., University of San Agustin, General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Philippines 5000 Phone Number: (033) 337 4842 local 189 Website: www.usapublications.net Email: usapublications1@gmail.com We encourage you to recycle this publication. Let’s help save the environment.
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feed his wife and child was presumed missing by his family only to find out that he was seized by cops and detained. The family was demanded fine for his release in which they couldn’t provide. If not for the netizens plead for help, Jimeda would still have been detained and starving without even the basic means of communicating with his family. Dura lex, sed lex “it is
harsh but it is the law” – this clearly doesn’t involve Sinas and the likes of him. In times when tyranny is rampant in the country, voices will always be heard to criticize it. The voice of the common people will always be louder than that of a dictator. And in these trying times, these voices are not just said. The Filipinos are singing. Singing a song of angry men.
to curb the spread of COVID-19 have also been leveled against those who dare to challenge the current administration. Moreover, on April
argument to make and within the bounds of the law, but he was still issued a subpoena for his post. According to him, he simply did his job as a student journalist to render his opinion to the people, but was penalized and was forced to publicly apologize for his “libelous” act according to his pro-Duterte connections on Facebook. Since the dawn of this pandemic, authorities have investigated dozens of people and arrested several for claims
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AS THE COUNTRY struggles to control its rapidly-increasing novel coronavirus cases, President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is using the pandemic as an excuse to charge political opponents and activists with criminal offenses. On April 1, continuing with his tradition of controversial public pronouncements, Duterte, in a televised address, admonished those who may defy the lockdown orders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Referring to the political left, but also seemingly others who may question government measures, he openly gave orders to the police, military, and local officials to shoot them dead saying, “I will not hesitate. My orders are to the police and military, also the barangay, that if there is trouble or the situation arises that people fight and your lives are on the line, shoot them dead.” This announcement came after 21 Quezon City residents violently dispersed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for staging a rally on EDSA against slow distribution of relief items by the local government. While those protesters were clearly violating the quarantine
law, they were merely asking for food items they needed for their sustenance. A hint of understanding would be humane, given that the true failure was on the part of the Quezon City government who promised them food and assistance, and not the residents who simply held them to account. But instead of alleviating their burden, the residents’ alliance told the Amnesty International that police resorted to hit them with wooden sticks. What is even more saddening was the fact that Duterte vehemently castigated these protesters as part of an organized “leftists” group, which is deliberately sowing chaos in society, and warned these people not to challenge the government because they will only lose. It was only last April 6 when the residents were released from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters after they posted a base bail of P17,500 each, funds pooled together in a “bayanihan” operation line. The strong repression on the said protesters was by no means an isolated incident. Strict quarantine measures introduced
STRICT QUARANTINE MEASURES INTRODUCED TO CURB THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 HAVE ALSO BEEN LEVELED AGAINST THOSE WHO DARE TO CHALLENGE THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. 1, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) summoned Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for supposedly “disobeying national government policies or directives in imposing quarantines.” This met opposition from the public, with many stating that Sotto was only singled-out because he is not an ally of the current administration. After an intense backlash, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) assailed the NBI and dropped any complaints against Sotto. In another prominent case, Joshua Molo, editor-in-chief of the University of the East Dawn, after his criticizing comment on the administration’s efforts in stopping the spread of novel coronavirus landed him in legal trouble with the NBI. It was a fair
on social media the government says are “fake news.” It seems that the present regime has desired to amplify the people’s realization that the state is more intent on filling jails than starving stomachs. Moreover, it appears that Duterte’s administration has sought to increase its authoritarian grip on the country by politicizing the COVID-19 response at the expense of controlling the escalating pandemic. Instead of charging critics with sedition, the government should focus more on taking the health crisis seriously. This could start by ending motivated investigations of people’s reading materials and social media posts. Until then, the anticipation of the country to the return of any semblance of normalcy remains uncertain.
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SINCE the start of this pandemic, people have never been more aware of how change can happen in a few months, and the seemingly endless number of possibilities to what the future would be like. This year has been very eventful for public health and government in the Philippines. Scientists, government officials, and analysts have tried to tackle questions from the public, with issues ranging from security to investments in health care system and economic downturns, as well as insightful forecasts of how the new standard of normal will be
EARLY NOVEMBER of 2019, an unseen enemy in the form of a respiratory disease called COVID-19, hit the capital city of Wuhan, China. The Philippine government, complacent of its health security protocols against the threat has passively responded to the impending crisis. As of this writing, there are over 28.1 million positive cases, 18 million of recovered cases, and over 900, 000 of death worldwide. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus
BEOCHAOINEADH
Chito Cezar P. Batoon Jr. BS Ar ‘20
ZIRU
Scan code to send an email reply As seen on the efforts of the local government, they have stepped up their efforts to help people during the pandemic. The city seems to be getting attention because of their effort to curb the spread of the virus and the support they
offer to those in frontlines and communities. The city has been earning plaudits from citizens for its endeavors in containing the spread of the virus while sustaining the needs of the residents with the minimal help coming from the national government; earned praises as the ‘Republic of Iloilo.’ In a series of interviews, Mayor Treñas said that he is aware of these praises and that the Ilonggos deserve to be included in the recognition, also stating that the citizens should be proud. “I think they are touting Iloilo City as Wakanda. I think all Ilonggos should be proud. The nation is admiring the efforts of Iloilo City,” Treñas stated. In addition, he lauded the cooperation of the
people because the number of apprehended violators is low. Setting the bar high in addressing this pandemic and dealing on its impacts, in terms of social and medical response, a post – crisis plan on the recovery of economy and social activities is initiated. As what Mayor Treñas articulates, in the city, no one is left behind. When the community quarantine was implemented, it badly hit the daily wage earners, and those with irregular income. In response, the city government established 240 community kitchens to suffice the needs of those who are severely affected. Aside from the aforementioned crisis, news of discrimination against medical frontliners also broke out, which led to the city’s implementation of “Frontiners First Policy,” that established a partnership between institutions and groups to provide assistance to these people. He also stressed the importance of communicating with other local governments in the region to further improve and enhance COVID-19 protocols especially in terms of border restrictions. With the community quarantine going on, most offices, malls, and institutions are closed, and only those defined as essential businesses are allowed to run. This pandemic will force people to adapt to new standards in living,
since business will no longer be as usual. People may have to let go of what their standard of comfortable is and will be forced to adjust to the changes brought about by the COVID – 19. The current state may also impact other industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and supply. This creates a domino effect to the already difficult everyday life the average Filipino is confronted with. In accordance to a report published and released by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), entitled “Addressing the Social and Economic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic,” household consumption of commodities may experience a decline. Due to the slump of economic activities, industries may lose employees and staff, resulting to a significant impact to economic growth and tourism due to travel restrictions. Once the quarantine is lifted, it will take time for the people to go out and engage in routinary activities. To some extent, people’s fears are understandable. Their reactions are in line with how humans have reacted and behaved during the past epidemics. However, as we have seen in the response of Iloilo City’s local government, there is a glimmer of hope and assurance the uncharted waters of what the future may bring.
ORENDA
Xena Hyacincth Estiñoso, BSBA MM ‘21 Scan code to send an email reply been escalating since, yet the government still remained detached from the imminent health crisis of this country. According to the Philippine Medical Association, there are
only 70, 000 active physicians out of the 130, 000 registered. This brings the ratio of 1 doctor for every 33, 000 Filipinos. Meanwhile, nurse to patient ratio is at at 1:50 to 1: 80. However, according to the DOH standards, it should be at one nurse for every 12 patients. Without the pandemic, seven out of 10 Filipinos die without ever seeing a health professional. It only takes a closer look at these numbers and the condition of our poor healthcare systems and undercompensated health workers for the government to fully consider that the lives of the Filipinos are at greater risk. The government continues to downplay the situation. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that the Philippines is a “model country” in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Interior Secretary
Eduardo Año claimed that the Philippines has led other progressive countries to stem the spread of coronavirus. However, according to the research and analysis of the University of the Philippines COVID-19 Pandemic Response team, the healthcare system will be overwhelmed beyond its capacity due to the relatively low number of hospitals and intensive care unit beds. The aforementioned research notes that approximately 35, 000 more hospital beds will be needed should the pandemic reach its peak. The rather comical snide remarks from Duque and Año could be a desperate act to put the Filipinos at ease at this time of crisis, but more than anything, the people need not consoling words of toxic positivity. We need concrete plans and urgent implementations. The lack in sense of urgency of the government all the more demonstrates how only the rich and the privileged are heard. At such trying times, when lives are at risk, delays are only implications of their incompetence. It should be noted that over a month since the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case in the Philippines, DOH shamelessly admitted that they were only 2, 000 available testing kits.
JEFF G. TOLENTINO B MLS ‘21
Scan code to send an email reply
ON the brink of an impending national health crisis, after battling several cuts and restoration from both the congress and the senate, President Rodrigo Duterte signed 100.56 billion pesos of the national budget to the Department of Health (DOH) in which 71.35 billion pesos was Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) share. A budget allocation which soon proved to be too thin to cover the nation’s expenses in the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the approval, the National Expenditure Program (NEP) proposed to slash the DOH budget by 10 billion pesos in which the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) willingly obliged when it submitted the proposal to congress with 88.26 billion pesos – lower than 2019’s 97.65 billion pesos budget. The proposal, reaching social media outlets and major telecommunications networks in the country, has received backlash from concerned citizens and government officials alike. Senator Risa Hontiveros cited the proposal as an “attack to public health” as it would cripple government’s effort in fighting outbreaks of dengue and measles in the country, not to mention the resurfacing threat of polio. Former Health Secretary Janette Garin also slammed DBM’s proposal in which Senator Ralph Recto backed as 10,000 health personnel could lose their job due to the cut. After bicameral discussions in Congress, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III affirmed that DOH 2020 budget was restored by DBM and signed by Duterte without vetoing the increase. DOH’s budget, whether slashed or as it is now in the face of a pandemic, clearly shows that the Philippine government’s healthcare system and everything that goes with it do not stand a chance. Over the past few years, the administration has concentrated its effort to the “Build, Build, Build” program in achieving the “Golden Age of Infrastructure” geared to a robust growth of the Philippine economy, leaving the healthcare system of this country in the slums. Seeing the important need of the medical professionals for health services in the country, the administration seems to keep a keen eye on the medical front liners deeming them as “Heroes of the Global Health Crisis.” However, it took the pandemic to take them to their senses. Although R.A 11223, also known as Universal Health Care Law, was one of the projects that the government has geared towards Philippine health care in the country, sufficient funds for its mobilization remain an unprecedented step taken by the government. Under this law, all Filipinos are entitled members of PhilHealth and eligible for free services once admitted to basic health care accommodation in
HEALTH CARE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ARE CLOSELY INTERTWINED. HUMAN RESOURCES ESPECIALLY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS NEED TO MERIT EQUAL IMPORTANCE AS ECONOMIC INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE.
ON TOXIC [PASSIVE] TIVITY
FILIPINOS SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S NEGLECT AND PASSIVENESS. Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Consequently, on March 11, WHO declared the COVID-19 as a pandemic. For a country visited by 1.74 million Chinese tourists in 2019, the existence of a virus from China should have stirred caution. Two months since the virus hit, President Rodrigo Duterte announced on January 29, 2020, he is still not keen on banning travel to China. On January 30 the Department of health confirmed the first case of the 2019 novel coronavirus in the Philippines. The first case was a 38-year old woman from Wuhan who arrived in the Philippines on January 21. This was also recorded as the first COVID-19 death case outside of China. Statistics of those who contracted the virus in the Philippines has
CLOWNS IN CRISIS
THE RETURN TO NORMALCY
THIS CURRENT STATE OF NORMAL MAY ALSO IMPACT OTHER INDUSTRIES SUCH AS AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURING, LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY. THIS CREATES A RIPPLE AND CHAIN REACTION RESULTING TO A DOMINO EFFECT TO WHAT THE USUAL EVERY DAY DILEMMA IS. after the pandemic. There are so much speculations of how communities will change and how they will thrive after all these. While some communities continue to be increasingly disappointed by the national government’s unclear plans towards dealing with the coronavirus, most Ilonggos remained optimistic as the city government made online waves in its initiative towards the crisis. The ways of living that we are currently experiencing is slowly becoming ingrained in the minds of the Ilonggos. As we call ourselves the Wakanda of the Philippines for selfsustenance amidst all the struggle brought about by the pandemic, the thought is not far from the truth.
A5
In a country of more than 100 million, of which the general population is of the poor, the available testing kits prove too thin to cater this demand. The enhanced community quarantine was immediately imposed. The government did not give its people ample time to prepare and to equip themselves for a situation that can jeopardize their daily sustenance. There are approximately 17.6 million Filipinos whose income is not enough for even their basic food needs. These are the same people, who in the middle of this crisis, do not enjoy the privilege of staying in a comfortable home and still have food on their table. It is a tug of war for survival. Filipinos should not be made to suffer because of the government’s neglect and passivity. The Philippine government builds its foundations on the very grounds of apathy for the poor but compassion for the rich – a system where the marginalized are suppressed, and the privileged are liberated. This is the tragic truth that suffocates our right to equality and equity. With or without a virus that weakens respiration, we have a government that chokes and spares us of our right to live.
hospitals. Unfortunately, the administration, with regard to public health, has only enticed the public with empty words and a pile of papers signed instead of providing them with an adequate healthcare they deserve. According to Duque himself, Universal Health Care (UHC) lacks 74 billion pesos of funds to fuel development within the facilities, but as the pandemic claims life, Duque considers Philippines as a “model country” in its response to COVID-19. A statement that’s ironic as it is laughable. Data from the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) showed that 30 percent of health care facilities in the country do not even have a clean toilet while four percent do not have a toilet at all. This implicates that the health care provided to the people in the Philippines suffers from a shortage of high quality safe water and handwashing facilities. Health care and economic development are closely intertwined. Human resources, especially health professionals, need to be given equal importance as economic investments in infrastructure. But this notion never made it to reality. Lack of support from the government resulted in a decline of health care professionals serving the Filipino people. Doctors, nurses, and laboratory personnel chose to serve foreign countries as their need for financial sustainability are met. The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) study showed that majority of registered nurses have sought work in foreign countries, and most of the remaining nurses in the country are working in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies. This leaves the country with 19 health workers for 10,000 persons – a petty number for a country which strives for a robust development. Further, this concludes that the Philippine health care system is one of the poorest in South East Asia. In the wake of a pandemic, these concerns have surfaced and no excuse can even cover them. Professionals who seem less important back then and whose profession is not even known to some government leaders are now massively needed in service. Such individuals are medical technologists. The Philippines, long before coronavirus pandemic introduced itself, has been battling a health crisis. Hospitals are understaffed, and existing health professionals are overworked, but underpaid. Healthcare facilities are lacking with the necessary equipment, and there is always an excuse to mask these problems. It just happens that it takes one of the pandemics in history that this reality be slammed right before our faces. Healthcare is a basic need this country has overlooked.
A6 Augustinian the
Volume LXVI • Number 3 September 11, 2020
SPECIAL REPORT AN UNSEEN PROMISE The PH gov’t plan on mass testing BY US A P UB L I C A TI O N S S TA FF
@CONCERNEDKIDDO “THE ONLINE SPACE IS NOT CONDUCIVE FOR LEARNING. Continuing learning by online means is a faulty line. Another is not all students have access online nor be able to have a stable signal in their homes.” @NAMULATNABOTANTE “The USASG does not fully appear to function as a student government. Instead, it brings out more the plans of the University Administration to the student body rather than representing the voice of the body to the administration.” @OPTIONSOPTIONSOPTIONS “Online learning gives us only two options: A. To enroll and not get quality education the students deserve, B. Not to enroll but feel pressured about being left behind by your batchmates. This is and will never be a win-win situation to students.” @MORTALCOMBAT “Don’t say they’re gonna open the university amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it’s not safe yet to go back to school without the existence of a particular vaccine to combat this dreadful disease.” @ISMOL “Students and members of the faculty are having hard times transacting business in the Administrative and General Services Office (AGSO). Often times, the small hole in the transaction window of their office becomes the cause of miscommunication between parties. AGSO should reorganize their office set-up to better deliver their services.” @MISSCOMPASSION “Tani magkaroon ng compassion kag mangin understanding ang mga staffs, faculties and heads sang mga student in every situation kay indi tanan nga students nga gaeskwela sa school ta maayo ang pangabuhi. Kay kung kis-a makademand ang school, du wala consideration sa tanan.” @STUPIDLOVE Tani bala hindi magpinalumba lumba hatag ang mga prof sang requirements sa mga students subong nga quarantine period. Indi lang sakit halin sa COVID-19 pwede mo makuha subong, kundi pati stress kag anxiety bangod sa pressure, threat nga mang fail, kag deadlines nga nahatag nila. Mamser, remind ko lang kamo nga ari ta sa tunga sang pandemic, tani hagan hagani nyo man kay hindi tanan may parehas nga opputunity para mag comply sa mga napangayo ninyo. Stay safe.
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USA debuts in Starforge Nat’l ESports
STARFORGE CLASH. The USA Golden Eagles remains calms while eyeing first game success against FEU-IT FILE PHOTO • GOLDEN EAGLE ESPORTS ORGANIZATION Tamaraw. BY MA RLY N R OSE B. MARCE LO DESPITE THE ABRUPT hiatuses of popular sporting events due to coronavirus, the University of San Agustin (USA) Golden Eagle Esports’ League of Legends took a step higher by competing in Starforge - a charity stream campaign with students, pro gamers, and streamers banded together in a competitive video gaming showdown on April 18. Spearheaded by Esports AcadArena and Liyab Esports, Starforge was held in Globe Academy Esports Arena and featured tournaments,
podcasts, and community events throughout two weeks with missions to raise funds for the benefit of the Philippine Heart Center. “We addressed the effects of COVID-19 through Esports. We feel frustrated that we are in an industry which cannot help us directly, [but] what we can do now is to bring joy and a sense of normalcy to our community, which is important to our mental health. On top of that, we can use this event as a platform to gather resources for charities,” said Ariane Lim,
director of Esports AcadArena. Meanwhile, most programs of Starforge were exclusive show matches and invitational between collegiate teams from the University of the Philippines (UP), University of Santo Tomas (UST), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU-IT), and USA. “I was nervous because our time to practice was never enough, but we still tried our best. What inspired me is the fact that through this event, we
could help those who are greatly affected by this pandemic. As students, it’s the least that we can do to contribute in solving this worldwide issue,” shared Anthony Jan Encabo, USA Golden Eagles’ mid laner. In the Alliance Pioneers Invitational semi-finals, the USA’s Golden Eagles fell short to enter the winner’s circle, but managed to strike a good game after going toe-to-toe against FEU-IT’s iTamaraw, which slid into second place this year after the UST’s Teletigers took home the championship in a dominating 2-0 sweep. “I think it’s a win-win situation for all of us. Being in a national event is quite big for me because most of my teammates are new to this level of competition. I am really happy with the results since I know that we did great collectively and individually,” expressed Robe Darren Villegas, jungler of the Golden Eagles’ team. Now that Starforge has concluded with a total of P543, 000 raised funds, both the Liyab and Esports AcadArena are looking towards joint projects in the future while community quarantine continues to stay in effect.
ESPN5 FILE PHOTO • ERNIE SARMIENTO
Baldwin charts Gilas course toward PH World Cup hosting
2030 TARGET. Tab Baldwin eyes topnotch caliber squad to contend in FIBA World Cup and beyond. B Y G L AIZA RA E D. A MA BLE THE CANCELLATION of sports leagues and events may seem like a much needed break for most coaches and athletes in the midst of a global pandemic, but Gilas Pilipinas Program Director Tab Baldwin is not losing sight of the country’s goal of a terrific showing when the country hosts the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023. Baldwin’s reiterated that if things work out the way they are supposed to, the Philippines can field a historically talented team for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. “In terms of experience, we still will be [underdogs], but in terms of talent and size? We should be able to be eye-to-eye with
the best in the world,” said Baldwin on the Call to Arms podcast with Nikko Ramos. Meanwhile, the road to 2023 started when a mix of young talents and veterans from the pro league joined forces to power Gilas to a 100-70 walloping of Indonesia in their qualifying match for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta on February. “We are serving two masters in our preparation, though the principal master is 2023. We have to mold young players who are part of the national team pool so that they can keep improving, while at the same time field competitive teams in 2020, 2021, and 2023,” added Baldwin. Baldwin also mentioned the likes of Gilas Pilipinas rolling out a truly impressive team that will be anchored by June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu along with a much-improved Troy Rosario, Kobe Parrs, Carl Tamayo, and Justin Baltazar joining the squad as well. “That’s a frontline of eight guys, two of which should be able to play guard by that time – Kobe and Troy. By 2023, they should be able to play the wing position if we train them properly,” told Baldwin in an interview with ABS-CBN News, adding, “Then you go to the guard position, take your pick. We’re a country of guards, and I don’t think we’re gonna have any problems. Our frontline has always been an issue.” However, Baldwin is positive that the Philippines’ team can stand toe-to-toe with any other national team in the world. “When, as a Filipino, have we ever been able to have that kind of perspective and that view? That’s what we’re trying to build and develop and work towards,” Baldwin ended.
A7
SPORTS UNFAIR AND NOT SQUARE
SYZYGY Jerico M. Severino, BS Accountancy ‘22
Scan code to send an email reply In the prosessional world of sports, only a number of atheletes are open with their sexual orientation; most of them closeted staying within the bounds of society’s accepted standard. To foster acceptance, inclusivity and recognition of rights are two salient agenda of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in their goal for a wholesome acceptance in society. Their argument becomes all the more emphasized when the nitty-gritty of societal sectors to which their rights become involved are considered with depth. The right to sports must be present in everyone, without discriminating one’s gender. Most, if not all, sporting activities in the past, with the first Olympic game in 776 BC which composed of wrestling, discus and javelin throwing, were dominated by males supposedly on account of their physiological advantage. While men competing in the playing field were heavily represented, other genders were considered minorities and were even sensationalized for their apparent rarity. Assertions by genderequality movements prompted sporting officials to figuratively level the field by encouraging the participation of other genders. After all—as the fourth fundamental principle of Olympism as published in the Olympic Charter states—”the practice of sport is a human right.” The desire of the LGBT community to take part in sporting events gives way to a better crafting of inclusivity policies and diversity statements. In one way or another, these guidelines serve to create an atmosphere of respect not only to them but also to participants of other sexual orientations. In the United States, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) made public its primer addressing various LGBT issues in intercollegiate athletics. According to Raynard S. Kington, president of Grinnell College in Iowa , “creating a team climate of respect that enables every team member to contribute his or her best effort toward the goal of winning makes practical sense.” However, the question as to what extent does the third sex benefit from these black-and-white promulgations sorely needs an extensive answer.
THE FIGHT FOR AN ISSUE-FREE PARTICIPATION OF THE LGBT AT GAME ACTIVITIES IS FAR FROM OVER. WITH THEIR PERSISTENCE OF TRANSCENDING PERCEIVED ORTHODOXY, IT IS CERTAIN THAT THEY WILL GET SOCIETY TO RECONSIDER. Confining sports to a specific gender stereotype runs contradictory to the purpose of these athlete ethics—a reason that competition qualifications need some revisions or, perhaps, a substantial revamp. This is exemplified by the Gay Games, held every four years since 1982, which claims on its official website that they are “pioneers” of “breakthrough transgendered inclusion policy that the Olympics and others now follow”. Unfortunately, aside from the usual gender identification of games, state policies hinder the advancement of the right of the LGBT community to sports. As a result, international events held in countries where homosexuality is meted with punishment are not spared of controversy, resulting in the delay of agenda that is LGBT empowerment. For one, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia—a country where propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations is banned— received backlash from LGBT advocates. The fight for an issue-free participation of the LGBT at game activities is far from over. With their persistence of transcending perceived orthodoxy, it is certain that they will get society to reconsider. The efforts, however, will have to be beefed up.
ILOPRISAA dominates WVPRISAA 2020 BY J OA N N A WAYN E S. HORN E JA AFTER A WEEK-LONG of competitive sporting events, the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (ILOPRISAA) emerged as the overall champions during the 2020 Regional Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVPRISAA) Meet held at Roxas City, Capiz, January 31-February 5. Athletes from the province of Iloilo were hailed as victors as they grabbed 286 golds, 191 silvers, and 64 bronze medals, putting them atop the
leaderboard leaving the rest of the competing private schools from all over Western Visayas hopeless. “For the last five years of being a varsity player and a representative of the province of Iloilo, I am grateful and honored to play and win in the WVPRISAA this year since this will be my last year to represent my beloved school,” stated Rica Diane Famillaran, Chess Gold Medalist. From competitive sports like basketball, chess, arnis, taekwondo, football, badminton,
and dance sports to cultural singing contests, Iloilo either sat at the top spots or secured a medal. “Train hard and always give your best in the game. Always believe in yourself and don’t forget to have fun playing. We should accept failures because there will always be a second chance,” said ILOPRISAA taekwondo jin, Sean Kristine Doce, when asked for her advice for future athlete representatives of the province. Meanwhile, Negros
Occidental who came in second garnering 130 golds, 161 silvers, and 90 bronzes whereas the province of Capiz, host of this year’s WVPRISAA, placed third with 56 golds, 89 silvers, and 150 bronze medals. If not cancelled due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Ilonggo-driven WVPRISAA team would represent Western Visayas at the 2020 National PRISAA Games, which was supposedly slated on April 15- 24 in Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley.
REACHING FOR GOLD. Two opposing players from ILOPRISAA and NOPSSCEA vie to gain possesion of the ball. FILE PHOTO • THE HILLSIDE ECHO
VIRUSES DON’T DISCRIMINATE, AND NEITHER SHOULD WE. Speak up if you hear, see, or read stigmatizing or harassing comments or misinformation. Magsalita laban sa mga naririnig, nakikita o nababasang komento na nagpapahiwatig ng karahasan o di makatotohanang impormasyon. Mag likaw sa pagpost ukon pagpalapta sang mga sala nga impormasyon kag malain nga comments sa social media sites.
Augustinian the
SPORTS
DIBUHO NI ROMAR I CH AR L Z F. D IAZ
Volume LXVI • Number 3 September 11, 2020
Bryant: Umukit ng Pangalan sa Kasaysayan N I P AU LINE MA RIE A . A R A DA
Taong 1991 nang magsimula ang lahat. Siya’y nakatayo sa gitna. Nagliliyab na hawak-hawak ang bola habang nakamasid sa nakakabinging sigaw ng madla. Nang siya’y napatingin sa scoreboard, tila tumigil ang pintig ng kaniyang puso. Ilang segundo na lamang ang natitira at tapos na ang labanan, subalit kagila-gilalas niyang naipasok ang bola. Tuluyang inilugmok ang kalaban at hinirang na kampiyon nang sunod-sunod sa loob ng apat na taon. Sa larangan ng basketball, kahit saang sulok man tingnan, naghahari ang kaniyang pangalan. Dito nagsimula ang pamamayagpag ng yumaong basketbolistang si Kobe Bryant. 1991: HIMAGSIK NG ISANG BETERANO Itinuon ni Bryant ang kanyang atensyon sa Italya at sumali sa NBA simula noong siya’y nasa high school. Tinaguriang “The Dominant Scorer” nang kaniyang makamit ang limang NBA Championships at nabigyan ng 2008 MVP Award kasama ang buong Los Angeles Lakers. Noong 1984, nagpasiya si Bryant na lumuwas sa Italya kung saan siya naglaro sa Italian League. Lumaki siya roon kasama ang kanyang dalawang kapatid na sina Shaya at Sharia. Nang umuwi siya pabalik sa Philadelphia noong 1991, nag-aral at sumali si Bryant sa Lower Merion High School basketball team
kung saan nanalo ang kaniyang koponan nang sunod-sunod sa loob ng apat na taon . Naging mahusay sa pag-aaral si Bryant at dahil mataas ang kanyang mga grado at SAT scores, nagpasiya siyang sumali sa NBA. Sa edad na 19, siya’y napili para sa ‘1998 All-Star Game’, kung saan siya’y hinirang na ‘The Youngest All-Star NBA’ ng kasaysayan. 2015: HINAGPIS NG MGA SANDALI “This is absolutely crazy… and to be standing at center court with you, guys, my teammates behind me, appreciating the journey that we’ve been on— we’ve been through our ups, been through our downs. I think the most important part is we all stayed together throughout,” sabi ni Bryant. Taong 2013 naman ng
isang malaking pagsubok ang matapang na hinarap ng basketbolista. Pagkatapos ng anim na sunod-sunod na laro sa 2013-2014 season ng NBA, nabalian ng buto sa tuhod si Bryant. Samantala, binansagan naman siya ng nakararami na Veteran All-Star nang kaniyang malampasan si Michael Jordan ng ikatlong beses sa NBA scoring list noong Disyembre 2014. Sa kasamaang palad Nobyembre 2015 nang magpahayag si Bryant na siya ay magreretiro na. “My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind but my body knows it’s time to say goodbye,” dagdag pa ni Bryant. “Excellence for 20 years, Kobe Bryant has never cheated the game, never cheated us as
the fans. He has played through injury, he has played hurt. And we have five championship banners to show for it,” salaysay ni Magic Johnson, isa rin sa mga All-star lineup ng Lakers. 2020: ALA-ALA NG MAPAGLARONG TADHANA Enero 26, 2020isang malungkot na balita ang gumulanta sa buong sanlibutan at naging mitsa ng pagbuhos ng luha ng mga taong iniidolo ang basketbolista. Kasama ang 13 taong gulang na anak na si Gianna “Gigi”, bumagsak ang eroplanong sinasakyan nila galing Orange Country patungong Thousand Oaks, California kung saan magiging coach si Bryant sa isang patimpalak sa Mamba Sports Academy. “We are completely
devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe— the amazing father of our children; my beautiful, sweet Gianna—a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and an amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Caprii,” pahayag ni Vanessa Bryant, asawa ni Kobe Bryant, sa social media. Hanggang ngayon, patuloy pa rin ang pagluluksa ng mga Pinoy na tagahanga ni Bryant, dahil sa kanyang biglaang pagpanaw. Sa social media, karamihan ay bumuhos ang mga paggunita kay Bryant ng mga lokal na politiko, atleta, at personalidad sa showbiz. Giit ng iba, siya pa rin ang itinuturing isa sa pinakamagaling na basketbolista sa buong daigdig. Ang kaniyang pangalan kailanma’y patuloy na magliliyab sa kasaysayan ng basketball.