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Written by: fiddy photo courtesy of emmerson morata & jhoana fidel sayo ako natuto magsahog ng mga salita ng mga ideya at kwento sayo ko nalaman na pupwede palang igisa ang mga titik, imahinasyon, at realidad na ang isang akda ay isang putahe na sinangkapan ng iba't-ibang karanasan pagsisisi, tagumpay, pagninilay-nilay, at pinakamahalaga—pagmamahal na ang isang manunulat ay isa ring kusinera tumatakbo ang isip sa maraming paraan naghihiwa, nagpapakulo, at nagtitimpla para makapaghain ng mainit sa kaluluwa sayo ako natuto na pupwede palang paghaluin ang pagsisisi, ang luha, at ang pagkabigo ang baboy, ang tubig, at ang kangkong sa iisang lutuin sayo ako natuto na magluto ng sinigang na baboy mananatili kang buhay sa aming mga akda, sir peter

Written by: CJC Photo by: Christian Mungcal and Marco Aganon A few weeks from now, AY 2020-2021 will commence, but still many are torn between enrolling or not. Many students hoped for adjustments in school fees. However, many were left disappointed upon the release of this semester’s fee breakdown. In an online set-up, it can be said that the tuition fee is not financially justifiable. Difficulties from the previous term’s online classes will probably recur in the upcoming term such as connectivity issues. It can’t also be denied how face-to-face discussions are more effective than virtual classes. Let’s face it; we have professors that are difficult to follow in a classroom setting, what more in a zoom meeting? Even if all students have a good internet connection, or even if all learners become fully adjusted to distance learning, there is no denying that the tuition fee is not worth every single penny. I mean all of the students are confined in their homes utilizing their own energy consumptions, and none of us are using a single facility on the campus. We can’t just turn a blind eye regarding this matter. I know that there are employees in need of compensation, and facilities to be maintained, but still, the fees should be charged with basis. Firstly, given the number of students enrolled on the campus, there has to be another way in reducing the fees where it is enough to cover all expenses of the university. Reduction in miscellaneous fees and other fees are a huge help. In a recent viral post of a parent of an engineering student in UST, who happens to be a lawyer, she raised points regarding fees that are deemed unnecessary for an online class. In her Facebook post, she shared a complete breakdown of some fees that need to be reviewed by UST. For instance, the medical and dental fee will not benefit every student, especially those who are under 21 years old. The IATF guidelines prohibit them from going outside. Thus, they can’t avail any medical services provided by UST. Classes will also be conducted remotely, making energy fee and laboratory fee questionable. Secondly, we are still in the middle of a pandemic. The majority has been paralyzed financially due to a lack of job opportunities. I have friends whose parents are both jobless. Friends whose families were forced to sell properties to sustain their needs. Classmates that are trying their best to promote their newly established online businesses. And, students like me who are struggling with work to help with bills to pay. These are just some of the faces of students in times of pandemic. Students who have high hopes to graduate and provide for their families. It just doesn't feel right to impose the same fees during this crisis. I think at the end of the day it still boils down to compassion and understanding. Some may argue that students are given the option to choose not to enroll if they’re struggling financially, or mentally. This argument just proves that online classes are indeed anti-poor. If we are battling for no students left behind, then we need to open our eyes to the sad reality. Others still romanticize the situation, relating it to Filipino’s resilience, and clearly it voices out nothing but privilege. Some would say that it’s okay to be delayed because education is not a race. Well, I would embrace this with open arms if I’ll be delayed due to failure in some courses. But, to be delayed in this time of crisis because the system has failed to provide just fees, then I’ll never find it acceptable. In this time where none of us are sure if there would still be food on the table in the next few months, or if the situation would get any better. I’m sure there are students like me who sees a college degree as the only way to help in sustaining the needs of my family. Nowadays, it is not a matter of being delayed or not; it is about the survival of the fittest. And to survive, education has become a race for the underprivileged. In the first place, it is not the student's fault to be in this situation. If we want to promote no students left behind, I believe there are other ways rather than potentially killing a student’s dream to graduate on time. Let’s stop with the toxic positivity. This will not help at all, but reviewing the current fees will. Education is for everyone, whether you're blessed with a silver spoon in your mouth or not. They say that it is a sin to remain silent in the time of injustice, but it’s far worse to be blind and deaf. In this time where they want us to be silenced, let our voices be heard ⏤ stronger, louder, and clearer than ever. In a few weeks time, the race will commence. Some are in their squeaky clean rubber shoes, and some are still barefooted. I hope that when the shot has been fired, all runners will be able to reach the finish line. There is still time and we can still make the race fair and square.

Written by: Allen Atienza Photo by: Niña Eblamo Online classes have been implemented consistently by the UST Community for quite a few years now, and it has been emphasized more than ever due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine. It has been almost two weeks since its full implementation. The goal is to monitor the learning pace of the students, so that the students will not be pressured by time, schedule, and most of all, the students have a chance to recover if they fail to meet requirements. The feedback on online classes is mixed, but it mostly pertains to a certain negative: requirements are more prioritized than a comfortable learning pace. Why is it so? We, students, are required to send an activity within a certain amount of time. Although this gives us a sense of responsibility, these simultaneously set deadlines cause stress. This can make it hard for us to absorb information, and can even lower our motivation to study. Besides motivational problems, students are also finding difficulty in adjusting their study habits, since most of the learning experiences are done in a classroom setting. Major subjects specialize in the specific career that a student is pursuing. For this purpose, major subjects are normally done face to face, in order to achieve a more hands-on experience. Thus, it is hard to study online, especially if students don’t live in a pro-learning environment. Not being in the usual learning setup is the only concern, as many of us have to deal with our respective homes and its circumstances. This leads us to play a different role than what they normally do “pre-quarantine”. The availability of resources and manpower in the house, give students more things to deal with. Students have left several important items back in their dorms. Items like calculators, or notes that are more useful to us than any book. The personal things we felt like would help us learn more comfortably are unavailable. Although some are in better circumstances, these can still affect academic performance. The point is that we are not all too thrilled by online classes, because it stems from our fear of not being able to acquire knowledge. And it is fine to feel that way. It shows that we are eager to study, and we want to make progress. Sometimes, it feels like online classes are just making us work for nothing. We worry about our situations, and now we have to worry about our education as well. So it is a need to feel ensured during these times of uncertainty. However, these concerns aren’t put to waste by the professors. The Faculty of Engineering have also been observing our performance so far. They make decisions on what they think won’t overwork us. As of now, only a maximum of three (3) gradable assessments can be given (excluding activities before ECQ), and the professors are more considerate in grading us. Professors even occasionally check up on our overall health and present capability. They try to be online most of the time in order to answer any questions that we might want to ask. We can also ask for a reasonable extension on deadlines. Professors have given their time to prepare online lectures in the most convenient way they can. It has been two weeks since online classes started and there are two weeks left until it ends. Our concerns as students are real. The efforts of the faculty to solve the problems are real. The only thing left to do for both sides is to deal with it in the best way that we can: together. We don’t have to keep our concerns to ourselves, and we don’t have to be shy in asking others if they need help. If we want to make the best out of our online classes, we shouldn’t hold back from trying to reach out, sharing our concerns, and helping whenever we are able. No student will be left behind. We will make it. God bless us all!

Written by: Olen Mikael Halim Photo by: Christian Mungcal ICYMI: Engineering Student Council (ESC) President Luis Dominic Concepcion stands firm against online classes, answers questions regarding its status last April 23. “Although Online Classes were implemented in the good nature of learning, they also present a threat to those students who do not have access to stable internet connections, and to those who have a deficiency in their learning materials, which they were not able to take home because of the sudden extension of the ECQ.” ESC President Luis Concepcion said in an online interview with Thomasian Engineer. There have been debates on whether online classes should be suspended due to lack of studying materials and stable internet connections among students. He added that student leaders of the Faculty should always show compassion especially when crisis arises. ESC, together with other local student councils, are active in having consultative online meetings with the central board and the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs regarding the concerns on online classes. The ESC is also coordinating with the faculty by requesting them to be lenient on the submission of the students’ requirements. The council assures that they are doing their best efforts to aid with online classes through receiving updates and conducting grievance forms from every block in the faculty. “As always, the Engineering Student Council acts by the students and for the students.” President Luis said. As for their plans, ESC will monitor for two to three weeks and will gather opinions, suggestions, and concerns on how to improve online classes weekly. The reports will be then forwarded to the dean’s office and the respective departments to ask for further action. Last April 8, the university released an academic guideline announcing the resumption of online classes on April 20 since its cancellation from prior weeks.

Written by: RP Art by: RAZ In the prehistoric era, the primates were left, at times, with no other alternatives but to fight and kill their own species for survival. This type of behavior was eventually adopted by human beings as their coping mechanism throughout the progress of civilization. And as violence developed as a part of our individual innate tendencies, the society formed legal systems as grounds for fair justice. Violence comes hand in hand with power. Those who lust for power seek control in creating and maintaining social orders thinking that this is the most convenient solution for the greater good. But no matter how subtle or evident the intentions are, violence is not the answer. It can only be seen as a natural response when a social hierarchy is threatened. Thus, it is simply an excuse for short-term satisfaction of the chief and only resolves short-term issues of the community. As Isaac Asimov, a prolific writer said, violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Incompetent people heavily rely on what is otherwise a relatively unpleasant option. They utterly believe that the act of violence is enough to give them refuge. Whereas the competent realize that there are more things that can be executed apart from using force. Violence is a mere instrument to steer clear of the actual problem. The public will only be exposed to unforeseen conflicts which can lead to confusion and chaos instead of addressing the issue. Each day is a survival against the invisible. And for the urban poor communities, it is also a battle with hunger. Right now, it seems that a new threat is on the run: the abuse of power of the authorities. The virus and poverty might take some time to kill but with a bullet on the head, one click and death is certain. In these hard times, a directive of “shoot to kill,” people who are deemed as unruly will only spark communal disparity and panic. This will not easen the situation but it will only cause more tension among people. Public outcry will only be resolved if the demands promised to them are consistently met. If there’s one thing the optimistic majority share in common, it is hope for the present and future threats be met and handled better. The community must insist that there shall be visible actions through a high degree of preparedness, responsiveness, and efficiency in fulfilling their needs. If the authorities are truly concerned about the social fabric of our society, it is important to stop insinuating threats and start contributing to the welfare of the citizens. Meanwhile, it is fitting for people to find their own voice and make use of their available means to speak for themselve and for the marginalized sector too. Conviction lies and must remain within ourselves to fight for what is right and just. It is vital that everyone yields against normalizing violence as the key for those who seek help more than additional suffering. This is the most appropriate time to remain vigilant, let us open our eyes to both kindness and cruelty of the world, and stay committed in defending the truth. Now is the time to put our colored lenses off, stop pointing guns against one another, and remember who the real enemy is, for the greater good.

Written by: Aliah Nicole C. Brillante Photo courtesy of Paul Carreon, Yoshio Lazaga, and Ralph Noche April 15, 2020 – Students from the UST Faculty of Engineering embody the Thomasian core values of competence, compassion, and commitment as they engage in voluntary works for frontliners in their respective areas. Initiatives include preparation and distribution of food packs, and raising of funds for the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). One of the volunteers is Maria Allysa Obrador, a Civil Engineering student, whose family prepares daily lunch reaching out to their local church and to the front liners, i.e. medical staff and checkpoint personnel. In an interview, she urged the financially capable to donate to different organizations, local or international, to help resolve hunger and lack of PPEs amid the pandemic. In Oriental Mindoro, Civil Engineering student Ralph Vincent Noche, assists in packing vegetables for the residents of their barangay. This is part of the project led by their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials. Noche stated that his mother inspired him to volunteer as she was also a former barangay official, who is aware of the importance of conducting such work. Noche, together with SK officials and locals, sorting vegetables. Mechanical Engineering student Yoshio Joshua Lazaga took fair advantage of his family’s connections with a food supplier, and the possession of a personal 3D printer, as he aided in the preparation and delivery of baked and fried siopao to local hospitals, and printing of face shields for the village guards, barangay personnel, and medical staff. “Other students can take advantage of whatever resources they currently have to aid in the situation,” Lazaga expressed. Fried siopao prepared and delivered by the Lazaga family. PPEs produced and distributed by the Lazaga family. Meanwhile, a movement called “Project Protect EV” was established by Civil Engineering student Erielle Ayuson, together with her high school friends, which aims to provide PPEs for front liners in Eastern Visayas, especially in Tacloban City. At present, they already distributed 600 face masks and are in the process of making hazmat suits. She emphasized that she and her friend, Zoe Capungcol, who initiated the project, were inspired by their parents to help protect their region’s frontliners. “If a project is for the marginalized and socially isolated, then I would most likely be there. Volunteering helped me be more grounded and thankful of what I have and where I am right now,” Ayuson remarked. Nueva Ecija’s Doctor’s Hospital was also fortunate to receive assistance from Civil Engineering student Paul Carreon, together with his family and friends. Carreon raised funds to produce PPEs, made possible through social media. They were able to deliver 100 face shields to the said hospital. When asked about what inspired them to do such work, Carreon said, “We were driven by empathy… The effort is still nothing compared to the work our frontliners are doing every day, to which they aren’t only risking their own, but their families’ lives too.” Medical Staff from Nueva Ecija’s Doctor’s Hospital receiving the donated face shields. The aforementioned volunteers have a common appeal to fellow students, that is to practice social distancing, stay at home, conduct fact-checking before sharing any content, and apply proper hygiene. They said that these are simple yet best actions that each one can contribute to the flattening of the curve.

Written by: Sota Art by: RAZ nagsisimula ang lahat sa isang buto na itinanim sa isang malawak na lugar tinubigan, naarawan, at inalagaan ito upang maging isang matibay na puno ang puno ay mayroong iba't ibang bahagi isa na ang ugat, ang pinagmulan ng lahat katawan, na nagbubuhat sa ibang miyembro katulad ng mga sanga, dahon, at bunga ang trabaho ng sanga ay simple lamang suportahan ang mga dahon at bunga panatiliin silang malusog, makulay, at siguraduhing sila ay may buhay kapag ang sanga nama'y nagkaroon ng sira ang ibang bahagi nito ay madadamay maaaring ito ay maputol o di kaya'y malason at makikita ang epekto nito sa mga bunga ang mga bunga'y unti-unting mabubulok una'y magiging kayumanggi hanggang sa maging itim at kapag binuksan mo ito'y lalabas ang nakapandidiri nitong amoy at itsura hindi rin malabong lumubha at mahawa ang iba't ibang sanga na nakapalibot dito at makikita mo rin sa mga ito na ang bunga nila'y pare-pareho ngunit lagi nating tatandaan na kahit ilang sanga man ang maputol hindi babagsak ang puno... huwag lang malason ang katawan

Written by: Jhoana Fidel Photos courtesy of Engr. Anthony James Bautista April 12, 2020 — UST Faculty of Engineering’s Asst. Prof. Anthony James Bautista, Ph.D., PME innovates a telepresence called the LISA Robot: Logistic Indoor Service Assistant Robot to provide the COVID-19 medical frontliners a safer way of communication with patients. The project was conceived through a personal request by Engr. Bautista’s friend who is a medical frontliner in Pasig Doctors Medical Center. The prototype-making began last April 1. After being granted access to the faculty’s laboratory, Engr. Bautista was able to finish and deliver the robot last April 6. The LISA Robot is controlled by a doctor or a nurse via simple remote control. It is equipped with a tablet that contains the Zoom App wherein the communication between the patient and the doctor will take place. It will then be fully sanitized after going back from the patient’s room. Aside from preventing cross-contamination, it also lessens the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), in which our country is currently lacking. Other than communication, LISA Robot can also deliver medicines and small items to the patient. The robot is powered by a 12-volt battery. It has an operation time of 8 hours, or a full shift before it needs to be charged again and only requires the ordinary charger device. According to Engr. Bautista, any tablet can be used by the robot as long as it can run the Zoom App properly. The prototype was made out of readily available materials and has an estimated cost of 8,000 pesos. Engr. Bautista already sent a letter to the Department of Science and Technology to ask for support in the reproduction of the robot. He is also working with the Faculty Dean, Prof. Philipina Marcelo, Ph.D., on plans and strategies on how the robot will be reproduced. The robot is envisioned to be developed to three levels of automation: Level 1, manually controlled via remote control, Level 2, WiFi connected, which enables long-distance control, and Level 3, fully-automated wherein the robot will be programmed a map and will be able to autonomously travel within the hospital premises. At present, the LISA Robot is at level 1 automation. The robot is expected to be utilized in the following hospitals: UST Hospital through Dr. Marcellus Ramirez, Pasig Doctors Medical Center through Dr. Emilito Santos, Marikina Valley Medical Center, and Binangonan Lakeview Hospital. “As a professor and as an Engineer, personally, mayroon akong mga technologies na natutunan, parang feeling ko it’s my moral obligation to contribute sa bansa natin.” said in an interview with Thomasian Engineer. Engr. Bautista urges the UST Engineering students to do their parts and contribute in mitigating the COVID-19 crisis through studying their lessons and staying at home.

Art by: Annalis Pertoria Written by: Castle Black As COVID-19 continues to terrorize people and paralyze various sectors, the President approved the recommendation to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon until April 30. Perhaps, this is a ray of hope for fellow Thomasians who are now in their third week of ECQ with piling online lessons and activities amid the self-paced learning program. After not being required to participate in online discussions, students are once again obliged to attend online classes and pass gradable assessments. Undeniably, online classes can help students catch up with their pending lessons, making the quarantine worthwhile. This also prevents the semester from extending. But not all students have access to stable internet connection or even electronic devices forcing some to find alternatives such as going to computer shops, wherein at this point is not pretty feasible due to ECQ. Some students also left their learning materials at their dormitories and going back to get these things will only increase the risk of getting infected. Aside from this, some professors haven’t mastered online platforms. Senior professors are not used to utilizing the course site, hindering the effectiveness of online learning. Adjustment from a traditional to an online set-up is also difficult for most of the professors and students because the Blackboard site is commonly used in minor courses only. Moreover, online class is not suitable for all programs offered by UST. Different faculties require various methods of teaching, and not all of them can be effectively taught in a virtual class. As an engineering student, it is also difficult to grasp lessons online especially if it needs thorough explanation and step-by-step solutions present in face-to-face discussion. Other courses such as laboratories wouldn’t benefit that much in an online set-up because they need practical performance in order to be appreciated by learners. At home, many distractions are also present making it hard for students to focus causing idleness instead of productivity. In times of crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mental disorders like anxiety and depression will double during the period of crisis. The fear of the virus increases stress among people. Even though Filipinos are known for their resiliency, none of us are safe from both the pandemic and mental disorders. Being locked at home might be boring and infuriating, and with a lingering threat around us, it can lead to serious mental health issues. Also, in this time where work and income is also put on hold, it can’t be helped to overthink. This is a lot to take and can greatly reduce retention and productivity among students. Even though we are going through a difficult moment, let’s not forget that as students, it is our duty to try our best to use our free times to study. We are given the chance to flexibly manage each day in ECQ and catch up for the rest of the term. This is the time to pull up our grades, let’s not waste it. Looking from a wider perspective, students aren’t the only one affected by the changes. If we think that it is not conducive to study at home, professors too are having a hard time. They can also experience fluctuations in internet connection just like us. Auto-passing may sound sweet but it would be better if we work hard for our grades. Mass promotion will only bring students to failure in the long run especially in the outside world. Without properly gauging students if they really learned something, they will have a hard time in their upcoming courses and even the board exams. This is a domino effect, bringing more harm than good. To preserve the quality of education, it is necessary to have a basis in grading students. To be fair, the university is aware of the mental health implications of this health crisis. In its policy, they aim to extend their help through the UST Guidance Office and UST Health Service. In this difficult time, everyone has their own job in making this term a success. May professors show fairness and consideration amidst the crisis, acknowledging that everyone doesn’t have the privilege to access learning materials. May they still adapt the self-paced learning program by not requiring attendance for online discussions. May they also give students ample time in answering assessments online. May we, students, practice our right to be critical and use our voices constructively by raising it to the student bodies or even to professors. This is not the time to compete with one another, let’s help each other in this hard time. Extending our help to our classmates who lack the resources is the least thing that we can do. By simply sharing notes or even volunteering to teach the ones who academically struggle are noble things to show amidst the outbreak. At the end of the day, it still boils down to proper dialogue, for we are all called to be more understanding, patient, and compassionate with each other. Online classes have both its pros and cons. Constraints are inevitable along the way but right now this is the most feasible method in order for us to continue learning in the middle of a crisis. As the old saying goes, if there’s a will there’s a way. I’m pretty sure that all of us yearns to graduate on time and if we really want that degree, we must work hard for it against all odds. The pandemic has greatly affected the course of the world, leaving the Earth in hiatus. We don’t know how long this crisis will end so our lives can finally be back to normal. None of us wanted this to happen and the outbreak has greatly affected all of us; we need to adjust and help each other, appreciate the tiny efforts of the people who are making this quarantine less difficult. Little by little, through proper dialogue, improvements shall come. This isn’t just about compassion; it’s not the only ‘C’ in the Thomasian core values, afterall.

Written by: sota Art by: Jayvee Fulgencio (zerotonin) itay, kailan ba ito matatapos? sa puntong ito, hindi na sakit ang parusa nagkakainan na ang aking sikmura't tila laway nalang ang bumubuhay sa'tin ako'y pagod na sa kakahintay hindi natin alam kung kailan sila babalik, kung saan sila mahahagilap at wala na ring mga tao sa paligid kung meron ma'y hindi tayo pinapansin na para bang insekto lang sa daan na walang ibang makain kundi basura, mas magaan pa nga ang buhay sa selda itay, magpahinga ka nalang muna at ako naman ang gagawa ng paraan para ika'y makaraos kahit papaano habang ako'y nasa hantungan

Opinions by: Symona Cartoon by: MAD Growing up, we used to believe that superheroes were only characters in comic books, shows, and movies. Not knowing that they are very much present in our everyday lives. And no, they’re not our typical superheroes who have magical powers, or fly around in capes, or have incredible strength. But just like any superhero in comic books, medical front liners risk their lives while using their expertise to save the lives of patients battling against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these superheroes are in great danger due to lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) that could be used in dealing with infected patients. Thereby, making themselves prone and vulnerable to infections. News reports that the COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths continue to increase each passing day, with a total of 3, 660 cases and 163 deaths (as of April 7, 2020). Among those 152 deaths, more than 10 doctors have already died risking their lives for the people: Dr. Israel Bactol, Dr. Rose Pulido, Dr. Gregorio Macasaet III, Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, Dr. Raul Diaz Jara, Dr. Helen Tudtud, Dr. Marcelo Jauchico, Dr. Sally Gatchalian, Dr. Henry Fernandez, Dr. Raquel Seva, Dr. Hector Alvarez, Dr. Leandro Resurreccion III, Dr. Dennis Tudtud, Dr. Mary Grace Lim. Unfortunately, there have been incidences that patients, who were confirmed positive with the virus, lied about their full conditions to their doctors. Some even disregard and disrespect quarantine protocols just to tend to their personal wants and needs. Not only do they endanger their lives, but also the lives of the medical front liners. What’s worse is that the government’s incompetence to handle serious health issues takes a huge toll on medical front liners. For instance, due to the increasing number of cases, some medical frontliners are forced to improvise PPEs (personal protective equipment) because of the rapid decrease of supply. Poor distribution of PPE suits makes the front liners to be more vulnerable to the virus. Robert Mendoza, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) Secretary-General, comments, “How are we going to provide quality care services to our patients if we are getting sick? How can the government not have the heart to provide us with proper and quality PPEs?” Dr. Therese Suñe of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) said in an interview that the increasing number of cases has caused their hospital (and many others) to be understaffed. “Reality is that we’re currently understaffed, not just RITM, but I think all over the Philippines. Our doctors, nurses, and frontliners are already getting sick.” In fact, the total number of patients in a population outweighs the number of doctors, with a ratio of 1:33,000 from the ideal ratio of 1:10,000, according to the World Health Organization. Therefore, as citizens of this country, let us do our part and help our superheroes even within the four corners of our homes. We could support them by posting our thanks and gratitude on social media. We could also share their online posts asking for PPE donations. And of course, the most important thing that anyone of us could do: pray for them. Pray that the superheroes fighting on the frontlines never lose the determination and courage to face this situation. Pray that they will survive this crisis healthily, so that they may go back to their loved ones when this is all over. Pray that this COVID-19 pandemic would end soon. Through these ways, we can prove to this country that even without medical experience, we are able to help the medical frontliners defeat our common enemy.

Written by: ANDY Art by: Tel COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down for the past weeks. Given the rising number of confirmed cases and death toll, this pandemic disease has caused the world the anxiety of the unknown. How long will COVID-19 cause crises to the world? How long will we undergo quarantine? Will it be over by April 14? How long will the students stay out of school? How long will the people, especially the front liners, face the danger of this disease? Will the hospitals be filled with the sick and dying? Will my family be one of them? Will it be me? As the world contracts with uneasiness and concern, this is the time for potentially profound transformation in our lives. The spirit of Lenten Season gives us the ideal time to contemplate and share the faith. Just like how the Lenten season began with Ash Wednesday, COVID-19 has reminded us of the fragility and vulnerability of everything, including ourselves. It humbles us to perceive that life is not about what we achieve, but what we give and share towards others. Sadly, the imposition of ashes loses its essence on us. We needed to be shaken up from our comfort zones to wake up and see the true essence of life - in the presence of COVID-19. With its focus on prayer, abstinence, repentance, and almsgiving, Lenten season calls us to observe some things that will help us to find peace amidst all this. The enhanced community quarantine gives us more time to reflect, pray and draw closer to God. We are called to pray for the healing of those people who were infected by this disease and are seriously ill. For the protection of the front liners and their respective families at home. As well as for the discovery of a cure against this pandemic disease, and enlightenment of those in power to find an effective response to the needs of the people. Pray and believe. Abstaining from unnecessary travels and any social gatherings could help to protect ourselves and other people from the spread of the virus. As we spend more time on social media, abstaining from forwarding fake news or unverified information that could trigger fear to the public might help. Cliché’ as it sounds but “think before you click”. Lent in time of COVID-19, necessarily connects us to reevaluate and repent from prioritizing the insignificant things in our lives and reflecting on what matters most. This may be the time for spiritual improvement and reconnection with God. At this time of crisis, we must give back to God through our neighbors, especially those who are losing their jobs, the homeless, those who are trapped in their homes and are hungry, the prisoners, the front liners and those who are susceptible to this disease. For a third world country like ours, being trapped in poverty is the same as being infected with the disease. Those who have extra right now, shouldn’t hoard but share. Be considerate to everyone. Amidst the frightening path ahead of us, may we rise and find greater clarity in our lives. Like the Lenten season, COVID-19 doesn’t end with suffering, the agony of carrying our own crosses will end like the Resurrection of Jesus in Easter – a new beginning.