Search Results

Written by: Carl Tristan Gile, Aliah Nicole Brillante, and Kristine Celedonio Photos by: Christian Mungcal and Kaizer Tena September 11, 2019 — The newly-elect officers shared their thoughts on their recent win as Engineering Student Council (ESC) Executive Board for Academic Year 2019-2020. Despite the unfortunate turnout of the past two elections, ESC Assistant Treasurer Kyle King thinks that the students realized the importance of having a unified representation who would target problems and issues to be addressed. ESC President Luis Concepcion, alongside four other members of the council, have claimed that they have set viable plans even before the results were released, as a way of preparation. They highlighted the importance of launching an improved centralized grievance system under the Internal Vice President’s supervision as one of their priority projects. Two avenues will be open for the students’ grievance submissions. Ferrer discussed that once the grievance form was submitted, the matter will be evaluated through the concerned department and will then be raised to the faculty administration if needed. “Hindi nasosolve yung problema kasi nga hind inila alam yung gagawin kaya naging project namin yung centralized grievance system para maging aware yung students na may malalapitan silan aestudyante rin,” said Treasurer Thomas Ferrer in an interview with Thomasian Engineer. ESC plans to improve its services and maximize its funds. Monthly progress reports will be released to inform the students of the faculty’s programs and activities. External Vice President Aldrei Verdan believes that ESC needs to start from the basics in order to achieve their platforms. Furthermore, the officers did not see any big adjustments amid being elected late on their posts. Ferrer said that they have already started serving the students during the Freshmen Week as volunteers. Although Lakas-Tugon dominated the ESC positions, ESC Auditor Nermien Amerol shared that working together with independents Zharla Fernandez and Aldrei Verdan would not be difficult since they have collaborated in the past projects. Asst. Sec. Fernandez sees shortcomings in ESC’s community development but assures to do her best, although lacking in time, to continue her platforms since these are all feasible. ESC wants to promote activities for students that will serve as their break from their academic lives. “For me, it is important na mag-grow sila in other aspects that are essential in life, not just in academics. Let’s say, leadership or like being able to mingle with anyone and everyone,” Assistant Treasurer King said. External Vice President Verdan pointed that engineering needs more empathy. “Yung isa sa platforms ko is nagbibigay ako ng avenue kung saan magiging involved lahat na mas malawak yung involvement. Kasi yun naman talaga yung kulang eh, yung avenue for the engineering na maging involved,” Asst. Sec. Fernandez also explained that the faculty of engineering community will benefit on these plans because it will build their characters. With that, there will be a synergy to create better events and projects. The student leaders assured the students of the faculty that they will always support the students. “Para sa 1st year, we’ll make sure na mag-eenjoy sila sa first year nila dito and for the 5th year we’ll make their last year a memorable one,” President Concepcion vowed.

Written by: Jayvee Fulgencio Photos by: Sherwin Dignadice September 10, 2019 — Caryl Patrick Rivera, an alumnus of the UST Faculty of Engineering, ranked fourth place in the August 2019 Mechanical Engineering Board Examination with a rating of 93.55-percent. Rivera, although hoping to be part of the topnotchers, didn’t expect that he would make it through. Out of surprise, he didn’t believe his brother, who told him the good news, and eventually checked it himself. He said that it still feels the same even after acing the boards. He also shared his story of unexpectedly topping the pre-boards in his review center, reason for him to be slightly pressured due to the expectations of the people around him. Regardless, he saw it as motivation to do better. According to him, he attended the mass at St. Jude church two days before the board exams, as suggested by his mom. After the board exam, Rivera plans to take a short break and at the same time, prepare his resume for his plans of working in the field. “Grab every opportunity you can”, said Rivera, as his advice to the future board examinees.

Written by: Rendel Ang Artwork by: Michael Dunuan Sustaining the ecology and socio-economy of the Pasig river is what determines the outcome of its ecosystem. A planning framework that satisfies land and freshwater ecosystems is therefore necessary. In an interview with the Environmental Management Division of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), they stated that a framework of rehabilitation programs, projects and activities have been implemented under the 2017 to 2032 Pasig River Integrated and Strategic Master Plan (PRISM) in collaboration with UP Planades. It is a structure of implemented programs in rehabilitation, projects and activities by the commission. The formulation of the master plan acquired inputs from the chemical engineers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). In accomplishing the master plan, repeated testing of the water’s quality serves as a prerequisite in formulating techniques in environmental adaptation and mitigation. The improvement in the condition of waterways were observed through the positive change in fecal coliform, nitrate, phosphate, oil and grease, total suspended solids (TSS) and heavy metals. There is also the increase in the river’s biodiversity where in tilapia, a common freshwater fish, is recently reported to be caught (Madarang, 2019), but biodiversity doesn’t necessarily equate to the river’s improvement. There are recent warnings against the consumption of fish caught in the river, a result of determining the fecal coliforms and heavy metals in its tissue in the 2019 Fish Tissue Analysis Report of Pasig River. These data were interpreted from water quality tests by chemical engineers. They determine the factors influencing the current state and the factors that benefit the Pasig River through the same process. Laguna lake, which is connected to the Pasig River, is one of the sources of its biodiversity through the fish carried by the flushing water from the lake to the river, due to the rainy months of June to December. The aquaculture potential also increases because of the increase in dissolved oxygen content as a result of the flushing effect (Cruz, 1997). The LLDA allows liquid waste to be received by the lake, but it is regulated to ensure that only limited volume is discharged at a certain time. It is done through the LLDA Resolution no. 286, which issues discharge permits and fine those who go against the Republic Act 4850, which created and gave power to LLDA (Laguna Lake Development Authority, 2006). Determining and regulating effluent liquid wastes discharged is also heavily dependent on chemical engineers because the amount of liquid waste is determined through the same heavy metal and coliform constituents. An engineer’s report is a prerequisite in acquiring discharge permits where in the chemical composition, total daily volume, and the nature and character of wastes along with the process of treatment and estimated efficiency of the treatment are requirements within the technical report. The effluent’s total daily volume of water composition after treatment is also required (Laguna Lake Development Authority). This prevents the lake from imitating the state that the Pasig River resulted in after the indiscriminate dumping of wastes by both informal settlers and industries. The Presidential Decree No. 600, also known as the Marine Pollution Decree of 1974 states that the quality of the marine environment and the biodiversity it supports must not be impaired as it is of vital importance to humanity and assuring that it is managed and protected is the interest of all people (Philippine Coast Guard). Chemical engineers serve a vital role in the implementation of the decree because water quality level is an indicator of the biodiversity that the body of water could foster. Proposed water quality improvement innovations are assessed by chemical engineers along with the implementation of existing technologies. But it is not restricted to the application of ideas as the wide variety of skill chemical engineers possess are geared towards improving the quality of people’s lives. References: Cruz, R.T. (1997). Case Study III – The Pasig River, Philippines. 11 New Fetter Lane, London: E. & F.N. Spon. Laguna Lake Development Authority (n.d.). Discharge Permit (DP) New. Retrieved from http://llda.gov.ph/discharge-permit-dp-new/ Laguna Lake Development Authority (2006). Resolution No. 286, Series of 2006: Adopting the Reckoning Period for Imposition of Administrative Fine for Operating Without Valid LLDA Clearance and Discharge Permit. Retrieved from http://llda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/dox/br/dp/br286s2006.pdf Madarang, C.R. (2019). Freshwater fish tilapia caught in Pasig River years after rehabilitation. Interaksyon. Retrieved from http://www.interaksyon.com/trends-spotlights/2019/01/29/143140/freshwater-fish-tilapia-caught-in-pasig-river-after-years-of-rehabilitation/ Philippine Coast Guard (n.d.). Presidential Decree No. 600: Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution. Retrieved from http://www.coastguard.gov.ph/index.php/related-laws/29-auxiliary-menu/related-laws/189-presidential-decree-no-600

Written by: Allen Atienza, Jhoana Fidel Photo by: Jhoana Fidel September 9, 2019 – Assoc. Prof. Ricardo S. Balog returns as UST Faculty of Engineering's Assistant Dean this academic year 2019 to 2020, after four years of absence from his post. Engr. Balog previously took on the position of Assistant Dean last June 2000 until July 2015. He became the chairman of Mechanical Engineering department (ME) for one year, and assumed the leadership of being the director of Student Welfare Development Board (SWDB) before going back to his post as Assistant Dean. “Pag tinanggap mo ‘yon [ng administrative post], nandun na yung willingness mo to serve, at wala ka nang personal na iniisip doon. Ganoon na ang line of thinking ko eversince. Bago naman ako maging assistant dean way back 2000”, Engr. Balog stated in his interview with Thomasian Engineer. Engr. Balog has been long known through his disciplinary methods. He believes that the most effective way of discipline is prevention, at least from what he learned from his experiences—calling one’s attention and maintaining his visibility. He thinks that a disciplinary method is not transformative if the student is penalized right away. “Pinakamahirap na aspeto ‘dun, kailangan yung takbo ng isip mo, parang isip ng abogado, involved ka kasi sa resolution ng student cases eh, yun yung pinakachallenging dun,” – Engr. Balog on the challenges of being SDWB Director. As an Assistant Dean, he aims to pursue the mission and vision of the faculty of engineering: to train and equip the students through offering a curriculum which can be considered as almost similar to the real world, to become the embodiment of the graduate attributes.

Written by: Jhoana Fidel Photos by: Jann Kaizer Tena September 8, 2019 —The ongoing 22-storey Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P. Building currently houses approximately 2000 to 3000 UST Senior High School grade 11 students. The 2 billion-peso precast building is located between Cayco St. and Extremadura St., along Espana Boulevard. It is approximately 2,500 square meters and features smart classrooms in the tenth to fourteenth floors, a two-storey library, a Chapel, a gym, an auditorium, computer and science laboratories, concessionaires, zero plastic cafeteria with clean your own metal plates, and dishwashing area. The Facilities Management Office (FMO) assures that the building, although still under construction, is safe to be occupied. “Meron naman siyang permit to be occupied. It was not a hasty decision to be occupied. It was planned from the beginning, and we make sure na dun sa mga areas na occupied by students, walang construction being done”, Engr. Albert S. Surla, FMO Assistant Director, stated. Although built purposely for UST SHS students, Institute of Information and Computing Sciences (IICS), Santo Tomas e-Service Providers (STePS), TomasINNO Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Center, and UST Educational Technology Center (EDTECH) will also occupy the building. The completion of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, O. P. Building is expected next academic year 2020-2021. Datem, Inc., the general contractor, Casas+Architects, Inc., and Design Coordinates, Inc. took part in the building construction.

Written by: Miko Halim Photo by: Jann Kaizer Tena September 2, 2019 — The UST Facilities Management Office (FMO) alongside IPM aims to improve the drainage system of the campus, with the main goal of expanding the existing temporary detentions or a 'catch basin' of flood water which will then be pumped to certain pumping stations after sudden downpours to prevent stagnation. The improved system is expected to solve the flooding problem in the campus, with the interest of safety and health of the students, as well as those who are working in the university. "Ang iniiwasan ngayon ng UST is yung mas nagiging dangerous pa sa students sa loob kasi baha sa loob ta[po]s sa labas wala", Engr. Albert Surla, FMO Assistant Director, stated in his interview with the Thomasian Engineer. The plan was proposed due to the existing drainage system's poor management and design; the drainage systems in Sampaloc, specifically Espana Blvd. and Nicanor Reyes St., are relatively small compared to regular drainage systems in the city. Debris such as garbage and other waste matter makes the system more difficult to maintain. The newly improved drainage system was designed to store a 50-year return period worth of rainfall and is 4-5 meters deep. Although, the project faced a handful of challenges on the safety of the students, traffic in the campus, heavy rainfalls during daytime, and also not being able to do major works in the day because of on-going classes, the new drainage system will be expected to be fully operational next academic year. The UST Facilities Management Office, with all its efforts, targets the completion of the project by the midyear of 2020.

Written by: Jhoana Fidel Photo by: Caster John Tabora August 30, 2019—The Mandatory Debate “Miting De Avance” spearheaded by the UST Engineering Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Engineering Quadrangle. The event was participated by students running unopposed for this upcoming special elections for Engineering Student Council Academic Year 2019-2020. The debate was formally opened by Nicole Sophia Montero introducing the panel of judges right after: Katrina Miranda, former Hiraya president and current external vice president of UST MEC; Marlou Herrero, former UST ACES assistant secretary; Jyra Acebes, former COMELEC chairperson, current civil law student. For the first round of the discourse, opening statements of the candidates were heard. “This is no longer about me, this is not about us, the slate. This is about you, the students.” Lakas-TUGON standard bearer Luis Concepcion said. "Mahirap na walang student representation." He added, encouraging students to exercise their right to vote. The participants proceeded to the second round answering questions from the panel of judges regarding their plans, platforms, and vision on the upcoming year. Lakas-TUGON’s candidate for ESC auditor, Nermien Amerol, former UST Senior High School Student Council auditor, answered that they’re still in the process of developing their activities when asked regarding the overview of the allocation/division of budget for the coming academic year . Kyle King, Lakas-TUGON’s candidate for Assistant Treasurer restated his initial statement regarding ESC’s recent progress, stating that ESC can be more progressive, and that activities can be improved in order to further help the engineering community. Zharla Fernandez, an independent ESC assistant secretary candidate believes that the faculty’s activities are open for improvements when asked regarding the depth, relevance, and importance of the Faculty of Engineering’s activities. Lakas-TUGON’s ESC internal vice president candidate, Christian Paul Villarin emphasized the process and flow chart of anonymous submissions of grievance forms and the importance of seeking help from the professionals in a panel inquiry on how online grievance forms can and should be anonymous, since the rampancy of issues among engineering students and faculty members. Aldrei Jann Verdan, candidate for ESC external vice president believes that non-academic events the faculty are necessary and relevant because it helps the students relax and release stress as they grow in their engineering journeys. In the last round of the debate, students gathered in the quadrangle were given the opportunity to voice out their concerns to the candidates. Lakas-TUGON’s representatives Nermien Amerol, Thomas Ferrer, and Kyle King running for the positions of ESC Public Relations Officer, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer, respectively, were asked on how to achieve transparency among ESC’s financial matters and issues. “Lahat confidential dapat, pero kelangan transparent sa huli.” Amerol answered. “In a situation na nawalan ng pera, kahit anong mangyare, transparent. pero confidential somehow in the process kung magkakaroon ng gulo basta sa huli transparent.” Ferrer added. Luis Concepcion was asked what is his edge on the upcoming elections, "If ayaw niyo na lider na ipaglalaban ang tama, kung ayaw niyo ng lider na maisusulong ang engineering pataas at pausbong, then don't vote for me. And I believe I am your best option as your president" He confidently answered. The electoral candidates concluded the mandatory debate with their closing statements encouraging students to vote. "I believe we can all agree that for democracy to work, every person’s voice matters. Every vote, no matter the choice, makes a difference, [...]. Help us fight apathy and encourage others to vote as well,” UST Engineering COMELEC Chairperson Angelica Puno said. The third special election is on September 2-7, 2019.

Riding a ferry bound to Lambingan station, we departed from Escolta, hoping to see firsthand the current state of the Pasig River. The stench of trash and waste worsens as we approached the river's center. The hue of the water is far off from its initial color, and water hyacinths are gathered around the boats, ports, and pumping station of the river. The plants might make one think the water is safe, but the plants themselves are not actually supposed to be there. Somehow, these plants are sensitive to toxicity. Thinking about how they are attracted to wastes makes them blend in with the plastics and styrofoams, although the view above the water is scenic. One can just look up and think that everything is as bad as it looks. Our sightseeing stopped as noise could be heard. The crew searched around, stopping at the rear of the boat. They saw a piece of plastic stuck on the rudder and removed it. It is sad to see another man's trash becoming another man's problem. As we head closer to Lambingan, children restlessly swam around the boats, as if the river was their own private swimming pool. A flock of migratory birds is seen on the other side, stepping on the styrofoams as objects to rest on, flying towards the sky short after. Does the flight of the birds mean something? Can life in the river soar just like they did? We arrived in the station in Lambingan, and we felt something different from before. I think we just got the glimmer of hope we need. The Pasig River is a river declared biologically dead in the 1990s as it is incapable of sustaining marine life. It has, however, recently shown signs of aquatic life. The river started out as a biologically diverse habitat which thrived with 13 different types of plants and 25 varieties of fish (Cruz, 1997). The deterioration of water bodies then occurred after the second world war in the 1940s where the increase in economic activities, development of infrastructures along with the massive growth of population served as the origin for the virtually extinguished river (Gorme, 2010). Figure 1 Map Of the Pasig River (Villanueva et. al., 2013) With a length of 27 kilometers, an average width of 91 meters and a ranging depth of 0.5 to 5.5 meters, the Pasig River has a flow originating from Laguna de Bay. It then joins the Marikina River through the Napindan Channel. The area between the Guadalupe Bridge and C6 Bridge is where the deepest portions of around 4.5 meters is located while the outlet, near Manila Bay, is where the river is most shallow (Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, 2010). Pasig River no longer has its prestige of its recreational and transport functions, secondary contact sports are discouraged in the river and the improvement of land transportation further increased its diminished use (Cruz, 1997). The Environmental Management Division of Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) states that the river’s pollution is detrimental to human health, as it causes health problems and communicable diseases transmitted by the pathogenic organisms which thrive from the river’s polluted state. Algal blooms further deplete the oxygen of the river, suffocating aquatic plants and animals. This reduction in biodiversity affects the sustainability of the country. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, one of the first organizations created for restoring the river, was created in 1999. It operates in order to restore the river because of its historical and economic significance. Other organizations such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) have also helped in the process yet the progress still seems minimal compared to the time frame that has passed. According to the Pasig River Unified Monitoring Stations (PRUMS) report in 2018, sent by the PRRC Environmental Management, the river now displays distinct signs of recovery. It shows that the C6 Bridge, Bambang Bridge, Marikina Bridge, and 10 other stations are now classified by the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) as Class C water. Despite this, the entirety of Pasig River is yet to be classified under Class C, which is defined as being suitable for aquatic life, recreation and agricultural water supply. In 2009, eight species of fish were observed in the Pasig River, two of which are native and one endemic to our county. Residents within the vicinity are reported to have caught a common freshwater fish known as tilapia in an article made by Madarang (2019) and a catfish weighing over 10 kg in another article by Layug (2019). Although with the increase in biodiversity, PRRC has recently warned the public against the consumption of fish caught in the river. The PRRC Fish Tissue Analysis in the Pasig River System has shown that fish samples acquired from Napindan Bridge, Santa Ana Ferry, Guadalupe Ferry, classified as Class C, have the presence of fecal coliform and traces of toxic heavy metals in its tissues. Fecal Coliform serve as the lithmus test for determining the presence of potential pathogenic organisms such as Escherichia coli which has strains such as E. coli 0157:H7 that can cause illnesses outside of the intestinal tract (Center for Diseases Control and Prevention). The most prevalent toxic heavy metals in the tissue samples were lead and mercury (mercury especially). Long term exposure of lead causes adverse effects such as anemia, psychological disorders and cognitive disruptions, etc. in the form of lead intoxication (Mallongi and Mallongi, 2016). Mercury, even in small quantities, can lead to biomagnification, where in the substance can be dispersed among its predators. “The improvement of some of the water quality parameters as well as the presence of different species of fishes in the river system signifies that there is hope for the Pasig River. Together with the support of the national government agencies, local government units, private institutions, and the surrounding communities, the goal of restoring the river’s water quality to Class C level is within reach.” -PRRC Environmental Management Division The restoration of Pasig River is important. It serves as our heritage. It has significant economic value. And it is our duty as Filipino citizens to take care of our country. Team Behind Lead Researcher: Rendel Ang Researcher: Allen Atienza Cinematographer and Editor: Jayvee Fulgencio References: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). E. coli (Escherichia coli). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/general/index.html Cruz, R.T. (1997). Case Study III – The Pasig River, Philippines. 11 New Fetter Lane, London: E. & F.N. Spon. Gorme, J.B., Maniquiz, M.C., Song, P., Kim, L.H. (2010). The Water Quality of Pasig River in the City of Manila, Philippines: Current Status, Management and Future Recovery. Environmental Engineering Research, 15(3), 173-179. DOI: 10.4491/eer.2010.15.3.173 Layug, M.C. (2019). ‘Monster’ hito, weighing over 10 kilos, caught in Pasig River. GMA News Online. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/703896/monster-hito-weighing-over-10-kilos-caught-in-pasig-river/story/ Madarang, C.R. (2019). Freshwater fish tilapia caught in Pasig River years after rehabilitation. Interaksyon. Retrieved from http://www.interaksyon.com/trends-spotlights/2019/01/29/143140/freshwater-fish-tilapia-caught-in-pasig-river-after-years-of-rehabilitation/ Mallongi, H., Mallongi, A. (2016). Health Risk Analysis of Lead Exposure from Fish Consumption among Communities along Youtefa Gulf. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 15(10), 929-935. DOI: 10.3923/pjn.2016.929.935 Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (2010). 2010 annual report of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. Retrieved from http://www.prrc.gov.ph/index.php/component/jdownloads/send/7-prrc-accomplishment-reports/8-prrc-accomplishment-report-f-y-2010 Villanueva, J., Le Coustumer, P., Huneau, F., Motelica-Heino, M., Perez, T., Materum, R., Espaldon, M. & Stoll, S. (2013). Assessment of Trace Metals during Episodic Events using DGT Passive Sampler: A Proposal for Water Management Enhancement. Water Resources Management, 27. 4163-4181. DOI:10.1007/s11269-013-0401-5.

Written by: Jhoana Fidel Photo by: Caster John Tabora August 30, 2019—The Mandatory Debate “Miting De Avance” was spearheaded by the UST Engineering Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Engineering Quadrangle. The event was participated by students running unopposed for this upcoming special elections for Engineering Student Council Academic Year 2019-2020. The debate was formally opened by Nicole Sophia Montero introducing the panel of judges right after: Katrina Miranda, former Hiraya president and current external vice president of UST MEC; Marlou Herrero, former UST ACES assistant secretary; Jyra Acebes, former COMELEC chairperson, current civil law student. For the first round of the discourse, opening statements of the candidates were heard. “This is no longer about me, this is not about us, the slate. This is about you, the students.” Lakas-TUGON standard bearer Luis Concepcion said. "Mahirap na walang student representation." He added, encouraging students to exercise their right to vote. The participants proceeded to the second round answering questions from the panel of judges regarding their plans, platforms, and vision on the upcoming year. Lakas-TUGON’s candidate for ESC auditor, Nermien Amerol, former UST Senior High School Student Council auditor, answered that they’re still in the process of developing their activities when asked regarding the overview of division of projects for the upcoming year. Kyle King, Lakas-TUGON’s Assistant Treasurer bet restated his initial statement regarding ESC’s recent progress, stating that ESC can be more progressive, and that activities can be improved in order to further help the engineering community. Zharla Fernandez, an independent ESC assistant secretary candidate believes that the faculty’s activities are open for improvements when asked regarding the depth, relevance, and importance of the Faculty of Engineering’s activities. Lakas-TUGON’s ESC internal vice president candidate, Christian Paul Villarin emphasized the process and flow chart of anonymous submissions of grievance forms and the importance of seeking help from the professionals in a panel inquiry on how online grievance forms can and should be anonymous, since the rampancy of issues among engineering students and faculty members. Aldrei Jann Verdan, candidate for ESC external vice president believes that non-academic events the faculty are necessary and relevant because it helps the students relax and release stress as they grow in their engineering journeys. In the last round of the debate, students gathered in the quadrangle were given the opportunity to voice out their concerns to the candidates. Lakas-TUGON’s representatives Audrey Consul and Thomas Ferrer, running for the positions of ESC Public Relations Officer and Treasurer, respectively, were asked on how to achieve transparency among ESC’s financial matters and issues. “Lahat confidential dapat, pero kelangan transparent sa huli.” Consul answered. “In a situation na nawalan ng pera, kahit anong mangyare, transparent. Pero confidential somehow in the process kung magkakaroon ng gulo basta sa huli transparent.” Ferrer added. Luis Concepcion was asked what is his edge on the upcoming elections, “[Kung] ayaw [niyo] ng leader na tumatanggol [sainyo], then don't vote for me, and I believe I am your best option for president." He confidently answered. The electoral candidates concluded the mandatory debate with their closing statements encouraging students to vote. "I believe we can all agree that for democracy to work, every person’s voice matters. Every vote, no matter the choice, makes a difference, [...]. Help us fight apathy and encourage others to vote as well,” UST Engineering COMELEC Chairperson Angelica Puno said. The third special election is on September 2-7, 2019.

Isinulat ni: Kevin Yee Patapos na ang buwan ng Agosto, kung kailan nagiging Filipino ang mga anunsyo at posts sa Facebook at iba’t-ibang social media accounts ng mga organisasyon, nagsisilipana ang iba’t-ibang mga litrato na mayroong makabayang quotes sa foreground, at ang mga estudyante sa elementarya at sekondarya na akala mo ay nag-time travel sa panahon ni Balagtas dahil sa mga suot nilang barong tagalog at mga salitang akala mo ay nanggaling sa baul para sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa. Ang Pilipinas ay mayaman sa wika tulad ng Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilokano, Waray, at iba pa dahil sa iba’t-ibang kultura at mga komunidad na naninirahan sa ating bayan. Sa kadahilanang ito, kinakailangan ang isang sistema arbitrary upang magkaintindihan ang mga mananalita mula sa iba’t-ibang mga lugar. Ang madalas na biruan sa loob at labas ng Ruaño na ang mga lengguwahe raw ng mga mag-aaral ng inhinyeriya ay ang mga simbolo, numero, at terminong madalas na ginagamitan ng mga ka-d/dx sa bawat sulok ng Ruaño tulad ng derive, derivatives, at ang tagapagligtas tuwing exams: shift-solve, ay hindi na matatanggal pa sa sistema at kumbaga ay parte na ng kulturang inhinyeriya. Hindi pasok ang mga biro na ito kung ibabase ang kahulugan ng wika sa depinisyon ni Dr. Jose Villa Panganiban, isang lexicographer, propesor, at manunulat na naglimbag ng mga librong ukol sa pagsusuri ng wikang Filipino, “[ang wika] ay paraan ng pagpapahayag ng kuru-kuro at damdamin sa pamamagitan ng mga salita upang makipag-unawaan sa kapwa-tao. Ito ay binubuo ng mga salita, parirala, at pangungusap na may kahulugan.” Sa kabuuan, ang wika ayon sa kanya ay ang pakikipagkomunikasyon ng may kahulugan at nagkakaintindihan sa taong pinapatungkulan ng mga binigkas na salitang may istrakturang sinusunod. Ingles, Tagalog, Taglish, o kahit kombinasyon pa ng tatlo, ang lenggwaheng ginagamit ng mga mag-aaral ng Roque Ruano, ay nagkakaintindihan at nakakapagsalitan sila ng impormasyon dahil sa kanilang sariling kultura at pag-aarbitraryo ng sistema ng pananalita. Subalit ang sistema ng pananalita ng mga mag-aaral ay nag-iiba sa kanilang pagpasok sa mga silid-aralan ng madalas na midyum ng komunikasyon ay Ingles bilang paghahanda raw sa “globalization” o pakikipag-ugnayan sa ibayong dagat, na marahil nagiging dahilan ng pagsasantabi sa ating wika. Maaaring dapat handa ang mga sinasabing “future engineers” sa pakikipag-usap sa iba’t-ibang lahi para lumawak ang kanilang koneksyon at kaalaman at nang hindi makulong sa limitadong kaalaman na maibibigay ng ating bansa ang mga mag-aaral, ngunit dapat din maging handa ang mga propesyonal na makapagpaliwanag sa kanilang mga kababayan na hindi ma-alam sa wikang Ingles, lalo na at napakahalaga sa kanilang linya ng trabaho ang pakikipagkomunikasyon. Totoo rin naman na sa larangan ng inhenyeriya, maraming mga salita ay technical o specialized, mga jargon, at walang saktong katumbas sa wikang Filipino, pero hindi naman ito nangangahulugang hindi na maipapaliwanag ang mga nasabing termino sa ating sariling wika. Kung gaano natin pinagyayaman ang bokabularyo natin sa Ingles ay dapat ganun din sa Filipino upang makapagpaliwanag tayo ng mas mainam at malinaw. Ang paggamit ng wika ay para magkaintindihan ang dalawang o higit pang tao o grupo. Kapag hindi mo nabigyang linaw o naipaunawa sa iyong kausap ang naismong ipahayag, ang ibig sabihin lamang ay nabigo ka sa pinakamahalagang layunin ng wika: ang pakikipagkomunikasyon para magkaintindihan. Hindi masamang ihanda ang sarili para sa iba’t-ibang pagsubok mula sa iba’t-ibang sulok ng mundo, ngunit dapat hindi natin makalimutan ang mga bagay na kalapit sa atin dahil na sa malayo lagi ang ating tingin. Mapalad tayo dahil nakaiintindi tayo ng Ingles at Filipino, pero paano naman ang mga taong hindi? Ang pagsasabuhay at pagpapahalaga sa wikang Filipino ay hindi natatapos sa pagtatapos ng Agosto kundi ay dapat magpatuloy kahit mawala na ang mala-Balagtas na anunsyo na naka-post sa mga social media. Ang wikang Filipino ay hindi lamang isang estetiko na ginagamit para sa “Pinoy Pride,” kung hindi ay isang pamamaraan ng buhay para makipag-ugnay sa ating mga kababayan, upang mapadali ang pag-uunawaan sa mabilis na pagbabago ng ating mundong kinagagalawan.

Isinulat ni: Rendel Ang Litratista: Jann Kaizer Tena, Christian Mungcal, Marco Aganon, Sherwin Dignadice Ika-6 at ika-7 ng Agosto — Martes at Miyerkules, ginanap ang EXCITE 2019 na may temang “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse”, kung saan naipakilala ang mga estudyante hindi lang sa kanilang mga bagong kamag-aral at mga kapisanan, kundi sa kultura ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas. Sa kabila ng pagpapaliban ng petsa ng ROARientation 2019, na dapat ay naganap noong ika-5 ng Agosto. Lunes, masigabong nagsimula ang EXCITE 2019 sa pagdaraos ng Thomasian Welcome Walk kung saan papasok ang mga bagong mag-aaral sa Arch of the Centuries na nagsisilbing tradisyon upang opisyal nang maideklara ang isang estudyante bilang bahagi ng pamilya ng Tomasino. Nakatanggap ng mga sweatband, pamaypay at aspile ang mga bagong mag-aaral kaakibat ng kanilang “freshie kit”. Pagkatapos nito ay dumiretso sila sa Quadricentennial Pavilion kung saan naganap ang ikalawang misa ng pang-akademikong taon. Pagkatapos ng misa ay nagsibalikan sa mga silid aralan ang mga estudyante at pinamunuan ng mga myembro ng iba’t ibang organisasyon ng pakultad ang mga palarong nagsilbing pagpapakilala at pambungad sa bawat isang pangkat na magsasama para sa kanilang unang semestre. Ito ay nagpatuloy hanggang sa pangalawang araw ng nasabing kaganapan. Nagtapos EXCITE 2019 ang sa pagpapakilala ng mga kapisanan ng kolehiyo sa lahat ng mga pangkat upang hikayatin silang sumali at higit pang makulayan ang kanilang paglalakbay sa mundo ng inhinyeriya ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas.

Isinulat ni: Rendell Ang Litratista: Jann Kaizer Tena Agosto 1, 2019 — Ang simula ng taong pang-akademiko ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas ay ginanap sa Santisimo Rosario Parish, kung saan isinagawa ang taunang Misa de Apertura at Discursio de Apertura. Ang Misa de Apertura ay pinamahalaan ng Tomasinong Obispo ng Daet na si Reverend Father Andrew Alarcon kung saan niya inilahad ang pormal na pagbubukas ng pang-akademikong taon. Kaakibat nito ay ang kanyang pagbibigay gabay ukol sa kasalukuyang pag-unlad ng teknolohiya sa ating mundo, kung saan dumating na lamang ang araw na silang mga tagapaglingkod ng diyos ay nag-aaral na rin kung paano gamitin ang internet. Ngunit kanyang pinapaalala na bigyang halaga ang pagbibigay ng oras sa Panginoon sa panahon ng pagbabago. Si Prof. Maria Minerva P. Calimag, M.D., Ph.D. ng Faculty of Medicine and Surgery ang piniling maglahad sa Discursio de Apertura kung saan tinalakay nya ang kanyang Medicinal Discursio na pinamagatang “Research and the Social Agenda: The Tale of Two Rivers (Of Dead Rivers and the Ripples of Life)”. Sinimulan nya ito sa paggugol sa mga along nagdudulot sa pasulong na pagbabago, kung saan ang kanyang ina’t amang nasa larangan ng pagturo ng agham ang nagsilbing gabay sa kanyang paglaki sa mundo ng pananaliksik. Itinalakay din nya ang ating kapaligiran, ang ating pag-abuso dito, at ang epekto sa ating bansa ng kagyat na pagkalbo ng mga kagubatan at patuloy na pagsira sa mga bundok ng pagmimina. Binanggit niya rin ang lumalaking pangangailangan ng kapaligiran na una nang tinalakay ni Pope Francis, ang mga maaating kahihinatnan nito na mas malaki ang epekto sa mga mahihirap, ang malaking ugnayan ng kapaligiran sa ating kalusugan, at kung saan ang sugpong ng pansarili at pangplanetang kalusugan ay pinapagitan ng isang manipis na linya lamang. Ginamit niyang halimbawa ang El Niño na naganap sa Pilipinas noong taong 2015 hanggang 2016 kung saan dumami ang mga kaso ng dengue, malaria, at iba pang mga sakit dulot ng pagbabago sa ating kapaligiran. Ngunit sa kabila ng mga ito ay malaki din ang nadudulot na pinsala ng pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng tao sa kapaligiran. Isa sa pinakamalaking pinagmumulan ng lason ng kapaligiran ay ang mga kalat na nagmumula sa mga kagamitan ng ospital at anesthesia na ginagamit sa paggamot at pagligtas ng mga tao. Binanggit nya rin na 60% ng mga Pilipino ang namamatay ng walang doktor na kaakibat. Ito ang mga naghimok sa kanya para sa pagsulat ng kanyang lathalang pinamagatang “The Social and Cultural Dimensions of Health as a Research Agenda: Establishing the Need for a Research Interest Group (RIG) in Social Medicine”. Itinatalakay nya ang halaga ng patuloy na pananaliksik ukol sa pansarili at pangplanetang kalusugan. Kasama rin dito ang pagsaliksik sa kalusugan ng kaisipan, kung saan binibigyan niyang importansya ang kabataang Pilipino sa pakay na ito. Sinusuportahan niya ang pamamaraan ni Aaron Antonovsky na “Salutogenesis”, na binibigyang halaga ang mga salik na sumusuporta sa ikabubuti ng kalusugan kaysa sa mga sakit na nakakasama dito (Pathogenesis). Nakatuon siya sa pananaliksik sa pagsulong kaysa sa pananaliksik sa pagpigil ng paglubog at naniniwala siyang ito ang susi sa ating kaunlaran bilang tao.