THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2025-2026 ISSUE 6

AGON GETS SECOND TERM AS

THE UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed four Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board officers on Saturday, April 25, with voter turnout slightly dipping to 60% after a week of voting.

Incumbent CSC President Annie Agon will lead the student body for a second term.

Agon, a legal management junior from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, won the presidency with 16,581 votes, while 9,775 students left their ballots unanswered.

This marks Agon’s third year in the CSC Executive Board following

The Senate — from ‘august chamber’ to chamber pot

her election as public relations officer (PRO) in 2024 and vice president in 2025. Last year, she assumed the presidency after the position was declared vacant.

Legal management junior Franz Salangsang was proclaimed vice president after garnering 16,407 votes, while 9,775 students left their votes unanswered.

The lone candidate for treasurer, communication junior Zedrich Daz, won the post with 16,020 votes, while 10,336 students left their votes unanswered.

Fourth-year architecture student Mecaella Sean Capalar was proclaimed the PRO after garnering

By Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos

11,414 votes, ahead of Errol Salamatin’s 5,152 votes. A total of 9,790 students left their ballots unanswered.

Philosophy junior Clarence Mindo was proclaimed secretary later. He won 8,565 votes to win against psychology sophomore Elijah Viola, who drew 8,433 votes.

The number of blank votes, which totaled 9,358, was larger than those obtained by the two candidates who contested the post.

There were no candidates for CSC auditor.

The Varsitarian hosted the “Botomasino: The Election Forum” on Monday, April 13, a week before electronic voting opened and the

release of the special Botomasino edition.

Central Comelec Commissioner Marianne Pami told the Varsitarian any vacancies would be filled through an internal balloting process among CSC members.

“In case of vacancy in any other position of the Executive Board, each member of the CSC shall nominate any local council executive board officer. From among the nominees, three shall be chosen by the CSC through secret ballot to become candidates for the position,” the CSC constitution states.

Central Board

The Comelec also proclaimed the winners of the local student council elections.

The Central Board, the CSC’s legislative arm, will be composed of newly elected council presidents from the different academic units:

Genina Rilles (UST-AMV College of Accountancy)

Sophia Deligro (College of Architecture)

• Natalie Santos (College of Ed-

The proceedings will be led by the CSC president, with the winner of the secret balloting deemed “resigned” as a local council officer.

THE VARSITARIAN, the University’s 98-year-old official student publication, won seven awards at the 2026 Apple Awards of the College Media Association (CMA), one of the United States’ top student media competitions. This makes the Varsitarian the first student-led university publication from the Philippines and Asia to win in multiple categories in the CMA’s spring convention.

The V’s print issue, “Filipinos Declare: No to Corruption,” produced by

Varsitarian editor in chief Chalssea Kate Echegoyen and layout editor Jed William Gocatek, and headlined by corruption-related stories led by Special Reports editor Ralent Penilla, won first place in the Best Newspaper category among Division 1 schools, or colleges and universities with at least 10,000 students.

The “Traslacion 2026: Black Nazarene procession in Manila draws millions” photo album by photographers Djenhard Sapanhila, Ethan Guisama, and Maximilian Briones, won first place in Best Feature Photography.

The Varsitarian website won first place in the

By Amador Denzel M. Teston

Faculty union president’s Sulong party secures landslide win

By Sydney Venice V. Verba

ASST. PROF. Emerito Gonzales of the Faculty of Arts and Letters won a second term as president of the UST Faculty Union (USTFU), carrying all candidates under his Sulong party in a landslide victory.

Gonzales obtained 677 votes, defeating Prof. Revenendo Vargas of the Institute of Religion, standard bearer of the Faculty for Academic Integrity and Rights (FAIR), who received 386 votes, election results released on April 30 showed.

Elections were conducted on April 28 and 29, except for the Graduate School and Civil Law, which voted on April 25.

The two first faced off in 2021 when Gonzales won the presidency by a narrow margin of 440 votes over Vargas’s 419.

Gonzales is set to serve another five-year term until 2031, with a decisive mandate to lead the union panel in renegotiating the economic provisions of the 2021-2026 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), a deal that outlines the terms and conditions of work.

The election result is also a validation of sorts of the negotiating stance of Gonzales, a philosophy faculty member.

Gonzales built consensus around a proposal that called for a 100% hos-

►

pitalization benefit and involved filing a strike notice to force mediation with the UST administration.

Sulong’s landslide victory also turns the page from the divided board of directors that hampered decision-mak-

ing during Gonzales’s first term.

Deciding votes

Artlets, the faculty with the largest number of voters, delivered 115 of 129 votes to Gonzales. He also received 92

of 101 votes cast by the Senior High School faculty.

Under the Sulong slate, Arts and Letters Faculty Association President

UST alumni bag plums in DLSU journalism awards, ‘V’ named

By Sydney Venice V. Berba

UST JOURNALISM alumni bagged awards while The Varsitarian was named a finalist in the 21st Lasallian Scholarum Awards, the De La Salle University’s (DLSU) flagship program recognizing exemplary media coverage of youth and education stories, on March 17.

Journalism alumna Jocelyn Valle was awarded the outstanding published feature article on youth and education for her feature story, “Is homeschooling for you and your child?”

Published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, her story tackled the Department of Education’s (DepEd) homeschooling initiative in 1997 and how it differs from the online learning setup as an alternative learning modality.

Valle is a journalist, writer, and editor formerly affiliated with SmartParenting and StarStudio.ph. She has also written for Lifestyle.INQ, Daily Tribune, and YES! Magazine.

Former Varsitarian Filipino editor Diana Cabalo, incumbent editor Frenchshield Delovieres, and Sofia Rosario were named finalists in the outstanding published feature article

finalist

► The Varsitarian’s article titled “Pag-alis sa ‘mother tongue education,’ banta sa katutubong wika,” written by former ‘V’ Filipino editor Diana Cabalo, incumbent editor Frenchshield Delovieres, and Sofia Gabrielle Rosario, was named a finalist in the Outstanding Published Feature Article on Youth and Education in the school organization category. — PHOTO BY MAXIMILLIAN HANS R. BRIONES

UST climbs in 2026 EduRank world rankings, retains 4th spot in PH

By Sydney Venice V. Berba

THE UNIVERSITY has improved in its global position in the 2026 EduRank ranking of universities, keeping its spot as the fourth best school in the Philippines.

In the latest rankings released on March 15, UST rose by 677 places, ranking 1,951st out of 14,131 universities ranked worldwide.

UST also advanced its Asia ranking, climbing to the 531st spot out of 5,830 in the region.

UST recorded 4,649 publications and 56,509 citations.

It maintained its top position in occupational therapy, offered under UST’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences, putting it at 982nd place in Asia.

The University produced the most research in the country in the fields of biology (2,674 papers with 40,622 citations), liberal arts & social sciences (2,632 publications with 25,649 citations), and medicine (2,516 publications with 41,263 citations).

It logged 2,060 publications with 22,182 citations under environmental science, and 1,687 publications with 15,745 citations under political science.

The University of the Philippines remained the top higher education in the Philippines, placing 1,299th globally. De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University followed at 1,569th and 1,731st worldwide, respectively.

Globally, Harvard University retained its position as the top university, tallying 690,984 publications with 45,464,289 citations.

Only 32 universities in Asia entered the top 300 of EduRank, led by the University of Tokyo in Japan with 463,257 publications with 13,180,669 citations.

on youth and education in the school organization category for their work “Pag-alis sa ‘mother tongue educa-

EduRank provides independent rankings of 14,131 universities across 183 using three criteria: research performance (45%), non-academic prominence (45%), and alumni score (10%).

CSC President FROM PAGE 1 ► ucation)

• Mark Del Rosario (College of Nursing)

• Christian Inson (College of Rehabilitation Sciences)

• Karl Nicolas (College of Science) Kenneth Benito (College of Tourism and Hospitality Management)

Justine Dela Cruz (Education High School)

Kenny Guevarra (Faculty of Sacred Theology)

Jennille Butacan (Faculty of Arts and Letters)

• Jan Zamora (Faculty of Civil Law) Ezekiel Lagat (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)

Maria Rellosa (Faculty of Pharmacy)

Kyle Villanoy (Faculty of Philosophy)

• Alexis Garcia (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)

• Aleena Diaz (Junior High School) Scimon Reyes (Senior High School)

Voter turnout for this year’s election slightly dipped to 60.08%, with 26,356 Thomasians casting their votes.

Rene Tadle secured the executive vice presidency with 635 votes. He defeated Ser Allan Bodoraya of the Institute of Religion under the FAIR party, who got 411 votes.

Unopposed Sulong candidates Maria Victoria Bongar of Nursing and John Vincent Ignacio of the Artlets philosophy department won the internal vice president and external vice president spots, respectively.

Other Sulong bets also swept key positions: Jonathan Aganan secured the spot as vice president for labor education and research; Jennifer Lam-Saludo as vice president for grievance and complaints; Danielito Jimenez as vice president for legal affairs; Katherine Alonday as secretary general; Franklin Prieto as treasurer; Leonid Lintag as public relations officer; and Ulysses Parado as sergeant at arms.

For the position of director, the 10 candidates who got the highest votes were Marvin Zapanta (Artlets), Dr. Edilberto Gonzaga (Science), Rebecca Adri (IPEA), Ed Paolo Aguinaldo (Senior High School), Crisencio Paner (Science), Ruth Bangaoil (Pharmacy), Adrian Romero (NSTP), Danilo Guinto (Engineering), Robinson Laxa (IPEA), and Dr. Elvis Llarena (Medicine), all of whom are from the Sulong slate.

In an April 30 Facebook post, the FAIR party expressed gratitude to its supporters as it conceded the elections.

“The general membership has spoken, and we fully respect the mandate given to the newly elected leadership,” Vargas said.

“While we may not hold leadership positions, our identity as a principled and engaged ‘academic union’ committed to upholding professional dignity remains unchanged,” he added.

Continuity, heavier mandates

In a news conference on April 30, Gonzales said his reelection signaled the faculty’s preference for continuity, but acknowledged that expectations were higher.

“[A]ctually mas mabigat nga siya compared to before kasi kung nasimulan po namin, [kailangan] ipagpatuloy at lalo pang dadagdagan,” he said.

He said USTFU would prioritize the CBA renegotiations, alongside a review of the union’s 1981 constitution and bylaws and the 2014 election code.

The union and the management panel began renegotiating the 20212026 CBA on April 24.

Gonzales also vowed to address concerns over rising fuel prices, citing survey results showing faculty members’ stances.

“We’re asking for an increase in allowance… but at the same time, kung ano ‘yung masasabi naman ng administration na arrangements, we are willing to compromise,” Gonzales said.

In March 2026, Gonzales proposed shifting most classes online amid rising fuel prices.

Licensure Examinations

2 Thomasians land in Top 10 of March 2026 physician licensure exams

By Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos

THE UNIVERSITY produced 47 new physicians out of 49 Thomasian examinees in the March 2026 licensure exams, where two UST alumni made it to the top 10.

Joseph Mauleon led the newly minted Thomasian physicians, placing fifth nationwide with a rating of 89.17%.

Joven Morales, also a medical

technology alumnus, ranked seventh with a score of 88.75%. Morales previously placed fourth in the September 2019 medical technologists licensure examination.

UST’s passing rate slid to 95.92% (47 of 49) from 98.17% (321 of 327) in the October 2025 examination cycle.

The name of the topnotcher for the March 2026 cycle was withheld.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission, the results of five examinees were withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regu-

lations on licensure examinations, while another taker’s result was withheld for further verification.

The national passing rate fell to 70.41% (1,954 of 2,775), from 77.50% (4,570 of 5,897) in the previous examination cycle.

The Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation is the only top-performing school with 100 or more examinees after producing 165 physicians (94.83%).

The board examinations for physicians were administered on March 23, 24, 30 and 31.

Veteran journalist Joel Pablo Salud writes 30

By Sydney Venice V. Berba

VETERAN JOURNALIST and author Joel Pablo Salud succumbed to a heart attack on March 19. He was 62.

His wife, Che Sarigumba, confirmed his death to Rappler, where he worked as a senior desk editor during the 2022 Philippine presidential elections.

Following a heart attack on Sunday morning, Salud underwent a medical procedure in a private hospital in Las Piñas.

In an online tribute, Inday Espina-Varona, former Philippine Graphic editor in chief, described Salud as a “voracious reader” and a “team player,” recalling his perseverance amid challenges.

“I was at a fellowship and left him at the helm of Graphic. He felt people were disrespecting him, not taking him seriously, conspiring to ease him out. He wanted to walk. I told him to stay put, calm down, not let them win,” the post read.

“He stayed and persevered

until he was officially promoted to editor in chief.

‘Choose your battles’ became a slogan. He learned that one well,” it added.

Salud served as the editor in chief of Philippine Graphic, one of the country’s longest-running political and literary publications, for 11 years.

Salud studied psychology at UST and started his journalism career at the Manila Standard and The Manila Times.

He also wrote columns for

LiCAS News Philippines and PhilStar Life and contributed Christian essays to San Anselmo Press as part of the Christian Writers’ Fellowship.

He was a member of the board of PEN Philippines and chaired the Writers in Prison Committee of the Philippine Center of International PEN in 2022.

Salud served as juror in various writing awards such as the Varsitarian’s 10th National Campus Journalism Awards, Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Nick Joaquin Literary Awards, F. Sionil Jose Writer’s Prize, and the National Book Awards.

He was the keynote speaker in the 23rd Inkblots, an annual campus journalism fellowship organized by the Varsitarian

Salud authored over 15 books, including “View from the Foxhole: Shaping the Political into the Personal” which won the Hilarion and Esther Vibal Prize for Best Book in Journalism at the 42nd National Book Awards in 2024.

UST journalism alum Lito Tacujan, pillar of PH sports writing, writes 30

By Rob Andrew L. Dongiapon

JUANITO “LITO” Tacujan, a UST journalism graduate, former Varsitarian editor, and longtime sports section editor of The Philippine STAR, died on Wednesday, March 18. He was 79. Tacujan died of cardiac arrest, The STAR reported. He graduated with a degree in journalism from the defunct Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, now known as Arts and Letters. He also

served as literary editor for The Flame.

Tacujan had been sports editor of The STAR since its inception in 1986 until his retirement in 2019. He also served as associate editor of the newspaper, and after retiring, remained a regular columnist and contributor for the sports and lifestyle sections.

“He was one of the best, if not the best, in the profession,” Joey Villar, a sports writer for The STAR and former Varsitarian contributor, said.

“In his late years, he spoke to

young sportswriters and gave beautiful anecdotes and some great tips on writing,” he added.

Tacujan grew up in Canlubang, Laguna, where he developed a passion for baseball, tennis, and golf.

Former Varsitarian Filipino editor Diego Cagahastian described him as “one of the best media golfers.”

“He really loved golf,” Cagahastian, a news editor for Manila Bulle-

UST historian, promoter of Blessed Takayama’s sainthood cause, dies at 88

ERNESTO DE Pedro, a historian and alumnus of the UST Graduate School, died on Tuesday, March 9. He was 88.

De Pedro was the main promoter of the cause for canonization of Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, the Japanese samurai and Catholic convert exiled to Manila by the Tokugawa shogunate.

“Whatever he chose to do, he committed himself to it completely. Whether it was his work in Philippine cinema, his love for photography, or later in life his dedication to the cause of Takayama Ukon, he approached everything with the same intensity and conviction,” his son, Edge de Pedro, told the Varsitarian Born on Nov. 17, 1937 in Iba, Zambales, de Pedro grew up in his father’s hometown of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. He studied grade school at Shamrock School, before moving to St. William’s College.

In his high school, he enrolled in a mission seminary school, and returned to St. William’s for college. He later finished a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of the East.

De Pedro obtained his master’s and doctorate in history from the UST Graduate School.

De Pedro dedicated his life pushing for sainthood cause ofBlessed Takayama, who was dubbed the “Samurai of Christ” and was exiled to Manila in 1614 for refusing to deny his Catholic faith.

In 1988, the historian founded the Lord Takayama Jubilee Foundation, aimed at researching the Japanese martyr’s legacy.

On Feb. 7, 2017, Blessed Takayama was beatified in Osaka, Japan.

Through the efforts of De Pedro, an image of the saintly feudal lord was erected at the garden of the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex in 2017.

“Seeing this work firsthand allowed me to understand the depth of my father’s dedication. My father was not pursuing material success. He was pursuing something much deeper,” De Pedro’s son said. From 1981 to 1989, De Pedro served as director general of the National Film Archives of the Philippines (NFAP), advocating for the survival and funding of the state-run film archives. JOHN KOBE S. BALOD

EDITORIAL

The Senate — from ‘august chamber’ to chamber pot

WHAT UNFOLDED inside the chamber on May 11 was not democracy at work, but political theater so nakedly self-serving that it bordered on parody.

Senators shuffled alliances, replaced leadership, and consolidated blocs just as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte was approaching as if the outcome needed to be managed before the proceedings could even begin.

And yet, Filipinos were expected to believe this was ordinary Senate business.

The public is not that gullible.

The timing alone exposed the real purpose of the power shift. A chamber supposedly preparing to act as an impartial impeachment court suddenly became obsessed with reorganizing itself. But precisely, at the moment when constitutional accountability threatened one of the country’s most powerful political families.

Even more absurd was the sudden reappearance of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who had largely disappeared from Senate sessions for months, only to return when the Duterte bloc needed numbers – to cast his vote to oust Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and be replaced by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, who had served as foreign secretary under former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The spectacle on Monday revealed a deeper truth: many senators are no longer interested in protecting institutions. They are interested in protecting each other.

Despite the House securing 257 votes to transmit to the Senate the impeachment complaint against Duterte, the new Senate composition already tells Filipinos how the trial may turn out. Numbers matter more than evidence. Alliances matter more than accountability.

And the senators, namely Pia Cayetano, Ronald Dela Rosa, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher Lawrence Go,

Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Camille Villar and Mark Villar, who backed the leadership shift did not merely position themselves to shield Sara Duterte. They also positioned themselves to protect a political network increasingly threatened by scrutiny and calls for accountability.

That includes the unresolved Blue Ribbon Committee report on anomalous flood-control projects, which implicated several powerful fig-

ures inside the chamber itself. The Senate leadership fight was not simply about one impeachment trial. It was also about preserving a broader system of political self-preservation.

The institution meant to investigate abuse now appears consumed by preventing investigations from reaching the wrong people.

This is why public cynicism toward the Senate continues to deepen. Filipinos are watching elected officials behave less like lawmakers and

Senators frequently describe the chamber as the nation’s “last independent institution.” But independence means nothing if it collapses the moment a politically influential family faces possible accountability.

more like members of an exclusive club whose first instinct is mutual protection.

The Senate loves invoking its history as a democratic institution that stood against dictatorship and executive abuse. Senators frequently describe the chamber as the nation’s “last independent institution.” But independence means nothing if it collapses the moment a politically influential family faces possible accountability.

What happened on May 11 exposed how fragile that supposed independence really is.

And perhaps the greatest damage is not political but cultural. Young Filipinos watching these events are learning dangerous lessons about governance: that constitutional processes can be manipulated through alliances, that institutions bend around dynasties, and that accountability depends largely on whether one belongs to the correct political camp.

That erosion of trust will outlive any Duterte, Cayetano, or Senate president.

Because once people stop believing institutions are sincere, democracy itself starts feeling performative.

The Senate can still hold hearings, wear barong or filipiniana during sessions, and deliver speeches about constitutional duty. But after Monday’s spectacle, many Filipinos will struggle to see the chamber as anything more than a stage where politicians rehearse principles that they do not genuinely believe in.

The Senate was once called the country’s “august chamber.”

Today, it increasingly resembles a badly written political drama whose ending has already been decided before the audience even takes their seats, and the most insulting part is not even the maneuver itself. It is the attempt to disguise it as procedural normalcy.

If the Senate were truly confident in the integrity of the impeachment process, there would have been no need to rearrange power in advance.

Oil

shock ripples through PH as Middle East conflict disrupts energy, mobility, and labor flows

By Justin Jacob S. Urag

AS TENSIONS escalate in the Middle East, the Philippines – thousands of kilometers away from the conflict –finds itself grappling with a familiar but deepening crisis: rising oil prices and disrupted labor flows.

Government officials warn that the consequences are no longer confined to fuel costs; instead, they are cascading across sectors, affecting transport systems, electricity prices, employment, and daily life in institutions.

In a forum held at the Manila Hotel on March 18, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torres said the government was preparing for the downstream effects of a possible “power crisis.”

“Dahil ang kuryente maaapektuhan nitong oil crisis na ito, pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bunker fuel, diesel, talaga namang tataas ang presyo ng kuryente,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered government offices to implement power-saving measures as part of measures to address surges in global oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East.

To mitigate the impact, the MMDA has began promoting “active mobility,” encouraging walking and biking, as a practical response to rising transport costs.

Torre said that the Department of Energy and MMDA were eyeing renewable energy sources to alleviate spikes in oil prices.

“[A]ng concrete steps natin is partnering with Meralco on the deployment

of solar panels in strategic areas, open areas, in Metro Manila,” Torres said. During the Renewable Energy Invest-

► Some jeepneys and other vehicles continue to ply their routes despite the nationwide transport strike staged by transport group Piston and other labor groups on Thursday, March 19.

ment Forum held in February, the DOE set a goal to produce 25 gigawatts from renewable energy sources by 2035. The

energy department targets a 50 percent reliance on renewable energy by 2040.

The MMDA chief said solar panels would be installed on the roofs of waiting sheds, while walkways in development were being designed to eventually accommodate solar installations.

According to Torre, initiatives to lobby for green energy would be complemented by efforts to promote urban mobility.

The MMDA recently opened a shower facility for active mobility users–commuters who walk or cycle to their work–in Pasig City, with four shower rooms.

“[Ang shower facility] sa corner ng Doña Julia Vargas Avenue and Meralco Avenue ay para sa ating mga kababayan na nandyan sa Ortigas Business Center na nagba-bike at nag-walk to work,”

The Thomasian behind the shirts that form UST’s ‘sea of yellow’

SCI-TECH

tion,’ banta sa katutubong wika.”

Their story explored the likely consequences of DepEd’s new “Matatag” curriculum, which discontinued Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education.

Delovieres said they wanted to bring recognition to how this move could contribute to the decline of regional languages in the Philippines.

“Too often, we treat language preservation as a ‘commemorative concern’ na napapag-usapan lang tuwing Buwan ng Wika. Writing stories about mother tongue and other languages helps us sustain the conversation, even as we move past the occasion,” she said.

Lian Buan, an investigative reporter at Rappler and UST journalism alumna, bagged the outstanding media personality award.

She was voted by Lasallian student media for advancing human rights and justice, and exposing government corruption.

New fungal genus named after UST mycologist Irineo Dogma

A NEWLY identified fungal genus now bears the name of UST mycologist Prof. Irineo Dogma Jr., placing the veteran scientist among the few researchers recognized in taxonomy through organisms named after them.

The genus Dogmamyces, described in a 2024 study published in Mycological Progress, was identified through phylogenetic analyses of fungal samples and named in recognition of Dogma’s decades of research on zoosporic fungi.

The study identified two new genera and three new species within Cladochytriales, a group of chytrid fungi that break down organic matter in aquatic and soil environments.

Too often, we treat language preservation as a ‘commemorative concern’ na napapagusapan lang tuwing Buwan ng Wika.

Writing stories about mother tongue and other languages helps us sustain the conversation, even as we move past the occasion.

After attaining a journalism degree from UST, Buan graduated with a master’s degree in human rights from Birkbeck College of the University of London.

She specializes in legal reporting and has reported extensively on prison conditions, anomalies in high-level procurements, and politics in the judiciary.

Several Artlets alumni were also named finalists in the competition, with journalism graduates Vince Ferreras and Giselle Ombay and communication alumna Sherylin Untalan being nominated under the outstanding online feature article on youth and education category.

Journalism alumnus John Patrick Magno Ranara received a distinction under the outstanding feature story on De La Salle University category.

The Board of Judges was composed of award-winning screenwriter, director, and DLSU University Fellow Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr.; Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino Chair and DLSU Department of Literature faculty member Anne Frances Sangil; Academe Foundation Executive Director Sachie Reyes; National Youth Commission Commissioner at Large Michelle Mae Gonzales; journalist and UST journalism faculty member Christian Esguerra; and representing the student body, DLSU University Student Government President Lara Capps. With the theme “EmpowerED,” the awarding night for the competition was held at the Verdure, Henry Sy Sr. Hall in the Manila campus of DLSU.

Established in 2004, Lasallian Scholarum Awards is a merit-based awards program that seeks to highlight the impact of stories across various media platforms and highlight the youth and education sectors.

Researchers found fungal strains that did not belong to any existing genus, leading to the identification of Dogmamyces elongatus and Allochytrium aureum, both strongly supported by DNA evidence.

The naming of Dogmamyces marks the second genus named after Dogma. The first, Irineochytrium, was named earlier in recognition of his foundational contributions to fungal taxonomy and systematics.

Naming a genus after a scientist is considered one of the highest recognitions in taxonomy, signifying the scientific community’s acknowledgment of a researcher’s lasting contributions.

For Asst. Prof. Reuel Bennett, chair of the UST Department of Biological Sciences and a former student of Dogma, the distinction ensures the

Oil crisis

FROM PAGE 5 ►

mycologist’s legacy will remain embedded in scientific literature.

“The fact that he was recognized already twice — Irineochytrium, Dogmamyces, and several epithets after him — that simply means you are the authority, bar none,” Bennett told the Varsitarian Bennett said the international scientific community had long acknowledged Dogma’s foundational contributions to mycology, even as the scientist himself avoided formal recognition.

which resulted in oil price hikes.

Foundation of Philippine chytrid research

Dogma began his research on chytrid fungi at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where he studied agriculture and plant pathology before earning his doctorate from the University of Michigan under renowned mycologist Frederick Sparrow, an authority on aquatic phycomycetes and zoosporic fungi.

After returning to the Philippines, Dogma documented and described numerous chytrid species and au-

Sea of yellow

thored Philippine Zoosporic Fungi, a reference work that remains foundational in the field.

“He was able to discover several species, report chytrids dito sa Philippines, and he was able to write ‘yung tinatawag nating Philippine Zoosporic Fungi,” Bennett said.

“Up until now, wala pang nakakagawa nun. Kahit ‘yung mga naging estudyante niya, or colleagues niya, or kahit ako, hindi ko pa rin nagagawa

IRENEO DOGMA PAGE 11 ► said Torres.

Although bike-to-work saw a decline in the fourth quarter of the previous year, Metro Manila still recorded the highest volume of cyclists, with Quezon City leading at an average of 19,232 cyclists a day, followed by Taguig with 16,607 cyclists.

Oil crisis

The surge in fuel prices has raised the likelihood of transport strikes and reduced public utility operations, placing pressure on commuters, including students who rely on daily travel to attend classes.

Transport group Piston announced a nationwide strike starting March 19 due to the recent price hikes.

The provisional fare hike for traditional and modern jeepneys was supposed to take effect alongside the transport strike, but President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. suspended its implementation.

“In my view, since we are still facing challenges due to the conflict in the Middle East, I said that this may not be the right time to increase the fares for our people,” Marcos said in a statement.

On Feb. 28, joint United States and Israeli forces bombed the Iranian military and government leadership and key infrastructure over alleged nuclear weapons development and Iran’s threat to its surrounding region.

The conflict has reached the Hormuz Strait, where a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes. Ships from the countries linked to the United States or Israel were barred from entering the chokepoint,

Local retailers have imposed a price surge of at least P20 per liter for diesel and P12 per liter for gasoline. Three weeks ago, diesel prices rose by P1.2 per liter, while gasoline prices rose by P0.6 per liter.

Several universities have suspended onsite classes due to the transport strike on March 19. On the same day, De La Salle University announced that work arrangements would shift to a four-day work-fromhome and one-day onsite setup from April 16 to May 2, as part of its “efforts to conserve energy amid ongoing oil supply issues.”

The University shifted to enriched virtual mode of instruction for March 19, prompting the rescheduling of some preliminary exams.

UST Faculty Union president Emerito Gonzales earlier proposed shifting to online classes for the remaining academic year, which drew backlash from some union members.

The oil crisis has led to alleged profiteering by local oil and gas companies.

Cases of unauthorized price hikes on petrol products have led to arrests in Nueva Vizcaya and Eastern Samar, according to Philippine National Police Public (PNP) Information Office Chief Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño. These retailers have been charged with profiteering.

The PNP, in collaboration with the DOE, is mandated to monitor retailers that do not sell petrol products and those that impose unregulated price hikes.

Amid all the petrol price hikes, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin claimed the country was not facing an oil shortage, citing adequate fuel supply.

FROM PAGE 5 ►

Rosario said the concept began during his stint as vice president for marketing and business development of the UST Student Organizations’ Coordinating Council (SOCC) from 2013 to 2014, when he noticed how quickly their shirts deteriorated.

“Naaalala ko kasi, nung [nasa SOCC] ako, meron kaming supplier ng shirt. Every time na nasa jeep ako, laging sira ‘yung shirt namin, as in nagbibitak-bitak ‘yung print,” he said.

He recounted bringing a UST shirt on an overseas trip for a presentation, only to see the print crack again. He later recognized that those repeated disappointments — from peeling prints to weak fabric — pushed him to build his own shirt business.

When he started Shirt Happens, Rosario said his edge at UST was not just superior quality but also his familiarity with student realities, such as tight budgets, rush orders, and the pressure associated with major campus events.

Shirt Happens’ first major opportunity came when he presented his services to University offices and student organizations, offering a more adaptable and student-focused alternative to established suppliers.

Rosario credited his background in his parents’ family businesses and said he began experimenting with small ventures as early as grade school, from selling sweets to classmates to managing uniform projects in high school.

After graduating, he left home

and launched Shirt Happens with a capital of just P3,000, living frugally to align with the company’s modest beginnings.

UST quickly became both his testing ground and his most meaningful client base, which is why he continues to provide discounts, flexible payment options, and support to campus organizations.

Rosario said a defining moment came during the 2015 UST papal visit, when he produced yellow Pope Francis shirts and sold them around campus to meet strong demand.

The company’s momentum was challenged during the pandemic, when Shirt Happens endured what Rosario described as its biggest setback.

Rosario invested P7 million to P8 million in a project, only to find out later that a contract provision allowed nonpayment due to an “act of God” or “act of nature.” He subsequently declared bankruptcy and reopened the company in 2022 after obtaining capital from another business venture.

Since then, Shirt Happens has revived its partnerships with UST and expanded its reach to other schools and private companies.

For Rosario, the true measure of the company’s success is not production volume, workforce size, or equipment, but whether the shirts help others achieve their goals.

“It’s not how big the factory is, how many employees, or how many shirts were produced. I don’t call that success. Success is not tangible. Success is if nagawa kita maging successful — that’s success for me.

UST Conservatory of Music marks 80 years of shaping Thomasian musicians

By David Nigel C. Cortes

Eighty years after its inaugural concert, the Conservatory of Music continues to cultivate generations of Thomasian musicians through longheld traditions of performance and mentorship.

The Conservatory’s history can be traced to the months following the liberation of Manila from Japanese occupation in World War II.

Months after the University reopened its doors in November 1945, the Conservatory staged its inaugural concert in March 1946.

From then on, the UST Conservatory developed into one of the country’s leading institutions for musical training, having produced composers, performers, conductors, educators, and a National Artist, who have made significant contributions to Philippine music history.

Tradition carried through generations

Music Dean Maria Alexandra Chua said the Conservatory’s strength lies in the continuity of its musical lineage.

Faculty members often come from the same pedagogical traditions established by earlier mentors, creating a chain of musical training spanning decades.

“I graduated from the UST Conservatory of Music, and what I see is that the tradition continues… You see that most of the faculty were also actually under very good teachers. So, the tradition [has] passed on, and

[it] continues even now,” Chua said.

Among the Conservatory’s distinguished alumni is Ernani Cuenco, who posthumously became a National Artist for Music in 1999.

Cuenco’s compositions remain widely performed in the country.

He is credited for establishing the “Sampung Mga Daliri Atbp.” concert during his time as president of the UST Alumni Association.

The annual concert has since grown into one of the Conservatory’s major productions.

Expansion of performance culture

In the early 2000s, under the leadership of former Dean Raul Sunico, the Conservatory’s activities expanded to the performance arts with opera and zarzuela productions, according to Chua.

This expansion opened up opportunities for students to gain professional-level experience. It also became a career launchpad for several performers, who would go on to win international competitions and become stars in musical theater.

The Conservatory eventually broadened its academic offerings with new degree programs, namely music theatre and music technology.

Sustaining music amid challenges

Despite its long-standing reputation, the Conservatory continues to face challenges that affect the broader music sector in the country.

Chua pointed to the lack of a dedicated government institution focused on supporting music development, leaving musicians to seek opportunities on their own.

“One big problem actually in the country is that we don’t really have an agency, a specific institution that helps out in music… it becomes very difficult in terms of finding scholarships for students,” Chua told the Varsitarian

“There are students who are very gifted, who would want to pursue further studies abroad, but it’s so difficult to get scholarships,” she added.

As an effort to mitigate financial burdens in pursuing music, the University grants free tuition to select musicians, particularly those who lack the means to pursue music studies.

“I hope we can continue that, or even grow more scholarships, so we can continue to supporting the next generation of musical artists,” Chua said.

A community built on mentorship

Faculty members attribute the Conservatory’s longevity to the sense of community within it, in which students and educators maintain close mentor relationships.

“We continue to be a community, to be a family, and hopefully we can work together. All of us [working] together for the common good of the Conservatory,” Chua said.

For students of the Conservato-

ry, discipline is a daily expectation. Intensive practice is a regular part of training, with instrumentalists often dedicating several hours each day to their repertoire.

“Our students cannot survive without an average of four hours a day of practice on the instrument,” Assoc. Prof. Peter John Marie Porticos, a long-time Music educator, said.

Carrying the legacy forward

The Conservatory recently staged the the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning “South Pacific” at the Proscenium Theater on Feb. 21 and 22, produced by students, educators and alumni.

“To mount a production, it’s very difficult. But the Conservatory has the capability to mount a worldclass production of a Broadway musical,” Chua said.

The Conservatory is set to stage the “Sampung Mga Daliri Atbp.” concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on May 3, wherein 10 pianos and various groups from the Conservatory are anticipated to perform.

An exhibit centered on the Conservatory’s history is expected to open at the UST Museum in August.

For Porticos, the generations of Thomasian musicians should not forget the passion that drew them to the UST Conservatory.

“Just remember why you are here,” Porticos said. “You are here because you love music.”

UST Music showcases wartime romance in staging of ‘South Pacific’

AS PART of its 80th anniversary celebration, the UST Conservatory of Music staged a production of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “South Pacific,” at the Proscenium Theater on Feb. 21 and 22.

Amid World War II on a remote South Pacific island, the story of “South Pacific” unfolds as American nurse Nellie Forbush (Ciara Sotto) falls in love with French plantation owner Emile de Becque (Jose Vera Perez), despite the fact that he has mixed-race children.

The classic musical explored the

underlying racial prejudice against Asian and Polynesian people evident during World War II.

The Conservatory of Music was founded against the backdrop of the Second World War, much like the setting of “South Pacific.” Staging a play that reflects the era’s sociopolitical climate offers valuable context about the Conservatory’s own foundation.

Additionally, almost 80 years later, the themes of “South Pacific” still remain relevant today as prejudice against race becomes an increasingly global issue.

Director Paolo O’Hara attempts

to distinguish this show from its predecessors by taking a flashback approach to Nellie’s memories. However, the flashback format felt unnecessary to the storyline and, at times, poorly executed, making it difficult for the audience to understand its purpose in the production.

The production also chose to reframe the conflict between Lt. Joseph Cable (Sean Nolasco), a US Marine officer, and Liat (Erika Salas), a young local, shifting the story’s focus from a racial to a prostitution-based perspective. However, the lack of lines from Cable did not justify the change.

Nonetheless, it is still a superb production from the Conservatory, especially from the live musical scores of the UST Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Bartolome.

Participating Music students from the ensemble stole the spotlight with their captivating vocals and engaging stage presence.

The Conservatory’s commitment to artistic excellence is definitely demonstrated in this production of “South Pacific.” I.D.A. MANANSALA

UST Music marks 80th anniversary with musical, grand concert

By David Nigel C. Cortes

THE CONSERVATORY of Music celebrated its 80th anniversary with a series of events aimed at fostering greater appreciation for UST’s contribution to music and music education.

The Conservatory was established in March 1946, following the University’s reopening after World War II.

“For our 80th year, we want to build the community and foster more relationships in musical arts,” Prof. Maria Alexandra Chua, dean of the Conservatory of Music, told the Varsitarian

A staging of ‘South Pacific’

The Conservatory staged the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “South Pacific,” at the Proscenium Theater on Feb. 21 and 22.

“This is a door opening for us student leaders to serve and do what we can to inspire our fellow students,” Lucas Paredes, president of the Conservatory of Music Student Council, told the Varsitarian

The musical was chosen not only for its lasting relevance but for its resonance with the country and UST’s wartime history.

“It still talks of very relevant issues today, such as interracial mixing, marriages, prejudice, war, the Pacific War, World War II, and of course, it resonates with our experience,” Chua said.

“South Pacific” tells the story of American nurse Nellie Forbush, who falls in love with French plantation owner Emile de Becque amid World War II on a remote South Pacific island.

“When you work with a production, you work not as a solo artist, but you work as a community. It fosters camaraderie, and it’s a very good learning experience, especially for students,” Chua said.

“I think it’s a perfect production where everyone comes together to produce something,” she said.

‘Sampung Mga Daliri Atbp.’

An annual concert staged by the Conservatory of Music, “Sampung Mga Daliri Atbp.” was held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on May 3.

On its 35th iteration, it featured 10 pianos, with one to three pianists each. This year’s repertoire had an all-Filipino lineup, namely kundiman folk songs, film soundtracks, and OPM.

The UST Symphony Orchestra and the Conservatory’s instrumental ensembles and bands performed.

Choral groups UST Coro Tomasino and Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble joined the concert.

80th anniversary exhibit

The Conservatory will set up an exhibit, in partnership with the MusikaPilipinas project, at the UST Museum for the entire month of August.

Music manuscripts of Filipino composers will be displayed alongside ephemera or memorabilia related to the Conservatory of Music’s history.

Audio recordings of the manuscripts will be an interactive feature.

“This will be an exciting opportunity to promote and champion the music created, performed, discovered, and studied by many competent Thomasian musicians,” Paredes said.

The Conservatory’s musical and academic contributions are also expected to be displayed in the exhibit.

“These events collectively open a window, a glimpse into the past 80 years of the Conservatory,” Paredes said.

“The best way to honor this Conservatory is by continuously fashioning ourselves to be the best that we can ever be,” Paredes said.

COMICS

TYPE B SEASON JED

WILLIAM V. GOCATEK

Campus Journalism Award,” by ‘V’ art editor Aidan Caluyo, placed second.

The Varsitarian’s online coverage of the Thomasian walkout, where an estimated 1,500 students and faculty members marched across campus calling for accountability and justice over “ghost” flood-control projects, placed second in the Best Social Media Coverage of a Single Event category.

In the Best News Photography category, the album “Thomasians hold classroom walkout, snake rally vs corruption” by Varsitarian photographers Vio Neiro Villaescusa, Alexa Viray, and Chloe Elysse Ibañez, received honorable mention.

The Varsitarian’s UAAP Season 88 campaign, “UAAP IS HERE,” led by editor in chief Chalssea Echegoyen, sports editor Rob Andrew Dongiapon, and managing editor Karis Tsang, was given honorable mention in the Best Social Media Engagement category.

The Apple Awards, which drew 463 entries across 19 categories, is held as the “Best of Show” competition of the CMA spring convention, judged by media professionals across newspaper, magazine, broadcast, and website categories.

The awards were presented by CMA President-elect Georgia Kral at the closing ceremony of the CMA Spring National College Media Convention held on March 5 to 7 in New York City.

The CMA is one of the United States’ leading organizations in collegiate-level journalism, composed of college media advisers.

The Varsitarian, advised by journalists and journalism educators Lito Zulueta and Felipe Salvosa II, is an institutional member of the CMA.

In October 2025, the Varsitarian became the first student publication from Philippines and Asia to win in multiple categories of the Pinnacle Awards, the CMA’s top student media competition awarded during its fall convention.

PSA, the country’s oldest media organization.

tin and director of numerous films, told the Varsitarian. “Aside from it, he loved watching and covering the Golden Glowies, now the Growling Tigers.”

Tacujan began his career as a news writer with ABS-CBN in 1969 before covering sports for its then-sister company Manila Chronicle.

He also wrote for the Philippine News Agency, Times Journal, and The Manila Times.

He covered numerous international sports events, including five Olympic Games and the historic Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier fight, dubbed the “Thrilla in Manila,” in 1975.

In 2010, Tacujan was honored in the first Faculty of Arts and Letters Gantimpala Awards for his contributions to print journalism.

In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) for his contributions to sports journalism. He once served as president of the

“Mr. Tacujan was a master wordsmith and had a strong drive for excellence,” Olmin Leyba, a sports reporter for The STAR and former “V” features editor, said.

“When he retired, he continued to be in touch, giving tips and pointers on how to make a strong lead and constantly giving encouragement to write with confidence, giving props when he felt satisfied with a story of mine that he read,” he added.

Tacujan authored “Cheers and Tears: Views from the Press Box and Other Stories” in 2022, a collection of articles and personal stories recalling some of the biggest sports coverages of the 1970s and 1980s.

“He certainly put an indelible mark on sports journalism in the country,” Cagahastian said.

“Even if he doesn’t speak, he commands respect because of his magnificent stories,” Villar added. “I was blessed with him as my editor because I learned a lot from him.”

soil samples and observe microorganisms firsthand.

Licensure Examinations

UST produces 74 new civil engineers

By Sydney Venice V. Verba

THE UNIVERSITY produced 74 new civil engineers in the March 2026 licensure examinations for civil engineers.

The newly minted professionals came from a pool of 139 examinees.

UST’s passing rate dipped to 53.24% (74 of 139 examinees) from the 73.21% (159 of 209 examinees) recorded in the November 2025 examination cycle.

Rico Elau of Cebu Technological University topped the examinations with a score of 94.10%.

The University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao emerged as the top-performing school after 113 out of its 139 examinees passed, resulting in a 81.29% passing rate.

The national passing rate rose to 35.05% (6,438 of 18,370) from 30.39% (4,268 of 14,043) in the previous examination cycle.

The March 2026 licensure examinations for civil engineers were held on March 26 to 27.

UST produces 41 new electrical engineers

By Alexandra S. Demaisip

THE UNIVERSITY produced 41 new electrical engineers in the April 2026 electrical engineer licensure examinations.

The number of Thomasian passers came from a pool of 52 examinees.

‘yung level na nagawa or na-contribute ni Sir (Dogma).”

Chytrids are microscopic fungi, often smaller than common molds, making them difficult organisms to study.

A lasting scientific legacy

According to Bennett, the mycologist emphasized field exploration rather than reliance on preserved laboratory specimens.

“Siya ‘yung nagtuturo sa amin na wag kang mag-rely sa mga preserved specimens. Ikaw [dapat] ‘yung mag-explore,” he said.

Bennett continues to apply this approach in teaching microbiology by encouraging students to collect

Dogma also conducted much of his research at a time when scientific resources were limited. According to Bennett, the mycologist painstakingly observed organisms for long periods and illustrated them by hand to describe new species.

Despite his scientific stature, Bennett described Dogma as a humble and disciplined teacher who focused on mentoring students rather than seeking recognition.

“Hindi man siya nabigyan ng physical awards, that’s the award that merits Irineo Dogma. That’s one of the highest forms of respect the scientific community can attribute to a person — not the awards, the money, or the medal.” NYL R. DADIZ

Asia rankings

and international outlook (59.5).

Asst. Prof. Nestor Ong, director of the UST Office of QS/THE Rankings, attributed the University’s placement to “consistent” academic quality, strengthened international collaborations and sustained reputation among academic peers and employers.

“As long as the University is consistently ranked, it means we remain on the map among the best and top Philippine universities. It is encouraging to know that UST continues to be recognized among the country’s leading institutions,” Ong told the Varsitarian

He said the establishment of the new Research Center for Engineering and Technological Sciences will also boost UST’s overall research performance.

“These efforts support our goal of entering the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject and improving our overall standing in both Asia and global rankings,” Ong said.

The same six Philippine schools which placed in last year’s rankings made it in the 2026 edition. Forty-two other schools in the country were declared reporter institutions for this year, up from last year’s 15.

Ateneo de Manila University kept its spot as the top Philippine school, placing anew in the 501-600 band.

The University of the Philippines dropped to the 601-800 bracket from

John Veluz Labrador of the University of the Philippines Diliman is this cycle’s topnotcher, with a score of 94.25%.

UST logged a 78.86% rating, a dip from the 89.13% (41 of 46) rate recorded in the August 2025 examination cycle.

The University of the Philippines Los Baños emerged as the top-performing school with a 98.15% passing rate.

The national passing rate for the April 2026 electrical engineer examinations rose to 57.49% (3,769 of 6,556), an improvement from last year’s 38.92% (1,240 of 3,186).

The April 2026 electrical engineer licensure examinations were held on April 21 and 22.

last year’s 501-600 band, joining De La Salle University, Mapua University, and UST in the No. 2 spot among Philippine schools.

Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology fell to the 801+ bracket from last year’s 601+ band, ranking third among Philippine institutions.

Phil Baty, THE’s chief global affairs officer, commended universities from China and Southeast Asia for their performance in the rankings.

“China’s extraordinary performance and progress in higher education and research is laid bare in the results of this year’s Asia University Rankings, reflected not just by the mainland’s continued prominence at the top of the table, but also in the rising performance of its special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao,” Baty said.

“It is also encouraging to see strong results from Southeast Asia, one of the most dynamic regions in the world,” he added.

Five universities from mainland China entered the top 10 of THE Asia rankings, with Beijing’s Tsinghua University and Peking University placing first and second, respectively.

The National University of Singapore ranked third, followed by another Singaporean institute, Nanyang Technological University. The University of Tokyo from Japan placed fifth, securing Tokyo’s highest position in a decade.

THE used 18 performance indi-

cators to provide “the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons” among the institutions. One of the metrics, study abroad, currently has zero weight but will be counted in future.

Indicators are grouped into five key areas: research quality (30%), research environment (28%), teaching (24.5%), industry (10%), and international outlook (7.5%).

Under the research quality metric, a university’s role in contributing new knowledge is evaluated through citation impact (7.5%), research strength (7.5%), research excellence (7.5%), and research influence (7.5%).

The research environment pillar measured research reputation among peers: research reputation (15%), research income (6.5%), and research productivity (6.5%).

Teaching pillar, or the learning environment, is measured through teaching reputation (10%), staff-tostudent ratio (4.5%), doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio (5.5%), institutional income (2.5%), and doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio (2%).

Metrics for industry are divided into industry income and patents, with 5% weight each.

The international outlook is categorized into proportions of international students, international staff, and international collaboration, all having a weight of 2.5%.

The rankings featured a total of 929 universities, up from last year’s 853, across 36 Asian countries.

Former ‘V’ editor bags best Filipino nonfiction in 43rd Nat’l Book Awards

FORMER VARSITARIAN editor in chief Victor Emmanuel Carmelo “Vim” Nadera Jr. won Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Filipino for his essay collection “Tokhang at Iba Pang Nanlabang Sanaysay” at the 43rd National Book Awards.

“The selection process evolved around the criteria of “nanlaban.” So most of the essays, if not all, are products of resistance,” Nadera said in an interview with the Varsitarian

He said the essays in “Tokhang at Iba Pang Nanlabang Sanaysay” went through critical evaluations before being included in the collection.

The citation read: “Madiskarteng sanaysayista si Nadera. Masiste kumbaga. Siguro dahil mas matandang tinali na siya subalit nakadidiga pa rin ng kontemporanyong estilo sa pagsusulat.”

The collection is the third installment in “Terapiyang Trilohiya,” a trilogy on “personal healing” begun by Nadera during the pandemic.

The synopsis of the book stated, “Inaasahang ang aklat na ito ay mabubuhay upang ipagpatuloy ang pagsasalaysay bilang anyo ng pagpapagaling.”

It was preceded by the poetry collection “Gadaling-Noo,” published in 2017, and the essay collection “Kumusta, 2020?: Alaala ng isang alay,” published in 2022. Both were released by the University of the Philippine Press.

Nadera, a UST psychology alumnus, said writing helped him cope with a number of traumatic phases in his life, citing the onset of quarantine, relocating with his family, and a heart attack in 2023.

Pain and grief became recurring themes in his essays.

“In a way, looking back, it is my

way of staying in control, especially, during the pandemic, when the future was absolutely not promised,” Nadera said.

Nadera also encouraged young readers and writers to take action as witnesses of history, recalling an encounter with a student who finished the book in one sitting.

“As writers, we can aspire to become, not necessarily, historians— but historically informed pen pushers,” Nadera said.

“Tokhang at Iba Pang Nanlabang Sanaysay” competed alongside award-winning novelist Emmanuel Barrameda’s work “Pamamahay: Mga Sanaysay.”

‘‘

As writers, we can aspire to become, not necessarily, historians—but historically informed pen pushers.

Victor ‘Vim’ Nadera ON WRITERS AS ‘WITNESSES OF HISTORY’

“Tokhang” was the Filipinas Institute of Translation choice for “Salita ng Taon” in 2018. Nadera expressed hope that the recognition would help revive the “Salita ng Taon” with words that mirror the state of the country.

The National Book Awards, formerly organized by the Filipino Critics Circle, was established in 1982. It has been co-administered by the National Book Development Board since 2008.

The awarding rites took place at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong on March 14, coinciding with the 2026 Philippine Book Festival. CHARLIZE ANN D. LAVASTIDA

Rector’s literary awardees: Higit sa parangal ang paglinang sa kakayahang magkuwento

HINDI SA dami ng parangal nasusukat ang halaga ng isang manunulat, kundi sa patuloy na paghasa sa kakayahang magkuwento, ayon sa mga nagkamit ng Rector’s Literary Award (RLA) sa Gawad Ustetika.

Ayon kay Carmel Ilustrisimo, nagkamit ng RLA sa ika-35 Gawad Ustetika para sa maikling kuwentong “The Silence of Stars,” nagbigay sa kaniya ng kumpiyansa ang parangal upang sumali sa mga workshop at iba pang patimpalak pampanitikan.

“At that time, my main goal wasn’t to win. It was to be read,” ani Ilustrisimo sa panayam ng Varsitarian Hinimok ni Ilustrisimo, kasalukuyang instruktor sa Departamento ng Literatura ng UST, ang mga manunulat na panatilihin ang sigasig sa mismong proseso ng pagsusulat.

“If you don’t get it [award], the act of writing is the reward itself. Don’t learn this the hard way,” dagdag pa niya.

Ibinahagi naman ni Hailord Lavarias, nagkamit ng RLA sa ika-36 Gawad Ustetika at dating literary writer ng Varsitarian, na hindi hadlang ang kursong malayo sa malikhaing pagsulat upang makilala sa larangan ng panitikan.

“Testament ako na hindi ibig sabihin na you are taking or you’ve taken a program that is far from creative writing or literature is hindi ka na p’wedeng mag-excel or hindi ka na p’wedeng magawaran sa [Gawad] Ustetika,” wika ni Lavarias.

UST Publishing House returns to Philippine Book Festival

THE UST Publishing House (USTPH) returned to the 2026 Philippine Book Festival, the largest marketplace dedicated to books by Filipino authors.

USTPH showcased a range of titles that cater to junior and senior high school students during the four-day festival.

“Though we are an academic publisher, that does not mean our books are meant only for tertiary and graduate students and professionals,” USTPH assistant director Paul Castillo said in an interview with the Varsitarian

Among the titles in the lineup was “Tanga ka lang kung naniniwala ka pa sa kapangyarihan ng kuwento,” by creative writing instructor Benjamin Joshua “Benjo” Gutierrez. He had a book signing on March 14.

The collection departs from institutional methods used in universities and writing workshops, integrating the author’s material into a distinct narrative style.

A short story with the same

title was published under Katipunan, an online scholarly journal of Ateneo de Manila University.

Veteran news anchor and journalism faculty member Jose Maria Carlos delivered a talk about his decades of experience in broadcast journalism and the process of writing his media guidebook on March 13. There was a sit-down interview with UST communications faculty member Jose Mojica.

Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, director of UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS), participated in a meet-and-greet where she signed copies of her compendium, titled “Complete Stories and Tales,” on March 14.

National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario joined the festival with his newly released poetry collection, “Kinutsaritang Liwanag,” on March 14.

There were “author encounters” with CCWLS Assistant Di-

“Anyone who has the capacity to write creatively can actually be recognized by Ustetika,” dagdag pa niya.

Testament ako na hindi ibig sabihin na you are taking or you’ve taken a program that is far from creative writing or literature is hindi ka na p’wedeng mag-excel [...]

Anyone who has the capacity to write creatively can be recognized by Ustetika.

Hailord Lavarias IKA-36 NA RECTOR’S LITERARY AWARDEE ‘‘

Binigyang-diin ni Lavarias na mahalagang hamunin ng mga manunulat ang kanilang sarili na tuklasin ang iba’t ibang paksa, dahil magagamit ang mga karanasang ito sa iba’t ibang larangan. Kinilala siyang RLA noong mag-

WITNESS

Walk for Life 2026: ‘Defend life not only in words, but live it’

TO BE a true pro-life advocate is not merely advocating for the protection of life in words. It requires action and “enlivening,” Cardinal Jose Advincula said in a Mass during the Penitential Walk for Life at Intramuros on Friday, March 20.

The Penitential Walk for Life, organized by the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, the lay arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), is an annual gathering of Catholics and pro-life advocates to pray, reflect, and advocate for the protection and

sacredness of human life.

“To be pro-life and to defend life is not only to speak, but it is to live it. We are called to defend the dignity of every human life, especially the voiceless, the silenced and rejected. This continues to happen today to the unborn who have no voice and no defense,” Advincula said in his homily at the Manila Cathedral.

The Manila archbishop challenged the advocates not to limit their advocacy only to Intramuros, saying the real challenge lies in upholding it in their daily lives.

“We experience our own burdens. The rising prices of food, fuel

and basic commodities. Many families quietly struggle each day, unsure how to make ends meet. Sa ating paglalakad, dalhin natin ang lahat ng ito,” he said. Reflecting on the Gospel, the cardinal said society often resists goodness and disregards life, which to him is a “difficult truth.”

“Jesus continues to suffer today in every life that is rejected, in every person who is oppressed, in every innocent who is denied dignity. When we see life being disrespected, there we find Christ,” Advincula added.

The Mass was concelebrated by

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the bishop of Kalookan, and Dipolog Bishop Severo Caermare, chairperson of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity.

Before the Mass, pro-life advocates and members of various lay church organizations participated in a Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, around Intramuros.

The annual penitential walk was first organized in 2017 by the laity council to oppose drug-related killings, the death penalty, abortion and other measures deemed by the Church as “anti-life.” A.G.C.

‘Excel, but be humble,’ Cardinal Advincula urges Thomasians on first day of UST Lenten retreat

EMULATING CHRIST’S suffering on the cross must inspire Thomasians to strive for excellence while remaining humble, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said during Mass on the first day of the “ALAB 2026” Lenten retreat at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday, March 4.

In his homily, Advincula stressed that measures of one’s intellectual excellence must be done in the light of Christ’s humility.

“The logic of the cross means that excellence must always be marked by humility. It means that our intelligence must always be at the service of truth. It means that our achievements must never eclipse our compassion,” the Manila archbishop said.

While the Church values intellectual rigor, excellence in the academe should be balanced with service, leadership and love, he said.

The cardinal reflected on Jesus’s challenge to his disciples: “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant. Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.”

“When ambition turns self-referential, when competition diminishes community, when success is measured only by superiority over others, some-

thing essential is lost,” Advincula said.

Marking the 90th anniversary of the martyrdom of Thomasians, led by Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P., in the Spanish Civil War, Advincula urged modern-day Thomasians to be martyrs in their own ways.

“Martyrdom can mean giving one’s life for Christ, but it can also mean living one’s life for Christ in daily fidelity, sacrifice and love,” the prelate said. “It can mean dying for the faith, but it can also be a constant dying to self as we try

to go beyond our pride and ambitions to imitate the Lord in selfless love and service.” Paredes is among the seven martyrs of the Spanish Civil War. The others are Jesus Villaverde Andres, O.P.; Maximo Fernandez Marinas, O.P.; Pedro Ibanez Alonzo, O.P.; Manuel Moreno Martinez, O.P.; Jose Maria Carillo, O.P. and Jose Maria de Manila, O.F.M. Cap.

Advincula said the Thomasian blesseds were witnesses of faith who held the cross high.

[Our] intelligence must always be at the service of truth.

achievements must never eclipse our compassion.

“That is what martyrdom means. We [become] witnesses to the cross, not only by our death, but above all, by our life. We proclaim that self-giving is more noble than success. Fidelity is greater than fame, and love is stronger than ambition,” Advincula concluded.

The first day of the ALAB 2026 retreat centered on the virtue of faith, with a talk delivered by Bishop Raul Dael of the Diocese of Tandag in Surigao del Sur. Y.A.R. OSEA

Magkuwento

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aaral pa sa Faculty of Arts and Letters para sa koleksiyon ng tulang “Umiiral: Mga Tula.” Nagpatuloy siyang lumahok sa patimpalak nang maging estudyante sa Faculty of Civil Law.Isa na siyang abogado sa Tumang Bermudez Santos Ben Law Offices sa Taguig.

Ayon naman kay Marie Claire Lagrisola, tumanggap ng RLA sa ika-39 Gawad Ustetika, dapat nagmumula sa pagnanais na magkuwento ang pagsusulat. “I feel I need to share these stories to people to learn from them, to hopefully inspire them, to warn them,” ani Lagrisola. Nakamit niya ang parangal habang mag-aaral sa Faculty of Arts and Letters para sa sanaysay na “Isang Liham ng Isang Dating Atleta,” na tumatalakay sa karanasan ng isang manlalaro.

Para sa kaniya, bagaman may ilang manunulat na nag-aatubiling ilantad ang kanilang akda sa publiko, napahuhusay ang kakayahang magkuwento sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap sa kritisismo at komento.

Ibinahagi rin ni Lagrisola, na kasalukuyang mag-aaral sa Faculty of Civil Law, ang prinsipyong binanggit ni Justice Maria Filomena Singh sa isang lektura: “Public office is a public trust, and that justice is not enough when it works silently.”

Samantala, sinabi ni Faye Julianne Rafael, nagwagi ng RLA sa ika-40 Gawad Ustetika, na hindi dapat gawing sukatan ng kakayahan ng manunulat ang mga gantimpala at pagkilala.

“Nais [kong] iparating na patuloy sana nating linangin at hasain ang ating kakayahan, may karangalan man o wala,” wika niya.

“Patuloy nating ihayag ang ating tinig, gawing instrumento ang pagsulat upang magbahagi ng mga bagong kaisipan, pumukaw ng damdamin at magbigay kamalayan sa ating mga mambabasa,” dagdag pa niya.

Kinilala si Rafael bilang RLA sa ika40 edisyon ng Gawad Ustetika para sa tulang “Laro.”

Ang RLA ay iginagawad ng Rektor ng Unibersidad sa akdang nagkamit ng unang gantimpala sa bawat kategorya ng Gawad Ustetika, ang pinakamatagal na taunang patimpalak pampanitikan sa bansa.

Ngayong taon, may pitong kategorya ang Gawad Ustetika: Tula, Poetry, Katha, Fiction, Sanaysay, Essay, at Dulang May Isang Yugto/One-Act Play.

Nakatakdang idaos ang Gabi ng Parangal ng ika-41 Gawad Ustetika sa Marso 27 sa gusaling Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P.. CHARLIZE ANN D. LAVASTIDA MAY ULAT NINA MA. IRISH F. FERY, NYL R. DADIZ, SYDNEY VENICE V. BERBA AT INAH DENISE A. MANANSALA

At conclusion of Lenten retreat, Thomasians urged to be ‘vessels of Tria Haec’

By Reya Vincent P. Misa

THE MAIN Building’s Tria Haec must not only remain as ideals but become “living virtues,” the head of the Dominican Province of the Philippines said during the closing Mass of the “ALAB 2026” retreat on March 6.

In his homily, Fr. Filemon dela Cruz, Jr., O.P. challenged Thomasians to live out faith, hope and love in carrying out their service and mission in life.

“Ito ‘yung mundo where we are challenged to live out the Tria Haec. Kapag dadalhin na natin sa mundo at sa

gitna ng totoong kalagayan ng tao, naroon ang hamon. Pero doon din dapat mag-alab ang pananampalataya, ang pag-asa at ang pag-ibig,” Dela Cruz said.

Thomasians must apply the virtues in facing harsh realities, beyond the inspirational talks and spiritual reflections from the three-day retreat, the prior provincial said.

Dela Cruz said the virtues are “theological” because they have God as their object.

“We need them within us. They are given to us so we can direct our lives to God. Kaya nga, kung meron

tayo on one hand, ‘yung three Cs, (competence, compassion, commitment), itong Tria Haec, ‘these three,’ consider them the ultimate three— because they encompass the whole of our life,” he said.

Offering the 17 Thomasian martyrs as an example, Dela Cruz said their lives reflected fidelity to God amid persecution and suffering.

Dela Cruz, the vice grand chancellor of the University, urged Thomasians to view the Main Building from the Arch of the Centuries and to imagine the arch as a “scope” that magni-

fies and focuses one’s gaze on the Tria Haec and the clock tower.

“Nagpapaalala [ito sa atin], bilang ang ating oras. Tayo ay mortal. We only have a lifetime to journey from here to God. Faith, hope, love [ay] pag-alabin [natin],” he said.

The three-day “ALAB 2026” Lenten retreat carried the theme “Pananampalataya, Pag-asa at Pag-ibig,” and was concluded by the Eucharistic celebration at the Quadricentennial Pavilion concelebrated by Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., and Vice Rector Fr. Isaias Antonio Tiongco, O.P.

EDITOR: ROB ANDREW L. DONGIAPON

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rector Ralph Galan, and literature and creative writing professors John Jack Wigley and Chuckberry Pascual.

Other participating writers were journalism alumni and former Varsitarian staffers Lourd de Veyra and Chuck Smith, and author-surgeon Alyza Taguilaso.

Organized by the National Book Development Board, the Philippine Book Festival ran from March 12 to 15 at the Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong. JOHN KOBE S. BALOD

FROM PAGE 12 ► Publishing house

Juniors end dynasty

and Andrea Matias in the saber final, 45-43, settling for silver.

Krystal, Sardenia, Rodgelyn Raguin, and Dahlia Capuno later earned bronze in women’s epee after losing to UE, 45-29.

“This season, nage-expect pa rin naman kami ng hanggang runner-up lang talaga,” Navarro said of his women’s team. “Talagang ang hirap umakyat.”

In the men’s division, the Tiger Fencers finished fourth for the second straight year and missed the podium despite tallying one gold and four bronze medals.

Markke Abaygar, John Amores, Cedric Pasan and Jose Soyangco took bronze in men’s foil after dropping a tight semifinal bout against the University of the Philippines in overtime, 45-44.

Looking ahead, Navarro emphasized that strengthening the athletes’ mindset remains a priority to maintain the program’s progress, especially with the same core expected to return next year.

“Ang kailangan lang namin sigurong gawin is itanim sa puso at sa isip na kailangang tapangan, kailangang lakasan ang loob, kailangang ilaro mo nang maayos,” Navarro said.

“Kasi kung madadala sa pressure, sarili mo ‘yong kalaban mo. ‘Yong pinaghirapan natin, masasayang dahil sa pressure na yan.”

Angelicum na sumasabay sa programa dito sa UST.”

Among the UST Angelicum standouts who have advanced to the Tiger Cubs are Leo Lapastora, who debuted in Season 88, and Ray Allen Bañes, who is completing residency.

The UST Angelicum girls’ basketball team is also guided by familiar Thomasian figures. Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong serves as a consultant to the UST Angelicum basketball program, bringing along her championship experience.

Two-time UAAP champions Eka Soriano and Agatha Bron serve as head coach and assistant coach, respectively, turning the squad into an extension of UST.

They guided UST Angelicum to a third-place finish in the 56th WNCAA season before winning the 2026 NCR Palaro girls’ 3×3 basketball championship.

The program has also produced rising talents such as Audry Duma, who recorded a rare quadruple-double of 17 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists, and 12 steals in her WNCAA debut during a 106-17 win over St. Jude Catholic School on Sept. 6, 2025.

“‘Yong sistema, more or less, gusto natin the same dito sa ginagawa natin sa UST,” Ong said, noting that she has allowed Soriano and Bron to develop their own coaching identities in Angelicum. “Hindi naman natin tatanggalin

► The UST Male Tennisters capture the UAAP Season 88 men’s tennis championship after pummeling the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 3-1, in a winner-take-all Game 3 final at the Colegio de San Agustin-Bulacan on Sunday, March 29. — PHOTOS BY VIO NEIRO M. VILLAESCUSA

UST Male Tennisters outlast UP to clinch Season 88 title

By Kurt Russel Vincent I. Miranda

THE UST Male Tennisters captured the UAAP Season 88 championship after defeating the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 3-1, in a winnertake-all Game 3 on Sunday, March 29, at the Colegio San AgustinBulacan Tennis Court.

A day after collapsing in Game 2, the Male Tennisters bounced back and regrouped to win three of four completed matches to secure their 17th UAAP championship, extending their league record.

It was longtime pair Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines who delivered the clincher, overcoming UP’s Raymund Goco and Miguel Iglupas, 6-4, 6-3.

“The players came back well

from the loss yesterday… Nag-usap kami kahapon kung ano gagawin and we decided about this lineup.

We’re happy na nag-deliver ‘yong mga players,” UST head coach Alexander Diego told the Varsitarian “It was the same line-up yesterday, kasi kahapon, kaunti na lang ‘yun, mananalo na. So, at least, nakuha namin ngayon,” he added.

UP drew first blood in the second singles, with Loucas Fernandez overpowering rookie Evan Bacalso, 6-1, 6-2.

The Male Tennisters responded in the first singles as Christopher Sonsona defeated Aslan Carbonilla, 6-4, 6-1, to level the match.

Ericjay Tangub then delivered a crucial win in the third singles, beating Lance Fernandez, 6-3, 6-2, to put UST one match away from the title.

After winning all his matches in the series, Tangub was named Finals Most Valuable Player.

“Sinabi na lang namin noong pagkatalo kahapon na sulitin na namin ‘yong UAAP,” Tangub said. “Sinulit namin para gumaan ang nararamdaman namin. Ayun, gumaan naman at nanalo.”

In the second doubles match, the pairing of Al-Zayeed Baid and Steven Sonsona against Carl Tan and Andrei Jarata was abandoned after the Male Tennisters secured the team tie.

UST captain Sebastian Santos, along with Finals MVP Tangub, Bautista and Steven Sonsona, will graduate from their undergraduate fitness and sports management programs this year and are still unsure of their plans for next season.

’yon sa kanila on how they’re going to build the culture and the program.”

Ong regularly attends UST Angelicum practices and invites players to train with the Junior Growling Tigresses in UST Manila under coach Arsenio Dysangco.

“Hopefully, kung meron tayong makita na mga talents na puwede sa UST, of course, they are welcome to come here,” she said.

According to Bautista, efforts to align UST’s basketball leadership with UST Angelicum gained momentum after Fr. John Stephen Besa, O.P., assumed the role of rector and president in August 2024.

Besa envisions building a network of young athletes who could become UST’s next generation of elite players.

“It has allowed us to adopt systems and principles shaped by UST’s long-standing culture of athletic excellence and integrity, while continuing to nurture our own identity as an institution,” Bautista said.

“Kaya sinasabi namin sa mga players na kapag nandito kayo sa UST Angelicum, or naging varsity kayo dito, kung magaling na magaling kayo, most likely, ibabato namin kayo sa UST Manila.”

UST Angelicum fields boys’ basketball teams in the under-12 and under-17 divisions, along with a girls’ squad.

It also runs boys’ and girls’ volleyball programs, gradually strengthening its sports pipeline.

The school backs its athletic programs with cheerdance, pep, and street

dance teams, alongside high school squads in badminton, table tennis, swimming, golf, chess, wushu, bowling, taekwondo, ballet, and gymnastics.

Its athletes have represented the school in national competitions such as the Philippine Youth Games (Batang Pinoy) and the Palarong Pambansa.

UST Angelicum characterizes its sports program as a “formative experience” meant to cultivate “resilience, leadership, and discipline.”

“Gradual ang aming vision to improve the team sports program of our school,” Bautista said.

“We aim to develop talents who can play on a bigger stage and also represent us, the Thomasian Angelicans,” he added. “We believe that the Thomasian tradition of excellence is our parameter. We want to excel even more, and to achieve that, we believe the Thomasian brand would help us elevate our own status and our own goals dito sa Angelicum.”

The school has also invested in competition-grade facilities such as the St. Vincent Ferrer Gymnasium, which features professional-standard and FIBA-approved Schelde Sports basketball systems, including a dunk-proof glass backboard and high-visibility digital scoreboards.

Beyond sports, UST Angelicum’s non-graded, self-paced learning system has supported students following nontraditional career paths.

Among them is Filipina racing driver Bianca Bustamante, who rose in prominence through multiple Formula

Ong refocuses

FROM PAGE 12 ►

Ong said her decision was guided by her commitment to the values she has upheld throughout her career.

“As a final remark, I am stepping down not to abandon the sport, but to preserve the values I have spent my entire career upholding. I remain committed to promoting women’s professional basketball,” she said.

Ong was appointed WMPBL commissioner in January 2025. She declined to elaborate on the specific reasons behind her resignation.

Ong told the Varsitarian that she will now dedicate her focus entirely to her role with UST, particularly in developing the Growling Tigresses’ talent pipeline.

The Tigresses are scheduled to participate in several upcoming tournaments, including the UAAP 3×3 basketball event and overseas preseason competitions such as the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Cup in Taiwan.

“For now, focus lang ako sa preparation namin for 3×3, and then we have preseason tournaments in May,” Ong said. “And hopefully by June, we will go to BLIA, and then Japan in July.”

“Our program remains centered on player development. We continue to build from our high school program so that, after a few years, players can transition to the collegiate level,” she added.

Key figures follow suit

A day after Ong’s resignation, UST assistant coaches Arsenio Dysangco, WMPBL deputy commissioner, and Fatima Pumaren, WMPBL executive secretary, also resigned. Ma. Ana Fatima Tolentino and Editha Botecario likewise stepped down as legal counsel and technical head, respectively.

“Our decision to step down is in support of the issues highlighted by the Commissioner, which have made the continued performance of our professional duties untenable,” the statement read.

Despite the exits, the WMPBL announced on Facebook that its opening day will push through as scheduled on April 12 at Alonte Sports Arena.

The league also said it is currently

4 competitions while studying under the school’s homeschool program.

“Because we can say that we are somewhat unique and non-traditional, we attract such talents to us,” Bautista said.

“That’s something we want to utilize. Perhaps, we can bring someone from our homeschool program to also join varsity teams in Manila once they become exceptionally good at their craft in college.”

For now, UST Angelicum hopes its collaboration with UST Manila will eventually result in a formal partnership that would allow the Manila campus varsity program to actively recruit its players.

Discussions with UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., are ongoing, though progress has been gradual. Still, the talks have generated optimism for the Angelicum brand.

Looking ahead, UST Angelicum’s sports program hopes to achieve the same level of success UST has attained.

“We would like to take this even further to the point na makilala talaga si UST Angelicum as a sister school that is not just bearing the UST name, but standing on its own with its own brand of competitiveness and excellence,” Bautista said.

“Gusto kong dumating sa point na kapag sinasabi mo ang UST Angelicum, hindi lang siya extension but UST tradition ’yan. Talagang excellent ’yan when it comes to sports.”

I am stepping down not to abandon the sport, but to preserve the values I have spent my entire career upholding.

I remain committed

to promoting women’s

professional basketball. ‘‘

working on appointing an interim commissioner to ensure the smooth continuation of its activities.

Meanwhile, Ong is intensifying recruitment efforts in the coming months by tapping into her nationwide network of coaches.

“Because of our connections sa buong Pilipinas, coaches from the provinces are already reaching out to me,” Ong said. “They present potential recruits that we can evaluate, so it’s a good system.”

“Our emphasis is still on building a strong grassroots program, from high school to college,” she added.

Ong said she aims to make a lasting impact on women’s basketball by helping more players build careers in the sport.

“Mas marami na ngayon talaga ang nagba-basketball na babae,” she said. “That’s the legacy we want, not just for UST, but for the continued growth of women’s basketball in the Philippines.”

Sports

The Varsitarian MAY 15, 2026

► PAGE 11

UST JUNIOR FENCERS END UE’S 11-YEAR UAAP DYNASTY

By Joaquin Edgardo A. Cortez

THE UST Junior Lady Fencers captured their first-ever UAAP girls’ fencing championship, ending the University of the East’s (UE) 11-year reign by ruling UAAP Season 88 on Monday, March 16, at the Makati Coliseum.

UST’s triumph also marked the first time another team claimed the overall crown since the girls’ division debuted in Season 75.

The Junior Lady Fencers finished their campaign tied with UE with three gold medals but secured the title through the tiebreaker, earning three silvers and three bronzes compared with the Junior Warriors’ one silver and three bronzes.

In girls’ saber, Ma. Estelliah Gillana, Kathleen Tuy, Martina Manzalay and Bailey Olayres successfully defended their title in the event for the fourth straight year, defeating UE’s Sophia Catantan, Kirsten Catantan, Nicol Canlas and Celyna Palmado in the final, 45-39.

“Kinilabutan ako na sa wakas, nakuha na din namin [ang championship],” UST saber head coach Donnie Navarro told the Varsitarian. “Masaya kami na kami ‘yong naka-putol ng mahabang paghahari nila.”

“Palagi kaming kapos [dati] nang isang medal. Kumbaga, kaya naman naming putulin, napipigilan lang kasi walang may katulong.”

In the epee category, UST’s Marian Castro, Aubrey Fernandez, Althea Lopez and Chloe

‘‘

Kinilabutan ako na sa wakas kami ‘yong naka-putol ng mahabang paghahari nila.

Donnie Navarro UST SABER HEAD COACH

UST Angelicum charts path to match

By Rob Andrew L. Dongiapon

IN THE UAAP, UST has long stood as a dominant force, building a powerhouse sports program that has captured 48 general championships at the collegiate level and 24 in high school.

When its reach extended to Angelicum College in Quezon City following their 2017 integration, passing on that culture of winning became one of its key goals.

Nearly a decade after the integration, UST Angelicum College has developed athletes guided by the values of Dominican brotherhood and virtue, bringing the Thomasian colors to intercollegiate leagues such as the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) and the Athletic Association of Private

Schools while extending UST’s winning tradition beyond Manila.

Fr. John Andrew S. Bautista, O.P., UST Angelicum’s director for religious affairs, said sports development formed part of the school’s commitment to holistic formation.

“We do not just train and sharpen our minds; we also sharpen our physical attributes, physical bodies,” Bautista told the Varsitarian. “Just like UST Manila, we want to have that here. We want to show we can also be champions.”

Established in 1972, Angelicum went beyond simply affiliating with UST, incorporating key elements of the University’s basketball program into its system.

Noli Mejos, head coach of the UST Tiger Cubs under-16 squad, now oversees UST Angelicum’s boys’ teams in both Quezon City and Iloilo.

Assisting him is JM Lagumen, a former UST Growling Tigers guard who now serves as a Tiger Cubs assistant coach. The squad participates in commercial competitions such as the United Basketball League, where several of the country’s leading high school programs also compete.

Mejos holds regular tryouts

and supervises training sessions at UST Angelicum at least three times weekly.

Every few months, he also travels to Angelicum Iloilo to scout prospects and conduct practices.

For Mejos, UST Angelicum’s mission is clear: to build a strong basketball program that can also serve as a pipeline for UST.

“Ang utos sa akin ay pagandahin ‘yong programa, tapos palakasin ‘yong team,” he said. “Kapag gano’n kasi, maraming possible players na pumunta sa Angelicum tapos maka-transfer dito sa UST.”

“Kung puwede nga, doon na rin natin ilagay ‘yong ibang players natin dito sa Manila, lalo na kapag malakas na ‘yong program doon. Siyempre, para rin ‘to sa pride ng

Raguin secured silver after falling to UE, 45-37. Meanwhile, the boys’ team finished fifth this season with two silver and two bronze medals after placing as runners-up last year. Ranzel Aberilla, Hanz Dela Pena, Lamar Fernandez, and Rayne Maravilla claimed silver after losing to UE’s Rainier Cadiente, Matteo Canlas, Brynt Gale, and James Lim in the boys’ epee final, 45-30.

In the seniors’ division, the UST Lady Fencers, who were champions last year, placed third this season with two silver and two bronze medals.

Lady Fencers Kim and Krystal Tuy, Kristel Chacon, and Ruby Sardenia fell to UE’s Queen Dalmacio, Shareen Beltran, Adreanne Lising, JUNIORS END DYNASTY PAGE 11 ►

After WMPBL exit, Haydee Ong refocuses on Growling Tigresses

By Miguel B. Marco

UST HEAD coach

Haydee Ong has stepped down as commissioner of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), citing “irreconcilable differences” within the league’s leadership.

► Coach Haydee

Ong said her resignation took effect immediately on Sunday, April 5.

“Over the past several months, it has become increasingly clear that the current environment within the league’s management has made that mission impossible to fulfill,” Ong said in a statement shared on social media.

“Unfortunately, there have been irreconcilable differences in making critical and major decisions in the league.”