VOLUME ONE | PAGE ONE

AUGUST 2022

THEATRICAL

"TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS" PLAY MAKES

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

fimeridA
CAMPUS JOURANLISM BSED ENGLISH 2A EFIMERIDAS PUBLISHING UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS Natalie Amla
A COMEBACK!
PAGE THREE

WHAT’S
INSIDE?
UC TAEKWONDO

ATHLETES

SUFFERS AMIDST

THE PANDEMIC
CHESNEY JADO AND
IVAN PAL-ET
Ever since the pandemic surged,
the UC taekwondo varsity players
trained in their own space and at
their own pace which caused their
skills to greatly suffer.
Members of the team showed resilience and
adaptability amidst the difficulties of self-
training, few of the members shared their own
experiences on the challenges of doing it... more
on page 9.

SAMMUEL ELISAN

July 27,2022- Ucian students, personnel, and guests, together with SITEL and Teleperformance employees, evavuated at Sunshine

Park, moments after the earthquake. Everyone was grouped accordingly for monitoring.
JAZMINE MERCADO

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck parts of Luzon this morning July 27, 2022, at the exact time of 8:48 AM,
where students, teachers, school heads, stakeholders, and guests evacuated at Sunshine and Burnham Park.
DISCONNECTED: EDUCATIONAL
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) Classes, school operations, and activities were canceled and postponed following
reported at least six aftershocks ranging from magnitude 2.1 to 4 in Abra the suspension announcement of Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Some of the school
VALUE OF INTERNET ACCESS
and Ilocos Sur. This was reportedly the most destructive earthquake to activities that were canceled were the Research Symposium, STEM Senior high

hit the Philippines since 1990.
The evacuation was quick and precise due to information
dissemination and drills performed in the past. Those who exited
through gates 1 and 2 were evacuated at Sunshine Park together with
Sitel and Teleperformance personnel. While those that went out from
gates 5 and 6 at Burnham Park. Attendance was checked as the groups
were formed to monitor any missing person. Then everyone braced
themselves for a possible aftershock.
School Graduation Practice, Nursing Picture-taking, 2nd year CTE Research
defense/proposal, and the Reyes Tacandong Auditing training.
In an interview with Mr. Reinard A. Hombrebueno from the Occupational Safety
and Health Office, there were no reported incidents of casualties as the employees as
well as the students evacuated safely and proceeded to the designated evacuation site.
There was also no major damage to the university's premises.
PAGE FIVE

The 18th Capping, Pinning,

Pinning,

and Candle Lighting

Lighting

Ceremony of the First Year

Nursing Students was held at

at

the University of the

the

Cordilleras Theater on July

July

25th, and 26th 2022.

A mid the COVID 19 pandemic, the

University of the Cordilleras C.O.N.
(College of Nursing) had successfully
completed the rite. A total of 662 first-year
students attended the ceremony of the
Capping, Pinning, and Candle lighting of
the batch 2021-2025 with the theme “ PAGE EIGHT
ANGELIQUE BUANIG
Modern day Nightingales, leading the way
in the New Normal”.

The program started with an invocation

prayer honoring the solemn ceremony KRISTINE APRECIO
which had been followed by the singing of
Nursing students awaits to be capped and pinned on the ceremony held at the UC theater on

the National Anthem and UC Hymn. The

July 25, 2022 with Dr. Judith Magwilang CON dean. The rite marks the graduation of the

opening Remarks were led by the Academic students before taking the Board.
Dean Doctor Judith Odanee G. Magwilang.
She delivered an inspiring message to K R I S T I N E A P R E C I O
nurses. According to Magwilang, the “Capping, Pinning and Candle lighting ceremony is a traditional rite of the nursing department which recognizes the struggle
PAGE THREE
and commitment of the nursing student to the nursing profession.”

The President- Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing Doctor Mary Grace C. Lacanaria, a registered nurse and a Ph.D. holder was invited as the
rite’s guest speaker. She provided a motivational speech that marks the start of a new learning experience for aspiring nurses. As stated in her speech the cap is a
symbol of service and the pin represents the true values of being professional nurses.

The awaited capping, pinning and candle lighting of the students then followed, wherein the students marched to the stage with their parents. The ladies were
capped, the gentlemen were pinned and the symbolic nightingale’s lamp was lit. The dignified program ended with the Nightingales Pledge headed by Mylene S.
Palian, the singing of the batch song, and which was officially concluded with the closing remarks.
 fimeridA
"TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"

NATALIE AMLA

2022 INAUGURAL

INTERNATIONAL
Students in the midst of their proposal defense with their

panelists- Joan Pucya, Alma Biscocho and Ginalyn

RESEARCH
Resurrection at the U building, July 23, 2022. PHOTOS BY

NATALIE AMLA.

SYMPOSIUM NATALIE AMLA

HOSTED BY UC Last July 23, 30, & 31, 2022, as a requirement for the

finals, the UC CTE English Majors defended their

research proposals in a face-to-face setting

the

their

Two years had passed since the last research proposal happened in a
face-to-face setting because of the unfortunate circumstances during the
pandemic. A group of 18 researchers, each with two-three members, was
accommodated by three panelists. Despite the fact that six of the groups
were under ODL, they defended their research proposal online. For the
face-to-face defense, the event began at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 4:00 p.m.
at the U-building, rooms U703 & U705.

When asked about how the research proposals went, Janice Calugan,
one of the panelist and research advisers said that, “It showed that they
have read their work but some were anxious to answer questions.” There
are 17 SDGs as areas of priority identified as a topic for the research: no
poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education;
clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; quality
JAZMINE MERCADO
education; and more.

President Nancy Flores with Fulbright Philippines Joan Fajardo and grantees posing for a photo after the IRS
In the student point of view on the other hand, Leewin Goyao, one of
held at UC Auditorium- July 25. UC awarded teh spekers with a campus jacket and a certificate. the researchers said that "Presenting online is really quite different and
JAZMINE MERCADO more challenging than in a face-to-face setting. However, the learning is
also on another level compared to online which is why despite the
challenge, I still like it better face-to face than in an online research
The University of the Cordilleras in partnership with Fulbright Philippines held the 2022

2022
proposal"
International Research Symposium on Monday, July 25, 2022, from 9-11 am, at the UC
UC

Auditorium with Three American Fulbright Grantees as speakers.
With Fullbright’s mission “ To empower the minds that will find
national and global solutions to tomorrow`s challenges by
fostering academic and professional expertise and excellence in
leadership”, the Symposium focused on the Discussion of the
ongoing research of the speakers tackling the different problems
in the Philippines, they also shared their experiences staying in
the Philippines and with Fulbright.
The event was participated by UC students, faculty, alumni, and
guests, where the College of Criminal Justice Education
Forensics ushered the event; the Research and Innovation Office
as organizers led by Dr. Christian Pascual; and, facilitated by Ms.
Joan Fajardo of the Fulbright Philippines.
The first speaker of the event, Dr. Chelsea L. Jones from Virginia
Commonwealth University shared her study on Monitoring
Epidemic incidences in the Philippines as well as her previous
research on Average Scottish Life Expectancy Based on Smoking
rates, Detecting Point Radiation Sources using Distributed
Sensors, Analysis for Hyperparameter Optimization, and A
Zoonotic Disaster. She also emphasized the use of the
Calugan also stated that the topics chosen are relevant to the SDGs in
the sense that they must find reasons to ensure that their studies
Python data analysis tool and NEO4L graph in her studies. In contribute to the development of the self, education, or the future of
her research, she focused on monitoring epidemics and everyone.
Pandemic control strategies.
The researchers, panelists, and advisers adhered to safety health
The Second speaker Jacob M. Bodenger of the American protocols by wearing masks and not being too close to each other during
University studies Elections in the Philippines in the Post-truth the event. The thriving research proposals will be continued as a
era, regarding disinformation and Social media influence. He requirement for their FS subjects in the following trimester.
pointed out that bots, disinformation, troll armies, and election
interference were some of the issues in the use of social media in
political campaigns.
Lastly, Renee Marie Meanart from the Center for Juvenile and
Criminal Justice in San Francisco, California focused on social
issues regarding the youth. She presented her research in
Practitioner and youth Perspectives on Policy needs for children
in conflict with the law. She also stressed collaboration for
change and engaging the youth in research and justice reform.
After the talks, an open forum was conducted. The event ended
with the UC president Mrs. Nancy Flores handing out
certificates and tokens to the speakers as well as to Fullbright Students in the midst of preparing for their proposal

Philippines. defense at the U building, July 23, 2022. PHOTOS BY

NATALIE AMLA.

VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM LECTURE HELD AT

UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS
KIMCIA AGALED

Last July 22, 2022 a virtual symposium lecture was held via zoom which was attended by 23

23

BSED second-year, English Major students.

The symposium lecture started at 3:30 pm and ended at 5:00 pm which had Ms. Carla Angela Balbin, an alumna of Naga College
Foundation who graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, majoring in English as its speaker, and Dr. Mary
Geraldine B. Gunaban as its facilitator.

The symposium started with a discussion by Ms. Balbin which she extensively explained the Reader's Response and Feminism
Theory. This lasted for an hour then followed by 15 minutes follow-up discussion by Dr. Gunaban. The symposium successfully ended
with an insightful open forum that broadened the topic.

According to one of the student participants Jake Steven Gulayan, the symposium was a great avenue to learn something new,
especially in regard to his future teaching career. This symposium served as a great opportunity to learn more about literature and the
participants expect more of these activities in the future.
 "TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"

EfimeridA

Team Keplik performing Dear Evan Hansen musical

starring Steven Levenson at the UC theater on July 26.
BSED first years hosted the event.

UC Senior High
Students Attends
Face-to-face
Graduation Ball
MARIETA DAMAYAN
LEEWIN GOYAO
Senior High Students from UC HE and ICT Strand celebrated the
Team Colorful legs performing the Greatest Showman musical starring Jenny Bicks at the UC theater on July
Face-to-face Graduation Ball on July 12, 2022, from 1:00 PM -
26. BSED first years hosted the event.
5:00 PM at the UC Theater.
ALAISA DATUASIMBAN
With the theme "A Day to Remember" Technical Vocational
Livelihood HOBNOB, the University of the Cordilleras pushed After two years of being at cease, last July 26, 2022 first-year English Major students made a
through with the Senior High School Face-to face Graduation Ball performance marking the comeback of theater play at the UC theatre.'
despite the pandemic. An estimation of ninety (90) to one hundred
After two years of putting everything on hold, the UC Auditorium was again opened for both performers and the audience. English
(100) HE and ICT students attended the Graduation Ball for SY:
Major students made their comeback from performing in front of their co-students with the theme “Together again with Speech and
2021-2022. The event highlighted the HE and ICT Senior High
Theater Arts,” headed by their teacher, Miss Janice Calugan.
students closing celebration party before their graduation
ceremony.
The program started with a prayer at 3:50 in the afternoon and opening remarks from Calugan. Followed by the performance of Team
Colorful legs and Team Keplik. The Team Colorful legs performed The Greatest Showman by Jenny Bicks and Team Keplik
The program started with a doxology which was followed by the
performed Dear, Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson.
event rationalization led by the HE Coordinator, Ms. Frejobel
Langpaoen. The program was then formally launched with a
These two teams were given weeks to prepare for this most-anticipated performance. Team Colorful legs prepared for their theatrical
"Dance for All '' Waltz.
production by practicing four times a week, on the other hand, Team Keplik prepared for their play by alloting three times a week to
practice.
Then, the HE and ICT Strand performed their intermission which
was followed by an early dinner. Mr. PJ Natchola proceeded with
Both teams were fully determined to have a successful performance by dedicating their time, efforts, creativity, and strengths without
the awarding of the Best in Creative Face Masks and the
hesitations. Even if both teams had scheduling conflicts for their practices, they were still able to practice at their own pace because of
Masquerade Queen and King of the Graduation Ball. Ms. Angela
their strong will to execute an excellent play.
Espiritu was crowned as the "Queen of the Graduation Ball" and
Mr. Mark Lester got the title the "King of the Graduation Ball"
Team Colorful legs and Team Keplik were able to perform their theatrical plays in a very confident manner that entertained the
which both came from HE Strand.
audience. The UC Auditorium was filled with endless cheers and applause that marked the program successful.
The event ended with granting certificates of appreciation to the
Kalilayan Tour Guide Trainees and Campus Tour Guides, also the

PRE-CELEBRATION

award for the student's Completion for In-House Work

Immersion, Special Awards to the selected group of TVL students,
and to the event assistants.
PARTY HELD FOR

GRADUATING CHTM

STUDENTS
ANNE GONZAGA

Last July 18-21, 2022 a 4-day Pre-celebration

Pre-celebration

party was organized for the graduating CHTM

CHTM

students at the UC Canao Hall.

Around 70 attendees were present on each day of the event who were
also required to be fully vaccinated before attending. The event
highlighted the CHTM graduating students' closing celebration party
before the graduation ceremony.

Chairmans Karla Dela Cruz, Christine Visperas & Kimberly

Oliverossere led and organizes the preparation for the event that
started last July 14, 2022, with the special participation of 2nd-year
UC CHTM students.

The first day was held from 12 PM-3 PM which concluded with the
picture taking and awarding for UC's Industry Partners and other
special student participants. The second day was held from 3 PM-8
PM and was dedicated to the acknowledgment of CFM (Culinary and
Food Management) and HRA (Hotel and Restaurant Administration)
interns' awards and achievements. The third and fourth days which
started at 4 PM and ended at 9 PM were meant for sharing
of TIM (Travel Industry Management) interns about their
experiences and hardships during their OJT (On-Job Training) from
.The crowned King and Queen of the night - Mark Lester and
CHTM students and staff preparing for the pre-

Angela Espiritu in the HE and ICT Graduation Ball at UC

different restaurants.
celebration event at the UC Canao Hall
theater. Awards were given to best face mask by Mr. PJ

Natchola
 fimeridA
"TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"

FACE-TO-
LED LIGHTS:
Being beneficial

FACE
to Baguio City
LEARNING: SARAH MAE DACLAN AND KEREM FLORES

"TO
GO
OR
NOT
TO

LORENA
Despite many criticism of the Light changing Project of Mayor Benjie Magalong like the bright

LICAYO GO?" LED lights` harm on wildlife, its benefits outweighs this

T hat is the question that is asked by many when it comes to

face-to-face classes. Shall we return to the past arrangement? or are we not ready just yet?
Baguio City finally completed the LED Replacement project last March 25, 2022, which
amounted to Php 18.7 million funded under the Supplemental budget of the City. 7,485

It's been two years since COVID-19 has affected everything including the education system. Since streetlights were replaced with LED fixtures along major roads and in the central business
then, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) switched to blended learning. Many schools district. The traditional high-pressure sodium(HPS) was replaced with light-emitting diode
including the University of the Cordilleras made use of blended learning, with the students attending a (LED) fixtures which is a more energy-efficient and cost-saving type of lighting. 7,485
physical school and working on their own during the other parts of the day. Now that we're slowly
recovering from the devastating pandemic, should we go back to traditional face-to-face learning? streetlights were replaced with LED fixtures along major roads and in the central business
district. I believe that the LED lighting idea is indeed very beneficial to the citizens and even to
Blended learning does come with a lot of its troubles and problems, especially on the educational side. the tourists visiting, and a good cost-cutting strategy for the Government.
Many students are complaining about not being able to learn due to them not being able to attend face-
to-face learning. This is no longer just a conjecture made by others but is already a considered fact.
First of all, LED light is cost-saving and energy-efficient at the same time. People are aware
However, the damage and problems that would come back when we go back to face-to-face learning
would be far worse than the problems we are facing in the status quo due to blended learning. of environmentally friendly processes like recycling but a lot of people are unaware of the
environmental advantages of technologies like LED light. This type of light can be used to help
Blended learning should be continued because it is a precaution against COVID-19. This line may be
reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions because it draws much less power than traditional
simple to others but it’s quite more complicated than it sounds. COVID-19 is a huge problem that is
the root of the many problems in our society now such as the price hikes. Any precaution against lighting. The city is expected to save at least 69 percent on its power bills. According to Engr.
COVID-19 is a precaution against any problem it could bring. Richard Molina, electrical engineer of the City Engineering Office (CEO), from over P3.5
million monthly power bills of the city for streetlights, the same will be reduced to over P1.1
It's better to be prepared because the situation could change at any time. It doesn’t necessarily mean
that since we’re slowly recovering from the pandemic we would continually recover. The case of the million. With LED technology, the government will be able to save more on energy costs.
second wave of Wuhan, China is the best example and evidence that we should never become
complacent.
In addition, aside from being cost-saving and energy-efficient, LED technology is also
This does not only concern the safety of students studying but the whole country instead. A school is a
known to be eco-friendly. LED lights don't contain toxic elements like mercury which is
place where many people gather, if by chance a COVID-19 positive would enter a school, a wide
infection is highly likely to happen. Once that does happen, it would spread outside the school, to homes, present in traditional lighting sources. When these traditional lights come to the end of their
restaurants, and more. life spans they need special handling because of their mercury component which means that,
when disposed of in landfill sites, this toxic element can leech out and contaminate the
Thus, from my point of view, the colleges and universities are not yet ready to conduct full face-to-face
learning, especially knowing that we only have limited resources such as facilities that cannot environment.
accommodate all students. Some people say that face-to-face classes should be mandatory like the
Department of Education(DepEd) but I think a combination of limited face-to-face and online learning
Therefore, LED lights are the best option when choosing a light source for our own homes.
is much better in our current situation.
Moreover, the government has taken the action of replacing the old light source with LED
Apart from that, online learning or technology education was already administered even before the technology. With LED lights the Government will be able to reduce energy consumption yet
pandemic. As such, I agree with the decision made by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
provide better illumination to the city of Baguio.
that it will not require all schools to shift face-to-face classes, letting colleges and universities decide on
the appropriate mode of learning applicable to them.

As stated by CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera lll, "Some degree programs really need a lot of face-to-
face, especially skills-based programs, while other programs can be delivered via flexible learning." Being
said, the decision will be made by the institutions on what mode of learning they will use. Everybody
knows that the shift to online practice requires a readiness to learn new skills. Though, I believe that
treating the online and offline environment enriches our experiences. Also, blended learning helps the
students to be more responsible for their own learning.

In coming up with the decision to go or not to go with the face-to-face modality, we should all ask
ourselves, "what is our top priority? Is it safety or comfortability?"
 "TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"

EfimeridA

DISCONNECTED: Collen May Moris

EDUCATIONAL
VALUE OF
INTERNET
ACCESS PAMELA CALADO
Technology is changing education in many ways. With no end in sight to this
advancement, there has been a rapid integration of digital learning into
traditional learning in higher educational institutions. Prior to the COVID- 19
pandemic, the University of the Cordilleras once offered free access to Wi-Fi
in specific classrooms and libraries. Although there is a separate internet
library where there are available computers and tablets for students to use, it
could not accommodate all of the students who need to access the internet. As
a result, there was a need for the university to provide Wi-Fi access so that the
students could work using their own devices. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the university was forced to close down and there was no
need for them to provide Wi-Fi access any longer. However, after two years of online distance learning, the students are gradually returning to EFIMERIDA
the school, surprised to see that there is no Wi-Fi access anymore.
While some would say that there is no need for the school to give free access to Wi-fi, this "WI-FI,
EDITORIAL
argument is inherently wrong. The University needs to give its students free Wi-fi because it is
BOARD
considered an e-resource which is part of the school fees each student of the university is
required to pay. If the university is requiring fees for e-resources, students also have the right to TO BE

GIVEN

require the university to provide them free access to Wi-Fi. If the school would not give its
students their fare share of the fees that they are paying, that would just be a blatant scam to the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
students. LEEWIN GOYAO
Today, the internet is practically any student’s best friend when it comes to studying. It has
become an integral part of academic life where almost all information is just one click away. The OR
MANAGING EDITOR
NOT?"
internet has created an environment where students can be anywhere and everywhere at
anytime. Thus, its disconnection may mean a big challenge for students in studying. PAUL ALFARO
In a progressive society, the lack of access to the internet may cause academic disadvantages not only to students but also to teachers. It
makes sense, too, that education should be delivered in appropriately modern ways to sustain interest and stimulate interactive
WRITERS
engagement. We are provided with a lot of amazing technology that can be utilized in more effective learning, however, its dependability
ANNE GONZAGA
on wifi hinders its full potential as a medium of instruction.
MARIETA DAMAYAN
Just as the internet has become an important feature of public facilities and establishments, so too in education. WiFi connections should be
KIMCIA AGALED
KRISTINE APRECIO
provided to facilitate fast, unlimited access to vast online resources from anywhere on the university premises. Furthermore, teachers can
promote self-initiated learning among students while also implementing more creative ways of teaching. It will also help to monitor
student progress and provide immediate intervention to assist students whenever necessary. ALAISA DATUASIMBAN
NATALIE AMLA
Such advances in learning can only take place with a reliable, strong WiFi connection. This is not only a matter of disconnection to a mere
CHESNEY JADO
IVAN PAL-ET
source of entertainment and information, but it is the students’ disconnection to the learning process itself. Thus, the university being a
center of excellence in education should not impede the learning process of a student but instead give them an avenue which would be the
free access to Wi-fi. SEAN PUNO
LORENA LICAYO
Canteen Blues: Adventures of Lucina KEREM FLORES
PAMELA CALADO
WINSTON MANDAPAT
SARAH DACLAN
JESSICA SILVESTRE
CARTOONISTS
COLLEN MORRIS
SILESIA CHAVEZ
COPYREADER AND

HEADLINE WRITER
JAZMINE MERCADO
LAYOUT ARTIST
SAMMUEL ELISAN
 "TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"

fimeridA
FEATURE
HERE Ucians
AS AND WILL BE
JAZMINE MERCADO

JAZMINE MERCADO AND JESSICA SILVESTRE

LET'S

go

places
fimeridA SC EN E
"TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"
 fimeridA SC EN E
"TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"

Angela Espiritu

Team Conbus together with advisers Mariano Bagasol and Yoshio Stevens Agapay with Dr. Thelma Palaoag at the University of the Cordilleras, Cañao Hall after proposing

their innovation. Group accepted the Recognition award for Top 15 finalist.

STUDENTS INNOVATES NEW LIBRENG

SAKAY PROGRAM
LEEWIN GOYAO

Who wouldn't want free rides? Prices of petroleum products have been increasing relentlessly. The inevitable result is higher transport fares, adding to
commuters’ worries just as the country’s economy is poised to recover from this pandemic. Commuters at Baguio was however able to enjoy free rides in
public utility vehicles after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had its "Libreng Sakay" program. But this moment of
bliss ended last July 15, 2022.

A group of students from the University of the

Cordilleras College of Teacher Education by the name of
Team CONBUS however, had innovated another way to
continue the “Libreng Sakay” program. Their service
offers free transportation throughout Baguio City called
Convenience Bus. It is a tool for advertisement. Clients
can rent spaces in and on the bus to advertise their
products and services. They can utilize the built-in
technology that will surely help companies reach their
objectives and increase revenue.

Their primary consumers will be Business owners,

organizations, universities, and commuters. They will all
benefit from the service. A lot of opportunities could be
seen in the program and service. First is that as a product
gains more revenue, the program can help companies to
reach out to potential customers
and encourage them to buy products or services. And
through the service, companies are able to help all the
commuters and help the environment breathe. The only
potential risk of using this service is when there are no
clients, it cannot fully operate.

The group of students have recently been a part of the

Technopreneurship Demo Day to pitch in their
innovation to the University of the Cordilleras.
CON BUS TEAM
 "TRUSTED AND MOST LEADING NEWS"

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SP R TS
UC THE ALTERNATIVE

UC athletes on a series of drills and exercises on a Physical Fitness Test at Athletic bowl on July 4, 2022. Aspiring athletes joined the event as a requirement for tryout. - PHOTO BY

ALTERNATIVE
SEAN GABRIEL PUNO AND WINSTON MANDAPAT

The UC Sports Development Office successfully concluded its three-day
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) which was participated by 176 UC athletes
held at the Baguio Athletic Bowl from July 4 to July 6.
The purpose of the physical fitness test, according to the UC Sports Development Office, is to
determine whether the players have been taking their conditioning drills seriously. This makes them
eligible for a scholarship for the next term. For returning students as well as new students, the PFT will
also serve as tryouts.
Bradley Sumad-en, a scholar of the UC Jaguars team in track and field, said in the interview that “the
event was surprising, due to the pandemic, our training was halted for over 2 years and we were
surprised that the UC sports are conducting a PFT to test if we are still fit to compete, this event is very
important since it has reminded us to be prepared at all times since there could be possible
competitions that could happen.”
He added that the UC Jaguars are very happy that they have conducted this event in light of the fact
that the spirit of sports and competition is being revived again for which they could have a chance to
showcase their talent and passion despite the challenges that they are facing in this time of new normal.

UC TAEKWONDO

ATHLETES SUFFERS
U C V A R S I T Y

AMIDST THE

PANDEMIC R E C R U I T I N G
CHESNEY JADO AND IVAN PAL-ET
LEEWIN GOYAO AND WINSTON MANDAPAT
Ever since the pandemic surged, the UC taekwondo varsity

varsity

players trained in their own space and at their own pace which

which

caused their skills to be affected. This upcoming August and September, the UC varsity team plans

plans

to do recruitment in order to supplement their

According to Gwendelle Cirilo, 21 years old, currently, in
deteriorating numbers.
3rd year in the College of Criminal Justice Education, a

black belter when asked if her skills were affected during

the pandemic said that “Yes, it was heavily affected due to

the lack of training space and equipment like kick pass and

kick shield. It was even harder to practice without a

CTE-CSC

partner.” She also added how difficult it was to adapt to

self-training since pre-pandemic conditions, she used to

train every day for 2 hours from 9-11. The hardest

situation was training with no companion and no

UC Volleyball varsity in the midst of their scheduled pre-

equipment which, according to Cirilo, greatly lessened

pandemic trainings.
productivity.
IVAN PAL-ET

Prior to the pandemic, the volleyball varsity had a strong number

Another member Ronnel Boncales 21 years old, currently 3rd year in the College of

of 14 but now 13 of them are graduating this year with 1 leaving

Criminal Justice Education, a blue belter when asked if the productivity was the same

the team due to personal reasons. Due to this, the UC volleyball

prior to the pandemic, he stated, “No, this caused Laziness to work out because of

varsity would no longer have any members for next year. Leaving

many distractions such as playing online games. On top of that, I also gained weight

the UC volleyball varsity to not even exist anymore.

because of the lesser restrictions unlike when I was a full-time athlete I worked out to

Thus, in order to solve this problem, the varsity team has decided

maintain my weight”. He also added when asked if the training was hard, “Yes, due to

Gwendelle Cirilo
to have recruitment as soon as possible this coming August and

the lack of materials or tools to get training”. Despite all of these challenges however

with her highest

September. The recruitment and final tryouts shall depend on the

high kick while

he ended the interview by saying, “As an athlete, you just need passion to properly

availability of the gymnasium thus the announcement of the final

JOSHUA KODANGOS

self training workout, and self-control and time management no matter where you are”.
dates shall follow.
Adjusting training to cope with the situation their Captain (John Bryan Arciaga) provided insights quoted

“My Observations about our players’ training as the team’s current captain are that it is insufficient for
According to Joshua Kodangos, the current team captain,

them to increase their capacity. As captains, the difficult part is we are unable to track their developments
when asked if the schedule of pieces of training would be

or ensure that they are performing their training appropriately. Our aim in training is proper execution
different due to the pandemic, said that it would depend on

and consistency, we cannot achieve this goal if we train alone”. the circumstances that they would face, but it is highly likely

He, however, added that he applauds his team for having the initiative to perform self-training but as he
that it would be the same arduous and promising training as

emphasized in his interview there is no better training than doing it as a team. before.
PEER EVALUATION
NAME SCORE
Anne Gonzaga 40
Marieta Damayan 40
Kimcia Agaled 40
Kristine Aprecio 40
Alaisa Datuasimban 40
Natalie Amla 40
Chesney Jado 40
Ivan Pal-et 40
Sean Puno 40
Lorena Licayo 40
Kerem Flores 40
Pamela Calado 40
Winston Mandapat 40
Sarah Daclan 40
Jessica Silvestre 40
Leewin Goyao 40
Paul Alfaro 40
Silesia Chavez 40
Collen Morris 40
Jazmine Mercado 40
Sammuel Elisan 40