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VOLUME 3 | 24 PAGES THE 2020 ISSUE UCSM DRIVES COVID

RELIEF QUENNIEINITIATIVES NIKKI PARING COVID SITUATION IN KIMBERLY DAVID

The whole province of Cebu is not any- more COVID-free as more and more cases are reported every day, including positive cases even in jails.

As the whole province now transitioned to General Community Quarantine from the two-month long Enhanced Community Quar- antine, people are questioning the govern- ment’s action due to the increasing cases and lack of mass testing. even became the number one with most cases in a day as COVID penetrates even the jails where most PHOTO CREDITS TO: DR. ANNA MARIE SANDOVAL prisoners are in a sardine-like situation. The Cebu City Jail and City HUMANS OF UCSM: Jail both recorded more than a hundred pris- oners who tested positive when the swab Primoris Edition testing took place. The carrier was allegedly a STEPHANIE DOROG jailer. The fast spreading of the virus in the city All of us felt teary-eyed when we witnessed jails prompted our pioneering batch, Batch Primoris, march the Cebu City Mayor aisles of Summit Galleria Cebu last June 26, 2019. Edgardo Labella The people we looked up to were finally spreading their wings and leaving their home and venturing out to suspend the to a more exciting chapter in their lives - PGI visitation privi- 11 leges starting March 18, until the GCQ will be An ECG on Red Flags bag lifted. your wrist their first chip! 2 PHOTO CREDITS TO: LEANE QUENIAHAN Read on page 19 Read on page 21 2 NEWS NEWS 3

abel, alumna of the organization, shared that AXE ops, career fairs, research seminars and debate wanted to show solidarity and gratitude to the competition were held in the afternoon. UCSM DRIVES COVID RELIEF frontliners who kept on enduring in these trying DIREWOLVES BAG AWARDS AT times. The organization extended their gratitude The last day comprised the main events: Clin- mbers Dr. Shanida Camomot, Dr. Heidii Chua, to the donors who showed them the meaning of ico-Pathological Case Presentation (CPC), Research competition, Medical Quizbee and the awarding of Dr. Nino Michael Inting, Dr. Benson Lim, Dr. “ripple effect of kindness.” Currently, the organi- REGIONAL APMC-SN contests winners. INITIATIVES Charrie Manlangit, Dr. Florentino Berdin, Dr. zation is focusing on printing 3M respirators’ ex- QUENNIE NIKKI PARING haust covers and inlet adapters. QUENNIE NIKKI PARING Merci Letigio, Dr. Ched Uy, Dr. Sheila Santillan, CPC was represented by Jason Banzuela Dr. Anna Sandoval, Dr. Gladdys Dela Torre, and Driven Advocates for Sustainable and (presenter), Rayn Jezreel Romero (alternate present- other non-faculty staff. With the assistance of the er), and supporting members Corina Zia Casenas and The University of Cebu School of Medicine Innovative Goals (DASIG) worked hand in hand council, the doctors were able to get an updated Allanys Joy Pino. The 7-minute-presentation bore no officially postponed the classes last March 14. On with other AMSA-affiliated organizations in Cebu list of stranded students. The doctors’ concerns hint of the school identification or props. Each judge like Cebu Crisis Assistance Team (CCAT) last March 16, President issued Proc- for the students’ well-being encouraged them to was given a chance to ask one main and follow-up lamation 929 declaring the country under a state raise funds. They had distributed relief packs to March 13 under the supervision of Dr. Annely Ce- question to the members. An excess of time meant of calamity as COVID cases exceeded more than 103 students in Mandaue, Cebu and Lapu-Lapu locia, Dr. Chamberlain Agtuca, Dr. Bryan Albert a 0.5 deduction to the final score. The presentation a hundred. By March 25, Gwendolyn containing canned goods, coffee, noodles, loaf Lim and Dr.Helen Madamba. DASIG team handled was judged according to delivery, content and Q&A. Garcia signed the Executive Order (E.O.) No. 5-N of bread, biscuits and 5 kilograms of rice. They the communications, collaborations, information The historical first win of the school was due to the placing the province of Cebu into Enhanced Com- had also extended their help to 8 security guards and media drive which serves as the backbone of members’ vigorous analysis of the case, consulta- munity Lockdown (ECQ) effectively at 12noon of and 8 housekeeping personnel working inside the the relief operations. The organization focused on tion of doctors & specialist, systematic presentation March 27. With strict restrictions to inbound and school premises. public hospitals within the Cebu provinces hard- and capability of the members to answer the ques- outbound travels, approximately 105 students hit by the rise of COVID cases. Services spanned tions. Other winners were WVSU and CIM tying for weren’t able to go home. Various social media Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE), UCSM’s oldest from calling for PPE donations, augmenting vol- 2nd place. postings showed the overwhelming situations of student organization, started its relief operations unteer healthcare staff, disseminating information both public and private hospitals due to limited immediately after the classes were postponed. through infographics and social media postings The Quizbee competition was composed of workforce and PPEs. In almost 3 months, the organization had already and blood donation drives. DASIG representatives 4 representatives from each year level as the ques- tions were randomly gathered in every year’s topics. distributed 1500 face shields, 200 washable face Maxine Caindec and Nikko Dajao felt honoured PHOTO CREDITS TO: APMC-SN R7 The Direwolf team was composed of: Jason Ban- UC Council of Medicine initiated the first masks and 150 PPE suits to the frontliners in the and privileged to impart their efforts of turning suela, Mark Johnuel Duavis, Syrum Joseph Quinto distribution of relief goods to the stranded stu- Province of Cebu and some municipalities/cities in “single drop of effort to waves” as the CCAT com- The University of Cebu School of Medicine tion. The chorale placed as 1st runner up against and Cres Van Loed Bayhonan. For 2 weeks, they dents in Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay last March munity of volunteers and donors continue to grow representatives and students ventured to South- CDU, MHAM and SWU. According to her, their tech- . They had also given relief goods had scrupulously compiled questions and practiced 30. Former council president and auditor, Alexan- and relieve its relief efforts. western University-PHINMA for the annual conven- nique was rehearsing their piece as if they were al- to their 10 fellow alphan members who were through a “mock quizbowl.” The team had surpassed der Kaw and Edgar Frederick Creus respectively, tion of the regional Association of Philippine Medical ready on stage as they strive to sound as one em- stranded last April 30. To jumpstart the relief op- the Elimination round which consisted of easy, av- led the distribution of 90 relief packs containing Despite the obvious limitations of funds Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN). Now on its bodying each lyric of the song. Louie Mani, leader of erations, the AXE’s members personally chipped erage and difficult rounds against 10 other medical canned goods, toiletries, coffee and a kilo of rice. and capacity, it did not hinder the combined ef- 8th year, the gathering paved the way for a series of the Tenor section added that the strategic contrast in financially and posted on their official facebook schools and even made it into the Jeopardy round. forts of the faculty, student council and school’s activities that spanned from November 14-17, 2019. of their chosen upbeat song which was One Day (by The council pooled together council funds and page to call for donations. The television cover- Due to misunderstanding of rules, the team landed In the words of the SWU-Phinma Dean, Dr. Peter Matisyahu) to “Rise Up” (by Andra Day), a ballad, faculty contributions to realize the said distribu- age of the AXE’s relief operations on ABS-CBN’s organizations to show support and heed to those 5th place; still a feat after joining the past 3 years of S. Aznar during his explanation of the convention’s was what made them stand out. tion. This was done in foresight for possible delays TV Patrol last March 25 opened in need. This showed UCSM’s bayanihan and goal quizbowl. rationale, the theme “Pukaw: Awakening the Drive in quarantine pass issuances and scarcity of basic opportunities for more partnerships with Moalboal to “heal as one.” for Nation-Building” aimed to give awareness of the Other members in the Soprano section were necessities as Cebuanos scramble for groceries. volunteers - Nini De Ryck, Kevin Hampson, Eiza Syrum Quinto, UCSM’s APMC representa- challenges of the implementation of Universal Health Ma. Bonna Luzon, Claurice Mangle, Rica Alyssa Tampus, Kaye Brier and Dwayne Arnett. Dona- N.B.: Serviant would like to thank the generous response tive, saw the convention’s theme fit with regards to Care Law in the country. He also acknowledged the Pepito, Joseann Danica Roxas, Mia Chanel Russell Another set of relief packs was distributed and efforts of Dr. Anna Sandoval, Alexander Kaw, Fidel Cascabel, the current shift of Philippine healthcare system. As tions also flooded from UCSM faculty, friends and Nikko Dajao, Maxine Caindec and Shedwin Escobido. importance of the attendees as future doctors who and Jia Angeli Zapatos. Altos led by Charity Joy Lim- on May 8 and 9 with the team effort of faculty me- of March 2020, UCSM continues to support the pro- family of the organization’s members. Fidel Casc- will spearhead the furtherance of its application. piado consisted of Maria Lyn Acebedo, Ma. Christyl grams and activities of APMC through its represen- Felias, Sharmaine Felia Lacanaria, Mary Claire Per- tative, Edgar Frederick Creus, who was the former APMC-SN Visayas is composed of 13 medi- ez, Venice Rosales and Honey Grace Tripoli. Other committee head for Organizational Development cal schools: Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU), Cebu Tenor section members were Joshua Zachary Alo, and now, the newly elected Regional VP for Visayas. Institute of Medicine (CIM), Central Philippine Uni- Anthony Araneta, Henry Ken Awa, Zacarias Pinca, We will be also expecting the leadership of the newly versity College of Medicine (CPU), University of the Rey Christian Sevillano and Vincent Jed Wasawas. elected APMC-SN representative, Angel Ann Am- Visayas Gullas College of Medicine, Doctors’ Lawton Ace Acapulco led the Basses with Mike An- COVID SITUATION IN CEBU bayan, an incoming 2nd year student. KIMBERLY DAVID College of Medicine (IDCM), Matias H. Aznar Memo- cel dela Torre, Rey Kristoffer Despi, Syrum Quinto rial Colllege of Medicine (MHAM), Dona Remedios and Emer Joy Vale. With the team’s discipline, men- Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation (DRTRMF), torship from Los Cantantes, support of UCSM family From the information released in a Speculations spread in social media re- Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City are al- Silliman University Medical School (SUMS), South- and the grace of the Almighty God, they kept “mov- Freedom of Information request in 2019, Cebu garding frontliners carrying the virus unknow- ready under GCQ. With this, slowly, compa- western University-PHINMA (SWU-PHINMA), Uni- ing on ‘’ despite the “raging waters.” City Jail has a population of 5,675 with only 61 ingly to their area of residence, leading to a nies are already allowed to operate and indi- versity of Cebu College of Medicine Foundation, Inc. cells in male dormitory, giving the average of viral video in which a nurse from one of the viduals can now go back to work. However, (UCCMFI), University of St. La Salle (USLS) and West War Dance was a competition of hip hop Visayas State University (WVSU). As per tradition, and street dance through 3 rounds of dance battle. 93 persons per cell. This means that the male public hospitals in Cebu City handling COVID the use of jeepneys are still prohibited leading the convention follows an alphabetical order of host- Rounds 1 & 2 were the team’s choice of dance rou- dormitory congestion rate is at 983% and a patients was not allowed to enter her board- people to question how and on what means ing. It was SWU-PHINMA’s turn in 2019. The 2018 tine while the 3rd round was a routine common in all wide image of Philippine jails - hot and unsani- ing house where COVID positive patients were they can report to their respective workplaces. convention was held in Silliman University. UCSM teams. The team showcasing dance styles of vari- tary with frequent occasions of water outages: also recorded. Back-riding motorcycles are also not allowed has yet to host its own when its capacity to hold ety, originality, showmanship and musicality wins the making the virus to spread faster. under GCQ in compliance with the social dis- convention is ready. battle. The “Alphas’’ composed of Mark Allen J. Yap, Due to unprecedented spread of the vi- tancing protocol. Lenbergh O. Sabroso, Wil Van N. Armecin, Ian Lem- Cebu province also reported positive rus, most schools in Cebu resorted to online First day was a mixture of plenaries and tal- uel B. Cabe, Maria Odessa R. Eslet, Scherhyne M. ents as it showcased the other side of the usual aca- Pedrosa and Nicka Andrea L. Pama had shown just cases in the area despite the advance imple- classes and eventually, ending the semester. The question regarding the transporta- demic limelight of talented medical students through that. According to Mark, captain of the crew, that de- mentation of ECQ. On March 25, Governor Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also ordered the tion is yet to be addressed by the authorities. PASUNDAYAG: MG/MR Night. The competition spite their hectic schedule of academic exams and Gwendolyn Garcia announced that the whole cancellation of online classes or activities in Given the fact that most workers are depend- which started at six in the afternoon, spawned from hospital duty, it was talent, attitude and determina- province of Cebu will be under ECQ starting response to complaints that not all students ing on jeepneys on their daily transport to the highly anticipated MedGroove, MedRhythmia tion that landed them as 2nd place. MHAM grabbed March 27 during her live coverage in Sugbo have the privilege to access the internet. work, many are having a hard time despite the and War Dance. the 1st place while CDU was 3rd. News Facebook page. Most of the positive change. cases in Cebu province were of frontliners or As of June 1, the whole province of UCSM representative for MedRhythmia was Second day was a series of plenaries holding UCynchrony led by its president Trishia Nicole Roxas true to the convention’s goal of awakening the future PHOTO CREDITS TO: APMC-SN R7 immunocompromised individuals. Cebu, including the three big cities, Cebu City, who was also the leader of the team’s Soprano sec- physicians in the morning while a series of worksh-

4 NEWS NEWS 5 AXE gets its first TOMSO Award BLOOD DONATION MIND MATTERS: Online Elections — a first for COMELEC QUENNIE NIKKI PARING GRETCHEN GARCIA MENTAL HEALTH The University of Cebu School of Med- tion, a user-friendly platform and an active Association of Medical Led by their president and vice presi- DRIVE IS ACTIVE icine COMELEC kicked-off the UCSM Coun- online information campaign, voter turnout Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) dent, Aaliah Dy and Mark Cuyos, the award- AWARENESS WEEK cil of Medicine Election 2020 with a general made a 16.28% drop from last year’s election. proudly awarded Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) as ing was set to be on February 7, 2020, on the IN UCSM Ms. Calano explained the possible factors af- MARIE LOUISE JUMAWAN assembly last February 3 followed by a series one of the Ten Outstanding Medical School night of the first day of the 3rd APMC-SN Na- QUENNIE NIKKI PARING of election period activities set to culminate fecting voter behavior, “I believe that the so- Organizations (TOMSO) in the Philippines tional Convention 2020. The event will be held on May 18 during the official election day. cial setting in school allows the students to last January 2020. AXE, one of the 21-vy- at Silliman University in Dumaguete with the UCSM held its 4th year of blood dona- Last October 21 to 25, 2019, the Univer- Due to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, be more vote-oriented during election day. sity Of Cebu Council Of Medicine in partnership ing student-led organizations from different theme of KASINGKASING: Creating Commit- tion program last September 19, 2019 at the adjustments to the planned election activities With online elections, the process involved in with Alpha Chi Sigma was proud to spearhead the medical schools, was recognized because of ted and Compassionate Medical Students in 5th floor examination hall. The drive was in co- to be moved to the online space were made voting requires more intrinsic motivation.” first Mental Health Awareness Week for the Uni- its efforts in creating sustainable programs the Advent of Universal Health Care. Due to ordination with VSMMC Blood Services Unit, including the actual election, which was a along with APMC-SN Region Blood Commit- versity Of Cebu School Of Medicine. Fun activi- and services extending to public health. This the recent events of the COVID pandemic, the first in the history of elections of the univer- COMELEC, after internal and third- matches APMC-SN TOMSO’s goal of estab- event was postponed to a later date. tee and UCSM Student Council. This program, ties and surprises were prepared for everyone to take some stress off their shoulders and unload all sity. Miting de avance, a crucial event of the party cross-validation, announced the official lishing the role of medical students in nation- spearheaded by the council president, Alexan- those burdens that being a medical student may election period to get to know the candidates election results last May 28. The newly-elect- building. Dy, the outgoing president, felt happy der Kaw, also has a counterpart in UC Banilad aiming to encourage more students to become entail. The whole week paved a way for the stu- and their platforms, was cancelled. Instead, ed Council of Medicine Officers were Ms. Al- and congratulated all the members of AXE for blood donors. dents to pause for a while and talk about the men- an online reintroduction of candidates and lyanna Anne Crisologo, President; Ms. Diane APMC-SN opened its search in the their dedication and effort in making their proj- tal and emotional stress they are facing each day. their party platforms were made while the of- Grace Uy-Matiao, Vice President for Internal 4th quarter of 2019 and encouraged all the ects successful. She also thanked Dr. Dexter The event started at 8am, and ended ficial online election day was moved to a later Affairs; Ms. Mary Dominique Gaston, Vice registered medical organizations to join. Each Andales, their AXE mentor, for his unwavering at 5 in the afternoon. The student/donor firstly On the first day of the weeklong activity, date of May 25-26, 2020. President for External Affairs; Mr. Cres Van organization must submit a portfolio contain- support to their programs. She further stated gets weighed in, to check if he passes the cut- a Mental Health Awareness Talk was prepared Baynohan, Executive Secretary; Ms. Dani- ing the organization’s vision, mission, pur- that being a TOMSO awardee is not a valida- off of at least 50kg. He then fills up the form for the students to attend. Students from Batch Ms. Chelsea Calano, Chairperson of elle Cherie Arago, Treasurer; Ms. Jamie Ma- pose of each activity, funding, execution, and tion, AXE’s goal remained the same – to serve required by Memorial Medical Kairos were given the opportunity to freely talk UCSM COMELEC, said in an interview that rie Biaño, Auditor; Mr. Lawton Ace Acapulco, and share with three motivational speakers. The pictures. A 5-minute video presentation was the underserved. Center (VSMMC) and is interviewed. All the since physical election was made impos- Public Information Officer; Ms. Angel Anne three speakers were Mr. Jeremiah Edward Bo- also required to document all their activities information he had disclosed was kept confi- Ambayan, APMC Representative; Ms. Aaliah hol, Mr. Kevin Garcia, and the school’s very own sible by the pandemic, online election was in summary. AXE, a relatively young organi- Now with its growing family, as a new dential. Thirdly, he’s haemoglobin is measured discussed as the main option. “This is a val- Marie Dy, Year 4 Representative; Ms. Jamie and must be within the normal range of men, Ms. Marielle Rhea Z. Aguilar. Mr. is a clini- zation of 2 years, with its programs gearing set of members were acknowledged last Feb- id option as this has been already done by Guzman, Year 3 Representative; and Ms. Ma. 13.5 to 17.5 grams/dl, and women, 12.0 to 15.5 cal psychologist and is the chair and professor at towards public service since its founding, ruary 16, 2020, there is definitely a lot more in APMC-SN.” The committee also reviewed Christyl Vie Felias, Year 2 Representative. grams/dl. Passing all these steps, the student/ Cebu Doctors University – Psychology Depart- bagged the prestigious award amidst the store for the organization in the school years donor can now have his blood extracted. He is ment. He is also a consultant psychologist of Sea- the Election Code, made consultations with tight competition. to come. then required to rest for 15-20 minutes. men’s hospital, Veteran’s Evaluation Services and former COMELEC Chairpersons and gained Asked about the COMELEC guidelines Psychosomatherapia Clinic. He is also a mental the approval of the dean, Dr. Melfer Mon- on unopposed candidates which is common All in all, 168 bags were successfully health first responder and combat responder. The toya. Ms. Calano continued, “Section 4 of the every UCSM election, Ms. Calano explained, extracted from UC: 31 blood bags from UCSM, second speaker, Mr. Garcia, studied Bachelor of UC COMELEC Election Code states that the “The unopposed candidate should reach the AXE gives love to the “Home of Love” Center and 137 blood bags from UC-Banilad. Science in Nursing at USJR and is the operations COMELEC shall have exclusive charge of the votes of 50% + 1 of the actual number of vot- manager handling Engagement and Mental Health L’MONDEE RIO NERI enforcement and administration of all laws ers for him/her to be appointed for the posi- After donating, students get a cup of Activities in Teleperformance. He is also the author relative to the conduct of elections for the tion. In the event of invalid election wherein “champorado” from VSMMC as well as a cone of the Proposed Teleperformance Mental Health purpose of ensuring free, orderly, and honest the votes did not reach actual number of and Wellness Center. The last speaker was our of ice cream from the student council. In this elections.” votes required, a special election will be held very own life coach in school, Ms. Marielle Rhea way, the council hopes to get more donors in wherein the UCSM Dean/UCSM-CoM Ad- the next years’ blood donation drive. Z. Aguilar. She studied Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling at and Moving the elections online was not viser will appoint UCSM-CoM officers for the is the founder of Project Bohol: Mental Health without its own set of challenges. Ms. Calano certain school year.” vaccines and how to do basic hand washing. Awareness. Students who came to hear what said that the first hurdle they had to over- The induction of officers and oath- They responded well to the activity as they these speakers had to say surely brought home come was deciding on a specific platform taking were conducted online with the at- were cooperative and enthusiastic although with them a light and cheery heart to help them and a system to employ to make the election continue fighting towards that MD goal. tendance of the newly-elected officers, Dean some were still shy and reserved. orderly, secure and ethical. The COMELEC also had to deliberate on how to get a good Dr. Melfer Montoya, UCSM-CoM Adviser Dr. A Freedom Wall was set up in the 4th floor number of voter turnout with the problems of Florentino Berdin and some COMELEC Com- Male members of the AXE team were Student’s Lounge where students were free to ex- schedule, internet access, election platform missioners last June 2, 2020. strictly reminded to keep a safe distance press what they have been keeping within them. and public information. Despite a 2-day elec- from them. According to Aaliyah Dy, presi- Card and board games were also available for stu- PHOTO CREDITS TO: ALPHA CHI SIGMA dent of AXE and the main organizer of the dents to play and de-stress. Ice cream was also activity, “Although the event was not signifi- served during the second and fifth day of the ac- On the 24th of November 2019, AXE Home of Love Center. In their new home, cantly an eye-opener as we already know tivity. members and volunteers, together with their these young women and children are sent to about this, it still makes you sad that human Every lunch time for the whole week a film adviser, Dr. Dexter Andales travelled all the school and taught livelihood skills while being trafficking is happening and it is essential to chosen by the students through online voting was way to Tuburan, Cebu for one last outreach strictly closed off from the outside world. They just refrain from judging and have empathy.” being shown at the Amphitheatre 1. Ranging from Hollywood films to Studio Ghibli films were cho- activity for the year 2019. stay in the center for 5-7 years or until they sen and students were given the chance to relax finish college. The latest statistical report ranks the and have fun, even for a short while. Their chosen recipient, Home of Love, Philippines as the 4th country with the high- is a rehabilitation house set up by nuns from Some of the residents in the Home of est rates of prostitution. Nevertheless, there As the week came to an end, students the Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries, a Love are also children of the victims. A total is gratitude in knowing that there are centers were able to de-stress and breathe, and be re- religious community established by the Arch- of 13 young women and children aged 2-18 such as the Home of Love whose mission is newed again to face the new set of challenges be- diocese of Cebu. These sisters go undercover years old participated in the health promotion to offer some rescued victims of prostitution ing a medical student brings. to bars and clubs where they try to buy out activity where AXE taught them about nutri- a second chance at a life with hope, dignity unwilling sex workers and bring them to the tion, dengue prevention, the importance of and happiness. PHOTO CREDITS TO: ALPHA CHI SIGMA 6 EDITORIAL EDITORIAL 7 It is important to be critical of the high time we understand where different sec- Ang Kwento ni Rosario: societal conditions and the lack of political tors are coming from, where our patients are intervent-ions that are the very reasons why coming from. We should not confine ourselves they became sick and that hinder them from in the thick books we read that consume all of getting the care that they deserve. Health in- our time and in the four walls of the class- The Political Account of Health equities have disenfranchised the marginal- room. We should go out and immerse in the ANN JENNIFER ALVEZ ized sector, ripping them off their right to life, stories of life from different sectors in our so- To be better after right to standard of living that is adequate for ciety. MIKHAEL JEFF T. YAMIT Have you heard about the story of try would have been in a better position. Un- their health and well-being. Isn’t it dishearten- Rosario? fortunately, they have failed to uphold their ing that we all have the right to life, but there We are taught from the very start to mandate of service to the Filipino people and are people who cannot even experience such practice compassion and empathy, to be of Rosario was the youngest of four continued serving their self-interests, affect- right because they were deprived of access to service to our patients from different social malnourished children. One day she went ing lives of many people from different sec- health care? groups. But how can you be compassionate down with measles which was complicated tors. when you isolate yourselves from the strug- by coughing and diarrhea. As much as Ro- There are stories of life which we may think gles of one sector? It is hypocritical to say so sario’s family wanted her to be better, they However, politics in health does not as absurd and far-fetched, but they do exist. when you turn a blind eye from the brutality were met with difficulties due to their living only touch interventions and policies. Just like There are Rosarios everywhere. It’s high time they experience because of the difference in conditions - lack of equipment in the health any other resource, there are social groups we open our eyes and acknowledge that the status. Selective compassion and apathy to care center and costly medicine and hospital who have more access to quality health care marginalized sector cannot enjoy the same the plight of masses has no room in the prac- expenses. Unfortunately, the story ended with than others which has to do with socioeco- uxury of health that we, the privileged, do. It’s tice of health care. Rosario’s untimely passing. nomic hierarchy. With this, we should avoid viewing health in one dimension since there As a fundamental human right, are multiple groups in multiple sectors in- health is defined by the World Health Orga- volved under this system. How far have we come? nization as the state of complete physical, MARK ANTHONY ALMOSARA mental, and social well-being, not merely the People with better socioeconomic absence of disease or infirmity. Thus, it is not status are clearly favored with opportunities Dramatic changes in the Philip- into a palace. In the end, better plans and limited to pathological diseases and is en- that allow them to enjoy quality health care. pine healthcare system for the past decades best intentions of the DOH secretary goes compassing of societal factors that contribute They have more access to information and entailed recognizable reforms in policies to down the drain. to a person’s total being. Health is, after all, resources that promote health. On the other provide protection, especially among the multisectoral and multifactorial. hand, people with lower socioeconomic sta- impoverished communities, at low cost to Furthermore, the real and unde- tus have to grapple with hardships before free of charge. These reforms were also niable picture of DOH’s success in gener- The WHO also introduced social de- they could get to have a glimpse of health specifically tailored to keep up with the stan- ating political and financial support, and terminants of health which are conditions in care, if they even have the chance. dards set not just to the neighboring Asian its spending is up to the reader by simply which people are born, grow, live, work, and countries but globally as well. lobbying in public hospitals. age that affect health risks and outcomes. Our society has seen so many sto- These primarily include factors such as eco- ries of sad realities because of societal dis- Taking a good stance in this pan- Infrastructure. Clearly, people in nomic stability, social and community con- crepancies leading to health disparities. demic, a thought crossed my mind on how the metropolis are quite lucky to have hospi- text, neighborhood and built environment, There’s a frail grandmother who cannot buy operational and ready are we in our health- tals nearby however the situation in rural ar- education, and health and health care. Going her maintenance medicine because she care system to face such unprecedented eas is different. In provinces, health centers by the WHO’s definition of health, when these needs to prioritize her meals. There’s a strug- time? Would there be a nod of agreement are very far let alone hospitals. In this case, factors are compromised, health is also com- gling farmer who has to work thrice as hard to amongst us that our current and “improved” patients who are in need of major medical promised. pay for his son’s hospital bills who was mis- system could take an appropriate and effec- needs from provinces need to flock and go taken for a drug addict and got shot. There’s tive response to our health needs? to the nearest city to be provided suitable These social determinants are amenable to a mother, carrying her sick child, who has to care. Data gathered by the Philippine Center interventions; thus, they are dependent to po- travel and pass by five barrios just to reach the Compared to the previous decades for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) from the litical actions. These are shaped by the distri- healthcare center in the town proper, but still which is immensely filled with pervasive cor- National Health Facility Registry of the DOH bution of wealth, power, and resources, which couldn’t avail of the services needed because ruption, poverty, income inequality, poor reported that last 2018 the Philippines had is why the government’s decision will always of the center’s lack of equipment. There’s the health and nutrition, particularly those who a total of 1,456 hospitals and only 463 or have an impact on how the health care is run breadwinner son of the family who lost his job are underprivileged living in the “ laylayan 32% are government hospitals. 270 or 58% CARTOON CREDITS TO: JOSHUA ZACHARY ALO in our country. As such, health care is a sub- and has to find ways to buy medicine for his ng lipunan”, life expectancy at birth among in Luzon, 80 or 17% in the Visayas, and 89 ject for political discourse. It cannot be de- sister who is sick. increased and we tend to live lon- or 19% are in Mindanao. The report is also nied that a good healthcare system depends ger now; 62.2 years in 1980, 69.1 in 2016. In based on the National Database of Selected on good governance that should produce re- Rosario was a child suffering from 2017, the congress passed into law the Uni- Human Resources for Health, a projected Covid-19 has struck the Philippine One that would rescue us from this pitfall of country? Are we giving out constructive criti- sults that meet the needs of the society and malnutrition. She was a child who was de- versal Healthcare Bill. In summation, this bill national population of 106,168,803 for 2018. Healthcare system to its core and the health- mishaps. cism or are we just plain hating? These are make use of the resources at disposal. When prived of access to quality health care. She aims to provide comprehensive healthcare The ratio of government-owned hospitals to could have had the chance to grow up if she care workers have felt it first. This is of no important questions that we should reflect on the government stays true to its mandate of and insurance for all Filipinos principally the Philippine population is 1:229,306. serving the people, there will be a better sys- was treated. She could have had a future if covering disease prevention, treatment, and surprise, however, because even before this We start by electing officials based and think hard about. Corny it may sound but tem when it comes to health. However, the she was born into a family with better so- rehabilitation. Labor migration. The weak work- pandemic happened, HCW has already been on merit and character. Not based on popu- setting apart our differences during times of governance in this country seems to be the cioeconomic standing. But she came from a force is a direct effect of labor migration. struggling family who had to make ends meet battling with limited resources. Lack of PPEs, larity or fame, the prestige of one’s family crisis will help immensely. We should make exact opposite. Funding. Here’s the rub, in the Without a second thought, it is easy to tell because their living conditions weren’t ideal. past years the government threw funds to that the shortage of medical professionals insufficient manpower, not enough health fa- background or who gives the biggest money sure that we come out better after this. Take the current pandemic, for example. The She came from a family who had to forego downstream diseases. In an exposé, Dr. may be doctors, nurses, med techs, phar- cilities nationwide, limited budget or moreover, in the envelope during elections. If we base government’s response to the pandemic is a health because they didn’t have the resourc- Tony Leachon stated that funding down- macies, and physical therapists. This en blatant display of incompetence along with es. She came from a family who cannot live improper allocation of the budget, I could go our votes on merit and character, we become Now as medical students who have stream diseases are the primary money masse exodus is a direct result of under- the absence of urgency. They clearly down- by “Health is Wealth” because she didn’t have hauler in which the government spends 10 compensation and shattered work-life bal- on and on and it would take forever. It’s a vi- objective and critical of the candidates. Let been sidelined during such an important event played the threat of the virus and had poor both. billion PHP (198 million USD) every year. ance. Appropriate training and retention cious cycle and people outside of the medical us not forget the number of incompetent of- in human history, what should we be focus- decisions such as the delayed implementa- Giving spotlight to the intervention of the programs should continuously be provided tion of travel ban which could have prevented There are so many Rosarios out upstream disease by raising a notch to across all healthcare professionals. It is very bubble have neglected it and now we’re expe- ficials that stained the names of those who are ing on? Well, the answer to that will always be worsening conditions, inability to procure ad- there who have to brave life everyday, car- the health promotion and the influence of laudable that the government somehow riencing the consequences. worthy to be called “public servants” during found in our books, figuratively speaking. It equate supplies of PPE, inability to provide rying the uncertainty of their future because social, economic, and environmental fac- gave a raise in the past years but delayed the pandemic. Let us not forget how some of will always be the same hard work, the same just compensation of essential workers, ab- they come from a social group who was ne- tors should have been a parsimonious and salaries and lack of statutory benefits won’t sence of mass testing, and the lack of eco- glected by the government who had sworn to better move. Thanks to legislation such as pacify an empty stomach and an awfully Months have passed and a bunch them used their power to better only them- drive and passion we’ve demonstrated that nomic and financial aid to those in need. serve them, give them opportunities to stand the Sin Tax Law and the National insurance tired spirit. of band-aid solutions have been placed to selves while bypassing crucial protocols em- will help the nation in times of a crisis. You on their own, and to uplift their condition. Act of 2013, the healthcare allocation for try and arm the frontliners. Mediocre hazard ployed by the same government they are in. might have felt useless during times where While government officials deem They live with these uncertainties every single resources was raised. Reproductive Health Last say. The Universal Health- their lives as lucky, saying “Ang sarap ng bu- day. They have ever since been exposed to Law also gave a breather to the population care law stands very promising if not mixed pays, questionable rapid testing kits, unjust The next elections will be our answer to these a lot has been happening, with all the medi- hay,” there are families and children like Ro- this disparity. They have for years. by guaranteeing universal and free access with the dark magic of avaricious political compensation and inefficient transportation transgressions; make sure you are heard. cal professionals doing their part and you’re sario who are exposed to threats because to modern contraceptives. Government of- agendas. With this new normal, I only hope all of which are still happening today. To add just left there with books that are waiting to of their living conditions: living in the slums As future doctors, we need to ac- ficials spending funds in healthcare poses that the Philippine healthcare system will be where the virus could easily be spread from knowledge these societal discrepancies a great contest especially the current sys- more effective in safeguarding us and re- salt to injury, there are VIP patients demand- Next we should look at ourselves. Have be read. Don’t forget that feeling. Remember one person to another, where they cannot which could be the reason why the grand- tem we have now. The decentralization of sponding to future challenges. The pandem- ing to be prioritized, public officials who are we been cooperative and at the same time it. Use it as fuel and strive to become the phy- even have masks, where they cannot even mother we are attending to wasn’t able to healthcare at three levels namely, national, ic is a game-changer. Not a single country is known violators of ECQ guidelines and the in- critical of the government? Do we speak out sician you’ve always wanted to be. Because be tested because of the government’s mis- comply with her medicine, why the son of the provincial, and local has its ineffable upshot. ready to brush-off a pandemic or whatever placed priorities, where they cannot even struggling farmer cannot be treated immedi- You will be stuck in palm-face if for example outbreak with ease. equalities in executing justice. Still, with all of against injustices and also go out of our way when the time comes again that the country have aid and starve to death. ately, why the sick child’s condition worsened the mayor or governor is not health-oriented the stressful things happening left and right, by helping out in times of crisis? Are we loyal would need doctors to man the line, you’d be because of the lack of proper equipment in because the budget would most probably There’s no end in sight for this their healthcare center, why Rosario wasn’t we need to think clear and aim for a solution. to the person in charge or to the citizens of the ready. If only the government was critical be re-channeled to areas the official want to pandemic and we are still counting the lives enough to foresee and plan ahead, to inter- able to experience the health care she de- develop like reconstructing an already func- lost, yet officials still point fingers who is to vene with proper medical solutions, the coun- serves. tional road or renovating a municipality hall blame. I am very sure it’s not the virus. 10 EDITORIAL FEATURE 11

Fourth Bimonthly in the time of COVID-19 The more the merrier DOCTORS HAVE SUPERPOWERS: SEASON OF TUTORIALS: Promoting Camaraderie and Coop- STEPHANIE DOROG MIKHAEL JEFF T. YAMIT AN ACCOUNTANT’S JOURNEY TO BECOMING eration among Medical Students of ANGEL MELODY LEGERA UCSM What started as an outbreak in Wuhan, China on ning during this crisis for a number of reasons. One of For everyone’s information, elections MEDICAL SCHOOL December 2019, the novel Coronavirus spread globally the reasons why is the lack of financial funds due to the came right around the corner. Another batch of ANGEL MELODY LEGERA JOSHMARY DENICE SAPLAD in a matter of months and eventually became a pandem- unemployment of their financial sponsors. Families are hopefuls will again inherit the responsibility to I was there when super typhoon ic killing thousands on a daily basis. It was not long until suffering from the unemployment of their family mem- the student body and all its baggage. A gov- “Everybody loves pizza, right?” Ecclesiastes 3 opens its chapter Haiyan happened. I have seen the gnashing the Coronavirus made its way to the Philippines, lead- bers and are getting by (the day) with minimal or even no erning structure that would set up a stage of such is the ever famous introductory line of with “For everything there is a season, a of teeth caused by pain trying to step one’s ing to the downfall of our healthcare system. The first amount of salary. Children are affected by this because It’s a fine day when you go to Kairos’ very own Ms. Accountancy during time for every purpose under heaven.” Aft- wounded foot forward. I remember how I suspected case in the Philippines was investigated on the lack of funds makes it difficult to comply with their opportunities with their platforms. To have the school knowing you have an exam and her report in one of Biochem’s plenary ses- er the silent waiting, constant submission wade past the bloody waters doing my best January 22, 2020, and 633 suspected cases were re- educational requirements. As for most Filipino families decency and obligation to implement what they are not cramming much about it. You sions. But this is not about pizza, though and giving honor to her parents, Jaime is not to step on the lifeless bodies surround- ported as of March 1, 2020. Reports of the said virus affected by this, food and other basic necessities is the promised. But, this year’s election was again studied well the night before and review- she loves it, this is about a woman who finally one step closer to her dream. She ing me; the number of weeks I needed to led the government to decide that the whole country will top priority during this pandemic; however, the needs ing some last-minute flashcards. It would plagued with the very same problem from the believed that there is a blessing in wait- is now a freshman student of Batch Kai- distance myself from people because I lost be under Enhanced Community Quarantine starting from of the student to comply with the educational require- my ability to engage in a normal conversa- indeed be so much of a blessing if there is previous years; a single party running for office. ing; a woman who braved herself through ros and it comes with a blessing and full someone very willing to help you prepare March 16, 2020 until April 12, 2020. Enhanced Commu- ments is a must since education is also important. An- Medicine despite not having a pre-medical support of her whole family. As someone tion. During those quiet times, the screams of help I keep hearing from my walls drew for it. nity Quarantine meant restricting the movement of the other reason why is the thought of uncertainty. Due to the course. who does not have a pre-med course, it Is this a problem? Is it that big of a deal? me closer to what I want to become in the population except for necessity, work and health circum- temporary halt of land, sea and air travel caused by the was not easy for her to adjust. “Every- Well, yes to both questions. It’s a problem be- future. Had it not been for that experience, I Such is the case for Batch Kairos, stances. Establishments such as small businesses, malls lockdown, several students were unable to go home to She is Jamie Biaño, a Certified thing is new.” Her excitement during her would have chosen any other field but Med- the first-year medical students of UCSM, and even schools and universities were eventually closed their families, forcing them to battle anxiety alone. “Will cause students lack the advantage of having Public Accountant. If I will choose a word first weeks in school were overshadowed down until further notice. With the increase in the number I have enough supplies to last me during the quarantine icine. who are fortunately blessed with two an option. The power of the people to decide to describe her, it would be “enigmatic.” by doubts from orientations during the hardworking medical student tutors. of cases day by day, it eventually led the government period? When I run out of supplies, how do I buy gro- There is so much more beyond her white Initium, diagnostic tests, and daily exams doesn’t count if there’s nothing to be decided Three months into year 2020 to constantly extend the quarantine period. The exten- ceries without risking my health?” “When will I see my complexion and long straight hair, Jaime is that is being practiced in UCSM. Howev- sion of the quarantine period led the university to decide family? Will I ever see them soon? I wonder how they’re upon. Would we call it “exercising our rights to started but it already feels like years have Mr. Thirdy Kong is currently a a woman of substance. She might appear er, her desire of becoming a physician is gone by. A lot of phenomena surfaced that third-year medical student from Batch that online examinations and online output submissions doing back home and if they’re safe,” are just some of vote” if there is literally one set of candidates to firm and quiet at first but dullness will nev- greater than her fears. Instead of shrinking wobble the entire world. We are presently Tritonos. Despite his busy schedule, he would serve as an effective means to monitor the stu- the thoughts that linger in the minds of the stranded stu- choose from? A lone party running lacks the ad- er come to life once she gets comfortable back, she chooses to fight daily, to always living the future contents of history books would find time to collect photos from dents’ progress during the lockdown. dents. In a period when our minds and hearts can’t see vantages of healthy competition. A comparison with you. give her best shot no matter how hard Med from bushfires, armed conflicts and attacks, Histology slides, determine each structure eye-to-eye, our way of thinking is clouded causing us to school may seem to be. between each candidate’s merits, policies, and plane crashes, swarming locusts, volcanic and layer and present it to Batch Kairos Batch Kairos, the freshmen, was tasked to take be distracted and defocused on matters that are sup- Jaime could still remember what reasons for running will showcase the aspirant’s eruptions, bird flu outbreaks, and the pan- in a distinct and understandable way. He online examinations and submit online team based learn- pose to be important. she wanted to become when she was still demic that holds the crown, COVID-19. points out which ones are easily mistaken ing cases in Physiology and Biochemistry. They were capabilities in contrast to others. Ideally, with a in preparatory school. She wanted to be a In dealing with failures, Jamie al- Giving more emphasis on the latter, who for each other, the clinical significance of also tasked to make a food diary for their nutrition mod- For the UCSM faculty, online examinations were toned down personal bias, it would make our photographer. It was not for the grandest lows herself to take it all in, to feel every would have thought that a virus, known to important structures and even the pos- ule in Biochemistry. Batch Invictus, the sophomores, given to serve as a gauge of the students’ progress and votes critical and reasonable. Such a venue will reason but the feel-good accomplishment inch of pain that comes with it. She doesn’t be a small infectious agent, can create a big sible type of questions in the practical was tasked to take 5 online examinations in Surgery 1, a tool for assessment during the quarantine period. In of being able to use a newly learned word pretend. She ponders upon it before cata- change in our day-to-day lives? Who would also bring out the best in a candidate, an es- exams which are useful to those students 2 online examinations in Pharmacology and 1 online ex- the words of Dr. Michael Damazo, first year faculty, online in a sentence: pho·tog·ra·pher. However, pulting herself back up. She said the great- have thought that such a time as this will sential picture that students would need to see who have never had this type of assess- amination in Parasitology. Case studies and formulations examinations were not part of the initial plan for the fac- things have changed when Jaime exposed est learning is to appreciate what you have come where we need to lock down our bor- ment during their pre-med course. As of in Pharmacology, Parasitology and Medicine 1 were also ulty hoped that the quarantine will be lifted and physical before casting a vote. This kind of situation will herself to doctors and medical related stuff. before time makes you appreciate what ders and distance ourselves from people? asked to be submitted. Online pediatric history taking via examinations were to be taken once classes resumed. show their ability to “walk the talk”. It displays Her ambitions instantly shifted to the idea you had. And that the tongue is a beast A time where we are called to stay at home this writing, he has conducted two tutorial messenger or zoom was also assigned. Batch Tritonos, When the quarantine was extended, it slowly became a glimpse of what to expect when they become of becoming one – stable, brilliant, and as only a few can master. If it is not tamed, and take extra precautions for the benefit of sessions, not including the individual ran- dom tutorials with his former students. the juniors, was tasked to compose concept maps for 24 apparent that there was no certainty that face-to-face elected. how her young mind describes them “Doc- it will run wild and cause us grief. Jamie’s everybody. chapters from their Oncology module in Internal Medi- classes would resume before the school year ended. He tors must have superpowers!” advice to other medical students like her is cine. Case studies and formulations in Pediatrics, Sur- added, “There was a heightened urgency among the fac- to always learn from people who has been They say, in order to contain or “Basically, it was really helpful gery 2 and Internal Medicine were also assigned. Every ulty to try and make the best of the 2nd half of the 4th bi- It’s a big deal because it reflects our cur- Jaime grew up under the care of through where you want to be. not to spread the virus, each one should and most of us were able to catch up with case study assigned was given a certain time frame to monthly period, hence the impetus behind the online ex- rent state. For a profession that pleads lead- her parents. Despite the desire to become consider himself a carrier. But aren’t we all what we needed to learn to excel in our accomplish. Batch Concordia, the seniors, was tasked ams. There were many platforms considered to be used ership, somehow those who are able still shy a doctor, she submitted herself to their will The young Jaime once believed sick long before this pandemic happens? upcoming evaluations such as quizzes to have online conference calls encompassing at least 3 in the online exams. The pros and cons of its utility was away from positions that could develop it. Run- to take up B.S. Accountancy. When asked that doctors have superpowers. Now she Perhaps, we are called to slow down and and exams.” said Mr. Cres Van Bayhonan, topics and a 20-item examination depending which ro- debated especially with regards to the credibility of the whether she ever felt bad about it, “I under- understands better, that their superpow- examine our lives during the quarantine a student from Batch Kairos, referring to ning for a position no matter how daunting will stand my parents considering that I am not ers lie on how they dedicate themselves to period so that when all of this is gone, we Mr. Kong’s teachings. tation/department they were assigned to. Case studies results. The prevailing argument then was the online ex- help us down the road and yes, a lot of factors were also given if conference calls were not scheduled. ams are meant to give the students an incentive to study the only one who is being sent to school. become instruments of healing; how they may never again take for granted the gift of life, the kiss of our parents, the hug of a and not waste their time.” must be taken into account and that is a real- Plus, the undeniable expensive cost of willingly offer their lives in order to save the Aside from Mr. Kong, a medi- friend, or paying respect to other creatures. Online examinations and submission of require- ity. We are medical students. We deal with a lot Medicine is something that I need to be lives of others. With faith and confidence, cal intern also gave his time to impart In the midst of distress and adversities, this ments have created quite a stir in most universities. There With the different opinions from the students mindful of.” According to her parents, Ac- no matter how different her Medical jour- his knowledge to Kairos with the subject of things daily. Having to deal with the rigors of pandemic also reveals what we are made are various reasons as to why several (most) students and faculty members, the question comes to mind (our countancy is a practical course where jobs ney started, this is what she is called to Neuroanatomy. Mr. Jason Bansuela from medicine while maintaining governance on the are easily made available after graduation. become – a great Physician. of and what we are capable of becoming Batch Concordia took a lot of effort in oppose to online examinations, but this can be narrowed minds)- “What will the university do amidst the concerns side doesn’t sound inviting. But, to rise to the – may it be for the wicked, but I do hope, down to two main reasons: lack of internet accessibil- (opinions) of the students and faculty members? Will on- True enough, when Jaime got her license, making a presentation for a 2-hr tutorial she was able to work immediately as an since we have seen the worst, this time, we ity (or connectivity) and negative effects on their mental line tasks continue or will they stop?” challenges of medicine by answering the calls to session and managing to condense 5 top- accountant in a private company. will choose what is for the best. health. lead shows great character and determination. ics in it. An overview was given to each area while still emphasizing the most im- Students and educators equally acknowledge Most importantly is the inherent will to serve the The emperor in the movie Mulan portant bits that will be helpful in clinical It’s a given that internet accessibility is a privi- the importance of continuing education at home amidst people, a Doctor’s essential. said, “The flower that blooms in adversity situations. Together with the school coun- lege for most Filipino students. Several students lack the pandemic; however, it is undeniable that online ex- is the rarest and most beautiful of all.” I be- cil, he also founded the Students’ Peda- electronic gadgets, others have weak internet connec- aminations and submission of outputs has become a We are in a time of turmoil globally. In lieve that during these trying times, dreams tion or mobile signal since they’re from far flung areas. challenge both for students and teachers. It has not only will be formed, passion will be ignited, and gogical Community, a society for students As for most of the students in the University of Cebu- been a struggle for the students and faculty members of this time, we have seen first-hand what good life’s purpose will be realized. Perhaps, we whose advocacy is to teach. School of Medicine, online examinations and submission UCSM, but also the entire educational system in the Phil- leadership can achieve and what a bad one can need to be separated today so we can be of requirements was a doable task since they had acces- ippines. A solution, which tackles the concerns of both get. A medical school is not exempted from the more united again tomorrow. And when that Miss Jehdaiah Nemeño, another student from Kairos commented, “The tu- sible internet access, but for some online submission of parties, must be implemented to counter the negative ef- consequences of leadership. We are fortunate tomorrow comes, we have more noble Phy- sicians, Nurses, Lab Techs, Researchers, torial was so helpful. It was actually a very requirements and examinations meant having to step out fects this pandemic has on our education. The solution that the past councils have done their job right of the comforts of their own home and look for acces- seen fit was the cancelation of all online examinations Politicians, Armies, Educators, and other good discussion in a way that those con- sible internet access. Nonetheless, students complied and online submission of outputs in all year levels. It was and even the newly elected ones show great professionals who are product of adversi- cepts that we couldn’t fully grasp during with the online tasks since failure was not something decided that the average of all quizzes and other sub- promise. Nonetheless, we can’t wait for a time ties – who strived to be better from the the lecture were explicitly explained.” they were willing to risk. missions in the fourth bimonthly period will be given as when good is not enough. It’s insufficient to only worst. a bonus (plus 5%) in the computation of the final grade. The said tutorial sessions were all stress the right to vote, we need to encourage Trials, hardships, sickness and Naturally, stress from studies is normal. Every The solution may superficially appear not beneficial to held at the Amphitheater 1 of UCSM after the right ones to step into the role. If you be- disease — this, too, shall pass. As how student feels anxious when it comes to examinations, the education, but it is the most humane solution the the class hours of Batch Kairos, around Antoine de Saint-Exupéry puts it in his re- output submissions or anything that could affect his administration and faculty members have agreed upon. lieve you have the guts, ability, and the will to 4:30-7:00PM, after securing an official nowned book Le Petit Prince, “ephemeral.” grades. When you add fear, worry, and stress caused by With that being said, at least we can officially put fourth be elected to the council the next year then step letter approved by the Dean and Depart- Until then, let us make the most out of what ment Head. this COVID pandemic to the mix, it becomes a complete- bimonthly behind us and close (the) school year 2019- forward, please. The more the merrier or so they life throws at us and cling closer to the one ly different story. Students’ mental health is rapidly decli- 2020. say. who holds the earth’s foundation. ART BY: ANGEL MELODY LEGERA 12 LITERARY LITERARY 13 love suppressed bit.ly/3a7shNV Entry 365 Codename Once there was a princess. Harmonica A princess who doesn’t know love, I needed a reason to cry. bit.ly/3a7shNV Yet a prince proposed to marry her. I needed a reason to vent out But she doesn’t know what to do. pent up feelings , , So, she ate the ring the prince gave her. emotions that needed to be screamed Started hearing it since June. And she turned into a rabbit. cries that needed to be heard Now every night I hear that tune, Of life love and realizations Hunted by his father’s knights, so that pain will subside. brought to the kitchen to be cooked. that high pitched hum out there. She tried so hard to shout But I can’t. and tell them that she’s the princess. I need to smile. We all know who’s playing it. but we can also be good sons and daughters But her cries didn’t come out. I need to pretend that I’m happy The ragged man with the sign. And it was too late when they saw the ring even when I’m not towards her. There’s always an alternative way inside the rabbit’s stomach. Jesus is Coming, he wrote. CLEANSING THE WORLD: Mother Nature even when I cannot And that was the end of the story told to us. to prevent her from dying and saving a lot of even when I don’t want. ANTHONY ARANETA A lesson presented by Ate Sara lives. As I have said, Change is constant, and But I never got to read the sign fully. that a person who doesn’t love Because always we are in a hurry. Change should start within you, to start a new can’t give her life any sense, any value. Because I am a strong person. Mother Nature is of great help in our cost the lives of people around the globe? I am expected to be strong and I was able to give him a coin. beginning leading those who are astray to a daily needs and the survival of our kind. She May it be MERS-CoV, Ebola, HIV, Tuberculo- But here I present a love felt deep inside, courageous But from the heart, was it given so? path with purpose and living life along with to be enthusiastic offers and provides good resources of food, sis, and etc. Have you ever thought that may- ART BY: ZINAICAH SY suppressed by a dozen emotions. How love feels like guilt. to be… strong. energy and water. She nurtures us since the be this is the only way Mother Nature can live Nature. So, which part are you? The One who Jesus is coming we all know. destroys her or the one that will save her? Like a crime I’m not supposed to do. day our ancestors set foot to this world and again? Malleable But they forgot that strong people But exactly when, we have no clue. became her children, yet here we are, chang- bit.ly/3a7shNV How miserable it feels to know it’s there. are human beings too. But there’s so much in here somewhere, They also cry. There is no time set when he plays, ing its course of history. Are we the salvation Mother Nature has been infested with a bright future I must always bear. They get hurt. What made You call me, Lord? of this world or the cause of its destruction? dangerous beings ever to have lived and To look upon, to always look ahead, They… feel pain. there is no date set when he won’t. An unequipped servant, a people-hater. that the present always seems hurried. His harmonica never failed him, walked in this earth: a deadly disease that not Why let me dream that dream, And because I am a human being and have these visions I barely understand? like Jesus ever to all of us. Since the beginning of time, change only consumes but also destroys life. It’s not the quack wolf Simple moments just go by too fast, capable of feeling pain What did You see in me INOCENTES BALIGUAT barely matter as long as I pass. capable of showing sad emotions has its way of becoming on top of the food caused by a virus or a bacteria, but by hu- that I was brought in this time and place? The course, the year, the semester. capable of crying and hurting He must have seen some vision mans. YES! We are the very reason why our Why lead me here? chain - devouring, remodeling and cleansing The exams, the weeks, the days. I don’t need a reason to cry to spread such proclamation. At a gathering of animals, a wolf stood Having no feelings, no filter on judgments But on that future will it matter? world by world by world, and era to era; from mother nature is suffering. Where her life ends, I will cry when I feel like crying But do we ever pay attention? How I invested on this pace out telling tales about the loyalty, strength and I will cry when I want to Big Bang the finite extent of our world. In ev- our lives goes with it. Just like a Host and its Who do You want me to be, Lord? I don’t think so, not really. Yet again tonight he will play. unity of his pack besting all animals in the for- I will cry. Virus, when the Host dies, the Virus also dies. A great missionary? A light to people? Now for me a reminder ery era that this world has been in for decades est. I know who I want to be. ‘Cause they say what matters is the journey, and centuries, there’s always a start and an And once these tears dry up, that Jesus is coming. A Doctor. what I’ve learned from each story. I’d face the world again with a smile. He is coming soon. end, just like the time where the dinosaurs The new circulating Virus, the NCoV Among other things, the wolf said “My A person offering every minute of her life to That made me who I am now, I’d be the smiling and happy person. started to roam the earth, and ended their now called COVID-19 is now a pandemic and pack could survive three winters without miss- You. that built up my tower of knowledge, I’d be stronger than I was before. lives with an asteroid and the setting new life affecting a lot of lives. Do you think this is also ing a fur!” But am I for that life I badly want to have? Lord, discernment is crucial. They tell me to keep learning. of species for a new phase of time. one of nature’s defense mechanism for its sur- Lord, direct my life. Lead me to You. Wait for So, I throw interest to anything. But incompetence made me suffer. vival? Do you think that in order to start anew, The sly fox, knowing all too well the me when I reach the end because it is only I forgot what I have learned. You that I long so much to see. Remember the time where wars lead and commence a new beginning, she has to lone wolf has nothing much less a loyal, strong When I’m asked I constantly buffer, to the death toll of hundreds and thousands sacrifice a lot of lives? Our lives!? and united pack asked, “You say that now, the unnecessary in my mind is racing wolf, but where is your pack?” Lord, purify my flaws. Purify my intentions. of people and humanity was on the verged of Purify my love. Purify me with your ‘Cause there just too much in here. extinction? All the diseases and infection that We may be a burden to our own Mother everlasting mercy and unconditional love. It’s everywhere! And mold me to be malleable. It is stacked on something much more impor- To better fit in your glorious kingdom. tant. To better understand your glorious creations. Beneath all my interests, my incompetence To better see your glorious works. or my knowledge, or my misery, To better feel your glorious love. Is a love felt deep inside of me. Suppressed by a dozen emotions, the day i stalked the president Lord, I have seen your glory. But this is just waiting for the perfect time to pass. INOCENTES BALIGUAT merely a glimpse. Not even through a crack. This phase of falsely thinking But a ray of light, an echo of sound, an that love needs a set time to be released. awareness of a great feast above. ‘Cause love is love and it need not be sup- When you get old, nothing much changes side. Cardboard boxes foot printed, torn never to Beyond this earthly realm is a glory far pressed. in your day. You get up at 5 with a cracked bone. be used again. He shook some hands and was greater that I can ever fathom, It needs only to be surfaced. Take the shower and then, smoke the porch dry. swarmed. I do not understand the adoring people that my human mind can never grasp. Watch Marta burn some leaves across the street. and their politicians. Yet here I am knowing that ahead of me, Nathaniel in his window never runs out of a book there is something glorious! Express ART BY: ZINAICAH SY to read. I don’t know if he is stupid. He went to the local church next. They had sechsundfunfzig Akong mama nga gwapa “Basin di diay ni para sa akoa.” this mass; said it was the proper welcome. For Panagsa kay maldita. Ikapila ko nang giingon sa huna-huna. But that day was different. I went out. There what? Does the president even pray for us? Folks Connections we made Untitled Communication gone lost Maski dako siya’g baba, Pagkakita nako sa akong mama nga gwapa, was a tattletale in the grocery store. The President around here never fill the church on a weekday; it untitled All but defenses of talk Love nako siya. Natagaan ko’g gamay’ng paglaom pag- was HERE. The President of the Republic!! What did that day. Where were they all coming from? Shallow is every thing Unya gipaskwela ko niya’g medisina, tawag niya’g “Doktora”. were the odds? He IS! I took the backdoor. I drank it dawned on me that holding on Hala sige, padayon lang ta diring dapita! Pila na ka buwan ang nilabay. beer with Randy, the store-owner, some time ago. After, they blessed the machines from keeps us grounded Thought it’s a keep in the phantoms of past memories, Signs said no Akong mama nga gwapa, Makaingon man sad ta’g “Agay!” And god, did I see the President with the men in China to be donated. Juan was definitely losing regrets keep us from appreciating But who to believe ang tingog maabot sa gawas sa amoa. Sa tanang kahagbungan ug kalisdanan, ironed clothes. They were immaculate. It must be his job. Cheers were deafening. I see, it was sup- the present where life is untried, When you can’t prove so Dako kaayo’g baba, mura’g wala man ni’y katapusan the taxes. posedly a blessing. Goods were changed hands. and memories haunt us mas dako pa sa gradong akong nakuha. Nagsunod-sunod ang mga kagabhion but then we learn and move on. Tears at darkness Naa’y kas-ang siya nakapangutana, Ug ang kadag-om sa kaugmaon. Everyone was in high spirits. The mayor was all “Kumusta imong pagskwela?” Pero paggakos ni mama sa akoa, I decided to follow them. I wanted to know praises. The president with air down his chin life is too short to be buried by regrets, Dusk of nothingness so show others Demands are thrown Duko-duko atong drama. Makaingon sad ta’g, “Sige, laban pa.” things. bowed like a servant then. how grace elevates you Reasons not known Kay wa’y ayo baya ani atong kahimtanga. and that the past deeds Og sa dihang ting-finals na, The President went out the entrance with Where were guns when you need one? do not control you. To ask for a time spare Balde na sa luha ang nagawas, Niduol ko sa akong mama nga gwapa. pila na pud ka-highlighter ang nahurot. Ningisi kong pagkatam-isa the entourage. He didn’t notice the homeless out- Beg for a little emotion Apology accepted Ang pangandoy hinay-hinay na’g kapapas, “Mangayo ko’g pang-studyout, Ma.” ART BY: JOSHUA ZACHARY ALO Apology wasted Sakita man diay sa buot. 13 FEATURE FEATURE 14

HUMANS OF UCSM Where did my humanity go? I walked into a patient’s room. I was holding a box with stuff needed to insert an IV line. I greeted the STEPHANIE DOROG, JOSHMARY DENICE SAPLAD, L’MONDEE RIO NERI patient. She was a middle-aged woman sitting on the bed with her husband. I can’t remember her name but I can still clearly picture her face. Anxious. Scared. She knows what’s going to happen. She told me she’s afraid of needles. I told her not to worry for it will be quick if she just cooperated. I started the procedure. It was difficult for she had thin veins in her hand. I was trying my best to insert that needle. I was too focused on what I was doing then suddenly something shocked me. A drop of water fell on her arm. I looked up and I saw her crying. It was her tears. She’s not making any sound to avoid distracting me but I know that she was undoubtedly in Primoris Edition terrible pain. She was so brave. I was speechless. I was shouting at the back of my mind, “What have I done?” I Post Graduate Internship. They say Post Graduate internship can kick-start any medical graduate’s career. It is a time when post graduate interns rotate in all of the different was too focused on the procedure that I forgot about the patient. I was too occupied with the things that I have fields of medicine. His days could start off with him being a pediatrician where he’ll manage young patients and then would make a complete 360◦ and become an internist to do that I forgot the reason why I was there in the first place. That time, I realized one thing. Despite all the assessing and treating adults. The next month he could be assigned to the Department of Surgery and assist the surgeon in performing different procedures on the operating knowledge and skills that I’ve gained in this chosen profession, I’ve lost something. Something that is part of table. A few months later he could be an obstetrician-gynecologist and start off by caring for pregnant women and delivering their babies or a researcher who would conduct me. I’ve lost part of my humanity. It was unacceptable. On the spur of the moment, it all came back to me. All studies aimed to improve overall human health. With the countless work experience a post graduate intern gains, he is given an idea of what program he’d like to pursue in his the reason why I started this in the first place. Those were also the same reasons how I got this far despite the future residency training. struggles I went through. I was lost but that moment I’ve found myself once again. Those tears saved me. And I know for a fact that those tears will be saving more lives when the time comes. It will be saving lives through me. With that in mind, have you ever wondered what life outside the walls of our University was like for our dear kuyas and ates? Is it as glamourous as what we’ve seen in Joseph Chavez shows such as The Good Doctor, Grey’s Anatomy and House, M.D? Or is it the complete opposite? Hear the stories first hand from our very own UCnian Post Graduate Interns. Perpetual Succor Hospital

From anxiety to enjoyment The Lone Wolf of Mindanao

They say that post-graduate internship is the best, but I wasn’t really excited to become a post-graduate in- It never really occurred to me how things will be like here in Davao being the only one from UCSM, let alone whole Mindanao, but sure enough it made things more challenging. Having to step out of my comfort zone of 9 long years wasn’t tern 6 months ago. During my first day as a PGI in Perpetual Succour Hospital, my anxiety was just through the roof. easy and deciding to be in the government hospital which has the largest bed capacity of all DOH operated hospitals cer- I know, it was PGI-ship, not residency. I didn’t understand why I felt that way, since I was a clerk in the same hospital tainly made things much more difficult. You miss all the things that are familiar to you; the food, the city, the people who for a year. I guess it felt odd, walking around in smart casual clothes and a smock. I kind of felt like a fraud. I felt like became family, basically everything and everyone. But I suppose personal growth requires you push yourself even more, I didn’t know enough to become a PGI. Clerks were calling me “doc”, residents and consultants trusted me more, it away from things that are familiar. was just a lot to process, at that time. I first rotated in the Department of Family Medicine – a relatively “chill” depart- ment but like I said, I was taking things a little too serious. It was a huge blessing to have been grouped with amazing, Though one of the things I’ve come to fully appreciate here is that when the nurses call you “doc” they mean in it smart, and such fun people. Seeing them at work, actually doing well and at the same time enjoying, made me realize and look up to you for orders. Stepping up from being one of the chest compressors as a clerk then all of a sudden being that I was merely lacking in confidence and it didn’t help that I didn’t want to make mistakes! This only made me more the PGI that leads the whole ACLS before your resident comes, if he or she even comes at all, all by yourself. From being the prone to making mistakes. From then on, I tried to relax a little bit more, and decided to trust myself a little more, too. one who would monitor patients then to becoming the one who would give orders in behalf of your seniors when things get Also, it was okay to not get everything right. I then saw a difference in myself. I was having more fun and I was more awry. All the responsibilities expected were daunting but a good challenge always keeps you sharp. receptive to learning. We then rotated in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology after – a specialization that wasn’t exactly at the top of my list. When you’re in a situation like this, you just have to keep in mind that every rotation It’s also refreshing to be in an environment where almost no one knows who you are. You start from scratch; best of is an opportunity to learn as much as you can. You just have to take it one day at a time, try to see the bright side of all no one pressures you to live up to certain expectations. I’m the new kid from the school no one’s ever heard before. And every situation, study, do your job, and then go from there. It also was a huge help knowing that I would be rotating in comes after the need to explain where you’re from and what it’s like there. I mean really, what is it really like in UCSM? the Department of Surgery next – a department I was looking forward to go back to for almost a year. Suffice it to say, I had a blast. As PGIs, we’re given another chance, another year, to see which departments we feel like we might want Looking back, I fully expected myself for the worst when I decided to be here but I ended up surprised when it was to train in during residency. Grab this opportunity, ask questions, participate, be proactive. I’m halfway through PGI- nowhere at all I expected it to be. I’m not dead tired every after duty despite the number of patients I attend to and load of ship and now I can truly say that PGI-ship truly is the best year of your med life. I’m going to miss it. Don’t take it for Henley Sanchez work I do. We are given enough time to prepare for the board exams. Imagine being pulled out from your posts twice in a Southern Philippines Medical Center week? I even joined our chorale and won a competition! But best of all everyone treats everyone with respect regardless of Leanne Queniahan granted, you guys. I’m so excited for all of you to become PGIs, as well. Good luck with everything! See you around! Perpetual Succor Hospital position. Because no matter how difficult things get, if you work with the right people it makes all the difference.

Living life away from home Panandaliang Saya

Uncertainty. This plagued me ever since the start of senior clerkship. The choice of where to apply for my Post-Graduate I remember almost crying as I marched to “A Million Dreams” during graduation. After four grueling years of the night- Internship never really was a clear one for me as I always went with the flow of things. Pre-med and college was me going to wherever mare that is medical school, it was a wonder how we’ve kept our dreams alive. Every day since then has been nothing but a my friends went as I felt that it was never going to be fun without them around. Now it’s different, I found myself questioning where I dream. Days passed, and we found ourselves venturing and continuing the dream of becoming a licensed physician being post would want to be, how would it help me for my goals and future career path, and there I ended up somewhere far from my comfort graduate interns – something, as is customary of a pioneer batch, foreign to us all. zone- . The days of a PGI starts with choosing which hospital you want to train in. There are a lot of factors to consider but it In the busy streets of Ermita, not knowing how I ended up here. Orientation came by fast and boy was I overwhelmed. The mainly depends on how much you are willing to learn, how you want to learn, what skill sets you want to develop, and which hospital was huge and I couldn’t remember one bit from that tour except that place where there was a bidet (best number 2 spot in town hospital you do eventually see yourself going into residency in. A year in a hospital could either make or break you, so choosing if I may add). Everything was new. Everyone was new. I remember going back to where we stayed and questioning myself “Sure naba is no pushover. ko ani?” again and again as if an answer would come out. Fast forward to the first day of internship and still I never came to know if I was sure of the choice I made but then again, it’s too late to take it back by now. There I was assigned to the ER with no idea what to Our work varies depending on the hospital we’re in, but it’s basically the gray area between that of an intern’s and a do. Patients kept coming nonstop not giving us time to even sit down. Adjustment period does not exist here in UP-PGH. You have to resident’s: from doing the dirty jobs like monitoring patients, and inserting NGT’s, to suggesting and participating in the treatment get your tasks done fast or else the work gets piled up. I remember one time I had to debride a whole infected leg and let me tell you I of these patients. As PGIs, the residents have more confidence and trust in us, sometimes even leaving us to decide how to man- had no idea how to do any of that, the closest I got to do at clerkship was freaking change dressing. Now there I was holding the equip- age patients. That goes with saying the privilege given is taken with caution. ment! I looked at my patient then glanced to my teammates hoping for someone to see the look of despair I had in my gaze, but sadly everyone was too busy with the non-stop influx of patients. So, I winged it. I also had to talk to my patient with balls of sweat dripping from my face from time to time, you know, for rapport. When it was done I thought I did a pretty decent job as the patient did not feel The PGI-ship year has been branded by most as the ‘chill year’ which is, in a sense, partly true. We work fewer hours a that much pain, but when my senior checked it and did some finishing touches the patient had to wail in pain. That was how I learned day, have less paper works, and fewer physical work. However, we always keep in mind that the board exam is meeting us at the how to properly do debridement. I was laying down in my bed one time, with my fatigue ridden body, looking back at the busy days. I end of the year. The ‘chill’ is coupled by a relative amount of ‘pressure’, depending on how we want to perform come the exams. found myself smiling. All that toxicity, stress, adrenaline, and sweat at the end of the day was worth it. And of course, when you hear comments such as “you’re from UCSM, all eyes are on you, you need to pass the boards”, pres- sure is inevitable. Post Graduate Internship is half way done on my end and I’m looking forward for more that is to come in this path I have chosen to traverse. Uncertain as I am if this was the right choice to be made but hell I would choose it again if I get to redo everything. A year of post graduate internship has been the breather. It has been the calm in between the storms. The years of One thing I would say to everyone who is uncertain of something. Take it. Live outside your comfort zone. Yes, I know it’s difficult. I Louie Arizobal medical school has been a training ground to the more tiring life that is to come during residency training, but it’s enlightening TobyLantin Perpetual Succor Hospital UP - Philippine General Hospital know you don’t know if you have what it takes, but take it anyway. Nothing worth it comes easy much more in our career paths. Take to note that there is a pause that bridges these two. There’s no better description of a life as a post graduate intern than it is a that leap of faith and you’ll find yourself growing, much more than you’ll ever expect. ‘panandaliang saya.’ 16 FEATURE FEATURE 17 Non-Factulty Edition An Interview With A Driven Advocate EXZEL LEI FUERZAS

With a great addition to the growing We started out by calling in volunteers to run family of UCSM, DASIG has made itself known our core team. From 2 (Max and I) we became “One of the happiest moments I had in my “Usa sa akong pinaka dili malimtan, katong pag “Upon studying about the passageway of bile “As a security guard, my job is to protect life was when I qualified to become a mem- December nga gi-invite mi sa Christmas party from the liver, I realized that if I can memorize freedom from fear and harm, and to avoid as an up and coming organization, currently 16. The culture here in Dasig is inclusive. So, ber of the Association of Working Scholars sa UC. Wala gyud mi nag expect na paadtoon this, then I can memorize and study Anatomy. further damages or losses of properties. My with 102 candidates for membership, with a regardless of your standing here in the school, of UC-METC. It wasn’t an easy feat to be mi kay naa ra gyud mi ato sa among quarters Only through the laboratory manual and with daily task here is different with other compa- preference for public health and different out- if you’re a student council officer or even a chosen among the many applicants. As a unya nahibong na lng mi kay gipatawag mi ni the guidance of Dr. Jezebel Czellah Llenes in nies. It is to guide people with their inquiries, working scholar, I must balance academics Dean ug working student na moadto daw mi sa dissection, I learned visually about the nerves be accountable for the security of the school, reach programs. Together with Nikko Dajao, member of a different organization like AXE or and family time. If you have family problems, conference room sa Hospital. Unya pag-abot from the roots, trunks, divisions up to the ter- be visible, vigilant, and always observe. We didto, special kaayo ang pagtagad sa amoa, Vice President – External of DASIG, let us Serviant, you are welcome. You are welcome you must never bring it to school or work be- minals. I even have mnemonics and tips that are also in charge of some collections, so we ge-accomodate mi apil sa mga doctors, gipal- learn how this AMSA organization came to life to join any of our activities. and be a mem- cause it affects your daily tasks and the way I can use to help the students if they need it must always be prepared and flexible at all ingkod, gipakaon, gisilbihan apil sa mga wait- you handle them. Just keep staying posi- during dissection. If I don’t know something, here in UCSM. ber. The only rule that we actually have about ers.” times. In this school, we are always sharing tive and smile despite the challenges. Never I would always be willing to endorse them values, and, learning virtues with each other. membership is that, you can’t hold any posi- forget that faith is strengthened with family. to the doctors who know better than me. I “When asked about a line she holds true in her I’m so proud of being assigned in this school. Always pray even when things don’t go your would advise the students to read the manual Let’s start with the easiest question Nikko. tion, you cannot be an officer here in DASIG if life, “Kung unsa ko sauna, mao ra gihapon ko You should also be a proud UCnian because way, keep praying for things to be the same karon. Kabalo ko kung unsa ko, bisan pa ug carefully because there, the Anatomy is al- our school is a 3-time Quiz Bowl successive In general, what is DASIG? you are already an officer in any organization, as before.” matagaan mi ug grasya sa Ginoo, dili gyud ko ready summarized and laid out, with all the champion. Hopefully, this year, we’ll also because it will be a difficult task for you. It will mag-usab. Sangpit lang gyud sa Ginoo salig ra medical terms, for the students to follow eas- have a very impressive performance like be- “Also, always be hardworking and remem- gyud bisag unsay mahitabo.” ily through.” fore.” DASIG stands for Driven Advocates for be hard if you’ll come to a point of conflict in ber, you can’t spell success without UC.” Sustainable Innovative Goals, an organization interest. Ma’am Marieta Alfanta is one of the Dean’s “I believe that experience is really the best Sir Jhon Ryan Hermosilla who is indeed a Miss Sheena Teresa Besabella, a former trusted in the Maintenance Department of teacher because of my 6 years as a lab visible legend of UCSM. Upon entering the that is focused on public health, more on com- working scholar for 4 years, now the Execu- UCSM. She is employed here for almost 4 years technician, I learn by watching the students school even as a student applicant, his con- munity services. It is a [arm] branch of AMSA, Our goal here in DASIG is to cater stu- tive Assistant to the Dean of University of already after being assigned in the housekeep- learn.” tagious smile and accommodating personal- which means Asian Medical Students Asso- dents not solely on the context of academics. Cebu School of Medicine. She applied for ing department in UCMed. Despite the pres- ity would always encourage people to stay work at UC-Banilad but was eventually as- sure and the difficulty with the shifting schedule - Sir Christopher Diate, the passionate in this school because they know that their ciation. AMSA is not just into public health, This is an avenue where students can venture signed to UCSM because she is much more back in UCMed, she endured for her child to go pioneer laboratory technician of the UCSM safety and security is well taken care of. He it also has medical education, environmental outside school, to be acquainted with fellow to school, and to not let her husband be bur- needed here. Indeed, her love for UC radi- Anatomy Department, who is always willing is always willing to help others with anything, dened by all the expenses. A true hardworking health, research and reproductive health. So, medical students from different schools that ates to the whole UCSM population—stu- to go the extra mile to supervise the medical even as simple as pouring the water jug to and dedicated mother of two who is ever faith- dents, applicants, staff and visitors alike. students even during Saturdays before their we try to inline these advocacies in UCSM, as PHOTO CREDITS TO: NIKKO DAJAO are not into competition. The difference of ful to UC, and a very trustworthy individual! the dispenser, he’ll do it comfortably and joy- major exams. fully! an arm of the organization. APMC to AMSA is that In APMC although they accredited as a local member it needs to un- were known for competitions [inter school], it Why did you start DASIG? What inspired dergo a series of steps, acquiring first the ob- was only for friendly competitions to show- you or what was that tipping point? server membership, then the candidate mem- case the abilities of medical students (e.g. bership, and then onto local membership. So, Medlympics and quiz bowls). Here in AMSA, Faculty Edition There was a public forum that I attend- we established DASIG to be a stepping stone inter school projects are made together. Each ed in my early years here in UCSM hosted by of the future generation of medical students school is a helping hand of another, a collective AMSA SOMA. It was when I attended for the here in UCSM to finally become a local mem- project that will be laid out as a whole. AMSA second time that I thought that it would be ber of AMSA. Cebu is composed of 6 medical schools, from nice if we have an organization that is main- that, there will be a project that’ll be initiated ly focused on public health or that an AMSA Currently, how many students are part of and then we’ll be working hand in hand. accredited organization be established here DASIG? in UCSM. Then I talked with Doc Montoya if So, the culture actually is helping hand we could establish an AMSA chapter here in There are 16 members for the core in hand, it is open and inclusive, we are not a UCSM and we talked about why we should team. These are the officers of DASIG. Actu- fraternity and we don’t have any sort of initia- take this step so that is how we came up with ally we were shocked by the list of students tion. Although we have an induction for our DR. SHIELA SANTILLAN DR. ULYSSES RALLON DR. ANNA MARIE SANDOVAL DASIG. It was Doc Montoya who connected that signed up to be a member. We actually new members, but without any initiation. me and Max. We just met because of our de- reached 102 students from [i think], 120 sign Dr. Shiela attended West Visayas State Uni- Fun fact: Dr. Rallon is a man invested in many endeav- Like most students in UC-Med, Dr. Sandoval’s pre- sire to put up an AMSA accredited organiza- ups. There were from Batch Primoris who I saw on your social media page that you versity-College of Medicine after taking up Biology as ors. Apart from being a doctor, he is also a nurse and a law med was Medical Technology which she took up in Velez Col- tion here in UCSM. We also reached out to signed up but they already graduated so they have different committees in DASIG. Can her pre-med from the University of the Philippines- school graduate. He had Biology as his pre-med in the Univer- lege and they afterward proceeded to med in CIM. While in sity of San Carlos and took up medicine at the University of Vi- med school, she particularly had a difficult time with any sub- different AMSA organizations here in Cebu, were crossed out. Because from last year until you give us a run through of these commit- Miagao Campus. She remembers hating Anatomy and sayas. When asked about his study skills, Dr. Rallon is modest ject concerning Neurology (relate much? It’s quite ironic that especially the AMSA SOMA of CIM since the end of the first semester, it was not allowed tees? Surgery but loving Physiology out of all the subjects. in acknowledging himself as a slow learner. He reads at least 3 even our brains have a hard time studying about themselves!). Dr.Santillan admits that she crams before exams (Pro- times on typical days and 5 times to be on par with the smart they are considered as the mother organiza- to recruit students to join any organizaton. On crastination Nation!) and is a slow reader but for her ones in class. He notably hates biochemistry but loves physi- She notes that she took her studies quite seriously. tion for AMSA here in Cebu and we also got recruitments, mahitabo siya in the second se- It is actually a requirement of AMSA this is ok, just read everything and be sure to finish. ology. To survive med school, Dr. Rallon offers three pieces of One of the most important components of studying has some- the chance to talk with the president of AMSA mester. Those na amo nang na pool, last time, if we want to be part of their chapter here in In every major exam she advises that you just have to advice: thing to do with first, where and when you study. For most of keep going and remember your goal. For us, our goal us, it’s impossible to study at home given that our beds are just Philippines. amoa gihapon sila gi consider. It was up to the Philippines. We started slowly. From two • Convince yourself that you are a med student. Once a student a few steps away from our study tables (I know, we’ve all been is to PASS AND PLUS (passing score + a few points, them if they still wanted to be part of DASIG. committees - public health and medical edu- acknowledges this fact, the right attitudes follow. there). Coffee shops, workplaces, or better yet the school’s 4th you know, to save up for the rainy days!) After exams • Develop an attitude where you study because you are aspiring floor (it’s open 24/7!) could be good study spaces. Dr. Sando- How long has it been since DASIG became So during the general assembly, ako jud giin- cation; then as the organization grew, public or when dealing with stress, Dr. Shiela loves watch- for knowledge. This will surely lessen the burden of reading so val herself was a resident macrophage of her school, staying an official organization here in UCSM? gon nga ang pag apil sa DASIG dili pugsanay. health was given subcommittees, of which ing movies and visiting her pre-med college campus to many chapters and lecture slides. up late until 9 pm and then going home for some more study- appreciate nature. When asked for any funny experi- • Remove all distractions. Dr. Rallon offers a technique that he ing. She claims that she never had time to chill, except maybe But we encourage you to join. are reproductive health, mental health and has tried with his students. He recommends that you buy a note- like giving herself a well-deserved meal and some extra hours ences, she recollects having been in an awkward situ- book and list down all your activities for two weeks. After doing One year. We started February last year community health. Public health became the of sleep. Dr. Sandoval advises that to survive med school, it is ation where she didn’t recognize a fellow classmate this, his students realized that there were a lot of unnecessary important to manage your time well. In her case, she devoted and we’re already operational, then by July or How would you describe the culture inside mother committee. It was separate with medi- one time at the beach. As her school adopted a partial activities that they have been doing. After eliminating these from two-thirds of her day (that’s 16 hours!) to studying and the rest their daily routines, they were amazed at how much extra time August 2019 it was accredited by our student DASIG? [Member to member? Officers to cal education because it has a different pat- PBL style, she only knew her block mates until third was for sleeping, eating, personal maintenance and etc. True they gained. In med school, there is so much to do, yet so little council and also by AMSA as an observer members? tern. year! enough, studying for exams is a race against time, so don’t let time. It is through time management that one can become a member. In AMSA, before an organization is doctor. time pass by without being productive!

18 FEATURE HEALTH AND SCIENCE 19

Medical education focuses on helping Nikko, the next 3 questions. I gathered from Then usa pud namo is feedback mech- students on their academics, [can be] skills or ordinary students here in UCSM. So first anism na murag communication lang ba. We knowledge. We conduct tutorials and work- question is why did you choose the word have a group chat, “huy guys, unsa may up- Beyond the 4 walls: shops that can not be taught on the spot dur- DASIG? date? Unsa pay kulang ninyo?” So feedback ing your first or second year in medical school. lang nga mao man guy usa ka importante pud An ECG on your wrist Challenges of a virtual For example, our first years and second years Akuy nag coin bitaw ana *laughs* nya na dapat mag communicate mo. For example, PAUL MAITEM during summer we conduct “operation tuli,” so na tagbaw jud mig pangita kay na form naman ako mag communicate ko “unsa may updates academic experience before we let our members engage into that ac- gud ang SOMA, ALSA, SENOM. Kanang nan- sa imung project? Give me an update” nya if In this present day and age, people have to detect heart rate, sinus rhythm and even atrial L’MONDEE RIO NERI tivity we conduct workshops on basic suturing. gita kug word nga mu go away lang ta sa other mu pm na sila nako, mu ingon rapod ko na come to appreciate and consume technology of fibrillation (AFib) through a single-lead ECG. To org na into Latin na style. Nya mao to Cebuano dapat sa group chat ta mag update kay para different kinds now more than ever, especially do all that a Smartwatch needs to have special Nikko, for you, what is the greatest strength man kaayo ang Dasig paminawn. Mao to amo ma update tanan. With the escalation of the COVID-19 pan- wearable tech. A common device that is a sta- sensors underside of its watch face that comes of this organization? lang gi-define kung unsa jud ang core namo. So demic leading to enforced large-scale isolation and ple to human accessory is a watch. It has be- in contact with the skin of your wrist. The Opti- goal-oriented, so mga public health advocates. Last question Nikko. How did DASIG change quarantine, businesses and institutions are trying to Greatest strength namo kay ang people. you? And how can you inspire the 102 candi- come essential for every individual to keep track cal Heart sensor contains Green LEDs, Infrared rely on modern-day technology to still be as produc- Amo gyud gipaningkamutan nga naa gyud ang tive and efficient. Previously, schools were trying to Ang desire sa mga tao na mu work on. Wala’y dates, on how DASIG can change their lives of their daily schedules, activities, and most im- LEDs, Photodiode sensors, Back Crystal elec- goal na to serve pud ug sa UC pud na core na portantly time no matter what the lifestyle is. trodes and a Digital Crown electrode (design salvage what was left of the remaining school days magpa labwanay, we listen. For example, mag “driven to excel, drive to serve.” too? for the academic year through online classes. meeting mi maminaw mi sa mga side com- The technology of timepieces has come a long seen on Apple watch series 4&5). way from high precision mechanical watches to ments. Muhatag mi ug constructive criticism, Actually, DASIG kay na change akung Despite government directives to halt these So with all that UC and studying medicine cheap and reliable digital ones and now tech The ECG features of Smartwatches are dili mi muingun na “ay ayaw na.” Wala miy perspective about cooperation, about collabo- online classes, DepEd, CHED, and private school has to give to you, how do you manage DA- companies these days give us a glimpse into the now certified by the USFDA to detect only Atrial palabwanay, for example, ako ang founder ug ration nga dili lang kaayo stand-alone ang or- systems are still researching ways on how to deliver SIG? And does the organization make sure future by creating innovative products like the Fibrillations (AFib) and not any other types of quality distance education. As most of the coun- si max ang founder, wala miy palabwanay na ganization. Wala siyay competition, dili mi mag- that members are also sailing smoothly with Smartwatch, designed to be a companion to Arrhythmias, heart attacks, stroke, blood clots, try already adopted a state of General Community ako sunda or kami ang sunda ninyo, “listen to pa sikatay ug projects. Kanang if unsa among regards to their time management, being a our daily activities. Smartwatches have become high cholesterol and blood pressure, this is be- Quarantine (GCQ) by the month of June, physical us kay kami ang founder,” wala. Dili mi gana- project nga mabuhat namo, the project itself classes are not yet allowed until August 24, 2020 ac- med student and also a member/officer of a trend for the past few years and will continue cause it is basically a single lead ECG. While the han muing-ana kay mahug man gud siya nga will speak sa unsa ang org, unsa ang leader- cording to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging DASIG? to grow caused by the increasing demand in the accuracy of the Smartwatch ECG is still under “Boss.” Our main goal is for the organization to ship. Management and better perspective sa Infectious Diseases (IATF). market. development and researches are continuously remain as a student led organization, and since public health kay mu down naman jud, sa com- Kato ako gi ingun ganina nga ganahan conducted to support it, the tech feature looks While educational institutions have honest we are all students we give way to everyone’s rako mu create ug organization nga light lang, munity na level, mu go down naman jud sa im- Every time you see a person wearing a promising for the application of medical science intentions and our best interests at heart, the ma- ideas or concerns. We have delineation in our nga dili mukuha ug time nila. Mao na nga every mersion, unsa ang life ani na mga badjao, unsa Smartwatch or an Apple Watch you can’t help to consumer technology. This feature, although jor question is if the Philippines, a country with an line of work. Max is the president and I am the meeting namo, mag set jud mig timeline. Like ang life ani among gipang tuli karun, unsay life but think “Well, what does it do other than telling limited, is a breakthrough in medical science. By LTE download speed of 9.5 Mbps (compared to the global average of 16.9 Mbps), is ready enough for a External VP, we do our tasks accordingly. Com- for example, diba naa tuy Project Daisy unta ani among gipang medical mission. And it’s a what the time is?” A Smartwatch can tell time, having a wearable device you can use anytime mittee heads, together with the students on way pud na ma- apply pud nimo unsa imung nationwide implementation of online learning class- for mental health. Sige mig follow-up ana nga date, and display notifications when paired with and anywhere that monitors heart rate, informa- es? that committee should come up with their own kanang unsa may schedule. Actually, naa miy nakat-unan sa med school, nga unsay adjust- your smartphone. Newer versions can do fitness tion about heart conditions has never been more projects. They should be the ones to initiate. schedule sa tanang year levels, Kairos, Invictus ment ba na makita nimo. Also how to deal tracking, send messages, built-in heart rate accessible. It also has increasing reports accu- According to Opensignal, a UK-based mo- Me, Max and the other officers are just there to ug sa Tritonos nga dapat mu meet mi halfway. pud with people, for example, how to talk with monitor, voice assistant enabled, and can track rately detecting heart abnormalities. The trend bile analytics company, the Philippines only has a overlook and give a helping hand. Mu meet mi unsa nga schedule lang pwede. people na in authority. For example, we got to your location with GPS. A new feature being in- and demand of Smartwatches will bring further 63.7% LTE availability. LTE availability is the percent- For example, mu call mig meeting, “guys naa talk with the city health officer sa Cebu City, sa troduced to Smartwatches is what we call ECG development to the technology, like new inno- age of an operator’s known locations where a device has access to LTE service (including roaming). Where Given the 102 aspirants of DASIG. How do mi long exam ana” so I cancel ang meeting. So, Mandaue City. We got to talk with the regional or Electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram is vative features such as measuring non-invasive you screen them? Or are they automatically director sa DOH. In a way it teaches you how did the 37.3 percent go? Think about provinces and dili mi mu atat ug schedule nga kabalo mi na a test conducted by medical professionals to blood glucose for diabetic patients, blood oxy- remote areas where people have to climb trees or part of DASIG? naay maligsan. to establish a network. Sa medicine man gud, detect heart problems, it is done by measuring gen levels and more. go to the city to have internet access or even send dili man gud ikaw ra isa hantud mu graduate the electrical activity of heart contractions. It is a text message. However, even people from the cit- Ang 102 kay dili na sila automatic full Ako mismo, sa pag manage nako as an ka. You need to link with other people so naa useful in the diagnosis of arrhythmias which can These Smart technologies are only in its ies also have problems with mobile internet speeds. members kay duha man among membership officer, mura man gud namo ug stress reliever kay link with other schools, naa kay friends with be a precursor to cardiac arrest. But how can early stages, it is critical to not entirely rely on According to Speedtest Global Index, in terms of mobile internet speed, the Philippines ranks 103rd diri, candidate members ug full members. Ang ana nga dili ra kay friends mo kay tungod high a tiny gadget detect abnormal heartbeats when its diagnostic capabilities but to seek immediate ang org na stuff. Although usahay ma stressor among 139 countries in their survey. The country is amo-a man gung gipangita sa members kay school classmate mo, so nagka friends mo siya pud labi nag nay mga activities, nya amoa a 12-lead ECG recording machine in a hospi- professional help and care when experiencing even at a lower level than war-torn country Syria who those [who are] committed. Although, what we kay sagunson amo exams plus duty plus ing kay tungod sa org nga “uy unsay update ninyo tal requires 10 electrodes attached to the chest, abnormal signs and symptoms. Self-diagnosing ranks at 83. assure is that we won’t get too much of their ana. Pero ma manage rajud nimo ang time labi dira uy? Pa apila mi ana nga activity ninyo.” So arms, and legs of a patient in an ideal set up to using such technology can cause repercussions time. We actually have 4 or 5 steps. Ang first na kung kabalo ka nga ang imung officers kay mao na akung ganahan lang na ingnon sa mga properly conduct? Well, the latest Smartwatch- and major problems. Consulting a medical doc- Price does not often correlate to quality. is the sign up. Then, [next] you need to attend masaligan nimo nga ma delegate-an nimo nga gusto muapil. You may discover your role, un- es contain various sensors that were originally tor and undergoing medical tests are still the Despite having one of the slowest internet speeds, the general assembly. Then, [next] is you need say inyohang mabuhat as yourself, for yourself, used to record the health and workout routine of best solutions for preventing and diagnosing the internet in the Philippines is highly expensive. A ma sakto ug mahuman gyud ang trabahuon. report by Speed Test showed that the average Fili- to attend the team building kay 102 kabuok di- and for the organization as a whole. an individual, known functions health problems. pino user spends $18.19 per Mbps versus the global verse people then dili pa magkitaay pirmi kay average of $ 5.21 per Mbps. In the country, most lain lain ug batch so we need to have a team mobile data users would subscribe to the 1 GB/3- building nga at least makita and ma showcase day plan which costs 50 pesos or 16.6 pesos/day. nato gani ang camaraderie. Also, they need to Other data plans are also available. However, for have a batch project. So, per year, nay batch minimum wage earners and the unemployed par- ents, this amount could already take a toll on their project na sila mismo candidate members, gi- meager budget. assign or gipapili mana sila sa subcommittees, they will be evaluated according to their com- Another issue is the availability of gadgets mittee kay gipapili mana unsa ilahang most for students in a household. While there is a lack liked or suitable sila nga committee. So graded of data to provide evidence for this issue, the mere sila didto per committee. They need to come knowledge of how much gadgets cost nowadays could already give us an idea that not all could afford up with a project nga on their own. Sila mismo online classes. mu initiate, kami mu guide lang mi, mu tan aw mi unsa among matabang, pwede budget-wise It is but a reality that if online classes are still mga ing-ana. It’s their way pud ba na makakita to be enforced given mobile data costs, gadget un- gani ug initiative. Then, after that, you need to availability, and internet lags, some students will also lag behind. attend the induction. Mag pinning if ma apil ba PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE jud ka as a full member. PHOTO CREDITS TO: DASIG 20 HEALTH AND SCIENCE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 21

Pandemics in History The mind’s double-edged sword FILM MAKING MARVIN ROI LAPASA ANTHONY ARANETA Red Flags STRUGGLES OF Evolutionarily speaking, species have developed ways of surviving life. This range from camouflage, mimicry, and even attacking first rather than be preyed upon. It’s an instinct of the CAPTURE THEIR FIRST CHIP! MEDICAL STUDENTS Homo Sapiens species to defend himself in times of emergency. However, too much of it is det- rimental, too. MIKHAEL JEFF YAMIT KIMBERLY DAVID

In Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, there are three components of the mind: Id, Ego, and Superego. These components are further involved in the development of one’s per- Many people like to watch movies or TV series. sonality and then effectuated to behavior. Id, which represents the unconscious level, pertains It is even one of the famous past-time to Netflix and Chill. to instinct or pleasures without the consideration of reality. Thus, it has the impulsive tendency But has anyone asked themselves what it is like to make a among the three. Ego, the conscious level, involves the reality or circumstance a person faces movie or a film? at the moment. It also mediates the other two components to enable a balance of behavior. The Superego, the subconscious level, entails one’s values and morality in all aspects of life. It also The words medical student and studying might strongly opposes the Id. already be put up as synonyms due to the stereotype that a medical student should always study, but that doesn’t All these 3 components require balance. The deviation of one from the other compo- mean that medical is all about just studying and no fun. nents (too much or too little) will result in a devastating and unacceptable action in relation to norms. As the Ego fails to present a valid reality, this creates imbalance resulting in anxiety and University of Cebu - School of Medicine has an defense mechanisms reflected to the person’s behavior. annual activity for first year medical students regarding film making called Medcinema, a word play for the words One’s mind may be likened to a sword constantly sharpened by external forces. When medicine and cinema. Students are divided into five PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE these forces turn right, it benefits the person. If not, then this is where we got our problem. groups and will be assigned with certain topics in Physi- ology and Biochemistry randomly. Is it challenging? It is. A defense mechanism operates at an unconscious level to help veer away from un- Not until a script should be written. Today, the world is at war. Not between nations, but against a common invis- wanted feelings (i.e., anxiety or guilt) making the person feel better. Being a species hard-wired ible enemy, COVID-19. We were all caught off guard, unprepared, and unequipped. for survival, any uneasy feelings trigger a defense mechanism. While this is natural at most times, Film making is not as easy at it seems. Sure thing it can also blow out of proportion. When defense mechanisms and the confronting triggers do not This pandemic has changed lives more than we know. It turned the feared impossibility one might know how to make a youtube video as fast as reach their impasse, it develops into neuroses such as anxiety, phobia, obsessions, and hysteria. Flash, but film making requires creativity beyond any level. into a devastating reality. Countries around the world regardless of economic standing There are a lot of defense mechanisms, and some of it we use in everyday life. are all struggling to win this battle. A very sad part of history in the making, yet not the Production people are the backbone of film mak- first of its kind. For some of us, COVID-19 may hopefully be the first and last pandemic DENIAL ing. Sure thing the actors and actresses that we can see we ever experience in our lifetime, but did you know that the world has actually experi- on screen make the film come into life, but the people be- enced worse? Here are a few of the pandemics that did not only left empires crumbling This is the most common defense used by an individual. It involves a refusal to ac- cept reality, thus blocking external events from awareness. When a situation is too much to hind the camera deserves the same recognition as them. down but actually made a mark and completely changed the course of human history. handle, a person may respond by refusing or denying that it exists (i.e., A person may refuse So how difficult is the film making process of Medcinema? to recognize his/her intimate feelings to someone.). MUST CORRELATE THE TWO TOPICS The Black Death (1347-1351) Smallpox REPRESSION PHOTO CREDITS TO: SOL LANGOMEZ UCSM’s Medcinema are about Physiology and An unconscious defense mechanism employed by the ego to keep disturbing, Biochemistry topics. You cannot just easily write a script, Also known as the Bubonic It was a virus that infected people threatening, or unwanted social behavior from becoming conscious. Somehow it helps the you need to connect the dots between this two subjects. plague, the Black Death is the most fatal around the world for thousands of years. individual control himself, oftentimes it’s not very successful in the long term since it will force Sure it’s easy to think, but can anyone easily make a script pandemic ever recorded in human history. The early medical text showed that it may certain troubling wishes, ideas, and memories into the unconscious creating anxiety to the Red flags pulled out all the stops for es with big events like volleyball, badminton regarding Cardiac Physiology and Lipid Metabolism for a The disease left 200 million people dead. have originated from Ancient India and individual that somehow manifests through dreams or slips of the tongue (i.e., Oedipus com- 15-20 minutes short film? About 20 million of these are from Europe, China. The disease claimed some 300 plex, aggressive thoughts about same-sex partners are repressed and pushed down into the their first win and became overall champions (men), scrabble, mobile legends and most killing about one-third of the continent’s million lives worldwide in the 20th cen- unconscious.). of Medgames 2019 held last September 20- of the games in larong pinoy, things were fi- FINDING A LOCATION IS DIFFICULT population. The disease was caused by tury. Eradication started with a procedure 21 at the UC-METC Campus. nally looking bright. But any UCSM student It’s a challenge even for professionals in finding the bacterium Yersinia pestis, an organism called “Variolation”, done by collecting PROJECTION a proper location to shoot a film. It’s a must to get permits would know better than to relax midway, the and process documents just to shoot a certain scenes in that primarily infects rodents. The disease the virus from infected individuals and A defense mechanism that transfers the individual’s unwanted attributes of thoughts, a specific area, but being a medical student doesn’t give feelings, and motives onto another person (i.e., You hate someone, but you feel guilty and It was once again a time to indulge in red flags needed to secure the “sure win” with was then transmitted to humans by fleas. inoculating it into a healthy person. This a luxury of time to process and pay. The solution? Finding such hatred is unacceptable. You can go around it by believing that they hate you.). good old sports and a bit of competition as smiles and screams of victory, Vincent Jed It was called “Black Death” because of the procedure, however, yielded a mortality an open area or public area where guards don’t exists. characteristic appearance of a plague-in- rate of about 3%. Further studies later Medgames came right around the corner. Four Wasawas and Jamie Guzman took on the task fected lymph node that swells and later came up with vaccination using Cowpox, DISPLACEMENT teams once again raced to the poles, with ev- to become Mr&Ms Medgames 2019 like Kobe SCHEDULE IS A MESS turns black, these tender and swollen a virus from the same family as Smallpox It’s a redirection of an impulse onto something less threatening. The target can be a ery one of them eyeing the bragging rights for in the fourth quarter. They came in clutch in With the almost every day exams and lack of lymph nodes are called “Buboes”, hence, but infect cows. Inoculation of the Cow- person or an object that can serve as a symbolic substitute. It is the pleasure of the Id which sleep, adding the schedule for medcinema shooting is it is also called the “Bubonic plague”. The pox virus into healthy humans has result- the Superego does not permit. So, the Ego transfers the Id’s energy (or pleasure) from a re- the rest of the year. This time, however, the every segment of the pageant like they were a real challenge. No weekend just for the shoot? That’s pandemic originally started in Asia and ed in immunity from Smallpox. The dis- pressed object to a more acceptable object (i.e., When you’re angry at your boss and you Red flags were named victorious as they se- on a mission. From introducing themselves to mostly the case, but keeping awake until the wee hours reached Europe through merchant ships. covery of the Smallpox vaccine has saved want to punch him, but instead you punch the wall.). cure a convincing score of 489 led by its front- the much-awaited Q&A portion, they showed shooting? That’s a different story millions of lives in the succeeding years. runner, Janos Gravador. Code blue came up composure under pressure and maneuvered Plague of Justinian (541-542) The World Health Organization finally an- RATIONALIZATION EDITING IS UNEXPLAINABLE nounced the complete eradication of the A defense mechanism involving the cognitive distortion of “the facts” to make an second with a score of 455 points followed by through the judges’ queries like the last exam Editing the scene and feeling not satisfied with the shot? Wanting to reshoot but no time? That’s actually Caused by the same pathogen Smallpox virus in 1980. event or an impulse less threatening. Thus, people provide excuses for it to be fair (i.e., When the Leukowarriors with 438 points and for the of the bimonthly week. But of course, they one of the challenges in making the medcinema. Most of as that of the Black death, the plague of a situation is somehow difficult to accept like death or natural phenomenon, one would explain fourth, Gold standard with 430 points. only showed this level of performance be- it as “God’s will”.). the entries were shot during the weekend and reshooting Justinian has brought devastation to the Spanish Flu (1918-1920) cause the competition went at them too with is such another boredom, and another wasted time dedi- Byzantine empire in 541 and was later The Reds went on an uphill battle at the grit and determination, a trait inherent to us all cated for studying. Sure thing it’s easy to pay someone to on spread by merchant ships and trad- It was a deadly pandemic caused REACTION FORMATION shoot and edit, but it’s still a different satisfactory feeling ing. The disease claimed about 50 million by the Influenza A virus. The disease in- A defense mechanism in which a person behaves in the opposite manner of what he start finishing last in the opening event. Some- UCSM brethren. when doing it on your own. lives. It was named after the Byzantine fected about one-third of the world’s actually feels. It is marked by exaggerated behavior like showiness and compulsiveness (i.e., how strings of misfortune followed its way as emperor at the time, Justinian I, who also population at the time. The fatality was Homophobic men are making defense against their homosexual feelings by creating harsh they placed last in the dance competition as In the end, the Red flags showed a Working in film industry is such a big challenge contracted the diseases but later on re- reported to have reached approximately anti-homosexual attitudes to convince their heterosexuality.). and people in production deserves a proper recognition. covered. 50 million worldwide. It actually killed it proved that the other teams were way more lot is possible with teamwork. And with the So the next time you watch a film, remember the cam- more people in its first 25 weeks than HIV prepared. With the added last finish place in Medgames showing this aspect of the stu- eramen, the director, the set and costume designer, the With these behaviors, one can say that I’m surviving and protecting myself but too editor, and other people behind the scenes. After reading Asian Flu/H2N2 Pandemic (1957-1958) has killed in 25 years. In the US alone, it much of everything is unacceptable and may develop future consequences. the poster and cheer, things are not looking dents, it certainly is more than just an event killed more people than World War 1. The this, make sure not to skip the credits at the end of the good as they might end up waving flags of to let off some steam. A bit of friendly com- film. H2N2 was a category 2 flu pan- Spanish flu was rather unusual because The mind is a double-edged sword and in order to sharpen this sword, it needs a Due to the pandemic, the annual UCSM Medcinema faithful understanding and patience of acknowledging limitations and boundaries when faced defeat at the end. But with any good sports petition here and a lot of fun there definitely demic that has originated from China. The commonly, high fatalities of influenza is showing was cancelled, therefore, there were no winners with triggers. To learn one’s defense mechanisms is another form of survival, in which instead movie, the reds went for the jugular when it makes all the difference. disease caused an estimated 1.1 million seen in either the very old or very young announced. Below are the list of UCSM Medcinema en- of the unconscious controlling us, we have a control over our unconscious and therefore, we deaths worldwide. Fortunately, a vaccine population. However, during the Spanish mattered the most. Having top podium finish- tries for the school year 2019-2020. against H2N2 was later on discovered flu pandemic, the highest fatality recorded can use our defenses wisely. causing a decline in new cases and even- occurred in the young adult population. tually led to its eradication in 1968. 22 SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMICS 23

LIPOTOPIA

Four humans discover an old book, a por- tal to the world of lipid. They’re reborn with A NIGHT OF GLITZ THE SERVIANT new strengths and weaknesses and it’s only a matter of time before they realize that their lives are numbered. In order to return to the real world, they must defeat anyone who AND GLAMOUR COMICS blocks their way, destroy the buildup, and MARVIN ROI LAPASA JOSHUA ZACHARY ALO AND ANGEL MELODY LEGERA win the fight against Atheros, the embodi- ment of pure evil. The whole pack of direwolves came together to celebrate a night Will they see the light of day, or will they. of sophistication and class. Last August 30, 2019, the Oakridge Pavillion succumb to the dark world of lipotopia? in Mandaue City rolled out its red carpet for the first ever UCSM Med gala. Highlighting the stylish side of UC with the theme inspired from the hollywood film “Crazy Rich Asians”.

SURVIVAL OF THE FECES: INTO THE UNKNOWN

Survival of the Feces is an annual event that takes place in every city. However, after ev- ery episode of the event, the survivors are nowhere to be found. A group of teenagers will go on an adventure to find the answers to their questions.

Khryzl Barbarona showing us the definition of fierce with her partner Mark Cuyos during the head turner’s fashion show.

HAIMA

Newt, Lim, Mona, Eyo, and Bash, a group of friends, get sucked into a game and find themselves in a place filed with transport- ers and patchers who work day and night to keep the system running. Late they’ll find out that threats lurk in the midst. In order to get back home, they need to fulfill their destiny: defend the system.

Players from different teams surely put their game faces on, Perhaps because medgames is just around the corner.

TCA - THROUGH CHANGES AND ACCEPTANCE

All Glyco Jane longed for was to study at the University of Cerebra. However, conflicts arise when her family are directly against her ambitions. Will she give up her dreams to fulfill the expectations of her family or will she branch out of her familial bonds to expe- rience the TCA cycle of life? Join Glyco Jane as she learns the true meaning of ambition, forgiveness, and family. It wasn’t just the students who enjoyed the night but also the ever supportive faculties who were grilled in the hot seat.

WHAT HAPPENED TO MYOSIN 005?

Actin, Muscular Corporation’s big boss, is in the process of deciding who to promote. In order to get the promotion she desires, Troponin will do anything to remove any obstacle in her path. Trobe ensues as Actin notices another employee, Myosin 005, and Troponin tries to remove her from the equa- tion. The top fashionistas of the night who made a lot of heads turn. Epitomes of the real crazy rich asians.

PHOTO CREDITS TO: PAUL MAITEM 24 STAFF

EDITOR’S NOTE THE SERVIANT ON REBRANDING Dear readers, training. We forget, sometimes, that Because of them, this has become a we have a voice in the community. We reality. And because of you, the read- It is unfortunate to have ex- can make an impact albeit not sudden. ers, this has become validation. May The Serviant traced its roots back to a perienced a pandemic of this mag- But regardless, an impact. you read every article this paper has group of students (then student writers) encour- aged by the Dean to create a publication represent- nitude in our lifetime. These days it’s to offer. ing the school. For 2 years, it has diligently pub- not even the only dilemma; we face May it be slow and steady, lished a full school paper despite the challenges of not only the dangers to health but progress is still progress. In a med- It may have taken a while but different schedules, ideas and style of writing from its members. As a conclusion of the Academic Year also other hard pressing issues in school as little as ours, sparks of we’re here now. Thank you for wait- 2019-2020, the editors, writers and contributors our society. Hunger, justice, equality, change from an act of kindness can ing. of The Serviant aim to leave a piece of legacy by permanently embedding the school publication’s freedom, are just some of the prob- ignite a ripple that’ll affect the future. identity in the student body’s consciousness. In line lems that have always been present Use our voice today to establish a cul- Respectfully yours, with this objective are the creation of new official but are at times neglected in a cruel ture of support so that future UCSM logo and theme, new officership designations and the launching of the official Facebook page. world such as ours. I guess the say- students can be better than what Mikhael Jeff T. Yamit ing is right, it does pour when it rains. we’ve already proven in the present. The new logo essentially displays an As- clepius’ staff imprinted inside a point of a pen which They’ve been highlighted, underlined And maybe in the years to come, our PS. I’d like to express my sincerest is the literal translation to our new catchphrase: and enlarged to a point it’s wrong to voices can help a larger cause. By put- gratitude to all of the editors most “where passion meets the point of the pen.” ignore it. Scratch that, it has always ting a collective effort, as cliché as it especially Quennie Nikki Paring for Asclepius is a mythological Greek God been wrong to ignore it. may sound, a lot is possible. the many ideas that she shared that of Medicine and Healing which translates “to cut helped us to this day, Ann Jennifer open.” While The Serviant, which literally means “being a slave to,” represents the school publica- But like a sad tone in a para- That is what we’re trying to Alvez for being the one to layout this tion’s pursuit of being a slave in writing the raw and graph, it is there to make a point. As achieve in this third issue of The Servi- 3rd issue and main graphic artist for challenging life of UCSM students, faculty, non- students of medicine, we are expect- ant. It hasn’t been easy putting this to- the social media aspect of the Servi- faculty and the rest of its community. Coupled with this, it is our goal to serve UCSM to what we know ed to be focused on how to become gether while figuring out different ob- ant and lastly to Gretchen Garcia for most – words. We believe that it is through our com- competent physicians. A little too of- stacles along the way. But because of all the consults, decisions, organizing mitment and passion to neutrality, transparency and dynamic creativity, and if we might even boldly ten, we become trapped in our bub- cooperation, understanding and sup- that was made during our time here say our quirks as a writer, that we can influence our ble and forget that we were citizens port from the editors, writers and con- in this publication. Daghang salamat small community of readers who will become future first, even before we were doctors in tributors, we managed to pull through. ninyo. leaders in medicine. THE SERVIANT STAFF

MIKHAEL JEFF YAMIT GRETCHEN GARCIA QUENNIE NIKKI PARING STEPHANIE DOROG Editor-in-Chief Managing and Copy Editor News Editor Feature Editor Batch Invictus Batch Invictus Batch Invictus Batch Invictus

ANN JENNIFER ALVEZ MARVIN ROI LAPASA JOSHUA ZACHARY ALO JANICE ANN LALUNA Literary Editor Health and Science Editor Editorial Cartoonist Photography Head Digital Graphics Editor Entertainment Editor Graphics Head Batch Invictus Batch Invictus Batch Invictus Batch Invictus

MARK ANTHONY ALMOSARA ANGEL MELODY LEGERA MARIE LOUISE JUMAWAN L’MONDEE RIO NERI Editorial Writer Feature Writer and Cartoonist News Writer Feature and Health & Science Writer Batch Kairos Batch Kairos Batch Invictus Batch Invictus

CONTRIBUTORS Myles Braga Kimberly David Exzel Lei Fuerzas ANTHONY ARANETA JOSHMARY SAPLAD ZINAICAH SY Paul Maitem Literary and Health & Science Writer Feature Writer Cartoonist Christine Mae Pinero Batch Invictus Batch Kairos Batch Invictus