January Inquiry Eic Close

“A Catholic University” COVER PHOTO BY TRISHA S. DE LA PAZ

INQUIRY

The GUIDON

Issues with an impact EDITOR: SARA D. MAWIS EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: ANGELA C. ESPINAS AND KATERINA D. FRANCISCO GRAPHIC DESIGN BY PAOLO ABAD AND JAMIE C. CHUAH

Inside In Focus: Raymond Aguas, Ph.D. There’s more to this RH bill supporter than meets the eye.

Behind closed doors What secrets do some of the Ateneo’s in-campus dormers protect?

In sickness and in health For some Ateneans, going to the infirmary is more of a pain than a relief.

JANUARY 2009 n VOLUME LXXVI n NUMBER 8 http://www.theguidon.com [email protected]

by Anna V. Bueno and Myron T. dela Paz

W

ord quickly spread not only in the University of Santo Tomas (UST), but also in the Ateneo, that The Varsitarian, UST’s official student newspaper, released an editorial entitled “Dishonest, mediocre, and anti-poor” last November. “By issuing a statement supporting the population control bill...the 14 Catholic members of the other Catholic university—the Ateneo de Manila—betray the canker that may eat into any Catholic institution that, while inherently holy, has tendencies toward evil,” The Varsitarian’s editorial begins. “Star Wars calls it the Dark Side, St. Thomas Aquinas calls it concupiscence. We simply call it intellectual dishonesty,” the editorial continues. The Varsitarian’s editorial was a backlash incurred by a paper composed by 14 Ateneo professors, titled “Catholics can support the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill in good conscience.” The paper used tenets of Catholic social teaching, as well as empirical research, to support its arguments on the population bill. “We are...deeply disturbed and saddened by calls made by some mem-

bers of the Catholic Church to reject a proposed legislation that promises to improve the wellbeing of Filipino families, especially the lives of women, children, adolescents, and the poor,” the paper says. The 14 Ateneo professors say that the population bill is, “in fact, ‘pro-life,’ ‘pro-women,’ and ‘pro-poor,’” though clarifying that their stand is not the University’s stand. Horsemen of the Apocalypse? An editorial is an opinion piece that reflects the stand of a newspaper. It does not necessarily reflect the stand of majority of its target readers, such as in the case of the studentry in the Ateneo, or in UST. The editorial speaks to the reader rather than for the reader. The Varsitarian’s editorial rebutted the professors’ paper by saying that the population bill is anti-youth, pro-abortion, anti-life, and anti-development. Many Ateneans have criticized the editorial for arguing its points ad hominem, or by using personal attacks instead of attacking the paper’s content. A statement from the edi-

torial, for example, expresses shock over the “academic mediocrity” of the professors. It also says, “Their support for the population bill is backed by the intellectual school of doomsday social science.” While rebutting the professors’ paper on other points, the editorial also called the 14 professors “Grim Reapers,” “Horsemen of the

aggresive attack to refute an opinion. Divinagracia says newspapers who name-call President Gloria MacapagalArroyo, for example, practice this style. “It’s the style of the editorial to be combative, to be aggressive, and then, of course, it’s also the style of the editorial to be friendly, to be congenial,” says Varsi-

“If you don’t agree with the minutiae of these teachings, then you should at least keep your traps shut.” Joselito Zulueta Apocalypse,” “Wolf-criers,” “doomsday pundits,” and “divination experts.” Varsitarian Editor in Chief Anthony Andrew Divinagracia says this is not ad hominem. “We attacked the stand of the 14, not their person,” he says. “Modern newspapers have written a lot of polemics…in that kind of style, to some extent, name-calling is allowed,” he adds. Polemics pertain to an

TINTED

tarian Publications Adviser Joselito Zulueta, who is also part of the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s editorial board and UST’s Journalism Department faculty. Zulueta says the editorial wanted to point out that the 14 professors should not have twisted Catholic social teachings in their paper. “Since you [14 professors] are Catholics, or educators of a Catholic institution…you should at least have acquainted yourselves in the body of Catholic teachings that pertain to Catholic faith and morals.” “If you don’t agree with the minutiae of these teachings, then you should at

least keep your traps shut,” he says. Zulueta says the editorial’s polemical style was an effort to attract more readers, too. The point was to come up with strong points to prevent the editorial from being boring. “We’re just looking for creative synonyms for alarmists, doomsday sceneries… There’s nothing malicious or libelous about that. I’m very, very careful with libel,” he says. “These are just fancy name calling, [but] it’s not ad hominem attacks.” “Immature mud-slinging” When the editorial reached Ateneans through blogs and email, many were shocked and dismayed. Sociology and Anthropology Lecturer Mary Racelis, Ph.D, one of the 14 professors, says she was appalled when she first read the article, because of its tone. She says the right to debate is unquestionable, “but the tone and the derogatory statements [are unacceptable].” “Their arguments would have been more compelling if they respond[ed] in more sober terms, and desist[ed] [the use of] ad hominem remarks,” says Interdis-

AMMUNITI

ciplinary Studies Lecturer Marita Guevara, Ph.D., another one of the 14 professors. The editorial was also riddled with “inaccuracies, innuendo which are not based on fact,” says Racelis. The 14 professors’ arguments in their paper, however, are based on empirical ground data, says Racelis and Guevara. “We began with empirical realities…to find out, what are the situations on the ground? What are the problems of our women? And we were criticized for that,” says Guevara. Despite this, she says she is very happy that students, like those from UST, are tackling complicated issues such as the population bill. “I am a staunch supporter of students’ rights [freedom of speech and publication]… I think that it’s wonderful that students have that right.” Theology Professor Michael Liberatore, also one of the 14 professors, says that the editorial is exaggerated, but “okay.” Still, he adds that it is unfortunate that “people have to discuss the tone rather than focus on the questions that are im-

N Continued on page 3

The Varsitarian, UST’s campus publication, called 14 Ateneo professors “grim reapers” and “doomsday pundits” in an editorial. Did they go too far? SCREENSHOT FROM the Varsitarian website

The GUIDON

22

The GU

INQUIRY

January 2009

inquiry

September 2007

PHOTO BY VEN V. VALDEZ

Some student dormers do more than just eat, s

IN GOD’S SERVICE:

RAYMOND AGUAS, PH.D. by Angela C. Espinas

T

here is something about Assistant Professor Raymond Aguas, Ph.D., that makes even the quiet Theology Department alive and cheerful. As he sits down for the interview, he waves his hand as a welcoming gesture and starts talking to me as if we’ve known each other for a long time. Aguas’ decision to become a Theology professor was greatly influenced by his religious upbringing. As a child, he heard daily Mass and prayed the rosary with his family. He also served in his church as a sacristan and, eventually, a lay minister for quite some time. “I always had the fondness for mass. So [becoming a sacristan and lay minister] seemed like [the] natural thing to do.” Aguas had been “truly blue” all his life, having studied in the Ateneo since childhood. In 1990, he graduated with a degree in Management Engineering. Before that, he spent much of his college stay participating in debates, Sanggunian-related events, and other extra-curricular activities. Because of these, people expected him to become a lawyer. Pursuing law or even the corporate field, however, was out of the question when he heard Mass during his junior year. Says Aguas, Luke 18:18-23, the gospel where Jesus told a rich man to distribute his riches to the poor and follow Him, inspired him to teach. “I’ve heard the gospel hundreds of times maybe,” he says. “But, for some reason, that day, I go, ‘Okay, that’s what I’ll do.’” “[Pretty much], I decided, there and then that…I would not try to get rich. I would again try to discern what the best utilization of my talents would be for the service of…the Kingdom.” Family and friends were initially surprised when he told them of his career choice. “I guess I did not seem to be a likely candidate,” he jokes. Nevertheless, they supported him. Aguas has since become proud of what he has accomplished from his career, particularly the students’ evaluations. “[It feels] very good knowing that, in my own way, I [can] help make the gospel of Jesus of Nazareth come alive for these people.” Among his other feats, although a controversial one, is co-authoring a position paper entitled “Catholics can support the RH [Reproductive Health] bill in good conscience” with 13 other Ateneo professors. In it, Aguas and fellow professors expressed their support for the bill because of the Philippines’ current, poverty-ridden situation, among other factors. “Is this bill good enough?” he says. “I acknowledge [that] it’s not perfect [and]… have nothing against it being made better. But, there is also a sense of urgency [here].” “I’m willing to accept an imperfect but good enough bill, rather than a perfect bill that [still] might take 10 years to craft.” According to him, delaying the bill’s passage might leave the said factors unaddressed and, therefore, cost lives. Aguas also says that his support for the RH bill doesn’t mean that Catholics should use contraceptives and other artificial methods of preventing pregnancies. “[I and my co-authors] are simply recognizing the right of the people, whether Catholic or not, to, let’s say, do certain things [to make a difference],” he says. This position paper received mixed reactions from the Ateneo community. As reported in The GUIDON’s November 2008 issue, both the school administration and certain Ateneo alumni released separate statements, disagreeing with Aguas and the other authors’ arguments. Says Aguas, he isn’t surprised with the outcome, especially since the Philippines is predominantly Catholic. “I recognize the right of the Church to defend what it believes in, to be a legitimate voice in the discussion of Philippine legislation,” he says. “But, it shouldn’t be the only voice.” Amidst the entire hubbub, Aguas says that he hasn’t regretted supporting the bill. “I just think it’s the right thing to do,” he says. “Eventually, more people will see what we’re advocating.” As the interview draws to an end, Aguas says that he shouldn’t be considered as the RH bill’s poster boy. “I’m certainly not the leader. I’m certainly not the spokesperson… Just one of the 14 [professors].” And he is just that—a professor who believes that “direct involvement…with the underprivileged is extremely important.” Says Aguas, “I felt my talents would be best utilized teaching others, [hopefully to] get them to [be more directly involved].” n

by MM C.Tan and Frances Bea C. Cupin

M

ost Ateneans would probably consider the campus as their second home. After all, it is where they spend most of their time studying and engaging in extra-curricular activities. For some of them, however, “home” takes on a more literal meaning. Located beside the Church of the Gesu and right behind Berchmans Hall, the University Residence Halls are composed of Cervini Hall, Eliazo Hall, and the recently constructed University Dormitory. Over 621 students from provinces around the country live there. “Our mission as a residence hall is to provide a conducive environment for our resident students to fulfill the university’s ideals,” says Ateneo Residence Halls Director Timothy Gabuna in a mix of Filipino and English. Behind these dormitories’ walls, however, is an atmosphere that’s far from conducive. “Nakaka-affect talaga [ang ingay] sa akin, pero tinitiis ko na lang (Its environment really affects me, but I just make do with

it),” says Louie*, a senior who has resided in the halls for two years now. Also, according to him, some students engage in illegal activities such as using marijuana, drinking alcohol during regular school days, and even having sex with fellow dormers within campus grounds. “Memorable” Unknown to many, Cervini Hall is not the first dorm on

this time, with Ricci Hall as its temporary residence. In 1964, the need for a bigger dormitory led to the building of Cervini Hall. Unlike Bellarmine, which only had a capacity of 96 students, Cervini accommodated 200 dormers. Three years later, Eliazo Hall was constructed. As a result of the new residences, the gymnasium was closed permanently and Bellarmine Hall became a part of the col-

“The more that we tighten security, the more that they [the students] will do something.” Timothy Gabuna campus. Just after transferring from Padre Faura into the Loyola Heights campus, Jesuits supplied the need for in-school residences by using the second and third floors of the school gymnasium. When the college department moved into Kostka and Berchmans Halls, the gymnasium-dormitory was closed and Campion Hall, now known as Bellarmine Hall became the new college dorm. As the population steadily increased, the gym was opened again,

lege department. In 1972, Eliazo temporarily closed down after the enrollment rate dropped and the rate of drug use in its rooms increased. After seven years, however, Eliazo reopened. With the number of female Ateneans increasing, this dorm became exclusive for them. It was only in 1998 when the concept of the dorm as a second home was institutionalized through a series of strategic planning sessions.

According to Associate Dean of Student Affairs (ADSA) Rene San Andres, these programs are aligned with the then College of Arts and Sciences’ (now the Loyola Schools) formation thrusts. To embody the university’s ideals, the administration has the Ateneo Resident Students’ Association (ARSA) plan and manage much of the dorms’ activities. Besides this, ARSA’s committees, such as those of academics, spirituality, and sports wellness, help the dormers lead a balanced lifestyle. Resident mentors are also available to help them cope with their problems. “I want them to be happy with their experience in the dormitory so that when they graduate, they are in love with the residence halls and, in effect, in love with Ateneo de Manila,” says Gabuna in a mix of Filipino and English. “Although it felt at the beginning that I was forced to stay in the dorm, I will be forever grateful to have stayed there,” says Paula David (BS Psy ’05) in a mix of Filipino and English. During her four-year stay there, she had developed sibling-like relationships with her fellow dormers. “I loved my dorm experience and it tops the list of the most memorable things

RESIDENCE HALLS 101 15

EACH STUDENT IS ALLOWED

demerits

per semester

10

common lights are off by

PM is the weekday

curfew for freshmen

12

AM IS THE WEEKDAY CURFEW

FoR UPPERCLASSMEN AND

weekend curfew for freshmen

2

AM is the weekend curfew for upperclassmen

ATENEO DORMERS POPULATION

Data courtesy of timothy gabuna, ateneo residence halls director

The GUIDON

UIDON

INQUIRY

September 2007 inquiry

January July 20072009n 333

sleep, and study in the University Residence Halls. that happened to me in [the] Ateneo.” Securing the halls Like any other campus dorm, the residence halls aren’t complete without their share of delinquent behavior. In the halls’ case, loud chatting and computer gaming, as well as going home past the curfew, are the most common violations. As agreed upon by Gabuna and ADSA, minor offenses such as these are resolved by

the halls’ administration and the affected dormers’ families, among others. He also says that, since they’re solvable within the dorm community, they’re not reported to ADSA anymore. Dormers who commit minor offenses, which include the said common violations, receive a demerit. They are only allowed to have 15 demerits per semester. Otherwise, they will be put under probation as dormers the next semester. This means that they will get

kicked out of their dorm if they commit again more than 10 demerits. Meanwhile, those who commit major offenses, such as assaulting other dormers and stealing, are directly brought to ADSA. Also, to prevent these incidents from further occurring, the residence halls have five security guards, each with a 12-hour shift. According to Gabuna, the number of security personnel is based on the number of entry and

Not conducive. As unnecessary noise, sex, and drug use continue inside the Ateneo’s residence halls, some students don’t find their rooms conducive for studying anymore. Photo by TATA L. YAP

exit points that the halls have and not on the number of dormers. Going underground Some students, however, manage to get past these remedies. While the guards are required to do their nightly rounds around the halls, their inspection is only limited within the corridors. Inspecting the dormers’ rooms, without permission, is considered an invasion of privacy, and is thus prohibited. For instance, smoking, which is a major offense, is usually done inside the dormers’ rooms. This is despite the Smokers’ Pocket Garden near the dorms. According to Louie, this vice isn’t only limited to the use of cigarettes. “Before, in the old dorm, a lot of them were smoking marijuana in the balcony, although they never got caught since it [the room] doesn’t smell like [marijuana].” Things haven’t changed a bit, even when some students moved to the newly-built dormitories. Says Louie, people still smoke near the window. “You can see ashtrays and stuff [on] their bedside table.” Louie says that there are

also dormers who have sex in the balconies, their bedrooms, or the comfort rooms. Those who engage in these acts would often check whether their partners’ bedroom doors are locked. If they are, the dormers would then try to get in through the balcony “which is very, very easy.” Too lenient? Kriselda Evangelista (IV BS ME), who has been staying at the residence halls for four years, believes that their administration should be stricter in implementing rules. “I always wonder why some students still aren’t asked to leave the dorm despite the rumors I hear about their misbehavior.” She says, however, that, all things considered, security in the halls is “just fine.” While some security guards are friendly and others quiet, they know when to assert themselves to the students. “[The security guards] rarely check,” says Louie. He also thinks that the current number of security guards isn’t enough to further prevent rules from being violated. David thinks that the administration wasn’t that strict during her stay. “I think that the security system at Cervini is more lenient compared to

TINTED AMMUNITION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

portant.” Many Atenean students have strong opinions on the editorial. “I thought it was complete garbage,” says Leiron Martija (II AB-MA PoS). According to him, the editorial had no clearcut goal in trying to educate the youth about the RH bill and the country’s current situation. It wasn’t also trying to achieve anything more than “immature mud-slinging.” Vernice Quintana (III BS CTM) says the editorial was “terrible journalism.” “They could have dissected the stand, maybe presented counter-arguments,” she says. “Because ang pangit nung article, na-shroud na ‘yung whatever insight (Because the article was so poorly written, whatever insight it sought to provide was shrouded).” Fatima* says that she has no qualms about the editorial’s content. She did not agree, however, with the way it was argued. “They [writers of the editorial] attacked not the arguments of the professors, but the professors themselves

and the institution they represent,” Fatima says. “In doing so, they eliminated that space in which a valid, rational, and educated discourse can take place.”

Substance over form Compared to the controversy the editorial created in the Ateneo, however, the editorial did not much get attention in UST. According to Divinagracia, The Varsitarian, being the official newspaper of a Dominican-run Catholic university, “should and… must adhere to the teachings of the Church.” This does not mean that The Varsitarian always sides with the Church, he adds. Divinagracia cites a period when the newspaper went against three Dominican fathers during a case of mismanagement of funds. Zulueta says the editorial aims to “somehow pierce through the solid front against the Churches’ position in particular, and the pro-life position in general against the [population] bill.” News reports on the Church’s stand and activi-

ties on the population bill are under-reported, he explains. The national interest sparked by the 14 professors’ paper indicated how the media is biased toward those for the population bill, says Zulueta. “The media regime is unfriendly to the Catholic position,” he says. “The only way you can contribute to the discourse is to be combative in this sense.” The editorial is not the only thing that is combative, as proven by the Ateneans’ responses. While The Varsitarian has been receiving many reactions to its controversial editorial, Divinagracia says he can’t help but feel sad upon reading some reactions. “Majority of the dissensions is grounded on how [the editorial] was written…[but its] form, not the substance,” he says. “They’re just too fixated on reacting to how it was written, not on reacting or responding to what the arguments contain.” Zulueta adds, “[In] this Ateneo thread [on an Internet message board], they almost end up bashing the editorial for its name-calling, for the

Eliazo, especially during parties,” she says. Despite this, David believes security was still able to maintain its authority over the students. The right mix For Gabuna, however, tightening security isn’t an option. “The more that we tighten the security, the more that they [the students] will do something.” According to him, it might be that some students just want to experience the thrill of getting caught. He also tries not to make a big deal out of the dormers’ actions, particularly the minor violations. While this may be the case, San Andres says that there should be a balance between the dorm acting as a family and a sector of the school. “[The administration] became very explicit about the identity of the dorm as a second home away from home,” San Andres says. “You have to run it like a family, like a home.” “It cannot be the no-holdsbarred type because then, in fact young people will lose respect for the authority, if the authority lets them do whatever they want,” he says.n *Name has been changed to protect the individual.

contradictory points raised, for grammatical lapses, [but] they never pointed out what were those contradictory points, what were those grammatical lapses.” Divinagracia and Zulueta both say that the editorial was also grounded on facts, and was written after consulting with Biblical scholars and liberation theologians from UST. In the end, discourse Some student orgs in the Ateneo came up with stands on the population bill, before and after The Varsitarian’s editorial came out. The Ateneo Economics Association, for example, released a statement in support of the bill. The Ateneo Debate Society says it feels that the bill is a “progressive piece of legislation that tangibly helps Filipinos.” The Ateneo Student Catholic Action, meanwhile, has not supported or rejected the bill in its statement, but rather preserves a stance of openness and neutrality. Liberatore says, “[One’s views] depends on [one’s] interpretation of how things

Combative yet friendly. For Varsitarian Editor in Chief Andrew Divinagracia, name-calling in an editorial is permissible. Photo by trisha S. de la paz

should be interpreted, how [one] appl[ies] the ideas.” Racelis feels disappointed with the writers of the editorial. “They seem to have gotten entrapped by a certain orientation, perhaps, even, by a more conservative sector,” she says. “I suspect that there are others who don’t agree with them, but that’s not the

concern here. But they ought to think about that, too.” Divinagracia is aware that some people will still have contentions with the editorial, as is always the case in journalism. But he says the editorial “achieved its goal of spurring discourse and debate.” n

The The GUIDON GUIDON

INQUIRY INQUIRY

44

IN SICKNESS &

by Paolo B. Monteiro and Kathrine A. Larcia

C

ollege students usually resort to the Loyola Schools Infirmary (now the Loyola Schools Office of Health Services) whenever they get sick in school. While the seniors were having their medical-check up for the Theology immersion, Nicole* went to the infirmary because of a stomachache. The doctors and nurses present at the time, however, told her not to go inside because it was their lunch break. “I told them that my stomach really hurt,” she says. “[For me], that means I can’t go back at another time.” Though she was eventually given the medicine she needed, the said staff didn’t advise her how or when she should take it. “Even when they know that you’re in pain or feeling discomfort because of a particular illness, they really won’t open the door for you.” “And when they do, they address you as if you’re such an inconvenience.” More than just acute care The Loyola Schools Office of Health Services (LSHS) identifies itself as “a serviceoriented office that contributes to the Loyola [Schools’] vision of being a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit center of excellence for higher learning.” It currently has equipment similar to that of a family clinic, which among others, includes basic life support. It also requires that two nurses and at least one doctor be present at any given time. The clinic is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays, supposedly without any lunch breaks. According to LSHS Director and Leaders for Health Program Director Dr. Ray-

January 2009 September 2007 cross photo by jason c. mariposa

Ateneans run to the infirmary in their time of need. But how equipped is the facility to treat them?

IN HEAL H

mundo Baquiran, the administration restructured the Loyola Schools Infirmary into the current LSHS to cater to more sectors of the Ateneo community. “The reorganization into an Office of Health Services actually expands the role and the mission of the school infirmary to just providing acute care,” he says. Its formal run as LSHS began last June 2008. Unlike its former office, which was then under the Office of Administrative Services, LSHS is now a separate office that directly reports to the Vice-President of the Loyola Schools (VPLS). This is brought about by a VPLS-commissioned review in 2007 on the infirmary, which reveals that “assistance for acute care” is its only purpose. “We would like to be more proactive, because the infirmary service was more of a reactive service – students come to you because they need help and we respond,” says Baquiran. “By being proactive, we would like to be able to start preventive health education programs.” To further better its performance, LSHS plans to have a students’ database from which it can base its medical services. Says Baquiran, this database will come from the students’ medical records and the Ateneo College Students’ Survey. It will also come from the revised health forms that next year’s freshmen will have to answer. Paging the doctor According to Baquiran, walk-in cases require that nurses check the patients’ vital signs, such as their blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, and weight. After doing so, the nurse or the physician will determine whether the student or teacher concerned has to

IN TAKING CARE OF THEIR STUDENTS’ HEALTH,

SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE... + + + + + + + +

A medical and dental clinic for the delivery of preventive and promotive health services and the treatment of minor ailment and emergency cases For schools with 3,000 or more students, a room space of not less than 65 square meters, which is divided into compartments to suit the different health needs of the pupils/students Well-lighted and well-ventilated office A lavatory or handwashing facility with adequate and potable water supply Basic medical and dental equipment, stretcher, portable oxygen tank with regulator and other basic drugs/medicines and dental supplies Presence of health personnel while classes are ongoing A referral system for health, medical, and dental services with the local health office, government and private hospitals, and clinics for handling complicated cases. A list of hospitals, clinics and practitioners for referral of emergency/complicated cases, including their addresses and telephone numbers Data taken from Section 11.3, Chapter VI of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines

have further consultation. Medicine for hyperacidity, headaches, and the like are also made available to the community. In cases where an Atenean only needs to get any of the said medicine, the staff still assesses whether it’s necessary to be taken. This isn’t the case, however, for some students. Nicole, who had her stomach pains treated during LSHS’ transition period last year, says that, when she left the infirmary, she didn’t know what the pain was and what might have caused it. “Later on, I had to go back to the infirmary because [the pain] was still

there,” she says. “And when I came back and it wasn’t their lunch break, the doctor wasn’t there.” Mars de Torres (IV BS LM), however, has no qualms about the infirmary’s staff. Before its restructuring, de Torres had to go there after fainting while singing with the Ateneo College Ministry Group (ACMG) during the Mass of the Holy Spirit two years ago. “I was already suffering from painful migraines and severe asthma that week,” she says. “I neglected to take my [medicine] and did not eat breakfast because I was in a hurry to make it to practice

Waiting in vain.  Some students don’t get the help they need from the infirmary staff. PHOTO COURTESY OF DUEY T. GUISON

before the mass.” “By mid-mass, I was already feeling dizzy. I lost consciousness.” She was rushed to the infirmary and was injected with intravenous fluids. Along with the Campus Ministry Office staff and her ACMG adviser, the infirmary staff did their best to calm her while calling for an ambulance to fetch her. “[The infirmary staff is] generally accommodating to [the] students...When they know you’re there to get treated for something, they’ll make time for you.” De Torres, thinks, however, that the infirmary should have its own ambulance. In her case, she found it difficult while having to wait for the vehicle to arrive. “In situations where the infirmary can only provide immediate medical attention while the patient evidently needs more than [this], an ambulance becomes necessary.” New office, old problems? Another concern is the lack of a sophisticated health care system in the Philippines that the LSHS can follow. According to Baquiran, although there is a Commission on Higher Education policy on having and maintaining a school infirmary, it doesn’t specify what equipment it should have or how it should even be operated. Unlike in other countries, particularly the United States, Baquiran says that the country still lacks a health care accreditation body that can strictly enforce standards on health facilities. Although it has the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, its jurisdiction

only covers hospitals. Small outpatient clinics, like those in schools and universities, are not covered and, thus, have no means of being accredited. In LSHS’ case, it complies with the generally accepted set-up for clinics, such as having the said life support. Strengthening links Baquiran acknowledges that much still needs to be improved with LSHS. He says, however, that, hopefully, LSHS’ current system would be efficient enough to go beyond its acute-care purpose and, thus influence clinics of other schools to do the same. “The structure always serves the function,” he says in a mix of Filipino and English. “Whatever it is that you want to do, you have to complement it with the appropriate staffing to be able to do [so].” To do this, LSHS is trying to work with other LS units, such as the college Guidance Office. While the two are still definitely distinct, Baquiran says that coordination between them is much more fluid and close. Offices such as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, as well as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, are also involved in the coordination process, especially in crisis situations regarding mental health. “We want to move beyond the acute care and be more engaged in health concerns and health matters. That’s on the top of the priority.” n * Name has been changed to protect the individual