Last April 12,2020 Valenzuela City was the first that tried doing mass testing.
Photo by ABS-CBN News
The first persons who got tested are from the family members of two nurses that were found out to be positive for the coronavirus using a South Korean-made kits approved by the Food and Drugs Administration, Mayor Gatchalian said to the press.
The samples taken will be delivered to confirmatory tests at The Medical City in Pasig City. The clinic can shelter at least 25 examples from Valenzuela in a day, and can deliver the outcome of the tests two days from the time the samples are submitted, Gatchalian said. Gatchalian also said that with a supply of 1,000 test kits every week they plan to test at least 25 persons every day.
Photo by ABS-CBN News
On the other hand, Quezon City Government also did their testing in areas that have a high number of PUIs. They plan to conduct an initial of 1,300 test kits from DOH, City health officer Arias said.
Rolando Cruz, head of the city’s epidemiology and surveillance unit said that all the people that show any kind of symptoms will be prioritized in the testing.
CHED recommends universities and colleges to implement a flexible learning process for the next school year as the alternative learning method amid the threat of pandemic crisis.
In an interview with the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, Mr. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera, he stated that they may implement flexible learning for the universities and colleges. Also, he mentioned that the universities that can implement flexible learning can start classes in August and those who have difficulty in flexible learning may start maybe in September or even later, depending on their capability of using a flexible learning process.
He further discussed the difference of online classes to the flexible learning process. He said that there are not only online classes because it’s just a part of flexible learning, it also employs other methods to deliver the lessons to the students without the need for internet connections.
In flexible learning, they will both use online and offline options for the students CHED clarifies.
In other state universities like UP, Mr. De Vera said that they are doing it before even before this pandemic comes. He added that colleges and universities will be redesigning the syllabus, adjusting schedules for the students. Also, he said that the enrollment pattern is different.
During the interview, the interviewer asks Mr. De Vera if CHED will ask the private universities to lessen the expenses including the tuition fee and another miscellaneous fee that students are paying for.
“Yes, the private universities are doing that now and CHED does not have to tell them to do it because that is already a practice. Remember, Ateneo de Manila University has already reimbursed tuition and on the other hand, La Salle was told me that they will do the same.”
Regarding that, he also said that the other private universities are crediting excess payments of the second semester to the flex semester.
“So kaniya -kaniya silang pagtingin dun sa fee structure nila and they are adjusting the fee structure depending on the delivery structure that they will implement starting on the opening of the school year.“, he added
As a response to the wide spread threat of the COVID-19, President Rodrigo Duterte the ordered lockdown in the entire Metro Manila Region from March 15, 2020 to April 14, 2020 was extended until May 15, 2020 amid the unstoppable growth of positive cases.
In the address of the President, he said that strict implementation of lockdown is a must, thus, he will deploy soldiers and police in different city in Metro Manila to order peace and to ensure the safety of every resident through restriction of going out unless workers and frontliners in this time of pandemic.
President Rodrigo Duterte added that anyone who will say something against the government or will not follow the rules will be immediately punished.
He also ensured that the government will give its citizen enough food and other supplies to survive the lockdown especially those who are greatly affected.
In addition, due to the spread of the virus, people are advised to protect themselves to avoid acquiring the virus.
According to World Health Organization, in order for the citizen to be safe, they provide the public basic protective measures against the new corona virus such as washing hands frequently, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding touching face, nose and mouth.
As the enhanced community quarantine continues, the Philippines is fighting the virus as one nation – many people volunteered to give reliefs and some have their own ways to entertain people amidst the negative effect of the quarantine to most individuals.
As part of Communication Day’s celebration, the Creative Communicators Society of Adamson University (CreaComms) in cooperation with Academic Scholars Alliance of Adamson University (ASA-AdU) conducted a seminar held at the Adamson University’s Science Audio-visual room last March 7, 2020.
The seminar entitled as “MINIMUS: Living Life with Benefits” together with their speaker, Ms. Beneah Gorospe, who delivers her speech to inspire everyone to help the environment in any way.
This aims to empower environmentalism and minimalist lifestyle by having an activity that teaches the attendees to be resourceful through providing them materials such as magazine, sticks and glue. Then after 30 minutes, each group transformed it into something creative and usable.
246th Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit of Adamson University (AdU) performed ceremonial parade and review, presentation of sponsors, and donning of ranks all in one day held at St. Vincent (SV) Facade last February 28, 2020.
Rev. Fr. Andrew S. Bayal, University Vice President for Student Affairs, NSTP Director and a Marine Reservist, promoted as the new Company Commander to lead the 722nd Marine Company Reserve.
The event started with the Arrival Honor, held at the Adamson University’s Meralco Building, to welcome Brigadier General (BGen.) Ariel R. Catacutan of Armed Forces of the Philippines, then followed with the welcome remarks by the University President, Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, C.M., at the SV Facade.
photo by Adamson Chronicle
Prior to the donning of ranks, presentation of sponsors with their escorts parade around the facade shows the responsibility handed to them. The cadet officers handed the lady sponsors a flower which they accepted proudly.
LCDR Bayal upholds “pro deo et patria” in his life which means “for God and country”. Devoting himself not only for the Adamson University but to also to God as he leads the 722nd Marine Reserve Company of Adamson University.
Photo by Adamson Chronicle
One of highlights of the program, the donning of ranks took place being led by BGen. Ariel Caculitan, followed by the commission ship and oath-taking of Rev. Fr. Andrew S. Bayal, C.M as a new Lieutenant Commander (LCDR).
photo by Adamson Chronicle
LCDR Bayal will now be the new Commander of the 722nd Marine Reserve Company of Adamson University with the unit called, “Mandaragit: Mandirigmang Karamay sa Gitna ng Hamon at Pagsubok” which relies on the University’s symbolic mascot – the Falcon. The event ended through a pass-in-review performed by the 246th NROTC Unit of Adamson University.
Various organization gathered at Mendiola Peace Arch to commemorate the 34th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution: Kapayapaan ng Bayan, Simbolo ng Kalayaang Ipinaglaban, last February 25, 2020, Tuesday.
The organizations aim to stop and protest against the oppressive policies and violation of human rights under the current Duterte Administration.
photo by Anakbayan-Adamson
“The current administration is a reflection of the complex history of the Marcos regime. Because just like a dictator, suppressing freedom of speech, using power to spread fascism, killed thousands of poor people who reflected in class war. Duterte has to be ousted because like Marcos, many are guaranteed violation of human rights, trying to suppress the rights and freedoms of the Filipino people,” said a member of Concerned Student for Justice and Peace Metro Manila, Rebecca Dabalos.
“Ang kahalagahan ng People Power uprising ay nakasaad na sa kasaysayan, whether pro or anti-Marcos ka dahil sa kasaysayan na naganap. Ito ay naging manifestation na may kabuluhan ang pag-aalsa ng masa mula sa kolektibong aksyon kaya magpabagsak ng diktador, pista, berdugong administrasyon. Through the people power we will regain our democracy,” she added. (PWEDENG DI NA ‘TO ISAMA)
photo by Anakbayan-Adamson
Some students from different universities also attended to voice out and fight for academic freedom related issues such as tuition fee increase, mandatory ROTC and red tagging.
Throughout the entire program, they are continuously chanting: “Marcos, Duterte, walang pinagkaiba! Parehong tuta! Diktator! Pasista!”
“Never Again! Never again to Martial Law!”
“Inutang na dugo ng pasistang rehime, singilin! Singilin! Pagbayarin!”
Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) attended the meeting at the Office of the President Conference Room regarding the consultation of the proposed tuition and other fees increase (TOFI) for academic year 2020-2021 last February 18, 2020.
Adamson University Administrators announced an eight to fifteen percent of tuition and othe fee increase while stating their reasons such as enhancement of various project, equipment, and facilities.
According to the administration, the proposed increase will not only meet accreditation standard for an Autonomous Institution but will also benefit all faculty members with their salary increase in accordance to Sec. 5 of the Republic Act 6728.
Agreement between Representative from various university sectors (faculty, parents, Graduate School Association, Alumni Association, and the College of Law Student Government) of fee increase for better education caused the students to clamor their complaint against the proposed increase.
Voicing out their concerns, some of the students are affected with COVID-19 pandemic crisis; Zobel fire tragedy and Taal Volcano Eruption where some students were not yet fully recovered stating an argument that not everyone has the capacity to adjust financially if the proposed tuition fee increase will be implemented.
Agitation of the student leads them to form a network joint, Ayokong Magmahal Adamson Network, an alliance with youth progressive organization that firmly opposes the proposed increase and questions the credibility of the Institution’s slogan “School for the Poor” “Paaralan para sa mga Kapus – Palad”.
photo by Ayokong MAgmahal Adamson Network
With that, the network undergoes an activity such Signature Campaign against TOFI to promote that education is a right not a privilege and wearing black shirt as a silent protest as a sign of solidarity to fight tuition fee increase last March 26, 2020.
Rumors clamored when the Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) allegedly threat the student who will be participate on the silent protest will receive a sanction. Some progressive groups condemn such as National Union of Student of the Philippines-Metro Manila they say it is a form of repression to the student’s academic freedom. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) denied that they have made a threat.
The petition is still on going and the AUSG release a solidarity statement against the proposed tuition fee increase with the caption “This is the plea of the student body. This is our stand. And we stand for more affordable and accessible quality education for all.” Many Adamsonian appreciate AUSG’s effort by standing on the student’s interest and this gave the Adamsonian a hope to continue their fight.
Various progressive group led by Gabriela Women’s Party gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio and marched to Mendiola to commemorate International Working Women’s Day last March 8, 2020.
The commemoration for a day is dedicated in order to honor the achievements of women throughout history, including why it is being celebrated and how they go against the oppression and fight for women rights.
Similar protests were held in various cities all over the country, Philippines, such as in Rizal, Bicol, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Roxas City, Davao City, General Santos City.
The said protest aimed to raise some issues such as women’s right to work, to increase wages, and to stop violence against women, comprising the misogynist remarks of the current administration. They also celebrated women who contributed on the liberation of women against patriarchal culture and encourage every woman to rise, resist, and unite against violence.
Adamson University (AdU) administration decided to suspend any online learning activities being held by some faculty members as the COVID-19 pandemic puts chaos in the country.
Last March 17, 2020, Tuesday night, #SuspendOnlineClassesAdU trended on Twitter as students from Adamson University protested the online suspension of virtual classes. The “Twitter Rally” was intended to let the students’ voice be heard and another way for them reach out the administration for an immediate response regarding the matter.
Adamson administration, on the following day (March 18, 2020), released a memorandum stating the temporary cancellation of e-learning activities in consideration for those students with limited access to internet connection and the risk of going out to rent in computer shops.
According from the office of President, administration and faculty must strictly implement the announcement effectively. Thus, any online platforms for learning are not allowed.
As an addition, AdU urged its faculty staffs to affiliate the midterm course syllabus in final term syllabus. While the releasing of midterms grades and tuition fee payments are expected to address appropriately when the classes resume.
On the other hand, students will still comply with their requirements once they get back to their classes.
“Meanwhile, we urge everyone to follow the national safety guidelines in the face of the enhanced community quarantine. Stay safe. Stay healthy,” as Adamson University advisory stated.
The Adamson Chronicle pushed through with their event with a cause last March 9, 2020 featuring local art and introductions to GUNITA 2020: Nita’s Awareness.
The annual theme GUNITA 2020: Mulat na si Nita is a program to encourage Adamson community to become aware of social issues such as the struggles of the oppressed community.
Photo from: The Adamson Chronicle
Celebration of art and music by Adamsonians was also one of main highlight of the event as the organization opened the program for all the students who wanted to show off their creativity and skills during the program.
In line with the events’ goal to support local artists, Art Fair showcased other forms of arts, guest speakers, and performances from local artists along with HIMIG (Adamson Music Organization)
Photo from: The Adamson Chronicle
It has also allowed small business owners to open product doors from the public such as Demmand Apparel Co., Arsonist Co., Paradice Clothing, UGH Clothing, Devil Clothing, Amss, and Large roads. Proceeds from selling art products in the event such will go to ICES-SAVE as fund for future needs.
Intuitus Est Herald 