LAST Sunday, July 28, I saw for the first time the National Service Training Program (NSTP) “cadettes” train on the UST field. The medics and MPs, to be exact, since the “ordinary” cadets were attending lectures elsewhere on campus.
The sight made me stop and observe a bit, accompanied by one of our photographers. An officer walked up to us and reprimanded my companion for an earlier attempt to take a photograph of one of their activities. According to the former, our readers might misinterpret the prints that come out in the paper.
Sir, as I told you that day, it depends on the way things are presented. And as student journalists, we do our best to always present both sides of the coin, and not be biased.
Meanwhile, we cannot control our readers. We present what we see, but it is the reader who digests the story. And while there are readers who do misinterpret what they read despite our attempts at impartiality, let us not forget those who see differently, who are able to understand the situation better.
Let us not judge Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of even just eleven faithful. On their astute minds rests our hope that the real picture be disseminated to those who fail to see.
It is understandable how the NSTP is being careful about its image, considering that it is the direct descendant of the former Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC), which was marred with grime and scandal (the Varsitarian had a role to play in that, I admit, particularly in the exposition part). The NSTP is in the process of cleaning up the act of the ROTC.
However, let us clarify the concept of cleaning up one’s act. By cleaning up one’s act, I understand that there should be openness, or the courage to be open, if you are really sincere in your reformation. That way, everyone can see the effort and the difference.
Correct me if I’m wrong. Anyway, readers sending feedback means that the paper is being read, that our work to proclaim is not in vain. We thank readers for that, and at the same time try to address whatever issues the letters and comments raise.
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Speaking of letters, I often read emails containing requests that properly should not be addressed to us, but to the offices for Student Admissions and Public-Alumni Affairs, for examples.
Before you send us your letters, please check the University of Santo Tomas site at www.ust.edu.ph for the proper department.
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Back to the UST field. While the NSTP training was going on, I happened to notice the growing Beato Angelico building at the corner of España and P. Noval streets.
When finished, it will house the Colleges of Architecture and Fine Arts and Design. What I could not understand was the break-up of the former College of Architecture and Fine Arts, and the exodus of both its scions from the Roque Ruaño building.
Of course, there’s the fact that these departments are constantly growing. But I agree with the observation of a friend: wasn’t there a reason why our architects, engineers, and artists studied in one area? What do you think?
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As Marlon says, peace.
