THERE ARE a lot of reasons why Thomasians should read the Varsitarian.
“Thomasians must always read the paper because it is the only connection a student can have with the other colleges and sectors of the University,” Prof. Chrisma Caroline Bangaoil-Calumpang, Varsitarian associate editor from 1991 to 1992 and publications adviser from 1996 to 2002, said.
Unlike other student publications, the Varsitarian, the “V“ to its constituents, has a unique tradition and has its own culture.
“The Varsitarian is the product of blood, sweat and tears. Time management and setting your priorities become important to V members since they are students first. It is not just one of the oldest student papers, but also the most consistent school publication,” said Felicisimo Tejuco Jr., V staffer from 1996 to 2001.
The Past
The maiden issue of the “Varsitarian” (meaning University), came out on Jan. 16, 1928 through the efforts of several students headed by Jose Villa Panganiban, a Journalism student.
The purpose of the paper was stated in its very first editorial entitled ‘Confession of Faith’.
“The Varsitarian will be an independent organ of opinion of students wherein they can express their ideas regarding vital questions in the University,” wrote Pablo Anido, the first editor-in-chief.
Though burdened with financial and administrative difficulties, their passion for writing and belief in student democracy inspired these Thomasians to push through with the paper. After its very first issue, the Varsitarian never ceased publication, stopping only during the Second World War.
The Present
For nearly 75 years, the V has gone through a lot of changes in its format, contents, and staff.
Today, the Varsitarian operates under the guidance of publication advisers and is headed by an editorial board composed of the editor-in-chief, managing editor and associate editor.
The paper has sections similar to a newspaper such as news, sports, editorial/opinions, features, photography and art, each supervised by a section editor.
The remaining sections (Special Reports, Witness, Literary, Circle, and Science and Technology) are trademarks of the V.
The Special Reports section works on in-depth and investigative projects. The Witness section focuses on spreading the Catholic faith. The Literary section is a nesting ground for budding writers of prose and poetry, while the Filipino section promotes the use of the national language. The Circle section is similar to the lifestyle section of national dailies. On the other hand, Science and Technology is the youngest section of the V that is devoted to research developments in the sciences.
New blood
Every year, new blood is infused into the publication.
Qualifying examinations for the various positions are usually held in December. Qualified applicants are then required to take the specialized examinations, after which they undergo an interview.
However, being a Varsitarian staffer is not an easy task.
Panganiban, the founder of the Varsitarian had this to say: “I ate Varsitarian, drank Varsitarian. I want to think that I am the Father of the Varsitarian because I worked harder than anyone else to get the authorities to allow us to publish it and get distrustful and skeptical students to support it.”
“V” staffers usually make extra efforts in order to respond to their Varsitarian duties,” Tejuco said. “In order to perform their tasks, some staffers have to make sacrifices like being late or absent from class, staying up late or waking up early to cover an event. While there are excuse letters, they don’t really guarantee anything. It still depends on their professors.”
Rich tradition
Through the years, the Varsitarian gave birth to various annual events participated in by students.
First on the list is Pautakan, the 25-year-old annual inter-collegiate quiz show where the University’s best minds compete not only to win the trophy, but also to promote academic excellence and student camaraderie.
On the other hand, Gawad Ustetika, UST’s version of the Palanca, is on its 18th year. It recognizes and gives credit to the young and promising literary writers of the University.
Lastly, there’s Inkblots, which started in 1999. It is an annual campus journalism fellowship participated in by students and campus journalists from all over the country.
75, and still growing
To honor successful Varsitarian alumni and to commemorate the establishment of the paper, the Varsitarian organizes the homecoming called “Valik-Varsi”.
On Jan. 16, 2003, the Varsitarian will be celebrating its 75th founding anniversary. In line with this event, a grand Valik-Varsi is being planned, and will take place in December this year. The affair is expected to be the biggest Valik-Varsi yet, as V alumni will gather from all parts of the globe where they have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
Undoubtedly, the Varsitarian has grown through the years. Looking at what the Varsitarian has become, with its achievements and accomplishments as a student publication, it will continue to uphold the standards of truthful student journalism for years to come.
As the paper nears the celebration of 75 fruitful years, it remains steadfast and versatile amid the challenges that come its way. Obstacles may come, but nothing will stop the V from being the best student publication in the country.
As it nears its diamond year celebration, one thing is definitely true for the Varsitarian—it is here to stay. Joanne G. Fajardo
