‘Why?’: Netizens baffled over Asec’s UST alumni award

Over 1,000 reactions, 700 shares and nearly 500 comments in just an hour are more than enough to be viral and make it to the top of social media trends.

However, it is also enough to #tigger (get fill with hate) critics, but twice as faster.

In the same way, a special award granted by one of the most respected institutions in the country can be so momentous, but also special, in another way.

The content? A photo of ASec Mocha Uson receiving a recognition from the Thomasian Alumni Award for Government Service, that was posted by the Varsitarian, University of Sto. Tomas’ official student publication, on Facebook after the event.

As expected, heaps of netizens denounced this move and chose to vent it out on social media:

“What were the qualifications to be awarded like this? Did she pass the civil service exam?”

“What did she do to uplift the name of the institution and its alumni?”

“She does not, in any way, embody the ideals of a real Thomasian.”

Acceptable.

And then, some went further with comments like: “Shame shame shame USTe !!!!! KADIRI !!!!!! Not a proud Thomasian right now.”

Ughm. Understandable. But I’m quite uncomfortable with the choice of words, considering from whom these are coming from.

Consequently, random trolls and haters joined the discussion: “Bravo UST. Middle finger salute to you. Cen so r ed...”

Now, I myself, was baffled.

Two points that I would to throw in:

First, regardless of ‘who gives who?’ the question is ‘what?’and ‘which is which?’Because according to the publication’s new editor, it’s supposed to be a grand alumni homecoming and not a special awarding ceremony. Thus, knowing the criteria will make everything cl ear er.

Second, I personally think that UST graduates, first and foremost are, if not the only ones, have the right to question, if they disapprove, of the alumni award. They can do so through their alumni association. Technically, undergrads may not even have a say in it.

Moreso, keep in mind also that UST, unlike, other universities is a PRIVATE school. Whatever they want or decide to do is their business. ‘So Kalma lang at huwag mema (‘may masabi lang’).’

Stay Active until our next chat!

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