The Varsitarian

The Varsitarian
Name	The Varsitarian
Type	Student newspaper
Format	Broadsheet
Founded	1928
Owner	University of Santo Tomas
Language	English
Headquarters	Manila, Philippines

The Varsitarian is the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. It serves as a forum for student journalism linking campus life with national issues, and has chronicled developments at the university alongside events in Philippine politics, Manila Bay, and the Catholic Church in the Philippines. The publication has produced alumni who later joined institutions such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, and various academic and cultural organizations.

History

Founded in 1928 during the administration of Rector Rafael Palma, the paper emerged amid student movements connected to institutions like the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University. Early coverage intersected with events such as the Commonwealth of the Philippines period, the Philippine–American relations, and educational reforms under figures like Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and World War II, campus publications across Manila experienced disruptions similar to those faced by outlets in Cebu and Davao City. Postwar years saw the paper report on issues linked to the Second Philippine Republic, the Bell Trade Act, and student activism inspired by movements in Hong Kong and Paris during the 1960s and 1970s. Under martial law declared by Ferdinand Marcos the paper navigated censorship challenges comparable to those confronted by editors at La Solidaridad and other periodicals. In the 1986 People Power Revolution, the publication covered developments alongside media organizations like Radyo Patrol and international press such as The New York Times and BBC News. In the 21st century it adapted to digital platforms used by outlets like Rappler and Vera Files while maintaining print editions for campus distribution.

Organization and Structure

The publication operates within the administrative framework of the University of Santo Tomas and coordinates with bodies like the Student Council and university faculties including the Faculty of Arts and Letters, College of Education, College of Science, and Faculty of Engineering. Staff roles mirror professional newsrooms with positions similar to those at The Washington Post and The Guardian—editors, reporters, photojournalists, copy editors, and layout designers—often collaborating with student organizations such as Sanggunian chapters and cultural groups like Sine-IT, UST Symphony Orchestra, and UST Singers. Governance involves editorial boards, adviser roles filled by faculty or journalists affiliated with entities like Philippine Press Institute and alumni networks connected to National Press Club of the Philippines. Training partnerships and internships have linked staff to media outlets including CNN Philippines, Manila Bulletin, and non-governmental organizations such as Human Rights Watch and local advocacy groups.

Editorial Content and Sections

Regular sections have historically included campus news, opinion pages, features, sports, arts and culture, and investigative reporting—formats paralleling those in Time (magazine), The Atlantic, and university papers like The Harvard Crimson and The Daily Californian. Coverage often spans events at the university such as academic convocations involving figures like Rector Magnificus appointees, art exhibits featuring alumni who later joined institutions like the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and sports competitions in leagues similar to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and Philippine Collegiate Champions League. Opinion pages have hosted commentaries referencing national figures including Benigno Aquino III, Rodrigo Duterte, and Leni Robredo, as well as cultural critiques engaging with works by authors like José Rizal, Nick Joaquin, and international writers featured in New Yorker essays. Photojournalism and layout draw inspiration from awards judged by bodies like the Canterbury Society of Editors and partnerships with press organizations.

Notable Coverage and Impact

The publication's reporting has documented university responses to national crises—typhoons affecting Luzon and Visayas, public health issues akin to outbreaks reported by the World Health Organization, and academic freedom debates intersecting with institutions such as Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines. Investigative pieces have prompted administrative reviews and dialogues with entities like the Commission on Higher Education and alumni associations including the UST Alumni Association. Alumni journalists have advanced to roles at major outlets such as ABS-CBN NewsChannel, TV5, Rappler, and print papers like Manila Times, contributing to national discourse on governance, human rights, and culture. The paper has also amplified cultural events tied to the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Paskuhan, and university-linked museums and archives.

Awards and Recognition

Staff and the publication have received awards from collegiate journalism competitions and press organizations such as the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, Philippine Press Institute, and media award bodies that recognize investigative reporting, feature writing, and photojournalism. Individual alumni have earned distinctions from institutions like the National Book Awards (Philippines), broadcast awards from the Catholic Mass Media Awards, and fellowships with organizations such as the Southeast Asian Press Alliance and international programs sponsored by Reuters and Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Controversies and Criticism

Like many campus newspapers, the publication has been involved in disputes over editorial independence, incidents that prompted debates involving the University Administration and student groups connected to national movements and organizations such as the Kabataang Makabayan and faith-based communities linked to the Archdiocese of Manila. Criticisms have addressed perceived biases in coverage of administrative decisions, clashes during periods of political polarization tied to figures like Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others, and tensions over censorship resembling controversies faced by student presses at University of the Philippines Los Baños and international counterparts during crises. These episodes have led to public forums, panels featuring academics from institutions such as De La Salle University and commentators from media organizations like Inquirer.net and Vera Files.

Category:Student newspapers in the Philippines Category:University of Santo Tomas