Fearing mass damages in case of a fire breaking out, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of Region 4-A CALABARZON calls out Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) on the school's lack of fire safety equipment.
As finalizations are completed on the new third-story extension on the JHS building of CCSIS for the school year, students and parents also air their fear, noting the lack of a fire hose for the two school buildings.
“Nakaka-concern lang rin kasi kung magkakaroon rin ng sunog o kung kaya’y lindol, kakaunti lang ang magagawa ng mga bata sa ganoong sitwasyon, lalo na’t nasa mga fourth floor rin sila, kaya nakakanerbyos rin kapag minsan,” Eddie Revilla, a parent of a G11 student claimed.
To alleviate the issue, fire extinguishers have been placed throughout the school in case a fire emergency happens, as well as fire alarms to alert people who are on school grounds.
CCSIS also conducts fire safety demonstrations in collaboration with the BFP such as how to use a fire extinguisher, as well as how to put out small fires, so that students know the protocol and how to act in case such events happen.
CCSIS learner’s kits dip in number as enrollees boom
As Brigada Eskwela 2023-2024 commences, the number of learner’s kits distributed in Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) has substantially decreased as compared to the previous year after the recent rise of enrollees throughout public schools in Calamba.
“Maraming eskwelahan ang nagincrease ang kanilang enrolment. So yung data na pinagbasehan last year para sa incoming batch ay nagkaroon ng gap, kaya nagkaroon ng parang shortage doon sa number ng items sa learner’s kit,“ Christine Abenojar, CCSIS school head, explained.
As a legislated science high school, CCSIS receives special privileges such as a more advanced curriculum, more opportunities for competitions, and a more competitive environment, increasing the expectation that incentives in the institution will be more prioritized in comparison to their regular public school counterparts.
Consequently, to combat the recent dip, Abenojar mentioned that the local government unit has started to commence the provision of supplies to the students, beginning with the measurement of shoe sizes for current seventh-grade learners.
“Actually, the shoes are already in the process of being given to grade 7 students. Hopefully, more will be distributed towards the higher levels in the future,” she concluded.
Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) seeks to address the shortage and outdatedness of its robotics equipment and materials, which was made evident by the school’s recent lack of success in Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow Competition.
In response to such queries, Mayor Ross Rizal proclaimed in an interview that the school should submit a proposal for its needs in competitions, and it will be prioritized by the local school board in allocating the Special Education Fund (SEF).
According to the city government of Calamba, the city’s SEF for the second quarter of 2023 totals up to 790 million pesos, which is put towards school operations, facilities, equipment, expenditures, construction, and repair of school buildings.
“Oh, dapat lang kasi nga kayo ang flagbearer ng city pagdating sa competitions, kayo ang mga iskolar ng bayan,” Rizal added. Rowena Acosta, the head of the science department and CCSIS team co-adviser, remarked that
Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow is a worldwide competition that allows STEM students to bring their ideas, which can improve communities, and promote Sustainable Development Goals. Its first implementation in the Philippines has urged CCSIS to participate with its 26 entries, earning three spots in the final top 10 out of 206 entries.
“I think the difficulties and obstacles that we encountered during the competition were the prototyping. We are not prepared for the mock prototype. The students don’t have the budget to make the prototype itself since it needs materials that are not available for the limited time given,” explained Sarah Jane Detruz, the team adviser.
Furthermore, head school paper adviser Nelfren Sambalod also noted that the qualifiers for the Regional Schools Press Conference lack 16 digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras across several categories.
“Wala po talaga kami ni isang DSLR, ang hirap po maghanap, and mahirap rin makiusap sa mga students,” Sambalod revealed.
Lyndon Diesta, one of the interviewers, expressed his gratitude that the city government is willing to assist CCSIS in tilts.
"Parang may nawala nang burden, so I'm happy na naliwanagan kami regarding this," Diesta exclaimed.
On the other hand, Ronald Trigueros, the school’s administrative officer, stated that due to the strict and limited budgeting of the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), the school cannot allocate additional funds in order to compensate for the excess contest expenses as of now.
“Hindi siya sapat, kasi from time to time meron nangangailangan, for example meron tayong contest, kailangan ng camera. So yung ginawa nating Quality Control Plan wala dun yung camera, so ang gagawin natin mag-iisip tayo ng paraan paano natin bibilhin, pero next year na. Kasi ‘di kasama yun sa ating Annual Procurement Plan,” Trigueros stated.
teachers from Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) did not commit to participating in the recent 7th Division Research Conference and Continuous Improvement Program Symposium held in November 2023, as their lack of schedule flexibility made them unable to do so, said Rey Alex Landoy, a CCSIS educator.
Landoy also emphasized that teachers were not updated and informed about the event until much later, compounding the already narrow time allotment given to them to complete their studies.
“I think teachers should be provided with adequate time and comprehensive support to enable them to undertake and complete a research project without compromising their primary responsibility, which is to be in the classroom teaching and facilitating learning,” he added.
The event in question was initially spearheaded by DepEd Calamba City, which then encouraged teachers to present action research proposals in accordance with the topics of teaching and learning, child protection, human resource development, and governance, as per the stipulations made by the Division Memorandum No. 263, s. 2023. Moreover, CCSIS teachers submitted research proposals for Basic Education Research Fund (BERF); however, only a few were able to finish their research studies in full, as they not only had too much school-related work, but they were also unable to pass the strict qualification process for receiving the BERF, which could have helped allay research costs.
E ven with all the schools in Calamba, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) remains the only school in the city to have implemented a homeschooling program as an alternative delivery mode (ADM) for students with special circumstances, despite prevalent issues.
“The program is for students who may have medical conditions that limit them from coming to school, and for students who are geographically challenged to come to school, and other constraints. Essentially, it is for the students who are at risk of dropping out. This is to reduce that risk,” Christine Abenojar, CCSIS's teacher-in-charge, explained in an interview.
“Syempre since homeschooling ito, sa bahay mag-aaral ang estudyante na iyon, so that he/she will be provided with modules and learning sheets, for him/her to answer, execute, and study para hindi maiwan,” she added.
She also revealed that the program still faces various difficulty with the feedback relaying process, as there have been many limitations with regards to consistent communication, prompting the school to perform constant follow-ups with the teachers and the advisers of the students.
“Sa ngayon, isa na lang yung nasa program. Due to medical reasons, kakagaling lang nya sa operation, so hindi sya pwede maglakad papuntang 4th floor,” Abenojar clarified.
Christine Abenojar, school head of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), seeks to expand the junior high school (JHS) facilities — as the school population is expected to increase by up to 4% in the next school year from the 1,185 students in the current year.
Correspondingly, President Marcos mentioned in his second State of the Nation Address, last July 2023, that the lack of 159,000 classrooms and facilities all over the country was being addressed as part of the MATATAG Curriculum, as such is one of its main objectives.
“Aside from new constructions, schools and facilities are being retrofitted to become ready for the future – ready for hybrid and hightech learning, and also climate-ready and disaster-proof,” Marcos stated.
At present, CCSIS has 1,185 students, which is higher than last
school year’s student population of 1,102; with the anticipated addition of another section in the next academic year, the school is expected to have 1,230 students.
“We would like our school to expand in a sense that we want to reach more Calambeños – promising, young, intelligent, smart Calambeños like you. The shortage in the classroom will be up to a minimum of three to five years, because until next year we will still add one more section,” Abenojar explained. Abenojar also pointed out that the blended learning modality can be an immediate solution on classroom shortage.
"Since it will take a couple of years to build a new classroom building, blended learning is, in my opinion, the best solution," she added.
To address the root cause of the issue, Dr. Dolorosa De Castro, chief of the Schools Governance and Operations Division of Calamba, has supported the idea of having hybrid learning as a teaching modality.
Christine Abenojar, CCSIS school head, admits that most of the students who join competitions have to shoulder the expenses of the materials.
In spite of that, the school is actively making efforts to seek support from third parties to help with competition and research expenses for students.
“We can ask for support from companies and our stakeholders; if they have resources such as robots, they can provide for our students. If they have skills and talents to share with our students to increase their skills and competencies, they are very welcome," Abenojar remarked.
With research being part of the school’s curriculum from grade 7 to grade 12, the school head also added the possibility of a research project allowance for students.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dolorosa De Castro, chief of the School Governance and
Operations Division (SGOD) of Calamba, acknowledges the fact that the previous grants of equipment and other materials have become outdated, even though she remarks that it has only been a few years since their distribution.
“Pwede naman mag-procure for competition funds through MOOE, kasi part siya ng student expenditure, ang problem, maliit siya because of the fixed expenses. Kasi meron nga tayong fixed expenses, na whether you like it or not babayaran mo ito monthly,” she proposed.
According to De Castro, the school MOOE is computed based on the cost given by DepEd under the Boncodin Formula.
“Ang computation nya ay 576 times the number of learners; 11,520 times the number of teachers; 8,624 times the number of classrooms; the number of the graduating students, and yung 207,360 na allocation ng DepEd sa bawat school,” she added.
In response to queries about decreasing the number of students, De Castro underscored the fact that this will slash the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of CCSIS, as the calculations for its total monthly amount derives from the number of students and classrooms in the school.
However, when asked about the possibility of additional classrooms, De Castro responded that the project is not yet possible for the time being.
“You can devise a strategy for you to accommodate those learners. Ang pinakamahalaga is that you have the proposal, and kailangan ang proposal mong iyan ay approved by the superintendent. Kasi noong kami ay nagmonitor sa isang school, hybrid sila. Ilan lang ang nasa classroom, the rest of the learners ay nasa bahay nila,” she suggested.
Meanwhile, when asked by Dr. De Castro regarding the possibility of more classrooms to be built in CCSIS, Engineer
Allan Jade Reyes stated that if the school canteen will be demolished, an additional eight classrooms can be constructed. In response to the issue, Mayor Roseller “Ross” Rizal commented in an interview that they will provide the needs to construct a school building pending that there is space to accommodate it. On the other hand, Abenojar stated that if building new rooms isn't possible, then the school can opt to use the School-Based Management office, and the library as classrooms.
“Pwede rin namang ilipat ang library, pati yung SBM office, kasi they were originally classrooms. Tapos, yung laboratories pwede siya as classrooms, kasi for instructional purposes naman talaga siya. ‘Yun yung nakikita nating solusyon para masolve yung classroom shortage,” Abenojar responded.
As of now, Grade 8 students occupy two of the four laboratories in the JHS building, even if such rooms were not designed for extended stays.
CAMPUS SURVEY
Deducting the aforementioned fixed expenses of the school in terms of factors such as electricity costs and acquisition of instructional materials, there is just not enough funds to cover extra-curricular activity expenses.
In addition, CCSIS does not yet have access to the special provisions for activities and projects offered to recognized national science high schools by the General Appropriations Act FY (Fiscal Year) 2023-2024, as the school has not yet been legislated as such.
Despite the school’s shortcomings, parents of CCSIS continuously show support towards the school.
“Siyempre, we will provide support to the students, considering that they all have potential,” Roneto Padua Jr., parent of a student, stated.
8 of 10 STEM studes nay work immersion halt
DIESTA
I n spite of the implementation of the Capstone Project as an alternative part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand curriculum in Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), 8 out of 10 students who study under the strand remain unsatisfied about the discontinuation of the Work Immersion Program (WIP), according to a survey conducted by Inheritors.
“Sana nalang work immersion talaga, kasi mahirap na sa amin kasi kung papatungan pa kami ng Capstoneeh research rin yun, so ang dami na naming gagawing research instead of having real-life work experience,” said Kyros Lim, a STEM student from 12Sierra Madre.
Many students from Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) refused to join the field trip initiative, which was proposed by the School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA), as they were “dissatisfied” with the destination plans and overall cost of the trip.
Khirby Panopio, a Grade 12 student, pointed out the “repetitiveness” and “boringness” of the tour outline, remarking that most of the planned destinations have already been included multiple times in previous field trips.
“Kung titingnan mo talaga kasi, hindi siya worth it, hindi siya kaaya-
aya. Lalo na para sa price ng trip na yan, hindi mo ako mapapasali,” he added. Compared to the previous year, the estimated number of students that participated in the field trip has now plunged from 500 to 200, indicating a 150% decline in participation. "Nakakagulat na ganoon ang binaba ng mga gustong mag-field trip, pero baka dahil yan sa expenses na need," Nelfren Sambalod, teacher at CCSIS expressed. The current field trip, which comes at the
The Capstone Project was the alternative to WIP thought up by the Calamba City Schools Division Office (SDO) as part of Deped Order No. 39, stating that every strand except the Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) strand will no longer have WIP, in order to reduce risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Patapos na rin yang pandemic na yan eh, so I don’t see a reason as to why wala pa rin kaming work immersion, especially since science high students kami,” Kathryn Evangelista, a Grade 12 STEM student raised her concern.
Meanwhile, Curriculum Implementation Division chief Dr. Mariliza Espada clarified that the implementation of no work immersion for academic strands is from the national level, and they are still waiting for further updates.
NILES CABRERAIn an interview with Christine Abenojar, school head of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), the school solidified its stand in cooperating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) with regards to the enforcement of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act amidst warnings by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
Kristie Blames, PCW Deputy Director for Operations, warns the public not to be complacent regarding safety and enforcement measures against violence and harassment, even with the number of women ages 15 to 49 who experienced violence significantly dropping from 11% in 2017 to 6% in 2022 in CALABARZON.
Furthermore, the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law, seeks to punish individuals over acts of catcalling, wolf-whistling, misogynistic and homophobic slurs, unwanted sexual advances, and other forms of sexual harassment in public places, schools, workplaces, and online spaces.
“Ang Women’s Desk at awareness campaigns sa CalSci ay initiative ng city police, kase ginawang part yun ng balik eskwela at VAWC law noon pang 2022. Gusto nilang magbigay ng impormasyon at opportunity para sa mga estudyanteng nagkakaroon ng pagkatakot—sa safety nila sa school
at sa paglabas ng eskwelehan,” Blames explained.
The aforementioned awareness campaigns, which are spearheaded by the PCW, are primarily produced by the Department of Information and Communications Technology and are distributed locally by the PNP or digitally across state-owned accounts.
“We have been compliant naman with the conduct ng information campaigns; for example, last March nga ay nagkaroon
Responding to the talks about Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) getting a monthly stipend, school head Christine Abenojar clarifies that there is no formal news regarding it; however, she states that she has received an
Over contest works,
In light of the sacrifices learners make with their regular classes, students from Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), who participated in extracurricular competitions, have been seeking a permanent policy regarding the degree of which their final grades will be compensated for by the teachers.
According to Nelfren Sambalod, English school paper adviser and journalism team supervisor, there has been the Regional Memorandum No. 13 s. 2015, released a few years prior addressing the issue of student competitors being unable to attend classes or meet requirements by stating that they must be given “utmost” considerations.
“Last year, there was a ruling given by the former school head for the students to have a base grade of 95 as well as the maintenance of past grades, so really the considerations have something to do with whoever the current school head is—and about what’s the order given by them down to the teachers,” he explained.
Currently, as most contests had started during the first quarter of the academic year, CCSIS competitors will be given baseline grades of 90 across all subjects, which may be raised as well as be carried over for future evaluations with no deductions.
Additionally, those who perform poorly on examinations and activities will be given the chance to submit certain outputs and retake tests in order to improve upon their grades.
ng oryentasyon ang buong school, kasama na ang PNP sa pangunguna ng GAD Coordinator na si Sir Alex Landoy at ng BKD Coordinator naman na si Sir Percy Roy Roa tungkol sa Bawal Bastos Law na yan,” Abenojar remarked accordingly.
According to a survey conducted within CCSIS, 90% of students find these measures to be of great importance to them, as they are a “big step” in cultivating an overall safe and healthy school environment.
informal confirmation from Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal.
Rizal stated, at an aid distribution ceremony, that he needs to revisit the city’s resolution for the school, and only then will the news of CCSIS’s monthly stipend be resolved and acknowledged.
He added that if there is an authorized stipend or allowance for CCSIS students written on the resolution, the city government will announce it officially.
As of now, Abenojar had no idea about the amount of monthly stipend for the students; however, City College of Calamba, a co-educational institution in Calamba, has a semestral allowance of 2,000 pesos for approximately 3,000 students.
This caused confusion amongst the scholars of CCSIS as they didn’t receive any, even though they are indubitably scholars of the city who should have received stipends.
In an interview with Jerome Cristobal, an alumnus from CCSIS and now
teacher at the school, he remarked that a monthly stipend would be beneficial to the students of CCSIS because it can give them proper motivation and act as an aid with their own financial issues, especially because of the rising inflation within the country.
From CCSIS students’ perspectives, having a monthly stipend would help them achieve their school requirements such as research studies and projects. Furthermore, students who are classified as indigents could help allay the financial burdens of their families.
According to Reina Librea, CCSIS student council president, she agrees with implementing the monthly stipend, as it could provide significant assistance, as she witnessed her cousins having monthly allowances from their respective schools.
“Umaagree ako dun kasi tinatawag nga nila tayong scholar ng bayan,' so syempre parang dala-dala na natin yung title na yun, so yung unting tulong lang ay parang sobrang nakakapagboost pa ng ating morals," she stated.
SOPHIA BALAGTAS
Senator Cynthia Villar stated in a senate hearing that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IV-A has fined the operators of the landfill located in Barangay Kay-Anlog, amounting to P560,000 over broken environmental regulations.
Said sanitary landfill (SLF), operated by S.B. Hain Enterprises and General Services, Inc., was investigated by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Provincial Environmental Monitoring Unit of Los Baños, Laguna –and was also temporarily closed by the city government of Calamba via cease and desist order in November.
“Because of the complaints of the residents, in its letter to the complainants dated 11th September, 2023, the EMB investigators found violations of environmental regulations and recommended issuance of Notice of Violations (NOV),” said Senator Risa Hontiveros in the same hearing.
However, cases of complaints due to the smell coming from the landfill can be seen being documented since last June 2019, as seen from a report from Rappler.
Alarmed by this, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) Eco-waste coordinator Joy Lawrence Lara decided to put a ban on plastic products on campus grounds to minimize waste production in the school.
DENR also reported that the landfill was closed previously last July 2020, citing that it should be at least 250 meters away from residential areas,
but can be seen touching homes, only protected by a fence.
Furthermore, they added that the landfill lacked a required lining called ‘high-density polyethylene’ that would help prevent ground contamination from the waste thrown.
“We cannot allow the landfill and its operator to continuously harm the environment.
The Calamba SLF will remain closed until violations are corrected,” DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units
Concerns Benny D. Antiporda stressed.
Since the past years, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) has been planning the installation of solar panels on the 3rd floor of its junior high school building, but as of January, much of its progress has yet to start.
In an interview with Christine Abenojar, CCSIS's school head, she stated that the school started to develop plans for the construction of solar panels roughly 10 years ago.
Additionally, she proclaimed that despite it being a favorable part of the city government plans, there has yet to be a definitive date for its actual construction.
“Although yung school ay nagplaplano, gusto ng school na magkaroon tayo ng solar panels para mabawasan yung electrical consumption, bumababa ang binabayaran natin sa electricity. So, if, for example, if I will be asked if I still want to have the solar panels, the answer is yes,” she emphasized. It has been estimated that roughly 85,000 pesos is dedicated to the school’s electric bill every month. Consequently, the electric bill covers up to approximately 75% of the school’s overall budget from the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).
This causes financial issues for the school as the budget for school construction, internet connections, instructional materials, printing, training, seminars, and contests for the students suffer. Hence,
she stated that thorough planning is needed for the school’s finances.
“Kung may chance lang na makapagtipid tayo sa kuryente, gagawin sana natin, halimbawa nga katulad ng sinabi ko, I am pro-solar panel installation kasi kahit kung yung mga ilaw-ilaw lang sana at electric fan natin ay ma-cover yung electrical consumption nun, malaking kabawasan na para sa ating paaralan, para maipunta
Moreover, Ysabella Ribao,
CCSIS targets to lessen 60% deworming shortfall, boosts handwashing program
With eyes set on getting a three-star rating on the school’s hygiene program, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) heightens its handwashing implementation and deworming initiative as part of its Wash in Schools (WINS) program.
According to school WINS coordinator Marissa Nobleza, RN, she expects the cooperation of the students - especially with its 60% deficit on its deworming program last year, in order to finally reach the highest possible rating on its hygiene program.
Moreover, CCSIS also establishes “WASH to Win Three Stars” – a webinar program that helps explain the importance of handwashing and hygiene, as part of its recently concluded Brigada Eskwela 2023 program.
CalSci rolls out plastic ban, trash can centralization
SHAWN USTARIS
I n accordance to DepEd Memorandum No. 58, s. 2014, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) officially bans products with plastic packaging to be sold in the school’s canteen – as well as for the school’s trash can system to be centralized to one location.
“Kung hindi maiwasan na may baon na mga biskwit, tinapay, o packed juice, responsibilidad mo na itabi ito pansamantala at huwag na itapon pa sa school trash bins upang makabawas sa generated wastes,” CCSIS Eco-waste coordinator Joy Lara stated.
Seizing both the Best Project and Best Presenter awards in the National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) 2023 in the National Science Innovation Expo, one can bid goodbye to deforestation and agricultural wastes – with the help of a charcoal alternative made by a Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) student.
According to a report by Global Forest Watch, the Philippines lost over 30,000 hectares of natural forest – primarily due to commodity-related deforestation, and urbanization. Due to this, the nation may experience climate change, droughts, flooding, and loss of biodiversity.
With this, Rafael Ortiz, a student from Grade 11 - Tindalo, innovated upon commercialized charcoal – usually made with wood, with charcoal lumps made with agricultural wastes, namely peanut hulls, corn husks, and mango peels processed to what is entitled MCP Charcoal Lumps.
Iand
are
According to a market research conducted in 2024 published by GII Research, the Philippine charcoal market is worth over 30 billion pesos – due to its low cost and heavy usage, especially among low income households. In order to compensate that, the researchers used materials that were otherwise discarded.
“Binase sa dalawang factor yung mga materials na ginamit namin for the MCP charcoal, the abundancy of the product, pati narin yung potential niya para maging charcoal alternative,” Ortiz revealed.
All of the materials were all plentiful in lignocellulose, which is essentially plant dry matter, perfect for the production of charcoal. Furthermore, these are some of the most common plants harvested in the Philippines, especially in the summer season – with
over 50 million tonnes of mangoes being produced annually in the country.
To create the charcoal briquettes, the materials were first pre-dried, which was then torrefied – or reducing the moisture content of the materials, creating a char-type material. After that, the materials were crushed and mixed with a binder to create the final material.
In their study, the MCP Charcoal Lumps were tested against storebought charcoal in multiple factors, such as moisture content, ash weight, tensile strength, among others – in order to test the product’s quality.
Results concluded that the MCP Charcoal Lumps were significantly sturdy, ignited faster than the storebought kind, and burned efficiently – proving to be an effective charcoal alternative that makes use of agricultural wastes.
LYNDON DIESTA
Known as the ‘Pearl of Orient Seas,’ the Philippines is a country that prides itself in the waters that envelop its over seven thousand islands. However, as marine trash woes wade around the nation, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) students heeded the call. According to Utility Bidder, the average Filipino produces over three kilograms of waste a year, contributing to almost 40% of the global total – as such, Prudence Cervantes, Janelle Cobeng, and Reyzen Remoroza from 9 - Sabalo created a device that can filter out microplastics using organic materials; entitled H2O-CLEANER.
In their study, the researchers cited that a lot of factors go into water pollution – such as sachet and singleuse plastic usage, oil spills, ocean transportation, and even the improper disposal of cooking oil.
“It’s just really disappointing to know na tayo rin pala ang may kasalanan sa mga problemang humahadlang sa atin,” Remoroza stated.
Moreover, a study conducted by the Mindanao State University showed that the Laguna Lake, one of the biggest sources of income for Calambenos and Filipinos alike – producing over 4,000 metric tons of fish in 2022, contains microplastics, or bits of plastic that cannot be seen in the naked eye.
This poses a threat as this could be ingested by marine life, which can in turn cause harm to humans if ingested.
Rinse and Repeat
With this, the researchers used materials that would otherwise be agricultural waste – like rice husks, to create sponges that can absorb crude oil in the water. Likewise, H2OCLEANER utilizes okra and tamarind extract; both of which are abundant in the standard Filipino table, to create microplastic filters.
attached to propellers that are solarpowered, along with recycled plastic bottles to serve as floats for the device. The extracts will be put inside to serve as filtration.
“We wanted to provide something na while still affordable, ay effective pa rin,” Cervantes revealed.
One Drop at a Time
Hailed as one of the top 10 projects for the nationwide Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, the researchers are left craving for more, vowing to further improve their research in more ways than one.
“For improvements, in my opinion, need pa i-clean up yung prototype and paano namin ginawa yung sponges,” Remoroza added.
Though just short of a podium finish, this is a stepping stone towards cleaner waters – and with how the world faces challenges like these, more developments from young minds such as them are needed, so one might just stumble upon the solution for tomorrow. Making Waves
According to a 3D model of the device, the rice husk sponges will be
Light in the Dark
Targeting multiple Sustainable Development Goals such as Good Health and Wellbeing, Affordable and Clean Energy, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action, Ortiz wants his research to be utilized in order to advance sustainability within communities.
“Kasi di ba low-income communities ang mostly nagamit nito, this is an affordable method so that they can still utilize charcoal in their day to day lives without yung environmental consequences,” the researcher explained. Though charcoal may not be the best for the environment, the iconic Filipino “inihaw” cuisine is here to stay, thanks to innovations and alternatives. The path towards eliminating deforestation may be dark, embers will continue to spark –inextinguishable by even the strongest of gusts.
Killing almost 20,000 people annually according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), landslides are one of the Philippines’ largest concerns in regards to natural disasters. But, with the help of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) students, one may see this issue simply slide away.
Grade 10 students from CCSIS have developed a device that creates a siren alarm and alerts local government units (LGUs) via social networking services (SNS) based on soil moisture sensors - in order to prevent any casualties during the event of a landslide.
The researchers’ study stated that almost five million people are affected by landslides annually, and that heavy rainfall is also a factor in making these incidents occur more often.
Venice Jolipas – one of the researchers in the study entitled Project SIERRA MADRE, claimed that the threats that loom over the mountain range was what inspired the researchers to create the device.
“Super concerning na talaga yung mga landslide, especially since nakatira
sa may bundok yung mga relatives ko, so sana kahit papaano makatulong man ito sa situation,” Jolipas stated.
Calamba City is no exception to these events either – as a landslide and flood hazard map by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mine and Geosciences Bureau shows that almost a quarter of the city is highly vulnerable to landslides.
According to the study's methodology, the researchers tested Project SIERRA MADRE in regards to three factors – the loudness of the siren, the time it takes to send a message via SNS to LGUs, and its soil moisture accuracy.
Results from their research show that all of these factors showed significant effects, and that the Project SIERRA
MADRE is an effective device that can aid local communities.
“I really hope that this project can help communities pag-dating sa landslides and erosion, kasi I understand na napakalaking problema talaga ito sa Pilipinas,” Gabriel Elec, another researcher from the study stated.
Landslide Victory
Slated to compete in the final round of the International Science and Invention Fair in Indonesia, the researchers stated that they are glad that their device is recognized, and can reach a wider audience.
Project SIERRA MADRE is one of two research studies by CCSIS student researchers that are qualified in the final round of said competition, organized by Udayana University and Indonesian Young Scientist Association.
Closing in on the amount of agricultural land available –with the constant issue of land conversion to residential housing, the Philippines faces a deep dilemma of having little space left to plant crops for its consumers, being an agricultural country and all. However, a Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) student hastily grasped the opportunity – soaring beyond the clouds.
With her eyes set on improving the nation’s agricultural sector, Dominique Zamora, a student from Grade 12 – Banahaw, reaps her sow with her invention, named VAST – a vertical farming system using water from the air, along with soil moisture trackers as a more effective form of agriculture.
According to Zamora, one of her key points of inspiration was the fact that as the population increases on the planet, the less space the agricultural sector can occupy.
According to a report by the Department of Agrarian Reform (2016), the amount of land that has been approved for conversion since the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Act in 1998 has heaped up to the size of both Metro Manila and Cebu City.
This has prompted farmers to explore more modern methods of farming – including ones involving technology. One primary technique is vertical farming, which pertains to agriculture conducted in tall, pillar-like columns in order to save area space, while maintaining product quality and growth.
In their study, the researchers utilized atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology – an up-andcoming solution to water shortage issues around the globe, in a vertical cultivation system. According to a research study in India conducted last 2020, AWG technology is a promising and a predictable solution to the aforementioned dilemmas.
Using modules that can change temperatures on different sides, as well as cooling blocks and metal fins – water vapor in the air can be heated up, then condensed into water droplets, and passed through a series of tubes and collected into a container.
Moreover, using soil moisture trackers and Arduino technology, VAST has become a device that can automatically collect water and take
care of its own plants without the help of human influence. Furthermore, VAST also contains an automatic irrigation system based on its soil moisture, and can adjust the amount of water given to the plants in the device based on surrounding temperatures.
Clinching the third-place prize at the Youth Science Awards 2023 from the Department of Science and Technology – along with a cash prize of 15,000 pesos, Zamora rejoiced that her and her team’s hard work finally bore fruit.
“VAST has a potential to revolutionize planting practices for both rural and urban farmers achieving higher crop fields without the need for physical assistance during microgreen production,” Zamora exclaimed.
However, this is not Zamora’s first rodeo when it comes to research and robotics related accolades, as she has also bagged third at the 2020 National Science and Technology Fair for her other inventions.
With their invention, the researchers also envision usage for school settings, such as CCSIS’ Gulayan sa Paaralan – as a way to strengthen its implementation, and to reach higher, vaster horizons.
CCSIS alumni to roll out keyless car unlocking system
Withcars back on the road, sales of local vehicles increased from January to March 2024, together with the easiness of drivers. Consequently, thieves couldn’t let these opportunities to drive off as the situation steers over to their liking; drowning in comfort, drivers also upped the high-risk luxury of drunk driving. However, roads are now safeguarded on the streets with the help of the invention of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) alumni.
BY THE NUMBERS
Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).
Furthermore, drunk driving is acclaimed to rise by 90% by the PNP Highway Patrol Group since 2021. It proves itself to be a sight to worry about, as local road incidents claim approximately 12,000 people each year, with 25% of them being caused by drunk driving as stated by the World Health Organization.
Chrisczar Villapando, a Calamba City Science Integrated School alumni, has found a way to solve three issues with KEVLOCKS, a keyless vehicle unlocking system that will either deny a person’s entry to the car or give access to the qualified driver, by checking all criteria for safe operation of the vehicle. Together with Joselito Ramento, Jr. and Philip Canto, they pursued on providing a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians, while ensuring one’s qualification to operate the vehicle, detecting the presence of their license and making sure they are not drunk.
This research serves as a onestep forward to the goal of providing a safer environment for everyone.
CHRISCZAR VILLAPANDO CCSIS ALUMNA, RESEARCHER
2,165
CCSIS
CalScians sail potable water, hydropower generator
In order to combat this, the researchers declared a need for the drivers to satisfy three criteria before opening the vehicle: fingerprint verification for authorization of the specific individual, driver license detection for determining the presence of the license, and alcohol breath detection to see if the driver is drunk, as stated in their methodology.
“Kapag na-satisfy na yung tatlong requirements na iyon saka lang mag-oon yung car. If ever na may hindi ma-meet kahit isa, walang chance na mapaandar yung car,” Villapando explained.
According to Villapando, their group plans to divide KEVLOCKS into two parts: a remote module that will contain a fingerprint scanner and breath analyzer, and a vehicle module that starts the engine. To check if the driver is authorized, they will be utilizing the RFID system, while ensuring that the effective range would not be greater than 100 meters and it will have a detectable range of one meter.
“So far, ang meron palang sa amin ay preliminary data: ‘Gaano kalayo sa mukha ng tao yung remote module’ at yung required orientation nung remote module. Inaaply na namin ito sa remote module at ayon, unti-unti na syang nabubuo,” Villapando stated. Villapando is crossing his fingers that their team’s work will be recognized - for future researchers to utilize their study as a booster ride; en route to the road of drivers’ safety. Villa-ponder Keep an Eye Out
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), despite the 21% drop in crime volume in the period of January to March 2024, road incidents and car-napping are still felt by the streets. This potentially stemmed from the 12.7% surge in local vehicle sales from the same period and easiness of drivers committing drunk driving, as claimed by the Chamber of Automotive
Water is commonly regarded as the drop of life – proving essential in ways more than one; to survive, and to even serve as a source of electricity.
But as poverty strikes the nation, its people lack access to neither. With that, a student from Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) aims to kill two birds with one stone and start the ripple of solutions to this flooding problem with her device.
Maria Santos, a CCSIS student from Grade 12 – Kanlaon has made a splash with her two-in-one invention; entitled AVC-Hydro, a portable aqueous water vapor collecting device which not only produces potable drinking water, but also generates hydroelectric power, which can be utilized by poorer Filipino communities.
Santos, along with her fellow student researchers, derived inspiration for their study from the fact that according to the International Energy Agency, hydroelectric power accounts to 16% of the world’s electricity generation in the world – making it the world’s largest renewable energy source, as well as the fact that polluted water is also a leading cause of death in children under the age of five.
“If we can provide a low-cost and convenient source of electricity and safe drinking water, there will be immediate access to an essential part of modern life that can prevent supply shortage,” Santos remarked.
As stated in the study’s methodology, the device is comprised of galvanized steel sheets, plywood, and insulation sheets to create a cubed structure, with a net used to
collect water vapor from fog. The water vapor then gets collected into a smaller container outside of the cube, and flows through a tube into the cube, producing mechanical energy which the hydroelectric power generator collects.
Despite being surrounded by water, the Philippines is a mere 97th when it comes to global access to potable, or drinkable water – and still prevails as a major problem in the nation as seven million people having to rely on unsafe drinking sources as of 2022, according to Elemental Water Makers. Moreover, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), four out of every ten Filipinos do not have access to electricity in their homes.
“AVC-Hydro is a testament to our belief and potential of research to make a meaningful difference in the society, and we remain steadfast in the commitment to progress and wellbeing of the community,” Isaac Silva, one of the researchers stated.
Following numerous experiments –such as testing its functionality, and the potability of the water collected based on its pH level; the researchers concluded the device as an effective water collecting and hydropower generating device, and that the more water collected from the device, more electricity is generated.
Being awarded on the 2023 Youth Science Awards (YSA) sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Santos celebrates as her study is recognized; but is also in hopes that it will help solve the problem of water scarcity; creating two-tied shift on the lack of access to clean water among Filipinos.
Despite having the safest air quality in the Philippines and sixth in Southeast Asia for air quality in a 2023 international report by IQAir, Calamba City still falls short on the prescribed annual average air quality based on its particle contamination, still having up to twice the recommended concentration.
Said report states that Calamba City’s air contains an average of around 8 grams per cubic meter of PM2.5. These are fine particle pollutants that can be inhaled, causing an increased risk of heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight – according to an article by the New York Department of Health.
In the ranking, this is shortly followed by Carmona City in Cavite and Balangan City in Bataan as the top three cities with the cleanest air in the Philippines. However, they all still miss the mark of IQAir’s prescribed average PM2.5 concentration of five micrograms per cubic meter or lower.
In spite of its laurels in having clean air, Calamba still struggles with plenty of issues regarding air quality, such as intense traffic especially in the Pansol and Bucal area, as well as dumpsites, and the numerous pigsties and cow pens. Furthermore, the city is currently being heavily urbanized, with the implementations of land conversion prevalent in the city – such as the ongoing construction of the Bucal-San Jose Bypass Road striking through agricultural land.
Calamba City Vice Mayor Angelito
“Totie” Lazaro also noted in a 2023 press conference that they do not know how the construction of said bypass road went nor how the farmers affected by it were compensated, due to its construction originating from a prior administration.
“Pero, pinag-aaralan naman namin yan nila Mayor Ross,” Lazaro noted.
To further improve the current air quality situation of the city, supervising environmental management specialist of Calamba City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Ronn Martin Reyes stated in an interview
Usapang PIA radio program that the local government aims to revise ordinances regarding plastic usage.
“So, we have to study and analyze the contents of the waste from households and establishments. We need to determine the percentage of biodegradables, recyclables, residuals, and hazardous waste.
We also want to include innovative technologies to improve our Solid Waste Management Plan,” Reyes explained.
Reyes also remarked that the city has established the Kalikasan at Kalinisan para sa Kaligtasan (KKK) Task Force, whose jobs are to execute cleaning operations, as well as ordinances that prohibit the burning of garbage – which may contribute to air pollution and degrading air quality.
During his term, former mayor Justin ‘Timmy’ S.B. Chipeco stated that he was concerned about the landfill in Kay-Anlog, airing concerns that the air around it may contain heavy metals such as lead and arsenic.
In 2023, current mayor Roseller “Ross” Rizal foreclosed said landfill via cease and desist order following a senate hearing, and fined P560,000 over broken environmental regulations, though complaints have been documented since June 2019.
Feet on the Ground
Meanwhile, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), research adviser Sarah Jane Detruz highlighted a search for projects involving improving air quality – in order to push forward progress in making the city achieve the prescribed air quality concentration.
“Syempre, proud ako sa Calamba for having the best air quality sa Pinas, pero gusto pa rin nating i-improve, because there’s always room for it,” Detruz remarked.
Detruz also explained that the geographic location of Calamba City, having Mt. Makiling in the south and Laguna Lake in east, helped on the natural filtration of
in Laguna de Bay’s waters, a plethora of wastes could be found in its stream, Moreover, the bay has become a basin full of industrial and domestical junk coming from the areas that border it. Nevertheless, the Philippines has never wavered against pollution and has been carrying on with various programs and cooperatives to aid the bay in combating waste and assisting the livelihoods that rely on the bay’s resources.
Laguna de Bay, otherwise known as the Laguna Lake, is infamous for being riddled with numerous issues, such as its poor water quality, water hyacinth overgrowth, fish quality tasting like algae, and much more. However, the city of Calamba has set up countermeasures against Laguna Lake’s dilemmas.
Launching of Bokashi balls, otherwise known as mabuhay balls – has also been implemented at Barangay San Cristobal and Barangay Looc as part of Calamba’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office’s (CENRO) Tree Planting, River Clean-up, and Bokashi Ball Throwing in celebration of the World Water Day. This was conducted on the San Cristobal River, one of Laguna de Bay’s 21 tributaries.
Bokashi balls are a piece of technology from Japan, made up of all-organic materials such as garden soil, molasses, and rice hulls which
enables it to break down toxins and bad bacteria from the waters.
Conducting the throwing of Bokashi balls in the Laguna Lake was first introduced in Muntinlupa – where 1,000 bokashi balls were thrown against the waves of the Laguna Lake. Throwing of bokashi balls against the bay will be conducted every six months with periodic water quality testing to be conducted by the Lake Management Office (LMO).
Even in Calamba City Science Integrated School, research classes are brainstorming together on ways of coming up with research studies that adhere on purifying and restoring the water of the bay.
Sitio Ronggot, located near Brgy. Lecheria, and near the shores of the Laguna Lake, and its highly dependent livelihoods on the bay’s resources and fishing industry, Calamba Fisherfolks Producers Cooperative (CFPC) has been established in the sitio. Its goal is to not only aid the sitio’s fishing livelihood, but also the fishing industry of the whole city. In contrast to the days where the sitio was having immense difficulties regarding their livelihoods, CFPC’s programs have now increased and improved the livelihoods of many fishermen in it. This includes the selling of daing na tilapia and tinapang bangus, as well as the weaving of fishing nets such as pante. Now, the sitio helps not only their own residents but also the other fishing farms in the city as the Laguna de Bay’s water continues to deteriorate.
the Awareness
After the publication of researches showcasing the ongoing pollution of the Laguna Lake - despite the pandemic occurring, various government agencies, together with non-profit organizations help one another to protect and save the lake.
To raise awareness for the Laguna de Bay’s pollution, the launching of Project Laguna Lake Ecotourism Advocacy for Development (LEAD) was commemorated, together with the recent celebration of Anilag Festival, as the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) promotes Laguna de Bay’s sustainable resource use and management.
The project aims to facilitate ecotourism as a sustainable resource framework for the bay, with it being a proposed solution to the continuous deterioration of the water quality of the bay.
With the programs and cooperatives that aid not only the Laguna de Bay, but as well as the livelihood of many Calambeños, the bay and its fishing livelihoods see a glimpse of hope. Even though several studies have proclaimed that the bay may meet its end in future years - it could still rise from the dark waves, as long as the country; along with numerous organizations, help to clean the bay’s waters, similarly to the livelihoods of Sitio Ronggot.
Fisherfolk, environmental activists assert 'no' on Laguna Lakeshore Road Network
As the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) completes its planning phase in 2023, continuous efforts to prevent the almost 200 billion peso project’s construction persists, claiming the construction of the road will do more harm than good.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the LLRN will span almost 40 kilometers, crossing from Calamba to lower Bicutan and having the road inside of the lake itself.
The road also aims to serve two purposes – to decongest traffic in Metro Manila, as well as act as a dike to hold back the waters of the lake from flooding the capital.
“With 85.1% of the detailed engineering design (DED) for LLRN already complete, DPWH has started negotiations to gather support from possible financing institutions crucial in the realization of this flagship infrastructure project,” DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.
On the other hand, multiple environmental groups and fisherfolk have stated their disapproval of the project. Save Laguna Lake Movement (SLLM), a network
advocating for the preservation of Laguna Lake, stated that LLRN will wreck the local ecosystem of the lake and ruin many fisherfolks’ livelihoods. Being larger than Singapore, the Laguna Lake supplies almost 20% of fishery production in the country, now facing many environmental
Problem spotted ; but ‘action’ yet to be seen
Hands that are too small to protect a new generation, yet a huge burden they must shoulder alone amidst the stigma and disapproving eyes of the generation that raised them. Despite the government’s plan in lowering the teenage pregnancy, adolescent mothers among girls under 15 years old increased by 35%, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Consequently, teenage pregnancy in the CALABARZON region continues to rise, according to Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Calabarzon regional director, Marilyn F. Ogaya.
“The incidence of adolescent pregnancy in our region remains high. We rank first in terms of the number of pregnancies among individuals aged 10 to 19 years old. This has been our case for five consecutive years, with no signs of decline in numbers,” Ogaya stated.
Furthermore, the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey by the PSA states that in CALABARZON, 5% of girls from ages 15 to 19 are pregnant or are already mothers. Though this is a decline compared to the 2017 data, the fact that such a percentage of teenagers are becoming unprepared parents is still quite alarming.
According to Plan International, the issue stems over the country’s prevalent issues such as poverty, and restricted access to contraceptives. However, the general cause is the children’s lack of sex education due to the taboo of the subject over catholic homes, wherein no child was taught about sex, and parents would remain silent about any questions asked.
Hence, Ogaya declares that CPD are boosting strategies such as the conference regarding family planning at Calamba’s National Economic and Development Authority Office in aims of having indepth discussions on reproductive health, family planning, and population and development in the region.
However, despite the government’s move, there are no actions from the main sources of the issue. Stigma surrounding sex and sex education still lingers in the minds of Filipino parents. Thus, instead of educating the children, and providing them a safe space to address any confusion; they are being answered with sharp judgy eyes and silence.
As role models of the Calamba City’s youth, Calamba City Science Integrated School has been adamant on making its students aware of the facets of intercourse in a direct way, as well as advocate for the implementation of compulsory sex education as a part of the Department of Education’s curriculum.
Parents making children sworn chastity isn’t parallel to a sex education, households should start in teaching the new generation about the ordeals of pregnancy and walking them to the right direction, instead of shutting them down with “premarital sex is a sin”.
poor eyesight rate tempers with full F2F rollout
LYNDON DIESTA
Four legs, fur at every inch of their skin, and funny looking eyes. These are merely some of the features of what are called man’s best friends – dogs and cats. Though domestic animals like them are adorable at first sight, they may be deadly when led astray.
With several cases of students being scratched from stray cats in Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) recorded, the school pursues their rehoming in order to ensure that the school grounds are rabies-free.
According to school nurse Marissa Nobleza, there are around five to six incidents yearly of students getting scratched by the so-called “Cats of CalSci”, which prompted the school’s action towards the stray cats.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted via saliva in cats and dogs, and affects a lot of poor rural communities across Asia and Africa. It is infamous for being a deadly disease, being virtually fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
Furthermore, a report by the Department of Health (DOH) stated that
Region 4A-CALABARZON recorded 11 cases of rabies for the first quarter of 2024, an almost 20% increase compared to last year’s recorded cases during the same period.
Rabies may take on two formsfurious or paralytic. Furious rabies results in hyperactivity, hallucinations, and fear of water or hydrophobia. The latter causes muscles starting from the wound site to be paralysed, then gradually spreading. It is less documented, and often misdiagnosed.
The rehoming of these stray cats was in light of a recent case of a 13-year old girl in Manila passing away due to rabies, after being bitten by a stray puppy in February, then proceeding to not tell their parents – causing symptoms to develop.
However, this was received negatively by some CCSIS students, stating that they are sad to see their feline friends go.
“Medyo nalungkot ako since di ko na sila makukulit, pero I think tama lang na nilet-go nila since medyo may pagkaunsafe sa school,” Shantell Espanola, a grade 10 student stated.
In response, the CCSIS faculty emphasized that this is for the safety of
the students – who frequently interact with the “Cats of CalSci”.
City Veterinary Office of Calamba department head Dr. Shiela Matibag emphasized that those who have been scratched or bitten by stray animals to seek the nearest animal bite center in order for symptoms to not develop later, as rabies symptoms can show up as late as a few months after the bite.
Furthermore, WHO also mentions that rabies is easily preventable by vaccinating their pets, to which the CVO conducts regular mass vaccinations for rabies across barangays, as well as neutering, available for both cats and dogs.
“Nagbabakuna kami per barangay kasi yun yung pinaka-economical way na mababakunahan ang mga aso para yung transfer from dog to human, kung makagat man ,yung risk na matransfer yung rabies sa tao ay mababa or yung transfer from dog to dog ay least,” said Matibag.
Though they may be cute and cuddly, the safety of people must be of utmost importance. It may be sad to see the feline four-legged friends of CCSIS go toward different horizons, it must be done to avoid something riskily rabid.
As increasing fire accidents boost the worries of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), with injuries caused by these incidents skyrocket, however students of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) discovered a potential remedy for second-degree burns.
Eyes set on achieving Sustainable Development Goals, a group of CCSIS students innovated an ointment for treating second-degree burns using cantaloupe, or colloquially known as “melon”, which earned them a chance of marching towards the Youth Science Awards.
Unwavering Accidents
During the first four months of this year, the BFP revealed that the country’s number of fire incidents has increased by almost 10%, consequently fire injuries also increased. Hence, young researchers of CCSIS compromised to bring their tenacity in finding the most effective ointment addressing second-degree burns, with the intention of creating a soothing product to encourage its continued usage.
Fruits of
In an interview with Inheritors, Edwin Patrick Baliton, one of the student researchers, revealed that even after the failure of their initial proposed component, they persisted which led to them accidentally stumbling upon evidences suggesting that melon peels have antimicrobial and phenolic compounds necessary for the development of an effective ointment. MelouDerm is an innovated ointment for treating second-degree burns, which incorporates cantaloupe, or “melon” rinds as the main component. Through the group’s extensive research on the matter, they have found the potential residing within the melon’s rinds.
Using an experimental research, four set-ups were made with one being the control group. Three of the set-ups will serve as the experimental group represented by three varying concentrations of the melon extract.
After the tests, it was proven that MelouDerm in higher concentrations, has higher antioxidants and antiinflammatory effects. This implies that
the higher the level of concentration of melon rind extract additionally implies a rise in the flavonoid content.
Proving that the product could be a potential ointment for seconddegree burns, the group concluded the effectiveness and benefits of the product ranging from the common households to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) upon the new lighted research.
Furthermore, Melouderm holds limitless potential upon product enhancing, as the group gave recommendations for further researches, such as expanding the tests to include bacteria commonly associated with burn wounds.
Being student researchers, the group dedicated this research to help the greater good as they advocate the SDGs “Good Health and Well-being” and “Responsible Consumption and Production” as one of their goals. These advocacies voice out to further explore countless feasibilities with regarding to common household wastes and innovative treatments.
As Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) eases into implementation of full face-toface classes, so does the rate of the students with poor eyesights – as it increases by a mere 5% this year, compared to the 41% rate hike last year after the pandemic.
When online distance classes were launched due to lockdown, CCSIS students had to spend at least four hours for their corresponding lessons, which had a detrimental effect towards the eye health of CalScians – with disorders such as blurry vision imminent.
Blurry vision is described by the Cleveland Clinic as the loss of sharpness in the vision of those who are affected by it, usually caused by a refractive error – or a state wherein the eyes can’t focus on objects properly.
According to Dr. Shonah Finlay of Doctors EyeCare Grande Prairie, studies show that increased screen time can increase the risk of nearsightedness, or myopia – where one cannot clearly see objects from afar, by almost 30%.
“Ever since na nagkaroon po ng online classes, mas lalo pong lumabo 'yung mata ko. Ang grado ko po before online classes ay nasa 300 lang po but after po no’n, nasa mahigit 400 na po,” said Ysabella Espiritu, one of the students in CCSIS said when asked about the effects of distance classes to their eye health.
Parents of CalScians also affirmed their approval towards full faceto-face classes in regards to their eye health.
“Mas maganda naman talaga ang F2F, hindi lang sa aral nila, pero para sa kalusugan rin kasi hindi na sila babad na babad sa computer,” Loida Catan, parent of a grade 12 student said. However, as blended learning becomes more of a discussed topic in response to the intense heat, CCSIS students fear facing an education format that might damage their eyes more.
Laguna Lake spearheads world’s largest solar island project
As concerns continue flaring up in regards to rising energy costs –including staggering fuel price hikes, residents living near the Laguna Lake may now find solace as the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) partners with Singapore-based companies to alleviate the burden on citizens.
In recent ceremonial signings conducted last August, the LLDA has partnered with three companies – Ayala Group-owned corporation ACEN, SunAsia Energy in tandem with Singapore-based company Blueleaf Energy Asia, and Vena Energy Corp. – also based in Singapore, to bid permission on using over one thousand hectares to construct numerous solar plants on the waters of the lake.
Dubbed as “floating solar islands”, the project is set to hold a capacity of 1,300 megawatts; enough to power over two million homes, and is expected to be accomplished by 2026 – wherein it will be hailed as the largest floating solar power project in the world.
“As we embark on this path towards a sustainable and a brighter future, let us be reminded of the legacy that we
are creating for the next generation. With every solar panel that touches the surface of the lake, we are not only harnessing the power of the sun but also demonstrating our resolve to safeguard the ecological balance of our surroundings,” LLDA OICassistant general manager Emiterio Hernandez declared.
The project will span over three cities in Laguna - namely Calamba, Cabuyao, and Sta. Rosa – as it will be situated in the southern and eastern parts of the lake, as it is farthest away from other commercial operations; and as to not interfere with fisherfolk who still rely on the lake as a source of income.
“May binibigay po silang navigation na ano, na daanan po ng mangingisda – at isa pong concern na hiningi po namin sa kanila ay ang kasiguraduhan ng mga mangingisda na kung siya’y itatayo, merong pangitlugan sa ilalim po yan ng mga pangisdaan, dadami po ang isda po sa lawa,” Cornelio Replan, the president of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council of Brgy. San Antonio in Bay, Laguna, ensured.
In total, the joint project aims to create over 40,000 of these solar islands
– and also aims to collaborate with local fisherfolk and fishing communities; and can even work with the working force to maintain and operate the solar islands.
As the electricity bills of the nation keep rising, as a nearly two-peso hike on power rate is observed from nine pesos from 2019 to over 11 pesos per kilowatt hour as of April 2024, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) also aims to harness the sun’s power by planning of installing solar panels on the junior high school building’s rooftop to lessen its 80-thousand-peso electricity bill.
Pilot projects and prototypes of these solar islands have also been started by SunAsia Energy near the coasts of Bay, Laguna to test the waters of the project before fully committing to the 40,000 solar island units to supply electricity to millions of Filipinos in the Metro Manila and Laguna area.
“Pag lumaki yung supply natin, magkakaroon tayo ng mas sapat na supply at mababawasan natin yung mga tinatawag nating ‘rotational brownout’, and mas mapapababa natin yung kuryente,” John Lumawag, project manager at SunAsia also noted.
Head, shoulders, knees, and… shoes?!
Footwear has been on the rise as one of the causes of pollution out there, contributing to an estimated 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide released worldwide this 2016 – as some of them can break down easily or go out of style due to fashion trends.
However, a Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) student sought out a solution for this certainly prevalent issue, and that solution may just drive one nuts.
Tough Nut to Crack
Thessa Tuazon, a student from 11Talisay, along with her fellow researchers, invented PeaSole, an alternative to footwear soles made of peanut hulls, as a way to create eco-friendly shoe outsoles with something that will just be thrown away otherwise.
According to Premium Flip Flops in 2021, the footwear industry has quite the carbon footprint itself – due to several factors, one of which being synthetic rubber, whose manufacturing facilities may contaminate water streams.
Furthermore, a 2021 study from Isabela showed that peanut hulls have the potential to become an insulator, as well as the fact that per kilo of peanuts harvested, there is almost half a kilo’s worth of peanut hulls that becomes a byproduct.
“Napansin ko rin kasi, kapag nakain kami ng mani - pang-meryenda ganon, maraming natatapon na balat. So parang yun rin ang nag-serve bilang inspiration ng research na PeaSole,” Tuazon revealed.
As stated in the research study’s methodology, it is made by processing
and
the peanut hulls first – by blending them to a powder and drying them in an oven. This is so that the peanuts will take on a finer form, and prevent moisture and mold production.
Then, it is bound together using epoxy – a type of resin known for its strength and sturdiness. It is then cured, and sanded in order to remove the excess epoxy and hulls.
“Actually, mas gusto kong gumamit ng mas natural na binder, pero that’s really hard to come by,” the researcher admitted.
Furthemore, it is sprayed with water sealant spray for further protection. In order to prove its effectiveness, it was tested in multiple fields, namely water resistance, kinetic friction, and thermal conductivity. It was then concluded that it was a perfectly capable alternative to regular outsoles used in commercial and store-bought shoes.
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Stomping Pollution
However, it cannot be said that Tuazon is still satisfied with her research thus far. In her recommendations, she states that she wishes to further improve PeaSole by performing more tests involving laboratories, as well as using more organic materials.
Clinching second place in the Regional Science and Technology Fair (RSTF) in the Physical Science Category, Tuazon added that this is just a bonus to her hard work – that the real prize is the potential that it can help people in the future.
Hulls for heels may be a real haul in the footwear world, but the world is still a ways away in solving the beast that is pollution on earth. Nonetheless, one mustn't fret, as developments like these are steps towards a greener future.
Due to the constant flooding of several provinces in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) was not surprised that the number of ratborne diseases would accumulate right after. With that, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) students have conducted research that has the potential to reduce health cases involving rodent contamination. The student researchers thought of a solution that would reduce leptospirosis, hantavirus, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV) cases, and other diseases mostly carried by rodents. This gave them the idea to create an adhesive mouse trap innovating them for a less humanhazardous alternative using avocado excess that was later presented to the judges of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Youth Science Awards 2023.
The rat issue has since been addressed since the signing of Proclamation No. 179 in 1995 when former president Ramon Magsaysay considered rats the most destructive agricultural pests. Various common rodent traps such as adhesives, cages, and poisons are recommended to be used to reduce rat infestations, yet they are also known to be made with toxic chemicals that are hazardous when in contact with humans.
Moreover, based on the Department of Health’s (DOH) recorded data in the year 2022, the number of leptospirosis cases has also increased by 22%concerning the CCSIS students, they formulated a trap with regards so that the avocado excess waste would be put to good use.
Persea americana, commonly known as avocado - is most recognized for its large seeds which are often discarded after consuming its edible part, the flesh. According to the study’s related literature, the seed of an avocado contains 80% starch, which can be formulated into dextrin, the key ingredient for making trap adhesives. Once starch from the avocado seed is obtained, it will undergo processes which will modify it to turn into dextrin.
This study is composed of two set-ups with one being the controlled group as the experimental type of research would be used for the enhanced product testing. Both set-ups will undergo 2 sets of tests in which Set A would be the strength test of the adhesive while Set B will test their capability to attract rodents in a rodent-infested area. At the end of the experiment, the researchers were able to answer their problem and the test results showed that there is a significant difference between the enhanced trap adhesive created by the researchers and the commercial adhesive.
To further conclude, the avocado excess rodent trap adhesive is an innovation to the commercialized mouse trap adhesives we have today.
Waking by rooster, putting on his dirt-stained white shirt, camouflage shorts, and his signature salakot – a farmer goes out to his field and gardens for produce to sell, and feed his family. But as the nation piles on issues affecting farmers, that seems like a pipe dream as well.
In a desperate cry to soothe the problems in the agricultural sector of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture (DA) stated in an interview that they are open and willing to assist student researchers when it comes to their innovations, as well as prod the youth to take on agriculture-related courses as farmer numbers plummet.
According to Margarita Hermano, Agriculturist I from the Calamba City Agricultural Services Department (CASD), the average age for farmers range from 50 to 65 years old – at risk to different threats, such as land conversion, pests, and other factors.
“Threat talaga yung pag-convert, pero wala kaming magagawa – kasi nasa taas ang may-ari, tapos may risk rin na malugi, then di alam kung papaano magrecover, so ibenebenta na yung lupa,” Hermano stated.
Cotabato lost over 70 to 100 percent of their crops, citing the El Nino, the periodic warming of waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, as its main cause.
On the other hand, the agriculturist also stated that agriculture-related courses are free as part of Mayor Ross Rizal’s “Agriskolar ni Rizal” project in the city, as the lack of farmers continues to loom over Calamba as a threat. They are also willing to provide materials for farming-related innovations – as long as it has been verified, and so they can give suggestions.
“Halimbawa, kayo ay may proposal, sana naman ay makita namin yung inyong research proposal, para naman may maidadagdag kaming info that we gathered, at mai-suggest – kasi nagkaexperience kami na when it comes to agriculture, may kulang. Kaya ang napag-isipan namin na mga agriculturist na sana before mag-conduct, mabigyan kami ng proposal – para kung may maisuggest kami, maibigay namin,” Hermano explained.
Hermano also added that the CASD launched a Farmer’s Field School for upland farmers at Barangays Hornalan, Laguerta, among others – teaching farmers on proper planting of crops, as well as animal husbandry.
For now, the CASD is adamant on promoting sustainable urban gardening, especially among students. The department partners with schools such as Calamba City Science Integrated School to teach aquaponics and hydroponics, as well as encouraging container gardening, as students usually don’t have big enough gardening spaces to sustain traditional methods.
As they wait for student-made innovations, Hermano also highlighted the importance of organic agriculture, as people tend to be health-conscious, as well as encouraging them to create products that help reduce the usage of pesticide and its residue on plants.
Moreover, farmers are also affected by droughts – along with little rainfall.
According to a 2016 article by the Philippine Red Cross, farmers in
One of the CASD’s current advancements is called Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), a prototype project which started on corn, in order to optimize crop results based on the farmer’s land type and characteristics, which can be answered through a checklist.
As said by the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal – “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”. With that, the youth must also partake in ways to help the agricultural sector as it shrivels by the day – by practicing local and environmentally-friendly gardening methods, as well as coordinate with the local agricultural department of one’s city; and anticipate the incoming agri-volution.
Located near the shorelines of the Philippines' largest lake — the Laguna Lake, Brgy. Sampiruhan struck gold underwater as they used the lake’s natural resources to provide occupation to its citizens.
According to Laguna Lake Fisheries, there are about 1,700 registered fishermen situated at the 10 barangays near the shoreline of the bay. Their fishing techniques are categorized into Capture Fishing and Aquaculture, aside from manufacturing fishing tools such as nets.
Capture fishing is the traditional fishing that most people know, which uses tools such as nets. Meanwhile, aquaculture is the upkeep of fishes in fish pens, fish cages and inland fish ponds. According to the Fisheries Profile, the production of Capture Fishing is 350,000 metric tons per year, while Aquaculture's production is about 350 metric tons per year.
Furthermore, the Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) in Calamba serves as an economic
hub for fishermen, where they purchase and sell fish, including tilapia, bangus, biya, mamali, karpa, and ayungin in Sampiruhan. They also promote income-boosting activities such as processing fish for tinapa or smoked fish, meeting and training fishermen, and serving as an information center for students and scientists conducting research on fishing.
Treasure Project
As Laguna Lake’s importance has been imprinted on everyone’s heads, scientists from Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), University of the Philippines—Los Baños (UPLB) and Community-Based Researchers in Action (CoBRA) founded the ‘Yaman ng Lawa’ project in order to help in preserving the lake’s natural resources.
The project continues to hit consecutive green marks as the number of fishes caught increases, community sectors continue to assist in the lakeshore clean-up activities, where Sampiruhan gave away empty plastic bottles to schools who needed them for their school garden, as more support to this project.
Flourishing the Fingerlings
As Sampiruhan’s fishing industry continues to prosper, Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMC) aims to continue the fishing sector by formulating meetings and seminars dedicated to educating the students who yearn to learn about fishing. Consequently, this ensures that the children of Sampiruhan fishermen are sufficiently educated for their future career aspirations. Furthermore, fishermen have regular meetings, through the interrelationship of Sangguniang Brgy. and FARMC to discuss programs about the issues of the fishing sector. On top of that, Laguna Lake’s cooperatives continue to prosper their relationships with different sectors in order to make projects, and help the fishermen. Therefore, with the assistance of the government and associations, Sampiruhan’s fishing industry blossoms into a treasure nobody could replace, with citizens guarding these bountiful treasure groves for its future citizens to harvest.
Despite thriving in the dark, mushrooms became a beacon of light for urban farming. This realization encourages the soaring growth of mushroom production in the Philippines. Consequently, Calamba livelihood cooperatives are ready to aid citizens proper training in cultivating and processing mushrooms.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the Philippines exported only $42.4k worth of processed mushrooms, while importing $27.2M worth of processed mushrooms, making it the 14th largest mushroom importer in the world in 2022.
To combat the country’s high ranking in mushroom imports, the government continuously provides support for mushroom farmers as they hold seminars to help citizens and the future generation to use mushrooms as a source of livelihood.
With the mushroom’s walk on the spotlight, Calamba livelihood cooperatives continuously show their passion and dedication to the mushroom industry by providing aid towards the mushroom farmers while promoting the mushroom business towards its citizens.
Throughout the recent years, the city government has successfully built and nurture mushroom-specific associations such as Calamba City Mushroom Growers Association, KABUTE-HAN, MCA Mushroom Culture, and ADHIKA where the Department of Labor and employment (DOLE) integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) recently gave the group a 270,000 Php grant, together with equipments and fruiting bags.
Consequently, Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) aims to partner with livelihood cooperatives to hold seminars and farm mushrooms at the school’s garden in the upcoming school year for its program ‘Gulayan sa
paaralan’ with the intention of using the harvested mushrooms in the school’s feeding program.
CCSIS’s interest in mushroom farming is encouraged by how easy and sustainable its management is; therefore, making it highly suitable for students and beginner farmers. In addition, this can also give opportunities to the students as they learn insights on the mushroom and agricultural industry. Furthermore, this idea was proven to be feasible by other public schools in Calamba, such as Jose Rizal Memorial School, as it held a mushroom seminar and demonstration with the aid of the city government.
Proving itself to be a sustainable livelihood, mushrooms require less pesticides and herbicides, land, water, and energy; making it a more ecofriendly crop option compared to other crops. Additionally, it enhances plant health and growth, while protecting plants from diseases as more nutrients become available.
Furthermore, mushrooms are greatly profitable for small-scale farmers as it only needs a low capital investment while having a short growth cycle that allows for multiple harvests per year, and thus have a higher yield potential compared to other crops.
Mushrooms' high demand in the culinary, medicinal and cosmetics industries provides numerous opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. Correspondingly, numerous cooperatives used this opportunity to process mushroom as crisps, crackers, patties, alamang, sisig and garlic oil.
Comparable to a firefly in the dark, mushrooms prove it can make businesses shine, despite growing in dark areas. Hence, through extensive support, the government aims to let more citizens and students see the light the mushroom industry promises.
EDITORIAL
Calamba City
Integrated School (CCSIS). I would like to extend my
and appreciation for the newest
floor for 10th and 9th graders. However, I ought to write this letter to address the still ongoing classroom
in the
Some sections are still occupying the
This, as what I have noticed, is serving as a hindrance for CCSIS students to conduct beneficial research, science, and other experiments and activities.
God bless, and more power to your publication. Thank you.
Dear Mrs. Cepeda,
We are grateful for your appreciation of the successful new floor for our JHS, which was awaited last year. However, we are saddened as well to witness the still unsolved classroom shortages, yet like the parents, we anticipate more improvements for better learning to come. Regarding the issue, Mrs. Christine Abenojar, our newly appointed principal, had already addressed the issue to our beloved Mayor Ross Rizal. For more years to come, we, and the School are here with the parents to eye more successful projects in school for sufficient learning space. Thank you for your concern!
"In the past year, we were already satisfied with the mantra so why bother changing it?" Neglected necessity
Students of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) expressed mixed reactions, mainly disapproval, on the revised school mantra— Husay, Saysay, at Magandang Pag-uugali’y sa Calsci Pinapanday. Contrary to the past mantra ‘Husay at Saysay, Sa Calsci Pinapanday’, students criticized the additional ‘Magandang Pag-uugali’ for being unnecessary as value or ‘saysay’ already comes with having a good attitude— making this alteration rather irrelevant. Also, it is common sense that having a good attitude is necessary in every school in the country, not just a prerequisite for CCSIS students.
In a survey conducted among CCSIS students, 8 out of 10 students expressed their disapproval of the new mantra. According to them, it was not a matter of being catchy or aesthetically pleasing, rather the redundancy. Value does not only focus on one’s worth but also their moral principle. That being said, the previous mantra was already good as it is. It holds up the prestige of Calsci emphasizing the excellence and value that we uphold in our school. In the past year, we were already satisfied with the mantra so why bother changing it?
In the recently announced 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, the Philippines is reportedly one of the worst countries in math, science, and reading. This alarming performance of students makes us question the learning competencies in our country that are immensely degrading. Our educational system seems to be taking its matter for the worst as our curriculum continues to be experimented on. Our government continues to make foolish decisions that would lead to our own demise.
Our current school curriculum requires us to fulfill countless requirements without the validation of actually learning. We are given the ideology that a high grade means great learning which simply does not reflect on our results. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the PISA results indicate a fiveto six-year lag in our country’s learning competencies. It is utterly ridiculous for students to do quarterly exams and countless quizzes, yet we merely reach the global average. Clearly, we are being spoon-fed by our pointless curriculum that fails to educate Filipinos, making us one of the poorest learners. Additionally, what’s most shocking is the ignorance of the government in our situation. This newly found data made DepEd plan actions on how to expedite our country’s educational development, which shows their incompetence in upholding the current situation for students.
Ironically, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching Gina Gonong stated that the
country aims to reach the rank of topperforming countries like Singapore. This goal might only be a dream for us given the lowly standards of our education. Moreover, MATATAG curriculum’s goal of decongesting our education only contributes to the fact that Filipino students will only get worse education such as the removal of the Mother Tongue subject.
DepEd’s absurd resolutions would purposely lead students on a minefield. One day, we might just step on a mine and our chances of receiving proper education would be destroyed just because of the government’s rashness. For instance, the K-10+2 program seems like it was decided on the spur of the moment. DepEd did not even consider its drastic repercussions for the students and our country. Our government’s actions are miserably laughable as they aim to raise our standards but are continuing to handicap the learning of students.
As students of Calamba City Science Integrated School, we are dismayed at how our country is one of the lowest in these core subjects. We understand how difficult the lessons are, yet it is disappointing to realize how inferior our country is compared to the education of
other countries. The government may be creating changes to our present situation, but students are barely able to experience the said improvements. DepEd does not seem to understand how to actually upgrade our system. For instance, removing the “distractions” on the walls would significantly enhance the focus of students. At some point, this may be true but the real problems such as the topics, competencies, and curriculum itself has barely improved. It seems like our country holds a record for a consistent incompetence in the field of education. The government should recruit educational professionals and researchers who are experts in the field. With this, we can ensure the security of students as we are equipped with the right standards that can match international caliber. We Filipinos should utilize our intelligence correctly through education that is accessible and of high quality. We should reinforce our education in order to rise from the worst.
In the context of values, every school is obliged to reinforce the moral standards of students and keep them disciplined. Unfortunately, while the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education Act was reinstated, it does not seem to affect and improve students’ behavior in any way. Indeed, this is a good initiative yet its implementation is somewhat flawed. According to a survey conducted by the Programme for International Student Assessment, Filipino students are most exposed to bullying compared to 79 other countries. It seems like improving the moral standards of students might just be an unreachable dream. Have we come to a point where the moral standards in schools are so low that having a good attitude is something out of this world? that we have to emphasize it in our mantra? That would just mean that the moral preparation that DepEd intends to accomplish is failing.
In relation to this, while CCSIS is more known in the academic side, we are taught to follow rules with regards to the regulations in the school. For instance, CCSIS Principal Danilo Tungol instructed all of the students with different hair colors to change their hair back to black as per the school manual. Accordingly, we followed our obligations driven by the discipline that was established in ourselves. Still, we have shortcomings and we think that having a proper moral framework in schools would be a huge help for all of us— not as an upper hand or advantage but a requirement as individuals.
Part of coming to school is learning to improve ourselves both academically and morally. DepEd should focus on reestablishing the conduct of students that is not based on graded activities; rather focus on executing extracurricular activities that emphasizes discipline and good attitude. We should welcome open discussions and establish proper guidance by withholding the rules in school. For CCSIS, we should bring back the old mantra and generalize good morals for each and every student.
"It is better to try than to do nothing but watch as this generation struggle with reading."
It is painful to accept the reality that, in this age, there are still a lot who can’t properly read. Studying in one of the most prestigious schools in Calamba really pushes us to mold ourselves to its standards. The works and expectations are doubled, but, in spite of such painstaking rules, individuals seem to think it is easy being a student in this generation, considering the fact that we can rely on online books unlike before. Just one click away, answers are coming right to us. Yet, why are there still some learners even in the most prominent schools who are still encountering difficulties when it comes to reading and writing?
Our so-called Pinoy pride fell into nothing but shambles when Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries in terms of reading comprehension. Humiliation was faced after 15-year-old learners were chosen to partake in the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment wherein they scored 347 when the bare minimum is 476, hurling our ranks down to the bottom. And with that, the Philippines had one goal in mind. To catch up. Upon hearing the news about DepEd’s plan to make a Catch-up Friday exclusively for basic skill activities, it made us wonder whether this will truly help tons of learners come out of their shells and be better. Looking back at the result of PISA wherein 76% students fell below level 2 in reading proficiency, it is evident that even the youngest generation still needs help to enhance their basic skills.
As per VP Sarah Duterte, this is better than just promoting students to the next level without having mastered the basic skill of readingThis learning mechanism will open opportunities to strengthen the basic skills of a learner especially to those frustration level readers to thoroughly prepare them for the next level. On another hand, will this new strategy really improve and help students level up? According to Teachers’ Dignity Coalition Chairperson Benjo Basas, students have started to lose interest every Catch-up Friday which made them skip school instead. It can be a waste of time since students tend to push themselves to pass through the finish line because of a deadline and a reward— the thirst to see an accomplishment after a long period of hardwork.
However, Philippine Information Agency proved otherwise the advantage of Catch-up Friday stating that teachers have expressed their approval of the said program as a positive way to focus their efforts and properly guide frustration level readers during Fridays. Indeed, if we would just let this program work, we can teach students to be a better version of themselves, not only as a student but also as a person.
In conclusion, it is better to try than to do nothing but watch as this generation struggle with reading.
As this incompetence bogs down our basic education, we should take action while it is not too late. We should at least trust Catch-up Friday instead of criticizing and looking down at this program. And once it all falls into place, we can finally stop ourselves from falling behind.
The MATATAG Curriculum was launched by the Department of Education (DepEd) in response to the unchanging poor performance of Filipino learners. The curriculum, as proposed by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, proposes itself as a brand-new system that presents a more flexible learning experience for Filipino students. Truly a laughable concept— putting the country’s education department at the hands of someone completely unknown to the field.
As per the Director of DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum Development, Jocelyn D.R. Andaya, the curriculum was adjusted to reduce congestion by 70 percent, which helps to avert more attention to literacy and numeracy. This watereddown curriculum overthrows unnecessary points in lessons which puts more attention in its focal points. As appealing as a new curriculum aiming for lighter work sounds, there’s no doubt that its oversimplification will only bring
SHANTELL ESPAÑOLA
"It’s time to move on from the past and embrace new possibilities."
In a constantly changing world, it is only natural that one should follow the flow of innovation in order to advance— and this is no exception for education. Now that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has firmly stood its ground in industries, it won’t take long for them to officially integrate this for improved productivity and results. Similarly, education in the Philippines is in dire need of changes for their severely outdated curriculum and considering AI is a decent place to start.
about learners who will have difficulty in more complex learning areas— overall tarnishing the value of refinement.
In line with this, DepEd also launched the National Learning Camp (NLC) during the 2022-2023 End-of-School Year break under DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2023. As much as NLC aims to refine the learning skills of students, this is already a heavy burden to carry. This program takes place during the End-of-School Year break, eliminating the time for students to rest. DepEd is contradicting its purpose of decongesting the system by putting stress on students. Moreover, our environment itself restricts our capability to focus on learning with 159,000 classrooms lacking this year.
While DepEd focuses on irrelevant issues, the lack of educational facilities limit the comfort, safety, and learning capacities of students. Despite having a budget Php700 billion, DepEd still does not have enough money for these numerous project allocations.
Likewise, in the current state of CCSIS, two laboratories are still occupied as classrooms, despite the recent expansion of the junior high school building. According to a survey conducted in CCSIS, 64.8%
Indeed, AI can bring rapid growth to the already outgrown education system, however harnessing its power will not come without any risks. According to a survey conducted by the State of Voacational Education in the Philippines, 52% of schools are concerned of AI hindering students’ ability in creative and critical thinking— mainly due to the students’ possible over reliance on them; while 49% are worried for data privacy in the face of this new technology. Moreover, there are many more hurdles to overcome before implementing this to schools. Challenges such as digital or technological resources, in-depth teacher training, and academic integrity are also issues that many schools face. Nevertheless, taking these risks and facing these challenges are only natural in the pursuit of progress.
Neglecting the potential of AI would result in many more delays in education— and falling even more behind is the last thing this nation wants. However, despite this, it’s worrying that UNESCO reported in a global survey that less than 10% of schools have formal guidelines regarding the use of this technology.
Jonnah Lim, a language professor from De Lasalle University, stated that ‘AI is a tool for learning, and it must not be disregarded,’ yet, still, she emphasized that there should be strict guidelines before integrating this in education.
T
ruly a huge accomplishment indeed for Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) as the House of Representatives awaits the second reading of proposed House Bill No. 6407— getting us closer to finally becoming a legislated school. This is definitely good news for the students and educational staff of CCSIS as we can finally be nationally recognized as a full-fledged science high school. Calamba City Congresswomen Charisse Anne Hernandez filed House Bill No. 6407 known as “An Act Establishing a Science High School in the City of Calamba, Province of Laguna, To Be Known as the Calamba City Science High School, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.” Being a legislated school would elevate the standards and align our learning competencies to a bona fide science high school. Hearing this, I am looking forward to how CCSIS would be once the bill is passed. Also, being a national science high school has its wonderful perks including a board of directors
of students think that it is unfit for a science highschool to have a shortage in facilities and materials such as chemicals. Despite this infuriating condition, learners still continue to tolerate these mediocre conditions for they still have hope that the state of CCSIS will improve eventually. But, this is unfortunately far from the case to many under-budgeted public schools. While the MATATAG agenda includes the establishment of the School Infrastructure and Facilities strand, the Department of Budget and Management admitted that the government does not have enough funds under the national budget to address the classroom shortage in the country. From what we can see, our future is in the hands of these non-educators. We are worried about what our lives would be like since the authorities are not even qualified to change the system knowing that they merely have any experience in handling educational facilities. Thus, the government should hire professionals on deciding on these relevant matters. We need these experienced individuals to advise the government, especially
“From what we can see, our future is in the hands of these non-educators.”
and a separate budget, besides the allocation provided by the Department of Education. In line with this, we will have the benefit of receiving a separate budget through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). We can finally lighten the financial burden experienced by our school once we are fully acclaimed. As a matter of fact, CCSIS School Head Christine Abenojar stated that our school’s MOOE is around 130,000 pesos— barely enough to pay for our electricity bills costing 85,100 pesos for junior high school and 81,700 pesos for senior high school. I am certain that the budget would be of great help for all of us who are indebted to CCSIS.
However, if CCSIS indeed becomes a national science high school, enrollment would not only be exclusive to Calambenos— instead welcome enrollees from other locales. This would put Calambenos at a disadvantage as they are not the only ones who can become a student in CCSIS which would lower their chance of getting accepted.
Undoubtedly, utilizing this tool can aid in bridging gaps between students and their needed competencies by offering personalized and inclusive learning for students and an efficient study-budy. AI has the means to detect learners’ strengths and weaknesses and cater to them accordingly anytime and anywhere— as long as they are connected to the internet— further ensuring course mastery and confidence among them. Furthermore, in a survey conducted in Calamba Science Integrated School, 92.3% of students admitted using AI, and 52.1% of them use it frequently. Moreover, 72% of them use it for brainstorming research topics, 78% for checking grammar or answers and asking for feedback, 46% for queries, and 26% for studying. Additionally, AI has the ability to increase productivity for teachers. In fact, based on a survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), 38% of teachers use AI in generating assignments and tests, 35% in personalized learning, 32% in grading, and 30% for leading seminars or discussions. AI saves time and effort for teachers by completing tedious ancillary tasks within a matter of minutes, ultimately giving them a chance to improve education outcomes
in students— a well needed outcome, especially amidst an educational crisis. Now that the world is an era away from the country’s education system, it’s time to move on from the past and embrace new possibilities. Understanding and accepting the use of AI is a necessary step for encapsulating efficiency, change, and development for the extremely outdated curriculum. Certainly, further overlooking this revolutionary technology will give nothing but setbacks as we get left behind by neighbouring countries. However, we should still beware of its risk, so certain guidelines should be instilled.
Although the EPS of CALABARZON, Eugene Ray Santos, already stated that the Department of Education (DepEd) is already making plans regarding the use of AI in schools, these are some of the things that they should consider doing: they should explicitly connect the use of AI to educational goals and promote AI literacy among teachers and learners to help withhold academic integrity. Additionally, they should continuously assess the use of AI and adjust their guidelines accordingly to ensure the best results. Most importantly, the government should invest more into technology and innovation in education to further promote a more globalized and advanced education for Filipinos.
Unfortunately, the ‘Calamba’ in Calamba City Science Integrated School would lose its purpose as it would be inclusive for all.
On the contrary, this would introduce more opportunities for other students who are aspiring to become science high school students. We can contribute to the development of learning standards in Calamba as well as increase the learnings of more students.
While we are patiently waiting for the passing of the proposed bill, we should bring forth a systematic framework of the improved competencies. There should already be a plan to enforce the actions that would raise CCSIS standards as one of science high schools’. Additionally, we should allocate the budget more thoroughly and have a complete record or financial blueprint of the entire school expenses. With this, we can finally become a prestigious school providing premier education.
FOR REVISIONS
“With this, we can finally become a prestigious school providing premier education.” NILES TRISTAN CABRERA
"So
right now, this shortened schedule is not a major priority."
Amidst the extreme heat index, the Department of Education further moved the end of the 2023-2024 school year to May 31, 2024 to bring back the old June-March schedule. Just as we have finally adjusted from the pandemic era, we are experiencing yet another turmoil as students confront rushed discussions, tasks, and an abrupt end to this school year. Indeed, we are dying from the heat, but this hasty resolution would be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
As per DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa, class days will be shortened by at least 7 or 8 days to make way for the revision of the school calendar. With this, DepEd assured that there will be no disruption in the learning of students— what a laughable thing to say. Now that we are experiencing these horrible conditions, we could say that DepEd was all talk. They are basically using us,
students, as test subjects— whether this adjustment would benefit us or completely destroy our future. How do they expect us to learn with all of these compressed lessons? It is just a matter of time until we fail to adapt to all of the inconsistent changes in our education. Furthermore, DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas stated that the school year 2024-2025 targets a start of July 29. DepEd has planned to cut the days short with 165 school days— shorter than the 180 to 220 days prescribed by the government. This would mean that we, students, would have to survive yet another hectic school year. Why is the government so engrossed with bringing back the old schedule anyway? It is not even an extreme life or death emergency. And with all these reckless decisions, they are just gambling our future. It is just infuriating that if we fail, we are the ones held responsible while
the government’s foolishness is let off the hook.
On the other hand, PAGASA assistant weather services chief Rosalina de Guzman stated that we are experiencing a heat index of 41 to 42 degrees Celsius. There is a greater possibility for students, teachers, and school staff of facing heat exhaustion, nosebleeds, and other heat-related diseases. Sure, bringing back the old June-March schedule would prevent these risks but this does not guarantee the comfort and safety of the students. Whether we start in June or August, our school days would still be packed with either rain or heat. So right now, this shortened schedule is not a major priority.
Moreover, ACT Philippines chairperson Valentin Quetua declared that the real problem lies in classroom shortages, teachers, school facilities, and health facilities. No matter what the weather is,
children should feel comfortable in their own classroom without being affected by all the nonsense that DepEd has devised. As students in Calamba City Science Integrated School, it feels like it is more of a hassle than a miracle that our school days are shortened. Even if we experience this heat, having to cram the activities and lessons is much more difficult. Thus, in lieu of devising these ridiculous plans that would end in mishap, our government should focus on alleviating the conditions in our classrooms. We are obligated to learn, entailing the need for a proper learning environment. Rather than rushing our school years, the government should move forward to this adjustment slowly but surely— without sacrificing the education of students. DepEd should focus on fixing our infrastructures and improving our learning system, instead of betting on our future just for a risky gamble.
The disabled, especially children, have to take the extra mile just to obtain resources that the able-bodied can get with just a snap of their fingers. One of such resources is education, a right to which every child has. Republic Act 11650 of 2022 grants just this— a chance for the disabled children to achieve just as much as the able children and even more. But it has been two years, and little to no progress about the matter has been made, and implementation of the law has since been stalled. The Department of Education (DepEd) should take the extra mile any moment now, just as the disabled children have.
On March 11, 2022, Republic Act 11650, an Act Instituting a Policy Of Inclusion And Services For Learners With Disabilities was signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte in support of the Inclusive Education Act. This law expresses the government’s ambition to implement Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) in every municipality or city in the country. In support of this, specific roles and responsibilities have been assigned to different government agencies aside
from DepEd. For instance, the Department of Health is assigned to take over and provide for the children’s healthcare needs. However, it has been two years since the passing of the law, yet minute progress has been made— much to the dismay of the House members.
The stall is due to the lack of funds and medical professionals in the Philippines.
In 2023, DepEd proposed a budget of P532 million for the supposed SPED program for the current year, but despite their "earnest efforts", the proposal was denied in the National Expenditure Program for that year. Additionally, in a House basic education committee hearing led by Representative Roman Romulo last February of the current year, RA 11650 cannot be carried out properly due to the lack of health professionals in the country who can deal with children with disabilities.
The lack of such professionals is one thing, but a denied budget for a well-meaning program is another. There shouldn't be any harm in providing an adequate budget for a law that aims only to provide education, and maybe
even more, to the disabled children who deserve just as much as their ablebodied counterparts. Almost 5.1 million Filipino children live with disabilities, and it should be just right to provide them with the education and knowledge that they have the right to obtain. Inclusivity is not even a question in this type of situation, what needs to be answered is that if the government actually cares for such inclusivity, and if they really take into account the essence of education— that which should not be selective.
In Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), disabled students are regarded with proper education and care, as the campus sees no excuse to exclude them from the school's curriculum. CCSIS, as a school with integrity, fulfills the needs of each and every student, including those who are not able-bodied.
Education for disabled children should be promptly funded and given an adequate budget such that these children obtain the right to learn just as any other child does. There should be no excuse as to why the P532 million budget was denied if the program it
"Inclusivity
is not even a question in this type of situation."
was meant to fund means no harm. It's time for the government to take the extra mile to extend their support for the disabled— these children have run for far too long for the higher-ups to not even take a step closer to advancement.
? Do you think Filipinos having
"Simply compensating for their additional workload will not change the fact that they are overworked."
of educators has been long and tiring, yet a triumphant one, but winning this battle does not mean winning the war on the country’s educational crisis.
However big and beneficial this decision is, one should always look deeper within its details for there is much more to it beneath its flowery surface. According to DepEd, only teachers in public school institutions with worker shortages are eligible for the pay while those that hold contractual positions are not. In addition, similar to overtime pay, overload pay is subject to the amount of excessive workload and taxes, and their payment is always made quarterly. With taxes diminishing both additional and regular pay, this change will hardly keep teachers—especially those classified as teachers I to III—afloat in the nation’s already deteriorating economy and neither would it improve their quality of teaching.
In addition, it is said that a salary of at least 25,000 pesos is enough for supporting a family of five in Metro Manila, but this is clearly far from reality. In today’s economy, a teacher’s starting pay of 27,000 pesos has greatly devalued, and teachers with families would still struggle making ends meet even with additional pay. Moreover, simply compensating for their additional workload will not change the fact that they are overworked. If not addressed earlier, the nation’s weapons for education will cease to fire.
In the case of Calamba City Integrated Science High School, some teachers, namely Mrs. Rowena Acosta and Sir Nelfren Sambalod, are assigned to handle two grade levels — that are at
least 300 plus students in total—all while being expected to accomplish both ancillary and extracurricular tasks. Consequently, they get overworked and are sometimes not able to attend lectures—especially when competitions and training are taking place. Their focus gets cut in half which leaves students with half–baked knowledge crammed into them and their families longing to spend quality time.
Then again, social studies teachers Mrs. Maricar Pamatmat and Sir Kevin Barrera stated in an interview that they agree that overload pay is still a commendable step made by DepEd to, somewhat, address the teachers’ wage crisis. However this is just one of the first steps in truly addressing the educational sector’s flaws. After all, in an already plummeting economy, this is just the start to a redemptive comeback—this is just the bare minimum.
DepEd, as well as other sectors, should start at the root causes of each problem. For instance, they should hire workers dedicated to doing non-teaching tasks so that teachers can focus entirely on their quality of teaching, and, in return, generate more jobs. At the same time, the government should also work on raising the wages of all workers—not only teachers—by stabalizing the economy to be adequate for today’s price of living so that every family will have the means for education. Targeting the root problems may be a complicated process but it surely is more worthwhile than bare minimum solutions. In order to rise triumphantly in the war on the country’s educational crisis, everyone should give their all to win it.
With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s issuance of the Special Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Affairs via Executive Order (EO) 51 this December 2023, it may seem as though that we are approaching towards a more inclusive and progressive nation. But is that really the case, or are we just tiptoeing around the issue?
It is not a secret that the Philippines is a conservative country. With our population being primarily Roman Catholic, matters such as sexuality and gender identity are still frowned upon. This is most evident with the current status of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill – which has moved at a snail’s pace ever since its creation in 2000. Despite Section 6 of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution stating that there should be a separation of the church and the state, oppositors have reverted the bill to the Senate committee on religious grounds. Measures such as the implementation of the Special Committee have been proven time and time again to have no teeth at all. Previous presidents, namely Rodrigo Duterte, have made similar actions and EOs in order to prove that they are pro-LGBTQIA+, but it only has left members of the community in the gutter. According to the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the nation still is a battlefield for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to get jobs in the workforce. Why are we settling for baby steps when we know that we are fully capable of taking big leaps of improvement?
As of now, the Philippines still has yet to create any law that protects people with diverse SOGIE. From a student perspective, this is a concerning matter – as there is no countermeasure against those who try to discriminate against children who don’t identify with the cultural norm. With 12% of the student body and faculty of Calamba City Science Integrated School being members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we strive for equality – and highly advocate for the implementation of the SOGIE Equality Bill.
Likewise, President Marcos Jr. should also stand firm on his stance when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights. He has proclaimed that he is supportive of the community, but actions speak louder than words, and glossing over things that actually matter. The LGBTQIA+ community should'nt settle for less.
"We, as humans –should be ethical towards our treatment of animals."
It is downright disgusting to see how Filipinos still treat animals, as seen with the recent killing of golden retriever Killua, who was brutally beaten and left to decay in a sack. This rightfully caught the ire of multiple Internet users, as it showcases the deepest lows on how humanity can go when it comes to animal abuse. But this sort of case is a dime a dozen, so when will we finally cease to treat our furry friends like this?
Seeing the case for myself scrolling through my phone, it was stomach-wrenching to see, and even more so that the only reason that Killua was killed was that the culprit Anthony Solares bloodied his hand just because he claimed that the dog was aggressive. But seeing the footage of Solares straight up chasing the dog with a machete, who really was the aggressive one here?
Many cases like this have occurred before. One such is Ericka, the aspin who was stabbed to death by a Korean national, after being mistaken for a stray dog who bit the suspect. However, with the virality of Killua’s case, more and more cases are being brought to light. For example, an animal pound in Cavite was exposed and is being investigated for its cats resorting to eating one another due to the lack of food and neglect from its supposed ‘caretakers’. To think that this, and possibly many more cases of animal abuse is hidden from view, and that we don’t know its extent is spine-chilling.
Even in Calamba, such cases occur. In Calamba City Science Integrated School, the campus’ cats were rehomed and abandoned due to the administration being scared of them inflicting rabies, much to the dismay of the student body. However, it is perplexing that even though there are multiple anti-rabies drives being conducted in the city, the school chose to act in this manner.
The mindset that we are superior and must be abusive to animals is outdated. We are equals, simply mortals that live in this world to survive, and that should include treating each other with respect and dignity. I, for one, am very much afraid of dogs due to my experiences with them, but I will never hit or abuse my dog in a way that will hurt them, and frankly, so should everyone. Furthermore, it is thoughtprovoking that even if there are laws imposed to protect animals from such crimes, they still occur in droves. The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 makes it illegal for anyone to kill or torture any animal, penalizing those who violate it with at most two years of jail time and fines up to P100,000. However, it seems that this is very much disregarded, which can be inferred as a reflection of how the government approaches cases regarding animal abuse.
We, as humans – should be ethical towards our treatment of animals. We made them pets because we find them useful to our lives, whether for tasks or for emotional support. As such, we should reward and treat them as our sidekick, and not as slaves. However, considering that Philippine society has moved from removing dog meat from their drinking sessions, moving on from this should be a cakewalk.
The threatened public safety of the Filipinos defines the need to reform the failed Gun Possession System in the Philippines. Likewise, though the Republic Act 10591 or the “An Act providing for a comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition and providing penalties for violations” exist, the shooting incidents in the country are still rampant, endangering the
"The standards for giving someone the right to own a gun are too lenient."
community, especially the children and women. Essentially, this foundates to the recent murder of a 13-year-old Grade 8 student in Barangay Banyaga, Agoncillo, Batangas, who was shot in the head while walking to school. The tragic incident that claimed the life of a little child with no known adversaries, calls for swift and thorough changes to gun laws in order to safeguard the lives of Filipino citizens. Sadly, another similar case had occurred last April where a Grade 7 student was shot, and declared dead on arrival. The list of horrific history of such senseless acts even goes on. It can be recalled as well when a student from Castor Alviar National High School was gunned dead inside the school last 2019.
According to R.A. 10591, any Filipinos over 21 years, with established background and experience, are permitted to register and own a gun. Moreover, the firearms must be registered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) before its official ownership. Similarly, such firearm possession is typically due to sports and self-defenserelated agenda. However, the suspect in the Agoncillo shooting seems to be too comfortable using a 9mm handgun, which begs grave questions about the efficacy of current gun control policies. How was the gun acquired? Why, up until it was too late, was the suspect free to wander around in a public place carrying a lethal weapon? Unfortunately, no answers are still served for such questions because what went away with the suspect is the justice unserved for the shot students. Then again, what would be the purpose
of gun-based self-defense if danger is terminated? Aside from this, any citizen could still use other forms of self-defense apart from utilizing firearms. Going back, this incident is not an isolated one but rather part of a troubling pattern that reveals the vulnerability of innocent people, especially children in their daily lives. The tragic loss of this young student must serve as a wake-up call for the nation to address these legislative deficiencies. Because there are many gaps in the current gun ownership laws in the Philippines and there is insufficient enforcement, guns may wind up in the incorrect hands. Under any circumstances, the law allows private individuals to possess and carry firearms; however, the regulatory procedures in place are insufficient to stop misuse. The standards for giving someone the right to own a gun are too lenient, and background checks are frequently insufficient to guarantee that only law-abiding citizens are allowed to possess firearms. With these happening, it should be the matter of time for the Philippines to head towards limiting gun possession to officials. A stricter background checks, and thorough tracking of the legal and illegal firearm owners. In the end, one should not perish unjustly just because of someone’s irresponsibility. This is because every citizen does not deserve to travel with fear and experience a rock-ribbed havoc brought by illegal possession of guns.
“While they are for a good cause, we should not forget about the jeepney drivers who will be most affected."
ISOURCE:
As more than half of the qualified Filipino nurses chose to work abroad, the country is in dire shortage of nurses and medical staffs to provide quality healthcare. The low salaries and poor working conditions in hospitals has led nurses to migrate in order to experience better lives. It is evident that the low pay given to nurses are below living conditions leading to decreasing workers in the country. It is absolutely dismaying that as Philippine hospitals are in demand of nurses, they are not able to provide nurses with their deserving salaries.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), it would take 12 years to fill the shortage of nurses and 23 years for doctors. This is indeed problematic as it could cause imminent danger to provide healthcare to patients as understaffed hospitals are yet to fill in the gap. DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that hospitals are reducing their bed capacities because they are unable to meet nurse-to-patient ratios. In Calamba City Science Integrated School, many students are planning to take nursing and other medical-related courses. Students should be able to experience good working conditions as they spend their years studying to fulfill their dreams. It would be disappointing to see that the hardships they encounter will just end up going to waste.
Despite the Philippines being one of the top suppliers of medical practitioners worldwide, the country itself is in a
desperate need of nurses. DOH has estimated that 51% or 316,000 qualified nurses has migrated overseas to earn more income. To add, a survey by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) discovered that the monthly average wage for a Filipino nurse is just around 15,000 pesos which isn’t enough to cover all living expenses and live comfortably. Choosing between having a low income in the Philippines or a large income overseas, many have chosen the latter. It is infuriating that nurses who work tirelessly to help people receive compensation that doesn’t equate to the hard work they have done.
To fill in the shortage of nurses, DOH announced that the nursing graduates who didn’t pass their board exams will be granted a temporary license given that they receive at least 70% on their exam. This would be able to complete the 4500 needed positions in government hospitals. Even though this would help achieve the needed number of nurses in hospitals, this wouldn’t ensure that we receive exceptional healthcare. As a matter of fact, this can cause complications if the nurses aren’t as competent since they didn’t pass their board exams.
The number of needed nurses will only progress if hospitals choose to improve their salaries and working conditions. If hospitals need nurses, nurses will need hospitals to provide them with what they deserve. Hospitals should be able to give them benefits and salaries that would
THOU SHALL NOT PASS
“Clearly, the problem is within the workplace which the government fails to address.”
match the standards and compensation abroad. By giving them admirable benefits, the hospitals can raise their standards on nurses which can cause progress in the economy and healthcare in the Philippines. This can even give other countries the perspective that Philippines has exceptional hospitals and healthcare workers. Opportunities won’t be wasted if the government allots budgets on healthcare, especially for their patients and workers. The government should prioritize the health sector and reinforce the declining state of our country.
n accordance with House Resolution No. 801, Albay Representative Joey Salceda sought out to investigate the possible effects of phasing out old and dilapidated jeepneys. With all of these effects going into play once the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is executed, the phaseout would leave a longlasting lethal impact on the livelihoods of countless Filipinos. PUVMP aims to replace deteriorated jeepneys that are already deteriorated with an upgraded version. On the other hand, jeepneys that pass the Philippine National Standards (PNS) would not be affected. In some way, the transportation situation in the country would improve since both commuters and jeepney drivers would be less aggravated by the poor conditions of some jeepneys. Nevertheless, a new and better version of jeepneys will arrive, but at what cost? According to Salceda, this whole jeepney modernization program is harsh and inhumane since the government frankly has very little to give to support drivers. The government obliges them to pay for that upgrade, yet they provide very little monetary assistance which places them into millions of pesos worth of debt.
As a ‘solution’, the government plans to provide subsidies ranging from 160,000 pesos to 360,000 which is only 28% of the cost of a modern jeepney. Still, this is barely enough to support the financial burden that the government hastily brought to these drivers. Moreover, this program focuses mainly on the state of the jeepneys rather than the drivers. Knowing that jeepney drivers have low wages, we could say that the government was not ignorant, rather they were heartless that they gave these people overwhelming debt and money that’s incapable of paying it off. However grand and beneficial this program is, it still lacks specific and concrete plans regarding its implementation — almost nothing is really known on how it will exactly be enforced and how they would support this in the long run. In addition, with the economical stance of the Philippines considered, this modernization is just, frankly, far-fetched and out of reach for Filipinos. Our government should be the one responsible for upgrading the jeepneys. They should stop being oblivious to the aftermath of PUVMP. While they are for a good cause, we should not forget about the jeepney drivers who will be most affected. The budget for the supposedly livelihood assistance of the drivers should be used to buy the modern jeepneys themselves. If that is not enough, the government should coordinate with jeepney distributors to lessen the costs of the modern jeepneys. With this, we would not burden jeepney drivers who are desperately trying to make a living.
It is no secret that the majority of Filipinos have heard or seen this on TV— Cha-Cha. The infamous charterchange conundrum. The question on everybody’s mind is yes? Or no?
Unfortunately, the answer is a big no. Maybe some other time but it’s a no for now. Why is that, however? It boils down to knowledge, motivation, necessity, and implementation. To Cha Cha means to dance, but unfortunately we have to stay away from the dance floor. Maybe later, but not now.
Accordingly, a survey done by Rappler in 2023 found that 79% of Filipinos have zero or just little knowledge about charter change. How can we change what we don’t know? It does matter because if we are blind
"Who can we trust to guard our heritage if the government does not seem to care?
What seemed to be a simple travel vlog sparked controversy among the public when the video showed a resort built in the middle of three Chocolate Hills— destroying this national heritage. Filipinos expressed their fury against the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort that dares to ravage this protected area. However, what is more infuriating is the fact that this exact problem was reported in August 2023, yet the government only managed to take action when a huge controversy exploded. Unfortunately, this is only one of many national heritages that our government constantly fail to protect.
Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort was actually within the Multiple Use Zone of CHNM protected area which
BY THE NUMBERS1,381
then those up top can do whatever they want under the guise of charter change while we stand aside and look. For sure, there is a need to educate the people on what they actually need, not want.
There are three ways to charter change. We have Con-Con, ConAss and PI. Congress decides, representative decides, but lastly PI: the people decide. And the problem is that it can be bribed which is exactly what happened. The recent initiative was bribed. People were driven by motivation— by the tempting allure of money. Meaning that this so called “people’s” initiative is not the initiative of the “people” but those in power wanting to maintain the status quo.
To implement charter change, of course, there are strings attached. In light of Cha-Cha lies a more federalist approach, more region, or districtbased readership. The Philippines is sadly a corrupt country. What should be good would not be. See, this approach is high-risk-high-reward. Good and excellent leaders produce excellent results, corrupt and greedy local leaders however, obviously, would lead us to our demise.
However, those in favor say that we need it; that this will solve our country’s problem. What a bunch of nonsense. Ex-solicitor general Florin Hilbay stated his disdain on charter change— that people should put an end to this charter change train. What we truly need is
is a legitimate title property owned by Edgar Buton. This means that Buton was able to acquire this land and build this resort legally. Surely, there is something wrong with this guideline. They basically handed off a part of Chocolate Hills to him without batting an eye. Evidently, our national heritage is not protected enough, rather put in a risky position to be destroyed. He even managed to get an official business permit from the office of the mayor of Sagbayan— what a joke indeed. The mayor, Ricardo Suarez, did not even blink an eye to a potential destruction of a longstanding national heritage. Obviously, he should be the one responsible for protecting the prestige of Chocolate Hills, but look at what happened now.
However, this is no match to the destruction faced by the Sierra Madre mountain range. The Kaliwa Dam Project proposed by the government themselves would supply water with a 600 million-liters-a-day (MLD) capacity.
While this seems like a good idea, it is the complete opposite. The construction of Kaliwa Dam that runs through the Sierra Madre mountain range would lead to permanent and irreversible damages that would displace thousands of species as well as indigenous groups. And while the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MMSS) reported that the project was at a slow 22 percent completion, this does not hide the fact that this valuable mountain range would end in turmoil. Now, what can we say?
The government did not protect this national treasure because they were the ones that instigated this in the first place. Who can we trust to guard our heritage if the government does not seem to care?
Additionally, the government continues to be a disappointment
SOURCE: NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES graphics by LYNDON DIESTA
for years even in the case of historical treasures. Dubbed as the national photobomber, the infamous Torre de Manila still stands behind the historical Rizal Monument. And once again, it was given clearances by the city officials— legally, they are permitted by the government to construct this 49-story building that spoils the monument’s prestige. All of these problems prove the foolishness of the government on the value of these priceless treasures. It has even come to the point where the government are the ones pushing these problems forward.
If the government cannot even establish the protection laws properly, then we should appoint professionals in the construction industry who can monitor any issues in the industry especially in terms of protecting the national heritage sites in the country. The protection laws should be made stricter by prohibiting any private ownership that can potentially destroy the site and banning any money-driven agenda that can damage these areas.
We should also coordinate with NGOs and concerned citizens to ensure that there is no bias during industrialization. Also, social media is a powerful weapon in this generation so we can use this as a leverage to ensure that the government does their job properly by publicizing the current situation in the country. By doing so, we can maintain the prestige of our country and potentially rekindle its prevailing beauty.
more internalized revisions of the government and the bringing up of new leaders that will purge corruption and lead us to a brighter future. Cha-Cha is a band-aid to a torn limb. Yes, it can solve some things, but it definitely is not the solution to our actual problem. With all this Cha-Cha talk, just know that this has been proposed hundreds of times. It does solves problems. But with the knowledge the masses have, the motivation surrounding the change, and the effect it will have on government leadership; we have to say no. Maybe in the future, but now is not the time. In proper leadership, it is an amazing tool. But in the present, we, Filipinos, have to fight our itch to dance. Don’t dance, no to Cha-Cha.
“Cha-cha
is a band-aid to a torn limb.”
Sadly enough, the law is nothing but a laughingstock to those who swear by it. With senators Robin Padilla, Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, and Bong Go as well as Vice President Sara Duterte expressing their support for Apollo Quiboloy, the fate of Philippine Law and human rights would directly go down the drain. There is nothing else to be said— such macabre behavior among higher-ups must be looked into. Because in all seriousness, who in their right mind, especially as government officials, would stand for a certified sex offender?
As the leader of the notorious Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has garnered an astonishing 74-page indictment document that states the crimes he has committed, as well as those done along with other accused. The cases range from sex trafficking, to fraud, to smuggling and laundering. Quiboloy, along with his followers based in the USA, were indicted in 2021 in a US District Court in Santa Ana, California. He and his followers are also listed in an FBI Report as the country's "most wanted"— they are listed among fugitives from Mexico and China. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee have issued a subpoena against Quiboloy for refusing to attend committee hearings; such refusal— which he has done three times already— was
"These people are leaders of the nation, not clowns or circus displays
Following the homicide of radio anchor Juan Jumalon, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines proclaimed the danger that journalists are facing as this is the 199th murder case directed to them. The uncanny incidents encountered by journalists show how the Philippines is a deadly place for truth tellers.
To seek justice, a special investigation task force will therefore be created in order to investigate the culprit behind Jumalon's death. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned this disturbing situation— which is mysteriously faced by those who aim to seek and spread the truth. Though it is impressive to see how the police are currently acting on the case, journalists are met with the ugly truth of how they are treated in the country. Their objective to tell the truth shouldn't be a reason for them to be killed.
Under the administration of Marcos Jr., four journalists have been killed including Rey Blanco, Percy Lapid, Cresenciano Bunduquin, and the recent Juan Jumalon. Recently, the fifth out of several gunmen responsible for the death of Percy Lapid has come forward and confessed to the crime of killing the radio journalist. The killer, who goes by Joel Escorial, was given a maximum of 16 years in prison, guilty of the crime of homicide. It is just that the killer is given such punishment for a heinous crime— but, nevertheless, it is still not enough to clean the dirt off the name of journalists and to bring justice to Percy Lapid, and those like him who have met the same fate. Freedom of speech is a basic human right, yet journalists have to speak the truth with the fear of being
persecuted. It is alarming that opinions can eventually lead to one's own demise— nevertheless, turning a blind eye to the truth would mean holding back dignity, but, at the same time, simply acknowledging these facts may likely cost many lives. As students of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), we are concerned with the various issues in our society and country. We want to express our opinions and criticisms, but we also want to assure our safety from truthkillers. Our country is known to be a ruthless place for activists, journalists, and people who just want to share their own version of truth. Just like what happened to Juan Jumalon, there is no guarantee to the safety of truth tellers.
Incidents like red-tagging and various accusations are imminent in this country especially if the news or information
enough for the Senate to cite him in contempt. Despite such inhumane and heinous cases, some government officials took a stand for the Pastor, highlighting their friendship with him and putting him on a pedestal notwithstanding such cases. To Senator Robin Padilla, "an unending friendship", to Senator Bato dela Rosa, "a friend not only in the good times, but also in the bad." And most appallingly, Vice President Sara Duterte publicly defended the Pastor— her father's spiritual adviser— and stated that the accusations made against him were "unfair" and "violent".
The cases that Quiboloy and his followers are heinous already by themselves, but what's more unbelievably atrocious is the fact that these government officials have the nerve to turn a blind eye to such crimes and side with the oppressor. Sure, it can be said that these people have connections and friendships that go way bsck, but that should be no excuse for tolerating inhumanity. Instead of staying true to the oath they have taken as government officials and lend their support to the victims of Quiboloy's actions, such support is instead given to Quiboloy himself. These people are leaders of the nation, not clowns or circus displays. Their priority should and should always be the lesser— the ones who fight for their rights everyday— and not the ones who take such rights away.
This is, yet again, another case of the lack of validated information and how biases and prejudices overpower one's mind. In Calamba City Science Integrated School, students are taught and trained from the very first moment they step foot in the campus that biases should never take over their constitution, especially in conducting research; one of the school's most praised aspects. In all that a CalSci student does, integrity and validity must always come first.
There is nothing else to be said; Quiboloy should promptly be put behind bars the moment he is found. He makes a fool not only out of the nation's law, but also its officials. Justice should be served to his victims like a warm plate of food, leaving nothing for Quiboloy. The nation is already suffering from numerous cases of human rights violations and corruption, this case shouldn't add any more. Because if all of this continues, it can truly be said that the law is a laughingstock, with its officials as circus displays, and Quiboloy as the circus master.
will expose a powerful organization or individual. There may be risks of being a journalist, yet telling the truth is much better than knowing the facts but choosing not to share them at all. The people have the right to be informed, but some may choose to bloody their hands just to bury that truth beneath journalists’ and activists’ graves. Our government should support the media, not oppose it. Despite the various criticisms that the media gives to them, it should remain astute and not take the truth as a threat to their authority. The government should make journalists and truth tellers as their allies who seek to create knowledgeable citizens. Thus, ignorance is not bliss. We may be happy not knowing the truth, but it will destroy our perception of the country. Thus, we should protect those who supply us with what we have to know.
"It is time to put an end to this inhumane genocide and start embracing our humanity."
Within almost 230 days of genocide, not even counting the 76 more years of ethnic cleansing, there have already been over 35,000 Palestinians dead and 2.3 million displaced, yet, even when all eyes are on Israel and Palestine, many still chose to block out the cries for help in Gaza. Countless human atrocities are taking
BY THE NUMBERSSOURCE: GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY
place at this moment while others are remaining silent or indifferent to the genocide. Believe it or not, this silence and indifference, combined with blatant ignorance, costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and this has to change now. The whole Israel–Hamas “war” is often misunderstood by many by overlooking the whole history between the two nations, and, sadly, this made many people condemn Palestine for allegedly starting this so-called war which later turned into an ethniccleansing. Some think that everything started when Hamas attacked a music festival in Israel and took over 200 Israeli hostages; some also think that Hamas is the real villain in this fight for committing human atrocities — despite having no proof whatsoever. However, the conflict between the two countries started way back in 1948 wherein the first Arab-Israeli war took place due to disagreements in the distribution of territories. This displaced 750,000 Palestinians and many more injustices towards them took place from here. Today, Israel now controls all if not, most of Palestine’s territories and resources such as food, water, and electricity. They even go as far as claiming the rainwater that falls on the land of Palestine, as if it has their name written on it with big, bold letters. However, regardless of Israel’s
35,000
decades-long invasion over Palestinian land, some still shamelessly claim that Israel has the right to defend itself from Palestine, an extremely weak nation, and Hamas, an underbrushed resistance group. Compared to them, Israel is a powerhouse nation, their reaction to Hamas’ attack is overkill, it should not even be considered a form of selfdefense as it endangers the lives of innocent civilians — a ceasefire must be in order.
The Palestinian economy has declined to a 100% damage, and Northern Gaza has been officially “cleansed” because of this. In fact, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, Gaza is already becoming an uninhabitable country due to Israel’s exaggerated response to the resistance group’s aggression back in October 2023. Moreover, Palestine is not the only victim of Israel’s bombings, neighbouring Arab countries such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria are being bombed for standing with Palestine; Israel claims to be fighting back Hamas, yet bombing schools, hospitals, and innocent civilians are completely necessary in their bloodthirsty ‘self-defense’.
Moreover, other countries with influence and money either turn a blind eye and not speak a word regard the situation, or, even worse, support the overall genocide by actively funding Israel’s massacre while ignoring the
bloodshed in Gaza. Additionally, even big corporations such as McDonald's, Burger King, Disney, Amazon, and countless more are supporting Israel with their supposed fight for freedom due to the United State’s alliance with Israel. It is infuriating to know how low some people with connections may get just to preserve the money and connections made with a terrorist state.
For every day that passes, hope for humanity withers away— nevertheless, this can be proved wrong by the millions of people worldwide standing with Palestine. The public opinion is clear; Israel is a terrorist state that robbed Palestinians of their land and rights to live. It is only about time that leaders should start to let go of their greed and embrace their humanity for the sake of a whole nation.
To sum it up, Palestine has been oppressed by Israel for decades and leaders have been ignoring the sufferings of thousands of people in Palestine. Each country should set aside their differences and engage in professional discussions regarding the betterment of their nations. War does not do anything other than feed the pride of the oppressor. The lives of their brothers and sisters are at stake in this situation. It is time to put an end to this inhumane genocide and start embracing our humanity.
2.3M is the estimated amount of Palestinians killed in the Gaza strip since the October 7 incident. This is clearly inhumane and must be stopped with a permanent ceasefire.
Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza, leaving them homeless, scared, and afraid. This is clearly a violation of their human rights, and must be stopped.
After years of delayed investigation, the International Criminal Court (ICC) took matters into their own hands and finally proceeded with the investigation of Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s infamous war on drugs. They are expected to issue an arrest warrant against Duterte and other involved personalities by mid-year. Hopefully, this long overdue investigation would finally bring the drug war’s perpetrator behind bars. According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least 8663 civilians have been killed during Duterte’s drug war since 2016. This disturbing number of deaths during Duterte’s administration prompted the ICC to open an investigation for this case in 2018, however this was put on hold with an excuse from the national government to conduct an investigation themselves. But what has happened? No one got the justice they deserved and the drug war remained a threat to Filipinos.
As suspicious as it is, the government continued to evade ICC’s agenda and
Duterte even went as far as to withdraw the country from being a party to the ICC. Why would Duterte back away from the investigation if he knows that he is innocent? He was basically straight-up implying that he had done something wrong. This nationwide purge might have decreased the number of drug users in the country but the injustice among Filipinos skyrocketed following the extrajudicial killings that the government mercilessly covered up. Fortunately, ICC had no intention to back down and resumed their investigation which has finally led to issuing warrant arrests on these ruthless murderers. We are finally a step closer towards attaining justice for the victims of Duterte’s extrajudicial killings. He might not have bloodied his hands by himself but he was the mastermind that ruthlessly prompted the death of thousands of civilians. He does not deserve any pardon for the lives that he relentlessly ended.
As students in Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), we are looking forward to the end of this longstanding drug war investigation.
Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is a woman of many titles and faces, an ‘ordinary citizen’, a ‘love child’, a ‘Filipino', and perhaps a deceitful ‘mole’ residing in the supposed trusted and pure Filipino government. As numerous narratives of the mysterious mayor emerge from this ongoing masquerade she’s leading, I cannot help but raise an eyebrow on this Mayor’s validity— especially after how she blatantly evaded questions from the senate and even questionably answer the same thing over and over again as if this is all in a well orchestrated play.
Some locals protect Guo, as if the said Mayor has credibility within her after all the obvious proof of deceitful actions in both the court and media interviews. Bountiful rumours had showered upon Guo after her appearance in the senate, and these rumours escalated further as the senate investigated more into the mayor’s documents and her nationality. Through the investigation, despite claiming to be an ‘ordinary citizen, the mayor’s 16 opulent cars were probed for presumably having been acquired through dubious means, specifically through a recently raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) a gambling corporation of the outsiders
just behind the city’s municipal hall. In addition crimes such as vote buying in Bamban were expressed by a number of local citizens online, and what’s even more shocking is that not a single resident of Bamban knew her prior to the 2022 elections. Her connections with illegal syndicates gets clearer and clearer with each senate hearing and it baffles me with how obvious this is.
Alice Guo's lack of verifiable documentation casts significant doubt on her credibility as a public official— and even more as a legitimate Filipino citizen. Moreover, Guo admitted during a Senate hearing that she has no hospital birth records, for, again, she was raised and birthed in a farm, and only registered her birth with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 17 years after she was born. She also presented a sob story of being a ‘love child’ of her Chinese father Angelito Guo and her Filipina mother Amelia Leal Guo, and she claimed that she doesn’t have any siblings and that her father kept her secluded in a farm until she was 12 or 14— hence her surprising lack of core childhood memories. However, in a senate hearing on May 22, Senator Risa Hontiveros exposed the mismatch between Guo’s
Even we, students, are not safe from the bloody hands of these murderers that we blindly trust- the government. That said, a 3-year-old girl named Myca Ulpina was killed during the drug war so there is no guarantee that all of us are safe. It is truly a pity that these people, guilty or innocent, lost their lives in an instant because of this heinous government. Even if we do have a new administration, a trace of the Dutertes, Vice President Sara Duterte is still in action. At this time, we should let the ICC come forward to protect Filipinos who are defenseless from their own government.
Needless to say, we should let ICC do their job and stop relying on the justice department that has been completely useless throughout this case. There is so much corruption, bribery, and injustice in our government that we do not know who can be trusted. Thus, what we need is a full investigation of every department and official to make sure that they are trusted. In this case, we should have the international divisions take part in reinforcing the integrity and justice among the government and its people.
"Why would Duterte back away from the investigation if he knows that he is innocent?"
testimonies and her records. Firstly, her supposed father and mother neither had marriage nor birth records. Second, according to document evidence, these two people are said to have three children, contrary to the mayor’s claim of only having one. This further shed light onto the crumbling facades that Guo is desperate to maintain. Furthermore, she lacks any school records, claiming she was homeschooled by only one teacher all throughout elementary and highschool but failing to identify a homeschooling provider. Senator Hontiveros further reveals the discrepancies that exist in her father's nationality across different documents; for instance, it was declared in Guo’s birth certificate that her father is a Filipino citizen despite Guo explicitly saying that he was a Chinese citizen holding a Chinese passport, and, infuriatingly so, when asked about this, all she answered was: “Hindi ko po alam” This absence of concrete paperwork, coupled with inconsistent personal history, raises serious questions about her true identity and potential ulterior motives and I’m afraid it won’t be answered that easily.
According to the Bamban locals, Mayor Alice Guo did an amazing job shaping
Bamban into a progressive city, chiefly after its poor performance before her reign. The initially dull town developed its own fast food chains, as well as more commercial buildings, and the municipality has advanced in Guo’s hands. The lives of the once impoverished citizens, obviously, improved under Guo’s leadership, so it is understandable why they would full-on support this mysterious woman. But still, we should not be fooled by such a reptilian act, for this does not cover the fact that she is a suspicious politician with a problematic background and dubious credibility. It is truly disappointing and worrying how fast the rich and powerful could climb up the ranks of our government without needing any special qualification or credibility— even more so without having any basic documents right. Every twist and turn of this well orchestrated masquerade is only leading us in circles and it must stop here. Similarly, for Alice Guo— although I highly doubt this— she should stop these lies and finally tell the truth and own up to it.
CASEY REYES
Swipe here, swipe there. A lot of people look for love in their twenties, yet for 17-year-old Angela Gwyneth Rodriguez, a CalScian from 12 – Makiling, has found her one true love: Korean Pop or shortly, K-Pop. Placing her headphones by her ears, she embarks on an upbeat journey that has helped her greatly with her academics and self-expression.
According to her, it all started way back 2013, when she first heard of the world-renowned boy group BTS on their old television. Enticed by the way the music made her young hands and feet groove, she started to casually listen, and eventually became dedicated to stanning various groups three years later.
Inspired by the way the rhythm overflows with every note and symphony, the group’s 2015 release ‘I Need U’ prompted 11-year-old Gwyneth to ask for something she has never asked before. Standing by the doorstep, she asked her mother for a piano, and to this day she still continues to play its harmonies.
Caught in the polished ebony and ivory surfaces of the black and white tiles, she continues to play for leisure and expression of inner tribulations, "As a music lover, nakatutulong s'ya sa akin para ma-lift up ‘yung mood ko, tapos ma-distract na rin ang sarili ko sa mga negative thoughts.”
To your real identity, to yourself, and to those unaccepting, Tres
"TFor over a decade, K-pop has never failed to uplift Gwyneth’s mood. Just July of this year, she attended her very first live concert experience at Smart Araneta Coliseum which featured songstress and megastar Taeyeon from Girls’ Generation. With tickets reaching up to Php 12,000.00, many Filipinos gathered to show their love and support to their starred artist. Beyond the albums, merch, and concert tickets, what exactly does K-Pop have that makes its fans pour in a lot of bucks?
She pointed out that unlike the traditional norm of performances, it goes above and beyond. K-Pop incorporates various musical genres, movements, visuals, and bilingual lyrics, making it universally inclusive. Its keen attention to detail, along with talented idols, staff, and management, makes every reverie a stand-out reality.
Lively and entertaining, the ecstasy that Gwyneth feels whilst listening to her favorite K-Pop artists never cease, especially as she goes through life on a daily basis. With K-Music by her side, solving the trajectory of the ball as it hits the ground does not seem all too tiresome.
Whether left, right, up or down, she has trod a path of piercing uncertainty, but never gave up. Armored with her 60 dresses and shirts and infinite OOTD combinations, she can now shine in, and shine out while going down the rabbit hole of endless research papers to check. No one is ever going to stop her, all with a certified-Shein fit check!
Besides the arduous checking of research plans, proposals, papers, and paneling for title defenses all while being one of the few specializing and teaching Research—Sarah Jane Detruz, 43, of CCSIS is also an innovator in the field of fashion. Flaunting almost 60 pieces from the leader of bringing fashion into the modern era all while being affordable, Shein, there is no doubt in saying Sarah’s two worlds form an interwoven connection.
Although, not everything was perfectly woven at one go. Struggling at one point in time with her marriage and the birth of their eldest at the time, Ayessa Faith, now
oto. Tanggalin mo 'yan," as uttered by what was supposed to be a guiding light as he traverses the ups and downs of his young, flowering, pubescent coming-of-age life journey, Pablo Flores III, more known as Tres, instead tries to hide his shock, from one in a group of male teachers not less than five. People say they are used to it, but pigs fly if homophobia from any and every one is expected so it hurts less.
Well, teachers are only secondary parents, right? Just as how they can effortlessly and even in most times, subconsciously, have a profound impact in students’ lives, detaching is easy as pie. For Tres, it is more comforting with his primary ones. "Tres… we know. We always knew. At isa pa, hinding-hindi kami magbabago para sa'yo," eased up the young bud's crisis of not just identity, but also familial connectivity, as cliché as that ensuring statement sounded. At the unripe age of 5 to 6, Tres' sexuality knew no bounds, much like the love of his friends and family.
Three four two. Tres for two. Want to find a lover as fast as possible?
All things flirty aside, Tres proves the yin-yang concept of identity beautifully; loud and proud as a bisexual, sometimes raging, sometimes not. Jokingly, he says that his love is for all: platonically, but that he definitely would not refuse a romantic development from either side, too. Still, studies come first. He currently enjoys his 8th grader academic life with friends and particular teachers, with them being supportive of his artistic endeavors as well.
At the end of the pink-purple-blue spectrum, Tres is no one- or two-trick pony. A body antifragile for dancing, psyche culminating visions as graphical designs, hands striving to illustrate canvas-worthy results, and a scholar of science. What more can he ask for?
Turns out, Tres does indeed, has more to ask for: one more rainbow crocheted hat for him!
21, the Detruz couple made the difficult decision to be a singleincome household, with Sarah as the breadwinner. The threads of fate seemingly at their end, their family was on pins and needles, in addition to poverty.
After a few years’ worth of hard work, however, there is always a cushion to help people get back up.
“After ko isantabi ‘yung needs ko as a teacher, and take note, yes, needs ‘yun; ngayong we are now a two-income household with my husband employed sa isang beer corporation, I could finally buy clothes. Sinunod ko ‘yung rule kuno nga na you should have 40 pieces of clothing to mix and match in order to be presentable. Sumobra pa nga ako, hahaha!” Whether left, right, up or down, no one is ever going to stop her from shining inside and outside, all with a certified-Shein gown!
Acceptance is liberating to feel, especially if it is something that is deeply embedded in a person — who they are and who they love. Yet, it can also chain a person down, for finding validation through other people's satisfaction of the self is temporary, and ultimately, just a false sense of gratification. This time around, Tres can no longer take off a symbolic identity of himself atop his wavy, brown-black hair: a rainbow crocheted hat, staying as long as it takes – even if a certain someone does not want to.
Anew trend is weaving its way through the walls of CCSIS as the majority of students enter the world of crocheting. The adoration to cute accessories has widened ever since the trend started hooking up. While the thread loops interconnect, a curly-haired girl who never forgets to add charm to her everyday uniform with a cardigan is always ready to hook on a thread-y voyage. Hailey Reyes of 8 – Kalaw is someone who dearly loves to crochet during her free time and whenever boredom hits her. Even during online lectures and practices, she endlessly crochets until she accomplishes the design she desired to
The intertwining of her hands together with threads all started with a simple school Book Fair that was held last December 2022. Her eyes widened as she was amazed at how lovely the crocheted tulips looked. Due to this, a thought crossed into her mind where she also wanted to do something appealing, fluffy, and cute, just like the flowers she laid her eyes on. Lines and shapes. As kids, everyone grew by learning these first. One of the first things remarked and learned. Connectively, it was also the starting point of Hailey’s weaving journey. After learning the basics, she came back to the one that hooked her attention, her ‘love at first sight’ — the tulips. First ever crochet project, January 1st, 2023.
As a girl who has the love language of gift giving, on every event like Teachers’ Day, Valentine’s, and birthdays, she lends all of her free time to work on them. She prefers to give handmade gifts that are carved with love, effort, and time.
Kada may event po sa school, binibigyan ko sila ng mga ginawa ko. Since mahilig din naman po ako magregalo, and appreciated talaga kapag handmade.
With limited sources of funds, every single fiber counts – she cannot afford it to shred. Given Hailey's talent, her mother, who has been her number one supporter since then, is the one who binds her talent when Hailey feels like it is falling apart. As a student with no stable source of income, the materials she makes use of are bought by her mother. To minimize money being spent, Hailey also organized a small business via posting on Facebook to earn funds for her materials. Most of the time, only the students in her grade level purchase her products. However, she does not really mind, as long as she is still earning money to add to her savings. As the length of the yarn shortens, she weaves her
In a world where one wrestles with the sounds of traffic, alarm clocks, and screaming children in fast-food queues, there is a place from the land of prosperity—Sorsogon, that reaches the City of Calamba and soars to the school grounds of CCSIS, where one is allured by a euphonious sound of peace.
Deep within its crystallized beaches and lush greenery, a group of people from different walks of life is gathered by a social glue that holds them intact: music.
Haribol Meditation is an organization that offers free solutions to help people cope with their personal problems through music. They conduct retreat and outreach programs by providing ‘hot meals and kirtan’ to different unprivileged barangays in each city province’s branch.
Yashi, a 10 – Pitogo CalScian, recently got into the hobby of meditation in pursuit of self-love and healing. According to her, there were times when it felt like her mind was all over the place;
demanding pieces of herself that put her in a spiral of chaos, excavating a tint of peace of mind she had left, especially with the heavy demands of her academic and social life.
Listening to various guided meditations from YouTube and strolling along the Plaza to hear Haribol instrumentals, three months went by in a glimpse—making her feel more relaxed and calmer than before. To share this feeling of epiphany, she then invited her best friend to meditate. This placed a recurring thought inside her head, reverberating the question, “What if more students of our school discover this?”
Yashi’s meditation journey does not end and will probably not end any time soon, as her need for selfhealing and inner peace continues to grow, and so does her yearning for others to feel the same. For, who knew that a single strum could turn a life of screeching chaos—into a thumping sound of peace?
For now, just tune in and see. Well, hear, rather.
Craving for a delectable indulgence with the taste of sweetness? How about wanting to eat something spicy for a fiery kick? Or perhaps just hankering for the perfect balance of flavors? Even with all these cravings combined, it will lead to one destination: the lush and vibrant street market in San Jose, Calamba.
Just a few minutes away from the house of Dr. Jose Rizal, a road that is under construction temporarily transformed into a delectable food haven before becoming a regular route for transportation. Calambeños flock to this spot, exclaiming, "Cravings satisfied!" as they indulge in a diverse selection of treats. From lugaw and pares; to doughnuts, hot dogs, pancakes, chao fan, and milk teas, it is definitely a food lover’s paradise with Instagrammable spots for the mandatory selfies.
It is why Carla Senadoza, a CalScian from 9 – Sabalo, eagerly saves a spot in her weekends for a family trip to this street market. She leaves her house with tons of cravings, always returning satisfied. She watches with excitement as the chef of her favorite 'Wok to Box’ stir-fry rice along with its special sauces. After receiving her food, she eats with her family while gazing at the golden sunset. Come and indulge in an adventure of several savories while looking at the majestic Mt. Makiling! Allow oneself to delight and satisfy one’s cravings while inhaling a fresh breeze of air. And, just like Carla, relax in comfort and satisfaction with the entire family as the golden rays of the sunset dip below the horizon.
Within the hectic streets and bustling crowds of Calamba, three hidden treasures shine their way to be discovered, Calambeño or not. From the revamped CalamBanga and Plaza in town, the calming music of a certain organization, and up to the depths of food havens with the view of a mountain, such treasures must be unveiled. Say hello to tradition, relaxation, and satisfaction all while traversing the city of spring resorts!
Want to go for a walk beneath the setting sun while channeling the spirits of Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra? Well, say no more: there is no need to travel for hours just to get to who knows where, when the iconic CalamBanga and house of Dr. Jose Rizal will be unveiling its own cobblestone magic.
On an ordinary day, Sophia Oruga, a 9 – Pawikan CalScian switched her phone on, surfed through Facebook, and showered Mayor Ross Rizal’s post with love. Curious about what picked her eyes? It was photos of CalamBanga and the house of Dr. Jose Rizal, with brick pillars, lush greenery,
and vintage street lights that are giving… Vigan!
“Ang lapit lang ng bahay ng national hero natin. Pero sa iba ka pupunta kasi parang wala namang ganap sa bahay ni Rizal at banga,” Sophia thought. As she passes by the town of Calamba, such places do not catch her attention. Yet, now, as she gazes upon the renovation of these structures, she imagines them finished and sees herself walking by the street as if she was a character in Noli Me Tangere, witnessing a certain couple fight for their love.
A symphony of progress unfolds as the clamor of construction is heard in the currently enclosed CalamBanga. Workers are busy crafting and refining new structures, bringing life to the long-
veiled anticipation of Calambeños.
Around a circular paver walk, pillars are mounted to the ground and lamplights are ready to illuminate the path ahead.
Like Sophia, anticipate for a new era. Expect more than meets the eye than the newly bricked pillars or the blooming greeneries; look forward to the rejuvenation of the soul and breeze of heritage. Step inside and not just observe the past — relive it. It whispers the colorful stories, echoing the heroes who walked on these paths, making one feel that time knows no bounds.
Within the hectic streets and bustling crowds of Calamba, three hidden treasures shone their way to be discovered by beloved CalScians. May it be a comically large claypot right in front of a church, traveling bundles of street goodness, or a relaxing score of music to soothe a rough day. From the city of spring resorts, may one come back feeling treasured!
Rising author and former CCSIS alumna, Christine Marie Oca, is no stranger to the e-publication world. As young as 11 years old, the lack of financial security has led her to pursue what is accessible — Wattpad. Having an online platform where she can read almost anything from various genres for free has brought her immeasurable joy — until it did not. Not anymore, at least.
Engrossed in an accrual of books, her dive into literature hit rock bottom as the books she read reached hasty conclusions, which made her frustrated, "I even began dreaming about the next scenarios of the book that made sense to me and felt giddy about it."
Christine’s writing career took place on the realization that she could, in fact, write her own instead.
Way back 2017, she began writing her dark-fantasy novel 'Pain Reaper' and completed it three years later, while
REYES
They say everyone can only live once, but how come readers can live a thousand lives? Although she was not raised in a cupboard under the stairs at 4, Privet Drive, 18-year-old CalScian Sophia Balagtas has lived a perilous and enchanting life through reading. As dawn befalls the night, 11-year-old Sophia believed that her burning passion for reading originated from her brother, Raphael, who would always bring home books. The stacked-up papers from her brother's shelf would soon pique her young, curious mind into the pages of chivalry, dystopian realities, and fantasies. But, what stood out to her the most was J.K. Rowling's most esteemed sevenvolume fantasy series, Harry Potter. Away from the wizardly world, Sophia finds herself reading for leisure and as a relief from the overwhelming stress that is life. In support of her interests, she, without a doubt, joined her school's reading club. She added that one of her teachers, Sir Nelfren Sambalod, served as one
ibliosmia; just as many women adore the fresh, fall scent of red adamant suitors, bibliophiles such as Sir Kevin Barrera more or less feel that same romantic excitement when smelling the crisp, sweet, and almost almond- and vanilla-like fragrances of
As if the reincarnation of Dr. Jose Rizal himself, with the coincidence that he is, in fact, in the process of getting his PhD, Kevin Barrera, 28, is one rare to the harmonious of passion and sustenance: from hearing his adults’ gossip of what happened that one night to being the epitome of history and bibliophilia in CCSIS.
Sir Kevin is simple to figure out: he has always been
meant to choose the book over the bill, toy, or some other ‘career test’ parents do on their children to determine their future. He reveals, now recalling his indulgent reason as to why he still purchases hard copies of the books he had already read:
the future.”
Sir Kevin is CCSIS’ number one donor of books to the official book club
“Unang-una syempre, nung kabataan natin, hindi natin afford ‘yung mga bagay so ‘yung pagbili ko ng mga books right now is a realization ng mga childhood dreams ko kasi hindi ko naman sila mabili noon or hindi kaya ng parents ko — isasakatuparan ko sya ngayon.”
A teacher of the social sciences, Kevin reveals how the tremendous impact his passion for reading elevated his ability to teach:
“Alam n’yo namang kapag teacher, dapat marami ‘yang alam…Kasi, in case na magtanong ang estudyante mo, dapat ready ka, na may nakahanda kang sagot so s’yempre kung wide reader ka, you are amassing large amounts of information, kahit hindi mo man s’ya magamit agad—but for sure,
Readissance — he feels that schools should also prioritize making reading fun, starting with actual genres of books and not just learning modules:
“For them na ma-encourage ko silang magbasa, I will give them a lot of my books dito sa school para naman marami silang pagpipilian," With this, a not-so-wild idea comes to mind: what if Kevin himself wrote a book of his own?
“If given the chance to write my own book, I want to write a fantasy book because I have a lot going on in my mind, it’s restless.”
This shows Kevin’s unique character, proving that anyone can do anything, given a little bit of training and maybe, a little bit of reading.
One can postulate that books, despite his conflicting interest in fantasy as a history teacher, may very well equal Sir Kevin.
of her inspirations in reading way back in seventh grade. Even now in her final year before entering college, the overwhelming wave of school requirements and first-year applications do not seem to water down her love for reading. Instead, the flame only seems to grow brighter with time and adjust to her needs, with her recent reads being composed of various self-help books. Sophia recommends ‘I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki’ by Baek Se-hee if one finds oneself struggling and in need
of a text-based therapist. However, this goes without saying that different genres of books exist to cater to different needs, by different people. Furthermore, she believes that her 8-year streak of reading has helped her academic life. She becomes better at reading comprehension through her familiarity with broad vocabulary and complex sentences. Although she has no interest in taking a literature-based course in the near future, Sophia recognizes the transcendental importance of reading for everyone and not just for her fellow bookworms. For instance, familiarizing oneself with it has a tremendous impact on one's future, especially concerning entrance exams. Reaching out to others, she relays the message that in order to get into reading, it is paramount that one chooses the right genre. So, the next time there is a shelf bedridden with books, grab one. Wait, hear that? 50 points for Gryffindor!
CCalScian woodpusher fails...
“That blunder was unforgettable, sobrang unti nalang for me to reach the regional level, I took the risk but it blew in my face,” Balmaceda said in disappointment. Prior to his resignation, Balmaceda was streaking hot in the opening birth after being up by a bishop piece in the opening stages of the board.
However, things took a turn for the worse when the timer slowly caught up with the CalScian woodpusher, forcing him to be saddled with errors on the board before he resigned.
“Hindi ko ineexpect na yung oras ang sisira sa momentum ko, I was actually winning before I noticed na yung clock ko paubos na, tapos by then - so nag-panic na ako,” he clarified when asked the main factor of him losing the early upperhand.
Before the deciding match, Balmaceda made quick work of his first appointment in the board by winning via checkmate with a plenty of time to spare.
However, the CalScian lost against his second opponent on the board via resignation after a possible checkmate set by the enemy’s rook, horse, and the queen.
Determined to exact revenge, Balmaceda shrugged off the his first loss by rebounding with a back-to-back win to post a quick 3-1 record.
“Sayang talaga, that last game will truely haunt me, pero maybe hindi lang talaga ako destined ngayon” he said.
Balmaceda, determined to reach the regional levels, will try his luck again in next year’s meet in chess.
that will be
in Cebu due to the Age restrictions which states that all secondary level athletes should be no more than 18-years-old.
“My thoughts are that even though na mahirap and need i-sacrifice ang lahat to do everything I did, sobrang naging happy ako at thankful the same time,“ she uttered as she bids farewell to the national games.
The gymnast also added that she auditioned to be a member of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman pep squad, and participate in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) competition.
Balitbit buckles for the UAAP as she hopes to enter UP pep squad’s lineup in the 87th UAAP season.
Hapless Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) 3x3 basketball team salvaged a silver medal after blowing a lead by as much as four points to a point-shy, 10-11 heartache at the buzzer against Saint John Colleges (SJC) in the golden medal match of Cluster two meet at Barangay Tres Covered Court, Calamba City, on December.
SJC took the lead one time, and it was after the match’s last point by a lay-in, which found the bottom of the net right at the buzzer.
Controversies ensued as Denmark Manzano, coach of CCSIS, was furious over why the timer took too long to buzz in possession of SJC en route to a heartbreaking dagger lay-in.
"Napaka-disappointing talaga yung resulta. Para sa akin, yun yung longest
na apat na segundo sa aking buhay, both figuratively and literally," Manzano uttered in disbelief when asked about the match after the game.
CCSIS tallied a total of eight fouls in the match, conceding a total of five free throws in the process while doubling SJC’s four fouls.
From the get-go, Achim Abuyo torched SJC with midrange jumpers after Jerome Gomez did on their run before the finals, posting a quick 5-1, the highest lead of the match.
Then came the 8-minute mark, and CCSIS became saddled with foul troubles, helping SJC chase the team’s 2-point cushion, 9-7 to 9-all.
John Isiah Bigay, CCSIS’ Big Man, answered back off a floater in the baseline to break the deadlock, but was again nullified by SJC after converting
Following a 4-year hiatus, Calamba City Science Integrated School’s Joaquin Alfonzo Javier struck gold via unanimous decision against Canlubang Calamba Chapter’s bet in the 2023 Intermediate Level of the International Shotokan Karate Federation Inter Dojo Tournament in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Javier, a purple belter, got the best out of his opponent in the championship match after displaying his signature, Heian Godan, to register Lionheart Shotokan Karatedo Federation’s first gold in the tournament.
The CalScian bet opened his campaign with a 7.9-point stalemate against his opponent in the first round, which paved the way to advance to the second round.
Filled with determination to break the tie, Javier flaunted a Heian Yondan technique in the second round to post a quick point advantage in the match.
“Dikit lang talaga ang laban dahil pareho naman silang nasa iisang team pero sadyang mas malinis ang paggalaw at talagang mala-beterano na yung performance ni Javier, so given sa kanya yung panalo,” said Javier's coach after the competition.
a freebie, 10-all, time-out call for CCSIS with only four seconds left to play.
It seemed as though the game would advance in overtime, but the foursecond possession proved to be enough for CCSIS’ hope for gold to be shattered.
“We fell short as the time goes by; maraming sumala na open shots, tapos we committed too many turnovers. Akala namin mananalo na kami in the beginning,” Abuyo stated in disappointment after.
CCSIS was one-point away from qualifying in the cluster meet; however, one point proved to be pivotal for the school’s 3x3, who saw themselves blowing a won game.
The pandemic caused Javier’s temporary rest, as he last competed back when he was in 8th grade at the semi-national level in the 6th David B. Lay (DBL) Karate Cup in Taguig.
“Masasabi ko lang ay ‘I’m back.’ Kailangan ko pa ng matinding pagpractice dahil marami pa ako kailangan matutunan at mag-adjust dahil ngayon nalang ulit ako bumalik sa pagcocompete and pagkakarate,” Javier stated with excitement after the match.
After his tenure in the tournament, Javier looked to poise techniques on the mat in the Governor's Cup to assess his talent in the sport.
once-in-a-lifetime run this year, but as the dust settled in the city
GLENDY ABUAN
sidelines handling the said players should also qualify for the papers, which proved to be a debacle for CCSIS’ teachers as limited proctors can only stamp their name as coaches with the said requirements.
“Kung mag-entry tayo ng maraming player sino yung hahawak? At kung sakaling manalo, poproblemahin pa yung papel kasi ma-didisqualify ka kung kulang ka sa papel. Ayon yung challenge natin talaga this year,” Arjo Villanueva, PE Coordinator, exclaimed. CCSIS booked their lone tickets to swimming in the Regional Athletes Association Meet (RAAM) with Kate and Kierra Macaraig, dwindling from last year’s four qualifiers, while Chris Balmaceda finished third overall in Chess Secondary Boys in the City Meet, and Alexia Carpio failed to reach the cut in the 10 fastest female swimmers during the City Meet.
In the swimmers’ case, while Joy Lawrence Lara, the CalSci coach in swimming, was an aquabelle back in her collegiate year and the coach of Calamba City in swimming this year, she needs to complete the necessary papers, such as hours of training in the particular field, certification of recognition in the field, and membership, in order to advance on the national level—if ever.
“These little things,” Villanueva said, “pag pinag sama-sama mo, nagiging malaking bagay siya na naghihinder sa progress ng mga atletang CalScians."
For Villanueva, the school’s sporting department was doomed from the getgo; however, he stated that the school must remain
After an 8-medal barrage in Singapore Island Country Club together with her sister, Calamba City Science Integrated School aquabelle Kiera Macaraig made waves anew after powering Parañaque tankers to a two gold medal outing in the 2023 Batang Pinoy Women’s Swimming under-17 showpiece at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming pool in Rizal Memorial Complex this December.
The CalScian bet clocked in a swift 2:07.60 seconds and 1:55.18 seconds in 4x50m Medley Relay by and 4x50m Freestyle Relay, respectively, with the help of veteran talents from the Philippine Swimming League (PSL) BRENT Standout Jasmine Mojdeh - who is dubbed as “water-beast” in the sport, along with Julia Basa, and international Filipino-British swimmer Heather White.
“Actually, bago mag Batang Pinoy, my coach told me I’d be in the relay team with three well-known swimmers, there was a weight of pressure on my shoulders nung narinig ko ‘yun,” Macaraig uttered when she discovered her teammates for the event.
Prior to Batang Pinoy, Macaraig, and her sibling Katterina, nailed a total of eight medals overseas in the SICC, wherein Kierra Kassandra took home two silvers and a bronze, while Katterina collected two golds, two silver, and a bronze.
During the week-long tilt, the Parañaque tankers opened the week waxed-hot for the relay’s
dominant gold in Medley on Tuesday, December 19 as Macaraig took on anchor’s leg to secure the flawless victory.
When the ripples settled, the medley relay was allParañaque after leading on all four strokes; Pasig City timed 2:10.01 seconds for silver, while General Trias City trailed closely with 2:11:52 seconds for bronze.
After two days, the relay registered yet another gold for Parañaque in the Freestyle category on Thursday, December 21.
This time, however, the event came down to the wire, but Parañaque tankers dusted off a sluggish start after Mojdeh rallied back to sneak past erstwhile leader General Trias City, who settled for third in the race after marking 1:59.73 seconds, while Mandaluyong City escaped with silver 1:59.42 seconds after a late overtake in the anchor’s leg.
Parañaque ranked 12th overall in the Batang Pinoy Standing with 18 golds, 14 silver and 15 bronze.
One month after Batang Pinoy, Macaraig concluded a 7-medal haul in the Calamba City Meet en route to CALABARZON’s Regional Athletics Association Meet with six gold medal in 50m in Butterfly, Backstroke, Freestyle and 100m Freestyle, 4x50m Freestyle and Medley Relay and a lone silver in 100m butterfly.
"Though I represented Paranaque in Batang Pinoy, I'd love to still carry the Calamba flag in future swimming events," Macaraig exclaimed.
Despite a depleted lineup, 10th grader Gigas Vicente, together with his team, Agila FC bucked a slow start to stun the favorites Batangas Wolves, 4-3, in a dramatic penalty shootout, striking their first championship after a deadlocked at all-nil in Maximo Football Cup U19 boys Division Finals held at Everest Sky Pitch Silang, Cavite in October.
Down by one, Vicente struck the team’s second spot-kick, through the Wolves’ goalkeeper failing to parry the ball going to the bottom right of the net to tie the game at 2-all before handing the ball into the Wolves' third penalty taker which also found the net, but was nullified by Junior Maunaha, tying the game once more at 3-all.
In the madcap shootout, Agila FC goalkeeper Lago Barile emerged as hero after back-to-back crucial stops in the shootout after denying the Wolves’ fourth and fifth penalty taker, 3-all and to give a chance for Pasquin to nail the game.
Using the gained team momentum, James Pasquin struck the gamewinning spot-kick, through the Wolves goalkeeper’s gloves after failing to par the ball on the line going towards the bottom right of the net.
We managed to win the match because we showed heart until the very end.
Wolves drew first blood in the shootout after a panenka in the middle and Agila’s Neo Gaitmit fired wide, blasting the ball far right to the goal post on both their first penalty takers. En route to their championship match, Agila FC was dubbed as the underdogs by barely making the playoffs after allowing three goals against V-strike, while one goal deficit against Tanauan in the round robin stages of the tournament.
Agila FC, together with Westgove FC who both united to form a new club named Acquire FC, is set to touch the field in Aboitiz Cup in Biñan to fight against football clubs in the region.
