the Philippines

Water pollution greatly affects the availability of fresh water and is considered one of the most serious ecological threats we face today. It happens when toxic substances enter water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. And believe it or not, the water forms mentioned are drowning in chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants due to our human negligence and carelessness. And these toxic substances degrade the quality of water and render it toxic for human consumption and the environment.

The Pasig River, the most polluted waterway in the Philippines, is dominated by plastic and garbage wastes. The situation is unacceptable, especially for a country that is dominated by water and inland resources. De- spite the abundance of water in the country, it remains unavailable due to contamination.

The growing economy, developing technology, and ballooning population have all contributed to the water crisis in the Philippines. As fragile as a fish in the Pasig River, our society, nature, and the world around us are bound to decay and slowly die if we do not act.

In contrast, Japan has managed to achieve a clean and garbagefree water system which is evident in colorful Japanese koi fish swimming in the canals. However, this scenario is not present in most parts of the world, making it a rarity.

To address the water crisis in the Philippines, individuals and governments should take actionable steps. These could include implementing proper waste management systems, increasing public awareness, and enforcing laws against polluting waterways. Furthermore, promoting the use of alternative materials and reducing the reliance on plastic could be significant in mitigating the crisis.

We must recognize that water is a precious resource that should not be taken for granted. The Philippines has enough water, but it remains unavailable due to contamination. To achieve clean and garbage -free water systems, we must take action to address the root causes of the water crisis in the Philippines.

Successful intrams amid cancelled games

RANNA PRECIOUS G. EGUNA

Blue Phoenixes from grade 10 danced their way to the top as they won first place in the Zumba competition on the recently concluded Amucao National High School ’s Intramural Games on February 2 -3, 2023 where students engaged in various sports events and activities.

Mr. Anthony C. Caibiran together with Ma ’am Jhesa B. Tiamzon and Ma'am Ma. Theresa M. Puno served as trainers while Ma’am Rosalia Q. Arciaga, Ma ’am Mary Anne Y. Canlas and Ma ’am Miriam Ruth C. Capulong served as choreographers.

However, due to the overlapping schedule of EBEIS Validation, National Achievement Test, and completion of student activities, Laro ng Lahi, Basketball, and Sepak Takraw events were canceled..

Edric Galang, 10-Belardo student expressed his disappointment and said “Sana sa susunod may basketball na at marami ang masalihang laro. ”

The event was headed by the MAPEH Department led by Ma ’am Shirley De Leon, and graced by the current and former SPTA officers headed by Ma ’am Jhoana Marie Depona and Ma ’am Raiza Calilung.

In the end, Ma’am May A. Avelino, the school head, gave thanks and greetings to everyone who are involved in the event.

“Thank you and congrats on the job well done, MAPEH Department. Happy to see our colleagues and learners happy!” Avelino stressed.

Amucao NHS’ stash of talents has never been out of stock from academics to sports in the person of John Louise P. Pineda, popularly known as JL.

JL, a 17-year-old student from 12 - Phoenix HUMMS, is making waves in the world of basketball as a star player in his barangay league and as a member of the basketball team in the Congressional Yap League.

Despite his young age, JL has already proven himself as one of the best players in his barangay. He has been awarded the Best Player and MVP awards, much to the pride of his family and fellow teammates.

ANHS athletes miss out inter -secondary sports meet

Amucao National High School (ANHS) student-athletes failed to participate in the intersecondary sports meet held at Sto. Cristo Integrated School due to the lack of time and trained players.

Despite finishing the volleyball championships and chess tournaments during the intramurals, ANHS was unable to complete the badminton competition.

Many student-athletes were left disappointed after learning that they couldn't participate in the upcoming intersecondary sports meet. Abel Mario Canlas, a grade 7 athlete, expressed his disappointment, saying, "Malungkot, kasi ‘di mo mo naman masasalihan yung gusto mong laro (volleyball)."

The volleyball champions, who were mostly grade 12 students, were particularly saddened by the news.

“Malungkot po pero marami pa naman pong pagkakataon para makapaglaro at makasali ulit sa ibang games. Hindi na nga lang po para sa Amucao High. Gusto ko din pong i-good luck ang mga makasasali sa inter-secondary next year,” Andrew Gabriel, 12 opponents in the Congressional Yap League are older and better, and sometimes they struggle to keep up. But JL doesn't let that get him down. He sees each game as an opportunity to learn and improve, even when they face unexpected injuries.

For JL, playing basketball isn't just about winning games. It's also about being a positive influence on his