The Official School Publication of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School
August 2023 - May 2024
VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 1 Beacon of Truth, Speaker of Facts
EDITORIAL
Excellence at the Cost of Wellness
PAGE 6
FEATURE
MusiCalNatScians
WORKSHOPS AND FORUMS
90-Degree Math Club boosts mathematical proficiency on Math Month
SCIENCE
CalNatSci Clinic Logs 320 Patietnts... PAGE 10-11
PAGE 14
T o help students enhance their math-related skills, 90-Degree Math Club facilitated a month-long celebration of Math Month, which started on January 8, through a Math Camp and Math Tutoring Program.
Said club aims to develop a positive attitude towards mathematics through a captivating learning environment, enhance critical thinking, communication, and practical application skills, and foster a lifelong interest and understanding of mathematics.
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JAMIE MARIANNNE BAJA ILLUSTRATION BY JAIRA
CALCULATED
Kapisanan ng Diwa at Panitik (KADIPAN) club, under the guidance of event organizers Ronnel B. Agoncillo Jr. and Elsie D. Oboydo, prepared the facilities at Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) for the hosting of Filipino District Festival of Talents (DFOT) 2023 on November 20, 2023.
To ensure that this year’s program would be well-conducted, Agoncillo and Oboydo coordinated with students outside the club to serve as technical committee.
Throughout the preparation phase, the officers handled the program flow, equipment, computer laboratory as competition venue, and library as holding area, decorations, and food successfully.
The DFOT 2023 event took place a day after the preparations.
Under this year’s DFOT, CNSTHS was assigned to host the competition ‘Read-a-Thon’, specifically the ‘Sulat-Bigkas ng Talumpati’, where six students from each of the schools in the same district are the contestants.
In the said contest, the school’s representative, Sharmaela Ji A. Pagaling, clinched first place.
“I can say that the hosting of the District Festival of Talents in our school was conducted well because of the cooperation of everyone,” said KADIPAN Club Secretary Andrea Joy Surio when asked about the event execution.
She added that the different tasks assigned to all of the organizers during the event were well-accomplished, which contributed to great event execution.
DFOT held at the campus was open for all of the students from District I of Caloocan City, in line with the MATATAG education agenda, in preparation for the upcoming National Festival of Talents on July 9–13.
As the program commenced, the first challenge: yellmaking, team name-making, and flag-making were held for the preparatory activity and to familiarize themselves with their group members.
Following the first challenge, the club invited two guest speakers; for batch one, an alumna and former Club President Janna Naypes, to share knowledge, insights, and experiences about H2O by the Numbers: Mathematics of Water Management; and Maika Nishiya, alumna and graduate of BS Statistics of UPLB for batch two, to discuss the concept behind
Moreover, the highly anticipated math race took place following the workshop with 10 different challenges consisting of Equilibrium Game, Drop the Disc, Pachinko Game, Color Shakers, ThreadIn, Solving Tangrams & Magic Puzzles, Are you a Detective?, and the Last Math Standing.
Melgar added that the gathering of the participants was initiated by the Creative and Communication Committee along with the club officers who posted information on their official Facebook page so that other CalNatScians could register through Google Forms.
Zijohn Shadrach Fajardo
Teatro Filmokara hosted a workshop event open to all Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) students to help prepare Teatro Filmokara members for future filming projects at the function hall on December 2, 2023.
Filmokara Adviser Sir Ronnel Agoncillo organized a Teatro Alegorya, an organization of former theater kids who continued their desire to teach acting to Filipino youth with their goal being to help produce films that will hopefully awaken the audience’s patriotic will.
Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) has been recognized as a model school for the implementation of the National Reading Program (NRP) by Public School District Supervisor (PSDS) In-Charge Dr. Marites Angus during Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) activities last February 27.
“Based from the visitors natin na yung DEAR, it’s being implemented here properly. Ibig sabihin, tayo yung nakaka-follow. We were considered as a model school for the National Reading Program (NRP), tapos syempre yung mga well-planned ang pinepresent ng mga teachers for NRP. Pati na rin sa Catch-up Friday na themes, yung peace, values, and
During the day, the Acting Workshop was coordinated by the Filmokara Officer Body, headed by Club Vice President Sherina Nicolette P. Ancheta and Secretary Maejane G. Añasco who also took charge of the registration process which preceded the main event.
Guest Speakers Jemyr Buenaventura Garcia and Mark Eden Manalansan from Teatro Alegorya taught the students techniques and acting strategies to bolster their abilities, with the method acting and prompts to explore angles and facets in acting.
health,” CNSTHS English teacher, Maria Minerva Catalan said. She added that the prereading and post-reading activities prepared by the teachers aim to enhance the vocabulary, improve reading comprehension and proficiency of the students, and contribute to fostering their love for reading.
As stated in Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 001, series of 2024, all Fridays of this school year shall be dedicated to the DEAR activities and orientation for field officials
Aside from the Math Camp, the tutoring program aims to improve the academic performance and overall growth of both students and tutors.
A total of 42 registered tutees; 26 from grade 7, 5 from grade 8, 4 from grade 9, 6 from grade 10, and 1 from grade 11; and 15 registered tutors: 6 from grade 7, 2 from grade 8, 1 from grade 9, and 2 each from grades 10, 11, and 12 participated in this activity.
As mentioned by Nathaniel Jardaleza, 90-Degree Math Club vice president, they outlined the curriculum per grade level to ensure a logical progression of topics from basic to advanced.
“We made registration forms for tutees and tutors who are interested in joining [a] math tutorial program,” he added, “Following the registration, the tutees were paired with their designated tutors, and topics were assigned to registered tutors.”
With this year’s theme of “Educating Learners for Mathematical Proficiency,” 90-Degree Math Club executed such projects to develop a positive attitude towards mathematics through a captivating learning environment, enhance critical thinking, communication and practical application skills, as well as fostering a lifelong interest and understanding of mathematics.
Event participant Lianna Chin O. Raine remarked that the highlight of the event was the activities as she herself was acting on prompts assigned to her, such as a person stuck on a bottle, to name a few.
to “give learners opportunities for reading intervention and reading enhancement through developmentally appropriate reading materials.”
DepEd added that DEAR aims to provide learners with the opportunity to engage in independent silent reading of their preferred material and to develop the learners’ social, foundational, and other relevant skills focusing on the main purpose of basic education delivery, particularly on learner’s reading, critical thinking, analytical and writing skills.
Furthermore, Raine said future workshops will only cater to Teatro Filmokara members and that there will be two more follow-up plays in production by the club, one with romance as the genre.
Redesigning Identities
its JHS PE uniform
Jamie Marianne BajaA s part of the students’ identity and to match the color of their school uniform across all levels, the Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) planning team led by Head Teacher 1 Precious O. Guillermo, facilitated the gradual changing of junior
high school (JHS) PE uniforms starting with grade 7 students for the school year (S.Y. 20232024).
According to Guillermo, the new PE uniforms were both supplied and designed by a parent, consulted to MAPEH coordinator Renante A. Marquez, and sold during the first quarter.
“We started sa grade 7, syempre bagong pasok sila, para gradually habang nag-poproceed sila hanggang sa dumating sa time na simula grade 7, hanggang grade 10, pare-pareho na sila para hindi mapwersa yung mga magulang na bumili ng bago kasi ‘yung dating PE uniform nila [ay] pwede pa naman,” she added.
Prior to the gradual changes to the JHS PE uniform, “CALNATSCI STEM” stamp was added to the left chest area of the senior high school (SHS) girls’ uniform last school year.
On the other hand, Guillermo stated that, as of the moment, there are no plans yet to make further changes to other uniforms.
Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) organized Youth Huddle Leadership Training in collaboration with Ateneo Consultants for Organization Development and Empowerment (Ateneo CODE) for SSLG and club officers to build leadership skills through a team-building activity last January 27 at the school grounds.
Ateneo CODE is a studentled organization that advocates for youth empowerment through Organization Development (OD) and offers free leadership training to various schools.
Two highest ranking officers from different grade levels per club and all SSLG officers were invited to the event.
TIRES, RELAYS, AND MISSIONS
Main activity of the training imprints participants with values
a leader must possess as they work hand-in-hand to accomplish the task per station and collect all five wheels in order to move to the next station.
Game starts with the Mayor’s office where students draw an image related to the given scenario and share it with the other team members.
Next comes the Busy Business station includes a series of activities with time limits to portray the relevance of time management
Bridge station follows, wherein group members were instructed to build a bridge between two boxes and can carry the articles found on one box to the empty box side of the structure.
Foggy Road assigns one blindfolded student to rely on claps of other students in order to walk to the finish line of the game.
Teams arrange eight
randomly selected letters and accumulated points must reach the target score set by the facilitator at the fifth and final station named Scrabble station.
Officers discuss their feelings and emotions over the last segment of the activity as they answer various questions about leadership that are both school and family-related.
“Nakatulong po yung leadership training para mexpose po ako sa iba’t ibang bagay isa na roon yung cooperation and communication with other members. Plus, I was able to talk with other people that I’m not close to even people that are older than me, which is good kasi next S.Y. I know that I will be facing more instances like that,” says elected Science Club secretary for S.Y. 2024-2025 Krizzel Mera.
LACK THEREOF
SSLG President Zeus Jimenez says the last leadership
forum was organized by the former CNSTHS Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers five years ago and that sparked him to partner with an organization in the collegiate level to make the experience more progressive and be able to build larger networks.
He adds that the training was originally set exclusively for other SSLG officers and was later on open to club officers.
“Youth Huddle was the first and only leadership training [at this school that] I experienced. There are barely any workshops that would aid us to hone our leadership skills. If more opportunities similar to these are available to student leaders like me, organizations would be more efficient and less learners would be intimidated to become officers,” shared Music club President Yzel Anne Dejos.
Furthermore, SSLG officers share interest in inviting other organizations to host forums inside the school premises in the future.
Sean Daryl Borromeo
Caloocan National Science and Technology High School’s (CNSTHS) ‘Honesty Hub’, previously known as the ‘Honesty Store, is back handin-hand with the introduction of Piso Print Go (PPG), as initiated by the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) last February 5 located near the School-Based Management (SBM) Office.
Photo courtesy by Arold NuestroSaid project provided students a hub for personal and academic needs, where customers get what they need and have them trusted that they pay right and get their exact change from the designated box if applicable. The store includes tissues, wipes, and napkins ranging from ₱5 to ₱30 and school supplies with a printing service ranging from ₱1 to ₱25, giving aid to its stakeholders’ personal and academic needs, respectively.
PPG is a printing amenity, wherein the students may print academic files through the assistance of an SSLG officer.
Socio-Cultural Department Coordinator and Former Honesty Store proponent Nancy Matibag shared their appreciation sentiments towards the project, marking its goodwill intention. However, Matibag emphasized that according to experience, the project is insufficient in terms of income-generating due to unforeseen circumstances, advising the SSLG to strictly implement the logbook and inventory for the record.
CNSTHS, who opened their admission process in the same month, has urged the organization to put long plastic envelopes in the store, one of which is essential when passing admission requirements for document storage per applicant.
“The facilitators handled their project effectively, they were able to provide us with the information we needed,
health coordinator for senior high school (SHS) Myla N. Callada, together with the school’s guidance advocate Corazon Trinidad A. Bautista, integrated the campaign on several subjects they were handling.
“During that time, we allotted 20 minutes for certain activities, and different sections have different campaigns for [Light Up] Blue [for Mental Health!]. Some of them wore blue ribbons, and then others facepainted blue. Aside from that, since visual campaign din ito, there were also exercises, yoga, and drawing,” Callada said.
She added that all grade 12 students, and some Junior High School students, mostly from grade 10, were able to participate in the campaign.
For grade 12, 12-Curie played childhood games and popped balloons with quotes inside them, 12-Faraday danced to songs like Girl in The Mirror, Can’t Stop The Feeling, Better When I’m Dancing, Dahil Sa’yo, and Wellness Dance, 12-Hertz meditated while student Lance Baletin read his mental health-related spoken poetry, and 12-Pascal watched funny videos on YouTube.
By doing all of this, they will become aware. Iyon namanangimportante, the information dissemination, for them to know what is the stressor and how to cope with all of that MylaCallada
Callada said that small talks were also held inside the classroom to discuss proper stress management. Said campaign is supported by various organizations and institutions by lighting their facades or other equipment in the color blue, which symbolizes peace, calmness, and tranquility.
Callada hopes for earlier issuance of the memorandum next year to prepare for an event involving all students, administrators, non-teaching personnel, and parents.
such as the steps on how to avail their products and services, and guide all students in their area,” said student availer Julienne Villar.
Villar added that the project’s chaotic tendencies due to demand and the lack of inclusivity for the majority of the population due to its requirement to own laptops present a significant barrier to the project’s accessibility.
SSLG Secretary Tiffany Francisco and Treasurer Cedric Aquino, the projects’ main proponents, assured that experiences are taken into consideration, and that added materials and a better user experience will soon prosper in the project.
Honesty Hub’s reopening, symbolized the commitment of the school to promoting integrity within CalNatScians throughout the years, integrating the “Honesty is the best policy” mantra to the student body.
This year, with the global theme “Mental health is a Universal Right.”, is the fourth year of Philippine Mental Health Association Inc. (PHMA) spearheading the campaign, and the second year CalNatSci has observed these activities.
“Light Up Blue for Mental Health!” is annually initiated by the PHMA for the National Mental Health Week celebration every second week of October.
JEWEL
and Anthonie Mico Gregorio pose as the first ever Caloocan National Science and Technology High School’s (CNSTHS) Mr. and Ms. CalNatSci on December 14, 2024. | Photo courtesy of Ctrl Alt ICT Club
Under R.A. 9672, the creation and construction of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) was approved through the enterprise of the former City Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan on July 17, 2009, and later started operations on December 3, 2012, becoming one of the premiere science high schools in Caloocan City. Since its founding, CalNatSci, as the community calls it, has reached tremendous heights and gained numerous achievements that are co-engineered by its students and teachers including multiple appearances in the National Schools Press Conference, various entries in the National Science & Technology Fair, countless victories in Quiz Bees and other related competitions.
In honor of founding CNSTHS, it has been the school’s tradition to celebrate a Foundation Week since December 2012.
Mr. Rex Mendel Capili, the school’s Research Coordinator and one of the seven pioneer teachers, shares that the first foundation week celebration was nothing like what the school has now, but it was more of a simple gathering that
was held by his colleagues, the school officials, and the students who were less than 200 people at that time.
“Hindi nawawala ‘yung thought na when we celebrate foundation day, we are actually showing appreciation sa school bilang platform to really educate students. Not only in typical types of students but to selected students [as well].”, says Mr. Capili.
As the CalNatScian community grew, the activities year-by-year progressed as different student leaders from different organizations arranged different activities to celebrate the school’s founding anniversary. Unfortunately, joyous celebrations are put on a halt as the COVID-19 pandemic stops the country from normalcy.
December 09-13, 2019
ElevEIGHT
During “Elev8” celebration, the teachers’ concert was one of the awaited events by the students. The concert included multiple performances from different faculty teachers. Some of the performances include singing and dancing.
Jobelle Busadre, one of the teachers who performed in the event, expressed her happiness at her first performance as she felt
the student’s appreciation towards their efforts and their performance. She also shared that she and her colleagues practiced their performances after class until 8 in the evening.
December 13-17, 2022
StrengTEN
Despite the tragic events of the pandemic, the school had prepared a time capsule to celebrate a decade of the school’s founding, to be opened in 2031.
Ronnel Agoncilio Jr., the Filipino Department Head and one of the coordinators of the project, shared the struggles of making this project possible. He stated that since it was made during the pandemic, it was a hassle to organize the event, purchase the materials, and gather people in one place at the same time and still follow the strict guidelines, nonetheless, he mentioned that it was very solemn and an intimate moment for the community.
“Very meaningful ang paglalagay ng time capsule kasi ibig sabihin aside from celebrating the 10 years of [founding the] school, we are also looking forward 10 years from now sa triumph, sa victories na makakamit ng CalNatSci and we’re hoping na yung same values that we are
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP. Grade 11 students purchasing an item from ‘Dolldalitas’ booth during the ‘ENTREP EXPO 2023-2024: L.A.Y.A.G.: Linking
Ambitious Young Artisan’s Goals’ on January 5, 2024 in effort to coach the students’ entrepreneurial skills through a hands-on experience within campus grounds. | Photo by Arthur John Baldonado
celebrating right now in its 10th anniversary will also be celebrated 10 years from now kapag hinukay na nila yung time capsule,” said Agoncillo.
In addition to the time capsule, an online teacher’s concert via Facebook live was held as well.
“Yes [we experienced difficulties], since we cannot practice in a single area or face-toface, we relied on apps to combine our individual recordings...na sobrang nahirapan talaga teachers since hindi naman techy lahat.. kaya ibat iba din ang quality ng mga videos and performances recorded,” said Busadre on difficulties faced during the online concert.
School’s ninth year celebration was put on hold as that was the first year of shifting to online classes.
December 12-16
ELEVEN-up
After a few years of pandemic, the execution of full face-to-face classes welcomed the return of physical implementation of foundation week.
“I think all of us with8in the SSG back then felt the pressure of mounting an event worthy of the calls for excellence that always hangs back in our minds
as CalNatScians. It was not lost for us the level of demand for the said celebration. There was also reluctance with the administration since we wanted to produce an event that was half-baked and we only had a limited amount of time, ”said 2022 elected Supreme Student Government (SSG) President Jaybby Magallanes.
A new event was also introduced to the CalNatScians, opening a platform to students to showcase their wits and beauty in a pageant called Mr. & Ms. CalNatSci. On December 15, 2022, the two pairs of representatives per grade level expressed their charms, intelligence, and competitiveness throughout the night. After a long battle for the crown, Kyla Jenel Pineda from 10-Einstein and Anthonie Mico Gregorio from 11-Coulomb were declared winners as the very first Mr. & Ms. CalNatSci 2022
December 11-14, 2023
Excellence OverDOSE
As CalNatScians move forward on the 12th celebration, “Excellence Overdose” was a wordplay that incorporated the number dose or twelve, representing the 12th Founding Anniversary of CNSTHS, to the word overdose.
The opening program took place on December 11, 2023 and started with a mass. The school was able to invite two guest speakers; CNSTHS Batch 2019 graduate Julia Abrenica (Magna Cum Laude, UP Diliman, 2023) was the keynote speaker for this activity, sharing her experiences, and special guest Kevin Ryan Bautista, Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 contestant, who showed us his remarkable magic tricks.
From there, school booths were opened starting December 12-15, 2023. Alongside the opening of booths, the athletes are playing their finals for the Intramurals to determine the champions which was announced later on the same day.
A new event from the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) was played by both students and parents calling it “Family Day” on December 13, 2023. Each grade level had players who participated in the games called “Palarong Pinoy” and “Family Feud”. The contestants joined in multiple Filipino-inspired games, but in the end, the Senior High School team won their place as the champions for Palarong Pinoy and representatives from grade 8, grade 10, and grade 12 won the round for Family Feud.
The following day, the second batch of Mr. and Ms. CalNatSci was hailed as Ms. Pineda and Mr. Gregorio took their final walk and passed their crowns to Jam Abellynne Sabay and Cedric Josh Aquino.
Zijohn Shadrach Fajardo
Grade 12 students organized a business caravan named ‘ENTREP EXPO 2023-2024: L.A.Y.A.G.: Linking Ambitious Young Artisan’s Goals’ at the school covered court last January 5 to teach students how to apply entrepreneurial skills by giving them hands-on experience within campus grounds.
According to Event Chairperson Myla N. Callada, the rationale of the event was to ensure that Grade 12 students will apply working knowledge and skills as an entrepreneur engaging in business activity, as supported by the second
Denise Chrizelle Da Silva
Peer na, Barkada pa! (PEERKADA) Club commenced its earliest event with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to be an annual practice at Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) on November 16, 2023. Aligning with the club’s main objective to “Promote Ethics through Empowered
Relationships geared for Knowledge and Advocacies on Development and Assistance of Students,” Corazon Bautista, the school guidance advocate, added that the event was to make them aware of what careers are in demand in the market and highearning.
PEERKADA invited speakers from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), along with accomplished entrepreneurs, to share their experiences and
Article of the Republic Act no. 10679, or the Youth Entrepreneurship Act. Twist on the usual business caravans were applied by incorporating contests into the event to make it “more interesting and engaging,” she adds. Items sold were up to the student entrepreneurs, ranging from candles, personalized items, button pins, tote bags, t-shirts, and the like, and were prepared over a span of almost four months.
Grade 12 students from the previous batch fulfilled the same requirement under the name ‘SIBOL’ (Sustainable Innovation, Business Opportunities, and Leadership).
advice regarding the labor market information updates, Caloocan City Manpower Training Center (CCMTCS) Programs, and PESO programs services.
“The PESO event was very successful and was initiated by the PESO of Caloocan City through their objective to help students, especially graduating students, to be aware of the career or possible employment so that they can be guided on what college courses to choose,” said Bautista.
Said organization was recently founded and is one of the new clubs in school that functions as a peer facilitating group with a focus on the school’s peers.
Bautista said that her main motivation was to introduce guidance using an analogy of a mother that is willing to understand them, they have older siblings from the PEERKADA’s members that they may ask for help from. PEERKADA clubs have existed in other schools since earlier, initiated by the Guidance Office Department of Caloocan Division with the main goal of reducing negative connotations about the word “guidance”.
Hinzzy Ann Abia
In a concerted effort to give the future generation a clean and green environment, Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) joined the nationwide initiative led by the Department of Education (DepEd) to plant 236,000 trees on December 6, 2023.
Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) and Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) officers and club advisers led the commencement of the school participation in planting five fruitbearing tree saplings, including Guyabano, Calamansi, Lemon, Langka, and Kasoy in chosen areas in the school garden.
Dr. Priscila T. Catanauan, Principal II, emphasized the importance of the event in addressing the decreasing availability of resources, stressing that the time to act is now, as she delivered her opening remarks.
“It is a known fact that our world now, the population of the world is exponentially increasing, pero ang mga resources ay decreasing, and one way to restore
and revive our ecosystem, our natural resources is to have this tree planting,” she said.
Yes-O Club Advisers, Viniacris De Ocampo for junior high school (JHS) and Jamie Aumentado for senior high school (SHS) highlighted the significance of tree planting and its impact on our environmental community during the opening program prior to the actual tree planting activity.
According to Jochelle Elamparo, YES-O Club president, the said activity was an opportunity to encourage everyone within our community to interact and commune with nature towards the long-term creation of ‘green’ areas and its preservation in and out of our institution.
“What’s commendable about CalNatSci is that the activity does not end after its implementation. We aim to keep these trees growing with our institution with regular care and monitoring,” she added.
YES-O club divided its officers to undertake the responsibility of caring for and monitoring the trees on a weekly basis during school hours.
Melissa R. Saludes from the
GROWING HOPE. Despite their youth, Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) and Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) officers plants trees at the school garden for Department of Education’ s (DepEd) ‘263k Trees: A Christmas Trees for the Children’ on December 6, 2023.
Photo by Jerick GragedaDivision of Caloocan City was present as part of the monitoring team during the implementation of the tree planting project together with Precious Q. Guillermo, SRM coordinator, and Mark Cesar Babel, SSLG adviser.
All 47,678 DepEd public schools participated, with each school planting a minimum of five trees in contributing to the goal of planting over 236,000 trees in different parts of the country.
As stated in DepEd Memorandum No. 69, series of 2023, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte noted that the department launched this project entitled “DepEd’s 236,000 Trees - A Christmas Gift for the Children” to promote environmental preservation and instill the environmental responsibility among Filipino children.
DepEd added that the project provided a “unique educational opportunity” for students to actively participate in tree planting activities, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and promoting conservation efforts.
CAMPUS EVENTS
Denise Chrizelle Da Silva
Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) hosts its first-ever extensive Valentine’s Day celebration entitled “V-AllIn-Tines: INlove, INiwan and sINgle” in companion with the Supreme Secondary Learners Government’s (SSLG) planted activities on February 14 –prospecting a new custom in CalNatSci.
“Last year, we had the ‘Mix n Match’ but it somewhat happens annually like in our school and others, however, we aimed to be different, not just for V-day, and the aim of SSLG this term, is to have activities that haven’t been implemented from the past or if implemented already, [at least] there’s something new,” SSLG President Zeus Jimenez said as he reiterated the motivation to the updated activities.
SSLG introduced three activities allotted for the day, which were posted ahead through their Facebook page, one of which was the “Mix n Match” wherein students and teachers wear their relationship status based on a particular color that is an annual class agenda
around the school in Caloocan.
Two new corners are introduced, namely: “Yarn, Yarn?”, wherein various colored yarn threads may be tied to the wrists of someone they admire and each color has a corresponding messahe, and “Kili’ck Corner” as a photo booth.
As per the SSLG officers, “Yarn, Yarn?” led the major fulfillment of the event for receiving great feedback seeing that apart from the reason it went as planned, they believed that the maroon yarns that had been prepared and distributed to SSLG officers to be particularly given to others that they do not see wearing have pushed them in achieving the objective of a higher sense of inclusivity.
Student body leaders also encouraged homeroom presidents to put up designs across hallways and in their classrooms, while a few subject teachers incorporated Valentine’s Day activities in their classes such as essays attached to their walls and letters drawn from a bowl to be read in front of the class along with an exchange of gifts, flowers, letters, and sweets.
Marionne Gem Baccay
Strengthening Language through Advocacy of the Youth Club (SLAY Club), an English school youth organization, spearheads the celebration of National Reading Month and English Month inside the school with the theme “English as A Global Language: Bridging Cultures, Connecting the World” from November 6, 2023 to December 4, 2023.
Month-long celebration showcase the skills of CalNatScians in the English language as the club prepare various activities such the Spelling Competition, Reading Proficiency activity, Debate Round Table, Asian Parliamentary Debate, Bookmark Making, Oratorical Speech, Research Colloquium, Speech Choir, Debate Competition for District Festival of Talents (DFOT), Mr. and Ms. English competition and their brand new activity called “Epilock”.
Lance Baletin, the SLAY Club
Prashanti Padayao
Annual game of SYMBO reopens during Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) month on September 26 and 27, 2024 after halting of games for three years due to the pandemic.
SYMBO is the school’s take on the classic family game BINGO, with the letters S, Y, M, B, and O, at the top of the card, and periodic
table elements instead of numbers.
Rules of the game it is based on are similar, an element is drawn out from a box and the winner is declared based on who first finishes the pattern. Pattern to be filled in each round from easy, average, difficult, and blackout, with the second round up for repetition if time allows.
Instances with ties, first two to
president, described their activities patterned with that of the usual Department of Education’s (DepEd) Schools Division Office activities, but they also added their own twist on some school-based activities like their take on Epilock, based on the mechanics of Guesstimation.
Opening program was held on November 6, 2023, opening with a short skit of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ with emcees Baletin and Shawne Manalo.
Following the speech, the activities are presented by different representatives from SLAY Club, Debate Society, Booklovers Club, and a mock broadcast from the English Radio Broadcasting team who presented the school-based activities through an infomercial.
Multiple awards were also achieved by the students who competed on a district level on December 4, 2023. The 2nd place for Oratorical Speech
complete the pattern are made by drawing from the box with the aim to pull the higher atomic.
This year, rounds with multiple supposed winners play a round of hep hep hooray and last to be eliminated hails the prize.
Clusters of two grade levels per batch are set per play with 2 hours every game; starting with grade 12 and grade 11 students, following are the grade 10 and grade 9 students, and closing with grade 8 and grade 7 students.
In place of the sociocultural hall, which served as a venue for the previous years, the game took place at the school grounds to provide comfort to the students.
Science Club 90-Degree Math Club, Research Club, Robotics Club and YES-O oversee the preparation this year.
Winners and hosts are granted prizes, certificates, and tokens of appreciation after the event.
Science Club Junior High School adviser Jobelle Busadre says implementation of the event
was rewarded to Carmen del Rosario, the 1st place Spelling Bee Contest was rewarded to Eryx del Rosario, the 1st place in Research Colloquium was given to the Grade 12 students; John Luaton, Keisuke Kawamura, and Elham Luna, the 1st place for Speech Choir was received by the team of Grade 9 students, the 2nd place for the Debate Competition was rewarded to Grade 11 students; Lance Miranda, Denise Scarella, and Elijah Laylay, and lastly, the 1st place for Mr. and Ms. English was rewarded to Grade 10’s representatives; Sean Rivera and Lianna Chin.
During the culminating activity, the Speech Choir titled “The Congo; A Study of The Negro Race” was once again performed by the winning team at the covered court and the final walk of Mr. and Ms. English in their costumes was witnessed by the CalNatScians in the closing program.
is a way to provide leisure to the students while familiarizing them with the elements of the periodic table.
Donations of 10.00 Philippine peso are given by students who wish to possess a single game card and proceeds are sent to fund inter school competitions, especially in research, robotics, quiz bees, and journalism, that CalNatScians take part in.
Pilot SYMBO game took place during batch 2013-2014, spearheaded by elected Science and Math club officers at that time.
Schools are the second homes for children because of their duty as institutions to protect the welfare and mold the minds of the youth, which is why the alarming rate of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) students admitted to the clinic becomes a worrisome issue. Considering this, it stands to reason that the school must take steps to fulfill its role as the caretaker of the learners’ health and security.
students falling ill during exam and performance task season.
In a competitive school like CNSTHS — whose benchmark for passing is 85, as opposed to 75 for regular public schools — stress and pressure are extreme. Add the fact that the school is under a science curriculum, which has more subjects, and the high rates of infirmary admission are not surprising.
lessons and activities, as they found catching up to be difficult and more stressful than the illness itself.
demands so much from its students, it doesn’t take much to realize that so many tasks lead to performance and health degradation.
From September to December, 10-20 students were admitted to the clinic per day, estimating nearly 50100 students a week. By January, the rate gradually decreased to 25-35 students admitted for the month. However, communicable diseases are not the only factors at play here. Ms. Cherelyn C. Meses, the school clinician, noticed the pattern that there is an increase in
W ith three months left in the school year, graduation and summer break are rapidly approaching for the students. It typically should be a period of excitement about what the future may bring, but at the position where learners are right now, it barely feels like the start of the third quarter. Teachers and students alike are in a race against the days to complete the lessons before the end of this school year. This is the sacrifice that DepEd had to make this school year to revert the academic calendar. The Department of Education has confirmed its plans to revert the academic calendar to the prepandemic July-to-March schedule amidst the concerns over students and teachers conducting classes during the dry season or El Nino every April and May. The DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2024 sets the 2024-2025 school year to begin on July 29, 2024, and end on May 16, 2025. Meanwhile, the current school year will end on May 31, 2024, two weeks earlier than the
Upon surveying a sample section of CalNatScians, 62.5% have already been admitted to the clinic this year alone. 50% were for headache or fatigue, 47.5% for fever, and 17.5% for stomach aches. When asked if they would rather stay at school or go home, half of them chose to brave through and stay. The common reason among respondents was that it would be more difficult if they went home because they would miss the
These case facts are an indictment of the public school system and the state of the country’s education. The priority of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to maximize compliance and performance without regard to the well-being of its learners, failing to fulfill its duty as the caretaker of the health of children.
While pressure may bring the best out of people, it can be counterintuitive to education if done at extreme levels. Devin and Rizquez (2014) found that heavy workload leads to stress, resulting in poor academic performance. Considering the compressed nature of the current curriculum and how it
expected June 14.
The DepEd has emphasized a gradual shift to the old calendar to minimize class disruption, expecting a complete return to the old schedule by 2026. There had been numerous calls before by students, parents, teachers, and organizations to bring back the old school calendar since the return of in-person classes after the pandemic. The SeptemberAugust academic calendar does not consider the climate of the Philippines, as it intersects with the March and April heat, which are the most difficult months to conduct classes due to extreme heat, causing discomfort, nosebleeds, and even fainting. Meanwhile, students won’t be able to enjoy their vacations due to the rainy season from June to August after the classes end. On the other hand, it is undeniable that DepEd had to sacrifice class hours to implement the plan. Instead of the usual six months per semester, the latter half of the school year 2023-2024 only has four months to finish all
lessons, projects, school events, examinations, and graduation rates for graduating students. Such has left teachers in a mad dash against time to finish all the competencies in their subjects, often leaving out time-consuming topics and activities. Students will not have a comprehensive educational experience with the added time pressure, particularly those who find it hard to catch up with the fast pace of lessons and are at risk of falling behind and have less chance and time to have remedial classes. We cannot turn back time and reclaim the hours of learning that were taken away from students by the back-and-forth shift of the academic calendar. The decrease in education quality is the consequence students and teachers must face due to the reversal of the delayed academic calendar. Now, it depends on whether DepEd will take this as a lesson in careful considerations for academic calendars and prioritization in funding to avoid teacher and learning staff shortages.
Even if most clinic cases are due to communicable diseases, stress brought on by heavy workload leads learners to be more vulnerable to illness. Quantity does not equate to quality, and so the notion that more requirements mean better education is wrong.
This issue is not simply an exception for the school, but it also applies to the entire educational system of the Philippines. The agency must boost learner health by reducing distress-triggering heavy workloads, providing mental health services, and incentivizing healthy eating and lifestyle practices among students. Excellence is the end goal for everyone, but it should never compromise wellness.
Dear Editor,
I hope this letter finds you well. As I navigate through my academic journey, I find myself confronted with different challenges.
As a student trying to achieve excellence, I am committed to preserving the integrity of my work and upholding the values of honesty. However, I am growing concerned about the pressures that many of us face in this environment. While I do understand the importance of maintaining academic integrity, I sometimes wonder how to sustain values like honesty amidst the intense pressures to perform well. This immense pressure and the expectations of other people can lead to students like me, who are desperate, struggling to battle temptations to cheat and plagiarize How can students resist the temptation to engage in dishonesty when they feel overwhelmed by academic pressure? What strategies may we use to stop this from happening?
Your guidance would not only aid me in navigating the challenges I currently face, but also contribute to my growth and development as a responsible and ethical scholar. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Best Regards, Chloe Gwyneth Taga-an
With renowned prowess in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) has been one of the most prolific producers of quality information in the city, thanks in part to its researchoriented curriculum. But beyond wisdom contribution, the institution goes beyond its academic roots by upholding its values of excellence
and competence in providing tangible assistance to the community, and the nation as a whole.
There are countless examples where CNSTHS went the extra mile in embodying the Makabayan core principle, but the institution shines best during the Brigada Eskwela season. Through Republic Act 8525, known as the Adopt-A-School Act, which aims to improve schools by incentivizing
private sector involvement in campus enhancement, key partners and stakeholders can contribute to community development. For six straight years (2016-2022), CNSTHS clinched the gold for Best Implementing School, not just for the Division of Caloocan, but also for the National Capital Region.
Through its intensive nature of encouraging students, parents, and partners to contribute, the school was able to unite the community in
Over the past few years, the Philippines—like a tortoise trying to catch up but barely making progress—has lagged far behind other countries in reading, mathematics, and science. In response to this worrying issue, the Department of Education (DepEd) implemented the Catch-up Fridays and the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR). However, with the academic calendar shortened, putting pressure on schools to cram months of learning into a limited amount of time, are these activities relevant or just an addition to the workload? While the intention behind the initiative is honorable, it is crucial to ponder the burden it might place on the already stretched teachers and students.
We have been crawling along, seemingly stuck in the bottom ten as we ranked 77th out of 81 countries globally for reading comprehension, mathematics, and science, according to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results. The gap between ours and other top-performing countries
seems insurmountable, considering that the results indicate a five to sixyear lag in learning competencies in the country, as stated by the DepEd.
The Catch-up Friday and the DEAR Activity were implemented to strengthen the foundational, social, and other relevant skills necessary to actualize the intent of the basic education curriculum in line with the current initiative of enhancing learner academic performance.
These programs seemed to be a beacon of hope for students and teachers alike. However, as its execution is currently in action, there are concerns and opinions regarding whether this program intended to enhance reading comprehension is effective or not. While it can allot time for students to improve their analytic skills, it can also hinder class activities.
According to the DepEd Memorandum No. 001, s. 2024, the program will be implemented across elementary and secondary schools and
community learning centers (CLCs) nationwide. In addition, all Fridays of January shall be alloted to the DEAR activity. With the modification of the academic calendar, the months allotted for learning became shorter, as teachers are already rushing their lessons so that they can cover all topics before the end of the school year.
As the faculty members are adjusting to the new academic calendar, it’s crucial to consider their workload. It may be more beneficial to suspend the DEAR activities during this transitional period, as it will only add to the already overwhelmed teachers and students. Instead, the government can consider implementing this program next school year, where time will be sufficient to meet all the reading comprehension objectives.
Beyond the sparkling trophies and medals, there is an untold story of the blood, sweat, and tears that students at Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatSci) gave to be triumphant. Despite the cramped and limited time to prepare, these devoted students relentlessly strive to bring honor to their school, district, and even region, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to excellence.
Rush preparations for district
and regional competitions have continued to be a prevalent problem. Some competitors have one month or a week and a half to prepare. But in many cases, they are given insufficient time, with some only having as little as four days.
“I think the time allotted for the preparation is enough to compose acts for each scene, but for the mastery of the piece, it will be helpful if we had more time for that”, said Carlisle Sta Maria, one of the Grade 9 students who won
improving itself, despite the small population and funding from the government. The fact that CNSTHS was able to garner and inspire cooperation already is a contribution by itself because it empowers civic duty within citizens that is necessary for promoting societal contribution. Its mantra of 5Ps (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance) has been at the core center of all community initiatives the school has launched. CNSTHS
has become a titan in volunteerism within the local area, acting as a binding agent for people to unite for the betterment of society.
Many have accused intellectuals of being out-of-touch with the issues on the ground, but for the case of CNSTHS, nothing could be further from the truth. It shows that the students, parents, and school personnel are not simply academics and innovation leaders but are also great community builders.
It is disappointing to realize that the Philippines is struggling to keep pace with other countries in reading, mathematics, and science. However, with the shortened academic calendar, the government should reassess its implementation of the Catch-up Friday, or at the very least, make improvements in areas that require more attention.
Solving an issue doesn’t just involve urgency, but it also requires that the plan of action is of quality.
makabata, bansang makabansa” is is the declared motto of the MATATAG curriculum. It aims to “decongest” the current one by seventy percent by streamlining the competencies, focusing on core subjects—reading comprehension, science, and mathematics—where young Filipinos have demonstrated deficiencies. Many modifications are needed, some of which may or may not improve our learners’ abilities. However, are these changes necessary, or will they further lower our tally?
In creating a solution, we must first recognize the problem. Many other aspects of our education system could bring about much more significant change than futilely remaking the entire curriculum.
According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), a pressing issue facing the education system in the Philippines is the lack of resources and infrastructure in many schools. Along with the scarcity of available educators in our country, this deprives many students of the opportunity to learn adequately.
The problem with this curriculum lies in its structure. One of the steps the curriculum will take is to reduce the number of subjects students will take, thus allowing them to focus on the most important ones. This approach is said to have taken inspiration from the Singaporean and Australian education systems— whose countries have performed well in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
The Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries in the PISA 2022 rankings for reading, mathematics, and science proficiency. Adopting
a curriculum from another nation does not guarantee an improvement in our education if its execution is subpar. It is important to note that the countries topping the PISA ranking also have top-tier education systems.
For instance, Australia has high levels of participation in early childhood programs, schooling, and completion of higher education compared to other countries. It also boasts well-prepared teachers and strong school leadership. According to a Universities Australia research, the labor productivity of Australia would rise by 1.5–2.0 percentage points if its tertiary degree attainment rate was raised by 10%.
Efforts in these countries weren’t limited to curriculum changes but also focused on the quality and quantity of teachers and learning materials. They ensured the involvement of every youth in their country because they knew that their future lies with them.
“Bansang makabata, batang makabansa”— a quote that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our youth to create Filipinos who will soon serve our country. If we want them to improve and become the best versions of themselves, the state must invest in quality learning materials and resources.
The youth of the country is at stake here—the future of our nation—and one wrong move can change their future and, thus, our future. Let us not disappoint them by implementing uncertain and futile changes.
1st place in the District Cluster
Theatrical Speech Choir contest 2023. He and his team only had a week and a half to prepare.
Performance-wise, it would be best if participants had more time to prepare for training, as it allows for the enhancement of talents. After all, the purpose of a contest is to showcase what students can do, and it cannot meet that objective when conditions prohibit them from developing their skills.
Another concern is that the lack of time does not allow teachers
to look for students with great potential. Most of the time, the contestant chosen is a student of the teacher-mentor out of convenience. The trainer does not have enough time to look for people in other grade levels, and so others do not have an opportunity to prove themselves.
Imagine the countless opportunities they could have had if there was just more time. “What if we had the chance to compete at the regional level?”, “What if we could have emerged victorious?”,
“What if we had more time to perfect our skills?”. All of these “what ifs” will continue to linger unless these contestants receive more time to prepare and maximize their potential. Nonetheless, in almost every competition CalNatScians have entered, they have continually proved themselves to be the victors. However, the lingering “what-ifs” remain at the forefront of thoughts if only it weren’t for the lack of preparations. Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve—these are the uncertainties that persist.
Such is not the case at Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatSci), where a twice-a-month haircut policy for male students is limited to three choices: 2x3 cut, barber’s cut, and a “semi-kalbo” cut. These options have little to no significant differences, and all may even be intolerable to some students. This action indisputably restricts the right to self-expression, especially amid countless movements of gender-positivity in the country. The institution is unaware of the depth of the situation, if not distressingly blinded by outdated norms.
According to the GenderResponsive Basic Education Policy under Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 32 s. 2017, the agency stated its commitment to integrate the principles of gender sensitivity, non-discrimination, and human rights in the provision and governance of basic education.
By this, the DepEd shall take responsibility for reinstating the order and see that the schools mirror the necessary changes in conformity to current modern and progressive standards. It is only right for schools to abolish the haircut policy that prohibits students from fully and freely immersing themselves in an inclusive school environment. If the policy truthfully promotes genderresponsiveness, it shall benchmark its provision of inclusivity with the queer community.
Furthermore, the Republic Act No. 10533 Section 2 declares that “the State shall establish an integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people, the country and societyat-large.”. As such, I see it fit to mention that the rising haircut service fees are an additional burden on the student’s financial situation, especially for those who are poverty-stricken. Such policy contradicts the DepEd’s goal of ensuring access to quality education for all. An institution like CalNatSci should know better to consider factors in connection with these.
CalNatSci presumes to prioritize the interest and welfare of learners by implementing the
rule based on its disciplinary guidelines. It argues for uniformity and preparation for professional life by strictly imposing the proscription of the 3-choice haircut policy. However, students do not have uniform face shapes, so it would be complete nonsense to assume a uniform outcome from the policy; it only and solely forces students to a haircut that does not suit nor satisfy them. Moreover, the absence of prescribed haircuts for female students does not even signify any problem with uniformity and performance; evidence that such a rule is unnecessary.
This is a challenge to the system to reassess their priorities in policymaking. As the school’s Supreme Secondary Learner Government President, I stand with the students’ plea to abolish the oblivious haircut policy. The continual enforcement of this is a big irony to the institution’s mantra of excellence being equal to motivation, commitment, and competence. The school cannot be called competent without stepping out of its old customs conforming with the world’s progressions.
From various big-brand fast food chains to shopping malls, North Caloocan has finally broken the glass barrier and is now in the middle of massive economic and industrial growth. Despite this seemingly good news, such unprecedented and uncontrolled development can lead to heavy traffic. The local government must regulate this to protect the public interest.
From humble beginnings as a suburban residential region largely undeveloped before the 2010s, its population quickly grew, with most middle-income citizens residing inside housing subdivisions. Considering the potential for commercial businesses to profit from the locals, industries were quick to capitalize on this, hence the growth.
From 900,000 citizens living in the North in 2015 to 1.2 million in 2022, the area posed a growth of 300 thousand in just under a decade. This kind of population increase caught the local government off guard, as it could not properly adjust its infrastructure and services to cater to so many people. As a result, North Caloocan is now plagued with heavy traffic.
Given how the area has limited options when it comes to transport — either via private vehicles, tricycles, or jeepneys — it becomes a hassle for many locals, especially for the commuters to go to their destinations. Compounding the aforementioned regional commercialization, it creates a perfect storm for a road gridlock that can cost people time and productivity.
In the scientific method, a person must test their hypothesis through systematic experimentation. Work immersion is an educational program that provides students with opportunities to gain practical knowledge of their chosen careers. While most public school institutions offer this program, expanding its implementation for Senior High School (SHS) students will help them set their career paths early on, especially in a Science High school like the Caloocan National Science
learners with career guidance. With the Revitalized Homeroom Programs (RHGPs) integrated into the curriculum, pupils can learn book information about different job prospects. Despite this, 42% of SHS students were dissatisfied with the programs, according to a recent survey by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). There’s no better way to learn than to experience it firsthand and aid students in choosing their right career paths. While knowing the concept before engaging in real-life activities is the core of our educational system, to let bright students out of the wild without
due preparation would be putting our teacher’s efforts in vain. The educational system must prepare our fresh learners with enough firepower to tackle the realities of our world and provide them with clear pathways to be future contributors to our society.
The scientific method is a circle — it must cover everything, from theory to experimentation. Such is also true in education, whereby concept and application must be both considered. Work immersion offers an opportunity to apply conceptual learnings. After all, books can only get you so far in life. The rest are tangible experiences we learn from our career journey.
and responsible zoning, setting up public-centered business regulations, and diversifying its transportation options.
North Caloocan’s economic and industrial growth is a sign of prosperity for its citizens, but it should never bite more than what it can chew. Local leaders must control this growth to ensure longterm success in terms of safety, opportunity, and productivity.
900,000 1,200,000
It’s as if North Caloocan is built like an hourglass. No matter the volume of sand on both ends, nothing will change if the passageway is narrow. The local government must swiftly act to resolve this problem by utilizing proper city planning
Beyond education, classrooms are also second homes for students, and their walls tell a story about the students and their relationships with their teachers and peers. With informative posters and students’ artworks hung up on the wall akin to a museum, colors seem to burst at the seams, especially for elementary and kindergarten classrooms. Yet for this Brigada Eskwela 2023, rooms were scrubbed away of their vibrant personality to prioritize the attention and focus of students by removing as many “distractions” as possible.
The Department of Education Order No. 21, s. 2023, implements the removal of artworks, tarpaulins, and other decorations deemed unnecessary from every wall on the school grounds and classrooms in every grade level. Gone are the colorful displays of creativity and craftsmanship of teachers and students, leaving the facilities and corridors devoid of life.
The rationale behind the order was to aid attention span by reducing distracting factors in a learning setting, allowing students to focus on the lesson. Teachers have also spoken out about how the order has helped them reduce costs, as they do not have to spend now on decorations, thus removing their burden.
However, the removal of decorations is not the answer to educational issues such as classroom overpopulation, lack of facilities and learning materials, and under-compensation of teachers and staff. As of now, this is not what schools need. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers - NCR (ACT-NCR) has stated in response to the order that instead of removing classroom decorations, the Department of Education (DepEd) should remove excessive tasks given to educators without proper education. Additionally, such a policy removes the individuality of classrooms, as it serves as a canvas for teachers to use as a visual learning aid during classes. Moreover, classrooms are an avenue for students to post and feature their work, thus improving confidence and self-esteem. The order instead makes every classroom nearly monotone and more similar to a prison room than a learning space.
Public schools are suffering from overpopulated, outdated, and inadequate learning facilities. Teachers around the country are overworked and not fairly compensated by the Department of Education. While offering the possibility of helping students focus better, the truly pressing issues have yet to be resolved.
Two administrations have passed, and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) has continuously pushed for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), requiring jeepneys and other PUV drivers to consolidate themselves into cooperatives and modernize their vehicles. The policy may be good on paper, but its repercussions for the drivers and commuters will outweigh the posed benefits if the government continues to execute the initiative poorly.
While the new model may be environmentally sustainable, the PUV operators cannot afford to purchase the modern jeepney, as its price tag is hefty, reaching 2 maillion per vehicle. The government cannot even fund the program sufficiently, as it has failed to give enough subsidies. Yet it expects the drivers to comply immediately with no remorse for their socioeconomic status.
Compounding the growing expense, the PUVMP will mandate drivers to consolidate into either cooperatives or corporations, which has a huge membership fee that goes as high as 20,000 per operator.
It is then due to this reason that labor and transport groups are outraged, hence the strikes and demonstrations intended to force the hand
of the government into making the terms of the program more favorable.
Another victim in this conflict between the transport groups and the government is the commuters, wherein strikes and the higher expenses for the drivers allow for fares to hike up. It also sends the roads to heavier traffic as there are fewer options for public transportation, thus dealing with heavy economic and time inconvenience.
Indeed, the modern jeepney has the edge in sustainability and comfortability over its traditional counterpart. However, the government must also do its part to mitigate the detrimental effects of the program on commuters and drivers by providing the necessary assistance.
The pleas and woes of the citizens are not just out of fear of progress, but rather based on the fact that this railroaded policy has failed to protect the livelihood of drivers and commuters alike. True progress means to uplift everyone, not to leave others behind starving.
Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) upholds the standard and value of discipline, with honesty being its core foundation. In line with this, the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) launched an initiative by reviving one of the most anticipated projects on campus, the honesty hub. Presidential Proclamation No. 1782 launched the WATCH (We Advocate Time Consciousness and Honesty) advocacy program, which aims to promote honesty in all sectors of society. One of the initiatives conceptualized to enforce the proclamation on schools was the honesty store, whereby schools will establish a marketplace of school supplies without on-site employees, thus relying on the students to purchase with integrity. Such a program is a great way to exercise integrity because it lets students practice honesty, even if no one is looking at them. It is also helpful to learners as it provides an avenue to purchase materials they may need for their education.
Of course, honor will not always prevail, as we cannot truly eliminate or prevent all dishonest behavior. The pre-pandemic setting reported
income loss as an issue with implementing the project. It may just be a matter of forgetting to pay or deliberately choosing not to but consider that these are the legitimate hurdles to implementing this project. Error and immorality will always be a part of human nature, and we cannot change that. However, the best we can do is to create policies that incentivize practicing honesty to discourage negative behavior.
Beyond the intent of promoting integrity, the revival of the honesty hub will also be a litmus test of the character and integrity of the learners on whether they subscribe to practicing correct behavior.
Can people still be trusted when no one’s watching? The short answer would always be yes. While there will always be cases of dishonesty, the students are still inherently good, and so they deserve the benefit of the doubt that they will practice integrity. As the SSLG capitalizes on trust to make this program work, everyone must do their part in practicing honesty to promote collective ethics and morality.
I do agree with what he said. But why is it that lately, they’ve become the disappointment and the problem of the barangays? Why is it that as of late, instead of contributing help to the barangay, they’ve become the concern of the barangay. Why do I say that?
Approximately 1,410,000 candidates applied for a position in the Sangguniang Kabataan of the 42,000 barangays across the country. Many with their own purpose and the burning desire to lead the youth, and the other, well to use their popularity to win. I recall one time in our barangay, a candidate for SK councilor with his credentials full of basketball-related awards and certificates. Did he apply for the position to be a role model or a role for basketball?
It’s not just him. Many aspiring SK candidates’ credentials are “pageant winner”, or some award that is distantly related to leading the youth of a barangay. It has been becoming a competition of popularity, and not a test of leadership and empowerment. The word Sangguniang Kabataan’ meaning is shifting and changing. People are just in it for the clout, for the fame, and most especially, for the title.
Furthermore, I have also noticed a pattern, wherein, candidates who win the elections just vanish right after they get the spot. Have I forgotten the purpose of the SK? We take this kind of responsibility and position. Why? To lead the future generation and not to garner popularity within ourselves. Winning the elections is one thing, however, taking responsibility for your position you just won is another. You’re not really fooling anyone doing this, but only yourself. You have delayed the events, the proposed activities for the community. Always remember that we’re never above anyone but only being the face of a model, a responsible servant of society.
As a supposed “responsible servant of society”, you are expected to act in the betterment of your community. As a leader, you are inclined to lead and empower your people but why are (events and activities for the community) being delayed? Why are the concerns of the people neglected? Where is the leader that the people voted for? You forget that the position is more than just a symbol of clout and popularity, your position (i forgor just say something about leadership to contradict the statement before it)
Why does this trend still keep up to this day? Because politics became a game of popularity and charisma, but it should never be a game of fame. We must always be vigilant of candidates because they will be holding that position for the next three years. Because of that basketball player, a candidate with many experiences of youth leadership lost. Imagine the leaders we lost because we picked the wrong type of decorated person. Let us eliminate the “clout chasing” fad of SK elections. We should always set aside our personal interests and always pick the one that is suitable, the capable, and the one that comes prepared. Not the furnished. We should always vote for the sake of the community, not for the sake of ourselves. Will you vote with an aim or will you vote for the trend?
Music is a universal language, an expression of the mind and heart, touching the souls in ways that words cannot do. It transcends the walls of boundaries, connecting people through mutual sentiments and shared experiences.
This is what Aneka Abarrientos, a 22-year-old singer-student at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños, wishes to achieve this year 2024 as an artist. With her steadfast growth and endless development from the past year, she wants to bring a new sound to the OPM industry, as well as mark the Filipino sound and voice in the global music industry. She has been releasing her original songs, written and produced by herself with the help of Stephen Tan and Metro East Records.
Aneka is an artist of diverse genres, which initially worried her because of the vastness of musical profiles in the current industry. However, she is a person of exploration, and she would love to apply the same in experimenting and making her craft variously. This reflects on her last re-release, “Foolish Alibis”, because of its electropop sound, a new and refreshing addition to Aneka’s musical resumé.
Showcasing her artistry has always been Aneka’s center of interest. She is a part of UP Silakbo, a musical organization within her university that promotes its very own singer-students. She also immersed herself in different hobbies and skills during her stay in UPLB, ranging from music, literature, film, and theater to active sports and traveling. In 2018, she even collaborated on a stage with fellow musicians at the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
Even with this long list of interests to fit into her schedule, Aneka still makes time to avidly fangirl for her favorite artist, Taylor Swift. She even made a song dedicated to her fondness with the artist entitled “Taylor”. In August and October 2023, she took part in performing as one of Taylor Swift’s fans at events prepared by the recognized fan group “Swifties Philippines” in both UP Town Center and SM Mall of Asia Bayside Area. The impact of idolizing this artist is a big factor in Aneka’s current success. She says “She is, if not the major, but one of the reasons I fell in love with writing lyrics and even poetry.”
Long before these big events, Aneka had already established herself in cafés and restaurants around Laguna, as well as within the UPLB community. “I usually perform songs ranging from Taylor Swift [and] mainstream pop songs to classical and Broadway. Well, basically anything under the sun!” she stated. These opportunities are fruits of her consistency and passion, dating back to as long as she can remember.
From as early as eight to nine years old, she started to write short compositions. Her first piece was entitled “Paradise”, a two or three-stanza-long song about being in a specific place she once considered her utopia. Despite being a blurry childhood memory, it marked the start of her songwriting journey, manifesting until her high school days. In her small little world, her vivid imagination and fictional fantasies drove her desire to write. Just like any high schooler, she found the feeling of having a crush and its dynamic of being in love and being loved interesting to write about.
When she entered Caloocan National Science and Technology High School in 2014, she portrayed an exceptional model student, excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities. She participated in Teatro productions, jinglewriting contests, and band performances.
In the recent business caravan by the Grade 12 students called EntrepLayag, Mrs. Myla Callada, the Entrepreneurship adviser, personally invited Aneka to perform an intermission act. She performed her top song, Bakit (‘Pag Pinahiwatig), and a classic Taylor Swift song for her familiar audience in a familiar place.
Aneka revealed that she took the chance to perform because she wanted to give back to her alma mater, as well as to revisit the school and the teachers. She wondered how much of the surroundings had changed since her batch, Batch Hiraya, left in 2020. As she witnessed the event unfold, she realized that she missed her high school days and that she badly wanted to go back in time to relive it.
After all those years as a student with a burning passion for singing, Aneka did not let that fire be put out. All those years, she spent on doing what she loves and loving her work. Her obligations and responsibilities as a student have been difficult to juggle, but she still found stability in pursuing her desire to share her music.
Althea DelMundo
glamour as his modeling photos were displayed on a billboard in Metro Manila. But how did this spark of poise and charm come into the picture?
“I started modeling to improve my selfconfidence, enhance my communication skills, and build rapport and connection with others,” Rivera said in an interview — discussing the start of his career as a model. He continued to achieve his dreams and fulfill his ambitions for the past two years he has been a model, winning accolades in different competitions on the way. Behind the Dazzling Lights
Feelings of delight and gratefulness filled his heart as he was allowed to showcase who he truly was. Aside from the warmth of the spotlight that he had been receiving, he wanted his perspective to be revealed to the world, breaking stereotypes and unreasonable expectations of the beauty of each
“A beauty standard for males doesn’t only focus on physical characteristics but on how they present themselves accordingly,” he stated with firmness laced in his voice.
Rivera emphasized that the best way to portray a beauty standard should not revolve around physical attributes a person has, but rather, it’s rooted in one’s attitude and discipline toward oneself.
As he continues to stay in the spotlight, he is an embodiment of how one can be physically beautiful and at the same time, graced with intelligence. With such dignified confidence, he proudly models the dichotomy of beauty and brains.
Ashley Jimenez
Aneka Abarrientos
of the tanghalan is an experience unlike any other. It mirrors the story of a passionate singer, a few steps away from musical stardom desired by millions across the country. But not every road to success is free from shortcomings. At times, that very shortcoming inspires redemption, which pushes one to reach for the stars. melodies. Singing has been the ultimate passion for the twenty-year-old student CalNatScian, Joshua Bejar. Donning Caloocan pride in a ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ episode aired on October 3, 2023, heaps get a glimpse of Joshua’s singing talent and antecedent stories of persistence that inspired the performance. Coming to this point was not an easy feat, but with enough passion and motivation from family and friends, he belts ‘yes’ to the call of the stage. student. He was never shy of expressing himself in the class or even in front of the entire school.” described one of his friends, Venice Ponco. Whether it was school performances, local performances, or even solo gigs, his voice would always capture the hearts of his growing audience.
Joshua would always tune in to the radio with his grandmother. He kindled his love for music by listening to artists like the renowned soft rock duo Air Supply, which became one of his musical influences later on. His family then discovered his talent for singing when he sang Jovit Baldivino’s rendition of “Pusong Bato” on karaoke. Encouraged by his loved ones, young Joshua sets afoot on his musical journey. puberty. The songs he can usually sing at ease became much more of a challenge for his deepening voice. Alas, it was a rough road that Joshua had to overcome with a shift in style. Amidst the trend of emotional pop and blue-eyed soul, he found his new voice in the songs of James Arthur. This realization lit up his confidence once again. performance of Panic! At the Disco’s vocally powerful ‘This is Gospel’, seventh-grader Joshua let out a voice crack that quickly became a defining setback in the chase for his dreams. Working hard to regain lost confidence, Joshua would later cement himself as a dedicated singer in the CalNatSci community, belting out soulful songs in his performances for different school events. The decision to join ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ came later on, ignited by his desire to prove more of what he could offer and show his resounding talent to a bigger audience. However, the confidence he had the night before took a complete turn when he saw fellow contestants rehearsing backstage. Even so, Joshua remains unshaken, with thoughts focused on his supporters. “It felt like I was only performing for my loved ones; it didn’t feel like I was in a contest or even in a TV show,” Joshua expressed, recalling the minutes before the awaited moment. Singing an impassioned rendition of Lewis Capaldi’s ‘Bruises’, Joshua left the tanghalan with a resounding rave of cheers. in one classroom for a viewing party of the live performance. Coming back to school was an awe-spiring and touching day for him. Joshua teared up knowing he lost the contest but was relieved by the plenteous congratulations he received for his outstanding performance. With a heart filled with joy and the warmth of the support from CalNatScians, his loss turned into yet another silver lining; perhaps one that opened a new chapter after years of redemption.
through songwriting — a medium to which he can express his stories. If given the opportunity to perform again, he wishes to sing one of his original creations as an OPM singer of the generation on the Wish Bus. Looking forward to that time, he stays ever-committed CalNatScian with a dream of reaching greater heights.
“You should always believe in yourself because, at the end of the day, you are the only one who knows what you are capable of. You are the only one who truly knows yourself. Always practice, be dedicated, and don’t forget to enjoy what you are doing.”
Joshua Bejar
Diana
Liquid courage in a spray bottle made of capsaicin from chili and not sealed fluids from the grocery. If it is not the pointy end of the umbrella, it is the sharp edge of a cutter. Glance back—a man is nearby, walk fast, check again, walk faster.
“Once a man behind me at an escalator shoved his hand up my skirt from behind, and no one around me said anything, so I didn’t say anything. Because I didn’t wanna make a scene.” Blythe Baird wrote in her poem, Pocket-Sized Feminism. When trauma clogs your mouth, does “Silence is an act of violence too” still stand?
In a corner along the stretch of Congressional Road in Caloocan City, a sea of purple, white, and green clothing waved through the winds of the “Isang Bilyong Babae ang
Babangon” song last February 19, 2024. Led by the Kabataang Teresa Magbanua, CalNatScians grooved to the rhythm of the One Billion Rising Campaign, a global movement advocating for a world free of violence against women and girls.
The call to “Rise for Freedom” persists as the intensification of the abuse continues. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in every 3 women experiences violence in their lifetime, totaling more than one billion women worldwide. Despite the dismal picture, the One Billion Rising Campaign serves as a response to the widespread problem of gender-based violence. Since Valentine’s Day in 2012, this yearly event has been using the transforming power of dance, music, and art to promote solidarity, inspire activism, and raise awareness.
Kabataang Teresa Magbanua intended to start an annual tradition—a constant reminder of what one billion looks like—by convening the school community at least once every year to make noise and move. More than just a dance contest like the one held during last year’s Women’s Month, the organization emphasized to the student body that its entirety can take part in the initiative. Mr. Ronnel Agoncillo Jr., the club adviser, concluded the event with a call for
CalNatScians to not be silent about the rampant aggressions beyond the walls of the institution—to be reminded that what the campaign stands for is something bigger than any person but is crucial to be supported by everyone.
As the One Billion Rising program in CalNatSci wrapped up, the echoes of solidarity lingered in the air, a reminder that despite the challenges and the trauma that reside, there is strength in unity.
“We rise to show that we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness—one where violence will be condemned until it is inconceivable.”
Kabataang Teresa Magbanua’s president said in their opening speech. To “Rise for Freedom” could encapsulate an array of actions. Whether it is defending a girl from harm on the side of the streets, simply clicking a button to be the voice for a victim in cyberspace, or joining campaigns dedicated to ending violence, to rise for freedom is to rise for women.
Perhaps feminism entails showing up for those who cannot do so for themselves—understanding that those whose mouths are clogged by fear and trauma need those who do not speak up, leave a dent, and rise for freedom from the metallic locks of violence.
John Benedict Estrella
“My advice to you is to lay down arms and return to your families. It isn’t worth dying in this war. My advice to you is to live. I am going to do the same.” utters the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he seemingly insists on surrendering to the Russian forces. Although not pixel-perfect, it is a video that startled millions amidst warfare disinformation, including the real Zelensky himself. It is only one among many cases of these ‘hyper-realistic digital forgeries’ called ‘deepfakes’ that fuel the fear of the public against advancing technology. But if not the sneaky weapon of the Kremlin, deepfakes can be seen everywhere. From uncanny face-swaps of popular celebrities to news of the most dire cases of online sexual abuse material, these clips are simply impossible for anyone to miss – or are they?
These deepfakes we see online often portray high-profile personalities saying words or performing unusual actions that never actually occurred. Perhaps an avant-garde form of disinformation, but the sophisticated technology of deepfakes has deceived mass media on a scale previously unseen. Be it ultra-realistic CGI in film or war propaganda, this simple combo of precise face-swapping and voice alteration looks at millions of different possibilities. It’s getting harder to spot a deepfake video. What can you do?
It is an inquiry at the heart of CalNatScians John Emman Luaton, Elham Luna, and Keisuke Kawamura’s winning research paper in the District Research Colloquium held last 22nd of November. Entitled “Who’s the Impostor: Deepfake Detection Proficiency of Senior High School Students in Caloocan National Science and Technology High School”, the paper unmasked the new media literacy skill of deepfake detection and its ever-growing relevance in the rise of AI-synthesized media. At the time, more advanced forms of deepfakes were already being streamlined across platforms. After stumbling upon the viral video of a deepfaked Barack Obama talking online vigilance, the researchers continued to explore the internet’s suburbs to uncover what’s more of the technology. From sheer political satire, deepfakes took a darker turn.
“We’re entering an era in which our enemies can make anyone say anything at any point in time.”
Everybody is a potential target in the open-access, digital landscape. By standards, it would take a few images of a face or snippets of a voice, and weeks of training for an AI model to produce a fairly accurate deepfake. This expanding technology and its accessibility have led to substantial leaps in the number of deepfake content online with a total of 95,820 videos in 2023 – a 552% increase from 2019. But just as the researchers have found, a mere deepfake of Obama is hardly the tip of the growing iceberg.
“This is my face. It belongs to me!”
After a deep dive into the pool of deepfake cybercrime cases, the researchers were able to uncover the true plague beneath the rotting surface: deepfake pornography. Recent statistics by Home Security Heroes reveal that a staggering 98% of deepfake videos online are pornographic content, 99% of which target women. This pervasive breed of deepfake content has made its way across the Philippine frontier, with most infamous cases including former Vice President Leni Robredo’s daughter, Aika, after a surge of deepfakes of her in explicit content circulated over social media during the 2022 elections. Although these cases have provoked House lawmakers to file House Bill No. 9425 to penalize makers of harmful deepfakes, the severe impact of misinformed ridicule remains.
“...to resist the urge to believe everything we see, no matter how real it looks”
For the researchers, the proficiency of a human or machine in detecting deepfakes is crucial in addressing its crimes. “The aftermath of deepfakes, whether it be pornography or political manipulation, is degrading to the victims involved. It is an essential skill for users to develop this ability so as not to feed into the intended consequences of these fake materials.” researcher Keisuke Kawamura says in an interview. It was an astonishing discovery for the researchers that among a sample of 80 senior high school students, not one student was considered proficient in detecting deepfakes. As deepfakes and AI evolve towards a better sense of sentience, the need for deepfake detection literacy becomes increasingly urgent. In the quest for alternative solutions to compensate for the flawed human eye, the researchers believe that the journey begins with familiarity.
Blue has always been associated with negative feelings, such as regret, grief, doubt, and above all, sadness. Maybe it is the murky blue ocean that feels so cold and deep, akin to how a blue fire hurts the most when touched by the skin. Let emotions be a choice, one would rather feel the joys of yellow or the tumultuous dance of love and anger in red. In the vivid palette of human emotions, blue sadness stands alone – unwanted and withdrawn.
In light of the National Mental Health Week Celebration, the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) held out its hand and took the initiative to underscore mental health and its importance as a universal human right among Filipinos. In its third year under the PMHA, the “Light Up Blue for Mental Health” campaign refashions blue as a symbol of peace, calmness, and tranquility, drawing attention to the fight against contemporary challenges in the post-pandemic era.
Following PMHA’s advocacy, the Caloocan Health Department participates in the #LightUpBlueforMentalHealth and #WellBeingWednesday campaigns by encouraging institutions across the city to put on blue and gather in solidarity to carry out different wellness practices. The department also introduced the “Thank you, Self!”, an interschool self-care vlog-making contest featuring some of Caloocan’s most creative self-care champions. Two notable CalNatScians, namely Vheanne Cordinete of grade 12 level and Emmanuel Torcelino of grade 9 level, courageously entered the contest and shared the struggles of being a CalNatScian. Thank you, self! You did well.
The cast of blue hue told a different story on the 10th of October. Students donned the color in different shades through blue shirts, face paints, bracelets, and ribbons wrapped around their heads. Soon enough, the sounds of students bustling in the court grounds echoed. Underneath the bright day spring, students rediscovered their love for traditional Filipino games, throwing slippers far across the court in a game of tumbang preso if not jumping daringly in luksong baka. Other classes took their approach to wellness differently, from meditation exercises to heartfelt sharings. It was an odd break from the quick pace for some, but it might be one that
Teatro
Filmokara released a threepart series called Seryeng Filmokara on January 10, 2024, starring one of the most notable CalNatScians from 7-Darwin, John Christian Gregorio. With his comedic nature and relatable portrayals, he successfully portrays CalNatScians’ innate characteristics through its three mantras of preparedness, honesty, and excellence, unveiling what it takes to be part of the community.
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
JC is a student who is ready for anything they ask of him. He sits peacefully inside the confines of the library, focused intently on the material before him. With his fellow CalNatScians approaching him, his focus begins to drift away. Later, he found himself in a whirlwind of requests: one asked for a ballpen, another pleaded for an umbrella, the next sought out a shovel, and someone even borrowed a ladder from him. It might be an exaggeration of his normal routine, but JC still complies with the continuous requests of his fellow schoolmates.
The tagline “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance”, commonly known as 5Ps has been etched in the minds of CalNatScians as the motto is plastered on the walls of every classroom, reminding them of its essence amid days of work. The representation of the students’ nature to be prepared at all times, expecting every possible scenario in a situation, is at the forefront of every CalNatScian’s values.
Honesty is the Best Policy
From this day, blue, a color usually considered gloomy and dim, was seen from another perspective. Perhaps the gentle glow of a blue fire provides the most comforting warmth, just as how the blue dawn marks a new day after the midnight tears. May those trapped underwater those scared of the blue ocean, a lighthouse illuminated its bulb, providing hope to those drowning.
A little scoot to the right to make space for the high school student; once again, the king of the road carries the town’s wayfarers on its back, venturing to different stops in the local avenue. It might be an antiquated mode of transit, but the busy roads of Caloocan would not be complete without the Philippine jeepneys. It is home to many different stories, from students traveling to the other side of town to jeepney drivers raising their families from a stack of coins earned in days of work. But on last year’s New Year’s Eve, these carriages of convenience told a different story. From the usual different stops, all passengers were in transit to one final destination.
As CalNatScians join the fight against the jeepney phaseout, the community is reminded of the jeepney’s essence as an ever-present carrier in their
In the bustling canteen filled with swarms of students, JC navigates his way through the crowd to pay for a cup of chicken curry. He makes it to the counter, only to realize that he is short on money to pay for his meal. JC is stumped, but the generous Ate Jo saves the day by giving him a pass this time around. With his kind permission to pay his bill the next day, he follows up on his promise, staying true to his word even a day later.
The portrayal of the second mantra serves as a token for students to remember the value of good faith. Integrity is a must not only within the four corners of the classroom but also amid the unfamiliar waters of the real world beyond. Rooted in moral principles, the profound statement “Honesty is the best policy.” from the brilliant Benjamin Franklin continues to resonate with CalNatScians in all their endeavors. Excellence is equal to Motivated, Committed, and Competent Individuals (E=mc2)
The whole classroom was full of academic noise with students raising their hands here and there. JC was able to answer the questions with no difficulty, priding himself with mastery of the topic at hand. However, acing his recitations is not what merely defines him as an exceptional student. Soon enough, he finds himself scrambling along the halls in panic for an upcoming quiz. Even so, a motivated JC catches up with his stack of notebooks, reviewing calmly amid the irritating ambient noise. Even during his leisure time, JC remains competent as he plays a round of Chinese garter with his tall kuyas. Jumping over a height greater than him, JC wows his kuyas like an Olympian underdog.
This reflects CalNatSci’s very own motto, “Excellence is equal to Motivated, Committed, and
everyday hustles. Whether personal or communistic, Philippine jeepneys have marked an unassailable influence in the heart of CalNatScians. On May 14, 2023, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School launched the student-centered “B’yaheng Pa-SAYANS” which opened efficient school-based transportation options for commuting CalNatScians. The project boasts one of CalNatSci’s most active involvements in community projects, collaborating with the Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association and the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association.
Competent Individuals” commonly referred to as E=mc². It is a formula held dear to the hearts of the community, even being the official greeting gesture of students and teachers inside the school. Needless to say, CalNatScians hold in high esteem their excellence in almost every aspect, ranging from academic endeavors to extracurricular activities. With numerous students joining competitions and bagging different accolades, CalNatScians are always driven to go beyond expectations.
The last episode closes the adventures of JC as the main character of the series, but not the adventure of CalNatScians who will continue to soar high despite the obstacles along their way. While the sky’s the limit to what quintessence means for the community, perhaps JC has helped define what makes a CalNatScian through a glimpse of his adventure to excellence.
To answer, ‘What makes a CalNatScian?’ would puzzle a student more than any mathematical conundrum. Although students’ everyday lives seem to follow a normal routine, there are many more quirks to uncover behind and beyond the classroom walls. With a zeal for communal excellence, CalNatScians take pride in maintaining their image by keeping a positive demeanor despite their challenges and inspiring themselves with the fuel of ambition.
With undivided efforts to pay back the jeepney’s invaluable service, CalNatScians made rounds in social media in support of the #NoToJeepneyPhaseout movement. According to data from the SSLG and Committee on Students’ College Initiatives (COSCI), 40% of the student body will be massively inconvenienced by the shortage of available public utility vehicles (PUVs). In this crucial period where livelihood and convenience are at a slippery crossroads, the long drive to the king’s battleground can never halt.
For CalNatScian Jainiña Juatco, the national movement sparks many
sentiments that are more personal than others. Raised by a jeepney driver and operator, many nostalgic memories dwell in the carriage for her. In the past, a young Jainiña would often join her father’s long rides in their jeepney, going so far as their distant province outside their workaday trips. Leaving as early as five in the morning, her father would drive every day for years on end. Through time and hard work, these fares would provide for their family, even helping to pay her older sister’s college tuition later on.
“ “ Isa nga pong pa-sayans.
URGENT CARE. Students from Caloocan National Science and Technology High School occupy the school clinic with hopes to relieve their illness, December 6, 2023. Photo by Arold
John Carlo Ranario
Caloocan National Science and Technology High School clinic took in 320 patients in December 2023, setting the record for the highest number of recorded patients this school year.
Despite only lasting two weeks due to the academic break coming right after December 15, December still had more patients than August, October, November, January, and February.
According to School Clinician Cherelyn Meses, the number of
patients tends to rise as the “ber” months approach.
Around late November to December talaga madalas pinakamaraming patients ang clinic.
Cherelyn Meses, School ClinicianOut of the 320 patients recorded in December, 220 had influenza-like
symptoms, including fever (26), headache (150), dizziness (28), sore throat (1), cough (4), and difficulty in breathing (11).
The observable pattern of the number of patients experiencing flu-like symptoms spiking in December has a few possible causes, according to research, with the most notable being the flu seaason, which is known to begin in June and end in December.
The flu season is driven by factors including the influenza virus’s heightened infectiousness in cold, dry air and the potential
In the continuously changing landscape of education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral tool for students of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatScians). A recent survey conducted among a section of 40 students uncovered a prevalent usage of AI, with only two students claiming they do not regularly use AI. Although this could spark controversy if AI is being used to cheat, CalNatScians use it correctly, leveraging its capabilities to gain a learning edge.
AI can be as simple as grammar checkers like Grammarly and as complex as AI chatbots like
ChatGPT; the common denominator among them is that AI can analyze data and produce nearly perfect responses in seconds since it does what it was programmed to do. Due to its precision and speed, there have been confirmed cases of students cheating with AI, giving it a bad name in education. However, if used correctly, AI can boost learning, so its effect on learning depends solely on the usage.
Firstly, AI chatbots, the most notable ones being ChatGPT and Gemini (formerly known as Bard), can help write constructive responses like essays, leaving students with the option to assign the entire writing to the chatbot, which results in the students having hindered critical thinking skills in the long run. However, CalNatScians have found ways to lighten their workload while still producing an
original output, some of which are by telling the chatbot to help with generating topics to write about, to outline, or even to provide information that could not be easily found in the internet – of course, with fact-checking afterward, ensuring that students are still the writers of their work with quality enhanced by AI.
Secondly, AI can understand and master mathematical concepts in just a few seconds. Some students exploit this to answer their homework and tests with AI math solvers like Photomath, Mathway, etc., resulting in them not learning anything in the process. However, this also means that these same chatbots can help teach students how to solve these math equations. CalNatScians observe the steps given by the AI to learn techniques for solving them. 83% 52% 38% of Filipino students of Filipino students of
weakening of the immune system in cold weather.
While influenza is the number one suspected cause of the condition of the patients taken in by the clinic, the headaches could be caused by the fluctuations in the weather and be completely independent of influenza.
Some ways to fight the cold month blues, according to Bestlab, include drinking plenty of water, washing hands regularly, taking vitamins, and getting vaccinations, contributing to strengthening the body’s response to the virus
For the students of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatSci) and public schools without airconditioned classrooms, El Niño translates to beads of sweat on their foreheads, a sticky feeling on their skin, and dryness in their throats.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon where the direction of trade winds, which supposedly blows from east to west, reverses. When this happens, the warm surface water from the west gets blown towards the east instead of the west, causing warm water that pooled in the east to transfer heat into the air.
The Philippines, being an eastern country, is frequently affected by El Niño. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) sets the standard ambient temperature at 25°C, but El Niño causes temperatures in Caloocan to reach up to 37°C.
The warm and humid weather brought by El Niño intensifies the heat in CalNatSci. The school
uniforms, trapping heat and vapor, contribute to the discomfort. Additionally, the aluminum roofing of the court reflects sunlight onto the classrooms on the third and fourth floors, further amplifying the heat. When faced with sweltering conditions, CalNatScians find ways to beat the heat. They turn up electric fans to the maximum speed, drink cold water to quench their parched throats, and bring handheld fans or battery-operated mini fans.
When it gets extremely hot, CalNatScians wear white shirts instead of the school uniform, a permitted alternative.
Some students employ unique methods to beat the heat, such as spraying alcohol-based perfumes, which freshen their scent and provide a slight cooling effect. Others wash their faces during breaks to remove the thick layer of oil and sweat, relieving their overheated skin.
Similarly, AI chatbots can explain science concepts by simplifying them, providing analogies, mnemonics, and a concise overview of a lesson. Given the time limit of classes, not all students get the chance to ask for clarifications from their teachers, and sometimes the pacing can be too quick. With AI, however, this problem is at least alleviated.
Lastly, AI grammar checkers like Grammarly are valuable tools for teaching students writing mechanics beyond elementary school lessons. While initial instruction is insufficient for flawless writing, practical experience is crucial for skill refinement. The challenge lies in the limited feedback teachers can offer due to time constraints resulting from high teacher-to-student ratios. AI enables CalNatScians to independently proofread their work and learn from identified mistakes, enhancing their writing skills through this collaborative process. AI has the transformative power to both worsen and improve the learning of students, but it all comes down to how the students use it. In CalNatSci, students have found creative ways to use AI, increasing the quality of their work, improving their understanding of some lessons, and ultimately, boosting their learning.
FEATURE
Other students willingly volunteer for errands to the faculty, allowing them a brief moment in the air-conditioned faculty area, although this is a less practical solution as students cannot remain outside the classroom or in the faculty for an extended period.
The school canteen also has its way of helping students alleviate the heat, and that is by selling cold refreshing drinks or ‘palamig,’ which has different tropical flavors.
Recognizing the challenges posed by the rising temperatures due
Lynette Jaerah Santos
We have all seen the painstakingly separated waste, carefully categorized into different bins, only to end up in the same place. This practice observed in many institutions, such as Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatSci), reflects a failure in a system much larger than the school’s waste management system: the faulty waste disposal system in the Philippines.
Last year, the Commission on Audit (COA) highlighted that the government is still grappling with effective waste management even after the enactment of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which was reflected in the report from
COA revealing a more than 7 million metric ton increase in solid waste from 2000 to 2020 and is predicted to rise to 24.5 million tons by 2045.
The waste disposal system in the country is flawed, undermining the effort that goes into the implementation of waste segregation of the citizens and institutions alike.
The audit revealed a scarcity of material recovery facilities (MRFs), with only 39.05% or 16,418 of 42,046 barangays using the 11,637 total MRFs in the country in 2021. “Based on interviews and validation, the goal of local governments to provide accessible MRFs for barangays was met with financial, logistical, and technical issues,” COA explained, adding that the shortage hampers waste diversion efforts, increasing
to El Niño, the school administration also ensures that classrooms and the school campus are clean, lessening potential risks of illnesses that can be caused by El Niño, such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.
The climate is expected to get hotter until May due to the worsening of El Niño, but CalNatSci is also acclimatizing by resorting to creative ways, as well as developing better policies for the safety and protection of CalNatScians from the rising temperatures.
the likelihood of mixed waste collection and improper disposal.
As such, there are reproving questions about the effectiveness of waste management policies in the country. When public health, social justice, and economic efficiency are involved, this is not just a matter of environmental responsibility. The current system not only discourages the public from participating in segregating wastes but also worsens pollution, fastens resource decline, and contributes to health hazards.
The Philippines can adopt waste management systems such as Germany’s advanced recycling facilities that allow them to break down and repurpose recyclable plastics, or their waste-toenergy plants that can generate
electricity by burning wastes. Although budget will be a concern when employing such advanced solutions, it is an investment for a better future for our environment. Besides, inexpensive solutions were proven effective in developed countries such as South Korea, such as enforcing mandatory recycling programs and extensive public education on recycling and waste management. It is time we addressed this issue from the root. We need resilience and a consolidated waste management system that ensures proper waste segregation until disposal; this includes strict enforcement of waste management laws and creating programs for recycling and composting wastes.
Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatSci) joins the Department of Education’s 236,000 Trees: A Christmas Gift for Children by planting five tree saplings on their campus to improve the school environment for future students.
The school garden hosted five tree saplings—kasoy, guyabano, and lemon— expected to mature in five years or so.
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), these trees can provide environmental benefits, potentially enhancing the overall ambiance of the campus.
“Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and create a calming atmosphere, enhancing the overall ambiance of the school and creating a more pleasant and conducive learning environment for students,” DepEd stated.
Once the saplings mature, they can provide some shade to the open garden of CalNatSci, improving the air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and converting it to oxygen, and filtering air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, through tiny pores on their leaves.
The improvement in air quality brought by trees can promote holistic well-being for students, teachers, and staff, according to DepEd.
“This creates a healthier environment for students, teachers, and staff, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases and promoting overall well-being,” DepEd said.
Based on a study on the correlation between access to green space and mental health, having such trees can also decrease the likelihood of depression and anxiety due to the reduction of stress hormones like cortisol.
Besides the health benefits, DepEd noted that planting trees will contribute to the beautification of the campus.
Despite featuring a greenhouse, benches, and scenic spots, CalNatSci’s garden lacked trees, making the tree planting project pivotal for enhancing the school’s aesthetics.
Currently, CalNatSci is nurturing the tree saplings to ensure their growth over the next few years.
EDITORIAL
Strengthening
More than just a festive symbol, the Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatSci) Christmas tree, standing tall at 10 feet, embodied the holiday spirit while promoting sustainability, as it was crafted primarily from recycled plastic bottles.
In December 2023, the CalNatSci YES-O club, dedicated
Hanne Rose Nuguid
In a bid to streamline the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum and ensure students’ preparedness for higher education, the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Caloocan introduced Division Memorandum (DM) No. 401, also known as the “Harmonization of Senior High School Curriculum for the School Year 2022-2023.”
Under this memorandum, Grade 11 students will undergo General Physics 1 in their first semester, followed by Basic Calculus and General Physics 2 in the second semester despite Basic Calculus being a prerequisite subject for general physics courses, creating a
to environmental responsibility, devised this creative way to reduce waste. With the help of CalNatScians, the club collected 750 used 1.5-liter soda bottles and bamboo stilts to form the tree.
In daylight, the eco-tree wore sparkly green and red garlands, golden and red poinsettias, and Christmas ornaments that reflected the sun’s rays. However, in the dark, the ecotree shimmered with its yellow lights. The star, crafted from
According to a report by United States Agency for International Development in May 2020, the Philippines ranks as the third largest ocean plastic polluter with 750,000 metric tons of plastic waste, underscoring the urgent need for increased recycling efforts in our country to mitigate environmental damage.
potential mismatch in the sequence of prerequisite knowledge needed for success in these courses and gaps in understanding and hindering their overall academic performance.
For example, motion graphs are a part of the lessons in General Physics 1. These graphs show the velocity of an object through a line that moves horizontally while moving upward in the axis if the velocity increases and downward if the velocity decreases.
Without calculus, one can only go as far as identifying whether the acceleration is positive (upward slope) or negative (downward slope). However, differentiation, a lesson in Basic Calculus, can
With renowned prowess in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) has been one of the most prolific producers of quality information in the city, thanks in part to its researchoriented curriculum. But beyond wisdom contribution, the institution
goes beyond its academic roots by upholding its values of excellence and competence in providing tangible assistance to the community, and the nation as a whole.
There are countless examples where CNSTHS went the extra mile in embodying the Makabayan core principle, but the institution shines best during the Brigada Eskwela season. Through Republic Act 8525, known as the Adopt-A-
determine the exact acceleration of an object at any point in a motion graph. Without the knowledge given by calculus, students will be constrained to using supplied formulas and cannot utilize motion graphs to the fullest.
This issue also applies to other lessons, and many grade 11 students at CalNatSci received failing grades (below 85%) on their exams, so it may be necessary to reconsider the sequencing of courses in the SHS curriculum. Providing students with access to Basic Calculus instruction earlier in their academic program, ideally in the first semester, or integrating fundamental Calculus concepts into the General Physics curriculum would better align with the mathematical requirements of introductory physics courses and set students up for success in both subjects.
School Act, which aims to improve schools by incentivizing private sector involvement in campus enhancement, key partners and stakeholders can contribute to community development. For six straight years (2016-2022), CNSTHS clinched the gold for Best Implementing School, not just for the Division of Caloocan, but also for the National Capital Region.
Through its intensive nature of encouraging students, parents, and partners to contribute, the school was able to unite the community in improving itself, despite the small population and funding from the government. The fact that CNSTHS was able to garner and inspire cooperation already is a contribution by itself because it empowers civic duty within citizens that is necessary for promoting societal contribution. Its mantra of 5Ps (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance) has been at the core center of all community initiatives the school has launched. CNSTHS has become a titan in volunteerism within the local area, acting as a binding agent for people to unite for the betterment of society.
Many have accused intellectuals of being out-of-touch with the issues on the ground, but for the case of CNSTHS, nothing could be further from the truth. It shows that the students, parents, and school personnel are not simply academics and innovation leaders but are also great community builders.
five plastic bottles, served as a powerful symbol of environmental consciousness.
Imagine if every school in the Philippines embraced this project! The massive amount of plastic waste our country generates could be transformed into something beautiful, reducing the burden on landfills, oceans, and incinerators that contribute to climate change. While it might seem like a small act compared to the Philippines’ annual plastic waste, every step toward sustainability counts.
Annually, the Philippines generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste, of which 20% ends up in the ocean, according to the World Bank Organization. Recycling the amounts of plastic bottles used in the eco tree can reduce landfill wastes, lessening plastics that end up in the ocean and incinerators.
The project embodies the importance of even small actions in sustaining the environment.
“Implementing the Eco-Tree project, as well as other recyclingbased projects, is a constant reminder to the school community that we are here to nurture learners that are eco-friendly and, therefore, a safe, healthy, and thriving learning environment,” said the YES-O club president, Jochelle Elamparo, in an interview about the project.
The project was able to meet its objectives of celebrating the holidays while enriching students’ environmental awareness through teamwork in recycling, according to the project’s accomplishment report. The Eco-Tree successfully showcased the importance of recycling to CalNatScians as they worked together to finish the project through teamwork.
robot to sort objects with different colors and sizes. It can even sort M&M’s with different colors!
In the bustling halls of Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CalNatSci), amidst the whirlwind of STEM Month celebrations, students and teachers gathered around a mesmerizing display of robotic marvels. At the heart of this exhibition stood the ingenious creations of the CalNatSci robotics club, showcasing the limitless possibilities of LEGO Mindstorms EV3.
The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is an innovative kit that provides students with parts and preprogrammed machines to conceptualize, construct, and code robotic creations, seamlessly merging LEGO building blocks with cutting-edge robotics technology, allowing students to develop technical proficiency and nurture vital skills such as creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication.
The robots, crafted from LEGO bricks and infused with state-ofthe-art sensors and motors, exuded charm and functionality, captivating the audience with uniqueness and familiarity.
Among the exhibits was Caldog, the robotic canine that stole the hearts of onlookers with its lifelike movements and expressive features. It can be pet affectionately due to its touch sensors and fed due to its color sensors, epitomizing the seamless integration of technology and emotions.
As visitors ventured deeper into the exhibit, they encountered Cal-Or-Blind that demonstrated advanced data processing and computational thinking in sorting objects with efficiency, allowing the
Meanwhile, Cal-Grab showcased the synergy between manual control and automated functionality, impressing spectators with precision and versatility, walking and picking up objects within its radius. The ingenuity didn’t stop there. Cal-Drag, inspired by the concept of delivery automation, navigated its environment with grace, delivering objects with the finesse of a seasoned courier. It was designed to move objects to a specified destination through dragging.
E-Cal-ibrium, with its gyroscopic prowess and impeccable balance, mesmerized onlookers as it gracefully maneuvered through obstacles with ease, prompting the rotation of the bot by 90 degrees to avoid a collision. It can also use custom expressions and sounds through its brick or the head.
Lastly, Cal-bot, the mobot extraordinaire, dazzled the audience with its adaptability. By leveraging color sensors and line sensors, Cal-bot seamlessly navigated its environment, delivering pallets with precision and finesse. Cal-bot detects a pallet’s color and then lifts it. Using its line sensors, it tracks the path towards the correct color of the box which matches the pallet’s color.
As the curtains closed on the exhibit, leaving behind a trail of inspiration and wonder, one thing became abundantly clear: the future of robotics is bright, brimming with creativity, ingenuity, and boundless potential, and at CalNatSci, the journey of exploration and discovery has only just begun.
Seventh-grader Dwayne Khallel Lacno secured his second consecutive regionals appearance after a masterful display of sequences, clinching gold in the male secondary individual and team category of taekwondo poomsae during the Division Level Area Meet held at Caloocan High School on February 24.
Practicing taekwondo since the age of 6, it was only until the pandemic that Lacno started to learn and perform poomsae where he achieved his first-degree black belt in 2021, followed by his second-degree in 2023.
Lacno has also bagged the title during the District Meet, qualifying him a comfortable spot to Division despite a high fever on the day of the tournament.
“Nahihilo na talaga ako habang nagpeperform kasi ang taas ng lagnat ko nung araw na ‘yon, but I trusted myself and relied on muscle memory,” he stated.
Lacno also disclosed that his path to back-to-back gold titles was challenging, particularly balancing his commitments as a student-athlete in a science high school.
“It was very hard for me kasi it’s a new work environment, and
Filled with overflowing excitement, students buzzed the crowd with their electrifying screams as the first-ever MathCamp officially kicked off. The vibrant talent of young minds from Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) highlighted the mental abilities of students through physical skills, at the exhilarating MathCamp on February 3, featuring batch 1 students from grades 7 and 8, while on February 10, for batch 2 students from grades 9 and 11, all within the CNSTHS covered area.
CalNatscians never backed down in the early challenge showing off their different team-yells as a warm-up and proceeded to the seminar workshop with the guest speaker Ms. Janna Naypes to lift the interest of students in Mathematics of Population Forecasting and Water Demand Estimation during the first batch of the event. Grade 9 and grade 11 students also had their chance to
learn illuminating mathematics concepts as Ms. Maika Nishiya led the talk and shared her knowledge about the Statistical Test that captivated the interest of the majority of the secondbatch students. After a series of interactive activities during the seminar workshop, the crowd of students roared as the much-anticipated Math Race officially commenced, and the different groups of colors spread out — up for the challenge of different activities such as Equilibrium Game, Drop the Disc, Catch the Balls, Color Shakers, Thread-In, Solving Tangrams & Magic Squares, Are you a Detective? The Last Math Standing, Dominoes, and Jumping ALL-in the Grid. Each team dove into the challenge and utilized their physical power along with their minds and ignited the collaborative skills within themselves, featuring the Catch the Ball which challenged the mental abilities of the players as the thrower thoroughly measured the angles with precise speeds while catchers used
I’m not used to the heavy workload. Nahihirapan akong i-balance ‘yung schoolworks (ko) and training,” he added.
Determined to rebound from last year’s second-place finish at the regional taekwondo kyorugi championships, Lacno is poised to compete in April, aiming to earn a ticket in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.
On the other hand, tenthgrader Lois Anthony Plana secured the silver medal in the male secondary category of taekwondo kyorugi, adding to his gold from the District Meet.
In the relentless struggle to have the freedom to voice out and to write what writers want to point out, just when Nobel awardwinning journalist Maria Ressa boldly declared, “It’s up to us.” A fresh battlefield emerges as GMA Network introduces its latest innovation, the country’s first Artificial Intelligence-generated sportscaster, pitting journalists not only against societal challenges but also against the ever-evolving realm of technology.
Just eight days earlier when Ressa engraved journalists to hold the line in the far from over fight, on September 23, 2023, GMA Network unveiled Maia and Marco, the AI sportscasters set to debut during the opening of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99. This development poses a profound threat, not only silencing the voices of broadcasters but also weakening the essence of authentic storytelling that writers thoroughly craft to inform and enlighten society.
The integration of AI technology into journalism casts a fearful shadow over the future of broadcasters and writers in our country. With over 601 Filipino broadcasters fighting to uphold the integrity of their profession and countless young campus journalists aspiring to follow in their footsteps, the integration of AI threatens to cut off their efforts and diminish the emotion in their work.
While technology has undeniably improved the dissemination of information, its application in the realm of journalism risks putting genuine human expression on the sidelines.
their physical power to catch and chase after the ball. Physical endurance of participants was also tested in the game of Jumping ALL-in the Grid, as it requires their unyielding power to finish the game. The efforts and cooperation of players paid off in the final moments of the event when Team Black B was hailed as the champion, while Team Blue A secured the first runner-up position, and Team Pink B got the second runner place in the first batch of the event. Second batch of MathCamp 2024 also recognized and acknowledged the poured efforts. Pink B claimed the title while Violet A earned first place and Green B team achieved the second runner-up. Fun does not end after MathCamp as grade 10 and grade 12 students will be able to display their skills in the Mathsciyang Gabi where students can unleash their potential physical and mental abilities through different sets of games.
CNSTHS medals at Palaro count: CANOSA A CLUSTER
Kurt Francis Paloma - GOLD (Table Tennis)
Dwayne Khallel Lacno - GOLD (Poomsae)
Anthony Plana - GOLD (Kroyugi - Category 7)
Maritoni Reyes - SILVER (Badminton Singles)
Luz Maria Serna - BRONZE (Badminton Singles)
DIVISION MEET
Anthony Plana - SILVER (Kyorugi - Catergory 7)
Dwayne Khallel Lacno - GOLD (Poomsae Individual & Team)
While AI-generated content may offer efficiency and convenience, it cannot replicate the depth of emotion, empathy, and insight that human journalists bring to their reporting.
GMA Network may tout its embrace of AI technology as a means of enhancing the sports news experience for its audience, but at what cost? Innovation should not come at the expense of authenticity and freedom of expression. In the pursuit of efficiency, we must not sacrifice the fundamental principles that underpin journalism – integrity, accountability, and the unyielding commitment to truth.
As guardians of democracy and purveyors of truth, journalists must remain steadfast in their resolve to uphold these principles in the face of technological advancement. The rise of AI in journalism should serve as a rallying cry for the preservation of authentic storytelling and the protection of our fundamental rights to freedom of expression.
In this pivotal moment, we must heed Maria Ressa’s call and recognize that the future of journalism rests in our hands. It is incumbent upon us to safeguard the integrity of our profession, lest we risk surrendering our voices to the cold embrace of artificial intelligence. Now, more than ever, we must stand bravely against the encroaching tide of technological dominance and reaffirm our commitment to truth, authenticity, and the enduring power of human expression.
WRITE WHAT IS RIGHT. A student from Caloocan National Science and Technology High School expresses her emotion at the freedom wall during math camp, March. Photo by ICT Club
Facing the ground with guts towards glory, John Christian Gregorio of grade 7 with a special height difference from other players defied this kind of stereotyping as he decided to take part in the intramurals on December 5, 2023.
Success in progress
Paving the way to fame, Gregorio had a humble beginning as he started to gain interest in basketball at the age of 7 with a flame in his heart instilled by his grandfather, who taught him how to dribble the ball and hone his skills.
As time went by, curiosity about a wider spectrum of sports hit him hard and served as the driving force to transcend societal perspective and dig
Long awaited return: Intramurals 2023 sparks CalNatScians spirits
The prolonged thirst is finally over.
Caloocan National Science and Technology High School (CNSTHS) quenched the thirst of the students as the Sports Club officially announced the muchanticipated return of Intramurals after the COVID-19 pandemic with a theme, “Unity in Motion: Unveiling Athletes Potential through Unity” on December 4, 2023 at the school’s covered court.
The excitement and thrill covered the campus as screams roared in the crowd during the entrance of their muse and escort along with the players from Grade 7 Green Eagles who entered first, followed by Grade 8 Yellow Mavericks, Grade 9 Red Stellar, Grade 10 Blue Waves, Grade 11 Ubeybe, and Grade 12 Orange Raptors, respectively.
Each level settled in its respective place, and the program proceeded when the Sports Club President Bianca Angulo lit the torch, igniting the competitive and burning sensation within the students. As the fire blazed against the unstoppable crowd, Sports Club announced that the game would officially commence.
President of the sports club from grade 12, Ms. . Bianca Angulo, led the torch lighting ceremony with
into other types of sports, specifically volleyball, esports, and basketball.
Initially, joining volleyball was not part of his plan since his agenda was to join basketball after the bitter result of his match at esports, but due to his friends who cheered him, he tried, and the unexpected event happened as he service aced not only once, but twice in their match against Red Stellars. Enthusiasm towards sports The crowd across different grade levels roared on the court with a joyful spirit of support as the young athlete proved that height was just a number and slayed his match. He felt like he was on cloud nine after the overwhelming
support of the crowd, which fueled his burning passion and his aspiration to become a basketball player for the varsity team in the future.
“Grabe po yung kilig that time since puro sigawan ng tao lang ang naririnig ko,” Gregorio said. According to him, sports are not just about competition but also about the experience and bond between the people involved.
Height does not define my skills as an athlete.
Intramural sports stand as a breather that infuses not only camaraderie but also a sense of belonging into the air of student experience. Yet, in the heart of many educational institutions, this vital lifeline is thinning due to policy constraints. As schedules tighten and priorities shift, the neglected state of school intramurals stands as a silent but significant crisis.
CalNatSci Sports Club recently hosted its week-long intramurals from December 4 to 8, featuring sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, chess, and mobile esports. With participation open to all students from seventh to twelfth grade, the event was eagerly anticipated by students, offering not only entertainment but also a muchneeded break from their academic responsibilities.
Soon after the game schedules were announced, the host received criticism from the student body. It was revealed that the sports events would take place simultaneously with regular day-today classes. Students who were not athletes or members of participating organizations would only be allowed to watch and support their batchmates during competitions if their subject teacher permitted it. This announcement caused a stir among the students as the long-awaited school event turned out to be a logistical challenge for many.
The clash between sports events and regular classes left students feeling torn between their academic responsibilities and their desire to participate in or support their peers during the intramurals. Additionally, the requirement for teacher approval added another layer
of complexity, leaving some students feeling excluded or disadvantaged.
The scheduling conflict highlighted broader concerns about the prioritization of extracurricular activities within the school community. Students questioned whether the administration had adequately considered the impact of scheduling intramurals during instructional time and whether there were alternative solutions that could have accommodated both academic and extracurricular commitments.
On the other hand, Sports Coordinator Renante Marquez explained that the decision to hold intramurals during regular class hours was influenced by several factors, including limitations in available facilities and the importance of adhering to policies set forth by DepEd regarding the allocation of instructional time.
He explained that while they recognized the value of extracurricular activities, including intramural sports, they were obligated to prioritize instructional hours to fulfill academic requirements mandated by the department. As such, they reiterated their commitment to finding a balance between providing opportunities for student engagement and ensuring that academic goals are met. With DepEd’s decision to end the school year early and revert to the old school calendar, public schools faced heightened pressure to maximize instructional time and meet academic benchmarks. Consequently, opportunities for extracurricular activities, including intramural sports, were further curtailed, leaving students with fewer outlets for recreation and socialization.
enthusiasm, as it symbolized a new beginning for the sports club and the burning sensation of excitement coming from different grade levels.
‘Masaya ako kasi we have the chance to mitigate our time frame for recreational activities and of course pwede itong maging way to discover yung passion ng mga CalNatScians sa sports. According to her, it is a good starting point since it emphasizes the extracurricular activities and the thrilling experiences that studentathletes can pursue during the said match since physical and mental presence shall coexist at the same time during the event . Learners from different grade levels are only allowed to watch different matches if their designated class teacher allows them to do so.
A variety of sports from men’s and women’s volleyball, basketball, badminton doubles, chess, and esports kicked off wherein Grade 7 and 9 faced off in basketball and badminton as well as Grade 8 and 10, while Grade 7 vs Grade 9, Grade 9 vs Grade 11, Grade 10 vs Grade 12, and Grade 8 vs Grade 10 are scheduled to play volleyball in the first day.
The matches carried on in a ladder system where teams and individual players battled for thirds and
the championship and awarding ceremony was held the same day after the championship of each game and gave recognition as they dominated the game they participated in.
Red Stellar was crowned in match 1 of badminton doubles while Blue Waves secured the championship in match 2. On the other hand, Michael Belisario of Grade 12 Orange Raptors bagged the title in chess. In esports, Grade 10 Blue Waves paved the way and got the title while Grade 12 students dominated both Basketball and Men’s Volleyball securing the championship title. On the other hand, the vigor of Grade 11 also left a remarkable image as they took the victory in both Basketball and Women’s Volleyball.
All of the winning teams and individuals received a medal, trophy, and certificate as a token of appreciation for their effort and dominance in their respective matching pools, and this may serve as a souvenir of their achievement. As the event officially closed, Sports Club Adviser Renante Marquez also awarded the Sports Club officers and members, teachers, personnel, and others who made the whole Intramurals possible.
Chess, often hailed as the game of kings, has long been revered for its strategic depth and cognitive benefits. Despite its rich history and numerous advantages, the game often remains a hidden pawn within the confines of educational institutions. This lack of exposure not only deprives students of valuable intellectual stimulation but also overlooks the potential for fostering critical thinking, concentration, and sportsmanship.
The hidden pawn of chess within educational institutions represents a missed opportunity for enriching students’ capability to practice problem-solving skills mentally in a short period as time pressure is present everywhere, especially in a science high school setup.
Skilled chess players learn to anticipate an opponent’s next moves, similar to the mind reading ability of a superhero in a sci-fi film. To predict what another person will do next, a player must develop the ability to adopt another person’s perspective and infer what action they are likely to take.
Chess exemplifies the intersection of STEM disciplines, as it requires players to utilize analytical thinking, strategic planning, and mathematical concepts to outmaneuver opponents and achieve victory.
Introducing chess into the campus environment can also provide students with a unique opportunity to exercise their minds and develop skills that extend beyond the chessboard.
It’s time to uncover the hidden pawn and recognize chess as a powerful tool for shaping wellrounded and intellectually adept individuals within the campus community in any form.
