Alabel National High School Official Publication

30 million Filipinos were charmed by the UniTeam tandem, if you believe the credibility of the last national election. The last election offered one of the most diverse sets of presidential candidates: seasoned politicians, actors, former athletes, et cetera, but the electorate favored the old names—old dynasties

Sarangani Tribute introduces

UniTeam Rift Fuels ANHS studs’ push for political change

After the stunning rupture between two political powerhouses, ANHS students discuss the future of Philippine politics.

The UniTeam separation, long lauded as the acme of political unity, has become a celebrity couple drama. ANHS students see this Marcos-Duterte coalition breakup as a sign of political disappointment.

“I used to believe in their promises of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ but now it just feels like another broken dream,” ANHS senior James Opong said. “It’s like we’re stuck in a cycle of disappointment with these political dynasties.”

Millions of Filipino voters were enchanted by Marcos and Dutertes’ strongman politics. Cyril and other students are reconsidering their support as their partnership breaks down. Cyril says “it’s not just about the names anymore”. “We need leaders who can deliver real change, not just empty promises.”

Both sides’ stronghold, Mindanao, is at a crossroads. Students from the region confront an allegiance problem after the breakup.

“We grew up hearing about the Marcoses and Dutertes as Mindanao saviors,” Abdul said. “But now, it’s like choosing between two sides of the same coin.”

Duterte and Marcos Jr.’s emergence broke with established politics for many Filipinos. Sofia and other students want a new governance model after their alliance broke up.

“We can’t keep relying on these old names to lead us.” “It’s time for fresh faces and genuine reform,” said. ANHS students are reminded of their responsibility as future voters and leaders as politics change.

“We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of the past,” sophomore Diego added. “We have to demand better from our leaders and hold them accountable.”

With the UniTeam breakdown in the news, ANHS students are critically examining Philippine politics and how it would affect the country and their future

Estacio highlighted the significance of the program in utilizing multimedia tools to enhance the teaching-learning process and emphasized the importance of providing teachers with training to effectively integrate technology into their lessons.

PH Maintains Rank as Top Rice Importer Amidst Rice Shortage, Alabel Locals Cite Farmland Shortage as Key Factor

BY MARIELLE ALBOROTE

by: Joshua John S. Pantonial

Sarangani is making significant strides in strengthening the education sector in the province.

Governor Pacquiao emphasized that the initiative is aligned with the province’s drive towards digitalization in education and fully supports the LEEP program of DepEd.

Pacquiao reiterated that quality education is the key to improving the standard of living for the people of Sarangani and emphasized the importance of upgrading the capabilities of teachers to meet the

demands of modern times.

The infusion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) materials into educational frameworks is expected to equip educators with the necessary tools to enhance learning experiences and foster professional development opportunities.

By embracing these resources, schools can adopt innovative teaching methodologies, igniting a culture of creativity and ingenuity within the classroom.

Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Ruth Estacio expressed gratitude to the provincial officials for their support in the education sector in Sarangani.

“The bottom line of this program,” said Estacio, “is for the Sarangan educators to be used in the teaching-learning process inside the classroom through the LEEP program, to elevate the way they teach not just by books or printed materials but by explaining the concepts of the lessons so that the learners can grasp them well through multimedia.”

The distribution of TVs and laptops is part of the Matatag Curriculum Agenda of Vice President Sara Duterte which reflects a concerted effort to democratize access to quality education and empower learners in Sarangani Province.

As the committee head on education, Board Member Jess Bascuña expressed his support and commitment to improving the education system in Sarangani.

P10.2 MILLION

worth of educational technologies were given to school in Alabel, Sarangani

from Sarangani Recounts Harrowing Year in Zambales Amid Scarborough Shoal Dispute

managat didto. Kung naa man gani higayon, dili gyud ko musugot. Dili nimo masayran ang imong kaugmaon didto,” says Tatay Tomas, reflecting on the dangers of fishing at Scarborough Shoal. Despite its abundant fish supply, the area poses significant risks due to the ongoing conflict between the Philippine and Chinese governments.

The dispute over Scarborough Shoal intensified during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s administration in 2012. China claimed the territory, building infrastructure and interfering with Filipino fishermen. This conflict has drastically affected their livelihood, as Edwin witnessed during his time in Zambales.

“Gamay na kaayo ang madakpan karon, dili pareha sauna. Karon daghan na kaayo ka og kontra,” says 58-yearold Tatay Fluro Delihencia, lamenting the decline in their catch due to increased competition and harassment from Chinese forces. Edwin recalls how Chinese fishermen would sometimes take their catch, leaving them with no choice but to comply out of fear.

After a year in Zambales, Edwin returned to Sarangani, seeking

A key aspect of the ordinance is the creation of a specialized division for solo parents, which falls under the responsibility of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. Responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of Republic Act No. 8972, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, the SPD provides crucial support for individuals like Maria.

With the implementation of the SPD, solo parents will have the opportunity to access essential resources, such as the

Despite National Trends, ANHS Parents Stand Firm Against Divorce

KITA

BY FRETZY CASING

Photo by Khanny Lucero

REFUGE PROVIDER

School Readies for Influx of Displaced SHS Students, Implements Comprehensive Support Plan

Grade 10 student Cyric was set to begin her senior high school journey at a state college, with dreams of a brighter future through education. However, she, like many others, is now facing the unsettling prospect of not being able to make this dream come true.

Alabel National High School (ANHS) is aggressively preparing to absorb senior high school (SHS) students who will be transferring from state colleges and universities (SUCs) to public institutions.

Sir Cherwin Macaranas, the head of ANHS, announced their complete intervention strategy, noting, “We’re expanding our classroom capacities, adjusting schedules, and improving support services to seamlessly accommodate the incoming students.”

This preemptive strategy illustrates ANHS’s dedication to offering highquality education in the face of imminent transitional problems.

Many students who were meant to attend SUCs are now facing uncertainty.

One anonymous student commented, “I was looking forward to attending an SUC for senior high, but now I’m worried about the possibility of being relocated to a public school far from my home.”

With around 160 SUCs and LUCs terminating SHS programs, ANHS expects an increase in enrollment. Sir Cherwin underlined the importance of strategic planning, stating, “We must consider the geographical distribution of these displaced students to prevent overcrowding and inconvenience.”

While the Department of Education (DepEd) deals with a backlog of 165,000 classrooms across the country, concerns about overwhelmed instructors and crowded classrooms loom large.

“We are committed to providing quality education despite these challenges,” Sir Cherwin stated.

As ANHS prepares for an inflow of displaced students, it emphasizes the significance of tackling bigger challenges in the education system.

“We call on the DepEd to prioritize the evaluation of schools accessing government assistance programs to ensure quality education for all,” Mr. Cherwin said.

In the midst of these issues, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) urged a rethinking of curriculum revisions. “We must ensure that any changes are relevant and responsive to the needs of our learners,” said ACT Chairman Vladimer Quetua.

While the DepEd continues to implement the redesigned Grade 1 to 10 curriculum, doubts remain about its effectiveness in solving the learning problem. “We cannot afford to overlook the welfare of our teachers and the basic needs of our students,” Quetua said in a statement.

While navigating these hurdles, ANHS remains committed to providing a positive learning environment for all children, regardless of their circumstances.

NAG-PAULAHI!

SMART-Ed program seeks digital conformity

“It is intended to help learners, and that also DepEd Sarangani always has the learners in mids,” She said during the interview.

For the past weeks, the mentioned grade levels have voluntarily participated in the Pilots’ Program. These grades had transferred from individually assigned netbooks to BELCP tablets that the students were able to take back and forth only at school.

Cherwin Macaranas, ANHS Principal, noted that the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) pilot program has been executed well. The devices have been working very well with the Microsoft programs that the school already utilizes, such as OneDrive, a Microsoft file storage and synchronization service.

"I've got to see 15 to 25 grade nine and 10 students and their experience with it," Macaranas said. "It's very nice to have uniformity while setting up devices. For example, when was helping the students set up the files for the year, wasn't required to have instructions for microsoft and windows; I was able to just show the students once and have them all be on the same page. It's been a good experience so far."

Future Plans and Rollout Strategy:

Macaranas also emphasized that he is looking from seventh graders through 12th on what would be most beneficial for the teachers and students and what is going to create consistency within the learning environment.

"Every student is coming to class with a different user experience, some better than others, and in order to combat this, we are trying to create consistency in the entire school. This will better reinforce the sense of community at ANHS,” Macaranas added.

The current plan for the program is that it will be rolled out, which means that incoming tenth graders and ninth graders will receive the smart tablets until all sophomores have one. The current students who aren't in possession of a device will eventually get one in ninth grade. For current freshman students, they will not be participating in this program. Therefore, under this system, it will be a couple of years until all students are on the program.

Monitoring and Maximizing Usage:

"The hope is that, through the roll out of this program, it will create an ability for teachers to know what students are coming to them with, and possibly push the curriculum further, rather than the teachers needing to go through the basic steps and instructions for each device," Macaranas said in a statement.

Student's traffic accident injury reinforces demand for enhanced road safety measures

BY MARIELLE ALBOROTE

zones to 20 kilometers per hour.

Move As One Coalition echoed the

of citizens, emphasizing the heartbreaking statistic that 38 children lose their lives daily in road crashes nationwide. This alarming figure underscores the urgent imperative to intensify road safety initiatives and rally together to prevent further tragedies.

Under Sir Macaranas's leadership, the school and

However, recent data from the TEU reveals a disheartening reality: despite these efforts, 71 percent of drivers persist in speeding near schools, signaling a pressing need for stricter enforcement.

In response to this challenge, authorities are exploring innovative approaches like the deployment of local traffic enforcement in schools.

Safety concerns prompt prolonged class suspension; classes back to blended learning modality

BY MARIELLE ALBOROTE

Moreover, being able to provide a high-end device to all of the SPJ learners is an added advantage, and through this program, ANHS will be able to help ensure that all of its students are having a great experience with their technology.

Alongside uniformity, Macaranas noted that the new laptops will allow for greater online and network safety measures to be in place.

"Students are hooking up to our network ev ery day, but we have very little insight into what students are actually doing," he said. "This new adjustment is meant to act more as a precaution than a device for monitoring students. Some of the parents have said that they provide significant restrictions on technology at home, but at school there don't seem to be any. Taking this added step further ensures the safety of all of our students.”

The Sarangani DepEd assure maximum use nology in pilot class room instruction by monitoring the usage of said tablets based on their purposes.

During the inspection, there were notable concerns regarding the safety of several buildings on the ANHS campus. The TVL Building, for instance, displayed significant cracking throughout and falling debris. Likewise, the Grade 9 Building exhibited underlying problems, while the Senior High School (SHS) Building exhibited potential structural damage.

There were signs of compromised pathway/canopy integrity in the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Building, and significant distortion was observed in essential steel components in the Multipurpose Gym. In addition, it was discovered that there are potential safety concerns in the Grade 9 and 12 Welding Areas as a result of structural issues.

Certain sections of these buildings were declared unfit for use, such as the offices of the principals, hallways, ceilings, and restrooms in several classrooms, as well as various corridors and specific rooms on different levels.

Ma'am Jing Lumantas, an official involved in the assessment, emphasized the pressing need to address these structural vulnerabilities in light of the

inspection findings. Lumantas stressed the urgency of taking prompt measures to guarantee the well-being of all individuals within the ANHS community.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Alabel, thereafter, extended the halting of classes in the affected buildings. In view of the forgoing, the school will be running blended learning approach, both online and modular instruction methods, during the suspension to facilitate continuity of learning.

Sir Ernesto S Yuzon, the school head of ANHS, emphasized the importance of collaboration among students, parents, and staff members during this demanding time. "As Alabel Nation High School tackles these safety challenges, we kindly request everyone in the ANHS community to stay alert and work together. "Together, we can work towards the betterment of all individuals in our school community," Sir Boy stated.

As ANHS deals with these safety challenges, there are ongoing efforts to put in place the required measures to tackle the structural vulnerabilities and guarantee the safety of everyone on campus.

BY EARL CLARENCE GOMEZ

Photo by Khanny Lucero

BY ALYZA AMOR GUADALUPE

On UniTeam

Breakup: The Religion of Names and Strongman Politics

EDITORIAL

It would be almost two years now since the Marcos-Duterte tandem made their way together to the high echelons of the government. Despite their posture of a united front, cracks began to form in their relationships. One might think that the UniTeam tandem is following the trend of multiple celebrity breakups this year, although this particular fallout has more significant repercussions that could define our politics for the next six years or so.

One might think that the UniTeam tandem is following the trend of multiple celebrity breakups this year, although this particular fallout has more significant repercussions that could define our politics for the next six years or so.

Mindanao is a special case: previous elections showed massive support for the Dutertes and the Marcoses. With the split happening between the two factions, their supporters faced a dilemma: will they maintain their loyalty to their Messianic Marcos or prefer to stick to the Dutertes, who are their fellow Mindanawon?

Beginnings of the Strongman Alliance

Duterte’s rise from a maverick mayor from Davao City into the national political arena was considered by many pundits to be lightning-quick and unprecedented. After all, the old man denied multiple times that he would be running for president. But, of course, history ran its course.

views

Nevertheless, he charmed the masses with his “honest profanity,” his vigilante approach towards crime, and the fact that he could be the first politician in Mindanao to enter Malacañang as the country’s highest leader. The last president came from a familiar name—an aristocratic clan in Philippine politics—and Duterte posed as a man of the masses, although the familiarity of his name dates way back to the 1960s and was enough to secure his family a foothold in Davao City for decades.

Added to the mix is Bongbong Marcos, the son of the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. There is no running around with this truth: the older Marcos was a dictator through and through. No one could circumvent the rule of law and lead the country for twenty years and not be branded as a tyrant, regardless of the intent. His reputation, although tainted with blood, still has a certain charisma for the masses. Maybe it’s because of the disillusionment towards the Aquinos that the voters thought, “I think EDSA was a mistake; maybe we shouldn’t have ousted the Marcoses! ”And that was the beginning of their return to power. What started as a simple whisper turned into a resounding mania, strengthened by clever political play.

Two men from strongman clans—that’s how you start a fire.

The two politicians did not run in the same party during the 2016 election: Digong ran for president under the banner of PDPLABAN (ironically, a coalition built in the 1980s to stand against the Marcos dictatorship), while Marcos ran as an independent candidate for vice president.

Duterte won the support of Alabelian voters with 22,000 votes, while Marcos won with 10,000 votes. But owning the Marcos name at the time was not enough to win Bongbong the vice presidential seat. Leni Robredo won the position, a decision that the Marcoses contested for a significant portion of Duterte’s tenure as president. We all know how it turned out.

Still, we saw the beginnings of a UniTeam alliance during that time. A foreboding sign.

Faith in Names and Promises

After the Yolanda crisis and the ill-fated Mamasapano Clash, Noynoy Aquino’s administration was mired by disillusionment from the masses. The late president promised retribution against corrupt officials, to improve the economy, and to make a stand to maintain our sovereign waters. That he did, but the country sank into perilous depths to the point that we clamor for reforms that we could actually feel, not merely something that you could read on paper and watch on television.

And so, like most politicians, PNoy was crucified that way.

Cynicism toward this type of leadership leads to men like Duterte rising to power. The very same way that people like Hitler and Mussolini became the most powerful men of their time. Amusingly, some BBM-DDS supporters don’t hide the fact that they are very proud of this comparison. No one knew if they skipped the part of history books detailing what these men did to their people.

Disillusionment breeds a darker incarnation of hope among the jaded citizens, which is something that cunning men prey on to their advantage. Duterte promised a “straightforward” way of solving crimes, while Marcos Jr. promised to “make the Philippines great again,” with the classic “Bagong Pilipinas” tagline of his late father’s administration. As a Filipino who fell prey to previous promises from politicians, this other set of promises just sounded like honey to the ears. An assurance from a returning abusive husband that he will not beat the crap out of you ever again. And you are the battered wife in that situation.

Mindanao saw great competition to capture the key national positions in the government. Long convoys were organized, variety show/concert events were launched, celebrities participated, and all that chaos in the social media where real people and paid trolls spent hours supporting their preferred candidates and mudslinging those that they didn’t like. It was a battle of who got the biggest names in showbiz endorsing them—a fight to win the most familiarity among the voters, taking

advantage of their respective political clan affiliations. If your name is familiar enough, you might just win.

From the get-go, Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte were at the top of the charts, despite their absence in multiple presidential and vice presidential debates organized by media outfits. It could be from the fear of public scrutiny or the UniTeam tandem being so sure of their victory.

But surprises can happen in lots of places.

Despite the hype that the UniTeam had in Mindanao during the campaign period, Bongbong Marcos did not completely conquer the land. In Sarangani Province, Manny Pacquiao took the lead in the presidential race with 160,000 votes, while Sara Duterte won the coveted vice presidency. Although this surprising turn of events was not enough to keep another Marcos from Malacañang, the message was clear: Mindanawons will always choose their own. It was a classic display of our regionalist tendencies, but it was a starting sign. Maybe the relationship between the two strongman clans is not as strong as most people thought.

A Stranger Cognitive Dissonance

2022 and 2023 saw an era of grandiose promises and united fronts between the country’s two prominent political clans. We were promised 20 pesos per kilo of rice, massive improvements in the quality of life, defending our sovereign waters, and other pambobola that most often constitute the honeymoon phase of a relationship. Then 2024 came, and the show ended.

A series of political plays systematically removed pro-Duterte officials from key positions in the government—allegedly a move by the Marcoses to take control of the legislative body. Meanwhile, the Dutertes are gearing towards another clamor for a Charter Changealtering the Constitution for God knows who.

Desperately fending off the ICC, the Dutertes mustered their forces in a counterattack from a supposed betrayal from their Marcos allies by bringing up the president’s alleged drug habits. And so the two factions engaged in a Cold War while still maintaining a facade of unity. But only fools cannot see the cracks in the foundations of what used to be the UniTeam.

The crack was more visible in the faces of the Mindanao electorate, which voted for both Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte during the last elections. Whose side are they supposed to pick?

Added to this is our regionalist mentality: the centuries’ old schism between the Mindanawons and the so-called Imperial North. Now, the cognitive dissonance struck in an odder way than anticipated. Mindanao voters who voted for both Marcos and Sara are now siding with the Vice President and maligning her former running mate, while those who are solid BBM are attacking Bongbong’s supposed ally.

To think that both “fandoms” used to hound the other presidential candidates with the same level of ferocity. One might wonder if they only exist to fight and bully and not for anything that is more beneficial for the

The Dichotomy of Success:

Unconventional Wisdom vs. Established Norms

nation.

But one could also wonder if that is the type of society that maintains questionable leaders in power, which is the reason why we have had the status quo for decades. We worship names, and when the crap hits the fan, we worship the name that echoes the loudest.

Being a Wise Sarangan Youth Voter

One of the cardinal rules of writing an opinionated piece is to avoid the tone of preaching. While it does make sense as a rule, it is inevitable to always write words of advice or a message of caution to the younger generation, especially for those who will exercise their right of suffrage for the first time. The world is getting a little bit worse with every passing year, and although it may seem futile, we still need to trust the new generation to learn from the mistakes of our predecessors and do the right thing.

Everything starts at the microscale. Your political choices are defined by how you elect your Supreme Student Council—are you voting for them because they deserve the position or because you simply know them?

The same rule applies in choosing the right candidates for the Sangguniang Kabataan, and especially for most of the local elections.

It is an open secret that certain politicians opted to provide “charity” to the economically challenged voters, which, for some reason, coincided with the campaign period.

Yeah, sure.

We have to stay away from politicians who are content with solving societal problems only on the surface and then continue plunging us into a world of misery due to their sheer incompetence and/or corruption.

Substance over glamor. That should be the name of the game. It’s repetitive advice at this point, but that is the only way to give this wretched country of ours a semblance of hope and redemption.

Others could argue that searching for “clean” politicians is naive, but maybe it’s because we’ve been so used to terrible leaders that the idea of a public servant with good integrity, dignity, and credibility is a dream beyond our reach.

We need to be more critical of the information that we are receiving and what we relay to the other people. In this era, we’ve been willing to be consumers of gossipmongers who pose as influencers. While the words of these gossipers may have an inch of truth in it, their words twisted context that could damage the intellect.

We should process information as objectively as possible because if we don’t then how different are we from Ogie Diaz, Cristy Fermin, or Xian Gaza?

But truth be told, if we just use our critical thinking skills, it’s not a far-fetched possibility. And with that, we could have endured fewer clown farces. No insults intended for the literal clowns making an honest living.

Choose to do the right thing.

SPILL THE TEA

Mindanao Split from the RepubAlic: Another Duterte Bluff?

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is no stranger to making threats against his political enemies. His recent warning against the supposed ally of his family, the current president, Bongbong Marcos, might just be the biggest surprise that came out of his aging mouth. The call for the secession of Mindanao from the Republic is not a new conflict either; the history of our nation saw many attempts to establish Mindanao as a separate sovereign, and the idea of Philippine federal states has been floating for decades as well.

With the recent conflict between the Marcoses and the Dutertes reaching a head, one could guess that the fiasco at hand is a smokescreen to hide another house of political dilemmas. Nevertheless, the divide between the people of this country is something that we simply cannot deny. How serious can a call for Mindanao secession be?

While the Vice President herself has expressed no agreement for Mindanao’s separation from the Philippines, her father’s most recent actions were enough to cause a split in the supposedly strong foundations of the UniTeam House. The Duterte patriarch claimed that he had asked his former House Speaker, Pantaleon Alvarez, to gather signatures from people who advocated for the separation. In retaliation, the Marcos-dominated government issued a statement saying that it would not tolerate any talk of separatism and would not hesitate to use military force if needed.

Ironically, if Duterte really advocates turning Mindanao into an independent state, amending the 1987 Constitution or scrapping it altogether for a new one would benefit him the most…so what’s his endgame?

Many attempts were made to establish Mindanao as a separate state, even during the colonial era. Most of Mindanao never saw itself as a territory of the Spanish Empire. It has a culture and identity that are entirely different compared with the other island groups of what would be known as the Philippines. The era of Ferdinand Marcos and his successors saw the rise of Mindanao secessionist organizations. While most of these groups staunchly advocated for complete independence, the limits of the 1987 Constitution only allow a compromise in the form of autonomy. As a result, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was founded, which later evolved as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in virtue of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. If Digong is really adamant about pursuing the idea of a free Mindanao, there is no compromise. The 1987 Constitution needs to be amended or set aside in favor of a new legal backbone.

Rodrigo Duterte’s main conflict against Marcos is the latter’s desire to amend the 1987 Constitution with the People’s Initiative (PI) through the People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (PIRMA). Accusations of bribery and treachery were thrown back and forth, and the entire thing devolved into a crap show. Duterte argued that there is no need to amend the Constitution, while President Marcos countered that it is needed to ease up economic opportunities for the country.

The older Duterte is a man of contradictions. When he was president, he advocated for federalism and pushed for a Charter the country. One could assume that he viewed his own

@Elthon Cotanda

DON’T BLINK

Dreams: ANHS' Lifeline

SUCs Senior High Shutdown

and student health before implementing it.

With all these issues, students' interests must be prioritized in all decisions. The Department of Education (DepEd) must provide quality education to everybody, regardless of income or location. This means government-aided schools will be inspected more often to ensure quality and fairness.

Additionally, curricular adjustments should be relevant and adaptable to student requirements. The DepEd must ensure that the new curriculum for grades 1–10 improves learning

The well-being of kids and instructors must remain paramount amid these transformations. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) correctly emphasizes the need to consider student and teacher concerns. These changes in education require long-term solutions that address academic, social, emotional, and material requirements.

Protecting every child's right to school is crucial as we address these issues. ANHS's proactive approach provides us hope in hard times and inspires us to work together to improve future generations' lives.

There are added issues to take into consideration when getting ready for school, beyond just pencils and backpacks. Warranting the safe transportation of learners like me to and from school is very important.

The Alabel National High School disaster highlights the urgent need for attention. The town was devastated when a young student died in a traffic accident. Principal Sir Cherwin Macaranas agrees that the situation may have been worse, but it does not ease the distress.

In recent years, the Philippines has seen a concerning trend which is the departure of its teachers in search of greater opportunities outside. This departure of teachers, who are joining the diaspora of Filipinos looking for a better life, highlights a deeper issue in the country’s education system and larger socioeconomic landscape.

Teachers’ departures are not just about people pursuing personal success, but they also reflect systemic failings and institutional negligence. Educators at Alabel National High School, despite their dedication and passion, frequently endure low pay, limited professional growth prospects, and little government funding. As a result, many people are forced to go elsewhere for jobs that provide better pay, working conditions, and opportunity for professional growth.

This brain drain poses enormous challenges for the Philippines. It deprives the country of qualified and experienced teachers. Schools are understaffed, classrooms are overcrowded, and the quality of education suffers. Moreover, the departure of brilliant teachers reduces the nation’s human capital, impeding socioeconomic progress and global competitiveness.

Furthermore, there is a need to address the broader socioeconomic challenges that motivate Filipino professionals, especially teachers, to seek opportunities abroad. This requires building an atmosphere that promotes job creation, economic growth, and social mobility. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and social services are critical to improving the quality of life and opportunities for all Filipinos.

Hence, all these higher public officials should do is to recognize and appreciate educators’ significant contributions to society. Teachers have an important role in influencing the next generation and fostering the intellectual and moral growth of young people. Their effort and sacrifice should be recognized and appreciated, not taken for granted.

It highlights the dangers of our highways, especially for children. The Move As One Coalition highlighted that 38 children die daily in vehicle accidents nationwide. That number is significant.

The aftermath of Alabel National High School’s (ANHS) 4th Grand Alumni Homecoming brought more than nostalgia and joy; it also presented the students with a serious problem. Imagine returning to your classroom after a joyous occasion to find it strewn with leftover food, plastics, and bottles. It’s

Thank goodness progress is being made. Sir Macaranas and local officials made a good decision by lowering school zone speed limits to 20 km/h. The startling part is that most drivers aren’t paying attention. Despite speed limit adjustments, 71% of drivers exceed the limit near schools. Adjustments are needed there. Rules are useless if not followed. We need stricter enforcement without hassles. To improve school safety, authorities are considering hiring qualified professionals. Taking it without hesitation is essential.

Child safety should not be debated. Action is needed. Every child must be safe while traveling to and from school.

Leonna Jayden Arnaiz

Leonna Jayden Arnaiz

Franscine Bancaerin

Sara Belga

“It is really hard on the community when a faculty member leaves” former Head of School Ernesto Yuzon said. “Life changes and things sometimes happen, but it’s a very challenging thing for our student body and faculty who are left to pick up the pieces.”

Schedule Upheaval

Throughout the school year, math teacher

Evangeline Macalam taught a Basic Algebra class and an Functions of Polynomial class. However, after Pantaleon’s departure, Macalam took on his two sections of Quadratic Equation and Arithmetic and math teacher Meriam Tuerco took over Macalam’s Basic Algebra class.

Macalam is in the process of transitioning from a math faculty position to a fulltime role as the Grade 9 Math coordinator. Teaching one subject provides Macalam with greater flexibility in her schedule, said Head of Senior High School Annita Gonzalez.

“Previously [Macalam] was teaching one Basic Algebra and one Polynomial” Annita Gonzalez said.

“So, even if she’s teaching more classes, at least she knows, ‘this is what I’m teaching on any given day.”

Tuerco was also required to take an extra class from Macalam, because Macalam took on two extra classes. Basic Algebra and Polynomial both conflict with her tenth-grade Geometry class on some days, but because Polynomials students work independently more often, it was better for Tuerco to take on that class, according to Annita Gonzalez

“It was really what was the best,” said Annita Gonzalez. “This was the best scenario that we could come up with that benefited everybody and had the least amount of impact to any given class.”

Additionally, Principal II Andres Mataganas steps in to aid with the Honors Geometry course when Polynomials students need to be taught a lesson rather than work independently on assignments. Mataganas has taught Senior High School math classes for years in addition to his other duties.

“It was really what was the best. This was the best scenario that we could come up with that benefited everybody and had the least amount of impact to any given class.”

“I’m the one who feels comfortable teaching [the quadratic class], but Ms. Tuerco will step in and teach the quadratic [class] if there’s a day where

One Faculty Departure, Multiple Problems for Teachers and Students

by : Jayden Arnaiz

Students, teachers and administrators are continuing to deal with changes unleashed by the unexpected diaspora of Junior High School math teacher Edilberto Pantaleon in last year 2023 of July. Pantaleon left Alabel National High School due to personal reasons, leaving behind six math classes and a junior advisory needing faculty coverage.

both of the classes are at the same time and both need to be taught a lesson in order to continue the curriculum,” said Macalam.

Pantaleon also taught two sections of Trigonometry, and those responsibilities have been assumed by Ariel Dela Cruz in a long-term substitute role. Additionally, the junior-class advisory overseen by Meyers was taken over by Junior High School teacher Mailyn Jane Gascon.

Dela Cruz has been substituting at Alabel NHS for many years now and agreed to help out, said Macaranas.

“He was gracious enough to say ‘yes, and it helps to have [Math Department chair] and [math] teacher Maria Olaybal, who teach the other sections of Basic Algebra,” said Macaranas. “She’s able to lean on them to really understand what’s going on and work on the statistics and tests.”

Faculty Challenges

The adjustments have gone beyond scheduling conflicts. Macalam had never taught Quadratic before so, with Pantaleon’s help, she spent her summer break learning the three units covered in the first three quarters. She reviewed the textbook, homework, tests and watched videos, Pantaleon said.

However, the period of summer break was not enough for Macalam to learn the full Quadratic Equation curriculum, so she has resolved to watch a video each night. One of these lessons lasted a full three hours, she said.

“It’ll be longer days,” said Macalam. “But love the kids and it’s been really cool to see how Algebra is getting used in Quadratic.”

“I want to do the best I can for my students. So, for a week and a half of my Christmas break, was working on making sure that could come in and try to teach as consistently as possible from where Mr. Pantaleon left off.”

Despite the school’s best efforts to increase flexibility for Macalam and Tuerco, this extra teaching load has affected the amount of time they have for things outside of teaching. For Macalam, having to learn Quadratic Equation has affected how she balances her free periods. This, along with testmaking and grading has changed where she works during her free time.

“By going into a classroom, it’s less likely that

a student will drop by and talk to me so can get a little bit more work done,” said Macalam. “I think where [I lose the most time] is most noticeable each night, as take more time to learn and understand Quadratic.”

Tuerco has also found it challenging to manage her time and balance her classroom and administrative roles.

“With this additional workload, it’s tricky to find a balance between my role as a Grade 10 Sport-class adviser as well as a Grade 9 math teacher and making sure I’m helping serve my students in the math classroom, but also servicing the school as a whole,” said Macalam. Macalam knows she is different from Pantaleon; however, she hopes that each student will give her a chance and help her adjust.

“I am a different person, and my style of teaching is different,” said Macalam. “But whether you have heard good or bad about me, I hope you give me a chance.”

Student Adjustments

Along with the teachers, students have had mixed opinions about the adjustments.

Freshman Chazzny Loizadas, one of Tuerco’s students in polynomial, said that the change hasn’t affected her learning and that there are always other math teachers willing to help if needed. However, freshman Jhasmine Aquino is still adjusting to the change in teaching styles from Pantaleon to Macalam’s.

“Since Ms. Macalam’s teaching style is different from Mr. Pantaleon, even though they have the same curriculum, it throws people off when we’re doing a lesson,” said Aquino. “Since she did a problem a different way, none of us knew how to do it and so she had to reexplain the whole concept to us.”

On the other hand, students who have had Macalam or Tuerco in previous years felt the transition was much smoother since they have had time to adjust to those teaching styles. “It’s different, but it wasn’t too bad for me,” said senior Angel Alarin. “I’ve had Ms. Macalam already for two years, so getting her as a teacher was not a problem with me.”

As students and teachers cope with the fallout of a faculty departure, Macaranas hopes that the affected students will be able to enjoy the semester.

“I agree [that the change] was tough and disruptive,” said Macarana. “But as always, [hope] every student at Alabel National High School [has] an awesome and special year.”

A Call For Peace: Israel and Palestine

On Oct. 7, the decades-long Israeli Palestinian conflict exploded into the world spotlight once again when Hamas, the Islamist terrorist group that controls the seaside Palestinian territory of Gaza, hit Israel with thousands of rockets. More than 1,000 Hamas fighters poured into southern Israel, killing more than 1,400 civilians and soldiers and seizing more than 200 hostages.

In the days since, Hamas has continued to fire rockets into Israel. The Israeli military has responded with air strikes, artillery fire and ground assaults into Gaza. The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry says the Israeli response has killed more than 8,000 civilians as we write this. The suffering in Israel and Gaza is unimaginable, and there is no end in sight.

Rebirth Rebellion: A Daughter's Hope Amidst conflict

Ligaya sat at her desk in Alabel National High School, her mind drifting away from the day's lessons to the events unfolding in her hometown of Sarangani province. She couldn't shake the weight of the recent news - the distribution of livelihood settlement grants to former rebels, including her own father, a member of the New People's Army (NPA) turned Local Nature Guardians dubbed as Bagani by the local government of Alabel. Her heart felt heavy with conflicting emotions as she grappled with the reality of her father's involvement in the rebel group and the impact it had on their family.

Glancing out the window, Ligaya's thoughts wandered to the rugged terrain of the lush verdant mountain jungles, where her father often disappeared for days at a time, carrying out clandestine activities for the NPA. Growing up, she had witnessed the tension in their household, the whispered conversations, and the fear of sudden raids by government forces. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there was always a flicker of hope that one day her father would choose a different path.

The news of the livelihood grants brought a glimmer of that hope to Ligaya's heart. She imagined her father's face, weathered by years of hardship and struggle, lighting up with newfound possibilities for their family's future. The thought brought tears to her eyes, tears of relief and gratitude mixed with the pain of years spent in uncertainty and fear.

In the corridors of Alabel National High School, whispers floated about the recent developments in Sarangani. Murmurs enveloped the whole campus. Some students expressed skepticism, questioning the sincerity of former rebels in reintegrating into society. Others, like Ligaya,

held onto the belief that everyone deserved a second chance, a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

As Ligaya navigated through her classes, she couldn't help but feel a sense of burning pride in her chest knowing that her father was among those striving to turn over a new leaf. She imagined him, alongside other former rebels, embarking into entrepreneurial ventures aside from being a Bagani supported by the government's assistance, determined to carve out a path towards peace and prosperity.

Yet, amidst the optimism, Ligaya couldn't shake off the lingering worry that her father's past affiliations with the NPA would continue to cast a haunting shadow over their lives. The road to reconciliation and acceptance seemed long and arduous, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. But for now, as the sun dipped below the horizon casting a warm glow over the school grounds, Ligaya

We know there are people in our community who are directly impacted

by what has become an appalling humanitarian crisis. We hope that you know that you are loved by us and the people in our community. We know that our outside perspective limits us and does not allow us to truly understand the pain of the people in harm's way. We feel that it would be insensitive for us to give an opinion and callous for us to say nothing. We would like to use this installment of our shared Common Ground column to offer some context and articulate our sympathies for those who are suffering.

The roots of the current conflict predate the birth of the state of Israel in 1948 and are intricately intertwined with matters of religion and territory.

The two populations were tasked with sharing land after World War I, an issue that was originally in the hands of the United Nations. The U.N. created a partition plan, but as the original

landowners, Palestinians were opposed to giving territory to Israel. When the plan was set in motion by the birth of the state of Israel on May 14, 1948, the armies of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria invaded Israel.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled their homes, some by choice, others by force. The event is now known to Palestinians as the Nakba, or catastrophe. Fast forward nearly 75 years, and this territorial conflict is as heated as it has ever been.

We surmise that Hamas chose to attack on Oct.7 because relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia recently have shown striking improvement. This is seen as an unwelcome development by many Palestinians because, as a marginalized group in their own ancestral land, their quest for self-determination is dependent on the support of other

Muslim countries. Some of that support comes from countries like Iran, which seeks the destruction of Israel and conflict with the United States. Iran is suspected of having encouraged or even funded Hamas' recent attacks on Israel.

The recent bloodshed in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict has struck a chord with people around the world due to the immense suffering of civilians. This has also made the war highly polarizing.

We can all agree that the deaths of thousands of civilians are heartbreaking. It is terrible to see people living in fear in their own homes.

Ultimately, this issue is one of great complexity. Our aim isn't to take sides.

We hope for an end to the bloodshed.

While we don't know how and when peace will be achieved, we hope it will be soon. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering, Israeli and Palestinian, and their families.

Four Movies That Every

Struggling

Youngster Need to Watch

it has a certain poignance that makes it a beautiful film in a tender and innocent way. While the characters in the film are way younger than the high school students who are probably reading this article, reckon that the conflict that the characters are experiencing is very relatable to teenagers too. One should watch

Photo by: Khanny Lucero

by : Mikaela Parilla

by : Sophia Alarin

SARTRIB STAFF

Equity and Inclusion Program Expands Reach on Campus STEP TO TAKE

by Alyza Guadalupe

on campus in which students with like race, religion or identity meet in a safe space to further understand their culture, share common experiences and have fun.

“If there's a majority of a certain kind of person, then other people will feel isolated and left out,” said senior Rowel Absin, a co-president of the SSLG. “I think it's good to see other people that look like and other people that have similar experiences like you to feel united as a whole.”

Senior Ariane Macalua, who is also a co-president in SSLG, agrees.

“Even when you have friends of different diversities, there is a sense of loneliness,” said Macalua. “There will be times where no one is like you, and you will need individuals like you to talk about things at home or how you are feeling about your culture or religion.”

To foster community, the Equity and Inclusion Department often funds projects or assists with large events for affinity groups.

“When we reach out, they are willing to support us with events," said senior Jeanette Paran, president of the All for one Affinity Group. “We got our funding from E&I for the Folk dance last year and a lot of other events.”

Despite the assistance, some affinity group leaders have felt that the department has not proactively assisted student leaders with teaching about equity and inclusion.

“I know that each affinity group is probably going to want a very specific thing to their group, but think that it would be helpful if [the Equity and Inclusion Department] would reach out and help us in some way,” said Paran.

Other than funding or preparation support, other students hope to see an increase in valuing minority students and voices beyond affinity groups at ANHS.

“Alabel NHS has been on a good path toward promoting diversity, equity and inclusion," said junior James Abarca, leader of the Muslim Student Association. “However, I do think that ANHS can work on valuing racial, religious and political minorities voices more and making sure that they feel comfortable and safe enough to share their perspectives.”

Off-Campus Events

The efforts sponsored by the Equity and Inclusion Department go beyond the Alabel National High School.

One outlet is the Power to all club. Also known as

We’rePa, the gathering is a conference where students from local independent and private high schools discuss a specific theme under the umbrella of E&I. This year the topic of conversation for the first meeting was “Freedom of Speech: What Am Allowed to Say?”

Another off-campus outlet is the Kabataang Poblasyon, an annual gathering that attracts students from across the municipality.

The students who participate in Kabataang Poblasyon travel to a different divison every year to join a multicultural gathering of around 2,000 students. Last year's conference was held in Alabel.

During conference sessions, students engage with the affinity group that they personally identify with as well as collaborate with students of different identities.

“Kabataang Poblasyon made me more open-minded and attentive of diversity, equity and inclusion issues,” said Gallego.

“It helped me understand more perspectives and realize how similar or different they were from my own.”

Beyond the larger groups, Kabataang Poblasyon members were grouped into "family groups" of different genders, ethnicities, races, and identifiers.

“No one really knows each other, and you have an open dialogue,” said senior Lorich Timon. “I found that kind of intriguing, and think our goal was to try to learn different ways that we can have fun and promote this type of dialogue on campus.”

Savor the Life Things in Life

by Marielle Alborote

Acinematic hero once remarked that "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." Forrest Gump, the character that imparts this wisdom, conveys that life is an enigma, a mystery, that nothing is promised, and anything is possible. Furthermore, Forrest suggests that maintaining control in life is challenging because of its unpredictability.

The feeling of not always being in control is scary, but it is also freeing. Not knowing what tomorrow has in store is exciting and it keeps us, as human beings, sane because without change and unpredictability life would be bland.

In addition, life is all-consuming, and it is easy to lose oneself in the ever-changing flow of it. With all the schoolwork, extracurriculars, sports, social pressures and other commitments, life can be harrowing. Therefore, students forget to appreciate life in its entirety, which can result in the buildup of stress.

To aid this, I've found a coping strategy that,

possess any constraints regarding what they can or cannot be.

"Little things" to me, are aspects of life that are so intrinsic that people usually forget to acknowledge them. For instance, took a walk through my neighborhood the other day and spent the entire time observing the nature surrounding me and the striking beauty of it all.

The trees, the flowers and the rushing wind were all "little things" that improved my peace of mind. It was a quiet, tranquil evening, and it helped center me. I came home less stressed and in a more peaceful state.

The short experience of walking and appreciating nature bolstered my appreciation for life. It made me happier, and believe that finding “little things” in life and truly seeing them will help do the same for others.

Timon says that Kabataang Poblasyon benefits more than just the students who are attending.

“They learn a lot about others, and then they bring that back here," Timon said. "To me, that just creates a richer environment amongst our student body because those students tend to become affinity group leaders and leaders in the student inclusion council.”

Students who attended the Kabataang Poblasyon conference hope to bring some of the practices from the conference back to the ANHS community.

“I definitely think ANHS does a really good job of having affinity spaces, since came from a public school that didn't really have affinity spaces or anywhere where you could really be vulnerable and have vulnerable discussion,” said Gallego. “But I think we can improve [by] having something that mimics the family groups from [Kabataang Poblasyon]. think having spaces where you can't really relate to a lot of people might be helpful to have a new perspective as well.”

Faculty Workshops

Starting at the beginning of last year, regular Equity and Inclusion faculty workshops were implemented to integrate these concepts in division curriculums. During these meetings, teachers were asked to set equity and inclusion goals for their classrooms.

Dubbed “Equity Literacy Goals,” this initiative tasks teachers with reviewing their classroom practices from an equity and inclusion standpoint.

“For a humanities teacher, that might be [reviewing] how they teach a text; for a STEM teacher, that might mean [reviewing] a lab practice that is meant to pull people in and create a more inclusive learning environment,” said SSLG President Absin.

“Once that diversity is here, you need the people who make up that diverse student body to feel like they have

WERE PLANTED on December 6, 2023

ANHS Roots for Change: Gifting Green on Christmas

by : JAMES BALBINO

Alabel National High School (ANHS) participated in the nationwide tree-planting initiative, “DepEd 236K Trees - A Christmas Gift for the Children,” on December 6, 2023. Spearheaded by Principal Ernesro Yuzon, the school community, including students, teachers, and staff, joined forces to contribute to this significant cause.

In his words, “the

the critical role such endeavors play in shaping eco-conscious individuals.

“ANHS’s active participation not only beautified the local environment but also underscored its profound dedication to nurturing values of environmental stewardship and community engagement among its students. This event serves as a

meeting. Gumban says she hopes to continue and expand these initiatives at ANHS.

wide, inspiring them to take proactive steps towards environmental sustainability. It reaffirms the notion that small yet concerted efforts, such as planting trees, can yield significant positive outcomes in the quest for a greener and more sustainable future.

Flipping the Page:

ANHS Brigada Pagbasa Initiative Turning Reading Struggles into Success Stories

The devastating effects of the pandemic on education have left the halls of Alabel National High School silent with fear and uncertainty. The victims of the educational disarray caused by the pandemic are the non-readers and slow readers who are fighting to catch up to their classmates.

My passion helps me decompress from the issues and stresses of daily life, which is why encourage others to pursue their passions because they enliven, distract, and bring solace during hard times. However, it should be highlighted that passions are not always healthy, and it is critical to examine oneself to ensure that a passion is benefiting rather than

your

health. Moreover, finding a passion does not just have to be a coping mechanism to help handle stress, it can also be used as an escape or to simply unwind from a long day. Perspective is the last coping mechanism that feel is vital to adopt. Perspective is loosely related to the idea of appreciating the "little things" in that through perspective, we as humans can appreciate life to a greater extent. For me, I find perspective by participating in community service projects. They allow me to interact with families who are in less fortunate situations, and, in turn, they aid me in recognizing the blessings that are interspersed throughout my life. Although it's not the sole strategy, this one has helped me gain perspective.

Another coping strategy that has worked for me is relying on my passions to help relieve stress. have been lucky enough to have found my passion, which is storytelling, so, on occasion, when I need a stress reliever, will continue writing the story that am working on, or might read a book.

There is yet a glimmer of light in all this confusion and misery. The school has created a detailed plan to assist students who are having difficulty reading in becoming successful readers. A student's testimony has the power to shatter the isolation and hopelessness of the group and fill its listeners with optimism.

Maria, a seventh-grader, is one of the school's recruited non-readers. She had a hard time reading and comprehending her textbooks and class materials. Maria's reading difficulties are typical of those experienced by students who are still learning to read. She struggled with phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and understanding, making it difficult for her to understand the material presented in her classes.

Maria had trouble reading at first, but the school's Brigada Pagbasa program helped her overcome her difficulties. Students who are most in need of the program received individualized, rigorous tutoring in reading fundamentals like phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The school also made an effort to communicate with the guardians of students who were having trouble reading to make sure they were giving their children the help they needed at home.

Students who were having trouble reading were protected by the school's summer reading program. Books and other reading resources were made available to kids, and they were given the chance to read and improve their reading skills. The school also made available professional development opportunities for educators in the area of reading instruction. Teachers were given resources including workshops, training sessions, and continuing coaching and mentorship to help them give their pupils the best reading lessons possible.

Maria's experience vividly illustrates the transformative potential of providing specialized assistance, appropriate materials, and consistent encouragement to kids who are suffering. The Alabel National High School's dedication to supporting students who are having difficulty reading is a source of inspiration. The school is doing its best to ensure that no kid is lagging behind by giving them all the resources they need. Maria's story shows that even in the worst of situations, there is always the possibility of change for the better.

Let's keep Maria's journey and the school's dedication to from 79 non-readers down to

283

43 from 302 frustration readers to

Disease Outbreaks Threaten Sarangani’s Milkfish Industry STEMnnovation

BY MARIELLE ALBOROTE

Ana,

a high school student in Sarangani, has been struggling to keep up with her studies. Her parents, who work at a local bangus factory, have been hit hard by recent fish disease outbreaks. The factory has significantly reduced its production by 30% due to high mortality rates among the milkfish, leading to decreased work hours and a 40% drop in income for Ana’s family.

The financial strain has made it difficult for them to meet basic needs and support Ana’s education, highlighting the broader impact of the crisis on the community.

Sarangani, much like other regions in the Philippines, heavily relies on aquaculture for food production. In Alabel, one of the key centers of milkfish (bangus) production in the province, farmers are growing increasingly concerned about the threat of fish diseases, according to the Department of Agriculture. Bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Vibrio species, have been frequent and devastating, leading to mortality rates as high as 50% in some fish pens.

The history of milkfish cultivation has seen numerous disease outbreaks, although detailed reports were limited due to insufficient diagnostic services. These bacterial infections are often exacerbated by environmental stresses and poor handling practices, making fry and fingerlings particularly vulnerable. Additionally, toxic events, such as those caused by Microcystis toxins in freshwater systems, have resulted in massive fish kills, affecting up to 70% of the stock in certain areas.

In 2018, for example, milkfish farmers in Bolinao, Pangasinan, suffered losses exceeding half a million US dollars due to massive fish kills. This crisis was not an isolated incident; other production sites have also experi-

Sarangani’s dialysis center to rise in Alabel

Dannilyn, 45, of Alabel, Sarangani, has had chronic kidney illness for five years. Dialysis treatments required long trips to other provinces due to a lack of healthcare infrastructure. In addition to physical strain, these journeys strained her family financially.

Not so with Dannilyn. Many Sarangans struggle to get essential healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like kidney failure. We ca n now be optimistic.

The first dialysis center in Sarangani will open soon.

Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao and provincial authorities broke ground for the P33-million Capitol compound dialysis center on Wednesday, February 21.

He said this project affirms his administration’s “firm commitment to resolve and to improve the quality of life of our constituents by bringing accessible and affordable health services even closer to the people.”

The groundbreaking of the center, Governor Pacquiao said, embodies the “government’s pledge for a responsive and more importantly, compassionate governance.”

The center will be built in a 250 square meter area adjacent to the prosthetics building and psychiatric ward of Sarangani Provincial Hospital (SPH).

Establishing the dialysis center is a commitment of Governor Ru el to improve the health and well-being of Sarangans.

SPH Chief of Hospital Dr. Aileen Brion said the facility will fill the gap between the desired and the actual level of services offered in a tertiary-level hospital.

From the six hospitals in Sarangani, Dr. Brion identified hypertension, diabetes, and other renal problems as among the top 10 morbidities which, “if not controlled or treated,” according to Dr. Brion, “may lead to end-stage renal problem.”

Dialysis is an essential requirement for patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease and kidney failure when renal replacement is not possible. Hence, Dr. Brion expressed the need for the center to be established soon.

The two-storey facility will be equipped with 20 Hemodialysis chairs and an electrical set-up that could accommodate equipment like the Hemodialysis Machine, Reverse Ormosis, mobile X-Ray, among others.

The Hemodialysis Clinic will consist of the dialysis service complex and the non-treatment areas or the reception area.

The dialysis service complex will accommodate the Hemodialysis station, nurses’ station, water treatment

enced significant mortality rates, underlining the ongoing challenges faced by the industry.

The threat to Sarangani’s milkfish production is a major concern for the province’s food security and economy.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, in his recent State of the Province Address (SOPA), highlighted Sarangani’s robust economic performance, with the aquaculture sector contributing approximately PHP 1.2 billion annually. However, with fish diseases on the rise, achieving the goals set in Solon’s development plans becomes increasingly difficult. Immediate action is required to sustain the province’s progress and prevent further economic losses.

Researchers from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), are actively working to mitigate future damages. Their project, “Surveillance, Social Dimension, and Policy Analysis to Mitigate Disease Outbreaks in Milkfish Farms,” led by Dr. Alona Badua, aims to enhance disease awareness among farmers. By doubling research and surveillance efforts and promoting best practices in fish husbandry, the project seeks to reduce disease incidence by at least 25% over the next five years

and improve the overall health of milkfish populations.

Promoting responsible aquaculture practices is vital to protecting milkfish farms. Diseases spread rapidly when fish are exposed to stressful conditions and poor handling. By implementing better management practices and ensuring timely interventions, the spread of diseases can be controlled, ensuring the sustainability of Sarangani’s milkfish industry. Collaborating with DOST will be crucial in establishing effective measures to reduce the prevalence of diseases and boost the productivity of the aquaculture sector.

The Department of Health (DOH) turned over P20 million worth of medical equipment to the Sarangani Provincial Hospital (SPH-Alabel) on Monday, March 18. The equipment, primarily geared towards enhancing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Operating Room (OR) procedures of the hospital.

Engr. Rey Santella, representing DOH 12 Regional Director Dr. Aristides Tan, led the ceremony, delivering 92 units of state-of-the-art medical equipment to Governor Rogelio Pacquiao and SPHAlabel’s Chief of Hospital, Dr. Aileen Brion. Funded through the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) in 2023, the equipment procurement was a collaborative effort between the DOH Central Office and SPH, based on identified needs outlined in the Local Investment Plan for Health.

STEM students’ science investigatory project curbs water pollution in Alabel community

A community-driven innovation called the Biochar Filtration Project, spearheaded by students from Alabel National High School (ANHS) and their mentor, is making significant strides in improving water purification efforts in the Purok Acasia community. STEM students Cristine Omamalin and Ronnievelle Pagrad, under the guidance of Coach Isabelita Jabines, have been at the forefront of this project, which aims to promote environmental sustainability and address local water quality issues.

The project has had a considerable impact on Purok Acasia, enhancing the quality of local water sources. Omamalin, Pagrad, and their peers have conducted extensive research to demonstrate the effectiveness of biochar filtration in purifying water. Their scientific investigations confirm that this method successfully removes a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants. This research has been crucial in validating the practical application of biochar filtration as a viable solution to water pollution.

Purok Chair Elmer Caracotdacot emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Barangay Acasia has faced water pollution issues for some time, posing serious health risks to our community. The Biochar Filtration Project provides a practical and environmentally friendly solution to protect our water resources.”

The successful implementation of this project is seen as a major breakthrough in the community’s ongoing battle against water contamination.

The residents of Purok Acasia have actively embraced and supported the initiative, significantly enhancing its impact and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Their involvement has been vital in the project’s success, as community support is essential for the maintenance and continued use of biochar filtration systems. This grassroots approach has not only improved local water quality but also fostered a sense of community ownership and responsibility towards environmental conservation.

Principal Cherwin Macaranas of ANHS praised the students and their mentor for their dedication and hard work. “The efforts of Cristine, Ronnievelle, and Coach Jabines exemplify the impact that youth-led initiatives can have on a community. Their commitment to environmental conservation has brought positive changes to Purok Acasia and serves as an inspiration for other communities facing similar challenges nationwide,” Macaranas said.

The Biochar Filtration Project is part of a broader trend of innovative, community-based solutions to

Imagine living in a state where health care isn’t just a service but a promise to take care of everyone’s health. This dream is coming true in Sarangani thanks to new programs supported by the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

In the UHC system, Sarangani, along with Bohol and Sultan Kudarat, has become a leader in healthcare innovation. This recognition didn’t happen fast; it took a lot of work to change the way healthcare is delivered.

At the UHC Sprint 2023 event in Manila on October 11, 2023, Sarangani showed off its innovative method. Sarangani showed off the multi Health Risk Assessment (mHRA) application system with help from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth. This system, which was made with help from USAID-FHI360, changes the way healthcare is provided by automating patient information, making services available to more people, and combining important patient data. Getting services closer to people

With SPH now upgraded to a Level 2 Hospital, Dr. Brion emphasized the transformative impact of the new equipment on both facility infrastructure and patient care standards. The provision of modern devices ensures that even indigent patients receive top-tier medical treatment, a level of care previously associated only with private hospital settings.

“In private hospitals, itong mga gamit na ito like the mechanical beds will only be experienced in a presidential suite room, but in Sarangani, even indigent patients will get to experience the same comfort,” Dr. Brion remarked. Governor Pacquiao expressed gratitude for the DOH’s support and pledged responsible stewardship of the equipment, assuring its optimal utilization to benefit the people of Sarangani. The equipment handover marks a significant stride towards bolstering medical services in Sarangani, promising improved healthcare accessibility and quality for all residents. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to uplifting lives through effective service delivery. The ceremony was attended by various provincial officials and hospital staff, signaling a unified commitment to advancing healthcare provision in Sarangani province. This boost in medical equipment is poised to make a tangible difference in healthcare delivery, ensuring that Sarangani’s residents receive the care they deserve.

Atty. Ryan is the provincial administrator. Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao wanted to bring public service closer to the people, and Jay Ramos agreed with him. Through programs like “Ronda Probinsya para sa Kahimsug,” Sarangani makes sure that all of its residents, no matter where they live, can get good medical care.

New Ideas for Solutions

The Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Arvin Alejandro, talked about how Sarangani was one of the first places to use the ODK System and the Sarangani Health Information Management System (SHIMS). These new ideas make it easier to collect and combine data, which helps people in remote places get access to important healthcare services.

Using technology to make healthcare better Assistant Secretary of Health Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Hao talked about how technology can change healthcare. People said that Sarangani’s effective use of digital health solutions could serve as an example for other provinces and local government units.

A dedication to excellence

As Sarangani marks five years of implementing UHC, the commitment to providing healthcare to everyone stays strong. Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos, the provincial administrator, said that Sarangani is still committed to learning and using best practices to make sure that all of its residents get the high-quality healthcare they need. Healthcare in Sarangani is more than just a service; it’s a promise kept, a community strengthened, and a future changed.

Amidst Google’s discontinuation of unlimited data storage for educational institutions in July 2022, a group of forward-thinking Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students from Alabel National High School (ANHS) took the initiative to delve into data compression.

In the course of their exploration, they delved into the intricate world of hex color codes, employing them in algorithm creation through encryption. Spearheaded by Grade 11 STEM students Bryan Sayson, Dave Alinsugay, and Nick Pag-ong, their endeavor birthed an innovative approach to data storage. Their method involves converting words into hex colors and

BY MARIELLE ALBOROTE

BY JORI MAE R. SAMILLANO

BY JAMES BALBINO

BY JAMES BALBINO

MIKAELA PARILLA

MIKAELA PARILLA

PHOTO BY KHANNY JOHN LUCERO

16 SACRIFICING SLEEP

says in order to focus at drawing events and perform at her best, she needs enough sleep.

“Sleep is definitely important, because if you’re not aware of what’s going on, if you’re not fully awake, you’re not going to hear instructions and you aren’t going to know what to draw,” Unajan said. “If you start zoning off in the middle of the event, that’s really going to affect your success.”

[Roemer] agrees, noting that a lack of sleep and concentration makes the most mundane tasks seem difficult.

“If you don’t get enough sleep you struggle with focus, concentration and cognitive abilities” [Roemer] said. “For teenagers, their brain grows when they sleep, so even the facts and information gathered all day long, it solidifies in our brain more successfully than if we aren’t sleeping.”

This is key when it comes to tests or quizzes that students have to take. Studying until the last minute isn’t always the most beneficial course of action, because the information only goes in a student’s short-term memory, said [Roemer]. Sleeping allows that information to be processed and enter long-term memory.

“A lot of people like to study before tests, but it’s important for your brain to go into rest mode so that you can process the information that you are studying,” [Chao] said.

What’s most important, according to [Roemer], is the consistency of sleep people get. Playing “catch-up” on the weekends doesn’t actually help make up for the lost sleep, and can in fact decrease people’s moods.

“You really can’t technically catch-up sleep, and sometimes when you sleep 12-14 hours, it can make you feel depressed,

nize that it can feel like an obligation these days.

“Nowadays, there are so many distractions that it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of YouTube, TikTok or Instagram,”

[Chu] said. “I know some students who aren’t the best at time management and have to cram at the last minute.” Belga says social media sometimes distracts her from completing her assignments.

“I have trouble staying off of Instagram at night. usually start scrolling to take a break, then I get caught up in all the posts and stories,” Belga shared. “I know it’s not the best use of my time, but it just feels normal to be keeping up with the next new thing.” While social media may pose a distraction, along with all the obligations students have, they also need a break from work and time to spend with their friends. However, sometimes that comes at a tradeoff to the little sleep students already receive, said Unajan.

“I rarely hang out with my friends because usually sleep until 1pm on the weekends,” Unajan said. [Roemer] says it’s important for students to have time to spend with their friends, not just for their mental health, but also because it is biologically important.

“I think there is still value in online friendships, and you can emotionally connect with people, but the presence of other people creates hormonal changes in our bodies,” [Roemer] said. “The relationship and intimacy is different, and biologically, we need in person friendships” On top of homework, extracurricular, after-school practices and the pressure to use social media, many students also face an implicit social pressure to excel at the expense of sleep.

“I have trouble staying off of Facebook at night. usually start scrolling to take a break, then I get caught up in all the posts and stories. know it’s not the best use of my time, but it just feels normal to be keeping up with the next new thing.”

“I feel this pressure to constantly improve in basketball and academics,”[ Huang] said. “I know some people who are just super athletic or super smart, so feel like need to work more in order to get where they are.” [Chu] has also noticed students comparing the amount of sleep they get, oftentimes in a way that glamorizes a lack of sleep.

“Some kids play what call ‘misery poker, where they like to one-up each other on how little sleep they get.” [Chu] said.

“It’d be like, ‘oh 1 slept six hours, and someone else says, ‘oh, 1 slept five hours.” However, not every student is overwhelmed with a variety of obligations. [Chao’s] schedule allows him to get 10 hours of sleep per night.

“I wouldn’t say the course load here is too much,” Chao said. “It’s definitely manageable for me and not too much of a challenge.”

Looking Forward

While sleep deprivation is a struggle among many ANHS students, the more important conversation to be had is how to promote productive planning and sleeping habits. To improve the quality of sleep going forward, [Roemer] reminds students to eliminate any nighttime distractions from the room.

“I

because you’ve slept too much,” [Roemer] said. “Or you feel guilty. If you balance it out and sleep consistently, that’s much healthier.”

Juggling Priorities

There are a variety of factors that contribute to students’ lack of sleep. For most students, homework takes up a majority of their time outside of school.

“A lot of the time, you get completion grades on homework or it directly plays into what’s happening in class, so have to stay up later to finish all my work or forfeit more time in the morning by waking up earlier,” Stanley Carael, a grade 7 student said.

[Belga] echoes this sentiment.

“I have so much homework to do, which will definitely take two hours,” said [Belga].

As December break approaches, Belga says that she faces an even greater homework load, causing her to have less time to sleep than usual.

“The week before break is super stressful, because it seems like all the teachers are scheduling tests at the same time,” Belga said.

“If have many major assignments in the same week, I just become more sleep-deprived.”

However, homework is not the only contributor to sleep deprivation. Many student-athletes have sports practices or games that don’t end until the evening, causing them to push back other obligations.

“The days that have volleyball practice and no other after school stuff, get home at like 6:45,” Carael said. “On days that have soccer practice

by : JAMES BALBINO

“There’s

doesn’t

need rest to be a person.”

“I grew up in a stereotypical Filipino household and my mom and dad used to say need to drill and kill,” [Chu] said.

“But the idea behind that isn’t helpful. try to tell kids you have to work smart, so you’re being as efficient with your time as possible. Something hope to tell my students is that sleeping more will actually get you a better grade because you’re more focused.”

Some students have also recognized the importance of balancing their schedules toward what works best for them. Unajan has taken rest this semester and will be more conscious about reducing her future workload.

“I usually take a nap during my free periods, or just do homework because don’t want to fill more things into my schedule,” she said. “I just need to stop committing to things every time people ask me to volunteer. also need to be more efficient on homework assignments for math, that there’s extra problems that are optional, but still do them for practice.”

To prioritize sleep, [Chao] restricts his breaks to maximize productivity.

“One thing I did learn is from the start of the year used to take too long of a break and too many of them,” [he] said.

“Maybe just get one section of homework done, and then recommend taking a five- to 10-minute break and then getting more homework done. This will really shorten the amount of time you need to spend on homework.” Ultimately, [Chu] says she hopes that students will utilize the support system available to them.

“When you have five tests in two days, please talk to your teachers or talk to your advisor or talk to a trusted adult,”

[Chu] said. “This is where learning specialists are great resources. There’s so many awesome people on this campus that are helpful in that. I know there are a lot of people here that that’s kind of their specialty.”

[Roemer] says that students are always welcome to stop by and talk to her about healthier sleeping habits moving forward.

“Know yourself and what you need, and make it a priority,” said [Roemer].

“Stop and think about if what you are doing is really working for you. If it isn’t, let people help you and embrace their advice.”

SOUND of TREMOR Earthquake Sounds: A Distinct Signal of Impending Disaster

Basking in the golden hour after school, I took the way home, walking through the floors of the crowded market room, lulled by both animal and human noise; when suddenly the common environment deafened my senses as the birds above perching through the branches sang in dread, screams of people around, calling to the divines; while piles of glass materials fall to the ground hurdling all the roads home.

But apart from the natural sound in the environment, there is that one that is way distinct, a sound before the jolt, signaling the impending tremor. This is when I realized that earthquakes has its own distinct sound.

Despite being overshadowed by preceding circumstances’ sounds such as shaking of buildings, earthquakes do in fact produce sound beforehand.

Seismologist, Adam Pascale, further discusses such discourse in a video where he gave rise to recordings of earthquake sounds posted on his TikTok account — @seislologist.

Epicenter feels

According to Pascale proximity to the focus of the earthquake or the so-called ‘epicenter’ plays a factor upon the chances of hearing an earthquake’s sound.

“When you’re close to the epicenter of an earthquake, the frequency of the energy waves are within the human hearing,” Pascale said.

By the digital world: Recorded since birth

BY JAMES BALBINO

As you set foot to its premises, anonymity no longer exists for you are being recorded from first clicks to the last.

While the public further divulges into the realms of technology, implications of digital safety risks that can prevail even into the physical aspects arise, especially among young individuals who carefreely explores the internet.

Your social posts passwords, and even your biometrics data — are few of the different examples of digital footprint or the datas associated with your identity virtually.

Visibility consequences

The second it is put on the internet, you have little-to-no control over how people online use it. For that reason, a major focus of digital footprint management is caution about online activities to control the data that can be gathered in the first place.

Hence, careless engagement online might result in consequences such as:

Hacking. A hacker could use information from a user’s digital footprint to exploit them through identity theft or attack other computer systems. Exposed

usernames and passwords could give hackers access to user accounts, and visible email addresses could be used to construct spear phishing campaigns.

●Identity theft. An individual might use your own information or identity in many ways that might ruin your reputation online.

Safety measures

Oversharing online is the easiest way to create an unmanageable digital footprint. To reduce a digital footprint to a more manageable

by : JAMES BALBINO

In relation to this, if a sound’s frequency is relatively low like 1 hertz or 1 Hz (Hz— measurement unit of frequency) probability of hearing such is low since a human hears generally between frequencies that ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

In the case of an earthquake, frequency ranges from 1 Hz to 50 Hz; hence, some might not even hear it despite reaching human hearing capabilities due to factors like distance and other noises unless an earthquake occurs at night.

Empirical lens

Moreover, in Pascale’s video wherein he presented recorded videos and recordings of earthquake sounds, users noticed a particular sound in the material.

“Sounded like two bombs going off,” TikTok user @nikistudioco commented.

Readiness against uncertainties

Situated at the Pacific ring of Fire, the Philippines remains prone to earthquakes, posing safety risks to Filipinos country-wide. Adding it’s inevitable and unpredictable nature, this natural phenomena can really be catastrophic.

Hence, it is crucial that we put our safety above all and put on a good attitude in approaching uncertainties, if misfortunes shake us, make us fall to our knees, we always stand up regressing to the resilient Juan that we are.

size and protect their information, users can do the following:

●Utilizing the privacy settings to share content to personal preferences only.

●Practice cyber hygiene to avoid random detachments that might proliferate personal data.

●Reviewing digital footprint through searching up own names.

Amidst continuing to move forward thus arriving to the domains of the latest trends, it is crucial that we maintain a good attitude and put our safety above all, be it physical or digital.

Common Apps that we are not aware AI

BY JAMES BALBINO

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly improved and is used in many industries. AI is widely used in mobile app development. Several apps we use daily are backed by AI algorithms we may not even realize.

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter employ AI to recommend content, personalize feeds, and detect hate speech and fake news. Machine learning algorithms examine user activity and predict what we might desire next on these sites. AI apps include Siri, Alexa, and Google

Assistant. These virtual assistants employ natural language processing to interpret and answer our questions. Its simplicity and capacity to aid us with daily tasks like setting reminders and making calls are making them more popular.

Google Maps and Waze employ AI to recommend routes based on real-time traffic.

Machine learning algorithms that evaluate GPS and traffic camera data enable this.

Photoshop and Lightroom employ AI to edit photos. These tools automatically adjust

brightness, contrast, and color balance and remove undesirable objects.

Spotify and Apple Music employ AI to recommend playlists based on listening behavior. Machine learning algorithms examine our music tastes and recommend new artists and tracks.

AI is part of our daily life, including our apps. AI algorithms increase user experience and service in social media and healthcare. As AI technology advances, more apps will use it.

PHOTO FROM ANHS SAVERS CLUB

Alabel Team Clinches Gold in Women’s 4x50m Medley Relay with Stunning Comeback

Jhanna Idul, Nikki Dammang, Julyza Keith Galope, and Alexandra Trish Serad of Alabel brushed off Kiamba, Glan, Maasim, and Maitum, anchoring the gold medal in

2024.

Alabel tankers coordinated

On the first leg, Kiamba’s leadoff tanker picked up the early lead at the 50-meter mark, followed by Glan, then Maasim, who made a move inside to overtake Maitum in second place, with Alabel in last place at 45.6 seconds. Passing it over now to the next tanker, Alabel took the lead as Jhanna Idul executed a flawless endurance, taking 45.7 seconds. IDUL led, followed by Kiamba and Glan, who battled for second place, while Maasim and Maitum were at the last position, executing at a lightning pace. The third leg, anchored by Julyza Keith Galope, hurried off the starting blocks with lightning speed after Sequita’s changeover at 1:31.9. Glan, and Maasim. Alabel tankers remained in the lead after the last changeover of Galope and the anchor leg, Serad. Kiamba’s Angelica Sulay, Myrna Reyes, Maria Abraham, and Gina Castino timed 1:40.23, while Glan’s Lita Purisima, Gregoria Ayon, Lely Bazar, and Salisima Edulian secured the bronze medal in 1:48.82.

Sarangani nudges Kidapawan; gains ticket to Palarong Pambansa 2024

Raynalyn B. Pagrad and Georgina Alissi J. Catolico of Sarangani emerged victorious in the table tennis secondary girls doubles final against Kidapawan at the SRAA 2024 held at Robinsons Place, General Santos City. Their hard-fought win came after a thrilling 3-2 match on May 15, showcasing their skill and strategic finesse.

The match began with a display of strength and coordination from Sarangani, securing the first set 11-8 through strong attacks and coordinated teamwork. However, Kidapawan’s Lyhla Saguritan and Cheyne Engay mounted a resilient comeback in the second set, overcoming a deficit to win convincingly with an 11-4 scoreline.

The third set saw Kidapawan take an early lead at 10-4, but Sarangani fought back fiercely, narrowing the gap to 10-7 before sealing the set with a thrilling 13-11 victory. As tension mounted in the fourth set, both teams engaged in intense rallies and precise shots. Sarangani maintained their composure, clinching the set 11-7 and setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

Reflecting on their performance, Pagrad expressed disbelief at their victory, highlighting their determination after a previous defeat. In the decisive final set, both teams battled relentlessly, with Kidapawan holding match point. Sarangani responded with grit and determination, leveling the score to force a second deuce. A decisive backhand punch from Sarangani secured the victory with a thrilling 13-11 win.

With this hard-fought triumph, Sarangani solidified their status as contenders and eagerly anticipate showcasing their talent at the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in July 2024.

Estiva’s Resilience Earns Shot Put Gold at SRAA Meet 2024

In an impressive display of strength and technique, Franz Nerry B. Estiva of Sarangani Voltz emerged victorious in the Secondary Boys’ shot put event, clinching the gold medal with a remarkable throw of 10.37 meters, after committing two consecutive foul throws during the SRAA Meet 2024 at AC Acharon Sports Complex, General Santos City, May 15.

Unajan Overcomes Cordero in Epic Arnis Duel to Win SRAA 2024 Half-Lightweight Title

Lourd Anthony B. Unajan of Sarangani division emerged as the victor in a gripping showdown within the Labanan Halflightweight category Arnis boys’ secondary championship game. His opponent, John Kenneth A. Cordero from the Sultan Kudarat division, stood as a formidable obstacle in the fiercely contested match that unfolded during the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet 2024. The stage was set at Robinsons Place, General Santos City, on the memorable date of May 15.

The encounter commenced with Cordero launching a relentless assault of powerful strikes, momentarily causing a ripple of uncertainty in Unajan’s demeanor.

However, as if summoned by the challenge, Unajan swiftly recalibrated his focus and executed a series of maneuvers that showcased his finesse and agility. With calculated precision and deft footwork, he managed to seize the initiative and carve out a lead, ultimately clinching the first round with a score of 6-3, much to the awe of the spectators witnessing the spectacle unfold before them.

Yet, the battle was far

from over. As the second round commenced, Cordero displayed a renewed vigor, landing two consecutive strikes that threatened to shift the momentum in his favor.

Undeterred, Unajan dug deep into his reserves, summoning a resilience that bordered on the heroic. With a display of skill and determination, he retaliated with a barrage of strikes aimed at Cordero’s defenses, gradually chipping away at his opponent’s resolve.

Despite Cordero’s valiant efforts, Unajan’s relentless assault proved insurmountable, culminating in a triumphant victory with a final score of 7-4.

Alabel NHS averts disaster, nips Maasim for Sepak Takraw gold

Starting out flat, Alabel NHS pulled the rug in second and third set in a barrage of kills that silenced Maasim in a 8-point deficit, 2-1 (19-21, 21-13, 21-13), stealing the top of the podium in 2024 Sarangani Provincial Athletics Association Sepak Takraw Championship in Alabel National High School, 15th of March, 2024. With multiple service errors and out-of-bound spikes from

Salip’s Brilliance Leads Stunning Win over

Kiamba Pink

Panthers

in SPAA 2024 Basketball Finals

Alabel Bulldogs exhibited their exceptional ball prowess as they prevailed against Kiamba Pink Panthers in the much-awaited Sarangani Provincial Athletics Association (SPAA) 2024 held at Alabel Gymnasium, March 15. The captivating event drew avid basketball watchers in all directions, as Alabel secured a commanding victory with a score of 44-37, Star player Salip’s outstanding performance solidifies his team dominance throughout the game.

Kent James Salip lead his team to triumph, who displayed a remarkable performance with 14 points, six rebounds and eight assists. His tactical maneuvers and unstoppable shots were pivotal in ensuring their team’s victory.

“Syempre masaya dahil may 1st win na ang Bulldogs sa Provincial Meet,” MVP Salip said expressing his happiness about the game, “Masaya rin dahil maraming sumusupporta sa amin” he added.

Deil Angeles, the key player of the opposing team, Kiamba, expresses disappointment, “Lain kay hapit nato naka apas ganina, nya kanang kuan ba ang momentum napud ang kalaban. Mao to bawi nalang

Maasim, Alabel NHS seized the gold where they coupled the latter’s failures with crosscourt spikes and down-the-line kills as well as quick receives that dazed their rivals. Alabel claimed the first points of the first set, sending the ball with force on the other side of the court in domination, 15-10.

guro mi sunod,”. Alabel’s rampage began in the early moments of the game, as they depict a familiar occurrence showcasing a flawless teamwork and coordination established the tone to an intense battle, concluding the first canto to a 17-6.

The exhilarating part of the match unfolded as both teams battled fiercely for dominance. With series of successive shots and rallies of strategic plays, the Alabel Bulldogs succeeded to outshine their rivals, as the period ended with a

head coach of Alabel Bulldogs said about their strategy in winning the game against Kiamba Pink Panthers.

The game advanced in a heart-stopping display of prowess as Maasim attempted to catch up with a block that made them level, 17-17. Shooting the ball with their head, Alabel lost the first set over Maasim’s successful attempt, 19-21. Poised with calmness, the victory-thirsty takraw players of Alabel remained undeterred. The latter wiped out a 3-point deficit from Maasim, trapping them in just 3 points in the first few minutes of the second set, 8-3. Combined with attacks that left their foes gasped for breath, Alabel managed to scrape past Maasim’s tight defense, and so dominating the second set in 21-13. The gold medalists stayed within their

Sarangani-Born Ripdos Triumphs in Girls’ Singles Lawn Tennis

BY

Sarangani-bred Sheloh Angelie C. Ripdos, representing General Santos City and originating from Glan, Sarangani Province, asserted her dominance in the inaugural clash of the SRAA girls’ singles lawn tennis tournament.

Under the relentless sun at the General Santos City Tennis Court, Ripdos faced off against the formidable Claire Astara Daga-as from South Cotabato. Ripdos captivated the audience with her pinpoint accuracy and agile footwork, evoking admiration from all in attendance.

With each stroke, Ripdos showcased her prowess, leaving Daga-as struggling to maintain pace. The match concluded with Ripdos clinching a resounding victory, overwhelming her adversary with an impressive 8-1 triumph, securing eight out of nine games and reaffirming her supremacy on the court.

Noteworthy is Ripdos’s journey to this triumph, underscored by her unwavering dedication and rigorous

training regimen, meticulously overseen by Coach Ivy Joy Maloto and trainer Mr. Romer Cuyag. Reflecting on her victory, Ripdos credited her success to her relentless pursuit of excellence, emphasizing the importance of consistency, focus, and determination in her training regimen.

Of significant import, this victory holds profound meaning for Ripdos as she gears up for her final shot at glory in the Palarong Pambansa, with the forthcoming event set to transpire in Cebu. Remarkably, Ripdos, a product of Sarangani, has maintained an impeccable attendance record at the Palarong Pambansa throughout her illustrious career, further accentuating the significance of her remarkable triumph.

the Women’s 4 x 50m Medley Relay in Sarangani National Sports Academy, March 15,

BY SHAIRA KAREN MATULAC

BY SHAIRA KAREN MATULAC BY

BY ROBERT BALUYOT

BY ROBERT BALUYOT

PHOTO BY KHANNY JOHN LUCERO

PHOTO BY KHANNY JOHN LUCERO

PHOTO BY KHANNY JOHN LUCERO

Lourd

Raynalyn

Keneith Jane Palis of ANHS Spiking Aces soared to victory, clinching the championship title in the Municipal Meet Women’s Volleyball tournament at the Sarangani Sports Training Center on January 28.

Palis showcased her prowess on the court with a masterful straight-set win, outclassing the Alegria Spikers with scores of 25-20 and 25-18. Accumulating an impressive 24 points, including 16 attacks and 4 aces, Palis’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as she led her team to victory with precision and finesse.

Reflecting on her triumph, Palis attributed her success to her unwavering focus and determination during the match. “I just maintained my focus on the game, and once I gained momentum, I went all out,” she remarked. Her strategic plays and relentless drive propelled ANHS to sweep the win-streak set, adding another accolade to their growing list of achievements.

Despite facing fierce competition from the Alegria Spikers, ANHS exhibited remarkable resilience and teamwork throughout the match. Led by Princess Lato’s stellar double blocks, the team showcased unwavering determination and resilience, refusing to be deterred by their opponents’ advances.

In the face of Alegria’s spirited efforts to mount a comeback in the second set,

Palis once again rose to the occasion, delivering decisive spikes that left their opponents reeling. With precision and skill, Palis sealed the victory for ANHS, securing their place as champions of the Championship Game.

With this remarkable victory under their belt, ANHS Spikers are set to represent the Municipality of Alabel in the upcoming Sarangani Provincial Athletics Association Meet. As they prepare to face off against formidable opponents from across the province, the team is poised to continue their winning streak and showcase their talent on a larger stage. As they gear up for the Sarangani Provincial Athletics Association Meet, the ANHS Spiking Aces are not only focused on their athletic prowess but also on embodying the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. With their eyes set on further success, the team remains committed to pushing their limits and striving for excellence both on and off the court. With the support of their coaches, teammates, and the entire Alabel community behind them, the

Sarangani-bred Sheloh Angelie C. Ripdos,

PHOTO BY KHANNY JOHN LUCERO