SYNTAXSIREN

The important policy challenge confronting the Philippines is addressing the widespread poverty problem. Not only is poverty high in comparison to other East Asian countries, but its reduction is so slow that the country has become the region’s basket case.

According to the preliminary results of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) in 2021, the population poverty incidence, defined as the proportion of Filipinos whose per capita income cannot meet their basic food and necessities, was 18.1%. In 2021, approximately 3.50 million families, or 13.2%, were classified as poor. These data show the reality of what our public education system is facing today. School closures have a long-term negative impact on today’s youths, and these two factors are likely to affect children’s economic potential and productivity in adulthood. All of this contributes to the overall picture of the current system’s growing concerns. Not only that, the effects of learning poverty are devastating. Children who lack the skills and knowledge they need to succeed are more likely to experience poverty and unemployment as adults. They are also more likely to suffer from poor health, to engage in criminal activity, and to experience other negative outcomes. The cost of this learning poverty is not just borne by the children themselves, but by society as a whole. The good news is that there are solutions to learning poverty, and they do not have to be expensive or complex. Improving the quality of education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. This means investing in teacher training, creating well-resourced classrooms, and providing children with access to technology and other resources. It also means providing support for families, so that they can help their children to succeed. But the most important thing we can do to address learning poverty is to take it seriously. This means acknowledging that it is a real problem, and that it demands immediate action. It also means recognizing that every child has the right to a quality education, regardless of their background or their family’s income. Learning poverty is a tragedy that demands immediate action. By investing in education and taking this issue seriously, we can give millions of children the tools they need to succeed and build a brighter future for themselves and for our society as a whole. And, it’s up to us to take the necessary steps to secure a brighter future for all Filipinos. So, the question is, are we ready to make a change?

First proposed by Vice President Sara Duterte, the announcement of the practice being brought back to college students sparked heated debates amongst the current and older generations. With possibilities of implementing it to the secondary level and with senior high school students barely entering the standard legal age, the UN Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict were opposed to the decision of further pushing this regulation due to the violations of a citizen’s natural rights. Neglecting the freedom to choose, it may lead to inevitable consequences, with the country swirling into a loophole that may lead to economic disasters.

Slammer Freedom

Students are always put under the pressure of education. The new administration nevertheless decided to pursue this program in an effort to make sure that no Filipino is unprepared whenever conflict or possible warfares occur.

While the National by Service Training Program (NSTP) has been announced as a two-year service to the army, it doesn’t hide the fact that students would be restless during that time because it will eat up the time that they use for their weekends. As long as the government meets the demands of its students while they are in training, this will have a significant impact on promoting nationalism and patriotism in the Philippines. Although this might be good for the nation and to restore the right conduct of the students, it is a disadvantageous drawback for those who intend to advance in their studies but are forced to commit to it.

Inevitable Conse-

The Philippines has been struggling with debt that will cost trillions of dollars by 2023. ROTC might help, but it also puts the nation in danger.

France Castro, a representative for the Alliance of Concerned Teachers and UP Incorporat, claimed that this program is a chance for government officials to be corrupt with the money of the people. As time passes, the country’s rapid inflation affects us, prices quickly tripled.

For many years, the school uniform has embodied the identity of millions of students in the Philippines. School uniforms will not be required in public schools for the year 2022-2023; that’s what Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte implemented, which elicited a variety of reactions and differing opinions. Duterte reasoned that she implemented this policy to alleviate the burden on families in the midst of rising prices and the loss of livelihood caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the implementation of the Republic Act, the advantages of uniforms are put into a disadvantageous light, hindering equalization of the students,

Wearing school uniforms equalizes all the student’s in the school premises, upholding a sense of unity in the environment. When students wear different clothes, there will be rising possibilities of adversely affecting the self esteem of other students, employing a notion of financial imbalance due to wearing wornout and outdated clothes.

Wearing school uniform acts as a financial buffer, closing socioeconomic gaps between students, wherein no students shall feel eliminated from whatever clothes they choose to wear or their financial circumstances allow them to wear.

The thought of what to wear to school should be the last thing on a student’s mind, not the first. It eliminates the need for students to fret about what to wear to school, wisefully using time properly. Further, the lingering issue of appearance remains among students these days, and they agonize and worry about their clothes and what they wear. However, the primary aim of a school is to educate, not to flaunt fashion. Some may argue that clothes allow an individual to freely express themselves – individual expression – while uniforms provide mindless compliance. Allowing students to wear whatever they want in accordance with the rules creates a safe space for students to discover and show who they are and what they want to be. In contrast to this, uniforms enable the individual within to shine through without their socioeconomic status being apparent in the clothes they wear. Uniforms help level the playing field. And if the government is concerned about costs and wants to reduce the expenses of poor families, why not make school uniforms free? Isn’t free uniforms more beneficial to poor people and promote practicality than implementing non-mandatory uniform wear?

Rotting Band-aid Solution

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With new students joining the ROTC each year, the budget and funds allocated for them may decrease. People may argue that there is a tax every year, but that tax wouldn’t be enough to pay for it. Corruption is still pervasive, nearly hard to guarantee that every person receiving training will have their needs met.

Beneficial yet faulty

The students’ education and promising futures are hampered by the spare, which acts like a string around their feet that pulls them into a loophole. They might not benefit from it, but the nation might. With promised nationalism and deportment to the students, others are disciplined for which they can be held accountable. As a result, the dangers of this program can be felt by millions of people. The past, which is shifted with all the changes happening all the time, is very different from the present. Although it might be advantageous, the ROTC program could be a risk for the country and its people. Amid the corrupt administration, change is impossible.

“I’ve been so annoyed at these ‘bike lanes’. They didn’t create extra space, it was just carved out of a car lane. So they still share it with cars or trucks. It still isn’t safe for riders. When we need to drive past a bicycle on the service road, we still have to counterflow a little bit, or they have to squeeze themselves closest to the sidewalk. It’s such a band aid solution, and it isn’t even a fresh bandaid,” Ingka Magnaye commented.

Bicycle lanes in the Philippines have been seen as a step towards promoting healthy and sustainable modes of transportation, but the current state of these lanes has left much to be desired. In many cases, the lanes are in disrepair, making them a danger to cyclists, and often just a segment of a car lane, making it difficult for cyclists to feel safe and confident on the roads.

This has led to the perception that the current bicycle lanes in the Philippines are a “rotting band aid” – a temporary solution that is not properly addressing the problem.

Some people are far more concerned than the flow of traffic. They blabber complaining that prohibiting cars on bike lanes causes heavy traffic, which is unjust as their vehicle is part of the traffic. They show the idea that roads are exclusively made for cars, which is incorrect.

The current state of bicycle lanes poses a significant safety risk to cyclists. When lanes are in disrepair, or just a segment of a car lane, cyclists are exposed to the dangers of traffic and accidents. Research has shown that when dedicated bike lanes are present and properly maintained, the risk of accidents decreases, and cyclists feel more confident on the roads.

Additionally, bikes are eco-friendly. Simple promotions and support to the lanes encourages more people to use bicycles and lessen carbon footprints leading to pollution and global warming. Seeing people safe in the bike lanes makes people want to try and help reach a sustainable 2030. Simple solutions don’t mean they are real solutions

The current state of bicycle lanes also undermines the goal of reducing traffic congestion. When dedicated bike lanes are not available, or are in disrepair, people are less likely to switch from cars to bikes, perpetuating the cycle of traffic congestion and air pollution. Furthermore, studies have shown that cities with well-designed and maintained bike lanes have better traffic flow compared to those without, indicating the importance of having proper infrastructure for bike-riding.

Opponents of the criticism of the current state of bicycle lanes may argue that the cost of implementation and maintenance is too high and that the limited road space should be reserved for cars.

However, research has shown that the cost of implementing and maintaining bike lanes is minimal, and the benefits of improved bicycle lanes far outweigh the costs. In terms of road space, dedicated bike lanes take up minimal space and can actually improve traffic flow by reducing congestion caused by cars.

A realistic solution to address these concerns is to allocate dedicated funding for the improvement and maintenance of bicycle lanes, as well as establish partnerships between the government, private sector, and communities to promote bike-riding as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation. In addition, proper enforcement and education campaigns can be established to ensure that cyclists and motorists alike follow traffic rules and regulations. The current state of bicycle lanes in the Philippines is far from ideal, leaving much to be desired. The “rotting band aid” solution is not enough, and proper investment is needed to create safe and dedicated spaces for cyclists. With proper funding, enforcement, and community support, bike-riding can become a preferred mode of transportation in the country, creating a better future for both people and the environment. The question remains: are we willing to make the necessary investments to create a better future for cyclists in the Philippines?

The Fragile Fabric of Life on Land

BuildingSerenityBridges: Found in

The environment is a breathing entity, ceaselessly morphing to the capricious whims of nature’s forces. From the sprawling forests to the lush grasslands, every nook and cranny teems with vitality, brimming with energy that sustains the very fabric of existence. Amidst the pine-scented air and towering trees, a multitude of creatures seeks shelter and sanctuary Agile goats climb cliffs in the mountains, while grazing herds and eagles roam. Sparse vegetation clings to life in harsh desert conditions, yet even there, life finds a way.

United We Stand, Diverse We Flourish

“We cannot hope for sustainable development without peace, stability, human rights, and effective governance,” the United Nations Development Program expressed in their article about Sustainable Development Goal 16. This goal aims to provide an inclusive and serene environment for the people to live in. The main calling of this goal is envisioned to improve respect for human rights, protection of the vulnerable, the rule of law, and good governance. Human rights provide sovereignty for us to make choices and be able to prosper as human beings. Humans deserve dignity in our society. That is why re- spect for one another’s rights is important.

Whilst land may seem to boast an alluring, tenacious exterior, the reality is that it confronts an array of obstacles that imperil the intricate equilibrium of its ecosystems. In response to deforestation and unrestrained resource exploitation, humanity has put great pressure on the terrestrial sphere, aggravating existing problems and pushing many species to extinction. Yet, amidst the turmoil and chaos, optimism remains. Under the banner of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 15): Life on Land, the United Nations aims to restore and preserve the world’s natural wonders. While being a challenging task, it is one that is not totally hopeless.

Establishing peace and order in communi- ties isn’t really impossible. It is always up

Beyond Bubbles

The deep seas of our planet have always had a mysterious allure with their unknown depths and creatures. But there is something more than just the beauty and serenity of the oceans that captures attention. There surrounds an air of mystery as if something is lurking in the shadows, part of mysterious figures seeking to target the tranquility that there is. As these mysterious substances come closer to shore, they cast a veneer of mystery over the area and create a sense of unease among those who inhabit its waters. Uncover ing what lies beneath this enigmatic veil of secrecy are merciless deaths of aquatic existence that await a fate of exploitation.

But beyond the gloomy waters are streamline of movements sustained by life under water advocates who pool resources to shield the creatures that dwell beneath from the constant anxiety from the dangers of pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing. In a bid to save these creatures from further harm, the United Nations has established the Sustainable Develop ment Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water. While celebrating the endless wonders of the realm below, they also seek to raise awareness to the endless terror, aiming to protect and conserve marine life in order to suppress further harm.

Amidst the plethora of Sustainable Development Goals that are of utmost significance, the 17th Goal stands out like a vibrant prism, adding hues of solidarity to our world. It bolsters our collective efforts by strengthening the means of implementation and invigorating global partnerships for sustainable development. As we march ahead into a more sophisticated and evolved society, fostering camaraderie is an indis- pensable mandate.

SDG 17 unfurls the significance of global partnerships. It serves as a catalyst for fulfilling all the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering a sense of unity among nations. SDG 17 encompasses a broad spec- trum of domains ranging from supporting econo- mies and exports, provid- ing succor to developing countries, and enhancing the quality of life for all individuals.

Pink-Tainted Steps and the Sole Rose

Persistent poverty, worsened by years of corruption and neglect, has left many in the country struggling to meet even their most basic needs. To make progress towards alleviating these dire circumstances, organizations like the “Angat Buhay Foundation” have emerged. The foundation was founded and launched by former Vice-President Leni Robredo and focuses on improving health, edu- cation, food security, and disaster risk response. By working on these fronts, the foundation has already become the “biggest volunteer movement” in the country, with projects aimed at addressing poverty in a holistic manner.

Even small efforts can spark change, and the Angat Bu- hay Foundation is working to ignite a movement for progress in battling pov- erty in the country. In the midst of these difficult circum- stances, a sole rose blooms as a symbol of hope.

Any Bitter Food is Sweet to the Hungry

“To end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture” The 2nd Sustainable Development Goal sets a significant outcome humanity must strive for.

To have a full stomach is a right, yet it is still deprived from over 345.2 million people around the world. Established in 2015, and set to be achieved by 2030, time is ticking— and we must all work together to make our way from humanity’s stomach, to humanity’s heart.

There’s plenty of food for everyone in the world— so, why does hunger still affect the vast population? The answer is, access and obtainability. Marginalized populations struggle to obtain and access food, resulting in a problem in which the United Nations is in pursuit of solving— World Hunger.

Good Health is True Wealth

Through the highs and lows, don’t be co erced for your well-being always comes first. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations are a persuasion to countries to recognize worldwide issues and call out for action, serving as a blueprint for the world’s peace and prosperity, not just now but also for the future. Over the years, millions of lives are lost due to poverty. Lack of food, water, and sanitation could be very fatal to one’s health. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being advocates for countries to take action on the problem.

Think of it as a plant, when you ignore it and recklessly let them be, it will rot and wither away. But, if you take care of them and prevent them from things that will cause them to die. They will reward you by bearing gifts in the form of flowers or fruits. In this perspective, the plant is your health and the gifts are your goals in life. Anything can be achieved with good health.

No matter the circumstances, health should always be our first priority. And with this goal to help and guide us on our way to a healthier environment, we are taking one step forward in meeting the global goals. Creating a healthy image will be another way to persuade people and as more people become influenced, we will progress, building a bridge to a safer and better place.

Blemishing and Fading

Stored for an inordinate length of time, the leaves and spine of books are often tarnished due to factors that confined them to a solitary position — unable to keep their existing quality. Similarly, the quality of education fac- es resembling circumstances. Chained to the after-effects of the still-existing pandemic, it is the entirety of an institution’s students and learners that are perturbed by the sudden decrease of the essence of education.

However, in the most recent GCED Hybrid Caravan held in October 2022, at- tempts to still and further ameliorate the quality despite the hurdles faced are evident under the reign of Dr. John R. Mina in the Cauayan City Science and Technology High School — liberating education and systems of teach- ing and contributing to a progressive school environment. Through his meticulous eyes, observing what can be improved within the given circumstances, his great mind thought of Project BRAVE (Braving COVID), and a fundraising campaign entitled “Tulong mo, Alay mo” was implemented. The fundraising campaign was established to create a radio lab and air lessons daily – reinforcing the initiative of making education accessible to all and of high caliber to all students in the school.

Climate change is one of the greatest existential threats facing humanity today, and its impact can already be felt in every corner of the world. In recent years, there has been a growing movement of individuals and organizations working to raise awareness about the issue and promote solutions.

At the grassroots level, there are numerous organizations and campaigns working to raise awareness about climate change and promote action. One such organization is 350.org, which describes itself as a “global movement of people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.”

The organization has organized numerous rallies, marches, and other events to raise awareness about the issue and pressure policymakers to take action. Despite these challenges, there are reasons to be hopeful about the future of climate action. The growing awareness and mobiliza- tion around the issue, coupled with the declining cost of renewable energy and other technologies, suggest that a transition to a low-carbon economy is possible.

As we all know nowadays our health is our wealth, as we learned during this pandemic. Thecsaying “Health is Wealth” means that health is the biggest wealth anybody can have. Anything can be achieved if we have good health. It is not enough to have money alone weccan make good use of wealth only if we have good health. Health is a blessing. That is the true gem of life and man’s most priceless asset. If a man’s health is lost, the world loses all of its appeals to him. A fulfilling life depends on good health, which is the most priceless gift after life.

“Laughter is the best medicine”. By overcoming our wrath, greed, fear, envy, and animosity, we may maintain our composure. A healthy man’s life is his true wealth. He can live life to the fullest because of it. Wealthy individuals may or may not always be healthy, but healthy individuals are always wealthy.

A man’s greatest possession is his self-regard and decorum. Pos- sibly the most essential character- istic of a farmer is having unyielding patience, and honoring the bountiful harvest of their province. The foundation of a person is built on sincere efforts and hard work. This is the mark of a successful farmer who will stay in the game for the longest run.

Patience, persistence, perseverance, and passion help them push through all the challenges and failures. The smile on their faces when they sell their crops to buy the needs of their families. The field is an arena of difficulty and trouble. Farmers tend to be predominantly enterprising individuals, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others. They’re everyone’s superheroes as they say “mag tanim ay di biro” for they sacrifice their physical, emotional, and mental health to just provide rice, corn, and many more.

Farming nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in many ways that money can’t buy. Many of the best things in life are indeed free. The splendor of sunrise, the rapture of wide open spaces, and the exhilarating sight of spring.

The 10th Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations aims to reduce inequalities by 2030. According to the United Nations’ latest infographic from their website, “[o]ne in five people have experienced discrimination.” Discrimination sparks terror among individuals and countries.

Every big thing comes from small things. The government has a vital role in promoting development goals, and having good governance makes a dif- ference. The government is trying to work hard to end racial injustice, age discrimination, misogyny, and general discrimination. The world is always at its best when it is a safe place to live. Reducing inequalities is just one of the 17 building blocks for achieving a sustainable 2030. One step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Equality doesn’t mean less rights for you. Not everything is about you.

GCED Hybrid Caravan honored Dr. John R. Mina for his contributions to the Cauay- an City Science and Technology High School. The school conceptualized rain- water recycling facili- ties and weather-resilient containers to serve as water sources for the school’s vegetable gar- den and cleaning poli- cies. The stagnant ponds were converted into rice paddies, managed by re- silient students and school staff, which became a site for extensive research proj- ects..

These determined efforts show that even the smallest building blocks can lead to sig- nificant change and development.

In between the skyscrapers and the honking of cars, there are those who work tirelessly in the day to make ends meet, yet they are often left without a voice. Holding back the skills and talents of these valued members of the community is exactly where the government falls short, failing to bring the promise of a new day.

Out and Proud: The Radiant Spectrum of Pride

We have come a long way in LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility, but the year 2022 might be the first year in which Pride Month becomes a broader, embracing, and diverse observance of pride, sol- idarity, and an all-around appreciation for the LGBTQIA+ community, as the country slowly opens its doors to notice their existence. Despite how the community has faced and continues to face discrim- ination and adversity on all levels, including the pursuit of happiness, Pride Month is a time when every platform “brings everyone together” to recognize all genders, ethnicities, and expressions of attraction, standing to- gether to recognize existence.

Hanging precariously from the loose yet verdant leaves, water droplets are seen adorning the palms of these plants as they vivaciously glimmer under the morning rays of the sun. However, as droplets come in the most insignificant amounts and are often overlooked, they bear a poignant reminder of the critical need for the accessibility of clean water and proper sanitation – evoking a keen sense of environmental apprehension.

As a bright prospective unfolds, individuals and communities have the ability to make a genuine impact in the bright future by taking charge of their energy consumption.

Ensuring the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation, the SDG rippled repercussions, aiming for equitable and universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and hygiene which eliminates poverty and addresses water scarcity. These missions reflect the significance of clean water and sanitation — highlighting the overall need for a collaborative effort and global cooperation in dealing with these water-related hurdles.

It is no longer just a pipe dream to hope for a green and sustainable future; it can actually be a vibrant reality that is apparent, visible, and audible throughout the entire city. It is only through a unified front of people, groups, and institutions that Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy will be realized. One day, as it is anticipated, cities will be able to tap into the power of renewable energy sources to lessen their reliance on fossil fuels with the aid of modern innovations.

A better quality of life and a more promising future are two benefits of good work for employees. Businesses will earn more from increased produc- tivity and competi- tiveness. The results are a stronger, more resilient economybenefitting everyone as a whole.

The lamps’ warm glow brightens the path as the sun sets over the city. SDG 7 drives a brighter future for everyone, where sustainability and progress might go hand in hand and where the demands of the present are satisfied without compromising the conditions of the future.