Nudo Veritas 2019-2020 | Volume 25 No. 3

inside the issue 02 | news

Brigada Eskwela Plus Initiatives surges RS’ betterments Initiatives under the Brigada Eskwela Plus, the banner project of Gusa Regional Science High School (GRSHS-X) to the National Search for the Most Sustained School which ranked 4th in the Regional Level and showed betterments for the institution the past months, according to Jasmine Joy Tiempo, Brigada Eskwela coordinator.

06 | opinion

nudoveritas the power to write is the power to achieve

Vol. 25 No. 1 | The Official Publication of Gusa Regional Science High School-X Division of Cagayan de Oro City | Region X | June-October 2019

NEVER ENOUGH RegSci students share sentiments on some pressing issues

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by ROBERT GALLARDO

Against Our Own 47 years ago marked the shutdown of a free press and freedom of expression; the cessation of Congress; the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus; lowering of workers’ wages; restriction of any form of protest; violation of human rights. Under Ferdinand Marcos’ Martial Law, the Philippines was at war with itself.

tudents of the Regional Science High School System (RSHSS) of the Philippines showed their distress to the Department of Education (DepEd) and its support on the system through a student-led online conference which voice out their opinions. continue on page 4

10-11 | features

Filibusteros of the Past, Present and Future The battle that our forefathers started did not end when we reached independence. Lapu-Lapu who fought for the sake of his island did not waver upon seeing guns that put their bolos to shame.

Andres Bonifacio did not put his own political agenda on the battle against the conquestors. Jose Rizal dreamed and put hope on his pen, that someday the blood he will shed will trigger the ink that the youth will take.

14 | science

communityissue

developmentalnews

Better performance on Reading, Science, Math clamored

Teacher-issue creates buzz

PH entitled low PISA scores leave DepEd Secretary, teachers to review on teaching

by ROBERT GALLARDO

The Fault in Our Lines

by MELIZA ROCAT

Philippines is unfortunately a member of the Pacific Ring of Fire which belts of active seismic places converge at ends of each continental plate.

Shown on the results of the Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA) by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Philippines ranked lowest in Reading and second lowest in both Science and Mathematics among 79 countries, leaving the country in awe for a better performance.

nudoonline

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The assessment was given to 600,00 students from the participating countries on a two-hour computer-based test.

The announcement that the country was lowest in Reading even though the country’s medium of instruction is English, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones expressed her opinions on the issue at hand.

“English is clearly a weakness of our learners and could possibly have taken effect on their performance,” Briones said.

“Therefore I direct the Curriculum and Instruction Office to look into the proficiency in English, particularly in Science and Math.”

infigures

PHILIPPINES’ PISA Performance

Aware of the low proficiency the students have in literacy and especially in Science and Math, Secondary Principal I of Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) also shared her sentiments after being interviewed about the matter.

“Yes, given that the learners here in our country are supposedly knowledgeable in English literacy, and of course, our main subjects in our school, Science and Math, I believe that the students - along with their determination and prowess can set their standards higher and do better, “ Galarpe expressed. continue on page 3 Art by JAMES PUNSALAN

Math

353 Science

357

Reading

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Tulfo’s words outrage teachers Media personality Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo has been currently targeted by the public after his “shameless” comments on a public school teacher being “exposed” on his radio show on November 22, leaving other teachers angry.

In an episode of Tulfo’s radio show entitled “Wanted sa Radyo” where different issues and conflicts are discussed, the broadcaster interviewed the parents and the grandmother of the Grade 2 student who sat outside the classroom as punishment for his failure to bring his report card thus, the matter at hand.

As shown on a CCTV footage, Melita Limjuce - the teacher who let the pupil sit outside for one whole period was also accused of verbal abuse according to local reports.

After being asked what consequence she wanted for the teacher, the mother- Rosemil Edroso - said, “Ayaw ko namang ipakulong siya. Magpahinga na lang siya, mawalan siya ng lisensya. [I do not want her to be in jail. Let her rest, her license be revoked.]

Tulfo, intrigued at the issue at hand, then asked the teacher over an aired phone call on his program if she would rather have the issue brought to court or just agree to have her license revoked.

“With all due respect, I’ll have to go with the mother and father’s decision, Limjuce responded.

As the matter sparked the attention of the netizens’ eyes, some pointed out that Tulfo and his program do not have the authority to address such conflicts if they knew it would leave a hasty view not just on Tulfo but to the whole production of the show, a netizen tweeted.

news

2 HOPE. Beneficiaries of the Brigada Plus program of Gusa Regional Science High - X (GRSHS-X) received basic school materials.

This program aims to extend support to the community of Barangay Gusa held last June 6, 2019.

Photo by ROBERT GALLARDO

Call For Justice PMA cadet death leaves family, friends mourning

by DANICA FABRO

Cagayan de Oro City (CDOC), home of the well-known PMA cadet Darwin Dormitorio mourned over his death and people who have been badly affected of his passing showed concerns.

“He could have been a great asset to our nation,” Mary Jean Ando Aparri former Grade 10 adviser of Dormitorio stated.

Aparri also stated that Dormitorio was a kind person and that he was passionate in reaching his dream of serving the country.

The Xavier Ateneo de Cagayan University community is in mourning of an alumnus in the senior high department.

Dormitorio’s teachers, family and friends attended a mass offered for him in Xavier University Senior High School Campus in Upper Carmen on 20 September of this year.

Hon. Oscar Moreno City Mayor mourned the tragic death of the cadet, who he described as a promising local boy whose dreams were shattered needlessly.

“We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the death and to leave no stone unturned. We also demand that justice be served regardless of any circumstance.

Dormitorio’s death should not pass unsolved,” said Moreno in a statement.

After the impending issue of the implementation of hazing in PMA, various protesters including some of Dormitorio’s batchmates and classmates hung their banners protesting for his justice.

“We will not be silent anymore, we have t bring justice for our batchmate for his death and his dedication,” a batchmate of Dormitorio stated.

CDOC Representative Rufus Rodriguez stated in an interview that his death happened “even if a stronger anti-hazing act was enacted.”

“This law prohibits hazing and imposes harsher penalties on organizers and participants of hazing, which is, quite ironically, did not prevent Dormitorio’s upperclassmen from hazing him which makes them just plain cruel,” Rodriguez added.

Aparri, Dormitorio’s former adviser in Corpus Christi School, shared her concerns regarding this impediment and stated that, “since this is already open to the public, I just want to ask, where is the justice that needs to be served the very soon for his kin and his friends?

She also hopes for the people seeing posts in the social media to be transparent and be open-minded enough given that the issue is already nation-wide.

bythenumbers

15 dengue cases in Gusa Regional Science High School - X from June to August 2019, according to Maria Carmen Ebron, WinS Coordinator.

“Though we cannot be sure na sa school galing yung source ng dengue dahil baka sa community ito nanggaling,” Ebron stated.

She also stated that in order to lessen the cases of dengue in the school, an action against this issue must be done.

The action of fogging did not do much in our school, according to School-Based Management (SBM) Moderator Erma Dapin.

According to Ebron, a massive clean-up drive must be implemented in the school.

insidenews

Brigada Eskwela Plus Initiatives surges RS’ betterments

by DANICA FABRO

Initiatives under the Brigada Eskwela Plus, the banner project of Gusa Regional Science High School (GRSHS-X) to the National Search for the Most Sustained School which ranked 4th in the Regional Level and showed betterments for the institution the past months, according to Jasmine Joy Tiempo, Brigada Eskwela coordinator.

One of the activities under the said project is the first family run in RS spearheaded by the GRSHS-X Alumni Association on the month of July.

The open stage was tiled and electric fans were installed to cater the students’ needs in their performance tasks. A running electronic board was

newsbits

also installed for public information. These were the improvements that were financed by the proceeds of the FamRun. 85K was given to the school from the proceeds of the FamRun which was participated in by parents, students, teachers, staff, administration and alumni.

by DANICA FABRO

OYDC plugs STRAW, AntiDiscrimination Ordinance

The Alumni Association representative through their president Joan Pacuribot expressed willingness to support their Alma Mater.

“We are very happy to see our younger brothers and sisters contented with the help we had extended to the school. I looked forward that each graduate of the school aimed to assist and support the school.”

“I was very happy and blessed to join the FAMRUN. Aside from winning, I was benefitted by the proceeds of the activity,” shared Godfrey Boter, third placer during the event.

Still headed by the GRSHS-X Alumni Association and in

partnership with the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) with its project “Share Blood, Save a Life: A Bloodletting Program” was held on June 15 of this year.

Blood donors came from the barangay community, faculty and staff, and alumni reached 30 blood bags in which extraction was facilitated

by NMMC medical staff and support of the GRSHS-X staff.

Another activity was the “gift-giving” activity extended to various pupils in the community.

The estimated number of 200 students in pre-school, elementary, and high school were the beneficiaries who came from different schools in

Oro Youth Development Council (OYDC) was pleased to join the Oro Youth Development Office under Interim Oro Youth Development Officer James Patrick Santos after consultation with Kagawads Girlie Balaba and Suzette Magtajas-Daba, on the passing of the Student’s Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Ordinance and the Anti-

the community, namely, Gusa Elementary School, East Gusa High School and Gusa Daycare students were given each with school kits sponsored by every section of GRSHS-X. In line with the Brigada Eskwela Plus initiatives, DepEd partners with indigenous communities in every region in the country implement the National Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Program.

The said program adheres to the rightsbased approach and the principles of participation, inclusion, and empowerment according to he DepEd Order No. 62.

Discrimination Ordinance, August 19, at the Country Village Hotel, this city.

The STRAW Ordinance aims to improve the quality of education in the city through exceptional student experience. Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance prohibits discrimination in the city based on disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity and religion.

Balaba pushed for the implementation of the city’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance during its regular session in the 19th City Council. The policy recommendations are only part of the Oro Youth Development Convergence in 2018 at the Oro Youth Leaders Convergence, an annual convention of all registered youth organizations based on the Oro Youth Code of 2018.

Number of underweight drops Feeding program hits the mark Duterte signs Bawal Bastos Law President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed into bill the Republic Act 11313 which punishes catcalling and harassment in both public and online spaces on April 17.

see on page 3

The number of ‘wasted’ students dropped after a once a week feeding activity was implemented.

Stakeholders and other sponsors were pouring in to support the feeding program of the school.

Jeyu Mandawe, a Grade 10 student was part of the feeding program for five years straight since Grade seven until Grade nine but is now out of the list.

“Sa una, gamay jud kog kaon and then pag apil nako og feeding, paspas nako mo eat og nag gain nako og weight,” shared Mandawe. (Before,

by JAMES PUNSALAN

NOURISHED. RS considers health and well-being of the students through weekly feeding program.

I don’t have the appetite to eat but when I joined the feeding activity I Iearned to eat vegetable and enjoyed the activity).

According to DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2017 School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) should be implemented in all public schools to monitor the ‘wasted’ chidren. Halthy food, mind and body is needed in the daily events of the students in school.

Now, the teachers-in-charge are looking for ways and means to make the feeding program to happen twice a week or even daily to get meaningful results.

Photo by DANICA FABRO

Students, Briones back push for no homework ASSURE.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones supports the “No Homework Policy” to inculcate stronger familial ties last October 5, 2019 during the World Teachers’ Day Photo by ROBERT GALLARDO

by SHAUN PAO

Some students of Gusa Regional Science High School (GRSHS-X) called for teachers and educators to limit the number of homework given to them weekly and some testified and disapproved, according to a survey.

On the aforementioned survey done by the Nudo Veritas, students wanted to spend their quality time with their parents and loved ones not just on holidays or weekends but everyday.

In the Junior High School up to the Senior High School, 88% of the 500 respondents approved and was for the lessening of homeworks and the

remaining answered no due to various reasons.

One of the students in the Grade 9 level, Maria Meliza Rocat, disapproved of this because according to her, “if there will be no homework, academic activities will increase in number and that it will be difficult to catch up.”

Meanwhile, according to a student in the Grade 10 level “It’ll be much better if

there is no homework so that the time spent for leisure either with family or friends will lengthen.”

In the survey conducted, two to five assignments are given to students and they ask them two to three hours to finish them one by one.

According to a Grade 11 student, it took him more than three hours to finish assignments not including the projects for performance task grades because there are too many assignments given.

“For me, dapat lang naman talaga na tanggalin ang

homework so that we students won’t be stressed too much,” he said.

However, a teacher in GRSHS-X approved of having no homework to students as it will not drain students’ energy but also decreases the time for their families.

“We spend eight hours in school but we don’t even have time for ourselves. To have a break, to relax and have stress-free moments with our family,” said Ariel Fabrigas, a Contemporary Arts teacher.

In addition, Leonor Magtolis

Briones Department of Education(DepEd) Secretary supports having no homework in all levels including the kindargarten up to the secondary levels.

According to her, all educational activities including assignments, projects, and formal study should be done inside the school.

Even though the policy has been made

by Deped, some schools still give homework.

“Ang gusto natin, pag-uwi nila, libre na sila, free time nila to be with their parents and friends,” she stated.

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NEWS

PSSST. Students of RS unsafe from the predators of sexual harassment even near campus grounds.

Photo by DANICA FABRO

bythenumbers

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Bawal Bastos Law chastens harassment in public and online spaces Duterte signs Safe Spaces Act President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed into law the Republic Act 11313 which punishes catcalling and harassment in both public and online spaces on April 17.

The said law, though signed in April, was released to the public on July. In accordance to the law, actions or deeds considered as genderbased sexual harassment in public areas are committed through unconsented sexual advances against any person, regardless of the motive.

These acts include catcalling, wolfwhistling, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, requests for personal details, statement of sexual

New edifice faces impediments

by DAN JUBAY

Students of GRSHS-X are still in high hopes for the construction of the 5-storey building in the current Research Laboratory to solve the shortage of classrooms for the School Year (SY) 20202021.

According to the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Coordinator Judith Marcaida, the construction of the building was delayed due to undergoing soil testing. The results showed that the test for the land is too soft and is not suitable for the installation of 10 classrooms in the building.

Marcaida also stated that one of the reasons why the construction is still not in progress is because of the consistent growth of the population of students for the school years intended for the actual year of construction.

The growth in number of students in SY 2019-2020 showed that from 1,118 from last year to 1,164 this school year. It showed that there is a 46 percent growth in population.

Because of this, the rooms intended only as a stand-alone are now being used as classrooms such as the Library and the Chemistry Laboratory.

“Although, it is dangerous to discuss in a classroom filled with fragile apparatus used for experiments, there are no other options but to understand and obey the instructions of the teacher,” a Grade 12 student stated.

A teacher using the Chemistry Laboratory as a classroom also stated that since there is an obvious lack of number of classrooms in the institution, she hopes that when the 5-storey building will be constructed, the students will not have to suffer the chances of putting objects at risk in the intended room.

by DANICA FABRO

comments and suggestions; public masturbation, groping, along many others.

It also includes gender-based online harassment, such as use of information and communication technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims through physical, psychological, and emotional threats, unwanted sexual misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist remarks and comments online.

Alexa Cesar, a grade seven student in Gusa Regional Science High School – X (GRSHS-X) has experienced numerous involvements in catcalling along the streets. Fortunately, she has always escaped from the hands of danger.

“When I was still in elementary, I used to get catcalled by teenage boys from ages 13-14 and they were from the same school where I studied. They would come up to me and put their hands over my shoulder and say nasty things,” Alexa said. She also added that the way she could escape was by threatening the boys that she would call her mother, but sometimes her yaya came to the rescue and drove away the boys.

“I think that the thing that stoped them was fear. They fear that I can charge them to the police so that they would be reprimanded.”

The acts of harassment, according to the Safe Spaces Act, may be punishable

Science, Journalism a good move - SPJ Adviser The institution has implemented--a Special Program for Journalism (SPJ) for the school year 2019-2020. This program enhances the journalistic skills of the students.

The SPJ section consisted of 35 students with Jeany Mae Macalam as the adviser of the class and Estormeo G. Serena as the journalism teacher. The school opened the program to the grade seven level.

“I think having a journalism class in a science high school is a good move,” Macalam said. “You see, science could not stand alone, it needs other discipline. In fact, the school has been a champion in the field of journalism.

The students should be trained well,” she emphasized.

The class has a normal curriculum, it is only the journalism subject which was added to replace computer subject.

by ROBERT GALLARDO

by DANICA FABRO

Placing second piqued concerns as Gusa Regional Science High School – X (GRSHS-X) Drum and Lyre Corps comment on their loss during the 2019 Higalaay Parade, albeit having placed first in 2017 and 2018.

“It’s just okay. Life is like a wheel.

Probably, we lacked time in practicing and that we grew in number. There are still so many Higalaay festivals to come,” Christian Montejo, President of GRSHS-X DLC, stated.

The members promised to exert more effort and give time to practice in order to get the crown again.

by SHAUN PAO

I hope this will be corrected,” Cris Macalinao Fire Officer I emphasized.

Senior Fire Officer I (SFO) Blaviano Enite Jr and 4 other BFP officers advised the students and teachers regarding the possible fire hazards in the school and what students should keep in mind. He stated, the training for first-aid and rescue should be implemented amongst not just to the students but also to the teachers and administrators.

The average rating of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) onlookers, Kagawad Leonides R. Wagac, Mr. Redentor A. Baloyos Sr. and Mr. Cipriano M. Diaz, was 92% which means that GRSHS-X was adjudged disaster-ready but improvements are needed to

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students of the school are in favor for the implementation of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) as they enter Senior High School (SHS) for the school year 2020-2021 regardless of its problems and health concerns, whether it is mandatory or not.

PH entitled lowest... continued from page 1 In correlation to November being the Reading and Engliish Month, Jasmine Tiempo, shared her sentiments as head of the English department of GRSHS-X about the result of the international assessment.

“Stereotyping the English language and not giving it much importance is the reason why we ranked poorly. If improving the proficiency of the students meant so much to the nation, I also advise my fellow educators in different institutions to do better and teach from the heart” she said.

Corps comment on DLC pressing concerns

SILVER. Despite the golden attire, RS grabbed silver from the recent Higalaay Festival, failing their third consecutive attempt for gold.

Photo by DANICA FABRO

BFP comments on RS’ disaster preparedness

All public agencies are enjoined to have this quarterly drills. During the drills, the proper things to do were done repeatedly so people will know how to respond to calamities calmly.

Last July 19, demonstration of proper rescue was conducted by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), exhibition of bucket-relay fire extinguishing activity and proper use of fire extinguishers were conducted by the Boys Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and some students .

“I observed that some students did not take the drill seriously, as most of them were just standing and having no care at all. But luckily, they followed the necessary actions to be done during drills a few minutes later. Anyway. This is a normal reaction and

from community service of 12 hours up to arresto menor or imprisonment for six months or arresto mayor in maximum period depending on what specific deeds were done.

According to the new law, “It is the policy of the state to value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for human rights. It is likewise the policy of the state to recognize the role of women in nation-building and ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.”

“To be honest, happy ko na apil ko sa SPJ kay daghan ko kauban na mga aspiring journalists dinhi,” Prince Calio, a student from the SPJ, said. (I am happy that I belonged to the SPJ class because I am with aspiring journalists).

Another student pressed her concern on how overwhelming it is to be in the SPJ class. “Maka-pressure siya actually,” she stressed. (There are lot of pressures around).

Though there are a lot of questions regarding the SPJ program, “let us give this program to flourish,” stated Brenda P. Galarpe, school head.

“Just like a double-edged sword, science and journalism are placed on two opposite edges, they must go together to cut things sharply,” Macalam explained.

Drills toll quarterly The officers of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Lapasan Station along with the staff of GRSHS-X conducted the quarterly earthquake and fire drills to strengthen the preparedness of the students to respond to calamities.

out of

improve the school’s disasterreadiness.

The said drill was made possible and successful by the barangay officials and the school administration, led by Christian Gem C. Pimentel, the school Disaster Risk Reduction Management (SDRRM) coordinator.

“I agree with the average rating they have given us kay to be honest, dili pa kaayo ta ready ug usahay, dugay makaabot sa field and estudyante,” DRRMC Coordinator Gem Pimentel quoted.

Pimentel also stated to always remember the drills the school has implemented them to do like the usual drop, cover, and hold and preparation of 48-hour kits in case calamities happen.

Samuel Linog DLC Coordinator stressed, “We really lack time.”

Consistent members of DLC also showed their concern stating, "last year, mas chada pa among training og mas disciplined mi."

Former DLC President Christian Gonzaga explained how the band would usually practice for the Rotary but was unable to join this year.

“Sayang lang kay nagexpect jud mi na makapil sila and win [It was a wasted opportunity because we [former corps] expected that they would join again this year and win],” Gonzaga stated.

The corps placed second last year on the same competition, and Liceo University placed first this year.

STAGED. Students perform quarterly school fire and earthquake drill last July 19 to prepare students in real-time events.

Photo by CARMEL SOLARTE

4

NEWS

bythenumbers

9 out of

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Students in GRSHS-X conclude that the proper segregation of waste is not as proper as it really is even though most of the trash cans are properly labeled, according to a survey conducted by Nudo Veritas.

DILEMMA. A regionalista scurries to check if there is water to be used in restrooms and other purposes.

NEVER ENOUGH continued from page 1

As DepEd’s science high school system mirrored from the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) of the Department of Science and Technology, students from different RS campuses coming from Region I (Ilocos Region) down to Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gathered in an online conference to highlight their current status.

“We face a lot of problems and they are different from each campus,” according to Meg Ballescas, a student of RS-X (Northern Mindanao) who joined the online conference.

Photo by ROBERT GALLARDO

Curriculum Development With the K-12 curriculum implemented, students and teachers reacted on how the students and their performance from the old curriculum compared to the new one.

“We have a science subject per year back then. It was like having to learn one discipline of science for a whole year compared to K-12 having four disciplines in science for one school year,” Christian Nebres, a student from RS-V (Bicol Region) exclaimed.

With K-12, students are now catered in a “spiral approach” to science education. In each quarter, one of the four basic sciences are covered ranging from Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics.

“I feel the spiral approach is ineffective which deteriorated learning and is one of the reasons

why I transferred out,” commented

by July Marañon, a student who transferred out for senior high school.

Education Support With each regional and division DepEd offices putting expectations to RSHS in their locale, students and teachers paved way to reach these through productive means.

“Our research project costed Php 12,000. We expected financial aid from the school but to no avail.

We thought that research project was given priority in the budget,” explained by Deo Paring of RS-X who authored a breakthrough research in microbiology with his team. “The school can’t provide due to the funds that certainly lack in ways,” he pressed.

Paring and his team are participants to research conferences around the country

and are bound to join their second national research conference which is the National Science and Engineering Fair (NSEF) in Baguio City.

On the other hand, RSVIII (Eastern Visayas) faces problems that hindered students and educators to deliver quality education.

“We are around 400 students in the campus and the shifting makes learning harder for us,” stated by Ashley Lonzaga who is affected with the shifting in their campus.

With only eight classrooms to cater the students, shifting of class schedule was set by the administration which denied learning capabilities of students and ultimately affected their performance in academics.

Personnel Standards and Number Compared to the strict employment in PSHSS, students in RS voiced out how the personnel in the system are inappropriate.

“We have teachers who do not meet the standards of teaching students in a science high school,” commented by Andrei Apelo of RSXI (Davao).

With the lack of educators, DepEd regional and division offices sent teachers to RS without knowing their qualification to teach students of the system.

A case in Northern Mindanao which made science educators teach physical education due to the lack of teachers in the field.

With the problems occurring, the students continue to expect and demand action from DepEd to improve learning and uphold the names of each RSHS in every region.

City Gov’t shoulders RS water installation City Gov’t earns faculty, staff gratitude

by ROBERT GALLARDO

A Php 500,00 budget for deep well and pump installation was given to GRSHS-X from City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno’s initiative to extend help to this essential need.

The concern has been addressed by the Office of the Mayor since it piqued concerns of the city council after a letter was written by Brenda Galarpe Principal I, according to the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) Coordinator Gem Pimentel.

“Since 2013, the pump provided by the Department of Education (DepEd) we have in our school has been doing on-and-off

RS steels Code of Discipline

Teachers share sentiments on phone usage, tardiness

by MELIZA ROCAT

To ease the number of school offenses, Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) implemented the revised school’s Code of Discipline (COD). The contract addresses violations such as tardiness, improper wearing of uniform and haircut, usage of mobile phones during class hours, and other acts of misconduct. So far, it has seen positive results.

One of the policies in the contract prohibited the use of mobile phones during class hours.

This aforementioned school policy heeded to the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 83 which stated that cell phones are not allowed to be used during class hours.

Most of the parents agreed yet many students disagree.

A teacher was interviewed about his view on the issue and said, “This is really good since the students could focus on what the teachers will let them do. They would not depend on the cell phones for notes.”

Contrarily, a student defended, “My cell phone helps me a lot in storing data that I needed. Teachers ask for narrative report and my phone gives me the pictures. It has an instant dictionary that answers my questions on meanings. Yes, my phone is an important

gadget to me. It makes my life as a student easier.”

On the issue regarding the number of late comers, the Prefect of Discipline (POD) Cedric A. Borres stated that strict disciplinary action should be given to these students so that they will learn to value time. “Thankfully, the accumulated percentage of latecomers this year is about 10% of the total population. Unlike last year when it reached to about 15%,” he commented.

With this revised policy, “Green Act” served as an intervention for the tardy students. The students have to plant fruit and vegetable seeds during their first period class.

Sometimes, they have to clean and water plants.

These activities were agreed by the parents.

Constant tardiness will lead to a studentparent conference and counselling.

bythenumbers

10% of the school’s population remains late amidst the strengthening of the Code of Discipline and imposing late students to do ‘Green Act’. source GRSHS-X SSG

AFK. A student uses his phone during class hours, which is a violation of of the institution’s Code of Discipline.

Photo by DANICA FABRO

Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers of RS are helping Mr. Borres in monitoring the late comers.

If the policies are violated for the first and second time, the Office of the POD will do the counselling together with the adviser. For the third time, the Office of the Guidance Counselor will

handle the case. This time the parents are called for conference and counselling. For worst cases, the Grievance Committee intervenes.

Good results to the implementation of the revised COD brings harmony, safety and security among all the constituents of the school.

actions that hasn’t been good to our school lately,” Pimentel stated.

A Wear-And-Tear system has been the institution’s way since the water system was installed in 1997, Pimentel stated after pointing out the letter written to address the city council.

“Our school has a lot of activities that require water flowing out of faucets like for example, cleaning,” Grade 9 student Allecia So stated.

“Water in comfort rooms and daily activities in our lives that concern the presence of water is essential though this not totally the talk of the school because this has long been an issue, still, this is an issue worth worrying about,” she said.

Out of five buldings in RS, two are reported to have water albeit only seldom.

“Sometimes, when I tell my students to clean our classroom, the lack of water prompts us not to,” Grade 10 LLoydy adviser Lloyd Allan Cabunoc stated.

Because the school may have the procurement of pump this school year, all expectations for the consistent providence of water is high, according to Cabunoc.

Hon. Oscar S. Moreno City Mayor responded by giving water pump which was directly installed.

Furthermore, water fixtures were part of the project for the project was turned over to the school.

Safety measures heightened Security boost called for after Badjao incident

by MELIZA ROCAT

After an incident regarding an intrusion of a Badjao, Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) decides to strengthen the security system.

A 17-year-old male was found to have attempted stealing after getting inside school premises during the Teachers’ Day celebration on September 30.

According to witnesses, the male was of Badjao ethnicity and did not show any signs of bad intent. However, a commotion in the senior high school building revealed that the Badjao was seeking monetary help.

Once he reached the second floor, the security guard of the school caught him to which he retaliated with a kick.

“I was surprised why it was noisy outside. I only knew that he was seeking help in the first floor. When he got to the second floor he was caught by the guard and then he was kicked by the Badjao,” stated John Paul Estares, one of the witnesses.

The guard, Dan Malandre, cited that he was not able to apprehend the Badjao immediately since he was away from the scene, and was shocked to find out that there had been an intrusion in the premises.

“I went to the office because I checked something. I was

shocked when a student told me a Badjao entered the gate and asked for money. So I caught him at the second floor and he kicked me,” he said in an interview.

This is not the first time that there has been some sort of security breach in the school.

April of this year also had a drug dealer enter the school in the presence of the school guard, to which he failed to arrest.

“Since the drug dealer incident, I expected that the security would be heightened to avoid anything like it happen again. But the situation with the Badjao just shows that we need to improve our security measures, and not have the guard leave the gate and have anyone come in randomly,” said Jeff Dagunlay, a grade nine student.

Brenda P. Galarpe, Principal I said that improvements on the state of security measures cannot be carried out immediately. “Although we cannot promise for an immediate implementation of a stricter security system, we will try to deliver it as soon as possible,” she stated.

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braggingwrongs

Mourn of Marawi

by MELIZA ROCAT

The siege of Marawi two years ago witnessed 800 militants and 162 soldiers dead, with about 200,000 residents displaced. Yet, the promised rehabilitation program for the city has been nothing but a failure, with some 70,000 evacuees still in makeshift shelters outside their land.

A press briefing in Quezon City showed the Marawi Reconstruction Confliction Watch (MRCW)’s grievances against the administration’s lack of transparency amidst the repeated delays of the return of residents to their homes.

“It appears clearly to us that we are being treated as if we don’t really matter at all,” they said.

Two years have passed, but the people of Marawi are still struggling to rise from the rubble of the siege. And the rehabilitation is clearly just a pipe dream.

The House of Representatives subcommittee on the Marawi rehabilitation revealed in a hearing the insufficiency and slow implementation of projects and programs meant in order to make the city habitable again, despite the existence of the Task Force Bangon Marawi during the aftermath of the siege.

Where the money has gone to also remains a question in dire need of an answer. MRCW slammed TFBM for being unable to explain the whereabouts of funds from outside parties. The agencies present at the hearing were unable to explain for the delayed implementation of the programs, and lack thereof.

How long do these citizens have to live in exile of their own city, who was ravaged by a conflict that could have been prevented were it not for the government and military’s failed intelligence work?

If the government wishes to project themselves as insensitive to the plight of its people, then they are doing it right.

It also seems as if all the broadcasted improvements and accomplishments on televisions have also remained a picture on the screen. In the words of Sapiin, “Napi-feel namin na kaming youth, ginagamit lang para sa photo ops.”

What they should show the rest of the world through the media should be the same as the performance that they deliver to the people on ground. Not only is it unfair, but it also deceives the masses to think that Marawi has been taken care of, when it is, in fact, far from that.

However, the TFBM persists that they have made progress, cutting down the number of displaced peoples 76,284 to 11,949 as of September 2018, and putting up more evacuation centers from 23 to 67.

But these efforts are not enough, considering that the people themselves have voiced out their concerns about not being included in the planning, the resources to be used, the timetable, among many others. With the other problems that lawmakers and agencies grapple, it is almost unsurprising that the Marawi rehabilitation is terribly delayed.

Add to that the December 2021 deadline for the complete rehabilitation of the city. It is already agonizing enough to be displaced for two years, and prolonging it would only mean an incessant period of dislocation of its citizens.

A clear account of the P5.52-billion fund released for the rehabilitation last 2017, as well as the P10 billion allocated for the same purpose last 2018, must be released. This should alleviate the problems of transparency among others.

The Marawi rehabilitation should be taken more seriously by the government, and should be treated more than just mere photo ops and liquidation purposes. If the rehabilitation is doing good on television, then so should it in real life.

How long will it take for the people of Marawi to be free from their exile and return to their own land?

Against Our Own

47 years ago marked the shutdown of a free press and freedom of expression; the cessation of Congress; the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus; lowering of workers’ wages; restriction of any form of protest; violation of human rights. Under Ferdinand Marcos’ Martial Law, the Philippines was at war with itself.

The Lumad and indigenous communities were at the brunt of attacks during this era. Land-grabbing and mass exodus were at play. In Mindanao, Moro communities were taken over, undergone ‘hamleting’, and were killed for the purpose of setting a mining corporation in the area. The office of the Presidential Assistant on National Minorities was created in order to violently train and recruit indigenous communities and place them in paramilitary groups to silence their resistance.

Fast forward. The EDSA People Power Revolution has put an end to Martial Law. Rodrigo Duterte, during his time as mayor of Davao City, was known as the Champion of the Lumad in Mindanao.

His photo holding a white paper with the text “STOP LUMAD KILLINGS” became trendy at the height of killings of indigenous people of the previous administration.

When he ran for presidency, many had hope that he would solve the plight of the Lumads; but it seemed that attitude towards it have changed. 2017, and Duterte has implemented martial law in Mindanao. In a statement by Malacanang, the application was a “tool to save the exercise of democracy.”

Or so it goes. However, it is still disturbing the Lumads—still displacing them, still driving them away from their ancestral lands, still depriving them of the basic human rights, no different than it was before.

Last July 18, Education Secretary Leonor Briones presented the development and implementation of the “Last Mile Program”, which focuses on strengthening geographically isolated and disadvantaged and conflictaffected (GIDCA) areas; those that hold multi-grade classes or rooms; those with less than five teachers; schools with student population of less than 100 learners and those with more than 75% Indigenous People (IP) learners. One would think that the program would help the Lumads rise from their meagre state and grant them the right to free education, amongst other rights that they were robbed of.

However, it seems as if the Department of Education has been preaching water and drinking wine. DepEd shut down 55 schools owned by the Salugpungan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Centers for alleged deviation of the curriculum set by DepEd. Their basis?

A single report by National Security Adviser Secretary

Hermogenes Esperon Jr which stated that said schools were teaching students to rebel against the government, join antigovernment rallies, and put on arms.

According to Education Secretary Leonor Briones, these alleged acts violated the Constitution, and thus justified the department’s decision to suspend the schools immediately.

It is almost ludicrous how DepEd relied heavily on a lone report—and an unverified one at that. Did they direct their own investigation towards the case to at least verify them? It only showed how they know little to nothing of the conditions of Lumad schools; and the fact that they trusted a report with no verification whatsoever showed that they do not plan to change that.

47 years since the Marcos era, and the situation of the Lumads are not getting any better.

One would expect it to be, what with the existence of Republic Act 8371 or The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997. Section 2c and 2d state that the government shall protect indigenous peoples to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions and institutions,

and that all members of the communities shall equally enjoy the full measure of human rights and freedoms without distinction or discrimination.

However, the United Nations State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples revealed that the Philippines is one of the countries that facilitate large-scale mining by foreign corporations and other destructive projects, resulting in the displacement of many Lumad communities from their ancestral lands.

Added to that the was the President’s threats to bomb the communities, as well as ‘hamleting’ them in order to dispel rebels in the area. As if it was not strong enough, the government also increased military presence in the communities for the same reason.

Clearly, the law has lost its teeth. With the Lumads destitute of their lands and the right to education, what does the government wish to achieve? It would seem that they only want to make puppets of these communities; with the

lack of schooling and strong presence of paramilitary, it is plausible.

Maybe the state and DepEd need a reminder of their own mission: ‘to protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based and complete basic education’, for they seem to have forgotten it.

If the government continue to be indifferent to the situation of the Lumads and the oppression it faces, then we should take it into our own hands to fight for the rights of these people. After all, the communities remain a part of the country’s history— and their story is a testament to the war the Philippines still has with itself.

47 years should be enough for our Lumads to be finally obtain the liberty they should rightfully have.

Clearly, the law has lost its teeth.

With the Lumads destitute of their lands and the right to education, what does the government wish to achieve?

nudo veritas editorialboard SY 2019-2020

Editor-in-Chief ROBERT ROY GALLARDO Associate Editors JAMES PUNSALAN MELIZA ROCAT Managing Editors DAN JUBAY DANICA FABRO Circulating Manager SHAUN PAO News Editor DANICA FABRO Editorial Editor MELIZA ROCAT Feature and Science Editor ROBERT ROY GALLARDO Sports Editor IVY SILAGAN Layout Artists DAN JUBAY JAMES PUNSALAN

The risk that the country’s power infrastructure can be controlled by an outside party, to the extent of shutting it down, remains a scenario that energy officials have confirmed to senators during a budget hearing last November; something the government should look into rather than play possum.

The NGCP is the Philippines’ sole power transmission line that supplies electricity throughout the country, making it in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid where electricity flows from generating plants and throughout households, workplaces, and utilities nationwide.

The NGCP is the Philippines’ sole power transmission line that supplies electricity throughout the country, making it in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid where electricity flows from generating plants and throughout households, workplaces, and utilities nationwide.

With Scada, or supervisory control and data acquisition based in Nanjing, China, the power grid can be operated remotely. So is it possible for the Philippines’ power system to be shut down by an outside party? Melvin Matibag, president of the National Transmission Corp. (Transco) says it is.

“Given the technological advancement right now in the telecommunications as well as in software, that is possible,” he said.

Through the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC), China was not only able to attain 40 percent of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) but

the ability to reconfigure the system as well.

“I think it should be a cause for concern especially if the technicians who are manning or maintaining the grid, the power lines, are Chinese. Because if the Chinese are the ones maintaining our national grid then it’s easy for them to shut it down. They can always inject malware in the software,” Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio cautioned. Senator Risa Hontiveros also asked the Senate to conduct an inquiry on the potential threat of China halting the country’s electrical supply.

However, under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s rule the SGCC won the

franchise to operate, maintain, and develop the country’s power grid in 2008. Despite that, one must not remain complacent—with the political climate now, and China finding a staunch supporter with the current administration, an investigation should be carried out to make sure that no lines have been crossed by the SGCC. Speaking of the current administration’s tame approach towards China, Beijing has since then cajoled the Philippines with loans and aid, with stateowned companies maintaining a foothold on resources and projects in the country, especially in vital sectors like telecommunications,

water, and power.

Even with this, their government continues to wage aggression and provocation against the Philippines, most notably on the issue of the West Philippine Sea, and with such conflicting interests, having them aid us in monetary and economy matters can easily And that’s only putting it in the mildest sense. This jab at our national security must be investigated— otherwise, it will be easy for them to monopolize our resources, and in turn make way for a treacherous state of affairs that will only betray the Filipino people.

opinion

editorial

baitandswitch

Lights Out

by ROBERT GALLARDO

Beijing has since then cajoled the Philippines with loans and aid, with state-owned companies maintaining a foothold on resources and projects in the country

Contributors PRINCE CALIO KRYSIA NICOLE BOQUILA JANRIZ MATTHEW LIBRES KYLA VIANICA DONGQUE LINJIN MARY JANGAO PATT NICOLE BOLIJUAN REGINA LOUELLE MASACUPAN EDJOP MEDADO LEONAH LEAF CAMPILAN MARIA MARGARETH LOGRONIO NATALIE NICHOLE PALTINCA SETH AGURA DESIREE POJAS CARMEL SOLARTE ANTONIO MIGUEL LADRA School Paper Adviser JASMINE JOY TIEMPO School Journalism Coordinator ESTORMEO SERENA Consultant BRENDA GALARPE

6

OPINIONS ripjokes

Unsaid Consent

cloudnine

High on Homework

by MELIZA ROCAT

No homework policy – these three words are music to students’ ears, but despite its good intentions, it needs to be scrutinized. Otherwise, it is just a jack-in-the-box for children of all ages.

It earned flak from teacher organizations, one being the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT). “We are not issuing homework to burden our students.

It is demanded of us by the K to 12 program, so much that our performance evaluation system ensures its implementation,” said the group in a statement.

House Bill (HB) No. 3611 filed by Evelina Escudero states that all teachers from Kinder to Grade 12 will not give homework assignments and instead conduct all activities in school. HB 3883 filed by Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas proposed that homework should not be given during the weekends. Senator Grace Poe also filed Senate Bill 966, which seeks to establish the no-homework policy for elementary and secondary schools, where homework will only be allowed on weekdays provided that the homework shall be minimal and will not require more than four hours for completion. Of these three bills, Poe’s remains the most plausible.

The public reason was for students to relax

after a strenuous day at school. Family bonding also plays a huge factor, saying that homework takes up what is supposed to be family time at home, and that the policy could solve that.

Yet, Dr. Lloyd Allan Cabunoc, an educator in GRSHS-X was opposed to the idea of a no homework policy.

“Against uy. Ingon sila mag-bonding daw with family pag-uli sa balay, pero unsay gabuhaton? Magcellphone raman sila,” he remarked in an interiview.

(I am against this bill because there is really no family bonding that happens when kids arrived home. They spent their free time on their mobile phone).

Indeed, with the age of youth today, it is undeniable that most spend their time on their mobile phones than socializing. It is uncertain that the students would spend time with their family once the prohibition of homework is implemented.

While the concerns raised by the lawmakers are reasonable, the No Homework policy is bizarre. Formal education in the Philippines has always witnessed giving of homework

to students ever since its establishment, pushing the students to become more competitive. Since it is a vital part of the country’s education, implementing the policy would mean witnessing its negative consequences, and one of those is the lack of students’ diligence. This would disregard the “I am HIPHOP” program of the Division of Cagayan de Oro, which pushes for proper values, one of those being industrious.

Homework equips students with skills that can aid them in future, especially in the workforce. Not only is the application of learning at play, but also the development of proper work habits and methods, as well as time management.

Apart from how fundamental homework is in the development of students’ learning and character development, the proposition remains impossible with the current K-12 program.

If the program itself is still shrouded in controversy and complications, a sudden implementation of the No Homework Policy would send instructors in a frenzy, trying to keep up

mahalkater?

The Expensive Free Education

by REGINA LOUELLE MASACUPAN

For four consistent years, the Department of Education (DepEd) has received the highest budget allocation amongst all government agencies. However, even with such heavy monetary arsenal, the fight for free education and having enough educational equipment in the four corners of the classroom remains as haggard as ever.

Voices of the bourgeoisie can be heard from a distance, muttering their disagreement: tuition is already free in public schools, is that not enough?

Free education has long stopped being just having education free from all monetary attachments, but one’s freedom in attaining education without any repercussions.

Picture a boy with his father, coming into the busy streets of Manila on the back of their trusty carabao, seeking to apply to a certain prestigious state university, only to get rejected for the sole reason of not being able to take the entrance exam in the first place. Take the worsening case of Lumad schools militarization, where their schools are forcibly shut down, after being freshly built, because apparently DepEd is going to build a school there after years of ignoring the Lumad's call for a sturdy institution for education; where

students and teachers are killed and framed to be a part of the CCP-NPA-NDF for just wanting to be knowledgeable enough as to not get tricked.

In order to have quality education, there is a need to be in a certain level of the societal hierarchy— you either have to be rich, smart, or both. There are only a handful of whom are one of those things or neither, but got lucky enough to be sent to school through sponsorships. And that’s the only way to get quality education if you’re in the lower societal classes under the bourgeoisie.

Yes, this is how haggard it gets.

In this age where the youth strive for free education, motions like budget cuts and unliquidated expenses make it such a pipe dream.

Even in the numerous public schools that are made accessible to the common folk, education become costly with the myriad of requirements and projects given to the

students that can be — if not entirely— costly.

As students of the bourgeoisie, it is better to ponder on this: may pera pa silang pangkain at pang-gala na kinukuha mula sa kaban ng bayan, ni anrami pa nilang pagkukulang sa pasilidad at kapasidad para makapagbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon sa nakararami.

Education becomes such a privilege that it hurts to hear whenever it is brought up to be a right. Yes, it is supposed to be a right, as stated in the 1987 Constitution, but with the mindless corruption within our midst, the light at the end of the tunnel goes further and further away. Still, the fight for free education goes on. Still, it will go on until the last oppressed student's breath comes and goes. Still, it will persist for as long as it needs to, and more than ever with what odds it is up against now.

Formal education in the Philippines has always witnessed giving of homework to students ever since its establishment, pushing students to become more competitive. with the standards demanded of the system while giving absolutely zero homework.

A review and modification of existing policies regarding homework should be done, rather than banning it altogether. In a practical sense, homework would be of more benefit than none. Not only would it enhance the critical and creative minds of students, but develop existing values, such as the HIPHOP (Honest, Industrious, Polite, Helpful, Obedient, Punctual).

by MELIZA ROCAT

Unheard cries of women who suffered at the hands of the perverted still remain a flaw in the Philippine criminal justice system. The reassurances that justice will be served, that the perpetrator will be rightfully punished, are all just talk until the issue simmers down. By the time you realize it, the case is just as unsolved as it was before.

Truly, the Philippines still has a long way to go in addressing these cases.

According to a new study of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), most children experience violence where they should feel safest—in their own homes.

Another study by UNICEF claims that one out of five Filipino children suffer from sexual violence at home, in school or in the community. It is also interesting to note that we currently have one of the lowest age of sexual consent in the world at 12 years old.

Cases of underaged persons raped in Cagayan de Oro City have soared since 2010 until October 2015 with 25 cases that surged to 85 in 2014 and 60 cases recorded from January to October 2015.

It is also in this period when incestuous rape, children raped by members of the family or relatives significantly increased.

Yet these statistics are only a glimpse to how much of these incidents happen. The study showed that less than 1% of victims of child abuse report these cases to authorities. Among those who experienced physical violence, only 10.1% talk about their situation.

People forget—rape is a crime, never a woman’s fault. But the stigma surrounding rape victims persist, what with them being asked questions that make the violence the fault of their own doing.

“What were you wearing? Were you out drunk? Are you sure you didn’t say yes? Did you say no?” Men and boys are also portrayed as weak when they are the victims, which makes it difficult for them to be forward of their cases.

Add that to a government that makes rape jokes and normalize sexual assault. Despite being seated as the head of republic, Duterte continues to make misogynistic remarks and play off the issue of rape lightly in his speeches. “Who agrees to do it on the first request anyway? Will the woman allow it?

No. ‘Don’t, no, ahhh.’ Nobody agrees to do it on the first try.” Nobody agrees to do it on the first try? That is rape.

It’s no surprise why common folk continue to view rape light-heartedly. If the President pokes fun at it, surely the regular Filipino can too, with no serious consequences.

Let us be clear. Nobody asks to be raped. It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child. In our case, it will take the right people committed to raising children in safer environments, as well as awareness to combat the rape culture prevalent in the Philippines and eliminate the perception of victim-building.

After all, it should not and will never be the victim’s fault. The flawed criminal justice system should be blamed, as well as the people who propagate normalizing rape culture and oppressing the cries of women who suffered because of it.

letter to the editor A school paper is an outlet where many students express themselves through their exceptional talents in writing. It is not just their own that they are expressing, but also those whose stories remind us of what Gusa Regional Science High School – X truly is. An abode of victory and talents, decades of greatness, cultivated by each and every student in the institution.

For years the school paper has been hailed as the best in contests, and I hope it will continue to stay that way. May future writers continue to have more drive, commitment and passion to craft the school paper into the best version there is, and carry on the torch that fuels RS’ legacy.

Amid the flurry of activities, be it in the academics or the extra-curricular, the Sciences or Math—I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next generation of student writers will keep our publication wholesome and fresh, that every issue may be even better than the last. Encourage your schoolmates to take part in turning the school paper into a paper that is truly for us, and for the things that we—with our parents, teachers, faculty, and administration—have worked so hard for to achieve.

Never stray away from the virtue of writing and expressing yourselves, especially the truth. Continue to inform, inspire, and uphold the great name of GRSHS-X through the school publication.

Press on.

Respectfully yours, Gelyneth Q. Heducos Grade 10-Lloydy Is a stronger military necessary for a strong country and proper law implementation? In the mind of President Rodrigo Duterte, yes, it is. And very necessary in fact, that he doubled their salaries early in his term.

It seems as if the educators’ noise for higher pay wasn’t loud enough.

Though, the President did reassure for salary increase for teachers too, just that it may take a while compared to uniform personnel due to the number.

“Next would be the teachers.

We’re working on it—like what I have promised. But remember there are millions of teachers, while there are only few policemen. Something like 160, there are 130 in the military. It’s easier, that is why their salaries have been doubled,” he stated during the oath-taking of newly-elected officials of Cagayan de Oro City.

Sadly, the lack of a timeframe is disappointing. Although it may be so that educators wouldn’t expect too much when the date comes, at the very least the government should be able to provide as soon as possible. Like soldiers and police, teachers are just as necessary in the creation of a ‘strong’ country.

An educated population makes the nation ready to face the challenges of development and capable of contributing to progress is more than armed personnel or better weapons and material. According to statistics, majority of citizens who are fully employed or engaged in productive endeavors will be able to pay taxes in full and can lead the way in innovation, technology, creativity and advanced research. And most of all, these people will have greater pride in themselves and their identities. They value most their ties and roots to the nation and can be able to represent the country globally.

However, the Department of Education (DepEd) admits that public school teachers now owe a combined debt of at least P319 billion, jumping from just P18 billion two years ago. This amount include the P157.4 billion owed by teachers to GSIS and P162 billion in loans to accredited private lenders.

This figure could be higher, since this doesn’t include the amount owed to unauthorized lenders.

The amount of teacher’s debt is higher even than the current budget allocation for the Philippine National

Police, the Army, the Air Force and the Navy combined.

With teachers being compensated inadequately for their labors, their debt is evidence that their take home pay is not enough, given the increase in prices of everything from food and medical care to transportation and housing.

According to the advocacy groups, the best solution to the teacher’s plight would be to increase their salaries. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers bats for P30,000 base for the majority of the country’s teaching force. The Teacher’s Dignity Coalition called for a raise of P10,000 on their salary. This time, the government protests to the last demand.

But there is a way the government should be able to source the money without bothering the ordinary taxpayer.

Let say Ibon Foundation, impose an income tax hike of 30 percent on people earning P50 million or more a month, then it could happen. This could generate P400 billion each year while affecting only 0.4 percent of the population.

To produce high-caliber professionals, and huge army of workers, we need high-caliber teachers.

But instead, the onerous debts placed upon their shoulders only give them a reason to turn to more high-earning professions, sometimes making them teach in other countries where educators’ pay is much higher.

Never forget how teachers continue to be a fundamental element of the education system. Their work is not to be taken for granted—it forms the people to better versions of themselves especially for their environment. In order to repay their labor, the government must take huge steps to raise the pay they so rightfully deserve.

One can just hear the howls of the protest but someone needs to take action into this debate. As Education Secretary Leonor Briones said, “Teachers should not be in it for the money”. But their grumbling bellies and crippling anxieties about onerous debt, it is sure to distract them from their true calling.

prioritylist

The Promised Pay

by DANICA FABRO

To produce highcaliber professionals, we need high-caliber teachers. But the debt is higher than their pay.

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OPINIONS

nomercy

Reign of Tibak

titasays

'Miss'interpretation

by ROBERT ROY GALLARDO

by JAMES PUNSALAN

What was Rizal thinking when he published his first big piece against the Fraile during the Spanish colonization? Where did he get the courage to pick up his pen and brave his words into the thick, yellow papers that would soon be held close to the hearts of the Katipuneros and spark revolution? Who was he, who “owed” his life’s work from learning from the Spanish, to turn his back on them and fight against them?

Come to think of it, these are questions that would certainly apply to the mental image of the present day Philippines to the wide-spread activism in the country. If present day Philippines were a play, Maria Ressa would represent La Liga Filipina, Jose Maria Sison would represent the Katipunan, and the student activists would be their own Jose Rizal.

Then again, as the Spanish did with Rizal, student activism (or activism, in general) is demonized by various government constituents.

The only difference is that Rizal’s work is romanticized to be patriotic, when he was literally doing the same thing as student activists do now.

Being called out for being an aktibista or tibak becomes ridden with disgust and judgement towards the progressive youth and groups who want nothing but their societal concerns to be heard.

Take the University of the Philippines’ tag as Mga Iskolar ng Bayan, which has been mocked endlessly for wasting taxpayer money for being ever so present in protests. To be fair, every single person in every public educational institutions are Mga Iskolar ng Bayan, having our tuition and books paid for by the taxpayers. But being an Iskolar does not stop at just being named because you passed, you are named an Iskolar ng Bayan because you have been given the duty of being an Iskolar para sa Bayan. And that equates to standing for what you believe is right, in accordance to the societal problems of today.

Protests through writing and rallying are seen to be alt-right movements, and immediately categorized and red-tagged into movements held by the CCP-NPA-NDF. Knowing history, this is

innumbers

Indigenous People’s Education source: SAVE OUR SCHOOLS NETWORK

similar to how Filipino activists were treated by the Spaniards.

Activism is a collective manifestation of commitment and accountability to fellow activists, as well as the drive to solve what an oppressive society blinded by deceit cannot. The freedom of one is the freedom of all. Students have always been a vibrant force in revolutionary movements, since the time of Spanish colonization, the morose times of Martial Law, and of the struggles of the present millennia. The progressive student activism present in the country connects the issues of the marginalized, the oppressed, the farmers, the indigenous peoples.

An interview with Cassandra Marie Santos, a Gusa Regional Science High School alumnus now student activist and student councilor in University of the Philippines Visayas reveals why she chose to be involved in activism. “The teachings we encounter from our Professors and the integrations we experience with the basic masses urged me to investigate and know more about the ills of our society. Activism is a right and it is an everyday struggle to uphold your principles due to existing personal contradictions under this existing system of our nation. Without activism our parents and family members wouldn’t be able to work 8 hours a day, women wouldn’t be able to vote during elections and we, as the youth wouldn’t be able to achieve Free Tertiary Education we are experiencing right now. Although our fight for a genuine and free education continues, let us not give the credit of having RA 10931 to just one person or group of lawmakers. Attaining free tertiary education in state universities is already a collective victory of decades-long militant activism

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out of 10 Lumad children have no access to education

burningbridges

The Amazon Is-you

by ROBERT GALLARDO

The saddening yet shocking phenomenon had reached a wordwide scale as it sets its flames all over the media. The Amazon rainforest had fallen victim to the treacherous flames left behind by detrimental factors produced by the cattle ranchers of Brazil, as well as its current president.

That said, it is not at all suprising to testify that the Amazon has not been receiving proper care from its adjacent and inner dwellers. Even the higher bracket, namely Jair Bolsonaro, who is the president of Brazil, undeniably showed no interest in saving the forest from being a dry desert plain forever. Time will only tell, but one thing is clear - the Amazon rainforest is being abused.

The world is on the brink of collapse.

Now that global warming had certainly gotten worse, we need millions of trees more than ever. However, the event had nullified the hope that we are all clinging for, and we are left with nothing but a land of ash.

More than 74,000 fires had taken its toll in the Amazon rainforest according to data provided by the Nation Institute for Space Research. 41,000 of which were situated within the Brazilian Amazon from the beginning of January, with more than half of those betiding in recent weeks.

There are numerous reasons behind the fire incident, but researchers and scientists stated that it was mainly caused by human activities, most notably the ranchers residing in Brazil. In general, the human population had also contributed to the faltering of the Amazon forest in implicit ways. Coupled with the current ruler of the country, with all the government policies he had developed over the last six months, the Amazon is now in a deplorable state.

In 2009, Greenpeace concluded in their publication, Slaughtering The Amazon, that the fashion-inclined interest of people for leather is what contributed to the degrading of the Amazon forest. Global production of footwear accumulated over 23.5 billion pairs by 2018, accounting for 55% of all leather production.

Not only that, but despite the zero deforestation commitments being implemented during the previous years, the fashion industry had failed to commit to the act.

Brazil had also been mulling over their cows as a main source of leather. Researchers then later found out that cattle ranchers are illegally clearing away parts of the rainforest

through a technique called the Slash-AndBurn Model of agriculture. This is affiliated with the Kaingin system of some farmers in the Philippines, which is a harmful method of burning down trees in a wide expanse of forested area for the preparation and cultivation of crops. Approximately one hectare of rainforest area is being cut or burned down by ranches every 18 seconds.

Furthermore, Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, had alleviated the deplorable status of the Amazon even more by deteriorating the environment agency, assaulting conservation non-profit organizations, and legalizing intensive mining, farming, and logging within the forest. The environment impact concerning his laws and policies seems to invoke no safety regarding the Amazon forest. The government as a whole did not care, as if they were absolutely oblivious to the fact that the Amazon rainforest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen supply.

Even if the preceding data is false, there is still no reason for us not to be wary of the incident’s environmental impact. Deforestation is not very easy to retaliate, and it takes years for trees to grow. Moreover, the Amazon forest fire degraded the world’s biggest terrestial carbon sink and home for biodiversity. World’s highest oxygen supply or not, it does not change the fact that we just lost to climate change and paved way for global warming to increase.

Even though the damage had been done and there is no way to take back what had been lost, at least we could still prevent this mistake from happening again. In the past, they successfully implemented a zero deforestation commitment between companies in the fashion industry. They should definitely bring it back and consider forming an agreement once again.

As for the Brazilian government, they have to change for the sake of the environment and for the better good of the Amazon rainforest.

They should, at all costs, restore the Amazon protections. It is the only way they could compensate for the atrocities they had done during the term of Bolsonaro’s presidency.

of the Filipino youth. It is our role as the hope of the nation to “disturb the comforted and comfort the disturbed” so that no one will be stuck in their own privilege means.”

Yet, the increasing number of student activists who are tailed, kidnapped, or, worse, killed by both the para-military and military constituents continues to be alarming. Campus journalists of interest are followed and tagged by Intel, as if they are armed with anything else but their heart and pen. How free are we from our oppressors when we keep on acting like them as they did before?

It is both a blessing and a curse to open your eyes to the reality of the political and social climate of today. It does not mean that when you do not see nor feel it, it’s not happening. Freedom is a sham, when you get pushed down for seeing things that people are too blind to see and too deaf to hear.

Yes, it is true that the youth is the future of the nation, but how do we fight against the oppressive tyranny if we keep on being pushed back to the ground for holding enough passion and love for the country to want to fight for it despite the presence of guns and bullets? How do we act like Rizal when we are viewed to be an equivalent to Bonifacio?

Dasig! Padayon! Mga Iskolar ng Bayan, patuloy na lumaban!

It is both a blessing and a curse to open your eyes to the reality of the political and social climate of today.

89

Art by JAMES PUNSALAN

schools allegedly affected by military encampment and indiscriminate firing

Chalk It Up

Hums and laments of joy erupted within the LGBT community as the Sogie Bill finally passed through its final hearing at the lower house. Now, at the mercy of various steaming politicians in the Senate, the aforementioned bill will at last enter its final stage.

Regarding the negative reactions of the general public towards the proposed bill, it is an imminent possibility that it will falter even before it will successfully be approved. However, as contradicting as it sounds, the bill has been criticized for no reason. The truth is - the problem lies not on the Sogie Bill, but on the people's perspective towards the matter at hand.

The Sogie Bill aims to protect the LGBT against discrimination from their social environment, enforces equality for all people and ensures the fortification of human rights. Through this passage alone, one could think of the bill as nothing more than merely a set of standards for human rights to be equally recognized in each individual, LGBT or not. This means access for those belonging in the lower bracket to enjoy the amenities that are commonly open to the general public. To that end, the Sogie Bill is not meant to be one-sided only.

It is agreeable to a certain extent that no one could suppress credible evidences of discrimination within the LGBT community, such as one based on a survey conducted by Rainbow Rights Philippines and Metro Manila Pride, wherein statistics showed that 51% of 400 LGBT individuals experienced discrimination in public schools, 31% in the streets, and 28% in private schools.

Inflicting stigma using the media, textbooks, and other platforms, and denying access to establishment, are some of the discriminatory acts that the LGBT had underwent at some point in their lives. With this in mind, it is truly not a viable conclusion to consider the current status of the society as imposing 'equality' if the people in the LGBT community had been deemed with ill-fortuned circumstances in the first place.

The same ideology was transparent in Sister Mary Mananzan's statement on September 4, 2019.

She insinuated that the Sogie Bill "does not give special rights to a certain group in society. The rights of everybody should also be applied to them."

Simply put, it doles out the idea that the universal rights of people should also be applied to LGBT members, as well as give them the opportunity to have access to privileges the general public could so easily acquire.

All things taken into account, the Sogie Bill does not aim to enhance the prowess of the LGBT community by focusing on their rights instead of the generalized point of view. Instead, it paves way for the LGBT individuals to obtain the lost and restricted amenities that they are deprived from, in order to fix the deplorable imbalance and misinterpretation in society.

faultyrebuke?

by DAN LOUIE JUBAY

How far the extents and limits of disciplinary action in educational institutions go is a question many of us should ponder on, especially with Tulfo making headlines once again with the recent episode regarding the alleged maltreatment of a teacher to her pupil.

A phone conversation between the complainants and the teacher, Melita Limjuco, was held, and after apologizing, the latter was presented with two options—take it to court where she would face charges of child abuse, or end her career and have her license revoked instead, as suggested by the parents.

“Dito sa mabilisang kaso sa child abuse, dito ka namin yayariin…

Yayariin ka talaga namin,” Tulfo had warned Limjuco, and in the end, she chose the seemingly lesser evil: lose her license.

However, it seemed the show did not expect the backlash it would receive after what transpired in the episode. Aside from the netizens who poured their denunciations online, the Alliance on Concerned Teachers (ACT) condemned the action taken by the program, citing that it was “unfair, malicious, and injudicious.”

“It denied her of her right to due process and caused her injustice— something that Mr. Tulfo has notoriously done in his show by acting as judge in all sorts of disputes despite his lack of knowledge and training on the matters

at hand, then delivering ‘Tulfo justice’ based only on his whims,” ACT said in a statement.

The parents’ accusations of child abuse blow the entire situation out of proportion. Republic Act 7610 only applies “when there is a clear intention to debase, degrade or demean the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being.” Yet, the teacher’s actions appear to only attempt to instill discipline into her student.

As it should.

Discipline is an expected outcome of education, and as the saying says, “It takes a village to raise a child”. It is not only the responsibility of every household to expand the child’s moral compass, but the school, and eventually the community as well.

Schools serve as the second home to its students, and likewise, teachers their second parents. Furthermore, under the Family Code, teachers are also expressly given Special Parental Authority.

In the words of a fellow netizen, what happened to filing a complaint with the School Board and asking the teacher to apologize first, if not an

explanation?

The Department of Education released a statement saying, “We need the cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders to maintain and promote trust, respect, and dignity of all learners, teachers, and administrators of schools.” They further urged schools to strengthen parentteacher associations (PTAs) in order resolve conflicts “in a fair and humane manner”.

When you enroll your child, you entrust them to the school, along with how they are being disciplined in the classroom. But if even the smallest reprimanded can be risky, seeing as Tulfo is just one call away, how can the teachers and the school instill proper discipline in the child?

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) pushed for policy reforms after the issue, stating that while it denounced the old ways of student discipline, measures should be put in place to institutionalize teachers to not go overboard with their methods. Among their recommendations was the reduction of class size to a maximum of 30 per classroom, and

that teachers undergo positive discipline approach.

“It may be the end of the story for the mother and the teacher...[But] in many circumstances, teachers accused of violation of children’s rights have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, extortion, physical threat and some kind of media sensationalization,” said the TDC. Just because educational institutions have been pushed to become more childfriendly in order to rid the days of brutal punishment, this does not mean that the mere act of disciplining a student is a violation of that.

The culture we tolerate is the culture we cultivate. If this keeps up, teachers who are merely trying to discipline their students will lose their licenses as Limjuco had, and in effect, these students will lack discipline, denting their moral compass and in turn defeating the purpose of education—which is, other than to sharpen one’s intellect and knowledge, is to build their character.

8

OPINIONS hungryfortruth

The Producers’ Predicament

by DAN LOUIE JUBAY

simonsays

Praise Freedom

by SHAUN PAO

Praise freedom, they said. Then they started to take advantage of it.

Article 3 Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states: “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”

The marketplace of ideas still stands, but its foundations are under attack. For nearly four centuries, this metaphor has represented the belief in a free, honest, and transparent competition, the best ideas always win.

In democratic societies, freedom of expression, which encompasses freedom of speech and of the press, draws its protection from that belief.

The problem of fake and biased news is not new in the Philippines, where it makes its appearance in most mainstream media, fooling the ignorant and convincing the unconvinced.

As it has around the world, the internet in the Philippines has become a morass of fake news and conspiracy theories, harassment and bullying. This has muddied public discourse and cultivated a populist attitude toward democracy.

The term ‘fake news’ has taken on a life of its own.

False news communicates more clearly more clearly what we’re describing: information that is designed to be confused with legitimate news, and is intentionally false.

Newspapers and other media outlets are one of the players in aiding to the resolution of this problem, but it is unfortunate to know that there are some propelled by their own biases, and mislead others to believe them. Because of such, this news are more spread and believed in than the factual ones.

What was supposed to be a way of letting the masses know the truth, what was supposed to cure ignorance, has become something troublemakers have settled on in order to confuse others with fact and false.

Simply put, the citizens tend to forget the limitations of free expression: we have the right to communicate freely, but without harming another with false statements.

A Social Weathers Station (SWS) survey conducted last March 2018 showed that “67 percent of adult Filipinos think fake news in the internet is a serious problem (40 percent very serious and 26 percent somewhat serious) against 13 percent who said it is not serious (nine percent somewhat not serious and four percent not serious at all).”

Indeed, despite it being a perennial issue, it is important to note how it greatly affects our society.

How can we solve our country’s problems if we ourselves cannot agree on a set of information? It hinders communication between citizens and public organizations, and creates a barrier of distrust between them. And because of that, it also poses a threat to freedom of speech and of the press.

“Use (press freedom) wisely.

Empower others to be properly informed, and use informantion for the greater good of the nation.

Legislations have been made to act against this, though. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has stated during the second Senate panel concerning fake news last January.

Existing laws such as Article 154 or the Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances; and Article 355 or Libel by Means of Writings or Similar Means can be tapped by anyone seeking amends against fake news and false information. Rappler executive Maria Ressa also said that there is no need to make a new legislation—only to impose the existing ones.

Indeed, in an age where it is hard to tell apart which news holds the facts and which doesn’t, it is important to always push and promote for the truth and factual information. The spreading of fake news isn’t only the responsibility of the government and the press, but us citizens as well.

Fake news has become a “floating signifier” that includes, aside from “mis-, dis-, and mal-information”, online political discourse that is one of the avenues where counter discourses are conveyed.

For journalists and media organizations, the threat of fake news should spark an honest reflection on our practices and purpose. Fake news is a real threat to freedom of speech and of the press, because it has started to compel political leaders to turn to draconian legislation in an attempt to fight back. Amid the online and offline attacks, journalists and the Philippine press, in general, strive to perform the duty of reporting the truth.

Praise freedom—but use it wisely. Empower others to be properly informed, and use information for the greater good of the nation. After all, hearing the ideas of concerned citizens and institutions are far better than having the government control every bit of our word, in fear of fake news overpowering our unity and communication again.

As we all know, hearing the ideas of concerned citizens and institutions are far better than having the government control every bit of our word, in fear of fake news overpowering our unity and communication again.

The history of the Philippine press is a history of asserting press freedom, especially during times of tyrannical rule. We shall carry on.

With the enactment of the Rice Tarrification Act, rice prices continue to lessen, and farmers continue to struggle against these costs to bring something on their table three times a day. Imagine being the country’s main source food, only to receive a mere hundred pesos in return.

Without other ways of earning, it will not take long before they and their families go hungry, and eventually, their means of living extinct.

RA 11203 or the Rice Tarrification Act is a law newly enacted last March. The law enables tax or tariff payments and rice to be imported without limits, causing its price to decrease and more affordable. It also allows private traders to import rice without needing to regulate their rice’s price. It is also aimed to minimize inflation rates and lessen the effects of shortage of rice supply.

While many people can benefit from RA 11203, it is obviously a burden to our local farmers. Since rice will be cheaper, farmers will receive lower income from their product.

Consumers are happy with the price drop. Those who defend RA 11203 also state that farmers are consumers of their own produce, and thus benefit from the low rice

price as well. However, the current situation begs to differ—with prices plummeting to as low as P7 per kilo and no higher than P12, farmers are practically groaning.

But the Philippines remains agricultural at large; according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, 40 percent of Filipino workers are involved in agriculture, contributing an average of 20 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. This output comes mainly from agribusiness, which in turn accounts for about 70 percent of the total agricultural output.

Indeed, the country remains agricultural at large, and the farmers’ crisis pose a threat to what seems to be an extinction of local rice production.

According to Senator Francis

intothelens

Pangilinan, many farmers have already suffered. Farm-gate prices of unhusked rice was at P14-18 per kilogram according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

He emphasized that since farmers produce approximately 20 billion kilograms of unhusked rice every year, they would lose about P60 billion of their annual income. This loss of a large amount of money will significantly affect farmers’ lives.

Because rice is high on demand and there are tons of cheap imported rice in the market, there’s a tendency that people will choose to buy that instead of our farmers’ products, causing a greater strain to farmers’ livelihood and them eventually losing interest to continue farming because of

their low income.

Private traders will also take advantage of the situation because they are no longer subjected to price regulation, hence they can and will increase their rice’s price as they please.

Without other means of livelihood, farmers will continue to suffer. To ease the problem at hand, Pangilinan suggests that farmers be given cash assistance from tariff collections.

According to him, the extra P10 billion RCEF budget should be given to farmers, along with another P10 billion tariff collected.

The Department of Industry is also encouraged to go after private companies, and the Philippines Competitive Comission should investigate rice importers. This actions

by MELIZA ROCAT

Researching the Researcher During the senate budget hearing, Senator Cynthia Villar did not try to hide her contempt on the Department of Agriculture’s proposed budget. “Parang lahat ng inyong budget puro research?

Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin n’yo ba ‘yung research?”

The Senate committee chair on agriculture and food questioning the use of research in her industry? Baffling, to say the least.

“Ako matalino akong tao pero hindi ko maintindihan yung research niyo, lalo na yung farmer. Gusto ba ng farmer yung research? Hindi ba gusto nila tulungan niyo sila? Bakit ba lahat ng budget niyo research?” she added.

First and foremost, agriculture is a science.

Being so requires it to rely on facts, observation, and of course, research, in order to be sustainable to human life.

It is unfortunate that we have to be the ones to break it to her that research is integral in developing agriculture, and if funded well can lead to results from which further improvements in production and economy can materialize to aid the sector.

Take for example the International Rice Research Institute, its headquarters based in Los Banos, Laguna. Known for its work in developing rice varieties that contributed to the Green Revolution in the 1960s which preempted the famine in Asia, the institute has had massive breakthroughs in the rice industry, and has impacted both food security and rice farming greatly. A report by Australian Centre for International

Agricultural Research in 2011 found that IRRI’s breeding work delivered an annual benefit of US$1.46 billion and boosted rice yields up to 13%.

Yet, even with the IRRI in our midst, the Philippines still is one of the greatest rice importers in the world. Ironic, but it only shows how the country lacks supports for research, further demonstrated with politicians’ inimical attitude towards allocation of resources for it, contributing to the poor state of science and technology in the country.

“Kung ako farmer, mas gusto ko nang bigyan ako ng seeds, bigyan ako ng machineries kaysa ‘yung mga kung anu-ano.”

It is not just about providing seeds and machineries, but providing better seeds and modern machineries that can combat the present challenges the agriculture industry faces.

Research is about creating something new and developing them into something better, and it does not come cheap.

“For me, research benefits me greatly since through it, you get to learn and know how to solve problems and create something new from it. Research has helped in developing highly intellectual students, and it is no surprise that it is prioritized in RS as an institution whose excellence is science,” said Stephanie Dawn Gador, a grade 10 student of the school and a participant in the Regional Science and Technology Fair (RSTF).

Research has even become a subject in secondary education, which only highlights its significance in the present era. Students in Gusa Regional Science High School (GRSHS) concentrate on their research papers for the entirety of their

stay at the school as part of the curricula, specializing in many branches of science. Students also participate in activities such as research congresses and the Science and Technology Fair in order to cultivate critical thinking and knowledge, and encourage application of learning in science in the real world.

“Research is applicable in any field, even in education, industry, business, all the more in agriculture,” stated Kim Charies Okit, research teacher of Gusa Regional Science High School (GRSHS) in an interview.

“Research requires budget.

If not for research our products, methods, and machineries will not improve. Our products cannot keep up or compete to the world market. Even other countries are putting much budget for research,” she added.

Okit named countless benefits of research in terms of improving the agriculture sector: increased crop production resulting to lower price, better machineries for improving crop production, animal and tissue culture, among others.

With those said, it should be obvious that research is imperative. Research is central to agriculture, as well as all other fields which seek to create benefits and productivity by eliminating guesswork. If Senator Villar cannot see the importance of research, let alone a wellfunded one, then she should first know the basics of science and technology and advancement.

Research is something that the Philippines should be more baliw about, in any case.

will purposely stop private companies from keeping their rice prices increasing Without other ways of earning, it will not take long before they and their families go hungry, and eventually, their means of living extinct. Immediate employment should be available to every affected farmer to ease their current situations and prevent any further consequences that can worsen their state.

Farmers are our providers of food, so it is only fair that they should be given a lot of benefit because of their hard work. If they will not be able to sustain themselves, they they will not be able to sustain us either.

forum Following the bills proposed by Hon. Alfred Vargas, Hon. Evelina Escudero, and Sen. Grace Poe for a No Homework Policy nationwide last August, this forum gauges whether or not students of Gusa Regional Science High School are for the implementation of said policy.

“

I am in favor of the No Homework Policy because it lets us students really relax during weekends with our family and friends instead of being busy with assignments.”

Sam Dela Rosa, Grade 10

“

Yes, because I believe that the time we had in school is long enough for academic and school thingies we had in a day. Students also need to have time with their families, church and other activities.”

Hannah Padinit, Grade 9

“

No because even if the students won’t have homework, teachers will then give all the tasks at once during school hours and it will stack all day until it gets too tiring to do them.”

John Paul Estares, Grade 11

“

No. Because we can’t finish some works on time.”

Sofia Madula, Grade 9

The continuous acts of violence that rock Mindanao is more than the dead and the defaced, but an indication that this region has long strived for a chance at peace.

caught in crossfire

Piece of Peace

by JAMES PUNSALAN

The Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (OLBARMM) or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) passed by the Duterte administration stems from years of peace negotiations with rebel groups in Mindanao. It is the renewed version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The law will address these groups’ concerns and demands. It is necessary in order for them to have a harmonious relationship with the government.

As stated above, the law is meant to hear out the sentiments and grievances of Muslims living in Mindanao. University of the Philippines professor Jamel Cayamodin revealed provinces in the ARMM region are one of the poorest sectors, so a law where its people can directly ask the government for help is important.

However, there are objections against the OLBARMM. Coming from certain local government units of the affected areas, as well as the Moro National Liberation Front headed

by Nur Misuari who governed the ARMM for years after the MNLF signed a peace agreement. These groups push for federalism instead of the ratification of OLBARMM. On the flip side of the coin, proponents of the BOL emphasize that the ratification of the law would be a step in securing peace for Mindanao. Expected to play huge roles in the BARMM is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, of whom they vow to handle extremist threats posed by the Mautes, Abu Sayyaf, and the Bangsamoro Islamc Freedom Fighters.

OLBARMM will end rebellion for good, as the provisions it includes are acceptable to rebels and the government. During a peace deal in

2014, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group swore to stop its rebellion once the government commit to OLBARMM. Non-Muslims will say that the law is will be taken advantage of to cause battle in the region, but that is far from the truth. The law exists so these people will live a better quality of life because, as mentioned before, they are one of the poorest people in Mindanao. So if they get the provisions they need they will stop causing terror.

For years the law had been reinvented to accommodate not just the Islamic groups but also the government, and for years the attempt failed, until now. The OLBARMM is exactly what the country needs to finally put a stop to crises in the South—a sure step into a future that ensures peace that Mindanao has fought for.

9

OPINIONS systemicerror

Not a PISA Cake

by KYLA JAVIER

questionabledecisions

Fiscal Failure

by PRINCE CALIO

Considering that the government should be appropriating more funding in order to achieve universal free education, the funding for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) went down from P52.435 billion to P40.784 billion in 2020 is completely flummoxing.

CHED will suffer reductions made towards the allocations for the 2020 national budget, and no doubt will this affect the country both socially and economically. After all, education remains a significant part of society, especially in the Philippines where majority of the population is made up of youths.

80 percent of the CHED budget is for the implementation of programs mandated by the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE). Presently, the UAQTE budget is P42.5 billion, with its biggest component being the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) which currently has P25.28 billion in order to fund 708,993 beneficiaries in five major assistance programs.

However, the UAQTE budget is set to see a P7.12-billion cut for 2020. CHED has since appealed for the restoration of the P10.35-billion cut in its budget.

“Delikadong ma-endo ang pag-aaral ng daandaang libong mga estudyante sa kolehiyo kung matutuloy ang balak na tapyasan ng P11.6 bilyon ang budget ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) para sa taong 2020,” said Senate President Por Tempore Ralph Recto.

What will become of students who are dependent on scholarships? Those who study and work hard in order to maintain the grades needed for one, in order to sustain their college needs? This budget cut is only another display of the government being misguided in their priorities, leading to yet another education system issue where those who are in dire need of monetary support for their studies are left scrambling.

Recto further elaborated that this would only force students to face a “forced vacation”, due to the budget cut. “There are many kinds of leave a student can avail of, but a government-imposed “tuitionsubsidy holiday” should not be one of them,” he said.

“There are no easy solutions to this problem of underfunding. Congress is not a mint that can just print money. But by raising this issue, I hope that both houses will find ways on how to maintain the funding status quo.”

Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution declares that the State should assign the highest budgetary priority to education. While proponents of the cuts assert that education still receives the largest chunk of the 2020 national budget, it still serves as a detriment in attaining the quality education fit for the Filipino youth.

The Council for Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (Cocopea) passed a resolution urging Congress to put back the P50 billion to education in next year’s P4.1-trillion proposed budget. If adopted, it would cover the Department of Education’s budget on Government Assistance to Students, as well as CHED’s Tertiary Education Subsidy.

Education is for every Filipino. Rather than setting cutbacks, the government must be reminded of its obligation to help those who are unfortunate.

The 2020 budget cut would only entail the loss of opportunities to study, as well as the hope and interest of learners. According to the Global Partnership for Education, “Education reduces poverty, boosts economic growth and increases income.”

With that, the budget cut will only make the ambition of quality education remain a pipe dream, and will render the youth of the nation helpless if the government does not provide them the welfare they need.

The Philippines still has a long way to go in the field of education—that much is evident with the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA test with the country ranked lowest among the 79 participating countries worldwide. Aside from that, it also ranked second lowest in science and mathematics assessment.

Education officials continue to put the situation in a positive light.

Since it was the country’s first time to participate in the test, then the results will serve as baseline for improvements to be made in the education sector, and to recalibrate necessary teaching methods.

But what good are those if the sector continues to fall short of support? Education Secretary Leonor Briones stated in an interview that the government fails “to reach the minimum standard percent of GDP spent on education.” And while the country does assign a chunk of the national budget to the education, DepEd allocates it to the salaries of teachers and other personnel as well as the construction of other classrooms. Only 3.9 percent of the GDP is spent on this, which is minimal compared to the United Nations recommendations that nations spend at least 6 percent of their GDP on education.

It doesn’t stop there. Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) president Frederick Perez stated in an interview with ANC that the country ranked last in the survey because “our students are more attuned

and used to having encountered narrative texts.” He further elaborated that Filipino youths had trouble with understanding informational text (which is the text used in the PISA examination) since they are less exposed to them, compared to narratives.

The International Literacy Association also said that socioeconomic factors also play a part, mainly the lack of educational resources in remote parts of the country. To support, a report by the Philippine Human Rights Information Center reveals that insufficient information materials were part of the issues that hinder the development of the nation’s education.

“We can only develop fluent readers if we provide them with texts, print and digital, and that we practice them through teacher modelling shared practice towards independent practice,” Perez argued.

The struggle of attaining educational resources remain a reality. Just last August, DepEd witnessed a textbook fiasco, with the Commission on Audit finding 3.4 million instructional materials stored in warehouses. These materials were

part of the P136.5 million worth of textbooks and Teacher’s Guide that the department acquired from 2014 to 2017.

Since the implementation of the K-12 program, students and teachers alike have been suffering from the inadequate resources and learning materials for six years. To find that a surplus of these resources rot in warehouses is disappointing, and the fiasco itself simply a can of worms.

Senator Cynthia Villar’s suggestion in regards to the PISA results are no better—she urges for DepEd to adopt a policy that “incentivize” schools who perform well and “disincentivize” schools with poor student outputs.

“Bigyan ng incentive [yung magagaling na schools] at bigyan ng disincentive yung mahihina para namang magkaroon ng wish to excel or challenged to be better,” Villar said.

Education is a right, not a privilege; doing so would only create a larger divide between schools. It is the government’s duty to uplift its people through education, so if it fails, then it is a mere reflection of the government rather than the school itself. A carrot and stick

Following the declaration of a national health alert, dengue is once again making headlines with the number of cases exceeding epidemic threshold.

Undoubtedly, there is a need to act on this outbreak immediately.

The Department of Health’s (DOH) records show that as of August 2019, Northern Mindanao concluded a towering number of dengue cases region-wide in the last five years. In Cagayan de Oro, a total of 1,557 dengue cases have been reported, with eight deaths. According to Maria Carmen Ebron, WINS coordinator, fifteen casualties were recorded in Gusa Regional Science High School – X. Measures to combat dengue should be intensified, what with the bizarre upsurge in the number of cases. This only shows that the current preventative measures, as well as medical treatment, have been ineffective. Added to that is the beginning of the rainy season and the Dengvaxia controversy, with the latter leading the people to likely spurn the idea of vaccination programs in order to counter the problem.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has emphasized the 4S method (Search and destroy mosquito breeding places; Secure self-protection measures; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging/spraying in case of impending outbreak) which would prevent the disease. The

innumbers

Dengue Cases in CdeO

as of August2019

buzzinginmyears

No Complacency

by MELIZA ROCAT

However, the government must not act alone. We must also share responsibility in protecting ourselves against this threat.

approach is no way to solve this; our education system is broken because the government’s priorities are misguided.

DepEd’s new flagship program for quality education, “Sulong EduKalidad” aims to implement “aggressive reforms in four key areas which include the review and updating of K-to-12; improvement of learning facilities; ‘upskilling’ and ‘reskilling’ of teachers and school heads through a ‘transformed professional development program’; and the engagement of all stakeholders for support and collaboration.” With this, we can only hope that this will produce betterinformed and rational learners; after all, it is time to focus on offering quality education, aside from mere education access.

Until then, the country’s education system remains in need of a fix-up, and failure will only affect the establishment of a cohesive and progressive society.

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation has also expressed willingness in aiding dengue patients.

Local government units (LGUs) have also launched clean-up drives and other programs to alleviate the problem.

In the case of RS, however, Ebron says it is disappointing. According to her, the school has done everything it can—clean-up-drives to eradicate mosquito breeding places, and symposiums to spread awareness of the disease. But she says that students have retained almost nothing from the activities, old habits still making itself visible especially improper garbage segregation and littering.

How can the school make itself dengue-free if students do not contribute to its betterment?

The government must not act alone. We must also share responsibility in protecting ourselves against this threat. By staying informed on the symptoms of dengue for early treatment, as well as keeping our environment free of stagnant water accumulation, which is the breeding place of mosquitoes.

While the issue of dengue is perennial given the Philippines’ environment, it should not stop us from remaining vigilant and reduce the nationwide alert into a minor health risk. One should not be complacent, further action must be taken in order to see more evident results and a decrease in the number of cases, as dengue should not be such a killer disease.

8

1,500 dengue cases tallied

Art by JAMES PUNSALAN

dengue deaths

September 20 witnessed the launch of the Global Climate Strike, the largest endeavor yet by the youth climate movement. This was after a year of Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future strikes at the steps of Swedish parliament, calling for elected government officials to act on a solution for climate change. And while Gusa Regional Science High School – X fixed its ignorance on the project and held a strike of its own, it seems it has little effect whatsoever on the student body.

The activity was held for the entire day.

During the morning, all the students were gathered in order to watch documentaries about climate change, as well as Greta Thunberg’s climate strikes and how protests have started throughout the world in order to combat climate change.

A cleanup drive was done in the afternoon, and was followed by a protest in the form of noise barrage inside school premises per year level.

Prior to that, the Department of Education supported the movement of the Global Climate Strike, releasing a memo excusing students from all over the nation who wished to join the movement.

“Moved by climate realities faced by the Philippines and inspired by global youth action, young Filipinos nationwide will take part in the Global Climate Strike, a movement of young people to call for governments and private sector in prioritizing climate justice,” the memo read.

An interview with Philippine Science Youth (PSYSC) VicePresident Clyde Danielle Auman shows his optimism towards the climate strike, and how the school’s conduct of it has already started producing favorable effects and was just a start towards a more environmental-friendly community.

“I think that there is a change on the behavior of the students

because first the Wash in Schools (WinS) program has been revitalized. Also, I have noticed that the school premises became cleaner now before the climate strike and I think most of the students did their job to be an active individual to do change,” he said.

However, Auman points out that despite the apparent change, there is still misconduct especially in garbage segregation. He further cites that he still sees plastic being put in biodegradable trash bins, and that students should practice garbage segregation not only inside of their classrooms but outside as well.

But it’s not the organization to blame; a large chunk of

responsibility goes to the students. Mica, a Grade 9 student, expresses her concern towards the matter.

“I think that we are only motivated to act when a climate strike is conducted, but afterwards we just forget and go back to our habit of throwing garbage everywhere,” she said.

“For me, it’s the choice of the person to choose the right path or continue with his actions that contribute to the destruction of our environment.”

Indeed, while the organization lacks in preparation, the students also lack the heart and mind to realize how we need to take seriously the issue of climate change.

A report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reveals that humans have significantly altered 75% of the land and 66% of marine environments.

Along with that, up to 1 million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction within decades. Key drivers of this destruction are changes in human use of land and sea and the exploitation of natural resources. Climate change, pollution, and invasive species have likewise impacted nature.

Those statistics are only a glimpse into the grim future we may have if we continue to pay no mind to our ecological footprints,

as well as the myriad of ways how our actions impact the Earth and eventually, us humans.

It is not enough to rely on companies to do the work for us—we must put this matter into our own hands.

We must also exert our own effort in order to solve this problem and exercise advocacies for it.

No matter how much PSYSC and the school will ramp up its awareness drive, if the students make no effort to understand how dire the current situation is and will pay it no attention, then all the documentaries, the cleanups, the consecutive programs and projects will all be in vain.

whatonearth

Anticlimactic Strike

by NICOLE BONSILAO

It is not enough to rely on companies to do the work for us— we must put this matter into our own hands.

featu

10 THE OF TODAY Known for his iconic illustrations as the man who carried the red-blood flag of the revolution and even treated as the “Father of Philippine Revolution”; a man of strength and valor, died for the sake of his country. While his blood was shed among the lands of the Philippines, drops found its way to revive the lost souls of Filibusteros in every Filipino. Now, the new blood of supremo rises from the world that is shaped through inequality.

Cassandra Marie Santos, an alumnus of Gusa Regional Science High School – X (GRSHS-X) paves her way to become an activist for rights and against injustice.

In RS, Cassandra did her best to absorb all of the skills the institution has to offer. Her capabilities as a student leader, she dealt with various types of teachers and students. And as a campus journalist who was a three-time National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) qualifier, her eyes and skills are utmost brought to the pinnacle in high school-level. Campus journalism did bring her to myriad of places, but she realized that there is more to winning the trophy and in campus leadership, there is more than to organizing celebrations.

She thought of the bigger picture.

“How can I be of service to the nation?”

Since she started high school, she always dreamed of being an Iskolar ng Bayan. Putting that goal in mind, she did her best in securing that goal. Now a fourth year student of Bachelor of Science in Economics, she dwells within the walls of the University of the Philippines – Visayas (Iloilo).

Known for being the Bastion of Student Activism, the University of the Philippines has been receiving both positive and negative regards for their activism. With Cassandra being a student in the university for four years, it paved ways for her to understand the innings of our society and the country.

“The teachings we encounter from our professors and the integration we experience from the basic masses (farmers, urban poor, fisherfolks, etc.) urged me to investigate and know more about the ills of our society,” Cassandra expressed in an interview.

She also pressed on that through activism, the youth is now able to enjoy free tertiary education through the Free Tertiary Education Act or RA 10931. Attaining free education in state universities is already a collective victory for decades-long militant activism of the Filipino youth.

Being a councilor at their University Student Council (USC), she fights for the rights of every Filipino.

“It is our role as the hope of the nation to ‘disturb the comforted and comfort the disturbed’” With student activism receiving the red end of the issue, where student activists are being criticized and even jokingly dubbed as part of the New People’s Army (NPA), the voices of each student who calls for rights and equity amongst all Filipinos are not happy with the regard.

Santos took activism the long road. The time she consumed in understanding activism in great details is no joke. With Santos losing her scholarship in her second semester of her first year, she understood that activism is truly a part of the inner workings of how the society is being formed. With the environment, Santos took hold of what’s true in her heart. That her heart belongs to the people and she believes in the power of the people. She realized more about her basic democratic rights and how other of the rights of every Filipino is being blocked from reaching them. The continuous issues that happens in our country is being talked and the university takes liberty of giving the students their rights in speaking out their thoughts. As a university with academic freedom, it is a place for everyone to converge and talk their problems out.

“I was not brainwashed nor forced to embrace this,” It was Cassandra who challenged herself to trust in the collective action. It was her who volunteered herself in making herself critical and be the one of the voices that calls the exploited and oppressed masses.

She calls out to everyone who are doubtful. “Activism is the sharpest avenue to demand and defend our human rights,” To fight for what is right is the way for every Filipino to achieve true freedom.

“To fight and revolt is just in times of tyranny and dictatorship. It is within the power of the people united that we will not be defeated from fighting for our rights.”

And Cassandra continues to take on the megaphone, and never again will she be silent.

PEPE’S PROMISE

Dubbed as the country’s National Hero, Jose Rizal dreams of the youth being the key to the future of our country. He who chose to pick the pen over the bolo became the iconic symbol for heroism. He who conquered not just the heart of women, conquered the fear of each Filipino during the reign of colonizers.

Despite the problem that our youth faces in times of impunity, a new seed of Pepe’s will, have sprouted in the walls of University of the Philippines – Mindanao (UP-Min).

Regina Louelle Masacupan, a former writer and editor of Nudo Veritas (the Official Student Publication of Gusa Regional Science High School – X) continues her love for writing and fighting the truth, but now in her new home in Davao City.

Pursuing Bachelor of Science in Biology and “majoring” in her favored organization, Himati which is the Official Student Publication of UP-Min, she continues to champion the voices of her age through journalism.

As a student in RS, Regina was always that student who seemed away from her age. She who pursued intellectual talks over gossips, Regina found her way to the pen which made her a writer and editor of Nudo Veritas.

Being an advocate for academic freedom and gender equality, she utilized her skills in writing to become an asset to the community. Currently one of the youngest writer for Himati, Regina is progressive in both of her studies and activism.

Aside from her journalism duties, she is currently part of the student government in UP-Min, doubling her advent in pursuing her dreams.

With her experience in campus journalism which brings her back to elementary, sharpened in high school and now where her stand is put to the test, she continues her fight against disinformation and is currently one of the candidates for the Editor-in-Chief qualifying exams for the publication Himati, which in the entire UP history, might be the youngest EIC of the UP and its publication system.

She was able to cover Lumad communities in Davao which became another reason for her to push through; to dream that the youth is the key for the country’s

progression.

Equipped with skills in visual arts, writing, and the most important thing, passion, the promise that Pepe left is now in the hands of not just an individual, but a generation that will continue to fight against tyranny and inequality.

“Para sa bayan, tayo ay lalaban.” Her mantra goes on as she and the others will fight against disinformation and will continue to live as the youth that Rizal once put his trust in.

Rizal’s blood will now become the ink of the youth that will continue to write the story of each Filipino who will continue to dream.

FILIBUS

OF THE PAS AND THE

IN MY PEN, WEAVING STORIES OF THE PEOPLE. I TRUST

Nudo Veritas, the Official Student Publication of Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) bagged the Sixth Best Features Section of the 2019 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

Behind the stories that went to Pangasinan was a person who opened his eyes to the truth and trusted his pen and traveled to where stories were: the Aftermath of the Marawi Seige Robert Roy Gallardo, a student of RS, and who was the Features Editor of the publication had something in his mind before the 2019 NSPC went on.

He wondered what if this school publication would become somewhat bigger than what it seemed? He started to gather his thoughts and for the first time in the history of Nudo Veritas, a student journalist, on his own, independently covered the Aftermath of the Marawi Seige.

“Robert was the kind of student who will selectively give his 100% and I guess, campus journalism was one of them,” expressed by his Rachel, Robert’s sister who supported him in his journey.

Gallardo independently supported his travels and did not ask any permission as he would know the possibility of media blockage that the school administration could do. He asked support from his parents as he wanted to write on the stories of the displaced, the area and the current status of Marawi City.

“I really was scared at first.

Knowing that I will venture without the permission of the school and I might face problems along the way, but I believe that there is more to our campus paper and that’s why I did my best to continue,” Gallardo explained in an interview.

On his journey, he was able to interview Marawi City officials, soldiers and civilians which became

the source of information that Gallardo wrote for the developmental communication section of the features.

Robert is now on his final year in high school campus journalism and he was appointed as the current Editor-in-Chief of the publication and eyes for continuing his coverage on the Sex Industry in Cagayan de Oro.

THE PEN YOU HOLD IS POWERFUL. HAVE FAITH IN IT.

ures

11

STEROS

ST, PRESENT E FUTURE

by ROBERT GALLARDO

T

he battle that our forefathers started did not end when we reached independence. LapuLapu who fought for the sake of his island did not waver upon seeing guns that put their bolos to shame. Andres Bonifacio did not put his own political agenda on the battle against the conquestors. Jose Rizal dreamed and put hope on his pen, that someday the blood he will shed will trigger the ink that the youth will take.

These are stories of fighting for their own causes. These are stories of valor, strength and nationalism. Written with ink, these filibusteros will continue to fight against their own enemy and we as Filipinos will come as one to support them.

The battle is on. Come one, and come all as we partake in the story of The Filibusteros of the Past, Present, and the Future.

Art by SHAUN PAO

CARDO

WITHOUT JACKET

The long-running television drama, Ang Probinsyano has set ideas on the minds of the Filipino viewers. Cardo Dalisay, played by Coco Martin is always shown with his iconic leather jacket, and through that, people joke about his immortality. As a policeman, he is ready to serve and give his life to the nation, but in this story, it is quite the same, but a little different.

In Misamis Oriental, Initao lived a man of his caliber, a family man who supports his loved ones through his noble job of being a policeman.

He was dubbed as outgoing and “a man with principles,” as described by his team. He was living a simple life as Police Senior Master Sergeant as his position.

But on a fated day, his life was put to the test – everything; his career, his principles and his life was put on the edge of a cliff.

On November 28, 2019, he started his day with his typical smile on the community of Initao where you can find him laughing at a joke or two at the Initao Police Station. On that late morning, a surge of call was received telling them that a man was making a scene in a community college in Initao.

Upon arriving at the scene with his colleague, they saw the man who was shouting and cursing at the people around him. Panicking and threatening the people to be killed while he was flashing his grenade.

According to a witness, they saw the policemen trying to talk to the rabid man, but to their shock, the man

Art by SHAUN PAO

removed the pin of the grenade and threw it.

He dropped and took the blast to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity of the expected blast.

As people rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. He was declared dead.

It was as if that the people of Initao saw an action-packed day in the college. Their dashing policeman trying to subdue the villain, trying to save the day from the grasp of evil.

It was like a fleeting dream. When the grenade exploded, it was like the people around was waiting for a shout saying “CUT” telling that the tape went well. But, it did not.

Initao was blessed with a man who was a protector of their little community; a man who secured their nights and days.

Beyond the posthumous medals and awards that this mundane of a world can give, he was already wearing the highest ranking medal that no one could ever give or take away. He wore the medal of a man with the bravest heart.

While his heart was too big for this world, he was known as Jason Magno, Initao’s Dalisay and a forever hero of this country.

, e v Lo

Juliet

When Juliet drank the poison, Romeo arrived. To his despair, knowing that the love of his life has rested, he too, shall follow her. With the recent death of Philippine Military Academy Cadet Darwin Dormitorio, the fight goes on for the people he have left. For his love, Juliet is still on her own battlefield in keeping him alive.

When Dormitorio got accepted into the PMA last 2018, he dreamed to become the soldier that people would be proud of. His girlfriend at that time, Ashley Ravidas supported Darwin and his long-standing dream as he was raised in a family of soldiers.

Dormitorio was described as a kind and hardworking friend. He was regarded by his high school teacher as “silent but wonderful”.

Studying in Xavier University (XU) - Ateneo de Cagayan, he finished his senior high school education with the dreams of becoming a soldier like his father.

The life that Darwin had inside the camp was hell itself.

He was beaten for spending his own stipend. He was ordered to severe exercises and was even punched. And for other reasons, he was hospitalized a lot of times due to the harassment that Dormitorio got from his upperclassmen.

The beating continued and on September 18, Dormitorio was found unconscious in his room and was declared dead on arrival on the hospital.

Upon the release of the news of Darwin’s death, a lot of Kagayanons were enraged on the system that the PMA has.

As part of the Ateneo Community, XU protested on the death of their alumnus.

On Ashley, she continues to relive the memories of her loved one.

“Sakita kay I have a different caption planned out months ago. Mag kita pa kaha ta? (It hurts because I have a different caption planned out months ago. Will we see each other again?)”

Ashley tweeted on her and Darwin’s supposed third year anniversary on December 18.

The mourning woman did not just weeped for the death of her man.

She fought and stood still. While the case against the six suspects, she kept her grounds and prayed for the enlightenment of the case.

“Yes! They are responsible for the well-being of our cadets. They should be blamed as well because this wouldn’t happen if they took immediate action,” Ashley expressed.

Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) took part in the fight as they also protested against the system that PMA has.

“It is really sad that we have lost a Kagay-anon, if we don’t fight now, our alumni who are currently enrolled in PMA will have the chance to suffer like Darwin did,”

Retrieved from ASHELY RAVIDAS’ TWITTER ACCOUNT

explained by Meliza Rocat, a member of the students who staged a protest.

Ashley is still far from the road to healing. Slowly, she is taking parts of herself and parts that Darwin left.

On December 18, Ashley left a heartbreaking message which she posted on Twitter. “Today marks our three years love! It feels odd that we’ll be celebrating on different places, but my love for you stays the same,” Ashley tweeted as she relives the love that Darwin left for her. The love that will keep Ashley walking the day even though she know what pain she will undergo.

Juliet, who lived will remember Romeo for the rest of her life.

12

DEVCOMM

ARTIFICE OF WAR

by DAN JUBAY

To "protect and promote the right of every Filipino, to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education…"

The Philippines flaunts the richest culture brought by years and years; generations to generations of preserving every detail. Around 14 to 17 million people of the country’s population are classified as Indigenous Peoples or IPs which are further divided into more diverse group with a number of 110 ethnolinguistic groups. With around 17% of the population belonging to the IPs, their voices are important as much as ours. But do we hear them scream for help?

In July of 2019, 55 Salugpongan schools under the supervision of Lumad leaders and cultural places in Davao has been suspended as mandated by the Department of Education (DepEd) on suspection of rebel-pro education against the system, but the voices of each child, wanting to learn watched as the heavy sound of boots in unison stole their chance at their dreams.

The prerogative started by the instruction of DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones to suspend the schools under permit for recognition purposes only. Lumad leaders and volunteer teachers for Lumad

schools cried foul over the decision of both national and regional DepEd offices. The fiasco on red-tagging academic institutions on “leftleaning ideologies” is present not just on higher levels of eduation (e.g.

University of the Philippines), but also in lower levels and cultural heritage.

Volunteer teachers in Lumad schools coming from different backgrounds fight for the right of every Filipino child to have access to education which is currently deprived to the Lumad as they continue to question the act of the government.

Karl Tristan Bucalid, an alumnus of University of the Philippines - Mindanao is also shouting for help as the school he is teaching is also affected. To add bullets to the problem, Karl and his coworkers are also accused of kidnapping and child trafficking.

Blood, tears, and souls are currently used in the war that

BEYOND THE BULLETS

by ROBERT GALLARDO

To “organize, train, equip, deploy and sustain ground forces in the conduct of support to operations to “win the peace” in order to help the Filipino nation create an environment conducive for sustainable development and just and lasting peace…”

speaks of bullets in guns and words; amplified by megaphones. The injustice to educators, students and the frontliners of our cultural heritage is a bash to our ancestors who protected our country and its prestige.

In a data publicized by Save our Schools Netowrk (SOS-SMR), an independent organization that upholds the value and protect Lumad community showed that upon the activation of Martial Law, 134 Lumad schools has been affected from July 2016 to April 2018. Some the schools were forced closed due to heavy presence of military personnel surrounding the area of the schools which affected the daily learning experience and ultimately, closure. With the lack of available schools, 9 out of 10 Lumad children have no access to basic education where they continue to live their lives clueless. In the 1997 Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, the law protects every person with indigenous lineage against from poverty, trafficking and other human rights violation which the law fails to protect them currently.

The wake of every soul living in the misplaced value of learning, each student grows, learning to fight against the government they Truly, Filipinos value education. Families invest millions to provide quality education for their children. mission of our education department

The mission of our education department is to provide education for all, but are we fighting for that right for everyone? For what is happening now is surely nothing but an artifice of a war fought by Filipinos versus their own blood.

STAND WITH US On the International Day of the World's Indigenous, the people who are affected of the closure of 55 Salugpongan schools held their feet together. A solidarity rally was held outside the Regional Office of the Department of Education last August 19.

Their call for arms of people to intesify their action against the inequality brought by the government against their own belief, culture, society, and lands. Rallies are done all around the Davao Region to callout to the government about their actions.

Progressive groups and individuals conducted their respective protests. Their call for cultural relativism and the

the continuation of these schools, now that we know that the community itself do not want them to operate anymore," Parlade said. He also Military and uniformed personnel stated that pointing out the issue that these have no doubt taken the top of the current schools are not complying to the given administration’s priority list, with a third of procedures is pointless because the issue the Cabinet made up of military men—retired is more of a moral one, considering that military men and police generals—as of 2018. the communities they are claiming as their And the President depends recession are rejecting them. on them dearly, under DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones also the reasoning that unlike stated that these schools are difficult to “bureaucrats,” the military supervise because of the remoteness of never debate with him. their locations. Even it means to become “The military. Military, they are utility an irony to the Department of Education's boys. They are the first to die. They are the (DepEd) Mission and Vission; to educate ones whom you call to pave the road if no one every Filipino learner and to follow the culture else is there to pave it,” is how he puts it. of every group and create an avenue for all to So when the Department of Education become citizens and to become learners of (DepEd) ordered the closure of 55 Lumad the country. schools in Davao City, the general public Camouflage garbs have long since left caused an uproar. Displacement of Lumad a footprint on the history of the Lumads— communities. Deprivation of human rights. vilifications, harassment, indiscriminate Series of attacks, killings, arrests, cases firing, and ethnocide, if you will—painted the of harassment, zoning, and vilification in soldiers in an adverse light. As if the same Lumad areas are experiences of the lumad camouflage garbs did not fight, or worse, die as they hear the echoes of the stomping of for the country against oppressors. military boots and series of of megaphone No matter—the end justifies the means. announcements. Completely a deviation If the end means a society free from the of their mission for an environment for looming brainwashing that the Lumads are development and peace. accused of, as well as government rebellion One of the threats, Salugpongan schools and ideologies that are completely different have been reported to be recruiting children from society, to be radicals and subversives and caused An anti-hero of society. The darling of deaths of tribal leaders opposing to their the government, the villain in people’s eyes. operations.

But their perceptions will be of no use; there Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. of the are things that go beyond the bullets, things National Task Force to End Local Communist that only people with badges and guns know Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said this is that the public does not. And as long as the whether the DepEd have acquired necessary Philippine Military’s mission is fulfilled—for permits. the lasting peace the country yearns and "The issue here is not the validity of the needs—then all the bloodshed will may have documents. This is about morality in allowing been worth it.

protection of their own culture is at hand. The closure of the schools affected the lives of their children.

People also call out to the government about the irony of the DepEd mission which states the equality and the quality of education even if you came from a different culture.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE EDUCATION SECTOR WHEN IT CHOOSES THE PEOPLE IT TEACHES?

FIGHT WITH US With the recent siege in Marawi City, the whole country has been on its feet against terrorism. The terrorism group called "Maute" and Abu Sayyaf lead by Isnilon Hapilon and with his brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute might have added more fuel to the flames.

Every soldier in the country remembers the bloodshed of both innocent by the hands of the terrorist and likewise, the blood of the terrorists dripping from their hands. Soldier encampments are now erected in places not just in Davao Region, but in all of Mindano to assure the protection of the Filipino living in the untouched land.

Like the forefathers that we Filipinos had, they continue to strengthen the vanguards, ensure the rear ones are closed and make sure northing gets pass their nose.

The Filipino soldiers continue to salute under the brazen sun as they look up to the dream of having better days with there family.

We are strong and what matters the most is the safety of the majority.

Art by SHAUN PAO

13

FEATURES

endl

e walk ss in DIFF

EREN

T LIV

by RO

ES. S AME

BERT

GALL

ARDO

DILE

g

MMA

.

C

agayan de Oro City is dubbed as a city with champion education that caters all. The growing economy creates opportunities for a lot of people to do business, but beyond the walls that educates the children and opportunities of work, there are lives of the unsheltered continue to work in their own ways, even if it cost more than what they earn, they will continue to live and beyond the road that marks their journey, the walkers continued to walk.

SOUL.

Baby, a sex worker (walker) in Cagayan de Oro sharing her story and the ways of a walker and her story through a Nudo Veritas exclusive interview.

Photo by ROBERT GALLARDO

“Akong gipili na dalan kay mali. Pero wala koy mapili kay walay dalan lain na pwede namo agian. (The road I chose is wrong. But I don’t have any choice because there is no road available for us to cross.)”

BABY, Sex Worker (Walker) 17

With the city growing and transforming into a hub for business and education, the government continues its support in maintaining the good indicators of development. A little spark of an illegal act is lurking behind the sight of the government where dignities and souls are sold. Prostitution is evident in the city where places around the city have the industry thriving.

In the dark streets of Cruz Taal, the hub for the illegal business takes place. With the Anti-Prostitution Act asserted by Senator Pia S. Cayetano in 2013, any forms of sexual, human trafficking, and other services as stated in the act are prohibited, but the act does not fully protect our people with some have barely rice to feed their family, they continue to choose the path of the wronged.

Poverty is one of the main reasons why the business endured the prosecution of the government. With the people wanting to supply their own need, they do not have any choice but to climb the sharpest blade to sustain their needs.

In an exclusive interview, Baby shares her endeavor in the field.

Baby was eldest of the seven siblings in her family. Her father who was jailed and mother who worked as a labandera to provide for the family. None of the siblings pursued their education as they do not have the liberty of doing so.

On an uneventful night, while Baby was helping her mother with the commissioned laundry, her youngest sibling suffered with high fever and vomiting. Panicked they were, but they carried the boy in their frail and scraped hands as they run to Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC). Without any money, they only ran to the hospital which was several kilometers away from their house near Cogon Public Market. w They said in a government hospital, officials work for the people. Rich or not, they are treated as the same. But in Baby’s case, the doctor replied, “Ma’am naa mo’y ikabayad?

(Ma’am do you have sum to pay?)”.

Baby and her mother did not have time to get angry, their fears went ahead of them and they ran to another hospital which was near the place. Now heading to Sabal Hospital, they entered the doors of the emergency room, and pleaded to the doctor to attend to their beloved.

“Di nako limtan ang gibuhat namo sa akong mama. Niluhod mi. Nihilak para sa kinabuhi sa akong manghud. (I will not forget the things we did. We kneeled. Cried for the life of my little brother.”

The doctor explained the possible cost that the family might face, but no words can enter their minds now. All they did was nod and said yes.

While Baby was walking around her community, looking for clothes to clean or any job that she can handle, a friend approached her and told her that there is a high paying job that she can do.

With her being in dire need of money, she did not ask any questions and told her friend that she was interested. Her friend brought her to a nearby house and said:

“Imo ibaligya imong pagka virgin. (You will sell your virginity.)”

Wearing only her pride and her desire to help her family, her clothes went down.

HAROLD, Sex Worker (Walker) 25 Setting his dreams as a future Mechanical Engineer, Harold of tender age found a way to support his studies. He now works as a macho dancer and on the side, a walker.

Studying in one of Cagayan de Oro’s premium and progressive universities, Harold is currently studying engineering. With his father working as a construction worker and his mother died during the birth of his fourth sibling, he and his father works hard to raise six of their family.

With him helping his father raise money for household needs and allowance for his siblings, Harold developed his body through heavy lifting at construction sites his father is contracted with. “My father who is old can’t carry heavy stuffs and at 16, I already joined my father to earn also,” Harold explained.

As he turned 17, and graduated high school, he decided to stop his education and work fulltime at the construction firm that his father is working. He halted his dreams.

One night, Harold was invited by his fieldmates for a drink. On their way to a nearby bar, Harold was shocked when someone stopped

t e e r st lamp

A ES OF .

Y E E H R INTO TERVICE USE S SEX

Josh, who was allured into the dangerous streets of Cruz Taal found his new drugs. In the dark streets and silent motels, Josh is now the light in the silent night.

Working as a call center agent, Josh was always up until the few wee hours of the night.

His job usually starts at two in the afternoon and ends by midnight.

While walking down the lanes of Divisoria, one night, they were stopped by someone who identified herself as a “bugaw”, a manager of prostitutes in Cagayan de Oro. “Wala jud nisulod sa ako isip na mugamit ug tao. (It didn’t come to my mind to use the service of someone,” explained Josh.

With his friends, they were jokingly pushing each other to try and taste a walker.

him and asked if he was interested in doing a job. A special kind of job, Harold explained.

With him needing money to send his brothers and sisters to school while paying for bills, Harold asked, out of curiousity what the job was.

Harold was brought into a room where he found out what the job was. A gay bar.

Harold was recruited as a macho dancer who serves “special services” upon demand of the customers.

“I started my first job with a gay. I gave him felatio and that’s all,” Harold shared.

With him earning 500-2500 every night, he was able to support his siblings, and finally, bringing himself back to the track of education.

“I will continue the job until I can. This way if I graduate, I will land on a more stable job.”

Harold is currently at his third year in college and hopefully, in 2021, Harold is set to walk and wear his toga, he dreams to walk on the center with his father and siblings proud of him, and he dreams to don the name engineer soonest.

Curiousity took over and they paid for two girls for a night.

“She was underage, I believe. It was not my first time having sex, pero the leisure and excitement, siguro this is my kink.”

In an interview, Josh confessed to have at least “used” a walker for around 10 transactions.

“I use condoms for protection and I do respect their work. I do not ask for something weird. We just have sex and I pay. That’s all.”

Josh concluded.

Josh is one of the people who are consumers of this type of business. Either you look at it wrong, this is the walkers’ livelihood.

Josh is considered as the walker’s light in the dark as they try to live with everyday and face problems of their individual lives.

BARE.

In his six years of working as a walker, Harold, 25, continued his work as a macho dancer and a sex worker at the same time.

Photo by GEORGE GALLARDO

“I just worked here to support myself and my family. it is not my entire choice to work in this kind of way.”

14

FEATURES

t u o n e T of ten

#CHOOSEPHILIPPINES #AMIHANGMINDANAO

P

by ROBERT GALLARDO

lanning for your next trip? Forget abroad and take a leap to Northern Mindanao (Region 10). Planning to climb mountains? Or swim the deep sea? Don’t worry, the lands and seas of Region 10 is waiting for you, because in this region, ten is the perfect score!

COME AGAIN, IN CAMIGUIN Hiding itself as a rural area, Camiguin boasts its natural riches that put international destination to shame!

Camiguin being the child of fire is surely hot enough to put you on your next flight directly to the Land Born from Fire!

Experience the thrill and the beauty of untouched nature and unwind with Camiguin’s beauty!

Mt. Hibok-Hibok One of the Philippines’ active volcano is set to become one of the hotest spots to visit in the country! Mt. Hibok-Hibok is treated as a God in the lands of Camiguin as this island is born from volcanic activity in the past times.

Hire a guide and trek above the volcano and reach the secret hot springs that will surely melt away your fatigue!

Camiguin White Island Tired from the heat of the sun?

Enjoy the sea alongside with the white sand beaches of Camiguin! Gawk at the beauty of this white and blue mix! Enjoy the cool waters and the rich biodiversity under the sea!

Give Camiguin a chance and you’ll be surprised as Camiguin will welcome you with open arms!

Come one, come all and #FeelCamiguin to the fullest of your desires!

EDI WOW, LANAO! An area filled with majestic waterfalls, Lanao boasts its beauty in both land and water. One of Lanao’s gem is Tinago Falls located in Iligan City, it is a destination for tourists around the country!

Tinago, word for “hidden”, the falls is wrapped within a deep ravine with rich biodiversity and calming air.

Don’t forget to put Lanao in your bucketlist and try the cold and sharp drop of Lanao’s majestic and magical waterfalls!

Definitely, #WowSaLanao!

Camiguin White Island overlooking the majestic Mt. Hibok-Hibok Photo retrieved from Project LUPAD

BOOK THE BUKID! One of the Philippines’ untouched areas, Bukidnon offers its green pasteur and cold, sharp air that will surely put your hair standing as you will be immersed in the life of being a buKID! Kapayawan Ridge Wanna try climbing the mountains but have little to no experience? Try the friendly Kapayawan Ridge, located at Impasug-ong, Bukidnon!

Enjoy the endless view of the mountains as they turn their beauty to you!

The golden view as the sun sets is an item to be included in your bucketlist.

Kaamulan Festival Be immersed with one of the most cultural-rich areas of the Philippines, Kaamulan Festival showcases its beauty and putting indigenous people as the limelight of this event!

Don’t miss the spectacular dance of Bukdnon’s Seven Tribes and be amazed of the rich culture that the Philippines have!

See Bukidnon further and realize that there is #BukidMore to the lands!

Book your next flight to Bukidnon!

NO OR IN ORO Being the “Gateway of Mindanao”, Cagayan de Oro City, one of the highly urbanized cities of Mindanao gives justice to its golden name as “City of Golden Friendship” Higalaay Festival Literally meaning to “make friends,” Higalaay Festival is Cagayan de Oro’s major festival which celebrates Saint Augustine, the city’s patron saint and the different cultures that meets in the city.

Celebrated annually in August, people in Cagayan de Oro go all out in building

bridges with everyone showing the true colors behind Cagayan’s dubbing as city of friendship!

White Water Rafting Have a knack for extreme adventure?

Cagayan de Oro has it for you! Go wet-and-wild style with Cagayan’s extreme White Water Rafting! Conquer the raging streams of water and the still-standing rocks as you mount the river and become the king of the current!

Truly worth golds, Cagayan de Oro sets the standard of urbanization and tourism! In Kagayanon term, tsada means wonderful! Becase in Oro, there is no other choice but to truly enjoy #TsadaKagayan!

NOT ACCIDENTAL, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL Home to little towns with big egos, Misamis Occidental never fails to put a smile on every face that each tourist leaves its area!

One of MisOcc’s treasure is its highest point, the Mt. Malindang!

Being a complex volcano, it is a caldera-type volcano which is surrounded by little cinder conestype which is a wonder! With a crater like called Duminagat, this is a pack for your next adventure!

The rising rural area of Tangub City is also a place to visit. Being named as the Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines, thew city will cater to your yuletide environment as it lights the myriad of colored lights to make holidays merry!

The vibrant colors and the smiles, truly Misamis Occidental is not an accident!

Come to Misamis now and surely, after leaving the lands of riches, you will #MissingMisamis!

Highest point of Misamis Occidental, Mt. Malindang.

Photo retrieved way.ph

15

science

RS

earchers With Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) focusing on the sciences, the new surge of researches of the students are aimed at more than just passing high school. Studies that empower the community is now the trend in conducting research by high school students.

Made for helping the community, RS takes its responsibility as science institution.

BREAKING TROUGH Grade 12 studes on brink of discovering new bacteria

by ROBERT GALLARDO

H

umans has been finding the most diverse and most complex organism in every corner of the world. From the highest point of Mount Everest down to the lowest point of the Earth’s surface, the Challenger Deep, humans have seen quantities of diverse lives that continue to thrive. What if the humankind is on the brink of discovering a new life form, but the catch is students of Gusa Regional Science High School – X (GRSHS-X) is taking part in the breakthrough?

Aiming at breakthroughs, a team of student researchers delicately planned to conduct a research and this team is composed of Meg Zyra Ballescas and Leevie Ann Opanis as primary authors and co-authors Deo Allen Paring and Mark Durotan and under the supervision of Master Teacher I, Adam Ray Manlunas which specializes in the fields of Biology and Microbiology. The research is titled: Genome Sequence Database and Phenotypic Characteristic Determination of an Isolated Agrolytic Bacteria: Its Viability on Different Sodium Chloride Concentrations.

The Title in a Nutshell

HARDWORK.

Students of RS working hard on their individual research that is aimed at making impacts in their respective community scope.

Photo by MEG BALLESCAS

Tuber dormancy problem? Solved.

by MELIZA ROCAT

One of Philippines’ staple junk food favorite is the satisfying French fries.

Due to its popularity, fries is often paired with rice meals albeit the carbohydrate and starch combo. On a negative note, the high consumption rate of potatoes of the Filipinos showed no prospering in the field of agriculture, specifically growing potatoes.

With Gusa Regional Science High School – X (GRSHS-X) investing in the ideas of the students, a group of grade 12 students catalyzed a greenhorn approach to the standing issue of potato degradation, sprouting and storage problems.

Headed by Trisha Mae B. Navarette and cowriters Angel Nicole B. Ampo and Shein Khan Kae Valdehueza, their crafted paper titled Comparing the Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Trend of Sprouting Between Two Methods of G0 Granola Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Storage.

With the research being developed around April of 2019, the team sought professional apprenticeship which resulted to their affiliation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Dalwangan, Bukidnon. Transportation did not bear a problem as their goal is to develop the paper and turn their concept into actualization. In there, the students were able to identify an underlying problem which was the dormancy of potatoes. It takes around 17 months before the potatoes are marketable, with this, the team finalized their idea and went with the concept.

Their process utilized hydrogen peroxide and funguran in soaking the granola potatoes with different concentrations. Variations were also done in the soaking time. Some potatoes are soaked fresh from harvest, others one month from harvest to show variance in the study.

Sightings of decomposition of seaweeds are found throughout the saltwaters of the world, but localizing the study enabled the researchers to find a species of seaweed that undergoes decomposition of the same phenomenon. Found in Aplaya, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, the researchers were able to gather seaweeds identified as Elkhorn Sea Moss (Kappaphycus alvarezii).

With the problem in seaweed decomposition, the team designed their research in finding a specific species of bacterium that feeds on sugar of the seaweed which are called agrolytic. The feeding of the bacteria leads to the rapid decomposition of the seaweed. To

determine its physical character or phenotypical assessment and to be able to identify the genome sequence or DNA of this bacteria are the goals of this research.

In order to asses the growth of the bacteria in different environment where Sodium Chloride (NaCl) or salt concentration varies in seas, the team also applied multiple experiments in varying conditions of salt concentration.

Stepping Stones

In order to start, the team collected their samples at Barangay Aplaya of Jassan. Three water samples was collected and three bags of Red Macroalgae (K. alvarezii) was also collected. In order for them to traverse the sea, the team rented a small boat or bangka.

They isolated cultures of bacteria through a method called streak plate method where they scratched the seaweed to have variation in levels where they swabbed sterilized cotton and stroked it on a nutrient agar dish.

Through the swabbing, bacteria were gathered an is now cultured on a plate with nutrient agar.

“The actual experimentation created an avenue for us to learn and improve our scientific skills.

These skills are not attainable in your regular class session,” Durotan pressed.

To comprehend the readings and data of the gathered materials, the researchers sent their samples to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) and even internationally to Myongji University – Natural Science Campus or Yongin Campus in Seoul.

On the first trial of the research, the test showed a unique sequence of DNA which may be a new species of bacteria, but the researchers failed to achieve a full reading of the DNA sequence which resulted to recommendations to gather materials and perform the experimentation once again.

“The problem was the slight contamination of our samples,” Ballescas explained as the PGC and Myongji University had the same reading, “If we were able to collect a contamination-free sample, we could have broken through,” she added.

“As a science high school, it would be best if we could have the instruments we need in order to conduct researches like this,” Paring explained.

In the times where breakthroughs are needed in the most changing life the humans have, little steps like these tend to create ripples in the water.

bythenumbers

500 From the results gathered from the PGC and Myongji University - Natural Science Campus, a lack of approximately 500 DNA characters is missing to name a new species of the said agrolytic bacteria coming from the Elkhorn Sea Moss.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the rise of people who are suffering with diabetis is now recorded as the year with the highest prevalence of diabetis. With the young and innovative minds of the youth, students of Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) proved that age is not the basis for contribution in research and health medicine.

Athyrium esculentum or fiddlehead fern or commonly known as Pako was identified as possible cure to diabetes mellitus. The research which was authored by Clyde Auman, Samantha Austria, Kane Betonio, and Ian Urbina utilized the common plant in solving a worldwide dilemma. With their research titled Fern Athyrium esculentum (Pako) Crude Extract: Its Effects on Glucose Level of Webster White Mice.

The Pako samples were air dried for seven days and was soaked in 120 mL of 95% sehtanol solution for three days to create the solution in progressing the research.

The team collected Pako and cleaned the samples. After the preparation of the materials, the samples were screened for its phytochemical components, which its secondary metabolites were also screened.

In order to have its phytochemicals screened, the team extracted crude from the powdered fern. Upon the checking of the phytochemicals, they were able to record lkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycoside, reducing sugars, and steroids.

They found out with steroids being present, the chance of the extract in reducing sugar levels is not a pipe dream.

The primary author, Auman expressed his thoughts on how the research became to be. “It was supposed to be that only the nutritional attributes of Pako was to be examined, but we were able to deviate and create a new study which is more concurrent.”

To test the phytochemicals, the team utilzed the Mayer’s test which a reagent is added to the crude extract to find the presence of alkanoids.

The collected webster white mice were acclimated in their cages for five days for them to adapt the new environment. The mice were given free access to water and were fed with sliced carrots three times a day. The sawdust bedding in their cages was changed once every three days to avoid contamination and bacterial infection from bacteria from urine, water and stools of the mice.

Animal experimentation was carried out as per the rules and general provisions of Republic Act No. 8485 otherwise known as Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

The researchers were able to find and conclude that leaves of Pako has a potential of hypoglycemic activity in terms of fasting blood sugar level which indicates that the leaves could help in the reduction of high blood glucose level in hyperglycemia.

The crude extract from the plant sample Pako and commercial product Metformin showed no significant difference in reducing the blood sugar level of the webster white mice. Pako has similar effects on reducing the blood sugar level with the commercial product, Metformin.

With this research, it is apparent that the youth is part of the world movement in eradicate health problems.

The research placed fourth in the 2018 Regional Science and Technology Fair of Northern Mindanao as sponsored by the Department of Education - Northern Mindanao Region.

CANDY

d e h s u r C Students take on medical diabetis research

by DANICA FABRO | Art by SHAUN PAO

16

SCIENCE

THE FAULT IN OUR LINES A Primer on the Mindanao Earthquakes

by ROBERT GALLARDO

Philippines is unfortunately a member of the Pacific Ring of Fire which belts of active seismic places converge at ends of each continental plate. It explains how the Philippines and its islands has come to form. With the recent series of earthquakes in Mindanao, people had become restless, and with the stirring of disinformation, people now believe in gray information. To combat, let us understand further how science can reveal the truth.

bythenumbers

7.2 According to PHIVOLCS, earthquakes in Mindanao is projected to generate up to 7.2 sesimic magnitude that can bring destructive damage to its vicinity. This dispell the acclaimed “Big One” which was spread to be around magnitude 8 strong.

History In the year 2019, series of strong to weak earthquakes have hit Mindanao, specifically Cotabato. On October 31, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake was reported to hit Koronadal City and affecting nearby areas such as Digos City and more.

Damages has reached its peak and with over 8,000 people displaced due to the damage both physical and emotional.

This is not the first time that earthquakes devastated Mindanao. Records have shown that over hundreds of strong earthquakes hit Mindanao since 1600s and in September of 1897, the strongest was recorded around

the Celebes Sea and Sulu.

Another devastating incident was on August 17, 1976 which a powerful 8.1 magnitude earthquake shocked Moro Gulf and generated waves with heights up to nine meters tall.

A number of 8,000 people was approximated as death casualties and is even dubbed as the “largest tsunamigenic earthquake” in Mindanao.

With that, what causes the generation of devastating earthquakes in Mindanao?

Science at Work With the series of earthquakes in Cotabato, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) traced the waves back to the Cotabato Trench.

According to PHIVOLCS, Cotabato Trench is one of the major sources of earthquakes which affects the region

in Central and South Mindanao.

With seismic waves generated in either one of the actives faults in Mindanao, it will trigger a domino effect which will generate earthquakes. According to PHIVOLCS, these are some of the active faults in Mindanao: M’lang Fault, Malungon Fault, North Cotabato Fault, South Cotabato Fault and many more.

Apo Resurgence?

Others have claimed that Mount Apo found in Davao Region is the cause of the earthquakes; claiming that it might become active again. Contrary to this claim, DOST and PHIVOLCS strongly disagree. In their data, it showed that “the earthquakes are seismic in origin”, and it has not shown any connection to volcanic activities as surveyed from the nearby volcanoes in the region.

The Big One False. PHIVOLCS dispelled the fake information of the possible “Big One” which circulates in social

recorded aftershocks

PHIVOLCS recorded over 700 aftershocks from the 6.9 earthquake that rocked Davao del Sur on December 17. Out of the 700, 630 aftershocks were regarded as minor and only 70 were felt.

RUBBLE.

A building damaged by the strong earthquakes generated in the land of Mindanao.

RECORD

700

media and through text messages.

On a social media post, people claims that an earthquake as strong as magnitude 8 could strike Mindanao any time and generate tsunamis.

With that, the government strongly disagrees to the claim as the earthquakes are not caused by trenches meaning there is little to none tsunami chance.

Another is that the claim on the magnitude 8 earthquake. According to the data of PHIVOLCS, the strongest magnitude that the faultlines in Mindanao could generate is up to 7.2 which is identified to be most probable at the Makilala-Malungon Fault.

With the fake news circulating, the government urges the people to read and spread information which are distributed by government agencies to alleviate panic that fake news brings.

Photo retrieved from INQUIRER PHILIPPINES

THE POWER WITHIN

by NICOLE GALLARDO

With the strong tremors that devastated North Cotabato, a surge of passion inspired a group of student to work towards an innovation that will tap the power within of every individual. Students of Gusa Regional Science High School (GRSHS-X), put their creativity and passion to the test as they conceptualize a handheld thermoelectric generator.

A team of six students joined Shell’s program for innovators called NXplorers. Conceptualizing the problem that Mindanao with over 1.4 million households in Mindanao does not have electricity and the long-standing earthquakes that affected families in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, and South Cotabato. This became their fuel in conceptualizing an innovation that will help the people in these areas.

The generator utilizes the Seebeck Effect where the heat from the person holding the generator will excite the electrons that will make the electrons move within the generator and direct current is produced which a small-scale electric output is made to be used.

The generator is aimed at bringing ease to times like emergency and as a potential renewable energy resource. The team also looked at the potential of scale that this generator can achieve which materials are accessible, and mass production is viable.

With all the ideas putting up to their expectations, they plan to develop the technology further to help more people.

With their minds bringing new ideas to the modern world, the Team Marigold of RS bagged first place in the National Finals of the Shell NXplorer contest.

“It is an amazing concept where we students have the avenue to create something like this,” Azeliyah Bangcong, a member of the team expressed.

Team Marigold is awarded with 70,000 pesos to improve their prototype and actualize the materialization of their project.

The thermoelectric generator is the start of the harnessing of the power within each individual.

Design by ALDWIN BITOON

On October 31, 2019 an Intensity III quake was felt in Cagayan de Oro. While students were having their classes in Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X), the tremor caused the students to evacuate school buildings. After the tremors, shallow cracks were found in the senior high school building.

On October of 2019, earthquakes caused by faultlines in Mindanao, specifically in Cotabato tremored Cagayan de Oro. In this wake, the senior high school building of Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) was found with little cracks and damages. To learn the strength of the building, let us breakthrough the specifications of Department of Education (DepEd) specified buildings.

Under the DepEd Order no. 64 s. 2017, specifications for schools to operate are written under the Minimum Performance Standards and Specification (MPSS) for DepEd School Buildings.

Art by DAN JUBAY

According to the 2017 MPSS, a standard structure of a school building shall have a capacity seismic load of up to sesimic zone four as specified. And the seismic importance factor of 1.5.

In cases, soil that the building shall be built on should have at least a capacity of 2,000 pounds per square foot or around 96 kPa to assure the safety of the students.

As reported by several media groups, classrooms in other affected areas have damages ranging from minimal to destructed. It was called out that there is a problem with the building due to the fact that it does

not follow the standards of the MPSS which under the quakes, the buildings did not stand tall.

Reports shown that these buildings and the materials used are substandard and which other called out to DepEd to the possible corruption which happens in the bidding process.

The importance of knowing material science and engineering as students is of high value.

Before we get inside the buildings we choose to call as second home, it is better to check your hard hats first.

T A H ARD

K C E H C

H

by DAN

JUBAY

15

SCIENCE

TICK TOCK!

What happens when your sleep is not enough?

by ROBERT GALLARDO

Human body performs complex functions on a daily basis. Without even realizing it, our bodies perform difficult processes that can only be understood through time in education. However, the catch is that it needs one thing -sleep. But what happpens to the body when it is being deprived from its only remedy? Indeed, sleeping is the body’s requirement for it to regenerate again.

SURVEY 8-7

hours GRADE 7&8

7-5

hours GRADE 9&10

5-4

hours GRADE 11&12 In a survey conducted by Nudo Veritas, with 100 participants each grade level, there are variations on the hours of sleep among students

Studies prove that an average human should at least spend 7-8 hours of sleep in order to avoid “tremendous emotional problems”.

It is certain that a lack of sleep will prevent the brain from being able to initially make new memories. In perspective, it is like an inbox that shuts down and cannot receive new messages or memories. These coming informational emails are just ricochet, and a person ends up feeling amnesiac. It essentially cannot make and create new memories.

Additionally, when the body lacks

sleep, it will lead to an increased progression of a toxic protein in the brain called beta amyloid.

It is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease because it is during the conduct of deep sleep which is approximately 90 minutes of sleep at night, the body acting as the sewage system within the brain actually kicks in to high gear and it starts to wash away this toxic presence. If you are not getting enough sleep each and every night, the more you are subjected to experience mental complications from the Alzheimer’srelated protein that has accumulated.

The more you sleep less, the greater the risk of a person developing dementia in later life.

KNOW3I0US FOOD30 in RS Nutritous food under

by ROBERT GALLARDO

A mind needs fuel in order to keep its engine and creative juices going. This fuel is represented by the food we eat. For instance, several direct effects that involve the immediate impact of nutrition on the daily performance whether it may be mental or behavioural problems can be traced back to unhealthy nutrition and poor eating habits.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘Report of the commission on ending childhood obesity’ (2018) recommends that the school should follow the DO 13, s. 2017 Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools and in DepEd Offices. This was issued to promote and develop healthy eating habits among the youth and DepEd employees. Additionally, from the insights of the DepEd Order in the 8th National Nutrition

CDO’s First Zero Waste Grocery Store

by DANICA FABRO

Happy Earth Store, the first zero waste and organic grocery store in Mindanao and in Cagayan de Oro is now operating for business. The store had their soft opening on September 15.

Various home essentials healthy food for those who are present including kitchen planned cleaner and healthier needs, personal care, zero-waste choices in their meals. kits, and laundry essentials. The Vegetable, salads and buying of raw materials are based other meat alternatives are also on its quantity whether weighing available. or volume.

“It is really a great According to an article by improvement in our city if CDODev. com, the Happy Earth more people can have a more Store aims to minimize and sustainable lifestyle,” expressed eventually eliminate single-use

by Anne Riposte, a local who buys plastics that causes plastic at the store. pollution and hazards to health The store is located at Lane and the marine life. It wants to 101 along Masterson Avenue preserve the environment for the right beside Hall of Justice in future generation and teah this Uptown Cagayan de Oro. The “sachet country” that living a store opens from 8 AM to 8PM. more sustainable life is possible.

Weigh. Fill. Reweigh. Pay. This store offers not just sustainable materials, but also

The Aftermath of Deprivation There are many levels of severity when a person is sleepdeprived. Firstly, it is known that lack of sleep affects the reproductive system.

Men sleeping just five to six hours a night have a level of testosterone which is that of someone ten years their senior. Lack of sleep will age you by almost a decade in terms of that aspect virility and wellness.

Another effect is that it damages your immune system.

After just one night of four to five hours of sleep, there is a 70% reduction in critical anti-cancer fighting immune cells called natural killer cells. That is the reason that we know that short sleep durations within

the day predicts a person’s risk for developing numerous forms of cancer.

The list currently consists of cancer of the bowel, cancer of the prostate, as well as cancer of the breast. In fact, the link between a lack of sleep and cancer has now been proven strong recently by the World Health Organization (WHO) in which they decided to classify any form of night time shift work as a probable carcinogen.

In other words, jobs that may induce cancer because of a disruption of a person’s sleep rate rhythms. on’s sleep rate rhythms.

Aside from the immune system, the cardiovascular system also if affected because it is during the deep sleep at night is the

Survey, children from 5-10 years old are 29.1% underweight, 29.9% stunted, 8.6% wasted, and 9.1% overweight. Evidence proves that diets with high amounts of trans and saturated fats can have a negative impact in cognition.

This will harm the ability of students to learn at a pact necessary for school success.

Within the GRSHS-X grounds, the canteen is compliant to DepEd order as issued in March 14 by Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

The canteen promotes healthy diets ranging from vegetable viands to common Filipino snacks such as Banana cue, turon and calamansi juice which DepEd classified as Green, the “best choices for a healthy school canteen” Not only that it is nutritious but also cheap making it affordable for students especially while the country’s facing inflation.

Other food that is available to the canteen include: Pinakbet which is a mixed variety of vegetables sauteed in fish paste. It is very rich in minerals and vitamins such as B1, B6, B vitamins, anti-bacterial agents, manganese that can prevent kidney disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes; Banana cue that consists mainly of banana and a thick caramelized coconut cream used as a dessert condiment locally known as “latik”. It that has Vitamin B6, Manganese, Vitamin C, Potassium, Dietary Fiber, Iron and many more! Truly, not just a

It takes only one emergence of Polio in a country to call out a national epidemic. On September 19, 2019 and the first in 19 years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Philippines and its neighboring countries as free from Polio, it breaks out and starts its domination once again.

Poliomyelitis is a viral disease that affects young children. It is transmitted from person-to-person via fecal-oral route. With the virus living in feces, if the contaminated object reaches food or anything that enters the gastrointestinal tract, most likely if the person ingesting is not vaccinated, he or she will have polio.

It mainly affects children who are five years old or younger. In the year 1988, the WHO reported decline of the virus which rated up to 99% and its first emergence again in 2019.

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque confirmed the reemergence of polio after cases in Lanao del Sur and Laguna. A test was also conducted in the Davao River which tested positive of polio. Following the national epidemic, people are advised to take extra measure.

Polio is back in business, but it has no permit in making business in our world. Once again, the human race should work together to eradicate this deadly business and put it into bankruptcy for good.

only period where you receive this special form of blood pressure medication.

Your heart rate drops and your blood pressure goes down.

If a person fails to comply such, he is unable to reboot his cardiovascular system leading to blood pressure increase. Once you get past 16 hours of being awake, that’s when a person starts to see mental deterioration and physiological deterioration in the body.

RS students’ Sleeping Patterns In a random survey conducted by the Press Club, grade 11 and 12 topped the rank as the least number of hours of sleep with four hours.

While grade 9 and 10 have six hours and 7 hours for the lower years. According

to Sofia Yu, Grade 12, due to number of requirements and demands of academic performance tasks, they are working their best even they lack of sleep.

Tick Tock! Use your time wisely.

bythenumbers

5.3 The average sleep that a student of RS get every night is around five and a third according to a survery conducted

by Nudo Veritas Survey Team. The population gathered was one hundred students per year level.

favourite merienda of Filipino people but nutritious and affordable as well; Calamansi Juice that is an extract from the citrus fruit, calamansi; It is rich in Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C that helps to control cholesterol levels, boosts immunity, controls diabetes, and detoxifies the body; Ginataang Gulay contains mainly squash, the important ingredient that helps avoid cardiovascular diseases; Ginataang Langka which contains coconut cream or gata is not foreign to Filipino’s everyday consumption. It is often partnered with langka and gulay.

“Our goal is considering the food we sell are nutritious and that can help improve the children’s overall health. Next, we would also put into account food that are actually affordable to the students,” Ate Jenny, the canteen’s food seller said when the Nudo Veritas Team interviewed her.

Greener pastures are guaranteed to those who eat green. Thus, it is important to fill your insides with nutritious foods that will surely improve your critical and cognitive thinking skills. As a student, it is important to take your daily medications. Aside from sleep, it is also important to take into consideration the food you stuff into your mouth.

Are you eating smart?

back in

BUSINESS

by DANICA FABRO | Art by SHAUN PAO

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SPORTS

ALL TROOPS DEPLOYED Innovating Filipino Games in Mathematics

by NICOLE BONSILAO

Once every school year, the students and the staff of GRSHS-X, gathered to celebrate the wondrous festivities of math through games, puzzles and team-building activities that not only gave way to another form of learning experience, but also to improve and to strengthen the camaraderie of everyone.

Once every school year, the students and the staff of Gusa Regional Science High School-X (GRSHS-X), gather to celebrate the wondrous festivities of math through games, puzzles and team-building activities that not only gives way to another form of learning experience, but also to improve and to strengthen the camaraderie of KENT DELA CRUZ KERT CARDINALES MATT CERBITO CARLOS COLMINAS VON CHUA everyone.

The annual event, with the theme: Initiating drills in Mathematics by Innovating Filipino Games in Assesing the Young Generation’s Performance, merging Mathematics with the Fun Games of the Filipinos, was held August 15-16, this year.

VICTORY. The first day of the program was reserved Independent for the most of the activities and games e-sports team, of the event—Math persona, Math Chere, Brenda E-sports and Mathrepreneur, Pentaball, Mathemagic Cube, their winning heroes Flight of Polygona, Math-Ira,Math-Ibay, Mathduring the Mobile Tintero, Math Investigation, Randomathematics Legends: Bang Bang Shoot, Mathelastic, Chessmathics, Counter-chess,

by IVY JEAN SILAGAN & HANZ CALIO Tournament last Trimaptrail, Kasaduko, Caramath Bingoation, September 27, 2019 Polysnake and Ladder, Math Poem, Mathcala and at Malaybalay City, he pride of Gusa Regional Science High School-X and who represented Cagayan De Oro City, Brenda Brainer’s Trimathlon.

Bukidnon. | Art by Esports reigned in a 11-minute battle in the land of dawn as they shut down(or wiped out) the top seeded Each event was to enhance the student’s skills DAN JUBAY team of Malaybalay City, Mafia Gaming 12-11 in the recently concluded Mobile Legends:Bang Bang in math, as well as to encourage them to have tournament on September 27, 2019 at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. fun and to take a break from the stressful work of school.

The last day of the program Kert Cardinales’ John Ryan made Brenda Esports Chua took down 4-0 exchange, 11:02 was intended for Mathrepreneur holy healing sustained an escape after a flicker continued to push the the sustain of Mafia minutes in the game bythenumbers for all levels, Trimatholympics Brenda Esports on early out for Estes but Matt bottom lane after a Gaming as he activated with a 7k gold lead. and Pentaball for senior to late game battle.

Cerbito activated his 3-man rotation. his ultimate after a Brenda Esports high students.

Mafia Gaming shadow kill to take him Gio helped Mafia guardian’s barrier ended the match Though some won started the match down.

Gaming to a 4-0 and a wild charge by immediately after a and some failed in the aggressively after a Epoy of Mafia exchange after a clash Colminas to kill John straight push to the events they participated 3-man rotation and Gaming seized a triple in the middle lane using Ryan. middle lane with the in, the experience of took the first blood kill as Gio used a his minoan’s fury plus Mafia Gaming help of the guardian’s having to solve another against the Rafaela of minoan’s fury to take a a blazing duet of Aljun had the chance for barrier, 12-11. kind of problem, Brenda Esports, Kert 6-2 advantage. to take down Brenda a comeback as Gio Von Chua tallied stars exploring a unique way Cardinales.

Meanwhile, Esports and took a 2k activated his ultimate a 5/3/7 KDA leading Mythical Glory of learning and going Both teams had Brenda Esports took gold lead. for Brenda Esports to their Von Gerald “RcG black”Chua who is a member deeper on the ideas 1-for-1 exchange after the first objective as Co of Mafia a 5-man knocked victory against the of the Racoon Gaming (RcG) obtained his of Math is truly one to a clash in the middle they destroyed the first Gaming nearly got up but the sustain home team. personal best in terms of rank with 1,376 beat. lane, 2-1. turret on the bottom an escape using his coming from Cardinales Captain Matt stars in the Mythical Glory tier. Playing Math Indigay 2019 Von Chua of lane.

Leomord after a 4-man saved Brenda Esports Cerbito after the win: with the “Best Mindanao ML Team”, was indeed a successful Brenda Esports popped Cardinales put a gank on to the bottom in the late game clash.

“Pasagdan na namo he played 4481 matches with a event—cultivating up his falling starmoon show as he flicker in lane by Brenda Esports Chua, dominating tanan mag hulat rami 60.19% winning rate and Mathematics as a means to with a holy baptism with his ultimate holy but Dela Cruz fired his with his falling ug timing na dili na sila 937 MVP’s. strengthen the bonds, sparking of Cardinales against baptism plus a falling death sonata to tear starmoon got a double maka trade.” a whole new interest and bringing John Ryan and Gio on starmoon of Chua to rip him down. kill on to the bottom back the old glory of Filipino games. the top side.

Aljun with his Claude. lane and seized a

Brenda Esports pulls an upset victory over Mafia Gaming, dominates in the land of dawn

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1,376

NORTHERN

KINGS RcG 2.0 shuts down UnExpected Kings in the land of dawn

by JOHN PAUL ESTARES

Raccoon Gaming 2.0 (RcG) showed off the real Kings as they seize the deal after a complete dominance performance over UnExpected Kings in a 3-game battle in the land of dawn, 17-4 in the recently concluded TnT Project Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament on December 6, 2019 at Bulua Gymnasium, Cagayan De Oro City.

Verick, with his Lylia of UnExpected Kings secured the first blood of the match after bursting down the Grock.

RcG’s Akashi got the first objective of the match after stealing the turtle buff with his Masha.

Von Chua set the tone early for RcG after a 3-man knocked up using his Khufra’s Tyrant’s Rage.

Kent Dela Cruz activated his Wild Charge to tear down Black with his Valir.

Chua helped MM to secure a kill after using his Tyrant’s Revenge while Kyo unleashed his Bunny Bomb to burst down the Lolita of UnExpected Kings.

Dark of UnExpected Kings flickered in with a Last Insanity to take revenge against the tanks of RcG and seized a double kill in the middle lane, 3-3.

RcG surprised Dark’s Xborg after a 2-man gank by Kyo and Akashi to secure a kill and a turret in the bottom lane.

7:05 in the match, Kyo stole the turtle buff against the UnExpected Kings but Verick stunned Kyo with his Lylia and bursted him down.

Sky with his Bruno of UnExpected Kings tried to slay MM in the top lane after flickering in but Dela Cruz dove in using his Guardian’s

Barrier and Akashi goes in to tear down the Bruno.

Gold lead for RcG increased up to 3k after Kyo activated Chang’e’s ultimate to burst down the Valir.

MM used his B.M.I in and a Blazing Duet to secure a kill against the Bruno of UnExpected Kings with the help of Chua’s Tyrant’s Revenge.

UnExpected Kings continued to fight against RcG as Verick popped up his Magic Shockwave to burst down the three cores of RcG and seized a triple kill but Akashi with his Masha flickered in to shut down the Lylia.

MM goes in for a Blazing Duet to rip down the Lolita and Valir of UnExpected Kings with the help of Chua’s Bouncing Ball and RcG took the first Lord of the match.

RcG avoided the comeback scare of UnExpected Kings as they ended the battle in a complete fashion after a one-sided clash and increased their gold lead by 6k, 17-9.

Kent Dela Cruz tallied a 7/3/5 KDA to help RcG eliminate UnExpected Kings and reigned in the land of dawn.

CHAMPS IN THE MAKING Urbina takes flight, leading GRSHS-X's first championship title

#2 IAN URBINA

18

FOCUS.

points 16 attacks 2 services aces

RS’ ace player, Ian Urbina in his service form during the 2019 East I District Unit Meet. Photo

by MIGUEL LADRA

by JOHN PAUL ESTARES

Ian Urbina who tallied a game-high 18 points with 16 attacks & 2 service aces led Gusa Regional Science High School - X (GRSHS-X) Men's Volleyball team to their first championship title after surviving a comeback scare against Lapasan National High School (LNHS) in East 1 District Men's Volleyball Finals on September 7, 2019 at Capitol University Basic Education Department covered court.

Urbina exploded late in the third set to seize a 2-1 set lead over Lapasan and reigned in East 1 District Men's Volleyball; 25-20, 16-25 & 25-17.

Crowd gone wild as Urbina opened up the first set with a strong down the line attack and took a 5-2 lead after a service ace again by Urbina.

The lead ballooned up to six points for GRSHS-X after a crosscourt attack by Juanillo, 12-6.

LNHS broke their scoring drought after a 5-1 run as Pabualan scored a regalo after an over receive committed by Rizon of GRSHS-X. Urbina ended Lapasan's 5-1 run after scoring a back

row attack and took a 2-point lead, 16-14.

Oro of GRSHS-X chipped in a solid block against Pabualan to secure a set point in the first set, 24-20.

Urbina closed out the first set after a strong down the line attack against a triple block of LNHS. Pabualan started to heat up in the second set after scoring an off the block attack and took their biggest lead, 11-5.

GRSHS-X made a 5-0 run after an offspeed by Rizon to cut down the lead by one, 10-11.

Mirez of LNHS ended the second set after sharp service, 25-14.

Urbina exploded in the third set leading his team with an 8-3 lead.

Pabualan continued to fight back as he scored an off the block attack and cut down the lead, 6-13 but Oro banked a tip shot leading GRSHS-X to their championship point, 24-17.

"It was intense. I'm happy for my team since they exert effort.," Urbina said on a postgame interview. "We still have things to improve for us to win in this upcoming Division Meet," he added.

GRSHS-X Men's Volleyball Team will represent the East 1 District in the upcoming Division Meet on September 27, 2019.

19

SPORTS

IRON GIRL

The Rise of RS FEmale Triathlete

T

by IVY JEAN SILAGAN

enth grader triathlete Mearianne Suico clinched her record-high victory in the 3rd leg of Lanorteman Triathlon series with a gold medal in the 29 and Under Female Sprint Distance Category on November 24, 2019 at Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

Among her other wins are the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Award as the Fastest Bike Split Female Sprint Distance Category.

“I’m very thankful to everyone who supported me throughout my whole triathlon journey. The program changed my point of view not only in triathlon but also in how I want to live my life,” Suico said.

But behind the victory, she also mentioned all the trials and hardships she felt before and during the race.

“During the race briefing, some of my opponents were from Unilab (some of the strongest triathletes belong there) so i definitely felt nervous at that point,” said Suico.

She also mentioned how she almost fell behind during swimming which spiked her nervousness even more.

Despite that, she showed great willpower as she quickly caught up during the bike split race.

“My teammates were very supportive of me. That’s why it was all worth it in the end,” she added.

Mearianne, a 10th grade studenttriathlete who hailed from GRSHS-X has seemingly one of the most promising athlete journey. Starting from November last year, she has actively joined in several marathons and went for her first triathlon in May 2019.

In less than a year, she has joined in many marathons and triathlons namely in Davao (Penong’s 5150 and Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint), Dipolog (Dipolog Triathlon bythenumbers 106),

PASSION. Mearianne Suico in her journey through out her runs in the different Triathlon events across the country.

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Photo retrived from MEARIANNE SUICO’S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

scholastic SPORTSMANSHIP

athletes

A day in a studentathlete's life

by IVY JEAN SILAGAN

Being a student in Gusa Regional Science High School-X is gruelling enough considering the institution’s standards imposed upon its students and staffs. However, being a student plus athlete is tougher and requires immense priority-check.

Art by JAMES PUNSALAN

from the Gusa Regional Science High School-X were qualified to represent the East I District Eco-Warriors in the upcoming Cagayan de Oro Athletic Association Meet on September 27-29.

Krizzia Rivera, a Senior High student, has her own share of difficulties being a student-athlete. She trains at Capitol University Basic Education Dept.

(CUBED) every Wednesdays and Fridays and joins her fellow schoolmates in training a match every Sundays. Still, tight schedules didn't stop her as she was recently qualified to the Division meet after winning against different schools from East I district.

"Class ends at 4:30 pm and that's the time where we start practicing. Sometimes it lasts until 6-7 pm especially in training

for a competition," said Rave Arao, the libero of RS' volleyboys team who qualified for the Division Meet. "Sometimes it gets overwhelming that i don't get to comply some requirements but I still prioritize being a student first than an athlete," he added.

In fact, there were also other student-athletes who takes on tougher challenges such as Mearianne Suico who recently won 2nd place in both legs of Lanorteman Triathlon and has joined many national triathlons prior since November last year.

From Davao to Camiguin to Pampanga, she has joined almost 10 triathlons/marathons in less than a year.

"It's very tough, but its my passion and i set up my priorities, so I think I can go through to it," she said.

Life as a student-athlete is tough, but their love for their respective sports is what kept them going despite their busy school life.

NOT TODAY

by JOHN PAUL ESTARES

RS Ballers bounds for finals meltdown continued from page 20 19-25, in the Division Meet Men’s Volleyball on September 27, 2019 at Camaman-an National High School.

Cailing of South District sizzled as he scored the first point of the match with a strong quick attack over East I District’s wall blockers.

South District made a 5-0 run in the first set after an error committed for the side of East I District, 6-11.

Mirez broke the scoring run of South District as he tallied 2 service aces to cut down the lead, 8-11, while, middle blocker Pabualan took flight for a back-to-back solid block.

Pabualan, on the other hand, cut down the lead by one as he pummelled an off the block attack to regain the momentum for the side of East I District, 15-16.

Finals bound comes short for rookie Santome

7th grader Khazandra Santome of Gusa Regional Science High School-X (GRSHS-X) fell short in luck after being held off against tough contender Cherry Estrabela from Lapasan National High School (LNHS) in the elimination round of East District 1 Table Tennis Women's Category in straight sets; 11-1, 11-1 on September 6, 2019 at Lapasan National High School.

Estrabela seized the game after showing off her complete dominance against Santome to secure a spot in the final round.

"It was a great game and I really prepared for that match to secure a victory," Estrabela said after her sweet victory.

Estrabela started the match aggressively as she pulled away a backspin attack to take a 2-0 early lead against Santome.

Series of errors were committed by Santome that resulted to Estrabela's early momentum, 5-0.

Santome broke her scoring drought as she chipped in a flick

shot to cut down the lead, 1-5.

Estrabela immediately stopped Santome's run late in the first set after scoring a down the line kill, 8-1.

First set came to an end after Estrabela tallied a strong backspin kill to take a 1-0 lead.

Estrabela's dominance gone berserk in the second set after pulling a 3-0 start.

Meanwhile, Santome continued to fight her last hope as she scored a counter-drive kill to cut down the lead by two.

Late in the second set, the lead ballooned upto nine points for Estrabela that resulted to

Santome's last hope meltdown, 10-1.

Santome ran out of fuel in the second set that resulted Estrabela to close out the game and seize a 2-0 victory after a thunderous backspin kill.

"It's okay, it's all about fun and experience that matters," Santome said after the loss.

Art by DAN JUBAY

Gingoog (Trayatlon ta Gingoog Tres and Sea2Summit Race), Camiguin (Mt. Hibok-hibok Triathlon), Butuan (Butuan Triathlon Trilogy) and Clark, Pampanga (Triman Triathlon).

But it wasn’t until on June 16 where she had her first individual medal upon winning 2nd place in Lanorteman Triathlon Series (1st leg).

On September 22, she grabbed her second win in triathlon by placing 2nd in the second leg of Lanorteman Triathlon Series at Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

But according to her, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of her family, who were also active in the field of sports.

“Ako jud ang gusto mag triathlon and grabe jud maka support akong parents as in todo-todo dabest jud sila (I really want to join triathlons and my parents are very supportive. They are the best),” Suico said.

She was also supported by her coaches Leian Cruz, Noel Tillor, and Naldex Cabingas.

She mentioned further goals of topping her age group and hopefully grabbing more wins in her name specifically the Ironman Triathlon, currently the most popular triathlon in the Philippines.

“I enjoy doing marathons and triathlons and as long as it’s your passion, there is no problem,” she said.

When asked about how she manages being a student athlete, she answered that knowing what to prioritize is the key.

“For me, it boils down on the time management. It’s hard but you can do it as long as you know how to prioritize,” she said.

“Sometimes, I sacrifice my bonding time with myself and some friends due to training camps but it’s all worth it,” she added.

Chess Boys step off backto-back District peat, Girls advance to Division

by IVY JEAN SILAGAN & HANZ CALIO

GRSHS-X Chess Boys set aside their prime as Kahlil Yagao and Jan Mark Torres finished to 2nd place behind East Gusa National High School (EGNHS) while Chess Girls moves forward to Division Meet during the 2019 East I District Meet at Gusa Regional Science High-School on September 6, 2019.

This marked as the first time in a few years of the Chess Boys losing the District meet throne.

Both boys won the first round against Capitol University Basic Education Department (CUBED) but ended up in a draw against EGNHS in the last round.

Yagao said in an interview, “For others, us winning 1st runner up is a great achievement but it’s quite disappointing for us since for the longest time, RS Chess Boys always prevailed in district meet.”

Meanwhile, Carissa Marie Careras and Lierah Abejuela survived the three rounds against Lapasan National High School, Capitol University Basic Education Department, Cugman National High School.

They were qualified to the Division Meet after perfecting their score.

“Wala jud ko nagexpect nga magchampion mi since wala kaayo mi training atong before district pero pag mag training heavy jud tapos ang mga senior chess players ang naghelp sa amoa para ma enhance ang among skills,” said Abejuela.

(We didn’t expect that we will be champions since we didn’t have enough training for the meet but senior chess players helped us through to enhance our skills) “I am really proud of myself and Ate Carissa because even though we haven’t trained much, we still won and represented our school for the upcoming Division Meet,” she added.

18

nudoveritas

ALL TROOPS DEPLOYED

sports Vol. 25 No. 1 The Official Publication of Gusa Regional Science High School-X Division of Cagayan de Oro City Region X June-October 2019

CDOC INTER-PUBLIC SCHOOLS (U15)

15 Gusa Regional Science High School -X

Carmen National High School

82

DRIVE.

GRSHS-X Basketball Team player Vince Serina attempts to penetrate the defense of the SHJMS in their championship game during the conduct of the 2019 East I District Meet, September 7 at the Gusa Gymnasium.

Photo by JAMES PUNSALAN

Cosdel Season 10 (u18)

85 Gusa Regional Science High School -X

patag national high school

95

NO MORE TOMORROW

RS Ballers bounds for finals meltdown

G

RSHS-X ball squads took a rough trip as the men’s basketball team pulls second consecutive bridesmaid finish in East II District Unit Meet Championship against Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School on September 7, 2019 at Gusa Gymnasium, Gusa, Cagayan de Oro, 104-54 while the volleyboys pulled an upset victory in straight sets, 18-25, 19-25, in the Division Meet Men’s Volleyball on September 27, 2019 at Camaman-an National High School, Cagayan de Oro. After winning their first three games dominantly, an unfamiliar Gusa Regional Science High School-X basketball team lost all

STEP UP RS Dance Troupe bags first ever championship title

by IVY JEAN SILAGAN

Once again, Regionalistas proved they’re more than “just a science high school” as GRSHS-X Dance Troupe finished off as champion against different schools across Cagayan de Oro in the CDO Danztrack Interschool Dance Competition.

The event took place at Capitol University Gymnasium on August 24, 2019 wherein they claimed a whooping 10,000 PHP cash prize from the said competition.

They also took the Most Popular Group award based on ticket sold.

It was the first time the team went on to a big competition and admitted that they themselves never expected to grab hold of the trophy.

"It was too good to be true especially after all the hardships we went through from practicing," said member Clark Naces.

Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) took the spot for 1st runner up while Liceo de Cagayan University and Xavier University High School got 2nd and 3rd runners up, respectively.

Their next step will be at a traditional dance competition to be held on October 2019.

their championship hopes against Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School’s Saints after scoring a 50-point deficit.

“We did our best, it’s just the Sacred Heart’s defense that made their game that forced us to have a lot of turnovers and them converting into points,” uttered Joren Israel disappointedly during the post-game.

With the Saints strengthening up their defense in the early goings of the game, Israel and the rest of the team struggled to

score points against them causing a 19-point lead in the half time that unfortunately started RS’ meltdown in the succeeding quarters.

Emotions were slowly heating up in the third quarter that caused Roda and the Sacred Hearts players to capitalize, RS’ defense on the other hand was not able to keep Saints’ pace.

Israel, together with Vince Serina scored 24 points combined in the finals slump.

Roda on the Sacred Heart’s side dropped three 3-pointers finishing the game with 6 points and 4 rebounds.

Near on the end of the match, Sacred Heart played like their playing a tune-up game against RS, with the starters already siting on the

bench, the second stringers completed the endgame.

Dunk attempts were made repeatedly and the Saint’ defense loosen up, the regulation ended 103-54.

Meanwhile, the hunt for Regionals bound for East I District volleyboys came short as the power spikers of South District pulled an upset victory in straight sets, 18-25,

Rivera sweeps singles' win, advances to Division meet Showing off a strong offense, 11th grader Krizzia Rivera trounces Collin Neri of Capitol University Basic Education (CUBED), 15-8, 15-12, proving once more the Regionalista power in Badminton Women’s Category 2nd singles match on September 6, 2019 at Marco Hotel, Cugman.

Rivera eliminated Cugman National High School in a decision set, 15-7, and Lapasan National High School (LNHS) in the semifinals at 15-7, 15-5.

“She was my fellow schoolmate in elementary and knowing she’s my junior, I felt

nervous since I already know her tactics since we were young,” said Rivera.

First set of the finals was a full packed intensity.

Series of score tradings kicked off the opening set and tied in seven.Rivera pulled away to edge and left Neri behind. Rivera scored eight more points and giving only one point for Neri, 15-8.

Neri started off strong in the second set swiping the first three points.Rivera

quickly came up with offenses and was turned into multiple changes of score trades and tied four times.

As Rivera did in the first set, she left Neri and scored four points straight.

Rivera halted Neri’s late run in the second set and avoided a comeback, 15-12.

“I train at CUBED every wednesday and friday,” said Rivera. “It’s very exhausting but I have a

goal so I have to do it,” she said when asked about her preparation.

“For this division meet, this will be my last year so I really want to win even just in third place,” said Rivera after the win over Neri.

She will advance to the next round in the Division meet with RS men’s doubles team who also claimed the championship.

GRSHS-X tankers surge through 17-gold victory in District Meet

by IVY JEAN SILAGAN

GRSHS-X brought home a victorious splash as they swept the Gold spot through the Division meet for men's team and the first runner up for the women's during the 2019 East I District Meet at Pelaez Sports Center on September 14.

This marks a record-high performance for the team bagging 17 golds, nine silvers, and six bronze medals in six categories.

Both teams reigned first in the 400m and 200m medley freestyle relay. Mearianne Suico led the women's team with a solid gold performance in women's 800m freestyle and placing 2nd in 100m freestyle.

Theresa del Puerto went for Bronze in 100m women's freestyle and placed 4th in 50m and 200m in the same category.

Wyrvie Barcuma also placed 3rd in 400m freestyle and 4th in 100m breaststroke while Jan Sy placed 5th in both 50 and 100m freestyle.

Meanwhile, Floyd Magto snatched personal-high five golds out of six categories with an individual record of three golds in 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, respectively.

19 | sports

by JOHN PAUL ESTARES AND JAMES PUNSALAN

continue on page 19

by PRINCE CALIO

inside the issue

Rhedd Mocorro placed 2nd and 3rd in men's 50m and 100m freestyle category.

Other swimmers Keith Tapongot went for 2nd in 100m freestyle relay, Paulo Boda (3rd place, 50m freestyle) and Clark Naces who came in 5th in freestyle categories.

"As of now, we are training hard despite the lack of time and facing academics at the same time," Barcuma said.

The Division Meet will be held at Kagay-an Resort, Taguanao, CDO on September 27-28, 20

The Rise of RS FEmale Triathlete

Tenth grader triathlete Mearianne Suico clinched her record-high victory in the 3rd leg of Lanorteman Triathlon series with a gold medal in the 29 and Under Female Sprint Distance Category on November 24, 2019 at Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

bythenumbers

2019 District Selection Meet Results

1st Volleyball - Boys Badminton - Boys Swimming - Boys Chess - Girls Taekwondo - Girls/Boys

2nd Badminton - Girls Swimming - Girls Table Tennis - Girls Basketball - Boys

3rd Volleyball - Girls