The Pis Siyabit 2023 Issue

WAGING WAR AGAINST DRUGS

Celebs underpin Joint Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign

By expressing their stands against illegal drugs, actors bolstered the Joint Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Local Government Unit of Siocon (LGU-Siocon) among the secondary schools and one university in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte on September 5.

It’s back!

With the theme, “Sama-sama Laban sa Droga,” Martin Escudero, Matt Evans, Yves Flores, and Neil Coleta served as special event guests advocating the ending of the cycle of drug addiction in the Philippines.

“Nakakasira po ng kinabukasan ang droga, ‘wag ‘nyo pong subukan, [Illegal drugs will ruin your future. Do not try them],” exclaimed Escudero.

In the course of the campaign,

Siocon’s 86th founding anniversary highlights initiation of Buklog

KYLA T. CUAJAO

To underscore the uniqueness of the Subanen’s culture, after seven years, the showcase of the Subanen’s thanksgiving ritual system called Buklog has been re-included as one of the main events of Siocon’s 86th Founding Anniversary celebration on March 7.

The Subanen people constructed an elevated structure along with a flexible platform that served as a sacred and social space for the thanksgiving ritual. It comes with a stair that people use to ascend to the top.

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Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano showcased a film he directed entitled “The Last Interview,” featuring the life of Former Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan, Batangas, known for his unconventional way of dealing with drug criminals by parading them in public, who was later shot dead during the municipalities’ flag

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SioNaSci by the numbers 2021-2022 2022-2023

SioNaSci students break clothing norms

Deviating from school norms, a number of Siocon National Science High School (SioNaSci) female students opted to wear pants instead of skirts for either convenience purposes or sexuality alignment, as observed this school year 2022-2023.

Several pro-gender promulgations have been proposed and enacted to encourage gender inclusion and an equitable educational environment for all learners, regardless of gender.

The most current is Bill No. 1986, which includes provisions allowing female students to freely wear pants in schools at all levels, ensuring gen-

READ ON PAGE 3 | NEWS

SOPHIA LORRAINE B. PASTOR

SPICE IN A PLIGHT. Actor Matt Evans along with Martin Escudero, Yves Flores, Neil Coleta flies to Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte to support the Joint Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign ran by the Siocon Lo cal Government Unit, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Philippine National Police, September 5./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

LUKSO, UYOG, BUKLOG! The Subanen’s thanksgiving ritual system called Buklog jump starts during the 86th Araw ng Siocon at Plaza Miranda, March 6./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

RESISTING OLD NORMS. Grade 12 GAS student Felicity Joy “Ace” P. Marticio freely wears the male uniform as an expression of her sexuality while answering a class activity in “Filipino sa Piling Larang” subject, March 27./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA

Hazing issue resurges amid Salilig hazing case

Issues on hazing among fraternities resurfaced due to the alleged hazing of John Matthew Salilig, an Adamson University student who was buried dead in a shallow pit in Imus City, Cavite, as reported by national headlines, February 28.

There have been known hazing-related deaths in the Philippines, like the death of Leonardo Villa, which prompted the passage of the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995, and August Caezar Saplot on September 18, 2022.

The 1995 version of the Anti-Hazing Act only regulates the practice of hazing and other initiation rites in fraternities and sororities in

the Philippines.

However, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration revised the Act in 2018 to outright ban all forms of hazing in fraternities and sororities in the Philippines.

Because of the incident involving the death of Salilig, the senate plans to expand the sweep of the Anti-Hazing Act to penalize fraternity and sorority officers and alums who are cognizant of but are not necessarily witnesses to the hazing carried out against new members.

Meanwhile, in Siocon National Science High School (SioNaSci), according to a female student and frater-

nity member, she joined the organization for the brotherhood and sisterhood found within the fraternity, which allowed them to help fellow members whenever it is needed, especially during natural disasters, which is a common occurrence in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

However, she said that during her initiation, she was blindfolded and repeatedly hit behind her thighs with a blunt object leading to bruises.

“Perti jud nakung bunuga ato ni-apil ko sa fraternity. Ni-apil ko ato kay agi kay apil akong duha ka igsuon [I was heavily bruised when I joined the fraternity. I joined

it because of my siblings],” a SioNaSci student testified.

In SioNaSci, many students are members of fraternities, and some fraternities even with the law, still practice hazing.

According to Police Corporal Gardson Dela Peña, there are approximately less than 20 hazing victims ever reported in Siocon.

“Sa pagkakarun, dili mutaas sa baynte ang na-report sa amua bahin sa hazing. Dili mi ka-action kung walay mureport nga naay hazing ug kalimitan ginabuhat ni nila patago [As of now, there are only less than 20 reported cases on hazing. We cannot take action without

any official reports of hazing operations, and usually hazing is done covertly],” said Dela Peña in an interview with The Pis Siyabit. Furthermore, there have been no hazing-related deaths in Siocon and no hazing-related cases reported since 2012.

Meanwhile, The Pis Siyabit survey conducted on March 21, showed that out of 1445 student-respondents, 112 had been involved in fraternities, 89 males and 23 females, 72 out of 89 male fraternity members underwent hazing while 18 out of 23 female fraternity members underwent hazing.

LTO Siocon seizes road violators

Siocon Zamboanga del Norte – The Land Transportation Office intensifies the arrest of road violators through road checkpoints which started last May 2022 under the management of the new Officer in Charge, Mr. Edwin Delos Reyes.

Reyes mandated his fellow officers to penalize unlicensed drivers, drivers with student driver’s permits but not accompanied by a fully licensed driver, and unregis-

Siocon’s 86th founding anniversary highlights initiation of Buklog

FROM PAGE 1

To join the ritual, one must ascend to the surface of the elevated and flexible platform and perform the Buklog dance.

Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano said that the program was arranged mainly to acknowledge the culture of the Subanens and to showcase how Subanen’s blood runs deep throughout Siocon.

“We have to be proud nga kaning lungsod sa Siocon, ang atong

mga igsuong Subanen tungod sa ilang kusog, kadasig, paghigugma, ug panaghiusa dinhi sa atong lungsod kanunay nga naghatag ug dakong simbolo nganong gitawag ta ug taga Siocon [We have to be proud that in our municipality, our Subanen brothers and sisters’ strength, motivation, love, and unity have remained a huge symbol of why we are called Sioconians],” stated the Mayor.

tered vehicles.

There were no exact statistics on the penalized violators. However, one of their notable arrests was an unregistered car that was later on discovered to be carnapped, which was then turned over to the police station for the proper disposition to the valid owner.

Moreover, Reyes further said that aside from that incident, he disclosed that most road violators were unli-

The Subanen Village Priest Danilo Dandana Davi, otherwise known as “Boliyan,” said that Buklog is valuable because it is the Subanens’ way of showing appreciation to the spirits for a variety of reasons like the recovery from illnesses or disasters, timely as we are slowly recovering from COVID-19.

Davi added that at least 55 people are needed to build or construct the Buklog.

censed teenagers.

“Advise ko lang sa mga teenagers, sundin niyo parents niyo kasi ang parents alam talaga ang tama at galing sila diyan. Huwag matigas ang ulo. Kung bawal pa bawal talaga. [My advice to teenagers is to follow your parents’ advise since your parents really know what is right. Do not be hardheaded. If you are not allowed to drive, then you should not drive],” Mr. Delos Reyes stated.

“Wala gipa agi sa makina, kinahanglanon lang namo nga magtinabangay sa among tribo, sa kusog, singot para ipadayun ni sa mga Subano [No machine is needed in constructing Buklog, all we need is the cooperation, support, and strength of our tribe, so that this tradition lasts],” said Davi in an interview.

Mayor Soriano also declared that Siocon will always support the tradition and culture of Subanens.

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA

SOPHIA LORRAINE B. PASTOR

UNCOVERING THE UNCOVERED. Student-journalists of Siocon National Science High School conduct a survey to a total of 1445 students to identify students who are in fraternities and have gone through hazing, March 21./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

SEIZING A LONG TIME PROBLEM. Land Transportation Officers are on the move to seize the road violators in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte especially unlicensed teenagers, May 9./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

R.T. Lim - Siocon road to finish by 2024

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA

In the pursuit of accessibility, the over 1.9 billion pesos Project Road-08 R.T. Lim to Siocon is gearing toward its completion come 2024, as per the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office in an interview with The Pis Siyabit.

According to Engineer Isaac N. Manlangit of DPWH, besides improving growth corridors in the Mindanao road sector, the road is meant to help farmers access national roads and connect municipalities.

It can be recalled from the previous paper issue that M. Abubakar Construction and Engineering Incorporated finished the M. Francisco to Sitio Otso road in 2020.

This road construction of the aforementioned barangays was only a portion of Project Road-08 R.T Lim - Siocon road.

Currently, to fully finish the project, China Wuyi Co. Ltd. and 2M Company are working together by operating from Siocon and R.T. Lim respectively until they meet halfway.

Celebs underpin Joint Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign FROM PAGE 1 ceremony.

Mayor Soriano urged everyone present to report anyone engaging in illegal drug activities, pushers and users alike, whether teens or adults.

“Kung may kilala kayong gumamit, ipaalam ninyo sa autoridad [If you know anyone using illegal drugs, report him or her to the authorities],” declared Mayor Soriano.

Meanwhile, during the event, the PDEA, PNP, and LGU-Siocon emphasized the downsides of using prohibited drugs and encouraged students to nev-

SHS teachers, JHS teachers crawl education quality sans electricity

SOPHIA LORRAINE B. PASTOR

With the absence of electricity in the Senior High School (SHS) buildings, Senior High School teachers, along with some Junior High School teachers residing in the SHS buildings, have been exerting extra efforts to deliver quality education in Siocon National Science High School (SioNaSci) since November 2022.

The electricity of SioNaSci’s Senior High School buildings was cut off due to a massive electricity debt caused by unpaid bills due to non-collection during the COVID-19 outbreak.

BREAKING HIGH EXPENSES. After the call of Principal Marlon P. Micubo to conserve energy to lessen electrical power expenses, teachers of Siocon National Science High School assign students to turn off circuit breakers to ensure that energy is not wasted if teachers and students forget to turn off the lights and fans, March 24./Michi

Mae C. Cabalhin

er use them.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Charisse B. Yabo, one of the speakers, discussed the various categories of illegal drugs and deemed that using them carries risks.

In her talk, she observed that young people fail to realize the harm of alcohol consumption, prohibited drug intake, or the use of other substances like smoking cigarettes.

She also added that most teens were driven by peer pressure to feel a sense of belongingness.

In a collective testimony from teachers and students affected, they attested that struggle has been real on their part since there are lessons that need electricity, like biology and computer-based lessons.

As a result, teachers resorted to show pictures and dioramas, and even act to present the lesson effectively to students.

According to Values Education Teacher Hivy R. Reyes, even in values classes, electricity is needed because lessons are given more meaning when accompanied by video clips.

According to Princi-

School heads, head teachers check Siocon District teachers’ skills

FRANCINE MAE T. DIAMANTE

School heads and head teachers in the entire Siocon District set out to both primary and secondary schools in the district to assess the teaching skills of teachers through a series of demonstration teaching evaluations which started on February 15.

This action is in conformance with the Schools Division of Zamboanga del Norte Division Memorandum No. 007 s. 2023 which states the conduct of the Instructional Skills Enhancement of school heads and teachers.

Head Teacher I Paojia M. Bari explained that the demo evaluation aimed to provide technical support to

school heads regarding how to give feedback and assessment to improve teachers’ competence in teaching and to enhance teachers’ strategies in education to improve students’ performance.

“Actually, I thought that I was only there to assist the teachers. However, little did I know that my evaluative skill was also tested by the Division Monitoring Team,” said Bari.

Teacher III Felonilo U. Sillero, Jr. described the experience as exciting because he believed it would help him become a better teacher and expressed his willingness to undergo the process again to upgrade his teaching skills further.

pal Marlon P. Micubo, the electricity cut-off is not the school’s primary concern but the undisciplined electricity usage among personnel, teachers, and students.

Principal Micubo asked school personnel and teachers to remind students and themselves to practice energy conservation.

“Teachers and school personnel must refrain from using heaters for cooking meals in schools as this will consume a lot of electricity. Also, remind your students not to charge their phones and laptops except using

power from the school for educational purposes,” said Principal Micubo.

Principal Micubo added that by simply checking that lights and fans are turned off before leaving the classroom will help conserve energy. As a response, some teachers assigned students to turn off circuit breakers to ensure that electricity would not be wasted if teachers and students forget to turn off the lights and fans.

The electricity bill has been paid as of March, and the school is waiting for reconnection.

SioNaSci students break clothing norms

FROM PAGE 1

der-neutral and flexible school uniform alternatives for all.

However, before this bill was officially presented to the public in a press release in Senate of the Philippines website on March 15, SioNaSci had been exercising gender inclusivity.

According to School

Principal Marlon P. Micubo, he has no qualms about female students wearing pants as their school uniform. The same goes for male students who wear skirts instead of pants to express their sexuality, as this conforms to the principles of Gender and Development.

“Every student is allowed to wear whatever they want, as long as it adheres to our school’s regulations and is free from obscenity. Females are allowed to wear pants, and male students

are allowed to wear skirts as their school uniform. This is in adherence to Gender and Development,” Principal Micubo said.

In an interview with the Pis Siyabit, Madnie P. Batting, a Grade 12 STEM student, divulged that religious reasons prompted her to wear pants instead of skirts.

Meanwhile, Grade 12 GAS student Felicity Joy “Ace” P. Marticio said that she mainly wears pants instead of skirts because of her sexuality.

“Gasuot ko ug pants instead of skirts kay mas komportable ko pero ang main reason jud kay sa akoang pagka-tomboy jud [I wear pants instead of skirts because I am more comfortable wearing them, but my main reason is that I am a lesbian],” Marticio said.

LEARNING NEVER STOPS. The entirety of Siocon District’s school heads and head teachers set out to primary and secondary schools to evaluate teachers’ instructional abilities, February 15./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

photos from Paojia M. Bari

RSPC pushes for F2F tilts; ZN Division births 1st DisSPC

The world is slowly going back to normal. Some manifestations of this is the expected face-to-face conduct of the 2023 Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) of Region IX and the District Schools Press Conferences (DisSPC) in the entire Schools Division of Zamboanga del Norte (ZN Division) which are set to commence on June and around March to April respectively.

The RSPC caused the ZN Division to start the competitions in the district level as to cut down the number of participants in the division level of competitions. This is the first time in the history of Schools Press Conference in the ZN Division.

It can be remembered that the RSPC halted after the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed operation online in 2022 while new catego-

ries were introduced, such as mobile journalism, journalism vlog, research on campus journalism, documentary film, and online publication. However, in this year’s RSPC, these categories will not be part of the contests reverting to the previous line-up of competitions.

The RSPC will include news writing, editorial writing, feature writing, column writing, sports writing, science and technology writing, copyreading and headline writing, editorial cartooning, and photojournalism for the individual category, while TV script writing and broadcasting, radio script writing and broadcasting, and collaborative publishing are for the group category.

The newspaper contest retained its mechanics, however will be submitted in a portable document

format.

According to School Paper Adviser Melanie E. Fronda, though the news about the RSPC surprised them as its official memorandum was only signed on March 10, they will take the challenge.

“I was surprised that we are only given one month to accomplish the newspaper. We did not make one for this year, because it was declared that there will be no RSPC this year, but we will take this challenge,” Fronda revealed.

Fronda along with other school paper advisers in Siocon District are preparing for the DisSPC hoping that they will reach the regional level of competitions and in the nationals eventually.

Meanwhile, Siocon District will conduct its 1st DisSPC on March 25 and April 11.

SioNaSci soars as 1st Science High School in Zamboanga del Norte 3rd District

FRANCINE MAE T. DIAMANTE

Commencing this school year, Siocon National Science High School (SioNaSci), the debunked Siocon National High School (Siocon NHS), has stood

as the first Science High School in the 3rd District of Zamboanga del Norte aiming to offer a more advanced curriculum, August 22.

On December 10 of 2021,

Republic Act No. 11629 was approved, which carried the legal provisions for the conversion.

In an interview, Principal Marlon P. Micubo revealed that the conversion was challenging because the proposition was rejected in the first filing of papers.

“We complied with the requirements for establishing a Science High School. Unfortunately, it was disapproved. By the aide of Congressman Isagani Amatong and our Schools Division

Superintendent Dr. Ma. Liza R. Tabilon, they passed the same requirement for conversion of Siocon National High School to Siocon National Science High School, and the latter was approved,” relayed Principal Micubo.

As part of the prepara-

SioNaSci sees enrollment decline

tion for the transition, the SioNaSci staff ventured to Pagadian Science High School in Pagadian City for a benchmarking activity to replicate the best practices of the school.

SioNaSci implemented several changes, including the reduction of Grade 7 sections to four with 40 students per section.

Meanwhile, SioNaSci conducted an admission test in partnership with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University testing center to select qualified students to be part of the school.

After the test, the English Department of the institution conducted a reading skill assessment to confirm their reading level and preparedness for the Science High School curriculum.

After the transition of Siocon National High School to Siocon National Science High School (SioNaSci), the students’ population decreased by 23.5 percent this school year 2022-2023.

According to Mrs. Merlinda B. Torres, the School Registrar, some reasons for the decline is that most of the transferred-in students during the pandemic returned to their previous schools for face-to-face classes.

Moreover, she relayed that the number of sections in Grade 7 has been reduced to four while limiting each section to 40 students as part of the transition.

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA

GETTING READY FOR BATTLE. Siocon National Science High School student journalists, English and Filipino, together with their school paper advisers start their daily training for the upcoming District Schools Press Conference. March 13./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

WITS. Aspirants who are hoping to enter Siocon National Science High School take the admission test conducted by the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Testing Center in order to qualify for Science High School, June 17./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

RHYMUEL O. PANCHO

NEWSBITE

Possible or impossible?

BBM struggles to grant promised rice price

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA

Are all promises made to be broken?

This question has been lingering around as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has not yet realized the promised 20 pesos price of rice to the citizens of the Philippines after sitting on the presidential chair for nine months.

THE PROMISE

The president promised that he would decrease the price of rice to 20 pesos during his election campaign.

This plan is ongoing, but at the moment, Marcos’ plan only applies to the Kadiwa markets, which sell rice at 25 pesos per kilo which is still 5 pesos higher compared to the promised price.

In order to help Filipinos

cope with the effects of rising food costs and to boost the revenue of local farmers, fisherfolk, and small businesses, the president established the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” program to supply fresh and reasonably priced agricultural and fisheries products to all Filipinos.

THE REALITY

However, this has yet to take effect in markets not included in the Kadiwa program.

For instance, in the past few months, prices in Siocon have stayed consistent.

The current lowest price for rice in Siocon is 36 pesos per kilo, whereas the highest price is 50 pesos per kilo.

Nevertheless, President Marcos said that the Kadiwa

THE PHILIPPINE INFLATION RATE

Data gathered from Philippine Statistics Authority

stores will only remain until prices of basic commodities have decreased.

THE PLEA

In an interview with the Pis Siyabit, a local rice ven dor said that to reduce the price of rice, the prices of farming equipment should be lowered first so that farmers will not go bankrupt.

Jayson Cainglet, Sama hang Industriya ng Agrikul tura Executive Director said, in an article of The Philippine Star, that imported rice prices rose during the global spike due to the high cost of farming equipment.

“We hope the economic managers would not succumb in advising to the President to push for more rice imports in the guise of

the 20 pesos per kilo of rice, and they should only give the right information to the President. We can only ultimately lower the retail cost of rice if we can introduce interventions that would lower the cost of producing palay, cut post-harvest losses and

remove non-productive players in the whole supply chain of the rice industry,” said Cainglet.

Whereas, some critics argue that the project is still ongoing, so there is still a possibility that this promise will be achieved.

Philippines inflation rate eases to 8.6%, prices in Siocon prove otherwise

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA

The prices of goods in the country experienced a minor dip in February as inflation dropped to 8.6 percent from 8.7 percent in the previous month as recorded by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), but Siocon’s prices defied this trend.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said that out of the 13 commodity groups being tracked by the PSA, transportation was the sole reason for the decline in the overall inflation, with a 9 percent inflation rate recorded in February from 11.1 percent in January due to a slower increase in gasoline, diesel, and motorcycle prices.

Furthermore, nine commodity groups recorded a rapid incline in February, including food and non-alcoholic drinks, which increased slightly to 10.8 percent from

PNP, SioNaSci BKD unite in information drive

The Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted an information drive with the help of Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) at Siocon National Science High School on March 27.

Three members of the PNP came to the campus and individually gave lectures regarding crimes frequently committed by minors, such as using prohibited drugs and rape.

Police Staff Sergeant Cheriegil R. Ruizol, in her

discussion, encouraged students to always be mindful of their surroundings.

“We are encouraged to do briefings in schools here in Siocon. We need to interact with you students because, as they say, ‘The youth is the hope of our world,’” Ruizol said.

Patrol Man Elmer M. Lumingkit, a police by profession and a pastor, shared in his lecture that using prohibited drugs will only wreck lives and students’

academic performance.

The last speaker, Police Master Sergeant Ma. Kerima S. Tambag stressed the Bawal Bastos law, which penalizes people who do sexual harassment like catcalling, cursing, homophobic slurs, and unwanted sexual advances.

Additionally, they gave out leaflets with information about the legislation and the appropriate court actions for anyone who had encountered such an act.

January’s 10.7 percent. This is the first time, after some time, that the country’s inflation rate has eased after being on the rise since August 2022.

However, despite the decrease in the recorded inflation rate for February, most of the prices of the products in Siocon remained constant, despite the decrease in the recorded inflation rate.

“Gikan December pa nitaas and mga presyo sa commodities, hantud karun wala nausob ang presyo, ang sibolyon lang ang niubos [The prices of commodities increased from December 2022, until now, the prices of commodities did not change except for onions],” Canteen owner Irene P. Malabarbas relayed in an interview.

SOPHIA LORRAINE B. PASTOR

BETTER TO BE INFORMED. Police Master Sergeant Ma. Kerima S. Tambag emphasizes that the Bawal Bastos law penalizes people who engage in sexual harassment such as catcalling and the like during the joint information drive between the Philippine National Police and Barkada Kontra Droga in Siocon National Science High School, March 27./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

created by Lorence D. Remedio

LETTER TO THE EDITORS

Blind Obedience

RODZ MACKENZIE TOMBOC

Subject: SHS Building No Electricity

Dear Editor,

I remember it was last year when the electricity of the senior high school building was cut off. It was said that it was due to the school being unable to pay the high electricity bill. This caused quite the problem in our classes since many of us, not just students, but also teachers, utilize equipment that needs electricity to power, such as TVs that are needed during a presentation. Also, this poses a problem in the ventilation of the room since electric fans need electricity to power. Due to this, the temperature inside the classroom has increased and I fear that someone might faint because of the heat trapped inside. I hope that the school would address this issue and return the electricity of the building.

THE PIS SIYABIT

Subject: SHS Building No Electricity

Dear Rodz Mackenzie,

We sincerely appreciate hearing your concerns about how the issue has impacted both the teachers’ and your classes’ learning experiences, which shows how you care for your studies. We are pleased to say that the school’s hefty electricity bill has already been paid. Yet, as you stated, there is still a concern because the building’s power has not yet been restored. But as Principal III Marlon P. Micubo has suggested, in the meantime, the building’s electricity will be supplied by the STEM building, which is in use now and is utilized by the teachers and students of the senior high building. Nevertheless, the school will continue to look for a way to restore the building’s original power.

In a survey of The Pis Siyabit, out of 1445 student-respondents of Siocon National Science High School, 112 are members of fraternities, and 90 admitted that they have experienced hazing. It is not a matter in question to be part of these organizations, but what is concerning is the safety of the students undergoing hazing to be official members of these groups. Despite establishing the Anti-Hazing Law, some fraternities still practice this method of initiation. Students have been harmed when involved in this activity, with death being the worst-case scenario, taking into account the hazing case of Matthew Salilig, whose death reached national headlines. To prevent this incident from reoccurring with our students, joining these organizations that practice hazing should be stopped, and both parents and the community should support the law.

As recorded in one of the articles of GMA News in 2017, the murder of Gonzalo Mariano Albert in 1954 was the first reported victim of hazing in the Philippines. Meanwhile, an Ateneo student and member of the Aquila Legis fraternity, Leonardo “Lenny” Villa, was the most known hazing victim, who was severely beaten until he died in 1991. The incident caused a public uproar. As a result, the Anti-Hazing Law was implemented in 1995, and violators who caused death, rape, or mutilation face life sentences.

The existence of this law has been a great help in bringing justice to victims of hazing. However, of course, a law cannot always be a hundred percent effective if not ardently abided. The practice of hazing still exists until today in some fraternities and sororities in the Philippines.

According to an interview with a female Siocon National Science High School student and fraternity member, she joined the organization to be a part of their group’s brotherhood and sisterhood. This link enables them to assist fellow members in their time of need, which has been proven to be of tremendous assistance to many, particularly during natural disasters, which are common in Siocon. However, the price for this service is excruciatingly painful. During the initiation, she was mostly blindfolded and repeatedly beaten behind her thighs with a blunt weapon. It resulted in a bruised dark area. Her hazing experience demonstrates how horrible hazing is.

There are other methods to create brotherhood and sisterhood without subjecting oneself to damage, which many find in these organizations. The majority of those who try to join are unaware of the hazards linked with the rewards. They are oblivious to the consequences of their actions and are hence ignorant of what they will receive. Hazing victims could be hospitalized, become crippled, or even die. Students should always think twice or multiple times before deciding if it can affect their overall well-being. The Anti-Hazing Law protects people from harm, and people involved in this act becomes an accomplice to a crime.

A good foundation of education starts at home. As the heads of the family, parents should educate their children enough on the dangers of this activity and support the Anti-Hazing Law. As their children’s role models, parents must guide them to make decisions for their benefit. It includes helping them distinguish what is good, bad, safe, and harmful for their well-being. The absence of this knowledge harms the children, such as choosing to get hazed to enter fraternities and sororities. Parents should also be knowledgeable regarding their child’s whereabouts to monitor their safety.

By having an open home, children can avoid seeking support and validation from others. Another factor that contributes to the persistent problem of hazing is the community. The majority of people in Siocon are aware that hazing exists. Many claim this activity is carried out near their homes; some even profess to have witnessed the initiation. Nevertheless, because hazing incidents go unreported, no records of them are kept at the police station. The majority of the witnesses choose to remain silent in order to protect themselves and their families from any potential harm. These people worry that they will be targeted if they ever interfere. We cannot hold these people responsible for their fear since it is a natural response.

Disregarding the law, however, is not the right course of action in this situation. Being an aware citizen is a massive aid in safeguarding the safety of all. Gaining the community’s support is extremely helpful in raising awareness of hazing among all people due to the community’s size and potential for mass influence. Furthermore, As Filipinos and citizens of the Philippines, we are charged with improving the country’s status. As one of Rizal’s famous lines goes, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” the country’s future rests on the youths. Not acknowledging the dangers surrounding young people is equivalent to ignoring the significance of tomorrow. As such, for the nation’s benefit, community involvement is needed.

The government is also attempting to improve the law. The Anti-Hazing Law was amended in 2018 to outlaw hazing expressly, declare it a crime, and inflict stricter penalties on those found guilty. However, as mentioned, in February 2023, a student at Adamson University named John Matthew Salilig died after undergoing fraternity initiation ceremonies. As a result, lawmakers have called for the law’s provisions to be strengthened. They also asked for heightened vigilance by authorities and educational institutions in enforcing the Anti-Hazing Law.

However, we can only hope that the government’s enforcement of the law successfully ensures everyone’s safety. If not, they need to formulate other mechanisms to battle this problem.

Moreover, without the cooperation of the people, the administrations’ efforts are put to waste. The battle to end the cycle of violence brought by hazing is not a plight that the government alone should face. We can put a stop to these dangerous practices if we all act and support the law. Change can be achieved via cooperation. We can prevent more potential harm to our children and protect the nation’s future if we all work together to eradicate the practice of hazing.

Killer itch

TWO CENTS

Sophia Lorraine B. Pastor

“I feel cold. Is anybody there? Is there no one to give me warmth? Where are my parents?

Why have I been left here alone?”

If she had a voice, these would be her thoughts as she drifted along the water.

Last January 3, a suspected newborn infant was found floating in the irrigation system of Siay, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. A nearby resident came to the child’s aid, but sadly, the infant had already passed away. This news spread like wildfire throughout the town, causing social media uproar.

Many expressed their sorrow over the baby’s passing and even gave the baby the name Analiza. However, the baby’s biological parents were still left unidentified until now.

Many people thought of this as a work of abortion, which infuriated the general public as abortion is a hot topic in the country. Abortion is deemed illegal in the country but is practiced illegally. Many of these cases are linked with teenage girls getting pregnant by mistake.

A recent statistics report of Manila Bulletin, it was revealed that an alarming rise in the number of young girls becoming pregnant while still in their early teens. This is also an issue in our school since there are cases of teenage pregnancies in Siocon National Science High School. I personally have seen pregnant students on campus, with their bellies already big and needing special care. It worries me that they are walking around the campus and doing some activities that may affect their well-be-

Being curious as an adolescent is normal, especially regarding topics like sex, as we are exposed to more realities as we age. But we ought to reflect before acting hastily.

Surat is a Tausog term meaning letter. This corner of the paper publishes the unfiltered opinion of the students about an issue.

SURAT

ing.

Pregnancy is not an easy experience; a pregnant woman requires special proper care and rest to avoid incidents that may cause miscarriage. Because having a baby is not cheap, expenditures are another pregnancy issue. The majority of these young women who are pregnant approach their parents for financial support, which adds to the parents’ bills. While seeking assistance is okay, doing so to the point that it burdens the other is not.

Nevertheless, young women who decide to keep their child are brave because many others choose to get an abortion, which violates the child’s right to live. Many young and inexperienced teenage girls turn to abortion when they unintentionally get pregnant. This inhumane act of killing children should be discussed and dealt with. It is not the children’s fault if their parents made a mistake. It is unjust that they pay this mistake with their lives.

If we are aware that we cannot fulfill a child’s needs in terms of parental duties, then we should not become pregnant. Being curious as an adolescent is normal, especially regarding topics like sex, as we are exposed to more realities as we age. But we ought to reflect before acting hastily.

As for education, though sex education exists, these teenage pregnancy cases call for it to be strengthened. Education is essential in making a wise decision. More information for young people about sex, abortion, and morality will significantly affect their future positively.

The same old addiction

SCRIBBLES

Lorence D. Remedio

Recently, videos of zombie-like people walking on the streets of the United States of America have started appearing on my social media news feed.

It was found to have been caused by a drug overdose, which breaks my heart and alerts me. I began to wonder what makes people use drugs, especially young adults, despite the effects of doing so being well-known.

In the Philippines, there are thought to be close to 4.5 million drug addicts, according to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. With just the statistics, if the number of drug users increases further than the number of sober ones, I cannot imagine how devastating it will be for the country’s future. Will we once again be known as a country inhabited by drug addicts?

The influence of drugs expands to the youths which poses a great problem. Back in 2018, a closedoff comfort room of the SHS building of Siocon National Science High School was found to have been used by students for drug use as shreds of evidence of foils were found. As a result, the school decided to report this to the authorities.

Many youngsters consider drinking alcohol, consuming illegal drugs, and smoking cigarettes normal while growing up. However, young people frequently fail to recognize the connection between their current behavior and its long-term effects.

These individuals claim they use these chemicals to feel good, perform better, unwind, and satisfy their curiosity. Some teenagers also use drugs primarily due to peer pressure, which gives them the feeling that they may not belong to the group if they do not partake in the same activities as others. However, once you become dependent on these drugs, you continue to use them even though they cause harm and do not benefit you. The consequences of using these illegal substances make me fear drugs as a student with academic goals. Thus, I decided against using them.

I do not want to see myself soon being surrounded by people whom I fear I will turn out to be. The most vulnerable individuals are those who have the potential to be future stewards. If you are tempted to use drugs, consider your goals in life and how using these might affect those ambitions.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte reminds us, “Iwasan mo and droga. Wag mong subukan, masisira ang buhay mo. [You should avoid drugs. Do not try it; your life will be ruined].”

If you are tempted to use drugs, consider your goals in life and how using these might affect those ambitions.

Kyla T. Cuajao

3h •

We surveyed 1445 Siocon National Science High School students and we found out that a total of 112 respondents are fraternity members, 90 of them admitted that they experienced hazing. Why does hazing still exist amid the provisions of Anti-Hazing Act of 2018?

Divine Pantalita

There are [sic] still hazing because many people mistakenly think that hazing is the only method of initiating new group members since they are not aware of any other options.

2h Like Reply

Shine Lyra Lagonero

Hazing is an act in which it can cause harm to people who’s [sic] willing to join a fraternity. It can inflict harm in their physical or psychological well-being. I think the reason why hazing is still included in fraternities is to test the respect that newly recruited members have for their group, which I think is not reasonable.

1h Like Reply

Arian Bangot

One of the reasons [is] it is crucial for fraternities to incorporate hazing into their process of accepting new members is to demonstrate one’s dedication within a group. Yet regardless of someone’s willingness to do it, I believe there are still other ways that may be done that do not involve causing bodily or mental harm to that individual.

1h Like Reply

Madel Pasturan

Hazing rituals show loyalty. Hazing makes a person leave by making it hard to adapt to a new circumstance. Loyalty will be measured for the neophyte. If they don’t quit despite everything then they had proven their loyalty in [to the] fraternity.

1h Like Reply

Karl Christopher Lee

It is a way to test a person’s physical endurance, or how that person can endure pain for them to prove that they’re applicable to join that specific fraternity.

1h Like Reply

Michi Mae Cloribel Cabalhin and 99 others

the Pis Siyabit Editorial Board

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Francine Mae T. Diamante

MANAGING EDITOR

Kryzza P. Lorete

ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kyla T. Cuajao

COLUMN EDITOR

Lorence D. Remedio

NEWS EDITOR

Angel Clarisse A. Garcia

FEATURE EDITOR

Rhymuel O. Pancho

SPORTS EDITOR

Kryzza P. Lorete

PHOTOJOURNALIST/ ILLUSTRATOR

Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

SCI-TECH EDITOR

Kyla P. Cuajao

CARTOONIST

Meljia M. Bari

LAYOUT ARTIST/ ILLUSTRATOR

Lorence D. Remedio

COPY READER

Sophia Lorraine B. Pastor

CONTRIBUTOR

Madnie P. Batting

Judy Ann H. Sevilla

SCHOOL PAPER ADVISER

Evanessa V. Jutingo

Annajeson A. Quiñones

ASSISTANT ADVISERS

Fatima Bernadeth A. Muti

Peter Ian C. Pantalita

CONSULTANT

Marlon P. Micubo

Reckless confidence

STATUS QUO

Francine Mae T. Diamante

I heard someone say as I left the campus to retire home after an exhausting school day. While walking home, I face an obstacle as students on motorcyles flood the sidewalks. They watched ahead as an LTO checkpoint was currently happening. They stayed vigilant as they waited, at the same time, recoiling from the authorities out of fear of getting caught having no license.

Youths have become so confident in violating the law that they tend to forget the consequences of their actions.

As surveyed, over 135 senior high school students of Siocon National Science High School drive without a license. They say it serves as their transportation from their homes far away from school. But this does not excuse their action of breaking the law.

Many also drive high speed on busy roads and do not even wear safety gears like a helmet. These reckless teenage drivers swarm the streets but hide in the shadows when authorities are out.

Students often blame the officers if they are caught. Mainly accusing them of only doing their jobs for the money by taking advantage of the situation. But in truth, the fault lies in drivers driving without a license.

Furthermore, the reckless driving of these students harms themselves and the citizens on the streets. A tragic event from last year, 2022, left the people of Siocon in shock as a road incident caused by the reck-

MUSINGS

Kyla T. Cuajao

A tragic event from last year, 2022, left the people of Siocon in shock as a road incident caused by the reckless high-speed driving of a minor led to the death of an innocent woman.

less high-speed driving of a minor led to the death of an innocent woman. This incident is an example of a consequence of getting too confident in breaking the law.

Laws are established to regulate traffic rules and ensure the safety of people walking and driving on the road. With this, youths should be mindful of the different traffic offenses. Let us be reminded of the classic adage “dura lex, sed lex,” which means the law is harsh, but it is the law.”

Having a license is a privilege ensuring that everyone who attained it is responsible enough not to endanger the people in the community. As students, we must be disciplined enough to avoid unfortunate circumstances which may put us and the people of the community at risk. If this confidence of not abiding the rules by the students are not dealt with and becomes a threat to all, this turns the famous phrase “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan [The future of the country rests on the youths],” into “Ang kabataan ang babagsak sa bayan [The youths will give the country a devastating rest].”

Speaking of deadly labels

In the Philippines, mere labels can end your life.

For Muslim students, have you experienced being called a member of “Abu Sayyaf?”

This is the common notion of some people about the Muslim community, thinking that all Muslims are one in the “Abu Sayyaf” movement, a Moro Islamic group that seeks to rebel against the government in the most violent way to achieve their goal of becom-

the projects of the sitting government are accused of being allegedly fighters or supporters of the communist insurgency and make them the potential targets of the government security forces (Castañeda, 2021).

Just this year 2023, the 46 years old Puroy Bermehedo dela Cruz, an activist advocating Indigenous people and land rights, has been red-tagged by the authorities and labeled as a member of the “Communist Terrorist Group.”

Around three in the morning, the police raided de la Cruz’s house with a search warrant for firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The police ordered his family to leave the house. While they were exiting, they heard gunshots (Nonato, 2021). When Puroy’s wife turned around, she saw her husband lying face down on their bed, covered

In this country, taking a stand against the government is an action we must think twice or else we will be red-tagged by the authorities and end up like Puroy dela Cruz.

The implementation of red-tagging has been controversial until today. However, from the year 2022 to 2023, much uproar and objections arose due to the severe harassment and violence to the accused brought by this prac-

leaving society’s wounds unattended.

On the other hand, there is still a much more alarming scenario. I see news of threats to the lives and freedoms of activists and human rights advocates who are at the vanguard of advancing essential humanitarian causes, such as fair pay, worker welfare, women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, and peasant folk advocacy. These challenges touch the entirety of society and require immediate attention. Threats, however, compelled them to leave the streets and left them with no option other than to either remain silent or revolt through violent resistance.

The worst is yet to come? No. It is not coming because it is already happening, slowly killing the lives of those people who are being accused of as supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA). If those people broke the law, the police should have jailed them instead of ending their lives.

In exchange for compliance with the state’s established laws and regulations, the state is obligated to provide for the welfare of its people. If individuals violate this agreement, the state has the authority to enforce these violations. However, it becomes social injustice when the government itself disregards these laws.

Siocon National Science High School

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As a student journalist, I simply want to exercise my freedom of speech, to raise my voice, but as I have read articles regarding the issue of red-tagging in the country where people who are being targeted often end up being harassed or worst killed, it caused me to hesitate to speak and was urged to remain

Due to this deadly practice, those who wanted to point out flaws in the policies and system of the government eventually decided to be silent. As a result, a cycle of silence could develop,

The right to free expression and dissent is violated by red-tagging. It directly threatens people’s lives and security. One runs the risk of being red-tagged for even the mildest statement of opposition to government policy, action, or inaction.

People in the democratic nation of the Philippines are free to express their opinions without worrying about future repercussions. After all, constructive criticism is essential to a more just and humane society because it directs government resources where they are most needed.

However, the opposite happened. As we can see, raising our voices leads to tragedy. I thought our voices matter? What is democracy without its people speaking up, expressing their wants, and condemning social injustices in both society and the government?

The government should end red-tagging because activism is not a crime but a medium for change.

“Naay dakop!”

Graphic created by Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

Be you, dress right

SENTIMENTS

Angel Clarisse A. Garcia

Stand out! Fit in! These are two conflicting statements that I heard multiple times throughout my life.

I saw how others looked down and talked about people who presented themselves differently, like how people judged a man who wore a skirt or a dress or if a woman decided to wear something more masculine.

The looks that I myself received when I asked to have my hair cut like a male character I idolized, and then when I asked if I could wear a tuxedo for a school dance, or when I decided to finally open up about my sexuality and gender identity.

Hearing and seeing all that made me feel like I had to fit in, in order to find a sense of belongingness.

However, recently I realized that it does not matter what I do as long as it is not harmful to myself and others.

The clothes someone wears do not have to be associated with their gender identity or sexuality. Instead, it is just one of the ways a person can express themselves.

In today’s social climate, most would encourage you to wear the things you want. But, based on my own experiences, quite a lot of people still try to make you adhere to social norms.

That is why Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a bill that allows female students to wear pants instead of skirts for their school uniform.

Let there be light

BUZZWORDS

Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

Even in the daytime, working or studying without electricity is equivalent to blindness for students and teachers.

Electricity has become a staple in the classroom through the changing times. However, Siocon National Science High School’s Senior High School buildings have had no electricity since November 2022 due to the enormous electrical bill caused by the piled-up unsettled payments brought upon by the non-collection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teachers struggle with no electricity, especially when preparing for their visual aids. Lack of access to electricity severely limits teaching resources and classroom materials. As a result, teachers cannot provide the quality education their students deserve. In addition, some educators cannot function well and do the necessary paperwork.

Its immediate backlash is even heavier to the students. Students receive a partial learning experience which makes students’ experiences in the classroom become mediocre and passive. This can be evident by observing a Biology class focusing on the cell cycle. Theory alone will not clearly exemplify mitosis and meiosis.

In the meantime, teachers tried to alleviate this problem by tapping electricity from nearby classrooms unaffected by the power disconnection.

Paying the enormous electrical bill is actually not the problem we must solve.

As per Disbursing Officer 2 of Siocon National

“Promote freedom of choice, gender equality, and safety,” Senator Tulfo’s bill said.

This is a statement I wholeheartedly agree with because this issue has been here for far too long, and seeing efforts being made to promote the right to choose what you want to wear makes me very happy.

Nevertheless, this bill is not without opposers, as some still think that we should wear the clothes that our respective sexes are meant to wear, but they need to see the benefits of this bill such as the possibility of reducing the risk of dengue. Mosquitoes are a problem everywhere, including schools. Most skirts reach up only to the knee, allowing mosquitoes to swarm. However, with pants, this would be prevented.

Nonetheless, this bill should be approved because it can help children feel more comfortable with themselves and feel more validated by their schools.

The clothes someone wears do not have to be associated with their gender identity or sexuality. Instead, it is just one of the ways a person can express themselves.

COMMENTARY

Francine Mae T. Diamante

Freedom delayed

One unfortunate day, a woman’s dead body was found on the riverbank in Caloocan City and was later identified as Madonna “Donna” Nierra, a 23-year-old transgender woman (CNN Philippines, 2020). This news left not only the family of the victim devastated but also the LGBTQIA+ community.

A similar case was reported one year earlier wherein a transgender woman Jessa Remiendo was found dead on the shores of Patar Beach in Bolinao (CNN Philippines, 2019).

According to Naomi Fontanos, co-founder and Executive Director of Gender and Development Advocates (GANDA) Filipinas, violence directed against transwomen has long existed in the Philippines. She says advocates once told her that a transgender woman was found dead, but the case was left unreported since no one cared about her (Redfern, 2021).

These reports reflect how gender is one basis of violence. I once witnessed a scene where a group of tambay was picking on a group of gay men, and this does not even sum up all of the discrimination experienced by the people of the LGBTQIA+ community.

uproar among the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters. Lawmakers took this opportunity to hasten the passage of the SOGIE bill. However, some Filipinos on social media expressed opposition to the bill because women’s privacy is at risk since transgender women are still biologically male and have intact male organs (Astudillo, 2019).

Furthermore, they (concerned groups) say that some provisions are culturally insensitive, such as same-sex unions, which goes against their beliefs (Hapal, 2023). Though, the bill does not include same-sex marriage because it does not at all touch on the issue. Also, restrooms could be added that are specifically for transgender people to avoid issues similar to the bathroom incident of Diez and to not put the privacy and safety of heterosexual people at risk.

Science High School, Mrs. Kimberly Calabria, the school’s electricity bill was already paid, and the school is expecting a reconnection.

The biggest problem is the undisciplined electricity usage by teachers and students.

The unmindful electrical consumption of teachers, which is not related to teaching, is burdening the school. Teachers must stop using rice cookers and heaters for cooking meals at school to unburden the school of additional expenses.

For students, charging their cellphones at home will significantly help the school. Even charging a cellphone does not cost electricity much, but a collective of this usage would indeed be expensive.

Finally, students, teachers, and administrators should help the school conserve electricity. Simply checking that lights, fans, and other electrical devices are turned off before leaving the classrooms and offices would surely make a difference.

Paying the enormous electrical bill is actually not the problem we must solve.

To battle this issue of discrimination, the Senate passed a bill prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and orientation, which is believed to have been first filed in 2000 by the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Akbayan Rep. Etta Rosales (Deslate, 2020). This bill was later reintroduced with modifications in 2022 through the SOGIE (sexual orientation, sexual identity, and expression) bill by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, and Mark Villar in the 19th Congress (Abad, 2022). The reports of gender-based violence, which has ranged from verbal harassment to murder, just strongly prove that the SOGIE bill should be approved for the safety of the people, especially LGBTQIA+ members, against discrimination.

However, protests from concerned religious groups arose, which caused delays in the bill’s passage. They say some provision in the measure violates the privacy of heterosexual people, especially after the bathroom incident involving a transgender woman, Gretchen Custodio Diez who was prevented from using the women’s restroom in a shopping mall and was then handcuffed and taken to the police station. This issue caused an

The bill protects the LGBT QIA+ community and promotes programs for non-discrimination and diversity in school and the workplace. It also does not only protect LGBTQIA+ members, but the bill extends equal rights to all persons, whether gay or straight. In addition, contrary to what some religious people believe, it does not penalize people who practice religious and academic freedom and does not dictate churches on their teaching and hiring process (Bonnete, 2019).

Everyone has the right to be themselves. If we cannot freely express ourselves without being discriminated against and harassed in this country, then in that case, the government failed to protect its citizens and robbed them of their rights.

We are living in a world where change is inevitable. Throughout the years, beliefs and norms have evolved. Having an old mindset is just blatantly denying change. The SOGIE bill being culturally insensitive, as they (protestants of the bill) say, is not the genuine reason, but the toxic homophobic mindset of these “concerned” groups who uses any means, including religion and beliefs, to defend their stand. Everyone has the right to be themselves. If we cannot freely express ourselves without being discriminated against and harassed in this country, then in that case, the government failed to protect its citizens and robbed them of their rights.

e a t u r

The power of genderS

Battles of a Woman

Pain and helplessness.

These are the emotions that a wife has when her own spouse is violent toward her.

set

do not care, which hurts me not because I felt personally attacked but because people like me are not yet accepted.

Coming out of the closet is volatile, as not many can sympathize with what it feels like to be a part of LGBTQIA+ and closeted. It may require a long process to change our societal perception entirely.

I have known that I am not straight since 1st grade but never really recognized or accepted that am gay until 17. Through the years, I experienced discrimination and bullying for being feminine. could not play with the boys because I was not “manly enough” to be playing with them, so mostly hang out with girls, but then got constantly called “bayot” (gay) by people. Growing up knowing that “bayot” has a negative connotation and meaning made me hide who am.

Being this way (gay) put me to the point where I started hating myself, cried to sleep, and had fewer social interactions. I could say that was isolating myself from society. That moment was the darkest phase of my life. do not even want to be back in a situation where sought of taking a lifetime repose to escape from my miseries.

When I turned 17, slowly accepted my identity and sexuality. I became aware of what my romantic and sexual preferences were. I have not dated anyone yet, possibly because of being closeted for quite some time and because of society’s standards within the community. am genuinely scared that my friends, inner circle, and family might not fully accept me.

Though I know that my mom and my closest friends would, there is still that fear within me that my sexuality could change the way they treat me because I know that society is still not as welcoming as hope it would be. Many people around me sometimes unconsciously say homophobic statements. Still, some generally

Until now, I still experience microaggressions like people saying, “Dili man ka laki, lalaki diay ka?” [You are not a man. Are you?] or the like, which makes me uncomfortable in any conversation or situation. Though some of my friends, especially those am closest to, are conscious of what they say, there are certain instances when someone intentionally utters hurtful words about my sexuality.

do not want any other LGBTQIA+ youths to experience the same or even worse discrimination that I had to go through. No person, straight or not, should go through any of these.

This is the reason why am writing about this and why I am advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. This includes policies and laws safeguarding and protecting LGBTQIA+ youths from discrimination, especially in our schools.

told myself that if I could help at least one queer person go through the phase of identifying themselves without being discriminated against or bullied, I would do it with all could and give them a safe place to be themselves.

Coming out of the closet is volatile, as not many can sympathize with what it feels like to be a part of LGBTQIA+ and closeted. It may require a long process to change our societal perception entirely. Still, I will never stop working to end the prejudice and stigma among us. I am not going to hide my pride anymore. I will not stay in the closet forever.

Fear and regret.

These are what a mother feels when she cannot protect her children from emotional distress inside their home.

Many women are victims of domestic abuse, physically and emotionally, wherein the man is the perpetrator.

Victims of these acts of violence are viewed as weak in the predator’s eyes, making it easy for them to control their prey. Similar to the notion that women are inferior to men. Women are believed to be physically weak and hence unable to live without a man. This was a typical mentality in the past and, sadly, still exists today, forcing women to continue to dread danger and discrimination.

However, in a program recently held in celebration of 2023 Women’s Month, guest speaker and teacher of Siocon Central School, Elvira Wong, dismissed women’s weakness by surviving deadly challenges in her life.

At 29, Wong was devastated when she was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, a form of cancer that develops in the uterus when the cells left behind from pregnancy turn deadly (National Health Service). She feared that she would have to leave her child, who was only seven years old, to her unemployed husband with many vices. She was worried about what would become of her family if she disappeared. But fortunately, through prayers and determination, finishing eight chemotherapy sessions, she survived cancer. Fighting cancer is not a simple feat. Thus, Wong managing to defeat this illness is truly an achievement.

Yet, another major event in her life occurred during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Siocon, where she thought her drug-addicted husband would begin to sober up and recover. In 2021, Wong was quarantined for being tested positive for COVID-19. After her isolation, she and her family were delighted as she finally returned home after recovery.

She and her husband had a brief conversation one night before going to bed early. Sleeping peacefully, she was unaware of the tragedy that would occur that evening.

At dawn, she was woken up by her husband, who climbed on top of her and whispered, “Sha, imoha ba kong unungan? [Sha, will you come with me?],” and she answered, “Oo [Yes],” while still half asleep. Suddenly, she felt strong hands wrap around her neck, which caught her off

Women can be capable and strong. They deserve equal respect and support because they also have wars to win.

guard, realizing her husband was choking her. In retaliation, Wong kicked him off the bed. She cried for help, and as the authorities arrived at the scene, she already had seven stab wounds caused by her husband.

She received immediate medical attention for her wounds and injuries sustained during that unfaithful night and fully recovered. When Wong was discharged from the hospital, she discovered that her husband had been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and depression.

However, even though she was a victim and had the right to send her husband to prison, she chose to drop the charges against him because she knew what he had gone through all his life. He was still her husband, and she cared for him dearly.

She also did not want her children to endure the agony of witnessing their father’s trial and prison sentence, which would cause them even more distress. Furthermore, to avoid repeating the incident, her husband moved to Lanao with his relatives and lived a new start.

Women are not weak, which was proven by Elvira Wong’s true story, with how she fought her battles and survived. Women can be capable and strong. They deserve equal respect and support because they also have wars to win. Strength is not based only on physical attributes, it can be emotional and mental, and women possess these. Women are not inferior to anyone. They are strong in their own ways.

RHYMUEL O. PANCHO/FRANCINE MAE T. DIAMANTE

RHYMUEL O. PANCHO

Growing up, being closeted is the most suffocating and mentally draining place anyone could ever be.

ephoto taken by Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

photo taken by Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

BUKLOG:

Dancing the Tradition

The sound of gongs filled the air and the feeling of excitement ran through me with every pang of the instruments. I watched as a group of people dance in a way I have never seen before and I best describe it as unique and uncommon to the current generation. Adults and adolescents gather to dance to the sound made by the kulintang and agung in earnestness. And as I watch these scenarios unfold, I felt the overflowing eagerness to see more of what was about to happen that evening.

As the sun went down, the light of the full moon shone over the town of Siocon and the most awaited event was about to begin. This was a public event that only happens every 7 years, and the large crowd gathered would not let themselves miss the occurrence.

Noises of wood slowly swaying and hitting one another were then heard. There was also the consecutive sound of loud banging as the big wooden pole standing in the middle hits the large trunk on the ground. As the sound grew louder and louder, and the large wooden platform shook in a violent manner, the audience was left in shock. Some of them felt excitement as they watched the scene, and some were anxious as they worry the safety of the event. But to the Subanen tribe, this was neither an act for one’s pleasure nor just a measly chore that only gives distress, this was an important ritual to be done with solemnity. This ritual was the Buklog.

Zamboanga Peninsula is home to many Indigenous People and one of them is the Subanen tribe. The little town of Siocon is also home to the Subanen and dubbed to be one of the first settlers of this town.

“Kadaghanan sa mga taga Siocon nanalaytay ang dugong Subanen sa atung mga kaugatan [Most of the people of Siocon have Subanen blood in their veins],” Municipal Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano said in his speech during the opening of the Buklog event.

Some people get embarrassed when they say they are part of the Subanen tribe but there is nothing to be ashamed about it instead it brings great honor as a citizen of Siocon.

“We have to be proud na kining lungsod sa Siocon, ang atung mga igsuong Subanen kanunay naghatag ug dako nga simbolo nganong gitawag gyud tag mga taga-Siocon [We have to be proud that in this town, our Subanen brothers and sisters always give a great symbol as to why we are called people of Siocon],” said Mayor Soriano.

Like any Indigenous tribe in the Philippines, the Subanen tribe has its own culture, and they share this culture with us such as hand-crafted materials, food, and rituals like the Buklog.

Buklog is a thanksgiving ritual system of the Subanen where they express their gratitude to the spirits through presenting coin offerings, calling for the spirits of the dead to gather for a feast, requesting permission from the spirits to gather

items from the forest, calling upon the spirits of water and land, as well as music and dance. They then dance on an elevated wooden platform from which the sound of the bamboo resonates. This is believed to please the spirits.

“Di ta basta-basta magbuhat ug buklog kung dili gikan sa magsakit ka, di matambalan, unya maulian. Sa amoa, sa Sinubano, magbuklog ka, pasalamat nga naulian [Buklog is a special event meant to give thanks after recovery from sickness which was not healed by scientific means],” Subanon priest Boliyan Danilo Davi explained.

This year, the Subanen of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte performed Buklog under the leadership of Davi. This has been a long-time custom in Siocon which dated back to the late Mayor Bernardo B. Cabral. Through this event, Subanen traditions are showcased.

Moreover, through this ritual, unification within the Subanen tribe is practiced. No one can accomplish this event with only ten or thirty people. The making of the Buklog is no easy feat. Machinery is not needed since the only thing they need is integration. This only shows how connection is of importance to the tribe.

Subanen culture is one of the best examples of the many things we need to preserve and give importance to. It does not only present us with materials from their tribe but also their beliefs, ethics, and unity. And like the Subanen tribe, we all should practice unity to help in shaping the country.

FRANCINE MAE T. DIAMANTE

IT’S A CLIMB. Climbing the stairs to reach the peak of the Subanen culture is a remarkable experience to most of the people of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. Buklog reflects gratefulness and faith of the Subanen to their deities, March 6./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

A STORY OF SURVIVAL

Conquering an invisible enemy

On March 9, 2020, every family went about their daily routines, assuming it was just another average day. Unbeknownst to everyone, it was the day when a sudden shift would occur that would linger over the entire nation for years.

Every Filipino household’s television flashed the announcement that the country would undergo Enhanced Community Quarantine. This left people in shock and thought that this matter would only last for six days, but came the declaration of the global pandemic on March 11 which made a significant change in their daily lives. Days turned into months, then turned into a two-year lockdown. This was a painful period for everyone, and never did anyone foresaw this fearful circumstance.

The declaration of the global pandemic has had detrimental consequences on the general well-being and the population’s daily lives. Most of the time, people stayed at their homes. No students turned up at their schools due to the suspension of classes, which soon led to the switch of learning modalities to Modular Distance Learning and Online Distance Learning.

All workers and employees were required to remain at home, with the exemption of law enforcement and health professionals. They were the ones who honorably battled at the front lines to protect the masses and prevent the further spread of the virus.

In addition, many businesses went through an existential crisis, and the lockdown placed personnel at risk of losing their jobs. The virus outbreak had significant adverse effects on the nation’s economic development.

Several people faced hunger while struggling to meet their basic needs.

It was a time of turmoil for everyone. The entire world was changing, but everyone had no choice but to accept what was not prevented.

However, if we look on the bright side of the situation, we cannot deny that the pandemic’s occurrence also had some positive effects on individuals. People learned to appreciate the value of spending time with others, especially with the loved ones we are stuck with at home. People were starting to see the significance of spending more time with family and realizing that it is great to be with people close to our hearts.

The pandemic also brings various positive impacts, such as improved lifestyles and habits. Good hygiene was also developed during the pandemic as we had time to improve our health by exercising and learning to have a more balanced diet. In addition, productivity was increased among the community members because they could control and manage their time well.

At present, the world is gradually getting better and beginning to make up for its losses from the twoyear crisis. Last January 1, 2023, the average of new COVID-19 cases decreased by 39 percent from December 26 (Montemayor, 2023). Face-to-face classes were brought back, much to the students’ satisfaction, especially those who had trouble with distance learning. Employees were back to work, and businesses were once again booming.

The old normal is slowly returning. This displays the Filipino people’s remarkable resilience, despite how much suffering they have gone through due to the unfortunate occurrence. The two-year wait and efforts were not in vain, and we are now slowly reaching the goal of freedom from the lingering fear for our lives.

Gallery of Recovery

JUDY ANN H. SEVILLA/FRANCINE MAE T. DIAMANTE

The photos below are some of the evidences that Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte is slowly recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

WAVES OF JOY. They say that without music, life would be a mistake. Children show sheer joy in both music and their dance moves while performing their field demo entry during the 86th Araw ng Siocon, March 9./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

DANCING THE CULTURE. It is heartwarming that our native Subanen brothers and sisters are again allowed to exhibit their one of a kind cultural dance to the public during the 86th Araw ng Siocon, March 6./ Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

BIGGEST REVIVAL. The biggest achievement of our local farmers is to again showcase their largest products during the 86th Founding Anniversary of the Municipality of Siocon after the pandemic, March 6./ Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

HUGAS

KAMOT JINGLE EXCERPT

Observing students’ weak memory retention in the proper handwashing execution, the “Hugas Kamot” jingle was contextualized patterned from the infographics of the Department of Health Central Visayas for Health and Development.

Usa! Bas-on and kamot

One! Wash your hands

Duha! Gamit ang sabon ug tubig

Two! Using soap and water

HEALTH

Tulo! I akob ang duha ka palad

Three! Rub palm to palm

“HUGAS KAMOT”

MUSIC AS MEMORY AID IN HANDWASHING

Upat! Ayuha paglugod ang kumagko

Four! Clean your thumbs

Have you ever noticed that learning or becoming familiar with a song lyric is easier than remembering the lesson our teachers taught us?

Lima! Nusnuson ang mga

tudlo

Five! Interlace and rub your fingers

Our teachers use an array of strategies to help us better understand the lessons they teach. However, by simply sitting somewhere, putting on some headphones, and listening to the melody and rhythm of the song, even without a teacher, we could effortlessly remember the lyrics, grasp its meaning and memorize the entire song.

This is because music interacts with our memory through our emotions, as deduced by emotional arousal theory.

Unom! Apila hasta ang mga kuko

Six! Inlcude your fingernails

This phenomenon led Evanessa V. Jutingo, Neoriente A. Ferrer, and Kent Jestoni Q. Gabo to a moment of “Eureka!” as they incorporated music to the steps in handwashing to strengthen the procedural memory of students in washing their hands, which was later known as “Hugas Kamot” jingle.

The accumulation of procedural memory runs a process by which the result is the automation of motor skills like driving, brushing one’s teeth, and swimming, from which handwashing is closely related.

del Norte (ZN Division) approved this research, realizing the benefit it will give the students, as its results were promising.

The jingle, which stands as the innovation of the research project, has now been institutionalized in schools in the ZN Division through the Division Memorandum No. 26 series of 2023.

Schools were mandated to adopt the song by performing the jingles’ actions during the flag ceremony and the preliminary activities conducted for all teaching and non-teaching personnel.

As a nurse, Ferrer declared in an interview his aspiration that this initiative would help DepEd nurses inculcate good hygiene practices among the students in Zamboanga del Norte.

“With this initiative, I am hoping the students in our division will be motivated to do and follow the proper way of washing their hands for everyone to enjoy a safe, healthy, and clean life,” said Ferrer.

Because of this project, UNICEF granted 20,000 pesos to the proponents of the research and 5,000 pesos as a reward for the innovation.

Pito! Apila ang mga pulso

Seven! Include your wrists

Having rhythm and melody as memory aids, Jutingo, Ferrer, and Gabo tried to test whether it could effectively help students gain procedural memory in handwashing through a research dubbed “Rhythm-Melody as Mnemonics: Optimizing Procedural Memory in Handwashing amid a Pandemic.”

The creation of the jingle was a response to the call for research papers under the Wash in School (WinS) research agenda led by United Nations Children’s Fund research (UNICEF), to which Jutingo, Ferrer, and Gabo responded.

Walo! Banlawi human sa kinse sigundos

Eight! Rinse after 15 seconds

The Technical Working Group of the WinS program of the Schools Division of Zamboanga

Moreover, according to Leonido A. Pampilo Jr., Senior Education Program Specialist for Division Planning and Research, this is the first time that an innovation from an action research has been institutionalized in the entire division.

“Usa pa ka-research ang na-institutionalize sa atung division, ang kato pang ‘Hugas Kamot,’ busa gi-encourage naku tanan nga maningkamot ug sulat ug research para mapun-an pani ug para makatabang pata sa atung mga eskwelahan [We only have one research innovation which was institutionalized in our division, and that is the ‘Hugas Kamot.’ I encourage everyone to exert all their efforts to write more research that can help our division],” said Senior Education Program Specialist Pampilo.

KYLA T. CUAJAO

KEENER EYES. The Supreme Student Government, from which Lorence D. Remedio is part of, monitors the adoption of the “Hugas Kamot” jingle every flag ceremony. Students and teachers are on the move to intensify the institutionalization of the program./ Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

photos taken by Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

COMMENTARY

Madnie P. Batting

Risky Security

When I initially got a message like this from an unknown number, I almost fell for a scam. I informed my sister about this, and she warned me that it was a con that was sent to random SIM card users by scammers.

Anyone would be thrilled if they receive these kinds of messages, believing they had won a jackpot. Of course, with the exemption of some who resist con artists’ gimmicks.

Scammers are everywhere. They frequently target elderly persons who are less conscious of such a form of cybercrime, and one wellknown tool they use is SMS.

This has been a persistent issue in the Philippines that has cost the victims greatly. To address this issue, in October of 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act or Republic Act No. 11934, a law requiring everyone who uses a SIM card to register it within a certain period with their present telco provider.

“It aims to deter anyone from committing illegal acts through mobile networks by making users’ identities known,” said Kabayan Partylist Representative Ron Salo. He also praises the people for their eagerness to follow the law, demonstrating their support for the government’s initiative to maintain order in society.

C. Cabalhin

Many, however, cannot help but worry about the safety of their data, which is required for registration. They fear the possibility of the system getting hacked and their privacy being invaded. Is it really okay to register our SIM cards? Can we ensure the safety of our information?

To address this issue and answer the public’s concerns about privacy risk, the National Privacy Commission convened with Telecommunication Companies (Telcos).

Privacy commissioner John Henry D. Naga instructed Smart, Globe, and Dito to enhance and modify their websites and applications to better adhere to the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Telcos agreed to put the adjustments into effect as soon as possible.

The Commission also emphasizes that one of the critical parts of the successful implementation of SIM Card Registration is safeguarding citizens’ privacy and assuring that mobile users’ rights to their data privacy are protected. For the proper implementation of the law, the Commission will continue to work closely with Telcos and other stakeholders.

Nonetheless, despite these measures, we should not let our guard down because security breaches will inevitably occur. We should always be careful in distributing personal information and hope for SIM card registration to be implemented successfully without major problems.

ORWith just a press of a button, you can now receive broadcast voice messages in your area that can save your life and your properties.

The Local Government Unit of Siocon, under the direction of Engr. Jose Marlowe

T. Echem of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office proudly announced on March 10 in public the official launching of the “ALERTO Receiver” application, a critical communication system that aims to alert everyone when emergencies strike.

The ALERTO Receiver application is an innovative voice messaging service that uses advanced technology to rapidly reach a bigger audience in the fastest possible time for community, emergency, and disaster communications. Users must only press the “Listen” button to receive up-to-date messages from the area they selected on its location setting.

Nature has been changing unpredictably, demonstrating its power through the natural phenomenon that endangers our lives. In the Municipality of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, catastrophic events have caused severe damage to the environment and its citizens. Properties have been destroyed, livelihoods have been affected, economic activities have been disrupted, individuals suffered from physical injuries, and worst of all, many have died.

In 2017, due to the extensive damage caused by tropical storm “Vinta,” Siocon

was placed in a state of emergency. A total of 300 homes along the riverbanks were destroyed, 2,000 hectares of rice fields were damaged, and many individuals were reported dead and missing as relayed by national news.

Just this January 11, with just a low-pressure area, Siocon drowned in waters, which damaged appliances and furniture pieces.

These incidents occurred because the people were unprepared for the unexpected disaster. Although we cannot prevent it from happening, we can at least lessen its impact.

With the rampant disasters Siocon experienced, Siocon has established a new early warning system and communication mechanism to address these problems through ALERTO.

In an interview, Engr. Jose Marlowe T. Echem said ABOX Company presented the ALERTO Critical Communication System. However, he divulged that the application has its limitation.

“Only those who downloaded the app can use the service, and the app is internet dependent, so without internet, you cannot receive the message,” he added.

Engr. Echem further said that they are hoping that this initiative would be efficient as to preparing the people of Siocon for impending disasters, and he hopes this would be accessible to many in the future.

Water system to flow in Siocon

CLARISSE A. GARCIA

ANGEL

To alleviate the water scarcity in Siocon, a new water system is expected to be built by April 2023 in Barangay D. Riconalla, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, following its groundbreaking ceremony on March 10.

Engineer Wil Embert Tan, one of the engineers assigned to this project, said its construction is estimated to end in two years.

Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano also announced in the ceremony that a whopping 250 million pesos were al-

located for this project which will be outsourced from the Development Bank of the Philippines.

The facility can provide around 20,000 - 30,000 cubic meters per day during warm weather and 50,000 cubic meters per day during rainy weather.

Furthermore, Engr. Tan noted that the Palawan Water System Project inspired this design, and they also ensured that its water was potable.

The Municipality of Sio-

con has been experiencing water scarcity for some time now due to lack of water supply.

Melanie E. Fronda, a teacher and an entrepreneur said that this will greatly help the people in Siocon especially for small business which requires water.

“Sometimes the scarcity of water affects my kakanin small business. I am happy that the construction of the water system has started,” divulged Fronda.

“Congratulations! You have won 100,000 pesos!”

Graphic created by Michi Mae

The Water System Prototype from the Local Government Unit of Siocon

SCARCITY NO MORE. A new project has been started by the Local Government Unit of Siocon to address the municiality’s water shortage. The new Siocon Water System is expected to be constructed at Barangay D. Riconalla, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, March 10./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

AInfographic created by Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

The Line City of The Future

They do say that a line is the start of every artistic masterpiece.

This has been proven true in many cases, including the Line City project which shows great potential in the art of human resourcefulness.

This project, named The Line, is a smart city under construction in Neom, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia, and will be created to have zero cars on streets and carbon emissions. As its name suggests, it is the first city to be constructed in a straight line. With its sole reliance on renewable energy, it may become the ideal city.

The plan was announced on January 10, 2021, by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

Three layers would make up the city: a pedestrian-friendly ground level, an underground level for infrastructure and transportation-related subsurface level. The city will be surveyed using artificial intelligence, and prediction and statistical models will be utilized to look for methods to improve the residents’

quality of life. When all of these features are combined, this city would resemble those in our favorite science-fiction films set in the far future.

Two large mirror-like structures would make up this utopian city, with a lovely outdoor area separating them. They are intended to measure 200 meters in width, 170 kilometers in length, and 500 total meters in height. From the Red Sea, it will travel to Tabuk City. Furthermore, according to the plans, the city may house close to 9 million people.

Nevertheless, the project has drawn criticism for its effects on the local environment and population and concerns about its technological and financial sustainability. Additionally, concerns about creating a “dystopian” or “artificial” facility are similar to those in science fiction films, which almost always have bad outcomes.

However, there is no denying that this is a good strategy for fighting pollution. The creation of

Line City has many reasons, and being environmentally friendly is one of them. By eliminating carbon-intensive infrastructure like cars and highways, the city will have a net-zero carbon footprint.

Renewable energy will fuel all of its activities, even the operations of its industries. The city will have unparalleled accessibility to nature and the usage of open areas and elements of nature will substantially enhance the quality of air.

The innovative structures of the city offer easy and uninterrupted access to the outdoors in a couple-minute stroll through its different open spaces, elevated on multiple levels. Because of a fewer physical trails, everybody will be given equal exposure to nearby mountains, sky, and natural scenery while hindering urban expansion. It offers a year-round climate where the environment has been carefully designed to offer the optimal balance of direct sunlight, shading, and air flow from nature.

The city is intended for people rather than for technology. A cognitive city that anticipates and reacts to what we need, not the other way around. A greater density imprint from living in zero gravity will improve our everyday lives and create opportunities for business.

Although the project still has significant shortcomings, particularly in construction, the project’s ability to provide a long-term solution to some of the most pressing issues facing the globe now is its key characteristic.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman said that the the LINE will solve problems associated with urban life and will present different lifestyle options while adding that environmental and living conditions issues confronting cities must not be disregarded.

We currently have no choice but to await the result of this project. We must hope that the Philippine administration will adopt this strategy if it proves to be a dependable answer to urbanization and pollution.

Recovery, revival in one Agri-Fair

A flood can kill hard-toiled crops, but not the hope of the people in Siocon.

Just this January 11, 2023, due to a low-pressure area reported by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Service Administration, the Municipality of Siocon has been drowned by yellow to light yellow waters. Homes were infiltrated, which consequently damaged appliances and furniture pieces. However, the resilience of the people of Siocon is indestructible. And this is magnified by the showcase of various agricultural products during the Agri-Fair 2023 of Siocon on March 6.

Erdulfo G. Comisas Jr., the barangay captain of Makiang, said that in joining the agribooth competition, they could not display some of the products that their barangay usually harvests.

The circular livelihoods of the residents of Siocon revolve around farming and livestock rearing. Its roads are surrounded by hectares

of rice fields where farmers bend their backs and knees amidst the sun’s intense heat.

Because of this, Hon. Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano, with the initiative of the president of the Department of Agriculture in the Municipality of Siocon, Maribec S. Mejos, opens AgriFair 2023 as a part of celebrating the 86th Araw ng Siocon, with the theme “Agrikultura at Palaisdaan Pagyamanin: Bayan ng Siocon lalong Paunlarin.”

This activity is said to give the farmers of each barangay opportunities for them to promote and showcase their products, which can help attract tourists, buyers, and business owners.

Farmers said that although challenges hindered them from a fruitful harvest like the flood, they are thrilled that they were able to arrange a booth presentation for their barangays while displaying all the products from their hard work.

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA/ FRANCINE MAE T. DIAMANTE

WEIGHT OF REVIVAL. Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano leads the “Pinaka Contest” during the Agri-Fair 2023 of Siocon, March 6./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

KYLA T. CUAJAO/LORENCE D. REMEDIO

AGRICULTURE

Photo taken from the Local Government Unit of Siocon’s Page

CreatedbyMichiMaeC.Cabalhin

EXPOSING THE FACE OF AI

KYLA T. CUAJAO

When we were still kids, our grandparents taught us things we did not know yet. When we were little and incapable of attending school, our parents served as our teachers. Reading magazines and books at the library was another way to discover novel ideas.

In today’s modern age, all the information we need can be found with just one click, thanks to Google. As time goes by, more advanced technology has been introduced that can converse with people like professors and professionals, share knowledge, and respond to inquiries. Both the economy and education have enormously benefited from this technology.

A perfect alternative for content creation, ChatGPT is an AI chatbot created by OpenAI that responds to inquiries in a way that is human-like. It can process information quickly and is undoubtedly simple to use for its users. The idea that ChatGPT can create texts in a variety of languages allows students who want to create good content, learn computer languages, or discuss topic ideas is an advantage. These are the reasons ChatGPT is growing in popularity.

Furthermore, the growth of ChatGPT is likely to have a substantial impact on the whole economy. Automating time-consuming tasks like creating standardized reports, meeting minutes, and emails is possible with chatbots. Workers can thus concentrate on more critical and innovative jobs. Skilled workers may receive guidance from a chatbot personal assis-

tant as they navigate various projects or production procedures. Additionally, it may contribute to researching and developing new goods and services and producing creative ideas and content.

However, nothing in the world we live in is flawless, and each thing has its weaknesses. Despite being beneficial to students in the field of education, ChatGPT has caused confusion and questions among academicians and teachers because it does not involve human connection, and it may result in deceptive practices like plagiarism, cheating techniques, and other means that provoke students to use chatbots for their requirements.

Also, due to the lack of self-involved thoughts, chatbot uses limited self-creativity; feedback is given quickly, but the work is summarized and not specified. It may have human-like behavior but without human empathy or instincts. On the other hand, there is a chance that skilled and semi-skilled people could lose their employment due to tools like ChatGPT. Additionally, lower-middle-income countries are least equipped to benefit from technology due to the lack of skilled workers and sluggish download speeds.

Considering everything, it is clear that ChatGPT has a significant impact on education and the economy because it has changed the landscape of both fields. However, it also has its beaming downsides.

Will AI-generated content help us succeed, or will it be our downfall? Only time will tell.

HEAT STROKE PREVENTION

The rise of environmental temperature has been a heated topic in the Philippines today as it is reported to cause heat stroke among its citizens. How can we prevent it?

DOH-ROIX supports Siocon District Hospital to Level 1

Road to Level 1!

Through a medical mission, the Department of

Health of Region IX (DOHROIX) expressed its support for the Siocon Local

Government Unit’s aim of bringing the Siocon District Hospital (SDH) status to Level 1 to augment the quality of services the hospital can offer, March 8.

According to Municipal Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano in an interview, the hospital of Siocon has always been an infirmary hospital, so it must advance to a Level 1 hospital to cater illnesses that only medical specialists can handle.

“We need to level up our hospital so that we could cater to more diseases, and we can treat patients who

have gunshot wounds and other illnesses that medical specialists can only treat. And we don’t have to transfer anymore our patients to higher level hospitals. So, this is a significant event, and we hope that we can achieve what we want for the hospital, for the people of Siocon [sic],” said Mayor Ceasar Soriano.

OIC-Regional Director Dr. Joshua G. Brillantes and the Provincial Department of Health Office of Zamboanga del Norte (PDOHO-ZN) together with Siocon RHU conducted the

half-day medical mission among the 2,811 residents of Siocon at the Dome Court of Poblacion, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Volunteer doctors from DOH-ROIX, PDOHO-ZN, and Siocon RHU offered free medical consultation and minor surgery to 2,781 patients including adults, children, babies, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Dentists from the DOH, meanwhile, gave free tooth extraction and dental advises to a maximum of 30 patients.

LEVEL UP. Dr. Ernest Adrian L. Rafanan, part of the medical team who went to Siocon, conducts medical checkup to a number of patients from the Municipality of Siocon, March 8./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

KYLA T. CUAJAO

This part of the paper exposes both the advantages and downsides of a particular advancement brought by science and technology.

Infographic created by Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

PAY TO PLAY Restricting maturity ONE SHOT

Age does not vary when it comes to sports. A person of any age can participate in any sport as long as they are physically and mentally ready.

But why do schools set age restrictions on High School students who can participate and are qualified for any sports competition?

Simply because, High School students with an age ranging from 12-17 are more likely to be active when it comes to playing sports. They tend to find great value in sports because it can give them an outlet for physical activity and skill development.

But how about those 18 years old and up who are still in high school and have the potential of being good in a certain sport? Will they have the opportunity to showcase their abilities and capabilities in playing?

Students who are already at the legal age (18) are mostly in college now. But there are still some who are in high school due to the fact that there is

a K-12 curriculum. Most of the great players are found in grades 11 and 12 and they are not given the opportunity to showcase their talents because there is an age limit for qualified players.

It is sad to say that we have lost good players that can bring honor to our school but a rule is a rule. The rule says that the age bracket of the qualified players will only be 12-17 and most of them are from the grades 7-10 while the number of athletes from Senior high are just less than the number of my fingers.

These students can play in college and can be skilled in their chosen sport. Yes, there will be lots of opportunities to come when they will be in college but “lahi ra gyud” (it is different) when they can already experience it in high school.

Wong slays rhythmic gymnastics...

FROM PAGE 20 apparatus.

She then did her elegant performances with the balls, hoops, and clubs and did great with her dancing steps, jumps, and leaps.

Wong, her coach Ms. Shara Moras, and co-gymnasts Crezel Amemenzi and Charvie Calasang were sent to Sindangan to represent SioNaSci in gymnastics. However, amongst the three, Wong was the only SioNaSci gymnast advancing to regionals.

In an interview, Wong admitted that they only had three days of preparation for the provincial meet, so they thought securing a spot for the regionals would take much work.

“Happy nga kulba ra akong nabati kay akong mga kalaban para sa regional kay tig apil ug mga gymnast class maong ga training kog ayo and gitun-an sad nako ang mga difficult routines” [Happy and nervous, that is all I felt because my rivals are joining gymnast classes that is why I am training well and I am also learning the difficult routines],” Wong said.

Her ever-supportive coach was proud of the success of her player and is encouraging her to practice more in preparation for the higher meet.

Moreover, Wong is among the youngest SioNaSci athletes competing in the regionals. However, she is familiar with this competition because she already has experience from her elementary days.

Wong is set to compete in a regional meet sports competition that will be held at Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur this coming April 22.

Recently, the Cluster Five Athletic Association Selection Meet was held synchronously in Sirawai, Siocon, Baliguian, Gutalac, and Labason municipalities in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. The event reportedly catered to over 20 sports. However, a subnormal number of Siocon National Science High School students were qualified to join the event, less than the reported number of participants in 2019-2020. In a probe by The Pis Siyabit, various reasons caused this, such as students’ losing interest, students’ focusing more on academics, and students having already passed the age requirements. Nevertheless, a problem that has always lingered and should be assessed is the economic discrimination among students and the budget constraints the coaches and school experience during sports endeavors.

Poverty is an ongoing problem in the country. The Department of Social Welfare and Development released the findings of the Listahan 3 Survey, which showed that as of 2022, more than 5.6 million Filipino families are living in poverty.

Poverty has also been a problem for some students who aspire to participate in sports. In an interview with Grade 12 student Eduardo Z. Ombilingon Jr., he once wanted to join archery but backed out due to financial problems and the high equipment cost. It is heartbreaking for children to be unable to follow their dreams due to not being financially capable, which is not their fault.

Although, some unfortunate students with potential are financially supported by their coaches or sponsors. During an interrogation with a Grade 12 adviser and Badminton Coach of Siocon National Science High School, Cristine C. Gumapo, it was revealed that they have to do “kuot-ching” as she termed for taking money from their own pockets so as not to lose student-athletes with great talent and allow them to develop their full potential.

Nevertheless, only some of the time can coaches support and provide for their student-athletes due to their personal expenses. Furthermore, these students cannot always find sponsors or someone who

can lend them money.

Additionally, the school can only sometimes provide, since they will only cater to chosen students going to nationals and internationals. The school also has other problems to cater to, such as maintenance and other operating expenses.

What about the other students who want to participate and could be cultivated into great athletes? This, undoubtedly, is unfair because how can they show their skill without support?

To assess this predicament, the Department of Education and the current administration should address this issue by providing more available sports equipment in schools for students to borrow for training and competition.

The budget allocation for sports must be assessed thoroughly, preferably during the start of the school year. With this, student athletes’ skills could be cultivated and given opportunities for their future. This will also help expand physical education’s influence on non-athletes.

This is a mutually beneficial feat not only for the students advantage. With this, many schools, and possibly the country, can produce great athletes to represent the Philippines in international sports competitions if we demolish economic constraints.

It is sad to say that we have lost good players that can bring honor to our school but a rule is a rule.

KRYZZA P. LORETE

SPORTS EDITORIAL

Caban dashes off motocross rivals, finishes first

KRYZZA P. LORETE

With bestial speed and jaw-dropping airtime, rider Michael B. Caban outran other contenders in a scorching motocross competition during the Jose P. Brilliantes, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte fiesta on March 19.

While disregarding the sun’s sweltering rays, the audience was enthralled by the exhilarating chase and was astonished by the nose-to-tail distance between riders, which heated up the zone with enthusiastic yells and cheers.

Both racing in the executive professional category, Doydoy Gumala attempted to pass Caban but failed to overtake him until the final lap when Caban became immersed with the challenge and charged full speed, smothering his

GRIT TO GLORY C

hampions are made not just by winning but also by working hard, never giving up, and eagerly moving on from defeat.

In order to do more incredible things, it is necessary to work one’s way through various challenges, which Siocon National Science High School wushu players exemplified as they invaded the boxing ring of Siocon.

Training for wushu and boxing is a challenging feat. One should be physically and mentally prepared for combat. Boxing teaches one to become a solid fighter by utilizing effective and practical strategies. Wushu, on the other hand, requires dynamic and artistic motion to standardize traditional martial arts.

Overall, it is essential to remember that every competition has a distinct winner and loser. Given that the two sports are different, a boxer will inevitably lose in wushu, and a wushu player will inevitably lose in boxing. Nonetheless, playing a sport that is not one’s strong suit is not strictly prohibited. Undoubtedly, one can still win, but this is uncommon.

Regie S. Malunoc and Randy L. Maglaway are two Siocon

National Science High School student-athletes who decided to participate in amateur box ing as part of the “Away sa mga Champion sa Mindanao” event, in spite of being Wushu players.

Regie S. Malunoc, a grade 9 student, was inspired and trained by his father. He aspired to gratify and honor his father because he held him in such high regard as a child. He has already participated in two boxing matches. He initially participated in a sporting event on a covered court at the school and was victorious. After his success, he was more eager to train diligently and efficiently. He then entered the amateur boxing battle, where he reigned after his opponent gave up. He was glad that his father was there to support and cheer him on in the event, motivating him to go for the win.

If there is a winner in a competition, there is also a loser. However, not all losers grieve their defeat, such as in the case of grade 12 student-athlete Randy L. Maglaway.

For Maglaway, entering a boxing ring and competing in an amateur fight was a dream. Enthusiasm overcame his en-

tire body on the morning and the day of his first fight in the ring of the amateur boxing tournament. Whether he won or lost in the tournament, he would never forget that he was doing this for his family and would cherish the experience no matter what happened. He played with all of his might, but he ultimately fell short. However, despite the loss, he savored and cherished every second of the event. Maglaway proves that not everyone who loses has the fortitude to cry about it. One can learn from their defeats and failures. One can use those experiences to better their development and pave a winning path for the future.

These athletes undoubtedly inspired pride among Sioconians and their school because of their dedication to their participation in boxing.

The life of an athlete is undoubtedly a roller coaster of experiences. However, this new generation of champions has proven that anything in life is worth experiencing, win or lose.

competitors with dust.

In addition to enjoying immense pride, Caban earned a trophy and monetary prize for finishing first in the professional category.

Furthermore, Caban explained that despite the potential danger of the game, running the perilous trail is his passion.

“Passion nani para sa akoa. Actually, tinuod jud nga murag risky nga dula (motocross) pero sa akong part maskin risky kung asa ko malipay sa akong passion, didto ko [For me, this is passion. Actually, I agree that motocross is a risky game, but I want to pursue things that make me happy even if it is risky],” said Caban in a probe with The Pis Syabit after his bumpy match.

Philippines to host MLBB M5 World Tilt; Micro Synergy member exalts delight

ANGEL CLARISSE A. GARCIA

Member of Siocon-based Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports team, Micro Synergy, expressed excitement upon learning that the Philippines will host the M5 world championship on December 2023.

In an interview with the Pis Siyabit Micro Synergy member and Siocon National Science High School student, John Paul O. Moras said that he is excited at the prospect that the M5 World Championship will be held in the country and he also cited the advantages of having the event take place in the Philippines.

“Excited kay first-time nga naay big esports event diri sa Philippines, pati advantage diri sa atong country like naay support gikan sa mga fanbase sa every team nga mag represent sa Pilipinas [Excited because this is the first time that a big esports event will be held here in the Philippines, and it is an advantage for our country because of

the support coming from the fanbases of every team that will represent the Philippines],” he said.

After dominating three world championships, Moonton confirmed that the Philippines would host the M5 World Championship through a teaser posted on the official YouTube Channel of MLBB, where top-notch MLBB players will once again gather to compete for the championship title.

This will be the first-ever MLBB world series event in the Philippines. However, Moonton has yet to reveal the exact date and venue of the competition.

As for Micro Synergy, they recently won the ML tournament held at Siocon Cultural and Exhibition Center, on February 26.

Moras also said that ECHO Philippines is the esports team he is rooting for because he and his teammates idolize the members of the team.

SPORTS FEATURE

KRYZZA P. LORETE

INTO THE AIR. Michael B. Caban launches an exhilarating airtime that sustains the spectators enthusiasm amid the scorching heat of the sun during the motocross competition of Jose P. Brilliantes, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte fiesta, March 19 ./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

Graphic created by Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

10

Wong slays rhythmic gymnastics, advances to regional tilt

Siocon National Science High School (SioNaSci) student-athlete, Ysabella Rive P. Wong, gracefully forged a way to the regionals after claiming a clean victory in the provincial meet gymnastics competition at Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, February 9 to 11.

the Pis Siyabit

ARNIS

Codezar, Jhon Dennise

Guaro, Mike

Patulot, Marco Louis

Magdua, Cowdrey John

Esmael, Hasser

Dano, Mary Cheshane

Desamito, Stephanie Claire

Alabi, Rohaya

Bangot, Arian Kate

Torralba, Shakeera Mae

WUSHU SANDA

Asilo, Rodeyo

After two years of being unable to perform in gymnastics, Wong finally had a blazing comeback after winning her first-ever sports competition in high school for the rhythmic gymnastics category, where she executed her graceful and superb moves.

It was a sunny-windy morn-

ing when the 15-year-old gymnast performed her routines, using different apparatus like ribbons, balls, hoops, and clubs.

Even when the wind was strong, Wong performed a flawless execution with the ribbon

sports

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Busca, Jc Vincent

Macas, Dexter

Maglaway, Randy

Pueblas, Dave Yrhon

Cuaton, Wyngel Dhea

Gadem, Crisvie

Torrefranca, Bridgette Rhose

Marabas, Cyra

HOMETOWN CHAMPION RETURNS

Taconing shows off an intense return to Siocon

8

ARCHERY

Estimada, Joshua Lobrigas, Bonifacio Jr.

Sayan, Felipe Jr.

Toledo, Sean Marco

Delantar, Angiela

Espole, Verna Julie

Sakampong, Honesty Mae

Quiambao, Ruby Jeane

GYMNASTICS

Wong, Ysabella Rive

BADMINTON

Jalaron, Liam Rey

Jonathan Taconing made a fiery comeback in the ring of Siocon as he came off with an impressive 6-round boxing exhibition match with Sindangan’s Professional Boxing champ, Jomar Caindog, at Siocon Cultural and Exhibition Center, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte on March 4.

The Siocon’s Home Town Boxing Hero did not miss the chance to impress his fellow Sioconians by showing off his skills and proficiency in boxing during the “Away sa mga Champion sa Mindanao,” a Founding Anniversary initiative of the Local Government Unit of Siocon.

Caindog commenced the game by releasing a hard cross hitting Taconing’s face in the first few seconds of the first round.

However, Taconing redeemed the limelight immediately by releasing successive jabs in the second round, making it hard for Caindog to defend.

The boxing ring was on fire as both boxers kept exchanging more fusion of punches, and Taconing kept the game heated as he unleashed his decisive lead and rear hook with matching uppercuts in the third and fourth rounds of the match.

Crowds were loudly cheering as Taconing

grabbed the chance to let Caindog taste his powerful combinations of punches in the fifth round. However, Sindangan’s pride did not let these punches beat him and gave the native Sioconian more flaunting punches in the first few seconds of the final round.

In the last seconds of the final round, Taconing cornered Caindog and gave his intense punches claiming victory for his first-ever hometown boxing match.

In an interview, Taconing expressed his gratitude towards the Municipal Mayor Ceasar C. Soriano and to his fellow Sioconians stating “Pasalamat ko sa atong buotang mayor

nga gi-invite ko niya diri sa Siocon, kung aha ko nidako. Sa mga kababayan ko diri sa Siocon, daghang salamat nga nitan-aw mo sa boxing namo diri. Salamat!” [I am thankful to our kind municipal mayor for inviting me here in Siocon, the place where I grew up. To my fellow Sioconians, thank you for watching our boxing match. Thank you!]”

Taconing also said that people should expect more as he will showcase an even better performance that has never been seen at his matches.

At the end of the game, Taconing received a plaque of appreciation and a medallion as champion.

UPPERCUT UNLEASHED. Jonathan Taconing unleashes an uppercut against Jomar Caindong during his comeback in the ring of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, March 4./Michi Mae C. Cabalhin

KRYZZA P. LORETE

KRYZZA P. LORETE

Photo from AponiTeroy

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