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@kristelmay_montimor

Wayback when, I could still remember how my mother scoffed at me whenever I mistakenly pronounced even a single word from a text when she tutored me in reading. When I did, I often received a series of pinches from her. Never did I know, it was only a part of my learning-toread journey that helped me become an independent reader with comprehension.

Now, as the reading problem continues to haunt us in the department, those pinches are slowly hurting me again, but not in the same manner as when they physically hurt me, but through the reality that there are still struggling readers who cannot comprehend even a simple text. In our school, there are promoted dependent readers in another grade level; some really cannot read at all. Such existent begs for attention.

We, the Suara staff, conducted a survey after the conduct of the reading activity this month, and we found out that a total of 323 readers from grades seven to twelve were marked as frustrated. This means that these learners can recognize words but lack comprehension.

According to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Philippines scored the lowest in reading comprehension in the 2018 survey with a mean of 340 points, below the

Rationale

What's with the new "The Suara"?

We rebrand, continuing the legacy that the former school paper has served our school and the community for the past few years.

The "In Pahati" had served our school by successfully bringing student-journalists to the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in the past few years; thus, we, the editorial board and staff of the former school paper, have so much in our hearts and minds to be thanked for.

Indeed, there will be no way of even a little alteration to what we ought to do as journalists in terms of delivering truthful and reliable facts to our readers both in school and in the community.

In the same way that our previous publication was, we will be the voice that speaks the volume of truth. We shall write with honesty and sincerity.

What is "The Suara"?

survey average of 487 points. Clearly, this result is a manifestation of our slow performance in reading with comprehension. However, it is not too late for us to help our country overcome this old and undying crisis in reading. We are fortunate that our division took initiatives to resolve this setback.

The SirNaHigh administration, through the mandate of the Schools Division of Zamboanga del Norte, has been on the move to solve this dilemma. The school has been adopting Com- reduced, if not eliminated entirely. It takes a village to educate a child, as they say, thus, we have to actively participate in the reading activities our teachers ask of us. We, as independent readers, could do a good deed by encouraging our classmates and schoolmates who are struggling read-

Suara is a Kolibugan word that means voice. Hence, we firmly believe that through our voice as journalists, we will be able to inform students about events and occurrences inside and outside of the campus.

Apparently, we believed that the continuous service that we give around us is a hopeful anchor that may serve and entertain our readers wherever they are.

Here, we don’t just inform, but influence. Still and all, we will continue to uphold our ideals and principles built through "In Pahati" by bridging information and expressing truth.

This is your publication, The Suara. for, by, and on behalf of the students. We shall forever be the vehicle of truth and freedom.

The Editors letter to the editors

Dear Editors,

I am writing to express my excitement to join journalism again after failing my first try this year. Never had I thought that it was an easy game. Nevertheless, I learned from my mistakes in writing in all prehensive Activities

Attaining Reading Progress (CAARP), which includes the integration of PROPEL, or Providing Reading Opportunities for Proactive and Engaged Learning, where our teachers could incorporate reading in our classes regardless of the subject areas.

As a student, I believe this program is indeed beneficial because I have seen the progress of struggling readers in our school. Some of my classmates who are slow readers are now also improving little by little.

If this practice continues, struggling readers' fear of reading will be ers to be patient when sent to reading tutorials. At home, we will tutor our younger siblings to read and comprehend. We will tell them stories of how imperative reading is. If they have nothing to work on, we will let them get a book to read. categories in which I participated. I learned that writing an article was not a piece of cake to consider. We really have to read and read so that we will be fueled with a lot of thoughts in our minds. Also, I salute our school publication’s SPAs and student-writers for being so passionate about what they are doing. I have seen all your hard work since the training days. I promise to be even better at the next screening to get the chance I long for.

Let us not think that this is an additional bundle of responsibilities. Sooner or later, with our persistence behind us, this effort will pay off. Just like when we started knowing a single sound of each word while learning to read, we will then be able to know how successful all our exerted effort will be in the long run.

Sincerely,

Jasmin Marie E. Akib, G10

Dear Jasmine,

Your letter surprised us. We never thought that thereisstillsomeoneinthecornerwhofindsjournalisma cup of tea despite the many tasks we students must face. We are pleased to know that we are being appreciated for doing our best. It’s true that writing is not an easy task, especially if you are writing to be credible. Nevertheless, we also appreciate your courageous move in participating in journalism, which it seems you enjoyed doing. Just don’t quit. Continue that desire. Don’t forget to read, as it is the source of all the thoughts we write. We hope to see you next school year, and we hope that you will be an additional asset on our team for a good cause. God bless!