The City Icon

Continuing its activities amid the pandemic,

The City Icon FB page debuts

PRECIOUSE LIANNE D. SAMAR

WRITER

In an effort to deliver content fast and accessible to the students of Santiago City National High School (SCNHS), The City Icon launched its official Facebook page last Nov. 8, 2022.

Moreover, in a statement released by the school’s publication, one of the other factors that triggered the advancement is to cater to the digital-first SCNHS community.

“Online devices are becoming much more domestic every passing day, making City Highers tech-savvy. Thereby, The City Icon sees the need to provide an avenue that directly supplies information to the digital natives,” the statement read.

On the other hand, The City Icon’s Editor-in-Chief, Lyra Mae Llantada, highlighted how the online publication simplifies the distribution of school papers, thus, helping them to reach a wider audience.

“Another thing that adds to the value of this development is the range of people the page can reach out to; unlike its print counterpart, it streamlines the issuance of school papers among City Highers; hence, acquiring more readers,” Llantada said in an interview.

The said FB page covers the latest news and updates regarding SCNHS. It is currently managed by the City Icon’s Editorial Board under the supervision of its School Paper Advisers.

Furthermore, City Highers expressed their delight upon the page launching, claiming that communication and dispatching of messages would now be easier with Icon’s online version.

“I’m very pleased that the publication is leveraging technology to its advantage. With The City Icon going virtual, information and communication are made easily accessible,” Lyra Aradanas, SCNHS’ Supreme Student Government President, noted.

“It’s nice to see the profound development. This goes to show how truly committed the publication is in terms of fulfilling its duty to the City High community,” Aradanas added.

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Neophyte CH whipped regulars, nailed 8th in ISAW

O(press)ed Freedom

CH pilots limited f2f classes

Pursuant to DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2022, Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) reopened its gate for limited face-to-face (F2F) classes on selected grade levels and programs on May 16.

SCNHS conducted physical classes for grades seven and eight students under the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) and grades 11 and 12 learners under the Technical Vocational Livelihood-Home Economics (TVL-HE) track.

The institution prior explained that participation in F2F classes is not required and will only be restricted to City Highers who have “indicated willingness” to participate.

While on the conduct of on-site learning, Mario James Dela Cruz, school

chairperson of the committee on health protocols, emphasized that SCNHS is “very particular” when it comes to implementing the guidelines laid out by DepEd and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to ensure the safety of the learners.

“We strictly adhere to protocols mandated by IATF and even enforce safety measures suitable to the school’s size to guarantee the absence of local transmission between the faculty and students. After all, safety is City High’s top priority,” Dela Cruz stressed.

Meanwhile, SCNHS has expressed optimism that the “successful implementation” will persuade the entirety of the student population about the safety of resuming in-person classes.

Moreover, Dela Cruz also added that returning to F2F classes is of

INFODEMIC

The City Icon Survey: City Highers susceptible to fake news

necessity for SCNHS to further equip its learners with the necessary skills.

“In the face of global change, pupils must master basic education at a young age in order to compete in the global economy,” he said.

However, Grade 9 City Higher Carl Brioso exhibited dismay over how few the number of schools reopening is, stating that “the longer students stay stuck in the online setup, the further they get robbed of the opportunity to learn effectively.”

“It’s demoralizing to see the numbers still so low. For almost three years, we have been putting up with this setup; we [have] already taken up initiatives demanding a ‘ligtas na balik eskuwela’ and have continued to struggle for a mass-oriented system; it’s up to those in power to do their part,” Brioso asserted.

ARRA MAE G. MARIANO WRITER

The majority—or 66 percent of City Highers are likely to fall victim to fake news; The City Icon survey showed Friday. In a prior survey, 39 out of 50 SCNHS learners considered themselves “confident” in terms of discerning false information, while six students shared that they are “somewhat confident,” and the remaining five claimed that they are “not confident.”

However, among those who responded “confident” and “somewhat confident,” only 11 passed The City Icon’s susceptibility test. The test is divided into two parts: a 15-point quiz wherein respondents are offered two headlines, one from a prominent news organization and one fabricated by the publication staffers, and were asked to identify which is legitimate.

Meanwhile, on the second part of the test, students are requested to assess and verify quotes allegedly accredited to the Philippine presidentiables.

The survey was done virtually through Google Forms from Oct. 19 to 22 and had a sampling margin error of ±2.811 percent.

According to Nico Caballes, one of the respondents who failed the survey, his frequent social media usage challenged his capability to discern what is true and false.

“As someone who uses social media sites often, I’m prone to fake news. They are the bane of the internet. Frankly, while the amenity brought by the internet is certainly advantageous, it damages my capacity to determinate the truth and the falsehoods,” Caballes said.

On the other hand, Xyrene Villanueva, an SCNHS learner who passed the susceptibility test, argued that City Highers should always “look after oneself” upon using the online space.

“The space in which the vast majority of people interconnect with one another calls for being able to ‘look after oneself,’ as not all things that are available online can be considered trustworthy,” she reasoned.

Moreover, Senior High School Teacher Marie Chona Bermusa urged students to ensure that what they share is “truthful, valid, and verified,” especially in “heavily significant matters.”

CONTINUANCE DESPITE DISTURBANCE. After almost three years of enduring the remote setup in education, a teacher at Santiago City National High School (SCNHS), John Paul Capinpin, finally started his limited face-to-face classes with grade seven learners of the Special Program in the Arts last May 16.

SCNHS shoots pass 3k studes vaxxed vs. COVID-19

Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) logs 3,372 students fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus as of March 2022 out of its 4730 students.

Furthermore, based on the data provided by the school, a total of 92 City Highers (1.94 percent) have yet to receive their second dose.

Data presented by SCNHS also showed that the grade eight population registered the highest vaccination rate among the other grade levels at more than 21 percent.

F2F classes

According to Mario James Dela Cruz, a teacher at City High, one of the things that may have prompted the learners to get inoculated is the gradual reopening of schools across the country for face-to-face classes.

“The sudden shift in education had caused damage to students scaling from

their academic performance to their mental health. Thus, it cannot be denied that in-person and experiential learning is of absolute necessity for them, and perhaps they see the vaccines as a means to bring back the norm of classes sooner rather than later,” Dela Cruz said. Forefront healthcare Meanwhile, Grade 12 Codey Tarapen addressed himself to his fellow City Highers who are not yet vaccinated, asserting that the COVID-19 vaccines are “on top” of the government measures in containing the virus.

“For almost three years now, we have been adopting preternatural remedies and occult modes of prevention, yet nothing

has ever worked. Little did we know that scientists worldwide have been trying to synthesize the most effective end-all-be-all to this pandemic—the vaccines. Thereby, as a City Higher, I urge my fellow learners to get vaccinated,” Tarapen advocated. “Sure, it might not be the actual cure, but there’s a significant drop in the risk of disease among the vaccinated population. With all those gists penned down, one thing is beyond telling: This could be our last straw in getting back on track, but prevailing over is contingent upon the participation of everyone,” she added.

“As society transitions to the new normal, social media and the internet become the primary sources of information. As a result, it is crucial to have a critical mindset and be attentive to incorrect information. Although City Highers as netizens are not key news sources, they hold the ability to propagate information,” Bermusa noted.

SURVEY

Photo by CHRISTIAN JAY P. VERONA. Text by JAMELAMOR R. CARIAGA

Ina bid to render the learners under the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) with the necessary journalistic skills alongside the values of truth and service to people, Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) administers an intensive-webinar workshop in the safety of the students and the faculty’s home.

Mandatory military service draws flak; City Highers thumb down move

Students from Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) clamor on social media, joining a growing voice of dissent in opposition to a 2022 political aspirant’s proposed mandatory military service.

The issue surfaced following the statement made by Vice-presidential Hopeful and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, vowing that she would push for mandatory military service for Filipinos upon turning 18 to instill patriotism and nationalism if elected.

However, City Highers claimed that instead of patriotism and nationalism, it would rather promote blind obedience and misdirect the youth by encouraging a militaristic view and infringing on basic human rights.

“I stand firmly against the implementation of this compulsory military service. Patriotism and nationalism cannot be inculcated by virtue of obsequious servility. That just invariably champions abject subordination and institutes a hollow of violence that lead-astray young people through militancy and human rights abuse,” Jullian Saturno, a grade 9 SCNHS student’s Facebook post read.

Furthermore, grade 11 City Higher Chrissa Valdez wrote on Twitter:

“We are not, in any way, on a war footing to make it our priority. The pandemic has us in a grave situation economic-wise; it would only be a waste of time and money to have a military mobilization funded. The crisis is also just there, ushering in a new era of urgent innovation and waiting for us to divert our attention to significant scientific changes that we should make.”

According to Valdez, what Duterte-Carpio should be campaigning for instead is the reinforcement of emergency response and recovery plans that can help the country ride out of the pandemic and invest the budget allocated to the manifesto in the continuous improvement of scientific processes.

Relatedly, the mayor’s father, President Rodrigo Duterte, has been attempting to revitalize the compulsory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) ever since he dominated the race for the presidency last 2016, but his bid failed to materialize. Republic Act 9163, also known as the National Service Training Program (NSTP), was legislated in 2001, making the mandatory ROTC policy optional, subsequent to the calls for justice after the death of Mark Welson Chua, ROTC cadet from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), who revealed the corruption that went behind closed doors of the

In coordination with alumni staffers of The City Icon, the school’s official publication, SPJ students were able to learn and garner insights into various categories in the journalism field and its counterparts, such as broadcasting, photojournalism, news reporting, fact-checking, proofreading, and interviewing sources.

Citing the alterations brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, learners under the journalism curriculum affirms that the initiative serves as an outlet for “transcending the role of campus journalism in the new normal.”

According to Preciouse Samar, a grade 9 SPJ student, the said workshop allows them to rise above the current pandemic and continue fortifying their aptitudes through the guidance of experienced journalists that came before them.

“COVID-19 forced us to live in this new normal, locking the majority in quarantine and erecting barriers to the traditional way of life. However, though challenged by the borders and health restrictions, such activities still managed to keep us up to date in honing our skills through our seniors. It is a great outlet for transcending the role of campus journalism in the new normal,” Samar said. Journalism vs. the mantle of the dominant figures

by the numbers

From being at loggerheads with reading, 35 Grade 7 learners from Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) have enhanced their reading skills, progressing to the instructional level.

The said accomplishment was reflected in the results of the posttest administered by SCNHS English teachers among the remedial readers.

The improvement is directly attributed to the implementation of the school’s flagship program, the Diagnosis and Remediation in Reading (DiaRem), which involves “innovative strategy and solution” to address education-related challenges, particularly in literacy.

Amid the absence of the traditional learning mode, DiaRem has continued its operations, dividing the remediation program into five phases.

Phase one of the implementation was the “Planning Phase,” wherein proponents arranged and devised new strategies to keep the program running despite the pandemic.

Phase two was the orientation period, geared to enlighten the students and parents on

Russia-Ukraine war ripples through commodities, CH copes

hike, whereas 19 percent discover it “slightly hard,” and 13 percent meanwhile consider it “not hard.”

With SPJ students having been equipped, Kylie Saclamitao, one of the proponents of the webinar, asserted that SCNHS expects them to practice ethical reportage by “authenticating facts and detesting withdrawals of truth” to contribute to the growth of society despite the persecution of the free press.

“SCNHS is trying to instill amongst the learners the passion for social awareness and responsibility through campus journalism. Succeeding the workshop, we hope that these kinds of sensibilities are awakened in the hearts of our SPJ learners. After all, campus journalists are responsible citizens of society who ought to defend the freedom of the press from autocratic partisans,” Saclamitao added.

Moreover, SPJ learners also underscored the workshop’s significance in light of how the current administration subdues the watchdog role of media.

Drawing things to a close Concluding the workshop, Blessy Espenilla, the last lecturer, conducted stimulant activities to channel the students’ learnings during the entire course of the webinar. The activities involved recitation, enumeration, and article-writing that were tracked online and given criticisms and feedback via Facebook Messenger.

Journalism-related endavors like this are critical, especially at a time wherein our role as watchdogs is undergoing suppression of the Duterte administration. It serves as an eye-opener and force that drives us to pursue our calling even in the midst of sky-scraping influential entities and the low regard for our democratic principles,”

Jessalyn Ventura, a grade 8 SPJ student, stated in an interview.

DiaRem scales up CH’s literate crop

JURIEL

the scope, nature, and rationale of the endeavor.

Meanwhile, phase three was the conduct of a diagnostic test, comprised of oral reading and comprehension assessment, among grade 7 learners to identify City Highers at the frustration level.

Providing intervention to struggling readers was phase four of the implementation; determined frustrated readers underwent an online reading intervention with the supervision of their parents or guardians and have received hard copies of reading materials from SCNHS.

Moreover, teachers also gave students various activities, starting from

Nicko Sanggo, a grade 9 SCNHS learner, says that after the figure went up from the average inflation of 3.7% every year, it has limited his ability to buy necessities and desired items for himself, family, and close friends.

Moreover, Venus Bacunot, another student of City High, pointed out that school supplies have been “increasingly harder” to buy after having to go on a tight budget due to the rise in prices of foods. Food inflation, which is also a result of costs being pushed up because of petroleum goods price hike which is a result of the war between Ukraine and Russia, has gone up to 3.8 percent for vegetables, meat (4.2 percent from 2.9 percent), and seafood (5 percent from 4.3 percent).

The increase in prices of goods, electricity, and services has led to the limited budgets of City Highers; Sanggo and Bacunot have both said that they deal with the effects of inflation through

the basic to more complex exercises, such as reading basic sight words, word recognition, and sentence-reading.

Evaluating the students’ progress was the last phase of DiaRem, recognizing learners who still need to go under monitoring and students that have developed their reading proficiency.

According to Jenelyn Damaso, one of the proponents of the program, reading is an “essential skill” that must be “continually developed and enhanced” along with the other macro skills.

She also claimed that DiaRem is a “significant program” in contributing possible solutions to the current gaps

in the country’s educational system.

Hazell Avijero, an SCNHS student, expressed her support for the endeavor stating: “Literacy has a significant role to play in a person’s personal development and even the development of their country. Every child is born with the right to learn—to read and write—and everyone needs literacy skills to open up options and opportunities in life.”

“Through reading and writing, an individual can expand his understanding of social issues, and that could make him a critical citizen of the country. He will learn to always think for the good of the majority,” Avijero added.

responsible choice in what they purchase, proper budgeting of money, and putting the remaining money into their savings for school materials or other necessities.

Furthermore, teachers who commute to and from school have also felt the effects of the oil price woes and transport inflation going up from 10.3 percent to 13 percent, as diesel jumped by 83.7 percent and gasoline by 43 percent. Romel Revesencio, a teacher of SCNHS, said that “The pump prices of transportation have tested our ability to adapt to the changes brought by inflation and challenged us to come up with ways that ease and overcome its effects.”

According to Revesencio, one of the ways she had coped with inflation was by keeping in mind that every penny counts by buying cheaper alternatives in food and items or putting away money she had collected for her daily transportation.

Filipinos continue to cope in their own ways; a little purchase helps a city higher go big in the long run,” Ernest Papa, a junior high school student, said.

READING BLUES NO MORE. Liwanag Somera, a teacher at Santiago City National High School (SCNHS), conducted a remedial reading intervention for a grade 7 frustrated reader on Jan. 23.

JAMELAMOR R. CARIAGA

LYRA MAE S. LLANTADA WRITER

CAMPUS

“Through

DWAYNE R. IGNACIO WRITER

Llantada wins PVAO joust, prompts students to remember history

City Highers must push back attempts at historical revisionism and pay tribute to the servicepeople the Philippines lost during the war, grade 9 Lyra Mae Llantada said upon seizing 7th place in the 80th Araw ng Kagitingan and the 2022 Philippine Veterans Week National Essay Writing Competition on Apr. 7, conducted by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) through the Department of Education.

In an interview with The City Icon, Llantada urged the students to remember the journey of the Filipino ancestors who implemented a coordinated response to socio-political concerns and fought for the country’s freedom.

“If there’s anything remarkable I’ve learned from the competition, it’s that we owe and own our freedom. We owe it to nationalism— to the heroes we lost at war, the people who believed in the power of their voices, and to the avant-gardes—those who took the initiative in promulgating collective response to public matters,” the grade 9 student stated.

“If we don’t want our present to read like the past, we must never forget history. City Highers ought to recall the truths of many horrors our yesterday holds. As students under a school which we claim to be ‘the premier school in the city,’ we should also be premier in terms of repulsing glaring efforts on rewriting our history,” she added.

Furthermore, the nat’l winner also claimed that the learners’ duty of remembering history should be coupled with fighting against systematic disparity and injustices happening nowadays.

“We, the youth, the students, owe it to our ancestors to continue to fight against political injustice and systematic disparity. Students should intensify wake-up calls through their uproar heartened for the people,” Llantada asserted.

The said contest is anchored with the theme, “Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Inspirasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino,” that aims to commemorate and rekindle the heroism and valor of the Filipinos during World War II amid COVID-19 pandemic.

In coordination with several government instrumentalities, a series of hybrid memorial affairs, both physical and virtual, and replication ceremonies for the said observance were held in various shrines over the Philippines.

Afterfalling short last 2020, the Filipino Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting team of Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) regained dominance and reinstituted their winning streak after ranking first in the 2022 Division Journalympics on June 23.

SCNHS’ Filipino team notched this year’s Best Anchor, Best News Presenter, Best Scriptwriter, and Best Technical Application titles, far different from the 2020 results, where they snatched only two of the special awards.

Nicole Fernandez, a Filipino news presenter, admitted that the team did more preparations this year than for the 2020 Journalympics since health restrictions imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic have already eased down.

Meanwhile, the school’s English Radio Broadcasting team lost its place to its long-time opponent, the University of La Salette High School, the same school that bested SCNHS radio broadcasters last 2020.

However, Juriel Ignacio of the English group considers that the results were more of a “will to improve” rather than a defeat.

“When the endeavor ended, we [radio broadcasters] told ourselves: ‘We didn’t get defeated; we were just given more will to improve.’ When you see the

Icon staffers rake in journ awards

Despite transitioning to virtual space, the city’s so-called “powerhouse” managed to maintain relative dominance after having its Filipino Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting team and three staffers hailed champions in their respective events.

City Icon also secured top-two finishes in News Writing Filipino, Science and Technology Reporting English and Filipino, Sports Writing English, Editorial Writing Filipino, Photojournalism English, and Column Writing, and latching third place in the Sports Writing Filipino, Column Writing Filipino, and Feature Writing English category, along with the special awards seized by the publication’s English and Filipino Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting Team.

Winners of the said event are

set to represent the Schools Division of Santiago in the 2022 Regional Journalympics to be held next month.

“The City Icon staffers don’t sit on their laurels. It is with our cognition that these awards are coupled with our biggest responsibility—that is, to keep City Highers vigilant and help them create informed decisions, making them responsible citizens of society,” Lyra Mae Llantada, The City Icon’s Editor-in-Chief (EIC), stressed.

Additionally, Managing Editor Arra Mae Mariano asserted that the awards prove how Icon was able to continue its operations amid difficulties instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Operations have gotten very challenging ever since the pandemic strike; I’m happy to

outcomes from [a] discouraged perspective…when you let discouragement get the best of you; that’s when you actually get defeated,” she said.

“Also, winning surpasses the recognition—medals, certificates, and trophies. Rather, it is with the realization of the primary pursuit of radio broadcasting. That is, to give voice to the voiceless—not just to keep on undergoing [a] series of training for the sake of flaunting our voices,” Ignacio stressed further.

Andres, Verona conquer Booklat at Iba pa 2.0

Student Lara Sofhia Andres and Araling Panlipunan Teacher Christian Jay Verona of Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) triumphed over junior high school student-teacher contenders across the city after bagging the top spot in the Booklat at Iba pa 2.0: The Santiago City LLCC Portfolio Cover Making Competition, Sept. 27, 2021.

In their video entry for the contest, Verona expounded on Andres’ artwork that purportedly showcases how Santiago City revolutionizes its literacy by providing universal access to education across all its constituents.

City High in on the 4th NSED

Pursuant to the fourth Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) virtually conducted simulation exercises on first-aid and evacuation management, observing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) earthquake contingency measures to achieve zero casualties and reduce distraction to properties.

Unlike the previous quake drills, the event pushed through with no social interactions among the school community and instead urged the participants to join by taking pictures or recording videos that execute the duck, cover, hold technique and perform first-aid procedures, and posting them online.

City Highers reap top Rgnl Skillslympic awards

Students from Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) latched podium finishes in four out of 10 exclusive exhibitions for the high school category in the 2021 Online Regional Skillympics held on Nov. 17 to 19, 2021.

Among those that asserted excellence are Rea Corpuz, Daniella Baldos, Kaye Pantaleon, and duo Mariah Matias and Melsea Sanchez for Technolympics, Speech Exhibition for Special Program in Foreign Language, Likhawit Tanghal, and Contemporary Dance, accordingly.

see that despite all these, we were able to come up with inventive ways to continue and persist. Hence, the awards,” Mariano claimed.

Moreover, upon positing her key to triumph, Llantada highlighted that writers should find the “right angle” that fits into the audience’s point of view.

“In hindsight, I’ve always thought that for a report to merit print, it should consist of manifold angles. But, I have come to realize that you don’t just throw random sides of a story to your article, but instead, focus more on the right angle that conforms to the lives of the people you are writing for. Only then your story actually thrives with due relevance. Most writers tend to commit that mistake,” the EIC explained

Neophyte CH whipped regulars, nailed 8th in ISAW

Besting other schools all over the city, Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) emerged victorious in the 2021 Division Statistical Show spearheaded by the Schools Division of Santiago City through the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) held last Nov. 24, 2021.

Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) overpowered returning schools on its first appearance in the 23rd Isabela Socio-Cultural Awareness Week (ISAW), clinching the 8th spot for the overall top-performing junior high school last Feb. 4-6.

23rd ISAW, organized by the University of the Philippines Kalipunan ng mga Anak ng Isabela (UP KAISA), aims to highlight the significance of youth’s role in bringing light in pursuit of change and progress in the present society.

The event comprised webinar workshops and contested activities such as Quiz Show, Essay Writing, Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Poster Making, Extemporaneous Speaking, Dagliang Talumpati,

Debate,

Short Film Making, and Cultural Show.

Canalyn Joy Valera, a grade 10 student of SCNHS, nabbed 2nd runner-up for Dagliang Talumpati – Junior high School category that paves her way to Patalasanlahi, ISAW’s national level.

Among the fourth placers were Grade 10 Sofia Kate Valdez (Essay Writing – Junior High School) and Grade 12 Danyssa Tamayo (Pagsulat ng Sanaysay – Senior High School).

Grade 9 Lyra Mae Llantada garnered the 6th finish for Pagsulat ng Sanaysay – Junior High School category.

Seventh placers were Grade 12 Francis Vien Burias (Essay Writing – Senior High School) and Grade 10 Audrey Mei Diaz (Extemporaneous Speaking –Junior High School).

In an interview, Valera highlighted the significance of such endeavors in terms of empowering the youth and instilling critical consciousness.

“The event is a reminder that nation-building requires civil participation, particularly among the young blood. With this, we have been enlightened and encour-

aged to be critical of those around us. As part of the youth, I have been urged to hope and fight for a more inclusive and better society,” she said.

Moreover, Llantada asserted that she sees ISAW as an “opportunity to relive the youth’s role that has been buried in oblivion.”

“Nowadays, the extrinsic stereotype of the youth being ticketed as rebels undermines us, and ISAW is that of a prompt that we, the youth, are essential in acquiring liberation. We are broadly adept at freeing our fellows that have fallen prey to

NICOLETTE T. FERNANDEZ WRITER

FERNANDEZ WRITER

MAE G. MARIANO WRITER JURIEL DWAYNE R. IGNACIO WRITER

NICOLETTE T. FERNANDEZ WRITER

Devoue Ecrevaine

Unwanted Bullets

In these uncertain and critical times, many have sunk into an almost inescapable quagmire of instability. It has been more than arduous—to keep and sustain our personal balance when we have been stuck at home, deprived of our social ties and pre-pandemic way of life. In the main, the world’s social order has been greatly disrupted, creating significant ripple effects on our daily lives and further robbing us of one of the most significant elements to thrive and push through—our well-being. And certainly, I am one of those who feel plundered and despoiled by the looming powers’ crisis response.

In the Philippines, every day has become but a war of science, politics, and survival. The fear brought about by the existent pandemic, and the surge of other social problems like famine, unemployment, and prolonged restrictions has continued to threaten Filipinos, especially the marginalized and underprivileged. This has even compromised our internal dimensions of ourselves.

More than anything, the circumstances have called for science-based and compassionate policy decisions, well-ordered public compliance, and genuine social cohesion. Because of the privilege that provides me refuge, I have excused myself from being at the receiving end of the administration’s brutal approach towards the real victims of the pandemic—that is, the general masses. Nonetheless, I know well enough that what the situation ultimately emphasizes is the need to reconstruct the militaristic and unscientific public health system response of the government in these crucial times.

Based on Bloomberg’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resilience ranking, the Philippines sits in an appalling 52nd place out of 53 countries in terms of pandemic response. However, this should not come as a surprise. What makes the Philippine government’s response against the virus unsatisfactory, according to a press release of the rights organization Amnesty International, are the low rates of testing, availability of hospital beds, and inadequately prepared long-term healthcare sector.

The statistics are also illustrative of how poor and inhumane the Philippine government’s strategies are in containing the virus. For one, only months into the lockdown, it has opted to jail thousands of quarantine violators deemed “pasaway” or unruly, impelling for a more authoritarian pandemic response. These have been the headlines that greeted me nearly every hour of every day and which has, for the most part, infuriated me.

Now more than a year since the health crisis began, it has become more apparent that the Filipinos, like much of the world’s population, have grown exhausted of lengthened movement restrictions, shifting rules, and other stringent protocols. It has become an issue of preserving our rights to life, expression, and healthcare access. That more than ever, well-studied policy decisions and appropriately implemented safety protocols are greatly necessitated (S. Talabis et al., 2021).

Enhancing

for effective testing, contact tracing, molecular medical research, and clinical diagnosis is one way to allow a closely articulated scientific response to emerging pandemic diseases.

Further, while the Philippines takes on a whole-of-nation approach and has likewise imposed provincial and regional oversight on its pandemic response, local intervention and infrastructure pieces like contact tracing must be done conscientiously as infections continue to soar beyond tally marks.

The country’s public health system response can only serve the interest of the people if politics, science, and the people are in harmony. The perceived futility of the government’s strategies lays emphasis on the need to approach decisions on COVID-19 based on one local government’s respective jurisdiction. But this does not mean having separate pandemic responses among subnational governments, but allowing for a more localized and specified approach (S. Talabis et al., 2021).

Authorities can only ask for public compliance if it stays true to their job and such authenticity is felt by the populace. In the same manner, unity between social groups, people’s organizations, and private and public institutions is a precondition. There has to be a good coordination mechanism among these sectors for the virus to be properly contained. Coming through the global pandemic requires collective action and efforts, among others.

As obvious flaws and negligence in the government’s crisis management techniques persist, what is being compromised is the element most central to our holistic health—our well-being.

Our well-being makes for our courage and strength to transcend whatever pitfalls that may lie ahead. It renders a clear sense of mind that allows us to ponder on our ways, what gives us solace, and what we need in our lives to attain peace of mind and life soundness. It is the fundamental tide that lifts us from any kinds of difficulties and apprehensions, bringing us to a state of genuine happiness and contentment, especially amid the onslaught of a health crisis.

Demand of Time

“Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you” (Pericles, 430 B.C.E.).

With the new election season heating up, presidential and vice-presidential aspirants have started expressing their desire to win a position in the office, bombarding millions of registered voters with overused political stunts and advertisements and drawing them to public events that sometimes result in the negligence of the

O(press)ed Freedom

The press has long served the country good—making sure that transparency is upheld at best and people are fed with nothing but facts. Yet, no matter how hard they endeavor to genuinely become the fourth estate, the one that ensures democracy is a reality we live in, they are shoved to the receiving end of blatant harassment if only to conceal essential truths under the guise of celebratory tactics.

For one, finally acknowledging that democracy includes the media, President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed July 25 of every year as “National Campus Press Freedom Day.” It stated that the campus press “is an important institution in promoting and protecting the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression,” as journalism is now widely known to be a form of mass media that focuses on empowering the general public.

Other than such recognition for the press in schools, declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 1993 is also the World Press Freedom Day, which is ideally an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess its state around the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

For instance, the Maguindanao massacre was considered the deadliest assault on journalists globally and the worst journalist-related case of violence in Philippine

the current state of our country and feed on our disinterest— tied in a garment of collective mutuality—in political affairs and reluctance to partake in civil discourses.

history. The slow judicial process is only aggravated by the culture of impunity under the tyrannical regime of President Duterte, who is waging a bloody war against drugs and whose government has launched a systematic clash against the free press.

Despite the government respecting the freedom of the press in general, the present administration has shown no mercy and has been criticized for failing to investigate the summary killings of journalists thoroughly and for subjecting them to harassment and surveillance. The Philippines has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s deadliest and “most murderous” countries for journalists performing their watchdog function.

From within, they are weakened by those who seek to blur the lines between journalism and propaganda. Journalists are not less human than other professionals, and some give in to—or seek out—the temptations of fame, power, and money. Some represent themselves as truth-seekers but deliberately peddle lies to malign their rivals for mere competition or confuse the public.

chains of apoliticism, put voter and civic education front and center, and encourage as many people as we can to do the same.

One can no longer belittle the role of the campus press, much more the Filipino journalists in the field, in the bigger fight to preserve democracy in the Philippines.

From the outside, the press finds itself having to work doubly hard to counter the effects of disinformation, which is compounded by technology’s ability to spread falsehoods in real-time.

Regardless, criticism and dissent are the main components of democracy. When both government officials and the media solely desire what is best for the country, not themselves, they would welcome pointed observations and contrarian opinions to guarantee that they are doing their jobs well.

An independent administration is an impossibility. Without the press and the media, there would be no evidence or hope of clear transparency between the country’s government and its administration. Journalists are the symbols of freedom of expression and the freedom of information in a democratic country. And just like how news movers are considered to be the guard dogs of national democracies, student journalists should be given similar power and the independence to question, investigate, and challenge administrative authority.

Cases of malpractices need to be called out, and above all, it needs to be done in the public eye through the journalistic medium. When administrative negligence is put under public consciousness, the resulting scrutiny will pressure authorities to heed students’ concerns in a prompt and active manner. Campus journalism must not be under the oversight of the governors—which is the administration—but the governed: the students.

One can no longer belittle the role of the campus press, much more the Filipino journalists in the field, in the bigger fight to preserve democracy in the Philippines. Journalism has never been a lucrative career; its rewards come in other forms: the knowledge that journalists have a role in nation-building by reporting without omission or embellishment, by praising when praise is due without the promise of a reward, and by calling out excesses as warranted without the fear of retaliation. This is what it means to be genuinely free. May the Philippine press be genuinely free.

safety protocols dispensed by the Department of Health (DOH).

This brief overview of the current preparations for the upcoming elections has also exposed the ulterior characteristics of the Filipino politicians trying to woo the voters: negligent in their obligation to attend electoral debates, oblivious to the significance of having clear ideological principles, and in pursuit of personal gain.

On that account, it is almost easier to slam our eyes shut on

However, ignorance breeds ignorance. Alongside people’s preference to continue to project their sheer neutrality in politics, they also give birth to a whole new generation of children adamant about preserving the pre-existing culture of political oblivion.

Our duty as Filipino citizens does not end with simply casting our vote, unmindful of the candidate’s background and political platform; in fact, it only begins with putting deliberative vigilance.

Therefore, by any means of resistance, and even if we have to wallow in grief, we must continue to break free from the

In a sense, while voter education programs focus on the availability and accessibility of electoral information to all constituents, ensuring the prioritization of the disadvantaged groups while catering to mainstream voters, civic education campaigns supply citizens with information on the socio-economic problems faced by the country, the equality of voting rights bestowed upon men and women, and the value of democracy.

These campaigns also help people understand the importance of dismantling the footing political neutrality holds in the realms of our country, as being apolitical is not just a personal

choice but a political choice that people make for themselves and of themselves—a process in which the decision made by the minority shapes, even in the slightest bit, the only options available for the vast majority.

Yet, even though these initiatives have long existed, their undying pitfalls have continued to impede their success. Until now, voter and civic education programs have not achieved universal coverage of the electorate. The difficulties encountered by the people on the registration system also discourage them from proceeding. Because they have not resolved the problems with the prevalence of illiteracy in the marginalized segments of society, the political decisions

made by the members of these communities have not stopped getting affected in the worst way possible.

Nonetheless, civil society compatriots have ensured that the continuous development and dissemination of comprehensive strategies that improve the services rendered by the voter and civic education campaigns can persistently outweigh these drawbacks. Ergo, although nowhere near seamlessness, these programs stand as positive initiatives in keeping the voters informed enough to make the right choice and vote for the right person.

A world where we no longer have to worry about politics— one in which we will be okay without talking about the constitution and its essence—may again become the gist of the advocacies of presidential and

vice-presidential hopefuls; that of a different voice, of various political colors. It may be that of candidates who have no genuine intention to reform a nation built to their advantage or those whose power can emancipate us from social suffering and ensure a country that can actively work towards a better future. Regardless, a world where we do not have to lie trapped in a rabbit hole is in our hands and for our hands to make. The birth of a world where political neutrality is no longer a luxury exclusive to anyone rich and powerful—anyone who no longer has to live under the roof of government programs—depends on the political decision we are to make. And, at the very heart of it all lies the steady emphasis on conscious efforts to raise political awareness— the demand of time.

the country’s capacity

what’s inside?

Splash of Color

Earth without “art” is just “eh.” It feels like something is missing without it, right? Art could be shown through a picturesque painting, a dynamic dance, melancholic music, or even lovely literature. It’s a way of expressing the emotions, thoughts, and boundless imaginations that run through our minds. Art brings color and fun into the dullness of life. It allows one to be free and creative. The possibilities are endless.

Feature | Page 7

Climate-chained

Scientists chained themselves to the front doors of JPMorgan Chase Bank and to the gate of the White House. A public outcry demanding action to cease a climate crisis. The climate is an important factor that affects the whole component of the ecosystem on earth. Scientists consider its severe changes an ecological emergency. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has claimed the recent Climate Change as “human-induced global warming.”

SciTech | Page 9

Stripped Away

When the country was plunged into a global health crisis, the changes experienced by Filipinos in various fields became steep and bold. Their daily movements were mainly restricted—crippled and dragged into strangled and unfamiliar habits. Overall, many of the policies have gone astray and have explicitly stripped them of their right to basic necessities during the pandemic.

Ever since, it has become the rhetoric of the government and the authorities to ensure the welfare of the masses, especially the poor and the afflicted. But contrary to their vows, many are compelled to venture yet another day with an empty stomach, forced to disobey health protocols, and risk their lives to toil even when the money they earn is uncertain and does not match their need—all these despite the imminent danger posed by the pandemic and the reversal of government orders.

The government has “tried” to, above all, vaccinate Filipinos as a shield against the coronavirus. However, many Filipinos dodged and did not support the preventive measure proposed by those in power due to the prior controversy over Dengvaxia, which is considered to be the cure for Dengue. As a result, although the vast majority of the population has been vaccinated, many sectors still remain in the gaps of doubt. At a time when the ticket to and attainment of basic needs and services depends on the condition of being vaccinated, it cannot be denied that the masses are directly deprived of access to their natural rights.

Editor’s drop box

Dear Editor,

I like that the school paper is meticulously developed to extract all the information at hand without the compromisation of the articles’ quality. All the pieces are relevantly woven together that help us, City Highers, make sense of ourselves and the academe we are in.

Student X

Although the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) policy of “no vaccination, no ride” makes a certain sense, it can largely be seen as a violation of a person’s right to travel. However, there are stated exceptions to the policy, such as workers working on-site and those returning to their permanent homes; ergo, what this policy runs over: the basic society that relies on public transportation to migrate and travel.

If anything, it is essential to recognize that the practice of the rights of Filipinos is guaranteed by the Constitution and based on the grace of democracy, but it still faces restrictions that protect the national interest of a country.

More importantly, the sector that leans primarily on public transport is the marginalized—the same people who are as well deprived of access to other essential needs such as food, health services, and, as mentioned earlier, education. There is no indifference to a policy that repeatedly denigrates and openly ignores the real needs of the victims of the circumstance.

It is good to acknowledge the eager response of the current vice president, Leni Robredo, to the construction of vaccination centers near public transportation to encourage people to get vaccinated because instead of imposing an oppressive policy that will distance the masses from an essential service such as transportation, more education, and proper persuasion are the ones needed to promote the vaccination program. This is especially necessary since what remains in the headlines are the records of severe side effects after vaccination, coupled with the ever-changing government policies, causing the public to panic.

What the masses need are vaccines, education, employment, and other essential necessities that are within reach, not another draconian policy from the government. Because the cyst—those in power are once again raping the already impoverished Filipinos—those who no longer have resilience for every day.

More importantly, the sector that leans primarily on public transport is the marginalized—the same people who are as well deprived of access to other essential needs such as food, health services, and, as mentioned earlier, education. There is no indifference to a policy that repeatedly denigrates and openly ignores the real needs of the victims of the circumstance.

CITY HIGHERS SPEAKS

by the numbers

765 Mandated Vaccination for Commuters

92 Not in Favor for the Vaccination

In Favor for the Vaccination

138 Abstain

Dear Student X,

Thank you for your positive feedback on our publication.

Rest assured that The City Icon will continue to stay committed to its prime responsibility—to provide quality stories upholding the truth and nothing but the truth.

Editor

Dear Editor,

Personally, I have grown tired of the “students-have-becomesmarter-because-of-the-internet” myth that teachers keep on insisting on because even with the help of technological advancement, schools continue to fail to deliver multi-modal and cooperative learning environments, and at the end of their mass production comes out shiny, machinated drones who have little to no desire to discover more and learn anything new—as if robots programmed to act and think a certain way.

Student K

Dear Student K, The issues you have raised are of considerable interest to education officials; as the primary source of information in the school, we will guarantee that every department receives a copy of our school paper to keep them apprised of your concern.

Editor

The Pen that Slays

wARRAnted Stance ARRA MAE G. MARIANO WRITER

After so many years of bringing the name of our school in campus press conferences, along with my clutching awards and ascending to greater elevations, multiple times have I only thought about the endeavor as something that cannot be any better than a mere competition. I have stepped on so many thresholds seeking to be the best writer there can be, and bag the gold afterward in the recognition—it was as if such a pinnacle had firmly seated in my veins that it has long consumed me.

Scrolling through my Facebook feed earlier this month, I got reminded of the obstructive and toxic attachment that I have just mentioned as I chanced upon a post of Liwayway Magazine’s Rhandee Garlito II, which basically narrated the “culture of unfriendly competition” that has been borne out of the National Schools Press Conference. Ergo, I wish to quote this one powerful sentiment that encapsulates much of the true inner and deeply concealed workings in school press conferences:

“Rather than simply recognizing the work of school publications and student journalists, the so-called Olympics of Philippine student press competitions have become a gladiator sport of sorts—which region, division, or school lords over the others; which can produce more winners. It also goes for the professional journalists that moonlight as trainers to these groups—who can produce better results so that they become more marketable, more likely to be invited, more likely to get higher ‘honoraria.’”

For the most part, what has indeed enveloped the affair that was supposed to reemphasize the weight of press freedom from a critical level, such as academic institutions, is that an effective

journalist must be a winner in the press conference. That winning is all that matters. It is that hyper-competitiveness of student journalists, coaches, and other officials of the Department of Education that has rendered the event’s purpose vain and without real significance to the society that it was supposed to work for.

The circumstances raised by Garlito, which, in essence, highlights the contest orientation of the NSPC, ditch the responsibility of journalists to genuinely scrutinize the society at large and extract all available narratives to present the clearest, most authentic report there can be. With the ranking system of the endeavor, fair and ethical journalism is haunted by earnest yearnings for recognition and fame. And when journalism is continuously called into question, the highest obligation of the press, may they be on campus level or already practicing the profession, remains to the truth and the public, and it cannot be suppressed or made to be propelled by dishonorable interests.

Student journalists must strive to edify themselves as they make for the stronghold of public enlightenment. This underscores then that the NSPC goes beyond a mere school competition. A real news

by the numbers City Highers speaks [Mandatory Military Serivce]

mover has to be accountable in writing and safeguarding the accuracy and veracity of their write-ups as more than something they turn in for the “contest.” The people that they are writing for, after all, are entitled to as much information as possible.

As communications scholar Luis Teodor argued, the press assumes the gatekeeping role to keep the masses enlightened and the truth always unbarred. These are all in the name of making informed decisions to contribute to the growth of democracy—to guide the people in standing communally against injustice or otherwise guide them to tighten their grip on the ills of the land. This is the role campus, and professional journalists share. With an unfettered but responsible fourth estate, a free enterprise of information is obtainable to the public. Yet, this is hampered by different forms of repression, regulation, and manipulation, such as the contest-oriented conduct of school press conferences. It is when our supposed watchdogs are oriented toward the immoral, the public enlightenment is heavily jeopardized, and social order starts to crumble.

IntRODspect RODOLFO Q. ROLUNA JR. COLUMN WRITER

Home-School Teacher

Teachers are said to be students’ second parents. They teach and guide the young students they consider their own children. On October 5, 2021, the Literacy Coordinating Council was proud to present one of the winners of the Public Service Announcement (PSA). The video on literacy produced by Santiago City National Highschool called ”Nanay“ is a tribute to teachers in celebration of world teachers’ day. It showcases a teacher’s love and unwavering commitment to her child and, likewise, to the students she teaches to even amidst the pandemic. Her determination to deliver quality education in these trying times is also seen in the tribute. The dedication of teachers, who are also known as ”education frontline heroes,” is an inspiration to many young learners; this is especially true for junior high school students in SCNHS.

On a dreary Monday morning, the seventh-grade students groan as the heavy silence blurs the humdrum of the city, the tension thickly pressing in on them as the first period of class ends. The teacher nods them a farewell, the disappointment evident in the young students’ curled lips. The first day of the week and their first hour of the day had been spent with the weight of early morning hours, and a gloomy feeling set in. The feedback on their studies tasted like bitter coffee on their tongues. One of the 13-year-old students found the lessons to be quite tricky. His lips press together as he compares the thrumming in his chest to a cauldron, spewing out acid discouragement fuelled by aging coals.

A few minutes later, a knock breaks the thick ice. Stiff postures slowly relax as their second-period teacher enters the classroom; her every step thaws the icy classroom as though it had frozen over. A warm greeting leaves her lips, and she starts the lesson with a gentle smile. The students listened attentively, appreciating the way their teacher had taught them patiently and with enthusiasm. “Why did everyone look so gloomy earlier?” Their teacher, Rosanna Cayaban, asked them. The students shifted in their seats until one spoke, then another, all of them sharing how their poor grades and recent classroom experience had discouraged them from continuing to continue studying well.

Soon after, the classroom goes quiet before the teacher starts talking once more; she speaks of how she had chosen her profession. Ma’am Rosanna also tells of the many trials of life that went her way, and despite all that, she and her family had pulled through. “My father inspired me to keep going,” she said. Just like her parent, she was determined to do her very best to provide for her child, Charles Lorenzo Cayaban, and the students she taught.

As the school bell rings, signifying the time for students to eat snacks and take a break finally, they leave the four corners of their room not only with the thought of filling their stomachs, but also with minds nourished and hearts quenched. They leave the classroom with their lips curled into a smile. They look forward to their next period lesson and to the days of learning that follows. Each step of their feet drips with enthusiasm to the soles of their school shoes, a newly found pep to their step. What once was ashes of spewed

acid and coal blooms a firebird in the heart of a student who had dipped his hands in the cauldron of bitter disappointment; just like that, the years pass, a memorable story continuously sparking the flickering flames of dedication and hard work from the howling winds of discouragement. The young minds study with passion and eyes gleaming with the thought of what awaits in their years of learning and bright futures.

Just like in the tribute Rosanna starred in, many teachers juggle the responsibility of being a mother or parent, not only to their own children but also to the learners under them. They take great care and effort in providing quality education and support to students. With the current COVID-19 Pandemic, it has become a challenge to do these, especially in an online learning environment that limits what can be done for the learners.

The seventh-grade student who is about to graduate from junior high school says that he missed learning in a classroom where he could learn alongside his classmates and ask the teachers directly. Even so, he keeps in mind all the lessons he had learned from his teachers throughout the years; their advice and stories motivated him in the midst of isolation from the outside world and the challenges that came with the current pandemic. ”My teacher’s story moved me. It kept me going when I felt like giving up.”

The student was surprised to see that one of the winning PSA winners on literacy was the video called ”Nanay,” which his former teacher, Ma’am Rosanna Cayaban was in. The video speaks of her son and how she looks forward to doing her utmost best for her students, just as she hopes the same for her son. Her story and great resolve inspired the city highers.

The tribute effectively encapsulates the very reason why many students appreciate and look up to their teachers, who help them grow not only in academics but also as individuals.

The Next Seed

On a green pasture field lies the home of the farmer. The farmer, his wife, and their 10-year-old son live in a small squatter-like house. Earning money for a living isn’t a course for the faint-hearted since the mother’s income for being a laundress is only three digits, similar to the father. Luckily, the kid gets into a prestigious school after being screened for the scholarship. However, the school’s environment turns clouds into gray for his son

It was always a rainy feeling for the boy to go to school because his classmates constantly teased him. “Your father is a loser because he only has one leg.” and

“Maybe your father didn’t finish anything; that’s why he is a farmer.” These sentences were always on the boy’s ears because of the repetitive discrimination against his father. His schoolmates often mock his father’s disability and for being a farmer.

After class, the boy walks home with a bad taste. As the lad walked the crowd, one adult mumbled, “Don’t come near him because he is dirty and has lazy parents; that’s why they aren’t rich.” It stabbed his heart, knowing that he was the topic.

SID JAYDEE P. GRANIL WRITER

FRANCIS VIEN N. BURIAS WRITER

Meanwhile, the father heard the news that the law for rice importation was signed. The reporter said, “It is an advantage for the consumer, but not for the farmers. If the trade is more open, the price of local rice cannot keep up with the imported ones.” The father was on cold feet because of the possibility of getting displaced, and the local rice production will be at the edge of a cliff.

As the boy reached his home, the father welcomed him with a smile. The boy snubbed him and went to his room. Later that night, dinner was served, and the boy sat disappointingly. The farmer asked, “Son, how was school?”

The boy only nodded. While the conversation continued, his father noticed a broken-hearted kid and asked his son because he was evidently melancholy. Without a second thought, he said, “If you only finished school and were not disabled, I would not have been ridiculed.”

The couple fell into an endless pit as the boy walked towards his room, leaving his meal.

After a few years, the wide importation remains. The farmer thought that this was their time of the year since it was a cornucopia harvest. But his world collapsed as he heard that the rice importation increased once again. When he sold the crops, he was teary. Local farmers gained low yields, which also affected their income.

On a bright day, the father handed his son his allowance. He bottled up his anger because it wasn’t enough for food, materials for a project, and other miscellaneous. The kid walked to school with frustration. Despite the salary being low, the father endured farming.

Day and night, he guarded the farm as if his life depended on it. He was like a bent-over ruler for planting crops, until an idea slapped him. Voicing out with companions is the best way for him to defend his life for his land.

As the boy and his friends laughed along the sidewalk, one of his amigos pointed at his father. But the boy turned a blind eye and said, “Let’s go and eat.” His father joined the rally with his fellow farmers and advocates in front of the government office. He was the organizer and led the event. As the people continued to shout for justice in farmlands, the military was set out.

Splash of Color

It showered tear gas, and the soldiers water bombed the protesters. The armed forces started to catch the rally and looked for the kingpin. It took only a split second to capture the boy’s father since running was a pain in the back for him. Few farmers were taken down, and in an unexpected moment, people minded the sound of the bullet. After hearing the gun shower, everyone ran. It was havoc for the people, and they were like trapped in a labyrinth.

While the boy was having fun in the fast food, he saw a dead body on the news. His world crumbled when the reporter announced that his dad was rained by bullets. A heavy tear flowed in his cheeks as his knees trembled.

As the mother saw her husband lying in the coffin, her heart pounded like a siren in the night. The kid went to his parent’s room to get a handkerchief, but he stepped on a note. He picked it up and sat on the bed to read it.

“My dearest son, I am happy that you went to a prestigious school, but I cannot go there because you’re afraid to be laughed at. But let me tell you a story. Your grandfather inspired me to be a farmer, and I enrolled in your school. I finished an undergraduate course and chose to be a farmer. Without farmers, people cannot live. Sadly, I saw how the past regime brought hell to agriculture. We started a rally at the government office, yet the troops were brutal. The armed forces stabbed my leg and ripped it. We tried to protect our farm, but the administration bought some of our lands, converted it into their entertainment, and imported tons of rice. We lost money due to importation.

Son, when the right time comes, vote for a leader who is willing to fix the system of our country. Remember that when one’s choices cause the suffering of another, it is no longer a political view, but a moral choice. Thus, your political preference reflects your values and morals.

I am very sorry because I know that I will not see you get your diploma at the stage. But one thing is for sure; I will watch and guide you to the right path. Speaking up doesn’t mean you are a terrorist. Until my last breath, son, I protected your future because that is my duty as your father. I love you, my one and only son. Go and defend our land!

With all my love to you, Your father

Earth without “art” is just “eh.” It feels like something is missing without it, right? Art could be shown through a picturesque painting, a dynamic dance, melancholic music, or even lovely literature. It’s a way of expressing the emotions, thoughts, and boundless imaginations that run through our minds. Art brings color and fun into the dullness of life. It allows one to be free and creative. The possibilities are endless. Art assists us in appreciating the many wonders of our world. It opens our eyes to the beauty surrounding us. Although, the purpose of art is not only for the aesthetic: it can also discuss the different socio-economical issues, several topics about nature, plenty of other occurring events that affect us, and challenges that we come across.

Every work of art has its own meaning. It varies on how a person perceives the piece. Artists convey their emotions and ideas through their art. One connects with art whenever one gets evoked by emotional cues that tend to move the person. Over the years, humans have learned to gain a deeper understanding of certain things; this could also be applied to art.

This 2022, NAGPINTASantiagueño, a group of artists from Santiago City, finished a mesmerizing mural on the plain, dull walls of Elino Boulevard that took about three weeks to complete. Upon seeing these walls, you would have a vivid view of mother nature’s bright and beautiful biodiversity—the tall, green, detailed illustrations of trees and mountains, along with a cloudy, calming sky. The realistic expressions and actions of every animal painted on the walls; could all be seen in this marvelous mural called “Project Elino.”

Project Elino is located at Centro East, Santiago City. This makes the mural even more remarkable as it is strategically decked in the heart of the city, where the city folk would pass either by foot or by their vehicles and catch a glimpse of the magnificent mural.

If you would ever come by to visit the mural yourself, you would be looking at two separate pieces of art considered as one. To one side lays a bigger work depicting lush green landscapes that comes in a package with the sky background—which colors appeared like paints scattered in a captured

artistic graffiti. At the same time, in the foreground lies the eye-tricking animals such as an elephant and a group of giraffes.

On the opposite wing sits another set of artworks illustrating nature breaking through from the brick walls, quite literally. The animals, ranging from rich aquatics to a Balamban Festival-appreciative butterfly, are painted creatively to look like they are leaping forward the walls of the establishments they are laid on. The tiniest of details, the cracks and the chips of dirt, the curves, and the glints of light, are all present in creating this confusing yet captivating look of the mural.

The Project Elino mural could mean many things. It could be an appreciation for mother nature or a reminder to be more attentive to the needs of the environment. The beauty of art lies in its ability to spur particular emotions from a viewer. The mural will now be a part of the city that conveys a meaningful message and reflects the diligence of the Santiagueños that have committed their time and effort to the mural, all in one.

Neil Gaiman once said, “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” When life seems so gloomy, associate it with art. Express your thoughts and creativity through a song, through poetry, or even with just a splash of color; the possibilities are endless. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be you

twenty seven, fifty two

As the sunset brought the promise of a new dawn, the ocean became furious, knowing it was the last kiss from the sun before meeting the night. People thought that the affairs of past horror were over. However, the eyes of unity became blurry, and fear finally stepped into their hearts. A person wished to return his genuine smile, but it was an unexpected comeback when the nightmare of history repeats itself.

and Juan ran far away from their province to evade the monstrosity sector.

bloodthirst remains. The couple joined the rally when human rights went gently into the night. They screamed at the top of their lungs as Macoy continued to put its people to sleep with the fishes. But right before Juan’s eyes, he saw blood dripping from Vilma’s mouth. Two policemen pulled the trigger on his protector because the girl was an activist and published articles critiquing Senior Macoy’s government. Juan was like a beggar pleading for help, but everyone was too stunned to speak, for the police would shower bullets at them. He could do nothing but cry a river.

After how many decades, the remnants of the past pushed Juan to become an activist. How could this boy move on when justice was never served? He continued to criticize and fight his advocacies against the preceding presidents. But the 2028 elections swallowed him with fear because the leading candidate for the leadership was version two of Senior Macoy named Poncio. However, he is not alone. Eleanor, his better half, is a crusader like Juan.

Right after Poncio sat on his throne, a bloodbath happened. Extrajudicial killings eliminated several criminalities, but they covered everyone’s lips. The multiplex of people was six feet under the ground in his first three years. Many feared Poncio since there are still a lot of individuals who were victims of discordancy, yet their stories were never heard. The couple leads the rally to protest the chaos. However, a bloodcurdling night will welcome Juan to his home. The fiery face of the activist shattered into pieces as he saw his parents floating in the river near his home. A raging storm of emotions filled Juan’s heart, but his light calmed him down. The police who killed his parents claimed that they were addicts without evidence and were ordered to shoot at them. Juan boils with anger as he shouts for justice in the court. His eyes were flaming, ready to execute the cops, but the seas cooled as his dear hugged him.

As the eyes of Juan formed a rainy sensation due to the burial of his parents, he plans to issue an editorial reprehending the current autocracy. The sweet lovers went to a media agency and submitted their work. It was serialized and reported, although the boss’s power is like a god. He terminated the news agency with just a snap and silenced his critic. The dominator jails the annotators and persists in the reign of his terror. Gladly, Eleanor

Problems were not cured since the pandemic tremored the globe. Poncio was surprised as the pandemic attacked his country. The turtle actions of the kingpin made the condition of his homeland a red alert. Instead of firming regulations regarding the plague, the legislative urgently passed a law that fastens peoples’ borders. The act allows a person to be arrested and imprisoned even if the citizen is just suspected. The duo has the spirit of Rizal, continuing to criticize the present regimen. Every corner of the country is thoroughly searched by the military because Eleanor and Juan are labeled as terrorists. Whenever they go, they hold hands as if they were inseparable.

While the hunt prevails, discrimination against the LGBT+ community outgrew. Poncio used the terms “Bakla” and “Bayot” to insult his political enemies. Society erupted after he said that being gay is a disease. It was the night of August when a group of men assaulted five gay men in a dark alley. The shiver in these five citizens was intense when the batch approached them. Bloods and bruises greeted the gays after their bodies were treated like pigs. The soldiers saw the event and chased the suspects. However, one military officer fired a bullet and mistakenly targeted one of the gays. When the sun rose, people stank a rotten odor. Juan came out of his house looking for Eleanor. But as he followed the stinky smell, he fell to his knees, and the world crumbled. The one lying on the street with scattered blood was his gay lover, Eleanor.

Juan was left speechless after seeing his dead lover on the road. After some moments, the dark sight of Juan unleashed. He was like an erupting volcano causing a scene in the middle of the street. He couldn’t bear the pain he was facing; he shouted like there was no tomorrow. The militants were attracted by the scene and swiftly arrested Juan since the couple was wanted. On the other hand, the officer who fired a bullet was removed from his position as a police officer.

Juan’s journey is proof that there is no right and wrong candidate for handling a country, only consequences of the peoples’ choices. Citizens must choose the right leaders to prevent the cycle of incompetency and oppression of the government. If childishness is the choice people opt to make, then the notion of supposedly “re-writing history” is put into question. In the twenty-one and six years of hell, the fifty-two-year-old Juan saw how the land became a grave for the butterflies. If the people continue to fight for their rights, is there an assurance that one can see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Grade -Obsessed

While taking pride in getting good grades and graduating with flying colors is not a bad thing in general, the level at which City Highers have become dependent on this as a determinant of success is detrimental.

As it forces them to focus on their academic achievements and the sense of ego that medals and certificates provide them, they lose sight of the primary reason they go to school—to embark on a learning adventure and bring the pieces of knowledge acquired from this journey into play—and instead become obsessed with trying to measure up to a subjective standard made by society.

Because of this uncontrollable obsession, City Highers do things that transgress the honor code of SCNHS.

Cheat Cheating in the classroom is no longer a new issue—whether in the form of peeking through crib notes in the middle of a test or taking a dekko

at the answer sheet of the person seated in front. In an online article published by Tim Walker (2012), a freelance feature writer, the factors that make students cheat have been on the brink of discussion. According to him, while one known reason cheating happens is that learners struggle to comprehend the lessons taught by their teachers, high-achieving students also cheat as much as other students because of pressure.

Plagiarize

With the advent of technology, plagiarism is as simple as pressing the “Ctrl-A, Ctrl-C, and Ctrl-V” buttons of a computer. This technological advancement, despite its advantages, encourages many City Highers to exert little to no effort in their work at all, killing their creative capacity to build their ideas from scratch.

Aside from cheating and plagiarizing, City Highers also do things contrary to their personal choices and beliefs.

With this happening even in real life, studying has become tantamount to doing the only things pleasing to teachers. This way, ensuring that their grades will not get affected in the worst way possible is also a task easy to accomplish.

Participate in Extracurricular Activities Even if Doing So Is Against Your Will

If “one point is life” is a song, it will be the anthem sung by Lira (not her actual name), an SCNHS learner participating in extracurricular activities. Oddly enough, though, even if these activities boost her academic performance and improve her grades, the physical strains and amount of pressure these can give her outweigh the merits mentioned. Nonetheless, Lira still chooses to overwork herself and even ignore what ought to be her priority—studying—to get an additional point straight to her report card.

Do Not Argue With Your Teachers Even if They Are in the Wrong

In the thirteenth chapter of El Filibusterismo, there was a scene where Father Millón attacked one of his students after misspeaking the mechanisms mirrors were made of and not giving him the answer

he expected. The scene shows a recurring pattern of do-not-raise-questions-toor-argue-with-your-teacher stimulus-response that deteriorates the self-esteem of young learners who are in the phase of finding their worth in every ounce of social validation granted to them.

With this happening even in real life, studying has become tantamount to doing the only things pleasing to teachers. This way, ensuring that their grades will not get affected in the worst way possible is also a task easy to accomplish.

While getting good grades plays an immense role in a student’s motivation to work harder and achieve a higher level of success, the critical problems surrounding the grading system in our country have continued to deteriorate the value of learning, calling for systematic reform—an education that values the application of the learning gained more than the mere accumulation of points.

The ability to put the knowledge gained into practice is more important than the number of subjects passed and aced; however,

FRANCIS VIEN N. BURIAS WRITER

Big ComeVacc

Santiago City National High School- Vaccinated Population

Susceptible

The self cannot be observed directly but is inferred from various behaviors that can be observed. Such makes man susceptible to trials and challenges that may come their way, especially in times like the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Climate-chained

Human-induced crisis

Scientists chained themselves to the front doors of JPMorgan Chase Bank and to the gate of the White House. A public outcry demanding action to cease a climate crisis. The climate is an important factor that affects the whole component of the ecosystem on earth. Scientists consider its severe changes an ecological emergency. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has claimed the recent Climate Change as “human-induced global warming.”

Writing articles and tak- ing action

Furthermore, the IPCC’s summaries of scientific research on climate change have gradually stated that “Human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.” Studies have also concluded that around 97% of scientists’ published research agrees with humans being the predominant cause of global warming. However, “Only residing within the peer-reviewed literature has not worked at all,” Peter Kalmus, a NASA climate scientist said. He was one of the four scientists arrested in Los Angeles on April 6 after they had protested to emphasize the severity of the climate crisis.

“I’m here because scientists are not being listened to.” He said in a video during their protest. Their group, Scientist Rebellion, organized the international campaign that prompted their actions at the JP Morgan Chase building in downtown Los Angeles. He also states that their group of scientists chose the JP Morgan Chase Bank among other investment banks because it was the largest financier of fossil fuels globally. The Fossil Fuel Finance Report of 2022 mentions that from 2016 to 2021, JP Morgan Chase provided $382bn to the fossil fuel industry.

Effects of fossil fuel

2018 Climate reports from the ICPP say that 89% of global Carbon dioxide emissions came from fossil fuels and industry. Greenhouse gases generated from burning fossil fuels trap the sun’s heat and raise the global temperature every year. This has resulted in the warmest decade ever recorded, according to a Climate report of the United Nations organization. “The science indicates that as fossil fuels continue to heat our planet, everything we love is at risk,” Peter said.

Climate actions

Kalmus also explained the newly released IPCC Working Group 3 report. The report warns about the amount of current and planned fossil energy facilities being more than twice the amount that would increase the planet’s current global temperature of 1.2°C over the average temperature of 1.5°C. The IPCC report also mentioned the abrupt long-term changes such as ocean warming, rise in sea levels, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather that will challenge societies to adapt. These impacts of climate change may only take 5-6 years to happen and are the reason Kalmus implores people to act and listen to their warnings.

Scientists like Peter Kalmus also urge political leaders to stop the funding and expansion of fossil fuels. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and thousands of scientists suggest actions such as cutting emissions and financing the required adjustments to prevent further global warming. Reinforcing the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty, and its long-term goals to guide all nations in reducing emissions and cooperating to adapt to the impacts of climate change are also significant actions in controlling this global emergency. How we choose to act in the present affects the direction this climate crisis is heading towards. Our contributions to halt global warming now and moving forward determines if our earth will remain irreparably climate–chained.

Returning to our old ”normal” requires coming back to face-to-face work and classes. It is through fighting against COVID-19 with our vaccines that we can get closer to our normal way of living. Pilot testing of faceto-face classes has already been implemented in multiple schools in the country. After children, ages five and up, were allowed to be vaccinated, the number of fully vaccinated individuals increased. Vaccination of students is encouraged in hopes of returning to their physical classrooms instead of virtual classes.

On February 24, 2021, the Department of Education (DepEd) complied with President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to extend the postponement of face-toface class implementation. “We understand that the availability and rollout of vaccines in the country are critical factors for this undertaking,” DepEd said in an official statement. They also added that they are making preparations such as action plans for when the President gives his approval of the limited face-toface classes’ implementation.

Now that they are slowly implementing the pilot face-to-face classes, they have laid out conditions for their field offices in hopes of observing the COVID-19 safety protocols. One of the conditions includes that the pilot implementations will only take place in locations considered low-risk or formerly at least under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). Moreover, they propose that there must be a commitment to the shared responsibility of DepEd, the local government unit (LGU), the providers of transportation, and the parents or guardians of the students. DepEd also laid out strict health and safety standards that shall be followed at home, during travel to and from schools, and within the school premises.

One thousand nine hundred four public schools nationwide have been identified as possible participants for the pilot study of limited physical

classes. With the further progress of around 70.3M people vaccinated in the Philippines, or approximately 64.1% of the population, according to Our World in Data, the implemented limited faceto-face classes in several schools are expected to rise in number. There are around 4,295 schools that have started in-person classes, and 6,213 schools are ready for implementation on March 2, 2022.

President Duterte approved the progressive expansion of the implementation of face-to-face classes on February 22, 2022.

As the Department of Education continues to coordinate with more national and local authorities, parents, teachers, health experts, and service providers in planning for limited physical classes, rolling out vaccines in the country also plays a significant part in making this possible. Vaccination is the shield that prevents further COVID-19 virus transmissions, and it also allows students to learn in a safer environment with extra protection from the virus. This is why teaching and non-teaching personnel participating in the limited face-to-face classes are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Philippine News Agency.

On November 15, 2021, Napo Elementary School’s students participated in pilot in-person classes in Barangay

Naming Games

Napo, Linamon, Lanao del Norte. In preparation for this, they made makeshift cubicles to separate students during the face-to-face classes. NES was one of the six schools that DepEd allowed to continue with pilot physical classes in their province. Among the 15,000 learners involved in the pilot implementations of in-person classes there are no reported cases of COVID-19. “Young children have a high level of immunity against diseases,” said Briones.

In addition to the information regarding the ”new normal,” students participating in face-to-face classes are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. “It is not necessarily required. The parents will be the ones to decide on that, but of course, we will encourage them,” Briones stated during a televised public briefing.

Vaccination is key to the resumption of face-to-face classes. It is also the effective prevention and extra layer of protection that secures the future of the education of younger generations. Vaccination is the vital step that brings us closer to our ”normal” before the COVID-19 Pandemic struck. Through continuous vaccination in our country, it is not only our in-person classes that will return and have a big comeback.

The COVID-19 vaccine is continuously made available worldwide as the demand for it is still present amid the pandemic. It is designed to prevent transmissions. There is also a certainly acquired immunity against COVID-19 through vaccination. As new variants of the virus continue to emerge, the public health officials state that it is time to consider the next booster shots. The second booster is already recommended for certain people to reinforce the protection provided by the first shots of the vaccine. Those at risk of COVID-19 due to comorbidities also have extended protection from the disease. Vaccines are made to help the immune system recognize the SARS-COV-2. This lowers the risk of spreading the virus. According to the COVID-19 vaccine tracker, vaccines are the best way to train the immune system to recognize viruses, or pieces of viruses, called antigens. This helps the immune system create antibodies and other defenses to protect from harmful diseases.

Additionally, there are 11 approved vaccines by Food and Drug Administration in the Philippines (FDA); these are COVOVAX (Novavax formulation), Comirnaty, Spikevax, Sputnik V, Sputnik Light, Janssen, Vaxzevria, Covaxin, Covilo, CoronaVac and Sinopharm (Wuhan). But the most preferred vaccines are Comirnaty, Spikevax, Johnson & Janssen, AstraZeneca, and CoronaVac.

The shots used today as second booster doses are the same as the original or primary vaccine. Experts also tried another strategy: simply adding booster after booster of the same vaccines. Another study to optimize the vaccines is it is the better way to rely upon the best ones.

For those people with a health condition and over the age of 50, their immune system weakens over time. So the health officials recommend that after the first four months a second booster dose should be received.

At recent, experts are looking into the potential benefits of adding another booster dose. The research shows that in the first booster the rates of severe disease cases remain low for those who have not received a vaccine booster. Another effect of the vaccines such as Pfizer, BioNTech, or Moderna on a few young individuals is inflammation of the heart tissue and the risk of blood clots.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people may experience side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine dose. These effects include pain, redness, and swelling on the arm where you got the shot while the rest of the body will experience tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These are the normal signs that their body is building protection but the side effects will go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects and very few experience allergic reactions.

Antibodies are important, not only as a contributor to the strong immune defense against COVID-19. T-cells are the central players in the immune response to viral infections. T stands for thymus, which occurs in the final stage of development.

Behind the most successful vaccines are already developed and tested new versions of Beta, Delta, and Omicrons variants. Companies and drug manufacturers, together with health officials recommend additional boosters whether or not the testing combinations of these shots will be better or could be used for longer periods of time.

For now, the rest are vaccinated and boosted. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to limit exposure and follow health protocols such as social distancing, sanitation, and wearing of facemasks. It is an individual’s choice if they want to be vaccinated. It is also important to keep in mind that having a healthy body before receiving primary vaccines and booster shots is key to avoiding possible adverse effects of the vaccines. After all, we may be quite susceptible to unexpected effects. Preventive measures to avoid these are significant to stopping the transmission of COVID-19 viruses and the challenges yet to come.

The president of the United States of America, Joe Biden, has signed a law that aims to decrease the rising anti-Asian racism attacks in their country after the COVID-19 pandemic struck. There is a spike in the number of cases in which East Asians have been harassed and violently attacked for spreading the “China virus” in the United States. That is why President Joe Biden wishes to prevent COVID-19 hate crimes through the recently signed law. However, outside the United States, the emergence of new COVID-19 variants has caused racism to increase in countries like Singapore. Furthermore, this has led the World Health Organization to propose a new way of labeling virus mutations to ease the stigma that springs from using place or origin names.

WHO announced that COVID-19 variants would be named according to the letters of the Greek alphabet in May 2021. The first variant that was discovered in the United Kingdom was called “Alpha,” like the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Not all variants that emerge and are given names are worrisome since the mutations are often small or weaken the virus. However, there are times that variants are well-known for having a high threat level in the variant pecking order. An example would be the Omicron variant that takes after the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet. It

is one of the variants that WHO sees as “variants of concern.” The variant threat levels in order of severity are “variant of interest,” “variant of concern,” and “variant of high consequence.” The following variant name in line is expected to be called “pi” if WHO chooses not to skip over it due to the fact that some Greek alphabet letters are familiar names that may cause stigma or misunderstandings.

Aside from helping curb the rising anti-Asian hate crimes, racism, and xenophobic attacks, the recently proposed naming system also simplifies the tracking of COVID-19 virus mutations. This helps WHO and scientists to assess every variant that has emerged over the past years and determine the severity of the illness and its efficacy in transmitting the mutated virus. Additionally, the new naming system allows the variant name to be more memorable and easier to understand for the general public.

The variants of concerns have been assigned names to eliminate the stigma attached to the country where it was first identified. The Alpha variant was designated its name on December 18, 2020, after it was first seen in the UK. Beta was first detected in South Africa before receiving its designated Greek alphabet letter name on December 18, 2020. The Gamma variant emerged in the country of Brazil and was given the title on January 11, 2021. Delta then showed up in India and got its name on May 11, 2021.

Now, Omicron, known as B.1.1.529 by scientists, received its name on November 26, 2021.

The variants of interest, Lambda, and Mu, were first seen in Peru and Colombia, respectively. Lambda was designated its name on June 24, 2020. Meanwhile, Mu was given the name on August 30, 2021.

The outdated practice of naming viruses after places have been a long-standing naming system that has its ramifications and dire consequences for the country of origin or used animal species. The Spanish flu that did not even originate in Spain had to face the stigma that came from using the geographic location as its name. Spain was neutral during the First World war and was one of the only countries that didn’t censor the reports of the flu outbreak in their country. After word spread and the name “Spanish flu” was used, the stigma that stemmed from it put the country and its citizens in a tough spot.

Stepping up the naming game of viruses often doesn’t pop up in people’s minds, but just like the names of people and animals, it is something significant in people’s lives. Now that we are amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, its importance is magnified and has a big effect on our society’s response to its emerging variants. WHO’s decision to establish a new naming system for viruses and their variants plays an integral part in providing easier names to remember and to be used by people and scientists alike. It also provides names that avoid leaving a negative image or stigma to the country, geographical location, and animal it may have originated from or have relations with. The naming game may be something we usually brush over when we think of essential and life-changing news. Still, it’s an equally significant label that we are often affected by, especially in the pandemic we face today.

A total of 1,445 students from 65 schools over Isabela participated in the said event, making it the biggest series of contests, workshops, and webinars across the region.

JESEKIEL C. TOLENTINO WRITER

JESEKIEL C. TOLENTINO WRITER

Cry-seize

When

The ongoing COVID-19 disease significantly affects not only human health, environment, business, education, and job, but it also impacts the economy of each country and the everyday routine of human life. There is no viable medication to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus—to control its transmission, face masks are used as primary personal protective equipment (PPE). Moreover, prevention such as the COVID-19 vaccine is significant in avoiding further disease transmission.

According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of medical masks are anticipated to be required to respond to the COVID-19 as this crisis is likely to persist. The plastic innovation hub has identified increased production, usage, and high domestic demand for masks, but it generates tons of plastic waste. It is estimated to be 129 billion globally every month.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on life. Many aspects of old routines, protocols, learning modalities, jobs, inflation, and the economy are affected. Despair and feelings of hopelessness due to the loss of loved ones are also

CH combats illegal drugs with educ

Psychologist Celine Cortez highlights the importance of having “in-top condition mental health” to keep people away from the use of illicit drugs in an awareness drive launched by Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) through the Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) last October 23.

According to Cortez, nurturing people’s mental health fosters constructive thoughts and behaviors which would help battle the perils of substance abuse.

“The state of our mental health would have ripple effects on our overall well-being. For example, individuals with mental health issues are more likely to be vulnerable to the use of illegal drugs,” she said.

Leading the discussion, the psychologist also underscored that nourishing of the mind should start at an early age stating that youth is the most “joyous” pace of life but could also be the “ultimate turning point” that prompts impulsive and risky decisions.

“Youth is a wonderful age. It is when all the exploration begins, but you just have to remember to find your own pace. Everybody has a different timeline; life has no set of directions that one has to follow,” Cortez added.

The half-day symposium aims to provide City Highers awareness and information to counter the ill effects of chemical abuse amid the government’s crackdown against illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, BKD guaranteed that its awareness campaign against the dangers of narcotics would extend beyond school premises as the club continues to organize activities relevant to illegal drug awareness.

“We established a system that would allow us to incorporate anti-illegal drug campaign into the campus life of the learners across all grade levels,” BKD adviser Christian Jay Verona stated.

Pain and Gain

experienced by many amidst the pandemic. The COVID-19 disease originated in Wuhan, China, according to WHO. It started with several cases of pneumonia with no specific cause.

As time passed, it has affected countries around the world. Based on research, the novel coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. Its initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, and loss of smell and taste. The leading cause of infection spread is the droplets and saliva released by the infected patients through coughing, sneezing, and direct physical contact.

COVID-19 is spread through water droplets from an infected person to another through inhalation or contact wherein the virus makes its way through the mouth, nose, or eyes. The COVID-19 Disease, a respiratory disease produced while coughing, the particles may remain in the air for some time. The accumulation of the SARS-CoV-2 on dust-loaded air and particle matter may be included in the long-term transmission of the virus, especially in long-range transmission. As a result, the absorption of the virus

has been studied, and further investigation has been conducted.

According to Wuhan’s collected sample from the Intensive Care Units (ICU), patients that test positive for the COVID-19 disease are not only infected through inhaling the virus-infected water droplets but also by aerosolization of patients from urine or feces. When it comes to its relation to humidity and temperature, based on the evidence of WHO, it is reported to be possibly transmitted in both hot and humid weather, regardless of temperature and humidity.

The viruses consistently mutate and produce variants all around the globe. The news of newly discovered variants of interests or concerns is reported to sometimes affect an individual’s mental health due to the fear of going outside, feeling of loneliness, lacking interaction, and pressure for students because of new modalities in learning, and addiction to gadgets. Parents and breadwinners also report having difficulties financially. Especially since not all families can afford to buy necessities, pay bills, pay debt and eat thrice daily. Some who used to sell products or run their businesses have stated that they are forced to shut down their businesses for the time being due to fewer customers and inadequate pay that can’t sustain their families.

When it comes to economics, there are a lot of changes in price and demand due to small supply, and most companies are closed. Making of masks or other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become the most extensive production. It gives a high income because wearing masks is

part of daily life implemented by WHO and the Department of Health (DOH). However, demand is continuously changing as the COIVD-19 Pandemic is slowly fading away. PPE or masks are essential as they serve as the shield from the spread of the virus, most especially to front liners. Face masks are a simple way to help decrease COVID-19 virus transmissions and save lives.

Masks have different kinds; they can be fabric or cloth, surgical, N95, and valves. Fabric or cloth masks trap droplets released when the person sneezes or coughs, are easy to purchase or make it can be washed and worn again. Surgical masks are loose-fitting and disposable; they are able to filter out large particles in the air and can make sure droplets from the wearer aren’t being spread; it is single-use. While the N95 mask has a higher degree of protection than the cloth and surgical because it can filter out both large and small particles, they are also designed to block 95% of particles and liquids, but it is not for public use and should be served for healthcare workers. Next is a facemask with valves; when people wear this mask, it is easy to breathe out. According to Loma Linda University, they are also inhaling their germs into the air around them, and most of this is banned around the country.

Mask-sive Problem

Moreover, face masks are created to control the pandemic situation. However, they are made of plastic and are adding to a significant amount of pollution. Throwing masks everywhere may cause destruction of the habitats of animals like those in bodies of water. It may also directly cause harm to animals that get trapped in them or mistake them for food. Masks may tear down into microplastic that may enter food chains via

animal ingestion. There was a reported bird tangled in a coronavirus mask in a tree and then died after it had wrapped around its body, disabling its ability to fly—cases like these prompt people to use reusable masks that can be washed properly after use. Innovative ways to combat arising problems from using more plastic to prevent COVID-19 are necessary to avoid pollution and further damage to nature.

2,437

In line with the National Mental Health Week Celebration, Santiago City National High School (SCNHS), through the Office of the Guidance and Counseling Service, carried out a webinar on Oct. 15 where Registered Psychometrician and Guest Speaker Mary Grace Gumpal controverts misconceptions in the cultural perspective of mental health.

Gumpal accentuated that there had been an ongoing debacle about the importance of mental health as people have stigmatized it.

She talked through the imprudent beliefs among Filipinos that mental health illness must come with severe diagnostics, and individuals with psychiatric conditions in the country are either infantilized or put under cold

On August 19, 2020, what Gustavo Gonzales had expected to be a day of celebration for frontline workers became a day for mourning his fallen colleague and realizing the risks that come with working amidst the pandemic as a frontline worker in the Philippines. Gonzales honors his fallen colleague, who had been struck down by COVID-19, as a team member of the UN’s Migration Agency. This experience has magnified the real dangers the frontline workers face as people who strive to continue providing life-saving support to those in need. In addition, despite the life-threatening challenges that come their way, the vanguards of healthcare can say that risks are better taken overseas.

The government acknowledges and praises the resilience of Filipinos amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. This often overshadows the need to recognize the people’s needs, especially the front-liners, who are often left uncompensated for risking their lives at work. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the government has proposed that healthcare hirelings are given a Special Risk Allowance (SRA) from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, frontline workers say that only a selected few are being given the SRA, specifically only those who work directly with COVID-19 patients. “We are also sacrificing ourselves by working and risking our lives to give laboratory results. We are all

“COVID-19 is a life-threatening pandemic. The WHO and DOH implemented protocols such as the process of isolation, quarantine, public hand hygiene, social distancing, sanitation, and wearing of face masks as ways to control the disease. However, the increased usage of masks and plastics has been detrimental to the environment. Therefore, it is time for people to take part in fighting against the COVID-19 Pandemic through maintaining self-hygiene, following protocols, proper disposal of masks, and reducing the use of plastics. It is through the small contributions that we form significant actions that affect the climate crisis we face amidst the alarming cries to seize the pandemic once and for all.

EXHALING WAR ZONES. Myles Kimberly Usman, a grade 9 student of Santiago City National High School (SCNHS), participates in the Mental Health Webinar piloted by the school by watching it live on SCNHS’ official Facebook page last Oct. 15.

SCNHS’ Mental Health Webinar debunks myths

scrutiny for being too lazy, detached, and underperforming.

During the webinar, Bok (not his real name), a learner from SCNHS, shared a similar experience at home when he tried to discuss his emotions.

“‘Iniisiip mo lang ‘yan! Dapat positive thoughts lang lagi!’ was a typical response I received when I attempted to discuss mental health with a member of my family. What turned out to be the key to expanding my support network, however, resulted in being one of the most painful and distress-

ing experiences I’ve ever had,” the student’s statement read.

The guest speaker reasoned that instances alike necessitate the withdrawal of Filipinos from such false impressions as it further complicates matters and has led to individuals with mental health issues being misread and misunderstood.

According to her, understanding individual and cultural attitudes about mental illness are crucial for the application of successful mental healthcare practices in a multicultural setting.

exposed to the risk of COVID-19, and we deserve to receive SRA,” said Darrylle Palma, a front-liner who works in the laboratories. Even then, the SRA is only granted based on how many days one has worked, 220 pesos per day. More front-liners are starting to worry and are resigning due to the dangers that come with their work and the inadequate compensation handed to them.

Moreover, healthcare workers in the Philippines are not paid once in the 14-day quarantine period. The allowance given to support them is often delayed for 3-5 months. Additionally, frontline workers are still waiting for the promised recompense and benefits of the government which have yet to be given and often come with a condition as compared to the help or “ayuda” given by the government to Filipino communities. “The implementations often don’t meet their purpose and the end result is that we don’t feel the effects of the benefits,” said Melbert Reyes, the National President of the Philippine Nurses Association. This has further led them to question why they should continue offering their services in the Philippines.

Front-liners are often not offered permanent positions due to job orders or just purely contractual with no security of tenure—they also urge the government to give their COVID-risk pay without any conditions. Front-liners also point out that the government often does not go through with their planned compensations and promised benefits thoroughly nor effectively carry out their strategies amid the pandemic. This further begs the question of why they should continue working in the Philippines where their salary is often not enough to sustain their family’s needs.

Furthermore, the benefits of getting employed overseas are also reasons why front-liners prefer the risk of working amid the pandemic abroad than in their home country. For a Filipino nurse in Saudi Arabia, the grass is greener anywhere else but home. The inefficiency of the Philippine

“If people do not endeavor to achieve a commonality, mutual understanding must be experienced because they have always had prejudices, myths, and stigma associated with the subject matter,” Gumpal added.

Meanwhile, City Highers expressed their appreciation toward the endeavor saying that it leaves them with the essence of shielding their mental health by any means.

government functions, the relatively high tax rate, and the lack of the government’s efforts to secure a better future for Filipinos, especially Filipino front-liners are all factors that play a part in Filipinos seeking employment overseas. This is especially true for the Filipino nurse who says that the Saudis have handled the pandemic well, from public information dissemination to the protection of health care workers or frontline workers regardless of nationality or origin. “We all felt their efforts to protect each individual inside Saudi Arabia. Something that we didn’t expect them to do as compared to how other parts of the world had handled the situation together with their treatment of frontline workers.” Aside from the observed better protection of OFWs, and offered advantages, front-liners said that they prefer to work abroad due to the fact that there’s a high chance they will get paid higher overseas than in the Philippines where there’s a generally low salary offered and the government inefficiently provides said benefits to frontline workers. Additionally, front-liners abroad are often seen or heralded as the nation’s heroes and are treated relatively well.

The Philippines hopes to encourage Filipinos to return or opt for the nursing profession and other frontline worker jobs. They are also hoping to provide a decent salary, just compensation, and good working condition that will appeal to Filipino front-liners and motivate them to continue serving in our country. Reyes believes that if front-liners like nurses are given more importance, and that they feel that they’ve heard or are given the proper compensation, then they would be more willing to work and offer their services. Perhaps by showing them their value they would be more willing to serve right here in their home country. Maybe, just maybe, they will also feel like their gains are worth all the pains.

“If people do not endeavor to achieve a commonality, mutual understanding must be experienced because they have always had prejudices, myths, and stigma associated with the subject matter,” Gumpal added.

JESEKIEL C. TOLENTINO WRITER

JAMELAMOR R. CARIAGA WRITER

the cries of the public grow amid the life-changing COVID-19 Pandemic, it’s nothing short of a crisis.

JAMELAMOR R. CARIAGA

JURIEL DWAYNE R. IGNACIO WRITER

COLD-BLOODED CROWN

Geiger Zeus Lance Andaya flushed all of his foes in the elimination round and eradicated the never-say-die spirit of his Quirino rival in the finals, capturing the first gold medal of Santiago City in an unscathed Billiards Boys Race to five 9-ball Championship during the 2022 DepEd Dos Regional Invitational Sporting Event (RISE).

JAMELAMOR R. CARIAGA

Welcome, Player One

As the students of Santiago City National High School continue to sweat in blood, there is a world that awaits them for revitalization. Behind those teary eyes of the learners due to the heavy academic workload given lies the cyber world. However, do you have the capacity to live temporarily in the virtual world?

Have you ever noticed that the morning energy of the students in the pre-pandemic era and during COVID outburst is different? Students nowadays are reflected as a prisoner of education. Due to the pandemic, the cycle of online classes and modular learning makes every student burn out. Sitting on a chair and staring at the screen while listening to the lessons is like looking at the clear sky for an hour. However, electronic games crashed the wall of stress and exhaustion for the teens.

Entering the cyber world will make every student’s mouth drop. Because of their fatigue, digital games went out of their heads, forgetting that they exist. The moment the students place their fingers at the controls, they will leave the actual world and set up a journey virtually. No man is an island, and that is what makes electronic games enjoyable. These students invite their friends for cyber leisure. Completing quests and missions is fun; however, meeting internet strangers is more amusing. The studs can develop their communication skills with the help of electronic multiplayer games. Same as its physical nature, the virtual world contains people with varying personalities.

Andaya shatters his way through finals; seizes SC’s first billiards gold and special award

Geiger Zeus Lance Andaya of Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) closed the match through a break and run with his Quirino rival, Kane Daren Tigas, 5-2, to tally their first gold medal in the Billiards Boys Race to five 9-ball Championship during the last day of the 2022 DepEd Dos Regional Invitational Sporting Event (RISE) at Cauayan Sports Complex.

Andaya gathered a special award after pounding his way through the double-elimination round by cruising past the spirited Cagayan in the first round, 4-2. He survived the do-or-die match against Isabela in the second round, 4-3, and crushed his Quirino rival, 4-1, in the semis.

Tigas went on to win the lower-bracket finals to face Andaya once again. The Santiago

assassin used his reflective shots and ball cuttings to trample the opponent’s veteran moves and secure an early three-racks-tonothing lead. The latter fought back and stole one rack, 3-1, but Andaya suddenly loosened up his cool and unleashed flawless combos to inch closer to the gold, 4-1. The Quirinian battled it out with his

close-to-accurate salvos to stop the assassin’s momentum, 4-2, but he did not let the battle go any longer as he capitalized on the series of miscues given by Tigas and secured the last round, 5-2, via a Break and Run out fashion. He ended up winning a special award for the win streak throughout the competition and gave his home the first gold medal in the sport.

While the learners are on cloud nine, they seek more than just a game. The youngsters want to know who among them is the best of the best when it comes to a specific electronic game. They set the pressure on and conduct competitions everywhere. Each team established its boot camp to prepare themselves for war. Some were born with talents, and few have the trait of hardworking. As the wild creatures collide, they will determine who will be the king of the jungle. But, winning or losing is not the thought of the city high students. The very reason why they joined such events is to test their abilities and strategies on how to catch victory. Most importantly, cyber game tournaments stretch out how strong the team endures and how they comprehend sportsmanship.

Win or lose doesn’t matter. What signifies most is that these schoolboys gave their best. Electronic games show these high schoolers how to accept defeat and learn. With their skills and talents, they make names for themselves. Debunking the myth that these games will catalyze students to go violent and airheaded, while in fact, cyber games help students be strategic, critical, communicative, and content. However, too much fun in the virtual world will lock a person forever.

Too much of everything is as bad as too little. Some juniors prioritize their online games rather than their studies. Because of arrant playing, several schoolers spoon-feed their brains with gadgets. Instead of being excellent players, they were swallowed by the game. They tend to forget to care for themselves since the galore of the time is covered with games. When discipline is lost, they become wild monkeys when disturbed. On the other hand, no relaxation kills a person. People are like batteries; they need to recharge to function.

When the world throws challenges, the learners will surely end up sleeping with the fishes if rest was never an option. Just like in the real world, cyber society brings you short-term joys and sorrows. However, you cannot escape the virtual world once you become an addict. Do you still want to continue, player one?

DepEd Spikers ruled over the heart-thumping three-set match against SIMC Warriors, 2-1, to secure the first place in the Juanalympics – Volleyball Men’s Championship, at the Bulwagan ng Mamamayan, March 12.

Despite having no training prior to the match and being called to participate at the last minute, Angelito Capili of Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) and Rowel Antonio of Sta. Rosa Elementary School (SRES) brought their A-game and pummelled through the match with their set-and-spike combination to usher DepEd Spikers to victory before a SIMC Warriors-favored crowd.

DepEd opened the first set with a service, but Sam Quijano’s blazing spike earned them the first blood, followed by an error from SIMC to tie the first set, 1-1.

TARGET LOCKED. DepEd Spiker’s Utility Spiker Angelito Capili mustered a coup and dispatched SIMC Warriors, netting the first-place finish en route to the Juanalympics – Volleyball Men’s Championship.

Just as the Quijano-led squad thought they were neck and neck with DepEd, Antonio drilled five powerful spikes to spark a commanding 22-14 lead, but a quick drop from Capili sealed off the first set for their team, 25-15. It was a nip-and-tuck rally that opened the second set, but Raymond Torres of SIMC went big with a surprising drop followed by a service ace to pull off a two-point lead, 9-7.

After a slim 10-9 SIMC lead off from a DepEd error, SIMC found their footing and

came alive with a crucial 8-2 scoring, finished off with three service aces from Kevin Sabiniano to eke out an 18-11 win. DepEd managed to oppose the domination and take away the lead to four points, 24-20, but a costly net error from Felipe Quiravu caused them the second set and tied the series for one set apiece, 25-20.

It was a down-the-wire battle at the start of the third and last set when Quijano tried to take over by unshackling his blasting spikes, 4-0, but DepEd seized back control with Capili’s playmaking prowess and accurate tosses, 4-3.

It was all back and forth from then onward until Antonio went berserk and unleashed three game-winning kills off Capili’s well-placed tosses to finally close the game in a nail-biting fashion, 15-12.

“Ang sa tingin kong factor na nagpanalo sa amin ay ‘yong solid teamwork. Hindi kasi siya masusukat sa individual aptitudes lang, e.” Capili said.

Moreover, he pointed out that despite their different delegation of tasks, every contribution weighs. We collaborated effectively, hence; we reached the desired outcomes,” the SCNHS MAPEH teacher added.

Set Scores: 25-15, 20-25,15-12

Photo by CITY GOVERNMENT OF SANTIAGO. Text by MIKS L. DE GUZMAN

FRANCIS VIEN R. BURIAS WRITER

sports

SCNHS revitalizes student-athletes

Driven by the goal to outshine the school’s previous performances in the pre-pandemic sporting activities, Santiago City National High School (SCNHS) administered a month-long training program for grade seven students.

The program encompasses the sports events sepak takraw, Zumba, basketball, badminton, volleyball, dancesport, taekwondo, and chess.

City Highers were made informed through an announcement sent by Angelito Capili, SCNHS’ sports coordinator, via Messenger.

Students then underwent initial screening for the prerequisites of the training, such as height, weight, and the overall state of their holistic health.

After qualifying for the program, City High’s sports office handed out waivers to be signed by the parents or guardians of the learners, permitting their children to enter the school premises where the training will take place under the supervision of teachers.

As of writing, there are approximately 60 participants for the said endeavor, with taekwondo enlisting the highest number of entrants.

“If time allows, we are planning to extend the duration of this month-long program to open more doors of opportunities for our dear students,” Capili said.

City Higher Athletes’ Profile

BOUNCE BACK

CH relives basketball madness amid COVID; pioneers rgnl training

Despite physical activities hanging fire after the coronavirus outbreak, Santiago City National High School (SCN HS), together with the Schools Division of Santiago City, keeps sports afloat as they hosted the first-ever Virtual Regional Sports Skills Training for Basketball held on Nov. 24-25, 2021.

BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS. Amid two years of limited face-to-face gathering due to the health crisis, Santiago City National High School spearheads the Virtual Regional Sports Skills Training for Basketball on Nov. 24-25, 2021.

Harold claims that as a boy, he was fascinated by the techniques and ability of taekwondo players to defend themselves, which piqued his interest in the field. He began taekwondo training in 2013 when he was a third-grader and has continued to nurture his love for the sports up until now that he is in 12th grade.

The training, where Manuel Paragas and Mario Gabriel of SCNHS are two of the resource speakers, tackled different fundamentals of basketball such as shooting, passing, and defense that would guarantee a sure-fire against opponents.

However, according to Paragas, such events are essential for the student-athletes in honing not just their skills but also their characters as they promote grit, resilience, and discipline.

Never Not Political

Robyn wants to take care of her health and well-being, which prompted her to engage in physical activities, particularly swimming. Aside from academics, she also wants to be known for something else, such as excelling in sports; thus, De La Vega considers that representing the school would be a huge accomplishment.

SWIMMING ROBYN MARLEE V. DE LA VEGA CITY HIGHER ATHLETE AUDREY MEI R. DIAZ CITY HIGHER ATHLETE

According to Audrey, a teacher spotted them casually playing chess and sensed potential within her, encouraging the City Higher to develop her chess skills. She was thereafter supervised by the same teacher and was able to represent the school in tournaments.

“These kinds of training play an important role in an athlete’s character development, too. It fosters essential virtues like sportsmanship and camaraderie and also allocates them a platform to exhibit leadership,” he said.

Furthermore, Gabriel spotlighted the significance of the endeavor as refreshment for the anticipated reopening of face-toface classes and resumption of contact sports.

People often feel that participation in sports provides them with a pleasant escape from the everyday stresses and concerns they experience. Numerous people use sports to meet new people, but what happens when politics and sports collide?

The link between sports and politics in a nation varies significantly from one country to another. In recent years, there have been several issues in sports that have been politicized. The right of women to participate in sports and the kneeling of athletes during the singing of the national anthem are examples of such concerns.

Its intersection is also often seen during big sporting events, and the media and attention given to athletes, teams, and sports institutions. Over the years, different athletes have also showcased their solidarity with their nations suffering from oppression or corruption by raising their wrists, bringing in media attention through stunts, or displacing symbols in their outfits or skins (Barajas, 2021).

All these instances point to the inevitable role of sports in amplifying the voices of the masses against social injustices, oppression, wars, and corruption.

sent the United States in sporting events.

Another incident that has gathered political issues and awareness was regarding the world-class pole-vaulter Ej Obiena. Obiena received a letter from the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) alleging fraudulent liquidation and failing to pay his coach, Vitaly Petrov (Castillo, 2022). This issue sparked numerous curious and analyzing minds regarding the corruption and inefficiency found in the bureaucratic authorities and institutions involved in sports.

communication.

Pallarcona began playing volleyball as a child and first represented her school at the division level in sixth grade. Aside from seeing volleyball as a pleasant and demanding physical activity, she thinks her relatives have a significant influence on why she started playing. Catherine also has family members who have previously competed for their former academies in the said domain.

In the Philippines, there have been numerous incidents wherein the realm of athletics and sports have been intertwined due to the very nature of the bureaucratic mechanisms involved in sports and sporting events. One example is the citizenship issue of Wesley So, a renowned chess grandmaster who is currently the world’s No. 2-ranked player. The player got caught up in the battles of the “kings of the sports bodies,” not allowing him to receive proper recognition and monetary incentives for his chess skills and the prestige he brought to the Philippines in competitions (FFCCCII, 2017). Because of such low compensation, Wesley So decided to change his citizenship and eventually repre-

As seen in such cases, politics and sports, sometimes referred to as sports diplomacy, are powerful means of athletics influencing social, political, and diplomatic relations. There is a chance that sports diplomacy might be used to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

Throughout history, sports and politics have created both positive and negative outcomes. Politics and sports have always been intertwined. It is seen as a kind of soft power, defined as the capacity to attract and persuade others using non-coercive means. A nation’s culture, ideas, and ideals may be promoted through sports as a mode of

Even though many people see sports as a method to escape the difficulties of daily life, it gives much more. Both societal and economic development may be ascribed to sports. When governments strive to improve their relationship with other nations or demonstrate their military might, they also use them for diplomacy.

Governments and dictatorships have been known to utilize sports teams as propaganda tools to further their political and ideological goals.

Hence, talking about sports and their positive influence resonates with peace in society. With tensions and war, people may find common ground, allowing them to bind together, which mobilizes everyone to believe in the power of sports. However, great positives also include its fair share of negativities.

JAMELAMOR R. CARIAGA

TAEKWONDO HAROLD KYLE D. BENIGNO CITY HIGHER ATHLETE

CHESS

JAN CATHERINE PALLARCONA CITY HIGHER ATHLETE

VOLLEYBALL