The Shoeland x Ang Saptusan Magazine SY 2022-2023

PAGE 26

return of college entrance tests, SHS students lay opinions

The country deserves a proper educational reform

Amid the country’s current disposition, education has been constantly emphasized to play a pivotal role in shaping future-ready citizens. Yet today, the Philippines still finds itself at a critical juncture: grappling with the repercussions of an educational system plagued by delays and setbacks toward a progressive reform. While the need for change has been heightened during the pandemic, the continuing failure to address the current learning crisis in the country underscores an urgency to prioritize an agenda that caters to the actual conditions of Filipino learners.

The Philippines has adopted the K-12 curriculum with the promise to produce highly skilled graduates competent enough to be employable in the labor market. Contrary to this objective, leading companies are still found to favor college graduates over K-12 finishers according to the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop).

Additionally, a 2020 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed that only about a fifth of K to 12 graduates entered the labor force upon graduation, while the vast majority of 70% pursued college. The begrudging vow to improve quality education and learning gap brought by the pandemic calls for a curriculum that resolves challenges in basic education.

As of recently, the Department of Education (DepEd) led by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio aims to launch the revised curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10 (K to 10). This was made to address the concerns of overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and teacher shortages that pervade the current educational system.

However, the Congress Oversight Committee failed to comply with the K to 12 Program provision to present an assessment of the program for five years, with Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines noting the revisions to be “delayed” and “misguided.” The government’s dereliction of addressing the needs for basic education is a testament to the grisly reality of the failure of the K-12 program to meet its expected goals. As

the world progresses

toward a knowledge-based economy, nations must keep pace with rapid advancements in innovation but persistent delays in the

government’s laggard response to prioritize an educational system that better serves its constituents. Their reluctance to embrace new pedagogical approaches to keep up with a constantly evolving educational landscape has resulted in outdated curricula and teaching methodologies, leaving students illprepared to be future-ready citizens.

For ACT, the current curriculum that trains graduates for work immersions only made the country competitive against other underdeveloped countries in producing “a steady stream of semi-skilled cheap labor force,”

“Reform requires not merely altering the duration of basic education. More than anything, the administration needs to drill down on quality education, humane working conditions for teachers, and implement a progressive curriculum.”

educational reform have hindered the Philippines from becoming even more competitive, hampering its ability to foster talents critical for the nation’s development. As a significant consequence, talented individuals seek greener pastures in countries with more robust educational systems and better job opportunities, leaving the country deprived of its brightest minds.

This exodus of talent is a testament to the burgeoning crisis of stagnant education in the Philippines, highlighting the

spelling prolonged exploitation of young students by capitalists. “The educational system failed to protect our students against exploitation as they are made to work under extreme conditions in the guise of a training system.” ACT remains adamant of its stance to revise a new curriculum given that implementing the K-12 program has yet to address the learning crisis in the education sector, calling on the government to urgently address “the serious welfare issues of teachers and students that erode their capacity, health, and morale – putting

education continuity in jeopardy.”

As of 2020, South Korea, China, and Singapore were reported to have the most outstanding educational systems in Asia by focusing on creating lifelong learners beyond textbook knowledge. While there are numerous reforms often implemented around the world, the Philippines remains among the lowest rank in quality education, according to a report from the World Bank.

On this same note, the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) stressed that while the state of education nationwide has progressed in accessibility, it would take more than improving the system in and of itself when it comes to delivering quality education for the success of every learner.

There needs to be a radical reassessment of the educational system, supported by policies and programs that attunes to the community’s needs. It is vital that the government stop viewing education as an expense, but as an investment that propels the nation towards development that leaves no Filipino child behind.

The quest for educational reform in the country has been an enduring journey, stuck in a limbo over a decade of remaining stagnant while the world surges ahead both in education and innovation. Reform requires not merely altering the duration of basic education. More than anything, the administration needs to drill down on quality education, humane working conditions for teachers, and implement a progressive curriculum

.As a learner-centered basic institution, there must be a collective effort to address disparities in and of the system for transformative education to truly be born.

Mga MariScian, bumida sa NSPC, NFOT

NINA MIRKO ATIENZA AT MARIA RODRIGUEZ

Lumipad ang mga mag-aaral ng Marikina Science High School patungong Cagayan De Oro City upang katawanin ang National Capital Region (NCR) sa ginanap na National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) at National Festival of Talents (NFOT) noong nagdaang Hulyo.

Kamakailan lamang, ang Radio Broadcasting - English Team na binubuo nina Aiko Takagi, Francis Santos, Stephanie Mejia, Dennisse Roces, at Isaac Mitiam ay kinoronahan bilang ikatlong pangkalahatang kampeon sa NSPC ng parehong kategorya.

Sa kabilang banda, nasungkit nina Althea Natividad at Mark Galang ang unang puwesto sa kategoryang “Pintahusay” at “Likhawitan” para sa rehiyonal na antas, na siyang umusad patungong NFOT na ginanap sa parehong rehiyon.

PARA SA MASA AT BAYAN

Bitbit ang dangal ng kanilang paaralan at lungsod, tinaguriang pangkalahatang kampeon ang Radio Broadcasting English Team ng The Shoeland X Ang Sapatusan, ang opisyal na publiksayon ng MariSci, sa Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) na ginanap sa Pasig City, na siyang nagkamit ng karapatang kumatawan ng punong rehiyon sa NSPC.

Ayon kay Caleb Pacleta, gurong tagapagsanay ng Broadcasting Team, sama-samang pagsisikap, kasabay ng mga payo mula sa iba

pang mga tagapagsanay ang naging daan sa kanilang namumukodtanging pagganap sa kompetisyon.

“Healthy ang naging schedule namin kasi iniisip ko lagi ang boses ng mga bata, so sapat na oras lang ang ginugugol namin for practice everyday. Also, we took note of all the comments and suggestions ng lahat ng naging trainors from division to regional. But at the same time, we filter din naman kung anong comments ‘yung valuable para sa amin,” saad ni Pacleta.

Nang tanungin tungkol sa kanilang plano ng pag-atake para sa kompetisyon, kaniyang ibinanggit na ang pagsasagawa ng maayos na pagtatanghal ang kanilang naging pangunahing layunin.

“Sabi ko sa mga bata, maging focused lang sa work ‘pag naroon na sa contest venue. Just enjoy the contest and in the same breath, aim for a solid, clean, and smooth performance. I believe ‘yung pag-set talaga ng little to no expectations and constant praying ang nagpapanalo sa Shoeland,” pahayag ni Pacleta.

Dahilan ito upang manalo ang koponan sa NSPC bilang ikatlong pangkalahatang kampeon sa Radio Broadcasting - English Secondary Level; unang puwesto sa Best Script; at ikalawang puwesto sa Best Infomercial.

Kasabay nito, nagkamit din ng mga indibidwal na parangal sina Roces bilang Best News Presenter; Santos bilang Best in Technical Application;

at Takagi bilang Best News Anchor. Para kay Takagi, isang karangalan ang kumatawan ng kaniyang lungsod sa NSPC, na nag-udyok sa kaniya upang ipagpatuloy ang pamamahayag.

“It taught me to be very enlightened about issues na hindi ko napagtutuunan ng pansin; and being a journalist, we have a mission to spread the truth — to be the voices na hindi naririnig ng masa. NSPC served as a platform to inspire the youth to continue campus journalism,” pahayag ni Takagi.

Ayon kay Pacleta, ang pagkapanalo at pagsali sa NSPC ay isang hakbang lamang sa pagsasakatuparan ng papel ng isang mamamahayag sa lipunan. Siya ay naniniwalang mayroon iba pang mga laban na mas mahalaga at kritikal kaysa sa nangyayari sa kompetisyon — at ito ang mga pakikibaka ng masa.

“More than the accolades and prestige of winning the socalled ‘Olympics of Philippine Campus Journalism’ is the heavy responsibility to elevate and amplify the stories on the ground. As I always say, SPAs [School Paper Advisers] can only test your journalistic skills in a limited time frame, but it will never measure worth and value as a campus journalist,” aniya.

SAYSAY NG SINING

Bilang kampeon ng “Pintahusay” at kinatawan sa punong rehiyon, si Natividad ay umusad patungo sa Lungsod ng Cagayan De Oro para sa ginanap na NFOT. Aniya,

lubos ang kaniyang pasasalamat sa mga sumuporta, nagtiwala, at gumabay sa kaniya — dahilan upang maging matagumpay sa mga paligsahang sinalihan.

“Noong nakapag-Cagayan po ako, super nagulat po ako na sobrang dami pong nag-appreciate and nag-congrats na mga bata, as in mga incoming grade 7 MariScians po,” kaniyang saad.

“Sinasabi po nila, nakaka-inspire daw po, and they are hoping na maka-abot din daw po sila ng Nationals. And as an outgoing MariScian, beyond an honor po siya sa’kin kasi I get to imprint something indeed luminous that even the youngest ones can appreciate it. And that very moment na-realize ko - kilala pala nila ako? May impact pala ako?” Saad ni Natividad.

Dagdag pa niya, ang pag-abot sa nationals ay hindi lamang tungkol sa mga kompetisyon kundi realisasyon sa kung paano maiaambag ng isang kabataan ang kaniyang natatanging talento sa pagpapaunlad ng sining sa bansa.

“It is not a grandstand for me to brag about the titles nor the winnings; instead, it is an avenue for me to use this sole chance as a manifestation that will allow our young Filipino artists’ eyes to be open that Philippine art isn’t dead - at all. And if that threatening instance ever enters the scene, these young artists are the ones to create the longed-for artistic salvation,” pagdidiin ni Natividad.

Mula sa kaliwa: Isaac Mitiam, Dennisse Roces, Aiko Takagi, Althea Natividad, Stephanie Mejia, and Francis Santos buong pusong kakatawanin ang Marikina Science High School at ang National Capital Region sa National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents (NFOT). Na naganap sa Cagayan De Oro City nitong nakaraang Hulyo 17-22.| Kuhang larawan ni Caleb Pacleta

Amid return of college entrance tests, SHS students lay opinions

BY GABRIELLE METEORO

Following a three-year halt due to the pandemic, universities have administered their respective college entrance exam as the basis of admitting incoming freshman applicants for the academic year 2023-2024. From the previous basis of high school grades and extracurricular activities for admission, now return face-toface methods due to the recent ease in the pandemic’s restrictions.

College Entrance Tests (CETs) are standardized tests aimed to determine a student’s aptitude in math, written, and analytical skills within a given period of test taking time. Test scores are used by admissions offices to evaluate applicants from different high schools and locations through an equal criterion.

However, from the recent switch from remote learning and return from the pandemic, a few senior high school students of Marikina Science High School expressed their concerns, hopes, and experiences regarding the return of entrance tests.

COMEBACK

Top universities like Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), University of Sto. Tomas (UST), and De La Salle University (DLSU) announced the return of their face-to-face entrance exams across different parts of the country during the second half of the year 2022.

For Grade 12 student Cesna Paurillo, this method ensures fairness and gives students a measure of credibility. However, concerns arise as to how the content of the CETs will match what students have learned during distance learning, along with the safety protocols implemented during the exams.

“Personally, I’m alright with conducting CETs, as long as enough preparations were done and the content of the exams contained what was taught during distance learning,” she stated.

According to Eunice De Guia, another Grade 12 student, the return of CETs proves to be a benchmark to show that the world is starting to get back up on their feet again after the pandemic’s peak.

“I can see how our batch can see this as sort of unfair, since kami ‘yung unang batch na nag-take ng exams

even though we’re technically under the pandemic pa rin. Some people, including me, see it as more of an opportunity to really get into their dream universities and courses, but everyone has different opinions regarding the matter,” she added.

On the other hand, Julianna Tambaoan believes that due to the educational differences between schools during the pandemic, inequality will be present in the way students are tested through college entrance exams.

“Since education is unequally given to learners, there is definitely inequality in the way students are

“

...with limited slots and unequal opportunities, the journey towards securing one’s future becomes a struggle within a maze that only a handful are able to finish and claim the prize.

being tested,” Tambaoan expressed. She also pointed out that rather than being tested for the course or field they are applying for and what they actually learned during high school, entrance exams only test a student’s ability to handle pressure in a given period of time. As such, she believes that schools should find a way to make their exams fair for all students both through content and quantity.

UNVEILING CONTEXTS

According to an online survey by the multisectoral organization Movement for Safe, Equitable, Quality, and Relevant Education (SEQuRE), 86.7% of students who were exposed to modular learning, 66% to online learning, and 74% to blended learning said that they “learned less” than they would have under the traditional face-to-face setting.

Additionally, during the height of the pandemic, a report by the Department of Education (DepEd) stated that 99.13% of students from public schools acquired a passing grade in the first quarter of the school year (October-December 2020).

From Paurillo’s experiences, “There wasn’t exactly a way to measure how much the student learned. Tests could be easily answered by just copying and pasting the questions on the search bar; outputs could be passed by searching the activity online and the answers with it. “

With COVID-19 posing a threat on various sectors including education, progress and quality now vary among schools and regions due to differences in the manner of implementation of blended learning, yielding entrance exams unable to equally provide opportunities for students to receive quality education.

Tambaoan mentioned that college entrance exams favor economic advantage specifically in terms of gaining access to review materials and being able to conveniently go to testing sites, such as using privatelyowned vehicles instead of the more accessible methods of commuting.

In 2017, Edita A. Tan, a professor from the University of the Philippines School of Economics, stated in her study that inequality is most evident when it comes to gaining access to the best higher education institutions (HEIs).

Sparseness of high-quality HEIs,

STEPS TO GREATNESS. With hopeful anticipation, aspiring students gather outside Melchor Hall, to enter the testing site where they will take the UPCAT exam. The exam took place last June 3 and 4. | Larawan mula sa Philippine Star

College entrance tests | P5

as well as the mediocre quality of basic education which fails to adequately prepare students from disadvantaged backgrounds for college, both contribute to this divide.

Underprivileged students who attend public schools and belong to homes with sparse educational resources and parental support are less able to compete for admission to high-quality institutions, as opposed to those from prominent schools with adequate financial and parental support.

Although for Tambaoan, it is worth noting that college entrance exams can be advantageous to those whose past grades prior to the pandemic did not make the cut, as some colleges like the previous UP College Admissions which mainly based their admission system on applicant’s previous report cards.

MOVING FORWARD

When asked about the benefits of conducting college entrance exams, the three mentioned the same – having a chance for students to prove themselves.

“It did prove to be beneficial in a way na it gives more of an assurance and certification na ‘worthy’ ka talaga makapasok. It is a review as well for the students studying for entrance exams and resurfaces past lessons that can be useful sa Grade 12 lessons ngayon,” De Guia elaborated.

With the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT making its comeback this June 2023 after three consecutive years of being suspended, Grade 11 student Juan Miguel Javier wishes that universities will improve the application and testing system so that upcoming takers will have a better experience.

“I am expecting transparency and fairness to be evident during this exam period,” he shared

For graduating high school students who want to ensure a brighter future, the first step begins with taking college entrance exams. But with limited slots and unequal opportunities, the journey towards securing one’s future becomes a struggle within a maze that only a handful are able to finish and claim the prize.

Mga guro’t estudyante, walang takas sa init

ng panahon

ano pa yung ibang ways kung paano mapapaginhawa ‘yung sitwasyon ng mga bata sa classroom,” dagdag pa ng guro.

Sa ilalim ng tirik na araw, kasabay ang pagpapatuloy ng klase sa mga pampublikong paaralan sa nakalipas na taong panuruan. Sa kamakailang pagbubukas ng faceto-face classes dulot ng pagluwag ng mga restriksyon sa pandemiya, ang pag-urong ng school calendar na noo’y mula Hunyo hanggang Abril, na ngayo’y tumakbo mula Agosto hanggang Hulyo—ay siyang dahilan ng pagbangga ng mga klase sa panahon ng tag-init sa bansa.

Noong nakaraang Abril 22, pinahintulutan ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) ang mga paaralan upang suspindihin ang mga klase at bumalik sa mga alternative delivery modes kung kinakailangan. Sa paraang ito, masisigurado ang ligtas na kapakanan ng mga magaaral at ibang kasapi ng paaralan.

Para kay Gladees Gutierrez, isang guro sa ika-9 na baitang ng Marikina Science High School, nakasasagabal ang mainit na panahon sa learning process ng mga mag-aaral dahil sa negatibong epekto ng mataas na temperatura sa pagpapanatili ng atensiyon ng mga mag-aaral sa gitna ng klase.

Sumang-ayon din ang guro sa pagbabalik ng alternative delivery modes dahil sa mas epektibong moda ng pag-aaral at pagtuturo sa loob ng sariling tahanan, at gayundin ay nalilimitahan ang paggamit ng kuryente ng mga paaralan.

“Tignan

[ng paaralan] kung

Binigyang diin niya rin ang tungkulin ng paaralan sa paglalaan ng mga electric fan at kurtina ng mga silidaralan, paglilimita ng mga mabibigat na gawain, at sa pagsasagawa ng online class upang maibsan ang malubhang epekto ng init.

“Although maraming nahihirapan sa init, mas matututukan ‘yung mga bata kung hindi suspended ‘yung mga klase,” ang paliwanag ni Zaynah Gallego mula sa ika-9 na baitang ukol sa inilabas na pahayag ng DepEd.

60 ° CELCIUS

Record-breaking heat index in Casiguran, Aurora recorded last August 14

*according to the data of PAGASA

Iminungkahi rin ni Gallego at ng iba pang mga homeroom presidents sa kanilang mga guro na pagkalooban ang bawat silid-aralan ng water dispensers upang hindi na mahirapan ang mga estudyante sa pabalik-balik na pagbili ng tubig mula sa kantina, na siyang nasa unang palapag ng gusali.

Sa kabilang banda naman, saad ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) na kinakailangan bumalik

sa dating school calendar, kung saan magsisimula ang pagbabalik ng klase tuwing Hunyo sa mga pampublikong paaralan sapagkat hindi pa raw handa ang mga ito sa pagkontrol ng sitwasyon.

Isinasaad rin ng Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) na maaaring maging delikado para sa kalusugan ang masyadong mainit na temperatura, na maaaring magdala ng iba’t ibang sakit katulad na lamang ng heat exhaustion, heat stroke, at heat cramps.

Halimbawa na lamang nito ay ang pagkaroon ng 118 kaso ng mga estudyanteng nakaranas ng heat exhaustion na naitala ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (DOH) noong Marso — 83 nito mula sa Cabuyao, na nadala sa ospital matapos ang isang fire at earthquake drill.

Ayon naman kay MariSci Girl Scout Urielle Caido, nagsasagawa ang kanilang mga scout officers ng pagsasanay sa mga miyembro nito kung saan ipinapakita ang mga posibleng sakuna na maranasan ng mga estudyante sa kanilang paaralan – kasama na rito ang mga dulot ng matinding init at ang solusyon para rito.

“Prepared naman [ang mga scouts] since mayroon namang given materials ang institution natin, which is the school, na just in case for any emergency prepared tayo,” saad ni Caido ukol sa kanilang kahandaan sakaling makaranas ng heat exhaustion ang isa sa kanilang kapwa mag-aaral.

NINA SKY AQUINO, NOEL RUFON II, AT ISAAC MITIAM

BILAD SA ARAW. Mga mag-aaral sa ilalim ng init bunsod ng face-to-face classes. | Kuhang larawan mula sa Philipine Daily Iquirer

Paghasa ng kasanayan:

Kauna-unahang

Entrepreneurship Day, itinaguyod sa MariSci

NINA MARIEL NEVERA AT GABRIELLE METEORO

Mula sa kolektibong tiyaga at pagpupursigi ng mga tagapag-organisa at mga mag-aaral, isinakatuparan ang Entrepreneurship Day 2023: Street Food Challenge ng mga ika-12 baitang ng Marikina Science High School noong ikadalawa ng Pebrero sa Kalumpang Elementary School Gymnasium.

Ang Entrepreneurship Day ay isang programa kung saan ipinamalas ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang pagkamalikhain sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng mga orihinal na produktong hango sa iba’t ibang uri ng street foods bilang aplikasyon ng asignaturang Entrepreneurship..

Sa pamumuno ni Jerome Macapagal, guro sa Entrepreneurship, nilalayon ng programang hasain ang mga kasanayan ng mga mag-aaral sa pagtatayo ng isang matagumpay na negosyo.

Ayon sa kaniya, “The Entrepreneurship Day that happened last February was a success because it was the first time that such an event was conducted to showcase students’ output with involvement of the school’s immediate community.”

Opisyal na sinimulan ang program asa pambungad na panalangin na pinangunahan ni Sofia Gabrielle Veluz ng 12-Benevolence na siyang sinundan naman ng pambungad na pananalita ng mga punong abala na sina Angelo Calaguian ng 12-Reverence at Mejhelaye Menor ng 12-Prudence.

Nagsimula ang mismong aktibidad pagpatak ng ika-8 ng umaga at agad namang dinagsa ng mamimili ang mga stall sa loob at labas ng gymnasium. Isa sa mga produktong naging popular sa mga mamimili ay ang Hala’mares ng 12-Benevolence na nakatanggap ng parangal na “Most Marketable Product.”

Ayon sa kanilang pangkat, kabilang sa mga hamong kinaharap nila ay ang hindi inaasahang dami ng mga mamimili kung kaya’t naubusan sila sa kanilang mga stock at nahirapan silang makasabay sa paghahanda ng [order] ng mga mamimili at paglilista nito sa kanilang talaan.

Sa kabila nito, matagumpay pa rin nilang naitawid ang araw at nasungkit ang parangal sa

pamamagitan ng paghahati ng mga produktong inihanda nila para sa mga pang-umaga at panghapon na mamimili, at pagtitiyak na magaganda ang kalidad ng mga produktong kanilang iniluto at ibinenta.

“Aside from maintaining a good product quality, I think the teamwork that our group had made it possible para maging mabenta ang product. mula brainstorming sa gagawing twist sa product and prototyping,” saad ng isang miyembro ng pangkat.

Sa kalagitnaan ng aktibidad nagsimulang mag-ikot ang mga hukom ng Entrepreneurship Day upang suriin ang mga inihanda ng bawat grupo sa kanikanilang stall sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng product pitch.

Bilang pagkilala sa pagsisikap na ipinamalas ng mga mag-aaral, nagbigay pa ng pagkilala sa ibang pangkat na nagpakita ng kahusayan sa iba’t ibang aspeto. Isa sa nabigyan nito ang pangkat Feelin’ Okoy mula sa 12-Reverence.

“Our idea started after watching a video of an okoy burger, where an okoy patty was used instead of a regular patty. To make it more unique, we decided to use okoy as the burger bun instead, which sir Jerome described to be like the “double-down” from KFC,” saad ng pangkat ukol sa kanilang produkto.

Ngunit sa kabila ng pagkakaroon ng orihinal at malikhaing ideya, kaakibat nito’y hamon sa pagsasabuhay ng kanilang nabuong konsepto sapagkat isa sa mga pagsubok na kinaharap nila ay ang pagpili ng mga sangkap habang tinitiyak na mananatiling abot-kaya ang kanilang produkto.

Sa kabila nito, naging matagumpay ang kanilang produkto sa pamamagitan ng pagpokus sa consistency ng kanilang okoy burgers, at paggamit ng kaaya-ayang packaging na nakatulong sa pagpapaganda ng kalidad ng kanilang produkto.

Kabilang sa iba pang mga parangal na iginawad sa ibang pangkat ay ang “Best Product Pitch” para sa Okoy-Haseyo, “Health and Wellness Award” sa Kwengo, “Most Organized Entrepreneurs” sa Machurrap, “Most Appealing Stall” sa Calamarites.

Kasabay din ng pagbibigayparangal para sa mga pangkat

n

“

The Entrepreneurship Day that happened last February was the first time that such an event was conducted to showcase students’ output with involvement of the school’s immediate community.”

ang pagbibigay ng pagkilala sa mga piling mag-aaral, kagaya na lamang ng “Appreciation Award” para kina Calaguian at Menor, “Most Indefatigable Entrepreneur Award” at “Most Helpful Student Award.”

Dagdag ni Macapagal, mayroong limang katibayang makapagsasabing naging matagumpay ang aktibidad: ang tunay na karanasan at pagkatuto ng mga mag-aaral, pakikibahagi ng mga stakeholder, ang ebidensiya ng inobasyon sa karamihan ng mga produkto, pagtutulungan ng mga magaaral at guro, at ang produktibong hamon na naranasan ng mga mag-aaral.

the pursuit of progress, education plays a pivotal role in shaping future-ready citizens. Yet today, the Philippines still finds itself at a critical juncture: grappling with the repercussions

MALIGAYANG PAGGUNITA. Jerome Macapagal guro ng asignaturang entrepreneurship, mga guro ng senior high school, at Maria Nicolas opisyal na binuksan ang entrepreneurship sa pamamagitan ng isang ribbon cutting nitong nakalipas na Pebrero 2. |Kuhang larawan ni: Alexa Sambale

SUPORTA SA NEGOSYANTE. Ang mga mag-aaral mula sa Marikina Science High School at Kalumpang Elementary School ay nakapila sa mga tindahan ng mga negosyante na nasa ika-12 baitang. |Kuhang larawan ni: Jacques Borral

“Like all technological tools, AI can be used well or poorly. It can detract from equity, it can promote equity. The job at hand is to think about how can we use this tool well on behalf of kids to prepare them for the future.”

Dibuho ni: Zea Domingo

Taliwas sa mga itinurong aralin sa paaralan, ang pagtugon sa mga krisis pangkapaligiran na kinahaharap ng lipunan ay hindi mareresolba ng mga indibidwal na kilos lamang: ito ay maisasakatuparan sa lubusang pagbabago sa sistema at estruktura ng lipunan na nasa mga kamay ng kapwa taumbayan at mga iniluklok sa posisyon ng kapangyarihan.

Noong 2021, inilunsad ang ‘Climate Clock’ sa New York City ng Amerika, indikasyon ng nalalabing oras tungo sa malubhang kinahinatnan ng daigdig kasabay ng pagtaas ng global na temperatura dulot ng climate change. Sa pagtungtong sa ganitong uri ng klima, inaasahan ang mas madalas na tagtuyot, pagbaba ng suplay ng pagkain, at pagkaunti ng magpagtitirahang lupa.

Makalipas ang dalawang taon, mababanaag sa danas ng kapaligiran na sa halip na magbunga ang matagal nang pinaplano ng lipunang maisaayos ang napinsalang kalikasan, higit pang nagiging malala ang pagkawasak nito. Bagaman malaking banta ang pinapahiwatig ng Climate Clock, hindi ito napagtutuonan ng sapat na pansin ng mga mamamayan.

Karagdagan pa rito, kasabay ng unti-unting pagkaubos ng oras ang matuling pagtakbo ng lipunan sa modernisasyon. Ang dalawang magkasalungat na aspetong ito ang nagsisilbing patunay na kung hindi agad na matutugunan ang mga krisis pangkapaligiran, dinidikta nito na tiyak na paglaho ng luntiang lupain at sariwang hangin.

Mula sa mga ipinapahiwatig ng mga ito, nananatiling malinaw sa atin ang isang bagay: hindi lamang oras ang ating kalaban o ang magiging batayan ng pagkilos, dahil ang orasan ng krisis pandaigdig ay pinabibilis ang takbo ng bawat korporasyong nagbubuga ng usok sa ere, ng bawat pagyurak sa mga kabundukan,

at ng mismong pagdami ng mga pampribadong sasakyan sa kalsada.

Ayon sa Amnesty International, ang mismong heograpiya ng watak-watak na mga isla ng Pilipinas ang isa sa mga salik sa inaasahang malubhang epekto ng climate change sa bansa. Tinatayang 20 na bagyong bumibisita sa bansa taon-taon, at simula noong 2006, lima sa mga bagyong dumaan ang nagdulot nang nakamamatay na pinsala sa mga mamamayan.

Hindi biro ang pagdagsa ng mga ito dahil sa katunayan, ang ugat ng mabibigat na bunga nito ay nagmula mismo sa mga tao, na siyang higit na nagpalala sa pag-init ng pandaigdigang temperatura. Ang mga aktibidad na hindi kayang suhayan ng mga tao ang nagpalubha sa kalagayan ng ating ekosistema— isang dahilan kung bakit nanganganib ngayon ang ekolohikal na pundasyon ng lipunan.

Hindi maipagkakailang ang bawat isang salik ay mayroong papel na ginampanan tungo sa naging kahihinatnan ng ating kapaligiran. Nangingibabaw ang pagkabalisa dala ng pagudyok ng tao na mabuhay sa kabila ng kakapusan sa likas na yaman. Bagaman sa una ay para sa kapakanan ng ating buhay, hinahadlangan ng asikuterong pagkilos ng politiko at mapagsamantalang interes ang makabuluhang pagkilos upang pigilan ang krisis pangkapaligiran.

Habang ang mga pandaigdigang kasunduan tulad ng sinimulan sa Paris ay pinapangaralan bilang isang progresibong pagsulong, ang kakulangan ng mga mekanismo ng pagpapatupad at tapat na paninindigan ng mga nasa itaas ay nagbunsod sa patuloy na pagwasak ng kalikasan. Ang hindi pagyakap ng lipunan sa makabagong paraan ng pagkukunan ng likas-yaman ay nagpaigting sa

panganib na nauugnay sa klima. Sa kabila ng lumalaking ebidensya ng gawang-tao sa kalikasan, ang mga pagsisikap na maibsan ang dulot nito ay madalas na natatabunan ng iba pang mga priyoridad. Bagaman matinding mga babala ukol sa limitasyon ng mga mapagkukuhaan ay isinagawa upang iudyok ang pangagailangan ng makabagong pamamaraan; ang paghahangad ng lipunan sa mga panandaliang pakinabang ay nananaig at hindi ang responsableng pangangasiwa.

Napakahalagang kilalanin na ang krisis sa kapaligiran ay direktang resulta ng mga sama-samang desisyon ng lipunan, patakaran, at pag-uugali. Ang mabagal na pagkilos ay nakaugat sa kumbinasyon ng mga salik gaya ng kamangmangan, pagtanggi, impluwensiya ng mga kapitalista, at pagkawalang-kilos ng mga naitatag na sistema.

Gayunpaman, ang oras ay nalalabi para tayo ay tumunganga lamang. Ang lipunan ay dapat sumailalim sa isang pagbabago habang sinusuri nito ang mga prinsipyo, priyoridad, at mapangkonsumong gawi ng bawat isa. Kasabay nito, ang pamahalaan ay dapat nagpapatibay at nagpapatupad ng mga patakarang nagbibigaypriyoridad sa pagpapanatili ng ating likas-yaman at sa konserbasyon nito.

Kinakailangan na ang bawat isa ay progresibong sumulong tungo sa pagbabagong may kamalayan at pananagutan ng mga nasa itaas. Ang krisis pangkapaligiran ay mapapatumbalik lamang sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pagsisikap na humigit pa sa mga pader ng interes at ideyolohiya. Ito ay isang pagkakataong ibinigay ng kalikasan upang kumilos nang may pagpapahalaga at determisyon sa mundong maiiwan para sa susunod na henerasyon.

“

Taliwas sa mga itinurong aralin sa paaralan, ang pagtugon sa mga krisis pangkapaligiran na kinahaharap ng lipunan ay hindi mareresolba ng mga indibidwal na kilos lamang: ito ay maisasakatuparan sa lubusang pagbabago sa sistema at estruktura ng lipunan na nasa mga kamay ng kapwa taumbayan at mga iniluklok sa posisyon ng kapangyarihan.

MARIA ODRAREG RODRIGUEZ | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When grades mean nothing yet is everything Vanity

Ever since I was a child, one phrase kept imprinted in my mind like a broken record — reminding me to live another day in empty praises and useless rewards. I cannot help it, for it’s the only way I can survive in a class where recognition means staying at the top of your league.

But my body says otherwise as it feels the burden of walking on thin ice, shackled by the expectations I call academic achiever. Sad as it is to think, this is expected when you study at a science high school.

“

Standing right at this moment, we fail to see and realize that our success in life does not depend on numbers.

As the name implies, academic validation is a mindset that extends to the limit of someone who gives grades a lot of power over their sense of success. Tied to selfimage, these standards and reward systems are ingrained in today’s education where students perceive their self-worth relative to how well they perform in school. From the get go, it was never truly about having “room for improvement” but rather how others perceive your intelligence that is worthy of their praise.

In a study back in 2019 on American K-12 schools, 75% of high school students report feeling stressed by academic work, meanwhile two-thirds of the population experience academic validation at some point in their lifetime.

According to Psychology Professor Jeffrey Pedroza, academic validation stems from students seeking gratification from their academic grades, goals, and accomplishments — tying up their well-being and self-esteem to academia. For high school Counselor Arlene Quiñonez, students who seek academic validation feel they are academically doing well, but are mentally drained from constantly maintaining perfect grades as expected from their parents. Beginning at a very young age, self-worth and esteem can be associated with garnering academic achievements. This occurs when parents or educators show more interest in a young child’s academic performance than their mental growth.

One example is the Filipino household habit of parents making their children an investment as a measure of their success in life by meeting their certain standards. Of all the standards there

could be, one thing is clear – the fear that receiving low grades means they are a failure in life, putting students on a pedestal by correlating their sense of identity with their grades. Such an upbringing system poisons a child’s mentality by constantly seeking validation to feel accepted or loved, eventually becoming addicted to the cycle of gaining praise.

In the same way, this is how hierarchy continues to pervade in a society where failure means rejection. Arising from childhood experience, this upbringing would make a child be susceptible to other people’s judgement when they feel invalidated or disapproved. In the end, instead of getting the opportunity to enjoy the learning process, what remains imprinted in their minds is “having a future that impresses other people.”

Another contributing factor to be blamed is the educational system rooted upon assessing a student’s capabilities as reflected by their grades. This is evident as in the case of most college entrance examinations in the Philippines being removed due to the pandemic and instead, administering admissions through grades evaluation. The grades-only approach drove more students into being “too grade conscious” as they prioritize obtaining top grades to be able to be accepted at a prestigious college.

But education remains to be pretentious as we become machines to be reproducers of a winning streak of outputs while the students crumble from the inside out. Expectations in education that existed and still shape our consciousness are aligned to treat children as laborers for a future attuned to their best interests.

Standing right at this moment, we fail to see and realize that our success in life does not depend on numbers. Built upon a capitalistic society where titles mean everything, we rely our worth on meager standardized systems solely created to determine

our contribution to society. Across a dynamic criterion for intelligence lies a pitfall of venomous competition, eating away one’s identity and altering it into a new ego called achiever. Instead of appreciating one’s own accomplishment, the fear remains evident of a survivor who only thrives on compliments from people who await their downfall the moment they slip up. By then it will already be too late. Just the thought of feeling we’re disappointments with no real trajectory is paralyzing. Either way, it all leads to a prospect where we overcompensate in academics to fill whatever void exists within ourselves.

How is this realization necessitated in understanding our current disposition and frustrations as a result of seeking academic validation?

According to a study of Elise Swanson and Darnell Cole, there is a need for increased support of students’ psychosocial outcomes in all aspects of their lives. This implies that educators proactively reaching out to students rather than waiting for them to come can have positive learning outcomes for students. The habit of parents also having high expectations for their child should not continue to prevail so that we do not underestimate our capability to pave the future for ourselves just as how grades are a poorer reflection of what we can be.

After all, our future is at stake and it was not theirs to meddle with from the beginning.

There may be a lot of reasons as to explain why academic validation continues to pervade in an academically-inclined society today, I still cannot deny the doubt I have as to what I can offer when in fact, there were many instances that I proved myself wrong by excelling in different fields. For now, I shall continue to be “their best” until I reach the crossroads of becoming nothing or being everything.

Napakarami palang kabataang pasan sa kanilang mga balikat ang malupit na kapalaran ng mundo. Marami rin pala ang katulad kong piniling makihalo sa kanlungan ng mga taong nasa tuktok ng kani-kanilang buhay at may mga kaya. Hindi pala ako nagiisa sa landas na ito. Sangkatutak kami, hindi lamang sa kampus, kung ‘di sa buong Pilipinas. “

Pagmaya

ALTHEA MAE NATIVIDAD | ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Magkano ang libreng pangarap?

Isang musmos ang inilantad sa espasyong palaruan at digmaan kung ituring. Natuto siyang mangarap. Libre naman ito ika ni ma’am. Dala-dala ang habiling ang mahigpit na hawak sa lapis at paglapat nito sa papel ang siyang guguhit ng landas na sa hinaharap ay aking tatahakin, simula rito’y isang matingkad na tunguhin ang naisilang.

Kay tagal ko ring pinanghawakan ang lapis na ito magpasahanggang ngayon. Ngunit habang tumatagal, pumupurol na ang tingga. Nais kong tasahin ngunit wala akong pantasa. Pudpod na ang pambura. Wala naman akong mahiraman. Nauubos na ang papel. Ngunit wala naman akong pambili ng bago. Kung maubos na nang tuluyan ang mga sandata kong ito, saan ako kukuha ng kapalit? Ng pambili? Wari ba’y mananatili na lamang na drowing ang landas na nasimulan ko nang iguhit. At sa paglubong ng araw, aking napagtanto – hindi pala libreng mangarap.

Iskolar. “Mag-scholar ka para kahit nasa magandang eskwelahan, libre lang!” Itinanim ko ang payong ito at siya rin namang nagsilbing dingas na ginamit ko upang magsunog ng kilay. Iyon ang nakita kong natatanging paraan upang maitawid ang naghihikahos na sarili patungo sa iginuhit na hangarin. Magmula elementarya magpahanggag unang apat na taon sa sekondarya, wala akong pinalagpas na pagkakataon upang maihulma ang sarili bilang isang mag-aaral na karapat-dapat sa yaring karangalan at pribilehiyo. At sa tugatog ng pagtatapos sa ika-sampung baitang, isang himig ng tagumpay ang taimtim na bumulong sa akin. Sa pagpasok ko sa tarangkahan ng dalawang nalalabing baitang sa sekondarya, isang prestihiyosong paaralan ang siyang sumalubong sa akin nang hidndi kinakailangang maglabas ng limpak ng pera para sa matrikula. Sa mahabang kahingalan at sa huling hininga, sa wakas ay iskolar na rin ako.

Ito na nga ba ang simula ng unti-unting pagtupad sa mga pangarap ko? Hindi maipintang ligaya ang naipaskil sa’king mga labi habang binubulatlat ang anunsyo ng mga kinakaliangan para sa pag-e-enroll. Sa kasagsagan nito’y napatigil ako. Paano nga pala ang uniporme’t mga libro? Ang pamasahe ng pagpunta’t pagbalik sa kampus sa kyusi? Doon na lamang ako dinalaw ng pagkakatantong aabot din ito ng mahigit kumulang sampung libo. Hindi ko naman mawari kung saan ako huhugot nito. Matapos ng pagtatampisaw sa

tuwa’t kaginhawaan, kapalit nito’y bahid ng pag-aalala na may halong panghihinayang. Na sa kawalan ng datung at mapagkukuhanan ng aking mga pangangailangang pang-akademiko, nakita kong muli sa salamin ang repleksyon ng musmos na naghahanap ng pambili ng lapis at papel. Nasisilayan ko na naman ba ulit siya? O sadyang hindi naman talaga umalis ang katauhan ng batang ito mula sa akin.

At nang simulan ko ang unang yapak sa landas na pinili kong tahakin, isang pamilyar na pigura ang sumabay sa’king pagtahak – isang kapuwa iskolar. Sa paggapang kong ito’y natuklasan kong hindi pala ako nagiisa. Napakarami palang kabataang pasan sa kanilang mga balikat ang malupit na kapalaran ng mundo. Marami rin pala ang katulad kong piniling makihalo sa kanlungan ng mga taong nasa tuktok ng kanikanilang buhay at may mga kaya. Hindi pala ako nag-iisa sa landas na ito. Sangkatutak kami, hindi lamang sa kampus, kung ‘di sa buong Pilipinas.

Naitala sa ulat ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) kamakailan na umabot ng 5,172 ang bilang ng mga kwalipikadong iskolar ng RA 7687 Scholarship Program, at nasa 3,822 naman ang bilang nga mga nakapasa para sa DOSTSEI Merit Scholarship Program. Samantalang sa taong 2020 ay naitala ng Philippine News Agency ang 44,475 na rami ng mga iskolar sa larangan ng agham, kabilang ang 1,927 sa ilalim ng Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at 4,264 naman sa kasanayang Masteral. Sa Libo-libong bilang ng mga marhinalisadong nangangarap na mga ito, iisa ang tinik sa kanilan dibdib - sapat nga ba pagiging iskolar upang buongkakayahan na maitawid ang mga sarili sa matarik na sapantaha?

Ayon sa pananaliksik nina Bernardo Zabala at Manuella Gutierezz sa kanilang limbag na pinamagatang Economically Deprived and Marginalized Scholars: Their Lifestyles, Experiences, Challenges and Aspirations, hindi sapat ang tulong pinansyal upang matapatan

at matustusan ang mga gastusin sa bawat semestre. Marahil ay hindi na nga sakit sa ulo ang tumatagingting na matrikula, ngunit hindi rito natatapos ang kahaharraping pinansiyal sa kolehiyo. Sa konsiderasyong ito ay ang paalalang hindi pa rin mawawala ang katotohanang salat sa kakayang monetarya ang mga iskolar upang mapaggastusan ang mga proyektong kinakailangan nilang gawin. Sa kamahalan ng mga materyalas at kawalan ng mga mapagkukuhanan nito, siya ring pasakit ang dagdag sa alalahanin sa mga iskolar.

Sa parehong paraan, kaakibat naman ng pribilehiyo ng pagiging iskolar ay ang pagkakaroon ng matingkad at matayog na inspirasyon upang patuloy ang pagpapaagos sa simbuyong pagbutuhin pang higit ang kanilang kalagayang pangakademiko. Gayunpaman, kasabay rin nito ay ang pag-usbong ng patuloy na umiigting na presyon ng pagpapanatili ng higit pa sa disenteng disposisyon ng kanilang mga grado. Doble-kayod sa pag-aaral, doble rin ang pagsisikap na hindi malagasan ni patak ng puntos ang kanilang marka. Hindi biro ang pakiramdam ng pagkakaroon ng paulit-ulit na paalala na hindi ka dapat pumreno. Hindi ka dapat umatras. Para bang bawal kang magkamali. Tila ba kaakibat ng iskolarsyip na ito ay ang pag-akyat sa matarik na bundok na sa isang maling hakbang mo lamang, mawawala na ang yapos mo sa pagkakataon at pribilehiyong ito.

Sa perspektiba ng isang iskolar, mayroong dalawang landas upang marating ang kani-kanilang destinasyon – isang makinis na kalsada at isang baku-bakong tugaygayan. Yaong sa makinis na kalsada’y maraming gumagamit. Ninais din ng iskolar na ito rin ang gamitin, ngunitisang napakalaking dingding ang nakaharang at wala siyang kahit na ano upang mayurak ito. At sa kahabaan ng araw, wala siyang ibang nagawa kung ‘di ang tahakin ang baku-bakong daanan.

Napakatarik, madilim, at masulasok. Sa isang maling liko at hakbang mo’y wari ba’y nasa bingit na rin ng peligro ang lahat ng mga pinag-alayan mo ng luha, pawis at dugo. Gayunman, May baon siyang lampara sa dilim na pinili niyang tahakin. Idinambana at pinanghawakan niya ito kahit paubos na ang dingas nito.

Sa layo ng aking inilakbay bilang isang nangangarap, sa danas ko’y pagkamulat ang sa akin ay hatid nito – huwad ang eksistensiya ng libreng pangarap. Madali ang mangarap, ngunit para lamang sa may mga kayang tuparin ito sa isang pitik ng daliri, habang napagiiwanan sa anino ang yaong mga taong mistula bang nagiging pantasya na lamang ang kanilang pangarap. Mahirap maging mahirap ngunit mas mahirap kung walang pangarap? Ngunit ang pinakamahirap ay ang mangarap habang ika’y mahirap, at wala kang magawa at wala ka ring malapitan upang makatawid mula sa kahirapang ito. Maaari ngang may mga iskolarsyip para sa mga kasong tulad nito. Ngunit para na lamang ba sa mga nabiyayaan ng talino ang pribilehiyong makapag-aral nang may kalidad? Sila na lamang ba ang may karapatang mangarap? Paano na ang mga pangkaraniwan? Sa kontekstong ito’y isang panawagan ang nais kong ipalaganap. Para sa mga kapwa ko nangangarap, nawa’y hindi pa muna mapudpod ang lapis at hindi pa maubusan ng papel ang bawat isa sa ‘tin. At para naman sa mga nakatataas at yaong may mga kapit sa kapangyarihan sa laragan at departamento ng edukasyon, gawin sana nating abot-kamay ang pagkatuto para sa lahat –hindii lamang para sa matatalino’t mga nakaaangat sa buhay. Lahat ay may kani-kaniyang pangarap at may karapatan din ang bawat isa na masungkit ito at matikman ang tamis ng pagwawagi’t tagumpay. Ang lahat nang ito’y sa ngalan ng pangarap. Nakakangalay ang pagtingala sa sobrang taas nito ngunit ito ang kapalarang sinilangan ko. At sa iwinawagayway na katagumpayan, nais kong malaman kung paano ko ito makukuha. Akala ko’y kaya kong mahawakan nang hindi sinisilip ang butas kong buls. Tumindig ako’t sa huling pagkakataon ay nagtanong – magkano po ang libreng pangarap?

Sleepless dreamer

IRA GABRIEL MANTES | MANAGING EDITOR

Surrendering to Burnout: How it cost me a shot at my dream school

Iwish I could be like AM in the movie “Ngayon Kaya,” so that I could easily say that if things do not work, at least I tried. If you’re going to ask me about my greatest what-if, it would be about Ateneo. If you think I’m talking about him, you’re wrong. My greatest whatif is “What if I listened to my friend’s advice and appealed my senior high applications?”

When I discovered that my application to Ateneo Senior High School had been rejected, despite the fact that many people showed their love and support, I still felt like I disappointed them. I really was not vocal about this because who would like to tell other people that they failed? Of course, no one. I cannot clearly remember how I was able to cope with this. I never really had the time to process everything that happened, but I know that I have to pick up myself quickly because I still have finals, defense, and moving-up preparations that need to be finished as soon as possible.

A week before their enrolment at Ateneo, I remember a close friend of mine reminded me that I could appeal for my application because according to them they are still accepting some of the students who appealed again, but I had this mindset that I’m not going to force anything that isn’t for me. And it suddenly disappeared from my mind. But have I really forgotten about it? No. It’s just sad the question “what if?” has the power to reopen unhealed wounds. I was having a conversation with a friend a few days ago and he was talking about how they study at the Humanities and Social Sciences strand in Ateneo. All of a sudden, I realized that I was still looking for myself along the road I had never ventured upon. Don’t get me wrong, MariSci has always been my dream school ever since I was kinder. But despite this, I couldn’t deny that Ateneo showed a significant opportunity.

Looking back, I can’t help but regret some of the decisions I took when suffering from burnout. Constant stress and exhaustion clouded my judgment, forcing me to make impulsive and unwise judgments. This experience serves as a great lesson, emphasizing the need to prioritize self-care as well as seeking help when

indications of burnout appear.

Burnout has highlighted the significance of taking a more balanced and attentive approach to work, something I’ve learned to value personally. As the negative impacts of burnout become more widely recognized, I’ve understood that pushing things to function, even when I’m fatigued and agitated, is ultimately counterproductive.

According to Mind You, Deloitte’s study revealed that a significant proportion of the Philippines’ younger workforce is grappling with burnout caused by demanding workloads, with 70% of Gen Zs and 63% of millennials affected. This statistic is notably higher than the global average of 45%, indicating a concerning trend. This pervasive burnout issue in the country contributes to elevated levels of anxiety and stress, impacting 48% of millennials and 68% of Gen Z individuals, surpassing global averages of 38% and 46% respectively. Consequently, there’s a surge in resignations attributed to work pressure, with 58% of respondents citing colleagues leaving for this reason—15 points above the global average.

Risk-taking builds a solid mentality, allowing you to adapt and prosper in the face of adversity. Taking risks fosters a strong feeling of selfdiscovery as it often involves facing limitations and uncovering hidden talents. This willingness to take risks not only allows individuals to accomplish extraordinary things but also acts as an inspiring example for others to pursue. In essence, the voyage of risk-taking acts as a catalyst for personal development, leading to a life filled with accomplishments, fulfillment, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.

Now, as I entered senior high here in MariSci, juniors kept on asking

for advice from me, and I answered that they should not be like their Grade 10 ‘Ate Ira’–the Ira who shied away from taking risks and failed to prioritize self-care that led to burnout and hindered her capacity to function at her best.

For Senior High Ira, and to the ones who are reading this, I hope you have now realized the importance of taking care of yourself, embracing risks, and not allowing uncertainties to become your lingering “what ifs.”

...to the ones who are reading this, I hope you have now realized the importance of taking care of yourself, embracing risks, and not allowing uncertainties to become your lingering “what ifs.”

Pagtindig

MARIELLE ORBONG | COPY EDITOR

Pagmulat sa natutulog na oportunidad

Kinikilala ang mga kabataan bilang personipikasyon ng kaligayahan at kasiglahan. Sa lente ng karamihan sa mga nasa mas nakatatandang henerasyon, inosente at natutulog pa ang kamalayan nila sa malupit na katotohanan ng buhay, na siyang tumutugma sa pananaw na sila ay suwail kapag binabatikos nila ang balikong sistemang umiiral sa lipunan at ipinaglalaban ang tama.

Sa loob ng napakahabang panahon, ang kanilang kahalagahan ay patuloy na isinasantabi at nakaliligtaan— nililigaw ng paniwalang wala silang kakayahang gumawa ng makabuluhang kontribusyon para sa lipunan. Sa kabilang banda, kung babaliktarin ang sitwasyon, at sa halip ay isasaalang-alang ang kanilang kakayahan, masasabing oras na upang buksan ang ating kamalayan at mapagtanto kung gaano karaming pagbabago ang kaya nilang maibigay.

Dahil sa kanilang pagkamalikhain at rebolusyonaryong pananaw, ang mga kabataan ay may napakalaking potensyal na impluwensyahan ang mga progresibong pagbabago upang makamit ang isang magandang kinabukasan. Sa kabila nito, hindi nila kayang tuparin ang lahat sa kanilang sarili— nangangailangan sila ng patnubay at suporta ng lipunan upang maabot ang kanilang higit na potensyal.

Bilang miyembro ng kabataan, masasabi kong ang pagbuo ng tiwala ay isa sa mga pangunahing hakbang tungo sa pagpapalawak ng aming pakikilahok sa komunidad. Sa katunayan, bagaman bitbit namin ang mga mabibigat na inaasahan ng lipunan gaya ng pagiging “pagasa ng bayan,” ang lipunan mismo ang nagdududa sa aming mga kakayahan at ang nagkakadena sa walang katapusang pagpupuna.

Sa halip na pag-aalinlangan, ang tunay na kailangan ng kabataan ay ang pagkilos ng lipunan bilang isang puwersang nagtutulak sa pagsulong at paghubog ng aming mga kakayahan. Bilang resulta ng tiwalang ibibigay ng lipunan, mauunawaan at mamumulat kami sa taglay naming halaga bilang isang indibidwal at isang mamamayan.

Halimbawa, ang pakikilahok sa mga isyung panlipunan. Kahit na kabilang kami sa mga nakababatang henerasyon na walang sapat na karanasan sa buhay, hindi ito

nangangahulugang dapat kaming manahimik at hindi na dapat makisali sa paggawa ng desisyon sa lipunan.

Higit pa rito, sa halip na ilagay ang mga kabataan sa ilalim ng presyon na magkamit ng isang matagumpay na buhay, ang kongkretong pagtugon sa mga kakulangan sa aming mga pangangailangan ay magkakaroon ng higit na mabuting bunga. Ang edukasyon, halimbawa, ay isa sa mga pinakamahalagang sangkap na dapat matamasa ng kabataan dahil ito ang nagsisilbing balangkas para sa pagbuo ng mga kritikal na kakayahan at pagpapalawak ng mga oportunidad sa pagtatrabaho. Gayunpaman, ayon sa estadistika noong 2017 ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 3.53 milyon sa inaasahang 39.2 milyong Pilipino na may edad 6 hanggang 24 ay itinuturing na Out-of-School Youth (OSYs), kung saan ang mga nasa edad 16 hanggang 24 ang may pinakamalaking bahagdang bumubuo ng bilang na ito na may 83.1 porsyento. Sa pagtaas ng estadong ito, maliwanag na ang higit na diin sa pagkakaroon ng bukas na edukasyon at pagbibigay ng sapat na mapagkukunan ay lubos na kritikal.

Ang pagsasakatuparan ng mga simple ngunit makapangyarihang mga hakbang na ito ay ang magsisilbing tulay sa paghantong sa bukas na lipunan, at siyang gagabay sa mga kabataan na paliyabin ng kanilang natutulog na mithiin. Bagaman hindi nabibigyan ng sapat na pagkakataon ang mga kabataan hanggang sa kasalukuyan, hindi pa huli ang lahat para simulan ang pagliko mula sa landas na nakasanayang tahakin ng lipunan—kung saan hindi kabilang ang kabataan sa progreso ng pag-usad nito. Maaaring may pag-unlad sa kasalukuyan, ngunit ang unang aspetong kinakailangan upang matagumpay na mabuksan ang mga nakakadenang oportunidad ng kabataan ay optimismo sa kung ano ang kaya naming magawa.

Sa halip na pagaalinlangan, ang tunay na kailangan ng kabataan ay ang pagkilos ng lipunan bilang isang puwersang nagtutulak sa pagsulong at paghubog ng aming mga kakayahan.

In a world driven by image and trends, it’s easy to forget the complex and time-consuming process that the clothes we wear go through. During the pandemic, I got into sewing, gaining first hand insight into the art of clothing creation. This experience aided in my realization that the creation of clothing is complicated and it is an experience I share with other garment workers but often in far worse conditions and without fair compensation.

Those who craft our garments deserve a livable wage and safe working conditions. The environments in which garment workers are subjected are not only dangerous for them but also detrimental to the environment. These sweatshops are veritable hotbeds of ergonomic and physical hazards, posing threats to both human health and the planet.

Disturbingly, many of the employees caught in this exploitative practice are women with limited choices. The need to support themselves and their families forces them into these unsafe conditions, trapped between the prospect of exploitation and the fear of starving their loved ones. Major corporations capitalize on these women’s vulnerability, offering them so-called “jobs” and little compensation. This systemic exploitation maintains a stark choice, suffer exploitation or endure famine.

Furthermore, it’s not only women who are affected by this practice but children as well. In a BuzzFeed

ALEXA ANTOINETTE SAMBALE | CHIEF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Wolves underneath sheep’s clothing Labour

Recently fast fashion brand, Shein, found itself in a storm of controversy as it attempted to counter allegations of worker exploitation through a highly publicized influencer trip to its manufacturing facility in China. However, as the videos from the trip surfaced, revealing a curated version of reality, netizens were quick to call out the company’s attempts to cover up the truth.

video titled “I Am A Child Labor Survivor,” Nasreen Sheikh, a survivor of child labor, recounts her experience as a sweatshop worker. She and her peers were paid less than 2 dollars and subjected to grueling 12-15 hour workdays. Moreover, she started working in the sweatshop because she had nowhere else to go, having fled her home to avoid being married off. Sewing is a skill demanding remarkable precision and dedication, that is often underestimated. The women who master this artistry should be rightfully recognized for their talents. Astonishingly, these skilled individuals are often classified as “unskilled labor,” a label that undermines the difficulty and expertise required for their work.

We live in a capitalist society wherein workers are regarded as expenses rather than valuable resources, and this mindset significantly fuels the issue of worker exploitation. This approach is closely tied to the market’s struggle to meet the very demands it has cultivated. Consequently, companies often resort to inexpensive alternatives to maximize their profits – a hallmark of the fast fashion model. In this profitdriven landscape, the prioritization of financial gain takes precedence over the well-being of the workers who contribute to the industry’s success.

An uncomfortable reality surfaces as we explore the depths of these issues. Raising workers’ wages, though ethically essential, disrupts the very foundation of the fast

fashion business model. As a consequence clothing prices will inevitably rise. But, is it not time to prioritize ethical standards over the perpetuation of a cycle of suffering?

While sustainability is a better approach to shopping for clothes, it’s essential to acknowledge that accessibility to these options are often limited and challenging. The prices of sustainable clothing are incredibly high, and cost-effective options like thrifting are also limited. Additionally, sustainable choices are restricted when it comes to sizing. In contrast, fast fashion caters to a broad audience and makes clothing accessible to everyone. However, is it genuinely worth sacrificing workers’ rights for a cute shirt?

The workforce is the driving force behind our economy, serving as the very foundation of our society. The pivotal role they play cannot be underestimated. Yet, the journey toward fair wages and sustainable working conditions requires a crucial first step, education. Empowering workers with knowledge and awareness is the key to enabling them to demand their rightful rights and reshape the landscape of labor. In recognizing the inherent strength of an educated workforce, we must acknowledge that the path to equality does not only lie in policy change but also in fostering a collective understanding of the value each worker brings to our economic and social structure. Change does not happen overnight but we can start today.

“

Empowering workers with knowledge and awareness is the key to enabling them to demand their rightful rights and reshape the landscape of labor.

OPINION

Some existing conditions do not need to continue, especially if they are grounded from a state of unequal opportunities, worker exploitation, and alienation of the masses from realizing their capability of acquiring success as a community.

CHEVIN PAUL GEALONE | LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR

Demolishing the paywalls of dreaming Liberating

“Libre ang mangarap,” people have said. However, this is not quite the case for millions of Filipinos who have strived to achieve their coveted life—as being in a country drowned by government debt, crumbling economic conditions, and perennial social inequalities, pursuing dreams always comes with a price.

Which is why this, as a student, has been the root of my internal struggle during my recent college applications. Not only was I unsure of pinning my future toward a list of select college programs, but there was an underlying realization that my decisions were limited to factors concerning my economic standpoint.

Amidst skyrocketing tuition fees, inaccessible and monopolized quality education, and severe unemployment rates in the country, money would always be at the front of everything. Adding to this, passion is typically at the expense of pursuing practicality, as interests alone cannot easily sustain costs of living, rendering many to mold dreams into something they could pin their hopes of avoiding economic distress in the future.

Above everything, the classic Filipino household tells us this: dream of a grand home, work hard toward a successful career, and earn lots of money to work abroad. A notion grounded in a world that has conflated money with success and possession with personal fulfillment, a blatant proof of how these forces us to prioritize labor and conditions us to believe that being a cog in a machine will eventually fulfill us, seeping into the very way of defining how we dream.

As I take exams for college, lies an underlying acceptance that some

of these attempts will remain futile and will be yet again kept behind paywalls that can only be accessed by those provided the capability of unlocking them. Moreover, even the concept of freedom in pursuing my other interests are constrained by financial considerations, leading me to choose the ones which are accessible while guaranteeing financial stability in the future.

As much as this remains a personal experience, I have also grown to realize that having the ability to write about, consider, and synthesize my disposition, still stems from a privilege in this society which I benefit from—a lifestyle that enables me to afford basic needs, having given the opportunity to study through high school, and being provided primary care and financial support from my parents when a lot of students my age struggle to even acquire them.

The reality is, the ordinary Filipino cannot afford to easily accomplish their dreams, nor even form one. They are lulled by the system to accept and remain in the same conditions from which they are primarily placed in society. They are too busy gathering scraps for survival and overcoming inequalities in their day-to-day lives in order to break the barriers of poverty. After all, we cannot simply actualize our dreams in a system that does not provide the right conditions in order to do so.

The task of democratizing opportunities and providing the right conditions for self actualization lies not in the hands of specific individuals or just the privileged, but lies on how we, as a society, challenge this system and strive to champion a better one. A reality where Filipinos do not pin their hopes of a better lifestyle onto a lottery ticket for success, a time where people go past the need to idolize billionaire success narratives, and to a country where the poor realize that not having achieved such dreams is not entirely a burden on the individual, but is rooted from a systemic standpoint that hinders them from succeeding.

The challenge for us is to understand our experiences and relate it to wider society. It is high time we realize that our dreams may transcend individualistic pursuits, could be shared on the collective and break free from the life society has dictated for us. Some existing conditions do not need to continue, especially if they are grounded from a state of unequal opportunities, worker exploitation, and alienation of the masses from realizing their capability of acquiring success as a community—a world where people do not equate dreams to just labor , but to service, participation, and being immersed in our individual communities.

FEATURES

UNYIELDING DEVOTION:

Journalists amidst an era dominated by vloggers BY

DERYN HIPE AND JILLIAN FRONDOZO

KARMINA CONSTANTINO.

Photo from ABS-CBN News

CHRISTIAN ESGUERRA.

Photo from Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Living in polarizing times calls for frontline warriors who fight for truth and accuracy. Dominated by fake news and disinformation at all angles, these individuals dare to combat the spread of false information on their campuses and communities – using their pens and cameras as their only weapons in the battlefield.

With social media at its peak, ease of sharing information online was followed by widespread fabricated stories and manipulated information, becoming a pervasive issue that affects societies whether offline or online. Recognizing the power of factual storytelling and media, journalists have stepped up their game to fulfill their responsibility as the beacons of truth.

This is how Karmina Constantino and Christian Esguerra navigate through the ever-changing digital space, producing stories that earned the community’s trust in this industry. Despite an equally distorted media landscape, Constantino and Esguerra remained undeterred, driven by their belief in the power of journalism to shape society.

START UP

Karmina Constantino is currently an anchor and broadcast journalist under ANC News, having graduated from the University of the Philippines - Diliman. For her, journalism slowly found its way in her life unexpectedly.

“I think journalism got to know me first, not the other way around. When I entered Sky Cable News as a fresh grad, it was something that I had to do – that I had to have a job after graduation. Now, I see it as my way of serving my country,” said Constantino.

Political journalist and current host of “Facts First” Christian Esguerra also shared the same sentiment, having experience through joining his school publication during high school.

“Journalism is the discipline of truth-telling using a set of standards to help people make informed decisions,” said Esguerra. In the midst of disinformation enveloping the nation, Constantino found it her mission to step up and become the forefront of investigative reporting with a passion for truth as they protect our democracy.

“Uplifting the democracy, making sure that the issues that need to

be discussed are discussed. You can’t do that without caring for your country, otherwise your audience will see right through you… It’s because I’m of the authenticity that’s embalmed, and if it’s not there, I’m pretty sure you will see it as well,” expressed Constantino.

NOW OR NEVER

While journalists and modernday vloggers both cater to the insatiable thirst for information and

– obstacles are only there if you pay attention to them or if you recognize they are obstacles,” she shared.

With fake news circulating online and an increasing number of people susceptible to it, journalists like Esguerra and Constantino have to adopt a countermeasure to ensure that sensible reportage is exercised on pertinent matters concerning its citizens. Through this, they remained fearless in their pursuit and reminded themselves of their aim.

Correct it right away, because it has this ability to live beyond that second,” Constantino expressed.

In this era of disinformation, whitewashing, and distortion, journalists are needed now more than ever. When people remain enclosed in their echo chambers of eroded consciousness, who would be left to clean them up of their beliefs? If not for the journalists who are always accountable for what they speak.

“Arm yourself with knowledge from various experts. I know my truth and what I stand for. And malinis ‘yung konsensiya ko, in that every information I throw out there, it’s a story that I alone thought of out of deep love for this country,’’ expressed Constantino.

In this era of disinformation, whitewashing, and distortion, journalists are needed now more than ever. When people remain enclosed in their echo chambers of eroded consciousness, who would be left to clean them up of their beliefs? If not for the journalists who are always accountable for what they speak.

BEACONS OF TRUTH

On the other side of the media spectrum, vloggers have reigned supreme as they leverage their power of the internet, with their opinions and endorsements carrying immense weight among loyal keyboard warriors.

But for both Constantino and Esguerra, more than the power of digital platforms lies a journalist’s ability to impose several approaches that extend beyond storytelling. The news information brought by writing articles serves as an eye opener to the community, unveiling the truth beyond one’s perspective to enlighten the community.

In this regard, Constantino and Esguerra would not be shaken by the rampaging war of disinformation and continue to drive their stewards towards the end of the goal — being the voices of the truth.

entertainment, they embody vastly different perspectives. As an age-old profession that prioritizes accuracy and impartiality, Esguerra shared his fair share of hardships as a journalist.

“Pressure coming from new media owners, sources, trolls, and the like has not been easy to handle. I experienced getting attacked daily online and getting fired by news medias for not giving in to political pressure and business interests,” he lamented.

But for Constantino, being able to learn valuable lessons shows how professional journalists are able to overcome hurdles in being able to deliver news.

“I always tell this to the young ones, to the young kids in the newsroom

“You don’t have to lose your idealism when you enter journalism. You just need to stay the course and surround yourself with like-minded journalists,” Esguerra shared.

Constantino agreed while reminiscing the lessons she learned from her renowned nationalist historian grandfather Renato Constantino, especially when on air where every second counts and presented with the opportunity to make things right.

“There has to be empathy to know what they’re going through and what they crave for. It always has to be from the audience you serve. That’s the learning imparted by my grandfather, ‘History should never be written from any other perspective except for the audience’s.’

“[The microphone] is a very powerful thing once it reaches many people. The pandemic really fuelled disinformation and misinformation. But the difference is, we journalists have the discipline to ensure that every single word that gets out there is only founded on the truth and nothing else,” Constantino stressed.

As gatekeepers of information, we advocate and enlighten the community by sharing knowledge and unfolding stories through utilizing technological skills essential for reaching the community. Embodying the identity to be a credible journalist in the media field, such navigation into the present time can serve as a beacon to define truth amidst the complexities of a distorted media landscape.

FEATURES 20

MABIGAT

Empty Promises: Seeking solace amidst public transport overhaul

For a local jeepney driver, they start their day in the crack of dawn with the roar of an engine as they park along Marikina’s transport terminal, waiting for passengers to fill in their seats as they drive down the same route everyday.

But along the buzzing streets of fast-paced walking, in the heart of a densely packed Marikina is a resistance movement holding their ground as they worry about the high barriers brought by the plan to “modernize” old jeepneys and replace them with eco-friendly models.

Launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) back in 2017, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) aims to make the country’s public transportation system efficient and environmentally friendly by the year 2020.

But Kits Lantao says otherwise as launching the program would put jeepney drivers in a state where they could no longer be able to provide sufficient income to support their families, eventually losing their jobs.

“I see no problem with modernizing vehicles as this is progressive. But the problem with the government’s plan to phase-out jeepneys is anti-poor and is focused on profits,” Lantao expressed.

KING OF THE ROAD

Jeepneys have become the symbol

of Philippines as its most popular mode of public transportation. Painted in bright colors and adorned with chic ornaments, many jeepneys have gained the title as “Kings of the Road” for their overwhelming presence amidst traffic-dense roads.

In the aftermath of World War II, the first of these jeepneys were built using parts left behind from surplus

“

are franchised in the country, with Metro Manila alone having 75,000. While jeepney models have developed over time, these vehicles are also known to contribute significantly to air pollution, running on gasoline and diesel for fuel.

According to a study by the Manila Observatory, diesel-fed jeepneys were responsible for 15 percent of smoke emissions in Metro Manila.

On the road towards sustainable development, a progressive outlook is required to form a framework that achieves social justice and exercises democratic stewardship, all the while serving the public in its utmost sincerity.

jeeps of American troops, converting them into transport vehicles that can carry 15 to 20 passengers at a time.

Due to the government not being able to establish mass transportation at that time, jeepneys became the dominant mode of transportation by taking millions of Filipinos to and from work everyday.

Various estimates suggest that over 180,000 to 270,000 jeepneys

BACKWARD MODERNIZATION

In response to the increasing air pollution index all over the country, DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising Board (LTFRB) has issued a statement to “transform the public transform system” to be of quality in accordance to the country’s demands of being safer and environmentally sustainable.

The issuance of DOTr Department

| BY MARIA RODRIGUEZ

Order No. 2017-011, also known as the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) by the government hopes to remove traditional jeepneys off the road by 2020.

But Kits Lantao sees the policy as the first phase of a dreadful modernization that will kill off their livelihoods and rights as a service.

“Kasi kapag itinuloy ‘yan, and daming mahihirapan. Lahat ng driver ng jeep – wala. Saan sila magmamaneho ‘pag ipephase-out mga jeep. Hindi rin namin kayang suportahan yung mga modern ano [omnibus] ngayon,” Lantao said.

Being the sole breadwinner of his family, Lantao relies on his job as a jeepney driver to provide for his family’s daily needs while also supporting the education of his children.

“Replacing jeepneys would mean remaining in the threshold of poverty,” stressed Lantao.

For a jeepney driver like Roel Baldomir, earning the bare minimum was hard enough especially in this time of pandemic, as they make about 500 to 600 pesos for only two days of work.

Such an earning would not be sufficient to be able to purchase a 1.6 million peso modernized vehicle the government is intending to implement for public transportation.

SA ISIP. Says Roel Baldomir, a jeepney driver for over 30 years when asked about the effects of the jeepney phaseout on him and his family on May 6. | Photo by Noel Rufon II

Baldomir added that the government’s dream is farfetched as they would have sufficient income if not for the government imposing so many fees, fines, and penalties on drivers and operators – in addition to repairing and maintenance of these vehicles.

“Kung halimbawang totally maphase out an gaming hanapbuhay, nakakabahala ito para sa amin. Pero dapat naman isipin ng gobyerno ang kapakanan ng ibang mga driver,” said Baldomir.

BARYA LAMANG PO!

Despite a fast-growing economy, millions of Filipinos rely on jeepneys as their main mode of transportation over the city’s rail system, commuter buses, and tricycles.

Lantao stressed that the costs to run and maintain the new models will be administered in the form of increased transportation fares.

“Sana maisip nila na ‘yung mga pasahero namin sapat lang din ang kanilang pamasahe para pumasok sa school o sa trabaho. Kung itataas namin ‘yung pamasahe maaapektuhan din ang kanilang pambayad sa mga dapat kakailanganin,” Lantao added.

The same was said by Baldomir as his passenger route and volume consists mostly of students coming to and from school with only sufficient money in their pockets.

And so the resistance of drivers and operators to phase out jeepneys remain steadfast in their purpose to fight back by participating in transport strikes and protests.

“Hindi lamang dapat modernization ang mayroon sa proyekto nila. Dapat magkaroon ng pagtutulungan tungo sa pagpapabuti ng kung ano ang mayroon tayo at maging sa kabuhayan ng mga kapwa jeepney driver,” Lantao said.

For Lantao and Baldomir’s fellow jeepney drivers, they have no intention of letting the government make the biggest change in their lives to pursue a dream that was entertaining the scenario of having only comfort and profits for themselves.

On the road towards sustainable development, a progressive outlook is required to form a framework that achieves social justice and exercises democratic stewardship, all the while serving the public in its utmost sincerity.

Pag-alab ng Diwa :

MariSci GSP sa pag-igting ng kababaihang kamalayan

Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng sangkatauhan ang pagmamaltrato na nagaganap sa kababaihan. Ngunit sa kabila ng mga katagang “babae ka lang” sinisigaw ang mga kilusang nagbago sa lipunan, at mga kaisipang nakatulong sa pag-unlad ng kamalayan.

Kasama na rito ang organisasyong umusad–sa pamamahala ng kababaihan.

BABAE AKO, HINDI BABAE LANG

Sa pangunguna ng Girl Scout of the Philippines, ginunita ang Pandaigdigang Buwan ng Kababaihan sa pamamagitan ng isang programang tinatawag na HerSpasyo. Ito ay sinundan ng mga GSP sa paaralan ng MariSci.

Tinig ng isang babae iyong madidinig sa loob ng Paaralang Elementarya ng Kalumpang, marubdob na ibinahagi ang kanyang mga karanasan. Ayon kay Sophia Muñoz, maraming memorableng pangyayari na naganap sa HerSpasyo, ngunit ang pinaka tumatak sa kaniya ay ang bahagi ng programa kung saan sila ay nagbahagi ng mga babaeng nagsilbing ehemplo sa kanila.

“Everyone’s presentation gave me a realization na parang–wow, ang dami palang babae na nakagawa nito or ng ganiyan–not saying women can’t do those things, it’s just that mostly kasi nakikita ko puro men yung nakakagawa nun, and I was proud and impressed myself. All in all, I cherished each moment I spent during that event, it was truly an enjoyment for me.” dagdag pa niya.

Isa rin sa mga layunin ng programang ito ang ibahagi ang kalagayan at kahalagahan ng mga

Ibinahagi ni Erinn Calycay na ang kababaihan ay may kakayahang gawin ang mga bagay na kayang gawin ng lalaki, bagaman isang hamon at mahirap ang pagiging babae–hindi ito nangangahulugang mahina ang kababaihan.

Nang dumako sa bahagi ng programa kung saan ang mga scouts ay naatasang gumawa ng adbokasiya, ang ilan ay taas-noo at dagasang nagbahagi ng kanilang nagawa, samantalang ang iba naman ay hindi nakapag bahagi sapagkat wala silang nabuo. Bago pa manghinayang ang loob ng mga scouts, agad na winika ng mga facilitators na ayos lamang na wala pa silang adbokasiyang nabubuo sapagkat ang tunay na nais nilang itaguyod ay hindi mahahanap agad-agad.

KAYA NG KALALAKIHAN? KAYA RIN NAMIN IYAN

Ibinahagi ni Gwyneth Baldevieso, ang Overall Chief ng MariSci GSP, na mahalaga ang selebrasyon para sa kababaihan dahil ito ay isang paraan upang ipagmalaki ang kanilang kahalagahan bilang parte ng lipunan at mahalaga ang pagpapatuloy na maipatupad ang pantay na karapatan at oportunidad para sa mga kababaihan.

Matatanaw pa rin na sa kabila ng mga naisulong na adbokasiyang pinaglalaban ang karapatan ng kababaihan at mga kontra sa ideolohiyang sila ay mahina–limitado lang ang kakayahan, ang patuloy na pagmamaliit sa kanila at ang pagpabor sa kalalakihan.

Saksi si Zena Conel kung paano madalas paburan ang

mga kalalakihan sa scouting, naniniwala siya na panahon na upang baguhin iyon.

“I agree that scouting is a male dominated activity because I have seen how they are oftentimes favored. However, I think it’s time to change that. It’s time that we show them that women can also achieve and do a lot in this field,” ani niya.

Dagdag pa ni Erinn Calaycay na kahit ang scouting ay isang larangan kung saan ang lalaki ang nangingibabaw, ang kababaihan ay nararapat pa rin hikayatin na sumali sapagkat ito ay makatutulong sa pagpapalakas ng kanilang kumpiyansa, nagbibigay daan upang makipag salamuha sa kapwa, at nagpapalakas ito ng kanilang kalusugang pisikal at mental.

PAGSUONG SA HAMONG HINAHARAP

Ang pagbalikwas laban sa paniniwalang ang kababaihan ay walang kakayahan upang makipagsabayan sa kalalakihan ay unti-unting nabibigyan ng pansin at pinapanigan. Ang GSP ay patuloy na gumagawa programang gumugunita sa kahalagahan at kakayahan ng kababaihan kung saan mayroon silang kalayaan na makipagkaibigan, magbahagi, at maging komportable na maging tunay na sarili. Sa GSP, nabibigyan ang mga kababaihan ng oportunidad na maging isang pinuno. Sa pamamagitan nito nahahasa ang kakayahan at kagustuhan ng mga kababaihan na makatulong at magbigay serbisyo sa komunidad.

“Makakatulong ito sa paghahanda sa kanila para sila ay makapaglingkod sa mga taong nangangailangan–pero syempre, sa paggawa nito ay dapat bukal ito sa iyong loob at mabuti ang mga intensyon mo,” sabi ni Sophia Muñoz.

Ang landas na pinipili nilang tahakin ay ang daang matagal nang nabuksan at nilalakaran ng matatapang na tauhan. Pagbabaklas sa kinalakihan na pagmamaltrato, marahil pagkakataon na ito sa makabagong pamamalakad ng mundo.

NINA ALEXA SAMBALE, VALERIE CLEMENTE, AT PRINCESS LUZARAN

Ang Pilipinas ay maituturing na isang katoliko at konserbatibong bansa. Karaniwang makikita rito ang mga taong hindi bukas sa ideya ng iba’t ibang sekswalidad dahil tanging heterosekswalidad ang tinatanggap nilang “normal”.

Sa kabila nito, ang mga kabataan ay patuloy na binabago ang normatibong naratibo at kasama na sa pagbabago na iyon ang mga mag-aaral mula sa Marikina Science High School.

HALAGA NG SEKSUWALIDAD

Maipagpapalagay na isang eseniyal na bahagi ng pagiging tao ang kaniyang sekswalidad. Ito ay may iba’t ibang dimensiyon katulad ng seksuwal na oryentasyon, mga pangangailangan, mga kagustuhan, mga relasyon, at iba pa.

Para kay Achilla Fausto, mag-aaral mula sa ikawalong baitang, ang sekswalidad ay ang kakayahan ng isang tao na ipakita o maipahayag ang kanilang sarili. Dagdag pa niya, ang sekswalidad sa kasalukuyang lipunan ay nakasaad sa partikular na kasarian o mga kasarian na maaaring makaramdam ka ng atraksyon.

Para naman kay Angelo Rañosa, mag-aaral mula sa ika-12 na baitang, ang sekswalidad ay ang kung sino man ang kaniyang mahal. Para sa kaniya, ito ang pagkilala sa kung sino ang kaniyang iniibig sa kabila ng kasarian nito.

“Sexuality is whom I love— it isn’t a choice, instead, it is what defines how I see the person I love. Sexuality for me is knowing whom I like, whatever their gender is, and knowing how I should behave around them,” giit niya. Ang pagpapakahulugan sa sekswalidad ay maaaring mag-iba batay sa paniniwala ng isang tao sapagkat ito ay sumasaklaw sa katangian at nararamdaman ng tao. Gayunpaman, isang importanteng aspeto ng buhay natin ito at nararapat na bigyan ito ng halaga.

EPEKTO NG KAPALIGIRAN

Malaki ang epekto ng kapaligiran sa isang tao, lalo na’t kung siya ay puno ng negatibong komento tungkol sa sekswalidad, tiyak na marami ang matatakot na ipakita ang kaniyang tunay na sarili. Samantala, kapag malugod ang pagtanggap ng komunidad sa ideya ng sekswalidad, hindi nakakatakot para sa mga mamamayan na ipadama ang kaniyang pagkatao Kaya naman, mahalaga na mayroong

policy, mga uniporme, at iba pa.

Sa kabila ng mga ito, may mga magaaral naman ang nakararanas ng positibong karanasan sa loob ng paaralan. Isang halimbawa ay ang isang mag-aaral mula sa ika-11 na baitang na nakaranas ng pagtanggap mula sa isang guro rito sa paaralan.

Bahagharing Kinabukasan: Sekswalidad sa mata ng mga kabataan

NINA PARIS MABATO AT JASMINE DEL PILAR

“

Unti-unti, dumarami na ang bukas-palad na lumaban para sa kanilang karapatan, ngunit papunta pa lamang ang lipunan sa mas inklusibong kapiligiran para sa lahat.

komunidad ang mga paaralan na kayang tumanggap sa mga taong bahagi ng LGBTQIA+, at mayroong kakayahan ang bawat isa na buksan ang isipan, puso, at tanggapin nang buo ang sekswalidad ng isang tao.

Para sa isang mag-aaral na may anonimong pagkakilala mula sa ikapitong baitang, natatakot siya dati na ipakita ang kaniyang tunay na sarili marahil baka masyadong pang-”bakla” ang kaniyang galawan. Ngunit, dahil sa suporta na ipinakita ng kaniyang mga kapwa at kabaitang, nagkaroon siya ng lakas ng loob upang ipakilala sa mundo ang kaniyang tunay na pagkakatao.

“Ah yes, sa section ko actually maraming bakla. Actually, [nung] first day ko sa MariSci, ‘di ako masyadong open. Like, trinatry kong i-hide yung actions

ko na mala-bading,” saad niya.

Binahagi naman ni Fausto na halos lahat ng nakakasalamuha niya sa MariSci ay tanggap ang mga kasapi sa LGBTQIA+, ngunit hindi pa rin mapagkakaila na mayroon pa ring mga mag-aaral at guro na hindi pa rin lubusang sumasang-ayon dito. Dagdag pa niya, minsan ay makikita natin ang hindi nila pagsang-ayon na ito sa loob at labas ng klasrum sa pamamagitan ng salita o gawa.

Para naman sa ibang mga mag-aaral mula sa ika-11 at ika-12 na baitang, bukas naman ang mga kasapi ng paaralan sa paksa ng sekswalidad. Ngunit, hindi pa rin lubusang maiiwasan ang mga tao na iba ang pananaw sa usapang ito. Ang MariSci, para sa kanila, ay nakapanig sa konserbatibo na pananaw dahil sa mga alituntunin katulad ng haircut

“Tandang-tanda ko pa ang sinabi sa akin ni Ma’am Nas noong farewell party noong Grade 7, ‘Mahal kita! Kahit ano ka pa,’ na nagparamdam sa’kin ng pagtanggap

Sa paglipas ng mga taon, patuloy na pinahahalagahan at sinusuportahan ng aking mga guro ang aking tunay na pagpapahayag sa sarili, na nagpasaya sa akin at nagpatibay sa kung sino ako,” pahayag niya.

PAGHARAP SA MGA HAMON

Bahagi ng buhay ang mga hamon at pagsubok, lalo na sa ating lipunan na hindi pa lubusang tinatanggap ang mga miyembro ng LGBTQIA+. Isa sa mga rason nito ay ang nakahalong ideolohiya ng relihiyon sa ating kultura. Madalas na ginagamit sa maling paraan ang mga turo ng bibliya para lamang ipilit ito sa mga miyembro ng LGTBQIA+, kaya naman laganap ang diskriminasyon sa mga parte ng minoridad.

Isa sa pinaka unang problema na pinagdadaanan ng mga LGBTQIA+ ay ang pag-iisip at pagtatanong kung ano ba talaga ang kanilang sekswalidad.

“May oras na napaisip talaga ako na straight ako. Wala, bisexual ako. Hindi, bakla ako! Hindi, pansexual ako. Straight ako? Paikot-ikot lang siya tas napagtanto ko na naakit ako sa lahat ng kasarian, kaya pansexual ako,” wika ni John Borja, isang mag-aaral.

Ayon din sa isa pang estudyante mula sa ika-siyam na baitang, marami siyang paghihirap na hinarap, lalo na’t kung paano niya kikilanin ang sarili. Ang mga bagay tulad ng body dysmorphia, pagkalito, at kahit na pagtanggi ay ang kaniyang mga problema bilang isang queer teen.

Gayunpaman, ang mas malaking problema ay, siyempre, ang pagiging konserbatibo dahil sa relihiyon. Bukas siya sa paaralan, ngunit may mga pagkakataon din na kailangan niyang maging patago tungkol dito. Isang hamon na karaniwang hinaharap ng LGBTQIA+ ay ang diskriminasyong dala ng relihiyon, bilang ang Pilipinas ay isang relihiyosong bansa, hindi maiiwasan ang mga tao na pinipilit ang kanilang paniniwala sa ibang tao.

“Nagkaroon din ng mga pagkakataon kung saan tinatanong ko sarili ko kung sino ba talaga ako. Growing up from a religious household, I held myself back from expressing and accepting myself from what I really feel towards the same gender, and honestly, kahit ngayon ganoon pa rin ako kaunti. Ang relihiyon ay isa sa mga rason kung bakit naguguilty ako whenever I convey attraction towards girls,” saad ni Warwick Palo, isang estudyante mula sa ika-walong baitang.

Saad naman ng karamihan na lubhang nakaapekto ang kanilang sekswalidad sa kanilang relasyon sa relihiyon. Matagal nilang pinagiisipan ang kanilang sekswalidad dahil lumaki sila sa turo na mali ang magmahal ng kaparehong kasarian.

Sa kaibahan ng mga ibinigay na hadlang, may mga iilan na wala namang kahirapang hinarap sa kanilang landas sa sekswalidad.

“I’ve always known who I love, and what I am. I’ve always liked both men and women, and never have I struggled with the concept of having to pick a specific gender for the person I love,“ saad ni Angelo Rañosa.

PAG-USAD PATUNGO SA BAHAGHARI NG BUKAS

Sa dinami-rami ng problemang kinahaharap ng komunidad ng LGBTQIA+, may sumisibol na pag-asa sa pag-unlad at sa pagiging ng bukas ng lipunan ukol dito. Unti-unti, dumarami na ang bukas-palad na lumaban para sa kanilang karapatan, ngunit papunta pa lamang ang lipunan sa mas inklusibong kapiligiran para sa lahat.

“Habang hindi pa nagkakaroon ng linya sa pagitan ng relihiyon at ng karapatang pantao, paunti-unti muna ang mga hakbang na ito patungo sa tuluyang pagtanggap, kahit matagal ko na ring hinihiling na sana bumilis ang proseso,” giit ni Achilla Fausto.

Naniniwala ang mga mag-aaral ng MariSci na sa kabila ng maraming salik na nakaaapekto sa pag-usad ng bansa sa usaping sekswalidad, marami pa rin ang kumakapit sa liwanag na dala ng kabataan. Marami na ang tumitinding at ginagamit ang kanilang salita, bokal man o sulat, para iparinig sa mundo ang pangangailangan ng kaunlaran.

Kaunlaran upang mas matanggap at maisabuhay ng bawat isa ang kanilang tunay na sekswalidad nang walang takot at buo ang puso. Matagal man ang proseso, ngunit makakamit din natin ang bahagharing bukas.

JACK

MON MIGUEL LAGUSTAN | 12-BENEVOLENCE

I was on top of her, feeling her warm breath as it goes across my face. We were alone together inside her room. All of our presence was covered by pitch-black darkness, no light, no sound, only the heat radiating from our bodies hinted at the presence of each other. I was silent and nervous, itching about how I could get my next fill. Slowly, ever so gently, I put it in. Twisting and turning it, making sure it’d hit every crevice. She couldn’t resist to cry aloud, so I swiftly place my hand on her mouth, taking the lead, shushing her so as to not upset the neighbors. The insertion proved to be successful, as blood dripped from her slit and to the cozy white sheets. She was twisting and turning at my advances. She proved to be inexperienced so I hugged her close to my body, not letting her move an inch as to calm her. After she calmed down, I let go, letting her rest quietly. I added a tally, “That’s one down”.

Another day, another her. This one’s different, with rosy lips, sparkling eyes, and a whole lot of innocence. Just as the former I insert, and like all of them on their first time, she’s surprised. I shush her off, putting my hands on her mouth, muffling her intense reaction. I could feel her saliva on my hand. And then I insert it a little deeper, and a little more, and a little more, ‘til a tear came down from her eye. Just as everyone on their first time, blood dripped on the sheets, again. Finally, I’ve been sated, yet again. I took the knife from her body, left the room, and added one to my list. “I’m so sorry innocent one, I can’t control my thirst, I need blood, I need suffering, without them I am unappeased. But don’t worry, you won’t be lonely, I promise to bring you friends, one day at a time”.

Indulgence

MIKAELLA ANISHA LOPEZ | 12-BENEVOLENCE

“Trust in me, I will never lead you astray”

What a load of cow dung, I thought as I trudged through the bustling city streets.

Merchants and hawkers alike hollering to potential buyers—looking to fill their pockets with money from poor unsuspecting souls who can’t tell copper from gold.

Loud. Much too loud.

People moving to the side and bowing, as though wearing a robe and a crucifix deserves such respect.

Annoying.

Ducking down into the crowd, I’m immediately bombarded with sounds and smells that are far too much for my current state of mind.

Stop. stop. stOP—

And it did. Miraculously, it did. Opening my eyes—when did I close them? —I look around and realise I was pushed into a deserted alleyway. Paint on the walls peeling and looked to have not been maintained in years. Dirty.

Not knowing where I am, I lean into a wall in exhaustion. Mind going to robes of silk and gold, the cloying scent of wine and incense. Of perfectly painted smiles and strips of golden paper. Dirty.

Promises of forgiveness in exchange for gold. Lies.

I think of a man with kind eyes and calloused hands, so unlike the balding heads and the too sweet words of The Father. There’s something not right about them, their words tinged with lies. Fake.

I was broken out of my stupor by a melodious voice. “You! You, young man, shrouded in confusion and doubt. Won’t you have your fortune read?”

Ah. A fortune teller. I give her my apologies and turn to dismiss her, but it seems as though she was not deterred.

“Oh, but I insist! Just for you, I offer this deal—a reading! On the house.”

I was confused by her offer, as I’ve never met this woman before. Why is she so insistent? I was about to refuse once more when she pulled me into a curtain covered doorway. Shrouded in darkness, I blink my eyes to adjust.

Click.

A light flickers on, a table underneath. Cards stacked to its side, painted a velvety hue, swirling patterns mesmerising.

“A clergyman, are you not?” A voice states rather than asks from behind me. I hesitantly reply an affirmative, the woman seems to have noticed the slow reply.

“You seem rather unsure, trouble in your marble towers?”

Mind going to knees on stairs— rushed but fervent whispers echoing

through the cathedral—Of women being pulled into private chambers.

I shake those thoughts out of my mind, how sinful, I scold myself, for having such thoughts. Surely that isn’t the case. Surely they aren’t desecrating the kind man’s sacrifice with greed.

No. If only I can say in reply.

“Far be it from me to intrude upon the holy ones’ affairs”, she hums as she shuffles through the cards.

“Choose.”

With unsure fingers, I do just that, I pull out a card. Too afraid to see what’s on its face—I place it down on the table.

She takes it and looks into my eyes— with a deft finger, flips it around to face me. I stare blankly at it, not familiar with the symbols beautifully crafted on the card.

“An inquisitive mind, much too aware for your own good, at the very least according to your standards.”

Silence for a moment. I do not know what to say in reply, I look down to stare at the grooves on the table. A card face meets me.

A woman. Black and white. A cross I see on the daily.

“Trust your instincts. The mind knows far more than you think.”

“Trust in it, and you will never be led astray.”

Opinyon

‘G na’: E-sports bilang makabagong larangan ng palakasan

NI ANGEL CABUNGCAL

Kasabay ng pagtatapos ng South East Asian (SEA) Games, ang muling pag-ugong ng diskurso kaugnay ng pagkilala sa electronic sports bilang bahagi ng mga palarong pampalakasan. Tinatayang siyam na medalya ang pinaglabanan ng iba’t ibang koponan mula sa mga bansang kalahok. Sa usaping e-sports, malaking tanong para sa karamihan ang kontribusyon ng ganitong mga laro pagdating sa pagpapaunlad ng pisikal na abilidad at kahusayan ng mga kabataan.

Repleksiyon ng pag-usad ang pagusbong ng mga nauusong laro tulad ng mga online at computer games. Sa kaparehong paraan, nagsisilbi itong mainam na libangan para sa mga kabataang naenganyong maglaro nito. Kaakibat ng pagtanggap sa mabuting epekto ng isports para sa mga kabataan, ay ang pagkilala sa iilang aspeto nitong labas sa konrtibusyong pisikal tulad ng nakasanayan.

Matagal ngunit unti-unting naging bukas ang komunidad ng mga atleta sa konsepto ng e-sports at computer games. Sa kasalukuyan, ikinakasa na ito bilang bahagi ng mga internasyunal na palaro tulad ng SEA at ASIAN Games. Hindi lamang basta libangan ngunit para sa mga miyembro ng e-sports community, tagisan ng talino at kritikal na pag-iisip ang bawat laban. Pagdating sa mga larong itinuturing na e-sports, mabusisi tulad ng pisikal na palakasan ang pagpili ng bawat papel na gagampanan ng bawat miyembro. Tulad ng mga larong basketball at volleyball, mahalagang balanse ang pag-usisa at pagtatalaga sa bawat miyembro ng pangkat.

Sa kaparehong paraan, hindi rin bastabasta ang pagpili sa mga karakter ng ginagamit sa laro dahil nilikha ang bawat isa nito upang magkaroon ng kalakasan at kahinaan. Katulad sa ibang larong pampalakasan, marunong dapat ang manlalaro na umisip ng mainam na istratehiya upang maiwasan ang pagkatalo.

Bukod pa rito, ang e-sports ay daluyan ng oportunidad para sa maraming kabataan na walang interes o kakayahang lumahok sa mga pisikal na isports. Sa pamamagitan lamang ng smartphone at internet o load, makakalahok na sa mga kompetisyon ang mga bata, na hindi nila maaring magawa sa ibang uri ng palakasan.

Maari din itong pagkakitaan. Sa paglawak ng internet, nauuso ang mga online tournament na nagbibigay ng papremiyo sa mga gamers at online players. Malaki ang kontribusyon lalo na pagdating sa mga nangangailangan ng dagdag kita pantustos sa kanilang pangangailangan.

Sa tradisyunal na pananaw, pinsala ang dulot ng e-sports pagdating sa mga kabataan. Dahil sa stigmang dulot nito, marami ang umaalmang nilalason ng computer at online games ang mentalidad ng mga kabataan na kadalasang nagbubunga ng kawalan ng pokus sa pag-aaral. Ayon din sa iilan, walang kontribusyon ang e-sports pagdating sa pagpapaunlad ng pisikal na kakayahan ng mga kabataang atleta.

Sa kabilang banda, patuloy na kinikilala ang ilang mga isports na hindi naman nangangailangan ng pisikal na lakas at abilidad. Nariyan ang mga larong tulad ng chess at checkers na tulad ng e-sports ay pawang nakapokus sa paghasa ng estratehiya at talino ng mga kabataan pagdating sa pag-unawa ng mga konsepto.

Sa modernong panahon, mahalagang isaalang-alang natin na kaakibat ng pag-unlad ng teknolohiya ang pagusad ng mga tradisyunal na gawi. Manipestasyon lamang ang e-sports ng kaibahan sa pananaw ng modernong henerasyon pagdating sa husay at paglilibang. Gaya ng mga tradisyunal at pisikal na isports, ang mga nauusong online at computer games ay may kaparehong konsepto ngunit pawang nakaangkla panibagong midyum.

Access the publication’s coverage articles for the recent Palarong Pambansa 2023:

Paghahanda para sa Palarong Pambansa: Opening Simulation Exercise inilunsad sa Marikina High School

United as One: Marikina City holds Palarong Pambansa simulation

Three Marikina schools hail Palaro athletes from Western Visayas

Kuhang larawan ni: Alexa Sambale

Photo by: Jacques Borral

Photo by: Alexa Sambale

BEHIND THE FIELDS:

Marikina whistles ready for Palarong Pambansa 2023

BY IRA MANTES AND JACQUES BORRAL

Amidst the symphony of anticipation, as the enchanting melodies of the whistle linger in the air and the vibrant cheers of devoted fans echo through the fields, a mesmerizing preparation unfolds for the Palarong Pambansa 2023 that commenced last July 29 to August 5 in Marikina City.

While the spotlight often graces the players, coaches, and officials, it is the unsung heroes who weave the magic behind the scenes, orchestrating a grand spectacle that transcends mere sporting events.

ADJUSTING TO THE NEW NORMAL

After three long years under the pandemic, everything is on its way back to normal. In an exclusive interview with The Shoeland X Ang Sapatusan last July 22 at the Palarong Pambansa parade simulation, Marikina City Mayor Honorable Marcelino ‘Marcy’ Teodoro, shared that the city needed to prepare a lot of things for the said comeback.

“Hindi pa nararanasan ng bansa na magkaroon ng palarong pambansa in a post-pandemic period. Kaya may mga safety and health protocols parin tayong kailangan i-implement. Ngayon lang ulit magkakaroon ng malaking national event, maliban sa SONA [State of the Nation Address] ng presidente,” Hon. Teodoro said.

Despite the thrill brought by this rare opportunity, there are still a lot of problems that need to be addressed along the way. In the same interview, District I Congresswoman Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro, mentioned the basic challenges that the city faced.

“Basic challenge is ‘yung pondo, dahil talagang ito, majority ng pondo nitong ating palaro ay ang ating city ang nag-subsidize. City ang gumastos, pero ‘yung laki kasi nung ating gathering, ‘yung dami ng mga athletes na darating, that’s one big challenge already,” Cong. Teodoro stated.

Furthermore, Cong. Teodoro emphasized the necessity for athlete housing, coach accommodations, and VIP lodgings, which are expected to host government officials and city mayors, to be impeccably functional.

“Kailangan meron din silang maganda o kahit papano maayos na tahanan for the rest of the palarong pambansa,” Cong. Teodoro added.

FROM CLASSROOM TO NATION

Opening Program Committee

Head of Palarong Pambansa 2023, Jovita Mani, explained how Palarong Pambansa is inclined to the daily activities of the students as part of the preparation.

“Lahat ng paghahanda ay nagumpisa (sa kumbaga) sa loob ng classroom ‘no. Kasi ang lahat naman ng ito ay culminating activity ng MAPEH. So, from sa kwarto, nainform namin ang mga teachers na gawin ito– ang mga palarong ito diba. Kung baga, naka-embedded siya sa ating curriculum,” Mani explained.

Mani also shared her thoughts regarding the simulation that the city is conducting, saying that our city is lucky to have a hands-on mayor.

“Ako personally, ‘yung nakita ko na okay na, hindi pa okay sa kaniya, pero nung pinaayos niya, ang ganda. So, ‘yon ‘yung sinasabi ko na iba ‘yung mata, iba’t ibang mga mata ang nakakakita.” Mani said.

The said feedbacking system that Marikina City has, is a reflection of collaborative efforts from students, teachers, officials, the local government unit, and even the audience of the simulation.

THROUGH SPORTS, FOR SPORTS

Last July 21, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary and Vice President, Sara Duterte, and Marcy signed a memorandum of agreement to formalize the partnership of the city government and DepEd for the said event.

“Pumirma kami ng kasunduan para sa tasking. Kung anong role ang gagawin ng national, ng Department of Education, and ng national government unit ng Marikina,” Hon. Teodoro shared.

Hon. Teodoro also added that on the same day, they launched an indemnification fund for athletes who will become ill due to acclimatization, or those who have sports injuries, are free hospitalizations and medical services.

With the Palarong Pambansa theme “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag,” Hon. Teodoro highlighted the importance of unity for these types of events for the youth.

“Nais natin ng matatag na bansa. Hindi competition ang tingin natin dito. Kung hindi, it’s an opportunity to play together. Maaring ibaiba ang rehiyon, iba-iba ang kultura, iba-iba ang pinanggalingan, pero iisang bansa tayo,” Hon. Teodoro said.

PRINITONG ISDA. Different participants from all over Marikina City shows their persistent urge to continue the simulation despite being exposed to the scorching heat blazing towards them last July 22, at the Palarong Pambansa parade simulation. |Photo by: Slevin De Dios

POWER RAIN-GERS.

On July 31, the MMDA Drum and Bugle Corps endures the harsh weather condition as they power through their electrifying and nostalgic performance during the Palarong Pambansa Opening Ceremony held at Marikina Sports Complex.|Photo by: Noel Rufon

ABOT-KAMAY NA PAMAMAHAYAG

NI ANGEL JANE CABUNGCAL

Tatlong taon matapos ang pagkaantala nito dulot ng pandemiya, muling ikinasa ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ang pagbubukas ng mga Schools Press

Conferences sa bawat rehiyon at dibisyong sumasailalim dito. Nitong ika-13 ng Mayo, pormal na binuksan sa Lungsod ng Marikina ang ika-22 Division Schools Press

Conferences para sa mga magaaral ng sekondarya at elementarya.

Sakdal ng demokrasya’t hustisya ang pamamahayag. Isinasaad ng Artikulo III mula sa Saligang Batas 1987 na walang batas ang dapat humadlang sa karapatan ng mamamayan tungo sa malayang pamamahayag. Sa kabila nito nananatiling balakid para sa napakaraming pampublikong paaralan sa Marikina ang kakulangan sa sapat na materyales upang matugunan ang pagsasaayos ng mga pampaaralang publikasyon. Hindi man sinisiil ng batas ngunit sinasakal ng kasalukuyang badyet ang pamamamahayag na kung tutuusin ay dapat abot-kamay ng masa. Sa halip na katotohanan ay pera ang nagpapaikot at kumokontrol sa daloy ng impormasyong hatid nito.

“Kinikilala ngunit walang badyet,” ganiyan ilarawan ni G. Galcoso Aburo, Superbisor sa Filipino at Pamamahayag ng Pampaaralang Dibisyon ng Lungsod ng Marikina ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng pamamahayag. Bagaman kinikilala ng pamahalaan ang kontribusyon nito sa paghubog ng kaisipan ng mga mag-aaral sa ilalim ng National Campus Press Freedom Day, walang tiyak na pondo ang nakalaan para sa mga patimpalak tulad ng DSPC.

Sa katunayan, ang Php 131, 000.00 na pondong nakalaan para sa kasalukuyang kumperensiya ay hinugot mula sa Special Education Fund ng Lungsod ng Marikina. Kung hindi pa sasagutin ng lokal na pamahalaan ay obligadong magbayad ang bawat kalahok ng Php 150.00 para lamang makasali sa patimpalak. Dagdag pa ni G. Alburo, sa tatlo lamang mula sa orihinal na apat na pangkatang kategorya sa DSPC ang may kumpletong listahan ng mga kalahok. Malaking dagok para sa pampublikong paaralan ang materyales na kakailanganin sapagkat kung hindi sira, ay kulang ang bilang ng mga ito para sa lahat ng mga kategorya.

Ayon sa School Paper Adviser (SPA) ng Marikina Elementary School na si Bb. Neriza Timola, isa sa mga suliranin ng kanilang paaralan ang bilang ng mga digital camera na kinakailangan para sa mga kategoryang photojournalism, collaborative desktop at online publishing. Sa halip na maging bukas para sa lahat, nagiging pribilehiyo para sa mga mag-aaral at paaralang may kakayahang bumili ng kagamitan ang pamamahayag. Kabalintunaan ang temang kumikilala sa gampanin nito sa lipunan kung ang patimpalak mismo na gumugunita rito ay nakatali sa hirarkiyang winawasak nito.

Kung hindi naghahanap ng isponsor ay nag-aabono ang mga kaguruan matugunan lamang ang pangangailangan ng kani-kanilang mga publikasyon. Dagdag pa ni Bb. Timola, kadalasang silang mga guro ang gumagawa ng paraan upang matiyak lamang na maibibigay sa mga mag-aaral ang suportang kanilang kinakailangan bilang mamamahayag pangkampus. Hindi na nga sapat ang sweldo para sa mga kaguruan, napipilitan pang humugot mula sa kanilang bulsa, maitaguyod lamang ang piniling larangan. Kung kinikilala ng pamahalaan ang pangangailangan ng lipunan para sa abot-kamay na katotohanan, bakit masa ang pumapasan sa bigat ng halaga nito?

Sa kabilang banda, isa sa mga liban ng No Collection Policy ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ang pangongolekta ng pondo para sa mga publikasyong pangkampus. Ayon din sa ahensiya, ang bawat pahayagan ay maaring mangolekta ng kabayarang Php. 90.00 para sa sekondariya at Php. 60.00 naman para sa paglilimbag ng bawat isyu nito. Samakatuwid, ang primariyang pagkukunan ng pondo ay ang diyaryong inilalathala nito.

Ngunit, hindi biro ang paglilimbag ng pahayagan. Bukod sa dami ng kontribusyon, malaking oras ang kinakain nito pagdating sa pagsasaayos ng layout at editing. Nangangailangan din ito ng ibayong paggabay ng mga SPA na kalaunan ay dumadagdag din sa kanilang trabaho.

Natural sa mga Pinoy ang pagiging malikhain ngunit hindi dapat

iasa sa kanila ang pangunahing serbisyong dapat nilang matamasa sapagkat tungkulin ito ng pamahalaang nangangasiwa sa buwis na ibinabayad nito. Huwad ang pagkilalang sumasagkang sa prinsipyong pinaniniwalaan ng kasulatang nagtataguyod dito. Lalo’t higit, huwad and demokrasyang umiiral sa bansang eksklusibo lamang ang karapatan para sa gitnang uri’t mayayaman.

Hindi sapat ang bawat parangal kung hindi diringgin ang panawagang matagal nang ibinoboses ng bawat mamamahayag. “

Sa panahong sakdal ng pribilehiyo ang pamamahayag, higit na dapat paigitingin ang adbokasiya para sa abot-kamay na impormasyon at edukayon para sa lahat. Hindi sapat ang pagkilala kung hindi itinataguyod ang agwat sa pagitan ng pribilehiyo at pagkatuto. Hindi sapat ang bawat parangal kung hindi diringgin ang panawagang matagal nang ibinoboses ng bawat mamamahayag. Hindi sapat na dakilain lamang ang propesyon ng pamamahayag habang patuloy na hinahayaang supilin ng kahirapan ang liwanag na ibinibigay nito. Sa halip, ay gawing maka-tao ang kondisyong hatid nito para sa pagdaloy ng katotohanan at demokrasya. Dibuho nina Althea Natividad at Chevin Gealone