The Shoeland Vol. 7 Issue 1 SY 2023-2024

Shoeland the

MJHS was renamed Marikina High School

MHS was renamed Leodegario Victorino Memorial High School

LVMHS was re-established as Marikina School for Arts and Trade through RA No. 1586

A four-year course was opened for the tertiary level, establishing the school’s reputation as a college institution

The name MSAT was changed to Marikina Institute of Science and Technology The administration of MIST was transferred to TESDA

Every school year, hundreds of Grade 6 learners all over Marikina City and its neighboring cities apply for a spot in Marikina Science High School, otherwise known

DOST provides mini-lab kits to Marikina schools; inks MOA with LGU

By ALEXA SAMBALE

DISPUTE

MariSci junior high studes ousted from main campus; share building with Kalumpang ES

Marikina City officials Mayor Marcy Teodoro and Congresswoman Maan Teodoro signed a memorandum of agreement with the director of DOST NCR Regional Office, Engr. Romelen Tresvalles, which includes distribution of the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER) during the opening ceremony of “PUSH4SCIENCE,” held on November 28, 2023, at the Marikina Convention Center.

Marikina Science High School (Marisci), alongside Sta. Elena High School, Parang High School, Pamantasang Lungsod ng Marikina, and Marikina High School were the schools that received the VISSER kits.

Marikina Science High School (MariSci), one of the city’s top secondary institutions and once known for its merits for local STEM education, now sits on the back burner of a borrowed school building awaiting the final verdict for its land ownership.

Following the jumpstart of the school year 2022-2023, the MariSci faculty, staff, and students vacated its official building and instead shared a campus with Kalumpang Elementary School (KES) and Kalumpang National High School (KNHS) as total renovations were set to take place last August 2022.

However, the two-year construction of the building was put to a halt due to a land dispute with Marikina Polytechnic College which owns the fraction of land where the MariSci stood.

The MIST was converted into the Marikina Polytechnic College under the RA No. 9289 to reopen its baccalaureate programs.

The plans to renovate MariSci began with the goal of accommodating its SHS department into the school’s main building The management of MIST was transferred to CHEd

The construction of the six-storey

A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY

Marikina Science High School officially started on July 18, 1947, in the identity of “Marikina Junior High School”— established by virtue of the Municipal Council Resolution No. 59, s. 1947.

The school was established to give a jump start to education in the city of Marikina after World War II. It underwent the leadership of Mayor Gil Fernando, with Tomas L. Santos as the institution’s first Principal.

The school began with only five teachers and 123 first and second-year learners.

After two years of taking the name Marikina Junior High School, it was then renamed Marikina High School as it adapted a full four-year secondary general course on July 18, 1949.

Four years later, on July 18, 1952, the school went through another name change, becoming named as Leodegario Victorino Memorial High school, in honor of the first Marikenian to become Division Superintendent of Schools in the province of Rizal, Leodegario Victorino.

The school kept its original name until July 1, 1957, when it underwent conversion into a National School of Arts and Trades as a result of Republic Act No. 1586, authored by Representative Serafin Salvador.

Together with secondary programs to the Department of Education, it was thereafter renamed the Marikina School of Arts and Trades, or MSAT administrative schools.

On May 8, 1978, MSAT was transformed into Marikina Institute of Science and Technology also known as MIST, by virtue of Malacañang approval, and High School was one of its departments

In 1996, MIST’s supervision was transferred to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which then led to it being a CHED-Supervised Institute (CSI), until its supervision was once again shifted to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) back in 2000.

A year later, in 2001, the Joint Memorandum Circular No.1, s. 2001 was signed by the Department of Education, this was to “ensure an efficient administration of secondary education”, which commenced the phase-out and transfer of TESDA administrative schools, along with secondary programs to the Department of Education.

The school has been implementing the Science curriculum in its Math and Science sections of their High School Department since 1978.

The Resolution No. 118, s. was passed by the Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Marikina. 2001, approving the Marikina Institute of Science and Technology High School Department's conversion into Marikina Science High School.

The said kits developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines were designed to make modern laboratory equipment accessible to all high schools in the country. It was developed to be used by high school students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track.

“[It] makes me want to bring it home kasi naman, imagine having just a small cute equipment that can do multiple things na inside the laboratory,” said Hillary Agustin, a Grade 12 learner.

By ANGEL JANE CABUNGCAL, SKY AQUINO, & CAHRI SATURAY, with reports from Mavecil Cruz, Curt Borjal, EJ Papio

Research by Angel Cabungcal

Photo by | Alexa Sambale

By HEINZ YU & YANCA FACTORANAN

Last August, DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte launched the pilot implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum on 35 schools across the Philippines.

It was based on the recent evaluation of DepEd about the Enhanced Basic Education Act, which states that the current curriculum was ‘congested’ with many competencies that are too many for students to fully grasp.

With that, the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum was in lieu with the institution’s goal of ‘decongesting’ the current curriculum by 70%, leaving room for the focusing on literacy and numeracy subjects.

According to the Chief Education Supervisor of DepEd Marikina’s Curriculum Implementation Division, Joseph Santos, DepEd devised a framework which splitted the grade level competencies into four key stages.

The current MATATAG Curriculum primarily revolves around refining the first key stage.

“The key stage 1, from kinder to G3, malaki ang nabawas, from 7 subjects to 5 subjects focusing on literacy and numeracy, ESP will be changed to GMRC, then nandoon pa rin ang MTB, reading, and writing, then there will be a makabayan subject MAPEH, and AP,” Santos stated.

In line with this statement, the educator emphasized that MTB-MLE, commonly known as the Mother Tongue subject, will not be abolished.

“MTB will not be abolished for key stage 1, it will be used to support the learning of other subjects. Here in NCR, no problem naman since we have the Filipino, but if sa different region, since 100 plus ang languages, gagamitin pa rin MTB,” Santos asserted.

Though MTB-MLE will not be terminated, its usage of it will decrease as the learner enters higher key stages.

“If the learner enters key stage 2: G4 to G6, key stage 3; G7 to G10, key stage 4; G11 to G12, wala nang MTB, support language na lang iyon,” Santos added.

In addition, Santos remarked that the new curriculum will help increase learners' literacy rate, not only exclusively to Marikina but rather to the entire nation as a whole.

“Very positive ako that this new curriculum will help solve the current issues of literacy. Before I assume my position, I talked with Filipino and English supervisors regarding a new reading and writing subject, we were in the first stages of planning when [MATATAG was] implemented, sabi ko tama lang, we’ll abandon that plan and we’ll wait for [MATATAG],” Santos said.

As the nationwide implementation of the said curriculum slowly approaches its D-Day, local institutions such as DepEd Marikina are getting ready for its smooth transition.

“The DepEd Central is currently preparing resource materials, specifically curriculum guides for the learners and teachers, for next year’s

implementation,” Santos remarked.

In line with this, Santos also stated that there are workshops and seminars that teachers attend in preparation for the nationwide implementation.

Moreover, there are also various anticipated programs in lieu with the objectives of MATATAG Curriculum.

Next year, elementary and Grade 7 students will be the primary targets of the MATATAG curriculum.

According to Santos, by SY 2027-2028, the curriculum is expected to be implemented for Grade 10 learners.

The addition of senior high school learners in the scope of MATATAG is currently being evaluated and is assumed to be finalized before the end of Marcos’ administration.

MTB will not be abolished for key stage 1, it will be used to support the learning of other subjects. Here in NCR, no problem naman since we have the Filipino, but if sa different region, since 100 plus ang languages, gagamitin pa rin MTB."

-Joseph Santos Chief Education Supervisor of DepEd Marikina’s Curriculum Implementation Division

By ANDREA BERBER

Marching from Kalumpang Elementary School to Marikina Elementary School (MES), the Marikina Science High School (MariSci) scouts proudly joined the city-wide Sunrise Parade on October 1, marking the kickoff of the much-anticipated Scouting Month Opening Celebration.

The ceremony brought together scouts of various ranks from different institutions across Marikina City, uniting them to participate in the opening of Scouting Month and to rededicate their oaths, promises, and laws within their respective organizations.

As leaders in the ceremony,

MariSci Girl Scouts Overall Chief, Abren Vicente, and MariSci Boy Scouts Senior Crew Leader, Sheridon Reyes, guided the participating scouts throughout the whole event.

Vicente and Reyes shared that various activities were conducted to foster camaraderie and build a sense of community among the scouts.

“We have prepared our own yell and practiced it while waiting for the program to start.

During the program, we have done activities where two scout representatives from each school will experience [being] in a competition,” said Reyes.

Meanwhile, Vicente expressed her sentiments after taking part in the

commemorative event.

“It was such a euphoric experience because not only did I get to participate in another Sunrise Parade, but I also got to spend it with new faces in the organization. I beam with joy that they get to experience the same feeling I had during my first time,” she said.

Vicente also emphasized that the opening ceremony not only helped the scouts reignite their passion for scouting and enhance their knowledge in the field, but it also facilitated a deeper appreciation for their brotherhood and sisterhood, cultivating a unified spirit and a profound love for the scouting movement within the Marikina Scouts.

GIRL POWER. Some girl scouts of Marikina Science High School participate in the city-wide Sunrise Parade on October 1, 2024. This event marked the start of the Scouting Month Celebration.(Photo by Ryan Garcia)

LISTEN. Florence Gonzales, Grade 1 teacher from Barangka Elementary School, guides her students in reading basic community signs during their Filipino subject. Gonzales believes that under the DepEd Matatag curriculum, redundancy of teaching Filipino concepts under the Mother Tongue subject would be an ease on her part as a teacher. (Photo by Joshua Caleb)

REFORM

AI aids teaching, learning process — EdTech expert

By MARIELLE ORBONG & SLEVIN DE DIOS

With artificial intelligence (AI) paving its way towards the education system in the 21st century, its integration in classrooms has contributed to decreasing the workloads of teachers and students and helping in the dynamics of their academic pursuits through its advantages.

According to Prof. Galvin Radley Ngo, an instructor at Ateneo de Manila University specializing in educational technology, generative AI (GenAI) can “support teaching and learning” with its ability to personalize learning.

“For example, if there is a concept that they [students] find difficult, GenAI chatbots can explain it in so many different ways…I think the chat interface mimics well the activity of asking someone for help so if you are used to chatting, there is really no learning curve,” he explained.

Go stated that GenAI has been useful to him in generating case studies, paraphrasing explanations,

MariSci junior high studes ousted from main campus; share building with Kalumpang ES

In 2004 a law that changed the Marikina Institute of Science and Technology College Department into a State College was sponsored by Congressman Del R. De Guzman.

This bill was approved, in support of a counterpart in the Senate by Hon. Edgardo J. Angara, and became an official law as Republic Act No, 9298 on April 14, 2004, introducing the Marikina Polytechnic College.

“The history will tell noh kung ano ang Marikina Science High School. It is not just created by a law. Historically, it also started from MIST,” said MariSci’s OIC Principal and CID Chief, Joseph Santos.

Santos also emphasized that the MOA were among the fundamental reasons why the school community is still upholding its claim to the land.

“If the LGU will provide a lot for the high school [MariSci], doon pa lang pa lang pwedeng i-turnover ni Marikina Science yunglupa sa MIST. So enforced iyon. So iyon yung ginagamit natin na basis why we are still upholding or why we are still holding the facilities,” he added.

BLENDED CLASSROOMS, BLENDED LEARNING

After defecting from their main campus, MariSci was taken in by KES and KNHS, allowing them to use their campus and facilities.

Since then, MariSci has been occupying the available classrooms from both schools, with the Junior High School using the KES building and the Senior High School using the KNHS building.

However, with JHS hosting four batches of learners, the classroom given by KES wasn’t enough to house them all.

Due to this, the school had reimplemented blended learning, where the students each took turns utilizing the classrooms.

Grades 7 and 8 are scheduled to use the classrooms every Monday and Wednesday while Grades 9 and 10 use them every Tuesday and Thursday.

For Friday, Grades 7 and 8 use the classrooms in the morning while Grades 9 and 10 use them in the afternoon.

“Instead that we are moving forward from the pandemic, it seems that the Junior High School hasn’t moved forward yet,” said SSLG Anne Baldevieso.

She emphasized how the current setup restricts students into getting fully engaged with the lesson.

Santos stressed how holding blended modality allocated them rooms that would serve as the school’s facilities.

Meanwhile, due to the issue regarding the lack of facilities, this year's batch of Grade 7 learners were not given the chance to experience studying in the main campus, while also forced to be under the blended modality.

Sophia Vigonte, Grade 7 student, said that she was disappointed with the blended modality, as she cannot focus well during online classes.

Vigonte also shared that she felt a sense of jealousy towards other students who had their own building and campus. “I expected that there will be no online classes in JHS, but due to the lack of facilities, I need to accept where we are studying right now.”

and preparing his teaching materials.

“Of course, at times I needed to still edit the output before actually using it, but it provided a good starting point,” said Ngo.

Similarly, for Marikina Science High School (MariSci) Grade 10 student Rhoanna Malabaguio, these tools are crucial in learning, particularly since they are currently pursuing a research study in the field of robotics.

“As a student myself, I find it fascinating that we are finally able to grasp the concepts of our topic…AI tools, and by extension, robotics have the potential to significantly improve a MariSci student's academic performance,” she said.

Malabaguio also shared that aside from helping them in their study, they also aid the students in understanding the lessons and managing their

FALTERING FACILITIES

Santos said that the spare rooms given by implementing blended learning allowed them to make space for facilities such as the clinic, library, office, and more.

“If we will set all these laboratories as classrooms, wala naman kayong gagamiting science lab, wala kayong gagamiting computer lab,” he said.

Santos added that replacing these facilities as classrooms will prevent room for learners to experiment and gain on-site experience.

Baldevieso meanwhile, elaborated on the decrease of available facilities in the school.

“Our facilities alone are far from the facilities of other regular high schools in Marikina, and of course other Science High Schools in our country,” said Baldevieso.

She said that MariSci’s limited facilities have and will heavily impact the learning process as well as the school’s extracurricular.

“Our situation hinders the teachers as well as learners for a full experience because we often improvise,” she added.

SSLG Treasurer Andrea Berber said that despite these issues, the school will continue to foster a positive connection between MariSci and KES “peacefully utilize their school facilities”

However, the SSLG also faces difficulty in using KES’s facilities.

PREPPING PREDICAMENTS

“Unfortunately, because the facilities aren’t MariSci’s, there are times where the SSLG encounter hardship in terms of finalization of the events because of sudden instances where KES would need to utilize their gym,” Berber said.

Baldevieso elaborated on this issue, stating that KES learners get priority on using the gym when holding events.

“It is evident that our actions are limited since the vicinity is really designed for the Kalumpang learners,” Baldevieso said.

“Oftentimes, since it’s their school’s facility, they are on top of priority, so we have to adjust whenever they need it even if we reserved the area prior to them.”

An example of this was the MariSci Club and Organization Day that was held on December 14, 2023, at MariSci’s main campus.

“The SSLG had a hard time giving the club and org presidents final instructions as there were a lot of unanticipated changes that happened during the week of the event,” Berber said.

“When the KES Gym isn’t available, the SSLG’s usual last resort is utilizing the old MariSci campus in Sta. Elena, just like what happened during the recent CNO, as well as the SY 2022-2023’s first CNO event,” she said.

Meanwhile, Baldevieso said that the SSLG also prepares various other venues to choose from, such as MariSci’s celebration of Teacher’s Month held on October 5, 2023, at Marikina Sports Center Covered Court.

“From the beginning of planning our projects, programs, and activities for the year, we are already aware that without our own place, venue will always be an issue. With that, we always provide options for the place to ensure that we will be able to conduct programs successfully,” Baldevieso said.

time more efficiently.

“One key advantage in the utilization of AI when it comes to learning is how easy it is to access information and how personalized it can become… They not only accommodate one's tight schedule but it [a]lso adjusts to unconventional study hours,” Malabaguio stated.

On the other hand, while their potential in education is evident, concerns still linger about the potential drawbacks of utilizing them, such as the risk of over-dependence on AI.

To combat this issue, Ngo suggested that one way to combat this issue is by ‘strengthening the values’ of the students for the ‘ethical use’ of these tools. Santos then added that the school may implement programs in the future while also ensuring that AI tools undergo proper 'evaluation' before being deployed in classrooms.

Binhi program links ADMU studes, MariSci teachers to yield sense of self

By YANCA FACTORANAN

With over 150 onsite and over 50 online attendees, the Ateneo Office of Social Concern and Involvement gave tribute to its partner organizations, including Marikina Science High School, for the BINHI Program at the Leong Hall, Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) last June 17.

The tribute ceremony came at the end of the school- year 2022-2023, marking the gradual return of face-to-face classes and activities after the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the official website of ADMU, “Binhi is a formation program designed for first-year students taking the Understanding the Self (SocSc 11) course. It enables students to understand themselves better through engaging in social and culturalhistorical processes within and outside of their social milieu.”

Moreover, it serves as an “opportunity for students to reflect on themselves and how they affect and are affected by society. It helps students understand how the self is a product of socialization and one’s environment.”

MariSci’s TeacherCoordinator for the BINHI Program, Mary Ann Taway, represented the school at the ceremony, where they were given a certificate of recognition for being one of the partner organizations of the program.

Angela Paragas, grade 12 student utilizes chatGPT to review for an upcoming quiz. | Photo by ERICA TUMANENG

WAITING AT THE ALTAR. Carlo Capanay, age six, enjoys his time at Iglesia Filipina Catolica Independiente after school while he waits for his mother to pick him up. Capanay claims that he waits for his mother, who works at the local wet market, for roughly six hours. | Photo by: Noel Rufon II

RAISING VOICE. Mang Roy, 56 calls out the jeepney’s route to passengers in the busy street Taft Avenue. He has been a barker at Taft Avenue for more than a decade. | Photo by: Alexa Sambale

UNHEARD CRIES. A child at Quiapo Church Plaza weeps as he begs his mother to leave during the afternoon Sunday mass, January 14. People continue to flock to the church even after the traslacion 2024, held last January 9. | Photo by: Alexa Sambale

(Photo by Joshua Caleb)

Shoe land the

In the Philippines, the Secondary Education Development Program (SEDP) is revolutionizing the way students learn and prepare for their future.

Established in 1989, the SEDP aims to enhance the quality of secondary education and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.

With its innovative approach and positive impact on students and teachers alike, it has become a transformative force in the Philippine education system.

The current head of the SEDP in Marikina Science High School (MariSci), Lawrence Dimailig, discusses how the program occurs through the process of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis.

“After the SWOT analysis, it has to be crossed SWOT. Strengths should be matched with opportunities, strengths with threats, weaknesses with opportunities, and weaknesses with threats. From there, projects are developed.” These projects will have programs responding to particular problems under their goals.

For instance, Dimailig shares “Project BUILD ME UP” (Back-Up for Infrastructure to Lead Development and Maintain Efficient and Upright Partnership), which concerns the building and facilities to be used by the learners and teachers.

“Of course, the teachers and administrators, we cannot provide a building since it is not our job to build one,” he explained. He added that they can only organize a group of people who will follow up with the local government unit about the building.

DENR: NCR’s air quality still okay amid holiday rush, smog

Marikina’s air index marked healthy - CEMO chief

By PAULA CABALLERO

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has stated that Metro Manila’s air quality remains ‘acceptable,’ meeting the required standards despite the holiday rush.

On September 22, 2023, many people woke up to foggy skies. The DENR sets the normal air quality at 35 micrograms of particulates per normal cubic meter, but it reached unhealthy levels of 128 to 141 µg/Ncm in some areas last September, including Metro Manila.

This incident was declared an ‘isolated case’ following the department’s announcement.

Initially believing that it was because of volcanic smoke coming out of the Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology released a statement saying that the volcanic smog coming out of Taal is drifting westsouthwest and away from the direction of Metro Manila.

According to DENR’s EMB, the foggy skies were “primarily due to emissions from heavy vehicular traffic, especially during rush hour.”

On the other hand, the local government unit of Marikina City recognizes the Clean Air Act’s mandate of shared responsibility to manage and maintain air quality within its territorial jurisdiction.

MARIKINA’S AIR CONDITION

Unlike most cities in Metro Manila, Marikina City

DepEd’s nat’l program poised to reach quality educ for HS learners

By JULIANA DANTES & MARGARET DOLALAS

learning areas ensure holistic preparation for future careers in science, equipping students for the challenges ahead," she added.

UPGRADING SEDP

While the SEDP has addressed concerns within the campus for the past few years, there are still areas for improvement.

Dimailig emphasizes the need to consider multiple variables when identifying challenges and their solutions in implementing the SEDP.

As a science high school in Marikina, students are being prepared to produce their research as early as 7th grade. One project under SEDP that intends to provide a budget for the research testing of learners is Project INSPIRE (Initiating Nurturing Students' Passion and Interests in Research and Exploration).

For Dimailig, it would be better if the project also allowed partnerships with other sectors to support the students financially with their research.

On a similar note, Project Sci-KLAB (Scientific Keenness through Laboratory Advancement and Breakthrough), which focuses on establishing a modern science laboratory, can be improved by looking into the standardized laboratories that science high schools in the Philippines have.

“We should recognize what these schools have that hopefully we can attain as well,” he said.

EMPOWERING EDUCATORS, STUDENTS

in communication affects one’s understanding.

“Basically, the SEDP looks into the concerns present in the school and deals with these in a particular lens of observation,” said Dimailig.

One of the pillars of SEDP's success is its commitment to empowering educators. The program offers a range of staff development programs, including specialized training for regional trainers, leadership programs for school principals, and mass training sessions for first-year teachers.

According to Dimailig, two projects under SEDP focus on equipping the MariScian teachers: Project “A+” Teacher and Project BETTER. Project “A+” Teacher requires them to enroll in a 6-year continuous development program, allowing themselves to retool and become more capable of teaching their respective fields. Specifically, the project involves Science, Mathematics, and ICT teachers.

Meanwhile, Project BETTER (Better Evaluation Through Taking English Reinforcements) aims to help teachers regarding English proficiency. As Dimailig explains, the ability to properly use a language

Currently, the Secondary Education Development Program in MariSci comprises 16 projects. Some of which he mentioned are Project SECURE (Safe Environment Conquering Undefined Risks and Emergencies), which focuses on ensuring the welfare and child-friendly environment of the school through the use of surveillance cameras, and Project HELP (Healthy Environment Learning Program), which addresses the lack of guidance programs in the school that will help the learners with their problems.

“Through this program, the problem with language is taken care of so that the assessment, which is the heart of the teaching and learning process, will not be affected,” he added.

Sophia Abygail Rosimo, a MariScian student, shares her perspective on the transformative nature of the MariScian curriculum.

"Being a MariScian student has profoundly influenced my secondary education," said Rosimo.

Rosimo also believes that the MariScian curriculum offers a challenging and comprehensive education, with subjects like Biotechnology standing out as particularly intriguing.

“Personally, Biotechnology stands out as intriguing. Its rapid advancements constantly introduce new concepts, making learning a dynamic and ever-evolving experience. The interdisciplinary nature of Biotechnology, involving biology, engineering, and technology, facilitates exploration in the vast field of science,” Rosimo exclaimed.

Rosimo believes that the MariScian curriculum prepares students for higher education and future careers in the field of science.

"Through research, experiments, and activities, the MariScian curriculum fosters critical thinking and practical skills. The integrated

Amid curveballs, CNO pushes through in abandoned campus

SSLG helm: sans own place, finding venue always snag

By JILLIAN FRONDOZO

December 14 marks the day of Marikina Science High School’s (MariSci) main campus and its once-hushed corridors’ sudden rebirth with exhibits of school clubs and organizations.

The Club and Organization (CNO) Day event was initially supposed to be held way back on November 17 as a part of the celebration of National Student’s Day. However, the school’s Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) rescheduled the event due to certain conflicts.

“We received short notice that the oathtaking of the PTA officers would take place on that day, prompting us to reschedule the event,” said SSLG Vice President Isabella Dela Cruz.

This delay then cascaded into reschedulings due to conflicts regarding schedules and venues.

“It was a challenge that

all prior Fridays have events and it was difficult for us to request for a shortened period of classes because we abide by DepEd’s ‘No Class Disruption Policy,’” stated SSLG President Gwyneth Baldevieso.

In addition, the tasks of teachers and learners would have been affected as a consequence of the shortening of classes. “We see the need to conduct it before the year ends to let the clubs and organizations complete their membership, comply with the Division accreditation, and be able to push through with their plans and actions.”

WEIGHING ALTERNATIVES

The original plan regarding the venue for the CNO was the Kalumpang Elementary School (KES) gymnasium. This proposal was blocked due to KES being reserved

from December 13 to 15 for their Christmas events.

are considered potential venues.

However, this might give way to a longer delay since school activities that are held off-campus would have had to go to the Division Office for approval.

“To discuss and find a solution to our problems, the SSLG raised this concern to the school administrators, and Ylagan Hall was suggested,” said Baldevieso. “New factors, challenges, and questions arise which the SSLG discussed like; Can the Ylagan Hall accommodate 1000+ learners? Do we have to create shifts?” Baldevieso added.

After much contemplation, the idea of holding the event at the main campus was raised as it was more sufficient for the expected number of attendees.

“Without our own place, the venue for every activity whether co-curricular or extracurricular will always be an issue,” said Baldevieso.

Dimailig also mentions how Project TEACH-PRO (TEACHing Programming to Rack Up Opportunities) can expand its benefits by not limiting senior high school students to ICT programs.

“By observation, ICT is not only the interest of students in MariSci,” he shared. Through the project, there will be a backup program that will capacitate the students depending on their learning interests while also achieving the established goal of the project.

Looking ahead, Rosimo envisions applying the skills and knowledge gained from her MariScian education to contribute to her community and pursue her career goals.

Meanwhile, Sophia Balboa, a grade 8 student, anticipated a ‘more thorough and wellprepared event’ and that the lack of time allotted for preparations by both clubs and organizations was evident.

"The abrupt change in venue, early morning school preparations for students, and the excessive dust in the school, triggering allergies, highlight the need for improvement in administrative services," said Balboa.

On the topic of time, many students felt that the registration period for clubs and organizations was too short. Problems also sparked up due to the registration being held online.

“I hope that the event will have a longer time period for many students to join,” said Marco Magno, a Grade 7 student, regarding his hopes for the next CNO Day.

Photo by Joshua Caleb

Oliver Villamena, stated that air quality is not a problem in the city. “Kasi dito sa Marikina city, mayroon na tayong mga infrastructure na nakaset up for the protection of our environment. Especially ang ating air quality,” said Villamena.

The downward trend of the annual Total Suspended Particles (TSP) concentration and Particulate Matter (PM10) in the city shows an

improvement in air quality.

In 2021, according to the city government’s latest data, the air quality in Marikina City reached 72 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/ Ncm) for TSP and 45 µg/ Ncm for PM10. This level is already below the healthy level of 90 µg/Ncm for TSP and 60 µg/Ncm for PM10, which is good news for Marikeños.

Of graft, nepotism, and public coffers

Combatting mis-disinformation:

The Shoeland, ANNIE ink MOU on campus fact-checking project

By RIHANNA MACALONG

Embracing the culture of fact-checking, Marikina Science High School’s (MariSci) official student publication, The Shoeland X Ang Sapatusan (SXS), inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Asian Network of News & Information Educators (ANNIE) last December 2023 that would last until 2025.

Dubbed “Campus FactChecking Project,” the two-year program circles around the following goals: establish student-driven, fact-checking newsrooms at school by mid-2024; build a sustainable operation that students could lead in the long run, even after the initial experiment ends at the end of 2025; and foster critical thinking and information verification skills through experiential learning opportunities.

Moreover, the project has three main objectives. It aims to: investigate questionable claims about topics of social relevance, such as public health, food safety, racism, and politics; make the fact-checking content publicly available on various platforms; and regularly produce fact-checking content beginning mid-2024, following the sixmonth preparation period.

According to SXS School Paper Adviser (SPA) Caleb Pacleta, the agreement with ANNIE seeks to promote and exercise the culture of fact-checking not just within the publication, but also in the immediate community.

“Sobrang important ng culture of fact-checking in our society nowadays because a lot of people are vulnerable to false information, and it is our duty as [a] campus publication to promote fact-checking because kung hindi tayo ang gagawa no’n, sino?” he remarked.

Upon receiving the email from the Editor-in-Chief of ANNIE Lab, Masato Kajimoto, Pacleta drafted a six-month plan for the training and the conduct of the fact-checking newsroom in school. Pacleta explained that the first six months of the program's first year, starting in January, are dedicated to the training of 36 volunteer

fact-checkers, ensuring that they are geared towards the procedure of fact-checking.

The orientation for the program happened on December 21, joined by Yvonne Chua, Advisory Council of ANNIE Lab from the Philippines, and Ms. Jodie Yang, a researcher working for ANNIE.

PRIORITIZING

ACADEMICS

Trainings for Project ANNIE as well as the Division Press Conference (DSPC) and Quarterly Examinations are expected by January. With that, the responsibilities of staffers pile up.

“I want to make sure na kayo na members ng Shoeland [ay] hindi naglalag sa academic,” MSHS Assistant Principal Marie Nicolas firmly said.

As an educator, Nicolas emphasized that volunteer fact-checkers should prioritize their academic workload amidst the responsibilities and work demands required by the said project.

“Sabi ko kay Sir Caleb, ang unang qualification [ay] academically inclined, above average, and kayang magmultitask kasi ‘pag hindi, i-limit mo ang kaniyang participation sa Shoeland,” she added.

Meanwhile, according to Pacleta, he constantly instilled the value of prioritizing one’s academics towards the staffers of The Shoeland X ang Sapatusan.

“In the same breath, we also remind them that being a campus journalist is a duty and responsibility. So pinasok nila yung school publication dapat marunong talaga silang maghandle ng extracurricular and academic workloads nila [sa Shoeland],” he added.

To manage the responsibilities and ensure that the staffers’ focus will be on Project ANNIE, Pacleta, along with the rest of the publication schemes to hire the majority of the fact-checkers who are non-DSPC contestants and non-Shoeland staffers.

Although there were volunteer fact-checkers who were also DSPC contestants, Pacleta assured them that they could handle their respective duties in both aspects— academics and extracurriculars.

By BRIANA ESPIDILLION & JASMINE DEL PILAR

With the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commencement of activities, participation in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections presented an opportunity for Millennials and Gen Z to leave a lasting impact within their communities.

Within each barangay, the youth democratically elected an SK chairperson, who automatically assumed an ex-officio role in the Sangguniang Barangay, along with seven SK councilors.

There were 294,007 available slots designated for Sangguniang Barangay members and an equal count of 42,001 positions for barangay captains and SK aspirants.

The distribution of slots includes 96,962 vacancies for barangay captains, 731,682 for Sangguniang Barangay members, 92,774 aspirants contesting for the SK chairmanship, and 493,069 positions for SK council members.

An estimated 1,414,487 individuals have stepped forward as aspirants for the Barangay Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in 2023.

The Sangguniang Kabataan, envisioned as a platform for youth empowerment in governance, also faces serious challenges amid reports unveiling unsettling practices.

Despite the RA 10742, or the SK Reform Law, aiming to foster good governance through the SK and Local Youth Development Councils (LYDCs), instances of graft, nepotism, and misallocation of public funds have tarnished its objectives.

CHALLENGES SURROUNDING SK

The SK Reform Law (R.A. 10742) gives young people the opportunity to champion good governance through the SK and the LYDCs.

The Philippine Youth Development Plan even identifies governance as a key center for youth participation, with the vision: “Youth who uphold the principles of government practices which are efficient, effective, and free from graft and corruption.”

However, reports from various regions depict questionable practices rooted in the SK council and elections.

According to a study conducted in August 2013 by scholars from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in the Philippines, it was discovered that SK officials in Iligan City were knowledgeable about various forms of graft and corrupt practices sanctioned by the law.

There was an acknowledgement of their engagement in several irregular activities, including but not limited to the misappropriation of public funds, circumventing public bidding procedures in acquiring supplies and equipment, falsification of documents, acceptance of bribes, fabrication of non-existent projects and payrolls, and the misuse of authority.

Another former SK National Federation President, Jane Censoria Cajes, an ex-officio commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC), was accused of engaging in multimillion-peso procurement of goods and services without any public bidding in violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Cajes faced graft accusations involving millions of pesos. Although the case was ultimately dismissed, this incident triggered debates about the SK potentially evolving into a "breeding ground" for both corrupt politicians and those following traditional practices, almost leading to its elimination.

It is notable that the SK Reform Law grants SKs the authority to oversee and administer up to 10% of their barangay's budget. A rough estimate suggests they could potentially handle (or mishandle) anywhere from PHP 500,000 to PHP 10 million annually, contingent on their barangay's budget size.

INJUSTICE IN CANDIDATE SELECTION

The lack of consistent campaign methods and insufficient information about candidates' platforms during elections in certain areas may contribute to voters feeling uninformed and disenfranchised.

Arabella Balderama, a first-time SK voter, expressed that the campaign period is a crucial point to firmly evaluate a candidate’s capability to lead and serve as the primary representative of the youth to the government.

“I believe I can only exercise my right to vote if I am aware of all the candidates' platforms—I didn't even get to learn about the plans of the candidates in my barangay since they did not campaign properly in our area,” Balderama explained.

“It is unfair to me because I blindly voted [for] people without knowing if they really do have the heart to serve our community,” stated Balderama.

Another first-time voter for both the Barangay and SK Elections, Laetitia Garcia, aired her sentiments as the election seemed to be the avenue of nepotism and political dynasties for the new generations.

“I have seen young people being forced to run for a position in the Sangguniang Kabataan by their parents, who happen to be ex-officials or incumbents, just for their legacy

not to end and still be able to hold power and control over the people,” Garcia added.

She also shared that bribing was also evident [in their barangay], which created an unfair playing field where those with more financial capabilities could excessively influence election results.

“I firmly believe that nepotism is also one of the main factors behind the corruption within the SK election system. Because people selected through personal connections may feel a feeling of loyalty to those who provided them the jobs, nepotism enhances the danger of corruption,” said Garcia.

IT’S A FAMILY TREE STORY

In a localized voting system, it is common for the candidates to utilize their family connections to gain more supporters.

“In our barangay, the main basis of the candidate's running is the number or size of the clan,” SK candidate Jeremy Alonzo said.

He mentioned that even if you graduated or received credentials but are not known or do not have family ties, you have a low chance of winning.

“Certificates and schooling do not become standards. Such is the sadness and weakness of the youth's manifestation,” Alonzo expressed.

In line with this, he voiced that both the SK election and presidential elections taught him to speak up if something is wrong, despite its difficulty.

“The barangay issue is no longer far from the highest level of politics in our country. I stood up to eliminate corruption even in the smallest project in the barangay,” he further conveyed. Alonzo stated that whether local or national, the individuals responsible “for our government” are of equal significance and influential in managing the public.

He added that it is required that those we vote for are worthy and have credible experience, not those who are simply famous.

OF REFORMS

Advocating for transparency and accountability emerges as a pivotal solution to rectifying the systemic flaws within the SK elections.

“Knowledge and proper execution [are crucial in addressing corruption and injustice in SK elections]. There are really great programs and plans out there. We can easily formulate a program that can be beneficial to the community but the problem is the execution,” SK Chairman of Barangay Malanday, Marikina City, Ezekiel Mata expressed.

Mata also recognized that the execution and maintenance of these programs are crucial parts.

“It should be long-term, effective, and executed properly,” he added.

Meanwhile, Balderama emphasized that student elections are significant in honing the youth’s perception of substantial leadership and voter literacy.

“In fact, we are already practicing this [to choose the most deserving candidates] because institutions also have student councils, organization leaders, and even class officers, all of whom give us the opportunity to be voters with proper discernment. We should apply what we do whenever we have elections within school in preparation for voting at the national level,” Balderama stated.

On the other hand, Garcia shared that the feeling of discomfort and dissatisfaction with the system creates a strong desire within her for improvement and the urge to find solutions as a learner.

Photo by Ryan Garcia

To support the national government's drive against smoke-belching vehicles, the city government of Marikina, through its Sangguniang Bayan, enacted Ordinance No. 209, Series of 2008, “Adopting the Anti-Smoke Belching Ordinance of Marikina City,” whose main objective is to improve the quality of air

The device was also said to be convenient to use, according to Agustin. “It was easier to understand, applicable sa modern generation natin na tumitingin sa screen with its touchscreen function,” she stated.

According to Siefer Mina, a Grade 12 learner, “Isang device lang siya and ang daming functions sobra kaya somehow makakatulong din siya makapagtipid kaysa bumili ng maraming devices It will be very helpful lalo na sa mga public schools in provinces which are

within Marikina and safeguard the health of the public.

This also contributes to Marikina City’s ‘Dust Free Marikina’ program, which aims to lessen the dust produced in the city.

“Mayroon din kaming dalawa na electric sweepers na may vaccum na humihigop ng alikabok. So part din siya ng

usually limited by finances.”

However, a concern was raised by Elaiza Bartolome, another Grade 12 learner, who stated, "My only problem is that the VISSER given to schools is quite few, and I believe it's not enough for each class to have its own."

Despite this, Bartolome acknowledged the positive impact on students' access to scientific equipment, making it easier to conduct experiments and fostering a renewed interest in science.

dust-free Marikina. Kaya pag naglalakad ka, kumportable ka,” Villamena added.

With these government efforts, Villamena encourages Marikeños to maintain environmentally sustainable practices such as walking short distances and vertical gardening. Due to the city’s advocacy to take care of trees,

“Since 2015, MariSci has been one of the partner schools of the BINHI Program, wherein first-year students of Ateneo have collaboration-interaction activities with MariSci teachers and students to get to know each other at least from different perspectives,” Taway said.

According to Taway, the BINHI Program is part of Ateneo's first-year students' course and an exposure

the CEMO also has a greenhouse in which they encourage people to plant more trees.

“[Marikina City needs to focus] more on sustainability ng built environment. For example, almost 100%, mayroon tayong paved na sidewalk. Properly flat yan, leveled siya ‘e. Kaya yung advocacy natin na mga tao ay to walk, especially short

activity where Atenean learners get to know other people. In the same breath, the ADMU students would understand how life goes while helping to understand themselves and their role in the community.

Many public and private organizations from all over the country partnered up with the program BINHI, including the Marikina City Environment and Management Office, the

distances,” said Villamena. “100% ng mga public schools sa Marikina ay may mga vertical garden upang ma-encourage ang mga bata at mga magulang na magtanim kahit maliit lamang ang espasyo,” he added.

Marikina Public Market, the Marikina City Health Office, and the Marikina City Office of Public Safety and Security, among others.

“BINHI is actually a continuous project, from BINHI to PUNLA to BIGKIS, which will be helpful for the different partner organizations’ needs, the learners’ capacity, and the situation of the community,” Taway added.

For the few remaining industries based in Marikina City, he urged them to do selfchecking so as not to contribute much to the city’s pollution. With only 30 facilities in the entire city still utilizing generators, monitoring them is less taxing for the local government. “Bihira lang naman sa Marikina ang mga gumagamit ng generator, pero we encourage them to do self-checking gamit ang kanilang mga antipollution devices,” he stated.

Decoding MariSci’s

A closer look at the school’s Three orgs head outreach program for Kalumpang learners

Fosters physical, spiritual health

By RYONNA GRACE B. SANTOS

With the pursuit to shape spiritual minds and serve nourishing meals, three student organizations from Marikina Science High School (MariSci), namely Pathfinders, Lusog Isip ng Kabataan (LINK), and the MariSci Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), co-organized a feeding and evangelism outreach program at the Kalumpang Elementary School (KES) Gymnasium on November 24.

The event was attended by 48 students from KES and 39 students from Kalumpang National High School (KNHS), where the said organizations lent a helping hand in distributing Arroz Caldo and bottled water, as well as sharing the gospel.

“It felt fulfilling to have the ability to help the people around me, even in small services such as serving them food,” said Samantha Carlos, LINK Secretary and a Girl Scout member.

Meanwhile, LINK President and GSP Secretary Cristy Martizano expressed what she felt and realized after having a conversation with a male student who was not

familiar with Bible stories but was excited to hear one.

“This made me realize that one good thing about kids is that their small bodies are filled with hope. They always tend to explore new things with the hope of drawing inspiration for their future endeavors,” shared Martizano.

Following the theme “Lusog na Katawan, Busog na Kaalaman,” the outreach program underscored the significance of cultivating a healthy body and a nourished mind, recognizing these elements as essential for achieving a well-balanced lifestyle.

For Pathfinders President Rhoanna Malabaguio, valuing both one’s physical health and mental nourishment can empower individuals to experience an active and resilient life that contributes to both personal and spiritual growth.

“We always need to take care of both in order to achieve wellness,” stated Malabaguio.

Furthermore, after narrating two Bible stories about faith, forgiveness, responsibility, and courage, Martizano had one wish for the children.

“We hope that we were

able to show them that these stories harbor invaluable lessons—tools they can wield as they face challenges in their lives,” said Martizano. She also noted that the preaching made her realize the necessity for children to be more familiar with this type of session, as it serves as an important compass point to distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong—significant principles that influence a child's development.

However, the preaching did not only “move the children,” but it also created an impact on the volunteers who participated in the evangelism outreach program. “It sparked my faith to the Lord, reminding me of the values I must constantly apply to everything I do,” stressed Carlos.

Meanwhile, Malabaguio revealed that the overall experience touched her heart, especially when she saw the children’s faces filled with joy after providing them with food and interacting with them through the Word of God.

By KURT DAGASUHAN & ICHI ZABALLA

Every school year, hundreds of Grade 6 learners all over Marikina City and its neighboring cities apply for a spot in Marikina Science High School, otherwise known as MariSci.

To understand the phenomenon of why the vicinities of MariSci are always filled with applicants every year, two surveys were conducted.

The first survey targeted MariSci learners across all grade levels, from 7 to 12, while the second survey focused on Grade 6 learners from various secondary schools in and out of Marikina City.

The purpose of conducting these surveys was to analyze the current enrollment trends in MariSci and determine if they remain consistent with the views and opinions of prospective Grade 7 applicants.

PAST TRACTION: SURVEY 1

At the outset of the first survey, a total of 180 respondents participated, with 30 learners from each grade level volunteering to respond.

Key information was gathered from the participants, including the type of school they attended for primary education, how they knew about MariSci, whether they decided to apply on their own, and the deciding factors that convinced them to enter the school.

The majority of the participants from each grade level came from a private primary school: 86.67% from Grade 7, 56.67% from Grade 8, 76.67% from Grade 9, 56.67% from Grade 10, 90% from Grade 11, and 70% from Grade 12.

Meanwhile, the primary sources of information on

how they knew MariSci were “parents,” followed by “relatives.” A minority said that they learned about the school from their peers, classmates, and through online sources.

Furthermore, statistics from the survey show that after learning about MariSci, it was the respondents’ own decision to apply to the school: 76.67% from Grade 7, 80% from Grade 8, 76.67% from Grade 9, 63.33% from Grade 10, 70% from Grade 11, and 63.33% from Grade 12.

Based on the results of the first three questions, it is apparent that they exhibited commonality in terms of trend, with all batches having the same majorities.

However, the results from these questions do not necessarily influence the outcome of the fourth question. This is because the survey shows that all respondents were influenced by similar factors when they applied to the school.

Regardless of the type of school they attended for primary education, their source of information about MariSci, and whether it was their own decision to apply or not, their solid common ground is the set of reasons why they applied to MariSci.

Specifically, the data from the survey have shown that the following are the overarching top factors that attracted the respondents to the institution: MariSci’s prestigious history and reputation, the school’s quality education, its advanced and unique STEM curriculum, and the opportunities it offers to the studentry.

FUTURE TRACTION: SURVEY 2

For the second survey, 30 Grade 6 learners from various primary schools were selected using snowball sampling.

The following information was then gathered: the type of primary school they are currently attending, their awareness of MariSci, the sources influencing this awareness, whether they were considering applying to the school, and the factors influencing their decision to apply or not.

Results showed that 66.67% of the respondents are from public secondary schools, while 33.33% come from private institutions.

In terms of their knowledge of MariSci, 83.33% demonstrate familiarity with the school, with 16.67% indicating a lack of awareness.

Among the informed respondents, a prevailing trend mirrors the previous survey, with parents and relatives emerging as their primary sources of information regarding MariSci, while a subset of respondents revealed that they gained knowledge from other sources, such as their school, classmates, and peers.

Moreover, when considering the prospective application to MariSci, a notable 76.67% express interest, while 23.33% of participants indicate a lack of inclination to apply.

The minority who are not interested in applying to MariSci either have plans to attend a different school or are still undecided.

Nevertheless, the majority of applicants who are considering an application are influenced by the school’s renowned reputation and its commitment to providing quality education.

The

GRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS . across Marikina City are in high hopes as they take the Grade 7 entrance exam of Marikina Science High School as the school year ends. Photos by Jacques Borral

Skills test program beefs up students’ math literacy Upgrade

current teaching methods—AnGeom Teacher

By SKY AQUINO & GWENYTH CONDINO

As the students put down their pens, fold their scratch paper, and pack their learnings from the assessment, the Test of Fundamental Academic Skills (TOFAS) program trails its way to exercise and give students more practice.

Launched in 2022 at Marikina Science High School (MariSci), TOFAS is an application used for the Program in Advancing Literacy in Mathematics (PALM) project. It aims to advance learners from Grades 1–10 and provide them with more practice opportunities in mathematics.

By participating in a pre-test beforehand, students hope that their knowledge is sufficient to pass the exam. Skills that need more understanding

are then taught separately or incorporated into the lessons in the curriculum.

However, the program shares its advantages and disadvantages, leaving a question of whether TOFAS is an answer to the underlying issue of the decline in the math literacy skills of students or just another problem they would face later on.

Given the program’s additional workload and tasks, students were favored for the implementation of the TOFAS program.

“It’s helpful for me kasi po nasasanay po ako sa mga questions na sa pagso-solve, although sometimes syempre nando’n pa rin po yung kaba kasi since assessment yun and naka-direct po sa DepEd,” Roshann Olbez, a Grade 8 student shared.

Rinalyn Dela Cruz, Grade 10 Level Coordinator and

Analytical Geometry teacher, also stated that achieving their goal depends on the efforts of both learners and teachers.

“It’s a mutual thing that they should work both, para magawa siya. So si teacher, dapat masipag sa pagbibigay ng remediations, si student, dapat masipag din siyang mag-assess, mag-practice,” she added.

FORMING SOLUTIONS

Dela Cruz suggested keeping the current methods they have been using and thinking of more ways to incorporate the lessons included.

“Huwag sana siyang i-halo sa regular school days, kasi nakakapagod siya, nakakaawa ‘yong bata. Bombarded sila, lalo na ‘yong Grade 10, Grade 9 as well. 12 subjects sila plus TOFAS, parang 13 subjects na ‘yong inaaral nila, parang ang sakit sa ulo, hindi siya

healthy, kung ako ‘yong tatanungin—hindi siya healthy for both learners and teachers as well,” she lamented.

Meanwhile, Grade 10 student Juliene Biscaro also gave her insights on how to improve the program. She said that worksheets should be lessened because she thinks they have a ‘little too much’ of them, having to answer multiple worksheets per week.

On the other hand, Olbez mentioned that facilitators should allot more time for the students to answer the activity sheets.

“Maybe if they will allot more time para hindi rin po siyang nakakapressure sa ibang mga students. Lalo na po sa mga nahihirapan po talaga. And, kung ma-i[m]plement po ng maayos yung parang remedial classes para makahabol po ang ibang hindi talaga nakakaintindi sa ibang lessons

Magnetism: school’s ‘everlasting appeal’

ng mathematics,” Olbez shared.

Meanwhile, from the pre-test and post-test results, Dela Cruz said there was a significant change in the results. However, she mentioned that the Grade 10 students got the same test as they got in Grade 9, therefore, they got better results.

Compilation Error: Low enrollment thwarts TVL strand in Senior High

By IRA MANTES & MARIELLE ORBONG

With only six enrollees after half of the first semester of this current school year, Marikina Science High School (MariSci) opted to put an end to its Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) strand in senior high school.

The move to create the TVL strand pushed the school administration to see the potential of the strand, considering that the pupils are inclined toward the field of technology as a science high school.

However, the lack of information dissemination, facilities, and learning materials made it difficult for the strand to push through.

ENCOUNTERED

PROBLEMS

Maria Nicolas, Assistant School Principal for Administration, discussed that the strand failed to meet the standard of the Department of Education (DepEd) under DepEd Order 21, s. 2006, also known as the “Guidelines for the Organization of Classes,” which states that the ideal class size shall range from a minimum of 15 students to a maximum of 65, and the ideal average class size shall be 50.

“We’re really trying our best naman na matuloy yung TVL strand na programming since inclined naman kayo…kaya lang, there are parameters na kailangang sundin para mai-open ang isang strand,” she explained.

Rebekah Presores, Information and Communication Technology instructor and adviser of the TVL strand, also shared that neither a DepEd-approved curriculum guide nor modules were available for C++ programming and Computer Fundamentals.

“To cope with this, I created my own outline and gathered learning resources from both print and digital publications. This was a difficulty since I lacked a suitable reference that the DepEd would accept to match my outline with, making it difficult to balance in subjects,” Presores said.

She added that the experience also taught them to be resilient in times of change.

This parallelism becomes particularly intriguing when considering that Grade 6 learners are arriving at decisions that mirror the considerations of older learners who have already chosen MariSci as their educational institution.

Additionally, the effect of family members has emerged as a consistent and powerful factor in both surveys. This connection serves as a common thread linking the decision-making processes of Grade 6 learners and current MariScians.

The prevalence of this familial influence reaffirms the significant impact of personal ties on shaping the public’s awareness and perceptions of MariSci, which further emphasizes the enduring role of family in the application journey of prospective learners.

Aside from this strong influence, the overlapping results of the two surveys also reveal that the Grade 6 learners who are contemplating applying

to MariSci are guided by other specific factors that closely mirror those emphasized by current MariScians—the school’s prestigious history and reputation and its unwavering commitment to delivering quality education.

This alignment not only underscores the enduring appeal of MariSci but also highlights the consistent influence of these core factors across different generations of aspiring learners.

In essence, the congruence in influencing factors between the two surveys accentuates the enduring strengths of MariSci that consistently resonate with learners at various stages of their academic journey.

Grade 6 learners unknowingly become part of a continuum where the school's reputation and commitment to quality education form the foundation of its sustained popularity.

This consistent phenomenon not only reinforces the reliability of MariSci's appeal but also provides valuable insights into the enduring factors that contribute to its perennial status as a soughtafter educational institution.

of 30 Grade 6 learners respondents express interest in applying in Marikina Science High School while indicate a lack of inclination to apply 76.77% 23.33%

“Personally speaking, it would still be a better scenario to have complete preparedness when it comes to this matter to give out the best quality education the learners deserve,” Presores added.

The same problem occurred with Daisy Revilla, the Life Science subject teacher for the TVL strand.

“[There are] limited teaching resources. No available instructional materials (e.g. PPT, activities, experiments) that exactly fit the required competencies and skills, so you have to make modifications or develop your own materials. Hence, the preparation is time-consuming,” Revilla shared.

ABRUPT CHANGE

With the sudden inclusion of this strand, the limited preparation contributed to carrying out the requirements unsuccessfully, forcing the students to shift into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) after only a few months of studying under TVL.

According to some students, they had anticipated reaching this point as they were only called while completing further details for their form on the enrollment day itself.

“Six surnames including me, urging us to not put in STEM but Tech-Voc. I was confused and I knew the direction in which this was heading, so I had no choice [but] to comply,” one of the students who wished not to be identified, added.

Despite being encouraged to sign up for this strand, they had to adapt to another adjustment with the transition to another strand in the middle of the school year.

“We just have to accept kung ano na lang meron, kesa sa lilipat pa tayo ng school para lang ma-maintain ang gusto mong strand,” Gian Broñosa, a TVL student stated.

To deal with the changes, the school administration ensured to take appropriate measures as they proceeded with transferring the students.

“Kinausap ko sila, pati ‘yung mga magulang nila, pinaliwanag ko ‘yung pangyayari,” Nicolas stressed.

Meanwhile, to avoid the same experience for the next batch of MariScians, Nicolas said that they are intensifying the career orientation and discussion of programming as a career.

HIGH HOPES. Aspiring grade 6 students take the Marikina Science High School Entrance exam at Kalumpang Elemtary School. 484 students took the exam held last June 10. | Photo by: Jacques Borral, Caption by: Alexa Sambale

with those identified in the first survey reveals a striking continuity in the school's appeal across different age groups and grade levels.

Photo by

Cruz believes that for the TOFAS to be realized, both learners and teacher should work hand-in-hand. (Photo by Naomi Gomez)

The Philippines’ results in the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), organized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, were released on the fifth of December this year, and once again, a bleak picture of the nation’s state of education is painted. With the Philippines landing at 77th place out of 81 countries in average scores and possessing below global average scores in all of the competencies (mathematics, science, and reading comprehension), the true gravity of our country’s slow recovery from the pandemic’s two years of distance learning is now revealed to all through the PISA’s results.

Even though a drop in performance was expected across the globe, the Philippines’s results in the latest assessment still proved disappointing, especially when the country’s past PISA results possess similar data on performance. It brings to light the lackluster post-pandemic recovery that the nation is experiencing, even with the implementation of huge leaps like the return of face-to-face classes. We believe that the repeated dismal results that the Philippines continuously gets at the PISA are ultimately the product of the culmination of numerous longstanding governmental and societal factors that remain unsolved.

The main reason for the Philippines’ dismal track record is our inability to efficiently address and solve the same old problems in the nation’s education just like the ongoing shortage of infrastructure and resources. According to Sara Duterte’s first Basic Education Report, the Filipino education system currently faces a shortage of 150K classrooms, and less than a third, or 104,536 of the 327,851 school buildings in the nation are in good condition. The inaccessibility of Filipino education is among one of the most significant issues that remain unresolved. Along with the inadequacy of the quantity of available infrastructure and resources for education, the expenses of schooling in the country prove to be too much for numerous families and learners. The estimated 10% year-over-year increase in tuition in higher education institutions also does not help. Further displaying the pitiful situation in which numerous Filipino families are put due to education is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) findings back in 2021 that 36% of Filipino families relied on loans to provide education to their children. As long as the agenda for universal education remains unestablished in a widespread manner in the nation, this problem may just worsen especially when further mismanagement occurs.

Moreover, there is an undeniable major financial blow dealt by the pandemic to the Philippines’ education that can be seen taking its toll on the already horrendous budget allocation for education. Only 3.2% of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) is being spent on it which is not following UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 6% or even with the average of 4% that’s displayed by middling countries. Additionally, a PhP 6.2B budget cut is expected to hit

still be felt for quite some time.

Lastly, as stated in the Philippines’ 2022 PISA results, perhaps one of the most crucial factors regarding the country’s low PISA results is the shortage of teaching staff in schools across the Philippines. In the 2022 PISA, almost half, or 43% of Filipino learners are reported to be in schools wherein instructional capabilities are seriously affected by a lack of teaching staff. This shortage may be a product of various factors such as unsatisfactory wages or support but the main point to be taken away from this factor is how deeply degraded Filipino education is, so much so to the point that it is lacking even in the most foundational aspects.

Perhaps one of the most painful aspects of this dilemma is how the Philippines cannot even match up in terms of education with other Southeast Asian countries, especially those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Furthermore, adding to the disappointment is the simplicity and viability of solving these problems before the pandemic’s havoc on education.

As it nears rock bottom, the education sector’s only suitable trajectory should be up. The little figment of hope that Filipino education still has should now be put towards resolving the problems that have plagued it even way before the pandemic.

In light of these major factors lies an unequivocal strategy to stomp each out: better investment. In all aspects, whether it be resources, accessibility, teachers, or budget, each deserves superior investment and support from both the government and the masses so that they, as long-standing holes in our education system, will finally be solved. Teachers’ woes being cared for, universal education being better established, the need for facilities being met, and a brighter future for Filipino education are all possibilities that could be achieved through this one act.

The pandemic’s damage to Filipino education has already been dealt with, so it is high time for the Philippines’ recovery from it to push the pace. Filipino education’s performance has already managed to stay afloat even with the pandemic’s chaos. However, it won’t manage to be stable for long while being riddled with solvable flaws from way before.

With these long-standing problems, the masses and the government must unite under one initiative for education, for the youth, and for what’s to come. Push for universal education’s establishment, make the side, needs, and demands of Filipino teachers addressed and understood by all, demand better and faster economic recovery strategies, and overall, prioritize better investment for all aspects of Filipino education. With the masses’ push and the government’s action, ultimately, we could finally move forward and build towards putting to rest our education’s age-old faults.

21st Century Prophets

To a young journalist, one of the biggest feats comes after stepping on the National Schools Press Conference stage. Meanwhile, to Gaza’s child reporters, the most pristine consolation was getting to live for another day as daunting airstrikes shells and built-up rubble constitute their concept of a podium. The unjust ravages of war in the Holy Land appeared to have venerated a new generation of prophets to intervene for its people.

Amidst its dangers, children like the 9-year-old Lama Abu Jamous take on the coverage of the on-ground bombardment of Gaza with the aim of “being the voice for Palestinian children.” Children should not be exposed to war, and the task of its coverage shall not be passed on to their shoulders either. These children have barely mastered the alphabet and their mother tongue and just like us, they used to go to schools and read short stories. In an abrupt turn, they now visit refugee camps and communities under the rubble and they are now the ones telling other people’s stories through the words that were taught to them at a very young age. While most campus journalists spend hours in classrooms to hone their journalistic capabilities, these child reporters’ skills were shaped by the pleading voices, echoing airstrikes, and stray bullet shells in troubled communities. Months after the October 7 Hamas Attack, they killed an estimated 21,000 people, 69 of them being journalists according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; Meanwhile, these numbers may even be higher as the Gaza Media Office tallied more than 100 martyred media personnel since the genocide started. Sometimes, the calls for exposing the truth do not come from the burning passion to do something, but rather from humanity’s need for fundamental representation amidst the rigorous erasure of existence -while most campus journalists at this age have learned the basics of writing an

"As the world continues to ignore the Palestinian people’s struggle, the grounds of Gaza will continue to give birth and venerate prophets in the form of children journalists who will continue to dauntlessly spread the gospel of resistance and survival through steadfast journalism."

essay and making a headline, these child journalists have mastered on-the-ground reporting as those who were tasked to shed light on their situation are being targeted to create a media blackout.

While article 79 of the Additional Protocol I under the Geneva Conventions states that “journalists in war zones must be treated as civilians and protected as such,” and these child reporters bear the immunity of being both civilian and journalist, the tiny helmet and oversized bulletproof vest will not offer much against the 25,000 tonnes of explosives that were dropped in Gaza for the previous months. While these protect them against gunshot wounds,

sharp objects, and falling debris, it does not deflect the psychological implications of graphic war scenarios to a child’s developing mind.

As we often defer from highly political and controversial topics, these children brave the rescue of war casualties, smell blood and corpses, hear military paraphernalia, and witness death, grief, and fear right by their own eyes just to make the world aware of their situation. Have the world listened to the Palestinian people’s cries before October 7th, these children will not have to go through emotional and psychological torture for representation. If the world condemned acts of aggression, militarization, impunity, and apartheid, children would not have to risk their lives in the name of freedom and information.

While the world glorifies the noble profession of journalism along with journalists who unveil and uphold the truth to its utmost integrity, it must treat the existence of child journalists in Gaza as the greatest failure of the entire press and media community. As honorable as these children’s acts may seem, the mainstream media’s failure to shed light on a decades-long issue until now is a breach of its ethical goal to disseminate information and allocate space for mass representation in the public journal -leaving it to the young minds to amplify their voices.

As these journalists step on the press conference stage and start raising their pens to write and create a piece that reflects the masses, let every word reiterate the youth’s resistance against oppression. May each medal bear the weight of the truth to serve as a reminder of every drop of blood, every life that was lost, and every childhood that was robbed in the name of investigative journalism.

As the world continues to ignore the Palestinian people’s struggle, the grounds of Gaza will continue to give birth and venerate prophets in the form of children journalists who will continue to dauntlessly spread the gospel of resistance and survival through steadfast journalism.

Pessimism, the silent killer of our environment

My deep-rooted passion for the environment began early in life, as environmental values were instilled in me from a very young age. Around 2014, I got into environmental movements online. I was an active participant in online forums discussing the environment. I not only contributed to the discourses but also implemented eco-friendly practices in my own life, such as adopting a zero-waste lifestyle, embracing thrifting, and abstaining from meat consumption.

Inside my environmentalist bubble, I found joy in taking actions that aimed to minimize my negative impact on planet Earth. I also tried to get my friends and family into the movement, which was received semi-positively.

Over the years, I became increasingly disheartened by the escalating damage inflicted upon the Earth. Despite my sincere efforts, it seemed that my individual contributions were overshadowed by the destructive practices of large corporations. Slowly, I lost hope and stopped advocating and participating in the forums. I became pessimistic and nihilistic, and these beliefs drove me away from my advocacy.

Nihilism, the rejection of all religious and moral principles, posits that life is fundamentally meaningless. This worldview is closely aligned with pessimism, which is an attitude of expecting the worst, and a lack of confidence in the future.

Such pessimistic beliefs can undermine environmental movements by discouraging individuals from participating, as the question of "Why bother?" arises when life is perceived as inherently meaningless. Why fight for the environment when you are just one person stacked against large corporations?

"

A movement only fails when its people stop believing in it.”

As environmental movements, such as zero-waste and veganism, rose in popularity, so did their criticisms. While both social movements’ goal was to better the environment, their main criticism was that it was antipoor and, ironically, not sustainable. Both of them failed to make me realize the nuances of human life and how some of its proposed ideas are not feasible for the average person.

Additionally, a huge criticism of the social environment is that it’s out of touch with reality. Only the rich can achieve this because environmentally friendly products are not readily available, and these products are usually priced higher than their non-sustainable counterparts. What also jeopardized the movement is that big corporations do not care enough to meet these demands, and if they did, the prices of products would only increase.

On the other hand, veganism failed to see the complexity of human culture. Simply telling people to stop eating meat will not suffice. Meanwhile, a major criticism of veganism is that it is white-centric. While untrue, it’s not completely wrong either. The majority of the advocates for plant-based diets

Picture Perfect: Painting Maria Clara in blood

Briana Tifany F. Espidillion

"

The ability to tell your own story, in words or images, is already a victory; I am not free while any woman is unfree."

Let me share something: I was young and already aware that Maria Clara, a woman from Rizal’s fictional novel, imposed a picturesque depiction—docile, beautiful, and most self-effacing, subservient, a porcelain.

A figure of inordinate blight.

The perfect exemplar of a Dalagang Pilipina.

Not only was she fragile to me—but the intellectual society I existed in thought so too. “We are not Maria Claras; we are fierce, strong, and brave,” they said. But if these very same people advocate for empowering women, how come we degrade someone by her suppressed character? This may be a foreshadowing of future instances or, in some cases, a present reality.

comprise the white and wealthy population. This movement simply does not recognize cultures that eat meat or areas where meat is the only sustainable source of food.

The shortcomings of these movements are not solely attributed to their inherent flaws; they are also a reflection of shifting perspectives and evolving ideals among the populace. Individuals are daunted by the realization that their efforts to care for the environment pale in comparison to the extensive damage already inflicted upon it. The seemingly insurmountable tasks of repairing have given birth to the demoralizing reality of having no return from the mistakes of the past, which dissuades many from continuing their efforts.

While all hope seems to be lost, there are still people who continue their advocacy and continue with the movement. Big corporations can operate as they are because the collective voices demanding change have grown silent. While the power of a single individual may seem limited, it is the absence of support that renders movements inert.

Crucially, what many fail to grasp is the potency of singular actions. Yes, one person may not be enough, but a concerted effort by even a small group of people can set change in motion. To put it simply, something, even if it’s seemingly insignificant, is undeniably more than nothing.

All hope may seem to be lost when you are up against an establishment much bigger than you. But you are not alone in your advocacy. To lose hope in an advocacy is to admit defeat. No change will happen because society cannot be changed; it is that one who challenges it to change. A movement only fails when its people stop believing in it. To create change is difficult and to advocate for people to join your cause is even more difficult, especially during times when people stopped believing in a better future. But people must continue to do their best because even the smallest of things can also have the greatest impacts.

My today’s rediscovery of Maria Clara reveals and reframes her character through a different lens. This perspective diverges from the typical narrative of Maria Clara, a tragic figure whose story is often omitted or censored in Filipino school translations: a mestiza raped in a convent, an ilustrada sold into marriage, and an India killed by suicide who died cursing the heavens for her fate. This narrative unveils the layers of her experiences, portraying her not merely as a victim of rape or forced marriage but also as someone subjected to systemic abuse—a sharp contrast against the idealized image of the “perfect Filipina” associated with Maria Clara. As it turns out, she is not just a beauty and most definitely not just an extra accessory to Crisóstomo.

Mind you: Maria Clara's character draws inspiration from Leonor Rivera, Rizal's childhood sweetheart, who faced a similar fate of being forced into an unwanted marriage and succumbing to death during childbirth. This portrayal of female characters in Rizal's works often revolves around themes of suffering: rape, abuse, madness, or the suppression of identity, reflecting a society that historically failed to recognize and address these issues.

So, in this case, why pull her down and paint her red? She might just be the perfect embodiment of what a Filipina represents.

Contemporary events, such as the #MeToo movement and high-profile cases of rape and injustice in the Philippines, echo this systemic abuse and normalized rape culture prevalent in society. The present government's normalization of rape culture, the denial of past atrocities like Martial Law, and the perpetuation of systemic issues further align with the tragic portrayal of Maria Clara and other female characters in Rizal's works.

The glorification of Maria Clara as an embodiment of the perfect woman prompts reflection on whether contemporary women willingly conform or are forced into this ideation. It raises questions about opposing such idealization for the sake of Maria Clara and modern women.

The narrative surrounding Maria Clara serves as a catalyst for contemporary women to challenge societal norms, perceptions, and systems that perpetuate abuse, exploitation, and the idealization of suffering for women.

To empower other girls is a noble call; to know the strength behind it goes beyond mere ideation: we challenge systems that do not exclude us from us, women, alike.

So let us not paint ourselves anything, and let Maria Clara be a woman: strong, beautiful, brave—for she is I, and so are you.

Angel Jane M. Cabungcal

FIGHTER

Alexa Antoinette Sambale

Redefining prosperity, embracing practicality

John Ferdinand Pingol

In a world where the traditional path to success is no longer guaranteed, embracing "diskarte" is not a rejection of education but an acknowledgement that success is multifaceted."

In the ever-evolving landscape of success in the 21st century, a new paradigm is challenging the traditional notion of attaining a diploma as a golden ticket to prosperity. Enter Josh Mojica, an 18-yearold entrepreneur from Cavite who ignited controversy on social media by advocating the power of “diskarte” over formal education in an interview on Franklin Miano’s podcast last September. As we navigate the shifting dynamics of success in the current landscape, the debate between practicality and adhering to social norms takes the stage.

Kangkong Chips, a deep-fried appetizer, has gone viral on social media after being discussed on various online platforms due to its delicious and extraordinary concept. The man behind it, Josh Mojica, shared his story in a podcast last September, where he stated, "I am not impressed with the education system here in the Philippines. I've hardly used much of the learning in school," after being asked about his thoughts on "diskarte vs. diploma."

Considering that he only finished senior high school and skipped being an entrepreneur, he firmly believes that success is not earned through a diploma or degree but is achieved through the cultivation of soft skills and creativity.

For most Filipinos, a diploma is more than a title; it's a key to real-world success, providing practical knowledge and skills. Beyond symbolizing achievement, it opens doors to professional opportunities, bridging the gap between academic learning and the demands of the job market in the Philippines.

It holds particular importance as a prerequisite for many professional opportunities, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, law, and education. Jobs in these sectors often require candidates to possess relevant diplomas from accredited institutions, underscoring the crucial role that formal education plays in the nation's career pathways.

In the economic landscape of recent years, the notion of treating a diploma as a golden ticket for the future has been ingrained in the minds of every young Filipino. While it may sound appealing, it raises an alarming concern for the future generation.

This diploma-centric mindset has fostered a social norm that adversely impacts the economic status of the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), college graduates and those who have at least enrolled in some college courses comprise 38.6% of the underemployed.

After the pandemic, the world of work has undergone significant changes. A World Economic Forum report earlier this year proclaimed skills as the new currency of the labor market. Skill-oriented jobs have surged as the work landscape shifted to a new phase post-pandemic. Opportunities have broadened and diversified, compelling employers to seek individuals who possess not only intelligence and diligence but also creativity and soft skills.

To truly adapt to this evolving global scene, it is essential to maintain an open mindset toward the extent of changes while preserving the essence of education.

Completing a degree and gaining a diploma is not sufficient to ensure success; that is the influence that Mojica has left on modern culture as he successfully becomes a model of championing practicality over formal education. Indeed, victory cannot be guaranteed solely by having a diploma; it requires the possession of requisite life skills and values.

Josh Mojica's entrepreneurial journey serves as a microcosm of this paradigm shift. His triumph with Kangkong chips not only defies conventional narratives but also sparks a broader discourse about the evolving contours of success. Opting for practicality over conformity to social norms doesn't equate to lagging in the pursuit of success, and adherence to societal expectations doesn’t necessarily ensure prosperity. In a world where the traditional path to success is no longer guaranteed, embracing "diskarte" is not a rejection of education but an acknowledgment that success is multifaceted.

On MariScians and universities: Breaking expectations

“Excellence. Good Taste. Discipline.”

These words embody the mantra of Marikina Science High School.

As its students, our reputation precedes us. We are always expected to excel and succeed simply because we are from a ‘science high school.’ The term itself creates a heavy sense of expectation, as if our capabilities are always being assessed against these high standards. It gives us the impression that these elevated expectations limit our possibilities.

One of the expectations is that if you are from a science high school, you have a high chance of passing the “Big Four” universities, which include Ateneo de Manila University, the University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, and the University of the Philippines. The belief often influences how we perceive things, gently coaxing us to concentrate mostly on those accredited institutions. However, this expectation to take the standard path might unintentionally limit our pursuit of various trails and unique options beyond the sphere of the "Big Four," inconspicuously shaping our academic experience in a more restricted way.

To truly free ourselves from these constraints, we must adopt a mindset that goes beyond the traditional narrative. It entails exploring beyond the usual paths and digging into possibilities that extend beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. This involves considering foreign schools, which offer a rich repository of diverse educational

Ira Gabriel E. Mantes

"For us MariScians, our school's mantra has become more like a compass to break free from norms than a todo list."

interactions and viewpoints.

According to the Commission on Higher Education, the number of Filipinos studying abroad has nearly doubled in the last decade. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States are just a few of the study locations that have seen a significant increase in the enrollment of Filipino students over the years.

Meanwhile, IDP Philippines Country Director Jose Miguel Habana

Divine Diversity

revealed that around 53,000 Filipinos are presently enrolled in international schools, which is expected to exhibit an 8-10% annual growth in the following years. This trend is reportedly driven by the rising interest in international education and the prospect of better opportunities abroad.

Choosing an international path not only breaks local expectations but also provides possibilities for personal growth in undiscovered circumstances. Though the assumption that a science high school implies local university achievement may still persist, accepting international possibilities helps broaden our vision.

Going back to the MariSci mantra, these aren't simply words; they serve as our “secret formula” for breaking away from the norm. Excellence isn't concerned with where you are; it's about putting your heart and soul into whatever you're doing. Good taste is about selecting what fits our rhythm, even if it is not the conventional choice. Lastly, discipline is the solid backbone that keeps us on course throughout our entire journey.

For us MariScians, our school's mantra has become more like a compass to break free from norms than a to-do list. It's an open invitation to let greatness shine, to savor a variety of learning experiences, and to stick to the plan with discipline as we carve out our path. So, instead of merely breaking expectations, why not rewrite the story?

Let us embrace an exploratory and innovative attitude that extends beyond the "Big Four" and even crosses borders—literally and figuratively. After all, our potential is as big and alive as the world that awaits us to discover it.

“Sayang ka.”

Those are the words that often echo within the four walls of a family dining room whenever the topic of homosexuality is brought up. These words linger like a thick mist in the air—a breeze that stays long after it has appeared. It is something that slips into the back of your mind yet continues to ravage your thoughts when darkness creeps in.

In a Filipino household, coming out of the closet is perhaps one of the most complex conversations to have. It requires days, weeks, months, and even years of preparation and finding the right time. Yet, nothing can ever account for that exact moment; with shaky hands, you declare your true self to the people you hold dearest. You wonder: Will they greet you with open arms? Or will you be met with disappointed, judging stares and a very short but caustic “sayang ka" that stings whenever it is spat in your direction?

Unfortunately, the latter is the case in most households. Homosexuality is often frowned upon by most churches and their constituents in the Philippines. After all, this is a predominantly Catholic country, with 85.6 million adherents, equivalent to 78.8% of the population. Faith is at the center of most Filipinos' lives. Our society’s norms are founded on the religious dogmas of the church, yet these norms restrain the LGBTQIA+ community from freely expressing themselves, particularly in the sense of who to love.

Currently, the Philippines has no specific law that shields members of the LGBTQIA+ community from discrimination. Despite efforts by some lawmakers to address this issue through the filing of progressive bills, their endeavors have faced significant obstacles, primarily due to the opposition of many closeminded Filipinos—ordinary citizens and politicians alike. One prominent example of this is the prolonged consideration of the SOGIESC bill over the years. Many conservatives oppose the bill, claiming it threatens the principles of their church and stands against their doctrinaire exercise of religion. That thought itself is ludicrous; ensuring that the minority has access to basic rights

Despite the bill’s notion of equity and fair play, heteronormative attitudes continue to prevail in the chambers of the Senate as they stand firm in their resistance, which is tied to several misconceptions that perpetuate a convoluted perception of SOGIE rights among conservatives.

More than anything else, during this war, the church has become a threatening space for some—if not most—people. As a result, individuals from different walks of life have weakened their spiritual fortitude. Due to the church’s rejection of the minority, young gays, lesbians, transgender people, and other members of the community began to question their faith and stray away from it. In my instance, I began to question my faith when I realized the disputes stemmed from religion. I asked myself, Why would I want to associate myself with a God who lets me feel shame for who I am?

"A movement only fails when its people stop believing in it.”

does not diminish the freedoms enjoyed by cisgender individuals. In fact, the SOGIESC bill aims to benefit everyone, not just a particular sector. The absence of a law for LGBTQIA+ people has proved to be deadly, as an estimated 77 murders of trans and gender-diverse people took place between 2008 and 2021. This number is only an estimate from Transgender Europe’s Trans Murder Monitoring Project, as there is little to no data documenting the hate crimes taking place in the Philippines. Many hate crimes remain undocumented, and the actual number of casualties may be higher.

With the daunting numbers in place, it begs the question: What is the government doing about this?

Two decades have passed since the first version of the anti-discrimination bill, more well-known as the SOGIE Equality Bill, was filed in the Philippine House of Representatives. In this war of acceptance, the bill has always met the same fate: the lower chamber approves it, only for the Philippine Senate to let it stall in the deliberations.

True enough, other people share the same sentiments as me. Most individuals experience being underestimated simply because they’re part of the minority. Society, along with ourselves, sees us for less than what we truly are just because we do not adhere to society’s heterosexist concept of love.

However, just recently, Pope Francis has pushed inclusivity in the Catholic Church by allowing priests to bless couples in same-sex relationships. Prior to this decision, the church rejected the blessing of same-sex couples, citing concerns that it would undermine the church doctrine that marriage is only between a man and a woman. Additionally, on October 31, Pope Francis approved another document from Cardinal Fernandez’s department that recognizes transgender people as wedding witnesses and godparents, even granting them the sacrament of baptism.

While these initiatives by the Vatican seem promising, the church continues to struggle with the realities of the 21st century. Prejudice continues to derail the journey of same-sex couples, forcing them to fight tooth and nail just to have a place in this world. This is the battle I, along with the members of my community, have to face every single day just because our way of life diverges from the heteronormative ideals of the church. At its core, our love is indeed a fight for equality—fearless and freeing.

SCRINIUM OF EXPRIMERE

Paris Adriene S. Mabato

FIGHTER

By ASHLEE SANTOS, BON HOMENA, ERVIN LORENZO, JALEN ESPINO, LANCE GASMEN, JOHN DAVID

Ivory Tower:

How technological disparity fails the Filipino

In a capitalist education system, an act of disapproval against unjust modernization is merely dismissed under the guise of “crab mentality” or simply as a result of regression. Filipinos who are economically “well-off” or part of the 1.4% of upperclass citizens do not realize that their privilege may have affected how they view the world. As the government continues to push for the modernization of many of our systems, including education, a basic human right that should be available to everyone can become a competition between social hierarchies.

In auditing the financial transactions of the Department of Education in 2021, the Commission on Audit noted that PHP 2.4 billion was approved for purchasing entry-level laptops with Intel Celeron processors to be distributed to public school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, whose program specifications do not have the capacity to handle heavy loads and do not meet industry qualifications for most online programs. Even if politicians put their money where their mouth is, they recklessly spend it on their projects without even considering the smallest factors, such as ease of use.

According to the Department of Science and Technology, as of 2017, our country ranks 83rd out of 138 countries regarding technological readiness. It could very well be higher today if only the government spent as much time trying to educate Filipinos about such technologies as advocating for them, then we might have the capacity to maximize their full potential.

Furthermore, those privileged enough to be enrolled in private high schools because they are financially comfortable might be more confident in their technological skills and perceive them as fundamental knowledge. They also have much lower student-teacher ratios, with one instructor to 40 students or even less, allowing teachers to answer all students' questions before moving on to the next lesson, topic, or concept. It ensures that no student is left behind in knowledge and skill development. However, the reality is much farther than that; knowledge is a privilege.

The statistics on internet access in the Philippines are clear: 70% of mobile users and

83% of Filipinos, in general, have access to sufficient fixed internet speeds, rendering them at a disadvantage in this digital age. Of course, the majority of students in Metro Manila have enough access to both fixed broadband and mobile internet, compared to the lack of such

connectivity in rural areas like Mindanao. This is not just an issue of convenience but a matter of social justice. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed, regardless of their location. It is pretty much known by the government

and private sectors to step up and ensure that every Filipino has equal access to quality education. It is not just about internet connectivity; it is about breaking down the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from reaching their full potential. This

disparity needs to be addressed. Proper action needs to be taken to make education accessible for all Filipinos, no matter where they reside.

A "digital divide" between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak, exists. Isn’t it ironic how rapidly technology develops globally but is dramatically slow in the Philippines? According to Datareportal and Statistia, about two to three out of four Filipinos have access to the internet. But what good is having an internet connection if many circumstances prevent you from utilizing it? This issue has just been highlighted with the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational institutions were forced to close, and when regulations finally became lenient, the Commission on Higher Education implemented a technology-based alternative learning method. What was intended to be a solution became more of a bother to some.

Students from lowincome families have fallen behind as the wealthy access technology and the internet better and more easily. Online learning's high cost of data and suboptimal assessment strategies to monitor students have only exacerbated the current educational crisis. This response to exigency was never aimed at supporting the poor; it was meant to weigh them down. People in authority may have believed they had solved the education problem while the pandemic raged on, but it is apparent that the solution only applies to those who can rise above the nation’s problems.

True equality demands acknowledging and confronting our privilege and constructively using it to uplift the oppressed rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. While advocating for digital learning may appear to be a step forward, it is important to remember that not all individuals have access to the same resources, further penalizing those already disadvantaged.

Those in positions of power, such as the government and the education sector, must prioritize education and pay attention to the barriers that marginalized people face. It is time for our leaders to recognize the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of our society and to take consistent, decisive actions to ensure that every individual has access to quality education. It is time to actively work toward a truly equitable and just society where no one is left behind.

Graphics by: Ferdinand Pingol

RAMOS, LAETITIA GARCIA, MARK TUBALINAL, MICAH ARELLANO, & RAIN PAROAN

Positioning Philippines on the science of Four student-researchers

nuclear power

By IRA MANTES & KARMELA CABALLERO

On May 15, 2023, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. signed a pact to extend the service contract for the Malampaya gas field by 15 years, as the contract was set to end in February 2024. Located off the coast of Palawan, it currently supplies 20% of the electricity in Luzon. Malampaya is an allFilipino-operated gas plant that has supplied energy to the Philippines for over 20 years. Unfortunately, this power plant is expected to be commercially depleted by 2077.

In 1973, when the world faced an oil crisis, the Philippines, under Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s administration, built the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Construction work began in July 1976 and concluded in 1984 for a total of $1.9 billion. However, due to financial issues and safety concerns, the plant was never loaded with fuel nor operated. Since then, nuclear energy has remained unexplored by the Filipinos as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Nuclear power plants are thermal power stations in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor. Similar to thermal power stations, heat is used to generate steam that drives a steam turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity.

Nuclear reactors provide a significant amount of energy, with only a small amount of uranium needed to power multiple homes. Moreover, nuclear energy does not directly

engineers in the country, according to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

And even with the discovered uranium deposits in Camarines Norte and Palawan, we still have to import most of our uranium from countries like Australia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the like.

Given that the Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is prone to earthquakes and extreme weather, such as rainfall and typhoons, that could destroy or deteriorate the power plants, posing a potential risk for everyone who works in the reactor or the residents who live nearby.

Although nuclear reactors do not produce greenhouse gasses, residents who live near them will have to deal with the risk of radioactive waste being thrown into their rivers, causing contamination. Residents who live near the uranium mines could also endanger their lives as open-pit mining leaves radioactive particles that could affect the air they breathe and the water they drink.

If the Philippines decides to switch to nuclear power, it could also provide more jobs for people. Careers in nuclear science have become more viable for Filipinos. Being a service-driven economy, nuclear energy can also make electricity bills cheaper and make the country more attractive for local and foreign industries to invest in.

Moreover, as a developing nation, the Philippines could use nuclear energy

By VALERIE CLEMENTE

Exhibiting astounding research skills and collaborative efforts, four students from Marikina Science High School (MariSci) secured regional tickets in two categories at the Division Science and Technology Fair (DSTF) held at Concepcion Elementary School on November 10–11.

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) emerged profusely in the 21st century, it has significantly redefined our society in various aspects. From how we communicate with people to how we deal with healthcare problems—the incorporation of AI in these fields has been a groundbreaking discovery, not just for professionals but for humanity in general. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the possible uses of AI in health hold a promising premise for how we diagnose diseases, provide treatments, and improve patient care.

“Like all new technology, artificial intelligence holds enormous potential for improving the health of millions of people around the world. This important new report provides a valuable guide for countries on how to maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks and avoiding its pitfalls,” WHO DirectorGeneral Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked in a video message promoting the launch of the report, Ethics and Governance of AI for Health, last 2021.

With the world now embarking on a pivotal change in its healthcare landscape, the Philippines has exerted its efforts to make use of AI-based technology.

The lack of medical supplies and long procurement processes served as two of the main challenges that our medical front-liners have endured during the pandemic. Seeing how these factors disrupted healthcare in the Philippines, especially in Level 1 and 2 hospitals in provincial areas, Nigel Lirio founded MedHyve, a Filipino-owned healthcare startup focused on canvassing a platform for a simple, convenient, and digitized procurement of medical supplies.

“The project is really based on improving the procurement speed and making efficient spending for these hospitals through AI,” explained CTO and Project Leader Gabriel Lopez, shedding light on how MedHyve can enhance the cost-efficiency of administrative processes within the healthcare sector.

MedHyve stands as one of the initial recipients of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development's Startup Research Grant, a program designed to foster research and development within the startup sector.

Launched in 2020, the program caters to 100 suppliers and 3,000 products online, including internationally critically acclaimed brands like Johnson & Johnson, Omron, and Diversey.

By HEINZ MATHEW DAVE

ONE CHAT AWAY

With the vision of addressing increasing demands of online the country, specifically in based help operations, PhilCare, based health maintenance launched a multilingual chatbot to answer frequently asked

The program was sponsored AI customer experience platform, designed for accommodating and mixed languages through language processing. Some offered by the chatbot are checking hospitals and clinics, looking physicians, and generating for online or face-to-face consultations.

“PhilCare leverages technology exceptional service to our clients. that strategic partnerships with Proto will help us achieve the first few months of using PhilCare immediately felt an delivering our services. competent team from Proto,” Technical Officer Charles Alexis

As of writing, the chatbot PhilCare’s website and Facebook 400,000 patients all over the inquired about Phil’s services its launch, and with an outstanding time of only 1.95 seconds, able to handle 69,830 chats

KINDLING THE CANDLE

The recent advancements facilitated by high-throughput technologies, have empowered researchers to gain a comprehensive into the intricate nature of With that, one of the promising offered by the DOST was the of cancer in people with chronic The Early Cancer Detection of Filipinos With Chronic Active Using AI-Driven Integration Genomic Biomarkers, stylized Detection in the Liver (CANDLE) project that aims to validate a convention used to detect within the Filipino population and serum biomarkers to predict of an individual developing

“Because this study will model and profile the genomic case-control cohorts, it will system in early HCC detection understanding of the nature disease, respectively,” the research’s The insights gained from be used to offer a more robust, efficient early diagnosis and cancer among Filipino citizens. generation of omic data will for accelerating medical research liver cancer treatment in the

Graphics by: Paige Barce and Crishnia Colle

Photo by Alexa Sambale)

student-researchers bag regional tickets in SciTech Fair

With the theme “Rebuilding Resilient Communities: Embracing Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future,” the competition emphasized the pivotal role of the Department of Education (DepEd) in shaping the holistic development of learners.

MariSci garnered rankings in the following categories: Likha - Life Science - Team Category (2nd Place), Physical Science - Individual Category (3rd Place), Physical Science - Team Category (3rd Place), National Innovation Expo - Individual Category (4th Place), and Tuklas Display Board (2nd Place).

The regional tickets were secured in two categories: Robotics and Intelligent Machine (team category), represented by Andreia Basi, Rhoanna Malabaguio, and Jasmine Del Pilar, coached by Mark Anthony Casimiro; and STEMTokperiments, represented by Czareleana

Vanessa Parra, coached by Mary Ann Taway. “Me, Andreia Basi, and Jasmine Del Pilar were overjoyed the moment Marisci was called onto the stage. We were screaming, happy, and teary-eyed due to the excitement and gratefulness that we felt all at once,” shared Malabaguio.

On December 1-2, at SDO-Muntinlupa, MariSci represented Marikina City in the two aforementioned categories at the Regional Science and Technology Fair (RSTF).

Parra qualified as an RSTF participant, and Malabaguio’s team emerged as one of the finalists in their category.

AWAY: Philippine healthcare field

THE SWIPE OF LIFE: How the social media algorithm shapes our online landscape

By NATE CRUZ

addressing the everonline patient support in hosting hospitalPhilCare, a Philippineorganization, chatbot entitled Phil asked health queries. sponsored by Proto’s platform, specifically accommodating under-resourced through the use of natural Some of the functions checking accredited looking for affiliated letters of authorization consultations. technology to deliver clients. We believe like the one we have achieve our goals. In just using Proto's platform, an improvement in services. Thank you to the Proto,” PhilCare Chief Alexis Aquino remarked. chatbot is available on Facebook account. Around the Philippines have services online ever since outstanding response the program was chats from customers.

CANDLE advancements in genomic medicine, high-throughput sequencing empowered clinicians and comprehensive insight complex diseases. promising research the early detection chronic diseases.

Detection in the Liver Active Hepatitis B Integration of Clinical and stylized as the Cancer (CANDLE) study, is a validate the GALAD model, detect cancer in the body, population using clinical data predict the likelihood developing liver cancer. will validate the GALAD genomic information of will lead to a better scoring detection and a more holistic nature and mechanism of the research’s rationale stated. from the said study will robust, cost-effective, and and prognosis of liver citizens. Moreover, the will lay the foundation research regarding the country.

Today’s globe saw a little yet meaningful spike in the average daily time spent on social media. The average person now spends 151 minutes of their 24 hours using social media platforms, reflecting a three-minute increase from last year’s 148 minutes. It reveals, yet again—an awestruck rate of people scrolling, swiping, or simply ‘catching up’ to the world’s current trends.

You might think of popular platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, which seem to 'magically' predict the content you are interested in or even the listening habits that Spotify tailors for your playlists. Now, the term 'algorithm' might immediately come to mind, as millions of users daily seek an escape from the monotony of boredom. This medium effortlessly combines what is popular with what you desire, all within the tap of a screen. This surge in social media usage can result in a vast media landscape, riding on the constant demand for all-encompassing content or, in some cases, the intentional compromise of personal privacy protection—something that might already be happening. Despite the country's ascent to the fourth position globally in terms of time spent on social media, local issues take a backseat. These addictive behaviors result in effects such as eye strain and a decline in physical socialization. However, we have yet to thoroughly explore the enigmatic causes behind these phenomena.

FIRSTS OF FORMULAS

Facebook, a trailblazer in this system, initiated the phenomenon with its “newsfeed.” Starting with displaying posts in chronological order, they experimented with different other methods to combat user reviews until they began using one of the early known algorithms called EdgeRank. Data from INKspire revealed that the algorithm

revolves around three principles: the interaction between followers and pages, the type of content the user will likely look at and interact with; and how quickly the posts get irrelevant to users.

The algorithm intends to study your data usage on the platform to get to know your online experience, such as by showing us content that matches our preferences, interests, and beliefs. The three principles laid the groundwork for the contemporary algorithms that the giants of social media use today, which are being renewed and remodeled for the user’s satisfaction over time.

SOCIAL CREATURES

Communication is an innate drive that fulfills the lives of social creatures, such as humans. We talk, listen, and respond to loads of conversations each day. These are the unwritten rules of communication. Social media brings it to a worldwide level, demarcating the boundaries of the planet. Algorithms and personalizations craft an intimately conjoined landscape in the present tech world. Users often hide unwanted topics, focus on their preferences and interests, and set these to their limits. This can also enable safe usage against spam and harmful content that violates the platform’s policies. Algorithms master this system and, in turn, increase user satisfaction and engagement with these sites.

The benefits of personalization broaden new heights of perspectives from different ideas, cultures, and concepts from different pages and groups online. The practice ravages many stereotypes and confusions and enables many users to

keep an open and positive outlook on various topics. Locally and internationally, social media plays a major role in developing business marketing for large audiences on the web. In the Philippines, one prime example of this was “online selling.” During the pandemic when it was prohibited to go outside, small businesses got creative and decided to sell their products, particularly clothing, online. With a market size of $231.1 billion, there is no question why according to Neal Schaffer, a whopping percentage of 93% of businesses worldwide rely on social media to cater to audiences out there. Many businesses can view the number of views, likes, comments, shares, and insights on their pages, and with different features from social media apps that assist small to medium businesses, this can help them strategize their products and optimize their market.

SATISFACTION OVER SUSPICION

A noteworthy news story this 2023 was the proposed ban of the social media giant TikTok, owned by ByteDance, in many countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the European

Union, due to the alleged misuse of personal data, endangering the 1.677 billion users’ sensitive information.

Although the site has referred to this as “political theater” because of its linkage to the Chinese government, there has been no doubt of many, when it comes to the usage of their data from enabling their settings to be tracked by third-party apps. These services can risk your safety and security, and they may even contain malware or spyware that can harm your device and steal your data.

A report by the Royal Society for Public Health showed that adolescents spending more than three hours on social media per day are more at risk of mental health problems. 13% of kids ages 12-17 report depression, 32% report anxiety, and 25% of 18 to 25-year-olds report mental illness. Mental illnesses and disorders are one of the problems this generation has been facing, one factor is because of social media. The rampage of different information that is still not yet for their consumption. Other variables include bias, manipulative behavior, and cyberbullying that expedite different negative emotions, like envy, loneliness, or frustration. Different issues, such as sleep patterns, attention span, memory, and physical seclusion, can contribute to the spree of negative effects. Content creators can also manipulate and explore loopholes in algorithms, making them own and control the mental and meta landscapes of many users, leading to a loss of integrity and different creators being viewed.

DEAR READER

The good and the bad, the sweet and the sour. Social media algorithms serve as a gateway for success or plummeting failure. Users must practice healthy social media usage to benefit their mental health, learning, and creativity. Users need to be critical of the content they consume. Algorithms cannot always verify what is truthful, but there are a multitude of tools, like FactCheck.org, that can help you attain accurate and credible sources of information.

Eye strain, back pain, and others are all demons of one proprietor. If we overuse these algorithms, our physical health will also deteriorate. Proper breaks and periods must be considered to regulate the interaction between social media and its algorithms. Such improvements in our health will take effect, making it possible for balanced online and physical socialization to occur. Like the famous "think before you click" campaign, allowing ourselves to view, create, and share the correct content is a must. It is important for us to choose the correct words to say and not hurt any group or person. There have been a lot of sites, like Grammarly, which are used to improve the quality and clarity of writing. We should exercise proper etiquette online. Be supportive and respectful of others’ opinions, and filter toxic or harmful comments and messages.

Social media algorithms and social media are implementing their best business practices as possible. For some matters, we can assume their feature drops are for the users, but not everything they can solve. As a well-informed user of the web, it is your job to discern and fact-check selective information, select the correct content, and be mindful of your time and actions online. Technologies like this must serve as an asset, and not a turn for disaster.

Graphics by: Paige Barce and Crishnia Colle

Footprints of Life: Tailoring

By ANDREA BERBER

Brown-colored boxes piled high against the wall, alongside numerous leather materials, awaiting use in the next project. The loud cackling of children echoes around the house, fighting for dominance against the sound of the machines. The old shoemaker looks up from his workstation, observing the hustle and bustle of his small shop. With a light tap on his shoulder, he turns his attention towards his assistant, showing him another batch that needs to be made. The old man sighs and turns his attention back to his work.

The City of Marikina is known for many things, from tourist-worthy places and delectable cuisine to the people known for their discipline and good taste. Yet, among its treasures stands the golden of them all—the Marikinamade shoes. As the shoe capital of the Philippines, Marikina prides itself on shoes rich in culture and heritage made by shoemakers here in the city. Unfortunately, the life of a shoemaker, especially those who are owners of their small establishments, has never been easy. The everyday battle of tailoring and selling their

their lives as they choose to pursue their passion and love for shoemaking here in Marikina, navigating in an age where digital is the way to go.

THE FIRST STITCHES

Born in the province of Aklan, Demitrio Salsona, 60, was like any other provincial boy—a dreamer with hopes of being successful and making it big enough to survive the harsh reality of life. Right after graduating high school, Salsona made the biggest decision of his entire life. He grabbed all his valuables, packed them in his bag, and left for the big city in search of a better life.

However, his arrival in the capital region left him in a lamentable position as he was faced with the hardship of finding a proper occupation in the city—a cruel reality endured by everyone. Although young, Salsona did not see this as a threat; in his mind, this was his chance to work his

In Bulacan, he was able to land himself an exporting job in a furniture shop. Cainta, however, was where his life would change forever. “I met a shoemaker when I arrived in Cainta,” Salsona said. “He took me in as his apprentice.” As his newly acquired skill in shoemaking grew with each passing day, his love for the craft grew along with it. And when the time came when his apprenticeship ended and he was let off by his mentor, he would move to a new location; Marikina was the city he had in mind. In the year 2004, after training his family and in-laws in the craft of shoemaking, Salsona opened the doors to his very own shoe-making shop in his home, the Salsona Shoemakers, a family-operated business focusing on making shoes used for school.

THE STEPS AND SLIPS

Although they focus on creating school shoes, they are also able to cater to the needs and wants of other customers, making sure that they are not confined to the creation and distribution of school footwear. Even though their sales were mostly big during the back-to-school season, the earnings were flowing well

enough that Salsona and his workers were able to raise their children here in the city of Marikina through the art of shoemaking.

Salsona Shoemakers made quick partnerships with different institutions, becoming suppliers of the shoes usually seen in malls such as the Gaisano Grand Mall. Salsona, through shoemaking, was able to give his family a more comfortable life. To him, this was it— this was the success that he was working all his life for.

Alas, tragedy would soon chase out the happiness Salsona got from his booming small business. As the popularity of foreign products grew in the hearts of the people, their sales lessened and lessened until they found themselves losing their partnership with big institutions. The loss of the partnership became a slap in the face for Salsona as he realized he had to find other ways to distribute the shoes he had made. He seeks refuge in selling his shoes in bulk in Bulacan so that they can continue living a comfortable life with few little worries.

Unbeknownst to him, was that this would only serve as the tip of the iceberg of the trials that Salsona had to endure in his life as a shoemaker.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it was as if the switch of life went off, and it put a hold on the lives of millions of people as well as the businesses running during that time. Unfortunately, Salsona’s business was one of those that had their operations come to a stop.

“The pandemic was hard for us,” he said. “At first, we were okay. We had lots of shoes in stock ready to be shipped to Bulacan. But when they were all gone, we had to find other ways to live.”

Salsona, from being part of the ones who generated income for his family, suddenly became one of the members who sat around and became reliant on the job of his working children and the occasional assistance from the local government. The gratefulness that he had for his loving kids only grew as they tirelessly helped provide for their family while their heads were forced to stay on standby during this time of crisis.

THE FINAL STEP

With the lifting of the pandemic and the opening of the schools, newfound joy

RE THAN SHOES:

By IRA MANTES

Though the city is widely recognized for its skill in shoemaking, Banchetto is a fun way to recall that Marikina is also home to a variety of delectable meals.

The well-known food market, also known as “Banchetto,” was an instant sensation at the Palarong Pambansa 2023 held in Marikina City. It showcased the city’s delectable diversity by serving a blend of local and foreign cuisine. Both locals and tourists applauded all of the mouth-watering options offered.

Photos by: Alexa Sambale

Marikina LGU reopens

Marikina shoemaker’s trailblazing journey of passion and resilience features

came into the lives of many workers and shoemakers, Salsona included. They were quick on their feet, working hard and fast to make up for the three years of hardship when their lives were forced to be put on hold. Like a dying phoenix comes the rebirth of a newfound hope in the lives of the people.

Pre-pandemic life slowly came back, orders from customers slowly started piling up, and earnings were slowly coming back. It’s never easy to rise back up from a fall, but this is a challenge that didn’t deter Salsona and his family in the slightest.

Operations of the store are up and running, and Salsona was able to continue pursuing his love and passion for shoemaking. With the help of his family, Salsona carries his pride as a shoemaker of Marikina in all the projects that he acquires.

Although the life of being a shoemaker was never easy, the gratefulness in him overflows from the amount of abundance that he accumulated through his craft. From a provincial boy with only big dreams, shoemaking became his tool in tailoring the blazing and exhilarating life filled with much satisfaction that he has today.

“I will forever be grateful,” he said. “Shoemaking changed my life.”

The city of Marikina is known for many things, but it’s most especially recognized for its exceptional ability to create shoes of wonders for the people of the Philippines, with Salsona Shoemakers being one of the many hardworking shoe shops dedicated to tailoring quality Marikina-made shoes for the people.

The brown-colored boxes filled with carefully tailored shoes double as they pile high up against the small shop’s walls, reaching the ceiling above. The ear-splitting sound of the sewing machines rivals the loud cackles of the lovably rambunctious children in the household. The old man looks up from his workstation, his attention briefly disrupted by his latest project. He softly sighs at the sight he’s witnessing but lightly smiles at the subtle chaos of the environment—he wouldn't have it any other way. There’s no place like home; there’s no place like Salsona Shoemaker.

After seeing the overwhelming support and success of Banchetto last Palarong Pambansa 2023, the Marikina Local Government Unit (LGU) decided to bring it back again for the holiday season with the theme "Blue Christmas Village” which was launched last November 13, 2023.

FROM STREETS TO PARK

The first Banchetto this year made an impact on social media because of its unique history. Different street vendors who were originally selling beside the Marikina River Park were given a new place by Marikina LGU–Banchetto de IVC (Industrial Valley Complex) located at the Meralco Park.

In an interview with Good News by GMA last February 2023, Jasmine Abesamis, one of the owners of the trending Ally’s Sisig shared that they had a hard time before because of their location.

“Naghahabulan kami kahit may mga permit kami kasi nga bawal ho talaga riyan sa ilalim ng tulay. Kumbaga, obstruction ho,” Abesamis shared. Compared with their prior location, vendors

and their customers now enjoy a nicer and larger environment, guaranteeing a more convenient area for transactions. The primary objective of the shift was to give consumers and vendors a better and safer experience and working environment. The new location not only provides a more comfortable and safe atmosphere but also demonstrates the Marikina LGU’s commitment to improving the market and making adjustments for the sake of the community.

NOW SERVING, HOPE!

Marikina LGU does not stop from giving space and opportunity to others. Congresswoman of District I Marikina City, Maan Teodoro, shared that Banchetto has something unique this time because women who have been victims of abuse or involved in conflicts were offered the chance to sell their products to support their families and children.

“Higit sa lahat, gusto ko rin i-note na may kakaiba sa Banchetto na gagawin natin na mayroon tayong mga kababaihan involving conflict o may mga karanasan na violence na kasama sa banchetto

"“The pandemic was hard for us. At first, we were okay. We had lots of shoes in stock ready to be shipped to Bulacan. But when they were all gone, we had to find other ways to live."

- DEMITRIO SALSONA, Owner of Salsona -Shoemakers Shop

"“Sa tingin ko, mas lalong mapapadami nito yung mga tao na gustong pumunta rito sa Marikina. Marami rin sa atin ang makakatikim ng iba’t-ibang klase ng pagkain. Maganda rin dito na pangmasa yung presyo ng mga pagkain dito."

- AMYLITA LUZARAN, one of the Marikeños who visited Banchetto

natin,” the lawmaker said. Amylita Luzaran, one of the Marikeños who visited Banchetto, said that this advocacy of Congresswoman Maan can be beneficial for them as a pastime activity because cooking is an activity that is relaxing. Moreover, it could help women who aspire to overcome hardship following unfavorable experiences.

“Nagkakaroon sila ng inspirasyon para magkaroon sila ng pang-araw-araw nilang kita, meroon silang napagkaka-abalahan,” Edwina Ronquillo of Lafangan BBQ stall, shared.

DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY

The bustling Marikina Banchetto provides excellent opportunities for local business owners to showcase their culinary strength. Along with supporting the thriving local enterprises and providing a dynamic platform for connecting with an extensive number of customers, it also improves Marikina's socioeconomic setting.

“[Sumali kami rito] Para madagdagan ‘yung kita namin. May mga puwesto kami sa Palengke at saka sa Parang, nag gaganito [ihaw]

talaga kami,” Ronquillo said.

Allan Bautista of Papsi Dencio Shawarma also said that Banchetto is a good project by the LGU because it gives them the chance to work and make a profit.

A Shoe Bazaar was also launched beside the said Banchetto. According to Congresswoman Maan during the opening, “Bukod ho sa pwede silang mamili ng sapatos na pampasko o kaya mga bag at wallet na pwede nilang iregalo, puwede na rin silang mag-bonding kasama ang kanilang mga barkada at pamilya sa Banchetto.”

Furthermore, Banchetto's diverse flavors have made it a popular tourist destination as well as a gastronomic powerhouse. The busy marketplace captures the essence of Marikina's lively energy, making it a must-visit location where business and community spirit flourish.

,” Luzaran shared.

While transforming Marikina into a vibrant center of tastes and holidays, the Blue Christmas Village Banchetto is a symbol of the city's dedication to promoting community, empowerment of women, and economic development.

Photos by: Alexa Sambale

Bigger than the country’s population, an online adult entertainment platform continues to spark attention and garner more subscribers across its online community.

Amidst the noise of various online platforms, OnlyFans, with 190 million subscribers and 3.18 million content creators, continues to grace its users with opportunities to access different types of content, from lifestyle to pleasure.

While the raging currents of content creators overwhelm their users with content, the preference of the user is still the top priority in choosing the media where their needs are met.

Andy, a 32-year-old BPO employee, is a testament that people can enjoy the benefits of the platform when they have met the right creator for them.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

A subscriber named Andy, who prefers to hide their full identity, discovered OnlyFans through another social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Ayon, nagba-browse [ako], I followed certain people, tapos I got interested sa isa, and then I tried to subscribe to watch videos and things like that,” said the OnlyFans user.

Following the subscription to a single content creator, they found themselves using OnlyFans for almost a year, satisfying their self-pleasure desires.

“Whenever may bago siyang video—nagno-notify kasi iyon eh, kung kunwari may bago akong pinost na video or magla-live cam siya [content creator]. So ayon, I use it daily, especially kapag nasa bahay ako or wala namang work,” Andy said.

During their subscription, Andy made their consumption of OnlyFans content part of their daily routine. From working a graveyard shift, they watch the uploaded replays of live content that they missed during their bedtime to aid their sleep.

“Well, for me, it gives me satisfaction and nami-meet niya yung expectations na gusto ko, na ine-expect ko. Kaya, ayon, as of now or up until today, I’m still subscribed to him, kasi nga, okay naman. Napo-provide niya yung gusto ko,” they added.

Due to constant satisfaction, Andy emphasized their agreement to pay the required fees to access the content. With a rough estimate, they have already spent at least P3,000.00 for a single subscription thus far.

UNMASKING

With Andy’s experience with the platform, they have already grasped the reality of using OnlyFans. “Well, I am open naman in terms of it. I tend to share it with my friends, pero there are people or other friends of mine na syempre, hindi

nila masyadong naintindihan,” they said. Andy said that they are also aware that the platform cannot be forced into everyone’s acceptance due to various reasons, or unless one gets curious about what OnlyFans promotes.

"Basta it’s not something you can promote to other people kasi hindi naman lahat ganoon yung gusto," Andy expounded.

According to them, the platform has a requirement in terms of age and it generally caters to the desires of a specific sector of the community, identifying them as a "target market" of the platform.

"Kasi sa OnlyFans, I would say, it’s only for adult people and kailangan talaga na nasa legal age bago ka mag-subscribe to that. There’s a certain target market ng mga content creator, mostly mga gays and discreet people—mga gays, mga bisexuals," they added.

The subscription for OnlyFans also incurs charges

that are required to be settled and maintained over time if the user wishes to continue the consumption of content. In the case of Andy, they allot P1,500.00 for a six-month subscription that is out of their monthly fixed budget.

“So, probably, if you’re interested in subscribing to Onlyfans, dapat yung may extra [money] ka. I mean, hindi siya kasama sa monthly budget mo. Kumbaga, kung may spare ka lang, ‘yon, pwede mong i-subscribe [to a content creator] kung interesado ka talaga. Pero kung—kung hindi, then don’t do it kasi nga it might—it might cause a problem in the future,” Andy stated.

For those who are interested in subscribing, Andy advised them to be cautious of the addiction tendencies that may come with the consumption of sexual content from the platform, which may affect their personal and professional lives.

BREAKING THE TABOO

The Philippines, as a highly conservative country, makes it difficult for new ideas that are considered taboo to flourish in the market of the creative and entertainment industry—one of which is the adult entertainment and sex industry supported by OnlyFans.

“Since sex work industry, if I call it, since parang nagbu-boom na siya in this generation; so, in terms of breaking the stigma, it's a bit hard pa kasi most of the people are still not open about it. Probably, sa mga katulad ko and my friends na open-minded about it, they tend to understand how it works,” Andy said.

Despite holding stigma, it is undeniable that the platform provides and benefits its users from the content that it caters to. For Andy, their relationship with their partner found a fresh addition to their sex life as they found inspiration from the content they watched.

“And in terms of subscribing to OnlyFans, okay naman kasi we get to share that content together. Kumbaga instead [of] me just being alone and just me, I can share it with him,” they added.

Andy also emphasized that they understand the people trying to make a living through content creation and treat their subscription as a support to the industry and the people behind it.

“Ang benefits, ayun nga, bukod sa selfpleasure, for me, I think of it as, syempre this person is trying to make a living out of it, and kumbaga parang support na lang rin, and based on my research din about sa content creator na yun, okay naman siya,” Andy explained.

According to them, OnlyFans is also not only about sex. There are a few shows where the creator focused on lifestyle and fitness content.

“Parang there was this time, twice, na nagwoworkout siya. Parang ‘yon ‘yong kinontent niya on that day. Kung ano ‘yong mga ginagawa niya to maintain his body, parang ganun,” Andy mentioned.

Sensitive topics revolving around sex and sex work should be part of a healthy discourse, where one is always open to accepting new ideas, change, and progress, all while being cautious and responsible, just like Andy.

By

IMI ORSRR

of reality:

Exploring body image issues in a superficial world

nside a tight-fitting bottle, society’s beauty standard: the influence of social media and technology making people cram and cut themselves, forced to enter through the bottleneck of idealism.

a person to fully express themselves honestly and unbiasedly.

“My confidence in posting on social media is moderated by reservations. While I feel assured [about] sharing positive achievements and moments, I am conscious of the potential judgments and perceptions of others. My desire for approval and fear of criticism lead[s] me to selectively share content, contributing to a biased representation of my experiences,” stated a Grade 12 student.

Unrealistic standards question one's self and overall identity, leaving plates wiped clean with a smile while most days are barely touched to satisfy what is ideal.

“At times, I feel very confident to share my pictures in my social media accounts, yet there are occasions when my confidence wavers, influenced by my mood and self-perception. There are moments when I feel incredibly attractive, but generally, I'm quite mindful of my appearance, particularly regarding my weight and body,” a senior high school student discussed.

"

It's either they want to impress others or impress themselves."

mediums of less accountable conventions, creating an imprint of negativity on one's mental health and happiness.

Low self-esteem, apprehensions, and social anxiety are some of the reasons why people are not confident in posting on their respective social media accounts.

Exposure bounded by the desire to be approved and fear of being criticized hinders the capability of

The prevalence of unbecoming judgment made the students more conscious of their appearance on social media—on how they look if every capture is perfectly angled, and if their style fits the ‘modern trend.’

Remarks from people on the internet formulate shards, cutting them as they try to reach society’s standards in the concept of beauty.

"They know that others can be very critical online, so they try to present the best version of themselves to avoid negative comments. They want to feel accepted and liked, so they prefer posting pictures that meet society's standards of beauty and perfection,” stated another student.

Fixated on the concept of pleasing the majority, society has already been blinded by what is considered a “normality.”

VALIDATED ILLUSIONS

Exaggerated edits and over-photoshopped images displayed in the media can reach a large population. The photos of influencers, advertisers, and marketing groups are manipulated in a way that adolescents view them as “real,” causing body image issues, specifically body dysmorphia.

Businesses often use retouched images for marketing purposes, aiming to attract attention and drive sales by presenting an idealized version of models and products.

Social media platforms cause pressure on people thus concealing the beauty of self-expression to conform to the preferences and satisfaction of the masses.

“I think that there are just two reasons based from my experience. It's either they want to impress others or impress themselves. They want to post picture-perfect photos to impress others, to make people like or love them. Or, it could be just a way to impress themselves, having a picture-perfect photo to see on your own social media account may boost your self-confidence with your beauty,” a student from the eighth grade shared.

Zea Mae Domingo, Aleck Llamoso, Siefer Mina, Mary Dawn Santos, Franchesco Angelo, Jevier Bobis, Althea Abenojar, Nadine Astillas

Graphics by: Nona Mejia and Asia Lozada

sports

Sustained Resonance: Seasoned elem gymnast dazzles Palaro in secondary debut

By HEINZ MATHEW DAVE YU

Alas, the CALABARZON heroine finally reclaimed her rhythmic crown.

With Palarong Pambansa kicking off once again after its three-year hiatus, the stakes for a gold medal certainly became higher than before. With a chance to redeem their athletic repertoire after the pandemic harrowed their hopes and dreams, 45 rhythmic gymnasts competed with full vigor, thirsty for the highest step on the podium.

As the Palarong Pambansa individual all-around (IAA) champion back in 2019 when she was still elementary, defending her rightful throne is a challenge that Trisha Mae Montifalcon has successfully endured.

The incoming senior-high school freshman from Taytay, Rizal triumphantly stretched her reign in the rhythmic gymnastics scene after clinching gold in the IAA category for the secondary level. Besides this, the renowned athlete was able to claim 1 gold for the clubs, 1 silver for the ribbon, and 2 bronzes for the hoop and ball apparatuses, making sure that CALABARZON end on a golden note in the team all-around category.

EXUDING GRACE

Behind every gymnast’s victory are the exceptional routines that paved her way to the top of the scoreboards.

As the only secondary athlete to qualify in all of the 4 apparatus finals, Montifalcon was able to exhibit an allout performance in the championship round of the rhythmic gymnastics tilt.

The gymnast first bewildered the crowd with her ‘Come Waltz With Me’ hoop routine; her fantastic into-the-hoop move accompanied by a cartwheel and a thigh catch at the end enabled her to claim 3rd place with a 19.067 scoring. Now shining in her golden dress, Montifalcon tossed her blue ball in the tune of Closer by Lemaitre to garner a score of 19.267 and snatch third place once again.

With the athlete off into a bronzy start, Montifalcon unleashed her inner ‘Queen of Clubs’ as she leaped her way into gold with her boppy ‘Bailar’ routine. The gymnast was able to successfully catch the clubs with only one hand thrice, earning her 21.933 points in the process.

In her final routine, which just so happens to be the most difficult apparatus in the sport, Montifalcon was able to see the silver lining on David Civera’s ‘Perdóname’ with a hypnotic ribbon performance that garnered her a 19.267 score.

These laid the foundation for Montifalcon’s impenetrable reign in the gym, topping her fellow contenders by a large margin. After the championship tourney concluded, the gymnast’s cumulative score for the final round was 76.534 points, allowing her to grab the IAA title for herself.

POLISHED REPERTOIRE

then sa Asian Championships naman po ngayong year, nag-29th place naman po ako sa huli, representing the Philippines,” Montifalcon stated when asked what are her most recent tourneys.

Because she wasn’t new in the wonderful world of gymnastics, there is no doubt that the gymnast will mark her secondary debut with flying colors. Despite this, Montifalcon remained adamant in treating this year’s Palaro seriously. The gymnast narrated that the competitions she went through served as her primary practice sessions for the Palaro.

With the gymnast bagging her lion’s share of medals in this year's Palaro, Montifalcon couldn’t express her delight enough. The reigning champion stated that all the hard work and determination paid off as she was able to grapple with the one that mattered the most. Every leap, every turn, and every toss served as the culmination of her year-long cruise toward gold.

THEN VS. NOW

With her last Palarong Pambansa event dating back to when she was still in elementary school, this year’s Palaro is a breath of fresh air for Montifalcon. She remarked that there is a huge difference between competing as an elementary rookie and as a seasoned senior athlete. The pressure was present, not only for solely aiming for gold but for also setting a strong example to her fellow younger gymnasts.

Marikina pride: De Luna smashes way to semis in badminton girls elem division, 2-0

By MICAH CUALING

En route to Top 4!

With smart and sharp shots as her main weapon, Chleo De Luna, a prodigy from Marikina City, National Capital Region (NCR), outshined Region 4A-CALABARZON Liezel Fernandez to advance to the semifinal match last August 3 at Trevi Multi-Purpose Gym.

Before marching on her Palarong Pambansa triumph, Montifalcon had already established a remarkable gymnastics career. In a later interview, the gymnast expressed that aside from participating in the Palarong Pambansa since 2019, she has regularly competed and won local and international competitions.

“Kinakabahan po, kabado po, kasi po ano, first time ko po ulit after three years, now na secondary na po ako, eh elem pa po yung last ko [na Palaro], tas now ako na po kumbaga yung ate nung team namin, nakakakaba po talaga,” Trisha said in a pre-event interview.

De Luna shatters Fernandez's hopes of a podium finish as she quickly took over the match with two back-to-back sets, 21-15, 21-19, to face off with Frances Ramirez, one of Region 3-Central Luzon's representatives. Her swiftness won the opening set quickly, taking the match 21–15 as she rapidly gained momentum. But Fernandez's attempt to overtake De Luna by pressing him in the second set proved to be considerably more difficult.

De Luna showed that she had the upper hand despite all the stress when she eventually won the last set of the match, 21-19.

“‘Yung palo ko po… and ‘yung support ng team,” said De Luna to her advantage during the quarterfinals.

“Sa Poise National po, nakafour gold po ako, then sa Captain’s Cup po, two golds and two bronzes,

Montifalcon also noted that the competition was much easier than it is today. The number of apparatuses needed to be mastered was increased, including ribbons and clubs in the secondary tournament. Back in Palaro 2019, the gymnast only got to partake in 3 apparatuses: rope, hoop, and ball, together with a freehand category specifically allotted for junior rhythmic gymnasts.

“Noon po kasi may freehand pa eh, wala pa pong apparatus ganun, sa elem po kasi wala po masyado talagang palakasan, pero ngayon po, may clubs and ribbon na sa laban, bagong equipments po na mahirap imaster talaga, need mo magfocus sa handling and tricks instead na sa katawan mo lang,” Montifalcon added.

She added that her advantage in reaching the semifinals was her sure shots and the support of her team during her immense play.

Following the match, De Luna focuses on improving her speed, agility, and shots for her future games.

“Masaya po and kabado,” De Luna expressed.

A blessed De Luna thanked her coaches, teammates, and parents for being her support system.

“‘Yung speed po and agility rin… palo po,” De Luna stated.

Being a first-time contender for a national competition, De Luna is happy and anxious for her future games in the Palarong Pambansa 2023.

“Super thankful po ako na sinuportahan po nila ako. Super thankful po ako sa mga naging coach ko dahil sila po ang nagturo sa akin. Super thankful din po ako sa mga teammates ko na lagi pong nariyan. And sobrang thankful po ako sa aking mga parents,” De Luna expressed.

On the other hand, joining her for the semifinals in badminton are other NCR representatives for the Secondary Boys Doubles Gift Linaban and Mark Joel Perez; Elementary Mixed Doubles Daven Amielle Delos Santos and Princess Kyla Delima; and lastly, Secondary Mixed Doubles Robert Ishmael Ramos and Krissa Marie De Leon.

RADIANT ENDINGS Elementary rope gold medalist, Adrienne Padilla of CARAGA, gleefully received her scholarship grant from NAS. | Photo by Noel Rufon (SEE STORY ON PAGE 20)

SWAY FOR GOLD. With a soaring high score, gymnasts from Western Visayas and Central Luzon set the stage on fire as they dominated different categories. | Photo by: Noel Rufon

EYES ON PRECISION. Alonso Aguilar kicks the ball up into the goal, scoring for CALABARZON despite the efforts of NCR's goalkeeper Enrique Sunico to deny the ball. | Photo by: Kurt Lunas

WE GOT THE MOVES. Juvenile Latin dancers fiercely show their groove and let their feet do the talking as they compete in the Palarong Pambansa Finals. | Photo by: Aizen Roxas

HEAD TO HEAD. Olive Mark Credo #8 of NCR Jammers scorches through the air as he blocks SOCCKSARGEN's player's spike during their battle for gold. | Photo by: Slevin De Dios

DRENCHED IN GLORY

Swimming against the tides, para-swimmers displayed their unwavering tenacity as they exceeded both physical and mental limitations to reach the national stage.

In a showcase of talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport, para-athletes from across the nation gathered to compete in the Special Events Category at the 63rd Palarong Pambansa held in Marikina City from August 1–3.

Beyond the euphoric feeling of competition, the paraswimming event served as a catalyst for raising awareness and emerged as a platform for breaking stereotypes faced by individuals with disabilities, giving para-athletes a chance to shine in the athletic world.

SAILING ON

ROUGH WATERS

Alongside the pressure of competing in the national games, para-swimmers faced not only the challenges of the competition but also the stigmas that surrounded them—like sharks smelling blood in the water.

Swimming against the tides of adversity was a mental battle as much as it was physical.

According to National Capital Region (NCR)

Swimming Coach for Girls with Intellectual Disorder (I.D.) Maria Leticia Sicat, both physical and mental preparations are required to equip their athletes with confidence against the harsh currents.

“‘Di po namin sila tini-treat as a special child; [instead], as a regular, as a normal one, para ma-feel nila na they are not different kaya pagdating sa Palaro, we see to it na normal sila, una yung mindset nila ready for the games, not for competition,” said Coach Sicat.

With her guidance, newlygraduated para-swimmer Princess Feliz Garcia managed to bag one gold medal and two silver medals as she concluded her legacy in the competition to pursue a career with the national team.

“Ngayon po masayangmasaya po ako kasi nakapasok po ulit ako ng Palarong Pambansa kasi pangarap ko

BRAVING WAVES

Para-swimmers making a splash at Palaro

With one final deep breath, a final prayer, and a final word of encouragement, she released the arrow. Suddenly, the noise of rain was overpowered by the crowd’s cheers. Her name echoed throughout the muddy field as the judges revealed her score—a perfect ten.

This unforgettable moment marked 15-year-old Naina Dominique Tagle’s triumphant feat in the archery competition at the 63rd Palarong Pambansa, held at the STI Goldtoe Archery Center in August 2023.

It was Tagle’s first time competing at the prestigious nationwide multi-sport event, yet she emerged as the strongest female archer of them all.

However, despite proving her excellence in the field, the spotlight was never meant for her alone—one inevitable consequence of having a South East Asian (SEA) Games medalist for an older sister.

Even so, the young Tagle has a spirit that knows no surrender.

po ulit makasali sa Palarong Pambansa bago po ako umalis ng Palarong Pambansa kasi last day ko na po ‘to and magna-national team na po ako,” remarked Garcia.

WEATHERING

THE STORM

Under the gleaming gold medals and the splendid record-breaking feats lay a shaky voyage that sailed uncharted waters as each paraswimmer prepared to compete on the national stage, trying to keep themselves afloat.

Garcia’s fellow NCR athlete in the same category, Kris Ann Baroza, told stories of their rigorous training that preceded the competition.

“Todo-todo po yung training namin, wala pong pahinga. Sa isang araw po, tatlong beses po ang training—umaga, tanghali, gabi. Sunod-sunod po iyon bago mag-Palarong Pambansa,” said Baroza.

While Baroza tried to keep her head above the water, she fueled herself and dedicated her hard work to contributing towards the glory of her region.

Moving out of the shadow:

Unbothered by the looming shadow of her sister, she remains determined to etch her name into the history books and declare her presence to the world.

THE FIRST DRAW

Tagle, a 10th grader from Silliman University, hails from Dumaguete City in Central Visayas. Before securing her title as the overall champion at the Palarong Pambansa, she was lovingly known as 'Bata' by her family and recognized as the younger sister of SEA Games silver medalist Nicole Tagle.

As a young girl, Tagle used to accompany her sister to matches, blissfully watching as her sister entered the field, skillfully shooting arrows with her bow.

Present in every practice and competition; she never had enough of her sister’s games. She was always there as her number-one fan.

“When I saw her shooting, I thought na, ‘I want to be there with her, shooting.’ So, that’s how I started, and made me want to start archery,” said Tagle.

From that moment on, she knew what she wanted to do.

With her head held high and dreams

close to her chest, Tagle embarked on her journey as an aspiring archer.

AIMING FOR GOLD

Fueled by an intense desire to match her sister's archery prowess, she harbored a steadfast dream of one day surpassing her sister's achievements—the student poised to eclipse their master eventually.

As the years passed, Tagle dedicated her days to rigorous

“Naiisip namin na ilalaban namin yung NCR, kaya sabi namin, 'kakayanin namin para sa NCR, para magawa ang best namin, para sa Philippines',” explained Baroza.

WAVES OF SUPPORT

Showcasing the fruits of their labor, the para-swimmers snatched the hearts of those watching, leaving spectators in awe as the poolside overflowed with cheers and applause for the young athletes.

In tandem with the support received from the fans, Garcia gave her advice to aspiring future para-athletes across the nation.

“Training sa competition, kapag malapit na yung competition focus lang para manalo kung gusto niyo po manalo. If sa training, train harder po,” shared Garcia.

With every dive, stroke, and finish, para-swimmers from diverse origins left an indelible mark on Palarong Pambansa, leaving a legacy of their own as they became beacons of hope for young Filipino athletes troubled by their conditions.

Palaro story

training, laboring as if her life depended on it. Her relentless efforts aimed not only to reach her sister’s level but also to surpass it, aspiring to emerge victorious in the field of archery.

However, her pursuit did not stem from jealousy or feelings of inferiority. Recognizing the depths of her sister's capabilities, she stood confident that, with sufficient dedication and effort, she could ascend to and even surpass those remarkable heights.

With every point she scored in each shot, she became closer and closer to her goal. Continuing her journey and daily training, her efforts gradually manifested as she qualified to represent her region in the 63rd Palarong Pambansa.

In her quest for success, Tagle not only received unwavering support from her family but also from her mentors, one of whom is Central Visayas’s head coach for the girls’ team, Coach Estelita Hurtado Duran.

“When we had that competition in Dumaguete city and the regional meet, I already saw in her that she can make it in the Palaro. And obviously, I told everyone that being in the Palaro is already a gift. So, just enjoy the game, and just look at my [Tagle] now—being young [and competing in the Palarong Pambansa],” said Coach Duran, her eyes shining brightly with a wide smile to match.

THE FINAL RELEASE

The moment Tagle entered the tournament, she dominated the archery field, winning gold after gold after gold. In those four days of nonstop shooting, she showcased the

fruits of her years of labor, proving to everyone that, despite her young age and lack of experience, she is a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Alongside Tagle’s stack of gold was the most surprising achievement of all: breaking the 5-year record set by former Palarong Pambansa athlete Charmain Angela Villamor of Cordillera Administrative Region in the 60-meter shoot-off round.

Surrounded by the overflowing love and support from her region and friends, along with her coachslash-older sister, Tagle beamed with joy as she graciously accepted every award bestowed upon her.

But on that day, she didn't just secure medals and trophies; she also captured the hearts of many. Her remarkable raw skills, paired with her radiant aura, optimism, and steadfast dedication to pursuing her dreams, are what draw people to watch her play, never minding that she was a newbie.

Though thankful to all those who recognized her talent and individuality, Tagle’s heart only had one person in the center as she stepped up to the podium—her older sister.

Amidst the sea of faces, her eyes were locked onto her sister’s smile from the crowd, a smile she returned with the same amount of love and pride that her sister had shown her throughout the years.

The cluster of medals around her neck almost felt weightless as she flashed another toothy grin to the crowd, bowing in gratitude for their time, effort, and support. And with a final deep breath, she looked up at the sky—finally, gold.

clutched

BREAKING GLASS CEILINGS. Student-atheletes with dissabilities, who are also para-swimmers, showcased their prowess in swimming category of 63rd Palarong Pambansa held in Marikina City, August 1-3. (Photo Alexa Sambale)

Photos by: Alexa Sambale

By MARPHY A. DELA CRUZ

By ANDREA ALHIAN BERBER

PARRA-PARO. Vannessa Parra parts the waters during 200-meter womens butterfly stoke at Division Palaro 2023 held at Marikina Sports Center. | Photo by: Alexa Sambale

LEGACY CONTINUES

NCR Jammers secure three-peat victory in Goalball

In a riveting showdown that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the National Capital Region (NCR) Jammers triumphed over the Western Visayas Blue Barons, 15-5, continuing the legacy of their predecessors, who won the 2018 and 2019 Palarong Pambansa.

On August 3, Loyola Grand Villas bore witness to an extraordinary feat as NCR clinched an unprecedented third consecutive championship in the Palarong Pambansa Goalball competition. The Jammers lived up to their moniker early in the game as they penetrated the Blue Barons' defenses with their strong yet precise shots, securing a commanding 6-2 lead at the break.

BREWING NEW SYMPHONIES:

Rhythmic podium finishers exhibit outstanding Palaro merit; earn NAS scholarship feat

By

The second half witnessed NCR extend their lead to a staggering 15-5, largely credited to the exceptional contributions of their team captain and left winger, Rey Mark Valencia. Valencia, the team’s most powerful jammer, notched an impressive 13 crucial goals and 19 formidable blocks, showcasing a diverse range of attacking techniques—from fast throws to bounce throws and cross-court throws—that proved difficult for Western Visayas to thwart. “Aim for gold! Go for gold! Kapag nanalo ka, iba talaga ‘yung saya

sa puso mo,” declared Valencia, epitomizing the relentless spirit that fueled NCR's resounding victory.

Meanwhile, Western Visayas’s center player Karl Justine Hingco showcased an unwavering commitment to both offensive and defensive resilience, ultimately emerging as their team’s strongest Blue Baron with four precise goals and 12 wall-like blocks.

“First-time po naming [Iloilo City] maging representative ng Western Visayas sa goalball competition ng Palarong Pambansa. Very proud po ako na silver kami,” said Coach Gladys Cordova, highlighting their region's monumental achievement and the unwavering dedication that led them to the podium.

NCR's victory in this 63rd edition of the

Palarong Pambansa Goalball Competition cements its status as the preeminent powerhouse in the sport. Emerging as three-time victors, the National Capital Region has set the bar high for aspiring goalball athletes nationwide.

MANILA, Philippines - This year's Palarong Pambansa paved the way for victorious rhythmic gymnasts to excel not only in their sport but also in academics, offering golden opportunities for education and growth.

A chance to claim a full scholarship grant was offered by the National Academy of Sports (NAS) amongst all podium medalists of the Palarong -Pambansa rhythmic gymnastics tournament held at the Ninoy Aquino Coliseum from August 2 to 4, 2023.

Vandol Bobadilla, the representative of NAS for the event, graced the awarding ceremony of the recently concluded tournament as he shared golden news about the victors.

Despite Western Visayas valiantly holding their ground and effectively countering their opponent’s attacks, NCR’s superior performance remained undeniable.

Archer’s Palaro story

“Kung sino ‘man po ang mga makakatanggap po ng mga medalya at mga parangal ay makikita nyo po kami sa gilid, may iaabot lang po kami sa inyong tip na naglalaman ng scholarship information na ipinagkakaloob ng National Academy of Sports,” Bobadilla announced.

Bobadilla stated that NAS is a government-run secondary school affiliated with the Philippine Sports Commission, established in 2020.

“Isa itong oportunidad na ipinagkakaloob ng ating gobyerno para sa mag-aaral na atleta o student athletes. Ang National Academy of Sports ay itinatag po para makapagbigay ng isang pribilehiyo para sa mga mag-aaral na atleta,” he added.

In a later interview, Bobadilla cited that the institution primarily scouts its students through the NAS Annual Search for Competent, Exceptional, Notable, and Talented Student-Athlete Scholars (NASCENT SAS) Program.

He expressed that Palarong Pambansa serves as a vital instrument for choosing potential NASCENT SAS beneficiaries, with podium finishers as their priority.

“Nagbibigay kami ng full grant scholarship sa mga talentadong mag-aaral atleta, at yung mga winners dito [Palarong Pambansa] ay talagang talentado. That’s why we give them [the] opportunity na makakuha ng scholarship,” he remarked.

Rhythmic gymnastics is among the eight main sports catered to by NAS, alongside athletics, badminton, swimming, judo, weightlifting, and taekwondo.

The application period for NASCENT SAS ended on August 8, 2023, four days after the rhythmic gymnastics tournament concluded.

NORTHERN STRIKES:

CAR jins hailed MVPs in taekwondo closing event

Kicking from the top to the top.

After days of bloodbath battles for the gold, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) jins emerged

CAR proudly celebrated the achievements of two of their jins, Trisha Lobbonan and Aesha Oglayon, who clinched the MVP awards for the elementary and secondary girls’ divisions, respectively.

Alongside the athletes was CAR’s Head Coach Arnold Oglayon, who’s also the father of Aesha Oglayon and the team’s number one supporter. “Well, first of all, I am so proud sa mga estudyante ko, [and] sobrang pasasalamat namin sa Panginoon kasi kahit short [period] of time yung training namin, nilabas nila yung best nila,” said Oglayon.

CAR dominated the poomsae girl’s division, securing the region’s 5 out of 8 gold medals in the process. Overall, CAR took home eight gold, eight silver, and four bronze medals in the tournament.

Following the awarding of

MVPs, the Taekwondo event for the Palarong Pambansa was officially closed by tournament manager, Harny Tabuada.

Tabudua expressed his gratitude and thanked all those who supported the event, as well as his gratefulness for the successful games.

“This Palarong Pambansa 2023, hindi po nagde-defy ng career natin sa Taekwondo. Just keep on trying and keep on practicing. Who knows someday, you’ll become a member of the National Team. Salamat po

and congratulations sa mga parent[s],” said Tabudua . On the other hand, the remaining MVP awards for the elementary and secondary boys’ divisions were secured by Region VI’s Nathan Dedal and Cyd Esmaña, respectively.

MATANDANG BALARA — The throne remains in the capital!

By STEPHANIE C.MEJIA

HEINZ MATHEW DAVE YU

By KURT DAGASUHAN

PRIDE OF ILOILO. First-timer Vincent Pangantihon of WVRAA leads their team to finish second. |

Photo by: Ezra Oserin