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S.Y. 2021-2022 volume 1 | issue 1
The Official School and Community Publication of Team 3 of Calamba City Science Integrated School
Orientation and screening for the second dosage of students in preparation for F2F classes were held in the new CCSIS building. PHOTO BY: KENN CAUSAREN
HIGHLIGHT
IN PREP’ FOR F2F CCSIS, now 80% ready for pilot testing of faceto-face classes colleenmaraña @theOPTICS_2022
CCSISTERS,
WE ARE
80% Good to Go infographics by: sophiafernandez
THE CALIBRATED The Optics’ findings from a presidential candidate survey conducted at December 20 to January 4 to 10 CCSIS Grade 12 students who are already registered voters.
09 STUDS VOTED FOR LENI
01 STUDENT
VOTED MARCOS
10% Chose Bongbong Marcos as their next president
90% chose Leni Robredo as their next president
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their permission on the said pilot testing. However, because of the increasing COVID-19 cases recently, their original plan to start the in-person classes, which was supposed to be last January 3, was postponed until further notice.W “As soon as aprubahan na ng DepEd and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) na According to Mr. Dennis Batoleña, CCSIS pwede na mag-pilot face-to-face, saka lang Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Head tayo pwede mag-face-to-face. Depende sa and the person in charge of the school facility sitwasyon kung mawawala na ang COVID preparation, CCSIS is now 80% ready for the sa’tin. Dapat [ay] zero cases ang Barangay 3,” pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes on he stated. the basis of the School Safety Assessment Tool Based on the DepEd Memorandum No. 71, s. (SSAT) provided by DepEd. 2021, the eligibility of a school to implement “On going na ‘yung mga requirements na face-to-face learning delivery modality hinihingi ng DepEd at unti-unti nang naaayos depends on the result of their SSAT, requiring ang mga ito. School facilities [are] almost done each school to meet all the stated indicators na, and other requirements ay inihahanda na under the Managing School Operations, rin,” Mr. Batoleña said. Focusing on Teaching and Learning, WellHe also added that the school prepared Being and Protection, and Home-School everything as early as possible for the Coordination of the SSAT tool. evaluation of the Regional Office Team to give
alamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) has begun its preparations in order to meet the requirements of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) on the pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes.
Optics survey: Majority of CCSISTERS preferred VP Robredo's run for President
immanuelsanagustin @theOPTICS_2022
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out of 10 respondents favor Vice President Robredo's candidacy in the upcoming 2022 elections, saying she has a clean track record and is the most qualified candidate among other aspirants, the recent Calamba City Science Integrated School - Optics survey revealed. In a survey conducted from December 20 to January 4, VP Leni Roredo dominated the survey for the top presidential bets of 90% of selected students. Followed far behind in second place was Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr — the late son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Snr— with 10% of respondents. Respondents were limited to first-time voters among grade 12 students, and they were asked who they would vote for as President if the elections were held today based on their credentials, background education, political stance in corruption, gender-based violence; tension in the West Philippine Sea and Mindanao. They were provided Google forms by the Optics to secure their responses, unlike Facebook polls that publicly show one's response. According to Rianne Franco, a grade 12 student and first-time voter, VP Leni Robredo is the most qualified and able applicant there can be, and due to how much good work that she had the option to accomplish for individuals. Nothing was stupendous with her activities, indeed, yet they were viable, proficient, and available— a sign that she gets what individuals in the grassroots, most particularly, need. "Robredo must be up there, in the rundown of true official contenders for the May 2022 surveys, and be the image of legit and great administration that the Filipino public need and merit, regardless of whether they understand it yet," she added. Franco, however, added that Filipinos must still hold VP Robredo accountable if she would get elected as President. Isko Moreno, Manny Pacquiao, Ping Lacson, and Leody de Guzman were some of the Presidential aspirants included in the survey but did not receive any votes. "I would not vote for Isko Moreno in the upcoming 2022 elections because he said in his previous interviews that if he would win as President, he would offer President Duterte a seat in the cabinet," Nina Jueco, a 17-year-old student, told Optics on Friday, December 24, the day after she finished the survey.
"It is alarming to hear that from a candidate. The 2022 elections are a leeway to end impunity and improve our pandemic response. People are dying every day because of inaccessible healthcare and children have lost their rights to education due to prolonged lockdowns. And if he continues the reign of Duterte, then that's a valid reason for me not to vote for him," she added. Optics reported they chose their respondents based on the following criteria: a registered voter in the 2022 elections, a grade 12 student, and eligibility to answer surveys amidst the pandemic. A total of 104 respondents answered the survey among 8 sections in the 12th grade. Marcos Jr, a former Senator and had been a congressman from 2007 to 2010 in the 2nd district of the Ilocos region, was a tight competitor of VP Robredo in the last 2016 elections for Vice President. Based on the 2016 Pulse Asia Survey, Bongbong Marcos had a favorable rate of 6 out of 10 across the regions of Metro Manila. Followed far behind was Mayor Isko Moreno with 17%, and VP Robredo with 14%. According to Dania Vitasa, Bongbong Marcos has the clearest vision among all candidates. "However, conflicts among family members happen due to different political perspectives, especially between my sister and my father," she added. On the fifth of January — a day after the results were released — Jeanne Mae Purca said that she was happy with the results of the survey.
"I am happy to hear that VP Robredo topped the presidential survey because she is truly deserving in that position, and I believe that women are the future," she told Optics.
In addition, there must be no record of confirmed COVID-19 cases for 28 consecutive days in the barangay where the school is located. Based on the latest COVID-19 advisory of the Calamba City Health Office (CHO), Barangay 3, CCSIS’ location, has reported 1 confirmed COVID-19 case on January 4. In line with this, in-person classes are still impossible to be conducted for this month, also noting that the entirety of Laguna is under Alert Level 3.
PROGRESS
Laguna provincial government opens registration for adult booster shots colleenmaraña @theOPTICS_2022
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AGUNA, Philippines — The Laguna Provincial Government commenced the adult booster shot registration for fully vaccinated adults in Laguna at least 3 months since the last dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and at least 2 months for Janssen as a part of the Laguna Resbakuna Caravan. In the Facebook post of Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez, the vaccination will take place at Jose P. Rizal Memorial District Hospital in Calamba City, Laguna, on January 11, 2022. The booster shots are exclusively for adults only, and all interested Lagunense can register through the Laguna Resbakuna link. Individuals showing flu-like symptoms such as coughs, colds, and fever and those who had direct exposure to COVID-19 patients are not allowed to take the booster shot. Last November 29, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthened its recommendations on booster doses for ages 18 and above. In line with this, on December 22 in the same year, the Department of Health (DOH) had already given their go signal for the adult booster shot vaccination in the country.
The surveys are limited to small respondents due to the current situation. Undoubtedly, results can vary as the margin of error decreases over its total respondents. Back to the two-week survey, their response may change along the upcoming campaign period for President on February 8. SOURCE: ELLIE ADONAY FB
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SOURCE: DEPED TAYO CCSIS FB PAGE
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NEWS
The Official School and Community Publication of Team 3 of Calamba City Science Integrated School Vol 1 | Issue 1
Bring children to outside areas—experts immanuelsanagustin @theOPTICS_2022
MECHA ‘ROLLBACK’
CCSIS Grade 11 Mechatronics servicing enrollees fall to only 8 Students colleenmaraña
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he Philippine pediatric society advised parents to bring their children to outdoor spaces such as parks to limit the chance of getting them infected with COVID-19. This is a concern raised by pediatricians since the onset of lowering alert levels in some areas such as NCR and Laguna, one of the provinces that had the highest transmission of the Delta variant cases in last year of September, after the industry sectors ask the government to increase visiting capacity of business establishments as daily cases continuously drop in late November. But as the Omicron variant, a new variant of concern, emerged in the country in early December, children have become more susceptible to succumbing to the virus because most of them have not yet received COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, the Laguna is under alert level 2, which allows unvaccinated children and senior citizens for increased mobility, despite the threat of the Omicron variant. In a media briefing set by the Philippine Pediatric Society, Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi, President of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of the Philippines, states that this year around is not yet a perfect time to bring unvaccinated children in enclosed spaces such as malls. “It is the parent’s responsibility to avoid the children from contracting the virus as much as possible,” she added. In the Philippine General Hospital — the center of COVID-19 facility in the country — children aged 7 years old to 15 years old have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of ‘more lifethreatening complications’ during the surge of the Delta variant. In January, the Philippine General Hospital made a statement that intubation and hospital beds for moderate and severe cases are being prepared for possible COVID-19 surge.
nly 8 students are currently enrolled in the Grade 11 Mechatronics Servicing strand of Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) for the school year 2021-2022, marking an almost 88% decrease compared to the school year 2020-2021 Grade 11 enrollment count. According to Deen Gastador, a student from Grade 11 Almaciga, the Mechatronics section of CCSIS, they also utilize Google Meet as the primary platform for their synchronous classes, and their only difference from the other sections is the student count and that all of them can participate in the class recitation. He added that since Mechatronics requires practical training, he encountered difficulties in some of their subjects that require hands-on activities because he prefers having the materials in actuality, even though they use simulations. “Kaya naman po sa ibang mga subject pero pagdating po sa hands-on activities, mahirap po. Mas preferred ko po kasi ang actual pagdating sa mga gamit like multimeter ect,” Gastador said. When asked about the reason why he thinks Mechatronics have low enrollees he said, “Kasi po yung mechanical course needs physical interaction. Mas matututo po ang mga students ng Mechanical if face-to-face kaya siguro konti lang po ang nagenroll sa Mecha this year. Then online class [pa]. Hindi lahat kayang ituro sa online. Need po talaga ng practical assessment ng Mecha students.” Mr. Ervin Lucido, a previous Grade 11 Mechatronics adviser in CCSIS, sees the same reason for the immense percentage decrease. Mr. Lucido said that the pandemic is one of the factors that greatly affected the declining enrollee count in Mechatronics as most students choose not to switch schools.
Cavite prosecutor gunned down, the lawyer death toll went up to 66 under Duterte Govt.
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immanuelsanagustin @theOPTICS_2022
n the last day of December 2021, the culture of impunity marks its recent threat to the members of the prosecutors, lawyers, and other members of the local and the national tribunal. Along with the fear of lawyering and other work-related oaths which resolves injustice, they face death threats not only for themselves but also to their family. Deputy prosecutor Edilbert Mendoza was killed in front of his house in Trece Martires City in Cavite at around 7: 38 am. Mendoza was captured by CCTV doing his morning exercise when a man rushes a bloodlust behind him and amplifies three-point
Aside from this, he also mentioned that the Mechatronics this year was first offered to those students who did not pass the entrance exam for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand, which is also a strand available in the school, and that this factor may have affected the enrollment count for the Mechatronics strand. On the other hand, the enrollment count of the Grade 12 Mechatronics Servicing strand of CCSIS also decreased by more than 34%, as it reduced from a total of 70 students in s.y. 2020-2021, to just 46 students the next year. According to a Grade 12 student in the Mechatronics Servicing strand of CCSIS, there are a few cases of school dropouts in their class. Similar to the statement of the Grade 11 student interviewed, another Grade 12 student shared that she also had experienced difficulties in the distance learning setup since their strand requires hands-on activities, which are impossible to do because of the pandemic. “’Yung mga lessons namin ngayon panay through visuals lang. Gumagamit kami ng iba’t ibang simulator apps. Dati nung Grade 11 kami, may mga acWtivities na need ng materials [kaya] kinukuha namin sa school, then gagawin sa bahay, then sa school din ipapa-check.” The student added that she thinks that the low enrollment count in their strand is because the strand was not properly introduced to students, and most prefer the STEM strand. Based on the CCSIS Mechatronics Servicing enrollment count, from the 57 students in Grade 11 enrolled in the school year 2020-2021, it dropped to only 8 students in the following school year, resulting in roughly an 88% decrease.
blank shots in the back of his head. The victim was pronounced dead at the spot and was seen lying on the ground by his son. Prosecutor’s assailant was captured by a footage camera wearing a white cap, blue shirt, and jeans. After the crime scene, he fled on foot and was not seen by anyone. Col. Cornel Abad told the media that they ordered a special investigation to probe the motive of the killing. Sixty-six lawyers and other court personnel have been killed since Duterte was inaugurated as President of the Philippines on June 30, 2016. Meanwhile, a total of 7,884 drug suspects had been killed since the start of the war on drugs and unreported cases were flagged by the United Nations. The Duterte administration will be subjected to investigation by the International Criminal Court when he steps down as President of the Philippines in 2022.
Laguna COVID-19 restriction shifts to Alert Level 3 from January 7 to 15 colleenmaraña @theOPTICS_2022
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WE ARE AT ALERT LEVEL
Rise of cases implies the virus is again in general circulation all over the affected area.
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n accordance with the recommendation of the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the Malacañang announced last January 5 that Laguna would be placed under Alert Level 3 from January 7 to January 15 due to the surge in the recorded COVID-19 cases. Under this Alert Level, establishments such as parks, personal care, venues for social events, tourist attractions, cinema, and gyms are allowed to operate with 30% indoor venue capacity and 50% for outdoor venue capacity. People ages 18 to 65 and fully vaccinated individuals 66 years old and above can travel in and out of the province. Minors and those included in the vulnerable population can also go out but for essential purposes only. Based on the COVID-19 Tracker of the Department of Health (DOH), Laguna ranks 3rd in the provinces or cities with the highest total number of COVID-19 cases next to Quezon City and Cavite.
From December 23 to January 5, the total number of new cases reported in Laguna was 937. This record was far from its previous two-week record, which is only 55 cases, amounting to a roughly 1604% increase within the past two weeks.
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The Official School and Community Publication of Team 3 of Calamba City Science Integrated School Vol 1 | Issue 1
OPINION Behind
MAIN EDITORIAL
illustration by:
ayendueños
gerlynpantaleon opinion_editor
career choice T The students weren’t he Calamba City Science Integrated School Batch 2021-2022 is graduating soon and students are already filling out forms and completing the requirements which also includes making a career choice they will pursue. According to the conducted survey, the majority of the interviewed Grade 12 CCSIS students consider parental and social factors in making a career choice. All of the interviewed CCSIS students said that social factors affect their decision in making a career choice due to the peer pressure around them and the practicality of the job. There are instances when students pick a certain course simply because their friends will take that course which they later on regret as it is not aligned with their interest and passion. Moreover, financial issues are also considered—not all students have the privilege to go with a career path without considering the expenses and the generated money in the future. Meanwhile, 5 out of 8 interviewed CCSIS students are influenced by parental factors. According to an anonymous source, the suggestions of their mother to go for in-demand jobs, which still point out to practicality, influenced them but made it clear that their guardians are still giving them the final choice. Since the parents are the one providing for the students’ education, their opinion takes a large part in the students’ academic-related decision even though it is not a debt of gratitude but rather a responsibility of the parents. Making a career choice is a decision that affects the status of oneself in the next 5 years which is why students should be considerate the most to themselves. There is nothing wrong in seeking suggestions among others such as parental factors and social factors, especially if the student is still undecided. However, thorough assessment should be performed—studying and working in a certain line of work would be a burden and immediately drain out an individual if not aligned with the passion.
YOU ARE THE DECISION, NOT THEM.
The people needs your power W sophiafernandez @theOPTICS_2022
hen presidential candidates are announced to the public, there is an impulse that people would appraise them based on how they will empower one country if they win the election. However, from those candidates, how will they handle the power bestowed upon them? GRAPHICS BY: sophiafernandez
EDITORIAL COMMENTARY
sophiafernandez @theOPTICS_2022
dumb, the system is
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he increased academic pressure produced by the Department of Education (DepEd) system’s focus on producing quality-educated students has affected students to the point where they resolve to cheat the system. Given that its students are also children who are coping with social stress as well as academic pressure, but coming from a school where it has been recognized as one of the top-performing schools at Calamba could it be possible that cheating could be occurring here? Unfortunately, Yes, but that’s not unexpected; Calamba City Science High School (CCSIS) has had its fair share of cheating occurrences during the online distance learning setup - the dummy account and it has been a controversial case of cheating every time when students are taking their exams via Google Forms. It is reasonable to assume that there was some type of cheating in this type of learning environment. Red Aaron P. Negrite, a former CCSIS student, claimed in an interview with The Optics that he was one of the students who was affected and investigated because of the Dummy account incident, which was eventually proven that he wasn’t one of the dummy users. He added that it affected him and degraded his confidence in learning more. “Isa ako sa mga diniin noon para mahanap nila ‘yung dummy na ‘yan, pero wala naman talaga akong kinalaman doon, nagulat na lang ako na ako ang sinasabihang nandadaya sa ganoong way kahit alam ko sa sarili ko na pinaghirapan ko mag-aral at magsagot ng mga test nila. Kaya nakakadismaya lang kasi pinagt’yagaan kong mag-aral sa setup na ito tapos ako
ang nadehado.” He stated. And, as of now, the dummy accounts are still being probed, and they continue to create additional cases like these, for which the CCSIS is still looking for solutions. However, incidents like this do not occur only at one school. It happens everywhere and it’s still a constant reminder for public sectors that there are still gaps and more changes that are needed to be addressed. DepEd should always bear that learning is more difficult than usual these days because everyone must be stimulated and adjusted to the online environment. As a result, it seemed only inevitable that when schools went online, cheating would thrive in this setting as well. Moreover, DepEd in fact is investigating more in how to monitor cheaters than fixing their whole systems such as creating much more comprehensive and better access and ease for students during distance learning. However, why should DepEd be so much pointing out too much controversy and pressuring media on why students are resolving to cheat when the media is one of the places students can access better information that DepEd modules can’t offer? Because in the first place, this department is the one who should have done initiatives as well as anticipated that there will be cases like these; therefore should have produced an easier and manageable learning system for students as well as access for teachers in order to diminish this issue even amidst the pandemic. In addition, even before the Covid-19
Philosophizing regarding why can’t ‘change’ happen in this country is to rationalize how the 2022 election is simply like courting a country to fantasize about the idea of having power once they won rather than serving their people through power if they won. It was not just a crazy idea that Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino professional boxer, first ran as a senator before, but a wild one. Now that he’s running for president, everything seemed blurry for into this path. “Everything seems to be comedic somehow, people are not taking things seriously, and honestly, Pacquiao running for president is a no for me, the country needs help, we don’t need aspirants who just need more power and criticize the LGBTQIA+.” Kaye Christine
It will be more vital to keep your options open about what to fix in the program than blaming the student for what went wrong. outbreak occurred and face-to-face sessions are still intact, cheating has been highly recognized as an ingenious strategy for students to soar towards conquering the academic system. So, this is also another piece that the system should have fixed and stop blaming the students for doing the act because they see learning as some kind of survival rather than a support. Plus, online learning during the lockdown currently provides students with the bare minimum type of education, cheating further lessens it because they acquire less knowledge before passing a class rather than learning in class. Maybe the environment is not to be blamed here neither the students, but the system who brought the problem.
Gamana, a CCSIS student stated in an interview with The Optics stated. This implies that some of the presidential candidates may be using their previous standing to gain more subsidy of power than to ease the the burden of the country. Pacquiao isn’t just the candidate who lacks the trust and heart of its Filipino citizens because the country is sick of the thought that once you get into politics, you will be powerful enough that even making mistakes will be fine. Therefore, we must keep in mind that running isn’t just a race but it’s progress for change.
EDITORIAL BITS
04
OPINION
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ON THE SECOND LOOK
Facing the classroom: limited edition
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hile the COVID-19 report in Calamba showcases positive status with its decreasing cases and the Calamba City Health Office along with the school staff recently conducted CALAMBAkuna for Calamba City Science Integrated School students, the school eyes for possible limited face-to-face classes in the future. However, this imposes various risks and gains considering the challenges students face in the online set-up learning and the rapidly changing situation of the pandemic. In the recently conducted survey, 6 out of 10 interviewed CCSIS students do not agree in the possible face-to-face classes due to apprehension in close contact. Supposed there are limited classes, the students and school staff are not the only individuals that students will have contact with—they will
encounter jeepney drivers, the person next to them, and the tricycle drivers. Unless they have a private vehicle, which is only the minority considering that CCSIS students are scholars, interaction among others outside the school proximity is inevitable. In accordance to this, one of the students compared reopening of the classes to holidays, “Katulad ngayong holiday season, tumaas ulit yung cases dahil sa mga gatherings kahit karamihan ay fully vaxxed na.” The recent holidays created crowds in different public places and there are those who violated health protocols like ‘the poblacion girl’, Gwyneth Chua, wherein the authorities only found out about it when she already spread the omicron variant. This inflicts a question to the school on how prepared they are and how broad is the scope of the plans against COVID-19. Moreover, reopening of limited face-to-face classes does not solely depend on the school but also on the students—how disciplined are the CCSIS Students?
According to Mr. Dechavez, the main reason he agreed to face-to-face classes is because of motivation since in school, the peer pressure to do the tasks is present considering that students are surrounded by others and the teacher—the things lacking in online learning. This environment is not present in some houses as there are various distractions such as house chores, sibling duties, and availability of gadgets; some homes are conducive for learning and some are not. Quality education is still best served in the classroom as it was designed to be one. Hence, if limited face-to-face classes will be pushed through, all factors should be considered. Contact tracing should be strictly monitored along with the other health protocols and the school and authorities should give a heads up to the parents and students months before the implementation for them to prepare financially, mentally, and physically. Still, the last choice is in the hands of the students and the parents as they have the right to agree or disagree without affecting the academic performance of the students.
Gerlyn Pantaleon @theOPTICS_2022
IT WAS ALWAYS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP SAFE. BUT THE QUESTION IS HOW?
EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
Facts straight,
illustrated BY:
ayendueños
“
sophiafernandez @theOPTICS_2022
72.6%
WILL EVERYTHING BE WORTH IT IF IT’S STILL RISKY?
Parents or society? R
immanuelsanagustin @theOPTICS_2022
same reason my parents opposed it: to transform society wherein activism is not desired anymore for there are just opportunities and equal rights for everyone. However, the situation is still far from that. During the onset of a pandemic, corruption and anti-Science policies are being instigated. We were forced to wear face shields that are not scientifically proven efficient in blocking COVID-19 particles. Our situation is heightened by the corruption of billions of funds that could have alleviated the lives of so many people. Now that a new COVID-19 variant emerges, we are required again to isolate without financial assistance, affordable RT-PCR test, and efficient contact tracing. Saying that we should be patient with the system is a statement coming from a place of privilege. In a span of two years, along with the never-ending lockdowns, many families have grieved for their loved ones. The poor governance also robbed students of their right to access quality education. Given that my parents and I have opposing views, I am still optimistic about their support in the future. Hoping someday they will understand that democracy comes from the sharpest line, and our voice matters.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
“Believe me because it’s true. “ Do you have the evidence that they’re worthy? “Nope, I just got this feeling they are”
to be one of the best things that happened when me and my cousins believe that 27.4% it has harmed and brought -have the same political preferences our country to its downfall.” s per a survey An anonymous stated in performed by The a survey who experience Optics, 72.6% of Calamba City political discrepancies within Science Integrated School their families. (CCSIS) students have Nevertheless, this is political differences in their only an indication how can homes. Although it is said families conflict with one that family members are another if they only know the supposed to be the ones you other side of the story; when can count on by blood, yet it’s always a usual manner they may also be a source of when two parties in a frustration and difficulties. household sometimes argue with each other, a superior It should come as no complexity always makes it surprise that political harder to fix. differences would be a Isn’t it better to be openpoint of controversy inside households, especially as the minded to other people’s 2020 elections approach and viewpoints, even if they’re completely irrational? The Rodrigo Duterte prepares answer is no, It’s better to to step down as president. fact check, and double check Due to their narrowyour source and arguments mindedness and their laying out of information that relies to back-up what you believe in before slapping the truth on bogus news from the of these illogical ideologies. internet, their arguments Also, just because someone with one another can is related by blood does sometimes make no sense, not imply they are always which adds to the confusion correct. Thus, both sides that has to be addressed. should approach the “There are instances that situation with an unbiased some of my relatives are view to have a deeper liking and appreciating the comprehension towards the current Duterte regime and issue. the past Marcos leadership -experience political differences in their households
What the student activists are fighting for egarding student activism, there is a typical response by parents whenever they send their children to college: mag-aral lang nang mabuti at umiwas sa pagsama sa rally. Why? The Duterte and then-administrations have inflicted so much fear to people, as it was intensified by red-tagging, charging of illegal cases, death threats, and extrajudicial killings. Who will not get scared anyway? Blaming my parents for being apolitical even though tyranny, corruption, and macho feudalism are apparent during the Duterte regime seems insensitive. No form of argument could refute the genuine reason behind their opposition, as students raised their placards – parents can lose their children in a minute. With a pinch of one’s finger, one’s dream could end. There was a night when I had a conversation with my mother while watching the news, as it flashes UP students who were red-tagged during the Pride Protest in 2021. She glared at me while giving some advice. Then she whispered, “I cannot afford to lose someone I loved, supported, and fed”. It took three seconds for me to realize that activism gave my parents terror and nightmare. And it is something which lingers at this moment. But turning my back against activism is not an option. Why? I engaged in activism because of the
mind set A
FEATURE 05
SOURCE: CMAC FB PAGE
CMAC: The aid of every CCSIS student
isaacelomina @theOPTICS_2022
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here is no success if there’s no hardship. To accomplish something or to succeed in our endeavors, we must go through life— and all the pain, rejection, and failures this life has prepared for us. Favor smiles upon those who work hard and that is what Communication
SSG Future Platforms:
A Sneak Peek
E
carldescallar
ven if the pandemic affects the situation of the school, it does not stop the newly elected SSG officers from initiating an action plan. An interview with a SSG officer proves that despite struggling for their projects as it is not easily approved, students have to look forward to their incoming platforms. According to Yesha Lovinia T. Bautista, SSG secretary from Grade 11 - Talisay, they have yet to finish any platforms since they are newly elected and their action plan is set to be conducted next year. “We actually have plans for December like a film showing, and clubs that we’ve planned but were not allowed as of now,” Yesha’s statement when asked about their plans. The first platform she shared in an interview was a CCSIS Clubs and Organizations. According to her, they came up with this platform as several clubs were not able to continue because of the online set-up after the Academic Year 2019-2020. She pointed out that the students need engagement because there were plenty of transferred students, and decided that these clubs will be significant to the students and school. The idea behind this platform originated from the campaign period, and she was the one who suggested it and was eventually included on her party list platforms. “With the new set of SSG, we decided to push for this platform,” Yesha’s EXPECT BENEFITS SUCH statement about whose idea is this AS EXPERIENCES A CLUB platform. In addition, they have already CENTERED WITH ONE come up with 14 clubs and organizations , COMMON INTEREST. and are only waiting for the approval of the higher-ups. This platform was scheduled to take place for the year 2022 despite the online set-up, and they plan to have online meetings. When asked why they decided to go for this platform, “Magkaroon ng engagement at magkaroon ng mga nakabukod pang proyekto sa paaralan sa tulong ng mga clubs at maging ng SSG,” she stated. The second platform that they have planned was CCSIS Community Pantry. “During the times of strict quarantine, there were several community pantries, therefore, we decided to have the same platform as the pandemic is yet to end,” Yesha’s statement, when asked how they came up with the platform. This platform’s original date was set during the Christmas season, however, the struggle to get approval pushed back the project's date to the next year. “The project would be expected to take place in school as it is a pantry”, she said. The goal is to help the students’ on little ways. The students could expect a community pantry where everything would be free, with the pantry having the basic and essential necessities of a student.
and Media Arts Club (CMAC), a club in Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS), believed in as they made a mark in the heart of every CCSIS student. “I don’t want to study anymore, it is hard. It is just a burden to me. My crush doesn’t like me”. Students nowadays were carelessly saying such reasons even though they had what it is necessary to pursue their goals. CMAC provides an important sense of community at a school and allows students to delve into interests of all kinds. I’m glad that CCSIS makes it so easy to interact with clubs. They have added much to the culture of the school and to my experience as a student. CMAC is one of the biggest clubs presents at CCSIS that is led by their President Ellaine Talibsao, a grade 12 student of CCSIS they provide activities for students that is essential in the life of every learner in today’s situation especially now that most learners are having a hard time learning at home. How can I cope up with this situation? This is the
Lies&
most common question present right now in every student, and CMAC got their backs covered. It was CMAC who advocated creating online webinars where they teach students how they can cope up and give them advice and techniques. It was a huge help for us students that we learn things that can help us especially now that we need to worry about other problems at home. It is also CMAC that leads the daily posting activity where they post fun facts that every student can use in their studies. CMAC was also behind the project Lit Festival where they gathered every student in CCSIS to participate in this program where they learned various things about literature, they also provided prizes to every student who managed to answer specific questions. The event was wonderful. It was fun learning things in a fun way, CMAC really is something that we, students of CCSIS, need. Life is indeed amazing, there is no shortcut to anything. GRAPHICS BY:
sophiafernandez
A long battle for Mr. Bibal
news Fake N isaacelomina @theOPTICS_2022
o one questions your identity. Each letter of news represents a wide range of people of different races, ethnicities, ages and unique identity. And each of them deserves to hear the truth and that should be respected. No one questions your identity. Each letter of news represents a wide range of people of different races, ethnicities, ages and unique identity. And each of them deserves to hear the truth and that should be respected. News can be misleading and can cause biased news that affects a lot of innocent victims. “The main purpose is to lessen if not eradicate the victims. Through fact-checking, we will not be so gullible to believe what’s unreal. We can give opinions, evaluations, and decisions based on facts and truths” Mr. Rex Bibal said. He is currently the one who is fighting against biased or fake news that is currently happening in our times. It’s been around since the first protohuman murmured the first malevolent chatter, whether you call it misinformation, fake news, junk news, or purposefully transmitted deception. However, today’s technologies, with their complex infrastructures for uploading, commenting, liking, and sharing, have created an almost ideal environment for manipulation and abuse, threatening any sense of shared truth. “ It does not stop. It transcends beyond boundaries. Whenever my wisdom is needed, I’m more willing to make a difference” Mr. Bibal added. “Some news can be misleading. There will always be shades of bias and prejudices. It must be changed so the media can win back the trust of the people, not letting them resort to
vlogs, tiktoks, and unverified sources,” he added. So instead, the platforms are experimenting in every way they can think of tweaking their algorithms so that news stories from consistently suspect sites aren’t displayed as prominently as before, tying stories more tightly to reputable fact-checking information, and expanding efforts to teach media literacy so that people can learn to recognize bias on their own. The remedies, on the other hand, are less obvious when the problem is clear. Even if today’s artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms were 100 percent accurate in detecting outright lies—which they aren’t—falsehoods are frequently in the eye of the beholder. Mr. Bibal is battling with this fake news story so he decided that helping others to identify fake news is a must. “Everytime there’s a chance to educate, to correct, I’m doing my part”.
Coined success: to infity and beyond
L
ife is a journey. It can be a long one, it can be short. You may be driving on a freeway or pay a lot on every toll gate to get through. The road may be open or be filled with so much traffic. Holding the steering wheels and driving along the way gives a delicate feeling. Also, when you just sit on the passenger seat and watch how destiny takes you everywhere. Just like how the life of every Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) student works towards their journey. With the pandemic ongoing, most of the journeys that the students are facing are full of traffic and tolls that hinder their potential. Imagine, a student going through a tough time because of financial issues due to the presence of the pandemic that affected their ability to focus on their academic performance because of the issue that they are facing at home. Now that all classes are happening at
home, students can clearly see what problem their parents are facing and this puts them in a situation where they ask themselves the question, how can I help my Family? In hopes to survive these tough times, most of the students from CCSIS discovered Axie Infinity, a PC and mobile game that uses NFTs to identify various digital items in-game, rewarding players with a virtual currency called Smooth Love Potion. This “Potion” can then be converted into cryptocurrency, which in turn can be traded for actual money, creating a way for these students to earn a living. An 18-year-old by the name of Jeremiah managed to earn 1,800 SLP over the first 15 days of playing and it is equivalent to 2,481 PHP. Jeremiah Prestousa, a student of CCSIS, is one of the students who is currently playing axie infinity. According to Prestousa, he is grateful to axie infinity because it really helps them with their financial needs, and he manages to save up money in preparation for the upcoming face-to-face classes. We may be on a rough road right now, but that doesn’t mean we are going to be there forever.
isaacelomina @theOPTICS_2022
Soon enough we will reach the freeway and overcome the tolls and traffic that we are facing right now. We should strive for the best. But don’t only settle for this. We should also help others and teach them how they can survive this pandemic. illustration by:
ayendueños
06 the optics
@TheOPTICS2022
The Official School and Community Publication of Team 3 of Calamba City Science Integrated School
HOLD THE VISION
Vol 1 | Issue 1
SCIENCE &
PHOTO BY: KENN CAUSAREN
EDITOR: kristinantisoda
TECHNOLOGY survey reveals that
56.9 % of CCSISTERS experience
grade
anxiety
THE THREAT
arienneabad @theOPTICS_2022
Omicron: New Variant of concern resistant to vaccines
and drugs?
O
micron, a new Covid-19 variant first detected in Botswana and South Africa in November, has been declared by World Health Organization (WHO) a “variant of concern (VOC)” due to its nature of having more than 50 mutations which implies that it is highly transmissible (2-3 times faster) compared to the other variants. It poses a very high risk for it is proficient in evading immunities such as drugs, antibodies and vaccines being distributed nowadays. In several studies, scientists mentioned that full vaccination or having 2 doses of any vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna contributes a far more less defense against the said variant. But having a booster shot is important. Having a complete dose of vaccine along with a booster shot will provide a strengthened protection from the infection. Further, the distribution of monoclonal antibodies from Regeneron and Eli Lilly, which is a way to treat Covid-19 has been withdrawn on December 23 because of the Omicron's resistance against the drugs. Yet, its formulation termed Sotromivab will stay viable. The antiviral pills against Covid-19, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir in particular, were also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considering its efficacy upon Omicron. These vaccines, antibodies and antiviral drugs will not cure Covid-19 yet will help prevent hospitalizations.
illustration by:
ayendueños
Pandemic Life during
Online classes causing grade anxiety (consciousness) to CCSIS students? arienneabad @theOPTICS_2022
A
bsence of face-to-face classes due to Covid-19 outbreak has changed the student’s ways of learning. Many challenges have come along including being anxious about grades. In a short survey conducted, it is shown that 56.9% of the students are always worried about their grades during online classes (distance learning) due to pressure (from both parents and peers), communication problems, a different grading system, conflicts with technology/internet, requirements for college applications, scholarship applications, unmet satisfaction and having a perfectionist mindset.
Experimental chewing gum might be the key to reduce COVID transmissionkenncausaren researchers say @theOPTICS_2022
W
ith the rising cases and emerging variants of COVID-19 in the Philippines, people are becoming eager to consume different kinds of remedies to assist the treatment of those who are affected by the virus. Alongside this, experts are working on developing countermeasures to ease the effects of the disease, until the currently approved COVID-19 pills, Remdesivir and Paxlovid become available in the country. Along the way of continuous research, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was able to prove that the coconut tree managed to defend its title as the tree of life as it gives a new hope against the COVID-19 virus in a form of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). In fact, DOST is willing to invest about PHP8.4M to explore further use of VCO as adjunctive therapy to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Adjunct Therapy is administered as additional supplements to patients to hasten improvement and recovery.
INTERVENTION
S
ARS-COV-2, the virus that is causing COVID-19, has been plaguing the world since its discovery. Scientists have discovered that SARS-COV-2 can replicate in salivary glands, which is concerning because it can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and talking. In response, a research team from the University of Pennsylvania led by Henry Daniell synthesized an experimental chewing gum containing copies of the protein that angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) found in cell surfaces. The said protein is used by the virus as an entrance to break into cells and infect them. The protein is incorporated into cinnamonflavored tablets, and subjected to test-tube
Virgin coconut oil: the golden liquid AN ALTERNATIVE
On the other hand, 40% say that there are only certain moments where they feel anxious because of sudden personal problems, overthinking and procrastination. A few stated that having online learning as modality during pandemic does not affect their grade consciousness at all. In addition, for some students, instead of having fears and taking grade consciousness in a negative perspective, they use it as a motivation factor to strive harder as well as do their very best in every situation. They said that there are a lot more significant things in life than being stressed about grades, especially amidst pandemic. Surviving everything and being alive is enough for now.
VCO PROPERTIES The said oil contains lauric acid and monolaurin, two chemical compounds responsible for its antiviral properties, particularly in stopping both the SARSCoV-2 replication and the binding of the virus to the cell membrane of the host, as suggested by several past studies. It also contains powerful antioxidants, healthy fatty acids, and different essential vitamins beneficial to the human body. VCO ADMINISTERED TO COVID-19 PATIENTS In the project supervised by Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria of the University of the Philippines- Manila, 74 patients from the Philippine General Hospital participated in the study of VCO safety and efficacy. These patients are randomly assigned to two groups ─ the group with the inclusion of 15 mL of VCO in their diet, three times a day on every meal, and the other that will remain in the standard treatment and won’t have any modifications in their diet. In another project supervised by DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), VCO was given to quarantined people in centers and hospitals.
experiments using saliva and swab samples from infected individuals. The results indicated that the virus attached to the ACE2 receptors in the gum. It is reported that the viral load in the samples fell by more than 95 percent, and levels of viral RNA dropped to almost undetectable levels. As of December 3, 2021, the researchers are working to obtain permission on conducting clinical trials. If approved, the experimental chewing gum would add to the benefit of reducing viral loads in saliva, thus significantly cutting virus transmission. “We are already using masks and other physical barriers to reduce the chance of transmission. This gum could be used as an additional tool in that fight,” Daniell told the University of Pennsylvania Communications team.
THE INNOVATION kristinantisoda
EFFICACY OF VCO TO IMPROVEMENT AND RECOVERY OF PATIENTS Based on the results of the project, most of the patients administered with VCO showed promising recovery and improvement in a short time. The liquid was able to alter the lipid levels by increasing both bad and good cholesterol, exhibiting relief from acute inflammation, and can boost recovery by alleviating the signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 disease. However, UP Manila College of Public Health Associate Professor, Dr. Fresthel Monica M. Climacosa emphasized that even if VCO is now proven to be effective as an adjunct supplement to suspects and probable cases of COVID-19, more studies and tests are still needed to gather confirmatory evidence on the liquid’s efficacy against the virus.
CCSIS’s Future Chemists grab second place in PACSiyensya Jr. with their improved PU insulation foam kenncausaren @theOPTICS_2022
BACKGROUND
Energy efficiency could be attained through thermal insulation, and the students aim to do that by synthesizing a better insulation foam material that surpasses the standard in terms of fire resistance and moisture absorption. The researchers opted to use polyurethane foams, or PU foams, because it is an overall good thermal insulator, except for its poor fire resistance.
EXPERIMENT The experimental PU foam with CO2-based polyols have yielded a lower fireextinguishing time, a lower weight loss due to fire, and lesser expansion due to moisture-absorption - thus proving it to be significantly more thermal resistant and long-lasting than current PU foams in the market.
THE VERDICT
It is undeniable that the scientific breakthrough of these grade 12 CCSIS students would benefit homes and industries, but also the environment since it is a puzzle piece in attaining energy efficiency. The study also gives an insight to a brighter and sustained future as it crosses out four Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
Vaccinations as preparations for face-to-face classes
OVER CCSIS kristinantisoda
B
800
students
vaccinated
y November of Year 2021, COVID-19 vaccines, particularly Pfizer and Moderna, were already approved and started to be jabbed to the pediatric population aged 12 to 17 years old. It also served as a preparation of schools for the possibility of having limited face-to-face classes by 2022. The vaccines were supposed to be the protection of the students from the virus as the coming back to schools has been slowly approved if most of the conditions and regulations were met by the institutions. How do vaccines become important in Faceto-face classes? The local government allows schools to have face-to-face classes with only a certain student capacity and only if the area was ensured to be low-risk from the virus without any new cases emerging. Most of the institutes, along with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), have a mandatory rule of only vaccinated students being allowed to participate in the actual classroom setup learning. However, vaccines are not cures, but they may lessen the effects and the possibility of acquiring the disease by mimicking the virus to trigger the creation of antigens to counter a specific foreign body. Vaccines are continuously promoted by experts, school staff, and government officials since once the school reached the expected percentage of fullyvaccinated students, the chance of fulfilling the actual back-to-school classes will be higher. By the 11th day of November of the Year 2021, The Calamba City Science Integrated School (CCSIS) carried out the first dose of their students’ vaccination, and eventually the second dose on December 13, 2021. This mass vaccination of students was facilitated by the experts and officials of the Calamba City Health Office. The participants of this program were administered with Moderna Vaccine, which is one of the approved vaccines for pediatric ages. The vaccination drive was only one step to an upcoming possibility of actual classes. There are still many factors to consider for the classroom setup learning to happen in the future. Although this moment, wherein most of the students are willing to be inoculated by vaccines to prevent the spread and acquiring of the virus, maybe a great leap towards the regular learning setup.