SINGKRO: Year Ender 2016 by The CNHS Synchronizer

Singkro

Singkro Join Us. Defend your Freedom to Choose.

Year-Ender Issue • March 2016

News 1

The Synchronizer

The Official Student Publication of Catanduanes National High School January-March 2016 I Volume XXVII No. 2

A Perfect Storm of Perils “With the power to express, there will be changes.” A voice for young journalists and a vehicle to protest against the issues. On hand, we publish punchy pieces that tell hard-hitting truths. Publication does bridge gaps. It creates dialogues. Journalism can never be silent. Read full story on Page 4 Freedom [‘frē-dəm], noun. the quality or state

of being free; the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action

Choose [‘chüz], verb. to decide that a particular

person or thing is the one that you want; to make a choice about what to do.

News

New SSG prexy bares plan

Feature

Bagsak

Editorial

Singkro 101

2 News

Join Us. Defend your Freedom to Choose.

Singkro

Year-Ender Issue • March 2016

SSG retracts on studentry’s note of ‘unsatisfactory’ performance

Photo Credit: Vince Charlton Gil OWNING IT. Mark Ashley Adunn, Grade 11 was crowned Ms. Gay Universe Version 1.0 last March 18 2016 during the CNHS High School Night, another SSG activity. NHNuyda

by Jancis Rey Templonuevo “I FEEL THEY didn’t do what they promised us.” These were the words of a grade 9 student expressing her dissent on the current Supreme Student Government (SSG) administration when asked about the performance of the set of officers this year. According to a survey conducted

in the school, seven out of 10 students said that they were not satisfied with the accomplishments of the SSG this year in contrast to last year’s officers. Also, eight out of 10 students seemed to be unaware of the projects implemented by the SSG when asked about it. “That is alarming,” said Mr. Jupiter L. Torno, the SSG adviser. He also added that despite the efforts that have been extended by the SSG with help from the administration, many

of the students are still unaware of the activities the SSG are organizing. This school year, the SSG provided a projector and mono block chairs for the school activities. They also initiated the first gay beauty contest “Miss Gay Universe Version 1.0“ for the High School Night, campaigning for the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Community. In an interview with the Synchronizer, he explained that the purposes of their activities are not quite visible because it is not a tangible project seen every day. However, he emphasized on the completion of the PTA-SSG building, “The construction of the PTA-SSG building is a great achievement after years of planning and development.” He stated that CNHS is one of the few schools that have a PTA-SSG building explaining that some schools use abandoned facilities or even classrooms as their SSG building. Moreover, Mr .Torno said that next year will be more appealing to the students saying that they should expect a more transparent SSG improving the physical features of the school by next school year.

YES-O calls for support of CNHS students by Ralph Lawrence Perez “WITH THE HELP of every student here at Catanduanes National High School (CNHS), Youth for Environment for Schools Organization (YES-O) can make its projects more functional.” YES-O Vice President Christian H. Abrina stated that everyone should be aware about the problems here at school highlighting the segregation of garbage. Just this school year, YES-O provided a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) but according to them, it did not perform its function well. “Kulang sa awareness ang mga estudyante pero I admit na kulang rin ang encouragement sa mga mag-aaral na matutong mag-alaga sa kalikasan,” Abrina further added. In addition, Abrina explained that despite efforts to teach students to segregate, it all still led to the same thing – unsegregated trashes that litter the school grounds. Nonetheless, the school principal, Mrs. Amelia R. Eusebio suggested that ev-

ery class should have four trash bins with tayo lang naman ang maapektuhan nito labels as a more effective way of teaching kapag dumating na ang panahon at it’s still the students to segregate. change no matter how small it is,” rationalBut she said that the cleanliness of ized Abrina. the school still depends on the discipline of FAILING ITS PURPOSE. Student continues to misthe students. use the Material Recovery Facilities around the school. NHNuyda As for Abrina, he says it would be time for them to think new and innovative ways of helping the environment. “Dapat magsimula talaga siya sa ating sarili kasi

News 3

Singkro Join Us. Defend your Freedom to Choose.

Year-Ender Issue • March 2016

Newly-elected SSG prexy bares plan for next SY CNHS to implement class shifting for SHS

by Danielle Ann Abundo AFTER BEING ELECTED as the new president of Supreme Student Government (SSG) of Catanduanes National High School on February 28, 2016, Alliyah Dawn A. Tabor of Grade 9 Aquarius, bared some of her plans for the next administration. “All I want to see is change by the next school year,” she said. Tabor added that more projects should be expected by next year highlighting one of her goals to have an ecostore which aims to lessen garbage inside the campus. She also said that the she wants the school canteen to be more organized so that the flock of students can be managed and discipline can be practiced. According to the high officers of SSG, more activities should also be expected but they are hoping for the support of teachers and the school principal. Furthermore, they want the school guard to be vigilant in checking the bag of every student in concern of illegal drugs. On the other hand, SSG Adviser Jupiter A. Torno also said that the students should not count on the SSG all the time

by Nardine Rose Turreda & Beatrice Corine Cabrera

ALLIYAH DAWN TABOR since they have other concerns also. Moreover, the other officers of the SSG shared some of the changes they want to see by next year, stating that they do not want the students to blame them when an activity is not done because they also follow the main school activities.

So Much For So Less by Marielle Tabo

Jovhie Francia is an 8th grader whose rank drops from 9th to 38th because of extra or co-curiccular activities.NHNuyda

e felt like she needed a twenh ty-fifth hour, an hour to break down the walls blocking her from her family’s presence. The moon was already shining brightly when she got home. After fixing herself, she went to the dining room and ate dinner together with her family. “Baging kapinagal mo bi ha?” her mother asked her. “Mala po an ta kadinakol ning gibuhon.” When finished, she stood up, did her rituals and made a beeline towards her room. Before she was able to close the door, her mother asked her, “Dai mo ako ituwangan bi?” Disappointment was present in her mother’s voice. That was when reality hit her. She had always helped her mother do the chores. Not until...

TO ACCOMMODATE THE large number of enrollees for next school year, Catanduanes National High School (CNHS) is planning to have class shifting in all grade levels starting June 2016. According to School Principal Mrs. Amelia R. Eusebio, the school has only one building with six classrooms for Senior High School which is now under construction. She said that class shifting is needed to accommodate an estimated 20 sections for grade 11. “Shifting of classes will be conducted in 105 sections throughout all grade levels including the 20 sections for grade 11,” she said. Mrs. Eusebio also added that her plans for the schedule for the first shift will be 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the second shift. “During the overlapping of time, which is 10 AM, classes who are accommodating the classrooms will transfer to their own TLE or MAPEH classrooms,” she added. On the other hand, Senior High School Coordinator Ludy M. Avila said that having Saturday classes may also be possible depending on the teacher and the chosen schedule of each student.

“Kadakol kong gibuhon She closed the door. Within earshot, she heard her mother said, “Permi na sanang dakol ang yagibo mo. Dai mo na ako natuwangan.” With that, guilt invaded her system. Ma.”

Overloaded Before, parents were to be blamed why teenagers were not able to spend quality time with their families. But today, the school has made its way to replace the parents’ situation. Jo, an eighth grader, is one of the students of Catanduanes National High School who are having less time with their families. “Dahil sa kadakol na gibuhon, lalo na minsan ang ibang minor subjects, nawal-an na kami ning oras sa pamilya,” Jo disclosed. According to The Telegraph website, when teenagers have parents who are physically and emotionally present, they tend to have better behaviour.

continue reading on p.5

A Perfect Storm of Perils by Jona Mae Camacho

chool publication—journalism, writers, exploring different aspects and experiences in a sheltered environment. This organization produces the real gems. Mr. Ruel Fernandez, adviser of The Synchronizer, an absolute snazzy one with a dash of all the right elements of his passion for journalism. And Ace John Tabuzo, a former student of Catanduanes National High School who was once the editor-in-chief of The Synchronizer, a more serious and rather deep reflection of his experience in journalism.

Smattering the strides

For me, joining the school publication is about promoting freedom of expression in a professional way,” Mr. Ruel said. Students who are allowed to make their own editorial judgements or opinions, with a light hand of guidance from the adviser, experience the pride and validation for which teenagers are starved. Being part of the publication, as for being a writer, gives each student the chance to express everything and have their own freedom of opinions. “I guess it’s also about educating. The public does not only seek to make students know, but urges them to think and act,” Ace stated. School publications provide real-world experience. Every opinion stated by a journalist can wake up and open all the closed minds on what is happening around them.

Leading opportunities

Being a part of the school publication means being in a loop. Writing for different beats will expand your knowledge in many areas. “It’s not an ordinary school organization. Students are really immersed in the work of press. It serves as an avenue to enhance one’s writing and thinking skills,” Ace said. Being a passionate member of the school publication, Ace also experienced all the hardships and victory of being a journalist. “You’ll eventually learn how to take off your tinted sunglasses and look at the world through clear lenses,” he uttered. School publication empowers students to practice every idea of democracy. The press serves as the fourth estate, school publication has been very vital in ensuring that the school dutifully serves the students and the whole school. The school publication leads the students into greater opportunities. It’s sort of like leafing through a book you’ve mindlessly read a while ago and detecting a smattering of spelling errors and a beautiful picture you never caught the first time.

Sprouting the confidence

“I was very timid before joining the publication, I don’t have self-esteem,” Mr. Ruel started. Looking back to the past years, according to Mr. Ruel, publications are not that intense. “But I admit, I found myself in the publication, I was motivated by writing,” he said. Mr. Ruel started joining school publications when he was in college. “I was a member of the CSU Statesman and that’s where I really started. I became a part of the College of Education student publication, ‘Daliwawa’. I had the power to write, to express,” he added. When you are a campus journalist, you break through from being a mere student who takes in lessons, studies and exams. It will teach you things that you’ll never get to know in just the four corners of your classroom. “My passion for writing brought me to the place where I’m supposed to be,” Mr. Ruel said. But that only stings a little bit…

For the past months there have been issues and rumors of discouragement in our school about joining the school publication. “Schools are arenas where students discover their potential. We should not hinder these students’ desire to achieve more learning and experience,” Ace uttered. “That person is trying to suppress the freedom of choice, and limit the opportunities,” Mr. Ruel said. Students should be encouraged to join school publication or even other organizations, not discouraged. Everyone should be given the chance to explore. “The core of educational institutions is to widen opportunities, not limit them,” Ace stated.

Law Policy

It has been declared a state policy to uphold and protect the freedom of press even at the campus level to promote the development of values, encouraging critical and creative thinking. That is according to RA 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. It is therefore the duty of all officials, especially school heads to promote campus journalism as principle in the constitution. The school publication is almost a living classroom, where students are learning on a day-to-day basis about the rigors and joys of being a journalist and the final grade is whether people read the newspaper they are producing. Working at a student newspaper is the closest simulation of a real-world newsroom that journalists could find.

Flip side of drawbacks

Commonly, the main drawback for the school publication is the shortcomings funds. “As an adviser, I can say that the problem is when the publication grapples for the very less budget to cover the expenses entailed in contests, pressworks, and printing of the school paper. An important provision in RA 7079 states that publication fees from the students shall be collected during enrollment period. “Yes, there’s the collection for the publication fee but since it’s just voluntary, the money we get is not sufficient for the expenses in the publication since not all students give,” Mr. Ruel said. Just like writings cannot thrive without ink, the publication cannot meet its goals without the support of its stakeholders.

Perfect storm of peril

Working at a student newspaper also means you are but a normal student who has academics to pay attention to. There are limitations on what you can do and time you rarely take hold of. On the flip side of that, it prepares you for the deadlines in a real paper situation. “To those who want to join the school publication you are welcome to. Brave the odds. Discover your potential. Have the courage to use your ink. Write. Read. Write. Read,” Ace positively stated. Being a campus journalist builds confidence. You will rarely fear walking up to a stranger to introduce yourself or into a crowded room, because this can be your life. And amidst all the drawbacks, nothing’s greater than knowing that you can be in a place where you can be free to express and redeem your freedom of choice through writing.

Singkro Join Us. Defend your Freedom to Choose.

Photo Credit: Vince Charlton Gil

So Much For So Less But because of excessive school activities, students weren’t able to feel the guidance given to them by parents. Sometimes, teachers would give them lengthy assignments even if they have long quizzes the next day. “Minsan dai mi alam so isimbag sa mga assignments kaya nakihawad kami sa eskwelahan,” she said. She also added that she was being deprived of sleep. On the other hand, some minor subjects have more activities than major ones. “Mga pa-major,” she and her classmates would say. Posted in Papa Jack’s account on Twitter, an account followed by millions, “99% cause ng pagka-stress ng mga estudyante ay yung mga minor subject na feeling major.” Stretching the To-do List It was in the months of January, February, and March when her to-do list became longer and longer. “Kung kaso arin matapos na ang school year saka man nagdakol ang gibuhon,” she said. On weekends, they were not able to eat meals with their families or even attend masses with them because of hectic schedule. The Telegraph website stated that teens are less likely to be involved in taboo activities like drinking alcohol and taking drugs when they spend time with family. “Nauyam na sako si Mama ta-

they deserve. According to Sir Vernie Robles, the school’s guidance councillor, “Gays and lesbians are great performers in school. The gays, mostly enrolled in the Special Program in Arts (SPA), have artistic abilities and do well in music and arts. While the lesbians, are very active in sports like basketball.” “It hurts to be bullied.” Carlo said as he was asked about them being the center of bullying. But despite the harsh words and teases thrown at him regarding of his identity, he faced them all dauntlessly by just ignoring those cruelsome people and by accelerating on his performances. “I choose to be like this. I deserve this and I am proud of this. This is me - the real me. This is what God made me and I know He has a purpose for it.” He said as he ended his sentence with a sudden flip of his wavy brown hair. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that 73 percent of adult Filipinos agreed with the statement, “Homosexuality should be accepted by society.” Taking one last look at “herself ”, he let out an enormous sigh then smiled. With all his confidence gathered up, he stepped into the spotlight and proudly waved like a beauty queen.

by Ma. Roxette Rojas

With his fine make up and brown curls falling around his shoulders, Gianne looked ravishing in his white night gown scintillated with countless spangles. For moments, he stood in front of the looking with his eyes stuck at his reflection; an elegantly looking woman shrouding a body of a man. “Bakla! Dae ka na magkanta! Ang tsura nin boses mo!” a guy from behind told Carlo as he was singing at a party. After humiliating the gay, the guy and his friends laughed more which made Carlo furious and fought back with “Ano man ang pakialam niyo?!” line. Going home from the party, the incident still kept on flashing back. It was a painful night for Carlo. The party wasn’t full of enjoyment at all, rather a party of make fun of ’s and discrimination. The LGBT population in the country has been rising for the past years. And mostly, these people often face disadvantages in getting hired in jobs, acquiring rights for civil marriages, in starting up personal businesses, and for students, bullying. Gianne Carlo Mendoza is an 11th grade student in Catanduanes National High School. Over the past years, there had been many cases of bullying to students like Carlo. Having to be one of the main targets, Carlo is one of the hundreds of in-betweens yearning for respect and acceptance that

Features 5

In Between

Year-Ender Issue • March 2016

....from page 3

pos dai ko na-atman so mga tugang ko.” From then on, walls started to build up between her and her family.

This is why students should spend time with family to prevent mediocre changes caused by peer influence and the environment. “Ang aki habang gadakula, Unraveling the Problem naimpluwensyahan an. Pwedeng dati Family is a system. When one mal- pagkabinuot kaan, pero pagtungtong functions, the whole system is affected. ning high school, iba na ang ugali dahil Mrs. Amada B. Sarmiento, Head sa peer influence,” Mrs. Sarmiento said. Teacher (Designate) of Edukasyon sa Furthermore, she stated that teachers should give enough time for students to finish work in school. “Siguraduhon man ninda na igwa man ning oras ang aki na magrelax buda makaiba ang pamilya,” she stated. “Ta kang aki pa kami, nakaibahan mi ang buong pamilya mi kaya naguide kami ning patanos,” she shared. As for Jo, she wanted the teachers to talk about the situation so that the upcoming students would not experience the same thing as them. After all, life does not only rePagpapakatao, said that spending time volve in school for there is a world outside. with family helps solve identity crisis. Written in the Psychology.com web- Turning Up the 25th Hour site, identity crisis happens when an inThe next day, Jo wrote the word dividual is unsure of his or her role in life “Sorry” and drew a smiley face on a and he or she doesn’t know his or her self. piece of paper and gave it to her mother. “Kung nagkakaigwa ning quality Her mother smiled and said, time ang sarong pamilya, mas ma-eed- “Maglaan ka man ning time samo bi ha.” ucate ning parents ang aki. Kasi the role As the 25th hour came, she of parents is to guide not to dictate.” was able to break free from the According to Jo Wiltshire, a parent- walls blocking her from her family. ing expert, girls aged 13-14 are more needy while boys aged 16-17 are more insecure.

“

“I dedicate my

time for school. But I also need time for my family.”

6 Opinion

BAGSAK

Join Us. Defend your Freedom to Choose.

Singkro

Year-Ender Issue • March 2016

When choice is not an option Tugging on strings turned to chains

by Ralph Lawrence Perez

OUR FREEDOM TO choose who we are and what we will be is a choice only we can make. Despite people dictating, we can’t be someone we are not. This happens a lot in school. Being forced into a path you are not fit for is a case most of us students face. And we are silenced by the fact that it was from

someone with a “throne”. But these words must be heard – from a student-stewardess craving for wanderlust amidst a family of scientists, or a journalist whose only goal is to ink-out hidden truths for the students to know, or an aspiring lawyer with a will for equity and a freshman artist at the top of her class yet deprived of freedom of involuntary strokes of color and complexity. These folks all come from the Science and Technology and Engineering (STE) Program. But even though they have reached the top with their academics in Science and Math, there is still something missing in their lives. Tansi Amid the turbulence of wind, a child still flies her kite with glee. Nevertheless, the stronger the wind: the better as she tugs the strings trying to get it higher. Right there she triumphed twice – first is getting it up in the air and second,

Joy Antoinette Ordona

inning in a national event is such a 50/50 situation for an islander like me. Looking back to every contest our school joined, only few had the chance to experience a once in a lifetime event. This is my last year being a junior high student and I still have mixed emotions every time I reminisce my first and last National Schools Press Conference. No one expected this kind of turn of events in our lives; imagine you are going to represent the whole Bicol Region in what I call a “do or die” contest. I thought that we had no

keeping it in the skies. For Evangeline, her strings have turned to chains and her kite runs out of air and plummets to the ground. “Gusto ko sana mag-pursue ng tourism in the future pero dahil andito ako sa STE masyadong limited ang choices ko,” she explains with a half-hearted smile. She describes her life being “trapped” between the expectations of people around because of the fact her two older sibling both took on Science in college. “My mother told me to follow my dream where I would be happy and that is what I’m going to do,” she adds. Tinta “Next year grade 11 na ako at kahit STE ako, hindi ko pipigilan ang pag-agos ng tinta,” says Joy a journalist with a backbone of Science and Math yet has journalism in her heart. For four years in STE she has developed her knowledge in Science and Math, even grew fond of research and excelled in class. But she says Science and Math just isn’t for her. “Maraming nagsasabi na ‘if you’re in STE, you should pursue Science or Math courses’ and I agree on that but they should not force it in every student inside the program,” utters the young journalist recalling that being in the program requires a student to take two screening exams

and surpass hundreds of students. “If it means anything and without arrogance, all of us in the STE program deserve to be in it since we passed the exam and faced tons of hurdles along the way,” adds Joy. Arimantak Academics aren’t the only thing that builds a child. Joshua and Andee both belong to the freshmen “brains” of the school – keeping up with the quota of grades. But at the end of the day, grades are just one out of the many priorities they have in school. “Gusto ko actually mag law or computer technology and si Andee naman ay magaling na artist,” reveals Joshua. “Pero dahil uya kami sa STE, dai masyado nadevelop ang ibang talents mi – puro na lang Science and Math,” says Andee on the other hand. Although, these two excel in Science and Math as offered by the STE, they’re also asking for the program to encourage the development of the other talents students might possess. *********** This might not be true for all but it is an issue that affects everyone. For someone to grow in a “holistic” manner, based on the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, he must be given the opportunities to choose for himself the path that will lead him to clearer skies and better pastures.

Get that chance chance of winning because we live in an unnoticed island shadowed by the spotlight of big cities. Yet, unexpectedly, we’ve become the underdogs competing against the best in Koronadal City, Mindanao. Pondering about all the struggles we faced since the division level makes me proud of my groupmates and especially our coach. Financial problems, lack of support, and time allotment constantly blocked our way to success but we didn’t let these problems break us down. We stood firm and here we are, grabbing third place in a prestigious

event like that. Maybe God planned it, all we dreamed of is getting in the NSPC, but, reality check, it was greatly impossible that we would win in the Nationals. My God, how many writers would we be up against from the rest of the country? How could we win against them? But, what gets measured gets done. We’ve exerted huge amounts of effort in our craft, and surely it paid off. Undoubtedly in every contest you feel the nerve-wracking anxiety slowly eating your confidence but you must use it as your motivation to do your best

and make the most of it. Not just only in journalism, I am sure those who excel in Math, Science or any subjects can top national contests. You have the support and the bright coaches, you just have to live your dream. No matter what, no matter who you are and no matter where you’re from it’s how you deal the challenges that matters. It’s been a long arduous journey for us young journalists but it isn’t over. You must continue what we and the ones before us started. Don’t let our species go extinct.

Singkro Join Us. Defend your Freedom to Choose.

Year-Ender Issue • March 2016

Opinion 7

Erwin James Gianan

s politicians’ terms reach an end and the electoral circus comes to a dawn yet again, candidates have been circling the island to show off their good sides and lure the voters in their favor. But there are some who go to the extent by brainwashing students to influence their parents’ choice. What’s worse is that they use government funds and stamp their names on it. These candidates feed the students fake promises and stolen bills by doling out food, donating classrooms and school supplies. A fresh supply of lies is delivered to the students, slowly pulling them to their side. In return, these “kind” acts will be told to their parents as stories of greatness and goodwill to manipulate them into voting for the candidate since

We are not blind the students are not yet eligible to vote. These acts must be condemned by society. Doing this will never benefit the island. Our province has already been dubbed as the “Vote Buying Capital of the Philippines”, sad to say. We tread a rugged road painted with sugar-coated promises, hoping that one day we would reach “paradise” as they once sworn to take us to. The school is not a place to monopolize the students in favor of politicians. We are taught to choose wisely, but nowadays, choosing wisely is becoming synonymous to choosing the richest candidate. We should not let the enticing feathers of peacock politicians draw us to a trap that can lead our nation into a dark-

er path full of loopholes and anomalies. In May, we must nudge our elders to decide wisely, on which circles to shade in their ballots for it will surely set the fate of our country. The students of Catanduanes National High School are not blind of the exploits of these traditional politicians. We, as promising youth, are the pillars that will make this country stronger than it was before. For these reason, we should valiantly defend our future from political crocs no matter what it takes and how hard the struggle is. I believe, therefore, that the best way to start the fight is by joining this publication and let your voice be heard.

Hey! This space is worth a million pesos. Take the Jr. Staff Screening Exams this coming June to get it for free. Join our cause. Save us from extinction. PS:

Habo mi sa mga pabebe buda mararamugon.

Rak-enroll! Leah Francesca Munoz

arly bird always catches the worm. Everyday several students of Catanduanes National High School end up being locked by the gate because of being late during the flag ceremony. These students create a big flock that seems like chaos is rattling between the late comers as described by many by-passers. Over the past few years, the population of the late students continuously increase. This portrays a bad image to the school instead of making CNHS a role model. We all know that one of the culture of Filipinos are being late but at the end of the day the selfdiscipline is what the students need. ‘’Late comers are obliged to sing the national anthem inside the campus’’ the principal said. There’s a big effect of the late comers in the image of the school. On the other hand Mr.Leo Cabrera, the security guard of the school suggested that the principal must fulfil a memorandum to teach the

You’d better be late comers never to be late again. First of all, to lessen this problem, value of time and punctuality to students must be engaged. “One of the values that is being observed and graded is the patriotism and punctuality, so how can a teacher give a grade on such specific value if there’s no attendance,” CNHS School Principal III, Ms. Amelia Eusebio, mentioned. If they will be aware of the value of punctuality, maybe they can somewhat realize that their tardiness reflects your personality as a Filipino and also the trait yourself. Another agreeable solution, the school should also focus on implementing or releasing memorandums and rules about decreasing the rate of the late comers. “I also told the teachers to monitor the attendance of their students every flag ceremony and flag retreat as well, and students should also be obliged to also check the attendance of their advisers, ” Ms. Eusebio stated.

Monitoring the performance of the students and teachers can be a great way to start the implementation. Attendance of the students does not only reflect their home basis but also signifies the performance of their adviser. This may seem as a simple problem or a not so major one, but this must be taken action. Next school year is going to be a big race for the school as the Senior High opens, there will be another enter of increased population of the students. Let us not take advantage of the traditioned ‘Filipino time’. Yes, there maybe a lot of reasons for us to be late, but there are also buckets of ideas on how to be responsible for our punctuality. The first stage of success is the proper workplace attendance. Better late than never, but never late is better.

Year-Ender Issue • March 2016

Pantagalpo

Dawn Anghela Lumaya

Mur-iton

“W

Singkro 101

e see, we hear, we notice.” Those are the words we stood by 28 years ago since this publication was established in this school. Back then students were encouraged to use the pen as a means of expression of truth to influence and spark change inside the campus. Slowly, the school paper gained momentum and eventually began harvesting awards for the school. But it’s not always like that. These past years have been a challenge to journalists experiencing discouragement from teachers and those with a “throne” inside the school. “Next year dai na ning magbali sa Synchro buda Kampilan ah,” these words were shouted to students inside a section deemed as the “brains” of the school. Both publications are suffering from these dissuasions that are slowly putting restraints on students from using their own voice and the development of their aptitudes in writing. We, the journalists of The Synchronizer have had enough of these people who are taking away the students’ freedom to choose their path. As a result, we have published this year-ender

to expose the darker sides of this campus. We are not trying to be pseudo-activists to oppose the administration but simply reporters of truth striving for change. All these articles we have published should not be taken as a sign of rebellion but criticism that can be beneficial to the school and this publication. As campus journalists we cover news both in and out of the school with an objective to create

Editorial movement and stir the thoughts of the students to trigger change for the better using ink as a medium. But our noble cause cannot prosper because we lack support from our stakeholders reaching the point that we have to use our own money for the publication. This year, instead of a tabloid copy, the school paper was printed on A4 size coupon bond stapled together which teachers ridiculed. This was the fallout since we only accumulated 4,000 pesos from the publication fee given by some students. Of this scant amount, the publication has its

head gone haywire in allocating budget for contest expenses and miscellaneous fees. Last school year, we were supported by the owners of a pristine printing press that offered to print our tabloid for free which would have costed an estimate of 15,000 pesos. Thus, tabloid copies were circulated inside the campus having the elegance of quality print. Nonetheless, the publication can’t ask for more financial support because of the ‘No Collection Policy’ which states that the 90 pesos for the publication fee is not mandatory for the students to pay. Thus, we cannot meet the expectations of teachers and students despite numerous efforts to make it as best as we can. Our publication will not sugarcoat news in favor of the school but our ink will flow to say what needs to be said and show what needs to be shown to enkindle what once was shadowed. “Agos tinta! Agos!,” is what we will shout. We can do more than we are expected to do, as long as we are given the freedom to choose. We pledge to continue upholding campus press freedom alongside students’ rights against oppression even if means being adversarial to the institution itself.

The Synchronizer

Enot na paglaog ko pa lang sa National nawindang ako sa kadakulaan kan eskwelahan na ini. Dakol na man ang nadangog ko sa iskwelahan na ini - gabos kagayunan daing bahid nin ni anong mur-it. Sa pag adal ko, ang sarong bagay na kapansin-pansin sa mga titser, su mga pirmi sanang “copy this” buda “answer page…”, sa puntong na isihan ko na may mga alog paran kaini sa eskwelahan na ini. Sa sakong pagka-isi ang pagtutulo sarong bokasyon. Igwa man kuta nin pag maw-ot pero sa nagkapira sana na nalilingawan ang mga aduman sa baba tigatutkan sana ang mga saindang paborito na aduman ka ayadan ano kaya kung tutukan ninda ay ang mga dai naka sabot ning saindang mga leksyon. Sa vision ning DepEd, dapat daa “well-rounded” boot sabihon educado sa dakol at iba-ibang asignatura. Sa nakapansin dai natutukan ang mga estudyante sa baba na iyo an nakadakol, dai nila na nadidiskobre ang saindang kaya pang gibuhon. Sarong aldaw naisip ko magpara libot sana sa eskwelahan. Igwa ning ga klase sa library, sa multi-purpose, buda sa quadrangle siring man an DOST building na nagiging Faculty room ning mga Science teachers buda igro-rooman ning mga escuela. Painano pa daw ito magamit na Physics Lab sa alog kaitong sitwasyon. Pero sain daw napupunta ang bilyon-bilyon na pondo ning DepEd? Sabi ni Kalihim Armin Luistro, 9 out of 10 na sinda ready sa Senior High. Pero sa mga nangyayari uya, halayo pa sa pigtatalam ninda na “HANDA” na sinda. Shifting daa ning oras sa pag-klase ang solusyon kan eskwelahan na ini. Ngunyan ngani na kainakol na ang na late na baga presong gahalat na makalaog. Paino pa daw kung mas amay ang laog ta? Boot kong sabihon na bako ining insulto kundi sarong paagi ning pagkamoot asin pagreparo ko sa eskwelahan ko ta bako sana ako ang solong estudyante kan prestihiyosong eskwelahan na ini. Kaipuhan ta magtuluwangan para sa kauswagan nita. Sa bawat sarong estudyanteng nakakaaram, mas gayaman bako sana an eskwelan kundi ang komunidad sa paribot ning eskwelahan.