The Echo Volume 54, Issue 1 by The Echo

The Official School Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Volume 54 No. 1 | August 2022 - May 2023 | Camarines Norte | Region V

OPINION STIFLING HEAT

STIFLED LEARNING

FEATURES

WITNESS OF TIME

SCI-TECH

A TOAST FOR PROGRESS

07 09

SPORTS

MAKE IT BIG

The Voice of Truth and Honest Service

BUOYANT FORCE

A Guardian of Our Waters

CamNorteños fortify calls for climate action by James Gabriel Regondola

he Philippines floats into the number one spot for the most disaster-prone country in the world, according to a report released by the World Risk Index (WRI) in 2022. As a result of its high risk, exposure, and vulnerability, the country obtained the highest index score of 46.86, among the top ten most disaster-prone nations in the world. With stronger earthquakes, heavier rainfalls, higher temperatures, and rising sea levels widely experienced in the country, Vinzons, a third-class municipality in Camarines Norte, is one of the frontlines facing the tremendous impacts of hazards brought by the climate crisis.

WHY ARE WE DROWNING? “As humans reproduce, solid waste also reproduces three times the human population,” said Glenn Amaro, Vinzons Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer. Since the outburst of the pandemic in 2020, MENRO-Vinzons has accumulated an estimated 3,485 tons of unsegregated solid wastes from households, hazardous materials, agricultural farms, and industrial wastes. The 48-year-old environmentalist named the top 5 solid-waste producers in Vinzons: Calangcawan Norte, Calangcawan Sur, Sto. Domingo, Banocboc, and Sabang. “Some of the reasons why it is difficult for us to implement our policies and programs are the lack of resources, low institutional capacity,

and limited community participation… we need to acknowledge our deficiencies so we can bounce back stronger,” Amaro admitted. He also emphasized that resolutions for climate change adaptation programs are pending due to insufficient resources.

WE ARE DROWNING OURSELVES.

As per the archives of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Vinzons has been shaken by 394 quakes since September 2022, with 68 trembles felt by the whole province from its epicenter located at Tinaga Island, Vinzons. From an interview by ABSCBN Teleradyo with Vinzons disaster management chief Fely Bardon on January 17, 2023, she enumerated that there are nine public schools with minor damages. Due to some destructions, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) Vinzons declared classrooms from the stated schools unsuitable for use of learners. These problems add to the disproportionate status of the classrooms to student ratio as per the policy on the double shifting of classes stated in DepEd Order No. 54, s. of 2008. Since early January of 2023, classes have been interrupted 10 times due to late advisories released by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), buzzing frustrations from students and their concerned parents. After the rainy season, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical,

and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released the El Niño Advisory. “The scorching heat index in Vinzons affects Vinzonians a lot, especially the students of VPHS who are commuting and whose classes start at noon, aside from the teachers who teach room-by-room from morning to afternoon,” said Louisse Ayesha Sastrillo, a Grade 11-STEM student in an interview with The Echo.

BUT WE ARE OUR LIFEGUARDS. The active involvement of VPHS students in various Greening activities and Climate Change Adaptation programs is a testament to Camarines Norte’s call for climate action and justice. The Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) continues to advocate for environmental awareness and conservation through a series of greening activities. YES-O launched Seedling Pan-Tree to address food insecurity and ecological sustainability through planting. The initiative VPHS Community GTree (Go, Grown, Green) is now on its second leg reaching the wider community. The Schools Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SDRRMC) also partakes in the Breaking-Up with Plastics Campaign to raise awareness of the ever-growing plastic pollution. The SDRRMC also joined the Mangrove Tree Planting to protect the habitats of fishes in Camarines Norte. Aside from these efforts made by the students are the

Glen Roy Solis

Francise Zyrene Rampas takes a stand against pollution, bravely collecting garbage from the water during her boat ride home to Sabang, Vinzons, Camarines Norte.

initiatives of the community. VPHS SDRRMC Coordinator Paolo Gabriel Ferrer and his initiative Zero Waste Bantayog & Advocacy Zero-SERO won a 500 USD grant last March 19, 2023, from the International Zero Waste Academy. The government, particularly the Local Government Unit of Vinzons, continues its establishment of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay with a systematic collection of solid waste. In addition the implementation of the No-to-Single-Use-Plastic Policy spearheaded by the MENRO Vinzons, where monitoring of accumulation of single-use plastic is continuously observed. The Eco-Bricks making is still ongoing, where single-used plastics are put into a 1.5 kilogram bottle of soft drink are being exchanged with goods such as rice. Given that there are interrupted classes due to climate change, VPHS commits to enhancing and modifying its system to deliver the quality education every Vinzonian deserves. With the help of the annual Brigada Eskwela, the school strengthens its partnership with its stakeholders, creating a safe learning environment for the learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and community in achieving quality education. “Let us show our spirit of Bayanihan to end the climate crisis we are facing…. together we will fight as one,” Teresita A. Orendain, Principal IV of VPHS concluded on an interview with The Echo.

PULSE PACER Do you contribute in reducing the effects of climate change?

57% AGREE

43% DISAGREE

limate change has become one of the most prevalent issues in today’s time. Due to this, various disasters and societal problems have surfaced affecting the community. In an attempt to reduce the detrimental effects of climate change, several individuals and organizations work together by participating and raising programs to address this issue. Based on the survey conducted by the school publication on 300 students in Vinzons Pilot High School last May 15, 2023, 43% answered no when asked if they are contributing to reducing the effects of climate change while 57% said yes. Illustration by Jean Briseis Pan

VPHS acts against extreme heat by Shimara Data

Amidst The Heat

David Totanes

Jeanisil Cereno continues to teach her eager students despite the sweltering heat at Vinzons Pilot High School, May 16, 2023.

n response to the persisting heat wave, Vinzons Pilot High School (VPHS) implemented measures that alleviated heat from both students and teachers in overcoming the hottest months of the year, April and May. On April 26, 2023, the school announced, through the Supreme Student Government (SSG) page, that school uniforms are no longer required to ease student discomfort during the increasing heat index. In addition, proper ventilation

was also ensured through the help of the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Industrial Arts strand teachers and students who offered their assistance on repairing damaged electronic fans. Meanwhile, VPHS Principal IV, Teresita Orendain, sought the help of the faculty by strengthening facilities of the school clinic along with the local Rural Health Unit (RHU) in order to cater to the potential risks of the oppressive heat. Furthermore, Orendain also responded that it is unlikely that the

school will resort to long-distance learning once again due to a lack of preparation and school funds, as well as its ineffectiveness to the students’ learning. ` Lastly, she ended by wishing everyone to be safe, be hydrated, and to keep everyone’s health in check. She also declared that the school will do its best for the students’ and teachers’ safety and health. “Ang school naman, gagawin ang lahat para sa ikaliligtas natin. Kung ano ang magagawa para sa kalusugan ng ating estudyante at guro.”

02 NEWS

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

Experts: Overloaded teachers attribute learning poverty in PH by Karen Glaze De Leon

Virtous Vocation

eavy workload of teachers was identified as one of the causes of learning difficulties in the Philippines, according to education experts. Philippine Business for Education’s Executive Director Love Basillote and Dr. Ed Fermin of the National Teachers College shared their insights on why the Philippines is languishing under the 2022 State of Global Learning Poverty report, with a rate of over 90%. Fermin stated that one manifestation of learning difficulties is having 10-year-old students who struggle to read and understand even the simplest text. Furthermore, he added that the Philippines has a high incidence of both learning poverty and learning deprivation, according to World Bank calculations.

Wengel Shane Edoria

Oscar Argamosa a teacher at VPHS teaching mathematics subject to Grade 8 Antares, Monday, May 8, 2023

In order to address the gap, Fermin asked Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte to reduce or eliminate the administrative functions of teachers that hinder their lesson preparation, so they can focus more on the delivery of learning. Apart from being overworked, Basillote also mentioned that most teachers are not really qualified to teach the subjects they are assigned to. She further stated that it is important for the government to invest in the professional development of teachers to ensure that they are competent in the subject they are teaching. Meanwhile, Juden M. Tributo, a teacher from Vinzons Pilot High School (VPHS), agreed to reduce and eliminate the teacher’s extra duties if DepEd permits. One of his reasons was the decrease in the quality of teaching

because the teacher’s time is divided between teaching and other activities. Moreover, Tributo said that teaching subjects beyond areas of expertise presents a major challenge for teachers. For him, there is still a need for full attention and training for teachers who are not in their majors because the quality of application or use of actual learning is declining. Furthermore, he directed a message to DepEd saying that they should pay attention to such problems because the students are the ones who will be affected. He also requested a higher salary that teachers deserve due to the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices they make. “Kung hindi naman sa sahod, sana mabawasan ang gawaing pasan-pasan ng ordinaryong kawani ng pamahalaan,” he concluded.

Digital learning platforms to continue even in face-to-face classes E by Jamie Anne Zuñiga

Education in Isolation

Nikolai Asia

Nhieshalyn Galicia, a Grade 2 student, studies through online class modality in their home in Manila, Philippines.

ducation agendas that help in developing digital learning tools and enhance traditional teaching techniques to support young students must continue, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF reported that digital learning made during the COVID–19 pandemic, as one of the three created digital learning platforms developed, have completely shut down, are outof-date and are not fully functional, affecting learning strategies to help pupils recover their knowledge. The Department of Education (DepEd) has set its insights on digital learning, with the help of its Learning Recovery and Continuity Plan. Through the Learning Resources Portal, the

DepEd Commons, and other channels like DepEd TV on YouTube, continues to develop online learning. Digital learning platforms are widely used in the Philippines. UNICEF Philippines is providing content to these platforms through the creation of digital stories, games, applications, e-books, and films which will allow expanded access for students all over the country. Teachers can use these platforms as part of their lesson plans. Vinzons Pilot High School is one example of how the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on different schools in the Philippines. During the pandemic, they also experienced using digital learning platforms to enhance student accountability. It helped the students in

continuing their education despite the pandemic. On top of that, it also allowed the teachers to support their students effectively even when they are not present physically. Digital learning through technology continues to benefit students and teachers even in face-to-face classes, where students have complete control over their studies, they can complete their assignments whenever they want. At the same time, it gives teachers the chance to make use of technology to its fullest capacity which will help students determine the most efficient teaching methods for them, and improve the efficiency of how teaching and learning are delivered.

VPHS addresses soaring suicide cases T by Jade Abitria

o manage and address the growing concern over the rising cases of successful suicides and suicide attempts, Vinzons Pilot High School (VPHS) organized a series of events for the parents and students. “In response to those issues, we conducted parent orientations, debriefing for selected parents, seminar on depression and internet addiction, and psychological first aid conducted by our advisers,” Leusin Alvarez, former guidance counselor of VPHS, said. Sen. Sherwin Ting Gatchalian, Head of the Senate Committee on basic education, expressed his concern over the rising number of suicides among students, and called for a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the Department

of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), and other relevant agencies to ensure that students receive the support they need. Meanwhile, DepEd Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant toll on students’ mental health in the Philippines, with 404 learners from public schools committing suicide in 2021, according to DepEd. Galban also revealed that 2,147 learners attempted suicide, while 775,962 sought guidance counseling in 2021, representing just 2.85% of the total student population of 28 million. He further noted that out of the 60,157 schools in the country, only 16,557 have guidance officers and 2,093 registered guidance counsellors, indicating a significant gap in mental health support.

PHILIPPINE HOTLINES FOR DEPRESSION, SUICIDE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHILD HELPLINE

SUICIDE CRISIS HOTLINE

163

0917-8001123

foundation.abs-cbn.com

(02) 8893-7603

NCMH CRISIS HOPELINE 09663514518

(02) 8804-4673

nchmusaptayo.com

ngf-mindstrong.org Illustration by Harvy Abanes

VPHS Bags Awards in DTI Video-Making Contest Filming Consumerism

Rhona Marielle Fronda

10K Regrets production films their short film entry in Vinzons, Camarines Norte on October 28, 2022. Their entry won 1st runner up in national-level DTI-video making contest.

VPHS rules DTI Video-Making Contest by Schann Puse

inzons Pilot High School (VPHS) bagged the grand prize and first runner-up in the national-level videomaking contest entitled, “Assertive Consumer Be Like: A Video-Making Contest,” spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last October 29, 2022. AUGENBLICK won the P10,000 grand prize scoring 87.44% in total, while 10K Regrets placed first runner-up, at 86.33% total score, winning P6,000. Some of the names behind AUGENBLICK were: Director Juancho Ramores III, Coaches LeeMark Ferrer and Mylene Magana. Meanwhile, some of the personnel of 10K Regrets were: Production Head Aaron De Guzman, Editor and Director Bernard Lian Lukban, and Coach Reymond Alfred Buñag. According to Niña Vecino,

scriptwriter of 10K Regrets, the aim of their video is to educate consumers regarding on how to be a responsible buyer, as well as address the dangers and threats of the online world. On the other hand, AUGENBLICK revolves around empowering individuals to be assertive consumers and educating them about their rights, Trisha Valeros, scriptwriter and producer of AUGENBLICK shared during an interview. The said contest was conducted in correlation to the Consumer Welfare Month which aimed to relay valuable information relevant to the application of purchases on online platforms in hopes to protect consumers against scammers. The mentioned groups succeeded in conveying facts about consumer rights and positive attributes of assertive consumers within the

scope of the theme, “Sustainable Consumerism in the Digital Age”, leading to the victory in the competition. “We didn’t really expect to win the championship; for us, the main goal was to help spread awareness about becoming an assertive consumer and educate viewers. The victory was simply a plus factor for which we are very grateful, as it showcased how we, as students of VPHS, can be effective advocates for such a cause,” Alliyah Cambronero, producer of AUGENBLICK, stated. Lukban, further emphasized that empowering people to be assertive consumers can positively impact the economy and society as a whole, while encouraging them to participate in effective communication as they become more engaged citizens who actively work towards healthy consumerism and a better future.

THE ECHO 03

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE VOICE OF TRUTH AND HONEST SERVICE

7.5 5 2.5

S. AFRICA

RUSSIA

BRAZIL

JAPAN

ITALY

GERMANY

FRANCE

CANADA

-2.5

CHINA

INDIA

International Monetary Fund: Real GDP growth-annual percent change

BRICS nations attempt to end dollar dominance

by Alexandrea Fiona De Villa

n an attempt to replace the United States (US) dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, or BRICS nations, are planning to develop their own currency. “De-dollarization moment might finally be here with Russia’s recent announcement that it is now spearheading the development of a new currency,” Joseph W. Sullivan, a former special advisor and staff

economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers during the Trump administration, stated. Earlier this year, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the BRICS countries surpassed that of the G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) in terms of purchasing power parity. BRICS’ share of the world’s GDP was 31.5%, surpassing the G7 nation’s 30.7%.

Ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit, which will be held on Aug 22 to 24 in Durban, South Africa, Naledi Pandor, the host country’s Foreign Minister, said that 12 countries are interested in joining the group. This includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, Argentina, Mexico and Nigeria, this will be considered at the upcoming summit. Among others willing to join are Indonesia and Turkiye. With this

expansion, the total population of BRICS members would exceed 4.3 billion, more than half of the planet’s population. According to the latest report by Bloomberg, the U.S. dollar is sliding 10 times faster than the last two decades. The U.S. dollar now represents about 58% of the global reserves, from 73% in 2001. The dollar has dropped nearly 15% in the last two decades and continued to slide with fears of an upcoming BRICS currency.

KMP asks for SIM registration by Keishe Marie Villagen extension

Bicol Express

Solar-powered water supply programs T continue to rise in Bicol “I by Mary Dianne Rosalin

believe that access to clean water is a basic human right,” said Elizaldy Co, a representative from Ako Bicol Partylist made the move to further expand their solar-powered water supply system program to more areas across Bicol region. With one of its first 71 facilities located in Albay providing clean water to upland villages in Legazpi City. The water system will benefit 969 families in Barangay Imalnod, the Banquerohan Resettlement Site, and the Zone Resettlement Area including 2,018 students of Banquerohan High School. Correspondingly, the ongoing construction progress in Barangays

Coro-Coro and Libjo and at Tiwi Central School has more than 80% completion rate, according to the AKB Media Relations Officer, Sally Luces. The project is on the rise and extending to places such as Barangay Añog, Juban in Sorsogon. On the other hand, the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction of the Department of Social Welfare and Development stated that 187,673 people in Bicol suffer from the inability to consume clean and safe drinking water and more than 5 million Bicolanos acquire water from dug wells. The Department of Public Works and Highways stated that each

water system contains 8 solar panels that generate an average of 10,500 liters per second filling up a water tank in 3 to 4 hours in 3 stages of filtration. According to Co, the panels are expected to last for 25 years. In relation to the said projects, a meeting was led upon by Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla with Ako Bicol Partylist after they conducted a geo-resistivity survey in the province of Camarines Norte including areas like Pambuhan and Masalong Salong, Mercedes; Zone 2 of Barangay Awitan, Zone 7 of Barangay Dogongan, and Mancruz, Daet.

o avert disenfranchisement of the farmers that were still not able to register, extension to the mandatory Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration was petitioned by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). Telecommunications companies like Smart Communications, Talk ‘N Text, and Ayala-led Globe also supported this petition as only 55.1% registered on Smart Communications and less than 50% registered on Globe out of its millions of subscribers. The municipality of Vinzons’ main source of income are fishing and farming to which if the petition is denied, farmers who are still not registered in the said municipality would be affected. “Surely, millions and millions of farmers, fisherfolk, and people in the countryside have yet to register their SIM,” KMP Chairperson Danilo Ramos stated. “The threat of them losing their access to their SIM and other social media is a direct attack on their

right to be heard, be informed, and communicate,” he added. Under the Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act, it is stated that the registration deadline may be extended for a period not exceeding 120 days. However, The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is in no rush to extend sim registration. “We want to encourage Filipinos to register during the last 12 days before the deadline on April 26,” Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) undersecretary for industry development, said. Nonetheless, discussion of the extension of the deadline is assured. KMP also pointed out the massive data breach that affected over 1.2 million “leaked profiles” from the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation and Civil Service Commission, stating that even the identity and information of registered SIM subscribers are still at risk.

SIM CARD REGISTRATION STATUS as of April 14, 2023

Diplomacy through Literacy US Embassy Manila

69,828,115

USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator LeAnna Marr and Gilbert Sadsad, DepEd Region V Director, leads Ceremonial Handover of donated books by the USAID at Tabaco North Central Elementary School in Albay last October 17, 2022

sim card nationwide out of

USAID grants DepEd Bicol P23M worth of book donation P by Alyssa Bhel Mallari

HP 23 million ($392,000) worth of early-grade reading materials were granted, by the United States (US) government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), to the Department of Education (DepEd) of Region V - Bicol, according to the press release of US Embassy Manila, November 8, 2022. Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) LeAnna Marr of the USAID and DepEd Region V Director Gilbert Sadsad led the handover of the donated books at Tabaco North Central Elementary School in Albay last October 17, 2022. USAID distributed more than 6.62 million early-grade reading materials and trained more than 8,000 educators in the Bicol Region since 2019. Investing more than $5.25 billion to support the Philippines since 1961, USAID has been helping the Philippine

In an interview about the effect of the decrease of dollar value on dollar earners, Patricia Ferrer, a student in Vinzons Pilot High School, said that if the said event would happen, the value of her father’s earnings would decrease and it can affect her family financially. She also said that she is not in favor of BRICS currency replacing the US dollar because its benefits will ultimately go to the countries that are involved with BRICS.

government and local organizations in achieving the quality education for Filipino learners for the past 60 years. As the Acting Senior Coordinator of United States International Basic Education Assistance, DAA Marr also visited other USAID-sponsored programs based in Sorsogon and Manila other than meeting the beneficiaries of the agency’s programs focused on youth development and Out of School Youth (OSY) education and employment. To support inclusive education for children of all abilities, USAID sustained inclusive education for all abilities in the country by training teachers in inclusive education strategies with developed inclusive education materials, and establishing a disability screening and referral system like the Sorsogon’s inclusive education community resource center whom DAA Marr had visited.

In Manila, she witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov together with DepEd officials formalizing the new partnership of the two agencies in alleviating the quality of education . “We at USAID recognize that we can only fully and successfully advance inclusive and resilient growth if we work together with local actors and like-minded partners,” Washburn said in a statement. He further explained that by collaborating and leveraging each other’s unique resources, assets, and skill set, they were able to strengthen their support to the Philippine government as the country addresses challenges in the education sector.

168,977,773

34,720,770 29,967,532 5,139,813

Infographics by Bernard Lian Lukban

04 OPINION

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

EDITORIAL

STIFLING HEAT STIFLED LEARNING

long with the resonating temperature, clamoring voices that call for the academic calendar to revert to its previous June-to-March period continue to amplify. But, the Department of Education (DepEd) remains resolute in its decision, with spokesperson Michael Poa stating that “At the moment, there are no plans to revert (to the old school calendar).” It seems that the public’s feeling of being hot-headed may not just stem from the skyrocketing temperature, but also the continued neglect of those in power for the community’s welfare. The new academic calendar, with a primary aim of aligning with international calendars, entails that the traditional months of summer break will have regular classes instead. This raises several red flags, for the months of April and May are notoriously known as the hottest months in the Philippine climate. As a matter of fact, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has reported that Filipinos need to be prepared for a heat index of 31 to 52 degrees celsius. Classrooms, most especially those in public schools, are not guaranteed to have proper ventilation. Some rely on a single electric fan, while others merely trust the natural breeze from windows as their source of cooling. What is the point of being physically present in class if one could not focus due to the excruciating heat? In a survey conducted by The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) with 11,706 public school teachers nationwide as participants, 87% of them stated that students have difficulty focusing because of the unbearable heat in classrooms. Similarly, a survey done in Vinzons Pilot High School yielded that 86% of students prefer the months of April-May to be vacation periods instead of school days because the excessive heat hinders their ability to focus. The primary goal of school is to provide students with the opportunity to learn. This should not be compromised, hence why having classes in April-May is not at all ideal. Reversion of the academic calendar was further amplified by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, explaining that “April-May summer breaks enable a lot of children to have social time with their family,” which he echoes is important because it plays an optimal role in the growth of a child. However, the current academic calendar does propose some advantages. It was previously mentioned that July will fall on the days of school break. This is beneficial because the peak of the typhoon season—the month of July wherein two to four tropical cyclones (TCs) are to be expected—evokes the suspension of classes to be reduced and the flow of learning to not be disrupted. Although the new academic calendar has its advantages, it falls short in completely eradicating class disruptions and improving the students’ learning experience. The calendar still includes the months of August-October, which still fall in the typhoon season, with an expected two to three tropical cyclones each month. Moreover, the inordinate heat is urging many schools to resort to shortened periods, and some even back to blended learning, causing a hindrance to their studies. Those reverted in power should heed the call rising in the heat of the masses. The academic calendar should revert to the June to March duration in accordance with the public’s opinion for they are the ones directly impacted by the impositions. Stifling heat stifles learning. Consider that they desire to plunge into cold pools instead of swimming in sweat inside a poorly-ventilated classroom.

ECHO STATS Which period do VPHS students prefer to have their summer break?

86% APRIL - MAY 14% JUNE - JULY

Survey by Jiannah Francine Reyes

EDITORIAL BOARD 2022-2023

BIG WORDS

At the Crossroads by Prences Jhewen Albis

fter a decade of implementing the K-to-12 basic education program, the Department of Education (DepEd) has conceded that its curriculum has failed to yield employable graduates and has become congested. To address these loopholes, DepEd recently made public its progress on revising the K-to-12 curriculum, which aims to produce more jobready graduates. While improving the country’s education, quality is commendable. DepEd’s plan to focus solely on producing employable graduates is misguided. Back in 2013, the addition of Grades 11 and 12 to the basic education program in the Philippines was based on the assumption that senior high school (SHS) graduates could easily secure employment or start their businesses without pursuing a college education. Ten years after its implementation, the curriculum was deemed overladen. Thus, no significant improvement should be expected if the curriculum is revised with a continued focus on employability. DepEd noted that due to congested K-to-12, less than 20 percent of the teachers reported they have enough time to teach all the required learning competencies in a quarter, and almost half of the teachers did not have sufficient time to teach even half of the competencies. Some educators and non-academic personnel decried as being overworked but underpaid as the Philippines opened the Second Congressional Commission on Education this year. While it is true that the curriculum is congested, DepEd must also consider that teachers cannot cover the learning competencies if they are still bombarded with clerical and nonteaching tasks. Last 2022, Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte criticized the country’s apparent “diploma mentality.” Despite this, Go Negosyo Founder and Former Presidential Aviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Concepcion III stressed that the private sector cannot

be forced to hire SHS graduates just to bump up the numbers. The DepEd’s revision of the K-to-12 program to create employable graduates is futile if the education sector fails to address the root causes of unemployment. Moreover, Duterte planned to appeal to the industry and employers to accept students in work immersion and hire them when they graduate. Nevertheless, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines has cautioned against this move, citing that prolonged work immersion for SHS students could lead to their exploitation by business owners. The education sector seems to prioritize exploiting students through extended hours of unpaid work under the pretense of training rather than securing them with job opportunities. Instead of focusing the curriculum revision on producing employable graduates, DepEd must reconsider its priorities. These include balancing job-specific skills and cultivating holistic developments, and addressing teachers’ concerns, including fair compensation and welfare. Rather than criticizing one another, The education and labor sectors must work together to align the curriculum with the changing demands of industries between what employers need and what SHS graduates can offer. Now more than ever, it is imperative to learn from past mistakes, particularly with the K-to-12 program’s previous emphasis on producing employable graduates. The DepEd has two options at the crossroads: change the course or face the worse.

“

DepEd must reconsider its priorities.

”

OVER THETHE FENCEFENCE OVER

The Cost of Stagnation T

he Department of Education (DepEd) deserves applause. Its whole system resembles a circus and its secretary acting like a ringmaster who repeatedly walks in a circle, exhibiting the same behavior that fails to bring about progress and leaves little hope for change. DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte’s daily meltdowns, which range from petty squabbles with local officials to baseless accusations against teachers and education stakeholders, have become a regular occurrence on social media. Duterte’s supporter argue her behaviour is a sign of her commitment to improving the education system in the Philippines and that she is simply trying to shake things up in order to make positive changes. However, her actions suggest otherwise. As the “steward of the institution” responsible for shaping the minds and values of the next generation,

Duterte’s erratic behavior undermines its own mission to “ensure an enabling and supportive environment” for Filipino youth. Duterte’s apparent disregard for the welfare of teachers and students is concerning. She has downplayed the challenges faced by educators in implementing distance learning, leading to increased stress and burnout among teachers. Moreover, her department’s decision to push through with face-toface classes in some areas despite the ongoing pandemic has raised concerns about the safety of students and teachers alike. The most concerning incidents involving Duterte include her tirades against journalists and media outlets critical of her department’s handling of the pandemic. She has accused them of spreading “fake news” and even threatened to file lawsuits against them. This behavior is unacceptable, as it not only undermines press freedom but also

by Gionna Elizah Quibral creates a culture of fear among journalists who are just doing their job of informing the public. Furthermore, Duterte’s lack of transparency regarding DepEd’s budget allocation for distance learning is also alarming. Despite calls for her department to disclose how the budget was spent, Duterte has remained tight-lipped and dismissive of these requests. It is high time for Duterte to recognize the gravity of her position and act accordingly. She needs to conduct herself with the utmost professionalism and respect for others. Her meltdowns are not happening in a vacuum; they occur against the backdrop of numerous challenges facing the education sector, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of the K-12 program, and the perennial issues of underfunding and lack of resources. The education of the Filipino youth is too important to be held hostage

by one person’s daily meltdowns. It is time for DepEd to step up and address the challenges facing the education sector. By doing so, we can work towards building a stronger and more resilient education system that can weather any storm. Inaction and complacency always come with a heavy price, and in the case of the Department of Education, the cost of stagnation is too high to ignore.

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The education of the Filipino youth is too important to be held hostage by one person’s daily meltdowns.

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Editor-in-Chief Prences Jhewen Albis Associate Editors Gabriel Ibis Jean Antonette Recodo Managing Editors Karen Glaze De Leon Fiona De Villa Head Columnists Rhainier Reandelar Lance Odoño News Editors Shimara Data Mary Dianne Rosalin Kristian Arevalo Feature Editors Beatriz Arañez Yuryna Nicole Sullano Aira Joy Rafer Sci-Tech Editor Eldrich Lopez Sports Editors Jude Aris Responde Ken Xavier Jimenez Chief Layout Artists Bernard Lian Lukban Luke Xavier Londres Layout Artists John Michael Daria Chief Cartoonists Harvy Abanes Mikaela Kaye Totanes Cartoonists Hannah Sanio Sheldon Mijares Jean Briseis Pan Irish Breathe Francisco Stephanie Liensay Sayson Chief Photojournalists Wengel Shane Edoria Cherish Deanne Laguador Photojournalists Nicole Kate Pardo Mark Daniel Arevalo Isiah Benedict Reyes Glen Roy Solis Senior Staff Writers James Bryan Romana Jermaine Alisha Palado Gionna Elizah Quibral Hannah Alexa Jose Kyla Lopez Jemimah Keshia Pan Ashley Pacinos Keishe Marie Villagen John Roy Zantua Eugene Kyle Eco Carl Joses Carza Adrien Nikolai Alforque Gian Carlo Belarma Junior Staff Writers Jiannah Francine Reyes Jesus Emmanuel Trinidad Hannah Mae Perez Cheska Mae Eunice Pobre Maery Joyce Aquino Georgina Villanueva James Gabriel Regondola Neo Rillo Jamie Anne Zuñiga David Totanes Kirk Ezekiel Depanes Schann Puse Jade Abitria Aeron Lemuel Alem Gian Golimlim Luis Zenon Mago Jr. Reece Leander Malabag Stephanie Mae Caceres Alyssa Bhel Mallari Precious Villaluz Ashley Sheyn Buising Kathleen Jane Autor School Paper Adviser Al Bambino M. Camino Editorial Consultant Emilia A. Tio, Ed.D Assistant Principal II Elizabeth N. Macale School Principal Teresita A. Orendain, Ed.D

THE ECHO 05

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE VOICE OF TRUTH AND HONEST SERVICE

CAMPUS WATCH

FEEDBACK FORUM

Sit with Grief Sometimes by Hannah Alexa Jose

Hi!

It’s been a long time since we last had a campus watch column, do you know what it is? Campus watch is a section of the official publication of Vinzons Pilot High School that is practically about topics that are relevant to our school. This is Hannah Alexa M. Jose, your campus watcher. Our school is composed of thousands of students that may experience problems with coping and understanding their emotions and feelings. Though it is normal for adolescent students to experience confusion on how to navigate their life, it would still be too much to bear for some. Many children find high school to be a difficult period, which may have an adverse effect on their mental health. Young people experience a variety of stresses, from social demands to academic obligations, that can have an effect on their wellbeing. As a result, it’s crucial to examine high school kids’ mental health in greater detail. When we neglect and suppress our emotions it may be too late when we actually try to face it. A reminder that when you run from a problem, when you circle back to it, it would still be a problem. It’s okay to address and sit with the grief of feeling like the person you used to be is dying and fading away. Knowing that you’re not alone might help you cope with the overwhelming and terrible feelings that come with suicidal thoughts. It can be challenging to know how to support a loved one who is dealing with suicidal thoughts or actions. But being there for someone who is contemplating suicide can have a profound impact on their life and even save it. If saving a life is paying attention to someone without interrupting or passing judgment,

A survey in which 11,000 teachers took part revealed that at least 67% of (public school) teachers are dealing with intolerable heat, which distracts students and causes sickness; the Philippines is a climate-vulnerable country; students and teachers are calling to change the current academic calendar to reinstate the April-May summer break-all of these were unheeded when this plan was made. However, we, the students, must face DepEd’s decision’s consequences. The DepEd Secretary should begin listening to its people rather than blatantly demonstrating their ignorance about how extreme heat affects the common people. I advise them to start by turning off the air conditioning in their offices.

Julius Engelbert Fuentes With the heat becoming unbearable and the poor ventilation systems in many schools, pushing for classes during summer is a massive disservice to students and educators. I’ve suffered through the heat along with my classmates throughout March up until now. If we, section A students with ample air-conditioning in our room, still have complaints, then what about students who have to have full days of classes in classrooms jam-packed with very little ventilation system? While the implementation is meant to provide a more conducive learning environment, I think the current academic calendar simply inflicts more harm than good.

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Niña Liwliwa Dygico

It’s okay to address and sit with the grief of feeling like the person you used to be is dying and fading away.

As a senior high student entering college, I believe that DepEd should retain the current academic calendar. It ensures a seamless transition from secondary to tertiary education and enables students to apply to colleges and universities in the Philippines or abroad without any calendar conflicts. Therefore, retaining the current academic calendar is crucial in providing a smooth and hassle-free educational experience for students.

Illustration by Harvy Abanes

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Trust Fall M

Nicholete Joy Valencia

consider me in. It’s critical to keep in mind that suicidal thoughts are frequently a sign of a deeper mental health condition, such as sadness or anxiety. You may communicate with someone by listening to them and demonstrating your concern and support for them. Don’t let anything or anybody in the room distract you from them; instead, offer them your undivided focus. You might also volunteer to assist them with regular chores like cleaning or food shopping. Offering assistance may make a significant impact since people with depression or other mental health conditions may find it Wchallenging to perform even simple activities. From this day onwards, I urge all of us to lend a hand, offer an ear and be a shoulder to lean on. Vinzonian para sa kapwa Vinzonian. Make a change and be a change.

CHANGING TIDES by Lance Odoño andatory ROTC, we get it; international tensions are high, national pride is questioned, and the youth deserve better than TikTok. But if lawmakers see these reasons to bring back the ROTC program, then there are just as significant reasons why it cannot be done. The National Service Training Program (NSTP) of 2021, proposed by Congressman Paolo Duterte, seeks to revive the old service program. It’s notably supported by former President Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. We did have this Program before; ROTC’s previous suspension was caused by the death of University of Santo Tomas student Mark Welson Chua, who sought to report corrupt practices. Civil groups oppose the program’s revival, despite arguments that it will be better this time. The program seeks the same objectives as before, “nation-building values,” but it’s not the intentions being debated, but the execution of it. One practical argument against the bill is its cost. In a statement by the Department of National Defense, it can be expensive to have a program this large of a scale and would be impractical as we’re not at war. This is countered by arguments for the program, reframing it as an investment toward building national values being worth the cost. The biggest argument against the bill is the same argument that took it

Thoughts on DepEd’s plan to retain current academic calendar:

down before, hazing and corruption. Hazing is a considerable argument against it; for example, the recent hazing victim, John Matthew Salilig, a 24-year-old Adamson University student. Civil groups use this case against the bill, but the rebuttal is that he wasn’t hazed because of ROTC training and was hazed by a university fraternity. However, hazing is perceived as an elementary passage toward social inclusion. This abusive act is based on a social construct, and that’s when the line between abuse and socializing is blurred further, enabling this form of abuse, and if there’s anything we’ve learned from acts that allow an overuse of power, that is when we’d usually call it corruption. So, aside from all the practical implications, why the hate if it’s that crucial? This whole thing is just a matter of trust. No matter how “integral” the program could be to nation-building, the trust, or the lack thereof, towards the government’s ability to keep both corruptions at bay and those corrupt accountable is not there. Corruption is a constant variable in governmental institutions; the larger those institutions get, the more corrupt they can inevitably be. Brushing it off as “we’ll do it better next time, don’t worry, it definitely won’t lead to hazing” has just about the same strength of a promise as an abusive alcoholic father’s “I’m heading out for milk.” Integrity is difficult to promise from a government to a society that has known nothing but. The element of trust is void in the vast vacuum of corruption, and if there’s one thing that people can still trust, it’s our government’s constant ability to lose its trust.

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The element of trust is void in the vast vacuum that is corruption.

Illustration by Sheldon Mijares & Harvy Abanes

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Amidst this time of searing heat, I sincerely appreciate Vinzons Pilot High School’s pursuits in catering to the students’ concerns. Declaring that school uniforms are no longer required, for example. This was done to help improve the students’ comfort during this hot weather. While I do commend the efforts of VPHS, I would like to raise some concerns about the policy. Although the school recently implemented a dress code policy that outlines appropriate attire for certain days of the week, the announcement to remove the requirement of school uniforms appears to contradict this. The new policy still requires students to follow the dress code policy, which only allows for white shirts or recognized club/organization uniforms. This has caused confusion among students, particularly when school guards have reprimanded some for wearing colored club/organization shirts on days other than Friday, as stated in the policy. I believe that clear and comprehensible dress code guidelines must be imposed, especially in this time of heat. This would help avoid confusion in the school and allow students to follow the rules while still maintaining a pleasant school experience. I am writing this as a VPHSian with nothing but the best interest for our school in mind, I earnestly thank you for your time. Sincerely, Jiannah Francine M. Reyes Grade 9 - Aluminum

Dear Jiannah, Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding the school’s dress code policy. I agree with you that there needs to be a clear and comprehensible set of guidelines established, particularly during this hot weather. The current weather conditions have made it extremely challenging for students to comply with the dress code policy while still feeling comfortable. The announcement to remove the requirement of school uniforms was a step in the right direction, but as you pointed out, it has caused confusion among students. As a student myself, it truly is difficult to navigate the dress code policy in the hot weather, and I think it’s essential for the school to take this into consideration. Implementing a dress code policy that the school community understands and takes into account the students’ comfort during these weather conditions would go a long way and establish balance between complying with the policy and ensuring a delightful experience. In addition, coordinating with personnel like school guards about the clear dress code policy would help to create a more positive and welcoming school experience. As you mentioned, the VPHS does its absolute best to accommodate students’ issues. Bringing light to this like the way you have done, will help communicate the problem further, so that it can be improved. Cordially yours, The Editor

06 OPINION

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

NEXT IN LINE

Lights, Camera, Inaction by Luke Xavier Londres Journalists are the way between the people and the government, yet the latter want another way. Propaganda machine is always present in an authoritarian government but in a democratic one it is much easier to justify. The Marcos Administration tends to utilize different vloggers, propagandists and other content creators to amplify and sugarcoat every decision the government makes for it to be popular to an oblivious masses. Former Malacanang press secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles pushes a plan to invite vloggers and media personalities at a press briefing in the palace. This is not the first time, in 2017, the then Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar issued a department order, allowing vloggers with over 5,000 followers to cover presidential activities of the duterte administration. This is a very bold move for it can be a way in helping proliferate fake news and misinformation just

Illustration by: Jean Briseis Pan

like what they did in the election. Like the rhetoric they amplified, Marcos focuses on himself rather than attacking competitors and until now that is their goal; the administration themselves did not need to lie because they employ people who will lie for them. It can also be a way of worsening the negative sentiments of the masses against journalists that started during the past administration when they demonized journalism for them to spread lies and terror. Journalism is at stake because people tend to rely on vloggers who commentate information instead of delivering it directly. Some will say that this is a move to democratize the press and also give the government more ways to deliver the news to the masses. It is evident that vlogging and infotainment is the go-to media of the netizens but instead of giving both vloggers and journalists– who undergo professional training– the same level of treatment, why not just encourage the journalist to

adapt for them to be more accessible to the masses. Adapting does not mean leveling with the same standards of the vloggers in delivering commentary but to change the way they deliver information into a more accessible and engaging manner. The internet is not just the most predominant source of information for most people but it is the only source of information to some people due to the lack of other sources of media such as TV, Radio and Newspaper. Gaining the trust of the people is important both to the state and the media. Trust between the two is crucial to the interest of the people because they decide who to trust. The goal in this current political landscape is not just to deliver the truth but make the people trust and believe what is true. Given that the president’s rating is all time high albeit his cabinet is low gives a hint of the current status of our democracy and the battle that we all need to fight in.

VOX POPULI

Leap Towards Equality FORUM by Hannah Mae Perez

Senate Bill No. 689, or “An Act Prohibiting Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression and Providing Penalties Therefor,” better known as the SOGIE bill, is very controversial and is still up for debate after having been put out in Congress for several years. It has been stuck in the Philippine legislature for more than 20 years since influential lawmakers with ties to religious groups were able to block it. The long battle to enact equality for all has always been an ongoing issue in our country. How can equality be promoted if most people’s beliefs are at odds with others’ happiness? On September 19, 2016, Geraldine Roman, a Bataan 1st District representative, declared that it was time to speak out and that he would be the voice of the LGBTQIA+ community. The bill strives to address LGBTQIA people equally and assures that their rights are protected to the same extent as everyone else’s. Although the bill’s stated objective of fostering equality, many individuals still oppose it since they think it would be unfair for straight people to implement a law requiring a partic-

ular privilege that mainly serves the interests of the LGBTQIA population. Benny Abante, a Manila representative, stated, “It is like giving special rights to a special group of people.” The roar for equality continues to echo throughout the nation, but sadly, some continue to choose to turn a blind eye to discrimination cases. Consider Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna, a well-known gamer from the Philippines who competes in the Mobile Legends International tournament under Blacklist International’s management. Despite leading his team to victory in several tournaments, he continues to get negative feedback from the gaming community. It has been proven that your state-granted rights can protect you, regardless of your popularity. It seems evident that this kind of issue occurs often in our nation, but where is the government to address it? Illustration by Harvy Abanes

No matter what anyone thinks, every Filipino deserves to be accepted for who they are. Everyone, not just members of LGBTQIA, deserves equal rights and opportunities. Considering this, the SOGIE law may be fundamental in upholding equality and combating prejudice in our country. On the other hand, other parties suggest that it would appear unjust to straight people, but everyone has to know that the law is being established for everyone’s gain, not solely for the LGBTQIA community. Being free means more than simply throwing off one’s bonds but improving the freedom of others. The proposed law in Congress has an admirable objective of promoting the spirit of equality. However, it must still be thoroughly examined to prevent abuse of rights and to ensure that it does not trample on straight people’s rights. The SOGIE bill’s implementation could benefit or harm our nation. Still, one thing is certain: whether a right exists or not, everyone deserves respect regardless of social status because we are all born equal.

NO OFFENSE

Spotlighting the Severed Ties of Communication by Cheska May Eunice Pobre n increasing number of scams involving Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards paved the way for the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act, signed by President Bongbong Marcos on October 10, 2022. The law mandates that users register their SIM cards, but what about the incapable? Are they still taken into consideration, or will they just be marked as unfortunate? Telephone companies (Telco) have their own registration system; by law, if not registered within 180 days, deactivation of SIM cards will take place, and all users’ data, including accounts associated with the unregistered SIM card, will be inaccessible. On the contrary, a group of Filipinos who intend to junk the Sim Card Registration Act protested in front of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on January 11, 2023. As it was believed to violate data privacy. However, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo

guarantees that all information gathered by the telcos is secured from data breaches. Admittedly, the law will induce negative intentions since victims will be able to report suspicious numbers to locate the culprit’s information. But if that’s just the case, then why are there only 49.3% of Filipinos who had their SIM cards registered according to DICT as of April 23, 2023, if there were only 3 days left for the registration? Incapabilities to register their own SIM cards exist, especially among technologically challenged senior citizens and those who live in rural areas. If the blind eye continues to turn to those who do not have any other means of communication but their phone, which has a keypad rather than a touchscreen, they will lose all the data they have, suffering from deactivation before even knowing it. To give Filipinos more time to

register, the April 26 deadline has been extended for 90 days. Considering the problems encountered with registration systems, multiple SIM card owners, and numbers that are left unregistered, would that extension be enough? Not to mention that SIM cards are not future-proof as they can be damaged or lost. Why are they rushing everyone to register their SIM cards if issues like flooding in registration systems cannot be resolved by telcos right away? Hence, building registration centers in different places and giving them enough time to register would help. Reaching those who are out of reach and are struggling for internet connections. Despite all the disadvantages, biometrics and a valid ID should be required to prevent impersonation and verify the user’s identity. This Illustration by Harvy Abanes requires a lot of work from both

citizens and telcos, but it is necessary to attain the law’s purpose while having all the personal information secured. No law is useless if implemented the right way. Thus, think not only on the positive side but also outside the box, making way to spotlight the severed ties of communication behind SIM card registration. Because at the end of the day, a country thrives when it is undivided; therefore, no one should ever be left behind.

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At the end of the day, a country thrives when it is undivided; therefore, no one should ever be left behind.

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THE ECHO 07

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

Ending the Abuse of Resiliency by Jesus Emmanuel Trinidad

n June 2022, the Philippine inflation rate reached 6.1%, a figure contested by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who claimed that, “we are not that high.” However, the numbers spiked to 8.7% in January 2023, the highest since 2008. Currently, the Inflation rate sits well-above the government’s target of 2-4%, which raises uncertainty among citizens throughout the country. The administration is complacent towards this issue because of the Filipino culture of resiliency. However, being able to recover is not a solution alone, for inflation can cause a myriad of other problems and affects the daily lives of every Filipino. Inflation made student life harder. Back in 2018, the jeepney fare from Daet to Vinzons was 12. Currently, the fare is 15, even if they drop off mid-route. Additionally, the rising prices of rice, meat, and other raw ingredients makes school meals-and food in general-expensive. Treating themselves are also more

expensive now, because comfort foods became pricier. For example, prices of the Jollibee chickenjoy rose from a starting price of 75 to 82. In addition, the more controversial garlic pepper beef rose from 45 to 95. Another implication of the miserable state of our economy is the infamous ‘Golden Onion Era’, during which the price of onions reached a staggering 800/kilo, on par with the prices of beef and other meat. This is caused by the Department of Agriculture’s inaccurate projections of supply and demand resulting to a delay in imports, illegal smuggling, and hoarding. It is easy to point fingers towards the present administration, to accuse them of neglecting the rising prices and not helping its people. However, some supporters believe that adequate actions have already been made. Secretary of Finance Benjamin Diokno stated that the government would allocate 26.6 billion in subsidies to vulnerable sectors to cope with the rising prices of commodities. Moreover, the president approved the creation of

EIC FORUM Joanna Valeros 2017-2018 I am still hoping that this year’s NSPC qualifiers in individual categories will be reverted to the usual top 3 by revising the recently issued memo no.024, s. 2023, that only allows 1st placers to proceed to the national level. This mandate, issued at a time when the Department of Education’s annual budget is at its highest in history, will halt the NSPC dream of more or less 1,300 individual writers across the country’s 18 regions. Apart from being imposed without a clear rationale, this is ironic to the department’s promise of opening more academic opportunities for learners.

Shyla Palacio

2019-2020

Being a 3rd placer in the Regional Schools Press Conference back in elementary, I can testify that it did not simply bring me to compete in the National level, but gave me a memorable and worthy experience of a lifetime. Aside from meeting fellow passionate journalists and hearing the words of wisdom from professional speakers. Clearly, the learning experience is beyond the competition itself. So although my name wasn’t called in the top 7, I was able to showcase my skill while enjoying the fruits of my writing journey. This, for me, is the real definition of winning and should be the main purpose of campus journalism. Thus, I am hoping that the Department of Education will not push through on limiting the NSPC participants, so that more passionate student journalists will not be robbed of the learning experiences they truly deserve.

Juliana Allaga 2018-2019 Back in my last year as a campus journalist of The Echo, I was a 3rd placer in the Regional Schools Press Conference 2018 as a Science and Technology (Filipino) writer. To my surprise, I won 7th place in the National Schools Press Conference 2019. My experience is a clear manifestation that even the 2nd or 3rd placers in the individual category can also dominate the NSPC. With that, I hope the Department of Education reconsiders their decision because being the topnotcher in RSPC does not ensure success in the NSPC. May the DepEd realize that in some instances, students who placed 2nd or 3rd in the RSPC can also dominate the national arena.

Danica Palma 2021-2022 If the Department of Education can no longer reconsider their decision of only allowing the first placers in the regional level to proceed to the National Schools Press Conference, I hope that they give a clear explanation on how they came up with the decision. As a campus journalist and a 2nd placer in the RSPC back in elementary, I can symphatize with my fellow campus journalists who placed 2nd or 3rd in the regionals, given that their NSPC dreams ended without a clear rationale from the educational sector.

THE VOICE OF TRUTH AND HONEST SERVICE the Interagency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO) to combat inflation. However, these actions were only made after the situation reached its worst state after 14 years, displaying the government’s reactiveness. Also, the government continues to implement the TRAIN law, which imposes higher excise tax for sugar-sweetened products, petroleum products and other commodities. People’s optimism grew when the inflation rate dropped on March 2023. The challenge is maintaining the downtrend. Giving assistance to local farmers and being more vigilant on inspecting imports may prevent the derailment of the economy once more. With all of this happening—the rise in prices of essential goods, raw ingredients and non-consumables—the real victims are not the government’s reputation nor the businesses, but the people. Filipinos have been forced to be resilient for way too long, because what other choice do they have? With a bad economic situation paired with a complacent government, the ability to stand up again is a must-have. Nevertheless, the citizens should not bear the entire burden, especially when the government is capable of doing something. Filipinos should be pliant during storms, yet sturdy when demanding for change.

Illustration by Harvy Abanes

To Criticize is Not to Terrorize

by Rhainier Reandelar

ed-tagging is a human rights violation; it is a political weapon with an agenda to restrict, silence, and abuse. Legal workers and journalists face relentless red-tagging in the Philippines for criticizing the government. These people were vilified and accused of promoting left-leaning or communist ideals—as if that is a bad thing. Legal workers and journalists are commonly the focus of red-tagging in the Philippines because, most of the time, their jobs require them to go against the interest of politicians. They experience persistent harassment from government agencies, associating them with militant communist groups for simply doing their sworn duty. In a Facebook post last 2022, the former NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lorraine Badoy threatened to kill Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar for dismissing a petition seeking to label the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as terrorists. According to the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), 133 Filipino legal workers have been murdered over the past four decades; most of these killings have gone

unsolved. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Philippines is one of the world’s deadliest countries for journalists, attested by Percy Lapid’s murder. Lapid is a radio broadcaster and a prominent critic of Marcos Jr. and Duterte. In Lapid’s recent broadcasts, he heavily criticized the practice of redtagging. These particular cases highlight the dangers of unrestrained red-tagging. Red-tagging here was not merely utilized as a form of defamation; it was used as means for outrageous moral perversion that seeks to undermine the tenets of democracy by warranting the unlawful persecution—and literal murder—of people who transgress from conservative viewpoints. Luckily, over the years, the condemnation of red-tagging has become prevalent. On April 11, 2023, leading Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) officials signed a manifesto asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies to stop its members from red-tagging and profiling public lawyers. Even Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, a lawyer who is famous for his aggressive denouncement of communists, joined

PAO officials in a press briefing and said that lawyers should not be red-tagged just because they defend communist rebels. A US State Department’s annual country report on human rights practices released on March 21, 2023, emphasized the continued red-tagging in the Philippines against journalists. Fortunately, the government is now trying to, at the very least, alleviate this ongoing problem. A report by CNN Philippines stated that the Department of Education plans to include lessons on red-tagging, trolling, and extrajudicial killings in the revised curriculum for Grade 10 students as part of lectures on human rights violations. While this is a small band-aid to an ever-growing human rights crisis in the Philippines, it is still a good indication of future changes. Ultimately, criminalizing redtagging is the only solution to the problem. However, Congress remains Illustration by wary of passing Irish Francisco such a law.

EDUCATION FUELS FUNDING By: Jermaine Alisha Palado House Bill 6398, or the Maharlika Investment Fund, proposes to create a new investment fund to stimulate economic growth in the country. While this may sound like a positive development, closer examination reveals that the bill is flawed and could lead to more problems in the long run. Specifically, the bill fails to prioritize education as a critical component of economic development and could thus exacerbate the issue of corruption in the Philippines. Corruption has long been a significant challenge in the Philippines, hindering economic progress and undermining public trust in government institutions. The government’s track record in managing public funds has been far from exemplary. There is a high risk that the Maharlika Investment Fund could become a venue for cronyism, patronage, and favoritism. In fact, by creating a new investment fund without clear guidelines and oversight, the bill may increase the risk of corruption. Furthermore, the bill fails to recognize education’s critical role in

promoting economic development. The Philippines has been facing significant challenges in its education system, such as low literacy rates, poor quality of education, and inadequate funding. According to a report by the World Bank, the Philippines’ education system ranks among the lowest in the region, with poor performance in basic skills such as reading, math, and science. Therefore, it is imperative that the bill prioritizes education as a sector to receive funding and that investments in education are strategically planned and effectively implemented. By investing in education, the government can create a more skilled and productive workforce, leading to sustainable economic growth. Studies have shown that investing in education has a higher return on investment than almost any other sector. A study by the World Bank found that every year of education increases a person’s earnings by 10%. In contrast, another study by UNESCO showed that investing in education leads to higher economic growth. By neglecting to prioritize education in the allocation of funds,

the bill misses a pivotal opportunity to address the root causes of economic underdevelopment in the Philippines. Moreover, investing in education can help combat corruption in the long run. Education not only increases the knowledge and skills of individuals but also promotes integrity and accountability. By educating the population on the importance of transparency and good governance, the government can help build a culture of accountability. Creating a sovereign wealth fund through the Maharlika Investment Fund is a flawed proposal that overlooks the urgent need to prioritize education. Investment Fund without prioritizing education is like giving a thirsty horse a salt lick - it might look good on the surface, but it won’t quench its thirst. Investing in education can create a virtuous cycle where education fuels funding, which, in turn, fuels development. Education is the cornerstone of action, and investing in it can generate long-term economic growth and prosperity for the nation.

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

CAMERAS? ROLLING! CamNorteños’ Talents in a Reel A

ng nagmamahal ay laging may misyon na iligtas ang minamahal nito. This is what Ricky Lee, our very own National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts said when writers were bursting with their creative juices while he was giving life to his own words on

his published book, Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata, during the Cinemalaya Scriptwriting Masterclass last May 2021.

LIGHTS. Ricardo “Ricky” Lee’s name has become synonymous with brilliance in Philippine literature and film. As an acclaimed author and scriptwriter, he has produced timeless classics to all mediums, garnering the title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. The legendary author was born on March 19, 1948, in Daet, Camarines Norte. He grew up to be a top student who was also a voracious reader and a talented writer. Rather than being another faceless person behind the curtain, Lee was known for infusing his distinctively constructed stories with progressive subjects such as feminism, human rights, and social injustice. These pressing issues were creatively told on his films Himala, Salome, Carnival Queen, Miss X, and many more. Armed with his potent thoughts and his tremendous pen, he continues to ignite the spirits of Filipinos, inspiring them to fight for their fondness of the arts.

CAMERAS. Camarines Norte is now a home for two National Artists for Cinema. Along with Ricky Lee, is the legendary actor, director, and producer Manuel Conde. Genghis Khan, the first Filipino movie to be recognized at

Illustration by Stephanie Liensay Sayson

by James Gabriel Regondola a significant international film festival, was directed by Conde in 1950. At the 1952 Venice Film Festival, the movie earned a technical achievement award. The small-scale movie received raving reviews for its grandiose tone. Films including Sietes Infantes De Lara, Ibong Adarna, and Prinsipe Teoso demonstrate how Conde imbued local cinema with a particular historical legacy by tailoring to the silver screen age-old stories passed down from generation to generation among lowland Filipinos. Conde died on August 11, 1985 at age 69 from a heart attack. However, his significant contributions to Camarines Norte’s local cinema remains alive, making him a National Artist for Film last 2009.

ACTION! Last 2021, through the Provincial Tourism Operations Office, an organisation for aspiring filmmakers within the province was born. CineCamNorte Film Tourism Guild is now a home for creatives making films to promote treasures of Camarines Norte. In the first year of the Film Festival, the film Putok, directed by Michael Yarte won the best film award. Last year, as the cinema opened again, the film Sinong Angat by Kyle Abanto won the best film award. Recently, the film Tilamsik by PentaPelikula bagged various awards for showcasing the province’s culture of Holy Week and tackling relevant issues in the province. These only proves that CamNorte’s love for film makes filmmakers in the province continue telling narratives beyond their horizons. Just like what Lee said, those who love have a mission to save the things they love. From now on, our mission is to uplift the film industry in Camarines Norte.

FEATU

Lead the Kid,

Inspire s to by Yuryna Nicole Sullano

eny Meeny Miny Moe… which track belongs to you? Academic? Sports? What about, Org-track? Or the ability to take responsibility whilst still excelling in Academics? Vinzons Pilot High School has not just been a Home of the Champions – but a Home of Leaders. Various organizations and clubs were established to hone every student’s leadership skills. This not only provides valuable experience but also instills a sense of pride in serving the school and student body. One standout student who has left a lasting impact on VPHS is Trisha Valeros. As a Grade 12 STEM student and former SSG President, she juggled the demands of academics, extracurriculars, and serving as a student

leader during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a student leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, I found it extremely difficult to manage academics, extracurricular activities, and serving the student body as it requires a significant amount of effort, planning, and flexibility,” said Valeros. Serving the student body might push you to work your fingers to the bone, but balancing academics, co-curricular, and serving the school is a strenuous responsibility. It is harder than everybody thinks. “I strive to be adaptable to changing circumstances and I never hesitate to seek assistance when necessary.”, she added. Beneath it all lies a student who may have moments of vulnerability, where bravery thrives

UNFORESEEN LIMELIGHT:

ORAGONS ELEVATE by Yuryna Nicole Sullano ababayan ko yan!’, is a phrase you would hear upon exploring Bicol, a region with abundant talent, greatness, and pride within their ardent hearts. Defying expectations, firmly grounded, and heads up high — no one can stop the blazing fire that ignites one’s soul. A sudden beam of light came across Bicolanos as these young generations of singers made their own name in the Music Industry. Jeff Grecia, a Bicolano singer-songwriter from Daet, Camarines Norte reached number 1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 Global Chart and Rank Number 1 on Genius Trending OPM/ Hip’Hop Song with his single “Elevate”. A ‘kababayan’ making his dream come true, what a pride and delight to CamNorteños. ‘Mari na, mapasantigwar kita. Ipapahiling ko saimo an sakong namamati.’ Guess you’ve already heard this line on different music platforms, may it be on TV or phone.

‘K

Illustration by Hannah Sanio

It’s the one and only dwta. Born and raised in Bicol, Jhasmine Villanueva, also known as dwta, is a Filipino singer/ songwriter who aims to tell stories with her songs. With her unbelievably bizarre lyrics, mellifluous sound, and symbolic use of Bicolano words, she is receiving the recognition she deserves. Tothapi, an 8-piece band hailing from Tabaco City, Albay, is slowly but surely gaining popularity. They got their start playing a small gig at a school acquaintance party, and now it seems like anything is possible - who knows, they could be performing on a bigger stage soon.The band is composed of Kobe Dionela, frontman and vocalist, Aaron Bordeos on drums, Jeebay Dellosa on keyboards, Michael Jamlang on guitar, Tadz Cascante on bass guitar, Jr Llaguno on trumpet, Paul Lagrimas on trombone, and Vince Dionela, Kobe’s brother, on saxophone. By taking risks, believing in their abilities, and staying true to their roots, these individuals showcase the limitless talent of Oragons. Through their pure talent and determination, they inspire others to pursue their dreams and break through barriers.

URES

THE ECHO 09

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE VOICE OF TRUTH AND HONEST SERVICE

oAspire and flourishes - a source of strength and not weakness. Serving the student body in times of pandemic comes with different challenges, including limited in-person interactions, quality of engagement and communication, and reduced participation of students. “The pandemic has made it difficult to hold in-person meetings, events, and activities, which affected the quality of engagement and communication among the student body.”, she explained. There were also numerous issues with technological impediments when the lockdown occurred. Some students lack access to the technology and resources needed to participate in virtual meetings and events, limiting their capacity to engage with their peers. “My experiences taught me how important it is to become a mindful leader who is eligible enough to be the voice of the student body.” In the midst of catastrophic events, one must know that it is not a hindrance to strive for a better future. Leadership goes a long way, with great integrity, and enthusiasm to serve. Surely academics make parents proud but serving fellow students paved the way for the bright future ahead.

As the sun sets and darkness falls, let Trisha serve as a reminder that there is always a new dawn and a chance to make progress and lead the way.

Illustration by Hannah Sanio

Silence Is Not

Found An

by Beatriz Arañez

Almost Lost Voice Golden V

intage tee, brand new phone.

by James Gabriel Regondola

hat would happen to the truth if truth-tellers did not exist? The Filipino people have long been renowned for their fervor and devotion to the truth. Since the time of our ancestors, Filipinos have sought the truth, frequently putting their lives in danger to do so. As time passes by, truth reaches the general public through the press. That is why campus journalism has always been fundamental in the Philippines for exposing the truth to light.

PERILS OF SILENCE. Campus journalists serve as society’s watchdogs by reporting significant occasions both inside and outside their campuses. They have been taught to delve deeper and report on topics that the mainstream media frequently skips over. Students interested in journalism might not have a platform to express themselves freely without school media. Many stories remain untold and the truth will continue to be kept secret. Press freedom would be restricted, and misinformation would spread more quickly.

THE GREAT DECEPTION. Campus journalism is critical in ensuring that the truth is communicated to the public, as where fraud and misinformation are pervasive. If young journalists are not trained, there will be less transparency and accountability in the

government, resulting in a perilous situation in which those in power have no checks and balances. The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of accurate and easily accessible information. Launched by De La Salle University (DLSU), the COVID Chronicles Project, collected stories and experiences from students, teachers, and staff highlighting the community’s challenges and triumphs in the face of adversity.

VOICE IS A CHOICE. Campus journalism fosters values such as accountability and ethical reporting. By adhering to these principles, school publications uphold the truth, a crucial component for any society’s prosperity. A journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true. When writers write what they hold in their hearts to be true, they become truth-tellers. Without truth-tellers, the Philippines would descend into darkness, stifled by lies and deceit. Dissenting voices would be silenced, allowing harmful propaganda and misinformation to proliferate. Democracy, justice, and progress would suffer, and corruption would prevail, thwarting the dreams of the people. Now more than ever, protecting and supporting truth-tellers is crucial, as their efforts pave the way for a better future for generations to come.

Sitting on the dock of the bay, Asha quietly admires nature while enjoying her alone time with her favorite music. The warm light illuminates her skin as she gazes across the water and sees the trees dancing, choreographed by the wind. They are the vibrant life and soul of this early morning. A notice appears out of the blue, drawing her attention to the screen of her phone. “The Commission on Elections (Comelec) released the official calendar of activities for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).” She glanced at her phone and realized that another election in the country was just around the corner. The thought constantly stirred a peculiar feeling inside her, and she couldn’t help but take note of the date displayed on the upper corner of her screen. May 9, 2023. When you are young, they assume you know nothing She listened, hummed, almost tearyeyed. “I love your voice,” a man suddenly appears out of nowhere. Asha’s soothing voice and sounds like an angel from above. Everyone who will hear it will immediately be uplifted. A person who brought hope to others stuck in a similar nightmare. A year ago was a nightmare for Asha that made her question her life and future. She used to be a gregarious person, but that day, just one post caused everything to change. After struggling with her inner demons and

negative thoughts for a year, someone finally complimented her, which lifted her spirits. You drew stars around my scars But now I’m bleedin’ People criticized her for educating them about their unethical and unjust way of thinking. She merely wanted to provide a hand and find the positive side of any circumstance that nearly made her throw up.

a difference and drive change, even if they’re only experts in some areas. By choosing deserving youth leaders, they can help save our future. Sitting on the dock of the bay, singing out loud, “You put me on and said I was your favorite.” She is found. Stepping into her power. Committing herself fully to a new endeavor. She has now found her once almost lost voice.

‘Cause I knew you Steppin’ on the last train Marked me like a bloodstain, I I knew you Tried to change the ending She sought to impart the ability to make deliberative decisions based on knowledge and self-awareness. She made an effort, but she nearly lost everything. “A lovely voice like that needs to be heard by the world,” she was taken aback as her own thoughts drowned her. She took a deep breath. “Being a citizen of the world’s largest democracy, it is our right and duty to elect the right people to run the government.” She spoke while trembling. She’s taking a risk for her province, country, people, and herself. The deafening applause and shouts made her proud, but her heart was also sobbing. She and her team have been working hard to spread accurate information and knowledge, and their voices are finally being heard. Youth can make Illustration by Stephanie Liensay Sayson

10 FEATURES

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

by Georgina Beatriz Villanueva

ears worth of bittersweet memocollecting artifacts. We have personal ries came crashing down on me as those lines from the song “Fifteen” collections that we are willing to loan or display. We have been organizing swept over my whole existence. our local artists so we’re able to collect It was like I travelled back in paintings related to our heritage, “ time and was led to the past, where I added Florence Rene Mago, Municipal was still a student at my beloved alma Tourism and Heritage Officer of Vinzons. mater. Upon first stepping into my To preserve the building’s second home, where I spent six years elegance, the Vinzons Municipal Tourism of a fruitful journey, I was greeted by and Heritage Operations chose to a building that bears witness to the renovate it and turn it into a museum past, present, and future. Standing in and tourist attraction for the town. The all its glory is the Gabaldon Building of Gabaldon Building is set to become the Vinzons Pilot Elementary School. Vinzons Heritage Education Museum From an early age, I have always (VHEM) Project in a joint effort between been mesmerized by its unparalleled the Department of Education (DepEd) beauty. Built in the 1930s, the Gabaldon and the Vinzons Municipal Tourism and Building has withstood the test of time. Heritage Operations (MTHO). This historical building is situated in As I walked around, I couldn’t the municipality of Vinzons, province of help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Large Camarines Norte. banners of graduates and licensure Upon visiting my old school, memories flooded back and I was trans- exam passers hung over the walls of the school. I thought to myself, “Someported down memory lane. The sounds day, my name will be written on one of of laughter and joy from innocent these banners.” With every step on the children echoed throughout the halls. staircase, memories from my youthful While scrolling through my social media days as an elementary student in VPES account in a nearby park, a post caught washed over me. Seeing the same my attention. It was an interview disbuilding that witnessed our endless cussing the restoration of the historical training and events transformed into Gabaldon Building. a building that represents the diverse “The Gabaldon Building allows culture of Vinzons felt surreal. children to know their heritage, history, As I walked out of the gates, and its connection to their lives today,” I took a deep breath and looked at the stated Esperanza Badong, Vinzons historical building that had seen it all, Pilot Elementary School’s principal. “For feeling a sense of bittersweet goodbye. the past several years, we have been

Preserving History, Inviting the World

Glen Roy Solis

Vinzons’ tourism office breathes new life to the cherished Gabaldon building, showcasing the seamless blend of past and present, as history is revitalized and celebrated, welcoming visitors from near and far.

A Time That Once Was by Georgina Beatriz Villanueva

the corners of my room has now been replaced with deafening silence. Still, I stood against the passing of time. His hometown, Indan, was renamed in his honor. I, too, was declared a historical landmark by the National Historical Institute (NHI) in 1991 and became a shrine and public library containing his memorabilia. Back then, when the NHI was still taking care of me, countless tourists would visit and pay respect to the hero who sacrificed his life for the country’s freedom. Even the locals, especially students, went every day to my library. At present, I am in a very dilapidated state; my walls have collapsed, and without the blinding lights of my ceiling, gloom covered the corners of my room. My glorious days came to an end. That’s what I thought until hope embraced me and light started to conquer the darkness. People began to restore my lost glory. The story of Vinzons’ sacrifices won’t be buried in eternal oblivion. In the future, I hope that I can take someone’s breath away as they stare at the embodiment of the time that once was. Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, a young man who had everything to lose—a family, a political career, an ideal life—will forever be carved in the hearts of the people. His beloved home will be a reminder that a certain man who sacrificed his life to liberate his motherland once walked the historical town of Vinzons.

PHOTO SOURCED FROM HTTPS://WWW.PINOYADVENTURISTA.COM/2012/10/ VINZONS-ANCESTRAL-HOUSE.HTML

Soul Nurturer

Aira Joy Rafer

Leausin Quijance-Alavarez, a guidance counselor, tackles the need for guidance among the youth during Brigada Eskwela s.y. 2022-2023 at Vinzons Pilot High School on August 18, 2022. She worked as a guidance counselor at VPHS for 12 years.

She, thewithOne an

v Inspirational Life

riends break up, friends get married Strangers get born, strangers get buried Trends change, rumors fly through new skies But I’m right where you left me The melody of a nearby store’s music fills the corners of my room, reminding me of my solitude under the scorching heat of the sun. Today, not a single soul takes a second glance at me—who serves as proof that someone with unparalleled leadership and heroism once existed. Once, I stood in glory alongside my dear friend, Wenceslao Quinito Vinzons, popularly known as Bintao. With him, I believed that anything was possible. He was exceptional in every way - an intellectual, writer, orator, politician, martyr, and hero. Alas, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I am his home—Wenceslao Q. Vinzons Sr.’s Ancestral House. I am a witness to the rich history of Vinzons, which is painted with bravery and heroic altruism. My ceilings once sparkled with lights like stars, and my walls hold stories of life. However, darkness fell over our motherland. In the midst of the war, my dearest friend, his pregnant wife, two of his children, his sister, and his father fell into eternal sleep and were never found. The roaring laughter that once surrounded

by Maery Joyce Aquino

eing a Guidance counsellor can be compared to one of the primary paint colours that make a student’s artwork. They are responsible for guiding learners to pursue their academic and personal goals, providing emotional support when needed, and keeping track of their academic progress. Leusin Q. Alvarez, a guidance counsellor at VPHS, worked at the school from 2012 until March 2023 and left a lasting legacy in the school. Her notable achievements include establishing the guidance office and implementing guidance services as well as putting up the PEP ``Pasyal, Emote, Pahinga ‘’ HUB in response to the psychosocial services needed by the students in VPHS. These accomplishments are highly valued and appreciated

by the entire VPHS community. When asked why she wanted to become a guidance counsellor, she stated, “To be able to share my ability to guide students in realising their way of becoming and be part of their journey towards emotional healing, enhancement of mental wellbeing and academic progress.” Her motivation makes her well-suited to be an excellent counsellor for learners, especially to those who may be facing hardships. What was her memorable event in Vinzons, you ask? She said, “One of the guidance services that we have is Career Guidance Activity, where students are able to hear pieces of information about career choices. It is an annual activity where students gather and enjoy career talks and school campaigns.” Her dedication to her role as a counsellor is

evident in her commitment to providing valuable guidance services to the students. During her time in Vinzons, she explained that she had the opportunity to share her knowledge with students, teachers, and the whole community through various speaking engagements. She found her experience as significant, because it allowed her to serve, inspire, and motivate those around her. Her time as a guidance counsellor was truly wonderful, and she is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the school community. In conclusion, her life has been truly colorful and a gift to everyone she has spoken to. For the engraved a legacy in the school and she is also a present to behold. This is the story of an inspirational guidance counsellor at Vinzons Pilot High School.

SCI-TECH

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

NEWS

A Toast For Progress

VPHS Researchers Win 2023 SEAMEO STEM-ED Fair

tudent researchers from Vinzons Pilot High School bagged international acclaim in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization – STEM Education Fair and Expo held in Bangkok, Thailand last March 10. BARIX and four other studies from the Philippines was granted three hundred dollars – that’s 16,600 pesos – to fund the study. Being a device with improved nipa sap collection methods, BARIX was developed by Nerwin Karl Raro, Christine Rayne Pimentel, Czyrenel Calayan, Alexson Delos Angeles, Lyka Magana, Zenith Christen Balon, and Khruzhade Obusan to address Vinzons’ issue on modernizing the barikolkol industry. Barikolkol, also known as bariks, has faced challenges due to its traditional methods and lack of modern infrastructure. As early as 2011, the Local Government Unit of Vinzons promoted the modernization of the barikolkol industry.

by Gabriel Ibis

“My grandfather [had] a barikolkol distillery, so this means a lot to me,” said Raro in an interview, adding that “youth like us should place our interests in tradition and culture. Science and culture should work hand in hand so that culture wouldn’t be forgotten by the newer generations, especially [with] barikolkol,” showing Raro’s pursuit of reviving interest in the industry. The traditional process of making barikolkol, an alcoholic drink extracted from the nipa palm sap, has been passed down through generations in Vinzons. Nipa, a variety of mangrove, is a household name. Its importance stretches from being a habitat for fish, a material for making roofs, and in the municipality of Vinzons, a source of income from nipa wine – also called barikolkol – distilleries. The modernization of the barikolkol industry is not solely about improving the quality of the product but also about preserving the cultural heritage of Vinzons. By combining tradition and innovation, the industry

can continue to thrive and grow while maintaining its unique identity. This is a reminder that progress, and innovation do not have to come at the expense of tradition and culture but can be used to enhance and enrich them. The study will catalyze the modernization of the barikolkol industry and is a silver lining for the local economy dependent on it. For now, BARIX is as good as wine – the longer we develop and shape what we have, the better rewards the industry and locale – will reap from it. Applied science is not far from bariks; the more we get to it, the more we like it – and that’s a toast for progress.

It’s Wine O-Clock!

Ronel Botardo, 30, starts making barikolkol, a well-known liquor at a local barrio in Barangay Minaogan in Vinzons to support his family financially.

Cruel Summer

Lighting Up our Future by James Bryan Romana he wave of the heat is reflecting from the ground making everyone perspire all around. Turning on the air condition, starting the spin of the electric fan, and quenching our thirst from the fridge, are simple ways to make us feel relieved. But, why does my sweat permeate my hair, even though there’s a splashing of freezy air? I just remember the electrical shortages and the bills that are getting higher and higher while I’m getting better this time of summer. The sun hung high in the sky, casting its warm rays over the vast expanse of the land. In the distance, a row of slender towers stood tall, their reflective surfaces glistening in the sunlight. These were the solar panels, designed to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into usable electricity. As I continue to walk under the sun, I feel the heat of its energy that has been instrumental in bringing electricity to some remote areas. Over 2.3 million Filipino households are dependent on the solar energy light that will guide them during the darkest time according to the Department of Energy. Let us wake up into a new reality, forget the days wondering how you would pay your electricity. With solar panels, the cost will be plummeted and

EDITORIAL

you can enjoy the comfort of your home without worrying about your wallet. The benefits of using solar panels extend far beyond just cost savings. As impressive as the technology was, what really struck me was the sense of hope that it brought. It was a source of energy that was renewable, clean, and sustainable. It was energy that didn’t come with the cost of pollution or environmental degradation, it was that it promised to power our future in a responsible and ethical way. As the sun sets on another day, the power generated by your solar panels continues to light up your world. You can rest easy knowing that your energy needs are being met without harming the planet. With each passing day, more and more people will be turning to solar energy as a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional power sources. By harvesting the power of the sun, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Cherish Deanne Laguador

by Ashley Pacinos ooks like a girl, but she's a flame So bright, she can burn your eyes She's on top of the world Hottest of the hottest girls

Illustration by Jean Briseis Pan

She, the daughter of the sky, has once again prevailed as the cold season transitioned to warm and sunny days. Her bright and sultry light hugs all the land she can reach. She has never been this radiant before. Perhaps there is a reason behind the glow. She went from being shy to being the star of the show. Meet the hottest star that lights the Earth, the Sun. After her months of vacation, she is back in the Philippines stronger than ever. Many are happy to see her because after months of rainy days, her warmth can now grace their places. However, the smile on their face is not there for too long as they constantly wipe their sweat from too much heat. They went from smiling ear to ear to scrunching their faces. Last April 21, a scorching 48°C heat index was recorded in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, marking the country's highest heat index thus far in 2023. This record topped the previously announced all-time high of 47°C in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, last March 25.

Different regions of the country were also affected by the intense heat. In its most recent report, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) revealed that 13 Philippine locations had recorded a "dangerous" heat index. PAGASA also stated that a heat index of 42°C to 51°C is deemed "dangerous" because it may lead to heat cramps and exhaustion, and continued exposure to the sun at this rate can cause heat stroke. Filipinos were strongly advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and refrain from conducting strenuous activity during the warmest part of the day. The state weather bureau suggests drinking plenty of water to prevent ailments brought on by the heat. Also, according to World Bank simulations, the country's national GDP losses during an extreme El Niño event would total $3.3 billion (P 179 billion). Seeing this with her very own eyes saddened the Sun. She cannot believe how her warmth and sunlight can have so much impact on the lives of her people and the country's economy. Although tourists flock to the area during this time of the year, she still cannot help but feel worried because of the possible risks she imposes. She thought, "Because of her excitement for summer, her surroundings were affected."

ChatGPT in a Scholastic Generating:Utilizing Setting

ducation equips learners with skills and knowledge that enable them to participate actively in various sectors of life. Over the years, technology has taken over the world, transforming various sectors, including education. Recently, ChatGPT has been introduced to transform education, but the question is, is it really time to modernize education utilizing ChatGPT? Would you believe that I did not write the paragraph you just read? It was generated by ChatGPT, an artificially intelligent (AI) chatbot driven by the GPT-4 big language model. “GPT” stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, and it contains the data alongside methods required for it to function. The bot was created by OpenAI and was launched on November 30, 2022. It is noteworthy that it can respond rapidly when we ask it to

Send a message...

create “an introductory paragraph to an editorial tackling the blacks and whites of utilizing ChatGPT in a scholastic setting.” In addition, it can also interact virtually with users, answer challenging queries, write songs and poems, modify computer code, and perform several other outstanding jobs. The idea behind ChatGPT is to automate teaching in a way that meets students’ different cognitive abilities. It considers students’ various learning methods and provides them with a personalized learning experience. Some students, for instance, prefer visual learning, whilst others prefer auditory learning. With its aid, students can personalize their learning experience with ChatGPT, making education more stimulating. Furthermore, ChatGPT is an economical way to learn. Physical resources like educational materials or classroom space are no longer required. Students can access educational materials online through ChatGPT, which eases the financial

strain of additional expenses. Socialinteraction, nevertheless, is one aspect of education that cannot be automated. Face-to-face interaction is crucial to our development since we are social entities. Learners acquire life skills through physical connection that cannot be taught digitally. Social connection fosters communication, teamwork, and collaboration — all essential traits in 21st-century learning. The automation of education with ChatGPT is a significant step towards modernizing education. However, while automation provides a cost-effective method of learning, it should not be a substitute for face-toface interaction. ChatGPT and other AIs are swiftly evolving, and we should adapt to the changes. Nothing is wrong with utilizing ChatGPT in teaching as long as we value the essence of our teachers and classmates, enhancing our skills and values inside and outside scholastic settings.

12 SCI-TECH COMMENTARY

Challenge Accepted

crolling through the digital age, TikTok is now one of the mainstream platforms wherein diversity is apparent. It has taken the world by storm, especially the young minds as they become more than immersed in hopping on global trends, subscribing to their favorite content creators, and using it as entertainment, be it for their past time or not. However, here in the Philippines, TikTok has been raising concerns regarding its impact at hand, particularly among Filipino youth. TikTok is a short-form video hosting service that employs media users and influencers to post and view content of their liking with little to no restriction. All sorts of subjects are publicly available with just a type on the keyboard and a tap on the search icon. Thus, with over 40 million Filipinos actively using this platform, it is no surprise that malicious content surfaces on the “For You Page” of users. Be it hateful speech, inapt videos for the minority, and even harmful practices, this app can be utilized in any manner—increasing the risk of negative engagement.

The app’s algorithm is designed to keep users engaged by displaying content they frequently view, which can lead to a cycle of screen time addiction. Its addictive nature and the constant exposure to harmful content can lead to mental health issues, cyberbullying, and a distorted view of reality. This addiction is a parasite that bugs the mind of many Filipinos and feeds the perpetrator’s thinking into creating more unfitting content for profit gain and not for the sake of the young. Here in the Philippines, Tiktok is considered a moneymaker. Even through non-recreational and non-educational videos, the so-called influencers load their pockets, earn their way up to fame, and brand their name. The rise of the so-called “TikTok Influencers” also sets an unrealistic standard of beauty and success that can be damaging to the self-esteem of impressionable young minds. To address these concerns, it is essential to implement measures that promote responsible use of the platform. Although some users may engage in these negativities, TikTok itself is not inherently bad. Tiktok offers self-help videos and useful information which can add up to the knowledge bank of students.

Photo sourced from Bernard Lian Lukban

by Eldrich Lopez

It is essential to recognize the power of social media and the potential consequences of one’s actions online. As such, individuals must exercise critical thinking, empathy, and ethical judgment when using TikTok. In addition, content creators and influencers should also be held accountable for the content they post, ensuring that it adheres to ethical standards and promotes positive values. The platform, TikTok, has undoubtedly impacted the Filipino youth in both beneficial and detrimental ways. It is incumbent upon individuals to exercise personal responsibility and use the app prudently. With proper guidance and support, TikTok can be harnessed as a dynamic tool for creativity, entertainment, and selfexpression while circumventing the hazards of addiction and deleterious content. As the oft-cited adage goes, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and the same maxim applies to the utilization of social media. Therefore, let us be ready to take on the challenge of ensuring and fostering a constructive impact for our country and fellowmen—the Filipino people.

Illustration by Jean Briseis Pan

The Taunter Guest

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

Breaking

the Dichotomy

daily wages. Given their high costs and maintenance requirements, these machines’ potential may outweigh their advantages for the farmers who use them. However, the use of mechanization in agriculture has a number of advantages. It has improved land reclamation, reduced soil erosion, and improved irrigation systems. Applying current knowledge of efficient treatments that target agricultural productivity and farm-level economic issues is vital – it also functions better and more competitively. With the utilization of machinery, the nation’s agricultural output will significantly improve – with manpower, technology, and skill working hand in hand. Labor can be performed faster, with more significant areas planted to produce more crops – increasing revenue and output. Tradition and progress can be dichotomies. It is not a matter of choosing one or the other, but balancing growth and roots. Mechanization has the potential to benefit the sector and society while putting sustainability concerns to rest. Filipinos have been innovators for centuries, adapting to changing conditions and using technology to improve yields and efficiency. It’s for the younger generation now – to plough the fields of science, slash through the looms of tradition, and plant seeds for cooperation and innovation, and break the Illustration by: Irish Breathe Francisco dichotomy.

ilipinos are neck-deep into traditions – neck-deep is even an understatement. They love it. Since the beginning of time, we have stuck with tried and tested techniques that are still in use today, even in agriculture. Industrialization has been a topic of concern in agriculture. Even jeepneys have modernized, so why should not we modernize the araro and kalabaw, the palakol and kalaykay, and even still justify singing “ang mag-tanim ay ‘di biro?” Filipinos are reluctant to adapt to modernity, but are upholding traditions essential if we have to forego progress? Considering the findings, agriculture employed 24.5% of the country’s workers as of October 2021; however, in October 2022, it fell to 22.5 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Although more efficient and competitive, agricultural machinery is the pesky weed in the fields that stifle progress. Equipment is relatively expensive when compared to the farmers’

WORKERS

by Jemimah Keshia Pan

here is a known, yet, unwanted visitor on the island. She finds herself lost in the calming rhythm of the waves, moving her feet up and down, side by side on the white sand she is on. It is a joyful dance of enjoyment but a daunting scene to everyone in town. With a ground quake everywhere she sets foot on, nobody dared to witness her yell, “What a beautiful place!” Earthquakes often visit islands for these landforms are interconnected with volcanoes. Volcanoes, supplementarily, highly trigger earthquakes through the movement of magma beneath them. As tourists visit islands for their astonishing features, along comes earthquakes who visit and rattle the entire place and possibly alter its captivating qualities. One Monday night, 13th of March 2023, a 4.9-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Tinaga Island, the biggest island in the group of islands in Calaguas, Vinzons, Camarines Norte. The tectonic tremor hit nine kilometers (km) southeast of Tinaga Island at 6:24 p.m and had a depth of focus of 1 km as stated by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The quaking phenomena in the island increased in record as they occurred simultaneously for days as reported by PHIVOLCS. The likelihood that Calaguas’ tourism landscape going down the bus as an impact of escalating earthquake records increases as well. Alarming and dangerous

impacts caused by earthquakes on the landscape of the island continue to be a persistent issue since the potential detrimental changes on the island are connected to its tourism-related concerns. If the shaking continues, Calaguas could go down hill, something that might be disastrous for the area’s tourism matters. People might also have a different perception of the mesmerizing island and consider it as a location not suitable for security and enjoyment. The plates will shift along with the possible changes of Calaguas’ landforms. All we can do is alter our perspective and consider a potential solution to this ongoing dilemma. Readily, solutions must be presented for whatever the visitor’s quaky feet might bring. The clouds displayed a grapefruit-like color and only a quarter of the sun could be seen. It was time for her to go home, but she loved the place. Her feet rumbled as she came and went to continuously visit the island. She was now anticipated to arrive, and now, everyone in town will be ready for her.

by Kyla Lopez

OCTOBER 2021

24.5 %

OCTOBER 2022

22.5 % Infographics by Bernard Lian Lukban Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

HIGHEST RECORDED EARTHQUAKE IN TINAGA ISLAND:

MAGNITUDE

5.3 as of 2023

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)

Illustration by Hannah Sanio

SPORTS

The Official Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Schools Division of Camarines Norte Region V - Bicol

THE ECHO VOLUME NO. LIV NO. 1 AUGUST 2022 - MAY 2023

NATIONAL

EDITORIAL

Survival of the Fittest: Killing Opportunities

Make Make itit T

BIG

ikTok is the hub of viral dance trends, with new challenges popping up every day. However, there’s one which stands BIG from the others, getting the attention of users across the platform: The Big Boy Dance Challenge. Netizens in the Philippines participated in the dance challenge, especially students from across the country, posting countless versions representing their schools. The popularity of the dance challenge led many representatives from other schools and universities to take part and make a mark in the social media community. Vinzons Pilot

Rising Stars

Rafael De Vera

Big boys Rhadz Kristoff Britania, Bryan Merico Rivera, and Albert San Pablo Acuña reached a staggering 2.9k viewers in Facebook taking part in the TikTok Sensation Big Boy challenge.

by Ken Xavier Jimenez

High School (VPHS) hopped onto the challenge with ninth graders being their highlight. The students namely, Rhadz Kristoff Britania, Bryan Merico Rivera, and Albert San Pablo Acuña posted a video of them taking part in this dance challenge with the tagline “make it big.” Just after posting their video, the Vinzonians showed immediate support through likes and shares, gathering astonishing views on Facebook. After it became a viral sensation, other students took part by posting different versions of the dance challenge. One of the most powerful things about the Big Boy Dance Challenge is the way it has brought people

together. They are not only posting their own dance videos, but also interacting with each other’s posts. The community has created a safe and welcoming space for people to express themselves and connect with others who share their values. This emerged a ripple effect of positivity, spreading beyond TikTok and into our own schools. The dance challenge is more than just a viral TikTok trend. It’s a movement that promotes positivity and confidence among netizens. It is a breath of fresh air that has the power to change the way we see ourselves and each other, and that is truly something to dance about.

Bantayog Red Warriors fail REGIONAL to clinch Palarong Bicol ticket R

nder the Department of Education Order No. 005 series of 2023, also known as the conduct of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa and the Comprehensive Regional Sports Development Program (CRSPD), Palarong Bicol and Palarong Pambansa will be modified. There will be a pre-qualifying meet for team events such as Baseball, Basketball, Football, Futsal, Sepaktakraw, Softball, and Volleyball. The pre-qualifying stage will be held cluster-based before the actual games to avoid huge gatherings, disruption of classes, and huge costs. The newly modified format of the games resolves overcrowding and avoids the disruption of classes. In turn, it could restrain student-athletes from showcasing their skills and talent on the regional and national stage. Furthermore, modifying the games limits the number of slots for team events, thus stripping away opportunities that many student-athletes are vying for. The objective of the modification of this year’s palaro is to uplift the level of competition and to cut down costs. But, this format fails to understand that putting forward a pre-qualifying stage would only exacerbate the hefty price tag of the games as it requires additional venues, equipment, and transportation costs. It would also decrease the level of competition as it cuts the number of teams competing for events affected by the recent change. Instead of having an additional level before qualifying the Palarong Bicol and Pambansa, the meets should be scheduled during the Christmas, mid-year, and school year breaks. The meets should also stick to the old format to give athletes ample time to prepare in uplifting the level of competition, avoiding the disruption of classes, and evading additional costs for pre-qualifying tournaments. Huge changes and modifications are not always the solution to achieving the best scheme in implementing the Palarong Bicol and Pambansa. Minor adjustments are enough to ensure the efficiency of delivering every student-athlete an opportunity to play competitively, which will hone their talents and provide a sturdy foundation for them in reaching their success in sports.

INTERNATIONAL

by David Totanes

elying heavily on their tenacious defense, superior ball possession, and precise field goal shooting, the Naga College Foundation (NCF) Men’s Team of Naga City Division fends off Camarines Norte’s Bantayog Red Warriors to steal the Palarong Bicol ticket, 88-81, in the Regional Cluster Meet Elimination of Basketball, last March 18, 2023 at Minalabac National High School. Naga College Foundation showed no remorse as they locked down Bantayog Red Warriors with their signature mayhem defense to completely manipulate the gameplay in the final minutes of the ballgame. Red Warriors Team Point Guard , Jaypee De Arao, showcased his crafty drives to the hoop and his precise daggers from beyond the arc as

he chalked 20 points in the scoreboard to lead his team against Naga College Foundation but failed to clutch the win in a grueling 45-minute clash. “Mas maganda kung magpe-prepare ka ng matagal na panahon. Learning experience yung pagkatalo namin ngayon. Preparation is a must talaga.” Dhan Mharcel Sac, Bantayog Red Warriors Center, stated after their loss. Both teams started strong right from the get-go as they went toeto-toe, exchanging leads with efficiency on the paint attacks and killer threepoint daggers keeping their offensive and defensive play on par, to end the first phase in a deadlock, 28-28. Red Warriors opened the second quarter with a bang as Rexon Francesco and De Arao showcased

their impressive layups and pin-point accuracy in the rainbow territory, while Arvin Glodoviza imposed his sticky defense to disrupt the opponent’s offensive plays, to gain a four-point lead in the of the quarter, 53-57. Red Warriors continued their stride in the third phase of the game, as De Arao showcased his crisp shooting from the paint fueling their momentum coming into the fourth quarter with a five-point cushion, 65-70. NCF came with massive retaliation dominating the the last quarter as they embedded their tenacious mayhem defense while sunking points through their lethal shooting beyond the arc as Peña Verde unloaded five consecutive shots from the rainbow territory to sabotage the opponents offensive run, finally ending the match victorious, 88-81.

Besties cruise past Dream Team, dominate by Nikolai Alforque Mobile Legends tourney

ith superior mastery and prowess, Grade 12 Besties eSports team reigned victorious in the 2023 VPHS Intramurals eSports after dominating in the Mobile Legends league after finishing their run with a clean sweep 2-0 against their fellow Grade 12 students “Dream Team” last February 3 at Vinzons Pilot High School. Besties destroyed Dream Team with James Mico “MICO” Endracas and Nikolai “neekzu” Alforque’s arsenal as they opened the series with their own triple kills during the first turtle clash utilizing their heroes, Wanwan and Valentina’s skill sets to pierce through the frontliners of the latter team, securing a 3.2K gold lead in the first 3 minutes of the game, 9-2. Dream Team continued to find themsel ves in a tight position as their maps continued to shrink as the game approached the 6-minute mark allowing Lyle “Price” Leyes to trim down the base turrets of the former, 11-5, securing a sizable lead. As the first lord spawned,

John Michael “Susejj” Cabuyao exploited their vision game against Dream Team as he marked his territory around the red buff blocking their opponent’s bids to contest the objective granting them a free lord and extending an 11.2K gold lead. With the lord on their side, Endracas commanded their team with his on-point Tiger Pace and Needle Flowers as they marched towards the enemies’ base along with their mega minions wiping out the opposing forces and ending the game with a 16-6 in just 8 minutes. Forced into a match point, Dream Team star Leo “Manny” Hernandez fired off the second game with his hero Hayabusa capitalizing its kit to assassinate the band of Leyes ensuring an easy 5-0 opener, invading the jungle camps, and taking down the core players, Alforque and Endracas, generating a 3K gold lead. Neck-and-neck battle was seen between the two teams during the second match as the Dream Team grew more aggressive to ensure a gold

gap, turning the heat map to red as the members scattered around the three lanes pushing their opponents back to hide. However, Cabuyao saw a silver lining, unleashing a clutch Fatal Links near the left riverbank to capsizing Dream Team’s lead as they managed to pick off the jungler and goldlaner and secured the crucial objectives, the gold plates and 4 outer turrets, forcing their rivals to circle back to their base and dismantling the barricades they built. The Grade 12 Besties held grip in the second half of the game as they cruised over a seemingly unshakeable lead against their batchmates, hunting those who attempt to step a foot outside the inhibitor towers one-by-one. But Endracas and Nhajib Rieza “2004” Talasan dismantled Dream Team’s fort in the lord pitt as they plunge through Jeffrey “Lorbie” Cereno’s Lunox and Denmark “Eyport” Cabugos’ Khufra to erase them from the equation with their explosive damages and precise skillshots leaving their enemies’ base vulnerable, ending the series, 22-21.

Illustration by Stephanie Liensay Sayson

Can’t be a loafer by Luis Zenon Mago Jr.

hess has naturally been a constantly growing trend since its debut in the modern era. Recently, however, there has been an abrupt surge in its popularity online–why is that? What primarily brought the sport to fruition online was the public’s demand to fill a void–a void of idleness that was brought upon by the pandemic’s lockdown and strict protocols. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced several countries to implement lockdowns in March 2020, the public was firmly restrained by strict protocols and widespread lockdowns, consequently disrupting major sporting events, including major chess tournaments from all over the world. This is why event and tournament organizers were forced to look for alternatives that conform with the mandated protocols–the opening for a transition online seemed like a viable path. For the sake of continuity, over-the-board chess tournaments and sports meets were obliged to

transpire online due to the lockdown. Forcing chess federations like the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) to resort to online platforms to continue with its programs. Decisions of this sort pioneered the transition of over-the-board chess to online platforms, ultimately garnering chess’ popularity online. From the public’s perspective, the pandemic and its lockdowns induced their curiosity and inclination to new hobbies–with all the free time they possessed, why stay idle? According to a global survey conducted by BOXpoll, online and board games were the fourth and seventh most chosen hobbies, respectively. It’s only logical that the convenient combination of these two boosted the popularity of chess online. At this point, it is abundantly clear that the chess tournament organizers and the public’s refusal to stay idle due to the pandemic’s lockdowns resulted in a cascade of interconnected events that gained chess popularity online — after all, it is in our nature to despise inactivity.

The Official School Publication of Vinzons Pilot High School Volume 54 No. 1 | August 2022 - May 2023 | Camarines Norte | Region V

SPORTS

Grade 12 Pink Mambas overthrow Grade 9 Yellow Tigers by Carl Joses Carza

The Voice of Truth and Honest Service

anking on their polished teamwork and impregnable ball possession, Grade 12 Pink Mambas nipped the Grade 9 Yellow tigers via penalty shootout, 2-1, in the Boys’ Football championship match held last February 4, 2023, at the VPHS grounds during the 2023 Intramurals. Irvin Ceann Nobleza of the Pink Mambas showcased his adaptability and abilities in connecting his team’s fierce offense and solid defense which played a major role in parrying the fierce attacks of the Yellow Tigers and paved the way by scoring the victory goal to break the tie during the game’s five kickers extension. The Pink Mambas relentlessly pushed through the Yellow Tigers’ defense and were able to reach the goal, but just as the Mamba’s plays were getting fired up, the Yellow Tigers goalkeeper Rei Vincent Pioquinto, impeccably grabbed the ball resulting in another failed attempt. Both teams traded blows all the way up to the latter first half but both teams failed to score a goal as they imposed their sticky defense ending the first half in a scoreless deadlock, 0-0. The Yellow Tigers let out one final rush with a one-goal lead in mind in the last 3 minutes of the 2nd half, but the Pink Mambas did not allow the Yellow Tigers to score a goal, ending in a 0-0 deadlock in the second half pushing a penalty shootout. The Pink Mambas wasted no chance in the first round of the penalty shootout as Louis Quilas from the Pink Mambas unleashed a devastating kick and was able to capture a goal after the yellow tiger failed to register a goal, and snatch a 1-0 lead. Patrick Joy Lee readied his stance and kicked the ball into the goal catching up with Pink Mambas, 1-1, but Irvin Nobleza answered back, breaking the tie with the final goal of the game giving the win for the Pink Mambas, 2-1. “Honestly speaking, we have been on an emotional roller coaster since we are excited to play after a long period of time but also nervous and kind of pressured. It is because we are thinking of losing the game since our rivals were younger, faster, and had more training and stamina than us” said Irvin Nobleza.

Reaching Heights

Mark Daniel Arevalo

Josh Ivan Malig-on and Kent Jerald Maigue of Blue Eagles reach to block the ball thrown by Justin James Lozada of Pink Mambas during the 2023 Vinzons Pilot High School Intramurals

Blue Eagles stun Pink Mambas, grab Bracket B championship title by Jude Aris Responde

locked Mambas.

Soaring high with their suffocating kill blocks and cut-throat serving, Grade 10 Blue Eagles upsets the Grade 12 Pink Mambas to snatch the gold medal in Bracket B Volleyball Boys, during the 2023 VPHS Intramurals, 25-17, 18-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-17. Kent Jerald Maigue of the Blue Eagles showcased his signature tricky off-speed attacks and lethal jump serves to score 13 points with eight attacks, three service aces, and two blocks to lead his team to victory against the towering Pink Mambas, last February 3, 2022 at Vinzons Pilot

High School covered court 2. Ahead by two points in the latter fifth set 19-17, the Blue Eagles exploited Pink Mambas’ erratic floor defense as they imposed their fiery form in the service deck while Josh Ivan Malig-on asserted his dominance in the net scoring five straight points through blocks and off-the-block hits leading his team to championship point with a comfortable seven-point cushion, 24-17. “Teamwork at mas kaunti lang yung errors namin, sinikap din namin na mablock sila kahit mas maliit kami sa kanila.” Maigue stated in a post-game interview after the two-hour volleyball action. The Blue Eagles played like

a well-oiled machine right from the get-go as Maigue and John Chris Imperio ignited their potent serves and relentless net defense to score the first blood and take the opening canto, 25-17. Joshua delos Santos and Justin James Lozada of the Pink mambas answered back immediately in the second set as they utilized their height advantage by deploying their wall-like net defense to deflect the predictable plays crafted by the Blue Eagles and secure the second set win for the Pink Mambas, 25-18. The Pink Mambas continued their surge as Aaron de Guzman and Erwin Paglinawan off the bench joined the scoring party for the Pink Mam-

bas as they displayed their furious quick attacks and impregnable service aces to dismantle the scrambling defense of the Blue Eagles and take the third set, 25-22. Blue Eagles found their stride in the fourth set as Imperio and Malig-on unleashed their scorching cross-court hits while Maigue deployed his mighty net defense to steal the win in the fourth salvo and push for a fifth set extension, 25-18. Malig-on and Maigue uncorked deadly cross-court hits and throttling net defense as the Blue Eagles pulled away and never looked back in the deciding set to rob the match and the gold medal away from the Pink Mambas, 25-18.

Grade 12 Pink Mambas seize 2023 Intramurals Crown The Grade 12 Pink Mambas showed their dominance in the recently concluded School Intramurals and were hailed as overall champions after bagging 14 golds, 5 silvers, and 2 bronze medals last February 4, 2023 at Vinzons Pilot High School.

gold silver bronze

CHAMPION

GRADE 12

1ST RUNNER UP

GRADE 9

2ND RUNNER UP

GRADE 11

3RD RUNNER UP

GRADE 8

4TH RUNNER UP

GRADE 10

5TH RUNNER UP

GRADE 7

Infographics by John Michael Daria

Sayno drubs Olila, secures gold medal for Bracket B by Eugene Kyle Eco

It’s a HIT

Wengel Shane Edoria

Jericho Sayno unveiled his forehand receive to continue the rally late in the 2nd set in the Badminton Match held at Vinzons Pilot Covered Court last February 2, 2023.

ith his feisty smashes and impeccable court coverage, Grade 12 Jericho Sayno overpowered Grade 10 Mizpah Eiron Olila in the Bracket B Badminton Boys Singles Finals match during the 2023 VPHS School Intramurals, 21-15, 21-12. The 18-year-old smasher outscored the eagle with 32 markers compared to 20 points generated by Olila, and utilized his opponent’s ten unforced errors to secure another gold for the Pink Mambas in the annual meet last August 2, 2021 at Vinzons Pilot High School covered court. The Pink Mamba smasher pulled away in the early stage of the second set, as he unleashed his deadly cross-court smashes to grab a 17-13 advantage, and never looked back that secured him a spot for the

single A crossover in the cluster meet. “I just gave my 100 percent, and just stayed focused throughout the match,” Sayno stated after the gold medal victory, “I worked hard for this,” he added. Five-foot-nine Sayno deployed his killer cross-court smashes and deceptive placings to fuel an early boost in the opening salvo and grab a 10-6 rampage. Sayno continued his surge as he manipulated his opponent’s barrage of errors and discharged his blistering down-the-line hits and bagged a 17-10 advantage in the latter first set. Sayno terminated the hopes of the young prodigy as he showcased his tenacious floor defense and well-placed forehand hits, to snatch a 21-11 first-set win.

The 16-year-old Olila immediately found his groove in the early goings of the second set as he deployed his lethal cross-court smashes earning him the lead, 8-10. Pink Mamba’s Sayno manages to catch up and even grab the lead in the halfway stage of the second set, 14-13. Both sides exchanged blows in the latter first set, but Sayno continued his surge, as he discharged vigorous cross-court smashes and displayed his resilient court coverage to clinch a 21-19 second set triumph and take home his first gold medal. “I lost my focus in the second set and he exploited that very well,” Olila said after failing to grab the crucial match, “He deserved it,” he added.