THE Newsletter S.Y. 2022 - 2023

In line with the school’s commitment to quality and excellent education, Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) has been successfully granted School-Based Management (SBM) Level III Validation Status by the Regional Office.

DFTACT visits TabNHS

With its aim to provide technical assistance to prioritized schools, the Division Field Technical Assistance Composite Team (DFTACT), headed by the Learning Resource Management and Development System Supervisor Dr.

on March 14.

“We were actually in wonder why your school was identified by our CID Chief considering that you are Regional SBM Level III identified,” Dr. Bayon-on stated during the meeting with the

QUALIFIED FOR TECHNO-AID.

Division Field Technical Assistance Composite Team (DFTACT) head, Dr. Francisco Bayon-on, speaks with the faculty members of Tabunan National High School as the school has been chosen to be one of this year’s recipients of technical assistance.

SOARING HIGH...

Before they proceeded to the meeting, the DFTACT composed of Dr. Bayon-on, Education Program Supervisor on Values Education Dr. Catalina Cordeta, Almeria District School Nurse Myra Ocampo, Division Risk Reduction Management Coordinator Mr. Carl Caspar Cervantes, and Project Development Officer II Mrs. Apple Joy Visitacion, were led by the school head, Mr. Jesus Isaac Mangco, in going around the school campus.

“Upon going around the school campus, we can really validate that this school really belongs to SBM Level III. You have initiated projects and funds to support your programs and activities in school. We also saw your teachers inside their respective classes,” Dr. Cordeta commended.

Dr. Cordeta has also said that the purpose of the visitation was to give Technical Assistance (TA) face-to-face regarding the Mean Percentage Score (MPS) of the school during the First Quarter of the school year.

Curriculum Implementation Division Chief Dr. Jose Mondido included TabNHS in to visit due to the low MPS score of 68.665% in the First Quarter, thus deploying the DFTACT to provide TA to the school.

“No one can actually command the teachers what grade to give to the learners. They are the

SBM aims to address improvements in the school’s learning outcomes through an efficient learning approach, which leads to assisting different stakeholders and enhancing student activities based on available resources to meet the student’s needs.

The SBM validation covered the document analysis, observation, and assessment discussion on the school’s performance in improving its accessibility to quality education, the efficiency of instructional methods for students’ learning, and quality indicators.

The documents validated were for the S.Y. 2018-2019, yet the validators still asked for the files of the proceeding school years to see if the SBM practice has continuously exercised.

Dr. Rosemarie Guino, the Head of the Quality Assurance Division, led the virtual validation with the Regional Composite Team: Dr. Rita Dimakiling, Dr. Melvin Chito Solis, Mrs. Rachel Cuevas, Mr. Sonny Tayum, and Dr. Marlou Camposana.

THE V-DAY

final say, and we are just being honest with our data,” Mr. Mangco stated in response.

He also said that even if there was a low MPS in the First Quarter, there has been an increase in the MPS in the Second Quarter of 74.215%.

“It would be questionable if there is a sudden increase and decrease in the data. We are happy with the MPS in the Second Quarter because our data has increased dramatically, and it is authentic,” he furtherly added.

Dr. Cordeta asked the teachers as to the factors of this low MPS in the 1st Quarter, aside from the reasons of the pandemic, suspension of classes, transitioning adjustment from modular to face-to-face classes, and the lack of training and seminars of the teachers handling the subject, the body agreed to what the EPS Supervisor advised that the teachers should also look at their data on the numeracy and literacy of the students.

Upon the data presented, 52 were frustrated readers and 42 were non-numerates, mostly from Grade 7, which is a huge contributory factor in the low MPS.

“If a child fails to read words, how much more can he understand them? Let us dig deeper to find the reasons, and let us help them,” Dr. Cordeta stated.

Mr. Cervantes also updated the faculty

During the visit, a breakaway session has done, where the school’s principal, key performance indicators, and stakeholders were interviewed and examined one by one by the validation team.

The presidents of the General Parent-Teacher Association and Supreme Student Government, with the barangay captain of Tabunan, also partook in the said activity, as commended by the validators.

Division SBM Coordinator Dr. Josephine Casas also gave her support and guidance to the TabNHS teachers.

“I am confident of Tabunan National High School. This validation was delayed a lot of times, and the school is already ready,” Dr. Casas expressed on the delayed SBM Validation for the school.

TabNHS SBM Coordinator Ana O. Vero said during her speech that the validation was a tough fight, but the school did its best and is now RO-Validated for SBM Level III of Practice.

“We emerged victoriously. Our efforts paid off. I thank all the teachers, stakeholders, Division SBM Team headed by Mrs. Josephine, and God for the support,” TNHS School Head Mr. Jesus Isaac Mangco stated during the closing program.

The Regional Composite Team congratulated the school and the stakeholders and reminded them that SBM is a level of practice that the school should continue and exercise.

Francisco Bayon-on, visited Tabunan National High School (TabNHS)

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Kristine Anne Ansale

MICAH GAYRAMA

regarding DRRM, while Mrs. Visitacion commended the school for its quick response to the reports needed for the Gender and Development Programs.

Meanwhile, the district nurse also updated the faculty to keep all comfort rooms accessible to all students and personnel and reminded everyone of the annual health check-up.

Dr. Cordeta also praised Mr. Mangco for crafting and requiring all the teachers to Permit Slips upon excusing themselves during their vacant time to run errands out of the school campus.

3-Star School

RO grants Tabunan NHS perfect SBM WinS rate

After passing the Regional SBM Level III Validation, Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) has been adjudged a perfect 3-Star SBM WinS (WASH in Schools) rating by the Regional Composite Team.

TabNHS reached the overall 3-star rating, the highest rating given to a school per the Regional SBM WinS Guidelines.

In 2016, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued Order No. 10, known as the Policy and Guidelines on Comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools Program, to promote a safer and conducive learning environment by improving the accessibility to adequate water supply, functional toilets, effective hygiene promotion, proper waste disposals, and children’s rights, where learners enable to be in the best condition to participate and learn in school.

The school has passed the 3-star criteria: Hygiene, Sanitation, Water, Deworming, and Health Education.

Under the Hygiene, Water, and Sanitation criteria, TabNHS has built an additional handwashing facility beside Grade 7- Siddhartha and renovated the old one near Grade 7 –Socrates for handwashing and toothbrushing,

facilitated by the district school nurses led by Nurse Myra Ocampo.

Two toilets have also refurbished last 2021 as part of the accomplished dream projects for the development of the school amidst the Pandemic.

Four three-color-coded trash bins for waste segregation have also been provided in school to promote proper waste disposal.

School Nurse Apple Ngoho conducted Deworming for grade 7 students aimed to treat worm infections that can prevent children’s healthy growth.

Under the Health Education criterion, WinS Coordinator Analyn Garcia organized several symposiums like Menstrual Hygiene Management, which deals with proper sanitary pads disposal.

This 2023, TabNHS has continuously practiced the SBM WinS aims to set quality and excellence in providing learners with the best, safe, and healthy learning place.

Mr. Jesus Isaac Mangco recounted the accomplishments of Tabunan National High School in the school year (S.Y.) 2021-2022 under his administration, as he will be transferred to another school.

The significant accomplishment in the school year 2021-2022, he said, was the implementation of face-to-face classes after the 2-year surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the school made exit gates

“We are happy to visit this school. We want to erase the mentality of teachers being afraid of being visited by the Division personnel,” Dr. Cordeta further said.

DFTACT’s purpose is not to look for mistakes but the improvements that could be shared face-to-face.

“What’s important is you have given interventions. And these are effective in improving the quality of learning,” Dr. Bay-on remarked.

Overall, the visit was a success, and everyone learned from the TA of the composite team.

and doors for both the junior and senior high school buildings and classrooms, as required by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

In the interview, he also stated that the future plans will still push through even though he will no longer be administering them in the school, as it is what’s written in the SIP (School Improvement Plan).

The said projects include Gulayan sa Paaralan, Feeding Program for the wasted and severely wasted students, and minor repairs, including participation in curricular and extracurricular activities.

In connection to it, he expressed his full support for journalism as he used to be a journalism adviser.

The S.Y. 2022-2023 is Mr. Mangco’s last year in TabNHS. However, there is still no confirmation from the Department of Education where he will be assigned.

STATE OF THE SCHOOL ADDRESS.

Tabunan NHS school head Jesus Mangco during his quarterly speech, addressing the updates and future plans for the school.

SHJM recalls accomplishments, says SIP to push through despite sh transfer

GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY. To maintain the perfect SBM WASH in Schools (WinS) rate based on the regional guidelines, students of Tabunan NHS actively participate in the Global Handwashing Day 2023.

WATER • SANITATION • HYGIENE • DEWORMING • HEALTH EDUCATION

Kristine Anne Ansale

Reina Satorre

JESUS MANGCO

ANALYN BAGDOC-GARCIA

TNHS-SHS deploys immersion students

As part of the Senior High School curriculum requirements, Tabunan National High School (TNHS) deployed 51 students for work immersion on March 6 to 31, 2023.

With the purpose of exposing the students to their future career paths, TNHS collaborates with various public and private institutions across the Municipality of Almeria.

Reina Satorre

Having two batches, the first batch of Humanities and Social Studies (HumSS) and Techno-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) students trained from March 6 to 17, whereas the second batch trained from March 20 to 31.

TVL students were deployed to ASEMCO (Almeria Seafarers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative) HIlltop Resort, while HumSS students were to the Bureau of Fire Protection

(BFF), Local Government Unit (LGU), and Almeria Seafarers’ Learning Center.

“Our superiors there taught us about what to do in rescue operations during emergencies, bandaging, and many more,” Trisha Sale, one of the trainees in BFP, expresses her gratitude that despite the short period of training time, she still got the chance to get exposed to the working field and garnered practical knowledge.

Echoists bag awards in DSPC ‘23

The Hillside Echo student journalists Sheermei Catigbe, Lhian Mae Gonzales, Mariel Sabornido, and Reina Satorre took home awards in their respective categories in this year’s Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC).

Catigbe secured the third spot in Sports Writing - Secondary Filipino, while Gonzales came second in Science and Technology Writing - Secondary Filipino; Satorre and Sabornido got second and third place in News Writing both Secondary English and Filipino, respectively.

STUDENTS IN ACTION. HumSS students of Tabunan NHS train with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Local Government Unit (LGU), and Almeria Seafarers’ Learning Center as part of the requirement for their work immersion.

As per the new Deped Memorandum Order No. 26, s. 2023 or known as the 2023 National Schools Press Conference Guidelines, only three will be announced as winners in each category, and only one will advance to the next level of the press conference.

“In preparation for DSPC, we practiced a lot. We trained ourselves to have a spot in the top three. This year is crucial since only one will advance to RSPC (Regional Schools Press Conference),” Mariel Sabornido, one of the awardees, shared how the group prepared for the contest.

Despite only two weeks of rigid training, Sabornido still did not expect to have multiple winners from the team. Hence, she was overwhelmed with happiness upon knowing she won third place.

She expresses her gratitude towards her school paper adviser, Mrs. Micah Magdalene Gayrama, for the guidance.

Naval Central School hosted the DSPC 2023 held from May 11 to 13.

FRUIT OF JOURNey.

The Hillside Echo’s School Paper Advisers Jeanita Mapa and Micah Magdaline Gayrama with the winning Echoists Sheermei Catigbe (Sports Writing - Secondary Filipino 3rd Placer), Mariel Sabornido (News Writing - Secondary Filipino 3rd Placer), and Lhian Mae Gonzales (Sci-Tech Writing - Secondary Filipino 2nd Placer) proudly flash their certificates and medals they received in the recently concluded Division Schools Press Conference

Reina Satorre

LUCILLE ROBLE

KENT BRYAN MARTINEZ

2-Peat Win: Faculty defends gold in CMR Infographics Making ‘23

THE CROWN RETAINED!

For two-consecutive years, Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) was again named the top winner in the Provincial Infographics Making Contest during the 33rd Civil Registration Month (CMR) celebration of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - BIliran.

Mrs. Analyn Garcia, TabNHS Faculty, was our lone representative for this year’s edition and bested the other four contenders from different organizations inside the province.

The said contest was judged with

the criteria: Comprehensiveness and Conciseness (35%), Data Accuracy (35%), Visual Appeal (20%), and Facebook Reactions (10%).

Looking back last 2022, Nico Antonio Sabinay was hailed as the provincial champion and coached by her.

The announcement of winners concluded virtually on February 28, 2023, via the official Facebook page of PSA - Biliran.

PSA – Biliran facilitates several competitions yearly to celebrate CRM every month of February.

CRM PROVINCIAL POP QUIZ ‘23

Ansale bags 3rd place, advances to regionals

Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) pop quiz master, Kristine Anne Ansale, lost to a coin toss with Cabucgayan National School of Arts and Trades (CNSAT) contender and landed as second runner-up in this year’s edition of the Civil Registration Month (CRM) Provincial Quiz Bee, February 21.

TabNHS and CNSAT had a final score of 38 points, which required a tie-breaker round to clinch the first runner-up finish.

According to Oswald John Caro, Ansale’s coach, the tie-breaker round was breathtaking as the two contenders showed no retreat after utilizing all the questions available.

The pop quiz organizers decided to toss a coin to end the round after the deadly match. CNSAT won.

In the end, the Naval School of Fisheries (NSF) was hailed as the champion with the final score of 39 points, leading only a point to CNSAT and TabNHS, declared the first and second runners-up, respectively.

All three winners will represent Biliran Division as a team in the Regional Civil Registration Quiz Bee. Details about its schedule and venue are yet to announce.

“As a coach, I am very proud and happy [because], in the past three years, we remain as part of the Top 3,” he added.

The coach also told the press about his plan to be more assertive and motivated to work, especially in producing future winners. Looking back, Mr. Caro coached the 2020 CMR Provincial Champion Mary Ann Ansale and 2022 CMR Provincial 1st Runner-Up Karylle Cañezo. Both winners did not advance to the regionals during their time due to the Pandemic, and there was no contest last 2021.

The rounds concluded at Naval Central School SPED Center Conference Hall with 25 official participants.

PSA-Biliran conducts a provincial pop quiz bee tilt for high school and college students yearly as part of the annual national celebration of Civil Registration Month, which celebrates its 33rd year.

FLEX IT, GIRL.

Kristine Anne Ansale flashes her plaque and certificate of recognition in a photo shoot after bagging the 2nd runner-up in the CMR Provincial Quiz Bee 2023.

Frances Emaerald Gaviola

WINNING ENTRY. The entry of our Provincial Champion, Mrs. Analyn Garcia, in the 2023 Civil Month Registration Infographics Making Contest awarded last February 28.

Lhian Mae Gonzales

OSWALD CARO

OSWALD CARO

Developmental, dream projects attain amidst Pandemic

Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) has been able to push through and carry out the dream projects for the development of the school.

The developmental projects included the construction of the school landmark with landscaping, a new school publication office, a storage room for band instruments, an additional handwashing facility, and roofing of the old handwashing facility.

Other parts of the said projects were the extension of the parking lot for teachers,

Rashe Espinosa

installation of iron grills in different buildings, repainting of the stage and other facilities, school perimeter fence, the guard house, concrete benches and balusters, and pruning of trees.

Procurement of an oven for TLE/TVL Instructions, and the wooden chairs for the SBM Hub were also part of the said projects.

Led by the TabNHS Chairperson on Adopt a School Ana Vero, the school had accumulated monetary donations estimated to a total of Php 269,140.00, and in-kind donations, from the members of TNHS Alumni, stakeholders

and other external forces.

“Thank you, Lord, for all the graces. We had finally accomplished our dream projects for school development in this particular school year. So, it is a must to share our financial reports to keep you, our dear donors/ stakeholders/ partners, updated. Once again, thank you for your unending support to Tabunan NHS,” Mrs. Vero expressed in her Facebook post.

She also asked for understanding from those donors who wished not to be mentioned but was mentioned anyway for transparency purposes.

LITTLE PARADISE. The beautification of Tabunan National High School led by School Head Jesus Mangco. MICAH GAYRAMA

‘I LOVE Tabunan NHS’ LANDMARK. The landmark is located in front of the school main gate. ANA VERO

THE HILLSIDE ECHO MAIN OFFICE. The Hillside Echo Main Office is located beside the Junior High School - ICT Room. ANA VERO

The new handwashing facility at the back of Grade 7-Socrates

Stakeholders raise 500k donations for TabNHS

With an exact amount of 529, 677.61 pesos, Tabunan National High School is able to sustain its projects and school activities for school year 2022-2023 with the help of the generous stakeholders.

TabNHS receives 1.5-M road expansion project

Kent Bryan Martinez

TTabunan National High School (TabNHS) received a 1.5 million peso worth of road expansion project, which was completed on May 8, 2023.

Honorable Richard Jaguros, Municipal Mayor of Almeria, signed the million-peso project proposal to expand the parking space outside the school.

“Before, the road to school was steep and narrow. It causes traffic among vehicles, especially if visitors [will] come to school. Now, the project [has been] realized [and] benefits all,” Rowenda Arnejo, teacher of TNHS expressed in an interview.

In partnership with Regan Construction, the project started in the last week of March and ended on May 8 this year.

“The road expansion is a great help, especially during unforeseen calamities that BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) and other agencies could respond immediately without getting stuck in the narrow road going up the school,” TabNHS school Head Jesus Manco told the press.

Mr. Mangco added that the project is also a requirement for Disaster Risk Reduction Management.

Satorre

“I am overwhelmed and gratified that our stakeholders never left us when we knocked for our school,” Mrs. Ana O. Vero, Master Teacher, and Chairman Committee on Solicitation, said in an interview.

TNHS received cash and in-kind donations from stakeholders, who extended support to the school’s activities and programs, particularly for the school development projects.

TNHS Alumni Donnah Cederna, Rosanna Knight and Jessie Balondo, and other private individuals donated a total amount of 269,143.72 pesos for the construction of the school landmark located at the entrance of the school, school publication office, stockroom for band instruments, and additional handwashing facilities.

Moreover, the school also received 16,104.97 pesos during the preparation for the face-to-face classes through the efforts of Gerard Roger Espina, Municipal Mayor of Naval, and other anonymous donors.

Furthermore, TNHS was able to construct the exit gates for Junior High School and Senior High School, septic vaults, and other school projects amounting to 35, 373 pesos recommended for the school to receive Safety Seal in order to open limited face-to-face classes among the students.

Honorable Richard Jaguros, Municipal Mayor of Almeria, and Congressman Gerry Boy Espina donated 35,000 pesos for the classroom exit doors construction.

One of the projects of the Science Club is the realization of the Vermi-Culture Facility to which Mr. Orvillle Navales and Mr. Johnwyn Patagnan donated an amount of 6,600 pesos.

For the safety of the students, perimeter fences were built through donations of TNHS Alumni amounting to 13,318.20 pesos on September 2022 and an additional amount of 61,045 pesos on January 2023 from the Fiesta Share of Barangay Tabunan, Engr. Jessie O. Vero, Engr. Joel O. Vero, Engr. Erick Docallos and other private individuals.

To further beautify the school, the painting of perimeter fences and followed by handwashing facilities via the donations of Charmae P. Delos Santos, Engr. Gloria Barbanida and other stakeholders amounting to 8,092.56 pesos.

The school also received a donation of 80,000 pesos from a foreign private individual through the initiative of Ms. Mabel Cubay, TNHS alumna.

“According to the donor, recipients for this 80,000 pesos will be paid for the school contribution, including SSG, School Publication, and PTA fees of 76 students randomly picked by the class advisers from Grades 7 to 12. It will also shoulder a fraction of the amount of the band uniforms of the 50 school drum and lyre corps. members, while the remaining amount is for other needs of the school band,” Mrs. Vero expressed in an interview.

“Our school will be forever grateful for your generosity. It is true that no man is an island. The school’s improvement and our students’ welfare are our main intentions, and without your help, it would be difficult for the school alone to realize these aspirations. So from all of us teaching and non-teaching personnel of TNHS, thank you so much. May the Lord bless you a hundredfold,” Mangco expressed.

Reina

FINANCIAL EFFORTS. Inel Bayer, a TabNHS alumnus, donated financial aid for the school and received by Mrs. Ana Vero.

HANDWASHING FACILITY. facility is located 7-Socrates Room.

MULTI-PURPOSE OVEN. Procurement of Oven for TVL/TLE Instructions. ROWENDA ARNEJO

ANA O. VERO

Enrollees sa TabNHS-SHS, lumobo ng 81%; mga hamon sa klasrum, kagamitan, hinarap ng mga guro

aking lupang sinilangan

tahanan ng aking lahi; kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang maging malakas, masipag at marangal.

Pumalo sa 94 mga enrollee sa senior high school (SHS) ang dumagsa sa Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) para sa taong-panuruan (TP) 2022 hanggang 2023.

Ito ang pinakamataas na enrollment na naiulat sa kasaysayan ng SHS ng paaralan.

69 sa kanila ay kumuha ng HUMSS (Humanity and Social Sciences) strand, at 25 naman ay TVL (Technical-VocationalLivelihood) - Cookery track, na pawang mga incoming grade 11 lahat.

Ang nasabing ulat ay mas mataas kumpara sa naiulat na nag-enroll noong nakaraang TP na may 52 na kabuuang bilang—44 ang kumuha ng HUMSS at 8 naman para sa TVL - Cookery.

Ang mga shs enrolee ay galing sa mga nagsipagtapos ng junior high school sa TabNHS, Kawayan National High School at Almeria National High School.

Kaugnay rito, nagdulot ng kabiglaanan para sa mga guro ang pagtaas ng enrollment

sa SHS dahil hindi nila inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng mga enrollee sa taong ito.

Upang bigyang solusyon ang kakulangan sa mga kagamitan at silid-aralan ng SHS Building ng TabNHS, ginawang klasrum ang dating computer laboratory ng nasabing gusali para sa magiging tatlong sekyon ng baitang 11.

Nagsagawa rin ng donation drive ang paaralan sa pamamagitan ng pamamanhik ng tulong-pinansyal sa mga miyembro ng TabNHS Alumni at stakeholders, maging sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno.

Ang mga nalikom dito ay ibinili ng mga bagong kagamitan sa pagtuturo tulad ng bagong multi-purpose oven, mga kagamitan sa pagluluto, dalawang blackboard at 100 wooden armchairs para sa SBM Hub, na naisakatuparan habang kasagsagan ng Pandemya.

Opisyal nang binuksan ang face-to-face classes noong Agosto 22, 2022 matapos ang dalawang taong blended learning.

Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas, diringgin ko ang payo ng aking mga magulang, susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan, tutuparin ko ang tungkulin ng mamamayang makabayan; naglilingkod, nag-aaral, at nananalangin nang buong katapatan. Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap, pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas.

Rehabilitasyon ng multi-purpose tent ng TabNHS, natapos na

Matapos ang walong araw na rehabilitasyon, opisyal nang pinasinayaan muli ang bagong tayo na tent sa loob ng paaralan noong Pebrero 28.

“After how many school years from the time of the previous school head, Mrs. Veronica Dela Cruz, finally, the tent is now ready for use again,” saad ni Gng. Ana Vero, Master Teacher I.

Bunsod ng malalakas na bagyo na dumaan sa loob ng limang taon, hindi nagamit ang tent dahil kinailangan pa nitong dumaan sa reconstruction phase upang patibayin ang mga nasirang braces at dagdagan ang mga bakal.

Naisakatuparan ang proyektong ito sa pangunguna ni G. Jesus Mangco, Punong-Guro ng TabNHS, na may kabuuang pondo na 43,178 pesos.

“Salamat sa nagdaang Search for Mr. and Ms. Tabunan NHS dahil nakalikom ang paaralan ng 57,990 pesos kaya muling naituloy ang proyektong ito,” pasasalamat ni G. Mangco.

Nakatanggap din ang paaralan ng mga gamit sa pagpapagawa ng tent roof na may halagang 30,000 pesos na mula sa TabNHS Alumni Association.

“Class A ang mga ginamit na materyales sa tent kaya umaasa tayo na magtatagal ito ng maraming taon at magamit natin nang matagal,” dagdag ni Gng. Vero.

Hindi na magiging problema ang panahon dahil sa bagong tayong tent na magsisilbing “shelter” sa tuwing may programang isasagawa sa loob ng paaralan.

Ang Opisyal na Pampaaralang Pahayagan ng Tabunan National High School

Rehiyon VIII - Eastern Visayas • Dibisyon ng Probinsya ng Biliran • Tabunan, Almeria

SHELTER. Natapos na ang konstruksyon ng multi-purpose tent noong Pebrero 28.

Grapikong Representasyong Likha ni John Arren Cervantes

Reina Satorre

Edelyn Petargue

Mula sa Opisyal na Website ng DepED

MICAH GAYRAMA

Reaching Greater Heights

Tabunan National High School’s successful validation in School

Based Management (SBM) Level III last November 5, 2021 conducted by the Regional composite team was momentous achievement not only to the school’s faculty and staff but also to students, parents and all stakeholders.

Earning an SBM Level III validation status is a huge and important accomplishment which will change the status and recognition of the school for it boost popularity that at the

>Brazil’s Former Minister of Sports, King Pelé, once stated that success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.

This year, Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) celebrates several success. From being the smallest school in the province of Biliran to becoming a School-Based Management (SBM) Level III of Practice-Validated to a 3-Star School on SBM Wash in Schools (WinS) to an achiever of its dream projects for the development of the school, the Tabueños should be more grateful and prouder for their Alma Mater as our school is on its way in reaching greater heights.

The secret(s)? These are what our column is all about.

SBM III Validation

•••

Last November 05, 2021, the school achieved its long-awaited validation, the SBM Level III of Practice. TabNHS School Head Jesus Mangco said that it was a dream come true. After the sleepless and tiring months of preparing all the paperwork, evaluations, and training for the validation, the hard work and perseverance fully paid off. It was indeed the most memorable afternoon in the history of TabNHS. The Regional SBM Coordinator, Dr. Josephine Casas, is correct. Tabunan is now finally ready.

same time will entice enrollees from nearby and distant places attracted by the pertinent performance of the school.

SBM pertains to the remarkable management of the school’s resources, subordinates and stakeholders. The involvement and initiatives of the community and stakeholders to the school’s decision making on budget, curriculum, and school’s performance is one of the biggest contributory factor to be awarded for the distinction.

firefly

This proves for providing quality, accessible and holistic development offered to the learners.

TNHS had its continuous leap and progress through the years reaching Greater heights with numerous accomplishments is a trademark of a small institution located in Tabunan South of the Municipality of Almeria knowan as the School of Character.

Achieving SBM Level III is an indication that TNHS is ready for the next challenge.

Synergy Effect

3-Star School

Another success was when TabNHS earned the perfect 3-Star rating for SBM WinS. The SBM WinS Coordinator, Analyn Garcia, studied the criteria well and passed all the requirements and paperwork needed per the Regional SBM WinS Guidelines.

TabNHS conducted several symposiums on Health Education, such as Menstruation Management. The school also participated in Global Handwashing Day and practices handwashing during weekdays to teach the students proper hygiene, water use, and sanitation. The school also provided four threecolored trash bins and placed them in every corner of the school to promote a zero-waste environment. Led by the School Nurse Apple Ngoho, TabNHS also conducted deworming for all students. Mrs. Garcia learned that giving a safe and conducive learning environment is the key for students to learn progressively and happier.

Dream Projects

Through in-kind and cash donations from TabNHS Alumni, stakeholders, and internal and external forces, TabNHS has accomplished rebuilding and beautifying the school again amidst the COVID - 19 Pandemic. The school has successfully planted new facilities and infrastructures inside the campus, such as the “I Love TNHS” landmark, a new school publication office, an additional handwashing area, a guard house, a parking lot extension for teachers, school perimeter fences, and more. Our school also bought a new multi-purpose oven/stove for TVL/ TLE Instructions, and received wooden chairs for SBM Hub. The Chairperson on Adopt a School, Ana Vero, spearheaded the donation drives. She uses her powers to attract donors and communicate with all Alumni members to seek financial or inkind help for our dear

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Through unity, every dream has the chance to become a reality.

Reina Satorre Editor-In-Chief

Cartoon by John Arren Cervantes

Manager

Real Essence of Brotherhood

>Stepping into high school has been the most unforgettable chapter of being a student, which we claim is true. Being a high school student makes us the hero of our fantasies. Yet our chapter will not be complete if we do not find our perfect circle of friends. Am I right?

That leads us to search for people with the same interest as ours, who can be fully trusted and not plastic, and who relate to what we feel and need. We build connections and relationships with them and consider these people a family—our brothers and sisters.

Gangs may differ a lot from fraternities and sororities, but both possess the same goal—brotherhood.

However, some of them debunk the whole idea of brotherhood. That includes physical and cyberbullying, threat and intimidation, gang fighting, cat-calling or red-tagging, discrimination, and criminal activities such as the introduction and use of weapons, assault, sexual harassment, vandalism, and illegal drug dealings. These are all alarming.

Our school has been exposed to gangs lately, specifically, the one who had been reported to the guidance office last time due to violating some school rules. They call themselves the “Sperm Gang.”

According to DepEd D.O. No. 20, s. 1991, any operations of fraternities or sororities in public and private elementary and secondary schools are prohibited. Sanctions will impose on any violators.

Exposing the Sperm Gang does not to demean them but to defy their ways. They are also victims of their own life’s tragedy and traumas. Hatred must not bear with us.

Gangs, unidentified or not, are not harmful to society as long as their goal is good, ethical, and for the betterment of society. They need help. They need attention. They need understanding. They need love.

Every one of us doesn’t want to hear again news about our brothers and sisters killed in a fraternity hazing or malicious acts, or who will have conflicts with the law. Remember, they are also humans, and lending a hand to them is really a big help.

Let us do our best to guide, help and understand them. Also, to all the gang members anywhere, help us help you. It is not too late to change.

Thus, we can finally prove that our grand grandfathers are right about the essence of brotherhood—for protection and camaraderie. Let us work together as a family, for real.

Synergy...

Alma Mater. Mrs. Vero has an unspeakable passion for serving our school. It must be imitated in us, too.

These three achievements are only pieces of what we succeeded in for three years. We saw how our teachers sacrificed their time, effort, and money to give us a safe and healthy learning space. With hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and passion, every dream will not stay as imagination. The combination of all of these is indeed

Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor-In-Chief,

Good day to all!

the true secret of success.

from p. 09

COVID-19 has finally reached its endemic stage, and it is now our time to help our Alma Mater to rebuild its foundations. From that, it makes us the new founders of this new era of education. Each of us has the key and must activate it sooner. Thus, Pelé is correct. Success is the product of everything we give at every step of the process. Through unity, every dream has the chance to become a reality. Let us show our joint forces as we join our school to reach greater heights and many possibilities.

That is the synergy effect.

I am writing this in behalf of all the students here at Tabunan National High School as our way of expressing our sincerest and deepest gratitude to all that articles that you have published.

As an avid reader, I really do appreciate how you keep us up with the latest and controversial issue that is happening in

our surrounding.

While reading your works I get to have a glimpse on different opinions and comments made by my co-students a certain issue.

Furthermore, I am also grateful for the fact that you have now an online page, which is very convenient for us all. We easily tap in on the hottest news with few clicks and swipes then lo and behold! Left behind no more.

In addition to that, the language used is English, which signifies that the student-writers are well-packed and competitive when it comes to playing not only with our native

What goes beyond Senior High School (SHS)?

It is a big question that caught us hanging for almost six years, waiting to amend the program for the SHS curriculum in the country.

Many SHS completers who opt not to go to college have no choice but to end up as out-ofschool-youths, unemployed or jobless, or, often, landed with jobs mismatch because they found a hard time with their job application.

We have seen these exact scenarios with our seniors who were HUMSS and TVL graduates of Tabunan National High School.

Based on the press’ latest survey this year, seven out of ten graduates continued their studies in college. The remaining three, however, did not pursue college due to financial or personal matters. Most of them have ended up as freelancers, retailers, fishermen, farmers, and construction workers, which are not aligned with their chosen strand or track in SHS. The worst is the rest of the three remain to be out-of-schoolyouth. Why is that so?

In 2016, Philippine Business for Education (PBED) Executive Director Love Basillote stated that many companies in the country only accept job applicants with at least two years of college education, potentially excluding SHS graduates.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also believes that it is due to the absence of the necessary skills and training that the industries are looking for but not yet provided by the current SHS program. The majority of companies in the country are hesitant to hire fresh or old high school graduates—including those who only completed junior high school.

A few companies today are, somehow, now accepting SHS graduates but are only limited to

We kill the environment, the environment kills us.

Since 1998, we already felt a dangerous change we never anticipated to occur. The average temperature kept increasing and soon took lives, habitats and forever changed the climate pattern. The heat index kept getting so intense that it felt like being burned alive, leading to occurrence of illnesses.

Recently, we’ve been parched under an extreme heat index—one of the effects of global warming. It’s still rising. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA, it is anticipated that it will result in an El Niño dry spell.

The melting of glaciers had also gone so rapidly that a “once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing” according to a new study conducted by researchers at the Ohio State University.

Steenstrup, one of the glaciers in Greenland that covers nearly 80% of the world’s largest Island—is known for its stability throughout the years, but its rapid rate of thinning by 20% is coined “extraordinary,”. This is feared to cause the permanent disappearance of Greenland as the water level continues to rise.

A call to action for this, 195 states signed up to the Paris Agreement—a pact for cooperation of the world on combating climate change in December 2015. Some of these countries like New Zealand, UK, France and Norway are legally committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

SHS must open opportunities for all its graduates, not burden them with the program’s shortcomings.

Mariel Sabornido Managing Editor

Open Doors

those with job experience and advanced skills.

As far as it concerns our future graduates, I think the Department of Education (DepEd) still needs to improve its implementation of the SHS program.

The DepEd Memorandum No. 76, s. 2016 says that SHS aims to produce graduates, which are holistically developed, equipped with 21stcentury skills, and prepared for the future, be it in pursuit of higher education or acquisition of middle-level skills, or geared towards

scienceloreAltruist

All of these solutions would be useless without our actions as “Action speaks louder than Words.”

Windelyn Ambe Associate Editor

Do You Love Self-Sabotage?

By this, they are expected to level up their strategies in minimizing the emissions of especially gases like carbon dioxide which contributes the most to global warming.

Major efforts are useless without the supporting branches of efforts we can make so it’s our time to step up. Experts have been encouraging each one of us to do the tiniest

Editor’s Response

Dear Student(s),

Time flies as we conquer the new era of student journalism. Fake news, red-tagging, cybercrimes, poking, misinformation, and such are rampant now in the digital world. These must not prevail.

employment or entrepreneurship.

Are the graduates holistically developed? No.

Are they qualified for tertiary education? Yes.

Are they equipped with 21st-century skills? Hmm, somewhat, yes.

Are they acquired middle-level skills? Some of them, yes. But, the majority, no.

Are they geared towards employment or entrepreneurship? Definitely, no.

The purpose of the SHS program seems not followed accordingly, based on the current status of our graduates. We appreciate the great effort made by the DepEd to make improvements concerning the issue. However, it is not enough. They should focus more on giving better and more effective learning processes aligned with the economy’s standard, not sticking to the old, ineffective traditional approach, since face-toface classes have already started.

Let us admit that two years of senior high education may not sustain all the needs of many SHS students for employment. Ten-hour on-job trainings (OJT) is a big joke. Since many could not afford a college education, TESDA training and certifications are also insufficient to provide all students the adequate competitive skills and knowledge that could pass the standard qualifications of many companies in the country.

Perhaps, two years are enough if DepEd will consider giving the students 100% extensive learning and skill-training hours with the appropriate core subjects and months-long OJTs, enough to enhance and strengthen their skills with their chosen career. All unimportant minor subjects that kill time on prepping them for employment will be excluded.

SHS must open opportunities for all its graduates, not burden them with the program’s shortcomings. DepEd, what now?

measures we can to prevent the Earth from further destruction.

The Project Drawdown, a coalition of researchers and scientists who are working on climate change solutions, speaks of what the ordinary people can do about this matter. The organization (Project Drawdown) released a report of 30 behavioral solutions ordinary people can do to fight one of global warming’s effects—the climate change. The top 3 mechanics are wasting less food, adopting a plant-rich diet and consuming less energy and water.

All of these solutions would be useless without our actions as “Action speaks louder than words”.

If we do these and even come up with brighter ideas, life on Earth might even be prolonged as these measures reduce the emissions of the gases responsible for global warming. By simply lessening your organic wastes such food, you can help as it minimizes the emission of methane—one of the greenhouse gases that contributes to global warming.

For many years, we have been sabotaging ourselves by doing things for the sake of advancement leading to our greatest nightmare. The average temperature kept rising and unknowingly caused the greatest havoc not only in humanity but in other organisms that could have kept the balance— the right condition.

The battle had begun long ago. The time of analyzing the situation is up, immediate action is needed. What will you do?

and this may serve you the truth well.

We, The Hillside Echo editors and contributors, also want to extend our deepest gratitude mainly because of your unending support for the student publication of our school.

May this new era of our press freedom spark change for the betterment not only of our school and our being but of our community, too.

Respectfully yours, Tabunan NHS Students

We give our best effort by providing you the information fact-checked by our editors and fresh updates with the help of modern technology available today. We are now going online,

Together, let us amplify our voices, write and be part of the change we would love to see in the world.

Yours Truly, Reina Satorre (EIC)

co-students on have can and

are native

language, but as to Foreign as well—English. This also extends to sharpening our minds as readers for it will also challenge us to have a better grasp and to have a wider understanding on what we are reading.

Homecoming features

Rose Evit Elis Densing

“Everything has changed. All the good memories I had in mind when I was still a student at Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) are flashing back. A nostalgic feeling, I guess.

Good morning, ma’am.

These words delighted me as I entered the school gate. As a response, I nodded back and smiled. Another group of teenagers greeted me next as they headed toward the flower garden with the brooms and sprinklers.

As I continued walking, I reached the guard house. Kuya Guard, a tall, dark-skinned man, approached me and let me sign the visitor logbook. He asked me if I would visit the office. Caught unaware, I said yes without asking any further. I glanced back as I scribbled my name on the logbook.

There was dead air just for a second. Kuya Guard clarified where I was heading to. I told him I was looking for Mrs. Ana Vero. Responding politely, he informed me that she was in the SBM Office. I was slightly confused about what he just told me. I wonder. It was the first time I heard the word. When I was still a student, it was just one office known by all—the principal’s office.

Yes, ma’am. Just walk straight and turn left. The next door is the SBM Office.

It was a relief. Kuya Guard instructed me where to go. And, confirmed, the office of the principal is not alone. There are so many more things to wander inside the campus.

While strolling inside, I was in awe of the beauty of Tabunan NHS. Fresh and tidy. Bold and colorful. It was beautiful before. But I admit, the school is way more different yet better, and more beautiful now. It is aging like fine wine!

I looked around and was grateful to see the sturdy tent in the plaza. Back then, I remembered how the students ran to and fro to seek shelter whenever the rain started or as the sun released its scorching heat. With the help of the built-in tent today, students and visitors will no longer endure the uncomfy season or any bad weather during school activities or special events.

I finally arrived at the SBM office. The feeling was over the moon. When I finally met my favorite teacher, Mrs. Vero was surprised and welcomed me with a tight hug. I arrived earlier to visit her first before attending the Alumni

Homecoming. It has been 20 years since I graduated from my Alma Mater. So refreshing to come back, I should say.

I was on cloud nine. Same as the old days. Talking with my favorite teacher for some hours went on seamlessly as she looked straight into my eyes like a mother looking at her daughter, who has been away for a long time.

Even though you are now staying in England, you never failed to look back and help our school.

Mrs. Vero is correct. I will never forget it. Looking back to the school that helped me hone myself is just a small amount of giving back compared to all the values and learnings I acquired and applied to my life. I would not be where I am right now without the initial help of my dearest alma mater. And, of course, with all of my hardworking teachers before.

It was also refreshing to talk back on some bits of the rich-historic past of the school way back in 1978. Mrs. Vero told me that the school was named Tabunan Barangay High School before. The late and former Municipal Mayor Dominador Agajan was the

major donor of the lot where Tabunan National High School is standing right now. Also, the first batch of graduates happened in 1982, led by the first-ever principal of TabNHS, Mr. Dulcisimo Sabitsana.

After the tea talks at her office, we toured the school. I can say the school keeps on improving dramatically over time, big time!

I remembered, during my batch, that there was only one section per grade level. Now, there are a lot of rooms and even a separate building for the senior high school that popped out of the ground just like mushrooms. It can now accommodate an increasing number of enrollees. What a big difference!

Moreover, it makes me shiver when I hear the word “SBM-validated.” I am very proud that my alma mater earned the long-awaited validation. SBM Level III of Practice Validation and a 3-star school in SBM WinS are only proof that Tabunan NHS has achieved heights of recognition. The smallest secondary school in the whole Biliran Division is now becoming the little giant it dreamed of, aiming for the best!

As the strolling continues, Mrs. Vero showed me where

all the donations of the school stakeholders went, and it overwhelmed me to see that it was all well-spent for the betterment of the school. Thanks to all the donors who wholeheartedly and endlessly give the school financial support.

The school head’s office is not alone. It makes sense as the school has many new offices like the SG Office, School Publication Office, School Clinic, and Reading Center.

Two handwashing facilities are also now accessible almost everywhere since water is abundant at school. No wonder how the school earns a 3-star school validation in SBM WinS.

Also, students and visitors will no longer have to worry about where to park their vehicles because of the new spacious parking spaces inside and outside the school campus.

My eyes roamed everywhere. Everything is new and fresh to my eyes. Despite how the infrastructure has improved beyond what I could imagine, some things are left authentic. The nature and the landscape made the school unique from the rest

It is the same feeling of aweness everytime I visit my alma mater. Memories are flashing back and I can’t help it. Indeed, Tabunan NHS keeps on growing stronger.

and envied by others.

But most of all…

Good morning, teachers!

Ahh! TabNHS is still a school of character. How wonderful to realize that the values and attitudes instilled by the teachers in the learners never get old-fashioned.

After the long-enjoyable-worthwhile visit, Mrs. Vero accompanied me to the school gate and looked forward to meeting me again at Alumni Homecoming. I left my assurance to her that I would come and never be tired of helping the school.

I know for sure, with high hopes, that Tabunan National High School, my dearest alma mater, will soar higher and shine even brighter in the coming years.

Until my next homecoming? I will assure of that.

MICAH GAYRAMA

THE SUCCESS STORY OF A FAITHFUL LEADER

Leadership has no hard and fast rules that can be learned overnight. Leadership in books sometimes falls short in real life. For me, leadership is like a river flowing. It just flows naturally like the river. Whatever the situation is, the kind of leadership has to flow with it, not against it. Being true to oneself is one ingredient in leadership. —Mangco, 2023

His eldest, jeina 6 . , ,

His youngest jeona 5 . , ,

His Wife

Jovina 32 . , ,

Jim is a loving father .

Rose Evit Elis Densing

vital one.

Thus, I realize leadership is for the stoic, not the egoist-value-drive-lionheart or the power-hungry chameleon. It is for the people who have been good followers and contain faithful hearts.

aside from being a father a school head, jim is also a committed servant of god.. , &

OUT woods of the How Are you still okay?

Three years have passed, and we are still coping. The pandemic—with a series of lockdowns and quarantines—has become a nightmare for all of us. We suffered an era of darkness, and our mentality is greatly affected by it. It impacted not only our physical and financial aspects but our mental health, too.

Until today, it still brought us new challenges and feelings of uncertainty. It can often feel overwhelming, from dealing with financial stress to balancing our studies with distressing deadlines and household chores to traumas of violence, ghosting, abuse, and maltreatment.

We became paranoid day after day, thinking of our survival and the welfare of our loved ones. Many of us have undergone long-term breakdowns, burnouts, depression, and suicidal thoughts, which is the worst to say.

Suicidal news is rampant today, and it is hurtful to accept that truth. Indeed, the pandemic has claimed many young and good souls up to date and still claiming more souls as we face the new norms due to the unawareness of our mental

Reina Satorre

health. It is distressing.

I’ll ask you again, my friend. How’s your coping?

Mental health problems are difficult to recognize. Educating yourself on the common signs of mental illness can help to determine if professional help is needed for you or your loved one. Early diagnosis is beneficial to prevent more damage to the brain, especially for those people who undergo from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

You should also know that you are not alone, my friend. People who live alone are more likely to have higher stress levels. It is okay to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to share your situation with people who fully understand you, like your trusted loved ones, friends, or professionals.

Embracing daily self-care by performing workouts, balancing your screen times, practicing mindfulness through meditation, focusing on positive thoughts, taking time to unwind,

are you, my friend?

connecting with the right circle of people, eating healthy, and regularly sleeping can also help you reduce mental health issues. It gives you ample time to internalize and love yourself more.

Also, always remember that God would not leave us behind. Connect with Him through prayer. Just pray and speak with all your heart. He hears us. Just have faith.

Caring for our mental health, indeed, is essential to our well-being. It heavily influences our overall quality of life. According to the study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps us to determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Thus, mental health is significant at every life stage, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Make it a priority.

We are still in the midst of uncertainty. But it does not mean that hope is gone. It is still there. We can still find the light. Hold on. We will overcome this together and be out of the woods.

KIRREISHA BACORDO

Kalayaang Mabuhay

I.

Sa mundong puno ng pagkakaiba, Tunay nga bang ako'y malaya Sa pananaw, kultura at kaugalian, Na nagiging ugat ng hidwaan?

II.

Kung ako nga'y tunay na malaya, Bakit selos, pagkukunwari at alita'y laganap?

'Di ba't dapat tayo'y nagkakaisa Na maisulong, kabutihang panlahat?

III.

Isang siglo, dalawang dekada, limang taon na'ng nakalipas, Ngunit kalayaan ay patuloy pa ring huwad. Sa paglaganap ng diskriminasyon at karahasan, Kalayaa'y pinagkait, maramdamang 'di tunay.

IV. Rehas sa aking kamay, humihigpit ng lubha.

Sumisikip ang kulungan, tuluyang'di na makahinga.

Tila ibon mang walang kalayaang lumipad, Nakulong sa lipunang mapanghusga.

V.

O kalayaan, matatanaw pa kaya kita Kung mundo ko'y inaalipin akong lubha?

Dalangin ko sana'y makita ka nang tuluyan, Upang karapatan kong mabuha'y malasap.

[THE]

Reina Satorre

DuskMeet me at twilight

Under the moon’s reflected light. You count my tears; I’ll echo your laughter.

We’ll live in the moment as if it’ll last forever.

Let’s camp under the stars. I’ll listen to the stories behind your scars.

I’ll play my flute.

You play the guitar

As we stare at the ocean from afar, Away from the city lights, Away from the honking cars, Just me and you under the brightly shining stars.

[THE]

BilangKo

Reina Satorre

Dalawang taon pa lamang ako nang pumanaw ang ina. Tatlo, apat Na linggo ko siyang hinahanap-hanap.

Kalayaang Mabuhay BilangKo

Buti na lang at nariyan ang lola, Ako’y kinupkop niya. Siya ang pumalit sa aking ina, Ngunit hindi nagtagal, yumao rin siya.

Lima, anim

Nagsimula ang mga araw ng lagim. Sa bahay ay puro pasa ang abot ko. Mula sa kamay nina tiya’t tiyo. Hanggang nagsilang si tiya, At ako’y pinabantay na lamang sa bata. Trabaho roon, trabaho rito, Ako ay walo lamang po!

Napabayaan na ang aking pag-aaral, Kaya pinahinto na lamang. Hindi ko talaga gusto Ngunit wala akong magawa sa pasya ng tiyo.

Pito, walo May nakilala akong binata sa kanto. Nag-uusap kami tuwing bumibili ako sa tindahan ni Mang Lito. Tapos, pinatatago niya ako ng sikreto.

Pumupunta kami sa dilim, O kung saan walang ibang tao bukod sa amin.

Ngunit sa mga panahong iyon ay wala akong mga alaala, Mauuwi na lang ako sa bahay bigla.

Sa tuwing kami ay nag-uusap ni Aling Flora, May mga sinasabi siyang ginawa ko na hindi ko maalala.

Tila ba’y nakalimutan ko ang aking mga ginawa, Sabi nila, minsay daw, ay wala ako sa sarili o balisa.

DuskAng pagsasalita ko raw ay ibangiba, Pati ang aking pananamit at porma, Ay ‘di nila makilala--Parang isang estranghera na akin lamang kamukha.

May mga panahon din na gumigising akong may tali, At walang memorya sa mga nangyari. Ako raw kasi’y nagwawala, Ayon iyan sa aking tiya.

Siyam, sampu

Ang aking musmos na sarili’y litong-lito! Ganito ba talaga ang mundo? Parang hindi naman normal ang mga ito.

Ngunit naisip ko na baka’y Mas Mabuti na lang na sa mga panahong iyo’y wala akong maalala. Siguro mayroon talagang mga karanasan Na mas mabuti pang kalimutan.

Kagaya na lamang ng mga sigaw ni tiya at tiyo, Na hanggang sa pagtulog ko’y umaalingawngaw pa rin sa’king ulo. Hindi maka-isip nang maayos, Takot na magkaroon ng maling kilos. [THE]

Mariel Sabornido

Kaya pa ba?

Okay pa ba?

Kumusta?

Tatlong tanong na akala ng iba madali lang sagutan nang basta-basta. Pero sa totoo lang masakit, mahirap

At parang durog na durog na Sa kakaisip kung kakayanin pa ba.

Mga mag-aral na pilit sinasabi na Oo okay pa, kaya pa, at kakayanin pa Basta makakuha lang ng mataas na marka. Hindi man lang kinamusta Ang kalusugan kung okay pa ba.

Gabi-gabi, tulog ay wala. Sa hapag-kainan ay nahuhuli pa, At kung minsa’y sa pagkain nalilipasan. Para lang matapos ang proyektong ginagswa, At sa tamang oras may maipasa na.

Ngunit sa kabila ng pagsisikap na ginawa May mga tao pa ring hindi marunong magpahalaga.

Mga magulang na para sa kanila’y kulang pa. Kung minsan Sila ang dahilan Kaya ganyan ang asal ng anak nila.

Kapag grado ay mababa, Bibig ng magulang ay bubuka-bukaka.

Mga salita nilang nakakapanghina.

‘Di man lang nagtanong kung bakit mababa. Dahilan kaya anak nila'y nawalan ng pag-asa.

Mga nagawang tama hindi napansin.

Nagkamali ng kaunti, kailangan pang palakihin. Mag-aaral di alam anong dapat gawin.

Loob namin nanghihina rin, Dahil kahit anong gawin ay kulang pa rin.

Gabi-gabi’y umiiyak ng palihim Luha ay patuloy na dumaloy samin. Kahit anong pahid ay lalabas parin. Ama, Ina, sana'y inyong madinig Ang pighating binigay niyo sa amin.

Ngunit, kami'y nagpapasalamat rin Dahil magulang, kami'y papa-aralin. Alam naming panahon ay darating, Kami rin ay maipagmamalaki. Tandaan, kayo ay mahal namin.

Masakit man sa damdamin, Pero kinakailangang tanggapin. Mahirap man isipin, Pero kakayanin pa rin. Kahit na sakitin, babangon pa rin.

Basta buhay mag-aaral hindi madaliin.

Tibay ng puso ay patatagin.

Kalusugan ng katawan, kakailanganin. Huwag susuko, lalaban parin. Basta kahit anong hirap ay titiisin. [THE]

Reina Satorre

Sa t’wing paggising, Mga huni sa hardin, S’yang napapansin. [THE]

Reina Satorre

Mag-Mag-AaralAaral HaikuatTanaga Her

HaikuatTanaga Her

Luntiang Kabukiran, Huni ng mga ibon sa kalangitan, Kay gandang pagmasdan, Kay gandang pakinggan. [THE]

Windelyn Ambe

She prefers the night Than the blinding rays of light She adores the blue sky But it closes her one eye

The cool breeze touches her hair As she stare at the stars lighting her lair “T’is the summer air again” She whispered in the night of serene

You would find yourself taking glances For in the waves of sound she dances The peculiar sways she created Made you get interested

Her expressions are not those of wise Don’t be tricked for she’s in disguise

Timid as the silent night she acts But nonchalantly screams the facts

Enigma fills the entire room when she walks in Don’t fre for these are how the things written You wouldn’t be able to read her You wouldn’t dare dive deeper [THE]

Project Vermi: An Effective Solution to Sustainability

Windelyn Ambe

Based on the 2022 World Data Atlas report, urbanization in the Philippines increased by 48%. It means our country produces over 21 million metric tons of garbage yearly, knowing the country has a population of over 100 million, based on the World Bank report. Solid waste, therefore, is one of the significant environmental issues in the country.

To play a significant role in minimizing the problems of solid wastes in the environment, the Youth for Environment in Schools - Organization (YES-O) of Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) has implemented vermiculture as its major project for the school year 2022 to 2023.

What is vermiculture?

Vermiculture, as vermi relates to worms, has become a trend in Philippine agriculture. It is where worms of different kinds, specifically parasitic ones, do the main job of digesting solid wastes and turning them into a rich, nutrient-dense substance that can help the plants grow healthier.

By storing waste in a bin, exclusively for the biodegradable type of waste, vermi worms reprocess food fragments and other organic material into a functional soil reform called vermicast or worm compose—its humus. Knowing these worms can pass through any biodegradable waste as they eat them, these fragments become compost, which can be a good fertilizer for plants.

In culturing vermi, only certain materials are advisable to feed them. Complex materials such as plastics are harder to break down. Paper with ink is

and phosphorus—key elements that help plants create new cells, which then organize into plant tissue. The absence of these elements will not give growth and survival to plants.

YES-O Vermicompost Pit

Through the joint forces of YES-O and SBM WinS, the vermicompost pit construction was done last March 1, 2023. It is the place for culturing vermi worms to grow plants and mainly to minimize solid waste. It was supposed to build last December but later launched just recently. Science teachers of TabNHS led the said project.

YES-O adviser Mrs. Farrida Mercader mentioned that the project’s main target is to minimize waste. By throwing the food scraps and papers into the pit, the worms inhabiting the soil will eat them. Ms. Winnie Morillo, also one of the advisers of the said project, prohibits the throwing of inked papers. They made another bin for inked papers. YES-O officers will monitor the vermicompost pit daily to check if the students follow the instructions attentively and the success of

Hence, Project Vermi is one of the effective solutions for minimizing solid waste in TabNHS. It is one of the expected projects that will continue alongside the dream projects of the school, as it not only gives

VERMI. Vermi is also known as earthworms. These creatures are responsible inbreaking down the solid wastes and turn them into a rich, nutrient-dense substance, which can help the plants grow healthier.

country, with the highest cases in the Eastern Visayas Region, affecting mostly male infants and children aged up to 17 years old. Six of those infected came from the province of Biliran.

Other posted HFMD cases with the highest numbers were from the provinces of Leyte with 51, Southern Leyte with 45, Northern Samar with 11, Eastern Samar with 2, and Samar province with 1.

Now sure is very different. HFMD is not a simple blister or rash you can easily ignore.

To those who don’t know HFMD yet, it is a highly contagious viral infection that can infect mostly infants and children. It can be highly transmissible through direct or physical contact, such as sneezing, coughing, spitting, or nose and throat discharges.

ill it be another round of health

Filipinos were busy enjoying their holidays, celebrating good times, and savoring heart-melting laughs from their relatives as if they have been separated for five long centuries. Just as when they thought they would embrace 2023 with lightweight shoulders, thinking they passed those almost three years of hell of experience from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, everyone was startled by the sudden appearance of Head, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). As of February 25, 2023, the Philippines recorded a total of 116 HFMD cases in the

Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said parents should be attentive to their children and make sure that they regularly wash their hands as a preventive measure since there are still no medical treatments or vaccines against HFMD. But more severe symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis could also manifest, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

None of us is not fully prepared nor seen this coming. Filipino parents, especially mothers, do their best to keep their children safe. We should also take care of ourselves to prevent HFMD from spreading rapidly.

We have been deprived of everything. Actions are limited. Kids are not kids anymore. All have rules and regulations to follow. That is like we opened the door to miseries, walked through it, but lost the key to the other door on the way. It is, indeed, another crisis.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE.

Gov. Espina grants

4 new LED TV sets to Tabunan NHS - SHS

TECHNOLOGY

Michelle Sabornido

Aiming to help the HUMMS and TVL students embark on the modern type of learning, the Senior High School (SHS) of Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) has been granted four LED television sets by Governor Gerard Roger Espina, dated August 22, 2022.

Four class-rooms in the SHS building will be paramount to four fixed Sharp Aquos 32-inch LED TV sets, amounting to less than 14k each.

The new learning equipment was upon the partnership proposal of TabNHS, led by school head Jesus Mangco, to the Biliran Provincial Government.

Mr. Mangco submitted the papers to the provincial office last June 20, 2022.

Former Governor, Doc. Rogelio Espina, approved the partnership proposal. Due to the election results, he turned it over to the newly elected Governor Gerard, who gave the finishing touches for its realization.

Despite the inclement weather and class suspension, the granting of the TV sets

The Perks of Quake Prep

Windelyn Ambe

On the recent scale, the earth has become more fragile as a series of earthquakes are felt across the globe these days. The latest 7.8 magnitude quake that devastated Syria and Türkiye to the 6.1 magnitude that jolted Cagayan Islands, no one is safe right now.

Amid these reports, Tabunan National Highschool (TabNHS) has been able to conduct earthquake drills regularly. It aims to ensure everyone’s safety through the collaborative efforts of the School Disaster Risk-Reduction Management (SDRRM) coordinators and cocoordinators.

Regularly, TabNHS perform the earthquake drill every quarter of the year. This repetitive practice promotes readiness and safety for everyone in the school if an earthquake strikes. It also raises awareness of the needed things to do before, during, and after the earthquake, which prepares everyone for the actual one.

Performing the drop, cover, and hold mechanism helps avoid fatal injuries as much as possible. Calming oneself under pressure also keeps the mind focused and minimizes panic levels. These two are some things that are pointed out further in ensuring safety when an earthquake occurs.

Teaching protective measures, research says, would be more effective if those actions were regularly practiced, especially during emergencies and natural calamities.

One of its examples is the implementation of earthquake education programs, primarily in school, which increase the realization of how the children may perceive the situation during a sudden vibration of the ground and save their lives. It also reduces the feeling of fear.

Evidence suggests that catastrophe drills are successful at raising perceptions of response knowledge, even though research on drill and education programs for nonschool populations is limited.

Drills are being performed under the watch of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Manager Council (NDRRMC).

In TabNHS, the SDRRM chairman, Mr. Carlos Sandatan, with his co-teachers, manages the faculty and students to perform the earthquake drill correctly. They correct every student’s behavior concerning the proper practice of doing it.

Months have passed since the school conducted an earthquake drill. Though we felt a weak earthquake recently a month ago, still being complacent should not be an option.

The earthquake drill will still be conducted regularly, per the guidelines of NDRRMC, and to establish mechanisms to safeguard both lives and properties of every individual.

for the SHS had pushed through on the first day of the official opening of classes for S.Y. 2022-2023, led by Gov. Gerard.

“Mayor Jaguros declared a work and class suspension on August 22, 2022 due to torrential rains and inclement weather. But, the procurement and turnover of the four smart televisions for SHS pushed through that day. And the rest was history,” Mr. Mangco told the press in an online interview.

Through a video greeting, Mr. Mangco, with SHS Faculty and students, have imparted their in-depth gratitude to Dr. Espina and Gov. Gerard and all governing officials of Almeria and Tabunan for the newly granted television sets.

PREPPING FOR THE BIG ONE.

Students of Tabunan NHS actively participates in the quarterly simultaneous earthquake drill, getting ready for the upcoming earthquake strikes.

RONNA JEAN SAMBITAN

MICAH GAYRAMA

‘SALAMAT PO, GOB.’ Governor Gerard Roger Espina led the takeover of the four new television sets to the school head of Tabunan NHS, Mr. Jesus Mangco, last August 22, 2022.

JESUS ISAAC MANGCO

sports

PROVINCIAL MEET ‘23

3 Dolphins cop several medals in individual swimming events

Three swimming delegates of Tabunan National High School (TabNHS) splashed their way to victory as they clutched several podia wins in the individual swimming events of Biliran Provincial Athletic Meet 2023.

Jiesel Sevilla plunged her way to claim bronze in the girls’ 400m freestyle.

In swimming boys, John Cyrelle Macabulos bagged the gold in the 50m and 100m freestyle and silver in the 50m butterfly. Meanwhile, Cyrelle Fuentes dived a silver finish in the 50m breaststroke.

Oswald John Caro and Rowenda Arnejo coached the boys and girls of the TabNHS swimming team under the district’s team, Almeria Stallions.

The swimming events took place at Biliran Sports Complex, Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran on February 8, 9, and 10.

Catigbe wins bronze in chess, bids farewell to qualify in EVRAA

entering the top 3, she still earned a bronze medal. Catigbe lost the first round to Naval District 1 but recovered and won in the four proceeding matches. Medyo disappointed (A bit disappointed),” shared Catigbe in a press interview.

Catigbe was a two-time EVRAA qualifier during her elementary days and a silver medalist in her grade 7 days.

“Pero malipayon ko kay I made my coach and parents proud man sab (But I am still happy though, knowing I made my coach and parents proud of me),” she added.

Mr. Hernan Cogonon coached Catigbe under Almeria Stallions, the Almeria District’s official team.

CHESS WIZARDS. (FROM RIGHT TO LEFT) Chess Wizards of Tabunan NHS Jane Ashley Macabulos, Sheer Mei Catigbe and Jiesou Jhun Martinez with their coach, Hernan Cogonon during the chess tournament of 2023 Provincial Meet.

TabNHS’ PRIDE. (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) Cyrelle Fuentes together with John Cyrelle Macabulos and their coach under the Boys’ Swimming Team of Almeria Stallion, Mr. Oswald Caro. (BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT) Jiesel Sevilla with her coach under the Girl’s Swimming Team of Almeria Stallion, Mrs. Rowenda Arejo, during the awarding ceremony of 2023 Provincial Meet.

Zsarylle Cajes

Mariel Sabornido

‘WE

ARE MORE THAN READY.’ Almeria Stallion’s swimming team strikes a winning vibe pose with their coaches during the 2023 BIliran Provincial Athletic Meet held at BIliran Sports Complex.

OSWALD CARO

OSWALD CARO