The Rebonded Grades

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THE EARTH TO BE COOKED?

they’ve managed to do one Eco-friendly act and are satisfied with themselves, they go back to destroying their planet, and the whole process repeats itself. There are but a few who truly dedicate their lives to saving the Earth. It’s amazing how those who do try to save the Earth make little to no difference, but it’s even more amazing how much damage people can do without even trying. The end truly is near, and it will be a grand one at that.

Illustration by: Roy Angelo D. Velmonte

THERE’S MORE TO CYBER BULLYING

Place the Earth in the oven and set the timer to the 21st Century, by that time the Earth should be cooked all-over and ready to eat, the bacteria that once lived on it would be dead. All those people desperately trying to save their world but you already know what’s going to happen. The Earth will heat up, gradually but surely, and by the 21st the Earth would be nice and crispy, and cleansed from those that once called it home. It’s even funny to watch those people, complain and complain, having Earth Days and “Save the Earth” events and yet every other day they just contribute more and more to their own damnation. A s internet technology develops, more and more people are exposed to social media, but this also increases the risks for users and the cases of cyber-bullying, with cases ranging from petty name-calling, to extreme cases such as forced child-pornography. Cyber bullying goes beyond the irresponsible use of media and online platforms. Cyber bullying often involves the disclosure of personal information, exploitation of children, sometimes for sexual purposes, and loss of lives. This side of cyber-bullying is often ignored by most of the population as they are limited to the image that cyber bullying is just online bullying. Cyber bullying is a problem that affects billions, and as such should not be taken lightly. The problem with cyber-bullying is that although everyone knows about it, most still do it unintentionally. Without the Intention of doing it, people offend others, especially with today’s easily offended generation. Those who do prevent it limit it to teasing, when in reality cyber-bullying is a lot more serious. Protective agencies and schools Humans are very interesting creatures. They are as stupid as they are amusing. The beginning of industrialization marked the start of the Earth’s story, and now it’s coming to an end. They take materials from the Earth to build machines to save it. They chop down trees to make paper, only to waste it and make “Save the trees” banners to start rallies. They indulge in such luxuries, using air conditioners that cool their houses but warm the Earth. Humans truly do care for their home. For years, people have followed a very simple pattern. They destroy, pollute and destroy, then they realize what they’ve done and do mediocre efforts to make amends, or some just blame and complain. Then when teach children how to prevent online teasing, but they don’t teach how to respond to severe forms of cyberbullying. Children who aren’t guided properly often disclose personal information that could be taken advantage of. S c h o o l s and protective organizations should not limit the cyber bullying to simple teasing, because this is not always the case. They should also offer additional information and guidance about the more serious cases. They should teach the children how to deal with abusive adults. Children should be taught how to deal with BY: MARLON GIOVANNI O. ARREZA every instance of cyberbullying, whether it be minor or major, so when the time comes they’ll know what to do and how to protect themselves. There are many problems involving c y b e r - b u l l y i n g , wrongly informing the people about is a problem as well. Every child can prevent teasing on their own, but what if someone asked your child for obscene pictures, are you sure they already know what to do?

THE SCIENCE OF UNAWARENESS AND IGNORANCE

- MARLON GIOVANNI O. ARREZA

Every year, Science takes one step further into the domain of the unknown. Every year comes new names, inventions, concepts and ideas that help change the world one innovation at a time. In the Philippines, the National Science and Technology Week occurs yearly to commemorate the contributions of those brave few who dared to strive for change. However, all efforts come to naught as it seems only a few care about the event. Most students upon hearing news of the NSTW think of it as a week-long break, but only few truly appreciate the event, its purpose, and importance.

This week of appreciation and learning has been degraded to nothing more than “just another week-long event”. The public’s lack of knowledge will affect the Filipinos’ livelihoods and how our leaders make their decisions. The country’s problems can only be solved together, and not just by relying on selected individuals. The problem is that every-day citizens can’t contribute anything significant to fix the problem for they lack knowledge to help in the first place. This is brought upon by their lack of interest to learn. Most people just whine and complain and expect others to solve their problems for them. The fact that the general population, including the young and the old, show little interest concerning the NSTW shows that this issue is not just with the young. This mentality is passed on to future generations.

The problem cannot be blamed on the DOST for they have expressed more than enough effort to raise awareness. The people can’t be blamed, for they won’t care without reason or incentive. The problem lies not with lack of awareness but of the wrong type. People generally perceive science events as events only for smart people and geniuses. Instead of teaching overcomplicated science, the DOST are challenged to encourage the people by showing them how the inventions can help them in their everyday lives. Only with proper reason shall the people take interest and extend effort to join the event. Arming the people with knowledge and the will to learn is the first step in defeating stupidity and ignorance in the country, along with the problems they bring.#

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