The Thirteenth Scholars Volume 5 Issue 1, August-November 2021

#DEFENDTHECAMPUSPRESS

the thirteenth scholars PURSUING ONLY THE UNTARNISHED, UNPREJUDICED, AND UNSWAYED TRUTH

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL-CARAGA REGION CAMPUS BRGY. AMPAYON-TINIWISAN, BUTUAN

NEWS

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 AUGUST-NOVEMBER 2021 FIRST QUARTER

NEOLIBERAL EDUCATION

Perdurable differences and incompetent higher-ups as students’ liability amid a pandemic CHARACTERIZATION PHILIPPINE NEOLIBERAL EDUCATION COLONIAL The country’s eudcation system is patterned to meet the demands of the trans-national, and global industrial markets.

ANTI-DEMOCRATIC Institutions have put in place repressive policies to silence the voice of its respective student bodies

COMMERCIALIZED Quality education has a price, and the (free) public education system in the country, is far from quality.

PAUL NELSON GONZAGA

In this world, differences sadly matter. Despite passed laws and other factors contributing to the advocacy of ‘equal opportunities for everyone’, differences can create boundaries and kill dreams, with those involved having insufficient power to revoke such unfairness. Similar to the recent student admission system of premier schools in the country, that was solely based on applicants’ grades in past year levels, depriving hundreds of potential students.

Such systems were created in consideration of the constant strain caused by the active COVID-19 pandemic, leaving no choice but to abide in merit-based admissions. Or did it really?

In the past 15 months, under different adjustments in the education sector, higher authorities released positive remarks about the flow of their programs; which hid the rotten truth that had already created damage scaling from the students’ mental health to their future lives. Moreover, despite hearing such issues, no significant solutions were made, emphasizing the government’s incompetence for the country’s education.

Of all the problems, the mode of learning, blended learning or modular and online classes, was the most problematic. Tracing back this year’s budget for the education sector, no support was given to create additional classrooms, together with facilities and equipment. This low precedence for the sector created a domino effect, such as the unbalance cuts between the P83.5M subsidy for medical students in SUCs and the zero budget cut for financial assistance of private school students, resulting to less and less private schools, with many unenrolled students and unemployed teachers in the blended learning setup.

OPINION

P5

“

The pandemic has exposed our colonial, commercialized, and antidemocratic educational system. Thus, there is a need to struggle for a system that is Nationalist, Scientific, and massoriented In addition, no budget was specialized for the resumption of face-to-face classes, including the admission processes for renowned schools in the country. Such posteriority resulted to the newest admission system for one of the top universities in the country, University of the Philippines (UP), as an example. Its system moderately relied on the applicants’ previous final grades, affecting schools that have rigorous programs, such as the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS), which held high passing rates in the past entrance exam admission style of the said university.

With all of the scenarios stated above, how can the country’s students persist as non-priorities in the next school year? Is it the poor students’ fault that they cannot continue? Or is it the result of the hardships implicated by an already rotten system?

FEATURES P6

Death Warrant

Remaining Vigilant

In the Philippines, a communist label could be your death sentence.

The 60-year conflict between the state and the Communist Party of the Philippines’s armedguerilla, the New People’s Army (CPPNPA), has been the longest ongoing communist insurgency in the world. Many presidents have promised, in one way or another, the demise of the ‘most dangerous opponent to the status quo’.

For the administration of current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, it has been bloody.

“You can make money with your mobile phone. Earn 4000-9000 pesos a day. Monthly income of 50,000 pesos! Add greetings from wa.me/639150753166”.

A wolf in sheep’s clothing; this type of message from random phone numbers and “Kyle01839283682” users bring empty promises of benefits such as premium subscriptions or easy money-earning jobs.

SCIENCE P11

A step closer towards freedom When was the last time we had a normal life? Thinking about what happened back then, I remember that it has been over two years since all of this started. Back then, the busy streets were always filled with dozens or hundreds of cars and people. Students would also dash out of their classrooms after an exhausting day filled with activities.

2 | NEWS

NEWS

SYSTEM

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

NEWS

CAMPUS

PSHS-CRC marks end of SC poll for AY 2021-2022, airs list of winners

BATCH 2022 81% (71/88) BATCH 2023 84% (75/89) BATCH 2024 70% (63/90) BATCH 2025 91% (82/90) BATCH 2026 73% (66/90) BATCH 2027 70% (63/90)

78% 420/537

LETS PARTY

4 SEATS 3/9 EXECUTIVE POSITIONS 1/6 BATCH REPRESENTATIVES

15

Pisay to launch NCE-RACE anew for SY 2022-2023

POSITIONS

MOVE PARTY

6/9 EXECUTIVE POSITIONS 5/6 BATCH REPRESENTATIVES

| PAUL NELSON GONZAGA

Due to the persisting restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) will hold the second PSHS — Requirement for Admission, Criteria, and Evaluation (PSHSRACE) for the selection of its upcoming Grade 7 students in the academic year 2022– 2023.

Similar to last year’s RACE, the selection system has two stages: 1) evaluation of the applicant’s potential NCE grade based on their final grades in Grade 5 Mathematics and Science; and 2) a writing activity in essay form and a selection based on their final Grade 5 standings.

Moreover, the top 240 applicants will be qualified for the Main Campus in Diliman, Quezon City, while the top 90 or 120 — which differs for each regional campus — will be accepted to their respective regional campus of choice.

In last year’s take, over 3000 students qualified for the second stage of admissions, with 1706 applicants successfully accepted as freshmen for the current academic year 2021–2022.

The general requirements for applicants include that they must have a final grade of 85 percent or better in Science and Mathematics to be eligible for the RACE, and if their grade is below 85 percent, they must send evidence that they belong to the upper 10 percent of their elementary batch.

The applicant must also be a Filipino citizen without any pending or approved application as an immigrant to a foreign country, as well as data showing that he/she has not taken the admission test before.

Moreover, the RACE online application forms and submissions are available at nce. pshs.edu.ph. For walk-in applicants, they must bring fundamental documents and other related resources and applications.

Submissions are available in the nearest PSHS campuses, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional offices, or Provincial Science and Technology Offices.

All submissions must be passed on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 for private and public schools, respectively.

CID discloses A.Y. 2021–2022 coverage

| ELAN VICTORIA TOMANENG GRAPHICS | NATHAN REUBEN OSABEL, ELMER JON MUPAS

After a rigorous week worth of campaign periods, conduct of the Miting de Avance, and the election proper, the Philippine Science High School- Caraga Region Campus (PSHS-CRC) Commission of Elections (COMELEC) posted the winners for this school year’s election via Facebook, on October 18.

A total of three parties; namely Make One Voice Echo (MOVE) party, Leading through Empowerment and Trailblazing Service (LETS) party, Samahan ng mga Aktibong Lider at mga Indibidwal na may Gilas (SALIG) party, and one independent candidate who ran for the position of internal vice-president, all vied for a position in the SC. Out of the nine executive positions, MOVE party garnered 66.66%, including the three main positions of President and both Vice-Presidents of Internal and Eternal Affairs, meanwhile LETS party attained three of the remaining executive positions, and both SALIG party and the independent candidate gathered none.

For the batch representatives, 66.67% of the winners were re-elected from the previous

PSHS-CRC head hints improvement on campus’ research pub | ELAN VICTORIA TOMANENG

A.Y 2021–2022 Tentative Calendar 2nd version, Malacañan Proclamation №1107 (s. 2021) — Amending Proclamation №986 (s. 2020), Republic Act №7797, and Republic Act №11480.

officers for school year 2021–2022.

All official candidates and their respective candidacy essays were posted on September 27 through the PSHS-CRC COMELEC Facebook page; consequently, the candidates published their platforms and party pubmats during the campaign week, which lasted from October 4 to October 9, 2021.

To conclude the election period in PSHSCRC, the COMELEC hosted an online Miting de Avance through Zoom, and invited scholars from all batches as they witnessed each candidate introduce themselves and answer a question made by the student body.

During the election proper on October 15, only 78% of the total student population voted, majority of which came from Batch 2025 with 81 votes, comprising 18.29% and covering nearly 1/5 of the overall vote count; followed by Batch 2023 making up about 17.86%; then by Batch 2022 consisting 16.9% of the total number of votes; followed by Batch 2026 with 15.71%; and finally Batches 2027 and 2024 with a tie of 63 votes per batch, each comprising 15% of the final vote count.

Among all batches, Batches 2025, 2023, and 2022 marked highest for the percentage of students that voted in each batch, with 91%, 84%, and 81% respectively; on the other hand, Batches 2026, 2025, and 2024 had the lowest percentages

Philippine Science High School-Caraga Region Campus (PSHS-CRC) Campus Director Engr. Ramil A. Sanchez, on Friday, announced the system’s plans regarding the publication of students’ research outputs.

During the near-end of the 1st Teacher-Student Conference on Research and Data Analysis, Engr.

Sanchez shared updates on the school’s campus research publication.

“The system is planning to strengthen our publication of student researches,” Engr. Sanchez said.

Furthermore, he added that the publication would be a suitable venue for students to publish their research and share it with the public.

Engr. Sanchez also shared information about Health Research Development Information Network Plus (HERDIN Plus), an online health

research information management platform developed by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

“The HERDIN is an updated database that our scholars, our students, and our teachers can browse,” he stated.

Eight speakers attended the conference; three of them were representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Health (DOH).

Other participants included the faculty and staff of PSHS-CRC and schools from the different provinces in the Caraga region.

The conference ended after Dr. Mary Ann M. Ganzon, the Curriculum and Instruction Division (CID) chief, delivered her closing remarks.

SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS

110 6/14

NUMBER OF DAYS FOR AY ‘21-’22 GRADUATION DATE OF BATCH 2022

VIEW THE FULL PICTURE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE

| PAUL NELSON GONZAGA

The Philippine Science High School — CARAGA Region Campus (PSHS-CRC), through the Curriculum and Instruction Division (CID), released the official school calendar for academic year 2021–2022 on Friday, September 3.

The academic year was divided into two semesters: first semester and second semester.

Each semester comprises two quarters: first and second quarter for the former and third and fourth quarter for the latter.

Excluding regular and special non-working holidays, there are a total of 184 school days for academic year 2021–2022.

The said calendar is in accordance to PSHSS

school year; with 83.33% or 5/6 of the elected officers from MOVE party and only one batch representative from LETS party.

The victors of the executive positions for this year’s election include Susanne Hierl from MOVE party as president, Nico Creencia from MOVE party as vice president for internal affairs, Zelan Espanto from MOVE party as vice president for external affairs, Shaina Delia Tomaneng from LETS party as secretary, Ysabella Geolingo from MOVE party as treasurer, Cecilia Jamero from MOVE party as auditor, Cheyenne Atupan from MOVE party as Public Information Officer (PIO), Justin Docdoc from LETS party as business manager, and Elan Victoria Tomaneng from LETS party as property custodian.

On the other hand, the next leaders for each batch comprise of Rauline Kayle Sabandal from MOVE party as Grade 12 representative, Judd Bañas from LETS party as Grade 11 representative, Julia Manatad from MOVE party as Grade 10 representative, Franceska Gamutan from MOVE party as grade 9 representative, Pembe Maliao from MOVE party as Grade 8 representative, and Red Abarca from MOVE party as Grade 7 representative.

Along with the oath-taking ceremony for the PSHS-CRC Model United Nations (MUN) Organization officers, PSHS-CRC will formally proclaim the newly elected Student Council (SC)

NEWS

NCE-RACE

Mga guro ng Pisay Caraga nakibahagi sa RACE Caravan 2021 | MARIANE SABAS

PSHS-CRC Campus Calendar

A summary of all important dates to remember for Academic Year 2021-2022.

Nagkaisa ang Philippine Science High SchoolCaraga Region Campus (PSHS-CRC) sa paglahok sa Requirement for Admission, Criteria and Evaluation (RACE) Caravan 2021 sa mga isla ng Socorro, Siargao, at iba pang bahagi sa Caraga upang makapanghikayat ng mga iskolar nito sa paparating na academic year 2022–2023.

“

Naay mga offline learners who were not able to cast their vote, however we’re glad that voter turnout reached 78% of the student population ADIEL JASIEL TRILLO PSHS-CRC COMELEC MEMBER for the number of scholars who voted per batch, namely 73% from ’26 and a tie of 70% from ’24 and ’27.

According to the COMELEC, they faced some difficulties in terms of getting the scholars to cooperate with the new system of elections, and some were hard to contact since there were offline students who were unable to vote in the election due to lack of resources.

“Another one of the challenges was keeping the peace among the candidates. There was also a delay of the election date due to an issue,” a COMELEC member added.

PHOTO | MARIAN

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

In hopes of ‘in-person’ classes in 2022, The Thirteenth Scholars research takes a look at the vaccination demographics of the student body *DATA AS OF NOVEMBER 30

84.1%

3

VACCINATION RATE OF 228 RESPONDENTS

159

36

bit.ly/scho_trese

537

PLANNING TO GET VACCINATED

30 228

VISUALIZATION | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS DATA | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS RESEARCH

TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION

RELATED STORY

NEWS

CAMPUS

stated that their child was fully vaccinated.

Out of the total PSHS-CRC population, it is required that the school should have a minimum of 85% immunization rate of the campus personnel and participating Grade 12 scholars.

After the initial briefing, CID chief Dr. Mary Ann Ganzon introduced the guidelines for faceto-face classes that were being stated under the Board of Trustees (BOT) Resolution No. 2021–11– 131.

PSHS-CRC sets plans for ‘on-site’ classes

“

Students would have more interaction with their fellow peers, onsite classes would provide a better learning experience due to laboratory access and better guidance from the teachers, and academic performance would be improved RAMIL SANCHEZ CAMPUS DIRECTOR, PSHS-CRC

| ELAN VICTORIA TOMANENG

In order to maximize the preparations for face-to-face learning and alleviate studentrelated concerns in the current setup, Philippine Science High School- Caraga Region Campus (PSHS-CRC) conducted a consultation on the conduct of in-person classes with the parents and guardians from Batch 2022 via Zoom, last Wednesday.

Spearheaded by Campus Director Ramil A. Sanchez, the meeting commenced with

N MAE MONTERO

Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several scholars continue to conduct laboratory activities, in response to the campus-wide call to strengthen student research.

a discussion on the background of the said proposal.

In a survey disseminated to the Grade 12 parents and guardians, 63.1% gave their consent to have their child attend onsite classes, while 36.9% answered no.

Moreover, the students will be given the choice to opt for face-to-face classes or stick with the current mode of learning.

According to Director Sanchez, there were four main reasons as to why face-to-face classes would benefit the scholars; students were depressed, drained and did not focus solely on learning, students would have more interaction with

PSHS-CRC celebrates virtual United Nations’ Day | ERNEST JAKE BLANCA

their fellow peers, onsite classes would provide a better learning experience due to laboratory access and better guidance from the teachers, and improvement in academic performance, especially in student achievement.

On the other hand, the downsides of onsite classes were the low vaccination rate in the community, financial strains for the families, travel issues, and a drastic shift in the mode of learning since scholars have become used to online classes.

Director Sanchez stressed the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for a safe resumption of classes since only 57.1% of the parents’ responses

The guidelines were grouped into nine categories; curriculum implementation, health and safety, occupancy management, crowd management, communication and coordination, scenario plans, surveillance and referral, logistics and procurement, and lastly, monitoring and evaluation.

For regional scholars, special regulations will take place in the dormitories; only two students will be allotted for one room, and dormers won’t be allowed to go home during weekends to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.

All of the guidelines will be further approved and collaborated with the Local Government Unit (LGU), Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT), Local Health Office, Primary Care Facilities, COVID-19 Hospital Referral Command Center, and others.

In order to encourage the scholars to aid in global recovery and development, Philippine Science High School — Caraga Region Campus (PSHS-CRC) held an online United Nations’ Day Celebration via Zoom and Google meet from October 20 and 27.

The program began on October 20, 8:00 am with a roll call of all the participants, then commenced 4 out of 5 events which were held on Google Meet from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm; while the other competitions continued throughout the week.

On October 27, a culmination program through Zoom was held from 8:00 am until 11:45 am with opening remarks from the campus director, Engr. Ramil A. Sanchez, to commemorate the winners and showcase their hard work and effort in the events.

Each student had different events to be involved in such as the Minecraft Creative Building Competition, Poster Making (traditional and digital categories), Promotional Video Making Competition, National Costume Competition (Male and Female) with most reacted photo, and Quiz bee; the Quiz Bee divided grade levels into three groups, namely Foundation Years Program (Grade 7 and 8), Advancement Years Program (Grade 9 and 10), and Specialization Years Program (11 and 12).

Furthermore, the champions for each event were: Matt Vincent Torcende (Fundamental Years Program), Jose Manuel Romero (Advancement Years Program), and Zoelijah O. Pat Ayan ( Specialization Years Program) for Quiz Bee, Eunice Andrea Pedrosa for Poster Making (traditional), Ysabella Juliet Geolingo for Poster

Nangampanya ang mga guro ng Pisay sa iba’t-ibang sulok ng probinsya nitong Okt. 19–22 upang masiguro na ang mga residente ay mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman patungkol sa wastong kalidad na edukasyon at benepisyo na maiaalok ng paaralan sa mga mag-aaral nito.

“

The goal of the RACE this year is to have scholars from different provinces and municipalities. Thus, Pisay reached out Siargao/ Soccorro to be a game changer by its future scholars PHOTO | KEN WOOD SEGUNDINO

NERRY NUNEZ SPECIAL SCIENCE TEACHER, PSHS-CRC

SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ MORE STORIES

UNWILLING TO GET VACCINATED

FIRST DOSAGE

Upang makamit ang kanilang layuning magbalik sa harapang klase sa Enero 2022, hinimok ng Philippine Science High SchoolCaraga Region Campus (PSHS-CRC) ang mga Grade 12 na iskolar at ang mga magulang nito na gawing prayoridad ang pagbabakuna bilang paghahanda sa planong pagdeklara ng “Pilot

sigurado na magkakaroon ng face-to-face sa susunod na taon.

“It’s not yet decided that the in-person classes will resume by next school year. But, what we’ve been preparing now is the pilot implementation, so that we would be able to learn from this pilot, on how the school particularly its campuses will implement when the government will make mandatory the in-person classes for all grade levels,” tugon ni Direktor Ramil.

Bago pumunta at magpabakuna sa mga itinalagang hospital ng lungsod: MJ Santos siguraduhing may dalang School I.D, Birth Certificate, at karagdagang dokumentong may pahintulot sa Pediatrician kung may comorbidities ang babakunahan.

FULLY VACCINATED

| KHEA CASSANDRA AMANTE

face-to-face classes” sa susunod na taon.

Base sa pahayag ni PSHS-CRC Director, Ramil Sanchez, ang implementasyong ito ay inerekomenda ng Board of Trustees upang maging gabay sa susunod na “in-person classes” ng kampus kapag aprobado na ng gobyerno.

Kamakailan lamang, nagkaroon ng isang survey mula sa klinika ng paaralan tungkol sa pagbabakuna ng mga grade 12 na iskolar para sa paparating na “pilot implementation”.

Kung matutuloy man ang harapang klase ng mga Grade 12 ngayong Enero 2022, maraming pagbabago at polisiya ang dapat nilang sundin sa loob ng silid-aralan.

“They will be broken into 15 students each class, meaning for one section, there will be two occupied rooms and the teachers will have to go to the rooms alternately; but we will be using technology like a television in each of the classrooms,” sabi ni Direktor Ramil.

Para naman sa mga Grade 7- Grade 11 na mga mag-aaral, lubos na inaanyayahan pa rin ng campus na magpabakuna kahit wala pang

VISIT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES FACEBOOK @scho_trese INSTAGRAM @scho_trese TWITTER @scho_trese

CRC Students’ Vaccination Pulse

RESPONDENTS

Kampanya para sa bakuna, pinaiigting ng PSHS-CRC

3 | NEWS

“The goal of the RACE this year is to have scholars from different provinces and municipalities. Thus, Pisay reached out Siargao/ Soccorro to be a Game- Changer by its future scholars [Ang layunin ng RACE ngayong taon ay magkaroon ng mga iskolar mula sa iba’t-ibang probinsya at munisipalidad. Sa gayon, nagawa ng Pisay na umabot sa Siargao/Soccoro upang maging Game-Changer sa darating na mga iskolar nito],” mariing pahayag ni G. Nerry C. Nunez, Special Science Teacher- Agriculture.

“When we conducted the campaign in those places, most of the recipients heard Pisay for the first time. After we discussed the benefits and what Pisay can offer to its program, the teachers and students were very excited to avail the scholarship. Hopefully, we can produce scholars on those islands [Sa aming pangangampanya, iginiit ng mga tao roon na wala pa silang alam tungkol sa Pisay. Nung tinalakay namin ang mga benepisyo na ibinibigay ng programa nito, ay mas lalong naenganyo ang mga guro at estudyante na makilahok sa scholarship. Sana ay makakakuha kami ng mga iskolar mula sa mga isla na iyon],” dagdag na tugon ni G. Nunez.

Dahil sa paghihigpit na dulot ng COVID-19, sa pamamagitan pa rin ng NCE-RACE kukuha

CONTACT US the13thscholars@gmail.com

Butuan City, kasalukuyang isinailalim sa Alert Level 2 | MARIANE SABAS

Kasalukuyang pinaiiral sa siyudad ng Butuan ang Alert Level 2 System for COVID-19 Response, alinsunod sa huling bahagi ng implementasyon ng Alert Level System ng Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) mula Nobyembre 22 hanggang Nobyembre 30.

Base sa Executive Order (EO) No. 55 na inaprubahan ni City Mayor, Engr. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, may mga karagdagang patnubay para sa pagpapatupad ng Alert Level 2 sa lungsod.

Higit sa lahat, pinapayagan na ng Local Government Unit (LGU) ng Butuan ang mga kabataang may edad 18 pababa na pumasok sa mga pampublikong establisemento, basta’t may kasamang magulang o guardian.

Binuksan na rin ang mga Kid Amusement Industries na ikinatuwa ng ilang mamamayan ng lungsod, sapagkat nalalapit na rin ang kapaskuhan.

Itinakda ang 12:00 oras ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng umaga bilang curfew hours at mariin ding ipinagbabawal ang paginom sa mga pampublikong lugar, ngunit pinahihintulutan naman kapag nasa loob ng bahay lamang.

Boluntaryo na rin ang pagsuot ng face shield sa mga pampublikong lugar; ngunit kapag nasa medical o quarantine facilities ay kinakailangang suotin.

Gayunpaman, kahit na kasalukuyang ibinababa ang mga paghihigpit sa lugar, pinaaalahanan pa rin ng LGU ang mga mamamayan na ipagpatuloy ang pagsuot ng face mask, pag-obserba ng social-distancing, paghugas ng kamay, at higit sa lahat, pagpapabakuna laban sa COVID-19.

Kabilang ang Butuan City sa 18 pang mga siyudad na isinailalim din sa Alert Level 2; habang limang lalawigan naman sa Alert Level 3.

Ang sistemang ito ay kapalit ng dating quarantine classification na binubuo ng enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified ECQ (MECQ), general community quarantine (GCQ), at modified GCQ (MGCQ).

Making (digital), Ethiopia by Batch 2022 for Promotional Video Making, Francesca Gamutan for National Costume female category and Virshem Rae Nery for the male category, and for most reacted photo we have Virshem Rae Nery for male category and Amily Marielle Reyes for female category.

The top three participants for Quiz Bee, Promotional Video and Poster making received 700, 500, and 300 pesos; while the winners for the major events like Minecraft Creative Building received 1,750, 1,050, and 700 pesos; and finally, the National Costume (Male and Female) winners received 1,500, 1,000, and 750 pesos with a special award of 500 pesos.

“

After we discussed the benefits and what Pisay can offer to its program, the teachers and students were very excited to avail of the scholarship ng mag-aaral ang Pisay sa paparating na bagong pasukan.

Katulad ng nakalipas na NCE-RACE, base pa rin sa aktibidad sa sanaysay at huling marka ng mga mag-aaral sa matematika at agham ang batayan ng pagpapili sa opisyal na iskolar ng kampus.

Ayon sa pinakabagong anunsyo ng PSHSCRC, sa ika-29 ng Oktubre ang pinakahuling araw ng aplikasyon mula sa mga pribado at pampublikong paaralan ng rehiyon.

Access the photos of the Race Caravan in Siargao headed by CRC teachers through scanning the QR Code above.

4 | OUTLOOK

OUTLOOK

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

WORDS UNDER FIRE | ZELAN EROZ ESPANTO, PRINCESS SOFIA CABARDO FOR THE THIRTHEENTH SCHOLARS

“

Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings.

HEINRICH HEINE GERMAN WRITER, POET, LITERARY CRITIC

TIMELINE PH BOOK PURGING SEPTEMBER 2021 Three educational institutions in Luzon removed books and other reading materials identified as “anti-government” by the military.

SEPTEMBER 28 2021 The chancellor of UP Visayas said “not a single Marxist book, or any similar or so-called subversive material, will be removed from UPV’s library collection.

OCTOBER 21, 2021 The Cordillera Administrative Regional Office of CHED, passed memorandum 113, series of 2021, ordering higher education institutions to ban subversive materials from their libraries and online information services.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 The system-wide library council of the University of the Philippines slammed the ‘purging’ of ‘subversive’ books in schools, and urged other universities to protect libraries from any form of censorship and resist any actions that will compromise academic freedom.

ILLUSTRATION | KEJA MAR KUEHLMANN

On

October 21, through the Regional Memorandum 113, series of 2021 released by the Commission on Higher Education — Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Director Demetrio Anduyan Jr. called on higher education institutions to remove “subversive” material, especially those that involve the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP), from their libraries and online information services.

The books pulled out from the Kalinga State University (KSU), Isabela State University (ISU), and Aklan State University (ASU) included the ‘Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL),’ ‘NDFP Declaration and Program of Action for the Rights, Protection, and Welfare of Children,’ and the ‘Government of the PhilippinesNDFP Peace Negotiations Major Arguments.’

The removal of these books is supposed to “protect” the youth and students from insurgent ideology; however, restricting the youth from accessing these books is suppressing their freedom to knowledge — knowledge that has the power of influencing society by letting a generation see the bigger picture of things.

This censorship campaign only clamps down on the public’s right to access information, suppresses the freedom of academic inquiry and thought, and most importantly, goes against the guarantee to academic freedom mandated by the Republic Act №7722. Perhaps, in the words of UP Rise, a student organization at the University of the Philippines

Baguio, it is a “Nazi-like attempt to strip off … academic freedom.”

It is critical to understand that books are removed not because of their ideologies or content but because of the ideologies of those who removed them — hidden under the guise of shielding the youth from having ideologies that go against theirs in order to protect their agenda and ideals. Without these books, the youth are faced with erasure and isolation.

With this, what exactly makes a publication ‘subversive’? The broad definition of this notion not only impacts books but the students, authors, and teachers who use them. In this case, is ‘subversive’ simply anything that goes against the state’s ideals?

The decision of these schools to ban the said books is “part of the commitment to protect the university and students from possible threat and harm that the communist can impose,” ISU president Ricmar Aquino said.

Several agencies argue that this indicates that the said education institutions are against the CPPNPA-NDF ideologies and simply want to safeguard themselves from communist infiltration.

With this notion, students are treated as if they are sycophants who should not be trusted. This further proves that the said books were removed not for their dogma but because they serve as a gateway for the youth and students to have a broader view of the bigger picture.

Instead of banning subversive books, whatever ‘subversive’ may be, education institutions

should foster an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas. Instead of raising apoliticos out of students, there is a need to open up discussions about the issues that plague the country economically, socially, and politically. To note, communism is in its simplest form, a political ideology — one of the many tens or even hundreds in fact — and is legitimate and legal unless acted upon. Thus, it is essential to rationalize these so-called subversive materials, armed struggle, and basic political theory, among other things, to encourage students to think critically and engage in politics, the community, and its issues.

After all, the education system is built not to make a myriad of robots and blind followers, lacking empathy and thought. It is built for inclusivity and critical thinking — where an individual has the freedom to determine what is true, what is right, and what is wrong. With this, is critical thinking only valid when it benefits and doesn’t go against the ideals of those who are in power? When we feed the youth information that’s only favorable to one side of the coin, is this even an education system?

Freedom of thought is a cornerstone of democracy. Access to information, whether the information suits the state’s narrative or not, is vital.

For when words are under fire, progress burns with it.

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

5 | OUTLOOK

The shadow pandemic: What looms beneath HORIZONS | JOAQUIN JERECHO FEROLINO

Trigger Warning: Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth numerous consequences ever since its onset, with students going into another year of online learning in isolation which has caused the birth of a “shadow pandemic” in the form of domestic and sexual abuse and harassment. According to UNICEF, the pandemic has intensified the risk of exploitation among the youth regardless of the shift to an online learning environment.

This threat to students is here even amid these tumultuous times, and it is as clear and present as it has ever been.

Students are no safer online than they were even before the pandemic, as it poses an exposure to risky forms of online behavior; sexual exploitation being a prime example. A teaching staff of the Philippine Science High School — Ilocos Region Campus (PSHS — IRC) faced allegations of sexual harassment committed against several students over the past years, the most recent of which was done through online means with the promise of grades in return. The position students find themselves in is not helped by the fact that among the potential dangers they face with their increased vulnerability, one of them might come from the school itself.

Having been dealt a profound psychological impact, students have never been more exposed and unguarded as evidenced by the country’s higher Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) score compared to neighboring nations. With

ILLUSTRATION | KEJA MAR KUEHLMANN

this in consideration, it paves the way toward being assailable in the face of abuse and online predators, especially when a student’s mental health could mean the only difference between healthy motivation and ill-advised desperation towards their academics.

Domestic abuse gains a higher risk because of movement restrictions, resulting in the confinement to the home setting. Students who are either in violent or in dysfunctional family conditions are only some who fall victim to these household perils as stated in an article by UNICEF on the protection of children under quarantine, most of whom, if not all, are students who are spurred to contend with the consequences of their situation.

In addition, the rise of domestic and sexual abuse and harassment during the coronavirus pandemic is only made worse by the inept response made to address it. Schools, for one, are given the duty to protect students in their charge as noted by personal injury, and it should be no different during current events due in large part to the utilization of the online platform where the students’ vulnerability is most exploitable.

As yet another school year in quarantine begins, the time to acknowledge the looming threat of exploitation towards students and children in general has never been more nigh. Examples set by organizations such as SaferKidsPH, who aim to spread the awareness of the issue, must be followed on a local scale where even schools can contribute by providing students the protection they need and deserve.

While the fight against the virus goes on, it would be best to address the lurking threats of abuse and harassment on the way, and finally put an end to this so-called shadow pandemic.

Kasabay ng matinding lockdown dulot ng patuloy na banta ng COVID-19, ay ang pagsasara ng mga paaralan na siyang sanhi ng paglipat ng pagkatuto sa isang bagong moda. Habang patuloy pa rin ang pagkatuto ng mga mag-aaral sa gitna ng COVID-19, malinaw na may iilang bahagi ng edukasyon ang tila’y napag-iwanan na kasama ng mga napag-iwanang klasrum matapos mag-lockdown.

Sa pagsimula ng taunang pasukan, isa sa mga napag-iwanang bahagi ng edukasyon ay ang pahayagang pangkampus. At dahil nakatuon na lamang ang edukasyon sa pag-aaral ng mga modules at instructional videos, tila’y wala nang umuudyok sa mga mamamahayag na makapaglathala ng taunang dyaryong pangkampus. Dahil dito, unti-unting nawawalan ang mga mag-aaral ng lugar upang ipahayag ang kanilang mga pananaw at kritisismo patungkol sa isyung nauugnay sa kalagayan nila at ng lipunan.

Ginagamit rin ng mga pamantasan ang unti-unting pagkatahimik ng mga pahayagang pangkampus upang supilin ang boses ng mga mag-aaral na kritikal ‘di lamang sa kanilang pamamahala, kundi sa pamamahala rin ng kasalukuyang rehimeng Duterte.

Noong Abril lamang ng nakaraang taon, isang mamamahayag at punong patnugot ng UE Dawn, ang binantaang kakasuhan ng cyber-libel ng apat niyang guro, kung hindi ito gagawa ng “public apology,” matapos niyang punahin ang

ILLUSTRATION | JAHAZIEL LIMBAGA mga ito dahil sa kanilang mga komento sa post niya patungkol sa pamamahala ng kasalukuyang administrsyon sa pandemya.

Dagdag pa rito, patuloy na pinapatahimik ng mga pamantasan ang mga pahayagang

pangkampus na gumagaod sa gitna ng pandemya. Nakakabahala ito sapagkat pinipili na ng mga pamantasan ang mga isyung pwedeng ilathala ng mga naturang pahayagan, at kalauna’y hindi na naibabalita ang mga isyu

ON IT’S 5TH VOLUME, FIRST ISSUE The official student publication of Philippine Science High School Caraga Region Campus the13thscholars@gmail.com

EDITORIAL STAFF S.Y. 2021-2022 BOARD OF EDITORS CHIEF EDITOR JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR CARL DJHON GANGCA MANAGING EDITOR JOAQUIN JERECHO FEROLINO NEWS EDITOR ELAN VICTORIA TOMANENG FEATURES EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR ADIEL JASIEL TRILLO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDITOR SHAINA DELIA TOMANENG SPORTS EDITOR KENNETH JEROME GLORIA COPY EDITOR PAUL NELSON GONZAGA COMMITTEE HEADS

Iniwan, pinatahimik binulag GET REAL | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS

the thirteenth scholars

HEAD OF GRAPHICS ELMER JON MUPAS HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA GAUDENIS JOSHUA PLAZA kagaya ng mga pang-aabuso ng kapangyarihan, sekswal na pang-aabuso, at iba pang nangyayari sa loob ng kampus.

Kamakailan lamang, ginanap ang kaunaunahang virtual National Schools Press Conference, na pinangunahan ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon sa paglalayong maipatuloy ang taunang pagdaraos ng naturang pagtitipon kahit sa gitna ng pandemya. Nabanggit ni Leonor Briones, Kalihim ng DepEd, na layon ng pagtitipong maibahagi ang kahalagahan ng pahayagang pangkampus sa mga mag-aaral at mga guro at mabigyang lugar ang mga mag-aaral at mga guro’t tagapayo na ipamalas ang kanilang kasanayan sa naturang larangan.

Masasabi na ang naturang pagtitipon ay isang tamang hakbang patungo sa pagbabalik ng pahayagang pangkampus sa gitna ng pandemya, ngunit kahit dalisay man ang naging intension ng kagawaran na magdaos ng nasabing pagtitipon, panakip-butas lamang ito sa mga problemang kinakaharap ng pahayagang pangkampus.

Dagdag pa rito, umani ng batikos ang naturang pagtitipon dahil iilang mag-aaral at guro lamang ang nabigyan ng pagkakataong makadalo.

Kasabay ng paglala ng krisis pangkalusugan, ang patuloy ring paglala ng kalagayan ng malayang pamamahayag sa kampus at akademikong kalayaan. Karapat dapat lamang na maagap na tugunan ng sektor pang-edukasyon ang naturang problema sa pamamagitan ng pagbabalik ng mga pahayagang pangkampus sa mga paaralan, at sa pagpapatupad ng mga polisiyang naglalayong mapangalagaan ang karapatang magpahayag ng mga mag-aaral.

HEAD OF RESEARCH DANIEL JEIEL CURILAN MEMBERSHIP OFFICER RYAN SEAN ARQUITA HEAD OF BROADCASTING CARL DJHON GANGCA WRITING STAFF NEWS WRITERS MARIANE SABAS ERNEST JAKE BLANCA MARTHEA LOURDES PEBOJOT KHEA CASSANDRA AMANTE EDITORIAL WRITERS PRINCESS SOFIA CABARDO MAXENE CRYSTALIN MOZO ZELAN EROZ ESPANTO ALYSSA KEZIAH VIVA FEATURE/CULTURE WRITERS GAUDENIS JOSHUA PLAZA TRISHA LYNN FRANCISCO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WRITERS FRANCIS ISAAC MIJARES ZED BENEDICT BELOY BENZY MIA BOUQUIA SPORTS WRITERS GAUDENIS JOSHUA PLAZA VISUAL STAFF

Death Warrant

ILLUSTRATION | WINNIE PAQUIO

OUT OF SIGHT | ZELAN EROZ ESPANTO

In the Philippines, a communist label could be your death sentence.

The 60-year conflict between the state and the Communist Party of the Philippines’s armed

guerilla, the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), has been the longest ongoing communist insurgency in the world. Many presidents have promised, in one way or another, the demise of the ‘most dangerous opponent to the status quo’. For the administration of current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, it has been bloody.

Large tarpaulins gleam in barangay and highway outposts of people identified, suspected of, or simply labelled as “terrorists”. In most cases, red tagging in the Philippines can be in the form of social media posts and even government press briefings . This may be deemed an effective solution to the general public but with the current statistic - 300 civilians killed, 2,500 illegally arrested - it’s fair to say that sinister events lie beyond In the 60 years that the state has tried to suppress insurgency, the PNP and AFP has not set specific and clear guidelines on how to distinguish between communists, armed guerrillas, activists, and civilians. To add, according to the UN Council of Human Rights, there have been a surge of cases globally where red-tagging is used for personal reasons - may it be business, politics, or land use. In the country, those who have been red-tagged have been mostly human rights activists, union leaders, and Indigenous peoples. With this, how can we be sure that red tagging, the disinformation campaign of “us vs reds” is effective, forthright, and factual? Are all red tagging activities really for the interest of the state or the wealthy one percent?

As the Filipino public’s criticisms over the administration grew, so has the number of redtagged individuals - actresses, lawyers, union

leaders, IP leaders, and even high-ranking government officials that sit on the other side of the political compass of the President. The immense amount of red-tagging has caused not only mass hysteria among the general public but serious consequences for these individuals as well - online harassment, fake news campaigns, and even extrajudicial killings.

They say even the strongest wind cannot destroy a tree with strong roots. Insurgencies do not emerge merely from surface-level issues; one does not leave their possessions behind to join the NPA all because of a doctrine. Insurgencies in the Philippines are rooted in the unheard plight of the minority - from land-grabbing, low wages, lack of education, corruption, to corporate greed among others. In a society where only the wealthy and powerful are heard, where the proletariat are continuously taken advantage of, and where the greedy and violent remain in power, for some of these minorities, insurgency may be the best, if not the only, perceived fighting chance.

There are and have been countless solutions to insurgency; red-tagging isn’t one. This act of branding individuals and organizations as subversive is simply a swift means to silence members of civil society who denounce what are perceived as violent and irrational. Red-tagging not only poses a cause for hysteria both for the individual and the general public, but also as an unsolicited death warrant. Instead of band-aid solutions like red-tagging, there is a need for a long-term settlement- one that is inclusive, one that brings all issues, solutions, and political forces to the table; one that prioritizes the minority over the wealthy.

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTISTS MAAN MILLOREN HIGHNESS CORDOVA GWYNETH ARANAS NATHAN REUBEN OSABEL LEANNE MEI SALANG ILLUSTRATORS WINNIE PAQUIO KEJA MAR KUEHLMANN ALTHEA JOYCE CORRO JAHAZIEL LIMBAGA ANGELICA GRACE TABILI CARTOONISTS MAR YVE VITOR GUZEL PEMBE MALIAO RESEARCH AND BROADCAST STAFF RESEARCHERS RYAN SEAN ARQUITA BIANCA GERMAINE MANATAD JEZREEL RHODNI BANAGAN BROADCASTERS PATRICK VINCENT NAZARENO MATT MISSION ALLIYAH MARIENNE JOSOL JERMIELLE AALEAHYA EGAY ABRIELLE ALIKA BESARIO CLARENCE MAE MELLEJOR ADVISER JENNIFER BALICOG

6 | FEATURES

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

KULTURA

Pakikibaka sa panahon ng pandemya ay hindi biro! | TRISHA LYNN FRANCISCO

Tila huminto ang mundo ng dumating ang pandemya. Ang ating nakagawian noon ay para bang pangarap na lamang ngayon. Minsan naisip ko bakit nangyari ang pandemya sa panahong ito. Mahirap palang mawalan ng Kalayaan na lumabas, magliwaliw at mag laro sa lansangan.

Kailangan natin sumunod sa mga palantuntunin na isiniwalat ng kagawaran ng kalusugan ng pilipinas upang mapigil ang paglaganap ng nakakahawang sakit.

Ayon sa Kagawaran ng kalusugan may kabuuang 1,245 healthcare workers’ ang nahawahan sa COVID-19, kung saan 27 ang namatay sa sakit sa Metro Manila noong Abril 27. Sa ngayon medyo humupa na ang bilang ng mga naapektuhan ng COVID-19 dahil sa pangkalawakang pagbabakuna ng mga tao lalong lalo na sa bansang Pilipinas.’

Tulad ng aking lola ay isa ring frontliner at di maiwasang ako’y mababahala sa kanyang kalusugan dahil isa na rin siyang senior citizen datapwa’t akoý kampanti narin dahil siya ay nabakunahan na. Ipignadasal ko nalang sa Poong may kapal na sana isang araw ay babalik na sa dati ang takbo ng ating buhay na walang pag-aalinlangan at masaya kasama ang mahal natin sa buhay.

Sa ating kumunidad na nakikibaka rin ipinakita nila ang sensiridad sa pagpuksa ng nakahawang sakit sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa “health protocol” “social distancing” at “quarantine pass” ay ipinairal upang maiwasan ang pagkahawa. Para sa ating bayan at buong mundo “frontliner” huwag magsawang ipakita ang inyong katatagan at manatiling responsable upang hindi kayo madihado sa corona virus.

Alam naming na kayo ay nahihirapan pero ipinagdasal naming ang inyong kalusugan na

maging malusog at sa buong sangkatauhan.

Para sa ikinalugdan ng lahat ipairal natin ang kabayanihan sa panahon ng sakuna tulad ng pandemyang ito. Iwaksi ang pangamba at pag-aalinlangan para tumulong sa ating kapwa upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng sangkatauhan. Dito ko mapagtanto na hindi lahat ng oras ay ating hawak lalong lalo na ang buhay ng isang tao ay hiram lamang at hindi alam kung hanggang saan ang hangganan nito.

Ang pandemyang hinaharap natin ngayon ay hindi biro. Sakripisyo ang inalaan ng ating mga “Fronliner” tiniis nilang mapalayo at mawalay sa kani-kanilang pamilya. Dito ko napagtanto kung gaano kahalaga ang kabayanihan ng ating mga “frontliner” buhay ang nakataya upang gampanan ang kanilang mga tungkulin sa ating bayan. Bilang mamamayan kailangan natin silang pasalamatan at ipagbunyi ang kanilang katatagan sa pakikibaka ng pandemyang ito.

Worlds Inside Words | ADIEL JASIEL TRILLO

The sweet musky smell of wood and vanilla, and the feel of leather and the sandy surfaces of paper is a feature that book-lovers enjoy when they pick up and read a piece of work. Mobile readers, though deprived of the feeling of a physical copy, enjoy the compatibility of epubs and pdfs and relish the worlds they imagine as the words burn through the white space of their device. While these books are accessed through different mediums, they all share a common characteristic: an abundance of information and skills, and what other way to honor these packets of knowledge than to designate a whole week to celebrate the wisdom they carry through generations of people?

Governor-General Frank Murphy issued a proclamation in 1934 dedicating November 2430 to celebrate National Book Week, an annual commemoration that promotes reading books and improving literacy to Filipinos. It was intended to “sell the public library to the community by focusing the attention of the people on its resources and the extent and nature of its services.” The declaration asserts that the widespread interest in reading excellent texts and literary pieces is both a privilege and a patriotic obligation.

When the pandemic struck the Philippines,

REMAINING VIGILANT FEATURES

COMMUNITY

CYBER SECURITY

| ADIEL JASIEL TRILLO GRAPHICS | ELMER JON MUPAS

Justice for Peasants | GAUDENIS JOSHUA PLAZA

As we celebrate Peasant’s Month, we acknowledge those who consistently work hard to keep the country running, upholding the importance of subsidization in our community, whose efforts provide our daily necessities. Let us also shine a light towards those in power as we shall never forget how they have persistently failed to give the peasants the justice they deserve.

Farmers are our country’s backbone. This is knowledge constantly preached, yet no coherent action has been done to show or provide them the support they deserve. They work hard for hours under the sun, constantly battling with circumstances they cannot control: weather conditions, seasonal offspring, unjust treatments, market value alterations, and now, the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meteorology factor is inevitable. However, higher-ups can provide proper treatments, just economic systems, and efficient subsidies amidst the pandemic. However, nobody has delivered such provisions.

Starting with the main social issue today, the COVID-19 pandemic was not handled well by the government, as evident in the persisting uproar of cases in the country. To add to this, the agricultural sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. According to statistics, the country

libraries were forced to adapt to the drastic changes brought upon by the outbreak.

Unfortunately, some had to shut their doors to visitors for the sake of health and safety. Truly, an upsetting outcome for physical copy lovers, but that is not to say that it is a total loss, for these public services have provided an alternative way for the masses to access these materials.

Like the worlds written in pages, libraries break through the bounds to provide knowledge to the masses.

The existence of these packets of knowledge has served both as an essential and entertainment to the masses. Printing has become a staple in sharing information with the people, and with the pandemic going on, online publishing opens doors for many of those who cannot acquire physical collections.

The national book week continues to celebrate the importance of literacy and the act of reading despite the boundaries set by the outbreak.

incurred over PHP 4.6 billion in agricultural damage from typhoons and other events in the last quarter of 2020. As the pandemic is starting to phase out due to the arrival of vaccines, restoring the agricultural sector to its peak should be a priority for the government. Consequently, it should also try to listen and provide the just requests of the leading members in the agricultural sector, the farmers, to acknowledge the supposed elephants in the room that they have endured in farming for years.

Moreover, farmers have voiced out their demand to own land for some time now. The fact that the price of rice and other certain crops in the market has dropped and has left the farmers at the mercy of landlords and traders is sickening. Farmers do not receive the proper compensation from such selfish characters.

If they owned their land, it would have been a different story; yet they do not. Rather than being given what they require and need, farmers are frequently disregarded and, in worse cases, killed since President Duterte took power in July 2016, over 250 documented killings of peasants (such as farmworkers and fisherfolks) related to land dispute cases and agrarian reform advocacy.

The masses, the 99%, have voiced out their concerns, yet those in power, the 1%, choose to ignore it. They choose to go deaf to the screams of the peasant. We must not allow such injustice to continue. Justice for the peasants is justice for the Filipinos.

“You can make money with your mobile phone. Earn 4000-9000 pesos a day. Monthly income of 50,000 pesos! Add greetings from wa.me/639150753166” A wolf in sheep’s clothing; this type of message from random phone numbers and “Kyle01839283682” users bring empty promises of benefits such as premium subscriptions or easy money-earning jobs. One who is familiar with the sly ways of cybercriminals may see through the blatant lie, but those who are in the dark are likely to be duped by these harmful messages.

The rising popularity of the messaging platforms in the pandemic like Whatsapp and Discord can be attributed to the pandemic, and, unfortunately, it is littered with scam messages that new users fall for. Not only are individuals affected by cases of cyber threats, but businesses also suffer damage from causes ranging from human errors to faulty security systems.

Given the spike of online attacks on online users during the pandemic, it begs the question, “How ready are businesses and people for the arising cybersecurity threats?”

With the pandemic forcing individuals to familiarize themselves with online platforms, it is inevitable that individuals will come across foreign online platforms with alien-looking symbols and buttons.

Cyber-attackers, knowing this, take

advantage of the lack of digital literacy of some employees and target these individuals with fraudulent links, websites, and many more. About 47% can fall for the scheme of phishing scams while working at home. These unknowing users can fall into the trap of fake links, therefore making their information vulnerable to malicious entities.

Small businesses take the brunt of these attacks as they do not usually have sturdy data security measures. Threats of criminal cyber activity were amplified when the COVID-19 virus hit the globe and forced the people into hiding. Other vying threats may come from junior hackers, hacktivists, or even employees who are enticed to carry out fraudulent activities, and the resulting data leaks put both businesses and consumers in danger.

While there is no way to stop these

cybercriminals, there are ways to dodge their sneaky attacks as internet users.

Changing your password every once in a while can go a long way to protecting your information. Ignoring those pesky spam messages that litter your inbox can save you from possibly sharing your information with malicious entities.

Given how influential the hold the internet has on our daily lives, users must be on the lookout for any suspicious activity they come across. In this way, every time one receives such a message from Kyle01839283682 or from an unsaved number, they know best to avoid the possibility of encountering a wolf hiding in plain sight.

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

7 | FEATURES

“

Like the worlds written in pages, libraries break through the bounds to provide knowledge to the masses.

HISTORY

ILLUSTRATION ALTHEA JOYCE CORRO

| ADIEL JASIEL TRILLO GRAPHICS | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS

FEATURES

ONLINE LEARNING

Mga balakid sa online learning platform

In an effort to cover the tracks of corruption and atrocities committed during a dark chapter in Philippine history, many have regarded this dictatorship as the “golden age” of the Philippines.

Under what was deemed as the best of time, thousands of Filipinos suffered multiple human rights violations and injustices. This time of the year serves as a wake-up call and a reminder of what truly occurred during Marcos’ reign.

One of the most famous cases of historical revisionism in the Philippines is none other than the time when the country was under a one-man rule, an era built on many falsehoods as it is, like the official date of the proclamation of Martial Law: it is not on September 21, 1972, like most believe and celebrate; rather, it is actually on September 23, 1972. This false detail can almost be considered as trivial when comparing it to the modern historical distortions done on this past event.

Filipinos holding the belief that the Philippines was at its prime five decades ago may be disillusioned with the fact that the inflation in 1984 skyrocketed to 50.3 percent as a result of Marcos’ crony capitalism and his pursuit for growth built on mountains of debt. Furthermore, with about $5 -10 billion debt garnered by his family, the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is still trying to recover the money stolen for Marcos’ illgotten wealth.

Also, let us not forget the 3240 lives that were stolen under the autocratic government. Not only were thousands of Filipinos killed as a result of his policies, but also around 34,000 underwent various torture methods usually done by the military. To tamper with the integrity of history is to erase the sufferings endured by the Filipinos during Marcos’ reign.

In efforts to combat misinformation and revisionism, a retelling of the past happens every year with the same narrative of “Never Forget, Never Again”. Attempts to rewrite, censor, and revise history were made; it is the responsibility of Filipinos, as means of protecting and molding the future of the succeeding generation, to remember what transpired 49 years ago.

Perfectly summed by Vice President Leni Gerona Robredo in a statement on September 21, 2021, via Youtube, “Kailangan nating ulit-ulitin, sa bawat pagkakataon, ang katotohanan: Sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos, nagdusa ang Pilipino — ninakawan, tinorture, at pinaslang; ginamit ang ngalan para ibaon ang bansa sa utang, at pagbabayaran ang utang na ito hanggang sa mga susunod pang henerasyon [We need to always repeat the truth every time: Under the Marcos’ reign, the Filipino suffered — robbed, tortured, and killed; used his name to bury the country with debt, lending the burden for recovery to the next generations].”

History tends to repeat itself, and it’s not a long shot that the events that took place 49 years ago will make a reappearance if the people continue to paint the Martial Law era as the “golden age” of the Philippines. Hopefully, the atrocities, crimes, and injustices committed during such dark chapter will remain as a memory as we continue to cry “Never Forget; Never Again.”

| TRISHA LYNN FRANCISCO

Bakit kailangan nating bigyan halaga ang pag-aaral? Paano natin maisakatuparan ang mga ito na may bumabalakid sa ating buhay? Kailan kaya matapos ang krisis na dulot ng pandemyang covid-19? Bilang lang sa atin ang nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa loob ng dalawang taon ang nakalipas.

Tayoý lubos na magpapasalamat sa ating Kagawaran ng Edukasyon dahil gumawa sila ng paraan upang maipatuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga mag-aaral.

Marami sa atin ang natutuwa at nagagalak sa programang iyon, subalit marami din nalulungkot dahil sa pagiging salat sa buhay.

Ayon sa Kagawarang ng Edukasyon ang online platform para sa mga guro ng pampublikong paaralan upang suportahan ang distance learning modalities ay ipinairal ito sa mga mag-aaral. Dinisenyo ito bilang isang direktang solusyon upang magbigay ng access sa mga online na materyales sa pagsusuri at Open Educational Resources (OERs) sa panahon ng pagsususpinde ng klase at iba pang katulad na mga pangyayari.

Para sa aking sariling karanasan sa online learning system ito ay isang karangalan na maipatuloy ang aking nasimulan marahil may negatibo ito sa aking buhay, naransan kong maging balisa, tuliro ang minsan pagod ang aking pag-iisip pero nilalabanan ko ito dahil sa aking mga pangarap na kailangang maisakatuparan. Kailangan kong bigyan ng halaga ang edukasyon dahil ito lang ang nag-iisang kayamanan na ipamana ng aking mga magulang.

Karamihan sa atin ay hirap umusad ang pagkatuto dahil ang iba sa atin ay hindi makapagpakabit ng internet o di kaya naman ay gumamit sila ng “data” kung minsan ay usad pagong din ang daloy ng internet nito. Ipinipilit nilang intindihin ang mga modyul upang pumasa na walang gurong nagpapatnubay o nagtuturo sa halip ay pinagbutihan ito upang matuto. Ang iba naman ay tumigil sa pag-aaral lalong lalo na kung ang mga magulang nito ay hirap sa paghahanapbuhay at akoý labis na nalulungkot.

Minsan naiisip ko na hindi sapat ang ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan sa ating bansa dahil sa nakikita ko na iba sa ating mga kababayan ay hindi nakapag-aral. Ito kayaý dahilan ng mga bangayan sa senado at kongreso lalo na sa pundo ng edukasyon na minsan ay hinaharangan o di kaya ay binabawasan? Dahil dito makikita natin na may diskriminasyon sa pag-aaral dito sa Pilipinas. Kailangan tugunan ng ating gobyerno ang “educational inequity”, dapat mayroong libre sa pag-aaral mapribado man o mapapubliko, matalino man o mahina ang mahalaga ay gabayan ng mga magulang at mga guro sa bawat paaralan upang matuto at makapagtapos ang mga ito.

Bigyan ng sapat na gamit pang-eskwela, aklat o access ng internet para mapakinabangan ito sa online learning.

Magpapasalamat tayo sa mga hakbang na ginawa ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon kung saan sa umpisa ay hirap ang ating mga kababayan o magaaral sa paggamit ng sistema sa “online learning” bagkus ay walang hinto ang ating mga guro sa pagtuturo nito at ito ay natututo. Ang ating mga magulang na walang sawang sumusuporta sa kani-kanilang mga anak upang gabayan at maturuan kung paano maipasa ang mga modyul na ibinibigay ng mga guro. Nagiging matatag ang bawat isa upang labanan ang kahirapan sa pamumuhay man o sa pag-aaral Labanan ang mga balakid sa online learning bagkus ay panatilihing positibo sa lahat ng bagay at laging tandaan bigyang halaga ang edukasyon lalong-lalo na sa panahong ito na nilalabanan natin ang pandemyang ating hinaharap sa kasalukuyan. Isipin natin na isa lang itong pagsubok sa buhay na balang araw malalampasan natin ito sa takdang panahon.

GRAPHICS ELMER JON MUPAS

6 | FEATURES

FEATURES

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

INTRAMURALS

FEATURES

LNBE

Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition: Pushing for the Safe Opening of Schools

The Future of The “Entramurals” | GAUDENIS JOSHUA PLAZA

| GAUDENIS JOSHUA PLAZA The esports intramurals or “entramurals” has been the staple of the intramurals during the online method of learning.

With traditional sports like basketball, volleyball, and many others banned due to the pandemic, PSHS-CRC chose to hold competitions in video games such as Valorant, Mobile Legends, Call of Duty, and DOTA 2.

For the 2021-2022 school year, PSHS-CRC decided to add a twist to the entramurals by making the groups a combination of students from different batches rather than the traditional one batch, one team method used in previous years.

Although it was at first met with protests from students disagreeing, the students soon got on board, and the 2021 entramurals were a huge success.

As the school aims to return to the old normal with face-to-face classes soon to make a comeback, the question is will the entramurals be implemented to the traditional intramurals or will it fade once traditional sports make a return.

Although traditional sports promote traditional skills such as expertise in physical activities, something esports cannot do, esports hold the advantage in the development of soft skills. Soft skills are interpersonal skills such as communication, listening, time management, and many more. These soft skills promote team building and comradery among peers.

Esports also has no real disadvantages. The only disadvantages are rare freak accidents and addiction but those disadvantages also apply to traditional sports therefore esports as competition have no significant advantage or disadvantage over traditional sports.

PSHS-CRC also boasts an impressive computer laboratory where the entramurals can be conducted once the old norm of schooling returns. Along with the fast growth of esports among youths, the number of players will not be a problem.

When the Philippines, along with the rest of the world, was shut down due to the pandemic, online learning became the norm as it was the way for education to continue despite the adversity faced by everyone.

Now, almost two years later, as the rest of the world pushes forward, opening schools to students to further progress education, the Philippines is still stuck following an online mode of learning. For a country ranked 83rd

out of 138 countries in terms of technological readiness in a 2017 study, the Philippines seems to rely way too heavily on technology to support the educational needs of the people.

Last November 15, a pilot run for face-to-face classes had been conducted with more than 100 schools nationwide soon to follow. Even with these efforts, it is demoralizing to see how little the number of schools opening are. The efforts of the government would still mean that millions

of students will be robbed of the opportunity to learn in normal classroom conditions and will be stuck with the online method of learning for the unseeable future.

Hopefully, with the arrival of vaccines for minors aged 12-17, a return to the old norm of classes will come sooner rather than later.

Filipinos have taken up the task of demanding the return of face-to-face classes. Using platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to express their concerns, Ligtas na Balik Eskwela has been a trending topic. Some students even protested in front of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila building in Intramuros, Manila. It seems everyone is doing their part. Now it is the government’s turn to make a move.

Despite the efforts of Filipinos everywhere to push for a return to the old normal of education, it is ultimately up to those in power thus everyone should do their part to urge the government to take action and bring back the return of face-to-face classes.

GRAPHICS ELMER JON MUPAS

FEATURES ELECTIONS

Social Media The battleground of the 2022 Elections

BY THE NUMBERS SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN THE PH 73,000,000 ACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA USERS 81%

About 81 percent of the PH population is on Facebook.

84%

85% of Filipinos with access tothe internet watch Youtube.

ILLUSTRATION ALTHEA JOYCE CORRO

VISUALIZATION | ELMER JON MUPAS DATA | MEDIALANDSCAPES.ORG, CSIS.ORG

| GAUDENIS JOSHUA PLAZA

Highlighted by the filing of the certificate of candidacy by powerhouses Leni Robredo, Manny Pacquiao, and Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte, and many more, election season is truly here.

With no clear favorites, the 2022 election will be one of the most unpredictable and tightest races that the Philippines has had in recent years.

Although the diversity of candidates is a good thing, as it shows the will plenty of Filipinos have to implement change in this country and the guts to put themselves out there, one can only question the COMELEC’s process as to deciding who can and who can’t run for a major

position in the government. Although there will still be a final screening to decide who the final candidates will be, it is only fair to question that considering plenty of the candidates have certain controversies surrounding them: Has the election shifted into more of a popularity contest?

Has it reached the point that a candidate’s family name weighs more than the service they are willing to provide the country?

Although the diversity of candidates does come with its benefits, will these benefits outweigh the negatives? The negatives that come with this diversity is that the positions in the government will be seen as more of a business, a way to make money rather than a serious job that is responsible for the lives and the future of the Filipinos.

“

With no clear favorites, the 2022 election will be one of the most unpredictable and tightest races that the Philippines has had in recent years.

With more than 75 million Filipinos using social media, apps like Facebook, Twitter, and

TikTok have become a weapon politicians use during this campaign period. Their respective supporters also use every platform possible to advocate and promote the name of their chosen politicians.

The use of social media for campaigning has its share of good and bad, with the good being the accessible and understandable information about the upcoming election and the bad being the rampant spread of fake news and misinformation.

With election day nearing, it is important for everybody to be informed and to make the right choices. The politician you choose is the type of future that you pick and it is best if everyone picks a future beneficial to all Filipinos.

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

7 | FEATURES

POP CULTURE

Taylor Swift: A force of Nature | ADIEL JASIEL TRILLO

“If something in parentheses says Taylor’s version that means I own it and that’s really exciting,” Taylor Swift eagerly expressed in an interview aired on Late Night with Seth Meyers last November 11, 2021.

For those out of the loop, the words “(Taylor’s Version)” following her old album titles may seem odd especially when there seems to be no distinct changes from the old version. But this iconic tag is an indicator of a favorable outcome from the long battle between her and record executive scooter braun and her old label Big Machine Records over her masters.

It all came into light when the singer dropped a Tumblr post on November 14, 2019 titled “Don’t know what else to do” where Taylor claimed that CEO of Big Machine Records Scott Borchetta and Braun disallowed her from performing her old songs at the 2019 AMAs. She continued that the only way she would be able to access her old songs for her documentary “Miss Americana” was if she wouldn’t make re-recordings of her old works. Swift, exasperated by the whole situation, asked for help from her fans by letting Borchetta and Braun know how they feel about this ordeal.

What ensued was an uproar of fans showing discontentment at the predicament the singer was shoved into. After a day Swift enlightened her fans about it, BMR released a statement denying the claims made by the singer-songwriter, asserting that “At no point did we say Taylor could not perform on the AMAs or block her Netflix special.”

The two went back and forth until her label finally backed off and said that Swift has full approval

in using her old hits for her documentary and performance. Braun, in response to the whole situation, called the feud a result of a “miscommunication” that fans do not buy.

The two-year-old incident is one of the reasons why fans and casual singers around the globe are enjoying the re-release of her old albums, even going so far as to make them sit at the top spot of charts. Swift made history by dominating the no. 1 spot with a 10-minute song called “All Too Well,” a piece that fans have been anticipating since 2012 when the singer kept on teasing the listeners of a longer version of her fifth track off

“

Taylor Swift is the music industry... of her Red album.

American interviewer, Barbara Walters wasn’t wrong when she said “Taylor Swift is the music industry.”

Throughout the whole ordeal, the Shake-itoff singer emphasized the ability of women to take ownership of their work. She has always been very vocal about the stark difference between the treatment of men and women in the entertainment industry. She continues to voice out her experiences both in speeches and in her works, hoping to at least make a dent in the situation she and her co-pop stars are in. Consequently, she empowers younger generations to lead and maintain control over the trajectory of their work.

ILLUSTRATION KEJA MAR KUEHLLMAN

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION JASON KEMPIN

How disinformation successfully achieved a Nobel Peace Prize | CARL DJHON GANGCA

On the last day of filing the certificate of candidacy for the 2022 elections, media outlets were bustling and occupied to cover the latest news on the anticipated last-minute candidates.

The increasing intensity of the national event did not expect the attention to be diverted for an announcement that could make or break the image of Philippine journalism. At 4:43 p.m., a message to Rappler’s Head of Multimedia Strategy and Growth, Lilibeth Frondoso, received a message that was both a celebration and a potential attack for criticism: “MARIA WON NOBEL”. From numerous charges against her, multiple bails posted, a conviction on appeal, and President Duterte’s accusations of ‘fraud’ – all failed to stop Maria Ressa from becoming the

MARIA WON NOBEL! first Filipino journalist to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

A myriad of messages of support and a cluster attack from social media polarized the nation’s take on this prestigious international award.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has chosen to give Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for their efforts to protect freedom of speech, which is a prerequisite for democracy and long-term peace. Their brave battle for freedom of expression under the increasing tension of democracy enabled them to become ambassadors for all journalists who

fight against disinformation and propaganda in the Philippines and Russia. At the same time, the Nobel committee is convinced that it is crucial at this time of age to declare freedom of speech without fear and war waiting in the line.

Since 2016, the Philippines has emerged as the world’s social media capital, and it has encountered a stronger threat to modern democracy as a result of many manipulation tactics that have led to the spread of fake news and historical revisionism. In the age of information warfare, what does the civic system look like? This period demonstrates that information is power, and power is information - a difficult pair tandem to mess around with.

Making information filled with hatred spreads faster than facts, and fake news may readily manipulate social media’s algorithm through exponentially repeated lies masquerading as facts.

The controversial Mocha Uson Blog, which represents current President Duterte, dramatically contributed to the dissemination of fake news during the 2016 Presidential Elections. This Facebook newsgroup launched several attacks on the opposition, and the blog’s distribution had reached 50 million users, over half of the Philippine population. They use freedom of speech to stifle a narrative and pound the information until users in the social media circle cannot differentiate between what is truth and lies. These alternative media avoid sharing the information taken from traditional media in the attempt to convince their audience that there is more ‘truth’ beneath the facts. Probably convinced that anything critical against the administration is a national security concern, and this is how democracy dies in the 21st Century.

Duterte’s pledge of a violent Drug War erupted like a mass-murder scenario at the outset of his administration. Bereaved families screaming on the streets while police investigations testify that it was a form of self-defense with the tainted gun and drugs on the ground. Aside from drug addicts at the risk of being killed, journalists trying to uncover the truth about these events face the same threats as these criminals. The prospect of revealing the violent and corrupt activities behind these operations has progressively made journalists the next target to be silenced with no traces. Human rights organizations viewed the action as a particularly heinous attack and immoral in all forms.

Ressa has been directly targeted by Duterte supporters on social media, with torrents of posts aimed at damaging her reputation and seeking to frighten her into silence. Her experience exemplifies the attention economy’s flaws in the digital era. Maria Ressa and other Rappler journalists were accused of “fake news”

by President Duterte, who revoked the news site’s license to operate in 2018. Ressa had to post bail on over ten arrest warrants against her to function and maintain the evidence-based platform having to compete with lies as if it were equivalent with the truth.

In this modern age, if you can make people believe that lies are facts, you can easily manipulate their way of thinking. Journalism provides rational perspectives and targets the logical aspect in providing information, but social media in the equation targets the emotions that slowly builds a fake image on what used to be the truth. If being critical has fear and lives on the line, then journalists are needed more than ever.

Maria Ressa

First Filipino Nobel Prize Winner

PHOTO ATTRIBUTION NIKLAS ELMEHED

10 | SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

OFF BEAT SCIENCE

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Circadian Rhythm and its impact on sleep and students’ health FAST FACTS CIRCADIAN RHYTHM INFLUENCED BY LIGHT In fact, light is the external factor that affects our circadian rhythm the most. Light hits the eyes, triggering the brain to produce chemicals that signal the body clock.

AFFECTS METABOLISM Studies show that food’s thermic effect decreases later at night.

This means that the same snack burns fewer calories when consumed at midnight. This surprising conclusion is due to our natural body clock at work.

| FRANCIS ISAAC MIJARES

The COVID-19 pandemic has suspended faceto-face classes for almost 2 years now, leaving online and modular learning as the primary means of education. With the upcoming vaccination program for minors in sight, there have been talks regarding the resumption of face-to-face classes. However, there’s a mixed reception among students as some of them want to continue with the new mode of learning.

Some say that the new mode of learning allows you to learn at your own pace and frees up much of your time, however, is that really the case?

Many students have been sleeping less or not even sleeping at all as they prioritize their school works before rest. This is a call for concern as research shows that this type of behavior negatively impacts an important system in our bodies- the circadian rhythm.

The circadian rhythm was first observed in plants in 1729 by French astronomer, Jean Jacques d’Ortous de Mairan, who discovered how the mimosa plant proceeded to unfold its leaves in the morning as an action to start photosynthesis despite the plant being placed in a room with no light. 200 years later, German biologist, Erwin Bünning, discovered how bean plant leaves moved in a certain pattern in a period of 24.4 hours which was also inherited by its offspring. The discovery established the presence of an “internal clock” which can be influenced by external stimuli that essentially governs the time that a plant would do a certain action i.e., closing and opening of leaves, an act

Melatonin C13H16N2O2

equivalent to sleeping and waking up. Despite many breakthroughs regarding internal clocks, it was not until the 1960s that a breakthrough on rhythm generation was made by Ronald Konopka and Seymour Benzer using the genes of the fruit fly Drosophila to discover how genes can affect circadian rhythms. From thereon, many discoveries were made about circadian rhythms which included plants, insects, and mammals.

In a nutshell, circadian rhythms are essentially physical, mental, and behavioral changes that occur in a 24-hour cycle. In mammals, circadian rhythms are determined and coordinated by a cluster of 20,000 neurons in the hypothalamus.

The cluster forms a structure called the suprachiasmatic nucleus or SCN which takes in sensory information and synchronizes it with the body clocks in cells throughout the body to the natural cycles of day length. There are many types of circadian rhythms which are: the sleepwake cycle, the body-temperature cycle, and the cycles in which hormones are secreted. However, the sleep-wake cycle is the type that’s generally referred to when circadian rhythm is mentioned.

The sleep-wake cycle basically governs the time wherein a person is asleep or awake. It starts off when the SCN takes optical information from the eyes, like the brightness of the environment, and signals the cells in the body to perform certain actions or produce specific hormones.

In the context of the sleep-wake cycle, the SCN signals for the production of melatonin- the sleep hormone, when the amount of light in the environment is low, thus making a person feel drowsy or sleepy. When the light levels rise however, the SCN stops the production of melatonin, eventually allowing someone to wake

ILLUSTRATION | ANGELICA TABILI

How Blue Light Affects Melatonin Production Melatonin is said to be the hormone responsible for the control of sleep. Studies have shown that direct exposure to blue light inhibits the body’s production of the hormone.

Notice the difference of hormone production during its peak times at 10PM-3AM, after the direct exposure to blue light.

60

54 pg/mL NORMAL MELATONIN PRODUCTION PRODUCTION AFTER BLUE LIGHT EXPOSURE

50 MELATONIN PRODUCTION IN pg/mL

3PM TIREDNESS/FATIGUE If you’ve been using different remedies in an attempt to eliminate the onset of that 3pm slump entirely, you might be out of luck! It turns out, all humans are designed this way. Our natural rhythm tells us to sleep twice; once at midday and once at night.

40

30

20

10

0

8 PM

9 PM

10 PM

11 PM

12 AM

1 AM

2 AM

3 AM

4 AM

5 AM

6 AM

7 AM

8 AM

VISUALIZATION | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS DATA | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22850476/

SCIENCE COVID-19

The Codes Of Life, For Life: mRNA COVID-19 vaccines at the forefront of healthcare Lipid nanoparticle containing mRNA

VISUALIZATION | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS DATA | CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Special Delivery

Two apparently successful coronavirus vaccines use fat bubbles called lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to cells. Once there, the mRNA directs cells to produce the virus’ spike protein, provoking an immune response to that foreign protein

Presented to stimulate immune response

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

| SHAINA DELIA TOMANENG

Anyone in the world who got through the horror that was the Year 2020 knows that an end to the COVID-19 pandemic was everyone’s hope for a “year-end plot twist.” A cure, better treatment measures, even traditional forms of medication – anything, really, that seemed worthy of trying - passed as either miraculous

mRNA

Ribosome

treatments or magical modes of prevention that everyone was willing to adopt because of the desperate need to go back to what was normal.

What they probably didn’t know, though, was that on top of all the government lockdown efforts and global measures for the containment of the virus, scientists and researchers of every company and laboratory worked around the clock to synthesize the most effective end-all beall to the deadly virus and all its other possible variants: the COVID-19 vaccine.

For all the patients who’ve regularly seen the tip of the syringe during booster visits, it’s motivation enough that vaccines are the best manifestation of the saying “Prevention is better than cure” to endure those three to five seconds of pain during a shot. Formally introduced in the clinical world in the mid-20th century, vaccines are substances meant to reduce one’s risk of acquiring a particular disease by stimulating one’s immune system to produce antibodies as a mode of defense against the disease without actually causing any illness. Usually, a vaccine’s active ingredient is a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen or antigen which elicits a specific immune response for the body to fight if ever it encounters the illness.

However, the COVID-19 vaccines first developed and authorized for use in the United States are not made up of the same stuff as today’s conventional vaccines. Instead of antigens or weakened pathogens, the active ingredient of this new generation of vaccines is mRNA or messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA). Putting any confusing molecular biology terms aside, mRNA is a single-stranded DNA molecule that acts as the carrier of the information necessary for creating a specific kind of protein - precisely why it’s called the “messenger.” In your body, mRNA is an essential part of the central dogma, which is basically what keeps one alive. On the other hand, the mRNA in these new vaccines plays a more induced role when it is introduced into the body. Essentially, because the protein that is coded by the mRNA code is new, it’s seen as a foreign substance, so the immune system automatically does what it can to guard the entire body against it by producing molecular weapons called antibodies or immunoglobulins that render it neutralized and defenseless.

As complex as the process may sound, it only takes a few hours to days to actually see for yourself that it’s working. Here’s a much closer look at what happens from start to finish: First, the mRNA vaccine is given in the upper arm where the muscle cells receive the instructions from the mRNA first. As soon as the mRNA enters the cells, it undergoes a process called “translation,” where the code gets processed to make copies of the COVID-19

up. We benefit a lot from this cycle as it not only allows us to wake up and be on time for classes, but it also gives our bodies ample rest and refreshes our minds.

With the new modes of learning, especially online classes, being utilized every day, many students find themselves sitting in front of a computer screen for hours on end. Whether they are doing research, answering quizzes, or chatting with friends, it is undeniable that they are and must be exposed to computers and gadgets in order to heighten their education.

However, gadgets naturally produce light, and with the number of requirements being significantly higher due to the new modes of learning, students tend to work on them till late in the night which puts them at risk of circadian rhythm sleep disorders as the circadian rhythm can be easily influenced by an external factor such as light. Light may cause our SCNs to be confused and interpret that light as daytime,

“

All in all mRNA vaccines are proof of the immense power that the tiny molecular components of our entire being possess, and more importantly, our capacity to use them for the greater good. antigen, which is, in this case, a spike protein.

Next, once the mRNA instructions are broken down, the spike protein is displayed on the cell surface. This allows the immune system to immediately recognize it as an invader, thus inciting an immune response initiated by the production of COVID-19 antibodies. How one’s body reacts to this vaccine-caused immune response is similar to how it would react if it was actually affected by the COVID-19 virus. More often than not, you might experience the wellknown “COVID-19 symptoms” such as a mild fever, headache, chills, and body malaise a day or two after the jab, but take note – you do NOT have COVID. An immune response that you can physically feel is something that happens after you get any type of vaccine, not just mRNA ones, as they’re a sign that the vaccine is successfully doing its job of preparing your body for the worst.

By the time the immune response is finished and the symptoms are gone, you would have already had the weapons to fight off the deadly virus, which is kind of like owing your body a favor that may last a lifetime. Like all other vaccines, you might need to get boosters to strengthen its efficacy from time to time, but the assurance that you will never get to experience the serious consequences of contracting a fatal illness such as COVID is definitely guaranteed.

In addition, since the mRNA sequences are

preventing the production of melatonin and preventing us from sleeping. When this happens over a period of time, circadian rhythm sleep disorders may develop such as advanced sleep phase and delayed sleep phase which may cause one to sleep earlier or later than most people, respectively. They have been shown to cause many adverse effects on people, especially students, which include insomnia, sleep loss, stress, sleepiness, and even depression.

Moreover, those effects may branch out and cause new problems to arise such as poor academic performance, stress, and they may even exacerbate each other resulting in more harm to the afflicted person.

The COVID-19 has hit everyone hard, however, to further improve and progress the country, the youth must be cultivated and raised properly, thus education must continue. However, if the new modes of learning are causing the youth to suffer and harm themselves, a revision is a must.

synthesized chemically rather than biologically, these vaccines are easier, safer to produce, and less risky than conventional vaccines which are grown in large amounts within mammalian cells, such as chicken eggs that often risk allergen exposure.

In spite of literally introducing spliced genetic information during immunization, there is no way that it can affect or alter one’s actual DNA. The mRNA as the code of life here is only used temporarily in the process of synthesizing the spike protein, which only takes place in the cytoplasm. The DNA itself is located within the nucleus, which the mRNA never penetrates, thus, there is a very low possibility of the mRNA integrating into the host cell’s DNA. Once the protein is made, the mRNA strands are also degraded by the cell using enzymes, so they never stay inside your cells for good.

As of now, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines are at the top of the list of vaccines with the highest efficacy rates, with both of them being given emergency use authorizations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for distribution in the United States. Although these vaccines do require they be kept at an ultra-frosty -70 degrees Celsius during storage to keep the mRNA strands stable and effective, they do their job. There’s a significant percentage reduction in risk of disease among vaccinated persons relative to those who are unvaccinated, and this is definitely the step humanity as a whole needs to take to get back on track.

Given the impact it has had on managing the COVID-19 pandemic, the new approach of mRNA vaccine technology will definitely continue to prosper with growing interests in using one vaccine to provide protection for multiple diseases. With a much faster and more standardized development process, its possibilities in the fields of molecular biology and healthcare are endless, and quite possibly life-changing. All in all, mRNA vaccines are proof of the immense power that the tiny molecular components of our entire being possess, and more importantly, our capacity to use them for the greater good and for life, which is honestly what makes this molecular power a thousand times greater.

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

11 | SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE COVID-19

A Step closer towards Freedom: The world is slowly healing

Brilliant Minds: Cubed to Outer Space

ILLUSTRATION | WINNIE PAQUIO

| BENZY MIA BOUQUIA

SCIENCE

Fighting our way back: Protocols and guidelines counters Covid-19 cases In November 11, 2021, a report by the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development-Caraga showed 48,502 cumulative cases in the Caraga region. During that day, 32 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed. The amount of people stuck in isolation also reached 559, with recoveries reaching 46,127 people and a death toll of 1,816.

With the current number of cases, we are still quite far from achieving the old freedom we once had. Nevertheless, it does not mean that we have COVID-19 Cases in Caraga 800

From the first case to the present COVID situation in the region 687 CASES

RAPID DECLINE OF DAILY CASES

500

1 CASE 200

FIRST REPORTED CASE

When was the last time we had a normal life?

Thinking about what happened back then, I remember that it has been over two years since all of this started. Back then, the busy streets were always filled with dozens or hundreds of cars and people. Students would also dash out of their classrooms after an exhausting day filled with activities. And malls would always be filled up with thousands of people because of the sales. Alas, things will only remain nostalgic as we face the current pandemic.

The first case of Covid-19 was around December 2019. Ever since then, cases spread all around the world causing this whole pandemic that isolates us from one another. The first ever Covid-19 case in the Philippines was on January 22,2020. The virus had spread around the country as it pleased ever since then. It was around the second week of March 2020 where the Philippines launched its first lockdown. It was during that week where classes were suspended due to the virus. Around that time, students were happy about how they finally got a break; but little did they knew that the break would last for more than a week, specifically speaking, for years.

As the virus spreads around our country, cases in separate regions have been immensely increasing. Among those regions in the Philippines is Caraga or region thirteen (XIII).

The Caraga region is known for its tremendous amount of beaches as it is close to the Pacific Ocean. As of now, tourists’ spots are still open here in Caraga which makes it feels like the pandemic does not exist. Despite having strict protocols and guidelines, the openings

of these tourists’ spots seem to be one of the main causes why cases are rapidly increasing.

MAY 1

SEP 13

OCT 19

VISUALIZATION | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS DATA | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

not made progress. Throughout these two years, most cases in the Caraga region have recovered.

Not only that, but the amount of cases in Caraga is quite less than expected.

In order to have protection against the virus, we have protocols and guidelines that we need to follow. These guidelines and protocols are things

such as face masks and face shields. Face shields prevent vital particles from reaching the wearer.

They also help in protecting us from inhalation of aerosol droplets that may carry virus. On the other hand, a face mask helps us in reducing spread of respiratory diseases. However, these things alone cannot guarantee our security amidst the spread of the virus; which are exactly why vaccines exist.

Ensuring the well-being of individuals: Vaccines and amounts of individuals vaccinated Covid-19 vaccines are meant to protect people from the virus. In other words, it is like a weapon that we use in this war against the Covid-19 virus.

There are a lot of vaccines around the world.

Although you might find yourself scared that you might get the virus despite getting vaccinated, it is a huge steppingstone to go out and get vaccinated because it helps prevent the spread of the virus. In simple terms, getting vaccinated is another steppingstone on the road of freedom.

On the 30th day of September 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) had approved the commencement of vaccination for people aged 12–17. The targeted amount of individuals aged 12–17 for vaccination is 12,722,070 individuals. Here in Caraga, the targeted population aged 12–17 is 338,030. This was what Dr. Gerna M. Manatad, a regional Epidemiologist of DOH-CHD Caraga , showed during her program about DOH’s Covid-19 vaccination program.

The vaccination among 12–17-year-olds have caused the amount of vaccinated people in Caraga to rapidly increase. As of the 11th day of November 2021, 48, 504 people have vaccinated during that time of period, making the total amount of vaccinated people reach 639,549. This

CLIMATE

Gathering of the Gods: Defining a Greater Future for the Earth | ZED BENEDICT BELOY

Climate Change has impacted the world massively, causing great environmental destruction, hotter temperatures around the globe, and immense interference in our progression into a better future. Forest fires, stronger storms, higher water levels, and a whole lot more negative effects as it slowly deteriorates the environment and humanity. Could this world be a lost cause or is it still redeemable?

Efforts to stop climate change have become more common and people have now realized the major impact it has on our lives and life on Earth itself. Some have even made progress in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions over the past few years. These remarkable achievements

GRAPHICS | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS

are only a fraction of the problem solved and there will be more outstanding efforts in the future. One of which is what is happening now.

The United Nations (UN) Climate Summit, also known as COP26, is an ongoing convention held to solve climate change’s effects on the environment and the livelihood of people around the world as countries are still recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic to maximize time and opportunity. Many countries have taken part in this big conference to play their part in the fight to stop climate change. Big countries such the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Chile hosted the Climate Ambition Summit that assembled 75 leaders around the world

and the UK assuming the presidency of COP26.

With this union and common understanding between the countries, a happier and greener future seems like a few moments away. It aims to secure world net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach, adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, mobilise finance, and work together to deliver. They are looking forward to making the world a better place and for future generations to enjoy the beauty of nature.

However, this must not be done so hastily as the balance of the world is at stake here and one mishap might harm us more than benefit us. That is why the COP26 Program does their

“

We encounter a lot of changes in our lives. The Covid-19 pandemic itself has left a huge change not only to ourselves, but to the world itself. In order to grasp our old freedom, we must do everything that we can to retrieve the old normal. is based off the reports received by the DOHRESU. We encounter a lot of changes in our lives. The Covid-19 pandemic itself has left a huge change not only to ourselves, but to the world itself.

In order to grasp our old freedom, we must do everything that we can to retrieve the old normal.

For example, frontliners such as nurses and doctors are putting their lives at a risk as they try to cure all of the patients in hospitals including those infected with Covid-19. The least thing we can do to help these frontliners is to take the vaccines and follow protocols and guidelines.

With this, we are already a step closer towards freedom. The world is slowly healing because of our actions and contributions. You, should do something to help the world as well.

procedures intricately and carefully to prevent errors but people cannot expect it to be an error proof “perfect plan”. But through the hard work the world’s leaders and ourselves as inhabitants of the Earth, surely progress will be inevitable.

In the Philippines, the country is one of the countries that are affected by climate change massively. Typhoons are stronger and appear more frequently, greatly affecting the yield of farmers and other agricultural businesses.

Increased erosion causes landslides that take lives and destroy mountainside roads and infrastructures. Because of this, 19 Filipino political figures have joined the COP26 led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. This may help the country to heal from the effects of climate change and also help others for their healing.

The plans and procedures will take time to take effect and the overall operation will require cautious steps to make sure it will be potent and successful. So while the summit is still ongoing, we must also contribute in our own little ways as stewards of the Earth. Making an example for our children and their descendants for them to also follow in our footsteps in taking care of our planet.

Change is defined as something that evolves and alters through time, the opposite of eternity and climate change is no exception to this.

Earth has always been changing from era to era, constantly evolving and altering. But the only eternal thing in this universe is to change itself whether or not it’s for better or worse. So it is up to us if we decide to change this world and also change ourselves for a better future.

| ZED BENEDICT BELOY GRAPHICS | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS

Many countries made many satellites, some were huge, and some were small. Some are used to track weather patterns, and some are used to observe the vast space — some orbit the Earth and others. As of late, more satellites have been launched, and it may be one of the Philippines ’ most outstanding projects yet!

The Maya Cube Satellites were launched just recently on October 6, and are collecting data as we know it, and there were 2; Maya3 and Maya-4, and an orbit the Earth 400 km above the ground and revolve every 1 1/2 hours. These cube satellites were made under the surveillance of the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation, and Advancement (STAMINA4Space). Built by the Philippine University, both are the first to be created by them and are made to test red, green, and blue (RGB) and near-infrared (NIR) Cameras for taking images and videos to collect data from remote ground sensors, namely temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

In the Philippines, we are constantly purged by typhoons and sudden weather changes throughout the year. This invention might help raise awareness and give precautional warnings by frequently collecting data for the authorities to help lessen casualties in natural weather-related disasters, and also helps keep track of possible El Ninos or El Ninas so the farmers and other agricultural institutions can be ready and the commonality.

The satellites’ engineer, Renzo Wee, said this symbolizes a new milestone and stepping stone in the Philippines pursuing science and technology. “It shows that we’re already capable of developing satellites domestically.

This is all thanks to the continuous efforts of various people passing the proverbial torch from one to another. Knowledge and skills learned abroad are proliferated to Filipinos here and now in the Philippines,” Wee said.

He hopes that the team will become an asset to the Philippines’ space science and technology department and teach others their knowledge and experiences to future satellite builders. “I would like to congratulate the members of the Space Science and

As these satellites revolve around the Earth, the Filipinos’ passion for science revolves around their inventions.

Technology Proliferation through University Partnership (STeP-UP) Project under the STAMINA4Space program for the successful launch of our newest nanosatellites Maya3 and Maya-4 into space,” Philippine Space Agency Director General Joel Joseph Marciano said.

Many Filipino achievements are commendable and helped society on a large scale, and as we prosper as time passes, our technology and innovations will also take another step forward. As these satellites revolve around the Earth, the Filipinos’ passion for science revolves around their inventions.

12 | SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AUG-NOV 2021 | THE THIRTEENTH SCHOLARS

SCIENCE COVID-19

Alpha, Beta, Delta?: The Science of Variant-naming | SHAINA DELIA TOMANENG

It’s been more than a year since the pandemic struck the world, and frankly, it feels like nothing has improved. As a matter of fact, conditions, especially in the Philippines, even seem much worse now despite the availability of vaccines - ambiguous quarantine restrictions, constant record-breaking tallies of daily COVID-19 cases, and on top of all that, the notoriously dangerous Delta variant, which has been confirmed by the Department of Health to have already spread in various local communities across the country.

So far, it has become the COVID-19 variant most feared by everyone, owing to its reported higher risk and increased transmissibility.

Now, just hearing the word “Delta” sends shivers down our spines. But did you know that before it got its revered name, the Delta variant was just known as a bunch of numbers - B.1.617.2 – that, to some, might seem a bit meaningless?

This actually all boils down to an important aspect of modern epidemiology: variant naming, or “nomenclature,” which is the reason why all these strains are currently named the way they are.

All organisms naturally mutate – it’s what leads to the evolution of new organisms that might be slightly or completely different.

Mutations constitute the changes that occur in genetic material when genes undergo errors during replication, an essential process for life.

Even if they aren’t technically living creatures, viruses have one of the fastest-mutating genetic material because of the rapid accumulation of copying errors that randomly occur when they invade host bodies. This results in the alteration of the original virus’s genetic sequence, which ultimately leads to the mutations that we now know as variants.

When the original strain for the COVID-19 was first detected in 2019, it was the product of an “antigenic drift” in the family of coronaviruses, which renders any present immunity from existing coronaviruses ineffective to the newly mutated virus. This also means that the emerging COVID-19 variants that are currently of concern are not new viruses, just new strains of the SARS-Cov-2 virus whose characteristics such as transmissibility, disease severity, and immune escape have been altered due to genetic changes.

However, while variants mean good news for vaccines, the changes in the spike gene and its increased transmission rate means a rapid rise in cases that may be too much to handle for our healthcare systems.

The entire process of discovering, identifying, and labelling a virus takes several systems, sequences, and databases to complete, all for a simple codename that would be appropriate for the media and the public.

What happens first as soon as a mutation is discovered in an original virus strain is the designation and placement of that virus on its existing family tree. It’s important to note that only particular variants of interest, those that have the potential of inflicting severe impacts on public health, are given the opportunity to be named and identified. After this stage is where the entire process of virus nomenclature comes in, which is essentially based on three main databases: GISAID, Nextstrain, and PangoLIN (Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak LINeages), the latter using the alphanumeric code for viruses that is widely known today.

Specifically, PangoLIN’s epidemiological naming system is based on the lineages of the originally observed virus sequences (i.e., in the case of the virus for COVID, the first two diverging SARSCoV-2 sequences that emerged in China in 2019 and early 2020). Each generation of sequences gets a number, and its descendants for three

“

The entire process of discovering, identifying, and labeling a virus takes several systems, sequences, and databases to complete, all for a simple codename that would be appropriate for the media and the public generations get an additional number, separated by a period. When it reaches four or more, the new lineage gets assigned a new letter.

Scientifically speaking, these alphanumeric labels are precise – maybe as precise as labels can be. However, uttering “bee dot one dot one dot seven” technically isn’t the easiest to pronounce when you’re a media broadcaster, more so if you’re just part of the average populace. As South African epidemiologist says, “Who wants to keep saying 501Y.V2? [It’s] such a mouthful to say. It’s a terrible name. You wouldn’t want to call your child 501Y.V2.”

So, what better way to name variants than by nicknaming them after the place where they originated from, right? Wrong. When national health agencies started naming the newly discovered strains the “Kent variant” or the “South African variant,” a certain degree of negativity developed wherever the prevalence of the new strains was reported, stigmatizing the citizens of these unfortunate countries and

Frequencies of SARS-CoV2 Mutations (Variants)

By the start of January 2021, the most prevalent occuring mutation of the virus was the Alpha Variant and only a few months later would the public explicitly be made aware that there were other variants. By the end of June, the Delta Variant (B.1.617.2) would become the most occuring variant of the SARS-CoV2. As the year ends however, a new variant is predicted to become the next big threat.

The Alpha Variant became the most common variant among the recorded COVID19 Cases.

discouraging researchers and governments from being transparent about future surveillance efforts.

This called for an immediate response in the new variants’ naming systems that the World Health Organization was thankfully able to deliver. After generating a consensus among the three main classification systems and finding a common ground, the international body finally presented the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma variants, the newly labelled B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, and B.1.617.2 variants, respectively. Although the other naming system such as Pango and Nextstrain will still be in use, using letters of the Greek alphabet provides a naming system that is both easy to pronounce and non-stigmatizing, which are what the world needs now to proactively counter the increased transmission of these new strains as the end of the COVID-19 era is yet to be foreseen.

LEGENDS 20H (Beta, V2)

21J (Delta)

21H (Mu)

20E (EU1)

20I (Alpha, V1)

21C (Epsilon)

21L (Omicron)

20B

20J (Gamma, V3)

21D (Eta)

19A

20D

21A (Delta)

21C (Iota)

19B

21I (Delta)

21G (Lambda)

20A

Nearing the end of June, Delta was the most frequent variant of the SARS-CoV 2, as other variants, including the once dominant Alpha variant slowly start to disappear.

B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Nearing the end of the year, a new emerging variant had been detected and is expected to become the next variant of concern.

SCAN THIS CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW COVID VARIANT

VISUALIZATION | JUDD CHRISTIAN BANAS DATA | NEXTSTRAIN.ORG

26%

100%

20I (Alpha V1) 41%

80%

60%

20A

21J (Delta) 38%

40%

MARCH 29

20B

JUNE 21

20%

0% JAN 2021

FEB 2021

MAR 2021

APR 2021

MAY 2021

JUN 2021

JUL 2021

AUG 2021

SEP 2021

OCT 2021

NOV 2021

DEC 2021

2022