OPINION 8 SHAMING

BrainPower

Brains over bullie

By:

PrideMatters

Embrace true colors

By: Sheen Ryan Baluran

I ntelligenceisanasset,notaliability.

Knowledgeissupposedtobepower,butitisdeemedasadisgrace bypeoplewhoareproudtobeinsensitiveignorants.Mockingthosewho takethetimetolearnmoreandsharetheirknowledgewithothersisa growingstigmaoneducatedpeoplethatdiscredittheirintelligenceasa liabilityandmisinterprettheirbehavior.Peoplewithcleverideasarenow perceivedasathreatasiftheeducatedonesarehurlinginsultsinsteadof providinghelp.Casualmockeryofthosewhopursueknowledgeisanact ofmischief,itshouldneverbenormalized!

AccordingtoasurveyconductedatSawataNationalHighSchool,227 studentsoutof 998respondentswerevictimsofsmart-shamingwithin schoolgrounds,67studentsfromGrade7;82fromGrade8;61fromGrade 9;79fromGrade10;46fromGrade11and37fromGrade12experienced dishonorinconsequencetosuchmockery.

AccordingtoESPteacherJinkyQuilla,smart-shamingdevelopsa negativestereotypeofwiseindividuals.Thebeliefinusingfactstobalance falseinformationimpliesthatknowledgedisrespectsthosewhoseektostay ignorant.Thisoriginatesfromtheideathatthosewithalternativeopinions areelitists,arrogant,andnothingbutpropaganda.Themisconceptionthat wisepeopleareattentionseekersputstheeducatedonthespotfor discrimination,eventuallymakingthosemockedpronetomorebullying.

Pursuingknowledgeisthebravestchoiceonecanmake,considering someintellectualindividualsinclinedtoshareatypicalknowledgearecalled delusionaldeviantsforcarelessjudgments.Thisisthecommon misconceptionthatwisepeopleareambitiousofhonor.Contrarytothis, providingtheabilitytoenlightenpeopledonotimplygreedinessaslongas itishumblygiven;itonlyservestosegregateliesfromfactsorproposea betteroptionforthebenefitofbothparties,giventhatintelligence providesbothimmunityandcorrectiontowardsfaultybeliefs.

Moreover,accordingtoGiadDagong,apersonaldevelopmentteacher, insecurityemanatingfromenvyandignorancewilldrivetheirintentto shamethosewhoexcel,eventuallylettingitruleovertheiractionsand toleratetheirinabilitytoacceptbetterperspectivestofeedtheirego.This pertainstoimmaturity.Theeducatedoneswhopresentanatypicalwayof thinkingwillthenbeperceivedasdifferent,deemedadangertonormality, andeventuallyconsideredoutsiders.

Peoplewhocategorizetheeducatedaslackingdisciplineandtolerating immaturitytocauseharmtotheinnocentareabsurd.Despitethegap betweentheirintellectualcapabilities,thoseunderpursuitarestill susceptibletotheconsequencesofbeingmocked.Tofeelinsecureisvalid; however,toleratingthisfeelingtobelittleothersisnot.Feedingan egotisticaldesirebymakingothersfeelinferiordeclinesinclusivity;noone deservestobeexcluded.

Thecultureofintelligencehastobemoredominant.Education, intellectualawareness,andthepursuitofknowledgeshouldbeencouraged foreveryonetoavoidtheignorancemishapsthatcontributetosmartshaming.Insteadofdiscreditingbenevolentindividualsoflearning, fosteringnaivenesstoacceptnewknowledgewillensurechange,giventhat everyoneisinquisitive.

Moreover,beingintellectualisnottheonlypotentialtobeharnessedas aprivilege.Everyindividualisinclinedtotheirpreferredfieldsofexcellence thatwillserveastheirforte.Differentscalesofintelligenceshouldbe acknowledgedwithrespect.Itisnoone'sfaulttobegiftedorbelessthan average;thegoalistoexcelinthemostuniquewayspossible.Distinctions willbedeemedasusualifuniquenessisaccepted,notcategorized.

Ageless equality

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Ageisjustanumber,notalimittowhatonecanachieve. Treatingpeopleunfairlybecauseoftheirageisaprevalent probleminoursociety,asitharmsindividualsofallages.However,itis especiallydetrimentaltoelderswhoarefrequentlydisregardedandnot giventherespecttheydeserve.Itseffectsmaybecatastrophicsinceitnot onlydiminishespeople'sworthbutalsofostersnegativestereotypesand attitudes.Inordertoactivelyresistprejudiceinallofitsmanifestations, wemustendeavortocreateaninclusiveandvariedsocietythathonors andcelebratesindividualsofallages.

AccordingtoMr.WalterP.Eduaba,SeniorCitizenFocalofMSWDOin SanIsidro,DavaoDelNorteusuallyofthepeoplewhohavehatredinelders ismostlytheonethatleadthemselvesintodiscriminatingtheseniorcitizen basedontheirageasmostlyoftheseniorcitizenespeciallytothosewho's agein70-80yearsoldmayhavetheirsecondchildness.

Mostofthosepeoplewhoaredoingthiskindofhorribletreatmentare theonesthathavenotanyexperienceingrowinguporbondingwithelders. Therefore,theyareunabletofeeltheenjoymentbroughtbytheolder people.Ontopofthat,agediscriminationwillleadtonegligenceofthe olderpeopleasthecauseoflaxitytounderstandtheirneeds.

However,onthesurveyconductedbytheMunicipalSocialWelfare DevelopmentOfficeofSanIsidro,seniorcitizenswhoarelikelytobe bedriddenareonlyat20%thussomeofthemembersaretaking maintenancebuttheyarestillactiveandnotbedridden.

Whenagediscriminationrisesagainstelderly,the20%bedridden memberswillgreatlysufferfromnegligenceastheyarethosewhoneed moreattention,careandcannotdoanythingwithoutsupervisionwith others.Thebedriddenmembersareonlyat20%asofnowbutinascenario wherethepopulationofelderrisesandthenumberofeldersbedridden increasestoowhichmeansthenumberofeldersthatwillbeneglectedwill ariseaswell.

Anotherfactorofchallengesthattheeldersarefacingwiththeiroldage rightnowisemployment.Eduabasaidthatthisshouldbebasedonthe government;elderssupposedlyshouldnotbeconcernedabouttheirjobas theyareretirable.Eduabasaidthateldersshouldstopfocusingonworking insteadfocusonenjoymentoflifebuttherearestillsomeofthemthat oncetheyhavestayedintheirhouseandtheyareusedtoworkingasthey startedeversincetheyareyoung,theymaypossiblyinheritalassitude.In result,theyareallowedtocontinuetheirjobbecausetheyarestillableto doitasitionlytheiragethatisoldunliketheirbody.

By:

Humiliatingothersissubjective.Negativestatementsandprejudiced viewpointsarevisibleinallaspects.Accordingtoasurvey,20.04%of SawataNationalHighSchoolstudentsclaimedthattheyhave experiencedbodyshaming,21fromGradeVII;42fromGradeVIII;40 fromGradeIX;15fromGradeX;49fromGradeXI;and33fromGrade XII.Thishasadverseeffectsonthepsycheandphysiquesof particularindividuals.Therighttojudgesomeoneforwhotheyare doesnotbelongtoanybody.Donotletsocietylabelyouas worthless!

WilynJoyS.Bagallon,aGrade12studentatSawataNationalHigh School(SNHS)whowasbodyshamed,revealedthatshebeganhearing phrasesaboutherselfbeingskinnywhenshewasin7thgrade.Having problemsathomeandbeingteasedatschooladdstothepainshe alwayscarries,causinghertocryasshecannolongerholdbackher tears.

Itisnotbecausetheyareconstantlybodyshamed;theyareused toit.Evenso,itisclearthatteasinghasasevereeffect.Althoughitis absurdforsometospeaknegativelyaboutothers,itcanresultinlow self-worth.

Bagallonnotedthatshesometimesdoesnotcarewhatother peoplemaysayabouther.Becausetheydonotaffectherlifeinany way,thisindicatesthatsheisaprotagonistwhoacceptsherself despitebeingsubjectedtobodyshamingratherthanapuppetthey mayusetoweakenthroughnastyremarks.

Bodyshamingisaproblemthatextendsbeyondhowpeople perceiveyouaboutwhatis"normal"andinsteadcentersonthe criteriausedtoshunthosewhofallshortoftheideal.Nooneis perfect,giventhateveryoneisperfectlyflawed,sotodealwithbody shaming,onemustwithstandthepainitcausesandtransformitinto aspiration.

GlaizaClaireNaris,astudentwhoisalsoavictimofbodyshaming, spokeabouthowbodyshamingfromherrelativescontributestoher achingheart.Shestressedthattheydidnotevenconsiderhowshe wouldfeelwhentheyteasedher,andithurtsobadbecausetheywere herrelatives. Sheisthetypeofpersonwhodoesnotconfront someoneeveniftheydidsomethingwrongtoher;itiseithershewill turnadeafearorperhapswouldsmileandjoininwiththeirlaughter, butdeepdown,shefeltthepain.

Oblivioustothefactthatourjokesregardingsomeone'sbodymay emotionallyaffectthem,wesometimesfindsomethingsamusing. Mostcommentsbypeopleclosetoustendtobefunny,andthey oftendonotrealizethatsuchphrasesfueltheflameofbodyshaming. Aswearealsopeoplewiththecapacitytoexperiencepain,wemust exerciseandupholdsensitivity.

EventhoughNarisadmittedthatshewashurt,shedidnotletit affectherbeliefofwhosheisasaperson.Itprojectstheideathat everyoneneedstoaccepttheirflawsandimperfectionssincetheyare apartofwhotheyareandshouldembracethatconceptabout themselves.Conveyingthatonemustlearntoloveandaccept themselvestoovercometheimpactofbodyshaming.

Justlookforward,focusonyourself-thisphrasethatNaris upholds.Despiteexperiencingcriticism,bothBagallonandNariscarry withthemthequalityofremainingfirmregardingacceptance. Imposingthatsomehowmockeryforsupposedbodilyfaultsor imperfectionscallsforththeconceptofenduringandwillingnessto embraceoneself.

Onlysomecomponentsneedtobeevaluated.Wedonotinfluence theperspectivesoractionsofothers,aswemaychangeourall-ornothingviewsintomoreholisticones.Essentialitshouldbearinmind thatwhencriticizing,everyonevariesfromoneanother,whichhelps usdistinguishfromwhatsolidifies.Turnbodyshamingintobody embracement!

Everyonewouldfeelthesameanddothesamebehavior,forhavingsomething youusedtobedoingisonlytakenforgranted.Itmayhurtyouinsideknowing youwouldnotbeabletodoitanymore,butforolderpeople,thisisnecessary. Theywouldnotbestayingforsolonginthisworldifnotfortheirage.

Distinctionsarenormal,beingdifferentisunique. Discriminationcancomeinmanyformsandoccurinavarietyof settings,anyinstancethatinvolvescontactwithanotherpersoncan becomeasiteofdiscrimination.LGBTQmembersostracizedby conventionsandvaluesmayfindthistobeoffurthersignificance. Freedomtoenjoytheirexistencewithoutfearingdiscrimination regardlessoftheirsexualityshouldbegiven!

BigotedextremistsseektodenyLGBTQpeopleandtheirrights, sometimestheirveryexistence,totheextentofdegradingtheiridentity anddiscriminatingagainsttheirentirebeing.Accordingtothesurvey, 8.91%ofSawataNationalHighSchoolstudentsclaimedtheywere membersoftheLGBTQcommunity.Thereare1.20%ofgays,2.30%of lesbians,4.81%ofbisexuals,and0.60%ofqueers,whichcomprise3.91out of998respondents.

TheLGBTQ+membersfindcomingoutwhotheyarequitechallenging andcomplicated.Asitisevidentintoday'ssocietythat,noteveryonewill welcomethemwithopenarmslikeBen(nothisactualname),whorecently cameoutasgay.Hehighlightedhowheencounteredthiswhenhewas subjectedtocriticismfromsomepeople,notablythosewhoidentifiedas Christian.Benwasparticularlysurprisedbythissincehebelievedreligious peopleliveouttheloveandacceptancefrequentlyassociatedwiththe doctrineofthegospelofGod.Nevertheless, hewasdismayedtoseethat somereligiouspeopleengagedingossipandjudgmentabouthisidentity.

Itisimportanttonotethatindividualsneedtorecognizethat acceptanceandloveshouldbeuniversalvalues,regardingwhatpersonal beliefsorsexualorientationtheyhave—insinuatingthatthiskindof discriminationinthenameofreligionvictimizesthemarginalizedsectors, particularlytheLGBTQcommunity.

Benclaimedthatcarryingtherainbowflagemphasizedthedaily emotionalstrugglesthatmembersoftheLGBTQ+communityexperience. Theyarediscriminatedagainstandjudgedforsimplybeingwhomthey serveasafactorfromwhichtheysufferfrompoormentalhealthandlow self-worth.Thefactthatitisheartbreakingtothinkthattheyunderwent suchhardship.Everyonemustmakethemfeeltheydeservetobelovedand appreciatedlikeanyoneelse.

Unpleasantphrasesandcommentsaboutone'spreferencecanhavea lingeringeffectontheirsenseofexistence.Societalmembersmustcreatea havenforindividualslikeBenthatembracediversitywithopenarms.We muststrivetomaketheworldabetterplaceforeveryone,regardlessof genderidentity.Everyoneisvalidtogivejudgment.However,usingthat validationtodegradeisentirelyunrighteous.Theactofvalidatingcanlead toaperson'svaliditybeingquestioned,diminished,andevendiscounted.

Healsofurtheraddedthatdespitebeingsubjectedtohateand negativity,hedidnotputanyhatredtowardsthem.Instead,hehopesthat theycanreflectontheiractionsandrealizethattheharmtheyhavecaused notonlytohimbuttoeverymemberoftheLGBTQcommunityisanentity thatlosestheirconfidence.ItclearlyshowsthatBen'sexperienceprojects resilienceandstrength.Hisperceptionthateveryone,regardlessoftheir sexualpreference,shouldbeabletostandupconfidentlyremindsusthat wealldeservetobetreatedwithrespectandfairness.

Treatedproperlybeyonddistinctionfromwhatisexpectedisa situationLGBTQmembershaveeverdreamedof.Everyonewhoengages withmembersofthecolorfulcommunityregularlyshouldvalueequality, notonlythosewhohavecomeouttobeacomponentofit.Itshouldbea partofallencounters,fromsocialgatheringstoworkplacecontactsto romanticpartnerships,asnooneshouldbetreateddifferently!

Sadly,discriminationagainstLGBTQpeoplepersistsandisintertwined withthedebateovertheseparationofreligionandstate.Whilereligious convictionsareimportant,theyshouldnotviolateothers'rights.Buildinga societythatcherishesmutualrespectandupholdsequalityisprecise. Membersofthecolorfulcommunityshouldbeunchainedfromoppression tobeembracedwithacceptance—developingmonochromeintocolors.

Theyshouldlivetheirlifetothefullestbyusingtheirremainingtimeto makememorieswithsomeonetheytreasureinsteadofdrainingitoffwork sotheywouldnothaveanyregretsuntiltheirlastbreath.

Elderstryingtojoinsometrendsareusuallyjudgedfordoing somethingthatmaybehardforthemtocopewithbecauseoftheirold age.Mrs.VictorianaLagura,PrefectofDisciplineatSawataNationalHigh School,saidthatpeoplewhofrequentlydothatarethosewhothinkthat eldersarenotbeneficialforthem.Sheaddedthatthosepeopleneedtobe givenanexplanationathomeabouttheimportanceofeldersandtheir value.

Indeedexplained,whenafamilyisdisrespectfultowardsanelderlyitis notpossiblethatthechildrenwillinheritthisbearing.Mostofuswould feelitissurprisingforthemtodosuchthingsbutcometothinkofit, eldersareold,butthatdoesnotmeantheycannotlearnnewthings.It maybehardforthemtoadapt,butthatdoesnotmeanitisimpossible. Limitationsandexpectationsoftheexactwaytoactbasedonagecan makeolderpeoplefeeltheyneedtobeintouch.Asaresult,they'llbe discouragedfromdoingsomethingthatcanleadtotheirpotentialinability toenhance.

EveryoneshouldencouragetheElderstojointheSeniorCitizen ProgramconductedbytheMSWDOofSanIsidro,DavaoDelNorteevery yearofthe1stweekofOctober.Thiswillnotonlyenhancetheabilityof olderpeoplebutforeveryonetobeenlightenedthatseniorcitizenscan alsogetalonginthisnewgeneration'swayoflivingandhavesomething theycanshowandhaven'tsharedtotheworldyet.Thatdespitetheage theyhaverightnow,theyhavealreadygainedknowledge,skills,and experiencethatwillnotfadeoffandwillstay.

Itistrulyashametolettheeldersthinkabouttheirvaluewhen,inthis chaoticworld,eldersarethevalueweneed.Theycontinuetosuffer, carryingallthehumiliationandfrustrationtheiroldagebrings.Eveninthis modernizedera,elderscanhavemanycontributions.Theycanteachus fromthehistorytotheculture,tradition,andperspectiveoflifetheyhave intheiragethatcanbeappliedandhelpthefuturegeneration.Theycan sharetheirlifebefore,whichcanbeagreatlessonforeveryone. Wemustvalueelders;afterall,wewillbecomeoneinthefuturetoo. Therefore,tostopageismamongstolderpeople,everyoneshouldsupport seniorcitizenstofightfortheirrightswithoutbeingconcernedabouttheir age.

By: Dolly Balaga

Differentabilities,sameworth.

Thedisabilityreferstoanumbrellatermcoveringimpairments, activitylimitations,andparticipationrestrictions.Morelikely,people withdisabilities(PWDs)liveinlower-incomefamilies,wherethemajority arepoorandstruggletoaccessbasicservices.Duetotheirconditions, PWDsrequiregreaterattentionandconsiderationfortheirhealthneeds, withoutanyformofdiscrimination.Itiscrucialtoexertmoreeffortin assistingPWDmembers,toensuretheirwell-beingandinclusion.

AccordingtotheRuralHealthUnit(RHU),disabilityisaprevalent globalpublichealthissuethataffectsapproximatelyonein50people withintheMunicipalityofSanIsidro.Therealityisthatdisabilitycan touchanyone'slifeatsomepoint,makingitauniversalconcernthat demandsattentionandaction.

Presently,thereisaconsiderablenumberofindividualswhoidentify asPWDs,withsomeinheritingtheirdisabilitiesthroughgenetics.This increasingprevalenceofdisabilitysignifiesthatithasbecomea significantglobalhealthissueaffectingasubstantialportionofthe population.Numeroustypesofdisabilitiesimpactthelivesofmany individuals,includingstudents.However,itisessentialtoemphasizethat disabilityshouldneverbeperceivedasaliabilitybutratherasadiverse aspectofhumanexistence.

Disabilityisnotsolelyahealthissue;itisalsoamatterofhuman rights.Peoplewithdisabilitiesoftenfacediscrimination,violence, prejudice,andadenialofautonomy.Theyencounternumerousbarriers whenaccessingpropercareandsupport,makingitimperativetoaddress theirrightsandpromoteinclusivitywithinsociety.

Sadly,themistreatmentofpersonswithdisabilitieshasbecome distressinglycommonintoday'ssociety.Instancesofbullying, discrimination,andevenabuseagainstindividualswhoareunableto defendthemselvesarepervasive.Itisdishearteningthatthosewhoare mostinneedofassistanceareoftenmistreated,notonlybysocietybut alsobytheirownfamilymembers.

ManyPWDsexperienceunequaltreatmentandthreatsintoday's world,withbullyingandname-callingbeingparticularlyprevalent.Such mistreatmentcanhaveprofoundnegativeeffectsontheirmentaland emotionalwell-being.Itiscrucialtouseterminologythatrespectstheir dignity,suchasreferringtothemaspeoplewithhealthconditionsor impairments,ifdeemedappropriate.

Furthermore,childrenwithdisabilitiesareatanincreasedriskof experiencingviolenceandbullyinginschools,impedingtheirrightto receiveeducationinasafeandinclusiveenvironment.Nevertheless, havingadisabilityshouldneverbeconsideredaninsurmountablebarrier forstudentsstrivingtoachievetheirgoalsinlife.

Theyshouldbeembracedwithloveandfreedom,ratherthanbeing subjectedtohatredfromtheworld.Theydeservetobeprotectedfrom theperilsofdepressionandintenseanxiety.PWDstudents,inparticular, shouldbeabletopursuetheirstudieswithouttheburdenof discrimination.

Itisessentialtorecognizethatphysicalormentalimpairmentsdonot renderindividualsincompleteoruseless.PWDsmakevaluable contributionstoourdailylives,brighteningourdaysandremindingusof thestrengthofthehumanspirit.Theyarefullyhumananddeservingof loveandrespect.Intoday'ssociety,PWDsshouldnotbetreatedasa burdenoraplaguebutratherasuniqueindividualsworthyofacceptance andinclusion.

Diabilityisawidespreadissuethataffectsindividualsworldwide. PWDs,especiallythosefromlower-incomefamilies,facesignificant challengesinaccessingessentialservices.Itisimperativefor governmentstoprioritizethehealthneedsofPWDs,particularlystudents, andensurethattheyarenotsubjectedtodiscrimination.Disabilityshould beseenasadiverseaspectofhumanexistenceandamatterofhuman rights.Societymustcombatdiscrimination,violence,andprejudice againstPWDs,fosteringanenvironmentthatpromotesinclusivityand support,enablingthemtolivelivesfreefrommistreatmentandwith accesstoopportunitiesthatallowthemtothriveandcontributeto society.

Rights not labor

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Childhoodlosttolaborisalossforsociety.

Exploitingchildrenforfinancialgainisunlawfulconductwhich constitutesaprofoundissueamongthosewhoareunderprivileged.Itis illegal,yetitremainstobeanunsolvedproblem.Impoverishmentforces familiestosendtheirchildrentoworktocontributetotheirhousehold income.Theseminoritiesareoftendeniedrightstoprimenecessities, causingthemtomissoutonopportunitiesthatcouldhavehelpedthem escapetheimpoverishmentcycle,furtheraggravatingtheirstateofliving. Childlaborviolatesfundamentalhumanrights;theirchildhoodisnotfor sale!

AccordingtoMaureenAvaMorales,aneconomicsteacher,childlabor andpovertyareintertwinedissues.Povertyplaysasignificantcontribution whenchildrenareforcedtoworktomakeendsmeet.Whenparentscannot securesteadyjobsthatpaywell,theymaychoosetosacrificetheirchildren aslaborerstomaintainsustenance.Moreover,unemploymentcanleadto othersocialproblemsthatcanexacerbatetheissueofchildlabor,suchas turningtoalcoholanddrugstocopewiththestressandanxietyoftheir situation,leadingtoneglectandabuseoftheirchildren.

Povertyistheproblem,andnottheparentsentirely.Whentheygain accesstoanyjobthatpaysthemafairwage,theirchildrenwouldbeless likelytobesentonanyformofwork.Instead,theycanaffordanymeansto providesufficientinvestmentsfortheirchildren'sfuture.Providingefficient workopportunitiestoparentsisawayofwonder,alongwithtraining programsthatwillgivethemtherequiredskillsandresourcestoengagein variousopportunities.Thiswillensurefamiliescansupportthemselves withoutresortingtoanyoptioncorrelatingtochildlabor.

Inaddition,lackofeducationisafactorthataggravatespoverty.Child laborpreventschildrenfromhavingthehonorofaccessingqualitylearning.

Redemption not neglection

Love'sabsence,courage'spresence.

Inlove,itsgreatestbaneisthelossofanotherheart,todeath`s embrace.Widowhoodiswhenanindividuallosestheirspouse.They couldbecalledawidowiftheyloseahusbandandawidowerifthey loseawife.Put,itisadisruptionofmarriageduetolosingaloved partnerandsuch,isdetrimentaltotranquilityamongfamilies,the inevitablecycleoflifethateternallybreaksthebondbetweenlove.Itis asourceofgreatemotionalpain,stress,andagony.Thetraumathey experienceisunimaginable;losingtheloveofyourlifeisextremely painful.Theyneedemotionalsupport;theyneedredemption!

InasurveydoneatSawataNationalHigh-school,itwasfoundthat64 (6.41%)of998studentrespondentshavewidowedparentsoneither side,ofwhich12werefromGrade7,3fromGrade8,14fromGrade9,12 againfromGrade10,9fromGrade11and14fromGrade12.Inaddition tosuchnumbers,itwasrealizedthatmostliveunderthepovertyline, complicatingtheirhomelivesandtheconsequencesoflivingasa widow/er.

Asignificantchallengeforwidowsorwidowersthatcomplicatetheir struggleswithcopingwithlossispoverty,itsassociatedfinancial burdensbeingoverwhelming,tothepointthatitinterfereswith maintainingaccesstonecessitiessuchasfood,water,andtherightsto aneducationandhealthcareforthemandtheirchildren.Thissituation leadstoacycleofhardshipsthatwillbedifficulttobreak,courting familyrisks,mentalhealthissues,socialisolation,anddiseases.Thus,it isessentialtoprovideawarenessandacknowledgethechallengessuch widowsandwidowersfacetorealizethesupporttheyneedtomaintain theirfamilies.)

Forastudentaffected,awidowedparentissadandchallenging. Whileaparentmaybegone,they,thestudent,maystillwishtobecome successfulinlifetohelpsatisfyandsupporttheirremainingparentto makebothparentsproud.Butitcannotbeavoidedforthemtocompare theirlosstowhatotherstudentshave,thinkingothersleadmore comfortable,happierlivesthanthembecausetheystillhavebothsetsof parentsstillliving.This,forthestudent,isabitterfruitandnegatively affectstheirself-worthandself-esteem.Theyareimpactingany relationshipsandcommitmentstheymayhave.

Discriminationagainstwidowsandwidowersisapervasivesocial probleminmanypartsoftheworld.Despiteprogressinwomen'srights andsocialjustice,widowsandwidowersstillfacediscriminationand mistreatmentduetosocialandculturalnormsthatviewthemas burdensoroutcasts.Inmanycultures,widowsareexpectedtomourn forextendedperiodsandareexcludedfromsocialeventsand ceremonies.Thissocialisolationmayleadtoeconomicinsecurity, mentalhealthissues,andphysicalabuse.Widowsarealsooftendenied inheritancerights,leavingthemfinanciallystrandedwithoutsupport. Discriminationagainstwidowsisasureviolationofhumanrights.Efforts mustbemadetoraiseawareness,changeattitudesandperceptions,and supportthoseaffectedwithanotherchanceatlifeandlove.

Despitebeingprofoundindividuals,theyarefragile. Aidingwidowsis anobleactthatcansignificantlyimpacttheirlives.Widowsoftenface socialandeconomichardshipsduetolosingtheirspouse,whichcan affecttheirmentalandphysicalhealth.Financialassistance,counseling, andjobtrainingsupportcanhelpthemregainindependenceand improvetheirwell-being.Creatingawarenessandadvocatingfortheir rightsisessentialtoensuretheyreceivefairtreatmentandequal opportunities.Theyareassistingwidowstobuildamoreinclusive societythatvaluesandrespectsallitsmembers.

Deficientprimaryresources,includingfood,shelter,clothing,andmoney, makingitdifficultforparentstosendtheirchildrentoschool.Consideringthe minoritieswithimpoverishedbackgroundswhoworktosupporttheirfamilies,it leavesthemuncertainoftimetoattendschoolafterward.Moreover,children areintroducedtohazardousworkingconditions,whichcanhurttheirwell-being, leadingtoabsencesfromclass.

Balanced plate

Vence Jaylord Valiao

ourishdeficiencies,fuelthefuture.

Malnutritionandpovertyareintimatelylinked,withhunger frequentlyservingasitsprimarycause.Lackingaccessto nutritiousmeals,potablewater,andotheressentialsforgood health,thosewhoareimpoverishedcannotmaintaintheirhealth. Andthatcanresultinseveremalnutrition,whichhasadamaging impactlikestuntedgrowth,decreasedimmunity,andgreater susceptibilitytoillnesses.Foodinsecuritycausedby impoverishmentisacomplexissuethatrequiresamultifaceted treatment.Addressdeficientnutritionthrougheliminating

BasedonasurveyundertakenatSawataNationalHighSchool, 77learners(7.72%)ingeneralofthe998respondents,are consideredtobemalnourished.Thereare17 fromGrade7;17from Grade8;25fromGrade9;1fromGrade10;6fromGrade11and11 fromGrade12.Someoftheselearnerslivebelowthepovertyline whereinittookpartasacontributingfactortotheirbeing

AccordingtoEdithaR.Demerin,SchoolHealthCoordinator, hungeranddestitutionaretwointerrelatedproblemsthathave persistedforages.Sadly,despiteseveralinitiatives,bothpoverty andmalnutritionarecontinuouslyrising.Malnutritionisastatethat developswhenthehumansystemdoesn'treceiveenoughofthe nutrientsrequiredforhealthygrowthanddevelopment.Contrarily, povertyrestrictsaccesstowholesomemeals,purewater,and fundamentalmedicalcare,whichresultsinmalnutrition. Takeintoaccountthattheproblemmayberemediedby encouragingGDPgrowth,makingsurethatallcitizenshaveaccess toneeds,andspreadingawarenessofthevalueoflivinglifetothe utmost.Itisourresponsibilitytomakesurethateverybodyis entitledtothenecessitiesoflife,notablyhealthservices,andfood, asstarvationisascenariothatcanbecircumvented.Itcanhelpend hungerandpovertybycarryingoutthis.

Learningoutcomesforlearnersmaysufferasaresultof malnutrition,whichisasevereworry.Numerousconcerns,suchas lossoffocus,diminishedmentalabilities,andevenmentaldisorders canresultfrominsufficientfoodintake.Studentswholackenough nutritionfrequentlyfinditdifficulttokeepupwith theirfellow learnersandmaysufferacademically.Itmightbechallengingtoget overthesefeelingsofhelplessness,poorself-esteem,and discomfort.

Theeducationalsystemsectorfrequentlyignoresmalnourished pupils,butthisisunacceptable.Theintellectualandphysical growthofchildrendependsonpropernutrition,and undernourishedkidsperformsignificantlyworseacademicallythan theircounterpartswhoeathealthily.Undernourishmentmaybe preventedandtreatedwithpromptactionandgoodnutrition,thus it'scriticaltospreadawarenessandofferassistancetoindividuals whoarestruggling.

Takingonimpoverishmentdirectlyisoneofthebestapproaches tofightinghunger.Giventhatimpoverishedindividualsfrequently havelimitedmeansofgettingnutritionalmealsorevenpurewater todrink,ashortageoffoodandpovertygoinextricablylinked.By establishinglegislationandprogramsfocusedoneliminating poverty,wecanguaranteethatallpeoplecanobtainbasic essentialslikewaterandsustenance.Measureslikelearning, employmentcreation,andwelfaresystemshavethepotentialto attainthis.Considerateandinclusiveprovisionstoaidmalnutrition willnourishthedeficits.

Attainingeducationisafundamentalrightforeverychild,itisan essentialoptiontohelpbanishthecycleofpovertyandimprovepoor statesofliving.Unfortunately,childrenforcedintolabordonothave sufficientmeanstoexperiencesuchprivilege.Bymakingeducationmore accessible,individualsfrompoorbackgroundswillattainrighteous learningandachievetheirgoals.Thiscanbeachievedthroughfinancial aidprogramsandinclusiveschedulesthatwillcatertotheneedsoflowincomestudents.Prioritizingeducationforallchildrencreatesamore equitablesociety.

AccordingtoMorales,childrenwhoworkinhazardousconditionsare exposedtovariousrisks.Theyoftenworklonghoursandevenwithout properbreaks,contributingtohealthproblems.Consequently,childlabor canleadtomalnutrition,giventhatchildrenarenotgivenappropriate nutritiondespiteworkingvigorouslyduetopoverty.

Moreover,childlaborcanalsoharmachild'smentalhealth, consideringtheyarepronetoabuse,neglect,andexploitation,possibly inflictingadeclineonthechild'sgrowthanddevelopmentandcaneven leadtodeath.

Limitedaccesstohealthcarewillputthechildren'slivesontheline.By providingsuchmeanstothesevulnerablechildren,wecanhelpalleviate theiroverallwell-being,givingthemanupbringingforahealthylife. Therefore,wemustprioritizehealthassistance,especiallyfordeprived people.Fulfillingthisrequiresincreasingfundsforclinicsandhospitalsin impoverishedareasthatprovidesubsidizedmedicalcaretothoseinneed. Notonlydoesthisserveasamoralobligation,butalsoessentialfor ensuringahealthygenerationtocome.

Childhoodisaright,notacommoditythatcanbetradedforlabor. Deficiencyrestrainsthechildrenfromlivingtheprivilegetheydeserve. Henceaddressingtheissueofchildlaborrequirestacklingpovertyatits root.Ourresponsibilityistobuildacommunitywhereyoungpeoplecan growwithoutfearofexploitation.Wemustworktogethertomakeends meetforthosedeprivedbyprovidingaccesstoqualityeducation, subsidizedhealthcare,andinclusiveopportunitiestoreachtheirpotential peak.

Thegovernmentandsocietymusttakeresponsibilitybyimplementing policiesprohibitingandspreadingawarenesstoensurethatchildren's childhoodisnottradedforlivelihood.Prioritizingmultifacetedapproaches toabolishimpoverishmentwillensurethatchildrencanrestoretheright theydeserve,unleashinglife'srestrainedluxury.Thismaybeanunsolved problem.However,itismanageable;wecanstillmakeithappenforthe children'ssake.

By:MelodieBulat-ag

Love is a force of nature and has the ability to overcome barriers or go beyond depths and bring the lovers heart together a in the middle of the ocean depicts the people who have fallen in love with someone far away Fate may separate sweethear cross distance for individuals who long for deep affection the beauty to intimacy that comes from loving someone from afar It requires patience, resilience, and a deep commitment to connection

Long-distance relationships can be lkened to a vast ocean that separates two shores leaving the lovers stranded on opposite ends As ships are lost in the sea they yearn for each others touch yet the waves of time and dstance continuously push them apart But n this vastness, where the heart is the only compass, love becomes a dotted path that guides them through the darkness Distance may separate them physicaly but their hearts beat as one connected by an unbreakable bond that transcends space and time We wanted to see each other badly but there are things that are not going to happen that we wanted to We are far from each other, and usually seeng each other s a big mracle for us, sad Ivy Joy Espina, a Grade 12 Student at Sawata National High Schoo According to Espina a Long Dstance Relationship s lke a journey into the unknown where love and feelings are tested Its a quest to discover if two hearts can withstand the trias and tribulations of distance doubt and time Lke a warrior facng an enemy on the battlefield, the lovers must have unwavering trust and commtment These virtues are their weapons against the obstaces that seek to tear them apart “We both manage our relationship through trusting each other respecting and understandng but aso we never let pride prevai over our feelings and thoughts When it comes to trust it is difficult to trust each other completey, added Espina The essence of ove gives distanced hearts the energy to beat as one and an aspiration to embody on Long-distance relationships project the exquiste sde of the deicate glass but are still fragile Love knows no distance, but the fragilty brought

By:MarjorieBaldo

Ibring more prosperity to the community, former rulers that could empower the empire of equality has been invisible and betrayed by their allies destroying their glorious reputation and leading to the fall of unity These known rulers have been living through ages and being able to experience the old-fashioned day makes them packed with life lessons that can be transmitted to the younger generation Neither of these youngsters fully appreciates the worth of these old warriors and their purpose in every individuals life; neglecting them can be regrettable for not understanding that these people are the key to victory

According to the survey conducted by the Municipality of San Isdro As of October 2022 there are 3 060 senior ctizen members among them 146 bedridden Instituton for seniors wishes to comfort the elderly and not make them feel worthless by exerting more percepton respect and love, especally to those needing attention and assistance

People nowadays that are profusely and shamelessly disrespecting eders by laughing at them mockng them feelng them humiliated and looked down on are not well-educated For them it is pleasing to give such behavior to older people for the thought that older people have no longer any value to the society and are not beneficial to the populace anymore Rather they are more burden said Victoriana Lagura the Prefect of Discipine of Sawata National High Schoo and an eldery The modernized era emphasizing that senle peopes lfe s already meaningless shows ruthlessness for the elders Acknowledging only the trivial brought by older people overshadowed their hidden competency Wthin the senle physque hides their strong presence; it is surrounded by an unrecognizable power that compares to a withered plant that would not bloom again until someone has the interest to explore and take care of it admiring its beauty and contribution to the fullest

"Senior citizens are officially considered to be retred and no longer qualify to work with their fragile body; they should be focused on how to spend their remaining time n this world; ever since those times they were young they have adapted their life into doing tasks However there is a group of elderly that once theyre stuck at home doing nothing, and theyre used to being productive it results unseemly for them; that is the reason a program was conducted that showcases their intelligence in such things which is convenient for them as they have too much famiiarity that gives proficiency coming from the past years they've lived " said Walter P Eduaba a Senior Citizen FOCAL n Municipalty of San Isidro The leading devoted followers of the evolution of success are eders The awe-inspiring dligence they have to cope with the new generation is remarkabe They have a lack of dscernment but can prove anyones incorrect expectation of them due to their wilingness to learn despite the inefficient dea of today's living whch stll doesnt stop them from acheving ther intentions They tend to slow down the pace of their goals no matter the drawbacks; ether because of their old body or humiliation for being inexperienced they are stll workng hard No one can dictate what I want to do based

By:SheenRyanBaluran

on my age either my chidren or grandchildren or someone cose to me All of the things that I can do make me feel delighted; the thought that I can do it inspires me to think that my goals are achievable and not impossible I can do the dancing trends I can still sing and Im unstoppable in doing everything because I feel Im stil capable of dong it, added Victoriana Lagura

Lfe is not always about what you can bestow on but the possbiity to obtain something When you sow tolerance to the elders you may reap the same fate as them Normaizing the existence of old-stye and new-fashioned attributes n the same period of time can build harmony through ts people; this unity can estabish a long-living kingdom where deas, strateges and wisdom unte together tramping the monarchy into pieces that raise parttion to the society Elders are the renowned prodgies of their times; wth their heroic deeds they can help numerous marvelous teens to reclaim the fath of humanty in humanty Dive into the embodiment of patriots to find out how they surpassed their chalenges in ife and with that let elders embrace the patronage of the world too!

When the suns golden rays pierce through the menacing gray clouds of a storm, a mesmerizing rainbow will unfold on the blue horizon, graced with a stunning sheen of vibrance that turns the monochromatic sky into colors The LGBTQ+ community has unfortunately found themselves at the receiving end of an alarming upsurge of categorization that brews the downpour of discrimination raging against them, and only the resilient ones can weather its fury and emerge gracefully with their true identities

According to a Sawata National High School survey, 89 (8 91) students out of 998 were revealed to be open as part of the LGBTQ communty There are 1 20% of gays 2 30% of lesbians 4 81% of bisexuas and 0 60% of queers which comprise 3 91 out of 998 respondents In addition 64 (6 41%) of the members above encounter homophobic slurs at schoo and even 26 (2 60%) experience t in their own homes Society has a narrow view of ndividuals, leading to dscrimination against those who do not ft the mold; this haunts the LGBTQ+ community back to the closet However they keep on moving forward Instead they find strength and empowerment in their unity The communty was built to serve as a sanctuary for those cast out by society, serving as a haven of refuge, support, and acceptance which forges a powerful force of justice and equality Ths sets a reminder that no matter how drastic life may be there is aways a pace where an individual's actual color can endure

As I looked upon society I could not help but notice that LGBTQ individuas were often viewed as outcasts among societys norm Witnessing this caused me to lve in fear of being gay The frght of reection and potential discriminaton from society held me back from lvng my authentic self It was not until I found a supportve communty that I fnaly to their wilingness to lve their authentic lves Coming out is a profoundly personal decision; sharing an indvduals true colors with the word takes courage Pursuing to do so the community members have helped to strike down barriers challenge stereotypes and pave the way for future generatons to lve uniquely The strugge is far from over whenever an individual takes the intial step of sharing their identity with the cruel word Persuading to break free from these constraints to live authentically is a triumph

"Living a lfe that was not truly mine was exhausting I had to force myself to act femnine in front of people and be womanly in clothing scent posture and voice I even forced myself to be romanticaly lke the opposite gender only to fulfil socetys expectations and avoid being hurt The harder I tried, the more it drained me, it was suicide After such reaization I stopped all the pretendng and upheld my real identity Fear took me this far but I wll never trade my sanity only to please society I exist to be myself; there is nothing wrong with being me said Mina (not her rea name) a student from SNHS who identifies as lesbian The pursut of acceptance can be draning for the members of the LGBTQ+ communty For far too long they have sought vaidaton from a socety that is historcally intolerant of their flamboyant identities However the communty learned to reject the toxic sentiments of being rdiculed and chose to celebrate their diversity with pride Embracing their authentic selves grasps a realization that proper validation comes from within Those who pursue to let their colors outshine the frail judgments of society wil not fail to serve as an upbringing of hope for those who hide withn the shadows bult from the fear of discrmination

"Being treated as a oke made me hde my real identity Outng myself as bisexual was a traumatizing experience Peope accused me of being an attention seeker and only joining on a trend I was dentified as desperate as I fight to stand and validate my sexualty for acceptance whch made me a good target for bullyng I wanted to be free, so I stopped seeking valdation from ntolerant peope I can provide t for mysef along with people who accept me and I want to keep it that way " said Jinn (not her real name) a student from SNHS who identifies as bisexual Despte the fierce winds of homophobia that have pushed the LGBTQ+ community within the void of fear, their united resilience and unyielding determnation have forged a radiant rainbow illuminating the path toward the emergence ofa more accepting and inclusive society Their unwavering spirits n the face of adversity serves as a flamboyant beacon of hope for the oppressed and marginalized The community has shown that no matter how daunting the storm of discrimination may seem they proclaim ther identities with pure pride ndicating that they wil not be silenced nor pushed to the margins This arch of colors after the strong surge sets a reminder that there is hope for those who persistenty strive to be resilient against a stormy weather

By:SheenRyanBaluran

When a malicious criminals lurking eyes recognize a clueless mind, a grand heist will devour its victims valuable possession, robbing all treasures it can find, leaving the horror of deficiency The pandemic gave birth to a theft that is not punishable by any means of law It committed burglary to those students with a naive learning capacity, lagging their academic progress, eventually robbing their development as learners Hence, the beginning of a war against thieves to retrieve what has been stolen from them

According to a survey conducted at Sawata National High School 602 students out of 998 respondents are confirmed to be strugglng due to the learning gap as a consequence of the pandemic; transitioning from the modular and online learning modalities to the current reimpementation of face-to-face classes for the schoo year 2022-2023 Retrieving what has been lost from a thef that is invisble to the naked eye is a course that is uncertan to overcome The dsparity of the learning gap stole the progress of learnng Hence the reimplementation of face-to-face classes wll serve as an outlet to restore hope for those deprved However it turned out to be a continuation of the war that the pandemc started, but in a fresh setting, making it difficult for those who remained vulnerable “Whie I participated in face-to-face classes the problems I had with onlne and moduar learning vanshed but were replaced with the struggle from the learning gap Despite the termination of the learning modaites made by the pandemic, my ife as a student continued to be complicated Due to my slow learning capablity and the unreiablethe progress I had wth previously modified learnng settings I feel vulnerabe, said Liwani Maria Paula Cancan a Sawata National High School student Adapting to the upbringing of this new beginning can be unfair to underprivileged people The imbalance that the learning gap nflicted on the students can be heavy for them to wegh on ther shoulders, stacking their burden with the feeling of envy for those people who stood on ther competent stance given that some excel while others do not Here's the the comparison which will serve as the thief of joy contributing to the heist started by the pandemic As a learner who is not that smart but is persstently attempting to adapt to this new earning setting is hard Observing my situation as a student who completey struggles academicaly compared to my classmates who reman competent as f any effects of the learning gap did not faze them was drainng for me to witness I am not that privieged; I envied them said Kesha Mae Montoya, a student from Sawata National Hgh School Persistent hearts wil eventualy weaken if no one acknowedges helping such endeavors Witnessing the defciency of

By:SheenRyanBaluran

Embarking on a voyage in search of bounty is an aspiration by those who seek fortune competency on affected earners can be draining to those who facilitate learning Students and teachers alike are lnked to the repercussions of the dstance learning modalities, involving students who learn and those who provide learning in the sense of being burglarized

"Students are struggling due to the earning gap; we know this is not their only fight As teachers we tend to help as effcently as possible to ad ther deays and regain their academc composure They need our hep, said Raquel G Tagalinao, Princpal IV of Sawata National High School

The haven where education is meant to foster has been transformed into a site for warfare aganst the heist started by the earning gap Takng the path of resilience will loosen the grip of the shackles tied to those who are troubled by such robbery The sheen of sweat produced by those who embolden themselves and protect the nnocents in this war against thieves will be the cornerstone of success These endeavors serve as the bridge to connect the gap that separates students from what they are capabe of

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are captains of their ships on a quest to find prosperity beyond borders

These modern-day heroes leave their port and venture into the great unknown to reap the rewards of perseverance on foreign lands Sailing into uncharted waters, these individuals navigate the treacherous currents of global markets and shifting economies They chart their course with a keen eye for opportunity, seizing every chance to pursue a better future for themselves and their loved ones

According to a survey conducted at Sawata National High Schoo 79(7 92% Students out of 8 respondents have parents workng abroad eavng them with their relatives and guardians to care for them In addition to all the data above 51 (65%) used to be unemployed and 18 (22%) had jobs but wth insufficient salaries, leading to the cause of their migraton Casting off from the shores of their homeland, OFWs initialy weather the waves of homesickness as they frst navigate through the distant seas of adversity leading away from familiar lands Away from home is their designated course toward the path of aspired welfare; its distance wll drown them before they can even set sai However, they endure such onging, empowered by their sense of purpose They keep their eyes fixated on the prize knowng that time will eventually carry them to serene waters as each day brings them coser to the horizon that promises a better future Being away from my daughter to make our futures better was a draining choice I missed her so much, as I missed my whole family I never expected such onging to affect me entirey However I reminded myself that al of this will be worth it soon the dstance is just a part of the p " id Mi h l L Sil d OFW

As they traverse the vast ocean of opportunities diversity beyond borders s a storm waiting to happen The surge of cultura differences and language barriers n foreign lands keep them away from shore

However, as skiled captains, they know how to navigate through the waves and steer the ship toward serene waters The OFWs adapt to ther domain's demand for native customs evolving to blend n and survve Learnng to survve in these unfamiiar environments is an option for them to choose and their adaptve endeavors paved the way for them to remain resolute Despite hndrances, they know that their journey s one worth pursung

“The culture in other countries is overwhelmng for me to comprehend The working ways and the lifestyle of others were dfferent and new to me However I learned to adapt to the new setting as it is the key for me to move forward, added Siladan When they finally dock in a foreign land, they unfurl their anchors and set to work devoting themselves to the ong hours and committing hard graft of labor required to make their dreams a reaity to make ends meet Moreover unforeseen circumstances

By:MelodieBulat-ag

are the common concerns where such devotion can lead to unfortunate osses includng death

However with grt from their souls they make a significant mark on the world that leaves a tral of success n ther wake From workng an odd variety of jobs, sacrificing tme, and exposing themseves to risks, these OFWs have truly gone beyond the cal of duty

"The entire endeavor I went through was tirng to say the least; I had to work day and night to suffice my goal Working days were so busy that it gave me no time for other things for myself I let the work enguf my time and dran me so I can move forward, ended Sladan

These marvelous migrants are righteous to be hailed as modern-day heroes for the sacrifices they endure to provide They have left their havens to embark on a new ourney on new horizons and survive life on foreign ands to create a future buit by aspirations Despite being far from home their hearts remain anchored to the shores they left behind, fueling the cause of their resilence They understand that the quest for prosperity is sometimes smooth sailing but worth taking Every wave they ride every wind that fills their sais and every port they dock n grants them the fortune they rightfully deserve

As countless people worldwide suffer from poverty, which is particularly common among students They work arduously to create a better future on their own and for those around them while having trouble making things meet Everyday living is their struggle; they must decide whether to keep surviving or stop fighting and cease the attempt to exist

Learners livng below the poverty line may defne their situation as uncertain of the possibility of escaping deprvation These students have certain constraints as they attempt to fulfil their desires, from struggling with money to restrcted access to educational assets But despite these difficulties many of them are discovering ways to get around obstacles and attain all they can be A victim of poverty cry and shout for hope, and students are not an exception to this phenomenon A day of life is not to do usual things but a way of surviving what tomorrow could bring that poverty is always coming things but The difficutes I usualy get thanks to my condition are usually being unable to secure and ensure that I eat on time and do it three times a day I cant enjoy the full relaxing experience because I'm always apprehensive of what tomorrow mght bring always wth the foreboding that my mother and I might colapse like a house of cards Day by day livng is like crawlng and pawng at the sand in hopes of findng gold; you dream but are disappointed said Samuel Japet Medallo Carvey, a Senior Hgh School student at Sawata National High Schoo Moreover Carvey added that his life was hard and that to live he would make things rratonal to others Everything he did was to survive and proceed with life with her mother Every opportunity even f it is ust too miniature for others but for him he takes that chance to do hard work and to take a rest

Those are the consequences of what Im facing I face and do unprecedented rates of hard work considered unnecessary and weird for others with stable finances and futures Hard work for a little reward that dsappears as quickly as you receve it using t to stave off enduring sufferng and have respite ” Carvey stated

However Carvey chalenged his faith together with the numerous responsibiities he shoulders At hs age he does hard work to survive, beng the pilar of the family, a son, and a student He must fulfil those responsibilities, whch affects his academic performance but he manages to continue; there were many times when he had nothing to eat but he was lucky someone was wlling to give

As a student it crushes my motivaton and the desire to do work to earn instead of usng school days to relax and not do any work so that I may scrape the bottom of the barre of scraps of rest and sanity building I instead procrastnate but stll try evidenced by my 89%average grades for First Quarter Lunch times in school are a nightmare sometimes an exercise in uncertainty

A Tennessee Williams quote about relying on the kindness of strangers, which I do appreciate, mostly from Maam Bandalan, who provides me ample unch ” he said He stated that as of now he has not yet overcome those problems together with her mom are still running around in circles looping back as they have no natural way of soving those challenges; they are stil on the edge of surviving, but sady cannot correcty lve

In the face of poverty many students are forced to overcome signficant obstacles to acheve their academic and personal goals despite those chalenges The hurdes of surviving and the barriers of continuing life with the responsiblities lie Hard work is the reflection of what tomorrow could bring to someone I understood the lesson each hardship gives me appreciating now what I would have taken for granted when I was younger or the schooling before the pandemic, which makes me strive to do more despite my condition, selfexamine myself more closely so I may improve how I act and respond to responsiblities ” Carvey remarked

Poverty may not vanish n just a snap but those victims who contnuously embody the cracking sound have wth them the potentia to overcome deprivation In learning areas or community engagement, impoverished students revolve as a blazing phoenx who is brave enough with their dedcation to breaking the cycle that keeps on pivoting in their exstence In the vastness of crtcsm and hardship they possess the aspration that once turned their myopic view into a vctorious outook A perception that no one can ever break nor destroy as it is engraved in their hearts and minds “I wouldn't say that walking around a roundabout repeatedly n your journey is considered a success But I stil learned to fght harder know why I fght embrace improvement and accept crtcsm and adversity so I may grow exponentially in wisdom and faith, Carvey ended

Savoring the rich flavor Cacao the center of commemoration fills the Sikwate Festival a cup of warmth and nostalgia

Protecting the roots: the battle of preserving Dibabawon agriculture

By:JunalisaEnalPabilis

By:JunalisaEnalPabilis

Something is reaped if something is sown Celebrate the abundance of brown golds!

Acarnival of cacao and confectionery, this jubilant gathering ignites the senses in the heart of a town that owes its existence to the same crop San Isidro Davao del Norte, the land of bountiful soil and benevolent weather, has for long been a nurturing ground for the cultivation of cacao This festival is a hymn to the diligent farmers and their unwavering commitment to producing sustainable and premium-grade cacao From the cacophony of the parade to the spectacle of cultural performances from a tour of the cacao farm to a plethora of chocolate tastings, this event is a carnival of colors and flavors that encapsulates the rich traditions of this enchanting town Let us surrender ourselves to the kaleidoscope of customs and hues that define this lively celebration!

Take a Sip of its Vibrant Aroma

Thousands of people joined the marking of the Sikwate Festiva and were welcomed by a lofty arch with decorated ornaments that symbolized the center of commemoration A fun-filled fiesta in town that draws the presence of San Isdroans to be united n embracing one-of-a-kind chocolate tabea the municpalitys most cherished treasure

San Isidro is renowned for being marked by the Sikwate Festival We must develop this abundance because t supports our sustainability And Im grateful that a ot of you attended this event because, wthout your presence, this woudnt be commemorated ’’ sad Mayor Silvano Gaje

While the decorations are undoubtedly eye-catching, the aroma truly captures your senses

And as many come together to commemorate this special occasion the atmosphere s electrifying

The rich chocolaty taste makes one coming back for more

The aroma of freshly roasted beans fils the air as participants indulge in the decadent chocolaty flavor that always eaves one wanting more when they have taken a glimpse of the inter-barangay basketball and voleyball competition

The gymnasium was am-packed with screams shouting and cheering for the supported team A mixture of excitement and nervousness prevailed over each other every time the ball required ateral movement

I must admit that the Sikwate Festival signficantly contributes to fostering each (basketball or volleyball) player's nterest in ther chosen sport We players are given a wonderful chance to demonstrate our skills and honorably represent our Barangay Every time we heard the crowd roaring it provided energy and realization that this is Sikwate and the game must leave no shortage of enjoyment, sad Jonel Sualibios, a volleybal payer from Barangay Kipalili

The darker the better

The purest is said to appear the darkest No one let themselves be defeated in a booth display contest Every booth delved into the absence of light in order to ignite the proportion of aluring creativity A roasting battle of having the finest Cacao dsplay

“We fought for this competition and we didn't expect that we'd be the champion Based on the criteria, the appearance s 40%, so we did our best to achieve that criterion; next is the display which we think is our advantage to others since the consttuents in our barangay participated and contributed their (Cacao) products We are grateful that our hard work in making our booth for Sikwate Festval paid off as we are declared wnners ” said Helen C Silva the Barangay Captain of Monte Duali

It s not just about showcasing the product but about telling a story The booth must transport the viewer to a word of indulgence and luxury Dark rich colors are preferred, with red and gold accents to lend a hint of gltz Each component should be an expression of elegance from texture to favor And the booth should be staffed by knowledgeable chocolatiers who can explain the unique qualities of each product

Roasted to development

The Sikwate Festval stood out as one of the most well-known and cherished events among all the celebrations held in such a smal town This festival distinguished by the collecting and drinking of hot chocolate prepared from cacao beans not only honors the long heritage of San Isidro but also illustrates the communitys dedcation to sustainable development The high-quality cacao industry is rrefutable proof of the localty of San Isidro's endowment n natural assets The latter festivity embodies the municipaity's reformation in how to cherish cacaos availablity and work together to reap its economic benefits

Like a mighty oak deeply rooted in the earth, the Dibabawons of San Isidro hold a profound affection for their culture and the timeless rhythm of their agricultural way of life With hands calloused generations of tending to the land, they have nurtured their sustainable farming methods bearing the fruits of their labor with pride But like a fierce storm gathering on the horizon, the threat of commercial development and modernization looms, casting a shadow over their tranquil existence and risking their unique way of life

Their agriculture s a unque farming system that orignates n the cuture and traditions of the indigenous people of Dibabawon The Lusong System is a farmng technique passed down from generation to generation emphaszng the importance of preserving the natural environment while farming This system algns with the law of IPSA (Indigenous People Statistic Authority) which mandates the preservation of the environment and the sustainabe use of natural resources The Dibabawon tribe members follow ths law and ensure their farmng practices are harmonious wth nature And they plant their crops in March and Apri, the perfect time to ensure a bountiful harvest

Before there was no hring of outsider farmers but instead we used the Lusong System In the month of March that is the perfect time to plant said Datu Antonio Araujo the Indigenous Peoples Municipal Representative (IPMR) Municipality of San Isidro

Just as a skilled painter wieds his brush to create a masterpiece, a member of the Dibabawon tribe cherishes their ndgenous tools as vita nstruments in cultivatng the land Like precous gems these tools represent the priceless heritage of their ancestra wsdom shning brighty amidst the encroaching shadows of modernty For the Dibabawon, their tools are a brdge connecting the past to the present, a livng symbol of their commitment to preserving their cultural legacy

“The Dibabawon tribe has practiced agricuture for centuries usng their unique tools The toos we use are caled Todak or crowbars made out of wood whch are used for varous farming tasks In harvesting rice, we use Bibi or Kayog made of metal and wood Apart from these severa other tools such as bolo Guna or Supoy Sanggot ax Yangi or basket Tabunos Lusong and 'Sakodo or bamboo shoot' are used by our tribe These tools are not ony essentia for our farming but also a part of our cultural heritage ” said Vilma

Araujo They perceive the full moon as a sgnal that it is time to start planting once they notice it The ritual whch usually takes place between the months of March and Apri draws every member of the tribe together The communty gathers at a designated ocation and offers prayers to ther Almighty God before they commence planting The rtual not ony allows them to express ther spiritua convictons but also provdes a means of promoting harmony and unity among the tribe members By uphoding this custom the Dibabawon tribe highlights the significance of a happy cohabitation between the environment and humanity

There is a rtual or Lnang Rtual made before farming Al of the neghborsGod They offer food or animals like pigs and native chickens for the blessings they receive It s also sad there is a sign if it is a good or bad time to plant sad Datu Marcial Lig-onan Chieftan of Dibabawon Tribe San Isidro Muncipality

“The practce done by Dibabawon durng and after harvesting is a ritual or Linang Ritua They gave some offerngs as a symbo of thanks before and after harvesting Theyll get a Tiphag and offered rce three (3) plates of egg Mamaon Buyo tobacco and Mayorka added Datu Arauo

Tribal agriculture is a way of life deeply ingraned in indigenous trbes culture and identity, serving as more than a source of surviva Numerous tribes have carried down ther farming and horticultural practices from generaton to generation creatng a cose connection to their ancestors and customs This is especially essential for the Dibabawon peope who have historically relied on agriculture as a means of subsistence and preserving their cultura hertage Dibabawon eaders have worked hard in recent years to impart to the younger generation the value of farming and its sgnifcance to the dstinct identty of their communty

“In preserving the agriculture of Dibabawon the elders must teach the next generation the old way of farming without using any chemcals " said Datu Antono Araujo

Their labor has been more straghtforward and more effective due to modernizaton whch has made access to improved agricultural toos irrigation systems and other technology possble They have been able to raise their farmng yields and improve their living standards as an outcome of this Modernizaton, though, has both positive and dre repercussions Conventional farmng practices may be lost as modern agriculture and global food production expand This would affect the tribes capacity to get food and maintain its economic stabilty causing the loss of cultural legacy It is therefore important to balance modernizaton and traditional practces to ensure the longevity of the Dibabawons agricultural way of living

More contemporary ones are gradualy superseding traditional farming techniques due to the development of new technoogy and the rise in efficiency demands Although it could appear lke progress this also has its disadvantages Young peope exposed to these current techniques might need help understanding the need to sustan traditional agricultural practices Ther senses coud decide to go aong with a new mode of life after being persuaded that it is superior to the one before Contrary to the general perception traditional agricultural methods have been used for a long time and have significanty impacted hstorica and cultural contexts Modernity and preservation must get aong wel f were gong to prevent losing our agricultural heritage forever To preserve agrculture for the next generation the Dibabawon members must continue what they have started -Vlma Araujo

Fresh to fossilized: the milestone of Cacao leaves

By SheenRyanBaluran

A gift from nature bejeweled by craft

Fostering riches to yield tons of treasures is always an option for those who seek bounty The Municipality of San Isidro has successfully turned their renounced cacao plantation into a source of wealth and pride The town s exceptional chocolate production has already garnered them a reputation in the industry yet they explored additional avenues Creativity led them to enrich cacao leaves by turning them into stunning fossilized leaf ornaments, adding a new dimension to the towns impress iuniqueer and symbolizing their rich culture and profound artistry Cultivation is the key to success, and the community of San Isidro is paving the way

The upbringing of the town's intricate fossiized cacao ornaments was progressed by the Fossilized Crafts of San Isidro (FCSI) - an association of ingenuine artisans trained by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Davao del Norte and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Isidro which focused for hands-on production of distinctly designed quality accessories and novety products consisting a variety of chandeliers, framed leaf folages, amp shades, handbags, minaudière, hand-held fan, necklaces and more, expanding their bounds of creativity

Local roots to global reach San Isidros nnovative approach to sustanable craftng has gained worldwide recognition for harnessing the aesthetc appeal of cacao leaves The New York Fashion Week hiTechMODA Season 6 featured the towns fossilized cacao leaves introduced by Ia Faraoni CEO of Ias Threads and a native of San Isidro Faraoni was nspred by the artstry of her hometown and decided to integrate talk fabrics with the fosslized eaf ornaments as a focal point of her showcase, consisting of 15 unique designs of handbags minaudière and cothing Her colection is a tribute to the town's profound nnovation by showcasing the allure of its crafted treasures

We need something unique ths year and the fossiized cacao leaves are an extravagant example They are crafted by the artisans of San Isdro Davao del Norte the village where I grew up so this showcase serves a place n my heart The success of this debut is pride from where t came from up to where it has led today, a milestone that I wil forever embrace Also, this showcase s not stopping here it is going to be in the manstream market and we are already tryng to bring it globally; we deserve this " said Faraoni

Success through nature's grace

San Isidro is genuinely blessed wth natures beauty This collaboration between resourcefulness and sustainablity is a significant step towards a more eco-friendly future in the industry and San Isdro has led the way making its mark The towns abilty to transform somethng as simple as a leaf into a work of art while supporting its local economy is a testament to how waste can be transformed into vauable and sought-after products

"We utilized the beauty that our town has been offering for ages The ornaments are beautiful and eco-frendly as they are made from natura materals that woud have otherwise gone to waste Leaves are beng discarded here in our community Hence we grabbed this opportunity considering that San Isdro has a total area of 15 249 hectares with 3 600 hectares planted with cacao Which serves as a great blessing for us regarding the resources we need to produce these intricate crafts, said Algabre

Investing in creativity yields a bounty of the harvest San Isidros briliance in crafting fosslized cacao eaves is a remarkable feat that wll improve tourism in the area The town's commtment to harnessing the natural beauty of ts land has not only brought attenton to their city but has also provided economic opportunities for the benefit of its residents becoming a source of income for many familes which contributes to the local economy and provides a way for the community to thrive

Ths development has broad impications beyond just tourism It highlights the creative ngenuity of the people of San Isidro and ther ability to find new ways to utlize their natural resources It s an exciting development that can potentially improve tourism and promote a culture of creativity This can inspire other communities to find sustainable ways to promote ther local economy and environment " said Algabre

The fossilized cacao leaves of San Isdro embodies the towns innovative sprit and commitment to cultivating its greatest assets and pride resources a reminder of how beauty can be created from the smplest of materals Moreover the intricate detals of these extravagant crafts offer a glimpse into the lands ingenuine culture and gorious hstory This milestone s not just a source of pride for San Isidro; it serves as an inspiration for other communities to harness the potential of their bountful resources to yeld valuabe treasures

Enduring dedication: through the lens of the longest serving teacher of SNHS

ByMelodieBulat-ag

Ateacher's impact can last for a lifetime They possess the power to mold and uplift students through various actions that have long lasting lasting benefits Some educators strive to exceed and go beyond devoting their years of existence to their work and making an enduring impression on countless learners We will explore the life and legacy of the longest-serving teacher in Sawata National High School With their commitment and deep fondness for teaching every pupil, this teachers journey is evidence of how the power of education and the importance of passion-driven educators can help to shape young learners and the world they live in

Being a teacher is not just a duty but a responsibility on how they can precisely impart their knowledge to learners Battling with struggles and facing disappointment due to this job Handling students with different behavior and attitudes repeatedly is proof that there is a commitment between work and students To mold and continue teaching the children Passion and love can lead to success in any form of profession

My 35 years of teaching isn't easy and a little bit frustrated and disappointed especially when I just started teaching For this reason, I have big expectations for my students because as a teacher you expect too much from your students but as the years go by I'm used to it, -Jocelyn

Olamit

She added that even in the greatest downfall day of being a teacher, she cannot let go of her profession and leave She strongly faced those instances with the hope that she wll endure them And now it is all worth it to see the consequences of it That you have to stick to your goals of being a good teacher a second mother and a model to the students

No, I never have the guts to change my profession and change decisions due to my struggles in teaching and handling students Ill take it as a challenge and maybe because every individual is unique so I was going to adjust because I'm dealing with the students and thats my profession to be a good source of learning, she added

TimelessLegacy JocelynOlamit the pinnacleofpassion spent35yearsof moldingstudents'minds (PhotocourtesybyVctor Makigod)

Additionally, she stated that as years go by she develops an extreme commitment a love of being a teacher A passion and a goal to continue teaching as she could She hopes to teach for more years and that God will shower more blessings and help her to have good health It's a choice and she chooses to be a living proof of being a teacher warrior Frankly speaking, somehow I developed a commitment to my work although frustration is always in the back Especially when you are a teacher handling extreme attitudes from your students, it's not a problem when we talk about imparting lessons or teachings but the problem is how to deal with the characters of the students nowadays And its a challenge, and Im ready to take it, she said

She stressed that there is a person whom she truly trusts and who became her guide for that years and even until now and it's from above, Him She always asks for guidance from Him, and the days go by And behind her success there is also an important person she values most: giving guidance That she couldn't forget Everything you do, up there he could see you and those phrases she gained today

Furthermore, being a teacher is not as easy as we can see There are times that they also need support coming from the students and from their loved ones Those 35 years of being a teacher of Mrs Olamits realization came gradually, especially at her age now That being a teacher she wanted to mold and discipline her students to impart moral lessons because they need support and guidance as generation teenagers became aggressive behavior, and uttered vulgar words that's her goal to teach them not just for studies but also true to a life lesson that could help them to develop there life

Sawata National High Schools longest-serving teacher has influenced her learners the faculty members and even the community with her undying efforts to make them understand so much about our surroundings As they have been spending a lot of time in school it cannot negate the fact that their actions speak to their dedicat on and love for their chosen profession They surely impacted the history of numerous pupils in the classroom and will continue motivating future generations Serving as a schoolteacher for so many years is a wonderful accomplishment, and their achievements ought to be recognized always The greatness they have left behind is a brilliant illustration of a teacher's importance to their learners and the world

"Just continue living with the best we possibly can a chose living as a teacher since choosing this profession has the biggest obligation to impart and give moral lessons to the students Do not corrupt time as you can see everything you do he could see you up there ” Mrs ended

Jocelyn O amit

Roulette of mobility: a student’s journey on wheels

Perseverance! More individuals have concerns regarding disability than actual impaired persons One who never felt tired and never complained about life

The battle of life sometimes led others to give up on it Faith played us sometimes what we dreamed of is not what comes back It depends on how you handle it

Indeed born to be a fighter Battling with this kind of disease is not easy to handle Polio is a life-threatening disease But instead of giving up on life, she manages to be a student and continues her education despite her disabilities

"I am born to be like this since I was young and since the day that my mother gave birth to me I was experiencing discrimination towards my disability I was in grade school at that time and all I did was just to let them tease me about my situation, but I never allowed their negativity to affect me I have ways so instead of prisoning myself into something I build a fence that no one can break ’’ said Lovely Faith Labador, 15 years old PWD student of Sawata National High School

According to Faith, the life she has now is not a mistake she never regrets every single day how her life goes by Every day is a battle for her especially since even with her disabilities she manages to go to school and it was a great privilege for her

Yes I am hurt by what others say to me but the thing is Im not affected because in my 15 years of existence in this world my loved ones never make me feel like Im not belong to this society so why would I have to consume negativity into my life? If all my life is all about love and acceptance ’’ added Faith

Acceptance is the way why she continues Blaming is not her thing but she is grateful Life may be hard and the experience that she faced is not a good image to her but indeed to be interesting as she fights the thoughts of others that PWDs people are worthless in our society, but the truth is they are also dreamers

Having a mindset of positive inside and out is the most wonderful feeling Its like a wave of the sea and the cold breeze of the air who is embracing us quietly Acceptance in everything and make it a motivation to proceed and not to be rooted in what we are today

Defined Not by Limitations Lovely Fath Obrador demonstrates tenacity n maintainng that educaton is accessble to al people despite dsablties n a word that frequenty hghlights conformity

Sole survivor: the fortitude of a widowed mother

By:WranzeleRoseClaireMarabela

Economic world is not the same for everyone

A mother carrying children on her back dragging her feet chained with a heavy ball of poverty to keep forward is something to get our heads to Society has its concept of what a person can do and ends up looking down on women But this is what it missed, they are women with the power of being mothers So strong, not even wrecking balls of challenges can break Something extraordinary only they can understand

Ana Caitor, a widowed mother for 10 years, who was abandoned by her husband when her youngest was only 2 years old takes care of her three children by herself

Her partners’ selfish choice devastated her and made everything for her fall apart He abandoned her a decade ago leaving her with three children no means of support due to her unemployment and an almost hopeless condition She truly believed it was the final chapter for her if her mother had not taken her back in From all the things she has been through who could have known that what she thought was the disaster can be the reward itself? She found a new vigor in life when she gave birth to her children

I may never forgive their father for what he has done, the pain I had to endure was draining my sanity

However I will never think of my children as products of his cruel choice They are the only blessing that I considered a gift after my husband left me for good He left us to disappear and if it were not for my mother, he could have gotten what he wanted " Ana said

A womans life is eternally altered by being a mother, which is a life-changing event It involves more than simply giving birth; it also entails caring for and bringing up a child to become a grown-up thoughtful individual

Unconditional love for the child which has been a part of her and will always be is a realization that is brought by motherhood As the love of a mother is immeasurable the relationship she builds towards them is unshakable She knew from then that she would never experience anything else that can compare to being a mother It is a responsibility shes happy to perform and her pleasure to serve her children the amazing lives they deserve I will offer them my whole being guiding them with my efforts and warm care They are safe with me, and I plan to commit myself to letting this composure be strong for the rest of what my heart can give I do not deserve this type of abandonment nor do my children Ana said

None matches the satisfaction of seeing her children develop into amazing individuals and the unselfish nature of an adoration Its an adventure with many highs and lows but a mothers love endures and is what ultimately makes it all worthwhile But it is not always simple for her She admits that she has her flaws but can never let the children witness her weakness

"Love alone can't feed my children Of course, I have to make sacrifices even if it's my body Although I may be pushing myself slightly above its boundaries Im still cautious to assure I continue to move ahead And who will work if I don't? Who will provide it if I am unable to now?

See? I am their life source and if I fall so will they I can not let that happen Ana said

Being the lone parent could be daunting, but it is not unsurmountable Several single mothers have succeeded in actuality while struggling to make ends meet These women are living examples of the effectiveness of tenacity and toughness They put up a lot of effort to support their kids, even working numerous jobs to make finances meet Despite not having someone else to share the load with they are still able to hand their kids the affection and assistance they must fulfill Single mothers are an inspiration to us all their endurance and resilience should be celebrated for acknowledgment They prove that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible, even in the face of adversity

To the person out there who is experiencing the same as me, you must have a positive mind, we PWDs don't have to please others just to fit in their standards We are born to be different and we must fight to be different too! Someone told me just let them bully me because, in the end of the sunlight, there's a dark to their life that was going to come Let them show you who we are and what PWDs can do - Faith

There are chances in life A chance to pursue what she aims for and a chance to stay where she is now Self-love is the best weapon to fight the standards of society nowadays Determination can lead us to who we want to be no matter what people say She has self-determination which is very important to the students especially with those PWDs She is positive when it comes to her life despite her disability I offer modular or distance learning due to her risky situation because she cannot have a vaccine due to her bone condition But she declined and continues faceto-face class she never let negativity consume her she manages to be active in our class and as bullying is always there, she is someone that can handle it, said Mr Romer Murillo a Grade 10-Del Pilar adviser

PWDs are a group of people who have different kinds of disabilities A disability that society nowadays worries about what they can do But this young lady was determined and she never let herself drown by what others say Instead, she faces reality A reality that is full of judgment, yet she sees it as an opportunity to be strong and wiser

In this world the existence of a new generation has a lot of imperfections people who manage to destroy you by throwing away remarks of what they see, but the truth is the most pure heart among us is the person who has disabilities They never see life as hard for them even in their difficult experiences they chose to smile and be grateful for everything Let us be reminded to focus on improving ourselves not proving that all PWDs are a burden!

Former marijuana user's path to recovery, a life changing story

By JunaisaEnalPabilis

Life is an adventure on a meandering trail, with unforeseen bends and curves at every turn The path to recovery from addiction is akin to a butterfly's metamorphosis, where one must strive to break free from the constraints of the past and welcome a fresh start The battle against the stronghold of marijuana addiction can be daunting but like a caterpillar that emerges from its cocoon, former users can undergo a magnificent transformation into a life of optimism perseverance and healing

Nine (9) students from Sawata Nationa High School (SNHS) had used marjuana, according to the survey conducted wherein 93 51% of the student populace took part One of these was n Grade 8; two of them were in Grades 9 and 11; and the other four were not specified Nick (not his real name) a drug dependent and a former student of SNHS claimed that he has been utilizng drugs to forget hs problems Which was aso ntroduced by his friends driven by peer pressure and curosty

Before I was always around my friends I had no idea drugs were being used They smoked mariuana and persuaded me to do the same because according to them narcotics may releve boredom and make me happy Curiosity kiled me so I tried it Nick confessed The overindulgence in Marijuana had transformed his life nto a thorny bush with psychological physca and socal thorns poking him relentlessly The thorns grew thicker after each hit, making him fee entrapped and choked The ilict medication eventualy caused a dense to surround hm, and he eventually found himsef trapped in the thicket that was unabe to fnd hs way out "During my drug invovement my lfe was miserable due to my addiction I woud find ways to obtan drugs even when I didnt have money My life was completey different back then; I became lazier n taking care of myself and negected my hygiene Nck sad His descent into drug addcton was a posonous vine that wrapped tself around his reationshp wth his parents, slowy strangling t untl it withered away The reveation of hs drug use acted as a match that ignited the volatile emotons of his parents causing ther love and trust to burn to ash Nick was left alone on the opposite side of the bay of dsappontment and anger because the fre was so hot enough that t burned the bridge of communication between them

When my parents found out that I was using Marijuana they became realy upset wth me I could see the disappointment in their eyes and t made me feel realy terrible Nick remarked

When my parents found out that I was using Marijuana, they became realy upset wth me I could see the disappointment in their eyes and t made me feel realy terrible Nick remarked

His life was a tumultuous sea with waves of addicton threatening to drag him under Breaking free from the grip of drugs was like battling a ferce storm but he refused to et himself drown He found hs way to a peacefu shore with the aid of prayer and the assistance of Oplan Tokhang There he witnessed the dawns first ight and felt the warmth of optimsm envelop him He discarded his addiction lke a heavy oad, rising from the ashes of his previous ife ike a bird of paradse entrely and heathy once again Being drugfree aso means that you are not dependent on any substance to feel good stated Nck

“You are in charge of your mental and physca wellbeing which means you have the power to determne what is right for you Which makes t edgy for you to ive a meaningful ife untainted by the damagng effects of drug improper usage

It is thus never too late to begin your road towards a better drug-free ife f you are battling with addicton or substance misuse he continued

Like a ship navigating treacherous waters Nick charts his course toward a brghter future guded by the North Star of education He knows that succumbing to drugs would be ike a stormy sea threatening to capsize his dreams and ambtons So with steadfast determinaton he hoists his sails and sets out to explore the vast expanse of knowedge, nvesting his time and resources n ths noble quest Through education, Nck is buidng a sturdy vessel that wil carry him to the haven of success where he can anchor himsef and his future famiy in a secure and prosperous harbor

Just as a gardener tends to their plants students must cultvate their asprations and protect them from the weeds of drug involvement They must heed the guidance of ther teachers and mentors and avod the temptng fruit of ilega activtes They must choose to fuel ther brans and bodies with heathy habits in the face of shadows ike an ignition that burns brightly and does not flicker Because even in the face of hardship there s a glimmer of optimism ike the star that sparkes in a dark sky Let the divine be the compass that guides a star to illuminate a path