The Isarog 2023-2024 | Volume LXVIII Issue No. 1 August 2023 - May 2024

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ISAROG

JUSTICE FOR ROSELLE

CSNHS community decries death of SHS student

The entire Camarines Sur National High School community echoed its collective voices in calling on authorities to thoroughly investigate the untimely passing of Senior High School student Roselle Bandojo on July 28, 2023.

In an of昀椀cial statement released on its Facebook page dated July 29, the CSNHS expressed its condemnation over the gruesome incident.

“Sa tahaw kan pagmundo asin paghanap nin hustisya sa karudumaldumal na sinapit ni

Roselle Bandojo, mawot ipaabot kan CSNHS na an mga siring na krimen lalo sa mga estudyante kan Camarines Sur National High School samong kinukundina,” the statement read.

(Amidst the sorrow and 昀椀ght for justice after the tragedy that struck Roselle Bandojo, CSNHS hopes to extend a message that such crime towards students, especially those from Camarines Sur National High School are condemned by the institution.)

The school also urged for joint cooperation among local of昀椀cials and authorities to observe careful investigation on the case so that justice

Under the Streetlight Under the 10 FEATURE 16

Justice Delayed, Justice Justice Denied Justice The Urgent Need The for a Vape Ban for a Vape Ban 18 SPORTS Here comes the Queen! Here

will be rightfully served to Bandojo.

“Hinahadoy mi ang mga magurang asin awtoridad sa barangay asin kapulisan para orog pang magin salbado ang gabos sa laog o sa luwas kan samuyang eskwelahan,” it added.

(We call on parents, authorities, and the police so that each person inside or outside the school will be safe.)

Bandojo, who would have been a Grade 12 student this school year, was found lifeless in an empty lot six days after she was reported missing by her family.

est Science & Technology Section Best Science & tional Schools Press Conference 2023 National 2023 gayan De Oro City Cagayan De Oro
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MOUNTAIN OF TRUTH, FOUNTAIN OF KNOWLEDGE MOUNTAIN OF OF KNOWLEDGE THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION OF CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL August 2023 - May 2024Volume LXVIII Issue No. 1Division of Naga City, Region V READ MORE SCAN THE QR CODE
THE
OPINION
SCITECH
Graphic by Winnoh Ogarte
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NEW S NEWS

GRAND SLAM VICTORY VICTORY

CamHigh dominates Peñafrancia Festival tilts Peñafrancia Festival tilts

Asserting supremacy, Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) took home the championship crowns in two major inter-school competitions during the Peñafrancia festivities held last September 2023. CSNHS dancers wowed the crowd at the Plaza Quezon to bag the championship in the 昀椀rst-ever Naga City Inter-School Mass Dance Competition on Sept. 13 and another back-to-back win in the Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Street and Pilgrims Dance Competition held on Sept. 14.

HISTORIC WIN

The triumph in the 1st Naga City Inter-School Mass Dance Competition earned the school 1.5 million pesos worth of educational infrastructure projects from the city government.

The CSNHS bested 昀椀ve other contingents in the high school division.

Concepcion Pequeña National High School won second place followed by Naga City School of Arts and Trades which ranked third.

Leon Q. Mercado High School seized the fourth place while Cararayan National High School and Balatas National High School settled in 昀椀fth and sixth places, respectively.

Meanwhile, nine schools battled in the elementary school division with Concepcion Grande Elementary School snagging the top spot followed by Tabuco Central School at second place, Grandview Elementary School at third place, Naga Central School II at fourth place, and Triangulo Elementary School at 昀椀fth place.

Claiming the sixth to ninth spots are Naga Central School I, Balatas Elementary School, Panicuason Elementary School, and Julian B. Meliton Elementary School.

BACK-TO-BACK VICTORY

Showcasing a festive spectacle, Team CamHigh once again asserted its dominance in the annual Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Street and Pilgrims Dance Competition as it claimed another overall championship title.

The CSNHS also won various special awards such as Best in Props, Best in Music, Best in Street Dance, and Best in Pilgrims Dance.

Besting seven other contingents, the CSNHS earned the right to represent Naga City in the Kasanggayahan Festival held in Sorsogon City on October 17, 2023.

Julian B. Meliton Elementary School secured the second place, Carolina National High School ranked third, Naga Central School I placed fourth, while Cararayan National High School seized the 昀椀fth place.

Calauag Elementary School, Naga City School of Arts and Trades, and Naga College Foundation settled at sixth, seventh, and eighth places, respectively.

MORE WINS FOR CAMHIGH

Team CamHigh also bagged awards in different street parades and

Grade 10 classes clash in hip hop dance battle

Igniting unstoppable energy and rhythm, Grade 10 stu dance 昀氀oor on 昀椀re with their blazing dance moves and grooves during the Hip Hop Dance Competition on March 8, 2024.

10-Celerio rose to the top besting 40 other groups to win the championship title, followed by 10-Books, 10-Mitchell, 10-Williams, 10-Tash, 10Abad, and 10-De Leon who won 昀椀rst to to 昀椀fth runner-up, respectively.

“Unang una, hindi lang naman physical 昀椀tness ang nae-enhance, pati na rin ang ibang aspects, ang

The school’s Drum, Xylophone, and Majorettes Corps (DXMC) was declared overall First Runner Up at the Scouts Parade and DXMC Competition with Best Drum & Lyre Corps and Best Band Leader awards under Category D.

The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) contingents also won 昀椀rst place as Best Marching Unit for Category D.

During the Regional Majorettes, DBC, and Band Exhibition, the school earned 昀椀rst place for Best Conductor and 昀椀fth place for Best Marching Band Exhibition.

Moreover, CSNHS pocketed awards in the 1st Bicol Regional CTP/DRRM/ MAPEH Parade Competition such as 2nd Best Marching CTP/DRRM Boys and fourth Best Marching CTP/DRRM Girls both under Category 1.

It also secured the fourth spot for the Best in Marching DBC/Lyre Corps under Category B during the DBC/DLC and Majorettes Exhibition.

These triumphs were made possible through the collective efforts and hard work of the trainers, coaches, coordinators, and the faculty of the MAPEH De-

The Isarog nabs three wins in NSPC 2023

Camarines Sur National High School is back on the map as The Isarog, the school’s of昀椀cial English publication, bagged not just one, not two, but three national wins in both individual and school paper competitions of the 2023 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Cagayan de Oro City on July 17-20, 2023.

Editor-in-Chief Jerome Paul D. Hallig won fourth place in News Writing and Associate Editor Kelly P. Mayor claimed the 昀椀fth spot in Editorial Writing. Both national winners were coached by Bryan A. Cariaga, school paper adviser.

The Isarog also ended its seven-year drought in the school paper competition as it won third place in the Science and Technology Section – Secondary Level.

The NSPC was jointly conducted with the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) where John Paul M. Mamiit participated in Lingo Stars – Spanish, a competition that showcases character portrayal and foreign language skills. He was coached by Maria Lourdes E. Medina, Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL) teacher. The two national events convened delegates from the 17 regions in the country after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Teacher-illustrator

wins 1st place in regional storybook writing

Junior High School teacher Abegail Bongalonta-Dajac clinched 昀椀rst place at the regional level of the Gawad Teodora Alonso 2023, formerly called the National Competition on Storybook Writing, making her storybook an of昀椀cial entry to the national level.

Dajac’s entry is a wordless storybook for Kindergarten titled “Binùtong” which is derived from the native Bicolano delicacy of the same name. The story gives credit to motherhood and how mothers have to make sacri昀椀ces for their children, much like the character in the tale who could not resist sacri昀椀cing her earnings from selling binùtong for her son who wished for a bite.

In an interview with The Isarog, Dajac shared that the contest made her feel a mix of both excitement and pressure. However, a certain joy overcame her as she was able to exercise her passion for storybook writing.

“I was overwhelmed. There’s also a feeling of relief, realizing that my efforts had been recognized and rewarded,” she expressed. The teacher-illustrator also advised future storybook writers to follow their passion with utmost dedication and persistence.

“In this competition, whether you win or lose, learn to embrace both successes and challenges. Learn from every experience, and don’t be afraid to take creative risks,” Dajac said.

She added that at the end of the day, pursuing one’s passion is a victory in itself. Her triumph also boosted the Schools Division of Naga City to capture the third best-performing division award in the regional competition.

Organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) through the Bureau of Learning Resources, the national competition aimed to appreciate the role of stories and illustrated storybooks as tools in the development of reading and learning curricular content standards.

It also intended to harvest original stories that d competencies of the new K to 10 MATATAG Curriculum.

Grade9Mathwiz sweepSecond-MTV MathOlympiad

Grade 9 students of Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) bagged the 昀椀rst and second places in the Second-MTV Math Olympiad for the ninth-grade category at Naga College Foundation (NCF) on March 9. Out of 35 participating teams coming from 21 schools across the region, CSNHS secured the 昀椀rst top two positions, showcasing their

Mathematical prowess. The event consisted of three levels in the areas of basic mathematics, patterns and algebra, as well as geometry. Team 22 clinched the 昀椀rst position with the collective efforts of its members, namely Aishin Gabriel P. Sepulvida, Yuan Karlos B. Rivera, Franczeska Lou D. Badong, and Lei Ernest Gabriel C. Dapadap. Meanwhile, Team 23 placed second with its members Dynil B. Oafallas, Ma. Elija Felicidad P.

The

Valenzuela, Niño Florenz Q. Aragon, and Charles J. Estiva. students were coached by Math teachers Diana M. Reyes and Ahleen D. Ernesto. NSPC WINNERS The Isarog bags three wins at the 2023 National Schools Press Conference held in Cagayan de Oro City. | Photo by Kelly Mayor BASTA CAMHIGH, MATIBAY Hayskulanos showcase their creativity and skills in the different competitions as part of the celebration of the 2023 Penafrancia Festival.| Photos by Ryan Regachuelo
TLE
TEACHER-ILLUSTRATOR teacher Abegail B. Dajac claims
her
昀椀rst place award during the Gawad Teodora Alonso 2023 Storybook Writing Competition-Regional Level| Photo courtesy of Abegail Dajac by Marifer Mameng by Fiona Marie Parma by Khrystien Angel Lacandula by John Miguel Biando by Fiona Marie Parma
2 TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V I S ION OF N A G A C T Y , R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII I ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII NO. AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
HIP HOP FEST Grade 10 students display their dancing prowess during the hip hop competition held at the Main Campus.|Photo by Ryan Regachuelo

After-school reading tutorials aid struggling aid learners

Assisting students who exhibit dif昀椀culties in reading, the English Department has initiated a reading remediation called ASSERT or After-school Struggling in English Reading Tutorials.

As one of the school’s intervention to address learning needs, the said program was started in the 昀椀rst quarter of school year 2023-2024 where struggling readers in Grade 10 were met by their English teachers for a reading session with the assistance of the pre-service teachers.

In an interview with The Isarog, English Master Teacher Javier Villarosa said that ASSERT is a one-on-one reading tutorial anchored on the Help Everyone Read (HER) initiative of the English Department and the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

He added that the participating learners in the after-school reading session were selected based on the pre-test results of the Rapid Literacy Assessment (RLA) tools developed by the DepEd Region V which are intended to determine the word attack or decoding skills of the Grades 4-12 learners in English and Filipino

TThe results serve as the basis of teachers in pro昀椀ling the speci昀椀c reading skills and dif昀椀culties of learners that need to be addressed.

Based on the RLA results administered last September 2023, Camarines Sur National High School has 158 learners in coping level and 68 under de昀椀cit.

Learners under coping level are those who can accurately and automatically read 30% of the individual words while those under de昀椀cit level are learners who scored less than 30% of the words.

According to Villarosa, there are 41 Grade 10 students who should undergo the after-school reading tutorials; however, he noted that since this is just voluntary, some learners do not regularly attend in the session resulting in the decline of attendance.

He also mentioned that they have allotted two sessions in a week to cater to the availability of the learners.

Meanwhile, Avegail Temporal, one of the pre-service teachers who assist in the reading sessions, said that the students are really struggling in reading comprehension as well as in understanding the context of the material being read.

She added that it is not only in English that they are struggling in as some also 昀椀nd it dif昀椀cult to even recognize or read basic sight words.

Oral and written activities are administered to the learners and their scores in every session are recorded to monitor their progress.

A post-test will be conducted before the end of the school year.

Aside from helping struggling readers to catch up with their peers and improve their academic performance, ASSERT is also in support to the efforts of the DepEd Region V in resolving the learning loss among Bicolano learners due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 JHS teachers awarded as exemplary employees as of DepEd Naga of

Two Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) teachers were hailed as awardees in the Search for Exemplary Employee of DepEd Naga (SEED) on February 27, 2024 at the Summit Hotel, Naga City.

Donna Lyn M. Geronimo, a mathematics teacher, was awarded under the Teacher I-III category while Yolanda C. Manjeron of the Araling Panlipunan (AP) Department also secured an award under the Master Teacher category.

In an interview with The Isarog, they both shared that it was quite challenging to compile all the requirements in a short period of time but then, they said they

were grateful to be commended for their hard work and dedication as educators.

Geronimo was the proponent of the MathTabang Program that helped a lot of students to enhance their knowledge and skills in Mathematics while Manjeron was the proponent and founder of the Museo de Hayskulano that was built during the pandemic. These hayskulano awardees were also nominated by the Division of Naga for this year’s Regional Dangal ng Bayan Awardees.

OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

and

NO BICOLANO LEARNER LEFT BEHIND

DepEdBicoltapsHEIstohelplearnersinreading, maththru‘6Bs’

o improve the literacy and numeracy skills of Bicolano learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region V, has partnered with different Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region in implementing the “6Bs” or “Bawat Batang Bicolano, Bihasang Bumasa at Bumilang” beginning January 2024.

The 6Bs program is speci昀椀cally designed to enhance the reading and math pro昀椀ciency of public school learners with the help of the college students enrolled in Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) who will serve as volunteer tutors and teaching assistants to the identi昀椀ed struggling readers.

According to Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad, this regional initiative is anchored on a multi-stakeholder approach that underscores the importance of volunteerism and collaboration in the community in nurturing the learners especially those needing interventions.

He added that the involvement of the community is vital in recovering the learning losses brought by the pandemic. The program is open to other volunteers such as teacher-applicants, retired teachers, professional teachers, and community professionals who can assist or conduct remedial reading and numeracy instruction after school or during weekends.

Schools Division Of昀椀ces (SDOs) are directed to engage potential partners and discuss with Local

Government Units (LGUs) for the possible support that may be extended such as provision of needed resources and facilities, as well as capacity-building activities for volunteer teachers.

During the midyear In-Service Training (INSET) of teachers in January 2024, SDO Naga City launched its own reading intervention titled Naga READS or Reading Enhancement And Development of Skills, an umbrella program of DepEd Naga that monitors efforts and needs of schools in line with the teaching of reading. It also coordinates programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) on developing the reading skills of learners and capacitate educational leaders, teachers, and personnel.

Security Bank donates 10-classroom building donates 10-classroom

Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of Security Bank Corp., turned over a two-storey, ten-classroom school building to Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) which now serves as a second home to 20 junior and senior high school classes.

This initiative is part of SBFI’s broader “Build A School, Build A Nation” Program, designed to support the government’s efforts in ensuring access to basic education for all learners.

SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao Jr. said in his message during the turnover ceremony on June 29, 2023 that the foundation had made a commitment that for as long as the bank does well, they promise to donate more classrooms for different public schools in the country.

“We want to uplift the community where we have a presence, and education is the key to success, right? So, the purpose of this is really to uplift the quality of life of our marginalized sector of the society so that they can become productive citizens,” Simpao told The Isarog in an interview.

for

The chairman shared that the ten-classroom building, together with the two-storey, six-classroom building donated to Naga City School of Arts and Trades, was supposedly completed in 2021.

In spite of the dif昀椀culties in 昀椀nishing the project due to the pandemic lockdown, they shouldered the additional cost of the construction amounting to 昀椀ve million pesos to ensure their commitment to Naga City.

Meanwhile, CSNHS Principal Sulpicio C. Alferez III expressed his gratitude for SBFI’s contribution, saying he was overjoyed by the foundation’s efforts and that it af昀椀rmed the power of collaboration and partnership.

This School Year 2023-2024, the new school building became operational as it now houses 10 junior high school classes on the 昀椀rst shift at 7:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,

Supporting the quest of the

schools in advancing its quality of education, SBFI said it has completed 691 classrooms that have bene昀椀ted 122 schools and 69 cities and municipalities nationwide as of this writing.

o lessen the tasks of teachers, Camarines Sur National High School has implemented a system that assigns two advisers in a class.

Aireen B. Huelva, in-charge of the school’s Center for Information Systems (CIS), said the scheme primarily aims to reduce the burden on teachers who are designated as class advisers. Started in school year 20202021, the ‘two advisers’ scheme was strategized to help the advisers in managing their classes amid the distance learning setup that time due to the pandemic. Compared to the usual solo adviser per class, this involves all teachers who shall work hand in hand as partner-advisers – one is tasked as homeroom adviser while the other is designated as records adviser.

the duties and responsibilities of the two advisers, the homeroom advisers have the sole responsibility in coordinating and giving instructions to both learners and parents to avoid confusion in disseminating information.

They shall regularly check the attendance of learners and submit the daily report at the end of the month.

In a school memorandum released by the Registrar’s Of昀椀ce for SY 2023-2024 which de昀椀nes

Other homeroom concerns include referring learners with academic and personal issues

to the Guidance Of昀椀ce, along with signing and preparing some forms and reports.

Meanwhile, the records adviser is responsible for the enrolling and updating of the Learner Information System (LIS) and the accomplishment of major school forms such as the Learner’s Progress Report Card (SF9) and the Learner’s Permanent Academic Record (SF10), among others.

READ TO SUCCEED A student from Camarines Sur National High School participates in the silent reading session in his class. | Photo by Gaile Dimatatac
and another 10 senior high school classes on the second shift at 2:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
country’s public
Campus
‘two
ease teachers’
CSNHS
‘two
ease teachers’
NEW CLASSROOMS FOR CAMHIGH School Principal Sulpicio Alferez III and select students receive the symbolic key during the turnover of a new school building at the Liboton Extension donated by Security Bank Foundation Inc.
|
Photo by Ben Josiah Bayot
CSNHS pioneers
advisers’scheme to
workload
pioneers
advisers’scheme to
A SCHOOL, BUILD A NATION PROGRAM A NATION PROGRAM 3 NEW S NEWS TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V S ION OF N A G A C I T Y R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
Yolanda C. Manjeron Donna Lyn M. Geronimo receive their awards at the Search Exemplary Employees of DepEd Naga on Feb. 27 at the Summit Hotel, Naga City.| Photos courtesy of Yolanda Manjeron & Donna Lyn Geronimo
BUILD

OPINION

Fear, Folklore, and Femininity

Every woman is connected by fear. Whenever we walk home and hear the sound of a man’s footsteps behind us, we fear that he might grab us from behind and it will be our face on the news the following day. Whenever we’re out at night and we have to pass by a group of guys by the sari-sari store, we worry that our names will be added to the ever-growing missing persons list of our city.

Every woman knows this speci昀椀c brand of “female fear”. We have had to live with it ever since we realized, as children, that living is dangerous when you are a girl.

For Roselle Bandojo though, this fear unfortunately came true. Due to her simple trip to the nearest convenience store, she became one of the most recent casualties of Gender-based Violence (GBV) in Naga City. Her face was plastered on the news and her name was written on missing person posts. And now, her story is used by mothers to warn their daughters of the dangers of the world.

Hearing Roselle’s name in whispers of warning between women reminds me of when I was a little girl. I used to watch SOCO with my mom or my aunts. If there was a particularly gruesome rape and homicide case, they would warn me to be more careful when going out,

These horror stories of mangled women and slaughtered children are staples of the female upbringing. Instead of bedtime stories with happy endings, we hear about fathers raping their young daughters before shoving her body in a sack and throwing her into the river.

So, we live in fear. Our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers pass on their fear through these stories in hopes that their daughters, sisters, and nieces can avoid the same fate. It’s almost like a rite of passage—a symbol of our womanhood. Sometimes, this fear is the only heirloom that a girl inherits from the women in her life. Again and again, I’ve been told that men would catch and murder me if I gave them the chance. So, I grew up fearing that if I went out on the streets, I’d be raped, or killed, or both.

We keep hearing these stories as girls so we come to fear these possibilities as women. We hear the tales of dead girls and think: that could have been me. And that’s part of the problem. We see these girls as stories. Not people. Stories.

It’s like after they die, we get so absorbed in our fear and panic that we forget that these girls were alive. They had their hopes and dreams. Their likes and dislikes. People they loved and people who loved them back. We forget that these girls were ever human. These girls aren’t cautionary tales that we can tell our children to scare them into safety. They’re people who were so tragically wronged by the world that they were so righteously afraid of. We get so caught up in protecting ourselves that we forget that we should have protected them, too. Or, alternatively, we get so caught up in our fear and haste to protect ourselves that we forget to be angry at the fact that we have to be afraid in the 昀椀rst place. We forget to be angry at the fact that we even need protection at all.

We have lived with this fear for so long that we have forgotten that it’s not supposed to be there. We have forgotten that fear should not be a consequence of living. Our fear is valid but we must also turn our anger towards the society that tells women to carry a knife for safety instead of taking the knife away from the man about to stab her. Every woman is connected by female fear. But maybe in a different world, when a woman hears a man’s footsteps behind her, she doesn’t have to quicken her pace. Maybe when she passes a group of guys by the sari-sari store, she can greet them with a smile. Maybe in that world, mothers would tell the stories of great women instead of dead ones. In that world, we don’t have to become cautionary tales because there is nothing to be scared of. A world where Roselle Bandojo would have come home safely after her trip to the store. Maybe there’s a world where women don’t have to live in fear. But it’s not this one.

Under the Streetlight

n a grim, unlit street, a girl walks home in the dark. What she does not know is that tomorrow, she will be reported missing, and in a few days, her lifeless body will be found not far from where she was last seen. In the aftermath of her death, a singular streetlight will be erected—far too late to light her way.

On July 23, 2023, Roselle Bandojo, a Senior High School (SHS) student of Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS), was reported missing after her nighttime trip to the nearest convenience store. Five days later, on July 28, her body was discovered in an empty lot near the CSNHS Liboton Campus.

Unfortunately, Roselle is not the 昀椀rst nor the only life that we have lost to Gender-based Violence (GBV).

According to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey, 17.5% of Filipino women have been victims of Violence Against Women (VAW). In 2021 alone, there were 8,399 reported cases of physical abuse and 1,791 counts of reported rape.

Even in this locality, Roselle is far from alone. Another female SHS student from a different university in Naga City suffered a similar fate not even eight months prior.

Two victims, same story. A girl disappears, her body is found, her community mourns, politicians race to placate the grieving masses through shortlived projects, and someone goes missing again.

GBV and VAW are far from foreign concepts. They are two of the most disturbing and enduring issues in the country and yet those who comfortably sit in thrones of power choose to be reactive rather than proactive.

The citizens of Baranggay Liboton have been clamoring over the absence of street-

Tick-tock, tick-tock. The beat of time echoes through the halls of education, but lately, it seems that the clock is ticking faster than before. In an unexpected announcement, the Department of Education (DepEd) has declared a return to the old school calendar, leaving students and educators alike scrambling to keep pace. While the change may seem like a step towards the light, it casts a shadow over the very essence of education itself

While the return to the June-March calendar may seem like a harmonic reunion with tradition, the reality is far from melodic. The compressed timeline has transformed classrooms into pressure cookers, where the heat of impending deadlines simmers, threatening to boil over into chaos of uncertainty. Students that are already burdened with the weight of academic expectations now 昀椀nd themselves sprinting towards the 昀椀nish line, gasping for breath in the suffocating atmosphere of urgency.

But what price do we pay for this sweat-breaking pace? The toll on mental health is staggering, as students juggle an ever-increasing workload with the weight of expectations bearing down upon them. Anxiety and stress become their constant companions, whispering stories of inadequacy in the dead of night. The pursuit of knowledge becomes similar to a Sisyphean task, with each stone heavier than the last, threatening to crush the spirit of even the most resilient learner.

Ironically, the very issue that prompted the initial shift from the August-May calendar – the concerns over student welfare during scorching summer months – has resurfaced with renewed vigor. In the rush to revert to tradition, DepEd has inadvertently exposed students to a different kind of

lights and security cameras around Roselle’s place of disappearance even before her untimely passing. But it was only after she was brutally murdered that a streetlamp was built and plans for the installment of CCTV cameras were put into place.

And as the controversy faded away, any attempts to address the issue further died down with it. In the wake of the dismissal of Roselle’s homicide and robbery case against the identi昀椀ed suspect, the radio silence of updates and actions from the authorities is deafening.

This tragic habit of preferring to 昀椀nd cures instead of preventions for deep-rooted issues creates a vicious cycle of loss. When we keep waiting for deaths before addressing an issue, tragedy becomes tradition.

This passive way of addressing one of the most gut-wrenching global issues is completely unacceptable. Lives are being taken and people are left to grapple with the emptiness they left behind. This is a cycle that cannot be broken through soft-handed tactics. We must lift up our sleeves, bury our 昀椀ngers into the blood-soaked ground, and tear it out by the roots.

But for now, despite no longer being unlit, the girl’s street remains grim. And as her community mourns her loss, they look up at the 昀氀ickering bulb of her lamppost and realize that no justice can be found under the streetlight.

heat: the burning pressure to perform amidst a climate of uncertainty and 昀氀ux. Like sailors navigating monstrous waters without a compass, students 昀椀nd themselves adrift in a sea of deadlines, struggling to stay a昀氀oat amidst the waves of expectations.

And so, as the 昀椀nal act unfolds, we’re left to ponder the true cost of this grand spectacle. Is it a return to tradition, or merely a masquerade of progress? Will our students emerge triumphant, or battered and bruised from the relentless march of time? The answer lies not in the trails of history, but in the hearts and minds of those entrusted with our future.

It’s a cautionary tale of misplaced priorities and misguided ambition, for true progress cannot be measured in calendars or decrees, but in the lives touched and futures shaped by our actions. As the curtain falls on this chapter, let us not forget the lessons learned, nor the sacri昀椀ces made in the name of progress.

In the end, as the sun sets and the echoes of hurried tick-tocks fade into the distance, let us reclaim the once rhythm of learning, one that beats to the sounds of curiosity, exploration, and growth. For in the end, it is not the speed of our stride that de昀椀nes us, but the depth of our understanding and the determination of our souls. Let us tread this path with care and be mindful of the footprints that we leave behind, for the journey of

is

but an exploration of

EDITORIAL
Kelly P. Mayor SWANSONG
Cutting down school year 2023-2024
VESSIMIE Gillian L. Moralde
education
not a sprint,
the mind.
4 TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V I S ION OF N A G A C T Y , R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII I ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII NO. AUGUST 2023MAY 2024

EBattle for an Adaptive Education UNBOUNDEDTONE

valuation, by its nature, can either make or break the quality of a system. One wrong move can shift the brightest colors of motivation to the gloomiest realm of failure. Just recently, the nation was stunned by the results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2022, which revealed the poor performance of Filipino students in mathematics, reading, and science. This sparked reactions and hasty opinions.

PISA is a globally recognized assessment that gauges the skills of 15-year-old students in three key subjects. It examines how well they use and apply the concepts of these subjects to solve complex problems, enabling countries to see their strengths and weaknesses bene昀椀cial in enhancing their educational systems. However, considering the narrow nature of the tests, mainly focusing on the literacy of students in those respective subjects, PISA results should not be the sole basis for their decisions. Optionally, it could serve as a supplementary tool that directs them to 昀椀nd the lenses through which problems facing educators and learners arise.

Hence, the main question here is: What truly is the problem that continues to perpetuate the Philippines’ persistently unwell system?

Regrettably, the answer seems to be simple yet negative. It still all falls back to the hollow management and leadership of the people in power and the passive status of education, overlooking the signi昀椀cance of comprehension.

During a Senate hearing on February 7th, Senator Nancy Binay questioned educational psychologist Professor Lizamarie Olegario about the accessibility of questions assessed in the PISA assessment within normal institutional settings. Professor Olegario responded that at the classroom level, memorization and low-order thinking skills are applied, which do not require learners to analyze and understand speci昀椀c concepts deeply.

Justine Raagas from the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) further underscored this concern, naming two major factors hindering the quality of education in the country: the scarcity of resources and the quality of teaching. According to DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, public schools were short of 159,000 classrooms before the start of classes in August 2023, with only 3,600 new classrooms built in the same year. Ironically, it is alarming to note that despite DepEd receiving the largest budget allocation during the General Appropriations Act 2022,

Aproblems, including infrastructure de昀椀ciencies, continue to persist.

The English language, in addition, is considered dominant and in昀氀uential in the current generation. In hopes of adapting to global competitiveness, it has become the primary medium of communication in learning from grade 4 onwards.

However, it is false to correlate the use of English and guarantee ef昀椀cient mastery of concepts, especially at a very young age, and for the almost 5% who 昀椀nd it hard to acclimate to the said language. Data revealed by PISA showed that children who speak English often show futile comprehension compared to those who speak Filipino. And the same goes for every average person. Language incentivizes us to learn and discern better. It is not a sign of one’s intelligence, creativity, and imagination and is only a fraction of the bigger canvas of learning.

Policymakers and leaders must then consider decisions such as decentralization not in terms of curriculum but in teaching techniques to create a more conducive environment. It should also take note the importance of 昀氀exibility in the use of language and that the main goal, such as students being able to comprehend and understand the concepts, is always put 昀椀rst among other factors.

Most of all, the agency should learn to be meticulously and thoroughly independent in addressing problems of infrastructure, learning textbooks, teaching strategies, and capabilities. If they continue to expect and tolerate bad PISA results instead of taking action and doing something to remedy the issue, then we will keep getting those bad results.

We have long demanded a better education system, but we lack clear plans and steady steps. Without a solid solution, the situation will just remain as a cycle of inef昀椀ciency and may become even worse. Therefore, the government must prioritize the quality of their programs over the quantity of their projects in our battle for an adaptive education.

AStudent’s Vision, School’s Mission

INEFFABLEPENDULUM

re the educational provisions of our school favorable enough to sustain the needs of its students? Or maybe there are still several matters to modify and adjust? As a student, a hayskulana to be exact, I chose Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) because it possessed the qualities of a school that I was searching for. And for the past 4 years of being its student, I could say that it is indeed an ultimate honor to study at this institution. But on the other hand, it is noticeable that our school is far from perfect.

CSNHS is known as one of the oldest and largest secondary public schools in Bicol Region, and with such a huge number of students, negligence became really prominent. Most of the comfort rooms are disregarded for cleanliness, where used sanitary napkins, tissues, and rubbish are all over the place, resulting in an unpleasant smell. Its doors are also ruined and parted from their proper attachment. Thus, the so-called “comfort rooms” only cause intolerable discomfort to everyone who uses them.

This institution does not only provide space for learning; it is also a place 昀椀lled with history and unbearable memories. Due to it being built in 1902, some infrastructure on both the main campus and the liboton annex is old enough to be used further, remaining stuck and no longer commodious. Just like the old Social Science Building, the PAGODA Building, some parts of the Practical Arts Building, and the DS Building at the Liboton Campus. Renovation of old facilities is the only key to widening the functionality of these infrastructures to accommodate the great amount of population they have.

Every day after dismissal, the school gate is always crowded with numerous students, accompanied by the presence of many vehicles due to rush hour. It is great that there are guards tasked with guiding the students as they cross the

Bandaging Learning Losses

s the wounds progressively worsen, we apply a small bandage in hopes of mending them.

The increasing number of illiteracy among Filipinos persists as the one of Philippines’ biggest bruises. In response, the Department of Education (DepEd) pushes for the implementation of Catch-up Fridays—a weekly commitment to dedicating a whole day to sharpening reading and comprehension skills. While this might seem like a cure for the issue, would it really heal our trauma or in昀氀ict more harm on already festering wounds?

Normally, teachers are given up to three months to cover learning competencies per quarter. With all the holidays and inevitable suspensions this academic year, they already have trouble compressing all the lessons to 昀椀t the allotted time. Despite this problem, DepEd still insisted on the implementation of Catch-up Fridays. This circumstance makes me wonder: how can they ignore the obvious issue of taking away another day from a jampacked schedule?

With the announcement of the reversion of the school calendar, the second quarter’s already short runtime has been dramatically reduced further due to Catch-up Fridays. Some may argue that this “reversion” is a onetime phenomenon for this school year. However, a year is a year. This will still directly affect the quality education of millions of students.

While we’re on the topic of “wrong timings”, the program launched during the upcoming 昀椀nal examinations for the 1st semester. According to Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Chairperson Vladimir Quetua, this did not solve the problem, instead, it derailed the schedule of both the learners and staffers. This shows that the structure of the program lacked proper analysis and preparations. Furthermore, ACT Party List Representative France Castro said that the orientation promised by DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa was not successful enough and the students read random stories with no guide. Students are still left alone to fend for themselves. This kind of approach may result in students’ disinterest in reading.

Since the project is all about reading and nothing else, the number of absentees continues to gradually increase. Ever since the implementation of Catch-up Fridays, I have witnessed the rising number of absenteeism

in my class every friday since, in their perspective, there’s nothing to do anyway.

ACT Party List and the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) have also appealed for DepEd to stop implementing Catch-up Fridays due to students skipping school and the lack of engagement with the program. According to them, DepEd did not provide reading mate rials. This only forced teachers to copy them online. Given that the reading intervention program targets readers and non-readers, the organization could have consulted their limitations. Because even if these students are reading, the materials used are not catered to their learning abilities. There is a chance that the mandate could work, but DepEd has a long way to go in order to solve the gaps in the system. The government is wasting their time with Catchup Fridays when the actual problem is the insuf昀椀ciency of learning facilities and reading materials. A whole day allotted to reading is useless when there is nowhere to sit and nothing to read.

The Department of Educa tion’s pattern of overwhelming the Filipinos with sudden launch of programs needs to end right here. Instead of disturbing the learning community with nonsense, the government should instead reach out to the vulnerable sectors because they are the one that make up the majority of the population that struggle with literacy. These band-aid solutions do nothing to heal our open wounds. As Filipinos wait for actual aid, DepEd does nothing but drag the country down in the process.

Center for Transportation Studies entitled ‘Complete Road for Safer and Brighter Tomorrows: Innovations for Hayskulanx Inclusive Journeys at Camhigh’. If put into action, it will be a big help for the school, especially for senior high school students who 昀椀nish school late, ensuring their safety and security while waiting to be fetched.

The quality of school provisions directly in昀氀uences students’ academic performance. Adequate classrooms and well-equipped facilities provide students with an overview of the environment and experiences that await them. Educators that teach subjects aligned with their major contribute signi昀椀cantly to the effectiveness of school provisions and ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for the future. Educators not only impart knowledge but also inspire and guide students, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Therefore, the impact of school provisions on education is profound. By being well thought out, we can create an educational ecosystem that nurtures the intellectual, social, and emotional development of learners. It is the collective responsibility of educators, policymakers, and students

Celina Kassandra Jessee G. Abelardo EPIPHÁNEIA
5 OPINION TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V S ION OF N A G A C I T Y R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
Cartoon by Marc Richie Valderrama

OPINION

Fdoesnotfeel feel MORE MERRIER

ounded in 1902, Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) is one of the biggest public secondary schools inside the Bicol Region housing approximately 12,000 students. With over 122 years under its well-worn belt, the school has already garnered remarkable achievements over time. It has fostered inumerable innovations and served home to countless Bicolanos. However, despite the acclaimed reputation of the school when it comes to education, the institution continues to struggle with handling the increasing population of students— with the lack of facilities being one of the most prominent problems.

After the implementation of the K-12 program, the school’s population increased drastically, leading to the administration’s attempt to apply measures to accommodate almost 3,500 Senior High School (SHS) students. And so, the school decided to put this portion of learners into a night class schedule. With school hours starting from 2:30 in the afternoon until 7:45 in the evening, forcing them to share a classroom with Junior High School (JHS) students.

This is one of the major effects of school congestion that can be observed all across the nation. During a senate hearing on August 29, 2023, the Department of Education (DepEd) stated the need for over P397B to address the required 159,000 classrooms to attain the ideal teacher to student ratio of 1:25 for kindergarten, 1:32 for primary school, 1:42 for JHS, and 1:45 for SHS. This is far from the current observed division of student population inside public schools with some having up to 50 students per class.

However, the scarcity of classrooms is just the tip of the iceberg, especially with the countermeasures failing to offer long-term solutions. Dividing rooms into two and class schedules into morning and night

I think there is a crucial need to identify triggers that drive these children to succumb to the use of the forbidden drug.

I

The Silent Epidemic

ELYSIAN PLUME

n the bustling classrooms where knowledge reigns supreme, a gloomy presence radiates within its corners. The alarming appearance of drugs has casted a menacing cloud over juvenile curiosity.

The recent drug-related issues in Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) have elicited shock and fear in everyone’s hearts. These issues have collectively become a silent epidemic in schools. It highlights the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention efforts to waive the negative effects of drugs on students as well as the school itself.

As we delve deeper every day into our challenging lives, the issue of drug abuse indeed stands out as a persistent and multifaceted problem.

As we all know, the abuse of illegal substances negatively impacts the lives of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). Drugs affect their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

I remember not being able to catch up with some of our lessons whenever a teacher struggles to teach a subject she’s not greatly an expert of.

The Dreamers and the Realists

Underneath all the dewy-eyed visions, children like us have always been the romantics being raised by realists. Take our parents for an example At some point in their lives, they have imagined themselves sipping a glass of the 昀椀nest wine from Italy while hanging out at a hotel veranda overlooking the eiffel tower in the city of Paris. My mother never planned to give up her career after getting pregnant. Father, on the other hand, never had predicted that he will have to take an overseas job just to make ends meet.

I never truly understood the complicated decisions adults have to make. What is so complicated about life? We were raised with the ideology of: ‘pag nag-aral ka, matutupad mo lahat ng pangarap mo’. This is the main reason why we’re studying, for crying out loud! We blissfully assume that 昀椀nishing school entails a happy ending.

It’s tragic to realize that education has not always been the key to a certain ful昀椀llment we have always craved for. Sometimes, it is even within its grapples where dreams are being buried after a slow, agonizing death.

Take a look at the teachers. Unlike other people’s aspirations to live extravagantly, theirs are only inclined to a candid pursuit: teaching those who dream.

Have you ever encountered an English teacher assigned to teach math? Or perhaps a science teacher struggling to teach Araling Panlipunan because it was the only post left for him to 昀椀ll in. The infamous introductory dialogue, ‘Class, ako si [name], hindi ko talaga

classes are nothing more than unsustainable band aid solutions. School congestion does not only contribute to the inability of students to focus during discussions but also lead to teachers having less time to concentrate on developing innovative teaching methods.

This issue becomes a bigger concern when the Philippines hits the summer season where the average heat index can reach up to 38C. In schools like CSNHS where the student population is excessively large, the four corners of the classroom become more of an uncomfortable sauna instead of a room for learning.

Aside from the unavailability of suf昀椀cient classrooms, CSNHS also faces challenges in terms of equipment, or more speci昀椀cally—the lack thereof. The school is largely unable to provide the necessary equipment needed to suf昀椀ciently train their SHS students in their specialized 昀椀elds.

When the K-12 program was implemented 12 years ago, the nation called for new learning methods that required advanced equipment. This is to ful昀椀ll the objectives of the program, which is to create an environment that would mimic real scenarios once the students are immersed in their selected professions

However, the damage that drugs can in昀氀ict goes beyond its direct effects on the PWUDs themselves. It also affects the people that surround them. This exposure to drugs within the family can result in broken bonds and strained relationships. This may also render other family members susceptible to the in昀氀uence of drugs.

We cannot change the fact that students, especially those who are in high school, are not being properly monitored by teachers due to the assumption that “they are mature enough to take care of themselves”. Due to this, drug users often simmer beneath the surface, escaping the attention of educators and parents— making it a silent epidemic within our institution.

This affects not only the academic performance of the students but also the overall well-being of the youth. Drug use and abuse is a dilemma. The moment people 昀椀nd out about the unfavorable acts of these students, the overall reputation of the school may become vulnerable to criticism.

I think there is a crucial need to identify triggers that drive these children to succumb to the use of the forbidden drug. Most researches suggest a complicated involvement of society, family, and individual factors such as familial problems and peer pressure. By exploring the root causes, we can generate forward-looking solutions to combat the said issue.

Since we’re dealing with curious teenagers with the biological drive to explore everything they can grasp, a key aspect of tackling drug issues in schools involves proactive education. Schools must implement educational seminars to inform the students about the dangers of substance abuse. These symposiums must take on an empirical approach: from exploring the issues that lead

This can be seen prominently in strands like the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strands. Learners under these curriculums often immerse themselves in procedures such as laboratory works where they can experience and grapple with concepts deeper and learn through empirical process. Despite a decade and two years since the program was introduced, the school still lacks the ability to offer suf昀椀cient numbers of laboratory apparatuses and appropriate work areas. Scenarios like these clearly illustrate how the quality of education is sacri昀椀ced as the government fails to address a long-time concern. This then creates a domino effect, resulting in other issues such as the continuous decline of student performance. This was proven when the Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 participating nations on the previous student assessment conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) last 2022.

There is no wonder that CSNHS has served its purpose of delivering education for the total man. However, with the continued advancement of time, there is a need for greater measures in order to cater to the increasing needs of the institution without sacri昀椀cing the quality of education. Perhaps the shared tradition of Filipinos to have close bond with each other is a foundation that helped the nation progress, but in cases like this, more does not always feel merrier. The empirical results that prove the effect of school congestion shows the immediate attention needed to address this issue not only inside Camarines Sur National High School but in all public schools across the country. Investing in education is an investment for the future. The betterment of the students, faculties, and facilities of the Department of Education is essential to answer the nations demand for change.

forte ang subject na ‘to. Dapat sa ganito akong larang, pero since dito ako na-assign, gagawin ko nalang ang best ko para turuan kayo.’, has aged like a 昀椀ne wine. My Creative Non昀椀ction teacher is no exception to this tragedy. Despite graduating with an English major, she is also currently assigned to teach Physical Education in grade 11. As our conversation progressed, the teacher stated that she is already grateful for getting the job in the 昀椀rst place.

‘It puts food on the table, especially now that I have a daughter’, she said. She also emphasized that teaching PEH is 昀椀ne for now, given her 昀氀exibility in keeping up with the demands. However, she is still hoping to alter the course of her career soon since she can not get a promotion teaching a subject that is not inclined with her degree.

Her job may not be a 昀椀re that burns her like passion, but it was safe. Expounding further into this catas comes another teacher in the Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS) strand. Also with an English major, he is teaching one core and two specialized subjects— com pletely out of par from his expertise. During our interview, I asked him whether this phenomenon happens due to mismanagement. He quickly rejected this notion and said that it is rather a case of misalignment than I used. The system when it comes to selecting a job positio for teachers is that: availability precedes mastery. Rather than giving them a spot that matches with their ski abilities, they are given the item that is empty an able. An applicant’s degree is rarely taken into ac What matters is whether there is an allocated budge that position. Take it or grab it.

to drug involvement down to its underlying conseque once the action is made. Confronting drug issues requires a collaborative effort involving schools, parents, law enforcement, and community organizations.

These recommendations were made possible, nonetheless, when Camarines National High School’s Bark da Kontra Droga (BKD) and Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Club Organization conducted a semin on Drug Awareness. This symposium aimed to inform the students about the effects of drugs, among other things. They established the main goal of bringing back a drugfree environment in school communities. By promotin open communication and cooperation, we can create a effective solution against substance abuse.

At a political scale, however, two resource speaker from the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB) have taken the initiative to also facilitate education regarding this issue. They pressed strongly on how illegal drugs must not be consumed out of curiosity, or perhaps within the promise of “try lang, isang beses lang”. This program earns a nod of approval, as institutions such as NCDDB have always been on the move to combat addiction.

We must recognize the urgency of this matter for as we speak, more children are being recruited to try these substances or voluntarily jumping to the point of no return. Through the collaborative and proactive measures of government authorities and stakeholders, we can str create an environment where drugs do not pose a thr the children’s lives.

From the clandestine transaction of students to pas the product on, to placing them between empty notebooks, or hiding the substance inside their pockets— this epidemic remains silent among the clamors of ruined

In all his noble pursuits, this teacher did not just take or grab– he snatched. His passion in teaching is as great as his need for the salary that comes with it.

These cases of misalignment among teaching personnels are very rampant in different schools across the country, not just inside ours. It is already embedded deep within the normalized system that makes it harder to even pinpoint the 昀氀aw. This only puts us in a very complicated

a subject she’s not greatly an expert of. Perhaps, this is another call to one of the Department of Education’s many vulnerabilities. Do not send out a mentor to warriors who doesn’t know how to wield a sword, or a tutor to poets who doesn’t have the skill to write a metaphor.

The 昀椀re of these teachers’ aspirations sometimes burn out when they are not being utilized to its extent of prowess. But I guess this is all we get. Dreamers live asleep, eyes closed. Realists see socioeconomic conditions so clearly that practicality— regardless of passionate pursuits— is a wiser choice. Their crafts are as noble as they are tragic, and their stars as dead as they are misaligned.

When
COMMENTARY
THE HOLOGRAM
6 TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V I S ION OF N A G A C T Y , R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII I ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII NO. AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
Cartoon by Marc Richie Valderrama

Student journalism plays a crucial role in democracy as it gives the members a resolute voice of opinion, raises awareness among the citizens, and holds organizations responsible.

In pursuit of a freer student journalism

As the clock ticks with each passing hour, young minds grow to discover the ever-so-painful, harsh realities of the world—the injustice, inequality, and unfortunate turn of events that take place unexpectedly. In the midst of it all, a stirring desire inside the youth appears as they yearn to educate their community about truth and knowledge. Thus, they turn to the pursuit of student journalism.

Campus journalism is a platform where people exercise their right to freedom of speech and press People may think of it as simply an after-school activity, but it is much more than that. It helps people 昀椀nd their voice, uphold their beliefs, and express themselves

SAGACIOUS PUNDIT

unwavering determination to hone their skills and contribute to society, they hide in fear stemming from the so-called “consequences” of speaking out for the oppressed against the oppressor.

If not careful, journalists are at risk of a spectrum of harassment, ranging from defunding, to suspensions, to even red-tagging. They endure threats of murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and targeted sexual assault simply for reporting the truth. Moreover, they are baselessly accused to the point of being called “communists” or “terrorists” when they dare to be critical of the government.

Dear Editor, Good Day!

I would like to voice out my worries regarding the Department of Education’s implementation of Catch-Up Fridays. I am concerned since the lessons and activities are being rushed, considering we are currently in the process of gradually reverting to the old school calendar, but Fridays are instead used for Catch-Up reading. I, personally, am having a hard time with keeping up with all the rushed activities and performance tasks, and I worry that some students may also feel the same. I know the program intends to aid students’ poor reading comprehension skills; however, I think the school year is already shortened enough that taking more days away from it might do more harm than good to our learning. I would like to know your thoughts on this matter and what you can possibly do to solve this. Hoping for your response. Thank you.

Sincerely,

As a result, it poses a restraint on their freedom of the press, constraining them and zipping their mouths from expressing the rights that should be practiced

All of these actions blatantly violate the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 or the Republic Act 7079, a policy enacted to shield the freedom of the press of the students and foster the growth of school publications to nurture their critical and creative thinking. As its ineffectiveness has been repeatedly demonstrated by the victims, this emphasizes the pressing need for immediate revision of this law, as it might risk further damage if left unaddressed.

According to Section 7, the security of tenure provision explicitly protects against the expulsion of the student solely because of journalistic work. To hammer it out, having a clear statement af昀椀rming the right of student journalists to express their opinions without fear of reprisal or punishment would increase our advantage tremen-

Student journalism plays a crucial role in democracy as it gives the members a resolute voice of opinion, raises awareness among the citizens, and holds organizations responsible. However, as they encounter unavoidable censorship or harassment, democracy is weakened due to the restriction of freedom of expression and the reduction of public information.

As the hearts of the journalists grow more courageous, it is advisable to establish support such as legal aid, digital security measures, and mental health to decrease the risks they experience and gain the ability to work without fear and more bravery.

Educating students, teachers, and administrators about the vitality of press freedom can lay a stronger and tougher foundation. Through spreading knowledge, students will realize their rights and the dif昀椀cult challenges journalists endure, which will build solid support for campus journalism and ensure it upholds its role in society.

We must take action and advocate the revision of the Campus Journalism Act in order to further protect journalists’ rights, urging policymakers and in昀氀uencing schools to implement encouraging policies, spread awareness in communities about press freedom, and, lastly, support groups dedicated to defending the same cause as us.

In conclusion, by protecting the well-deserved rights of student journalists and supporting the growing development of campus journalism, our voices will be heard, no matter what age we are, our stories will stay true, and journalism will continue to thrive for generations to

Dear Karl,

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to reach out and voice your concerns regarding the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Catch-Up Fridays program.

First of all, we do understand and sympathize with you on this. The abrupt shortening of the academic year has put a considerable strain on both students and teachers through heavier workloads and tighter deadlines. Plus, the added weight of having to drop everything and read during Fridays certainly only worsens the situation for everyone involved.

After ranking 77th out of 81 countries in the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), we do understand why DepEd would think to implement a program aimed at reading comprehension and other skills. However, we believe that this is not the best way to do it, nor is it the best time to implement it.

Our teachers have a dif昀椀cult enough time covering the entire curriculum within the original three-month grading period as it was. The sudden cut-down of the school year has already sent teachers into a frenzy of replanning their lesson plans in order to accommodate the changes. The additional burden of Catch-Up Fridays could result in students failing to learn their lessons and meet the necessary competencies.

All in all, we believe that while it is well-meant, Catch-Up Fridays amount to little more than a band aid solution that may very well cause long-term harm on the students that it affects.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR LETTER
Grade 12 HUMSS Student
Truly yours, The Editor VOX BOX The Isarog “ “ “ “ “ “ “
SHANE PENELOPE P. APIN IVY A. DELLORO MA. EUNICA D. LEDESMA FRANCHESKA MARIELLY B. OLIVA AYZ EIRBE M. TOLIBAS QUEENIE R. BATALLER HANNAH VICTORIA I. PANOLINO JOHN GABRIEL O. COLICO KHRYSTIEN ANGEL A. LACANDULA DIANA GRACE B. DE PADUA RHIANNE NICOLE CASTILLO DAWN ROSSEBEL A. CRISTO FIONA MARIE A. PARMA ASHLEY SHEKYLLA V. FACUN PRINCESS KATE DELA ROSA YVONNE P. ALCANAR EDLYN NICOLE E. CABRERA JONA MARIE E. BERMUDO AISHIN GABRIEL P. SEPULVIDA GILLIAN L. MORALDE KELLY P. MAYOR BEN JOSIAH S. BAYOT CHRISTINE GAILE C. DIMATATAC MA. DANIELLE THERESE P. MISTULA MA. CLAIRE ANDREANNE B. SIERRA YZZA GWYNETH F. CECILIO SOPHIA FIONA MEI A. IÑIGO ESTHER GIANNE F. DULCE SCOTT STEPHEN B. BALDEMORO LEAN EDRIANA G. AGUILAR RYAN PAULO F. REGACHUELO JOHN DAVID B. LAURELES GELYN B. AZURIN MARC RICHIE T. VALDERRAMA CELINA KASSANDRA JESSEE G. ABELARDO WINNOH R. OGARTE MARDY LIZBETH L. DULAY CAHLIL JOHN B. BLANCAFLOR JOSH EDWARD A. PRILLES SABRINA ZAINE B. ALONZO MARIFER B. MAMENG JOHN MIGUEL BIANDO SAM LORENZ B. REULA KRISTEL MAY L. MODOL ZENIA T. GUIMARY RHIO MARGARETTE O. OMBAO AMEENAH MARYAM B. MARBELLA EDITORIAL BOARD SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 BRYAN A. CARIAGA LARA MARIE L. REAZON IRMA A. DE JESUS SULPICIO C. ALFEREZ III PhD THE ISAROG 7 OPINION TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V S ION OF N A G A C I T Y R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII AUGUST 2023MAY 2024

magarao's Healing Touch

Hilot for Lapo, Hilot for Dislocation, Hilot for All

In the plain rice 昀椀elds and 昀氀ourishing landscapes is a town called Magarao, a developing municipality. Few would have imagined that such a tranquil town is the “Hilot Capital of Camarines Sur” boasting histories that date back to the 17th century.

Magarao gained fame as a hub of traditional massage therapy, known locally as “hilot” where skilled practitioners like Legid, Baldonasa and Jordan, honed

their craft, passing down their expertise through generations within their family and community.

Despite the passage of time and the waves of modernization, the practice of hilot has remained an integral part of Magarao’s identity, evolving from a mere cultural relic into a thriving industry.

The Preservation of ‘Hilot’

Local of昀椀cials and the provincial government of Camarines Sur joined hands to develop the said municipality by launching programs and workshops to provide training on various livelihood projects. The Provincial Livelihood Training, Research and Development Program (PLTRD), is gearing towards providing community-based industries and product development to its people.

One of the commonly known industries is massage therapy, or “Hilot”, as the local government took proactive measures in preserving the art of “Hilot” gathering over 200 members to of昀椀cially form the Magarao Hilot Association in 2006 that slowly scattered to other parts of the country and the world due to the opportunities presented by the association.

The LGU allocated a building for the

Now Showing:

Bichara Cinema

H

ave you ever experienced watching your favorite movie inside a cinema? If yes, then the people in Naga City can relate to you because back then, there was this place called Bichara Cinema.

There were a lot of cinemas around Naga before. However, the crowd’s favorite was Bichara Cinema because of how wholesome the shows they played were. According to Amando B. Bataller, they chose to watch there because they liked the place itself, the cleanliness of it, and how the breeze of the air-conditioning hits their skin while they were watching. He then shared that he used to go on dates with his girlfriend, who is now his wife, before.

One memorable moment for him was when he was inside the Bichara Cinema and there was a sudden brownout. He remembered how the people panicked inside the cinema because it became pitch black. That made it a memorable experience for him.

We can say that Bichara Cinema was really popular to people back then.

However, due to the rise of Video Home System (VHS) and Betamax, people started visiting the Cinema less frequently since the tapes offered more convenience compared to going to the actual Cinema. Even after losing its popularity, the cinema stayed still and remained in the shadows, outshined by numerous new methods of watching movies.

But years later, the place where people in Naga once watched their favorite movies, shared laughter and tears, and created lasting memories is now about to be recognized as a cultural heritage.

The Chairperson of Siklab Lingkod Bikol (SLB), Ronald “Bong” Rodriguez, and Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion convinced Mr. Jun Bichara, the owner of the 101-year-old Bichara Cinema, not to sell it. Instead, they proposed preserving it and having it recognized as a cultural heritage. Mr. Rodriguez also convinced him to allow them to use it as a new venue for local performances such as “Higit sa Pag-ibig, The Musical,” as well as other theater plays and concerts.

Mr. Rodriguez then added that Mr. Bichara agreed to their plans and even expressed his willingness to work with his team to refurbish certain parts of the theater to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

With this in mind, the goal of developing, recognizing, and preserving this infrastructure that has become a signi昀椀cant part of the region’s culture and arts, Mayor Legacion announced plans to convert a section of the theater into a museum that will showcase the cinema’s history, aiming to attract more tourists.

Those who have fond memories of watching movies in the cinema are supportive of the plans to designate it as a cultural heritage site. They believe that the place shouldn’t be abandoned because it holds beauty, and preserving it will provide more destinations for people to visit.

San Isidro, Magarao, Camarines Sur

Association in 2010, now known as the Wellness Center of Magarao, said Jeorge Araguirang, the association’s president.

Presently, there are 33 active members, each training and possessing a National Certi昀椀cation Level II (NC2) from TESDA. They are also registered with DTI who pushed them to develop and thrive in the massage industry, accordingt to Rowena A. Pabico, a dedicated member of the association.

The association is committed to ensuring that the knowledge and skills of hilot practitioners are passed down through the generations, continuing to thrive in the modern era. They regularly hold workshops, do massage therapy caravans and do events like “Hilot Day” where services are offered for free.

Moreover, internship opportunities are extended to Senior High School students of Magarao, aiming to promote and potentially recruit prospective members into the group.

The Villamer Family Tradition

“Magarao has long been recognized as the destination where numerous ‘parahilot’ gathered. Visitors from other regions 昀氀ock here seeking treatment for their various ailments,” shared Daniel Jeremias, a practitioner and a son-in-law of one of Felizardo B. Villamer descendants, also widely known as Legid.

For the Villamer family, passing down the techniques of ‘Hilot’ and managing the family business has become a cherished tradition that they teach to their children in the family.

Magarao’s popularity as the Hilot Capital of Camarines Sur exempli昀椀es the harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit, showcasing how a small town can slowly make a signi昀椀cant impact to their community.

Naga City, Camarines Sur
101 year-old
By Ma. Claire Andreanne Sierra By Esther Gianne Dulce
from BicolDotPh 8 TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V I S ION OF N A G A C T Y , R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII I ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII NO. AUGUST 2023MAY 2024 FEATURE
Photos by Sam Reula
En route to the Hilot Capital of Camarines Sur Photo

Naga City, Camarines Sur

BIGGER

BRICKSANDSTONESTHAN

As the vibrant city of Naga continues to 昀氀ourish, its energy and modernity cast a shadow upon the place that holds stories of ages. The whispers of history echo through its ancient walls, yearning to be heard amidst the evident progress.

The Administracion de Coreo (circa 1826), considered a remnant of Spanish architecture, stands still in a lot in Barangay San Francisco, awaiting its fate.

In the past, these two buildings served as the city’s post of昀椀ce, functioning as the central hub for telecommunication and mail services. Furthermore, the Administracion de Coreo also played a signi昀椀cant role as the provincial jail, adding to its historical importance.

Yet, despite its resounding value as a remnant of the past, the plan to demolish it lingers, potentially bringing an end to untold stories.

This is why there are opposing perspectives on the idea of

preserving these structures after the plan to demolish and remove the two 19th-century buildings from the country’s registry of historical landmarks. Some people argue that these structures lack historical and cultural signi昀椀cance due to their association with criminal con昀椀nement in the past.

However, others believe that these edi昀椀ces preserve our local culture and are not just mere structures.

They are seen as historical evidence of the Philippine correctional administration and a re昀氀ection of craftsmanship over time, as mentioned by the Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition (NCACC) in a statement.

Due to the plan of demolition, Nueva Caceres Heritage Inc.

initiated a petition on change. org on October 9, 2022, urging the NHCP to save Naga City’s old Post Of昀椀ce and Provincial Jail from being demolished.

The removal of this historic site from the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP) was met with strong disagreement from the signatories. The petition gained 1,761 supporters, and as of January 24, 2024, the Naga City Council unanimously declared that the structure needs to be preserved due to its signi昀椀cant cultural properties and historical, architectural, and cultural value.

However, concerns remain among Bicolanos as there is uncertainty about the preservation efforts, as Mayor Legacion has not yet signed the Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 2024-054, which was unanimously passed by the current city council led by Vice Mayor Cecilia Veluz-De Asis.

This resolution aims to protect the Spanish colonial structures and recognizes their local, socio-cultural, and architectural signi昀椀cance, which is valuable to the city’s cultural heritage and history.

The desire to save the two remaining Spanish-era stone buildings from demolition extends beyond their past purpose.

Preserving these local heritage sites means preserving our cultural richness and community identity.

It is crucial to protect and save these tangible memories of the past that have witnessed the changes in our city for decades and hold immense historical value in our ever-changing society.

All the stories it holds, told or untold, are worth more than its bricks and stones.

WalkofFaith

JourneytotheHolyImage

AmangHinulidof

Every Lenten Season, the Santa Salud Barangay (village) becomes one of the most important places on Holy Week as thousands of devotees partake in the “Walk Offering,” popularly known as “Alay Lakad.”

Travelling a 13-kilometer trek from Naga City to Calabanga to pay homage to the life-sized statue of “Amang Hinulid,” which loosely means “Father laid to rest.”

It is said that the image of Amang Hinulid, also known as “Santo Sepulcro”, was sculpted by an artist from Madrid, Spain as it was brought to the shores of Albay in Legazpi City, aboard a galleon.

According to Rebecca Repolito Tandog, a descendant of the original owner of the image, their great grandmother, Doña Bartola Repolito, purchased the statue for 500-400 pesetas (ancient currency of Spain).

With a history dating back to the Spanish colonial era, the Amang Hinulid performed many wonders as their devotees came in droves, seeking a miracle.

“People come to Hinulid for a chance to touch the statue to pray for a blessing and cleansing. Others also come to the event as a way of thanking of the sacri昀椀ce of Jesus Christ on the cross” shared Mariano C. Dulce III, a local devotee of Hinulid.

Today, this ancient wooden depiction of the deceased Jesus Christ lying in repose continues to draw thousands of pilgrims who journey to the small Barangay every Lenten season.

Throughout the year, various religious events are held as well as weekly masses every Friday called “Pagkarigos ki Ama” or “Bathing the Father” where they would clean the image.

Every Semana Santa (Holy Week), there are multiple festivities done

in Hinulid, these include the “Alay Lakad”, “Procession” (statues are displayed in a procession) and “Simbang Gabi” (Night Mass).

Additionally, the local parish hosts events such as the “Senakulo” (Passion play), with the Parishute Ministry members serving as the cast for the play.

Amang Hinulid stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Filipino people, drawing pilgrims year after year to walk in this profound spiritual journey and experience the miracles attributed to the revered image of Christ.

San Miguel, Calabanga, Camarines Sur By Esther Gianne Dulce Photos by Sam Reula
9 FEATURE TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V S ION OF N A G A C I T Y R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
Photo by Christine Gaile Dimatatac

LOST ERRAND

On a rainy Saturday night of July 22, a 17-year-old girl, by the name of Roselle Bandojo, studies in her room.

An upcoming Grade 12 student of Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS), she reads on advanced material, testament to her diligence and desire to always improve herself. Planning to eat snacks during her study session, she goes out to buy some in a nearby convenience store located at Peñafrancia Avenue Corner Magsaysay Extension, Naga City. Worried that she might not have brought an umbrella, her mother, Juvy Bandojo, follows 30 minutes later, desperately trying to catch up to her daughter’s hurried pace. She, however, never catches up. Despite searching every possible location she thought her child might be, her efforts end in vain.

As the hours passed, a chilling revelation unfolded. Surveillance footage captured Roselle’s lone 昀椀gure walking home along the intersection of Acacia Street in Barangay Liboton. However, she never reached the safety of her home’s doorstep. And now, that CCTV footage serves as the only witness to her 昀椀nal moments.

Concerned about their daughter who had not returned yet, the Bandojo family embarked on a search, hoping to locate

her. They visited the barangay hall and the nearest police station, but despite their efforts, they received no assistance. Instead, they were met with a barrage of excuses from the very people who have vowed to serve them.

“Nagdiyan kami sa barangay, dai kami nakakuang tabang ta ang sabi, mayo daang ma-drive kan su ano ninda, sasakyan,” the mother revealed with disappointment.

(We went to the barangay, but we did not receive any help. They told us that no one was able to drive their vehicle.)

According to Mrs. Bandojo, the policemen at the Police Station 3 also failed to offer assistance, dismissing the Bandojo family’s concerns, stating that Roselle might have gone to a friend’s house instead.

With no one to assist them, Roselle’s fate was left solely on the hands of her family. They searched for her throughout the night and the following days, but to no avail. No Roselle was found.

On July 23, the Bandojo family of昀椀cially reported Roselle as a missing person and reached out to the public via a Facebook post, hoping for any information on her whereabouts. However, each hour passed by with everything to intensify her absence and nothing to 昀椀ll it with—not a clue nor sighting, only a stench to allude to her ghost 昀椀ve days later.

JUSTICE DENIED

the tragic cycle of a girl and the city that sleeps through

pe their grasp nearly four months later. Despite desperate cries for justice, the 昀椀led case was still dismissed by the Naga City Prosecutor’s Of昀椀ce due to o family, and despair. ide for her daugh

i yan ang ed ngani. what I was hoping

by Yzza Gwyneth Cecilio, Kelly Mayor, Christine Gaile Dimatatac, Khrystien Angel Lacandula, and Ma. Claire Andreanne Sierra
10 INVESTIGATIVE FEATURE
Graphics by Winnoh Ogarte

As the community bears the weight of her loss, the newly-installed streetlights and surveillance cameras serve as bitter reminders that Roselle did not have the same access to light—and life.

So it endlessly goes.

of institutions such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will be transferred to the said area.

Additionally, CCTVs will be installed to serve as the eyes and ears throughout the city. The Mayor also required all barangay captains to set up a compatible system with which they can supervise all the interior areas.

In the aftermath of her slaughter, Roselle’s death illuminates the way of others. Her demise became the wake-up call that moved people to action, giving others the safety that they could not provide for her. However, as the community bears the weight of her loss, the newly-installed streetlights and surveillance cameras serve as bitter reminders that Roselle did not have the same access to light—and life.

A girl is found. A girl is dead. A girl lies six feet under. A girl should not be there at all. A city is urged to act upon it. A mother is forced to make sense of it.

“Pag duman ko mahihiling ko ang pangaran niya nakasurat sa lapida, sabi ko dapat bako niyo, dapat mayo ka digdiyo. Maanuhon nang maray sa sarong magurang. Dai mo maisip-isip kung tano ta nangyari.” Juvy lamented with a heavy heart.

(When I go there, I will see her name written on the tombstone, thinking, ‘You shouldn’t be here, you don’t belong here.’ It’s too much for any parent. You can’t fathom why it had to happen.)

A dream is shattered. A life is lost. A world remains unjust.

This is the life a girl is meant to live. This is the news they tell the other girls. This is the way the world does nothing.

A case achieves no justice. A cycle sees no end. A girl dies. A city sleeps.

grasp 昀椀led to family, despair. daughang ngani. hoping
through
DENIED
her cries
11 INVESTIGATIVE FEATURE

AS IT RUNS OUT OF FUEL

The sad sounds of honking echoed a tale of a losing and ripped seats mirrored the 昀椀nality of a closing door. The empty seats, with no one to shout “Para po!” screamed a struggle, and the repetitive slogan “barya lang po sa umaga” now resonates ironically as it realizes no new morning will dawn as the Philippine jeepney 昀椀nds itself reaching the end of the road.

With a sigh heavy as the traf昀椀c he maneuvers, Melchor Morales, a 50-yearold jeepney driver in Naga City, recounts his trial

“Nagluyang maray,” he murmurs. His voice tinged with resignation as h narrates the uphill battle against diminishing pass es. Like a lone warrior facing insurmountable odds, truth that even the mightiest among them are not im fate.

For years, he couldn’t even fathom selling his jeep haunting reality. “Grabeng luya talaga,” he stated, re昀氀ecting the turmoil within.

Melchor stated that their chairman, Danilo Cosa, is a man of greed with his hands tainted with the ink of corruption. ang chairman, iyo ang nagkuha kaiyan.... may pagka ka-sakim sa kwarta. Korap,” he shared -- his words a condemnation of corruption and sel昀椀shness.

For too long, the voices of the marginalized have b lenced, their cries for justice falling on deaf ears. But now, as the wheels of progress grind to a halt, their voices gr their demands more urgent than ever before.

He stated that they were the victims of his betrayal as they were fooled into thinking they were allies. “Sinabihan lang kaming ‘gusto nindo mag bali sa libreng sakay? 2,000 ang bayad plus 1,500 sa krudo” syempre kang time na ito,

bago mag ka COVID, nag iyo na lang kami ta masakiton ngani.” he stated in frustration.

However, he revealed that the actual payment for their free service during the pandemic was a staggering amount of 8, 856 pesos per jeepney and since there were a total of 32 jeepney drivers driving a jeep, the total amount of money stolen from them would accumulate to over 170,000 pesos, leaving the jeepney drivers like Melchor receiving the bottom part of the wheel.

However, the struggles did not end there. Melchor expressed his anger that their Provision on Authority (PA) asked them for an amount of 2,000 pesos for them to roam the streets and accumulate an income to provide food on the table. “Itong time na ito bago magka-COVID, nangutang pa ako; ta kung dae ka mangungutang dae ka makakakayod. Mayong Income! Grabe ang tinirios mi dahil lang diyan!” he said. He expressed his dismay in every possible way.

However, he said, “mayo naman kami magiginibo

dawa magkontra kami,” proving that in a system rife with inequality, it is the ordinary folk like Melchor who bears the brunt of injustice. As the journey nears its destination, the Jeepney, a representation of the Filipino resiliency, still serves as a testament to our strength and perseverance. Though the ahead may be rough, one thing is certain – as long perseverance is rolling and our voices roaring, our journey will continue to conquer the roads – even without fuel.

A bite of the Nagueño experience

Welcome to the gastronomical escapade in Naga City, where amidst the bustling city life lies a place where culture meets food.

The busy metropolis is a home to the all-time Filipino favorite “kwek-kwek,” or quail eggs.

It is also a place that hooks hungry mouths with the savory goodness of steaming bopis, the waft of the mouthwatering grilled pig intestines, and the zesty iced cold splash of samalamig that can soothe anyone’s throat on a hot summer day. Often accompanied with hopes and dreams, Nagueños have one place in mind for a quick and cheap 昀椀ll. Diverse stories are embedded in the cobble steps located in Plaza Quezon, right in the heart of Naga City. Its nearly two-decade service to the city has led to an

From students hanging out with friends after an exhausting day from class to middle-aged women waiting for their “mares”, Plaza Quezon without a doubt served as a second home to Nagueños.

Filipinos take tremendous pride in terms of the culinary experience, ranging from the richness of our peanut stew or Kare-kare to our Turon, the ever so famous sweet and tangy bananas wrapped with egg roll wrappers. It’s not a question that even on the sides of a busy street, you can already treat yourself with a 昀椀ve-

Start your adventure with an array of deep fried or “laman loob.”

Ranging from chicken intestines to braised pork bloods, Filipinos have proven time and time again how resourcefulness and sustainability come -ly. From the 1970’s depression using pork intestines as a meat alternative up to this day, ihaw-ihaw has turned to be an iconic dish enjoyed by all ages. You can’t

iconic without “kwek-kwek”, the ever so famous egg waf昀氀e that’s known by its neon orange colorant. This dish can be seen all over the Philippines, the dozen and dozens of carts on any part of the city is the living proof of its unwavering fame. Enjoy these with friends and maybe argue with them on what’s the best sauce it’s paired with. Need a little boost on your morale? Satisfy that sweet tooth with the ever-famous“dirty ice cream”. Its typical cheese, mango, chocolate or ube 昀氀avor has been putting on smiles for generations. Despite its name, the sanitary requirement of the dessert shouldn’t be questioned. Popularized by the Filipinos, this is a spin off from the western scoops of ice cream. Made from Carabao milk, and a few splashes of determination, dirty ice cream or sorbetes has become a staple in a typical Filipino spread. This is commonly found in the scorching streets of the Philippines, accompanied with shouts and chants by a mamang sorbetero.

Decades of shared memories and experiences make the dishes much more 昀氀avorful than they already are. So coat your tastebuds with the richness of Nagueños culture, satisfy your hunger from the mouthful of histories, and be able to promote the different vendors who keep the traditions alive. So what are you waiting for? Have a bite of the Nagueño experience.

As voices intertwine, melodies take 昀氀ight, carrying hopes, dreams, and aspirations of those who lend to their choir. From the softest whispers to the grandest each note is infused with passion and purpose, forg transcends mere sound. In the shared pursuit of artistic choir members become more than just individuals; part of a collective journey, united in their quest to create greater than themselves.

But beyond the notes and rhythm lies a profound more than mere ensembles; they are communities boun love for music and a commitment to artistic excellence. dedication and unwavering perseverance, these ensem into beacons of inspiration, illuminating the path for others

On October 17-24, 2023, the voices of the 28 member Bikolano, 18 of whom are proud alumni of Camarines Sur School (CSNHS), resounded a melody that bagged not Gold Diplomas for both Pop and Acapella and Classical Categories at the 2023 Busan Choral Festival and Competition Busan, South Korea, bringing honor once again to the essence hayskulano and an oragong bikolano.

When asked about the reason behind their participat event, Mr. Ricky A. Solero, the Coro Bicolano’s conductor member of CSNHS, revealed that it has always been the join international competitions. “Parang kapag nag-compete ternationally, whether you win or lose, you gain a lot of opportunities,” he shared.

The Coro Bikolano endowed each other’s voices the pandemic. “If I’m not mistaken siguro mga May. Tapos members -- yung mga core members were all former State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST),” proudly stated. Since then, they have sung their way through victories, claiming one after another.

In December 2020, they joined an online choral competition they clinched their very 昀椀rst

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by Gillian Moralde with reports from Anthony Marquez and Miguel Polilio by Sophia Fiona Mei Iñigo Photo by Christine Gaile Dimatatac by Gillian Moralde
12 TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V I S ION OF N A G A C T Y , R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII I ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII NO. AUGUST 2023MAY 2024 FEATURE
Photos by Christine Gaile Dimatatac

Reviving the Rails B col Express:

ilence lingered on the once vibrant tracks as the Naga Legazpi Route fell into a silent slumber in 2017. The absence of rolling wheels, excluded by the fury of typhoons, shunned the railroads that once waltzed through the Bicol region. As the transportation lifeline slept, screams of swift travels and interconnectedness became whispers on the rusted train tracks, leaving commuters stranded in silence.

Mimicking the form of a phoenix rising from the ashes of a typhoon-damaged rail system, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) aims to reunite Bicolanos with the sound of rail travel once again as the six-year hiatus is about to end, heralding a resurrection that echoes through the clatter of wheels and the whisper of winds.

In the palms of PNR, the tracks were not just metal veins; they were lifelines breathing life back into the Bicol commuter service. The resurrection journey began in 2022 with the revival of the Naga-Sipocot segment and gained momentum on July 31 as the trains chugged between Ligao

Like a puzzle piece coming together, tracks and vegetation were restored and the dangling wires around the areas were tamed.

The diesel-powered engines, each a steadfast warrior, could now carry the hopes of 250 passengers connecting hearts from Naga City to

This journey, just like any other story, had its moment of pause. Regular stops at familiar stations like Naga, Pili, and Ligao intertwined with the reopening of forgotten gems - Travesia, Daraga, and Legazpi. Flag stops added a touch of personalized adventure, where passengers could disembark at Boao, Lourdes, and other scenic waypoints.

As December 27 dawned, the clanging and clattering of wheels and cheers resounded through the stations.

carrying with them the lend their voices andest crescendos, forging a bond that istic excellence, they become create something truth: choirs are bound by a shared nce. Through tireless ensembles transform others to follow. members of Coro Sur National High not just one but two Classical Mixed and Equal mpetition held in essence of being a participation on the conductor and a faculty he choir’s dream to nag-compete ka kasi inconnections tapos during the heat of Tapos ‘yung mga students of Bicol ISCAST),” Solero through various competition where followed by another 昀椀rst the 2021 National November 23. They during the San Jose Camarines Sur and 昀椀nally

Four daily trips set the stage for a two-hour journey from Naga to Legazpi -- racing ahead of buses and jeepneys that once owned the road.

Fares, from 16 pesos to 155 pesos, became tokens for a journey transcending distance and time Students, seniors, and persons with disabilities boarded with discounted dreams, ready to witness history reunfolding.

The Bicol commuter service, a backbone woven with steel threads, rose again to serve the Bicol Region. Suspended dreams continued, and the sound of rusty silence was replaced by the hum of rails.

As Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista aptly stated, these rails are more than tracks; they are threads connecting lives, generating jobs, and paving the way for economic growth -- a triumph against the odds for Bicolanos.

In the resounding clatter of the Bicol Express, a story unfolds of resilience, restoration, and the unwavering spirits of a region that refuses to be derailed. Bicolanos no longer just board trains; they embark on a journey that transcends over the horizon.

The reopening of the Naga-Legazpi route is more than a commute; it’s a testament to the victory of dreams over disaster, a tale echoing through the steel veins that now pulse with life once more.

Choral Festival Competition.

In reality, victories do not come like a miracle. Solero revealed that they had to prepare for about eight months before going to South Korea.

“Dapat kasi may sistema. I always believe that in everything you do, especially when you join a competition, dapat may sistema and ang pinaka-importante is that all the members understand the goal,” he emphasized.

Solero also noted that the real competition starts the time you practice. “Ang nanalo ay ang mas nag pe-prepare,” he added.

As we reach the chorus, Coro Bikolano’s story may seem like a fairytale -- that of a happy ending. However, fairytales themselves draw their own villains. In the case of the choral group’s situation, the biggest challenges they faced were time and the lack of money.

“Time, kasi lahat nagwo-work sa maghapon tapos magre-rehearse kami ‘pag gabi,” Solero said. He also noted that since they are an independent group, they didn’t have any budget. “Parang inabot kami ng two million kung ipu-plus lahat, hindi pa kasama ‘yung mga personal na ginastos,” he added, giving us a glimpse as to how much struggles group performers have to face just to achieve their dreams.

“The problem is hanggang ngayon ay ‘di pa siya generally accepted by the public. Parang not everyone appreciates,” he furthered when asked about other challenges they met as a choral group.

“Kaya nga that’s one of our goals here in Bicol region -- gusto naming mas lumawak ang networking,” he added. Solero stated that it brings him joy whenever he sees children listen to and appreciates choral music. He also believes that choral music can be preserved for the future generation to witness because it’s a beautiful form of art that has been around for too long.

As Coro Bikolano continue to raise their voices in harmony, let us remember that amidst life’s trials and tribulations, it is the bonds forged in pursuit of a common dream that truly resonate.

Coro Bikolano, embodying the essence of being a Camarines Sur National High School student, stands as an inspiration, reminding us that from humble beginnings, the sweetest melodies of victory can emerge.

In the end, Coro Bikolano’s story is more than a tale of musical triumph — it is a testament to the unyielding spirit of those who dare to dream, to the enduring power of camaraderie, and to the timeless bonds that unite us as proud members of the CSNHS family. And as their voices soar to new heights, let us join in their chorus of victory, for theirs is a melody that echoes across generations, a sweet reminder of what it means to be truly triumphant.

A Solver’s Helping Hand + + . .

Many people dislike the idea of studying mathematics because they 昀椀nd it extremely challenging. Some even stop attempting to solve problems altogether, believing that anything related to mathematics is beyond their capabilities. However, how wonderful would it be if someone could teach you a challenging subject like mathematics on a one-on-one basis?

At Camarines Sur National High School, we have the Coaches and Mentors of Hayskulanos Inaction via MathTabang (CAMHI MathTabang). This program offers tutorials to assist, boost, and accommodate novice Grade 7 and 8 learners. This initiative began as an innovation and according to Donna Lyn Geronimo, the founder of MathTabang, they have been using online services such as Google Meet and various media platforms to teach students even before the pandemic hit. During the nationwide lockdown, they continued teaching students via video tutorials and one-on-one calls. When the world was still 昀椀guring things out, they were already one step ahead.

In the school year 20202021, MathTabang was a project conducted through distance learning. The bene昀椀t of this project was the availability of standardized tutorials, which were posted on their group page without any limitations. This allowed students to revisit the tutorials whenever they wanted.

Additionally, students had the option to message the group page with any queries, and MathTabang was always ready to assist them.

By the school year of 20222023, MathTabang had evolved into a program that facilitated face-to-face meetings and offered remediation to the students.

Teachers were initially responsible for teaching the students; however, after the implementation of the program, the number of students grew and they needed more people to teach and assist the students.

Due to this, a memorandum of partnership was created where the memo outlines a collaboration between the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and

Technology (BISCAST) and the program, speci昀椀cally in utilizing practice teachers to provide one-on-one instruction to the students.

The memorandum is valid for three years and can be renewed. This arrangement bene昀椀ts both parties involved because through the program, it allows practice teachers to gain exposure in this unique teaching environment. Overall, it is a win-win situation for everyone.

Now that this program has expanded its capabilities to help students overcome challenges, there is plenty of evidence to prove its effectiveness, particularly for the students.

With CAMHI MathTabang being available every Friday, students who struggle with the subject now have the opportunity to receive assistance, which can help change their perspective on what

considered the most dif昀椀cult subject.

is often
Photo from Philippine National Railways Photo from Coro Bikolano
Graphic from canva.com 13 FEATURE TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V S ION OF N A G A C I T Y R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
by Ma. Claire Andreanne Sierra

The Landscape of a Pleasant Ride

aga City is en route to modernity as more modernized jeepneys navigate new routes. This time, 昀椀ve new units are ready to serve the riding public of the upland baran-

The new vehicles will have the route Centro-Carolina-Panicuason and vice versa to cater to residents of these upland barangays who usually experience the challenging commute

On May 22 2023, 10 units of modernized jeepneys began operating in Naga City. The route covers Del Rosario-Pangani-

The modern jeeps come with a range of features. They are equipped with air conditioning units, providing a refreshing breeze during one’s daily commute. Additionally, they have operational CCTV cameras, televisions, dash cams, automated fare collection, and free WiFi access through a square made up of black and white squares arranged in a speci昀椀c pattern.

Prince Mac Laquindanum, a Grade 11 student of Camarines Sur National High School, who has ridden the modern jeep several times, said that his experience riding it was good because of its cleanliness and cool temperature inside. He even mentioned that the features of the modern jeepneys are futuristic, and he believed that they will continue to improve over time.

Reported cases of commuters losing things while riding the modern jeepneys of Naga City Allied Transport Cooperative are also eventually resolved as the cooperative makes efforts to

The birth of these new and modernized vehicles came after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with safer, more

The modernized jeepney is claimed to be more eco-friendly as it is either electric or hybrid which reduces carbon footprint and promotes a greener transportation system.

Near the gates of Camarines National High School, a Palawan cherry blossom, locally called Balayong, captures awe from anyone passing by, showing off its pale pink blossoms on the school grounds.

Resembling the well-loved cherry blossoms of Japan, this nature’s wonder is a shocking native of the Philippines.

Cassia de昀椀nes a family of leguminous trees that produce vibrant colored 昀氀owers and are exotically found in the Philippines.

However, confusion arises as most people mistake the speci昀椀c type of cassia species; hence, researchers took the initiative to observe the Cassia species, analyzing nomenclature and examining directly as well as in pictures of pressed and dried plant samples for every distinct feature of pod, 昀氀ower, and seed.

From the gathered resources, they have identi昀椀ed three types of light pink Cassia trees, including Cassia grandis, C. javanica subspecies javanica, and C. javanica subsp. nodosa, additionally 昀椀nding C. 昀椀stula, a producer of yellow 昀氀owers.

Among all of them, studies concluded that C. javanica subsp. javanica is the only indigenous native of the Philippines, thriving in the Palawan province in the lowlands or on the edges of forests.

This type of species can be readily distinguished by the broad base and rounded tips of the leaves, while the 昀氀owers are similar in size to a paper clip of 3 to 4 cm that transitions from white to pink as they mature, and the pods are in a cylindrical shape containing disc-like seeds that are chestnut-brown in color.

They are also planted as ornaments in gardens, parks, and urban areas, embellishing the country in the months of April to May.

Moreover, during these months of full bloom, locals organize a Balayong Festival to celebrate its symbol of beauty.

Behind the delicate ambient leaves, it proves to be more than just a decoration because of its medicinal abilities and its use for construction and furniture that is light enough to carry around from its own rough wood carved off its trunk.

The Palawan Cherry Blossom can grow from a little sapling baby to a fully grown adult, reaching up to the top of a 15 to 30-meter building.

Amidst the unforgiving, fast-paced roads of the Philippines, the humble E-bike has found its home in the welcoming streets of Naga City.

On April 25, 2024, Naga City enacted Ordinance No. 2023-030, a city ordinance requiring the registration of E-bikes—the 昀椀rst of its kind in the country. According to the ordinance, all E-bikes drivers operating within the city are required to register their units in the local government of Naga, making them duty-bound to adhere to regulations similar to those followed by bicycle riders.

E-bike users are now given road IDs and identi昀椀cation stickers for their units in lieu of license plates. Furthermore, E-bikes are given designated spaces for parking and bicycle lanes for driving in order to ensure their safety on the streets.

Upon registration, drivers are also offered the chance to join the Naga City E-bike Association (NCEA)—the 昀椀rst E-bike-related organization in the Philippines.

In an interview with The Isarog, NCEA Founder and President Trinity Mayor states that their association was formed due to the hate received by E-bike drivers, especially those from lower-income backgrounds who opt for e-bikes due to their nature of being more affordable compared to traditional vehicles.

Mayor states that they saw the arising need for E-bike protection and so, they jumped into action.

Now, the NCEA conducts free theoretical driving seminars for its members, especially those who are new to the road, as well as raising their group’s advocacy and concerns to the Naga City Government.

As the rest of the country continues to discriminate against E-bikes, pushing memorandum after memorandum to restrict the freedom of their drivers, Naga City remains at the forefront of not only E-bike regulation, but also E-bike protection.

More modern jeepneys More jeepneys ply upland barangays
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Scinaticssnags third place in Safer Schools place in Safer Schools

UP Contest on Pioneering Road Safety UP Contest on Road Safety

T

he Scinatics — a group of grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) student-researchers from Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS), clinched the third place in the “Safer Schools: Pioneering Road Safety Innovation Contest,” taking home 5,000 pesos cash prize.

It is an innovation contest, spearheaded by the University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies (UP-NCTS), aiming to promote road safety around school premises, advocating for safer streets and school campuses across the Philippines.

Comprised of Francine Mae Moraño, Shereen Lyrehs Alimuin, Ben Josiah Bayot, and Daniela Trisha Nicole Galang, along with their mentor, Mr. Oliver John M. Tres Reyes, the Scinatics received their award on November 10, 2023 at the Toyota Training Room in the University of the PhilippinesDiliman Campus in Quezon City.

Their winning project proposal titled “Complete Road for Safer and Brighter Tomorrow: Innovations for High School Students Inclusive Journey at CamHigh,” addresses critical issues identi昀椀ed on their school campus which are ineffective crowd management that leads to traf昀椀c congestion and the inadequate street lighting at night. Their proposed solutions include widening pathways, implementing innovative lighting technology for low-light conditions, providing covered walkways, and incorporating a dedicated path designed for accommodating individuals with visual impairments.

After pitching their project to the city government and visiting the mayor’s of昀椀ce, they estimated that the total cost for the construction of the project comes up to P31,180,500. They asked for feedback with an experienced engineer, Mr. Marvin Bayot, Ben’s father, and planned to discuss the project with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for further insights and suggestions on the proposal.

They had already secured 5% of the total funds and the team faced the challenge of 昀椀nding an investor to help secure the remaining 95% of the total cost. To address this problem, they formed an alliance with Naga City College Foundation (NCF), a school near the CSNHS Liboton Extension Campus, and are seeking investment from various sectors such as the Department of Education (DepEd), DPWH, CSNHS, the local government of

The Guide and the Knight of the Digestive System

“Esophagus,

esophagus.. Habang tayo’y kumakain sa hapagkainan, siyempre hindi mawawala ang iyong esophagus...”

s this phrase very familiar to you? These amusing and entertaining lines came from a short and impromptu spoken word poetry of a trending vlogger, comedian, and composer Yasmin Asistido, popularly known as “Kween Yasmin.” The poetry spread like wild昀椀re that reached different media platforms around the Philippines, from YouTube to Facebook, X, and even giant television stations like GMA. It was repeatedly watched and listened to by people from varying

This viral verse is still increasing in popularity among netizens who create their own video content versions of the trend, from spoken poetry to various forms of art: music, dance, and even art. It weaved a creative web between imaginative people. Kween Yasmin mentioned in her spoken poetry that the esophagus is where our food and what we intake 昀氀ows through. It accompanies us during meals so it is the pathway of the foods we eat and liquids we drink from our throat to the stomach.

Our esophagus will stay and do its best to protect and guide our bodies. Doesn’t it somewhat sound like a guardian angel?

However, our esophagus is not simply a guide, it’s also a protector and a knight. The esophagus prevents any substances other than food and liquid 昀氀ow into our digestive system, serving as a guiding path to the things we intake so that they would not wander into our windpipe that can lead to suffocation.

Esophagus is important in maintaining the segregation of what’s going inside our body. It is also assigned in keeping our breathing and 昀椀ghts any obstruction in the air 昀氀ow.

But nothing is perfect they say. A knight in shining armor can fail and bend its knees due to injuries and wounds. Similarly, our esophagus isn’t an omnipotent and disease-free part of our digestive system. It can also be infected and contain cancer cells, have gastrointestinal re昀氀ux disease (acid re昀氀ux), Barrett’s esophagus (where the

lining of the part where the esophagus and the stomach meet is starting to resemble intestinal cells), and other related illnesses.

To help and support our knight and guide, we should do our part and make sure that at the very least, no harm comes to their side.

Let’s learn how to prevent and at least, decrease the chances of any health issues in our esophagus.

Some of preventive measures are ensuring avoidance to alcohols and inhalation of cigarette smokes that are often the cause of esophageal disorders.

Also, avoid consuming few types of antibiotic, antidepressants, and pain relievers such as amoxicillin, ibuprofen, cipro昀氀oxacin, and aspirin. Another factors that could lead to esophageal infections are obesity and pregnancy.

Few actions often done, such as eating before going to bed, eating huge amounts of large, greasy and fatty foods, not chewing food properly, consuming carbonated drinks, caffeine, and chocolates can also lead to undesirable effects in our esophagus.

More importantly, we should always visit Gastroenterologists, and undergo constant checkups at least every month or so.

Let’s stay healthy and protect our esophagus for a worry-free dining experience!

Bird in infestation plagues station downtown Naga downtown Naga

Ahuge 昀氀ock of birds can be seen lingering on the wires along Quezon Plaza and Quince Martires going to Panganiban road. The birds started to nest on the wires during the pandemic and their number has increased, leaving the sidewalks and parked vehicles covered with bird feces.

The large throng of birds on the electric wires has been a common sight in downtown Naga. According to Joahnna Vargas, development management of昀椀cer III from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DNR), the species of the birds is classi昀椀ed as White Breasted Swallow or Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

The Eurasian Sparrows are not migratory birds, instead they are classi昀椀ed as Resident Breeder birds in the Philippines and neighboring Asian countries. Their dominant features are white feathers on their breast, rich chestnut at the crown and a black patch on each pure white cheek.

Maria Belen Gregorio, a street cleaner at the Plaze Quince Martires, said that there was an instance of blackout in the area due to the birds that rest on a live wire.

A Wonder

species

The presence of the birds has affected not only the lives of the people but also their livelihood.

In addition, Melanie Aguilar, a bodyguard stationed at Emily Arcade on Peñafrancia Street, stated that this environmental incident could be due to the rapid urbanization of Naga City in which there were only a few trees in the downtown which leaves the birds to perch on buildings and wires.

She also added she 昀椀rst noticed the birds’ growing population back in August 2023.

The scienti昀椀c cause and effect of the uncontrolled and large population of the birds are still yet to be studied by experts. An in-depth research is needed to identify its background and generate possible solutions to solve public concerns and possiblle damage to health and environment due to infestation.

in your

Backyard

M

ikey Bustos, a Filipino-Canadian content creator, gets credit for the discovery of a new novel species of ant that he found in his own backyard in the Philippines—one that has never been of昀椀cially put on record before.

Bustos revealed that the ant species he found in Cavite in 2021 contributed to the discovery of the new ant species, the Meranoplus bicolor, better known as the Bicolored Shield Ant.

This ant species is a bicolored ant with a frayed hair-like texture along its body and spines on its thorax. Its habitat consists of open grassy 昀椀elds, like one’s own backyard, to canopy forests. It is also active all day to hunt for food and it is not usually preyed on by other insects because of its toxic hair.

In one of the Facebook posts of Bustos, he clari昀椀ed that he did not discover the species but instead contributed to the discovery. It had already been discovered and named by someone but there was no of昀椀cial record of it. Meranoplus bicolor of昀椀cially became the 555th

ant species documented in the Philippines after the con昀椀rmation of Dr. Dave General, a myrmecologist friend of Bustos from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The content creator also informed the general public that he also has another ant species that potentially may not have been discovered or seen or known in Southeast Asian countries’ records

New ant species discovered in the Philippines New
before. Its features are similar to the genus Crematogaster “It’s amazing what one might 昀椀nd lurking in our own backyards if only more people took the time to look,” the social media personality said.
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SCITECH

The Urgent Need for a Vape Ban The Urgent Need for a Vape Ban

T

he Department of Health’s (DOH) call to ban vaping goods is an important step towards protecting publi health. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has urged Philippine National Police (PNP) to guarantee that teens should not have access to vapes or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). As their longterm implications loom, immediate action must be taken to protect individuals -- particularly the youth -- from the dangerous consequences

to traditional cigarettes, emerging research about vapes shows otherwise. Vaping has been related to a variety of health issues including respiratory prob cardiovascular troubles, and even nicotine addictio in nonsmokers, particularly young individuals. The current increase in vaping-related diseases and deaths highlights the need to tackle this public health catastrophe.

North Carolina discovered that the two primary ingredients in e-cigarettes-- propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin-- are toxic to cells. They discovered that the more chemicals an e-liquid contains, the greater its toxicity.

ous substances, including acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde. These aldehydes might cause lung and cardiovascular diseases, which are more de structive to human organs than tobacco cigarettes. includes acrolein, a weed-killing pesticide that ca acute lung damage, COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. by vaping companies, which target young and deceitf persons, worsen the situation. Flavors that resembl and fruit appeal directly to teenagers, resulting i surge of underage vaping. This issue needs a more p solution. One of which is by restricting the sale o especially among minors.

As we probe deeper down the complicated environment of public health, we must prioritize our communities’ well-being over everything else.

dropped from 297% to 19% from Survey, 10% of students nation wide uses cigarettes

14% use e-cigarettes. More of this, as stated from the Philippine Pediatric Society from 2021, 11% of students aged 10 to 15 had tried vaping.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte had issued the Republic Act No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003) and Executive Order No. 106, which restrict the sale and distribution of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, public playgrounds, or other places where children may be encountered. Despite of this measure, people still continues to 昀椀nd a way to sell and purchase this addictive substance.

Critics may claim that a ban on vaping violates individual rights while neglecting to combat the root causes of substance addiction. However, the data strongly suggests the need for immediate action. Herbosa stated that the rise in vape usage among teenagers poses risks to both themselves and others since second and thirdhand smoke includes nicotine, which is harmful to human lungs. Just as we control the sale and distribution of tobacco products to protect public health, we must also apply similar precautions to vaping goods.

As we probe deeper down the complicated environment of public health, we must prioritize our communities’ well-being over everything else.

The DOH’s demand for a vape ban is an important step toward accomplishing this aim. We can be able to protect the health and well-being of future generations by taking proactive measures to reduce the growth of vaping goods. Finally, the issue requires an immediate and urgent response. We encourage politicians to act on health experts’ recommendations promptly to restrict vaping goods. Just like what the saying goes: “leave it to the experts”.

Unveiling theTrue Faces of AI Deep Fakes

Technology has originated from chipping away rocks in order to create tools and weapons. It has been the starting point of the progress of humanity that it emerged and emerged until primitive human civilization cannot be recognized anymore. As of now, society has traveled far and wide, only to have our own creations endanger us.

The emergence of Arti昀椀cial Intelligence (AI) has cast a storm over progress. It sketches using magic pencils, fabricating photo, video, and audio hoaxes almost too real to be fake— thus, blurring the lines between reality and 昀椀ction.

Falsi昀椀ed images have always existed right under our noses through graphical programs such as Adobe Photoshop. However, they are often so obvious that they could be distinguished and pinpointed like a bright red stop sign in the middle of a road.

Beyond generating false information, deepfakes can also generate fraud, soil images of people, devastate 昀椀nances, spread malicious propaganda, and steal identities. Like a scheming farmer sowing seeds of distrust and confusion among the people, it can also even fade out candles of trust from authoritative leaders.

Susan Enriquez, a Global Media Arts (GMA) host, was recently used as a puppet by the strings of this technology. This took place when a video was uploaded on the internet showing her endorsing a necklace in Italy while casting her face to scam purchasers, Jeffrey recalls.

ne of my peers told me, “Isn’t this 昀椀nally the answer on how we’re going to combat red-tagging? We can 昀椀nally report the truth without getting gunned to the head since AI

This conversation took place just after we saw the news off Facebook: GMA network, one of the leading media empires in the Philippines, have been too ambitious lately to catch up with technology’s unprecedented pace. This had driven them to unveil a set of AI-powered sportscasters as a new addition to their line up of principled and veteran journalists

Let’s start with the fundamentals. These three-dimensional avatars possess several components thanks to cutting-edge AI technology. They have the ability to generate sophisticated image generation techniques, and possess synthesized voices that can clearly articulate sport updates and commentaries.

No one can deny that AI has revolutionized and inspired, setting the 昀氀ag for multiple industries and allowing it to contribute to our society in many ways. However, one of the most worrying effects that rings an alarm for AI deepfakes is their ability to easily manipulate the media and sway public opinion, such as broadcasters disclosing misleading news and political leaders announcing speeches they have never uttered.

As this double-edged sword unsheathes itself, we must always stay aware of what is real and fake, take caution with the media, and develop laws and regulations to stop AI from being used in the wrong way.

Instead, citizens must 昀椀nd other ways in which AI deep fakes can contribute to society. We need to learn responsible usage by teaming up with people who specialize in technology, law, and ethics.

AI deepfakes are a jaw-dropping peek into the future to marvel upon. But since the surface is an ice rink, we can slip, crash, and drown in the process. We must tread in careful steps like a baby who just learned to walk, balancing between progress and control.

Their animated facial expressions also staggeringly resemble that of our appearances, embodying both the female and male personas. And just like giving birth to babies with inherent dignity, they had given them the names, “Maia’’, and “Marco” — thoroughly completing the illusion of looking and sounding like living newsmen.

This had managed to single-handedly amuse and horrify me at the same time. For a discipline that requires a humanitarian voice, the frugal lips; emotionless eyes; and the monotone voices of Maia and Marco is simply hypocritical.

But can we really argue that this is worth it in exchange for safety? In a shallow ground, it looks amusingly plausible. The idea of having a non-human truth-bearer may sound enticing since we do not have to worry about their lives. We have made technology so powerful that it is physically invincible. It’s convenient for us to just have “animated faces” in the media and journalists should hide instead behind the synthesized voices. This way, the truth will be served and threats will not be made for anyone who will get offended.

We really can’t blame people for this analogy. Afterall, we’re still recovering from the trauma of Percy Lapid’s death, and the recent demise of Juan Jumalon who was shot dead while still on air.

But sometimes, doom is not always outside the external forces of journalism. Sometimes, it is within. The use of AI-journalists opens up a portal for editorial biases. The rampant cases of misinformation is a dead giveaway. The media is either a political critic, or just plain political.

Some practitioners might see these bots as a weak point to deliver not-so-factual information and manage to get away with it. They will be able to facilitate propaganda— a greater evil that manipulates public opinion— under the guise of 2-dimensional characters. Since these “ animated faces” do not have an identity, it eliminates our capability

to hold them accountable. The vulnerability of journalists’ lives may indeed be eliminated, but society will instead become vulnerable to misinformation. It is only right to say that fusing technology and the media only has its certain limits before it crosses the ethical boundaries. We now question whether Maia and Marco are the ones being controlled here, or we? Like a village showman unveiling the mermaid they have caught in open waters, the GMA network vehemently emphasized on the phrase “to entertain” and showcase the groundbreaking innovation like other countries. They said that they are only meant to “compliment” living broadcasters and are not meant to replace them.

Despite the fact that Maia and Marco are only assigned to sportscasting, I have no doubt that they will take on bigger roles eventually. Corporations will of course not settle to underutilize the cutting-edge technology and will inevitably want to get their money’s worth. It’s up to us if we are to be deceived by those frugal lips; emotionless eyes; and the monotone voices of Maia and Marco. The main tenet of in昀氀uence in journalism is credibility.

So call me sel昀椀sh if I would rather listen to a quivering voice of a journalist who is horri昀椀ed for their lives than a programmed sound embellished with arithmetics.

Afterall, it is us, journalists, who are at the frontline of slandering Maia and Marco. This just implies that they know what they’re doing— they know what they signed up for in this danger-ridden nation. They have chosen to deny a false salvation wherein we become the puppets of what are supposed to be puppets. They have devoted their lives in the service of the Filipino people, and that it should be a “people” that would serve the Filipinos.

SCITECH EDITORIAL
Diana Grace B. De Padua
SAGACIOUS PUNDIT
newscasters Lean Edriana G. Aguilar THE HOLOGRAM
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TheVisually Impaired Beholds a NewVision

While citizens con昀椀dently step into the outside world without a trace of fear in their eyes, there are certain people whose ability to see is blocked by a towering wall, leaving them shocked by the most unforeseen dangers that lurk in their environment.

However, technology breaks through such barriers, leaping through another stepping stone as three remarkable grade 12 students under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand of Camarines Sur National High School, namely Francine Mae Moraña, Daniela Trisha Nicole D. Galang, and Shereen Lyrehs B. Alimuin, racked their brains together.

Thus, they conceived a robotic device named SightSync Band made to serve the soaring population of the visually impaired as part of their research adventures.

AID FOR THE BLIND

In an attempt to power up to the next level of assistive technologies, the researchers explore the vast realm of sensors and TensorFlow machine learning, empowering the robot to detect obstacles within its surroundings and function as a personal navigation for the blind people.

The U-shaped device also possesses the power to read words right in front of the operator, as the information is orally vocalized in a robotic voice and transmitted through a connected wired earphone conveniently worn in one ear.

Inspired by the band shape of a headset, this innovation is designed to be wrapped at the back of the neck with 3D printing, stuffed with soft pillow-like foam, and with an adjustable part similar to the length of a butter knife to the size of a brick for people as young as ten years old or older, climbing the levels of comfort.

On the left part of the body of the SightSync Band, a gentle push of a button either breathes life into the device powered by lithium batteries or lays it to rest in a quiet slumber.

OTHER FEATURES

The cavernous insides of the left side carry the brain of the technology, a Raspberry Pi 4, which is the source of all the abilities that the U-shaped device holds, from measuring temperature and humidity settings and reading text to recognizing familiar faces using the Raspberry Pi Camera Module.

This side additionally monitors the location of the user, powered by a Global System for Mobile Communications-Global Positioning System (GSM-GPS) module, rating a 昀椀ve-star shield of safety. On the opposite side stand two

SightSync Band detects obstacles within its surroundings and functions as a personal navigation for the blind people.

sensors that can monitor the pulse rate of the user, as both sides also measure the space between objects.

Nevertheless, the STEM students encounter challenges as they aim for the innovative gadget to speak their own native language, enhance comfortability with the overbearingly heavyweight headset, and ful昀椀ll the painstaking requirements of the building process.

As the barrier of limits collapses to the ground and crumbles into powder, defeated by the striking advancements of technology, it paves a path not only to more breakthroughs but also gift-wraps a new vision of a brighter future for the visually impaired.

PAINT TURNS SWEAT INTO COMFORT

ABicolano engineer named Dexter de Castro from Naga City, Camarines Sur, saves the day by developing a paint derived from a thermal insulating powder

This product was tested in 2023 by Engineer Junval Parco, who observed a noteworthy change in the environment, enabling him to sleep comfortably after applying two coats.

Moreover, Parco has moved to using the powder in residential projects and has received outstanding feedback, further proving its effectiveness.

The engineer unlocked this product by stirring soil and silica clay or white clay together way back in 2019, stemming from its role model, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) technology.

The reason behind this inspiration is that NASA space shuttles are coated with precracked ceramic tiles that consist of high silica content, alumina, and nano ceramic particles to avoid astronauts catching themselves on 昀椀re upon landing back on earth.

De Castro sets the price, costing 1,620 pesos for a bucket of paint and 330 pesos for a kilogram of paint, similar to the weight of a pineapple.

Currently, the plan to secure his invention is underway by 昀椀ling a patent registration.

From a mere decoration to dazzle the walls to a transformative tool, the evolution of paint has led to countless possibilities, simply with a single brush stroke.

Two teams from Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) will showcase their robotics research in the 13th Regional Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists (SSYS) on June 10 to 14, 2014 at SEAMEO RECSAM Campus, in Penang, Malaysia.

The submitted research by Grade 10 students Aisha Jose De La Rosa, Shandel Liam Jeslen Dy, Patricia Gabrielle Blando, Xyza Mae Ablay, Jhon Paul Atacador, and Rain Delas Llagas titled

providing early prediction and warning systems helping to cease disease outbreaks

With the guidance of their coaches, namely John Roy Galvez, France Orillosa, and Kristine Santelices, these two groups of young scientists submitted their complete papers last April 15.

Moreover, CSNHS Batang Scientist Club (BSC) of昀椀cers Neil Carl Gojit and John Benedict Flores also provided assistance to the teams to improve the accuracy of their machine learning model.

According to Galvez, one of the coaches, the con昀椀rmation of participation and their research codes were sent on March 12 via email, and the of昀椀cial invitation with the title of research and name of participants was forwarded to School Principal Sulpicio Alferez III.

Initiated in 1997, The Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists (SSYS) was a platform for youths from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) member countries to gather and share information of their scienti昀椀c and mathematical research projects.

CSNHS teams to compete in Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists in Malaysia
Two
17 SCITECH TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V S ION OF N A G A C I T Y R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII AUGUST 2023MAY 2024

SPORT S SPORTS

Queen!

An impassioned youth on her pathway of interchanging with considerable 昀氀exibility, coordination, endurance and unique artist ry, Queenie Chavez captures gaze while on rings and on the intricate carpet of Gymnastics.

Queenie P. Chavez is a Grade 10 student of Camarines Sur National High School who garnered feats and borne awards from the recent Palarong Panlungsod 2024, taking home gold chariots from ribbon, hoop, ball, clubs, and on individual all-around (IAA) competitions for Secondary Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Her history as a medal awardee in gymnastics doesn’t simply end there. She has participated in several competitions and achieved great success such as the 2016 Batang Pinoy, where she man aged to win a bronze medal. In the 2019 edition of Batang Pinoy, she earned both silver and bronze medals. And now, she continues to gain valuable experiences to thrive in this world of sports.

Accomplishments were not just numbers to Queenie as she had to undergo years of training and dedication to achieve them. She started her journey at the age of 昀椀ve and has been practicing gymnastics for a remarkable 10 years. Throughout this time, she faced numerous challenges, both physically and mentally. However, Queenie’s resilience and determination allowed her to overcome these obstacles and continue with a graceful smile. She con昀椀dently walked the path towards success in the gymnastics stage.

“Be consistent. No matter how hard it is, never give up! Cry if you want to then

I

“HIT THE CAN AS HARD AS YOU CAN”

One of the favorite games of Filipino children was Tumbang Preso. The name of this game is derived from the Filipino word “Tumba,” which means to fall, and “Preso,” which means prisoner, translating to “Fallen Prisoner.”

With the concept of having the tin can fall down, kids who are playing are trying their utmost to aim and knock down the tin can using their own slippers as their “pamato.” Once it falls, the person who guards the tin will chase them until they are out of breath.

Kids love playing Tumbang Preso because it is a fun and exciting game that involves physical activity and strategy. It allows kids to release their energy as they run, dodge, and use their agility to avoid being hit

“1… 2… 3… CHARGE”

On the other side of the road, there is a game that holds a special place in everyone’s heart: Patintero. This game is highly popular among Filipinos, not ju children but also adults. Patintero is a team-based game that demands agility, speed, and strategy. The objective of the game is to prevent players from th opposing team from crossing over.

Playing Patintero requires little to no effort to p pare, which is why it is one of the go-to games for people. To set up the game, players simply divide the playing area into grids or lines. One team takes on the role of defenders, standing on these lines, while the other team, known as the runners, attempts to cross the defenders’

n years past, the dawn would come and the sun would that did not faze the tireless kids who 昀椀lled the busiest streets, playing games that were close to their hearts.

by the “preso”.

curious and adventurous, they enjoy this game because they are free to experiment with different strategies to pinpoint and hit the can.

playing Tumbang Preso, you can see them giving their all to avoid getting caught, making it even more exciting to watch.

“COME OUT, COME OUT, WHEREVER YOU ARE.”

When dusk is around the corner, Tagu-Taguan is the perfect game that kids love to play. This game is similar to hide and seek, but the unique way of playing it is that kids usually play it at sunset, giving them the thrill and challenge to locate those who are hiding under the dim skies. Kids enjoy this game because of the thrill of hiding and the excitement of being found. One of

territory without getting tagged. The defenders can only move along the lines, while the runners have the freedom to move within the playing People of all ages play Patintero because it offers a fun and challenging experience. This also encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as the runners strategize to outmaneuver the defenders and successfully cross the

the highlights of Patintero is when players sneak out to reach the safe zone of the seeker to save themselves. Moreover, Tagu-Taguan sparks imagination and creativity as players come up with unique hiding spots and strategies to outsmart the seeker. There are many traditional Filipino games that ignite excitement when people hear about them. These games bring back memories of the thrill experienced while playing them, reminding us of the importance of preserving and continuing to play these games even today.

but lacking time is like craving food and desperately wanting it. As this longing grows, an angel in disguise reaches the summit to solve this yearning as mobile games similar to your favorite sport are now just few taps away, anytime, anywhere.

One of the popular and trendy games is 8 Ball Pool, which has a similar concept to billiards. This game is easy to play -- just slide your 昀椀nger to aim, touch the ball to shoot, and you can compete with other players online. You can also interact with them as if you’re talking to them in real life. The cue stick is adjustable, allowing you to aim your cue ball and even the cue of the ball.

Many students enjoy playing this amusing game because, even if they can’t play billiards in real life, they can experience it through this game and develop some expertise. They can even bet with their opponents using pretend poker chips to earn points and buy equipment in the game.

Another popular online game is the chess version, which chess players truly enjoy as they move their pieces with their own strategies, just like in the actual sport. The game also includes a timer for players to make their

and

indulge in

as a

This game serves as an alternative for people who love playing their favorite sport, providing them with satisfaction and 昀椀lling the gap of contentment whenever they want to play.

GYMNAST QUEEN Queenie Chavez of Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) exhibits here graceful performance in one of her trainings in preparation for the DepEd Naga Palarong Panlungsod 2024 last Feb. 24-25, 2024. | Photo by Gaile Dimatatac The CEO of chess. com, Erik Allebest, the co-founder of the company, Jay Severson, are college friends who later reconnected and decided to turn their passion and love for chess into a website where players could chess hobby.
18 TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V I S ION OF N A G A C T Y
G ION V
OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII I ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII NO. AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
, R E
DIVISION

The steady rhythm of reality becomes erratic as the traditional school sports and recreational competitions, collectively known as intramurals, have remained absent since the onset of the new normal.

Some may voice their disapproval, missing the highly anticipated event. Others might welcome its absence, 昀椀nding it convenient or aligning with their lack of interest. Yet, the fundamental question persists: what drives us to organize these events, and what is the essential motivation behind their necessity?

Intramurals are known for their thousand bene昀椀ts, ranging from personal to social skills. The event provides a platform for students to promote camaraderie, sportsmanship, social consciousness, and cooperation. This even provides an avenue for them to enhance their skills and abilities. It serves as a way for students to venture into leisure activities that balance their academic education.

Throughout my student years, I have discerned something constant. It is that each journey and experience is ever-changing, fostering a sense of unfamiliarity and discouragement.

Reaching a point where motivation becomes elusive, I struggle to 昀椀nd joy or uncover the silver linings amidst the sorrows of failures and mistakes.

Just like that, the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event that upended our lives. It brought normalcy to a standstill. Citizens struggled with scarcity as jobs were put on hold. Students and teachers faced a year of compromised education due to the ongoing crisis. Our primary aim during those times was only to endure the nights, battling the harsh reality and pervasive hopelessness, uncertain if we would see a glimmer of productive daylight come in the morning.

Fortunately, the emergence of antidotes, research breakthroughs, and adaptive strategies has shifted our focus from fear to hope, signaling the end of a

chapter marred by the virus. Giving birth to a new world, a society that employed what was once unusual as usual.

But this does not imply that a single event can catalyze universal betterment. Attending a seminar on mental health issues does not guarantee a reduction in suicide rates, just as writing academic essays does not ensure the realization of their ideologies.

In the context of an institution, what is required is a holistic approach—one that balances demanding deadlines and allows learners to cultivate habits and engage in stress-free activities.

However, if we fail to acknowledge the necessity of a cure that acts as a portal to comprehending lessons beyond the con昀椀nes of a systematic grading system, the relentless condensation of the academic calendar, and the hasty execution of programs rendered ineffective due to a lack of preparation and a structured plan, then we overlook a student in need of healing.

We overlook something so important for their wholesome and genuine progress. We get too preoccupied with the pressure, forgetting that this pressure will only be counterproductive if students themselves cannot 昀椀nd the motivation to reach those goals.

On a positive note, it is good that there are other activities that provide physical repose for students, such as the Festival of Festivals, hip-hop competitions, Zumba, and many more. Yet, these activities cannot instill the true qualities of having one big event that provides more than just a graded performance task.

In the world of sports, practice is more than a simple daily habit. It is seen as one of the steppingstones to the peak of success. However, there is an occurring problem among athletes nowadays: the lack of practice. The consequences, whether caused by their hectic schedules, self-approval, or misguided priorities, are as grave as a gold dwindling.

According to Peter Michael C. Pangilinan, a Grade 12 Hayskulano athlete in the 昀椀eld of badminton, they are not given enough time to practice for their upcoming contests.

“Even though our coach wanted to excuse us from our classes [for us] to focus on our trainings and prepare for the upcoming city meet, our principal did not approve our excuse letters because he didn’t want our trainings to disrupt or overlap with our class schedules. So we only have training during Saturdays.”

This issue affects their performance as athletes. They are forced to juggle their academic tasks and meager training hours, resulting in underpracticed skills and underbaked routines.

In addition, a lack of practice may result in serious disadvantages such as strains gained from their intense routines. Athletes experience body aches and fatigue when they lack practice due to the absence of their body’s consistent conditioning, muscle memory, and technique strategies. Without practice, their muscles are less prepared for the demands of physical activity, leading to increased strain and discomfort. Thus, the absence of regular practice not only affects physical readiness but also mental preparedness.

In the fast-paced world of professional athletics, there is a high demand to perform at the greatest level. However, some athletes have fallen into the trap of assuming that their talents are enough for them to win. They underestimate the need for persistent practice

Crucify Me!

After enduring cruci昀椀xion, athletes are entitled to raise their arms up in the air to savor the glory of not just winning— but the art of survival. Beyond the success of the recent Palarong Panlungsod, several issues and vulnerabilities have been identi昀椀ed in the players’ quest for gold. Apparently, the barest minimum of providing facilities and aid are still not met, and it needs to be addressed hopefully once and for all.

The Palarong Panlungsod or City Meet is the most anticipated sports competition in Naga City. It is a 昀椀ltration system to obtain the best of the best among the pool of players from the different schools around the division. From the kick off until the very end, athletes had showcased their varying skills and abilities.

While each has a set of their own techniques, they possess one common denominator: invisibility. Participating players had experienced the unfortunate lack of support from institutions and event organizers— a proactive assistance that should’ve furthered their cause to reach the top.

Already observed before competition, the inadequacy of the transportation system is already a no-go. Softball players from Camarines Sur National High School have to squeeze themselves and their equipment into a crowded passenger jeepney along with other people heading to Pacol. In fact, some of them were even forced to sit on the 昀氀oor of the jeepney while carrying their equipment.

Taking another look at the situation, there were also cases that the hosts and organizers of the events did not take rooms and accommodations into account. Some athletes, particularly at the elementary level, were seen eating under a tree while it

was raining. This occurred right after their games, just after being exposed to physical exertion. What’s worse is that they still have another game later that day. At a smaller scale, however, athletes continue to request for better training facilities. Queenie Chavez, a grade-10 gold medalist from CSNHS, expressed her devastation over what they had to make the best out of. Since she was competing for Gymnastics, their preparation requires dangerous stunts done in safer places. Apparently, they were only given a room 昀椀lled with rubber mats. She was worried that those latex coverings would not be enough to protect her limbs if by any chance her moves do not go well as planned during practice. Despite her success in the quest to achieve the highest rank, Chavez still thinks the school could’ve given them better locations to train on— especially now that they’re on their way to compete for the regionals.

and learning, failing to see that even the most skilled persons must constantly improve their talents through practicing.

Coaches and sports of昀椀cials must address this issue immediately. They must promote a culture of discipline and dedication, emphasizing the value of practice as a non-negotiable element of professional athletics. Athletes must be kept responsible for their dedication to progress through frequent training sessions appropriate to their needs.

Regular training sessions enable athletes to polish strategies, improve physical 昀椀tness, understand game tactics, develop mental resilience, and establish teamwork relationships, all of which are critical components of athletic success. Without constant practice, athletes may struggle to realize their full potential and thrive in their chosen sport.

“Practice makes perfect.” Some athletes believe that practice makes everything perfect as it is the foundation of success of every individual, whether they are athletes or non-athletes. They believe that even though you have the skills to play and win in your sport, your lack of preparation indicates a higher chance of defeat.

Neglecting practice results in poor performance and unful昀椀lled expectations. In a severely competitive environment with razor-thin victory margins, there is no place for shortcuts. It is only through constant dedication and effort can athletes aspire to achieve greatness and make a mark on sports history.

Aero trio soars with silver Aero

D

elivering eye-catching jumps and spins, aerobic gymnastics trio of Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) swept the Naga City Gymnasium as they clinched silver overall at the DepEd Naga Palarong Panlungsod 2024 last Feb. 25.

The team, namely Alessandra Louise Samillano, Alyssa Joy Bacalla, and Joey Regidor, though beginners, were able to execute their routines and harvested scores of 11.2 and 10.925 in females’ individual, 20.4 in males’ individual, 18.875 in mixed pair, and 10.25 in trio.

Samillano, who has been engaged in the sport since fourth grade, said that training was hard but she had to push through.

“Gigibuhon ang best para makuang tultol ang skills tapos ma execute ning tama tapos dapat naisasapuso mo siya,” the athlete said.

(I will do my best to properly gain the skills and to execute [my routine] correctly and you have to take it to heart.)

Meanwhile, Corina Rivera, their coach, shared to The Isarog the efforts and challenges they had to go through while training the gymnasts, mentioning the lacking 2 to 5 P.M. practices they conducted.

“Schedule and practice area is somewhat the problem we always face. The 2-5 pm practice was always not enough,” the coach explained.

Rivera additionally told the publication of certain unfortunate circumstances that blocked the team from preparation such as prior commitments and unavailability of facilities or materials.

The team was advised by Jennifer Abarrientos who was able to mold the student athletes towards their achievement.

The lack of facilities in big tournaments like these is something that organizers and facilitators should focus on. Not only does it make it harder for the athletes and their coaches, but it also poses risks to the safety and health of the athletes. The mere act of simply arranging a proper transportation to make traveling from an event venue easier, or the measure of reserving rooms for athletes so that they can have proper accommodations do not require an arm and leg to carry out. This concern has been the clamor ever since, but they are still not properly mitigated. People on the bleachers, or those who stand behind scoreboards need to realize that it is not only the cheers, or the exhilarating sound of drum rolls that glorify these athletes. Sometimes, it is the bare minimum of providing safe training spaces or proper war zones that matter the most. Do not give them battles that are way out of their agility’s reach. Being a participant in these competitions is already a challenging path to take on. The least we can do is not crucify them by making the roads slippery, or leaving the cement uneven. We must stop agonizing these players in the avenue that may potentially be their only shot of a saving grace.

Page 20

(When it comes to my experience, it’s tough during practice, and I also feel nervous because it’s my 昀椀rst time and my opponents have experience, but I was overwhelmed when I heard that I won.)

Sporting wide smiles, Rapsing and Revilla also bagged Best in Samba, Cha-chacha, Jive and Pasa Doble special awards in Latin American Discipline.

“Very happy kami, dahil even na 昀椀rst timer kami nakuha pa rin namin yung panalo, and hindi rin namin inenexpect ang panalo namin,” Revilla shared. (We’re very happy because even though we’re 昀椀rst-timers, we still won, and we didn’t expect our victory.)

Right after winning the golds, their coaches, Mary Rose Rizaline J. Capisonda and Rene D. Capisonda, and their instructor, Felix B. Celeste, are also overjoyed.

According to their coach, Mrs. Capisonda, “Syempre CamHigh ang satuyang tig-re-represent kaya dapat panindigan ta si Basta taga-CamHigh Matibay, magiging number 1.”

(Of course, we are representing CamHigh, so we must uphold the reputation that if you’re from CamHigh, you’re the best, you’ll be number 1.”)

SPORTS EDITORIAL
Intramurals Ready UNBOUNDED TONE Shane Penelope
P. Apin
Athletes’Lack of Practice Takes itsToll ELYSIAN PLUME Ashley
Shekylla V. Facun
TH E OF F IC I A L E NG L S H PU B L IC A TION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION C A MA R I N E S S U R N A TION A L H IG H S C HOOL CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DI V S ION OF N A G A C I T Y R E G ION V DIVISION OF NAGA CITY, REGION V VOLUME LXVII ISSUE NO. 1 LXVIII AUGUST 2023MAY 2024
<<
19 SPORT S SPORTS

FOR GOLD & GLORY

CSNHS athletes bag medals CSNHS in Naga City Meet 2024 in Meet 2024

F

launting their adroit skill in their individual and group sports, Camarines Sur National High School athletes snagged awards as they triumphed during the Palarong Panlungsod 2024, held on Feb. 24 - 25 and Mar. 2, at different venues in Naga City.

Hayskulanx players exhibited an unconquerable performance to vie numerous medals in representing CSNHS as they fought with determination and eagerness.

In an interview with coaches of sepak takraw, coach Reymark Estonido shared that the pressure and nervous were gone after the game, and the training paid off after the student-athletes received several awards.

Another coach of sepak takraw, Ma’am Rona Pagdulangan said that the training was a little bit short for the players as they only trained after classes as it would cause a disturbance in their academics.

Sepak takraw won a 昀氀ocking three silvers and one bronze award battling with other schools from Naga City.

Men’s Volleyball coach Jose Reyes also shared his experience as a coach in the City Meet.

“During the competition, they did all their best. So far nahiling ko sa mga aki na desidido man and they fought hard in all teams,” Reyes stated.

The Atheletics team of CSNHS snatched a whopping 19 golds with 21 silver and 17 bronze awards on all atheletic events, the players were trained and coached by Ms. Zielvette Gomez.

After exchanging powerful hits, the arnis team secured one gold, three silver and 30 bronze, along with their coaches Mr. Nero Joy Almonte and Ms. Jessa Nacion.

Won by a default match, the CSNHS baseball and softball team clinched its championship title in the City Meet, with their coach Ms. Nova Angela Marco and Ms. Elvie Sentillas, respectively.

Meanwhile on Taekwondo, the Poomsae Event won one silver and one bronze award. On Kyurogi Event, they vied one gold, three silver and 昀椀ve bronze awards as they unveiled their masterful kicks and strong punches to triumph over other school representatives all around Naga City. Ma. Leslie Anne Mañago and Ruela Palma are the coaches that guided the athletes on their trainings and preparations.

Moreover on billiards, CSNHS snagged one gold, two silvers and one bronze on boys category and one gold on the girls category. Trained by Mr. Roberto Y. Brandes, coach.

With outstanding execution of their performance, CSNHS gymnastics team achieved to procure two gold and two silver awards.

Queenie Chavez swept the crowd with an astounding 昀椀ve gold graceful exhibition in individual events, namely: ribbon, hoop, ball, clubs, iaa.

Presenting their agile moves and alerted minds, CSNHS sucessfully accomplished to dig two silver in the singles and doubles category in table tennis, by their coach’s teachings.

Powered up with wits on chess, a bronze medal was obtained in girls category, with its coach, Ms. Vikki B. Neo.

Athletes having a forte in pencak silat garnered an amazing two golds, 昀椀ve silvers and four bronze awards as they unleashed their roaring performance trained by their coach Anthony Belgica and Katherine Fajardo.

The football team exhibited a late game comeback performance to shock the whole 昀椀eld to won silver award, guided by their coach, John Michael Fabie.

The futsal team 昀氀aunted their prowess to kick inside the goal acquiring to earn a well-deserved silver award, supported by their coach, Ms. Francia M. Luna.

With two bronze awards on badminton, they achieved to perfrom a balanced and strategized moves to vanquish their nemesis to withstand the power they hold by countering it.

Women of basketball dunked their point to shoot their shot to squandered several groups earning a gold on 5x5 and silver on 3x3, coached by Mr. Anthony Parza. Moreover, the empowered strikes and smashes of volleyball team prevailed its silver award with their coach Ms. Rosemarie Labay-Milano.

With extraordinary backhand and forehand stroke, the tennis girls’ category snagged three silver awards.

With unconquerable strokes and light weight paddle, the swimming team proudly presents its three gold, one silver, and one bronze award, with their coach Mr. Mellard A. Japson.

Swaying their unpredictable dance moves, they claimed four golds in the dance sport category. Coach: Mary Rose Rizaline Capisonda.

Players who bagged gold in the City Meet will represent Naga City in the Palarong Bicol 2024.

Tenacious Titans bash their way to 4th place in City Meet 2024

Conceded but never conquered. Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) Titans smashed their way to grab the fourth spot with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss in the men’s volleyball category at this year’s DepEd Naga Palarong Panlungsod 2024 held on February 2425 at Naga College Foundation.

The CSNHS Titans scored four consecutive wins until they faced the UNC Greyhounds,. The crucial game -ed who would secure a spot for the championship but the Titans did not succeed, making them face the ACLC Blue Eagles again one last time for 3rd place, ultimately leading to their refusal to compete, leaving them

The 昀椀rst game for the CSNHS Titans was against the Naga City Science High School Pythons.

The 昀椀rst set of the game was composed of a combination from both teams of over 17 out-of-bounds and net serve service errors, with the last one ending the game 25-16 in favor of

In the second set of the game, the Titans started off strong with 2011, but the undeterred fangs of the Pythons decided that it is not over yet, demolishing the win from the hands of the Titans and 昀椀nishing the game with 25-27, with the win for the Pythons. Set three was needed to break the tie. The scores simultaneously came very close to each other, and the intensity rose as the scores tied at 22-22, until the Titans hit three consecutive times, ending the

In the semi-昀椀nals, the Titans faced off against the raging UNC Greyhounds, competing to secure a place in the championship that will be held on March 2.

The Greyhounds started off with 9-3 score, however, the Titans did not lose hope as they caught up and tied 17-17. It was the second to the last score they acquired as the 昀椀rst set ended with 25-18, favoring the

The Titans prepared for a come-

The scores were always close, but the Greyhounds failed to reign the set as the game ended 28-26, with Titans claiming the win. The intensity rose as the game reached set 3 which is the most crucial game for both teams. Unfortunately, the set ended early as the Titans failed to turn back the tables with 15-10, with the Greyhounds securing the place for championship.

After the last game, Labay, a player from CSNHS Titans expressed his disheartenment: “Nanghihinayang po kasi po iniisip ko na ako yung may kasalanan po nanggad dahil ako yung nagdadala ng setter po”, he stated.

“During the competition, all through out the competition, they did all their best, so far, nahiling ko sa mga aki na desidido man, and they fought hard in all teams, so actually we recorded 5-0 [4-0] from the elimination, it’s just the matter that they came up short here in semis against the UNC,” Titan Reyes, the coach of the CSNHS Titans, responded after being asked about the performance of his players.

When asked about why they conceded to 昀椀ghting the ACLC, the coach stated: “We conceded in our defense that the players here in camhi are too tired already, and since during the eliminations, we defeated the ACLC so there’s no reason to prove ourselves to do that since we defeated them already in the eliminations.”

The men’s volleyball team of CSNHS notably won 3rd place last year in the Palarong Panlungsod 2023.

Dance Sport pairs snag gold, bound for Bicol Meet

epresentatives of Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) 昀氀aunted their dancing skills and chemistry at the Dance Sports event held during DepEd Naga Palarong Panlungsod 2024, on February 25, at Robinson’s Place Ground Floor.

Sherah Ferro Rapsing and Rafael Nathaniel D. Revilla amassed a gold medal in the Latin American Junior

Vienne D. Barde and Matt Reinier

Andal also led their way after the pair won gold in the Modern Standard

Barde and Andal wowed the crowd and judges as they swept Best in Waltz, Tango, and Quickstep special awards in Modern Standard

According to Andal, “Very maogma syempre ta pinagalan mo, syempre sa experience magayon and sa namamati ko is maogma, and now getting ready na rin po kami para sa

(I’m very happy of course because you worked hard for it, the expe-

rience is great and I feel great, and now we’re also getting ready for the Bicol Meet.)

“Kung experience po ang paguusapan mapagal during practice, and ramdam ko rin si kaba dahil 昀椀rst time ko and ang mga kalaban ko ay may mga experience na, pero na overwhelm rin ako nang narinig ko na ako ang panalo,” Barde added.

DANCING ROYALTIES Vienne D. Barde and Matt Reinier Andal glide on the dance 昀氀oor to win gold in the Modern Standard Junior Category. | Photo by Scott Baldemoro
releases a deadly spike during the men’s voleyball match at the Naga College Foundation on Feb. 24-25.| Photo by Claire Sierra
SPIKE TO KILL A hayskulano athlete by Josh Edward Prilles
Queen! Here comes the Page 18 >>
by Scott Stephen Baldemoro
Page 19 >>
by Gillian Moralde GAME FACE ON! An arnisador from Camarines Sur National High School (in blue) faces his nemesis during their match at the 2024 Palarong Panlungsod. | Photo by Claredel Borromeo

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