The Metrian

MOA Signing: GSCPO molds

Metrians future law enforcers

Dollyn Angel Camacho

Never too late to learn Project i-REACH aims reading excellence

Reading may be seen as an easy and basic skill for students in high school, yet this was the area of learning few of learners had difficulties and struggles with.

Living a life with his broken family, Bryle (not his real name), a Grade 10 student at Irineo L. Santiago National High School, has had his fair share of a life full of pressure and confusion. After the long period of distance learning, he continues to thrive for learning as he enters the fourth year of high school. However, his inability to properly read at the age of 17 was a primary barricade towards his academic progress.

"There was a time when I considered dropping out. I could not understand a thing, be it my life or the letters I see," he said in Cebuano, fiddling his fingers. While students his age raise their hands during

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reading recitations, Bryle would sit in his chair in silence. No one has the idea he cannot read.

On the other hand, another Grade 10 student, Jerome (not his real name), shares the same case. Unable to read a word during the recently conducted PHIL-IRI, he approaches his English teacher, Bernadette Falcatan, with teary eyes, confessing a shocking reality: he could not read.

"It crushed my heart to know that. I empathized with them, and as a teacher, I took the responsibility of teaching the two how to read," Falcatan revealed.

Rowing on the same boat, Bryle and Jerome are supposed to be polishing their reading skills along with their batch mates, but their predicament prevented them from doing so.

"I hate that I envy my classmates whenever I see them reading fluently, I just wish I could do the same," Bryle stuttered while being interviewed.

With the project iREACH: Improve: Read Every Day, Achieve, Conquer, & Heighten, proposed by Leziel Love Alminiana, English Department Head, along with the reading coordinator Khalid Cuevas and with the assistance of Bernadette Falcatan, the then Department head, Bryle and Jerome will pave the way to reading excellence.

Attending each session every day at 1 p.m., both students significantly enhanced their reading abilities. Even though they still have trouble with some phrases, at least they can now speak the words they used to merely stare at, Falcatan ended.

PhilSys urges Metrians to register for National ID

In view of PHILSYS persistent conduct of Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) in schools in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), PSA reaches and urges students of Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas to register on Tuesday, March 7. In order to register the entire population of the young Filipino citizen under the newly mandated Republic Act No. 1105, the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) pioneered the PHILSYS

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National ID Registration, this partnership supports PSA’s goal of registering children aged five (5) years old and over, teachers, administrative staff, and even their family members within school premises.

The registration encourages the citizens of our country, particularly the students to partake in the said mandatory registration as it has been recognized by the Philippine Constitution.

Mr. Jackaria G. Samama, PhilSys Registration center screener, highlighted that an estimated of 489 students have registered on the campus, presenting the

General Santos City Police Office set forth hand-in-hand to collaborate with Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas through a Memorandum of Agreement signing to better prepare and mold future law enforces through on the job experience, March 13, 2023.

Irineo L. Santiago NSHMD aims to have open schoolcommunity partnership with GSCPO, under Police Regional Office 12 of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide students an experience for their career in law enforcement. Also, this partnership will open an opportunity for both parties for shared vision for learning and developmental outcomes for students.

Formally sealing the partnership, the parties who set their hands on the agreement included GSCPO City Director

Genevieve

Galingan student believed that this experience will mobilize each student’s ability to adapt in professional environments and better prepare for progression of work experience.

“During work immersion, we will be able to apply the basics that we learn in our pursued profession especially in criminology because this program allowed us to experience the workplace in advance.” Humpay said.

61 students who chose to pursue the field of criminology had their immersion held at Camp Fermin G. Lira, Brgy. Dadiangas West, General Santos City with the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) workforce.

necessary documentation, including a student ID and an enrollment form.

“Their [the student’s] registration is imperative as they are a part of the Philippine Constitution. Since PhilSys has been enacted by our government, it is very important that we abide by it, especially our youth, for future purposes,” Samama said in Filipino.

According to Samama, there is still no definite date as to when the National ID registration will conclude inside the campus due to the unending approach of students for the registration.

Irineo L. Santiago NHSMD

bans plastic use

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To increase awareness of proper waste management, accountability, and eco-friendliness among students, teachers, and school personnel, the Youth for Environment in School Organization (YES-O) of ILSNHSMD launched Waste Management project dubbed as “Pwera Basura!”, January 9.

The launching was headed by the YES-O coordinator Meai G. Mendoza with her vision to further ecological waste management to promote zero waste advocacy through educating school community on collective responsibility of waste management.

“A large number of plastics and disposable materials produced in schools are waste problems that need to be addressed. Recycling waste, segregation and ensuring proper disposal are cleanliness measures that will be integrated in every

classroom policy”, Mendoza said in her speech during the launching of the program encouraging the school staffs, students, and teachers to cooperate on the said project.

Upon full implementation, bringing and using plastics and other disposable materials inside the campus are strictly prohibited and any violations will result to consequences.Moreover, usage of mugs or tumblers for drinking and plates and bowls as food containers will be encouraged to utilize reusable containers and promote a plasticfree environment.

YES-O officers shall work along with the school’s organizations and staffs to reduce, if not eliminate, the use of plastics and other disposable materials on the school ground and its premises to hasten the segregation process through constant monitoring.

TO PRESERVE AND CONSERVE. YES-O volunteers on re-segregation of plastic bottles and other wastes in support of Pwera Basura project.

CONNECTING COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL. GSCPO City Director PCOL Jomar Alexis A Yap (right) and Deputy City Director For Admin (Dcda) PLTCOL Jaime D Chavez (left) agreed upon goals and outcomes as they pledge for school community partnership to enhance learning for the well being of the entire school through MOA signing.

PCOL Jomar Alexis A. Yap and School Principal Iris R. Visaya in the presence of Deputy City for admin PLTCOL Jaime D. Chavez and Jinky J. Agbon, immersion teacher.

D. Humpay, 12 HUMSS

Paint a Way to SucceSS: Starbright Depot Advances Art Training to SPA Students

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Beyounce P. Magdaluyo

With the unavailability of suitable and quality art materials, 32 Metrian SPA Visual art students seize the opportunity of experiencing art products in crafting their work of art during the 2023 Starbright Office Depot Art Club Symposium held at Irineo L. Santiago National High School FBS Laboratory on Thursday afternoon, March 9, 2023.

The symposium aims to extend a helping hand to students from public schools by having them try various art materials - from paint brushes to palletes, and canvas to acrylic paints sometimes out of grasp due to financial constraint.

“Opportunities such as this rarely knocks on someone’s door. Art materials are either too expensive and/

or too difficult for mere students to find. At least through this Art Club Symposium, we get to share what we have,” Janine Mae Magbanua, guest speaker, shared in an interview. She also stated that conducting the symposium also opens a door for students to discover and embrace their full potential, and that they must have access to tools she/he needs.

According to Jhoerick Talabucon, a Grade 10 SPA Visual Art student, he wishes to express his sincerest appreciation after having to paint using the provided art tools.

“As a student, I have little to no money. My allowance could never get me art tool like these, so, having free access to these resources

One Metrian, Angat Tayo: Visaya uplifts Metrians’ strive for success

Dollyn Angel D. Camacho

“Learning does not only occur inside the four corners of a classroom.”

This was the wisdom shared by Iris R. Visaya, school principal,of Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas to encourage Metrians aiming for excellence in various fields and competitions after students carried home their palm of success after a 2-year of learning from home.

Students from different programs were able to overcome the hurdles of the pandemic through extracurricular activities as they carried the school’s pride in different events including dance contests, photography, murals, math, and literary-art competitions.

“We will continue to encourage and motivate students to participate more in extracurricular activities because education does not only occur inside the four corners of the classroom”, Visaya stated.

Awards achieved by Metrian students include Elinor Gumama, who won third place representing the school during the National Drug Education Program Advocacy Speech Video Contest. Antoinette C. Novida bagged gold for Spoken Poetry in English, and the SHS News Casting Team held champion slot in Filipino Category during the Division Reading Festival.

Metrians from the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) also brought home all three’s in the Mural Competition while a consolation award in photography competition was afforded to the Media Art Students trained by Dante Tenizo and Nenita Maglangit during the 2022 Museum and Galleries Month. Students also went full blast during the Quizmas Challenge 2022, "Banyuhay: Blossoming Into the Holistic Youth," a regional tournament organized by the University of the Philippines SOCCKASRGEN which was contested by various public and private schools all over Region XII. Awards received by the school during this competrition, includes Ms. Alleah Gutierrez and coach Allan Flores who won third in the spelling bee competition. Quizmas participants Adrian R. Rosales, Guilwin C. Sugaguil, and Glachelle C. Novida, along with their coach, Sir Ben Cuamag, also bagged fourth place in the Quiz Competition.

Visaya expressed willingness to give unending support for the students attending competitions. She explicitly voiced her idea that in order to fully develop student’s maximum potential, it must be an intertwining of attitudes, skills and knowledge that students will be able develop through theory and practice in different learning environments.

Back in my Days, ‘99 Metrian teacher reminisces years as alumni

Dollyn Angel Camacho

"Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life. It's about what you inspire others to do."

Dr. Angela O. Yumang, Master Teacher II and alumnus of Irineo L. Santiago National Highschool of Metro Dadiangas voiced out during her inspirational speech as the Most Outstanding Master Teacher II

educators and peer classmates as one of the academic achievers, took part in multiple extracurricular activities and graduated as the 1st Honorable Mention of her alma mater.

act as a stepping stone towards my development,” he added.

April Posadas, SPA Visual Arts Teacher, also extends her gratitude for having her students mentored and

guided by the Starbright Office Depot.

“I’m very thankful for the partnership of our school and the Starbright Office Depot. The students have equally experienced painting

with the guidance of a well-known artist and I am glad that we get to showcase the talents of the Metrians,” she concluded.

Think before you unzip – Arianne Padayhag on HIV symposium

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Magdaluyo

“Isip isip bago unzip!”

This was the renowned remark of Arianne Joy B. Padayhag, Medical technologist of the HIV ProgramRegional during the HIV screening conducted at Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas, March 2, 2023.

The orientation was an opportunity for the Department of Health Office in South Cotabato to educate young minds about STIs, HIV, and AIDS, Padayhag stated. Their primary objective was to prevent students from engaging in premarital activity with undeveloped self- awareness.

She also emphasized the alarming rate of minor’s involvement in sexual activities. The record from SOCCKSARGEN Medical Office

She was one of the remarkable student leaders of Batch 1999. Served her term as Vice President of SSG (Supreme Student Government) and demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to public service as President of the GSPIrineo (Girl Scout of the Philippines, Irineo Council) which paved her way to success in the field of education and her advocacy for academic excellence.

Though amid Dr. Yumang’s continuous accomplishments, a long and arduous journey during her college years lay ahead. Financial difficulties, personal struggles came and hit her at rock bottom, yet her spirit remained strong and overcame them with determination and hard work.

“Looking back at the journey, I can see the fruits of my passion. I see my very purpose in life and I can’t thank God enough for being so good to me in this lifetime.” she thanked.

The fruits of her endeavor did flourish, as she finished college with the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Biology. She then pursued Masters of Science in Teaching General Science at Mindanao State University and completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education, majoring in Biology at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University. Currently, she is now aspiring to be a revitalizing role model to all Metrians and fellow educators.

“I am Angela O. Yumang and I will always have the heart of a teacher.” She voiced, finally cascading down the path that she once hoped.

reveals General Santos City as the first area to have the highest record of HIV patients followed by the municipality of Polomolok.

“Along with our campaign, our program provided a free HIV screening to detect, aid, and guide HIV patients through their Antiretroviral Treatment (ARV) journey”. We will also provide free screening to schools and we will also offer it here in Irineo,” Padayhag said.

Jhoe Amancia, a Grade 11 STEM student of Irineo NHSMD decided to undergo with HIV test for herself out of curiosity and eagerness to discover the disease.

“The symposium got me wondering – I know I have not engaged in any sexual activities yet, but I had to be sure that I am

On DSPC, Metrians aim for supremacy

Irineo L. Santiago NHSMD administration headed by the school principal, Iris R. Visaya addressed budget concerns worth 260,000 for the acquisition of major equipments needed for the radio broadcasting and TV Broadcasting in preparation for the forthcoming Division Schools Press Conference 2023.

The administration was able to provide the Special Program in Journalism Team with two laptops, two DSLR cameras, lapel microphones, tripod and wires.

Along with the equipment provided, individual events materials needed were also

Dollyn Angel D. Camacho addressed along with the team’s allowances to further encourage participants to aim for victory for this year’s DSPC. SPJ Coordinator, Aurentina Yumang, believed that the prompt action and support for the budget concerns of this program will not only benefit this present upcoming competition, but this will be an avenue to further strengthen the school’s edge to bring home the bacon on any competition the school is joining with. Furthermore, she is also thankful for the stakeholders support including the parents and teachers given to the program.

“ In spite of the big budget for the SPJ program, we are very lucky to have a supportive principal, administration, teachers and parents that provided the Special Program in Journalism with essential gadgets and materials to be used for DSPC,” Yumang thanked.

a hundred percent safe from it especially after knowing that it can be transmitted through various means.” Amancia said.

Padayhag assured the students who voluntarily took the test that the result will be kept in private and highly confidential.

With the coordination of the peer navigator from Koronadal South Cotabato Provincial Hospital and Doctor George P. Royeca- The Rainbow Facility and Social Hygiene, along with Jeannet E. Canda, RCY Coordinator, and Ruthilyn R. Castanares. Technical Working Groups, the orientation and its objectives ended successful without a flaw.

Unihub Foundation unites PGCA, school counselors to ‘RACE against duicide’ training Lujille R. Escobillo

Aiming to address scarcity of mental health professionals in schools, the RACE against suicide training gathered 82 guidance counselors and psychologists, consisting of representatives from regional chapters of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association ( PGCA ) and the constituents of the Psychological Association of the Philippines ( PAP ) March 17, 2022.

Co-developed by the Unihub Foundation and mental health experts in the Philippines, the pool of trainers’ knowledge and facilitation abilities moving forward is directed with the use of the Unihub’s contextualized tool kit.

In particular for schools with a history of suicide incidents, Quennie Rosios, the guidance counselor at Irineo L. Sanrtiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas, underlined how conventional suicide prevention trainings like these are.

“As the guidance counselor this is very timely since hindi lang sa Irineo marami tayong mga cases. Our school had two in the past? I think two naman siguro—before pandemic we had two suicide cases in our school and sa ngayon there are potential or students who have suicidal tendencies, or students at risk of suicide. So, this is very timely as a guidance counselor wherein I have the toolkit to be used on how to handle the different cases in school.” she stressed partly in Filipino.

After attending the training for trainers (TOT) at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University’s auditorium last March 16–17, Rosios also discussed the goals she had in mind for the school.

“After attending the seminar, my first plan is to re-echo or to cascade what I have learned during the two-day seminar to all the teachers during LAC session since this seminar cannot be conducted by our division kasi pag-aari ng UNILAB ang tool kit. It will cost money. Malaki yung presyo [tool kit]. Bilihin talaga ng division—siguro iisang topic lang which is very applicable to all teachers sa classroom nila. Yung tinatawag nating identifying students with redflags na—yung mga

na meron yung bata na may tendency na mag-suicide.” she emphasized.

signs

PAINTING IS A FEELING. Grade 9 Visual arts student painting her art showcasing her skills that are sometimes hindered due to unavailability of painting materials. (Photo Courtesy, Starbright Depot)

SHS students open doors for HIV testing showing acceptance of HIV awareness

The Metrian writers on persistent thinking and writing in preparation for upcoming DSPC 2023 and the final publication of the paper

digs in on students’ absenteeism

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“Maka absent ko para sa kwarta.”

Born into an unfortunate family, Mosaimen, at the age of 15 was forced to carry out the responsibility of providing the needs of his family by working part-time jobs. His predicament hampered his ability to attend classes, which eventually took a huge toll on his academic performance.

“Magtrabaho ko sa Oval o Calumpang, usahay cashier kotindero. Mag-absent nalang ko para sa kwarta didto,” the young man revealed as he chuckles hiding the pain in his voice. While students his age spend leisure time on the internet, Mosaimen works multiple jobs to ensure their meals for tomorrow.

Irineo L. Santiago National High

School of Metro Dadiangas with a total population of 3,200 for the school year 2022-2023, has an absenteeism rate of below 20%.

“Although the rate of absenteeism in our school is not that high, I still conducted an orientation informing all parents that we will strictly monitor the attendance which started already last January,” Quennie B. Rosios, Guidance Counselor stated. “It's because having the monitoring sheets is beneficial when it comes to coding and identifying who are committing cutting classes and absenteeism.

The guidance office documents and closely examines the absentees by careful monitoring of attendance per class using the monitoring tool kit.

Keeping Up with Inflation

"Binibisita ko sila checking them out without their knowledge, and meron kaming mga agreement na ginagawa including counseling sessions on their academic performance," Rosios added.

Rosios said that absenteeism is also being discussed among teachers during the deliberation of grades every quarter so the problem becomes manageable by the advisers. Monitoring sheet is provided to these identified students by the advisers to be signed by every subject teachers to closely monitor the attendance of students.

Using the proposed medium, Mosaimen, being one of those students with problems in attending school is now concentrating on time management to prevent situations from causing him to miss classes.

Metrians endure rising rates of prices

Is your income enough to support your daily expenses? These questions gained similar responses from the students, teachers, and canteen vendors of Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas as they struggled to make ends meet battling against the burdens of the increased commodities prices.

Due to budget constraints and transportation costs, Mary Joy Braza, a Grade 11 student of ILSNHSMD revealed that their budget, Php 10,000 per month, scarcely fit into their daily expenses in a family of ten.

“I can’t fathom how the cost for a mere bubblegum was only 25 centavos, and now it is worth a peso.” she laughed heartily.

She also highlighted the rise in the cost of their expenses which spoiled their budget distribution for each necessity, “because no matter how much you want to buy practical items that are necessary, you still cannot afford to be practical,” the young woman voiced in FIlipino.

Metrians could barely afford to purchase essentials for their studies due to the above-normal rates of supply costs as parents are finding it impossible to provide for the needs of their children using their monthly income.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the

When a Metrian alumni brought rice and groceries to Lucilyn P. Colase, a grade 9 indigent student, tears flowed down her face with much gratitude in her heart.

Lucilyn said she is very happy of the blessings she received especially that her old grandmother has to sell rugs as an aid for

country’s headline inflation rate marginally slowed down to 8.6 percent in February 2023 from 8.7 percent in January 2023.

Moreover, at 1.0 and 0.9 percentage points (ppt) each, energy and food inflation continued to be the leading causes of inflation. House rentals and restaurant services came in second and third, respectively, with 0.8 and 0.7 percentage points. Public transportation contributed 0.6 ppt in the meantime.

Even so, Senior High School (SHS) teacher Rosita Surposa, cost-cuts her budget as much as possible to fit in household bills, family necessities, supplies, daily allowance of her children, and their transportation.

“There are certain priorities such as going to school daily, gas, and transportation and because of this, I have no choice but to budget for everything. There are times that we have to offer other alternatives and cost-cut the budget for food or go for the ones that we have at home,” Surposa added.

In another case, Jovelyn Manuel, a canteen vendor, disclosed the noticeable changes in the consumers and cost of supply which eventually took a significant toll on their way of life since sustaining this business is their source of income.

NOBLE GESTURE

percent, which made it difficult for students of ILSNHSMD to afford the current standard of living.

Mitigating Strategies

Mentioning the results of a

“Before, we were even able to put up a project for our house. We were able to buy a brand new TV, but now, we’re struggling to even pay our home expenses because everything is extremely expensive nowadays, even food, including my children’s allowance and transportation costs. I guess I could say everything doubled, even my problems did,” she added.

The shared predicaments are one of the many stories that arise from the skyrocketing value of market goods and oil prices, among others, in the current state affairs of the country. Effects of the inflation rate are evident as the financial stability level of average Filipino families kept declining to an alarming rate of 63

Alumni, Metrian teachers aid indigent student

Samuel Octavio

the family to have food to eat. Her family of six with her grandmother will be very pleased for the blessings they have received from the kind hearted individuals who have heard the story of Lucilyn from a facebook post of Dran Reb, a concern citizen.

“Ginahatud nako akong lola nga nagapamaligya ug trapo unya ako pud siya agion inig human sa akong klase inig ka hapon. Maong malate ko pirmi sa akong klase” she stated to her adviser, Merla Mapugay.

Lucilyn was abandoned by her father with the four siblings being taken cared of by her jobless mother. Left with no choice, her mother has to take care of the four siblings, so her grandmother, Rosita T. Pepito has to sell rugs and mats for a living as they struggle to make ends meet. She reveals this in a heartfelt interview with a Metrian alumnus.

“I can’t see anything clearly that's why I’m selling these with my granddaughter”,

her grandmother uttered. This statement seemed to be echoing in social media which touched benevolent hearts which assistance just came unexpectedly from kind hearted individuals just like Metrian alumni, owners of food establishments and few teachers. Few of aids extended are cash amounted to 1,000.00, sack of rice, groceries, clothing and shoes, school supplies and medicines for Lucilyn and family.

A Metrian teacher, Khalid Cuevas also looked for possible donors from friends to extend help for Lucilyn. Another facebook post from a Metrian alumnus on August 30, 2022 also tapped the hearts of the people, to provide the family monetary donations so that they afford the rising costs of food and supplies.

After the death of her grandmother, Colanse later switched to new learning modalities to support her family’s needs and pursue the education she once deserved.

Para sa Batang Math-Talino: Irineo kicks-off numeracy remediation program

To maximize students’ numerical literacy, Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas kicks-off Math intervention program last November 24, 2022 to cater Grade 7-10 learners struggling with basic fundamental operations like computation and problem solutions.

Dubbed as “Metrian’s MathTulong para sa bata” this numeracy remediation program targets to address learning gaps from students during the in-person classes this school year 20222023 which are remnants of the two-year modular learning. This is spearheaded by Ruth Hitalia, Math department head and Girlie Habla, numeracy coordinator.

“Junior high school students of ILSNHSMD were given the basic

Dollyn Angel D. Camacho fundamental operations (computation and problem solving) assessment last September to October 2022 to determine the numeracy level and profile of the learners across Grade levels 7 to 10 for immediate and appropriate implementation of the numeracy program”, Habla revealed. Results from the administered diagnostic test throughout the Junior high school curriculum discloses that there are students who cannot compute and solve problems in the basic fundamentals on whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals which are pre-requisite to other learning competencies, Habla added.

Recipients of this program are all Mathematics learners --- the identified struggling learners (non-numerates) who

got the lowest numeracy scores during the diagnostic test.

“I’m glad that the numeracy program was materialized to teach us about complex concepts in mathematics and future lessons as we progress through this school year”, a non-numerate learner of Grade 7-Sampaguita stated.

This program highlights the importance of learning about fundamental numeracy skills in order to maximize students’ potentials and to be of help during individual or cooperative learning (ICL) classes.

Accomplishment report from quarterly assessments of this intervention will be available to the public at the end of the school year.

survey conducted by The Metrian news journalists, 55 percent of the school’s students, teachers, and vendors are struggling to keep up with the pressures of inflation. Meanwhile, the remaining 45 percent are financially stable and capable of withstanding the demands of the rising prices of goods and transportation costs. With the inflation rate plummeting by point-one percent annually, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

addressed the need to mitigate government strategies to lessen the impact of price-booming inflation.

“We must rethink our strategies to combat rising food prices. The country’s current high inflation is largely driven by domestic, supplyside constraints. Agricultural imports were ill-timed and food supplies have been inadequate. The solution is to get to the root of the problem, including fixing the bottlenecks along all segments of the agricultural value chain,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The country’s chief economist urges the need to implement effective measures to seize inflation and its impact on individuals to aid the nation’s indigent families and vulnerable sectors.

For now, students, teachers, and vendors of Irineo continue to find a way to compensate for this setback.

“Due to the budget constraint during inflation, we had to take into consideration the amount of money that we currently have to purchase for our commodities. We chose not to buy everything that we want, because we have to be practical for the things that we need,” the senior high school student concluded.

ILSNHS gears up for DSPC ‘23

Regine C. Anoche

To enhance the journalistic skills and shape the minds from school to society by expressing it through different journalistic endeavors and approaches, young journalists and coaches of Irineo L. Santiago National High School have started their intensive preparation for Divisions School Press Conference (DSPC) on March 6-24, 2023.

According to Ma’am Bernadette B. Falcatan, coach of English TV Broadcasting, in spite of the numerous circumstances, the young journalists, along with their coaches, appreciate every minute of immense training due to passion and enthusiasm, even if it means they’d go home late at night.

ILSNHSMD has entries for Broadcast Media that includes TV Broadcasting and Radio Broadcasting and Online Publishing. Individual Writing Events will be participated also with both medium Filipino and English. Each team has its own coaches: TV Broadcasting, English is coached by Bernadette B. Falcatan and Marietta P. Delima for Filipino; Radio Broadcasting English is mentored by Genith P. Magdaluyo and Nenita B. Maglangit for Filipino. Individual events for English is trained by Laurice Corrine G. Rosa, Leziel Love B. Alminiana, Jinky J. Agbon and Rosita Surposa. Meanwhile, Filipino individual

participants is handled by Nenita B. Maglangit.

“Since grade 7 nag start ang pandemic walay face to face, walay experience sa contest. So karon first time, pero bisag first time I’m trying my best na mahatag nko all my efforts and hardwork para bisag first namo nay good result,” Kristiana Geneva Tosino, Grade 10 student aired for English TV Broadcasting event.

ILSNHS event coaches and young journalists face hurdles in gearing up for DSPC. With the students compelled to attend every training session, they lose out on lessons and assignments that play a role in completing their marks. On the other hand edge, coaches find a hard time to deal with time management since they also have teaching tasks and other ancillary works. Also they encountered funding problems at the start of the training. However, they are much gratified that the administration have provided them the primary gadgets and equipment they much needed for the competition such as two laptops, two DSLR camera, tripods, two modems and memory cards. Both participants and coaches revealed that these endeavor will be very exciting for them since after the two long years of pandemic, they will be showcasing their talents once again through competing in the DSPC.

SELL AND LIVE. Mosaimen, grabbed the news team to his afternoon routine as he worked as vendor of a small store at the dry public market. He said the store is just one of those he worked for just to earn a penny to help his family earn a living.

THINKING ABOUT PRESSING ON. These JHS students thinking about spending

their baon to buy food for recess or keeping it up for lunch. Just a few of students’ stories about coping up with high rise of commodities prices.

Lucilyn and her grandmother with so much joy in their heart because of the groceries and school supplies afforded to them by one of the benevolent hearts of few kind hearted individuals.

The TV Broadcasting team in their rigid training as they ascertain to rebound in the field of TV Broadcasting after the two years of pandemic ready and geared into bringing home the win.

The News Analysis

Photo courtesy: Dran Reb

Proper Dress Code: not a personal jab

irineo L. Santiago national High School of Metro Dadiangas stood its ground in its decision to make the wearing of school uniform mandatory for its learners. The implementation of the school uniform’s policy is necessary not only for upholding the school’s identity but also to ensure the students’ safety.

at the beginning of School year 2022-2023, the Department of e ducation issued a memorandum that allows students not to wear uniforms. This is due to the fact that the country is still financially recovering from the economic chaos caused by the pandemic. For the first three months of classes, the administration of irineo High School abided by the Depe d memorandum and granted students the liberty to wear civilian outfits inside the school. However, when the second quarter of the academic year started, so did the stricter mandate of wearing the school’s prescribed uniform.

This stirred a discourse within the school, more particularly the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgender, Queer, intersex, asexual and others (LGBtQia ++). The members of the third sex argued that this action by the school is an infringement of their right to express their gender identity. The school’s prescribed uniform is the traditional skirt for women and pants for men; thus the members of the third sex clamored about the lack of liberality in school outfits. They invoked the official memorandum of the Depe d allowing students the liberty to not wear uniforms. However, the school administration upheld its autonomy over the school’s constituents and stuck to their guns in ensuring the student’s wear the school’s prescribed uniform. This action undertaken by the school is not in any way an attempt to undermine the rights of the third sex, or to discriminate against them. it is only a way of protecting its authority to make decisions to safeguard its identity and ensure the student’s safety. under the Depe d’s official memorandum, students have the de jure liberty to not wear a school uniform, but the school foresaw de facto problems from this. according to the teachers, this decision of the school is to prevent an unfortunate event of outsiders trespassing our school. When all students are required to wear the school uniform it will be easier to spot outsiders who are trying to enter the school. other than this, the school also wants easier identification when students are outside the school, or are faced with an accident outside the school within the school hours.

Whatever the reasons may be, as students we must abide with rules and regulations promulgated by the school administration. after all, two of the fundamental reasons why students are at school is to learn discipline, and logical reasoning. This decision by the school administration to maintain the dress code and mandatory wearing of school uniform, is more of an act of upholding decades of tradition about the proper dress code for students, than it is an act of discrimination against the members of the third sex. This is not a personal jab against the third sex, to take it as one is to be utterly facile and is a negation of the fundamental reasons why students are at school.

Towards a Progressive Campus Press You are the Voice. We are the echoes.

EDITORIAL SCHOOL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief | Ira Beyounce P. Magdaluyo

Associate Editor | Dollyn Angel D. Camacho

Managing Editor | Guilwin C. Sugaguil

Senior News Editor | Dollyn Angel D. Camacho | Lujille R. Escobillo

Junior News Writers | Samuel L. Octavio | Mary Grace Araneta Regine Anoche | Kristiana Geneva Tosino

Feature Editor | Jeromelee M. Piana

Junior Feature Writers | Angelica Grace Babor | Kiezumie Malik Girlly Tayros | Althea Kassandra B. Alminiana

Sports Editor | Jellce Kaye Quindala

Junior Sports Writers | Kleint Jeremy Dagsan Gian Andrei P. Napuran | Garyboy G.Maaya

SciTech Editor | Shania Krizl Cabasan

SciTech Writers | Noroden Macalawan | Glorietta Gloria Karen Claire Lazaro

Head Cartoonist | Matthew Louis Dorado

Junior Cartoonist | Ariane Nicole Liboon

Head Photojournalist | Jhia S. Dingal

Junior Photojournalist | Romel Angelo Posadas

Adviser | Laurice Corrine G. Rosa

Assistant Advisers | Rosita B. Surposa Leziel Love B. Alminiana | Jinky J. Agbon

Principal | Iris R. Visaya, Principal I

Sectoral Movement: Cosmic Impact

EDITORIAL

Youth for Environmental in School Organization of Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas launched its latest campaign against waste pollution — “PWERA! BASURA!”. This is, yet again, an ingenious, and a heartfelt initiative of the organization towards creating a less polluted and more eco-friendly learning environment.

We are experiencing all the effects of pollution; from respiratory infection to the more global scale – climate change. These problems, of course, should be attributed mainly to the multi-billion dollar corporations, since they produce the most carbon footprint. But the focus of this project is to reduce garbage collection of the school. So let us magnify the perspective of this paper to a more specific type of pollution — toxic waste.

If one is to go out of the comforts of his personal bubble and observe the world keenly, he shall see how mankind is unconcerned about the growth

of waste as seen at the very corner of civilization. Some are easily decomposed by time and do not pose a major threat to the environment, i.e., biodegradable waste. But there is another type of waste that takes centuries to decompose, i.e., plastic.

Plastic pollution is one of the most threatening issues of humanity. Over time, plastic disintegrates into microplastic and finds its way to the ocean and soil, threatening wildlife. Another concealed fact about plastic is it’s created from chemicals that come from the production of planet-warming fuels. Thus, the creation of more plastics, worsens our carbon footprint; in effect, worsening global warming.

According to the United Nations’ Environmental Program, at least one third of plastic waste ends up in soil or freshwater. Plastic will then disintegrate into microplastic, and this will end up in our food chain.

A study published in “The Proceedings of the Royal Society”, found that microplastic pollution on soil makes it inhabitable for creatures below

its surface such as mites and larvae. Furthermore, microplastics can seep into water sources which causes an array of possible harmful effects on species that will drink them.

With all of these overwhelming effects of plastic pollution raises the question, “How can we mitigate plastic pollution?” We obviously cannot compel an entire pantheon of business giants, and every person on the planet to simply stop using plastic. Therefore, it obligates us, to start with smaller sectors, such as schools; then let socialization do its magic to spread the movement.

“PWERA! BASURA!” aims to mold young environmentalists with a genuine heart for the environment. Students that conscientiously try to minimize their plastic use. Parallel to snowball sampling, hopefully metrian students will inspire others to be nature lovers and protectors; to fill this world with people who actively work for the betterment of this planet.

DIVORCE ANTIS: STARK NINCOMPOOPS

Pro-divorce legislators have taken another shot at passing a divorce bill in this highly religious country. As expected, anti-divorce stands have resurfaced, and they are all unreasonable.

The House of Representatives committee on population and family relations has approved eight bills on divorce and dissolution of marriage. It will be consolidated by a technical working group, headed by Albay first district representative Edcel Lagman.

In hindsight, there is no question that it will be easier to make a camel pass through the eye of a needle, than to make a divorce bill pass through a legislative body saturated with conservative lawmakers who base their arguments not on facts, but religious beliefs.

In all objectivity, it is long due for the legislature to pass a law that will provide a cheaper alternative for the dissolution of marriage. As shown by a survey in 2018 posted

on Rappler.com: 53% of Filipinos agree to legalize divorce. This proves that the considerable majority of the country are tired of all the debates about the sacredness of marriage, and can see the reality thereof per se, devoid of all religious stigma.

In 2019, when the current majority leader, Senator Joel Villanueva was asked about his stance on divorce, he answered, “over my dead body.” His rationale was that it contradicts the Filipino culture. Well for the education of everyone who supports this unintelligible argument, adherence to culture will not solve marital issues.

If one is to raise the argument of the sacredness of marriage, or Filipino culture, when a person is begging to escape a dysfunctional, irreparable, and worse, abusive marriage; then one is being utterly unconscionable and inhumane.

Apart from the previous arguments, divorce antis fall back on pity for the juveniles to sway

people on their side. In 2018, former president Duterte said he is against divorce because it will negatively affect the couple’s children. I counter that by raising this question: wouldn’t it be better for a child to have separated parents, than homicidal ones?

Clear from the passing mention of common arguments against divorce is that they all strike a false note. They are not anchored on logical reasoning, but illogical feelings and emotions. If the development of the legal landscape continues to be circumscribed by unreasonable beliefs and opinions, then we are utterly doomed.

It is due time for divorce antis, especially the legislators, to hear the rationale of the divorce bill supporters, while free from prejudice that stems from personal beliefs. As citizens of a representative democracy, elected officials ought to put the concerns of the country above their prejudiced stands.

Necessary Bluntness for Awareness

An HIV screening and orientation was conducted in Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas. Allowing this type of activity to be conducted in schools will promote awareness about topics that are usually shied away from.

The visual presentation, choice of words and overall demeanor of the speaker were blunt. In fact, they may be too blunt for some people. The speaker went to the extent of allowing photos of the private parts of both male and female to be exhibited uncensored before under-aged students. However, this technique is imperative to melt down the stigma that surrounds sex, the organs used for it, and everything that it entails. After all, if we strip all social connotations and stigma around sex, it is nothing but a tool for recreation.

After breaking the ice, the speaker then went on to talk about the undersides of sex, more particularly the unsafe practice thereof. No matter how hard the conservatives try to deny it; everybody knows, ipso facto; teenagers, at least some of them, are already practicing sex. That is the fact that we have to deal with. It is an actual issue that will not go away if we just bury our heads into the sand every time we are confronted by it. Thus, instead of worsening the stigma about sex by reminding the students on the unethical nature of teenage sex; the speaker educated the students about the safe practice

of sex such as the use of condoms, sticking to one sexual partner, and not having sex with people whom we don’t know.

The orientation ended with a bang. The apex of the entire symposium is the live demonstration of how to put on a condom. The speaker made use of a dildo, lubricant, and an actual condom to demonstrate the act. This is, again, a great leap towards reconfiguring sex and sexual organs from taboos into normal topics like chatting about the weather. After all, it is not everyday that students see a sex toy. Seeing an adult talk about it, and carry it with so much indifference will most likely inculcate the message that there is nothing wrong with it.

When we successfully strip the idea of sex from all social connotations and stigma, we will also strip teenagers of ignorance about it. Sometimes students engage in sex, out of curiosity. It is something that society told them to shy away from. The more they felt constrained against sex, the more they felt inclined towards it. When students engage in a sexual activity ill-informed, most likely the activity will be unsafe, and run the risk of catching sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. Thus, when adolescents are wellinformed about sex, the safe practice and consequences thereof, we will be able alleviate the problem of HIV proliferation; if not the painstaking curiosity of youngsters.

Cyberbullying: A Virtual Menace

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying using electronic communication. It can be through sending text messages, chats or even through social media platforms or gaming where people can view, participate or share content. This also includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content about someone and even sharing personal or private information causing embarrassment or humiliation.

Cyberbullying can also be morally wrong when someone does sextortion, committing hate crimes, giving death threats, and even child pornography.

One must not practice doing this as this is a taboo in our society, protecting people’s social state.

Committing this taboo is similar to physical bullying since this entails depression and anxiety to the affected party. This will also lessen someone’s selfconfidence and worst someone will end his life because he cannot contain the feeling of being embarrassed. Students who are being bullied may also affect their academic performance and thus this will also boil down to another problem that might

Internalization of Mental Health

The Department of Education reported that there were 404 student suicides in school year 2021-2022. This information underscores the need of this country to undertake a more robust endeavor in promoting mental health awareness and safeguarding the mental health of every Filipino.

In 2018, a Mental Health Law was integrated into the legal and healthcare system of the Philippines. The measure can be interpreted as a public message by the government that it values and protects the mental health of its citizens. It was a big leap towards promoting mental health literacy among Filipinos. On paper, it was exquisite; had it been followed to the letter, it would have alleviated the country’s growing number of depressed citizens. However, like most laws in this country, the Mental Health Law fell flat in execution. Mental health and how to take care of it remains an enigma to the majority of Filipinos. Instead of witnessing the projected decline, we have seen an almost two-fold increase in the number of depressed cases in the country.

According to Rappler.com, only one in 10 Filipino adults are aware of any suicide prevention program or service. This is alarming news because in the words of Senator Risa Hontiveros, when ex-president Duterte signed the Mental Health bill into law: a sound mental health is an integral part of the overall physical health of an individual. Without a healthy

mental state, a person will not be able to function properly and efficiently. In fact, during extreme cases of depression, a person is immobilized by his deteriorating mental health. Thus, to forsake mental health, is to forsake the integrity of one’s health.

In the case of students, we have seen the most evident decline in their mental health during the implementation of distance learning. The Department of Education received an alarming number of reports about students being overwhelmed by the new learning system. Experts associated the mental health issues experienced by students to the lack of social interaction and piling up of requirements needed for school. There had been clamors about the neo education system, more particularly to its more demanding approach on learning. Probably due to the lack of face to face interaction with students, teachers intensified the due activities and tasks as an alternative to inculcate the lessons to the students. This had become an alarming issue that DepEd itself issued a memorandum calling on teachers to tone down the tasks they assign.

The silver lining through all of this mayhem is that it prompted public dispute about the failed implementation of the Mental Health Law. In a hot grill during a senate probe, the agencies created by and in charge of implementing the Mental Health Law, as well as DepEd and Commission on

Significant Requisite

The Work Immersion Program for Senior High School students has been implemented by the Department of Education in 2017 which was supported by The Asia Foundation’s Coalitions for Change (CFC) alongside with the national and local government agencies, private and public enterprises, and non-governmental organizations. The program is offered as a prerequisite to graduation to Grade 12 students of all public and private schools.

With this significant requisite to prepare learners to be job-ready and to be directed on their chosen strand, Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas deployed the Grade 12 students to different sectors both the academic strand and technical, vocational and livelihood (TVL) strand. A two-week immersion with 80-hour time requirement for academics and a four-week immersion with 160-hours time requirement for TVL was employed for the OJE students. This made possible with the school’s collaboration with the 42 partner industries.

The students were trained and mentored in the actual environment of the chosen industry relevant to their track and they were supervised by their industry supervisors who helped them to test and apply practicalities and even to test the competencies and knowledge they acquired in school. With this program immersing students to what they expect them to be in the future is an effective way to enhance social development and even improve their self-efficacy, and skills to be

better workers in the future. By being exposed to the daily operations of a real work environment, they will be trained to think and act like professionals much more to appreciate and respect workers of the same field and for the work itself that they will soon pursue. This program is an avenue to help students realize their passions and also a way of career guidance to these learners and make them realize if they are really suitable for their chosen field.

The effect of immersing students supersedes the idea that learning is not only in the four corners of the classroom. When students are given a chance to experience a natural setting, the tendency is that they will be able to instill and value the importance of education more since it will help them realize more that they should do well to really aim to chase their dream. Although this program will also somehow help learners to get a job after graduating from SHS, we cannot set aside the fact that this program is a point of realization also for them to really pursue and finish their education.

To sum up, this Work Immersion Program gears up and elevates the Senior High School Students for college, for their career and for the real world scenario much more to be globally competitive in the future that whatever will be their choice, it will bring them to career success.

arise affecting innocent minds. The dilemma on the side of the victims of this virtual menace is that the embarrassment cannot be erased as easily as that. Due to the fast changing world, people can take screenshots which means what happens online will stay online and that is the tendency people cannot control.

On the other hand, the bully will also suffer the consequences once he commits this mistake.

A penalty ranging P50,000 to P100,00.00 can be the penalty to the bully or worst can be arrested, expelled or fired depending on the severity and the depth of its damage to a person. With the trend that almost everything is blunt online, people must take full responsibility for the things posted. As the old saying goes, ignorance of the law excuses no one. Everyone must consider internalizing the Anti-Cybercrime Law to protect yourself from the bullies and to stop yourself from becoming a bully. It is now the time that everyone must take a leap to be educated that offenders will be held accountable and with this this form of bullying can be stopped.

Love among teens or illegal drugs, which weighs more?

Jully Kathie Coyoca

Love blooms even on simple interactions, one can do a simple gesture and the other will fall. Love has no stop sign; it comes when it hits you. It is something that can put you at risk when your “love” blinds your eyes and mind, but one’s feeling, decision, and eagerness to love is not a reason for them to be blamed with what they might experience upon entering a relationship.

Higher Education presented fragmented plans. Each has their own plan with respect to the enforcement of the foregoing law, that the country can’t even get a clear unified picture of how exactly this measure will be used to safeguard the mental health of students.

On a larger scale, the decline of students’ mental health during the pandemic can be attributed to the fact that it is not something taken too lightly by the Filipino culture. Mental health, at least for some people, is an idea out of reach, almost esoteric. It is usually not taken seriously by the layman and is steeped in stigma and prejudice in the Filipino culture. Many Filipinos are most probably experiencing issues with regard to their mental health, but are too afraid to seek professional help because of the social connotation that trails after it. The predominant fallacy here in the Philippines is that you are either crazy or you’re not; there is no middle ground

Values

between those two extremes. Although one would expect that this primitive notion would’ve been drowned out by the waves of the information era; lo and behold that unintelligible notion still bears preponderance found in all corners of the country. To this day, mental health and seeking professional help to improve it, is still surrounded by stigma.

An unexpected video is now circulating around the internet, one that shows violence. In the video, a man who is known to be an adult was seen beating up his wife who is considered as a minor. While the video is circulating, judgments also come out, one that sides up with the suspect and one that defends the victim. I, not as a teenager but a concerned person, stood with the victim because she was in love and did not know that there’s a danger waiting for her, maybe because the man presented himself as a kind person. And I also stand against the thought of other people that teenagers should not be allowed to love.

If we want to promote a sound mental health for every Filipino, we must remove it from the morass of stigma it has found itself bogged down in. Mental health should be internalized, not just in the system, but in the heart of every Filipino. We must create an environment conducive to mental wellbeing. We must traverse collectively to build the architecture of a country free of prejudice towards those who seek mental aid. This endeavor will be most effectively accomplished by integrating mental health awareness into the education system. Education shapes the young ones, when mental health becomes a part of their training, then as adults it will be a part of their system. If at a young age, students are already experiencing decline in their mental health and are not even taught to prioritize it, how can we expect them to grow up as working individuals with a sound state of mind?

There are people who choose to ignore the violence made by the man, they blame the girl for her reckless decisions, eagerness, and curiosity. They point out the girl’s wrongdoings, but not the man’s action that lead to something cruel. Those people also suggest that love is something that shall not be allowed among teenagers. Love is unpredictable, and you cannot undo it once it deepens. It may cause blindness in the sense that you can no longer recognize what is right and wrong; what is painful and not; what is worth fighting and what is worth letting go. But this will never be a cause for a murder done by someone who consumed illegal drugs.

Why keep on pursuing that teenage love shall not be allowed when you can just stand against those who resort to illegal drugs and violence?

Formation: A Shared Burden

A writer of Rappler published a penetrating opinion on the dynamics between teachers and students. It is a thought-provoking editorial piece, that makes us think about where should we point our fingers when it comes to discipline construction and values formation of the child.

On 2019, a ‘Raffy Tulfo In Action’ episode went viral. For an overview, the parents complained about the disciplinary measures that the teacher undertook to discipline the child. Now-senator Tulfo sided with the parents, and castigated the teacher for administrating corporal punishment to his student. This sparked an online controversy, wherein many netizens went to the defense of the teacher. Online users shared past experiences wherein they also received a harsh punishment in school, pointing out that these are part of the discipline construction of the child. Many also said that the parents nowadays are too dramatic, and unnecessarily magnifies the actions of the teachers.

However, a more recent case on January 2023, involved a teacher who was sentenced to a six years imprisonment because he forced his students to stuff paper into their mouths. In juxtaposition to

what happened in 2019, this case is obviously much severe. There is a line between disciplinary action and downright child abuse. In this case, the teacher did not only cross that line; he jumped over it.

Teachers are in loco parentis when children are at school. The ordinary habit of life is that parents reward good work and punish the bad. Since teachers are in place of the parents, they are the second parents of the kids, they will also do the same to the good and bad work of the students. The question therefore is not about whether or not the teacher should discipline his students. The question is: How severe is a punishment or what are the elements of a punishment that constitutes child abuse?

It takes a village to raise a child; parents and their parenting skills are not sufficient. Everyone agrees that values formation is one of the reasons they send their children to school. In fact, one of the most common responses of parents when met with insolence from their child is: Is that what you have learned from school? It seems like parents have become too complacent to the ability of the school to shape an ethical human being that they seem to

forget that foundation for values formation is formed at home. When in school children are taught to be disciplined and they see that discipline is being exhibited by their teachers, but at home they don’t see any semblance of discipline from their parents, it will result to cognitive dissonance. Furthermore, when the foundation of values formation is perverted, the ethical structure of the child will be the same. We can’t castigate the teachers for going overboard with their discipline to the students without shedding criticism to the disciplinary action, or lack thereof, undertaken by the parents. There are instances wherein the teacher’s actions constitute child abuse, there is no question about that. However, one must give them the benefit of the doubt. Surely, this teacher did not snap without prior provocation. There is no denying that being a teacher is a taxing job, not just because of the teaching process, but because their job entails dealing with students with different upbringing. Hence, in an unfortunate event of a teacher going overboard with his disciplinary action to the child, the fault should be shared with the parents of so.

“Home”

Althea Kassandra B. Alminiana

Iinitially was pleased to complete my school year in the luxury of my own home. I then enjoyed the comfort it brought me to learn at my own pace with my family around me cheering me joy and love.

Then suddenly the happiness twisted into agony-a squeezing pain I cannot bear. I couldn't manage the ticking of the clock that seemed to travel like a bullet in my mind once there was too much for me to accomplish. I couldn’t handle it as much as I wanted to. I feel like I'm drowning, but not from the water, but from the number of deadlines we have had to complete. The sound of hammering raindrops aggravates my headache to the point where I am unwilling to pay attention to my modules. When I wanted to shut my dreams because of mountains and mountains of expectations from people around me. I could feel the weight of the world crash upon my shoulders. My beautiful dreams turned out to be my worst nightmare. My heart was pumping so hard but I didn't want to say anything. I had to conceal my distress in my voice. If only someone could understand what I was going through.

They say education is life, and for me, it used to be in the four corners of the classroom, and suddenly now it is in the four corners of our home. I loved it when it started to be this way. But I don’t understand why I hate it now. They say learning is life but how could it be when the life today is not the same as the life I foresee. My hands are shaking tired as much as my mind too. I'm exhausted. I truly am. I am confused. Lost. Drag down. And the anxiousness that I can't seem to shake. I even couldn’t handle it all as I stared at my busy mother. I didn't have the courage to tell her about all of my issues since I didn't want to add to her worry not to mention she trusted me a lot. I feel like there’s no one in the house who will understand me.

My friends, I can’t see my friends. I am trapped in the bubble of my room, counting down the hours sitting down on my wooden desk, staring at my pen. I can’t go out to see the world and how it is now. I can’t meet my friends. I can’t travel to places we planned to. I can’t meet my new teachers and even my heart doesn’t want to learn because I am lost now. I am suffocated with this smoke I’m not familiar with. I can’t breath…I can’t…and then there was no vision my eyes could see. Where am I?

I then saw my Mom but I couldn't touch her. My hands just passed her. I talked to her, but she didn’t listen. Then I heard her say, “I apologise, my dear. I'm sorry for not noticing. I'm sorry I didn't see all of your agony throughout this pandemic, and I'm sorry that because I'm usually busy, you didn't have the confidence to tell me about all your issues. “I'm sorry,” my mother’s cry echoed and then I realised we both stood there at my grave.

I cannot bear the scene I’m witnessing as it broke my heart into pieces and so I ran as fast as I never did before. With my legs almost crossed, I stumble on my knees. With courage I don’t know where it came from, I raised them and to my amazement I felt my mother's arms around me. They are warm. They are real as if they guard me from all my sorrows and fears. I’m in my room now, away from the worst nightmare I’ve ever had. I am at the refuge of the love I failed to notice then. I am in my mother’s arms, enough to tell me that everything will be okay, that everything too shall pass. I realised even more that in the arms of my mother I come to believe I am home.

Beliefs

“You’re a failure!” an endless voice in my head says. The music in my head makes my eyes cloud over. As I kneel, I feel the tears running down my cheeks, I ask myself, “what could go worse? “

I keep hearing it over and over. It’s like a knife pierced through my soul like sticks and stones may break my bone, those words break my confidence. Those words linger in my head until who I am becomes who I was. A lot of people say words won’t make you bleed. Words won’t make you scrape your knees. But words make me touch rock bottom. Words are like tattoos permanently engraved on my being.

Words become beliefs, once you’re forced to start agreeing.

“You’re a disgrace in this family,” my father’s baritone voice filled the house. I smiled. Words. It’s my belief – failure, mistake, disgrace. It’s all me. I am all of that.

Bloody splinters of glass sparkled on the tips of my feet. A deafening silence filled my room. I hummed myself a gentle piece of music. There, there.

I cut because I can’t deal. It’s all simple. The world becomes an ocean, the ocean washes over me, the sound of water is deafening, the water drowns my heart, my panic becomes as large as the planets. I need release, I need to hurt myself more than the world can hurt me, and then comfort myself. There, there.

It’s counterintuitive, yes? That hurting yourself makes you feel better. That somehow you can rid yourself from pain by causing yourself pain.

One, Two, Three

Angelica

Grace Babor

“No pain, no gain,” A lot of people say. Pain, Heartbreaks, Failures, Is it really necessary?

As I walked in the midst of the crowd during the graduation ceremony, a smile crept into my face. An ocean full of graduating students. I see the waves of proud parents. I see them. I see all of them. Even the red carpet where I am walking with glistening tears that’s plastered in the students’ promising faces. I can see them. I made it this far. I closed my eyes and then counted one, two and three. I don’t see them at all.

One, two, three. I opened my eyes as I finally had the courage to open my report card. “Congratulations!” My classmates’ loud cheers as with honors. Finally, a grade that’s worth celebrating for. I happily showed it to my parents’ big smiles and wide eyes. My father just threw it in the trash. “Are you happy with such a grade as that?” Heads down. Tears escaping. It’s not enough. I need to achieve more.

I gave my all. Sleeping now feels like a torture. Eating means wasting time. Dark circles in my eyes started to show up. Competition, that’s how I view my companions now. Reading instead of enjoying. Tears. Screams. Struggles. Frustration. I count one two three.

“With high honor!” My teacher announced. I inhaled a far-reaching breath of air. My head started to spin. My eyes begin to blur, I count one two three and then my mind goes blank.

“Congratulations, awardees!” The speaker in front said and students started throwing their caps mid-air. A tear escaped my eyes. At the back where I am hidden. “Well done,” I whispered to myself and let my soul be free.

Kiezumi Malik

I am a soulless canva; breathe life into me. Revolutionize me; paint me red. In a pit of silence, hear the lullabies that are my screams. Of strength and courage, I shall dance on the maroon splashes. But not so brave; I may slip on yellow. Then forget to lay on the mellow. I am a soulless canva; paint me lores telling of life, singing of comforting melodies.

Brush these colors onto me. Dance and sing inside me. Mirror the art of life, light me up. Then and there shall there be prize for an artist of ingenious minds.

Amidst the sweltering month of May, come a sudden visit of rain. The vigorous evening wind swayed the drops of rainfall to shatter loudly and harshly against Juan’s bedroom window. Deep at night and everyone in his home had fallen asleep, except for him. He was facing both a week-worth of modules and a deadline for submission the day after.

Pressure rushed through him when he caught a glimpse of the clock hanging on the wall. Quickly, he picked up his pen and opened his module in English 10. But no more than ten minutes had passed and he was already on his phone scrolling through tiktok – well, it wouldn’t hurt to condition his mind first, right? He thought to himself. Until a supposedly brief mind-setting had eaten up an hour gap since he dropped his pen to work on his papers.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic knocked the Philippines down to its feet and forced the education sector to continue classes on separate homes, Juan had found himself lost and drowned in numbers and letters of his modules. He fell behind his classmates. Once a topperforming student in his class, Juan turned to become a student who had no ‘with honors’ attached to his academic performance. The times of the old had gone away. Month has passed: moving up day! YEY!

It was supposed to be a YEY!

Moment for students like himself set march in completion of Junior High

Becoming Beyond

Jeromelee

Angelica Grace Babor

yeS-o Cleaning the ground through mobilizing the Metrian youth for the environment.

Rcy. Promoting risk preparedness through Red Cross Youth disaster simulation— to help and to save.

SPoRtS. Rising above oneself in aiming for the goal; it’s sports.

SPa: tRanScenDinG BeyonD. Assimilating Metrian talent with artistic creativity.

SPJ. Metrian campus journalists living the ancient tale of Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas championing journalism across the city.

SPa Strumming the Metrian talent into moving music.

acaDeMic StReSS. Cooling academic stress with the sounds

PRacticaL ReSeaRcH. Research formalized curiosity; it is A purposeful poking and prodding.

Numbers

Science, Technology,

Jeromelee M. Piana

Beyond Myself

School. Not for him though. The night before the Moving-up Ceremony, he locked himself in his room.

He was stifling the cry-noises coming out of his mouth but the more he did, the more they were rising to a volume. He cried and cried until he fell asleep. Not for long as he heard several knocks on his door. “It must be mother,” he mumbled. He rose from his bed and strode towards his door, only for it to not be opened. “Why can’t I open this?” he said irritably.

The knocking continued. “Wait up! I’m trying but it just won’t open! What do you need, Ma?”

“Tomorrow’s our big day! You don’t seem elated,” The voice that had just spoke kicked Juan out of his reverie. His eyes bulged as wide as a car’s wheel. It was his voice!

Oddly enough, the next thing he knew, he was slowly falling on his feet, his back against the door. “Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become,” the voice said. Juan chuckled, “That’s Musafa talking, isn’t it?”

“He’s your favorite, I know. You see, the past school years… you performed a bit different – or maybe that’s an understatement. But the thing is, what happened – you, not performing well in school – maybe it had to happen. Maybe it was crucial for your personal growth. What matters is you survived”

Every man to himself is a pool of his conscience, ideas, intellect, qualities and virtues. For as long as that pool is not drained of those elements, a man has nothing to worry about his humanity. He only has to remember to look inside himself and see that he is more than what he has become.

Metriana- yearning and outlasting

Jeromelee M. Piana

Pak! Pak! Pak!

Eyeliner drawn up on my eyelids, Johnson baby powder slapped against my face, of course, the classic lip tint— SLAY! Then, off I go! “Ma! I’m coming to school now!” I shouted from the depths of my room. I left the mirror and walked off from my room. I swayed my way out of the house, my backpack hanging on my back.

“Angkol! Irineo, ‘Kol,” I said, waving my hand in the air to get picked up by the tricycle passing by the street.

The blue tricycle shimmering in the 7:30 morning sunlight stopped by and asked where I was about to go. I stated the name of my school: “Irineo High School, Kuya.” I offered him a sweet-teen smile after. He only stared dead at me and said, “Dele lang.” He steered away, leaving me on that spot. That pissed me off on my first day in school after 2 years but trying to be still in my positivity vibes as I need to be vibrant for today.

Out in the sweltering morning, I stood waiting for another tricycle to pick me up and bring me to school until finally, I got to hop on a ride and arrived school— at 7:59! I should’ve woken up early. But then, I should cut myself some slacks because I come from a far, far, far away land: Baranggay Apopong. If only there’s no traffic along the way, I wouldn’t be this late. It’s been months since the Mabuhay Underpass construction started.

Going through that road in a rush hour at seven in the morning is a noxious everyday-experience. Breathing pollution was a daily routine!

It’s Friday and for the past four days in the week, I’ve always come late— like today.

MONDAY (I arrived at 8:05 AM)

“Metriana! You’re late! This is strike one, do you understand?” said Ma’am Kesia, looking straight through my soul.

TUESDAY (I arrived at 7:56 AM)

“Metriana, STRIKE TWO!”

WEDNESDAY (I arrived at 8:20 AM)

“STRIKE THREE!”

THURSDAY (I arrived at 8:56 AM)

“MISS METRIANA! I DEMAND TO SEE YOUR PARENT TOMORROW!”

Metriana, Metriana, Metriana, Metriana— my ears were full of it!

I turned my back from the tricycle. I was hurrying like a pregnant woman about to launch her baby-rocket from inside her belly.

“Hoy! Bayad nimo!” the driver said in a passive-aggressive tone. I sensed the accusation in his voice as if I was deliberately running away from paying. I swirled on my feet, flanked my hands on my hips, and raised a brow. “Wow Kuya ha. It’s not like I wasn’t gonna pay you.” I took the 20 pesos from my worn-out wallet.

I handed it over to him, thinking he’d just scoot away but he really had to say something: “Ing-ana gyud ang mga bata dira sa Irineo noh, suplada ka dai, naa pay ngabil nimo nga hastang pulaha”

WOW! Do people really think that way about us? Ugh! What a frustrating statement. I remembered I was running super late so I couldn’t afford to mind him. I just shrugged it off.

AT THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING…

From beneath the staircase, I contemplated for a bit. What should I say to Ma’am Kesia? I’m pretty sure she’ll go ballistic on my fifth strike! This was the fifth time in the week that I went to class late. I peered at my watch. OH NO! The clock had only struck 8:20! She still has ten minutes and I’m certain she’ll devour every minute of her time. She’d still witness my demise! See me break a record!

I figured I wouldn’t get something good out of pondering down the staircase so with a heavy heart along with heavy steps, I strode to my classroom where in my entrance, Elsa, Arandelle’s frozen queen seemed to have possessed my body because everyone froze. All heads turned on me and of all the eyes that threw daggers at me, there was one pair of eyes that differed: my friend, Neo’s teasing stares. But I knew what was about to explode… 1… 2… 3…

“METRIANA, YOU’RE LATE. AGAIN!”

As if I haven’t gotten used to it, I flew off the ground for a quick yet very daunting second of my life. I squeezed my eyes shut and just posed a peace sign with both my hands.

LATER IN THE AFTERNOON…

“Missis, your daughter has been coming to school late for FIVE CONSECUTIVE DAYS.” Ma’am Kesia sternly glanced at me then back at my mother she continued, “Is there a problem at home?”

Mamang gave me a blank look then told Ma’am Kesia that there was no problem at home. That I was always coming home late, that I was always staying up late in front of my laptop, that I had probably turned into a sukarap, that my bag was filled with nothing but my make-ups and lip tints. No notebook at all. Until it went down to me probably that having vices like smoking and drinking alcohol and having a boyfriend made them conclude that I am deliberately neglecting my academic responsibilities.

NONE AMONG WHICH WAS TRUE!

Mamang even said that I’ll probably end up like my cousin who went to Irineo too but had to drop out because she got pregnant.

It was what she saw of me… of my fellow Metrians.

Little did she know, I’ve only been coming home late because I’ve been busy meeting with my group mates in Research after class. Then at home, I’d stay up late to cope with my missed assignments because I had to skip class as I had been training in the Computer Laboratory in preparation for the upcoming Division Schools Press Conference. My records in class show that I had been quite the academic achiever but a season of academic hell altered how they see me and it revealed their perception of the studentry of my school. They’re no different to that driver who dropped me at school.

But my mind wanted to explode and air out to everyone that Metrians are achievers. We are competent. We are competitive. But the mistakes of the few had stained our image. Why stereo typing? why dragging our school? Why dragging the Metrians?

So please no, please find it in your heart to really know who we are. Metrians are far from that. We are of worth; we are of value. Just like any other students, we yearn for a happy life of learning and relearning. We beg you that, we are hopeful, you can give us that.

FRienDSHiP. The camaraderie within diversity

HiV SyMPoSiuM. Metrians’ embark on a battle against the stigma on people with HIV through participating in a symposium and HIV testing.

ReaDinG on tHe Go. Studying and reading. Marching and aiming towards academic victory.

oJe. Metrians’ taking a peak of their future career during On-the-job experience.

ReaDinG FeStiVaL. Beyond the Metrian voicechampioning talent and pride during the Reading Competition

Ste

Engineering student taking charge towards Scientific renaissance within the Metrian community.

caReeR. A practice teacher from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges advancing holistic education for Metrians.

Cooling the heat of sounds of rock and roll.

FInday Sara: Mindanao’s Daring Darling?

Dollyn Angel Camacho

From Nothing to Something

Angelica Grace Babor

Iierce as Davao’s soaring eagle from the south, Sara Zimmerman “Inday Sara” Duterte-Carpio is Mindanao’s daring darling— beloved to many in her hometown, Davao City. But now that she has assumed the office of the Philippine vice president following her overwhelming victory in the May 2022 national election, Filipinos all over the country have since grown to love her.

Strong and unmovable, she grew up in the Duterte family— a clan of prominent gladiators in the political arena of Davao City. Far from public service, Sara is just like any other young girl in a sweltering city in Mindanao. Her family fondly called her “Inday” which translates to beloved in Visayan. Born to former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman Duterte, the latter being a former flight attendant and a teacher.

Braving the harsh waves of politics, Sara proved to have

mastered the art of emerging victorious in delivering genuine public service to the people she serves.

Sara was the first ever elected woman and youngest vice mayor from 2007 to 2010 and mayor of Davao City back in 2010. From then on, she went on to collect achievements that greatly benefited her constituents.

In 2007, Sara showed transformational leadership skills through her ground-breaking initiative while serving as Vice Mayor, "Inday Para sa Barangay," an annual whole-of-government approach to service in each of the city's 182 barangays that is now known as the Caravan of Government Services. The “Davao Life is Here” logo was developed while she served as mayor. It promoted Davao City's image as a coveted market and destination for investment and tourism events, including the Meetings, Incentives, Conference,

Springing from the home of the champions, Lorelei Geronimo Pacquiao rose to victory from the 2022 May election in General Santos City in the mayoral race — taking huge leaps ahead of her electoral race. But this was not the first time in her life that she went ahead of a challenge posed against her.

Mayor Pacquiao pursued her secondary studies in Labangal National High School in 1995 where she left a mark of her exceptional leadership skills as well as spraying a scent of her lovable charisma as the majorette of her school’s marching band, but the 43- year old mayor of GenSan had to live the common Filipino tale of a daughter sacrificing a portion of herself to help her financially struggling family to

Exhibitions business.

With 117 accolades from March 2017 to December 2021, she was able to elevate Davao City to a prestigious position on the national stage. The Commission on Audit's list of the Top 10 Richest Cities in the Philippines for 2021 includes Davao City and the Department of Commerce and Industry recognized Davao City as the 4th Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City the same year.

The Philippine National Police Academy Tagapagkalinga Class of 1991 and the Philippine Military Academy Maharlika Class of 1984 both include Sara as adopted students. She is a member of both the Army Reserve Command of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. The 2202nd Ready Reserve Combined Arms Brigade of the Philippine Army now has her as its assistant brigade commander. She is a colonel. She has received numerous awards for her efforts in Davao supporting the Philippine Armed Forces, including medals, ribbons, badges, and citations.

She worked as a Court Attorney for the Supreme Court of the Philippines for a brief period in 2006, and then later served Davao as vice mayor ‘Inday Para sa Baranggay’, from 2007 to 2010, now referred to as the Caravan of Government Services when she was elected mayor in 2010.

Inday Sara’s early works reflected her advocacies and serve as a guidebook of what to expect of her administration as the incumbent secretary of education in the country.

Sara, just like her father, is a remarkable politician whose passion for public service burns in the chain of her accomplishments and credentials.

Spring of a Champion

Jeromelee M. Piana

survive. In her case, she had to skip college to add a hand to her family in making a living out of selling food — life then in the south of the Philippines was difficult.

The then 22- year old Lorelei married Alberto “Bobby” Dapidran Pacquiao, the city’s promising young professional boxer and brother of the global boxing icon, Senator Manny Pacquiao. Despite entering the sphere of wedded women in 2001, the goal of locking that diploma in her grip was tattooed in her soul— it was a life mission. During the early stage of her marriage with Bobby, she continued her tertiary studies. She enrolled in Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges in General Santos, taking up the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration by the year 2009. This she did amidst the bustles of her life. Running their small businesses, taking care of her children, managing a basketball team, and having to fly aboard a lot of times— most especially during the international fights of Manny Pacquiao as she was a member of his official entourage: Team Pacquiao. Prior to taking the seat in the Bahay Pamahalaan, Lorelie started her political career from the bottom. She first ran for the position of the Punong Barangay in Barangay Labangal way back

ris R. Visaya, known as the mother of Metrians, has become a woman of inspiration to everybody— students and teachers alike. Now a principal at Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas, Iris is admired because of her humility and great passion for teaching and leading, spurred by her determination to bring honor to her school.

The 51-year-old principal has already taken a long leap from where she came from. Despite her family’s misunderstandings and difficulties at work, she never gave up on becoming the woman who can empower herself today.

Dealing with work was never easy for her. Imagine the new environment she faced during her first month as a principal at ILSNHSMD. It's an everyday struggle, especially because she wants everyone to be walking and working in one direction. She wants to win and convince her co-workers, as a leader, to believe in her vision. Establishing her integrity and credibility as a leader is one of her struggles.

W2010 and won through her campaign anchored on her HELP platform which aimed to provide effective and efficient programs on health, education, livelihood, and peace and order.

A competent leader that she was in Brgy. Labangal, her sense of public service proved to know none of the territorial boundaries.

At a time when Visayas lived at the mercy of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, she was willing enough to accept then Congressman Manny Pacquiao of commissioning her to extend relief operations for the victims of the super typhoon in the ravaged areas of Leyte and Samar. Merely days later after the strike of the typhoon, she successfully organized, deployed and conducted relief-operations with the help of kind-hearted volunteers mostly from Barangay Labangal distributing about 10,000 family packs.

Henerals voted into office a leader who, in her time as the barangay captain of Labangal, managed to be elected by 26 barangay captains as their Liga ng mga Barangay President back in 2018— unopposed at that. This feat that only she has so far achieved in the organization’s history.

Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao is truly a strong woman of clean political conscience who can live up to the spirit of her job over which the Henerals, her constituents, are lucky for.

In her family, she remained a good role model amidst the chaos they were facing. Even though some of her relatives didn’t finish school, she has a big heart and is open-minded enough to understand her family.

With God by her side, she's never afraid to face the battles ahead of her. She surrenders her worries to God and seeks guidance from Him because she believes that there are no big challenges if there's no God. God is there to bring solutions to every challenge she faces. This belief gives her a sense of peace and comfort in difficult times, knowing that she is not alone in facing life's challenges. She also finds strength in her faith to overcome obstacles and move forward with hope and positivity.

Looking back, she realizes that her struggles have shaped her into the strong and resilient person she is today, and she is grateful for the lessons she has learned along the way.

Moving on

Althea Kassandra Alminiana Kristian Geneva Tocino

ho is a mother? Who is a woman? The first string of thoughts that would probably sprung from anyone’s mind is a birth mother, a caring, loving and a kind-hearted person who will die and live to protect her children and family. In every woman’s life, there is that walking, running and battling stories to tell and share. Each of those stories are unique and are something to learn about. Each may bring encouragement or disappointment but one thing is for sure it will be remembered and treasured.

I met this one woman whom I know to be very strict in all aspects, from being a perfectionist teacher to a very meticulous mother and friend. She is known by everyone as a person who will withstand whatever test she will be in. A lioness that will not step back any setbacks and odd circumstances. I’ve known her by that and whenever she entered our class, it seemed I was swallowed by her.

Not until she became my coach, I have known her little by little. To many, she might be known as a lioness, but deep inside her resides a soul of a cat with a soft and generous heart. Then we’re into a conversation where she unknowingly told me how she survived the darkest part of her life. In particular, an event she will never forget is the day her husband left, leaving their 9 years old son under her care. She vividly remembers the emotions she felt and the thoughts that ran through her mind. Yes, this event in her life made her feel worthless and meaningless. That the pain inside her succumbed to that softness she had long before kept for herself. Life for her is useless.

The separation of a loved one and the humility she must’ve felt is one

of the hardest things a mother can bring herself to talk about. Their story continued, but they will never be seen together in the next chapters.

She will never forget that day in the year of 2001. She will never forget how her heart sank, feeling a thud inside, being so stunned that she couldn't move or speak straight. She had no one to step in and take over when she felt overwhelmed. She took a road less traveledjourney for the strong. She faced many challenges and struggles along the way that made her long for death.

Days turned into weeks, weeks to months, and months to years. Unexpectedly on bumps and straights, her life moved on and she stood with grace fighting the challenges God has given to her. Those obstacles made her a strong independent woman, caring multitasker daughter, a lone parent, a sole provider, a helper, a fighter, a full circle.

Life is indeed like a movie. What a plot twist she was in. This road less traveled strengthens her, giving her more determination, more inspiration to do what she wants, to take the road she wants. Indeed, for her, difficult roads in fact do lead to beautiful destinations. Her story made her share wisdom to all women that inspite and despite of life’s odds and misfortunes, there is always a beautiful inner side of every individual that will spring in the midst of low expectations. Here she is today, standing firmly as she shares wisdom with the young.

This is a story of a teacher from Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas, an epitome of a strong independent woman.

SARA FOR DEPED MATATAG. Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte Carpio delivers her speech as she takes over the department and plans for a stronger and better education sector for the country.

Photo Courtesy: Avito Dalan

The Department of Education is on the go in helping students develop their full potential through various programs and initiatives. One of these initiatives is to produce a highly skilled, quality graduates, who are globally competitive in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering. To achieve this goal, the Department of Education offers the Special Curricular Program in Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP) offers cuttingedge curriculum and hands-on experience which aims to produce a responsible, morally sound, globally adept in the field of Science, and Engineering Technology.

STEP offers cutting-edge curriculum and hands-on experience

This program is designed to increase access to quality secondary education and develop students who are interested and capable of pursuing careers or higher education in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering.

e ditorial:

SIM Registration Act: A double-edged sword

The advent of technology has brought either joy or sorrow for most. Joy since they significantly benefit via online transaction. The skyrocketing text scams, phishing, cybercrimes and spams raised concerns and anxiety, which led to the implementation of the R.A. 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 10, 2022. However, this is not the best countermeasure for the problem, there could be more risks than the benefits it will bring.

According to Ivy Grace Villasoto, the Former Officer-in-Charge of the National Privacy Commission’s Privacy Policy Officer, that some subscriber’s may be digitally, socially or financially excluded if they are unable to register their sim cards due to having no valid ID’s or cannot shoulder the additional registration costs.

The New Sim Registration Act is more favorable for those who have the means to provide a valid proof of their identity. It is not accessible for everyone. People could be pushed to their limits, in order for their sim cards not to be deactivated as it is a means for communication.

By citing experiences from other developing countries and the European Union, the cybersecurity policy analyst, Mary Santos stated in a recent interview that registering sim cards has the potential to put the security, privacy, and welfare of the citizens at risk.

The SIM registration is not an unprecedented event therefore, the experiences of other countries could be used as a mirror to reflect on. Many governments have introduced similar policies that pose a threat where personal details will be shared in exchange for prepaid mobile services.

Additionally, the IT experts and ICT rights and advocates express that RA 11934 could intrude users’ privacy and might not be effective in discouraging scams and crimes via text messages or phone calls.

There is no assurance that once all the sim cards are registered, it will conclude and stop all the text scams, spams, phishing and cybercrimes in the Philippines.

On the other hand, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, stated that the sim registration act is the best action as a first line of defense against scammers, con artists, and criminal elements, who use their gadgets for nefarious activities.

The government took the best course of action amidst the rise of concerns about sim related crimes that could teach the people to become responsible for their own choices and actions. To think twice before doing nefarious activities using their gadgets.

The new law may be a double-edged sword that could bring more harm than good or it could also be the opposite. By reflecting on the other countries’ experiences about sim registration law, will help as an example and will be a great impact to the implementation of the sim registration act in the Philippines and by taking appropriate action could lead to the possibility of the whole country to belong on the good side of this double-edged sword.

Therefore, it is up to the people to decide, whether to live with unlimited freedom that gives shelter to lawbreakers or a limited freedom country, with responsibility and peace.

R.A. 11934 known as sim Registration Act of 2022, the first law inked by Marcos, regulates the use of sim cards by mandating all end users to register their mobile phone numbers.

By: Noroden Macalawan

"I have learned a lot upon staying in the STE Program. I enjoyed learning with our specialized or advanced subjects like Science, Technologies or Robotics, Biotechnology and Research," said Februsaint Millamena, a former student under the Science, Technology and Engineering Program of Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas. "I think its

A

Bear that Cares

Gone are the days where everything is just perceived. A bear that cares for the elderly is now real. The invention of Toshiharu Mukai, the affable scientist in Japan aims to provide a healthcare robot for the elderly in the future.

Robear is a high-tech teddy bear with a great mission to help elderly care easier as the aging population in Japan increases each year. It uses an advanced technology to power up artificial intelligence, vision, flexible movement and its giant arms which are strong enough to lift a

heavy weight aged person. This robot can replace the health care personnel and is able to perform

goal is to give students a well-rounded education that will prepare them for a wide range of careers in Science, Technology, and Engineering, particularly in our country."

the tough work of helping patients, lifting them to their wheel chairs using its strong arms. Robear is designed to be powerful yet seemingly pleasing to the eyes at the same time. Thus, elderly patients will eventually be comfortable with it.

The Current prototype Robear costs about $168,000 to $252,000. Similarly, Robear

is not only expensive but also too complicated in terms of its operations since it is difficult to grip it back. Eventually, Robear is now ready for hospital’s use. However, as technology becomes more advanced in the near future, the robots will be more common and it will become accessible to the social institutions even to the ordinary humans’ day to day acquaintances.

Health Corner: taWaL uL aD

Karen Claire Lazaro

Ethnobotanical medicine in the Philippines has brought remarkable attention to treat severe diseases as the global COVID-19 Pandemic struck the world. The health of human bodies is at stake. Thus, B’laan tribes at Mount Matutum Protected Landscape in Southern Mindanao, Philippines has introduced a variety of ethnomedical plants to address the global health issues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the efficiency of the medicinal plant through its data sheet available which states that traditional plant-based medicines are used by about 80% of the population in Asia and Africa.

The Tawal-Ulad (Lunasia amara Blanco) has the highest usage value and is used to treat snake bites, dengue, dysmenorrhea, constipation, rabies, and hypertension.

Tawal Ulad with its scientific name (Lunasia amara Blanco) is found in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape, Kablon, Maligo, Acmonan, Miasong,

Linan in particular. This is the major watershed covering four municipalities that supplies 25% of the water requirement of the SOCCSKSARGEN area. It is also home to various rare endemic birds and mammals.

A study of Alinsug, M.V. et al, (2021) School of Graduate Studies, Mindanao State University, Fatima General Santos City, intends to create a thorough inventory of the medicinal flora at MMPL in accordance with the customary medical procedures of the B’laan, tribal group whose cultural legacy is rooted in their interactions with the environment and with a rich and understudied ethnomedicinal system. The documentation has recorded 19 different disease categories where the plant species are therapeutically useful. The portion of plant useful are the roots and leaves, which undergo the process of decoction as the most typical preparation for oral use.

According to Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) research,

the B’laan tribal healers most frequently use medicinal plants to treat scabies, viral infections, warts, cholera, beriberi, diabetes, and gastric ulcers. The diversity of therapeutic plants, even though some species are still unknown.

The B’laans claim that plants are sacred since they are the creations of God and gifts to their tribe, and according to research on biodiversity published in January 2022, they are highly dependent on their natural surroundings. The B’laans also hold the opinion that plants have supernatural spirits and should thus be cherished. Due to the inaccessibility and high cost of modern healthcare, the group, like the other tribes in the Philippines, prefers to consult with tribal healers as attested by Palaganas et al., (2001). Traditional healings are more practical than those performed by professionals. Yet, in spite of their usual beliefs, tribal healers advise seeking out expert medical help, especially in circumstances where life is at stake.

Shania Krizl S. Cabasan

Robear depicts the actual care of patient through its strong built arms which is able to transport patient to elsewhere in the hospital.

Courtesy Photo: Alexander Raths

A blessing to wellness and health from IP’s brought life and joy to the ailing human body and soul. Photo Courtesy: Ethno-Pharmacological Plants of IP Communities:Socsargen

Clean-up Drive

The Metrian enthusiasts have proven itself in bringing about the DepEd core values: Makakalikasan, or an environment advocate. The school-wide clean-up drive in consonance with the LGU's LGP Cares Program known as "Paligid ko, Linis ko", held, March 4, 2023. The activity was spearheaded by the officers, advisers and teachers of the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization the (Yes-O) participated by the students especially the OHSP PE class who volunteered to clean the whole campus. Volunteers have picked up trash, swept the whole campus ground in and out of its premises. Most of these trashes include: plastic bottles, plastic cups, plastic bags, dried leaves, and papers

The school principal, Iris Visaya, who was also with the team in upholding clean and green school campus, said that the activity was very timely because the school needs a total overhaul in terms of upholding cleanliness

Glorietta Gloria and orderliness. She intensified further that such a clean-up drive must not only be done just within the allotted schedule but it must be a lifestyle of everyone to pursue in sustaining cleanliness by preserving, protecting and keeping the school greener and fresher.

Cherry Bulahan, the general vice president and officer of Yes-O, who also volunteered in the METRIAN’s clean-up drive said, “We are facing the world’s universal ecological problem, since the public’s compliance with the solid waste ordinance is extremely poor. If the garbage is not properly disposed of, it will remarkably lead to a domino effect and undesirable outcome, like diseases, damage to the environment, pollution, and it eventually causes flash flood. For this reason, the Care program of the LGU Gensan has actively coordinated all schools throughout the city and individuals who wanted to make a difference and contribute

Toxins embed Thailand

Glorietta Gloria

An unpleasant yellow-gray mixture of vehicle fumes, industrial emissions, and smoke from agricultural burning embedded Bangkok Thailand with 29,000 estimated deaths in the country.

January 25, 2023, Thai authorities warned the public especially employees and workers to work from home and stay at home due to the increasing toxic level in the air and thus blanketed the atmosphere day after day.

The World Health Organization pointed out that Thai residents are four times more exposed to the amount of the pollutant, particularly matter 2.5, or PM2.5, than what is deemed safe. The country’s Air Quality Life Index estimates pollution as the main reason for the reduction of average life expectancy. This air toxins is contributed by the remarkable number of registered vehicles all over the country where human health is at stake and impacted by the vehicle emissions, containing climate-changing greenhouse gasses, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde which are dangerous byproducts produced while burning gasoline and diesel fuel. The Thai government says that eight times more vehicles can be properly accommodated on current roadways. Thus, smoke from vehicles is one reason for air pollution. Moreover, carbon dioxide, the most prevalent

greenhouse gas created not only from vehicles but also the Farmers in northern Thailand burn crops for easy clearing of land of residue, pests, and weeds between December to April causing the air to be more toxic and drastically affects people's health.

The toxic chemicals released during burning include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and polycyclic organic matter (POMs). Burning plastic and treated wood also releases heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as dioxin.

The health ministry secretary, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, in an interview, states that the situation would be monitored by all provincial public health agencies, and that emergency centers would be opened in any provinces that saw high levels of pollution for more than three days in a row.

Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor says, "I would like to ask people to be prepared by checking the pollution level before planning a trip."

"The BMA [Bangkok Metropolitan Administration] and pollution department will control the sources of the dust and ask for cooperation from activities that generate dust, such as construction sites or truck transportation,". He also added to monitor the situation throughout February and was expected to be better in succeeding months.

meaningfully to nation building.

“Malinis, Maayos, at Magandang GenSan”. Thus, even in our micro-level efforts, we have a big impact on society, both in the environment of the school and community. She also added that the Key to realize this activity is the unity of everyone to ensure cleanliness in and out of the campus. She further encouraged the students and teachers who were unable to attend to be cognizant and get involved in supporting cleanliness even in their respective homes. Since the program is a city-wide cleanup drive initiative purposely to raise environmental awareness to reduce and eradicate trash and garbage and make Gensan City beautiful all the more.

Jonas Fernando, OHSP Coordinator initiated to solicit from generous teachers any amount voluntarily to provide “Pakain Arroz Caldo” after the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm of the volunteers.

Opinion: Greening the City

Karen Claire Lazaro

The flash flood has been a long problem over a couple of decades. Inevitably, 1.1 million people in two provinces in Isabela were devastated with 73 people dead, 24 injured, and 19 went missing due to flash floods. Marikina residents blame the severe deforestation in the upper Marikina Watershed. People were terrified of what could happen if the problem remained unsolved.

Several groups of NGO’s have exerted massive campaigns to address this issue. Such campaigns include intensive reforestation as the immediate remedy to save mother earth.

In 2019, the Mayor of

Honorable Mark Andrew Arthur Golez, along with his Team Tree, started a tree planting project to bring back the woodland. Manny Buensuceso, architect by profession and one of the front runners of the Team Tree, extended his help to the City Mayor, with the tagline, a TREEmendous, Hope, Love, and Service to mother nature is high time to be taken into account. Thus, the volunteers went out once a week, to set hundreds of samplings within the City. They have planted over 2000 different types of trees at the side of roads and schools in just five weeks, including Narra, Acacia,

Mahogany, Mabolo, African Talisay, and Ilang-Ilang. In due course, when the older trees are gone, several smaller, younger ones frequently grow and thrive. The younger trees absorb more nitrogen than older trees do, which contributes to the air and water quality of our ecosystem. Buensoceso further stated that, “Development is not bad, as long as for every number of trees cut, one has to double or triple planting its replenishment”. Llyod Navarette, one of the Team Tree Volunteers said that as a teacher, it’s not just about imparting knowledge to the

students but also to instilling them to be even more futuristic, otherwise the future of the children’s children is at stake and worst will be no more”. The Tree Team is indeed concerned about the next following generation. He believes the statement “Love your neighbors” does not only apply to people but also to the water, trees, and plants around us. Let the current floods serve as a last reminder of the devastation that Mother Nature may inflict on us. The more we fail to realize such an obligation to safeguard our environment, the more we will bear the consequences. Take extra deliberate care of Mother Nature now without delay.

The Big One

Scientists show Groundbreaking Research on Probability of the Strongest Earthquake. They have long warned about "The Big One" - a catastrophic earthquake that could strike a densely populated area at any moment, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Now, new research has shed light on the potential location and severity of this looming disaster.

According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, the most likely location for the next major earthquake is the Cascadia subduction zone, a fault that runs from northern California to southern British Columbia. This zone has already been responsible for some of the most powerful earthquakes in North America's history, including the 1700 Cascadia earthquake which is estimated to have had a magnitude of 9.0 or higher.

The study's authors used a combination of historical records,

geologic evidence, and computer simulations to create a detailed picture of the potential impacts of a future Cascadia earthquake. They found that the earthquake could last for several minutes, and could produce ground shaking that is strong enough to cause widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The most alarming aspect of the study's finding is the potential for a "tsunami of biblical proportions" to follow the earthquake. The researchers found that a massive earthquake could trigger a series of underwater landslides that would create a tsunami that could reach heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) in some areas.

Despite the ominous findings, authors stressed that there is still much work to be done to prepare for the next major earthquake. The policy makers will take steps to improve infrastructure resilience, increase

public awareness and education, and invest in early warning systems that could help mitigate the impact of a future earthquake.

"The Big One is not a matter of if, but when," said one of the study's lead authors. "It's up to us to take action now to minimize the damage and protect our communities when it does happen." One of the major preparations we can undertake is our fortune after the physical death. Life, our existence on earth is indeed short and where we will spend our eternity is a significant Big One Question that only our inner soul could definitely testify and say.

In the Biblical viewpoint, this must come to pass prior to the coming of Christ. Truly, this is just the beginning of the birth pain. It’s all up to our volition to take action or just remain passive bearing the come what may perspective so less worries yet what a Big One destruction awaits. Which is which?

Shania Krizl Cabasan

Photo Courtesy: Walter Graneri/ Dreamstime.com

Silay City, Negros Occidental

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

Metrians welcome Pasundayag ‘23

Garbed in their respective curriculum attires, Metrians showcased their talents in the long awaited Pasundayag 2023 in Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas, February 18, 2023.

To commemorate after a long challenging period lifting the theme “Highlighting Metrian’s Prowess: Overcoming Pandemic Through Sports”, Metrians engaged in various activities and sports. As a whole, the beloved

Ira Beyounce P. Magdaluyo

tradition to celebrate both beauty and intelligence of Mr. and Ms. Pasundayag has sparked.

School principal Iris R. Visaya fully expressed her support and guidance to the enthusiasm of the Metrian community, together with the Supreme Student Government along with its adviser Jereline Amor Adan.

“I am glad that our intramurals is a success. To our program holders, our SSG, and our stakeholders, thank you so

Empowering Women: Filipina athletes

get glimpse of world cup success as golden trophy

stopovers

in

Klent Jeremy Dagsan

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup champions trophy was presented to the Philippine women's national football team as part of the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour, March 1.

The trophy, on display in the nation until March 2, was unveiled by the Philippine Football Federation, the Australian and New Zealand embassies, and the Philippine Football Federation, under the supervision of FIFA, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.

Co-captain Hali Long and several members of the Filipinas were in attendance. She, the other Filipinas, and the U-20 squad were able to get up close and personal with the trophy that has been used since 1999 for the Women's World Cup.

"We can't touch it, only the winners but it's a really cool experience to have it here in the

Philippines

Philippines for the first time”, Long said.

Joining Long were Filipinas

Inna Palacios and Shai del Campo. Together with their U-20 counterparts, rising stars Bella Flanigan and Chantelle Maniti attended the ceremony. They were able to experience being around the trophy for the first time, Long claimed that this motivated them to shoot outside of New Zealand and Australia and create a long-term campaign to expand the sport.

She added that the trophy is a legacy that will remind them of the tournament for the rest of their lives and that hopefully, the team will not just go there to participate, but to go there to conquer and win for the country; make their family and our countrymen proud and not have the event to be a one-time show at the world cup.

much. Rest assured that as your school head, know I will always give my full support, guidance, and assistance for the Metrians.

We are One Metrian!”, Visaya said.

With the event hosted by Metrian educators Kyle Cuevas and Allan Flores, the crowd leaps

with anticipation and liveliness as contestant march down the stage earning the spotlight.

This year’s Pasundayag eventually came to its finale, sending students away with smiles on their faces, projecting fulfillment and satisfaction with every turn of events.

Raging bulls dominates Pasundayag

MLBB championship game

Gian Andrei Napuran

Raging Bulls is now the greatest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team of Irineo L. Santiago National High School after an intense triumphant 3-2 outplaying the Roaring Lions at the Pasundayag MLBB Championship Grand Final.

The Bulls left the Lions Team Captain Kyle “K4yl” Erojo speechless with the combined firepower of Elian “Hanz” Galzote and Louie “LoUie” Elyoro in the final game at the Admin Building last February 18, 2023.

The Bulls had a clean record of 4-0 at the Elimination Game from their indistinctive style of play.

Coach Dante John Tenizo of the Raging Bulls claimed that his team had been preparing well for the final game, in particular that he was familiar with and could read the opponent’s strategy.

“Grabe talaga ‘yong preparations namin for the game. Particularly kilala ko ‘yong mga players ng Lions, close ko

‘yon sila; malalakas sila. So far nakaya naman ng team ko ‘yong lakas nila.” Tenizo said.

The Bulls take the spot in the 1st game with a commendable performance on Bruno but fell-short at the 2nd and 3rd game.

Lions tried to turn things around in the fourth and final game after K4yl drafted his signature Ling pick.

With a burst damage team composition of Bulls, Lions tried to counter it with Ling, Karrie, Valir, Lapu-lapu, and Akai. However, things went wrong for the Lions, for they had no response to Hanz’s Harley and LoUie’s Kadita in the mid-to-late game.

Meanwhile, K4yl said that their team lost focus in the final game due to the crowd chants but acknowledge the renowned strength of Bulls.

“Nawalan kami ng focus sa last game dahil sa ingay ng crowd. Malakas naman yung Bulls, it’s a fair play talaga. What a game.” K4yl said.

Elian “Hanz” Galzote was crowned as Finals MVP averaging 9.2 kills, 3.6 deaths and 6 assists with his signature pick Harley.

Bull’s winning moment came at 19-minute mark when they caught Karrie and K4yl’s Ling after securing the Lord near its pit. With the two members down, the Bulls went straight to Lion’s base securing a 3-2 record.

A Sungka game, anyone?

Filipinos are known to be sports lovers, and many of them have made names for themselves in the world of professional sports. Think of Wesley So, a great grandmaster of chess, and Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest boxers in world’s history and considered as our “Pambansang Kamao”. But aside from boxing, chess, basketball, volleyball, board games and others. Filipinos also enjoy their own traditional game, Sungka.

Here’s a little throwback for the 50s-90s kids! Another Larong Pinoy that is popular among Filipino children and adults alike; the two-player, turn-based board game called “sungka” or “sungkasungkaan”.

Sungka is one of the most popular board games in the Philippines and it is played by

Filipinos both young and old. Although it originally began as a female-only amusement, this traditional game that has witnessed Filipino civilization over the years has become their favorite activity to do with friends or their family.

There are 16 holes that can hold 49 game pieces in all, which can be any of the available shells, marbles, pebbles, or seeds. Each player has seven miniature home bases lined up parallel across the board, with seven playing pieces placed in each. Each player removes all of the pieces from the hole that is located on the very left of his side. Then, he distributes them counterclockwise, leaving out an opponent’s “head” but including the player’s own “head” in each hole to the right of the hole where the opponent’s “head” has previously left out.

Gian Andrei P. Napuran

If the final piece falls into a hole that has already been filled, all the pieces are taken out of that hole and distributed to the right of that hole in a subsequent round.

When the final piece falls into a hole on the other player’s side, the current turn of this player is over. If the opposing hole is empty, no pieces are captured.

When there are no longer any pieces in any holes on either side of the board, the game is over. Now, each player counts the pieces in his own “head”, and the one who gathered most wins.

Like any game, Sungka is enticing with a ton of benefits. Learning math and social skills are made easier by playing this age-old multiracial game. With each game, Sungka players tend to be more awake, which is said to help them

In Sports, there is a Future

Samuel Octavio

Sports remain essential because they motivate the youth to exercise and think critically. Sports can be a tool for athletes to improve their values, abilities, and character. They can also be enjoyed and used to prepare for the future.

Several student athletes have benefited from participating in various sports programs in terms of developing their potential and securing a better future.

cHaRacteR DeVeLoPMent

The moment a player starts participating in sports, he has the opportunity to develop his own character and sharpen his mental faculties. They can improve their attitude and social skills by participating in sports. They might be able to meet individuals who share their interests thanks to it, and they’ll probably make lots of new friends as a result.

HiGH-GeaReD SPoRtSManSHiP.

Sports can also help athletes improve their sportsmanship, which is another advantage. Not every situation ends with the desired result. Players may act fairly and learn how to accept both win and defeat by keeping sportsmanship in mind.

SHininG FutuRe SeaLeD.

Varsity athletes can apply for scholarships to support their academic pursuits. The athletes receive free education along with a stipend to help them meet their daily necessities and ensure their future, so they don’t have to worry about paying for their education. The players are motivated to perform better by the team managers’ helping hand because they want to repay the support and work their parents and supporters gave them.

PHySicaL HaRMony

Taking part in sports will give participants the satisfaction of improving their fitness and abilities. Sports undoubtedly help players’ balance, flexibility, endurance, and concentration. Yet, it can also aid in the fight against anxiety and despair.

A challenge for both themselves and their future becoming an athlete. It is dependent on how they keep up with their performance and maintain a healthy balance in their academic life. They use it as a career to put in a lot of effort, make money, and secure their own future.

think more quickly. Playing the said board game demonstrates interest in a traditional Filipino game that captures the victories and setbacks, as well as the virtues and flaws of the Filipino people.

But due to the popularity of online games, many of the younger generation are no longer familiar with this game. It’s time to resurrect this age-old game, dust off your boards, and reconnect with your family while remaining secure at home.

Photo courtesy: Hulyooo asdf

31St SEA GAMES MuAytHAI 2022

Metrian alumna bags gold medal

Jellce Kaye Quindala

Former Metrian Yosorez bags gold in Muay Thai

“Victory is in having done your best.”

This became the adage of Rhichein Yosorez as she executes her feisty performance and wellbalanced moves equipped with strong determination snares a gold medal with her partner Islay Bomogao in a fury Young Blood Relentless 31st Southeast Asian Games at Wangal Sports Complex in Hanoi Vietnam, May 2022.

Team Bagsik’s Philippine Muay team is off to a golden start. Starting with a traditional greeting of both individuals, they begin with movements that execute salutes to the

coaches, opponents, and everyone connected to the fight. Yosorez demonstrates to the crowd her unique style and control. Making the crowd feel amazed, Yosorez performed a strategic technique to produce a power between her moves and resulted with a loud cheer from the crowd.

“On that day, I had mixed feelings about how my partner, and I would perform. There’s a part of me who was anxious, but I also had faith in our ability to succeed. The gold medal we earned was truly worth it after the exhaustion, injuries, and hardships that we had over the two months of training,” Yosorez ended.

Generals training Academy 2022 strives for excellence: ILSNHS

“Discipline is the bridge between goal and accomplishments.”

Irineo L. Santiago NHSMD alumni batch 2008, Andrew Paul D. Rodel believes on this battle cry of taekwondo players from Generals Training Academy where he served as a coach.

The players as they launched their powerful kicks and great moves fueled with great determination, moved coach Rodel to pursue his passion in molding these players.

Rodel was an alumni of batch 2008, a Grade 10-Burgos student of Bernadette B. Falcatan who was back then one of those typical teenage students who skipped classes and even got low grades in school. Falcatan recalled that she refused to accept Rodel in her class due to his unremarkable scholastic records. But as a teacher, she then became an agent to help Rodel do his best and eventually be decent in school.

His passion in Taekwondo brought him to where he is today. His story is one of those inspiring ones that blooms its own time.

Recently, he owned a gymnasium situated at 2nd barrio Lagao this city with her mother managing it. He is a member of PTA - Philippine Taekwondo Association since 2003; a Junior Master instructor and

alumni leads as coach

Jellce Kaye Quindala

a licensed instructor of Pacific College General Santos City and GTA General Taekwondo Academy. He is also the PRISAA 2023 technical officiating official and the Technical Officiating Official of the just concluded Taekwondo GSCAA 2023.

He has produced winning players during the Batang Pinoy speed kicking online held in Vigan including Black belter Eliczar Cabangal, a student of GSC SPED HS who was caught on fire and showed competitiveness made his opponent shiver and won silver medal.

Cyrus Literatus Rull of New Mabuhay Elementary School also showed remarkable skills who also won a silver medal last December 17 -21, 2022. Rodel and his team won various competitions after that, which he highlighted that his

NDDU Kingfishers reigns GSCAA women’s basketball

Notre Dame of Dadiangas University Integrated Basic Education Department of Team PSBEA crowned as GSCAA Secondary Women’s Basketball Champion GenSan after outscoring General Santos City National High School of Team ROCA in Championship Game, 56-37.

The GSCNHS had no answer with the combined firepower of NDDU Kingfishers as it demolished City High at Dadiangas West Central covered court on March 12, 2023.

Their championship game served as a rematch after GSCNHS Lady Dribblers fell short, 64-58 against PSBEA last March 5, 2023. Team PSBEA remains undefeated with a clean 3-0 record.

Coach Jessie Venico of NDDU Kingfishers said that his team had been well-prepared for the game, particularly they already faced GSCNHS Lady Dribblers in the elimination game.

“Regarding sa laro namin ngayon, pinaghandaan talaga namin. Nag adjust lang talaga kami dahil late dumating yung ibang first 5 player namin, so far nakarecover naman.” Venico said.

NDDU Kingfishers heat up with their indistinctive style of play as their teammates arrive and blow points from mid-range, lay-ups and assists.

Madiline Gujilde, NDDU’s Team

Gian Andrei P. Napuran

Captain acknowledges their coach as she thanks him for giving them the opportunity to play.

“I really appreciate Coach Venico’s confidence in us, his sincere and tireless support, and most of all, I thank him for providing us the opportunity to play and showcase our skills inside the court.”

Gujilde said.

Gujilde made an impression as she leads Kingfishers from her renowned strength with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The Kingfishers showed how hard

work, communication and cooperation work inside the court where they achieved the championship.

Meanwhile, Gujilde encourages women who are working hard to improve their gameplay and reach their dreams.

“Every time you step inside the court, be at your best position. Be patient, never make excuses. Once you quit, it becomes a habit. Don’t stop, do your best!”

NDDU-IBED will represent GenSan in SRAA in Kidapawan City alongside the other DepEd Tayo GenSan contingents comes this April.

Physical Contact Sports— a sport or a way to die?

Jully Kathie Coyoca

Sports demanding direct contact between competitors belong to the category of physical contact sports. Pencak Silat, which focuses on combat application and the use of weapons, is an example of this sport. While all sports have at least some forms of risk, contact sports are particularly dangerous as they caused a traumatic injury to one of our Metrian athletes who agonized from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive and fatal brain disease caused by brain injuries. Yes, these physical contact sports are now played by students during local and national competitions, and in my opinion, this should be discouraged. Upon hearing the news about my

accomplishments sprung out not just because of his passion but because he always looks up to his mother.

“I grew up without a father on my side, I grew up having this illness that I could not speak well directly but I manhandled it. I grew up seeing my mother working hard to provide for my needs, and I grew up when my mother handled me with care and made me feel all the love that we deserve”, he said with much gratification in his eyes.

Rodel continued by saying that her mother became his everyday inspiration to finish his studies. Her mother became his mentor and his guide for everything. He is where he is now, because of his mother, he emphasized.

“She never left a day being proud of me and I’m also very proud of my mother who’s always there for me even at my weakest point in life”. Rodel has become an inspiration to all Taekwondo and sports enthusiasts in Irineo. He continues to encourage young athletes to continue dreaming and never stop believing to pursue their passion.

His story of becoming a successful coach from a typical teenage student inspires students as well that setbacks and odds in life are actually keys for improvement. Making his mother a person to always look up to and value is another wisdom he is leaving to his co-metrians.

This is a real-life story of a Metrian Alumni 2008

her mother

Aby Maraño announces retirement from the PH National Volleyball team

Garyboy Maaya

5-foot-7 Aby Maraño steps down from Philippine Women’s Volleyball National Team after dedicating years of her life to serving the country to focus on Premier Volleyball League.

After seven years of service, the seasoned 30-year-old middle blocker decided to focus on F2 Logistics as she announced her resignation from the national team on Instagram, March 12, 2023.

Marano’s time with the national squad was excellent in every way. She played in the South East Asian Games four times in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, while helping the Philippines win bronze in the opening round of the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix.

Maraño confirmed that she is already stepping down to make room for the next generation.

“Retirement means time and space for my other passion. I

“I’m grateful to all my teammates, coaches and National Sports Associations that I’ve worked with within the years I played for the country, and especially to those who believed and trusted my talent. But I won’t be here forever, so it’s time for new leadership.” she said.

Maraño wasn’t included in the national training pool that Inquirer Sports purchased in January.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation is poised to reveal the National Team selection for the next SEA games.

Maraño helped F2 Logistics in reaching the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semi-finals for the first time. Her commitment and hard work have motivated young athletes, and her influence on the national team will surely endure.

RADIATING MARVEL. Courage, skill, determination, and undying commitment were the keys to bag gold medal of the proud Metrian alumna, Rhichein Yosorez. Photo Courtesy: BrigadaNews.ph

UNSTOPPABLE. Kingfishers of Team PSBEA sweated all the way to the championship crown slaying GSC City High players in GSCAA, Mardh 12.

Photo Courtesy: DepEd Tayo Gensan

Coach Paul Andrew Rodel with

Ritchie Daliba.

KICKS OF ENTHUSIASM. Honing and inspiring young athletes, Coach Paul Andrew Rodel shares his expertise in Taekwondo.