Peer helpers transform stock room into listening facility

Peer helper caters student's concern regarding her problems at home. (The photo is intentionally blurred to hide the student's identity for child protection.)

This was administered by the Society of Peer Helpers under the moderation of the Guidance Office in partnership with the Population Commission as part of their Adolescent/Youth Development Program.

“Although, pwede ra pud diri sa Guidance Office kay kanang private man pud ni amoang room. Pero, since it’s a requirement that we are going to establish a listening room at the same time, it promotes mental health. (Although, it’s okay to settle the issues of the students here in the guidance office, because

6.3 M quake jolts Regions XI, XII Residents evacuate as 'fake tsunami alert' rattles Sta. Cruz

Students and residents of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur were alarmed after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the province, causing them to evacuate as a false tsunami alert circulated.

6.3 MAGNITUDE TULUNAN, N. COTABATO INTENSITY VI DAVAO DEL SUR 700-1000 AFTERSHOCKS

Governor Douglas Cagas suspended the classes on October 17. The activities on October 17-18, 2019 were all cancelled due to the incident as announced by the Schools Division Superintendent of Davao del Sur, Mrs. Eufemia Gamutin.

The classes were resumed on October 18, but the students of Sta. Cruz National High School (SCNHS) still did not attend because of their fear that it might strike again and aftershocks were still happening.

“Hadlok kay first nako naranasan atong klase na linog, unya imohang mga silingan nagpanic na ug taman unya maapil na lang pud ka. Naa na sa akong mindset na maayo na lang maniguro so namakwit mi (It was scary because it was the first time I have experienced an earthquake that strong, my neighbors were panicking so I panicked too. It’s in my mindset that it’s best to secure safety that’s why we evacuated),” Twicxi Joy Carreon said, Grade 12 student. it’s also private here. However, since it’s a requirement that we are going to establish a listening room at the same time, it promotes mental health,” Mrs. Victoria Cordero, Guidance Designate said.

Second Quarterly Examination in SCNHS – Senior High School (SHS) were also moved on October 28 -29.

“We suspended the quarterly exams because on October 21-25, which is after the earthquake is the Mid-Year Performance Review and Evaluation (MPRE) was scheduled already so we just moved the exams to October 28-29,” Mrs. Linda Mahomoc said, Assistant School Principal of SCNHS-SHS.

Furthermore, after the earthquake, the municipal office checked the buildings and infrastructures of schools and barangay offices around the municipality to ensure everyone’s safety.

Mrs. Cordero said that when it comes to a more sensitive issue that Peer Helpers and Guidance Office could not settle, the student could go directly to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We are also going to establish a teen center, the purpose is to help the students too,” she added.

The establishment of listening room was also part of the Mental Health Program of the Department of Health (DOH) in tandem with the School Nurse, Mrs. Raquel Mateo.

“Recycled na siya na room, ang mga libro ug bangko na guba ginabutang didto pero amoang gilimpyuhan. Gamay ra mi ug nagasto ana (The listening room was before a storage room, the damaged book and chairs were put there and we just cleaned it. We only spent a little amount of it),” Mrs. Cordero said.

SSG gives school supplies to IP students

Supreme Student Government (SSG) of Sta. Cruz National High School helped the indigenous students by conducting a school supplies drive. Aubrey

On June 8, 2019, the SSG donated notebooks, pens and papers to 60 students funded by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD), Councilor Michelle Bajo and Jajaz Pabs Restaurant.

“I am glad we student leaders have been able to help these students who are less fortunate,” SSG President Luke Matthew Baring said.

He added that they are hoping they could initiate more programs like this for the school year and also for the next administration.

“We are very thankful to the benefactors for this drive, without them we would not be able to help the students and for this program to be successful,” John Mart Wagas, SSG Vice President said.

AFP orients students vs leftist group involvement

Armed Forces of the Philippines – 39th Infantry Batallion (AFP-39th IB) oriented students of Sta. Cruz National High School to be aware on communist group recruitment through a symposium.

On October 10, 2019, Military Technical Jairus Ignacio said that communist groups like the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) usually recruit children.

“Kasagaran biktima aning communists kay mga estudyante or dili kaya katong mga less fortunante nga dali ra mailad (Typically, the victims of these communists were students or those who are experiencing poverty because they are easy to be manipulated,” he added.

He added that the students should always be careful and fully aware.

After the symposium, the students were free to ask questions and were presented with several facts.

The AFP-39THIB said that they are also conducting out of school seminars.