Fists Up for Good Governance thescribblers
Understand the story behind how #Tumindig became a movement seeking for good governance from a mere piece of art in Beating the Status Quo.
straight from the source
Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 August 2020 to August 2021
> Page 6
TOWARDS
VIRTUAL LEARNING Know how to gradually adapt to the daring demands of new normal education on the Scribblers Hacks. > Read on Page 10
BEHIND THE LENSES
Midas Touch > Read on Page 14
AlSci students weigh in on the new normal learning set-up • Scribblers News Team Marielle Mamalo, Shanissa Sales, Ronric Cabudlay, Martchido Santos, AJ Lozano, Denise Anselmo | Illustrations by Allyssa Aisha Perez
Education must continue. In a press release, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said that “in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis… Education must continue whether face-to-face or virtual, with or without physically going to school.” In order to pursue its “Education must
DepEd releases interim guidelines for awards recognition in light of the pandemic • AJ Lozano
As all learning modalities shift to the new normal setup, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued temporary guidelines for the recognition of awards for students amidst the COVID pandemic. DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2021, entitled DepEd Interim Guidelines on Giving of Awards and Recognition in Light of the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan for School Year 2020-2021, sought to “provide guidance on the assessment of student learning and on the grading scheme to be adopted during SY 20202021,” while limiting the academic excellence awards recognized for this school year. > awards recognition on page 3
continue,” mantra, the Department of Education proposed five different learning modalities in its Learning Continuity Plan: Online Distance Learning, Blended Learning, Modular Distance Learning, Radio-Based Instruction, and TV-based Instruction. As the school year of online learning
came to its end, the students of Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS) expressed their viewpoints on the effectiveness of the new normal modalities. Students highlighted the plights of conducting online and blended learning as the primary modalities used by the school. > new normal set-up on page 3
STILL A LONG WAY TO GO
20% agrees that the school has fully adapted to the new normal way of learning.
80% argues that the school is still far from fully adapting to the new normal way of learning.
As we step into the second year of online classes let’s understand why only a small part of the AlSci community thinks that the school has already fully adapted to the new normal way of learning. > Read on Voice of the Peopoll // Page 7
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2 thescribblers straight from the source
NEWS
Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 August 2020 to August 2021
INSIDE THIS SECTION
• Behind the Lenses AlSci students weigh in on the new normal learning set-up page 3
• News in Capture Learning Knows No Boundaries page 3
SarProv boosts pandemic response, Opens 75-room COVID isolation and treatment facility • AJ Lozano
I
n order to heighten the province’s guard against the Coronavirus pandemic, the new Sarangani COVID Isolation and Treatment Facility opens to serve Sarangans. Located in Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani Province, the facility has 75 fully-air conditioned rooms which is open to serve Covid patients in Sarangani Province and medical professionals who will assist the patients in the facility. In a video released by Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, where he gave a tour of the newly built facility, he said that the center will not confine its patients inside the isolation room and they are allowed to leave their quarters but given with restricted movement. “Every month, meron po tayong one team na one month matutulog lang dito. After that, the medical team will leave and a new team will come in for another month. Then, the
previous team will isolate themselves in our sports complex for 14 days, our doctors and nurses,” the solon further explained the process of selecting the medical workers that will serve in the facility. Meanwhile, the Sarangani Provincial Government also provided additional aid to its province-run hospitals and rural health units to improve the prevention of the Coronavirus Disease. Additionally, according to the Sarangani Provincial Information Office, the Sarangani Provincial Health Office distributed 1,000 Covid-19 test kits, personal protective equipment (PPEs), disinfectants, and a dry fluorescence immunoassay analyzer was provided to diagnose COVID cases more accurately. Moreover as of July 26, 2021, the province has 3000 total COVID-19 cases, which breaks down into 428 active cases, 46 COVID-19 related deaths, and 2,525 total recoveries.•
Get Vaxxed. On June 23, senior citizens line-up in the Maitum Municipal Gymnasium to get their first jabs of the Sinovac vaccine in line with the Department of Health’s RESBAKUNA Campaign. In line with this, the government also encourages the citizens to grab their doses of the COVID vaccine as soon as possible. Photo by Joylyn Ty. Retrieved from Sarangani Provincial Information Office.
WATCH Scan the QR Code to view the Governor’s tour of the Sarangani COVID Isolation and Treatment Facility:
bythe numbers
NEWSBITS
As of September 2020; the Department of Edication - Schools Division Office of Sarangani tallied 137,538 enrollees, which is 90% from last school year’s enrollment. The number is broken down into the following based on the selected new normal learning modality of the learner: • Kent Joshua Alvarez | Graphics by Kent Alvarez, Allyssa Perez Source: DepEd Dose sa Ere.
Students resort to small online businesses as COVID-19 policies restrict face-to-face learning • Martchido Santos
As schools shift to the new normal way of learning, there are students who pursued small online businesses to get a source of income that will ease the financial burden brought by the pandemic and to get the extra allowance that they once enjoyed during faceto-face classes. In an interview with Nyah Jedia Magbanua, Grade 11 student and owner of Crafti.ny, an online shop
that sells accessories from beads, she decided to put up her own business in order to help her family survive the financial crisis that they face everyday. She also shared that she once put up an online clothing line before but she ended up closing the shop due to she was not really dedicated enough to the business. “In wanting to handle a business, one should be able to accept that there will be
ups and downs. To those students who overthink about their planned business but do nothing at all, you should start working for it. Do not limit yourself to the idea that you can’t do anything, let go of the worries, and let yourself search for solutions,” Magbanua expressed her encouragement to those students who share doubts about establishing online businesses.•
All About Mindset. In an interview, Nyah Magbanua shared that one must acknowledge the difficulties in order to launch a successful small start-up business.| Photo by Nyah Magbanua.
• AJ Lozano
eight other entries from around the country.•
Scribblers CDP continues winning ways, sweeps online confab
ANSHS admissions for incoming students pursued online
Even after a disappointing exit from the 2020 National Schools Press Conference, The Scribblers’ Collaborative Desktop Publishing team continues to dominate press competitions online. The new collab team was composed of AJ Lozano, Crizel Cabatan, Nicole Catacutan, and Ronric Cabudlay, who were old members of the 2-time RSPC winning team, together with new members: Patrick Montaño, Bagani Cordero, and Geraldluke Faciol, swept the competition and were hailed champions during the Sandugo Online Press Conference on December 2020. They bagged all minor awards with Best News Page, Best Editorial Page, Best Feature Page, Best Sports Page, and Best in Layout, and was later declared as the champions of the said competition, besting
In spite of the COVID-19 scare, the Alabel National Science High School’s RSHS XII Admission Exam was held completely online to cater admissions for incoming Grade 7 and Grade 11 students. To execute the process completely online, the school used Google Classroom and Forms as its chosen platforms for the admissions. “We conducted only one entrance exam online because of the restriction issued by the DepEd on faceto-face transactions. We also required the applicants to submit Q1 and Q2 grades in English, Science and Mathematics to gauge their academic performance. The applicants also underwent interviews via Google Meet,” the school’s faculty president explained the school’s application process under the new normal setup.•
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
BEHIND THE LENSES > new normal set-up from page 1
• Illustration by Allyssa Aisha Perez
What happened to it “will work”? In a report presented on September 2020, students expected that distance learning ‘will work’ as learning shifts online. Venn Justine Cubelo, Grade 12 student, shared that “it will be a very challenging school year,” but she was hopeful that despite the challenges, the students and teachers will help each other to achieve efficient learning as promised of the institution. An incoming Grade 10 student, Leica Gayle Zapanta also stated that this kind of online learning shift will be a bumpy start, but assures that with the good quality of education the school has, she was convinced that the school will not disappoint the parents and students. More compliance than learning According to Paul John Delos Reyes, President of the ANSHS Supreme Student Government, online classes have their downsides, such as the number of module activities per subject piling up every week that cause strain to every student. “It’s very draining. Considering that we’re conducting classes online at our homes, I can’t help
> awards recognition from page 1
Under the published guidelines, the following awards were suspended: Academic Excellence Awards for undergraduate students, Classroom Awards (Performance Awards for Kindergarten, Conduct Awards and Recognitions for Perfect Attendance), Grade-Level Awards (Leadership Award, Award for Outstanding Performance in Specific Disciplines, Award for Work Immersion, Award for Research or Innovation, Award for Club or Organization Achievement), and Special Recognition Awards. On the other hand, Academic Excellence Awards for completing learners from Grades 6, 10 and 12 will still be recognized since these awards are helpful in “applying for scholarships and admissions as learners transition to Junior High School, Senior High School, and College. DepEd explained on its order that “the awards identified in this policy are deemed appropriate given the extraordinary circumstance surrounding the distance learning this SY to deserving students in Grades 6, 10, and 12, while upholding integrity and fairness.” Nonetheless, the education department allowed teachers to recognize the learners’ exemplary performance through positive reinforcement during synchronous sessions or through providing constructive feedback to learners in exchange for the awards that are suspended.•
but mix my priorities and lose focus. Also, too much of this takes a toll on our mental and physical health as we often opt to sleep late,” he elaborated. Adrianne Alquiza, Grade 8 student, also supported president’s sentiments and mentioned the unavoidable loss of internet connection hindering the opportunity for students to fully grasp each topic discussed. “I think that it is more on compliance than learning. But it also has a good point since you can spend your time with your family and you own the time. I believe time management is the key,” Jazzmine Wynne Lu, grade 12 student, emphasized. Grueling efforts to keep up Kyle Lanza, Grade 12 modular-based learner, experienced many difficulties because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Covid-19 took the whole world back on its knees since the last millennia. It brought us the introduction of the “New Normal,” which is the new system of our daily lives. From conversing with other people having 1-meter social distancing, up to online-based education. As a student amidst this pandemic, I experienced a lot of difficulties. Being
a modular-based learner, I am learning by myself and fixing my errors in order to grow as a student. I am coping up with online distance learning by regularly updating with my fellow classmates and student buddies to be reminded of our class activities and other important things,” Lanza stated. Glimpse of light Nevertheless, some students still express delight over the new normal learning set-up, Angela Tagalog and Patrick Oliver Montano, a Grade 7 and a Grade 9 student, stated that online lectures gave them full control over their learnings, allowing them to work at a modest pace, without sacrificing the quality of learning. “So far, these online classes are manageable. It has its flaws, but the teachers are very understanding and neighborly when it comes to the imminent problems encountered by the students,” Julie Pomperada, Grade 11 student, asserted. Additionally, Diane Grace Manlapig, Grade 7 student, shared that online learning helped her “in positive ways,” stating that as soon as the teacher gives an activity, she makes sure that she finishes everything before the deadline to avoid cramming and
NewsinCapture
news 3 anxiety. Faculty’s stance In line with these mixed sentiments from the studentry, Rolando N. Nerpiol Jr., the Faculty President of ANSHS, pinpointed that the difficulties encountered during the online classes do not equate to the incompetence of the various learning modalities. “An online class allows studentteacher interaction to break the monotony of living in quarantine and provides a venue for learning. The attendance in SODL proves that students want to learn in any way possible; scores in online quizzes show that most of the students are doing well with their studies,” he emphasized. Regarding the number of requirements given by the teachers, the school faculty president elaborated that the activities offered help attain mastery, basic knowledge, and skills in the subject areas in the absence of teachers. “We do not expect something grand in these trying times. The MELC is meant to simplify the targets of learning. The LAS and the SLM are designed to serve as selfexplanatory activities and learning material,” he added.•
• Aaliyah Ashley Dimaudtang Photo by Ariel C. Lalisan. Retrieved from DepEd Tayo Sarangani Facebook Page.
In spite of the ocurring pandemic the Department of Education (DepEd) believes that “education must continue.” In line with that, DepEd-Sarangani conducts a dry run for the young tribal leaners at Sitio Puting Bato, Lun Masla, Malapatan Sarangani Province as DepEd seeks to implement radio-based instruction as one of its primary learning modalities in the new normal. •
Walang Maiiwan na Batang Sarangan
Learning Knows No Boundaries
Rascal attitudes during online classes observed among students SSG reminds to follow imposed rules • Denise Louise Anselmo
Despite the series of videos launched by the SSG on August last year containing online class etiquettes, several students have been exhibiting rascal attitudes during new normal classes as witnessed by teachers and students. According to Jan Carol Salas, Grade 12 Bosons adviser, “In my experience with the ‘new normal’ there are some who cannot follow online class protocols imposed by the SSG or teachers. But the violations are tolerable and should be given consideration. Not all has good internet connection and sometimes the bad weather affects the internet connection”. “If ever I will experience this (dealing with students exhibiting rascal attitudes), it would be immediately reported to the guidance counselor or principal
In a survey conducted, for proper disciplinary action. Respect is basic. Respect should not be imposed but it should be earned,” she added. Grade 12 Quarks adviser, Chryselle Tambagan, stated “I have experienced teaching students that don’t follow my simple instructions while online class is going on. Somehow, I expect that not all students can follow the rules imposed. Since almost all of us are still adjusting to this new normal set up.” “But I believe, with constant reminders and proper guidance, students will behave appropriately during online class,” she emphasized. In a separate online interview, Paul John Delos Reyes, SSG President, stated that he has witnessed students who are exhibiting unruliness during classes as well, but he also said
that it is to be expected, knowing that the Faculty and SSG can only do so little in implementing the etiquettes due to classes being online. When asked about the SSG’s plan regarding the said issue, he elaborated, “As the SSG President, our plan is first, to be an example to our fellow students regarding the proper etiquettes during classes and to also remind our fellow students to follow the imposed rules”. “We are appealing to the students to be obedient, responsible and be polite. We are following this set of etiquettes to show respect to the teachers who are also working hard despite the challenges of the times. These rules are imposed for a reason,” he voiced.•
6of10 students
admit to doing rascal behavior during the conduct of synchronous online classes.
• Illustration by AJ Lozano
4 thescribblers straight from the source
Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 August 2020 to August 2021
OPINION
INSIDE THIS SECTION
• Break the Norms More than Pink and Blue page 6
• Fearless Views Mistakes of Today, Lessons for Tomorrow page 7
editorial
Bloodstained Barriers P
olitical participation among Filipino youth has been particularly tough during the last five years, up until President Rodrigo Duterte’s final year in power. The recent abduction and abuse of student activist Alicia Lucena, exemplifies the grim reality of youthled movements in the Philippines. Cases like this, however, are not uncommon. Despite the historic involvement of Filipino youth in informal forms of political participation, these efforts, all the same, are often met with not-soinvisible barriers within the system. The Political participation of the Filipino youth has played a historic role in reshaping the Philippine politics and democracy. It is worth noting that youth movements formed a collective action that fought for civil rights back in the
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glory of the infamous Martial Law under former president Ferdinand Marcos’ term. Now, as if history repeats itself, the freedom of speech is yet again demonised. For a nation that is led by a strongman who despises criticism, muffled voices are sadly prevalent. Under Duterte’s regime, almost every civic participation, protest, dissent, or opinion opposing government policies are susceptible to subjective defamation or red-tagging. With that being said, youth groups and activists are often the target of propaganda networks and even government task forces. Student activist Alicia Lucena, who revealed that she had been abducted and abused by her own family— that has been used by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to vilify youth activists, for nearly four months is just one of many individuals who had been falsely accused and stigmatized under Duterte’s
For a nation that is led by a strongman who despises criticism, muffled voices are sadly prevalent.
term. Prior to Lucena, Ana Patricia Non— the student behind the renowned community pantry concept, had also been red-tagged and profiled by the NTF-ELCAC along with other community pantries across the country. Over the course of 2020 and up to July 2021, there had been numerous complaints against NTFELCAC’s malicious claims and misleading information. In response to this, several lawmakers passed resolutions— such as House Bill No. 9437, to criminalize red-tagging. However, the task force remains on its place untouched. Perhaps the most ironic aspect of it all is that these stigmas are being led by a government task force. It is not to say that there are no reds— the communists and terrorists do exist. However, the process of profiling and publicizing of government task forces such as NTFELCAC is as flawed as it can be. Given the fact that the accusations they publicize
thescribblers straight from the source
are lacking extensive research and mostly biased by targeting activists, volunteers, and leftists. Instead of maligning and harming people— especially the youth for using their constitutionally protected right to free expression, the government and its allies should strive to address valid criticism of its policies and practices. Aside from this, groups and individuals who propagate and patronize red-tagging should be rightfully punished. There is more to the impact of the youth’s political participation than simple social media campaigns, volunteerism, or activism. All the same, there is more to the youth’s aspiration for change than barriers and unsubstantiated— if not deadly claims. If we look close enough— away from the loyalist sight, we might see that these barriers are not-so-invisible after all, they are painted blood-red.•
Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 August 2020 to August 2021
editorialboard Editor-in-Chief AJ Lozano Associate Editor Crizel Marcel Jade Cabatan Managing Editor Nicole Catacutan Circulations Manager Ronric Racque Cabudlay News Editor AJ Lozano Opinions Editor Crizel Marcel Jade Cabatan Features and SciTech Editor Nicole Catacutan Sports Editor Patrick Oliver Montaño Head of Page and Visual Design AJ Lozano Head of Photojournalism Ronric Racque Cabudlay Copyreaders Anne Cornelia Quirico Hechanova Abbygale Abasolo
Staff Writers Denise Louise Anselmo Marielle Jae Mamalo Martchido Santos Felia Ross Sichon Michaella Marizze Hiceta Ashley Ba-ay Francis Andrew Ladres Kamelle Bantulo Jahziel Jireh Obedoza Francis Anne Erolon Angel Anne Tagalog Shanissa Mey Sales Arabella Saga Staff Designers Jared Karl Adlawan Aaliyah Dimaudtang Kurt Lacdo-o Leica Gayle Zapanta Richard Christian Ybañez Bagani Cordero Isabel Cordero Adrianne Joy Alquiza Geraldluke Faciol Thresha Tongcua School Publication Advisers Jan Carol S. Salas Annabel D. Erolon
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thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
opinion 5
On Hindsight
Reflections
A Breadwinner’s Dilemma
Of Dedication and Uncertainties
• Crizel Marcel Jade Cabatan
• Crizel Marcel Jade Cabatan
Looking back, in a rose-colored sight, it was easy to passionately envision who or what we want to be when we were younger. This, however, is not until we grew up to feel the burden living with us all along— the truth that there is more to survival in this candidly incompetent system than just mere passion. Passion is overlooked. That is, within a toxic society that we live in— where a bias festers and appeals only to conventional and highpaying careers. It takes a lot of work to weave mere passion into success
when it is chained to a system that lacks effort in supporting it. This is where practicality turns into a bitter pill to swallow, especially for those who turned into safety-nets and breadwinners. Growing up, we have been taught how vital education is— not only because we needed it to be competent, but it also doubled as a lifebuoy to save a household from poverty. This is because, in reality, the cost of living in the modern-day world comes at an expense. 17.7 million Filipinos are caught in the poverty line in 2018, as reported by the Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA). In addition to this, the unemployment rate is high at 17.6% as of April 2020. This rate can be translated into roughly 7.2 million Filipinos unemployed. Some jobs add fuel to the fire by having unnecessarily high qualifications in exchange for a salary that of a minimum wage, barely covering the needs of a family. Education is ironically a privilege even, for only seven out of ten kids will complete elementary school, according to figures from the Department of Education and the Statistical Coordination
Board in the Philippines. Out of those seven children, only four will be able to complete high school, and of those four, only one will proceed to the university. In a country where education is still a privilege, a student born from a poverty-stricken family could only dream of making ends meet and being able to eat at least twice a day. Under this predicament, students could only forge the success of their dreams, and this opportunity— in our country at least, comes in the sense of attaining a degree. In cases like this, passion could no longer be a priority, it becomes a
sacrifice instead. Through the spectacles of the truth, there is more to survival than just mere passion in this system that is downright problematic. This can be reflected from the government’s incompetence in improving the state of education, poverty, and employment. Equally, this is evident from the society’s lack of support for Filipino learners on their passion. We should mould our system into a supportive, considerate, and efficient environment, where dreaming is not grounded as is. After all, it takes a nation to weave a dream into reality.•
So, who’s gonna tell them?
Innocent until Proven Cancelled
Understanding the Filipinos’ new found judicial system — trial by publicity and the ever reliable “Tulfo Justice” • AJ Lozano
Under Article 3 Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It is said that “No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law,” but that does not seem to be the case for the online Filipino community. Nowadays, Filipinos have found a newer and scarier way of deciding who is guilty and innocent via the process of trial by publicity. Earlier this year, the Philippine National Police filed and closed a “rape-slay” case, in the controversial Christine Dacera incident. According to police reports, Dacera was gangraped by 11
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Although it may seem that the judicial system is complete bonkers, it is definitely built for a reason— to become the blind and unbiased pair of eyes that weighs the scales in the name of law.
men after participating in a new year celebration. Days after the case, confidential information about the identities of the alleged rapists were leaked to the public. As expected, Filipino netizens immediately threw offensive and hurtful lines to the men suspected of the “rape-slay” case— lines that threatened the lives of the suspected. It was until the autopsy results revealed that there were no signs of forced entry in the victim’s body and that she died of drug overdose and not of rape. Even after the autopsy results were out, the lives of the suspected were already damaged, and unfortunately scars had already been inflicted
and nothing— not even apologies from the people who threw hate— can reestablish their lives. Another form of trial by publicity most Filipinos are drawn to, is the ever reliable “Tulfo Justice”. Brought by Tulfo in Action by Raffy Tulfo, the television show acts as a platform where citizens seek help in the form of “instant” justice. People are so captivated with the show’s form of prosecuting that when an issue arises on social media, people immediately spam and tag the Tulfo’s Facebook page in the comments. The quote “Isumbong mo kay Tulfo,” became an instant call whenever a social case comes up. Disturbingly,
the show finds satisfaction through denouncing their so-called accused via nationwide-cast television and it is so disturbing to see how people are so attracted in this type of justice when we have a working judicial system that properly abides with the rules of court and the due process of law. Assessing the situation, all of these clearly rooted from the lack of critical thinking. Why would people give out hurtful comments even when there are no concrete evidences to begin with? Why would people rely on self-proclaimed equalizers when there is a proper justice system to being with? It is in cases like
these where we should be more aware of the due process of law and how things should be handled properly. And if you are obsessed with this culture unfortunately, you are on the wrong side of things. “Cancelling” people online might seem like the correct thing to do but when sensitive cases come into play it must go through appropriate platforms. Although it may seem that the judicial system is complete bonkers, it is definitely built for a reason— to become the blind and unbiased pair of eyes that weighs the scales in the name of law. For in the end, all of us are innocent until we are proven guilty.•
Like a serial killer— the coronavirus pandemic spared none with its wrath. The country’s sectors share only one dead end, which is to adapt. It is inevitable how the education system would eventually conform to fit into the uncertain shape of the new normal with its thrust to continue education. Underneath the veil of making the plan possible are the primary instruments— the teachers. The Department of Education has been continuously ramping up their efforts to prepare for the incoming school year as October 5, 2020— the opening of the S.Y. 2020-2021, approaches. Continuing education amid the crises happening takes an undeniably insurmountable effort to be done effectively. There are learners with special needs, learners that are in far-flung areas, and learners who are still far behind the technological advancements of today— which almost can be identified as a necessity. Even through the visible hard work, we still cannot conclude yet that we are fully ready. But despite this, there is a cost that we all share to pay— sacrifice and patience.
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There is a cost that we all share to pay— sacrifice and patience. My alma mater, Malalag Central Elementary School SPED Center, which has paved the way for inclusive education to Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) are also ought to adjust. Fenelia Cuaresma, an LSEN teacher from MCES-SC has been attending multiple webinars to prepare for the challenging school year. According to Cuaresma, LSENs will be given Self Learning Modules (SLM) which are modified and converted to accommodate the learners’ needs depending on their impairments. Another story incorporates the same sacrifice with teachers with learners living in far-flung areas. For instance, the enrollment and modality accommodation struggle of Analiza Balanga, a teacher from Tablao Elementary School and her students, as the students live in far and hard to reach areas. On the other end of the line, educators coming from normal schools share the same difficulty of needing to find alternatives to the usual activities done in normal circumstances and the inaccessibility of resources and services due to the pre-existing quarantine protocols. In a face-to-face scenario, teaching could already be a challenge. Without teachers who are willing to help learners and their parents, pursuing effective education amid the pandemic would be downright futile. Even without the assurance of being fully ready and amid fear, the existence of dedicated teachers spark a hope of our educational system being able to fit into the uncertain figure of the new normal. •
6 opinion
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
Caveat
The Philippines’ Mirror of Identity • Jahziel Jireh Obedoza
In the years of colonialism and imperialism in Philippine history it would be factual to assume that the country had undergone monumental changes. Having been forced to adopt the beliefs and values of oppressors at the expense of our own dignity, feelings of inferiority had stemmed into the subconscious of Filipinos after years of comparing ourselves to the white dominating standards of our “rulers”. These extensive colonial periods left marks on Filipino culture—residues that last even today. With western influences so deeply interwoven into our culture it is without saying that the Philippines’ culture and identity is difficult to grasp and define. Long has there been uncertainties about what do and do not define
our culture. In the midst of our confusion and the clamor of regaining one’s identity we had mirrored ourselves yet again to western standards. The recent Nas Daily issue had brought to light the fact that Filipinos had become gullible, with outright manipulations and exploitation of our culture almost going undetected just for a chance at going mainstream. With many influencers and bloggers taking advantage of this, by posting anything remotely Filipino they know they would get the likes and clicks they wanted. One’s culture and tradition should always be a source of pride and joy. Through our need for creating space for acknowledgement and validation let’s not delude ourselves into thinking that abandoning our own culture in pursuit of
another is a worthy endeavor. Decolonizing is reimagining something beyond the current world we live in. It’s challenging ourselves to dismantle what generations of colonial expansion and Western exceptionalism have taught us as “better, more beautiful, more refined, etc.” Derek Sivers, an American writer, mentioned in his book that “fish don’t know they’re in water.” We have been surrounded by this mentality. It’s no wonder that we haven’t realized why we think the way we think or act the way we act. When we challenge colonial mentality, we begin to accept and embrace ourselves for who we are. We start to put aside shame and celebrate where we’ve come from. It’s time to jump out of the water.•
Weighing the Scales
Beating the Status Quo
Plan B is Not a Bad Plan
Fists Up in Pursuit of Good Governance • AJ Lozano
• Felia Ross Sichon
Rushing through a path of uncertainty, it has become a home of solitude. That peaceful aroma that allows us to breathe, and freely express ourselves about what we can only offer. That is the typical “teenage dream”, where we are given multiple chances from our past faults—and to learn from those instead of to grovel from its repercussions. Well, that’s what society thinks. This is an era bombarded with obsolete beliefs. As much as society prefers to perceive it as such, this generation never failed to prove its contrary— in whereas supposed carelessness turned into competitiveness and carefree became worry. Maroon, Green, Blue, and Yellow. Since we were young, we were taught that these universities are the closest paths to success due to its reputation of politeness and prestige. This is the Plan A—a dream that we badly wanted to meet. In contrast to all plans, this was a ride or die, we treat it as the only road to an overbearing success. If we fail, we also take our aspirations with us. There comes the stigma from Plan B, that was always considered shameful—the fall-out, the option, the second-best. However, despite all of those inhibitions, would you really consider such plan as a bad plan? We fail to recognize Plan B, which is also not bad of a plan at all. Coming into a prestige school can add points to your privilege, however it does not cultivate your values. The belief of bearing success should not be based over your training grounds, but it should come from your own determination—regardless of the school’s name. This should be the basis of your Plan B. You may have been blinded by the vision of those four colors, but soon there will be a striking light to come through, that even your eyes would not be able to handle—the one that is unexpected, unplanned. Maybe a few years from now, as you recollect your once thought fall-out decision, you realize that maybe your Plan B turned out to be one of your best plans of all. •
bythenumbers After universities chose to limit their applications to only submission of curriculum vitaes, grades, and other credentials in contrast to having pen-and-paper tests, only
20% of the 120 graduating students of SY 20202021 were able to pass in at least one of the country’s big 4 universities. Source: The Scribblers News Team
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One’s culture and tradition should always be a source of pride and joy.
• The Scribblers Tumindig Art by Thresha Tongcua
LOOK | Scan the QR code to see Tarantadong Kalbo’s compilation mural of all the custom-made fist people designed for the #Tumindig Movement.
Days before the president’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA), an accidental movement was established. The #Tumindig movement, known for the Fist People symbol, is a platform that calls for good governance and encourages the citizens to register for the 2022 National Elections. According to Kevin “Tarantadong Kalbo” Raymundo, the artist who first started the fist people art, he was just expressing his frustrations with the current administration with his art and he never expected it to become a complete movement that seeks for a change. His art caught the attention of many and others began to develop their own versions of the fist people. This just proves that people just had enough of what the government gives us, especially in this pandemic that we are desperately facing. But why express their
frustrations now and not earlier? Notably, as Kevin Raymundo shared in an interview with Rappler’s Pia Ranada, the current society has become more open about their political stances and are less scared of the criticisms that other people shove. He added that other people just needed an effective platform to show dissent and express their thoughts. With these in mind, one can easily say that there is a clear solution in our fight against corruption and towards good governance— establish good governance movements and hope that people can be educated enough to vote practically in the upcoming elections. Unfortunately, things are not as easy as it seems. As of now, the fight for good governance is still illusive. Although people are deemed to be smarter voters now than how they were before, there are still people who are allured by the temptation of
shiny money and fake promises. And it is disappointing to see that there are still people who are willing to exchange six years of their lives for just a mere thousand-peso bill that could simply last them a week or two. As the elections come closer, as called in every halalan “Every vote counts,” and movements like #Tumindig serves as a helpful platform for people to voice out and call the attention of many to register and vote for the 2022 elections. In 2022, we can realize our dream of having a government that cares for the people and that actually serves for the benefit of the many. Through our votes, we can achieve our dreams that can only be attained through the power of democracy. Instead of clenching our fists forward, now is the best time to lift our fists up in the name of good governance.•
Break the Norms
More than Pink and Blue • Denise Louise Anselmo
As the perpetuation of self-expression deprivation is still fought against over the years, steps have been taken inch by inch towards equality and acceptance. Notwithstanding that we have culturally opened a wide range of multiple gender identities, issues within the clothing spectrum still arise that calls into question: Are clothes inherently gendered? The practical purpose of wearing clothes is to keep us warm and comfortable at the very least.
Whether we like it or not, what we wear gives off signals that communicate to help people form an impression of us. However, we grew up believing that particular clothes have been categorized to fit within traditional gender roles. In result, it has postponed the sharing of fashion across gender identities. Imagine how the world would be if we can wear something without minding the idea of being on either end of the spectrum – the way that truly represents ourselves.
Somehow, we still can’t get away with it today without being judged. Nowadays, the fashion industry has been obsessed in showcasing androgynous aesthetic or in Layman’s term, cross-dressing. This brought the willingness of many designers to escape the traditional binary, creating clothing collections that can be worn by anyone. An upper-hand to eradicate gender norms through clothing, these collections pave the way to accentuate the idea of fashion as art and expression than gender.
In this modern era where gender is simply a concept that can easily be broken, fashion exists to steer away these gender norms. As a society, we are gradually redefining the shallow grasp of gender and roles. Now, the ultimate question: Can gender norms be suppressed with only fashion? No. But it is a big leap towards attaining equality, acceptance, and a change of the mindset – a strategic way for freedom. Fashion can be transpired as that strategy since it is a universally-shared
platform that consists of wider structural and societal discipline of gender. Many in our generation are breaking the gendered barriers and presenting a new horizon to those with deep-rooted views of what is masculine and feminine. The future of fashion is fluid which can eventually lead to a place of acceptance of all, breaking the stigma. It is more than pink for women and blue for men.•
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
opinion 7
Fearless Views
Mistakes of Yesterday, Lessons for Tomorrow • Arabella Czarina Saga
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During the 2020 US election period, a lot of lessons can be applied to the incoming 2022 Philippine elections. A lot of demonstrations and violence occurred which would cause harm to our country if Filipinos will replicate. On November 3, 2020, the elections for the next President of the United States started. Rallies were executed which worsened the situation because safety protocols were not observed. Aside from that, Trump’s false claims of victory, baseless accusations of fraud, and flawed legal challenges about the election results should serve as a warning to our country. This is not impossible to occur in the incoming 2022 elections, and we must prevent that from happening. Spreading fabricated information, aided by blindly loyal supporters, will cause fear and political instability that will definitely cause the nation to lack unity, which turns the
A politician’s words without actions are like empty cans being loud and noisy, but also are utterly empty.
country into chaos. Presidential elections in the Philippines have often involved significant levels of violence. Philippine politics is a factor that strengthens political rivalries and persistent violence every election period. Political violence is a recurring problem in the country, which must also be prevented in the incoming 2022 elections through promoting peaceful demonstrations and never think of violence as a solution for anything. Twenty five percent of registered voters didn’t show up last elections. Encouraging not only adults, but also youth to use their right to vote, is a way to stop corruption. Voting is a way to speak out for those who are afraid to voice out their personal thoughts. Every citizen deserves to use their right to vote and to be heard by the government. Also, choose your desired candidates wisely and do not support vote-
Voice of the Peopoll
OPEN LETTER
It has been a year since face-to-face classes has been held to a hold and education was confined within the comforts of our home. In light of the growing battle against the Coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Education seeks to continue distance learning for the second school year in a row. The Scribblers team asked the AlSci community if they think that the institution was able to fully adapt to the new normal way of learning, here is how it went:
To: General Public
20% agrees that the school
Dear Reader,
has fully adapted to the new normal way of learning.
80% argues that the school is still far from fully adapting to the new normal way of learning.
I think that the school is doing well despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last school year, the school, with the talents and skills provided by the students were able to pull off activities and projects that seemed to be impossible to do considering the situation. In classes, the teachers are even very considerate with the students in terms of deadlines and the load of work they give.
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buying for it does not benefit anyone. Democracy grows when educated citizens and voters take part in political processes, respect the presence of media which is a big part of democracy. It requires the respect of the citizens to the government’s systems and processes, while knowing their rights and limitations according to the law, and participation to the government’s actions for a nation to prosper. A politician’s words without actions are like empty cans being loud and noisy, but also are utterly empty. There was clearly a need for the electoral process to be reformed and freed from violence and corruption. If the Philippine 2022 elections will turn into chaos, the country’s development, stability, and identity will be at risk. Impulsive voting does not do any good to our nation. So if our time to vote will come, we must be confident and sure of our decision and vote wisely.•
No Sana No Life* Grade 11 student
Although the institution has done really valiant efforts in order to continue education within our homes, I do think that the school still has a long way to go before saying that we have fully adapted to the new normal way of learning. Everyone involved, the admins, the faculty and even the students still have hard time adjusting to the demands of the new normal which is why I think we are still from from fully adapting.
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Ddalgi Chaeyoung* Grade 12 student
If you already finished your vaccine doses while reading this, then congratulations! You are helping our country heal by being vaccinated.But if you haven’t, we highly encourage you to sign up to your nearest vaccination site. In the Philippines, less than 15% of the total population of adults is vaccinated already which is far from the target goal of the government. As we can see, there are various vaccine brands available nationwide for free. If there is any chance that you are scared of the side effects of the vaccine, please don’t be because that is completely normal. As a matter of fact, longlasting side effects are said to be ‘rare’. Please avoid believing false information posted on the internet about the vaccines and read official statements from the Department of Health and your respective Local Government Units (LGUs) for the latest legitimate information about Covid-19 updates. There are lots of false news spread on social media platforms for it is a piece of cake. An example is “Covid-19 is unreal and this is just one of the government’s tactics”, which is alarming for netizens might actually believe it. Just look at the rapidly increasing covid cases every day and your acquaintance’s loved ones who were struck by covid. If you are still hesitant and doubtful, here are some reasons why you should get vaccinated: • Getting vaccinated will protect you and the community from Covid-19; • Covid cases will reduce; and • It will also reduce the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope these matters will be taken seriously. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. We hope that we made our message clear through this letter. Yours Truly, The Scribblers Editorial Board
*Respondents used pseudonyms
AlSays With the 2022 National Elections just around the corner, we asked the AlSci community about what they think is the type of leader that our country needs considering the current situation of the COVID pandemic. Here is what they have to say:
*Respondents used pseudonyms
A leader that is firm with their decisions and has knowledge about the United Nations' 15-year goal namely the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A leader that will lend their ears to the concerns of the Filipino youth and would not vilify youth activism. Lastly, a leader that can help the country in terms of sustainable solution in the field of economy so that Filipinos can survive even amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic. Shefern Gwyneth Cuaresma Grade 12 student
For me, we need a leader that is responsible for his own actions (who does not need any further explanation from his spox just to justify his words), compassionate (where they prioritize the marginalized especially this pandemic), wise (in choosing their allies), has integrity (who stands firm in their platforms), has a degree related in law-making (much better if may higher education like masters or doctorate), has been given numerous awards for their outstanding service as law-makers, and lastly, has no political color. Irene of Red Velvet * Alumnus
Considering the current situation of the COVID pandemic I think the kind of leader that we need is someone who believes in science and respects our health officials and doesn’t make a mockery out of it saying things like cleaning masks out of petrol. Someone who promotes the COVID-19 guidelines and makes sure that our frontliners are properly compensated for the work they do during the pandemic. Someone who is not ruled by their egos and sees what the country and its people need and therefore act accordingly Someone who is dignified and sees the value in upholding his/her image as the leader of the country,someone who doesn’t make crude jokes and salacious remarks when addressing the nation. Lastly I think it should be someone who does not see valuing human rights is something to be criticised about. Lalisa * Grade 10 student
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thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
Three-
COS
Education in Co
• Nicole Catacutan | Illustration b
D
igging deeper into the scientific realm, one visions his absolute truths through an existing wavelength of light. It is a usual imagery in a normal visible light world; everything gets almost black and white in an ultraviolet wherein the regular lenses of an eyeglasses would turn into much darker; and one could perceive bones through X-rays. There is an underlining basis that draws conclusion of worldly realities. Forsooth, this entire concept inflicts to the truths of social classes. Painting the life’s picturesque depends on the colored privileges. Just as the ever-pervasive exhaustion and praises over the distance learning transcend, there is always a matter combined views to what is real. The almost like a never-ending cycle of online classes and module tasks now becomes the actual daily basis of a teenager who either has the full set-up or one who tries to survive this everyday struggle. This lighter or darker privilege gradually morphs into a complete distinction whether the learning continuity favors one or not. In fact, some academic mishaps are proven but not to some. There is a varying truth that makes it never absolute. Fate of the Fortunate Shefern, a 10th grader now spends her last Junior High School year in a new world of learning. She owns a personal computer and a mobile phone for online classes and to fulfill module tasks. Her family also pays monthly charges for Wi-Fi. Thus, she is able to connect her devices anytime or if anything goes wrong, data connection instantly saves her day! She also has a comfortable room to stay when she spends an hour for learning. However, there are still few instances that challenge her academic journey: changing schedules and the difficulty of understanding the lessons. But she still sees a bright
NEW SCHEMES TO COLLEGE DREAMS Struggles of 12th grade students in the new normal • Nicole Catacutan
Over years of comprehending our educational system, not only I have realized that the newest schemes to education have dismantled the equal opportunity to my co-learners but also dismayed their promising avenue to higher education. It has been a dynamic transition that if we were used to undergo examinations to see who are qualified, then I began to perceive the system became problematic as we were eventually assessed under a solely-grade basis. Certainly, the new normal did not only maximize our curriculum but also tamed our chances to our once-dreamt universities and even scholarships. We absolutely dream for greater opportunities and make ‘last resort’ preparations; however, our system has been so much drenched with alternatives that we became helpless of the algorithms. The classical line “Grade is just a number” no longer works in our shifted learning means. It all began when the top universities: UST, UP, ATENEO, DLSU, cancelled the conduct of college entrance • Photo retrieved from philstar.com
tests due to the high risk of COVID-19 cases. It was a domino effect until it behooved us to completely depend the entire results on past academic records. My academic parallels have been so much entwined with a long-stretched uncertainty for I sought betterment through my outgrown transitions- I am not inherently smart nor academically genius. Consistency seemed transcended, leaving late-bloomers behind races. Some universities require a minimum GWA of 85 with tight assessment of SHS strand. Even the CHED opens their scholarship grant only to students with 93 GWA and above. We had no chance to ace a test to at least prove ourselves that we deserve the spot. We were helplessly subjected to a series of evaluation to reveal if we passed their standards. In an in-depth scale, there is an engraved prejudicial truth behind the new normal education. The strings of how’s, why’s and what if’s grip students like me who desire for a big college campus and lost it in a single algorithm. It felt like an abyss where I lack weapon to defend my university dreams.•
Deal Ordeal for
• Nicole Catacutan
• Illustration by AJ Lozano
TURE
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
9
-faced
SMOS
olored Privileges
by Bagani Lorenzo Cordero
side out of it as it is only the way to keep learning amid health crisis. Nevertheless, she does not see her fortune above anyone else. She does what she can to help others in need. To Deal in a Middle Joshua, in 12th grade mostly stress himself out due to his poor internet connection. He only has a mobile phone and data connection for online classes. He often breaks out in a cold sweat when he deals with the coming deadlines. As to his experience, he accidentally moved a folder to her teacher’s master folder. He then rushed to the nearest internet café to figure it out and luckily fixed it on time. On a bright side, he thinks systematically and concluded he saved more money compared to having face-to-face classes. He never forgets to keep himself firm through God’s word, music and videos. Sight in a Scarce Catherene, also in 12th grade, resides in a town of Malungon, still lacks in resources and could not even join online discussions. She only has a mobile phone with rare data connection. This prompted her doubts and became unsure of reaching this year’s finish line. She often feels being left behind and struggles to have the same level of learning. She would envy her classmates in online learning as they can keep on track of activities and submissions through WHLP. A terrible worry also comes along during group activities; no one picks them (modular) or often receives no response if she tries to reach out. Nevertheless, God and her family keep her driven to conquer this battle whenever she goes through a stretch of despair. “This is a new normal…need nako mag-adjust and to learn,” she said. It is a never-ending edge to a blemished absolutism. They comprehend life in three different realities. All striving for education with unlike hues to sprinkle. •
Upon developing better quality of Philippine education, the Sulong Edukalidad has been established as it was perceived as a new key for an education ordeal. Its aim is to globalize the quality of education and enhance skills to both teachers and stakeholders' collaboration. In its thriving frame towards betterment, it's gradually taking a huge leap and a shift for wider changes favoring all sides of education. The access has been made by the department through building schools for far flung area, thus, the quality proceeds to fulfill the remaining void. Favors Education The transcending newly-adopted K-12 curriculum has been done focusing its aim for globalization of education. By 2022, this program aims to suit the Senior High School students upon getting their job. Globally competent learners are also given concentration as the quality is also been augmented by the department. Meliorating Mentors' Skills From training to upskilling. The program also aims to provide best learning experiences through career progression, differentiating enhancement for teachers and administrators to lessen the burden of teachers that eventually causes an overwork. This is also to keep the best teachers imparting their knowledge instead of heading to a far aspect like becoming administrators to keep the quality on its stance and yield more intellectual students. This would also lend
a great salary opportunity for the teachers in their tireless effort for the learners. Enhancing Equipment Improvement of learning environment particularly on facilities and involving students to computerization programs and by 2022, the program targets to provide computerization access to 90% learners nationwide. This yields a huge involvement of learners and advancements in order to be more equipped and widen the scope of their knowledge on the rise of modern education. Improving Collaboration Teachers, learners, parents, and even NGOs are focused to collaborate upon upholding a succeeding implementation. This would lead to a wider cooperation to yield a better quality of education with full-support from different sectors. As Philippines are in years of hunger for better quality education, the Department of Education has finally found the appropriate aid. Their implementation has truly engulfed every aspect of students upon grasping the real essence of education. The collaboration from Sulong Edukalidad will indeed let every Filipino student grasp every grain of education and without the absence of one, learners are able to receive a soothing sense of intellectual change. Before, it has been known that it takes a village to raise a child, but to Mr. Jun Arvin Gudoy, "It takes a nation to raise a child." With the Sulong Edukalidad, leaping high and best quality of education will no longer be a taste of imagination. •
GLEAMOVERDIM • Nicole Catacutan
Amidst the solid figure of Philippine education over the past years, the recent PISA, a worldwide standardized assessment’s result has smeared another dim reality onto the hue of its imagery. It has resulted to an endless stream of divided online feedbacks and it has been felt like a real slap as if Filipinos were referred to as the most lacking in intellectual competencies particularly in reading comprehension. Nevertheless, as to giving an in-depth view, there are still existing bright sides in this intellectual outcome. It was still the first time for the Philippines to pursue its involvement on PISA to clearly assess its quality of education. Countries like China, Egypt, according to Mr. Jun Alvin Gudoy, a director for Public Affairs Office of the Secretary of the Department of Education, haven’t yet joined the standardized test.
In this view, DepEd has now risen their awareness on what needs be meliorated on the Philippine education. With the recent result, there are still existing angles that are worth the flex. In the scope of Philippines, regions including 7, 11 and NCR have excelled in literacy. Moreover, NCR has gained a dominance for science and region 7 for mathematics. Though it has gained both divided notions and as to know that Philippines has still made its first time to PISA, Mr. Jun Arvin Gudoy have stated that the next goal is to be on top on where the country was ranked and even emphasized that there is no need to discern the result as a failure but instead a ‘wake-up call towards a better and comprehensive quality for Philippine education. In this dim horizon, there is still a light worth to perceive. •
INSIDE THIS SECTION
• Cobwebs of Prejudice A deeper look into the country’s stories of prejudice. page 10
• Beyond the Naked Eye Know how teachers balance their responsibilities as an educator as a family provider. page 11
10 feature
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
BEYONED Y the Naked
• Francis Erolon, Shanissa Sales with reports by Marizze Hiceta and AJ Lozano
COBWEBS OF PREJUDICE • Ashley Ba-ay, Michaella Hiceta | Illustration by Allyssa Aisha Perez
Olive listened to the morning news while eating her breakfast, the reporter stated that no rape or murder happened in Darci Clari rape-slay case, and three men who are suspected as culprits are not present in the same location around the time and day of Darci’s death, “I don’t believe in the news,” she uttered while sipping her morning tea, constructing a lengthy Facebook post to inform the people about how the media twists things to cover the wrongdoings of those men. To Olive, she believes that everything she does is just a way to help the people in attaining information, she also believes that what she’s doing is good. A Facebook user called her out for spreading wrong information which could embarrass and affect the suspected men, Olive responded by doing a live video on the app explaining she only wants the people to know what truly happened of course everything came from the hearsays but with her strong English accent, she was able to attract the people to believe her posts. Fighting everyone in the comments section, a lot of people called her a “knowit-all” for spreading lies while some who are spun on the cobwebs of her lies continued to defend her and she sat there in satisfaction, making videos of how those men should be put to death penalty, some commented how the justice system isn’t ready yet while some agreed, “listen I know what I am doing” she said in her live video. A strong English accent would always make someone look reliable and
trusted, even if it all came from a seedy article with no backed-up facts. A voice from the television was heard, “It is confirmed by the Supreme Court that those men are innocent and Darci Clari died from a heart attack” soon the people who supported from the comment section were against her, Olive was horrified upon reading the comments; a while ago these commentators defended her and now why are they against her? Soon people invaded her timeline commenting spiteful words and false accusations against her life and family the same way she commented about those three innocent men, is this how your own medicine tastes like? Bitter; the kind that makes you wanna throw up and curl up in embarrassment. Decades have passed since the birth of social platforms, it somehow evolved from being the catalyst for a stronger built of society into a ravager. These platforms have been fueled by personal incites that turned out to be a terrorism instigation composed of hateful speech and lies. The public has claimed that social media is the reason behind all fabricated walls, punches of online hatred, and the spread of online toxicity. Talking and citing every issue from the underlining power of specific viral content to their gamification of sharing, social media has become the modern boogieman. According to an article from The Filipino Times, it says that in the Philippines, knocking out fake news is like pushing back a tsunami that a Senate inquiry was called for to help curb the
proliferation of malicious and misleading information that wears the shoes that belong to the truth. The power of media outshines the truth because the lure of fake news is stronger than the facts, even when a piece of certain information is already close to the borderline of illusion and bigotry. The significance of thinking before you click somewhat becomes a common and stepped upon line to an extent that it is not applied by anyone anymore. Netiquettes should be observed always and, in all ways, to avoid any misconception and that facts should always wear the crown to prevail over the straying lies. Words are not just words; by the moment one utters a single turn of phrase, it immediately processes unto the system to those who have listened or read, and it is then too late to retrieve the ball of reality. You have just fueled a cycle of misinformation that has led to either a crime or shame. A post popped once again in Olive’s newsfeed with regard to a disturbing content that triggered her emotions and bursts her impulse to share it right away, attempting to construct a lengthy reaction and pressing the “angry” emoticon on Facebook. She then reminisced the time she got herself embarrassed just by making stories without correlating them to facts. She whispered to herself, “Think again Olive. Remember that sharing and reacting towards a piece of hoax news drives an unending cycle of fraud and fame.” •
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
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TOWARDS TOWARDS
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s they enter the classroom, some might say they look stress free, some could even say that they must be having a really good time, or so they thought. What they did not know is that beyond the things that can be seen by the naked eye is a person, a parent, a daughter, a son, a sister, or a brother; basically, people with more taxing responsibilities other than acting as a catalyst for education. Embracing the new normal way of learning, educators were forced to work from their homes. Exposing them to more hassle situations where they would have to mix their work and home environment in one place. Behind the Mask Rallie Ann D. Taborete, breadwinner to her family, emphasized that there will always be pressure in balancing work and being a daughter. “As a daughter you want to provide all the things your parents want not because it’s your responsibility to give back but because you love them and you appreciate their love, care, efforts and sacrifices in raising you,” she quoted. She even stressed that there are times when it is definitely hard to provide for her family, but she prioritizes seeing them happy, especially her parents. “Minsan, kailangan din nating isacrifice yung mga wants and needs natin just like how our parents did to give us a comfortable life.” Teacher Rallie admits
that there were times when she got tired of her work as a teacher and could not focus on her job. Instead, she shared that she has to look fine even for just an hour to face her students. “ Kailangan mong umarte na ok ka kasi hindi pwedeng haharapin mo sila nang ‘di ka ok.” Overworked yet, Underpaid Annabel D. Erolon, teaching for 28 years and a mother of 3, admitted that teachers are indeed overloaded with work and yet are underpaid. Their responsibilities cannot be done during class hours and they would have to extend late in the evening or during weekends to fulfill their duties. Teachers working 8 to 9 hours a day does not mean that their work is only confined within those hours. “You have no choice but to extend your time in school or bring your works at home and insert them in your holiday.” “Having 3 kids in today’s economic situation where all other basic needs are rising, I just manage my income by prioritizing my family’s needs and setting aside my wants,” she highlighted. In spite of the excessive workloads, Mrs. Erolon does not see it as a hindrance for her family duties as a working parent. Accepting the Challenge Jan Carols S. Salas, AlSci teacher living in Koronadal City, expressed that the work from home system, although it was more challenging, became an opportunity for her to spend more quality time with her family. “I can manage
my time because I have people I can trust to watch over my daughter if I have online classes even when I have to report to school. I spend a lot of time taking good care of my daughter and husband.” However, as a mother, there are times when she gets distracted at conferences because she has chores to do. Nonetheless, she highlighted that she has to accept the responsibility as a whole, including the struggles that comes with it, because it is what she chose to be. “Every role has a responsibility to take and it’s hard, to be honest,” she added. The people we see and learn from on a daily basis have different stories to tell. Behind the masks of Teacher Rallie, Maam Ann, and Teacher JC, lies a person that also has a life to live, a person that has responsibilities more than just being a platform for the future generation to learn. Other than being teachers, they are parents, daughters and sons, and providers for their own families. But despite those differences, one thing they have in common is their passion for teaching. The choices they make always have responsibilities and struggles that comes with it. After all, what matters most are the things they value. They value their families and as well as their duty and passion to foster the minds of the future generation. It is important to pay the respect and attention that teachers deserve, because they have their own stories, more than what is just seen by the naked eye. •
• Illustration by Bagani Cordero
SAVING through SEEKING Pain and suffering have suppressed us in times of loss and disagreement. According to the suicide data collection gathered by the World Health Organization, there are nearly 800,000 people dying each year or in other terms 1 in 40 seconds. Suicide is an act of taking your own life intentionally. It can be seen as a behavior motivated by the desire to escape psychological pain. WHO stated that it is the second leading cause among the age of 15-29, but how will it end? In the story of Robert Mckinley Glimore Sr. who served the United States Airforce from 1971 to 1975, life being a combat medic is a traumatic experience to deal with. Culture shock and abrupt military mode welcomed him as he was based on the Philippine Islands. He pointed out, “It was like a flying hospital and my job, our job is to stabilize those wounded soldiers.” It is a painful scenario especially those
feature 11
• Francis Andrew Ladres Illustration by Allyssa Aisha Perez
conditions that were too hopeless and around his age 19, he sought a soldier who died for the first time. Studying in the medical field was stationed at a combat facility, putting him into a depressing position especially dealing with the soldiers who had limbs blown out or a burned body by a jet. He stressed out, “It made me realize as a medic that I couldn't fulfill my goal. All year's in training but all I can do is to stabilize them.” It turned into a realization that war can kill you or change you forever. The best cure is to prevent it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best way to prevent it is by strengthening economic supports such as housing stabilization policies, creating protective environments providing organizational policies and culture, teaching coping and problem solving skills, recognizing people who are at risk and especially promoting social
connection. It is preventable by the support and attention of the people it can be overcome. In Mr. Robert Mckinley Gilmore's position, it was a devastating experience as he faced fear and anxiety. He was about to attempt suicide but in a single conversation with his love ones, the burden became lighter. He was treated immediately into a special treatment program in seeking attention and strengthening communication that slowly rehabilitated and overcame his struggle. Regardless of his struggle, he was able to realize his worth and existence by seeking connection and support from his family. "Suicide is neither a solution nor an option," he said. Communicating and keeping in touch with people is the greatest motivation in overcoming a mental struggle. As the world throws pain and suffering, connection will truly uplift. •
VIRTUAL LEARNING • Francis Anne Erolon
Continuity of education in a global health crisis is nothing but a one-step-higher challenge. The new normal also applies to a new learning. Through technology, how do you cope with a virtual class? Here are some helpful tips for you:
1
Have the means.
2
Stay connected.
3
Feel the comfort.
Cellular phones, laptops or desktops are necessary for online learning. Before, gadgets were considered as wants but it has changed overtime as it now crucially functions for everyday routines. It is now a need because it is hard to communicate to each other without it. Much more for online classes, gadgets became essential and important for educational purposes and other academic activities.
You cannot proceed to any online platforms for virtual discussions without internet connection. However, data or WiFi fails if the signal is not stable so you need to consider that. Also be aware of any power interruption.
You cannot work properly if you are working in a room that gives you no comfort. Find an area that is free from any noises and distractions. Work in ease to increase productivity.
4
Prepare the basics.
5
Know the limits.
Even in a new normal education, you still need a pen or pencil, paper and some notebooks for taking down notes because not all teachers might give a copy of their presentation. According to a research of Rahmani and Sadeghi, notetaking contributes to an effective student learning.
If you are currently saving or observing data limits, do not impulsively consume any unnecessary stuff online. It costs a daily budget and it is never easy to maintain financial stability. Everyone is limited for opportunities in a global crisis. Hence, discipline must never be forgotten. Moreover, you might lose your focus from studying if you don't discipline yourself.
All thanks to the modern means. Even with or without the crisis, education continues to prevail. •
• Illustration by pch.vector via freepik.com
12 thescribblers straight from the source
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 August 2020 to August 2021
INSIDE THIS SECTION
• Innoculation of Facts Against All Buzz Know the history of vaccines and how it shaped the world today page 12
• The Envisage Hazard Know how AlSci students were able to predict the trend of COVID-19 page 13
GET YOUR VAXX NOW Inoculation of Facts AGAINST ALL BUZZ
M
• Ashley Ba-ay, Michaella Hiceta | Illustration retrieved from freepik.com
odern world with advanced technology is truly a blessing to humanity, from the travels that once took days but now an hour to reach the same destinations, to the advancements of the medical world, especially finding the cure of smallpox, polio, and other dangerous illnesses through the help of vaccines. According to CDC US the polio disease was eradicated through the help of vaccines, countless lives were saved and prevented because of the vaccines. With the boom of Covid-19 and the rising cases of death, scientists were able to create vaccines in an attempt to fight the virus. UNICEF (2020) stated that the vaccines can help prevent the disease and its symptoms which can lessen the severe cases and deaths. Although we are now in a progressive world, it is still a hard time finding cures for viruses that are also evolving into many dangerous phases; however, the medical facilities are teaming up to stop the virus. Antidote vs. Venom Masks and face shields are mandated by the government to wear at all times especially when going out of the house premises similar to the 6 feet social distancing, vaccines are now distributed to the regions in Philippines. However some are still hesitant due to the Dengvaxia scandals and facebook scam posts circulated online, according to Westerman (2021) people are hesitant to get vaccinated due to the lack of information and education about the vaccines. Filipinos have started losing faith in vaccines since 2016 where parents became parents no more. The televisions across the country were filled with death rates and increasing counts on casualties caused by a virus called Dengue. This virus spreads among transmission from Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes’ bite. With that being said, Dengvaxia, the first ever vaccine made to call out and stop the epidemic caused by Dengue was rolled out in the Philippines way back 2016. Which caused the lives of the children in the country that the citizens all ask the same question for the vaccines made to fight against Covid-19, “Is it an antidote or a venom?”. According to Professor Yu, the supervisor for Covid-19 vaccine trials in the Philippines, less than a third are willing to be vaccinated against Covid. Of the Filipinos surveyed who don’t want to be vaccinated, 84% said that they are unsure about its safety. Chance of Reformation The damage has been done and the reputation of the vaccines across the Philippines is continually being questioned by the citizens concerned in its efficacy and assurance in safety.
Behind the worries about the vaccines, the Covid dashboards have been constantly rising with an endless peak. Even as early as this summer, people began to have some hope—or at least cautious optimism—that the pandemic would fade into the background, new mutations of the COVID-19 virus may bring it back, and it could be even stronger. According to Yale Medicine, Delta, a highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus strain initially found in India in December, is a serious concern right now. It spread quickly throughout that country and Great Britain before making its way to the United States, where it is today the most common variation. In the Philippines, health authorities have detected 97 additional cases of the more transmissible Delta variant reported last July 29, 2021. Upon the fact that this pandemic will never end unless humanity will help each other and grip on the light of hope, vaccines. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be both safe and efficacious, as well as life-saving. They do not totally protect everyone who is vaccinated, and they do not yet know how well they can prevent people from spreading the virus to others, as with all vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are crucial tools in the pandemic response and protect against severe disease and death. Vaccines provide at least some protection from infection and transmission, but not as much as the protection they provide against serious illness and death. When cases increase and transmission accelerates, new hazardous and more transmissible variations are more likely to evolve, which can spread more quickly and cause more severe sickness. Continuing to use tried-and-true public health strategies and immunizations is one of the best methods to protect against new variations. All COVID-19 vaccinations that have been recommended by WHO for emergency use have been thoroughly evaluated and confirmed to protect against serious disease and death. Today, Covid-19 is not the only pandemic the Philippines is experiencing but also the widespread influence of fake news circulating around different social media platforms. Same goes for the fact that Filipinos lost faith in vaccines, it is also good to keep in mind that mistakes can be a lesson and can be amended. Chances may sometimes be hard to give off especially when it causes you to lose someone or something you loved, but it is also important to look into another perspective and observe by facts and not by rumors.•
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
research highlight
The Envisage Hazard • Ashley Ba-ay | Illustration retrieved from freepik.com
PrediCOVID:
Prediction of COVID-19 in the Philippines using Machine Learning a Region-Wide Application
Years ago, people only experienced pandemic through movies and books, blogs on Reddit were run by fans of the plague; however, everything changed when the COVID-19 erupted, and life of constant socialization stopped. Everyone wore masks, countless lives were finished, and people lived in constant fear of contracting the virus; no one could have envisioned this. In the Philippines, despite health measures, cases are rising every day. Everyone is unable to foresee if the cases can be on highs or lows. A group of Alabel National Science High School students Ernest Gabonada, Mark Alolor, and Maria Pio came up with a solution PrediCOVID: Prediction of COVID-19 in the Philippines using Machine Learning a Region-Wide Application to help predict the confirmed cases and plan measures against the virus. PrediCOVID aims to predict and create plans to eradicate the virus, focusing on NCR, CALABARZON, and Central Visayas where cases are rampant using Linear Regression and Linear Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gaussian Process (Square Exponential). The data from death, confirmed, and recovered patients were ran and plotted on machines and were optimized and trained to predict Ernest Gabonada, the group leader, stated, “As a young inventor, we saw devastating effects of the virus on the community, inspiring us to make a tool. Action must start in locality, when that local takes
sci•tech 13
initiative it’ll spread causing a massive prevention of COVID-19 cases as a country. Small changes can make big differences.” Gabonada believes how small actions contribute to significant changes, the research team stands by how this will help the world. Along with his research mates they found a way to predict cases of COVID 19 through machine learning models, which can help not only the health sector but also in various aspects such as the economy and politics. Indiscernible Hazard Unlike calamities and warfare, the COVID-19 is unseen and isn’t known when it’s combative. Although coronavirus has been around since 1965, according to Britannica updated 2020. Like human evolution, the virus also started from mild to lethal. John Hopkins Medicine updated 2021 stated the first COVID 19 strain from Wuhan, China developed a more dangerous strain in the United Kingdom known as the Alpha variant and was followed by Beta, Gamma, and Delta following the Greek alphabet. Vaccines are aiding while the virus is being observed. However, some are hesitant to get vaccinated due to hearsays. The PrediCOVID would aid in detecting unseen danger. At the rock bottom Stocks and bonds plummeted, millions of employees lost their jobs, companies filed for bankruptcy, and the country’s economy dropped by -7.3%, according to GDP growth updated 2020. The Philippines
Statistic Authority updated 2020 stated that unemployment rose to 17.7%. Unemployment forces children to quit school and urges them to help financially, events like this increase the rates of NEET or Not in Education, Employment, or Training meaning more young Filipinos ranging from 15-24 cannot participate in the country’s productivity due to the pandemic. Those on lower margins can only depend on Government’s help. If cases were monitored, business and economy could return to their former glory. Envisioned World Many faced hard times adjusting to the new normal façade. The masks and fear of losing your loved one to viruses comes with it. If given enough opportunity, the invention of PrediCOVID can drastically change people’s lives worldwide, utilizing technology and turning it into something that would benefit and assist the world in their fight against COVID-19 pandemic by predicting cases. Artificial intelligence and machine learning became the mainstream technology today and are used for many applications such as predicting and forecasting. People from the past once envisioned a future with flying cars and immortality; however, those are a product of fevered dreams, now we all anticipate the time where the world is COVID free. The PrediCOVID can help envision the cases which can help in mitigating and complete eviction of COVID 19.•
JUST THE WAY THEY WANTED
Exploiting how social media manipulates the landscape of just about everything If you have a mobile device with you, then chances are you are also into a lot of social media. And if you are, then case on point, congratulations you just made yourself a product that flashfloods money onto the waiting pockets of the tech people in Silicon Valley. If you are still yet to grasp on the point that I am trying to get to, then sit back and take a moment to read. “The Social Dilemma” is a documentary produced by Netflix that dives into the depths of what actually happens inside the social media technology landscape. The feature opens the eyes of its audience to the eerie secrets that lies behind the curtains of socmed platforms such as Facebook, Google, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and others of the likes. Basically, the film emphasizes on the concept of us being the “users” of such platforms are also the ones who are being sold to different advertisers and corporations for the influx of profit. To begin let us make things clear, social media platforms do not sell our information. Instead, the real question is “What do they do with the information
we provide them?” Shoshana Zuboff, Professor Emeritus from the Harvard Business School shared that great business today sell certainty. “In order to be successful in the business, you have to have great predictions. Great predictions begin with one imperative: You need a lot of data.” That alone explains a lot on how social media platforms actually work. Also, these different platforms actually compete with each other to achieve three goals: (1) Engagement, they fight to keep you scrolling. (2) Growth, they contest to keep you from coming back to the platform and inviting other people to join the platform. (3) Advertising, they compete to keep their money going. These goals rely on persuasive technology, which according to IGI Global, is the “technology designed with the underlying motive of modifying a certain attitude of behavior, exploiting psychological and sociological theories, such as persuasion and social influence.” Bottomline, we are definitely manipulated by these things that they claimed were tools. One of the aspects of society that has been affected by this manipulation is the landscape of
information dissemination. An MIT Study showed that fake news spreads faster than real news on socmed platforms, specifically Twitter. The MIT researchers also made it clear that it is not the platform’s algorithm that makes this spread faster, it is that people are more susceptible to retweeting false information than true stories. In fact, their report said that fake news are 70 percent more likely to be retweeted than true stories are. Knowing that social media spreads fake news faster in the form of propaganda, conspiracy theories, or rumors, it makes it difficult for the society to discern what is true. Algorithms are designed to provide us with information that is based on our location and it is also affected by the information that our online friends are mostly into. Which explains why the certainty that one’s truth might be different to another’s definition of the truth is inevitable. Another thing that is greatly affected by social media, and perhaps the most threatening of these dilemmas is the effect that it deals with the mental wellness of people, specifically children. Statistics from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention showed a significant increase in hospital admissions from non-fatal self-harm rates and suicide rates around the year 2009, which was also aligned to when social media platforms began to peek its spread in the society especially on mobile devices. Jonathan Haidt, Social Psychologist from the NYU Stern School of Business, emphasized that through social media we created a generation that is more fragile, more depressed, more anxious and are less comfortable of taking risks. Especially for children who are still on their teenage years, they have been horribly exposed to a false and unrealistic standard of beauty and fame. Where they question their worth based on how many likes or reactions did their latest post gain. And it is terrifying that socmed became a catalyst for young minds to lose their sense of identity and self-worth. Fortunately, there are people working to help find a solution to this problem. Tristan Harris, Founder of the Center for Humane Technology, has a goal to make social media less addictive for its users. He argued that manipulation has became the
center of everything that we do online and that the people behind these platforms should also be responsible on doing something to find a solution to make social media less addictive. However, as the landscape of technology is just getting better, it also gets more incorporated in our lives, and I am afraid to say that we might just have to live with it— to coexist with social media. Finding a solution to social media addiction is difficult, for not everyone in the society thinks of it as an important problem. But one thing is for sure, if we get a small group of people to detach from their mobile devices and disconnect from social media for some time and share their ideas on how it feels, we can definitely get the whole community to do the same thing. This should serve as a call to action for us to create a community that is safe from the manipulation that corporate greed brings upon us. We don’t want to be manipulated into being models that are optimized to one’s definition of success, because that is how their game works. They use us to be molded just the way they wanted. • AJ Lozano
14 thescribblers straight from the source
SPORTS
Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 August 2020 to August 2021
INSIDE THIS SECTION
• Off the Cuff Is ANSHS equipped enough to participate in sporting meets? page 15
• Midas Touch Flores clinches three golds in multiple Poomsae tournaments page 14
MORE THAN
JUST NOSTALGIA Trip down memory lane to Hugyaw 2019 • Patrick Oliver Montaño, Kamelle Bantulo
Intramurals are one of the most awaited events in a school where the students can show their skills in their chosen sports like volleyball, basketball, kickball, etc. But since this pandemic occurred, intramurals are unlikely to happen, or even impossible. As I sit and look at my module, I can't help my mind from drifting into the past to relive the best event of the school year. First stop, the opening program. Deafening cheers and yells were all I could hear. The reflection I could see, mixed emotions emanating from the faces of various students: walking to the bleachers, filled with enthusiasm, happiness, and some began sweating as their hands began to feel clammy against their bouncing knees. The excitement was then doubled when the lighting of the torch began and the Cheer and Yell competition, which marked the launch of the other sports activities. After recalling the program, I went straight to my next destination, the volleyball match. Both teams' raging passion was evident as they played the game. The Boys’ Volleyball Championship game was packed with intense rallies that resulted in a series of deadlocks during the game. They all played their A-game, but the Menacing Black Vikings began to take over the game against the Tenacious Red Spartans, not even allowing them to win a set. “The most memorable event I remembered was when the camera
caught me blocking during the championship game,” uttered Earl Nimes, the captain ball of Tenacious Red Spartans. With a final score of 2-0, I could still feel the intensity of the fight until now, and I bet it would double as I flashback to the kickball championship game. A remarkable game, it was all I could imagine. Eagerly winning but at the same time never forgetting the value of playing. The Championship game of Kickball played between Grade 9 Gallant Blue Knights and Grade 10 Tenacious Red Spartans heated up the arena as they proved how tougher competitions are. Players got injured but the game was still on fire. Yells of the thousands of euphoric supporters of team Spartans and the joint forces of the players ended the game in the fourth inning with a score of 17-1. “Hugyaw 2019 is the most memorable one. That year bagsik kaayo ang pag-organize sa games like to the point na plantsado ang tanan, way libog, walay gubot. Makita pod ang unexpected friendships from different grade levels na bisag that day lang sila nagkakilala murag mag-igsuon ang turingan. Makita gyud na competitive ang every batch pero at the same time makita ang sportmanship lalo na kung naay mainjury, etc. Hugyaw 2019 set the bar to high.” Jannah Mariz Jamili, the star player, stated. As they say, save the best for last, I feel nostalgic remembering
the most thrilling part of the event. Consecutive tremendous shots were seen from both teams as they continued retaliating and fighting to take the lead. The Basketball Championship match was a nervewracking battle, hyping students who loudly support their side. Both teams exhibited marginal play, exchanging impressive shots followed by tight barricades. The match was so close that overtime was called, and that's when the game got further intense. Tenacious Red Spartans displayed their trenchant shots, but it wasn't enough to take the driver's seat over Valiant White Samurais. As time expired, both teams strengthened their defense and doubled their offense, but the White Samurais exerted more effort as they finally took the game with a one-point advantage, 132-131. As my memory lane down to Hugyaw comes to an end, I sighed and wondered if I'm going to experience it again. Sitting down with a heart full of sweet memories. Reminiscing all the good things happened back then. The friendship built, the bona fide sportsmanship, the memories made, sweats and tears, the efforts and well-thought-off plans. It was truly unforgettable. This pandemic had been a barrier for us to interact and play sports again. But the MAPEH Club ensured that despite the unfortunate events, plans were made to strengthen the camaraderie and sportsmanship of the students of AlSci.•
• Photos by winners during the Hugyaw 2019 Photography Competition | Retrieved via ANSHS SSG Facebook
MIDAS TOUCH Flores clinches three golds in multiple Poomsae tournaments • Patrick Oliver Montaño
Through pinpoint kicks and impressive stance, Shania Rich Flores made an insurmountable feat as she clinched one gold during the 2021 Mindanao Online Inter School Poomsae Championship (MOISPC) and two golds in the 2021 Utah International Taekwondo Open Championships (UITOC) last February 28 and March 21, respectively. These tournaments were conducted virtually due to the pandemic, yet Flores managed to standout, even dominating the international stage with competitors from different countries. Flores, an incoming grade 9 student at Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS), initially competed at the 2021 MOISPC in the Cade Female Category Taeguk 1, where she won her first gold of the year, and then continued her triumph in a much bigger stage at the 2021 UITOC. She represented the Philippines in two categories namely, Traditional Poomsae Female Category (15-17 years old) and Sports Poomsae Female
Category (15-17 years old), and successfully swept the gold for the two categories. In the aforementioned international competition, the Philippines won 30 gold medals, seven silver medals, and three bronze medals. “We trained hard physically, mentally and emotionally to prepare for the tournaments. I train 6 days a week as Sunday is intended for our rest day. It was really not that easy po, kasi I need to balance both academics and extracurricular activities.” Flores said. 15-year old Flores has been joining various local and international tournaments for the last three years. She began at the age of 13 and has worked hard despite her hectic schedule, which includes piano lessons and modeling. Despite this, she still manages to excel on her studies as she finished with high honors on her 8th grade at ANSHS. She stated also that her coaches constantly urge them to be versatile in all aspects of life and to live with self-confidence, modesty, indomitable spirit,
perseverance, etiquette, and, most importantly, discipline. “Before the competition, I offer all my worries, physical pain “muscle spasm”, my doubts and anxiety to God. I felt pressured but it is an honor fighting for the Philippines and our beloved General Santos City. During the competition, I just focused and put in mind all the support, trust and efforts that my coaches and parents gave to me.” Flores stated. Flores is currently training for the upcoming 2021 Florida USA Open International Online Taekwondo Championships, which will take place on September 11-12. he will be competing under five events for the competition namely, Sports Poomsae, Traditional individual Poomsae, Traditional Pair Poomsae, Open Poomsae and Speed Kicking. She hopes for support and prayers as she proudly represents General Santos City, our country, and lastly, our school, ANSHS.•
Shania Rich Flores
• Photo retrieved from Flores’ Facebook Account
thescribblers Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 | August 2020 to August 2021
Mathilda Klent SK Oni. Depamaylo
Estes Duke SK DukeTzy. Faciol
Uranus Edwin SK Winzkieee. Rigos
Barats Nolan SK LanTzy. Bendulo
Yin Sun-Shin Mark SK Maku. Abregana
sports 15
Chou Huzaini SK Guccibamps. Badal
SAVAGE VICTORY Pyrogladiators trample Cryoreapers in the land of dawn, 2-0 • Patrick Oliver Montaño
Starting the event with a fiery battle, Pyrogladiators executed their impressive teamfight strategies as they thrashed the intimidating Cryoreapers, with a score of 2-0 at the opening game of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament during the Intramurals 2021, April 26. A tandem consisting of Klent Czar “SK Oni.” Depamaylo and Mark “SK Māku.” Abrtegana led the Pyrogladiators to victory with a total of 9 and 13 kills, respectively, while others, namely, Duke “SK D u k e e T z y.” Faciol, Edwin “SK W1nzkieeee.” Rigos and Nolan “SK LanTzy.” Bendulo also contributed to their victory with 21, 18, and 13 assists, respectively. “Bago kami sumabak sa laban, nag-ensayo kami sa pamamagitan ng pagsali ng mga rank games at panonood ng mga national tournament upang malaman ang tamang drafts na
pipiliin,” Abregana from Pyrogladiators, said. Intending to win the first round, both teams fought for dominance in the early part of the game but Pyrogladiators exerted more effort as Depamaylo managed to kill two heroes of the opponents, giving them an advantage. Pyrogladiators’ momentum continued with Abregana, together with his team, overpowering their enemies with impressive critical attacks and cooperation during the teamfight, taking the lead with 11 total kills and all outer turrets of the enemies destroyed. Pyrogladiators, as fiery from the start, never lost their outstanding composure as the battle continued in the first round, they still had the upper hand giving their opponents no chance to retaliate, with a total of 14 kills. The Pyrogladiators decided to end the match with a tremendous strategic teamfight which wiped out all the enemies, securing their win on the
first round, 1-0. Unfazed Dominance Starting off with another round, the Cryoreapers had successfully built up their driving power, with John “INVI P A I N” Abrea and Jose “NoX zJester’sAce” Aton taking the lead in the start of the game with a total of three kills. Cryoreapers, now on their A game, continued their tactic by outnumbering one opponent, which put them in the driver seat of the game, yet Pyrogladiators tried to obstruct their opponents’ surging attacks but it wasn’t enough to slow Cryoreapers down. Making progress, Pyrogladiators was regaining their strength again and finally put a stop to their opponents’ consecutive kills as they showed again an excellent execution of skills in a team clash, wiping out all the opponents and made the game in favor for them, now with 13 total kills. The Pyrogladiators did not wait any longer, as they
poured a combination of critical attacks powered with buffs and skilled schemes, securing their first win, with a final score of 2-0. Cryoreapers still put out an excellent match with the leadership of Aton and Abrea, both with three kills, while Daryll “NX.E YourProfanity” Velez, Joshua “NoX Trisha” Tabingo, Jubaimar “INVI Swa4belicious.” Maquiling and Denryll “champ-orado” Elevado all managed to get a total of 10 assists. Alongside with this match were the thrilling battles between Dendroterminators and Electrorenegades, in which the daunting Electrorenegades surmounted the Dendroterminators with a final score of 2-0. A nerve-wracking game was also seen between the Hydroelites and Geoaces, where the Geoaces proved their worth by outplaying their seniors, the Hydroelites, with a final score of 2-1.•
SaNSA tailors new normal learning amidst pandemic • Kamelle Bantulo
As it welcomes its first batch of Grade 7 studentathletes for the school year 2020-2021, the Sarangani National Sports Academy (SaNSA) is equipped to tailor the new normal way of learning. A proposed stand-alone secondary school with a special program in sports includes a 400-meter outdoor track oval, a 200-meter indoor track oval, two baseball fields, an indoor multi-sports facility, an Olympic-size covered swimming pool, and seven dormitory buildings and will cater 80 student-athletes inclined specifically into athletics, swimming, judo, wrestling, taekwondo, and arnis. The state-of-the-art multi-sports facility, which is the first in Region 12, will be both online and offline for the academic and sports training with the observance of the national health standards and protocols against Covid-19 since the postponement of face-to-face classes because of the pandemic. As stated by Rochelle Morido, SaNSA program coordinator, the online learning will be through
• Aerial shot of the Olympic-sized Indoor Swimming Pool in the SaNSA Facility. | Photo retreived from DepEd Tayo Sarangani Facebook.
interactive videos on social media platforms while offline learning will be done by using flash drives containing instructional and demonstrational videos which will be given to students. Moreover, Globe Telecom turned over 80 units of mobile phones, sim cards, and at least P640,000 worth of prepaid cards to Governor Solon in a simple ceremony held at Provincial Capitol in Alabel last July 29, 2020. The given mobile phones will be a big aid for the students, teachers, and coaches of SaNSA for their online class and sports training sessions and load cards for them to not be problematic to find loading stations. Additionally, DepEd Sarangani in collaboration with the Provincial Local Government has launched a project called Learning Resources on Wi-Fi Hub for Expanded e-Learning (LR on Wheels) which aims to expand the reach of e-learning to far-flung villages, particularly those outside of the service coverage of major telecommunications companies and internet service providers.•
sports editorial
Off the Cuff Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS) also known as AlSci is one of the leading education centers in Region XII. Known for its excellence in equipping students with knowledge, skills, and values that will allow them to become leaders in the field of science and technology. It is a secondary education institution that only focuses on the development of the students in academics and ideal for those students who excel academically. A school without sports. Without attending athletic meets. ANSHS annually held its intramurals, before the pandemic happened, but the school never attended an athletic competition outside the school. The topic of AlSci joining athletics has been discussed before, but the lack of sports facilities makes it difficult for the school to participate. But now that the Sarangani National Sports Academy (SaNSA), its neighbor school, has recently opened, could it be possible for AlSci to join sports competitions? As ANSHS focuses only on academics, there are not enough athletic equipment for students to use when AlSci decided to participate in sports competitions. The lack of sports facilities makes it difficult for AlSci to participate. Thus, the likelihood of ANSHS attending athletic meetings is bizarre. Since ANSHS is not a sports-oriented school, students could attend other schools that offer sports-related programs if they are interested in the field. So, if a student is active in athletics, they can attend academies that are present at sports competitions. If the student’s forte is academics, then ANSHS may be the ideal school. While on the topic of selecting such schools based on one’s priorities, we should note that ANSHS has students who excel in sports while being a science high school student. Take Shaniah Rich Flores for example, she gathered several gold medals in online taekwondo championships while participating in a grueling online class set-up. Although we should not disregard the evident fact that some students mess up their academics while involved with extra curricular activities, there are still some that can manage. Moreover, with the opening of the Sarangani National Sports Academy, an educational institution that provides sports programs and is located right next to AlSci, sports facilities may not be an issue. Training and practice may take place there, with SaNSA’s permission, until we have enough sports facilities in our school. Nonetheless, athletic meetings require long preparations for the student-athlete to be prepared. As a student in ANSHS, time management is essential to avoid piling projects and assignments, so adding another task might make it difficult for a student to balance their schedule. If students participate in athletic meets, there will be days or even weeks that they cannot attend school. Students cannot focus on their academics if they are also undergoing training at the same time. They would miss classes that will result in getting low grades and probably be referred to counseling or else getting expelled. To expand our excellence in other fields, such as sports, big adjustments will make us off the cuff. AlSci’s institution may change in the near future, but the notion of AlSci attending sports competitions at this time is a major change, especially in the curriculum and its standard. Differences take a lot of time, and to put is simply we are just not prepared for it.•
MORE THAN
JUST NOSTALGIA
> page 14
thescribblers straight from the source
Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Volume XXIV | Issue No. 2 August 2020 to August 2021
SPORTS OLYMPIC PRIDE Diaz bags Philippines’ first Olympic gold, Pinoy olympians top SEA in Tokyo Games • Abbygale Hope Abasolo | Illustration by Isabel Cordero
Team Philippines awed the Filipino audience in their Olympic game performance after bagging the most sought gold medal, leading the Southeast Asian region in the recent Tokyo Olympics, held on July 23-August 8, 2021. The team consisted of Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, among others. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz once again captured the hearts of the public, winning the first-ever gold medal for the country in the Women’s 55 kg. weight division. Diaz previously won a silver medal under the 53 kg. division during the 2016 Rio Olympics, breaking the 20year Olympic medal drought. Alongside Diaz is the boxer Nesthy Petecio who secured the second spot in the Women’s boxing featherweight category, following its debut in the Olympics and became the first Filipina boxer to grab the silver medal. Carlo Paalam, on the other hand, ended its journey in the
Men’s boxing flyweight category with a silver medal succeeding its fall to Great Britain’s Galal Yafai. The middleweight category boxer, Eumir Marcial obtained its bronze medal in the ensuing close fight with the Ukrainian rival Oleksandr Khyzhniak with split decision, 29-28, 30-27, 28-29, 29-28, 28-29, in the semi-finals. Even so EJ Obiena, Carlos Yulo, Margielyn Didal, Irish Magno, Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan, Juvic Pagunsan, Kiyomi Watanabe, Elreen Ando, Cris Nievarez, Kurt Barbosa, Jayson Valdez, Kristina Knott, Remedy Rule, and Luke Gebbie fell short to fulfill its Olympic medal goal in their respective sports events, Filipinos rejoiced over the victories of Tokyo Olympic medalists as it impelled the Philippines’ medal tally rank from 69 to 50, and emerged as the number one top performer in the Southeast Asian region. •
Courtside Analysis
A Pinoy Athlete’s Hurdle • Arabella Czarina Saga
Filipinos are known for being competitive and all-rounders. Seeing the lack of support for our athletes this Olympics, I was truly disappointed of our government and the Philippine Sports Committee (PSC) for causing the inconvenience of our athletes. After Hidilyn Diaz brought home the first ever Gold Olympic Medal in the Philippines, her financial issues for her preparations in 2020 Tokyo Olympics was
brought up. She had no choice but to beg private companies to sponsor her allowance and expenses in the training. She was targeting to bring home the gold medal when she said, “Hirap na hirap na ako, I need financial support”. Even Malacañang Palace admits that the funds for athletes are insufficient. It seems like athletes are not as privileged as we thought. It cost them a lot of sacrifices to get to where they are now. Not only Hidilyn Diaz, there are also extremely
skilled athletes who were shut down from big competitions by the PSC such as Jasmine Mojdeh who wasn’t enlisted for a swimming championship. Isn’t it odd for an excellent swimmer like her, who harvested medals in Palarong Pambansa, to be not enlisted in such a huge championship? It is unfair for skilled athletes and someone with huge potential to be denied an opportunity to showcase those talents they possess. I believe Philippine Sports haven’t reached its peak
yet. Our athletes have huge potential inreaping medals in Olympics which shouldn’t be wasted. Hidilyn Diaz’s historic victory will serve as motivation to other athletes as well to push themselves further. Government officials PSC must ensure the convenience of athletes like their nutrition and allowances they receive so they won’t resort to begging for sponsors once again. As Filipinos, we must invest in Philippine Sports. If we valued and nurtured our
athletes into their greatest potential, it will be a great honor and achievement for our country. This issue is very dismaying so I can’t help but ask myself, “What would Philippine sports look like in the future?” well, nobody knows. May the athlete’s needs be paid attention to and prioritized in this ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics and future competitions for them to prosper further and bring honor to our country.•
