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Sarangans address concerns, experiences on ‘pandemic to post-COVID’ shift

Followingthe recent events of the 3-year COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a profound impact on local communities around the world, locals from Sarangani talked about their concerns, experiences, and adjustments made with regard to the transition from the pandemic to the post-COVID era.

For the last three years, the pandemic has brought to light current disparities in healthcare, access to education, and economic opportunities. It has also underlined the necessity of creating resilient and equalitarian communities that can weather future crises.

Correspondingly, locals, including government workers, civilians, sellers, and students unveiled the difficulties they have encountered in the past and their current work-life

AlSci awards first-ever ‘with highest honors’ graduates

As Alabel National Science High School (AlSci) constantly lives up to its purpose of producing highquality students, AJ S. Lozano and Marchido S. Santos gained recognition for being hailed as the firstever students of AlSci to graduate “With Highest Honors”, announced during the 21st Commencement Exercises, July 2022.

Lozano hopes that this achievement of theirs will serve as a wake-up call to learners, allowing them to realize that attaining such achievement is possible, as well as a motivating force that will drive students to always strive for the best.

“I think that being able to be the first graduates of the institution to achieve this award serves as a wake-up call for the students in the school. Actually, we are not the first ones to receive statuses.

Behind the Frontline

A health worker from Sarangani Provincial Hospital, Haidee Alcudia, tackled the difficulties she faced while battling the repercussions of COVID-19 in the medical field.

“As a frontliner, the COVID-19 pandemic was really tough to endure. I was forced to isolate myself from my family for health purposes. We had to cover ourselves up very strictly, in fear of catching the virus. Sanitizing every minute was a must— it still is for us,” she stated.

With things returning to normal right now, she then stressed the present-day situation of their facility whilst handling both COVID-19 and other ill-related cases.

“Although COVID-19 cases in Sarangani are slowly decreasing in this award. There are some students in the lower years who were able to do this. However, it is not enough for them to achieve it in time for the recognition rites. Then again, the award is always a precious fruit of your labor,” Santos stressed. the present times, precautionary measures must still be observed. Citizens should continue to be cautious because the virus may come back anytime,” she added. Market Collapses

Moreover, both Lozano and Santos have continued pursuing their college studies at the University of the Philippines - Mindanao (UPMin), taking BS Applied Mathematics and BS Biology, respectively.

Notably, both Lozano and Santos are also former members of The Scribblers’ Editorial Board.

Honor and Excellence. Notwithstanding the hardships. the pandemic has caused the students, Alabel National Science High School consistently achieves its goal of students graduating of the highest caliber. In line with this, AJ S. Lozano and Marchido S. Santos were honored for graduating with the highest honors at AlSci for the first time ever.

On the other hand, precautionary measures imposed by health departments have caused disruptions in the global supply chains and led to widespread business closures and layoffs. Small businesses, which are the backbone of many economies, have been particularly affected, with many struggling to stay afloat.

“Naglala ang pagbaba ng sales since nag-usbong na ang mga hardwares. Dati, kami lang. Ngayon, may tatlong hardware stores na rin sa malapit. It reflected rin sa drastic sales namin since gapataas-taas innovative solutions ang presyo ng mga bilihin, while ang income namin ay stable lang. Wala na rin gapagawa ng bahay in this economy kasi mahal na lahat,” said Nenita Lapiz, a hardware shop owner, when asked about the changes brought by the pandemic to their business.

Sustainability Defeat

With how the pandemic has affected the community, labor workers like Celsa Duenas have especially been hit by the negative impacts of the pandemic. The lack of a source of income has led them to come up against numerous misfortunes.

“Noong pandemic pa, syempre mahirap yung pinagdaanan naming kasi napilitan ang lahat sa pamilya ko na manatili sa loob ng bahay. Mahirap kumita ng pera dahil halos lahat ay kapos dati. Ngayon, mahirap pa rin pero mas mabuti na ang sitwasyon kung ikukumpara noon,” Duenas said.

In addition to what others have shared, Jerrylin Obedoza, a provincial government employee mulled over the dire changes caused by the said pandemic. With the insufficiency in the monthly salary they receive, it is not enough to sustain the needs of her family.

“Bilang government employee syempre mahirap ang buhay kasi ang bilis ng taas ng presyo ng mga bilihin especially after ng pandemic tapos ang sweldo parehas lang. Bigas, kuryente, at iba pang mga necessity halos hindi na maabot pero yun talaga buhay ng trabahante pagkakasyahin na lang talaga,” she asserted.

Unending Outside-Acads Problems unraveled by AlSci students

To produce well-rounded and academically exceptional students, they need to have time for self-care and a solid support system to thrive—but what happens when that support system and individuality crumbles?

Several AlSci students, specifically Student A who suffers from a mood disorder which is a mental health problem, stressed that “the school acknowledges mental issues seriously, but wala silang established na actions for it,” and suggested that the school present “tailor-made solutions” for every student’s mental health issues.

According to Student B in an mandatory ctp interview where the students’ identification is undisclosed, “isang absent lang matakot na ako ma-behind sa schoolworks at lesson na alam kong makaaffect sa grado ko,” explaining the hesitation to take a break whenever feeling burnt-out.

On the other hand, financial matters also continue to agonize students, specifically Student A who shared her struggles on how handling one’s financial matters affect her everyday student life

“As an independent student who also pays rent and studies in a Science High School, I once had to starve myself for three days to afford my contribution in our robotics project,” Student A specified, and added that financial stability should not be a privilege but it should be a right instead.

Although the Regional Science High School for Region XII is established for the poor but deserving students who are judged by entrance examinations, the journey throughout is guaranteed to be a tough one based on its advanced STEM-based curriculum which aims to orient Science High School students from the elevated challenges that await them in their college life which is now proven to be effective by its alumni who are mostly graduating with flying colors.

CTP Implementation Survey Result Ties in AlSci

Kairylle P. De Sagon

The recent survey conducted by The Scribblers, the official student publication of Alabel National Science High School (AlSci), aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Citizenship Training Program (CTP) in fostering social responsibility and community commitment among students. Out of 20 grade 10 participants, 45% agreed that the CTP was effective, 45% disagreed, and 10% remained undecided. Students who found the program effective highlighted the valuable lessons in discipline and responsibility gained through practical activities. Conversely, those who disagreed believed that the CTP prioritized grades over genuine social responsibility, lacking emphasis on empathy and active citizenship. Students who were undecided expressed uncertainty about the program’s impact on personal growth and development. The survey results underscore the complexity of assessing the CTP’s effectiveness. AlSci can utilize the feedback to assess and refine the program, addressing concerns and incorporating student suggestions. Continuous evaluation, feedback, and open dialogue are essential in nurturing socially responsible individuals who actively contribute to community development. Achieving a balance between academic performance and genuine engagement in community initiatives will be crucial for the program’s success.