The Scribblers Vol XXIV Issue 1 Aug-Sept 2020

TheS ribblers Straight from the source

Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Vol. XXIV Issue No. 1 // August - September 2020

Overdue Resilience editorial

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NEWS

Mission Possible Know how different initiatives around Sarangani Province prepared Sarangan Youth for distance learning. Page 2 >>

OPINION

What lies beyond the lines, “No one left behind”?

Know more about the debate betweeen #AcademicFreeze and #LigtasBalikEskwela on Under the Microscope. Page 5 >>

SCITECH

Scale Up for Energy Page 9 >>

News

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Straight from the source

community report

MISSION POSSIBLE Various initiatives gear up Sarangani youth for new normal learning

by AJ Lozano

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ducation 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.”

This quote lived true in Sarangani Province as various initiatives were put up in order to prepare Sarangan youth in adjusting to the new normal way of learning.

In the Know In order to pursue its “Education must 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.

Access for All On June 27, the Schools Division Office of Sarangani Province (SDO-Sarangani) launched its innovation called LR on WHEeLS, which stands for Learning Resources on WiFi Hub for Expanded e-Learning in Sarangani, which aims to makes e-learning possible for more Sarangan learners, even in the areas where there is little to no cellular and internet connection.

Moreover, the LR on WHEeLS provides learners with intranet connection which gives them access to learning modules, quizzes, and activities without the need of internet access.

Based on the survey conducted by the SDO-Sarangani, 50% of Sarangan learners have access to gadgets, while only 40% of these learners are connected to the Internet, and they claimed that through LR on WHEeLS the remaining 60% of learners can also be given access to e-learning.

Further, according to a report from DepEdSarangani, a single LR on WHEeLS package could cater about 200-500 learners within a 500m radius.

Furthermore, DepEdSarangani aims to install the learning packages in target communities by November this year.

DepEd defers class opening to Oct 5, paves way for teachers to prepare more

by Heart Leh Alcudia

Walang Maiiwan na Batang Sarangan. 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. Caption by Aaliyah Dimaudtang. Photo by Ariel Lalisan.

Radio Learning Made Possible Aside from the LR on WHEeLS project, Sarangani youth leaders also lead the ‘Radyo para sa Baryo’ fundraising campaign in order to assist Sarangan learners and provide them with radio units in order to appease their distance learning needs.

Moreover, the project seeks to attain its goal to gather Php 200,000 in order to buy and provide 1000 transistor radio units to learners in the province’s far-flung barrios.

Notably, in Sarangani Province alone, 0.38% of enrollees chose Radiobased instruction as their primary learning modality for the upcoming school year.

In an interview with Radyo para sa Baryo Project Head, Rhoda Mae Ebad, she believed that

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even though there is the modular modality, it would be best for students if they will have their own radio unit so they can listen to their teachers “kasi marami din sa kanila ang mga dependent learners and their parents cannot teach them.”

Ebad also exclaimed that in Radyo para sa Baryo, their goal is to make the barrio-kids feel that they are not alone in this fight.

Upskilling Parents Additionally, in the mission to bring learning straight to the home of every learner, parents are expected to be the mentors that will guide the students in their distance learning pursuits.

Since 2014, the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc.(CLAFI) conducts parent mentoring activities in order to orient

ased on the memorandum approved by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, the Department of Education (DepEd) has declared that the opening of classes will be moved to October 5 which was initially scheduled on August 24.

“We shall use the deferment to provide relief to the logistical limitations faced by the areas placed under MECQ and to fill in the remaining gaps of the school opening that we are currently addressing,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones emphasized.

This sudden adjustment paved the way for teachers to prepare further for the opening of classes and to ensure

parents with methods and strategies on how they could teach the lessons to their children.

“Isinasagawa naming ang parent mentoring upang matulungan ang Department of Education na maibigay ang kalidad na edukasyon sa mga kabataan,” April Mae Domingo, CLAFI Project Officer shared in an interview with DepEd Dose sa Ere. Domingo stated that through parent mentoring parents will be encouraged to let their children learn and go to school, and she also claimed that it would be beneficial since parents should be the school’s partners in educating a child.

No One Left Behind

Lalisan expressed that the initiatives of DepEd Sarangani to make learning continue in spite of the pandemic are important because “education must not stop.”

He also voiced out that the modalities implemented in Sarangani are those that are best suited to the situations of households and communities and those that are considered safe for both the learners and the teachers.

“These are really difficult times but we have to do something for the sake of the future of our Sarangan learners,” Lalisan asserted as he boasted the significance of initiatives made around Sarangani Province in order to recognize distance learning and new normal education a ‘Mission Possible’.

In a statement with the Division Information Officer of DepEd-Sarangani, Ariel

that essential changes have been made already.

“Moving the school opening from August 24 to October 5, for me, is a good decision considering that preparation of the modules needs a lot of time,” Annabel D. Erolon, teacher from Alabel National Science High School (AlSci) stated as she talked about the time that will be consumed from reproducing, sorting, stapling, and repacking of modules for the students.

In addition, public schools just as AlSci, have already worked out some plans for the upcoming opening of classes through demonstrating its brilliance in coping up with the new normal.

“I am really proud with the decision of our Secretary Briones as according to the mandate of our President after scrutinizing and considering all the facts happened in the country,” stressed Catherine Lazona, AlSci teacher, while pointing out that this crisis has affected us all yet DepEd stakeholders together with the teachers are working to make the new normal possible.

On top of that, the DepEd trusts that this will be the last adjustment of school opening thus, learners and teachers will be well-prepared to take part in distance classes for the school year 2020-2021.

TheScribblers

Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Vol. XXIV Issue No. 1 // August - September 2020

Towards proper etiquette

SSG releases video series on proper online class behavior

by Denise Louise Anselmo

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s the institution embraces the new normal, the Supreme Student Government of Alabel National Science High School launched a series of videos containing online class etiquettes, with the title, “Into the New Normal: The Tatak AlSci Guide to Proper Etiquette in Online Classes,” on August 4 until August 13, nonconsecutively.

To answer the worries of ANSHS students regarding the online learning, the SSG came up with the idea of preparing a video infomercial drive tackling about the guidelines and proper decorum that an AlSci student must and must not practice during the online classes.

Four episodes were released, each concentrating on a certain SCIENCE core value that the institution upholds – Episode 1:

Synergy, Episode 2: Commitment and Integrity, Episode 3: Excellence and Nationalism; and, Episode 4: Child-friendliness, and Efficiency.

Starting with the first episode, Synergy. The video emphasized how opening of cameras and attentiveness during the online class are required. Furthermore, recording of the classes in any forms are not allowed unless permitted by the teachers.

Moreover, Episode Two: Commitment and Integrity tackled more on respect, courtesy, and proper behavior such as wearing appropriate and presentable clothes as well as no eating during the classes.

Excellence and Nationalism was highlighted in episode three where Pauline Zapanta, SSG Vice president, advised the audience to remember the acronym FPS; F for formal use

of text, P for punctuality, and S for sharing of knowledge.

Lastly, episode four focused on Childfriendliness and Efficiency. The last episode summed up the guidelines and clearly stressed out that the usage of other gadgets during online classes is prohibited.

“This may be just an online class but we should take it seriously and accept this as our new normal for the meantime,” Zapanta stated.

In an interview, Paul John Delos Reyes, SSG President shared that the purpose of the Into the New Normal campaign was to educate and prepare the students about the online classes since distance learning is new to everyone.

“We’re expecting that the AlSci students would be able to apply it (the rules) in the upcoming school year,” Delos Reyes voiced.

Missed the SSG’s video series?

Catch up and watch “Into the New Normal: The Tatak AlSci Guide to Proper Etiquette in Online Classes” through the Supreme Student Government’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/SSGANSHS and gear yourself up as we take the leap towards the age of the new normal education.

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Green Service. The House of Representatives approves the House Bill No. 6931 and House Bill No. 6930 as requirements for graduating students and their parents, which supports the rights of the Filipino people in having a "balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."

Caption by Ronric Racque Cabudlay. Photo by AJ Lozano.

Meanwhile, House Bill No. 6930 or the “Family Tree planting Act which seeks to mandate all parents residing in the country whether legally married or not, are required to plant two trees for every child born to them within their own home’s premises or in designated area in their barangay.

Planting of trees must be done within 30 days after the child’s birth.

Once enacted, this will be a requirement before the parents can claim their child’s Certificate of Live Birth upon the presentation of the parents’ sworn statement of compliance.

“These trees shall be

planted within the premises of their own home or in an area to be designated by the Barangay Council where they reside, with the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” the bill states.

Similar to the Graduation Legacy for Reforestation act, “the planted species should be appropriate to the location topography of the area, with preference for the planting of indigenous species and fruitbearing trees,” it added.

year for us, but despite these challenges, I know that the students and teachers will help each other achieve a smooth flow and still have efficient learning as promised of the institution.”

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’s convinced that the school will not disappoint the parents and students.

On the other hand, the Supreme Student Government President of ANSHS, Paul John Delos Reyes, elaborated that, “There are

possibilities that students will have a hard time catching up on some lessons online but I’m sure with the cooperation of both the teachers and students, this will eventually work.”

However, Adrianne Alquiza, incoming grade 8 student, voiced out that even though the school’s plans are concrete, there are still students who will not cooperate; making it hard for the program to work.

“I expect that a lot of students will not get most of the lessons because of lag, time delay, and internet speed, and with the activities that teachers give

Copyreading Quirico Henri Hechanova Abbygale Abasolo Photojournalism Leica Gayle Zapanta Lyle Louis Ledesma Cartoons & Illustrations Kurt Denize Lacdo-o Bagani Lorenzo Cordero Thresha Tongcua Allyssa Aisha Perez Layout & Graphic Design Geraldluke Faciol Adrianne Joy Alquiza Video Editing Jared Karl Adlawan Richard Ybañez

by Ronric Racque Cabudlay

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News Denise Louise Anselmo Shanissa Mey Elyanne Sales

Sports Angel Anne Tagalog

AlSci students expect distance learning “will work” as learning shifts online ith the forthcoming start of online classes, the students of Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS) looked forward to the new normal despite the circumstances of this year’s pandemic.

In a survey conducted by the official publication of ANSHS, The Scribblers, 7 out of 10 ALSCI students are sure that online classes and blended learning will work as the primary modality of ANSHS. According to Venn Cubelo, incoming grade 12 student, “It will be a very challenging school

On August 28, we once again opened the doors for aspiring members to join in our turf.

After the week-long registrations we were able to gather 25 students who aspire to be part of The Scribblers and after a series of tasks and lectures they stood above the rest.

We present you the new members of The Scribblers who passed the tryouts for their respective discipline of choice.

Feature & SciTech Michaella Marizze Hiceta Ashley Baay Francis Andrew Ladres

by Marielle Jae Mamalo promote and pursue reforestation progress and encourage tree planting as a means of involving the youth in public affairs.

Under the measure, tree planting will be added as a requirement for the senior high school and college students’ graduation.

“As an act of public service before they join the country’s labor force, all graduating students in senior high school and college shall plant at least two (2) trees as prerequisite for graduation,” the bill states under Sec. 3. Tree Planting as a Mandatory Requisite for Graduation.

Moreover, the Department of Natural Resources and concerned local government will be responsible for determining the appropriate tree planting location, climate and topography of the area within the local government’s respective areas, in coordination with the schools, colleges and universities, with preference for the planting of indigenous species.

The Scribblers Tryouts Results

Editorial & Opinion Denise Louise Anselmo Arabella Czarina Saga

New House Bill directs graduating students and parents to plant trees wo bills were approved

by The House of Representatives on the final reading which required individuals to plant a tree for every graduating senior high school and college student and for every childbirth, respectively.

House Bill No. 6931 or the “Graduation Legacy for Reforestation Act” aims to mandate graduating senior high school and college students to plant at least two trees in order to graduate as a “civic duty” for environment protection and preservation, and appropriating funds.

The said bill was approved with 224 affirmative votes, no negative votes and no abstention.

“It is the declared policy of the state to protect and advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” the bill stated.

It also added that the state shall

News 3

throughout the week, I expect a lot of students to also cheat and ask for answers,” she emphasized.

In line with this, all public schools are expected to begin their online classes on October 5 as confirmed

by Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

This new education platform presented by the Department of Education (DepEd) will be composed of online classes, blended learning, and modular; which will provide as an option to the enrollees for the school year 2020-2021.

by the numbers

7/10 AlSci students believe that the school’s plan to proceed school year 2020-2021 with online distance learning and blended distance learning will work while taking into account the factors that may affect the learning experience.

Source: The Scribblers

Editorial

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Straight from the source

editorial

Overdue Resilience A

mid the pandemic, 45.4 percent of the nation have been unemployed in July according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shown last August 17. In reaction to the matter, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque expressed that he was glad that the Philippines remained resilient even after almost half of the workforce lost their jobs. The spokesperson added that we could have had it worse since we were experiencing complete lockdowns. With all these crises happening, the “It could have been worse” kind of resilience is void when it could have been better.

Six months past from the nationwide lockdown proclaimed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, things have gotten overwhelming. The strictest lockdowns have lasted up to roughly two and a half months. Filipinos have been patient for the government’s COVID-19 response. The Department of Health on the other hand has been ramping up their actions to ease the infections. Several quarantines and months later, the country breached 273,000 cases as of September 17.

Amid the country’s COVID-19 fight, staying safe by essentially staying at home inevitably meant losing jobs, empty stomachs, and forced resilience. In our case, the declining economy would be no surprise, but

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On the contrary, those who are glorified for their resilience have it worse.

Illustration by Allyssa Aisha Perez

there is nothing to be glad about it— even if the situation could have been worse.

Along with the wrath of the current economic crises, psychological distresses also surface. On the contrary, those who are glorified for their resilience have it worse.

The resilient healthcare providers are the most vulnerable to the virus.

In addition to that, the Administrative Order No. 26 granted hazard pay of 500 pesos per day to health workers remain deceptive.

Maria Theresa Cruz, a nurse from a Cainta Public Hospital received a total of only 7,000 pesos as a hazard pay for working within the span of 60 days. This of which she have not received before she even survived COVID-19.

The resilient Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) also have it worse. Aside from the dilemma of endangering themselves and losing their jobs, psychological distress comes along. For instance, Algen Cadungog, a repatriated OFW took her own life whilst being on a quarantine facility.

The health workers and OFWs are not the only ones affected, so are the resilient 27.3 million Filipinos who are left unemployed— many of these who live in slums.

On a realistic view, Filipinos should stop being too infatuated with resilience.

It makes us susceptible to abuse. No one would want to have to be resilient. Overromanticizing the matter does not feed an empty stomach, nor does it help amid fighting

a medical emergency such as this pandemic.

Resilience should not be viewed as a lifebuoy, instead it should be treated as a sign that there should be an improvement— of which should be done by the government and the countrymen in unison. In our case, these improvements should be focused on giving Filipinos inclusive accessibility and opportunities and establishing concrete plans where comprehensive medical and scientific response is leading.

The resiliency is now long overdue. We should not just settle to be conformed into the worse.

TheScribblers

Of Dedication and Uncertainties

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ike 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. 20202021, approaches. Continuing education amid the crises happening takes an undeniably insurmountable effort to be done effectively. There are learners with special needs,

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thousands of families who have lost sources of income during the pandemic.

However, despite all protests on-going, DepEd reported as of late July— that a staggering number of 27M students still pursued to enroll for the upcoming school year.

Judging over the heated issue of #AcademicFreezeNow and the pursuance of DepEd with #LigtasBalikEswekla, did the movement “No One Left Behind” remain true or did it only become a statement of empathy to the poor?

Every day, ever since the battle between COVID-19, it has been a struggle to maintain the systemic balance of the constitution— which for one includes education.

Even before the pandemic, thousands of families struggle to keep their children at school— barely even enough to keep food on their table.

This not only became a battle between social imbalance

Caveat

Panoramic Perspectives

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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.

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

What lies beyond the lines, “No one left behind”? o one left behind.

A phrase that has been countlessly advocated not only by those who govern but also by those who abide in it. An advocacy that causes a struggling battle between two parties causing unified solutions to fluctuate due with diverse opinions. The cause of a never-ending debate of high and low marginalized sections that became a matter of accessible education to the advantageable, yet expensive for the paupers.

The rising cases of COVID-19 pushed back the initial face-to-face classes all over the Philippines, however during early July, rumors regarding about online classes emerged all over social media when DepEd mentioned the needed adaptability of “new normal”, which included the ignition of virtual learning.

Students considered this as an apathetic idea, due to

Opinion 5

Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Vol. XXIV Issue No. 1 // August - September 2020

Jahziel Jireh Obedoza

Crizel Marcel Jade Cabatan

There is a cost that we all share to pay— sacrifice and patience.

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.

Under the Microscope Felia Ross Sichon

but also a challenge with the country’s lack of national urgency.

Lacking compassion, sensitivity, and a little bit of governance in this crisis must not only stand in a solid side. It ranges between both parties. It needs both communication and transparency. If this remains unamended, the real problems that seem to be invisible to the eye will never be seen.

For one to see, it must open its eyes first. A concrete plan should be created by a vision that is well-assessed, properly conveyed, and has good flexibility. A plan where it sees privilege not only for those who can afford, but also for those who cannot.

In an ecosystem to survive, one must be coherent with one another. It only takes a straightened-up goal to make this work, and that needs to balance the scales —and not to who would become more beneficial to whom.

As much as how people describe this eon as a “battle of the fittest”, looking into a different spectrum there is something more to which this trend of individuality has to offer. This battle has never been separated in the first place. The undying debate between the admins and constituents is only a band aid solution, a blind eye to the problem. There is a national urgency that all needs to address, a critical situation that should not be overseen.

It needs a solution right away and all it takes is to just give in another’s self-expression to their situation, respectively.

“No one left behind” should not only be a phrase to be advocated—nor a phrase to be fought over with. It should be a goal that instills in our heads, and the primary reason behind the decisions we end up choosing.

The Fall Out on Society’s Margins

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he country’s battle with COVID-19 is far from over, of course, it is with the governments halfassed and pathetic efforts on containing the virus. Millions of Filipino households continue to scramble to be able to provide day to day needs and with the looming prospect of the formal opening of classes ahead, the families are bombarded with a new problem: How will they be able to afford to send their kids to school?

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) plan is not by all means concrete and clearly will not be able to cater all students especially from the marginalized places. This glaring gaps showcases the sluggish and lackluster leadership by the government. It only serves as an emphasis on the prevalent presence of a digital divide in our education sprehe The major challenge for DepEd is how to close the gap between the more privileged learners in the urban areas and the majoritythose in the margins who have little to no access to the internet and the tools required by the new delivery system. For this group use of radio and television is opted by the government.

In line with this, many youth led organizations in the country are making an effort to help in the response to COVID-19.

In Sarangani, youth leaders and volunteers are stepping up to be able to aid families that were deeply affected by the pandemic through outreach programs.

Radyo para sa Baryo is a youth-led fundraising campaign that supports DepEd’s Radio-Eskwela program. The provincial youth development council in partnership with the Provincial SK Federation initiated the campaign to assist public school students from far-flung schools in Sarangani Province by providing radio units in their distance learning pursuits. Their goal is to reach 200,000 pesos to be able to fund 1,000 radio units for the Sarangan children.

This is a huge help for the students in Sarangani province alone 0.38% of enrollees chose radio-based instruction as their primary learning modality. Such efforts are appreciated in the strive for accessible quality education.

Underprivileged students are the ones who always fall victimized by the distorted system that is the educational system. But with movements such as Radyo para sa Baryo their struggles and needs are for once acknowledged and addressed as compared to always being on the back burner of plans With renewed efforts and support not only by the youth but by everyone concerned. The quote “no one is left behind” might just become something of a reality.

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Feature

Straight from the source

FEARLESS FRAY

Educators Deal with the New Normal Education

by Nicole Catacutan

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rdeals abound piece by piece and uncertainty fluctuates until one is unable to determine where the flat line resides. When obscurity arises and clumps its hues to shroud someone’s gateway to learning, how does the fountainhead revive its fervor to keep aligned with the catchers? The Philippines has embarked its paradigm for the new normal education. As the nation permits the entrance of risky and newly-adapted learning, educators are sweating out and undertaking endeavors to keep students on tracks so they would never end up unleashing the essence of learning.

It is on a darker note that some teachers are still brought into traps of questioning and put into blames. They have been mistakenly taken as if the continuity of education roots to them.

Through thousands of complaints circling online, their pile of works for modular distribution get choked in stereotypes.

As they dabble with the nonstop printing works and seminars, the ceaseless whines of students for adjustment are likely to add some weight on their shoulders when they are left with no choice by the department. Their elbow grease amid crisis is nothing but a brave sacrifice to conquer even at a test of their profession.

To lend more emphasis, with all delight and gratitude, their extra miles are worthy of transcendence as they travail in a pathbreaking normal.

Untainted Fervor When a test incises a taint into a full-bloomed passion, a series of doubts would sprawl. The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other private sectors have taken the challenge to prevail over the crisis. It is never a smooth-sailing one for educators do not just exhibit a mere labor but it affiliates acceptance for their chosen path. Hence, their collective effort during and even before the class starts, truly, is an evident prowess to surpass doubts.

The school head of Kibac Integrated School, Jimuel Villamor, has shared their entire preparation and said they have been conducting a child mapping for a chosen learning modality. They also held a parental orientation and was smoothly done. However, they are still in a struggle of delayed issuance for resources budget.

Nevertheless, he is ready to adapt and embrace a new normal life.

Ariel Lalisan, the Division Information Officer of Sarangani also said, “The difficulty is mainly on the need to find alternatives to the usual activities and the inaccessibility of resources.” But he sees how the government upholds all the necessary provisions for the Learning Continuity Plans. Rather than to behold the complexity of new normal education, he still sees a limelight through it all. “We can overcome hardships if all sectors of the community work together and make

the necessary sacrifices to make learning continue,” he said.

Distant Rhymes ”Twinkle twinkle little star, how do I learn when you’re so far?” This must be a rhyme that circles around a young little child. How does a preschool kid groove to nursery rhymes and count to ten with his bare hands? This challenge comes off differently for Mary Jane Aninon, a teacher from Tupi Alliance Church Elementary School. She said they are keeping a constant relation with the parents to make them as partners during the virtual learning. This is to maintain discipline as the kids learn from home. They also had been trained how to use online platforms and attended seminars for modules, beforehand.

It really takes more forbearance to handle young learners online. Rather than to evade misfortune, she cloaks herself with overflowing positivity through prayer.

She may have begun her new endeavor, but she is never uncertain to ace it!

Breaking Barriers In a virtual realm, how does a blind connect his dots to picture out his world?

How does a deaf enhance his unique ways of understanding languages? How does an autistic conserve his enthusiasm for learning? This is nothing but a mishap and often left in the corner.

To never keep this venture bereft of essentials, Fenelia Cuaresma, a teacher from Malalag Central Elementary SchoolSPED Center has shared their strategy in order to keep special education running on the road. “Bilang guro ng Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN), malaking tulong ang pagkakaroon ng Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) na siyang ituturo sa mga bata sa panahong ito ng pandemyo.” As to her statement, there will be two existing ways for special education: Modification and Accommodation. Modification includes trace, copy and write different strokes.

Accommodation refers to self-learning modules and converting them to audio books with image descriptions.

However, what troubles them the most is that the lack of parental skill sets in order to help their children learn way more effectively. Moreover, it is an eminent endeavor to keep learning without knowing barriers. It is better to try than to forsake learning in a conundrum.

Teachers truly have engraved a prominent strength. As everyone gets walled in an overdue crisis and threats infringe education, all light rays come from their valor to render prismatic boons. The nation may have been tainted in a break of learning but everyone has the best frontliners out of it. Still in heroic entities even in a tour along the new normal road.

TheScribblers

Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Vol. XXIV Issue No. 1 // August - September 2020

Feature 7

Leaning on

Virtual Learning

by Francis Anne Erolon

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ontinuity 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:

Have the means.

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.

Stay connected.

Illustration by Bagani Lorenzo Cordero

You cannot proceed to any online platforms for virtual discussions without internet connection. However, data or Wi-Fi fails if the signal is not stable so you need to consider that. Also be aware of any power interruption.

Feel the comfort.

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.

Prepare the basics.

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, note-taking contributes to an effective student learning.

Know the limits.

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. Now it is our time to step up and lean towards virtual education.

8 Feature

Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Vol. XXIV Issue No. 1 // August - September 2020

WARP OF TRAP The World in Crisis

by Nicole Catacutan

C

aged within the solid edges of uncertainty upon sailing with the necessary means to survive, as prolonged, opens up a new room for a vibrant paradox. Thorns of inhumane superiority had done the slits to penetrate darker hues amid unresolved crisis. How did one’s room to survive has eventually gone to a problematic trap?

For the past months, no one ever had a choice but to keep aligned with the stringent rules by spending the whole day and night at home and unfortunately, by just entirely cancelling all the 2020 plans. As for the beginning of the course in the early summer, it all started with unscathed horizons to mend the throbbing upheaval. Almost everyone with the sudden layoff or outstretched vacation spends their time browsing on the internet to get rid of boredom. Until several sunrises and sunsets, updates and trends, the firmed edges to survive began to get distorted by sequential daggers of news breaking immoral power and mishandled justice. There was a sudden spasm of inflicted treacherous vows.

It’s a scenery of one controversy that drifts to another having its pace like starting a day with an aroma of morning scent and ending with havoc out from the whirlpool of enigma.

Here’s the parallel universe for fast-shifting controversies when everyone is beholden to persist in a rapid growth of crisis: There are sun rays to mark the day’s introductory and the slender-looking body grooved to the rhythm of the 9 o’clock vibe. One plate of news and a cup of misery for a much-cleansed morning. Seeking for a warm sensation; one serve of bitter news. George Floyd’s painstaking death rooted from a racial injustice flared those eyes and then a pinch of black powdered-coffee into the cup for a perfectlybrewed rage and an ego to fight. In an attempt to raise the curtains, hopeless graves lie just outside the window. They got etched through the spikes of corona: hunger, unwanted leisure, and non-existent remedy.

A button was then pressed to see what’s going on in a 65-inch screen, but a closing ceremonial caught those eyes off guard. All that was left was a high-pitched howl of 11,000 workers who lost

Illustration by Jeric Mangubat, AJ Lozano.

their job.

Bewilderedness has crossed every corner of wonders and ignites the soul until the noon of blazing mess. Coiling hopes were paid for one last lean but then entirely eradicated to corrupt a public trust. Fully dressed in bravery and rights but gone naked and harassed through the hands of lawful ethics as it objects the standards. A dial for human rights drenched the whole afternoon but beaten by slaps of rejections for it doesn’t give the proper dress codes! It was a verbal freedom-snatch and loss of self-expression. All the miseries splash hues for a tainted crimson sky until the dark night comes— dim and unclear. Hope turned to illusions— a havoc from failed oaths.

Prolonged health crises with merging upheaval of injustice, corruption, woman dress codes, and misplaced priorities are the realities of this parallel universe of fastshifting controversies.

Once dwelled at home to survive but not until bullets in a row pierced the fabric of hopes and trust; it was a warp of trap.

TheScribblers

9

SciTech

Straight from the source

Scale Up for Energy Research Highlight

Prototype design of the Nila Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fish Scale Active Bio-Piezoelectric Nanogenerator PVC sheet

by Ashley Baay & Michaella Marizze Hiceta

F

rom our cellular phones to our laptops which assist us on a daily basis, making our lives easier are all powered by Lithium-ion batteries or Li-ion batteries. But every year millions of Li-ion batteries are thrown out, contributing to E-waste which contains toxic and corrosive materials such as Cadmium, Mercury, and Lithium that are harmful to the environment and human health.

A group of students from Alabel National Science High School Ernest Gabonada, Sheen Sabandija, and Charyze Naval found a solution to this problem by using Nile tilapia fish scales which is a biowaste to create an Active Bio-Piezoelectric Nanogenerator (Bio-PENG) which could replace the use of Li-ion batteries. Ernest Gabonada, the leader of the group stated, “One of my inspirations in conducting the study is the problem of electronic waste or E-Waste in the Philippines which has both negative effects on the environment and human health”. Also, being an active Junior Ecologist Ministry (JEM) member since Grade 7 Gabonada found that millions of landfills containing E-waste could affect the soil of affected regions, toxic e-waste can seep into waterways thus polluting the waters, and can destroy the atmosphere. With his research mates they found a way to use the Nile Tilapia’s scales and bio waste to transform it into something useful that could help sustain electricity in far flung areas and medical fields.

Shot for Advancement As a result of a rapid development of technology coinciding its fret about finances, the researchers solved an important issue by providing an affordable alternative source of electricity that is significant for outlying places. Since the materials used are bio-waste and recycled, folks from far flung areas can easily progress, generate and embrace modernization through utilizing common scraps from the surroundings.

Splash of Batteries The call of having alternative sources of essential energies such as electricity in walking

towards the path of a healthy environment impels the researchers to create sustainable products. Bringing tilapia scales into action helps the environment breathe from the damaging effects of Lithium ion batteries. Improvement and progress of technology from time to time is unstoppable.

We just need to try and swim deeper to different possibilities of engaging bio-waste into exertion to aid noxious and destructive e-wastes of the batteries.

Pressure is Power Active Bio-Peng is an alternative source of electricity when pressure is acted upon the fabricated Tilapia fish scales. This power can functionalize portable devices and its application which is a part of our daily lives of

modernization. With much greater pressure it can provide and sustain energy for portable use. If given the opportunity, the researchers will continue to develop the study by checking its toxicity as the first step for potential pacemakers and other biomedical applications.

Utilizing the Bio-PENG as a self-powered implantable medical device, surgery, e-healthcare monitoring, in-vitro and in-vivo diagnostic can be a big help towards attaining the improvement of medical facilities and the mitigation of the environment.

Getting rid of Li-ion batteries would take years but the Active Bio-PENG could lessen the demand for Li ion batteries little by little and could possibly stop the abrasive e-waste which could lead to a pristine environment and better human health.

G N I V SA through P SEEKING

by Francis Andrew Ladres

Illustration by Allyssa Aisha Perez.

ain 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

Copper plate

Nile tilapia fish scales

soldiers.” It is a painful scenario especially those 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 wvas 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.

10 Sports

Official School and Community Publication of Alabel National Science High School Vol. XXIV Issue No. 1 // August - September 2020

TheScribblers

SaNSA tailors new normal amidst pandemic

by Kamelle Bantulo

A

s it welcomes its first batch of Grade 7 studentathletes for the school year 2020-2021, Sarangani National Sports Academy (SaNSA) is now preparing for its opening of classes on October 05.

The proposed standalone secondary school with a specialized 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 which will cater 80 student-athletes specifically inclined in athletics, swimming, judo, wrestling, taekwondo, and arnis.

The establishment of the Sarangani Sports Training Center (SSTC), which will be the place for SaNSA student-athletes, was validated into law on February 22, 2019, through Republic Act 1124 sponsored by Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Cong. Ruel Pacquiao.

Rochelle Morido, SaNSA Program Coordinator said that the academy was

formed to develop the student-athletes to become one of the followers of Senator Pacquiao and to mold the skills that will help them get into universities and colleges that offer sports scholars.

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-toface classes because of the pandemic.

As stated by Morido the online learning will be through “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.

Furthermore, 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. It is a learner package that provides access to selflearning modules (SLMs), videos, interactive activities, and pre- and post-tests even without internet that contains an access point antenna, cables, router, portable generator set, and tri-leg pole that could cater 200-500 learners within a 500-meter radius through an e-platform.

LR on Wheels has been tested in far-flung places around the province and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member and Chairman of the Education Committee, Jess M. Bascuña has concluded that education can linger despite the challenging situation.

Illustration by AJ Lozano.

Sports scholarships offered in Sarangani National Sports Academy

Athletics

Taekwondo

Swimming

Arnis

Wrestling

Judo

Aerial shot of the Olympic-sized covered swimming pool built for the Sarangani National Sports Academy.

Illustration by Allyssa Aisha Perez.

Sports

Straight from the source

11

commentary

Sports Bubbles: How much longer will it hold before it pops?

by Patrick Oliver MontaĂąo

W

ith frequent cancellations, disruptions and cutbacks, occurring and further horizon adjustments, the global sports industry is greatly affected because of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Bubbles were formed as a result of the blow of the virus, which is a concept in sports media to separate each team, player, coach and staff at a specific neutral location.

Games will be played at the site and players will live there and remain separated from the rest of the community until the chosen stretch of games is over.

Sports is a huge tourism booster with fans watching sporting events in different countries. It is also vital for entertainment networks and advertisers, as it attracts a broad live audience of desirable young demographics.

Given its market effects, it is absolutely vital to bring the sports industry back to near-normal levels in order to boost economic growth,

Cartoon by Kurt Denize Lacdo-o.

and bubbles appear to be the only way to continue playing sports during this pandemic.

It is risky to resume sports, but it will remain safe as long as it remains inside and we can gladly get sports back. Forming bubbles suit as the best approach in sports for this issue and it can be seen as it performed for leagues such as the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), which held a monthlong tournament and did not report a positive test.

Our economy started to crash because of the pandemic leading to the closure of several industries and one of them is sport.

Sports is a huge business globally so resumption of sports is an enormous help in giving our economy a boost to grow again. This means that the idea of sports bubbles will not only help bring back sports but will also help bring back the destroyed economy as a result of the virus strike.

Sport bubbles are also the home of experimental emerging COVID-19 research tools and new processes.

They could also tell us more about how the virus spreads, so it's a benefit for us as we learn more information about our enemy that could be useful in finding a way to stop the virus.

These bubbles draw criticism to others because it still has holes in it, and the protection of each person involved is not guaranteed for the entire stretch of the season and if there is one accident that will occur, it will create another concern not just for the sports industry, but also for the country as well. It is also expensive to manage since it includes food costs and so on, and since unexpected changes can occur during the season, it is also difficult to coordinate as well.

Despite these critiques, bubbles work thus well, like the NBA bubble, since they follow a set of careful protocols for each player, so if other leagues do that too, then they can continue to

play their games and even finish the season. NBA has invested $150 million in their Orlando bubble, meaning bubbles are pricey, but leagues can find sponsors to help them meet players' needs, and they can recover the missing money when they restart the season.

COVID-19 did considerable harm to the community, restricting people's movements, so the sports industry needed a solution, thus forming bubbles. Sports are financially troubled, so bubbles are necessary to save it from sinking, this could be risky but it's just the best choice we have. Compliance with government orders should be done to decrease doubts, and also obtain approval from relevant government agencies. Much like a regular bubble, we need to create a proper mixture to make our bubbles last long, and that's what we also need, proper coordination, so that the bubbles in sports will last long.

Did you know?

30 Atleast

sporting leagues and associations around the globe pursued sporting bubbles. Ranging from physical sports to esports, the bubble system caught the attention of sporting fans around the globe as it was sought as an effective way of pursuing sporting events despite the scare of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TheScribblers

Vol. XXIV Issue No. 1 // August - September 2020

editorialboard AJ Lozano Editor-in-Chief

Crizel Marcel Jade Cabatan Associate Editor

Nicole Catacutan Circulations Manager

Felia Ross Sichon Managing Editor

Martchido Santos News Editor

Jahziel Jireh Obedoza Opinions Editor

Nicole Catacutan

Features and SciTech Editor

Patrick Oliver MontaĂąo Sports Editor

AJ Lozano

Layout and Design Chief

Kent Joshua Alvarez Art and Illustration Chief

Ronric Racque Cabudlay Photography Chief

staffmembers Marielle Jae Mamalo Heart Leh Alcudia Senior News Writers

Kamelle Bantulo Senior Sports Writer

Aaliyah Ashley Dimaudtang Senior Photojournalist

Anne Cornelia Senior Copy Editor

Quirico Hechanova Abbygale Abasolo Junior Copy Editors

Francis Erolon

Junior Feature Writer

Jeric Mangubat Allyssa Aisha Perez Bagani Lorenzo Cordero Francis Andrew Ladres Denise Louise Anselmo Ashley Baay Michaella Marizze Hiceta Kurt Denize Lacdo-o Contributors

Jan Carol S. Salas Annabel D. Erolon School Publication Advisers

The Scribblers @ScribblersANSHS issuu.com/TheScribblersANSHS