THE SCRIBBLERS | VOLUME XXVI | ISSUE NO. 1 | JULY 2024-FEBRUARY 2025

FEATURES | /P10

SCITECH | /P14

Badgeting og Extensive Exploration

by Kairylle De Sagon

HIKES OVER RISKS

Hitchhiking cases continue despite preventive measures; students cite financial concerns, convenience as reasons why

Why is hitchhiking still happening in AlSci?

Considering that students from various cities and municipalities who have attended Alabel National Science High School (AlSci) have since been oriented and lectured about the dangers of hitchhiking, this question seemed common among AlSci students and teachers.

G12 student-voters prefer “opposition-bets”, aspire for good governance

In a mock poll conducted on January 10, 2025, first-time voters, specifically Grade 12 students of Alabel National Science High School (AlSci), showed favor for “opposition-bets”, ardent in voting for a responsible candidate.

Former Senator Paolo

Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino Partylist along with Atty. Renecio “Luke” S. Espiritu Jr. of Lakas ng Masa Partylist, and Former Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan of the Liberal Party of the Philippines topped the charts in the results.

Aquino, Espiritu, and Pangilinan were then followed by Atty. Sonny Matula of the Workers and Peasants Partylist and former commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) Heidi Mendoza, running independently.

For the upcoming 2025 elections, Brix Anthony Salloman, the Supreme Secondary Learners Government (SSLG) Vice President of AlSci and a young junior official of Sarangani, conveyed that he will be exercising his right to vote wisely.

“It is a responsibility of a citizen to vote for a rightful leader, and it is my right and my obligation to vote for such a leader that will help shape this country,” Salloman stated.

Another student of AlSci and the SSLG Public Information Officer, Lee Rosen S. Panganiban, highlighted that voting is something everyone should actively take part in and promote.

“You know what they say, if you are not interested in politics, politics will take interest in you,” Panganiban noted.

Georcelle P. Carcillar, the SSLG Secretary of AlSci, explained that thorough research must be done before voting for a specific candidate as this can affect a whole

range of people in a community.

“Look into their records and credentials, especially their platforms and plans in serving the country, and check what they have done during their past term if they had one,” Carcillar said.

On the other hand, Juov Marianne P. Jamili, a Grade 12 student, shared that the qualities to search for in a leader is important because this can reflect the future of a nation.

“We don’t know what the future of the Philippines will

be if our leaders act unprofessional, but this gave me an idea of who to not vote for and who to vote for,” Jamili stressed.

According to Jamili, though she is new in voting, fact-checking and being aware of the issues that the Philippines is currently dealing with is a major part that students must have a knowledge in.

“Even though we are part of the youth, we are fortunate to be able to

2025 Mock National Elections

by Shanissa Sales

investigativestory

HIKES OVER RISKS

Hitchhiking cases continue despite preventive measures; students cite financial concerns, convenience as reasons why

AlSci students deem HB 11213 as ‘unnecessary’

by Shanissa Sales

With the approval of House Bill (HB) 11213, “An Act Providing Education Pathways for Basic Education Students,” qualified Grade 10 students are given an option to skip two years of senior high school and accelerate to college, university or enroll in a technical-vocational program.

Along with the purpose of the bill in helping students advance to college faster, it is also proposed to give an opportunity for students with financial burdens to be given an option between two educational pathways.

Stacy Colleen Lacap, a Grade 10 student from Alabel National Science High School (AlSci), shared that the HB 11213 is not a necessary measure due to senior high school being an important aspect in entering college in the future.

Through the teachers’ rearview mirror

Wearing his ‘iconic straw hat’, the Prefect of Discipline, Ariel Armada, stated that he would usually encounter two to six incidents of AlSci students waiting for a ride while he is riding his motorcycle.

“The causes may be the thrill of doing it, peer pressure, and saving money,” Armada added.

He stressed that students are always reminded by the advisers, level coordinators, and teachers about the dangers of hitchhiking.

The Prefect of Discipline’s statement was backed up by a pioneering teacher, Annabel Erolon’s statement, “During AlSci 101 in grade 7, as an orientation, we already presented the dos and don’ts as an AlSci student,” she said.

Erolon added that the school was not actually careless; however, hitchhiking existed way back then when corporal punishment was still happening.

“Nowadays, once you get angry, you can get sued for verbal abuse,” she

bythenumbers

survey conducted

voiced.

The teacher further said that the hitchhiking incidents worsened when the corporal punishment was removed.

Splinter stuck on the finger

AlSci students who have experienced hitchhiking expressed their sentiments about why they continue doing the deed, even if the school taught them about its risks.

Whereas, 14 out of 15 admitted to committing hitchhiking.

Jeremiah Caalim, a grade 11 learner, stated that he first started hitching because he wanted to save money, regardless of the fact that he was caught by a teacher and lectured about it already.

“To be honest, I am not afraid of hitchhiking because I choose the cars I ride. I just don’t simply pick vehicles where I have to be indoors because of the possibility of being kidnapped. So, as a safety measure, I would look for pick-ups,” Caalim noted that he would still do it because he has not experienced anything bad.

13 %

of AlSci studes mentioned thrill as a reason for hitchhiking.

In addition, a female student who preferred to be identified anonymously said that she has hitched eight times already, adding that she first hitched due to the influence of her friends.

“It first started when my friends did not have enough money for the jeepney fare, all of them just agreed to catch a car to ride on to–and because I wanted to be with my friends, I joined them which just saved me some money. Also, an AlSci student’s high school life is not complete without hitchhiking–it’s our culture, ” she explained.

Additionally, there was a time when she and her friends were hitchhiking, they saw an AlSci teacher passing by, and they decided to hide because of the fear of getting caught.

“Getting caught by a teacher that would protect us is scarier than hitching a ride with a stranger that could potentially harm us,” she stressed.

Furthermore, the female student mentioned that she would still do it to save money.

Nevertheless, not all students want to continue

high school

because he was already being fetched by a trusted person, also known as ‘sundo’, or sometimes he would carpool with his friends.

“I hitched a lot back then because I get impatient waiting for the cab to be filled, and I do not like it when the vehicle gets cramped. However, I was caught once by the Prefect of Discipline who lectured me about it,” Alejandria explained.

Moreover, there were other students who were interviewed and most of them wanted to save money, bond with friends, and experience their high school life to its full potential, as well as for their own convenience.

Sabay Sakay Program

The Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) Vice President Brix Anthony Salloman shared that they implemented the ‘Sabay Sakay Program’ to lessen the hitchhiking occurrence.

“It was a proposed plan when the ALSA Partylist ran for the [school] elections,” Salloman

20 %

of AlSci students said peer pressure drive them to commit hitchhiking.

mentioned.

He also shared that free rides are not the problem, rather, it is actually due to students not knowing the driver.

“We don’t know [the driver]. No one would take the accountability. We can’t blame them because they simply let someone get on board for free,” he explained.

As a solution, the SSLG suggested the program as a way for students to be able to save money while knowing the fact that they can trust the car’s driver.

“Even so, we only have one resource which is the SSLG President’s father’s car. Which is only available when he has free time,” he claimed.

Hence, he hopes that they can expand the program through more car resources to lessen the incidences of hitchhiking.

Although hitchhiking is a security risk, the students who prefer hitchhiking over commuting see it as an opportunity to spend time with their friends while being frugal in this struggling economy.

67 %

shared that peer pressure makes them succumb to

AlSci students say reducing core subjects is inessential, adds stress

by Shanissa Sales

“As a Grade 10 student, I am not in favor of the bill because there are still a lot of things you can learn about, especially knowledge that is required in surviving college,” Lacap stated. Lacap also noted that having an option of skipping two years of grade levels while the students who are currently in or have already graduated from senior high school having no choice can be viewed in two different perspectives.

“They have no choice to study for another two years, as compared to our situation where we are given an option to advance but actually, it can also be seen as a gain for senior high school students because they can acquire more knowledge during that time,” Lacap stressed.

According to Precious Reywena P. Burgos, a senior high school student from AlSci, that even though she was given no choice on whether to continue or to advance, the implementation of the HB 11213 is not unfair for her.

“In a sense, it is fair because it is undeniable that senior high school is an advantage and it has its own pros and cons,” Burgos said.

Burgos further explained that skipping senior high school can affect the education performance of students as it is beneficial as a transitioning phase to college, and it provides many insights and opportunities.

“In terms of lacking prior knowledge as we enter college by skipping two grade levels, I am not in favor of that but in another point of view for those who are in favor of the bill, it is also actually a valid reason in such a way that it can lessen their additional fees that can accumulate in senior high,” she stated.

Moreover, Burgos highlighted that the government should find a way to cater to the needs of students so they can solely focus on their education without any worry in finances.

“I think the Department of Education (DepEd) should focus on providing for students, specifically those in senior high school with financial burdens so they can study without the mindset of having to accelerate to college,” Burgos suggested.

reducing shs subjects

Senior highschool students (SHS) of Alabel National Science High School (AlSci) disagree with Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s proposed reduction of core subjects in SHS curriculum to be implemented in 2026 since it limits the learning of learners.

He aimed to reduce core subjects in SHS curriculum to allow students to focus more on work immersion as well as to produce job-ready and employable graduates.

Anthony Nuñez, a grade 12 student, said that he disagrees since the core subjects in SHS greatly aids in giving students mindfulness especially in college education.

“I disagree with reducing the core subjects

since the senior high school academic years are implemented to prepare students intellectually and hone the skills that would be the foundation of their college life,” Nuñez stated.

Additionally, JK Caceres said that the core subjects are important in providing students knowledge that can be used in the future.

“I do not agree because those core subjects greatly help us expand our knowledge, and in

every subject we always have something to learn that we can use in life,” Caceres added.

Meanwhile, Jannah Radjaisman, a grade 11 student said that the current SHS curriculum causes stress to students and that the core subjects must be reduced.

“The current SHS curriculum is crushing students and the pressure cooker environment is unsustainable which leads to burnout, so

reducing core subjects allows students to focus on mastering the essentials, manage their time effectively, and actually enjoy learning instead of constantly feeling overwhelmed,” Jannah explained. She further stated that balancing 16 subjects with personal responsibilities is hard for many students and that reducing them will benefit their welfare.

/FROM P01

hitching like Andres Alejandria, a senior

student,

A

by The Scribblers found that students cite financial concerns, peer pressure, and thrill drive them to commit hitchhiking.

hitchhiking.

FINDING A RIDE, ONE THUMB AT A TIME. A student from Alabel National Science High School opts to hitchhike despite the risks along the Sarangani - Davao del Sur Coastal Road. For many students, this has become a necessary choice to save on daily transportation costs.

PHOTO BY: LYLE LEDESMA

statusupdate

GOLDEN ERA?

by Severino Opsar

Inflation trouble Alabelians amidst deceleration

While the average inflation rate decelerated continuously from six percent in 2023, slowing to three point two percent in 2024, then an estimated two point five to three point three as of January 2025, vendors and buyers at Alabel Public Market are still troubled by soaring prices and indicated that prices are even higher now compared to the preceding years.

Does not match up

Mary Ann Alaba, a meat vendor in Alabel Public Market said that she did not feel the inflation decelerate and customers still struggle with high prices.

“As a market meat vendor, I cannot feel that it slowed down. In my observation, many customers struggle with the prices because product prices are much higher than salary so it is not balanced.”

Additionally, Marylin Pantonilla, a vegetable vendor, said that product prices even got higher compared to the prior year.

“Prices did not decrease; in fact, they went up compared to last year. Customers wonder about the high costs, but we cannot blame them since supplier prices are already high.”

However, they both agree that in coping amidst high prices, vendors must always prioritize their customers and properly explain the situation.

Caught in soaring prices

Meanwhile the situation is no different for customers, as Cassy Comendo, a consumer, said that prices in the supermarket she purchases in grocery went up instead of going down.

“As a consumer, I feel like rather than going down, many product prices such as fish and vegetables have gone up, especially in the supermarket. For instance, a tray of egg only cost 150 plus but now it is 200 plus,” Cassy shared.

She further stated that increased prices obliged her family to cut down on purchase.

bythenumbers

Inflation rate in Sarangani.

0.3 %

Sarangani Province’s inflation rate dropped to 0.3% in December 2024 from 0.5% in November 2024 and 5.1% in December 2023, driven mainly by lower prices in food and non-alcoholic beverages (-2.0%), and health services (1.8%).

teachingworkloads

AlSci integrates PISA-structured questions in exams

by Shanissa

Sales

Going beyond multiple-choice exams in order to further enhance students’ critical-thinking skills, Alabel National Science High School (AlSci) adopted a similar type of test like to Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) for the school year 2025-2026.

Including the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO), the integration of a PISA-like exam in AlSci is for students to develop higher-order thinking skills in everyday life.

Jane Claire L. Forrosuelo, an educator in AlSci, said that PISA-like type of exams have been applied in exams since back then but have just been focused on more for the past year because of the PISA 2025.

“Actually, these types of exams are already being conducted but the label of a similar type of exam to PISA is newly established,” she stated in Filipino.

Furthermore, Forrosuelo stressed that AlSci students are able to develop in the sectors of literacy and situations that require problem-solving and criticalthinking skills due to the integration of a new type of test.

“AlSci students are well-versed in answering questions related to the application of what they have learned in school to real-life situations,” she explained.

Forrosuelo also believed that the system similar to PISA is applied to measure how effective the program and strategies implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) is.

”Only the structure of the exam changed, everything from the content to the presentation is the same so it is really a matter of how students can grasp a different type of exam from what they are already familiar with,” Forrosuelo said.

Additionally, Forrosuelo shared that even though she is in favor of the integration of a new type of exam, she is still leaning more towards multiplechoice exams as it can lessen the workload of teachers in checking answer sheets.

by

Passer weighs in on the dual roles of school heads, principals

After Senator Chiz Escudero stated that teaching loads must be given to school heads in line with his proposed rightsizing plan, a soon-to-be principal expressed her disappointment about the senator’s statement.

“Counted pa rin na teaching item ang principal but they are not teaching anymore. Again, disservice ito,” Escudero noted, following his proposed Senate Bill No. 890, also known as “Rightsizing the National Government Act of 2022,” which aims to save costs and make government agencies more efficient.

“I will not become a principal anymore,” Ravelo jokingly said.

Dual role is a mission impossible

“Personally, I prefer multiple choices because it is much easier to check and obtain the item analysis, and I know that PISA exams can be modified to multiplechoice questions but PISA encourages students to be creative in how they approach questions and I completely understand that,” she stated.

Dennis Nathaniel Añora, a Grade 11 student of AlSci, shared that he is in favor of the integration of exams similar to PISA in contrast to Forrosuelo.

In a mini press conference conducted on January 9, Arlene Ravelo, a Master Teacher I, the School Information Officer of Alabel National Science High School (ANSci), as well as a National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) passer, stated that she was shocked upon hearing the news.

by Vladimir Magaway

On a serious note, she noted that having dual roles as a principal and a school head is not new, especially to institutions located in far-flung areas.

“This is happening because there are lacking items for principals,” she claimed.

Additionally, she mentioned that some teachers are forced to take on different roles in exchange for a salary level of a teacher instead of being compensated as a school head.

“It is not easy teaching and managing the school at the same time,” she expressed.

In addition, she quoted that she has read that school heads are supposed to already have 12 roles according to the Republic Act 9155, also known as the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001.

“I guess adding a

teaching load would be difficult already for an efficient principal role in an institution,” she reiterated. Furthermore, she mentioned that they already have ‘no choice’ as they are only following the mandate of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Beyond titles and position

Despite the impending workload the master teacher would face once she becomes a principal, she voiced that being a principal is not limited to

managerial roles.

“Even if the principal will not have a teaching load–still, he or she has to look into an instructional area of a school. So the principal will go into instruction leadership and managerial or administrative leadership,” she clarified.

Moreover, the Principals Test Passer stressed that a principal or a school head must still do their duties and perform the tasks the DepEd secretary would give them.

“Even though I am used to multiple choices, I do think it is easier for me to answer PISA-like exams because as an avid reader, I can try to understand the information given instead of guessing the answers in multiple choices,” Añora conveyed.

Añora also said that reading is a vital skill that is enhanced by the integration of PISA-like exams which can determine whether a student has critical-thinking skills and is well-versed in comprehending the information based on a reading text given.

“I think that PISA-like exams can make every student enhance their capabilities because I personally do not like studying but with an exam like that, I can try to decipher a reading passage or a text and comprehend it,” he stressed.

Kairylle De Sagon

ELEVATE THE STANDARD. Students from Alabel National Science High School (AlSci) are reviewing for the new Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). PHOTO CREDITS: ANSHS FB PAGE

bythenumbers

Sarangani’s inflation rate dropped to

communitynews

Minimum wage increase may raise inflation risk— Private business owner

by Wenzy Navarro

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) passed another bill that would increase wages by P200 per day for all workers.

Business associations and economists both expressed concerns that the recently suggested P200 daily minimum wage rise for private sector employees could trigger unstable economies and rising prices.

In the aim to assist workers maintain with the rising cost of living, the Senate has been

by Kairylle De Sagon

DEAFENING SILENCE

Israel continues killing journalists, AlSci student says Israel violates UDHR 19

considering a bill that would increase the minimum wage countrywide by P200 per day.

“If this P200 wage raise is accepted, it will be essential. Payroll is the single largest expense, therefore when salaries rise, I usually look for ways to offset these costs, whether it be through pricing hikes, cost-cutting

strategies, or increased productivity.” As Ms. Leneth Sope A business owner of a Rice stand in Alabel, Public Market.

Although labor organizations appreciated the action, economists believe that the wage increase could have unexpected consequences, such as increased costs for goods and services.

It seems like the click of a journalist’s pen sounds like a gun’s bang to a genocider’s ear.

As Israel continued to strike Gaza, Palestinian journalists were killed while doing their duties as the purveyors of truth, adding to the death toll of journos since October 2023.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Program Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna, reporters in Gaza are still facing the risk of being killed, arrested, and injured.

De La Serna noted as of January 10, 2025, at least 160 journalists and media workers were killed since the war began.

“Journalists in Gaza face particularly high risks as they are trying to cover the conflict, including devastating Israeli airstrikes, famine, the displacement of 90% of Gaza’s population, and the destruction of 80% of its buildings,” he

ASEAN-inspired

uniform

Group of teachers urge to suspend the new dress code

by Wenzy Navarro

added. Furthermore, he said that they are investigating approximately 130 cases of potential killings, arrests, and injuries; however, most of them are hard to document due to the difficult situation.

“Since the war in Gaza started, journalists have been paying the highest price – their lives – for their reporting. Without protection, equipment, international presence, communications, or food and water, they are still doing their crucial jobs to tell the world the truth,” he voiced.

Thus, the director stressed that they lose fragments of truth whenever a journalist is harmed and that the perpetrators should be responsible for their crimes.

Fragments of truth

Another Palestinian journalist was killed during an Israel airstrike in Gaza’s Jabalia Refugee Camp on January 4.

Together with 90 Palestinians, Mohammed Saber was slain, stated by the Gaza Ministry of Health.

“I refuse a cheap death. I curse the murderers,” this was the statement emphasized by Saber in his post on a social media platform way back in 2024 asserting that he would continue to fight for human rights, specifically for freedom and truth.

In addition, Saed Nabu Adham, a freelance cameraman from Anadolu Agency, was slain by a sniper while doing his job covering the events in

Gaza on January 10.

Through an AlSci student’s eyes and ears Ardhe Liray, a grade 11 student, mentions that Israel violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 19, also known as the right of every human being to have freedom of speech, and that he was heavily affected by it.

“Israel militants are small-minded. They do not care about the welfare of others, but only themselves,” he added.

Clearly, Israel had many crimes against Gaza, as well as against foreign and local journalists, yet justice has not been served yet.

A Group of Teachers’ is against on Civil Service Commission (CSC) due to Hot weather in the Philippines.

On Memorandum Circular No. 16 of the CSC, s. 2024 Government workers must dress in ASEAN-inspired clothing on the first Monday, and in Filipiniana-inspired clothing would be implemented at the start of January 2025.

“I disagree on the implemented ASEAN-inspired outfit, dahil papaano namin ma handle ng maayos ang mga bata kung naka suot kami ng Filipiniana on field” Master Teacher 2, Rowena Navarro said in the statement.

On Tuesday, January 7, a group of teachers petitioned the CSC to exclude public school teachers from a requirement that they need to wear clothing with ASEAN or Filipiniana influences, citing its “impracticality” in public learning environments.

communitynews

“Mahirap magsuot ng Filipiniana on field dahil sa paglipat-lipat na classroom. Beside that mainit ang panahon sa Pilipinas, maaari Itong maging sanhi ng Heat stroke sa amin,” Navarro stated.

Additionally, The Department of Education (DepEd) had previously regulated some teacher outfits that were suitable for their professional identities.

by Severino Opsar

Work immersion program aid students in career-choosing

Graduating senior high school students of Alabel National Science Highschool (AlSci) stated that the work immersion gave them adequate experience to help choose future career.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), work immersion is one of the course requirements for graduation. A senior high school student has to undergo work immersion in an industry that directly relates to the student’s post secondary goal.

In an interview with grade 12 student Georcelle Carcillar, work immersion can help indecisive individuals in choosing future college course.

“At first, I was doubtful about the course I want to pursue but I was able to clear my mind because of immersion that I really want to take nursing. Because of immersion, I

found that my future course would be nursing because I was opened to new experiences in that field,” Carcillar added.

Brix Anthony Salloman explained stating that such opportunity will enable students gather adequate experience even before college.

“Work immersion for us grade 12 students is to ensure that we know the field that we will work in, like it is a sealer for us if we are really sure about this course. For us, luckily that we experience this kind of field, we can say if a field is for us or not. So, yes, it can really help especially when you come to college because it is hard to shift course,” Salloman

explained.

However, Lee Panganiban stated that even thought he is still indecisive, the work immersion gave him opportunity to explore other fields.

“The purpose of immersion is to prepare you in the field you want to join in. But for me, I’m just exploring in the experiences I get in different types of field to know if I like it,” Lee stated. Nonetheless, the work immersion grants students adequate experience to guide them into choosing suitable career paths for their skills, interest, and passion.

SHAPING FUTURES. Alsci’s Grade 12 students actively participate in work immersion programs, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights to guide their future career choices.

PHOTO CREDITS: ANSHS SSG

THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE, SILENCED. A journalist is seeking protection from a group of refugees as Israel militants now treat them as enemies of the state. PHOTO CREDITS: Creative Unites

Farmer: The rich gets richer while the poor gets poorer argiculture

“We never received anything– no land titles nor support from the government.”

This was a statement made by Christoper Daugdaug, a farmer in Alabel, Sarangani, after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos distributed Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages (CoCROMs) for Region 12 on December 5, 2024.

As a low-income farmer with a sideline in riding pedicabs, Daug-daug said that poor farmers like him did not get an opportunity in receiving any financial help from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

“We never knew anything about it, we were aware that Marcos came here last December but we never got

SAFETY AFTER CALAMITY

any assistance from them,” he stated in Filipino.

Daug-daug stressed that only the people with connections to the government have an access to the aids, emphasizing that the New Agrarian Emancipation Act or Republic Act No. 11953 is simply for “show”.

“We, farmers, have it hard because the system is wrong as it only benefits those above, especially the already rich people,” he said.

He also highlighted that some people may have gotten land titles but it is only a small percentage among poor farmers with no capacity to own land in a state where they can only rely on sidelines.

by Shanissa Sales

“Farming requires vigorous work, it is hard yet I cannot do anything about it so from labor work to pedicabs, I do everything just to earn a living,” Daugdaug stated.

Additionally, Daug-daug connected the giving of land titles to the 20-peso rice promise made by Marcos, relating the two promises as aims to alleviate financial constraints of Filipinos but he deemed this as an “alltalk” by the government.

“We are suffering right now because the government has no word of honor,” Daug-daug complained.

bythenumbers

5.4 %

of 15–19-year-olds in the country were pregnant in 2022

SOURCE:Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

Heavy rain triggered flash flood, MDRRMO Alabel ensures citizens’ safety

by Wenzy Navarro

A heavy downpour on December 27, 2024 triggered a flash flood in Alabel Municipality, Sarangani Province, destroying hundreds of homes and displacing numerous families.

Among the hardest-hit areas were the barangays of Maribulan, Pag-asa, Ladol, and Kawas. The flood also claimed the lives of several livestock, including carabaos and goats that drowned.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) immediately assessed the safety of residents, particularly those living near the Buayan Bridge River.

Affected families were promptly evacuated to the Municipal Gym in Alabel for temporary shelter.

Kish Jiann Bayani, a resident of Brgy. Ladol expressed gratitude for the MDRRMO’s immediate action throughout the evacuation.

However, he pointed out ongoing infrastructure issues, stating, “They didn’t fix the irrigation canal, which remains a long-term problem in Alabel.”

Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit (LGU) continues to assist affected citizens.

Mayor Vic Paul Salarda, MPA, reported on December 28 that the number of impacted households could exceed 800, noting that some homes housed multiple families.

The LGU is still assessing the extent of property damage as recovery efforts continue.

sex-ed

DepEd eyes CSE curriculum; stakeholders, studes cite their insights

Due to the increasing cases of teenage pregnancy and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the Philippines, the Department of Education eyed to implement the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) program in all public and private schools.

SAFEGUARDING LIVES, STRENGTHENING

RESILIENCE.. Members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) mobilize to ensure the safety of residents following severe flooding in the area. The team provided immediate assistance and security to affected communities, reinforcing disaster response efforts to mitigate risks and aid in recovery. PHOTO CREDITS: LGU ALABEL FB PAGE

DepEd Order No. 31, s. 2018, also known as the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of CSE, outlines the implementation of teaching and learning the scientific and realistic aspects of sexuality, which was based on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act of 2012.

However, some critics have questioned the appropriateness of the program’s content.

bythenumbers

across Alabel were affected during the flood incident that happened last December 26, 2024 Source: GMA News

In line with this, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed that he withdrew his support for CSE because of its possibility of ‘clashing with the religious and cultural beliefs of Filipinos’.

Likewise, many politicians argue that it encourages young students to ‘perform sexual acts’.

Despite all of these, DepEd sec. Janir Datukan clarified that the curriculum would not cover any inappropriate topics and would promote abstinence in students.

“The curriculum only covers human development, personhood, relationships, sexual behaviors, health, gender, and human rights,” Datukan assured.

Although the program might be helpful, Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros is concerned about the situation of the out-ofschool youth as they do not have access to the program’s teachings, but vowed to give her support to CSE as long as the department would be improved before implementing, during a hearing on January 29.

A parent’s insight Roselie Dimo-Abrasaldo, a mother of four, shared that she thinks the CSE curriculum should be implemented because it would aid teenagers in becoming more responsible individuals.

“It [CSE] is an awareness; and at the same time, a program of DepEd that could enhance students’ knowledge and how to prevent teenage pregnancy,” DimoAbrasaldo stated.

She further emphasized that politicians should not be against the program; instead, they should do their best to help DepEd in improving the curriculum for the betterment of students.

Through a teacher’s lens

On January 29, DepEd representatives said that they were training 400,000 teachers to be able to handle sensitive subjects and to be familiar with the contents of the curriculum.

Teacher Fretzie Lou Cobel, a senior high school (SHS) teacher at Alabel National Science High School (AlSci), said that although they were not oriented yet regarding the matter, she agreed with its implementation.

“I agree with CSE being passed because these days, it is very important to have sex education. We, as teachers, just need training and orientation just so that the program would be effective,” Cobel said.

Students’ viewpoint

DepEd added that they would mostly focus on teaching adolescents and the teachers handling them, such as teaching about contraceptives.

Madeline Capilitan, a junior high school student, claimed that although the CSE has a limited scope, it would still be effective as students would try to reach out to the out-of-school youth, educating and influencing them; thus, CSE should be implemented.

“CSE should be implemented because it can prevent teenage pregnancy. Also, we are a conservative country where we tend to ignore things such as this [sex education] due to stereotypes; consequently, contributes to the increase in teenage pregnancy cases,” Capilitan stressed.

However, not all students agree with this; a female student who would rather be interviewed anonymously said that she disagrees with its implementation as she continues to believe that it is still inappropriate. Contrastingly, Ardhe Liray, a senior high school student, pointed out that people who disagree with CSE’s implementation are ‘narrow-minded’, “They only think about themselves, and never the better good of the one’s affected, which are the youth—that’s why they won’t allow CSE to be implemented,” he voiced.

UNHEAR PLEAS.

Christoper Daug-daug, a farmer in Alabel shares his struggles, highlighting the unfair treatment and lack of government support that farmers face.

PHOTO BY: MARK EIMAN

FAMILY-RULED BUSINESS

Pests are meant to be eradicated because they bring nothing but harm, and in the Philippines, these pests are the ever-growing political dynasties that only perpetuate problems and deepen the nation’s struggles, pestering together and leading driven by an insatiable lust for power.

it is worth noting that fat political dynasties have expanded their dominance and become obese as they are the major victors in the said election according to Mendoza et al. (2019). With the fastapproaching 2025 national and local midterm elections, familiar political lineages are seeking office once again as 8 out of 10 district seats in the House of Representatives are from familiar names and more than half of them are probing for a return. Given the country’s educational crisis, the gigantic national debt, and the high inflation rate, as well as the decades of family dynasties being a primary face of the government in the Philippines, are we not tired of the same stagnant leadership we are offered regime after regime?

Despite being written in the 1987 constitution under Article II Section 26, stating that: The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law. The shortage of an enabling law is a pin-point for hampering the ban of these obese political dynasties. In the 19th Congress, four house bills and senate bills of antipolitical laws have tried to be passed as acts in Congress, but all of their statuses are pending. It has been over 37

years of failure to make an official law on this, but with the House of Representatives and the Senate pested with family dynasties, there is in no way they would consider a policy stripping them from power. Proposed bills against political dynasties seem to be purposely overlooked just like Senate Bill No. 30– an act prohibiting any political dynasty whose status is still pending. Dynasties, clinging to their humongous number and desperation to hold authority, failure in passing these laws is expected.

Few may think that no harm can be done with such a system. However, shining upon the shadowed truth, political dynasties are far more destructive and act as a blood-sucking pest in the government. It was evident that there is an apparent relationship between how political dynasties appear to harm economic growth by reducing political competition and encouraging weak governance. Moreover, the study argues that political dynasties survive through corruption, using weak oversight to misuse public resources without accountability. They rely on patronage—distributing money, favors, and jobs—to secure loyalty and maintain control. This system forces people to depend on them, preventing new leaders from emerging. As a result,

corruption isn’t just a consequence of political dynasties; it is the key to their power and survival.

The continuous growth of obese family dynasties in the country puts democracy at the edge of risk. With the same surnames running year after year, voters are left with nothing to choose from but the people who have used the government and politics to hold their family reunions. Additionally, democracy is

Voters must rise above familiar faces and cliche surnames.

not the only thing that we should be tackling, but also the nepotism it coincides with.

An environment nested with nepotism is an environment of misused power, authority used for personal benefits, and even flawed leadership. Since political lineage has the power to appoint whoever belongs to their family in any key position and sector even without enough knowledge and experience. Family dynasties in our

country will just keep on dominating the government if no action is done. This will lead to a country brimming with corruption, shattered democracy, and home to incompetent and ill-informed position-holders. These politicians ignore laws against political dynasties because if ever passed, a huge chunk of them will have to renounce their authority and power.

In this 2025 midterm elections, the people have a chance to turn things around the politics that we were used to— a politics run by mostly dynasties taking advantage of the loopholes found in the constitution. Voters must rise above familiar faces and cliche surnames. Given the stagnated progress they are delivering, let us choose a leader who does not have any political ties, focuses on policies that reduce corruption and increase accountability, has a strong platform and track record, and prioritizes political reforms— especially halting the family businesslike politics in the country. Consistently electing constant family candidates whose personal interests come first, will ineffectively solve many social problems and even deteriorate the democracy.

With the great responsibility to vote for crucial people to lead the government, it is a must to be an educated voter. The prominence of fake news and

distorted facts in the current generation equips us to be smart and assertive in what we believe in. Furthermore, vote-buying, being a familiar characteristic in every election period in the country, we must learn to refuse money blinding us for it is not worth the years of suffering we would be undergoing if a corrupt government leads us— as exchanging money for votes is a corrupt act popularized by deceitful politicians obsessed with power and fortune.

In the many years of the Philippines being infested by pests— pests which slowly declutter democracy and flourish poverty, we should be angered by the way we are taken advantage of by these dynasties. In the upcoming midterm election, voters should be reminded that a simple shading of ballots has an unprecedented effect on the future of the country. The fight against the predator that swallows the government system of the country is not yet finished as long as families are sitting in power at the same time and successively. Consequently, feeding us up for they have been showing us nothing but a stalled development. Letting these obese lineages sit longer in the government will lead to an impoverished Philippines and a nation under oppression— a product of investing in a family-ruled business.

art by Fatiyah Lim editorial

cleancut

by Vladimir Magaway

cleancut by

New banknote designs have been unveiled for the Philippine peso bearing the country’s indigenous animals and subsequently removing the portraits of national heroes. While seemingly all for pushing more eco-friendly and sustainable currency, many are left skeptical behind its motives.

Vladimir Magaway

Around mid-December, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) along with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. unveiled new designs for the 50, 100, and 500-peso banknotes. It features portraits of native flora and fauna and a new polymer-based material that claims to be more sustainable and durable than the previous banknotes.

It is no doubt that money plays a much more important role than a country’s currency or a means of exchange. For the Philippine Peso, it is one of the most recognizable symbols that Filipinos use daily. Its most recent iteration now focuses on other aspects of the country’s pride in natural beauty and cultural arts. But the move to strip it of its historical background sparked some debate.

One noteworthy instance is of the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM), a civil society group known to have led protests against the Marcos dictatorship have come in to condemn and question it as an attempt to “rewrite history”.

Political heroes, former President Cory Aquino and opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino have now been reduced to the Visayan Spotted Deer. It is unfortunate that the more “superior” sustainable plastic bills do not bear our country’s most progressive minds.

In addition, the focus on

making our currency attractive also reflects a disregard for actually addressing root problems in the economy. It is egregious that focusing on more “eco-friendly” bills and their beautification belongs on the central bank’s priorities when the national budget can instead be spent on fighting inflation rates and actually increasing the Peso’s buying power. In a later statement by the BSP, they do not intend to phase out the old paper banknotes ensuring they are in circulation. But these faceless bills, while showcasing a fresh new angle of our country’s pride are still devoid of the heroes that peaked our country’s patriotism. It stands more than ever as President Marcos’ attempts to wipe his late father’s past mistakes out of public conscience. It is commendable the decision to push for more patriotism more

Small Country, Fat World

The political climate of the Philippines has always been nothing short of heated. Eleven count of members in the biggest political families in the country. What is more baffling, three families hold this record. Meet the fattest political dynasties the Philippines has to offer.

Since Time Immemorial

paralleloutlook

by Mark Vincent Eiman

Mouths are stitched, eyes are blinded, and tongues are ripped out. These are the typical symbolisms related to journalists all around the world. Imagining these words to be taken literally, a gruesome image will come up in the mind. However, with the recent killing of Mukesh Chandrakar, a journalist from India, the eerie words written only on paper have entered the real world— proving that descriptions among journalists are not an exaggeration only but happen in actuality.

Fifteen skull fractures, a punctured heart and liver, and a broken neck– that is how Mukesh Chandraka was found. Chandraka was known for his frank and courageous reporting on many societal issues in India. Unfortunately, his last report was about the construction scam in the City of Bijapur which led to the official inspection on contractors. Facing an obviously powerful people, he took the risk to expose the truth even if he knew it would cost his life. The brutal killing of Bijapur highlights the risks of being in the world of journalism and how corrupt and guilty individuals have the power to silence. These concerns among journalists do not exclude the Philippines. In the Press Freedom Index, the country has placed 134th of 180 countries. Dire can be said in the position of the country yet, it reflects the reality of Filipino journalists even to

those who aspire to become one.

Many campus-journalists in the Philippines experienced red-tagging. Schools which should be the training ground for journalists to exercise their rights of press freedom, have become infected by the disease this country has for the truth. The main attack against campus publications is censorship among articles that heavily critique the government. This action seems to provoke that campus-journalists have done misdeed, but, there I see nothing wrong with holding the government accountable and calling them out for the things they are doing. Yet, many schools seem to only care about the reputation of the institution, not molding their students to be truth-holders. Another way of practicing freedom of speech as a student is through activism. With their voices shouting for change, walk in hopes to be heard, and placards

up high that scream for actions–these are just few scenarios that can be seen at lawful rallies. However, the government seeing this as a threat to peace, fully armed police and armies are sent in order to stop the violent acts. Although if they reflect deeply, they are the ones causing chaos with the unnecessary and performative way of fixing something unbroken. Oppressions experienced by young journalists have practiced them to be in a battlefield of journalism. But, this does not prepare them for the violence, abductions, and brutal killings that may occur to them. From the case of Mukesh of India to the early situation of campusjournalists in the Philippines, the difference between the location just tells us that journalists have been silenced everywhere since time immemorial.

caveat by Steve Omas-as

PhilHealth: Zero SubsiDIE

Recently, budgetary allocations for the health departments, particularly PhilHealth, were reduced. This reduction was caused by the government, along with generalized sectors of the country led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This decided reduction in budgetary allocations was influenced by a thought that the reserved budgets that are considered “unused” are useless and would “surely” be useful when lent to other sectors such as the Department of National Defense, the Department of Public Works and Highways, etc. This decision to reduce the budgetary allocations for the health departments put a highlight to jeopardy of affordable health services, financial assistance in terms of medicinal sectors that are supposed to be helping the Filipinos. The allocated budget of the PhilHealth for the year 2025 should be kept for stable financial aid, affordable health-aid offers, and make expansion for the health care coverage. The Department of Budget and Management’s approval of Php 2 billion for indigent health insurance highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable. Removing this subsidy is both flawed and illogical, as it directly affects the lives of countless Filipinos who rely on such allocations for stability and healthcare access. Ensuring a stable budget for these programs is essential for improving the well-being of the nation’s underserved communities. The reduction of allocated budget is wrong, where the government lent the budget is flawed in many ways, especially when the budget increased for the Department of Public Works and Highways which is known for pork barrel allocations and plain corruption.

In the previous years, PhilHealth received government subsidies to fund financial assistance and other medicinal aids to indigents, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. According to research, PhilHealth was allocated a subsidy of PhP 74 billion in the year 2024. Zero Subsidy means that the government does not allocate any funding or financial support to a particular program. In this context, this is particular to PhilHealth. This adjustment to PhilHealth’s funding means that they will be independently funding using only from paying members and its kept reserves, without any government subsidy. Additionally, Marcos Jr’s huge confidential funds amounting to PhP 4.5 billion were maintained while his office received an additional amount of PhP 5.4 billion. On top of this, the budget of the Department of National Defense was increased by PhP 8.857 billion, with the separated request and order of Marcos Jr to increase the soldiers’ subsistence allowance from PhP 150 to PhP 350 a day, or from PhP 4,500 to PhP 10,500 per month. Also, confidential funds increased by a record PhP 6.149 trillion while the questionable Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). It is indeed interesting that the high value of the program’s confidential funds equates on how elusive the efficiency of the program is. To put it simply, the government subsidies have played vital roles in supporting health insurance coverage of both paying and non-paying members. The absence of this government subsidy in 2025 translates to deterioration in the funding structure, especially in PhilHealth.

However, even if the budget allocations for PhilHealth are kept, the insurance-reliant health financing framework remains. This means that the Filipinos will continue to bear the burden of rising healthcare expenses.

Yet many, schools seem to only care about the reputation of the institution, not molding their students to be truth-holders.

The decision to cut PhilHealth’s government subsidy to zero is nothing but a wrong decision. In this time of economic crisis with inflation also starting to keep up with the sky, the Filipinos couldn’t afford to shoulder problems more because they are complying with tax that is supposedly stored as reserved funds for financial assistance in medical fields, particularly spearheaded by PhilHealth.

If the government wants to solve the problem of the budgetary requirements, and the budget allocations not being enough, here’s a solution: Don’t be corrupt. The Filipinos have suffered enough, do not make them bear another burden of not being able to grasp medical assistance just because of a decision that is impulsive. As for us people, we must know the worth of our own blood and sweat. We are the ones paying, yet with this impulsive decision of the government, we are also the ones that are introduced with more struggle. We are the ones paying for this and in return, we should be entitled to the support that we deserve. It’s time that we raise our voices and fight for our rights.

by Ayah Hammouda

panoramicperspectives onhindsight

Too Little, Too Late

When children fall sick in school, every second counts. Yet, in many Philippine public schools, one of such is the Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS), the process of requesting medicine can feel like an eternity. For students suffering from headaches, stomachaches, or even minor injuries, the wait for relief often drags on, hindered by insufficient medical supplies, and an overwhelmed education system.

A recent report from the Department of Education (DepEd) revealed that only 30% of public schools nationwide have a designated school clinic, and many of these are severely under-resourced. Medicines, if available, are often locked away, requiring tedious paperwork and multiple signatories for access. Teachers and staff, though willing to help, are hamstrung by rigid policies meant to ensure accountability which ultimately delays urgent care.

The slow process of providing medicine in schools can be traced to excessive bureaucratic protocols. Schools require detailed documentation for dispensing medicine, including incident reports and approval from administrators who may not always be present.

According to Mrs. Cheenee Estrellado the Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS) Clinic incharge, the availability of medicine depends on the allocated amount from the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

While these procedures aim to ensure accountability and avoid misuse, they often come at the expense of a child’s immediate well-being.

Another critical issue is the lack of medical professionals in schools. With only 4,000 school nurses catering to over 47,000 public schools, most campuses rely on teachers or administrative staff who are untrained in healthcare to administer first aid. This setup leaves students vulnerable, especially during medical emergencies.

In some cases like in Alabel National Science High School (ANSHS), teachers double as school nurses, a role they are neither compensated for nor adequately prepared to handle. This compromises both their primary teaching responsibilities and the quality of healthcare students receive.

Moreover, despite DepEd’s annual budget, health services receive minimal allocation. This has resulted in schools being heavily dependent on local government support or donations to stock essential medicine. Even when funds are available, the procurement process is riddled with delays, leaving many schools unable to respond to students’ health needs promptly.

A 2023 study by the Philippine Pediatric Society noted that delayed medical response in schools increases the risk of complications from common illnesses like asthma, dehydration, and infections. The lack of preparedness in handling such situations reflects a systemic failure to prioritize student health.

The consequences of these delays are more than just inconvenient, they can be dangerous.

As parents, educators, policymakers, and students, ask yourselves: How many more children must endure unnecessary pain before we fix the cracks in the system? The process of requesting medicine in schools must be streamlined and made child-centric, prioritizing immediate care over bureaucracy.

The time for change is not tomorrow but today. Our students deserve better. It’s time to ensure that every school in the Philippines is equipped to handle health emergencies swiftly and compassionately.

by Kairylle De Sagon

by Rianne Pimentel

Money, the barrier behind education

Why is education locked behind this wall called money? Isn’t education free for all and one of the main factors to earn?

A few years ago, I went to a private school that required students to pay the full tuition amount in order to take the exam, and students who couldn’t pay before the due deadline would have to leave the classroom and wait for the other students to finish. I saw their faces filled with sadness and eagerness to take the exam, to show the effort they had put in for the quarter and not let it

AlSays

The sudden eruption of the ‘Burgis Issue’ has sparked debates about whether is it ok for a free education institution such as the University of the Philippines (UP) to be well-dominated by rich students. However, up until now, discourse is still ongoing. With that, The Scribblers asked AlSci students— students from a free education institution— if they are ok with State Universities being dominated by rich students. 57% said they are ok, while 43% said they do not agree.

As long as they are truly qualified, regardless of their economic background, and have put in the effort to pass the exam through hard work and dedication, then they deserve the opportunity. Moreover, the Constitution affirms that everyone has the right to quality education, ensuring that no one should be deprived of it despite their financial status. Besides, there are existing scholarship programs designed to assist students in need, which they can apply for to support their education. After all, they are children of taxpayers, and public education should be accessible to everyone who earns their place.

GLINDA

Underprivileged students often receive weaker early education due to the country’s educational crises, while wealthier students benefit from quality education and have alternatives like private schools. If affluent students give up a spot they secured, it would allow underprivileged students a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty. ELPHABA

38 students see no problem in State Universities being dominated by the privileged students, while 29 students disagreed.

go to waste. Some students even forced themselves to stay inside the classroom to take the exam, but were eventually dismissed by the teacher saying it was not allowed.

After hearing about the recently signed “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” I felt that this was going to be another step for education here in the Philippines. Students who don’t have

A Long Way Reach

the needed payment for their education at the moment can still pursue their studies and take the exams with no barrier preventing them, taking off the burden from their parents who put in the effort to pay before the deadline. Moreover, with the high prices and low incomes of families, it is hard to pay the tuition in full with all the other necessities needed. An update from the

by Lorenzo Martin

The sudden debate of the “Burgis“ at the University of the Philippines had left a mark of sparking controversy in the Philippine educational system, rivaling the current social dogma inside science high school institutions. The question, “Should wealthy and privileged students take part in the free, highquality secondary education of science institutions, when they can yield their slots to other less fortunate peers?” is cruscial point of debate that will affect the future generations in their career and education.

Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution declares that the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, is a right of all humans. It is the primary necessity that drives personal and scientific growth. Taking away education from students who desire to learn, fails to follow the right of every learner who actually wants to become someone great and intelligent, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Why would we let wealthy students acquire slots to a free secondary science institution? The same reason why underprivileged students deserve to take part in that free high-quality education. It is because they are driven by a

free education, aiming to contribute to scientific progress and global advancement. Admission to these free, high-quality secondary schools is based not on parents’ financial capacity or individual selectivity, but rather whether they proved themselves deserving of it. This is the primary standard that allows students to be accepted inside a prestigious institution, not their social status. Is it immoral to allow students who can afford to get into prestigious schools but choose to attend Science high schools? Do the masses deserve more educational opportunities while setting aside the rich because a poor student is more equitable for a slot? Sure, the rich have the means to attend

student to sacrifice a slot for others because of their sincerity to go on their way finding a school that offers the same quality of education. But, for a Bourgeois who is part of the top 1% economically, that is the minimum to say the least. There is a better process our country can take in solving this educational controversy. What we need as a nation is equity and understanding. Instead of worrying about who goes into a free prestigious high school or not, why don’t we improve the education of all sectors in all levels, where true and equitable learning is supposed to be found? Improving the basic education in our country must be implemented in all levels, aiming for higher yield of graduates and

Gone In A Flash

The Municipality of Alabel is no stranger to floods caused by heavy rainfall. One might expect such familiarity to translate into preparedness, yet progress lags far behind the floods themselves. In the span of just weeks, Alabel has faced two devastating flash floods, leaving more than 800 homes and 100 families affected. The municipality struggles to emerge from murky waters caused by floods during the holidays on December 26, 2024, and January 7, 2025, highlighting the vulnerability of Alabelians to these disasters.

Alabelians are well aware of floods, from their dangers to the right response. However, the problem does not lie in the awareness — it lies in the nature of the floods themselves. Flash floods strike fast, with no foretelling. People find it difficult to assess whether heavy rains will continue or cease, leaving them hesitant to prepare or evacuate. Those near flood-prone areas in riversides are often left isolated, immobilizing them amidst rushing torrents of water.

Even if citizens decide to evacuate early, Alabel lacks a permanent evacuation center ready for them. Instead, the municipality relies on makeshift setups of modular tents in the Municipal Gym. As soon as floods overflow rivers, residents are further isolated; with the Buayan River drowning

the access to the nearest city, General Santos, relief efforts become stranded. Alabel strives to lend its hand to its residents, yet post-disaster recovery efforts outnumber those in prevention and mitigation. Relocating to safer areas remains financially impossible for many, especially without government support to facilitate the process. Flood control projects have been initiated as far back as 2022 to address this worsening situation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prided the nearing completion of the flood control in Bagacay Creek

and Barangay Ladol itself has funded 30 million pesos for their own project. However, this hope remains hope as of now — these projects have been slow to complete and their effectiveness remains unproven. Worse, existing flood control projects are flawed; the one in Buayan River features large walls to contain river water but lacks adequate pipes to direct flood water into it, rendering it less effective during heavy rains. The government continues to pour the budget into these expensive projects, yet its progress remains unmoving.

How can Alabel become truly resilient when floods move faster than progress? Its residents are informed and aware, yet ultimately left immobilized because of inadequate actions and slow projects. Concerns rise whenever disaster strikes, but as soon as flood waters recede, so do the government efforts. True disaster preparedness should be swift like the disaster it faces, or else it will be drowned and gone in a flash.

Philippine Statistics Authority stated that overall inflation increased to 2.9 percent in December. It is evident from the constant increase of prices, that it is hard to maintain a balance and a constant pay of school fees.

However, I have also heard negative feedback about the act. Saying that the act would lead to the closure of many private schools as the tuition of the students is what helps maintain and improve the school, failure to pay can lead to a wide variety of problems. Even so, in the act it was clearly stated that the

by Kyzzia Pelarco

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would issue a certificate on the disadvantaged status of the student, deeming if the situation is an emergency or not.

This way the act will be limited and only used when the student is in a dire situation. So it can prevent people from exploiting the law and use it as a reason to not pay any school fees or tuition. I understand that people might question this act and think that it is not practical, especially for private schools, where tuition is an important

opinion 09 SPOILAGE UPON EQUALITY

factor in maintaining the school. Yet the DSWD limits and checks the students to ensure whether they need the certificate or not. Our government has also analyzed and voted for this law to make sure that it is acceptable and helps improve the country. Every student in this country deserves to get the proper education with no limits to what they can take. No matter the status, poor or rich, everyone should have the freedom to be able to take the exam. Money shouldn’t be a hindrance to what makes a student grow.

Encouraging Growth

The Local Government Unit of Alabel was just recently awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) this December 9, 2024. This awarded Seal is a testament of the astounding governance our local leaders performed and serves as a beacon of progress and the hard work of its constituents, that shines throughout the whole people.

As a child of this developing municipality, I have witnessed the slow growth of my marching home, how it grew despite the different tragedies it faced.

With the effort of its people and leaders, it pushed through development by leading and contributing. I believe, the growth of Alabel is bound to improve more and more, breaking through its challenges and shaping future Alabelians for a better future.

Sealing Motivation

The Seal of Good Local Governance is an award that recognizes Local Government Units continued growth in a year. The people commits for be steadfast to pass in all of the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG) accredited governance areas, such as the Financial Administration Sustainability, Peace and Order, and Youth Development. In addition, DILG stated that there are 714 government units that passed the prestigious award, the municipality of Alabel being one of which, highlighting the ability

reflections

by Shandelle Aiken Orencio

of leaders and the commitment of its people for sustainable development. This award is set to be a basis for more growth and improvement that will surely spread all throughout the country. However, in reality who made the award possible?

Ability and Power A local unit awarded with such honor is lead by a good leader with support from all its people to make it all possible. This translates to the effort of the whole town for local programs to succeed and the economic growth despite accidents. The people, who follow the leader show how the municipality can work together for something that works. This demonstrates the ability of a Filipino society to grind for growth and improvement.

Eye Witness Personally, I witnessed the sudden growth of Alabel. From the construction of the newly built Municipal Hall, new roads and the widespread business start-ups, it shows how Alabel has fostered growth. With

government programs that improve the life of the people, it creates an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment that shines brighter as time passes by. In the future, not only would the center of Alabel be amazing and sight-aweing but also its nearby houses, roads, and infrastructure. Our town is far from its high potential today, but with the hardwork of its people and the performance of its leaders being prevalent, we might become a city. Alabel grew more and more because of its people. The Seal of Good Local Governance is only a testament of how the leaders and the people worked hard to become one of the great governmenst all over the Philippines. I believe, as a child of this municipality, that life will just become better in the near future. Alabel is becoming more and more modernized as time passes, but for this to be a reality, our people and leaders must work together in preserving growth and improvement,and surely it will reflect as a whole in the country.

Seeds Far From Harvest

The seeds have now been sown — the Marcos government has awarded land ownership to 11,699 farmers nationwide, free from past debts and loans. Yet for these seeds to bear fruition, more efforts and initiatives are needed to tend it.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. distributed Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages (CoCRoM) to 2,512 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province of Sarangani last December 5, 2024. This is part of the Republic Act 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones P939 million of farmers’ debt nationwide.

President Bongbong Marcos says he is merely granting a promise he made, stating that farmers can now farm in lands truly and fully theirs.

Poverty has long hounded farmers — low income, dwindling production, expensive fertilizers, and hefty land loans have left them burdened and penniless. Past five decades, previous administrations have attempted to address such problems with their own land reform programs, but to no

avail. In 1972, the president’s late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., signed the Presidential Decree 27 (PD27) that aimed to redistribute rice and corn lands to tenants. This decree was favored by landlords, however, with provisions of land retention limits and amortization requirements. Because of the PD27, farmers were required to pay off land over 15 years with 6% annual interest. This only proved to worsen the situation of the farmers, eventually making 90% of the beneficiaries losing their land.

Another initiative, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), was introduced in 1988 as a “corrective and better” land reformation for farmers. Landowners were able to evade certain implementations of the program, by taking advantage of its legal loopholes. Worse, before its implementation, 44% of the distributed land was already public. Farmers, instead of receiving the land freely, became entrapped into paying amortization fees. With past land reform attempts being complete failures, the RA 11953 and CoCrom is admittedly a huge, positive step towards agrarian reform. Farmers will no longer have to be burdened by the heavy

editorial

amortization fees. Condoning all loans and interests from the land lent by the government lifts a huge weight off their shoulders. True to the president’s statement, the farmers will only have to worry about how to nurture their land.

For over 20 years, the SOGIE Bill, a law meant to protect people from discrimination based on their gender identity and sexual orientation, has been stuck in legislative deadlock in the Philippines. As time passes, true respect for all remains out of reach. But despite strong opposition, the fight is not over. It must be defended in the streets, resounded through the hallways of every classroom, and spoken where long-silenced voices are now rising. With continuous effort and unwavering determination, the SOGIE Bill can still become law. Like any important legislation, it deserves to be pushed forward in government and embraced in the hearts of the people.

According to research, 75% of LGBTQ+, particularly young people in the Philippines, have reported that they had been discriminated against due to their gender identity. More than half (46%) have attempted suicide, and 34% attempted suicide in the year 2024.

Furthermore, a Filipino singer and a television personality, Jake Zyrus (formerly known as Charice Pempengco), has also stated that he has and is struggling against discrimination because of his gender identity. The singer states that people were supportive with his decisions, but a lot embedded hatred and negativity.

In addition to the said statements, local SOGIE-friendly ordinances such as Quezon City’s Fair Ordinance and Right to Care Card were legalized through relentless campaigning. The same situation in other localities that also struggle in fighting for this advocacy gained momentum, inspired by the SOGIE-friendly ordinances of Quezon City which makes constant pressure to the government and campaigning for these rights are conclusively effective.

However, the Philippines is known for being a country ingrained to its cultures, traditions, practices, and especially religion. Viewing in

this perspective, the acceptance of the SOGIE Bill is conflicting to their religious teachings or doctrine, perceptions and principles.

The socioeconomic and social status of a person does not change or differ from other people just because of their gender identity and sexual orientation. People with intricate and different sexual orientation, particularly those who are part of LBGTQ+ should have the same social and socioeconomic opportunities as those who identify as straight or the concept of gender identity the society considers. We could avoid discrimination and promote respect towards every people through the SOGIE Bill, as the potential of every person is not limited and bordered by their gender identity, hence the SOGIE Bill. It is time for the leaders to take a decisive action. In order for a country to be productive and have progress, the leaders and their people should be united as one, not divided by differences, judgements and prejudices. It is time for leaders to legalize the SOGIE Bill to promote a country where every Filipino or even foreigners feel accepted, understood, and heard.

However, this is only one step in the decades-long problems of farmers and agriculture. Land ownership is crucial, yet it is not a silver bullet. An owned land will still need irrigation and fertilizers for it to grow crops. Those crops will still need machinery, preferably those of new technology, for it to be a productive harvest. And for that harvest to reach the nation’s table, it needs efficient farm-to-market roads — a promise yet to be fulfilled.

One promise has now been granted, will the others follow soon? Or will this remain a singular step, just like its failed predecessors, leaving farmers waiting and hoping for more?

The CoCrom initiative is a huge step forward, yet it is just a step — a step in a lengthy journey. We need multiple steps, no matter how big or small, to put the vision of this reform program into actual motion. The seeds for a brighter future have now been planted, but nourishment is still needed for it to bear fruit. It is a tricky crop to grow, and farmers need constant, tangible support for it to thrive. These seeds, still far from harvest, need persistent efforts, not just mere promises, to yield a bountiful future.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Sincerely, Jonathan Tabayoyong

Click-click-clack...

...and the terrors dug in. No institution has ever existed without its heirloom of horror stories to be passed from batch to batch— and with our campus, one horrific tale stood up: the typewriter inside the four-cornered school library. It was said to be typing on its own at night, offering a long yet undone valedictory speech. Once the dim creeps in, the clattering starts: asking you to reach for the keys, bend your fingers, and freely unveil your own mystery. Now…what story are you going to tell?

SHADOWED.

“Ano ako kung wala ang academic recognition ko?”

Uncertainties despite progression. That’s what it’s all about—flourishing with the overflowing academic awards yet living with worries of losing all of it at once.

A Grade 11- Altair student with a nom de plume of “Yusha” has been an academic ace since his primary years. He won several school-based and school-representing contests; yet with the overwhelming pressure, exhaustion took him over. The fear of not knowing what to fear: whether just merely failing or losing the things you are used to having. After several clicks, ink-stained, recording his agony: studying is not for learning but for compliance, like losing sparks in knowledge— as if eating him alive.

For years he had been on top of the student’s board, but his drive turned sluggish— a story that kept daunting him in his sleep.

TAINTED.

“...kay akala ko, maramdaman ko na ang pagmamahal na hindi ko ma-feel sa bahay.”

In nefarious darkness, I once read that we, humans, are the real definition of hungry ones. We need an adequate amount of food to sustain our bodies and crave the dish we can’t see on our plates.

Sitting uneased and feeling naked in her full-glammed clothes, “Maki”, a 16-year-old student who was sexually abused by her way older ex-boyfriend, sips her coffee one morning, dark circles visible under her eyes. I remember how she once cried to me, voicing her misfortunes: “kung sana mas naging maingat at matalino lang ako.”

No woman is safe in this world. This tart-tasted truth became pungent with the support of the data of the Cameleon Association, about seven million children are sexually abused every year in the Philippines. It said, that 17.1 percent of children—ages 13 to 18 years old— have experienced sexual violence while

growing up: 5.3 percent of the cases were committed in schools. As stated by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), over 370 million girls and women globally were subjected to rape or sexual assault as children. Data that are not just the value of cases but an indication of how gut-wrenching reality is.

Her ambition to have someone sit with her under the palm trees while talking about her day, craving attention and affection, led her to get manipulated and being lost.

VEILED.

“Kanus-a man ko dili na mabalaka na mabal-an nila Ina ang tinood na ako?”

When freedom means losing someone important to you, are you still going to choose to be true?

Right after a long day of classes, the colorful hairclips placed on the hair of “Dodong”, a closeted member of the LGBTQ+ community, were nowhere to be found. Right after being expressive in school, he manipulates his larynx to adjust his tone— once again, a deep-voiced straight guy. This is his daily routine: going to school to express himself and coming home to play pretend again, looking forward to the next day so he can be true. Yet with this habituated practice, feeling accepted is still like an anemoia.

Despite slowly getting noticed and accepted by the community, the pain still stays; because it is not the society’s embrace they are aching for, but the warmth of acceptance of the people important to them.

DISPLACED.

“You know what hurts the most?

Most of my classmates are excited to finish the day and there I am, asking the heavens to extend the hours of classes because I don’t have a resting place to call home.”

Living in well-constructed houses with goods inside is not enough

CRAYONS OF ILLUSION CRAYONS OF ILLUSION

How far are you willing to go just to feed your family?

For Archeon Mallari, the answer is etched in the faded hue of childhood, “I grew up being surrounded by illusions, fooled by the ones that matter the most,” the daughter of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and a Grade 11 student of Alabel National Science High School. When she was a kid, she was always sent to her cousin’s house to play with the paper dolls they used to color and cut. The colorful hues became more radiant as the thick Crayola scratched the already-colored human doll—an art she eagerly looked forward to witnessing and sharing with her parents. Yet this ritual was not about art at all. She was sent to lose in the reverie of craft, buried in crayons and cardboard until her beloved mom left.

Left by the one she sought her whole life—yet, left to be fed. Mallari grew up seeking the warmth of her mom— Camille M. Caunca, married yet considers herself a single mother and an OFW in Canada for eight years—while studying and caring for her

younger brother. Whenever the cold of the night reached her core, she had no one to embrace but her phone which she used to video call her mom, comforting her in the freezing nighttime. She once thought that a child must flourish with the love and abundance of its mother, warmed by her caress—the tender she craves; yet who is she to complain if the very same absence is the one feeding them?

Archeon is one of the children left by their parents for the sake of providing and supporting them to live. This is the sad reality of our country as the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in the Philippines reached an estimated 2.16 million as of 2024, as stated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

During the fourth quarter of 2023, 6.3 percent of the surveyed households in the Philippines had a member who was or had been an OFW (Statista, 2024).

With each passing day, as families crumble and numbers swell, children are left behind, their souls aching for

the warmth of a parent’s touch—left to struggle in a cold, indifferent world, longing for the love and security that should have been theirs by right yet remains cruelly distant. Yet with this sad truth of reality, one question remains: If it means keeping her and her family alive, does it matter if it hurts?

“I will go to every corner of the world if it means keeping my children alive and securing their bright future,” Mrs. Caunca said in an online interview, “... even if it means enduring the pain of living apart from them.”

The chaos of those colors was a veil, hiding the truth she was too young to understand. That day, she didn’t adore her masterpiece—she was unknowingly playing her part in theirs: a carefully crafted illusion to shield her from the cracks forming in her family. Yet with this facade, her family will continue to live—a sad reality tons of Filipinos are experiencing.

The Plight of Students

Stories by: Kyzzia Clair Pelarco, Hannah

Beyond the Classrooms

to say that one is resting in their home, because there is this child who is exhausted by the perpetual instability of longing for the comfort of a permanent abode. Each relocation serves as a painful reminder of the brokenness within her family, leaving her with a quiet, unspoken longing for something she could never fully grasp.

Based on the data of the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), there was a 36% rise in the number of Filipinos separated from their spouses, increasing from 893,167 in 2010 to 1,211,262 in 2015. The torment intensifies as per the results of the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study, only 67% of young people were raised by both parents: 65% among ages 15 to 19, and 68% among ages 20 to 24. These records just show that there are tons of students going home without finding profound family ties.

“All I can do is to stay independent because I don’t have a parent to depend on,” voiced by

“Ali”, a student and a fruit of a broken family tree. There are students who are forced to be self-sufficient, in spite of their desire to be taken care of.

DROWNED.

“...because that’s the only way I know how to escape.” When it was too painful everything felt numb and wished to feel the pain again. Inside one’s cataclysmic mind, there is room for none.

“Aliyah”, a 17-year-old STEM

HANGING.

“...what if ara kami kwarta para indi nako need mag-worry sa kung pano ko mabakal akon mga kinahanglan.”

The whispers were long gone, and the winds passed by— this is just a bizarre occurrence for some, but for “Faye”, a Grade 10 student, it is hours of suppressing the growling hunger.

Growing up as a vagabond, she has been changing her home from time to time, from place to place— until she stayed in the slums of Minanga, Buayan, near the shore. Regardless of the settlement, no single soul was settled. The crisis continued, looking like no chance of loosening up.

The problem grows from its seed: the low earning capacity of the poor and their limited access to regular and productive jobs. Behind these are the two interrelated root causes of in-work poverty— low education of the poor, and the scarcity of productive job opportunities. It is indeed a real crisis as in 2023, the Philippines’ poverty rate was at 15.5%, as stated by PSA.

In a world controlled by money, when will we be favored?

CLICK. CLICK. TACK...

It is already dawn, yet the typing still continues, waiting for more stories to be told…

As the typewriter’s relentless clicking echoes into the night, it becomes a metaphor for the unspoken struggles carried by the students— struggles that are too often dismissed and overlooked. These narratives, though varied, converge on one truth: there are horrors far scarier than the valedictorian’s typewriter—not a tale being passed down but experienced. The typewriter’s clatters will soon stop—but

PARADOXICAL INVISIBILITY PARADOXICAL INVISIBILITY

The fan buzzes and the chalk scrapes the board as Minda, a pseudonym, raises her hand, her presence flickering like a candle out in the wind. For someone so fervent and zealous, her silhouette now wavers between existence and absence – a trace of the trade that was taken: her backpack for a bump, and her uniform for maternity clothes.

In the years of 2018 and 2019 alone, the region of SOCCSKSARGEN reported shocking figures: 10,499 and 11,126 registered teenage live births, respectively, which accounted for six percent of the overall annual increase with the results of the National Demographic and Health Survey (DNSH) by the Philippine Statistics Authority. These numbers are not just numbers, these are the thousands of young girls, trapped in the already broken years of their childhood, mercilessly thrown into the cynical universe of maternal responsibility. However staggering, we have barely dusted the surface of these statistics. In line with the aforementioned survey, a growing number of students in junior and senior high schools are becoming mothers at an alarming rate. 5.3 percent of births were reported by junior high school students. Yet, no matter how shocking, these numbers pale in comparison to the startling increase from 2.6 percent in 2017 to a whopping 4.8

percent in 2019 by older adolescents in the senior high school department.

Now seven months pregnant, Minda is among the few who chose to carry on with their education despite hurdles. “As my due date approaches, my struggles of discomfort and distraction throughout my classes grow,” she admits, one hand caressing her bump. “The teachers have been supportive, but it’s hard when two of my worlds collide.”

These challenges hum in the classroom where Minda’s attendance sheet gathers absences, the sight of her raised hand growing more invisible each day, until like so many before, fades completely out of the classroom.“Her absence didn’t come swiftly; it was slow and torturous to witness,” says Ma’am Mendoza, Minda’s adviser. School clocks tick as Minda’s presence becomes imperceptible. Her school uniform, once dignified, now haunts the closet that is filled with more baby clothes each day. Textbooks, full of knowledge yet unlearned,

Hannah Wenceslao | Arts by: Jaud Balaque

PROSPERITY WITHIN MISFORTUNES

by Alexa Alejano

In the crook of a four-cornered room, where everything changes and words of lectures reverberate as commotions of different learners are heard, one’s voice stands out. In the minds of some, it is just someone who is given a responsibility to watch other’s children as the society pays for it despite the conundrum shortage. Still, in reality: it is the one who prospers the minds of the young in spite that everything is in flux.

“Never did I imagine being an educator, I always dreamed of having a title attached to my name,” she recalled, eyes impenitent notwithstanding the statement.

Who would have thought that a teacher dedicated to doing everything just to teach never dreamed of being an educator of society’s future? It justifies how time plays ironically.

“I didn’t know why I am [was] in the learning [education] courses back in college,” she continued. “But through time, I have appreciated being a teacher despite not being in the highest paying field.”

As the nation’s expenses grow and the need to have educators intensifies, teachers get stuck in a stumbling block. Our country’s situation, where the average salary of Php 27,000 for teachers regardless of how heavy their efforts are, shows how disheartening our system goes— a potent testament to how hard it is to love our country.

With the constant changes in the education system of the Philippines, what remains rigid?

Perhaps, a Master Teacher 1 of Alabel National Science High School who stood still on the education ground remains steadfast— in spite of several adjustments. She teaches Oral Communication, Reading and Writing, and 21st Century Literature while helping to manage the school as the School Information Officer. Her efforts led her to something bigger as she recently passed the National Qualifying Exam for School Head (NQESH). With her title, her drive to teach never decelerates, signing letters as a substitute for the School’s Principal, checking up on the learners, and preparing lesson plans for every discussion

to be made— doing it all at once. There stood still, Ma’am Arlene Fabros Ravelo, a quintessential representation of every educator who is adamant about teaching every single curious soul to flourish.

“We may not be the highest paid, but we love to see our students turning into the highest way they could,”— words that touched one’s soul, molding its heart in awe. Then, I whispered: she’s a loss for the school.

With these constant changes, one remains rigid: the dedication of a teacher to teach the young minds of the nation. Despite being overworked yet underpaid, one’s fortune is not money but the sense of

pride she has as she was one of the educators who helped her students. Just her own way of connoting her prosperity within misfortunes.

ALSA ALSCI

A Student’s Guide to Leadership

by Shan Du

“What does it mean to lead?” Leadership is not about the extraordinary but about the everyday. It reflects the values students hold: Synergy, Commitment, Integrity, Excellence, Nationalism, Child-Friendliness, and Efficiency but not as simple ideals but as habits lived out quietly shaping the students inside the campus. It exists in the collaboration that transforms ideas into actions, in the commitment that carries tasks through to completion, and in the constant pursuit of growth, not for perfection but for purpose.

Synergy. The simple but powerful understanding that nothing meaningful is achieved alone. Collaboration here is instinctive, woven into the way students work together on projects, organize events, or make decisions. The Supreme Secondary Learner Government reflects this; its successes are shared, and its ideas are born from collective effort rather than just mere individual ambition.

C

ommitment. It gives collaboration its backbone. It’s not flashy or loud, but something you notice in the small, persistent acts: a class officer managing duties late into the evening or a student ensuring every last detail of an event is in place. It is the quiet persistence of doing what needs to be done, not for recognition but because it matters.

Integrity. It is what keeps these efforts honest. It’s the principle that grounds decisions, ensuring they’re made with fairness and transparency. It is the unshakable belief in doing right, even when no eyes are watching. It is the heart that beats beneath the skin of every choice.

Excellence. Leadership here also embraces Excellence, though not as an unattainable ideal. Instead, it is a process that is reflected in thoughtful planning, in the care given to every task, and in the willingness to improve. It’s not about perfection but about striving to do better, even in smaller ways.

Nationalism. Beyond the school, leadership is tied to Nationalism: a sense of responsibility that extends outward. Students recognize that their actions go beyond the classroom, shaping communities and contributing towards a greater good. Whether through outreach programs or environmental efforts, they learn to see themselves as part of something larger.

Child-friendliness. Leadership also grows in an environment of child-friendliness. Here, no one is pushed too hard, and no potential is crushed beneath the weight of extreme expectations. Instead, there is room to falter, to step forward unsteadily, to learn to lead not through fear, but through compassion.

fficiency. And finally, Efficiency: to lead efficiently is not merely to save time or effort but to value what is given, to plan with care, and to act with intention. It’s about being practical without losing sight of purpose, ensuring every effort counts.

Intelligence Amidst Artificials

by Sophia Paca

Chat, what are the qualities of an effective educator?

In the modern world where AI and technology-based innovations are slowly creeping into the cosmos of education, an immense chalk-gripper and blackboard master stands still amidst futuristic flashes.

“Class, bear with me as I grew up teaching in an old-fashioned way.”

Ma’am Annabel Erolon, an English teacher at Alabel National Science High School, testified about her struggles in coping with technologies that students are used to nowadays.

As a 53-year-old teacher, who has been teaching for almost 30 years, different eras and modes of learning were witnessed and experienced— from writing the lesson plans on a sheet of coupon bond to digital documentation;

from lessons written on a manila paper to learning materials edited on a PowerPoint Presentation for visual aids; and a shift from handwritten outputs to digitally edited documentations.

“At my age, I am advancing in the use of technologies,” she said, hopes were seen in her eyes.

The shift did not stop there. After the melancholic pandemic, teachers in English, Science, and Mathematics took online yesys in preparation for the Depaartment of Education (DepEd)’s partnership to Khan Academy— a literal shift for these pioneering teachers. Despite being unaccustomed to the technologybased assessment practice, they are trying their best to get used to it just for their students’ welfare.

Ma’am Erolon is just one of

those teachers who are willing to get out of their comfort zone, their own teaching zone, to flourish young minds. Little did these educators know, that from the corners of a room full of technologies and innovative minds, there are brains that are filled with information from their learning materials and worth-oflife lessons.

With their habituated practice contrary to the trend now, technology is quite hard to access, yet for their students to have an effective and better learning system, trying might not be a hard pill to swallow. Yet inside the room of knowledge, they are the technology their students grasp for information amidst innovation— indeed, a bona fide intelligence amidst artificials.

PARCHED LANDS OF THE SOUTH PARCHED LANDS OF THE SOUTH

by Marianne Flores

Rain is not just a fleeting moment, it is a chance for new growth. Here, the soil has long borne the dreams and struggles of countless farmers. Rain is more than a natural phenomenon—it is a symbol of renewal. Yet, cracks are seen on the land, uncured despite the moisture from the rain, leaving crops uncultivated.

“Dili jod siya sayon, gang,” were the first words of Cristopher Daug-daug, a farmer and a sikad driver from Alabel, Sarangani, a province in the southern part of the Philippines. His words were the reflection of the reality of thousands of farmers in the county as based on Statista (2024), there were around 2.37 million poor farmers in the Philippines. Despite having this number sound like a joke, this is our abysmal truth: the ones feeding us are the ones locked up in the chamber of food insecurity.

“Nagasumpa ko diria sa inyong atubangan, imbes ipaatubang pa ko ninyo sa kinataasan, tanan na maayong ginapakita nila [politiko] sa media kay dili gyud maingon na tinood. Parehas atong bente pesos na bugas pero mas nagmahal man karon. Mag-ingon lang sila na ihatag inia para sa kaayuhan sa katawhan pero asta karon, wala gihapon may nakaabot sa mga pobre.”

Daug-daug shared that his years being a farmer, a sikad driver, and sometimes a construction worker— doing everything he could just to feed his family and be the father-provider he is— was not enough to cope with the rising cost of living. His daily struggle with fluctuating gasoline prices and crop pests is far from ideal. Thus, when the country’s leaders offered help to the poor, his weary heart felt a flicker of hope… however, this help was not reached by the hands covered with soil.

Rain nurtures crops and ensures bountiful harvests. Though, rain cannot wash away the burden of false hope— this type of precipitation brings thunder.

“Naa na silay gipanghatagan na mga may-kaya pero wala gyud ang mga grabe kapobre,” words bagged with rage on his tone, the vibration demands attention. This is ultimately the dialogue version of: “The ones on the bottom of the nation’s hierarchy are perhaps never seen—or, more accurately, deliberately and vehemently neglected.”

Rain offers hope to land cultivators, but the kind of rain we have, with its thunder and lightning, is not conducive to growing crops. This washes away nutrients from the land—a metaphor for broken promises. The plight is not barren fields, but a system that overlooks the very people who feed the nation—such a sad harvest from the parched lands of the south.

WALK OF BLAME

It is a deceiving rope that promises stability to walk onto, but as soon as you step foot on it, it starts shaking. The rope is uncertain, but something is waiting at the other end, and if you fall— you are the one to blame. Selling goods at a small scale became the primary source of income for several Filipinos, who were not ready for what lay ahead.

NEWS: Philippines’ inflation rate declines to 1.9% in September 2024— PSA

Good news? Perhaps… But for Rocelyn Medico, a 39-year-old street food vendor, this news is not as victorious as it sounds. Despite the declining rate of inflation, goods are still at high prices— making her scramble if the rate still matters when the lives of Filipinos revolve around playing with the economic game, hoping to checkmate the one causing them on the brick.

“Lisod siya kay dili mi basta-basta makapataas og presyo kay nasanay na ang mag estudyante na barato ra among tinda.” Medico said while preparing a cup of mais— one of her products. With the unsteady grip of rope for the walk of life, the only thing that keeps her continuing is her determination. Once the products used in selling, such as oil, rise, the thing she could do is minimize the serving of her products; hoping for the next days the price will go back to its normal range.

Price hikes are a common problem not only for the vendors, but also for the purchasers. As of 2023, the national poverty incidence among families in the Philippines was recorded at 10.9%, equating to approximately 2.99 million families without sufficient income to meet their basic food and non-food needs (PSA, 2023), which means Filipinos also struggle to buy their necessities because of the increase of prices but their wages stays the same.

Medico has been an independent seller for three years. Her stall opens from around 2:00 PM

to 4:30 PM outside the Alabel National Science High School. She shared that before being an independent seller, she was working with her boss, selling street food. Yet with the fluctuating prices of goods, she did her very best to earn and start on her own. She quoted, “... kay kung dili ko magsarili, be, dili sapat among makaon pang-adlaw sa pagkamahal sa mga baligya. Naa pa man hinoon koy mga anak.”

As the air starts to gust harder, and the rope follows the wind’s path, the decision you have made starts to fill your mind with qualms. Looking down at the abyss of condemnation, major alteration became mandatory to successfully take another step, for the need to continue suppressing your wants to surrender.

“Lisod na kaayo ang mga pangabuhi ron.” Such a brief, easy way to end her statement; yet with the weight of each word she uttered stings the actuality of our nation.

As the rope starts to shake aggressively, uncontrolled movements are made, slip-ups are done, and you have fallen into the abyss of blame. People look at you like you are foolish, for you stepped on this rope with the uncertainty of crossing the other side. You know deep inside that it is not your fault that you fell into this chasm–but it’s the wind, and as soon as you hit the end of the void you hear voices saying: “You are the one to blame”.

Flicker of the Unwanted Mishap

Gold and orange dance through the lens of prism, flickering with its hues quite burning. A flame whose ends demand attention— a metaphor for the burning desire for the dream of one. Indeed! This calls for attention; yet not for the dream-metaphor we used to call but for the one who burns the aspiration behind the wall.

“Naunsa naman ning panghitabua?!”

Grief was heard in the crowd; at its eye, the darkness overruled the sky as the air smelled smoke.

This catastrophe happened in Prk. Tagumpay, Brgy. Poblacion, Alabel, Sarangani Province. The fire occurred on February 5, 2025, at past noon.

Despite the rapid action done by the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) Alabel, like a hungry heat that craves for foundation, it burned four homes, causing an estimated Php 94,000 in damage.

“Paspas kaayo, paspas kaayo na murag gipiyungan ra,” said by a resident. Fast, undoubtedly— just like as swift as it suffocated the ones who

used to breathe effortlessly. The easiest way to kill someone’s dream: burn their house while they’re alive. It is not flame that causes hope to stay afloat but is the one behind the mask of sinister. Such a notoriety for the ones victimized by the blaze.

Fire incidents are not new to the municipality of Alabel. In the previous year, one of its barangay, Ladol, experienced a tragic disaster.

Nine houses were burned at 1:15 PM on March 15. One of its victims is Princess Loraine, a Grade 11 student of Alabel National Science High School.

“Those times were indeed hard. Yung need ko pumasok sa paraalan dahil may pangarap akong tinutupad

pero ang iilan doon ay naupos ng apoy.”

When we were still children, we were advised to never play with fire. Despite being too cautious, the one being watched-out played with our lives.

“... okay naman na kami now.

Siguro ang masasabi ko lang sa kanila [mga nasunugan] ay manalig, alam ko na sobrang hirap ng sitwasyon niyo ngayon, pero manalig lang talaga.”

The aftermath is truly heartwrenching. Despite ashed, these hues are wavering. In the end, there’s still hope after the disaster— like a flicker after the unwanted mishap.

by Kiss Fuerte

Pelarco bythenumbers

HUSTLE THROUGH UNCERTAINTY. Rocelyn Medico, a owner of a small street food stall, cooks their usual squid balls for today’s sales. Even if raw materials still remain expensive, she still perseveres to keep her business afloat.

PHOTO BY: Lyle Ledesma

DEPRIVED OF LIFE. Christopher Daug-daug, a local farmer in Alabel, stresses the shortage of water, giving them uncertainty if this quarter’s crops will live.

PHOTO BY: Lyle Ledesma

UNEXPECTED DISASTER.On February 05,2025, citizens were shocked with the sudden fire incident that took place in Purok Tagumpay, Barangay Poblacion, Alabel.

PHOTO CREDITS: Ariel Lalisan

Quantity With Quality

editorial

AlSci Researchers Continue to Grow in Number

by Brix Salloman, Raul Floresca

Alabel National Science High School has long been recognized as a beacon of excellence in the field of research, consistently setting the standard for innovation and academic achievement. However, with the passage of time, AlSci ages like a fine wine as the institution continues to produce elite students in the field of research— molding students not just with quality but also with quantity.

On November 7, 2024, Alabel National Science High School student researchers stood tall in the Division Science and Technology Fair (DSTF) 2024. The student researchers of AlSci showcased their talents in various research fields.

Twenty of the students in AlSci competed for the DSTF 2024 and garnered awards for the school.

One of the participants and winner from DSTF 2024, Shandelle Orencio, shared her thoughts on how AlSci molded her abilities and skills in research, “AlSci takes pride in mentoring and teaching research to its students as soon as they step into the school. AlSci has teachers and seniors who are keen on continuing and passing down their respective experiences in research. I was not an expert in research, nor did I have a remarkable interest in it.” She also added, “Admittedly, the subject itself was not the one that pushed me into the field of research—it was the environment.”

Moreover, AlSci’s student researchers’ excellence in the field of research has already been cemented for the past several years. AlSci continues to mold student researchers as the number of participants has increased. The participants are not letting down the institution as they continue bringing home awards and trophies. “For 25 years in the field of research, I can say AlSci can compete at the international level. We were there way back in 2013, we won the silver award in the US and India. Even in Asia, AlSci was able to get the 1st place.” Shiela P. Butil, PhD, as she encourages more students to engage in research.

It is not quality over quantity or quantity over quality; it is quantity with quality. While the number of competitors for research competitions is continuously increasing, AlSci never fails to polish its students and reach their full potential. The increasing number of participants shows that AlSci can encourage the students to be more engaged in research, resulting in incredible achievements that bring pride to AlSci.

bythenumbers

MEDALS

BAG-TECH

AlSci’s Agri-Tech Leads R12 to National Stage

The Regional Science and Technology Fair 2024 served as a stage for AlSci students to showcase their agri-tech innovations. Two outstanding studies from the school emerged as regional winners and will proudly represent Region 12 on the national stage.

A team of grade 12 students represents a research study in the field of agriculture, titled “Project CornDOC: An Automated Corn Fusarium (Fusarium verticillioides) Monitoring and Detection Device using Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Deep Learning.” A study that aims to detect a corn disease called Fusarium.

The detection of Fusarium is through Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), chemical gases released by plants in the air wherein the composition changes if the plant is under stress or infected by a pathogen. The VOCs are unique per organism therefore each of the organisms has a VOC profile. An electronic nose composed of gas sensors is utilized to obtain data

parameters are also important for the manifestation of Fusarium. Through Fusarium detection, early preventive measures can be done to the pathogen before it can cause mass damage and reduce yield. The detection of Fusarium is significant as there is a possibility that the plant is already infected even in its early stage of life.

Meanwhile, a grade 11 student presented a study titled “Humaize: Automatic Seed Planter for Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity in Corn (Zea mays L.) Planting for Small-Scale Farmers.”

The study aimed to solve the common challenges local farmers face in the country, including limited time and inconsistency in planting methods.

An intelligent feedback system monitors seed levels in the hopper to provide real-time alerts. With the technology it is equipped with, the robot can reduce the time and labor required for planting, promoting uniform crop growth and maximizing yield potential for small-scale farmers.

Among many other studies presented during the RSTF 2024, Project CornDOC and Humaize stand out to secure positions at the national level in their respective categories. These two studies are one of the few studies that will represent the SOCCSKSARGEN region in the coming National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) 2025.

The studies that the young

the total number of garnered medals of ANSHS Researchers on DSTF 2024, including 5 Golds, and 3 Silvers.

by Brix Salloman, Raul Floresca

by Juliane Claveria

Predicting Possibilities SILENT KILLERS

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

AI Technology a Threat to Students’ Academic Integrity

Designed to replicate the gray matter of a living soul, soulless but can monopolize a mortal if unforbidden. Artificial Intelligence perpetuates to astonish the big blue marble as it continues to show and push on its potential. With its mighty capability, it becomes hard for students to hold back against, the promising solution of finishing a piling up workload without shedding a sweat.

A watery, usually yellow-colored fluid stored in the bladder and discharged through the urethra to get rid of extra water and other waste products, which contain bacteria, that the kidneys extract from the blood— urine. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are infections caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are found in the lower intestine and spread throughout the urinary system. These infections can occur in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. There are prescribed medicines to lessen discomfort or pain or a device that detects potential UTIs. This device will help you to determine in advance if the urine has a chance of UTI or not.

Advanced Urine Quality and Nitrate Assessment (AUQNA) is a team of young inventors at Alabel National Science High School who innovated a device for detecting potential UTIs and won the Silver Award in the Young Inventors Challenge (YIC). Team AUQNA’s personnel include Arthur D. determined by the smell to detect early medical diagnosis, turbidity indicates the present infection and haziness, and pH level has specific levels to indicate the urine state. These parameters help to find out the possibilities of getting a UTI and be aware beforehand. To ensure that this device is

In recent years, the use of AI has become a norm for students, becoming a valuable asset not just as an assistant but as an automatic homework maker. With its great capacity, the technology is at risk of abuse, endangering the integrity of students’ academic performance. If this trend continues, we may face issues with students’ critical thinking skills in the near future as students may develop to be reliant on technology.

look for ways to use it.”

While AI has the power to maximize and unleash a student’s academic potential, its unregulated use creates a double-edged sword, particularly for high school students. The temptation to misuse such technology can and hinder the development of critical thinking skills.

“The first thing AI offers to me is its convenience, but in exchange to that it spares and learnings that school trains me for”, Regie Linao, an Alabel National Science expressed. Harold Salanap from twhe same institution states, “In my experience, the frequent use of AI makes students dependent, even prohibited from using the technology they would still

To establish a builder of tomorrow that has integrity, we must prioritize the longterm growth and ethical development of students over the convenience of AI.

For now, limiting exposure to this technology in high schools is the best choice to protect their academic integrity.

WORLD-CLASS SKILLS. Arthur Baje, a young researcher from Alabel National Science High School, carefully examines a device designed to detect potential urinary tract infections (UTIs). His team’s innovative project, AUQNA, won the Silver Award at the Young Inventors Challenge, showcasing the power of studentled scientific advancements.

PHOTO BY: Ruby Diodina

Breaking the Poor Man’s Pot

by Brix Salloman, Raul Floresca

The Philippines is known for its vibrant land masses worldwide. Containing 7,641 islands, the agriculture sector will never cease to be one of the country’s most important assets. They say the Philippines is a poor man sitting on a pot of gold, because of the country’s abundance in natural resources, an elderly man who has assets but lacks the ability to extract them. Will the poor man’s child be able to find the means to break the pot of gold?

We come up best with discoveries and innovative works in the field of research with the creativity and vision of young minds. Who would have thought that research papers prepared by student researchers for school purposes would make a powerful impact on various social issues? So impressive that some outputs have drawn public attention. If these young ones continue their work, we might witness them build the hammer to break the pot of gold.

“When we were choosing topics to tackle, I noticed how we often overlook and take for granted our farmers who are very diligent in their work with little to no income because of infested crops or abnormal weather conditions. I believe that choosing agriculture would give the farmers more alternatives and early preventative measures to yield more crops,” Juov Marianne Jamili, a national level researcher from Alabel National Science High School, expresses her thoughts in conducting a research study as she mentioned how we often forget the struggles of farmers and how the new inventions and innovative works of the young minds could give a significant help and support to them.

The agricultural sector is one of the country’s significant major sectors and has had a huge impact on all communities. “It is still very relevant now and with the speed of how technology compromises with agriculture, our local communities might be unable to keep up with the expenses and their capability to use hi-tech gadgets. Researchers can make such a great impact by providing our locals with cost-effective and userfriendly innovations.,” Jamili added that the researcher could make a collaborative effort using the rapid advancement of technology to make an impact on our local farmers.

The innovative minds of student researchers continue to grow, most importantly in the agricultural sector. The vision and minds of the young ones will be one of our best shots at breaking that pot, but when the time comes that we manage to break that pot, will we be

BADGETING OF EXTENSIVE EXPLORATION

curiosity.

Scientific research holds the opportunity to expand knowledge. It keeps our generation’s future and the next generation’s foundation. However, the builders that hold the future of our generation— the student researchers— are being prevented due to the financial holdback. These student researchers want to contribute to greater science to fulfill their dreams, and unlock their full potential.

“Complete equipment is important to ensure that the research process is accurate, and reliable,” Elgin Ardaniel, a senior high school student conducting research in the field of microbiology, stated the significance of the proper equipment and materials in conducting a research study. ”Conducting research without the necessary equipment is challenging and leads to delays and improvisations that may affect the quality of results,” she added.

“For us students, working without the right equipment and materials is challenging. Schools requiring these projects should have the proper equipment to conduct such studies. Lack of materials put unnecessary pressure

editorial

on students— pressure that could be avoided if schools raise their funding for research,” Charles Navales, a senior high school student addressing the difficulty of insufficiency in funding in research especially in providing equipment and materials.

The insufficiency of funds and incomplete types of equipment and materials are the hindrances that any researcher faces— the lack of resources forces researchers to cut corners in their studies. The cost of ignoring the rights of funding the research is measured not just in lost discoveries and missed opportunities in expanding the knowledge but also the broken dreams and wasted potential. Every student researcher struggling with insufficient resources is a reminder of what we stand to lose. Their struggles and path should make a better action, to invest in the future of the generation.

“The skills of student researchers in AlSci are not limited, however, what limits the AlSci student researchers is the funding for research. If we have enough budget, we could reach the full potential of each of the promising studies. The main issue in

conducting the research is the funding. Budget is very important,” Shiela P. Butil, PhD, senior high school research adviser, addressing the importance of funding and budget in conducting successful and promising studies. “If you have the money, you can improve your project more and much better. The aspects of the study will be wider. If you only have limited funding, you should expect that the range of your research will also be limited,” she added.

Underfunding is more than a burden for student researchers; it is a barrier to reaching their full potential. By prioritizing research funding and providing a support system for students, society can encourage the next generation of scientists and innovators. We fail to support the people who dream of changing the world and expanding current knowledge. Let us act together with compassion and stand tall to give bright minds the opportunities they deserve. The price of taking action may be huge, but the purchased product will have no expiry. Every peso invested in research is a peso invested in the opportunity to build the future.

Adolescent pregnancy? Absolutely not.

Adolescent pregnancy is an extensive concern in the country today that coils the development of public health and education awareness, and even faces societal challenges. The lack of proper education echoes as it becomes an eye-opener to the public. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive prevention approach focusing more on education and healthcare—Senate Bill No. 1979 serves as a beacon of hope for young Filipinos at Senate Bill No. 1979, or the “Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023,” counteracts this

widespread concern. The bill seeks to reduce the climbing rate of teenage pregnancy through comprehensive education and healthcare reforms.

Science of Adolescent Pregnancy

Adolescence is a crucial phase of growth that affects hormonal, physical, and emotional changes. For adolescent mothers, pregnancy during this stage of life imposes health risks for both the mother and the child. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescent mothers (aged 10-19 years) are more likely to get eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infection. The newborns of adolescent mothers are not spared from

health risks either as they are more likely to have low birth weight, preterm birth, and a poor neonatal condition.

The lack of adequate prenatal care heightens health risks that create a cycle of health vulnerabilities.

First Line of Defense

The Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023 aims to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education and improve access to healthcare services.

One of the bill’s highlights is that it should focus more on comprehensive sexuality education in schools. Proper education can empower young people with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive

health. Comprehensive programs promote more open communication, encouraging teens to seek guidance when needed. Which, contributes to lower rates of adolescent pregnancy and healthier youth.

Bold Answer for Healthier Society

Senate Bill No. 1979 is more than just legislation; it’s a bold step to transform the lives of young people and build a stronger and healthier society. Addressing adolescent pregnancy requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of the government and individuals in the country. It is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of early parenthood and ensuring that young people have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

More eyes are being opened widely. More thoughts are provoked in this world. More minds spark due to

play-by-play

ONE STEP AWAY!

AlSci snatches finals berth in Municipal Meet debut

Threes here, threes there, and threes everywhere, the “Splash Brothers” Kristof Pious Lim and Geraldluke Faciol of Alabel National Science High School, finished Spring Integrated School’s tournament run with a commanding 65-49 victory in the Alabel District III Meet Men’s Basketball Semi-Final, held at the Alabel Municipal Gym on November 8, 2024.

With their systematic offense and uncounterable set-plays became their main weapon in getting the win.

Spring’s highly energetic point guard started the game menacingly, with his horse-like first step, he blew past his defenders, helping his team establish an early 0-8 lead while AlSci cannot find their rhythm defensively. With careless ball-handling from Spring, AlSci’s Geraldluke Faciol soon converted turnovers into points, sparking a comeback and putting AlSci ahead at 12-8.

The first quarter concluded with back-andforth fast-break possessions as both teams ramped up their offense, finding success in shooting three-pointers, ending the first quarter as AlSci maintained the lead at 21-16.

timeout

by Lyle Ledesma

A Juvenile Dream

The recent 2024 Paris Olympics has been the most productive year in the history of Philippine sports. Carlos Yulo, won two Gold medals in Artistic gymnastics, men’s vaulting and men’s floor exercise events. Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, garnering bronze in women boxing, 50 kg and 70kg events respectively. This showcase of talents proves that Filipino athletes too could excel in other sports, internationally.

Yet the country has been plagued with the lack of support and adequate facilities for years needed by our talents to hone and perfect their skills to one day represent their country in the grand stage. It’s one of the primary reasons why our athletes leave for better opportunities. Because of the lack of funding, our country could not provide the stateof-the-art equipment, experienced coaches, and insights from sports science. This is crucial for Athletes that really want to bridge the gap to take their performances to the next level.

Culturally too, Filipino athletes struggle with the inadequate support and appreciation from their fellow countrymen. Years of dedication to their sport, win after win, yet they get overshadowed by sports more appealing to the public, even though that sport could not show results. This stark difference in treatment can be a motivating factor to move

out the country to find people who will eventually value their skills too.

Adding to this, politicians have control on which sports get funded, especially where our Filipino athletes could really excel in that specific sport, but do not get the necessary funding. As they follow what the public eye wants, leading politicians to give support to the popular sport for their personal gain. Ultimately leaving the Philippines for better opportunities and eventually representing another country.

Kristof Lim and his defensive prowess became the sight to see for the audience early in the second quarter, blocking

free-throws given by Spring’s aggressive defense, as well as the disruptive defense of Joseph Miranda (AlSci’s Small Forward), extending the lead, 40-26. As the 3rd quarter clock wound down, tensions rose when Spring’s player “Pyang” flexed his muscles after blocking Faciol’s shot attempt, earning him a technical foul. The quarter ended with a score of 49-41, AlSci still in the lead. The last quarter began with an exchange of lay-ups and midrange jumpers for both teams. Moreover, Number 54, Spring’s leading scorer, kept his team afloat with his hustle and acrobatic plays, narrowing the lead, 50-43. AlSci’s captain ball , Luke Faciol, sprained his calf after an awkward landing, pausing the game at the 3-minute mark of the 4th quarter. Despite Spring’s efforts, the individual talent and selfless decisions of the Science High School players

Decisions made by our athletes to play and train abroad is understandable, as it exposes them internationally to raise their playing level, it raises questions about the state of sports in the Philippines. How can the country sustain and retain its best athletes locally in the long run?

Addressing these issues needs the full cooperation of the government, local sports organizations, and private sectors to develop our facilities, grassroot development, and just compensation for our athletes. Filipino Athletes bring pride to any nation they go to, but without the local support, forces them to chase a juvenile dream.

schoolsports

Luminal Nexus Reigns the Court

by Crizelle Padillo

opponents, Sun Monarch. They quickly regained their momentum, launching a series of forceful attacks to take the lead. Sun Monarch retaliated to prevent the ball from hitting their field floor, but it wasn’t enough to contain the fiery Luminal Nexus. They finished the fourth game with a dominant 30-17 score, securing a total of 3 points.

The most crucial play came in Game 5. Both the fiery Luminal Nexus and the previously unbeaten Frost Keepers fiercely eyed the winning trophy. The first half of the game was

filled with powerful spikes, digs,and blocks , causing the crowd’s excitement to soar. However, with two players injured, Frost Keepers’ luck ran out, giving Luminal Nexus a big advantage. They didn’t hesitate to seized the opportunity, consistently exploiting Frost Keepers’ multiple service errors. With no signs of slowing down, Luminal Nexus didn’t give their opponents a chance, launching outstanding tactics and deceiving trick spikes. They delivered a final blow, stopping the Frost Keepers’ desperate attempts to rally and

stand, they secured the win with a 30-16 score in the final, fifth set. In an exhilarating three-way tie, Luminal Nexus, Ivory Barons, and Frost Keepers each finished with a total of 4 wins and 1 loss. The winner was ultimately decided by the margin score of their losing game. Luminal Nexus, with a close call of a 26-point loss, snatched the victory from Ivory, who fell by 24 points, followed by frost keepers with only 16 points—with this, Luminal Nexus reigned.

TRIUMPHANT DEBUT. Geraldluke Faciol of Alabel National Science High School Basketball Men’s team hoops a crucial three-pointer shot against Spring Integrated School during the Alabel District III Meet semi-finals held at the Alabel Municipal.

PHOTO CREDITS: Christine Padasas

MAIDEN TRIUMPH. Anya Eleekha Sasil of Luminal Nexus makes a strong play during the championship match at Alabel National Science High School, leading the team to their first-ever victory

PHOTO CREDITS: Suriyaw Media Team

/FROM PAGE 20

by Kiss Fuerte

GAME, START! A Suriyaw 2024 Recap

by Marianne Jamili

In the second week of December 2024, the six tribes of Alsci battled fiercely for glory in the school’s annual Intramurals, aptly named “Suriyaw” — a word that embodies the spirit of a resounding shout or yell. After what seemed a long week of exams, the event paved an opportunity for students to let loose from the stress and boost their morale.

The opening ceremony started off with a parade from Grades 7 to 12 and the official program began with the preliminaries led by the Performing Arts Club Choir, followed by the Oath of Sportsmanship headed by Palarong Pambansa 2023 qualifier Eesha Cunanan and the Torch Lighting represented by one student per year level.

A few highlights from the opening program include the introduction of the Mr. and Ms. Intramurals candidates, a presentation from the school band, and a mini showcase of each tribes’ yell. The sports events that were supposed to take place that afternoon were postponed due to rainfall and will continue the next day.

The next three days were full of different sports happening simultaneously, with new games introduced such as Basketball Girls, Chinese Garter, Patintero, and Dodgeball. All teams earned points based on their ranking per sport played in a round-robin fashion. While the ball games commenced, a bunch of board games also took place at the school canteen for students to participate and enjoy the experience.

The final day of the week arrived with the major events taking place that afternoon - Mass Dance, Bench Yell, Alsci Superstars, and the final showcase of the Mr. and Ms. Intramurals candidates in various attires.

Each tribe stunned the Youth Center with their remarkable performances, leaving the invited judges slack-jawed. Grade 12 Ivory Barons come forth as champions for Bench Yell and Alsci Superstars, meanwhile the Grade 11 Frost Keepers delight as they were acclaimed Mass Dance champions. The newly crowned Mr. and Ms. Intramurals is Mr. Orlando Ramirson Canzado of Grade 9 Iron Bastion and Ms. Julian Ellaine Kawari of Grade 12 Ivory Barons.

The awarding ceremony hailed the Grade 12 Ivory Barons as the overall champions of the Suriyaw 2024, bagging a final score of 1085 points, followed by the Grade 11 Frost keepers in 2nd place with 895 points. The overall final rankings were: 3rd place, Grade 9 Iron Bastion (690); 4th place, Grade 10 Luminal Nexus (685); 5th place, Grade 8 Sun Monarchs (545); 6th place, Grade 7 Tidal Reapers (490).

Intramurals - the most awaited and celebrated event of every campus there is. For the students of Alabel National Science High School, this event means so much more than sports; it’s a breather, a space to socialize, and ultimately an experience that isn’t taken for granted.

GRIT-TISH SPORT

AlSci’s motocross angel ready to take Koronadal track

by Marianne Jamili

by Kiss Fuerte

Alsci Taekwondo pride secures SPAA slot

by Crizelle Padillo

KICKING DREAMS

Seniors win back-toback in Kickball, 21-1 schoolsports

Under the heavy clouds that loomed over the field, the seniors, Ivory Barons, struck a storm and left Iron Bastions mud-drenched during the last match of a round-robin fashioned Kickball competition with 21-1 standing in the Suriyaw 2024 on December 11 held at Alabel National Science High School’s open grounds.

Cameros, Nueva, and Oracion of Iron Bastions ran for their lives at each base, hoping for a solid kick that would send them three home, but when Pecolados finally did a jawdropping overhead, the lady Barons wasn’t even fazed and gave Bastions a sickening triple play instead without a single score.

Lada, Pulalon, Burgos, Digal, and Guilao bolstered the Barons’ offense, securing a

score of 19-0 in the second inning. In the third and final inning, Bastions finally unlocked their first home point by a ferocious sprint from Gabatan but her teammate Villacorte got out at first base. Villapando of Bastions aggressively punted the ball and ran on bases one, two, and three and made a risky run to home where she ran back and forth to avoid getting tagged but was still

In the world of Taekwondo, where brain and brawn intertwine, becoming an athlete is not an easy task, let alone being a taekwondo student-athlete. The journey of being an athlete is a lifelong endeavor, requiring long hours of dedication and hard work. However, Jude Glorie Fann A. Canuel, a seventh-grader from Alabel National Science High School, is not afraid to carve out her path to greater success.

Canuel’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout the years, she joined different competitions and tournaments, earning multiple medals, such as her recent title of Bronze Medalist in the Cadet Category 2 Female at the 2024 Batang Pinoy. With a first-dan black belt at just the age of 12 and aspirations of becoming a future champion, she is just getting started on her journey to the top.

At just the age of nine years old, Canuel started her taekwondo journey—a sport known for its toughness, precision, and lightning-quick kicks, and not popular for kids her age. Taekwondo wasn’t always in Canuel’s pllans, and sports weren’t part of her routine at all.

As a young student, she was just like any other, focused on academics and living a normal life. However, everything changed when a friend invited her to try Taekwondo. Her parents also encouraged her to give it a shot to improve her health. “My friend invited me to join, and at that time I was kind of chubby, and my parents supported me to join so that I could be in the right fit. So, yeah, that’s why,” Canuel stated. “I was inspired to start because I heard about the girl who won the gold medal in weightlifting in the Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz. So, my mom said I should join because maybe one day I could be at a high level in the US. I can use this Taekwondo opportunity to get into any university that I want as a varsity player,” Canuel said, hinting at her dreams of becoming an Olympic athlete as well as using taekwondo as a platform not only in sports but also as her key to big university offers. She also shared her admiration for her idol, Pauline Lopez. “The most memorable moment was when I got to meet my idol, Pauline Lopez, during my first tournament in Manila.” Being a student-athlete is no easy feat, especially at a school that focuses on science, mathematics, technology, and engineering, with seemingly no space for sports, particularly when attending a rigorous institution like AlSci. Canuel admits that managing her time can be difficult, but she has learned to balance academics and Taekwondo through careful planning.

“I balance it through budgeting my time. Like, of course, as a student-athlete, it’s really hard to get some sleep, especially in AlSci. Of course, there’s a lot of work to do, and you really need to train a lot so that you can go and join Palaro and eventually the Olympics. So, I budget my time through doing my activities in school, like assignments, so that when I get home, I will just be preparing my stuff for Taekwondo and training,” she shares. Humble and grounded, Canuel attributes her success to her faith in God, whom she credits for guiding her through every tournament. Behind every champion is a dedicated and strong support system. She lauded her parents, friends, coach, and seniors for their efforts in supporting her throughout her journey, from endless training sessions to countless tournaments. This time, excitement is growing for Canuel for the upcoming SPAA District Meet, a key event for many student-athletes to showcase their skills. Winning SPAA is more than just a district competition; it is also a chance for her to earn a financial reward and potentially advance to the SRAA level. With the possibility of facing off against athletes from other regions, it can be her key to representing the school at the prestigious Palarong Pambansa 2025.

BACK-TO-BACK. Angel Tagalog from Alabel National Science High School delivers a powerful kick during the championship match, to help her team fight back against the defending champiion. The seniors secured back-to-back titles, showcasing their dominance on the field.

PHOTO BY: Lyle Ledesma

Riding from the raceways of Sarangani, Tishbernielle Loriaga, a junior student of Alabel National Science High School, is rising as a force to be reckoned with in the motocross scene, with a star track record of several podium finishes in local competitions across the region.

Tish has been driving her green Kawasaki KLX 140RF since November 2023. As the oldest daughter of the family, she shared that she went from escorting her father in driving up the rural hills of Malapatan for work to joining this extreme sport. “Nakakita ko ug mga babae sa Facebook nga gamotocross, nakuyawan ko so gusto pud nako i-try.

Timing pud kaayo ato nga time kay naay upcoming na motocross event diri sa Alabel, so nagjoin ko”, said Loriaga while she revealed her first time in the world of trailblazing. “I enjoyed it, so mao to gipadayon nako siya with the support of my papa.” she added.

However, not all plans go unimpeded. Loriaga suffered from a fracture in her right hand in March last year after practicing. “Nadepress ug nadiscourage jud ko ato, kaundangon nako ato magmotocross.” The healing

process took 5 months and she wasn’t able to attend any competitions. She also said how her mother wasn’t fond of the sport after that incident but eventually gave in over time because of how her daughter was truly happy doing motocross.

As Tishbernielle discovers and preserves her own niche in the athletic field, she becomes a beacon of inspiration for girls her age to chase their dreams, stay resilient, and believe that they too can break barriers and achieve greatness. “Proud ko na maging small part sa pagbreak sa stigma in motocross, and sa mga naay second thoughts sa ilang gusto, kung unsa man imong passion, i-follow lang jud and work hard gihapon.”

She also plans to pursue this career for as long as she can ride, with her two younger sisters looking up to her and following in her trails.

Loriaga is set to compete on the trails of the 1st Motocross Circuit for the 10th Kubo Festival this January 18, 2025, at Barangay Pangasinan, Koronadal City. Her last competition prior to this was at the 3rd Invitational Motocross Competition hosted by Governor Ruel Pacquiao, where she placed 4th.

by Marianne Jamili

outweighed by the Barons, earning another out. Davis and Cuidad tried to steal more points, but they failed to outsmart the seniors and switched out for the last time. The match was concluded after Barons gained another two points, leading a 20 point gap, which ultimately made them winners by default since the Bastions failed to close the gap.

“We thought it would be difficult playing against Grade 9 because they were so preparedthey even had gloves! [laughs] But as the game went on, it became fun and we enjoyed it until it lasted.” uttered Yza Lada, the team captain of Ivory Barons and the 2024 Kickball MVP.

Lada also mentioned that they were genuinely nervous at first because if they lost this game, they would have to play against Grade 11 Frost Keepers for the do-or-die.

This victory was the pivotal game that secured the Ivory Barons’ title as the overall champions of kickball in this year’s intramurals.

by Crizelle Padillo

SOARING HIGH: AlSci Hawks Takes Flight!

Alabel National Science High School, a school known for its endless pursuit of academic excellence, possesses not only bright minds but also hidden talents and skills in the art of sports. Amidst the countless awards, medals, and trophies earned from multiple competitions in various fields of Science, Technology, Mathematics, and English, many skilled athletes emerge, waiting for the opportunity to prove themselves not only as AlSci students but also as respectable athletes.

For AlSci, the journey from being a school known for dominating multiple STEM competitions and academic excellence, with no competitive sports teams, to one that now proudly presents its first-ever volleyball and basketball teams at the district meet has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the loss, the school’s participation in the district meet, with both girls’ and boys’ volleyball and basketball teams, marks a historic milestone for AlSci, as its athletes leap into the competitive world of sports for the first time, ready to represent the school not just in academics but also in sports. With no previous experience, creating a team for the school was no easy task. However, after many years in which the school was unable to participate i,n the district meet, especially for volleyball, they made sure that this year the school would have the chance to join. Both Jenner Gunday Ayot and Catherine Lazona held tryouts for the upcoming volleyball district meet, during which

the coach personally hosted the tryouts and carefully selected 15 students for each team, boys and girls, based on their potential to play. Hence, the AlSci Hawks was created. From the beginning, the AlSci Hawks faced numerous struggles. One of the challenges the team faced during its early stages was technical, especially as newcomers in the field of sports. As a team, they were not yet fully polished, so it was all about going back to learning the basics and doing drills before the athletes could even start playing the game. Despite the early struggles, the athletes stayed focused on their goals. Practices were scheduled twice a week after school, which helped the athletes balance their academic responsibilities and training schedules. It wasn’t easy for the athletes, but with proper discipline, teamwork, and determination, they were able to face their first competition.

When the teams finally stepped onto the court for their first district competition, there was no doubt that

the emotions were overwhelming. Between the mix of nervousness and excitement, the feeling of unity and pride in representing their school stood out. The competition wasn’t without its challenges. The AlSci Hawks were up against teams with more experience, practice, and preparation. But the team was undeterred. Despite losing against Alabel National High School, they left an athletic mark on the history of ANSHS.

The experience also taught the athletes important lessons in sportsmanship and resilience. Despite the odds that were against them, they didn’t back down. The teams kept pushing themselves, even when things got tough. “So far, as a first-timer, my experience has taught me discipline and balance between school and doing sports. It also helped me realize how important it is to hone both our minds and bodies, and how both can be done without clashing schedules or overdoing it,” Charlize Nicole Tapangan, AlSci Hawks girl middle

blocker, shared.

“Being part of the AlSci Hawks team developed my discipline to be on time, be punctual, and be consistent in attending training. Trying to communicate is also a crucial part of playing since you need that mutual understanding during the game to avoid confusion and miscommunication. As a first-time player for the district meet team, I learned that becoming too tense and nervous during the game stifles your ability to think well. During my training, the coach would always tell me that I am ‘lost’ or ‘senseless’ inside the court, and I realized it was because I was nervous about being seen and scared of making mistakes. But during the actual game, all my fear disappeared. Instead, it was replaced with adrenaline and the feeling of having fun during the game, even though the odds were against us,” she added.

CRIS OVER

by Kiss Fuerte

in the Alabel Disctrict 3 Meet.

Batang Mamaw despite his young age governed the floor with his anomalous dribbling expertise, his ability to slash through tight defense and blow past his opponents with quick change of direction made him unguardable. His teammates benefit the most from his ball-handling for they do not have to worry about crossing the half-court and turn the ball over.

Cris Ryan’s dribbling skills is only a part of his deep basketball arsenal, for his shooting and passing prowess, complemented with quick decision-making made him a thorn on the foot to guard. For instance, if a defender tried to double him defensively, he will kick it out to an open teammate. On the other hand, if they underestimate his driving and shooting ability, he will drive to the basket or make space for an easy bucket.

“I once guarded him in a team practice, and I tried my best to not let him score or even pass, but he always finds a way. I think he is a lot better than me at that age.” said Faciol (team captain) His skills at his young age are not built-up

Sali Sali kalang po sa liga, diba sabi nila practice makes perfect.

overnight, because as soon as he can pick up a basketball, he never let it go, practicing early in the morning. His father who is his personal coach bombarded with different dribbling drills that helped him in the long run, developing his selfdiscipline as well as his physical endurance.

“Sali Sali kalang po sa liga, diba sabi nila practice makes perfect” said Ambrosio.

Most of basketball player’s struggle is strengthening their self-esteem, afraid of people judging their slip-ups, but Cris Ryan’s experiences in multiple basketball league gradually improved his basketball confidence, making the basketball court his playground for he is always comfortable even in heated situation.

In the sports world where age is hailed and respected, being able to dominate against players who started playing the game years ahead of you definitely needs prodigious talent. Cris Ryan Ambrosio proved that talent matched with discipline and determination can give you the upper hand, because for so many times in his life he testified that age is just a number.

Cris Ryan “Batang Mamaw” Ambrosio a young prodigy of Alabel National Science High School played the starting point guard position with such dexterity and entertaining playstyle that fascinates the audience present

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Luminal Nexus Reigns the Court

by Crizelle Padillo

Dominating the court, Luminal Nexus clinched victory against different teams during the Suriyaw Intramurals 2024 Volleyball Girls, winning a total of 4 out of 5 games against various grade levels at Alabel National Science High School, December 13, 2024.

Despite the growing pressure, Luminal Nexus quickly sought to prove their superiority as they faced their first opponent, Iron Bastions. Several intense rallies unfolded as both teams refused to back down. However, Luminal Nexus ramped up their offense, strategically targeting Iron Bastion’s vulnerable open side of the court. Their opponents struggled to keep pace, and with one final rocket-like serving spike, Luminal Nexus sealed their first match with a total of 30-18 victory, earning a one point advantage.

Off to a good start, Luminal Nexus confidently entered their second game against the newcomers, Tribal Reapers. With much more experience, complete domination was displayed by the Luminal Nexus as they wasted no time, overwhelming their opponents. They quickly faltered the already shaky defense of Tribal Reapers, securing a striking 30-10 landslide score victory, earning a total of 2 points. Their euphoria died down as the third game started. Faced with their seniors, the Ivory Barons, their anxiety

rose. Both teams unleashed flaming spikes and shots, with Luminal Nexus leading the score. As the game progressed, their strategy ran out in the lower half of the game, gaining the Ivory Barons their much-awaited momentum. Nexus had a hard time both defending and attacking, giving their opponents a chance to dominate the game. The match ended with a final score of 30-26, marking their first loss. Despite the setback in the previous game, Luminal Nexus seriously upped their gameplay against their new

MAIDEN TRIUMPH. Anya Eleekha Sasil of Luminal Nexus makes a strong play during the championship match at Alabel National Science High School, leading the team to their first-ever victory

PHOTO CREDITS: Suriyaw Media Team

TISH ON TRACK.

Tishbernielle Loriaga, AlSci’s motocross angel, is set to race at the 10th Kubo Festival, showcasing strength and breaking barriers in a maledominated sport.

PHOTO CREDIT: Dhat’s Photography