The Vision / Ang Tanglaw 2023-2024

The Official Publication of Sta. Lucia High School 2024

“The dilemma lies on the fact that students are taught to uphold the truth throughout their lives. The truth that will bring enlightenment and overall delight to whoever receives it.

READ ON PG. 4

PAGPAPATULOY NG ISANG

MATATAG NA PAGSULONG AT PAMAMAHALA

NATIONAL LEARNING CAMP IMPLEMENTATION ‘TO RECOVER LEARNING LOSSES DUE TO HEAT WAVE’ — DEPED BALITA |

MATATAG Curriculum, Simula Na

sang taon matapos isapubliko ang K-10 o MATATAG Curriculum, inaasahang magsisimula ang aktwal na implementasyon nito ngayong taong panuruang 2024-2025 sa pampubliko at pribadong paaralan sa bansa.

Taong 2023 nang buong pagtitiwalang inilabas ng Department of Education ang nirebisang bagong curriculum na ginawa nilang tugon sa mababang kalagayan ng mga Pilipinong magaaral ukol sa national at international assessment. IPAGPATULOY SA PG 2

SAYSAY NG DIPLOMA

“Hanggang kailan mapapako ang pangako kung ang nangako ng oportunidad ay siyang nagpapalabo sa daan na patungo dito?

M

The Vision/ Ang Tanglaw

arapat na pangunahan ng pamahalaan ang pag-hire ng mga senior high school graduates. Sa pamamagitan ng pangunguna sa adhikain, malaki ang magiging impluwensya nito sa mga pribadong sektor na kumuha din ng mga senior high school graduates upang maging empleyado. Pangalawa, ay ang pagpapababa ng mga kwalipikasyon na dapat taglayin ng isang tao upang magkaroon ng trabaho. Isa ito sa pinakamatagal nang daing ng maraming pilipino, ang mataas na kwalipikasyon ngunit

READ ON PG. 3

n the busy halls of Sta. High School, the passion of one teacher shines brightly, capturing both the hearts of other educators and learners. Liberty O. Balajadia, known affectionately as Ma’am Balajadia, is more than just an educator but a guiding force, earning her title as this year’s Model Teacher of the Year.

PAGPAPATULOY NG ISANG MATATAG NA PAGSULONG

AT PAMAMAHALA

MCLIMATE CHANGE AT NABABAGONG INIT NG PANAHON

MATATAG Curriculum, Simula Na

atagumpay ang taunang State of the School Address (SOSA) ni Dr. Lorna C. Rodriguez. Natalakay rin ang mga hakbang at mga pangangailangan ng paaralan tungo sa pagkamit ng mga pamantayang aagabay sa produktibong pag-aaral at pagtuturo.

Pinuri ni Dr. Rodriguez ang kaisahan ng mga magulang, guro, at mga mag-aaral habang ipinagpasalamat niya rin ang epektibong pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong pampaaralan ng iba’t ibang departamento.

Sa ilalim ng pamamalakad ni Dr. Rodriguez, katuwang ang mga puno ng mga kagawaran, mga guro at iba pang kasapi ng paaralan naging matagumpay ang mga proyekto ipinatupad kabilang ang Drop Everything And Read (DEAR), mga In-Service Trainings, tree planting project, at marami pang iba.

Kapansin-pansin na sa loob ng tatlong taong pampanuruan ay nagkamit ang Sta. Lucia High School ng mataas na performance indicators kung saan binigyang-tuon ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral na nag-enrol sa junior at senior high school.

Umakyat sa 7,767 ang kabuuang bilang ng enrollment ng school year 2023-2024, 5581 mag-aaral mula sa Junior High habang nakapagtala naman ng 2186 magaaral sa Senior High.

Tatak Lucian

Kinilala ni Dr. Rodriguez ang mga mag-aaral na nagpamalas ng kanilang angking kagalingan sa mga paligsahan, gayundin ang mga gurong naging gabay tungo sa tagumpay na ito.

Sa ilalim ng departamento ng English at Filipino, nakamit ng mga mag-aaral ang unang pwesto sa buong dibisyon ng Pasig sa Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) at naipakita nila ang lumalabang puwersa ng galing at disiplina sa iba’t ibang larangan.

Nagwagi ng ikaapat na puwesto si Michelle Abonales sa Division Science and Technology Fair (Research), nagpabatid rin ng pagkilala sa iba pang kalahok nito.

Bukod dito, kinilala rin ang MAPEH Department dahil sa nakamit nitong unang pwesto sa Likhawitin ng Division Festival of Talents habang naiuwi naman nito ang ikatlong puwesto sa street dance taong 2023, gayundin ang mga kompetisyong pampalakasan partikular sa larangan ng Sepak Takraw kung saan aktibong nakilahok ang mga atleta, nagkamit ang sepak takraw ng unang pwesto. Nanalo rin ang sepak takraw boys sa National Qualifying Match 2023 tungong Palarong Pambansa kung saan nagkamit sila ng ikalawang pwesto.

Sa dakong huli, nagpasalamat si Dr. Rodriguez sa suporta ng LGUs sa pamamahagi ng mga gamit sa eskwela, maging sa handog nitong water bottle at ID printer sa mga guro

National Learning Camp Implementation ‘To Recover Learning Losses Due to Heat Wave’ — DepEd

To address learning gaps and losses because of the high summer temperatures, the Department of Education (DepEd) will conduct the National Learning Camp (NLC) by July 2024 as one of the learning recovery strategies aligned with the MATATAG Basic Education Agenda and under the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).

According to DepEd Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas in a radio interview, the NLC will be a three-week, non-mandatory learning camp that aims to catch up on lessons given during the asynchronous classes in March and April.

“We will implement our National Learning Camp by July, so hopefully, many learners will still participate, especially those challenged or academically challenged because of the heat,” Bringas said.

With the DepEd’s observation during the pandemic years, Bringas emphasized that students’ learning in asynchro- nous classes is not as effective compared to face-to-face classes.

“In the two years of the pandemic, students still learned when there were no face-to-face classes, but it was not enough, like what they knew when they did face-to-face or held synchronous classes inside the classroom,” he added.

Learning-Teaching Quality, to be Monitored

The DepEd shall check the students’ learning outputs as well as the teachers’ teaching techniques in the asynchronous sessions.

This is to monitor if the quality of learning is still up to par despite not having face-to-face classes because of the heat wave.

Bringas noted, “We are hoping that our teachers have not forgotten their working or teaching techniques while holding asynchronous classes, so we will focus on or monitor in the field if there is still quality learning even if face-to-face classes are suspended.”

This is disclosed in DepEd Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas’ interview on Radyo 360 last April 30, 2024.

Isang taon matapos isapubliko ang K-10 o MATATAG Curriculum, inaasahang magsisimula ang aktwal na implementasyon nito ngayong taong panuruang 20242025 sa pampubliko at pribadong paaralan sa bansa.

Taong 2023 nang buong pagtitiwalang inilabas ng Department of Education ang nirebisang bagong curriculum na ginawa nilang tugon sa mababang kalagayan ng mga Pilipinong mag-aaral ukol sa national at international assessment.

Matapos ang pilot implementation sa SY 2023-2024, mauunang maiimplementa ang MATATAG Curriculum sa Kindergarten, Grade 1, 4, at 7 sa SY 2024-2025; Grade 2, 5, at 8 sa SY 2025-2026; Grade 3, 7, at 8 sa SY 20262027 at Grade 10 sa SY 2028-2029.

Sasailalim sa mga “phase” ang pagsasagawa ng curriculum hanggang sa pinal na implementasyon nito. “This means that by 2028, we will have fully implemented the Matatag curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10 of the K-12 program,” ani ni Jocelyn Andaya, director ng DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum and Development. Sa ilalim ng MATATAG Curriculum, inaasahang mas pinalinaw ang mga aralin na ihahain sa mga mag-aaral, inihayag bilang “overloaded” ang mga aralin at asignatura, dito’y naghain ng solusyong bawasan ang mga learning competencies at hasain ang foundational skills kasabay ng pagpapahusay ng basic education, tututukan ng bagong curriculum ang mga asignatura sa Math, Science, English, Reading at Values Formation. Ayon sa DepEd, mula sa 11,700 learning competencies sa lahat ng mga asignatura, ibinaba ito ng bagong curriculum sa 3,664.

Sa isang taong paghahanda, kabilang ang training services ng mga kaguruan at paglabas ng mga bagong kagamitan ng kagawaran, inaasahang makakamit ang matagumpay na simula ng bagong curriculum, bitbit ang pahayag na MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa.

Nakaraos sa Pagtatapos:

Tatlong Lucians na Nagkamit ng Unang Karangalan Ngayong Taon

Tagumpay na isinagawa ang pagtatapos ng mga magaaral ng Grade 12 nitong ika-30 ng Mayo at Moving-Up ng Grade 10 noong ika-29 ng Mayo sa Sta. Lucia High School (SLHS) para sa S.Y. 2023-2024. Nanguna si Fatima De Torres mula sa ABM 2 na may pangkalahatang grado na 97. Samantala, pareho namang natamo nina Venise Bides at Rain Mangco ng 10 - Rizal ang unang pwesto sa kabuuang marka na 98.25.

Nag-iwan naman ng paalala ang ABM Student na si De Torres sa kapwa Lucians. Ayon sa kaniya, “Hindi sumasalamin sa atin ang ating kahinaan.” Binigyang-diin niya rito ang kaniyang mga karanasan at kung paano niya ito nalampasan.

“Wala akong kumpiyansa pagdating sa pagsasalita sa harap ng maraming tao…pero kahit papaano ay nakaraos naman ako,” pahayag niya.

Inilahad niya rin ang guro na si Bb. Shanley Licup na nagsilbing inspirasyon niya sa pagiging accountant sa hinaharap. Lubos din ang kaniyang pasasalamat sa mga magulang niyang nagtaguyod sa kaniyang pag-aaral.

“Gusto kong suklian ang mga paghihirap nila sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong financially,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa kabila naman ng tablang general average nina Bides at Mangco, ibinahagi ng dalawa sa isang panayam na pareho silang masaya sa naging resulta.

“Nakakatuwa siya, kasi since first quarter ‘yong labanan talaga namin, point lang lagi. And, no’ng nalaman na nag-tie and both running for first-ranking student, siyempre napakasaya no’n sa feeling,” ani ni Mangco.

Samantala, nais naman ng dalawa na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang nasimulan sa SLHS kaya nagpasiya silang dito na rin mag-aral ng Senior High.

AILYN NAYANAYA

VENISE BIDES

MICHELLE ABONALES

Dr. Lorna Rodriguez ibinida ang taunang kalagayan ng SLHS

LOVELY TECSON LYKKA MEFRAGATA

S.Y 2023-2024

EDITORIAL BOARD

GUILLAN C. CANETE EDITOR IN CHIEF

MICHELLE G. ABONALES ASSOCIATE EDITOR

AILYN C. NAYANAYA NEWS EDITOR

SANDRA MARIE L. SANTOS SCIENCE AND HEALTH EDITOR

RAIN L. MANGCO FEATURE EDITOR

ALESANA CHLOE HUTCHINSON COLUMN EDITOR

KIYNA ESPINAS SPORTS EDITOR

RICA MAE ROSIETE CARTOONIST

KENAN CERAMI FERNANDEZ

IVY MAE TOLEDO LAYOUT ARTISTS

SOPHIA KRISTINE FABELLON CZARINA ALCANTARA PHOTOJOURNALISTS

CONTRIBUTORS

SOPHIA KRISTINE FABELLON CZARINA ALCANTARA

CONTRIBUTORS

Azriel Catherine M. Simbahan

Ari Santos

Cali Batongbakal

Christine Mae Saldivar

Jacob Leonardo

Jasmine Espanto

Kenneth Ryan Tabio

Kobe Dela Cruz

Lovely Tecson

Lyka Mefragata

Scerriophie Tondo

Shane Rhian Mangonon

Venise Ann Bides

SCHOOL PAPER ADVISERS

Mrs. Jo. Kristina L. Olladas

Mrs. Vina Q. Cantilado

Ms. Ella Joy S. Libongcogon

Ms. Jaira Saboco

DR. LORNA C. RODRIGUEZ PRINCIPAL

SAYSAY NG DIPLOMA

anggang kailan mapapako ang pangako kung ang nangako ng oportunidad ay siyang nagpapalabo sa daan na patungo dito? anda at kwalipikado, ganyan inilarawan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang mga kasalukuyang mag-aaral ng Senior High School. Kasabay nito ay ang paglagda ng Department of Education at ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) sa isang joint memorandum circular na maaaring magpabago sa takbo ng buhay at humasa sa kakayahan at kasanayan ng mga mag-aaral sa senior high school na magtrabaho. Nakapaloob dito ang mandato na unti-unting baguhin ang kurikulum ng Senior High School at iayon sa layunin na magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman at kasanayan na tutugon sa demand ng mga job industries.

Pangunahing layunin ng pagkakatatag ng Senior High sa sekondarya ay upang ihanda ang mga mag-aaral sa kolehiyo, at bigyan ng oportunidad na magtrabaho nang hindi kinakailangan magtapos ng isang kurso. Subalit, sa mahabang panahong itinakbo ng programa, naging malabo at mailap na maisakatuparan ang pangakong ito. Malaking porsyento ng mga mag-aaral na nagtapos ng senior high ang hindi nakahanap agad ng trabaho, ito ay sa kadahilanang maliit lang ang bilang ng mga kompanyang tumatanggap ng senior high graduate, at mas pinapaboran pa rin ang nakapagtapos at may diploma ng kolehiyo.

Isang suliranin din ang mismatch job. Ayon sa kasalukuyang datos ng Philippine Statistic Authority, dalawang milyong pilipino ang walang trabaho o walang

negosyo. Tumaas ito sa 3.9% mula sa 1.8 milyon noong nakaraang buwan. Bahagi ng problema ay nasa mga kumpanya, na nahihirapang kumuha ng mga taong may tamang kasanayan para sa kanilang mga partikular na pangangailangan.

Kung kaya, ang pangakong trabaho para sa mga magaaral na nagtapos ng senior high school ay matagal na napako. Ang iba ay napilitang tumuloy ng kolehiyo, umaasa sa mas maganda at malawak na opurtunidad. Ang iba naman ay mas piniling pumasok sa trabahong malayo sa kanilang kasanayan at napag-aralan. Pero hanggang kailan ba mapapako ang pangakong ito? Matapos ang ilang administrasyong nagdaan, hindi pa rin ba tuluyang wawakasan ang sistemang nagpapahirap at nagpapalabo sa mga oportunidad na dapat matamasa ng mag-aaral?

Marapat na pangunahan ng pamahalaan ang pag-hire ng mga senior high school graduates. Sa pamamagitan ng pangunguna sa adhikain, malaki ang magiging impluwensya nito sa mga pribadong sektor na kumuha din ng mga senior high school graduates upang maging empleyado. Pangalawa, ay ang pagpapababa ng mga kwalipikasyon na dapat taglayin ng isang tao upang magkaroon ng trabaho. Isa ito sa pinakamatagal nang daing ng maraming pilipino, ang mataas na kwalipikasyon ngunit maliit na pasahod.

Sa bagong programa na isinusulong ng DepEd katulong TESDA, dapat na matiyak ang katatagan at pangmatagalan bisa na tutugon sa problema ng trabaho. Ito ay estratehiya na hindi lamang tutupad sa pangakong una nang bitbit ng K-12 program, kundi

pati na rin sa kasalukuyang problemang pang-ekonomiya ng bansa.

Sa patuloy na pagtaas ng inflation, mahal na pamasahe at mga bilihin, mahalaga mabigayan ang bawat tao ng opurtunidad na makapag hanapbuhay. Pero ang problemang ito ay mas matutugunan kung bibigyan pansin din ang edukasyon. Isang kurikulum na sasagot sa mga kakulangan, hahasa sa kakayahanan, at magdadagdag sa kaalaman ng isang mag-aaral upang maihanda ang sarili na pasukin ang industriya ng pagiging manggagawa at pagnenegosyo. Walang saysay ang diploma, kung ang trabaho ay laging naaantala, kaya naman, hindi lang dapat diploma ang bitbit ng isang magtatapos ng senior high school, kundi pati na rin ang kasanayan at kakayahan na makipagsapalaran at lumaban para mabuhay.

the ANG TANGLAW

DIBUHO NI RICA MARIE ROSIETE

NI GUILLAN CAÑETE

OPINION SUCKERS FOR MISFORTUNE: A Rite to be Recognized

SCOLUMN

Alesana Chloe Hutchinson

Jacob Leonardo

COLUMN

Catch-up Fridays: Boosting Brains and Easing Stress

Azriel Catherine Simbahan

werte, derived from the Spanish word "suerte," means "luck" or "to be of luck." It is frequently used when someone achieves a lucky event, such as winning the lotto. As for the students at Sta. Lucia High School, swerte were the students of the year before, because they had the winning lottery ticket of opportunity. Lucians were able to take part in and fancy a moving up ceremony with their parents and classmates in the school’s covered court— a fortune we cannot afford this year.

Issued on the 2nd of May was DepEd’s Memorandum No. 023, which discussed the need for schools to conduct all end-of-school-year rites in properly ventilated areas or covered courts for the school year 2023 - 2024. In compliance, Sta. Lucia High School has opted to hold the Moving Up Ceremony on the 29th of May inside of classrooms. This memo was brought up in regard to the harmful weather condition due to the “extreme heat of the sun” as noted in the memorandum, even though the country has recently begun with its annual rainy season starting strong with Tropical Storm, Aghon, which is bound to make the last week of May, and first week of June pouring.

The actions made based on this government memo sparked a flood of concerns about the rationale and implications of the decision from parents and students. Teachers were the recipients of the majority of questions indicating that students had anticipated a formal celebration in a location larger than the four walls of their classroom, even though they were powerless to stop it. More disappointments were expressed in the answers to the questions because it was clear that nothing would change the DepEd's determination to limit the school calendar and the decisions based on it. Ultimately, parents were left to ponder on the misfortune handed to the anxious palms of students.

Through it all, DepEd Secretary and VP Sara Duterte suggested keeping the ceremony “simple but memorable.” In Sta. Lucia High School’s case where the Moving Up Ceremony is to be held inside the classrooms, the celebration would not be deemed as memorable by most Lucians. Moving Up Ceremonies, or end of school year rites in general are supposed to be loud, sparkly, full of pride, and overflowing of satisfaction driven by success and passion; the decision done shows no upholding of those vital characteristics of a Moving Up Ceremony. What is seen is that this 9th Moving Up Ceremony on the 29th of May will not be remarkable for it to be an event that will stick into every Lucian’s memory.

No Lucian would appreciate a silent stage and a crowded room of what seems like a normal school day. Bearing the fact that the ceremony is limited to only two hours is saddening and takes away an opportunity for a section to connect with one another before separating into new different paths and once again striving to be part with new faces and social environments. The stage should be a catalyst and a harbinger of motivation and determination amongst students and should act as a landscape for learners to reflect upon their past four years in Junior High School before stepping as Seniors of their very learning institution. The stage is not to be a graveyard of what-could’ve-beens of those thieved of a proper ceremony and celebration.

To think that high school is supposed to be the best of years for every teen, with a Moving Up ceremony being there to encapsulate everything of what has been made as memories, why not make the best of it? A little effort goes a long way; a festive celebration could have been something great incoming seniors would be looking back at when nostalgia eventually hits them all in the right places.

According to the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), only 24% of Filipino children aged 15 are fluent in reading. Moreover, the latest World Bank data shows that nine out of ten 10-year-old Filipino children struggle to read a simple text. In response, Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte instructed public schools to implement “Catch-up Friday,” a program dedicating Fridays to improving reading skills.

Enhancing Reading and Vocabulary

But that’s all on being unfortunate, as being one of the students of the several hundreds of the batch that did not get to experience a memorable graduation back in 6th grade, school year 2019 - 2020 before the pandemic took its strike. It just so happens that we were suckers for misfortune, missing out on that feeling of what feels like winning the lottery— it’s the same equating sense of victory and nowhere less. No one drives just to drive, we enjoy the journey, we take the time to take hold of that moment before it seeps away like hands are with water. The ceremony should be treated as if it’s going to be the best out of every day that students have lived through, not like a routine that is rushed to be finished just for the sake of compliance with the education’s EOSY rites culture. Because of what it seems like, the upcoming 9th Moving Up ceremony is going to appear lackluster and unstimulating for students at Sta. Lucia High School.

The dilemma lies on the fact that students are taught to uphold the truth throughout their lives. The truth that will bring enlightenment and overall delight to whoever receives it. And the wondrous truth is that students have worked long and hard to achieve another level of academic greatness. This hard work deserves recognition that echoes through the school's students, teachers, and the to-be empty hallways Lucians have walked through with a burning passion to strive. It is an important life milestone that shouldn't be stored away in a room. It seems no matter how hard you try, you can never make your own luck, but as soon as you sense that it’s not going to be pleasing, it becomes a sealed prophecy waiting to take place. You can only do so much; you can only be appreciated and celebrated for a moment in a closed room before you must do it all again.

Students directly benefit from Catch-up Friday's focus on reading. Stories and books are introduced, with teachers encouraging the use of dictionaries to explore unfamiliar vocabulary. This not only improves reading comprehension but also expands vocabulary, a skill crucial for English subjects like weekly journals. Students themselves report feeling a sense of accomplishment when using advanced vocabulary.

Relaxation and Social Interaction

Catch-up Friday offers more than just reading practice. It provides a welcome break from the usual school routine. Students can relax, unwind, and enjoy reading engaging stories. These stories often come with comprehension questions, sharpening critical thinking skills. Teachers then facilitate discussions, encouraging students to share their answers and participate in vocabulary-based games. These discussions and games not only enhance speaking skills and sentence construction but also create a fun learning environment, fostering a sense of community and reducing stress.

Addressing Student Concerns

While some students appreciate the break from regular classes, others express a preference for traditional lessons. However, even these students acknowledge the program's potential academic benefits. A different concern is the potential reduction of time for other subjects due to Catch-up Friday. However, proponents argue that Catch-up Friday is not wasted time. Students learn valuable life lessons from stories, further develop reading skills, and get a chance to relax and recharge. Catch-up Friday aims to improve reading skills, promote positive values, and provide health education. The program has demonstrably enhanced reading abilities, expanded vocabulary, and offered a break from the demands of regular schoolwork. While some student concerns exist, the overall impact is positive, contributing to both academic development and student well-being.

RUROK NG TAGUMPAY

SLHS SEPAK TAKRAW ANG HARI NG SIPA

Kiyna Espinas and Kobe Dela Cruz

patuloy sa kanilang karera.

team, ay nagsimula rin ang karera bilang tekong noong siya ay nasa ikatlong baitang at pinagpatuloy ang talento bilang isang spiker sa sekondarya.

Bahagi nila, bago mapatunayan ang kanilang mga sarili sa larangan ay naudlot muna ang kanilang pagiging manlalaro dahil sa pandemya. Gayon pa man, ang kanilang pamilya ay naging malaking bahagi upang patatagin ang kanilang loob sa mga payo at gabay nito. Nagsisilbing lakas nila ang bawat suporta sa mga oras na nahihirapan na ang mga ito.

isang kampeon ay isang mapait na sakripisyo ang kanilang inialay upang paghandaan ang kanilang mga hamon. Ang oras bilang isang mag-aaral ay kailangan nilang bawasan dahil sa mga trainings na mayroon sila. Ngunit kahit na istrikto ang kanilang pagsasanay, sinisiguro naman ng kanilang coach na si Ginoong Jonathan Valles ng MAPEH Department na hindi nila napababayaan ang kanilang pag-aaral. Binibigyan sila ng oras upang habulin ang mga naiwan nilang gawain sa klase pagkatapos ng ensayo. Mahirap man pagsabayin ang pagiging atleta at estudyante, ginawan pa rin nila ng paraan ang mga asignaturang kanilang naii-

Kahit sino ay bibilib sa dedikasyon na nag-aalab sa kanilang puso, dahil kahit na sobrang hirap ng kanilang sitwasyon ay hindi nila naisipang sumuko. Hindi man nila kilala ang tulog at pahinga, hindi sila napanghinaan ng loob upang huminto sa sipa ng tagumpay.

Sa ngayon, patuloy pa rin ang kanilang pag-e-ensayo para sa darating na Palarong Pambansa na gaganapin sa Cebu City, ngayong Hulyo 2024. Dala-dala nila ang bandera at puso ng isang Lucian at Pasigueño bilang kinatawan ng NCR na laging handa upang depensahan ang kanilang trono sa kampeonato.

Rising Heat, Rising Risks

Preparing for the Threat of Heatwaves

As temperatures rise across Asia, a silent but deadly threat is putting millions of children at risk. Heatwaves, intensified by climate change, have become a significant concern, endangering our most vulnerable population. This article explores the science behind heatwaves, their impact on children’s health, and actionable steps we can take to protect them.

Understanding Heatwaves

Heatwaves, extended periods of excessively hot weather often accompanied by high humidity, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

In regions like East Asia and the Pacific, urbanization and industrialization contribute to the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect is the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities, buildings, and infrastructure absorbing and re-emitting heat. When temperatures surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), the body’s natural cooling mechanisms can falter, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Impact on Children’s Health

Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of heatwaves. As a vulnerable population, children have developing physiology and limited ability to regulate body temperature. Unlike adults, children produce more metabolic heat relative to their body size, making them more prone to overheating. Metabolic heat is the heat produced by the body’s metabolic processes.

Additionally, their reliance on caregivers for hydration and shelter further compounds their vulnerability during extreme heat events. The physiological impacts of heatwaves on children can range from mild symptoms such as heat rash and dehydration, a condition resulting from the excessive loss of body water, which can impair normal bodily functions. to more severe conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Kenneth Ryan Tabio

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the risks posed by heatwaves, proactive measures must be implemented at individual, community, and governmental levels. At the individual level, heatwave preparedness is crucial. Heatwave preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and respond to extreme heat conditions, including staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat times. Communities can establish cooling centers, which are air-conditioned public spaces where people can go to escape extreme heat. Additionally, the distribution of heatwave safety kits, which may include water, fans, cooling towels, and information on heat safety, can provide essential support to vulnera ble populations, including children and the elderly.

Investments in urban planning, green spaces, and heat-resilient infrastructure are essential for creating cli mate-resilient communities that prioritize the well-being of children. Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, can help lower temperatures in urban areas. Heat-resilient infrastructure includes buildings and public works de signed to withstand and mitigate the effects of extreme heat, such as reflective roofing materials, green roofs, and shaded walkways. By integrating climate adaptation mea sures into policymaking and urban development, gov ernments can enhance community resilience and reduce the health impacts of heatwaves on children and other vulnerable groups. Climate adaptation measures are strategies and actions aimed at reducing the negative im pacts of climate change on people and the environment.

As climate change continues to escalate, pro tecting our children from the impacts of heatwaves must be a top priority. Whether through advocacy, pol icy changes, or individual actions, everyone has a role to play in ensuring the safety and resilience of future generations. Let us heed the warnings and work togeth er to safeguard our children’s health and well-being.

With rising temperatures, addressing heatwaves as a public health issue is more urgent than ever. By understanding these extreme events and taking proac tive measures, we can create safer, more resilient com munities for our children. Let us act now, with compas sion and determination, to ensure a future where every child can thrive, even in the face of climate challenges.

Count Delayed till 110

It feels a little overwhelming when you are alone in the mall — walking through the sea of crowds, pacing towards a location over the corner where you can calm down and feel safe. But, for some people, the feeling of always being accompanied by many people stays wherever they are. On a cold fiery afternoon, you can ask one of these people “How many are you with?” and they could answer you with a number you cannot even think of.

When you seek professional help, you will know that this kind of feeling is not a “canon event” nor a “canon feeling” that all people shall feel at some point in their lives. This condition is called ‘presence hallucination,’ where you feel like someone is behind you or close to you when there is no one. It is indeed strange, and people with Parkinson’s disease often experience that.

This disease often occurs in older people as they are more vulnerable to the causes of the disease. Parkinson’s disease is incurable and still unpredictable, it is an illness that affects brain function mostly. It causes progressive brain damage, can worsen over time, and can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Just like the elderlies of the Philippines always say, “Tumatanda na kasi kaya nagiging makalilimutin na.”

Still, it should not always be perceived that way. With the help of knowledge in psychological health, together with the rising technological apparatus, we can detect and analyze the situation better — just like what a research team at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), led by Professor Olaf Blanke, did.

Scientists in Switzerland have developed a robotic device to cause or create hallucinations in people with Parkinson’s disease with the hope that it could help design better therapies. They tested 170 patients with the illness and 40% of them experienced presence hallucinations. How will this contribute to the study of Parkinson’s disease? Does it play a significant role in making a possible cure for the illness? Or perhaps, just like other attempts, these researchers will also fail?

TEST THE DEVICE

According to a PhD student at EPFL’s Neuro X Institute, Louis Philippe Albert, the system was composed of two robots — one at the back and the front of the participant with the said disease. As the participant moved his right arm, the machines delayed the movement of the front from the movement — this condition is called the ‘asynchronous.’ Thus, when they add this delay, they arrive to induce more presence of hallucinations in the participants.

This research team aimed to stimulate the hallucinations effect of overcounting people, because patients with presence hallucinations tend to overestimate the number of people in a room — making them more paranoid and skeptical of the environment or room that surrounds them. The results state that patients with presence hallucination overestimate counts more than those without. With the help of

hallucination” does not come together with Parkinson’s disease for everybody who has it.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR WELLBEING

As people, we underestimate the importance of being rich in health — the state of being healthy, nutritious, and having a strong immune system to defend our body from diseases. To avoid health circumstances like this, we should discover ways of healthy living, such as consuming foods with sufficient nutrients, doing recreational activities to balance out life, achieving a fitness goal with exerted effort, and exercising our minds to learn and direct to breakthroughs. It is a must that we take care of our well-being to keep us safe and not so vulnerable to those types of diseases that can impact our lives in the long run.

ASSESS THE MATTER SERIOUSLY

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, and as time passes by, it gets to affect more people, it has affected more than 10 million people worldwide now. With it still being incurable, people might now understand how severe its impacts are. It may start by showing these symptoms: tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, impaired balance, and shuffling walk — it can lead to progressive brain damage, a condition where the impact of the disease on your brain is so constant that it impairs it severely… It can even lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s or shortterm memory loss. This implies how complicated, frightening, and serious this matter is, and that it needs serious attention.

The leader of the said research also said that the general outlook or purpose of their study is to know if they can detect dementia — a progressive condition of the brain — with lewly bodies or hallucinations as a trait of Parkinson’s disease 10–20 years before it manifests.

“You can’t cure the disease but you prevent or you hope that Parkinson’s disease would only onset at the age of 100–11. It’s a relative cure in this sense,” said Blanke.

It may seem hilarious that if possible, such illness’ onset can be prolonged till the year of which you are already dead, it is helpful nevertheless. If these scientists manage to assess the matter and create efficient disease-modifying therapies, then it will be of help to the people who are vulnerable to the disease as it can now be an alternative “posing” cure.

People without this condition can count 110 people in a room normally and correctly, but not those who have Parkinson’s disease with presence hallucinations. If this robotic device that brings on hallucinations is in use and effective, then life will not stop as soon as one discovers he/she has that kind of illness.

As hope springs eternal, so does the possibility of being able to prevent the mental distortion due to Parkinson’s. Innovation and discovery play a major role in the health and medical aspects of one’s life. Till then shall cure and security of life follow after the count gets delayed till you are 110 already.

Jasmine Espanto

CLIMATE CHANGE

Isa sa mga salik na nagdudulot ng mga pagbabago sa ating planeta ay ang tinatawag nating greenhouse gases. Ang mga gas sa atmospera, tulad ng carbon dioxide (CO2), ay nakakukuha ng init sa parehong paraan tulad ng ginagawa ng bubong na salamin ng greenhouse. Ang mga gas na kumukuha ng init ay kilala bilang greenhouse gases. Ang climate change at global warming ay bunga nito. Ang unti-unting pagtaas ng temperatura ay nagdudulot ng pagbabago sa pattern ng panahon at nakasisira sa natural na balanse ng kapaligiran. Ang climate change o pagbabago ng klima ay naglalarawan ng isang pangmatagalang pagbabago sa karaniwang panahon ng isang rehiyon, kabilang ang temperatura at pag-ulan. Maraming salik ang nakakaapekto sa klima ng mundo. Gayon pa man, sumasang-ayon ang mga siyentipiko na ang aktibidad ng tao ay naging sanhi ng pag-init ng mundo sa nakalipas na 50 hanggang 100 taon. Ang pagsusunog ng mga fossil fuel ay naglalabas ng carbon dioxide at nitrous oxide na pangunahing dahilan ng pagbabago ng klima, samantalang ang pagpuputol ng mga puno ma nakatutulong sa regulasyon ng klima dahil ang mga puno ay kumukuha ng carbon dioxide mula sa atmospera. Ito, kasama ng industriyalisasyon, ay nagiging sanhi ng pagbabago ng klima at temperatura ng daigdig. EPEKTO NG NAGBABAGONG KLIMA

Sa nakalipas na buwan, nakapagtala ng sunod-sunod na matataas na heat index ang iba’t-ibang lugar sa ating bansa. Ang heat index, ayon sa National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ay kadalasang tinatawag na apparent temperature, ay ang nararamdaman na temperatura ng katawan ng tao kapag nagsama ang relative humidity at air temperature. Nahahati ito sa apat na kategorya na caution (27 - 32°C), ang matagal na pagkakalantad sa init ay maaaring magdulot ng pagkapagod. Extreme Caution (32 - 41°C), ito

CLIMATE CHANGE AT NABABAGONG

INIT NG PANAHON

ay maaaring magdulot ng sunstroke, cramp ing in the muscles, at sun exhaustion. Danger (41 - 54°C), ang taong malalantad sa init ay maaaring makaranas ng heat stroke. Panghuli, ay ang Extreme Danger (54°C or higher), dito makakaranas din ng heat stroke at sunstroke.

Sa ating bansa, ang mga naitala ng mga heat index na nasa Danger hanggang Extreme Danger level katulad na lang ng naranasan ng Zambales noong nakaraang buwan na umabot ang naramdaman na init sa 53°C.

Sa ulat ng World Weather Attribution, “To estimate the influence that human-caused climate change has had on extreme heat in West Asia and the Philippines, we combine climate models with observations. Observations and models both show a strong increase in likelihood and intensity. In the Philippines, the change in likelihood is so large that the event would have been impossible without human-caused climate change…”. Ang Pilipinas ay nakararanas ng mas mainit na panahon dahil sa pagbabago ng klima na dulot ng tao na may temperatura na tumataas ng 1.2°C. Tinitingnan din ng pag-aaral ang mga epekto ng El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), at nakita nito na ang heatwave sa Pilipinas ay tumaas ng 0.2°C dahil sa nararanasang El Niño. Climate change din ang sagot ng Philip-

pine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sa matinding init na pumaso sa buong bansa. Ayon kay PAGASA Weather Specialist John Manalo sa panayam ng Manila Bulletin, ang El Niño, mga high-pressure system, at pagbabago ng klima ang ilan sa mga dahilan sa mataas na temperature nitong Abril. Gayon pa man, ang pagbabago ng klima ay ang itinuturing na “pangunahing kadahilanan.” Binanggit din ni Manol na batay sa mga istastika ng PAGASA mula 1951 hanggang 2020, kapansin-pansin ang pagtaas ng taunang average na temperatura na 0.77°C ng bansa. Kung iisipin man, maliit lang ang pagbabagong ito subalit malaki pa rin ang epekto nito sa buong bansa sapagkat maaari itong magdulot ng extinction ng mga hayop, pagkakaroon ng wildfires, pagliit ng forest area na makaaapekto sa biodiversity. Sa mga karagatan naman ay magdudulot ito ng coral bleaching o kapag naglalabas ang mga korales ang algae (zooxanthellae) na naninirahan sa kanilang mga tisyu kapag ang tubig ay masyadong mainit. Kung wala ang algae, ang coral ay nawawalan ng pangunahing suplay ng pagkain, nagiging puti o lubhang maputla, at nagiging mas madaling kapitan ng sakit. Dagdag pa niya na ayon sa pag-aaral ang 1°C na pagtaas sa temperatura na nagpababa

ng produktibidad ng agrikultura ng halos 10%.

MGA HAKBANG NA DAPAT GAWIN

Upang matugunan ang pagbabago ng klima, kailangan ng mga bansa na mamuhunan sa malinis na mapagkukunan ng enerhiya kagaya ng renewable energy at pagbawas sa paggamit ng fossil fuels na nagdadala ng carbon dioxide. Ang hindi pagsasayang ng pagkain ay nakatutulong din upang mabawasan ang taunang carbon footprint na nalilikha nito ng hanggang 300 kg ng CO2. Ang pagbawas sa paggamit ng plastik ay kritikal dahil ang pagkuha, pagpipino, at paggawa ng plastik mula sa langis ay gumagamit ng maraming carbon at hindi ito natural na nabubulok. Ibig sabihin, maraming plastik ang sinusunog na nagdaragdag sa mga emisyon. Ang pagtatanim ng mga puno at pag-iingat sa mga kagubatan ay isang paraan din upang matulungan ang kapaligiran gayundin ang mga karagatan dahil maaari itong sumipsip ng mga nalilikhang carbon dioxide. Makiisa at hikayatin ang mga tao na kumilos sa pamamagitan ng pag-apela sa mga lokal at internasyonal na awtoridad na manguna at suportahan ang mga patakaran na pagaanin ang epekto nito sa bawat mamamayan. PAGPAPALAMIG

Ang isang malusog, matitirahan na mundo ay hindi isang pagpipilian; ito ay nararapat. Ang bawat aksyon na gagawin ng isang tao ay may malaking epekto sa pagbabago ng klima, kaya kailangang baguhin ng lahat ang kanilang mga gawi. Hindi tayo dapat umasa lang sa iba upang pangalagaan ang kapaligiran; ang bawat isa sa atin ay may tungkulin na dapat gawin upang hindi tayo mismo ang masunog sa sarili

ang

pangmatagalan ng mapipigilan ang paglala ng

Sandra Marie L. Santos

AND PURPOSE

A Teacher's Dedication to her Students

Ari Santos and Scerriophie Tondo

In the busy halls of Sta. High School, the passion of one teacher shines brightly, capturing both the hearts of other educators and learners. Liberty O. Balajadia, known affectionately as Ma’am Balajadia, is more than just an educator but a guiding force, earning her title as this year’s Model Teacher of the Year.

From her earliest days in the classroom, it was evident that teaching children was not merely a profession for her, but a calling. Ever since, she would huddle up her fellow classmates to teach them, naming herself as the “Little Teacher”.

Ma’am Balajadia’s journey to the world of education was inspired by influential teachers who built her curiosity and ignited her passion for learning and teaching, making it clear in her life that she also wants to follow the footsteps of those she looked up to and make a difference to children’s lives.

Fast forward to today, and Ma’am Balajadia is a vital member of the school community. While her days are filled with paperwork, meetings, and countless responsibilities, it is in the classroom where

BALAJADIA

LIBERTY O.

Sta. Lucia High School

SCHOOL ID NO. 305420

DIVISION OF PASIG CITY

she truly comes alive with a keen eye for each student’s unique strengths and challenges.

Despite the demands of her job, Ma’am Balajadia’s love for teaching remains unwavering. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels supported and valued. Her compassion and genuine love for children, combined with her desire to teach, make her even more remarkable. She has often mentioned her affection for children, suggesting that her motherly instinct plays a significant role in her exceptional performance this school year.

Though it can be tiring, Ma’am Balajadia finds motivation in her students, knowing that her efforts will guide them to their respective paths and not go to waste. Her positive outlook and unwavering commitment to her students serve as a guiding light for everyone around her.

For her, the school, her colleagues, and her students are everything. But outside of school, Ma’am Balajadia finds solace in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it’s going on road trips with friends or savoring a cup of coffee at a café, she cherishes these moments of relaxation along with those she is close to.

In the end, it is not just Ma’am Balajadia’s accolades or awards that define her as a model teacher. She works hard not to get acknowledged, but to consistently demonstrate her genuine love for teaching and her unwavering dedication to her students.

Narito Ako Kung Saan

Kung saan nag-iwan ng yapak ang kagitingan, Doon kita aakayin, sakay sa aking likod Kahit puros sugat ang aking tuhod, lalabas tayo sa pinagdanakan ng dugo mula sa matagumpay na pagtabas sa dila ng rehimeng bumusal sa ating bibig.

Wala ng ligaw na balang tatapyas sa atin palabas, lahat ng gatilyo’y uurong at kailanma’y ‘di kakasa sa sentido ng pag-aaklas. Hindi na tayo gagapang, mangangapa sa dilim habang naririnig ang sigawan sa harap ng palasyo, Hindi na tayo magtatago, maghihirap sa piring dahil ang tela’y kusang kakalas sa gapos.

Tuwing kikitain kita, puntahan mo ako sa arko ng monumento — rebulto ng Pilipinong magigiting dahil malaya na ang iyong paang lumakad sa lupaing marahuyo.

Kaya alam mo na, kung saan nag-iwan ng yapak ang kagitingan, doon kita hihintayin.

Buried in Time

Rain Mangco

I think of you most of the time, as if your presence was a world I have wandered to. Between the tall grasses, in the meadows, or within the forests of bamboo.

I told you, we’ll jump on puddles, soak our bodies in the rain, dance around the bonfire. With gritted teeth, I took an oath and swore to you, it would be your Roman empire.

In those places, I wished to hear you talk delicately.

In those places, I craved to embrace a hug so gently.

In those places, I seek to feel your warmth tenderly.

In those places, I think of you most of the time. And some of the time, I think of those places that had never been visited, as something poisonous, rotted in vines.

Ano Ang Tanglaw

Michelle Abonales

Madaling mamatay para sa bayan, Ang mabuhay ay hindi, Haplos ng panulat at papel, Gamit ang tanglaw na nagbigay ng sindi, Sa pares ng mga paang nag-aatubili, Ginawang realidad ang sa mundo'y imposible. Sa kalat na mga katergorya, Sa haplos nilang mga peryodista, Umuwi ang batang naghahanap ng kalinga, Na may paso ng liwanag na hindi ipinagkaila, Mula sa tanglaw na nagbigay ng paningin, At isang libong bagong pahina.

Kami ang hindi inaasahan at kami ang may tinig, Kami ang kinabukasan, Kami ang titindig, Senyales ang bawat galaw, Kami, habambuhay ang tanglaw.

Para sa bayan.

Balintataw ng Bulalakaw

Michelle Abonales

Claudia’s Sonata Cali Batongbakal

"Roses are red, Diamonds reflect; If loving you was red, I'll still not neglect."

"Violets are never blue, Why am I into you? In the land full of who, I'll still choose you.

"Little poems I made, A poem titled you. Poems express my agape, I memorized you.

"My love penned these lines, I didn't ignore the signs, And memory often brings to mind How special you are to mine."

Sila ang mga bayani na naglalakbay, Nagtatrabaho para sa mga mahal Kahit gaano kasakit mawalay, Kinakailangan upang may pangtustos pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay.

Sa likod ng paglilingkod at pagsa sakripisyo, May tinatagong lungkot at hirap Sa hirap ng buhay ay mayroon pag-aalin langan, Ngunit, sila'y nagsusumikap upang gat sa kahirapan.

Sila'y ating pahalagahan at pasalamatan, Malaki ang hangad namin sa inyong nan.

Sa lahat ng hirap at ginhawa, Kayo'y patuloy pa rin nagtagumpay.

Stay where you are, you don’t want to be lost.

Jacob Leonardo

To the kid who'd restlessly tell everyone what he wanted to be. He saw the greatest things, fortunately unaware of what people might think.

Though he was absolutely unrealistic, he couldn't be happier. That naive, impractical freak, he was on the hunt for a leprechaun on the end of a rainbow.

Eventually, the gunshot-to-the-heart reality hit him — he was merely like everybody else, nothing special.

I killed the ambitious kid in me, how awfully I envied him. Life meant little when he grew.

May puwang, may pupunan

Aeri Uchinaga

Pikit mata akong humarap, sumubok sa kawalan Walang tumulong sa'kin nang minsa'y ako madapa Sinikap kong bungkalin ang mga ideyang nalibing na Binuhos ko ang buong sarili sa pagkalap ng mga instrumentong maglalagay sa aking tagumpay

Pero, bigo pa rin.

Wala akong napala, at nananatiling lunod sa kahihiyan Naiwan sa nakaraan, umaasang sagipin ng mga padaan-daan. Napaluhod sa kabiguan, ngunit may naniwala, may kakapitan Kahit pa unti-unting maubos, hindi mag-isa ang sumusubok sa buhay.

Kursunada

Arissa May Busto

Sinta, kung mapagbibigyan - sa'yo ko idudumog

Ang ligalig ng lalim na sa akin ay sumisikdo.

Pasado alas onse --- Sa paghimlay ng mga bituin sa timog Sumisilip ang pagbabakasakaling

Huminahong muli sa iyong mumunting pagsuyo.

Sa pagyapos ng umaga sa hilaga, Inaantay ko ang bawat nating pagtagpo.

Doon sa kanluran ng pasilyong nagdaan Marapat na sana'y tagpuin mo ako ---

Mayroon akong alay na liham, Malaya at naglalarong mga tugma.

Pagsamo ko'y kalungin mo ito nang marahan

Sa bisig ng pag-ibig mong kumakalinga.

At sa sandaling magtama muli ang ating mga matang walang puwang, Ipamamalas ko ang pagtakas sa mundong walang kasiguraduhan.

A lifelong sentence

Venise Bides

I took a dagger and stab oneself

As I bleed, I made it my wine

For people enjoy my show

naglalakbay, mahal sa buhay.

pangtustos sa pamumuhay. pagsamismo. pag-aalinupang umanpasalamatan, inyong dinatnagtagumpay.

I was jailed For an offense

To cause an eyesore. Someone bailed me.

I reached for your hand who left me to drown in gaze.

Treacherous, perhaps. You bailed me out

But still trapped in a thought

That I’m an offender.

Suddenly, I’m in a court room

With all as the judge and I myself, who have to prove itself.

Ngunit sa ngayon - hayaan mong kusang Mabunyag, ang hindi sumasapat na letra; Kahit pa na mabitin sa pagbuo ng mga salita, Sapat nang paramdam ang pahiwatig Upang ipaunawa sa iyo ; ikaw aking Kursunada.

Symphony in Chaos

Shane Rhian Mangonon

In a world full of hearsays and strife, Amidst the noise and the endless strive, I found peace that I thought I never knew, In the form of a person, whose intentions are genuine and true.

Their presence calmed my troubled sea And brought light to my somber days In every count of one, two and three He can make my heart flutter in several ways.

In a world where it often seems to fray, All I ever wanted was to feel a warm embrace

Your figure is willing to stay, To calm my storm, to become my solace.

In their company, I found my strength, My courage, my hope, my every breath, For in their love, I found my home, And in their heart, my peace was born.

Matatag na Kabataan Pundasyon sa Bagong Pilipinas

NI RAIN MANGCO

Handa kaming sagutin, ang tawag ng pagbabago.

Matatag ba ang kabataang kayang kargahin ang lahat ng bagahe sa kaniyang balikat? Matatag bang maituturing ang isang batang nasadsad sa reyalidad ng buhay habang nakikita ang sistemang humahabol sa bawat isa? Matatag ba ang Pilipinong may hangaring maibangon ang bansa? Kung ito ay tanda ng katatagan, tayong kabataan pala ang mukha nito - mukha ng sipag, tiyaga at sigasig.

Kami, ay may ugnayan sa kahalagahan ng pagkatuto na lalong nagpatibay sa amin. Saksi ako riyan, sadyang madiin at napakahalaga ng pangarap at mithiin sa buhay na siyang kinakapitan namin upang maging isang ganap at payak na kabataan, mag-aaral at isang anak. Walang ha long biro, ang lahat ng ito’y upang matamasa ang buhay na ninanais natin noon pa man. Sino ba naman ang magsusumikap kung wala ang alab ng aming pagnanasa?

Ang kabataan ngayon ay ibang iba na, masyado nang nabusog sa pabaon ng aming guro’t mga magulang na ang pag asa ng bansa ay magmumula sa amin, papunta sa inyo at papunta sa bagong henerasyong pagbubungahan ng lahat ng butil ng kasalukuyang nagsusumikap. Dahil lumaki kami na nakita kung gaano kahirap ang buhay at estado ng Pilipinas, pinili at lagi naming pipiliin ang kapakanan nito makamit lamang ang kaunlarang maaari pang magpabago sa kasalukuyang mayroon tayo. Aming natunghayan ang katatagan masyado na itong magulo at mapaglaro. Sandamukal na sulir sandamakmak na pagtugis ang laging bunga sa harapan Hindi namin kayang maatim ang pagtunganga lamang, naming nasa aming mga balikat ang bigat ng pasanin at Ang pasaning mas lalong nagpatatag sa amin.

Kahit ano naman ang mangyari, ang Pilipinas ay ang ang uuwian pa rin ng mga Pilipino at kaming kabata mga Pilipino ang magpapatibay sa tahanang ito na gangailangan ng pundasyon at serbisyo. Gamit ang asang nilalapat sa aming kaloob looban, sa tulong gobyernong nagpapatunay na kaya pang pagtibayin ang bansa nating may malaking potensiyal, paglulun programa katulad ng MATATAG curriculum na kumaka paghuhulma ng kabataang Pilipino, tiyak kaming may pag-

Ang katatagang sinusubok ng panahon ay ang katatagang atin. Hindi ako naniniwala na nakaukit sa ating mga pal kapalaran - tayo mismo ang uukit dito. Bilang patunay, handa ako, bilang kabataan na sagutin ang tawag ng pagbabago tungo sa paglago nitong ating bansa. Kayo, samahan niyo akong sagutin ang tawag ng pagbabago dahil sa atin at sa atin la mang kikislap ang ningning ng pagasa.

NI VENISE BIDES

Kabataan para sa Gender Equality

Nakakahiya ka, kababae mong tao ganyan ka? Bakit lalaki lang ba ang may karapatan sa ating lipunan? Hanggang kailan ba mananaig ang pribilehiyong tinatamasa ng mga kalalakihan? Ako ay narito sa inyong harapan upang ihayag ang usapin ukol sa gampanin ng lalaki at babae noon at ngayon ngunit bago iyan ay nawa’y bigyan niyo ako ng kaunting panahon upang mag bigay galang

Sa ating mga kagalang-galang na hurado, mga guro, mga panauhin na nasa bulwagang ito, at sa aking mga kapwa kalahok, magandang umaga sa ating lahat.

May dapat ba akong ikahiya? Kung bilang isang babae’y pipiliin kong magtrabaho’t mamuno. May dapat ba akong ikahiya? kung lalaki ako’t pipiliin kong maging emosyonal. Simula sa kapanganaka’y pilit kong iniintindi ang gampanin kong nararapat isakatuparan. Ngunit noon pa lamang, buhay na ang salot na ito sa lipunan.

Ayon sa datos pangkasaysayan, naitala na sa panahon ng pre-kolonyal ang mga kababaihan ay maaaring maging isang pinuno subalit natatamasa pa rin ang maliit na lebel kumpara sa mga kalalakihan. Nang dumating ang mga kastila, dito mas lalong napalawig ang malaking diperensya ng kababaihan sa mga kalalakihan. Inaasahan, na ang kababaihan ay mahusay sa larangan lamang ng gawaing bahay, walang karapatang silang mag aral at bumoto. Samantalang ang kalalakihan naman ay ang nararapat na kumikita at bumubuhay para sa pamilya, kailangan laging matatag, maaaring mag asawa ng higit pa sa isa at

Ang ganitong kultura at mentalidad ay naging parte na ng ating buhay magpa hanggang ngayon. Ang patriarkal na sistema ang nahagkan ng ating bansa. Sa mahigpit na gapos dito ng lipunan, patuloy pa rin ang pagpupumiglas natin dito. Sa tulong ng Gender and Development o GAD, napapag aralan ang relasyon ng mga tao, ang mga lalaki at babae upang masiguro na sila ay may pagkakapantay pantay sa lahat ng aspeto at napapahalagahan ang kanilang mga karapatan. Mapapansin, na ang mga kababaihan ngayon ay malaki ang naging progresibo kaysa noon. Nagagawa na nilang makipag sabayan sa mga pribilehiyo ng kalalakihan. Nakakapag aral, may kakayahang bumoto at nakakapagtrabaho na rin. Naitala sa Philippine Institute for Development Studies, pitongpu’t walong porsyento na ang naaabot ng bansang pilipinas para sa gender equality mula noong abril taong dalawang libo’t dalawampu’t dalawa. Nawa’y sa mga susunod pang henerasyon ay patuloy na natin tangkilikin ang progresibong pagbabago. Sama-sama, kapit bisig nating wakasan ang mga