STEC DALUMAT

DILAAB

Ang Dilaab ay isang magasin na nabuo mula sa mga pinagtagpi-tagping mga kwento mula sa pananaliksik na nabuo sa loob ng paaralan ng Science and Technology Education Center - Senior High School. Ang salitang Dilaab ay katumbas sa salitang "Silakbo" sa Filipino, isang nakakadarang na liwanag na lumulusaw sa karimlan. Ang Dilaab ay naglalarawan din sa apoy na kumikintal ng ideya sa isipan ng indibidwal.

Illustrated by Sherah Alvarez

Are We There Yet? Navigating the Covid-19 Status of the Philippines

Forging Knowledge in the New Normal

Are We There Yet?

Navigating the Covid-19 Status of the Philippines

/ Sean Largo

When boredom strikes while traveling, kids commonly said the phrase, “Are we there yet?” This becomes a common phrase that literally irritates the adults and usually, they’ll be answered with, “Not yet”, “soon”, “just a little patience” or any same likely phrase that may pacify tired little bodies. However, there comes a time in history, not just in the Philippines but the world as a whole wherein the same question was asked by almost everyone. “Are we there yet?”

The onset of COVID-19 which was only acknowledged in Manila, Philippines as a pandemic last March 6, 2020, marks the beginning of a very rigorous torture for the Filipinos. Like a relationship, it started with a confirmed case of an infected Chinese woman from Wuhan visiting the country who died 2 days later in San Lazaro Hospital in Metro Manila. The first recorded case

in Cebu was on February 5, 2020. From then on, things escalated quickly. By April of the same year, there had been a surge of confirmed cases in densely populated areas in Cebu resulting in a massive lockdown. Life became so complicated that each person seemed to be on its own prison cell. Trust no one - each on his own with regard to hygiene. Always assume that the person around might be infected and you’ll be next. Everyone is on the run to protect their lives. Life becomes an unseen chaos for we all deal with the same dilemma. The year seemed to pass too slowly. The “ayuda” that the government provides depletes its resources drastically. There had been qualms on what the future holds and when it will last. Problems in different aspects in life just seemed to sprout like weeds, with depression and panic attacks being on top of the list of health problems aside from the covid 19 confirmed and suspected cases. Everyone is on edge.

It was February 23, 2021, when the Philippines purchased 25 million doses of Sinovac, thus kicking off the implementation phase of the vaccination program by the DOH. There’s been a clamor as to the effectiveness of the vaccine. But like a lifeline, people clung to it as the source of hope - that at last, they’ll be free from this prison cell. As of December 1, 2022, we are declared here in Lapu-Lapu as belonging to the alert 1 level: Under Alert Level 1, the IATF said there are no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities. Everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities. Much to the relief of adults and children alike.

So, if we are to be asked, “Are we there yet towards complete immunity?” The answer is more profoundly said in Filipino: Malayo pa, pero malayo na.

From Crises to Courage: Lapu-Lapu City's Battle Against COVID-19

/ Schinker Pahugot

In the midst of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, LapuLapu City emerged as a shining example of resilience and hope. Despite facing numerous challenges, this Philippine city made remarkable progress in its efforts to contain the virus and safeguard its citizens. Lapu-Lapu City’s response to the epidemic serves as a model for the rest of the world, showcasing a combination of proactive measures, community involvement, and the unwavering spirit of its residents. When the outbreak initially hit, Lapu-Lapu City encountered unprecedented difficulties, much like many other places worldwide. However, the city’s administration wasted no time in recognizing the gravity of the situation and swiftly implemented precautionary measures. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and the business sector, they established well-equipped testing facilities, quarantine centers, and isolation units to effectively manage COVID-19 cases. Stringent health regulations were put in place to ensure public safety. The city embraced a “new normal” mindset that prioritized both public health and economic recovery, implementing measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing, and regular sanitation efforts in public spaces.

As vaccine availability became widespread, Lapu-Lapu City launched an extensive immunization campaign. The local administration went above and beyond to address any vaccine hesitancy and educate residents about the importance of getting vaccinated. They implemented an efficient registration and scheduling system, leveraging technology and community engagement to ensure eligible residents could receive their shots without delay. Recognizing the potential of the private sector to expedite the vaccination campaign,

the city collaborated with companies to set up vaccination stations in various commercial buildings. This approach enabled a larger portion of the population to be reached, accelerating the city’s transition towards a safer future.

Lapu-Lapu City’s journey from crises to courage is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people. Through their collective efforts, the smart alliance between Lapu-Lapu City and health professionals played a crucial role in achieving herd immunity. As the pandemic unfolded, the city understood the importance of being prepared for future health emergencies. Collaborating with health experts, the local government developed a comprehensive pandemic preparedness strategy, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis. This strategy involved stockpiling essential medical supplies, establishing a reliable communication system, and conducting regular drills to test emergency response procedures. It was a proactive approach aimed at ensuring the city’s readiness to tackle any future health crisis.

However, the success in overcoming the pandemic would not have been possible without the active participation of the citizens of LapuLapu City. The city fostered a sense of communal accountability and community spirit, inspiring residents to take various actions to protect one another from COVID-19. Numerous volunteer and grassroots organizations emerged during this time, providing assistance to vulnerable individuals and families affected by the pandemic. These selfless volunteers cooked meals for frontline workers, delivered essential supplies, and even arranged telemedicine treatments for those unable to access medical facilities. Recognizing the importance of accurate information dissemination, Lapu-Lapu City prioritized keeping its residents well-informed. The local administration launched a relentless campaign to dispel rumors and arm citizens with

reliable information. Regular updates from health officials served as a lifeline, guiding residents and empowering them to make informed decisions to safeguard their health and the well-being of their loved ones. These updates covered everything from infection rates to the latest scientific findings.

In addition to public health concerns, Lapu-Lapu City also placed great emphasis on economic recovery. The city understood the significance of restoring livelihoods and worked diligently towards this goal. By adopting a holistic approach, Lapu-Lapu City ensured that both the health and economic well-being of its residents were prioritized.

In an effort to help local businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic, the city stepped in to lend a hand. They provided targeted financial aid, tax breaks, and streamlined business registration procedures to help these establishments get back on their feet and rehire their staff who had been let go during the worst of the pandemic.

Lapu-Lapu City’s brave battle against Covid-19 was well-documented in 2022. The city made significant progress in mitigating the impact of the virus through a combination of preventive measures, a successful vaccination campaign, community involvement, and a strong sense of unity. The triumph over the virus in LapuLapu City is a testament to what can be achieved when people from all walks of life come together with the government and private sector to tackle a major problem. As the world grapples with the complexities of the pandemic, Lapu-Lapu City stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even the most formidable adversaries can be overcome with determination and cooperation. The lessons learned from Lapu-Lapu City’s success will undoubtedly resonate for years to come as other communities face their own battles.

Illustrated by Sherah Alvarez

Education Situation in the Philippines

Bagong Mukha, Bagong Simula

/ Mark Aaron Collera

Maligalig na tinanggap ng himpilan ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) ang bagong talagang kalihim ng departamento na si Bise-presidente Sara Duterte Carpio, kasabay nito ay ang kanilang paggawad ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa dating kalihim nito na si Gng. Leonor Magtolis Briones. Binigyang diin naman ng dating kalihim na magiging madali lang ang pagpasa ng mga gawain sa bise-presidente dahil maluwag sa kaniyang damdamin ang transisyong naganap sa loob ng kagawaran. Pinasalamatan din ng bagong kalihim ang serbisyo ni Ginang Briones sa departamento lalo na ang kaniyang katatagan sa pangangasiwa nito maski na sa gitna ng pandemya.

Hinikayat ng bagong kalihim ang lahat ng kasapi ng departamento upang magkaisa sa kahit ano mang posisyon na mayroon sila sa kagawaran. Sa pamamagitan lamang daw ng pagkakaisa ay tuluyang maitataguyod ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong mag-aaral. Nais din ng bagong kalihim na kilalanin ang kadakilaan ng mga guro at ibang pang kabilang sa departamento sa kanilang buong tapang na pagharap at pagpapatuloy ng pasukan kahit sa mitsa na dala ng nakakamatay na pandemya.

Hindi rin nagpatumpik-tumpik ang bagong kalihim na ihayag ang kaniyang pagnanais na ibalik ang Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at ang pagbalangkas sa Curriculum na ginagamit ng DepEd sa kasalukuyan. Ang pagbabago ng administrasyon at mga namamahala ang naging hudyat ng isang malawakang simula lalo na sa sistema ng edukasyon. Ninanais ng kasalukuyang kalihim na hubugin ang mga kabataan na hindi

lamang handa sa mga akademiko at teknikal na pagsubok sa buhay, bagkus matutunan nila ang mga esensyal na kaugalian na kanilang kinakailangan upang tuluyang mapatatag ang kanilang karunungan.

Nais palawigin ng kalihim ang alab ng nasyonalismo sa mga kabataan na unti-unti nang namamatay sa puso ng mga magaaral. Hangarin ng bise-presidente na baklasin ang mga paniniwala at ideolohiyang masalimuot tungkol sa inang bayan at tulungan ang mga mag-aaral upang lubusang mahalin ang lupang kanilang sinilangan. Isa sa mga kaisipang nais isulong ng bise-presidente ay ang pagkakaroon ng isang bansang makabata, kung saan ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga musmos na ipahayag ang kanilang damdamin at emosyon ngunit sa pamamaraan na may dignidad at prinsipyo.

Isa sa adhikain ni Bise-presidente Sara Duterte ay ang pagpapatatag ng diwang makabayan sa mga mag-aaral, bilang sila ang mga pundasyon ng ating bansa sa hinaharap nararapat lamang na sila ay paglaanan ng oras at suporta upang lubos silang umunlad at mamukadkad. Sa pamamagitan nito ay mapapababa ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral na naiipit sa giitan ng aktibismo na siyang nais tuldukan ng bagong kalihim.

Sa panibagong pamamahala mayroon ang sektor ng edukasyon, maraming humahadlang at nagugustuhan ang mga pahayag ng bagong kalihim. Kahit man na mayroong dibisyon sa pagitan ng dalawang kulay, iisa lang ang mithiing nais masungkit ng dalawang kampo, ito ay ang pagkakaroon ng isang bansa kung saan malaya at ligtas ang mga batang abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap.

 Photo Retrieved from FREE ZONE. By Renato G. Mabunga, Ph.D.

STEC RESEARCH AND STATUS

STEC being a pioneer of excellence

/ Athena Cabras

Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) has epitomized success and excellence. The institution merits quality education and exercises great passion in meeting learning competencies that enable students to reimburse and contribute to every aspect of the knowledge body. STEC is widely known for fostering ingenious students that commit to and values Research and Innovations that help increase knowledge and address different societal problems.

STEC is a pioneering institution in terms of Research, both Quantitative and Qualitative; that touches three different grounds Science Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) which takes up from biology to the realm of numbers and Artificial Intelligence over time. The school also values the voices of the people, and the colorful Filipino Culture, which inhabits the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) research field. It would not be complete without papers related to money, business, and how people spend what they want and need; it would be a pit hole without the soul-shaking research initiatives from Accountancy and Business Management (ABM). It is a kaleidoscope of knowledge wherein excellence found its embodiment, here in STEC. Living the unwritten rule: research would not be validated if it wasn't communicated, the students creatively explore avenues to exchange and share their groundbreaking research endeavors.

Just like in the year 2019, when Arlan Vincent German a grade 11 STEM student of STEC, skillfully merged his passion for programming with ingenuity, alongside Mr. Bryant Acar, his coach, leading to the creation of an innovative project named: “Project MeTus (Medical Tumor Scanner): Mask CT-CNN as AI-Powered Low-Cost Pre-Diagnostic Virtual Assist Machine Module for Skin Cancer Screening Technology”, and won the Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research for high school, being the regional winner of 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits commenced by the Department of Science and Technology (Dost) 7. In an interview with SunStar Cebu, German explained that the project was his initiative to fracas against the second deadliest disease, as stated by the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018. This enabled German to innovate an AIPowered Low-Cost Medical Tumor Scanner, that could image and classify external and visible tumors with neoplasm potentials being malignant or benign. Due to its precise and accurate assessment, Project Metus was validated by engineers and medical technologists; worthy of the bonanzawinning as regional winner of 2019.

With the idea of Research being an answer and a solution to different types of scholarly gaps, this enabled STEC to embrace its tradition of being a beacon of intellectual exploration and innovation through its pioneering approach. The students and faculty of STEC are fueled with passion for Research in any type of ground just to make a difference between the gaps. In this extraordinary realm of STEC, the accomplishment and innovative minds of German and Acar served as a visionary of how important research is, in STEC and a reminder of the institution being a pioneer of excellence driven by the transformative power of curiosity and limitless possibilities.

Photo Retrieved from Facebook. By Dr. Bryant Acar

Caroline L. Inso

Master Teacher I

Master of Education Major in Biology

PILLARS OF EACH STRAND STEM

Janice Sullano

Head Teacher II

Master in Education Major in Teaching Social Studies

Leana Rejuso

Master Teacher II

Master of Arts in Religious Education Major in Theology

Master of Education Major in Special Education for the Gifted

Aisa Soroño

Master Teacher I

Master of Business Administration Major in Accounting

Photo Courtesy of Ms. Frangelie B. Ignacio and Souvenir Program Team

RESEARCH ADVISERS

Zsarina Grace Brañanola

Teacher III

Master of Arts in Special Education Major in Physics

Dr. Dominic G. Quilantang

Master Teacher II

Master of Arts in Panitikang Filipino

Doctor of Arts in Literature and Communication

Thaeney Dominguito

Teacher III

Master in Education Major in English

Irish Dihayco

Teacher I

With Units in Master of Arts in Education Major in Filipino

Lato and Guso

Hypoglycemic Marvels

/ Schinker Pahugot

In pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries, passionate and tenacious senior high school students from the Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) embarked on an intriguing journey to investigate a specific issue. Their mission: A Comparative Analysis on the Hypoglycemic Activities of Lato (Caulerpa lentillifera), (Caulerpa racemose), and Guso (Eucheuma denticulatum) on Alloxan-Induced ICR Mice. Simply put, this research seeks to evaluate and contrast the hypoglycemic effects of extracts derived from the Lato and Guso plants. With the noble aim of uncovering potential potent anti-diabetic medications, these budding scientists delve into the captivating world of marine flora. Could the primordial secrets hidden within Lato, Guso, and Eucheuma denticulatum hold the key to conquering diabetes and its grave health risks? Their unwavering pursuit of better health promises to unveil fascinating possibilities that may revolutionize diabetic care.

Diabetes is a relentless, chronic condition that has a devastating impact on people's health. This condition is caused by either the pancreas' inability to create enough insulin or the body's inability to effectively use this vital hormone, which results in high blood sugar levels. Despite advances in scientific research, it is still difficult to adequately control diabetes. Early therapies included insulin injections, rigorous food restrictions, and, astonishingly, in desperate times, even opium experiments. As a result of humanity's never-ending search for answers, we have traveled to every part of the planet. This has caused us to consider an intriguing possibility: may the key to revolutionizing diabetes treatment be hidden in the enigmatic depths of our oceans?

The process started as 25 seven-week-old ICR mice were divided into five groups, including a negative control which are treated with water, a positive control which are treated with metformin, and three experimental groups which are treated with the extract from Lato and Guso. Alloxan, a chemical, was used to induce diabetes in the mice through intraperitoneal injection. The extract used were obtained from each seaweed sample using a maceration process in 70% ethanol then evaporated on a rotary evaporator. The blood glucose of each mice were measured using a glucometer through tail-snip blood extraction at three different points: baseline blood glucose level, after Alloxan induction, and after treatment with the Lato and Guso Extracts.

The study commenced with 25 ICR mice aged seven weeks were carefully split into five groups to begin the investigation. Water was given to the first group as a negative control, and metformin was given to the second group as a positive control. For the experimental therapy, Lato and Guso seaweed extracts were given to the remaining three groups. The Alloxan substance was injected into the mice's abdomens and utilized to develop diabetes in them. The extracts from Lato and Guso need a rigorous procedure to get. The seaweed samples were macerated in 70% ethanol before being dried with a rotary evaporator. The mice's blood glucose levels

were monitored at three critical times: before Alloxan-induced diabetes, after Alloxan-induced diabetes, and after administration of the Lato and Guso extracts. A little amount of blood from their tails was drawn and tested for glucose using a glucometer. The researchers want to learn a lot about the possible impacts of Lato and Guso extracts on the management of diabetes by tracking these variations in blood glucose levels. The results of the investigation revealed surprising findings after careful observation. In contrast to those given with the Guso extract, mice treated with the Lato extract showed the most notable reduction in blood glucose levels. The scientists' comprehensive statistical analysis, which confirmed a sizable difference in blood glucose levels between the various groups and gave their conclusions more credibility, was carried out to support their findings. These persuasive findings provide convincing proof of the observed alterations and offer important new information about the possible advantages of Lato and Guso extracts in controlling blood sugar levels.

The study's results will ignite a glimmer of hope in the realm of diabetes treatment, holding up the possibility of a paradigm-shifting discovery. The early signs of Lato and Guso extracts as effective anti-diabetic drugs are definitely encouraging, even though more extensive research is required to validate and improve these results. As they pave the path for a better and healthier future for those living with diabetes, these young scientists' unflinching dedication and labor of love are deserving of appreciation. There is a tangible excitement among scientists as they avidly explore this uncharted region that their work will result in revolutionary improvements in the treatment of diabetes that will improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

Eucheuma denticulatum "Guso"

Caulerpa lentifillera "Lato"

Photo Credit: Flower E. Msuya

Fritz Jovan U. Amores Alexandra M. Aringay Althea Niña A. Baloyo

Mary Thairah Elyne L. Baynosa Sam Lorrand P. Palma RESEARCHERS

RESEARCHERS

Sa Likod ng Tamis: Lakatan Banana (Musa acuminata Colla) bilang

Alternatibong Bioethanol

/ Kyrone Pelegrino

Sa luntiang tanawin ng tropikal na paraiso, ang isang prutas ay nagtataglay ng isang lihim na maaaring baguhin ang ating diskarte sa pagbuo ng enerhiya. Kilalanin ang hamak na Lakatan Banana (Musa acuminata Colla), isang uri ng saging na pinahahalagahan dahil sa masarap nitong tamis at kaikibat nito sa lutuin at pagkaing Pilipino.

Habang ang mundo ay nakikipaglaban sa kagyat ng pangangailangan na bawasan ang ating pag-asa sa fossil fuels at pigilan ang pagpapalabas ng greenhouse gasses, ang pinagkukunang renewable energy ay naging isang sinag ng pagasa. Kabilang sa mga alternatibong ito, ang bioethanol, ito ay nakatindig bilang isang maaasahang kapalit para sa gasolina. Ngunit paano kung sasabihin sa iyo na ang ating sariling lakatan, na manamis-namis na lasa nito, ay maaaring maging pangunahing manlalaro bilang alternatibo sa makakalikasang rebolusyong ito?

Ibinida ng apat na estudyanteng mananaliksik mula sa institusyong Science and Technology Education CenterSenior High School (STEC-SHS) ang kanilang pag-aaral na pinangalanang “Laka-thanol: The Analysis of the Physical Characteristics of Bioethanol Production from Lakatan Banana (Musa acuminata Colla) Peels” na naglalayong alamin ang pisikal na katangian ng balat ng lakatan bilang isang pagkukunan sa produksyon ng bioethanol,partikular na inalam ang katangian at halaga nito sa density, viscosity, flashpoint, and caloric. Sa karagdagan, binigyang-pansin sa pag-aaral ang paghahambing sa bioethanol na likha sa balat ng lakatan at sa hilaw na mga gulay upang malaman kung pasok ito sa pamantayang halaga. Ang bioethanol ay isang alkohol na ginawa sa pamamagitan

ng microbial fermentation, karamihan ay mula sa carbohydrates na ginawa sa mga halaman na may asukal o starch-bearing tulad ng mais at tubo. Sa nasabing punto, mahalagang tandaan na bagaman ang produksyon ng bioethanol ay pangunahing kaugnay ng mga halamang mayaman sa asukal, ang potensyal ng paggamit ng iba pang malawakang yamang pang-agrikultura ay kasalukuyang pinag-aaralan. Isang halimbawa nito ay ang paggamit ng balat ng lakatan na saging.

Ang mga lakatan, kilala sa kanilang matamis na lasa at mataas na nilalaman ng carbohydrates, ay itinuturing sa pagaaral na isang maaaring pagmumulan para sa produksyon ng bioethanol. Tulad ng iba pang mga halamang mayaman sa carbohydrates, ang mga lakatan na saging ay maaaring sumailalim sa microbial fermentation upang mapalitaw ang kanilang mga asukal patungo sa ethanol.

Sa pag-aaral, napagtanto na mas malaki ang halaga ng mga pisikal na katangian ng lakatan kumpara sa hilaw na gulay, partikular sa mga aspeto ng density at viscosity.

Gayunpaman, mas malaki ang halaga ng bioethanol na mula sa hilaw na gulay kapag tiningnan ang aspeto ng caloric content. Samakatuwid, pareho ang halaga ng dalawa sa flashpoint na katangian. Nangangahulugang mas maganda ang katangian ng lakatan kaysa sa gulay, ngunit mas mataas ang enerhiyang nabuo mula sa hilaw na gulay.

Sa pagtuklas ng potensyal ng lakatan mas naging makatwiran at nawa’y mas malapit sa puso ng mga Pilipino ang ideya ng paggamit ng lokal na yamang pang-agrikultura para sa pag-unlad ng renewable energy. Sa gayon, sama-sama nating tangkilikin ang sariling yamang pang-agrikultura ng bansa para sa pag-unlad at pagsulong sa larangan ng enerhiya.

Bioethanol C2H5OH

Kent Jomar Doyuhim Warren Joseph Duterte

Miguel Geo Espinosa John Carl Taghoy

Coconut Shells to CSLS: A Novel Treasure for Future Medical Advancements.

/ Athena Cabras

Being a widespread issue means it poses a substantial and relevant threat to global health. A disease’s risk is calculated through the proportion of individuals experiencing a medical occurrence relative to the total number of individuals at risk of such an event. Thus, according to World Health Organization (2022), In total, over 350 million people in the world are living with viral hepatitis. To see light of the urgent need for innovation and progress in the field of Science and Technology Medical Sciences, the students of the Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) have bespeak their proactive minds and initiative to merit the possibility of change in Hepatic Injuries through “In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Activity of Coconut ( Cocus nucifera) Shell Liquid Smoke (CSLS) for Hepatic Injury in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Hepatitis is an affliction characterized by liver inflammation; induced by various viruses that are threats to the human body; giving rise to the arrows of potential complications that lead to fatal outcomes. Without timely and appropriate medical intervention, hepatic injuries and complications can ultimately lead to a higher mortality rate. This underscores the importance of the dynamic of new technology and public health initiatives aiming for the betterment of medical sciences. In cases like Hepatic injuries, this is a liver inflammation brought on by various infectious agents; from liver cancer to chronic infections that have life-threatening consequences warrants high complexity in both prevention and innovation.

Therefore, the students of STEC Senior Highschool: Comidoy, Cuizon, Ignalig, Lapatha, and Villamor, respond to this life-threatening issue, by experimenting and utilizing the abundance of Coconut ( Cocos Nucifera) which has phenolic compounds that are essential to triage inflammation. The researchers had the coconut shells undergo pyrolysis and distillation resulting in the creation of Coconut shell liquid smoke (CSLS); to ascertain the potential effects in the application, the novel substance was subjected to In-Vivo experimentation, wherein Sprague Dawley Rats serves as the subjects for the study.

Maybe you ask, what is In-Vivo anyway?

An experiment performed in living organisms, such as in this study, the researchers applied the CSLS to Sprague Dawley Rats. In a procedure of twelve (n=12) rats injected with 10 mg/kg of Cisplatin inducing the hepatic injury. In this meticulously designed experimental controlled study, a cohort of Sprague Dawley Rats has thoughtfully divided into four (4) distinct groups, each representing a specific treatment condition to explore and have an in-depth assessment of the substance applied to each subject. This allowed for a comprehensive and comparative outlook elicited by different treatments towards the subjects, enabling the researchers to gain valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks. The rats were divided into four(4) groups in oral treatment, (1) consisting of three rats with no treatment, (2) three rats as negative control group treated with 10 mg/kg Saline Solution, (3) another three rats as positive control group treated with 10 mg/kg of Godex DS and the last group, (4) as the experimental group treated with 10 mg/kg CSLS.

In the quest for unraveling the potential wonders within the novel substance

Coconut Shell Liquid Smoke (CSLS), armed with One-Way ANOVA, the moment of truth arrived as the ANOVA calculations unveiled a p-value of 0.02197; the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, the CSLS contains anti-inflammatory activity that can arbitrate hepatic injury.

As the researchers delved deeper into the mechanism of CSLS’ antiinflammatory action, its unique properties derived from the humble coconut shell, have a lot more to give in the field of Medical Sciences. As flames of curiosity ignite the bright minds of the youth, this newfound treasure of nature prospects a brighter and healthier tomorrow and would create a new era in medicine.

RESEARCHERS

Alissa Joyce Comidoy Loriz Cuizon

Michaella Angeline Ignalig Sophia Janine Lapatha John Mark Villamor

ICC: Katarungan o Banta sa Pambansang Seguridad

Mark Collera - EDITORYAL

Sa pamamahala ni dating Pangulo Rodrigo Roa Duterte ay nakakalap siya ng pansin mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC) kung saan ay nakatanggap siya ng mga maanghang na akusasyon mula kay Farou Bensouda. isang prosecutor ng ICC. Ninanais ni Bensouda na panagutin ang pangulo sa mga patayang naganap dahil sa kompanya nito kontra droga na nagdulot ng pagdanak ng dugo sa mga lansangan ng bansa. Ang mga pangyayaring ito ang nag-udyok sa kanila upang pasukin ang bansa at magsagawa ng isang imbestigasyon ukol sa mga kaso sa pagpatay na may kinalaman sa illegal na droga.

Agaran naman itong hinadlangan ni Presidente Duterte sapagkat ang ICC raw ay isang institusyon na may kinikilingan at wala itong karapatan upang makialam sa kalagayan ng pamamahala sa bansa ng Pilipinas. Ito ang naging dahilan kung bakit pinutol ng pangulo ang ugnayang mayroon ang bansa sa ICC at dahil dito ay naging mas mainit ang iringan ng dalawang kampo. Ipinaglaban pa rin ni Bensouda na sila ay pahintulutan na makapaimbestiga sa loob ng bansa.

Nais namang bigyang-diin ng pangulo na ang pagpayag sa pagpasok ng ICC upang mag-imbestiga at makisawsaw sa mga isyung mayroon ang bansa ay parang nagpapatunay lamang sa ibang bansa na walang kakayahan ang hudikatura ng Pilipinas upang ipaglaban at panatilihin ang hustisya sa bansa. Ito lamang ay nagpapatunay lang na madali lamang manghimasok ang ibang bansa sa mga usaping politikal na mayroon ang Pilipinas at ito ay isang malaking banta sa pambansang seguridad.

Ang ICC ay may kapangyarihan lamang na manghimasok sa sistema ng ibang bansa kung tuluyang napatunayan na walang kakayahan ang isang bayan na mamahala sa kaniyang mga nasasakupan at tuluyan na itong bumagsak, at ito ay hindi ang kalagayang mayroon ang Pilipinas. Ang ICC ay walang tiyak na kakayahan ng manghimasok sa mga bansa lalo na kung ang mga teritoryong ito ay mayroon namang pamahalaan na namumuno. Samakatuwid kahit ano mang ganda ang hangarin ng isang pangkat, bilang paggalang sa teritoryo at soberanya ng ibang bansa kinakailangan pa rin na humingi ng pahintulot bilang pagkilala sa kasarinlang tinataglay ng isang estado.

RESEARCHERS

Old Wanderers: The Struggles of the Elderly Libod-Suroy.

/ Athena Cabras

Amid the urban chaos, Elderly Libod-suroy, finds solace in the bustling streets that are now home. Despite the cacophony of honking cars, the ever-present ashy-grey smokes, and the lurking shadows of crime, these very streets have become an indispensable and adaptable refuge for forsaken individuals burdened with abandonment and solitude. An in-depth study called: “ Libod-Suroy: A Narrative Study on the Abandoned Grandparents Wandering in Lapu-Lapu City”. The narrative dwells into the captivation of life series by the revered Libod-Suroy; wanderers amidst the dark-monochrome streets of Lapu-Lapu City.

The Libod-Suroys place their Karton as a source of heat and comfort as they sit down on the cold cement of the streets. Some stay near the Nuestra Senora Dela Regla Parish National Shrine, an iconic and vibrant landmark in the heart of Lapu-Lapu City and also a busy place where people come and go to visit the parish and buy necessities in the public market. Another elderly Libod-Suroy asks for donations from passersby in the Marigondon Market in Lapu-Lapu City. With the elderly Libod-suroys' uncertain existence, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of virtuous souls; warm-hearted strangers’ compassionate gestures clasp the ability to transform their uncertain faith and lives, even if it be through a humble offer of a penny. During this time of intricate survival, a person’s generosity unknowingly became a lifeline that sustains the elderly wanderers’’ trials and tribulations with each passing day.

According to Collera et al (2023): “The key informants struggles such as poverty, disability and discrimination that affects their daily lives where they are being mistreated and looked down on.”. As expressed by one of their key-informants nicknamed Nanay Remedios, “Yes, I experienced people

making fun of me, I fought back, I got arrested by the police, there are police in the market. But I can’t walk properly since I have a fractured leg. Back then I got pushed because I helped fight back in the demolition”. With the statement, it reveals a complex web of problems, including violence, authorities mishandling conflicts, social injustice, and potential marginalization. Addressing issues like these requires an open-minded, multi-faceted approach that involves fostering empathy and equity that promotes nonviolent conflict solutions.

With the investigations made, the researchers recommend: Foster Home Care for the Homeless Elderly, who needs appropriate care and attention, are required for the said foster home care. The researchers viewed a foster home to fill the void within the Libod-Suroy’s in need of a family and someone to lean on. With the facilities, staffs and other elderlies a foster home can give, this could be a new found home and family for the elderly Libod-Suroy.

The elderly Libod-suroy courageously persists in their struggle to secure a rightful place and recognition within our society. However, they are persistently met with rejection and exclusion, as some individuals dismiss their significance and push them to the edge, depriving them of the sense of belonging their wanderer souls seek.

In a society where the pace of progress can often be ruthless and unforgiving, it is all too easy for some individuals to leap on the significance of the elderly Libod-suroy. Some may be too harsh for them to grasp especially, during helpless times that push them away from the daylight. Yet, the void could be filled with the warm embrace of community and social inclusion that the old wanderers yearn for. The warm embrace of social inclusivity can give them the breaths they were all longing for.

Photo Retrieved from Steemit. By fernwehninja.

Taken beside the Metro Colon Shopping Mall, Cebu City.

Mark Aaron A. Collera

Kacey Leanne E. Tanza

Franchesca Coelei L. Escalante

John Yuan V. Booc

Arlwayne M. Malubay

Adriana Angel R. Hontiveros

Samantha Isabelle S. Pastidio

Eternal Ties: Unraveling the Beliefs and Customs of Filipino Wake

/ Juliana Cañete

Life after death is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey."

This profound belief encapsulates the essence of wake among the Oponganons, the residents of Lapu-Lapu City.

In a world where culture continuously evolves, one aspect of Filipino society remains constant—their profound reverence for family. The bonds shared among relatives are the very fabric that weaves the Filipino spirit together. Yet, like all living beings, Filipinos face the inevitability of loss and grief. It is during these moments of wake that the depth of their familial values truly shines. In an ethnographic study, “Kolektibong Paniniwala ng mga Oponganon sa Paglalamay: Isang Etnograpikong Pagsisiyasat,” conducted by students from the Science and Technology Education Center - Senior High School (STEC-SHS), the customs and beliefs about wake in the Philippines were discerned and analyzed.

The loss of a loved one is an emotional ordeal for any culture, but among Filipinos, it takes on a unique significance. Through these rituals and customs surrounding mourning in the Philippines is a way to uncover the profound ways in which Filipinos express love and respect for their departed family members. Through an in-depth interview with five key informants specifically, the mananabtan, usually an old lady hired to lead the rosary or novena in a wake,who were aged 60 and above and lived in the city of LapuLapu to unravel the central themes that underpin the beliefs and customs of Oponganons throughout wake.

Based on the study, it was inferred that the collective beliefs of Oponganons reveal a striking emphasis on guiding the deceased to the afterlife. They hold tightly to the concept of death not being the end but the beginning of a new life—a belief rooted in an extreme sense of life after death. With a heartwarming blend of faith and hope, Filipinos embark on rituals to ensure their loved ones find eternal peace and embrace the afterlife's new journey. Within the customs of mourning lie beautiful expressions of familial appreciation. Filipinos dedicate themselves to honoring the departed by commemorating their lives and cherishing the memories shared. These tributes go beyond the surface; as the loved ones of the deceased remain present and watch over them throughout the wake. In this way, love for family extends even beyond death, strengthening the ties that bind generations together. While wake customs express love and respect, there are also prohibitions and restrictions that arise from deep-rooted cultural beliefs. These restrictions underscore the significance of wake and highlight the cultural sensitivities surrounding the grieving process. Each prohibition carries a message, reinforcing the importance of embracing the emotions that arise from the loss of a family member. Upon the exploration of the researchers, the beliefs and customs of Oponganons in wake became evident that while certain themes are shared, each individual possesses unique beliefs and customs. This diversity signifies the beauty of Filipino culture, a tapestry woven from distinct threads that blend harmoniously. It is through this diversity that the Filipino spirit finds its strength.

To contextualize and substantiate the Oponganons' beliefs, the researchers turn to folkloric studies that shed light on various expressions of wake found across the Philippine archipelago. The respect for the departed came before the arrival of Spanish culture and the spread of Catholicism. It originates from ancient beliefs in an afterlife. These cultural manifestations reflect a shared feeling of affection and honor towards family, solidifying the significance of wake customs in the Filipino mindset.

In a world marked by change, Filipino values for family remain steadfast. By embracing their beliefs and customs surrounding mourning, Filipinos celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. These traditions become a tapestry of love, weaving the past, present, and future together. The collective beliefs and customs of Oponganons in wake, intricately woven into the fabric of Filipino culture, serve as a testament to the enduring value Filipinos place on family. As we navigate through life's inevitable losses, let us remember the beauty of embracing and respecting our diverse beliefs. Wake is not solely a tribute to the departed but a celebration of the eternal ties that bind us—a poignant reminder of the love that transcends the boundaries of life and death. However, it is crucial to remember that these should not be the sole basis for the lives of the living and the deceased.

Christian Gabriel T. Degamo

Juliana M. Cañete

Yashey Dane B. Gica

Sophia Louise C. Invento

Dana Gabriele B. Pono Berry Anne S. Rosca Althea Yvonne B. Teleron

Kate Roxanne N. Tumulak

RESEARCHERS

Pagtuklas sa

Manipestasyon at Debosyon: Ang Kuwento ng mga Oponganon sa Birhen sa Regla

/ Kyrone Pelegrino

Ang kulturang Pilipino ay mayamang halimuyak ng paniniwala at tradisyon, at may malalim na ugat sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng buhay ng mga Pilipino. Isa sa mga pinakamahalagang bahagi nito ay ang pananampalataya at debosyon ng mga Pilipino sa mga santo at santa. Isang halimbawa nito ay ang matamis na pagmamahal at debosyon ng mga Oponganon sa Birhen sa Regla.

Ang simbahang Nuestra Señora De Regla - Parish National Shrine ay ang sentro ng paniniwala ng mga Oponganon. Ito ang simbahan ng mahal na Birhen sa Regla o “Virgin of the Rule” na siyang patrona ng Opon na itinanghal noong 1957, kung saan idineklara ang taon bilang “Marian Year”, at ang simbahan ay itinalaga rin bilang opisyal na lugar ng pilgrimage para sa arkdyosis ng Cebu. Sa taong iyon, ang simbahan ng Opon ang naging pinaka-binibisitang lugar sa buong Visayas. Ngayon, ang Birhen sa Regla ang naging simbolo at iginagalang ng mga Oponganon.

Sa pagitan ng pananaliksik, hanay ng mga estudyanteng mananaliksik mula sa Science and Technology Education CenterSenior High School (STEC-SHS) ang nagsagawa ng pag-aaral upang tuklasin ang debosyon at manipestasyon ng mga Oponganon sa mahal na Birhen sa Regla, at ito ay pinamagatang “Kritikal na Pagsisiyasat sa mga Kuwentong Sumasalamin sa Debosyon ng mga Oponganon sa Birhen sa Regla”. Ang pananaliksik ay isang kwalitatibong pag-aaral at gamit nito ang etnograpikong disenyo. Dito nila masusing kinapkap at kinilatis ang mga kuwento mula sa 16 na piling kalahok na may edad 60 pataas. Napiling ang mga kalahok sa pamamagitan ng purposive sampling technique, na nagbigay-daan sa mga mananaliksik na pumili ng mga kalahok na higit na may kakayahan at kaalaman sa debosyon sa Birhen sa Regla.

Sa pag-aaral, isinulong at isinabuhay ng mga mananaliksik ang mga teoryang Mimetic nina Abrams, Plato, at Girard, teoryang Archetypal ni Carl Jung, at Historisismo ni Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel. Sa pamamagitan ng mga teoryang ito, matagumpay na ipinakita ng pag-aaral ang debosyong tinataglay at ang manipestasyon ng pananampalataya ng mga Oponganon sa Birhen sa Regla. Ang mga kuwentong isinalaysay ay nagbibigay patunay na ang mga kuwentong ibinahagi ng mga Oponganon ay isang paglalarawan at paghahayag ng kanilang debosyon at pananampalataya.

Sa kahuli-hulihan ng pananaliksik, nabigyang-buhay ang isang antolohiya na pinangalanang “Kuwentong VDR”, ito ay binubuo ng 24 na mga kuwentong may kinalaman sa mahal na Birhen sa Regla. Ang mga kuwentong ito ay hindi lamang mga salaysay, kung hindi ito rin ay mga kuwentong naipasa mula sa mga kauna-unahang mga deboto na siyang naging pamana sa alaala ng mga Oponganon sa Birhen sa Regla. Ang antolohiya ay nagsisilbing imbakan ng mga kuwentong nagpapakita sa debosyon at manipestasyon ng pananampalataya ng mga Oponganon sa kanilang patrona, ang Birhen sa Regla.

Ipinakita ng pananaliksik kung gaano kahalaga ang pag-aaral ng mga kuwento ng ating mga ninuno at kung paano ito naglalarawan ng kanilang karanasan, pananampalataya, at pagmamahal sa Diyos at mga santo. Sa pagpapatuloy ng ganitong mga pag-aaral, nagbubukas ito ng mas marami pang mga pinto patungo sa kaalaman at pag-unawa sa kultura at kasaysayan.

Glaise Xommia D. Baguio

Earl Jade Zyra K. Reyes

Suerle Faith B. Emoy

Josh Levin M. Lopez

Kyrone F. Pelegrino Sean Uriel B. Largo

Fathima G. Tampus

Aleanne R. Jovita

 Photo Courtesy of the Research Group.

 Photo Retrieved from Flickr. By weng weng.

Illustrated by Athena Cabras

Anak-Pawis:

Sa Kamay ng Isang Batang Manggagawa

RESEARCHERS

Monique Clarisse C. Estardo

Arianne Mae D. Bompat

Phillip Steven B. Janson

Sherrie Lou M. Gayoba

Denisse Donna S. Gilig

Grezil Ann C. Pitogo

Ashtrid A. Florida

Rovilyn M. Lopez

Vianca C. Lucero

/ Trisha Nicole Dacumos

Maliliit na mga binti at brasong pumapasan, mga paang kinakalyo na sa kakalakad sa lubak-lubak na daan at balat na sunog sa ilalim ng araw. Isang musmos ay tila ipinupusta sa isang sugal ng buhay na ubod ng pagdaralita. Walang sinuman sa mundo ang may hawak sa sariling kapalaran. Ang mga batang isinilang sa isang pamilyang kapos sa pera ay hindi nila kasalanan, bagkus hindi isang dahilan upang sila ay pagtrabahuin ng sapilitan.

Hindi na bago sa tainga ng bawat isa ang mga salitang “child labor.” Ito ay isangmalawak at seryosong penomeno sa Pilipinas na unti-unting lumalala at mas dumadami ang bilang ng mga batang nabibiktima dito. Ayon sa isang istatistika ng Social Weather Stations (SWS), humigit kumulang apat na milyon ang naitalang bilang ng mga pamilyang naghihirap sa taong 2022. Dito naguugat ang pagkakasangkot ng mga kabataang minsan na ring nangarap na makapag-aral, maging masaya at malaya sa anumang pagkakagapos sa isang responsibilidad na dapat ang magulang ang gumagawa.

Isang pag-aaral mula sa Science and Technology Center (STEC) ang nabuo ng mga mag-aaral sa ilalim ng strand na Accounting, Business and Management (ABM) kung saan ito ay tumatalakay sa paksang “child labor.” Layunin nilang imbestigahan ang mga pangunahing dahilan kung bakit pinili ng mga taong nagmamay-ari ng mga micro-business o maliit na negosyo sa Lapu-lapu City na kumuha ng mga bata bilang manggagawa sa kabila ng ipinagbabawal ng batas. Ginamit nila ang disenyong kwalitatibo na may anyong phenomenological study upang mas pagtuunan ng pansin ang isang isyung sumasangkot sa pananaw at paniniwala ng isang taong nagmamay-ari ng maliit na negosyo at kumukuha ng mga bata bilang isang trabahante sa kanilang kompanya.

Ayon sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), anumang klase ng trabaho na nagpapapasok ng mga batang bababa sa edad na 18 ay matatawag na “exploitation,” lalong lalo na kung ang bata ay hindi patas na nababayaran at inaabuso

ang pagkakawanggawa. Bukod pa rito, 112 milyong bata, o 70% sa mga sinuri ng World Vision noong 2023 ay nagtatrabaho sa sektor ng agrikultura, karamihan ay magsasaka, kargador at nag-aalaga ng mga hayop. Ang mga lalaki ay mas malamang kaysa sa mga babae na magtrabaho sa lahat ng kategorya ng edad. Isa sa tatlong mga bata na nagtatrabaho bilang mga kabataan ay hindi pumapasok sa paaralan. Ang child labor, ayon sa International Labor Organization (ILO), ay tinukoy bilang "paglahok ng mga bata sa anumang uri ng trabaho na pumipinsala sa kanilang pisikal, mental, moral, o panlipunang pag-unlad." Hindi lamang sa ninanakaw nito ang kanilang oras at kaligayahan, nilalabag rin nito ang kanilang mga karapatan bilang kabataan na maging malaya na nagbubuklod sa sariling kinabukasan.

Ang pag-aaral ay sinusuportahan ng teorya ng mapagsamantalang paggawa o “theory of exploitative labor” kung saan ipinaliwanag rito ang kahinaan ng mga magulang sa pagpapalaki ng kanilang mga anak. Dulot ng kanilang “imperfect understanding,” tila napapagsawalang-bahala nila ang kapakanan ng bata at mas inuuna ang salaping natatanggap sa pagtatrabaho. Isang maling pagkakaintindi rin nila na ang pagpapadala sa kanilang mga anak sa trabaho ay siyang humuhubog sa kanilang pagkatao na mas maging

Illustrated by Nicole Lagumbay

“independent” sa hinaharap na walang inaasahang tulong mula sa iba kundi sa sariling lakas at pagsisikap lamang. Kaya masasabing ito ay hindi lamang benepisyo ng pamilya sa sweldong tinatanggap kundi mas masuwerte rin ang mga nagmamay-ari nito sa kinikita kada buwan sa negosyo.

Ang mga mananaliksik ay naghanap ng mga respondente na naaayon sa panukalang ito: (1) limang may-ari ng microbusiness na kasalukuyang nagpapatrabaho ngmga bata sa loob, (2) may mas mababa sa 10 empleyado sa negosyo, (3) kumita ng mas mababa sa 20,000 sa isang buwan, (4) isang taong kumukuha ng mga bata bilang manggagawa at (5) nakatira sa Lungsod ng Lapu-lapu. Pagkatapos ay agad na isinagawa ang panayam kung saan naglalayong matuklasan ang mga pangunahing dahilan kung bakit ang mga microbusiness owners na tulad nila ay namimili ng mga bata bilang manggagawa.

Unang dahilan ay nais lamang nilang makatulong sa pagsustento ng pamilya ng bata. Dahil sa kahirapan na kanilang nararanasan, walang ibang magawa ang anak kundi sapilitang sumang-ayon sa pakikipagsapalaran sa kasagsagan ng hirap at pagod na dinaranas. Pangalawa, ang mga batang manggagawa ay sinasabing madaling turuan at kontrolin sapagkat sila ay

mas nakakaalam sa mga may edad, lalong lalo sa aspeto ng paggamit ng gadgets o teknolohiya. Ayon sa naging kasagutan ng ilang respondente, ng kanilang serbisyo ay may magandang kalidad na mas nakakapag-engganyo ng mga mamimili nang dahil sa awa na nararamdaman sa mga batang musmos na namamasukan sa trabaho. Sila rin ay hindi kadalasang nagrereklamo at mabilis na sumusunod sa utos ng may-ari kumpara sa mga matatandang manggagawa. At pangatlo, inaasahan nila na sapamamagitan ng pagtatrabaho sa murang edad ay natuturuan nila ang mga bata sa mga kasanayang kakailanganin nila sa pagtanda tulad na lamang ng behavioral skills training at cognitive skills training. Kung mamarapatin, tila ba natatanaw ang mga ito ng mga magulang sa mababaw na perspektibo na siyang naguudlot sa maling desisyon at hakbang sa pagpapalaki nila ng kanilang anak.

Maganda man itong pakinggan sa isang taong hindi kritikal ang pag-unawa hinggil sa isyu, ngunit sa ating batas ay walang katiting na pagkakamali ang makakatakas. Nakasaad sa Republic Act No. 9231 na ang sinumang indibidwal na lumabag sa Seksyon 12-D ng Batas na ito, o ang employer ng subcontractor na nagpapadali sa pagtatrabaho ng isang bata sa mapanganib na trabaho, ay dapat magbayad ng multang hindi bababa sa 100,000 pesos (P100,000.00) o higit sa isang milyong piso bilang parusa.

Kasunod naman nito ay kanila ring nalaman ang mga mabuti at hindi mabuting epekto ng pagpapapasok ng mga bata bilang manggagawa sa kanilang negosyo. Sa mabuting aspeto, ang mga bata ay (1) may katanggaptanggap na pagganap sa trabaho kung saan ito ay masunurin at mabilis na ginagampanan ang mga gawaing inatas sa kanila. (2) Mas abot-kaya sa bulsa ng mga may-ari sapagkat mas maliit ang ibinigay na sahod sa kanila kumpara sa ibang may edad na manggagawa. At (3) ang malakas na koneksyon ng may-ari sa pamilya ay nag-udyok sa mas matinding paggalugad ng mga bata sa trabaho dahil sinasabing ang mga magulang at ang may-ari ay magkalapit sa isa’t isa. Sa kabilang banda naman, masasabi ng mga may-ari ang di magandang epekto sa kanila ng pagpapapasok ng mga bata sa kanilang negosyo tulad na lamang ng (1) mas tumataas ang antas ng kanilang stress sapagkat ang mga batang ito ay may komplikadong paguugali na napakahirap maintindihan at pakisamahan. Sila rin ay kadalasan na nakakaranas ng hating atensyon at katiting na panahon sa pagpokus ng mga batang manggagawa. At (2) hindi kasiya-siyang etika sa trabaho na tila bang sumasalungat ito sa mga unang nabanggit na dahilan sa pagpili ng mga bata sa paggawa. Mahihinuha sa iilang kasagutan ng mga respondente, ang mga bata ay irresponsable at hindi propesyonal kung umasta sa kanilang pagtatrabaho sapagkat napakaraming bagay ang madaling nakakapag-aliw sa kanila.

Ang kabataan ay gantimpala ng bansa at ang tanging kayamanan ng isang pamilya. Ating isaisip na wala tayong karapatan na nakawin ang anumang buhay na nais tahakin ng mga bata sa kanyang paglaki bagkus ang tanging magagawa lamang ay ang paggabay sa kanila nang walang anumang sapilitang paglalagay sa kanila sa peligro at labis na pagsasakripisyo. Ating itanong sa ating mga sarili, tayo nga ba ang siyang tumutulong sa pagbubuklod ng kanilang kinabukasan? O tayo ang tanging wawasak sa mga pangarap na kanilang tutuparin sa hinaharap?

Cha-ching is Changing! Gcash meets public vendors

/ Trisha Nicole Dacumos

Money sustains the living. Money promises a better life. No one in this world is susceptible to the unforeseen setbacks that life may offer. It is truly uncertain and unpredictable, so we have no other armor but instead our finances, which will keep our families and homes secured all the way through. As the pandemic crashed upon millions by millions, we were constantly reminded to keep ourselves healthy and physically distant from people. Yet there are still hungry mouths to be fed, consumption bills have to be paid, and personal debts are coming your way for payment. How will you lend your hand to pay without jeopardizing your health? Is there a safer way to send your little help to faraway loved ones?

The brilliant minds of five ABM students from the Science and Technology Center (STEC) have introduced their research topic titled "From Coins to Clicks: Perception of Opon Public Market Vendors towards the Gcash Integration," created in June 2023. The researchers utilized a case study design to explore the notion of the increasing emergence of cashless transactions in the metropolitan area, which prompted them to focus on the perceptions of vendors on public markets located at Opon in adapting to the new mode of payment. People nowadays have opted to rely on the power of technology, which lightens our burdens and improves our quality of life. There is no doubt that we are unfamiliar with this trend, which allows us to save, send, and receive money online. It is called "Gcash," a Philippine mobile payment service first launched in October 2004.

According to Yang (2021), age and gender are fundamental variables that characterize consumer technology and have a significant impact on the acceptability of digital devices. Most modern people inevitably use their smartphones with their own little hands. While we grow more accustomed to it, the more we can immerse ourselves and be knowledgeable enough to utilize mobile applications as they function in our daily lives. As evidently shown in the results of the statistics conducted by Statista (2023), 2022 has garnered a total percentage of 75.25% of the whole population owning a smartphone, which is equivalent to 84 million Filipinos. Referring to the locality of the study, Opon, the former name of Lapu-Lapu City is widely recognized for its large population. With yearly recurring revenue expected to reach billions for the fiscal year 2022, it is regarded as a highly urbanized city. The economy of Opon starts to expand greatly, which drives them to impose public market stalls in the area where we can also see public vendors without regard to age or gender. Commonly, they used to practice the payment of physical cash in any amount, either through bank bills or coins. But given the state of technology, it is reasonable to observe that some customers resort to paying online from their e-wallets. The fluent integration of the mobile application seemed to be a good change for every citizen. It has

provided good-quality service, which makes it beneficial to both vendors and customers. Gcash has available services offered to people, namely: (1) transfer funds; (2) pay bills; (3) send funds; (4) buy prepaid loads; (5) make donations; (6) shop online; and (7) purchase goods without physical cash. Notably, with the use of this app, we can maintain harmless, hassle-free, and affordable payment transactions with the vendors. Gcash is owned by Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. and its CEO and President, Martha Sazon. As this grows further, it is important to know and acknowledge its perceived benefits, limitations, and recommendations as gathered from the responses of ten public market vendors for the last three years and adopted for the last three months selected for the interview.

According to their responses, they had acquired three utmost benefits: (1) Convenience. With this app, payment has been done with no extra effort and is time-friendly for the user. Whenever you are out of town and unable to contact your bills directly, you may send a payment through your Gcash account with only one tap, and it will be done within a minute. (2) Trend. This has been called a ‘trend’ since COVID has come into our lives. It paved the way for nophysical-contact transactions to catch up to their due dates. And (3) promos. Some sellers like utilizing Gcash with its promotions, which is interesting to note; such as receiving a payment discount, cash gifts, awards, and many other things on your electronic wallet. Additionally, if you work as a Gcash agent at a Gcash shop, your commission on cash-in transactions is 1%, and your commission on cash-out transactions is 2%.

Conversely, it also alerts users to the app’s limitations and risks in (1) security. It is one of the prominent downsides of public vendors, particularly with the current abundance of scams. It is possible for one's account to be hacked by password thieves, resulting in the loss of any money that has been stored if it is not managed properly. (2) Internet Connection. For cashless transactions, this smartphone app needs a steady internet connection. Due to the weak signal and connectivity at their stalls, vendors would have trouble processing their invoices. And lastly, (3) Unfamiliar and Unskilled. Not everyone has the ability to grasp the technicalities of the app, which impairs their access to this online platform. Due to the fact that these vendors are less exposed to the gadgets, they are unaware of the "new normal" way of payment. As a result, when a user utilizes the app without being fully knowledgeable, there is a large danger of possible blunders, errors, and safety hazards on the user's account.

Overall, the public vendors found the app highly convenient on their end, which made them satisfied. However, they recommended strengthening the security measures by adding fingerprint and face recognition (biometrics), providing clearer instructions, and allowing the Gcash app to be available even offline. With these, we will be able to fully adapt to this so-called change and provide quality and safe value for users anytime, anywhere.

RESEARCHERS

Rain Jonie C. Maningo

Aimee Blythe R. Montanes

Ivann James M. Paradero

Jomarie L. Rendon

Nadezna Mikhaela O. Suralta

/ Christian Gabriel Degamo

Illustrated by Nini Marrione Joyce Labrador

Online Wallet: G-cash, Online paying as a new normal

/ Sean Largo

Filipinos are known for their resiliency. Resilient in a way where we don’t wait for the guava to fall to the ground. When we are faced with adversities, it is innate for us to fight back, and as a common bank’s tagline: We find ways.

G-Cash is an online money application that has been sitting around way back in October 2004 as an SMS-based money transfer service. Only a few know of its existence, mostly the millennials and those who are far from their parents e.g., from the province and they are studying here in the city. It was a means of sending money with ease without the necessity of doing the typical bank transactions. However, with the onset of COVID-19, gone are the jiggling of coins when we need to pay and or buy something. People embraced the idea of online purses. During these times, it was easier to say, “Please send to my G-Cash number 09xxxxxxxxx or is this your QR code?” than saying, “Let’s meet somewhere so I can pay.” It was much more appreciated because we were all discouraged to make social-physical contact. It feels like our fingertips got so much power on it. We can merely check what we need and or want then voila, as long as your G-Cash is not empty, the purchase is done and you just have to wait for it on your doorstep. It can even go as far as doing hotel bookings as long as an entity accepts G-Cash as a means of payment, the deal is done. During these times, we appreciated it so much that it seemed that almost all transactions are done via

G-Cash. It serves as real-time money and is considered valid, just not for international transactions but since we are resilient, one can link his Mastercard to G-Cash. This way, even international transactions are possible and highly viable.

And as we have embraced it with open arms, people with wrong intentions embraced it even more. There are so many hackers, phishing messages, scam emails, and the like to lure G-Cash owners to fall into their trap. G-Cash on its part tried too hard to send various means of information to warn its users not to give their OTP or one-time password to anybody even if they claimed to be G-Cash officers. Most of these calls would be saying that the user won the G-Cash’s anniversary raffle and that they are sending the money to the winner. However, these fraudsters would ask if an OTP was sent and let the user recite it to them. Something that should never be done by the G-Cash user. Else, these fraudsters would wipe out your hard-earned money. So, what does it mean then? Like the way we protect our cash when we carry it with us, we also need to be conscientious when we are using the app. When it’s too good to be true, then you should question the motive of the call. Avoid calls especially when it starts to ask for your personal data even if they claimed to be from the bank or other big entities.

After all being said, one is still responsible for his own. If something bad happens to your online money, you only have yourself to blame. Always be punctilious no matter what transaction you got into.

Kalagayan ng mga Hari ng Kalsada

/ Mark Collera

Marami ang nayanig nang ianunsiyo ng kasalukuyang pangulo na si Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang pagphase-out sa mga makaluma at tradisyunal na mga jeepney sa Pilipinas. Isang anunsiyo na gumawa ng ingay lalo na sa mga grupo ng mga tsuper ng jeepney na kanila namang agarang inalmahan.

Ayon sa pahayag ng pangulo ukol sa Jeepney Modernization Program, kinakailangan na ng ating bansa na makipagsabayan sa pandaigdigang sistema ng pampublikong transportasyon kung saan isa sa kaniyang nakitang unang hakbang ay ang pagyakap sa modernisasyon at pagbabago ng estruktura ng ating mga pampublikong jeepney. Ang programang ito ay upang mas mapadali ang transportasyon sa Pilipinas at maging kaaya-aya tingnan ang mga tinaguriang hari ng lansangan dito sa ating bansa.

Daing naman ng mga tsuper ang malaking halagang gugugulin sa pagbili ng mga inaprobahang modelo ng jeepney na mas magpapabigat sa kanilang pasanin lalo na’t tumataas din ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Kanila ring binatikos ang madaliang pagpapatanggal o pagphase-out ng pangulo sa mga lumang jeepney, ika pa nila ito raw ay kawalang-galang sa ating kultura at tradisyon na kung saan malaki ang papel na ginampanan ng mga jeep.

Sinagot naman ng pangulo ang akusasyong ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng disenyo ng “modern jeep” kung saan ay nagrerepresenta pa rin ito sa makulay nating pinagmulan taliwas sa pahayag ng mga tsuper. Dahil sa tensyon na nabuo sa pagitan ng palasyo at mga drayber ng jeep,

napagdesisyonan ng mga tsuper na magtigil pasada at magsagawa ng isang strike sa loob ng isang linggo na tunay na makakaapekto sa nakasanayang daloy ng trapiko.

Marami ang apektado dahil sa sigalot ng dalawang panig kaya’t napagkasunduan ng palasyo na ipagliliban muna ang jeepney phase-out hanggang Disyembre ngayong taon na tinugunan naman ng mga tsuper ng pagbabalik pasada.

Ang planong modernisasyon sa mga jeep ay pinalitan ng upgrade upang papaano hindi raw mabigat sa bulsa ng mga tsuper. Ang Jeepney Modernization Program ay isang panukalang tunay na magpapadali sa transportasyon ng mga pasahero ngunit magbibigay ng pasanin sa bulsa ng ating mga tsuper. Ang pakikipagsabayan sa ibang bansa lalo na sa tinatawag na “global standard” ay isang mithiing nararapat lamang isaalang-alang ng isang pinuno ngunit bago isipin ang kinabukasan, kailangan muna nating harapin ang kasalukuyan na ang ating bansa ay tunay na hindi pa handa sa mga malalaking pagbabagong pinaplano ng ating pamahalaan.

Maraming mga suliranin ang mas nangangailangan ng agarang aksyon sa ating bansa, kagaya na lamang ng pagtaas ng mga bilihin at ang patuloy na pagbaba ng kalidad ng ating sektor ng agrikultura. Ang isang magandang hangarin sa pagpapaunlad ng ating bansa lalo na kung para ito sa ikakabuti ay hindi naman masama, ngunit kailangan din nating makita kung ano ang tunay at rason ng problema upang tuluyang umarangkada ng ating bansa sa pandaigdigang kompetensiya.

Mga Bayaning Lumalaban Tungo sa Maginhawang Kinabukasan

/ Juliana Cañete

Taas-noong hawak ang bandila ng paglilingkod sa bayan, ang mga nars at guro ay mga bayaning nagtataglay ng pagnanais na makamtan ang magandang buhay. Subalit sa likod ng matatamis na pangarap na ito ay nagluluray ang pait at ligaya ng pakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa na tila kanilang pinipiling tahakin.

Sa mga nagdaang taon, nasaksihan ng Pilipinas ang isang nakababahalang takbo ng malawakang migrayson sa hanay ng mga manggagawa, partikular na ang mga nars at guro. Ang pangingibang-bansa ng lubos na sinanay na mga propesyonal ay nagiging banta, kung saan ang bayan ay nawawalan ng mahuhusay at maaasahang serbisyo lalo na sa sektor ng kalusugan at edukasyon ng bansa.

Bakit kailangang umalis? Mangibang-bansa? Bakit hindi na lang magtrabaho at manatili sa bansa at tulungan ang mga kababayang nangangailangan?

Ang malungkot na katotohan ay may maraming mga kadahilanan kung bakit nangingibang-bansa ang mga Pilipinong nars at guro. Sa kabila ng kanilang pag-aalay sa kanilang puso't kaluluwa sa pag-aaruga at pagtuturo, hindi lamang para sa sarili, kundi para rin sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan, hindi maipagkakaila na ang pagkakaroon ng mas mababang sahod at benepisyo sa kanilang propesyon ay isa sa mga nagtutulak sa kanila na humanap ng mas magandang kinabukasan sa ibang lugar. Ang pagod at panganib sa kanilang trabaho ay hindi sapat upang mapunan ng pagmamahal sa propesyon kung ang kanilang pangangailangan sa arawaraw ay hindi rin natutugunan. Tila mapipilitan silang mabuhay sa mababang sahod at kawalan ng sapat na benepisyo, kahit na ang kanilang trabaho ay

mahalaga at napakahalaga sa lipunan. Ang kakulangan sa oportunidad para sa kanilang propesyonal na pag-unlad ay isa pang dahilan kung bakit marami sa kanila ang nagpasyang mangibang-bansa. Sa halip na bigyan sila ng sapat na pagkakataon na magtrabaho at umunlad sa kanilang larangan, nagiging biktima sila ng sistemang hindi patas at mapanlinlang. Hindi rin dapat kalimutan ang labis na regulasyon at red tape na kinakaharap ng mga guro at nars sa bansa. Ang proseso ng pagkuha ng kanilang lisensya at mga kaukulang dokumento ay nagiging sanhi ng pagkaantala at pahirap na nagdadala ng pagkadismaya at pagkawalan ng tiwala sa sistema.

Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, ang pagiging mga nars at guro ay likas na bokasyon, isang misyon na nagtutulak sa kanila upang maglingkod, magalaga, at magturo. Ang kanilang mga kamay na walang pagod na nag-aalaga ay nagpapaginhawa sa mga mahihina at may sakit, habang ang kanilang mga kaalaman ay nagbibigay-liwanag sa isipan ng mga batang nag-aasam ng kaalaman. Sa pangingibang-bansa nila, may pag-asa at pangarap silang dala. Pangarap na maging mas matagumpay, pangarap na matupad ang mga pangarap ng kanilang mga pamilya, at naroroon ang sakripisyo at pagmamahal sa bayang kanilang iniwan.

Kung kaya’t magkaisa at pagtuunan ng pansin ang pagpapahalaga sa mga guro at nars, hindi lamang bilang mga manggagawa kung hindi bilang mga tunay na bayani ng ating lipunan. Sa kanilang pagkakaisa at pagkalinga, masisiguro ang kinabukasang maaliwalas at maunlad para sa Pilipinas. Hindi tayo dapat maging manhid sa kanilang mga pangangailangan at panawagan. Sapagkat, ang kanilang dedikasyon sa kani-kanilang larangan at pagmamahal sa bayan ay gawing inspirasyon upang magsikap na mapangalagaan at maitaguyod ang sariling bansa.

- Opinyon -

Money vs Integrity A war between development and environmental deterioration

/ Christian Gabriel Degamo

In the fight for progress and prosperity, each country finds itself entangled in a critical battle between money and integrity – a conflict that revolves around the choices we make in the pursuit of development and its potential consequences on the environment. This war between economic growth and environmental deterioration has become an existential challenge, demanding a balance between prosperity and the preservation of our planet.

On one hand, the thirst for economic growth has fueled the drive for more industrialization, urbanization, and resource extraction. Governments have often prioritized short-term financial gains, overlooking the long-term impacts on the environment. In this pursuit of profit, forests are cleared, rivers are polluted, and ecosystems are disrupted, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of natural habitats.

Furthermore, the exploitation of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, has fueled climate change, resulting in catastrophic events like extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and threatening the livelihoods of millions. The allure of money blinds many decisionmakers to the dire consequences of such actions, thereby perpetuating a cycle of environmental degradation.

On the other hand, the call for integrity demands that we act as responsible stewards of the planet, considering the impact of our actions on current and future generations. It advocates for sustainable development, which seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Upholding integrity requires us to protect and preserve our natural resources, embrace renewable energy sources, and promote

eco-friendly practices.

Balancing money and integrity is challenging. Critics claim environmental regulations hinder growth. Neglecting the environment leads to dire consequences, outweighing short-term gains. Disasters and climate change create severe economic burdens, surpassing unchecked development benefits.

Integrity doesn't stop progress but encourages sustainable development through renewable energy, green tech, and eco-friendly practices. This transition offers economic growth, innovation, job creation, and diversification.

To overcome the war between money and integrity, governments, businesses, and individuals must collaborate and take responsibility for their actions. Policymakers must enact and enforce robust environmental regulations, ensuring that industries comply with ecofriendly standards. Corporations should incorporate environmental responsibility into their core values and operations, aligning financial success with sustainable practices.

Individuals, too, can contribute by making conscious choices to support eco-friendly products and services, reducing waste, and advocating for environmentally responsible practices.

Ultimately, the war between money and integrity is a battle that humanity cannot afford to lose. Finding harmony between economic development and environmental preservation is the only way forward to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. By prioritizing integrity over immediate financial gains, we can forge a path towards a more balanced and resilient world, where prosperity and environmental well-being go hand in hand.

Illustrated by Sherah Alvarez

DILAAB