YOUTH INSIDERS (7-CONFIDENCE)

JULY 2021

VOL. 1

YOUTH INSIDERS

NEWS TABLE OF CONTENTS

Belmonte, Top-Performing Mayor in NCR

2022 ELECTIONS - 2

by Kristine Odtujan Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte of Quezon City won as the top-performing mayor in the National Capital Region (NCR). Followed by Mayor Regis Vico

COVID UPDATE - 3

Sotto of Pasig City in second place and Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso of Manila City in third place. In the survey created by the RPMission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMDinc).

SPARROWS WIN SUPER NETBALL QUALIFIER

The survey lasted from February 20-28, 2021. The RPMDinc asked 3 500 people to evaluate their mayor’s overall performance for the whole year of 2020. They interviewed all the residents aged 18-70 of Metro Manila face to face.

With 86% of approval from its citizens, Belmonte got the top seat. Followed

by Sotto of Pasig City with 83%, Domagoso of Manila City with 80%, Gatchalian of Valenzuela City with 76%, and Teodoro of Marikina City with 75%.

The 6th-11th seats are owned by Lino Cayetano of Taguig City with 69%, Abigail Binay of Makati City with 68%, Toby Tiangco of Navotas City with 65%, Carmelita Abalos of Mandaluyong City with 58%, Francis Zamora of San Juan City with 55% and Jaime Fresnedi of Muntinlupa City with 51%.

The rest of the cities got low approval ratings.

“Overall, almost all of the NCR mayors' approval ratings improved compared to the previous surveys. However, of the 17, only 11 were given passing rates by their constituents. Top 5 NCR Mayors are doing a great job. Not only were they able to maintain their rankings, but they also increased positively from +1% to +3% points and the highest gainer is Mayor Domagoso and Teodoro +3%.,” said Dr. Paul Martinez of RPMDinc.

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Having expressed his interest publicly on May 12, 2021, Antonio Trillanes has made his willingness to run clear.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, though he stated that it is not time to think about such matters, has recently hinted that he will run for a higher position in 2022.

Former senator Bong Bong Marcos also confirmed that he will run in the 2022 elections but did not specify which

Big names plan to run for presidency in 2022 elections

position.

Last year Senator Tito Sotto stated that he is unsure if he will run for higher office in 2022 and added that his first option was to retire. But in May 2021, he

by Stevlyn Duran

said that he is open to run for vice

The 2022 presidential elections are near, and many known

president with his companion Senator

politicians

Panfilo Lacson.

are

confirming

and

showing

interest

in

participating.

The last presidential elections in 2016

With the elections a few months away, politicians started to

garnered a lot of attention from the

give vague hints of their participation in the election.

country with Mar Roxas, Jejomar Binay,

Personalities like Senator Manny Pacquiao, former senator

Grace

Antonio Trillanes IV, Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr.,

Rodrigo Duterte being the candidates.

and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III expressed their interest in running for office.

Poe,

Miriam

Santiago,

and

Garnering a total of 38.5% of the preliminary votes, current president Rodrigo Duterte was elected as the 16th president of the Philippines

"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything" - Albert Einstein

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Covid cases decreases, and Vaccines are rolling out

To this day, the Philippines had already provided

by Zeule Ilagan & Jan Jaimer Ilagan

individuals or 2.7% of the Philippines had been

over eleven million doses of COVID-19 vaccine According

to

the

latest

update,

2,868,905

fully vaccinated as of July 4.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Department of Health (DOH) reported 5,392 new Covid-19 cases as of July 6, 2021, combining 49,613 active cases.

The recoveries rate has increased to 94.8%, with a total of 1,370,923 recoveries. 104 new deaths are

The Philippines purchased 113 million vaccine doses from five manufacturers, including 10 million doses of Sputnik V from Russia, 26 million doses of Sinovac from China, 20 million from Moderna, and 17 million from AstraZeneca.

reported, with a total of 25,296.

Last

With

these,

dramatically

Covid-19 compared

continues to

month,

the

Philippines

had

already

to

decrease

vaccinated 35 million people working outside

previous

records

their home, while also focusing on the elderly and

according to DOH.

healthcare workers.

A total of 31,536 people have undergone testing for

In addition, the Philippines also anticipates 44

Covid-19, and 10.5% of the people who tested were

million doses of the COVAX vaccine, inoculation

all positive.

czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said.

Meanwhile, exactly 90.8% of active cases are mild,

He also stated that children aged 12 to 15 will be

3.9% asymptomatic, 1.5% are critical, 2.2% are

able to get vaccinated probably later this year with

severe, and 1.62% are moderate based on the records

the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

of the Department of Health (DOH).

With the positives, 57% intensive care unit beds were occupied, 47% isolation and ward beds were occupied, and 36% ventilators were occupied by the positives.

In all regions, NCR has the highest total cases with an overall of 530,931, followed by CALABARZON with a total of 246,721, and Central Luzon with 129,114. As of July 5 Overall, there are 1,445,832 total cases according to the DOH Covid-19 Tracker as of July 6, 2021.

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Everybody is imperfect and different

by Stevlyn Duran Looking at my reflection, I always saw

Trying to change what we look like and our

what was wrong with me. I saw this girl

personality always point towards the fact

Being different had a negative effect

that had eye bags, pimples, and her eyes

that we don’t like who we’re made to be.

on me and that led to the insecurities I

spoke of anxiousness and exhaustion.

Nobody is born perfect. People believe that

have. Gone was the girl who didn’t

Every minute of every day, I always

being smart, beautiful, and confident is

care about what other people say

imagine how I would look if I were

what someone should be. It’s a wrong

about her; the girl that was better than

someone else. My attitude would be

mindset that leads to insecurities, anxiety,

I am. Filling my life with toxic

different, my speech would be different,

and depression. One might think that

positivity, especially from me didn’t

and even the way my eyes express my

perfection is the ultimate goal of being

work as much as I wanted to. My

feelings.

accepted, but no, it isn’t. No matter how

attitude was still the same and I was

beautiful you are, others will continue to

still shy.

Everyone started as blank canvases, and

judge you, and no matter how perfect you

they would be painted with beautiful

are, not everybody will like you. That’s why

colors as they grow up. We experience

it is so hard to strive for perfection.

I realized that we shouldn’t try to change ourselves just so others

many things and situations that will add

would be pleased. Change is a big

color to our canvases. Once I was a

Hate never does anyone good. It always

blank canvas, no paint, no nothing, but

ends up in disappointment and nothing

now it was evident that I wasn’t painted

would change if you hate someone. It goes

with the colors of the rainbow: I was

the same for us as well. When my parents

and the people around you in the

black and white. I seldom feel happy

taught me to not hate someone because of a

future. Know that being different

these days, and I feel insecure. It was a

petty reason I never thought that I would

and imperfect is never wrong.

mindset that one day everyone will die

one day apply that to myself. It’s normal to

This is what makes us human and

with beautiful portraits showing the

hate yourself even when it shouldn’t even

colorful life they lived. It’s scary to think

occur. If we love our friends and family

that because of my apathy, my painting

then we should love ourselves as well.

would be black and white.

Nothing healthy comes out of hatred and

thing, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly because it will affect you

no matter what others may say you don’t change yourself for them.

will still lead to insecurities. Not liking I worried about my appearance and how

oneself is already a factor in why we

Change is better when you know

average I look compared to others. They

compare ourselves to other people. We

that you’re doing it for yourself

can walk with confidence, but I would do

wouldn’t compare each other if we truly

and not for other people.

everything just to not be noticed. Our

accepted what we are and that we are

society is the judge of how we look. At

different.

any angle you look you would see a society

where

good

looks

are

so

As humans, we don’t get to pick what we

important. If people judge how you look,

look like so that doesn’t give anyone the

you would feel so disappointed in

right to tell us that we should change.

yourself and would want to change. In

Accepting my flaws and loving me is hard

our life change is always there, but it’s

especially when you believe that you’ll

different if it involves the change in how

never be enough. Straying away from the

we act and look.

negative thoughts and opinions of myself is unlikely

because

I

always

thought

negatively of myself ever since I was a kid.

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Do video games have a negative effect?

by Wayne Omalza

Techniques, playability, levels, requirements, and the ability of video games to constantly challenge and hold the player's interests have all been evolving, just like other new technology. Three-dimensional games had a rising reputation and demand several years ago, but now they are the new normal.

Shooter, Action, and Adventure games heavily rely on quick and proper response; you can develop a better sense of precision and reaction time with these games. It helps us manage resources and prioritize and identify important information. Strategy and Role-Playing games test our decision-making skills

Concerns about people who play video games are likely to develop in tandem with the video game business. Especially when many of the video game audience members are children who are still developing their personalities. As a result, it's critical to investigate their effects on players' actions both during and after they play.

and how well we think of our decisions in the long run. It also tests how we will act in a stressful or emotional event, and it makes us improve in working under pressure. Cooperative games test and improve how well we can work with others. It helps people learn to be less hostile, reduce cognitive aggression, boost cooperative actions, and learn social skills

Because our personalities have an impact on how we think and behave, how a player reacts to a video game is determined by how they interpret it in their heads. As a result, according to some research, the human body deals with the impacts that occur when playing online video games in the same way they deal with the impacts that occur in the real world.

Games have a lot of benefits to us, and most can help us in the real world.

quickly. Lastly, Sandbox games can let our creativity run wild, unleash our emotions and make structures inspired by ourselves.

I do acknowledge that gaming has aspects where it can cause negative effects like procrastinating, but I feel like that is to be expected since it is the same as a hobby. As far as I believe, games have more pros than cons unless they become severely addicted to the point that they could no longer perform properly in day-to-

It all depends on what kind of game it is.

YOUTH INSIDERS

day life.

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Online Class: Does it need to change?

by Kristine Odtujan During this pandemic, our living conditions and we as a whole have changed significantly. The new normal changed how we can interact with people, how we can go to places, and what things we need to wear to keep ourselves safe. With this sudden change, many aspects of our lives have been affected, especially with education.

Since people are not allowed to gather because of COVID-19, the heads of the education system devised a way for students to continue learning at their homes. This system is called Distance Learning or what people like to call it, Online Class.

The internet can be slow in rural places that have slow

The real question is, is it helpful? or did it just add

connections. There can also be problems with the

weight to what the students and teachers are

internet itself as internet providers need to do

currently facing during this pandemic? Our answer to

maintenance often to keep up with the demand for

this question. It did add weight to what the teachers

data.

and students are currently experiencing during this pandemic.

Another problem is that some people have difficulties figuring out how to use the different social media

As more and more schools conduct online classes, the problems get more prevalent as time goes on.

platforms. Others are also trying to figure out how to use media devices. A few are still trying to adapt to this online class situation.

The mental health of students and teachers needs to be acknowledged at this time too. The education system continuously gives tasks regardless of what the latter might be facing. Students and Teachers have so much to do that they can’t even have time to relax and enjoy their weekends. They continuously need to manage their time to have rest, do their chores, and do the necessities for school. Some students and teachers are also facing personal problems that can affect their performance and attitude in school.

We need education, that is true, but is this approach in

YOUTH INSIDERS

education necessary in times like these?

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School, a waste of time?

by Jan Jaimer Samson

School affects the mental health of students too, it causes mental and emotional problems. I developed anxiety when I was in grade six. Teachers back then in my previous school were strict. Now I am in grade seven, stress and pressure developed more with studying, and just like what I said earlier, the deadlines, performance tasks, etc. Even if teachers extend the deadlines or when you should really pass these, it cannot change my feelings about these. Also, the teachers, back when I was in grade six, I had this teacher who had favorites, they would help them out, always give their attention to them, but not the students who genuinely needed help. I was one of the students who needed help. They would humiliate us in front of the class if we were wrong. And because of that, I lost my selfconfidence and became very shy.

However, I think the school has high expectations for the students. The school thinks all the students can do everything they give. Some students are incapable of doing that, while some are. Some students are fast learners, but some are not. I am one of the incapable learners and a slow learner. We all know that school provides knowledge, but they give the wrong type of knowledge, the knowledge that is not used in the real world.

Many people proved that school is not needed for us to succeed. For example, Bill Gates dropped out of college, but after two years, he became one of the wealthiest men after

Now in grade seven, I noticed another problem, the teacher's teaching technique. I understand that teachers also have a problem and that sometimes I know that we did not exceed the teacher's expectations, and I know that they are doing that for us. However, some teachers do not teach at all and only give us tasks, while some do not teach but talk about something related to our education. These affected my education and the grades of mine and other students.

founding Microsoft. Walt Disney dropped out of high school to join the army, he went to France, and when he came back to America, he became a newspaper artist and eventually one of the most influential animators. Those are just some of the successful people.

Besides, why need professionals like teachers when you can learn it yourself? Many people say that if you explore things and discover them yourself, it is already a great achievement

But in the end, I say to myself, "That's all right, our parents also had been through this" But then, I realized we are all different, we do things at a different pace. Schools should change their expectations, teachers and the school should understand their students, their mental health, and their problems. I still believe, in the next generation, the school will change and will improve a lot because the generation now understands these problems and will try to do better for the next generation.

for you, many people will acknowledge for your learning and achieving this, even the poor wanted to achieve these, they think by going through school they can also achieve something great and make a living for their future or maybe for the future of their family, but people can also achieve something great by doing it their own way that makes them happy, it's their own decision though.

Nevertheless, I have this one saying I always say to myself: Grades don't define you or your future-- your character does.

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We need to prioritize science over faith by: Ralph Agonoy In the modern world, we have a unique mix of Science and Religion. We pursue the stars, and we are well on our way to reaching them. We went to the moon, and we sent robots to mars; We looked at atoms and worked out a theory on how the universe formed. With humanity possessing these advances in technology and the key to answer our origins, why are we still insisting that we are created by a god?

We used it to violate others because "god wished for it." It sparked wars such as the crusades, and We used it as a tool to justify killing and pillaging each other “under the name of god." Religion is also the path to extremism and fanaticism; it only takes a team and an extreme motivation to lead a terrorist group. It can also start cults that seem good upfront, but it gets worse, the more you see it.

Science is also much better since it is based on hard facts that people spent their time on. It gives a better view of reality and it aims to drive us ahead rather than to stay down. Science also aims to answer questions that we frequently ask by logic and reasoning. It also unlocked the possibilities our ancestors can only dream of happening.

Science is also better overall in terms of economics, it is better to fund education and research that you can profit from in the long term than to invest in the construction of most public religious buildings Science is also better in terms of health; religion can give hope to the family of the sick but Science finds a way to cure the sick. Prayers can give hope but they won’t cure the person and be careful of those fake inspirational posts of people who miraculously got cured, don’t believe it unless it has proof of how the person got better.

At this point, you already know where I stand in this argument. I firmly believe that we should prioritize Science more than faith, however, it isn’t fair to just show the good of Science and the bad of religion.

We can see the possible answers to why religion is still prevalent and why we are not yet a fully scientific society.

Several studies concluded that religion reduces alcohol, tobacco, and drug usage. It also decreases suicides and depression as it acts as a source of hope. Religion can also serve as a moral guideline since it dictates the things we need to do to be in a paradise or prevent eternal torture.

There is also the fact that Science prioritizes logic over ethics to achieve an unbiased conclusion to a hypothesis.

This can lead to experiments that are beyond morally unacceptable.

Even if both of those cases are true, it should be common sense on what is right and wrong since not every scientist is a psychopath. We wouldn’t even need to follow a religion to be a good person. Religion also restricts your perception and in expressing your thoughts and feelings since you can be accused of being “unacceptable” and “of sin”.

In addition to that, it should be common sense to not do bad things and to not consume harmful substances, but these are often a problem of human psychology since, common sense is not something we excel at so, religion can be used to control substance abuse by persuading people to avoid these, however, law and order can fill this role better and more efficiently with regulations and standards.

With all of that said, I am not condemning religion as a purely bad thing, it’s that religion has pros and cons, and the pros can easily be filled with many other ways of things to believe in. This is not a statement that you should drop your religion, believe in what you want to believe. I do not hate religion; we need to prioritize Science over it.

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W.H.O. and doctors debunk false practices as cure for COVID

by Wayne Omalza

More and more people are making false claims that a product can help us become healthier even if they have not proved it yet, in these trying times. These claims are there for more sales or something else on a similar route. Most of these false claim’s cases occur on social media, with Facebook and Shopee being good examples. Vendors claim that their products, such as vitamin supplements, can treat coronavirus, or their herbal supplements prevent cancer. Groups of people believe that steam inhalation or bathing in hot water can cure the coronavirus. It is best to ignore these false claims and educate others to avoid getting themselves in harm.

Vitamin supplements curing the coronavirus are safe to say that it is a false claim; “Vitamins D and C and zinc are needed for a healthy immune system, however, there is currently no guidance on the use of micronutrient supplements as a treatment of coronavirus”; WHO stated. Herbal supplements preventing cancer are also a false claim; there is not enough evidence to back up. Always try to remember that these are not actual medicines.

Steam inhalation is fake as the coronavirus can’t die by the heat of the steam. People created this practice to help thin the mucus and relieve congestion of a cold and flu. Despite these benefits, doctors warn against this practice as it can do more damage than good; proof of this practice working is not enough.

“We have seen patients coming in with respiratory symptoms not due to the coronavirus, but because of the scalding of airways. Such cases have a history of steam inhalation. Unscientific steam inhalation is probably going to burn the airways.

These can cause problems much worse than the coronavirus.”; said Dr. Mysore, a doctor specializing in the respiratory system. “I have seen cases of asthma symptoms getting worse due to increased steam inhalation.”

The temperature needed to kill the coronavirus in less than three minutes is around 70 Celsius. This temperature will burn your lungs and skin with ease, should you encounter it. These kinds of burns may require surgery to treat.

The same goes with hot water baths, but not for the same reasons. “Taking a hot bath will not stop you from catching coronavirus. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, the temperature of your bath will not change that.” stated the World Health Organization. “Actually, taking a hot bath with very hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.”

The most it can do is kill the coronavirus on your skin, and even then, you are probably on a trip to the hospital for burns.

“The best way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is to keep at least 1 meter away from others and to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. It is also beneficial for your general health to maintain a balanced diet, stay well hydrated, exercise regularly, and sleep well,” states WHO. To protect yourself against COVID-19, disinfect objects and surfaces, especially the ones you touch regularly. You can use diluted bleach or alcohol for that. Make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.”

Coronavirus is a serious disease, but that doesn’t stop us from making ourselves prepared and helping the people who are fighting this disease in our way by staying home and following health and safety protocols. Wear your masks, wash your hands, practice social distancing, never touch your face, call for help when you feel sick, and stay safe.

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How LA Laker beat Miami Heat during the 2020 NBA Finals

by Zeulu Ilagan

LA Lakers with a score of 106-93 beat Miami Hit during the 2020 NBA Finals — game 6, last October 11, 2020.

During the first quarter of the game, the Lakers scored 28 and the Miami Hit followed with the score of 22. The first quarter of the match was a very close match.

During the second quarter, that’s when things looked tough for the Miami Hit. The basketball team Miami Heat was off 28 points resulting in a 64-36 game in the second quarter.

In the third quarter of Game 6, the basketball team Lakers scored 23 points and the Miami Heat with a score of 18 points.

Looks like the basketball team Miami Heat really had a hard time with scoring and defending during their game with the Lakers.

During the fourth and final quarter of the game, LA Lakers won over Miami Heat with the final score of 106-93.

Using his great skills when it comes to playing basketball, player Lebron James was the MVP of the match with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.

The Lakers have now won their 17th NBA championship, tying the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history.

CHINA TRIUMPHED AGAINST ITALY IN THE WOMEN’S VNL 2019

by Jan Jamier Samson HONGKONG, China – Close to being defeated by Italy, China made a comeback and crushed Italy winning three sets in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League on the 6th of July 2019.

The game started, and China failed to seize the first set, 18-25. China had almost won the second set but still failed, 22-25 against Italy.

Italy overwhelmed China with their great strong spikes and amazing receives. But China fought back and won the third set, 25-23. And the fourth set, 26-24.

The last set has come, and both teams are tied with 2-2, determined to seize the final set.

While China passed the ball to Italy, Italy used a lot of force while spiking back to China, but unfortunately, the ball went outside the line. China won with a score of 15-13, giving China the chance to move on to the next game.

China celebrated and was filled with joy, including the audiences shouting at the top of their lungs.

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