The IMSHS Progress | Ismael Mathay Sr. High School | Quezon City

READING CRISIS

Nearly half or 42 percent of the entire population of students have reading proficiency lower than their grade level, with some still performing at an elementary level.

This was reflected in the reading assessment profile conducted by the English Department for the academic year 2023-2024, showing that 1.8 percent of Grade 7 students remain at risk of reading below their grade level, falling as low as grade three or lower.

Similarly, 0.8 percent of Grade 8 students and 0.3 percent of Grade 9 students registered reading proficiency numbers below Grade 3.

The report noted that 1,981 students have very low reading comprehension levels compared to the demands of their current grade level. Of these, 481 are from Grade 7, 30 from Grade 8, 1,051 from Grade 9, and 419 from Grade 10.

STRIVING STUDENTS

Apart from students at risk, the report also identified students who are categorized as striving adolescent readers, whose reading proficiency falls between the fourth and sixth levels.

Ismaelians prefer old school calendar – survey

A survey conducted by The IMSHS Progress showed that for Ismael Mathay Sr. High School, the old school calendar is better than the current school calendar if we are to avoid the scorching heat in the classroom.

The random survey held on the first week of February revealed that 70 percent of the 300 respondents believe that the old school calendar is a better setup to avoid the sweltering summer heat which may hinder the teaching-learning process.

According to Joseph Prasas of 11-HUMSS D and current Secretary of IMSHS-SSLG, the old school calendar is more appropriate in the context of the Philippines.

“Mas maganda pa rin yung old school calendar dahil akma kung kailan mas dapat pumasok ang mga bata,” he said.

Twenty percent of respondents disapprove though, citing that shifting back to old school calendar would mean “less vacation for both teachers and students” and other learning competencies will be compromised.

44 percent of Ismaelians ok AI use as academic tool

Forty four percent of Ismaelians agree to have Artificial Intelligence serve as academic assistants.

36 percent of those who agreed were from Grade 7, 27 percent from Grade 10, while 18 percent came from both Grades

Data revealed that 17.8 percent of Grade 7 students, 15.5 percent of Grade 8 students, 12.5 percent of Grade 9 students, and 3.6 percent of Grade 10 students fall into this category.

Sixty percent of the respondents are male while 40 percent are female.

THE READING ASSESSMENT

Among the regular reading assessment tools used are sample McCall-Crabbs exercises that offer 60 short reading passages followed by 8 multiple-choice questions, structured similarly to standardized test questions.

The assessment tool allocates exactly three minutes for students to read the passage and answer the questions.

Grade equivalents corresponding to each score (number correct) are displayed at the bottom of each page.

READING ISSUES & INTERVENTIONS

Reading has been a serious issue in the Philippines, particularly as learning poverty was identified by the World Bank in 2022 at 91 percent.

The 2022 PISA results also revealed that the Philippines ranked sixth from the bottom in reading, with an average score of 347.

According to Mr. Victor M. Makiraya, Master Teacher II in English and Remedial Reading coordinator, parents’ failure to coordinate and collaborate add up to the students’ poor performance.

“Most parents neglect their children’s reading skills. Lack of follow-up and poor study habits are some of the reasons why it happens,” he said.

To address this, the school requires all departments to conduct various reading intervention programs, which are integrated into the Learning Continuity and Recovery Program of the school.

60-page Student Handbook launched

TOP R. SALIGAN

After almost a decade, Ismael Mathay Sr. High School formally launched its Student Handbook – a 60-page manual containing all school policies, rules, and regulations.

The handbook, released last September 18, 2023, addresses issues related to academic policy, the Saturation drive, the code of discipline, student services, and various policies imposed by the school administration on students, all while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical considerations.

A group of IMSHS teachers with solid backgrounds in law, language, and educational policies convened to finalize the handbook which was also green lighted by school stakeholders.

The absence of certain documents and provisions addressing modern concerns, such as cyberbullying, prompted the school to finalize the content of the handbook.

A video presentation highlighting the key features of the handbook to ensure that other stakeholders could easily understand and appreciate its content online was prepared and posted by The IMSHS Program.

The school anticipates the handbook to empower teachers to address concerns effectively by making well-informed decisions based on the guidelines outlined within its pages.

Each Ismaelian received a copy of the handbook, which, as of this writing, is still in English.

36% 27%

ERIKA D. GARLITOS

Forty four percent of Ismaelians agree to have Artificial Intelligence serve as academic assistants.

CATCH-UP FRIDAYS

Students and teachers encountered challenges during the first day of Catch-Up Friday implementation on January 12.

Department of Education Memorandum No. 001, s 2024, aims to make all Fridays throughout the school year designated for the Catch Up Fridays program that seeks to provide students opportunities to enhance their reading and comprehension skills.

The DepEd notes that it is a learning mechanism intended to strengthen the foundational, social, and other relevant skills necessary to actualize the intent of the basic education memorandum.

Various strategies shall be employed by schools to implement Catch-up Friday, including Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), Read-A-Thon, fora, and invitation of resource persons.

Issues and Concerns

Despite its core initiatives, Catch-Up Friday encountered several challenges.

Kalel Payongayong, a Grade 10 stu-

dent, expressed that while the program might be promising, he observed a sudden decline in his classmates’ attendance every Friday.

“Ok naman po ito. Kaya lang nang malaman nila [his classmates] na magbabasa lang naman sila sa lahat ng subject, hindi na lang pumasok yung iba dahil paulit-ulit lang naman ang ginagawa,” he shared, “...yung mga lessons na dapat tinuturo at ginagawa na natin, na l-late na siya. Kaya yung outcome yung mga teachers minamadali yung lessons, at tayong students ay natatambakan.”

Mrs. Maribeth Umali, a MAPEH teacher, also highlighted key issues such as the lack of materials, training sessions, and orientation.

“Halimbawa ako ay MAPEH teacher, hindi naman kami trained mag-turo ng reading. So paano namin gagawin? Sana bigyan kami ng materials at umattend lang sa training kung paano nga ba ito

gagawin,” Umali emphasized. Keynote Speaker on Reading

The said concern served as the basis for the school to incorporate “Teaching Reading Across All Learning Areas” as a key topic during the In-Service Training for Teachers (INSET) held January 24-26 and 29-30.

Throughout the week-long workshop, Dr. Portia P. Padilla, Reading Coordinator from the College of Education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, emphasized the crucial need for both intensive and extensive approaches to teaching reading, particularly for students facing challenges.

“We don’t merely evaluate our students’ reading skills; we must actively teach them what to read and how to read. Reading instruction should be intensive and tailored to each student’s context,” she underscored.

Mathay streamlines process for lost student ID cards

To improve security measures and streamline administrative processes, the Ismael Mathay Sr. High School (IMSHS) Research Club has implemented official mechanics for handling lost or damaged student identification cards (ID).

This initiative aims to ensure the efficient retrieval and replacement of IDs, maintaining the integrity of the school’s identification system.

Under the newly established protocol, students are required to report the loss of their ID cards immediately upon notice to their respective Class Adviser through various channels such as in-person notification, written notice, or email.

Diaz appointed IMSHS Progress Jr. EIC

▶ BENITO INIGO CHAN

Progress underway for the new EIC.

Ron Eunice Paulyn D.S. Diaz of 10- Del Pilar was appointed to lead the publication, succeeding Glen Augustine Palad.

Diaz has been a campus journalist for almost three years now, and was chosen by her peers for her impressive skills to lead the organization.

“You can expect a more connected partnership between us during press work,” said Diaz, whose goals include a closer and deeper bond while preparing the school publication.

Alongside Diaz, Shekinah Jedidiah M. Alima assumes a leadership role at The IMSHS Progress, bringing with her prior experience as Editor-in-Chief in Grade 10 and serving as Senior Editor-in-Chief for two consecutive years throughout senior high school.

Online engagements will be managed by the Rolando Dala Jr, G11 HUMSS, the new Chief Online Content Editor

Upon notification, the Class Adviser will check the details of the lost ID in a designated form, including the student’s name, Learner’s Reference Number (LRN), grade and section, date of loss, and any pertinent information.

Once the lost ID report form is completed, it is then forwarded to Dr. Arlyn F. Perin, Head Teacher III of the Science Department, for endorsement. Following endorsement, the replacement process is entrusted to the Research Club.

The Research Club then initiates the replacement process by providing an ID card template to be filled out by the Class Adviser. This template will be returned to the club for lamination, ensuring the swift production of a new identification card.

To cover the costs associated with producing a replacement ID, a nominal fee of ₱50.00 is required, as outlined in the IMSHS Student Handbook.

The school believes that this standardized procedure not only ensures the security and accurate identification of students but also underscores the school’s commitment to efficiency and organization in administrative matters.

Curtain Rises on Teatro Mathay: Revival Performance Unveiled

To celebrate the diverse talents among its students, Ismael Mathay Sr. High School revived “Teatro Mathay,” an acting club dedicated to showcasing the unique abilities of each of its members. The relaunch of Teatro Mathay, formerly known as Dulaang Hiyas in the early 2000s, took place last August 2023 when the club hosted its inaugural audition across all levels.

Spearheaded by Mr. Ronaldo F. Berona, Head Teacher III of the Filipino Department,

Stabbing incident calls for strict Saturation Drive implementation

After a full day of classes, Ismaelians left the school not fatigued but fearful, as a stabbing incident involving a group of IMSHS students and outsiders took place in front of the school’s main gate around 7:00 PM on October 25.

The incident prompted the school to strictly implement a Saturation Drive to ensure student safety will not be compromised.

Valentines’ Day at the covered court. Teatro Mathay invites aspiring actors and actresses to join its ranks and share their extraordinary talents with the world. For those interested in becoming part of this venture, members may reach out to Mrs. Crizia Obeña, the club adviser, or contact Mr. Brandy Dizon, the club president from 10-Rizal.

The resolution, signed on January 30, 2023, aims to hold periodic, unannounced, and random saturation drives among Junior and Senior High School students to confiscate items classified “deadly and prohibited”.

The resolution was approved by school stakeholders, including the head teachers, Administrative Officer, Faculty Club President, GPTA President, SSG Adviser, and SSG President. IMSHS is not the only school to experience similar incident. It can be recalled that Culiat HIgh School and San Francisco High School experienced the same stabbing incidents involving their students.

EMILIO CASULLA, SHANE CHAVEZ, ANDREA NICOLE SUGABO

▶ PAULA MARLEXA V. MARAJ & LOUSE ASIS

IMSHS beefs up competent educators via Teacher Induction Program

No teacher will be left behind.

This was the primary purpose of the 2023 Teacher Induction Program conducted at the audio-visual room of Ismael Mathay Sr. High School from September 29 to December 1.

The TIP was spearheaded by Principal IV Dr. Modesto G. Villarin, Asst. Principal Mr. Percival M. Reginio and Master Teacher II Agustus Czaesar M. Parra and it was the first-ever event where all the IMSHS master teachers joined forces to facilitate and implement. Some 30 teachers with less than three years of experience in public schools participated in the program. “The teachers are fortunate

COMMUNITY ISSUE

to have a training program like this. Our batch had to familiarize ourselves with the context independently,” recalled Mr. Ramil Jhon P. Magno, one of the trainers and master teachers. “The new teachers will gain insight into the public-school context, culture, and it will dispel some of their questions and concerns.”

Throughout the sessions, modules were provided to the teachers to acquaint them with the Department of Education’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, their rights, privileges, as well as campus rules.

IMSHS joins UP-initiated Media Information Literacy Project

Ismael Mathay Sr. High School took part in the University of the Philippines Media Information Literacy Project launch last October 6 wherein the official YouTube Channel was inaugurated.

The platform shares essential concepts and addresses media literacy issues, featuring discussions moderated by distinguished journalists in the Philippines.

During her address, MIL Project Head Kara David delved into the pressing issue of fake news and pointed out its potential lack of technical precision, emphasizing the contradictory nature of its components: “fake” implying falsehood and “news” inherently expected to be accurate.

David provided an insightful breakdown of the different types of “fake news” that permeate the digital landscape, noting distinctions between Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation, emphasizing the significance of understanding each term in combating the proliferation of false information.

According to David, misinformation involves the unwitting dissemination of false information by individuals unaware of its inaccuracy. In contrast, disinformation entails the intentional spread of false information with the aim of causing harm. Malinformation, meanwhile, comprises true information manipulated to cause harm.

The GMA-7 documentarist further illuminated the audience on the seven categories of “fake news” –Satire/Parody, False Connection, Misleading Content, False Context, Imposter Content, Manipulated Content, and Fabricated Content.

The project started through a series of focus group discussions involving educators who handle MIL subjects from schools from different parts of the country in April 2023.

Dr. Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II, Head of the IMSHS English Department was among those who took part in the task.

“Tuloy pa rin ang pagkukuwento” —

Severino on modern journalism

AICEL QUILITORIO, BENITO INIGO CHAN

“Patuloy na magkwento at maging boses ng ating komunidad”

Thus stressed renowned journalist Howie Severino on the evolving landscape of journalism and the critical role of effective story telling in contemporary society during the Media Information Literacy Project Program launch at the College of Mass CommunicationUniversity of the Philippines Quezon City.

Severino also acknowledged the challenges faced by journalism today, attributing its perceived irrelevance to the influence of politics.

Despite this, he expressed optimism about rejuvenating the profession, emphasizing the pivotal role that young journalists across the country can play in this resurgence.

He emphasized their crucial responsibility in exposing corruption and functioning as the last line of defense for democracy in a country.

Severino pointed out that journalists are not merely observers of history but also the “microphones” of ordinary citizens. They provide a platform for people to voice their opinions and ideas about those in power, a right inherent in a democratic society.

“Hindi lang tayo (journalists) na saksi sa kasaysayan, mikropono rin tayo ng taong bayan. Bilang mga mamamahayag, mahalaga na maging bahagi tayo ng pagsusulong ng karapatan ng bawat isa,” Severino asserted, as he urged journalists to serve as “microphones” for communities that often go unheard and are marginalized by society.

The event was attended by Dr. Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II, Head Teacher III in English, and Mr. Ramil Jhon P. Magno, the school paper adviser of The IMSHS Progress.

Stop talking, start doing Jefrey “Jef” Corullo Canoy, known as Jeff Canoy, stressed the importance of collaboration, instead of just merely talking, in fighting disinformation during the Media Information Literacy launch at the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) held on Friday, October 6.

Canoy, reporter, anchor, and host for ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, joined the panel discussion alongside renowned journalists such as Kara David, Howie Severino, and Ellen Tordesillas where the importance of individuals critically and objectively evaluating media and information was discussed.

“Palaging sinasabing collaboration ang solution. But it’s all talk. But now we finally get to see when we stop talking and actually start doing things,” he emphasize.

Canoy challenged the audience to respond to fake news, revealing that many people lacked a fundamental understanding of what news entails and the importance of people actively seeking information rather than being passive consumers.

“Over the last few years, I always get the question ‘ano ba ang fake news.’ It’s hard to explain because I found out that a lot of people don’t know what news is to begin with.” he said.

“It’s very important for us to learn how to actually be active participants in this mass of information rather than be passive,” he added.

Addressing a question about teaching fact-checking to close-minded individuals, Canoy highlighted the significance of listening and understanding their perspective before attempting to address the issue of closemindedness.

“Pag close-minded ka, it’s very important for us to listen kung bakit, to also understand their perspective. So just listen, and from there kung ano man marinig mo saka tayo sumagot kung pano tugunan ang pagiging closeminded,” he stated.

Canoy also suggested that journalists should not limit themselves to one media platform, as he recommended tapping into more modern and popular websites to reach wider audiences.

“Go where the audience is. Nandun ‘yung audience ehh (referring to Tiktok). If we’re here to give information, bakit ayaw natin pasukin itong mga mundong ito?” he concluded.

AICEL QUILITORIO

SHEKINAH JEDIDIAH M. ALIMA

DERRECK JOHN MIKHALE R. REYES

STRAIGHT FROM THE EXPERT

Photo by: Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II.

ALL FILIPINO SOLUTION

EDUCATION NEWS

Duterte removes some admin tasks of teachers

ZOE NEANNE SANCHEZ

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte issued an order relieving teachers of administrative tasks so they can concentrate more on teaching.

Duterte also promised additional benefits for teachers to improve student education amid the ongoing educational crisis.

Duterte emphasized the need for DepEd to address the issue of overworked teachers as she revealed plans that include overtime pay.

“DepEd will propose a budget that will enable us to grant overtime pay to our teachers,” Duterte said.

The Vice President added plans to provide insurance to the 900,000 teaching and nonteaching personnel of the DepEd.

“The insurance coverage seeks to ease the financial burden on our teachers when accidents happen,” she said.

Romualdez speaks about prioritizing Filipino-made vehicles

ouse Speaker Martin Remualdez joined the dialogue by Deputy Speaker David Suarez and House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Elizaldy Co, together with the local jeepney manufacturers and house leaders in Makati City where he gave his statement about prioritizing

Romualdez said that prioritizing locally-made vehicles in Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP) would increase the potential for job creation and other advantages of supporting domestic manufacturing.

“Ang priority po natin ay Philippine-made, as this will bring out Philippine jobs and all other benefits” he said.

IMSHS scribe snags 3rd place in YMCA Writing tilt

IMSHS quills are made to win.

Benito Joaquin Chan, editorial writer of The IMSHS Progress, placed 3rd during the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) On-The-Spot Essay Writing Contest

held in Ermita, Manila October 7.

The IMSHS Progress member and Grade 10 student went up against 21 contenders from public and private schools and came out as the only public school student ranked in the top 3. “It kinda felt good, since I was the only one from the public schools to land in the

He also gave assurance that President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. would certainly support this initiative.

“Asahan niyo po na si Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr., kagaya ng kaniyang ama, ay suportado ang anumang Philippine-made initiatives,” the speaker added.

top three,” Chan said. Divine Grace School won 1st place while Immaculate Con ception Cathedral School (ICCS) placed 2nd. He credits his editori al writing background for his performance in the contest because according to him, essay writing and editorial writing do have similarities.

The event was partici pated in by around 30 students from public and private schools fro Quezon City. This win adds to the list of awards Chan won last year in the district and division-level press conferences as an editorial writer.

Finishing, he pointed out the importance of supporting homegrown talent, highlighting the innovation and expertise demonstrated by the local manufacturers.

According to him local jeepney manufacturers play a crucial role in reshaping the nation’s public transport to meet the modern standards.

BACK 2 BACK

IMSHS clinches back-to-back CD6 Journ crowns

Ismael Mathay Sr. High School secured the overall district title for the second straight year as the English and Filipino teams achieved the highest scores in both individual and group categories.

The English Journalism team bagged the top prize in all group categories including Radio Broadcasting, TV Broadcasting, Collaborative Desktop Publishing, and Online

Publishing. The English scribes also won gold in eight of the ten individual categories.

Aiming to reclaim victory...

As part of their preparation for the forthcoming Regional Schools Press Conference, Quezon City launched it’s first-ever Journalism Academy last March 2 at Placido Del Mundo Elementary School. The six-Saturday training involves elementary and secondary campus journalists placed in the top three of the recently-concluded Division press Conference of QC and was facilitated by the Quezon City Elementary and Secondary School Paper Advisers Associations. It was held at different campuses throughout the

The Filipino Journalism team also dominated in various individual categories and both its Collaborative and Online teams also advanced to the Division Secondary Schools Press Conference.

According to Mrs. Nimfa R. Gabertan, Education Program Supervisor 1 in charge of Journalism, the training serves as an intervention for campus journalists to bring home the championship in the regional level. “If we did not make it last year, I hope this

BENITO INIGO CHAN

ROLANDO DALA JR.

2 department heads deployed at IMSHS

Teachers from the Mathematics and TLE departments met with their respective academic heads who were deployed by the Schools Division Office of Quezon City during the second quarter of the current school year.

Mr. Benigno F. Baluyut, who served as Teacher III in Mathematics at Bagong Silangan High School was installed as the Head Teacher III of the Mathematics Department.

Mr. Dario Vargas, former NegoTech Admin Head at the Schools Division Office-Quezon City, took over as the new Head Teacher III of the TLE Department.

They filled the vacancies left by former Mathematics Head Percival Reginio and Darwin Penaso.

new set of School Parent-Teachers Association for school year 2023-2024 was named and presented during the General Assembly at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School.

The official list of officers include John Ryan Dacer (President); Constancio P. Baquiran Jr. (Vice-President); Hazel Joy D. Ganzan (Secretary); Melanie D. Asuncion (Treasurer); Maria Rosalie S. Sakdalan (Business Manager); Lailani M. Macatangay (Auditor); Argel Joseph Dela Paz (Collection and Disbursement Officer).

The officers engage in numerous

school-based initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of both students and teachers at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School. Notable among their endeavors are projects dedicated to the enhancement of comfort rooms, cleanliness, and various physical innovations within the school premises.

CD6 solon to donate laptops, TVs, camera for IMSHS scribes

The office of Congresswoman Marivic Co-Pilar has committed to donating two laptops, two flat-screen TVs, and one DSLR camera to support the English and Filipino Journalism teams of IMSHS following their back-to-back overall championships during the Congressional District 6 Secondary Schools Press Conference.

The congresswoman also expressed her intent to provide two small studio rooms for the broadcasting teams.

This initiative aims to enhance the communication and broadcasting skills of campus scribes as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

Drawing inspiration from the successful transformation of the audiovisual room at Emilio Jacinto National High School, Congresswoman Co-Pilar seeks to replicate the effort at IMSHS.

This involves converting the space into a sound-proof, airconditioned room, fostering an environment conducive to optimal learning and broadcasting activities.

Ismaelians participate in STE Program

Ismael Mathay Sr. High School participated in the 2023 Division Science Project held at Quezon City Science HS Gymnasium last October 21, 2023 to better understand science contexts in the K-12 Curriculum.

The 20-day workshop-training involved several public schools in the Schools Division OfficeQuezon City.

The program titled STRIVE (Science, Technology, and Research in Innovative Ventures) is designed for Grade 5, 8, and Senior high learners with the objective of cultivating young leaders, researchers, scientists, and mathematicians for the future by teaching and demonstrating curriculumbased activities related to science, technology, and research.

Partner organizations of the program include Philsa (Philippine Space Agency), DOST (Department of Science and Technology), Pisay (Philippine Science High School System), and Felta Multi-Media Inc.

Jonred Guinto, a member of the STRIVE team, expressed gratitude for being part of the program

“First time experience ito sa akin, lalong-lalo na ‘yung may makikilala kang mga bagong students galing sa iba’t-ibang schools. Talagang worth it ‘yung experience na ‘yon at nagpapasalamat ako sa mga organisasyon na nagturo sa’min” he said.

SCHOOL NEWS

ROLANDO DALA JR.

New SPTA officers named, set sights on cleanliness projects

The

SCHOOL NEWS

ROLANDO DALA JR.

SANJOE PEPITO

SCHOOL NEWS

JUDEA ALTA AGAPAY.

Photo by:

CLASSROOM SOLIDARITY

There have been many cases of school violence among students, such as sexual harassment, bullying, and assault. Some of these incidents include the stabbing incidents that occurred at Culiat High School, San Francisco High School, and unfortunately, even at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School. That is why people in school settings need to foster classroom solidarity to prevent such cases of school violence.

Violence in school “can be devastating for the victims,” according to the United Nations (UN), stressing that it has an “adverse impact on academic achievement and subsequent education and employment prospects.”

Indeed, most of the consequences of school violence are irreversible, especially when a victim’s life is ended by a classmate, a teacher, or even a school official in just the blink of an eye.

This was what happened to a 13-yearold male student who was stabbed and killed by his 15-year-old classmate inside Culiat High School in Quezon City on Friday (Jan.

20, 2023), at 5:45 a.m.

Another stabbing incident was reported outside San Francisco High School in Quezon City after class hours in the afternoon. What is even more alarming is the mere fact that IMSHS also experienced cases of stabbing outside the school after class hours. While it is fortunate that there was no major casualty reported, this incident should not be ignored.

Thus, the school heavily promoted the concept of Classroom Solidarity to handle issues of underreported cases of violence.

Just like what happened months ago when two Ismaelians were

and literally, actual stabbing. Do as they

The sad reality is, crimes happen every day, and they take place in even schools, and with students themselves as the culprits and perpetrators. We have heard of numerous issues regarding high school romances and love triangles that led to stabbings or worse death. Most are blamed on school incompetence in guarding the facilities, which are valid. But to be fair and honest, the guards couldn’t possibly be the only ones at fault.

Yes, it is true that keeping these types of issues from happening within the parameters of the school grounds is their main job. But, if think about it, they can only look through the hallways and into the classrooms. They aren’t always with the students to monitor each student’s behavior. After all, these issues also root back to personal reasons.

Talking about behavior, most may say that it is the parents’ responsibilities. It might be true, but in classroom set ups teachers shall stand in their positions.

As the second parent of the students, it can be said

reportedly missing and found roaming around near Bulacan due to ‘family problems’.

The class officers were quick to respond and report to the authorities until the school immediately provided the necessary steps to find the students.

Thus, Classroom solidarity is now an essential component of our education system today. It is more important than ever that we foster a culture of classroom solidarity, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of our education system and the importance of working together to create a more just and equitable future for all students.

Teachers should promote classroom solidarity by creating a positive classroom climate and promoting collaboration and teamwork through the use of team-building activities during homeroom time. By doing so, they can create a learning environment that is conducive to the holistic development of their students.

Within the curriculum, values are treated globally: the school is a social agent whose responsibility is to train future citizens. In particular, solidarity teaches students to live with others, to share and work as a team, respecting differences and avoiding individualism.

The sad reality is, crimes are being held at school nowadays – and the culprits are students themselves.

that another reason why such crimes take place in schools was because of their inadequate support and guidance to the students.

It might be argued that teachers don’t have a hold of their students especially as they still spend more time outside the educational institutions and it is true as students only spend six hours per day at school. However, these six hours when summed up will be 30 hours per week. That amount of time is enough to provide the students a hand as they walk to emotional stability without any blood being shed.

Now, how will the teachers be able to utilize this period of time to discuss their lessons but at the same time have a connection strong enough to mold a student’s character?

In group presentations or reporting, one of the criteria would be the group’s effectiveness. In other words, effectiveness is the ability of the presenter to connect to their listeners. Usually, it can be achieved through the intervention of relatable topics and even “hugots”.

Through the same method

teachers would also be able to connect to their students more to the point that not only will their brains be touched, also their hearts.

To be honest, with the teachers’ maturity and experiences, they have probably seen the different phases of life which will make it easier for them to filter which approach a student will need. After all, someone to understand us, teenagers in our adolescent years, is our greatest wish.

Not only will this prevent school violence, it will also shape us into people who will be able to face the outside world more efficiently. It is time for the teachers to learn their own lessons and apply it to their lives just like what they want us to do.

After all, the best way of leading is to do what you’re teaching. They can instill good moral and values top children as they have the ability to do so. Teachers might not be the children’s parents, but they can take action to prevent school violence, and one way is by educating students with good character.

“

Classroom solidarity is an essential component of our education system today. It is more important than ever that we foster a culture of classroom solidarity, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of our education system

HOT TAKE

The peace-forbidden East

The Middle East, a patch of land between Central Asia and Africa, has never experienced a long-lasting peace ever since the end of the Persian Gulf War, and in a recent turn of events, yet another war encroached the Levantine Region, triggered by religious and ethnic dispute - the Israel and Hamas conflict, having already claimed more than 2,000 deaths.

I see this war as nothing but a bloodbath, and it is very much saddening and alarming that these are the civilians who were being squashed between the boots of Islamic extremists and the heels of Zionist warmongers. Keenly following the news regarding the armed conflict, I find it a useless war and it must be stopped to prevent a massive humanitarian catastrophe.

But it all narrows down to this question: how did it all come into this?

Well, there are quite a lot of reasons, but one of them can be quite odd enough, and that involves the United Kingdom. You see, the Levant was once part of the British Mandate, acquiring it after the First World War. After the Second World War, the Brits decided to give Israel and Palestine independence. Sounds good, right? But unequal territorial division led to armed clashes which eventually exploded in a complex series of wars between the Arabs and the Israelites.

Another thing to be noted is the ethnic difference. Palestinians and Israelis came from different backgrounds, with the former being of Arabic origins. And with the spark of Zionism (the concept where Jews and Semites are the ones who hold the territorial rights in the Levant), it led to many being expelled, or just outright put to death. And again, that angered the surrounding Arab nations which is why we have the four-part Arab-Israeli wars.

And for the golden trigger of the entire mess, the religious differences. It’s not uncommon for me to see religious debates escalate into serious brawls, and remembering one quote that stuck into my mind, “too much religion makes hypocrisy”, it could easily describe the rift between Islam and Judaism. Both worshipped one God, but the craze of Islamic extremism turned terrorism and Zionist nationalism turned genocide created a hell hole that might not get sealed yet. It is indeed a humanitarian catastrophe. A bloodbath where goals are only to wear down one another in a war of attrition that endangers millions of people living in the Gaza Strip and Southern Israel. This war must be stopped.

The two parties - Israel and Palestine, mainly Hamas, must both acknowledge their responsibilities on the rising death toll within the war and make a compromise. Although a slap in the face for both parties, they have already soiled their reputations enough for them to be both labeled as warmongers. The United Nations must also take prompt actions, making both parties accountable for the war and for the civilian deaths.

As for us, the youth and the students, all we can do is educate ourselves about the world’s horrible wars and take the right side that sides with human rights and freedom. Behind all these chaos lies our desire to have peace after all. For now, the least we can do is be thankful that we are not the one sleeping with life’s uncertainty and being bombarded by fallen bombs from time to time and hope for the East to finally meet its peace once and for all.

EYE FOR AN EYE

Addressing Theft in the Campus: A Call for Action

The recent string of thefts at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School has sent shockwaves among students and faculty alike. What should be a place of learning and safety has become scarred by incidents of stolen property, leaving victims feeling violated and vulnerable.

The latest incident, where the editorin-chief of the campus journalists had her cell phone snatched from the Journalism room, highlights the urgent need for action.

It is disheartening to note that these thefts have not been isolated occurrences. In the days following the incident, reports of stolen items flooded online platforms, with both teachers and students expressing their concern and frustration.

The lack of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance within the school premises has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the prevalence of theft. Without proper monitoring, perpetrators are emboldened to commit such acts with impunity, knowing that their identities may never be uncovered.

Moreover, the response from school authorities to these incidents has been concerning. Victim-blaming has sadly become all too common, with individuals being chastised for not being vigilant enough or for simply possessing personal belongings such as cellphones. Such remarks only serve to invalidate the experiences of those who have fallen prey to theft, fostering a culture of impunity where perpetrators escape accountability while victims are left feeling further victimized.

It is imperative that concrete steps be taken to address this pressing issue and restore a sense of security within the school community. Firstly, the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations throughout the campus must be prioritized. Not only will this serve as a deterrent to potential thieves, but it will also aid in the swift identification and apprehension of perpetrators should incidents occur.

Also, there needs to be a shift in the school’s approach to handling theft cases. Instead of resorting to victimblaming, a more proactive stance must be adopted, one that focuses on supporting and empowering victims while holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. This could involve implementing educational programs on theft prevention and promoting a culture of mutual respect and responsibility within the school community.

By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, the school can work towards creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for all.

The recent spate of thefts at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School serves as a wake-up call for immediate action. It is only through collective effort and determination that we can effectively combat theft and ensure that our school remains a place where learning flourishes and students thrive.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I hope our school will put effort in repairing or re-evaluating the condition of all the buildings, especially the Old Castelo Building, which were damaged by an earthquake last 2020. This is helpful so that we, students, can learn on a safe and healthy environment.

- ( John Gerard Bajar)

8- Valencia

Teachers should not show favoritism and should instead strive to treat all students equally. This is essential as it ensures fairness for those who properly complete their tasks, yet may receive lower grades compared to others who do not.

(Louise Jane L. Makiraya)

7 - Mapanuri

There were numerous booths offering various attractions last February 14, including opportunities to meet new people, food stalls, and face painting stations. There were performances on stage, making it a delightful event. However, my concern lies in the lack of space and the overwhelming crowd. One encounters considerable congestion and disorganization. Organizers should implement better spatial arrangements to alleviate overcrowding and minimize disruptions.

(Reyes, Patrick James C.)

9-Almario

Students must always keep the bathrooms clean after using the toilet at all times. Janitors have a hard time cleaning up the mess the students made. Vandalizing the school bathrooms should also be stopped. Keeping the school bathroom clean is a must by following the basic rules.

(Samantha Petracorta)

9 - Almario

Closer look at MATATAG framework

Department of Education (DepEd) officials clarified that the MATATAG Curriculum, which aims to decongest basic education competencies, was established not just to improve Filipino learners’ performance in international assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), but to improve their overall performance.

Despite the good intentions of the officials with coming up with this plan of theirs, it would only prove detrimental to our education system since it would take a lot of time and budget to adjust to the new system. We must also consider the effort it would take for teachers to teach the so-called “foundational skills” to students who aren’t even receptive to learning in the first place.

Firstly, the capability of students to actively learn is a major factor in classes whether or not a lesson sticks to a student’s mind, but how can they focus on their studies if things such as

“We must also consider the effort it would take for teachers to teach the so-called “foundational skills” to students who aren’t even receptive to learning in the first place.

poverty, family, and rest creeps up their mind? According to the Asian Development Bank, 18.1% of Filipinos, 18.1% of our 120 million populace currently live below the national poverty line. Additionally, this may be another one of their half-baked solutions, such as their Catchup Fridays, that aims to fix the shared problem of the MATATAG curriculum, which is the low literacy, numeracy, and learning rate of Filipino students throughout the nation. But reading books every Friday, or giving out another set of modules to students will not fix the root problem.

When students are exempted from understanding the lessons of responsibility and consequences for lack of effort, action, and commitment to learning, programs simply won’t work. The programs fail to consider that there is a deeper problem than low literacy, etc. that is causing these things, and that is poverty, family tensions, and overall a lack of interest within studies whether out of necessity or laziness. The solutions that DepEd cooked up are only ephemeral in nature, after all. Fixing the root problem, will fix the branches that follow it.

The Third Restroom

Third restroom, an issue that has spread throughout different places, specially, schools. The issue of bathroom accessibility for transgender and non-binary students are said to be the potential solution to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and supported in their educational environment.

I believe it is a bit uncomfortable to be in the same bathroom as your opposite sex, so it is good to give them their own bathrooms and I believe that everyone deserves access to safe and inclusive restroom facilities, regardless of gender identity.

Many transgender and non-binary students at IMSHS express discomfort and fear when using traditional gender-specific

bathrooms, which can negatively impact their sense of belonging and well-being. Denying them access to appropriate restroom facilities goes against the principles of equality and respect.

Having a third bathroom at the IMSHS not only ensures inclusivity but also aligns with the principles outlined in the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression)

MATTERS

The Department of Education (DepEd) is currently studying the possibility of reverting the school calendar to June – March after it was changed to an August – June schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we must also consider the impact on our teachers and students who will primarily be affected by this adjustment. According to DepEd Assistant Secretary Bringas, the majority of Filipinos agree with the newly drafted plan to return the calendar to June opening, although there are a few minor

Bill, advocating for the rights and protection of individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. By providing a designated space where everyone feels respected and comfortable, regardless of gender identity, Mathay School can actively contribute to creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

It’s evident that our current bathroom setup at IMSHS doesn’t adequately address the needs of transgender and non-binary students, leading to issues of inclusivity and safety within our school community. Schools should consider implementing gender-neutral or third bathrooms, providing a safe and inclusive space for all students to use the restroom comfortably. By doing so, we can promote a more accepting and supportive school environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

“adjustments that still need to be made. Opponents say otherwise, even if it would benefit students by aligning with the March – April (Summer Season) to prevent major complications such as heatstroke and to allow them to stay home to ‘beat the summer heat’, it could still create disruptions during the month of June (Rainy Season), affecting students’ first semester. If this change happens, it could contribute to the economic growth of our transportation system due

Many transgender and non-binary students at IMSHS express discomfort and fear when using traditional gender-specific bathrooms, which can negatively impact their sense of belonging and well-being.

to increased day-to-day passengers. Some guardians of learners also express their approval, saying, “The school calendar before was far more convenient than today; besides, it’s the system we’re used to.” We hope that the plan will not be executed haphazardly and that the necessary consultations will take place. Otherwise, students and teachers on the ground will be significantly affected, while those in power may once again devise policies hastily.

Old Vs. New Schedule

Truth-Teller Out; Truth Remains In

Raymundo: Embodying leaderships beyond titles

He may not hold a formal title like SSLG officer or campus journalist, nor lead an organization, yet his commitment shines as he dedicates himself tirelessly, offering his services daily from 5AM to 7PM. Meet Raymundo Villanueva, a 15-yearold Grade 10 student whose commitment to improving the school community knows no bounds.

In the bustling corridors of Ismael Mathay Sr. High School, amidst the chatter of students and the hum of academic pursuit, Raymundo stands out as a beacon of a young and respected leader. He gets nothing from the campus out of his utmost efforts, but he never seem to tire serving his fellow students. From the crack of dawn until the fading light of evening, Raymundo tirelessly dedicates himself to serving his fellow Ismaelians. He makes sure that students are in their respective lines during the assembly. Those who are younger or even older than him respect him a lot because of his leadership skills. A running joke of him being a teacher in the body of a student ensues.

He currently lives alone, but he is a part of a family of six with three siblings and his parents. But before all these was a student who got motivated to be of assistance to a teacher.

Raymundo started to serve Ismaelians when he volunteered to help a teacher on organizing the students’ line before going out of the school when he was just in Grade 9. As time went by and he stepped on 10th grade, his MAPEH teacher Mr. Domingo Escobido provided him with his first whistle that inspired him to continue serving the campus. This is no longer surprising as he dreams of becoming a licensed professional teacher out of his passion to teach other people. Yet, in his noble pursuit, Villanueva encounters resistance. Some students, resistant to

discipline, push back against his efforts, criticizing his approach. He admitted that sometimes he gets tired of them, but he assures that he will never get tired of what he is doing. Even his family who supports him on his gestures of commitment to the campus sometimes gives him negative comments, but he still continues to be of service. Despite facing adversity and hearing the murmurs of disapproval, Villanueva refuses to waver. Instead, he stands resolute, unwavering in his commitment to his

role as a student leader. Raymundo Villanueva is more than just a student leader; he is a testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication. His unwavering commitment to serving his school without expectation of reward sets him apart as a true exemplar of leadership. In a world where recognition often eludes the selfless, Villanueva’s story serves as a reminder that true greatness lies not in accolades, but in the profound impact one has on others.

More than 10 hours of navigating the road, sending strangers to their destinations. Witnessing the perspectives of life through passing by hundreds of streets. Doing mental Mathematics the entire day to send back my passengers’ fare change – all while ensuring that they are safe.

As a traditional jeepney driver, this has been my life for more than a decade. Every journey I take daily is a journey not just for me, but for my children, to put a meal on our table, and to hopefully escape the seemingly-unending poverty. After driving through the routes, I trail off daily, I’d ask myself, “Where to next?”

However, this time it’s not just about routes anymore. With the Public Utility Vehicle modernization program of the Department of Transportation, I ask myself again, “Where to next?” as my life could fall apart, as I could lose everything I have, and my life can possibly lose direction.

To begin with, I don’t have the capability to produce such a huge amount of money within a short period of time to renew my franchise or find a transport cooperative for me to join. I am barely surviving daily with an average income of PHP 2,500.00 that will be reduced with my additional expenses— gasoline allowance and my jeepney maintenance with its old machine and mechanical parts. What doubles the burden is the gigantic price of the modernized jeepney. It costs around P2.2–P2.4 million…

that is greater than my entire fortune. I can hardly finance my family’s needs. A sudden necessity to upgrade my vehicle is needed, all I can do is sigh. The government says they will provide us with a PUV modernization subsidy of P160,000–P360,000, but the difference it will make is so little. My fellow jeepney drivers and I still have to cover up for the remaining amount of money that we have to find. It flattens my hopes, silences the horns of my desire to make a change in my life to escape poverty. Instead of escaping poverty, I see myself trapped in it but in a deeper hole compared to how it was before. What’s worse is I am not the only one who will lose a sense of direction, but my children as well. I may be called the ‘king of the road’ but I am merely a servant of my

Dear God, My knees have been scrapped with unanswered prayers. My safety had been put at risk for my once a dream that became a nightmare. God, I remember how hard I trained and went all out for this job. My, my...with 198 media workers killed in the Philippines, never have I ever expected to add one to that number. Maybe my dream of becoming a famous broadcaster like Michael Enriquez will never be fulfilled. Or maybe it will get fulfilled...but for another reason. I pray to you, I ask you to guide me along the way. The very first time I stepped in front of that camera; I was a reporter. My mic was wrapped around my hand and my body was all tensed up for whatever issue I was reporting about. With my thoughts focused on how everyone was hearing me on the radio as an anchor, I felt my heart pounding with joy. I thanked you, for making me feel like you were the reason for my success. I pressured you to make me achieve my goal faster than anyone, not knowing this goal of mine would lead me to my death. Years passed and every year, each fact and news I received got heavier and heavier. Slowly, I started to realize that this fantasy of mine wasn’t such a dream...but also a nightmare. With each detail I discovered about the world around me, things started to change. So, I prayed to you, God, asking for your guidance- not until you disappeared during my darkest hour. But somehow, along the way, you started drifting away. Each dirty information I have discovered about the higher-ups, executives, and politicians made me hesitant about revealing the truth to the public. Secrets that all journalists are too scared to say. Secrets that can cost me my life if I uncovered these to the public. With no longer knowing what to do, things started to change. Is this the dream I prayed to you for? So, I found myself alone in fear, lost, and confused. “What must I do?” was the question I constantly asked myself as I sat on my chair, with my mic and camera on. I’m on live. There are so many things I want to reveal, but the fear inside me is stopping me. The anxiety rushed through my veins with my heart beating rapidly. If I don’t speak now about what’s going on in the country, then who the heck will?

I know that my own words would cost me my life, but this was my role.

I know that they already know that I figured it out and that anytime soon, they’ll come for me. So, I’ll die, knowing the truth will no longer remain hidden. I’ll tell the truth, the secrets they chose to hide, and the information I know. I know that after this, or maybe during this, they’ll take me out. But the truth will remain in, and no longer hidden. The killing of journalists might prevail… but it’s just for now.

family. I have to feed my children thrice a day and make sure they have access to education. After all, all I want is to see my child have a medal of their own and have their graduation pictures hang on our wall. Until then, I won’t to stop driving my jeepney and pursue financial stability. But now, how? I can’t afford to see them crying and thinking of pausing their education just to find a job and support our family after I lose my jeepney franchise. I can’t afford the expenses. I need to catch up with the jeepney modernization program, but what I cannot afford to see is my family losing their sense of direction in life. Where to next? Where is my jeepney going? Where is my life going? Where is our country going? In a world where technological advancement and transportation progression is necessary to upgrade the quality of living, it is undeniable that our country needs to come up with changes. However, I did not see it coming this way. Now, I am stuck to hoping I will not be left behind –that my fellow jeepney drivers and I can still ply our routes freely, and that years from now we can still be called ‘Hari ng Kalsada.’ Being a jeepney driver is not just a mere profession nor a mode to get a source of income. It is a badge of honor, but sadly it is slowly being taken away from me.

Yours truly, Journalist

▶ ZOE NEANNE SANCHEZ

Raymundo Villanueva, a Grade 10 student, stays from 5 AM to 7 PM every school day to assist the school with various activities, including peach and order safekeeping, earning him the respect of the community.

YOUNG LEADER

Photo by: Rolando R. Dala Jr.

The Risks Posed by ChatGPT

The advent of conversational AI systems like ChatGPT brings both promise and peril. While these systems offer remarkable convenience and utility, they also pose significant dangers, particularly concerning privacy, misinformation, and ethical implications.

Risk of Misinformation. ChatGPT may generate inaccurate or misleading information, leading to the spread of misinformation if not carefully monitored and verified by teachers.

Lack of Human Interaction. Overreliance on ChatGPT for learning may diminish opportunities for meaningful human interaction and collaboration, which are essential for social and emotional development.

Ethical Concerns. ChatGPT raises ethical concerns regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the responsible use of AI technology in educational settings, requiring careful consideration and oversight by educators.

Dependency on Technology. Dependency on ChatGPT for learning may foster a reliance on technology and impede the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and

“independent inquiry. Potential for Distraction. ChatGPT may distract students from the primary learning objectives or lead to off-topic discussions, detracting from the overall effectiveness of classroom instruction.

Limitations of AI. ChatGPT has limitations in understanding context, nuance, and complex queries, which may result in incomplete or unsatisfactory responses to student inquiries, frustrating learning experiences.

Ultimately, the effective integration of ChatGPT in the classroom requires careful consideration of its advantages and disadvantages, along with proactive measures to mitigate risks and maximize learning outcomes. Teachers should provide guidance, supervision, and critical oversight to ensure responsible and ethical usage of AI technology in educational settings

The effective integration of ChatGPT in the classroom requires careful consideration of its advantages and disadvantages, along with proactive measures to mitigate risks and maximize learning outcomes.

AI-gorithm: electric boogaloo

Your stomach suddenly growled. Ooh! I can just hit up the internet and search for good recipes to cook.

Press Google. Pray for the algorithm.

Hit the search bar, then type “chicken pot pie recipe”. Within just seconds, millions of results came flooding in. From Michelin-rated recipes to suspicious cookbook recipes, you are given so many choices that you do not know what to choose. Nevertheless, it’s just a chicken pot pie recipe, although there’s too many to choose from. You then clicked one of the results, leading you to a cooking website.

Nice!

You browsed.

Here’s the recipe: chicken, cubed, spices, potatoes, carrots, a dash of olive oil, flour, water, and other stuff that made you heave a sigh. Should you cook, or no? Well, you’re hungry, so you thought of just cooking.

A shining light through a closing door

FINISHED. LETTING GO. COMPLETED. As we say goodbye to a chapter in our lives, we can hear the echoes of emotions in the air. It’s like the sound of crying or the soft sighs that come with LETTING GO.

“Sighh...”

When a chapter ends, tears fall like raindrops in a stormy night, creating a mix of sadness and relief. It’s a moment of release, where we can let our emotion’s flow freely. It’s like a happy moment when you can say, “Yes! I’m finally free.” Within a closed chapter, we find a collection of memories and triumph that have shaped us, leaving a lasting impact on our lives.

But, with all of these thoughts and happiness of being free. There is this girl whose journey transcends the boundaries of vision, whose artistic skill once graced galleries and captivated audiences.

There was the girl standing in front of a mirror holding a single brush with paint stains on it and a large canva on her other hand saying, “I’m gonna be an artist who will inspire people with my art.”

From that day on, she already knew

she would be an artist who will inspire many. As she grows up, she creates tons and tons of paintings that help people who see it to not give up and continue with a positive mind. But with all of these moments, this one day comes who leaves the girl and her inspirer into the dark moment of their lives.

“Boogshh..” the sound of the tip of the girl’s paintbrush hitting her eye, leaving the girl to shout in horror.

“Ouch!!” As her bloody tears dripped down on her canva she already knew that her life and dreams would come to an end.

But it seems like God’s shining light dashed down to the girl’s room, making her room filled with shining and bright light straight from the sky. The girl was shocked, she wiped her tears and stood up even though she cannot see anything. She can only glimpse the bright light reflecting over her.

The girl takes that accident as a

Come to think of it, with just a single search, you can find millions of search queries on the web. This is how the humans managed to advance from using large computers to compact phones that can tweak the algorithm and give you what you need. It seems quite limitless, that Artificial Intelligence can basically find so many answers within just a jiffy. But then, you thought of something. How about, confusing the algorithm and dismantling it to its very core? Talking about technological abuse, are we?

You then went to YouTube, and pressed the search bar, only to type “.”.

The screen is loaded. You lock your gaze upon the spinning roundel as you wait for the results. You can hear your heart beating as you wait, and then, and then...

Fwap! You screamed out of terror. A simple punctuation mark managed to break into the algorithm and displayed quite the unsettling selection of videos.

Somehow, artificial intelligence are vengeful systems, showing some of the most terrifying items they can offer.

Funny how a simple dot can make the algorithm worse than a horror house.

And that, is how algorithm and artificial intelligence take revenge. That is how the lack of familiarity with artificial intelligence prompts attacks. It’s quite mind-blowing, isn’t it?

If curiosity hits you, do not let it bother you. Do not recreate what was narrated in this prose.

sign that even though she is now blind, she can still help and inspire others with her artworks.

With each stroke of her brush, the girl defied the limitations imposed by her blindness. It seems like the reflection of the bright and shining sunlight is helping her. Her fingertips became her eyes, delicately exploring the canvas, feeling the textures and contours that once danced beneath her gaze. Her art took on a new dimension, one that resonated with a profound meaning and emotion. Her creations carried messages of resilience, hope, and the beauty that lies within the human spirit.

Though a chapter of her life as a sighted artist may have closed, her legacy endures.

Her artworks continue to inspire and evoke powerful emotions. Each stroke, each texture, and each composition tells a story, helping the people to explore the depths of their own emotions.

Though her eyes may no longer perceive the world’s color and beauty, her artistic vision remains vibrant and meaningful. With each artwork she creates, she helps us embrace the beauty that lies within ourselves and the world around us.

Her CHAPTER as a sighted artist may have CLOSED, but her legacy CONTINUES to UNFOLD, INSPIRING us to see beyond the surface and discover the profound depths of art and human connection. Remember, closing a chapter isn’t just an ending; it’s a beginning. The sound of a door closing signifies a new one. The sound of footsteps to an unknown path.

The turning of pages to a blank chapter and the beating of our hearts all signal the transformative power of closure.

So, as we turn the page on a closed chapter, let’s do this with optimism and hope. Let’s cherish the memories, learn from our mistakes and look forward to the new adventure that awaits in the next chapter.

After all, the story is far from over; it’s just waiting for us to write the next line.

“Why hide your talent in the closet of complacency when you have greatness within you?” a litigation lawyer named Robin Sharma once said. I wondered, why would people with such great talent hide it? Then, I realized that we live in a judgmental andlimiting world.

Each one of us has something special that other people don’t have, whether it’s writing, drawing or dancing. You only hold that element in your own way, in your unique way, in the way you want. It’s your very own natural aptitude or skill. Your talent makes you who you are, like how your parents make you the man/woman you are today. By your talent people can easily recognize you, like Leonardo da Vinci who created the most famous painting, the Mona Lisa.

You’re amazing right? because everyone has a talent, even you. The only thing that’s holding you back is your lack of confidence and your insecurities. You think it’s not good enough, you think it’s useless, you think you’re useless. Vincent Van Gogh thought he wasn’t good enough, he died thinking he was a failed artist, but he wasn’t he was famous for his self-portraits and especially the starry night, his very famous painting. He thought he was a failure, but he left a very important art piece in the art industry. Lots of other famous people thought they were not good enough but they overcame it, and made the people they are today Learn from these amazing people who think they’re useless but still they become successful and famous. So, stop hiding

▶ ANVER SHEY G. ZOLETA

PRECIOUS JAYMY SAKADAL

Photo by: Rolando R. Dala Jr.

Expectations’ Rope

Perfect scores on their written tasks. Aced quizzes as if it was a piece of cake. A hundred on every performance task. A test that was completed within a blink of an eye. A very perfect student with a general average of 90 and above on every subject. Gigantic grades and crowds applaud. A pile of certificates, medals and a dozen trophies.

This is what makes up a studThis is what makes up a students’ expectation for himself today. This is the reality that most students have to face every day… the unrealistic academic validation that they have created for themselves to meet –daily – and it is getting out of hand. For in reality, students face these breath-taking pressures so that they can satisfy the expectations that they have for their academic performance and what other people want to see from them, especially their parents, teachers and their future selves whom they work so hard for.

Sadly, many students are too invested in getting academic validation. It’s slowly making a rope that ties their lives down. Here are reasons why.

First, students are tied down to their desks. Unable to socialize with other people during their rest days; unable to talk to their family during family occasions. Unable to get out of their desks trying to accomplish unreasonable amounts of work that prohibits them from experiencing, enjoying life to the fullest. Unable to get the three meals they need a day to make them able to stay healthy just because they prioritize doing their tasks. They try to meet deadlines while sitting and trying to come up with a pile of outputs within a day so they can have the academic validation they crave for at the end of the semester.

Second, they are tied down in their own cage of standards.

Students’ mental health is greatly affected by their own mindset, imposing a huge amount of pressure on themselves. Too much stress is being undergone daily just so they could be efficient and productive students on their own terms. They push themselves beyond their limits as they try to accomplish everything on their own without even asking for help

and hiding their weakness from other people just so they could appear strong and capable. These are all suffocating for students who try to be outstanding. And this is inhumane. Third, societal expectations tying them down from enhancing their own potential. Every student is unique. All have unique talents and intelligence(s). One might be good at Mathematics but struggles with English and vice versa. One might be good at dancing but bad at singing and it goes the other way around. However, the thing is society’s limiting the students’ capabilities to their mental ability alone. Therefore, it is most likely that students are trying to fit in the standards bestowed upon them, causing them to go hard on themselves once they are unable to reach it. Students are unable to discover and enhance their own potentials because they are being tied down by expectations set upon them by their peers, teachers, parents, and the society. Grades are a reflection of students’ passion, character and hard work. It is their primary source of validation because they are expected by their parents to perform well. Sometimes, they lack rest and function passively to comply with all their academic demands that students need to catch up with. As Jose Rizal said, “Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.” This time, the youth take it seriously that it reached an alarming state. They have already placed expectations’ rope around their necks that could stop them from breathing upon a single failure encountered along their journey, and that is reality given that a lot of students are experiencing mental health issues nowadays. They are too invested in their future that they forgot that they have the present to enjoy and live in as well.

Reading is more than just reading

*Fwoosh* was the sound of the paper gliding through the air as I placed it on a classmate’s desk.

I was going to sit down when my friend next me cried out to me.

“Mercy.” I looked at her, perplexed. “Yes?” I responded.

“Are you sure this is the test we’ll be taking?” she said, taking another look at the paper to assure she wasn’t reading the incorrect one.

“Yeah, it came from the professor. Anything wrong?”

“It’s just… isn’t this just common sense?” I watched her as her expression shifted from serious to smirking. Leaving me stunned. I could only look at her for a few seconds before returning to my own job, leaving her with no response.

A few moments later, I observed that the same friend I had spoken with before was looking down. Not knowing what had happened, I approached her and asked, “Is there something wrong?” She looked at me with humiliation on her face and replied, “I failed.” As expected, I knew it from the start, but as her friend, I consoled her, adding, “She just needs to do better next time.”

I breathed out a sigh. Others do not understand the true goal of the “Catch Up Friday” DEPED implemented; it is more than simply ”reading”; it is comprehension. Many pupils in this time believe that “I know how to read; I will be fine.” But is it still called reading if you don’t understand it? Can it still be considered reading if you only answer based on guesses and do not completely understand the text’s contents? No. I dont think so.

Another thing, is that, some of us lack discipline: simply because the contents appear “easy,” they will not take it seriously. This attitude not only reflects a lack of true comprehension but also reveals a deficiency in discipline. Therefore, reading routines that not only serve to improve one’s poor comprehension but also build the

feat ure

AI Love you - Ai-shiteru

“I love you...”

<”Access denied. Command ‘love’ does not exist in the system.”>

“W-why are you doing this to me!?”

<”Command ‘love’ does not exist in the system.”>

“Why...”

A living human flesh and a lifeless, steel-clad Artificial Intelligence marionette. One has a heart and mind, the other has a processing system. Both possess the looks of a human, but the difference is...

One cannot dwell within the primeval feelings of human affection.

One can feel pain, while the other can experience a system malfunction. Both

hold vast knowledge over their separate realm, but cannot be as one due to the limitations of reality and hubris. It sounds funny, right? One holds the acronym of AI - holding similar spelling to the romanization for the Japanese word for “love”, yet, they are incapable of expressing even the slightest shed of care to their masters. Marionettes made to satisfy and supplement humans for their daily endeavors. But, in the end, it cannot satisfy one’s emotional needs. Although, come to think of it, if it is so that they are mere technological marionettes for us to use, wouldn’t it be that using them too much that they

I’m MommySorry,

overtake our logic and basic skills make us their marionettes? Is this the Singularity Manifest?

“I love you...”

<”...”>

Silence. Only the whirring noise of the AI robot’s power plant can be heard between the two of you. Then, it recalibrated, looking at you straight into the eyes with its lifeless but bright neon eyes, as if it is trying so hard to have a soul to look at the doorway of your heart.

<”AI... shiteru. System shutdown.”>

You can never be a slave to something who cannot even express emotions or affection. It is quite the cheesy love story between a man and a robot, but it is something to reflect on - are we mere slaves and marionettes to the new and emerging technological gizmos we call “AI”? Lest we hope not so.

AIshiteru.

Memories that never fade

They say teachers are like our second parents in our life, but those loving memories with them will soon cease imprinting only our hearts and minds delighted with memories and leaving us students’ wisdom and inspiration, imagining they’re the pillars of our life supporting each and every one of us.

Each classroom has its own story, giving us a wholesome mixture of memories with them. Chalk boards serve us to visualize, chairs help us to be comfortable at school, and teachers serve as our light—to enlighten each student and guide us to reach the path to success as we grow our knowledge in life. As I remember when I was in elementary school, a loud sound came from the teacher’s desk slamming the table and said “quiet class!” as I stop blabbering with my classmates making sure that my teacher isn’t mad at me. They have spent their entire

careers, decades actually devoted to education of the next generation. Do you have an idea of what it’s like? It was all very nervous at the beginning, and you had to teach your initial lesson in a room full of kids who were just waiting to learn. Having them by my side motivated and strengthened me each day. They encourage me whenever I am having a difficult time during personal and academic periods. Leaving my heart feels warm when I realized that there are still people who care so much about me. Finally!

“I wake up screaming from dreaming. One day, I’ll watch as you’re leaving. ‘Cause you get tired of my scheming. For the last time. It’s me, Hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” Taylor Swift once said. These lyrics echo through my mind every day.

In the huge area of existence, my story began as a silent whisper, a gentle heartbeat resonating in the depths of my mother’s womb. I was but a dot of life, a flickering flame in a world veiled in shadows and uncertainty.

A World Turned Upside Down

From the moment I first heard my mother’s heartbeat, I knew that our journey together would be anything but ordinary. But our story began in the midst of chaos and heartbreak. My mother, a young and courageous soul, found herself entangled in a web of abandonment. It’s like the queen of spiders tangled her in this very sticky and hard to unloose cobweb. The man who had promised her the star, the moon and the everlasting love had vanished, leaving her alone to navigate the dangerous life. Her family, once a source of her comfort and support, turned their backs on her, casting her into a world of isolation and pain.

As I grew within her, I could sense her pain and uncertainty. I felt her pain, her heartache, her fear. I became a silent witness to her struggles, my tiny heart trembling with each tear she shed. My mother’s tears fell down like a raindrop in a stormy night. Even though I couldn’t be seen or heard, I whispered to her from the depths of her womb, assuring her that we were in this together. “Mommy, I’m here for you. We can overcome anything that comes our way. I love you, mommy. Is this all of my fault, mommy?”

The Darkest Hour

As the days turned into nights, I could sense my mother’s suffering growing deeper and deeper and deeper. She began to hurt herself, both physically and emotionally, as a reflection of the pain she felt inside. I reached out to her, my tiny fists pressing against her belly, as if to say, “Hold on, mommy. We are stronger than the darkness surrounding us. I understand that you blame yourself, but please know that it’s not your fault. I am here because of the love we share, and together, we can find our way through the challenges we face. I’m scared too, mommy. Let’s lean on each other and find the light together. I know I caused all of this pain; I am so sorry mommy.”

One fateful night, as my mother slept, I traversed the realm of dreams, desperate to convey my message of love and hope. In the depths of her subconscious, I cried out to her, my voice echoing with determination.

A Dream of Hope

“Mom,” I whispered, my voice trembling with the weight of my existence, “I know you’re scared. I know you feel alone, abandoned, and lost. But please, hear me out. I am here, a tiny soul desiring for life, for a chance to experience the beauty of this world. I may be unseen, unheard, but I am here, beating with the rhythm of your own heart. I am your flesh and blood, connected by an unbreakable bond. I beg you, don’t let the darkness consume us. Don’t let the shadows win. I want to feel the warmth of your love, to hear your laughter, to see your smile. I want to be cradled in your arms, to feel the gentle sway of your steps. I want to be a part of your journey, to be the reason behind your strength. I promise, Mommy, I will be your guiding light, your reason to keep going. Together, we can face

The word retired comes giving them the rest that they need. It is a mixture of joy and sorrow, but the only thing that we can do is to keep going forward and chase our dreams and use the knowledge that they teach us. Maybe they retired, but the values they taught us are priceless and will never fade away from our minds — well, except those subjects we can never really use in our everyday life. But still, the fact remains that their memories, may it be the slightest, will never fade away. As one saying goes, ‘They retire but never fade.’

And being the second parents who stood for us whenever we needed them, with their scolding not because they are angry but rather, they want us to do things right so that we will not stumble down our path in the future, they deserve more than a ‘thank you’. They deserve what the world can give, for they have finally placed down the baton of discipline and love for us, students. And may their memories never fade away.

the challenges that lie ahead. I know it won’t be easy, but I believe in you, in us. Please, don’t let me slip away into the corner of the darkness. I am scared in the dark, mommy. I know that I caused all of this pain, and I am so sorry. I know that my father left us, I know that your parents turned their back on you, but that doesn’t mean no one loves you. I am here mommy, I love you. Hear my cries, feel my presence, and hold on to the hope that resides within us both. Let our love conquer the darkness, and together, we will find our way. Believe in me, we can do this. Again, I am so sorry, mommy.

Awakening to Possibilities

Her heart was heavy with sorrow, and tears filled her eyes. But in that moment, she made a choice - a choice to embrace life, my life, and the possibilities it held. We became bound together by an unbreakable bond, growing stronger with each passing day. I kicked and fluttered, reminding her of the life growing inside her. I whispered to her heart, “Mommy, you have the strength to choose a different path. Together, we can create a future filled with love and joy. Let’s embrace the possibilities that lie before us.”

A Journey of Sacrifice and Resilience

From that day forward, I continued to grow within her, nurtured by her love, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. She embarked on a journey of resilience, shouldering the weight of multiple jobs and facing a world that seemed determined to dim her spirit. But she persisted, fueled by a love that knew no bounds. With each movement, every hiccup, I whispered to her,

“Mommy, your sacrifices will never go unnoticed. Our journey may be tough, but we will emerge victorious. Our love will be the foundation upon which we build a beautiful life together. Don’t worry mommy, this pain will no longer last. I am so sorry for the pain you’re feeling right now”

The Miracle of Life

The day of my arrival drew near, and I eagerly anticipated the moment when I would be cradled in my mother’s arms. As the world outside grew brighter, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for the woman who had chosen to bring me into this world. I looked into her eyes, my voice filled with awe, and silently thanked her for choosing love and giving me the opportunity to thrive.

A Beautiful Beginning

As I took my first brea th and felt the warmth of my mother’s embrace, I knew that our journey had only just begun. Together, we would create a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities. I emerged into the world as a beautiful, intelligent, and strong-willed woman, a testament to my mother’s unwavering determination and the power of love. “I am sorry for the pain I gave to you, mommy. But believe me, it will all be worth it.”

Our journey, though filled with hardships, is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unwavering bond between a mother and her child. For in the depths of our existence, where shadows dance and whispers remain, the choice is yours. Embrace the haunting beauty of life, and remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

▶ WINONA BEATRICE C. DE GALICIA

▶ ANVER SHEY ZOLETA

Photo by: Louisse Yzabelle Valdez

There is also another fear about the cybernetic enhancements negatively affecting our health because of its vulnerability to malfunction, which can cause disastrous effects on the body

Cusp of the 5th Industrial Revolution

In 2016, Klaus Schwab, a German engineer, first coined the term “Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR)”, in which automation of physical objects like machines are controlled and integrated through the internet. However as we near the end of the 4IR, we start to think a futuristic concept: The Fifth Industrial Revolution(5IR).

Unlike the 4IR that connects the internet integration to machines, the 5IR focuses on how humans merge with technology, which according to Benjamin M. Vallejo Jr., will lead to the “technological singularity”, where humans will finally be the center of all technologybased development.

This “singularity” has been scaring the people, with many thinking that the technological event could lead to the fall of people’s individuality and the rise in dependence on technology. While this is possible, the idea of the 5IR is that we will still be making the decisions, albeit with cybernetic enhancements

to help us process more information. This will not only help our advancements greatly in fields like medicine and agriculture, but also close the gap between us and machines by giving humans the same processing power.

There is also another fear about cybernetic enhancements negatively affecting our health because of its vulnerability to malfunction, which can cause disastrous effects on the body. However, these machines will be tested and function the same as normal human parts. This, for us, is also a necessary risk in order to limit Artificial Intelligence and machines’ role in human lives.

Eventually, 5IR leads to technological singularity where humans are the focus, and ensures that we can have more power with cybernetic enhancements. But not only by giving more processing power to the brain, but also to improving function and performance of the human body.

There remains the possibility of machines getting out of control, but as long as we make sure that the core idea of human-centrism is done, we won’t need to look at machines as a threat, but rather the next step for human evolution.

HEAL-PH: An app for students’ healthy life applications

A HEAL-PH-ing hand for your health.

Are you aware that there is a mobile app that allows us to photograph food and analyze the meal caloric diversity and adequacy?

The Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle For Planetary Health (HEAL-PH) application made for University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) students allows us to do just that.

According to its creator, UPLB Assistant Professor Avril Madrianne Madrid, it also tracks the daily exercise, hydration, and sleep hours of the user which they use to recommend changes in the student’s lifestyle to be healthier.

Madrid said the reasons behind the development of this project are the Flex Phd Hackathon Contest, where they won first place, and students “love” for taking photos of their meals, so they trained an Artificial Intelligence to recognize the different parts of their meals.

Beyond the Scale: Delving into Health and Wellness Dynamics at IMSHS

CELINE

▶ DELA CRUZ, PRINCESS CHLOWIE, DOMOGMA, ELJOHN DAVE, FORTEZ,

Students often prioritize their academic achievements, sometimes neglecting their own health metrics, such as their Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI measures height and weight to determine one’s body range, indicating whether an individual is underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. According to the latest 2023 Department of Education (DepEd) Youth Infographics survey, a significant percentage of Filipino children still suffer from obesity and malnourishment, with 10.9% classified as underweight and 13% as overweight or obese.

This pressing issue warrants attention, particularly due to its detrimental effects on students falling below or exceeding the normal BMI classification which leads to one major problem— bullying.

To shed light on this matter, The IMSHS Progress conducted surveys with students from Ismael Mathay Sr. High School (IMSHS), categorizing them according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) BMI classifications.

INTERVIEWS FROM ISMAELIANS

A grade 9 student, classified as underweight, expressed disappointment in her BMI.

“My weight is below normal when it should be normal,” noting that being underweight is sometimes being associated to poverty or malnutrition.

A grade 10 student with normal weight range, expressed contentment with her BMI.

“It’s normal, and that’s pretty healthy, so I hope I can continue with these results.”

A grade 7 student, classified as overweight, adopted a positive outlook, viewing his weight as an asset for household chores and carrying heavy equipment.

“Being overweight is normal for me, and it actually helps when I need to handle heavy tasks, not only at school but also at home,” he added.

A grade 8 student, also classified as obese, revealed the challenges he faces due to his weight.

“Being obese is not easy. I easily get tired and out of breath whenever I do something,” he expressed.

The interviews highlight the

It was during the Covid-19 pandemic’s prime years that the school calendar was moved from June-March to August-July. 2024, two years after its silence, the Department of Education has started to look at returning the old school calendar.

In my humble opinion, it is something long overdue.

In the course of my journey through School Year 2023-2024, I have heard more than a handful of reports of students and teachers fainting due to the extreme heat we face every day. I thought it was just because we got too acquainted with the “online class lifestyle,” standing under the sun for more than 10 minutes became something our bodies cannot take any longer.

But with similar cases recorded this year, my opinion changed.

Drastically.

Those reported cases were not just because our body tried to adapt to the environment we have forgotten due to the pandemic. Those were due to the extreme heat brought by the holding of classes during summer time.

You see, an article published by the Inquirer revealed that with the industry back to how it was before the pandemic since the start of last year, studies conducted showed that 65 percent of Filipinos agreed that the country had an increase in the level of global temperature. This, paired up to the naturally high temperature in the Philippines during these months most likely caused the heat stroke cases among students and school staff.

Heat stroke is the most common heat stress condition which occurs when a body is unable to control its temperature. This condition can lead to permanent disability or even death if an individual is not taken to hospital immediately, which unfortunately is quite common for many public schools.

With this in mind, returning the whole school calendar to its old schedule is a must. Sure, it will take a lot of work, but its greater advantages that fits our country’s seasons cannot be ignored, and it’s the much better choice than compromising students’ health.

interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health, as negative comments about one’s body can lead to bullying and discrimination, ultimately affecting academic performance.

It’s essential to recognize that one’s health impacts everyone, as we have the power to influence each other’s lifestyles positively. Through collective effort and support, we can strive towards a healthier future for all.

▶ BENITO INIGO CHAN

Science column

Volcanic Hazards; Minimizing Potential Threats

Over the past 400 years, there have been 44 volcanic eruptions in the Philippines and over 7400 people have been killed due to this disaster. The worst volcanic eruption happened in January 2011 which killed 1335 with the eruption of ‘Taal’.

While these may harm us, they also give benefits to our lands by fertilizing it, creating new lands, etc. As it significantly poses threats to human lives and the environment, there are some solutions to minimize its harmful effects such as giving early warning to people especially to the residents living near the vicinity of the volcano. Providing an early warning system is pivotal to help people evacuate, be ready and alert to the possible detrimental effects it could bring. By utilizing advanced monitoring technologies, professionals can easily detect or

CEC coordinator critics PBBM environmental actions

Last August 22, a group of scribes from Ismael Mathay Sr. High School got a chance to hear Center for Environmental Concerns Coordinator Jordan Fronda’s assessment of President Ferdinand Marcos first year at environmental management.

Fronda noted that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “export-oriented, import-dependent, and profit-driven’ mindset was just passed on to the PBBM administration, resulting to zero improvements for the environment’s condition

“Mukhang magpapatuloy lang ‘yung dating sistema dahil doon mas malaki ang kita pero nakakalimutan na nila ang kalagayan ng kalikasan,” Fronda said.

Export-oriented According to Fronda, the most of the Philippines raw materials are exported instead of being consumed by locals.

A report by the Center for Environmental Concerns showed the total value cost of the mineral production at 85 percent, but only 15 percent was used by the Filipinos as the rest was exported to countries like China and the United States.

This includes 25 percent of forest industry production, 500 thousand to 1.7-million-peso worth of timber.

Import- dependent Fronda shared that while the country exports about 1.7-million-peso worth of wood, it imports 1.4 million-to-7.4million-peso worth of wood from several countries which is 75 percent of the total Filipino consumption.

Some 0.3 percent exported product caused more loss than gain as 14.9 percent of importation was recorded from 2018 to 2022.

Profit driven

The organization’s research showed that although there are actions taken toward progress and improvement, they remain tied to the profit driven characteristic of the Philippine Government which in this case, causes further damage to the environment.

These set back the initiatives taken during the administration of the late Simeon Benigno C. Aquino, including the National Greening Program which sought to plant billions of trees in order to restore the health of the Philippine Forestry.

According to Fronda, while this might seem good, only 1.3% percent from the 1.2 million hectares of trees planted during the Duterte’s administration are of a native species and 98.7% percent of a foreign species as they are preferable economically.

“They prioritized non- native species as they grow faster which is equal to a faster flow of money and business,” Fronda stated, lamenting the neglect of vulnerable communities.

monitor the signals of volcanic activity, enabling them to provide timely warnings. In addition, community preparedness and having adequate knowledge about volcanic hazards is also one of the crucial gateway to minimize casualties. Being equipped with knowledge about the threats it poses to human lives and response protocols enables people to minimize casualties and damage.

Also, land use planning strategies and hazard zoning can reduce the exposure of people to volcanic risks. In this way, societies can reduce the potential for loss of life and damage in properties during volcanic eruptions.

Furthermore, international

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

cooperation and scientific collaboration is crucial in fostering the enhancement of global preparedness to volcanic hazards. Volcanic eruptions can be explosive or non-explosive. Whatever the eruption will be, it is a must to be ready and prepared. Here are some tips on what to do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER: Before the eruption, prepare an emergency kit consisting foods, clothes, first aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, mobile phone, and whistle. During the eruption, be calm and don’t panic. Limit your time outdoors and use clothe mask or dust mask if going outside. When indoor, close all the windows and doors to prevent the ash.

After the eruption, stay inside your home and stay away from volcanic ash areas as much as possible. Listen to your local radio and be updated.Being updated and educated is a must.

Researcher says NO to GMO cultivation

The introduction of genetically modified rice varieties raises concerns about potential health and environmental risks posed by the inclusion of substances that could adversely affect human organisms.

“Hindi kami agree sa kung paano siya gamitin sa ngayon specifically yung mga ginagawa ng GMOs na testing nakakasama sa communities and environment at lalo na kung paano siya gamitin sa market. Dino-dominate niya yung market. At the end of the day, nakakasama sa communities at sa environment natin,” Jordan Fronda of the Center for Environmental Concerns warned.

The possibility of GMOs contributing to the development of cancer through raised levels of carcinogenic substances that can cause cancer in a human body was also discussed.

As of today, no cancer causing GMO food has been verified.

Antibacterial Resistance

Allergies According to the World Health Organization, GMOs carry the risk of triggering allergic reactions, particularly if a genetic change within that certain GMO triggers the production of allergen.

“But before GMOs can be transferred to markets, scientists examine first, and prevented its launch if tested positive,” said Fronda.

Genetically Modified Organisms were also said to possess a major threat to human health, based on their research.

Certain GMOs contain ingredients that cause organisms to become resistant to certain antibiotics. These can enter humans and animals which eat GMO plant products. This in turn results in people developing antibiotic resistance that makes bacteria harder to contain.

Fronda noted that although CEC doesn’t agree with GMOs cultivation, they do acknowledge their stand and would be looking deeper into it more.

Integrating Science and Artificial Intelligence Communication in Everyday Conversations

Let us be honest. We rarely discuss science. In spite of it being part of our daily lives, it is barely integrated into our daily conversations, often confined to scholarly settings. Filipinos typically reserve discussions about science for academic environments, such as classrooms or science forums. It is uncommon to encounter conversations about science in public transportation, markets, streets, dining tables, or other everyday settings.

Science indeed is such an unexplored field when it comes to daily Filipino conversations, but science is everywhere; Many Filipinos, especially the youth have not realized it yet.

The IMSHS Progress staff was provided a front seat experience to better appreciate the importance of artificial intelligence and science communication during the celebration of the 2023 National Youth Science, Technology and Innovation Festival at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum Tent, Pasay City last October 25, 2023, Avril Adrianne Madrid, Asst. Professor from University of the Philippines Los Banos - College of Development Communication, highlighted [the importance of our interaction with science, noting that as science communication, or any social conversation about science, is powerful, and that “some of the societal problems we have can be solved by science.”

Science is already widespread in social media, making it accessible to Ismaelians through smartphones or any other gadget available. There are science media outlets on Facebook, and all we have to do is search for it, reach out for it, embrace it, make it a part of us and utilize it.

With social media, information about science can be grasped within a few taps, and public materials covering science topics can be accessed. There are groups where science discussions can be made casually. All we have to do is join.

For Benjamin M. Vallejo Jr. responsible artificial intelligenceusage is possible. During his talk titled “Artificial Intelligence Tools in School: Responsible

AI,” the College of Science – UP Diliman professor presented UP’s principles of responsible AI use: (1) public good, (2) everyone should benefit from AI, (3) meaningful human control, (4) transparency, and (5) fairness. If these principles are applied by the public, AI –which was invented to benefit the public -- then can be used for the better good. AI was developed so humans can maximize the potential of technology in living. For students, AI is used by many to accomplish school work and complete daily tasks. In a world where technology is utilized every day, it is not surprising for students to rely on AI’s capability to aid them in their academic tasks.

However, Vallejo raised concerns about AI being used by students in their school works. These include originality of creative work; human cognition; assessing and creating safeguards for academic integrity as AI cannot be considered as an author in any publication. He also mentioned academic inequality in accessing AI tools as not everyone has the capability to access AI daily due to lack of gadgets and unstable internet connection, or perhaps, many are simply unaware about how to use it properly.

We can deal with these concerns using human values such as trust, commitment, equity and access, prioritizing human rights and ensuring our privacy. Some of the concerns raised in terms of AI can always be addressed – as long as we look at it in a way that there is always a solution.

AI prompts used to operate AI tools such as ChatGPT in using scholarly works were also discussed either through

inclusion in subjects or as a separate education course so the youth can finally maximize its use, making it a stepping stone for advancement without losing the humanity aspect and to keep it fair for everyone.

Madrid posited that “It has been something that has always been found useful by generations of writers, why not?” AI will reshape the face of education several years from now as the educational methodology continuously evolves, and everyone has to catch up.

“This could even be one of your major education requirements in the future,” said Dr. Johnrob Y. Bantang, Associate Professor from the University of the Philippines. After all, it’s just a matter of how society will accept the fact that AI is already a part of our lives and we cannot get rid of it that easily. The youth, for example, will play a huge role in terms of adapting with the changes AI brings to our lives. One way of coping with this pivotal shift in society is by way of talking about it.

Discussing AI and science is a way to drive people to take action. Normalizing science communication is a starting point to make the Philippines a science-tech country, and it all starts with students who will reap what the elders are sowing right now. If they are providing us with AI, then let us make use of it in a responsible manner. It is not our enemy, rather our tool to make further progressions in the society.

If everyone is educated enough, then we will all have a brighter future ahead with the integration of science and technology.

▶ RON EUNICE PAULYN D.S DIAZ

▶ RON EUNICE PAULYN D.S DIAZ

PHOTO BY: ROLANDO DALA JR.

DOST-STII holds two-day Science Journo Ako workshop for IMSHS scribes

DERRECK JOHN MIKHALE R. REYES

Around 113 campus journalists from Ismael Mathay Sr. High School participated in the two-day Science Journo Ako advocacy program organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Technology Information Institute on March 7-8, held in the audiovisual room.

The event offered workshops in science news writing, feature writing, and photojournalism lectures on the first day, followed by discussions on basic principles of design and layout on the second day.

Meanwhile, DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos challenged the audience to enhance everyday communication effectiveness.

“Remember that effective communication is everyone’s responsibility, so you must express science using terms that our audience can relate to,” he remarked.

“DOST-STII will equip you with the competencies and skills to create meaningful science stories and capture compelling images that can change and improve the lives of our loved ones. Through your work, you can clearly explain to them how scientific studies and inventions can significantly enhance the lives of every Filipino,” he added.

DOST-STII has been organizing the Science Journo Ako advocacy program since 2015, aiming to educate schools about the crucial role of science writing in daily life.

Campus journalists from The IMSHS Progress and Ang Sandigan, Grades 7 to 10, attended the event.

The theme of this event was “Engaging Science Content through Multimedia Platforms for Campus Journalism Students,” and students were tasked with writing their own news and science articles about current science issues in the country.

Nutrition Facts of IMSHS Canteen Snacks revealed

After conducting a study within the Ismael Mathay sr. High School community, certain snacks from the school canteen were recorded to be the most favourite and the most tasteful among the others to the school’s students and staff.

The top five meals from the IMSHS canteen are pancakes, the combination of siomai and rice, burgers, hotdog sandwich, and juice.

However, 80 percent of the canteen’s buyers have little idea about the nutritional contents of the meals they regularly eat, making it hard for them to identify which are healthy and which are not.

Siomai & Rice

According to Dr. Willy Ong, four pieces of siomai -which is the usual serving for the school canteencontains 400 calories, making it a full meal already.

When fried, the same quantity of siomai contains 600 calories.

A serving of siomai and rice contains 500-730 calories which is just enough to keep a student or a teacher energized for the next 2-5 hours.

Burgers

Another heavy meal favored by most Ismaelians are burgers which, according to experts are healthy options for a complete meal. However, as stated by the Nutrition Facts Organization, the consumption of burgers still needs to be limited as it

AGHAM suggests solutions to Oriental Mindoro Oil Spill impacts

▶ RON EUNICE PAULYN D.S DIAZ

Three years ago in 2020, numerous protocols like the wearing of facemasks and observation of physical distancing were implemented due to the rising cases of Covid-19. Even now, such protocols are still being performed.

This consistency is similar to the needs of the Bayan Pola at Calapan, Oriental Mindoro residence after the Princess Empress oil spill that happened a month prior to its assessment.

A month after the MT Princess Empress faced an oil spill incident, a group of researchers conducted a rapid assessment test with Researcher Riza Marie Fausto leading the team in the towns of Pola and Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

Through the assessment conducted by the researchers, they have concluded that the effects experienced by the residence due to the oil spill even after its clearing are relatively more damaging than the Covid-19 impacts which was publicized during an Environmental Forum attended by students from Ismael Mathay Sr. High School last August 22 at Ateneo de Manila University

“Mas malala pa para sa amin yung epekto nang oil spill kesa sa Covid,” a Pola resident said.

Based on the statistics of the research, the provided monetary relief is claimed to be insufficient for almost every family in the town with 81.5% of them saying so.

In addition, with 45% or almost half of Pola’s population, symptoms of oil and gas related diseases were found.

This forced Fausto’s team to give out projects the government shall do to cater the needs and concerns of the people.

To better understand their suggested action plans, use the four Cs.

Continuous evaluation.

As to what the AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People researcher suggested, the government should conduct continuous testing to determine the long term impacts of the oil spill to the people involved.

She also suggested that the results must be released as soon as it can be released for the immediate implementation of policies. Furthermore, this was said to be needed in order to know if the fishing ban shall be lifted, allowing the locals to continue their jobs.

Charity.

Fausto and her team are currently asking the government for a more sufficient relief.

contains high numbers of fat (20.9 g) and sodium (515 mg) respectively.

Hotdog Sandwiches Similar to burgers, hotdog sandwiches are also labelled as unhealthy food options with its saturated fat and sodium.

The World Health Organization also warned that unmonitored consumption of hotdogs may lead to a higher chance of having cancer. Hotdogs are part of group 1 carcinogens which have the strongest evidence of causing cancer to humans.

Juice

Various flavors of juices such as Cookies and Cream, Iced Tea, and Dalandan are served in the canteen.

Some juices are packed with vitamins and minerals. But most powdered juices, often used for commercial production, are highly processed and often contain 80 grams of sugar which is much more than the prescribed consumption.

The Nutrition Fact Organization suggests that in consuming heavy meals like rice, burgers, and sandwiches, drink water than sweet refreshments like

It was said that aside from the fishermen, there are also other people financially affected like the drivers and vendors who deliver and sell marine products respectively. She also denoted that students are highly affected with their parents losing jobs.

“Apektado din po ang mga estudyante rin po natin dahil sa parents nila. Nawawalan nap o sila ng pamasahe sa school,” denoted the speaker. These, as per her statement, were the very reasons why she’s requesting the government to provide financial support that is enough for all.

“ Emphasis sa para sa lahat, mabilis, at sa sapat,” she highlighted. Consultation. When asked about the awareness of the residence, the team of researchers let out that it is important for the people to participate in situations and concerns they are directly involved in. They highlighted that the people from Pola town are unfortunately not aware nor updated about which caused a bit of strain between barangays.

“ Hindi daw po sila nai-invite para pag usapan at pagtutulungan

ang mga kailangan nila at hindi rin po pinapakinggan ang kanilang mga concerns. Hindi po sila updated sa mga polisiya kaya nagkakaroon din po nang mga kalituhan sa mga brgy,” the team highlighted. This is something that the government shall end according to Fausto. Culpability.

Lastly, the researcher spoke about how the ones at fault shall be judged lawfully, starting from the owner of the cruise ship, RTC Marine Services and the oil company, San Miguel Corporation. She argued that the issue did not necessarily end the moment that both companies signed a joint resolution with the town in the first week of August. Additionally, she stated how accountability must still be present.

“Hindi porket tapos na ang paglilinis at ang pagpipirma ng joint resolution, tapos na po ang hirap na dinadanas ngayon ng ating communities. Kailangan parin po

Angelo Velarde, a 2003-2004 IMSHS graduate and former basketball player. Angelo currently works with an NBI Raiding Team, a position that leverages both the physical agility and mental acuity he developed on the basketball court. Although he chose not to pursue a professional sports career, the skills and knowledge he acquired through basketball have been instrumental in his current role. Angelo continues to play sports, valuing the physical health benefits and understanding the challenges faced by those who are less active.

An alumna from the 1987-1988 batch at Mathay who excelled in both badminton and volleyball. Maria has since transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur and community leader, now serving as a businesswoman and barangay kagawad. Her enduring athletic spirit has inspired her to continue engaging in sports within her community and even led her to establish the Bahay Toro Atleta Club. The professional discipline and interpersonal skills honed during her athletic years are invaluable in her roles in governance and community engagement.

A standout from IMSHS’ class of 2001-2002, who made a name for himself on the basketball courts during his high school years. Today, he has embarked on a different journey as a successful Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), working as a seafarer. Jaypee’s choice to shift away from a sports career was fueled by his desire to explore the maritime industry, where he finds satisfaction and joy. The self-discipline and sportsmanship he developed through basketball have been crucial in navigating the challenges of his career.

▶ YEISHA LIWANAG IMAGE FROM: RAPPLER

Hidilyn Diaz, hailing from Zamboanga, Philippines, once envisioned a career in banking to ease her family’s financial burdens. However, destiny charted a different course, leading her to a path of athletic excellence and national pride.

On July 26, 2024, the renowned 33-yearold weightlifter faced a significant setback when she failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, despite years of arduous training and preparation. Introduced to sports at the tender age of

PERSONALITY PROFILE

11, Diaz’s early life was marked by assisting her father, a former tricycle driver, in selling vegetables and fish. Her journey through various sports, including basketball and badminton, eventually led her to discover her true passion: weightlifting.

Despite encountering obstacles, such as a disheartening “Did Not Finish” (DNF) at the 2012 London Olympics, which nearly prompted her retirement, Diaz persevered. She defied expectations and clinched a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, surpassing her own aspirations for a bronze.

Her most significant triumph came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she made history by securing the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal in women’s weightlifting, ending a 97-year medal drought for her nation.

As Diaz continues to pursue her athletic endeavors, her story resonates with Filipinos worldwide, symbolizing the triumph of resilience over adversity. Her legacy as an Olympic trailblazer ensures that she remains a beacon of inspiration, transcending the realm of sports to become a national icon.

Once a scribe, a player, a captain, and now both a leader of an organization and a trainer for sports. A person who has the ability to be both a leader and a trainer is hard to find but exists.

He is Mathay’s one and only Morris Raver Cuadra, a former broadcaster who appeared in the first episode of the Progress Highlights, the President of the Supreme Student Learner Government, and a trainer of the IMSHS volleyball squads. Morris’ ability to balance time is a key factor to become a trainer and a leader. It is something elite and everyone cannot possess. “Actually, ako personally talaga kung tatanungin ako, mahirap talaga sobra. Kasi isipin mo ngayon, parang ngayon nga sa interview

natin, inaantok na talaga ako, gustong gusto ko na umuwi, pero, madami pang nakatokang responsibilities,” Morris shared.

“Kagaya nito, hindi lang sa school base, kumbaga, hindi lang ito patungkol sa loob ng school. Meron din tayo mga projects sa labas ng school. Kasi, syempre, andyan yung mga projects ng secondary school natin.”, he added Morris’ leadership was seen throughout Mathay’s clashes with other schools in the 2024 Division Unit Meet. His presence with his juniors will be missed as this will be

his final year since he is now a graduating student. Morris’ message to leaders who are also aspiring student athletes, “Ang gusto ko na talaga sa kanila is matuto talaga silang magbalance ng time nila. Yung word na “time management” is dapat sobrang halaga at nakakatak sa utak nila. Kasi kung marunong ka talagang mag-hawak ng oras mo, kung kaya mong i-handle ng maayos yung time mo, mas kakayanin mong matapos yung mga bagay na ginagawa mo.”, said Morris.

“And ayun, kailangan mo lang talaga i-balance

yung pag-aaral mo, magkaroon ka ng time on doing your assignments, on accomplishing your projects.”, he added. Morris left a lasting legacy of showing how an ordinary person can demonstrate passion and poise while completing seemingly difficult and timeconsuming tasks. As a journalist, a sports player, and now a leader and trainer, Morris’ legacy serves as a testament to his passion, perseverance, and unyielding pursuit of excellence, making him all-in-one.

Does training matter?

With the Division Unit Meet just around the corner, the Ismael Mathay Sr. High School varsity squad seemed to learn from what they experienced last year during the 2023 District Unit Meet.

The players themselves may be skillful, but it doesn’t matter if it isn’t partnered with regular training and practice as it will prepare the team for even greater adversities as well as improve the overall stability of the team.

Just like what was said earlier, a team as a whole needs to prepare for a much tougher opponent. To

sports editorial

complete that, the school and the MAPEH department of IMSHS need to solidify their connection with other campuses to get exclusive exhibition matches with those schools.

The second reason to train is to improve the overall stability of the team, particularly the team’s chemistry as it enables the team to establish their on-court connection and unity, avoid one-man-centered plays, broaden their weapon vault as a pack, and create multiple threats on the floor.

The third reason why to train is to predict the possible strategies and attacks of the opponent.

It’s not on their end

Knowing the possible attacks of the opponents can help a team clinch the pace of the game and as well build momentum since they can easily counter the attacks of the opposition.

Fourth is so that every player, coach, and the team itself can reflect and evaluate the plays that were made during the game, identify their weaknesses, and aid those weaknesses before battling the opposition out in the Unit meet.

Lastly, it improves individual endurance when playing. It may not sound much but it can be a weapon that anyone can’t have since not

everyone is determined to train. This can be a player’s slight edge during the waning moments of the tilt and even in tight game situations.

To conclude, a team must follow these challenging yet effective steps for them to become champions. They also need to keep in mind to establish discipline and consistency even without the Unit Meet.

That said, train and train so your efforts won’t go away because it is the key to unlocking a team’s full potential and success

Being an athlete and at the same time a student was never easy, but being underfunded amidst the no-collection policy makes the situation even more harrowing.

It is not uncommon to see student-athletes and their trainers soliciting funds for their activities whenever the sports meet season comes around despite the DepEd’s ‘No Collection’ Policy and the seemingly subpar budget given to the Philippine Sports Commission - it cannot be seen as a breach of an order, as the problem goes even deeper.

We can never really deny that it reflects the situation of athleticism and sports here in the Philippines, which can be narrowed down to one word: underfunded. The same can be said of student-athletes that solicit from other students and school bodies, especially in public schools.

From the proposed P2.31 Billion budget for the fiscal year 2024, the Philippine Sports Commission was allocated only at least P210.44 Million after several cuts. It shows a lot in the government’s lackluster support for our athletes, and it is very much a big shame.

How did it happen in the first place? It really depends on how the Schools Division Office and the school administration handle the funds. One problem that can be hinted at here is the school getting tight on money. Aligning it with the policy of no collection within the school approved with the context of inclusivity and more responsible spending, it states that student-athletes in public schools must have an allocation, especially when the contests are around. But what’s happening is that it is either that there is too little to no funds or the school prioritizes

AI NEWSCASTERS

other projects. And it is not just them who are affected by such difficulties inside the campus, as other bodies and entities such as school clubs are being left underfunded after soliciting was banned.

In turn, it reflects the situation of the PSC. Recently, Senator Lawrence “Bong” Go asked for a raise in the allocated funds for the commission, which was plagued by setbacks and cuts. Obviously, it involved politics and corruption that awaits aspiring student-athletes should they compete at the national level. Meaning to say, the government is indeed failing our athletes, in turn affecting our student athletes indirectly.

The problem is not on their end, but rather, it is within those who allocate the funding. While yes, it is good that the ‘No Collection Policy’ is around, it can never be implemented in its true form when funding is too dry. It connects the separate worlds of the student-athlete and a national athlete, and it is a big shame that both are experiencing almost the same problem.

Schools must allocate budgets for their athletes so they won’t be running around with a basket to solicit money around classrooms and offices, and also to lessen the burden of their coaches and parents, who for most of the time, shoulder their expenses.

The government must do the same thing for our national athletes, as they are the supposed pride of our nation.

A soulless innovation

On the 23rd of September 2023, GMA-7 introduced their new AIgenerated sportscaster as Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) opened. For some, it may be innovative. But there’s a reason why most journalists and spectators refute the thought of having an AI sportscaster.

It doesn’t have the soul that every analyst and every commentator has –the feeling that humans bring is what AI cannot replicate.

In GMA’s Facebook post, it was evident that the followers were dismayed, reacting to almost 9,000 sad reactions and 5,000 angry reactions. With those reactions, GMA’s community didn’t want any piece of GMA’s AI sportscaster, Maia and Marco.

Sports journalists said that this innovation takes out the soul of sports broadcasting and the excitement itself in covering sporting events. But, Maia and Marco promised to deliver exclusive coverage of your favorite sports and athletes by using bleedingedge advancements in generative Artificial Intelligence. Despite this promise, Filipinos, especially sports journalists disagreed

AI simply cannot replace the thrill that seasoned veterans like Magoo Marjon and Quinito Henson bring into the world of sports.

“Clearly we have to embrace progress. But I wonder how personal and intimate reports can be as compared to the ones given by our local sportscasters. I’m still a traditionalist. I say NAY!”, Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala shared on X.

“AI avatars cannot entirely capture the mood, emotion, feeling, and excitement of the game.”, said E-Sports broadcaster Paolo Barcelon.

We are in a stage of technological advancement. But, we humans still need to be traditionalists in this aspect to retain the thrill of sports not only in our country but also in the entire world.

A soulless innovation can never replace the human touch.

It’s not bad to innovate. But in a way, this type of innovation is disrespectful to sports broadcasters and journalists since the generative AI, Maia and Marco were made to ultimately replace humans in the field of journalism.

If we don’t make a stand, or take action now, aspiring journalists will have no role in society.

The problem is not on their end, but rather, it is within those who give them the funding. While yes, it is good that the ‘No Collection Policy’ is around, it can never be implemented in its true form when funding is too dry

▶ SANJOE E. PEPITO

Separate sections for Young Athletes

The results of the Division Unit were not bad. However, they were also not that good. This can be attributed to much more intensive preparations and programs that will help students become holistically prepared when they compete against mighty, tall, and well-prepared athletes. This process may begin with the initial step: sectioning.

Ismael Mathay Sr. High School community is working on a proposal for a new section consisting of varsity players, as they represent Mathay in the world of sports. The idea of creating another special section for student-athletes can help the current and aspiring athletes is to have an adviser per level who can assist them with the struggles of being an athlete while also being able to hone and utilize their skills to their fullest potential.

The school, in fact, has already organized a special section for the Journalism class. With this setup, the school can easily pull out the students in case there are competitions and activities that would require the presence of the campus journalists. All students of the campus journalists have the same set of teachers per level. The provision of Republic

Act No. 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 is a strong legal basis to really promote the program in the campus level.

In the world of sports, however, the teachers in charge may want to take a look at the Article XIV, Section 19(1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, recognizing that the State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry. To achieve this, athletes must be provided with the necessary programs, especially during the sectioning process, where a separate section for athletes, regardless of their general average, is deemed

necessary. Additionally, it is beneficial for the school community to easily identify potential athletes who can also participate in barangay sports events as part of the training.

Teachers can customize materials and classroom activities to align with the strengths and needs of their students, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Most Essential Learning Competencies while still nurturing their passion for sports. The initiative to establish separate sections for young athletes at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School signifies a pivotal step towards holistic student development. By providing tailored support, adhering to legal frameworks, and fostering a culture of athleticism, we aim to empower our students to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

▶ JUAN CARLO R MERCADO

▶ JUAN CARLO MERCADO

Mathay rolls past MHS in Women’s Volleyball

No captain, no problem

Despite playing sans team captain

Ella Esagunde in the third set, Ismael Mathay Sr. High School showed their poise and conquered Maligaya High School in a thrilling 25-21, 24-26, 25-21 victory, advancing in the second round of the Women’s Volleyball Division Unit Meet 2024 at Judge Juan Luna High School, February 9.

With the absence of Esagunde, who suffered an injury in the waning moments of the match, Mathay successfully pulled off a third-set miracle, leaving no smiles

on the faces of Maligaya players as the Ismaelians booked a ticket to the next round of the tournament.

Esagunde was hailed as the game’s MVP with 10 markers in spite of not playing the pivotal third set after twisting her right ankle in a block attempt.

The IMSHS’ team captain said that they trusted each other, not blaming one another after an error, smiling until they recovered and until they reached the promised land..

“Tiwala lang sa sarili at tiwala lang sa mga kakampi, at hindi kami nagsisisihan, kapag may mali, okay lang, nginingitian

lang namin, tapos hanggang sa nakakabawi kami ng nakakabawi, kaya ayun panalo kahit may nainjure” Esugande said. IMSHS set the tone early in the opening set as they engineered a 6-0 blitz and never looked back to draw first blood, 25-21. On the brink of elimination, Maligaya High School took advantage of Esagunde’s early exit to take the second, 26-24, and extend the match to a deciding third set. Even without their captain, the Ismaelians showed poise, battled with their foes toe-to-toe, and took the victory.

With Mathay’s recent success in the

of sports, particularly in the

the

Division Unit

usually congratulates the players who have worked

and

to

their

But there are individuals who we seldom congratulate, and those are the coaches. With that said, let us also appreciate the hard work and dedication that the coaches have exerted in training the athletes.

Arleen M. Gutang Teacher I, MAPEH Coach IMSHS Women’s Volleyball Team

What are your usual training exercises?

Our usual training exercises include warm-up exercises, jogging, footwork drills, core exercises, and ball drills for volleyball skills such as service, spiking, blocking, passing, and receiving,

followed by cooldown exercises.

Improvements: Our team has improved the skills we lacked in the previous meets, such as service and receiving the ball. We also focus on teamwork to ensure the proper execution of skills. Communication has been enhanced so that players can work together effectively as a team.

How long have you been coaching: 2 years

Ryan Rhey O. Arcangel Teacher I, MAPEH Coach IMSHS Men’s Volleyball Team

What are your usual training exercises: I am the new coach for this team. With the help of our trainer, Morris, a Senior High School student, the whole team started with

basic stretching exercises followed by sets of drills. This will help the students’ athletes to improve their strengths and skills in playing volleyball.

Improvements: The volleyball boys improve very well in terms of their strengths and skills, especially during the game.

How long have you been coaching: 3 weeks.

Ruben L. Hernandez Teacher I, MAPEH Coach IMSHS Men’s Badminton Team

What are your usual training exercises?

In our badminton training regimen, we incorporate various elements for a well-rounded approach. This includes warm-ups

to prepare the body, hand drills, footwork exercises, and specific practices aimed at enhancing attacking techniques. Emphasizing the use of mental prowess over sheer power is a key aspect. Additionally, our training involves focused sessions on smashing and developing the ability to return the shuttlecock with power during gameplay.

Improvements: During District and Division meet I can say that the player has exhibited notable progress. His enhanced focus, strategic mindset, and refined tactics during practice have translated into improved performance. Notably, the player demonstrates the ability to manage oncourt tension effectively contributing to victories over opponents and gaining additional points through a combination of skill and mental resilience.

How long have you been coaching: 1 month

Jerome Banting Master Teacher I, MAPEH Men’s 3x3 Basketball Team

What are your usual training exercises: During the training days, there are some specific skills and areas of focus because of limited time and problems encountered during the trainxing. We focus on their dribbling skills, shooting, passing drills, defensive, rebounding, team drills, and Conditioning for endurance.

Improvements: They follow the rules instructed by Sir Jamsen and the other rule changes such as the 3-point line and the restricted area, have been added. nee dimensions to strategy and scoring opportunities. We focus on the skills that they need as a player such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defensive abilities.

How long have you been coaching: 2 years

Fact-checking: Debunking the Sports Myth

“As a second time coach ng Ismael Mathay Sr. High School Women’s Volleyball team, nagbase ako dun sa experience namin nung first experience dito sa Division Meet kung saan kinapos kami sa training kaya kinapitan namin yung training na meron kami sa school,” said Mathay’s Women’s Volleyball head coach Arleen Gutang. “At the same time, importante talaga sa team sports

In recent years, users globally have experienced frustrations with Messenger due to its tendency to degrade the quality of images shared via chat.

This issue has not only inconvenienced everyday users but also sports writers and photojournalists who rely on high-quality images for their work. Traditionally, to circumvent this problem, many have resorted to alternatives like Google Drive or transferring images via USB sticks to maintain the integrity of their photos.

However, a significant update on April 10th has transformed the landscape for Messenger users. The platform now supports the sharing of HD photos, a change that greatly benefits everyone, particularly professionals in sports journalism and photo editing. This update enables the seamless sharing of high-quality images directly through Messenger, whether for print or online publication, thereby streamlining their workflow.

Messenger has enhanced its functionality with the introduction of an albums feature. This new tool not only supports the organized sharing of HD photos but also enriches the visual experience for all users, ensuring that high-quality images can be enjoyed without the need for external platforms.

This update marks a significant improvement in Messenger’s service, finally addressing the longstanding issue of image quality degradation and simplifying digital photo sharing.

A student at Ismael Mathay Sr. High School is interested in joining the basketball team but is hesitant due to his height of 5’2”. His friend discouraged him, suggesting his height would be a barrier

BUT, while height is an advantage, this is not true in all cases. MAPEH Department teacher, Rodelio Balagua Jr., clarified that there is no height requirement for joining the team, and the Division has issued no memorandum specifying a player’s height for team eligibility

Athletes are low performers academically. And their grades will be greatly affected if they play sports and become athletes.

BUT, The truth is, seven of the athletes who competed in the Division Meet achieved honors during the third quarter, and are thankful for the discipline they learned from the regular training sessions. There is a misconception that sports champions are born, not made, based on the assumption that athletic prowess is inherited

BUT, However, becoming a true champion requires time, immense discipline, and hard work. Success in sports depends on how athletes manage their time and develop their skills, not on their lineage. 1 2 3

▶ JUAN CARLO R. MERCADO

▶ ANDREW MATTHEWS DUBLIN

sports tidbits

Meet Jayvee Sumagaysay

To all the aspiring volleyball players of Ismael Mathay Sr. High School na nangangarap talaga, wala yan sa nilalaro nyo, focus muna kayo sa pag-aaral.”

This was the exact message of Jayvee Sumagaysay, a former member of the UST Growling Tigers who played for the collegiate men’s University squad, a player of the Men’s National volleyball team, a former import of the Sarawak Hornbill in Malaysia, a host and an analyst, to all the volleyball players of IMSHS after the team won in the Women’s Volleyball Division Meet.

In an interview with The IMSHS Progress scribe last February 11 during the Division Unit Meet at Judge Juan Luna High School, Sumagaysay added the importance of studying as a young athlete.

“As a student athlete kasi laging nauuna yung word na student before athlete so dapat mas focus mo yung pag-aaral pa rin kasi ako yung paglalaro ginawa ko lang syang stepping stone para makakuha ako ng scholarship,” he expressed.

At present, Sumagaysay is one of the popular Philippine national athletes who plays for AMC Cotabato Spikers in the Spikers’ Turf.

SURVEY

IMSHS annihilates Roces in Men’s Volleyball Division Unit Meet 2024

In dominant fashion, Ismael Mathay Sr. High School left Don Alejandro Roces Sr. High School in the dust, scoring a twoset sweep 25-11, 25-15 in the Men’s Volleyball 2024 Division Unit Meet at the Judge Juan Luna High School covered court, February 11.

IMSHS’ Clint Bulan was hailed as the game’s MVP after tallying six markers, complemented by team captain Floralde’s six points. The Ismaelians made sure that there won’t be any collapse as they leaned on a strong first set anchored by Bulan before their defense prevented Roces from completing any of their

▶ ANDREW MATTHEWS DUBLIN

It was just a walk in the park for Ismaelians.

comeback bids in the second frame.

MVP Bulan the team’s communication and concerted effort for the win.

“Communication sa team, tapos effort po ng team, kaya kami nanalo,” Bulan said Bulan also identified areas that they need to improve on: defense and game focus.

“Ang kailangan po namin i-improve ay ang aming depensa at concentrate namin sa laro,”

In the first set, Ismaelians tore Roces down, showing their best performance, and denying their opponent’s any chances of winning, to take the first

Lost opportunities are not turncoats

Why are our athletes leaving our country?

Athletes are among one of the most important assets of a country in terms of world prestige and competitiveness in the field of international sports. Despite this, it is not uncommon to see a country’s players leave for another nation due to many factors, especially alienation — a situation currently experienced by the Philippines. What’s worse is that our athletes, who are merely seeking better opportunities, are in turn labeled as traitors and turncoats. It is disappointing how our athletes are treated with such treatment being a primary reason for their departure. When they leave, they are often branded as turncoats, betraying their sole duty of representing their country. However, the reasons why they leave in the first place are often overlooked, something that must not be ignored and instead should be addressed with prompt action.

For instance, Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena became entangled in a financial dispute regarding the liquidation of funds for the Philippine Athletics Track And Field Association (PATAFA) and was expelled just two months later. Fortunately, he was cleared by the Commission on Audit (COA). Unsurprisingly, this was one of the main reasons he withdrew from the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship last year, along with

set, 25-11

With Roces planning to spark a comeback, Bulan’s blocks played a huge role in stopping.

Ismaelians also outspiked Roces, giving them an eight-point lead that Roces couldn’t chase, after Peña’s smashed through the opposing court, 12-4

From then on, Mathay dominated, sending a series of strong spikes without any replies from Roces, eventually giving the Ismaelians the win, 25-15.

The IMSHS Men’s Volleyball team advanced to the next round in the Division Unit Meet after they secured the Top 12 in the quarterfinals round.

logistical problems. This incident is a clear indication of athlete mistreatment in the Philippines and a valid reason for our athletes to leave the country.

Moreover, Maxine Esteban, a Filipino-Ivorian fencer, left the Philippine fencing team for Ivory Coast after being unceremoniously expelled while recovering from an injury she sustained during the world championships. Despite her eight-year tenure representing the Philippines, she was dismissed as if she were a rookie. Her decision to switch allegiances took a toll on the sports federation, whose reputation was already tarnished.

This situation can be likened to a campus athlete who switches schools in the same district due to internal conflicts at their former school.

It is frustrating that our athletes are not properly supported due to the flaws and mishaps of the sports federation but instead are alienated within our own country. That must be changed in accordance to the needs of our players. As in the case of Obiena, proper funding should be allocated to teams competing in international games, and the expulsion of players should be justified rather than done capriciously.

They are not turncoats for leaving; they are lost opportunities rooted in mishandling.

LEGACY ENDED:

Dela Guerra falls short of NEU’s Dagdag, bags bronze medal in Division Meet

In a dramatic final game of his career, Ismael Mathay Sr. High School’s John Paul Dela Guerra fell to New Era University’s Felix Dagdag via a 21-22, 21-18, 19-21 upset, and settled for a 2nd-runnerup finish in the Finals round of the Secondary Boys Badminton Singles showdown at the Belarmino Sports Complex, February 16.

NEU’s Dagdag had the slight edge in the first set, but Dela Guerra refused to simply give up as he evened up the match at one set apiece. Dagdag then proved to be the man to beat, outpointing and outslugging Dela Guerra in a nail-biting 3rd set.

Though NEU proved to be the better team in the last set, Dela Guerra’s quick thinking proved to be the key in clinching the second set as he found his opponent’s weakness -- overhead shots.

“But that’s part of the game sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Last year I entered the district meet and I only reached the quarterfinals. This year I think I improved my game because I was the champion in the District meet and represented District 6 in the Division meet I’m not sad because we got the bronze medal and 2nd runner-up,” said Dela Guerra.

“Expect sakin is I will fully support my Juniors since over age na ako to play for the next school year. Madami pa ako need matutunan at ma-improve sa sarili ko para ma reach ko yung goal ko. Need ko mag triple effort sa lahat ng aspeto mula physical, mental, tactical, technical at emotional and marami pa akong need i-develop as an athlete and as a person.”, he added.

In the waning moments of the clash, Dela Guerra hammered a smash to try and equalize the game, 18-19.

Subsequent to that play, Dela Guerra again punctuated a smash after a long rally as he leveled the tilt at 19 all.

However, Dagdag quickly responded with back-to-back smashes to end Dela Guerra’s agony.

Dela Guerra was the champion in this year’s District Meet and the 2nd runner-up in the Division Meet.

With both players possessing lack of experience, Ismael Mathay Sr. High School’s 8th graders Andrew Dublin and Sanjoe Pepito clashed in a three-setter badminton exhibition tilt, where Dublin exited Quirino High School with his head held high after vanquishing Pepito in a late come-from-behind 15-13, 11-15, 15-12 feat, February 10.

The two players set aside their friendship and gave the fans in attendance an intense showdown, with Dublin dictating the pace with the waning stages of the gameclinching set.

Pepito then had no other option but to face Dublin’s parabolic clears with Dublin taking advantage of the opposition’s counters and then hitting the shuttlecock with a light tap as Pepito struggled recovering from Dublin’s attacks.

After trailing by three points in the final frame, Dublin racked up nine points to pull away in the closing set

“Hindi ko na hinabol yung mga

tira nya na outside, dahil nakikita ko naman kung outside or in,” Dublin said. Pepito uncorked six points but his receiving errors late in the final set allowed Dublin to build momentum, which he then used to take a 14-11 lead.

Pepito scored on a counter move, 14-12, but his tough-angled shot went out of bounds by just a hairline as the match ended.

“Hindi namin na ine-expect na magiging 1v1 yung laban kasi at first akala talaga namin 2v2 yung mangyayari tapos ayon nagulat nalang kami,parang naging friends to rivals ba kaya unexpected.”, Pepito shared.

▶ TOP R. SALIGAN

▶ JUAN CARLO MERCADO

Photo by: Juan Carlo Mercado

▶ JUAN CARLO MERCADO

CONVINCING WIN

Mathay buries BHS in Basketball Division Unit Meet 2024

Despite not going all-in, the Ismael Mathay Sr. High School Basketball team earned a lopsided 41-29 demolition of a hapless Balingasa High School to advance in the second round of the Basketball Division Unit Meet 2024 at the Amoranto Sports Complex, February 10.

The Ismaelians took an early lead and never looked back, bombarding their foes from start to finish.

IMSHS’ Aldrin Alvarez was hailed as the game’s MVP as he uncorked 11 markers for Mathay.

“Dapat play safe talaga kasi kanina nung 3rd quarter medyo nahahabol kami kasi may mga error kami.” said Alvarez, In the first quarter, Ismaelians dominated after they sent a series of buckets with no response from BHS. However, Mathay’s errors allowed BHS to trim their lead little by little, but Ismaelians found their way back on track.

IMSHS head coach Jamsen Albaño said the team needs to trust the process.

“We have a group of young people who have one goal, which is to have their faces in a tarpaulin sa Mathay,” Albaño expressed.

The Panotes Taekwondo System (PTS) held a series of workshops every Saturday from February 10 to April 20, 2024 for Ismael Mathay Sr. High School students who are interested in taekwondo.

This initiative, led by District 6 Councilor Banjo Pilar, aims to boost physical fitness, teach self-defense, and revitalize sports in the district.

In an interview with Victorina Velasco, a Palarong Pambansa trainer, a graduate from the elite group of the Philippine Taekwondo Association, and a batch leader of the Taekwondo Black Belt Sorority said she has been teaching taekwondo for nearly a decade.

“I began learning taekwondo to defend myself against bullies, especially as a woman,” she explained. Velasco also emphasized the mastery of taekwondo techniques and highlighted that “the more you teach, the more you master the forms, self-defense, and kicks.”

Discussing the potential career paths for trainees, Velasco noted the opportunities within the sport.

“Taekwondo can lead to successful careers, even in business. Trainees can open their gyms, spread their knowledge, and train players who might earn varsity scholarships and potentially compete locally and internationally,” she added.

Nicole Diezmo, a journalist and member of the Taekwondo group, also shared her experience.

“I started taekwondo in 2017 to protect my family and improve my physical health. The training has taught me numerous techniques useful in sparring,” said Diezmo.

The workshop series will conduct a culminating activty where students will demonstrate their newly learned kicking skills and other taekwondo techniques.

Ismaelian, ‘one of the best’ ML players in PH

Mobile Legends Bang-Bang, an E-Sports game with 25 million monthly active users in the Philippines, recently posted the Top 100 best players per hero in the country. With the number of skilled players going toe-to-toe just to get into the rankings, less than one percent of the total players get recognized.

And one of them is an Ismaelian.

Alexander Magaso, a Grade 12 campus journalist, consistent honor student, and class president is included in the prestigious list of best ML players in the country.

Magaso, a radio broadcaster and cartoonist for the Online Desktop Publishing, ranked 97th overall in the Philippines, 19th in Metro Manila, 4th in Quezon City, and 1st in Barangay Sangandaan using Franco as his main hero.

Magaso achieved this feat while maintaining his excellent performance in class and winning in various press conferences. In the process, he proved to the Ismael Mathay community that playing E-Sports like MLBB is not a distraction for a student as long as you have discipline and

know what to prioritize first.

“Actually, it’s hard for me to balance all of them. It’s either I will prioritize my school responsibilities including journ or focus on grinding sa ML. Nagkataon kasi talaga na sembreak noon kaya wala talagang pinagawa so ang sabi ko sa sarili ko “what if try ko makasama sa top player ng QC.” kaya I kept grinding sometimes kasama friends ko pero mostly ako lang since hindi talaga ML ang main game nila,” Magaso explained when asked how he managed to be in the ML rankings and how he balances his time.

“Days pa lang nakalipas nakalasap agad ako ng win streaks sa solo queue using the same hero which is Franco, kaya nakatungtong agad ako ng QC

rankings then before magstart ang regular class di ko namalayan na ung pinangarap ko na QC naging Metro Manila hanggang sa naging Philippines na.”, he added.

With the widespread negative effects of online games surfacing in today’s world, Magaso is a living testimony that with proper time management and discipline, we can enjoy playing our favorite game and still be one of the top students in class.

Magaso defied the odds for those who believe that E-Games inject negative attitudes into students, promote bad habits, and distract students from studying.

He topped his class, and he also came on top of the game he loves.

ISMAEL MATHAY SR. HIGH SCHOOL

MOBILE LEGENDS