The JMarian Junior (2019 issue)

Discrimination exists in the campus - foreign students

The

JMARIAN

Lorin Althea A. Pableo ome foreign students of the Jose Maria College (JMC) have expressed their concerns about acts of discrimination that they experienced from their classmates based on a focus group discussion (FGD) held on October 3, 2018 in the third floor library.

Students of Ukrainian, Nigerian and Chinese descent shared their unfortunate experiences in the campus.

“There are some who call us names. Some even try to avoid us in the canteens,” Philip Menon, a grade school student from Nigeria, expressed in an interview.

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JUNIOR

The Official Student Publication of the Jose Maria College - Grade School Department Story Tellers. Idea Shapers. Belief Shakers.

Discrimination... p/5

VOL. 10, NO. 1 | JUNE - DECEMBER 2018 /thejmarian

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CULTURE OF ACCEPTANCE School upholds peace education, tolerance Billy C. Veroy

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Tiara Kryss S. Vicente

ith the recent threats of terrorism and violence, the Jose Maria College (JMC) responds to the need of upholding peace education in the campus.

Seeing the need to include peace education in hopes of promoting tolerance and acceptance of individual differences, the school conducted its first National Peace Forum last May 15, 2018 in the KJC Cathedral.

Integrated Basic Education (IBEd) Principal Marieta A. Munez elaborated the implementation of the peace education drive in the campus.

HARMONY IN DIVERSITY. Students of different races and backgrounds share their traditions to each other.

Students urge to intensify zero tolerance policy

61%

NEWS POWER OF THE YOUTH

PH youth capable of nation-building - SK chair

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Aparece, a grade 5 student, revealed in an interview.

Meanwhile, student council president Heart Hazel C. Gacayan expressed that the zero tolerance policy was effective but only during the beginning of the school year.

“The faculty and staff needs to strengthen the implementation of the policy as some students tend to have forgotten the policy already,” Gacayan stated in an interview.

The student leader also noted that for the policy to be effective, the faculty must be consistent with the implementation.

SURVEY RESULTS ON BULLYING

34% 42% PHYSICAL BULLYING

CYBERBULLYING

This is the percentage of the students who reported to have experienced physical bullying (of any form) inside and outside the campus.

Some students also claimed to have engaged or have been victimized by bullying online most especially through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

SPORTS

FEATURE IN THE TWILIGHT

A glimpse in the lives of senior citizens in the streets

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SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior to 100 Grade 5 and 6 students

SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior

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“As an educational institution promoting excellence not only in academics but also in values formation, the school has the obligation to raise up students who are accepting and who respect individual differences,” the academic head shared in an interview.

The school official also stated that the recent cases of bombing in Isulan and the actions of violence of rebel groups pushed the administration to introduce peace education in the campus.

“Being the cradle of School upholds... p/3

On bullying and discipline management

he implementation of CHARACTER the zero tolerance policy on bullying needs to be Lance C. Varquez improved according to a survey of grade school students.

In a recent survey conducted by the publication, 61% of students reported to have experienced any form of bullying in the campus.

Interviews of some students reveal their experiences of being bullied in campus.

“Some students would try to harass me in the reported to have corridor. They would try to annoy me. I tried ignoring experienced any them, but they don’t form of bullying in the stop until I react on their pranks,” Shania Hart I. campus.

DIVERSITY

BUZZER BEATER

Junior Kings concede to EMAR, 41-31

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POWER OF THE YOUTH PH youth capable of nation-building - SK chair

In reference to the school’s mandate which is to hone world-class, Godfearing and responsible individuals, Brgy.

Tamayong Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman Michael A. Marcial shared the power of the youth in shaping the future of the nation.

“As a JMarian, I have learned through experience and being with

EMPOWERMENT

Lance C. Varquez

Shaima Manzano

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he youth has an immense amount of potential to change the course of the situation of the nation, a JMarian and current Sangguniang Kabataan chairman shared in an interview.

young leaders that we all have the capability to bring our nation towards a better future,” the young leader said in an interview.

With the issues concerning the youth arising nowadays, the SK chairman believes that the youth can manage to overcome such problems.

“As young as we are, the youth may be prone to certain problems, but that does not mean that it shall prevent us from all the good that we can do,” Marcial further stated.

He also mentioned some programs of the SK that will be helpful in helping the youth become more effective members of the society.

Giving back to the community

YOUNG AND CAPABLE. Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Michael Marcial shares how the youth can be more productive and more efficient elements of the society.

Student leaders, volunteers inspire visually-impaired kids

ith its pursuit to extend a helping hand to the community, the Keepers’ Club International (KCI) collaborated with selected grade school students in a feeding and gift giving program for the students of the Davao School for the Blind last June 26, 2018.

Thirty-six (36) beneficiaries participated in a series of games and activities volunteers. In addition, most of the beneficiaries showcased their dancing and musical skills in a talent show.

“With this activity,

we were able to develop our self-confidence to socialize and interact with other people,” Monique Granaderos, a beneficiary, said in an interview.

In return, the students showed their musical talents as they rendered an orchestra presentation for the volunteers. Their group, known as One Light Music Orchestra, has performed in prominent places such as the Apo View Hotel grand ballroom.

“Our goal is to help these children who face this

situation. We were able to see the potential in them to play these instruments,” One Light Music Orchestra instructor Donald Gondaya explained.

On the other hand, the deemed highlight of the event was the giftgiving activity. A lot of the beneficiaries were tearyeyed upon receiving their presents and opening them with the volunteers.

The beneficiaries also shared their messages of gratitude to the KCI and SONG OF THANKS. A trio of beneficiaries from the Davao School for SHS-SSG. the Blind share a song for the JMarians who visited them.

Heeding the call for student empowerment

JMarians donate supplies to adopted barangay school Nabrissa Malaine C. Cortez

Terence Kurt S. Vicente

T COLLABORATION. Students from the grade school department prepare the donations for the school’s adopted barangay.

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owards empowerment of the value of education, JMarians give back to the community by donating school supplies to Jose Maria College’s (JMC) adopted school in Brgy.

Tamayong, Calinan, Davao City last October 15, 2018.

Spearheaded by the school administrator, Dr. Nelia Q. Canada, school supplies and canned goods were given to the students and their families.

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COMMUNITY

“We do this every year but we are filled with happiness and satisfaction every time. We receive updates that the young children are doing well in their studies and that’s what makes everything worth it,” Julieta Henson, a grade ten student answered, when asked about her experience in helping less fortunate students.

“Personally I hope

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that they will remember our good deeds, and it will become their drive in the future to give back to the community as well,” Henson added.

The Supreme Student Government also played a role in the Adopt-a-School campaign of the institution, and they are humbled to become an instruments to better the students’ quality of education.

Marianne Gabrielle C. Gallardo

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INCLUSIVITY

Billy C. Veroy

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21st Century education

‘A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE’ A

s the 21st century demands for media literate citizens and as students are exposed to various media, the Jose Maria College (JMC) keeps up with the challenges of the new era of education.

In an effort to intensify the quality of education and to modernize its instructional programs, the school now promotes the development of students’ digital and media literacy and the use of technology in the classroom.

“We have now entered into a new age of education wherein our students are not the same students we used to have.

The use of technology is a right and not a privilege,” said assistant principal Bryan Alberto.

“Our students are more digitally involved now than they were before. It is time for teachers and the school to respond to this change to cater the needs of our learners,” she added.

With this challenge on hand, the school installed a new Mac Laboratory to help teachers facilitate the integration of technology in their instruction.

“The turn of the 21st century only reveal that the world is constantly changing which is the same with our students,” the school official shared.

“That’s why the school has provided the facility so that teachers and students alike can make use of various forms of media in their lessons and projects,” he added.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE. Grade school students enjoy their hands-on lessons in the new Mac Laboratory which is open for all students of any year or grade level.

Schoolwork, performance tasks ‘overwhelming’ - students Admin responds to students’ plea

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Angela Nicole Y. Masangkay

ith the various performance tasks and other projects given by teachers, some students have reported that their academic requirements are already overwhelming for their time and capacity.

Such is revealed in a survey and a focus group discussion conducted by the publication which presented 46% of students saying that the amount of schoolwork that they have to do is beyond what they can hold and accommodate

INCLUSIVITY

in their schedules.

“We have around eight subjects, with different teachers and requirements.

Our teachers give out projects all at the same time which gives us a hard time to keep up with everything,” Lorin Althea A. Pableo, a grade six student, shared in an interview.

With this matter, the faculty had a conference with some students which led to the creation of a proper schedule of

giving assignments and performance task.

Assistant principal Bryan T. Alberto assured parents and students alike that the school shall monitor the schedules to avoid schoolwork from becoming overwhelming.

“With the new policy on scheduling performance tasks and projects, the school hopes that students will have a better time doing their requirements,” Alberto said.

Promoting diverse learning experiences

46%

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approaches in teaching as said by Integrated Basic Education (IBEd)

Our students must always be given the chance to express their needs.

principal Marieta A. Munez.

“Redesigning the curriculum will allow students to try out different pursuits that will cater their individual differences and needs,” the school head explained.

Furthermore, the decision to redesign the curriculum came from the feedback by the students in the teachers’ evaluation held last September 23, 2018.

“Here in school, we

School upholds peace educ... from page 1

the future of this nation, there is an immense pressure for the school to introduce peace not only as a concept but as a concrete way of life,” expressed that Munez further added. the amount of Emphasis on peace schoolwork is already and religious and overwhelming. cultural tolerance shall be included in the Values of the students reported that performance tasks are Education curriculum of required to be carried out the IBEd. at the same time Some parents the number of students expressed their approval who claimed missing to the move of the school. classes just to cope up with schoolwork “It is timely and proper for the school to SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior push on peace education to 100 Grade 5 and 6 students as the world needs peace more than anything right now,” Akbar Derogongan, Sabrina Wynne C. Benitez a parent, said in an interview.

“Since schools are seats of wisdom and listen to our primary character-building, it is clientele, our students, only imperative for the who must always be given school to promote peace,” the chance to express he said. their needs,” Munez elaborated.

The principal also noted that this move will help teachers plan activities and lessons that are tailor-made for the individual needs of the students.

“We hope that students become more motivated this time,” she said.

33%

16%

School head aims for curriculum redesign

o diversify learning experiences of students, the school plans to redesign its curriculum and supplement the current one as revealed by the school principal.

In an effort to intensify the quality of education and to modernize its instructional programs, the school admin has challenged its faculty and staff to broaden their horizons and try out modern strategies and

Rohaima M. Derogongan

Terence Kurt S. Vicente

School boosts digital literacy programs

S TO RY T E L L E R S . I D E A S H A P E R S . B E L I E F S H A K E R S .

GIFT OF HERITAGE Students campaign for IP empowerment

Marianne Gabrielle A. Gallardo

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FREE TO EXPRESS. Azee Mulay from the Senior High School educates grade school students on the customs and traditions of Muslims as part of the Indigenous People’s appreciation day.

COMMUNITY

o show support to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the country, students from the Jose Maria College (JMC) launched a campaign for IP empowerment in an activity held during the Indigenous People’s Appreciation Day last August 9, 2018.

Student leaders from different grade levels gathered in the Audiovisual Room (AVR) to talk about ways on how to empower the IPs in the society.

“The IPs in our country should be respected for their culture and tradition. However, in these modern times, their stance on society is at risk,” Charlene Ibañez, a student leader from grade ten said.

“As the youth, we

Amidst DepEd budget cut for campus journalism

ADVOCACY

Sabrinna Wynne C. Benitez should be the ones who would empower them and empower them to live above the discriminative standards of society,” she added.

On the other hand, teachers also shared their sentiments about the IPs in the country.

“We should preserve their culture and tradition as they are the ones who remind us of who we are before we were even colonized by foreigners who changed our culture,” Jade Isaal, a head teacher, expressed.

The student leaders opt to continue implementing similar events in th future as they ae determined to strengthen the rights of the IPs.

Lance C. Varquez

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SOURCE: Rappler; Department of Budget and Management

he apparent budget cut of the Department of Education (DepEd) for campus journalism for this school year caused worry for the campus journalists of the Jose Maria College.

With the apparent decrease from 9.6 million pesos last 2017 to just 2.1 million for 2018, the journalists did not fail to express their concern on the quality of the campus journalism programs of DepEd. “Knowing that DepEd spearheads the conduct of division, regional and national schools press conferences, the

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9.6 million pesos The current budget of DepEd for campus journalism for school year 2018-2019 after the cash-based budget system of DBM

apparent budget cut may hamper the quality of the journalism programs in schools,” high school editor-in-chief Marian Ambrocio shared during an institutional campus journalism meeting last August 24, 2018.

The editor also noted some of her experiences during the past National Schools Press Conferences (NSPC).

“With the NSPCs that I have been into, there have been problems with the accommodation, food and contest venues.

With this apparent budget cut, I am afraid that the

DepEd’s total budget for campus journalism for school year 2017-2018

2.1 million pesos f

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quality of the schools press conferences may be affected,” Ambrocio retorted.

The DepEd budget cut springs from the cashbased budget system of the Department of Budget and Management which was made effective this school year.

High school Filipino editor-in-chief Tom Aaron Rica also explained the need for full government support.

“With a bigger budget, there will be more avenues for journalism trainings from credible speakers,” Rica said.

Terence Kurt S. Vicente

Campus scribes cry for full gov’t support

HELPING HAND. High school copy editor Billy Veroy assists grade school copy reader Kyan Mendoza in their journalism training.

Billy C. Veroy School facilities ready for disaster threats - campus engineer

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isasters come and go, but school facilities of the Jose Maria College (JMC) can withstand any threat from Mother Nature, according to the school’s engineer.

Campus engineer Bernie Murillo assured the school community in a meeting last July 24, 2018 that the facilities of the school are wellmaintained and updated to withstand any natural

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disaster that may strike the city.

“Our school building is built to withstand strong earthquakes and typhoons. The school is also located in an elevated area which makes it an ideal place for evacuation in cases of tsunamis or tidal waves,” the campus engineer shared during the meeting.

Murillo also noted

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that even though the school facilities are strong and ready, it will always be important for people to follow emergency protocols and evacuation procedures.

“No matter how ready the facilities are, not properly following established protocols will lead the community to fatalities,” the campus engineer asserted.

With the invasion of inflation

ECONOMY

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Billy C. Veroy

Parents say family budgets ‘heavily’ affected

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SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior to 100 Grade 5 and 6 students

s the country faces the threats and dangers of the rising cost of products and services, parents reported to have already felt the effects of the inflation this year.

In a survey to the parents, 62% of the respondents

62% This is the percentage of parents who still believe that the Duterte administration can help the country as it faces the threats of inflation.

Discrimination exists in...

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She also reported about being discriminated because of her dark skin.

“I was always teased because of my skin. There are even Bisaya words said about me, and when I knew what they actually mean, I was hurt,” Menon added.

With this concern at hand, the school has acted upon reports of discriminating activity.

“We have already investigated the matter, and the erring students have undergone counseling already,” assistant principal Bryan Alberto said in an interview.

“The school never tolerates any form of discrimination,” he added.

have expressed that their family budgets have already been compromised by the rising cost of products and services in the market.

48% of the parents who responded in the survey claim to be

Parents reported being heavily affected by the rising costs of products and services.

89%

shared in an interview. affected most especially The association in purchasing basic goods president also noted how and services such as food some parents manage the and transportation needs. problem with inflation.

In a meeting with the “I personally prepare General Parents-Teachers my children’s food for Association (GPTA), their stay in school association so as not to give president them money Emily anymore. I Sagabaen feel like I revealed The country will rise could save how from this problem. a certain parents W e’ve encountered amount by are inflation before, we just handing dealing food over can get through it. with to them inflation. than giving “As them money,” much as the GPTA head we want added. to stretch our This has also been budget for all the needs of validated by some the family, it sometimes students whose daily and becomes a Herculean task weekly allowances have to maintain the upkeep of suffered the cut. the family budget as the “My parents don’t prices of everything in give me daily allowances the market right now has anymore. They told me skyrocketed,” Sagabaen

to just ask from them if I actually need something to buy. But apart from that, I just end up bringing food to school,” fifth grader Jeanika Badiang shared in an interview.

Although it is a pressing problem for them, some parents are still hopeful that the Duterte administration can alleviate the economic issues that confront the country nowadays.

“The country will rise from this problem.

We’ve encountered inflation before, we can get through it,” Rogelio Ambrosio, school accountant and a parent, shared.

“We just need to adjust and manage our finances or try to look for ways to keep up with our needs,” the school accountant said.

Canteen prices rise up Students cry foul over price increase

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tudents complain about the sudden increase in the prices of canteen goods recently which has generated an influx of reactions from the student body.

The recent price increase of goods in the canteen had students tightening up their belts.

From ten pesos, a cup of rice now costs fifteen pesos per serving, which had students complaining.

“My daily allowance is not enough anymore to get me through the day. My parents have not added up to it yet since they are still looking for ways on dealing with this problem,” fifth grader Thirdy Dantes shared in

an interview.

Parents have also expressed their concern over the rising cost of products in the canteen.

“Instead of giving them money, I am planning to buy and prepare food for my kids starting next week,” Amy Baes, a parent of grade schoolers, said in an interview.

Baes also expressed how the problem has affected her personally.

“I don’t actually have enough time in a day to prepare and cook food for my kids for their baon in school. But I have to start reconsidering my day-today activities now,” the mother of two retorted.

ECONOMY

With the shock brought about by the sudden rise of the cost of canteen goods, the canteen staff only has

We tried to manage with the increase of prices of raw goods in the market, but we reached our threshold already.

one thing to say -- they just have to do it as the canteen may lose profit if they would not.

“We tried to manage

Rhoan P. Aguelo

with the increase of prices of raw goods in the market, but we reached our threshold already.

The canteen would end up losing its profit if we won’t adjust our prices,” canteen head Dolor Bonaobra explained in an interview.

When asked if the prices in the canteen would be permanent, the canteen manager gave an assurance that it will just be temporary.

“Of course, if the prices in the market would go lower, we may go back to our previous prices,” Bonaobra assured the publication.

Financial literacy must be included in curriculum - principal Lorin Althea A. Pableo

Handling finances and managing wants and needs are not overtly taught in the academe.

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onsidering the recent issues confronting students and parents, even with some faculty and staff, academic heads are considering to include financial literacy in the school’s curriculum.

Integrated Basic Education (IBEd) principal Marieta A. Munez believes that financial literacy is a concept that needs special

attention especially as the whole nation confronts the problem of inflation.

“Handling finances and managing wants and needs are not overtly taught in the academe,” the principal said in an interview.

When asked about what pushed the academic council to decide on emphasizing financial literacy in the

curriculum, the school official reveals that it is everyone’s concern -clientele and employees alike.

“Parents and students are not the only ones who need to be guided financially. Even teachers and other employees need guidance in handling their finances most especially now that we are facing the threats of

S TO RY T E L L E R S . I D E A S H A P E R S . B E L I E F S H A K E R S .

the rising cost of products and services,” Munez elaborated.

Financial literacy will be a key concept in the upcoming lessons in the third quarter of the school year.

Natasja Mikaella D. Ando

EDITORIAL Baby steps towards change T reading slowly like a father strolling his son carefully through a park, the Duterte administration is gradually redeeming the youth from its ruined yesterdays.

A number of challenges have long obstructed the potential of the youth today. In the beginning of 2017, the population of young Filipinos reached 36.2 million according to the National Demographics Health Survey (NDHS).

They now face a lot of trials that impede their productivity, yet, the unified efforts of the administration is clearly molding the youth into becoming fruitful and responsible members of society.

However, the war on drugs has executed over

The

JMARIAN JUNIOR

The Official Student Publication of the Jose Maria College (Grade School Department)

EDITORIAL

BOARD

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AND STAFF SY 2018-2019

3, 967, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported. Unfortunately, 390 of these are young people. The Children’s Rights and Development Centre (CLRDC), likewise, documented and verified 40 children deaths between July 2016 and April 2017 with 27 male and 13 female from ages 9-17 killed or physically assaulted by a police official. These alarming statistics only presented that the reigning culture of violence in the country has massively impinged the rights of the youth to mature in a secured, well-rounded environment.

How will Filipinos metamorphose as productive citizens if they are scarcely protected under a system that mobilizes

through violence and lawlessness?

On the other hand, the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS)

The Filipino youth has stayed in the ruins for too long, but now, we see a beacon of hope.

conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) noted a significant drop in vices among the youth – less 20.9% smokers, only 4% drug users and the

number of current alcoholic drinkers declined from 41% to 37%. Yet, this is not a hallmark of success for the remaining young people lurking in vices still pose an absolute threat to themselves and society, in general.

Duterte has to clarify his stand towards youth development and present his plans— from the most to least significant— to the Filipino people. Children’s rights advocates must be on their toes in protecting the rights of young people and make sure that they exercise their full potential towards nation building.

In their vulnerable state, the youth deserves to be nurtured in a secured environment with people who empower them to become the best versions of

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Sabrina Wynne C. Benitez | ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Lance C. Varquez | MANAGING EDITOR: Lorin Althea A. Pableo | NEWS EDITORS: Rhoan Blez P. Aguelo, Rohaima M. Derogongan | FEATURE EDITOR: Jeanika Herschel Mae D. Badiang | SCI-TECH EDITOR: Shania Hart I. Aparece | PHOTO EDITOR: Marianne Gabrielle A. Gallardo | STAFF WRITERS: Angela Nicole Y. Masangkay, Patricia Lorraine R. Masong, Nabrissa Malaine N. Cortez, Nathan John A. Serino | CARTOONIST: Natasja Mikaella D. Ando | PHOTOJOURNALIST: Terence Kurt S. Vicente | COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICATION DIRECTOR: Leonardo Achilles C. Cabural All articles, graphics and photos in this newsletter are properties of the publication (otherwise stated).

Graphics used in this document are designed by FreePik, and the publication has acquired the right to use the graphics via a free license agreement.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (c) 2018

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themselves.

The Filipino youth has stayed in the ruins for too long, but now, we see a beacon of hope.

Duterte may have a lot more promises to fulfill, yet society is not exempted in this quest for change.

The hope of the country is struggling, but definitely fighting still.

Indeed, change is coming, however, it still demands collective effort for change to finally come.

All it takes now is for Filipinos to trek the path of youth development, no matter how arduous, for the sake of our young stewards— our future leaders. Together, let us usher the youth into a better, more progressed future for the Philippines.

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he whole country is shaken by the need to look for alternative measures to pacify the effects of inflation. In a report by Statista, the Philippines’ inflation rate is projected to rocket to 4.17% in 2018 – a significant rise compared to 3.18% in 2017. With meager income and a plethora of financial obligations, our only option to deflate this economic crisis is the power of financial literacy.

Filipinos need to understand the problem before they can look for solutions. Standard and Poor (S&P) reported that 75% of Filipinos are financially illiterate.

Meanwhile, the World Bank also conducted a study revealing that only 2% of adults answered all questions on financial literacy correctly.

With less than ample knowledge in financial planning and practical decision-making, Filipinos will surely suffocate in as the prices of goods continue to balloon.

Failure to rise up from this predicament is the failure of the government to provide financial education.

Moreover, with the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, it is another insult to

Deflating the balloon

The challenge of the nation’s problem on rising cost of products

Fortunately, the Duterte administration is slowly planting the seeds that would yield forth Sabrina Wynne C. Benitez the fruits of economic growth. One of those the injury as food prices seeds is the Build, Build, are set to rise by 0.73%, Build (BBB) program that transportation by 2.8% was allotted P8 trillion to and electricity by 0.7%. accelerate infrastructure Millions of our fellowmen spending and develop are already lifting industries that will burdens more yield robust than they growth and carry. Poor create more Our only option Filipino jobs for families Filipinos. to deflate this are Projects economic crisis already such as is the power of struggling these can to breathe financial literacy. definitely beneath open many the harsh closed doors powers of for Filipinos poverty and the who are seeking excise tax would for stable jobs. only drag them deeper Now, there is a into the depths. resonating call for How will we redeem government agencies our fellowmen from the especially the Department trench of poor living if we of Education (DepEd) keep pulling them down to reach out to Filipinos with the anchors of excise and educate them tax and inflation? about proper financial

POINT OF VIEW

planning and spending.

Schools can be used as a mighty arm to promote financial literacy to both students and parents. The knowledge they possess could be the emerging beacon of hope, the safety net that would halt their descent into an arduous financial depression.

In desperate times, band-aid solutions such as flickering job fairs and short-term blueprints for financial education will never answer the thundering cries of struggling Filipinos.

For us to redeem our sinking hopes, our only lifeline lies in our unified efforts to be financially educated and the government’s commitment to open wider avenues for financial growth.

To burst the balloon is to puncture it with opportunities for education and empowerment.

Wise choices O

kind of change that will overhaul the system.

We are all thirsty for this change. We have grown sick and tired of the dirty old tricks of these politicians that others just resort to the easier route -- allowing the dirty system to consume them. Vote buying and election-related crimes will be on the rise, soon.

Pre-election campaigns already tainted our television sets.

Government projects have been named after self-righteous public “servants.” All of these have to stop. We have to stop.

Let us stop the ignorance. Let us stop giving a deaf ear and a blind eye to what happens around us. Our country, our people, our heritage will never see the change we all expect if we allow the same people to abuse

Let the youth become a reminder to the voting public about the repercussions of their choices.

of Filipinos are considered financially illiterate

9, 140 pesos the average cost of income an average Filipino needs to survive a month

4.17% the projected rise of the inflation rate in 2018

Dear editors,

Lance C. Varquez their power and set their hands to our public treasury. Let the regrets and the hurt of the past haunt us. We have to learn a lesson.

For the coming elections, the voting public must be wellinformed, vigilant and patriotic. Every choice we make in those ballots will propel our country and its future to greater heights or it might just lead us to destruction and dump us to an even worse society.

Most of the youth

75%

Let’s hope for the best

LOOKING GLASS will not be able to vote.

Kids cannot vote.

However, let the youth become a reminder to the voting public about the repercussions of their choices. Any choice voters will make will either make or break the future of the youth.

Let us not give the future generations something they would regret upon.

Our time calls for wise voting. It does not start with others. It starts within ourselves.

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Source: Stanford and Poor, Philippine Statistics Authority

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Election 2019 and its implications to our nation’s direction

nly a few months more and the whole Philippines will be choosing its new set of leaders to govern this precious country.

However, given the political situation of our country, the dirty tricks of the trade have come into presence.Such propaganda has been ongoing in every election in the Philippines ever since time immemorial.

Yet, through social media and because the voting public has gone smarter than they were in previous elections, the public is thirsty for a new kind of leadership.

Filipinos have grown tired of traditional politicians (TRAPO).

They deserve the monicker they were given.

As TRAPOs, they are only worthy of disposal.

We do not need junk to run our government anymore. Our country needs change -- the

STATISTICS ON INFLATION AND FINANCIAL LITERACY

How crucial is the upcoming elections? In my trips to the province, I have noticed advertisements, posters and billboards with government officials in them. Is it not an offense to do so?

Yours truly, Joshua

Dear Joshua, It is very saddening to acknowledge that what you have witnessed is a reality every election in the Philippines. The coming elections is very crucial as every previous one has been. Let’s hope for the best to come.

Yours truly, The JMarian Junior

Perfect illusion T

he Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs is the pivotal force for a 25-percent drop in the crime rate between January and June this year compared to the same period in 2017 as reported by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). Yet, great its role may be in reducing crime in the country, the end does not justify the means.

The vehemence of the war on drugs is a perfect illusion where violence seems to solve another of its kind.

With 2, 763 deaths linked to extra-judicial killings, it is very clear that the current administration’s fight against drugs have totally exploded into mindless violence.

May it be that the deaths are attributed to formal police operations, but we cannot fail to speculate that some of these deaths might be due to self-cleansing strategies of notorious drug syndicates in the

A deceptive cure for the nation’s crime problem

but not the solution in itself.

Drug lords and traders might be scared by the use of force.

Lorin Althea A. Pableo However, solving the drug trade by violence country. only opens up another Having only 613 problem -- abuse of cases with investigations power. concluded, these deaths Aside from that, only goes to show that another aspect of some elements of our humanity the society has has been chosen to put violated and themselves that is the above the The vehemence of human law. the war on drugs rights There is a perfect illusion of these have been where violence criminals. many seems to solve Ironic accounts another of its kind. as it may of alleged sound, killings of but these innocent wrongdoers, victims. Young even though they students, innocent have violated others’ women... the list goes rights, are still human on. and still deserve to enjoy Although this action their rights as human is attributed to the beings. cleansing of the nation Long gone are the against the drug trade, days when people resort killing the perpetrators is to the old law, “an eye only a part of the solution

CLARITY

Petri dish of hate The emergence of a culture of trolling and bashing in social media

STREAMLINED

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8

Rhoan Blez P. Aguelo

he advancement of technology brought humankind many advantages which made life better.

Yet, technology has opened a Pandora’s box in social communication wherein trolls and bashers came into life. The term “cyberbullying” has been heard repeatedly like a broken record. Do we even know when does cyberbullying become bullying?

Before the advent of social media, and even

STATISTICS ON EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS

before the word “bullying” acquired from bashers and reached our vocabularies, trolls. making fun of other people Although social media used to be referred to as is regarded as a unifying “teasing” or just having invention of man that “kid problems.” has eliminated distance But when all people, as a factor in human even the young ones, communication, it also got hold of their own has started becoming a Facebook, Instagram and tool to divide the society. other social media Anyone with a device can accounts, it say something about a became somebody. easier for Anyone who them to has a social Anyone who poke fun media account has a social to others can become a media account who they potential bully. can become a perceive Even though potential bully. as victims. our country has Nowadays, an existing policy people can against cybercrimes, just express digital bullies often what they want use the anonymous card to say (even the meanest because anyone can just things) in your comment open up a fake social box or right directly in your media account and do their inboxes. “thing.” In this regard, let This prevalence of this become a wake-up cyberbullying reportedly call for all netizens. Our caused some teenagers technology is a power given and adults alike to slit to us. “With great power their wrists and attempt comes great responsibility.” suicide because of the It may be a cliche but its embarrassment they relevance still stands true.

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for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

We are no longer living in the ancient days. Being violent and aggressive is barbaric and old. Diplomacy and due process must always be observed. Are we sending the notion to the youth that violence is an effective solution to end what must stop?

Are we suggesting to our fellow countrymen that violence can be tolerated as long as the intentions behind it are good?

Tolerating this attitude of violence will get us nowhere. It is pure deception out of the desperate need for peace and order.

Putting the law on our hands will never bring us the peace and order we have always aspired and hope for. Let the numbers speak for themselves. The means do not justify the ends -- especially when we talk about human life.

2,766 the reported number of unexplained deaths

2,153 the reported number of deaths under investigation

613 396 217

the number of cases with investigation concluded, which include: cases wherein suspects are arrested cases wherein suspects are at large

SOURCE: Rappler, NCRPO

PARENTS SPEAK

Nurturing the future together

P

Herline Lao-Kemer

arents’ unconditional love to their children is a gift from Allah. With these blessing comes great duties and responsibilities. We give our children the best life that they deserve to have.

Education is one of the many factors that we give priority. We choose the best quality education for them.

We make sure that devoted, compassionate and efficient mentors are there to play an important role in molding the minds of our children in school.

Teachers unlock and enhance our children’s’ potentials to the fullest.

They’re our partner in helping them grow intellectually, mentally, socially and spiritually.

We know for a fact that entrusting our children to them isn’t easy yet we give it a try. But once trust and respect are there, good

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relationship develops.

We doubt no more but rather understand and set limitations to ourselves in constantly monitoring our children in their classrooms.

School time is learning time and therefore should not be distracted not unless unexpected situations arise.

Teachers’ goal in mentoring our little ones won’t be effective if we don’t cooperate and give them the freedom in their own space.

Every school has policies where appointments can be arranged for any concerns and issues. School rules and regulations are not just for students to abide but for parents as well.

Give each other a chance to prove our worth to the new generations to be models for them along their way to success. Remember, “We can do better if we work as ONE.”

Soul Surgery When physical beauty outweigh values

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ith flooding images of fit, toned bodies, fair and flawless skin, a spotless face, and a pointed nose, society’s perception has quickly shifted from the old-fashioned simplicity, to the modern-day ideal standard of beauty. Society quickly turned its gaze away from what are essential -values and character.

As the 21st century takes over, societal standards change, as well as how the society perceives every individual to fit in its own norm.

We have forgotten that beauty fades, but kindness and the impact we make in other people’s lives prevail.

Let us admit the fact that no one will ever reject the opportunity to look better and feel good. But as people are fed up with what society refers to as ‘beautiful’, the feeling of trying to

SURVEY ON BEAUTY AND SELF-IMAGE SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior to 100 Grade 5 and 6 students

Society quickly turned its gaze away from what are essential -- values and character.

achieve the standard is unfortunately, a neverending cycle.

With smart phones and social media just within our reach, our system of communicating and connecting with people has become an easy task. However, we are slowly getting captivated by internet’s standards that trap our minds in its own norm.

Ever since the modern era rises to

46%

PERSPECTIVE Shania Hart I. Aparece advancement, the impact of technology on an individual’s everyday living has either brought a positive or negative response.

Nowadays, most people live up for the likes, reactions, shares, comments, or the number of followers they have on social media. It seems like a basis for how society

of the survey respondents feel that they do not look “good enough.”

11%

9 LETTER TO THE EDITOR perceives a person’s identity. As young as they are, even some grade school students hold now the idea of undergoing surgery to change their God-given aesthetic.

There is nothing absolutely wrong with choosing cosmetic enhancement. If people want to look better than they do, they have the freedom to do so.

However, it is alarming to note that society has heavily engrossed itself in the idea of image, and the influence of media adds to the pressure to always look the best while leading people to forget that what is inside of our souls -- our character -- has to come first than physical beauty.

If only there is soul surgery where we can save people from being victims of corrupt minds and tainted ideals, the world would become a better place.

of the respondents would opt for cosmetic enhancements if they were given the chance.

Harnessing the capacity of the youth towards excellence

T

KALEIDOSCOPE Rohaima M. Derogongan 2017. The hope of our nation has fallen into a dark abyss and we have nothing else to blame but our failure to keep them on track.

Moreover, the very stronghold of our country, the government, is deteriorating in their efforts to fulfill their visons for the youth.

Between July 2016 and April 2017, the

Children’s Legal Rights and Development Centre (CLRDC) documented and verified 40 cases of children deaths wherein 27 males and 13 females were assaulted and killed by state authorities.

As a nation with one vision for change, there is a herald’s call to redeem our young people from the depths.

Thankfully, various groups such as the National Youth Commission (NYC) are actively involving young people in characterbased activities under RA 8044 or the Youth in Nation Building Act. In 2019, NYC must boost campaigns against vices, crime and drugs, and reach out to more young people especially the outof-school youth.

It is now the government role to mobilize the NYC and boost budget allocations for school campaigns and

Dear editors, Social media as a powerful force has an immense focus on image and influence. What is your take on young people being immersed in the culture of glorifying image over substance?

Yours truly, Christian

Dear Christian, What you are and how you live your life will always matter more than physical beauty. Beauty fades. Influence and impact persist. It is time for the youth to appreciate the better things in life rather than the shallow offerings of entertainment media.

Yours truly, The JMarian Editors

32%

The power of self-discipline he youth holds a great potential to harness a better future for the Philippines. However, according to the Global School-based Student Health Survey, 18.2% of young Filipinos are alcoholics, 14.6% are smokers and 11.5% have once been suicidal. Without proper guidance and discipline, the Filipino youth may lose the opportunity to become the nation’s asset in nationbuilding.

The youth may lose its power to change the course of our country’s destiny.

To develop the youth requires collective effort from the school, the government and concerned sectors of society. Unfortunately, these members of the youth’s support system faces a dysfunction. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recorded to have 10, 094 juvenile delinquents reported in

Image vs. substance

of the respondents are strongly satisfied with their image, no matter how they may look like.

THE COUNTRY’S YOUTH IN A GLANCE

34.7

SOURCE: Rappler, NCRPO

million The Filipino youth may lose the opportunity to become the nation’s asset in nation-building.

the number of young people in the Philippines

97.94% the literacy rate of the Philippines for both sexes

seminars that will awaken the youth on the evil of vices. Likewise, schools can make use of clubs and organizations, especially the school publication as their arm in promoting character-based leadership and stewardship. Simple efforts as these, when done with utmost passion can yield a great magnitude. The future of our nation is on the rocks, however, our persistent determination shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

S TO RY T E L L E R S . I D E A S H A P E R S . B E L I E F S H A K E R S .

89% the number of young people that believe that they have to be informed, involved, and consulted by adults and youth leaders on matters related to youth development

Going beyond the tunnel vision

The need for varied experiences in the classroom

A

s the 21st century demands for media literate citizens and as students are exposed to various media, academic instiitutions now feel the pressure to provide worthwhile and meaningful learning experiences to students in the context of technology and media.

Our school is not exempted to this current trend and demand.

Starting in 2016, the Jose Maria College (JMC) has gradually shifted away from the traditional perspective of the teaching and learning process.

However, with the onset of the school’s move to heed to the herald’s call for 21st century education, some of the faculty members have gone beyond what is necessary -- forgetting the essentialities of the past and overdoing the perspective of the future.

In a survey conducted by the JMarian Junior, 84% of the respondents

PARAGON Nathan John A. Serino from Grades 5 to 6 reported that their teachers have been demanding them to submit video projects and that most teachers rely on videos being played during their lessons.

It is as if teachers have become babysitters instead of real sources of knowledge and facilitators of wisdom.

A staggering 78% of the respondents also expressed that they “miss”

the learning experiences Another point to they had with their former ponder is that although teachers while citing our school is being outside a private the classroom, institution, not being able everyone in to hold and its student “The means to manipulate roster are the end might real capable or not be the objects equipped related with the most desirable to their necessary approach. lessons, materials and needed being able to create to simulate ambitious and perform projects. Not all experiments or realof us has laptops capable world application of their of editing videos. Not lessons. everyone has cameras nor Education cannot cellphones to be used as be enclosed in the four recording devices. Some corners of the classroom. of us cannot learn just by To initiate creativity reading a book alone. and to allow students For most of us, like us to let ourselves experience is the best think outside the box, teacher. In another our mentors themselves perspective, our and the school itself experiences shape us must prepare a learning and our future. This is environment and a a call for better learning curriculum that are activities in the classroom. engaging and are timely to the needs of the times.

When teachers leave midyear

Immersing the youth in the perils of uncertainty and inconsistency

I

t has always been a predicament for private educational institutions that teachers often leave the school in the middle of the year.

Resigning from a job is normal. It happens.There are a lot of reasons why people decide to quit their jobs.

Some want to seek for greener pastures.

Others desire to make their finances better and look for jobs or employers that pay better or higher.

Likewise, there might also be personal reasons why people leave their jobs.However, in the case of schools, it is disgraceful and unfortunate when teachers just leave students in the middle of the year. Yes, we get it.

They have needs. They have dreams.But, can’t it wait until the end of the school year?

Private schools

10

Leaving us hanging in the middle of the year is just unfair -totally unfair.

have been dealing with unseen repercussions with regard to teachers resigning midyear.

Schools experience being understaffed, trying to resolve issues of lack of manpower.

Teaching loads get scattered around teachers; hereby, letting other teachers carry on the burden of additional work. With that, some teachers are given subjects they do not actually teach. Instruction suffers.

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VIEWPOINT Jeanika Mae D. Badiang

The quality of education is compromised. All of these happen just because they needed to get out right in the middle of the year.

Yet, with all of the things mentioned, there is still one missing element in the equation -- the students.

Have they ever thought of what we would feel and experience once they bust out of the door?

It is hard to adjust

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to different teachers teaching the same subject.

Teachers have their respective styles. Yet, we do not have the rest of the school year to always adjust. With the plethora of subjects we need to attend to, it is more burdening for us to adjust time and time again to different teachers -- their personality, teaching style, and discipline style.

Leaving us hanging in the middle of the year is just unfair -- totally unfair. This is a call for all of our teachers. If you have plans of leaving the school, kindly do it after the school year. Spare us from the worry that we might be left hanging.

Spare the administration the pain and the hassle of looking for replacements for you.

Please teach us like everyday might be your last day. Then, your decision to leave will be more acceptable to us.

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SURVEY ON CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior to 100 Grade 5 and 6 students

84% reported that most of their teachers demand video projects

78% expressed the desire to be outside the classroom and to have more hands-on experiences

23% of the students reported not having laptops or desktops at home

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Chaotic turn-over Dear editors, I am deeply bothered by the fact that some teachers have the tenacity to leave us hanging in the middle of the school year.

I understand that they are looking for greener pastures, but it is hard to adjust to another teacher again. What are your thoughts on this?

Yours truly, Miguel

Dear Miguel, The need for teachers to seek for greener pastures is completely understandable. However, if they have plans of being in the public sector, they need not apply in our school in the first place. We agree on the notion that it is hard to adjust to another teacher in the middle of the school year.

Yours truly, The JMarian Editors

Beneath the filth and garbage Hidden stories of resilience and hope in the city’s landfills Sabrina Wynne C. Benitez

O

STRENGTH

Some residents expressed their lack of choice for a better housing in an interview with the JMarian Junior.

vercome by the stinky smell of the air and the sight of unsegragated trash hidden in the green facade of the hilltop, it is surprising to see a thriving community striving to live in the one of the dirtiest places in the city -- the landfill.

In the hilltops of Barangay Magtuod in Maa lies hectares of land where the city government deposits all of the city’s trash.

The city’s landfill sits behind the lush, green background. Yet, the pleasant sight cannot hide the unpleasant smell of the area.

However, a thriving community of several families live beside (some are almost inside) the landfill. One may ask, how do these families carry on their lives with garbage as their neighbors?

landfill was set to be near our area,” Corazon Peralta, a resident and a grandmother, shared to the publication.

The resident also shared how it is to live near mountains of garbage.

“It is like hell on earth. Try to imagine

“Even if we want to, but we don’t have a choice but to stay here as the lot where our house is right now belonged to us even before the

ANOTHER KIND OF HOME. Behind the greeneries of Magtuod, Maa lies a commuunity thriving to survive beside the city’s convergence point of waste.

In their twilight years

STORIES OF RESILIENCE

A glimpse in the lives of senior citizens in the streets Jeanika Mae D. Badiang

S

itting on the searing hot pavement near San Pedro street, an old man stretches his hand in hopes of getting a dime from some stranger. The wrinkles on Mang Ricardo’s face tell a story of decades of striving to survive in the hustle and bustle of the city while trying to earn a meager amount of money by waiting for strangers to toss some coins into the paper cup on his hands.

PEOPLE silent, indifferent witnesses to the struggle of senior citizens like Mang Ricardo whose life revolves on whatever money lands into their hands.

Starting a conversation with Mang Ricardo was a little difficult at first as he seemed adamant about our presence. But, with a bit of small talk, he was able to tell his story.

“Prepare for your future. It is so hard to face

Terence Kurt S. Vicente

Passers-by serve as

Even though it is dirty out here, we find pleasure in being able to scurry through the trash and get some junk to be sold for a couple of pesos,” Donie Lumio, a grade 4 student, told the publication.

Maverick Jasper Pigao

Living is hard in this part of the city. But, life must go on.

breathing this kind of air everyday of your life.

Living is hard in this part of the city. But, life must go on. Laban lang,” she added.

Some children also shared their sentiments of living near the landfill.

“We just got used to the smell of the garbage.

STROKES OF HOPE. A maintenance officer repaints a roof panel in relation to the school’s recent.

the last years of my life this way. I have no choice to beg or else, I will die by not being able to take my medicines. I still have a family to feed,” the 72-year old shared in Bisaya.

Mang Ricardo also shared that he gets support from the government, but it is not enough to sustain his needs.

“I have my pension, but it is not enough.

Some of my children and grandchildren cannot help me anymore with my own needs. I need to look for ways. I am old, but no one is taking care of me,” the senior citizen exclaimed.

He also expressed that despite having his senior citizen ID, he cannot fully enjoy his discounts as he has no enough money to purchase what he needs.

“I cannot also work because no one would hire an old man like me,” he also added.

Leaving him with some cash, tears of thanks crawled down his eyes -- a symbol of hope in his twilight years.

\ri-`zil-yɘns\

noun - the ability to become strong, healthy or successful again after something bad happens

Between life and death Lives of families living in cemeteries

B

Lance C. Varquez

eside hectares of tombstones and graveyards is a sight of makeshift houses which some families call home. Such scenario is a perfect example of living in between life and death.

Cemeteries could either remind us of how sad it is to lose loved ones or spook us out of ghost stories especially during Halloween. Yet, to see a small, striving community in the shambles surrounding Wireless Cemetery is another layer of thought about graveyards.

In the vicinity is a nearby school also named Wireless Elementary School, which only solidifies the idea that a community can co-exist with the dead.

Some residents reveal that they it has become

S TO RY T E L L E R S . I D E A S H A P E R S . B E L I E F S H A K E R S .

COMMUNITY normal for them to be neighbors with other people’s dead.

“It is nothing for us anymore. Some children share scary stories around, but maybe for them to just have fun,” Jonathan Hiluano, 34, a resident, shared in an interview.

Hiluano also mentioned about having opportunities to earn a living by serving as caretakers of the graves near their makeshift house while citing that some families of the dead hire them.

“Somehow, the dead help us live. We earn a living by taking care of the dead by cleaning up graveyards. We may be squatters here, but we’ve got no choice. We have to find ways to live,” the resident said.

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CULTURE

Sabrina Wynne C. Benitez

Davao’s heart beat A night market’s cultural and social force

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most of the jeepney routes pass through it and it really attracts the eyes of the visitors.

Despite the bombing The security of the last September 2016, market has improved, vendors still went back which boosts it’s to where they were back popularity and recovery. then. Caring Reyes, a People can easily go the vendor, said, “We have night market especially to hang on because if we the commuters because won’t how will we feed our children?” when asked why she chose to continue even after the incident.

“We can’t hide the fact that we are still scared and worry that it might happen again but we need to be strong.

Davao continues to endure, and so shall we,” she added.

Reyes sustained the slow business for the past three months just to have income for her family. She arrives before the night market opens to assemble her tent and NIGHT LIFE. The Roxas Night Market reminds Dabawenyos of their set up everything that is strength and faith in the vibe of food and merchandise. needed.

Leonardo Achilles Cabural

wo years after the unfortunate bombing, the Davao night market at Roxas Boulevard is abundantly flourishing with life. Dabawenyos and visitors seem to feel safe again.

Unending lines on the food stalls and the ukay ukay, anything you’re craving for is there. People endure the

spaceless place just to try food such as barbeques, buchi, all the kinds of street food you can ever picture.

According to buying things from the Ancillary services, “For goodwill or second hand three months, the income shops. Since it is cheap, of the vendors decreased they can go home with and at that time, a lot of products the foot traffic on their hands. of our goers The life including in the night the market is Davao students tough but continues to had gone the people down who go endure, and so about there 60%. But shall we. makes it the month easier for after that, the vendors. the growth of Now that the the business was night market revived.” if fully recovered, Antonio Fabros, the market goers are a vendor in the night squeezing with each other market said that their just to try this kind of sales dramatically went night life. down from a daily income of about PhP 5000 to less than PhP 2000 per day.

Most of the Filipinos are fond of

STORIES OF

Behind the therapy Struggles and stories of street therapists choosing to go to spas and other massage clinics.

Our lower rates and quality massage may be the reasons why they keep coming back,” he said in Bisaya.

With a whole-body massage for just PhP 300, one would surely go home relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep.

However, it is not

Jeanika Mae D. Badiang

always a bed of roses according to Kuya Ahmer.

“Our greatest enemy is the rain. Once it pours, we know that the day is over. Sometimes, when it stops and there is still time, we continue getting customers. Yet, our income for that night suffers,” he muttered.

“With inflation right now, we noticed a decline

in the influx of our customers. Some of our regulars don’t come in weekly anymore,” Akbad said, noting how inflation has affected business in the area.

Meanwhile, it has also been observed that there are also students, particularly, varsity athletes, who enjoy an hour of relaxation.

LABOR FORCE

ROXAS NIGHT MARKET MASSAGE AREA FACTS

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thousand pesos the average rent for each massage area tent (paid to the city government)

300-500

Leonardo Achilles Cabural

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ired bodies would always look for a place of comfort and a refuge of relaxation.

This is probably why a lot of Dabawenyos flock the massage tents in the famous night market in the city.

With many massage tents owned by different groups of massage therapists, one will surely find somebody to ease the aches and pains of a hard day’s work and study.

Ahmer Akbad, one of the licensed therapists in the area, described how he earns a living through massage.

“It is amazing to notice that there would always be customers who are willing to have their massage here than

aspiration (noun):

pesos

STROKES OF LIFE. A massage therapist carefully presses and kneads on to the tired arms of a client who seem to enjoy an inexpensive but good quality massage.

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find it difficult to communicate in the English language.

SOURCE: City Government of Davao, Interviews with therapists

DETERMINATION

Shania Hart I. Aparece

Roving life’s maze A security guard’s challenges behind the uniform

ASPIRATION \as-pu-`rey-shun\

succeed; a cherished

else to do but get two jobs. I am planning to take on a small business in Bankerohan market and sell fish or anything that can be sold. I am even in debt right now as I recently used the money to finance my wife’s check-up with the doctor,” he told the publication.

Even after the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act last year which allowed minimum wage earners to be excluded from paying taxes, some Filipinos still do not feel additional financial power because of the recent issue with inflation in the country’s economy.

One scoop at a time

Struggles of a street vendor and her education

CUP OF HOPE. Street vendor Jean Ramos nightly shifts in her beverage stall in the Roxas night market to support her studies.

abural hilles C rdo Ac

Leona

E

very single night, as the Roxas night market opens, a working student from the college department never ceases to sell affordable sugary

beverages to customers in hopes of earning enough money to sustain her daughter’s and her own education.

Currently in her fourth year as a business administration student in Jose Maria College, single mother Jean Ramos juggles the demands of academics and her business.

“It is not easy to be a mother, a

Kuya Roms only

has one thing to say, “No pain, no gain. The show must go on,” he said with confidence and faith.

Maverick Jasper Pigao

D

Kuya Roms, as he is waste of money,” the often called by students security guard shared in (who are publication Bisaya in an interview. members who work Delos Reyes, who has late nights) to walk around six may appear kilometers going to be just to school shared a regular the reason security why he had I only earn the a guard, to deprive minimum wage. So, but he is himself of I have to tighten not. commuting up my belt and A to work. be thrifty with my usual “My wife expenses. commute is pregnant of a right now and regular will be due employee like

by December. him may seem My mother also easy -- jeepney or tricyle has hypertension, and rides -- typical commuter I help her financially to style. However, Kuya continue her medication.

Roms, who live in Sasa, I got a son who is in dare to walk kindergarten. But, I only from his house earn the a minimum to school every wage. So, I have to single day of his tighten up my belt and be week for some thrifty with my expenses, reasons he has.

Delos Reyes added.

“It would With the rising cost take me to waste of products and services some amount due to inflation, Kuya of money Roms did not fail to commuting express his concern over I could the effect of the economic - the will to when just walk to crisis to his own. desire school. It is a “I don’t know what

onning his fitted white uniform adorned with embroidered logos to identify his security agency, security guard Roman delos Santos roams around the campus every hour from eight in the evening to five in the morning. He often catches the publication work late at night, but other students may not see him as he is on an evening shift.

Roving around the school and taking his post by the gate may be his rigid routine every single day -- except for Sunday nights which he spend as his rest day, yet, most people may not know what he has to go through on a day-to-day basis.

PERSEVERANCE Lorin Althea A. Pableo

businesswoman and a country, all she has to student all at the same say about it is that it is time,” Ramos expressed adding more insult to the with a sigh in an injury. interview.

“I am already When asked about struggling with keeping her struggles, she cited up with my life, then having been here comes separated from inflation. All my the father ingredients of her are now daughter expensive.

It is not easy to to be the With the be a mother, a precursor recent businesswoman of the rainy challenges nights and a student all she had to as well, at the same time. face. business “Being has become a single slow lately. mother and I hope the a student was a government can struggle especially when I help us business owners am raising my kid alone. to cope up with the When my ex-husband effects of inflation,” and I decided to separate, Ramos revealed.

I had to support her on “Well, I got to do my own,” she remarked. what I got to do. Do my With the recent best and endure while issues on the rising there’s still hope,” she inflation rate of the said further.

S TO RY T E L L E R S . I D E A S H A P E R S . B E L I E F S H A K E R S .

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BREAKING STEREOTYPES

Defying the spectrum A journey towards self-acceptance as a child with autism

I used to ask myself why I am like this, but I learned that I have to embrace who I really am.

with autism usually finds eye contact with someone uncomfortable.

Billy even shared to the publication about his struggle as a person with autism. “I used to ask myself why I am like this, but I learned that I have to embrace who I really am,” he said.

It is difficult to sort out my emotions because I get confused about what my logical brain says and how my heart feels during some circumstances,” he shared in an interview.

When asked about how does he

functioning autism which allows him to have superior cognitive abilities which makes his IQ far higher than children of his age.

Yet, with the blessing of intellect comes a price, Billy, like other children with autism, finds social interaction difficult. People

feel being labeled as a “genius,” Billy was quick to dispel the idea with a shy smile.

“I don’t actually consider myself a genius. I still have a lot to learn and I don’t know everything.

It is exciting to learn more things,” he said.

The grade eight student is currently the copy

DILIGENCE. Billy Veroy, a former grade school JMarian who has high-functioning autism, is known for his great sense of diligence especially during journalism trainings and Math contests.

An open book

STORIES OF

ACCEPTANCE

Struggles and triumphs of an openly-gay teacher Lorin Althea A. Pableo GeNDER EQUALITY \ak-`sep-tun(t)s\

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Being gay helped me become both a mother and a father to all my journalists.

Cabural in the work place.

Being in a conservative school, he shared how he felt repressed before in expressing who he really is.

“I must admit that I refused to reveal it before.

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noun - a disposition to tolerate

or accept people or situations I was so scared of what the admin, students and and raise them to be parents would say. But good citizens,” Cabural then I realized, there expressed. is nothing wrong with Coaching elementary me being gay and all to senior high school as long as I do not students, Cabural reveals pursue immoral acts that being a school paper that people like me adviser is such a blessing are commonly typecast for him. for,” the director “I may be gay but shared. being gay does not define The school official what I can offer also shared his to my students. struggles being a gay Being gay helped teacher. me become “There both a mother were times and a father when to all my parents journalists. and It is such a students blessing to doubted my be their kindness. coach,” They often the think director that I am said like the with a typical gay smile. portrayed in mass media.

However, I hold a God-given obligation to take care of my students STERN YET CARING. Communication and publication director

team.

“Mr. L is very approachable. He will teach you everything you need to know, and his generosity and concern can sometimes be overwhelming,” JMarian alumni and Grade 12 student Marian Ambrocio shared in an interview.

However, being gay gave a hard time for

Marianne Gabrielle A. Gallardo

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n a very conservative school, it is hard for anyone to fully express who they are especially when someone is a part of the Lesbians-GaysBisexual-Transexual-Queer (LGBT) community. But, a certain teacher decided to break the ice and just be himself to inspire others to be the best version of themselves.

With his tall and bulky figure, standing five foot, eleven inches, one may get intimidated by the school communication and publication director Leonardo Achilles Cabural at first glance.

In his usual poker face demeanor, some would interpret his silence as anger or annoyance.

Yet, his personality is as colorful as the rainbow pride LGBT flag.

Cabural, also known as Mr. L or Sir Lee Yow, is known to have a bubbly, warm and candid personality, but is highly stern when it comes to coaching for the school’s campus journalism

editor of the school publication. Billy shares the delight he gets being a campus journalist.

“Being a copy editor helped me find my identity. Being able to correct what’s wrong is very meaningful for me,” he added.

Marianne Gabrielle A. Gallardo

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eing different in such a judgmental world oftenly is hard for those who are born different. With stereotypes about children with special needs, a boy with autism decided to accept who he is and managed to tap and develop his hidden talents and potentials.

One look at Billy Veroy, a grade eight student and a former grade school editor-inchief of the JMarian, may seem to intimidate someone as he oftenly wears a poker face especially when he is with strangers.

But, when he is comfortable with someone or when he is interested with the main topic of any conversation, Billy can be amiable, but only to a certain extent only.

Dubbed by his

classmates and his friends in the publication as the school’s “boy genius,” Veroy is clinicallydiagnosed to have high-

Lorin Althea A. Pableo

Leonardo Cabural is known to be a strict yet loving coach to the school’s journalism team.

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YouTube Channel: The JMarian

HEALTH

Going beyond the scale School doctor warns community on obesity

SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior to 100 Grade 5 and 6 students

Maverick Jasper Pigao

SURVEY ON STUDENTS’ FOOD CONSUMPTION

33%

28%

consume softdrinks or artificial juices regularly.

eat junk food (chichiria) at least once a day.

‘Make the right choices’ Sugary drinks, sedentary lifestyle seen as causes of kidney disease

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Lorin Althea A. Pableo

idney diseases have been reported to have increased year after year according to several reports from Rappler and Salamat Dok. Dr. Cyrus J. Trocio, our school’s physician, pointed out major causes of the prevalence of kidney diseases nowadays.

“Our children have develop poor eating habits. They do not think anymore about the food choices they make. Most of them eat chichiria (junk food) and drink artificially-sweetened beverages that would make it hard for the kidneys to filter their blood,” Dr. Trocio said in an interview.

The school physician also pointed out the effect of technology in the

widespread epidemic of renal diseases.

“Our kids do not move a lot compared to kids during our time.

Many kids have resorted to sedentary lifestyle.

They would just lie down on their beds the whole day while playing with their gadgets. Such lack of activity also causes obesity which is also a precursor for many complications, and that includes renal (kidney) failure,” he added.

Dr. Trocio also suggested that early awareness is a key in the prevention of the disease.

“Parents need to educate their children.

Everything starts at home. Children must be disciplined with what they eat,” he suggested.

students and a 18% increase in the number of students who are considered obese.

The school physician explains concern over this trend.

“Being overweight and obese is an urgent concern of anyone dealing with the students. Obesity and being overweight has pitfalls in the overall health,” Dr. Trocio shared in an interview.

When asked about what are the primary causes of the increase, the school doctor was quick to blame fast food chains surrounding the school.

“We have a nearby 7-11 near the building.

Just a short walk away, we have McDonald’s.

Even though the school canteens prohibited softdrinks and other artificial food, students can but their own food outside,” the doctor explained.

To resolve the problem, the school physician reiterated his stand on

Too much fat will kill you.

TOP CAUSES OF OBESITY overconsumption of artificial drinks and processed food sedentary lifestyle

education and awareness on proper diet and the negative effects of having too much weight.

“Students, even teachers and staff, must watch what and how much to they eat. The school has to establish a program to alleviate this concern,” Dr. Trocio said.

“Too much fat will kill you,” the school physician quipped as well.

slow metabolism genetics/heredity certain medications Source: Department of Health Infographic by: The JMarian

When man’s kidneys fail A life-saving artificial cleansing process for the human body

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he body’s organs play vital roles in keeping the human body in its proper function.

However, when organs fail, the body slowly deteriorates and begins to show complications that might lead to death.

Our kidneys play an important function in the body. It helps eliminate poisonous toxins and excess fluids in the body.

These organs also regulate sodium, potassium and protein in our bloodstream.

On the other hand, chronic renal failure (CRF) is the condition wherein the kidneys do not function anymore. Symptoms include less output of urine, fluid deposits in the body, chilling, and shortness of breath.

When our body’s kidneys do not work anymore, the body slowly gets poisoned as toxins do not go out from the body as they should.

Unfortunately, studies have revealed that the kidneys are considered as one of the most common organs that fail in the population.

Staggering number of kidney disease cases have been recorded for the past few years. For the record,

they are escalating in a much higher rate.

According to the Department of Health, patients that have kidney problems such as chronic renal failure do not only increase in number but they are also getting younger year by year.

With kidney problems arising year after year, a medical procedure is being made available for patients with renal failure.

Dialysis is a chemical process wherein blood is taken from the patient which in turn goes inside a machine where it is cleaned and filtrated. After the blood has been dialyzed, it goes back to the patient’s body through another tube.

As simple as it may sound, dialysis patients feel otherwise.

“During treatment, we get weak. We become thirsty like all the time. Our mouth tends to dry up. Sometimes, our stomach tends to get upset that we usually vomit out what we eat during the treatment.

It is very hard,” said one dialysis patient in Mindanao

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Rohaima M. Derogongan

HEALTH Dialysis Center in Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

“We would also get leg cramps probably because excess fluids are drained from our bodies.

Yes, drained. That’s the exact word that would best describe the feeling,” the patient added.

When asked about a message to young people, the patient’s message was nothing but of a warning.

“Better take care of yourselves. Drink more water, and avoid any processed drinks or food. Live a healthy life. Do not take for granted the life given to you,” she said.

Maverick Jasper Pigao

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ising cases of obesity and being overweight caused concern for the medical section of the Jose Maria College (JMC), as shared by the school’s official physician.

In an interview with Dr. Cyrus A. Trocio, a family medicine specialist and the official school physician of JMC, the recent statistical analysis of the medical records of the students show that there is an increase in the number of students who are overweight and obese.

According to school medical records taken during the enrollment period last June to July 2018 and mid-year medical evaluations last October 2018, there is a 25% increase in the number of overweight

Sabrina Wynne C. Benitez

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ENVIRONMENT

Brave baby-steps School embraces eco-friendly practices, measures

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acing the challenge of environmental responsibility and with the vision of promoting nature conservation, the Jose Maria College (JMC) launched new policies and measures that everyone in the school community must adhere to.

In an effort to contribute to the lessening of the effects of climate change and to alleviate the concerns of the nation with disasters, the school academic council set rules on the use of plastic and other nonbiodegradable materials in the campus.

One change that the community noticed immediately was the banning of the use of straws in the campus.

Even in the neighboring branch of a McDonald’s near the school was not exempted from the ban.

All straws are prohibited now in the campus.

“Straws are the primary culprit in the death of some endangered sea creatures like tortoise and whales,” Jeason Carillo, a Biology professor in the college department, revealed.

“Sea creatures tend to identify plastic as food.

They eat these materials which are obviously not digested because they are not food,” the professor added.

Meanwhile, the school has also intensified its campaign against the failure to segragate trash in each classroom.

Students or class sections proven to have

Billy C. Veroy

violated the segragation instead of plastic ones policy and ordinance of to contribute to the the city will be penalized lessening of the cutting of with a certain period of trees for paper. community service Furthermore, as a consequence all classrooms to the and offices infraction. are Prefect mandated No one will help of discipline to turn Mother Nature Lydia R. off aircon heal but those Masong units reiterates every who hurt her in the lunch the first place, us. importance time to of help not strengthening only save the policy. money for the “Everyone electricity of the knows that it is mandated school but also to help by the city government. lessen the production It is even a social and of greenhouse gases by obligation to segragate power plants. our trash. No one will When asked help Mother Nature heal what pushed the but those who hurt her administration to in the first place, us,” establish these policies, the prefect of discipline school president Dr. remarked.

Nelia Canada cited the The school influence of the founder administration also of the school, Pastor mandated the use of Apollo C. Quiboloy. recycled paper bags

On environmental responsibility

Students urged to conserve water, follow CLAYGO

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water fountain.

Our investigation revealed many concerns about the proper use of the water fountains.

One problem that was observed was about students leaving their used plastic cups on the water fountain. As shown on the picture accompanying this article, piles of plastic cups were left behind by students. This was a clear violation of the CLAYGO campaign.

Another concern is that some students do not use appropriate containers when they get water from the fountain.

Many students were caught drinking from the fountain by catching water using their bare, unwashed hands.

“Using bare hands that are unclean in drinking water from the fountain entails negative effects to the students’ health as it allows harmful microorganisms to enter their bodies,” reacted school nurse Delia

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sold recyclable wastes to junk shops/kariton collectors.

Lance C. Varquez

CONSERVATION Makilan after hearing about the report.

“That puts their health into jeopardy,” she added.

Another concern that was observed was that all students, regardless of grade level (may it be from the grade school, high school or college department), are doing the said violations.

There were even reported cases of spitting on the fountain and washing of hands or eating utensils that are clearly violations to the proper use of the fountain.

As students, we have to show discipline and cleanliness always.

Water fountains are no exception to our responsibility.

SOURCE: Survey of The JMarian Junior to 100 Grade 5 and 6 students

WAR ON WASTAGE. New policies of the school prohibit the wastage of water, electricity and non-biodegradable waste.

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YouTube Channel: The JMarian

Terence Kurt S. VIcente

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ater is life. Without it, we would surely die of dehydration or we might end up dirty as we would not be able to wash ourselves.

However, the importance of water in our daily lives might not be taken seriously by some JMarians.

A concern has been raised about the violation of the CLean-As-Y-GO (CLAYGO) campaign of the school in terms of using the water fountains.

This campaign entails all students to throw their trash in the proper bins before leaving their workplace, or in this case, the water fountain.

Almost all the floors of the building, from the second to the fourth floor, are provided with water fountains that provide refreshment to thirsty students.

Yet, with the complaints received from teachers, students and staff, the publication made a surveillance observation of how students use the

78%

report that they always observe proper waste segregation in school.

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ENERGY

Harnessing the power of the sun to produce electricity or heat. Solar-powered energy is independent from other sources like the market for fossil fuels to power generators, resulting 30% reduction to the monthly bills.

The school is not doing this just for the benefit of the people, we are also doing this to help the environment and lessen pollution.

However, the sun’s the only factor that will judge the output of the panels.

Solar panels are reasonably priced as Swanson’s law states that with every doubling of produce, there has been a 20% reduction in the

SCIENCE COMMENTARY

VARIABLES Shania Hart I. Aparece

Where are we now?

A review of PH’s efforts for renewable energy

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ith depleting energy sources as a threat to all, people should start investing in renewable energy sources.

Coal and crude oil sources will soon dry up, and as their sources become more difficult to find, global chaos shall manifest as the whole world relies too much on non-renewable energy sources.

In the arrival of solar panels, people have become more aware that there are more sources of clean and renewable energy.

However, solar panels tend to be very expensive, and they only generate a meager amount of electricity which could only be enough for powering up fluorescent lights or transistor radios.

On the other hand, the proposal to open up

the Bataan Nuclear Plant, which was created during the 1980s, presented an intriguing possibility.

Nuclear energy, when successfully controlled can generate energy with much lower cost than energy generated from coal or crude oil.

Although a lot of resistance against nuclear energy has resurfaced, no one can deny that exploring the possibilities of nuclear energy might stir up public opinion.

It is as if people are too scared to try something new when all that we need to do is try. We have got nothing to lose.

In this era when climate change has caused havoc to humans, our only hope is to look for alternatives and break the resistance to change.

Let’s do it before everything is too late.

cost of panels. Along with this, the Philippines is now entering the renewable energy revolution, starting with the first-Filipino owned solar panel factory in Santo Tomas, Batangas.

A 2015 research verifies that the price/ kWh drops 10% per year since 1980, predicting that solar could contribute 20% of total electricity usage by 2030, 16% by 2050.

“The solar panels will really be useful for the school, since appliances will still be working during a blackout as long as the solar panels have been charged. It will also lessen the electric bills paid by the school,” said Suzhane Alberto, a senior high school student.

Benitez also stated that one of JMC’s future plans is to add more solar panels around the campus.

FREE ENERGY. Solar panels adorn the roofftop of the school gymnasium as an effort of the Jose Maria College to help solve environmental concerns.

Promise of sustainability Urban container gardening brings hope to the Filipino family

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Lance C. Varquez ood security and solid waste management are two of the main problems of urban communities in our country. But, a solution has been found that alleviates both concerns.

In an effort to reduce solid waste in drainage systems in communities and to solve the pressing problem of hunger and poverty of many urban areas, enviroment advocate Perfecto “Jojo” Rom as found a way to solve the said issues.

His advocacy is called Urban Container Gardening (UCG) in which communities are motivated to farm their own food. This can be done in the comforts of backyards by the use of recyclable materials such as plastic bottles as pots for the plants.

Empty juice containers can also be used as containers for vegetables which he endearingly call as “tetrapots.”

He believes that his advocacy will alleviate the problems of poor households which have low income and struggle to put food on the table. The vision of this advocacy is perfectly laid out in what he calls FAT which stands for “Food Always on the Table.”

Rom has already spread this good cause to different communities around the country most especially in Mindanao.

His take on environmental issues was summarized on his online presentation on UCG STROKES OF HOPE. A maintenance officer repaints a roof panel in relation to the which says, “You have no right to tackle higher school’s recent. environmental issues if you don’t even know how to do gardening.”

Meanwhile, students are open to try this advocacy.

“Urban container gardening will surely help the environment. You did not only help the environment but you also feed your family,” Alvin, a grade five student said.

“Gardening is also fun stuff especially when we recycle materials that are often regarded as trash,” Mariel, another grade five student, said.

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DEVELOPMENT

Perfecto “Jojo” Rom

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o encourage the use of renewable energy, the Jose Maria College (JMC) puts up solar panels on the school’s rooftop.

Instructed by the Founding President, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, through the school president, Dr Nelia Q. Canada, and led by JMC’s Project Developer, Engr. Winnie L. Benitez, the school decided to make use of solar panels as substitute for the city’s fossil-fuelled power plants. This is not only beneficial to the school, but also to the environment due to a more eco-friendly impact.

“The school is not doing this just for the benefit of the people, we are also doing this to help the environment and lessen pollution,” Benitez said.

Instead of fossil fuels and crude oil, solar panels absorb sunlight as a source of energy

Billy C. Veroy

JMC Engineering Office

Solar panels installed, school advocates responsible energy use

CULTURE

Rebirth of the bayong O

ne would really find gold in garbage.

This may hold true in one of the parents in the Jose Maria College (JMC) as she tries to marry her love for both fashion and the environment.

An advocate of sustainable development through upcycling plastic materials, Kelsey B. Santos recreates plastic weaves into something more useful.

Dubbing her Facebook page as “Makabagong Bayong,” she advocates the rebirth of the bayong as a fashion statement with a twist for the environment.

“It has always been my desire to turn something useless into something that has value,” Santos said in an interview.

When asked about

where her inspiration came from, she had an easy answer.

“Ever since I was young, I already had this inkling towards the environment. If farmers would have green thumbs, I guess mine

“The means to the end might not be the most desirable approach.

would be a recyler’s hands,” she recalled with a hearty laugh.

“Maybe one of the greatest reasons why I do this is because I don’t like to see unused stuff at home, and I hate to just throw stuff

out. Everything costs something, right? It’s like throwing money,” she further explained.

Furthermore, her creative bayongs have already been famous in school as some mothers already purchased their own.

Prefect of discipline Lydia R. Masong, who is a close friend of Santos, is a fond owner of a “makabagong” bayong.

“It is not everyday that you see a product which is not only pretty to look at but is also very much useful and shows love to the planet,” Masong shared in an interview.

Likewise, Santos would like people to embrace upcycling as a sustainable option.

“Upcycling is about turning something useless into something of even more value. If we embrace this, we would totally help the planet,” she remarked.

Rhoan Blez P. Aguelo

Kelsey B. Santos (Makkabagong Bayong FB Page)

When fashion meets sustainability

SUSTAINABLE FASHION. Bayongs made from recycled plastic and other materials contribute to the worldwide effort of saving the planet.

Rice-ponsibility The youth’s role in responsible rice consumption

CALL FOR INNOVATION. Special science researcher Sylvia C. Perez emphasizes the desire of DOST to produce young inventors.

Innovation for the nation

Heeding the growing demand for homegrown scientists

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Sabrina Wynne C. Benitez

n a world that evolves too fast, creating a new and creative invention is always a challenge.

That is why the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the regional office XI, wanted to promote innovation and creation of inventions to the youth.

In an interview with DOST Special Science Researcher Sylvia C. Perez, she reiterated the desire of DOST to produce young researchers and inventors who will eventually become the nation’s

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homegrown scientists.

“Tapping the potential of the youth will surely help the country produce its original products for sustainable development,” Perez shared in an interview.

With the school heeding the call for 21st century education, school principal Marieta A. Munez vows to prioritize the creation of an innovation institute in the campus.

“We shall embrace the challenge to innovate,” the principal said.

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that amount of food gets wasted, we have also wasted other resources such as water, coal, and electricity. The youth must be champions of responsible rice and food consumption.

Meanwhile, canteen manager Dolor Bonaobra also shared her observations of students in the Jose Maria College (JMC) when it comes to food and rice consumption.

“There were a lot of times when the dishwashing section would complain of fulling big bins of food wastage especially rice,” the canteen manager revealed.

Bonaobra points out the vital role of parents and teachers about instilling awareness of food and rice wastage to the youth.

“Parents and teachers must overtly teach the ways to the students on how to be responsible consumers of food,” Bonaobra added.

YouTube Channel: The JMarian

Billy C. Veroy

ECONOMY

Maverick Jasper Pigao

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s inflation rates go higher and as the nation faces the threat of the rising cost of products and services, the Department of Science and Technology reiterates its stand on responsible rice consumption especially with the youth.

In an interview with Special Science Researcher Sylvia C. Perez of the DOST, she pointed out the pivotal role of the youth with responsible rice consumption.

“Having the youth taking the biggest number in the whole Philippine population, responsible rice consumption must start with them,” Perez explained.

The production of rice in the Philippines, according to Perez, has gone innovation through DOST programs.

However, it does not mean that people will waste rice or any other food.

“It is reported in studies that an average person wastes around 1 to 2 kilograms of food in a day. Think of it. If

BASKETBALL

Same blood, same dream Fajardo’s half-brother wants to follow his footsteps

Lance C. Varquez

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he succession of the four-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) and current Gilas player June Mar Fajardo or also known as “the Kraken” has become a big part in the Philippine Basketball Industry.

Amidst Fajardo’s basketball career lies his halfbrother at Davao City, whom he had never met, a Grade 7 currently studying at Jose Maria College (JMC), who has the same father as Fajardo but a different mother, Mico Kadir.

Like Fajardo, Kadir’s profession is to play basketball, become great at it like his half-brother who had won many MVP titles and is part of

the PBA. immediately transferred “When I knew that and became part of I was his half-brother, the school’s basketball I was so happy and I varsity as an under was inspired to play trainee honing his skills basketball starting from so that one day, he that day because I would be as great as his want to be like half-brother. him. How “I just he plays want to play basketball basketball and just because it is Basketball, or any like him, my favorite other sport, will I want sport and teach you things to be a I want that you don’t learn member to help of the my family in the classroom.

Philippine because team,” I know Kadir said. that there This will be many inspired the 16 opportunities years old, 6’2 player. He waiting for me if I play started his basketball basketball due to my career when he was in height,” Kadir stated.

Grade 6 at Cotabato, Before Kadir was his hometown, and was introduced to basketball, just picked by his school they were poor just like because of his height. his half-brother. He also When his stepdad stopped going to school introduced Kadir to when he was in Grade the JMC basketball 1 due to the constant head coach, Kadir flood which inhibited

Rubik’s magic

SPORTS COMMENTARY

IN THE LOOP Adriel B. Biol

It takes two to Tango National athletes need full gov’t support

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they don’t get it, they try multiple of times until they stop and rest for while. Then, the cycle continues,” Bidang said in an interview.

Math coordinator Bryan Alberto also shares the advantage of playing the Rubik’s cube.

“Solving patterns repeatedly will help students identify patterns in other contexts, too. It can be helpful especially in solving Math problems,” Alberto said.

“Definitely it is not only a sport but also it is a learning experience for students,” he added.

Martin Suaybaguio, as grade five student, never leaves the house without the cube.

“I need to beat my last time,” he said.

GAMES DETERMINATION. Martin Suaybaguio tries to solve the Rubik’s cube in the fastest time possible.

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Nathan John A. Serino

abu sC hille Ac

colored cube has invaded the interests of a large of students. Some of these cube enthusiasts are seen on corners battling out which solves the pattern faster.

In a blink of an eye, students went crazy over a 3D combination game called the Rubik’s cube.

The cube game was originally invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor Erno Rubrik in 1974 and was first called as the Magic Cube.

However, in 1980, Rubik decided to sell the rights of the game to Ideal Toy Corp. which proliferated the game more.

Nowadays, many students are hooked in the game as they are seen playing with it in hallways, corners or even in restrooms -- practically everywhere.

Filipino teacher and Rubik’s cube enthusiast Julius Bidang believes that the game motivates the the students to solve the pattern of the cube.

“Students are just very eager to solve the cube’s pattern. Whenever

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pursue their participation to the different sports competitions.

But with Duterte’s message of change, will change really come for our country’s sports programs? Well, that still remains to be seen. But with his obvious warmth and support to the success of Hidilyn Diaz who won in the Olympic Games in Rio by giving her a big cash prize, students saw hope from our president’s gesture.

“Even though people don’t give much priority to sports because they think that it is just for amusement, I believe President Duterte has a more positive outlook on our sports programs,” a grade six student said.

With better financial and moral support, the Philippine sports industry will surely prosper more.

Students share their fascination with the cube game

Leo

ith the recent performances of the Philippine sports teams for international competitions this year, one may conclude that our ASEAN neighbors have already outraced our country in various sports.

There are occasional winnings here and there, but it is apparent that other countries outstand because of better support for their athletes by their respective governments.

For the past administrations, support for Filipino sports programs has always been a whining predicament of our athletes as they report having lack of financial and political back-up.

In the previous Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the World Olympics, we would always hear that athletes needed to acquire sponsorship from private companies just to

him to pursue his education.

“My stay here in Davao will be short because my true father will get me from Cebu, they said I will live and study there. I am also excited to see my famous half-brother because I know that I can learn many things from him especially that we have the same dream,” Kadir said.

The athlete has also shared his desire to inspire other students to pursue an athletic career.

“Basketball, or any other sport will teach you things that you don’t learn in the classroom,” Kadir further said.

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SPORTS The JUNIOR

SOURCE:

JMC Office of the Sports Coordinator

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JMARIAN

The Official Student Publication of the Jose Maria College - Grade School Department Story Tellers. Idea Shapers. Belief Shakers.

VOL. 10, NO. 1 | JUNE - DECEMBER 2018 Member: Davao City Association of Public and Private School Paper Advisers, Inc. (DAPPSPA, Inc.) Division of Davao City | Region XI

/thejmarian

@thejmarian

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Junior Kings concede to EMAR, 41-31 BASKETBALL

of the athletes in the school varsity program are female.

the total expenditure of the school to support all the athletes from grade school to college

BUZZER BEATER Grade school overhauls sports programs

JMC SPORTS IN A GLANCE

1.2 million pesos

ONE MORE CHANCE.

Team captain Axcel Madel of the JMC Junior Kings tries to get the ball for his team during the final quarter of the game against EMAR Learning Center.

Lance C. Varquez

Nabrissa Malaine C. Cortez

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o promote sports and athletic programs to students, the grade school department overhauled its sports programs this school year.

Sports coordinator Bryan T. Alberto shared the department’s plan for its sports programs.

“The grade school department will intensify the training of the basketball varsity team. Our players will be having daily practices this year compared to last year’s when we only allowed them to practice during weekends,” Alberto explained about the basketball program.

When he was asked about a possible creation of a female volleyball team, he pointed out a need to hire a coach.

“That is in the plan, but we still need to look for a competent coach,” he said.

He also mentioned about other sports programs to be opened this year.

“Our chess and table tennis programs are on deck. We have been joining competitions already since summer of 2016,” Alberto clarified.

“We also hope to reach the DCAA this year,” he added.

T

he team from the EMAR Learning Center made its way to the top after smacking down Jose Maria College (JMC) Junior Kings, 41-31, at Rizal Memorial Colleges Gym last September 28, 2018.

Both teams tried to score, but they stayed dead for a while until the EMAR’s forward Mario Bulas scored a lay-up and was followed up by EMAR’s Joel Martinez which earned them points and left the Junior Kings paralyzed for a few minutes.

With three minutes to go in the first quarter, the Junior Kings, led by Jael Pasion, tried to outrun their opponent which led to a neck-to-neck battle, 8-9. As the buzzer sounded, EMAR still owned the tide after numerous attempts from the Junior Kings.

Having many fouls, the Junior Kings gave an advantage to GBBC with Mario Bulas catapulting GBBC’s scores to high figures, 28-19.

Junior Kings’ Airon Borres and Jael Pasion tried to team up but failed to deliver which was not enough to save the game.

“We won this game because of unity, chemistry and focus,” Bulas said after the game.

Phoenix triumphs SSG Friendship Cup, 34-44

J

ael Pasion leads Phoenix into a glorious victory against Radicals with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks, and 1 foul in the SSG Basketball Friendship Cup, which was held last September 20, 2018, at the Jose Maria College (JMC) Rooftop Gymnasium, 34-44.

In the first quarter, the Radicals scored first, but Phoenix in the meantime opened their eyes and made a shot with a sure score, but the Radicals scored again with 2 points.

Phoenix also scored with 2 points and as the quarter ended, Phoenix was leading, 4-6.

As the second quarter started, Radicals suddenly shot to even the scores, 6-6.

Meanwhile, both teams tried to shoot but the Radicals’ defense was great, but it did not last long when Phoenix got 4 points with lay-ups

Nathan John A. Serino

by Margas and Pasion but Radicals did do what they wanted to happen.

They unleashed a great streak that as 2 points higher than Phoenix, but suddenly Phoenix also scored 2 points that made the scores even in the second quarter, 16-16.

When the players started to get serious, Pasion unleashed his beast-mode which was the key in winning the game for the Phoenix. In the meantime, the Radicals were having a hard time, but they did not give up. On the other hand, the Phoenix gave a 2-point streak that ended the Radicals members having no chance on winning, but they still fought, and they scored with a layup

by Henson, as the time expired, 34-44.