Unlocking Risk

Today, the global spread of COVID-19 is subsiding, implying a reduction in its adverse effects in various ways. The virus is still not eradicated, although its spread is not as bad as during the pandemic when the virus’ range of dissemination was out of control. From the current updates of health organizations, they are considering the possibility that COVID-19 will shift from pandemic to endemic in different countries as it is no longer a global emergency. But seeing the status of the Philippines and the growth rate of the virus, it is not yet the time to declare it as an endemic of COVID-19 in our country.

Looking back, the last three years of fighting the COVID-19 surge, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a pandemic. The virus can spread and affect neighboring countries, making its infection rates skyrocket daily. While the endemic level is now being discussed in light of the evident easing of contagious disease, it is clear that the difference between pandemic and endemic is not about the severity of the virus but the degree to which it has spread.

The restrictions on activities in the Philippines have begun to ease in the past few months. But is it enough to apply the endemic peculiarity to the country? There could be a valid reason for this consideration if only people consistently followed existing rules. The status is vulnerable; there is no certainty, and nothing can prove that the virus has been cleared.

Earth Day Organization conducts Tree Growing Activity

Mr. Clarence Gio Almoite, ambassador of the Earth day Organization conducted a tree growing activity with the participation of the two buses from the PayPal company at the New Greenland Garden on April 22. Over 80 people participated in the activity including the 60 participants from the Paypal and 20 persons in the community. They planted 100 trees along the river, surrounding the farm of the Greenland garden.

“The purpose of this tree growing activity is to see the trees growing in 3 years, the first year in 2023, second year in 2024, third year in 2025. In the long run, the trees that have been planted here it will grow taller like this tree, Bagong Silangan being vulnerable to floods, will have these trees as their refuge. So in the next few years in case of flooding, if there are trees to protect them, if ever the river overflows, these will sip the water,” Mr. Almoite said in an interview.

On May 15, the local government of Baguio City reimposed the mandatory use of face masks. Mayor Benjamin Magalong encouraged the people to practice the minimum public health protocols.

Over 25 people joined the river clean-up drive, including the eight students, the adviser of the Interact Club, and the four officers of the Rotaract Club.

“It’s fun because we got to exercise this morning, it also serves as a preparation because we have a practice later and we also cleaned a lot of clutter that was blocking where they were planting,” Jewel Galos, a Grade 9 student said when asked about her experience during the clean up drive.

“Therefore, it will not be hard if there is 20 feet above water level of flood, that is the reason why we need to do the tree growing activity, supposedly tree planting season is June to July but I pushed it for the sake of the company but we will monitor the tree growing.” he continued.

Over 100 trees were planted that day with the goal to plant over 400 trees to be surrounded in the river and into the farm. This project was originally organized last 2020 when Mr. Clarence Gio Almoite became the ambassador of the Earth Day. Org.

This has been a wake up call for the Silanganian community to be extra cautious in observing COVID-19 protocols, considering reports of a new variant. Otherwise, we will go back to time when all movements are limited.

It is clear that the risk of the virus is unpredictable, and the Philippines can further make a wrong move. Inspite of the immediate response and strong health security in our country, the people are the only ones who hold the future, and those who are responsible and willing to face the consequences with strong forces are the only ones who can unlock the risks.

BSHS Yes-O Conducts Hydroponics Planting

The Bagong Silangan High School Yes-o Club, conducted Hydroponics Planting on May 10, 2023, 8:00 AM at Bagong Silangan High School.

BSHS Yes-o Club is constantly promoting hydroponics planting since it cultivates plants without the usage of soil by using water and air. This process is more environmentally friendly and efficient.

In hydroponics planting, plants can be produced through hydroponics or water. That water has a chemical formula so that the plants can survive for a longer period of time.

Ms. Mary Grace Falcutila Yes-O Adviser

This type of planting is also gaining popularity because it is better for the environment. It provides huge benefits in our food supply because it uses less area and produces food without polluting the environment.

According to Yes-o Club Adviser Ms. Mary Grace Falcutila, the purpose of hydroponics planting is alternate for the soil which is not much available here, and also it uses less space and can also be in places that don't get space.

Hydroponics planting yields more than traditional agricultural methods, which is why it has grown in popularity. It has the potential to feed a larger population while using less space and resources.

Nutrients are more easily absorbed by the plant when using hydroponics. Plants will actually grow faster in hydroponics planting. It also prioritizes the health of our food, bodies, and environment while avoiding the usage of harsh chemicals.

The absence of disease or infirmity is not the only definition of health. It is a measure of metabolic and functional efficiency. Mental health is one of its dimensions that is currently a global health concern.

The term “mental” refers to something related to the mind, and the World Health Organization (WHO) defines “health” as a condition of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Therefore, mental health refers to a state that impacts a man’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In addition to how they deal with their emotions and make decisions. And there are several possible causes of mental health problems, including psychological trauma, genetics, physical health conditions, social relations issues, and bereavement.

Statistics from previous years show that mental health disorders are becoming more common, while access to care is more difficult for marginalized groups. From this, it is clear that numerous elements and consequences may contribute to various disorders in people. Consequently, it is essential to first understand what to defend against, such as illnesses. Depending on the individual, mental illness will have diverse impacts. Everybody in the world experiences suffering, though not to the same extent. And one of the things that impacts the effort to overcome any conditions brought on by mental health is financial capacity.

According to the World Bank, almost 1 billion people live with mental illnesses as of 2021, and in low-income countries, more than 75% of people with the disorder do not receive treatment. Unfortunately, not everyone has easy access to adequate mental health care. Therefore, one of the primary goals of global health should be to increase understanding, recognition, support, and treatment for this wide range of illnesses, as no one should have to worry about such seemingly incurable damage to their health to live in peace.

As we stand at the confluence of scientific progress and societal change, it is imperative to recognize mental health as a fundamental aspect of human wellbeing. No one deserves to fear living in this world. Life can throw anything at anyone, and during difficult times, a person may feel hopelessness and a lack of energy to plan for the future. Things to look forward to, such as getting closer to nature, learning to understand and manage your feelings and thoughts, and helping to create a better world, can help everyone cope with difficult situations. In the end, only man can discover a means of curing himself. Abwove all, protecting your mind means progressing in life.

To conclude, we are all responsible for our own well-being. Practice self care. Above all, health is wealth, so goes with mental health.