The Nexus Volume II No. 1

The Longest PAUSE

ILAW, TAKER aid struggling readers

During the weekends, incoming eighth grader Jennifer and her younger sister, Nene would scour leftover harvest by their parents in their backyard. While most girls of their age would do their homework, sleep, play games on their leisure time, Nene and Lenlen would mimic their parents’ work and stock rice for their everyday meals.

Liu (2022) suggests that students’ reading literacy is influenced by a variety of factors, including learning strategies, motivation, family support, school instruction wherein unable to practice reading during weekends scopes all of it. Matusalem NHS digs deep on students reading problems and other literacy issues. Aiming Zero Non-Readers this academic year is the school’s hardest challenge so far.

Bracing lifelong support. Pandemic had taught Dela CRuz sisters Nene (younger) and Jennifer (older) to mimic their parents’ work during weekends to maintain their mental equilibrium, and mimicked parents and teachers’ toungues during school days to reinforce their struggling reading skills in the month-long 2022 Brigada Pagbasa. Jennider, now a Grade 8-Newton learner has supassed the tests of the hiatus as she has been reinforced from struggling in an instructional reader.

LGU backs curriculum, The NEXUS

vouches to support sports

Parents of the 372 learners of this school expressed thankfulness for the generosity of Local Government Unit (LGU) headed by Mayor Jonathan Jose ‘Dok Totep’ C. Calderon by donating Self Learning Module kits containing school supplies such as sets of notebook, pencil, ballpen, footrule, eraser, and sharpener.

The donation of SLMS kits is a timely provision of school supplies which learners need this pandemic to ease parents’ budget on the learningrelated supplies of their children and a provision that supports school’s advocacy and mobilization toward learners’ academic development.

“We are so thankful to the LGU Roxas led by Mayor Calderon because this supports Project GABAY (Ginintuang Alay para sa mga Batang Ating Yaman) which seeks donations

not only financially but in-kind for the learners,” told Anthony Navor, in an interview.

“Malaking tulong ito sa kanilang pag-aaral, “Mary Ann E. Llabore, guardian of Eugene A. Llavore said as she received the kits. Aside from the SLM kits, LGU has also distributed some grocery items for school personnel for their Noche Buena as part of the annual gift-tradition of LGU-Roxas for all School personnel in its 26 barangays.

“Truly, the continuous support of this municipality never fade by giving 25 boxes of bond papers for the printing of Self Learning Modules for all learners.” said by Rina C. Lamorena, LR Coordinator and project school advocate.

LGU Roxas has been

sustaining its promise to provide instructional materials and all other instructional-related provisions to all schools in the whole municipality putting education sector as one of its topmost priorities.

More on page 3

MaNHS sets up RBI, improves Alternative Delivery

About 370 learners from Matusalem National High School stand to benefit from the Radio Based Instruction (RBI) project funded through donations raised by the school, stakeholders and the community.

Can

you succeed in Sports and Academics?

Matusalem National High School (NHS) with enrollees in remote communities is the first beneficiary of the educational radio programs that can be heard through the FM band. On Aug. 31, the campus received transmitters, antenna, and broadcast equipment managed through a laptop or desktop computer. With the ongoing battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), RBI is being used by the education department as one of the viable platforms while regular faceto-face classes are still suspended, said Anthony M. Navor, Principal II of the MaNHS before the opening of School Year 2022-2023.

SAFE-CI Award strengthens our shared governance and teamwork-Navor

Sustaining the K-12 Curriculum in this new normal, Matusalem National High school catapulted as one of the finalists in the country’s Best Learning-Focused for Junior High School (Small School Category) for 2021 DepEd Secretarys award of Excellence in Curriculum.

Regional Director Dr. Benjamin D. Paragas,CESO III received the plaque of Region 2 awards as he attended the awarding ceremony .

“To the Greatest Guru, to all my teammates of the school and all who have equally shared time and effort for this feat, thank you for concretizing the operational definition of teaching and continuously putting the learners at the center of educative process, “ Anthony M. Navor, the school head said in an interview. He also added that this

awarding ceremony aims to recognize and reward the exemplary contribution of the schools, Schools Division Offices, and Regional Offices in authentic learning happen in the lives of public school learners amidst the the CovId 19 pandemic.

“Having joined the national search for SECRETARY’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION for Small School Category and conferred National Finalist of SAFE-CI award strengthens our shared governance and teamwork.,” Navor concluded.

The school has generated stakeholders’ support through Project GABAY in forms of cash and in-kind donations including the superintendency of Dr. Madelyn Macalling of SDO- Isabela for the initial 35 transistor radio units with 35 flash drives serving as storage of recorded lessons that benefited also

the 4Ps learners and 19 Indigeous learners from the Mountain Province (Ifugao) as prioritized recipients.

Aside from the Innovative (Network)-Project GABAY, innovative reading programs, and other seven project innovations scaffold numeracy and literacy and to nurture comprehension levels of learners not only in English and in Filipino subjects but across all learning areas using the said mediums of instruction.

Other donations came in as school supplies given to our learners from the Local Government Unit headed by Mayor Jonathan Jose C. Calderon, in forms of notebook, pen, footrule, coloring pen, pad paper, and kits for modules.

This is proving that the LGU is true to its promise that education is one of its primary agenda in its administration.

Story Continues, Page 2

Photo by: Glenn Henry M. Madarang

Stephany Corpuz

Ezekiel Agapito

Ivy Barcellano

Bridging continuous support. Mayor Jonathan Jose “Totep” C. Calderon spearheads the distribution of slm and vows to support upcoming DepEd sport events.

Bridging Stakeholder Sustenance. Principal Anthony M. Navor seals support from Fire Marshall Nicolas for continuos advocacy of safety and maintenance.

Nurture Legacy and Excellence MaNHS remembers 18th prolific years

Stefany B. Corpuz

Matusalem National High School

honored its 18 years of Existence with a theme “Pagkakaisa at Pagbangon sa Hamon ng Panahon” which aims to inculcate gratitude among learners, teachers, parents, stakeholders, and continuous support of LGU-Roxas at Matusalem Community Center, February 3-4.

The theme recognizes the school’s heritage and past people who helped the institution grow. At the same time, it upholds the commitment of the present stakeholders to moving forward after the 2 hiatus years of pandemic, and fulfill its’ mission with a tangible and sustainable impact on society.

Anthony M. Navor, school principal underscored the continuous strong prolific years of the school as they celebrated founding anniversary.

100 Families benefit from IROG

“Moving forward for another milestone in continuance of legacy of excellence, we take pride in continuing to uphold the Matusalem National High School legacy” principal Navor said. He also added that matusalemian stakeholders were undeniably boost their spirit for eighteen years and looking back for more prolific years ahead.

Director General Liza Marie V. Flores stressed a glimpse of history of the school since 2004.

“This celebration has became remarkable for us to commemorate the humble beginnings of this institution since 2004 and remark its fruitful years,” said by Liza Marie V. Flores, Director general.

She also added that the event is 2-in-1 celebration of founding anniversary and

survival of the past 2 year of pandemic and the instutuion remained pliant despite of the challenges encountered for eighteen years.

Meanwhile, The 2-day celebration highlighted highlighted the Grand Raffle draw with a grand prize of Honda TMX 125, Street Dance Competition, Festival Dance showdown, Coronation of King and Queen of MaNHS , and Grand Parade.

Senior high school department notched the championship in the street dance and showdown in their Ati-atihan Festival, while the grade 10 placed as 1st runner up in their Sinulog Festival and grade 7 students also spot the 2nd runner up in their Maskkara Festival.

Moreover, The school continues

to be on the social and emotional needs of every Matusalemian students that provides direct instruction in the core academic and looking for ways to better reach students with different learning styles.

The said institution continually envisioned of a globally competitive students and responsible citizens of society.

The Longest Pause ILAW, TAKER aid struggling readers

Indigent families benefited from outreach program by MATHLETES Club-PROJECT IROG (Istilling Love to the Resident underprivileged through Outreach Program Goal) as their way of giving of joy to the less-fortunate citizens in Matusalem, Roxas, Isabela.

The said outreach program aims to uplift and support those who are less-fortunate individuals and strengthens communities through addressing their societal needs.

In the statement of the MATHLETES Club adviser during the program, the identified beneficiaries were under the barangay Indigent Survey.

“ This program of MATHLETES Club is a shared love through the continuous support of Matusalem National High School and its stakeholders to show our compassion to the poor families who were identified through the barangay survey” Marquez said during the program.

Beneficiaries were given a pack of miriendas, kilos of rice, canned goods, noodles, clothes from donors and other groceries .

Furthermore, Kathleen V. Romero, Kalinga Partylist representative, supported the program by giving Children Vitamins from ages 2 to 12 years old.

“On behalf of the Kalinga Partylist, we gave you our support through the simple donations of vitamins. We are very happy because we have this program that seek to address the health concerns of our children,” Romero said.

“Dakkil nga tulong kada kami atuy nga banag, ket aagyamyamank unay ta atuy nga eskwela ket adda program na nga kastoy ( This outreach is a big help for us and I thank this school for this kind of program).”

Said by one of the beneficiaries Rogelio Sr., parent of Grade 10 student.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says that 100 to 150 earthquakes hit the country every year, we need to be ready when disaster strikes...

The National Earthquake Information Center now locates about 20,000 earthquakes around the globe each year, or approximately 55 per day.

The school has improved its literacy growth among struggling students based on the English reading post-test 69% of the junior high school are under independent readers, 25% under Instructional and 6% are under frustration level of reading while in the Filipino posttest, 82.10% readers are under independent, 10% under instructional and 7.90% readers of the junior high school are frustration.

Supported up with two Innovative reading programs Projects ILAW and TAKER both in English and Filipino, the curriculum instruction has again achieved an outstanding gain that reverberate continuous academic achievement.

Remediating the problem. Racel J. Lopez(left), Teacher I, assesses the reading capability of Peejay Feliciano(right) during the formative stage of Project ILAW and Taker

programs.

“Ang programa na ito ay malaking tulong sa ating mga kabataan lalo na sa mga batang hindi gaanong marunong magbasa. Nakasuporta ang ating barangay upang matulungan ang mga kabataan at patuloy kaming magpapasalamat sa mga guro.” Dela Cruz said.

According to Rochelle A. Cercado, the school reading coordinator mentioned that the two reading programs helped the struggling readers during the past pandemic.

School Reading Program Coordinators Rochelle A. Cercado and Caneray F. Valdez backed struggling readers, saying its beyond reading intervention and pushed one-on-one teaching reading among struggling readers.

Moreover, the reading

program intensified the campaign and continuous interventions developed by the Department of Education (DepEd) to reduce the number of registered high school students quitting school.

The alternative delivery mode for students and regular monitoring of learners who are at risk of dropping out (SARDO) is being tailored fit to meet the academic gaps and learners’ unique educational

requirement.

In addition, the school brought one of the biggest achievements of the school and put the institution to ZERO NONREADER for the present School Year in the previous year.

In coordination to the Barangay Captain of Matusalem, Ferdinand L. Dela Cruz together with his barangay officials they extended their efforts to the reading

“These two solidified reading programs have gripped a stronghold principle that nurturing the interventions scaffold their functions in providing the clearer direction in the delivery of different learning styles and in the implementation of the different components of a functional reading program in light of the past COVID19.” Cercado, Reading coordinator said.

Salemians beef up quake drill

safety during earthquakes and fire incidents. Baldovino said , the active participation in the quarterly NSED aims to educate students, faculty and staff on disaster preparedness as the safety tips during the earthquake.

Duck, Cover

situation to develop presence of mind and readiness.

More than 375 students and faculty members of Matusalem National High School joined the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) Tuesday, March 9.

“The simulation of earthquake drill is in support to the quarterly conduct of the National Simultaneous Earthquake (NSED) and this is to continuously educate the public on disaster preparedness such as the basic safety tips during an earthquake.” Baldovino said.

Meanwhile, the said activity aims to raise preparedness in the event of earthquakes through drills meant to capacitate learners and staff with the needed skills in the event of calamities. The siren signaled the

start of drill at 9:00 A.m. wherein students and staff performed the “duck, cover, and hold” technique.

“I’m hoping that we can be able to perform these actions in the real scenarios of earthquake and fire hazads,” Navor said.

He also added that the school will continue programs and activities like the NSED because the threat of calamities like earthquakes are alarming in today’s situation.

The school also takes pride on the immediate and responsive action of the student-members of the Red Cross Youth and resulted in a satisfactory rating for the active and cautious conduct among the students and staff.

Sharing is caring. Hensley R. Marquez, proponent of Project IROG, hands over relief goods and used clothes to a beneficiary of the stated project.

Led by the DRRM Coordinator of the school, Danny G. Baldovino demonstrated to the faculty and students the proper responses and procedures in ensuring one’s

and Hold. Students of Matusalem NHS simultaneously practice the manuever in crisis

Stefany B. Corpuz

Rizza Mae Buhay

Stefany B. Corpuz

Photo by: Glenn Henry M. Madarang

Photo by: Rochelle A. Cercado

Scream of joy. Streetdance champions, Senior High Department, pour out their all during the highlight of MaNHS Founding Anniversary

SHS studes nod for Work Immersion Building Strong Connection

To experience a real scenario of work simulation, Grade 12 students deployed in their working place as part of their requirements in their Bread and Pastry from March 6-17.

The 28 students were deployed at JB Bakeshop, Mang Gusting Bakery, and Panaderia Viga which are only located around Centro Roxas, Isabela.

The conduct of onsite work immersion for senior high school is one of the course requirements for graduation as they are able to expose themselves to work-related competencies in connection to their future course in tertiary education. It will long for 10 consecutive days to complete the 80-hour work simulation requirement.

Liza Marie V. Flores, Work Immersion teacher mentioned during their orientation that the work immersion program has a vital role in honing their skills paralleled to their elective subject in bread and pastry.

“ Their Work Immersion serves as an opportunity for grade 12 students to become familiar with the workplace, simulate employment, and to apply their competencies before the exit Senior High School,” Liza said in her speech.

Meanwhile, students are being closely monitored and assisted by their teacher

Liza Marie Flores, Hensley R. Marquez, the SHS Focal Person, and their grade 12 advisers and teachers.

“We are proud of our students’ achievements thus far and confident that this program will provide them with a strong foundation for their future careers and chosen fields.”

Marquez said,

Ailyn Gaetos, one of the students who’s undergoing work immersion also expressed her excitement and gratitude in this program.

“Currently participating in the work immersion program equips me with my necessary skills and knowledge in this strand,” Gaetos said during her immersion.

She believed that their work immersion as senior high school is a good foundation for the learners to develop their skills in a workplace set-up to enrich their competencies inside the classroom.

LGU-ROXAS sustains sports provision

4P’s benes lead Clean-Up Drive

Displaying solidarity and constant support to LD5, Mayor Jonathan C. Calderon extended its usual financial aid as a quick answer to needs on sports equipment, food allowances of delegates and other sports paraphernalia in this years LD5 Palaro 2023 to select the best athletes for Division Palaro and CAVRAA.

Joel C. Abad, Roxas East District Sports Coordinator emphasized the full support of Roxas in this kind of sports event.

“Mayor Calderon approved our request for our athletes, coaches, school heads and support staffs of two districts, the Roxas East

and Roxas West” Abad said in an interview.

The LGU-Roxas released its Special Education Fund (SEF) amounting 300,000.00 which spent on foods and uniforms of athletes.

Furthermore, Enthused by the joint powers of the internal and external stakeholder, Dr.a Maribel M. Ancheta, Public Schools District Supervisor of the Roxas East expressed her gratitude to major stakeholders in eight municipalities such as Quezon, Quirino, Mallig, Roxas, Aurora, San manuel, Luna, Burgos who extended donations for the awards, and other palaro-related

paraphernalia.

“I am so thankful that in my first year of serving as the highest DepEd official of Roxas East District, everyone discharged the needed services for the successful hosting of the first ever faceto-face LD5 Palaro after the CoVid-19 Pandemic,” PSDS Ancheta added.

The Solidarity was attended by Quirino Mayor Edward Juan and Adrian Leandro Tio of Luna, Isabela and different representatives from eight municipalities to sustain support in this year’s palaro.

3 Journos haul in DSPC -Selection

Pushing their pens with their Journalistic skills, 3 student-journalists Andrea Reboca-Photo Journalism English, Pearl D. De Fiesta-Feature Writing English, and Jhei Geraldine G. Donato-Editorial Writing Filipino raked awards in Division Schools Press Conference -Selection of Finalists 2023 at Doña Aurora National High School, March 25. The competition served as an opportunity to provide learners from both public and private elementary and secondary schools in the Legislative District 5 to showcase their journalistic skills and push their pens in building resilient communities through campus journalism.

The three newbie journos proved that being teachable is the key to achieving victory.

Andrea Reboca, who notched spot in DSPC-Selection expressed her gratitude that she never expected to win in the competition.

“ It’s my first time to join this competition, out of 31 contenders of Photojournalism-English, I never expected to be one of the finalists. It’s a mix of emotion and happiness because I just practiced a week before the competition,” Andrea said. She also added that the DSPCSelection not only provided her a venue to exhibit her writing and

journalistic skills but also allowed their to network with new peers from other schools.

Pearl D. De Fiesta, DSPC Qualifier - Feature writing English also expressed her mix emotion that joining the DSPC-Selection was already an achievement for her and notching a spot was already a blessing.

“My experience in joining this event is an achievement, while winning an award as Feature Writer English and one of the finalists in DSPC Cordon was already God’s blessing,” De Fiesta said in an interview.

Jhei Geraldine G. Donato, DSPC Qualifier-Editorial Filipino highlighted that her sacrifice during the training has been paid off.

“ Knowing that I will compete to the students in the entire 8 municipalities ,I was worried night before the competition, and as a first time contender I don’t expect to be one of the DSPC Qualifier, my sacrifices in my training is worthy than I imagine,” Jhei Geraldine said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Racel J. Lopez , the coach of Andrea and Pearl also expressed her sentiment as a newbie in coaching and who has just entered DepEd.

“As a SPIMS beneficiary and photography sales associate in Dubai

for 16 years, my coaching in my first year of teaching was a priceless moment, and a baptism of fire,” the coach said in an interview.

Rina L. Domingo, the coach of editorial Filipino also stressed that anybody can be a journalist as long as they are willing to learn.

“Nothing can beat the force of passion and determination.Anybody can be a journalist and it takes one sincere and passionate student who is open for opportunities and stories,” Domingo said.

The event became a significant milestone for the student-journalists and School Paper Advisers who have worked hard to prepare for the competition. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the participants were enthusiastic and grateful for the chance to participate in the DSPC-Selection of Finalists.

The Matusalem National High School student-journalists are looking forward to more opportunities to showcase their skills and talents in future competitions. They hope that events like DSPC-Selection will continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of journalists in Roxas and beyond.

The 3 DSPC-qualifiers will be representing Legislative District 5 for 2023 DSPC at Cordon, Isabela, April 28-May 1.

850 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries from Barangay Matusalem, Roxas Isabela led the School clean-up drive in Matusalem National High School

Armed with their tools, beneficiaries assisted one another in cleaning the school environment, notably the drainage, roadside, school ground, and evacuation hall facilities.

Karla E. Miguel, 4P’s Coordinator underscored that this activity signifies the unity of school and community in creating a conducive environment for everyone.

“The said clean-up drive is already a regular activity of the Barangay Matusalem to ensure that their barangay is free from deadly mosquitoes carrying dengue fever,” Miguel said in an interview.

The massive clean-up drive is designed to promote a clean environment implementing preventive measures to keep the students, faculty and staff from mosquito-related diseases.

The activity stressed the importance of pruning trees, cleaning school grounds, clearing stagnant water, drainage and disposing water from cans and tires.

In an interview, Anthony M. Navor said that with the help of the internal and external stakeholders who devoted their time in pruning trees, cleaning the school ground, clearing stagnant water and drainage and disposing water from cans, and tires, the school successfully implemented the said program.

“This activity truly signifies the oneness of the school and community in creating a better and conducive environment for everyone.” He added.

Mitchy -----, DSWD representative supported the Gulayan sa Paaralan together with the 4P’s beneficiaries.

“Ako ay nagagalak na aktibo ang mga 4P’s members ng Matusalem at may sarili sarili silang Gulayan sa Paaralan,bilang suporta sa maaliwlas na kapaligiran ng ating mga anak” Mitcy said.

Unity in Rivalry. Municipal Councilors and Administrators of Roxas lead the way in opening the Legistrative District 5 Athletic Meet opening, together with the district supervisors and sports coordinators.

Marjorie Antolin

Andrea Reboca

Stefany Corpuz

Stefany B. Corpuz

Field-Ready. Grade 12 students, Claire Agbayani and John Ashley Ponce, assists a costumer during their work immersion at JP bakeshop.

Photo by: Glenn Henry M. Madarang

Reciprocate the benefit. Grantees of 4Ps initiates cleaning of the surroundings of school premises

Photo by: Rochelle A. Cercado

The NEXUS

Editorial Staff

Stephany B. Corpuz

News Editor

Nicole Taluyan Column Writer

Yana Manzano Editorial Writer

Pearl De Fiesta Feature Writer

Keszia Nicolas

Layout Artist

Andrea Reboca Photojournalist

Ealig Santiago SciTech Writer

Ezekiel Agapito Contributor

Glenn Henry M. Madarang

Rachel J. Lopez School Paper Co-Adviser

Rochelle A. Cercado School Paper Adviser

Virgilio H. Roxas Jr.

Anthony M. Navor Consultants

Editorial | Ban gadgets in Schools?

The use of electronics has become a vital part of our lives, whether we admit it or not. Even toddlers who can barely roll over are introduced to the screen via mobile phones by doting parents or caretakers. Pre-school children now have their own cell phones to play with instead of playing with other kids. Parents believe it vital to buy them mobile phones so they may call and check on them whenever. So it is increasingly typical to see a family huddled around a table tinkering on their phones rather than chatting to one other. Technology is evolving swiftly and we have to keep pace with it or else be left eating digital dust. But how is it helping the new generation develop their mental process instead of turning towards artificial intelligence?

There is an increasing stance expressed by parents and teachers against the usage of cellphones in schools. On Nov. 23, 2003, the Department of Education issued Department Order 83, S. 2003 – Reiteration of DECS Order Nos. 70, S. 1999 and 26, S. 2000 (Prohibiting students in Elementary and secondary schools from using cellular phones and pagers during class hours) (Prohibiting students

of Elementary and secondary schools from using cellular phones and pagers during class hours.)

The DepEd came out with the memo after lewd and filthy photo messages particularly those capable of Multi-Media Services (MMS) spread affecting youngsters. The limitation on the use of cellphones include a ban on the use of cellphones by the students during class hours; and for instructors and parents to find strategies to educate children on the appropriate use of cell phones to prevent them from engaging in misguided and immoral actions.

With the commencement of classes a few weeks away, the DepEd should restate this memo to all public and private schools and find means to have it implemented. One of the difficulties stated is that pupils are distracted by the games and social networking sites on their phones which cause them lose interest in schooling and other academic tasks. While it helps them obtain information to increase their knowledge on their subjects, they are vulnerable to sites that are not reviewed as trustworthy and dependable sources.

Matusalem National High School students are not excused from this issue, hence we see new set of students that are

Going back to f2f

From the start, education officials were aware of the issues posed by blended learning to both students and instructors. But integrated learning was believed to be better than nothing when the epidemic compelled youngsters to stay at home.

The unavailability of the essential tools and internet access for distant learning was the first big impediment. Approximately 2.7 million school children did not enroll – many because of this deficiency, and others because their parents had lost their livelihoods and could not pay even the minor expenditures for sending a kid through school. Cramped houses particularly in informal settlements are also not favorable to learning.

Blended learning needs more engagement of parents in their children’s education. This has been a concern in low-income homes when parents themselves have minimal education, or where parents must work outside the home.

dependent to their gadgets and might as well show separation anxiety to their gadgets.

This is a concern that

parents and the school should create a common ground for the greatest interest of children’s education.

STUDENTS’ SPEAK

Because of such obstacles, there have been recommendations since late last year to recommence restricted face-to-face lessons in places with minimal risk of COVID transmission. The United Nations Children’s Fund, which has raised worry over millions of kids being left behind under the blended learning style, applauded the initiative. But this was before the present spike, spurred by more infectious and deadlier coronavirus strains. Seeing hospitals overloaded by the increase, and with daily COVID cases still in the thousands, the move will have to be weighed with utmost caution. While children are less prone to COVID infection, they can spread the virus to vulnerable members of the family. With immunization plodding along, instructors may likewise face increasing danger of illness.

On the other hand, too many students are being left behind in their education, and it will have a big influence on national growth. If procedures can be in place to guarantee the health of learners and instructors equally in low-risk settings, faceto-face lessons must continue.

Uniform Variety

The issue surrounding students wearing school uniforms does not cease.

Even if school uniforms are growing more popular, students and parents do not agree with the idea of enforcing school uniforms since it takes away the students right to self-expression. Students wearing school uniforms could be the ideal solution for many different reasons. School is an atmosphere for learning and affects the future for a young person, therefore, school uniforms help maintain equality with kids, provide a safe environment, and to look professional.

First, in today’s world, kids forget the fundamental reason that they rise up each morning at eight o’clock to go to school since their concentration is on their appearance and popularity.

Public schools should be obliged to wear school uniforms even if most parents and kids do not agree with the act to impose them because they believe school uniforms would take away from the children right to self-expression.

art by: Aileen Joy Gaetos

Aileen Joy Gaetos Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s Side Killer of earth

Vision Problems

ccording to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA). March is one of the hottest months, with high levels of temperature and humidity across the archipelago.

We know that archipelago experience on of the world’s largest elevated temperature anomalies relative to its high latitude. Accordingly, the BIF is also mandated to prevent and suppress all kinds of destructive fires, investigate their causes, enforce fire related laws, provide emergency medical and rescue service.

President Ferdinand Marcos issued proclamation no. 115- A in 1996. Proclaiming the year to be safety and accidents prevention year, with March designated as fire prevention month. This proclamation aims to increase public awareness of safety every day of the year by stressing a proactive approach to preventing fire related incidents via the use of care, alertness, sobriety, common sense, and respect the law. Although the fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, the campaign also focuses on encouraging people to be

Aresponsible and careful at home and in the workplace.

The BFP is responsible for preventing and extinguishing damaging fires, researching their origins, enforcing firerelated legislation ad providing emergency medical and rescue services during annual march fire prevention programs and exercises in order to be prepared for firerelated crisis.

The combination of hot, dry weather and high humidity raises the likelihood of fires occurring around the nation. To keep ourselves and our family safe throughout this month and beyond, it is vital to promote awareness about the causes, risks, and dangers of fire and to practice vigilance and understanding about fire prevention.

During the warmest month of the year, fire prevention month strives to enhance safety consciousness, encourage responsible conduct, and increase knowledge about fire prevention. The BFP and other organizations engage in a variety of efforts to prevent and extinguish fires and educate the public about their hazards. The public is urged to engage in fire prevention programs and exercises and creative fire prevention programs in order to be prepared for fire related crises and to practice vigilance and fire prevention knowledge in order to keep ourselves and our families safe.

Stop the Haze

Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military athletic teams, and other types of clubs and organizations. It creates stress, anxiety, and often results in physical and emotional harm to victims. Hazing motivates no one, it hinders academic achievement, destroys self-esteem and causes emotional strain and physical harm.

The main reason why hazers do hazing is that they need to feel powerful and in control yet hazing motivates no one; it even hinders academic achievements, destroys, self-esteems and causes emotional and physical pains.

Like bullying, the problem of hazing has existed for many decades, yet research about the nature and extent of hazing and its prevention is in nascent stages of development. With more than three decades of experience, the victim, John Matthew Salilig, was last seen with members of Tau Gamma Philippine fraternity in Binan City, Laguna Province.

Authorities have gotten hold of one of the suspects, who said the victim had received at least 70 blows during the initiation rites, and that one of the of the frat brothers gave the instruction to ‘’dis -

pose’’ of the body.

Hazing is the most appropriate prerequisite that had ever existed because it doesn’t simply bring a benefit for the neophytes and it only creates risks of injuries, discomfort, forced consumption of alcohol, placing the individual into danger and even death and such negative consequences.

There are only way to stop Hazing is to simple BREAK THE TRADITION and educate members who are responsible for Hazing to move on with their lives and focus more on academics. We should seek help and report such hazing activities to the government.

The law is not enough to protect to the neophytes from becoming victims of hazing. The senate must re-examine the law and amend it. These rites should not be tolerated even if organizations insist that hazing is already part of their culture. Human rights should be value’s more than this kind of tradition.

Hazing is a crime, it is a clear example of abuse, and this is enough reason to stop it. Brothers are made to protect brothers, not neglect each other. It doesn’t have a purpose; it has nothing to do with trust or respect.

He wears Hers

Before the onset of the School year 2022-2023 which commenced the gradual resumption of in person classes, the Department of Education reiterated the ‘’strict implementation of and compliance’’ with DepEd order No. 32, s.2017 otherwise known as the ‘’gender-responsive Basic Education Policy’’ in all elementary and high schools nationwide which allowed the transgender students to wear the uniforms they feel comfortable with which, in turn, triggered various reaction. Being

laying online isn’t all fun and games children are at risks poor performance at school, work or household responsibilities as a result of excessive video game playing, though more studies are needed to established the validity and the strength of these connections. These problems feeling like you’re not able to stop playing.

The average teenage boy spends (16 hours 42 minutes) playing online games a week. If the teenage boy continued to this for about one third of their life they would spend

Stark the gender disparities remain in economic and political realms. While there has been some progress over the decades, on average women in the labor market still earn 20 percent less than men globally. We live in a world where women still should fulfill the gender roles.

But alongside the stories of extraordinary atrocity and everyday violence lies another reality, one where more girls are in school and more are earning qualifications than even before.

Way back 2019. It happened to me when I was in elementary. My teacher assigned a project team. But as I wanted to talk and give my voice,

P21,691.36 hours of their life staring at a device playing an online game’s.

I find this statistic’s very alarming. Not only does only gaming take away time that people could be spending with family and friends, it is also very harmful to an individual’s brain.

Like, Oliver Cronin a thirteen year’s old kid in a Australia, who had not suffered depression before his gaming addiction led to him becoming ‘’irrational and aggressive at times’’.

Online gaming can also become extremely stressful, especially for a person who is addicted. Often times the game they are playing is intense, and the gamer is making their best efforts to avoid ‘’dying’’.

In most cases, gamers are so worried about winning the game that they become overly stressed, experience anxiety, or even develop aggressive behavior.

Not only does online gaming take away time that people could be spending with family and friends, it is also very harmful to an individual’s brain. Spending time with people and building strong relationship’s is what life is all about, and those types of real relationship’s just an be found in an online game.

Every voice matters

the boys told me, ‘’ we don’t need your opinion, you’re just a girl’’. Ever since that experience, I kept thinking that sometimes women voices are forgotten or left behind.

Gender equality will make us understand more about equal life. When the men can lend their voice, so can the women. I’m also very broken to know the fact that women are still under represented across business. Yes, I’m talking gender pay gap. It’s still at thing, women are often paid unfairly.

Cory Aquino was a Filipino politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines, from 1986 to 1992. She was the most prominent figure of 1986 People Power Revolu-

tion, and let to the establishment of the current democratic fifth Philippine Republic. She described herself as an ordinary housewife, but she was anything but ordinary. Cory Aquino lead the ‘’people power’’ peaceful revolution in the Philippines that saw the end of the brutal.

I always hope that gender equality can be achieved soon so we all can get to live in a life where we can access everything without having to see gender roles, gender pay gap, and domestic violence.

Keep thinking that sometimes women’s voices are forgotten or left behind. But actually, our voices matter’s, every voice matter’s.

If not now, Then when?

Today environmental problems in the Philippines include pollution, global warming and climate change. As time goes by, we could see a big difference of our past and present. We are riencing different environmental issues because of these alarming changes. These problems make us feel that we are living on unsafety world.

According to an ongoing temperature analysis led by scientist at NASA, Goddard institute for space studies (GISS), the average of the global temperature on has increased by at least 1.1 degree Celsius (1.9degree Fahrenheit) since 1880. These changes on earth’s temperature cause several problems to people. Higher

a student who is expose to a large population of diverse genders.

The popular South African apartheid activities and first President named Nelson Mandela said, ‘’when a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw’’. These words clearly talk about freedom to live in comfort, free from any form of discrimination and prejudice. This is the same as what transgender students had been appealing for; allowing them to wear the school uniform they will comfortable with. They are free to express themselves and live their lives in whichever way regardless if it pleases or annoys you. You probably have seen one in the campus.

There is no need to feel sudden and surprised because an existing order from the Department of Education which is the D.O. 32, s. 2017 or the GENDER-RESPONSIVE

has been

ementary and high schools nationwide were to strictly implement and comply the said order. The order ensures gender friendly uniform to all LGBTQ + students, promotes also gender equality, gender sensitivity and non-discrimination. Under this policy, it hopes to ensure students are protected from gender-related violence or discrimination. On that note, transgender students can now legally wear the most envied female uniforms.

LGBQIA + kids…, we are free to express ourselves on who we really are in school! It is what Mela Habijan, the first ever Miss Trans Global from the Philippines, exclaimed with pride and joy after the reiteration of the order. Apart from being a pageant enthusiast, Habijan is also a writer and active voice of Trans Filipina Community. They are overwhelmed of the fact that their plea had finally been heard. Even before Habijan uttered this words, countless transgender and queer students have long been clamoring for this even in the previous years. In my few years of being a

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death rates, dirtier air, higher sea levels, and severe weather are expected to occur.

To prevent these kind of problem’s , we need to take an action. Plant more, reduce water waste, observed 3R’s, power your home with renewable energy, reduce food lass, and shift more sustainable diet. Through this, we have our environmental problem even in a two simple and easier ways.

Everyone, we need to be enlightened about these environmental problems, we truly must rethink how and where we live and manage our lands, and accept and respect geohazards and our natural ecosystems.

student, I have met several queer people and transgender students who wear a decent outfit that is seemingly opposite to their biological orientation. It never looked awful to me as I believed they were only portraying their unique and genuine personality. Seeing them wearing those outfits never even lowered my school performance nor affected my behavior. How can it be unacceptable for them to wear a uniform that they feel happy with?

They did violate my freedom and rights when they chose to express themselves freely. With that, nothing seems wrong with what they are doing. Can you call it crossing the line or not? The answer is obviously not. Because aside from DepED Order, we are not qualified to judge and slander their feelings and control their actions.

But if you had answers yes, then think of how you would feel and what you would do if you are in their shoes. Just like women fought for their equal rights, should these transgender kids and students at least wear the uniform they want?

This environmental problem goes beyond the climate crisis. Keep our eye in ball. We must be proactive, not just reactive, most of the time. If we don’t act now, this problem gets worse. But if we don’t want this to happen, then we must brig our act’s together, guided by appropriate science-based policies, to be able to mitigate these impacts! The earlier realization and acceptance of these problems as an environmental crisis will boost it’s possible consideration as a matter of national security!

Taking into consideration of the implications in moral values of the transgender students perfectly nailed their uniforms. Whether this might be odd for others and say do not have to go that extreme, we have to bear in mind that even the DepEd mission paste on or classroom walls says. Where students learn in a child friendly, gender sensitive, safe, and motivating environment

Now more than ever, we need to instill the message of ‘’respect begets respect’’ towards this matter. You respect me, I respect you. Wearing the opposite uniform bravely in public is something respectable. Open-mindedness is another attitude to bear in mind as we encounter students like them. However, total acceptance will take time. At this point, I can only say, ‘’you are finally free!’’ No matter how many times others would say ‘’He wears hers: How bizarre!’’, remember you can never go wrong by being who you are.

Leading Woman Beyond Change

While the gap between men and women in leadership roles is decreasing, there still remains a huge disparity between them. Yet what we don’t know is a “strong” leader isn’t necessarily a man who stands alone, making all the tough choices by himself, but rather a servant leader, who gathers all points of view in a collaborative effort in order to arrive at the best course of action.

Despite facing significant challenges and barriers due to

gender bias and discrimination, women have broken through the glass ceiling and shattered the stereotype that leadership belongs only to men.

But MARIEL ANTOLIN, an 17 year old grade student proved to the Matusalemian community that women have a natural bend toward leading people.

Being the SSG president is never easy, but it is even more challenging when a woman is in the position of leadership. Women’s abilities are undervalued and frequently questioned

with uncertainty that women’s thoughts are too easily influenced by their emotions, making them unfit for positions of leadership. But Mariel shows that women have much more than their feelings. Her passion as a student-servant has been shown to have a positive result in the school community. Her advocacies to promote a culture of service and social responsibility lay the groundwork for unity and cooperation among students by providing them a great avenue for learn -

CHASING ELUSIVE

“Chase your dreams, give your best in your studies, obey your parents, and always put in mind that poverty is not the hindrance to success. You should have a strong determination, and perseverance in attaining your dreams and aspirations”. These are the words of encouragement of our teacher in English, no other than Ms. Racel Lopez. Our topic on that day was all about Biases and Prejudices. “Have you been judged before because of your appearance and behavior? Have you ever experienced not being selected and not being given a favor?” These questions were answered by relating it to our real situation and life experiences. Everyone was called to recite. At the middle of the discussion, Ms. Lopez shared also her past experiences, to get a moral lesson.

“When I was a kid, I used to be bullied as a daughter of a poor farmer. Since my parent’s source of income is through farming, I’ve always love to go to the farm and help them during harvest season. With the help of my father, who taught me on how to earn money at a very young age, I’ve learned to be independent too. I was also

selling candies, chocolates, peanuts, cookies, including banana que as well as camote que, in my elementary years. And I kept all my profit inside my piggy bank. The whole class was very attentive in listening as our teacher seriously narrates her past. She continued her studies in high school at Roxas National High School.

“Time flies so fast. I became matured. When I was in grade-7, my mother told me that she will go to Saudi Arabia and work as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). I agreed though I know that it is hard to leave my brother at the age of five (5), as well as my sister, both of them are in the elementary. Being the eldest, I helped my father in raising my two siblings. We lived in a village, wherein different types of people lives too. Gossiping are very rampant. Our neighbor used to judge us, saying that I cannot finish my studies, even high school because we are poor. I was really hurt. I even cried that night. Then I asked myself, why God did not make us rich? The next day, I promised to ignore any negative comments, instead I will study harder and show the people that someday, I will be successful. That serves as a great challenge for me”.

I was enlightened by our teacher’s testimony about life. She asks the whole class who has the same experience. Some of my

classmates raised their hands. Meaning, till this time, bias and prejudice exists. Then she continued her story.

“By the grace of God, I graduated in high school. How I wish with the presence of my mother, but just my humble father beside me and accompanied me in the stage. Enrollment came. I’m still undecided on which course I am going to take. But because my parent’s clan mostly are teachers, so I also enrolled Education. I chose to study in a prestigious public university in the province, and luckily I was given the chance to avail the scholarship given to the Sangguniang Kabataan Officials. The gossipers in my village again are more jealous. They continued judging us being the poor farmer family, that I was not able to finish my studies. I have encountered many problems in my college life, but giving up is not an option. “Due to my strong determination, I surpassed all those trials”.

A breath-taking moment while waiting to our teacher’s next episode of her life story. Everybody’s ears was widely opened, while others are just smiling.

“I was so happy when I saw my name in the graduation list. That means, I’m one step closer to my dreams. And yes, God is good! My mother came back from abroad and this graduation time, she’s beside me. Her ultimate goal is to see me marching on the stage, with

a cap and toga. She said that all the blood and sweat, her sacrifices abroad was paid-off. My father also was so happy and the proudest father around the world, seeing me marching on the stage. His efforts in farming was also paid-off. After my graduation, I filed my application to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Luckily, I passed it in my first take. After 2 months, I got married to my best friend. That time my uncle offered me a job to teach the pre-schoolers in our Day Care Center in the village. I accepted it so that I have at least a source of income for my kid’s daily expenses.

Ms. Lopez experiences made us realized that we need to be resilient, and have a strong determination in everything.

“Due to poverty, and lack of work opportunity in the country, I decided to earn my luck overseas,in the United Arab Emirates as a Sales Associate. Another reason is that, I want to give my kids a greener pasture, sending them in a good school, and not to experience the same what I had in my childhood. Being an OFW, is really hard especially when you have kids. It is so hard to coped up with homesickness. There are times that I almost give up, and wanted to go home for good, taking good care of my kids. One day, I received a news that my son was hospitalized in Tuguegarao City due to dengue fever. I cannot do anything

Pearl De Fiesta

Pearl De Fiesta

Photo by: Rochelle A. Cercado

Coping boredom through her betel gum

Around 10 percent of people in the world use it in an array of ways, including as a symbol of love, a treatment for indigestion, and a stimulant equivalent to six cups of coffee. It was said to expel wind, kill worms, remove phlegm, subdue bad odors, beautify the mouth, induce purification, and kindle passion. These are some of the benefits of chewing “momma” or betel nut.

In my entire life, I thought only boys were using momma and it was all a lie. Upon entering the secondbuilding classroom it was my first time seeing a woman who’s chewing betel nut inside the school.

At first I thought it was a lip tint but looking her closer, it was a red-orange bubbled on her lips, seems she’s chewing bubble gum imitating the motion of her mouth. This who looks like spitting blood is Princess

Quaye A. Esteves , a grade 8 student who came from the highland areas of Maligaya, Kiling Alfonsolista Ifugao.

Her mother Loida A. Esteves, from Aguilado, was a full blooded Ifugao and Garry M. Esteves his father who’s from Mindoro, but an Ilocano.

According to Princess, she was chewing it during her spare time to fight

boredom and stress because of its bitter and astringent taste. Aside as her boredom reliever she also added that it was good enough to suffice her hunger during breaktime.

“ monmomma ome tahetay chinkulturo hai ifukao, tao chino an maboring eh eh cor ” ( I’ m using nganga to show culture as an Ifugao and to cope my boredom in the school)

With combined slake lime known as “apog” tabaco and other spices and wrapped in betel leaves. Which is also known as “gawed”. Princess abled to survive the whole day limitlessly chewing betel nut or known as “momma.”

She also aexplained that she’s using momma to make teeth stronger, though it has no scientific basis.

mun momma tahetay hi nakasanayan mi in ong onga omi pay” ( I’m not shy to use momma, since this our culture when I was child”

Princess is only one of the indigenous students who displayed that betel nut chewing is a social practice that articulates happiness and expresses a welcomeacceptance.

However, Betel nut chewing has both social

tradition that poses health risks. It is a question of whether or not to chew betel nuts and find other ways to socialize with the tribe or simply join the tradition.

Princess showing respect to their culture is one way to build trust and mutual support in preserving and

Fun Facts About Betel Nuts

Betel nut, or the areca nut, is the seed of an areca palm that grows in tropical parts of the Pacific, Asia and eastern Africa. It is chewed, usually in combination with other substances like tobacco, and is said to have both stimulant and relaxation effects. The practice of chewing betel nut is often passed down in families and is a part of the social culture.

Multiple Health Risks

Betel nut may be marketed as a cure of indigestion or taken for mild pain-killing effects, but it has other far more dangerous effects on your health.

These include certain cancers, tooth damage, and risk to babies if chewed during pregnancy.

 Betel nut and tobacco can cause precancerous lesions (wounds) in mouth. These can appear as red or white patches in the mouth or throat.

 Betel nut and tobacco can cause cancers. Oral cancer – Cancer in mouth, tongue and pharynx

o Cancer of the esophagus (throat)

o Stomach cancer

 When combined, Betel nut and tobacco increase the risk of pregnancy problems

 Betel nut and tobacco can cause tooth damage, staining teeth black causing them to fall out.

 Betel nut and tobacco can cause nicotine addiction, one of the hardest addictions to quit. In some cultures the betel nut is combined with tobacco to chew (as well as a betel leaf and the mineral lime). This increases its addictive properties and its health risks. The risks for certain cancers greatly increase when mixed with tobacco.

source: Vermont Department of Health

Nganga makes our teeth more stronger)

“at chi a ak mofain

ELUSIVE DREAMS

than to pray solemnly to God and ask His guidance. I have a strong faith with Him, and that is my only weapon to conquer whatever life throws. I do believe that God Almighty is the best doctor, and healer. My son’s condition became normal. I thank God a million times. Again, I can concentrate well to my job.”.

Upon hearing those scenarios of a mother, I whispered a prayer, “Lord, bless our lives”. Our teacher’s story goes on.

“When I finished my contracts in my previous companies, for the third time, I was employed in a big company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. My employers were so good. I am blessed. Every year, they gave us salary increment as their way of motivation. So, no one is thinking to leave our company. All of the employees are working hard. We even work without overtime pay.

Our daily sales were really good. Every month of December, we’re all excited because our company is giving a bundle of gifts to all of their employees. I promised myself that this will be my last company till I plan to go home for good. I enjoyed working for a decade”.

My seatmate said, wow, I want to go also in Dubai, ma’am! And the rest of my classmates also seconded the motion with a smile.

“There are things in this world which are uncontrollable by human. Only God have

the power. The Covid-19 pandemic was a big treat to human lives. It is the worst among the deadly disasters in world history. The United Arab Emirates and other countries decided immediately to stop the operation of all the flights either local or international, for the meantime to suspend the spread of the deadly virus. The government of U.A.E. issued rules and mandates, and it was imposed to all the companies. So, the tendency is to close some of the establishments. Most of the companies, they chose to terminate their employees as one of the mandates and options to avoid bankruptcy of every company. Early that Monday in June 2020, my colleague received an email regarding the list of employees to be terminated. I was shocked. My name is in the list. I didn’t expect it. I gave my best, my all, I got many awards, but why? I seldom go to any place just for my own pleasure. I dedicated myself fully to serve my company. My routine was home-work-home. I don’t have absences, and any bad records, but why? It ‘s hard to accept, unbelievable, but that was real. The next day, I got the formal letter stating that I have just one month to work. Day by day, I’m trying to move on.

The whole class was really amazed of the life’s journey of our teacher. She gave us a lesson that we need to trust God, never give

up, nor surrender.

“I do believe that God is working in so many ways. When I came back to the Philippines, I didn’t think of practicing my profession. What I want is to stay with my kids, taking care of them after a long time of being away. One day, I have received an email from the Department of Labor and Employ ment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and National Rein tegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) regarding their program known as “Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir” (SPIMS). They intended to help teachers to have a fulfilling education career in the country. I immediately responded to them, and got a call after. The officer who called me from OWWA-NRCO Regional Office said that I am eligible for this program and prepare the needed documents to be submitted in their office. I completed the requirements suc cessfully. Finally, I was chosen and given the batch number. I was instructed just to wait for the school selection. After a year of waiting, here it is. Now, I am humbly teaching Junior High School. Truly, God’s plan was the best. I thanked God for His goodness and mercy. The time that I lost my job abroad, that was the will of God. He prepared me for something better. He knows the desires of my heart. My advised to all, you need perseverance, resilience,

“monmomma ome ta efefe-at hi ngipin u, ta elon fafaket en lalakay hitchi ayun mi”

Pearl De Fiesta

Sustaining Internal Legacy

Nicole Taluyan

for a lifetime opportunity

Back in December 2019, before we had heard of COVID-19, my Adviser in elementary school convinced me to join campus journalism as a feature writing English contest and after 2 weeks of training, march 18 2018 I got the 7th place as a feature writer and that’s where my obsession with the said category began.

Then came 2020.

On January 30, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded the Philippines ‘first coronavirus case, and in February, the first coronavirus related death outside of China was recorded in

government announced that classes in all levels would be suspended from March 10 to 14.

The first months of lockdown and the online learning set-up were personally hard, especially as a high school student where in field experience was vital. As much as I was blessed and thankful to still have a chance to learn amid a global pandemic, I believed that nothing beat hands-on experience, which was something that was robbed from most of us.

In addition to the public health crisis that our country faced, the state of the Philippine press was also in peril, with the

tween the school and the government.

These challenges, however, did not threaten my conviction to join the school paper. In fact, it made me realize that I had to join and do whatever I could to uphold the rights of the school.

Before I knew it, I can still remember what I was doing when it was announced that I had made the cut: I was exercising when my friend messaged me. My panting was both from exhaustion and excitement. It was a happy day. It was my happy day.

Writing news stories for the school amid a pandemic was both

us from the importance of human presence, and journalism is a profession that requires human interaction to capture the essence of a story.

Instead of getting lost in wishful thinking, though, I now try to focus on what to do with the situation at hand. Since joining the campus journalism.

I have written more than 20 articles and counting. I can say that over the past 1 year, my improvement as a writer has been evident, and I owe that to my coach who never failed to support and guide me, and to my fellow journal writers from whom I still learn.

I am grateful to be part of the student publication the Nexus of our school amid the crisis at hand, and I know that the experiences I have gained will contribute to my studies. My campus journalism experience may not have been what I hoped for, but I am still deeply humbled by this opportunity.

I see myself as a human who is capable of doing things both in right and wrong ways. I am the one who believes in accepting my flaws and working on them, accepting my mistakes and not repeating the same.

I am like any other human being who works to achieve my goals and looks forward to all my dreams. I do things, get along with people who inspired me the most, loved in return, at times I get hurt too ,but then I stand up again looking forward to a new day and making new moments worth cherishing as a writer.

“ Campus journalism has become an avenue to me as a youth to hone my skills, to be disciplined, to think critically and to be the upholders of freedom of the press, even at my young age .”

Daily Dosage of Learning

Imet many people who tell us that they have passed the point in their career or their life that they feel willing or able to expand their knowledge or skillset. Others tell us they don’t have the time to dedicate to improving themselves. Some managers and high-level executives are happy to sign-off on training courses for their team, but don’t believe they could benefit from further learning and development too.

To the doubters, we say that learning should be a continuous process and that professional development can bring a range of benefits: not only improved career prospects, but also boosted self-confidence, enhanced capabilities, increased enjoyment of your work and better leadership skills. To the managers and high-level executives, we say that if they want their team to value the importance of learning they should set a strong example.

And we aren’t alone in valuing the importance of lifelong learning. One of our favorite quotes comes from Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company and pioneer of mass production, who said:

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

He was not alone in his thinking. Jack Nicholson is quoted as once saying: “The minute that you’re not learning, I believe you’re dead”, while his actor compatriot Bruce lee claimed before he died that: “Life itself is your teacher and you are in a state of constant learning.” Matha Gadhi advised: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Finally, we should mention that word that often lurks at the back of people’s minds when they are reluctant to invest in their learning and development: failure. What if I don’t understand the course? What if I can’t do the work? What if I do the course, get new responsibilities at work as a result, and can’t cope with my new workload?

Let us reassure you, if you’re willing to try and to work hard, you will understand and you will be able to complete any training course you choose. Learning and development providers are in

Many people have been using this stuff to communicate with each other, play games, listen to music, or discover a new culture. However, it may also have some positive impact in which it can help students in their daily life to get some information out of the internet to solve their homework or other things.

And I am one among the million users in the world.I am a student who also use gadgets such as cell phone, tablet, laptop and other kind of gadgets, and sometimes the reason why I often scolded by my mom because of too much using my cell phones, but I observed one thing

Technology gadgets have negative effects on children in social relationships. When I’m talking to my brother, he couldn’t hear me even though I was beside him. Instead of having important conversations, We are more focused on our own phones and checking social media.Because we were wearing earphones, it’s possible that we did not even notice that we might have missed out on an emotionally loaded moment of our life.

From the alarm clock in the morning to the nighttime lamp, I became dependent on technology and for me I can’t live without gadgets and the internet. I consider them essential to all aspects of human life and are necessary for all human endeavors, no area can function without them.

Our Life Saver or Killer

Computers, smartphones, smartwatches, and other devices are some that I simply cannot picture life without. Several issues with those who are physically challenged have been resolved because of technology. I can no longer function without technology in my daily lives because of how much it has influenced me.

But Electronic gadgets make my life more accessible and more innovative. Wherever I go, the market has a vast number of advanced gadgets. Most of them are fruitful and very useful and sometimes I just call a delivery rider to pick up what I have bought online, and indeed it makes my life really easier and less time consuming. Instead of going to the Market and traveling 30-45 minutes away from home, I rather choose to use my cell phone and call for an E-Bili rider. Even my mother, who is

a teacher, is also using these instruments at work to make her life more flexible, especially since she’s teaching kinderGarten. According to her These kinds of devices can catch a child easily to get addicted to them. Whereas, it influences people and especially children in many good and bad ways. Technology devices have many bad impacts on all people in different ages and in many fields.

But my science teacher told me that the excessive use of electronic gadgets can lead to poor health, a sedentary lifestyle, and bad eating habits. Playing video games of a violent nature can have a negative effect. And it was supported by my English teacher when she warned us to minimize the use of gadgets because she has a story that one night her niece was shaking uncontrollably and drooling with eyes wide open and rolling upwards and on the state as uncon -

scious and unresponsive. Our lives are now easier and comfy because of gadgets. We keep ourselves comfortable all year long with air conditioning and space heaters. Among the additional devices is a dryer and hair straightener. There isn’t a single home that doesn’t have these appliances. The space that they save is very helpful.

With telephones in the past, one had to stay seated while speaking, but with smartphones nowadays, one can move around and communicate with anyone, anywhere. Our favorites have always been a few other devices designed for entertainment, such as the iPod, MP3, PlayStation, etc. Modern technology is the only thing that makes these things feasible.

Thus, we need to understand that technology and gadgets make our lives easier. Therefore, we should

not become slaves of gadgets. People nowadays tend to have many devices, and they are obsessed with them, which is not a healthy sign. Because we are incapable of preventing ourselves from focusing our attention on the screen, we keep doing so even if it is not healthy for us. And one thing that I realized is that if we use technology in a decent way, we are all good, but if we use it improperly, we are all in trouble .

Ealig Santiago

Ealig Santiago

Not all sweets are sweet

When I am eating chocolates, it satisfies my feelings. Every day I can’t stop eating my self-eating sweets. Lollipops and chocolates were my daily dessert, however there is a bad side that we can get from eating sweets according to my MAPEH teacher.

In our Health

Miracle Weed

that is having a positive impact is the deployment of drones to carry medical resources. Some organizations use drones to deliver medical supplies to remote areas and to disaster zones, where they can provide much needed assistance to people in need.

I thought sugar can make a person energetic but I made a mistake.My teacher told

lease insulin, so that the sugar can be stored as energy for later use. Without that pancreatic ability, as a person with either type 1 diabetes or advance type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels may rise dangerously high, or drop to low.

Now, If our body doesn’t make enough, we are eventually diagnosed with type

hand, if our body doesn’t use insulin properly you have type 2 diabetes. But there might be a solution, seeing it for the first time I thought it was a flowering plant but I was surprised when my lola ate the leaves after her lunch time, and according to her it can lower blood sugar and she called it “insulin.” I browsed

mic effect of Costus igeus, on dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia.

While it may have some anti-diabetic properties that could be beneficial if used as a supplement, this floral plant can also lead to side effects like dizziness, diarrhea, nausea — even dangerously low blood sugars if it interacts with your other diabetes

Iwas extremely curious when I read in Facebook that a weed that naturally grows on our backyards as well as on the sides of the highways and even in pavement cracks and school ground has a curative power. I am very familiar with the weed. In reality, the fact that it is an eyesore in our garden is what made me hate it so much. It is a perennial woody weed that spreads widely. Even in places with a small amount of soil, it can survive.

It is said that the weed, which was long considered an eye-

sore in anyone’s garden, has healing powers. Different cultures have been utilizing Paragis as an alternative treatment for specific ailments despite the fact that it has not received official recognition from health authorities.

My curiosity led me to browse the internet about this prolific weed. When an elderly neighbor saw us with my lola cleaning and uprooting some of weeds from a roadside in front of our house, Her Kumare asked, “who is sick? ” Was I surprised by his question? When I told h about what I read in social media, she was quick to tell me that “Paragis is an effective cure for fever and many other health conditions.” She further informed me that it has been a home remedy for many people, especially in rural areas since of old. Yes, the name of the ‘miracle weed’ is Paragis. And this is what my research led me to believe. The weed is extremely common in warm places, such as Asia and Africa. The grass

Paragis is towering, tufted, glabrous, and has long, tapered leaves. Its height ranges from 10 cm to 1 meter. I used to hate this grass that was in our backyard garden. It is an eyesore among our vegetables and plants. Its numerous buds on top, each of which contains a number of seeds, also contribute to its rapid reproduction.

The Aeta tribe in Porac, Pampanga, utilized it as an insect repellant. In addition to having silicon monoxide, calcium oxide, and chlorine chemicals in its leaves, paragis is said to have protein. It is also known to possess a wide range of qualities, including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihistamine characteristics. By boiling it, its steam, roots, and leaves are utilized as herbal medicine. They boil a bunch of the weed in one liter of water for 10-15 minutes. They drink it hot, lukewarm, or cold, depending on personal choice.

A handful of paragis leaves combined with scraped coconut in an ointment can effectively treat arthritis and stop bleeding wounds. And since paragis has strong laxative properties, a glass or two of the tea removes worms and other parasites in your body. The antioxidant and antibacterial qualities of paragis stop the growth of cancer cells in the body. It was discovered that wire grass and D. Aegyptium, a different type of the grass, selectively inhibited the growth of cervi cal and lung cancer cells in people.

You can use coconut oil and chopped paragis leaves (including the stems) as a wash to get rid of dandruff. It also uses

for hair growth and stops falling hair. Regular consumption paragis tea can cure your diabetes. Your risk of hypertension is balanced and reduced by the boiling leaves and stem. Many herbal practitioners drink paragis tea to cure asthma, colds, cough, flu, and fever.

Aside from that I want to share my lola’s paragis tea experience as well. Even though she don’t have any significant health issues, ever since she spoke with that old neighbor, She begun drinking paragis and have loved it.

According to her she sweat a lot. Even when she’s not participating in any high-impact activity, she would begin to sweat shortly after consuming a glass of the tea. I think her body is utilizing the antioxidant benefits. She also added that she fart a lot. Although it might not be regarded as a negative, she found it embarrassing to be farting frequently. Yet, she suppose paragis tea has the ability to release gas. That must be an effective flatulence treatment.

It is true that more research and testing must be done on paragis before it can be used in mainstream medicine. And it can possibly take years for it to be discovered. But isn’t it true that all other medicines on the market today are made from herbs and plants? Besides, if no cattle or other animals ever died from feeding on paragis, so it’s not likely that humans would die from it, either. The miracles grow outside our door, and our curiosity might save life and propels us forward.

Ealig P. Santiago

Yana Manzano

Secret for optimum Success

The importance of sports in school has always been an alarming issue. Sports should not be prioritized over academics, according to some, while others argue that school should be fun and that sports help to achieve this.

Student athletes frequently struggle to balance their commitments to sports, challenging schoolwork, their social life, their families, employment outside of school, and a variety of other responsibilities.

In DepEd Order No. 034, s. 2022 provides that “the conduct of extra-curricular activities shall be strictly prohibited,” DepEd clarified that “only those extracurricular activities held during class hours are prohibited.” But athletes indeed require rigid training before the competition.

Though sports program diminishes the school spirit as they no longer

support practices and trainings as they considered these as a leisure rather than a serious pursuit that result student-athletes’ low grades in school. The schools physical Education and Sports Development Act of 1969 also provide integrated physical education and school sports and physical fitness program shall be still part of the basic education curriculum and shall be undertaken by the DepEd. Even history included sports as part of the education curriculum that empowered students mental and physical ability.

In the Elkin High School, a survey conducted by Arwyn Shoemaker, revealed that Student-athletes have increased self-confidence in their lives which can be beneficial both on and off the field. Being on a sports team requires high amounts of dedication and preparation in the off season to prepare for the physical and mental challenges

GAME TIME

Balancing priorities

Going to a practice while studing is crucial part for any student athlete because competitive sports and academics work side by side the life of a student athlete. Balance is a real challenge because education is crucial to a young athlete’s’ life. However one has to organize and prioritize objectives correctly. The most important for a student is to figure out when his exams and gradings will be. For an athlete the most important is to find out when competitions are. The most efficient method is to firstly go at tackling the calendar.

Once you have your schedule sorted out it is important to prioritize your time. If you have an exam coming up and a competition further away than obviously you would have to study first.

You have to plan a study schedule which will help you optimize your exam score. The mindset of an exam like a competition has to be about perform to the very best of your ability, anything below is not acceptable. Once your exam is over then you can start to focus on competition but not before. When a competition is coming up build your training schedule and your routine to best prepare for it. It is important you don’t forget your academic work as well. Just because your sport schedule is intensifying it does not mean academic work should be left behind. It is import ant to plan your homework around the training schedule.

A student’s social life is also very important to their well-be

they will face during their sports season. These benefit athletes in building and maintaining physical fitness, students often feel more mentally fit and more confident about themselves that lead to an overall boost in one’s personality.

While having an academically-inclined child is a matter of pride for the parents and school there is a misconstrued notion that sports do de crease the amount of time a student has each day to give to homework, research projects, or the dreaded mathematics

7 Empowered Hail Queens

ing and it helps them relax. If a student athlete only had sports and academics in their life then a mental and physical burnout would become very probably.

From time to time a student athlete should meet up with friends, go to the movies, go for a nice meal or whatever relaxes the mind. This reduces stress and relaxes the athlete both physically and mentally. Also, be mindful and don’t go overboard with food and alcohol.

A matter of time Management is the only answer and focal point. This provides organization and discipline to a student athlete’s life. How long one does a certain task or assignment allows the days to be organized in a certain way. Sports plays its

Judieann as Goal Digger, Historic Sprinter

In this world there’s no one to be a forever failure. Sprinting to the finish line without looking back is what Judieann Paz goal from the beginning and did on track.

Running and jumping on the track end stopping down on the sand for five years has been tough. These are the scenarios of Judie Ann Paz, a grade 10 student of Matusalem National High School, who secured medal in LD 5 Meet.

According to her she was became a sprinter in her early-age, one day a race was held during her elemen tary years to determine the fastest pupil. She all had to take part in this and she hadn’t realized she had been so quick. But she ran and was the fastest girl in the schoolmuch to her surprise!

With her slender body, ang long legs and easier for her to run, she conquered the two games in 800 meter run, 4 by 4 relay during the Legislative District 5 Meet.

Judieann admits lacking endurance in heat and the fear of having low academic grades during rigid practice worry her mother, Milita Kingan Paz. Yet, she continued her passion in sport.

Despite the gold medal she collared during the Municipal Meet in Roxas, she was still bullied.

“Tiyamba lang yan! Hindi ka yan nagpraprac tice” these are the negative comments from Campos schoolmates.

But she went home with a proudly smile to show the fruit of her labor-not only for herself but also for the entire campus as she was qualified for the Division Athletic Meet this Year. “

And on her running while dealing with bullies, a bulk of opportunities are waiting for her in the end of the track.

work that she put into her game made her body stronger and built her

“If you can do what it takes to succeed in your sport, you can do what it takes to succeed in

Melanie Hernandez also burst into scene, a grade 11 student who spot in 100 meter run who empowered herself to seize opportunities when they come in her way and

“I learned from my very young age on how to work hard and to know my strengths and weakness -

As females grow in sports they learn to know themselves and what they are capable of like Maricar Hebana who is small but terrible and captured the ---- medal in 400 meter

“Being one member of 4 x 4 relay, I realized the importance of sensitivity and cooperation as a group and through this I developed my leadership skills,” Maricar said.

From a young age Carla Mae Gregorio, a grade 9 student and a long jump athlete who learned the importance of balancing steps and take-off. She adapted to different personalities. She learned how to

“ Before I was shy to speak just like asking a question, but now the sports took me of from my shell to voice out myself,” Carla

Desiree Apalla, a grade 7 student and one of the players of 400 m run also boost her confidence

“ I am now better that

yesterday because I was able to show the world what I can do as a woman,” Desiree said.

These are valuable skills that can be used in all areas of life outside of sports. And Rose Ann Lucas, a thrower who used these leadership qualities in school, family, social life, and personal goals.

These leadership qualities teach women that they can speak up. They can inspire others with their stories. They do have a voice in this world and sports can empower them to share it without fear.

These 7 women-athletes constantly set and break records, push boundaries, and raise the bar for what we ever thought was possible in athletics.

These powerful women give courage to their classmates to stand up for what they believe in and to pursue their dreams. For them, sports are a path to equality. They provide women the chance to demonstrate not just in school but to the rest of the world that they are powerful, unafraid of a long day's work, and capable of anything they set their minds to.

When women are oppressed elsewhere in the world, sports provide them a voice and a sense of identity. These 7 empowered women-athletes use sports as a platform to demonstrate to the people exactly how powerful they are.

I am proud of myself, despite the insecurities before my fight I was able to conquer my biggest fear of failure and now, I am able to show them that I can!” Paz said.

Two running queens from Matusalem NHS Maricar Hebana(left) and Rose Ann Lucas(third from the left), sets their feet on the ground for the 400meter dash during the Municipal Meet at the ISU grounds.

Andrea B. Reboca

Yanna Manzano

Photo by: Rochelle A. Cercado

The NEXUS

AUGUST 2022 - MARCH 2023

LUCAS secures spot in LD 5 Meet ‘23

Under the scoring heat of the blazing sun, an epic duel endurance of Anne Lucas of Roxas displayed her potent dominance to secure 4rth place in this year’s Athletic Meet LD5 with a long discus throw ,15.32 meters at Munoz Central School, February 17.

The weather is in favor with the players that boost their endurance and stamina after topping the best throw cut. Aurora recorded the

LD5 Athletics meet Overall Result

longest throw of the league with 17.34 meters and Quezon in the 3rd place ,Burgos with 14.28 meters with 5th place of the leagues . In the 1st throws Anne Lucas and the participants from Aurora, Luna, Quezon, Burgos snatched the 2nd set.

The second 3 throws and again the same participants earned the top 5 longest throws of the leagues.

Anne Lucas earned the 4rth

MNHS spikers bows to Lanting NHS; 2-1

L anting NHS came away victorious after taking down the Matusalem National High Sschool

Sepak Takraw in one of the best of two 21-14,18-21,21-17, Municipality meet at ISU west site main Sepak Takraw court Jan. 26-27, 2-1.

Alexis Acson earned a 12 points and spot the top scorer of his team 6 roll spike, 3 blocks ,4 sun back, while James Alzate of Matusalem NHS did not let his guard down as he get a straight 4 points by his rolling spike .

Alexis Acson started the set 1 by rolling spike that start his bi momentum that led the group to continue their leading points, while Matusalem NHS recover and got back of James Alzate using his back spike but it’s not enough to rear end the lanting NHS, 21-14.

“I know to my self that not all the time I’m on top” -Lucas

Aeron Jette Lungayan

Aeron Jette Lungayan

Photo by: Rochelle A. Cercado

Photo by: Rochelle A. Cercado