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Region XI’s (DOH-XI) efforts to improve

literacy among the youth, following reports of nearly 7,000 teenage pregnancies in 2024.

According to DOH Region XI Director Annabelle Yumang, the regional office is actively expanding adolescent-friendly facilities to provide greater access to preventive education and support services.

“We are after prevention, but we are also capacitating our health workers and faculties on how to communicate with adolescents to prevent teenage pregnancy. We are also prepared in our health facilities to manage them, so at all levels, we must be ready,” added Regional Program Manager Denverlyn Ferolin.

In line with this, the DOH-XI has also advised parents on effective ways to address and prevent teenage pregnancy.

With the support of the Parent-Teachers’

Association (PTA) led by PTA President Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez, the teen center will serve as a safe space for scholars, offering recreational activities, a resting area, and printing services, while also integrating counseling sessions as an extension of the guidance unit.

We will be tackling ‘the home’, ‘the economy’, the activity of the students, the different vices or the drugs, alcohol involvement, suicidal ideation, safety,

MA. CECILLIA RODRIGUEZ

PSHS-SMC Teen Center Project Director

“We are not saying that it will replace the guidance office, but at least students will have a place where they can express their concerns freely without fear of judgment,” she remarked.

As part of its long-term development, the PSHSSMC teen center plans to implement a psychosocial assessment for every student, covering aspects such as home life, economic status, mental health, and personal safety.

Meanwhile, Campus Director Jonald P. Fenecios expressed hope that the facility would inspire other campuses to adopt similar initiatives to support students’ mental well-being beyond academics.

With Philippines’ teenage pregnancy cases rising up to 35% in 2024, the school hopes that the newly established teen center will prevent further cases coming from the school.

Through collaborative efforts with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Health (DOH) has successfully established 150 adolescent-friendly facilities across the region.

With PSHS-SMC becoming the 151st school to launch a teen center, the initiative reinforces the region’s commitment to addressing students’ emotional and psychological needs.

MA. CECILLIA RODRIGUEZ

PSHS-SMC Teen Center Project Director

Yuna Daquio

Yuna Daquio

Taiwanese exchange students immerse in local culture, heritage

What is there to see, that should be seen, with the Philippines—with Davao?

Such perhaps was the unspoken question throughout the four-day cultural exchange between the Kaohsiung Girls Senior High School and the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC), from March 31 to April 3, 2024, as part of the Philippine Science High School Exchange Forum & Joint Learning Immersion Program.

15 female exchange students were welcomed into the Pisay community through an opening program held at the campus gymnasium, where both groups showcased cultural performances and shared glimpses into their school lives.

In the days that followed, the Taiwanese exchange students went on field visits to landmark destinations such as the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos Chocolate Gardens, and the Coastal Road.

At the Philippine Eagle Center, the visitors were given a preview to the country’s rich biodiversity with exhibits to some of the archipelago’s iconic species, while their trip to the Malagos Chocolate Gardens

provided insights into the agricultural prowess of the locality, showcasing the refined cacao and chocolate production that had put Davao on the global map.

A ride through the Davao Coastal Road exhibited the city’s growing infrastructure, while a final stopover at Apo ni Lola’s showcased the community’s craftsmanship through the wide array of homegrown delicacies.

But beyond the sightseeing and experiences, the trip also opened paths to deeper conversations hidden beneath—on wildlife and environment conservation, gaps in developments and investments, traffic issues, and more—key issues that underline some of the regular Filipinos’ daily challenges, but in which amidst they push through resiliently and perseveringly, with love and hope.

Tours are commonly thought of with the goal of showing beauty and pride in presenting what a place can be, but further than what is often idealized is that these shared experiences should more importantly open perspectives, showcase beauty in simplicity and sincerity, and shed reason to how things might or

should be.

For the Taiwanese visitors, their tour might have left memories and experiences as souvenirs to hold on to, but perhaps in addition, ingrained forever now is how the local Filipino culture has taught them the value of positivity and optimism whilst working towards better things.

“We discovered many similarities and differences. But one thing remains the same—we are all finding our own paths toward our goals,” one Taiwanese student shared.

Future-proofing curriculum

Contrary to common belief, the exchange was not the first of its kind. Rather, it is part of a series of programs that have pushed through since the pandemic to further Pisay’s academics and keep it competitive on a global scale.

“It’s an [academic] benchmarking activity. But, over and above, it’s cultural, and it aims to expose our students and their students to global standards…they find our [PSHS-SMC’s] students very intelligent, and

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Reduced meal portions in the canteen reveal the struggle in balancing nutrition and cost among Pisay-Davao dormers’ clamor against the controversial claim by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on food budget.

During the 2025 national budget hearing last August 13, 2024, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, when asked about the current threshold for food poverty in the country, reported that a mere P64 would cover three meals daily per person.

“As of 2023, a monthly food threshold for a family of five is 9,581 pesos. It comes out about P64 per person,” Balisacan said. For many students in the

COMMERCE FOR A CAUSE

they love sharing activities with us,” Curriculum and Instruction Division Chief Jearvy R. Lañohan aired. Ties between Taiwan and the PSHSS have been in place since 2020 through online conferences designed to forward academic collaboration, but this year’s exchange marked the first on-site cultural engagement.

“There is an understanding between Taiwan and the PSHSS to cooperate in terms of development of our curriculum. So, this is really part of the activities that would achieve that purpose…so, it will continue in the coming years, ” SMC Campus Director Jonald T. Fenecios noted.

Beyond academics, one belief was seen among the 15 host families—it was a window into how cultures, though different, reflect one another in unexpected ways. For some, what began as a foreign encounter became an emotional exchange.

“That simple exchange made me realize that differences don’t divide us but they help us see the world in a different light...I eventually found comfort in sharing my own experiences and listening to theirs, “ Zuleika Lou Dalian, one of the host families, expressed.

PSHS-SMC and their families, however, this figure is far from realistic.

“[2 years ago], my food allowance of P1000 per week felt sufficient to cover three meals and snacks, but now, I hapve to give up eating during recess so my meals aren’t compromised,” Elisha Jane Balagulan, a Grade 11 dormer voiced out.

For residing students in PSHS-SMC, three meals a day cost P80 to P90 per meal, all resulting in a monthly food budget of over P7,200—far above the NEDA-proposed threshold.

“I rarely eat...the serving usually is the same every day and it comes with high prices too,” Mikkaella Esther Audrey

S. Espanola, a Grade 11 dormer, lamented when asked about the current situation of the school cafeteria.

While meticulous budgeting and restrained eating may deem the P64 meal budget adherable for some, it is not without nutritional expense.

A survey conducted among the PSHS-SMC student community showed that the lack of student-affordable yet nutritious meal options remains one of their persistent concerns, especially since meals are unavailable during weekends.

JOHN BEDEZ, DYLL VALDEZ, and biddy gaspar

Simone INDAPAN

vince verzo

HEALTH’S PRICE TAG. Nicollette Sabate, a grade 9 PSHS-SMC student, buys a meal amidst staggering canteen prices.

patience banlasan

STUDENT OUTREACH

John BEDEZ

patience banlasan

Finance chief:

‘Take care of our facilities’

Numerous Pisay dormers have raised concerns regarding various dysfunctional dorm facilities complaining that it has added to their stress amid heavy academic responsibilities.

According to reports, among the broken facilities include broken locks, decapitated shower heads, cracked windows, and clogged drains, which altogether have posed an inconvenience to campus residents.

“Ang makainis talaga sa dorms ay ‘yung CR kasi maraming sira especially ‘yung locks sa stalls. Whenever magCR ako, I have to hold the door closed manually. Mahina rin ang daloy ng tubig sa CR at tumutulo ang tubig from the third floor sa ceiling ng second floor,” Julia Cervantes, a Grade 11 dormer, stressed.

Amid such woes, it has been said that the Management Committee (MANCOM) has been made aware of these issues and is actively working to address them to the best of its ability.

Davao mayoral feud boils down to youth — political advocate

Political tensions expected to heat up amongst Davaoeños as ex-secretary Karlo Nograles sets to challenge former president Rodrigo Duterte in the 2025 mayoral race in Davao City.

Amidst the divide, however, political watchdog and campaign adviser Joseph Rodriguez underlined that the youth might be an overlooked demographic that can prove crucial to the outcome of the upcoming elections.

“[The general public should beware with] the youth, [because the sector] can certainly maximise their power to campaign for good and transparent governance, as well as fight for the betterment of the people of Davao,” he highlighted.

In a study, as Rodriguez noted, political survey firm

Agong Asia revealed that the youth sector accounts for an estimated 60 percent of the voter population in Davao City.

In line with the increasing youth presence, Rodriguez pushed for stronger participation among younger Davaoeños in political issues, emphasizing the need to foster proper awareness and discernment among young voters.

In accord with Rodriguez’s plea, Most

Outstanding Philippine UNESCO Club Youth Leader Manuel Antonio R. Dugan emphasized how the youth should appeal to community issues.

“Students should not just focus on leading in school, they must go to the community at large and hear from the concerns of the people.We can work together to develop an agenda for united prosperity, and address the problems this country faces through the perspectives of those growing up,” he said.

“We are definitely a demographic that shouldn’t be sidelined. We are the ones that are going to take the helm of the nation in a few decades, so even though there may be reluctance to accept the youth in politics this early, it should be done,” Dugan aired.

Aligned with Dugan’s call, Rodriguez moreover stated that candidates should look to provide greater focus in attending to the youth’s concerns, also calling on young citizens to lobby for actions towards addressing issues of interest amid such.

“I encourage youth sectors to formulate their own youth agendas, and that politicians can seek to include and impart such agendas to their platform of government,” he prompted.

As to the outlook concerning youth participation in future elections beyond 2025, both Rodriguez and Dugan share in the optimism that young voters would continue to develop broader political consciousness and make wiser decisions in shaping succeeding administrations.

Working for others is a privilege - PSHS SMC alumna

During the opening ceremony of Philippine Science High SchoolSouthern Mindanao Campus’ (PSHS - SMC) 37th Foundation Day, a PSHS Batch 1999 alumna emphasized that the real essence of being a PSHS scholar is serving the nation.

According to Dr. Maria Angela Zafra, working to directly affect the lives of others, especially the underprivileged, for the greater good is an honor.

“It’s also why I felt the call to service. It’s a privilege to be doing work that directly influences the lives of others,” Zafra said.

Moreover, she also said that she aims to give aid and act as an echoing voice for the marginalized communities in every project that she pursues.

“Pursue projects that are meaningful. We act as a conduit so that others, especially those who are minorities, disadvantaged, and marginalized will be represented at conversations at a dinner table,” the alumna added.

Zafra graduated from Ateneo de Davao University as a Doctor of Business Administration and finished with a BS Environmental Science. Furthermore, she later cofounded and became president of the Strategia Development Research Institute.

“We

vicinity of our campus, you are safe. Wala tayong control sa labas, pero sa atin dito sa campus, I can assure you that we are safe,” he explained. The school’s management committee also prompted students to adhere to the campus’ security enforcement practices such as about the strict regulation of entry and exit, ordering scholars to be on the alert always.

“This is why the offices are also very particular about not allowing students to leave the campus if it is not yet time for students to go out. May reason ‘yan at kasama doon ang safety,” Curriculum and Instructions Division (CID) Chief Jearvy R. Lañohan added.

Crime incidents dropped 11%, from 682 cases in early 2023 to 608 in the same timeframe in 2024 This positive trend is attributed to initiatives like “Patrol Rehiyon Onse” and various anti-criminality programs.

However, concerns arose regarding the accuracy of these statistics. Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, director of Police Regional Office–Davao Region, disclosed instances of data manipulation within the DCPO suggesting that crime figures may have been altered to present a more favorable outlook.

SOURCE: MINDANEWS

3 out of 10 scholars rated below 3 out of 5

United youth voice to emerge amid Duterte-Nograles clash

dyll valdez

yuna daquio

BIDDY GASPAR

use on

John BEDEZ

The campus has always been filled with stray cats, which tempt students to pet them, but multiple cases of cat scratches, including one posing a high risk of rabies, have prompted the Management Committee (MANCOM) to act quickly.

“The cat that scratched me was a new cat on campus, which they informed the students during a flag ceremony weeks prior to the incident. Also, when I got scratched, they immediately made an announcement to everyone. Moreover, the cat was eventually vaccinated and given a collar,” Student Government President Angeli Panal stated.

Currently, the school remains insistent it is doing its best to manage the situation, as no additional injuries caused by cats have been reported since.

“I feel like more action could be taken, such as immediately vaccinating new cats on campus. However, given the limitations with finances and respect for animal rights, I believe that the efforts they’ve made so far have been sufficient,” he added.

The school continues to monitor the situation, striving to balance student safety with ethical treatment of the campus cats.

In an overhaul to address scholars’ evolving learning needs, the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) will set to implement the F.O.R.W.A.R.D Framework, replacing the Curriculum Under Remote and Blended Learning (CRBL) which was used during the pandemic.

This transition aims to equip scholars with essential skills and competencies for an advancing postpandemic academic and research landscape, ensuring a more structured, streamlined, and effective learning

Proceeding to its

experience.

It also comes as a response to the challenges faced under the CRBL, where scholars encountered gaps in hands-on learning, research integration, and subject mastery due to the constraints of remote and blended setups.

According to PSHS-SMC Curriculum and Instruction Division Chief Jearvy Lanohan, the new curriculum will be deployed following system approval, with adjustments designed to better align with post-pandemic educational priorities.

“We aim to create a curriculum that not only strengthens foundational knowledge

but also ensures that scholars are wellprepared for advanced research and realworld applications,” Lanohan explained.

Notable changes include modifications for Grades 7 and 8, while in the Specialization Years Program, research will no longer be part of Grade 10 and will instead be concentrated in Grades 11 and 12.

“If it gets approved, research would start at Grade 11, so wala na sa Grade 10. So that’s just one of the many…many changes,” Lanohan emphasized.

The implementation marks a major shift in the PSHSS curriculum, reflecting efforts to further emphasize and modernize science

and technology education as the school continues to navigate changes moving forward.

With these reforms, the PSHSS aims to develop greater commitment in fostering globally competitive scholars equipped with 21st-century skills, ensuring a seamless transition from high school to higher education and professional fields.

5 cat-scratch cases recorded

Dyre VALLE and Biddy GASPAR

Science High School (PSHS) System.

third and final reading, Senate Bill (HB) No.

Philippine Science High School campuses so that more students can benefit from its services,” former PSHS Executive Director

the Third District of Cagayan, General Santos City (South Cotabato), and Malaybalay City (Bukidnon).

John BEDEZ

Biddy GASPAR

CUTIE CATS. Resident cat “TomTom” snuggles up to Pisay scholars during their recess break.

Thea GALVEZ

PISAY POLL

Matt TICARO

Curbing PH’s low english, math proficiency

Dyll VALDEZ

Dyll VALDEZ

Dyll VALDEZ

Surging dengue cases stall students; school backs campus fogging

Several students face the challenge of curbed learning experiences amid high dengue infection rates, with 20 cases having been confirmed by the PSHS-SMC Health Services Unit as of December 2024.

In a press briefing with the school’s press, School Nurse Ailene Eguia explained that due to the symptoms of dengue, students have not been able to give their full attention to academics due to their throbbing bodies, causing them to falter in their studies.

Sophie Tiffany S. Gee, a student from Grade 7 - Gold, confessed that she could not monitor and accomplish the tasks that were assigned to her within the duration of her sickness, expressing difficulty to cope with her learning.

Gee elaborated on her experience while under illness, stating the struggles of falling behind in class due to missed indicators as her absences due to contracting dengue continued to pile up.

I was stuck in a hospital bed for a whole week. I was panicking because everybody was discussing assignments in our group chat but I didn’t know how to do them because I wasn’t there during the discussion.

SOPHIE TIFFANY S. GEE on thoughts when she was bedridden

Moreover, the dengue patient also reported that she couldn’t fulfill her requirements within the prescribed week of her return, describing that her body’s energy being sucked out by the illness was still a major bothering cause.

Despite her nauseating battle with dengue, she was able to push through and fulfill her academic responsibilities.

In light of the matter, Eguia

LOSING PARADISE

nonetheless reported that the school’s health department has not been idle in the ongoing pursuit of diminishing possible dengue breeding grounds on the campus, as well as persevering in efforts to contain and mitigate the spread of other communicable diseases.

“We have been initiating school fogging and spreading awareness about dengue,” Eguia assured the PSHS-SMC community.

Diagnosed students are now steadily recovering from the illness and are expected to bounce back as soon as possible.

In 2022, the Davao Region

a fairly good standing when an updated human development

BASURAHAN NOON, PARK NGAYON

Brgy. Sto. Niño commits waste discipline, backs ‘No Segregation, No Collection’ drive in mini-park build

In promoting environment-friendly causes, the former garbage dump beside PSHS-SMC has flourished into a small yet eye-catching community park accessible to the general public.

The project is a collaborative effort of both the administration of PSHS-SMC and the barangay council of Sto. Niño, Davao City, asserting the ‘no segregation, no collection’ policy within the public park in endorsement for environmental upkeep.

“[Naisip ko talaga], I need to clean the area. [Kasi garbage ang nakalagay dati. So, inilagay ko doon ng basura. Hindi man pwede, alis ko ang basura, wala akong gawin sa area]. So even a small area, I really think, [...] and I realize that I need to do this.” Brgy. Captain Romeo Alberca further explained. With regards to the playground development, Captain Alberca, believed that the construction of a children’s park was also a requirement, noting that the commune had not possessed one in the past. PSHS-SMC students have noticed and expressed their delight towards the new and colorful environment that provides a safe, clean, and interactive space for attraction and common use, especially by the youth of Barangay Sto. Niño.

Amid its ongoing construction, nature conservationists have continued opposition to the Samal Island - Davao Connector (SIDC) Bridge Project, citing consequent environmental damages that will result. While the project has mostly been perceived to the delight and anticipation of the public, environmental groups point towards the imminent destruction of Paradise Reef and other nearby aquatic habitats as primary concerns regarding the development.

Carmela Marie Santos, head of a local environmental organization, criticized the project’s lack of consideration and consultation when it came to issues risking local environment protection and livelihoods.

“Iyon nalang kasi ang natitirang healthy coral reef sa loob ng island... We see the problem in terms of the protected areas and coral damage, and what it means for marine biodiversity and productivity kasi maraming nakadepend doon.

CARMELA MARIE SANTOS Environmental Advocate

Santos further underlined the welfare of local tourism and fishing sectors, whose livelihoods’ fates hang on how the bridge’s development proceeds, citing likely effects on demand and income.

In an exclusive interview, the manager of Paradise Island Resort and environmentalist Julian Lucas Rodriguez also aired similar sentiments about the infrastructure project, also addressing likely consequences with the local landscape.

It’s something that we were very concerned about, especially when the bridge came in because we were protecting this coral reef in front [of this shoreline]. We were afraid that the bridge would destroy this.

JULIAN LUCAS RODRIGUEZ

Paradise Island Resort Owner

Rodriguez echoed concerns on how the bridge project might instead reduce the appeal and island experience of Samal Island, possibly causing adverse effects on the operating businesses and residents that were and have been situated within the area.

Meanwhile, Santos noted that there continues to be local initiatives to oppose and modify the infrastructure development; however, such movements have yet to successfully hinder and reform the already ongoing project.

In 2022, a change. org petition was created among concerned locals, garnering almost 10,000 signatures, but has since quieted in attention, while a formal appeal filed to the City Government of Davao also in 2022 was eventually junked in late 2024. The SIDC Bridge Project was among the prioritized projects under the Duterte administration’s ‘Build Build Build’ program and is set to link Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal by 2028, having a 3.51% civil completion reported as of November 2024.

Vendors’ sales decrease in front of Vista Mall amid Barangay Sto. Niño’s demolition for a future two-storey multipurpose building project.

Despite the barangay’s claim to boost their customers, a vendor complained that their sales have been gradually lessening ever since the relocation.

“Ever since gi-rellocate mi sa barangay, nibaba jud ang among sales. Amoang mga suki didto man sa among dating tindahan mo adto unya karon wa na sila katuod,” Zanro Montoya, a 39-year-old vendor, stated. He also noted that their regular customers won’t go to their stores anymore because it is too far away from their homes.

Furthermore, Montoya stressed that the new area that the barangay has allotted to them is dirty and stinky.

“Naga-worry jud mi na mo dagdag ni amoang problema na walay customers kay basig abi nila na hugaw amoang balligya,” he added. Moreover, the barangay explained that the purpose of the whole project was to create a more organized and community-friendly atmosphere, ensuring cleaner surroundings and better facilities for both residents and vendors.

“I will build a two-story multipurpose building there, and I will transfer the barangay hall to that location. I have arranged the vendors along the side of Vista Mall,” said Barangay Captain Romeo Alberca.

The project includes the construction of a modernized barangay hall, while the space previously occupied by the current hall will be converted

Yuna DAQUIO

Simone INDAPAN

Matt TICARO

LUCAS RODRIGUEZ Paradise Island Resort Owner

indicated

FRESH FILLET. 39-year-old Zandro Montoya skillfully prepares yellowfin tuna recently delivered to his roadside stall at Sto. Niño Public Market. Vince VERZO

MINIATURE MEMORIES. Local children of Barangay Sto. Niño, Davao City discover the newly opened minipark located near the barangay hall. Vince VERZO Dyll

SCI-WINGS

TAlthough the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RH) Act passed in 2012 safeguards the free and universal access to modern contraceptives for everyone, progress often feels like one step forward and

Sex education’s necessity in the protection of Filipino children against abuse

The Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a proposed curriculum aimed to teach Filipino students complete and accurate information about, among others, human sexuality and reproductive health and promote the protection of their rights.

The curriculum has garnered controversy due to claims that it perpetuates child sex, promotes indecent behaviors, and contradicts constitutional values.

The curriculum was brought up during a press conference on the safety of Filipino students and the protective measures of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“The Comprehensive Sexuality Education is not a part of the discussion today,” stated Ms. Rebecca C. Sagot, Assistant Superintendent of the DepEd Davao City Division. “[Today] is about the protection and prevention of children.” Despite this, she went on to champion the importance of children’s awareness in protecting themselves against abuse.

“If you know, you are aware, you are able to make the right and best decisions to keep yourself safe,” she said.

The CSE has garnered much controversy

for the supposed promotion of ageinappropriate contents and behaviors. It encourages teenage pregnancy, high-risk sexual behaviors, and identity crises. It endangers the children by undermining parental authority on matters pertaining to their reproductive health. Moreover, it is not included in discussions of children’s safety and protection. It is not a tool for protection, but rather the danger itself, a weapon used for the encouragement of immorality.

of sexually abused children are between 10 and 18 years old; and in 2021, 6,000 of 8,460 rape cases were against children.

A child is better off learning about their bodies and sexuality in the classroom from a licensed professional rather than alone with a malicious predator.

Sex education is a taboo; it is inappropriate and indecent. But how can Filipino children be protected if they are not taught how they can protect themselves and from whom? How can one speak of protection and not include education?

Sex education is a taboo; it is inappropriate and indecent. But how can Filipino children be protected if they are not taught how they can protect themselves and from whom? How can one speak of protection and not include education?

The situation is dire: one in ten girls aged 15-19 have experienced physical or sexual violence in 2022; more than 70%

Sex education does not teach children impropriety; its absence will only make them vulnerable to exploitation.

A failure to teach them about themselves constitutes a failure to protect them.

Among the United Nation’s Constitution on the Rights of the Child is the right of protection against sexual abuse and the right of access to education. The fourth of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals is quality education. Both of these rights are manifested in the presence of sex education. Hotlines, interventions, capacity-building initiatives, and child protection committees can only do so

much; they are only required after the fact of the abuse. Educating Filipino children will not eradicate sexual abuse, but it will give them the tools to identify it. It is not that sex education taints Filipino children, but rather, that sex education is tainted by bias, misinformation, and close-mindedness. It is time to clean the slate—to destroy the notion that sex education shall corrupt Filipino children—to get rid of disinformation and misinformation. Filipino children must be taught about their sexualities; about responsible reproductive health; about their bodily integrity. Sex education is a declaration of their fundamental human right, and a declaration of the Philippines’ commitment to their protection. There might never be an end to abuse, but there can be an end to unawareness. Against sexual abuse and exploitation, sex education says: stop; not here; not now; not ever.

My body is mine.

I have the right to say NO.

I deserve to be respected.

Fractured Innocence

Reforming the backward viewpoint of sex education

two steps back. The Philippine Commission on Population and Development (CPD) reported a 35% hike in total live births among girls under 15 years old from 2022 to 2023. This is an alarm signaling the urgent need to implement the RH law down to the familial level; it is a wake-up call to teach the truth rather than to hide it. Admittedly, improper– or even the lack thereof– sex education is not the sole cause of teenage pregnancies. Child sexual abuse and child marriages are but one of the social parasites that should be nipped in the bud. However, it cannot be denied that sex education is paramount, if not necessary. It can be argued that the ubiquity of the internet makes sex education more accessible to all. While there is some sliver of truth to

it, there are downsides that can often pose more harm than good. For one, there is a lack of sensitivity and control in relying on the internet. While parents and teachers can adjust the intensity and depth of the topics covered, presented in ways that children and the youth can process— the internet is unpredictable. Moreso, depending on explicit content builds knowledge that is often exaggerated to the point of being dangerous. According to the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), a meta-analysis of 22 studies proved that such material is linked to increased physical and verbal aggression. This type of content rarely shows the concept of consent or the idea that it can be withdrawn at any time. Instead, it perpetuates sexual violence.

Katerina LOPEZ

Within the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus community, 67.3% of its 98 respondents said that their source of information for sex education was online, while only 21.4% said that they got their information from their family. It reflects that for the vast majority, sex education remains a taboo in the household. If the youth was just armed with sufficient kn owledge about sex, unplanned marriages could be prevented and children’s lives and wellbeing would not be compromised. Personally, I know that if I had not been taught about the risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through actions as tame as kissing, then I may have been careless at this point. It starts with understanding that sex edu-

cation should not be taboo, until it becomes normalized to the point that it can be talked about over the dinner table. As stated by the Council of Europe (CE) in 2020, sex education actually prolongs sexual initiations and reduces risk-taking behaviors. Not only that, it can also prevent child sexual abuse and sexual violence. We owe it to our youth to teach them sex education not to encourage sex, but instead to be the aegis that protects their future and wellbeing. Sexual discovery does not need to be a one-man battle. hurriedly ran outside and called the guards to get help. Luckily, the fire didn’t spread and died before the guards were able to go up,” he added.

COLUMN

Yannah FAJARDO

JeiannaABUYABOR

Wet Access

Leanne Margaret

Fortifying

women’s rights against sexual labor

Millions of women around the world are disproportionately denied access to the first necessity of life—water. According to an article published by UNICEF, women and girls are responsible for fetching water in 7 out of 10 households without access. They bear the brunt of this crisis, facing devastating consequences that affect their health, safety, and opportunities. Critics often argue that limited resources and infrastructure make this issue too challenging to solve, particularly in remote or impoverished regions. But that kind of dismissal ignores the devastating human cost of continued ignorance and tolerance.

Only 3 out of 10 households have men doing the same. Girls under 15 are more likely to fetch water compared to boys their age, with 7% of girls doing it versus 4% of boys. Women and girls often have to travel farther to get water, which takes time away from school, work, and free time, and exposes them to risks like physical harm and danger during the journey.

Juris Justine D. Borong, a young teenager who advocates for cleaner water and sanitation powerfully illustrates through her story, that the absence of clean water perpetuates a cycle of gender-based violence, exploitation, and inequality. These are not mere abstractions, but the lived realities of millions. Inspired by her mother’s history, Juris Borong launched Project Agua, a transformative initiative that advocates for access to clean water and sanitation while prioritizing the safety and dignity of women and girls.

In many marginalized communities, like the community where Juris’ mother grew up in, women and girls face an unimaginable dilemma: risk sexual assault or let their families endure dehydration and unsanitary living conditions. Juris Borong’s personal family history sheds light on the depth of this systemic vulnerability. Her mother was a young girl when she was asked by her family to get clean water for their family to use, when predators removed the handle of the water pump, it

LETTER TO EDITOR

prevented her mother from accessing the water. The predators refused to reattach the handle unless Juris’ mother sacrificed her purity in exchange for clean water.

Over 70% of victims of sexual abuse in the Philippines are between the ages of 10 and 18, while 20% are younger than 6 years old. Child sexual abuse is one of the most common issues addressed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), second only to cases of abandonment and neglect.

It’s not complicated. These women are being sexually abused simply because they need water to survive. Predators know they’re vulnerable, alone, and have no choice. A simple trip to get water can turn into a nightmare, with girls and women facing the worst kind of violence just to help their families. We must fight to change a world where women are.

It’s time to take bold, decisive action to ensure everyone has access to clean water, a basic human right. Governments, international organizations, and communities must join forces to invest in water infrastructure, create policies that address gender inequality, and empower local communities to lead lasting, sustainable change.

Projects like “Project Agua,” further demonstrate the power of localized solutions. By collaborating with water authorities and engaging businesses, young activists can translate awareness into possible improvements in access,

ultimately benefiting women and girls the most. Initiatives like the Davao City Water District (DCWD) Congress youth program offer a blueprint for nurturing the next generation of water advocates. By exposing young people to the gendered impacts of the water crisis, these programs equip the leaders of tomorrow to be agents of transformation in their own communities.

Access to clean water is not merely a practical concern—it is a matter of human dignity, gender equality, and social justice. The fight for water security is deeply connected to the quest for a fairer, more equitable world. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of those most affected, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has reliable and safe access to this essential human right.

“

In many marginalized communities, like the community where Juris’ mother grew up in, women and girls face an unimaginable dilemma: risk sexual assault or let their families endure dehydration and unsanitary living conditions.

Integrated Ignorance

How ableism thrives despite legal protection

Jianne COLINA

Dear Editor,

I am concerned with the number of cats, especially hostile or stray ones, within the campus. Our pet companions may be a source of adoration for scholars and teachers alike, but with the recent incidents of students being scratched by certain agitated

Aschool meant for growth, learning, and inclusivity becomes a battleground of exclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Although efforts to make education more accessible have been made, interactions between PWDs and other students paint a different picture. A 2021 UNESCO report revealed that students with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers. Ableism is alarmingly becoming deeply embedded in student culture, and it is high time to foster values of sensitivity and respect for the differently-abled.

by the community. However, such verbal warnings alone are proving insufficient. We, the campus press, along with the entire community feel that addressing the root cause is only imperative given the growing risks to student safety. Recently, we have been proactive in raising this concern to the management committee, but their response has been limited to mere reminders. For now, we strongly urge members of the community to exercise caution and refrain from interacting with cats, particularly those without collars. As the campus press, we remain stringent in using our platform to monitor this issue closely, hand-in-hand with the Student Government and concerned authorities to push for concrete action. Thank you.

Sincerely, Sci-Wings

Although prejudice is evident, significant steps have been taken to eliminate it. Policies like the Republic Act 11650 mandates inclusive education, pointing towards a better direction. Limited resources and laborers suggest that the problem is not malicious ignorance, but logistical challenges which lack resolutions especially in rural, underfunded schools. The implementation of policies like this will eventually make way for developments in schools for improved learner accommodation. However, the Department of Education (DepEd) acknowledged in 2021 that learners with disabilities are more vulnerable to bullying, child abuse, and other forms of violence. Despite policies meant to protect PWDs, many of them remain as targets of discrimination in and out of their campuses. A common form of ableism in schools is social exclusion, proven by a 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies which found that 62% of students with disabilities reported feeling

isolated from their peers. This indifference demonstrates that the differences between PWDs and their peers are seen and treated as a burden. Unfortunately, time in itself cannot erase continuous prejudice. Ableism among the youth is also about the ingrained stereotypical mindset within Filipinos that those with disabilities are inferior sources of inconveniences rather than equals. When teachers fail to satisfy their needs, when their classmates mock their articulation, or when a child in a wheelchair is labeled as a “special case” and not a normal part of the institution, these are not accidents. These occurrences reflect a toxic culture that perceives disability as an abnormality instead of natural The resolution begins with acknowledging injustices and eliminating these biases. Schools must go beyond legal compliance and personally pursue creating a safe place for PWDs. Education systems can integrate

disability awareness in education for mandatory comprehension rather than occasional optionalities. Practices on inclusivity should be imposed upon teachers, strongly affirming a need for respect. Moreover, schools must prompt opportune interactions between students with and without disabilities as familiarity breeds understanding. No amount of laws or declarations will allow all to embrace diversity until we confront ableism as a community. Equality between PWDs and those around them is not measured in the number of Special Education programs or ramps, but in the attitudes of students towards one another. If these institutions fail to combat the evident ignorance that persists in their halls, they have failed to educate. Instead, they have subconsciously reinforced the same prejudice that has long marginalized students with disabilities.

Yannah FAJARDO

No amount of laws or declarations will allow all to embrace diversity until we confront ableism as a community. Equality between PWDs and those around them is not measured in the number of Special Education programs or ramps, but in the attitudes of students towards one another.

Rootless Classrooms

Leanne Margaret CAJULAO

How removing mother tongue from classrooms hinders students’ learning and development

Access to education relies on access to language. It is estimated that 40% of the world’s population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand according to a UNESCO study. The removal of the Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) is a misguided and harmful initiative that will undo the progress made in providing equal access to education, which risks further marginalizing students from disadvantaged communities and taking away their fundamental right to accessible education. It does not bring them closer to foreign opportunity but furthers them from cultural connection.

deeper connection between students and their cultural heritage, empowering them to learn and thrive in a language that is truly their own.

The MTB-MLE program, introduced in 2013, has been a transformative initiative that uses the first language of students as the primary mode of instruction, instead of strictly using Filipino and English. By utilizing the mother tongue as the primary medium of instruction in the early grades, the MTB-MLE program can foster a

TProponents of the new law argue that reverting the medium of instruction to Filipino and English will better prepare students for higher education and the job market, especially in foreign markets. This policy can also have a negative impact on the children’s reading and math skills in Filipino or English. The presence of a diverse range of languages, most without proper translations for scientific and mathematical language may confuse children’s ability to further their education.

However, these arguments fail to recognize that there is still inherent value and importance of the mother tongue in a child’s mental and social development. The success of education rests on a child’s understandment; children cannot be expected to completely, efficiently learn by way of a tongue they do not know.

My cousin is one such example. Growing up, his first language was Bisaya—the language he spoke at home with his family in our small town in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. But when he started school, he was expected to learn and study in English, which was completely foreign to him.

I remember watching Lance struggle through his homework, complete in his disconnect from the words and concepts. Even when writing or speaking in Filipino, my cousin can’t help but complain about how difficult it is for him. Both languages are the official languages of

Unequal Foundations

About a month before the University of the Philippines College Admissions Test (UPCAT), netizens on social media sites like Tiktok and X popularized the phrase “UP burgis”. This intends to point out the presence of those belonging to society’s upper class in a university that aims to serve the masses. Among the more than 100,000 applicants in the last two years, students from lower income brackets are 13% less likely to be admitted to UP.

This trend is not limited to the university system. According to data from PSHS-SMC’s Registrar, every year there are more scholars belonging to the Partial 3 scholarship category. Those belonging in this classification come from well-todo families that can afford to fully support their children’s educational expenses.

In commencement exercises and graduation speeches, we are often told by academically successful individuals that perseverance is key. While these statements are essentially truthful, it does not paint a complete picture of our reality.

Students belonging to financially secure families have access to resources, such as tutors and review centers, even before they set foot in a classroom. Access to these methods of cultivating a child’s academic preparedness are locked behind a hefty price tag, making it even less accessible to the

Filipino masses.

Moreover, the gap between the haves and have-nots in their basic education results in a difference in the competencies that they attain after a school year. According to the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) on creative thinking, the country places in the bottom spot among 64 countries. Low level of creative thinking underscores the shaky foundational competencies of Filipino students in the DepEd public school system.

The broken armchairs, cramped classrooms, and insufficient textbooks that the average DepEd student encounters on a daily basis are physical manifestations of the learning disparity that plague the country. How can children reach their full potential if they

have to overcome countless hurdles just to get through a single day? Tales of resilience and perseverance should not mask the deep-rooted problems that less well-off students face.

the Philippines, but both were not languages that truly belonged to him. Now, I can’t help but worry about the other children that are like my cousin.

Depriving students of learning in their native language is damaging to their well-being. Among the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of a Child is access to education. Studies have shown that allowing children to learn in their first language during their early years is beneficial. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), around the world, 50 to 75 million children who are already a disadvantage are not in school. Children whose first language is different from the language used in school are more likely to drop out or struggle in the early grades.

Appealing to the job market does not negate the necessity of cultural connection. Why try to appeal to foreign societies, as though ours is not rich, too, with possibility? The Filipino and English language may still be implemented as secondary skills, filling the gaps that the mother tongue cannot, when the proper words for science, mathematics, and research are not available. However, it does not mean that the mother tongue cannot be used—the languages of the Philippines are still full with literature, music, and art that can and should be taught to students.

By preserving and strengthening the MTB-MLE program, the government can promote a deeper appreciation for the rich linguistic and cultural diversity that makes the Philippines unique. This is not just about education, but a basic issue of fairness and equality. I strongly urge the government to reconsider this backwards policy and take decisive action to protect the rights and needs of all Filipino children.

increased to boost their initiative on productivity. Additionally, feeding programs should be implemented to alleviate the hunger and nutrient deficiencies that students might experience in their own homes.

Making the mother tongue-based education program optional creates a twotier system, where more privileged students continue to learn in their first language while less advantaged students are denied that opportunity.

Poisoned Plates

Assessing the importance of sanitation in Philippine education

Aincludes standards and policies aimed at ensuring the overall quality of Philippine schools. It promises to provide clean and functional bathroom facilities, clean and accessible water, proper sanitation services, and more. Despite this, the continuance of woeful carelessness and insufficiency remains.

Despite efforts to make quality education accessible for those who cannot afford its hefty price through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, disproportionate access to higher education opportunities are still aggravated. The rich who already have the early boost in their schooling can be the ones who will benefit the most from free college education if nothing is done to mend the disparity. The situation shows that more proactive efforts are needed to increase the accessibility of educational opportunities for underprivileged students.

The education system debacle does not exist in a vacuum. Providing solutions to this problem requires a multi-faceted approach. The salary of public school teachers should be

According to a 2024 report by UNICEF, 18% of children in the Philippines are severely food poor. Malnutrition from improper eating can inhibit cognitive development, which in turn can negatively affect one’s schooling.

The path to attain equitable access to education is one rife with deep-rooted challenges. Improving education should include initiatives to hold the Department of Education accountable for their facilities’ lack of maintenance and transparency in projects. The current predicament can only be overcome once we acknowledge the few’s privileges in regards to the unequal foundations that shape not only our academic future, but also the opportunities we access later in life.

I have no claim to expertise on the logistics of the Department of Education; only speak on my own experience. During the 2024 National Schools Press Conference, for example, my entire team suffered food poisoning on the day of the competition. We later learned that this was not an incident unique to us—the students hailing from Region IX, Region X, and Region XI all complained of similar occurrences. For my team specifically, we suffered from diarrhea and vomiting; we periodically had to stop writing in order to make a trip to the bathroom. The cause was the food doled out by DepEd to the participants.

It was a one-time incident of gross overlook, but I have had the privilege of turning it into an entertaining story to tell my friends, but the same cannot be said for all my peers. Situation of the Children reports that water service is the least widely available service in 2021 with 26.2% of schools with no water service; 26.2% again

COLUMN

Maria AGULO

Trampled Flag

The implications of the 1,200 fake birth certificates for Filipino security

When a thousand Filipino identities are stolen, we must search not solely for the robbers but also the enablers. Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have hundreds of Chinese nationals living in the nation who have been exposed for possessing falsified birth certificates. POGO-related crimes have victimized 4,355 Filipinos as of August 2023. Identities are not the only things stolen; so too are lands, education, and opportunities robbed from Filipinos. Internal action is the only key to the defeat of a foreign threat.

In July 2024, more than 1,200 fake birth certificates were uncovered in Davao del Sur believed to belong to primarily Chinese Nationals involved in POGOs. This number has since risen to 1,600. POGOs are a controversial issue for simultaneously boosting the Philippine economy but targeting Filipino citizens in illicit activities. In October 2022, they provided more than 19,000 Filipinos with employment opportunities, and supplied a peak of PHP6.1 billion in tax revenues, according to Rappler. But, while the presence of POGOs in the Philippines may bring economic benefits, it is to the despair of Filipino citizens.

These identities are not gateways to a law-abiding and peaceful life, but rather fissures that can lead to the proliferation of crime and chaos by foreign entities. The presence of POGOs within the country proves that through the assumption of fake identities, crime syndicates are able to conduct their illicit activities without suspicion.

From November 2019 to March 2023, 58% of POGO-related crimes involved human trafficking. As of 2024, the Inquirer reported more than 800 people rescued from POGO dens suspected of being involved in robbery-extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking and prostitution. The Philippines has become a breeding ground for lawlessness—a resource exploited; the blood of Filipinos milked for profit.

Moreover, even if these fake identities are not utilized for crime, they are still a threat to national security. How can 1,200 fake birth certificates be found in a single town? How many thousands more sit silent and unnoticed in the nation? If thousands of aliens can live for years overlooked, what stops another thousand from coming into the nation? Land and property are bought, slots in schools are taken, businesses are created and public offices are occupied. Each illegal

Lifeline of Suffrage

How youth disengagement threatens the future of Filipino democracy

As citizens of a democratic nation, it is crucial for the Filipino youth to actively engage in political affairs, especially with the elections fast approaching. UNICEF data indicates that there are approximately 40 million children under 18 in the Philippines, reflecting a demographic potential that can redefine the nation’s future. However, this likelihood can easily be trampled by the apathy growing among the members of the youth, hindering their significant participation. It is imperative to address rising indifference and encourage the youth to be actively involved in affairs that shape our country’s tomorrow.

Amid the growth of political obliviousness, youth volunteers and organizations continue to promote their advocacies on pressing social issues. According to GMA News, youth-led organizations are making waves by mobilizing thousands for causes such as climate change and human rights, demonstrating their capabilities and impacts on community matters. While many young Filipinos may feel disconnected from formal political disputes, they are still engaged in grassroots movements. Unfortunately, the influence of these initiatives are often hampered by the lack of support from those in power. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is often criticized for its ineffectiveness in addressing the concerns of young Filipinos, contrary to its purpose of cultivating them as leaders at the local level.

Woefully, a notable portion of future voters still lack the initiative to act upon sociopolitical dilemmas. According to the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5) by the UP Population Institute, while 78.3% of Filipino youth aged 18-24 registered to vote in the 2022 elections, 8% expressed no intention to register at all. The numbers imply that young Filipinos feel a sense of disconnect towards electoral processes, rendering their registration futile. Furthermore, a survey by SunStar revealed that only 30% of young Filipinos feel informed enough to engage in political conversations. The contrast between registration and actual participation denote that there is a lack of political literacy, as well as genuine grasp of the weight their vote holds. As a country with a growing youth demographic, this lack of empathy will jeopardize the future of our system.

To counteract this, we must emphasize political education and foster a community where the youth feel comfortable to engage in political discourse. Civic education programs in schools can nurture passionately informed voters who aim to spread advocacy among their peers. Shiela Rodriguez launched the Ikaw Mismo! project in 2023, a gamified platform that aims to educate young Filipinos about civic engagement. Leveraging social media to raise awareness about legitimate sociopolitical issues will inspire innovative ways for young people to engage with local government and explore new avenues for participation.

As Filipinos, we must examine the roots of apathy and ensure the youth feel empowered and educated to engage in political discourse. Every vote matters, and the fingerprint’s beholder must be aware of the power their decision holds. The voices of young Filipinos are vital for a thriving democracy, kindling diverse perspectives to water down the adversities ahead. Together, we can build a future where every young Filipino drives meaningful change.

criminal in the country steals an opportunity from our fellow Filipinos that might have otherwise been used with integrity and productivity.

It is an unequivocal blunder of national security; a negligence of lawfulness and legitimacy on the part of both national defense and foreign transgressors. It is not the presence of foreigners but the possibility of crime that makes the issue so urgent. Fake birth certificates have been used for lawlessness before; they may be used for it again.

It is time to stop the lax issuance of birth certificates. Through vigilant effort and efficient government regulation, we can combat this issue and ensure the protection of the persons and futures of our fellow Filipinos. We cannot tolerate tolerance; it is imperative that those who have bought fake Filipino identities be dealt with swiftly and firmly. Filipino identity is not so easily bought—it was forged in resistance and resilience. We can resist this, too.

“

Even if these fake identities are not utilized for crime, they are still a threat to national security.

TVigilante Justice

QUIOCHO

Analyzing the intentions behind Duterte’s Davao death squad

here is no such thing as bloody justice. Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency was known for its notorious War on Drugs—a bloody and unforgiving campaign that caused the deaths of an estimated 12,000 Filipinos according to the Human Rights Watch, including children. The former president claims that what he did was for the nation’s safety. Yet, the existence of a Davao Death Squad that he created during his time as mayor of Davao City has come to light. Peace cannot be bought by the nation’s blood.

On October 28, 2024, Duterte was held accountable for the killings that were conducted during police operations in the drugs campaign which he proudly took full responsibility for. However, skepticism filled the former president’s responses as he was interrogated about an alleged death squad. Denying its existence at first, he assures that he has no knowledge of a death squad nor would he form one as he already has the police to act as executioners. This claim quickly changes minutes later with him finally confirming that during his time as mayor, he had formed a death squad of seven gangsters.

Though he refused to disclose any more information about the death squad, he admitted to instructing his officers to encourage the criminals to fight back as to label the murders as a form of self defense thus sanctifying extrajudicial killings.

The former president defended his administration and assured that what he did was for the betterment of the nation, stating, “I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it, I did it for my country, I hate drugs, make no mistake about it.” Although his statement reflects heroism, the truth behind his ruthless war on drugs shows a stark contrast.

Every leader would want their nation to improve under their governance. The intention was peace, not disarray. Drug abuse and trafficking is a persisting problem in the Philippines, often handin-hand with organized crime. The danger of drug abuse extends from the individual user to their family, their friends, and their community. Drug

abuse can lead to several disorders impairing cognitive ability and mental health.

But in promising the safety of the Filipino people, it was only compromised; their basic human rights violated. Legalized murder entirely goes against his vow of creating the campaign for the sake of his country.

How is the ordinary citizen expected to feel safe under the care of a government led by someone who mandates vigilantes? In striving for peace, order, and safety, the War on Drugs creates the opposite. The War on Drugs led to the deaths of over 100 children over from 2016 to 2018. Where was the safety and security promised for Kian delos Santos, for Carl Arnaiz, for Reynaldo de Guzman, who were shot by policemen; none of them even reaching the age of twenty? We said the War on Drugs would keep our children safe. All it has done is teach them how to die.

As citizens of our own country, let us not let the endeavours of our leaders to create a better nation lead to innocent bloodshed. Progress must never be achieved through fear, violence, or the silencing of truth. To those who aspire to govern: stand by your promises. Implement policies that truly create a better nation—resolve the country’s problems through productive initiatives, the promotion of drug awareness, and the establishment of social safety nets for the most vulnerable sectors of our country. Criminal violence is never the path to peace. Do not forsake justice.

How is the ordinary citizen expected to feel safe under the care of a government led by someone who mandates vigilantes?

Amanda

Jianne COLINA

Maria AGULO

Yannah FAJARDO

Yannah FAJARDO

Yannah FAJARDO

Ostentatious Illusion

When Reality Leaks Through the Glass

moment, I took the first step down a path once only imagined as a quiet surrender to the unknown, a choice that felt like fate. The depths of Underage Drinking.

Ablaze with the thrill of indulgence, I had no desire to stop. Back then, the feeling was like striking an initial spark, bright and intoxicating, igniting something thrilling within me. It was all exhilaration at first, the fire dancing harmlessly in my hands. But

The

Source: World Health Organization

Ripples Amidst Stagnation

PWD village inspires scholars on capability setbacks

Gaea MAGADIA

It is said that when one sense fails, the other senses are greatly heightened. Compared to an abled man, the blind can hear better. The deaf and see clearer. The one with a limp can be more keenly aware of the pathwalk before them than those without. It is only through knowing the presence of a limit that can propel the ever-rebellious nature of humans to go beyond it — and this is what SAKADAB, a vibrant community of People with Disabilities (PWD)s, has significantly emphasized.

A voice resides deep within me, a nagging reminder that this didn’t have to be my path. I was young, with room

I let a quick “fix” to my problems complicate

Upon visiting the village located at Los Amigos, Davao City, PSHS-SMC students from the non-profit organization ISKULTURA encountered a massive shift of perspective on the extent of human capability conjoined with perseverance. As an art-based organization promoting Filipino culture and national heritage, ISKULTURA had partnered with the Samahan ng May Kapansanan sa Dabaw (SAKADAB) community as their sole and primary beneficiary. After more than a decade of sharing a common space for PWDs within the city, SAKADAB thrives as a village built by the disabled for the disabled.

Source: Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)

saw how they made the best of what they could despite all the things their disability hindered them from doing: Ms. Mirasol, their overall head, vlogging every experience and posting them on various platforms to spread awareness to a wider stage; one of the residents being their contender for every poster-making competition and managing to craft the most beautiful bags from the smallest of threads by hand; and most of them having such angelic of voices despite their initial reluctance to the karaoke offers. Around the table, they huddled on their wheelchairs, legs used to remain stagnant, but hands forever crafting, minds forever racing, and voices forever amplified.

As of the year, there are 1,790,820 registered Persons With Disabilities in the Philippines alone. With the Republic Act 10754, an act expanding the benefits and privileges of PWD, Filipinos are gradually progressing towards inclusivity throughout

Physical stagnation may be permanent, but it does not, and should never imply hindrance. In a lake of still waters, creases emerge in ripples with the smallest catalyst. SAKADAB is one proof of being the first droplets to create cascading ripples so that the PWD community can shine through society as leaders, advocates, and pioneers of development among society. They see through lenses of gratitude, where not once they sought to take things for granted, and where they live everyday making the most of what they have — and even transgressing boundaries set not only by their bodies, but also by societal stigma and expectations.

BREAKING BARRIERS: Members of the SAKADAB community engage in various activities prepared by Pisay scholars. Proving that despite physical limitations, their strength, creativity, and resilience transcends boundaries.

Portraits Purpose

Gaea MAGADIA

Riana CARRILLO

Riana CARRILLO

Jeianna ABUYABOR

Beyond Hospital Rooms

Scholars of Hope nurture resilience in children battling cancer

Samantha SEVILLA

Every day, countless children across the Philippines wake up to battles that would overwhelm even the strongest among us. Learning to live with the constant prick of a needle through skin,

At the heart of this struggle, a group of students from Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) saw this resilience. In a compelling initiative, Scholars of Hope (SOH) was born — an organization rooted in compassion, dedicated to bringing light to the lives of children battling cancer. What began

Portraits of Purpose

GLIMMER OF HOPE: An 8-year old cancer patient of the House of Hope finds amusement in the activities held by the student-run organization, Scholars of Hope.

Newfound Sight

Bridging communities through Braille tutoring

“Learning

BORROWED SIGHT: Martisa Acelar, Grade 11 president of PSHS-SMC’s student-run organization, Tulong Liwanag, serves with passion the visually impaired youth of Davao School For the Blind.

Source: World Blind Union – Asia Pacific

the community, “I have visual impairments myself so it feels very fulfilling to help the school community and learn more about their conditions and daily activities.”

To understand is to see for what they truly are, despite the initial miscommunications that may come with it. When trying to connect with these communities,

Source: Davao House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc.

Martisa ACELAR

Lavinia ELIZAN

Holistic Hallmark

The PSHS-SMC SCALE program in spotlight

Jianne COLINA

Truth, excellence, and service to the nation — despite coming from different regions and upbringings, once stepping into the school as freshmen, Pisay scholars are forever bound by these three core values. Time and time again, stating “I am from Pisay” automatically puts one on a pedestal despite class standing or even mere GWA. However, rather than stepping into society as so-called nonpareil individuals birthed by a premier institution, every asset of a Pisay student is honed for public service wherein the welfare of the community will always be above one’s own title.

The SCALE program of the Philippine Science High School System serves as the culmination of all learnings, values, and skills developed by Pisay students before leaving the institution. SCALE covers four strands namely: Service, Creativity, Action, and Leadership enhancement. It aims to promote the holistic development of scholars as they venture into pursuits once uncharted by their own. Through the recent runs of the PSHS-SMC’s SCALE program, various organizations and activities rose with the student’s initiative to leave behind an impact not only to themselves but also to the community before graduating. It features groups like Likharal where elementary learners are taught by Pisay scholars to prepare for high school, PiSign where students teach sign language and advocate for the deaf community, and Alpas where scholars raise awareness on reproductive healthcare and sex education. It spans a diverse range of initiatives where students come together from different batches to uplift communities and provide service through their skills, knowledge, and dedication. Through SCALE, PSHS scholars at an early age can already foster a sense of leadership and responsibility beyond classroom discussions and lectures. It serves as a holistic hallmark opposite to the stigma of Pisay students being “closed off” to the public because of the school’s reputation as a premier science high school. The SCALE program is a testament of the youth being able to make a lasting impact on the communities they serve and the lives they touch.

Refurbished Shoes

something that we all need, something that is frequently lacking and overlooked, and something that is the greatest gift you can give someone: connection.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development states that in the Philippines, 36% of students were in the bottom international quintile of the socio-economic scale, thus they

were the most disadvantaged participants of the Program for International Students Assessment in 2022 — their average score did not reach the global average. With this, Likharal aims to press down these numbers with their service.

Likharal has been on the run for three consecutive years to cultivate the occupants of the future slots the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) is yet to offer. Besides this, the organization, filled with members who come and go in the interest of time,continuously opens its doors to new members. These two affiliations come like successive doors, only

separated by the hallways of the initiative. Consequently, Likharal has proved themselves worthy of being teachers of the future generations of Pisay, as multiple Likharal students of the first two runs spanning from school years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 have or are soon to grace the hallways of various campuses in the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS), forming batches 2030, 2031 and eventually, 2032.

Amongst these successful finishers are two nascent occupants of the Southern Mindanao Campus (SMC), Psalm Lee and Kobe Sasuman, unveiled from Likharal’s thorough teachings of the first run. Besides their gratitude for their milestones of achieving the same line of goals Likharal has, they have made significant changes in how they view Pisay since they were in 5th grade when they only entered the campus on Saturdays for the organization’s sessions.

Views of another Origin

When asked about their insights on seeing their previous teachers in Likharal become their schoolmates in an interview, Kobe Sasuman emphasized, “I know they were pretty young, when nag join sila sa Likharal as like teachers like part of the organization. I too was really young back then.” “It felt awkward since I used to call them ate or kuya or Ma’am or Sir and sometimes we say hi,” Psalm highlighted.

Aside from seeing their paths into the first door in the consecutive hallways preceding Likharal volunteering, they were met with a lamp brighter than what

Knotted Connectivity

Cherished

When you hear the word ‘donation’, what comes to mind? Basic needs, perhaps—donation drives for people in

There are no material limitations for community to be found between people–all it needs to flourish is the time and compassion shared between them, and this is how the boys in the Field of Dreams orphanage in Biao Guianga, Mintal connected with the Grade 11 students in PSHS-SMC through Dreamscapes, a SCALE organization focused on making beaded jewelry to support the orphanage. Despite the students only having a few boxes of beads and strings, unlikely friendships, discussions, and camaraderie were shared between the two groups as they worked together to create bracelets. Wisdom can be found everywhere when eyes are keen to see it. Bracelet-making requires creativity, time, a relaxed amount of focus, and a workspace, facilitating an ideal

space for teamwork and conversations when done collaboratively.

Dreamscapes, during its three years of operation, took this opportunity to meet the children at the Field of Dreams as a chance to connect with them–and they got to see how bright, enthusiastic, and passionate the children are.

From Illinois to Davao: Pisay student sparks leadership multiplication in Davao youth

Ayour

they held as they entered Pisay’s doors. Inner Door Openings

These two minds did not stop where they were supposed to be: they also went on to join the organization that shaped a part of their future. Through their exposure to Pisay’s Alternative Learning Activities (ALA) Fair, which are the clubs that let students start their skill-honing in their early years. “I was really excited, because there was some part of me when I was a Likharal student that always wanted to join those kinds of organizations,” said Kobe.

Up until the current day, these two young change drivers made sure that those who were once part of Likharal, a.k.a. the alreadygraduated seniors, refurbished shoes that have been filled in by those who they taught.

from

In a conference,

on a podium even when the microphone sits too tall in between your eyes instead of your mouth. Don’t be afraid to wear a suit three inches too big on the collar, carry a box five times your weight, and reach out to places a little far off from home.

As youth in the modern generations, we are expected to develop and enhance our ability to lead even at an early age. No one is ever too young to lead, and this is what Project Dayaw firmly stands for. The project, led by grade 12 student Angeli Elizalde Panal of PSHS-SMC, was originally developed under the Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP) in which student leaders from all over the globe are gathered to hone their leadership capabilities and develop actionable solutions to local problems.

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim for quality education, but nearly 11 million Filipino children cannot attend formal school by early 2024. It aims for no poverty, but by 2023, 17.54 million Filipinos cripple way below the poverty line in which it ultimately compromised the goals for zero hunger and good health especially for the children. For millions of people not having a single defining choice on how their life is going to lead with sparse resources and power, it is the responsibility of those with enough capabilities to extend a hand while encouraging other people to act and do the same thing.

“Dayaw is an organization that creates organizations,” said the grade 12 student. “People have a lot of great ideas for their communities but they just don’t know where to start.”

“They’re really talkative, actually,” Mickaellah Daradar, the current head of Dreamscapes, remarked about the boys at the orphanage.

“I was really surprised when they were eager to come here and make bracelets with us,” Mickaellah Daradar, the current head of Dreamscapes, remarked about the boys at the orphanage.

“Most of the kids, usually the small ones, they don’t talk much, but the way we bond is through beads, when they ask us

to teach them (to make beads) and ask for materials that they can’t find, things like that, so it’s so nice to bond over something that is usually perceived as more of a girly activity, but they willingly make bracelets and have fun.” Yet, amidst the donated creativity along nylon thread and colorful beads, the true bracelet knots form beneath the hearts of the children, with strings first destined to be tied with their parents’, but Dreamscapes made sure that even their strings can be knotted with connections beyond the orphanage’s rooftops and teddy bears.

Even as a high school student, Ange understood how hundreds of youth communities in the Mindanaoan regions need support in dealing with inequality and poverty where it is not only financial but also in terms of education and mental health. Especially as a high school student, he empathized with children who lack better access to such necessities that so many people already had and normalized. Project Dayaw aims to rewrite this narrative and balance the scale to slowly but steadily reduce the number of children getting the short end of the stick in a society crying out for equity.

From Illinois, Ange Panal brought home a beacon that serves as a guiding light to students like him to uplift the youth from every aspect of the community. It pushes the limits of what people of similar age can do while advocating for the notion that it takes a body of young individuals to truly know what a fellow child needs.

fter coming home

school, put your shoes in the rack where it looks so small next to

father’s.

stand

Gaea MAGADIA

BORROWED SIGHT. Martisa Acelar, Grade 11 president of PSHSSMC’s student-run organization, Tulong Liwanag, passionately serves the visually impaired youth at Davao School for the Blind.

Photo by: Martisa Acelar

FOSTERING THE FUTURE. Volunteer and PSHS-SMC student Kevin Kintanar assists Likharal pupils during the third edition of the Likharal SCALE.

Photo by: Colin Barcenas

Photo by: Sabina Buca

Photo by: Angeli Panal

PARADISIO: THE PERFECT FULFILLMENT OF THE HUMAN

ELYSIUM WITHIN FOUR WALLS

Introducing

in 5 youth aged 15 to 24 have ever considered ending their life. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 16.8% of Filipino students aged 13 to 17 have attempted suicide at least once within a year before the 2015 Global School-based Student Health survey. When it feels like your parents won’t understand that your mental health takes a plunge, it takes a village, does it not? They’re not infallible, and they may not get it every time. Sometimes, it’s a matter of life and death when trusting your parents like a two-way highway, and it is a common redirection to open up with social circles or close friends. Beneath this ongoing stigma by our elders, remarkable parents from Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) Batch 2026 have proven that they also can foster a nurturing

PURGATORIO: WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN

Comfort Through Connections

After a long weary day at school, Grade 10 student Ayesha Vernice Yeung finds herself at the dinner table, clutching a small stuffed pig while eating take-out. Her dinners have been like this for days, lacking the warmth of her parents’ company, their busy lives stealing them away from being across the table. To Ayesha, the stuffed toy is more than a trinket–it is a sanctuary of comfort, a vessel holding cherished memories of her parents’ love, a reminder of their presence when absence feels too heavy to bear. The modern world is relentless in its demand for mobility. Students cross cities, workers leave rural homes, and parents swim oceans;

at what emotional cost? Objects, no matter how modest, become profound anchors for the heart and soul. A lovingly knitted scarf, a bundle of handwritten letters, or a carefully chosen collectible may appear ordinary but carry the weight of entire lifetimes. These vessels of connection bear the weight of love and memories across the miles.

For Ayesha, the stuffed pig was a gift from her parents when she was 9. “I got it as a Thanksgiving gift long ago,” she shares, her face softening with nostalgia. “Sometimes, I’ll hold it at night and it helps me fall asleep.”

Raissah Maxinne Del Rosario, a Grade 10 student, finds her emotional refuge in collecting

environment for students barricaded in expressing concerns to their guardians. Born within the initiatives of their batch ParentTeacher Association (PTA) and Davao City’s Health Office is the remarkable PSHS-SMC Teen Center, now filled with different joyful, meaningful, or even sensitive echoes of students walking in and out of its doorways. The teen center has remained a home for those who seek a calm but thriving atmosphere in between breaks of dreadful assessment quakes. However, the same parents go beyond the comfortable physical space — the center also anchors with student mental health and strives to become a secure shelter whenever one’s world starts crumbling in front of their eyes with a talk-therapy room, as introduced by Mrs. Cecilia Rodriguez, the Batch 2026 PTA president, in the ribboncutting ceremony during the inauguration of the service in Pisay-SMC.

“This is the talk therapy room. We call it [the] talk therapy if they want to like magpahungaw [to let out emotions] lang gani, [when] you just want to vent out all your anger when you don’t know anyone who can understand you,”

home because every time I see it, I get reminded of my mom who’s busy with her work so she’s often not around.”

Similarly, Djin Paul Sevilla, a former overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia, clung to a simple bracelet gifted by his daughter. “Para pag nagtatrabaho ako, nakikita ko ‘yun,” he says.

(“So that while I’m working, I can [easily] see it.”)

A small token, yet it carried the non-physical enormity of his family’s love, even across oceans.

In a fast-paced world that glorifies selfsufficiency and speed, the power of connection offers solace and strength. They remind us of our values, grounding us when we feel lost. As the African proverb states, “If you want to go

Djin’s bracelet are more than mere items; they are enduring symbols of resilience and love. They remind us that no matter how far we travel, the ties that bind us to home remain strong.

While it might be true that “He who travels fastest travels alone,” it is equally true that those who journey together in spirit can go

said Mrs. Rodriguez in an exclusive interview during its opening. Moreover, this service was nurtured with peer facilitators, who are also students of PSHS-SMC to guide the struggling students.

“But of course, your ates and kuyas would understand you right, because they’re also students, and you have the same problems so they would really be able to give you better advice,” added Mrs. Rodriguez.

Indeed, even if a handful of parents proceed to propagate the bottling of their children’s emotions, figures such as Mrs. Rodriguez and her fellow supporting parents, have ensured that there is a true direction leading their young household members to feel safe in expressing problems — it only remains blocked by the wall of expectations and standards. Beneath these barriers is one’s Elysium, waiting to be unraveled in the Teen Center’s four walls.

Reeve Arthur DIAZ & Jerice ESCOBARTE

Samantha SEVILLA

SHAPING YOUNG MINDS. PSHS-SMC freshmen amuse themselves with education pamphlets provided by the campus’ pioneer teen center, fostering awareness among the new generation.

Photo by:Patience Bansalan

Yannah FAJARDO

ON ANTIBIOTIC DEVELOPMENT

Pisay-Davao scholars create antibacterial particles from agro-waste

and also concerns the animal sector, even plant health, and food security sectors,”

Pharmaceutical Division Pharmacist V, in the 5th National Dissemination Forum held in

The phenolic compounds present in agricultural waste such as coffee leaves from pruning contribute to the formation of these nanoparticles.

The group chose silver nanoparticles properties. These characteristics allow it to target bacterial cells without becoming prone to their resistance mechanisms. The agricultural waste such as coffee leaves from pruning contribute to the formation of Currently in the process of finishing their research, the group plans to test the nanoparticles on bacterial pathogens that have increased rates of resistance: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus

untapped potential of plant waste is a key in the race for a new weapon against bacterial infections.

Matthew

Based on a regional assessment, an estimate

SOLUTIONS

ON AGRICULTURE

In 2024, the El Niño phenomenon severely battered the Philippines and damaged:

SOURCE: Inquirer

Addressing widespread problems through innovative research and improved policies for medicine regulation are necessities for the health of the masses. Discovering the

are expected to die as a result of drugresistant bacterial infections.

Pyrolyzed bio-oil in growing siling labuyo discovered by Grade 11 researchers

beneficial in the face of these pricey

None had yet to attempt growing siling labuyo with the liquid smoke fertilizer.

Liquid smoke, also known as pyrolyzed bio-oil or natural smoke condensate, is a reddish-brown liquid obtained by burning wood or compost biomass and funneling the smoke into a condenser, which converts it from gas to liquid. It is commonly used as flavoring in barbecue dishes; however, several recent studies have revealed that the substance could be useful in agricultural applications. This research could be a game-changer for Filipino farmers, as the country’s agricultural sector continues to struggle.

A lot of the time, the hard work put into harvesting is barely compensated by the money you get in turn once you sell it all away. Statistically, the farmer decline in Filipinos in 2024 has equated to 2.2%, with the most devastating fall for the last five years has begun working with liquid smoke. Previous studies have shown that liquid smoke has the capability to prolong shelf

a nation. This act fosters accessibility, especially among those who cannot afford conventionally-used fertilizers.

ON CLIMATE CHANGE

EASING EL

Pisay Davao students develop polymers, solve climate-induced

DROUGHTS are phenomena that have plagued Philippine agriculture since time immemorial. The Department of Agriculture reports that damage to agriculture as a result of the weather phenomenon amounted to PHP 9.5 billion in 2024, with around 93.33 hectares being affected in Davao City. As the perilous situation needs innovations to alleviate the harm to food security, Pisay scholars heed the call by developing ecofriendly moisture-retaining products.

A research group with Angeli Elizalde A. Panal Jr., Jaymee L. Rubillar, and Elysha Francisca B. Somera explored the application of hydrogels to retain moisture in soil in spite of dry spells. Hydrogels are jelly-like materials that can absorb and retain water. While conventional hydrogels pose chances of soil pollution and carcinogenic properties, the variations made by scholars are made from accessible components that are biodegradable.

The City Government of Davao, with

the help of the City Agriculturist’s Office, reported last April 2024 that the devastation amounted to more than PHP 5 million.

Among the most affected areas were farms located in the Tugbok District. Twenty-three farmers grappled with nine hectares of completely dried rice paddies.

“Knowing the sheer scale of destruction that is brought yearly by the El Niño phenomenon, which will unfortunately only worsen over the years due to climate change, our group decided to conduct research that can help with the issue, ” explains Grade 12 student Angeli Elizalde A. Panal Jr. about the significance of the project.

Innovation in hydrogels

The combination of amylopectin and chitosan, the main components of the hydrogels, has not been utilized for agricultural use before the scholars’ efforts.

Amylopectin is a derivative of starch and comes from food waste. On the other hand,

chitosan comes from chitin, a component of insects’ exterior layer or exoskeleton.

The product can pave the way for a more cost-effective and scalable solution for farmers. Since the moisture can be absorbed and retained by the hydrogels, the need for irrigation can be reduced. This mitigates the problems brought by belowaverage rainfall during the El Niño season. In the long run, the innovation can also be utilized outside of the dry season. By minimizing the necessity of irrigation and water, the loss of nutrients through soil runoff will be reduced.

Beacon for food and livelihood security

Disruption of rainfall patterns that result in insufficient moisture in soil negatively affects food production in the country. With the agriculture sector occupying 25-30 percent of the country’s labor force, the high rates of destruction can affect the livelihood and food security of millions across the country.

soil dryness

The product can pave the way for a more cost-effective and scalable solution for farmers. Since the moisture can be absorbed and retained by the hydrogels, and the need for irrigation can be reduced.

Heshei FERNANDEZ

Adrienne BAUTISTA

Adrianne BAUTISTA

Rei GAMBOA

BREWING SOLUTIONS. Angelina Tancontian, a grade 12 research student of PSHSSMC, drains out brewed coffee leaves.

SPICED RESEARCH. A student researcher at PSHS-SMC uses siling-labuyo for their alternative organic fertilizer in her research.

Calvin CANOY HARVESTING KNOWLEDGE. A PSHS-SMC student researcher collects rice grain samples from the rice fields of Calinan, Davao City.

Matthew GUINOCOR worth of FARMING AND FISHING INDUSTRIES

SOURCE: World Health Organization

GUINOCOR

ineapples are one of the most abundant fruits in the Philippines, with the country

pineapple rind extract. The researchers hope

Germicidal soap from pineapple rind produced by PSHS-SMC students

Sustainable Development. Luckily, studies show that pineapple waste is destined for more than just the landfill or the fire, as it has displayed promising uses in various fields ranging from biofuels to food packaging.

Pineapple rind in particular has been found to possess antiseptic properties, making it an ideal ingredient for plant-based soaps. These properties arise from several prominent chemical compounds found in pineapples; namely, bromelain and flavonoids.

Bromelain is a potent protease, a type of chemical that breaks down proteins. In fact, this chemical is what gives pineapple its “prickly” texture, which is caused by proteins in the tongue and mouth being dissolved. Though it can be found throughout the pineapple fruit and stem, it is most concentrated in the core and rind.

Pineapple rind in particular has been found to possess antiseptic properties, making it an ideal ingredient for plantbased soaps.

Philippines has been seeking better solutions

Action) of the United Nations’

DavaoRegion is the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines, producing 80% of all cacao in the country, with Davao City itself being the top producer in the region. However, for every cacao that is harvested, nearly 70% of it is thrown away as trash. Three PSHS-SMC students seek to bring new purpose to this waste by using it to fight one of the nation’s most pressing health issues.

Food insecurity in the Philippines is a baffling nutritional paradox. According to the Social Weather Station, around a quarter of all Filipinos suffer from hunger nationwide; meanwhile, in Davao City alone, about 300 tons of food that could have fed hungry families go to waste every single day.

While food preservatives are a common way to stave off these losses, they are often made with chemicals such as sodium nitrate, which can be toxic and even carcinogenic at high concentrations.

However, this may soon change for the better thanks to Grade 12 students Alden

Flavonoids, meanwhile, are a group of chemical compounds found in most plants that give them their unique colors.

LONG-TERM

REMEDIES to confront the universally apparent impact of singleuse plastics have long been scrambled for by global leaders and researchers. According to Social Weather Stations, The Philippines, often contributes over 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. Amid this crisis, however, one promising solution is emerging here in the Philippines: the repurposing of starch molecules as biodegradable plastics— the same starch found in Filipino meryenda table staples like cassava cake and pichi-pichi.

Pioneered by scientists at the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), this layman’s term for one-step lactic acid technology uses microorganisms rich in Mindanao to convert readily-made agricultural biomass—materials often deemed as waste—directly into lactic acid.

“Our technology is a one-stage process. It means that with the micoorganism and the process we have developed, we can

already produce lactic acid under 24 hours and in room temperature. In terms of efficiency, our process is very efficient and cheaper as it cuts down on the traditional two-step process, ” Dr. Melvin A. Pasaporte, the chief researcher noted.

Lactic acid is a compound with applications that branch across multiple industries. It is well known in food preservation and pharmaceuticals, but more than that, it serves as a precursor for polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer increasingly used in sustainable packaging, medical implants, textiles, and even 3D printing.

“Our lactic acid tech uses biomass as organic materials, which can be considered as waste. Mindanao is rich in agricultural bioproducts…In this case, we higher the value of waste materials, ” Pasaporte spotlighted.

The Philippines continues to import lactic acid from other countries at an annual cost of approximately PHP 2 billion. Dr. Melvin Pasaporte, the chief researcher behind the UP Mindanao lactic acid technology,

pursues to expand what was once a thesis project into what he ambitions to be the core of the country’s industrial and economic landscape.

“Currently there is no local producer of manufacturer of lactic acid here in the Philippines. This is crucial because we would then develop our own industry, and further the many industries that rely on. Because if we rely on imports, it will be very expensive, and of course, then if we have expensive materials, then other derivative products will also be very costly.,” Pasaporte aired in an interview.

Francis SITCHON

John BEDEZ

SOURCE: PIDS

GUINOCOR

SOURCE:

GUINOCOR

GUINOCOR

ButterFly Effect

Grade 11 researchers discover fly larvae-derived flour as protein-rich source

John BEDEZ

What’saccustomed to is not always sustainable. In dairy farming, for instance, milk production contributes to about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This makes good nutrition farfetched for already vulnerable populations, as such practices are not costly on top of being non-eco-friendly. To curb these, researchers scour for novel food sources—among which is the practice of entomophagy, or the inclusion of insects into daily food products.

In Pisay-Davao, a research group consisting of John Gabriel S. Bedez, Anne Kyle V. Mantilla, and Rodolfo Elias H. Cruz investigates black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), a Philippine-endemic insect, as a wheat flour substitute in cookies. When these larvae become insects, they act as compost makers by converting organic waste to protein biomass. They are mainly cultivated to generate animal feed and enhance soil quality in farms. But among food technologists, these larvae gain attraction for their rich protein and lipid content, as well as calcium and iron.

Commercially-baked products often lack what

the insect could offer—high protein content, bioavailable materials, and favorable amino acid profiles, which all contribute to muscle growth, and improve digestibility and metabolism.

Traditional wheat-based cookies, while energydense, typically lack the essential amino acids that the average human requires. Not only this, BSFL cultivation also requires less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock sources.

They [insects] are nutrition powerhouses, many of us just overlook its potential as food source.

Food insecurity remains persistent, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the researchers gained insight into possible solutions. About 23% of the region’s population is undernourished, where 5 out of 10 deaths among children are caused by malnutrition.

THE DOCTOR’S

LOGGED IN

New app from UP Min bridges dengue patients and healthcare providers

SITCHON and Heshei FERNANDEZ

engue is one of the most known and feared diseases in the Philippines. In 2023, The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) reported around 195,000 cases and 657 deaths due to dengue in the country. In order to combat this ever-looming threat, a team of Davao researchers turns to technology for a solution.

dengue patients from seeking this medical help, especially for those in low-income communities. However, Culaste states that these challenges are just that — perceived.

“People don’t know that there are healthcare facilities na libre. People don’t know that there are healthcare facilities closer to them [...] and at the same time, people don’t know that there are healthcare facilities na konti lang ang waiting time.” Thus, the PASYENTE project was conceived to help dengue patients first and foremost by giving them greater and easier access to the healthcare they need.

The PASYENTE Project for Dengue is a project developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines Mindanao Campus (UPMin) which seeks to provide dengue patients with easy access to affordable healthcare suited to their specific needs.

According to Hannah Faye C. Culaste, a university researcher who serves as the Research Publications and Branding Lead of the project, 90% of dengue deaths in the Philippines could have been prevented with medical

Despite this, perceived challenges in cost, transportation, and waiting time discourage

ASH

TO ACTION

PSHS SMC students utilize Ipil-Ipil ash as natural dog waste bactericide

Can a traditional remedy passed down through generations also serve as a scientific solution to modern waste management? For generations, Filipinos have relied on ash to neutralize odors from waste, believing in its natural deodorant properties. Inspired by this cultural practice, a study led by Grade 12 PSHS-SMC students Xyrus Zoe C. Cagang, Jea Leanne B. Ong, and Morish Ryv C. Navales investigated whether Ipil-ipil ash—a natural byproduct of burning the invasive Leucaena leucocephala tree—could do more than just mask odors, but also act as a sterilizer to combat harmful bacteria in dog waste. According to the Global Invasive Species Database (2017), Ipil-ipil is classified as an invasive weed. Recognizing its abundance and ecological impact, the researchers chose to study its potential use as a treatment for dog feces, aiming to find a beneficial application for this otherwise problematic species.

Their findings highlight the untapped potential of Ipil-ipil ash, turning an invasive species into a possible tool for waste management.

Drawing from the common belief that ash can help neutralize foul odors, the researchers considered the possibility that the unpleasant smell might be caused by bacteria.

“So ang isip namin, dahil ginagamit naman typically ang ash para mawala yung amoy, baka nakakapatay [...] din siya ng bacteria,” researcher Ong said in an interview.

In their research they discovered the potential of the ipil-ipil wood ash to inhibit bacterial growth

due to its high pH level. They also found trace metals in the wood that are known to exhibit antibacterial effects.

Their findings highlight the untapped potential of Ipil-ipil ash, turning an invasive species into a possible tool for waste management. While more research is needed to fully understand its antibacterial properties, this study opens the door for innovative and sustainable solutions to everyday waste challenges.

By exploring nature-based approaches like this, we can rethink how we manage waste while making use of readily available resources. What other overlooked natural materials could hold the key to solving modern environmental problems?

The app achieves this through a three-step process, with the first being an AI pre-diagnostic tool. Upon first opening the app, the user is asked if they show common symptoms of dengue, how long they’ve had them, and other related concerns. Based on this data, the AI tool advises the user on whether their symptoms could indicate a simple fever or a case of dengue.

“What we’re trying to do here is [...] to tell you na hindi lang ‘to lagnat, you have these symptoms [...] and this might be a severe case of dengue.” Second among the app’s main functions is a “smart sorting” tool, which aims to help patients find healthcare facilities that fit their needs.

FUTURE OF AQUACULTURE

Marine org pushes for youth engagement

Biddy GASPAR

The Philippines ranks as the 11th largest aquaculture producer worldwide, generating around 2 million metric tons of marine products annually. The industry contributes approximately 52% of the country’s total fisheries production and plays a crucial role in food security and economic growth. Amid issues of growing climate change and declining youth interest, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) promotes sustainable practices, disease prevention, and climate-resilient technologies, while actively fostering youth engagement to secure the industry’s future.

To drive innovation and workforce development, scholars from the Philippine Science High SchoolSouthern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) interned at SEAFDEC in the summer of 2024, contributing to research initiatives for aquaculture sustainability. Their internship includes lectures, visits to breeding stations, and handson experience in marine animal preservation and taxidermy.

“Maintaining the habitats of various marine species was part of our role. We worked in a museum for ten days, practiced taxidermy, and assisted in pond restoration,” reflected former SEAFDEC intern John Bedez.

Maintaining the habitats of various marine species was part of our role. We worked in a museum for ten days,

“We also visited SEAFDEC’s facilities, including their brackishwater station, where we learned about conservation technologies. It was eyeopening to see the richness of our aquaculture industry and the vital role SEAFDEC plays in ensuring that future generations can say the same.” Despite its economic significance, aquaculture employment has been steadily declining. In 2022, only 259,448 people worked in aquaculture—a small fraction of the 2.3 million employed in the broader fishing industry. This shrinking workforce threatens the sector’s longterm sustainability, even as aquaculture remains a major contributor to fish production. To secure its future, it is crucial to engage and educate the youth.

The intern noted that many young people perceive farming and fishing as unsuitable for teenagers due to their laborintensive nature. However, given the country’s strength in this field, he emphasized that immersing students in these industries can help maximize natural resources to combat food insecurity and poverty. He also stressed the importance of making awareness of this issue accessible to all young people.

The aquaculture industry is vital to the country’s food security and economic stability. Ensuring its long-term viability requires addressing environmental and regulatory challenges while fostering youth engagement. By equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge for innovation, the country can strengthen this sector and sustain its role in global fisheries production. Encouraging youth involvement, investing in sustainable technologies, and strengthening policies will be key to securing the future of Philippine aquaculture.

Francis SITCHON

Thea GALVEZ

Culaste, a lead researcher of the PASYENTE Project for dengue at the UPMin

COGNITIVE CORROSION

Filling the rotting void of Generation Alpha’s development

Lemiel ACUÑA

Being technologically savvy is a characteristic that the younger generations are known for. Generation Alpha, those born from 2010 to 2024, have made their unique mark in the digital space; however, such a feat has left a dent in their cognitive abilities. With the onset of “brain rotting”, the digitization of the recent and future generations has and will continue to enlarge this mental void.

From the early 1990s onwards, the internet has circumvented multiple barriers to global connectivity. Benefiting from the internet has been the academic field. Information is continuously produced in over 1.1 billion websites–may it be articles or literary reviews. The digitization of these resources by the late 2000s reinforced awareness of certain issues among those who had access to it – notably Generation Alpha. Moreover, digital spaces provided for varied styles of learning. Video lectures, online classrooms, virtual laboratories, and others have emerged to ease the difficulties of education. Over 70% of Generation Alpha students have tried online learning, especially during pandemic times. Although accessibility issues prevail, the expansion of learning spaces has provided opportunities for future generations to easily acquire critical thinking skills.

Are we being enslaved by our own inventions?

With the digitization of education, distractions frolic through our minds as leisure and work now merge into one space. This provides an avenue for people to surf the internet – not being able to stay put in one site. Additionally, the emergence of “brain rot” reinforces this issue. This phenomenon is caused by excessive exposure to meaningless internet content, resulting in cognitive decline. Words like “rizz”, “skibidi”, and the likes echo as I pass by the Junior High School hallways. This nonsensical humor and lingo are rooted in Generation Alpha’s culture of embracing brain rotting. Embedded in their culture, Generation Alpha suffers from cognitive dissonance. Approximately 45% of the generation suffers from behavioral addiction, caused by excessive neurochemical dopamine–brain rot’s fuel. From shorter attention spans to impaired memory, these effects reinforce the need to recalibrate the minds of our future. Hence, further integration of education can be utilized by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) in popular platforms. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 can be done to provide accessible online materials fit for user-centered algorithms. Inaction is what it takes for the future’s cognitive corrosion to intensify.

Pisay-SMC students harness guava seeds as a sustainable power source

The Philippines faces a growing need for efficient and affordable energy storage solutions as the demand for sustainable power sources rises. Supercapacitors, known for their rapid energy discharge, are a promising option for renewable energy systems. However, their reliance on costly materials like graphene limits their accessibility.

Led by the students of PSHSSMC—Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz O. Diel, Nathaneal F. Batucan, and Prinz Jakob C. Lim—a research study aimed to find an alternative to expensive electrode materials and explored Psidium guajava, or guava, as a potential solution.

“What inspired our team is the increasing demand for better yet cheaper energy storage devices.” said MaherShalal-Hash-Baz O. Diel, one of the researchers. “There wasn‘t any research done on guava seeds(as a substitute

to graphene), which was surprising considering the fact that guava is an abundant fruit (in the Philippines) with lots of carbonaceous material, particularly its seeds.”

The guava tree, known locally as bayabas, is a common fruit tree crop in the Philippines because it grows in tropical climates and can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), in 2022, the Philippines produced 723.09 million kg of fresh guava ranking us 14th in global production.

In their research, they found that guava seed carbon could be used in supercapacitors, albeit at the lower end of performance. They discovered that its energy density was quite low, meaning it could store less energy. However, its power density was comparable to previous literature—in fact, even higher at a lower current input—indicating that it

can deliver a large amount of power in a short period. This is significant because supercapacitors are designed to provide rapid power bursts, making the material viable for such applications. With further optimization, this locally sourced alternative could pave the way for more accessible energy storage solutions in the Philippines. As researchers continue to explore innovative uses for agricultural waste, studies like this demonstrate the untapped potential of our natural resources in advancing sustainable technology.

typhoons pass through the Philippines each year. of the population in Philippines does not have electricity.

W VE WATCHERS

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), 20 typhoons pass through the Philippines each year; and with climate change on the rise, these numbers are bound to increase even further. To protect the people from these deadly waves, a team of Grade 11 student researchers seek to harness the predictive power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spot storm surges before they strike.

The team, composed of PSHS-SMC students Elisha Jane H. Balagulan, Franz Oliver G. Eduque, and Josh Ethan C. Mercado, are currently in the process of developing an AI system that uses data collected from PAGASA to predict the chances of a storm surge occurring in an area using weather data.

Normally, storm surges are quite difficult to predict, as they can vary depending on the erratic paths and shifting winds of the typhoons that generate them. Land elevation, land features, and tide levels also affect the impact of a storm surge, making it difficult for people and communities to truly understand their level of risk. This is especially true for communities on the coast. “Coastal areas [are at] the biggest risk [of storm surge], especially in strong typhoons, [they] are very susceptible to flooding and strong winds,” Mercado explained in an interview.

He cites Super Typhoon Yolanda, which produced the largest storm surge in the Philippines’ history, as an example of the dangers that typhoons and storm surges pose to coastal communities. 1.7 million people were

affected and around 6,300 people died in the typhoon, partially because local governments failed to consider the threat that storm surges posed to them.

He and his co-researchers thus have to predict the seemingly unpredictable to shield these communities from further harm; a daunting task that they aim to tackle using AI. Unlike humans, however, AIs can process massive amounts of data, in the order of thousands of gigabytes, comprehensively and reliably. This makes them perfect for generating predictions in various fields such as the stock market, healthcare, elections, and—in the case of the team’s project—storm surges. Eduque, who is in charge of developing the AI itself, stated that “[AI] has a good chance of predicting things based on data and variables, and since we have

plenty of data from PAGASA and other sources, [...] we’ll be able to make a good model that can predict [storm surges], hopefully, [with] about 90% [accuracy].”

Timely weather forecasting is difficult yet crucial to survival in a storm-battered country such as the Philippines. By using emerging technologies to watch our nation’s waves, these young researchers hope to take the nation one step closer to being safer and more resilient for all.

We’ll be able to make a good model that can predict [storm surges], hopefully, [with] about 90% [accuracy].

A New Era of Collaborative Learning

Grade 12 student-interns create a revolutionary note-taking tool

Students frequently struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of lectures, missing vital information and falling behind on key concepts. This issue often extends to staying informed about school announcements, deadlines, and other academic matters, compounded by distractions from excessive Internet consumption.

Five PSHS-SMC student-interns, dubbed as “Ingeneers,” collaborated with mentors to pitch their groundbreaking project, \which, aims to redefine how students manage academic resources and notes.

Taking effective notes is one of the best ways to make studying for exams easier. Unfortunately, many students struggle with the best practices for note-taking, often resulting in notes that are incomplete, hard to understand, or disorganized.

Enter NOTED, an innovative, appbased website conceptualized by student interns Jerome A. Espinola, Ralf Joseph C. Ongbay, Zach Enrico D. Tia, Danielle James Fredrick S. Ruiz, and Jeri Lian G. Estabillo, under the mentorship of Ms. Karina G. Naranjo, Head of Ingenuity Global Consulting Inc.

The platform includes a dedicated section that consolidates school announcements, deadlines, and other academic updates, ensuring students can access critical information at a glance. Additionally, its community engagement feature integrates chat and forum functionalities, similar to platforms like Reddit or a Learning Management System (LMS), encouraging collaborative problem-solving and resource sharing among students.

Ms. Karina G. Naranjo praised the prototype’s global potential, stating: “Once operational, NOTED could

revolutionize the academic experience not only for PSHS-SMC students but for learners worldwide. Its ability to organize information and facilitate collaboration is a productivity booster.”

IN A SCHOOL POLL OF 236

from

recent PSHS-SMC

in a centralized platform for notes and updates.

With projects like NOTED, students are no longer passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey. This groundbreaking initiative not only addresses the gaps in academic resource management but also underscores the importance of collaboration in education.

As Ms. Naranjo aptly noted, “Science always provides a way out, and NOTED is proof that innovation can redefine how we learn.”

The PSHS-SMC interns are not just envisioning a future of better notetaking—they are engineering it.

Its [NOTED] ability to organize information and facilitate collaboration is a productivity booster.

Ona BALOCA

Heshei FERNANDEZ

Matthew GUINOCOR

SPIKY CUSHION

Durian-mushroom combo as biodegradable alternative to polystyrene foam

EFrom this, three research students from the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus devised a method of utilizing these agricultural waste as raw materials to solve an existing environmental crisis hungry to cater more local and innovative solutions—and this is the continual usage of non-biodegradable polystyrene foams, or better known as Styrofoam, in product packaging.

For decades, scientists have been setting up alternatives for polystyrene foams using organic materials to produce what is now known as biofoam, or biodegradable foam. Several types of biofoam have been invented over the years, including starch, cellulose, and gelatine. Johannes Claire G. Jalapon, Gaea Marisse E. Magadia, and Eliss Oskar S. Nantes’ alternative would be utilizing mushroom mycelia, specifically from Pleurotus ostreatus or oyster mushroom commonly cooked in meals due to its meat-like texture.

In the Philippines, around 78,820 metric tons of durian are produced annually while generating a significant amount of waste as 79.48% of the fruit gets discarded, including its skin and seeds. In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the production of foam based on natural products provides an effective alternative to commercial polystyrene accounting for 30% of the total landfill volume and 20% of solid waste dumped in water bodies.

“The mycelium-based biofoam not only presents an attractive feature by utilizing agricultural wastes and/or lignocellulosic biomass,” stated an excerpt from their research paper, “but it also contributes to the circular economy by repurposing these wastes and residues instead of discarding them.”

Molded from one of the most famous Davao delicacies, a soft ecological cushion is created from a spiky exterior. With more than three-quarters of the fruit deemed waste, this seemingly discarded bounty is being transformed into a biodegradable alternative to one of nature’s most persevering wastes. With continued efforts to support local research, particularly on the utilization of agricultural waste in the city, those once overlooked will eventually become a symbol of sustainable innovation in the heart of Davao.

SOURCE: IOP Publishing of the durian fruit gets discarded

The mycelium-based biofoam not only presents an attractive feature by utilizing agricultural wastes and/ or lignocellulosic biomass but it also contributes to the circular economy.

FRAGILE EFFORTS

Philippineeagleshot;Scholar-interns demandwildlifeprotectionlaws reform

As the Philippines’ National Bird, the Philippine Eagle is critically endangered, and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has been working tirelessly to preserve its population. Unfortunately, it was reported last year that a Philippine Eagle named ‘Mangayon’ was found dead due to severe blood loss caused by a bullet. This incident has prompted scholar-interns from PEF to advocate for stronger eagle protection laws.

Every summer, PEF accepts scholars from the Philippine Science High SchoolSouthern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) to participate in a two-week internship at their animal preservation facility. It was during one of these internships that the said eagle was found dead.

“The internship at PEF was definitely an

eye-opening experience for me. Seeing the eagles and other endangered species close up and in person made me emphasize their situation even more. The recent death definitely highlights the strengthening of wildlife protection laws on Philippine eagles,” Revyel Rodriguez, former PEF scholar-intern, said.

Currently, there are approximately 392 breeding pairs of Philippine eagles in the wild marking them as critically endangered.

Although there are laws such as the Republic Act No. 6147 or the Monkey-Eating Eagle Protection Act, the PEF reported last year that 11 out of 20 rescued eagles had been killed by gunshots.

“I believe more focus should be put in educating the masses on where the eagles dwell, their status as being endangered, as well as changing their viewpoint on the

FLEDGING FEATHERS

A“Wasser” Way to Beat the Heat Pisay-SMC Students innovate to combat heat stress in livestock

In a tropical country like the Philippines where high temperatures and humidity is as common as dirt, heat stress in livestock—particularly in pigs—has become a growing concern. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), pigs are highly susceptible to heatinduced stress due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature.

the team the “Best Documentation” award. Carell contributed by arranging the hardware and sourcing essential materials. Meanwhile, Reyan was responsible for programming sensors, fabricating pipes, and managing the overall project. Each role was essential in bringing the project to completion and ensuring its smooth execution.

I believe more focus should be put in educating the masses on where the eagles dwell their status as being endangered, as well as changing their viewpoint on the eagles to being a passive and solitary animal.

eagles to being a passive and solitary animal as people shoot away eagles to drive them away from their farms,” he added.

The Philippine Eagle remains critically endangered. Recent incidents, such as the shooting of an eagle named “Mangayon,” highlight the urgent need for strengthened conservation efforts. Enhancing current laws and raising public awareness is crucial to the country’s national bird and its ecosystem.

PEF’s newest Philippine eagle hatchling, Riley For over three decades, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has worked tirelessly to preserve the national bird that is its namesake. As these eagles continue to be critically endangered by climate change and deforestation, a new hope for the species emerges thanks to PEF’s efforts. During their 38th anniversary celebration on February 18, the Foundation publicly announced the newest eaglet under their

care — Chick 31, also known as “Riley”.

Students from the Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) have devised “Wasser”, a groundbreaking solution aimed at helping small-scale farmers safeguard their hogs during extreme heat.

Inspired by news reports of pigs succumbing to heatstroke amidst rising temperatures, the team behind Wasser— Dawson Demarco Durban, Carell Sanchez, and their group leader, Reyan Christian Q. Villaroman—combined ingenuity with practicality to address a pressing agricultural challenge.

“I was eating dinner with my family while watching the news when I came across some news about pigs dying due to severe heatstroke. ” shared Reyan. “During that time din, the heat index was very high during the eliminations, classes were suspended due to the heat. That’s why our group decided to come up with the idea to help backyard hog racers or farmers. ” Wasser, derived from the German word for water, is a device designed to mitigate heat stress in pigs by effectively discharging water. The project represents more than just an engineering feat; it embodies the core values of the PSHS system—integrity, excellence, and service to the nation.

Classes were suspended due to the heat. That’s why our group decided to come up with the idea to help backyard hog racers or farmers.

The success of the project was a result of the dedicated efforts and contributions of each team member. Dawson meticulously documented their progress, which earned

Despite their success, the team faced significant hurdles, including material delays that compressed their timeline to just two days before the competition. But even so, their focus and determination paid off, allowing them to finish their project before their scheduled flight. Their journey wouldn’t have been possible without a strong support system. “We thank our parents for their unwavering love, Sir Ace for mentoring us, and Ma’am Jihan and Ma’am Rochelle for helping us refine our speeches. Special thanks go to my grandmother for allowing us to test Wasser on her pig farm,” Reyan noted.

Asked about their proudest achievement, the team highlighted their ability to finish the project within the set timeframe. Their advice for aspiring innovators? “A great idea comes from within. Not everyone can see what you see.” Wasser exemplifies how young minds can address real-world problems with creativity and collaboration. Through initiatives like the Kids Innovation Challenge, PSHS students are not just honing their skills but also making meaningful contributions to society. This project is a testament to how innovation can create lasting impact—one idea at a time.

The retail price of pork should not exceed:

but Department of Agriculture reported pork bellies sold as high as:

ver the pride of the Land of Promise, the durian fruit has been a cultural symbol seasonally shared between Davaoeneos across the city.

Gaea MAGADIA

SOURCE: Philippine Eagle Foundation

Matthew GUINOCOR

SOURCE: National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc.

Matthew GUINOCOR

Vince VERZO ECO-FOAM.

PSHS-SMC Research student, Gaea Magadia experiment with organic materials as an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene foam.

Lavinia ELIZAN

Biddy GASPAR

Franzo SITCHON

Zyescha LIM SKYBOUND STRUGGLE. Junior animal keeper Denniel Tadena looks after a white-bellied sea eagle at the Philippine Eagle Foundation Center.

YOUNGBLOOD

Seventh grader clinches silver in U15 Batang Pinoy

Francis ALBOROTO

Amid a challenging transition from an elementary to a high school environment, 13-year-old archery prodigy Phil Justin Lim showcased immense skill and determination, bagging silver in the Men’s U15 Compound Archery Olympic Round at the Batang Pinoy National Championship 2024 held at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, last November 28.

The young archer overcame a sluggish start, finishing second out of three competitors despite not placing higher than third in the qualifying rounds, just behind fellow Davao Archery Club member Pepito Wee.

“I felt nothing [about the qualifying rounds] besides an even higher drive to win despite knowing I had to face tougher competition,” said the Batang Pinoy medalist.

Heading into the competition, Lim made a crucial decision to switch his archery type from a traditional recurve to a compound bow, due to time constraints regarding practice that hindered his performance.

In his competition debut back in 2023, he failed to land a podium spot in his lone category at the Batang Pinoy, the Men’s U13 Recurve.

Strokes and Stories

“Since I lost in my event [in Batang Pinoy] last year, I trained harder and changed categories, only playing four times a week to balance my grades and sports,” stated Lim.

Ever since discovering the sport just two years ago, he underwent long and rigorous training with his coach, Sir Jay, and his uncle to cultivate his innate talent.

“When I was introduced to archery I wondered how far I could go in it because I was finding a sport to play. There I found I liked archery and kept going,” said the student-athlete.

This victory inspired him to push himself even harder, serving as a stepping stone toward achieving greater milestones in his archery journey and beyond.

Meanwhile, his older sister Abigail Lim also secured silver in the U18 Compound Girls Team and placed fourth in the U18 Compound Women’s Archery Olympic Round.

Samuel APALE

From the intense heat of each game to the creative mind behind every pen name, both sports and journalism stand side by side to take over every school’s extracurriculars. Just as a pen’s ink flows through a paper, the excitement that drifts through an athlete’s body fuels their hearts when playing. This is the story of a scholar who achieved many feats during her partaking in the school’s varsity and publication team.

Fiona Galendez reached her peak in this year’s games after garnering two golds in 800m freestyle and 200m butterfly, one silver in 100m butterfly, and two bronzes in 400m and 200m freestyle at the Unit Meet swimming events. Along with this, she also placed 1st place for Column Writing Secondary Filipino in

the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) 2024, and was a qualifier for the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) of the same year. Her passion for pursuing both swimming and writing served as a refresher for her to relax amidst strong feelings and heavy assessments.

“I don’t talk that much, but journalism gives me an avenue to express how I feel and [voice out] my thoughts. Whereas in sports, you don’t have to think that much. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I don’t have to think of school and other things whenever I play,” said the multi-medalist.

She mentioned how her family and team supported her to pursue the sport after years of dedication to swimming.

Despite her burning passion for

the event was not the same as before, she stated that it did not mean that she never enjoyed the sport.

“I never really expected to qualify for NSPC last year despite transferring to an individual event. You know I passed my articles really early in the 2nd and 3rd round from the last RSPC, so it shocked me that I qualified for the national level even though it was my first time in an individual event,” she added.

As she adjusts to the harsh environment of sports and the rigorous voices of the press, the two pave the way for her to wind down from her worries. From her swimmings strokes to breathtaking stories, she releases the tensions that she feels from schoolworks and burdens.

“

I felt nothing [about the qualifying rounds] besides an even higher drive to win despite knowing I had to face tougher competition

The longstanding duo faced top dancers from across the country, including the defending champions from Manila and Cebu.

“Returning to the dance floor after a long break was challenging, but it was worth it to prove to myself and to everyone who supported me that I could still compete at a high level,” said Sam.

This was the pair’s first appearance in the youth category, as they had been

BACK IN BLACK

Cameros makes grand dancesport return, waltzes to bronze

Arhythmic return.

Following a short hiatus due to an arm injury, Sam Cameros recovered enough to finish third alongside partner Hanna Hecale in the Youth U19 B - Modern Standard Category at the Batang Pinoy National Championships 2024 on November 23-28.

competing under the junior category a year ago just before his injury.

During that period, they were able to secure gold medals in the Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep categories.

“My biggest challenge was rebuilding my confidence and physical fitness,” the 16-year-old admitted.

After reuniting with Hanna back in August, the Pisayan committed to a

rigorous training schedule, also participating in local tournaments to gear up for the national spotlight once again.

“Every sacrifice was worth it to represent Davao City with pride,” he voiced. This achievement added another milestone to his decorated career, which already boasts multiple awards from previous events trailing back to his childhood.

Psalm logged two clean sheets in five matches against notable foreign teams despite a slow start, one against the reigning champions, St. George City from Australia.

“I feel very proud to have showcased my talent on the international stage and most importantly to represent the school, and our country,” he stated.

The keeper held down the post amid offensive shortcomings, settling for a goalless draw against the defending champs to kick off the group stage, 0-0. MSA’s goal drought

continued as they saw themselves relegated to the Plate Division with a 0-1-2 slate after narrow defeats to TABS, 0-2, and Indonesia MUDA, 0-1.

Faced against Australian club Football West in the plate semis, the 16-year-old made key saves at the death to run away with a 1-0 victory, setting up a gold-medal rematch against Indonesia MUDA.

However, the Indonesian side shattered their hopes of a sweet revenge, clinching the gold in a dramatic 2-1 win.

“It’s sad, but ultimately, I’m nothing else but proud of the fact that I was able to stand on the international stage, especially as a science scholar,” the Pisayan expressed. Despite the bittersweet end, he remains determined to improve and earn another opportunity to compete abroad.

Just two months after his international stint, Psalm joined the Davao Hyenas in the Pinas Cup 2024 on December 19-22 where his team emerged as overall champions, to cap off a stellar year for the student-athlete.

Photo by: Vince Verzo

Photo by: Julie Galendez

Photo by: Sam Cameros

Off the Beaten Path

Reframing the concept of sex-typing in sports

Louie ANTONIO

Gy mnastics were too ‘girly’—until Carlos Yulo. His double gold in the 2024 Olympics floor exercise and vault events led to doubts about the enduring gender stereotypes in Filipino sports. For too long, society has tied sports to gender, with contact sports deemed masculine, and dancesport, and gymnastics labeled feminine. This implicit bias has led to overlooked talent, wasted opportunities, and most importantly, a lack of support for athletes who defy these stereotypes. However, Caloy’s accolades should open the door to more inclusive environments where passionate athletes of all genders can thrive.

Men are proven to have 36% greater skeletal muscle mass than women, which is an undeniable biological advantage that influences performance in contact sports. This is often cited to justify gender assignment in sports, with male-dominated events like basketball and boxing drawing significantly more support and recognition. For example, the so-called “flop” that is the 2024

NBA Finals averaged 11.3 million viewers, around 1000% more than the 2024 WNBA Finals with only about a million, despite being their first-ever series to reach such numbers.

Similarly, names like Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire headlined multimillion-dollar fights, while defending miniflyweight world champion Gretchen Abaniel struggled to gain equal traction. Whatever

Pocket-sized Pool

In the face of unfinished problem sets and tomorrow’s quizzes, a student remains burdened after another grueling day at school. He stares blankly at his desk with the weight of academic pressure closing in, exhaustion thick in the air. Just as his mind starts to drift, a vibration brings him back to his senses: “Player 1 has challenged you in London!” The next moment, he’s immersed in his screen, temporarily forgetting the pain of stress and fatigue. For this student, billiards isn’t

way people look at it, the support for male athletes is undoubtedly bound to these inherent physical differences.

However, this mindset becomes problematic when it serves as an excuse to limit help for sports where physicality isn’t the sole determinant of success or to outright dismiss the achievements of female athletes.

Moreso, research shows

that children curb their sports participation to fit the social norms of gender-appropriate behaviors. If such beliefs continue to rot younger generations, not only will it hinder SDG 5, but also perpetuates an uneven playing field where talent is overshadowed by outdated perspectives, and future generations of athletes are robbed of the chance to flourish on equal terms regardless of gender.

As the sports scene steadily evolves, with Hidilyn Diaz also claiming gold in a

male-dominated sport called weightlifting, it’s high time for the Filipino sports industry to move beyond its gendered perceptions and start fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment by adopting gender-neutral policies and prioritizing talent.

Global organizations that have made strides in promoting gender-neutral funding have seen a significant increase in success across various sports.

Once the Philippines follows suit, then the journey of Caloy off the beaten path will have truly been recognized— not as an individual victory, but as a catalyst of change in Filipino sports.

Children curb their sports participation to fit the social norms of genderappropriate behaviors. If such beliefs continue to rot younger generations, future generations of athletes are robbed of the chance to flourish on equal terms regardless of gender.

It’s a scene that has been increasingly familiar among the Filipino youth, in contrast to its original reputation as a “hustler’s game” cemented by legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes who played with stakes as high as putting food on the table with hard-earned cash before his rise to fame. For decades, the sport was dominated by older players in smoky halls, often surrounded by the haze of gambling. However, with the rise of mobile games such as “8 Ball Pool,” what once was an escape from poverty has now been introduced as a casual pastime to newer generations. In a survey conducted among a hundred PSHS-SMC students, 63 have noticed a jump in younger players following the 8 Ball Pool surge. Now, the same smoky halls are also filled with teens simply enjoying the game of billiards, escaping the chaos of their lives. “Makatabang gyud relax ang billiards labi na kung busy ang kinabuhi, sa selpon man o tinuod,” said Grade 12 student Gian Navalta. “Wala sad ko nagdahom na maganahan ko ani, kay mga tigulang ra ang akong nakit-an gadula ani sauna,” he added. With humanity embracing technology over the years, the sport woven into the Philippines’ cultural fabric had once again slithered its way into the future, not as a match for survival and money, but as a means for camaraderie and balance in a demanding world. One way or the other, the country will always live up to being the pool capital of the planet regardless of the generation.

The Pitch Reborn

plan was to divide the training into two seasons:

the basics, including passing, dribbling, shooting and discipline. It then culminated in a tournament to officially pass the torch to the participants—now mentors in the second season.

For the next three weeks, the ISKOR heads applied their skills through tactical training to guide younger peers to a renewed enthusiasm for football. By fostering an inclusive environment that emphasizes teamwork, perseverance, and camaraderie, a sport that had long been dormant finally began showing signs of life once more, even forming new perspectives within the participants.

“Football isn’t just about winning; it’s about enjoying the game with people who share your passion,” explained Vince Verzo. He credited ISKOR for rekindling his love for a sport he hadn’t played in years while improving his physical fitness. “I became more active and formed friendships beyond the classroom by bonding with students from different batches,” he added.

Akiva Alfaro emphasized teamwork as the program’s most valuable takeaway. “We need to unite as a team,” he said. The experience taught him foundational football skills and boosted his confidence both on and off the field. “Playing alongside students from other batches made it exciting and pushed me to improve,” he shared.

Through ISKOR, Pisay’s football culture has reconnected batches and reignited school spirit, offering a space for growth, camaraderie, and resilience. What was once symbolized by netless goalposts standing idle for display is now alive with purpose and passion. As it evolves, it also carries the promise of inspiring new generations to embrace teamwork and a love for sports alongside academic success.

The

First, the members were under the wing of the 2019

DAVRAA Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player Zane Garfin for two months, with focus on refining

How billiards broke into the hearts of Pinoy Gen Z

Photo by: Zaira Fernandez

Louie ANTONIO

Karla PORLARES