The Electron — Volume 57, Issue 1

NEWS

EDCOM 2 VISITS

QCSHS EDCOM finds out what makes QCSHS an effective science high school during a site visit.

page 02

OPINION

A BROKEN COMPASS

DepEd’s new budget clears the path for a bright destination only to be traversed through by inexperienced travelers.

page 06

FEATURE

CONQUERING THE ROADS No matter how long and bumpy the journey may be, one must always keep their eyes on the road to success.

page 10

SCIENCE

PITS AND PATS OF THE RAINY SEASON

The government’s response to the everpresent typhoons is as little as the pitter-patter of rain on a sunny day.

page 14

SPORTS

VAULTING INTO THE GOLDEN AGE Yulo’s journey was as smooth as his landings were imperfect.

page 20

BASTION OF TRUTH · BEACON OF INTEGRITY

The Official English Publication of Quezon City Science High School Division of Quezon City | National Capital Region

ENDURING LEARNERS

by

Voicing out their thoughts, students of Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) expressed their disagreement with the Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) implementation of the MATATAG curriculum in a recent survey.

The survey was conducted on Scientians to know their experience and their thoughts are on the new curriculum.

According to the survey, over 77% of Scientians do not find the new class schedule effective. With the curriculum, 10 subjects, including those specifically for science high schools, are packed in one day of learning with only 45 minutes for each period.

Students expressed

heir concerns regarding the health and safety issues that the schedule provides, which may affect their academic performance.

“There are too many subjects and assignments, which hinders my ability to focus and absorb the lessons effectively. Likewise, the numerous projects and activities leave me with very little time to rest and sleep even on weekends,” a student commented.

Aside from the infectivity

of the changes brought to the schedule by the curriculum, Scientians also talked about the difficulty of the new plan.

“The non-stop activities every lesson stress students out, causing us to be overwhelmed with all the activities they have to do, resulting in mental health problems which create a major impact on a student’s academic performance,” another student noted.

Over 81% of students also deem the MATATAG curriculum

more difficult than the previous K to 10 curriculum. A student pointed out that the curriculum offers 45 minutes of time per class, which is inherently not enough to take tests and allows for more subjects everyday, corresponding to heavier workloads.

Miko Opinion and Rez Floresca | Ilustration by Marc Nemis

Scientians: Unidentified

Scientians to finally wear their IDs

by Denise Grabillo

S

tudents of Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) from grades 10 and 11 will soon be wearing their updated IDs.

The printing of ID cards was stopped in the middle of the school years because of problems in supply.

A teacher overseeing the process of the ID cards’ creation empathizes with the students and further explains the situation.

She stated that the production took too long and that there were

many casualties during its process.

“Actually, binigay lang sa atin yung printer for PVC IDs at naubusan na tayo ng ink ribbon. Sinubukan naming maghanap pero wala kaming nakita kahit sa online shop at sa SM,” she said.

She adds that the school administration has done measures to ensure that the remaining students will still have their IDs by lamination.

other batches have already received theirs,” said Malana.

Grade 10 student JP Fulgueras also expressed how having an updated ID is a big help for him.

“It’s good to have an updated ID because we use it when we need to go to libraries and other establishments that require us to present it,” he said.

Studentshave expressed their desire to already receive their IDs.

“I’ve been wanting to wear my ID since the

No more expectations

Scientians, ‘overly pessimistic’ on gov’t budget handling

by Ric Floresca and Jasmine Macato

Over 40% of Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) students voiced strong concerns regarding the distribution and priorities of the newly approved Department of Education (DepEd) budget, according to a recent survey.

The House of Representatives concluded the plenary deliberation on the proposed budget of DepEd and its attached agencies for 2025, amounting to P793.17-billion last September 24.

In the deliberation, DepEd presented a five-point agenda consisting of curriculum enhancements, digital integration, teacher training, infrastructure development, and initiatives to boost student welfare.

A student remarked, “At this point, I’m overly pessimistic about our government’s budget handling due to recent and previous issues.”

Students argued that key issues, particularly the declining literacy rate in the Philippines, may not be sufficiently prioritized.

In the survey, 43% disagreed that DepEd’s budget priorities align with addressing this current issue.

“Each student from public schools should have a complete

set of academic books instead of the present situation where some books are not enough,” a student responded.

This skepticism is further demonstrated by survey findings, where 39% doubted that DepEd allocated sufficient resources for the development and distribution of quality learning materials.

Out of the total 2020 DepEd budget, P49.76-billion was allocated to elementary and secondary school operations — with only P29.3-billion allotted for basic education facilities such as classrooms.

In an interview with reporters at the 50th Philippine Business Conference, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara admitted that these funds are still not enough to address the classroom shortage nationwide.

The budget will also support Deped’s affiliated agencies, such as the National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), National Museum, Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD), and the National Academy of Sports (NAS), ensuring a broad impact on educational initiatives nationwide.

by Amber Andrada and Ric Floresca

Currently, these laminated IDs are already being processed and will be turned over soon.

EVALUATION OR SCRUTINY

EDCOM 2 checks on QCSHS, assesses teaching practices

by Angeli Cabarubias

Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) commissioners conducted a meeting and site visit to assess and to evaluate the school’s curriculum at Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) last October 11.

According to EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the national commission aimed to learn from the practices of science high schools.

“We are looking for concepts that we can pick and hopefully scale up and implement in a regular school,” said Gatchalian.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee added that it is also essential to support the top learners of the country as they are the pioneers of innovation in the society.

“Inuna na lang yung mga mainstream concerns like classrooms, textbooks, congestion, etc. But it is critical in our education system that we are testing differently for our best learners and that they are handed out resources… to make sure that they are supported, nurtured, throughout the system,” said Yee.

According to a report on Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the two science

high schools that took PISA 2018 ranked the highest out of all test takers in the country and performed higher than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average.

“These are things that are good wins for us, but it also tells us a few stories and

“

We

are looking for concepts that we can pick and hopefully scale up and implement in a regular school

Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian

gives us a few insights as to what we need to do right now when it comes to supporting our best learners,” remarked Yee.

Yee added that EDCOM 2 is to compare the curricula of QCSHS, Philippine Science High School (PSHS), and DepEd Special Science Programs.

Part of the meeting included an

Infographic

Photo from Rappler

OUTSIDE BOOKS. Education Secretary Sonny Angara attends a hearing on student and teacher loan

You

cannot force students to be ‘matatag’ for MATATAG — Scientians by Miko Opinion and Rez Floresca

In a statement by DepEd, the new curriculum, along with the new schedules, are supposed to foster a healthier and more efficient learning process for the learners by offering the right balance between academic and extracurricular activities.

However, a student noted that it was nearly impossible to attend after-

introduction of the school, where QCSHS representative Master Teacher Sheryl Verdadero presented an overview of the school’s curriculum, extracurricular activities, and resources, highlighting the institution’s emphasis on science, math, and research subjects.

“Our attack on research is very strong. Our students spend a lot of time—or most of their science high school life preparing for research,” said Verdadero. EDCOM commissioners also inquired about the school’s presented data, addressing concerns such as support for teachers pursuing higher education and the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum.

Commissioners toured around the campus’ laboratories and classrooms after the meeting.

The commission also visited the PSHS Main Campus and University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) on the same day.

EDCOM 2 is mandated to conduct a comprehensive national assessment of the education sector to recommend transformative policies that aim to resolve the country’s learning crisis.

school activities without having to go home much later than usual.

Contrary to the objectives of the department, over 60% of students do not believe that the new curriculum will increase their intellectual and social skills as a whole.

Some Scientians hoped that the curriculum would be adjusted to not

in graphs

only improve the implementation of the curriculum but also their learning experience

“They could lessen the activities and also give us more time, not just to learn lessons but also to master them,” one student stated.

Until now, DepEd continues to revise and adjust the curriculum to

Senate: ROTC Bill is top priority

by Denzel Guerzon and Jarmela Simon

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino stated that the Senate will prioritize Senate Bill (SB) No. 2034 or the proposed Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act last September 29. Tolentino made an announcement last September that the ROTC program would be part of the curriculum which would include disaster preparation and management and environmental preservation.

“With the President’s go signal, the ROTC bill has been moved to Tier 1 from Tier 2 in the list of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) — making it a top priority. So when the session resumes, we expect to discuss it right away,” said Tolentino.

Engaging students in the creation of a program is really essential because it needs to have relevance and acceptance.

SSLG President Kiara David

Said bill seeks to reinstate mandatory ROTC in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) to provide undergraduate students with basic military and police training while instilling patriotism, nationalism, and civic responsibility.

The bill has however garnered disapproval from Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) learners, with several students from senior high school expressing their skepticism on its objectives, specifically the inculcation of patriotism and nationalism of the program among the youth.

“With the current state of politics, ideology, and praxis of those in power, it is doubtful that the implementation of the Mandatory ROTC Bill will cultivate my sense of patriotism and nationalism, nor young minds to critically think for themselves,” a Grade 11 student shared in an interview.

Students also pointed out that dialogue between student organizations should have been done to refine the program and to align it with students’ interests.

“Engaging students in the creation of a program is really essential because it needs to have relevance and acceptance,” said QCSHS Supreme Student Learner Government (SSLG) President Kiara David.

David added that involving students from the start would make ROTC a partnership with young citizens rather than an imposed requirement.

The bill also plans to establish an ROTC Grievance Board that shall function as an independent investigative body that will receive complaints and conduct investigations on any allegation of abuse, violence, or corruption in the involved unit.

As of September 30, the ROTC Act is still on second reading at the Senate.

Data from EDCOM 2 | Infographic by Marco Fabros

Photo by Marco Fabros ASSESSING THOSE WHO ASSESS.

QCSHS Principal tours Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian along with EDCOM 2 around the school in a site visit last October 11.

BEYOND

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte embraces a teacher during the SDO-QC World Teachers’ Day 2024 celebration held at the QCSHS Dome on October 2.

WITH HIGHEST HONORS

QC Mayor Belmonte celebrates WTD 2024 at QCSHS

by Angeli Cabarrubias

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte paid tribute to the efforts of teachers at the Schools Division Office of Quezon City’s (SDO-QC) World Teachers’ Day (WTD) 2024 celebration held at Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) last October 2.

“Anuman ang kahirapan, hindi kayo nagpapatinag. Hahanap at hahanap kayo ng paraan. Alam ko na pursigido kayo dahil sa paniniwala na edukasyon

ang susi upang maging mas maganda ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” said Belmonte.

The QC Mayor lauded teachers who have stayed committed and have remained passionate despite the lack of teaching resources in the country.

“Given na dapat ang competitive na sahod, sapat at on time na allowances, at maayos na working conditions. Sa bigat ng responsiblidad na hawak ninyo, bilang gabay

ng ating kabataan, the least that our government can do is to ensure that you get the support that you need and that you deserve,” she said.

Belmonte added that despite the unideal working conditions of teachers in the country, the city’s government has been making efforts to respond to their concerns and to improve their circumstances.

“Marami ang benepisyong naibigay, at lalo na po rito sa Quezon

City. Napakasuwerte natin because we have a mayor na talaga pong napakasuporta sa ating mga teachers,” said Schools Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla.

Belmonte donated P1-million worth of raffle prizes and issued a P500 meal and transportation allowance for the attendees of the event.

The event also served as a celebration for the 85th Quezon City Foundation Day.

QCSHS holds ScienCHOICE: A Voter’s seminar

by Angeli Cabarrubias

Y our choice, your future. To aid first-time Scientian voters, Quezon City Science High School’s (QCSHS) Curriculum Grade Level (CGL) 12 hosted ScienChoice: A Voter’s Education Campaign at the QCSHS Dome last January 22.

ScienChoice aimed to inform the youth about their roles as voters in the Philippine political landscape for the upcoming election this May.

Resource speaker Quezon City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Councilor Sami Neri emphasized the significance of elections by discussing the voting process and responsible voting.

According to QCSHS CGL-12 Chairman Kurt De Guzman, the event aided in expanding their knowledge on the overall voting process,

especially as first-time voters.

“Aside from achieving all the objectives of this event, the best thing for me is to see my batchmates learning about their roles and responsibilities as youths in Philippine politics.” added De Guzman.

Grade 12 student Phoebe Urieta also expressed gratitude for the knowledge she gained in the seminar.

“The event was very informative, I was very glad that there was somebody to help guide us on the topic of the elections and tell us what we can do as voters,” said Urieta.

ScienChoice is a part of KiSerye, a series of Supreme Secondary Leaener Government (SSLG) advocacy projects that aim to enlighten the student body on various campaigns.

QC receives education excellence grant

by Miko Opinion

Recognizing the city’s efforts in advancing and keeping its quality educational framework, Quezon City was awarded with the Seal of Good Education Governance (SGEG) by the Synergeia Foundation last February 9.

Scientians clamor

by Miko Opinion

Every school year, students of Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) sign the school’s rules and regulations binding them to the different duties and responsibilities that they have as learners.

The Student Handbook, which serves as the basis for the rules and regulations, contains all the relevant protocols and policies applicable to the school such as the policies on student assessment, awards, retention and transfer, and the code of discipline.

However, some students over the last few years were able to bend these guidelines given that they present excusable reasons or simply get away with it.

Most of these rules fall under the code of disciple which include: Haircut and Grooming

While the school respects learners’ rights, aligned with Quezon City Ordinance No. 2357, s. 2014, the handbook states that the school also has the right to enforce restrictions on hairstyle for its students to ensure propriety.

Students are not allowed to have

focus crimes have seen significant decrease in percentages according to Quezon City Polic District (QCPD).

Photo by Maximus Mamauag

LEARNING.

Illustration by Marc Nemis

Photo from QCSHS SSLG WHAT IT TAKES TO DECIDE. Quezon City Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Hon. Sami Neri shares his knowledge as a youth leader to Grade 12 students of QCSHS last January 22.

clamor school student handbook regulations

long hair, skinhead, faddish haircut, spikes, undercut, or dyed hair.

However, several students were given the opportunity to be exempt from this rule, more often on the matter of long hair for male students only.

“Earlier this year, sinabihan ako ng teacher namin na kailangan ko magpa-haircut dahil nga long hair, unless daw na I write a letter with signatories like adviser, grade level coordinator, hanggang principal to allow me to keep my haircut,” said a grade 12 student.

School Uniform

With the reinstatement of the Department of Education (DepEd) Order 45, s. 2008 which states that “the wearing of a school uniform shall not be required in public schools” earlier this school year by former secretary Sara Duterte, the school highlights that it is still necessary to provide guidelines on proper school attire.

Apart from the standard polo and slacks and blouse and skirt for boys and girls respectively, the school also implemented Type A, B, C, and D attires.

Type A pertains to the complete academic uniform, Type B is the P.E. uniform, Type C is the off-campus activity uniform, and Type D is the QCSHS P.E. shirt/Batch Shirt/Class with

QC crime rate drops by 14.12%

by Alexa Bilo

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported

a 14.12-percent drop in crimes in Quezon City from October 2024 to February 1, 2025 in comparison to the same period from 2023 to 2024.

Acting QCPD Director Colonel Buslig Jr. revealed that focus crime incidents declined from 701 cases recorded between October 2023 to February 2024 to 602 cases recorded during the latest period.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, and vehicle theft.

According to Buslig, physical injury rates have gone down 52.50 percent, murder by 29.41 percent, rape by 36.21 percent, robbery by 17.53 percent, and theft by 9.49 percent.

Aside from crime reduction, the QCPD’s anti-drug operations led to the confiscation of P50,745,116.80 worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 1,059 individuals from October 1, 2024, to February 1, 2025.

During the same period, the police also arrested 1,309 wanted persons, apprehended 1,321 illegal gamblers and caught 109 suspects for illegal firearms violations, leading to the confiscation of 113 firearms

The Unified Intelligence and Investigation Center (UIIC) played a key role in crime-fighting efforts, processing 5,981 facial recognition requests and successfully identifying 670 suspects from its database.

Buslig credited these successes to the Integrated Command, Control, and Communication Center (IC3), which enabled real-time surveillance and rapid response to incidents.

long pants.

Even with these guidelines, some students are seen having a “mix and match” of these different uniforms on a day-to-day basis.

This scene, while seemingly accepted in the school grounds, is considered inexcusable as per the handbook.

“Hindi naman sa normalizedd, sadyang hindi nagiging consistent ang implementation nito. While we have guidelines for it, we do not have proper execution of this,” said a teacher.

Some students also said that this action is majorly due to convenience and financial ease as the prescribed uniforms may be costly.

“Mahal yung uniform, so imbes na bumili ako ng five complete set of uniform for five days so I just usually find cheaper alternatives that looks like the uniform naman. Tapos rin, as a commuter, mahirap for me mag black shoes talaga kasi mahaba nilalakad ko and usually lubak-lubak pa so I opt to wear rubber shoes na lang,” said a grade 12 student. Attendance and Punctuality

Students’ presence and punctuality is highly expected by the school and the handbook strictly reprimands absences and even more, tardiness.

A late pass system was established last school year and was reinforced earlier this

school year, however, this practice quickly died down due to the lenient execution of it.

Students are only given late passes to be filled up with and there does not appear to be any verification system to ensure that these passes are correctly done.

While this system aims to teach students to be self-accountable, this leniency lets many students get away with the tardiness by simply throwing away their late passes.

“There are times or circumstances lang talaga minsan na nagiging cause kaya ako nalelate like yung traffic, and although a lot of teaches tell me na agahan ko nalang, it can still be difficult sometimes kasi syempre gusto ko rin bumawi ng tulong and so,” said a grade 12 student.

With the school administration’s time-totime reminders to the students to follow the handbook, the enforcement of these guidelines have been strengthened these last two school years.

However, there still exists an area for improvement as even some of the simplest rules seems to be easily bent and exempted for others. Further actions on the reinforcement of these regulations are still yet to be determined by the administration.

EDSA Carousel will not be removed

by Miko Opinion

epartment of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista assured the public last February 7 that the EDSA Carousel will not be removed in response to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) announcement on the consideration of the removal of the buses once the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system was expanded the day before.

QC rolls-out free cervical cancer tests

by Miko Opinion

W omen in Quezon City can now go through free cervical cancer screenings in select SouthStar Drug stores with the help of Women Workers for Health Empowerment (WHEN) as result of the city’s collaboration with Department of Health (DOH) and non-profit organization Jhpiego Philippines starting this February.

Belmonte inks mandatory calorie count on menus

by Miko Opinion

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the city’s Calorie Labeling Ordinance which aims to promote informed and health-conscious food choices last January 31.

Illustration by Amber Andrada

A Wild Guo-se Chase

by Willron Corpuz and Jaeden Salvador

Awild chase of a lifetime, and what is the reward? Nothing.

Alice Guo became the nation’s top cause of uproar almost overnight, capturing headlines when her ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operations surfaced in 2023. The fiasco started with the initial investigations of POGOs in Bamban, Tarlac; and on May 25, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned her background and motives. Gatchalian in particular said that, “there are damning pieces of evidence that she might be involved in the operation of Illegal POGO activities.” This suspicion only grew when she was brought up to be questioned, but was unable to answer the most basic questions about her identity. Her response, “Your Honor, hindi ko alam,” had shocked Filipinos all over the country. She could not state her place of birth, her mother’s identity, her educational background, nor any of her childhood details. Her intentions of dragging and evading the discussion were so glaringly obvious that the public became increasingly skeptical of who she might be and what she was hiding. Guo’s mystery and notoriety turned her into a symbol of outrage and intrigue, putting her in the spotlight of the months to follow. This rise to her newfound fame only intensified the investigations against her. During a raid near Guo’s office, they found an office compound containing 1,000 workers, including victims of human trafficking, evidence of financial scams, and built-in escape routes. The senators and authorities even raised questions about the money that flowed not only into Guo’s accounts but to her company, QJJ Farm, amounting to around P5-billion from 2018 to 2024. The attention on her led the authorities to freeze her assets, and issue an arrest order.

In July 2024, Guo fled the Philippines amidst the mounting evidence against her. According to the

“

When the evidence is already on the table, justice demands urgency, not delay.

received privileges that no other accused would ever get. In the case of local suspects, an arrest would involve strict police protocols without glamor, much less a celebratory attitude. It is a stark contrast to how most Filipinos accused of similar crimes are handled. If a Filipino had committed the same crimes and attempted an escape, would he/she receive such lenient, almost celebratory treatment? The answer is obvious.

Ordinary Filipino suspects do not receive photo ops, nor do they get escorted via private planes. They do not get the luxury of turning a return for detainment into a homecoming.

They do not receive immediate medical attention for health complications either — attention that Guo was afforded immediately upon her return. Meanwhile, thousands of Filipino detainees suffer in overcrowded jails, often without diagnosis or treatment for illnesses until it is too late. Such selective care does not just undermine a great double standard; it reveals a skewed sense of priority within the government, one that seems to place privilege over the welfare of its own people.

For ordinary Filipinos, even a mere accusation can lead to quick and harsh outcomes. Some are detained for years waiting for trial; others face immediate consequences that will forever change their lives. But for Guo, the wheels of justice seemingly have ground to a halt. Despite the mounting evidence against her, the real insult is the continuous delay in her case, with its hearing and proceeding moving at a snail’s pace. During her escape, the Senate panel questioned the competency of the Multiple Intelligence Bureau, which had over P1-billion in intel budget, yet still failed to prevent her flight. The government should address this leniency involving foreign nationals, as exemplified by the Guo case.

When the evidence is already on the table, justice demands urgency, not delay. Without decisive action, accusations will remain unresolved, leaving the people to wonder if justice truly is blind or is simply blindfolded by influence and privilege. Guo’s case will go down in history as a wild goose chase — exhausting time and resources, as she ran the country in circles until her last moment of freedom.

The great powers that haunted us, once holding a vicious grip on the Philippines, now hide behind the facade of being too weak and weary to be punished for blood staining its fingertips — and it is working. Their schemes won.

Surprise, surprise, it is the Marcoses again. Sandiganbayan has waved away the P276-million ill-gotten wealth case against the Marcos family and their associates. Many articles have tiatled their coverage with the specific use of “junks” because quite frankly, they did. After 30 long years, they got off of nature’s basest powerplay, outliving their competitors. Even though just recently — September 19th — marked the anniversary of Sandiganbayan declaring $365-million worth of Marcos deposits in Swiss Banks as ill-gotten. Getting away scot-free on a technicality, to the surprise of absolutely nobody and

“ Filipinos’ deeply sympathetic nature gives credence to even the sins of our vilest.

Winners Who Keep on Winning

their long deceased great-grandmother, that they can no longer be afforded proper trial.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the oldest anti-corruption court has dropped a case against one of the world’s most prolific kleptocrats.

In December of 2019, the court dismissed a civil case accusing the Marcoses of amassing P200-billion during the Martial Law. Another civil case from 2023, this time against the heirs of Marcos Sr. was sent down the drain because the evidence presented by the Presidential Commission on Good Government was inadmissible. Sandiganbayan noted that the testifiers “may” have already died during the years of the trial, adding that the living defendant Imelda Marcos was far too old and has certainly declined in her ability to testify. Notice the pattern?

Once the crown prince inherited the rightful throne, nearly all the allegations came flying away.

Yet, with a–my–voice of opposition always comes those who find no wrong in these proceedings. That Sandiganbayan only acted upon the best interest of the people in accordance with the law and their reasoning but in the same line, bar the Marcoses from retaking forfeited assets. Where is the sense in all this because why dismiss the case when it is very obvious that suspicions remain in the family? In fact, they have had multiple assets be declared ill-gotten. At some point you must ask yourself if this is really happening, the level of absolute nonsense of mental gymnastics an individual must do to sympathize with their reasoning borders absurdity. I mean, really? Old age is the best you can do?

The winners keep on winning because the Filipinos keep tolerating flaws, our deeply sympathetic nature giving credence to even the sins of our vilest. It is time to cut our losses and stop playing this fool’s game.

A BROKEN

by Sophia Braganza |

Abroken compass points in the wrong direction by pointing at all the directions.

The Committee on Appropriations held a budget briefing for the Department of Education (DepEd) for fiscal year 2025. DepEd received the largest cut from the 2025 national budget, having P793.17-billion for the coming year as assigned by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Aside from the education sector having an integral role in the nation’s progress, it is also the sector with the most public workers and beneficiaries.

To accommodate the department’s beneficiaries, DepEd clarified the five target areas for the allocation of funds: curriculum enhancements, digital integration, teacher training, infrastructure development, and initiatives to boost student welfare. The government’s acknowledgement of their shortcomings may be the first step towards improvement, however, the manner in which these projects are implemented and executed will be the turning point for the nation.

One of DepEd’s priorities is the enhancements to the curriculum implemented in schools. The MATATAG Curriculum is a prime example of this

case, and these changes are not cheap. DepEd received a steady increase in budget in recent years to accommodate this new curriculum, reaching a peak of P924.7-billion in 2024. It truly makes one wonder if the lawmakers deliberated about this case before the administration

of this curriculum as people often question its feasibility and practicality. If the government were to implement further changes, it is necessary to assess the feasibility of those changes before putting them into effect; one cannot spin the wheel of fate and hope for the best.

As the government expects caliber education, they must be

prepared to provide such, and incorporating technology remains a challenge as not all students are financially capable of having access to the necessary tools. The Digital Rise Program, an educational framework initiated in 2022, became one of DepEd’s best technology programs. It would be a strong start if the department

As the government expects caliber they must

The Rizzler Yuri Jimenez

Illustration

Illustration by Amber Andrada

COMPASS

Illustration by Amber Andrada

were to develop this program further.

The standard should be education for all, rather than its urbanization, where DepEd will then bridge the gap between poverty, knowledge, and technology.

One would assume that training for educators would be given high priority, however, teachers were trained for only a week during the establishment of the MATATAG Curriculum. This should be a lesson that it is negligent for the government to overlook one of the most essential parts of the implementation of a new curriculum, and a week of preparation is certainly inadequate. The nation’s educators are the very pillars of the education system, it is only just that the learning curve is also manageable for them. If this aspect is to be rushed, it would be a disastrous case of the blind leading the blind.

DepEd is already set to implement the Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools (ISRS) project from

Letter to the Editors

To the editors, Campus journalism has always been and will continue to be a vital platform for student expression, providing a voice to the concerns and grievances of the student body. However, sustaining a school publication requires proper funding. The lack of funding remains a major issue. School publications receive no allocation in the School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and the Department of Education’s

(DepEd) “No Collection Policy” further limits our budget. As a campus journalist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggle to produce quality content with limited access to equipment, printing costs, or even basic materials like paper. We rely on donations or the kindness of a few teachers, but it’s not enough. The school publication — despite being seen as a mere extracurricular — is essential in developing critical thinking, creativity, and leadership in students.

This financial gap impacts student journalists’ ability to deliver quality work. It is vital for schools and DepEd to revisit funding structures and ensure that campus journalism, a key platform for student expression, receives the support it deserves.

Sincerely,

Who Needs Scripts?

by Kayne Bandal

Whenthe roles in the classroom do not match the script, what happens to the performance?

The Philippine education system is in crisis, characterized by a severe mismatch between teachers and the subject they teach. This misalignment is a direct result of the government’s failure to invest adequately in teacher training and support. With 62% of high school teachers teaching subjects outside their area of expertise, the integrity of education is not just at serious risk, it is robbing the students of the quality education they deserve.

A report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) underscores this issue, showing that an overwhelming 98% of Physics teachers lack the appropriate qualifications, while 51% of Science teachers are teaching subjects outside their expertise. These findings align with a 2016 World Bank report indicating that many high school teachers scored below 50% in English and Math and under 30% for Science. Without decisive intervention, the education system risks not only condemning countless students to a future of mediocrity but also hampering the nation’s potential for progress.

The consequences of teacher-subject mismatches extend far beyond the classroom — they strike the core of the nation’s future. They threaten to impair the entire educational system, creating ill-equipped graduates for the workforce. As students leave school without a solid foundation for essential subjects, employers face candidates lacking the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. As industries struggle to find qualified workers, the country faces the risk of economic decline and diminished global competitiveness. In a world where knowledge is power, the Philippines cannot afford to ignore the urgent need for a wellprepared workforce. The clock is ticking, and the cost of neglect will haunt future generations.

“ the integrity of education is not just at serious risk, it is robbing the students of the quality education they deserve

promote lifelong growth and create an environment where learning continues beyond school years.

However, only so much can be accomplished by ignoring the deep-rooted failure that accounted for the present education system in favor of what is easier to implement. Though training may be an option, it is not the answer. It does not address the whys behind such education shortages; rather the country would only succumb to its faults without prompting itself to improve should the education sector choose this route.

2025 through 2029, as it is labeled as a crucial part of the MATATAG Curriculum according to Vice President Sara Duterte. Infrastructure is a rather overlooked segment of the education system and it is commendable that there is already a plan in place to address this issue. This is a multi-billion peso project wherein about 4,700 buildings are expected to benefit, therefore, the government must ensure that all plans are concrete and feasible.

The success of finding a way to rescue the education sector from the deep dark relies on the government’s alignment, sincerity, and commitment towards the sector’s educational needs and concerns. With a new education secretary, Sonny Angara, the educational sector is at a crossroad, hoping to navigate a way towards progress. Among many others, allocation and budget are not mere numbers; they reflect the direction in which the country chooses to guide the hope of the nation. Let this be a call for the government to realign its true north, ensuring that every student is given the education they deserve, steering away from what it has become — a broken compass.

Additionally, the issue of teacher-subject mismatches further worsens existing educational inequalities, particularly in marginalized communities where access to qualified educators is limited. Students in these areas endure inadequate education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality. The absence of qualified teachers in critical subjects like mathematics and science impacts students from low-income backgrounds, widening the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged. This disparity stifles individual potential and undermines national progress. As other countries advance, the Philippines risks falling behind, leaving a generation unprepared for a competitive global economy.

Some may argue that the teachers’ ability to adapt or teach different subjects is inherently limited, suggesting that their effectiveness diminishes when they step outside their areas of expertise. While this perspective holds truth, it overlooks the deeper issue: a chronic lack of investment in recruiting and developing specialized educators. This underfunding leaves schools scrambling to fill essential roles with insufficient resources.

If these foundational issues continue to go unaddressed, the only remaining option is to invest in targeted training for existing teachers to temporarily fill these roles. This training can bridge gaps in understanding and enhance their teaching methods, ultimately improving student learning outcomes. By investing in ongoing professional development and fostering a culture of continuous learning that extends beyond the classroom, the educational system can

The dire mismatch between teachers and their assigned subjects represents an urgent crisis that threatens the very foundation of the Philippine education system, perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity that undermines individual potential and national progress. To dismantle this cycle, substantial investment in teacher training and support should be given. Educators must be equipped to excel in their subjects and impart essential skills to their students while being provided with benefits and priority. However, a country will forever be at risk of collapsing the further it ignores the needs of those that stand at the forefront of the country’s future. To turn a blind eye would be to seal the deal. Failing to take decisive action risks would leave countless learners adrift and unprepared for the demands of a global economy. So, how can the country prosper like before?

If classrooms are where the script falls apart, then students are the ones left ad-libbing their way through an education that barely resembles the performance promised, leading to a comedy of errors with serious consequences.

by Andrei Buan

more about education

by Sophia Tado

read on page 08

Illustration

Abraham Dain R. Dela Cruz

What Truly Matters

by Sophia Tado | Illustration by Andrei Buan

Education is a right granted by the constitution to every Filipino, regardless of socioeconomic status.

However, in recent months, the issue of many affluent students being admitted to the University of the Philippines made rounds on different social media platforms, which sparked debates on whether UP has become an institution for the rich.

Withstanding this issue of students’ socioeconomic status, a pressing matter that needs to be weighed on should be whether these scholars of the University of the Philippines live up to the ideals of “Iskolar ng Bayan,” socioeconomic status aside.

The phrase “para sa bayan” captures the idea that the people who come out of this institution are expected to be trailblazers in their chosen fields who would impact our society. A notable example is Jessica Soho, one of the most successful journalists who impacted the industry known for hosting the news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, on GMA. She attended the University of the Philippines Diliman to study mass communication.

Another mark of a UP student should be excellence. It is a word that can be used to describe those who can overcome the challenges and difficulties of this university, and it sharpens their abilities to prepare them to become the future of our country and serve whenever the need arises. They are also the ones selflessly sacrificing and dedicating their lives to improving the livelihood of our country.

With the holistic training that these Isko and Iska get from UP, they are expected to put their hearts and minds into becoming future leaders of the country and hold key government positions. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, serving as the president for nine years, grew the economy during her terms and averaged 4.5% in economic growth.

With many titles and awards given to its alumni, including a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, a Pulitzer Prize awardee; 39 National Scientists; 50 National Artists, nine National Social Scientists; seven out of the 16 Presidents of the Republic; 15 Chief Justices of the Supreme Court; and, tens of thousands of doctors, lawyers, engineers. It proves that they are committed to training them to become future leaders and workers to expand our country across the world and see change within its territories.

Hence, it is a trivial issue that we should not put emphasis on. Instead, we must focus on who are the people who come out of this institution and provide them with the necessary training by providing these students with the best resources for them to be able to fulfill the mandate this institution is built on and be the Iskolar ng Bayan who will make an impact in our society. That is what truly matters.

BARREN GARDEN

by Aerol Meriales

Much like the vital parts of a plant they once studied, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students are regrettably bound to the root problems of the education system. Tasked to undertake a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the performance for the improvement of the Philippine education sector, the Second Congre-ssional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) conducted a site visit at Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) last October 11, 2024. The site visit aimed to learn from the practices of science high schools that could be implemented in a regular public school. Despite the exceptional reputation of QCSHS regarding science and mathematics, it is still not an exception to the educational woes faced by those in general public high schools. With growing concerns of policy implementation, resource allocation, and inequity issues, it is high time for QCSHS and, especially, the Department of Education’s (DepEd) special science programs to be cultivated and tended to.

Similar to those in general public high schools, learners excelling in sciences are not new to Philippine education’s educational crisis and mismanagement.

The Philippine Science High School System (PSHS) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Regional and Provincial Science High Schools, and the Special Science Programs in public elementary and secondary schools under DepEd all nurture those gifted learners who are fortunate enough to pass an admission exam.

However, according to the report of EDCOM 2, the government supports only 1.03% of 27,081,292

learners in the country, even considering all the science high schools and programs combined.

To compare, Asian countries such as China and South Korea focus on their top 3%, while Australia and Europe extend this to as much as 10%. This means that the Philippines is trailing by 533,502 to 2.43 million learners to catch up to its neighboring countries. It is not only the potential of learners within specialized science programs that are being hindered but also the hundreds of thousands of learners with possibly untapped potential who could have been better supported. According to PSHS Executive Director Dr. Ronnalee Orteza, based on EDCOM 2’s report, a myriad of qualified students were deprived of the opportunity to be admitted to PSHS due to limited slots.

A light at the end of the tunnel can be seen with the potential of Filipino high school students from the numerous national and international accomplishments the learners have achieved; among those is the recently concluded Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2024, in which QCSHS proudly

participated. This untapped potential can be reaffirmed by a report on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, which showed that two science high schools scored even higher than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average. This indicates that with proper governance and execution, the Philippines could compete on the global stage. Despite efforts to increase budgets and develop new policies to support specialized science programs, reliance on simple and easy solutions does not improve complex issues.

Apart from mainstream concerns like classrooms, textbooks, and student-to-teacher ratio, systematic problems such as ineffective and misaligned implementation of policies should be weeded out.

Apateu, apateu? Like an earworm, Vice President Sara Duterte remains to stain the people’s mind, begging the question: Is her recent conduct suitable, tasteful, or better yet, apt?

With her neverending quarrels with public officials, citing politicization and meddling, Duterte has labeled herself a victim of targeted probes. Her resignation as the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary and recent meltdown can be condensed to her succumbing to the pressure of budget hearings and criticism meant to squeeze her dry of information.

Ironically, the top STEM learners of our country are bound to the roots of the Philippine education system. As pioneers of innovation and development in society, one thing is certain: to take a step towards a successful educational reform, the country must plant a seed that would allow the gifted and talented learners of the country to bloom to their utmost potential.

BY THE NUMBERS

In EDCOM 2’s report, QCSHS Grade 10 students’ Mean Percentage Scores (MPS) in the National Achievement Test 2022 - 2023 are as follows:

Total MPS

Filipino

The VP’s line of work calls for a thick face, strong mentality, and sharp tongue, which arguably enough, the Dutertes have mastered. However, Sara’s statements, interviews, and infamous press conference soon after support why former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRD) strongly discouraged her run as either President or VP. The “awa” that FPRD and father of Duterte felt towards her is questionable. Could it have been his way of saying that she was not fit nor ready for the role?

Discouraged or not, Sara still ran in the 2022 election, unsurprisingly winning and equally as such felling into an ambiguous allyship with the Marcoses.

From separating the Office of the Vice President (OVP) from President Bongbong Marcos’ (PBBM) administration, to publicly admitting she would imagine herself beheading the president, the political duo ironically named “UniTeam” loudly ends just two years into their term. With the team’s collapse, it revealed an internal conflict that showed that the country would never foster under their yield.

Her jokingly-introduced new tagline for the OVP — “Drag me to hell” — hints the direction the country is headed to the longer this embarrassment plays out. Unfortunately, the people do not need to wait long. DepEd is already there. Despite being the most trusted, top performing government agency according to surveys, or Sara claiming that “the morale of the teachers were so high that they were happy,” the organization has gone down a problematic route.

As the Philippine Commision on Audit (COA) demands the former DepEd secretary to settle grossly misused budgets and noncompliance, Sara’s administration falls flat. Budget and expenditure deficiencies

under her lead were prominent, with a reported P12.3-billion seemingly unaudited and unaccounted. What may be a small, projected 1.7% of the agency’s total budget, could change lives and systematic irregularities. This gross neglect of responsibilities cannot simply be deflected by calls of House attacks, and yet now Sara faces backlash for not doing what she prided herself with: answering.

Audit reports in 2022 and 2023 show how with the severe educational crisis that hit the country, DepEd’s underutilization of public funds in sectors where it mattered most — such as underwhelming teachers’ salaries or shortages in learning materials and classrooms — reflected a decline in education efficiency. Furthermore, the 2023 computerization program initially supported with a total budget of P11 billion went extremely awry with only P2.75 billion actually utilized or a 23.3% budget utilization rate.

Furthermore, the “Last Mile Schools” program, aimed at constructing classrooms in remote areas, had a disappointing 3% completion rate, with only three out of 93 classrooms being completed in 2023; 69 were ongoing, and 21 were still under bidding.

Day-to-day public sector fundings are not transacted overnight with no knowledge of where they will go. Despite said budgets going through the due process before being approved, Sara’s defense falls flat as she lacks the resources to support why the agency under her care has not delivered as promised, and in some cases, operated suspiciously.

True to her word, she is different from her father. However, her approach in separating her identity has left a foul taste in people’s mouths. She has the audacity to feel disrespected for the way in which she is questioned for the OVP budget, but has the confidence to evade questions and provide no substantial defense. Duterte has no right to sit at the OVP. She contradicts herself because despite claiming that PBBM’s and her feelings do not matter as the highest and second highest official of the country respectively, she continues to air out her grievances and settle discourse at a petty level.

Sara Duterte’s recent conduct is akin to a case of annoying last song syndrome, conspicuous and constant, but far from apt. Apateu, apateu? Not at all.

Illustration by Klark Joaquin

Chedeng Mani Chesca Jane Hernandez

Exorcism of Maria Clara Magic in Mystery Monsters

by Aljane Dalin

We do not put fire exits in buildings with hopes that it would burn down. - Atty. Patty Santa Maria

Maria Clara was the epitome of a perfect woman. She was delicate, upholding herself with humble elegance remaining modest with her movements. She was beautiful, with a face that could rival the celestial charm of what used to be seven moons. She was pure with a mind that is crystal and untainted, never stained with something as sinful as sex.

The Senate is planning to pass the Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a curriculum that teaches young people about sexuality, sexual health, and reproductive health.

“I guarantee all parents, teachers, and children: I will veto it”. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. threatened the senate bill 1979 on Comprehensive Sexuality Education. He believes that the law will only instill harmful teaching to students, such as masturbation and

having different sexualities.

“I’m a parent and I’m a grandparent. So, I feel very strongly about this,”.

Maria Clara watches her tummy grow the size of a watermelon. In 2022, 35% more children gave birth before the age of 15. An estimated 22,000 adolescent girls have experienced multiple pregnancies in the Philippines. CSE aims to teach students the proper use of contraceptives and the consequences of early teenage pregnancy.

Maria Clara gets treated like a doll, played until she’s worn, silent until the end. Sexual abuse on children remains prevalent, more than 70% are between the ages 10 to 18, and 20% under 6 years old. Sex education teaches concepts such as bodily autonomy, consent, and sexual harassment in a comprehensible manner.

Maria Clara lays in her deathbed, body aching in pain and regret. The country is also the Western Pacific region’s fastest-growing HIV epidemic. An average of 55

people were diagnosed with HIV every day. Students shall be educated on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, in ways it spreads and the measures you must take to prevent them.

Swipe Left or Swipe Right?

The nation is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Elections draws near, marking the beginning of the courtship period of sorts for candidates to win over the Filipino people. It is in this period when we try to find which ones could be perfect matches for the posts they are running for. What if we could make things easier by putting them all on a dating app like Bumble? If each candidate was part of a dating app roster, here are the profiles that you should definitely leave hanging and which ones are sure to capture your heart.

Nepo, 20

“I dream to continue my family’s business- or rather, my family’s legacy. I’ll often saturate a branch or multiple branches of governance with people I’m either directly related to, or have close ties with. Usually, my internal connections mean that I get away with things because my name puts a foot in the door. I like to emphasize how I’m different from everyone else that ran before me, but behind closed doors, whatever words, policies, and ideologies they’ve passed on to me gets repackaged and regurgitated with every campaign speech.”

Vacan Sy, 40

“I’m just here for a good time, not a long one. Commitment isn’t something I look for, so I find checks and balances suffocating, even when it’s part of the position I ran for. I like to consider myself a private person, usually keeping many details close to my heart and away from the public eye.

I’m a firm believer that a little bit of smoke and mirrors goes a long

way when it comes to covering for a slip-up. The idea of being present appeals to me, but I can’t guarantee that I’ll always be there like I swore. I’ll make up for it next time, I promise!”

If you’ve seen these profiles before, it’s easy to feel disheartened by how unpromising they both seem. However, like any dating experience, it isn’t all bad! There’s still hope that a good candidate (or two) could show us what it means to have real politicians that are after the Filipinos’ own heart. Let’s take a closer look at the last two candidate profiles that just might tick all the right boxes to make us swipe right.

Fordy People, 33

“When you’re with me, you’re you. I’m not the type to be possessive; I’ll make sure you’re free to be who you are and have your own voice. When things get tough, you can rely on the fact that I’m willing to be a guiding hand as our people find their footing. An open dialogue and communication matters, and I’ll do everything I can to ensure that every facet of our nation has a say in how things are run. Everything I do is all for us, after all.”

Lib E. Rayjon, 57

“I’m a free-thinker who has lots of love to give. I don’t pick and choose, and if you put your trust in me, you’ll never go wrong.alry is my go-to strategy–that means putting your needs first.

The rights of every Filipino is my top priority,

so my free time is spent staying in contact with marginalized communities and finding ways to keep them in the loop to ensure that their voices are amplified.”

When the campaign season is in full swing, it often feels overwhelming to see the amount of options you have in front of you, and it can make you scroll through them on autopilot.

And the thing is: you aren’t alone. Countless voters and voters-

“dating phase” boring: a constant stream of swiping left and right mindlessly without giving it a second thought.

And with all the stops that political aspirants pull, we often forget that no amount of hand-outs, flowery words, or popularity can make up for incompetent leadership.

Like any relationship, choosing our partner in governance could change the trajectory for the next few years, and we’re all hoping that

Childhoods are generally happy. Back then, we viewed life in full vibrance, with whimsy at every twist and turn. There was joy in simply tearing open a mystery, hoping to find a piece of magic inside.

For some, that magic is not just a distant memory. Labubu dolls are collectible vinyl plush figures and keychains created by a Hong Kong-based art toy brand in collaboration with POP MART that have taken the world by storm. They are figures from blind boxes with furry bodies, oversized ears, sharp teeth, and an impish grin. Labubu offers different variations, all magical figures that spark imagination and artistry. The excitement that comes with the mystery doll in each box keeps many hooked.

When Lisa from BLACKPINK posed with this plush keychain on her bag, the toy’s popularity skyrocketed. What was once a niche collectible among designer toy enthusiasts suddenly became a global sensation, capturing the attention of fans eager to own a piece of their idol’s world. That single moment ignited a frenzy that spread across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Fans rushed to stores and online marketplaces, hoping to get their hands on their own Labubu, only to find shelves emptied and resale prices soaring.

The craze didn’t stop there. Soon, the Philippines also fell under Labubu’s spell. Local celebrities such as Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, and Vice Ganda proudly showcased their own Labubu collections, further cementing its status as a must-have designer toy. Their influence only amplified the demand, as fans scrambled to secure their own piece of the trend. What started as an art toy cherished by collectors had now transformed into a pop culture phenomenon, proving that a tiny, mischievous creature could leave a massive impact on the world of fashion, fandom, collectibles, and most especially— our

We find joy in these little things. The excitement of revealing a collectible, especially the one we hoped for is unmatched perhaps rivaled only by the pure joy of childhood. No matter how funny Labubus look, carrying these around as we journey through life is like constantly having a reminder for ourselves to choose to be happy. After all, what is childlike wonder if not finding magic in the ordinary.

by Brianna Cimacio and Amara Basbas

by Winona Solidum

Illustration by Amber Andrada

“ Diamonds are just coal that survived the pressure.

The Hall of

QueSci

Becoming the brilliant gem

by Aljane Dalin and Brianna Cimacio

For whom do diamonds shine?

This is a question clearly answered by how Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) Alumni Achievement awardee Wendel Marcelo lives his life.

“For the longest time, I knew I wanted to be a doctor.” This profession is a lifelong dream-turnedreality for the diamond-like medical practitioner, Wendel Marcelo. Serving as a community doctor in Carles, Iloilo, he stands as a dedicated provincial health officer loved by many. His passion shines through positive testaments from his patients and peers, and his many advocacies toward better healthcare for underprivileged sectors.

Marcelo is an alumnus of Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) from Batch 2004. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree in Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) as a scholar and graduated from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine (UPMCM) with a Doctor of Medicine degree under the regionalization program. Rather than taking up a Doctor of Philosophy or PHD degree, he underwent the Doctors to the Barrios program to be able to serve as a doctor in his community, thus garnering the title of “community doctor.”

Coming from a place with no doctors, he was greatly supported by his family, and so he

“ A blue ocean is a place where odds are in his favor and aligns with his vision.

was scared to let them down. “The pressure was real. I received it not just from my family but our village as well. But honestly, I’m so thankful kasi I got something great out of it.”

Diamonds are just coal that survived the pressure. Wendel described himself as an average student who made up for everything through hard work and perseverance. With his family as his driving force, the words “Persevere to be the first doctor in your family” were ingrained in him. His parents wanted better education for him, so they made him pursue his education in Metro Manila starting fifth grade. “Iba rin kasi talaga ang education dito sa Metro Manila, particularly in QueSci. May edge din kasi ang school na ito, and nakatulong nga ito sa passion ko which is becoming a doctor since focused talaga sila sa science subjects.”

The high respect that came with his profession made people trust and lean on him for everything. “As a community doctor, you should be part of the community. You are a part of the community first on top of being a doctor.” He affirmed the belief that being a doctor is not just being a clinician but also being the multifaceted model of a five-star physician that can perform well, from managing patients to public speaking.

In one word, Marcelo would describe his job as “fulfilling.” He is happy and content that

he can serve and give back to the people of his community, which is the true essence of being a doctor to the barrio. Being a community doctor is more than just treating patients individually. It is also somehow treating the health system itself. In doing so, everyone can be given the healthcare that they deserve.

He left a message for Scientians who aspire to become doctors in the future, “If you find in your heart that your passion is for service, hopefully that is the very reason that you want to become a doctor.” He reminds us that we need deeper “whys” to want to become a doctor outside of the usual gains, and use the pressure we receive from the journey as means to be brilliant and unbreakable. He also advises the youth of QCSHS to make the most of their years by balancing their academics with fun. “The friends we make in high school tend to be our friends for a lifetime. They become family and a great support system in the coming years.”

Truly, Doc Wendel Marcelo is made of diamonds. With his endless efforts showcased in his service, the love of the people around him is reflected. He embodies gratitude by dedicating all his victories to his parents and community. In turn — true to being a diamond — trust, admiration, and appreciation for Marcelo shines in the heart of everyone in Carles, Iloilo.

Driven by

by Phoebe Urieta

With Michael Miranda as one of the recipients of this year’s Quezon City Science High School’s (QCSHS) Alumni Achievement Award, it might be easy for people to think that he knew exactly the road he would take ever since he was a student.

But according to him, it was a journey that included stops, pauses, and reroutes.

Thirty years ago, Miranda was just another student of Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS). While he favored science and arts subjects, he also found himself enjoying and making time for different sports like soccer varsity, table tennis, and basketball. He wanted to maximize the edge that QueSci gave him, so he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPBLB). Later,

dreams

he worked under big names like BPO, Dell, Ebay, Google, and Microsoft. After handling four countries as a Global Manager at Microsoft and gathering enough experience, Miranda took a full stop as an employee and retired.

place where the odds are in his favor and align with his vision. He looked for a field with no big players in the industry to limit competition.

He then took a reroute and pursued entrepreneurship. In April of 2018, Drive Manila was founded: a peer-to-peer car rental platform wherein car owners lend their cars to others in the community to earn a passive income. The reroute was not at all a smoother ride. According to Miranda, his lack of experience was the reason for the failure of his first three attempts at running a business. This is something that some people take as a cue to stop pursuing their dreams. But for Miranda, it was his dream that pushed him to continue. He learned from his failed attempts and after making some changes in his approach to leadership, his fourth attempt was a success — leading to the current sixyear success of Drive Manila.

As a student of QueSci, his ingenuity was developed by working on projects for different subjects. He was able to apply it as an entrepreneur since competition is nothing new in the field. Miranda focused on shining in the sea of competitors with the same goals. In 2017, when Uber arose locally and start-up companies were coming about, he studied how different business models worked and how working smart is the way to get ahead.

Miranda called this move of his in the business field as “finding a blue ocean.”

“I need to find a blue ocean,” he said. This means finding the one

For Scientians who are also interested in finding their blue ocean and becoming business owners, the Drive Manila owner has these tips: Think about it a million times. He says this with full certainty that: 99% of the time, you will fail. What is important is to be forward-looking with a plan even after the failures. Always look and move forward. Reflecting on errors should only push you to do better.

Find people who believe in your vision. According to Miranda, there will come times when a you cannot do things on your own. Miranda shared that Drive Manila, including the previous business attempts, required financial aid from those who believed in his vision. In his way of giving back, he has also helped fellow entrepreneurs keep their start-ups alive. He said that this belief should not only circulate money to be made but also the privilege to be able to help others less fortunate.

Pivot. When an obstacle gets in your way, you need to find a different perspective and approach. “You need to pivot, to adapt,” Miranda said. Drive Manila practiced this during the pandemic when car rentals were not necessary for citizens but delivering groceries was. People needed a way to safely buy groceries, so Miranda pivoted to Drive Groceries before pivoting back to car rentals post-pandemic.

Michael Miranda’s story is a great reminder that there are different routes to success and that one’s dreams fueled by persistence and ingenuity will take him to his destination.

“ Though teaching is not a lucrative profession, it is one of the noblest

Conquering the road

by Amara Basbas

Traveling consists of long drives and multiple changes of scenery, requiring focus at all times. Dr. George Emanuel Martin is a man who enjoys both. With his hands on the wheel, he sets his eyes concentrated on the road, just like how he is with his goals. Martin was determined in his goal of being an administrator from the start. Though born in Manila, he was raised by a family of educators in Pangasinan where he was inspired to take a teaching-related course. He earned his Bachelor of Secondary Education degree in Physics at Pangasinan State University, Lingayen Campus. He achieved his Master

Education with a major in Administration and Supervision at the Technological University of the Philippines, Manila. Then Martin finished his Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in Educational Leadership and Management at Pacific Intercontinental College, Las Piñas.

The engine started when Martin started teaching at Batasan Hills National High School. He instantly knew that he wanted not just to educate, but to lead. He was promoted as the Science Department Head at Quirino Science High School and maintained that position for four years and ten months.

Martin never pursued a different path as he focused on his goal, viewing this perseverance as a stepping stone to becoming a principal. He passed the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads in November 2022 and

was assigned as an Officer in ChargePrincipal of Pedro Tuason Senior High School in January 2023.

Not only his leadership was tested, but also his multitasking as he served two schools concomitantly. He was designated as Assistant School Principal of the Batasan Hills National High School.

When traveling long distances, one would need lots of preparation.

In Martin’s case, he would describe himself as a visionary administrator. Because for him, nothing beats planning. Since Quezon City Science High School is a regional science high school, he wanted to maintain its mantra, and he does so with meticulous planning and preparation. For him to focus on attainable goals, he aims to provide strong leadership and a solid foundation.

As he stepped on the breaks and reached his destination of being a school principal, his ride was not over just yet. Throughout the years, he exerted an incredible amount of effort

drive to achieve his goal made him conquer any rocky road.

Born to be

Very few people have callings in life, and even fewer follow them. For Ma’am Dolores J. Biñas, education was what she was meant for, and there was nothing that could stop her. From being the only student in her first-grade class who could not read or write to becoming a teacher for Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS), Ma’am Biñas is a testament to the fact that hard work and a lot of helping hands are the keys to help you do anything.

“

She knew more than anyone the impact that a teacher had on a student’s life

Known as Ma’am Dolly to her co-teachers and Ma’am Biñas to her students, this remarkable teacher’s journey to becoming an educator all started with play. As a child, she was always the one to take on the role of “teacher.” Every step forward was a means to make this pretend into a reality. However, It was not easy. In her first year of high school, she went to Ramon Magsaysay in Manila, but being sickly rendered her unable to attend. This forced her to go back to the province and stop her education for two years. In an effort to not be defined by her circumstances, she spent her time selling comics and halo-halo as a means to help provide for her family, and hopefully make a way for her education. She says these events in her life led her to her greatest achievement: to gain strength.

“I became (...) strong, and I developed myself. I was driven by poverty, [and] I told myself that I had to study, because if [I won’t], no one would send me to school.”

She eventually returned to school, transferring to St. Catherine’s Academy in Gattaran, even though she still was not sure about pursuing college. A nun who passed by her house one day paved the way. She invited Ma’am Binas to go to Manila to study at a convent. It was there in Sta. Catalina College where she worked part-time and studied for her Economy Major. During this time, she

by Winona Solidum

transcribed letters for the Mother Superior, often withstanding harsh remarks as a form of correction. Through tears, she picked herself up. Because of her pushing past harsh criticism and taking it to heart to improve herself, she was given the recommendation to shift to English. She moved to San Sebastian College and finally graduated from Arellano University. As an educator, she had a single philosophy: A teacher can make or unmake a student. She treated her position as a “linkage between values and academic teaching.” and she carried this with her with every student she met, remembering how she was shaped by the first-grade teacher who spent extra hours teaching her how to read and write and recalling how she decided to take on her major because of how she was challenged by her mother superior. She knew more than anyone the impact that a teacher had on a student’s life — how great of an impact she had on the lives of her students. She is a teacher who takes the time to go the extra mile for her students. She treats them as her own. Like how she often took on the role of a teacher or a mother when she played house as a child, she takes on a motherly role with her students, protecting them with ferocity as if they were her own kids. Ma’am Binas places value in the trust that students place on her, and her fulfillment was not monetary. She believes that no teacher can ever become rich, she has already become rich through her students’ achievements, dreams, And gratitude. With her retirement in December, Ma’am Binas has only one wish for QueSci: To remember her as a teacher who inspired. Her 23 years in service to the public school system has shaped countless lives, and in turn, solidified her legacy; one that reminds us of how all it takes is for someone to have faith for he/she to become the person he/she was born to be.

Field of Secrets Philippines

by Jazmin Clauwy Santos

Every Scientian may have had someone who saw their journey unfold, but my experience was different. Instead of a familiar face, the quiet, emerald green field of QueSci held my secrets, witnessing the subtle tears and genuine smile I never shared.

My first year opened a window to new opportunities and people, but the pandemic changed everything. The overwhelming adjustments left me feeling lost — I lost my voice, my smile, and my motivation. Attending classes from the comfort of my bed, I unconsciously longed for the green field and campus scenery that seemed so distant.

In my second year, I ventured beyond my comfort zone, gained new friends, and saw the individuality of QueSci. After classes, while waiting for my parents, I would pull out a book and breathe in the scent of freshly mowed grass. The faint sounds of laughter and footsteps created a calming backdrop.

“

The quiet, emerald green field of QueSci held my secrets, witnessing the subtle tears and genuine smile I never shared.

In that field, I found genuine peace where I did not have to pretend for it to embrace me.

In my third year, I shed more tears, failed more tests, and disappointed more people. Though surrounded by countless people who cared, I still could not resist the urge to cast everyone out and sabotage myself.

From the fourth floor, I could see my old friend, the school field, much more clearly. Just by looking at it, I did not have to suppress my tears or distress myself over judging eyes. It appeared as if that land was the only thing that understood, accepted, and loved me beyond my flaws.

Today, I am in my fourth year. As I focus more on my growth and work to bring back the girl I once was, I visit my old friend less now. From the Calalay building, I am closer to it, and I am able to simply look at it through the window, but somehow it feels farther away.

Maybe the distance serves as a reminder that things are different now. I am becoming more open to the world that is kinder to me. I have finally found the hope I once begged for and the strength I needed to navigate the darkest aspects of my life. For once, I no longer worry about my shoes and skirt getting muddy just to release the pain I carry every day.

As I become distant from the field that has seen me

by Juliana Noveno and

through it all, I realize that while it was my refuge, I have outgrown the need for its comfort. It witnessed my silent battles, dreams, and growth, and now it’s time to step beyond those green fields and face my life with the strength I have gained, knowing that I can handle whatever comes my way.

his is usually the part in the show where I say I’m so American, but tonight with you guys… I’m so Filipino,” says Olivia Rodrigo as her powerful voice echoed through the vast walls of the Philippine Arena with purple spotlights skittering across the

At that very moment, Olivia Rodrigo gave new meaning to the lyrics of her song “So American.” The words not only encapsulated the 21-year-old pop sensation’s western identity but also embraced another piece of the artist’s individuality — her Filipino roots. With Rodrigo wearing a “So Filipina” sash around her petite frame, the audience roared with nearly-hoarse voices, truly proud that she was created as their distant

This sense of pride is nothing new to the Filipino community. After all, the love of seeing fellow Filipinos succeed in the international scene truly runs in the bloodline. So when Rodrigo first rose to fame with her debut single “Drivers License,” fans from the Philippines were very much thrilled to learn that the new rising star was, in fact, their kababayan. Rodrigo has openly talked about her Filipino heritage, often sharing her pride in her roots in interviews and social media. This connection deeply resonated with many of her fans, and Filipinos saw her not only as a talented artist but also as a representation of their culture on the global stage.

“Being able to bring this experience to the Philippines means the world to me,” said Rodrigo in an interview with

Vital Constant through Change

A mid the digital age where information is power, and stories shape the world’s beliefs, campus journalism stands strong, molding generations of sharp minds and ethical storytellers. This ageold practice thrives under many educational reforms, including the now Matatag Curriculum, proving the power of the written word.

Mandated by Republic Act No. 7079, campus journalism is a program to stay in any curriculum. But even without this RA, the Matatag curriculum has put a place for campus journalism as justified by this curriculum’s features. Recognizing literacy as one of the cores of student development, the Matatag placed it as a foundational skill that every learner must master and interweave into every learning experience. This approach ensures that every student is not only equipped with valuable reading and writing skills but is also a confident communicator and critical thinker, ready to succeed in the modern world.

With the help of journalism, one’s writing, reading, communication, and editing skills are improved. Campus journalism whether offered as a club, an elective or a TLE-equivalent hones the students’ reading skills as they are exposed to the different categories, such as news, feature and opinion. Consequently, their writing skills are developed as they express ideas and informed opinions on relevant issues using different media.

Matatag curriculum also emphasizes the four

by Thea Comines and Cassandra Nicolas

“ Journalism will continue to thrive with the help of passionate student journalists

K’s: Kaakuhan (Identity), Kamalayan (Awareness), Kalinangan (Culture), and Kasaysayan (History). All these are covered in the different journalistic categories. Campus journalists are given many opportunities to learn about and promote our country’s identity and culture. Furthermore, they have more chances to examine history and its connection to the present and use this awareness to serve their community. Be more aware of the present showing again how journalism does promote. That is why campus journalism programs should be held to uphold free expression and encourage voluntary participation. Freedom of the press is embodied in our Constitution, Republic Act No. 7079, so indeed, journalism is necessary in the school curriculum.

Campus journalism has taken such a huge toll on Filipino students’ lives. It serves as an eye opener on issues that are happening around them which institutions try to hide. It has been aligned with the past and current curricula, showing that no matter how much change the curriculum goes through, it will always be supported and mandated.

It must be remembered that journalism will continue to thrive with the help of passionate student journalists who have the courage to make an impact in their society and safeguard democracy in a school setting. It is an experience worth living for learners, regardless if they started earlier or later than others. And as our search for the truth continues, campus journalism is here to stay.

To be a Filipino meant to have a culture that encompasses generosity and hospitality. Because Filipinos value these attitudes to the highest degree, they found it refreshing to see the principles being upheld by their talented cousin. Rodrigo has always sang about the push and pull of relationships and failed expectations.

The difference is this time around, she has further highlighted her Filipinohood as a performer for a cause.

On October 5, 2024, more than 50,000 Filipinos gleamed with joy as they spent the biggest homecoming night with the artist whose heart was filled with gold. They were not solely listening to her top-charting hits, they were also participating in something bigger.

Rodrigo held a charity concert for her first world tour at the Philippine Arena, where she performed for the countrymen who were happier than ever to welcome her. The concert was priced at an affordable cost of P1,500. Compared to the price of other artists’ concerts which can reach up to P20,000, this reasonable price truly showed how Rodrigo cared about her Filipino fans. The cherry on top of this already special event was the announcement that all net proceeds would be sent to Rodrigo’s “Fund 4 Good” charity, delighting the Filipinos even more.

Right after the headlining event, Rodrigo immediately donated the profits to Jhpiego Philippines, a non-government organization that aims to improve the well-being of Filipino women especially those in underserved areas. This action speaks volumes of Rodrigo’s character. She is not only an artist who performs for the sake of entertainment and self-expression but also one who channels her success to make a difference.

As Rodrigo ended the concert and stepped off the stage, the purple lights dimmed, but the impact of her presence will continue to linger in the minds of many. There is no doubt that Rodrigo’s benefit concert will win the hearts of more people, not just because of her music but also her generous soul. Artists who create art while advocating for a certain cause are saluted. Truly, the big news of taking pride in the Filipino throat chakra is Good 4 U, Filipinos.

Photo from umusic.ph

Noreen Faye Ternida

How to get to heaven

by Marc Nemis

Heaven sits in a realm unreachable to the mere onlooker, and entrance to its pearly gates requires your life-long devotion to it. The consequence in yearning for the euphoria atop the clouds is that you will forever be walking on the eggshells that make up its stairs. Each exhale counted, each step timed, each decision weighed — all in the name of promised ecstasy. Such a life can chip away at what makes it worth living, so is it really worth the trouble to upkeep a set of laws until the reaper comes knocking? If the longing for bliss grows to be unyielding, then all you need is a little dose of faith. Feel your feelings forgivingly. Expression is part of what makes humans, humans. Humanity at its purest is all about giving in to our emotions. Not setting free the emotions we need to feel and the words we want to say will chain us to our own mental prison. To live a life of authenticity is to live with your bare face and all of its expressions. And maybe when you take the mass off, it will beclearer to see all of the hands holding yours. Appreciate the atomic. A Monet catches the eyes, but what gives the painting its luster resides in each brush stroke. Each miniscule element completes the spirit of any given scene, just as jigsaw pieces do when lined up along their seams. The simplest often speak the greatest volumes, so learn to look past the glaring facade and cherish what contributes, as small as they may come. Appreciate the modest as you marvel at the grand. Immerse yourself into others. People hold the capability to bring out each others’ limitless potential, like twin mirrors facing each other. All relationships that are there to appreciate blossomed from multiple sparks lighted by the friction of exchanging words. Each color those fires cast upon you constitutes the white light you emit and shine onto others. Utter what you must into the crowds, and when someone utters back, you will have a new sentence to remember, a new voice to cherish, and a new person to draw new hues from.

Take presence in the present. The imagination, as powerful as it is, can be the pitfall of humans. Although contemplating holds no inherent harm, it begins to hinder you when it takes priority over living and taking action. You phase out what the eye sees in place of dwelling in the past or dreaming about the future, and you lose track of what should hold the greatest importance. Remind yourself that reality runs in a straight line. Have wiggle room for whimsy. A bit of wonder imbued in all that you do hurts no one. Do you ever wonder why children seem to have boundless guts in all they do? What they possess are rose-colored lenses — the kind that gathers dust as time passes and often gets abandoned altogether. However, you ought to take advice from the pure-humored and leave behind the ill-witted. Bring out the vibrancy the world so rightfully needs as it leans to desaturation. Should everyone deem whimsy as childlike, then make the world your personal playground.

Hastening your pursuit of paradise is not necessarily conforming to as many of the rules as you can, nor is living in the shortest time possible to capture a glint of heaven as early as you want to. It can be as simple as rewiring what you know and affirming what is right. By imbuing faith into the center of your being, the bleakness that life offers can bloom into something heavenly, and you can get to heaven while remaining daft on earth.

Against Relentless

by Shaira Faye Arami

Time is an unstoppable current that flows forward, regardless of the dreams, plans and what ifs that it may sweep along the way. It will never stop for anyone, nor does it slow down, even as we cling into the moments we wish would last a little longer.

The song “Maybe This Time” has recently become a viral hit on TikTok and on various social media platforms. It is partnered with lighthearted videos, humorous dance steps, and sorrowful video advice.

But before it took off as a social media trend, the song carried a heartfelt message — one of second chances and the hope that encountering a person or moment again could offer a new opportunity. In times’ steady march, the song “Maybe This Time” by Sarah Geronimo reminds us that missed opportunities can be lost forever, but the thought of what could have happened and what could have been done will travel along with time’s uninterrupted motion.

Inspired by this theme, we asked members of the Quesci community to share their own “Maybe This Time” moments. Here are some of their stories:

Maybe this time, di na matigas katawan ko. Because my dancing skills need improving! — from a student of Batch ‘28 who is now striving to improve their dance skills to blend with their fellow classmates during class performances.

Maybe this time, ‘di na ‘ko hopeless romantic — from a student of Batch ‘27 who said he’s tired of unrequited love.

Maybe this time, I will finally stop cramming — from a student of Batch ‘27 who is now doing assignments and tasks on time.

Maybe this time, I will finally have enough courage to join a competition — says a student from Batch ‘28 who is now gaining enough confidence to join competitions.

Maybe this time, I will get high honors — from a student of Batch ‘26 who is now striving to earn higher grades.

“

We find ourselves hoping that someday, our dreams, hopes, and aspirations will blossom.

Maybe this time, we won’t stay as friends — from a student of Batch ‘27 who is hopeful about managing to finish their study.

Maybe this time, matatapos na ‘tong research — from a student of Batch ‘27 who is hopeful about managing to finish their study.

Maybe this time, we will have a permanent room for classes, meetings and workshops — from a campus journalist.

Maybe this time, I can tell my family how much their support means to me — from a loving student of Batch ‘30.

Maybe this time, I hope that all the advice that I gave will help my friends — from a student of Batch ‘25 who hopes nothing but the happiness of her friends.

Maybe this time, I can finally say no — says a teacher who is now slowly overcoming her “people pleasing” phase.

Maybe this time, I will take time to celebrate — from a hopeful teacher of QueSci who is now making an effort to give time for herself.

The responses voiced out that within the time’s inevitable movement, there would always be a spark of hope, a belief in “maybe this time.” We find ourselves hoping that someday, our dreams, hopes, and aspirations will blossom. So, how about you? What is your “maybe this time?” What is that one hope, that one chance, you are wishing for time to grant?

ROBBED: Children

Every war is a war against children.Eglantyne Jebb Humans are most free esponsibilities, and free from the concepts of threat. This is in no way the case for children who are caught in the middle of a war.

For children in the warzone, war is not something they watch on TV; it is what they wake up to every morning. Their stories may seem hard to believe, but they need to be told. This is about their stolen innocence and the invisible scars they carry.

Virginia Gamba, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, describes a grim reality for children caught up in war: a world of “indescribable horrors”. In these conflict zones, bomb blasts and gunfire leave physical scars—amputations, chronic injuries—that may fade but never completely heal. Deeper still, children carry unseen wounds: the terror that haunts their nights, and their idea of trust that is damaged beyond repair. Long after the guns stop firing, they are plagued, their innocence is destroyed, and their futures are forever altered by the weight of war.

Even when the echoes of physical violence recede, psychological

Force in War Zone

scars remain as shadows that extend into children’s lives. According to studies, the continual presence of violence and anxiety creates deep lines in their developing minds, changing them in ways that are both unseen and significant. Their experiences create pathways in their brains, rendering them vulnerable to anxiety, despair, and chronic stress, which stain their futures. Trust becomes a delicate, loose thread, making it impossible for them to form connections or prosper in school. For many, the wounds of their trauma are hidden under the surface, invisible but manifested in everyday actions that quietly dictate how they navigate the world.

Evidence underlying their suffering portrays a horrifying picture, with each number serving as a reminder of lives permanently changed. In 2019, the United Nations verified almost 10,000 attacks and violations against children in just the first half of the year, with experts estimating that the genuine figures are significantly higher. Each number represents a loss of innocence and a disruption in one’s life. At least 32 young people were killed in Syria as a result of horrific violence and the cold grip of winter. In Yemen, a blast near two schools turned a learning environment into a tragedy,

by Von Calix Tabajura

breaking the safety that every child deserves. These figures reflect more than just facts; they represent innumerable dreams lost and futures irreversibly altered.

These tragic events may seem like isolated incidents, but they happen repeatedly across the world. From Syria to Yemen, from Mali to the Democratic Republic of Congo, children everywhere pay the price of adult wars. These stories are not just sad news; they are reminders that the true cost of war is paid by those who have no say in the matter — by innocent children.

For these children, life is more than just survival; it’s a never-ending battle against shadows they never wanted to face. They are more than simply numbers in a report; they are young people engulfed in a never-ending tempest, each bearing the heavy load of experiences engraved into their bodies and spirits. In a world deprived of innocence, they negotiate the silence that comes after explosions, each unsure step fraught with anxiety and fear.

Every scar tells a story of perseverance, and every stare carries the weight of abandoned dreams, making their childhood seem far away memories. As innocence is lost in the face of violence, these children remind us of the critical need to restore hope and healing so that they can capture the joy and safety that they were robbed of.

Illustration by Amber Andrada

NEURAL ADVANCEMENTS

by Ramil Ramones

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) students secured first place in the Robotics and Intelligent Machines Individual Category at the Regional Science and Technology Fair NCR 2024 (RSTF) held at the school’s dome on November 8.

Kenzo Miguel P. Tayko, with the help of his groupmates and adviser Earl Frances C. Merilles presented the study entitled “Preemptive Identification of Neointimal Tissue in Imaging for Gleaning Atherosclerotic Plaques through Convolutional Neural Network (PINTIG).”

The study tackles a critical health issue, specifically, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) a condition that causes the arteries to narrow, restricting healthy blood flow to organs and other parts of the body. ASCVD is the leading cause of death in the country and a primary contributor to coronary heart disease. Early detection of ASCVD

is essential in preventing disease progression and complications.

Tayko’s study focused on developing a convolutional neural network (CNN), a type of artificial neural network used primarily for image recognition and processing due to its ability to recognize patterns in images. CNN was used to improve the accuracy of detecting early stages of ASCVD.

Through the use of 14,127 images of the heart from 120 patients, PINTIG was able to provide an accuracy of 97.3% and a precision of 95.3% for the classification of ASCVD, which surpassed every other classification model in most performance metrics.

Additionally, an application was developed to allow ease of access, which included a log-in, dashboard, account settings, enrollment, retrieval, and results panel. This enabled users to utilize specific options that entailed the classification and processing of data.

PINTIG’s incredible performance also demonstrated its capability to integrate other imaging modalities, showing promising applications in cancer detection and beyond.

Furthermore, research like PINTIG could play an important role in allowing early diagnosis, personalized treatments, and driven healthcare management, offering hope for millions at risk of ASCVD and other life-threatening conditions.

This development underscores the power of AI to fill gaps in healthcare, ensuring better patient outcomes and revolutionizing the way diseases are detected and treated.

Tayko will again present PINTIG as one of NCR’s representatives in the upcoming 2025 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF).

DID YOU KNOW?

For Robotics and Intelligent Machine (RIM) studies that apply machine learning technology, devices go through training wherein its acurracy and loss rates are evaluated.Accuracy states how accurate the device’s outputs are and loss states the difference between the device’s output and the actual true output.

In PINTIG’s case, the device was tested over a 150-epoch run or 150 batches of Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) Images to train it in detecting diseases from said images.

Below is a table of the accuracy and loss training process of PINTIG. Abridged Percentage rates of accuracy and loss during the training and validation processes

by Ramil Ramones

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) held this year’s annual Regional Science and Technology Fair (RSTF) for the National Capital Region (NCR) last November 6-8. The three-day fair brought together hundreds of students, educators, and experts to showcase and to critique groundbreaking research projects from the region. With this year’s theme “Towards a Shared Vision: Exploring the Future for a Better Tomorrow,” the event emphasized sustainability and innovation, with projects ranging from environmental sciences to the medical field.

Team and individual student researchers from four different categories, namely

Physical Science, Life Science, Robotics and Intelligent Machines, and Science Innovation Expo, stayed in classrooms to prepare their display boards then to defend their projects.

Regional Science Supervisor Micah G. Pacheco expressed her enthusiasm on who will be the representatives of NCR at the upcoming National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF).

“We want the best project, we want the best researcher to win in this contest because they will be the one to represent the region in the NSTF,” said Pacheco. Winners in each category, namely Best Posters, Best Shoutout, Best Presenter, Best Display Boards, and Overall best project were awarded

during the closing program.

The fair was organized this year in partnership with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital who also named five recipients of the Lourdes Choice Award.

“Partnership with private sectors like Lourdes Hospital is very vital in order to help learners achieve their full potential,” said Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital President Paul Richard Camangian regarding the impact of partnerships on student studies.

Top 1 projects in each category will be advance to the NSTF 2025.

Photo by Marco Fabros

COMING OUT ON TOP. Student Researcher Kenzo Tayko claims his awards during Regional Science Technology Fair (RSTF) at QCSHS Dome on November 8.

Photo by Ramil Ramones

What lingers around

by Miko Opinion and Ramil Ramones

A s a cigarette burns out, its butt is not the only thing that continues to linger around.

Outside the walls of Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS), there are vendors selling a myriad of products. From dirty ice cream, to burgers, to — unfortunately — cigarettes. The presence of these vendors along with the combined group of office workers from nearby corporations and tricycle drivers from the adjacent “toda” create an atmosphere that is unsuitable for learners. And just like the tiny particles of cigarette smoke in such an area, these smokers linger around leaving something worse than a pungent smell.

In a legal context, smoking near schools is not even close to being allowed. As per Department of Education’s (DepEd) Order No. 48, s. 2016 or the Policy and Guidelines on Comprehensive Tobacco Control, smoking near schools and among learners is prohibited. Evidently, this is not the case for QCSHS. Even when the school’s administration has repeatedly reported this issue to the local government, boxes of cigarettes are still being burned off outside the school’s premises.

This practice outside of the school directly affects students’ health as well. Many studies have time-and-timeagain proven that second hand smoking, or inhaling smoke from cigarette around you, is just as bad as smoking itself. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 600,000 deaths every year due to second hand smoking. When someone smokes, everyone around them is exposed to the same chemicals that they are affected with. In a study, it was found out that tobacco contains around 4,000 harmful chemical, 40 of which were even known to cause cancer.

The issues that this situation poses to the health of students extend beyond the risks of second hand smoking. The constant exposure to

habit, making it seem as an acceptable behavior to us students. WHO has also warned that early exposure to smoking environments increases the chances of young individuals to start the habit themselves.

As an institution that fosters future scientists, innovators, and leaders, the upholding of the school’s commitment to science is compromised as basic health and safety issues persist right outside the gates. Despite these obvious issues, enforcement remains still. Students and staff are forced to endure these conditions until — hopefully it will not reach this point — physical harm occurs. There is no definite limit to what exactly it takes for authorities to take proper action and end this practice.

At the other end of the smoke, what lingers is more than just a puff of tobacco. It is a symbol of neglect, a failure

“ The upholding of the school’s commitment to science is compromised as basic health and safety issues persist right outside the gates

to uphold the laws meant to protect students and the community. Until significant action is taken, students will continue to be exposed to risks that they should not have to face. A school dedicated to science and progress deserves an environment that upholds those very principles, not one clouded by the lack of concern.

DID YOU KNOW?

QC strengthens cancer care with “ACT NOW” program

by Ramil Ramones

Over Filipinos die from tobaccorelated diseases every year

112,000

18.9 % of the total population in 2022 are cigarette smokers

males

I

n a move to fight cancer, the Quezon City Government, along with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), launched the “ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment” program, ensuring that citizens gain faster access to screening, treatment and support. The program was unveiled by Mayor Joy Belmonte on February 4, 2025 at the SB Park in Batasan Hills, in celebration of World Cancer Day.

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, with early detection often held back by financial challenges. The “ACT NOW” program aims to address these issues by making the entire care process possible within a 30-day window, from initial screening to the start of treatment.

community outreach programs, alongside mobile and on-site screening services. A PCS mobile bus will traverse various communities, offering free breast cancer screenings and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests to increase accessibility.

Additionally, the city will establish Cancer Control Ambassadors, who will act as community focal persons to facilitate early detection, improve referral systems, and promote cooperation in accessing cancer care resources.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Those who visited public places were exposed in: 62.2% in bars/clubs 9.2% in restaurants

females Data from Global Action to End Smoking

“Cancer is not just a health issue but also a financial burden on families due to the high cost of treatment,” said Majoy Joy. She highlighted that by detecting cancer early and having a structured program in place, the city can weaken its effects and prevent

PCS president Corazon Ngelangel acknowledged the organization’s unwavering dedication to enhancing cancer education, clinical services, and advocacy. Recognizing the significance of a collective approach, Ngelangel emphasized the importance of working together to combat the disease.

“We join hands together to continue this cancer control coalition. We ACT NOW - together we are stronger, together we can,”

10.6 %

To mark World Cancer Day, the Quezon City Pylon at Quezon Memorial Circle will be illuminated in purple from February 1 to 7,

Philippines in 2023 was cancer

188,976 new cases

113,369 total deaths

Handling a Fateful Microscopic Dilemma (HFMD)

by Holden Peredo | Illustration by Marc Nemis

W ith the decline of skin diseases such as chickenpox and monkeypox, a new illness has emerged in schools and day care centers. A disease that once appeared seven decades earlier is now primarily targeting children— hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild and contagious illness that causes blister-like rashes on the hands and feet and painful sores in the mouth. It is caused by a group of enteroviruses, with the most

common being Coxsackievirus A16. In Quezon City, a total of 51 cases of HFMD have been logged from January 1 to 19, 2025. Last year, 147 cases were reported by the city government, with around 50% of cases being spread at home and 50% being spread in public places. It is most common in children younger than 5-7 years old, but it occurs in adolescents and adults as well. Symptoms may include fever; sore throat; blister-like lesions on the

Two years of isolation from the previous pandemic has taught us not only to be resilient in those times but to be highly cautious in our health.

tongue, gums, and cheek; rashes; and loss of appetite. There is currently no treatment for HFMD as preliminary studies are still under development. However, those with the disease may take necessary medications to alleviate illnesses such as over-the-counter relief to alleviate fever, lesions, and other symptoms. While there is no treatment for the illness, HFMD can still be prevented by washing your hands; refraining from touching your face, eyes,

and mouth; and avoiding close contact.

Two years of isolation from the previous pandemic has taught us not only to be resilient in those times but to be highly cautious in our health. With the rise of HFMD slowly infecting our children, it is our responsibility to unite and prevent another epidemic from eventually taking thousands of lives from us. Just a simple act of washing hands and avoiding skin contact would reduce the chances of another pandemic harming our livelihoods.

More than just water

The Call for a Better Tomorrow

by Holden Peredo

With nearly half of the world’s waters being severely polluted, the need for new solutions to clean the Earth’s bodies of water has increased.

Just when we thought all hope was lost, Team Crunchlets, a group of six young creative students from Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) emerged with their project about wastewater treatment. Last December 31, they received a research funding of P461,350 thanks to the partnership of multiple institutions, allowing them to improve existing wastewater treatment systems.

Partner institutions include three Department of Science and Technology (DOST) institutes—DOSTMetals Industry Research and Development Center (DOSTMIRDC), DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and DOSTPhilippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), as well as Anthroserv Inc.

Team Crunchlets held a presentation at the Philippine International Convention Center, where they discussed their accomplishments since the official start of their project last February. They are also expected to complete their research project in either late December or early January 2025.

“This is really fulfilling for us Scientians as we are tackling such a niche topic on wastewater treatment and nuclear technologies, which can turn out to be such a big contribution to our goal of finding innovations for the current problems of wastewater treatment in the Philippines,” Team Crunchlets

“ We hope that our struggles as students of QCSHS create an opportunity for others to move forward and lead us into a better tomorrow.

Marco

Miguel Espiritu Team Crunchlets Leader

Their research focuses on exposing plastic carriers in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) to gamma and electron-beam radiation. This increases the stickiness of plastic carriers, which promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms to grow and treat wastewater.

“We hope that our struggles as students of QCSHS create an opportunity for others to move forward and lead us into a better tomorrow,” Espiritu added.

The team hopes that their work will inspire other young minds to pursue sustainable solutions in tackling environmental issues, in the hope for a better future.

PITS

AND PATS OF THE RAINY SEASON

by Miko Rey Opinion | Illustration by Amber Andrada

As the rain pours down, all Filipinos get is pity and pats on their backs as they wait for the government’s “response.”

The Philippines is not new to typhoons. In 2024 alone, the country experienced 19 typhoons including those considered as super typhoons. Even with all these, the Philippine government cannot seem to find a formula for responding to the needs of its citizens in such times of need. From the outdated disaster plans to the delayed class and work suspension notices, Filipinos continue to suffer from an event that has continued to reoccur since back then.

Typhoons have intensified in the past few years and will continue to do so due to the underlying effects of climate change among other environmental issues that the country has. In a study by the University of the Philippines

- Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UPD-CSIESM), researchers have warned the country of typhoons with higher cyclone damage potential or CDP due to the supposed warmer and more humid climate because of climate change. This increase in CDP also heightens the potential damage costs brought by typhoons. It does not help that the country’s leading disaster management research program Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard) was terminated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) back in 2017. While it had been adopted by UP’s Research Institute (UPRI) shortly after, there were notable changes in the workflow of the project with insufficient funding being the main cause. Upon its

“

Even with all these, the Philippine government cannot seem to find a formula for

Starting at the Grassroots

Starting at the Grassroots

Q

uezon City Science High School

(QCSHS) is no stranger to sprouts, as it is one of the most fertile lands to metaphorically “plant” something after all — whether that be a difficult but rewarding research study, a new hobby, or even a new organization.

“Start small but aim big,” said QCSHS Science Club and Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) head Chandy Sison, and indeed they are starting small but aiming big as they plant the seed that is YES-O, expecting it to bloom once more in this school year and following school years to come.

YES-O is an environmental schoolbased organization. The organization was established by the Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in all public

by Marco Fabros

schools under DepEd in 2003 to serve as a platform for students to gain awareness and take action towards safeguarding, protecting, and conserving the environment for the future of the youth.

This school year, the QCSHS chapter of YES-O had finally sprouted once again after being dormant in the soil for a few school years, headed by Chandy Sison, a Grade 12 student and also the current QCSHS Science Club head. She, alongside her executive committee members, was tasked by their club advisers to once again reestablish YES-O in QueSci. She stated that the environmental challenges that YES-O aims to address in the school are mainly plastic and paper waste. The organization aims to resolve these issues through programs such as weekly garbage collections, cleanup drives, and awareness campaigns.

Though the projects may seem minute now, the organization is confident that these small steps are all towards a bigger goal: a clean and sustainable QueSci.

“Even if our projects aren’t that big yet, they do count and if sustained, they will be a big help to our environment,” says Sison.

As a final cultivation or a way to reap what they have sown throughout the school year, YES-O aims to have one more project at the end of the school year, an awareness campaign for the Earth month celebration held in April. They plan to collaborate with the media organizations and other science-related clubs of QCSHS to educate the school and its stakeholders of the environmental issues the Scientian community is facing and how to resolve them.

Leader Marco Miguel Espiritu stated.

Photo

Photo from Isaiah De Guzman

BREAKING NEW GROUND. Student researcher Marco Espiritu and his team present and answer in a forum at Mall of Asia, Pasay City on October 26, 2023.

PATS SEASON

Andrada

termination, the project was only able to complete 60% of the country’s flood maps and the team working on it was not able to create the municipal risk assessments that they had proposed.

Apart from the outdated flood and disaster maps in the country, there is an evident misguidance from local government units. As local officials, it is to be expected that the people in position are the ones who know what is happening in their area the best. However, announcements on suspensions continue to roll out much later

are lower in altitude and therefore experience floods more easily.

But with how the process of suspensions goes, there will not be any suspensions until the rain becomes heavier therefore causing more inconvenience than it should have.

As the developments and efforts in the disaster risk reduction and management of different government units continue to be regarded with little priority, there lies no hope for the betterment of Filipino lives during typhoon seasons anytime soon. What

Handling a Fateful Microscopic Dilemma

With the decline of skin diseases such as chickenpox and monkeypox, a new illness has emerged in schools and day care centers. A disease that once appeared seven decades earlier is now primarily targeting children— hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild and contagious illness that causes blister-like rashes on the hands and feet and painful sores in the mouth...

Read More on Page 18

Sitting this one in

Instead, it is a two-dimensional model arranged in a way that makes chemistry classes less complicated than they already are: The Periodic Table of Elements.

people running in the next elections mitigate, prepare, and recover from

In a typical Filipino high school classroom, learning quantum numbers, ionization energy, and electron configuration can be intimidating. While Dmitri Mendeleev’s periodic table is a fundamental tool that allows easy understanding of these concepts, the scarcity of Filipino science literature and research makes it difficult for Filipinos to connect deeply with the model and their culture as a whole. Student journalist Reid Manares saw these gaps in the science field and decided to take matters into his own hands.

In fact, on August 25, he made a public post on Facebook of his invention in commemoration of Buwan ng Wika: a Filipino-translated periodic table entitled “Ang Talahanayang Peryodiko: Isang Pagbabakasakali sa Wikang Filipino.” He emphasized the word “pagbabakasakali” as the model is not a direct translation of Mendeleev’s table but rather a well-thought-out organization of elements with several factors considered.

The talahanayan was created two years ago during the pandemic when Manares was suddenly fueled by curiosity after discovering that there was no Filipino translation of the material. Hence, he

mean “element,” which is similar to Japanese. For instance, hydrogen became idróba (from the Spanish term hidro or water), helium became elyóba (from the Spanish term helio or sun), and boron became boróba (from the Latin term borax or sodium borate)

Manares also utilized native terms for most transition metals and a few nonmetals whenever possible. Otherwise, he used loan words. For example, he translated sulfur to sandawâ from Mëranaw, iron to bákal from Tagalog, copper to sawáy from Hiligaynon, gold to gintô from Tagalog, and silver to pílak from Cebuano.

For 23 elements, he changed their spellings to maintain consistency with chemical symbols, differentiate them from Filipino words, limit syllable count, and represent relevant influences. A few examples of these are sodium or nátriyo and potassium or kalíyo, which are based on foreign languages like Spanish and Japanese.

The nomenclature of 71 elements was also derived entirely from Spanish, including the names of the element groups. Alkali Metals were named Mga Metál na Álkali, Alkaline Earth Metals were named Mga Metál na Alkalíno, Early and Late Transition Metals were named Mga Metál sa Únang at Hulíng Transisyón, Halogens were named Mga Halohén, and Noble Gases were named Mga Buhág na Matigál.

or inaccessible to Filipinos. Rather, his detailed version has opened doors for more Filipino science studies to emerge and for his fellow countrymen to want to take a seat at the table. This innovation is not solely an adaptation of a universal tool but also one that demonstrates how Filipino culture has a place in science. As students sit around

“ This innovation is not solely an adaptation of a universal tool but also one that demonstrates how Filipino culture has a place in science.

tables of glass, wood, and granite in classrooms across the country, there is now one more table they can gather around — a table made of pure substances like karbóba, gintoputî, zirkónyo, and sílikon.

When Dmitri Mendeleev first started to create the periodic table, he decided to group elements that exhibit similar traits. He then published a chart of the 60-odd elements that time and called it “An Attempt at a System of Elements, Based on their Atomic Weight and Chemical Affinity,” which is coincidentally similar to Manares’ table: “Isang Pagbabakasakali.”

Illustration by Amber Leigh Andrada

Photo from Reid Manares

by Thien Than Mangubat

A Scientian’s Sleeping Pattern WITHOUT A WINK

So much to accomplish, and yet so little rest.

With schoolwork piling up and schedules packed with deadlines and tests, it is tough to find time for a good night’s sleep. However, how exactly does sleep play a role in the performance of a student, and what does this mean for students who are notorious night owls?

The Importance of Sleep

According to an article by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), quality sleep is essential for survival. Quality sleep helps in concentration, proper learning, and creation of new memories. Additionally, it affects the performance and functions of the different bodily organs, as well as one’s alertness and reaction time.

Following this, adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological health. It contributes to vital restoration, body repairs, and memory consolidation. Lack of sufficient sleep can cause hormonal imbalances, low

To understand the sleeping patterns of the Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) community and their effects, an online survey was conducted.

The survey aimed to identify the average number of hours students were able to sleep on a daily basis. The results were broken down into the following percentages:

→ 64% indicated that they sleep for 3-5 hours.

→ 27% said that they sleep for 6-8 hours.

→ 9% indicated that they sleep for 0-2 hours.

The majority of the reasons for lacking sleep are heavy workloads (assignments, activities, and projects), tests scheduled the following day/s, and other pending requirements that demand adequate attention and preparation.

The Effects Naturally, there will be consequences to a bad sleep schedule — particularly in the overall physical and mental performance of a student. Having not achieved the prescribed

class, and may often be caught sleeping through it. Additionally, without proper time management, one’s body clock is more likely to get disrupted, which will lead to bad sleeping schedules and higher risks of illnesses.

Possible Solutions

→ Proper sleep schedule and routine: time management and self-discipline will always remain the keys to a healthier lifestyle and stable sleeping patterns.

→ Sleeping Environment: This may vary based on one’s preferences, but can help significantly for a more comfortable resting experience.

→ Diet: To protect yourself from the possible risks of getting sick, compensate for one’s lack of sleep through having a more balanced diet paired with exercise, as well as regular vitamins and other medications.

While having a heavy workload is something usual for Scientians, may we not forget to still get enough sleep. May we remember that consistently lacking sleep may damage our health in just a blink of an eye.

27% sleep for 6-8 hours

9% sleep for 0-2 hours

64% sleep for 3-5 hours

DID YOU KNOW?

These are the most flooded barangays in Quezon City:

Del Monte Masambong

Bagong Silangan

Dona Imelda

Roxas

Tatalon

Apolonio

Samson

QCSHS Youth Ambassadors represent PH in Japan summit

by Miguel Austria

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) was chosen by the Department of Education (DepEd) to represent the Philippines in the high school students summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024 in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture last October 23 and 24.

The summit aimed to bring together youth leaders from around the globe to raise awareness about tsunami preparedness and disaster resilience.

Youth Ambassadors from QCSHS were Kenzo Miguel Tayko, Lance Paul Luistro, Miguel Lorenzo Austria, Ayanna Michaella Girao, and Alexei Masaluñga along with their adviser Mary Ann Jaramilla.

In the summit, students participated in workshops where they presented their research findings and discussed how to address disaster risks, prevention strategies, risk reduction, and creative reconstruction.

Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Kamal Kishore, also spoke via video stressing the significance of this year’s summit.

“Despite the progress made in the last 20 years, much more is needed, especially around investing in our youth to create a culture of disaster

prevention,” said Kishore.

The summit concluded with the adoption of the “Kumamoto ‘KIZUNA’ (Bonds) Declaration,” which was drafted by the participating students.

Highlighted in this declaration are important actions needed to strengthen their own capability for disaster prevention, disaster risk reduction, and disaster recovery.

Aside from the two days of activities during the summit, the participating students also completed study tours in advance of the summit, which paved the way for their collaboration on disaster risk reduction and building resilience for the future.

“We are profoundly grateful to the organizers and the government of Japan for this life-changing experience. Being here has shown us the true power of preparedness and unity, and we are determined to bring that strength back to the Philippines to safeguard our communities”, expressed Philippine Youth Ambassador, Girao.

This year’s Summit saw participation of 313 students from 78 high schools in Japan and 213 students from 41 other countries, for a total of 526 students.

Illustration by Auvey Tuppil

Photo by Miguel Austria

NEW LEARNINGS. Philippines

delegates from QCSHS attend the World Tsunami Awareness Summit in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture on October 24.

Blossoming Blooms, Withering Buds

by Canny Balinas

The country loves me, the country loves me not.

Filipinos bloom with pride from the glory, honor, and prestige brought by the magnanimous sports feats of our compatriots in the name of nationalistic pride. But, has the country ever provided the support its athletes so desperately need?

The total appropriations of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under the national budget has wilted over the course of three years with P2.27 billion in 2023, P1.15-billion in 2024, and a mere P725.75-million in 2025. The P431-million cut the PSC is facing in the proposed 2025 budget leaves much to be desired, seeing how President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had allocated P1.054-billion for travel expenses in the same proposed budget.

Sports is seen as a hobby and not a profession. The prospect of having a professional career in a third-world country like the Philippines is seen as nothing more but a dream and wishful thinking. Filipinos ridicule and frown upon those who claim that sports is their profession, seeing how a stable job is a necessity to survive in this economy. However, rather than criticizing the athletes who strive and work blood, sweat, and tears to bring glory to the country, why not criticize the system responsible — the government and its negligence of the sports industry?

The resurgence of Filipinos dominating international sports competitions should be a wake-up call for the Philippine government to shower our promising athletes with support. Fresh from the high of our Paris Olympics accomplishments, now is the time to finally provide funding for our athletes from other sports who remain stagnant and discouraged due to the lack of financial support.

Our athletes deserve so

“Rather than criticizing the athletes... why not criticize the system responsible?

much more. Their unceasing pleas for more support and budget fall on deaf ears time and time again. Recently, Filipinos are beginning to bloom once more as our athletes dominate the international sports scene thanks to Carlos Yulo’s twin Olympic golds, EJ Obiena’s pole-vaulting feats, and Tachiana Mangin’s historic taekwondo gold leading the charge. A garden of budding athletes sprouted from the motivation our outstanding compatriots watered upon them, and the aspiring youth deserves the support the country failed to provide others in the past. The country only recognizes our athletes once they have grown and blossomed, yet we fail to attend to the buds who yearn for nourishment — leaving them to wither away.

SHARPENED CLAWS

QCSHS women’s volleyball team clinches silver

by Mishael Nacu

As sharp as an eagle and as fierce as a lion, the mighty griffins soar onward to new heights!

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) was a mere stone throw’s away from a ticket to the Volleyball division meet, having lost the district championship title to Philippine Science High School (PSHS), 14-25, 25-22, 25-19, 18-25, 10-15, in the District Women’s Volleyball Meet grand finals on Saturday, October 12, at the Judge Juan Luna High School volleyball court.

QCSHS Soaring Griffins players Gabriela Gaviola and Liana Carmona spearheaded the effort against PSHS with

Erased identity

precise sets and powerful spikes, while Kyle Irish Mae Pleyto and Jaye Ann Samonte contributed with key points and service aces.

“Binigay nila lahat ang kanilang 100% sa court and di natin talaga maexpect na makakatapat nila ulit iyon so siguro andun talaga yung opportunity na makakatapat ulit natin sila sa championship. I think 100% na all out,” asserted QCSHS Coach Dannilyn Allam.

The Griffins quickly took the lead in the first set with a stunning service ace after struggling to convert opportunities into points as PSHS held their ground against QCSHS’ offense, 1-0.

TEAM TAKEOVER

by Miguel Austria

Victory or Identity? The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is a ticking time bomb. A league that, at first, built itself a vibrant community with thrilling rivalries, passionate fans, and, most importantly, players that capture the hearts of the viewers with their flair, is now seeing decline and awaiting collapse. This raises a pressing question: Is the PBA losing its identity to imports?

Established in 1975, PBA was instituted with the idea of showcasing Filipino talent. Filipino players were the stars, and the audience came to support them. However, the introduction of imports in 1980 flipped the script for PBA. Imports are foreign athletes allowed to play in the league to increase competitiveness and attract more fans, ultimately enriching the basketball experience in the Philippines. Although they elevate the quality of play, their dominance has raised concerns about overshadowing local talent and impacting the league’s identity. Yes, imports are necessary for elevating competition. Their level of play, like the explosive scoring of imports like Sean Chambers and Tony Harris, have influenced local players to adapt to a faster-paced game. However, this should not jeopardize the growth of local talents. While these imports undeniably raise the level of competition, one must ask: Is this still the “Philippine” Basketball League if foreign players overshadow the locals?

An Inquirer survey asked fans how to improve live attendance during games, and amidst these varying opinions

arose a

common answer: bring back home-grown talent. Fans believe that the introduction of imports has taken away opportunities for local talents to play and develop. This is a hard decision for teams, as there are notable imports like Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who have been dominant forces in the league and were always huge factors in the outcomes of games. For instance, in the recent PBA Governors’ Cup, Brownlee led Barangay Ginebra to an impressive 2-1 commanding lead against the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals, anchored by his 30-point breakout performance.

The reliance on imports has shoved local talent to the backseat. To solve this predicament, the PBA must strike a balance. They should embrace the diversity, inclusivity, and competition imports bring to the league, but never at the cost of Filipino talent. Always put the Filipinos first as they are the identity of the game.

Pisay closed out the set decisively, taking it with a score of 25-14, leaving Quesci to regroup and to strategize for the next set.

In the second set, QCSHS took an early lead by capitalizing on three PSHS errors, while Carmona and Samonte contributed points to solidify their momentum, 3-0.

As the set progressed, Pleyto added to QCSHS’ score in a fiercely competitive match where the lead frequently changed hands, ultimately allowing the Griffins to secure a hard-fought victory with a final score of 25-22, tying the record at 1-1 in the finals.

Coming off their first

winning set, the QCSHS Soaring Griffins were quick to overcome their opponents as they held out the lead for majority of the game, putting up a dominant fight for the third set, 25-19.

In the fourth set, Pisay gained momentum to secure the lead from Quesci, as Griffins struggled with errors after grabbing two consecutive sets, ultimately winning the set, 25-18.

In a thrilling final set, both teams were ready to take home the championship, playing as if they had not just played four sets, but PSHS got the better of QCSHS in a tightly contested battle— winning 15-10 to claim the championship title.

“

Is this still the “Philippine” Basketball League if foreign players overshadow the locals?

Persistent — a word that can be associated with the Filipino nation. Despite chains of setbacks from being defeated in international competitions, the nation continues to exert its never-ending love and unwavering support for its athletes. Refusing to surrender on their sports dreams, Filipinos break out of their shell and grow to be better than before — excelling in ways that were once unfamiliar to us.

Sports is a huge phenomenon in the Philippines. It is an activity that unites our country as the sports scene, especially basketball and boxing, is a big part of the culture. Events such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Finals and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) fight featuring Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the “People’s Champion,” not only bonded families but also united the whole nation due to his immense popularity among Filipinos. Now, more sports are slowly sprouting and gaining ground with the nation.

Athletes like two-time Olympic gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo, boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, and pole vaulter Ernest “EJ” Obiena

Game Changer Rice Game!

Electronic games are like rice. Ask a Filipino, “What do you need to survive?” The answer would be as simple as things categorized into food, shelter, or money. With the help of two Filipino staples, rice, and online games, sieving through these whitegrain answers will help you find the pebbles of a certain future Philippine Esports is bound to. Filipinos have received global acclamation after participating in online games overseas, most notably in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Valorant, and NBA 2K. One of the greatest achievements Filipinos have received in the Esports scene was back in 2023 when the Philippines national Esports Team Sibol was crowned Grand World Esports Champion for the World’s Esports Championship. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) hosts a renowned event each year with eight Metro Manila Universities: Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University

do not just bring glory to the Filipino people. They also inspire them to try new sports and expand their comfort zone. Every time these athletes showcase their journey filled with blood, sweat, and tears, the nation feels as if they were celebrating every victory together.

As these athletes make their names echo throughout the world, they expose Filipinos to sports that have once been overlooked. Sports such as gymnastics, weightlifting, and even mixed martial arts (MMA) are now celebrated by Filipino people, accepting the fact that these sports are worth pursuing. Their minds have been opened to a world of possibilities that come with the appreciation of these underrated sports.

Filipinos exploring outside of their comfort sports is a game changer that opens new doors, not just for athletes, but also for the whole country’s sport scene. With the recent rise of different sports, more Filipinos are given the chance to express their talents to the whole world. Athletes can make names for themselves and uplift the honor and glory of our country.

At the end of the day, sports is

more than just winning or losing. It serves as a domain for us Filipinos to showcase our talents, express our emotions and share our gifts all over the world.

With diverging opportunities, young Filipinos are given a new medium to explore and discover their own paths in sports. Although winning is the goal, the most important part will always be discovering your unique strengths. With sports as a game changer in our community, it allows us to unite and transpire as one, showcasing that an athlete’s journey holds endless outcomes.

DEFYING GRAVITY

Vaulting into the Golden Age

“Caloy” Yulo swept the floor with not just one but two gold medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Up until the summer of 2021, the Philippines has been experiencing a severe drought in the Olympic scene as athletes fell short of bagging golds. Things changed when

weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz managed to secure the nation’s first ever gold medal since its Olympic debut in 1924. Three years after that historic event, the country’s pride and competitive spirit lights ablaze once more as gymnast Carlos

Much like how the run-up, springboard, table, and landing mat are all equipment that contribute to the identity of the sport, the gymnast was shaped by a series of fortunate events, unforeseen circumstances, and supportive people that surround him.

Yulo did not springboard himself straight to Olympic glory. The golden boy, like any other, was once a normal Filipino child with a passion.

The Run-Up Gymnastics seems to be an innate talent of Caloy as his grandfather Rodrigo witnessed the young soon-to-be Olympic medalist doing cartwheels and tumbles in a local playground at the young age of seven years old. Afterwhich, Rodrigo brought the young child to train at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) facility and eventually join competitions.

As a teenager, Yulo competed and bagged gold in the 2009 Palarong Pambansa in Tacloban as an NCR representative establishing his career in competitive gymnastics. This competition served as the athlete’s first step of many leading to his historical feat 15 years after.

The Springboard Fast forward to 2016, the young gymnast

accepted a scholarship offer from the Japan Olympic Association to train in Japan. Yulo followed through and migrated to Japan in pursuit of his passion. The student-athlete then graduated in 2022 with an associates degree in Literature. Under the wing of coach Munehiro Kugiyama, Caloy trained and began to compete internationally, jumpstarting his international competitive gymnastics career. Yulo made his name known in the global scene in 2018 at the Melbourne World Cup and followed up with a bronze in floor exercise at the 2018 World Championships in Doha, making him the first Filipino representative to win a medal at the world championships. Soon after, the golden boy rose to national stardom in 2019 as the first Filipino gymnast to win a world title after a historic gold medal was awarded for his performance at the World Championships in Stuttgart.

The Table After placing tenth in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the national athlete proceeded to bag medal after medal as he propelled the Philippine team to a silver medal finish in the 2022 Southeast Asian games with a gold medal for floor exercise, still rings, vault, and horizontal bar. He then joined the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series in 2023 where he won gold on the floor exercise, silver on the parallel bars, and bronze on the vault, followed with a silver medal in the all-around at the Asian

Championships that same year.

Riding the high of his seemingly endless string of incredible feats and international wins, the young athlete fell to the ground and as he placed last with a disastrous score of 67.765 at the 2023 Sportpaleis. This was after the Olympian and seven-year coach Munehiro Kugiyama separated ways. Eager for redemption, the determined athlete trained for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the hands of his new mentor, Allen Castañeda.

The Landing Mat On August 3, 2024, it finally happened. Yulo did not just redeem himself for his lackluster performance in the previous year, he went up and beyond redemption as the athlete roared with pride in the 2024 Paris Olympics after his feet remained grounded in his floor exercise, earning him the second gold Olympic medal the country has won. Not only that, the nation’s golden boy won his second Olympic gold for the vault, tallying the country’s Olympic golds to three. Yulo’s historical Olympic win is shared with Filipinos around the globe as news of his success reverberated through the hearts of each and every one. With Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo, the way is paved and the stage is now set for the Filipino athletes that also wish to share their glory in the Olympic scene. Caloy did not just bring glory to the country, through him, the nation is vaulting into the golden age of athletics.

(DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), University of the Philippines Diliman (UP), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Every season, UAAP serves the same plain white rice, but there was a change in flavor this season as they made room for the Esports scene in their roster last August 16 to 21. This UAAP season, bilo-bilo was served. Season 87 offered a special rice delicacy cooked in a new way, with a soupy and bouncy texture. Esports and bilo-bilo share these characteristics, as both are leisure and fun. Not many people enjoy active sports and prefer more digestible play like online games, which helped this diverse change in the line-up bring a new kind of excitement in the audience This UAAP season, bibingka was served. Known for its sticky nature, many have surely stuck like bibingka this season. With this sport exposed in a well-known event, it gained traction from locals who were out of the loop.

Those who are familiar with the sport helped the event gain more followers.

This UAAP season, puto was served. Steamed to perfection like this bouncy kakanin, Esports gained more support from the masses that jumped to giving attention to the sport in a professional setting. The talented Esports players of the Philippines were able to shine like pebbles in the limelight — but in their own country this time.

Esports took a while to be added to the roster despite its popularity, for the reason it is not being recognized as a real sport. But the Philippine’s pearly talents beg to differ, carrying with them their undeniable skills that will surely make anyone change their mind. Esports is just like any other sport; there is something to win, somewhere to learn, and someone to inspire.

Volume 57 | Issue 01

The Official English Publication of Quezon City Science High School sports

by Enzo Balanag

by Canny Balinas

by Aljane Venice Dalin

Illustration by Auvey Tuppil