MAROON INK S.Y 2023 | Issue 1, Volume 12

TAKE A STEP

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Batch 2023 graduates perseveres for all ups and downs

UMIlangreapssuccessduringUM InterbranchExpressionSkills2023

byMichelleGampo-an byAngelaGraceB.Degamon

"Practice makes perfect " Students of the University of Mindanao, Ilang High School completes week long rehearsals for June 9 graduation UMIHS' class of 2023 is looking forward to their graduation this year, as the majority of the students did not get to experience their completion ceremony during the extended lockdown for the past two years The 134(?) confirmed graduates of Senior High School are now all set for the most-awaited face-to-face graduation rites with the students' graduation song, "We Can "

Following the rehearsals, a recognition practice will be conducted on June 5 together with the releasing of cards On June 6, all grade levels will have their recognition for the last semester of the school year While the graduating students are expected to participate in their Baccalaureate Mass in the afternoon

As the students persevered through the difficulties that they faced all throughout the school year, students are likely feeling a mix of anticipation, anxiety, and even emotion as they approach graduation Some students have had pleasant anticipation of this day for many years, while some could be fearful of it Whatever the case, it may be a profoundly emotional experience for all those involved

UM Ilang High School proved theycankeepupwiththeother bigger branches of University ofMindanaointheInterbranch Expression Skills 2023 held at the UM Matina Campus last April25

This year ' s interbranch expression skills consisted of variouscompetitionsincluding Asian Parliamentary Debate, Archimedes Quiz Bee Challenge, Photojournalism, Digital Poster Making, Parody Music Video, and Desktop Publishing cont on page 3

Intramurals2023reunitesUMians

The 5-day intramurals event of UM Ilang HighSchoolonFebruary13to17reunites and tests UMians teamwork through the six divisions of units namely: Orange Phoenix,PinkPegasus,YellowGriffin,Red Dragon,BlackSphinx,andBlueLycan

The first day began with the event’s opening through the parade of the six units and banner raising which was won by the Pink Pegasus, while LitMus followed in the afternoon as well as the announcement of winners for the field demo performance with the theme, calisthenics

byShairaLouSison

Athletes competed in various sports, including badminton, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess, and takraw, from the second to the fourth day Additionally, the SSG officers opened booths like the love knot, photobooth, music/message request booth, movie booth, face painting, and weddingbooth

On the last day, outsiders filled the audience to show support for the UM Got Talent event as well as the search forMutyangUM2023

SHSStudentsyellforgoldinPEDay’s CheerdanceCompetition

As one of the highlights of UMIHS MAPEH/PE Day, the cheerdance competition was held in the afternoon of April 28,2023atUMIHS gymnasium

byAngelaGraceB.Degamon

The contenders werecomposedof senior high school studentsthatwere groupedaccording totheirgradeand section

Red Dragons, headed by Resimae Timbang, Sharmie Angel Togonon, and Alejah Llanes as choreographers, were laudedasthefielddemochampions

10groupsstrived tobeontop The sections from Grade 11; sections Amethyst,Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, and Pearl

And the sections from Grade 12; sectionsNeptune, Uranus, Venus, and Mercury shows off their month-long rehearsed performances cont on page 3

Blue Lycans dominated the literary competitions, winning six of the eight gold medals in the following categories: oration, balak, impromptu speaking, essay writing in English, poem writing in both English and Filipino categories, while Yellow Griffin took home the two remaining golds for impromptu speaking and essay writing in Filipino Sports category was dominated by Orange Phoenixforbaggingsixgolds,followedby five golds from Red Dragons, Pink Pegasus with four, Yellow Griffin with two, and Blue Lycans and Black Sphinx withoneapiece

Blue Lycans managed to secure the goldfortheHiphopcompetitionunder theUMGotTalentevent,whileOrange Phoenix and Yellow Griffin gained the gold for vocal solo and vocal duet, respectively Trixy Germaine Pon of Blue Lycans was crowned as Mutya ng UM 2023 while Pink Pegasus, with a score of 204, was hailed as the overall champion, one point ahead of Blue Lycans,thefirstrunner-up “Enteringthetop5alreadyfeltsurreal tome Thus,winningthetitle,‘Mutyang UM Ilang High School 2023’ was truly unexpectedbutI’mdelightedthatIwas able to prove to myself and to the people who doubted me that I can do it”,saidPoninaninterview

GRADUATION DAY Students of UMIHS batch 2023 graduates marchestowardssuccessattheUniversityofMindanao-Ilang inIlang,DavaoCityonFriday(June09,2023)

Michelle Gampo-an

UM Ilang High School Hails New Queen for

Ms. Intramurals 2023

byAngelaGraceB.Degamon

TrixyGermainePon, a Grade 11 student from Unit 6 Blue Lycans answer during the Question and Answer portion of UM Ilang High School’s search for Ms Intramurals 2023 last February 17, 2023 at the UMIlangHighSchoolGymnasium

Since Ms. Angie Lee Verzano was crowned as Ms. Intramurals 2019, theschoolhadbeenseekingfortherightfulsuccessorofthecrown Tworepresentativesfromeachofthesixunitsviedforthisyear’stitle each giving off their most outstanding wits and charms, but only one prevailed

During the preliminaries, five contestants were able to reap the minor awards.

Airra Shaine Grande of Unit 3 was awarded Ms Congeniality, People’s ChoiceAward,BestinEveningGown,andBestinTalent

Ajainex Trazona of Unit 1 garnered the awards Best in Sports Attire, BestinCreativeJeans,andBestinSchoolUniform

Ms Photogenic was awarded to Charmie Jen B Dorin from Unit 5 Norhan Priyah Umbay of Unit 2 was hailed Best Performer, and the MostEloquentawardwasgiventoTrixyGermainePonofUnit6

Her winning answer about hard work, faith, and grit paved way for Pon ofUnit6BlueLycanstowinMs.Intramurals2023.

Meanwhile, Ms Intramurals first runner-up was awarded to Airra Shaine Grande, Ms Intramurals second-runner up was Sharmie Angel Togonon of Unit 4, Ms Intramurals third runner-up was given to Princess Janil Jamile of Unit 3 and Ms Intramurals fourth runner-up wasAjainexTrazona

“I didn’t expect that I would be able to get the crown I was even deemed weakest during the rehearsals But thanks to my family, my friends, and to our Almighty God, all hardships and uncertainties really paidoffintheend ”Ponsaidinaninterview

MAPEH DAY SPURS UMIANS’ TEAMWORK AND INNOVATION

byShairaLouSision

UMians showcased creativity and unity through their self-created performance including costume and props during the MAPEH Day 2023 lastApril28atUMIlangGymnasium.

Three sections from Grade 7 competed for the festival dance category: Adelfa, Cattleya, and Daisy in which section Adelfa bagged the gold for performing Panagbenga festival led by Patricia Isabel M. Cunanan, DapheneJaneSarandonaandPrincessZinnyB Fronda

Section Acacia of Grade 8 led by Mikaela Gubatina, Trexie Mitch Herrera, andNazmienaBasilioachievedthegoldforthefolkdancecategoryagainst sectionDao

For the social dance category, two sections from Grade 9 aimed for the gold: Atis and Durian, wherein Atis managed to secure the gold with their performanceledbytheirclasspresident,RemnylSilva

Pop dance category was competed by the three Grade 10 sections: Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, and Rizal, and Bonifacio succeeded to obtain the goldwiththeleadofStephanyRoseSumapig,MizzahJomelTinaytina,and PrincessMaeGeorpe

The three judges, Hector Aguilar, Mark Jason A Balabat, and Jowie S Cantomayor, used a set of rules and criteria to determine the winners in termsofchoreography,execution,concept,costumes,andoverallimpact

“I’m very proud of my section for working so hard and doing their best to execute the dance in the best way possible I’m also beyond proud of myself because I really did it despite the doubts and worries that I wouldn't be able to complete the choreography Indeed, hard work pays off!”,saidStephanyRoseSumapig,oneoftheBonifaciochoreographers

“The fact that this year's MAPEH Day event marks three years since the last one makes it so special I’m beyond happy and thankful right now for thestudentswhoworkedsohardtomakethiseventasuccess Thankyou allverymuch!”,saidKeithIrishMetillo,MAPEHcoordinator.

IfIwereinthepersonaoftheonewhowearsthecrown,IbelieveIdeserveit. Because[despite]ofallthehardships,uncertainties,anddoubtsIhavefor myself,Iamherestandinginfrontofy’allshowingyouwhatIam,whoIam, andwhatIcantrulydo.

—TrixyGermainePon

UM Ilang High School participated in the Quipperlympics 2023 held last month of March, hosted by the school’s chosen LMS,Quipper.

The event consisted of four competitions for students; the Poster Making Contest, Quiz Bee Competition,VloggingContest,and QuickTok

For the Quiz Bee competition, UMIHS bagged first runner-up for bothJuniorHighSchoolandSenior High School Categories. The winners were recognized as Jeny Diane Manriquez of Grade 10 Bonifacio, and Kate Samantha Famat of Grade 12 Venus Both of them received a cash prize worth 1000pesos

The school also won second runner-up in the Vlogging contest for the junior high school category, represented by a group of Grade 10 students namely; Shaira Lou Sison,MikeAndreAmper,Clarence Josh Rubilla, Kathleen Mae Biolon, and Joshua Rey Talingting, respectively The group was given a1500-pesoworthofcashprize.

byAngelaGraceDegamon

Lastly, UMIHS was awarded secondrunner up in QuickTok Senior High School Category, contended by the Grade 11 Students Marianne Lyzl Dacullo, Ryza Nicole Timon, Usher Mae Despojo, Katherine Faye Culajara, and Mearyll Bautista The group also received a cash prizeof2000pesos

This only shows that UM Ilang High School also has its grip in competitions held outside the campus, and has truly employed its core values especially excellence, in achieving a broader and higherlevelofsuccess.

WinnersofQuipperlympics2023Competitions

Each section showcased their outstanding performances and stunts but only the top three groups and one best choreographer were given awards and recognition. Second runner-up was awarded to Grade 11 Pearl, first runner-up was given to Grade 12 Venus.

The Asian Parliamentary Debate underwent three preliminary rounds, beforeproceedingtothesemi-finalswhich were then narrowed down into two finaliststhatviedforchampionshipinthe actualdayoftheprogram

After winning one out of three rounds during preliminaries, the students Trixy Germaine Pon, Elyshah Faye Cinco, and Jabez Chamee De Guia representing UM Ilang,wereabletobecomepartofthetop fourteamstocompeteforthesemi-finals

They won against UM Guianga, and were abletocompeteagainstUMMatinainthe championship round The team, coached by Mrs Maileen Altres, was able to accomplish second place in the Asian ParliamentaryDebate

While the Grade 12 representative of UMIHSforArchimedesQuizBeeChallenge, KateSamanthaFamatwasabletosecure the second spot, falling one point short fromclinchingthegoldmedal Famatwas assisted by Mrs Aryne Luzano and Mrs MarivaColita

The Ilang Branch also excelled in the Digital Poster Making represented by Janna Marie Banilad, which has also garneredsecondplace HercoachwasMr MalikS Macasalong

While the hailed champions were the students of Grade 11 Diamond. Their winning performance was choreographed by Marianne Lyzl L. Dacullo, which was also awarded as the best choreographer for the cheerdance competition. The event ended with a heartfelt thanks from the MAPEH Teacher of UM Ilang, Ms. Keith Irish Metillo herself.

She expressed her amazement and gratitude to all the students who have shown activeness and dedication from all the preparations until their final performance. She also added that no one has lost, for the event was a success. She emphasized that above all, it is the attitude and sportsmanship that matters the most.

Whereas, UM Ilang High School placed thirdintheParodyMusicVideocontest representedbyagroupcomprisedoffive studentsnamely;LanceGabrielleSenillo, Crisvin Coi Laguanas, Ryan Villasin, Keiran Khaiel Mabiscay, and Jehoven Culiao,respectively Thegroup'smentor wasMs KeithIrishMetillo These students have indeed proved themselves excellent like true UMians theyare,andforthattheentireschoolis veryproudandgrateful

Pagka-Filipino, muling ipinagdiwang ng UM Ilang High School

Muling idinaos ng Unibersidad ng Mindanao

Ilang High School noong Agosto 25, 2022 ang taunang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika. Gamit pa rin ng paaralan ang online na medyum sa pagdiriwang, ngunit hindi ito naging hadlang upang kanilang maipakita ang husay ng mga mag-aaral sa iba’t ibang larangang pangliteratura at sining sa Filipino.

Sa temang, “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Kasangkapan sa Pagtuklas at Paglikha”, iniugnay ng paaralan ang Filipino at mga

Katutubong Wika sa iba’t ibang patimpalak tulad na lamang ng pagsulat ng tula, pagsulat ng sanaysay, tagisan ng talino, wikang katutubo, i-TikTok mo!, Wikanta, at tradisyunal na pagguhit. Nagtagal ang pagdiriwang mula

Agosto 25 hanggang Agosto 29, bago opisyal na kinilala at binigyang gantimpala ang mga nanalo noong Setyembre 6, 2022.

Ang nag-uwi ng unang gantimpala sa patimpalak na pagsulat ng tula ay si Jasmine Asher Galanga. Sumunod naman sa kaniya ay si Clarence Josh Rubilla, at pangatlo naman sa puwesto si Trexie Mitch A. Herrera.

Sa pagsulat naman ng sanaysay, si Jeny Diane Manriquez ang nakatanggap ng unang gantimpala, pangalawa si Princess Janil Jamile, at pangatlo naman si Gabrielle Abucay.

Nahati naman ang patimpalak na tagisan ng talino sa tatlong kategorya. Ang labanan sa pagitan ng baitang pito at walo, pagalingan sa pagitan ng baitang siyam at sampu, at ang patimpalak sa pagitan ng mga kalahok mula baitang 11 at 12. Sa kategoryang baitang pito at walo, ang nanalong kampiyon ay si Elixir Therence Baugbog, pangalawa sa puwesto ay si Jhareign Solidum, at pangatlo naman si Joshane Justol.

Sa kategorya namang baitang siyam at sampu, ang nakapag-uwi ng ginto ay si Shaira Lou Sison, sumunod sa kaniya ay si Daniela Kate Hugo, at pumangatlo sa puwesto ay si Ashlee Xyra Samson. Mula sa kategorya namang Baitang 11 at 12, ang nanalong kampiyon ay si Danielle Punay, pumapangalawa sa pwesto si Johndell Duhaylungsod, at pangatlo naman si Erica Jane Almendras.

Samantalang sa Wikanta naman, itinanghal na panalo ang kalahok na si Cyril Faith Saludares, at pumapangalawa sa kaniya si Laurane Gallego. Panalo naman sa tradisyunal na pagguhit si Niko Paciano sa kategoryang Senior High School at si Lyra Suello naman ang sa Junior High School. Panghuli ay ang Wikang katutubo, i-tiktok mo!. Iginawad ang unang gantimpala kay Elyshah Faye Cinco, pangalawa si Marianne Lyzl Dacullo, at pangatlo si AlShana Insani.

Nagtapos ang pagdiriwang sa maikling talumpati ni Gng. Mariel R. Ragusta, guro sa Filipino, kung saan ay kaniyang ipinahayag ang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa mga estudyanteng sumuporta sa pagdaraos ng Buwan ng Wika 2022. Kaniya ring ipinaalala ang kahalagahan ng wikang Filipino at iba pang wikang katutubo sa pagtuklas at paglikha maging sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Kaya aniya’y marapat nga itong pahalagahan at pagyamanin, sapagkat ito ang palatandaan ng pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Filipino.

cont.frompage1|SHSSTUDENTSYELLFORGOLD INPEDAY'SCHEEDRDANCECOMPETITION

byNazmienaBasilio

Winners of Expression Skills 2023 Contests

Grade11DiamondhailedasChampionduring PEDayCheerdanceCompetition

Final Round of Asian Parliamentary Debate

UMIHS Entry for Parody Music Video Contest

COLORSOFDIVERSITY GRACEUMIHS’STAGE DURINGUNITED NATIONS2022

byAngelaGraceB.Degamon

The students' high energy reverberates across the four corners of UM Ilang High School’s gymnasium as they celebrate another year of unity in diversity

UMIHS held its annual UN celebration last November 29, 2022 with the theme “End Racism, Build Peace” The event promotes equality and unity despite the diversity, more particularly the differences in race, color, and culture

The celebration was associated with seven events that allowed students to showcase their prowess and knowledge: the Mr and Ms United Nations 2022, the United Nations Quiz Bee; UN Advocacy through Photography Contest; The Future We Want, The UN We Need Tiktok Contest; UN Sketch Contest; and UN Cultural Dance Contest

The celebration’s greatest highlight was the parade of nations in which the Mr and Ms United Nations were chosen Different faces of the member countries of the United Nations Organization brightened the event, with each student representing the various cultures of each nation through intricate costumes

ENDRACISM BUILDPEACE

The Mr and Ms United Nations award was based on the modeled creativity and intricacy by the student in representing his or her chosen country The pair who stands out the most shall be given the title

Ray Nathaniel Anung was awarded Mr United Nations second runner-up, and Erica Jane Almendras was announced as Ms United Nations second runner-up Mr and Ms United Nations first runners-up were Ryle Andre Busalla and Bianca Lorraine Cadenas While, the King and Queen of the event who stood out the most were Kent Gilbert Calimpusan and Remnyl Silva

The event also went on with the awarding of the contests that were held before the actual culmination

For the United Nations Quiz Bee JHS Category, Grade 8 Students Jian Krister Charmaine C Pojas, Jhareign S Solidum, and Isaiah Joshua A Erabon won bronze; while, second placers were Elixir Therence C Baugbog, Ray Nathaniel T Anung, and Ma Mikaela M Gubatina of Grade 8 Acacia The champions were students from Grade 10 Bonifacio namely; Juhan James F Pichon, Selwyn P Cabrera, and Alysson O Juriza, respectively

For the senior high school category, Grade 12 Mercury students Janna Marie Banilad, Nerisa Lei O Algodon, and Justin Lloyd Lomocso won third place Second place was awarded to Princess Janil Jamile, Kate Samantha Famat, and Michelle Rios Gampoan of Grade 12 Venus While Merry Grace Cañada, Althea Khrystel Bagas, and Holly Marie Goco of Grade 12 Uranus bagged the gold medal

The UN Advocacy through photography was championed by Isla Maria D Bustamante, while Christian Jay Logronio won silver and Kiziah Dorothy Gonzales won bronze for the said event

Clarence Josh Rubilla obtained the first prize for the event "The Future We Want, The UN We Need Tiktok Contest" Moreover, Sandregh Malabon was declared champion for the UN Sketch Contest, followed by the event’s second placer, Alexa Guile T Martecion

Lastly, for the UN Cultural Dance Contest, third place was given to Grade 12 section Mercury, second place was awarded to Grade 12 section Venus, while the Grade 11 STEM contenders were hailed champions

The celebration being held face-to-face for the first time after almost three years of utilizing online modality turned the event into a success It aroused the excitement and activeness among students as they were able to personally witness UM’s very own way of commemorating the birth of the United Nations

BOOK WEEK 2023: U M I H S

Amplifying the value of literacy: UMIHS celebrates National Reading Month

byNazmienaBasilio

On January 20, 2023, UMians gathered at UM Ilang gymnasium to celebrate another year of literacy The National Reading Month celebration for this year comes with the theme “Basa Bayan Bukas” which highlights the importance of reading to the society and for the future

There were a variety of competitions readied for the students to choose The "Tanghal Makata" or Spoken Word Poetry was related to the celebration’s theme

The Book-Tok Contest, or the TikTok video making was also relevant to the theme, including Book Face competition and Book Spine Poetry The Parade of Book Characters was the highlight of the event; where the students with the best costumes were chosen as Best Dressed Book Character

The event also conducted a Book Donation Drive or the "Aklat Mo, Tagumpay Ko" This program was intended for the used donated books to be put up in a Reading Center at UM’s adopted community

The students did not fail in showing their active participation during the event, as the gymnasium was filled of students dressed as book characters All UMians showed unique creativity and resourcefulness but only three pairs were chosen to have the best portrayal The best dressed book characters were Bianca Lorraine Cadenas and Orion Dei Lupiba, followed by the first runners-up, Alexa Andrea Corro and Chiharu Alex Maeda, and the second runners-up were Wincy Uy and Christian Bag-ao

Meanwhile, winners for the "Tanghal Makata" or Spoken Word Poetry performed the said craft, in which they were awarded on the same day of the culmination The champion was Angela Grace B Degamon, second placer was Clarence Josh Rubilla, and the third placer was Natalie Daniella Ogtip

For the Book Face competition, Victoria Theresa Cangrejo’s work received the first prize, followed by Lovely Mae Logronio, while participants Irish Redoblado and Erleen Ramos got the third place Shaira Lou Sison and Joshua Rey Talingting brought home the victory for the Book Spine Poetry Contest, while second prize was granted to Kech Nepomuceno and Robert James Perez, and the third placer was Jasmine Asher Galanga

Lastly, the certificate for participating in the Book Donation Drive “Aklat Mo, Tagumpay Ko” was awarded to Alejah Llanes, a grade 12 student who generously donated her books to be given to the reading center of UM’s adopted community

The event was held to serve as a reminder to students how colorful the world is with the presence of books, as a medium that should be taken cared of The guest speaker of the event, Leonida Jara a librarian in Panabo City, engraved the essence of the celebration to the students’ minds, in one of the lines in her speech: "Knowledge is an everyday life tool, and it is through books that this knowledge is nourished and preserved"

byVictoriaTheresaCangrejo

UMians display Mathematics and Science skills through various events: quiz bee, essay writing, poster making, and innovative costume making during the MathSciaka last October 2022 with the theme, "Priming Perspectives, Amplifying Advancements".

Erica Jane Almendras from Grade 11Pearl with the aid of her designers; Vincent Luana, Jianne Malabarbas, and Elaiza Myca Borcelas bagged the gold for innovative costume making for the senior high school category, while Kent Bryle D. Aragao, Jeny Manriquez and Gherlie Meziemars Gimony dominated the junior high school category

Hannah Auxillo, Jhareign Solidum, Krizia Sereo, Abby Punay, Angela Grace Degamon, and Angel Mae Pelone achieved first place in their respective grade levels for the quiz bee event, which was branched into six categories from grades 7 to 12

Victoria Therese Cangrejo from Grade 11Amethyst took the top place in the essay writing for senior high school category, while Rhania Sahisan won first place for the junior high category Jenny Grace Arcena, from Grade 11 - Diamond, obtained gold in the Poster Making contest.

Ms Judy Montebon, the event's facilitator, was delighted and grateful for the students’ active participation, which served as the very foundation of the event’s success

MathSciakaInnovativeCostumeMakingContest

Book Week Culmination Day

E D I T O R I A L

FEAR AND JUSTIFICATION

by Angela Grace B Degamon

The fear of failing and the academic pressure has driven students to unknowingly commit an action that challenges their sense of veracity. It employs a thin line between a justifiable deed a ‘justification’ that falsely validates the desire of doing such dishonesty. Recently a controversy has aroused in the University of Mindanao Ilang High School about students who have been caught committing actions amid their examinations that go against the expected norms and morals of the university particularly aiming the honesty and integrity which is one of the core values of the institution It has triggered the vigilance of the academe’s faculty members and questions were raised such as; Is the educational system to be blamed? Is the school lacking? Or is it just the students who need to be reminded of how and when innovation goes beyond the boundary that leads to academic dishonesty?

Understanding the existence of such issue requires a broad perspective

According to Jessa Marie Catada, a psychologist in one of the biggest hospitals in Davao City she stated in a report that four of the major factors why students engage in these activities could be to unload burden false camaraderie conforming to trends, and technology as explained in the following:

Unloading the burden through a shortcut path to avoid discomfort and inconvenience, though a human nature and one of this issue’s major factors is of course something that should not be tolerated

The false camaraderie that they may have thought that they are obliged with the responsibility of helping others who are having difficulties especially amidst the dramatic transition from the distance learning to being back at school again everything is in haywire and they believe sharing is always the best way to help What they thought was a form of friendship and cooperation is actually crossing the line of academic dishonesty

Conforming to trends in a way that a student may be more inclined to commit these actions as he or she may have observed that most of their classmates do the same and still got good results is of course one of the influencers for a student to cheat As mentioned, why would a student bother studying if most of the other students don t, but can still be even part of the honor roll just by simply turning their heads and murmuring their mouths?

Catada furthermore explained that technology is another factor, as this medium can be found by the students as a way to share answers, especially with most school’s learning orientations today being blended or part face-to-face and part online

In shorter terms temptation is what drives a student to have the courage to engage into these dishonest acts Their lack of proper knowledge and misconceptions of ‘helping and ‘innovating’ to easily deal with their shortcomings is what mainly drives them into this hustle

But on second thought why cheat? Why do grades matter to students to the point that they are willing to lose their morals in exchange of an excellent mark? Peer pressure academic pressure the pressure to keep up with other’s academic ‘glow up ’ is what mainly drives students to commit these acts

The world has evolved Standards have upgraded and students are expected to adapt into these changes And so, they may see this as an innovative and strategic way to deal with it rather than recognizing the real rotten nature of this so-called strategy Until it begins a widespread among students affecting the social fiber and moral foundation of the youth It is as mentioned a trend It is influenced by external and social factors which is why it is needed to be controlledFortunately UM has its own measures to respond to this controversy It is according to their handbook; section Four: School rules and regulations, page 36 that cheating in any form is a serious offense

That anybody caught cheating will automatically fail in that particular test/examination or any form of activities in which it was committed The circumstances such as copying and looking at another classmate’s paper or allowing another to copy ones work, and possession of crib notes upon taking a test or activity are considered cheating

As this is a major offense according to Section Five: Student Conduct and Disciplinary Measures, sanctions may be applicable such as a one to three-day suspension from classes during the first offense but reporting in school for guided study Second offense is suspending them from classes for more than three days and banning them from school premises for the duration of the suspension And during third offense the student must be expelled or dismissed from school

Beyond that teachers have also implemented a friendlier and lighter classroom setting As Dr Catada said, it is important to make the students feel that their efforts are well-appreciated, and to make them feel comfortable even when they commit mistakes Rather than to feign perfection through deception for mistakes are a part of growth and progress and being deceitful will just disrupt the consistency of this progress

Sometimes, when the fear of disappointment from someone becomes the cause of wanting to get excellent outcomes by doing whatever it takes, it leads to us justifying our own dishonesty. Although sins have different weights, does that mean other forms of sin can’t be labeled as “sins” because they weighed less?

These methods help lessen the pressure, hence also lessen the courage of students to cheat

Teachers in UM Ilang became more open to conversations with students that can be an effective measure to diminish the prevalence of cheating They have also never failed to remind students of the consequences of engaging into this act which makes the learners become more educated

The institution has done commendable measures and solutions to this problem but the true controller of the continuous spread of academic dishonesty are the students themselves The liberal views and curious minds of today’s youth may have led them to resort into ways that are supposedly taboo but are easier to do and implies greater chances of success Hence guidance from elders and experts is needed It is essential for them to know the value of integrity in working onto something That cheating will just give temporary fruition, and does not employ lasting success Cheaters can never and will never sustain for a knowledge from fraud will eventually crumble and fail

–MichelleGampo-anofGrade12Venus

What makes a What makes a true UMian? true UMian?

byAngelaDegamon

Excellence HonestyandIntegrity Innovation Teamwork;these4havebeenswirlinginmy mindfor5years,keepingmyshrillingmischievousandcunningpersonaatbay Iama consistenthonorstudent,butfullofimperfectionsandflaws Attimes,itmakesmewonderif thesefourhavemademegoodandtamedthemonstersinme?Or,havemadeagoodpuppet outofme?

IwasinmysecondyearinUMwhenthePrincipalsummonedmetotalkaboutsomething inappropriate,whichIdidn’tmeantodo ButIwassoguiltyIimmediatelyconcededand somehowfeignabraveface,thinkingthatitwasonlytheverythingIcouldoffertokeepmy resolvefromcrumblingallover Despitebeingnervousdeepinside,Iwashoweversureto myselfthatIamwillingtofacetheconsequencestobeservedforthatillyetinadvertentdeed IwasyetagainremindedofthequalitiesofaUMianthroughtheschool’scorevalues Isaw thesefourassomesortofeyesore,stiflingmyselftobecomethetrueme Ineversawthisasa wayofdisciplinebutratheraformofdictatorship,controllingthelivesofstudentslikeme Especiallyme,astudentofreputationandofexpectedreservedattitude,forastheysay,I’ma topstudentandshouldposeasarolemodeltoallstudents

Butuponundergoingalmostthreeyearsofnothingbutredemptionandself-reflectionof whatItrulyamandwhatIamfatedtodo Ialwaysaskmyself;whatseemedtobethereason whyIcan’tbethebest?Whycan’tIstayontop?HowflawedamIthatI’munabletogetthe propercredits[Ithought]IknewIdeserved?Thenagain Excellence HonestyandIntegrity Innovation Teamwork Thesefourreverberatedthroughoutthenucleiofallcellsinmybody, affectingmybrainandsomehowpoppingabulbinmymindintoading!Itmademethinkof manythings Suchas,“isacingmyexamscoresandbaggingallthegoldsinvarious competitionsenoughtoprovemyexcellence?”,“Isbeingtruthfulinaccomplishingmy perfectionistandidealistdrivengoalsenoughtodeemmehonest?”,“Isbeingabletodo anythinginanycircumstancesaformofinnovation?”andlastly,“DoIbelieveinteamwork?”

ItsurelymademestopinmytracksandmademeregretsomuchastohowIneglectthe valueofthesecorevalues Itmademethinkifbeinganoutstandingstudentisreallyjustallon beingintelligent Istartedtounderstandhowbehaviorseemedtomattersomuchuponbeing ratedacademically Bythen,Istartedtoseethroughthemessagethecorevaluesofthis institutionwantstoconvey Excellenceisnotjustaboutperfectingyourscoresandgrades,itis aboutbeingexcellentinhoningyourinnerselftobecomebetterthatwouldlateronbringforth betteroutcomes Honestyandintegrityisalsoaboutbeingtruetoyourselfbyaccepting imperfections,andhonestlychoosingwhatyouthinkisbestforyouwithoutbeingbotheredby socialnormsandpeerpressure Lastly,teamwork;goodemotionalquotientsignificantly affectssomeone’sabilitytoinnovateandcooperatewithothersbetterthanjuststrictlyhoning yourintellectualability

Iamtrulynotabadperson,butmaybeIjusthadauniqueperspective oncertainaspectsinlifethatIsomehowevenlackedtactonthesethings

So,doescorevaluesreallyrestrictstudents?Overtheyears,I’velearnedtolovethese[then] forme,werejustabunchofnuisances Ididn’trealizetheydrovethesuccessfuland progressedselfIamtoday Iwassonaïveandself-centeredforthinkingthatthesefourarea formofabominationforstudents Nevereventhinkingthatitmoldslearnerstobecomebetter makingthembuildaperfectbalanceofoutstandingwitsandunwaveringaltruism Moreover, Irealizedthatitdoesnotsmotherstudentsintoaclothingthatdoesn’tfitthem,butrather drivesthemtobecomefreerwithnotaintofblackintheirpersonalities

butmaybejustatinge ofgray

Lastly,IthinkthesefourdonotjustmakeatrueUMian,theyareadrivingforcetowards makingahumanmorealiveandtruerthantheybelievetheyalreadywere.

Nights of Insomnolence

byMichelleGampo-an

The nature of humans when overwhelmed by great emotions such as someone's death will always be to find something to blame Be it oneself or the people who caused that death

The times where I thought I would always be apathetic, as the time ticks, I found myself staring blankly at your grave

As I sat there, the soft rain flushed the body that was covered in classic fitted blouse with box-pleated skirt that was supposed to be worn only in the campus premises Realizations hit me for the nth time, to the extent of feeling lost

For me, coming home drenched in the rain is better than them realizing I was crying again for the exact same reason I walked up straight to my room, as it was quite usual for an introverted kid to do that despite arriving late for dinner

At times like these, doing assignments is the least of my concerns, so writing is the only way I cope up with everything Be it poems or stories in random I am no poet, nor am I good at writing I just express my thoughts through rhymes, for I love how it resonates in my mind

Take a Step

byMichelleGampo-an

Graduation is truly an exceptional moment that you may experience as a student It is an accomplishment to be honored together with one's loved ones, instructors, and classmates It is a celebration that highlights the history and traditions of the educational institution as well as the accomplishments of the students

The euphoria that comes upon knowing that you finished a long-year of journey, and the realization that comes with, as you are now embarking on another journey as you pursue the path that you chose to take The UM Ilang High School graduates finally got the chance to march to the graduation song and receive the awards that they deserve personally on stage after putting in so much effort and enduring two years of distance learning With the easing restrictions they are now able to let parents and guardians witness the one they took care of receive their awards while smiling with delight

Graduation signifies the not as the end of a journey, but another accomplishment of an objective It can evoke a variety of emotions during this wonderful time in their lives, including those of loss, despair, and anxiety in addition to sentiments of anticipation, pride, and enthusiasm One wouldn't anticipate feeling down during a time that is ordinarily considered to be happy in one's life The familiarity of campus life and acquaintances are typically left behind as students approach this period of change

Students have a variety of options as graduation day draws near It is not unusual for students to reflect on their time at university as well as their future course of action Graduation signifies the conclusion of an organized phase of life as well as the beginning of a new journey Therefore, it is not unusual that students experience worry as they leave behind this regulated time period because they are looking into an unclear and unpredictable future

It would be another chapter for one's education as they embark on their future endeavors Lo and behold, our UM Ilang High School batch 2023 graduates!

Let’s Get on Track!

byVictoriaTheresaRCangrejo

Fresh air, walking in the hallway, knocking on the teachers' faculty, buying snacks at the canteen, and doing activities with classmates are what most of the students wanted to feel after years of lockdown. It brought a lot of joy and a new level of excitement to UMIANS knowing that the online learning is finally over and we can get a whole new and fresh experience on the first day of school after the pandemic.

These poems I've written were ascribed to my nights where the luxury to set foot in the land of tranquility is beyond reach Where the only path I can go across by taking my nightly swill of bland sedatives to mellow out is nonexistent

For a long while, I finally stood from my study table and crept into my bed as I tucked myself in The silence of the spring's night and the sound of the rain in a dimly lit room was once again filled with broken cries amidst the pitter-pattering

Morning came, and gone was the darkness and fright Still, it was nothing but a sleepless night I went outside my room to prepare for the day I step foot on campus feeling lifeless as always, feeling the void in my being Yet, for some reason, as I saw everyone feeling lively, it made me feel better and more aware of what surrounds me

It may appear nugatory to somebody, but it really was pleasing for me I entered the room, welcomed by the warmth and the pleasing atmosphere of the students

It's not just me

Everyone is busy making their lives hopeful and positive And I guess I should, too

The first day of school after a long pandemic-induced break can be an exhilarating experience for students. The excitement that fills the air is palpable as they step foot into the familiar hallways and classrooms once again. Here are some of the reasons why students have felt particularly excited on the first day of school after the pandemic:

Face-to-face interactions: Although technology allows students to connect virtually, nothing can truly replace the value of face-to-face interactions. Students were excited to engage in real-time conversations and express themselves. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with teachers and classmates in a more natural setting.

Reconnecting with friends: One of the most significant aspects of going back to school is reuniting with friends. After months of isolation and online learning, UMIANS were thrilled to see their classmates in person, catch up on missed conversations, and share their experiences during the pandemic.

Learning environment: Despite the efforts of remote learning, many students have missed the physical learning environment in UM Ilang High School. The classroom setting offers access to resources, hands-on activities, group discussions, and interactive learning experiences that may have been limited during virtual classes. The anticipation of returning to a vibrant learning atmosphere has generated excitement among the UMIANS.

The lack of face-to-face connections, the desire to reunite with friends and classmates, and the experience of a new learning environment during the pandemic may have increased students' interest in school after years of online study. Nothing compares to the exhilaration UMIANS have been hoping to experience.

DOUBT IS OUT BEYOND THE POIGNANT WISH OF A GLORIOUS FUTURE

As poverty and economic recession had gone rampant, the membering countries of the United Nations created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that fundamentally aims to ameliorate the further increase of poverty and various global issues. To also effectively utilize the limited resources whilst bearing in mind the plan for future use. As a studentofthisUniversity—a school that is the living epitome of authentic excellence and character amongst their students—the University of Mindanao, I aim to utilize this opportunity to edify the people by conveying my intentions with this essay, which addresses the issue of our current situation that people disregard and hardly even fathom itsseverity.

Poverty is one of the plethora of ordeals that the world faces. But how come, that the extent of our efforts to eradicate poverty never came close? That despite the outstanding ideologies of each country within their midst that holds the power to change, is the issue stillanever-endingcycle?Hence,insteadofsayingthatquellingthepovertycompletelyis debatably impossible, we should try the overcome and thrust for change by doing what has to be done, rather than saying that our current situation is an inevitable outcome of themodernizingprocess.

This dilemma of having various adverse implications to solve such as climate change, I wish to promote quality education—as given the fact that what other drawbacks that our veryownmacrocosmfacescanberegardedaspartofthehumandeeds.

Therefore, I conclude that the human society plays a pivotal role on taking a stance by actively cooperating and participating on activities that actively promote the protection of our nature. We should support the steps—the paths that allows us to be knowledgeable enough to the things that enables us to be even more worthy of having the honor of living by protecting our ecosystem; doing symposiums can also be of help. In contrast, doing nothing is like spilling an ink in a dry note, because it is actions—not words that weighs the most.

Just as the saying goes, there is nothing more expensive than something free. For performance rises its own standard, it is in ourselves to choose whether we continue to lamentsinvanity,orbethemastersofchange.

KINABUKASAN DULOT NG KAPALIGIRAN

Sa bawat lupang iyong nasisilayan, Himpapawid na palaging namamasdan, At mga bagay sa mundong kinulayan, Ay mga biyayang kaniyang inilaan.

Sari-sari ang mga pangangailangan, Kinakailangang tugunan at agapan. Oh Diyos ko! Ako sana’y iyong gabayan, Bigyang ilaw sa mga dapat gampanan.

Subalit, mundo’y unti-unting nagbago, Dala’y iba’t ibang unos at bagyo, Kalikasang ating gamit sa paglago, Ngayon ay nanganganib nang maglaho.

OVERCOMING UNCERTAINTY, STRENGTHENING RESILIENCY

Uncertainty looms like a dark cloud, A heavyweight upon my shoulders. But I will not let it bring me down, For I am stronger than it knows.

I will face my fears head on, With courage in my heart. For I know that I am not alone, And I will make a brand new start.

With each step I take, I shed a little more of my doubt. For I know that I am capable, And I will rise above it all.

I will not let uncertainties win, For I am the master of my fate. With determination and willpower, I will overcome and prevail.

Uncertainties may come my way, And life may get tough along the way. But I am stronger than it in every way, And in the end I will be the one to shout hooray.

So let the darkness come, Let the storms rage on. For I will weather any tempest, And emerge victorious when all is done.

DE KALIDAD NA EDUKASYON, TUNGO SA MAUNLAD NA HENERASYON

ThewinningFilipinoessaybyMarkNaveSabate

Natutunaw na ang malamig na nyebe, Mundo’y umiinit sa lahat ng parte, ‘Di mahulugang karayom, ang ‘di kampante, Nakakalimutan na ang importane.

Isipan ko ay pagpaging alimasag, Kaisipan ay lubos na naihayag, Ito’y aking naipaliwanag, Ako ngayo’y wala nang maidaragdag.

Ikrus sa noo ang aking mga bilin, Sigaw ng kalikasan ay ating dinggin, Sapagkat susunod ay ‘di papalarin, Kaya’t ito’y inyong damhin at isipin.

MAROON INK EDITORIAL BOARD AND STRAFF

Editor-in-Chief: Michelle Gampo-an

CONTRIBUTORS

Associate Editor: Angela Grace Degamon

Layout Artist: Daniela Lihay Lihay

Photojournalist: Areania Jean Luy

Masasabing isa sa pinakamahalagang yaman na makakamtan ng isang tao ay ang pagkakaroon ng de kalidad na edukasyon, at kailanman, ay ‘di ito maaaring manakaw ninoman. Ayon pa nga sa isang kataga ni Nelson Mandela, “Ang edukasyon ay susi sa pagbabago. Ngunit ang nasabing edukasyon nga ba ay abot-kamay ng lahat nang nangangailangan nito?

Noon pa man, ang edukasyon ay masasabi at itinuturing nang isa sa pundasyon tungo sa pag-unlad ng isang sambayanan, partikular na sa mga indibidwal na nakapaloob dito. Ngunit, sa kasamaang palad, ay may iilan pa ring hindi nabigyan ng oportunidad na makapag-aral gawa ng samu’t-saring personal na suliranin katulad ng: akses sa paaralan, oras na ilalaan, at lalong-lalo na ang suliranin sa aspetong pinansiyal.

Dagdag pa rito, malaki rin ang naging epekto ng pandemyang ating kinakaharap sa kasalukuyan sa larangan ng edukasyon. Naging dahilan ito upang bumaba ang bilang ng mga estudyanteng nag-aaral. Marahil ito ay dulot ng mababang kakayanan o abilidad ng mga magulang at mag-aaral na mag-adapt sa makabagong Sistema ng edukasyon.

Sa kabilang banda, patuloy namang umaaksyion ang gobyerno sa problemang ito. May iilang hakbang na tin itong nagawa upang maibsan ang mga suliraning nabanggit. Ayon pa nga kay Abraham Lincoln, “Ang pinakamabisang paraan upang malaman ang hinaharap ng tao, ay ang paggawa ng paraan o aksyon patungkol rito.” Kung kaya, marapat lamang ang aksiyong ginawa ng awtoridad.

Ang edukasyong ating natatamasa ay maituturing na ating biyayang tanggap, kung kaya ay ating alagaan.

ThewinningFilipinopoembyClarenceJoshRubilla

Writers/Staffers: Shaira Lou Sison Nazmiena Basilio Victoria Theresa Cangrejo