THE SLHS FLAMBEAU 2024-2025

THE SLHS FLAMBEAU

BURNING EYE OF TRUTH

SLHS conducts intervention programs to combat ‘bullying’ cases

SLHS shines at Student Science Olympiad

Leira Mito & Kisha Quisil

Sta. Lucia High School won 3 medals on the recent Academia of International Minds Student Olympiad (AIMSO) on December 15-24, 2024.

Dianne P. Mission from Grade 9 - Alcala secured a Silver Medal in Chemistry under the guidance of her coach, Mrs. Jeanette M. Carriedo. Nayelie Nelseigh T. Uy, from Grade 10 - Agoncillo, also achieved a Silver Medal in Biology, coached by Ms. Camille C. Samonte. The school’s biggest triumph came from Emereign A. Javillonar from Grade 7Mabuti, who secured a Gold Medal in Biology under the mentorship of Mrs. Myla B. Ritumalta.

The official awarding ceremony will be held on February 22, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

The victory of Lucians is a testament to the dedication and hard work of both the students and their teachers. It also highlights the school's commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence and scientific inquiry. This win is not only a source of pride for the school but also a source of inspiration for other students.

Everything was great, it was nice because we can ask other stakeholders for help

The Sta. Lucia High School guidance office conducted an interagency consultation meeting on October 11, 2024 to respond to alleged bullying cases reported to the school.

During the interagency meeting, The reported cases were discussed. These have allegedly been coming from fraternities, that are prohibited in public elementary and secondary schools according to DepEd Order No. 20, S. 1991.

The guidance office invi-

ted different stakeholders including the Child Protection Committee (CPC) of the School, Barangay Publoc Safety Officer (BPSO) and Barangay Council Protection for Children(BCPC), Officer-In-Charge from the Quezon City Police Department Women’s Desk, Officers from the Police Station 5, Representatives of the Quezon City Social Services Development Department, and Barangay Sta. Lucia SK Chairperson Xyrone Pelayo.

Furthermore, all agencies have decided to work together in response, and to conduct an intervention program which aims to give awareness and a better sense of wellness to students.

The intervention program focuses on two projects, Project Championing Holistic Intervention, Learning and Development (C.H.I.L.D.) and Project Behavioral Modification (Be-Mod).

Project C.H.I.L.D. aims to conduct seminars and workshops and is covering three projects, named Project Cyber to address cyberbullying, Project Rest which focuses on the academic standing of students to guide students and avoid them from failing, and Project Soul to help students to reflect and strengthen their spiritual wellness.

Meanwhile, Project BeMod aims to address behavioral problems of

students and to show the importance of values.

Non-governmental organizations including AKAY MISSION NO. 1 and ECPAT Philippines have also partnered with the school to sustain awareness about bullying and drug cases.

The CPC of Sta. Lucia High School maintains activeness to protect every child and stop cases inside the school. Despite the school not having a registered guidance counselor and the lack of teachers, the guidance office and the CPC do everything to ensure the school has a safe environment and is child-friendly.

In recent survey conducted on the implementation of the Department of Education's (DepEd) MATATAG Curriculum reveals varied reactions from educators and stakeholders. According to early findings, 30% of teachers expressed support for the curriculum’s emphasis on essential 21st-century skills and its potential to improve the learning process. However, 70% of teachers raised concerns about the lack of local adaptation and the need for further training to fully implement the changes

Ken Charles Asoma

30% OF TEACHERS SUPPORT THE MATATAG CURRICULUM

70% OF TEACHERS CITE CONCERNS TO THE MATATAG CURRICULUM

Clarence Ramirez

Darlyne Moico

SAFEGUARDING THE HEREAFTER | Guidance Office, Stakeholders and student leaders conducted the interagency consultation meeting on Sta. Lucia High School’s Principal’s Office on October 11, 2024. The meeting was held to purge the bullying cases reported to the school.

QC distributes smart gadgets in public schools

Quezon City Government distributed approximately 1,000 Smart Televisions and 973 laptops to public schools and teachers on November 14, further strengthening its commitment to enhancing education through technology.

During the city’s morning flag-raising ceremony, Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto officially handed over the devices to the Schools Division Office (SDO). SDO QC Superintendent Carleen Sedilla and members of the QC Public School Teachers Association gratefully received the equipment.

This latest distribution is part of Quezon City’s sustained effort to support educators. Since 2020, the local government has turned over 1,675 Smart TVs and 9,566 laptops to public schools and teachers, underscoring its dedication to providing modern teaching tools and improving digital literacy in classrooms.

PH GOV’T MANDATES NAT’L AGENCIES TO USE ‘BAGONG PILIPINAS’ HYMN, PLEDGE

The Philippine government has ordered all national agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to use the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge at their weekly flag-raising ceremonies every Monday.

Local government Units (LGUs) have also been encouraged to follow suit. This move is a part of a strategy to create a more transparent and responsible government nationwide.

Section 18 of Republic Act (RA) No. 8491, otherwise known as the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines," states that every government office is required to hold flag-raising ceremonies every Monday and Friday afternoon. Moreover, the introduction of Bagong Pilipinas to the public servant will make the process more valuable and will cultivate a sense of participation among them as well as the citizens.

The Bagong Pilipinas initiative was

The Department of Education (DepEd) built 192 out of the target 6,379 classrooms, the Commission on Audit (COA) reported.

“Only 192 (3.01 percent) out of 6,379 classrooms were completed/constructed in 2023 due to realignments because of modifications in the projects’ design,” read COA’s annual audit report on DepEd for 2023.

COA added that 4,391 classrooms are under construction and 550 are yet to undergo various stages of procurement.

Moreover, of the targeted 7,550 classrooms to be rehabilitated, only 208 classrooms are completed, while 2,135 are still under repair, and 5,207 are still to be procured.

first implemented through Memorandum Circular No. 24, series of 2023. This initiative is the main point of the administration's style of governance that focuses on accountability, responsibility, and cohesion within government institutions. The Bagong Pilipinas mindset encourages the public officials to be fair and reliable and dreams of a united action to bring a social engagement.

According to Section 19 of RA No. 8491, the Office of the President is allowed to issue the guidelines for a proper flag ceremony. With this new directive, the Office wants the values that are consistent with the Bagong Pilipinas vision to become part of the national identity, thus, aiming to increase the public’s involvement and support for this initiative. Heads of agencies and institutions will be responsible for making sure the new hymn and pledge are introduced in ceremonies effectively.

While national agencies, GOCCs and SUCs have to adopt the direc-

tive, the LGUs are only encouraged to do so. The message is conveyed in a similar way at all levels of government through a local adaptation that permits diversity.

The Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge is the symbol of unity among the Filipinos in pursuing a common vision for the future. The government management is sure that the common renditions of these symbols along with public officials will create a connection to the public as well as the individuals thus reinforcing the mutuality of purpose and force. The country's growth. The hymn and the pledge are parts of the ordinance and give an exemplary manner for the government departments to live up to and pass on such values.

According to the government, if each and every department focuses on the Bagong Pilipinas project, the whole nation will undergo positive social transformations convincing the public enough to switch to the new administration.

COA: DepEd built only 192 out of 6,379 classrooms in 2023

The report also showed DepEd’s Annual Procurement Plan consisted of the delivery of 580,394 school seats from May to June 2023. However, contracts for these were finalized in Decemwber 2023 and were expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

COA criticized the department, they said the “high rate on obligations does not fully indicate effectiveness and efficiency” since the obligations were “only valid commitments based on the awarded contracts/purchase orders where goods are not yet delivered and projects are not yet started.”

The commission also urged DepEd to take action to address the issues and concerns affecting the implementation of projects so that the benefits of the completed projects take effect on time.

In response, DepEd explained that the delay in the procurement process of school seats

were due to “revisions and approval of the technical specifications.”

DepEd also said that due to the 2023 national budget law transferring the task of constructing and rehabilitating classrooms to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), there was a cause of delay in implementation.

“When this was transferred to DPWH for implementation per GAA (General Appropriations Act) 2023, the DPWH had to do their own revalidation and programming of the works. Thus, said transfer caused a delay in the implementation,” DepEd said.

DepEd told auditors that it has “catch-up plans for the unutilized/underutilized allotments for FY (fiscal year) 2023” including school infrastructure and facilities, curriculum and teaching, and administration.

Prince Jeffrey Abarcar

Ken Charles Asoma

Charmiel Mariano

Dianne Mission

Rappler

Metro News Central

SLHS marks victory at DSPC 2024

The Sta. Lucia High School (SLHS) continues its legacy through its victories in the District Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2024 at Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) on Sunday.

With a district press conference held on October 19 at San Bartolome High School for individual categories and on October 20 at OLFU Lagro campus for group

categories. With a theme of “Fostering Inclusivity: Campus Journalism for a Diverse School Community,” in which SLHS competes against 23 different schools. SLHS English category was able to attain six awards overall, with the Editor-in-chief Jeddah Angeles for Science Writing (1st place), Maria Elaiza P. Dimson for Radio Broadcasting (2nd Best News Presenter), Josef Achilles

Nathan Salazar for Feature Writing (8th place), Associate Opinion Editor Patricia Montenegro for Column Writing (10th place), Associate Sports Editor Zean Cañelas for Collaborative Desktop Publishing (2nd Best Sports Page), and Chief Mobile Journalist Aliyah Fionna Cabatic for Mobile Journalism (8th place).

Meanwhile, Ang Ningning was able to acquire

DepEd, Sprix to boost learners’ math skills

The Department of Education (DepEd) partnered with Sprix, Inc., a leading Japanese educational technology company, to enhance the math skills of Filipino students nationwide.

This partnership aims to equip learners with the essential mathematical foundation needed for academic success and future opportunities.

A signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was conducted, proving the partnership between Education Secretary Sonny Angara together with the President and Representative Director of Sprix Ltd. Hiroyuki Tsuneishi, the Lead Development Officer of Sprix Ltd.’s Global Strategy Division Leo Shoji, and the Chief Representative of Sprix Co. Ltd. Algrace Avancena. This partnership will provide free access to the Test of Fundamental Skills (TOFAS) for all Filipino students.

TOFAS is a comprehensive assessment tool designed to accurately evaluate student's calculation and problem-solving abilities.

"Strengthening our students, math skills is essential." said Angara. TOFAS will provide teachers with valuable data to identify individual student who needs a tailor instruction accordingly, ensuring a personalized learning experience.

The assessment tool goes beyond simply identifying areas for improvement. It also highlights student's strengths, fostering a positive learning environment that encourages motivation and academic progress.

Sprix representatives expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the potential of TOFAS to empower Filipino students. “We’re

thrilled to see TOFAS support students in the Philippines, our goal is to equip teachers with insights to better address the learning needs of every student," said Mr. Tsuneishi.

This initiative aligns with DepEd's commitment to improving education quality across the Philippines and supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for equal opportunities and resources for all Filipino learners. By providing students with the tools and resources they need to excel in mathematics, this partnership represents a significant step towards achieving these goals.

seven awards in general. The respective students who were able to secure the awards are: Maria Joricka C. Santos for Column Writing (6th place), Liza Emeral O. Sison for Feature Writing (9th place), Paul Randel M. Vibal for Editorial Writing (10th place), Yaazeen Ross A. Tecson for Mobile Journalism [Filipino (10th place)], Lexi Venice Alamin for Radio Broadcasting (3rd Best News

Anchor), 3rd Best Radio Script for Radio broadcasting, and Collaborative Desktop Publishing (3rd Best Editorial Page).

With this, Sta. Lucia High School continues to strive to do significantly better, serving its people, informing citizens with crucial facts, and aiming to spread the truth for a better society.

SLHS thrives at Math Expo 2025

Sta. Lucia High School (SLHS) prevailed at the Division Level Math Expo 2025 for Quiz Bee, DaMath, and Poster Making categories at San Francisco High School (SFHS) on January 11, 2025.

SLHS joined various categories, including the Individual Quiz Bee inclusive for Grade 7-10, Rubik’s Cube, Grade 9 DaMath, Math Jingle, and Poster Making.

Students who participated in the Grade 7 level Quiz Bee are Ron Chezter O. Roque and Emereign A. Javillonar, Cindy Mae Macaraeg and Johannes M. Seguis for Grade 8 level, Dianne P. Mission and Mackenzi Recido for Grade 9 level, and Christopher Salvador and Axl Jay Leonardo for Grade 10 level.

In the Grade 7 Level Individual Quiz Bee category, Ron Chezter O. Roque, the SLHS Mathematics Club '24-'25 Auditor, managed to bag 2nd place, truly marking

his resilience, passion and dedication for mathematics.

On the other hand, France S. Vargas attained 2nd place in the Grade 9 Level DaMath Competition.

Meanwhile, Kristin Angela Martinez, the SLHS Mathematics Club '24-'25 President, earned 3rd place in the Poster Making competition. Participants were given a time limit of one hour and 30 minutes, following the theme “Mathematics, Art and Creativity”.

9-Banzon also showcased their vibrant performance at the Math Jingle category, symbolizing the value and significance of Mathematics in our lives. Their teamwork and relentless endeavor has left an impact for both the school and Lucians.

These victories will serve as a stepping stone for the school, encouraging students and teachers to continously strive and aim higher.

Samantha Flores

Samantha Flores

Kisha Quisil

GMA Network

Kent Wynne Palaganas

THE SHINING BEACON | Student Journalists from Sta. Lucia High School attends the District Secondary Schools Press Conferences on San Bartolome High School on October 19, 2024. The journalists fought their way to victory through different journalism categories.

Lucians take part in launch of Q.C. Young Health Mind, Community & Qusi Teen Center

Students from Sta. Lucia High school attends the launching of QC Young Healthy Mind Community & Qusi Teen Center At Ciudad Christina Resort, San Mateo, Rizal on November 5, 2024.

Alongside the celebration of International Mental Health Month, the Quezon City Health Department chose the Youth of Barangay Sta. Lucia in District 5 to be part of the formation of Peer Facilitators who will assist in providing appropriate support to those experiencing life problems.

Schools from District 2, 5, and 6, along with the staff of Quezon City Health Department - Mental Health Group, Barangay Health Workers, SK Chairmans of some barangays, and Youth Officials are all part of the said activity.

The SK Federation and Lucians underwent two days of training to become full-fledged Peer Facilitators in the STOP THE STIGMA:

COUNSELLING AND PEER FACILITATOR TRAINING project of the Sta. Lucia Youth Council, held at the SKP Hall on October 5 and 6.

In addition, the delegates went through five modules such as Mental Health, Peer Competencies, Individual and Group Process, Self-care, and Referral Systems and Pathways, which provided them with comprehensive knowledge as Facilitators.

After the trainings, A graduation ceremony was held for who completed the two-day training will be given the ISO Certification at Ciudad Regina, Quezon City on November 5, 2024.

The QC YOUNG HEALTHY MIND COMMUNITY and QUSI Teen Center aims to start ensuring that every young person takes care of their mental health with the help of their peers.

Kristina Cassandra Villaver, the current President of the Supreme Student Learner Government (SSLG) at Sta. Lucia High School, brought home the 1st place award in the Read-a-Thon District competition held at Lagro High School on October 16, 2024.

The event brought together top students from various schools, showcasing their love and skills for the Filipino Language.

Villaver’s performance stood out in a highly competitive field, where she used her voice as she held a speech expressing her knowledge and insights about “bullying” that captivated the judges. Her victory has been celebrated by the entire Sta. Lucia High School community, as she not only represented the school but also showcased the values of leadership, discipline, and academic excellence that the school promotes.

“I had no training before joining, and I didn’t know what to do since it was my first time entering that contest, so it was truly nerve-wracking. But I just did my best. I’m thankful and honestly shocked that I won, especially since it was my first time and almost everyone else had full training. But it was also fun competing with them, as we didn’t really see

SLHS Wellness Team bound for nationals

The Sta. Lucia High School (SLHS) Wellness Team qualified as the National Capital Region (NCR) Representative for the 2024 National Hataw Sayaw Year 2 - Nestle Wellness Campus Program on December 3, 2024.

Out of 17 schools, the Wellness Team achieved their spot as Quezon City’s Representative for the Regional Level.

Meanwhile, on the Regional Level, the SLHS Wellness Team secured their spot as NCR’s competitor for the National Level out of 10 participating schools.

The SLHS Wellness Team will continue to honor and bring pride to

1st place

each other as pure competitors.” Villaver shared. “As the SSLG President I can say that we should not be afraid to take risks and step up, even if it’s something you’re doing for the first time, because you’ll never know what could happen if you try. Don’t pressure yourself to win; it can be a goal, but it’s better to enjoy the contest. Because I believe that if it’s meant for you, then it’s for you.” she added.

The SULAT BIGKAS NG TALUMPATI is a category in Read-A-Thon that gives participating students the opportunity to write a short and meaningful speech on a specific topic or theme, expressing their knowledge and dedication which will then be delivered in a formal and dignified manner in front of an audience. Villaver’s win brings honor to Sta. Lucia High School and showcases the high levwel of dedication she brings both to her studies and her role as SSLG President.

With her win, she looks forward to continuing her work in the SSLG, setting a remarkable example of dedication and leadership, inspiring her fellow Lucians to strive for excellence and take bold steps in pursuing their passions.

Kent Wynne Palaganas

Jan Wade Francisco

Kent Wynne Palaganas

the SLHS FLAMBEAU

the burning eye of truth

Brian

Noel

Elvira

Jeddah

Kent

PH: Bullying Capital OF the World

While the Philippines are getting back to normal after the devastating encounter with COVID-19, bullying is also now considered as a “normal act” to do to people. A recent study by De La Salle University and EDCOM 2 reveals that one in three Filipino students is bullied regularly, with 43% of girls and 53% of boys reporting frequent incidents. Disturbingly, the Philippines has now earned the title of the 'Bullying Capital of the World’.

According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report the Philippines had the highest percentage of bullying among all participating countries and territories owning the title Bullying Capital of the World. Bullies are now back as many cases appeared than last year, according to DepEd report the cases in year 2018-2019 is the highest cases of bullying in Philippines that have 20,172 cases, it gets rapidly lower as pandemic happens, in 2021-2022 report by DepEd there are only 723 cases but face to face classes happened and in 2022-2023 there are 7,741 which has a far gap meaning that the cases will come back soon higher than ever.

Bullying can have a profounding toll on the victims mental and emotional health having the students' social interactions, performance and learning skills severely affected, As students who were never bullied scored 351 in math, while those who reported being weekly scored 269. In science, those who were not bullied scored 318, while those who reported being bullied weekly scored 214. These effects can last for a very long time if left untreated it will be carried into adulthood.

Bullying casts a shadow not just on people but also on the collective spirit of the nation, and the Philippines is no exception. Every incident of bullying, mostly in schools, workplaces, or cyberbullying, chips away at our image as a country known for hospitality and “bayanihan". It tarnishes our reputation as a

people who are known for valuing empathy, kindness, and unity. Beyond these statistics are real lives, children are now too afraid to go to school, employees suffer in silence, and families left to pick up the pieces of shattered confidence. If the cases of bullying gets higher the Filipinos will risk fostering a culture of indifference and cruelty that will damage Filipinos and it will affect how the world would see the Philippines.

Many parents are now in rage as students' bullying cases are getting rapidly higher. But DepEd is nowhere to be found, when DepEd must be the one who protects its stakeholders in danger, DepEd is playing hide and seek and getting blind everytime something happens. While the law of Learners’ Rights Protection Office (LPRO) was passed in 2013, according to Congressman Roman Romulo, it's been only a year since DepEd started the LRPO. This shows DepEd's irresponsible and negligent side to the students.

EDCOM2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee criticized the data given by DepEd and said that it is “suspicious” as he compared it to the data given by TIMMS and PISA. Comparing the two, it shows that the number that was collected by DepEd was far behind the TIMMS and PISA, raising suspicions to the people. While DepEd clarified this issue and said that the data are collected annually at the Center Office coming from divisions, but this remains unverified. The data shows however that from 2013 where the Anti-Bullying Law was passed to 2018, the number of reported bullying cases surged from 1,158 to 20,172.

But Deped is not really the only one to blame, parents play a crucial role in shaping a child's values and behavior, making discipline a cornerstone in preventing bullying. It starts at home, where children learn empathy, respect, and the difference between right and wrong. Bullies now are bullying kids because they are

not raised well or neglected by their parents. That's why they tend to pour their anger on the victim bullies. So bullying won’t foster if every parent is responsible and raising their child well, full of love and happiness, and be an example of kindness to them. As they say “Everything starts within the family”.

PISA shows to Filipinos an alarmingly high prevalence of bullying in the Philippines schools which threatens the safety and well-being of the learners. Also students who were bullied have a very low and poor performance in school due to their mental health being unstable and anxiety and depression attacks them, leading to hard to focus on school. DepEd must have a strong reporting mechanism so they can fully know how many bullying incidents are happening on the ground and so they can think more about how to resolve this issue. They also need to make more rules and regulations that secure the safety of students in school. The DLSU team recommended pushing for amendments to implement rules and regulations of Republic Act 10627 that strengthens the provisions related to the Child Protection Committee (CPC), improving systems for reporting bullying cases, clarifying deped structures, and systems that relate to bullying.

If students are not being taught how to be disciplined, bullying will still linger., that begins in the house. Parents have a vital responsibility to guide their children as they grow, instilling values of respect and kindness. Bullying is not a trivial matter, it can get into more tragic outcomes, even leading to loss of life. To prevent such devastation, DepEd must take serious action, implementing stronger programs and policies to address bullying effectively. Filipinos must not wait for more lives to be lost, it is the time for families, schools, and society to work together to create a safer environment for every student.

Axl Leonardo & Joaqui Mondero Lucero

BLOODY TORTURE

On June 30, 2016, when all the smiles of the Filipinos disappeared and dim clouds appeared all over the sky when former President Rodrigo Duterte, the architect of the bloody campaign against illegal drugs declared “War on Drugs” in the Philippines. Even after eight years, this issue refuses to fade into the background, with news articles continuing to surface year after year. Despite the end of Duterte’s administration, the topic remains as relevant as ever, proving that some matters cannot simply be left behind or forgotten.

With the recent news, some family members of drug suspects killed during the previous administration's war on drugs on October 28, 2024 came face-to-face with former President Rodrigo Duterte to confront him about the ‘war on drugs’. The extrajudicial killings (EJKs) are still alive because of people who did not get justice and are longing, that proves the unfair justice system in our society.

The case of Kian delos Santos is the one I will never forget, as it sparked a national outrage in 2016. Now, I walk home alone every night with a feeling of insecurity as I remember his case. Randy delos Santos, the uncle of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos, who was killed during a buy-bust operation in Caloocan City, said they have not yet fully achieved justice despite the conviction of the police officers responsible for the teenager's death. The Philippines will not last any longer if it gets more chaotic as our justice system is like this.

The three policemen who killed Kian were sentenced to 40 years in jail. With them being in prison, what will it do to the victim? Did they receive true justice? And is it not obvious? That them being jailed is a "cover-up" for something more, hiding in the shadows.

Kian delos Santos' case exposes systemic bias and inequality in the Philippine justice system, where those with economic or social disadvantages are more likely to be targeted, deprived of due process and ignored. Without media coverage, Kian's case might have been dismissed as just another death of a poor individual. The disparity

lies in the wealthy's ability to afford lawyers and navigate legal processes, while the poor lack financial means, leaving them vulnerable and without access to justice.

Looking at Kian's case, I can now imagine myself in Kian's situation. A student who just enjoys life and dreams, will just be killed by those in power, those who see us as rats. “Lab rats” where we are experimented on by the government for “fun”. This traumatizes me as a student, as the safety net we thought existed like our homes, our schools, and our neighborhoods suddenly feels riddled with holes. Not just from the brutality of Kian’s death, but from the chilling thought that justice can be so easily discarded.

Duterte implemented “War on Drugs” for people to feel safe in their environments, but it is not how he wanted it to turn out. Many students, such as myself, walk alone at night feeling insecure as past traumas and incidents come into mind. Also, many people got more scared as “War on Drugs” was declared. It is the exact opposite of how

MASSACRE

Behind the closed door of schools that turn a blind eye, a gruesome tradition thrives, where blood is spilled in the name of brotherhood. This deadly cycle isn’t just driven by those who wield the paddles, but by the institutions that allow it. Defended as a rite of passage, it should have been buried long ago. Yet here we are, still accepting this bloodshed as a part of tradition and loyalty. It’s time that we confront this, not with excuses, but with justice.

On October 1, The Manila Regional Trial Court convicted 10 members of Aegis Juris Fraternity for the fatal hazing of Atio Castillo, who was a freshman civil law student at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) at the time. All accused were sentenced to reclusion perpetua (equivalent to 40 years of jail). The road to justice has been long and challenging, especially for Atio's family who waited seven years for that day to come. This marks a victory for the rule of law against the evil of hazing.

The accused were also ordered to pay the heirs of Castillo the amount of P75,000 as civil indemnity; P75,000 as exemplary damages; and P75,000 as moral damages; P461,800 as actual expenses. However, Atio's parents demanded that UST should make changes to its policies on fraternities and sororities. “We believe the UST should make changes.We are holding them responsible for what they did to our son," Carmina Castillo told reporters after leaving Manila Trial Court. It has been proven that Aegis Juris has been practicing hazing. UST has been recognizing this fraternity for so long, yet they fail to uphold policies to ensure student safety and welfare.

Duterte expected it, killing people without a sign of pity. If he just focused on giving awareness to people instead of killing them, there would have been a bigger and better change in the Philippines and awareness about using drugs would foster in children's minds. If the government knows how to make drug users disappear, they must also know how to take accountability for what they have done and be fair to people. Is that so hard to do? With the mastermind, former President Rodrigo Duterte and the government, I can say that they are the ones that made the Philippines fall, the reason behind why the people are like this now and the reason why our country is trash.

The unfair justice system is more powerful than the voices of the victims, making us a chaotic country. I am really fed up with this country even though I am just 15 years old, so let us just hope for the best while in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s hands, let us see if he will turn on the light and a beautiful sky appears in the eyes of Filipinos that will bring smiles to all of us.

In response to the calls for accountability, Nilo Divina, an alumnus of Aegis Juris, defended UST and the Faculty of Civil Law, stating that policies have always been in place to ensure the safety of students. "I respectfully disagree with Mrs. Carmina Castillo's assertion that UST and the Faculty of Civil Law failed in their duty to protect her son," he said.

He added that UST faculty have always implemented the policies to promote the safety and welfare of all students. However, there is no institution that is immune to the actions of individuals who choose to disregard these measures.

The conviction of the 10 Aegis Juris fraternity members is a critical step toward justice, but it only scratches the surface of the real issue at hand. This massacre, hidden in the dark corners of our educa tional institutions, continues to claim lives and futures, all un der the false guise of tradition and loyalty. The bloodshed must end, not just through punishment, but by dismantling the allows it to persist.

Axl Jay Leonardo

Cañelas

64 Pesos for My Golden Future

Patricia Montenegro

As I look at the breakfast that my mother has prepared for me, I can’t help but wonder how she and my father can satisfy our needs despite low wages that make us have a hard time keeping up with inflation.

Watching the news from television, hearing that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has declared that every individual who spends more than 64 pesos for three meals a day is not considered as “food-poor,” is getting on my nerves. I know that we all agree how this metric to measure poverty is way too disconnected to reality.

A lot of sparking controversies about this issue has been discussed throughout the internet, Filipinos have been asking where they even got their data from or if it is even accurate. According to NEDA, for breakfast, we can have instant noodles which cost 7 pesos, and a 3-in-1 coffee for its lowest price, 4 pesos—which are the prices we already overcame.

As of July 2024, an additional 35 pesos has been added to the minimum wage, however, this does not help much because of the increase of prices in the market. Only a fool would believe that 35 pesos could be helpful when they keep increasing the charges.

For example, rice, which is the main staple food of Filipinos, and our source of protein and carbohydrates that fuels our body. However, due to inflation, the price of rice increased as well. A kilo of rice would cover almost 80% of the budget, so if you only have 64 pesos, the money left is not even enough to buy a dish that you would share with your family.

Just thinking about it, I cannot imagine myself eating junk food everyday just to survive because my family cannot afford nutritious food anymore. It is so unfair for them to say we can pull through these challenges by spending 21 pesos per meal, when they did not even get to experience life being short.

No one would want to live a life in a way that they have to choose what will kill them, and neither do I. This does not just talk about the impact of it to our physical health, but in our mental health, as well.

NEDA seems like its mocking Filipinos as they do not care whether we are eating right or we are healthy enough to stay alive. Come to think of it, we cannot think, work, or perform properly as we have to first figure out what foods will fit our budget, and how we will spend it. Looks like junk food is the only affordable food these days.

Through days and nights, ups and downs, and even in times where I only wanted to relax, there has always been a thought-provoking question that haunts me: Am I still capable of going into a university to become a college student? Can 35 pesos added to my father's salary help us pay for my tuition? I never thought schooling could be this hard when I am just aiming for a golden future.

With these hardships that we encounter, nothing frightens me more than not being able to study and graduate.

The upcoming 2025 election season of Philippines’ political circus promises to be a rollercoaster of shenanigans, as political dynasties and influencers begin to be entertainers. Let’s see if our internet-famous stars can outplay the political elites since their actions do not signify a ‘democracy’ like a good old-fashioned ‘dynasty-ocracy.’

The Philippines will elect 12 new senators and 63 party-list representatives for the May 2025 elections, over 18,000 local officials are up for grabs and are expected to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) to the Commission on Elections offices from October 1 to October 8.

As the COC starts, most of the aspirants that seek to sit in the Senate, and party-list groups are celebrities and influencers who defend their lack of political experiences, background, and knowledge by stating their advocacy in which they wanted to help countrymen. However, knowing how Filipinos think, this election might be a ‘popularity contest’ in which they vote for those who are famous online or the only ones that they know.

Due to social media dynamics, some of the aspirants are taking advantage of using it by engaging and making a personal connection with potential voters. Not only that, but corruption as well. We all know that corruption is the most consistent and most serious conflict that we face. Aside from that, lack of human capacity is one of the reasons why we cannot have better governance.

One of the known online content creator an entrepreneur, Rosemarie “Rosmar” Tan-Pamulaklakin, has filed her COC for councilor in Manila’s 1st district, stating that she did not originally intend to run this

Even though I am still a high school student, I am already guessing how I will hold on to myself when it is time to be apart from my family— when having to be an independent person is inevitable. I am hopeless as a penny with a hole in it, this government knows nothing but to give us a tough time.

A student like me, cannot carry all these burdens that our government keeps throwing at us as if it is waste that they do not need anymore. It is funny how the “kings and queens” just sit in their thrones, living their best lives, to the point that they even treat us as their slaves.

The government’s metric to measure poverty became a tasteless joke for everyone as it sounds like saying “Enjoy your meal, if you can even afford it,” to mock unprivileged people who are starving to death.

The only way to lessen the poverty in the Philippines is to keep the prices of products and services in a way that people can afford it, and to be able to afford it, wages must be increased. The government must open the access for all Filipinos, rich or poor, to have their own privilege, and improve the food and nutrition security. If they wanted the 64 pesos challenge to work out, then they must stop setting us up in a trap.

Here Comes the TRASH IN DISGUISE

CIRCUS

The book "Isang Kaibigan" was doomed from the start when its author, Sara Duterte, said this, "Napakadaling sumulat ng maikling kwento batay sa sariling karanasan," considering the grammar mistakes, typos, and probably many more. It even has people making fun of the book using memes and parodies on social media.

Even the University of the Philippines Sentro ng Wikang Filipino Director Jayson Petras noted factual inconsistencies, grammatical errors, and complicated words in the book. This is an ill-advised project that is more like trash with little to no serious thoughts involved. There is a goal and a plan, the execution is just not it.

We have already failed the Program for the International Student Assessment Test (PISA) every single time we have participated, and this is the reading material that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) gives us? No wonder other

students and I are sweating about the upcoming seeing the results, it feels like we just doomed country because of how far behind we are. The age student in Malaysia, a country in the same be compared to a smart student in the Philippines.

As far as I can see, this is utterly trash. We are thing, but it is not nearly enough to be useful. good education as the Department of Education really trying its best to do its mission for the but there are people ruining it as the book of be said to be a political move to promote herself.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros even said that it was inappropriate for an official like Duterte to publish her book lic funds, and during the OVP budget hearing, asked Duterte merely about the details of the accused her of ‘politicizing’ the budget, showing

CIRCUS

year, but was only convinced and pushed by many friends because they believe she could help more people.

According to Rosmar, one of her priorities if she wins is providing maintenance medicine for senior citizens. She also reiterated that her salary will be given to the people. Aside from that, she assured that she was smart enough to know legislation and is willing to learn about law making and law execution. The Rosmar we see on social media, and the Rosmar in real life are different and that made me think that she’s not being transparent when she is not even the person we see online.

This just marks how questionable our political system is. Even though every person has the right and access to run for elective positions that they want, we should be able to know if we are deserving to be voted in a high position to have the power to control our country. If you really want to have the power, then you must know how to get it without using your connections, influence, and popularity.

As a student who dreams to have a better and bright future; A girl who just wanted to be answered as to why none of us can prevent to have a government full of jokers; and a teenager that is considered as one of the country’s only hope, having good governance means reducing discomfort and risks, and sustaining a strong and equitable environment.

A government that lacks transparency has weak governance. By this, students will suffer by not being able to have access to quality education, low chance for development, lack of job opportunities, and can even increase poverty and health issues.

I cannot imagine living the life that everyone will loathe the most. I may not have the power that can control everyone, however I can use my voice to seek support and convince everyone that we must not wait for the change, but fulfill it instead.w We, Filipinos, must be able to overcome these kinds of

obstacles that have a possibility to be our misery. Let’s say goodbye to the circus, and get rid of the clowns. Stop wasting your votes, and choose wisely.

This show must come to its end. The way our government runs our country is not working as intended. Their wrongdoings have resulted in ineffective government practices that led to a decline in trust. We, Filipinos, must address and educate ourselves on how we can help to change the system that we have. We must demand transparency and accountability from the chosen leaders through anti-corruption. To build a real and stronger democratic society, let us have greater voices and influence over the elected leaders.

GUISE

upcoming PISA. After doomed the whole The lowest aversame region, could Philippines.

are given someuseful. We all want a Education (DepEd) is sake of all of us, the OVP can herself.

inappropriate book using pubhearing, when she book, Duterte showing Duterte's

FULL OF DUST

A warehouse in the Department of Education (DepEd), full of mess and dust, hinders the unused resources that could have transformed the learning experience for countless Filipino students. Instead, these items have been gathering dust and rotting since 2020. This controversy lays bare the systemic inefficiencies and lack of accountability in government projects.

More than 1.5 million DepEd items, including laptops, books, and classroom furniture, have remained undelivered in warehouses since 2020, Education Secretary Sonny Angara revealed during deliberations on DepEd’s proposed P793-billion 2025 budget. This failure is a sign of a broken education system that prioritizes processes over outcomes.

As the Philippines continues to shift to the digital world, the needed technology in the classroom has never been more urgent, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic where people could not actually meet in person. According to a UNESCO report, approximately 50% of students lacked access to any digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, necessary for online education. With the use of technologies like laptops, and phones, online classes have been made to ensure that classes are still going even though there is a crisis. But with DepEd, it’s impossible to move or improve.

DepEd is a branch of the government where improving our education system in the Philippines is their top priority, but they are the one holding the country back from improving our education system. Well, we know that DepEd is bad overall, with the education system, the new MATATAG curriculum, the unnecessary subjects, and poor quality of teaching. There is only one word to describe this, a “mess”. A department that cannot handle its responsibilities properly. In the past few years, I am no longer shocked but rather disappointed starting from the issue of buying overpriced equipment, insufficient learning materials, and classroom shortage.

The blame for this unresolved issue does not rest on one individual, but on the system itself. The materials were procured under former Education Secretary Leonor Briones administration (2016–2022), yet they were never distributed. The reasons are all too familiar, due to the failed bidding processes, logistical delays, and inadequate planning issues that have long plagued DepEd.

DepEd’s negligence with these resources causes a financial waste. Information technology experts note that laptops depreciate by approximately 5 percent in value each month, meaning many of the undelivered devices are likely outdated or near obsolete. While these laptops could have been a lifeline tool for students and teachers to digital learning, DepEd wasted many opportunities.

Now that Sonny Angara is the DepEd secretary, I am hoping for a better change, where we see a better education system with better resources. He has contacted Air Force One to help them remove the laptops so that it does not deteriorate. As of now, we have not seen any missteps from Sonny Angara and he is prioritizing modernizing teaching methods while improving teacher benefits and support systems. This is a good first step in improving our education system.

The failure to deliver laptops is not just about them sitting in the warehouse, rotting, and covered in dust, it is about the future of our teachers and students in education. As we rely more on technology, we are getting left behind by those that are in privileged schools. Now is the time for DepEd to get its act together because the students’ futures depend on it.

temper by just simply pointing out something wrong.

As for an alternative to Duterte's book, it would have been better if they she or any officials gave us textbooks or other materials that we desperately need right now, instead of having old, ripped, and broken textbooks. Because according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education, there is a delay in the procurement and distribution of textbooks that have been a long-standing concern in the basic education sector all the way back 1991, resulting in a lack of learning materials that we currently have.

It has been 12 years and we still lack and struggle with learning materials because DepEd has only procured 27 textbook titles out of 90, that is only a little as 30%. Will we actually have enough books that are necessary? Or do we need to produce it using our own pockets?

Patricia Montenegro

Axl Jay Leonardo

Joaqui Rain Mondero Araza

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WAKE-UP CALL

The results of the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) have landed like a slap in the face for Filipinos. If the 2018 findings were shocking, the latest results clearly show that our education system has failed to rise to the challenge. The truth is clear, we are still struggling at an alarming level in reading comprehension and in creative thinking. This failure is costing us the future of an entire generation.

Launched in 2000, the Pisa is an international assessment that measures Fifteen-year-old students' reading, mathematics, and science literacy. In

In the 2022 student assessment, we scored approximately 120 points lower than the average scores, with scores of 346 in reading, 355 in math, and 373 in science. We ranked 77th out of 81 participating countries globally in the student assessment conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for 15-year-old learners.

Despite efforts to improve literacy, we once again found ourselves at the bottom of the global ranking in reading comprehension with little meaningful progress to show for the past four years. Our average score in reading barely budged from its dismal 2018 results. It means that the students compared to their peers in other nations, struggle with basic comprehension, the ability to infer meaning, and critical thinking skills that are fundamental not just for academic success but for understanding the world around them.The rankings in Pisa should be enough to raise concerns for those who are in higher positions. Yet, as they say, the silence is deafening.

The pandemic has become a go-to excuse, but let’s not turn a blind eye here, this crisis began long before COVID-19. Its impact on education is clear, but using it for our poor performance is just ridiculous. The shift to online and modular learning exposed just how unprepared our system was for a crisis. The truth is that the pandemic only sped up the effects of years of ineffective policies.

The 2022 Pisa results serve as a wake-up call; our education system is failing, and we are paying the price. It's more than just a number, it's the reflection of our failures and a call to action. We must act now, not just for better scores, but for a brighter future for every Filipino learners. The choice is ours, will we wake up before it's too late?

UNCONTROLLABLE FLOOD

Joaqui Rain Mondero

Hitting us with a total of 13 thypoons this 2024. Thyphoon has been crucial to us having to announce already 10 school suspensions that affect our learning experience by delaying lectures and having to catch up to the missed lessons, most concerning is the flood reaching our homes, posing a threat to our safety. Given this recurring events, it’s clear that the flood prevention project by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has become non-existent.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on July 27 that over 5,000 flood control projects are currently being constructed across the country. They are also working with the local government units and the Metropolitan Manila Development

projects constructed and completed under his administration which is completely separate from the DPWH flood control project. But I never felt the "flood control" projects he completed. Was there even a difference from before and after the project? I thought we would feel no effects on typhoons at all after the 656 flood control projects done by Marcos in Metro Manila.

There is currently a P351 billion flood control master plan for Metro Manila stated by Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan before seeing the effects of the Carina flooding. Providing long term solutions to the recurrent flooding issues and to reduce risk, massive flooding and damage to infrastructure.

talagang na overwhelm ang flood control natin. May flood control tayo, hindi kaya." Implying that surprise not the flood control did not work after all.

Marcos vowed that he will improve and change the country's infrastructures design, flood control programs to lessen the damage of floods, even revisiting the flood control master plan with Bonoan.

But that will not be enough, planning wise is just the basic outline of what they have to do. The real question is can they do it in the first place? I would expect they would have learned from past projects. Why do they not correct mistakes and improve what they did? The worst case scenario is that corrupt politicians are already using flood control as a money tree as time goes

Christopher Salvador

Revolutionizing Learning: The Power of Gamification in Education

Gamification, the integration of game design elements into non-game contexts, has transformed various industries, including education. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn, making education more engaging, interactive, and enjoyable.

Gamification in schooling has several advantages. Teachers

may create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that increases student engagement and excitement by implementing game design principles. Challenges, leaderboards, and rewards encourage students to learn and do more, while interactive exercises help them remember and retain information. Additionally, each student learns at their own speed thanks to adaptable difficulty levels and unique learning paths that adapt instruction to each student's need.

To effectively implement gamification, educators must consider several best practices. Firstly, clear goals aligned with learning objectives and outcomes must be established. Game mechanics should be kept simple to avoid overwhelming students. Rewards and challenges should be relevant to learning material,

Mobile learning:

Cruciality

to Learn

In this generation where every little thing you do has connectivity to technology, mobile learning has emerged as a transformative force in education. With the use of smartphones and other devices it is now easier for students to learn anytime anywhere allowing them to have a personalized learning experience.

A recent survey by Hanover Research and global EdTech firm Instructure, reveals that 50% of students and faculty in the Philippines now primarily use mobile phones to access their institution's LMS. Research also shows that mobile learning has 45% higher retention rates than traditional learning methods. It highlights that learning is engaging and has improved students' results and experiences around the earth.

Education has just become much more accessible with the adaptation of mobile learning, or learning. This method uses smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With this approach, learners can access content whenever and wherever it is most convenient for them, empowering learning at the point of need. Learning is changing every student's life, opening up avenues for lifelong learning that were once unimaginable.

Mobile learning platforms used artificial intelligence (AI) occasionally personalizing student's learning experience. There are platforms that can help you learn in different aspects such as Duolin-

maintaining focus on educational objectives. Additionally, fostering teamwork and social interaction through gamification enhances collaboration among students.

Gamification is predicted to grow by an average of 28% annually between now and 2030 due to its increasingly acknowledged benefits. It was discovered that challenge-based gamification can raise student performance by 89.45% when compared to lecture-based education, and that students' overall performance increased by 34.75%.

Gamification has the power to revolutionize education by making learning more engaging, interactive, and enjoyable. By understanding its benefits, examples, and best practices, educators can harness the power of gamification to enhance student learning outcomes.

go if you want to enhance your vocabulary when it comes to speaking in English, also if you want to learn different languages, next is Khan Academy where students can use their exercises in quizzes and can also watch instructional videos to learn and master their skills.

With that, mobile learning is engaging for students through interactive activities just like gamification, since some students are lazy or tired when it comes to learning, and with the help of mobile learning it makes learning more dynamic and enjoyable for learners.

Mobile learning has been a tremendous help for many students. It offers new learning opportunities and fosters every learner's development skill which is crucial for them.

Despite its benefits, mobile learning is not without challenges. Smartphones are commonly used for multiple purposes, such as entertainment, communication, and social media. This might be difficult for some learners as they learn they may get easily distracted by other apps, let’s say the games, since it captivates students' eyes.

Mobile learning has opened doors to a universe that is full of opportunities. These opportunities promise to shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for education.

Cloud Computation in Education: Sky's The Limit

Aaron Geoff Pallorina

In recent memory, cloud computing has stepped up our education to heights never seen before by any horizon, helping us rise with its convenience to touch the clouds we call our goals and ambitions. The introduction of cloud-based technologies into classrooms and institutions is like a breath of fresh air. It has transformed traditional teaching methods and reshaped learning experiences like air does to the clouds above.

In the face of educational storms that render our progress stranded, cloud platforms help make learning as clear as day by delivering content and facilitating learning without the constraints of geographical boundaries. For instance, platforms like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and various learning management systems (LMS) became the evacuation centers for 1.6 billion students in more than 190 countries according to UNESCO when the COVID-19 pandemic bolted from the blue.

Another feather in cloud computing’s cap is its enhancement in collaboration among students and teachers. 90% of students that reported to EdTech Magazine agree with this. Cloud-based tools allow for real-time collaboration on assignments, projects and research. Students can work together like birds of a feather on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets seamlessly without needing to be physically present in the same location. This kind of interaction not only fosters teamwork, but also prepares students for the increasingly remote and digital work environment they may encounter in their future careers, like how a mother bird teaches her young how to glide their wings with the winds and fly.

Teachers are also as free as a bird to share lesson plans, teaching strategies and resources with fellow teachers through cloud storage and collaborative platforms. A survey conducted by Education Week showed that 67% of teachers found cloud-based tools gave them the ability to exchange ideas and receive feedback, leading to a more free and dynamic teaching environment, an environment much like the sky.

Taking off to another branch, the scalability of cloud computing is one that is incomparable to the vastness of the heavens. Traditional information technology (IT) infrastructure can be sky-high, requiring ongoing maintenance and periodic upgrades, making it as costly as hunting a bird that is of the legends. This means that educational institutions can pay for what they need without incurring the expenses associated with physical infrastructure.

With cloud computing technology, the sky truly is the limit for what we can achieve. As we shoot for the moon and reach for the stars, cloud computing technology is the rainbow bridging the gap between what's possible and what's not.

THE AI EFFECT:

Positive Effects of AI in This Generation

Aya Intal

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we learn and teach, making education more efficient, accessible, and fun. Based on a McKinsey report, AI can improve student results by 10-15%.

AI tools help students manage their time and tasks better. Calendars and planners keep them organized, improving productivity by 25%. Writing assistants like Grammarly and Quillbot make writing clearer, improving grammar by 30%. AI search engines make research easier, finding information 40% faster.

By embracing AI's potential, we can create better learning experiences. As AI boosts productivity by 30% by 2025 based on Gartner, it's essential to use its benefits. Students, teachers, and educators can work together to shape the future of education, making it more inclusive and effective.

AI is transforming education for the better. By embracing these innovations, students can achieve more and stress less. Let's explore our new generation together with artificial intelligence and shape the future of education.

Teachers also benefit from AI. Plagiarism detection software like Turnitin reduces cheating by 50%. Adaptive learning platforms like Coursera provide personalized course recommendations, increasing student engagement by 20%. AI helps teachers create engaging lessons and track student progress.

Kharl Axel Bacud

Sky Charley Tejada

Araza

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A WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE

Charmiel Alexa Mariano

Imagine a library without walls, one that is open all day, everyday. Where countless of books are stored in. Historical books, magazines, audio recordings, anything that your mind can think of. That’s the power that digital libraries hold with the comfort of your device.

Digital libraries transformed how we interact with knowledge. With many available information around the clock, they help students, professionals, and researchers all around the world with the same information that we interact with.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) survey, 67% of teachers reported that their students have access to functional tablets for learning, and nearly two-thirds use digital learning resources. It’s amazing how digital libraries connect with students, but what makes them revolutionary?

First of all, digital libraries break down geographical barriers. This is a game changing upgrade for individuals who live in remote areas or those who don’t have any physical libraries nearby.

By storing books digitally, they make it eco-friendly. Digital libraries help us reduce paper production to minimize the environmental impact. A library where thousands of books are accessible without a single use of paper.

Digital libraries also make learning interactive. They have tools which allow the readers to annotate, highlight, and share notes to engage with the resources available. These functions help us to quickly locate important terms, making research more efficient.

With the historical books in these digital shelves, it preserves historical artifacts that are fragile with the hands of the readers. Now, it has a safe place where everyone in the world can still appreciate these delicate books without harming them.

With the great magic of digital libraries, they also come in various forms. Academic libraries offer journals and articles for students and research. While public libraries offer a ton of e-books and audio recordings for their readers online. On the other hand, specialized libraries focus on health and laws, diving down some specific topics. While the government libraries provide historical records of the nation, making it accessible for the readers.

Although digital libraries offer great amounts of benefits, they face challenges as well, like copyright limitations and privacy concerns. But as we progress, we will be able to easily avoid these challenges, with the intelligence of our technologies and professionals.

Digital libraries offer a whole new universe of information. A universe where information is easily accessible all around the world. One click away and digital shelves full of research and documents, which preserve history and provide discoveries. This universe allows us to become the best learners that we can be.

Josef Salazar

A HACKER BREACHED

The ImporTance of cyber

They breached in... they stole my name... my address...

In a report on Feb 20, 2024, a total of 210,020 students gigabytes were left unprotected in the Online Voucher Application

Cyber security researcher Mr. Jeremiah Fowler said the platform internet connection access them.

Fowler’s investigation revealed a critical gap in the security infrastructure government voucher applications, leaving it susceptible to unauthorized staggering 153.76 GB of crucial documents, including tax filings, death certificates.

The most concerning were the exposed tax records, which contained numbers, employer details, and tax identification numbers. Additionally, days, genders, addresses, contact information, parents’ income sources,

This is a blunder situation. The hacker may use it against the school not only ransom thousands of pesos but millions or even billions information. Also, cyber criminals have a big potential to even use it in more serious cyber activity.

The 21st century is the era of technology. The internet means danger exists in every corner of webs. You personal details.

It is the time to reveal and spread the words of cyber Schools should teach every students the cyber security even ocean of the internet.

The lack of basic cyber security awareness among young people often young internet users frequently share personal information online, including family details, sometimes even with strangers. Thus, knowledge about cyber

With the rapid global advancement, both good and bad are arising — open this era of technology. Lastly, remember the saying "Be aware of every information,

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Technology:

Aviella Shirel Freeman

In the realm of education with buzzing essentials, Is there a path for quality education where relief is found?

a Catalyst Without a Cost BREACHED IN! yber SecurITy In educaTIon Advanced

address... my personal data... everything...

students and parent records amounting to 153.76 Application (OVAP).

platform had no password protection, letting anyone with an infrastructure of an online platform utilized by senior high school students for unauthorized access. The compromised system, stored in the cloud, contained a filings, consent forms, government certifications, and employment and

detailed personal information such as full names, home addresses, phone Additionally, the online application forms stored sensitive data like full names, birth sources, properties owned, and even photographs of the applicants.

school or even more high institution to threaten them for ransom. They may billions of pesos for the sake of not exposing the 210,020 individual's sensitive to steal an identity and use it as a fake identity to blackmail, scam and

internet is everywhere, everyone has access to the internet which might be attacked by a hacker and they might steal your

cyber security, the book of how to kill the cyber crime. even it is very complex – safety is a must in the vast

often leads to risky online behavior. Studies reveal that including their home address, school location and cyber security is like a golden apple, it is very important.

open your eyes wider, see the things clearer, and wake up in information, to survive any situation".

There lies advanced technology, or artificial intelligence (AI), with an advanced course of study that lends a hand to students, whether they are begin ners or advanced learners, with easy ac cess to 389,000 educational apps found in either the Google Play or Apple App Stores—paving a solution for students strug gling with finance.

A study shown at Florida’s public colleges and universities illustrates the dilemmas and distress of students lacking the money for textbooks.

A survey conducted by Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC), the 2022 Student Textbook and Instructional Materials Survey, shows how students face negative consequences that impact their academic success and basic needs through comments.

in three (32%) reported earning a poor grade, and nearly a quarter (24%) reported dropping out of a course.

To refrain the distress and impact from finances involving matters in learning, educational apps serve as catalysts for providing quality and overflowing education where advanced technology not only aims to enlighten the minds of learners, but to also cater to the diverse range of age, learning needs, styles, and preferences.

Furthermore, AI-powered chatbots could be used to provide learners with 24/7 access to support and information. Learners could ask questions, get feedback on assignments, and receive personalized recommendations for further learning, which reduces the need for human support, making education more cost-effective.

According to a forecast released by technology research firm IDC, worldwide business spending on AI is expected to hit $50 billion this year and $110 billion annually by 2024. While the initial

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President Donald Trump signs the Executive Order for the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organizaation at the White House on January 21, 2025. The US Government withdrawed as they believe WHO “rips them off”.

Cataclysmic Presidential Decision: Trump signs executive order to withdraw U.S from WHO

PBBM urges PhilSA to bring space tech closer to Filipino youth

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to make space technology more accessible to Filipino youth.

Marcos aims to help young Filipinos see space science as something they can understand and relate to, hoping to spark interest in it.

“The President instructed to bring space technology closer to the people,

especially to the young ones. By bringing it to the public, then we can communicate the benefits of space technology better in addressing the many programs of government,” said PhilSA Director General Joel Marciano Jr. at the 8th meeting of the Philippine Space Council (PSC).

In the meeting, the President received updates on the development of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite.

The MULA satellite is an advanced earth observation satellite that can help with disaster management, agriculture, or urban planning. The satellite’s development involved 16 Filipino engineers, showcasing the growing capacity of local talent in space technology.

Secretary Fortunato de la Peña takes pride in witnessing how DOST’s early space research and development activities have molded capable young Filipino scientists and engineers

The Local Government Unit (LGU) has given new laptops to several teachers at Santa Lucia High School. Their initiative is to help teachers teach better and make learning easier for students.

Traditional vs. Multimedia Teaching

Before the laptops arrived, many teachers struggled with the use of personal devices, they weren’t able to perform well due to the low-end devices used or they had to rely on traditional teaching methods like textbooks, chalkboards, and printed materials. These methods worked for basic lessons but they didn't always grab students' attention, especially with more difficult topics.

Now, with the new Acer laptops, teachers can present lessons more interactively and engagingly. Instead of just reading from a book, they can show videos, run simulations, and create presentations that make learning more exciting. The students are now able to have a visual of the lesson that allows them to understand it better.

The Power of Technology

Adapting to new technology can be challenging at first, but it makes teaching much easier in the long run. The Acer laptops, with their Intel Core i5 processors, are fast enough to run multiple programs at once. This means teachers can quickly switch between tools like PowerPoint, videos, and online quizzes without any delays. Lesson planning becomes faster and more creative.

Moreover, the Intel Core i5 processors in the laptops are powerful enough to run educational programs like virtual labs, simulations, and other learning tools. These programs help teachers show experiments, and create more engaging lessons.

A Modern Approach to Learning

Using multimedia tools and technology in the classroom keeps students more focused and helps them understand difficult subjects better. With these new laptops, teachers are now able to bring les-

“World Health ripped us the United States. It’s not more,” - Trump, Donald., signing fest of legislations, inaugurated to his second President Donald Trump tive order to start the withdrawal USA from World Health on January 20, 2025, raising debates in its possible and on world health initiatives.

He added that all Governmental who are working with the reassigned and recalled. Trump administration is possible new partnerships ous activities assigned

TRUMP’S RELATIONSHIP

“Too China-centric” is Trump described the guidance during the pandemic in office, this led to a heated the organization.

The reason for withdrawal ecutive order, section 1, handling of covid 19 that China and its failure to ed reforms and the inability

To encourage and educate the youth, PhilSA is planning to launch various outreach programs to help students understand the practical benefits of space technology.

Education through technology: LGU provides laptops for teachers

sons to life in ways that traditional methods couldn’t. The LGU’s initiative is helping both teachers and students adapt to the digital world, changing how education is experienced in our schools. As digital literacy becomes more important in the 21st century, initiatives like this one are helping to prepare students for the future.

De la Peña added how the dedication of the MULA team could motivate the future generation of engineers and space scientists.

Leira Mharie Mito

Brent Irish Roxas

Quezon City Government

us off, everybody rips off not going to happen anyDonald., during his rigorous legislations, weeks after being second term of presidency.

Trump signed the execuwithdrawal process of the Health Organization (WHO) raising numerous heated aftermath economically initiatives.

Governmental personnel the organization will be recalled. Simultaneously, the currently searching for partnerships to cover the previto WHO.

RELATIONSHIP WITH WHO

how President Donald WHO’s protocols and pandemic in his first term heated relationship with

withdrawal according to the ex1, is because of the misthat started out of Wuhan to adopt urgently needinability to show indepen-

dence from the inappropriate political influence of the member states of WHO. Another reason stated in the executive order is that the WHO persistently requires the United States to make disproportionately large payments compared to other nations, comparing China having a population of 1.4 billion which is three times that of the U.S and it contributes almost 90% less to the WHO than the United States does.

The US government added that “unfairly onerous payments” made by the USA to WHO is one of its deciding factors on withdrawing in the organization.

This caused WHO to regret his top benefactor’s decision on leaving the organization. Director of WHO on Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law, Gostin, Lawrence, going as far as marking it as the darkest day for global health he’d ever experienced.

Trump then teases WHO on how desperate and distressed they are by his decision and hints at the nation’s possible return to the organization without specifying any corresponding movement or action after the withdrawal or whether the relationship between the two can be resolved in the future.

WITHDRAWALS’ AFTERMATH

‘’Trump could be sowing the seeds for the next pandemic.” anxiously exclaimed by Lawrence

Gostin.

The 2024 - 2025 two year budget of WHO, it is estimated to reach $6.8 billion U.S. Dollars. This is because the U.S. is considered as the top benefactor of WHO, contributing around 18 percent of its total funding and expenses, while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation being its next-largest donor that mostly goes to polio eradication.

During the Biden administration, the US was considered as the largest source of funds for WHO, with a contribution of $6.8 billion or equivalent to one-fifth of the organization’s budget.

This expense is usually saved in tackling world problems such as tuberculosis , malaria, dengue, polio, HIV/Aids or overall World Health, making programs and other actions against health emergencies.

Based on the law of the US, withdrawing from WHO requires a one-year notice period along with its outstanding fees and expenses. This is not the first time that specific U.S law was almost completed, as his presidency ended in the year it was passed, making the Biden administration put a stop to the order during his first day in the white house.

But considering the recent order passed by the newly elected president Donald Trump,

this budget reserved for these circumstances could disappear almost immediately, and WHO is not sure if any country could or will fill the gap on the budget.

Along with the budget, countless programs built within years of work, may be in trouble. Programs that is made to fight the Global Mortality rate against diseases will drop significantly, affecting not only the heath of the population in different countries but to their economy.

Lawrence Gostlin pointed out that the withdrawal is a grievous wound to wound to world health, but a still deeper wound to the US and it is a cataclysmic presidential decision.

Lawrence exclaimed that withdrawing from WHO will affect its effectiveness significantly along with the world’s health, but the U.S would face a greater loss within its scientific capabilities and leadership.

Ministry spokesperson of China, Jiakun Guo says that “China will continue to support the WHO in fulfilling its responsibilities, and deepen international public health cooperation.” He added that the role of WHO on the world’s health should not be weakened, but strengthened, hinting at possible collaboration and partnership for the future even without the U.S. in the picture.

Mpox Resurgence: Cutting the Claws of a Global Public Health Emergency

Monkeypox was later eradicated along with the discontinuation of smallpox vaccines in the 80’s. Due to this, the virus slowly and steadily appeared throughout Central, East, and West Africa, wherein it will wreak havoc until today, with 85,000 confirmed cases of the disease to date.

A Global Public Health Emergency

Accordingly, WHO declared Mpox a “global public health emergency” on August 14, 2024,

at its highest form of alert after a recent outbreak of Monkeypox Virus (Clade I and II) in the Democratic of Congo spread to neighboring

Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda and the Philippines have reported

Nearly all reported Mpox cases – 96 percent – across Africa are in the DRC, where children younger than 15 account for 60 percent of the cases, Africa CDC said.

Mpox in The Philippines: DOH says not to

Five days after WHO declared Mpox as a global public health emergency, the Philippines announced a newly detected case of the Mpox virus on August 19, 2024.

This is the first case the Department of Health (DOH) has detected Mpox since December last year, adding 13 cases reported between August 23 to September 16, bringing the total cases to 18 since January 1, 2024.

“The Mpox virus is among us. This is a warning to everybody,” Health Secretary Teddy Herbosa told reporters, noting that nine cases of the virus were also detected in 2023.

DOH expressed their concerns after a 33-year-old Filipino male patient was infected by the virus without any prior travel history out-

side the country. The DOH explained that since the patient has no prior records of leaving the country, he was infected inside the Philippines, raising a question on how the man was infected.

“He did not travel [abroad]. That means the virus is already here in the Philippines,” Herbosa said, adding that no border countermeasures will be implemented.

Moreso, DOH confirmed that the patient had 41 close contacts, adding that the issue is now being traced, quarantined, and identified as a part of their disease containment measurement.

Not the “Next Covid”

As a countermeasure, DOH urges Local Government Organizations (LGO) to be alert and report any suspected case of the virus. Similarly, several campaigns led by different organizations started to inform the community how to prevent the virus from spreading by providing health pamphlets, and infographics relating to Monkeypox as they urged people to not panic as WHO explained that this is “not the new Covid”

“Our health system is working. We can handle the situation and will keep the public well-informed,” Herbosa clarified.

Although it may feel like we are once again at the mouth of a beast, ready to be gnawed once again to chaos as we once were, it’s important to note that Mpox is well known, and years of study and research are at our disposal, ready to be used. This time the claws and fangs will not reach the sheeps.

Jeddah S. Angeles

Jeddah S. Angeles

Earth’s New Mini-Moon: PT5 Takes a Twinkling Visit

Twinkle, Twinkle, little moon, how I wonder what you are, came to visit Earth for a while, like an asteroid in the sky. Twinkle, twinkle, PT5, how I wonder what you are.

PT5; The Travelling Asteroid

The asteroid 2024 PT5, was first spotted on August 7, 2024, by the ATLAS telescope in Sutherland, South Africa. Earth’s gravity briefly captured it, making it orbit the planet from September 29 to November 25, 2024, earning it the nickname “minimoon.”

The mini-moon, captured by Earth’s gravitational orbit from September 29 to November 25, 2024, it travels in a horseshoe-shaped path and measures around 37 feet in diameter or 11 meters.

Astronomers confirm that the mini-moon will eventually return to a heliocentric orbit, circling the Sun. Given its small size, there is no immediate concern about it colliding with Earth in the coming decades. Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, a researcher at the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid, stated that 2024 PT5 remains at a safe distance—about ten times the space between Earth and the Moon, or approximately 2.6 million miles (4.2 million kilometers) away.

Inside the Factory of Minimoons

“For an object to be classified as a mini-moon, it must approach Earth at a slow speed and within close range, allowing the planet’s gravity to temporar-

ily capture it”according to de la Fuente Marcos.

De la Fuente categorizes minimoon events into short and long episodes. Short ones, like PT5, last only days, weeks, or months without completing an orbit also called “temporary captured flybys”. On the other hand, long episodes, last’s for years, involve objects orbiting Earth multiple times.

Despite earth being the youngest in cosmic space, it has captured several asteroids, including 2020 CD3. It was first detected in February 2020, it had unknowingly orbited Earth for years before being identified and later drifting back to its original path.

Due to the discovery, CD3 was reevaluated as a long-captured mini moon, unlike its successor PT5.

He explained that short minimoon events are rare, occurring only once every 10 to 20 years under specific conditions, though they can happen multiple times per decade.

In an email, Robert Jedicke, a specialist emeritus on solar system bodies at the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy, explained that an asteroid’s capture by Earth isn’t influenced by its size or mass but solely by its speed and trajectory as it nears the Earth-Moon system.

Robert Jedicke clarified that there are specific circumstances for an asteroid approaching earth to be captured by its gravity. One of these circumstances include that the asteroid needs to be at the right velocity while

also achieving a specific angle to be captured. This however is not the only way, as in rare conditions, the combinations of the gravitational pull of all objects in the solar system can sum up to allow a particular slow moving object with a right angle to be temporarily captured.

Commonly, Mini-moons come from the main asteroid belt of our solar system located between Mars and Jupiter, like the Arjuna asteroid belt, where PT5 originates. They can also come from debris launched after an asteroid collision millions of years ago.

Jedicke clarified that there are more mini moons in the Earth and Moon system that can go as large as a dishwasher, these mini moons however, are harder and more difficult to detect as most of them go undiscovered during their time captured within the earth’s gravity. He added that PT5 might be 10 meters in diameter, marking it as the largest detected object discovered-to-date.

Future of Earth’s Visitors

“Determining where they come from could help us understand the process of crater formation and how material is ejected from the Moon’s surface,” Jedicke said.

So as the twinkle of the minimoons 56.6 vacation days on Earth are coming to an end, we only dare to wait for it again. “Twinkle, twinkle, little moon. How I wonder what you are.”

Plastic in Our Bodies: Discovered in Newborn Babies

A recent study by Rutgers University has revealed that micro- and nano plastics (MNPs) can pass through the placental barrier and has been affecting even newborn rodents.

As microplastics continue to develop in our ecosystems, many researchers discovered new findings regarding the impacts of MNPs on reproduction and fetal development and found that it remained in tissue long after birth.

THE RISING AMOUNT OF MNPs

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters, while nano plastics are even tinier and can slip into our cells. These particles are everywhere, breaking off from larger plastic items like bottles and bags. We breathe them in, eat them, and even absorb them through our skin.

Research shows that humans are now consuming up to 5 grams of plastic every week, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a credit card.

RUTGERS HEALTH STUDY

In the study, pregnant rats were exposed to food-grade plastic particles, which were small enough to pass through the placenta and enter the fetus’s bloodstream.

After the baby rats were born, research ers found plastic particles in their lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and brain—vital or gans that are critical for health. However, rats that weren’t exposed to plastics had no plastic in their bodies.

Although this study was done on rats, scientists believe humans could be af fected in the same way. The presence of plastics in our organs could lead to seri ous health risks, such as cancer, inflamma tion, weakened immune systems, and organ damage. Research has already linked plastic exposure to problems like reproductive harm and developmental delays in animals, and scientists are concerned that this could be the same for hu mans.

MNPs are found everywhere, in our food, wa ter, air, and even in the most remote parts of the Earth. While we still don’t fully understand how these tiny plastics affect us, this study shows the urgent need for more research. We also need stronger regulations on plastic use and dispos al to protect both our health and the environment. The discovery of MNPs in newborns is a reminder that plastic pollution is a problem we can no longer ignore.

As the world evolves around with technologies and innovations, people often seek immediate assistance for easier work. But then artificial intelligence paves the way. For someone who’s piled up with school works and hectic tasks, an AI like chatbots serves as one of the most essential buddy.

Meta AI, a recently made virtual assistant powered by META company offers handy use chatbot due to its one-click proficient service. By its platform, the Messenger app, Facebook, WhatsApp and instagram; it answers questions, translate languages, generate images and even help in writing by just inserting ideas and questions.

META AI VS CHATGPT

Chatbots are the most common forms of ai according to researches, and two of its biggest contenders are OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s MetaAI. Hence, both of them are powerful and accessible during these days but their differences heats up the tensions between.

ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) has been talk of the town since its release in November 2022 and creates a major influence for it reaches 200 million users weekly according to the company. ChatGPT app and site is programmed to do challenging tasks, such as writing journalistic and aca-

META AI: The AI advancements

Jeddah Angeles

Jeddah S. Angeles

The rise of advancements

The Meta company said to commit responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and they are motivated by the belief that every people must have access to information, opportunities and services.

But due to its presence among people, particularly in students’ lives, the use of AI such as chatbots led into different questions and discussions in the education sector and how it can affect practices in education.

EFFECTS OF CHATBOTS AMONG STUDENTS

As for students, having study and workload assisstance is a great relief, causing them to utilize AI for studies, social life and personal growth. But due to its advancement, it usually produces a nonhuman-like work. Sometimes writes a plausible sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers.

Other experts perceive chatbots as a blockage in developing students’ academic skills and abilities, resulting to some educational institutions prohibits students from using any AI.

Hence, the use of artificial intelligence’s tools like Meta AI and ChatGPT, can be beneficial to us. It could lessen one’s work and facilitate more interactive and accessible learning for this generation. Forms of AI can be our partner on doing such task, but also essential for students to not

Striking a Balance: Internet Access in Schools

Jacob Ducusin

In today’s classrooms, having internet access is as essential as having books and teachers. It opens up opportunities for learning and teaching like never before. But while it’s incredibly useful, schools face challenges in making it work smoothly.

As reported by the DICT data, only 1.8 million percent of over 47,421 public schools nationwide have access to free Wi-Fi. This was mentioned by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian during the interpellation of the 2023 proposed budget of the DICT, mentioning the discoveries five years after the passing of RA 10929, or also known as the free internet access in public schools act.

Sen. Gatchalian also mentioned that based on the gathered data for the free public Wi-Fi dash board, there is only 1.8% public schools or equivalent to 860 public schools that have access to free public WiFi as of September 2, 2022.

This concern was hinted by CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor lawyer Tim Abejo before the school year started.

Abejo encouraged a fast action regarding the reoccurring class issues such as digital readiness and non-readiness, inadequate facilities, congested classrooms and poor infrastructures in public schools.

ing the system requires constant repairs and upgrades, which can be costly and time-consuming. Network outages add to the problem, interrupting lessons and frustrating both students and teachers.

How Internet Access Transforms Teaching

For teachers, the internet is a powerful tool. It’s described as “100% advantageous” because it helps in so many ways. Teachers can find updated resources, collaborate with colleagues, and create more engaging lessons using videos, games, and interactive tools. It also saves time by simplifying tasks like grading and sharing materials. Overall, the internet allows for better organization and creativity in teaching.

Helping Students Learn Better

For students, internet access can make learning more effective, especially when used for research, online practice, and extra learning tools. It provides instant access to information and interactive resources, helping them understand lessons better. However, it’s most useful when students use it responsibly and focus on their studies.

Striking a Balance

The Challenges of Setting Up the Internet

Building a reliable internet system in schools is hard work to do. One major issue is the limited bandwidth, which means the connection can get slow when many people use it at once. On top of that, maintain-

Despite its benefits, internet access in schools isn’t perfect. Slow speeds, outages, and maintenance issues can cause disruptions. Yet, its advantages in improving teaching and learning make it worth the effort.

Waste to Worth: Waste Segregation in School

The sight of overflowing trash bins, the smell of rotting food waste, and the sight of plastic bottles tangled in the bushed paint a grim picture of our environment. But a simple segregation could make a mess into something wonderful.

GROWING WASTE PROBLEM

Based on the National Solid Waste Report, the amount of waste found are over 13.48 million tons in year 2010 up to 18.05 million tons in year 2020. Most of this trash is residential and a large portion of biodegradables -- improper segregation remains a big problem and the effects are becoming increasingly evident.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH RISKS OF POOR WASTE PRACTICES

Improper waste segregation has far-reaching consequences that affect the environment and health. Those non-biodegradable waste, like plastics, can take hundreds of years to decompose, while organic waste such as leftover foods, releases harmful gases like methane when mixed with other wastes. Without proper segregation, these materials pollute our rivers, oceans, air, and streets, leading to flooding and

harmful effects on wildlife.

PROPERLY WAYS TO SEGREGATE WASTE

School follows these practices such as separating biodegradables, non-biodegradables and residual wastes. Biodegradables can break down in a week or months so they are turned into a compost to use as a fertilizer for the plants in the school garden. Recyclables waste goes in another bin waiting to be reused in school projects or sell it in the junk shops. Residual wastes are properly disposed of and are collected by the garbage collectors.

BENEFITS OF PROPERLY SEGREGATION OF WASTE

Implementing waste segregation in schools supports the health and safety of students and staff. Properly segregating waste can reduce the chances of contamination and the spread of disease-causing bacteria from improperly disposed food waste. Segregating in school helps to reduce the waste in the environment resulting in cleaner surroundings and less pollution. Small steps, like segregating waste can make a healthier ecosystem, and a safer environment for everyone and can have a big impact in the future.

Aliyah

Fionna Cabatic

Gold Glory

Double Gold Glory: Carlos Yulo’s Triumph in the Paris Olympics dedicated for the Philippines

In the recently held Paris Olympics, Carlos Yulo, the pride and joy of the Philippines created an uproar as he won double gold medals in floor routines and vault. He scored big at floor exercise with a score of 15.300 and a score of 15.450 on the vault awarding him as the champion.

The Philippines now celebrates his victory which he was able to achieve through training and his will to represent his country. The recognition is well deserved given how we still consider him one of the brightest young talents in the sport, no wonder he was able to execute his competition flawlessly.

Carlos Yulo’s double victory further cements his status in history as he showed grace and delivered on both strikes, which took place on August 2 at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. His routines were elaborate, and he focused on the task at hand, and so victory had to fall upon him against

tough competition.

“This victory is not only mine, but also the victory of every Filipino who saw the potential in me. I completely endorse the notion of hard work when it means bringing these medals home.” Yulo remarked,

Yulo’s highlight of the game is the final vault which featured a two and a half twist .This successful maneuver earned him his second gold medal and made the crowd go nuts.

Japanese gymnast Kaito Suzuki, Yulo’s competitor stated, ”Carlos was the one who was remarkable today. In all honesty, he obtained the right to be called a winner. We were all aware that this matchup would be tough.”

Suzuki was expectingly prepared for his best moment where he received loud applause from the audience when he was doing parallel motion on his bar routine with impressive precision and domination.

Yulo excelled in the floor exercise with a score of 15.300 and a score of 15.450 on the vault, thereby putting him in a favorable position. For his many high-difficulty routines, he was able to combine power and elegance in such a way that he was always ahead of his closest competitors.

score of 14.800 in the parallel bars and 14.600 in the horizontal bar are other remarkable scores put up by Suzuki. His scores kept him in the race and also

showed his own class in the sport.

Yulo’s triple-twist pass finish during his floor exercise did take the arena down such that he landed it beautifully.

7-YEAR-OLD STAR, ALEIA AGUILAR, BRINGS HOME GOLD AT WORLD JIU-JITSU FESTIVAL

Aleia Aielle Aguilar, a seven-year-old Filipino Jiu-Jitsu prodigy, won gold in the 22 dadkg girls’ division at the 2024 World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Cham pionships in Abu Dhabi. Her victory marked her third world title, showcasing exceptional technique and composure against tough competition.

In the finals, Aguilar defeated local favorite Sarah Abuhijleh with a decisive 3-0 score. The champion ship, held on November 16, 2024, demonstrated her ability to adapt after last-minute changes to her weight category.

This victory cements Aguilar’s status as a dom inant force in youth Jiu-Jitsu, with an unblem ished tournament record. Fans applauded her for her discipline and precision, rec ognizing her as a rising star in the sport.

“I’ve worked hard for this, and it’s amazing to see the effort pay off,” Aguilar said after her win. She credited her success to focused training and support from her team.

The turning point of the tournament came in the semi-finals, where Aguilar secured an armbar submission in just 20 sec onds. This lightning-fast finish earned her a spot in the finals and drew applause from spec tators.

Even in defeat, Abuhijleh praised Aguilar’s performance, calling her technique “impressive.” She admitted it was challenging to match Aguilar’s pre-

Abuhijleh’s standout moment in the tournament was her quarterfinal match, where she dominated with swift takedowns and a submission win. Her performance there demonstrated her skill and de-

Aguilar, however, stood out throughout the tournament, winning all her matches without conceding a point. Her mix of submissions and positional control underscored her tactical and technical superiority.

Abuhijleh’s tournament stats showed a strong ground game, with three submission wins leading to the finals. Still, she struggled to counter Aguilar’s relentless precision and positional dominance.

In the finals, Aguilar opened with a well-executed takedown and maintained control throughout the match. Her tactical planning left Abuhijleh unable to mount a significant counterattack, securing Aguilar’s 3-0 win.

Drege Ryker Peralta

Sta. Lucia High School’s women’s doubles team captured the bronze medal in the SDO-QC MEET, prevailing over Tandang Sora in a four-set thriller. The duo of Ramirez and Contreras bounced back from a tough loss against UST in the semifinals, displaying resilience and teamwork that carried them to victory.

The bronze-medal match was held on December 14 at the Tandang Sora courts. Ramirez and Contreras faced Estoque and Go from Tandang Sora. After a shaky start in the first set, SLHS regrouped and won three consecutive sets, demonstrating superior communication and strategy.

The road to bronze was not easy for SLHS. In their semifinal match against UST, they suffered a straight-sets loss (3-11, 3-11, 4-11), showcasing UST’s dominance. However, the setback served as a lesson, motivating SLHS to step up their game and secure the bronze medal.

“Yung isa po sa naging advantage namin is yung mas lamang po kami sa communication and proper use of equipment,” said Ramirez, crediting their teamwork as the key to their success.

The highlight of the bronze-medal match came in the fourth set when SLHS pulled off an 11-6 victory to seal the win. The team showed re-

markable composure and adaptability, overcoming their earlier struggles.

The Tandang Sora coach reflected on the match, saying, “We gave it our all, but we were outplayed in the crucial moments.”

Tandang Sora’s best moment came in the first set when they took an 11-8 win over SLHS, capitalizing on early momentum and errors from their opponents. However, they were unable to sustain that level of play in the following sets.

Ramirez emerged as the standout player for SLHS, providing key plays in the second, third, and fourth sets. Her leadership and consistency were critical in their comeback victory.

For Tandang Sora, Estoque and Go’s best performer shone in the first set, scoring crucial points to establish their early lead. Despite the loss, their efforts kept the game competitive throughout.

The bronze-medal match played out as follows: SLHS lost the first set 8-11 but roared back to win the next three sets with scores of 11-8, 11-7, and 11-6. Their tenacity and ability to regroup after the first set were the keys to their success.

Drege Ryker Peralta

Rappler

Drege Ryker Peralta

THE TENNIS TRAILBLAZER, ALE EALA REMAINS HUNGRY FOR GREATER TENNIS SUCCESS

The Ace of Gen, Alex Eala is proud of her achievement but isn't fully satisfied. She's happy with her progress but aims for more. Eala, currently back in the Philippines for a short break, reflects on her year with gratitude and ambition.

She set a goal to play in all the Grand Slam tournaments, and this year achieved it. She admits the year started off rocky but improved in the second quarter. Her perseverance has brought closer to her dreams despite setbacks.

The Trailblazer holds five singles and three doubles titles, reaching a career-high WTA ranking of 193rd, and currently ranking at 158. She also has

Her ambition drives her forward, even after tough losses

Eala has learned not to rush her journey of feel overly pressured. Losing can be frustrating, but she reminds herself that everyone is working hard, and that Keeps her motivated to push further.

She realizes that rest is essential, but so is resilience and persistence. After setbacks, Eala focuses on training the next step and improving her game.

At long last, Alex Eala remains determined. She wants to achieve her dreams and understands that success takes time, hard work, and patience.

HARMIE CONSTANTINO CLAIMED ANOTHER COMEBACK ON ICTSI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Harmie Constantino attained triumph in the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship after placing a stunning comeback conquering the title by 3 strokes.

Constantino, who was 5 strokes behind the leader entering the final round, shot a 69 with a front nine of 33, maintaining consistency on the back nine to secure the win.

Constantino’s win took a significant fought back from a losing position, showing her dedication. Constantinos’s strong play on the front nine, combined with a steady back nine, helped her past her competitors.

Constantino’s performance at Palos Verdes Golf Club, Davao fought back from a losing position, played on the front nine until back nine, demonstrating her dedication.

Constantino's seventh pro win, including two at Eagle Ridge in her 2021 debut at the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship showcases her ability to overcome adversity and thrive

under pressure with perseverance.

“I’d say one of the sweetest but not the top,” said Constantino, reflecting on her victory. “I stayed patient, kept my cool out there throughout the day.”

The turning point of the game came when Constantino shot a remarkable 33 on the front nine, which brought her back into contention.

Lois Kaye Go, the overnight leader, expressed her disappointment after a tough round, “Obviously, nothing went well. My first few bogeys, I hit good chips but made some bad judgments.”

Lois Kaye Go, despite struggling in the final round, had a commendable performance, but faltered on the back nine, making four bogeys and a double bogey on the 16th hole, dropping her to fourth place at 221.

Constantino’s turning point on the 33 front nine, sealed her victory with a par on the 18th hole after seeking relief for an

Comes Up Short in

Paris Olympic Pole Vault Final

EJ Obiena, the Philippines’ top pole vaulter, came so close to winning a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics but fell just short, finishing in fourth place. He cleared 5.75 meters in the qualifiers, securing his spot in the final. In the final, he gave it his all but couldn’t clear 5.95 meters, missing out on a podium finish.

Obiena had been battling some back issues before the Games, which made it harder for him to prep properly. But still, he fought his way through and made it to the final, where the

pressure was on. The event took place at the famous Stade de France on August 5, 2024, where the world’s best pole vaulters gathered, including Duplantis, who’s just on another level.

It was a bittersweet moment for Obiena. Finishing fourth was a huge improvement from his 11thplace finish in Tokyo, but he was still so close to something bigger. No Filipino athlete has won a medal in Olympic track and field since 1936, and many were hoping EJ would break that drought. His jump of 5.90 meters was impressive but just wasn’t enough to bring home the medal.

“I tried my best, but it just wasn’t my time,” Obiena said after the competition. “I’m disappointed, but I know I’ll keep pushing. This is not the end, just another step forward.” The real turning point came

when Obiena was unable to clear 5.95 meters. He tried three times but couldn't get over the bar. It was heartbreaking, knowing he had put himself in a good position earlier in the competition, but sometimes that’s how it goes in pole vaulting.

“It’s hard to accept, but that’s sports,” Obiena said. “Every jump, you give it your all, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out.”

Obiena’s biggest moment came in the qualifiers when he cleared 5.75 meters on his second attempt. That jump was clutch, especially with the pressure mounting. It was his ticket to the final, and he delivered when it counted.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis once again proved he’s the best. He cleared 6.25 meters with such ease,

winning gold and solidifying his place as the pole vault king.

Even though Obiena didn’t win a medal, his journey to Paris showed just how far he’s come. He started the year ranked third in the world, and although the podium was just out of reach, he’s proven he can compete with the world’s best.

Obiena’s final jump attempt at 5.95 meters was heartbreaking as the bar fell to the mat, ending his Olympic dream for now. Earlier, he’d cleared 5.75 meters with confidence and even made it past 5.90 meters. But when the heights got higher, his body just couldn’t get him over the next challenge. The event kicked off with a starting height of 5.50 meters, and Obiena looked great early on, but the bar kept rising.

Zyreal Vencio

PhilStar

Daphnelei Ong

ABS-CBN

SLHS RISING STARS SMASH THEIR WAY TO QUARTERFINALS IN SDO-QC MEET

Atheena Mae Ramirez and Yuan Cyril Contreras of Sta. Lucia High School faced off their first match at the 2024 SDO-QC Athletic Meet Women’s Double Table Tennis tournament. A decisive 3-0 victory saw their team move through to the quarterfinals in the competition held at Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary School on December 8, 2024.

The duo attribute their victory to solid preparations ahead of the match but emphasized their chemistry in outsmarting their opponents. The two sides are scheduled to meet again a quarter-final on December 14, 2024 at the same venue as they hope to build on their success and win again.

This victory is notable because they are first-time representatives of the school in the tournament. Despite their inexperience, they showed steadiness and skill that could make them a surprise factor in this year’s competition.

“We’re excited about this victory,” Contreras said. “A big part of it was how we prepared, and we’re confident moving into the quarterfinals.” We will keep working hard to reach our objectives.”

The duo’s commanding performance in the third set, where Ramirez’s precise smashes and Contreras’s quick reflexes proved too much for their opponents as the highlight of the game. Their 11-2 thrashing of their foes in that set won them in style.

“They outdropped us in every single

area,” said one of the losing team’s members. “We were trying to catch up, and their teamwork and continual work was the deciding factor.”

The most important stretch for the losing team came in the second set when they put up a spirited rally to push Sta. close to knocking the Lucia duo down 11–9, before narrowly losing 11–9. The eventual result was irrelevant to the ferocity with which they fought to keep the match competitive.

Aired: The player of the match was Ramirez, who delivered key smashes and was steady on defense. She was mercurial, knowing where to read the game and put herself in the position to benefit.

For the losing team, who showed standout resilience and agility, especially through the second set, They played well and showed determination, despite losing.

The match started with Contreras and Ramirez winning the first set by 11-7. In the second set, the other team came back strong, cutting the advantage, but the Sta. Lucia duo stood strong to take the victory, 11-9. With Ramirez and Contreras running away with the third set, winning it 11-2 with ferocious smashes and incredible defense, they earned the right to continue in this season's tournament, moving on in a 3-0 victory to the quarterfinals.

Drege Ryker Peralta

AZKALS WORLD CUP QUEST BEGINS WITH A HEART-POUNDING WIN OVER VIETNAM

The Philippine Azkals showed resilience and tactical dynamism as they went on to triumph in the much awaited opening match against Vietnam during the 2026 FIFA World Qualifiers. This would give them a big step towards qualifying for the prestigious tournament for the first time.

The Azkals proved their unyielding will to triumph and seize moments of opportunity. Playing before a fired-up home crowd, the team showed tenacity in doing the hard work and a distinct game plan.

The victory would be so crucial for Azkals since it marked the first win of their over Vietnam in a competitive match. The win also ensured that the team gathered the much-needed three points in the group stage, which will set them off pretty well for a good outing in the qualifiers.

"We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game against Vietnam, but we were prepared to fight for every ball. This win gives us much confidence going forward," said Azkals captain Neil Etheridge as he reflected on the team's arduous win.

Finally, Bienvenido Marañon, the Spanish-Filipino striker, turned the match around in the 75th minute after capitalizing on a lapse from the Vietnamese defense. A precise finish from close range lit up the home crowd and gave the Azkals the much-needed lead.

"We made a mistake at the back, and they punished us. We need to learn from this and improve defensively," said Vietnamese coach Park Hang-seo, acknowledging the crucial error that led to the Azkals' winning goal.

Vietnam's best moment of the match came in the 38th minute when Nguyen Quang Hai, Vietnam's star midfielder, unleashed a beautiful shot from outside the box, which went just slightly across the target.

Attacking midfielder Daisuke Sato, who plays for the Philippines but is a Japanese national, was indefatigable in Azkals' midfield-scheming attacks and opening chances for his teammates. He was also crucial in directing his team's defense, particularly in neutralizing the Vietnamese attack. Sato completed 85% of his passes, made two crucial tackles, and created three scoring chances.

Lance Iven Adelante