NOVOZINE Vol. V Issue 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA Bayombong Vol. V Issue I April 10-22, 2022

2022 sports meet to kick off; provincial gov’t allots P12M Merlie M. Binay-an

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fter two years of break off due to pandemic, the 2022 Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CaVRAA) Meet, dubbed as DepEd Dos Regional Invitational Sporting Events (RISE) resumes this April 25-28 at Cauayan City, Isabela.

According to Dr. Melany M. Asuncion, SGOD-EPS in-charge of sports, a total of 12 million pesos from the Provincial Special Education Fund (PSEF) has been allotted by the office of Governor Carlos M. Padilla to mobilize the conduct of the said sports activity from the 13-day in-house training up to the competition proper.

In his message sent to the publication staff, Governor Padilla extended his warmest greetings to the Nueva Vizcaya athletic delegation, and commended the efforts of sports and school officials who diligently piloted the necessary preparations for this event. He further expressed his genuine admiration and appreciation to all those who are working hard to prepare the athletes for them to be able to perform their best in the coming games.

“As you desire to be champions in your respective fields of sports and games, may you rise above everyone else showing and displaying sportsmanship, professional ethics, and the greatest respect to your fellow athletes. I believe that you are already champions in your own fields of expertise and you deserve a standing applause in the arena",the provincial governor added.

Meanwhile, per Division Memorandum No. 104, s.

2022, there are 15 sports events being played which include Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Billard, Pencak Silat, Speak Takraw, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, and Dance Sport, exclusively for high school learners only, considering health and safety PADILLA against the risks of CoVID-19.

Photo from PLGU Nueva Vizcaya

Vizcaya athletes prime for regional event Merlie M. Binay-an

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o prepare the Nueva Vizcaya athletes, the Schools Division Office has initiated a 13-day In-house Training from April 10-April 22, 2022 at Bayombong South Elementary School, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The 167 selected athletes and 37 coaches, 17 trainers, 51 members of

Apt and Right

Editorial

the technical working group, and 34 members of the training management team headed by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rachel R. Llana, comprise the delegation to compete in the 15 sporting events in the said regional sports competition scheduled April 25-28, 2022 at Cauayan City, Isabela.

During the orientation held last

Coach for life Ronald S. Hernandez

April 10, Dr. Melany M. Asuncion, EPS in-charge of sports, emphasized the importance of adhering to health standards in order for the sporting team to be able to safely and successfully compete in the said invitational sports event, with the hope to amass gold wins despite the challenges and restrictions.

The team is set to move to Cauayan City after lunch of April 22.

Records body screens . . .

Kevin Marf B. Saquing

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Vol. V

Issue I

April 10-22, 2022

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

Apt and Right

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

Don Domingo Maddela, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Quality Sports, Transcending Challenges Through Partnerships: The theme as it aptly expresses the right attitude and unifying effect of sports amid the challenges we had been and still are undergoing.

Living in fear and paranoia for more or less three years was terrible. But somehow, we are now quite free in an era called New Normal. This time, what used to be “not normal” had become the “new normal” like the wearing of facemask and face shield, distancing in gatherings, no hand shaking, no boisterous conversations or laughing, and others, to mitigate the spread of the dreaded virus.

With all these “new normal” ways of dealings as espoused by the DOH/IATF, we are coming together once again as “1-DepED-of-2." Our regional sports event was put on hold for nearly two years due to the global health crisis.

Though the negative impact of this pandemic is evident in most businesses, in every Filipino family, in our department, one exact blessing we can count is our physical participation in this division preparation for the forthcoming regional invitational meet. We strengthen not only our agility in our specific sports but also to solidify our being Novo Vizcayano athletes to seize the most coveted over-all championship.

The pandemic had taught us so much lessons, but the bottom line is discipline which is so vital in winning every battle and/or competition – sports included.

Then, Novo Vizcayano athletes shall go for gold and be the best while playing.

BEST-Kaya!

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Merlie M. Binay-an EdD Associate Editor Gaston Joseph Donald A. Lanang EdD Managing Editor Ronald S. Hernandez Layout Artists/Writers Rheanel E. Sarmiento Kevin Marf B. Saquing PhD Alger M. Cerojales Contributors Mickael A. Raymundo Noemi L. Bulan Reyma M. Casareno Patrick M. Santos Adviser Bermelita E. Guillermo PhD Consultants Melany M. Asuncion PhD Maricel S. Franco PhD Romulo S. Ancheta PhD Mary Julie A. Trus PhD Rachel R. Llana PhD

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Vol. V

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April 10-22, 2022 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

PEN PUSHER

Ronald S. Hernandez

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Rising

he outbreak of the COVID pandemic has greatly affected every facet of our daily lives. The lingering fear of contracting the disease has forced some into modifying their entire lifestyle. New Normal has been the byword that most, if not all, have had to conform to.

The thrust of education is not simply the development of the youth academically, rather, it is the holistic development of an individual. The education of a child does not only involve his mental faculties but physical attributes as well.

If there is one thing that this pandemic has clearly defined, it is the need for students to have an avenue to express themselves-whether in sports or other worthwhile outside activities.

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victorious, the opportunity to compete in the national level. However, the onslaught of the pandemic prevented the organizers from holding the yearly sports extravaganza.

This year however, marks the return of the regional athletic meet. The theme aptly encapsulates the very essence The recent decline of infection incidents coupled with the government’s policy of mass vaccination, particularly for the young people paved the way for the gradual relaxation of restrictions for gatherings and sports events.

The education sector had to adopt new ways and strategies to cope with the emerging learning situation.

Modular and blended learning are just a few examples of strategies that the department has implemented in order to stem the disruption of classes brought about by the onslaught of the pandemic. Quality education cannot be sacrificed nor compromised despite the ever-present threat of the disease.

Student-athletes who have been cooped up in their homes for more than a couple of years have finally been given the opportunity to once again display their talents and skills in their chosen discipline. Despite the uncertainty that athletes as well as coaches have to face when joining sports events, precautions and safety measures have been put in place to reassure all stakeholders that sports events sponsored by the Department of Education are safe, wellmanaged and compliant with the safety protocols set forth by the IATF.

However, aside from the intellectual needs of learners that need to be satisfied, their physical well-being should also be addressed.

of the sporting event, that despite the fears, the uncertainties and the apprehensions brought about by the pandemic, DepED Region 2 in particular and DepEd in general, is gradually getting back to normalcy.

The annual regional athletic competition has always provided a great opportunity for student-athletes to showcase their wares to a bigger audience and if

This year’s regional athletic meet is sending a clear message, that despite everything that everyone has been through, we will all RISE.

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very athlete aims to win the golden medal as a physical symbol of success after rigorous training and self-discipline. Many times will an athlete feel the physical, emotional and mental enervation while in the challenging process of preparation before the big event.

For two years, Novo Vizcayano athletes awaited to unleash their sleeping energies for the prestigious regional sports event.

Fittingly, the schedules of the athletes’ preparation for the forthcoming 2022 Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association Meet dubbed as Regional Invitational Sporting Events coincide with primary celebrations of morality and faith. This connection poses deeper reflection for all athletes as they prepare for the big sports event.

Allow me to write on a Christian faith perspective: It was on a Palm Sunday that the athletes walked into the portals of their bubble home to attune their sports-spirited bodies and mind.

For thirteen days, they stay inside the bubble preparing for the competition before their take off to the main arena.

On days of the Christian church’s great celebrations, the commemoration of the passion of the greatest Athlete that the world ever had called for a time out

SPORTS FAITH Kevin Marf B. Saquing Toughest Game for the Novo Vizcayano athletes from the routine training activities. These days offered a time for the athletes to pause and reflect on the committed preparations of the Master Athlete for the greatest competition He’ll be joining in. He knew His purpose and so He did constant preparations. For more than thirty years, He knew that He’ll be in a competition that will require extra level of physical, mental, socio-emotional, and spiritual fitness. He made a balance between his existential purpose and in setting his daily attainable objectives that marked his progress towards readiness. He patiently and consistently took efforts to build up the required fitness and performance to avoid ending up injured and frustrated.

Challenges had come along His way, but He did continue in His training plan. He varied His workouts, pace, duration, and intensity to achieve a well-rounded fitness routine that made Him focused in achieving His ultimate purpose of winning. More than maintaining fitness, He yearned to

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improve and stay focused. He did work out with His Master Trainer to fine-tune His plans as He would always say “Thy will be done.” Rather than selecting a common training program, He, together with His trainer, adjusted the plans to fit His lifestyle and fitness level that will allow Him to push Himself as needed. He’s also conscientious with His physical nourishment that fueled up His performance amid the strenuous activities He handled throughout His training. He knew that proper nutrition is just as important as physical training.

He even shared His nutrition secrets to the people when He shared bread which is packed with carbohydrates and fish, full of protein coupled with proper hydration.

Together with these preparations, He’s consistent in praying. He prepared Himself with strong-will and asked for divine assistance to achieve His goal.

On the judgement day, crowd watched the breathtaking competition. Until he finally said “It is done.” He won the game and left everyone the teachings that will continue to be pronounced by generations. With the preparations He did and willed, He made way to champ the toughest game to save the race of man.

COLUMN

4 COACH FOR LIFE Ronald S. Hernandez

His is a story of quiet determination His soft-spoken and humble demeanor hides a tenacious attitude towards developing young studentathletes into their fullest potentials.

His manner of coaching makes even the most self-absorbed athlete sit up and pay attention, not because they fear him but because he exudes confidence and wisdom.

His dedication as a coach entails countless hours working under the heat of the sun, tirelessly and patiently guiding young athletes to work harder and dream bigger.

He is his athletes’ most ardent supporter and worst critic at the same time. His inspiring words serve as a constant reminder for the athletes to push back their perceived limitations. His belief that an athlete must always display discipline in games as well as in life is a gem that his athletes continue to treasure and practice even outside the sporting world.

His stint in the sports world started when he was a fledgling coach of Basketball in 2004. However, fate had different plans for him in 2006 when he was tapped by the former PESS coordinator, Eleanor Gonzales to become the tournament coordinator for the Nueva Vizcaya athletics team. This signaled his storied career as coach for athletics.

He counts as one of his greatest achievements was to be the coach of one of the rising stars in Philippine athletics, Josefa Omas Ligmayo, who is currently training for her second SEA Games appearance. He was her coach when she stomped her class and won the gold medal in high jump during the 2013 National Games held in Dumaguete City. However, on an achievement that is closer to his heart, his son, Lord Hanzs, under his tutelage, bagged the silver medal during the 2015 Palarong Pambansa held in Tagum City, Davao. His dual role as a parent and as a coach is a testament to his dedication and commitment to athletics in particular and sports in general.

He had a once in a lifetime experience of being able to serve the country during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Tarlac. His exposure to international competitions added luster to his already formidable pedigree as an athletics coach.

His continuing passion for sports, athletics in particular, stems from his core belief of pursuing excellence in every endeavor and in his unwavering faith in the talents and capabilities of a Novo Vizcayano athlete.

This inspiring gentleman who hails from Uddiawan, Solano is truly one of the bright stars of the Nueva Vizcaya coaching team. Humble, yet his achievements speak loudly of pride. Silent, yet his credentials show greatness.

He is Dominador S. Gaila Jr., coach par excellence!

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Sefa:

Get up, Dress up, Show up!

Rheanel E. Sarmiento

"When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer."

These words are from a Novo Vizcayano, a Philippine National Athlete, for those people who are in doubt of reaching their goals. She is none other than Josefa Omas Ligmayo, "Sefa, Jojo," from Nansiakan, Kayapa, who recently bagged the gold medal in 4 x 400m relay and a bronze medal in Heptathlon during the 82nd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships 2022 at Singapore Athletic Sports Hub last April 16-17 – the first and last foreign exposure of the PH athletics team before the 31st SouthEast Asian Games in Vietnam next month.

In an interview with her sister Lennie O. Ligmayo, she relayed that ‘Jojo’ kept the fight with the moral support from her family and friends. She was motivated by the encouraging words from their ‘kalugaran.’

“She was able to perform at the field without injury with the help of God,” added Lennie.

Meanwhile, based on the interview conducted by Marivic S. Kindahan, Josefa’s former teacher during her high school days, ‘Jojo’ shared that her journey does not end with her battles at every track field, for she, too, hopes for fellow Vizcayanos to enter the world of sports pro, while her advocacy focuses on giving back a little help especially in her hometown, Nansiakan, Kayapa.

"One thing for sure that I want you to know is to never give up doing whatever you love to do. It may be hard; it may hit one’s life down but always remember your purpose. Your desperation of success and hard work will take you to your destination. Always remember also to believe in your God-given extraordinary abilities. What and who you think you are, that's what you'll become. Train your mind to be better than your emotions. Your mind is your greatest power," added Josefa in the said interview.

After Singapore, there will be lots of international competitions coming soon which Ligmayo aims to be a part of, like SEA Games 2023 and even higher levels. She was once a NOVO Vizcayano athelte in tracks event, where she got the medal in 2013 palarong pambansa.

After which, she was recruited by Far Eastern University where she was able to play in UAAP, her stepping stone to the national team.

Way back during her UAAP days, she twiced marked the highest records in heptathlon before she got to play for the national team. Also, in 2019 30th SEA games, she bagged a bronze medal for high jump and ranked 4th in Heptathlon.

“I have been inspiring them (budding local athletes) by sharing powerful words through my experiences, but the problem is their playing area, equipment, and support," Sefa posted in her advocacy site. She particularly pointed at Wushu, where many of her kins, have already been participating in small competitions and in athletics where athletes don't have proper running shoes.

Courtesy of M. Kindahan

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Hats Off, Young Man Merlie M. Binay-an

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he goodness of an act is the picture of the inside heart!

This is what a Nueva Vizcaya learner has demonstrated after immediately giving back to the rightful owner the cellular phone he found, early morning of April 11 at the office of the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID).

Alvin Jake F. Buccahan, a student at the Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School, under the class of Michael Jerimae Ferrer Lazaga, of whom according to mobile phone owner, Dr. Dindo John H. Moreno, Education

Program Supervisor, has personally met up with him to return the lost gadget he found.

According to Dr. Moreno, he opted to share to the public this tragic experience of losing his phone that turned onto a heartwarming experience after a young Novo Vizcayano has once again displayed an act of generosity and kindness even in these difficult times where survival is a test.

“Dapat lang na pamarisan ang katulad ni Alvin Jake,” Dr. Moreno added.

New normal athletes’ say Credits: Ma I. Gano

How do you feel now that sports activities are gradually held in place?

Masayang-masaya po dahil makapaglalaro pa kami bago pa man matapos sa high school, kaya dapat mai-gold na namin ngayon. (Jomac Taruk and Playmates/Pencak Silat-Aritao NHS) Overwhelming dahil two years kami na nasa loob lang ng aming bahay. Nakatutuwa lang talaga na ibinalik ulit ang sports sapagkat ito’y hinahanap ng katawan namin ang paglalaro.

(Rajiv Vaughn T. Ragual/Table Tennis-Solano HS)

What do you wish for other athletes?

Sana maging maayos na ang sitwasyon para ang mga ibang players ay makapaglaro rin tulad namin dahil nga pili lamang ngayon ang mga kasali. Kumbaga, artistic lang ito, kaya sana maibalik na ‘yong dati at may combative na rin. (Jomac Taruk and Playmates/Pencak Silat-Aritao NHS) Sana maiwasan ang injuries; at mas lalong bumatak pa sana sa training na ito upang mas lalo pa kaming matuto. (Kuenne Kate Rovenaire Aban/Table Tennis-Solano HS) Hindi na nakasali ang lahat dahil hindi pa nga maaari kaya sa mga hindi kasama ngayon, bawi na lang sana next year. (Ejay Dominic S. Malapitan and Irish Mangaccat dela Cruz/Table Tennis-NVGCHS).

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April 10-22, 2022

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

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in the

Athletes’ Smiles Merlie M. Binay-an

Happy. Excited. Thankful. Overwhelmed. Thrilled. Fortunate.

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hese are the commonly heard, seen, and felt expressions of the NovoVizcayano athletes in almost all the interviews I have had with them during their in-house training, which made me ponder a little bit. Why? Being a writer, (whose first love is writing for publication) and for work in DepEd, covering various events including sports activities across levels of competitions, interviewing athletes and coaches is never a new experience to me. Asking how they feel, what preparations are they doing, and how much they commit to win are the common questions I used to ask, receiving same common answers such as: happy, excited, overwhelmed, thrilled, and fortunate; thorough practice, proper mind set, and focus; do the best, make it the most, work hard to bring home the golds, and many more.

So, what is this effort of writing all for?

This time is

extremely unusual. Before, athletes eyed for interviews run closer to my recording gadget to be heard and peek to my notes to make sure that every detail said is captured. Now, they would stand silent, and their eyes would speak of what they’d like to happen and utter, that as if, they won’t like to miss any moment of their practice. If before, athletes would make fun of the interview (including the interviewer), this time, the athletes speak spontaneous which for me is a manifestation of their maturity, not in age, but in experience.

Yes. I am confident that the pandemic which has confined the athletes inside their homes, extremely restricting them from discharging their passion to sports and their zeal for physical activities with peers (and opponents, of

course) has taught them a lesson not to waste time when given the opportunity.

Moreover, the school closure has made them feel how unfortunate they have been; and now that they are called for this regional sporting event, their eargerness is very evident.

Also, the quarantine measures and the health protocols which have stolen their social being for quite some time has instilled in them the virtue of ‘gratefulness.’ This time, unlike those not chosen and those not able to join due to diverse reasons, they heartily embrace their passion and love for sports. Finally, having been chosen to represent Nueva Vizcaya to the regional competition after the abrupt cancellation of CaVRAA 2020 is an overwhelming occasion for each of the selected athletes in the fifteen (15) sports being competed for this year (which sadden them, for their pals have not been included).

Truly, I may not have talked to all the athletes but just merely roaming around observing how much they are giving their efforts, staying in training leaving behind their homes despite CoVID-19 risks, celebrating special holidays and occasions in the billeting quarter, is a unique experience of seeing the smiles on their faces – already a victory on hand, more than gold.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

Issue I

April 10-22, 2022

Records body screens documents, meets trainers, coaches

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Kevin Marf B. Saquing

o ensure the compliance with and completion of the required athletes’ documents for the Regional Invitational Sporting Event, the Division Screening and Accreditation Committee (DSAC) held a meeting with the trainers and coaches at Bayombong South Elementary School, afternoon of April 18.

“We expect that all documents will be finalized a day before the scheduled regional validation of documents in Cauayan City,” Bibas said.

Committee Chairperson Ronnie B. Bibas set April 21 the due date of submission of complete requirements to the screening and accreditation team .

The committee evaluates and verifies the authenticity and completeness of the submitted documents per Regional Memorandum No. 101 s. 2022 before heading to the assigned billeting

He added that the scheduled date will give the committee ample time to address discrepancies, should there be, in the requirements as these can be grounds for disqualification.

quarter in Cauayan City, Isabela.

Before qualifying for the regional sporting event, athletes must be currently enrolled secondary students in DepEd-recognized public and private schools, and not more than 19 years old on April 25. Academic performance is also considered. Athletes must have complete and passing grades during the first quarter and second quarter for the junior and senior high school students, respectively. Heeding to the minimum health standards this pandemic, athletes must be fully vaccinated and medically fit for the competition.

Other requirements to be submitted to include PSA copy of birth certificate, verified parent’s consent, and gallery.

The committee estimates to screen 200 athletes and coaches, and 21 trainers.

DSAC scrutinizes athletes' documents, April 18.

Delegates undergo antigen test

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round 306 members of the Nueva Vizcaya athletic delegation underwent Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at Bayombong South Elementary School to ensure for negative COVID-19 test results before the scheduled departure to Cauayan City, April 20-21.

In coordination with the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Integrated Health Office (NV-PIHO), the Schools Division Office of Nueva Vizcaya came up with a slew of measures to combat the threat of COVID-19 for the sporting event.

As to the

PIHO nurse swabs an athlete, April 20.

NEWS

Kevin Marf B. Saquing

guidelines set by DepEd Region 02 for the sports competition, a negative antigen test result will allow the participants to continue with the intended activity. Any participant who will show symptoms during the tournament shall be subjected to another round of RAT or Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test as the case maybe. Presentation of vaccination cards is also required.

The provincial health team handling the test activity is supervised by Dr. Edwin M. Galapon, PHO II and Clavel Subayno, Medical Technologist III in coordination with Dr. Rydiant Joy Blessing Manuel, SDO Nueva Vizcaya Medical Officer.

Courtesy: J. Panganiban

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