PINCH FOR A POUND: KUYA ERIC’S STREET (STRAIGHT) REALITY
Written by Alianor Mautante
The smell of newly fried tempura dipped in spicy sauce matched with an icy pineapple juice after a long day at school, is worth a student s budget for a snack that not even a light and spacious wallet will be heard complaining about. For a pinch of pesos, a stomach craving for a good afternoon munch can already be solved by the mouthwatering typical Filipino bites sold on a motor food cart.
CDO DENR ON MITIGATING FLOOD, IMPROVING WASTE MANAGEMENT
Written by Micha Bacus
such occurrences. The geographical location, climate change, and the state the country is in shows proof of the statement.
PHILIPPINES’ TRILLION PESO REGRET OR MANDATORY INVESTMENT
Written by Patrice Canales
As of the release of the 2024 First Quarter Gross Domestic Product report, the Philippine government out plainly, may cause distress to the average Filipino citizen. However, what does this mounting debt truly signify in the country’s economic condition and how should we view it are we sinking into an economic depression, or is it the road to becoming an industrialized nation?
FOUR TWISTS MAKE TWO GOLD MEDALS
Written by Bree Ranara
24-year old Carlos “Caloy” Yulo cartwheeled his way to win two gold medals for men’ gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympics, held from July 26 to August 11. Renowned as the Philippines’s second country, though being small, he stands proud and tall.
MATHSCICOM ‘24: WHERE CLIMATE VISIONS TAKE FLIGHT
Written by Irmina Alombro
The wind is shifting, and it is not just a weather forecast it’s a call to action! From September 2 to 5, 2024, Kong Hua School’s MathSciCom Month took on the theme, “CLIMAQUEST: Forecasting Wind Shifts, Charting Climate Futures.” It was a deep dive into the world of climatology, where students became the meteorologists of tomorrow, forecasting environmental changes and proposing solutions to protect our planet. The aim? To unlock the secrets of a sustainable future while encouraging young minds to predict, prepare, and protect. From dissecting climate phenomena to examining cutting-edge science, students explored what it takes to steer the future toward resilience in the face of climate change.
IN PURSUIT OF AUTHENTIC JOURNALISM
Written by Patrice Canales
The pen is mightier than the sword, is a quote from the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal, that strengthens the belief that words and information expressed through writing have a greater impact than any use of force or violence. It expresses that the pen holds greater power than any action. Such actions create events that alter the course of history, but the pen has the power to reshape how history will be remembered.
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
1 NEWS
Onagawa Reactor Halts For Safety Concerns
The no.2 reactor, located in the Onagawa nuclear power plant, was shut down on November 4 for a comprehensive inspection following growing safety concerns from local Onagawa residents. This reactor, operated by the Tohoku Electric Power Co. has raised concern for the found issues surrounding the machine.
The reactor was restarted October 29 2024 to help the energy needs of Japan as a part of the government’s nuclear energy strategy. But it was later shut down five days after just being restarted because of malfunctions surrounding the machine.
Although the reactor was operating normally after being first opened, Tohoku Electric found an issue with the machine's neutron data. This machine had only been restored over 13 years after the 2011 tsunami and earthquake witnessed by Japan, hence the concerns of the locals.
The straight reality of almost all street vendors is the same as Kuya Eric’s, wherein being the breadwinner meant budgeting the income with the spending, together with the difficulty of balancing both financial tasks due to the interruption of inflation. Poverty is the good morning, the breakfast, and the sun that says hello to many Filipinos walking on a tightrope and labelling what is “enough” for them is not a fair way of analyzing such survival mechanisms. As a hopeful father, he looks forward to the day he sees his only child finish school and for them to purchase their own land and house in order for them to not just live under a relative s house. He says with a hopeful smile, that it is quite far to reach that dream given his current savings, but he believes that he is almost there.
A message Kuya Eric would want to say to governing leaders is to simply put an end to the poor s suffering by increasing the minimum wage and salaries to match the increasing taxes and prices. If the government were to escalate such bills, then it must be done in a way where the people can get something out of their wallets. Instead of solving food insecurity, the current state of policies exacerbates the dreadful situation. May a street vendor s story call out on those in power to do and not just to say.
Because of the issues found, it raised safety concerns among residents leading to the halt of the operation only a short while after being restarted. Tohoku Electric assured that the shutting down was a precautionary measure to ensure safety and has not yet given a clear timeline on when the reactor may be online again to continue the energy plan by Japan.
Written By Alianor Mautante
The smell of newly fried tempura dipped in spicy sauce matched with an icy pineapple juice after a long day at school, is worth a student’s budget for a snack that not even a light and spacious wallet will be heard complaining about. For a pinch of pesos, a stomach craving for a good afternoon munch can already be solved by the mouthwatering typical Filipino bites sold on a motor food cart. Stationed at the crossroad of schools and a commuting area, Kuya Eric’s street food cart is already a monument to almost every individual on the busy narrow street of Saint Ignatius, Barangay Kauswagan. Picturing this position for such a business is like imagining a crowd of customers purchasing what is now considered staple snacks to the Filipino diet. Quite unfortunate for a hard-working man, with great cart comes great cost. He gets pinched hard with the reality that the pinch of a price for his monumental munches also means a pinch of earning. A pinch of income for a pound of needs, certainly six couple of tens and four pesos will not be enough to make ends meet for a street vendor like Kuya Eric.
If anyone visits the market for groceries, the inflated prices will not twist anybody’s insides anymore because seeing product prices skyrocket is already a harsh reality. In his preferred alias, Kuya Eric shared that a thousand pesos is not enough to shop for a weekly grocery, especially for him as the only provider in the family. When asked about his expenditure on food per day, he answered that 500 pesos for three meals in a family of three is close to enough for them. Enough, in their vocabulary, means to get through the day and manage their hunger. This is the reality of so many Filipinos, so to speak of 64 pesos being “enough” to sustain daily food intake demands a proportionate and rational reanalysis. Commenting on the recent NEDA claim on 64 pesos being enough to purchase three meals per day, Kuya Eric immediately said, enough.)
Bye Sara, Hi Sonny
Written By Esia Seguisabal
Weeks before the long-awaited and exciting opening of the academic year 2024 - 2025, former DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte vacated her seat for Juan Edgardo Sonny M. Angara as the 39th Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last July 19, 2024 at the Malacañang Palace.
Aside from that, according to Sara Duterte, she resigned as a secretary due to personal and other work matters, though her reason was not specific. Meanwhile, Duterte voiced that she expresses a deep connection to her former job and colleagues during her stay at the agency. Her sudden resignation has left many in shock, but there is nothing they could do about it since it’s her own choice.
Because of this, Sara was ambushed by hundreds of questions regarding her resignation, leading her to break her silence. There is something personal between President Marcos and I, stemming from what we discussed before I agreed to run for vice president,” Duterte said. She also claims that there is a long story to what led her resignation, assuming it would require a sit-down interview or detailed conversation tackling it.
However, Sara reportedly garnered some regrets during her stay, one of which is that she was unable to complete certain projects and programs during her term.
Nonetheless, Sara Duterte has indeed invoked positive changes to the education of the Filipinos, putting her fruitful journey as a secretary to an end with a selfie and smiles.
On Sonny side, “I am extremely grateful to His Excellency, the President, for entrusting me to lead such an important department, said, showing traits of a secretary eager to tackle issues in basic education, believing that education is highly important to every Filipino family. His dedication and willingness is truly remarkable, burning a spark to commence another fruitful journey as a secretary in DepEd.
Additionally, Sonny Angara was the longest serving senator in the post-EDSA Senate. He was also an educator, lawyer, banker, farmer, and patron of the arts truly an all-rounder. His unwavering service inspired many, and is supported by a great number of Filipinos to bring out the best into his job.
the help of numerous Filipinos, education in the Philippines shall strive and shine through the minds and voices of countless individuals.
Written By Vera Arubio
As the Certificates of Candidacy (COC) filing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) first-ever parliamentary elections begin, the Commission on Elections or Comelec has deployed more troops to ensure a secure and peaceful flow.
In recent meetings The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) were added ahead of the filing before the COC started on Monday Nov. 4. It is scheduled that the filing will be ending on Nov. 9 Saturday, leaving almost a week for the wannabe candidates to apply.
“We appeal to the candidates for them to police their respective supporters and maintain a COC filing that is orderly, clean, and peaceful,” Comelec Chair George Garcia said. Making sure that aside from the troops, alleged candidates will also maintain a smooth and secure flow for everyone.
The Bangsamoro 2025 parliamentary elections would take place on May 12 under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and elected officials are scheduled to assume office on June 30, 2025 as successors of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.
40 positions are open for regional political parties, 25 for parliamentary districts, and 8 for sectoral sections, summing up to at least 73 positions for the 2025 parliamentary elections. Although, sectoral group representatives will not be part of the 2025 polls, says Garcia.
Layout By Chloe Gamao
Written By Micha Bacus
Cagayan De Oro City, without a doubt, is flood prone, making its local officials strive harder in mitigating such occurrences. The geographical location, climate change, and the state the country is in shows proof of the statement.
Mr. Abdulhalim A. Langco Jr., Unit Head of Environmental Education and Information Unit from the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesEnvironmental Management Bureau (DENR - EMB) Region 10, shared in an exclusive interview, “One of the factors causing floods is because of the unknown existence of solid waste management, we can always see that there is a problem with the trash.”
PISA 2022: THE MEAN REALITY OF FILIPINO LITERACY
Written By Franzine Balabat
The Philippines as a whole has been grappling with the problem of plastic waste. Because of this, the DENR has been continuously initiating education and enhancement of solid waste management. There are several projects including drainage systems, sewerage, and flood management control that have been reviewed and approved by the DENR to further control the drastic impacts of flood in the city.
As one of its thriving programs, the DENR EMB 10 also implements an Eco Youth learning caravan that travels from one school to another around the city in order to discuss the basics of climate change, emphasizing laws and so much more.
Flood control is a redundant problem in the city, which causes various hopeless troubles for every Kagay-anon. Countless offices are doing their best to supply the city, and being a citizen that lives in the city, initiative is clearly needed as well.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports the dreary bottom rank of the Philippines at 77th out of 81 countries in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022, particularly in the 8th cycle.
The PISA is an international assessment of basic education that evaluates 15-year olds in high schools’ reading, mathematics, and science literacy. The OECD has conducted PISA through a 3-year data collection per cycle since 2000.
Typhoon Marce Intensifies; Triggers TCWS No.2
Written By Vera Arubio
Typhoon Marce continues to intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea leading to a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 being raised over two Northern Luzon Provinces, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) November 5 typhoon report.
Among the areas under the TCWS No. 2 include the Babuyan Islands (Camiguin Island and Babuyan Island), the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Santa Teresita, Buguey), including areas close. The same Northern Luzon Provinces are covered by PAGASA’s three-day rainfall outlook for the typhoon. The weather bureau also reiterated that floods and landslides are likely to occur during the typhoon.
NO APOLOGIES: DUTERTE ADMITS ‘DEATH SQUAD
Written By
Former President Rodrigo Duterte stunned a Senate hearing on October 28, 2024, by admitting he once maintained a squad” of criminals to target other criminals while he was mayor of Davao City. Duterte, 79, appeared defiant in his first major public statement since leaving office in 2022, saying he offers apologies, no excuses” for his controversial policies.
My mandate as president was to protect the country and the Filipino people. Do not question my policies, declared, insisting his actions were done for the nation. Throughout his testimony, he remained combative, cursing occasionally as he addressed senators.
The hearing probed into the thousands of deaths linked to Duterte on drugs, a campaign that left an estimated 12,000 to 30,000 people dead between 2016 and 2019, mostly poor, young men killed on the streets or in their homes. Families of victims, including the uncle of Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old killed in an incident that sparked international outrage, attended the hearing.
Duterte confirmed that while he was mayor, he had a squad of seven his disposal. I had a death squad of seven, but they were not policemen also gangsters,” he said, adding that he instructed them to kill specific criminals to curb local crime. “If you will not kill [that person], I will kill you now,” he told them.
Although Duterte denied giving direct orders for extrajudicial killings during his presidency, he acknowledged encouraging police to “let the criminals fight back,” allowing officers to justify lethal action.
The former president’s admission adds tension to his current investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. The Senate hearing, however, is not a criminal proceeding; rather, it aims to inform future legislation.
Human rights activists remain skeptical that the inquiry will lead to accountability. Carlos Conde of Human Rights Watch remarked that the said hearing appears more like a platform for Duterte s allies than a step toward justice.
Only less than a quarter of Filipino students who took the test reached the minimum level of proficiency in the three subject areas of math, science, and reading. PISA scores also show the Philippines performed below-than global average in all categories.
’s mean scores are 355 for mathematics (focus area), 347 for reading and 356 for science (minor areas), securing a two-point increase in mathematics and seven-point increase in reading. However, the science mean score dropped by one point, all of which in comparison to the 2018
Furthermore, results show that Filipino students have the weakest creative thinking skills out of the 81 countries, with a mean score of just 14 out of 60, which is significantly lower than OECD average of 33
The creative thinking assessment tests the ability of the students to generate creative and imaginative ideas over the four domains of the test: written expression, visual expression, special problem solving, and scientific problem solving.
President Ferdinand BongBong Marcos, Jr. stated in his third State of the Nation Address on July 22 regarding the nation s performance, “Our system of education must be strategically calibrated to make sure that our youth are not only taught to become literate, but it must also consciously develop them into problem-solvers and into critical thinkers hungry for success, ready for the future.”
Currently, the Department of Education (DepEd) is looking for ways to improve the literacy performance among students, with initiatives to formulate short-term and long-term strategies.
The Philippines was represented by 7,193 15-year old students from 188 selected public and private schools, with a ratio of for every 10 students, two are from private schools and eight are from public schools, relative to the PISA 2018 profile. The private school students garnered higher scores than public school students.
Under the TCWS No.1 include Batanes, the rest of Cagayan and Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Bokod), Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, and Maria Aurora). Along with the suspension of classes on November 6 for all places listed, as strong winds are expected.
According to PAGASA, TCWS No. 4 would be the highest storm signal that may be given. The typhoon is expected to create scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in places close to the Babuyan Islands or the northern portion of mainland Cagayan, and possibly reach Mindanao.
The typhoon is forecast to move generally west-northwestward until November 6 and may or may not start to decelerate and turn westward over the Philippine sea east of extreme Northern Luzon.
Other than the expected typhoon, locals are also expected by authorities to prepare for strong winds and heavy rain as typhoon Marce continues its path along the region. Since floods and landslides are likely to occur, local government units have also been given advice to take precautionary measures. As the storm intensifies, further updates will be issued.
Erased from Society
Written by Esia Seguisabal
Forced disappearances are everywhere in the Philippines, putting communities and cities in tremendous fear and terror.
All of these cases have shown the true face of politicians, state o cials, or a group of assigned individuals hiding behind their masks. These victims had done nothing but live their own lives, only to be pushed and drowned into a pool of nothing, to lose grip of light and to never be seen again. They are either dead, tortured, or left to rot in a place of horror and darkness, deliberately counting days until their last breath. Alongside other struggling victims, communities and cities have shown great revolt against the practice, leading to protests, and the need to end this heartbreaking loss of loved ones.
Written by Alianor Mautante
An average Filipino is yet to survive this economically challenged country, even more when they are inclined to live by the lines of less than a hundred pesos. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimated during the rst day of the Senate hearing on the 2025 budget that 64 pesos is enough to cover three daily meals per person based on the 2023 monthly food threshold for a family of ve that is equal to 9,581 pesos. This 64 pesos broken down to at least 20 pesos per meal is as unreal as it is for Filipinos struggling to solve hunger affected by poverty.
Wealth over health
Despite the data collected by these government agencies, the public is given outdated gures that do not re ect the current situation, compromising even the individual’s health. Sure, NEDA argued back that an average Filipino can have breakfast with one sachet of 3-in-1 coffee and pandesal. Lunch and dinner can be taken care of a pack of instant noodles, and two cups of rice bought at a nearby carinderia. A can of sardines may be added, too. All in all, this already amounts to 66 - 68 pesos. Bursting your bubbles, unfortunately, this clearly shows a compromise for nutrition.
None would want a daily diet concentrated in low protein, high re ned carbs, high sodium, and lack of fruits and vegetables. Perhaps the priorities have shifted already for people supposedly handling the national budget instead of considering health hand in hand with budget, the Filipinos’ nutrition is at risk. This raises question on again, the endless hide and seek when it comes to discussion about the country’s money talk.
So NEDA, when is poor, poor?
Aside from that, cities such as (city in Philippines) and (city in Philippines) experience a large number of unexplained disappearances, adding to the anxiety and lack of security within the area. Sudden arrest, abduction, detention, or any action that strips somebody of their liberty and later denies it is sickening. Forced disappearances should not even be a thing, but reality hurts. Tens of thousands of people have expressed and raised the truth at the peak of their voices, with the hope that the lost will be found and reunited again.
This is an important reminder to always be on the lookout, to remain vigilant, and that more and more people would reach out to help these devastated families of those who disappeared without a single trace. Small actions like these can truly mend the wounds of distraught and sadness, making the world a better place for everyone.
FRIEND, FOE, FUNDS?
Written by Alianor Mautante
None would imagine that a children’s book designed with bright colors and innocent animal illustrations will be scrutinized in the congress, not unless it was authored by the Vice President herself with an expenditure of 10 million. It was not wrong for Senator Risa Hontiveros to question VP Sara Duterte at the hearing of the Senate nance committee on the 2 billion budget being sought for 2025 by the O ce of the Vice President (OVP). In the said proposed budget, Duterte’s book entitled “Isang Kaibigan” needs a funding of 10 million for publishing and distributing. Surely, this is far from a friendly amount and undoubtedly
Escaping responsibility–or not yet
An individual not being considered food poor if they are able to spend 64 pesos on food per day is a far cry from reality. The exhaustion of working 8 - 10 hours just to be met by the minimum wage topped by the budget of 64 pesos allocated for food makes it even more di cult for the majority of the Filipinos to make ends meet. This whole commotion is like categorizing the lives of those who live from paycheck to paycheck.
NEDA, who claims to be “the premier socioeconomic planning body of the government of the Philippines” should be depicted as an ironic agency if they insist that an individual is no longer regarded as “food poor” if their daily meal expenses exceed 64 pesos. This claim is not only an unrealistic assumption, but completely a “cheap” insult to the harsh realities of almost every Filipino. The government is then willing to consider someone "not poor" just because they can afford a bowl of instant noodles and a can of sardines.
Although met with criticisms from Filipinos, NEDA promised a revisit on the said budget methodology. The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) slammed the threshold as unrealistic as it justi es low wages and allows the government to evade its responsibility to provide cash incentives to the poor. Even the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) agrees that this estimation is insu cient, calling a need to reassess the results. In a recent government discussion, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is currently working together with NEDA on the said review.
earned a questionable reputation for the Vice President in terms of budget allocation and spending. What is this book and how friendly is this, really? Foes through funds
This is not the rst time that the OVP has been under re when it comes to public funds. Flashback to 2022, the OVP faced controversy in its 125 million con dential funds. Unfortunately, it seems as if the issue of mishandling funds has become part of Duterte’s cycle of scrutiny. During the budget hearing, Duterte accused Hontiveros of “politicizing the budget hearing” instead of answering the latter’s question about the book’s content. This resulted in the heated clash between the two government o cials, all caused by a simple question from Hontiveros.
It is time that policymakers should do better in gathering accurate and grounded data because that is what they base their allocation of the country’s funds on. With the growing mistrust of the citizens in the government’s money handling, policies and strategies to alleviate poverty should come into action. Simply put, outdated and unreal statistics may put the realities of so many Filipinos at risk not just in health, but in income too.
In a world where injustices and inequalities often go unnoticed, the media plays a crucial role in bringing these issues to light. The press does not merely report the news but it has the power to shape public opinion and bring changes. For years, it had inspired change, challenged injustice, and ampli ed the voices of those often silenced.
Issues of injustice are sometimes hidden in plain sight, and journalists play an important part in bringing them to public attention. Through investigating policies and studying those in authority, the press ensures that leaders are responsible for their actions. They have a duty to counter false narratives, expose corruption, and highlight unfair laws especially in this age of misinformation. The press have not only helped society understand the complex social issues but also empowered people to act. They provide a platform for activists, leaders, and everyday people coming from different backgrounds to share their experiences and to advocate for change.
Duterte also brought up a political issue on the appeals of Hontiveros for Davao City’s support for the latter’s third bid in the Senate last 2016. This shows who brings politics into the room when none of such topics was initiated previously. Not only did the Vice President raised the eyebrows of the public with a questionable book, but also created tension and foes during the hearing. Such thing as rekindling old friendship seems to be impossible now for the two parties.
Friendly, but not budget-friendly
“Isang Kaibigan” tells the story of animals who never leave each other despite the bad times, but a need for a huge amount of money bears a heavy negative impact.
From newspapers, online platforms and broadcasting, the press had played a powerful role in promoting social justice. In a time where people’s voices that called for equality and justice were louder than ever, the press stood as a lighthouse, guiding the society and illuminating the path to a more just, peaceful, and fair world.
VP Duterte said that this will be distributed to one million bene ciaries of the OVP PagbaBAGo campaign where a million bags with school supplies and dental kits will be given to the said bene ciaries. Despite the book being a “source of inspiration for the students” as stated in the OVP's o cial website, the Vice President failed to answer questions that would defend the book’s need of 10 million.
The lack of transparency on how exactly this amount is justi ed, or what speci c costs it covers, raises concerns over the proper allocation of public funds. Although the message of friendship and resilience is admirable, the cost of producing and distributing the book seems disproportionately high.
Marriage Is a Woman’s
Written by Bianca Capadocia
or emotional violence by their partner. In many cases, a wife's refusal to her husband is treated as taboo, re ecting deep-rooted cultural norms about gender roles and marital expectations. A prevailing belief in our society is that when a man cheats or feels sexually unsatis ed, the fault lies with the wife for failing to please him. This situation raises the question: When a woman exercises her rights to consent as a human being, does it similarly become a taboo?
Marriage is supposed to be a partnership that bonds the rights and obligations between two individuals. At its best, marriage is built on trust, love, and mutual respect. But when sexual violence and marital rape enter the picture, that trust is shattered. Intimacy without consent turns love into coercion, creating an abusive cycle that prioritizes control and desire over respect. It questions the concept of trust and whether marriage is rooted in love or desire.
These outdated views were recently reinforced by Senator Robin Padilla, who said: "So paano 'yun kung ayaw ng asawa mo? So wala pong ibang paraan talaga?
Para ma-ano 'yung lalaki, so paano 'yun, mambabae ka na lang ba?" Padilla’s statement re ects a
Spend wisely with accountability
For a country already struggling with pressing issues on poverty, education, and healthcare, allocating unreasonable funds for a children’s book that seems to be subject of propaganda begs the question whether the money of the people should be better spent on more urgent needs. The OVP should not further deepen the skepticism of the people and must choose to face them upfront transparently.
Money never comes easy for most Filipinos. The people deserve accountability, especially when hard-earned taxes are on the line. If friendship is the theme desired
Written by Aliazhaina Mautante
misunderstanding of the concept of consent within marriage. His words directly contradict the Biblical principle he references Paul’s teaching where husbands and wives should honor each other’s needs. It’s both ironic and alarming that Padilla, living in a world where women are expected to serve their husbands' desires, seems bewildered by the concept of marital rape. Imagine his shock at discovering that wives can, in fact, accuse their husbands of rape. As close-minded elders say, "When a man feels desire, a woman must tend to him and cool him down." But what about my right to say no? As a young woman, I often wonder if I am valued for who I am, or only for my willingness to serve a man. My freedom feels suffocated by the expectation to obey, leaving me trapped in a role de ned by others.In this era of equality, we must demand more. Men who think alike need a crash course in gender equality, consent, and the reality of marital boundaries. It is time to confront the myths of consent being a privilege when really, it is a fundamental right. When society continues to excuse marital rape as a wifely duty, it not only perpetuates abuse but weakens the essence of love and respect in a partnership. Men like Senator Robin Padilla must understand that marriage is not about entitlement but mutual respect. Until society stops excusing marital rape as a will remain an empty promise.
The South China Sea is a body of water between Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan. It is believed to have a lot of natural resources like oil and gas, making it a place where countries argue about it's ownership. In terms of current events, the West Philippine Sea, a portion of South China Sea, has been in possession of ongoing incidents and tension between the Philippines and China. Both countries have been recently claiming sovereignty over parts of the region. There have also been reports of Chinese maritime vessels entering the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, leading to Filipino protests in Manila. This event has seriously caused discomfort and stress to people living close to the sea.
The tension of these two countries will surely evolve soon, if not stopped, this will lead to confrontations that cause potential con icts. There is no doubt that even just an innocent individual would be afraid of a con ict
region's marine environment. We have been neglecting the importance of the precious marine environment for too long. It has b een so easy to get caught up in disputes over territory, but in doing so, we risk forgetting the importance of preserving the diverse life forms that call the sea its home.
The use of marine weapons by countries always came with a dark side, they have devastating impacts on the local marine ecosystem. These weapons harm the sea life and lower the populations of key species, such as dolphins and sea turtles. Therefore, it is important to remember that every life lost in the sea has a lifelong effect that impacts countless other organisms. It is also something to
Philippines’ Trillion Peso Regret Or Mandatory Investment
Written by Patrice Canales
humans to take care of it for the next generations. consequences.
The ongoing tensions between these two countries over the control of the West Philippine Sea is a complex issue with many consequences. Not only does this issue create anxiety and harm for the people living in the region, but they also pose a threat to the marine environment, wildlife, and ecosystems in the area. Working together is the best way to protect the precious marine environment and the innocent civilians living nearby to ensure the ongoing health and balance of the ecosystem. By collaborating and nding an effective solution, we can help protect the marine environment, prevent con icts in every country, and together, seize peace.
pace with the modernized world. In fact, economy as they create opportunities for new projects that might not have been initiated due to lack of local funds. This, in turn, can allow the country to widen its scope of operations and reduce selected sectors. In the present globalized economy, lagging behind on infrastructure could mean losing out on other economic opportunities. By employing borrowed money to develop ports, highways, and air transport systems or upscaling the digital infrastructure, there are greater chances that a developing economy will become a more viable site for regional investment and trade.
Critics often point to the risks of accumulating debt, but it is important to note that the key lies in how debt is managed. If the funds are directed towards productive investments, and the government practices transparency and scal policies, this can stimulate economic growth and increased productivity, which can eventually enable the country to pay back domestic and foreign debt.
5 NEWS
BUWAN NG WIKA:
Written by Micha Bacus
Ang
How would you feel if something so dear to you is slowly fading away? Something that you stand by, something that you believe in, and something that has made an impact in your life, is suddenly becoming a distant memory. This is what is happening to the Filipino culture today - slowly forgotten and unseen.
On August 30, 2024, the Kong Hua School students celebrated the Filipino culture in the St. Candida Maria De Jesus Auditorium. The students showcased the Filipino culture with empowering presentations - the native dances, the cultural songs, and the freedom of speech using the Filipino language, all alongside showing the dazzling outfits and witty words of the chosen Lakan and Lakambini representatives of each batch. Shanele Lagua, the Lakambini representative for Batch 2028 shared that, “For me, we were not competing for first place. Instead, it was to bring out the Filipino pride in us - to prove that our language will always be our voices for freedom.
This truly expressed her dignity embodied in the Filipino language.
The event showed that Filipinos take pride in their culture, language, and country. Although the times have changed drastically, no true Filipino will ever forget where they came from. There is no doubt that the Filipino language is being forgotten by many, which is why every Filipino should acknowledge and appreciate their distinctive language. The event truly opened eyes into seeing the unique and interesting culture of the Philippines and the Filipinos who take pride in it. The event created a bond among people who foresee the importance of Filipino culture, enabling them to be more unified with patriotism and passion.
This year’s Buwan ng Wika is truly an eye-opener and an inspiration to the Kong Hua School community. It showed the cultural impact of every Filipino, the importance of their culture as well as how to preserve and embrace it. It gave them a lesson to remember their history, embrace their natural selves, and to love their country s culture.
ROUNDING UP A COLORFUL YEAR
Written by Franzine Balabat
Nothing is more exciting than starting off a new academic year with a colorful party for Kong Hua School s Junior and Senior High School (HS) department, the Acquaintance Party is an awaited and sought-out event to shoot the students' high school life to rainbows of fun. On August 30, 2024, the school set about the HS Acquaintance Party 2024, with the theme, PAGMAYA: Sharing Laughter and Unending Happiness, spearheaded by the Central Student Coordinating Council (CSCC). This annual event sets the stage for students to “acquaint” themselves with one another, filling the St. Candida Auditorium with echoes of laughter and happiness. The event also showcases the extraordinary talents, skills, and camaraderie of each batch as they bring out their best foot forward in every competition along the party.
Loud yells resonated all throughout, accompanied by each year levels’ twist of creativity a battle of impact, witt, and creativity into one loud roar. Each batch fought for the title in several games, including, Human Knot, Hula Hoop Race, and Don’t Drop the Ball.
Naturally, a party just can t go on without intermission numbers and jamming sessions, brought proudly to the crowd by a few of Kong Hua s best bands: BNBK, Jacob and Jacob, and Lipobitin. David Nolasco, the CSCC JHS President says, It was the band performances that truly stood out as the heart and soul of this year’s acquaintance party.
In those moments surrounded by friends and fellow students, it felt like the music wrapped us in such a warm and welcoming embrace, as he praises the beauty and soul of the band performances. Not only are the performances an avenue for student-musicians to shine, it also stands as a moment of togetherness and bond, threaded by the melodies of music.
Taking into a behind-the-scenes standpoint, Patricia Razo, the CSCC SHS Social Media Manager shares, As one of the earlier events in the school year, Acquaintance feels very monumental for all of us in the council because it kind of sets the standard for all future events, like a statement piece.
All in all, the Acquaintance Party marked a blastful beginning for the high school students, with the Grade 7 Saint Vincent de Paul Batch 2030 landing an Overall Second Runner-up, the Grade 8 Saint Thomas More Batch 2028 bagging an Overall First Runner-up, and the Grade 12 Saint Candida Maria de Jesus Batch 2025 bringing home the Overall Champions. The fiery and competitive spirit of each batch has yet to grow as more awaits, yet the yells for the Acquaintance Party have already rounded up a colorful start to the academic year 2024-2025.
CHINA’S NATIONAL DAY: A Day Honoring a Great Country
Written by Nathan Tan
On October 1st, Kong Hua School, alongside the Chinese Schools community showcased their skills and talents in a vibrant performance in honor of China’s National Day at the Limketkai Atrium. This lively event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of China through various traditional performances, emphasizing unity, pride, and community spirit.
HONORING WITH
SECOND PARENTS
Written by Ashley Tan
The celebration kicked off with the loud and rhythmic beat of the Chinese War Drums, setting out a tune that filled the entire atrium, drawing everyone s attention to the stage. After that, the majestic, fierce, and wise dragons entered the stage, showcasing their multiple forms and shapes, and unity among all three dragons. Once the Dragon dance was concluded, the Lion dancers playfully entered the stage and performed different types of stacks, tricks, and
connection and laughter outside the classroom, further strengthening their bond. The day ended with not just one but two band performances with one band composed of teachers.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of awards to some teachers and staff for their unwavering loyalty and dedicated service to Kong Hua School. These honors were a symbol of the hard work and diligence of such teachers whose zeal and perseverance had brought the school to its heights. The smiles and laughter that filled the auditorium spoke volumes of the profound respect and appreciation that the students and staff had for their teachers, which made the day a fitting and heartfelt tribute to those who carry such critical importance in shaping the future of their students.
Following this, a vibrant entrance of colors dazzled the audience, accompanied by heartfelt speeches that celebrated the occasion and honored the community's rich traditions that have been practiced over many years. Next, the energetic Mongolian Horse Dance burst into the scene, captivating everyone with their lively and energetic movements and spirited portrayal of Mongolian horse riding. The Chinese Scroll Dance then unfolded, featuring dancers executing majestic cartwheels that flowed seamlessly into the choreography, mesmerizing the audience. Subsequently, the energetic Ordos Dance brought on stage the dynamic rhythms and vibrant movements igniting the crowd with enthusiasm and celebration. Finally, all the performers united as one by singing and dancing concluding the event. The audience was left in awe, remembering one of many spectacular performances, awaiting for more to come.
“
hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa hayop at malansang isda! - Dr. Jose Rizal
MATHSCICOM ‘24:
WHERE CLIMATE VISIONS TAKE FLIGHT
Written by Irmina Alombro
The wind is shifting, and it is not just a weather forecast it’s a call to action! From September 2 to 5, 2024, Kong Hua School’s MathSciCom Month took on the theme, “CLIMAQUEST: Forecasting Wind Shifts, Charting Climate Futures.” It was a deep dive into the world of climatology, where students became the meteorologists of tomorrow, forecasting environmental changes and proposing solutions to protect our planet. The aim? To unlock the secrets of a sustainable future while encouraging young minds to predict, prepare, and protect. From dissecting climate phenomena to examining cutting-edge science, students explored what it takes to steer the future toward resilience in the face of climate change.
The event surged with energy as the Early Childhood Education (ECE) students kicked off their Engineering Festival, showcasing innovative projects that captivated the young and curious onlookers. Each high school year participated in activities that tied into the theme, creating a close-knit experience. Some students led an information drive to raise awareness about sustainable resource management, while others took to the airwaves with an “EchoCast” podcast that turned complex environmental issues into engaging audio bites. A powerful symposium titled “Champions of Change” emphasized the urgent need for biodiversity conservation. Meanwhile, hands-on experiments during the Science Caravan brought climate change concepts to life. The Grade 11 students inspired action with their vlogs, showcasing how small efforts can create significant impacts, while the seniors concluded the festivities with a thought-provoking Research Exposition, leaving everyone motivated and eager for a greener future.
HOME IS WHERE THE HOPE IS
The Konghuanian Way of Giving
Written by Alianor Mautante
The Konghuanian values of heartfelt generosity and kindness was brought to life in celebration of the Holy Mother’s birthday on September 5 as the Kong Hua School community delivered gifts to the city s marginalized sector. This thanksgiving event was celebrated together with the priesthood anniversaries of the school’s leading priests, Father Emmanuel Manny Regalado, LRMS and Father Benjamin Benny Calsado, LRMS.
Another hopeful mother of a diseased little girl named Sophia Lantic when asked if she ever felt burdened upon having a child diagnosed with an incurable disease and only easened by physical therapy answered with a smile, Dili ra man, Ma am. Blessing para sa amo si Sophia. (Of course not, Ma’am. Sophia is a blessing to us.)
In just four days, Kong Hua School turned climatology into an exciting adventure, empowering its students to not only learn about climate issues but also take real steps toward making a difference. From podcasts to research expos, every activity was designed to prepare young leaders to face future challenges head-on. MathSciCom Month did not just forecast the wind shifts it charted a new course for a climate-conscious generation, ensuring that the students of Kong Hua School are ready to lead the change toward a more sustainable and resilient Philippines.
Led by the school s Center for Christian Formation (CCF), an organization centered on the holistic formation of Christianity in minds and deeds, a community outreach was held in the institutions found around the city. Gifts were given generously by the Konghuanians from the ECE up until the Senior High School department, with items such as packed goods and cakes. The recipients of these gifts were the Calabrian Children Foundation, Leupapo Inc., St. Joseph Home for the Aged, Northern Mindanao Medical Center - Pedia Onco (Cancer Patients), and Balay Canossa Foundation Inc.
The institutions part of this charity event are places of hope, smiles, and faith, filled with individuals who carry on positivity despite the hardships of life. Touching stories shared by mothers of patients from Leupapo Inc., a home for diseased children, highlighted how hope helps their family get through the difficult times.
The mother of Jelyn Limare, youngest of seven children diagnosed with a tumor, said that an operation worth 100,000 pesos is needed to cure her daughter s diagnosis. However, despite the burden of worrying where to find such amount, Jelyn’s mother expressed happiness in seeing her daughter happy and her motherly hope in alleviating her daughter pain.
IN PURSUIT OF Authentic
Written by Patrice Canales
“The pen is mightier than the sword,” is a quote from the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal, that strengthens the belief that words and information expressed through writing can have a greater impact than any use of force or violence. It expresses that the pen holds greater power than any action, as actions create events that alter the course of history, but the pen has the power to reshape how history will be remembered.
Journalists are the wielders of the pen. They hold the responsibility to report the truth, ensuring the balance of narrative and fact. It is the role of journalists to give voice to the voiceless and capture perspectives that are unheard. Journalists are storytellers, illuminating a light to complex realities and bringing clarity to obscurity.
In their pursuit of knowledge and true journalism, The Campus Observer Publication’s student journalists and moderator attended the 22nd Word Cup and Seventh Journalism Masterclass held in Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel from August 23 to 25, 2024. The two-day event served not only as a ground for competition but also as a learning experience for the representatives.The event commenced with a focus on authentic journalism, emphasizing its importance in today's media landscape. Authentic journalism prioritizes transparency and integrity in news delivery, ensuring that stories are told accurately and reflect the realities of the world. By presenting facts accurately without distortion or biases, authentic journalism engages with communities and gains a deeper understanding of different perspectives thus creating trust between journalist and their audience. This opening session set the tone for the rest of the event, where journalists actively practiced the principle of authentic journalism in their works. The competition featured multiple categories, including News Writing, Sports Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial and
Beyond the opportunity to share, the faculty, staff, and students found joy in touching what society stereotypes as untouchable. Ms. Mechelle Calderon, a faculty member of the CCF, shared, I ve been involved in outreach activities for years, and they continue to excite me. Every experience is unique, leaving lasting memories. I believe community outreach is vital for holistic student development. It fosters empathy, social consciousness, and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. I ve personally benefited from these experiences. I admire Kong Hua School’s commitment to providing practical learning experiences, not just for students but also for us personnel. It s truly fulfilling.
This event showed how Konghuanians embody their acts of kindness and how their hearts are opened to sympathize with the members of such communities. Being sources of hope shines more smiles in the lives of these people, further lighting up their hopeful homes.
Column Writing, Science and Technology Writing, Copyreading and Headline Writing, Mobile Journalism, and Photojournalism. Each category gave participants an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and creativity across various fields of journalism, while simultaneously practicing authentic journalism.
The Campus Observer Publication s journalists learned valuable techniques for creating impactful stories that resonate with their audiences. As the competition unfolded, their hardwork and dedication produced a range of impressive entries, applying their newly acquired knowledge to create competition worthy products.
By the end of the event,
Layout by Janelle Serina
Layout By Caye Valmoria
Amidst the structural pain this world is built from major companies overshadow their cruelty by ashing their glittering image across the world. However, the ones who hold these lights that shine the brightest for these companies are the ones who live in the darkest of ages. Boycotting may seem a tedious job for some people but compared to those who struggle under the gaze of companies who are the puppeteers of the outcomes of this world, boycotting is the smallest effort you can do within the comfort of your home for those who bleed to go back to their houses.
Hypocrites are the only thing in the world that continue to exist for centuries. People on the internet will showcase their love and support for those who are struggling in war, and then promote fashion companies like SHEIN, which use modern slavery. While they wear the shiny cloth on their bodies, the slaves that work 18 hours a day wear the bruises on their body. People will say, Free Palestine, yet continue to freely eat McDonalds a company that will support continuous terrorist attacks on oppressed Palestinians in their hands that have not felt the rein of pain.
Boycott for the distraught, or do not. Watch these companies grow and have the world, watch them make money, watch them smile as they step on the broken backs and falling smiles of those they affect through their actions, and watch the despair on your face in the mirror as you become a slave to the “new” world they promised, lled with shattering screams from children who used to remember how to smile. Do not be afraid to show your face now, as these companies take over the world and mass produce their products and pain.
Not All that Gl te is Gold
Tipt s on a TIGHTROPE
As the sun begins its descent over the Philippines, an unmistakable tension dances in the air, threading through the streets adorned with colorful campaign banners and the whispers of dreams unful lled. With the 2025 Midterm Elections on the horizon, you can almost feel the weight of anticipation pressing down on everyone. Candidates maneuver like careful dancers, presenting themselves as devoted public servants while concealing their true ambitions behind a facade. With the sound of a shotgun signaling the start, the race for our support morphs into a delicate tango of political strategy, where ethical lines blur and the very essence of democracy hangs in the balance.
Picture this: a local gathering, where neighbors share their visions for the future over warm cups of coffee. You catch snippets of conversation about candidates ling their Certi cates of Candidacy (COCs) and as laid out by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Chairman George Erwin Garcia those ling between October 1 and 8 are tiptoeing on a tightrope, risking disquali cation while balancing
ambition with legal boundaries. It is a vivid image of the careful steps candidates must master, aiming to stay ahead without losing their footing.
The four-month gap before the o cial campaign kickoff 90 days for national elections and 45 for local races can feel like an eternity. For some candidates, it’s a golden window to aunt their political nesse, yet it starkly highlights a harsh truth: the a uent can splash their cash for visibility, while those from less privileged backgrounds struggle to even be seen. A sobering reminder of the haves and the have-nots, where nancial resources
As the COMELEC pledges to tighten the reins on premature campaigning, skepticism simmers just below the surface. It is hard not to re ect on past elections, where enforcement often felt a little more like a hopeful promise waiting to be broken. The lingering ghosts of those experiences leave us questioning whether candidates will truly face consequences for jumping the gun. Garcia's challenge to critics to seek refuge in the courts only adds another layer of complexity to this thorny political
Amidst this shifting terrain, the journey to the 2025 Elections will undoubtedly test our willpower as voters. It is essential for us to remain vigilant, demanding transparency and integrity from those who seek our trust. The stakes extend beyond mere votes; they involve safeguarding the democratic ideals that de ne our nation. With that, let us walk this with purpose, for the future of our democracy depends on our collective commitment to a brighter tomorrow.
Boycotting these people and companies add more hope for the people that suffer Boycotting will return dreams of a future that peace in it and not one produced by slaves tirelessly. To those who continue to nd support sickening actions of a company, let the shining these people be a reminder of the gallons of amidst war and slavery. Let the smiles of these cruel people be a reminder of those who cannot. Let the “glitter of gold companies advertise in their products,
Layout By Shea Go
companies will lessen their success and suffer in their grasp. that has the word that work support in these shining reputation of blood that glitter
Written by Mathea Elorde
RUN AS FAST AS
As the humming sounds of labour seep in the cracking earth like its inhabitants, a hand lled with endless cruelty covers the screams of an innocent human for help. Cradled by fear and desperation, victims try to stop the sexual abuse forced on them on a platter of lies, and fail to the predator who feed on the youth they could not help control. Behind the scenes of the idealistic perfection governments portray, silenced screams of the sexually assaulted
Children, with their happy dispositions and cheery smiles that show their still newly growing teeth, with gentle hands that ail in joy. Too gentle of a hand to stop the liars who dance on the pinnacle of pain. These children are forced to grow up, and become the adults who failed to protect them. But in truth, these children never grew up. They are still the same child whose silenced voice peers over the people who form rumours and chatter upon them. Every survivor of sexual abuse are pieces of the child they once were, stained like mosaic glass with colors of their fears and trauma, near their breaking point, mimicking
Girlhood, is a romanticized dream of men who fantasize about women catering to their every need. True girlhood is ghting for the freedom that was stripped away once the doctors announced your gender at the hospital. Being a girl means having to accept the disguise of haven men give as an excuse for ful lling their sexual fantasies. To run like a girl is not running like a model on
heels. Running like a girl is running as fast as you can with a broken limb, severed head, or bleeding slowly from the parts you could not help having from sexual
To provoke a wild animal means disturbing their home and habitat or endangering them. To provoke a monster that hides themselves under the disguise of humanity, you only
need to utter the word “no.” At least when you die in captivity of an animal, you taste your own blood, and not the lips of the predator who robbed you of innocence. From generation to generation, sexual abuse has inserted itself into the pages of history scattered in the deepest depths of the world. Sexual abuse does not discriminate age, gender, relation, or beauty. In
the face of sexual abuse, run as fast as you can for the mothers, daughters, sons, fathers, and humans who
Sincerely, Finnah Maldo
Desperate Times:
Myanmar’s death-defying, law-defying heroes
Written by Franzine Claire Balabat
Lights icker on and suddenly, you’re lying on an operating table in extreme fear, yet with a glimpse of hope for something great to come out of desperation. The surgeon slices and closes up a four-inch scar on the left of your abdomen signifying a fresh mark of a hero saving the rich in dire need of a kidney transplant and saving the poor who only wishes to eat at least once in a day. That is the reality of Myanmar's poorest death-defying, law-defying heroes.
Under the blanket of black-out darkness, it is a challenge to nd a gist of light to save someone. Myanmar (or Burma) covers itself in the reign of con ict, a century-old con ict to be exact. The country struggled to come up with an effective governance for its multiethnic society, resulting in numerous crises and continuous civil wars.
The brawl for power and authority became Myanmar s greatest downfall as forces ght against each other, while people become desperate as they fall in the hands of extreme hunger and poverty. Last February of 2021, the world saw how Myanmar fell into the hands of the military coup, power seized and violence spreaded. Yet, as the trend bids goodbye, the world still fails to see how there is so much more to the story, so much more that when hunger strikes, there is a struggle for the esh. Any esh, for that matter. How desperate is desperate?
Reports show that there are at least three Burmese-language Facebook groups where people buy and sell their organs. Organ trading, or also known as organ tra cking is the “donation” of organs in exchange for money. It is in fact, illegal in many countries, including Myanmar, but in desperation comes sophistication.
In CNN’s year-long investigation report on Myanmar in August 30 of 2024, they revealed the story of Maung Maung and April pseudonyms of two desperate Burmese (Myanma) people, who are more than willing to sell their kidneys in exchange for money.
April shared that selling a part of your body is a di cult decision for everyone, yet the only reason she is doing it is because she has no choice as her monthly salary is not enough to keep up with daily costs, in ated more by political crisis and her aunt’s medical bills. Maung Maung, on the other hand, shared that his desperation boils down to the fact that his wife and young daughter can barely eat at least once a day, and when your family suffers the way theirs did, it becomes a matter of what truly is worth sacri cing.
The easiest organ to tra ck
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is an estimate of 10,000 kidneys traded on the black market worldwide annually, or more than one every hour; making kidneys the most prominent organs that are illegally traded around the globe. Numbers may seem high but buying a kidney takes less time than waiting in an organ donations list that barely moves.
Moreover, a human being does not necessarily need to have two kidneys functioning together. In spite of that, there are also people who suffer from permanent kidney failure, which would result in the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Studies have shown that kidney transplants, compared to dialysis, provide a better quality of life, but like any other surgery, also poses risks to both the donor and the recipient.
In Myanmar's poorest, they sell their organs through a Facebook group. With the help of agents, they are able to match the donors with the recipients and forge the necessary documents for the surgery to push through in India, as Myanmar’s healthcare is on the brink of collapse. In India, donations are only permitted among relatives, so it takes a magical hand and wise calculations to formulate a plot that would tell the authorities that two strangers who met each other on Facebook are actually family members. There is a high price to pay for all of this to be possible, but at the end of the day, this is not just the desperation of the poor, but it is also the desperation of the rich.
Hitting two birds with one stone
Who could you really blame when it is a mutual agreement between two parties, right? In its illicit and extremely dangerous nature lies the fact that the poorest gets the money that they need to survive, while the rich gets the kidney they need to sustain their life. One lengthy procedure hitting two birds at the same time. Lives are saved and people live.
Half of Myanmar s people are forced to live below the poverty line, while its healthcare shatters in every moment of the civil war. With the rising problem of poverty and health, desperation becomes the most t solution. Illicit in nature that could end in jail time and nes, and its bodily extremities could lead to issues in recovery, health complications, shorter lifespan, and even death meets the question, how far will you go to keep the people you love alive? Will you go as far as a death-defying, law-defying hero?
STARLINER:
Written by Boaz Tan
What is the trending disease happening right now? Monkeypox is a disease currently spreading like wild re across the globe. This situation has created a rollercoaster of emotions as the public deals with uncertainty surrounding monkeypox and its potential impact on daily life.
WHAT IS MONKEYPOX? Monkeypox was rst identi ed in monkeys in 1958 and made its way to humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is primarily endemic in the western regions of Africa. Despite its name, the virus mainly circulates among rodents, squirrels, and shrews. Currently, lots of cases have emerged in many different countries, showing its spread beyond West Africa. Monkeypox belongs to the same family as smallpox, pointing to its signi cance as a public health concern.
By Callie Tan Sabal
WHAT IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING?
Monkeypox which seemed like a rare illness, shocked everyone with the news of its rapid spread internationally then on July 2022 as it was announced as a public Health Emergency of International Concern by W.H.O. The disease had become a great problem to health authorities globally, and has made them carry out thorough researches in order to process cures, as well as effective vaccines. Another related containment order resulted in widespread vaccination campaigns and actions such as prohibiting the haulage of unscour wool. Consequently, active surveillance is warranted for the control of further transmission and public health guidance.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET MONKEYPOX AND HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Monkeypox typically causes u-like symptoms, followed by a rash that develops into pearl-like bumps. Fever, rash, and painful lesions are among the symptoms that can greatly limit a person's quality of life. It spreads through close contact with infected people, including direct skin contact and dirty surfaces.
CONCLUSION
Monkeypox was rst identi ed in monkeys in 1958 and spreaded in humans in 1970. It is usually found in rodents mainly in Africa. Cases of the disease have been reported all over the world, forcing the WHO to make it an international concern. O cials from all over the world are working day and night to nd a treatment or an antidote for the said disease. Symptoms include feeling unwell and a painful rash, and it spreads through close contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
Pioneering The Future Of Space Travel
Written by Boaz Tan
What challenges did the Boeing Starliner face during its development? How does its technology compare to other spacecraft in the market? Ultimately, what are the implications of its success or failure for future space missions?
The Boeing Starliner is a crew space vehicle that will arrive and depart from the International Space Station to advance human exploration in low-Earth orbit destinations using state-of-the-art technology and systems for safe and reliable missions outside our atmosphere.
The spacecraft has navigation controls and autonomous docking capabilities to ensure a precise journey for its crew members in their space exploration missions. In addition, the streamlined con nes of the spacecraft are quite adaptive providing a very elegant and e cient capability for navigating an otherwise hostile space environment.
In addition, it is a spacious and pleasant place for astronauts to live and work in during their missions. With roomy seating and ergonomic controls, the crew can perform their mission effectively as they ride through space.
Furthermore The Boeing Starliner was built to withstand the rigors of space travel, with its own propulsion thrusters and more advanced thermal protection systems designed speci cally for it to weather any unforeseen challenges. It marks a new era in space travel providing an opportunity to contribute towards the future exploration of our universe and enable breakthroughs for scienti c research beyond Earth itself. The creativity of the Boeing Starliner with a unique and innovative design combined with modern technology is such a revolutionary aircraft.
Layout By Callie Tan Sabal
In today's world, batteries play a crucial role in powering various technologies and devices. With the increasing demand for energy and a greater emphasis on sustainability, it is important to compare the e ciency and environmental impact of different types of batteries. In this article, the comparison between the two popular types of batteries will be introduced: the fossil fuel made batteries and the sustainable green batteries.
Fossil fuel made batteries are energy storage devices that use a chemical reaction involving a fuel source such as diesel, gas, or natural gas to generate electricity. These batteries have been in use for many years and have been an important part of electricity generation and backup power provision. They are known for their reliability and ability to provide power when other sources of energy are not available.
The main advantage of fossil fuel made batteries is their ability to provide reliable and stable power, serving as a backup source of electricity in the event of primary power outages. These batteries are also low-cost and easy to maintain, which makes them attractive options for certain residential and industrial applications. However, fossil fuel made batteries have some
Written by Aliazhaina Mautante
The Battle of the Batteries: Fossil Fuel made vs. Sustainable Green Batteries
downsides too. For example, they are not environmentally-friendly as the combustion of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases and air pollutants into the atmosphere.
Sustainable green batteries are another type of energy storage device that harness renewable resources such as wind, solar, and other forms of energy harvesting. The main function of these batteries is to store energy and provide power when needed. Sustainable green batteries are used in a variety of applications, such as powering electric vehicles, providing backup power for homes and businesses, and in grid-scale energy storage systems.
Sustainable green batteries offer several advantages over traditional fossil fuel made batteries. The main bene t is the reduced environmental impact sustainable green batteries have on the environment. Unlike fossil fuel made batteries, these batteries do not rely on non-renewable resources and therefore do not produce greenhouse gases or other harmful byproducts. These batteries help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease air pollution. The disadvantage of sustainable green batteries is that they may have lower energy density compared to fossil fuel made batteries. This means that they may not be able to store as
CLIMATE CHANGE: THE FUTURE REALITY
Written by Micha Bacus
Disclaimer: Just because this story is ction in one's mind, does not mean it can not come true. READ AT YOUR OWN COST.
In a place called Cagayan De Oro City, there was a school named Kong Hua School. The students, teachers, and staff enjoyed their everyday life, being near the river under the bridge with clear water, the sun shining, and the natural resources blooming. Everyday was a blessing, until it was disturbed by climate change. Suddenly, the water from underneath the Marcos Bridge began to rise, and the sun was now covered with dark clouds that sparked vigorous lightning and roared defeaning thunder. Every student in the school evacuated to a safe zone, enlightened of this disaster, except for one.
Zion was unable to evacuate as he did not listen to the protocols and rules of the school, he stayed inside of his classroom on the rst oor and tried to hide there instead of evacuating when needed. Not long enough, the water started to ood into the school and the thunder was too loud for him to even think. He ran up to the second oor and stayed in another dark classroom. He felt a sense of relief as he noticed less water on the oor and sat on a brown armchair. He rested, until he looked at the re ection of the whiteboard and noticed something standing
there, something inhuman. He stood up and looked behind, chills lling his body, he did not see anything there. In fear, he walked outside of the classroom and towards the comfort room, not knowing where else to go as he felt like he was being watched.
He arrived in the comfort room, turning on the water from the sink and washing his hands, until a whisper of his name was heard. He looked up into the mirror, just to see a white gure standing behind him. He looked back and did not see anything, so he looked into the mirror again and suddenly, the gure got closer. She was wearing a white gown and had long black hair, then whispered in a hateful demeanor, This is your people s fault”. Zion was paralyzed in fear, he took a moment, built up the courage and replied, It was not my fault! I did not do anything!” He was stuttering. She sighed and got closer, her touch on Zion s arm made him shiver, she placed her cold hand on his shoulder and said, That s the problem, you did not do anything.”
much energy in a given space, which can be a limiting factor in certain applications where long periods of storage or high power output is required.
Batteries are an essential technology for powering many industries and sectors. The market for batteries is destined to grow signi cantly in the future. This growth is driven by a variety of factors, including increasing focus on renewable energy and sustainability, advancements in battery technology, and government policies promoting the use of cleaner and more e cient energy storage solutions. The development of new battery types leads to greater exibility in terms of power output and energy density. It is likely that the future of batteries will involve a shift towards more exible and sustainable storage solutions.
In conclusion, fossil fuel made batteries and sustainable green batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the adoption of sustainable green batteries is expected to increase, with advances in technology and government policies supporting the transition. We can expect to see continued changes in material science and technology. Just as John Goodenough says, "The future of
batteries is limitless, with new technologies and innovations constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Storming Through the Rage of the Tropics
Franzine Claire Balabat
down as on the night of September 1, the rage ransacked the region turning bodies of land into bodies of water, forcing thousands of individuals to leave their homes and nd evacuation, and missing.
However, at this point, Enteng actually has not landed yet, it is just simply affected the areas it is passing through. devastated the people up north, as their only hope is for Enteng to immediately leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and not land at all. Unfortunately, it would not be mission accomplished for a tropical cyclone if it leaves the people calm and conserved, so there goes tearing roofs, breaking houses, toppling over electric posts, creating new channels of rivers, and killing over 12
The damaging effects of Enteng have impacted the different sectors of the nation, affecting the people, their livelihoods, and the economy of the country. Looking towards the present, just a month and few days after Tropical Cyclone Enteng, comes Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, recently making landfall at Isabela at 12:30 am of October 24. Fear and devastation creeps in the country once again.
Evidently, there is no way to bid farewell to cyclones as the archipelago is situated in the perfect place of the tropics for them to form and come rst, yet it leaves the question: does a cyclone rage along the tropics because it has too? Or because it needs to storm upon the people through con ict to hopefully wake them up and let them see the consequences of man s extreme actions?
The O ce of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that as of September 4, s death toll climbed up to 15, with 21 people still reported missing. As Enteng left the PAR on September 4, it also left the country with not only despairing news but with even more rain. In the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD DROMIC) Report #41, it shows that over a total of 834,484 families or over 3.1 million persons were affected in 3,098 barangays of the northern region. Moreover, reports show that Enteng s agricultural damage is a whopping 350.85 million PHP, while the volume of production loss is at 14.814 metric tons in 8,893 hectares of agricultural lands of high-value crops.
COMIKHS
SO... WHO BROKE iT?
The official literary folio of the Campus Observer
The official literary folio of the Campus Observer
Publication shall be known as the “LUMINARE: Illuminating
Publication shall be known as the “LUMINARE: Illuminating
The Words Unspoken“ which shall be published soon.
The Words Unspoken“ which shall be published soon.
By
Layout
Caye Valmoria
18 SPORTS
In the oor exercise, Yulo earned a 15.000 after he landed his three-and-a-half twist dismount cold, double twists forward to double front tucked. Scored in two ways: execution and di culty score, he garnered 6.600 for di culty, and 8.400 for execution, adding up to a total of 15.000, lasting in a gold medal against Israel silver Artem Dolgopyat and United Kingdom bronze Jake Jarman. Yulo pumped his sts in the air, shouting in victory with his coach and hugging his opponents as congratulations.
Yulo started tumbling in gymnastics when he was just seven years old. His grandfather saw how far he could leap and took him to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) facility in Manila, and eventually started competing. His life as a gymnast bloomed when he and his team won gold at Palaro Pambansa in 2009 at Tacloban, representing NCR. He continued to win gold and soon Carlos trained for the Philippine National Games as part of the National Capital Region's gymnastics team.
Athletes train their whole lives to compete in an international multi-sports event that only rises from ash and up to the clouds once every four years. Gathering athletes from all over the globe, and not just the hand-ball throwing and esh-leg walking athletes, but also the wheel-rolling and prosthetic-arm catching Olympians. This year the Olympics came crashing with the Paralympic Revolution for those with disabilities held in the city of light, Paris, France. This is the third time France hosted the Olympics.
In 2016, Carlos accepted an offer from the Japan Olympic Association to train in Japan under a scholarship program, he continued his education at Teikyo University in Tokyo, graduating in 2022 with an associates degree in Literature. He then bridged onto his international debut at the Melbourne World Cup in 2018 and did a number on the scoreboards in the Asian Games 2018. He joined the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, placing 10th in the all-around nal.
The country showered him in gifts and drowned him in congratulatory messages, houses and apartments, and as much as 20 million pesos for his double win under Republic Act 10699. “I heard I’ll be getting a lot of prizes, but maybe I’m more focused on the next cycle of the Olympics,” Yulo said in an interview with Scott Bregman for the Olympics. “It will be a greater experience for me because I want to defend that title that I won [here] in the next cycle and show everyone that I’m worth a gold medal in all my performances in my competitions.” It takes quadruple twists to the hips to come back with twice as many gold medals.
The games were a 16-day event held from August 28 up to September 28, representing 168 countries recognized by the International Olympic Committee handling over 4,400 athletes with over 28 sports events. These sports were all located within a ve-kilometer radius from the Olympic Village in the north of the city which made it accessible for the watchers and Paralympians.
TW G LD MEDALS
Written By Bree Ranara
On October 20, 2024, in the Araneta Coliseum, the Barangay Ginebra had a nail biting game against San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semi- nals with the score of 102-99. Barangay Ginebra barely won the game with a three point difference.
Competing in her sixth Paralympic Games, Thailand’s 50-year old Saysunee Jana became the rst female wheelchair fencer to win all three individual events at one edition.
Blind football hitting bullseye as the French blind football team became the second ever team to win gold, kicking against Argentina with 3-2 on penalties, scoring 1-1 in regular time.
The event’s closing ceremony dropped rain that splashed on smiles as the Paralympics 2024 came to an end with music and festivity, creating positivity even when it seems too
Justin Brownlee was able to score the winning three pointer with less than 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter. This move saved Barangay Ginebra, allowing them to secure a spot in the championships. Barangay Ginebra had many previous matches against San Miguel Beermen but this was their most heart-pounding match.
Written By Bree Ranara
Maverick Ahanmisi is the best player of the game with a score of 25 points, crucial for the success of his team. His teammates contributed by consistently assisting in many rebounds, with Justin Brownlee scoring 21 points and Japeth Aguilar scoring 20 points. Rookie RJ Abarrientos continued his impressive debut season, scoring 16 points and having 6 assists. The win allowed Ginebra to
of Barangay Ginebra, they went to the nals with a rematch against TNT Tropang Giga. They had an impressive performance with their coordination and smarts, even though it was a tight match.
Everyone in Barangay Ginebra trusted each other, allowing them to have excellent teamwork. Anyone too could trust the people that they are comfortable with and the results will speak for itself.
On October 12, 2024, in Shah Alam, Malaysia, the Philippine Azkals had an amazing performance against Vietnam in their Asia 7s quarter- nal match with a score of 10-3. The score was 5-1 in the rst half, followed by 10-3 in the second half. The Philippine Azkals have been climbing their way up in the Asia 7s by continuously winning matches and claiming a spot in the semi nals nearing the championships. The Philippines was able to win the quarter - nal match using their great coordination, smarts, and skills that were all re ned to its best use.
Mark Hartmann scored 4 spectacular goals and he brought the Azkals to victory. He was a key player on the pitch and an essential part to their success. The Azkals go by the saying, We t underestimate anyone.”
Giving the Philippines a starter kick, Azkals player Mark Hartmann scored the rst goal barely 2 minutes into the match, beginning the scoring spree of the Filipinos. Patrick Grogg followed up the goal with another goal by dribbling the ball across the 3 defenders. Arnel Amita scored the third goal with a strong and ght against the Filipinos by having a solid defense that was enough to let the Philippine Azkals struggle to score. All the Filipino players from the Azkals were very happy that they won the quarter- nal match and it brought them to the semi nals. They have high hopes for the future success of their games. With hardwork and teamwork, one can do anything, just like the Filipinos who were able to utilize their abilities for the win.
