The Corn Valley Publication Vol. XX no.1

EDUKALIDAD CONTINUES:

DepEd OKs progressive F2F classes,

Students receive COVID shots

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s the education sector attempts to restore the learning system similar to pre-pandemic times, vaccinating the pediatric population or children aged 12-17 was seen as one of the remedies. In response to the rising number of cases in the country and with the recent occurrence of mutations in the COVID-19 virus, it was just necessary to ramp up the vaccination efforts to at least prevent severe infections.

In an interview with ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo last November 3, 2021, Dr. Anna Lisa T. Ong-Lim, MD, of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), said that usually, in a country the 12-17 age group comprises 20-30 percent of the entire population. With this, it is necessary to include them on the vaccination program in order to attain the herd immunity. Ong-Lim also added that by vaccinating the pediatric age group, they will be able to gain more mobility with their added protection especially when face-toface classes will be restored.

the children who had his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last January 25, 2022 was Jhon Rey L. Deniega, a resident of Poblacion I and at the same time a student of Grade 7 – Guerrero of Banisilan National High School (BNHS). When asked about his experience, the 13-year-old responded that he did not feel anything, nor any side effects afterwards. He also said that it was good to get vaccinated and he was also looking forward for the face-to-face classes to see his friends and teachers.

Along with Jhon Rey was his mother, Renila L. Deniega, 37 years old, who accompanied him to receive his second shot. She said that when she knew about the news that the Department of Education (DepEd) was eying for the return of face-toface classes, she immediately decided to have his son vaccinated. When asked whether she had some hesitations to allow his son to receive his COVID-19 shots she said, “No, I did not have any as I was able to prove it myself that vaccines are safe as I was able to get myself vaccinated first before him.”

Vaccinating children from 12 to 17 started during the first National Vaccination Drive last November 29 to December 1, 2021. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were primarily being administered to the age group. According to National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez, such brands were being used as the same vaccines would also serve as booster shots of the 12-17 age group soon.

Correspondingly, during his visit in Banisilan last January, Dr. Patrick Julius Paccal MD, MHA, one of the Local Health Physicians in the Province of North Cotabato, has also stressed the importance of vaccinating the pediatric group aged 12-17. He said, “There’s a possibility that face-to-face classes will resume. It is not only this time that there’s a need to vaccinate them since the risk of being exposed to adults is still high. The main reason really is for them to be included in DepEd’s face-to-face program. Second, they’re Locally, Banisilan also started vac- usually bored staying at cinating the pediatric age group simulta- home.” neous with the nationwide vaccination campaign. One of ...continued on page 6

Redefining EmpoWOMENt featured in

WonderJuana’s Got Talent

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he Corn Valley Publication Feature Editor Jerome Charles Albay secured the 4th spot with his article Redefining EmpoWOMENt: Zozibini Tunzi’s Quest for Equality in HERstory: A Feature Writing Contest.

WonderJuana’s Got Talent GAD FPS - Cotabato Division conducted the said contest as part of the celebration of achievements of all women around the world during the culmination of the National Women’s Month celebration last March 30, 2021.

2 TCV writers qualify Sandugo; Songcuya enters the cut

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he Corn Valley Publication Editorin-Chief Jayb Daniel A. Songcuya and Science and Technology Editor Richel Mae S. Chavez were among the finalists in Editorial Writing, Column Writing, and Science and Technology Writing for sandugo online press conference where Songcuya placed 6th in Column Writing., March 1, 2021.

Finalists were chosen through an elimination round last December 911, 2020 then “resbak” and final round for the winners up until January of 2021.

Onward, BNHS—TVL!

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fter a series of training and assessment, a total 42 Grade 12 students under the Technical-VocationalLivelihood Track (TVL) attained their National Certificate II (NCII) in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Food and Beverage Services (FBS), Bread and Pastry Production (BPP), and Agriculture Crops Production (ACP), wherein 19 of them came from SMAW strand, 12 from Home Economics strand (HE), and 11 from AgriFishery Arts strand (AFA).

COVID—19 VACCINATION

BULLETIN

BANISILAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL as of May 2022

1,718

JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE

FIRST DOSE

RIGHT TO CORRECT INFORMATION TCV Editor-in-Chief Jayb Daniel A Songcuya clarifies issues on COVID-19 vaccination from Dr. Patrick Julius Paccal, MD, MHA, as it earned varied information of its effect to a person’s health; some are positive while others are negative.

TOTAL

86

SECOND DOSE

Source: BNHS Health Dept.

1,632

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Contents EDITORIAL COLUMN

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The Editorial Board S.Y. 2021-2022

NEWS FEATURE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LITERARY and ART ATTEMPTS

JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE

A DOSE OF HOPE:

about the cover

When the nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccination among all children aged 12 to 17 started, the country celebrated a historic achievement in vaccine development and delivery. These shots change how the pediatric population sees the fight against this invisible enemy – uncertain yet hopeful.

Soon, when everyone becomes resistant, the ordinary lives once we lived will be lived again.

JEROME CHARLES F. ALBAY

Editorial

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

CIELO A. DEQUIÑA

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ver a year had passed up to the present, people around the world of today’s generation have experienced one of the toughest times of the lifetime – the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiating a counter to this crisis is difficult, leaving everyone no other choice but to determine which activities are necessary to be sustained and which are to be stopped to help contain the virus.

As a result, boarders were tightened preventing mobility and even deferring social activities including academic ones. Students all over the world especially those who belong to third-world countries are still facing the effects of the crisis that forced them to study remotely. Distance learning does not only mean the suspension of physical instructions in schools but it also challenges the survival of school-based organizations that perform best with physical manpower inside the campus.

Campus Journalism is one of these organizations that are threatened by this health crisis and in order to survive, The Corn Valley Publications (TCV) should still supply what the community needs by giving timely and relevant information despite the current situation.

The flow of information is crucial in determining the survival of everyone in this time. From disseminating guidelines about minimum public health standard to announcement of quarantine status and case updates, the media are able to amplify the reach of information. Like mainstream media, campus journalism also plays an important role in the community. It just not supplies information that may affect one’s decision-making but also encourages the youth to be involved in the decision-making itself.

For years, TCV has been a testimony to the school’s journey. It has served as its main outlet to celebrate stories of success and fame over the years. Campus journalists were also able to represent the student-body by analyzing and taking part in the discussion of social issues that may directly or indirectly affect the students’ lives. These have been the essential roles of journalism inside and outside the campus ever since.

In this time of a health emergency that limits the interactions of students physically, TCV despite its plummeting members, still remains to be committed to its promise of immortalizing the fleeting glimpse of truth regardless whether there’s a pandemic or none.

Online platforms have been the main avenue for campus journalists to continue serving the school community. New school paper volumes are also released online, covering related and timely news about the school’s improvement and response with relevant issues. This action proves that campus journalism is flexible enough to withstand the havoc of the pandemic with the aim of delivering true versions of truth to the audience.

With or without this pandemic, the flow of right information is substantial as this serves as the ground for creating decisions in daily activities including those huge ones. Any disruptions like misinformation and disinformation could potentially lead to life-threatening results. That is why at any point, the role of the media including campus journalists is not just essential but also vital for sustaining not just the publication itself but also everybody that surrounds it.

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ince 2020, amid fighting against the deadly COVID-19 virus, the government has been diverting its attention and resources to approve the Republic Act (RA) No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 instead of accelerating its response to the pandemic. Then months later, here comes the Beach Nourishment Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that poured artificial white sand a.k.a. dolomite sand on Manila Bay, which pushed through despite its health and natural concerns.

To make all things clear, I am not fully against with these actions. However, in time of crisis, we must categorize all matter of concern especially when it is related to government projects and priorities whether it is urgent and important or simply important but not that badly needed at the moment.

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Divorce laws are not new in the Philippines, in fact, we have them before. It is a controversial and hot topic in congress today whether they will bring back divorce or not.

Senators have expressed opposition to divorce based on Filipino culture. They suggest that it is a foreign concept, and it is not Filipino.

However, to date back, the Spaniards who colonized us had divorce-like rituals. In addition, some of our indigenous people still engage in such practices today.

Divorce is currently prohibited for Filipino Christians, but Filipino Muslims can get divorced under Islamic law. This is because Muslim marriage falls under the Muslim Code and not the Family Code. Divorce was allowed in the Philippines during the Japanese and American occupations and dates to the precolonial period, during which a number of ethnolinguistic groups practiced absolute divorce.

Deputy Speaker and The Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva said that the passage of a divorce bill is practically unnecessary. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman supported the claim and said that divorce is not for everybody. Meanwhile, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes believes that if divorce were to be legalized, it would amplify the mentality that marriage can be easily broken.

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reallocate funds to respond against the pandemic under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, also known as the Bayanihan Act, and officially designated as Republic Act No. 11469. But DENR’s Undersecretary Jonas Leones defended that it is not just possible to defund other agencies to boost the budget of COVID-19 response. Adding that they have already given ten percent of their While COVID-19 infection was on a 2020 budget to support the fight against the rising trend last June of 2020, certifying the then virus.

Anti-Terrorism Bill urgent was not an excellent move. Critics questioned this gesture as the adFurthermore, the fact that the governministration should focus its actions towards ment can respond to different programs which handling the pandemic. Given its broad defini- are non-related to the pandemic shows that we tion of terrorism, a much longer surveillance have a lot of time. Why not simply set those period for individuals suspected as terrorist, and aside for a couple of months to focus on curbing longer warrantless detention, Anti-terror bill has the swelling numbers of infections and speed up gotten a lot of disapproval by different sectors the turtle-like vaccination program for us to in since the beginning. But according to the letter contain the disease and attain herd immunity in from Malacañang to the Speaker of the House the soonest possible time? when it was certified as urgent, the bill will just I know that the issue is already outaddress the ‘urgent’ need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to contain the threat dated. It might not matter to anyone of us now. of terrorist acts for the preservation of the pub- But the bottom line here is that to effectively lic’s welfare because RA 11479 is just an amend- combat this emerging and possible future crises ment to the already in placed RA 9372 or the like this, the government must prioritize proHuman Security Act of 2007 that previously grams that are essential to the everyday lives of the public. A scientifically based decision, with served as the country’s anti-insurgency act. practical purpose, and is also time relevant must Speaking of already in-placed before also be taken into consideration. To improve the the pandemic, the ‘attractive’ Beach Nourishment country’s well-being and minimize the future Project of DENR for Manila Bay also entered damage to our overwhelmed economy and health the section of hate and bash comments due to its system, there is only one option – acting with untimely implementation. The budget of this urgency to things that need priority. expensive initiative amounting to Php 389 Million came from the 2020 National Budget, which was approved in 2019. Vice President (VP) Leni Robredo once called the project as ‘insensitive’, and the money could have been allocated to feed 80,000 hungry Filipinos in the midst of the pandemic. However, Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque defended the initiatives, saying that the budget was approved in 2019 and it was not foreseen that there would be a pandemic later.

All of these seemed to be inappropriate considering that the country has been facing a health emergency. After two years, our country was able to level up the response against COVID -19 at some point, but it still appeared that there Contradicting to this is the statement was a problem with the government’s strategies of the VP that the executive branch is allowed to and priorities. nlike countries in the western region, divorce is forbidden and remains illegal in the Philippines.

With most of its population being devoutly Roman Catholic, the Philippines is only one of two countries in the world that prohibit divorce, with the other being the Vatican City.

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On the other hand, contrary to what detractors claim, divorce is not intended to break up the Filipino family. According to the Gabriela bill, it is just another option to get out of an already failed marriage. Divorce is all about the individual’s right to reclaim a dignified and secured life. It can also protect a battered woman and her children from further violence in the case of an abusive relationship. The Philippine culture regards marriage as a sacred union of love, with legal provisions in place to protect it.

But marriages, on the other hand, are never detached from social realities, and for many women, the disparities and abuse they face in their marriages are simply not worth living up to society's standards because not all marriages are perfect and we are aware of it.

Divorce is expected to be yet another controversial measure. But despite conservative opposition, it is necessary for some people, not because they want to ruin their families or their children's futures but because they simply understand that not all disputes can be settled within the confines of marriage. Furthermore, the legalization of divorce should not jeopardize good couples. Besides, happy and successful marriages should not be threatened by the legalization of divorce.

So, if you don’t want a divorce, then don’t get one. But let others have better chances in life. In reality, divorce does not kill a marriage. It just buries a marriage that has been long dead.

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ue to the worldwide spread of COVID-19, many were affected by the disease directly and indirectly and our education is no exception at all. The revision of face-to-face teaching into self -learning at home, the lack of opportunities to meet with people physically, and amplified modality learning through weekly distribution of modules were just some of the many changes we have been dealing with since the beginning of the previous school year.

Last July of 2020, The Department of Education (DepEd) has stated that it would prepare for the school year 2020-2021 by providing SLM, or Self-Learning Modules with alternative learning delivery modalities for different types of learners across the Philippines. However, looking at the preparations and restrictions, the matter may be reasonable, but expectations may sometimes get unexpected, raising several concerns about this new academic approach.

With some personal and reasonable excuses, parents were also involved in answering the modules, which defeats the purpose of self-learning. But do they have a choice?

I think there is still. But if there is, it will surely be limited.

The new normal is unlike any other we have ever experienced before, unless you have witnessed the previous pandemics our world has managed to go through. Anyway, our situation now is a complete change of our current way of life. Our studies, transportation, occupation, and the rest of our world have been affected by this global threat. Although we are increasingly digitally connected, our wired world is slowly getting physically apart.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

Furthermore, it is worth noting that not only the involved people are having a hard time here but also the new system too. Given that the practice is new, I observe that there are still things that need to improve. For instance, the weekly distribution of inputs that requires extensive amount of patience is exhausting. The whole process uses a substantial quantity of resources just to produce thousands of pages in a short period of time. As a result, modules have been made or organized poorly, not only for the disarranged pages, but also the sorting of outputs too. If you would ask me, then it is honestly inconvenient to answer on a nonexistent panel where you are supposed to get your question for you to answer. Well, I understand that it is rushed but I just hope that the quality of the inputs being provided is not that compromised.

In this regard, I believe that our education department has still been doing enough to provide all students with high-quality basic education so at least to get the job done but Our current situation surely affects us considering the chaos about COVID-19, I think not just in the present but also in the future. But instead of finger-pointing for such I might say, they could do a little bit more. incompetency, let us be aware instead that no Undoubtedly, the new learning system country is fully prepared for a pandemic, and no bothers both the learners and the teachers and one can say for sure that it will happen during even parents too. Comparing before, the likeli- our time. hood of us students to learn has decreased exponentially. In some cases, we cannot learn on The thought of stopping education due our own because of the surrounding temptation to a pandemic is uncalled for. Whatever the that leads to distraction and the difficulties that situation we are in, the department would still self – learners troubled with especially when hope to bring knowledge for us to grow up and there is no one to explain and to correct their occupy society despite challenging times. mistakes, our mistakes. Thus, teachers were just left sometimes with lazed answered sheets or worse, no output at all.

he COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for over two years now.

Infections, emerging variants, and deaths are increasing in many parts of the world. With the 'new normal' being deployed among us as a way of dealing with the situation brought on by the pandemic, the scenario has led us to live with discomfort and forged a paradigm shift.

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For us to have brighter futures, they do measures above everyone’s expectation. It may be inefficient or full of loopholes but looking at the pandemic, we have no choice but to accept what we have rather than be picky.

I couldn’t be any prouder of how all our stakeholders: teachers, parents, students, school officials, have done their share. Still, I feel like, we, as individuals, ourselves, can also play the cards too.

But the fact that they were able to survive such horror with the kind of access and resources they had is something that commends confidence and assurance that we, can also survive what we are going through and overcome COVID-19. Thus, since people have dealt with pandemics in the past, we should also be able to deal with COVID-19 as well. Hmm…That's easier said than done.

However, our situation right now is Is this the new normal we are far from over. Nobody knows when all of these supposed to understand? After all, we are now will end or when we can go back to school with physical contacts. The new normal has indeed all living it, aren’t we? prevented and restricted us from doing things I am curious if anyone feels the same we do before. way. This new set up is something that everybody needs to get used to at the moment, but I In this time of pandemic, what we need to achieve is to get back to normal, no matter believe not for a long time or worst, forever! what. We should take responsibility with our On the other side, I wonder how actions and decisions and always protect people survived disastrous pandemic back then ourselves and others around us by knowing the where health care services, I might say were facts and taking appropriate precautions. “least-developed” and the dissemination of rightful information about a certain disease was Bringing our life back to normal must slow and inaccurate as compared to what we be pursued as determined as possible by all of us. have now where information and awareness The current new normal should not last much regarding on what to do are just one click away longer and should not be considered normal at and our medical technology has advanced in all. I still look forward for that day when the whole world will be COVID free, and tomorrow many ways. will be a newer normal than today.

In the mid-1300s, there was this outbreak called the Bubonic Plague, also known as the “Black death” that swept through Europe and Asia. When 12 ships from the Black Sea docked at the Sicilian port of Messina in October 1347, people gathered on the docks and met with a shocking surprise. Most sailors aboard the ships died, and those who were still alive were gravely ill. The Black Death killed more than 20 million people in Europe over the next five years, accounting for nearly one-third of the continent's population.

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hen the news broke that our country will be receiving its 600, 000 donated doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the Chinese biopharmaceutical, Sinovac, almost everybody went wild. Various social media platforms became a stage for both unpopular and unsolicited opinions. Most of the sentiments, however, were centered on the notions of “questioning-China’s-intentions” and “Duterte being a submissive pet” as the two countries’ notorious West-Philippine-Sea issue gets hotter.

But in talks of COVID-19 vaccines, Sinovac is not the only one sitting on the hot seat. The ever-powerful disposal that the social media has only exaggerated the spread of misinformation (often fatal associations) regarding COVID-19 vaccines, leading to a dilemma known as “vaccine hesitancy”—a reluctance or refusal to be vaccinated.

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he 2022 national elections that happened last May 9 was more like in a wildfire. Crowded voting precincts, malfunctioned VCMs, circulation of vote buying, hectic vote counts and re-counts and the landslide of results.

However, as citizens of this country, our right to take part in public affairs doesn’t stop there. We should still have to keep an eye on our chosen leaders in sustaining public trust and legitimate government.

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Despite all these fusses, I still strongly Moving on, in the matters of the level believe that vaccines are our light at the end of of vaccine safety, it is noted in an article published in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s website the tunnel. that safety is investigated at every stage of According to the World Health Or- vaccine development. During animal studies, a ganization (WHO), vaccines train our immune vaccine is tested for toxicity and to see how it system to create proteins known as “antibodies” reacts to the body—this is to identify a safe dose that fight diseases, just as would happen when before testing the vaccine in people. Once in we are exposed to a disease. In a way, vaccines human trials, researchers look for “adverse work without making us sick, at least not so sick. events” or unwanted side effects in people who As a result, vaccinated people are protected from took the vaccine. getting the disease in question and passing on the pathogen, breaking any chains of Also, the Department of Health (DOH) discloses that COVID-19 vaccines that are transmission. granted with Emergency Use Authorization Vaccines, from its humble beginnings, (EUA) by the Philippine Food and Drug first gained widespread popularity when Edward Administration (FDA) are considered safe and Jenner, an English physician found a safer way effective based on the available evidence to date. to combat the prevalence of the then-notorious smallpox infection that was responsible for However, despite these arguments provided, there are people who are still reluctant claiming the lives of millions. to undergo the procedure because of safetyUpon realizing the true potential of related concerns. In the 90’s, the world saw a vaccine’s newfound technology, humanity was sharp decline in the number of kids being able to dethrone smallpox’s millennia-long vaccinated for the Measles, Mumps, Rubella reign. Thanks to vaccination efforts, smallpox (MMR) vaccine, after a British doctor concluded was officially declared by the WHO as the vaccine’s link with autism, which was later “eradicated” in 1980. Moreover, this global effort deemed as “one of the most serious fraud in also paved the way for the containment of medical history”. Also, the unmistakably infadiseases like, Tetanus, Flu (Influenza), Rubella, mous politically driven Dengvaxia scandal Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b), Measles, further damaged the reputation of vaccines at Whooping Cough (Pertussis), Pneumococcal large. In addition, the circulating pieces of Disease, Rotavirus, Mumps, Chickenpox, and misinformation and disinformation online about Diphtheria. These diseases may seem unfamiliar vaccine conspiracies and dangers supplemented or forgotten to most people, it’s because vaccina- the idea of anti-vaccination movement. tion buried them away from public Experts say that the benefits outweigh consciousness. the risks in our fight against COVID-19 by enAs we further discuss in relation to the listing vaccines in our arsenals. We must give pandemic, it is worth noting the main objective science a chance to again prove itself that it is of vaccination in the first place— to achieve worthy of reconsideration and recognition as it “herd immunity”. rightfully deserves. In the end, we all still have the freedom of choice, but I hope that the choice Herd immunity or population immuni- that we choose is a choice that protects not only ty, says WHO, is the indirect protection from an ourselves but also the people around us. infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection.

In here, a substantial proportion of a population would need to be vaccinated to lower the overall amount of virus able to spread in the whole population. trained even before getting themselves into the political world.

Lastly, elected leaders must have vision. Leaders having a big picture of the picture of the world they live can plan, initiate, and realize dreams and aspirants for the common good of all. Just like how the government changes and adapts to the challenges, elected leaders must learn how to overcome problems in pursuit of a successful and sustainable future.

But in spite these standards, not all So, what are the things should we ex- elected candidates have these qualities at all.

Some of them are corrupt, incompetent, and turn pect from our elected leaders? a blind eye and deaf ear to justice. What makes First, elected leaders must uphold the scenario even worse is that there were people transparency. No secrets to hide from the citi- who still supported and voted for these kinds of zens, always proving themselves as honest as leaders. These qualities or shall I say records of possible. They accept truthful rejections or vali- the elected leaders cannot only be the issue here, date the fact that not everyone chooses them for but also, we, the people, who are just being too the position, emphasizing the trust of the people complacent of what our elected candidates did in them. In time of crisis, look for leaders who and could do lesser or better for our country. hold accountable for what they've done, owning the responsibility of their actions. I've also seen I just hope that our essential parts of some leaders who find solutions to the aftermath protecting the rights and freedom we enjoy of their actions. This quality can gain more every day will live our expectations. In that way, we can better not just our elected leaders but support from the citizens. also ourselves and our country as well.

Competence also plays a big role or decision for leaders. It is important that elected leaders have experience and skills. This leads to a good understanding of their jobs as well. At this moment, chosen aspirants should be well-

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

ISRAELA GRACE D. CAO

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s long and difficult as this pandemic has been, our life has been also stuck in a place of hopelessness that makes it even tougher. But within those years, laboratory experts and researchers still persevered in formulating one of the best weapons to combat the disease – vaccine.

The life-saving vaccine became a symbol of hope. But even though mass vaccination initiatives have already begun around the world, the success of these efforts has been hampered by misinformation and apprehension. Hence, people who still choose to become passive and doubt the effectivity of this tested and proven gem can cause this pandemic to go on much longer than it should.

But not these six courageous individuals, who listened to and trusted in the power of science. They’ve become pro-active and taken actions to be a positive force for solutions, promoting healthy movement in protecting and sustaining humanity.

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News Paccal also advised those who are still hesitant to get jabbed that they should take advantage of the free vaccines that the government is giving as he believes that in the future, these might not be free anymore.

Lastly, he said that receiving one’s vaccine shots will contribute to the collective goal of reaching the herd immunity or vaccinating majority of the population, which diminishes the spread of infection and protecting the rest of the population as well.

Meanwhile, Chona Falle-Casiño, RN, MAN, Nurse II in Rural Health Unit (RHU) - Banisilan, reminded both children and their parents that every time a child wants to get vaccinated, a parent or a legal guardian should also be present. The adult should consent before the kid will receive the shot. She explained that before an individual gets vaccinated, he or she needs to pass multiple stages of screening to ensure one’s eligibility to receive the shot.

The first step is the registration where personal data are collected. Second is the counselling stage where the vaccinees are informed about the type and brand of vaccine they are about to receive. At this point, they are also educated what to do, after they receive the shot. Next is the screening stage where they will be checked by a physician and if everything’s good, they will be cleared for vaccination. After screening is the vaccination where a health worker will administer the shot. Last is the post-vaccination monitoring where vital signs are checked in 15 to 30 minutes after injection whether any side effects have occurred and where the vaccination card is handed out.

With this kind of system, one of the problems encountered during vaccination was the heavy number of people waiting for their turn to get jabbed.

Usually, vaccinees start to arrive as early as 6 AM but still, they needed to wait for a couple of hours and may only receive their vaccine at around 9-11 AM. Remia P. Palmes, RM, a midwife and one of the vaccinators, made clear that they need to perform every step of the way precisely.

They cannot just simply rush their work as it may end up jeopardizing the whole process. She said that even before she starts administering the vaccines, she always prays for God’s guidance that she’ll be able to inject the correct dose of vaccine.

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JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE VACCINES ARE SAFE! Remia P. Palmes, Banisilan-RHU midwife and vaccinator, explains how the vaccination is being administered to ensure that every injection is precise and safe.

However, she also lamented about the challenges that they have encountered for months of serving as vaccinators. One of which was the lack of manpower to augment the operations, since there were several health workers who were also infected in the past months. Added to this was the insufficient supply of food during vaccination schedules and sometimes, deficient medical materials like cottons and alcohols. She added that there were instances where blood pressure monitoring devices just gave up due to the high volume of vaccinees. She also revealed that in months of September and October last year, they stayed up until nine in the evening to vaccinate large number of people. But for the record, the good thing was that they were able to adjust the process with the assistance from the Rescue Unit of the municipality to a better and more efficient vaccination program.

On the other hand, Alex B. Palmes, principal of BNHS, affirms the idea behind vaccination of the pediatric group aged 1217, saying that since the said age bracket is not exempted from the risk of infection of COVID-19, it is good for them to get vaccinated to minimize the risk. When he was asked about how well prepared the school is for the face-to-face classes, he said that even though there are more things to take care of, he assured that preparations are continuously done in all classrooms especially that the Local Government Unit (LGU) Banisilan has also extended financial support to the school for the said preparation.

As of April 2022, several sections in BNHS Junior High and Senior High School were already holding progressive face-to-face classes. Grades 7 to 10 Special Program in the Arts (SPA) along with other classes with lesser number of students were having a four half-day classes per week while those sections with huge number of students were divided in two to three sets having the same four half-day classes per week with just alternative schedules.

The implementation might probably be extended to a wider number of students in the succeeding weeks as a maximum of 20 students were allowed in a room for each class. They will study four subjects in the first morning and the other four on the next day. Vaccinated students will be given priority in accommodation for the face-to-face classes but if vaccination rate per classroom is low, then it will depend on the unvaccinated student’s parent if the child will be allowed to physically study inside the campus. Palmes also took note that all teachers and staff on the other hand, are vaccinated and are ready to teach physically.

Based on the gathered data by the school, as of February, out of 1568 students who belong to the 12-17 age bracket, 511 are fully vaccinated, which accounts to more than 32 percent of the age group. The numbers are expected to increase in the coming weeks as more and more students are getting vaccinated, and others are just waiting for their second dose and booster shots.

JAYB DANIEL A. SONGCUYA

JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE

KEEP PROTECTED This is the essence of herd immunity being the target of the Department of Health (DOH) if 80% of the total population in the country is vaccinated.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

Palawan Pawnshop supports

PUNLA-BINHI Tree Park

RICHEL MAE S. CHAVEZ

As part of the One Million Trees project and social Responsibility of Palawan Pawnshop thru Palawan Express Pera Padala, 300 seedlings of narra were donated to PUNLA (Protection from Untoward and Negative Land Attrition)-BINHI Tree Park at Banisilan National High School Old SHS site on December 23, 2021.

For now, Team PUNLA is waiting for more stakeholders to participate in the tree growing. More sponsors of seedlings are also welcome in order to rehabilitate those plants that didn’t survive.

The partnership was realized after the intensive advocacy on the outsourcing of sponsors for saplings of hardwood and fruit-bearing trees of Team PUNLA headed

by Nenita C. Pagurayan, Head Teacher III. The team visited the nursery at Barangay Paradise, Banisilan, Cotabato and was accommodated by Benedicto Palconite, caretaker.

Palconite said that this One Million Trees project is the commitment of the company to the government’s advocacy on preserving nature. He added that the school can still avail of additional seedlings later.

The first 30 seedlings were planted

by Banisilan National High School alumni Batch 2000 on December 26, 2021. Another 30 seedlings were planted by Thailand Elementary School alumni Batch 2002 at the same time BNHS alumni Batch 2006 on December 31, 2022 with their Grade 6 adviser Mrs. Gloria Concepcion.

PRINCES PAULENE C. CAPANANG

LET IT GROW The BNHS-Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers actively participate in the tree growing activity in support to the PUNLA-BINHI Tree Park.

Cao elected as CotDiv SSG Secretary, takes charge wider responsibility FRENCY MAE C. CAPANANG

Following the footsteps of Christian Dave Z. Nebla and Xireal Camilla P. Palmes, who were elected as Cotabato Division (CotDiv) Supreme Student Government (SSG) Federation Peace Officer and Vice President in school years 2019 – 2020 and 2020 – 2021 respectively, Banisilan National High School (BNHS) SSG and Banisilan Federation President Israela Grace D. Cao was also elected as the Cotabato Division SSG Federation Secretary for this school year.

Secretary of the CotDiv – SSG Federation. the “Face of Sox” with her Panagbenga She was elected last November 8, 2021, Festival-inspired ensembles and secured the through a virtual meeting, which was 2nd spot. attended by other SSG Federation President of the other municipalities of Cotabato Province.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity of representing and leading the student body. The responsibility we take is never easy but since we share the same goal, we keep on pushing ourselves to our limits, providing service the school community deserves despite the situation,” Cao Last October 1, 2021, Cao was expressed. appointed as the SSG President of BNHS. She’s been leading the council together with Meanwhile, the SOCCSKARGEN the other appointed officers since the Federation SSG Officers conducted for the appointment took effective, which automati- first time a virtual contest last February cally put her also as the SSG President of where each division must have a participant the Municipality of Banisilan Federation. to represent different festivals here in the Philippines. The purpose of the said contest With the goal of creating and or- was to promote and showcase different ganizing activities for the school year, Cao beauties and talents of the SSG across the has widened her platform by becoming the Region XII. Cao represented the CotDiv for

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MPC backs up SHS-SMAW Shop

“

According to Emerson S. Lopoz, teacher-in-charge in the construction of the SMAW shop, the construction of the building was timely and necessary especially for those learners who come to school for face-to-face (F2F) classes.

“Without the building, learners cannot use any facility because BNHS-SHS lacks budget for building a SMAW shop,” Lopoz opened. “Students from Grades 11 to 12 who are enrolled in TVLSMAW will be the beneficiaries of the project,” he further added.

The benefits of SMAW shop to the learners in BNHS-SHS especially to those students who are enrolled in TVL-SMAW do not only limit the improvisation of their skills in shielded metal arc welding but also in maximizing their capacities that are suitable for welding several different metals and steels appropriately for their future welding career.

JUDE ALLAN B. QUINTUA

thought that I would even get a chance to achieve that goal. I was surprised when I was told that I’m going to attend NSPC 2021. Even though it’s just a workshop, I’m still deeply honored to participate in this historical and first virtual NSPC and get to talk with an expert in my field of writing.

Despite the health crisis we’re in, I am grateful that I was able to improve further my writing skills,” Songcuya expressed.

With face-to-face classes still on hold and being unable to conduct curricular activities, the Department of Education (DepEd) through the Bureau of Curriculum Development, opted to go online for the 2021 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) last August 11 -13, 2021. More than 300 students from elementary and secondary schools of the different regions gathered virtually to conduct the most prestigious national journalistic convention in the country.

Dubbed as the National Conference on Campus Journalism in the 21st Century, NSPC 21 is a little different from the usual NSPCs as instead of being a competition, it turned into a seminar-like convention, featuring Filipino experts and pillars of the different fields in journalism.

However, there is still no guarantee that the construction of the SMAW shop will be completed this school year since the budget only depends on donations alone unless there will be an additional financial support coming from other parties.

With the theme “Pahayagang Pangkampus: Kaagapay sa Paghilom at Pagbangon ng Sambayanan,” the threeday event aimed to capacitate campus journalists and school paper advisers with understanding of the importance of journalism by expressing it through different journalistic endeavors and approaches.

"The building can probably be completed three years from now if each year, there will be around 50 thousand worth of cash donations to support the continuation of the construction," Lopoz ended.

Editor-In-Chief Jayb Daniel A. Songcuya was one of the delegates of SOCCSKSARGEN in the said virtual conference. He attended the session for Editorial and Column Writing.

ZYLBERT KENT M. HORADO

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TCV attends DepEd’s 1st virtual NSPC

ALEXANDRITE HILARY B. NARANJA

In order to cater the needs of Technical-Vocational-Livelihood – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (TVL-SMAW) learners in their practical studies, the Matalam Polytechnic College Incorporated (MPCI) donated funds for the construction of the SMAW shop beside the new Banisilan National High School – Senior High School (BNHS-SHS) Building, nearing Grade 11 - Russel through the Joint Voucher Delivery Program (JDVP) Coordinator of MCPI Rubilyn T. Tagamolila and MCPI President Helson A. Rosete.

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Howie Severino, multi-awarded and veteran journalist of GMA-7, served as the guest speaker during the opening ceremony. He urged campus journalists to enlighten and provide truth in the age of disinformation. “Ang ating misyon ay to enlighten, magbigay liwanag sa iba’t ibang importanteng issue sa lipunan. Tayong mga journalist, ang ating propesyon ay anak ng age of enlightenment, naniniwala tayo na ang katotohanan ang pinakatamaas na value,” Severino said.

Meanwhile, new events under the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) such as Documentary Film, Research on Campus Journalism, Mobile Journalism and Campus Journalism Vlog also debuted in the virtual conference. The city of Cagayan de Oro was supposed to host the 2021 NSPC but was called off due to the on-going pandemic.

During her opening remarks, DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, also reminded the participants that as a campus journalist, one should empower the community and the country to rise above the pandemic. This can be done by sharing correct and relevant information, to be patient, to be understanding, and to be aware, of vicious attacks, of cruel criticism at this time of finger-pointing.

The three-day virtual event embarked campus journalists and school paper advisers to enrich the burning desire in sustaining the social consciousness of the community amid the pandemic.

“I am aware that it’s every campus journalist’s goal to reach the nationals. But when the pandemic happened, I never

HUMBLE BEGINNING In spite of not being fully completed, the TVLSMAW Shop can now be used for students’ metal works and welding activities.

SAY CHEESE! TCV Editor-in-Chief Jayb Daniel A. Songcuya poses for a virtual photo opportunity with other editorial and column writing participants across the country.

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Kasagisagan ’21 goes virtual,

9

JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

highlights Quincentennial celebration

BLEZZA ANGELICA L. LUMAMPAO

In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Lapu-Lapu's first contact to the Spanish in 1521, Kasagagisagan ’21 brought Division Quincentennial Celebration and Gawad Galing para sa mga Guro ng Araling Panlipunan through a virtual competition for the first-time last December 14 - 15 2021.

There were five events contested during the celebration including creative painting, essay writing, oratorical speech, story-telling, and virtual quiz bee. the Banisilan National High School (BNHS) participated in two events, representing the Municipality of Banisilan. BG M. Dueñas for Creative Painting with Naden Gay V. Medez as his coach and Richel Mae S. Chavez for the Virtual Quiz Bee (SHS Category) with her coaches Reeva Laurice F. Agdepa and Ver-dan B. Anotado in which Chavez was awarded and ranked as fourth place out of the 17 participating municipalities of the Cotabato Division.

EVERY SECOND COUNTS

VER-DAN B. ANOTADO

Richer Mae S. Chavez focuses on listening to the questions thrown by the quiz masters, keeping her chance of winning alive despite technical difficulties.

"Since this was a new thing for me, the experience was a fulfilling one. There were some internet connection issues but, at the end, we still managed to get back on track and somehow, secure a place for the school,” Chavez said in an online interview.

According to Anotado, the experience that they had while competing for the quiz bee was challenging because of the poor connection in Banisilan. He also said that the experience was a roller coaster

ride because they didn't want their efforts to go to nothing or the effort of their contestant to be wasted.

“Slow connection in Banisilan is not new at all. But despite this recurring challenge, we are still grateful to the people who helped us in making Kasagisagan 2021 a successful one especially to Ma’am Bailiza Ganoy, who assisted the team during the contest.” Anotado expressed.

However, some of the Grade 10 students find the way to the new location inconvenient because it is situated JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE downhill.

“The struggle is real because going back and forth takes effort and time,” Grade 10 – Armstrong Geane Christi Allen J. Palmes shared

BNHS Grade 10 relocated

Grade 10 – Newton Adviser Rincel Grace C. Castillo supported this sentiment, claiming that the new campus, despite having a relaxing ambiance, has also imposed new challenges especially during the transportation of all the classroom materials and attending to classes.

JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE

GOING GREEN Grade 10—Newton Adviser Rincel Grace C. Castillo goes for green for her classroom color, making the space conducive with a fresher vibe.

The Grade 10 classrooms that used to be in the Junior Highs School (JHS) campus were transferred to the old Senior High School (SHS) campus just before the year 2021 ended.

“The JHS campus is very insufficient.

Judging from the number of Grade 7 to 9 students alone, it’s obvious that the campus can’t cater Grade 10 students anymore especially that we expanded the number of sections since last school year. With such crowded number and our Ac c o r di ng t o Gr a d e 1 0 current situation in the middle of pandemic, it’s Chairperson and Gade 10 – Einstein very hard since we needed to distance ourselves Adviser Xyle Kristine D. Nadala, The JHS from one another,” Nadala opened. campus lacked classrooms because of the 1:1 classroom ratio by section.

“It’s nice here but it’s difficult for us to attend from one class to another especially if we have classes in the lower grades and we don’t have our own vehicle,” Castillo claimed.

The relocation of the Grade 10 populace to its new home has become the steadfast support of the school for quality education. Though many are still adjusting with the new routine, the resolution is considered as one of the best options in providing both teachers and students enough space for teaching and learning in the new normal.

“

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Enrolment increase shows

Banisilanon’s resilience to pandemic FRENCY MAE C. CAPANANG

The consistent increase of Banisilan National High School (BNHS) enrolment manifests the resiliency to Covid 19 pandemic of Banisilan residents and nearby barangays in other municipalities.

Before the pandemic, in School Year 2019-2020, the enrolment was 1,669 in the first semester: 1,202 in JHS and 467 in SHS. During the onset of Covid 19 pandemic, school year 2020-2021, it increased to 2012: 1,368 in JHS and 644 in SHS. In this school year, it increased to 2,080. 1.355 in JHS and 725 in SHS.

This consistent increase of as attending face to face classes to distance enrolment for the past two years up to the learning through modular-print,” Palmes present is much appreciated by the school expressed administration headed by Alex B. Palmes, school principal.

He added that although some students opted not to continue their studies “I am happy that despite the pandemic, in this pandemic time, but when the which makes everything difficult especially in situation will be back to normal, they might our learners’ pursuit of education, still our school be encouraged to go back to school and to enrolment for this school year has increased. learn again especially that DepEd already This is the manifestation that even amidst allowed schools in low risk areas, which will challenges, our students prioritize their necessitate a risk-informed strategy to education. We are glad that they are willing to ensure the safety and well being of children, adjust from what they used to do in school such teachers, and their families.

BNHS utilizes radio frequency,

expands blended learning

JAYB DANIEL A. SONGCUYA

JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE TAKE NOTE School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) Chief Supervisor Dr. Julie E. Lumogdang reminds the teacher-broadcasters of their crucial duties in amplifying education with radio as their supplementary platform.

In a forum on the Continuity of Education Amidst the Global Health Crisis last April 21, 2021, Alex B. Palmes, school principal of Banisilan National High School (BNHS), said that there should be a concrete and definite move to address the problems on how to deliver education right at the homes of learners. Knowing that some of which lacks gadgets and internet connectivity, he suggested to implement blended learning via the aid of a School On-Air Radio Station, seen as the most convenient and effective but also less costly mean of remote teaching. Blended learning is an approach enforced by the Department of Education where multiple modalities are used such as modular learning and other supplemental strategies to continue the delivery of basic education to facilitate effective distance learning.

pervisor Dr. Julie E. Lumogdang, shared technical assistance and support for the school’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan, which primary goal is to set up the proposed radio station with a 25-watt transmitter. Located at the Junior High Campus of BNHS, the station got the frequency of 105.9 Megahertz (MHz) and it was decided to have DXUB 105.9 FM as its distant reception, containing the suffix ‘UB’, which stands for the municipality’s mantra – Umwad Banisilan.

Aside from being on-air, DXUB has also gone online by simulcasting its broadcast through Facebook Live. Its Facebook page dubbed as DXUB 105.9 - The Official Broadcasting Station of Banisilan NHS uploads video lessons for learners from Grade 7 to Grade 12. The said strategy was utilized to aid teaching-learning process through visual instructions and slideshow presentations.

Meanwhile, School Governance Moreover, LGU – Banisilan and Operations Division (SGOD) Chief Su- supported the initiative with an amount of

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ZYLBERT KENT M. HORADO

11

JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

SSG, RHU join forces in bloodletting

activity

JOCEL MAE L. LATRIS UMWAD BATA. UMWAD BANISILAN Station Manager Norman P. Delos Reyes ends his lesson for the day with the station’s tagline.

70,000.00 pesos intended for the station office equipment transmitter while a total of 9,000 pesos received from the PTA and donations from other individuals funded the establishment and beautification of the broadcast studio, waiting lounge, and editing section, including the procurement of an air-conditioning unit, and several pieces of furniture.

audio editing, and basic troubleshooting helped me understand the nature of RBI and running the station as a whole,” Delos Reyes said

“The RBI program of DXUB with strong support from teacher-broadcasters and the production team will surely bridge the in the delivery of instruction. We are hopeful that the effort of the teachers, the school administration, and our stakeholders will yield tangible Station Manager Norman P. De- result in the teaching-learning process,” he los Reyes also expressed his gratitude added. towards the endeavor. He shared that despite the challenges, he’s still grateful Last May 14, 2021, the radio stafor the help that the school has been re- tion's inaugural broadcast took place at the ceiving since day one and hopeful for the Banisilan National High School, with the good result of this support. presence of teachers and students association of the school. The new school radio “Considering the technical aspect of now airs its educational programs and Radio Broadcasting and running the station, lesson simulations from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. it is quite challenging since I don’t have any Then, from May 2021 to December 2021, background in this field. However, the tech- radio programs were devoted to the nical assistance provided by the SDO – school’s Radio-Based Instruction (RBI) Cotabato through Dr. Julie Lumogdang in the and other educational talks and programs. field of radio programming, script writing, JOHN BENEDICT L. FALLE

In collaboration with the Rural Health Unit - Banisilan (RHU), the Supreme Student Government (SSG) conducted a bloodletting activity dubbed “DUGO MO, DUGTONG NG BUHAY KO” as mandated by the Division Supreme Student Government with a total of 16 blood donors appeared at Barangay Tumbao, Banisilan, Cotabato last April 24, 2022.

This initiative is one of Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Red Cross (PRC) efforts to help individuals who need blood transfusions, such as cancer patients, accident victims, persons with blood diseases, new moms, and a variety of other blood needs during crises, particularly during this pandemic.

“In the time of COVID-19, donating blood is more essential than ever,” SSG – Auditor BG M. Dueñas said.

“I was grateful that even in just my simplest way of spending my time as a volunteer, I was able to help the department in achieving the collective goal of having enough blood stored,” he added.

Meanwhile, Israela Grace D. Cao, SSG president, said that the event was a perfect opportune time to share their roles and responsibilities as student-leaders outside the campus.

“We partnered with RHU - Banisilan after learning from PRC that there was only a minimal percentage of their blood supply left due to the ongoing pandemic,” Cao stated.

“It was also so timely that the division mandated us to conduct or participate at least in bloodletting activity and augment the dwindling blood supply amid increasing demand from patients suffering from the coronavirus disease,” she added.

The said activity ended with the hope of continuing their aim to strengthen ties and partnerships with various stakeholders in support of the initiatives of the department.

FREDERIC BRYAN B. GUADEZ

UP AND ABOVE Personnel of BNHS mount DXUB radio transmitter with the hope of boosting the reach of education through the use of airwaves.

IN THE FRONT LINE SSG officers take charge of the registration area as donors volunteering themselves for the bloodletting activity.

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Bayangan leads PTA, eyes support for F2F classes

JOCEL MAE L. LATRIS

Won by majority vote, Esmael P. Bayangan from Grade 10 –Armstrong, was elected as the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) President for the S.Y. 2021-2022 last November 16, 2021 at BNHS covered court.

to raise fund in support to the conduct of F2F classes. Thus, through the initiative of Hon. Rodelio S. Baldevieso, punong barangay of Poblacion 1, Hon. Brgy. Pob. 1 Kgd. And PTA Vice President Anthony Hera, and Hon. John Paul Jalayahay, SK He aims to finish the previous chairperson Pob. 1., the 15,000 worth of PTA project that is the fencing of the hand washing project was realized. school as well as build a hand washing facility especially for students who are As the school year is about to end, present in the campus for progressive face- Bayangan, with his members, hopes to give to-face(F2F) classes. his full support to ease the struggle of the school community in continuing quality In an interview with Bayangan, he education for all. emphasized the crucial role of parents in supporting DepEd's initiative in providing quality education despite the chaotic situation through strict compliance of the health protocol.

"Kung ano ang mandatos sang DepEd sa pagpatigayun sang F2F classes, kita nga mga ginikanan dapat maging striko sa pagsunod kag sa pagtudlo sang mga health protocol sa aton kabataan." Bayangan expressed.

Meanwhile, the PTA together with the Board of Directors (BOD) agreed

ZYLBERT KENT M. HORADO BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY The newly-constructed hand washing facility provides a safe atmosphere for the school community to regulate proper hygiene and sanitation.

TCV-DDSE episode on child marriages clinches 2 awards ALEXANDRITE HILARY B. NARANJA

The Corn Valley Publication DepEd Dose sa Ere (DDSE) episode MENDING SHATTERED DREAMS: Project SIKAD pedals Edukalidad for all, was recognized as the Best News Story in Cotabato Province Division by the DepEdSOCCSKSARGEN during the DDSE Awards last January 14, 2022. TCV Editorin-Chief Jayb Daniel A. Songcuya, who presented the story, also got the Best News Reporter among the best in the province.

DepEd Dose sa Ere is a weekly news feature program of the DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN Region, which delivers updates and stories about project, initiatives, and events of the department across the region. It airs every Friday through DepEd Tayo SOCCSKSARGEN Facebook Page and is being simulcasted on the different DepEd Tayo Facebook Pages of the eight schools divisions in the region namely: South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan

Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City, Alongside of the teacher factor, Koronadal City, Tacurong City, and The community of Kiaring also took part in Kidapawan City. sustaining the education of the students.

Led by Barangay Captain Jeremias G. Last October 22, 2021, TCV also Quiritan , the barangay initiated and conpremiered the said segment on its Facebook ducted Adolescent Orientation Seminar, page, which highlighted the support of Kiar- spreading understanding and awareness on ing High School (KHS) community for their certain issues concerning their youth. learners in merging through this project.

The purpose of the Project SIKAD The TCV DDSE team was com(Strengthening Innovations in Keeping posed of Songcuya as the news presenter Awry Disciples) is to encourage the youth and script writer, TCV Moderator Jaysave to continue their education and to make B. Serue as the segment producer, and them aware about the negative impacts of Justine B. Serue being the floor director. early marriage and pregnancy to their lives.

It was indeed a big win for chilHeaded by Steven S. Solis, KHS dren's rights and their well-being especially school head and Jovelyn J Barroga, project that President Rodrigo Duterte signed head, Project SIKAD was materialized by House Bill 9943, which seeks to protect chilthe teachers as the prime movers. They ex- dren by prohibiting and declaring child erted efforts and support to convince stu- marriage as illegal and imposing penalties dents and elders to continue their dreams for violation into law. through education.

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Sining Tanghalan 2021 held amid pandemic,

13

JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

CR construction tops GAD-LGU BNHS wins 3 consolation prizes project list NORGIN ROSE ANN E. ZARATE

With the theme “Alab - Sining: Sigla sa Panahon ng Pandemya”, Sining Tanghalan 2021 was held last August 1620, 2021 to showcase the talents and skills of Special Program in the Arts students through exhibition of their products, services, and performances, providing opportunity for the participants to explore their own localities.

Out of the six events participated, three entries from Banisilan National High School received a consolation prize worth of 1000 pesos each. They were Ann Mizel Grace D. Bayangan for Sulatanghal with Lovelyn O. Barotas as her coach, Jerome Charles F. Albay, John Benedict L. Falle, Zylbert Kent M. Horado, Shanaiah A. Alfaras, and Rex Gabreal P. Palmes for Sineliksik with Coach Jaysave B. Serue, and Keth Real S. Solana, Neza Z. Nebla, Sophia Kate D. Jara, and Francis Luigi Q. Balintongog for Likhawitan with Erbert Roxanne M. Gumban as their coach.

The other three contested events were Bayle sa Kalye, which was participated by Kriza Mae S. Areño, Ricky B. Subiaga, and Stephanie M.

FRENCY MAE C. CAPANANG

Dueñas with Kimberly Nicole N. Macasaet as their coach, Krystille Ann D. Gestoso and Denise Jea L. Delco for Direk Ko, Ganap Mo with Coach Saada A. Talib, and Reyna Belle D. Salinao for Pintahusay with Norman P. Delos Reyes as her coach.

The 4-day contest was exhibited virtually specifically through Facebook.

All entries were pre-recoded, emphasizing that during the conduct of recording and shooting, all participants had to strictly observe health protocols and other safety measures such as wearing of face mask, physical distancing, checking of temperature, and regular sanitizing.

Despite the overwhelming consequences of the pandemic, nine SPAimplementing schools of the Cotabato Division participated in the event. They were Pigcawayan National High School, M'lang National High School, Matalam High School, Tulunan National High School, Kabacan National High School, Midsayap-Dilangalan National High School, Carmen National High School, Libungan National High School, and BNHS.

MARY ANGELIE L. FALLE OASIS The 4-cubicle comfort room welcomes users with comfort and relief.

For Fiscal Year 2021, construction of 4-cubicle Comfort Room was given top priority as Gender And Development (GAD) project of the Local Government Unit of Banisilan amounting to Ᵽ100,000.00.

Th e p roj ect st a rt e d it s construction on December 9, 2021 and finished on January 25, 2022. It gives way to the gender preference of students, school personnel and stakeholders labelled as Boy, Girl, Bakla, Tomboy. It is situated in between Grade 8-Meyer and TLE SMAW shop. It is expected to cater the personal necessities of Grade 8 and 9 learners and teachers.

According to Mary Angelie L. Falle, School GAD Focal Person, this has been the request of the occupants of the nearby buildings since the two rest rooms at the site are no longer functional. She added that for Fiscal Year 2022, the same project is lined up at the LGU. “It’s such a great relief knowing that the project is available to the public now. I feel secured and respected every time I go to the CR and I hope that others would feel the same too,” Falle confided.

BURNING IT UP The 2021 Sining Tanghalan participants showcase what they’ve got like fire as they keep their artistic passion burning in time of pandemic.

Since the progressive face-to-face classes started in late February this year, the newly-built project has been catering more or less 60 occupants a day and hopes to serve more in the future.

Feature Trigger warning: This article contains contents pertaining to depression and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.

A

t some point in our life, we all had that mutual hate for someone we see on screen.

Growing up with Filipino teleseryes as our means of siesta and nighttime entertainment made us no stranger to how the game plays.

A hopeful protagonist (bida) enters the scene and is willing to accept the adventure of life. But little did she know, the antagonist (kontrabida) won’t make it an easy journey for her.

Following this, everything gets messier that eventually concludes to the demise of the kontrabida. To make the long story short, everyone gets what they deserved. The bida gets the guy and the inheritance of her real estranged father while the kontrabida either goes to jail or is six feet under the ground.

Honestly, nothing is more satisfying than this ending. However, have you asked yourself if you’re sure that this is the ending you want for the classmate you deem as the kontrabida?

In an exclusive interview of The Corn Valley Publication with *Roberto, a grade ten student, the world opened through his lens. It became an expedition as he shares his side of the story – the story of a bida, who at some point, became a kontrabida.

It all started when he was in third grade.

Growing up under his foster parents’ roof, Roberto didn’t really care if he was the biological or adopted son. His parents didn’t make him feel he was any lesser of a son to them. But as he grew older to realize and acknowledge the truth, the way Roberto sees the picture also changed.

“Pag-balhin ko diri sang Grade three ako , didto nag-start ang tanan. Gamay na gid ang tan-aw ko sa kaugalingon ko. Ara kami sa playground sadto tapos ginhambalan ako sang classmate ko na, “Ampon ka lang man, Bert”. Gulpi lang to, wala ko kabalo ano buhaton ko or isabat ko. Nag-uli ako sa balay, gahibi, wala lang ko nagpakita anday nanay kag tatay.”

Known as one of the most mischievous boys among his classmates, Roberto channeled his personal conflicts into bullying some of his classmates, making him as the kontrabida of his peers.

Asked if how he would describe Roberto, his friend and classmate Alexa recounted him as a “very bad boy”.

“May ara to nga time, grade five siguro kami. Naglakat ko sa atubangan para mag-deliver sang akon nga speech, performance namon. Dayon, gulpi lang may nagsinggit sa likod, “putot! putot! putot!”.

Kabalo gid ako nga siya to kay dalom boses.

Wala ko gid napatapos ya speech ko before nag-break ang tingog ko. Naglakat dayon ko sa pungkuan ko kag naghibi.” Alexa recalled.

“

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Psychology Today describes bullying as “a distinctive pattern” of repeatedly and deliberately harming and humiliating others. Bullying ranges from verbal attacks to physical assaults that result to a victim’s psychological damage.

Bullies target those individuals who they see as weak, inferior, or vulnerable enough to be under their control.

To assert their dominance and show that they’re more than capable in protecting themselves, bullies tend to exercise this superiority to the point where the subject of their aggression experiences a sort of “depressed” feeling.

There is a variety of factors that contribute to a student to become a bully.

One significant reason for this behavior can be traced to a student’s troubling childhood. This tough past can contribute to a low self-esteem in him or her.

Combined with an aggressive behavior, a child can have communication skills deficit and the need to always defend him or herself.

This explains as to why Roberto behaves in that way. He tends to reflect the harsh feelings he’s been experiencing since then to his peers as his outlets of frustrations and depression. Little did he know that being a victim of such acts of bullying has propelled himself to become a bully also. The transition process was subtle that Roberto was not aware of his transformation at all.

Meanwhile, entering the doors of puberty proved to be a more difficult phase in Roberto’s life.

RICHEL MAE S. CHAVEZ FRENCY MAE C. CAPANANG

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“High school nako, grade seven, didto ako nag start nga daw hate ko na gid kaugalingon ko, that’s why nag-barkada ako.

Kabalo na ako mag sabat-sabat sa tanan.

Depressed na gali ko sadto nga time. Mas nalipay pa ako updon mga barkada ko kaysa sa mga ginikanan ko. Damo ko mabatian na mga istorya about sa akon. Biskan diin lagi, feel ko ako gid ang topic. Naga-over think na gyapon ako sadto nga time.”

“Tung grade eight gid ako eh. Napa -guidance gid ako. Gi-sunlog ako nga ampon, tapos nag-away kami sang classmate ko.

Sinumbaganay gid to.”

“Pag-abot ko sa grade nine, didto ko na-offend kay sa birthday ko gid mismo ako ginpakahuy-an. Gi pasa-pasahan ako sang duha ka maestra. Indi na sila mag-dawat sa akon bilang estudante nila kay dungol kuno ako.”

“Sakit kag indi basta-basta. Halin bata asta pagka-grade nine, gauli ako sa balay nga gahibi. Wala ako gapakita sa ila kung mag-hibi ako kay tungod gina-sunlog gyapon nila ako nga bayot. Makita lang ko sang iban nga tawo nga ga-barkada, lagaw-lagaw, kag inom-inom kay wala sila kabalo sang akon nga side. Syempre as a teenager, nabaw pa gid akon nga panghuna-huna.”

“Grabi gid ako pabarkadahon sadto pero wala sila kabalo kung sin-o ko kung ako lang isa. Ga hibi ko, tung time nga mahikog ako, nag-higot na gid ako sang akon li-og sadto kay kug-on ko na kaugalingon ko.”

“Suicidal gid ko tong high school ako. Ga-inom takon ka bulong. Mga anum siguro. Gina-pasakitan ko pa gid kaugalingon ko sadto. Ga las-las ko. Gina-bunggo ko pa gani ulo ko sa pader.”

“One time, tung upod kami ni tatay sa balutan, may driver nga naghambal, “Ay, kol, amo nani tung adopted mo nga bata no?

Diba pirti ni ka dungol? Ay dako don no?” Wala gid sa pag duha-duha, nagtulo ya luha ko. Naghambal dayun ko nga, “Bata niya man ko, kol!”

Dayon nag-walk out ako. Grabi hibi ko sadto halin alas-singko pakadto alas-otso sa gab-i, asking God, “Nga-a? Nga-a wala nalang ko Nimo ginhimo nga tinuod nga bata?”

“Mas gakasakitan sila nanay kag tatay. Kung pwede lang, indi sila pagpabation kay kabalo ako, kung sakit sa akon, mas masakit sa ila.”

In an article published in discoverymood.com, Therese J. Borchard, author of a book relating to mental health, Beyond Blue, said that there is more stress today than in previous generations. Genes play a major role in the handling of stress.

However, today’s lifestyle such as, lack of community and family support, less exercise, less sunshine, more computer, etc. significantly contributes to the formula.

Not to point a finger but the way our society works also imparts to how the individual manages his or her internal conflicts. The further insistence of the society to what a person is, the constant reminding of what he or she is not, and the toxic mindset behind his or her past are the ones to be blamed.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

What’s even the point of relentlessly drilling the idea into Robert’s mind that he isn’t a biological child? What can a person gain in doing such selfdestructing gestures? To be satisfied? To increase self-validation? Or just to make people feel bad about themselves?

Whatever the reasons are, the answers to these questions lie within us.

How ironic it is that our society sees suicide with much stigma and judgment that it fails to recognize that it is the one to be blamed with these unfortunate denouements.

At the end of the day, we are still the ones accountable for our actions. We have the power to change the course of our story wherein this time, we are the bida.

With Roberto’s case, he’s still in control to how his story progresses. As the plot thickens, he will always have the chance to prove himself as the bida of his own narrative.

A good story is not worth the read without the conflicts that will test the courage of the bida. Who knows, at the end of the story, we'll see twists and turns that will change the way we look a character's personality. Correspondingly, may the kontrabidas in Roberto's story also see his ordeal as an inspiration to start their own journey towards a better character development.

Remember, no one is born kontrabida. It’s just that some characters are stuck in certain circumstances that make them so. *Not his real name. Name is withheld for the purpose of anonymity

If you are or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, contact the following crisis hotline from the Department of Health (DOH), for Globe or TM subscribers: 0966-351-4518 and 0917-899-8727. For Smart/ Sun/ TNT subscribers: 0908-639-2672.

Feature A failure isn’t always a defeat.

A lesson to be told; plan can change, but it can still work out. This happened as Joe went to the barbershop.

He assumed that Dez always wanted to be a barber, but at his surprise of knowing an unexpected answer, Joe explained his journey before he pursued to make his present success.

JEROME CHARLES F. ALBAY

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obody is certain what comes next exactly the moment we die. Many would wonder what happens in the afterlife. Some answer it with their theory, but considering it is theoretical, there’s no evidence to support that such theory is a fact. Likewise, religious people would think differently, they’ll believe if it is stated to be. Same way with science, the question about afterlife won’t still get to have an answer due to lack of scientific evidence and experiments. Thus, it’s safe to say that no one has the rightful answer.

However, one movie stands out in an attempt to present a concept on what could have been and what will happen.

Pixar’s Soul made us rethink about all the ways we live our lives. Directed by Academy winner Pete Docter, Soul has achieved the peak of what every movie director desires, the Best Animated Film at Oscars 2021. Its craftsmanship, story, characters, musical score and by how it is awarded as the best of the best manifested the idea that Soul is a lot more than just an animated movie.

Although, the targeted audience isn’t as ideally as what people would’ve expected from Disney, the cartoonish looks of the overall animation are undoubtedly would be for kids in the first glance but after watching the movie, you’d notice that there would be deeper meanings behind all of these, which gave out the notion that there’d be thoughtprovoking life lessons to be learned.

The barber named Dez was supposed to be a vet as his plan, but an unfortunate event happened that made his plan change. His son got sick, making him go to a barber school instead as it was less expensive than the veterinarian school.

This obscured his road to achieve his plan but from the different road, he persevered and developed a talent, which he never had and achieved a great life from adapting to these changes.

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easy it is to get someone into a lost soul.

You’d lose track of what you’ve been doing in your life that you’ll notice it late that you’ve grown obsessed of an activity or you’ve been experiencing a boring life.

There’s pretty much no difference between getting in the zone and the “lost soul” when the former would become overly obsessed. So, to avoid this, one must always keep an eye for when and where he is investing his time. Consider keeping in mind the other lessons mentioned, it all comes down to this moment. There are many possibilities in life so don’t focus on a single thing.

Choose your path correctly.

There could be some great things you could discover while you thought your plans had failed. Having a single purpose surrounding your one talent makes you think your life has purpose, or while having no talent at all makes you a nobody not worth of having a life. Both are not ideally reasonable.

The main conflict of this is also the most crucial thing to reconsider.

Having to relate that a spark isn’t the purpose of living fills up the lacking spot that made you think that being talentless makes you good-for-nothing in living.

Alternately, being talented at a certain thing doesn’t prove your purpose. Skills aren’t the ones that can fulfill your life.

Your life is just but a mere chance. All those possibilities could end with just the whim of a swing from death’s scythe. Prevent yourself from depraving towards the right path. Enjoy every spec of details as it all would be gone in the end. Lead your story with non-linear narratives and you may live a life you wouldn’t regret leaving.

Therewith, your dreams don’t guarantee your happiness. Being talented to achieve your dreams doesn’t feel the same as when you are happy to propose having the dream. It tells you that your life isn’t one big progression bar towards your goals.

Thus, don’t be so obsessed with your dreams to the point that you’d be left with nothing to what you intended your goal to be. Cherish the journey while you are heading to achieve it. Enjoy the little things because what if you may achieve that goal but never have the time to enjoy it?

Avoid getting astray.

There is this part of the movie where one can go into “the zone” just by being so focused on a certain activity. Joe entered the scene being awed by how many people were so ambitious of what they’ve found fun to do. Then, he noticed dark monsters just below. He’d later learned that these are “lost souls”.

These lost souls are people that had gone to depravity over obsession or, either, leading a monotonous life. What’s so eerie in this this concept is just how

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17

JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1 ou could argue with your classmates about your love and hate class periods, but one thing is for sure—recess period is the period of all.

With canteen being one of our favorite places at school, we could probably all agree that we have our favorite canteen snacks and have been missing them ever since the pandemic happened.

So, let's dive into them for a moment as we give you the top five school canteen snacks picked by The Corn Valley Publication Editors.

Starting with our top 5.

Buko juice, the drink for everybody at school after some dry snacks. The milky taste and fresh aroma of buko, when drunk will spread in your throat and make you feel like a splashing wave in summer. It contains vitamins B, C, potassium, sodium, some simple carbohydrates, and amino acids.

Without a doubt, buko juice is indeed a good refreshment especially on after eating. But as the saying goes, something too much is not good. Too much potassium by excessive drinking of it could cause diarrhea. So, drink just enough to quench your thirst.

Age doesn't matter. But this maxim doesn't only apply to love but also to our number four – banana cue. The sweetness from deep-fried banana coated with caramelized sugar will just make it even sweeter. Banana is rich in starch and carbohydrates.

It also contains vitamin A, B, C, dietary fiber, and iron, which are essentials in doing our daily routine.

JOCEL MAE D. LATRIS

Originated in Mindanao Maguindanao by our Muslim brothers and sisters, our number two is usually designed in a round shape while being wrapped in a banana leaf, two in one, and the banquet for most students. Yes! You got it right! The national breakfast for every student and teacher is pastil.

Rushing early in the morning, we would often skip breakfast at home and rely on the food, pastil. With over 15 vitamins and minerals, pastil would just make you feel satisfied as the warmth of soft and smooth steamed rice, topped with shredded adobo chicken that tastes a little bit salty, magically melts in your mouth as the aroma bursts out the instance you open the leaf and ready yourself to dig in.

But somehow, relying on pastil alone for breakfast every day and eating it as a snack are not healthy as we thought it would be. Despite the nutrition we garnish from it, lack of other nutrients is not a good thing. As a result, our intakes for healthy nutrients will be limited.

But no matter how sweet a tooth you would like to be and how much of a monkey's food lover you could be, sugars from the banana and sugar itself can cause weight gain and lead to high sugar levels. Remember, when feasting, everything is good but in moderation.

Down to number three, fried chicken.

Craving for something snacky but can also be a viand?

Fried chicken can do the job! Crunchy, juicy, can be sweet or spicy, depending on how you'd love it, and a little bit salty – that is the best fried chicken. It has vitamins B and protein, which are good for developing strong bones, relieving your stress, and levelling up your mood the moment you take that first bite.

However, fancy eating of it could lead to health problems such as developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Balance is always the key, folks!

So, it is advised that you explore the food and have a different healthy takeaway by adding toppings like boiled eggs and leafy green vegetables, keeping the mind awake and active with these nourishing options.

Down to our number one that got it all. Round and cute, plain yet flavorful, siomai topped our chart!

Rich in carbohydrates, vitamin B, and D, siomai complements its meaty and savory flavor of the vegetables with its super spicy sauce called chili palapa for a mouthwatering experience!

But this finger-licking good has a high percentage of meat being the main ingredient and thus eating it every day is discouraged. To add up, too much intake of the spicy sauce can cause heartburn and can also trigger the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

A little bit of a snack is something we deserve after using our brains for more than two hours. Reminiscing nostalgic school canteen snacks amidst pandemic still makes our tummy crave for them.

As we remember our good old days at school, we should also keep in mind that eating nutritious and balance snacks is as important as sustaining our sanity at a time like this.

Feature

and reduced emphasis on Western genres, were also audible, matching the popularity of the Korean and Japanese waves among m i l le n n i a l F i li p i n o s a n d mainstream society.

Thus, P-pop was more than a purposeful attempt to develop a Filipino national and popular culture. It is an art that took many years of progress in the making just to process its continuous evolution.

Going Pop

ISRAELA GRACE D. CAO

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ver the years, we've seen our fair share of Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) groups making big waves. From The Sexbomb Girls, who sparked a nationwide dance craze with their catchy novelty track called “The Spageti Song” to SB19, who made history as the first Filipino act to be nominated under the Billboard Music Awards Top Social Artist category, Ppop has been undeniably raising the pinnacle of its popularity.

But despite the attention it’s seeking and getting since then, P-pop has still the need of making its identity known not just to Filipinos but also to everybody who appreciates their style and approach in music as it takes its newest movement to the global scene.

Going back As we dive deep into the origins of P-pop, it is good to know that all music genres started at a humble beginning. Pinoy pop or P-pop (also known as Philippine pop or Pilipino pop), which began in the late 1970s, is a contemporary pop music genre that originated in the Philippines and is based on the OPM genre.

Neocolours, Side A, Introvoys, the Teeth, Yano, True Faith, Passage, and Freestyle were among the groups that popularized songs, which reflected the signature character of OPM pop at that time.

It was a blend of rock, folk, and ballads that used music to make political statements, comparable to early hip hop but with a transcending class.

Between 2010 and 2020, P-pop had also a massive transformation in terms of quality, budget, investment, and diversity, in tandem with the country's rapid economic expansion and a social and cultural renaissance of its Asian identity. Heavy influences from Korean Pop (K-pop) and Japanese Pop (J-pop), as well as an increase in Asian-style ballads, idol groups, and EDM,

Patterned with growing Kpop and J-pop phenomenon, which have also taken over the world music industry, the nation's and other big media companies attempted to introduce new approaches to P-pop groups.

Thus, a new age of P-pop emerged as a result of the impact of K-pop and J-pop.

MNL48, the Philippines' first idol group and a sister group of the Japanese pop group AKB48, debuted in 2018 and ushered in a new era for Pinoy pop. SB19, an all-boy idol group that debuted in 2018, also followed the spotlight. They are the first Filipino act to be trained by ShowBT, a Korean entertainment company that used the same technique that has propelled K-pop artists to international fame.

In May 2020, during the pandemic, Laurenti Dyogi of Star Hunt Academy (SHA) revealed new Pinoy pop idol groups trainees in public, consisting of 8 SHA Girls (now collectively known as BINI) and 5 SHA Boys (now collectively known as BGYO). BGYO debuted on January 29, 2021, which made history by becoming the quickest Pinoy pop group to gain over a million YouTube views within a week after releasing their first single "The Light."

The first single "kbye" from Viva Entertainment's rising P-pop group Alamat was also released on February 14, 2021. The group was formed through PWEDE: The National Boyband Search. The group distinguishes itself as a multilingual and multiethnic boy band that sings in seven major Filipino languages: Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Bikolano, and Waray-Waray.

Cornerstone Entertainment's VXON (pronounced as Vision), a fivemember Filipino boy band, also made their formal debut last January 7, 2022 with their first song The Beast, dubbing them as “The Monster Rookies of P-Pop.” However, despite the recalibration of the branding, it is still a misconception of many that P-pop is simply a mix of Kpop that has spread throughout the Philippines. There is no doubt that the current trend is influenced by the K-pop wave, which is widespread not just in Asia but around the world – but P-pop, in turn, is a powerful counterargument that it is simply

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an existence of influence rather than being a copycat.

P-pop is an OPM based on the fact that P-pop groups are made up of Filipinos. It is an important sub-genre of OPM because it belongs there and not as a sub-genre of another music. Songs were written by Filipinos, sung by Filipinos, and sung in Filipino for the most part - all of which conform to the OPM concept and features.

No piece of music should be limited to a single sound, it should be evolving. Hence, P-pop is global and may incorporate a variety of sounds and techniques.

Going Up In spite of the some unwelcoming support and reception, P-pop still persevered to enter the music arena once again, providing new and exciting sounds.

A very huge example to this is SB19. P-pop Kings as A’Tin (their fandom’s name) and most casuals call them, rose to prominence with their in-sync motions, amazing footwork, and evident vocal skill.

This five-member boy band was nominated for the prestigious Billboard Music Awards with BTS, Seventeen, and Ariana Grande, and was featured in several Billboard charts for the first time for a Filipino artist. Their devotion, enthusiasm, and hard work, as well as their evident talents, made them the gold standard for any upcoming P-pop group.

They became the trailblazers P-pop and the OPM resurgence. Such success earned them the label of one of the most influential P-pop groups of all time, acknowledging their crucial role in resurrecting the genre.

Alamat is also the second Pinoy group to chart after SB19, and the fastestrising Pinoy artist on the Billboard Next Big Sound list, debuting at #2. BGYO also debuted at number two on the weekly Billboard's Next Big Sound Chart on May 11, 2021, becoming the fifth Filipino act to do so.

Although, most of these groups trained and debuted during the pandemic, they still managed to produce quality music, display creativity, and conquer international media scene. Such proofs can be considered that Pinoy talents are not only deserving of mainstream recognition but also the world. *** With the impact it gives to the whole OPM community, it’s fair to say that P -pop has evolved into something important that keeps community alive and contributes to building the culture and craft of Filipino music.

We are, without a doubt, seeing the glorious rise of P-pop. While not new, P-pop has grown in popularity in recent years and will continue to do so in the future.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

NORGIN ROSE ANN E. ZARATE

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rocrastinating almost in all things in a day has become one of the student’s human-nature.

We postpone tasks until the last hour, delay or put off works and deadlines, and here’s the fun part, we panic and wish we got started earlier. We know we should be working, but we just don’t feel like doing anyt hing and t hus t he procrastination phenomenon.

So, to overcome this challenge, provide you with a specific time to work here are some tips that will definitely apply and will assist you in overcoming to you. procrastination.

First, keep a TO-DO list. This will prevent yourself from conveniently forgetting about unpleasant or overwhelming tasks. Well, as a student, it’s better that before sleeping at night, think about on what to do for tomorrow. Think on how to do tasks without disturbing As students, we are very affected matters of our head. After waking up, think of procrastination especially in this time of about what had planned. pandemic. We were not allowed to go Part of the reason we outside of our houses for two years now. procrastinate is that we instinctively find With this shift, our lifestyle has also the work to be too demanding. That is changed. From the time we wake up, we why, when you make a list, your work eat, we do house chores, to the time we suddenly appears to be manageable. You study, almost everything has changed. just concentrate on the current phase and According to Magoosh Education complete it to the best of your ability, Company, 86% of high school students without thinking about the previous procrastinate in this time of pandemic. phases.

They procrastinate on assignments, school Next is to manage your time activities, school papers, and projects. They well. The practice of managing and prefer to go on easy way without hard planning how to split your time between work and creativity and as a result they various activities is known as time rather do the copy-pasting scheme. management. When you get it right, you'll However, despite spending years find yourself working smarter rather than of our life looped in this cycle, we’ve also harder to get more done in less time, even come to realize that this habit is a bad when time is short and pressures are high. habit, and it needs to be stopped. It has The top achievers are masters of been sapping our energy and inhibiting us time management. So, if you know that from realizing our full potential for a long some chores will be due soon and you have time that is why, allowing procrastination a lot of work to do on them, get out your to take control of our life is not a good idea. calendar and block off some time. This will

And then, the time of having a rest.

Sometimes, students don’t know how to beat procrastination because they lack rest.

They push too much of themselves stressing in school works. They don’t get enough leisure activities, personal hobbies, and even the things they usually love to do.

They even forget about family bonding especially having mealtime together. They forget about to worship and ask God for guidance in every ting that they do. They don’t do meditation to relax their mind from distracting environment.

“Me time” is just pending time relaxing on one's own rather than working or doing things for others is considered to relieve stress and restore vitality. It’s simple as it is but it could take you to refresh and renew yourself.

There are still many ways on how to stop this phenomenon. As a high school student, fighting procrastination is difficult especially when it already became a routine. Yet, putting our hearts with all the things that we do with the right amount of motivation, discipline, and inspiration, all will go smoothly.

Act them out so everything may work well because the longest journey to a successful change, begins with a single step.

Science and Technology

O

ne of the major defining features of our face is our nose. It comes in a variety of shapes, but for us Filipinos, there are only two kinds of nose in the world—the pointed and the snubshaped one: the latter being the most common while the former being the most desired between the two.

Regardless of the shape or size however, all noses serve the same purpose— to help us breathe and smell.

The nose knows As we breathe, we also smell.

Thanks to the specialized sensory cells called the olfactory sensory neurons found in a small patch of tissue in the uppermost inside part of the nose.

According to The National Institute of Health (NIH), each neuron has one odor receptor. That is why, whenever we go outside in the morning, the microscopic molecules the freshly prepared cup of coffee gives off trigger these receptors. The neurons process these molecules, and the next thing we know, the message is already in our brain, which in turn recognizes the distinct smell.

NIH also expounded that there are more smells present in our environment than there are receptors in our nose. However, this is not a problem. As a particular molecule travels through the surroundings, it can activate a combination of receptors, resulting to a distinctive representation in the brain, which the brain in turn registers as a specific smell.

The “nose-talgia” factor Another noteworthy character of smelling that closely concerns the intellectual organ is its close association with memories.

For the record, smelling is not only the most powerful sense among the five, but it’s also the most closely linked to memory and emotion compared with the other four. Unlike those aforementioned senses that

process information first in the thalamus (brain’s relay center) before sending it to the hippocampus (brain’s memory center) and amygdala (the emotion processing unit), scents skip the thalamus and go directly to the olfactory bulb, the brain’s smell center.

In an article published in discovery.com, it was emphasized that the olfactory bulb is directly connected to the hippocampus and amygdala, explaining the reason behind the strong ties of smell to memory and emotion.

Being the most rudimentary sense and having the longest evolutionary history, these justify smelling as the most potent sense possessing over a thousand smell receptors compared with sight and touch having only four.

Known as the “Proust Phenomenon” after the author Marcel Proust, who famously described the idea in his novel, Swann’s Way, this sensation concerns the reminiscence of memory and other associated emotion through smell-cued circumstances.

For instance, described as a “sweet and musty” smell after rain fell on a hot concrete following a long dry period, petrichor, as it is termed, is the most common smell that triggers a mental image. Pleasingly, the wafting aroma from the freshly baked pan de sal and brewed coffee our nose picks up in the morning stimulate so much memory that can possibly date back from our childhood. A person passing by may happen to

RICHEL MAE S. CHAVEZ

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leave some traces of scent that somehow remind us of our high school friends and crushes.

In summary, the direct connection of our olfactory receptors to our brain is the one responsible for the activation of those long-forgotten memories when we pick up scents around us.

The NO’s in nose It doesn’t come as a surprise for doctors to hear COVID-19 patients complain about losing their sense of smell. As uncommon as it may seem, there are several disorders associated with the sense of smell which are rarely talked about. Hyposmia is a condition where there is a reduced ability to detect odors. Parosmia is the distortion of smell in which something that normally smells pleasant smells foul. Phantosmia is the perception of an odor that isn’t present.

Perhaps the rarest and most debilitating among them is Anosmia, the complete inability to detect odors.

While it isn’t always discussed, caring for the nose is as crucial as any health endeavor. Several malpractices that include the infamous picking of nose are considered harmful for the functioning of smell. It is recommended to avoid using fingers when cleaning one’s nose as it may cause injuries and infection that can later lead to irreversible consequences. Similarly, avoiding hard blowing of one’s nose during a cold is also advised to avoid further damages. *** The next time you accidentally whiff a scent from a passerby and remember the glory of your youth, be thankful because it only means a thing you can smell. Breathe in the truth that it’s not always how our noses look that’s important. What matters most is the way it helps us appreciate the wonders of our surroundings with our eyes closed.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

n what way does the sky have its signature blue color?

There is a myth that resolves on the influence of the ocean’s color. It is said that due to the 71 percentage of earth’s surface being covered with water, the reflection gives the sky the same color as it has, which is blue. As it does make sense, it is a common misconception and thus, holds no truth.

JEROME CHARLES F. ALBAY

Colors have different wavelengths. It is the reason why we can see colors as they are.

Wavelength refers to the distance between the highest points of the two waves. This spectrum ranges from red that contains the longest wavelength to violet, which contains the shortest.

We perceive this in our retina located in the back of our eye. At the same time, the millions of cells that are sensitive to light called rods and cones receive the constant flow of wavelengths. The cells then convert those wavelengths into signals and transport them to the brain, which the brain interprets to make up our vision.

After learning the concept behind the workings of colors, let us go back to the main question: why is the sky blue?

What truly causes the sky to emit a blue color is within the light where the sun is emitting. White light is a mix of all colors. If flashed through a prism, it splits, and different colors can be distinctively seen in the form of a rainbow. As a matter of fact, sunlight is white light.

Light travels straight unless it is obstructed, bended, or scattered.

From within the atmosphere, sunlight is being dispersed by air particles.

This mechanism is similar to how prism works, but in this case, sunlight scatters instead of splitting. This principle is known as Rayleigh scattering.

It is noted that the scattering of light increases with the decrease of light’s wavelength. So, the sky has a blue hue not because of the reflection of the ocean but rather, because blue scatters the most than other colors in the atmosphere; thanks to its short wavelength.

Meanwhile, on scenes such as sunset and sunrise, the sunlight that enters the atmosphere significantly changes. Blue and green wavelengths are scattered slower than orange and red, thus, creating a red or an orange sky However, the explanation does still raise some suspicions, instead of violet that possesses smaller and shorter wavelength, why indeed the sky does not appear to be violet?

Hmmm…. As you can see through the layers of the atmosphere where the most dominant color within the scattering, the blue, is fading before it reaches the Troposphere (the first and lowest layer of atmosphere), it tells that violet light is being absorbed by the high atmosphere, which makes violet less visible to the human eye.

Adding to that, our eyes are less sensitive to violet to the point that it appears to be blue. So, instead of violet, we see a blue sky.

Don’t be so conclusive by just a mere belief from the majority.

Through researching, it proves that the myth such as this can be deceiving. Like what many would believe that there’d be a pot of gold and a leprechaun left at the end of a rainbow. It could as well serve as a life lesson to not be so assuming of something or someone by believing the accusation of the crowd or out-ofcontext evidence. Be more thoughtful before confidently believing something to be a fact. There is always a bigger body deep under the floating iceberg.

Science and Technology

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SWEET ALTHEA B. SONGCUYA

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etel chewing is a centuries-old ritual or tradition that originated in Southeast Asia and spread across the Pacific.

The Philippines, is just one of the many who have adopted betel chewing as a popular cultural practice.

There is a prevalent belief that chewing betel nut, locally known as “bunga” along with a roll of leaf, know as “buyo”, collectively called as “mamá” strengthens the teeth. But contrary to this popular idea, research has revealed some serious health risks of betel nut.

Take a look at the good, the bad, and the truth about betel nut chewing.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

RICHEL MAE S. CHAVEZ

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t was November of 2020 when hope has glistened close to us. A hurdle was conquered when reports of the “95 percent efficacy rate of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines” began circulating. The world couldn’t be more excited for the imminent return of a carefree stroll and crowded celebration.

But just when things get a little optimistic, tragedy struck. A more violent and deadly version of the virus went knocking to doors of countries, unhesitatingly striking the scythe of death.

To add to the escalating dilemma, vaccines, which are our greatest arsenals, are still being antagonized and negatively discussed for several unsubstantiated reasons, leading to a precarious hesitancy among citizens that can ultimately alter the individual and entire pandemic response.

If I’ve already had COVID-19, I don’t need a vaccine.

So, along with these common fictions about COVID-19 vaccines, here are the facts that we should have acknowledged over fictitious claims and other health-related anxieties.

www.hopkinsmedicine.org

The COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe because it was developed so quickly.

The vaccines are proven safe and effective. Although they were developed in record time, they have gone through the same rigorous Food and Drug Administration process as other vaccines, meeting all safety standards. No steps were skipped. www.muhealth.org

The COVID-19 vaccine has severe side effects such as allergic reactions.

People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before.

Some participants in the vaccine trials did report side effects similar to those experienced with other vaccines, including muscle pains, chills, and headache.

And although extremely rare, people can have severe allergic reactions to ingredients used in a vaccine. That’s why experts recommend people with a history of severe allergic reactions- such as anaphylaxis- to the ingredients of the vaccine should not get the vaccination. www.muhealth.org

The COVID-19 vaccine will alter my DNA.

The first vaccines in use contain messenger RNA (mRNA) which instructs cells to make the “spike protein” found on the new coronavirus.

When the immune system recognizes this protein, it builds an immune response by creating antibodies- teaching the body how to protect against future infection. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept. The body gets rid of the mRNA soon after it’s finished using the instructions. www.muhealth.org

It is an extraordinary feat that within a year into the pandemic, our scientists were able to discover the elusive needle that should normally take a long time to be found in a haystack. If we don’t treat these vaccines as they’re supposed to be treated, the life we’re hoping to reclaim will remain just a mere hope.

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In O. Henry’s The Last Leaf, Mr. Behrman was still able to do the kind of masterpiece he ever since imagined before he died, which did not just help Johnsy to survive, but also gave her the power to believe and have hope and strength to go on and live a healthy life – and that’s all because of a vine painting with a leaf that turned out to be Mr. Behrman’s greatest masterpiece.

How about you? What makes a masterpiece for you?

Together, let’s discover what your masterpiece can do.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

Why Did the Moon Follow Her? CHRISTIAN JAY B. QUINTUA

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he always wanted to know the answers to "why does the moon follow her everywhere she goes?"

She's always fascinated about why does the moon seem to follow everywhere she goes, even how fast she would run, and how good she would hide, the moon still manages to find her. Even after she moved to the city, the moon still followed her.

But she's too old now to search for it and she has bigger problems in life that needed solutions.

She felt she was little but the world on her back was huge. Every night, her eyes leak like acid rain on her pillow knowing that everyday more problems would come, and happiness would be absurd.

The city was quiet, no sound just the gushing wind blowing the trees outside the windowpane of her apartment.

The eeriness of her surroundings led to her realization that the more the walls she's facing, the lesser the people where she can ask for help.

A thought of going outside crossed her mind. "Enjoying the midnight outside on an empty and quiet city would not ease my suffering but surely it would help me rethink all of my decisions," she whispered.

Deep inside, she needed someone; a person along her dark and twisted fate, someone she can call a friend.

A Woman’s Mind in Full Bloom CIELO A. DEQUIÑA surrounding her tears started to fall like drops of rain.

talk I'll listen", the voice added then it finally disappeared.

"Wipe your tears and tell me what's wrong." She was frightened upon hearing the voice coming from nowhere for she knew she was alone.

She walked back to her apartment with the feeling that her sadness became lesser for now she knew that she was never alone.

"You were never alone," the voice added. She felt like the moon was talking to her.

Now she knew the answers to one of the questions she frequently asked as a kid, "Why does the moon follow me everywhere I go?"

"Whoever you are. Please stop," she pleaded

The moon follows her everywhere she goes cause the moon knew she needed "Remember that the midnight eventually someone and even though everyone leads to dawn and no room stays dark thought that the moon disappears in the forever." As she looks up the sky, she felt day, it stays behind the light of the sun that the moon was talking to her on and still listens and follows her behalf of her deceased father. The stars everywhere she goes. lined up at the sky that seemed like the Christmas lights in their old house back at the countryside every Christmas.

Vintage streetlights gazed the cobblestone pathway that circled the park. The feeling of sadness strengthens every time she takes a step. She always wanted to live by herself, but she never wanted to be alone. She sat on a bench beside a streetlight facing an old church "Sometimes, to have someone to talk to from across the street, but she never is better than keeping it to yourself knew that while looking at the dark "I would be here, anytime you want to

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The Fearless

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ANN MIZEL GRACE D. BAYANGAN

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iving doll Fearless living doll Mostly called, Bravest living doll

Affectionate Silhouette ROVIC C. MAYGAY II

Start dusts blinded them I kneeled at him Begging to hold me again Praying to fixed me again A doll also cries Lookin’ up in the sky Dreaming high, Waiting for the tears to dry She’s a living doll She’s a lady who might fall She’s the strongest, The fearless

Inner Balance

RECHEL ANGELIE N. DEALA

Play with the pain Raise and he came Living doll Fearless living doll

Quotes of Life MANELYN C. FAT

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ife is too short Life is full of quotes Sometimes we lose But still full of hope.

To light the candle in the middle of the dark And let the light mark with an abundance of peace and love And ask guidance from above.

In Search of the Promised Neverland

GWEN ANNIKA G. GALARCE

Can't find the love and hope Cause we're living with quotes We can find true love By living together with God.

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

Harmony in Integrity JEROME CHARLES F. ALBAY

You’re Gone SABRINA B. ARROYO

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saw your first smile I heard your voice For the first time I've been looking at your eyes.

You’re the only one The one of my life But when you’re gone I feel lifted a ton.

My heart aches My tears fall down I know that you're gone But still you’re the one.

A Scent of Coffee GWEN ANNIKA G. GALARCE

Sprouting Love GWEN ANNIKA G. GALARCE

Kumpas ng Oras REYNA BELLE D. SALINAO

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Blooms of the Nature NORGIN ROSE ANN E. ZARATE

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ere comes the kiss of the rain Dropping down to the lips of the ground Here comes the spring Flowers will grow again The leaves of sorrow were gone Replaced by new happiness The inspiring smile if trees were shown The sunshine appears Guided by the love of yellowish sun Groups of cloud lose And did go far, far away But the kiss of the rain fell I saw the mooo of the bear She feels the freedom again from that black cave I heard the huuaah of the monkeys Thanking for they found water to drink And food to full their tummy I saw sheep’s on the hill Thanking for the growing grass on their side I saw the dancing fish Thanking for the temperature of water they feel I saw farmers, we’re praying Thank you, Lord for this spring My flowers are blooming After winter, nature gave me blessing

Beautiful and Noble Like the Antique Art CIELO A. DEQUIÑ A

Shine ANN MIZEL GRACE D. BAYANGAN

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ear Luna, You’re the masterpiece In this world of darkness You still shine on someone’s loneliness This time, I wrote in the skyline You and I Together will shine At the darkest hour We saw how magical you are Keep on shinning Lady on dreaming Shine like a glitter Raise like a soldier Smile without fear Face the battles shinning like a pearl

Sirena CIELO A. DEQUIÑ A

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JAN 2021 – MAY 2022 | Vol XX no. 1

King of the Sea GWEN ANNIKA G. GALARCE

Blooming Spring GWEN ANNIKA G. GALARCE

The Wild Boar CIELO A. DEQUIÑA

A Night of Serenity CIELO A. DEQUIÑA