Rheims | July 2022

Art by: Alizee G. Remoticado

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CONTENTS

// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2022-2023

ETHAN NIVERA Editor-in-Chief

TRISHA ILAR ZOELINE HONRADO ANDREW DELA PLANA

RINEAI VENTOSO SOFIA MALVAR ALIZEE REMOTICADO

MR. KENT BRYAN COLOCADO Adviser

Artists

MS. VICTORIA GALLARDO

ALIXIA CANALIN

MR. RICHARD PINEDA

Vice Principal

Layout

Writers

Principal

MR. LAWRENCE FERNANDO

MS. DAISY ROMERO School Consultant

Contributor

Alere Flammam Veritatis

THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020 The Lasallian Rheims official.rheims@gmail.com

WHAT'S

INSIDE? 3 4 5

NEWS ASJ Conducts First F2F Classes After Two Years

ASJ Students Attend F2F Orientation and ID Picture Taking ASJ Top Admin Announces New Admin Lineup

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Philippines Detects First Monkeypox Case

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World Health Organization Declares Monkeypox a "Global Health Emergency" Filipina Nurse Receives George Cross Award from Queen Elizabeth II

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OPINION The SONA is (too) good (to be true) // ALAPAAP

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The State of Historical Education in the Philippines: From MaJoHa to Tsismis // Lex Talk

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FEATURES Vision Mission: A Step Forward

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Mission: Nutrition

PBBM Promises Major Progress in First SONA

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LITERARY

PBBM Conducts First Press Conference as PH President Former President Fidel V. Ramos dies at 94

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Rendezvous 62622

SCITECH

Magnitude 7 Earthquake Hits Island of Luzon

Didn't Go As Planned

JULY 2022 // NEWS BALIK-ESKWELA: Miss Eva Sipat-Balais directs a grade school pupil to his designated room. ASJ students are now finally back in school for in-person classes after two year of online modality.

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ASJ Conducts First F2F Classes After Two Years ETHAN NIVERA

PHOTO SOURCE | FILE

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fter two years of online modality, ASJ students are finally back in school for limited face-to-face classes on Monday, August 1.

Group 1, consisting of Grades 1, 5, 8, and 11, will be reporting in ASJ from August 01-05. Meanwhile, Grades 2, 6, 9, and 12, who will comprise Group 2, will then report to school the following week, August 08-12. Grades 3 and 7 and Grades 4 and 10 will constitute Groups 3 and 4 respectively.

The schedule will follow a weekly rotation, while the preschool department will still use a full online modality.

ASJ’s Campus Minister and MAPEH and TLE/HELE Coordinator Mrs. Eva Balais shared how she feels seeing students in person again after two years of online learning.

“Well, at first I felt scared because the pandemic is still here, the virus is still around. But at the same time, I’m so excited because once again, we will be seeing our children, once again we are going to have our personal touch in our classroom encounters. And at the same time, I am so excited to establishing again a personal relationship with my students, which I was not able to do during the time that we are having this online modality,” Mrs. Eva said.

High school teacher Ms. Zeny Timajo also expressed her excitement and her nervousness towards the face-to-face modality.

A grade school parent remarked that she feels happy and at the same time, anxious for her two children now that in-person classes have commenced.

“I’m excited, especially that the kids are here, I get to meet them personally, so in that part, I’m really excited. I’m feeling nervous as well because it’s been two years that we are in virtual set-up, so it’s like I don’t know how to begin with the face-to-face classes once again,” she said.

“First, siyempre excited for the kids because, lalo na yung youngest ko kasi grade 1 siya, so first time; nacomplete niya yung kinder kasi nang online. And then nervous, at the same time, because aside from the coronavirus, we also have Monkeypox, though we hope naman it will not spread as fast as coronavirus,” she said.

Members of the ASJ community also expressed their thoughts regarding the return of face-to-face classes.

Gleizie Fernandez, a Grade 8 student, said she missed being in school again because it’s different from what occurred during the past two years.

“Being here, in school, is, siyempre, nakakamiss kasi iba na ngayon. Mas kasama na natin yung mga teachers natin and, my classmates, especially my friends. And now, since it’s face-to-face na po, sana magpatuloy and hindi na po maglock-down,” she said.

The face-to-face schedule will overlap with the students’ Product/Performance week, therefore, some outputs will be produced in-campus. However, all quarter exams are still to be conducted online.

The Academy of Saint John is one of the private schools in General Trias which were given a safety seal by the Department of Education Region IV-A last April 21, signifying ASJ’s readiness to conduct a limited face-to-face learning modality.

[R]

Grade 11 student Joana Frando said she feels glad to see her teachers and friends in person and stated that seeing her lessons face-to-face brings up her mood during studying.

She also wishes for the pandemic to stop in order for face-to-face classes to continue without issue.

PHOTO SOURCE | FILE

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NEWS // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

ASJ Students Attend F2F Orientation and ID Picture Taking ETHAN NIVERA

The

Academy of Saint John conducts the face-to-face orientation and ID picture taking of the students, two weeks after the initial, postponed schedule.

Grades 1, 5, 8, and 11 were oriented on Monday, June 18, while Grades 2, 6, 9, and 12 had their orientation the next day, June 19. The orientations and ID picture taking of the Grades 3, 4, 7, and 10 were conducted on Wednesday, June 20.

The three groups were sorted into two batches, wherein two levels attended in the morning while the rest reported during the afternoon. Students were assigned to their designated rooms at the second floor, where the orientations took place.

The students were oriented on the guidelines and rules during face-to-face classes. Afterwards, their pictures were taken for their respective school IDs. Some students expressed their joy after seeing their classmates and teachers in person again after more than two years.

“Medyo exciting nga siya kasi siyempre after how many years magkikita lang kayo ngayon lang, tas nandoon ‘din yung fact

na graduating ‘din kami so nandoon yung part na medyo nostalgic ‘din kasi this is the last time na makakapunta kami sa campus, tas kumpleto na kami at last after how many years,” Grade 12 student Tasha Pascual said.

“I feel very happy after seeing my classmates and my beautiful teachers after two years.

Well, it was basically two years of sitting in my house and watching the screen all day, while in school I get to explore the whole school, talk to my teachers and classmates and tell them how I feel about them,” Winter Galagnara, Grade 6 pupil, said.

Grade 10 student Anika Arcenas said, “I’m just really happy to know na all of my classmates were safe from the pandemic. It really warms my heart that they’re healthy, they’re okay, and I get to be with them here.”

Vice Principal Miss Victoria Gallardo also expressed her excitement towards the school year and left a message assuring the ASJ community that they are in good hands.

coming to school. Not all of them are vaccinated, but of course, we cannot exclude them from coming to school face-to-face.”

“To all the students and pupils of the Academy of Saint John, we are much, much prepared for this (limited face-to-face) and there’s nothing to worry about, just be very observant of our protocols.

Just observe the protocols, take it seriously, and you are in good hands.” Ms Vicky said.

Beforehand, the parents’ orientations, wherein the grading system, face-to face guidelines, and other matters, were conducted via Zoom meetings on Saturday, June 16.

ASJ is one of the few private schools which was given a safety seal by DepEd Region IV-A on April 21, signifying ASJ’s preparedness to conduct classes in a limited face-to-face learning modality. [R]

“When I was thinking about it, at first I was 10 in terms of excitement, but having a second thought, I felt it’s only 9 because I am also worried about the kids who are PHOTO SOURCE | FILE

JULY 2022 // NEWS

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ASJ Top Admin Announces New Admin Lineup ETHAN NIVERA

ASJ’s school council released the new administrative lineup for school year 2022-2023, July 26.

In a letter to the ASJ community, Mr. Jose Ramelle Javier, school supervisor, enjoins everyone to be "steadfast in sustaining the spirit of communion in mission."

The new admin lineup consists of the following teachers and staff: Director : Br. Edmundo Adolfo L. Fernandez FSC Supervisor : Mr. Jose Ramelle E. Javier Finance Administrator : Mr. Joselito A. Pascual Consultant : Mrs. Daisy T. Romero Principal : Mr. Richard R. Pineda Vice Principal : Mrs. Victoria C. Gallardo Prefect of Discipline/Christian Living Coordinator/Data Privacy Officer : Mrs. Rubirosa G. Manguera Campus Minister/MAPEH/TLE/HELE Coordinator : Mrs. Evangeline S. Balais Filipino/Social Studies Coordinator : Mrs. Aileen V. Posadas Math/Science Coordinator : Mrs. Lany N. Cesa Facilities Management Officer : Mr. Joel V. Cenizal Registrar : Mr. Arvie M. Bayan Social Concerns Coordinator : Mrs. Sheila B. Monares Auxiliary Services Head : Mrs. Emelyn S. Basilio Spiritual Director : Rev. Fr. Julius R. De Sagun Prefect of Discipline : Ms. Janice S. Mendiola (Understudy)

“In like manner, we append to this memo the revised organizational chart representing the lines of accountability and levels of coordination. We enjoin everyone to remain steadfast in sustaining the spirit of communion in mission. Thank you,” Mr. Ramelle added, ending the letter.

[R] PHOTO SOURCE | FILE

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NEWS // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

Philippines Detects First Monkeypox Case ETHAN NIVERA

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Department of Health (DOH) reported the Philippines’ first Monkeypox case on Friday, July 29.

The patient, who tested positive on July 28, is a 31-year old Filipino who arrived from overseas on July 19. DOH has not disclosed any other information on the person’s profile.

“The case was tested and confirmed positive for monkeypox via Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, or RT PCR, done at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine on July 28,” Health Undersecretary Dr. Beverly Ho said.

According to Ho, the infected person has been “discharged well” and is undergoing strict isolation at home.

Ten close contacts were identified, including three from the patient’s household. Thankfully, the ten are being closely monitored and have not exhibited any symptoms as of now.

“The DOH assures everyone that our public health surveillance systems are able to detect and confirm Monkeypox cases,” Ho added.

Dr. Beverly Ho also explained the virus, how it spreads, and how to prevent it.

“Monkeypox is caused by a different organism, it’s different from COVID-19. Investigation of recent Monkeypox cases in other non-en-

demic countries indicate potential transmission through sexual contact. It spreads mostly by intimate, sexual contact with those who have rashes or open lesions,” Ho said.

Dr. Ho also clarified that Monkeypox does not spread mostly through air, unlike COVID-19.

She also mentioned that even though Monkeypox rapidly spreads through contact, everyone can do something to prevent it.

“While it is now a public health emergency of international concern, everyone can actually help prevent the spread of Monkeypox. We minimize close, sexual contact with suspected cases, especially those with rashes or open wounds,” Ho said.

“Keep our hands clean, wear face masks, cover cough(s) using our elbows, and continue to choose areas with good ventilation or airflow.”

“The DOH also wishes to emphasize that while anyone may get it, but if you have travel history to countries with Monkeypox and then have symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy or kulani, and rashes, that’s the time that you need to seek medical attention. This will help hasten recovery.”

Ho stated the government is securing vaccines in order to protect people from catching the virus. However, she claimed that not everyone needs to be immunized against it. [R]

PHOTO SOURCE | Rappler

JULY 2022 // NEWS

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World Health Organization Declares Monkeypox a “Global Health Emergency” ETHAN NIVERA

T wo months after ensuring our safety from the disease, the World Health Organization has declared the Monkeypox outbreak as a “Public Health Emergency”.

The committee of independent advisers who met on July 21 were split on their decision on whether to call the growing monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. Nine members were against the idea, while six were in favor.

WHO head, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, ended the argument and declared the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) – the highest level of alert.

Dr. Ghebreyesus claimed the outbreak is spreading quickly and there is a "clear risk of further international spread."

The current monkeypox outbreak is primarily spread through man-to-man sex, according to the first major peer-reviewed paper to analyze a large set of cases of the virus.

"Although I am declaring a public health emergency of international concern, for the moment this is an outbreak that is concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially those with multiple sexual partners," Ghebreyesus told a media briefing in Geneva.

"Stigma and discrimination can be as dangerous as any virus," he added Monkeypox is a disease caused by the infection of the Monkeypox virus. With some of the symptoms being fever, headaches, muscle pain and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes, it primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person.

So far, this year, more than 25,000 cases of Monkeypox have been reported in more than 75 countries. [R]

Filipina Nurse Receives George Cross Award from Queen Elizabeth II ETHAN NIVERA

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ilipina Nurse May Parsons, who administered the world’s first approved COVID-19 vaccine, received the George Cross Award from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, July 12.

Parsons delivered the world’s first approved COVID-19 vaccine to Margaret Keenan back on December 8, 2020.

Along with National Health Service (NHS) CEO Amanda Pritchard and representing the 1.5 million staff working for the NHS, Parsons attended the awarding ceremony held at Windsor Castle.

Parsons expressed how honored she was to represent all health workers and staff in the NHS. “I’m deeply honored to represent the wonderful and dedicated people within the NHS and Social Care who have shown up everyday to care for our people and communities despite the challenges and sacrifices we’ve had to take posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Parsons said in a Facebook post.

According to The Varsitarian, Parsons obtained her nursing degree in 2000 from the University of Santo Tomas. She has been with the NHS for 17 years, and has been at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire since 2003.

First introduced in 1940, the George Cross Award is the highest award given by the British government to people who have shown great acts of valor outside of war.

The award is given in recognition of “acts of the greatest heroism or the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger.” [R] PHOTO SOURCE | The Varsitarian

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NEWS

// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

PBBM Promises Major Progress in First SONA ETHAN NIVERA

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resident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave us a glimpse of the Philippines’ next six years during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 25.

Marcos’ speech, which promised significant progress against the Philippines’ most notable issues, was delivered continuously for 1 hour and 14 minutes.

Marcos mentioned the agriculture sector, which he envisioned as “one of the main drivers of our push for growth and employment.” Marcos acknowledged that his plans for the country’s agriculture cannot be done in even a year, “but has to be started now.”

The president vowed ZERO LOCKDOWNS for the Philippines, despite the rising number of cases.

“Hindi na natin kakayanin ang isa pang lockdown. Wala na tayong gagawing lockdown,” Marcos said. “Dapat natin balansehin nang maayos ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan sa isang banda, at ang ekonomiya naman sa ibang banda,” Marcos said.

Marcos also tackled education and face-to-face classes. By late 2022, Marcos aims to resume full in-person classes.

“I believe it is time for our children to return to full faceto-face classes once again,” he said.

BBM said that “horror stories” about the poor quality of educational materials must end, insisting children nowadays need better devices, educational materials, and a better internet connectivity in order for the country to compete in international rankings.

“We must do better in the international rankings, especially when it comes to the STEM subjects; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These skills, this knowledge are necessary for our young people to be able to compete in a highly technological and competitive world.”

“The raw talent is there in our young

people. It is up to our educational system to develop and to refine that great pool of talent.”

Marcos stated that his administration is taking a closer and careful look at the K-12 curriculum, which was implemented during the time of the late former President Benigno Aquino III. “There have also been lengthy discussions on the continuation and viability of the K to 12 school system. We are giving this a careful review, and all necessary inputs and points of view are now being considered,” he said.

The President is pushing to bring back mandatory service in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for students, which was abolished when the death of University of Santo Tomas cadet Mark Chua exposed the irregularities of the system.

Marcos stated the program will “motivate, train, organize and mobilize the students for national defense preparedness, including disaster preparedness and capacity building for risk-related situations.”

The President also aims to shorten the hiring process and to ease the lives of OFWs. Marcos calls on the Department of Foreign affairs to aid the Department of Migrant Workers to make sure that all diplomatic posts help OFWs who lost their jobs during the pandemic get their jobs back.

“From three months, we will turn this into just three weeks for a foreign employer to process a Filipino’s papers who they want to hire,” he said in Filipino.

“Life is hard, that is why we do not want to see our migrant workers go through any further hardships just to fulfill their dreams.”

Marcos also tackled inflation, realizing that it “has accelerated in recent months due largely to significant increases in international prices of oil and other key commodities.”

The President also mentioned about finishing several railway projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, and MRT-7.

PBBM’s SONA garnered mixed emotions from the public. Some groups expressed their disappointment towards the lack of detail in the speech. On the other hand, some groups expressed their pride and satisfaction towards the President.

The Moro Consensus Group from Mindanao were disappointed due to the lack of attention towards the concerns in the region. It says it hopes that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s silence on Marawi's rehabilitation does not mean that the administration will do so in the next six years.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also pointed out the lack of mention of the justice system in President Marcos’ speech.

“I don’t recall even the President talking about the justice system.

Para sa akin, the matter of human rights is a part of the justice system.”

“So that is greatly disappointing that [there was] no mention about the current state of our justice system, the speed at which our courts are disposing of the disputes before them,” Pimentel said in an interview with ABS-CBN. Around 20,000 Marcos supporters from Metro Manila and nearby provinces packed the IBP Road in Quezon City based on crowd estimates from event organizers. The SONA was also live streamed online.

Marcos stated that even through these difficult times, he sees hope that the Philippines will rise again during his administration.

“I do not intend to diminish the risks and the challenges we face in this turbulent time in global history. And yet, I see sunlight filtering through these dark clouds.

We have assembled the best Filipino minds to help navigate us through this global crisis that we are now facing,” Marcos said.

“We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed.”

[R] PHOTO SOURCE | Philippine News Agency & Business World

JULY 2022 // NEWS

PBBM Conducts First Press Conference as PH President ETHAN NIVERA

Iident n a press briefing on July 5, PresMarcos Jr. discussed the government’s initial plans for the next two quarters and what transpired during their cabinet meeting.

Marcos Jr. stated that the cabinet meeting focused on the country’s economy, the Department of Education regarding the limited faceto-face modality, and the Department of Transport’s plans to support students if face-to-face classes return.

The Department of Agriculture and the agriculture sector were also mentioned by the President.

“Food supply is such an important part. It is an existential part of our work. And so that is something that we have to be very very careful with and attend to properly.”

claiming that we are still below four percent and are yet to pass that threshold. He stated that they are not looking for the exchange rates right now, what they are looking for, however, is control over the inflation rate.

“6.1? I think I will have to disagree with that number. We are not that high. We have crossed the- our targets were 4% or less, unfortunately it looks like we may cross that threshold.”

When a journalist interviewed him regarding his meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, BBM stated that they plan to strengthen ties between the Philippines and China, and to solve occurring issues regarding the West Philippine Sea.

“As has been reported, essentially, what we spoke about were the concerns that we have immediately. That of course, when I was in the Department of Agriculture, that was mostly concerned with the food supply in the next two quarters, I’m sure you are all aware of what’s happening around the world,” PBBM stated.

“Yes I will meet with him, and the agenda, I am sure, will be to strengthen ties between China and the Philippines. And of course, to find ways to work, to resolve the conflicts that we have, and one of the ways that I have consistently suggested is that we have our relationship not only on one dimension, yun lang West Philippine Sea, let’s add to that, let’s have cultural exchanges, educational exchanges, even military, if that will be useful.”

The President said that they are going to try to boost production of rice and corn in the coming quarters. He stated that it would be better to import as little as possible in order to increase our own production.

Marcos expects to accelerate the number of cabinet meetings per week to two, stating that it’s important for the whole cabinet to understand everyone’s plans and how they plan to execute it. [R]

However, on the hogs and poultry sector, he stated that we will still have to import a lot due to problems like lack of feed and the African Swine fever.

Marcos also denied the inflation rate being as high as 6.1 percent as of the time of the press briefing, PHOTO SOURCE | Philippine Star

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Former President Fidel V. Ramos dies at 94t ETHAN NIVERA The Ramos family announced and confirmed the death of the Philippines’ Former President Fidel V. Ramos on Sunday, July 31.

“The Ramos family is profoundly saddened to announce the passing of former President Fidel Valdez Ramos,” the family said in an official statement.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) extended their condolences to the Ramos family.

PBGEN Roderick Alba, PNP Public Information Office Chief, said Ramos served as a good model for Filipinos through his “incomparable wisdom and deeds”.

“The nation lost a great leader. We are one with our fellow countrymen in expressing our deepest condolences to the family of the former president,” Alba said.

The Office of the Press Secretary also reached out to the Ramos family and expressed their sorrow towards Ramos’ death.

“It is with great sorrow that we learn of the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos. He leaves behind a colorful legacy and a secure place in history for his participation in the great changes of our country, both as military officer and chief executive. We deeply condole with his family, friends, classmates and associates and keep him in our prayers,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles remarked .

Fidel V. Ramos was the 12th President of the Philippines, serving from 1992 to 1998. During the term of President Marcos, he became Chief of the Philippine Constabulary and Vice Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Ramos is widely remembered and admired as the “stabilizer” of the country’s government and economy during his service. [R]

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NEWS // THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

Magnitude 7 Earthquake Hits Island of Luzon ETHAN NIVERA PHOTO SOURCE | PhilStar

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7.0 magnitude earthquake nating from Abra struck Luzon 8:43am on Wednesday, July 27.

origiaround

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was about 13km southeast of the town of Dolores, Abra, at a shallow depth of 10km.

Despite the epicenter being in the northern part of Luzon, the quake was still felt by provinces in the lower part of the island, extending to Metro Manila and CALABARZON. Initially, the USGS claimed the earthquake’s preliminary magnitude to be 7.1, while the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed it to be 7.3. However, the official magnitude was later revised down to magnitude 7.0.

The earthquake left at least 10 people dead and 375 people injured as of August 1, 2022.

The tremor caused landslides in Benguet and Mountain Province, leading to road closures, power interruption and poor internet and phone connections, authorities and residents said.

In a statement, Abra Representative Ching Bernos confirmed the damage the quake brought to homes and establishments.

“I urge everyone to stay alert and to prioritize safety in light of the possibilities of aftershocks that might be felt after that strong earthquake. We are monitoring the situation on the ground and gathering information on the extent of the damage to the province,” Bernos said.

“My office is also actively coordinating with proper authorities on what can be done to assist families and communities that were severely affected by this earthquake.”

President Ferdinand Marcos rived in Abra on Thursday, to inspect the aftermath of the quake.

Jr. July

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Before leaving the province, Marcos tasked the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide immediate support to the province.

"Patuloy ang ating koordinasyon sa bawat ahensya pati na rin sa mga lokal na opisina upang masiguradong maibigay agad ang tulong na kinakailangan ng mga biktima ng sakuna," he said.

This earthquake is one of the gest quakes the country has felt in years. [R]

stron-

JULY 2022 // OPINION

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The SONA is (too) good (to be true) ALAPAAP // Andrew Dela Plana

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resident Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a relief. There, I said it. However, it is not because of the policies outlined during the speech, nor is it because of the promises to save the economy. It is because it wasn't a tiring three-hour speech filled with statements that make people fear for their lives; sexist remarks; and curse words, which typically make up most of the content of the SONAs of the previous administration.

With the standards set so low, it actually felt like a relief after watching the whole thing. It was well rehearsed, the script was well written, and it was what the people wanted to hear. What one can say about the content of the SONA is that it was good—a bit too good to be true.

Amazingly, Marcos opens up his speech by acknowledging that Filipinos are certainly living in difficult times brought about by the impact of the different international conflicts as well as the certain faults of the previous administration. Not only is it a step forward for the President to acknowledge that Filipinos are not doing well—but it is also a surprise to hear that there are already solutions and that they are still finding more to fix our country’s problems. Starting with his economic recovery program, going through with his plans on contributing to the climate change crisis, and finishing off with listing programs that we would like to be amended, it sounds really good, and what the Filipinos want, but we do have to see it get done.

However, his economic programs would be more credible if he were an economist himself—and if he settled with his family’s P203 billion estate tax debt. We will never know whether he has settled the estate tax debt, as it is a controversy that he avoided numerous times during the campaign. It would just seem funny that he would impose more taxes while his tax issues remain unsettled. Speaking of the economy, the people hope that this administration fixes the country’s current problem—inflation. While it may seem to be reaching and asking for more, his P20 per kilo of rice promise really sounds good now to most Filipinos if done right. Funny as it may seem, it was actually this specific promise that made a lot of Filipinos vote for him. Furthermore, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, 6% were unemployed in May.This means that approximately 2.93 million Filipinos are currently unemployed, enduring pandemic inflation.As for the pandemic, he assured the public that there would be no more lockdowns despite the rising COVID-19 cases, as the government would focus on balancing the health of the Filipino people and the economy—a feat that the previous government failed to do.

As the SONA progressed, Marcos briefly mentioned the Philippines' educational crisis, and I was genuinely surprised that he supported Vice President Sara Duterte's idea of mandatory ROTC for Senior High School, despite his sister's (Senator Imee Marcos') position on the issue.It’s unnecessary to bring up ROTC as a solution to the country’s educational crisis, and if the issue is discipline, then isn’t it the parents’ duty to discipline their children, not the school’s? If the issue is indeed an educational crisis, then isn’t it better to have sex education, a viable option to lessen teenage pregnancy in the country with awareness, to be included in the curriculum instead?

Not that I would say that ROTC is a bad thing, but the system needs to be fixed first—we do not have ROTC for a reason.

The number of hazings and abuses back then, as well as the program's being a medium for homophobia and sexism, just shows that while ROTC’s goal is to discipline the students, it certainly does not discipline the officers and higher ups.

One important thing to note, though, is that there were issues that were excluded from his speech: human rights, justice, peace, and safety. After the six-year rule of Duterte, one might think that there should’ve been at least a mention of the extrajudicial killings, numerous accounts of police brutality and abuse in the country, and the results of the "continued" war against drugs, but unsurprisingly of Marcos—there hasn’t been a mention whatsoever. In doing so, he has also failed to mention the estimated 27,000 Filipinos who have been killed in Duterte’s war on drugs. Not only that, but he also did not mention any plan whatsoever that would help keep peace and order in the country, such as anti-corruption laws or anti-criminality actions. Because of that, we get a small glimpse of how this administration will work: they will focus on making the country a prosperous utopia at the cost of thousands of Filipinos whose rights and safety have been violated.

While Marcos’ first SONA was refreshing, given the context of the previous SONAs delivered before his, we still have to see these promises get done. He has won the election. He is now the president, and so far, his programs are promising yet empty. Empty, because of his underlying record of issues and controversies that make his words a lot less trustworthy.

With this said, no number of promises can make people forget the atrocities associated with his name—these atrocities which he still fails to acknowledge and own up to. It’ll only be a matter of time before we see whether his administration can really unite people, or cause another reign of darkness, another era that Filipinos will surely never forget. [R]

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OPINION

// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

The State of Historical Education in the Philippines: From MaJoHa to Tsismis LEX TALK // Mr. Lawrence Fernando

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or the past several months, the state of historical education, particularly of the Philippine History, has been highlighted by the different viral blunders on media and as well as during the last national elections. On this article, we would like to take a look into these incidences, how did we get here, and how can we move forward.

First, MaJoHa. On a segment of a certain reality television show, the supposed contestants were to answer quiz-bee like questions particularly related to the Philippines. However, they were not been able to answer questions just like that of pertaining to the infamous GomBurZa, of which coincidentally are being commemorated for their 150th anniversary of martyrdom. Netizens and viewers were quick to judge and negatively attack the supposed little to none knowledge of these teenagers to the basic Philippine historical facts.

Second, we have an actress who was quoted to saying that “history is tsismis.” Tsismis being that of hearsay and supposedly biased. She was to take part of a new movie which was being billed as an “untold, truthful side of the story” from the events of the 1986 People Power Revolution. This led to a divided social media frenzy. People took side, shared opinions, on the truthfulness or not of the statement.

Lastly, the victory of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as President of the Republic of the Philippines, just a few months shy from the golden anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law of his father and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Some say it was fate, some would say it is just some one hell of coincidence.

So here we ask the question: how did we got here? First, you have the rise of social media. For the longest time, the algorithms of social networking sites have now influenced how we have perceived the “truth, facts, and information.” The advent of social media paved the way for a plethora of mechanisms for the proliferation of historical disinformation and misinformation.

This led to the crumble of society’s trust on the traditional institutions or influences such as the Church, the educational system, and the Media. This questioning is due to the fact the people are much swayable of the “new.”

And that this “new” is being backed by “influential” people or in the case of the now, the viral and the popular.

Sadly, the “new,” the viral, and the popular can all now be manipulated. They can easily all be bought by groups with vested interests especially by those who want to sway influence over the majority of the people.

Now, how do we move forward. The first step would most likely admit that there are indeed things that are wrong to our institutions that’s why the lingering questions gained traction. Second, we must create a critical thinking mass of people. We can achieve this primarily by revisiting our educational curriculum particularly the social studies area. We must campaign for the return and specialization of Philippine history at the secondary education in order to strengthen the lessons on the primary level. This would surely help to create a much more critical and intellectual discourse of history and society on the tertiary level.

With a much larger mass of historically aware, critically thinking, and inquisitive people, they would surely not fall to the behest of the distorters, mis informers, and deniers of historical truth and social rights.

As those are still in a distance, we, whom that are supposed to have already been “awaken”, must never seize to be awake. To be awake, is not just to be aware, but to also wake up others to stand for Truth to Power.

Indeed, these are setbacks but we must never give up. Because if not us, who shall stand for this nation? And if not now, when shall we take the stand? [R]

JULY 2022 // FEATURES

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Vision and Mission: A Step Forward TRISHA ILAR

M

ost of us are familiar with the Disney princesses that inspired us with dreamy stories but actually, it goes beyond the fictional parts. As Walt Disney says, "If you can dream it, you can do it." In this fastpaced modern world, it may seem hard to keep up but your vision that sees the good future will keep you together to make it happen.

When we say vision, we often associate it with the future because it refers to seeing the desired future or outcome. Usually, in companies, it is articulated on paper and shortened to a slogan.

However, it is more than a slogan of words put together because it serves as the intellectual framework. It helps in making strategies and actions that will become our mission to achieve our desired goal in the future. When a mission comes in, the purpose goes along with it. It is the driving force of the current state to make the vision a reality.

Companies, schools, or individuals having a vision and mission may sound cliché, have been, or old hat already to others. However, many people have proved that they successfully become fuelled with their start of the end in mind serving as their purpose and determined step-by-step actions that made them who they are now. An example of this is Stephen Covey, author of the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." He says, "The most effective way I know to begin with the end in mind is to develop a personal mission statement or philosophy or creed. It focused on what you want to be (character) and to do (contributions and achievements) and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based."

Stephen Covey also shared some tips on how we can put things into action. First, he said that we should try looking at the big picture but we cannot do it all the time because we might lose sight and be drowned in pure fantasies. It is important to balance the two, looking at the big picture and details in life.

He suggested that a good representation of the big outlook is the week. We could plan before each week and determine the roles we have on each day of the week. Then, we can assign the big rocks or activities that we put in order aligned with our priorities so when the day comes it won't be pushed aside by the new matters. Lastly, schedule the week so each day we can zoom in and zoom out to see our progress.

Not only companies, and individuals, but also schools use vision and mission as their core foundation. An example of this is our alma mater, the Academy of Saint John, which aims to produce well-rounded individuals who will serve as the epitome of the seven graduate attributes and in the near future, serve the Philippines and the world. In doing so, the school focuses on moral values and academic excellence. The school also applies different strategies to incorporate skill learning like club activities, drafting subjects, cooking, programming, robotics, and others that can be used in this modern time. It also inculcates the graduate attributes of being Christian, compassionate, competent, confident, and committed. The vision and mission provide the school with its strong foundation and framework to carry out the big responsibility of taking care of the young generation.

As Nelson Mandela says, "Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely daydreaming but vision with action can change the world.” It is essential to always put these two together because you never know the limits you can achieve if you put out your first step and continuously move forward. Taking a break won't hurt either just make sure to recharge and get back up; the speed of the pace does not matter because we all have our own. Now, what do you think will keep you moving forward? Lastly, what do you want to happen in your future and how will you achieve it? [R]

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FEATURES

// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

Mission: Nutrition ZOELINE HONRADO

"Good health is the key to a good life.” – A popular tagline used to inspire people to

maintain a healthy way of living. Nutrition, defined as the process of providing the food necessary for health and growth, is crucial to humans, especially now, since the COVID is still lurking around. Every July, we give importance to nutrition and promote a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle! The nutrition month in the Philippines dates back to several decades ago. First celebrated in 1974, wherein the former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared July as the Philippines’ nutrition month, it is still celebrated 48 years later.

The COVID-19 virus has yet to leave us alone. Different variants of the virus are continuously being discovered as time passes. However, after years of living with this virus, we’ve already pretty much adapted to it, and despite the rising number of cases, it’s not as scary as it was two years ago with the help of the vaccine. One of the things the pandemic made us realize is how important nutrition is. It made us acknowledge the importance of taking care of oneself and how a healthy diet can influence our immune system.

Nutrition Month teaches us that the “nutrition” it tackles does not only revolve around one’s personal health; it also includes the health of the people around us. We shouldn’t only practice healthy living within ourselves, it is also important to look into other people’s health, and consider taking care of them too. In order to influence them to live healthily, we, of course, have to set an example.

To guarantee good health, we must keep practicing proper diet and exercise. Let’s be wary of the food we eat; lessen eating junk foods and other unhealthy food and try testing out a variety of healthy food, maybe you’ll find one that suits your taste! We must gain the knowledge of how to preserve a healthy body and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Being healthy would also prevent various diseases from intruding our body.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help us, as they say, live a long and happy life.

A world occupied by healthy and nutritious people would be such a beautiful sight to see, wouldn’t it? A world where no one suffers and a world where everyone helps everyone. From this day onward, let’s continue to give value to nutrition. May we always remember to always keep ourselves healthy and be more sensitive to not only ours, but everyone’s needs. What are you waiting for? Let’s start taking care of ourselves more and live a better, healthy, happy, and nutritious life together. Lettuce remain healthy and carrot on with our lives! Here’s Zoeline, jogging out. [R] PHOTO SOURCE | British Nutrition Foundation

JULY 2022 // LITERARY

DIDN'T GO AS PLANNED As the teacher starts off the day with introductions, I sat quietly with my thoughts.

Then suddenly, something caught me off guard…

In your smile, I was lost.

Unexpectedly, we became close.

You give me positivity and strengthen my hopes.

We now share our smiles and tears.

Three days felt like three years.

With your kind words, you made me turn red.

Then you suddenly confessed to me that you like me.

I paused, looked at the mirror and said…

“Well, this isn’t how I planned it to be.”

As long as I have you, You’ll always have me.

And to someone who brightens up my day…

All I ask is for you to stay.

- Zoeline Honrado

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LITERARY

// THE LASALLIAN RHEIMS

RENDEZVOUS 62622 Admiring the flowers, Not realizing the passing hours We stare as the rose butterflies flutter, Thousands of words for you, I cannot utter Suddenly, I thought deeply Instantly surrounded by an air of melancholy Silence emerges from the once melodious birds, Coming from my mouth were these words: “Time is scary, isn’t it?

I’m scared it’ll separate us, I’ll admit If we ever drift apart without a single clue, Find me again, 62622” - Ethan Nivera