QHS The Leadon

theLEADON

Exceeding Expectations through Campus Journalism

The Official English School Publication of Quirino High School

Issue for S. Y. 2022 - 2023

QHS TAKES EXTRA MEASURES TO PREVENT SCHOOL VIOLENCE

By:

Quirino High School (QHS) has implemented safety measures to ensure that any school violence that occurs will be halted or prevented.

Following the Department of Education (DepEd)’s call to boost coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for security and mental health concerns after the stabbing incident in Culiat High School, QHS instensified its safety policies and programs.

During the in-service training for teachers on February 8, one of the topics discussed was the proper response to different untoward incidents and natural disasters for hazard mitigation.

According to the School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee coordinator (SDRRMC), Donny P. Talactac, QHS has its own group chat titled “QHS Emergency” for teachers to report any violence that may occur or has occurred in an event.

Revised K-12 curriculum to include same sex unions, gender issues

by Leona Berango

As the redesigned K-12 curriculum for basic education lessons focuses on varied contemporary concerns, grade 10 students will soon discover the distinction between same-sex unions and same-sex marriage.

On January 30, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte released the draft of the updated K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Basic Education Report 2023.

National kick off for DepEd's "Oplan Kalusugan" held at QHS

by: Ethan Hipe

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) program, aptly titled “Oplan Kalusugan” (OK), which aims to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of learners, officially launched at Quirino High School on October 22, 2022.

The program was broadcast live on the official DepEd Facebook account.

Read more...p.2

QHS The Leadon wins 10th place in DSSPC 2023

by: Ethan Hipe

Quirino High School (QHS) takes tenth place in overall top performing schools in the English category during the Division Secondary Schools Press Conference (DSSPC)

The placement was announced during an awarding ceremony with 50 other schools in San Francisco High School (SFHS) on March 4, 2023.

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Soaring heat leads blended to blended learning, shortened F2F classes at QHS

by Leona Berango

Due to the intense heat, Quirino High School (QHS) had a change in class schedules that started in May, implementing blended mode of learning followed by shortened face-to-face classes for the with classes starting at 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, several schools in Quezon City also implemented shortened face-to-face classes.

Construction for DepEd's "Pabahay for teachers" program officially starts

by: Ethan Hipe

The formation of the housing units for the Department of Education's (DepEd) "Pabahay for Teachers" program formally began during the groundbreaking ceremony held on March 21 in Quezon City.

The ceremony took place in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City (QC), which was also where construction of the buildings began.

Ethan Shia A. Hipe

In January 2023, the death of a seventh grade student raised alarming concerns about the safety of learners while they are at school.

theLEADON Revised

K-12 curriculum to include same sex unions, gender issues ...from p1

On January 30, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte released the draft of the updated K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Basic Education Report 2023.

Duterte said that the current "curriculum content is congested and the identified learning competencies are missing or misplaced".

According to the proposed draft for the social studies or Araling Panlipunan (AP) subject, the DepEd intends to teach Grade 10 learners about the various gender roles and discrimination at home, school, and the workplace.

At present, AP 10 focuses on current concerns and economic challenges, politics, environmental issues, human rights, and citizenship that countries face today, using investigative skills, research, effective communication, and sound decision making.

Grade 10 students are the only focus of the of LGBTQ+ related teaching to correspond in the AP subject range and flow.

The department intends to add topics about gender issues such as, existence of a gender pay gap in the Philippines, SOGIE, and experience of LGBTQ+ children nationwide.

The students will also learn about international gender laws, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

The introduction of this new lesson on the new curriculum attempts to achieve the Araling Panlipunan objectives, particularly the human rights on the topic, where it is stated that LGBTQ+ rights are also human rights.

National kick off for DepEd's "Oplan Kalusugan" held at QHS ...from p1

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/lgbt-books

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country which has not yet enacted a diverse-gender-and-orientation anti-discrimation bill also known as SOGIE Equality Bill. The Department also included new topics like, human rights violations, red-tagging, trolling and extra-judicial killings in the draft.

The program was broadcasted live on the official DepEd Facebook account.

The event began with a welcoming message by the Regional Director of DepEd National Capital Region (NCR), Wilfredo E. Cabral, which was followed by both Quezon City (QC) Mayor Joy Belmonte and District 3 Rep. Franz Pumaren's own messages.

"Isang kalagakan po at karangalan para sa National Capital Region na maging host at maging bahagi ng, paglulungsad, hudyat ng mas pinalakas na OK sa DepEd at sa pinatatag na Healthy Learning Institutions," said Cabral during his welcoming

speech.

Soon after, a presentation on OK sa DepEd was presented by undersecretary atty. Revsee A. Escobedo following an audio-video presentation on Healthy Learning Institutions (HLI) shown by the DOH Health Promotion Bureau.

Next was the unveiling of the OK sa DepEd and HLI convergence diagrams before the undersecretaries of both DOH and DepEd, Beverly Lorraine C. Ho and Epimaco V. Densing III, respectively, gave their messages.

Continuing on, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of

DepEd, Sarah Duterte, gave her speech through video message.

"Let me congratulate the people behind the success of the national kickoff of Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd and the launch of the Healthy Learning Institutions today in Quirino High School, Quezon City," stated Duterte in her video message.

And finally, after the messages of support from the JOA-Signatory Agency in audio-video presentation format, was the closing speech of Assistant Sec. Francis Cesar R. Bringas.

QHS TAKES EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT SCHOOL VIOLENCE...from p1

“Meron tayong group chat para sa mga teachers na kung saan, yun ang magiging means of communication natin, through teachers,” said Talactac during an interview.

After reporting the issue, a responder from a committee that tackles emergency response for school violence will assess the situation and decide the next action to be taken.

“Pagka-nagkaroon ng ganung alarm dun sa QHS-emer, dun magrerespond ngayon, yung kasama sa committee na may kinalaman sa pag-respond sa school violence.”.

Aiding in QHS’ endeavor to prevent school violence are nearby barangays such as Barangay Duyan-Duyan and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 9.

If the situation further escalates, QHS can call the aforesaid barangays or QCPD to assist.

On the other hand, the Edukasyon sa Pagpapahalaga (ESP) Department handles any events that correlate to school violence while also offering psychoeducation for both the victim and the perpetrator, as said by the guidance counselor and ESP teacher, Kimberly Mahinay.

“Ako, may mga pa-activity ako na ibibigay, na sagutan nila, then, based sa isasagot nila, dun ko idi-discuss,” said Mahinay in an interview.

She included in the interview that although both the victim and the suspect receive psychoeducation, both are given entirely different questionnaires.

“Kase kapag si suspect or yung perpetrator, ang sakanila more on bakit mo ginawa yun, ano yung reason, kapag si victim naman, ano naman nararamdaman mo ngayon, kamusta ka na, magkaiba yung flow pero parehas silang may psycho-education,” she added.

During the interview, she suggested the Department of Education (DepEd) give both public and private schools additional guards to help protect schools.

Mahinay also included that the reason this suggestion came to mind was due to the killing of a student from Culiat High School caused by a lack of security guards to prevent the weapon used from getting inside the school.

“Although meron naman tayong pulis, kaso di naman lahat ng school meron, kung pwedeng, inspect yung mga bag, then mag dagdag ng tao kase kapag si guard lang mag-iinspect ng bag o si teacher, si teacher may klase, si guard isa lang siya na mag-iinspect ng lahat ng bag ng bata.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief public information officer, Redrico Maranan, said in an article by the Inquirer on January 30 that the PNP opts to deploy more police officers to schools amidst cases of school violence.

“Mas dodoblehin natin yung mga pulis na bumibisita sa mga eskwelahan. Kung kinakailangan, yung ating mga pulis, kung sapat ang kanilang bilang, ay tumulong po sa ating mga security guard na mag-inspeksyon nung mga bag ng ating mga estudyante,” Maranan said.

According to an article by the Inquirer released on January 23, 2023, eight in ten Filipino children are reported to experience some form of violence, including in schools.

Soaring heat leads blended to blended learning, shortened F2F classes at QHS... from p1

It was not the first time QHS has changed the schedule to address the intolerable heat affecting the students, teachers, and school personnel’s health. In April, QHS implemented blended learning with three days of face-to-face classes and two days of distance learning.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the heat index in Quezon City ranges from 35°C to 40°C and also warns of hotter days this month of May.

The implementation was made in accordance with the announcement of the Department of Education (DepEd), as they allowed the school heads of both public and private schools nationwide to have the authority to suspend or cancel in-person classes.

As per DepEd Order 037, Series of 2022, the guidelines on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in schools in the event of natural disasters, power outages, power interruptions, and other calamities are in Memorandum No. 2023-077 dated April 20.

Blended learning, modular distance learning (MDL), and shortened face-to-face classes are Deped’s go-to solutions for power outages, oil spills, and intolerable summer heat, including a shortage of classrooms and teachers, says the chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Vladimir Quetua.

The agency DO 037 provides the implementation of MDL and Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) in the event of suspension or cancellation of in-person classes due to natural disasters, other calamities, or human-induced hazards to ensure the continuity of learning competencies and objectives are met.

DepEd spokesperson Michel Poa told the reporters in Viber Messenger on April 22 that principals and school heads have the authority to suspend in-person classes and switch to alternative delivery modes if the extreme heat is affecting the health of the whole school community.

DepEd also directed School Division Offices to monitor schools’ implementation of MDL and the suspension or cancellation of in-person classes and submit their reports to their respective regional directors.

Photo by: Christ JohnBasiya

Photo by: Christ John Basiya

QHS The Leadon wins 10th place in DSSPC 2023...from p1

This year’s theme was “Campus Journalism: Locally Responsive, Globally Engaged”.

Phoebe Cor-oyen, School Paper Advisor of The Leadon, couldn’t believe QHS had won with most of The Leadon contestants from 8th and 9th graders with almost no experience of joining contests.

“Little did I expect that we would win given that more than half of The Leadon contestants were 8th and 9th graders and almost all were first timers. It may be a beginner’s luck thingy, still it is a huge blessing” said Cor-oyen

A 8th grader who had no prior experiences , Ethan Hipe, won 3rd place in the news writing category.

Meanwhile, grade 12 students Kimberly Amilao of section ABM, and Gabriel San Juan won 3rd place in Column Writing and 8th place in Science Writing respectively.

In the group category, Radio Broadcasting won 5th place overall with best new presenter, best anchor, and best infomercial all in 5th place and 2nd in technical application.

The team consisted of all 9th graders, being Jode Cedo, Matthew Paler, Julia Dangeros, Ava Villaluna, and Hannah Olop.

Franz Pumaren gives ‘First Priority’ to QC 3rd District

by: Hannah Jechel Simon

Franz Pumaren provides essential goods and items to citizens in schools and barangays in District 3.

34,709 students from different public schools in District Three have been given IDs and uniforms by Congressman Franz Pumaren. Meanwhile, 1,787 uniforms and IDs were donated to the teaching personnel in schools in District 3.

Pumaren also conducted a medical mission for 115 residents, gave out "Medical Assistance Guarantee Vouchers" for residents with a total of 17,000 beneficiaries, and established a dialysis center located in Barangay Marilag.

His team distributed the ‘Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations’ (AICS) Ayuda Payout worth $40 million with the help of DSWD for hundreds of beneficiaries in need of medical and financial assistance from different parts of the district.

Franz Pumaren, with the help of DOLE, has given 40 million pesos to FP Tupad Payout" beneficiaries for disadvantaged workers.

"Salamat po Boss @Cong. Franz S. Pumaren sa walang tigil na pagbibigay ng financial ayuda lingo-lingo. Tunay na kami ay iyong FIRST PRIORITY." Facebook user Joy KT Afable said

The congressman also led and donated bicycles, phones, and rice for the DOLE "Tupad payout" in order to provide emergency employment for 801 displaced workers.

"@Cong. Franz S. Pumaren, sobrang salamat po sa inyo sa patuloy na pagbigay tulong at support sa ating mga ka-brgy. Napaka laking help po niyo para sa amin." Facebook user Fatima Lara Pascua Orense expressed her gratitude towards Cong. Franz’ work.

Construction for DepEd's "Pabahay for teachers" program officially starts...from p1

The ceremony took place in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City (QC), which was also where construction of the buildings began.

The pabahay for Quezon City teachers has one twelve-storey and eight five-storey residential buildings meant to house teaching and non-teaching personnel.

The QC government hopes to benefit around 300 individuals, exclusively chosen based on their socioeconomic status, while 144 units are for teaching and non-teaching workers of DepEd who will go through the same qualifications.

“Nabigyan sila ng karapatan din na magkaroon sila ng sarili nilang tirahan kase sila naman po ay dito nagse-serve as a teacher, tapos dito naman sila bumuboto,” said Faculty Club President, Helenette Ramirez, regarding her feelings towards the project.

The Vice President of the Philippines, Sarah Duterte, one of the main guests of the program, said during her speech that the reasoning behind the program was to solve “the lack of adequate, proper, and safe housing for many of our countrymen.”

As of today, there is no set date for the program’s completion.

The dates of both individual and group categories were February 19 and 26 with group categories being first.

The closing and awarding ceremony was was held with 50 other schools in San Francisco High School (SFHS) on March 4, 2023.

“I would like to thank all those people who supported and rooted for us. We take this as a challenge to improve more” stated Cor-oyen.

Quirinians say no to jeepney phase out

by: Hannah Jechel Simon

80% of Quirino High School students fully support the call for #NoToJeepneyPhaseOut.

In a survey conducted at Quirino High School (QHS) on May 29, students expressed their disagreement with the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) or modernization project.

"Phasing out those jeepneys that have been part [of] our culture [and removing them] is like removing a toy car beside a kid who likes to play with cars. The jeeps provide us a small amount of money for a fare, and that gives convenience to us [as commuters in the Philippines]," stated Kevin Joseph Gimpes of 12-Aristotle.

"I simply do not agree with the jeepney phaseout. It’s because our country was known for our colorful jeepneys, and the modern jeepneys are much more expensive and less spacious than the traditional jeepneys. Also, it’ll be hard for jeepney drivers to move to the modernized jeepney because it costs more than their daily wages," a Quirinian stated in the survey form.

Some students also shared their disappointment with the lack of sustainable government support for the affected drivers and jeepney operators.

"It saddens me because instead of the government helping our jeepney drivers, they make their lives harder because they want to modernize the jeepneys. As a commuter, I can say that it will be challenging for us to adapt to the mod-

ernization they want, and this will make the price of transportation fees higher," a survey respondent stated.

They also cited the possibility of its effect on fare hikes. Currently, ordinary jeepneys have a minimum fare of P12.00 for regular passengers and P10.00 for students, whereas modern jeepneys ask for P14.00 for the regular fare.

"Nakakalungkot dahil imbes na matulungan ng gobyerno ang ating mga jeepney drivers ay mas pahihirapan lang nila ang mga ito dahil sa ninanais nilang modernisasyon. Bilang isang commuter ay masasabi ko na hindi magiging madali para sa lahat ang gagawing modernisasyon lalo na’t maaaring kaakibat nito ang pag taas ng presyo ng pamasahe," Sofia Dacanag of 10-Bonifacio stated.

Most student respondents see that the jeepney phase-out would cut the source of income for jeepney drivers.

The survey had 514 respondents, 25% of whom use jeepneys as their main mode of transportation to school.

The Land Transportation & Franchising Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) issued the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which states that March 2023 will be the last month for the operation of traditional jeepneys to comply and upgrade PUVs. It was halted after jeepney strikes, and the social media hashtag #NoToJeepneyPhaseOut became trending.

A Math teacher named Miss Quirino 2023

Ms. Kathleern Jaeight de Guzman of the Mathematics Department won the Miss Quirino 2023 crown on March 3.

De Guzman bested seven more teacher candidates from other departments during the pageant held in the QHS Dome at Quirino High School.

The contestants who participated in the pageant were Ma’am Jessdhyn Villarante (ESP), Ma’am Juliana Mayhew (English), Ma’am Sarry Hernandez (Araling Panlipunan), Ma’am Maria Amara (SPED), Ma’am Myra Isla (TLE), Ms. Jennifer Rosco (Science), and Ma’am Christia Salarda (Filipino).

"Siguro ang pinaka obstacle [in preparation of the contest] medyo time consuming siya dahil after working hours so na pag-uwi mo pagod na pagod ka na eh may trabaho ka pa bukas" de Guzman said during an interview to express her struggles during the preparation for the event.

Miss Quirino 2023—formerly known as Ms. Valentine—aimed to showcase the beauty and skills of the teachers. It took a five-year hiatus after its last staging in 2018, where Ms. Mutya V. Jimenez won.

"I am happy that they launched this kind of pageant for teachers because giving back and bringing honor to Quirino High School after a long time is truly deserving of the title." Mrs. Mutya Jimenez, who was still a bachelorette when she won the title, said.

Ms. Jessedhyn Villarante of the ESP Department was named the first runner-up. She expressed her happiness at receiving the award, as she believed that all the winners deserved their titles.

The pageant, which started in 1987 has been hosted by the MAPEH Department. This year, the coordinator was Ms. Ruby Rose Abuan.

by: Hannah Jechel Simon

Photo by: Christ John Basiya

Photo by: Ralph Lontoc

Illustration by Joseph Darin Bunuan

POTATO CORNY

Burning hot or soaking wet

by: Chelze Gallenero

The school year 2022-2023 is almost coming to an end. We only have two months left to accomplish the remaining lessons, activities, and tests for the fourth quarter. For graduating students like me, we will need time to practice for the graduation ceremony, meaning that we have a shorter period of time to comply with the remaining requirements. However, there is still a debate between different parties regarding the new school calendar, which is from August to June, due to the sweltering heat in the country.

Due to the extreme heat ranging from 37 degrees Celsius to 44 degrees Celsius in the National Capital Region (NCR) reported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Education (DepEd) allowed the school authorities to implement blended learning. This solution was said to alleviate the problem of the soaring heat index not just in Metro Manila but also in different parts of the country. Recently, on May 5, several schools in Quezon City implemented shorter class periods, including Quirino High School, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Another key to remember is that extreme heat is not the only problem that is occurring that has been solved by the Department of Education through blended learning. One was that 56 out of 82 provinces have been placed under COVID-19 Alert Level 1, including Metro Manila. To ensure the safety of both students and teachers, blended learning is their way to address this. In addition, according to DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa, they are also eyeing blended learning as an approach to the issue of a lack of classrooms. Moreover, the DepEd is also studying the implementation of blended learning as a permanent mode of basic education in the country. Indeed, blended learning kills three birds with one stone.

Contrary to this, DepEd must think that what they have implemented is just a temporary and immediate fix. They should have focused on fixing the actual root or cause of the problem, which is contemplating the school calendar as it used to be before the pandemic.

As for myself, with asthma, being exposed to so much heat in the sun is a pain in the neck. I barely absorb the lessons during class periods from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. because of a headache caused by the soaring heat. Also, the 12 p.m. dismissal is unimaginable. Imagine yourself stuck in a crowded place just to get on jeepneys and tricycles. Walking while holding your umbrella is useless, as the heat will just go straight to your body, plus the heavy backpack you're carrying will make you feel more exhausted.

The education sector is not the only one affected by the new school calendar. I consider that the tourism sector is also affected by this, knowing that April to May is a season where most people tend to go on vacation with their children. The sector also stated that the wet season is a low season for travel since people avoid the possibility of tropical cyclones.

As for my vacation last school year, I didn't have enough time to enjoy it since it was always raining.

On the other hand, defenders of the new school calendar stated that school classes were always suspended from June to July since it is typically the onset of the monsoon and tropical cyclones. If blended learning is also implemented during this season, the internet and signal can be unstable due to the weather.

As a student who is greatly affected by these weather disturbances in the country, it would be such a relief if the DepEd would give us more concrete solutions to alleviate these problems than blended learning. They should have considered the basic technical necessities of each student, including a sufficient internet connection and smartphones. They must also understand that students have different ways of learning and that not all of us have the capability to study on our own. They can't just always implement blended learning whenever the weather conditions affect us students, as it will cause confusion for us.

For you, would you consider yourself burning hot or soaking wet?

Stealing chances for

LOUSY PLACES

by: Kimberly Amilao

For a campus journalist, nothing is much more glorious than joining a school press conference. Although on the face value it is a contest that measures how well a CJ crafts their work, I like to see it as a chance. It is a chance for the youth to show that they, too, are capable of using press freedom in purveying the truth. However, a newly-released DepEd Memo would change that fantasy.

On April 20th, the Department of Education released DM no.024 s. 2023 which contains information regarding the upcoming Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) and National Schools Press Conference (NSPC). Traditionally, RSPC would take the top three for the NSPC. However, the new memo states that only the first placer of each category in the RSPC is qualified for the final round.

Just imagine preparing for a contest then a paper suddenly maims you. It turns out that you will not be partaking in it anymore because the higher-ups suddenly said that only the 1st place would join. Just imagine tears of anguish and disappointment falling from your eyes and the whispers saying, “it’s your fault for only being at the top three.” Try to feel the crushing agony that the supposedly contenders suffered as we delve in here.

Taking only the top one for the NSPC is harsh. Although slim, there’s always a probability that a CJ who got third place on the RSPC would win the first or the second spot on the NSPC. The course would always depend on how hard the CJs trained themselves and, admittedly, if their work matches the preference and judges’ standards on a well-written article. The decision just steals that very chance and the chance of experiencing the NSPC from the CJs. Moreover, the decision would most likely result in troubles. Let’s face it, the money from the registration fees of students is used to fund the schools press conference itself. With a limited number of people joining the event, the allocation of money would be limited too. Since a proper event needs a good lighting and sound system, a venue, decorations, and food for the people involved in it, fees collected from that number of participants would not be enough. Even if they managed to maximize the funds, it would only result in a shoddy National Schools Press Conference.

If the NSPC would really pursue an awful of an event due to lack of funds, then it would be truly sickening. Campus journalism is made into law to promote press freedom in schools and press conferences and is a chance for students to showcase how well they use that freedom in spreading the truth. With everything, I’m afraid NSPC is turning into nothing but a mere fulfillment of a tradition.

Although qualifying for the NSPC is an impressive feat for a campus journalist, it dawned on me that it is not as glorious as having the freedom to speak and having the chance to change lives with it. For all CJs, continue utilizing your skills in changing the world. Schools press conferences should not be our ending mark in using press freedom. Together, let’s become purveyors of truth even without feeling the NSPC.

Jhayiee Batumbakal

SK Programs: Stuck in Repetitive Cycle

by: Miriam Jhoy Belmonte

In a whirlwind of emotions, Filipinos experienced both the heartbreak of the Lakers’ recent loss and the shock of the Miss Universe Philippines results, turning social media platforms into a meme frenzy. But fear not, for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will soon drop a hoop-filled, sequin-drenched bombshell of their own. Brace yourselves for an encore of basketball showdowns and pageants, courtesy of the SK Elections.

With their regular occurrence and involvement in the projects of the elected candidates,

basketball tournaments, Miss Gay pageants, and dance contests have established themselves as staples of SK-related events. These contests, which take place in several barangays, appear to repeat as the program of SK continuously.

Although Filipinos love basketball and it encourages youth participation, Miss Gay pageants celebrate diversity and offer a platform for self-expression, and dance competitions feature lively performances and give off bright energy, the sheer number of these competitions repeating makes me wonder about their effectiveness and relevance in terms of the SK’s mission to the community, as the SK, or Sangguniang Kabataans, creates a youth council to address youth issues, promote community development, and foster youth participation.

Are these programs actually beneficial and relevant to the community’s goals and needs, or do they only add to the entertainment but unmet demands of the community? It caused me to wonder whether these activities will have an impact that lasts and whether they actually meet the requirements of youthful people.

I think that concentrating on such programs takes attention away from community development and other urgent issues affecting adolescents.

The financial component of the SK Elections allows me to pose additional questions in addition to the apparent lack of productivity. I’ve noticed that a lot of these ineffective projects rely on solicitations for funds. People are frequently asked to make financial contributions, including local companies, residents, and even politicians. Although this approach could help in covering the costs of the events, it got me thinking about the potential disparities in resource allocation. SK projects are not limited

to pageants and leagues; in education, there are projects such as free school supplies or scholarships for indigent youth. In health, there are feeding programs or seminars about mental health. For the environment, we can have a regular clean-up drive and also have sustainable tree planting.

Although SK has fine ideal principles, they could not be properly put into practice, much like the rest of our laws and regulations. It’s still possible to assist young people in making things right. Balancing entertainment and meaningful engagement is crucial in ensuring that the SK elected candidates will fulfill their purpose of empowering the youth, promoting community development, and fostering active participation in governance.

“Although SK has fine ideal principles, they could not be properly put into pratice, much like the rest of our laws and regulations.”

the LEADON 5

Turning Tragedy into an Action

In January 2023, the news of the killings at Culiat High School shocked many to their core. It was reported that, due to jealousy, a 15-year-old student stabbed to death his 13-year-old classmate. No words came into our minds—to say that we are terrified would be an understatement. A person with a sound mind would never consider injuring, let alone killing, a fellow human being, particularly one of our peers. But the thought of a person, especially a juvenile of the same age as us, committing such a heinous crime is beyond terrifying. It is only the tip of the iceberg when a child murders another child. Looking beneath the surface and uncovering the roots exposes how deeply ingrained violence is in our culture.

The Philippines have a reputation for being a profoundly religious nation that adheres strictly to its traditions. As we opened our eyes and took our first breaths in the Philippines, and as we grew older, we witnessed and experienced firsthand how strongly Filipinos are bound by tradition. The use of intimidation and violence to control and discipline a developing child was widely accepted in our society at the time. It had a significant impact on many generations of Filipinos.

It is an undeniable fact that most of us have witnessed relatives or neighbors getting scolded by their parents, and much worse is boasting about the beating that they have experienced. Worst of all, we were also the ones who experienced this kind of “disciplining,” such as getting spanked by a hanger or getting tied to an ant-infested mango tree. They have carved in our minds that violence “was the right way of teaching discipline.” From a father’s belt leaving red marks on skin to a flying blackboard eraser hitting a student’s forehead, these are all acts of concern and parental love, according to them.

Another factor contributing to school violence in our country is a lack of mental health awareness and resources for mental health services in our schools. Many students who exhibit violent behavior have underlying mental health issues that are not being addressed. In many parts of our country, the subject of mental health is considered taboo. While it was gradually being opened up to new generations, it couldn’t be helped that many chose to dismiss

the idea. Choosing to close their minds is the first step in our country’s deadly cycle of violence. If we continue to follow the man-made path carved out by the heavy footsteps of previous generations, nothing will ever change in this messed-up society, and the path will soon become a deep grave that will serve as our final resting place, whether we like it or not.

Given the circumstances, school violence is a serious concern. Worse, students make light of it. After-class “abangan” and “gripo sa tagiliran” jokes are symptoms of the ongoing violence. While it may appear to be a harmless joke among peers, it is a common occurrence in real life. But once these jokes turn into reality, take note that this is not a coincidence. It was a planned crime carried out by kids. It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice; it took a long time of contemplation and planning to get the timing just right.

After the reports of school violence caught national attention, the Department of Education (DepEd) promised that they would take the right action to make the schools a safer place for everyone. There were changes in school policies here and there, but we have yet to observe the real difference in the school system. If they actually want to make the schools a safe space for everyone, more decisive action must be taken. School violence is not simply a random occurrence; it is a complex issue that affects multiple aspects of an individual’s existence. They should consider that making school a safe space for students by addressing and preventing school violence is crucial to achieving the department’s learning goals.

For now, the most feasible actions that are being implemented—although not consistently—are having police presence during the start and end of class hours and socio- emotional services provided by the guidance office. However, these are merely reactionary measures. It is high time to design proactive programs aiming to prevent violence in schools.

School violence is a serious issue that requires a collaborative effort to address. Prevention strategies should concentrate on identifying risk factors and putting proactive measures in place to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. Positive relationships between students, teachers, and parents are important in preventing school violence. Because development begins at home, teaching children at a young age to be empathetic and respectful of others and not associating violence with expressions of love may make them less likely to engage in school violence.

The education department must act now while the situation is still favorable. We cannot afford in the future to be a country with frequent headlines about school violence—especially school mass shootings.

experiences followed a similar pattern: they sent polite messages and emails, were friendly, invited them to hangouts, and expressed their love for them.

This is hardly the only instance of child grooming. Indeed, several accounts of teachers assaulting their students in the most irritating manner have emerged, particularly in recent years. According to UNICEF, 17.1% of children have experienced sexual violence, with 5.3 % of cases taking place in schools. Sure, this form of abuse is not uncommon, but it is not addressed as frequently or as profound as it should be. This might be deeply rooted to the concept of consent.

Hell’s the Safest Place

Grooming occurs when an adult forms a relationship with a young person in order to exploit or manipulate them. It can take many shapes. It doesn't always begin with something overtly sexual. Giving gifts, getting the victim's confidence with promises, showering them with words of affirmation, and even touching the youngster in a nonsexual way that will escalate into something nasty are all examples of this. However, there are subtle acts that we may overlook, such as improper joking between adults and children or making comments about a minor's body image. Most people find it

amusing, and unfortunately, it is also accepted as the standard.

To add garnish to the already "frightening dish", grooming can take place anywhere and at any time. The most concerning of these locations is one that is "supposed to be a safe haven" for young students: schools.

Three former students of St. Theresa's College Quezon City (STCQC) came up in an exclusive article published by Rappler in March 2021 to disclose how they had built a love relationship with their high school instructors at STCQC between 2011 and 2016. Their

Most of the time, students fall victim to their perpetrators all because they were made to believe that they know what they're doing. Abusers would also argue that they were given "consent" by their "boyfriends/ girlfriends". Common people would agree too saying, "they never dislike the relationship so why even make a fuss about it?". The thing is, the law already places a certain age where people can make "real consent". It's 16 years old as per Republic Act 11648. Anyone below can't give "consent". We are also made to believe that real men are strong while women are meek. Perpetrators usually utilize this belief to cage their victims inside the hell they created. Now, when a male student gets groomed by his female or male teacher, it will be dismissed since a "real man" should man up and endure it. When a female student gets asked out or molested by her teacher, she would most likely get dismissed too since she's a frail little girl. She wouldn't have the might to fight her abuser anyway. With all those in mind, the victims wouldn't have the guts to speak up because society basically yells at them, "there's no problem. You are just overreacting!"

As heartbreaking as it may sound, even if kids successfully reported their teach-

ers' heinous behavior, it would have no effect on the teacher. The vast majority of teachers who commit these horrible crimes retain their teaching credentials. Some of them were even promoted to higher positions. While they enjoy the pleasures of life, their victims would be on the verge of insanity.

Factors in schools work against the victim of child abuse. As a result, they would scream in silence the majority of the time. They strive so hard to conceal themselves that their uncertainty and revulsion may haunt them in their nightmares. Every night, they would reflect on the horrors they had witnessed at the hands of those who were supposed to be their "second parents." Their sobbing would lull them to sleep. The torment would be too much to bear, and in the worst-case situation, they would offer their lives to make it go away.

If it happens that victims manage to keep breathing, they are inflicted with a longterm fright. They may feel terrible for being "vulnerable and gullible" enough to succumb to their abuser's overtures, despite the fact that it was not their fault. It can result in mental health difficulties like despair and anxiety. This could create an emotional scar that lasts a long time.

Schools should stop downplaying the potential that one of their personnel is a pedophile and start taking action. They should lead the teaching of consent and sex education. To deter predators posing as "masters" from sexually abusing youngsters on school grounds, begin by withdrawing their licenses. The fact that these teachers are child offenders will also harm their reputation, making it impossible for them to obtain work in the future. Any organization that allows young children to be abused should be held accountable. Tolerating such behavior does not raise one above the level of a pedophile. A school that openly harbors abusers renders itself even worse than hell.

Currently, the Philippines remains the second-fastest growth performer in Southeast Asia, but judging from last year’s economic difficulties, such as high inflation rates, its growth was much slower. As of April 2023, recent reports of the Philippine economy's growth range from 6.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to 7.6 percent of GDP, compared to last year’s rating of 7.6 percent. It has been expected that the Philippines will face much slower growth as of 2023. As for next year, 2024, the goal of GDP growth in the Philippines should escalate to 6.5 percent to eight percent.

To be frank, I personally find that the growth ratings of the country indicate that our economy is improving. Yet we still see socio-economic issues and status difficulties being observed all throughout the country. Clearly, GDP does not affect the current status of the citizens of our country.

First of all is our education system; based on Asia News Network, May 4, 2023, the Philippines is ranked second-to-worst in Southeast Asia. A factor in this can be the government’s lack of budget, especially for public schools; low salaries for the teachers; poor management of schools; poor school facilities; the environment the student is in; and finally, the content of the learning curriculum. Measuring economic growth through education should be part of these ratings. A low rating for studying students means a low outcome for the economy in the future.

Another factor that should be focused on is unemployment rates, which are still rising in the current year. The causes of unemployment rates in the Philippines are overpopulation, with a 1.54 percent increase from 2022, low salaries in different jobs, and the inability to take on available jobs because of a lack of requirements and documents. Education also affects unemployment rates in that a lack of knowledge causes an employee to quit or unapply for a specific job. Because of high unemployment rates, both gross domestic product (GDP) and gross net income (GNP) may start to go down with fewer workers in our country.

Romulus Antipolus

To progress without use

I also can’t say that the economic growth ratings are in good condition, and that is because of the ongoing poverty in our country. As of March 2023, 13.2 percent of families were experiencing poverty. These families can’t benefit from the economic growth considering that only the production of the country is being measured and not what these families need in order to have a good condition in their communities. Personally, our family has been experiencing financial instabilities because of the lack of jobs and limited resources, and for this matter, I, as a student, think that laboring at an early age should be the best option for us to be able to gain financial stability again.

by:

Though tuition is free in public schools, there are other expenses that need to be taken care of, such as house rental, food and groceries, transportation, medical expenses, and school requirements. The cost of these items continually rises, but because of necessity, our family needs to find ways to cover these expenses. Financial instability in the family may create stress, distract students from their studies, and limit the possibility of gaining access to needed resources. The option to study and work at the same time is unavoidable. However, though it can help reduce financial stress, it can also create additional challenges for students.

Despite these challenges in the economy, recent news and updates show that there are still major improvements in the socio-economic sectors. As a matter of fact, there are big changes from the previous year to this year. Take an example from employment rates: compared to 2022, 95.2 percent of 4.48 million people are now employed, as per the survey. Unemployment rates have decreased from 6.4 percent to 4.8 percent. But all this does not change the fact that our economy is improving to its fullest.

The government and other import and export holders should start looking at the country’s economic status in terms of the condition of the citizens inside the economy and not the production of goods and services by the country. The number of GDP does not affect or do any good for the status of our country. The higher the GDP, it does not mean that the economic status should be in perfect development.

Sleepy Homebody

The Generation of Guinea Pigs: Improvement or Experiment?

by: Juliana Dumalag

It is no secret that our country’s education system has been nothing more than a guide for schools to reinforce the cutthroat and achievement-oriented environment that defines the rat race mentality for the past couple of decades. Everyone wants to be successful, but when success is defined as ranks, test grades, and winning numerous competitions by beating your peers, it can create a high-pressure environment that is capable of displacing students’ priorities. Instead of genuinely wanting to learn, many students simply want to meet the definition of success and will go to any length, even if it means sacrificing their well-being and relationships. No matter how others sugarcoat it and make it sound appealing, it was and still is a rat race training ground that we are all expected to compete in.

The Department of Education (DepEd) recently released a revised version of the K–12 curriculum for their Basic Education Report (BER) 2023. It was subject to criticism until May 3, 2023. In her speech, Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte stated that their project “MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Bansang Makabansa” aims to address basic education challenges and improve the Philippine education system through its four components:

MA - Make the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible students;

TA - Take steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services.

TA - Take good care of learners by promoting learner well being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment, and;

G - Give support to teachers to teach better

I believe that our generation’s students have far too much on their plates. We are still recovering from the recent pandemic, which forced the world to confine schools to a boxed screen, and they are now changing the curriculum once more to see what works and what does not. We have been experimented on and forced to conform to changes that have caused many bright young minds to lose their spark. What guarantees do we have that this will be for the better?

“It is true that English, as the universal language, needs to be mastered for better job opportunities. While I understand the logic, I believe that there is no need to eliminate the separate mother tongue subject entirely. Why learn another language when you can’t even understand deep levels of your own?”

I remember when I was younger, my elders asked me, “Gusto mo ba na magaya sa buhay ko?” As a child born and raised in poverty, surrounded by people who were only given two options—work until you can’t or study to be somebody—I consider myself fortunate to have been given a choice, as many of my neighbors cannot even afford to support their children through elementary school and instead force them to work early on to help feed their siblings. Many people, including my family, believe that education is the key to success because it opens up many possibilities for a person. Furthermore, by attending school, students can learn many valuable lessons and information, as well as discover the path that they want to take in life. In terms of changes, it was stated that the subject MAPEH will be removed from elementary education, specifically from kindergarten to grade three, and will be replaced with the Sikap, which stands for Sibika, Kultura, Kasaysayan, and Kagalingang pangkatawan. The new learning area combines social studies, arts, history, and physical education. It aims to improve young students’ literacy and overall well-being. Sexual and reproductive health will be taught as early as fourth grade. Furthermore, beginning in grade one, the English subject will be taught and prioritized over the mother tongue subject.

I believe that early sexual and reproductive health education will greatly assist children in understanding their bodies and is a step toward exposing the taboo topic to be seen as a normal part of our lives. But I’m worried about when the mother-tongue subject will be replaced by the English subject. While I understand that teaching English early on will improve the ability of young Filipino students to use the language, which will benefit the students in the future, it is also important to note that as important as the English language is, so is our own. Because teaching students the language they use in their daily lives will make it easier for them to improve their literacy skills.

They say that elementary school is the foundation for

the country’s future because it is where students are formed early on. To be a responsible and well-equipped citizen who contributes to the advancement of our country. It was ironic, in fact, that they aim to produce a citizen willing to give back when the curriculum pushes for the elimination of the mother tongue because it is not as “important” and needed as English. It is true that English, as the universal language, needs to be mastered for better job opportunities. While I understand the logic, I believe that there is no need to eliminate the separate mother tongue subject entirely. Why learn another language when you can’t even understand deep levels of your own?

According to a study done by the International Online Journal of Primary Education, “there is a significantly higher achievement of the pupils in literacy and numerical skills when taught using the mother tongue as medium of instruction compared to those pupils who are taught in conventional strategy as medium of instruction. This implies that they preferred to be taught in their mother tongue”. While learning the English language can be beneficial, as many jobs in the local economy and abroad require those skills, mastering the native language provides a solid foundation for further learning.

In grade 10, the topics of red tagging, extrajudicial killings, and trolling will be covered as part of the human rights violation lectures. Other contentious issues, such as the West Philippine Sea (WPS), will be added to the lesson. They also intend to include the ruling of the tribunal in the Hague, Netherlands, where students are expected to study globalization laws and policies, among other things.

As a whole, I believe that, while this is all experimental and we are in for a bumpy ride, we can navigate this change for the better with the collective efforts that all of us are willing to give. We hope that if they are willing to listen, we will be able to change the course of our lives and break free from the vicious cycle of the rat race.

Joseph Darin Bunuan

Illustration by Joseph Darin Bunuan

OPINION the LEADON 7

A Can of Sardines

by: Ava Yeshaya Villaluna

It is no surprise that commuting in the Philippines can be a big hassle. With long, snaking lines of people in terminals waiting to grab the opportunity to travel to their destination, rush hours are basically the norm here in our country.

Not only is it a nuisance for most individuals, but this also drains hours of productivity merely by waiting for a ride and being stuck in traffic. Some people frequently come late to work or class due to the time spent commuting from one place to another. A similar situation I experienced was coming back to Manila after my three-day stay in Batangas. As I arrived at Taft Avenue at around four in the morning, passengers were already flooding the train station, even though it's meant to open at 5 a.m. Like a can of sardines, the train station felt crowded. Since there were so many people in line, it took me over an hour to get my ticket. I had school that day, so I was supposed to go home at around 7 a.m. so I could make it on time. However, despite my early commute, I still arrived late, which made me absent for the rest of the day.

Considering that MRTs and LRTs are among the most affordable and useful modes of transportation, I believe that as more people use them, they are more likely to get congested. I

should also mention that this happens on carousel buses as well, particularly during the brief period when passengers are allowed to ride for free.

Cheating desperately for a piece of metal, like their life depends on it. Hannah, aspiring for rank one, works hard yet mentally unstable. Sadly, the school system tolerates clever cheaters.

Hannah ranks second in the class, coming after 'CJ', the smart kid. However, in reality, she's more like the one who cheats their way to the top. Hannah has always been a hardworking student, studying and pulling all-nighters to achieve her goal of being the top of her class. Despite her efforts, the school system continues to tolerate people like 'CJ'.

Students cheat for passing marks or perhaps with the goal of stepping on others while sprinting to the top with zero effort. I once asked 'CJ' a question about our lesson in math. After asking the question, she stood there in shock—a blank face, her body frozen as if she were the Statue of Liberty. Well, what's funny is that she constantly gets praise and obtains perfect marks in every math test, with the help of teamwork!

High-achieving students who constantly feel pressure to obtain perfection may turn to cheating to avoid a bad test score that would disrupt the marks they have worked on for months. In addi-

Students were affected when the hottest months of the year got underway. I can say that even though it could appear to be an ordinary month of the year, it truly poses a serious threat and necessitates attention. Excessive outdoor exposure can lead to heat stroke and severe heat exhaustion. In fact, several students have actually experienced excessive heat that caused them to pass out, prompting the Department of Education to take action.

Due to the constant threat of intense heat, the DepEd offers to conduct hybrid learning. It prevents students from getting too much sun exposure, returning everyone to their old state of asynchronous mode, not to mention the situation of sitting with devices. Although it may not be very effective, it lowers the likelihood of heat-related issues.

From my perspective, hybrid learning has been quite beneficial. This time, it was done correctly to schedule both in-person and online classes on a weekly basis. Students will further discuss the topic in person while also having time to complete their assigned activities at home. Looking into it, hybrid learning appears to be successful since it allows students to learn efficiently while concentrating on their safety.

Although I am aware of the circumstances brought on by the summer's effects, is the use of hybrid learning sufficient?

From daylight to night, carousel bus terminals are also packed. The lines of people always reach the stairs of the overpasses whenever I take this means of transportation, and occasionally they are so long that they extend to the opposite side of the road. It also doesn't help that most of the people are there in the afternoons, when every- one is exposed to the hot, scorching sun.

tion of private and public transportation on the road is essentially what causes traffic, which also wastes hours of productivity. Based on how I see it, whether you choose the road or the railway, it will take time either way.

“Not only is it a nuisance for most individuals, but this also drains hours of productivity merely by waiting for a ride and being stuck in traffic.”

Apart from that, the road itself is overcrowded, as are the stations or terminals. Whether you commute or not—since certain individuals use private transportation—the majority of us have encountered traffic at some point in our lives. A combina-

Big eyed sky

Of course, there are ways the government has implemented to reduce traffic. Take number coding, for example. It limits access to the roadways for both private and public transportation vehicles on weekdays, depending on the final digit of the license plate. Though it may not be that effective.

Hypothetically, those who have access to an automobile may be able to purchase at least two vehicles. Therefore, even if the other car's license plate number is prohibited on a particular day, they can still use another vehicle with a different set of license numbers. Basically, it still contributes to traffic. But with this, the government may establish a rule that two vehicles' license plates must have the same last digits.

If traffic is reduced, it will be possible to balance the number of people using the road with those using the railroad. As a result, rush hours won't occur frequently. Therefore, going to work or class wouldn't make us feel crammed into a can of sardines.

Transparency over perfection

by: Hannah Jechel Simon

tion, students who receive praise are the ones who tend to cheat in order to satisfy the expectations others have set for them, according to research by APS Science. For example, a student who first did not let people copy during their first years of high school; though this changed when the student started to create cheat sheets in exams —un- til this grew in their sys- tem. Well, the student believes that cheating should not be normal- ized, but they have no choice but to do this in fear of getting removed from the top three of their class and due to the pressure of not achieving the expectations others have set for them. Academic dishonesty among students is, in fact, one

Arina Maeve

of the major issues we face in the education of our country. Last 2021, DepEd released a memorandum (DM No. 405, s. 2021) on promoting academic honesty, reiterating the importance of maintaining academic honesty. One of its' goals is to prioritize the development of programs and school rules to eradicate cheating, as well as offer recommendations on the assessment and grading system to remove competition among students. Despite DepEd's reiteration and promotion of academic dishonesty, the memorandum is not strictly implemented in the schools today. To be frank, I frequently see my classmates cheat and get away with it, even scoring the highest in the exam in an easier way, receiving cheat sheets from a different school, using phones during tests—well, the list could go on forever.

Will aiming too high—for the numbers, medals, and certificates even be worth anything on your deathbed? We all have forgotten the purpose of education; to learn. There is nothing wrong with striving for perfection, because perfection only matters if you actually work to improve yourself to achieve it. A gentle reminder: Transparency over perfection.

Heatwaves persist, but funding remain steady

by: Rina Mae Natividad

Deped will need to act in this regard as well. Vice President Sara Duterte prioritizes student safety through the "MATATAG" agenda, which includes providing safety and a conducive learning environment. Although they had a ton of ready- made plans, they ignored the fact that air ven- tilation is what the majority of stu- dents actual - ly need.

“The DepEd Fund is intent on creating the best possible learning environment in order to raise academic achievement and broaden youth understanding. But is it not proper to begin by addressing everyone’s needs, not just those of a select few?”

I'm not arguing that they were irresponsible in this scenario, but many students endured exces - sive heat before they gave it a great deal of consideration.

The DepEd Sector affirms that P150 million in confidential money has been authorized and will be used to assure the safety and security of students and staff. In particular, during this

period of high temperatures, DepEd must give priority to allocating funds for enhancing the air ventilation systems in schools. Indoor air quality can be considerably improved by investing in high-quality air filtration systems, air purifiers, and suitable exhaust systems. These improvements not only minimize the risk of heat exhaustion but also the spread of infectious diseases.

This all stems from the calendar. They prefer taking in-person classes due to the excessive amount of time spent educating online, but unfortunately, these 203 school days fall during the hottest months. The old calendar does not fall on the hottest day of the month; therefore, students do not experience the same severity of misery as they did under the new calendar. DepEd was eager to make this happen but will need to undergo a “slow transition” just for it to be accomplished.

The DepEd Fund is intent on creating the best possible learning environment in order to raise academic achievement and broaden youth understanding. But is it not proper to begin by addressing everyone's needs, not just those of a select few? The government's plans, notably the one that aims to boost air ventilation, are very much desired by the students. Every year when this extreme heat wave occurs, countless individuals demand the funds to show, yet DepEd remains steady.

“There is nothing wrong with striving for perfection, because perfection only matters if you actually work to improve yourself to achieve it.”

Netflix. Those are popular in the Philippines because not only teenagers but also elders are active on social media nowadays.

The years 2020–2021 were the years when streaming websites gained more attention than traditional TV stations; that time was pandemic. Teenagers and elders started using electronic devices due to lockdown and a lack of communication with loved ones. The boredom also caused people to be in favor of using phones rather than TV.

Before the pandemic, when my grandfather was still alive and breathing, the television was always on. Every one of us joins him, sits with him, and watches noontime shows while eating; the same goes for dinner time. He often changes the channels to wrestling or comedies until it is time for news. He doesn't like it when he misses watching the news. He blames us if he is unable to watch. And once the television was turned off, some of us would charge ourselves or play outside.

My grandfather only uses his phone when the outlet is full. He only wants to watch wrestling on YouTube or Facebook. He asks me to play wrestling for him to watch his favorites, John Cena, Undertaker, and Rey Mysterio. That year was the time when streaming websites were rising faster because almost everyone could afford to buy phones.

The saddest year, 2022, was when he took his last breath. As he took his last breath, the television became a display, as if it had also lost its life. Every time I visit their house, I can only see my cousin and his wife focused on scrolling on their phones and not eating together as a family. They eat one by one with their headsets on. The house doesn't feel like home anymore.

One night, I slept in their house on a rainy Tuesday. When I woke up, my grandmother immediately asked me, "Do you have class today? The rain is so heavy. Our city is on the list of suspended classes here on Facebook."

Then I responded and said, "Let's go check and open the television." So we did. It turns out classes are not suspended, and she forgot to check for the blue mark on the Facebook page she saw. She suddenly remembered that she used to watch television with her husband every morning.

Streaming websites are booming! TVs are almost forgotten. Are you one of those who enjoys but forgets?

TV stations and streaming websites are abundant and relevant sources of entertainment and information. These can be found inside the houses that project from the screens of our gadgets or televisions. Here, everyone can watch comedy, news, drama, horror, etc. ABS-CBN and GMA are the best examples for TV stations, while streaming websites are Tiktok, Facebook (FB), Youtube, and

This occurrence made her post reels on Facebook every time she remembered her late husband. In the reels, she included their photos and videos together, along with spots they went to, especially the beautiful and relaxing province of Bicol. She often asks me if we have photos together for her to upload.

My grandmother is on streaming websites when she wants to watch for entertainment and to make an entertainment. She made it her hobby, and she was actually happy doing it. If I notice that she's too much on her phone, I'll invite her to watch television to serve as a rest and for us to gather some information regarding the events happening inside and outside our country. I also want to help her bring her love of watching television back so that she can remember my grandfather and avoid fake news.

Gen Z and Gen A: Grappling with Economic Instability

Poverty is a reality that many members of Gen Z and Gen A have grown up with. It’s a struggle that affects millions of people worldwide, many of whom are young adults trying to pave their way in life. Over the years of pasts and changes, poverty still remains. Why does it still stand after all these years of alteration?

Many people may blame the current financial crisis for the struggles of many Gen Z and Gen A members, but the reality is that poverty has always been a prominent issue for many young people. The cost of education, food, and other basic necessities can be overwhelming, especially for those without a well-established support system or financial resources. Additionally, young adults often face discrimination based on their age, gender, race, and other factors, which can limit their access to employment and economic opportunities.

As Gen Z and Gen A began to enter adulthood and start planning for their future, they were quickly faced with the harsh reality of the poverty crisis, a reality that many had never had to face before. With increasing housing costs, student debt, and inflation, many young adults found themselves struggling to make ends meet, let alone consider starting a family.

Having children has become a distant goal for many people in today's society. As the cost of raising a child soared, many people chose not to have children at all. It's hardly surprising that this worldview has become

by: Hannah Bea Olop

more widespread among young adults in a society that prioritizes wealth and financial security above all else.

The economic difficulties that Gen Z and Gen A are facing have had a severe impact on the decision of many young adults to have children. The reality is that raising a family has become increasingly expensive, and many young people may be concerned about being able to provide for their children financially.

One of the most worrying parts of the issue is the declining birth rate among Generation Z and Generation A. Birth rates have fallen dramatically in recent decades, and this trend is projected to continue. This tendency can be linked to a variety of factors, including the high cost of raising a child, the availability of safe abortion methods, and others.

The connection between the poverty crisis and the decreasing birth rate is not difficult to see. For

many young adults, becoming a parent is a major life decision that necessitates financial stability. Additionally, raising a child also entails time and resources that may not be readily available to many young people who are working full-time jobs or attending school full-time.

As young adults begin to learn and understand the range of the poverty crisis and the negative impact it has on their ability to start a family, it's imperative that we address not only the immediate issue of poverty but also the long-term consequences of a declining birth rate.Despite this knowledge and awareness, it is often difficult for young adults to find practical solutions or ways to effect change. They may feel overwhelmed or powerless in the face of such a vast and complex problem.

Poverty is not a new issue, but it continues to be a significant concern affecting young people. We can help build a world where young adults have the resources they need to have a family and thrive by raising awareness and taking collective action to combat poverty. Individual remedies, however, can only go so far. Collective action is also required to address the broader systemic challenges that contribute to young adult poverty. This entails investing in policies that level the playing field for young people by ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities regardless of their origin or identity.

by: Jode Cedo

Illustration by: Bea Paulino

Illustration by: Phoebe Cor-oyen

FEATURES

VOLTES V: A Family Legacy

by: Jode Cedo

Let's volt in!

They're back! People of the 80s and 90s, are you all ready to volt in once again? Your favorite anime television series is here again, but there's a twist. The Philippines has finally launched its live-action adaptation of the famous Voltes V: Legacy, directed by Mark A. Reyes.

This became the talk of all social media platforms. Everyone was excited when the Voltes V trailer appeared on GMA Integrated News four months ago. Filipinos are proud of GMA for making them watch their childhood series come back. A fan named Cale x Cale commented, "Ang cute ni little John!!! Kudos GMA! Ang Galing talaga... Binigyan niya talaga ng buhay si voltes v na [favorite] ko nung bata ako. napaka nostalgic nito para sa ming batang 80s... Ilang beses ko play ung trailer"

The first episode was released on May 8, 2023, Monday on GMA. The series' time slot is 8:00 p.m. every weekday. Every episode can be watched at the GMA website and the GMA Network's official YouTube channel.

“There comes an end to all things”—Robert Louis Stevenson, from the book The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I remember the times when I would buy an affordable, high-quality, and cute stuffed toy for my crush or a special person in my life. I would go to the department stores of SM, Robinson’s, or Ayala Malls. Sometimes, I would go to Miniso or The Gift Factory. For some reason, I was never satisfied with the actual stuffed toy itself. It never satisfied my preferences. Then, here comes the blue magic! And the stuffed toys there? It was somewhat magical!

Blue Magic is a souvenir shop. They provide a variety of stuffed toys in different sizes, keychains, stickers, and lots more. They provide fine-quality products that are worth the buck. This is one of the particular reasons why I would always look for The Blue Magic Store if I wanted to buy a gift for my special someone. Plus, the packaging of the stuffed toys is secured to protect them from any environmental factors like rain or dirt.

On April 30, 2023, a Blue Magic store branch announced that it would cease operations. The closed branch was located on the ground floor of Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. After 16 long years of bringing happiness and excellent quality toys for children and loved ones, it came to an end.

It’s sad news, especially for me as a loyal customer. It’s actually difficult to find Blue Magic Store branches around Manila. There were other branches that also stopped operating during the COVID-19 pandemic as well. The number of stores that are still operating is scarce. It’s rare these days to find a souvenir shop like Blue Magic. It was mentioned in the “foreclosure” note that their operating branches are either in SM Bicutan or SM Megamall in Metro Manila.

The only other option where they could still avail themselves of a souvenir or stuffed toy for their loved ones would be their Shopee online store. But it could take days for you to receive it! So, it is really sad that another branch where we could get a gift the quickest is closed.

After hearing these, I opened Youtube to see what's interesting about this TV series. I lay down in our bed and turned my volume up to maximum. I'm shocked; I felt goosebumps when I heard their music while volting in. My younger brother, who was watching beside me, came and stole my phone from my hand. He replayed the part where they are volting in to hear the 'Voltes V No Uta' theme song and was totally shocked about it—jaw-drop shocked.

He got Last Song Syndrome (LSS) because he kept on singing it in our house all the time! Sometimes I get shocked because he will come up to me and sing the song. He often sings it randomly, even when we're walking to our grandmother's house, and when he's taking a bath, I can also hear the song on his phone. So, I got curious and looked up the lyrics with translations. The "Mitsumeau hitomi to hitomi Nukumori wo shinjiau" in English, "Gaze into each other's eyes.

Believe in each other's warmth" lines are the part that caught my attention since I felt that this is the feeling of being in love.

by: Gabriel San Juan

Before the store ended its operations, it provided us with one last way of bringing a smile to our faces. They provided each visiting customer with a heartfelt “goodbye” gift. The customers were able to receive a free stuffed toy. Now, the lucky customers are able to share their happiness and smiles with their loved ones.

Alas! In every beginning, there is an end. The Blue Magic store has provided people with its products for 16 magical years. As the chapter closes, a new one comes in. Blue Magic is there, and we can still get its magical touch online or in SM Megamall and SM Bicutan. As long as there are happy customers who can avail themselves of the remaining branches or online, the magic will still live on!

Since that day, he has been watching Voltes V because he is also interested in robots. He said, "Kamukha niya si Optimus Prime at Power Rangers, ano palabas 'yan kuya?" while saying it in a cute way. I felt kind, so I told him the title of the anime TV series. I saw my father in him. My father was also a fan of Voltes V during his younger days, before and after he had me. The house has comics of Voltes V from her mother in Japan. So I told him about my brother's interest in Voltes V. My father reacted excitedly. He came looking for his comics in their old house. Unfortunately, he was unable to find those comics because, when he moved out, all of his things were thrown away. He was disappointed and sad because he couldn't find his comics.

Still, I'm excited to see my brother volting in at Voltes V: Legacy. It's truly a generation. Being a fan of Voltes V is one of the family's treasures that can be a legacy.

Illustration by: Bea Paulino

My mom treats Tupperware like one of her children; does your mom also do this? They get angry when we forget our lunch box in school, making us use microwavable tupperware that is a hassle to clean with its unwashable, greasy surface. When we break one of our mom’s tupperware sets, it's like the end of the world because moms cherish their tupperware like treasures.

The enduring love affair between moms and Tupperware is a testament to the brand's impact on the everyday lives of families worldwide. Through its functionality, reliability, and capacity to foster connections, Tupperware has transcended its status as a mere kitchen accessory.

When I was in 7th grade, I forgot my lunch box on the tricycle, and that made my mom mad. She made me use an ice cream tub as a lunch box for a week—embarrassing, am I right? but that also taught me to cherish Tupperware, as these have helped us for more than 70 years.

Tupperware has developed over the course of seven decades to accommodate the ever-changing demands of moms. These containers make my mom happy because they help her in many ways, just like other moms. Tupperware continues to be at the forefront of culinary innovation, offering microwave-safe containers and creative storage options for busy people.

My mom uses Tupperware creatively; she uses it to store her sewing kit, store raw fish and meat, and use it as a coin bank. I prefer to use it mainly to store my lunch and snacks, or even my toy collection, to hide it from my cousins. There are many things that Tupperware can do that make my family’s lives much easier and more convenient. There is nothing that Tupperware can't store when my mom uses it; she makes it seem that anything can fit inside the container.

Tupperware encountered difficulties adjusting to shifting consumer demands. While their plastic containers were originally lauded for their durability and reusability, environmental worries about single-use plastics

FEATURES

A mom’s second child

by: Mark Joshua Gapud

have grown.

For many mothers, Tupperware serves as more than just an organizing option. It represents reliability and effectiveness that most of the time we kids can't perform. Through the decades, Tupperware has developed into a significant part of family rituals.

It's funny for me to think that these Tupperwares helped my mom more than I did. I can’t blame it because it has wide usability and inconveniences, from kitchens to picnics. It didn't only knock some sense into me to not leave tupperware anywhere but also boosted me to be more organized and have interactions with other people about having moms that love tupperware.

The association with these containers induces nostalgia in moms, reminding them of simpler times when family meals were shared around the dinner table. Tupperware's reputation for durability and quality has inspired trust, establishing it as a household name that mothers have relied on for years.

As advancement in our world becomes faster and generations are evolving at rapid speed, the Tupperware company, with its 70 years of helping our lives, is failing to reposition itself to a much younger audience. Tupperware has been our family's life companion, from storing foods when going out for a picnic to bringing lunch to work and school and even to family gatherings.

The iconic airtight seal and the Tupperware Party revolutionized home organization and empowered women around the world. As we step into the future, Tupperware's commitment to sustainability and continued innovation ensures that its legacy will endure for generations to come.

It has transformed into a reminder of happy memories, an instrument for keeping things organized, and a source of entertainment for families. Therefore, keep in mind that it's not just the containers themselves the next time you see a mom admiring her collection of Tupperware. It's all about the passions, thoughts, and rituals they hold.

Waves of PH fame

by: Hannah Simon

Waves consecutively hit the seashore, just as trends shine like a shooting star, slowly disappearing in the night. With the Hallyu wave crashing off, a new wave makes its grand entrance, carrying new trends, music, and shows and stepping into the global spotlight.

The Philippines makes history with massive hits from PPOP groups to television series, charting worldwide on iTunes and Billboard and bagging awards internationally. SB19, one of the most successful P-POP artists, has shone in the light and given the pathway to the success and international popularity of P-POP and the Philippine entertainment industry.

The 5-member group now represents the new generation of Original Pinoy Music (OPM), starting from rock bottom and now making history. SB19, a P-pop group that was on the brink of disbandment before a Twitter account entirely changed their lives after posting the group’s dance practice "Go Up," which drew attention and grew the popularity of the genre P-pop worldwide, Today, the group continuously tops the charts, being the first Filipino act nominated for a Billboard Music Award as a "Top Social Artist." SB19 also got nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act. SB19 wins award shows such as Artist of the Year, Song of the Year with their song "Go Up," and "Alab, Artist of the Year in the MYX Music Awards 2020 and 2021. The group also bagged awards from the Wish Music Awards as Wish Group of the Year, Wishers Choice Award, and Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year with their songs Go Up, Alab, Ikako, and Bazinga.

Moreover, the Filipino television series "Maria Clara at Ibarra" draws attention worldwide, constantly trending all over social media. The top-rated fantasy drama series revolves around the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, incorporating José Rizal's novels Noli me Tángere and El Filibusterismo.

Maria Clara at Ibarra, a series that portrayed historic events during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, The show about a Genz student who entered the world, Noli me Tángere and El Filibusterismo, tackles many social issues we face today, such as the struggles of working students, domestic abuse, misogyny, social classes, gender stereotypes, and many more. The series has received multiple awards, landing the top spot as the most watched show on Netflix Philippines and also bagging bronze in the 2023 New York Festival, gaining popularity nationally and worldwide.

After the finale of the series, social media users praised the award-winning show. "Just finished watching Maria Clara at Ibarra. Not a single second was wasted watching this. Napakaganda at napakaraming matutunan. It brings us back to the realization of what it means to be a Filipino and how to bring about a better Las Filipinas! #DavidDAngelo #MariaClaraAtIbarra", said Twitter user @ daviddangeloph.

The waves don't end here! British-Filipino artist beabadoobee is continuously creating hit songs such as Death Bed, Glue Song, and The Perfect Pair that trend all over social media. Filipino singer and songwriter Zack Tabuldo and OPM folk-pop band Ben & Ben are the most streamed Filipino artists on Spotify. Zack Tabuldo's hit song "Pano," with around 160 million streams on Spotify, becomes trending once again with 500 thousand Tik Tok users using the sound, circulating the internet once again.

With the Philippines slowly gaining the international spotlight, from OPM to the film industry. The rising success of our film and music industries has opened doors to penetrate our culture for the world to see through the capabilities of our very own Filipino filmmakers and producers. The big tsunami is still yet to come.

Illustration by: Bea Paulino

behind

by: Jode Cedo, Ava Villaluna,and Kimberly Amilao

Her touch was like magic. Even the coldest of hearts would melt with its warmth and sweetness. How her smiles and kisses soothed a broken soul is still a wonder, though. But what would happen if she suddenly… flew away?

A great mother, teacher, sibling, and friend to all. Close to everyone's heart, including her students. That's how everyone describes the wonderful teacher from the Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) department, Mrs. Nida T. Jimenez.

According to her co-teachers, Mrs. Jimenez was a kind, generous, and responsible teacher. She's a workaholic who is very committed to her job and has it as her main priority most of the time. Once given a task, she would go straight to Quirino High School to accomplish it, even if it meant sacrificing 'family day'. She would put great effort into her work, and she would not stop until she finished her task.

One of Mrs. Jimenez's closest teachers, Mrs. Pamela Badilla, attests to this. They've been workmates for 34 years. From Mrs. Badilla's point of view, Mrs. Jimenez is a professional teacher. She told The Leadon in an interview that Mrs. Jimenez disliked being absent. She was very punctual, and at some point, she was given an award for having zero absences in a year.

The current Head Teacher of the TLE department, Mr. Julius A. Sauza, also witnessed Mrs. Jimenez's hard work. "Napakadedicated ni Ma'am (Jimenez). Hindi 'yan titigil hangga't 'di nagagawa ang trabaho. Even on Saturdays, pupunta 'yan dito, nakakasama ko 'yan sa gardening. Isa naman sa mga events kung saan kailangan niya magstay sa school dahil maaga 'yong event. Kinabukasan, dito sila natutulog. [...] Kapag wala ako, siya 'yong gumagawa ng trabaho ko bilang head or ang designation ko." Mr. Sauza said this in an interview with The Leadon.

Mrs. Jimenez is not just a great teacher; she's also amiable and affectionate towards her peers. She loves gardening and would take Mr. Sauza and Mrs. Badilla with her. Also, for those who don't know, Mrs. Jimenez was a great cook. There were times when she would cook the food and refuse to buy it from the market instead. She would share her dishes with her co-teachers. Mr. Sauza is one of those people whom she spoils with her cooking. According to the head teacher, there was always food on his desk, which was very sweet considering that he usually takes a break late. He would get shy about it because he wasn't used to receiving such treatment She showed her motherly love to her colleagues, which made them respect and appreciate her even more. Mrs. Badilla told The Leadon that Mrs. Jimenez is the type of person with

whom you can share matters. They and their colleagues would also share pandesal every morning at their faculty. There were times when they ate suman, and every time it happened, Mrs. Jimenez would peel off the banana leaves for them. Mrs. Jimenez really likes to show affection and love to everyone, especially her two children.

When we asked Mrs. Badilla how Mrs. Jimenez was as a mother, she answered with an excited tone, "Naku! Napakaresponsible parent ni Mam Jimenez kasi may special son siya... "Nabubudget niya time nya sa anak niya, sa family, and sa work nya." Mrs. Sally Balbutan, a TLE teacher, also noted that Mrs. Jimenez sacrificed a lot for her children.

Mrs. Jimenez's touch is like magic. Even the coldest of hearts would melt with its warmth and sweetness. How her smiles and kisses soothe a broken soul is still a wonder, though. Her very existence is what cures a broken person. That's why it was utterly agonizing when she flew away.

At the age of almost 58, Mrs. Nida Jimenez was pronounced dead on arrival at about 4 a.m. on the 24th day of April. According to Mr. Sauza, her death might be attributed to her preexisting hypertension and ulcer. This news became widespread among the teachers and students of Quirino High School. No one expected to hear that another living, beautiful soul would be taken. Her death had a huge impact among teachers, especially those who are part of the TLE department. The lively breakfast in the morning, the lunch that was usually served, and the foods on desks all came to a temporary stop. Being with her for more than 30 years and sharing a sister-like relationship with her, Mrs. Abadilla could only recall the memories she shared with Mrs. Jimenez. The last time they bonded together was when they went to visit a retired co-teacher, Mrs. Nene Garcia, along with five others in Romblon. It never crossed her mind that she would delete all the pictures she took there and all the others they had together. She revealed that she was heartbroken over the death of her precious friend and that she was enduring it.

Mrs. Nida Jimenez's story teaches us that death is always a part of life. It's the end that we march toward every second we breathe. It should not be a reason to stop cherishing every moment we create. Savor the day, feel it, and share the bliss of life with those around you. As long as we love and care for everyone earnestly, we will always be alive in the eyes of those we leave behind. Now, why don't we start by standing up and embracing our favorite people?

Who’s Giron? The Goal-Getter

From classic Wattpad teen fics to Tiktok skits and even in real life, students who excel in extracurricular activities such as sports and ensembles are usually portrayed as "papetiks-petiks lang". These students did not have to exert much effort in academics since most of the time, their grades were fixed at "95-100" for participating in contests that brought glory to the school's name. They become automatically famous, having admirers left and right who would kill to have a chit-chat with them. Of course, their lives aren't all cheers and games. They are also subjected to the jeering envy of skeptics, who would humiliate them for being "not smart enough" to rely solely on academia. Well, both admirers and skeptics haven't seen the bottom of the iceberg yet. Let yours truly give you a glimpse of it.

There is a young man with average stature and a normal-looking countenance. He wears about four big IDs, like those of the MMDA’s, and a big black backpack. At first glance, he may seem like just another regular student, but everyone at Quirino High School would instantly recognize this guy. His name is Giron Dominic Vibal of Grade 12, Section Confucius. He recently made a name for himself by winning various contests both inside and outside the school, with his participation at the Palarong Panrehiyonal being the most remarkable.

Last October, he won first place at the English Month's Oratorical Speech Contest. Giron also bagged both district and division school press conferences, taking the first spot in Pagsulat ng Balita in both conferences. In 2023, he and his partner, Bianca Galangue, triumphed at the sports dance competition. They got 1st place at Solo Dance: Cha-cha, Jive, and Rumba, and they are hailed as the overall champions. They then represented Quezon City at the Palarong Panrehiyonal, where they took 4th place as the overall champion.

With so many competitions on his plate, it is safe to say that Giron is one of those "papetiks-petiks" students who are good only at contests but never at academics. Maybe he's even an idiot who doesn't even know that perfect squares exist or that the square root is different from division. Yet before his contests even took place, Giron was already far from being a regular student. He graduated from junior high school with high honors. Last school year, he attained the highest rank among his peers. This year, he was ranked first in his class for two consecutive quarters. He's also the news editor of the Ang Pag-Asa and the public protocol officer of the current Supreme Student Government. Aside from all of those, he's an advocate for JEAP and YES-O.

Giron is an intellectual who excels in so many areas. He must have had it easy, right? Before I reveal the answer, let's meet Giron Vibal in a more profound manner.

In his interview with The Leadon, Giron shared that there are moments that he did not really anticipate. One of those things

by: Kimberly Amilao

is being a dancer. In 7th grade, his MAPeH teacher saw potential in him after he danced Cariosa at the Mais Festival presented by all 7th graders. While watching a dance sport practice, the club's coach coaxed him into joining them. Giron, being a person who couldn't say no, agreed. He was a member of the Sports Dance Club until he quit in 2019 due to this:

"Ayaw kasi ng mother ko na lagi na lang akong ginagabi ng uwi... Tapos, syempre nag-aalala din siya na baka mapabayaan ko na yung acads ko and naiintindihan ko naman 'yon... My mother didn't like it whenever I went home late. Then, of course, she's worried that I'm neglecting my studies, and I understand that."

Giron decided to take Filipino jour- nalism as his TLE subject. So, a year after he first joined the dance sports team, he also joined the Ang Pag-Asa. He became the publication's delegate for news writing. Later on, he became their news editor. In the following years, he be- came a member of various clubs. During the pandemic, he also got a job as a writer for Team Positive Incorporat- ed, which he still retains to the present.

In 2023, Giron joined Sports Dance again. It is not because he really loved dancing. He actu- ally said that he did not like it as much as he loved Ang Pag-Asa. He didn't feel a sense of belonging there, nor did he envi- sion himself staying with the team. However, his current partner, Bianca Galangue, didn't have any other partners, so the team asked him to join. Gi- ron agreed, saying he treats Dance Sport as his "last ride". However, he also confessed that dancing is the activity with which he struggles the most. When he was asked

to join, the rain of performance tasks poured down on him since the end of the semester was approaching at that time. How did Giron manage to practice while bagging his acads? Simple answer: time management and communication. Every time he had to do something urgent, he would inform his coach about it. He also plans his activities ahead and segregates them based on their significance so that when the time comes, he will not cram so much.

He follows the "eat the frog" principle, where one should accomplish the hardest task first even if they don't feel like doing it. Despite having a hectic school life, Giron is no different from other teenagers. Like other teens, he has friends with whom he shares interests and hangs out. Like other teens, he has friends with whom he shares interests and hangs out. He also has a beautiful girlfriend whom he truly adores. He also experienced what others did, like sadness and disappointment, and even thought of giving up. Yet he perseveres.

"Giving up was never an option. Andun ka na eh. Bakit ka pa susuko?" Giron said. He added that not giving up is him paying homage to his advisers and coaches who nurtured him into the fine individual he is today.

For sure, Giron might be having one of the best lives. However, when he was asked what the best thing was about Giron Vibal, he paused. We fell into a deep silence before he answered the most enlightening thing:

"I think the best part of being Giron Vibal is being a go-getter. Sometimes, I get annoyed with myself for not saying "no"—for wanting to achieve what I desire and doing what it takes to have it, even if it means that I'll be losing myself in the process. But I'm thankful I haven't reached that point yet," he said, paused, and laughed.

Juggling extracurricular activities and academics is no easy task. Sure, students who take part in competitions get a high grade, but only in a couple of subjects. They have to go the extra mile to get passing grades in other subjects. Moreover, they are not instantly naive, as skeptics claim. In fact, they might be the most intelligent in the class but find it difficult to show it because of their busy schedule. So, for every student who reads this who couldn't balance their time or had second thoughts about grabbing an opportunity because of academics, Giron has one thing to say:

"My advice is to think twice, thrice. Because if you think about something hard enough, you can also figure out how to balance your time and everything you do. If you know you can't do it, don't force it. But if you know you can and believe in yourself that you can erase your fears, anxiety, and uncertainties, why not grab the opportunity to become a better version of yourself? Because only pursuing it can make you grow."

In the eyes of those we left behind In the eyes of those we left

Quirino High School to implement ‘The Warriors of WinS’

By Miriam Jhoy Belmonte

Quirino High School (QHS) plans to introduce the Warriors of Wash program, which recognizes the crucial role of hygiene education and strives to impart knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes toward cleanliness to students.

“Plano is sa bawat classroom magkaroon ng mga WinS warriors, WinS warriors, Wash in School warriors na tutulong na kayo mismo sa sarili ninyo na hindi na paalalahanan kung panong tamang paggamit ng palikuran, kayo na rin ang magpapaalala sa mga classmate ninyo kung paano pangalagaan ang sarili, community, tsaka yung maintaining ng ating kapaligiran.” WinS coordinator at QHS, Ruby Rose Abuan, said

The warriors objective is to raise awareness among students about the importance of hygiene practices. Through engaging activities and interactive learning methods, the warriors seek to influence positive behavior change among students.

It also encourages students to adopt healthy hygiene practices in their daily lives and by empowering peer education, the Warrior of Wash promotes peer education, empowering students to become hygiene ambassadors within their schools and communities.

The Warriors of Wash program is a pillar of hygiene instruction in schools, encouraging awareness, behavior modification, and community involvement.

By incorporating real-world learning opportunities and highlighting the value of cleanliness, the program gives students the knowledge and abilities needed to maintain their personal hygiene.

DepEd Order No. 10 or WinS Policy, s. On February 19, 2016, a document titled Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program was published.

The 2016 Presidential Conference on WASH in Schools was held in Pasay City on March 18, 2016, where it was presented by Secretary Armin Luistro.

SCIENCE FEATURES

A.I.: The Content Generating Wonders

By Gabriel San Juan

Another day, another article to write. I have read a dozen articles, and nothing seems to come to mind. This is probably another case of writer’s block. What’s worse is that I am running out of time. As I browsed through the home screen of my internet browser, I remembered that I have OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Rytr.me bookmarked.

ChatGPT and Rytr.me are two forms of artificial intelligence (AI) content generators. All you need to do is put a keyword in the search bar, and voila! You have yourself an essay done in less than a minute. I’ll try to use it here and see if you can spot the difference.

AI content generators are booming in 2023. It became so popular since it provided efficiency and timeliness for the content that you were making. It’s truly amazing that we have these kinds of applications developed, especially since most of our schoolwork and job tasks involve writing. We could finish a lot of writing tasks in a day.

For instance, for my report regarding reading comprehension, I used ChatGPT and Rytr. me to aid me in creating it.

“Reading is an essential part of life. It helps us gain knowledge, develop our thinking skills,

and explore new worlds and ideas. Reading can be a great source of entertainment, relaxation, and stress relief. It can also open up new opportunities for us to learn about different cultures, people, and places around the world. Reading is a powerful tool that can help us become more informed citizens of the world and make better decisions in our lives.” – Rytr.me

“Reading comprehension refers to the ability to understand and interpret what you read. It is a crucial skill that is necessary for academic success and everyday life.” – ChatGPT.

n less than a minute, I already have an introduction. In fact, ChatGPT also provided steps for improving reading comprehension. In no time, I would have completed my report. But, as compared to my writing style, it still felt lacking. Whenever I write, I always make sure that I establish connections with my readers.

As I observed the writing patterns of Rytr. me and ChatGPT, these applications only provide straightforward answers based on your search query. It lacks the human touch of writing, where the contents establish human connection. It is an amazing, yet imperfect, tool. There are many forms of AI content generators, depending on what you need. If

you need a writing tool to help you, you have those two examples above. If you’re looking for something related to video content creation, there are applications like Lumen5 and Wibbitz. If it is something about image generators, there are applications like DALL-E and Artbreeder. If you’re into music or any audio-related content, there are applications like Amper Music and Jukedeck.

There are many tools using AI that the tech industry has developed to help us. But that is just its main function—to aid us in reducing the amount of effort and time.

“This humongous dataset was used to form a deep learning neural network [...] modeled after the human brain—which allowed ChatGPT to learn patterns and relationships in the text data, predicting what text should come next in any given sentence,” says OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT.

A.I. Content Generators has improved search engine optimization, which allows it to gather information across all sources and references in order to come up with the content that you need. It is based on a set of codes or system logic in order to come up with the presented ideas.

The bot itself says: “My responses are not intended to be taken as fact, and I always encourage people to verify any information they receive from me or any other source.” OpenAI further added that there were occurrences where ChatGPT wrote “plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers.”

AI content generators provide wonders in the content-creating industry. However, in itself, it has limitations. The information they use is still programmed and already exists. You can still use Google and other search engines. Indeed, AI content generators are valuable tools, but they are “imperfect.” We should still be wary of its utilization since it still requires a human eye to validate the content. People are still irreplaceable. Think of it as how our computers work. The computer increases our efficiency, but it still requires its user in order to produce content. Likewise, these generators still require human involvement for quality content.

Now, tell me, was this article written by ChatGPT or Rytr.me or not?

Illustration by Bea Bianca Paulino

Photo by Christ John C. Basiya

Industrialization: Worth a shot or not?

When we were young, did you know that we had some family problems that weren’t really disclosed to us by our parents? Or we had some problems, and our friends helped us out, but we were completely unaware? In my case, my parents told me that they wanted to protect me.

Similarly, nature does the same to humans. That’s why sometimes we are not affected by certain natural disasters in some areas.

Kaliwa Dam

The proposed project to be done on the industrialization of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is the Kaliwa Dam. The concept of the Kaliwa Dam is aimed to address the water shortages occurring especially in the dry season of the Philippines.

The Kaliwa Dam is a “megadam”. It is twice as large as that of a regular dam and can hold a larger capacity.

It does sound like a good project since it would definitely address the water shortage issue on major “hot spots” of Metro Manila especially during the dry season. However, with such a goal, it demands a sacrifice. This is the particular reason why the Kaliwa Dam has been so controversial especially to environmentalists.

But, did you know about the super typhoon that hit us last year?

On September 25, 2023, Super Typhoon Noru which was locally named as Karding went across the northern part of Luzon. Its wind speed reached 195 km/h which marked itself as one of the strongest typhoons that struck the Philippines.

However, when it tried to pass the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, it suddenly weakened. It amazingly blocked the traversing typhoon; thus, ultimately, protecting the cities behind it. It is still a super typhoon, so parts of Bulacan and Rizal were affected and not spared from the floods. Had it not been for the Sierra Madre, perhaps, even parts of Metro Manila would have been greatly affected by the Super Typhoon.

As we can observe from the benefits of Sierra Madre, it is definitely the “backbone” of Luzon. The Philippines is situated in the Pacific

By Gabriel San Juan

Kaliwa Dam

Ring of Fire, and we are visited by roughly 20 typhoons per year, 5 of which can be destructive (Asia Disaster Reduction Center, 2019). To think, we are so lucky that we have this 1.4-million-hectare long mountain range that actually protects us from the destructive powers of Typhoons.

Imagine the catastrophic consequences we might encounter if the Sierra Madre would be taken out of the picture.

According to the article from The Greenpeace Philippines, with the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, it would “destroy” the ecosystem and culture found in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It would displace the residents and the animals. It violates the biodiversity of the location and its heritage.

“Deforestation predisposes heavy landslides and flooding to surrounding areas and puts thousands of people at risk, especially during peak rainy seasons and typhoons. This will result in the loss of precious ecological values in agricultural areas, wild lands, and wildlife habitats. Moreover, the forests in this protected sanctuary provide paramount services crucial for human survival — oxygen and water.” Added

Ms. Racho in her article on the Kaliwa Dam.

Many environmentalists suggest that the Philippine Government should look into alternative solutions in addressing the water shortage.

“The Green Machine”, an innovative wastewater management system involving wastewater recycling, was adopted by Singapore to supply water to their whole country. Another would be to employ restoration, protection, and rehabilitation of watersheds and upgrade existing dams to maximize their full capacity. On the other hand, we can also strengthen our water conservation policies.” Suggested by Ms. Racho in her article on the Kaliwa Dam.

The Masungi Georeserve

The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area because it is a rainforest in the Baras, Rizal, which is found on the southern part of the Sierra Madre. It is a spiky limestone garden, hence where the name was derived from:

“Sungki” or “Masungki,” which is also a sanctuary for more than 400 species of flora and fauna endemic to the Philippines, according to the PLC Network.

Have you ever visited this magnificent

georeserve park? It is truly a magnificent landscape. It is the perfect place for natural outdoor activities such as hiking, nature walks, and sightseeing. It is one of the tourist attractions here in the Philippines.

The sad reality is that Masungi Georeserve is one of the hotspots for deforestation, mineral extraction, and poor environmental enforcement. A variety of trees, plants, and animals live in this georeserve. The plants and trees helped us mitigate any possible landslides and floods.

“In 2009, Typhoon Ondoy hit these mountains, driving massive floods and landslides to both rural communities and lowland cities across Metro Manila. This resulted in the loss of more than 600 lives and damages of more than $1 billion to the Philippine economy says the Global Water Partnership in their article, “The Masungi Georeserve Story: Restoring Forgotten Watersheds Through Youth-Led Movements.”

“The Masungi Geopark Project, one of the largest collaborative reforestation efforts in the country, aims to help solve the triple crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and a looming water crisis through powerful youth-led movements.” Added the Global Water Partnership.

“Masungi’s conservation is also important because it serves as a recreational area that is one with nature. In highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila, it is very difficult to find green spaces to go to and visit. Parks are both scarce and overcrowded. Must we choose to make green spaces even scarcer?” added Tony La Via in his article “Save Masungi: A Park Constantly Under Threat.”.

Without nature, urban areas are affected by a great deal of catastrophe: huge amounts of flooding, the destruction of buildings, and the displacement of people. If we take these two key locations out of the picture, it would only provide us with more problems, not just environmentally but also economically. This is particularly the reason why there are many environmental movements that are starting to grow.

Face Mask Roll Back: Microplactics

By Kim Nieves

Finally, according to the news, the world is now pandemic-free. The news that we’ve all been waiting for—news that we want to hear and see

According to Rappler, the World Health Organization declared an end to the pandemic, which took the lives of many. “It is therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 a global health emergency,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Those words fluttered me, and I started thinking about the exciting things I could do with the new hope that opened beyond our eyes.

I was overjoyed about what I heard. Facemask no more, and I can now finally smell the refreshing air of the land. But when I was scrolling through Facebook, my world turned into shambles when I saw that microplastics are now in Metro Manila.

Microplastics are extremely small pieces of plastic, ranging in size from less than five millimeters long. These came from larger pieces of plastic, such as water bottles and plastic that is not disposed of properly. Oxygen breaks it apart, resulting in microplastic. However, there are others that are made intentionally to be mixed with the products we use every day, such as cosmetics.

We encounter microplastics every day, from the body scrubs that we buy to the dust that is around our house. “There’s plastic in every lab product we use”, said Kurunthachalam Kannan, an environmental chemist and profes-

sor in the department of pediatrics at the NYU School of Medicine.

With that said, what’s the big news? It’s true that we are exposed to it every time, but only in small amounts. However, right now, scientists have discovered microplastics in the air that we breathe. which can lead to a more fatal situation.

Microplastic has yet to be proven to have a direct effect on humans. The available data so far stated that microparticles could be hazardous to human health by acting as irritants. These are tests conducted on human cells and tissues.

However, we can alleviate this by wearing face masks. According to the research conducted by the MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, with the help of layers of face masks, the microplastics in the air can be filtered. However, they also stated that cotton and fashioned masks are important sources of microplastic. So, it is suggested not to use them because it will not help reduce exposure. In contrast, surgical masks still rank highest for the protection they can provide.

The news really shocked me because the dream of finally gasping for a new life without a face mask covering our faces turned into ashes. It’s sad to say, but in this current situation, we can’t do anything but play with the rules of nature.

Photo from The Philippine Star

Photo from CNBC News

Microplastic under microscope

Photo from The Washington Post

How to escape humanity’s rising problem: Beating the heat

By Hannah Simon

Turn up the heat, or maybe turn it down? Off we go! Down the hills and around the bends to our next destination, escaping the heat.

CHOO CHOO! As the heat index of our coun try rose with the highest temperature of 49 degrees cel sius at Guian, Eastern Samar, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last April 16, many struggled to escape the fast pace of the rising heat levels in our country. Keep on track! As the heat levels rise, the battle with heat-related illnesses begins now.

For years, scientists have generated much interest in the environmental changes of the past few years: global warming, the greenhouse gas effect, and the pollutants in the atmosphere. The warming of the earth is natural, as the earth’s climate has changed many times in the past. Although, according to National Geographic, these changes we experience today are much faster com pared to the previous decades,

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a committee of climatologists, meteorologists, geographers, and other scientists from all around the world, was formed by the World Meteorological Organi zation and the United Nations Environment Programme to evaluate the risk and effects of climate change, which is caused by human activities.

The Earth’s average surface temperatures have risen by 0.74 degrees Celsius, according to the IPCC’s most recent report from 2007. The IPCC states that the sudden increase in temperatures since the mid-20th century is likely due to human activities and the greenhouse gases that humans emit, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Carbon dioxide is the most significant green house gas emitted by human activity and accounts for 76% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Cen ter for Climate and Energy Solutions. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), cutting down forests, the decomposition of dead plants, forest fires, and gas exchange between the surface of the oceans and the atmosphere emit carbon dioxide into our atmosphere.

HOW TO KEEP HYDRATED?

Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water is essential to keep your body going. It is also important to replace sodium lost through sweat which our bodies need to function properly.

Keep out of the heat. The sun is at its highest at midday, but the hours around 12pm can also host soaring temperatures.

If possible, avoid being outdoors between 11am and 3pm, as this period

usually sees the sun at its strongest. Make cooling treats. There are few things better than ice cream or a cold dessert on a hot day.

Tie your hair up. Long or thick hair can feel heavier than usual in hot weather, especially if it’s dark as it absorbs more sunlight.

Let your body breathe. Wearing loose-fitting clothes made from lighter fabrics will allow the air to circulate around your body.

Source: Jenkins, B. R. (2019). 17 ways to keep cool this summer. Calm Moment. https://www.calmmoment.com/wellbeing/17-ways-to-keep-cool-this-summer/

Methane comes from livestock, landfills, farming, and sewage treatment and escapes from the Earth’s interior through volcanoes and other openings in the crust. These are some of the human activities that emit greenhouse gases. It is the second-most significant greenhouse gas emitted by human activity, accounting for 16% of it, while nitrous oxide comes from agricultural technology and accounts for 6% of the emitted gas. An increase in concentrations of greenhouse gases causes more heat and radiation to be trapped in our atmosphere, raising the Earth’s average temperature.

Scientists who study air samples from bubble-sealed glaciers have concluded that carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased by more than 30 percent since 1750, the beginning of the industrial age. With relentless heat waves happening all around the world, unfortunately, scientists believe that this may be only the beginning of the drastic effects climate change has prepared for us in the future.

We have arrived at the summer station for our trip. Here are some public health advisories from PAGASA to inform us of the possible effects of the heat crisis our country faces today. Extreme exposure to heat may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, skin cancer, and heat stroke. Quick reminder! Limit your stay outdoors, wear appropriate clothing, and stay hydrated!

The government advises their passengers to watch out for symptoms such as sweating heavily, feeling fatigued, and dizziness. Blacking out, feeling nauseous, and having a weak but fast pulse are other symptoms we should be on the lookout for to beat our battle.

For emergency response, keep a lookout for our co-passengers. Move them to a shady spot with their legs elevated and remove clothing to apply cool water to the skin. Don’t forget to provide ventilation! Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin. Most importantly, bring them to the hospital immediately.

CHOO! CHOO! We have arrived at the last stop. The battle does not end here; continue to help and observe others for us to successfully beat this battle in the

E-commerce: A contributor to Pollution

By Liam Muñoz

Have you ever tried online shopping through different apps like Lazada and Shopee? These apps make it convenient for consumers to provide their wants in just a single click of a button. Every product that you order is packaged with cardboards, plastics, and bubble wraps to ensure its safety.

According to Oberlo, a drop shipping website, there are 2.64 Billion digital buyers around the world as of 2023. During the pandemic in the Philippines, the digital market is growing at a spontaneous pace. Social media like Facebook and Tiktok offer a marketplace for digital shopping.

Every purchase made online contains at least one plastic wrap during its packaging. The plastic that comes with each package contributes to the increasing amount of waste

and pollution in our environment. Plastic is a material that cannot be easily recycled and is one of the main contributors to pollution. As of now, there is no immediate solution to this problem but there is a way to lessen it. Instead of throwing plastics that are clean and usable, it is better to reuse them as a garbage bag. For cardboards and bubble wraps, they can be collected and recycled through junk shops.

As the world continues to promote and advertise digital shopping, consumers need to be aware that every package contains plastic that is harmful to the environment and it contributes to pollution. Implementing the 3 R’s (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle) can help in combating it. In the future, using biodegradable packaging and plastics can be one of the most efficient ways of lessening plastic pollution in the environment.

Food. Food. Food. Food is life. I really love food. Whenever I venture out in the open street, I’d be singing, the movie Tangled’s song, “I see the light” – but food version. Food is my top priority whenever I visit an unfamiliar place. You get the experience the culture of the place through food!

As a matter of fact, when I walked in the streets of Tendido, Barangay San Jose, Quezon City the other day, I was craving for a snack. And, I discovered a new thing – an innovation on a certain street food that you regularly see out in other streets.

As you know, one of the prominent street food would be balut. But there’s a twist – it’s now grilled! That’s right! There’s a new trend which is known as the Grilled Balut! Sure, many are skeptical about it since they’re thinking that “Oh! It’s grilled? That must not be good for your health!”

Indeed, as the study from the Columbia University suggests, charred or burnt areas of meat increases the risk of cancer. That’s because those are in large amounts. In contrast with the Grilled Balut, The Philippine Association of Food Technologists (PAFT) debunked that case with science!

According to them, Hydrogen Sulfide is used in “grilling” the balut; however, they are used in really small or trace amounts. This

Street Food that You least Expect

By Gabriel San Juan

means that eating “grilled” balut would not cause or pose any health risks.

“For additional context, the highest H2S concentration that can be produced by an egg is around 0.2 [parts per million] which happens when the egg is already rotten,” the post continues. “Meanwhile, the allowable exposure limit for H2S is 20 parts per million (ppm)] and must reach a concentration of 100 ppm in order to cause dangerous effects on health and life.” –says PAFT.

“Know that dark-greenish tinge you sometimes get from cooked eggs (boiled eggs especially)? That’s iron sulfide, formed as the H2S reacts with the iron simultaneously released from the yolk during heating. Note, however, that this is “not considered detrimental to human health.” Added PAFT.

So, it is safe to say that if you really like to eat balut, you can definitely try this amazing creation or innovation with little worry! But, wait, there’s more! As I strolled down the streets of Tondo the other day, something caught my eye. DONUUUTTSSS! One of my favorite snacks, indeed! But, there is something different about them. They look like little pancakes with the flavors poured into them. Located in Pacheco St, Tondo, many buyers swarm this stand as they enjoy every bite of that sweet and creamy mini donuts. The chocolate

and other flavors that they use somewhat bathe the mini donuts. As per the sellers, they intentionally do that so that buyers can enjoy that chocolatey feeling and of course that goes with other flavors and toppings as well.

“Dami na naming tinry na chocolate. Dami na naming tinry na mix waffle. Tas kung anu-ano nilagay namin. Pag ka okay na siya. Ayan na si misis! Siya na magpopost niyan.” Says the owners of the Mini Donut stand in an interview in TIKIM TV.

So, we can see here that the history of the donuts has gone through rigorous trials of tasting to create such a perfect combination. And, now, every day, many buyers actually go on in a line just to get one of these mini donuts. Even though their stand offers a variety of food such as palabok and merienda treats, people still swarm the palce just to get these donuts. So, what are you waiting for? Try these ones out and you’ll get the one the best food experiences in Tondo.

And, one more interesting treat that everyone may really enjoy. We all know champorado is one of the delicious and “go-to” breakfast for most Filipinos. It’s sometimes a snack where you can either buy or make. Its most prominent flavor would be chocolate. Everybody loves chocolate.

But, are you ready for a new challenger

One card, ride all you can!

By Miriam Jhoy Belmonte

feit bills.

Every time that I achieved something, I would celebrate it by going to different places that I knew, like when a trimester in school ended. I would treat myself by going out, sometimes alone or with a friend. Jeepneys or trains are my go-to public transportation when traveling. But there will always be a time when it’s a hassle to ride public transportation. On the train, it’s really a struggle during rush hour because there are a lot of passengers in line, which takes up most of my time. Fortunately, with the beep card, I can load it with any amount of money; therefore, I don’t need to struggle to queue up again and again to buy the train card; I just go straight to the train validator and tap my card. This situation that I experienced got me imagining how convenient it would be to pay for everything— even transportation—with just a tap.

The Department of Transportation

(DOT) introduced smart cards that allow com

muters to use a single card to pay for multiple forms of transportation. This enables users to pay using one card for bus, train, and other public transportation. Additionally, the department also introduced mobile payment options, including QR codes and cellphone-based payments. The Dotr, in addition to cash, introduced various ways to pay for transportation.

Before the DOTr’s cashless payment initiatives, many commuters relied on cash payments to pay for their transportation. This often led to long lines and delays at the ticket booths, especially during peak hours, intensifying discomfort, particularly during a heat wave. The DOTr recognized these issues and sought to address them through the introduction of cashless payment methods that offer a high level of security when paying for transportation, as

The DOTr’s projects for cashless payments have been shown to have numerous positive benefits on the economy overall. One such benefit is the reduction of administrative expenses associated with managing physical currency, such as printing, shipping, and security, by lowering its reliance on cash. This project frees up resources that can be allocated for other crucial projects, like infrastructure construction. In addition, the cashless system initiative promotes the widespread use of digital wallets and electronic platforms, which stimulate economic expansion, employment opportunities, and innovation, resulting in economic growth. Cashless payment systems depend on technology infrastructure, specifically smartphones or payment terminals, posing

on that flavor? That’s right, folks! There’s a new twist on it. In Caloocan, there has been a trend on a certain store where they serve “ube champorado”. Ube in English is “Purple Yam”. Basically, it’s vegan champorado. So, instead of putting chocolate on your sweet rice porridge, you’re adding this sweet vegetable into the mix. It’s truly a delectable breakfast and even a midday meal. Truly a whole new thing for your taste buds.

Many people also swarm this place as the owners cooked up an innovated form of champorado. Something different to the regular taste buds and eyes of food lovers.

“Tulad ng pilahan, taga-Antipolo pa sila. Taga-Bulacan, taga-Laguna. Sabi ko, “totoo po? Totoo po?” says the owner of the store in an interview in TIKIM TV.

The quality of their champorado is splendid as it brought many buyers a big smile. It was creamy and they didn’t save their ingredients so that flavors could burst into your tongue. If ever you go out and crave for something cheap but has excellent quality, try these ones out and enjoy the flavors that would surely bring a smile to your face. There’s nothing that would make your day more awesome than eating food that is not only safe to eat but also worth the while.

to technology or feel uneasy using it and are unbanked or underbanked, thereby aggravating socioeconomic inequalities. Additionally, digital transactions leave a digital footprint, which can be traced and potentially exploited for surveillance or targeted advertising purposes.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) plan for the adoption of cashless payments in the transportation sector is contingent upon widespread acceptance from both passengers and transportation providers. The implementation of cashless payments is expected to yield positive outcomes for passengers, transportation operators, and the overall economy.

As I stand at the train station, waiting for my designated train to arrive, feeling a drop of sweat running down my face under the scorching heat, a question crosses my mind: Will there be a future where carrying cash becomes a thing of the past and every transaction can be completed with just a tap or a swipe?

Photo from The Washington Post

Photo from Canva

photo from PEP.ph, wazzuppilipinas, carousell.ph, CDO Dev.com

QHS futsal takes home silver in division meet

by: Ralph Joseph Oring

QUALIFICATION OF A GOOD ATHLETE

Dignity

How athletes react to victory or defeat will create the foundation for future reactions.

Resilience to failure

How athletes respond to loss is just as important as how they respond to victory.

Time management

Participating in sports requires a significant time commitment.

Teamwork

Cooperation is an invaluable trait that can be built through teamwork in athletics.

Listening

During practice or a game, players must listen intently to the coach’s instructions and fully understand what’s being conveyed.

Quirino High School (QHS) futsal team places second against San Francisco in the division meet in San Francisco High School (SFHS) in February 2023.

The competition was only between SFHS and QHS fighting for the first place and second place.

The QHS futsal team are composed of Jamaica Trish Abusied, Angel Venice Baita,Stephanie Buyan, Aleh Mae Corea, Chelsy Nichole Delos Reyes, Yza Nicole Dumas, Stiffany Durana, Anjali Jay Egboy, Ma. Anica Feniza, Franzy Guzman, Jenen Matres and Ma. Nicole Segotier.

The loss may be attributed to the futsal team's lack of players, equipment and a facility, which they share with dancesport, football, and basketball.

Fret not about the struggles because MAPEH teacher Homer Ray Pido has one thing to say to those who wants to join the team:

”Sa mga gusto sumali, open naman ang mapeh department futsal team— sa ngayon babae palang, pero sa lalaki football pero puntahan nyo lang ako if gusto nyo i-try.”

As for future futsal events, QHS plans to join the event that the congressman of 1st district, Hon. Atyde, Juan Carlos “Arjo” C. plan to hold an event that requires representatives for each district. This holds a possibility that QHS will be the ones to represent district 3; though no official name has been given to this event.

SPED department sprints to finish line in NCR Palaro 2023

Quirino High School (QHS)

SPED department takes home the bacon at the NCR palaro athletics category 100m run, shot put and standing long jump, bagging silver and bronze medals on April 27, 2023.

This S.Y 2022-2033, the SPED department of QHS entered in visually impaired grade 12 Plato Andrea Esrtaella into athletics shot put and standing long jump where she proceeded to snatch silver in shotput and standing long jump and bronze in 100m run.

Other notable events the SPED department entered in is division

by: John Rhenz Santiago

paralympic games that is only for students that have disabilities. They entered in deaf and visually impaired students who competed in 100m run, shot put, standing long jump, and running long jump on May 12, 2023.

QHS managed to take home a total of 22 medals, 10 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze. The students who rose to the top were Andrea Estraella, Fatima Gilbuela, Jasmine Angela, Khryzzle Joyce Galvez, Maria Claire Mandriaga, Erica Joyce Uru, Rhian Carl Marquez, Reyson Chuico, Cedric James, Jhoros Saraonde and finally Manuel Conde.

The SPED department plans to have a sports clinic to help train the upand-coming SPED athletes.

“We are planning to have a sports clinic, pero kailangan mga trained sa mga sports para maibaba sa level ayan ang inaantay namin para continues ang training na mga SPED natin hanggang makarating sila sa Nationals,” Juico stated when asked for the future plans of SPED department in sports related events.

The NCR palaro 2023 is an annual sports event where schools compete in a variety of individual or team sports like basketball, athletics, futsal, and dancesport.

Six-year winstreak, broken in a second

by: John Rhenz Santiago

“My turn..aim and.. Jump shot!” But sadly, The Magician of Billiards missed the 8 ball. Now it’s his opponent’s turn, Woo Donghoon of Cambodia. Woo Donghoon aims for the remaining ball, the 8 ball. He aims and… BANK SHOT!

“There it is! The 16th round of the men’s three-cushion carom singles has now concluded with Cambodia’s Woo Donghoon claiming victory 40-15 against Philippines’ Efren Reyes,” the announcer shouts.

For the first time in 6 years, 68-year-old Filipino legend of billiards, Efren Manalang Reyes, or more popularly known as the “The Magician” or Efren “Bata” Reyes, takes an early exit loss in the 32nd SEA games, at the AEON mall last May 9. The last time he failed to get a medal was in the 2017 Malaysia edition. The person who brought down the magician was Woo Donghoon of Cambodia. During the game, he led 24-12 in the race to 40 which Reyes never came back from; resulting in his early out-of-podium loss.

Thing is, everything aforementioned is not even close to what Reyes actually is. Every tale starts from somewhere, and he is no exception. In fact, the legend himself was once close to nothing.

Reyes is closest to the saying of rugs to riches because, as a child, he would usually just lounge in his uncle’s billiard hall. At the age of 8, he picked up a pool stick and was playing at his uncle’s billiard hall. By the age of 9, he played in his first game where money was involved and won P100. As time went by, he became better and better. At the age of 12, he was one of Manila’s best pool players. Since then, he has gained the titles “The Magician” and “Bata” because of how great a player he is.

With Reyes’ early exit in the 32nd SEA games, a lot of people were disappointed with the result, even Reyes himself. He even hinted at his retirement in an interview done minutes after his loss. However, this made me realize that his eventual retirement might not be the worst as it might give way to newcomers ready to take over his throne inspired by the legend himself.

Even with Reyes losing early on in the SEA games, his previous wins still overshadow this. As of 2023 Reyes has more than a 100 international titles. These titles include the WPA World Nine-ball Championship in 1999, WPA World Eight-ball Championship in 2004, King of the Hill Eight-ball Shootout in 2005, IPT World Open Eight-Ball Championship in 2006, World Pool Championship in 2001 and 2002 and International Challenge of Champions in 2002. This loss is still devastating as it breaks a 6-year win streak.

Even though Reyes got knocked out, causing him to exit early, it’s not the last time that the billiard fans and Filipinos will watch his magical play. It —indeed a legend. Though the magician was unable to produce magic, it is not his final magical performance. We will see him for the upcoming events and will once again show how legendary he is.

Even with Reyes losing early on in the SEA games, his previous wins still overshadow this. As of 2023 Reyes has more than a 100 international titles.

Reyes is closest to the saying of rugs to riches because, as a child, he would usually just lounge in his uncle’s billiard hall.

Photo credits: Philstar

Illustration by Ava Villaluna

Source: Online Master of Athletic Administration

PH dominates SEA games 2023, bags 260 medals

The Philippines participated in all 38 different sports categories, entering a total number of 908 Filipino athletes at the 32nd Southeast Asian games on May 5 to 17 2023 in Cambodia.

Carlos Yulo, Philippines gymnast, landed gold after breaking Illia Kovtun’s parallel bars win streak. Yulo scored 84.000 standing that puts him up first place after conquering two Vietnamese gymnasts, Le Thanh Tung and Dinh Phuong Thanh.

Meanwhile, SIBOL, Philippines, gave all out to their opponent at the Esports Male Division Mobile Legends Bang Bang Competition, after continuously making their way to the

top position.

SIBOL's team composing off with Angelo Kyle as "Arcangel" DavidCharles as “Canon”, Michael Angelo as “Sayson”, Rowgien Stimpson as “Unigo”, Marco Ste-

phen as “Requitiano” Nowee as “Macasa” and with their coach Francis John as “Glindro” snatches the gold medal very easily off the oth er countries with the final standing of 2 - 1 with Myanmar.

In the Basketball Division, the Philippines outstands other countries with their offensive play. Star player Justin Brownlee, who

QHS

bags silver in 3x3 Women’s Basketball

by: John Rhenz Santiago

Quirino High School (QHS) 3X3 Women's Basketball takes second place during the division meet on February 6-10, 2023 at Holy Spirit National High School Annex.

The players who are a part of the basketball team are Jenylyn Martinez of 8-Magnesium, Jocelyn Pidor Arizala of 11-Taurus, and Kim Ordonez of 10-Paterno.

One of the players in the team, Kim Ordonez of 10-Paterno, expressed her gratitude and joy when they won silver in the event. “Of course, we were all sad but we can't just be sad and not accept it. We are happy that we are 1st place and we did our best to be a team until now.”

Behind the success, the main struggle of the women's basketball team was struggles with money. “Tignan mo nga mga players natin sa basketball team natin, wala sila mga sarili sapatos 'yan,” assistant coach of the 3x3 Women's Basketball, David F. Fabregas said on an interview.

One way QHS overcame this financial issue was by seeking help from the schools partnership and full support of QHS' principal, Mrs. Remedios P. Danao.

The women's basketball team of QHS plan to enter more and more events in district and division level as the pandemic health protocols continue to ease up.

“Ang talaga kailangan para sa basketball—lalo na sa women's basketball ay endurance at basic skills, ayan ang kailangan” Fabregas said for students who would like to be a member of the team.

by: Ralph Joseph Oring

came up clutch in yesterday's semi-final, once more shone forvhis side putting up 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The team scores 80 - 69 against Cambodia, giving them their qualifying spot for the finals.

The Philippine Basketball team is composed of Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Christian Standhardinger, Calvin Oftana, Brandin Ganuelas Rosser, Marclo Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, Chris Newsome, and Collegiate player Manson Amos. They will be now leaving with confidence and bringing a gold medal back to their hometown.

Vanessa Sarno made herself a gold medalist

after breaking her own record by lifting astaggering 120 kilograms in the Weight Lifting Division.

Now the Philippines continues to display their athletic prowess, giving a heated match against other countries and going head-to-head to show that they can go along with them. Now keeping 5th on the overall ranking on the 32nd Sea Games, the Philippines has the final count of 58 gold, 85 silver, and 117 bronze medals.

Some sports are still not on schedule but the Philippines will surely continue to play with an amazing performance in the upcoming matches on the following days.

QHS YES-O ML Tournament Finals: Basta Team slains Randomizer

by: Kimberly Amilao

Basta Team savagely triumphs over Randomizer in their best of 3 match, 27-24, at the final battlefield of 2023 QHS Mobile Legends Tournament on March 17 at Quirino High School.

The game hails Gabriel Guinto (DENJIRO) as the Most Valuable Player, dealing 10 kills, 6 deaths, and 10 assists using the marksman hero Wanwan.

“Masaya, bilang studyante ng Quirino High School ay napakasaya lumahok at maging representative ng Grade 10 sa ginanap ng ML Tournament,” Guinto stated on an interview.

Basta Team shows their power in the early game as Clyde Buno (Coffee Man) and his mage hero, Valentina, deals the First Blood. Brent Phoenix Yumul (TmO) adds fuel to the fire when he gets the First Turtle, giving more gold advantage to their team.

Clyde Buno, or Coffee Man, the MVP of the game, stated also in

an interview that he feels proud for representing grade 10 after passing the three rounds before the grand finals.

In the fight for the second turtle, Allen Myoui (Myoui.) of Randomizer manages to grab the First Maniac of the game just before Yumul takes the turtle. Despite this, the Basta Team did not waver and Guinto achieved the Maniac, giving his team a two-point ahead on points 12-10.

The first match ends with the Randomizer just three points behind the Basta Team, 27-24.

The next match starts with Basta Team's displaying their prowess again in the early game, with Myuoi and his tank-hero Fredrinn getting the first blood. The team tries to have the First Turtle again but Randomizer gets it first.

During the midgame, a team clash occurred at the Lord's spawn area and at the end, Basta Team tramples all the dreams and hopes of their enemy team with John Axiel Ollano

and BarneYSanity dying at the hands of Coffee Man and Myoui. Basta Team ends the game with a segway from Moscov at the Top Lane, 13-15. As the winning team, they received a cash price and certificate of recognition from the club. The school's ML Tournament is one of the projects of Yes-O. The organization placed a task on the Randomizer which is to plant trees in the school as a consequence for losing.

“Masaya, bilang studyante ng Quirino High School ay napakasaya lumahok at maging representative ng Grade 10 sa ginanap ng ML Tournament.”

Photos

Photo from Jocelyn Pidor Arizala

- Gabriel “DENJIRO” Guinto Basta Team Captain

Photo taken by Christ John Basiya

SPORTS

DIFFERENT ABILITY

by: John Rhenz Santiago

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. People get different lives given by fate, sometimes you get a gifted life served on a silver platter, or sometimes you end up with a life that's not like the others. Then, there are those times when you get a life full of hindrances and feeling that everything has forsaken you. Should that be a valid reason to quit life? Well, for Andrea Estrella, it isn't.

Andrea Estrella is of Grade 12- Plato. She is well-known in her Alma Mater, Quirino High School, as Quirino High Schools SPED department's best players. She's visually impaired but it did not stop her from competing in the Division Para Games, an event that is made for students with disabilities all the way up to NCR Palaro 2023 where she bagged a medal in each of her categories with the help of her coach, Fatima Planas. She participated in

three categories in the NCR Palaro: 100-meter run, shot put, and standing long jump. However it is not yet confirmed that she will be chosen to compete in the Palarong Pambansa.

Aside from Palarong Pambansa, Estrella is mainly active in international games but those are private entities so no information can be gathered. Furthermore, she is mainly training in the OCR, an obstacle course made for students that are visually impaired or orthopedically handicapped.

Andrea Estrella has shown again and again that she is a living example of a person that is able to keep up with people with normally functioning bodies, even with a disability. This fact is why even with a handicap, you can still be on par with other, normal, people. Disability is not a disability but rather it's a "different ability."

Estrella has shown again and again that she is a living example of a person that is able to keep up with people with normally functioning bodies, even with a disability.

QHS Dancesport brings the heat in NCR Palaro 2023

by: John Rhenz Santiago

Just shut up and dance with me!

Dance Sport Quirino (QHS) dominates DepEd NCR Athletic Meet Dance Sport Competition. Dance Sport Quirino won the gold medal in the Standard Dance Category and 4th place in the Latin American Category. The event winners were announced last April 27, 2023 at the University of Makati.

Dance sport or what it is used to be referred to as 'com petitive ballroom dancing is an activity that improves physical and mental health by combining both dance and sport. QHS has its own dance sport club brought by the MAPEH department. The club competed in the DepEd NCR Athletic Meet Dance Sport Competition or NCR Palaro 2023 which is an annual sports event for SY 2022-2023 that includes advanced sports.

The two categories that Dance Sport QHS participated in were Modern Standard and Latin American. The students who competed in the Modern Standard category were Michaela Jane B. Sanchez of 10-Mabini and Timothy John P. Vasquez of 10-Di ego Silang who won the gold medal in the overall ranking for the Modern Standard category. As for the second category, Latin American, QHS won 4th place in the overall ranking with the hardwork of Bianca Christina P. Galangue of 8-Gold and Giron Dominic M. Vibal of 12-Confucious. “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard,” Tim Nokte once said.

Students of the dance sport club embody this very quote because they had “intensive training, their training did not stop and it’s on a regular basis” as MAPEH teacher, Ms. Ruby Rose Uy Abuan stated. Moreover, due to the nonstop training that the dance sport students had, they had to be excused from their classes in order to train for the event.

Training is necessary, but it also has its drawbacks. “Of course, the number one problem is conflict with their schedule since most of the students focus on their academics. Most of the time I am the one who is adjusting for the student’s sake, but I still make sure that they still get at least 1 hour of training” as told by the coach of dance sport QHS, Amalia Andales.

“Since the grade 10 students are graduating next year, my plan for the future is to train new student athletes, most prob ably in the lower grades like Grade 7 up until Grade 9” coach of dance sport QHS, Andales stated when asked what was her future plan for the dance sport club.

”Hard work always pays off, whatever you do. Lahat ng gawin mo ay masusuklian basta magsisikap kang makamit ang

tagumpay. Syempre may times na mapapagod ka pero laban lang! walang susuko! At syempre, mahalin mo ang ginagawa mo kasi kapag di mo naman mahal ang ginagawa mo, mas mabilis kang mapapagod at magsasawa. PADAYON FUTURE ATHLETES!”

Grade 8 student Bianca Christina P. Galangue, one of the winners for the Latin American Category’s message to those who want to chase their dreams of becoming a dancer next SY.

“It was indeed a blessing to the MAPEH Dept. and the whole QHS” Ruby Rose Abuan’s comment on their victory.

by: John Rhenz Santiago

“Hard work always pays off, whatever you do. Lahat ng gawin mo ay masusuklian basta magsisikap kang makamit ang tagumpay.”

Photo from Mrs. Amalai Andales’ FB Account

Photos from Ms. Cheryl Juico’s FB Account

- Bianca Galangue