The Mayumo | Volume LV No. 2

The Mayumo

The Official Student Publication of San Miguel National High School

February - June 2022

Inside:

SMNHS gets ready for more face-to-face classes 03 | News

How to Be You?

Social Media or Social Dilemma?

06 | editorial

A Bite into the Humble Beginnings of Dennis Santos

20 | sports

The Mayumo

02 | Editor’s Note

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

The Mayumo Editorial Board

The official student publication of San Miguel National high School

Editor-in-Chief (External) Rinzen D. Gonzales Editor-in-Chief (Internal) Ma. Amberainne P. Mendoza Associate Editors Dann Emanuel M. Felipe Jeremias G. Pablo managing editors Vanessa May R. Flores Richard Louie P. Lamorena News Editors Matthew James B. Santos Bealin C. Beley Features Editors Bea Denise G. Villanueva Andrea R. Mangalus Science Editor Portia May R. Vargas sports editor Jed Rogem C. Santos Chief Cartoonists Jenina Katrice D. Alvañiz Butch Miguel B. Bautista Junior Staff Members Airish Joy R. Gamboa Alberto D. Suarez Alex Andrei R. Cuevas Aljustine Raine G. Taluban Angelo Jr. G. Santos Audrick Thomas V. Jao Ava Louise F. Toledo Carmel Therese M. Manongsong Charles Asher M. Mariano Chrissielyn Jercille C. Cruz Clarize Mae S. Sarmiento Cristine P. Silva Czar Alexander DC. Ballo Geody C. Pangilinan Janelle S. Garcia Jeanne Raine P. Jose Kate Tifanny S. Del Rosario Kylie Nicole S. Labarro Mikhaela C. Manuson Pam Audrey S. Tamio Randall Josef T. Santos Layout Artists Rinzen D. Gonzales Ma. Amberainne P. Mendoza

Graphics: Mikhaela Manuson

As the Duterte administration emptied its closet and packed its bags, the government is experiencing a metamorphosis in leadership. The time has come for another Marcos to rule the land. Will the cocoon yield a butterfly, or is it going to be something else nobody expected to see?

For now, all we can do is wait. But as we say farewell to the current academic year, this issue tackles stories close to home. We’d also like to dedicate this issue to the staff who’d soon embark on their college journey, Jeremias and Chrissielyn. No matter where you go, The Mayumo will be cheering you on. Padayon.

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Will the cocoon yield a butterfly, or is it going to be something else nobody expected to see?

Adviser Allan Jason P. Sarmiento Assistant Advisers Maria Cecilia T. Manio Joanna Marriel C. Villamor, PhD. head teacher vi english department Nilda G. Milan, PhD. Assistant Principal II Operations and Learner Support Joselito G. Milan, PhD. Jhs Assistant Principal ii Academics Brenda ‘Lea A. Caranto, PhD. SHS assistant Principal II Academics Cherilyn R. Goyena, PhD. Principal Iv Marciano V. Cruz, Jr.

The Mayumo

News | 03

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

San Miguel Drivers Plea for Rollback bea denise villanueva

The 200-300 pesos income or none at all due to continuous oil prices hike is not enough to suffice the grumbling stomach of tricycle and jeepney drivers at San Miguel, Bulacan.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the surge is caused by European Union’s ban on Russian oil.

In addition, a driving season is happening in the United States, and China’s

demand is heightened as they recover from lockdowns.

In an interview, Albert Soliman, a 49-year-old jeepney driver, said that he would depart at 3:00 in the morning and go home at 4:00 pm to bring home nothing.

“Nako, wala kaming kinikita.

Kulang na kulang, minsan nagpapaluwal pa kami”, he stated.

Together with Soliman, Enrique

Capistrano, 60 years of age, and a tricycle driver, wished for fuel prices to roll back as the P200 he’s earning is insufficient for his everyday needs.

“Kung maaaring ibaba [yung presyo], [kung] maaari gawin na lang 25 isang litro”, Capistrano said.

On the other hand, Anthony De Guzman, a 51-year-old jeepney operator, also shared his dismay about the endless increase.

“Kapos yung 300 sa pagkain sa araw-araw. Sana kung maaari, bumaba yung diesel para kahit papaano madagdagan yung kita namin”, he asserted.

Meanwhile, different transport and consumer groups’ petition to suspend excise tax and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products as a temporary solution has been discarded by the government based on a report by GMA News on June 14.

SMNHS gets ready for more face-to-face classes janelle garcia

Following the continuous success of the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes, San Miguel National High School (SMNHS) is now preparing for more face-to-face classes in the School Year 2022– 2023.

Clarissa Cajucom, the chairperson of Grade 11, said that aside from the preparation that San Miguel National High School has made for the pilot-limited face-to-face classes, the school is also getting ready to implement a combination of more in-person classes and distance learning for the next school year.

Apart from the mitigation strategies implemented for the pilot in-person classes, including the enforcement of social distancing, temperature checks, handwashing stations, ensuring proper ventilation, setting up physical barriers, markers, and signage, thermal scan-

ners, air purifiers, and isolation rooms.

SMNHS is also preparing its classroom for more in-person classes.

“Kakailanganin natin ng mas maraming rooms, kase ang posibilidad niyan dahil may social distancing pa rin, hindi natin kakayanin yung katulad na dating numbers ng bata na 50 plus, minsan yung iba 60 plus,” said Cajucom.

“Luckily, yung mga bagong building ay pwede na magamit para sa full implementation,” she added.

On the students’ side, Hannah Gwyneth Jimenez, incoming Grade 12, said, “Nakakamiss ‘yung dating normal sa face-to-face classes kaya naman nilu-look forward ko na mas marami pang estudyante ang ma-accommodate ng school.”

Meanwhile, no definitive statement has been made regarding any shifting of classes. However, the school administration is presently working on a solution to the matter.

PANUNUMPA: SMNHS senior high school students from different tracks join

the pilot implementation of face-to-face learning.

The Mayumo

04 | News

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

SMNHSians Share Expectations on the Marcos-Duterte Administration bealin beley & Angelo Santos

The Mayumo recently launched an online survey on June 09, 2022, asking 20 selected SMNHS students to assess their expectations for education and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the incoming administration and new DepEd secretary.

Students were asked about their educational expectations under the MarcosDuterte administration. Responses showed that out of 20 respondents, 11 or 55% expected a better quality of education and back to normal classes. While contrary to the positive expectations, nine students, or 45%, shared their pessimism, specifically with how the country’s history will be tackled under this new administration.

According to Ma. Rheana Althea Esguerra, a grade 10 student, “I expect that the new administration will identify the challenges that students have and devise a better solution so that students will be more motivated and willing to learn in a healthier and more fun environment.”

On the other hand, an anonymous respondent answered, “I echo the sentiments I hear from those who are aware of our history. I just hope nothing will be changed.”

Meanwhile, president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that he had chosen his running mate, vice presidentelect Sara Duterte-Carpio, to be the next secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd). She proposed that the youth undergo a mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program if she gets elected.

So, now that she has been elected, students were asked in an online survey what they expect Duterte-Carpio to do for the Philippine education as the DepEd secretary and the country’s vice president.

60% of the respondents, say they oppose mandatory military service. It can be recalled that Duterte-Carpio relayed her intentions to make military service mandatory during the campaign period, as per the news site, OneNews.

Furthermore, students were asked in the survey about their expectations of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum after President-elect BBM stated that he wanted to focus on improving the said strand.

Of the 20 respondents, 14 answered with positive expectations, believing Marcos would keep his promise. One of them is Kim Rivera, a grade 10 student. She said, “Since I’ll be taking STEM in senior high school, I expect it to be more focused on improving the program that would prepare and propel the students into the fields of STEM that they will pursue.”

On the other hand, three respondents hoped that Marcos would not only focus on developing STEM but also other strands.

To sum it up, 55% of the respondents expect a better administration from the Marcos–Duterte tandem. In comparison, the remaining forty-five percent are hoping the doubters will be proven wrong. Despite the differences in views, everybody’s fervently praying for the country to become better and more prosperous.

Incoming DepEd chief lays out plans, gears up for office turnover matthew James Santos

Newly-inaugurated Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio stated that her administration is aiming for the resumption of full face-to-face classes in the next school year by August 2022, as she is set to lead the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Marcos cabinet.

As some schools have already conducted limited in-person classes while pandemic restrictions eased, the incoming DepEd chief said they “are targeting” to effectively shift towards the full traditional school setting.

“I will mostly be with the Department of Education since yun ang critical sa atin ngayon especially now that we are coming out of the pandemic,” Duterte stressed in interviews with reporters on Sunday, June 19.

Pressed by education experts and party lists to raise teachers’ salaries, she pointed out that they will look into the calls for a wage hike and look out for ways to push it as one of her leadership plans in DepEd as she assumes office by June 30.

In addition, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) SecretaryGeneral Raymond Basilio also made his stand on the matter, urrging the incoming VP to push for the pay hike.

Briones to Duterte DepEd challenges After two challenging years under the Covid pandemic, the current state of the Philippine education has been at stake under the outgoing DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones’s as she pushed distance learning under the new normal, which VP-elect Duterte is expected to face and address as the office turn-overs near.

Furthermore, the World Bank released a 2021 report stating that more than 80 percent of Filipino students “do not know what they should know.”

Following a dissenting election campaign, Duterte-Carpio accepted the offer of appointment as new education secretary as president-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. released his list of nominees for his Cabinet.

The Mayumo

News | 05

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Special awards are essential - survey

LAST FOR THE STREAK?

3rd Virtual Rites Commenced jeremias pablo

jeremias pablo

With the implementation of distance learning, conferring special awards and recognitions during Moving up and Graduation rites were suspended.

Two years into the pandemic and said suspension, The Mayumo initiated an online survey on June 6, 2022, to determine the disposition of students towards the importance of granting special awards and recognition.

Of the 40 respondents, 95 percent agreed that a student’s academic performance improves when they receive appropriate awards as compensation, leaving 5% disagreeing or on the middle ground.

One of the students that disagreed stated that it depends on the student’s perspective towards receiving recognition.

“Since a new school year would also mean all will be back to zero.”

“A student’s critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities can also be enhanced by engaging in these academic awards,” Supreme Student Government President Gerrie A. Talusan said, showing how academic awards serve as a way to improve a student’s capabilities.

With the new education setup, different forms of learning emerged, such as synchronous, asynchronous, and modular. When asked if academic awards apply to all students under different modalities, 90 percent think that conferring special awards applies to all students, while 10 percent think otherwise.

“Giving awards to students makes them feel that their work is recognized and valued. Awards make us feel good.

Moreover, this is one of the many ways to improve a learner’s enthusiasm and dedication to learning. It also ignites their passion for co-curricular and extracurricular activities,” Karl Nicko Dela Cruz, SMNHS teacher, said when asked about the impact of giving special awards to students.

The commencement rites for the school year 2021-2022 will continue not granting special awards and recognitions for students as distance learning remains the prevalent mode of education.

The stage has been set for San Miguel National High School’s recognition day, moving up ceremony, and graduation rites for the school year 2021-2022, and for the third time, it was held virtually.

The stage has been set for San Miguel National High School’s recognition day, moving up ceremony, and graduation rites for the school year 2021-2022, and for the third time, it was held virtually.

These ceremonial events were live-streamed via Facebook consecutively within a week. The Grade 11 recognition day was held on July 13 at 8:00 am, as well as the Grade 7,8, and 9 recognition day at 1:00 pm on the same day. The moving up ceremony was live-streamed on July 14 at 9:00 am, and lastly, the graduation day was on the next day, July 15 at 9:00 am.

As SMNHS’s third virtual rites draw near, the preparation had started anew in celebration of the new milestone of the students. According to Mrs. Rachelle S. Viñas, SMNHS senior high school teacher, there is not much difference between the preparations compared to last year. “It is somehow easier because we have done this last school year so the process is not that new to some of us,” she added.

Though pandemic restrictions regarding public gatherings were eased, SMNHS decided to hold the rites virtually due to the prospect of a huge number of attendees, especially the students and their guardians.

A total of 1,1698 students will graduate this school year alone, thus Mrs. Viñas emphasized that it will be hard for the school to hold face-to-face graduation considering the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) protocols and safety of all the students and parents/

guardians’ safety during the ceremony.

“To all the students asking for a face to face rites, we feel and deeply understand your sentiments regarding the matter, we of course as part of the school also want to have face-to-face graduation but considering all the IATF protocols and guidelines as well as the number of students in the batch plus their parents and guardians who will attend it will be hard for the attendees to maintain the safe distance and the protocols. We in the school would of course like to protect and keep everyone safe from the coronavirus disease knowing that at the moment there is again an increase in the number of cases per day. We are asking for your deep understanding regarding the situation.,” Mrs. Viñas replied, stating that the school administration considers the safety of their students as their top priority.

“The face-to-face commencement exercise depends on the decision of the Department of Education of course considering the safety of all the attendees and the school administration and staff. If there will be a continuous decrease in the number of cases then there is a chance of having face-to-face graduation next school year,” Mrs. Viñas answered regarding the possibility of in-person rites next academic year.

With the end of another school year during the pandemic wherein distance learning has been implemented due to the suspension of in-person classes, SMNHS continued to deliver education in different learning modalities. The implementation of limited face-to-face classes this school year is the first step towards SMNHS’s preparation with the anticipation of full implementation of face-to-face classes next academic year.

The Mayumo

06 | Editorial

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Social Media or Social Dillema?

THE PANDEMIC may be quite a burden - emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially, but it somehow felt lighter due to social media. Most of the youth forced to stay at home due to the dangers of the virus outside turned to social media for comfort.

It became a hub, a virtual place to get updated about your peers. It became a fun space where you could talk (chat) with your friends whenever the pandemic loneliness hit you. It became a lifestyle.

However, it was also used by many to disseminate false information. You would often see spliced videos being posted to humiliate certain people, and before you could even click on the video, come hoards of online trolls saying shameful things. They did not mind that people of all ages had access to social media and could see their posts.

This resulted in many people, young and old, getting swayed by the altered videos, tweaked statements, and a revised version of what has happened in this nation’s past.

Many of the trolls were paid, but there are also those who defame people online no matter who they are, just for the heck of it.

While this may be alarming for some, certain politicians took advantage of the trend and admitted that they utilized online trolls last elections.

GP

And sadly, it worked.

Whatever the nation is today and where it is bound was mainly due to hate speech, trolling, and the propagation of fake news.

These trolling antics were so powerful that they led many people who used to be brave about their opinions, who used to encourage people to show more angst, to lie low, and tone down.

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With the way things are going, it seems as if social media has metamorphosized into this day and age pandemic.

For now, the pen could only write bleakly with the courage hidden in the play of words.

Much could be said about how the troll farms during the pandemic caused the nation to lose a what-could-have-been, but the pen needs to take its time.

Now that the election is over and the pandemic is slowly easing its wrath, may the social media come back to its glory days when it was fun to use. When you can say your opinions without being censored. When you can say what you want without the trolls coming forward to hit on your personal weaknesses or worse, get red-tagged.

It is causing people to feel the burden instead of comfort. With the way things are going, it seems as if social media has metamorphosized into this day and age pandemic.

The Mayumo

Column | 07

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Is Mandatory Face-to-Face Classes a Good Idea?

A sudden shift in the method of learning can be beneficial yet detrimental and no one’s exempted from its trouble.

ALMOST THREE years later, most of us are still immersed in the gunk that has been accumulating since the very beginning of the pandemic.

As a student, my issues could be the least of everyone’s concerns, but with the proposed resumption of mandatory face-to-face classes, we all play a part in the narrative.

A sudden shift in the method of learning can be beneficial yet detrimental and no one’s exempted from its trouble.

To detach ourselves from the pandemic, the complete return of the

traditional method of learning might be the next goal to aim for. It is a simple and known fact that distance learning can never be as effective for most students, me included. So with the Covid cases starting to reach what can be considered manageable, it’s about time to let the children bounce back and carry on having the quality education only the refuge of schools can bring.

However, one can also argue that this could be one pathetic move to make in an attempt to move forward, especially in consideration of the current state of our country.

As of April 2022, the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that there were still 2.76 million jobless Filipinos. Although the numbers have declined, analysts have said that despite the slight progress, we are still far off in comparison to our pre-covid level.

Not only is the unemployment rate high, but we are also faced with a ballooning cost of living. Face-to-face classes, if enforced, would obligate parents or guardians to spend money for transportation daily during the routinary fuel price hikes.

With that said, it is also guaranteed

for the value of school supplies and foods popular amongst students to inflate. Factors such as these are one of the few to consider since most Filipinos are still left behind to wrestle with old predicaments. Pushing them into committing to yet another liability would not solve their problems but only worsen them.

So can we take this next big step and be truly on the path to redemption, or could this only result in more children left behind because we might be too broken that we can’t even move towards fixing?

Media Literacy: A Crucial Weapon Against 21st Century Disinformation

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The wars of the present are now being fought online, aiming to influence and manipulate the opinion of the people.

THE IDEOLOGICAL wars of the present are now being fought over the realms of the internet and social media. And it’s attacking a worryingly vulnerable public.

The susceptibility of the general masses to believe in biased and exaggerated news that tries to appeal to the emotional weakness of the readers is being exploited by countless individuals to gain favor and support from the people. In a way, netizens’ emotional and cognitive vulnerability is being weaponized by some to push their political, commercial, or personal agenda.

Suppose we really want to legitimately lower the effectiveness of fake news and disinformation flooding the internet today. In that case, we need to focus on forcing major social media sites to evaluate and scrutinize the factuality of the information being shared online. Most importantly, we need to bolster the capacity of the public to analyze, evaluate, and critique the

messages they see on their own to truly protect the masses from disinformation.

Media literacy is a crucial skill that our current educational system should prioritize to help the new generation of students successfully adapt to the chaotic world of social media. Teaching this will allow students to think critically, self-interpret, and judge any information they encounter before believing, a far cry from the general attitude that most people have nowadays.

How can schools teach media literacy? We first need to sharpen their ability to distinguish facts from opinion.

Next, they should be able to evaluate intentionally crafted disinformation and propaganda from those that are not, as well as know what biased information looks and sounds like. Finally, the public should know how their innate logical fallacies and misconceptions allow them to believe in such false information in the first place. This will make them aware of their vulnerabilities online, which will help them become more

vigilant and careful in the future.

The issues brought by the spread of fake or malicious information are not a dystopian complication of the future, as we are all experiencing and seeing it right now. This very problem has negatively influenced numerous elections, polls, and referendums worldwide, and its power over the general populace is inflicting a heavy blow to the democratic integrity of our world. We all need to consider this issue a grave threat to the truth. We need to know how to fight and eradicate the practice of disinformation on our own through the help of media literacy.

The wars of the present are now being fought online, aiming to influence and manipulate the opinion of the people. If we want to be free from disinformation today, we need to rearm ourselves with critical thinking and selfevaluation skills brought by enhancing media literacy. This is a must in order to truly protect the people from the deceptive influence of fake news.

The Mayumo

08 | Column

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Focus on the Good Neglecting the quality of public education is equivalent to cutting off their opportunity to succeed and contribute to society.

AREN’T WE ALL thirsty for normalcy? Rather than normalcy, we are expecting better quality. Anticipate the better, more utilized, and betterequipped face-to-face classes in the upcoming school year.

Getting wind of the increased MOOE of schools has set my expectations to the max as I am on the edge of my seat, looking forward to the next opening of classes.

Does money matter at school?

Reports prove that it does.

The school’s financial predicament has always been a challenge in the education sector. Fortunately, the Department of Education suddenly approved a significant increase in allocations for School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

Schools can spend the funds on activities and necessities that support learning programs.

The government’s objective in increasing MOOE is to continue striving to improve conditions in public schools and upgrade the quality of education. Findings revealed a significant relationship between the extent of utilization of the MOOE and students’ academic performance, which means more money invested in schools indicates better student outcomes. By increasing the MOOE, our schools can be well maintained so that they become the proud center of the locality.

The welcome news reminded me of my elementary school.

Its lack of budget was quite evident, which disappointed us

students, yet we kept the emotion to ourselves, accepted it, and moved on. Humidity is relatively high on its premises, even during rainy days. Even with the teachers and PTA donations of electric fans, those were not enough to keep off the heat, especially in summer.

The school is in bad shape.

There is no efficient drainage system.

Classrooms are obsolete. There are built-in restrooms, but they are not properly maintained due to a lack of funds.

Have you experienced an outdoor class? Well, I have. For months, we were forced to take classes in the gymnasium to make way for the lower grades.

Separated by metal, we managed to make a small area enclosed for our section, yet the noises have made

it impossible to hear the discussion clearly.

It felt good to see my old school getting its much-needed repair, thanks to the increased MOOE. I am relieved because the current and future students won’t undergo the same experience as I had.

A country won’t function if the opportunities for students are cut off.

The Philippines depends on a welleducated, high-quality workforce, referring to the students who will later evolve to contribute to our country.

Neglecting the quality of public education is equivalent to cutting off their opportunity to succeed and contribute to society. Investing in students is an investment in our future and yours.

Remember that you reap what you sow.

Gliding into Oblivion Despite everything, when will we, the small voices of the opposition, be able to hang on from gliding into oblivion?

THE ELECTION may have ended, but the real battle has just begun.

It was the battle cry of millions of Filipinos as our country is currently in the transitioning phase with our newly proclaimed president and senators.

Whereas, unlike in the Philippines, the rest of the world, particularly South Korea and France, now settled under the hands of a new government months after their presidential elections last March and April.

Moving on to the new government is easier said than done. As the economic burdens the last administration brought will have to continue hunting us even decades from now. Even if the leaders we have chosen to put our faith into failed in their endeavors, all we can do is move on. For now, that is.

One question, though, remains adamant in my mind. What can happen if it turns out that both the senate and

congress are a pro admin? Just thinking about it leaves me scared and restless.

The best country to compare our situation to would be the United States of America. On the surface, the two main political parties of the USA, the Democrats; and Republicans, might seem equal in footing. However, the influence Democrats hold in America today is undeniable. For the current president of the USA, Joe Biden, the members of the senate and congress all came from the same democratic party.

In any case, one thing I observed about the Biden presidency was faster deliberations in passing laws. It is even more evident as one of his economic platforms, the Build Back Better bill, was introduced in the 117th congress.

The bill smoothly sailed through the briefings in the congress, but it finally met its setback in the senate. Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who

adamantly said NO to the bill, thwarted the plans of the White House.

And somehow, they reminded me of Senator Risa Hontiveros, our lone opposition bet that won a seat in the senate. But regardless of Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema’s political stances, what they did was commendable. It was a feat.

Despite everything, when will we, the small voices of the opposition, be able to hang on from gliding into oblivion?

However, aside from the US, many countries have experienced the worst, particularly North Korea. As of today, North Korea and Eritrea remain the only countries that continue to operate under a totalitarian government.

Using totalitarianism, Kim Jong-un exercised executive power over all the branches of the government. It gives him absolute control over the lives of his

people.

It was a clear violation of human rights. But then again, who can be as dauntless as to oppose the North Korean government if threats of execution, imprisonment, and enforced disappearance loom over them?

Be that as it may, we must pick up our broken pieces and start anew.

Even if we hate the kind of dirty politics; we have today where almost everyone currently seated in power came from the same political party, if not blood-related.

These are the times when it is best to back down and cower for a little while. But the moment our peace and democracy becomes threatened once again. We will have to rise from the depths of our slumber to wake those who pretend to be awake but were actually lost in the oblivion of historical revisionism.

The Mayumo

Column | 09

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Gleam of Hope Being homosexual is never a choice; it is who you are, and you can choose to embrace it either openly or discreetly.

IN A POLL of 39 countries, the Philippines came in 10th place as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the World and Asia. When an LGBTQIA+ individual decides to come out, most people in society openly embrace it.

This has been seen in recent years as people have learned to accept things beyond their control.

Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of the long history and achievements of LGBTQIA+ visibility in the Philippines. It honors the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual community’s years of battle for basic human rights and the continuous quest for fair treatment under the law and society, including the personal triumphs of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The number of people participat-

ing in Pride March has risen dramatically, indicating that the LGBT population has grown braver and more comfortable expressing themselves. The data shows a steady increase from 1,500 participants in 2012 to 70,000 participants in 2019.

One of the most well-known aspects of Philippine gay culture is that gay individuals have long been classified as make-up artists, technicians, hairdressers, and dressmakers in most beauty salons and parlors. However, as time passes and society becomes more accepting, many opportunities for LGBT people are progressively knocking on their doors.

You can’t help but come across a rotten apple in the midst of a field of fresh ones. Insults, degradation, and, in

the worst-case scenario, assault can be used to express homophobia.

Fortunately, there is a SOGIE Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill, a proposed legislation in the Philippines’ Congress that aims to protect LGBTQIA+ Filipinos subjected to societal discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Despite the still looming prejudice against LGBTQIA+ individuals, the derogatory expressions “Psst. 150!” and “Hala, sabi ko na Barbie eh!” are rarely heard, which is a good thing. Even if many older individuals are opposed to homosexuality (typically owing to religious beliefs), those sentiments usually go down the drain.

The adaptive society aids the members in creating a safe zone in and

outside their own environment, and they appear more open and empowered with it that such insults no longer affect them.

Today’s society has significantly benefited from the use of social media.

It aided in public education about the various genders and sexualities in the community.

May you have felt the empowerment of love and acceptance upon yourself over the past pride month. May you have received support from your community and society.

Being homosexual is never a choice; it is who you are, and you can choose to embrace it either openly or discreetly. Even if you don’t have the courage right now, remember that you always have the chance to express yourself.

All the Time, GAD is Good Without any protection, these people have no place they can run to, a place they can consider their safe space.

2022 AND THE PHILIPPINES had long been stuck in a narrow space offered to those continuously facing discrimination for living up to who they truly are. This country lacks a lot when equality progression regarding gender comes as the center topic in talk as years of speaking out and being loud have already passed, yet many are still left unheard.

Those who were once oppressed are still, up to this day, oppressed.

As supposed, Gender and Development (GAD) in the Philippines should not only focus on the two most accepted genders, namely men and women.

It had come to the point where all sorts of genders, sexual orientations, gender expression, and romantic orientations should be added to this practice.

This is needed to empower and protect not only the genders enclosed in the norm but every citizen who, just

like others, is also an individual. All members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community are worthy of the same privileges from the implemented development perspective that aims to equalize all rights.

Every day, members of multiple spectrums are experiencing homophobia from people who are filled with hatred for other identities, not fitting their own beliefs. Without any protection, these people have no place they can run to, a place they can consider their safe space.

More than enough time had flown since the first sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) measure was introduced in the legislature in 2000. But up until this year, it is still considered the longest-running bill under the Senate, as stated in an article of Inquirer.net.

Other countries like Thailand have already reached progress beyond expectations, with a bill waiting to be passed to make them the second country in Asia to allow same-gender unions.

In the United States, President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to offer further protection to the queer community.

For Filipinos to grasp gender development, the public must fully accept, tolerate, and respect LGBTQIA rights.

Celebrating Pride Month, Senator Risa Hontiveros, who authored the Senate version of the SOGIE bill in the 18th Congress, voiced out that she would revive the bill in the incoming 19th Congress. Requoting what she said, “It is time we begin the process of healing the wound created by the gap in our laws that has allowed for bullying, ostracism, and violence to way too many Filipinos. It is time we forge a country

that includes all, loves all.”

To start this progression, GAD of the country must first recognize the presence and differences of gender identity, sexual orientation, assigned gender or sex by birth, romantic orientation, and gender expression. With this, not only men and women will be provided with the empowerment they need to gain equality. The country doesn’t only have cisgendered citizens; there are more genders out there waiting to be heard, waiting to be seen.

To truly protect everyone while respecting their rights, the country should first try to know everything about SOGIE to give all heterosexuals and LGBTQIA+ members the fairness they deserve.

Talk about gender development when one finally recognizes that the population is not only consisting of two genders

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Beating Heart of the vanessa may flores

THERE I met this boy.

Buttons were ceaselessly pressed and clicked; the sound of intense typing freely echoed at every corner of a small room, with dim light coming from the screen serving as a hint of vision to what had been happening to a young boy intently staring at the words that appeared within his line of sight. Tears heavily flowed down his wide-opened eyes, with confusion clouding his entire being. He didn’t know what to do.

I didn’t know what to do.

Sometimes, I just see myself smiling the brightest through my reflection in his eyes. Often, I would fear accepting what I truly am or who I really am. He opened a new kind of world to me.

There I met him—Charlie Spring, a boy of my age; a boy who could replace the sun with his brightest smile. He is the only person I know who will unfailingly flash his smile despite all the immoral deeds people would throw at him for being gay.

“I have been long used to it.” It is the same statement I’d hear every time I ask him why he never fought back.

In the Netflix series called Heartstopper, adapted from a webtoon comic written by Alice Oseman, multiple gender topics were raised and explored by the youth. Starring Kit Connor and Joe Locke as Nick

Nelson and Charlie Spring, the series made a huge impact in putting the story into action.

It started with Charlie Spring, an openly gay person who studies at Truham Grammar School for Boys, experiencing a sour past where people bullied him for being who he is. Nick Nelson became his seatmate in a class, making the two of them closer than before.

Charlie felt conflicted to continue having a crush on this guy as he was known as a school’s heartthrob and, according to his friends, is definitely heterosexual.

Nick, on the other hand, entered the state of being sexually confused, Charlie being the reason for his questioning or what most people call nowadays “gay awakening.”

This is not where the events of the said series will end its hooking part, which brought a perfect 100% review, as stated in Rotten Tomatoes, an American review-aggregation website for film and television.

Charlie’s group of friends is also part of the huge success, fully capturing the hearts of every watcher.

Knowing that Charlie has been bullied for him coming out, Tao Xu will always be there to protect him. Elle Argent, a transgender who transferred from Truham to its counterpart, Higgs Grammar School for Girls, has shown the most adorable chemistry with Tao

Xu. Another remarkable character is Isaac Henderson, who is more of an ace member of asexual.

Such a group of friends may seem uncommon to many.

But they definitely do exist.

We do exist.

Every year, Pride Month is consistently celebrated every June, serving as a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. It acts as a public demonstration and mass protest to express joy and courage, to scream for equality.

After years of trying to end homophobia, stigma, and discrimination, a lot still refuses to come out as what these people had been fighting for is not being wholly heard and supported.

As for the words of English actor Ian McKellen, “I’ve never met a gay person who regretted coming out—including myself. Life, at last, begins to make sense when you are open and honest.”

To come out is a struggle only queer people will firsthand know about. Nick Nelson, who just recently discovered his sexual orientation, had a rollercoaster of mind brawls before he finally drew the curtains to show who he is.

Realizing that his heartstopper and the reason for his beating heart was the boy he met—Charlie.

“

Sometimes, I just see myself smiling the brightest through my reflection in his eyes.

Often, I would fear accepting what I truly am or who I really am.

He opened a new kind of world to me.

Graphics: Jeanne Raine Jose

The Mayumo

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Compass of Hope Andrea Mangalus

LIKE A GROUP of dancers swaying to the beat of a mellow love song, the strokes of the waves looked mesmerizing as they swayed to the mellow ocean breeze, and there settled a vessel of perseverance.

Somewhere along Pulong Bayabas, San Miguel, Bulacan, the silhouette of a 41-yearold lady stood broad and fearless against the cascading waves of uncertainties as she once again navigated her ship into the continuation of her long-adjourned journey.

Since she was young, Norie Daquiz Daguno has wanted to finish her education and become a degree holder. Despite graduating with a twoyear vocational course in Computer Secretarial, circumstances were not in sympathy with her dreams. Due to a lack of financial support, she didn’t have a chance to pursue a degree further.

Despite her sail in education halting there, her life did not falter. She now has a family of her own and is a mother of two little boys. She also got to experience working on an international cruise for eight years and bore rigid when she stopped.

However, despite all that, she still felt the vague notion that something was missing.

The course of her journey changed when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged and affected the lives we were accustomed to. While everyone else saw this pandemic as an antagonist, Daguno recognized it as a glimmering opportunity. She enrolled in Bulacan Agricultural State College and is currently a first-year college student taking up a

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Science.

Challenges are inevitable, especially for a student and mother like her. Her responsibilities as a student and parent overlap sometimes, but according to her, “It’s just a matter of being positive. Alone, I cannot do it, but because God is there to help me, my journey as a mother and student became easier.” She truly lives through this motto, for she is currently one of the dean’s listers in school. Furthermore, Daguno also has a solid relationship with God. When asked about her plan once the implementation of face-to-face is pushed, Daguno admitted that it would surely be a challenge. Still, she is hopeful that she can get a grip and hold on to her education through her courage and determination. Moreover, her children and passion for finishing a degree are the fuel that keeps her going.

Every student has a battle of their own, and with our current academic setup, these battles are far more perplexing to overcome. With that, Daguno advised all the students like her who are facing their battles, “Be positive. A wise man always finds an opportunity in everything.” Moreover, she believes that “The key to a successful and a happy life is putting God in the center of our lives.”

Her experiences molded her to see the light of opportunity in every situation, making her sail closer to her dreams.

It’s not true that no barrier can

Norie Daguno

“

Her experiences molded her to see the light of opportunity in every situation, making her sail closer to her dreams. hinder a person’s education because there will always be obstacles along the way. What matters more is the way we respond to these obstacles.

Will you steer against them or not?

Somewhere along Pulong Bayabas, San Miguel, Bulacan, is a mother and student. She proves that we have timelines of our own, and now is the start of hers.

She saw the pandemic not as a hindrance but as a compass star that lights her way. Now she sails along the cascading waves with a glimmer of hope and perseverance as her guide in reaching her destination – a dream to pursue and finish a degree.

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Road to Finish Bea Denise villanueva & Kylie Nicole Labarro

READY OR NOT, the game has begun.

As players positioned themselves in front of numerous archways, they knew that it would not be a lenient tournament, for each route is full of uncertainties, confusions, expectations, and realities that might either usher them to endless doors of opportunities or bamboozle their entire future.

Each participant, all Senior High School students from San Miguel National High School, craves to reach the endgame triumphantly.

And with critical thinking and concrete decision-making, they have chosen their paths.

The first contender, Charlize Jelaine Pascual, is an Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) student. She believed that her chosen strand would only be based on mathematics but later realized that ABM also involved practical applications, such as marketing and management, that are integral for its students’ future.

Christine Gatmaitan knew

that Humanities and Social Studies ogy, Engineering, and Mathematics (HUMSS) would aid her social (STEM) student, realized his exlife in terms of public speaking pectations were not far from reality. and socializing without getting Walking down this lane, he was able embarrassed or panicking. But as to contemplate what the future holds. she went in this The 5th direction, she aspirant, Jeswas met with sica Lara Anuncertainty and geles, chose hesitation. But Information she perseveres, Communication To make it hopeful of and Technolofinding the gy (ICT) as her to the finish perfect pathway stepping stone. line, you must she must walk She anticipaton. ed having a learn how to LJ Eisma glimpse of the walk when you once failed, but kaleidoscope of here she is, technology but cannot run. back on track realized there and out to get were more dithe triumph she could almost taste. verse subjects unrelated to computShe is a challenger from the General ers.

Academic Strand (GAS) who eagerly To satisfy his thirst for sugary anticipates something she has set goodness, John Carlo Hagad led her heart on. himself to Home Economics. Little The next participant, James did he know that it was not easy to Bryan Villanueva, a Scilearn but with continuous ence, Technolpractice and

“

determination, with sprinkles of happiness during his voyage, he would soon excavate victory.

People might not hear much about this direction, but Jasmine Culianan decided to take Agri-Fishery Arts (AFA). She wanted to be equipped with skills relating to agriculture and aquaculture, but it became tough with the implementation of the new learning modalities.

The desire to explore the complexity of hues of the arts pushed Yani Bachiller, an 11th grader, to get Arts and Design. While on her quest, she found it challenging to be creative all the time. But Thy will be done.

And lastly, Mikaela Joy Garcia from the Sports strand. Her burning passion for athletics drove her into this path. She wanted to be better, be stronger, but the pandemic happened, and her hopes were stalled.

The game of life is indeed full of uncertainties. You have to adapt whether or not your chosen strand has met your expectations. To make it to the finish line, you must learn how to walk when you cannot run.

Graphics: Charles Asher Mariano

The Mayumo

SMNHS:

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Reminiscing my Future Alma Mater Chrissielyn jercille cruz

SAN MIGUEL National High School is one of my hometown’s most well-known high schools, and practically everyone I look up to attends. I recall being so enthusiastic about studying in the same school when I was in middle school that I would roam around with my friends until we had learned the school’s map in the back of our minds.

It was a vital socializing ground for me. Imagine how introverted I was when I first started junior high, stuttering whenever someone tried to speak to me and turning into a deep red, ripe tomato whenever I was called during recitation. However, during my final year of junior high, I became more extroverted—I made a lot of friends, became more engaged in conversations, and enjoyed participating in school activities.

Even though we are all in a virtual mode of learning, I’ve made many friends in and outside of my section and strand this year as a senior high student.

This may get me in trouble, but I’ll miss the Miting de Avance, which brings together all students in the grandstand every year. I used it as an excuse to go to the canteen and buy food, then take it to my seat to eat because the election takes a few hours to finish, while inevitably chatting with my classmates and barely listening to the introductions.

I’ll also miss the Grade 10 canteen’s 50 peso rice-in-a-cup topped with their sweet tocino, which could beat a 5-star restaurant’s dish. Since the rice is too much for me and I am a slow eater, I normally eat it during my break till my next class.

I’ll never forget the school’s important events, such as academic competitions like quiz bees, essay writing competitions, Math Olympics, science fairs, and the Intramurals season. I was allowed to compete twice in the Mr. and Ms. Intramurals, eventually winning the title in 2018. I can still recall my conflicting emotions while performing on stage and my classmates and family’s priceless reactions when I was declared the winner.

Above all, I’ll probably always remember my friends and classmates for making my senior year enjoyable and thrilling. My teachers, who always lifted our spirits by letting us have a snack break or made us laugh whenever the school loads became too much; the school guard, who was so kind and let me out the gate whenever I needed to get the materials my father brought from home.

As Peter Pan said, “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting.” I will forever cherish the memories, lessons, and experiences I got in my school and the people I’m with over the years. And I am certain I will come back since I can’t afford to miss any reunions with my batch in the future.

“

Even though we are all in a virtual mode of learning, I’ve made many friends in and outside of my section and strand this year as a senior high student.

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Childhood Interrupted: The Metamorphosis of the Incoming SMNHS Junior High Ma. Amberainne Mendoza

MEET CHIVAS. I first met him when he was in Grade 1 at San Miguel Elementary School (SMES).

Ask him his name, and he’ll tell you about his family, school, friends, and everything else in between.

Aside from being bubbly, Chivas Chico was also active in school. Together with Gabriel Mangaluz and Amberich Mendoza, they formed the MTAP super trio in SMES that only experienced a loss in this math competition when they were in Grade 4. I have seen how they took it hard and promised to come back better and with a vengeance.

Aside from being a Math wizard, the

“

These childlike souls who had no choice but to grow up trapped inside their homes...

boy also competed in Journalism and was part of the SMES’ Violin Ensemble. Despite his busy schedule, he always found time to play with his friends and enjoy his childhood.

Until it was interrupted.

Chivas was in the latter part of Grade 4 when the pandemic struck. I can only imagine how the bubbly and active child had to deal with the uncertain number of days that turned into years of his childhood that had to be spent at home without school competitions, his friends, the school that he had long considered his second home.

The MTAP super trio was never given a chance to defend their title. The two years spent mostly at home changed them physically. Chivas became taller, and his voice got bigger.

The next time we met was when he took the Special Curricular Program in Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) entrance exam on June 18, 2022. It was the first exam done in person by San Miguel National High School (SMNHS) after two years of screening the applicants using a different approach due to the pandemic.

This is also the first batch to hopefully have a full face-to-face system in the next school year.

Gone was the chatty child with explanations for everything. He mostly quipped, “Opo,” to most of my questions,

and if he didn’t want to answer, he’d say, “Wala na po akong masabi.”

Regarding his expectations of the STE program, if granted the opportunity, the child was well-aware of the hardships that come along the journey, “Mahirap po ‘yung mga lesson, saka medyo advanced po”.

But when asked about his backup plans if he fails to get accepted, he was positive, “Papasa po ako!”

Chivas is among the faces of the incoming Grade 7 students at SMNHS. These childlike souls who had no choice but to grow up trapped inside their homes and metamorphose into young adults who would soon embark on a more difficult, more challenging journey of the beginning of their high school lives.

How will they fare? Only time could tell. For now, we can only wish they enjoy what’s left of their childhood despite and in spite of.

Chivas Chico

The Mayumo

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Unfamiliar Change Jeremias Pablo

TO ATTAIN a change in pace and be in a different environment, I transferred to take up STEM. It was an attempt to branch out a path, an attempt to gain some sense of direction.

Alas, circumstances played their trick on me and somehow twisted my fate.

Once I came to my senses, I realized.

The fact that I am alone in my room and not in a classroom, and the white uniform remains tidy as it is hung and is kept inside the wooden cabinet. Almost two years have gone by, yet I’m still facing the same flashing monitor as the curtains slowly fall for another end of a chapter and the start of a new story.

Adapting is quite hard, and it took me some time. To only see the similarities and subtle differences through the lenses of others as a way to comprehend the existing and curated school culture beforehand. In an online and digital environment, interactions are hard to grasp.

It’s more like seeing a culture rather than experiencing it since you are not fully engrossed and involved.

These two years are a journey to further self-discovery. To know what I truly want and what I detest the most.

To discover what brings me passion and what dampens my soul. To see how I will become efficient and what pushes me towards idleness. I had more than enough alone time to reflect and grow.

The atmosphere drives me forward to work harder and smarter. Though everything is online, the passion for learning and striving to give their best is breaking through the digital space, may it be from my classmates, teachers, or peers.

Thus, the only truth remains that everyone, including me, changed, despite the fact that I can still count the number of times I’ve been inside the school grounds with my ten fingers.

The prospect of change felt obscure since the sense of time was in disarray.

Every minute felt like an hour, yet every month felt like a day.

Still, I realized that this feeling of stillness is brought by the stagnancy of the surroundings, but delve deeper, and you’ll see the changes that happened. My past self is already unfamiliar but what drives me forward remains the same.

There is still growth and change hidden behind this facade of stillness.

“

Every minute felt like an hour, yet every month felt like a day.

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

THE OLD ROUTINE started once more. The race against sunrise and baths rarely warm to save time, the bags packed, uniforms on, shoes polished, assignments ready.

And a deep breath in the mirror as butterflies swarm the stomach, uncertain whether in excitement or anxiety.

Even though only a few portions of the total number of San Miguel National High School (SMNHS) students joined the limited face-toface classes, the school breathed life once more with the bustling activities of teachers and students alike.

Sylvester Van Allen Apostol of 9 SSC (C) described his experience on the first day as “Masarap sa pakiramdam.” He also said that asking teachers and students about schoolwork is better done personally.

Another Grade 9 SSC (C) student stated, “Ang pinaka-na-miss ko po ay yung bonding with friends and communication with teachers and other schoolmates na rin po.” She is Alyssa Nicole Caliwag. According to

her, the adjustment wasn’t hard, and ways than the traditional. For one, she adapted quickly. the quieter environment is more The Junior High School suitable for her learning. “Kaysa po sa students were full of positive reviews, madami, maingay,” she reasoned. rating their experiences with the Still, it can’t be denied the lowest being 8 and the highest a number of perks of the traditional perfect score of 10. One of them even classes before the pandemic. For remarked that teachers are less strict, Zyrine, it was the canteen with more more approachable, and friendly. products and the optional use of The Senior High School facemasks. students took space on the other side Meanwhile, one Senior High of the campus.

School student, Two hundred Coleen Joy P. fifteen of their De Castro, extotal number pressed her senfrom different timents about the Strands joined the strict protocols limited face-togoverning the face classes that These few students school. “Parang of SMNHS saw the napag-compare started last March 14. ko yung sa labas limited face-toZyrine Veth dito, kasi sa face classes as a saka Sto. Domingo ibang mga estabmore productive of 11-HUMMS lishments pwede Thales said that naman na silang way of learning. limited face-tomagdikit-dikit pero face class is ‘pag sa school better in some hindi puwede. So-

“

brang strict.”

And because of this, she said she had a hard time adjusting, thus her 7-scored rating.

However, she still chose the limited face-to-face classes over the modular mode of learning to gain explanations from the teachers and not suffer from self-studying, barely understanding anything.

She is hopeful that by the next school year, COVID cases will get low enough to accommodate every student in the school without worrying about their safety.

These few students of SMNHS saw the limited face-to-face classes as a more productive way of learning.

If it’s only up to them, they all said students should be back in classrooms with teachers and classmates.

And then the old routine will start once more. Where Sundays are not for late nights. Already wide awake, 4 a.m. the next day. Watching the sunrise in the way and watching better learning begin anew.

jed rogem santos

Begin Again

Catching up with the Lost Two Years Graphics: Charles Asher Mariano

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Northwin Global City: Bulacan’s first “wire-free city”

WIRE-Free: Megaworld Corporation shares a design of Northwin Global City - Bulacan’s first wire-free

global city.

Janelle Garcia

Township developer Megaworld Corporation plans to incorporate an underground cabling system into the proposed Northwin Global City, a “global business area” built in Marilao and Bocaue in Bulacan.

According to Kevin Andrew L. Tan, Megaworld’s chief strategy officer, Northwin Global City will include Megaworld’s “iTownship” features, including an underground cable system. This would imply that the distracting overhead wires from electricity, phone, and cable companies would be placed underground.

Underground cables have traditionally been utilized in cities, regions where an overhead line may endanger life or scenic areas where aesthetics are valued. In addition, underground cables have various advantages over overhead lines, including lower voltage dips, fewer risks of creating faults, and lower maintenance expenses. However, It is more costly, and their price might vary based on the structure.

“Megaworld has made a wise decision. Because the Philippines is located in the Pacific, it is vulnerable to powerful typhoons. Typhoon Ulysses was one of the destructive typhoons that hit Bulacan, causing power disruptions in several sections of the province.

Aside from the aesthetic aspects, underground wires help reduce power outages,” said Engineer Marjolyn Salvador of NSON Development Corporation in an online interview with The Mayumo.

On the other hand, Mrs. Rebecca Santimoza, a resident in Bocaue, Bulacan said, “Kung itatago yung mga cable beneath the ground, magiging mas maaliwalas ang view o scenery, as a result, maraming tao ang maeengganyo na pumunta at tangkilikin ang lugar.”

Meanwhile, some parts of the country, including Bonifacio Global City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, and Baguio City, already employ an underground cabling system.

Age is Just a Number: A Campaign for Climate Action The voices were loud enough to be heard by many, yet only a few learned from the story.

AFTER decades of being ignored, the world finally noticed hundreds of scientists as they demanded immediate climate action. The voices were loud enough to be heard by many, yet only a few learned from the story.

According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The continuous increase in the warning will disregard the initial plan of restraining the global heating to 1.5°C. And the effects of climate change will be a hundred times more dangerous by the end of the century.

The earth was in good condition before and should be kept at such.

It was about 4.5 billion years ago when the Earth was formed. And

as time passed, it experienced drastic changes, especially in its climate. Before, ice covered most of the planet, which was altered as the temperature increased, resulting in ice melting. An increase in water sea level affected the underwater creatures and the terrestrial animals in dry lands. Also, the thinning of the ozone layer, which was because of the increasing concentrations of ozone-depleting chemicals, contributed to such changes. When will everyone listen?

A lack of trust in the young ones might cause the loss of the place we now have.

In 2019, climate activist Greta Thunberg, 16, addressed the United Nations (UN) Climate Action Summit.

She is well-known for her protest outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

During this time, the 15-year-old Thunberg had inspired millions of youths with her sign “School Strike for Climate,” urging the government to meet carbon emissions targets.

In her UN Climate Action Summit message, she emphasized how the politicians disappointed the environment and the youth who will bear the consequences of their irresponsibility. “You are failing us. But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal. The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say: We will never forgive you.” she said.

Thunberg is just one of the youth climate activists who voiced their care for the climate, including the lack of response from the so-called adults who should be leading such

an environmental movement. And just this year, #LetTheEarthBreathe trends following the news of the famous scientist’s rebellion.

This just shows how the earth needs our immediate help. Protecting the natural habitats around the world that store billions of tons of this “living carbon.” Fewer people use energy, especially from power plants, industry, and traffic. And as an individual, one of the most effective ways to help is to learn to talk about climate, just like Thunberg and scientists like Peter Kalmus.

Regardless of age, we should listen to the call of nature. It was not a battle between the ideas of children and adults. It was fighting with them, together, to keep the earth safe, giving the healthy environment it once had.

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Mental Health: A Relentless Battle Carmel Manongsong

LOOSER QUARANTINE restrictions, new COVID-19 medications, and a rising number of vaccinated people may be tell-tale signs that the pandemic is about to end. But whether or not it does, the anxiety and depression it brings may last a lifetime, as stated by Dr. Honey Carandang of Mindfulness, Love and Compassion Institute for Psychological Service.

Back then, the Philippines, like the rest of the globe, had no idea of the catastrophe we now find ourselves in. The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed not just the country’s already fractured health system but also everyone’s day-to-day lives. Understandably, the fundamental changes that occurred and the economic instability and uncertainty caused by safety protocols and health restrictions have taken a toll on our fellow citizens’ mental health.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has urged the governments to provide psychological assistance for

health professionals and anyone facing to roughly 3,819 in the same period in mental health issues.

2021. According to DOH, the average The Philippines is not an excep- monthly number of contacts to the crisis tion. In the country, about 4.5 million hotline has surpassed 1,000. And of that Filipinos suffer from depression or any number, a monthly average of 374 were mental health-relatsuicide-related. ed issues, the World RegardHealth Organization ing psychological (WHO) said. There stress, our healthare at least 3.6 milcare employees are The continuing lion Filipinos battling among the most susmental health issues COVID-19 pandemic ceptible. A National amid the pandemhas disturbed not Center for Biotechic, the Department nology Information just the country’s of Health (DOH) (NCBI) report menreported last May already fractured tioned many studies 2021. health system but in which healthcare Furthermore, personnel “indicated also everyone’s the National Center degrees of mild to day-to-day lives. for Mental Health severe depression” (NCMH) revealed in addition to the that the number of prevalent stress due calls received by its hotline in the first to the pandemic. quarter of the year almost doubled The crisis is also having a sigcompared to the same time in 2020— nificant impact on the nation’s youth. from 1,540 in January to March 2020 During interviews with students from

“

Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga City, General Santos City, Bulacan, Laguna, Pangasinan, and Batangas, their mental health was among their many worries, Senator Sonny Angara said in a news article. According to these students, the pandemic is not only interfering with their interactions with classmates and friends but is also causing them to fear how COVID-19 may affect their future employment possibilities.

The private sector, DOH and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has been working hard to solve the mental health issues of Filipinos. However, it is anticipated that this dire situation will continue even after the pandemic has ended.

As the pandemic continues, the government must guarantee that Filipinos have a safe place to voice their emotional concerns and access much-needed mental health services.

Therefore, our mental health should also be a top priority as our nation transitions from response to recovery.

Head over Heels: Captivated by the enigmas of science Airish Gamboa

OH, TO FALL IN LOVE - with science that is.

Determination derived from passion - many people were always fascinated because of you. They always try to learn all of your different characteristics and always want to present their interests to you. They were gratified as they explored and discovered you.

You always give opportunities to showcase their talents and abilities in the field. You always played a vital role in shaping their careers and dreams in life.

People seemed to see the ray of hope as science-related degrees arose here in the Philippines.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd) statistics, the number of students who became interested in Science and Technology has significantly increased to 60%.

As people grew, science became a part of our lives. We always learn it at school, and it allows us to explore things in life. For example, through

reginalD bernardo Maria isabel Layson

experimenting, we can discover new mixtures and things that we didn’t know before.

Being with you is one of the things that can make us grow professionally and intellectually. This is when we challenge ourselves to be better individuals and explore the different aspects of life. So, the rise of science-related degrees seems to be an empowering hope for people who love the science subject.

Falling in love with science was not a wrong thing.

This subject seems to be appealing to many people now, and they also believe that science could be a considerable contribution to their ongoing development.

As we took a glimpse of what dreams and passions are, I remembered what Julia Child said, “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” Always remember that we should always continue to pursue our passion because no one can stop us from doing it.

The Mayumo

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Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022

Editorial

Grapple For the Concealed Heroes

Graphics: Audrick Thomas Jao

WE CAN ALL agree that sports in the Philippines, although progressive and with plenty of potentials, still have much catching up to do. This is apparent since we carry on losing world-class and record-breaking Filipino athletes to foreign countries - Alex Pagulayan, Wesley So, and Yuka Saso, to name a few.

However, despite the disgruntlement we feel over our country’s lost chance for accolades, our support for our countrymen should remain, come what may. Stripping Filipino athletes of the liberty to select which country they should represent by opposing and lambasting them because of our blind patriotism is unjust.

Switching flags doesn’t make them any less. Our ancestry goes deeper and is more weighty than that. Their triumphs remain ours to take pride in, and their hurdles are ours to feel sym-

pathetic for, as withholding support and ade. compassion for one another are what The Philippine Sports Commispatriotism ought to stress. Besides, they sion (PSC) reasoned that Republic Act are not the ones to No. 9644, known be held accountable as the Athlete’s Infor this. centives Act, didn’t One of the encompass Unimany times our versiade in the inshortcomings were ternational sporting Switching flags proven was when events where gold doesn’t make Wesley So, a chess medalists should grandmaster who receive a bonus. them any less. Our grew up in Cavite The lack of support ancestry goes and had bagged from the Philippine some big wins for deeper and is more Olympic Committee weighty than that. (POC) also ushered the Philippines, chose to join the So to his doom.

United States chess Around seven federation in 2014. years later, we might In his defense, he made the decision be assuming that things have evolved, when he was not granted the P1 million but, somehow, we remain in the same incentive after bagging the Philippines’ old loop. Just recently, we’ve lost yet first gold in the 2012 Summer Universi- another great potential, Yuka Saso, a

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professional golfer who won the Philippines its first-ever gold medal in both women’s individual and women’s team events in Asian Games golf competitions. At age 21 last year, Saso was obliged to choose between the Philippines and Japan as dual citizenship is no longer allowed once she turns 22 years old as per Japanese Nationality Law. And much to every Filipino’s dismay, she picked Japan.

To put an end to this relentless loss, we have to evolve, but the problem with us is that we all want to live out that Pinoy pride without really partaking in the hard part, which pretty much all Pinoy athletes have to go through before mounting for glory. To banish the exploitation, power plays, and neglect, we each have to lend our voices to give prestige to underappreciated hard work and finally provide them the necessary resources to prosper.

SMNHS teacher’s free bball camp hopes to tap future ballers, coaches BEa Denise Villanueva

Wretched changes caused by the new normal couldn’t stop people who are passionate about what they are doing. This ignited the fire that made Abelito Alabado, a Grade 10 MAPEH teacher at San Miguel National High School (SMNHS), start ALAB. The ALAB Free Basketball Camp, launched on June 25, 2022, aims to keep the youth away from bad vices and reduce their time on gadgets by strengthening their skills in playing basketball.

The program was originally intended for youth aged 15 to 25, but Alabado couldn’t turn down those who were younger but eager to participate.

Hence, they opened an earlier slot for

the younger participants who train from 5 to 7 PM. Older participants train from 6:30 to 9 PM. Alabado added the training was supposed to be on weekends only, but

due to the youth’s passion for learning more, it became every other day. To date, they have 40 participants, limited to those hailing from Barangay Balite to maximize training before expanding its

reach to the entirety of San Miguel Alabado is assisted by his son, Arenei Clark, in training the aspiring athletes. He also relayed that the program would not have pushed through if not for the support of his wife Rowena, Balite SK Chairman Brylle John Zapata, SK Federation President Pol David Buencamino, Brgy. Captain Ma. Margie Palomo, friends, and the parents of the participants.

On what his message is to aspiring athletes, Alabado said, “Maaari tayong mangarap ng mataas sa paglalaro ng basketball. Ngunit kasabay ng pangarap, ay paglalaan nang sapat na oras at atensyon, pagtyatyaga, at sakripisyo, at higit sa lahat ay pananalig sa Diyos.”

How to be you?

MA. AMBERAINNE MENDOZA

PASSION. Humility. Kindness.

What do you want to be when you grow up? No matter what your dream is, success will never be sweet without these three traits. Take it from San Miguel, Bulacan’s very own, pro-baller Dennis Gabriel Santos.

Who would have thought that amidst the sweets and delicacies the town is known for will rise an even sweeter feat, and that is the honor brought by having a professional basketball player hailing from Barangay Camias?

Slam Book Q & A Dennis, or Kuya Dennis (KD) of San Miguel, for his Facebook friends and followers, is 31 years old and the fourth of seven siblings.

He used to play for the Bulacan Kuyas in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and is now part of the league representing the Philippines to the rest of the world, the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 World Tour. He is currently ranked 4th in the Philippines, 634th in the category Open Men, and 804th worldwide.

Why is he still single? (Yes, we asked what you wanted to know) After a hearty but shy laugh, he turned serious and relayed how he became more focused on helping his family after losing his father, who used to provide for them.

With his height of 6’5”, it would be hard to miss him. But you’d never feel small standing beside him; he is humility personified. He said that he never got bullied for being tall. There were only instances when people tiptoed whenever they saw him, especially when he was younger.

How to Be You? He came from an average-earning family. After finishing grade school at Camias Elementary School, he pursued high school at St. Clare College of Caloocan after getting a scholarship. A friend from Cambio invited him to try out for the school’s basketball team. It is also where he finished a degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) as a scholar and varsity player.

And the rest they say is history. As for this promising basketeer, his history is only unfolding.

Dennis said you don’t have to be as tall as he is to become a pro-baller. You only have to be persistent.

He shared that he often felt homesick when he relocated to Manila at a young age and without his family. He rarely went home since the budget was limited. But instead of feeling lonely, he focused on training and getting better.

After college, he was still on his own, trying out for different professional basketball leagues. There were many rejections, but he did not let them stop him from trying over and over again. Until his determination landed him where he is at the moment.

What’s a typical workout session of a professional basketball player?

He said, “May program kami sa team na everyday ang training. Number one talaga ang discipline. Kasi kung wala kang disiplina sa sarili mo, wala kang mararating. Di ako nag-aabsent sa practice kahit may lagnat ako.”

Aside from being dedicated to his profession, he also watches out for what he eats. Plus, he doesn’t smoke or drink.

Surprises, Surprises

Dennis wasn’t spared from the effects of the pandemic.

The games stopped, without any certainty if life would go back to normal ever again.

He remained positive during the time and continued training even at home. He also started selling grilled fish in front of their home – another proof that he never allowed his success to get into his head.

Now that the league is back to normal, Dennis is back at the international courts doing what he does best – making his homeland proud.

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Dennis said you don’t have to be as tall as he is to become a pro-baller. You only have to be persistent.

He has also started a basketball clinic in his hometown, open to all aspiring athletes, which he plans to bring around all barangays of San Miguel. Aside from that, he is helping a friend and someone he said supported him when he was only starting, San Miguel National High School MAPEH teacher, Sir Abel Alabado’s Alab Free Basketball Camp.

“Gusto kong iangat ang basketball dito sa San Miguel. Kasi yung ibang kabataan dito, walang tutulong.

Ngayon kung may gagabay sa kanila, magiging possible. Gusto kong maging example na kung kaya ng isa, bakit di makakaya ng iba,” Dennis said.

As a parting question, we asked him – who is Dennis Santos?

To which he replied, “Si Dennis Santos ay simpleng tao at mamamayan ng San Miguel. Gusto ko lang makilala bilang basketball player na nakapag-represent ng Philippines, para tularan din ng iba pang kabataan na nangangarap.”

Graphics: Mikhaela Manuson

sports

A Bite into the Humble Beginnings of Dennis Santos

The Mayumo

Volume LV No.2 | February - June 2022