Interior of the newly-renovated Chapel of the Holy Family blessed on January 29
(Over 60+ teams) SJS-LS holds first ever volleyball league
By Kate Camille Palo
St Joseph School - La Salle landed 6th place overall among Top Performing Schools both in English and Filipino during the 2024 Division Schools Press Conference last May 2-4 at University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos (UNO-R)
By category in the areas of Filipino and English, SJS-LS placed fourth and ninth, respectively, among the Top Performing Schools Selwyn Gabriel O Basañes (10A), Feature Writing English, Diamella M Guliman (9A), Editorial Writing Filipino, and Zhiegfred C. Anzano (10A), Photojournalism Filipino all achieved guaranteed spots for the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) following their 1st place wins
Newly renovated Chapel of the Holy Family in SJS-LS
Recreational Reading revived
By Dannah Marie Faramiran
Communication Arts in English (CAE) Department headed by Miss Riza Joy Nanquil has officially revived the Recreational Reading (RR) program after its 4-year hiatus
The school is reintroducing RR activities not only to its students but also to the entire faculty and staff in an attempt to promote our love for literature and to rekindle the burning passion of reading for pleasure
The goal is to take a break, grab a book, and dedicate thirty minutes to reading
According to Miss Nanquil, the said inspiration behind pursuing this initiative is the decline in the students’ communication skills especially in English speaking and writing
“We aim to enhance the recreational reading program to instill a genuine love for reading among our students” Miss Nanquil said of what she envisions on enhanced RR program
SJS-LS installs large industrial fan
By Jhette Clemence Golez
To provide the much needed comfort during the conduct of activities held in the Oscar J Hilado Civic Center, the Mariposa Foundation Incorporated (MFI) has donated one High Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) fan
“After the visit of Br Oscar along with the MFI Team on October 13, 2023, it was decided that installing a large ceiling fan would greatly benefit the SJS-LS Community,” said Mrs Analie Lomocso, the school director
She added that the installation came after the certification of a group of engineers regarding the structural capacity of the OJH Civic Center in holding a six-blade mechanical and industrial fan with a diameter of more than seven feet
When asked about her message to the community, Mrs Lomocso said, “We are truly grateful for the blessings we have received and should continue to be thankful
Let us remember to keep our generous donors, especially Brother Oscar [Br. Oscar J. Hilado AFSC], his family and the MFI, in our prayers.”
On behalf of SJS-LS, she also extended her gratitude for the unwavering support of the MFI for all other school’s programs
Other than the Civic Center and its continual developments, the MFI provides an extensive support program for the Scholarship and Enhancement Program for the institution’s scholars, Awards for Best Performing Faculty and Staff, and Salary Enhancement for Employees over a five-year period.
More Than A Badge of Honor
By Adrianna Jane Espartero and Sue Llygel Miralles
In the ever-evolving nature of education, accreditation serves as a cornerstone of quality assurance The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities
(PAASCU), a voluntary and non-profit service organization, stands as a beacon of quality and excellence It is dedicated to ensuring that its member schools provide top-tier academic programs For St Joseph School - La Salle (SJS-LS), recently achieving Level III re-accreditation, this endorsement is not just a milestone it’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to educational excellence
The recent re-accreditation of SJS-LS speaks volumes about the school’s dedication to maintaining high standards This achievement is a reflection of the school’s consistent efforts to serve its students, parents, alumni, and the broader community with integrity and excellence PAASCU’s re-accreditation reassures stakeholders of the institution’s credibility and the quality of education it offers
The school principal, Mrs Ma Shally Claver explained the impact of the PAASCU accreditation on the school’s external validation of quality standards that SJS-LS provides She further explained that the accreditation can boost the reputation and credibility of students, parents, faculty, alumni, and other stakeholders This assures the students are receiving valuable education that to a greater extent can attract a wider pool of pupils and even international students since PAASCU is an internationally recognized agency Moreover, the school principal added, “It can also open doors to various potential sources of funding and support that can further enhance its services”
Mrs Analie Lomocso, the school director, discussed the challenges of the PAASCU accreditation process, highlighting the need for improvement in curriculum implementation, faculty qualifications, and investment in training programs, infrastructure, and governance Strategic planning must align with accreditation standards while managing financial constraints for facility improvements, educational resources, and staff development Mrs Lomocso emphasized that accreditation also offers significant opportunities, providing a structured framework for quality improvement
This framework encourages stakeholders to enhance various aspects of the school's operations, leading to improved educational quality Accreditation also boosts the school’s reputation, attracting students, faculty, and donors Long-term planning aligned with accreditation standards helps the school achieve its vision and mission Additionally, it fosters beneficial relationships, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making for effective resource allocation
PAASCU’s accreditation process is thorough, focusing on 23 quality standards that cover various critical aspects of educational institutions. These include leadership and governance, quality assurance, resource management, teaching and learning, student services, external relations, research, and overall institutional results Through rigorous evaluations and surveys, PAASCU ensures that schools not only meet but continuously strive to exceed these standards, fostering an environment of perpetual improvement and excellence
For member schools, PAASCU accreditation is more than a badge of honor; it’s a confirmation of their solid foundation built on core values, vision, mission, and goals As a member school, St Joseph School - La Salle exemplifies how accreditation can
drive excellence, ensuring that educational offerings remain relevant, comprehensive, and of the highest quality As PAASCU continues its mission, the impact on the Philippine educational landscape is profound Accreditation from such a respected body not only enhances the reputation of the institutions but also assures the public that these schools are committed to providing quality education. This ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a globalized world, and equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed
In conclusion, the role of PAASCU in shaping the educational standards of the Philippines is invaluable For schools like St Joseph School - La Salle, achieving and maintaining accreditation is a continuous journey of improvement and excellence, reflecting their dedication to serving their community and upholding the highest standards of education. As PAASCU’s legacy of quality and excellence endures, the future of Philippine education looks promising, bright, and ever-evolving
EDITORIAL
No Student Left Behind
St. Joseph School - La Salle is known for holding different activities all year long, spanning both academic and extracurricular. Among its many programs, three of which stand out: the Innovention Program (IP), Special Enrichment Program(SEP),andelectiveclassesforGrade10students.
The school has been regarded for its commitment to excellence, guiding and nurturing students who collectively attest to the profound impact of the school’s innovative programs specifically the Innovention Program (IP), Elective classes for grade 10 students, and the Special Enrichment Program (SEP). These initiatives have not only helped students in their academic journey but also have become fundamental for the challenges of senior highschoolandbeyond.
The Innovention Program (IP) equips students with the invaluable skills for the challenges ahead. The honors classes set a high standard, having a distinctive requirement: their research defense that develops their verbal delivery, language choice, and organizational pattern of presentation. The IP goes beyond conventional education as it aspires to mold students into wellrounded individuals. It not only focuses on academic proficiency but also instills critical skills such as problem identification, quantitative research, and conceptualization skills. This serves as a prerequisite for success in what awaits them, laying a solid foundationforfutureacademicexcellence.
TheSpecialEnrichmentProgram,alsoknownasSEP,isdesigned to support students who may be facing academic challenges, ensuring that no student is left behind and receives the assistance they need. This program emphasizes targeted support as it aims to provide assistance, recognizing that academic journeys are different for each and every student. Its effectiveness has been proven as the SEP enrollees gradually decrease as students progress to the next academic level. This observed reduction underscores the program’s success in facilitating academic progressamongstudents.
The elective classes offered for Grade 10 students in preparation fortheirseniorhighschoolacademicpursuitoffersadiverserange of courses – pre-calculus, analytic geometry, advanced computer, advanced music, public speaking, and food preservation. Elective classes aid students in making informed decisions regarding the senior high school strand they wish to take, laying the groundwork for students’ future success in their chosen academic paths.
The school paves the way for students to flourish in their academic journeys. Now, the ultimate challenge lies within them and how they choose to confront and navigate these given opportunities.
SEducation beyond limits
ome people say that St Joseph School-La Salle is a hard school With that statement being accurate, I think this
distinction is a good explanation as to how graduates from the school have excelled academically in senior high, college, and beyond
One program highlighted in our school promotion is our school’s institutional tutorials, which are, in my opinion, a great way to help students struggling in a specific area or subject This, for me, is a great way to show to these potential students, how the school really goes above and beyond for the academic successoftheirstudents
there are also other programs that assist the students in their academics, such as the Recreational Reading Period Conducted before the Independent and Cooperative Learning (ICL) period, RR has made me and other students start reading
There has also been a new peer tutoring program implemented recently, where I and the other scholars were tasked to help out selected students in studying for upcoming Quarter Exams For now, we only tutored for math, but I think this is a great start, especially if we can see other subjects being added in the nextschoolyear
This program is great, not only for the tutees, but also the scholars since the latter learn more while they explain concepts My only concerns with the program, however, are firstly, the distribution of tutees per tutor and the unwillingness of tutees to attend the session Besides those concerns that I have, I really think that the peer tutorial program could go far in helping students excel academically Aside from the two programs I've been involved in and have participatedinthemost,
Another program that has helped students struggling in major subjects is Special Enrichment Program (SEP) sessions, which focus more on Math, Science, English, and Filipino These sessions, aside from the normal classes, are great to expand and solidify the information students are learning
As a student here in SJSLS myself, being able to experience and participate in these programs firsthand has helped me to better myself as a student Although the amount of activities are taxing, they aren't really mandatory. I can usually adjust my schedule when I really need to If you are a student of St Joseph School - La Salle, or ever consider to be one, I'd suggest being participative and active in the school's programs and activities
NathanielFlores
Artificial intelligence
MYSTIFYING
HeleonaBlytheJamili
Is it a friend or a foe? A topic that has been the talk of today’s society yet also has been the most disregarded by many Is it really a mere tool for the convenience of us humans or a
tool for the replacement of our existence itself?
Influencers, for example, like Unjaded Jade from YouTube have promoted to their viewers, specifically students, to use AI to work smart, not harder in their studies, in order to boost productivity, they said However, is it really true that it promotes productivity when, in reality, it patronizes the laziness and procrastination of people? The signature of AI, as we all may know, is that it can generate answers to questions or tasks you may have a difficult time with within literal seconds So, how can it promote productivity when it literally feeds you the answer right away? How can we expect people to use their human capabilities, such as using their brain and critical thinking skills, for example to complete tasks when there is already the existence of artificial intelligence tools who can do their task more efficiently and easily with minimal to zero effort? Think about it thoroughly Artificial intelligence tools promote the laziness of humans rather than promoting their productivity
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief: Dannah Marie Faramiran
AssociateEditor: Sue Llygel Miralles
ManagingEditor: Alexa Ehrin Pineda
NewsEditor: Jhette Clemence Golez
FeatureEditor: Selwyn Gabriel Basanes
SportsEditor: Liv Margaret Relota
SportsWriters: Shuto Watanabe Hermione Vittoria Yaplito
LayoutArtists: Anthony Eul Reyes
Sue Llygel Miralles
Alexa Ehrin Pineda
Day by day, artificial intelligence tools continue to advance and perform human-like tasks, which can also mean that as they advance, they can become replacements for real people who actually put in effort into their jobs One great example is artists, especially digital artists, who, during the past few months, have expressed their frustration towards AI generated “art” Can it even be called art when it is literally produced by an AI tool who has no whatsoever emotions that can create an artwork with a meaningful story the same way artists who take over decades to master their own art styles in order to convey stories? No, right? Having to call AI generated artworks as ‘Art’ is an insult to artists themselves
There are also a lot more deeper issues onto why artists express their great frustration to the concept of AI-generated art For the reason that some AI platforms like Stability AI have used artworks from various artists without the permission of artists To their dismay, the artists who have found out about their act of art theft have filed a lawsuit against them
Galaaft class
DCould you imagine a society completely filled with automated products made by artificial intelligence? If we do not take action now, then when? When shall we start acknowledging the dangers of the advancement of artificial intelligence? When it has already taken over our society? When it has completely juiced out the creative and intellectual purpose of us human beings? Do we truly want the statement of Goldman Sachs that 300 million full-time jobs could lose to AI automation to come true to life?
The future lies beneath us If we continue to turn a blind eye to societal issues like this, worse will come to worse, and I am sure we are already aware of it Let’s not disregard these issues. After all, it is still us and the future generation who will be affected by it Do not be fooled by its quirky “skills” because who knows? It may even surpass you as a person causing not only your downfall as a human-being but also society itself As much as possible, use your intellectual and creative thinking skills to their best before artificial intelligence comes to replace them too
Photojournalists: Zhiegfred Anzano
Dannah Marie Faramiran
Cartoonists: Ivan Wayne Garcia
Rhett Olivier Piccio
Writers: Adrianna Jane Espartero
Dannah Marie Faramiran
Nathaniel Flores
Heleona
Blythe Jamili
Kate Camille Palo
Maxene Alexis Peruelo
Adviser: Mrs Wisah Reyes
ESPY
AdriannaJaneEspartero
o you know what makes school exciting aside from seeing someone you’re giddy about? Well, for me, it isaboutspendingtimewithfriends
after school that’s made real possible with the smarty funds straight from my parents’ pockets.
Yes, I hang out with friends after class I publiclyadmitthat
Needlesstosay,manyofmyfellowstudents arealsoseenroamingaroundthecity,specifically inmallsthatoffereasyaccesstonotjustessential stuff but also student-friendly fast food chains and food stalls It is this time that other than to grab a bite, we talk of the day’s grind, sing with friends,ordorecreationalactivities
Thisoccurrenceservesasaproofthatsome students do after-school hangouts, thus it becomes a matter of concern for most adults They think that hanging out with friends after school is too dangerous and it can also hinder studentsinfocusingontheirstudies.
In fact, St Joseph School La-Salle also prohibitssuchapracticesinceitiswritteninthe StudentHandbookthatloiteringinnearbystores (within a 30-meter radius) or anywhere close to ourschoolperimeterafter5:00pmisconsidered aminoroffenseunderCategory1
Withtheobservanceofproperdecorum,I still think that there's nothing wrong with going out with friends after school Being with my friends after a taxing day at school has always beenasourceofcomfort,sincenotonlydothey ease my stress, but they also provide emotional support As a matter of fact, in an article by BennettTinnermonofTheEcho,itisencouraged that students must socialize with their friends especiallyafterschooltodistractthemselvesand relaxabit
Thisiswhy,althoughitisopposedbymany, going out with friends (that I don’t admit as loitering) is still one of the ways I find solace in school.Becauseofit,Iamstillabletofindcomfort and pleasure amidst the academic challenges andpressures
By Selwyn Gabriel Basañes
St Joseph School - La Salle marked January 26, 2024, with a joyful c the successful renovation of the SJS-LS Chapel of the Holy Fami Worker Garden The celebration started with the school director M opening remarks welcoming the presence of all guests and benefa
“These places of worship help us realize that our needs for spiritua important as other developments if we are serious with our comm through our students," she said
“The Altar has elements of sugarcane basrelief accents and gold leaf halo bursting out from the central figure of the risen Christ The element in the altar pays tribute to Negros Occidental; as an agricultural land, and to the pioneer students which came from the working class of the society”
The program then took a moment to recognize and honor those who by unveiling the Dedication Marker, Construction Marker, and the Do Jerryvel Celestial then led the Rite of Blessing of the Image of Saint Jos was followed by the Eucharistic Celebration that commemorated th Baptist De La Salle's relics from Belgium to Rome and the Rite of Blessin Holy Family.
Br Abram Michael De Leon or Br Mico, FSC, head of the Lasallian M Office (LAMIVO), played a crucial role in conceptualizing and implement
"St Joseph is a man of silence and strength, and these qualities make of the Holy Family to which our very chapel is dedicated," Br Mico stated
The renovation was fully materialized with the generous contributio Villavicencio, his family, and the Barangay Villaviciencio Several La Sa Brothers, alumni, faculty, and several families and individuals also sup donating to the chapel’s General Fund
The project committee which was consisted of Project Engineer Jerry Francis de los Reyes, CEO of Frasso Inc, and Contractor Mr Wayne La Build Inc. was also of great assistance in bringing the project to life.
The school principal Mrs Shally V Claver gave her closing remarks e appreciation to all those who graced the event with their presence
Joseph: Of Honor and Simplicity
Mrs Mary Anne Sy, daughter of Mr Chito Villaviciencio, highlighted the outstanding qualities of St Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, as a man
of courage, obedience, tenderness, selflessness, and hard work These serve as their reason for dedicating the Holy Family Chapel and the Garden to him
In her response to the school on behalf of the Barangay Villaviciencio, she stated that "living a life of courage and honor is what truly makes a brave man"
Through the newly renovated chapel and garden, Mrs Sy hopes for us to remember the identity of the great man who raised Jesus together with Mary
"In this day and age where everything is fast and complicated, I reckon we look up to Joseph and copy his simple approach to life," she said She went on emphasizing his simplicity as a man of honor who lived with integrity and an open heart, as a quality that the Lasallian community especially the students ought to look up to.
Committed to living a legacy in all Lasallian institutions across the Philippines, the Villaviciencio family has remarkably contributed to numerous projects involving the construction of infrastructures and improving the different sectors around Lasallian campuses
Living a life of courage and honor is what truly makes a brave man.
Gratitude: The True Essence
[it] does not simply come from an overflow of resources, but often it comes from the hardships of any man.
Sometimes, the most difficult part of our life is that we only understand it after many years,” School President Br
Joaquin Severino "Kenneth" Martinez FSC, said as he began his message of thanksgiving He made note of this specific human nature of realizing in later years why particular things happen
He went further explaining that gratitude is not something that is quickly acknowledged and conveyed to other people Speaking more precisely, Br Kenneth explained that true gratitude for someone’s
generosity does not simply come from an overflow of resources, but often it comes from the hardships of any man" The school president continued further noting that understanding the essence of gratitude would inspire people to extend that thankfulness with everyone around
To conclude his message, Br. Kenneth, on behalf of the school administration, extended the SJS-LS community's appreciation to the people involved in bringing the renovation project to life, especially the Villaviciencio family
Mrs Mary Anne Sy, daughter of Mr Chito Villaviciencio delivers a response speech on behalf of the Villaviciencio family at the Chapel oftheHolyFamily,January26
School President Br Joaquin Severino "Kenneth" Martinez FSC gives his message of thanks at the Chapel of the Holy Family, January26
About the Design
Inapiecefrom:ArchitectFrancisDeLosReyes
The design intent of the exterior side of the renovation was to stay true to the original shape and aesthetics of the existing chapel; this is in reverence to the first batch of donors that built the chapel in 1997 The windows were realigned to be in sync with the interior works, and cement board plants and then substituted to the external plywood walls to have more weather resistance
An existing grillwork formed the basis of the American gothic style approach that the architects have taken to unify the elements in the interior, a black and white color palette was used to express a strong element on the exposed ceiling rafters A "cloister" ambience is created together with the wrought iron chandelier and wooden benches The flooring is in black and white machucca tiles as in most neo- gothic cathedrals and churches
The St Joseph the Worker Garden is an extension of the chapel to give a complimentary space for reflection and prayer; situated on a path of the garden beside the chapel, this garden centers on the patron saint of the school, St. Joseph the Worker, it is surrounded with the stations of the cross and seating benches to provide a place of meditation and personal prayer The garden layout is based on the existing trees that, in turn, give shade to the users Its radial plan is intended to encourage the students to value a studypray environment and, at the same time, appreciate nature thru its landscaping
St Joseph School - La Salle’s Chapel of the Holy Family draws its name from a significant symbol within the Christian faith: The Holy Family. It refers to the earthly family of Jesus Christ - Mary, his mother, Joseph, his foster father, and Himself
The Holy Family is revered for their upholding of Christian virtues, with the name of the chapel not being only a label but a profound reflection of these values Within this framework, the Chapel of the Holy Family represents spiritual guidance and unity within the community it serves, being a constant reminder of the values upheld and examples set by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
In honoring the Holy Family through its name, St Joseph School - La Salle continues its commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and love for Jesus Christ Thus, serving as a guiding light to all who enter its doors, inspiring every member of the Lasallian community to live out the values of faith, service, and communion
San Jose Robotics Team reigns as Over-all Champion
By Liv Margaret Relota
San Jose Robotics Team swept the board in the junior high school category of EonBotz Technology Robotics Competition 2024, last March 16 at 888 Chinatown Square Premier Mall
The team represented St Joseph SchoolLa Salle in three different events in competition with other seven private schools from the provinces of Negros Occidental and Iloilo
Claiming the top rank in the Arduino coding event, Chadrick Kyele Capatar (9A), Joshua Milan (9A), and Christopher James Valerta(9A)demonstratedprowessincoding by innovating solutions using Arduino technology While Audrey Divinagracia (9B), Chris Nathan Lachica (9B), and Cadel Godric Ampodia (9G) dominated the battle of quick wits in the Quizbotz event by coming off as first runner up Also, Craig Iver Jonota (8F) participatedintheSumobotzevent,together with Audrey Divinagracia (9B) who secured firstrunnerup.
MissEvaGracePatriciostated,“Asthe
DSPC from Page 1
Hermione Vittoria V. Yaplito (10B) placed fourth in Sports Writing Filipino, while Hannah Nicole Y Demegillo (10B) placed fourth in Feature Writing Filipino Both students met the qualification cut-off to the RSPC
Mikaela Rose G. Ybanez (8B) achieved 6th place in English Photojournalism, while Isabella Fei Q Pena (10B) secured 8th place in Filipino Sci-Tech Writing
moderator of the Robotics Club, I facilitated the registration and preparation of the team, providing them with the materials, handouts, and venue needed for the practice and training” She also added that EonBotz offered a one day training before the competition
Ms Patricio also highlighted how despite only a week of preparation, the team’s interest and inclination toward robotics contributed to their success She added that the club's weekly robotic sessions also gave them more advantage over the participating teams while the teamwork and collaboration they displayed helped them in achieving their goals Ms Patricio hoped that this achievement could encourage more robotics enthusiasts to join and be part of the San Jose Robotics Team.
She said, “The club is eager to provide opportunities to develop, upgrade, and showcase their knowledge and skills in robot design and programming and explore the world of robotics technology”
Dannah Marie P Faramiran (10B) placed 7th in News Writing, Filipino; Liv Margaret P Relota (10A), secured 7th place in Sports Writing, English; Rhein Gabrielle C Carballo (10B) claimed 7th place in Column Writing, English; and Heleona Blythe R Jamili (9A) placed 11th in Column Writing Filipino
In the Editorial Cartooning category, Ivan Wayne F Garcia (10N) secured 9th place in the English medium, and Rhett Olivier C Piccio (7A) placed 12th in the Filipino medium
Collaborative Desktop Publishing English Team clinched 2nd place The team was composed of Sue Llygel Miralles (10A), Joe Michael Samonte (10B), Alexa Ehrin Pineda (10F), Steffi Angela Toque (10F), Shuto R Watanabe (9A, Kate Camille Palo (9A), and Anthony Eul M Reyes (9C)
The said contest was hosted with the theme, "Campus Journalists: Defenders of Truth Upholding Editorial Judgement and Human Agency in the Face of AIs Invasion of Media Literacy"
Panda’s Panda’sPaPaw
ATaleofHeartw
By Maxene Alexis Peruelo
PPanda, the charming roaming the campus peculiar characteristic selectivelyclingy,show
only to those she knows Panda's quiet nature arou didn't stop her from becom by the school community. He affectionate nature serves as that strong connections c among those who choose to shynessorinitialhesitation
She fits the name “Panda her coat - the black form contrast to her white fur, rem panda She has these mesm
Their bond brought warmth and joy to the busy school, showing how animals can brighten our lives, reminding us of the beauty of companionship and the power of connection between humans and animals.
Sometimes, even the quietest souls have the most to offer in terms of love and loyalty Panda found her place in the hearts of the school community, becomingmorethanjustacampuscat
Panda’s story strikes a chord especially with those who've ever opened their hearts to an animal Just like Panda, our pets often become our closest companions So, the next time you see a stray cat basking in the sun, or a dog wagging its tail in greeting, remember Panda.
By Dannah Marie Faramiran
FEATURE
St Joseph School - La Salle's Batch '98 set the stage for a memorable alumni homecoming with a grand entrance as they marched in their all-black evening attire at Oscar J. Hilado Civic Center on December29
Making the Silver Batch Jubilarians’ entrance reminiscent of the 90’s beat, they walked their way to the stage to the tune of “Alapaap” performed by the MondaeCleaners
Warm Welcomes
Mrs. Analie Lomocso, the school director, warmly welcomed all the alumni, expressing gratitude for their presence andongoingsupport
Mr Nonoy David, the alumni president, then delivered an opening message, reiterating the significance of the alumni community and its continued impact on the school. Mr. Arjenniel Aguirre, head of the Planned Giving and Alumni Affairs Office (PGAAO), provided an overview of the alumni association's recent activities, demonstrating the dedication and commitmentofthealumninetwork
This was followed by Mr Chris Mijares, the batch president, who spoke about the legacy of Batch '98 as he handed over the KeyofResponsibilitytoBatch'99.
The evening also featured the ceremonial turn-over of the Ruby Batch '83 to Batch '84 and the Golden Batch '73 toBatch'74
Heartfelt Tributes
A touching teachers' tribute video brought a wave of nostalgia, leading to a heartfelt thank-you speech by Mrs. Carla Yglopaz to honor the teachers who played significant roles in the lives of the alumni Mrs Wisah Reyes, representing the teachers, responded with gratitude, acknowledging the recognition and expressing appreciation for the lasting bonds with the alumni The segment concluded with an "In Memoriam" tribute, honoring the memory of alumni who had passedaway.
Dinner and Entertainment
As dinner was served, the Mondae Cleaners serenaded the attendees, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere The meal provided an opportunity for alumnitoreconnectwitholdfriends
The second half of the evening featured a variety of production numbers showcasing the diverse talents of different batches Batch '98, Batch '95 (featuring a band), Batch '97, Batch 2023, Batch '86, Batch '99, and others presented performances ranging from dance routines to musical acts, entertaining the crowd with their creativityandenergy
The high-energy grand finale, presented by Batch '98 performers donned in strong color palette costumes brought the house down
The evening culminated with a sameday edit video that captured the highlights of the event, allowing everyone to relive the bestmomentsofthenight
A Night to Remember
The event concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater, a reminder of the shared history and pride among the alumni As the official program came to an end, the party continued with alumni dancing, mingling,andenjoyinglateintothenight
The Philippines isreadyfor
By John Carlo Brillas
This was emphasized by President Ferdinand R Marcos JR on November 15, 2023 in a roundtable meeting at San Francisco, USA This was highlighted by President Marcos as they
discussed about how AI has been a rapidly growing field in the Philippines, with a projected market size of US $1,08000 million in 2024 and an annual growth rate of 1806%, resulting in a market volume of US $2,92500 million by 2030 But, is AI really this big of a deal?
Despite AI having numerous advantages and benefits, it also has its downsides. As mentioned by our President, AI can uplift the lives of Filipinos, increase the productivity of our enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of our economy This is because AI has the ability of decreasing human error and risks, has 24/7 availability, unbiased decision making if programmed properly, can be used as a source of income, is low cost, low maintenance, and can do data acquisition and analysis or humans But would AI be considered superior to humans when it comes to performance? Again, AIs have their disadvantages too They put consumer privacy at risk, can be an instrument for biased programming, can pose danger to humans (especially robots), and provide unclear legal regulation Some programmers with bad intentions, or also known as hackers and malicious actors can also harness the power of AI to develop more advanced cyberattacks, bypass security measures, and exploit vulnerability in systems
AI AI
Even the strongest of forces have their weaknesses too, right? In the Philippines, AI is mainly used to gather information We are not yet advanced enough to build robots and machines that can actually pose significant harm to us. But, if we were able to build such technological powerhouses, would they be of any danger to us? It’s unlikely. Even the strongest robot, KUKA KR 1000 Titan Six-Axis Robot, can only lift things, not actually throw them or do anything that can harm humans Even with just making a robot walk, it’s a massive achievement because it’s very difficult to actually pull off Now what more if you tried to program a machine to throw stuff, hoot guns, punch, kick, and kill, at that point, now what more if you tried to program a machine to throw stuff, hoot guns, punch, kick, and kill, at that point,it would be near impossible even with the best of tools and the brightest of minds
But, again, does this still make AI more superior than humans? Long story short, no AIs can only give us the ingredients on what to cook, not actually cook It can only provide us with ways on how to earn money, not actually give us money It can only show us pictures of houses, not actually build the house itself The point is there are thousands and millions of human activities that AI can only dream to do AI in the hands of those who know how to use it to its full potential are the people who are actually dangerous Despite artificial intelligence cooking to what it is today, it will still never, not in a million years, replace us humans
1. The Philippines is home to a thriving BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry, with AI playing an increasingly important role in services like customer support and data analysis.
2. The country has a strong academic focus on AI, with several universities offering courses and research programs in the field.
3. AI is being used in the Philippines to help address challenges in areas like healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management.
Titled "Summer Love," the event became a dazzling showcase of talent and saw the presence of each student who attended and thoroughly enjoyed the performances put by the teachers, faculty, and staff of SJS-LS
The FS Fair 50 transcended a mere performance; it was a lively day as the civic center was filled with cheers and infectious enthusiasm of students watching the performances ranging from brant display of
musical selections to dance routines to lively, breezy vocals
Indeed, the Summer Love concert captured the carefree and youthful spirit of summertime that one could anticipate
Under the warm glow of summer, St. Joseph School La Salle pulsated with vibrant energy as the Faculty and Staff Club hosted its annual F.S. Fair.
F.S CLUB CONCERT
SportSupport
SJS-LS launches first ever Volleyball league
By Kate Camille Palo
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Oh how great would it be to represent Bacolod through sports, while carrying the name "St Joseph School - La Salle" with me? This clouded my head as the Negros Occidental Division Athletic Meet kicked off However, it dawned on me that there are still various things to improve on before I, as well as other student-athletes, can be able to achieve such a thing
It can never be hidden that an effective team is woven by good players, excellent coaches, as well as nurturing and responsive support Over the years, I can attest that SJS-LS has been trying its best to provide for their student-athletes, although there are still a lot of things that need to be strengthened
When talking about opportunities, I believe the school is given a lot, including NOPSSCEA and outside tournaments Coaches, on the other hand, are also on look out for other well-performing players to be added to the team during such tournaments Though these bring advantages, there is a common denominator on what they lack–financial budget for athletes
As much as the school wants to be involved with athletes in outside tournaments, and scout other athletes, it can be understood that it is never easy to allocate funds especially as a mission school Nonetheless, there are various benefactors who contribute donations for sports equipment, and give financial assistance to outstanding studentathletes who are in need Moreover, the school also extends their support through meal and transportation allowance, and a budget to shoulder the players’ jerseys, which are a great help for athletes especially during their games.
Aside from the financial aspect, incentives connected to academics are also needed Being a student-athelete myself, it is my responsibility to balance
St. Joseph School - La Salle conducted its first ever volleyball league, inviting over 60 Negros-wide teams to play at the OJH Civic Center this April 27-28
Numerous volleyball clubs, organizations, and teams of both public and private schools gathered to engage in two days of Volleyball matches The event included the age groups of 10 under (girls), 12 under (girls and boys), 15 under (girls and boys), and 18 under (girls and boys)
The following teams participated in the first day’s matches: Valkyries VC, Down the Line, Darnatics, Ballmovers, DVT Dax, STA, BTTHS, Hawaiian, SJI, San Carlos, Felissa, EELMS, Blue Archers, CSN, Isabela, One Silay, MVT Ma-ao, Silay Institute, Maroon Smashers, TVC, Alpha, Bago, Paris, RHEIMS, and Sagay, along with the participation of the school’s very own volleyball teams
Coach Kinneth Mercado of St Joseph School - La Salle’s Volleyball teams shared during an interview on the first day that he felt both overwhelmed and happy because of the positive feedback he had received so far
“The main purpose (of the event) is to gain more friends and to showcase what the school has to offer,” he stated further in both Hiligaynon and English
Moreover, he said that the event was made possible through the coordination of Coach Michael Larroza, and the Alumni Batch of 1999, as well as the support and approval of the school Director Mrs Analie Lomocso and Principal Ms Shally V Claver
Mike Silvestre, libero of the House of Paris’ 18 under (boys) team shared that considering they have not trained in a while, he was happy with their performance after their match against SJS-LS “We will make bawi on our game tomorrow,” he added, for the upcoming matches of the league
The event served as a fundraising platform for Batch 1999’s approaching homecoming celebration
academics with sports However, it is undeniable that it also requires a lot of effort and sacrifices on my part According to Mr Alvin Mahilum, sports head coordinator, the current incentives given include being excused from classes days before tournaments, and taking of special tests and exams While these can make it easier for athletes to focus on one thing at a time, and catch up on lessons and requirements, giving additional points, in my opinion, can also be a great merit In a sense that this could not only
help student-athletes who are struggling to get a hold of new lessons especially during competition season, but it can also give them a sense of motivation and encouragement to do their best in what they are doing
As St Joseph School - La Salle continues to aim for excellence in sports, every improvement they make in their sports culture can be remarkable steps in reaching new heights
