THE ZENITH K-12: A Reform or Deform?

The Philippines implemented K-12 program in 2012 to fulfill the demands of globalization in education and to equip students with lifelong learning which is essential for tertiary education and future employment However, given the lack of educational resources in the country, the additional financial burden to Filipino parents and the prolonged education of students, it's only reasonable to repeal and reassess the K-12 program in the Philippines

The K-12 program only hinders the progress of this developing country. A survey revealed that there are 165,000 classroom shortages in the Philippines and a shortage of 30,000 teachers who are in need of hiring. This only proves that this country is unsuitable to foster students with adequate learning. Moreover, removing this program will lessen the financial struggles of Filipino parents in supporting their children's education According to statistics, the additional two years of K-12 would cost more that Php 20,000 of expenses and 81 percent of Filipinos are within poverty considering the rising prices of commodities nowadays So, those two extra years for high school, do they really make a difference? Furthermore, K-12 only prolongs the education and delay the graduation and employment of college students which oftentimes results in the increase of drop-out youths and incompetent citizens Time in education indeed plays in the student's future

On the contrary, the main goal of K-12 program is to foster employability and entrepreneurship among students so that they could enter the workforce without having any college education However, this is only true to the developed countries that have implemented this program because job institutions here would often hire graduates with college experience or degree, rather than those K-12 graduates According to National Senior High School tracer study, only around 10 percent of K-12 graduates entered the workforce and more than 80 percent opt to pursue their college degree It just goes to show that the K-12 program is inefficient in helping the country to progress

Instead of adapting K-12 program, the Philippine government and the Department of Education (DepEd) must focus on the quality of education provided to students Discarding this program will solve the additional burdens and the shortage of classrooms in the country On the other hand, focusing on the quality of education can greatly help the teachers who seek for jobs because they are well familiar with the field of knowledge that doesn't include K12 education By doing this, it can deal positive impacts on the county's education as well as bring economic progress

Withal, the implementation of K-12 program in this country shows no clear signs of benefits, while simultaneously and negatively impacting the lives of Filipinos Truly, K-12 program only serves as a problem rather than a solution to this country #

Hazing: Should this still be continued?

by: Gian Airie F. Villacortes

In many organizations such as fraternities and sororities, hazing is commonly used as an initiation rite and final rite for an applicant to enter the group. However, hazing is actually illegal in some countries, including the Philippines. In fact, one of the most recent reported hazing fatalities in the country was the death of John Matthew Salilig who was a student from Adamson University. He was a victim of hazing which is an activity that brings abuse, violence and humiliation to every member of the said organization. In some cases, hazing can even lead to hospitalization and death. To avoid this, some countries have created laws against hazing to protect the neophyte of the organization. An example of this is the “Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Fraternities, Sororities and Organizations and Providing Penalties therefor”. Despite the laws against hazing, this activity is still done in many organizations.

Many people, specifically teenagers want to feel a sense of belonging that they can easily find in group like a fraternity or sorority. This leads to them joining these organizations that promote hazing as a process that they have to go through in order to join. Organizations like fraternities or sororities are not for everyone, but surely hazing is not for anyone at all. Some of the reasons why some groups conduct hazing are to honor and keep traditions last, to bring the group closer, to build up shared pride and to weed out people who do not take the activity seriously. But are these reasons truly enough to condone hazing?

Any reason should not be accepted to continue hazing. It is a dangerous and life-threatening act to its victims. It can lead to stress, fatigue, trauma, physical wounds and bruises, mental instability and death. Even if there is no malicious intent behind it, the safety of the members should always be considered. Just because hazing is considered a tradition by organizations doesn’t mean that it should be continued.

Traditions that affect others negatively in any aspect should be stopped and banned altogether. Instead, these organizations should look for safe alternative rites that will not cause physical, emotional or mental harm to its victims. How can members truly grow and develop in the organization when the first thing they experience in the group is violence hidden under the guise of tradition? .......������������������ ���� �������� 7)

Jana Isabelle T. Ladaban Associate Editor-Filipino

Istriktong Polisiya sa Pag-Uniporme: Nararapat nga ba?

Ang edukasyon ay pagkakataon para sa lahat ng mga magaaral na maging matagumpay sa buhay anuman ang kanilang pinagmulan. Ito ay dapat nagbibigay ng oportunidad sa bawat mag-aaral na matuto at umunlad. Gayunpaman, para makamit ang kabutihang panlahat, kinakailangan ng mga alituntunin o patakaran sa paaralan at isa na rito ang pag- uuniporme ng mga mag-aaral.

Ang pagpapatupad ng mahigpit na mga patakaran sa uniporme ay lumilikha ng isang diskusyon sa pagitan ng mga taong kayang bayaran ang mga uniporme at ang mga taong salat sa ginhawa May mga nagsasabi na kailangang panatilihin ang uniporme sapagkat maayos tingnan kung ang mga mag-aaral ay nakasuot nito at madali rin silang makikilala Ang pagsusuot nito ay nangangahulugang pagbibigay ng respeto at galang sa isang institusyon na pinagmumulan ng karunungan tulad ng paaralan Ngunit sa kabila nito, marami pa rin ang hindi sumasang-ayon

Ang ganitong patakaran ay naglalagay ng karagdagang pasanin sa pananalapi ng mga pamilyang nahihirapan na Sa gitna ng mga nagtataasang presyo ng mga bilihin, dapat pa bang ipanukala ang Strict School Uniform Policy? Nakasaad sa DepEd Order No 065, s 2010, hindi obligadong magsuot ang mga estudyante sa mga pampublikong paaralan na siya namang sinuportahan ng ating kalihim sa edukasyon na si Bise Presidente Sara Duterte lalo na’t kababangon palang natin sa pandemya Hindi lahat ng estudyante ay may kakayahang bumili ng uniporme sa paaralan at ang mga gastos ay maaaring mabilis na maipon para sa mga magulang na may maraming anak Para sa mga pamilyang nahaharap sa kahirapan, ang pagbibigay ng prayoridad sa uniporme ay maaaring mangahulugan ng pagsasakripisyo ng iba pang mahahalagang pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain, aspetong medikal o iba pang mahahalagang bayarin

Ang uniporme ay pumipigil rin sa mga mag aaral na ipahayag ang kanilang indibidwalidad at personal na estilo Ang pagbibinata at pagdadalaga ay isang kritikal na panahon para sa pagtuklas sa sarili at ang damit ay kadalasang nagsisilbing daluyan para sa pagpapahayag ng sarili Ang mga patakaran ng uniporme ay naghubad sa mga mag-aaral na maipakita ang pagiging pagkamalikhain at nililimitahan ang kanilang kakayahan upang galugarin s���������� ���� ������������ 7)

The Benefits of Revisioning the School's Name

by: Gian Airie F. Villacortes

A name is what gives someone or something their own identity and it is what makes them unique. Everything in this world has a name, no matter what form or shape it has. It is no surprise that our beloved school also has a one of a kind name, Allen National High School. However, some misconceptions were caused by this name. Allen National High School is a technical vocational school yet it is identified as a general school due to its name. Because of this, changing the school's name from ‘Allen National High School’ to ‘Allen Technical Vocational School’ is being considered. But then, if this change is approved, will it be good for the school?

To a school, learners should always be their priority. Improving their skills, capabilities and knowledge is what many student want. A vocational school is best choice for students like this. With a name that specifies the school's benefits and offers to students, the school can gain more enrollees who are interested on what the school can give them. A specific school name attracts specific students who can be more eager towards learning than other students.

Vocational schools differ from other schools as they tend to focus on developing and improving practical and useful skills that can help students in their daily lives. These skills can give students an advantage and help in their current lives and future. So if a school specializes in developing these skills,then they should let learners know. The image of the school needs to be crystal clear to learners so that they are aware of what the school can offer to help them. Having the technical vocational in the school name will give learners a view on the school's purpose and its benefits to its students.

Also, due to the school name not having a vocational title, the school does not receive any funds for the vocational education in the school. Vocational schools require specialized equipment and facilities to provide students with a realistic and hands-on learning experience. More funding can help the school upgrade or expand its facilities, allowing students to gain valuable experience in the field they want. These funds will help the students to grow and learn more and with this kind of identity, it should not also hinder them into receiving benefits like this.

The name of the school should fit on what it has to offer. A simple difference from the school name and what the school has can mislead students and others. The school name should stay true to its purpose to students. Renaming the school can be a difficult process but it doesn't cause any harm at all. It is for the sake of the school and its students anyways, so there is no reason to oppose this idea. As students of the school, we should support any school's decision and undertaking every step of the way.#

Gian Airie F. Villacortes Associate Editor - English

Summer is for Relaxation, Not for Classes

At this time of the year, summer is at its peak. It is the best time to enjoy summer activities such as going to the beach, playing sports, fishing, hiking, and many more. However, is it truly the best weather to still attend school? Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, instead of starting in June and ending in May, classes will start in August and will end in June. This decision forces students and teacher to still be at school during summer. But with new routine to adjust to and a hot temperature to deal with, isn’t this new schedule exhausting?

Students and teachers are both stuck in a classroom filled with at least 30 or 40 others with scorching sun making the classroom feel like a microwave with how high the temperature is. This issue can lead to students and teachers having their performance and health decline. On hot days, our body consumes a great amount of energy to keep it cool. This slows our body down and causes us to be lazy and tired. Students and teachers might become distracted and will have a hard time focusing on task and activities. High temperature also causes health risks. It can lead to many illnesses such as heat syncope, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat oedema, heat rash, dehydration and heatstroke. Due to this, some students and teachers might be absent from school and could be hospitalized.

The new schedule is a big disadvantage to students and teachers. This school calendar is not well-suited to the climate of the year. Students and teachers find it hard to adapt to the new schedule as this becomes another struggle for them. Some schools resort to going back to modular and online learning to avoid burning temperature, but then this type of learning method only works best for students that have needed resources like laptops, cellphones and a good internet connection. This becomes a problem for students who can’t afford these said resources.

Education is focused on child-centered development. Therefore, the government should consider the welfare of teachers and students. The hot temperature is becoming a problem for students to learn properly especially in public schools as they do not have many electric fans and no air conditioner at all. It can clearly be seen that many people are asking for the old school schedule back due to the many disadvantages that the new one has. So, the government should reconsider this decision and apply the most beneficial choice to everyone. With these many negative effects in mind, wouldn’t it just be better to be at home instead? #

Talk Straight

Building Our Own Downfall

Carl Saldy Manaog Editor-in-Chief

Digital transformation is now widespread in the Philippines making the country’s progress faster and easier. According to a survey, 87 percent of Filipinos own mobile phones that improve the quality of their daily basis. However, despite being a digitally abundant country, the Philippines' progress is still stagnant throughout the years for only minority of the population is technology literate. This means that technology is not leading the country for betterment in the future.

The rapid advancement of technology in this developing country is a disadvantage to its progress. Studies shown that this country is highly dependent on technology because 73.1 percent of the total population relies on the use of internet. This is evident in education with the use of AI tools like ChatGPT to lessen the burden of digital abundance. A survey revealed that only 6 percent of Filipinos are technology literate and have digital skills. In fact, 6 percent of Filipinos consider fake news as a serious problem. Besides, Filipinos are still unable to harness necessary information essential for progress. Considering the Philippines is a developing country, the presence of digital divide is widely seen

Hazing: Should this still be continued?

Many organizations have a good purpose and can reach success even without hazing. This proves that a tradition like hazing isn’t really necessary for an organization to improve and grow as a group. Hazing only brings mistrust, apathy and pain to its members, not unity and camaraderie. Without it, more people will be encouraged to join and participate in groups that have a wholesome and healthy vibe. No matter how good the intention is, a tradition that involves violence will always be wrong, especially if it violates human rights and God’s law. Nothing good will come from violence.# ang kanilang mga natatanging pagkakakilanlan. Sa halip na ipatupad ang isang mahigpit na unipormeng patakaran, dapat isaalang-alang ng mga paaralan ang mga alternatibo na tatama ng balanse sa pagitan ng pagtataguyod ng disiplina at pagpapahintulot sa indibidwal na pagpapahayag. Ang mga Dress Code ay nagtataguyod sa pagiging maayos at angkop at ang hindi pagpapataw ng isang tiyak na uniporme ay maaaring maging isang magandang solusyon. Ito ay ang paraan sa paggalang sa awtonomiya ng mga mag-aaral habang pinapanatili ang isang propesyonal at magalang na kapaligiran. Bukod pa rito, ang pagbibigay ng tulong pinansyal ay maaaring matiyak na ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral ay may oportunidad sa angkop na kasuotan nang hindi maging problema sa kanikanilang pamilya.

Istriktong Polisiya sa Pag-Uniporme: Nararapat nga ba?

Ang pagpapatupad ng strict uniform policy ay isang magandang hangarin ngunit panahon na rin upang muling isaalang-alang at yakapin ang mga alternatibong hakbang na inuuna ang pagiging patas at inklusibo sa larangan ng edukasyon. Sa pamamagitan nito, maaari tayong makalikha ng isang kapaligiran sa edukasyon na nagpapahalaga sa pagkakaiba-iba, hinihikayat ang pagpapahayag ng sarili at tinitiyak ang pantay na pagkakataon para sa lahat ng mga magaaral. #

Moreover, 47 percent out of 50 percent of the population has only access to internet, resulting to the country’s unbalanced progress.

However, with the presence of technology, the country’s progress sped up from 5.6 to 7.6 percent in year 2022. Technology is essential for the country growth for it has improved almost every field of progress throughout time. Sadly, the continuous progress of technology with the aid of artificial technology (AI) have replaced jobs for people and have resulted to laziness and dependency to its users, slowing the country’s development.

Widespread information drive should be done throughout the country about the pros and cons of technology, whether it's online or offline to inform and raise awareness of its potential damage and to resolve drawbacks related to it.

Every nation is undergoing constant progress and it shouldn’t be hindered by something that helps it to prosper. Careless use of technology may possibly lead us to building our own downfall.#

Sunset

by: Irish Avril E Cula

Asthedaydrawstoaclose, Theskybeginstoglow

Withhueoforange,pinkandgold

Thesunset'sbeautystartstounfold

Thecloudsturntocrimsonandpurple

Astheskytakesonanewhue

Thelastraysofsunlightfadeaway, Andthestarsbegintopeekthrough

Thesunsetisadailyreminder

Ofthebeautythatsurroundsusall

Amomentofpeaceandtranquility, Beforethenight'sdarknessfalls

Cure

By: cherry15

Where's the cure of this heart so pure And came the tragic so fragile and alone

Am i too hurry to find the remedy? Cause it's not easy it's killing me anyway

To hold these tears it's drowning me

The wound cheers and it's hurting me

Home

Elevating Minds, Zenith Shines

By: Guian Carl B Selorio

In the realm of education where dreams take flight, There's a beacon of knowledge, shining ever so bright. Allen National Highschool, a place of great fame, Where minds are nurtured and aspirations proclaim

Within those hallowed halls, knowledge takes its form, Empowering young minds through a passionate storm. Teachers with wisdom, guiding hearts on their quest, Igniting the flames of curiosity with the very best

With dedication and vision, they pave the way, Unleashing potential, day after day. Subjects come alive, as students delve deep, Unraveling mysteries, where knowledge takes a leap

How can i be healed

From this madness?

A false to be made

And a cure to be lend

Touch this broken heart

Of a whisper or a knock

Bring me the antidote

To mend the broken part

This heart is really blind

And I hate this cure

Not because I'm scared

But because it's what I look for.

by: Ivy C Cinco

AsIwalkedalongthebeach, Thesoundofwavessinginginmyears, Thecoldairthattouchesmyskin, ThesadnessthatIfeelareslowlyvanishing

Thesmelloftheoceanthatstaysinmyskirt

Thememorythatsheleftthatmakesmyhearthurt

HercrythatI'vehearduntilshedied

Remainsinmyearandwillneversaybye

ThemomentthatIreachedtheshore

Iwitnessedhowthewavesplaywithmytoes

ThemomentwhenIclosemyeyes

IknowforsurethatIamhome

Through Science and Math, the realms of precision, Students conquer challenges with sheer determination. Languages and Arts, a symphony of expression, Unlocking creativity with boundless progression

And amidst this brilliance, The Zenith School Publication, A platform for voices, shaping the next generation. With ink as their weapon, words their divine muse, They weave tales of inspiration, never to confuse

Their pens dance on pages, crafting stories untold, Bringing worlds to life, in hearts that unfold. Through articles and poems, they paint vibrant scenes, Sparking minds with wonder, as if in their dreams

Allen National Highschool, The Zenith's nurturing nest, A synergy of greatness, where dreams manifest. Together they thrive, in a harmonious blend, A testament to excellence, on which they depend

So let us celebrate, this union is so grand, Where knowledge and creativity walk hand in hand. Allen National Highschool and Zenith's bright star, Guiding students forward, reaching heights afar

In this realm of education, where dreams take flight, Allen National Highschool and The Zenith shines bright. A symphony of brilliance, in each student's heart, Igniting a passion, a love for knowledge, to impart

The Beacon of Hope

by: Guian Carl B Selorio

In realms where dreams and doubts collide, There shines a beacon that glorified. A symphony of faith takes flight, Guided by God's celestial light.

Hope's like a tender fragile seed, Sprouts from hearts that deeply bleed. Through dark trials, it perseveres, An eternal flame that conquers fears.

In deep shadows, where despair may dwell, God's whispers grace each soul that fell. His tender touch, a soothing balm, Restoring strength, a soothing psalm.

With steadfast eyes, we look above, For in God's grace, we find true love. He paints the skies with colors bold, A testament of our stories were told.

Hope dances on the wings of prayers, A resolute flame that fiercely flares. Though storms may rage and skies turn gray, God's promise gleams, lighting the way.

So let our voices rise as one, From every corner, 'neath the sun. In faith and trust, we find our scope, Embracing God's eternal hope.

The Beacon of Hope shines bright and clear, Guiding us through each doubt and fear. With God as our guide, we soar and cope, Drawn to the radiance of endless hope.