Paradise Gem (2024-2025)

People nowadays vote for who they like, and not for who is right, and it’s alarming how popularity has overshadowed competence, putting our future at risk, that’s why we need to choose leaders who can truly serve the people

DENDO BOLO

SSLG President

DIVIDED

The contrasting priorities between competence and popularity in the upcoming 2025 elections highlight a pressing issue for Mambajaonons Survey results reveal a stark divide: while MNHS students push for informed voting to secure the nations future, the influence of media visibility continues to dominate decision-making among many residents in Balintawak

1

A Generation’s plea

MNHS students urge voters to prioritize the nation's future over fleeting fame, emphasizing the need for competence in leadership

2 The Risks of Fame

The 2025 elections are viewed as a gamble, with unqualified candidates potentially gaining office due to media-driven popularity

3 The Power of Education

Through discussions and initiatives, MNHS advocates for informed voting to break the cycle of superficial electoral choices

First-time voters in MNHS highlight the critical role of discernment and education in shaping the nations trajectory 4

Democracy in their hands

f ture’s

Mambajaonons

sound the alarm on 2025 electoral gamble, calls for informed voting and change

byDHANELABIANCAABIAN

iththecritical2025nationalelectionslooming,studentsofMambajao NationalHighSchoolaresoundingthealarmasuninformedvoting still threatens the nation’s future Led by the Supreme Student Government(SSLG),theyurgevoterstobreakfreefromthecycleof uninformeddecisionsandchoosewisely apleatobreakfreefrom theshacklesofill-informedelectoralchoices

Inapowerfuldemonstrationof civicawareness MambajaoNational HighSchoolstudentsarecalling attentiontotherisksposedby uninformedvoting Through discussions surveys andadvocacy efforts,theyhopetoinfluencethe electorate especiallyfirst-timevoters likethemselves toprioritize competenceandintegrityoverfamein choosingleadersforthe2025National Elections

Theconcernstemsfromthe publicationsrecentsurveyconducted inBalintawak,Mambajao,which revealedaworryingtrend:a significantportionofrespondents admittedtobeingswayedbysocial mediapersonalitiesandpopular figureswhenselectingcandidates

“Peoplenowadaysvoteforwho theylike andnotforwhoisright Itsalarminghowpopularityhas overshadowedcompetence,putting ourfutureatrisk Weneedtochoose leaderswhocantrulyservethe people ,remarkedbyDendoBolo, SSLGPresident,duringinan interview Thesentimentresonates deeplywiththeSSLGsongoing campaignforinformedvoting Theseyoungadvocatesviewthe upcomingelectionasapivotal moment ahigh-stakesgamblethat coulddefinethenationstrajectory Theyseetheelectoratesinclinationto choosebasedoncharisma,name recognition,ormediapresencerather thancapabilityasacyclethatneedsto bebroken

Popularity VS Competence

Astarkcontrastemergesfrom thesurvey:85 6%ofMNHS studentsprioritizecompetence incandidates,but88 9%of Balintawakresidentsstilllean heavilytowardcandidateswith mediavisibility

First-time Voter Insights

Amongfirst-timevotersin MNHS 67 3%sharedtheir anxietyaboutthepossibilityof unqualifiedleadersgaining officeduetofameandmedia exposure

74 2%ofMNHSstudents believesocialmediaplatforms playasignificantrolein shapingpublicperceptionsof candidates,oftenamplifying theirpopularityovertheir qualifications

BREAKINGFREE BREAKINGFREE

TheSSLGbelievesthatthis TheSSLGbelievesthatthis efforttoeducateandempowervoters efforttoeducateandempowervoters iisasteptowarduntyingthebindsof sasteptowarduntyingthebindsof ignorance ensuringthatfuture ignorance,ensuringthatfuture electionsaredecidedbyinformed electionsaredecidedbyinformed mindsratherthanfleetingpopularity mindsratherthanfleetingpopularity Whenwevotewithknowledgeand Whenwevotewithknowledgeand wisdom wearechoosingfreedom wisdom,wearechoosingfreedom ffreedomfrommediocrityandthe reedomfrommediocrityandthe chainsofpoorgovernance,”Bolo chainsofpoorgovernance, Bolo concluded

Thisinitiativemarksapivotal Thisinitiativemarksapivotal momentnotjustforMambajaobutfor thenation astheseyoungadvocates thenation,astheseyoungadvocates provethatbreakingfreefrom provethatbreakingfreefrom iignoranceiswithinreach gnoranceiswithinreach ACALLFORCHANGE

ForMambajaonons thestakes ForMambajaonons thestakes aretoohightoignore TheSSLGs aretoohightoignore TheSSLGs effortsaimtoinspirecriticalthinking anddiscernmentamongvoters not not jjuststudentsbuttheirfamiliesand uststudentsbuttheirfamiliesand neighborsaswell

Thecampaignincludesvoter Thecampaignincludesvoter educationsessions,community educationsessions community discussions,andinteractivesurveysto discussions,andinteractivesurveysto emphasizethatthepowertobreak ffreefrompoorleadershipliesin reefrompoorleadershipliesin iinformedchoices nformedchoices

Asonestudentputit: We Asonestudentputit:“We cannotaffordtobestrangledbyour cannotaffordtobestrangledbyour ownchoices Thiselectionisntjust ownchoices Thiselectionisntjust abouttoday;it’saboutourtomorrow” abouttoday;itsaboutourtomorrow

TheyouthofMambajaohave TheyouthofMambajaohave madetheircallclear:itstimetobreak madetheircallclear:it’stimetobreak ttheloopofuninformedvotingand heloopofuninformedvotingand chooseleaderswhowillsteerthe nationtowardabrighterfuture nationtowardabrighterfuture

Continuereadingonpage2

NEWS SNIPPETS

Camiguin ranks 6th in 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Mambajao with top honors

byJIMARQUITA

Camiguinranked6thinthe

2024CitiesandMunicipalities CompetitivenessIndex(CMCI),a recognitionthathighlightsitslocal governmentscommitmentto fosteringacompetitiveenvironment ThemunicipalityofMambajao playedasignificantrole,earningtop honorsasoneofthemost competitiveinthe3rdto4thclass municipalitiescategory

1,500 Parents of Senior High School Students in Camiguin benefit from AKAP Tulong Eskwela Program

byAPRLJOYBONGGOT

SHIFTINGGEARS

hefamiliarsoundofjeepneysisslowlyfadingfromtheisland sroadsasnew,smallertransport options multicabsandmotorelas takeover Thisshift,drivenbyrisingtrafficandstricter regulations ischanginghowlocalsandtouristsalikegetaround withmixedreactionsfromthe community

Inasignificantefforttosupport theeducationalneedsofstudents, 1,500parentsofSeniorHighSchool studentsfromCamiguinprovince havebenefitedfromtheAKAP TulongEskwelaProgram Ledby CamiguinLoneDistrict RepresentativeJurdinJesusM RomualdoandGovernorXavierJesus D Romualdo, theprogramaimsto easetheburdenonparentsby addressingtheirchildren’s educationalrequirements, contributingtothelong-term developmentoftheprovincesyouth

DepEd Camiguin Forum urges stronger support for ALS amidst Education Gaps

byOENZEGABRIELLERIVERA

Despitestridesmadein alternativeeducation,the DepartmentofEducation (DepEd)inCamiguinfacesa criticalchallenge closingthe educationalgapsfor marginalizedlearners Inarecent forum,DepEdcalledonboth publicandprivatesectorsto addresstheweaknessesinthe AlternativeLearningSystem (ALS),urginggreater collaborationandactionto ensureequitableaccessto educationforall.

Camiguin,knownforitslushlandscapesand scenicroads,isseeingatransformationinitspublic transportsystem Theonce-dominantjeepneys,which havebeenanintegralpartofdailylifefordecades,are beingslowlyreplacedbytwokeyalternatives:multicabs andmotorelas Whilemulticabs compact,fuelefficientvehicles havealreadygainedtraction, motorelas,akindofmodifiedmotorcyclewithasidecar andadditionalseating,arequicklybecomingapopular choiceforshort-distancetravel

VeteranjeepneydriverJeromeAbisisoneofmany affectedbythesechanges “Tungodsakadaghansamga sakyanankaron ika-isanalangmisaisakaadlawmakalarga,”heexplains,notingtherisingtrafficcongestion andthegrowingnumberofvehiclesontheisland The localgovernmenthasimplementedstricterlimitson jeepneyroutes,leavingmanydriverslikeAbiswith feweropportunitiestooperate “Tungodsakadaghan namo,pagbaliknamodilinamimakadagan,gawas nalangkungnaaykalingawankayikaduhamimakadagan, Abisadds,highlightingthedifficultyinsecuring enoughpassengerstomakeadecentincome Theriseofmulticabsandmotorelas,however,isa welcomechangeformanycommuters Thesesmaller vehiclesarequickertofillupandareoftenseenasmore efficient CommuterDelailaAbistanosharesher thoughts: Masprefernamoangmulticab,kaymasdali siyamapuno,unyagamayraangpasahero Kaykung jeepmangud masdaghanpasaheroangmagsakay ayhamaka-larga”(Wepreferthemulticabbecauseit fillsupfasterandaccommodatesfewerpassengers Withjeepneys,morepeopleneedtoboardbeforethey canleave)

Inadditiontomulticabs,motorelashavebecome

increasinglypopularforshorttrips,especiallyinmore remoteordenselypackedareas Themotorela,a versatilevehiclethatcombinesthefunctionalityofa motorcyclewithapassengersidecar,iswell-suitedto Camiguin’snarrowandoftenhillyroads For passengers,thesemotorizedtricyclesofferafaster, moredirectroutetotheirdestinations,withtheadded bonusofbeingabletonavigateareasthatlargervehicles can’treach

Whilepassengersareenjoyingthefasterandmore comfortableride,driverslikeAbisareconcernedabout theirlivelihood Thereductioninthenumberofjeepney tripsduetostricterregulations coupledwiththerising popularityofmotorelasandmulticabs,hasmadeit harderfortraditionaljeepneydriverstomakeends meet Kamimgadriver,maglisodgyudmikaydili namomakitaangamongdailyincome, Abislaments, expressingthefinancialstrainmanyjeepneydriversare facing

Thereareindicationsthatnewtransportpolicies couldbeintheworks Sourcessuggestthatauthorities areconsideringwaystoregulateboththeincreasing numberofmulticabsandmotorelasontheroadwhile balancingtheneedsoftraditionaljeepneydrivers Theshifttowardsmulticabsandmotorelas representsagrowingtrendacrossthePhilippines, particularlyinsmallerislandslikeCamiguin These vehiclesarenotonlymorefuel-efficientbutalsomore manageableintermsoftrafficandroadconditions However theirrisehasleftmanywonderingaboutthe futureoftheiconicjeepney,whichhaslongbeena symbolofPhilippinecultureLocalshopethatthe provincialgovernmentwilltaketheseconcernsinto accountasitmovesforwardwithtransportation reforms

Tungodsa kadaghansamga sakyanankaron, ika-isanalangmi saisakaadlaw maka-larga

Mambajaonons sound the alarm coverstory P1

Inabidtoreversethis trend,studentsareurgingthe publictoadoptaninformed votingmindset This sentimentechoesthegrowing concernsofyoungvoters, manyofwhomwillbe participatingintheirfirst electionThesurveyfindings fromBalintawakmirrora largerissuethatresonates acrossthecountry Inrecent elections,candidateswithhigh socialmediapresenceand entertainmentvaluehave oftenoutperformedthosewith solidtrackrecordsin governance Expertspointout thatthisphenomenonreflects adeep-rootedissueinvoter educationandpoliticalculture inthePhilippines SeniorHighSchool Teacher,CheryllMalaton, whenaskedaboutthistrend, highlightedtheroleof educationinshapingvoter behavior Aninformed electorateisthebackboneofa functioningdemocracy,”she said

Toaddressthese concerns,theSSLGplansto launchaseriesofvoter educationcampaignsin thecomingmonths Theseinitiativeswill includeseminars, workshops,and discussionsaimed atequipping youngvoterswith thetoolstomake thoughtful decisions “Wemaybeyoung,but wearenotpowerless Ifwe startadvocatingforinformed choicesnow,wecaninspire otherstodothesame The changestartshere,inour school,inourbarangay,and eventually,inournation, SSLGPresidentDendoBolo saidinaninterview Theconcernsof Mambajaononsreflectthe hopesandfearsofanation gearingupforwhatcouldbea pivotalelection Asstudents amplifytheircallforchange, theyremindeveryonethatthe powerofavoteliesnotin popularitybutinpurpose

MNHS Infirmary: A lifeline for student health nears completion

byVEVERLYNCENTINALES

Afteryearsofanticipation thelargest schoolinCamiguin MambajaoNational HighSchool,withover2,000students frombothjuniorandseniorhighschool,is finallysettohaveitsowninfirmary The 3.3-million-pesofacilitymarksasignificant milestoneinprovidingaccessible healthcarefortheschoolcommunity, addressingalong-standingneedfor propermedicalsupportintheprovince s biggesteducationalinstitution.

Thestate-of-the-artfacility,spearheaded byDepEdCamiguinNurseAiaGamaleand supportedbyPrincipalNymphaB Yamit,will soonopenitsdoorstotheschoolcommunity PrincipalYamitextendedheartfeltgratitude toMrs Gamalefordiligentlyprocessingthe necessarydocumentsandtoformerschool

Theforum,attendedbyarange ofstakeholders,emphasizedthe growingneedforenhancedsupport forALSprograms,whicharecrucial forlearnerswhofalloutsidethe traditionaleducationsystem With over2,000studentsinthepublic schoolsysteminCamiguin,a significantnumberstilllackaccessto qualityeducation MayorYggy Romualdostressedtheimportance ofcommunityinvolvement, highlightingthepivotalroleof barangaysinreachingouttotarget learners Withoutaccuratedataand localizedefforts,manystudentswho needALSprogramsmaystillremain unreached,”hepointedout Discussionsalsorevolved aroundtheimplementationof RepublicAct11510,whichaimsto expandalternativelearning pathways Whilethelawpromisesto increaseeducationalaccess,local stakeholdersagreedthatmuchmore needstobedoneonthegroundto trulymakethesepathwayseffective Theforumunderscoredtheurgent needforaccurateenrollmentdata andbettercoordinationbetweenthe government,barangays,andother sectors Theforummarkedthe beginningofamorefocusedand collaborativeefforttoimproveALS inCamiguin However,thejourney aheadisfarfromover AsDepEd continuestoprioritizeALS,it’sclear thatbothgovernmentand communityleadersmustwork togethermoreeffectivelytoensure nolearnerisleftbehind

Community-Driven Literacy: How Project L.E.T.R.A. transformed Mambajao's Youth

byRACQUELBALINGCOS Inaworldwhereliteracyisa gatewaytocountlessopportunities themunicipalityofMambajaohas proventhatgrassrootscollaboration canbringtransformativechange ProjectLETRA (LiftingEducation ThroughReadingActivity)ismore thanjustareadingprogram itisa testamenttothepowerof communityinshapingbrighter futures

LaunchedonJuly23,2024,atthe MambajaoYouthCenter,Project LETRA offersfreereadingclassesto improvetheliteracyskillsofthetown’s youth SpearheadedbySKFederation PresidentReychilleAbeloAbian,the initiativeprovidesGrade6andGrade7 studentsfromdifferentbarangaysthe opportunitytodeveloptheirreading comprehension,vocabulary,andfluency inanenvironmentdesignedtofoster bothlearningandfun Butwhatmakesthisprojecttruly remarkableisthesynergybetweenlocal governmentleaders,youth organizations,anddedicatedvolunteers WiththesupportofMayorYñigoJesus

“Yggy D Romualdo,theLocalYouth DevelopmentOffice(LYDO)ledbyEarl

head,Mr MarioB Tamayo,whoseeffortslaid thegroundworkforthisproject

AccordingtoMrs Yamit thebudgetfor theinfirmarywasallocatedbytheDepEd CentralOffice,demonstratingits commitmenttoenhancingstudentwelfare Thenewclinic,currentlyawaitingitsofficial turnover includesadvancedfeaturessuchas adedicateddentalroom,pavingthewayfora full-timedentisttoaddressstudents'oral healthneeds

GuidanceCounselorEstrelletaSalaog highlightedthesignificanceofthis development: Throughtheleadershipof PrincipalYamitandthehardworkofNurse Gamale,thisinfirmaryisadreamcometrue forourschool Itwilleasethechallengesof addressingmedicalemergenciesandensure thewell-beingofourstudentsandstaff

Gamao,SangguniangBayanMember LanderJunCutab,andtheSK ChairpersonsofMambajao,thepro hasbecomeabeaconofhopeforth community

ASHAREDVISIONFORTHEFU MayorYggyencapsulatedthe behindtheprogram,sharingina Facebookpost:

“ProjectLETRA aimsto improvereadingand comprehensionskills,helpin kidsdevelopaloveforreadi Goodreadingskillsareessen foracademicsuccess,person growth,andabrighterfuture

Theschoolcommunitysexcitementis palpableasthisfacilitypromisesnotonly immediatehealthsupportbutalsolongtermbenefits Withitscompletion,the infirmaryissettobecomeacornerstoneof studenthealthandsafety,underscoringthe schoolsdedicationtoholisticeducation

AsMambajaoNationalHighSchool awaitstheformalturnoverofitsinfirmary, thecommunitycelebratesthisachievement asatestamenttothecollectiveeffortsofits leadersandstakeholders Thisfacilityis morethanjustabuilding it’sa commitmenttoensuringeverystudent’s righttoasafeandhealthylearning environment Withitscompletion,theschoolsetsa benchmarkforprioritizingstudentwelfarein theprovinceofCamiguin

PARADISEGEM

LGU Mambajao launches 911 Operation Center amid rising safety demands

BY THE NUMBERS

byLLOYDTHOMASGRIFFITHS

TheCommissiononElectionsCamiguinrecentlyconductedavoter educationlectureon"Voter'sRightsand Responsibilities"forthestudentsat MambajaoNationalHighSchool,aiming toenlightenthemabouttheirrightto suffragewhileinstillingthe correspondingresponsibilitiesofbeing aninformedvoter

Thevotereducationinitiativeispartof abroadercampaignbyCOMELECtoengage youngvotersacrosstheprovince,ensuring thatthenextgenerationispreparedto participateresponsiblyinthedemocratic process Withoveramillionfirst-timevoters expectedtoregisternationwide,effortslike theseareseenasvitalinpromotingamore informedanddiscerningelectorate Asthe2025NationalElections

BY THE NUMBERS

SeniorHighSchool registeredvoters

SOURCECOMELEC-CAMIGUIN

approach,thehopeisthattheseyoung voterswillcarrythelessonslearnedintothe pollingstations contributingtoamore thoughtfulanddeliberateelectoraloutcome Theconcernsraisedbythestudentsat MambajaoNationalHighSchoolunderscore thehighstakesofthiselectionandthe criticalrolethateducationplaysinshaping thefutureofthenation

byVEVERLYN CENTINALES

Asignificantdeclineinstudents' languageproficiencyatMambajao NationalHighSchoolhasalarmed educatorsandthebroaderschool community,asseasonedteachers identifyatroublingtrend:areduced emphasisonconsistentlanguage practice

Onestudent,John,aGrade12student, sharedhisthoughtsontheinitiative This lecturereallyopenedmyeyestothe importanceofmyvote Iusedtothinkthat votingwasjustaboutpickingsomeone popularorfamiliar,butnowIunderstand thatitsaboutchoosingsomeonewhowill reallyworkforthepeople Wehavethe powertoshapeourfuture andthatmeans weneedtobesmartaboutwhowechoose, hesaid

VeteraneducatorsMa’amHaidee Sasil,a29-yearEnglishteacher,and Mr JosephE Madrona,a28-year Filipinoteacher,voicedtheirconcerns duringarecentinterview Both teachersnotedthatthediminishing focusonlanguageinstructionis contributingtoagrowinggapin students abilitytocommunicate effectively

PRACTICALAPPLICATIONS

Thedeclineinpractical aplicationsisevidentinschool performance Recentclassroom assessmentsoncampusrevealedthat studentsstrugglewithconstructing grammaticallysoundessays,delivering coherentoralpresentations,and analyzingliteraryworks Teachers notedanuptickinerrorssuchas subject-verbagreementlapses sentencefragments,andrelianceon slangorregionaldialectsduringformal assessments

Overtheyears,weveobserved thatstudentsarestrugglingmorewith theirlanguageskills, sharedMaam Sasil Whiletheirunderstandingof basicconceptsisstillthere itstheir abilitytoexpressthemselvesclearly, bothinwritingandspeaking,thathas beenhindered

Mr Madronaechoedhis sentiments,emphasizingthatthis trendextendstoFilipinoproficiencyas well Manystudentsnowhesitateto

byJOHNMKECABANDUCOS

Tupsan,Mambajaoisreeling fromthedevastatingfirethatswept throughTupsanElementarySchool onSaturday,leavingdestructionin itswake Thetragedyhasnotonly displacedhundredsofstudentsbut hasalsoreducedcriticalfacilities includingtheprincipal'soffice guidanceoffice,clinic,library,and storagerooms,toashes Theblaze destroyedessentialmaterials crucialtoeducation

“Languageisatoolforall subjects butwithoutdeliberatefocus onpractice,studentsareata disadvantageinallareasoflearning,” saidMaamSasil

Theyarenowcallingforthe reintroductionoflanguage-focused activitiesinthecurriculum Withthis, theyproposeincorporatinginnovative languagetoolsinteaching

AHEARTBREAKINGLOSS

Thefireconsumedtheschool principal’soffice guidanceoffice clinic,library,andtwostoragerooms, leavingbehindnothingbutcharred remains Insidethesespaceswere irreplaceableinstructionalmaterials, scienceandmathequipment,wooden tablesandchairs,monoblockchairs, clinicbeds,woodenandsteelcabinets, laptops,printers,andimportant documents nowreducedtoashes

INSPIRINGGRASSROOTS

H f heremphasizedthe epowerofliteracy: tivehighlightshow pesyoungminds, calthinking,and longopportunities" henewlyrenovated uthCenternearSan entinoParish,theclasses onthsandoneweek On 24,theprogramculminated ebrationthatrecognized ts’achievementsand ificantmilestoneintheir y

ProjectLETRA drewinspiration fromTuroatPabasa,aliteracyinitiative launchedbySKPandanonJune8,2024, undertheleadershipofBarangayPandan SKChairpersonReychilleAbian This programtargetedKindertoGrade12 studentsandexpandeditsreachto includeyouthfirevictimsfromBarangay Balbagon,whowererecoveringfroma devastatingfireinJuly2024 ThesuccessofTuroatPabasapavedthe wayforProjectLETRA toscaleits efforts,demonstratinghowgrassroots initiativescanevolveintocommunitywidemovementsforchange

ACOMMUNITY SSUCCESS

Beyondthenumbers,Project LETRA hastouchedlives Parents, students,andlocalstakeholdershave praisedtheprogramforitsinclusivity andeffectiveness Participantsnotonly improvedtheirliteracyskillsbutalso foundasafespacetoconnectwithpeers andmentors,makinglearningan enjoyableandenrichingexperience VolunteerteachersfromBarangay Pandanplayedacrucialrole,dedicating theirtimeandexpertisetoensurethe program’ssuccess Theircontributions wererecognizedduringtheculmination programsofbothTuroatPabasaand ProjectLETRA,withtokensof gratitudegivenonTeacher’sDay

CAUSEOFTHETRAGEDY

Initialinvestigationssuggestthat thefiremayhavebeencausedby faultywiring,agrimreminderofthe vulnerabilityofagingfacilities The rapidspreadoftheflamesleftnotime tosalvageanything,makingtheloss evenmoreprofound

COMMUNICAT ON READ NG COMPREHENS ON The decline was most notable in:

TOLL ONTHETESCOMMUNITY arenowlefttograpplewiththereality ofstartingover Teachersmournthe lossofnotonlytheirclassroomsbut alsoyearsofmeticulouslyprepared resourcesanddocuments Parents worryabouttheuncertaintytheir childrennowfaceincontinuingtheir education

Thedestructionhasdeeply affectedbothstudentsandstaff,who

AMODELFOROTHER COMMUNITIES

WhatsetsProjectLETRA apart isitssustainabilityandreplicability By leveragingcommunityresources, fosteringcollaborationamong stakeholders,andensuringinclusivity, theprogramservesasamodelforother municipalitiesaimingtoaddressliteracy challenges Asoneoftheparentsshared duringtheculminationprogram:

Thisprojectisnotjustabout reading;it’saboutgivingour childrenachancetodream biggerandaimhigher

ThroughprogramslikeProject LETRA,Mambajaohasshownthat literacyisnotjustaskill itisabridge toabetterfuture Astheprogram continuestoempoweryoungminds,it standsasatestamenttowhatcanbe achievedwhencommunitiesunitefor acommoncause Thisinitiativenotonly transformsthelivesofitsparticipants byequippingthemwithessential skills,opportunities,andsupportbut alsoleavesanenduringlegacyofhope, resilience,andprogress Itensuresthat futuregenerationsbenefitfromthe foundationslaidtoday BUILDINGALEGACY

OPINION P4 PARADISEGEM

The Power and Consequences of Political Choices

by DHANIELLA BIANCA ABIAN

WillthePhilippinescontinue tofalldeeperintothecircus ofpoliticaltheater,orwillwe risetothechallengeand demandtrueleadership?The answerliesinourhands and timeisrunningout.

Itisalarminghowthelackofaccountabilityand scrutinyinourelectoralprocesshasnormalized mediocrityingovernance Theabsenceofconcrete policiesrequiringcandidatestodemonstrate competenceandleadershipexperiencehasmade publicofficeseemmorelikeapopularitycontestthan apositionofservice Ifwecontinuetoprioritizecharm overcredentials,weareallowingunqualified individualstoshapeourfuture

Asthefacesofourleaderscontinuetoflood campaignpostersandsocialmediaplatforms,voters mustaskthemselves:Whatdothesefacestruly represent?Aretheymerereflectionsofentertainment andemptypromises,ordotheyembodygenuine dedicationandcapability?Theabilitytodiscern betweenspectacleandsubstanceiscrucialnowmore thanever

Thefutureofourdemocracydependson informedandempoweredvoters Thechoiceswe maketodaywilldefinethepathourcountrytakes tomorrow Letusnotallowourpoliticallandscapeto bedictatedbysuperficialcharmbutbycompetence, integrity,andthegenuinedesiretoserve The challengeisourstotake,andthedecisionisoursto make

BY THE NUMBERS

SILENTCRISIS: tThegrowing shreatto students' afety

byDHANIELABIANCAABIAN

Thenewyearhasjustbegun,yetfear NalreadylingersinthehallwaysofMambajao ationalHighSchool Asstudentswalktodandfromschool,alingeringsenseof angerhasreplacedthecarefreechatter thatoncefilledthestreets Therecentkillings,thoughseeminglyisolated painta disturbingpicture onethatauthoritiesseemreluctanttoacknowledge

TACALLTOACTIONFOR HEPROVINCE

BreakingBarriers:

Achievinggender equalityinour schooland beyond

byCLINTDOMINICAMORES

WHEREISTHEPROTECTION?

Parentssendtheirchildrentoschool sbelievingtheyaresafe,butrecentevents uggestotherwise Withnoconcreteaction ffromlocalauthorities,studentsareleftto endforthemselves Howmanymore itragediesmustoccurbeforearealplanisput ntoplace?

Theabsenceofincreasedsecurity ppatrols,CCTVcameras,orcommunitywatch rogramsspeaksvolumes Parentsarenow tleftwithnochoicebuttopersonallyescort cheirchildren,aprivilegenoteveryfamily anafford

Thosewhocannotareforcedto tplacetheirtrustinanineffectivesystem,one ahatcontinuestofailthemtimeandtime gain

Furthermore,schoolofficialsseem Tpowerlessinaddressingtheseconcerns hhoughtheymayexpresssympathy,their mandsaretiedwhenitcomestomaking eaningfulchangesoutsideofschoolpremises

wordsmatter oncesomethingissaidonline,theimpactislasting Negative hcommentsormisinformationcancausereal barm,andthedamageoftencan’tbeundone yanapology

BUILDINGACULTUREOFRESPECT: WHYWORDSMATTER

Inthisinterconnectedworld,it’scrucialrtoexpressopinionsandcriticismswith espectandthoughtfulness Behindevery yscreenisarealpersonwithfeelings,justlike ou Let’smakeacollectiveefforttoengage oinmeaningfulconversationsthatelevate dneanotherratherthantearingeachother own Constructivefeedback,thoughtful ocriticism,andkindnessshouldbeatthecore feveryonlineinteraction Inaspacethatpallowsforsomanyvoices,wehavethe dowertocreateanenvironmentwhere tiversityiscelebrated,andallindividualsare reatedwithrespect

FthelastfewyearsofDuterte’sterm 5orexample,in2022,inflationwasat 2% Evenbeforethepandemic, ainflationwasgenerallylower,staying round2-4% Withthepricesoffood, cgas,andotheressentialsgoingup,it’s mlearthatthisisaseriousissuefor anyFilipinos,andit’sbecoming boneofthemainthingspeopleare lamingtheMarcosgovernmentfor IWHAT’SCAUSINGTHE NFLATION?

Genderequalityisanissuethatstill needsourattention bothgloballyandeven inourschoolcommunity Whiletherehave beensignificantadvancements,thefightfor womensrightscontinues Thegoalisntjust aboutfairness,butensuringthatwomen haveequalrightsandopportunitiesasmen Despiteprogress,womenstillfacechallenges ineducation,healthcare,andcareer advancement issuesthataffectmanyofus

WHATGENDEREQUALITY

REALLYMEANS

Genderequalityisaboutgiving everyone nomattertheirgender thesame rights,responsibilities,andopportunities It meansequalaccesstoeducation,healthcare, andemployment,andthefreedomtolive withoutfearofgender-basedviolenceor discrimination AccordingtoGGIInsights, realgenderequalityensuresthatnooneis heldbackbecauseoftheirgender,andthis shouldapplytoallaspectsoflife,including righthereinourschool

EDUCATION:ARIGHTFORALL

Atourschool educationisavitaltoolfor personalgrowth,anditshouldbeequally accessibletoeveryone It’snotjustmenwho deservethechancetolearnandgain knowledgefromtheenvironmentaround them;womenhavejustasmuchrightto accessthateducation Sadly,thebeliefthat womenarelesscapablethanmenstillexists insomeplaces,butitisimportantthatwe recognizethestrengthsandpotentialofall students regardlessofgender

THEIMPACTOFGENDEREQUALITY

ONOURCOMMUNITY

Achievinggenderequalityisnt justaboutfairness it’saboutmaking ourschoolandsocietystronger When everyonehasequalopportunitiesto succeed,itbenefitseveryone Gender equalityineducationand extracurricularactivitiesallowsfora morediverseandinclusive environment,leadingtomoreideas, moreleadership,andmorecommunity growth Ifourschoolfostersanequal playingfield weallgainbylearning fromoneanother’sperspectivesand experiences

Camiguinhaslongbeenknownasone nofthesafestprovincesinthecountry,with porecordedhistoryofheinouscrimesinthe ast However,asthenationgrappleswithsanalarmingriseinviolentincidents, htudentsandparentsinMambajaocannot elpbutfeeldisturbed Thesenseofsecurity ttheyonceenjoyedisnowovershadowedby ehegrimrealityofcrimeshappening lsewhere Fearknowsnoboundaries,andtheideathat'itcouldhappenherenext has beguntosettleinthemindsofmany Theseincidentshavenotonlyleft sfamiliesgrievingbuthavealsosowndeep teedsofanxietyinstudents,parents,and eachers Theveryinstitutionthatismeant ptobeasafespaceforlearninghasbecomea slacewherefearfesters,wherestudents tecond-guesstheirsafetywitheverystep heytakebeyondschoolgrounds Aplace nthatoncenurturedaspirationsanddreamsis dowovershadowedbyapprehensionand oubt

Safetypolicieswithintheschool twallsareinplace,butwhataboutbeyond chem?Theresponsibilityofstudentsafety annotendattheschoolgate

THEROLEOFTHECOMMUNITY

Thisisnotjustaproblemforthevictims families itisacommunitycrisis sThelocalgovernment,lawenforcement,and schoolofficialsmustworktogethertoensure tudents'safety Weneedvisiblesecurity smeasures,stricterlawenforcement,anda oafeenvironmentwherestudentscanfocus Tnlearningwithoutfearingfortheirlives hetimetoactisnow

DEMPATHYANDKINDNESSINTHE IGITALAGE:MAKINGAPOSITIVEIMPACT

Ouronlinebehaviorshapestheworldaroundus Eachcommentwemake,every bpostweshare,carriesthepotentialtoeither nrightensomeone'sdayorperpetuate egativity It’sessentialtoapproachonline tconversationswithempathy,understanding chatourwordscaneitherbuildbridgesor reatedivides Bychoosingtoengagewith ckindnessandrespect,wefosteranonline pommunitythatwelcomesdifferent eerspectivesandcreatesaspacewhere veryonefeelsvalued

CALLFORCOMMUNITYSAFETY

Thecommunitysresponsetothese afearsiscrucialinrestoringasenseofsafety ndwell-being It'stimeforlocalleaders, seducators,andresidentstocometogetherin Bolidaritytoaddresstheseconcernshead-on myimplementingcomprehensivesafety easures,suchasincreasedsecuritypatrols, simprovedlighting,andtheinstallationof rurveillancecameras,wecanbeginto Mebuildtrustwithinthecommunity oreover,fosteringopendialoguesbetween hstudents,parents,andschoolofficialscan aelpinidentifyingspecificareasofconcern Bnddevelopingstrategiestoaddressthem wycreatingaplatformforvoicestobeheard, enotonlyempowerindividualsbutalso cstrengthenthebondsthatholdour ommunitytogether Educationshould fremainapillarofhopeandopportunity,free romtheshadowsoffear

STHEEMOTIONALTOLLON

TUDENTS

Wemustaskourselves:dowewaitfor tanothertragedytooccurbeforeactionis baken?Ordowedemandchangenow, feforeanotherinnocentlifeislost?The iutureofMambajao’sstudentsdependson t

YOUTHINTHE DIGITALAGE: tHavetheright hovoiceandbe eard

byMAILACRISTINECESAR

Intoday’sdigitalage,youngpeople thaveapowerfulplatformtosharetheir mhoughts,opinions,andexperiences:social edia Thisonlinespaceoffersyoungtindividualsthefreedomtoexpress ehemselves,participateindiscussions,and Hngagewithothersfromaroundtheworld owever,justasimportantasthisfreedom pistheresponsibilitytorespectoneanother oromotekindness,andcreateaninclusive nlinecommunity

VTHEDIGITALRIGHTTOSPEAKUP:A OICEFORTHEYOUTH

RTHERIGHTTOSPEAK,THE ESPONSIBILITYTOLISTEN

Therightofyouthtospeakonsocial mediaisnotjustaboutpersonalexpression it’saboutfosteringadigitalworldwhere leveryonehastheopportunitytocontribute, earn,andgrow Whilesocialmediaoffers eimmenseopportunitiesforyoungpeopleto tngage,italsocomeswithchallengesrelated omentalhealthandwell-being It’svital cthatwesupportyouthinnavigatingthese thallenges,helpingthemdevelopthetools eocommunicateresponsiblyandwith mpathy

Let’sworktogethertoensurethatthe vdigitalworldremainsaplacewhereyoung woicesarenotonlyheardbutrespected,and hereweallcontributetoacultureof kindness,empathy,andunderstanding

Therearemanyreasonswhyinflationissohighrightnow First,Uglobalproblemslikethewarin akraineandsupplychaindisruptions eremakingeverythingmore xpensive Thisaffectsthepricesofgimportedgoods,suchasoiland orains,whichthePhilippinesrelies n Butit’snotjustaboutwhat’shappeningoutsidethecountry ThewPhilippinesisalsohavingproblems ithlocalproduction,especiallyinagriculture Farmersarestrugglingtobmeetthedemandforfood,and recauseofthis,thecountryhasto eelyonimports,whichdrivesprices venhigher Sowhileglobalissues darepartlytoblame,therearealso gomesticproblemsthattheMarcos overnmentneedstofix

LTHEPOLITICALFALLOUT: OSINGPUBLICSUPPORT

Asinflationcontinuestorise, MmanyFilipinosarelosingtrustinthe arcosadministration Beforehe hbecamepresident,manypeoplewere bopefulthatthingswouldimprove, mutnowtherisingcostoflivingis Makingthemquestionwhether arcoscanactuallyhandlethecountry’sproblems Publicopinion apollsshowthathisapprovalratings aredropping,andoppositiongroups trebecomingmorevocal,blaming ehegovernmentfornotdoing nough Protestsarehappeningmore goftenaspeopledemandthatthe sovernmenttakestrongeractionto olvetheeconomiccrisis Thisis fputtingmorepressureonMarcosto mindsolutionsquickly,orrisklosing oresupportfromthepeople

EQUALOPPORTUNITIESFORALL

It’seasytodismisseachcrimeasanunfortunate,unrelatedevent However, ywhencasesofviolence,particularlytargeting aoungstudentsandwomen,begintoriseat snalarmingrate,wemustask:whendoesit btopbeingacoincidenceandstart iecomingacrisis?Thecommunity’ssilence sdeafening,andinactiononlyenablesthe perpetrators aWhatmakesthissituationworseisthe Dpparentdisregardfromauthorities tespitemultiplereports,thereislittle ionovisibleefforttoimprovesecurity nhigh-riskareas Studentsstillwalk homeondimlylitstreets,stillpass throughunmonitoredareas,and stillfacethesamedangersthat haveclaimedinnocentlives

Therightforyouthtospeakonsocial tmediaisntjustaboutthefreedomtoexpress phemselves;itsaboutensuringthatyoung deoplehaveaseatatthetableinshapingthe igitalworld Fromsharingopinionsto participatinginglobalconversations,social hmediaempowersyouthtomaketheirvoices eard Yet,manyyoungpeoplefaceagetrelateddiscriminationthatlimitstheirability ofullyengageinsociety whetherit'sin tvoting,working,ormakingdecisionsabout heirlives Itsessentialthatwerecognize candprotecttheirrightsonlinesotheycan montributemeaningfullytodiscussionsthat atter

hYoungpeople avetherighttotfreelyexpress shemselveson eocialmedia, dnsuringprivacy, aecision-making, dndrespectinthe igitalworld

INFLATION CRISIS:Howitaffectsthe Marcos Administration

LOOKINGAHEAD:CAN MARCOSFIXTHIS?

TheMarcosadministrationstill bhasachancetofixtheinflationcrisis, uttimeisrunningout Ifthe pgovernmentwantstokeepthe wublic’strust,itneedstocomeup ithstrongerandfastersolutions fIt’simportantforthegovernmentto aocusonfixingtheproblemsin rgricultureandlocalproductionto ieducethecountry’sdependenceon mports

Atthesametime,it’salso scrucialtosupportthepeoplewhoare trugglingthemost Providingsocial psafetynetsandbetterservicestothe oorwillhelplessentheeffectsof inflationontheirlives

WhiletheMarcos aadministrationhasatoughroad mhead,itcanstillbouncebackifit akestherightdecisionsandactsquickly

Thestruggleforgender equalityisongoing andit’snotjust aboutfairness Womenandmen alikedeservethesamerightsand opportunities,andinourschool,we havethechancetomakea difference Bypromotingequal accesstoeducation,encouraging women’sparticipationindecisionmaking,andchallengingoutdated ideas,wecanbuildamoreinclusive, strongercommunity

Thenormalizationofthese incidentsisalarming,asit fostersaculturewhere crimeisexpected ratherthan prevented

NTHECHALLENGESOFEXPRESSION: RAVIGATINGFREEDOMAND ESPONSIBILITY

Whilesocialmediacanprovideyoung apeoplewithaspaceforcivicengagement wndpersonaldevelopment,italsocomes ithchallenges Onesuchchallengeisthespreadofmisinformation

AsMr Victoriano CapagnganJr emphasizedduringhisspeechhatthe2025DSPCpressconference,youth aavetherighttospeakuponsocialmedia boutissuesthataffectthem whether politicalornot butwithacriticalresponsibility Heurgedyoungpeople to"criticwithsubstance"andavoid spreadingfalseinformation Inourdigitalworld,

ThePhilippinesisfacingatoughtimerightnowwithinflationsoaring andit’sFbecomingabigproblemforPresident aerdinand“Bongbong”MarcosJr’s sdministration.ManyFilipinosare atrugglingtokeepupwithrisingprices, ndit’sbeenhardforthegovernmentto fixthesituation Oneofthebiggestissues histheinflationrate,whichishigherthanit dasbeeninpreviousyears,especially DuringthefinalyearsofformerPresident uterte’sadministration

ACOMPARISONTOPREVIOUSYEARS

InflationinthePhilippineshasbeen gettingworsesinceMarcostookoffice In m2023,inflationwasaround6-8%,whichis uchhigherthantheaveragerateduring

Thecomingmonthswillbe gcriticalindeterminingwhetherthe overnmentcancontrolinflationand improvethelivesofFilipinos

IftheMarcosadministration ldoesnttakestrongeractionsoon,the cong-termeffectsofhighinflation Fouldbeevenworseforthecountry damiliesalreadystrugglingwiththeir mailyexpensescouldfinditharderto akeendsmeet,leadingtomorepovertyandinequality The sgovernmentmustactnotjustto atabilizepricesintheshortterm,but plsotocreatepoliciesthatwill areventsuchacrisisfromhappening gaininthefuture Thismeans lfocusingonimprovingkeysectors likeagriculture,strengtheningthe Focaleconomy,andensuringthat ilipinoshaveaccesstoqualityjobs

VOICES OF RESILIENCE OVERCOMINGDISCRIMINATION

BY JULIANNA ELLISE LAGUMBAY

RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION

Religious discrimination in schools occurs when students are treated unfairly due to their religious beliefs or practices This can include bullying, exclusion, or denial of opportunities based on their faith It may involve prejudice against religious attire, dietary restrictions, or observances like prayer times

Discriminationisn tjusta word;it’saheavyweightthat cancrushdreams dim aspirations,andleavelasting scars ForAirahD Datuiman,a Grade10student,thatburdenis alltoofamiliar Throughouther journey shehasfacedreligious discriminationthatmadeher questionherplaceintheworld Yet,inthefaceofadversity,Airah haschosenapathnotofdefeat butofunwaveringstrength Insteadofallowingtheharsh realitiesofdiscriminationto breakherspirit,sheusesthem asfueltolightherwayforward Herstoryisnotjustabout overcoming;it’sabout transformingpainintopurpose Airahbelievesinthepowerof educationanddialoguetobridge divides,andsheactively participatesininitiativesthat promoteinterfaithharmony By sharingherstory,shehopesto sparkconversationsthatleadto change,encouragingothersto standupagainstdiscrimination inallitsforms Throughvoices likehers,hope,equality,and unitycanshineitsbest

Airah’sstoryisn’toneof givinginbutofrisingup Each day,sheconfrontschallengesthat couldmakeeventhestrongest falter Shehasenduredhurtful words,exclusion,andjudgment basedonherfaith,butshestands firm,refusingtobedefinedby others’prejudices Hermessage echoeswithquietpower:“Stop discriminationandfocusoneach onesgrowth Thesewords, thoughsimple,carrythehopeof afuturewhereunityandequality prevail Inhereyesisavisionofa worldwhereeverypersons potentialisnurtured,where differencesarecelebratedrather thancriticized Airahbelieves thatifweliftoneanotherupand committosupportingeach othersjourneys,wecanshatter thebarriersthatdivideus By choosingtoempowerratherthan exclude,wecanmakeequality morethananideal itcan becomealivedreality Airah’sbraveryisaremindertous all Itspeakstothepowerofthe humanspirittoendure,torise above,andtoinspirechange Her

storycompelsustothink:how willwerespondtothechallenges andinjusticeswewitness?Will webebystanders orwillwebe championsofgrowthand equality? Theworldneedsmoreheartslike Airahs,unafraidtospeakoutand unyieldinginthefaceof adversity Herjourney teachesusthatwhile theweightof discriminationmay beheavy the courageto overcome itisevengreater Together,wecanturn ignoranceinto understandingand darknessintolight,oneact ofsupportatatime

Stop discrimination andfocuson eachone’s growth

BY XENA TYNE BATOBATO

AGEANDDISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

Being older than your classmates while having a disability can lead to discrimination, where students may face prejudice or exclusion due to their age or physical or learning challenges This can result in feeling isolated, underestimated, or overlooked

Lifeisagiftmeanttobe treasuredeachdayofferinga newchancetoliveitfully For EvanieL Anar,everydayisa journeymarkednotonlyby immensechallengesbutalsoby thequietpowerofresilience Shewasborntostandout but thatuniquenesshascomeata cost Mockeryandjudgment havebecomeherunwanted companions yetshestandstall drawingstrengthfromthevery strugglesothersmightseeas weaknesses

Inaworldthatcanbecruel andunforgiving,Evaniehas discoveredherownguiding strength Herspiritshinesinthe faceofadversity,areminderto herselfandtoothersthateven whentheworldseemsunkind, thepowertoriseabovelies within Nomatterhowheavythe burdenorpainfulthewords

thrownherway,shefightsto keepherdreamsaliveandto createafuturefilledwithhope andpurpose

Atschool,Evaniefaces discriminationforherdisabilities andthestigmaofreturningto educationlaterinlife Everycruel commentfeelslikeawoundto herheart,pullingherdeeperinto whatcanfeellikeanuphillbattle Theweightofothers judgments oftenmakeshopeseemlikea distantdream Yet,likeafortress standingstrongagainstthe storm,sheremainsunbroken, fortifiedbythepeoplewho believeinher:friends,family,and mentorswhoupliftherwhenshe feelsmostdefeated Their unwaveringsupportempowers hertoaimhighandreachforher goals

ForEvanie,perseveranceis notjustanabstractideabuta mission Shewantstoshowthe

worldthatdespiteherdisabilities, shecansucceedthroughhard workanddetermination School, onceaplacewhereshefelt unworthyandashamed,has becomethefirststeponher journeytosuccess Eachdayshe walksthroughitsdoorsisa testamenttohercourageand resilience Sheenvisionsherself inagraduationtoga,holdinga diplomaandrealizingshehas becomethepersonshealways aspiredtobe Evanieremindsherself andus all thatnomatterhowtough thingsget,wemustkeep pushingforward Somepeople mayhaveaneasierpath,but itisthestrengthtokeepgoing despitetheoddsthattruly definessuccess Herjourneyis proofthat,eveninthefaceof relentlesschallenges,a determinedheartcanovercome anything

Itisthestrengthtokeepgoingdespitetheoddsthattruly definessuccess, anditcapturesthecoremessageof perseveranceandresilience

Inaworldstillmarkedbydiscrimination,theneedforsafespacesisgreaterthanever Formany,schoolisasecond home aplaceofgrowthandfriendship.Butwhathappenswhentheverywallsmeanttoprotectusfeelisolating,like acrowdedstreetwhereweremainunseen?

Everyday,wepassfacescarryinguntoldstories Somesmilesshine,yetbeneaththemliehiddenstruggles Many studentswearmasks,livingintheshadows,feelingthey’llneverbe“goodenough.”Theylongtobethemselvesbutfear gettinglostinthecrowd

Schoolbringstogetherpeoplefromallwalksoflife,eachwithuniquevoicesanddreams Whenwelookbeyond thesurfaceandtrulylisten,weuncoveravibrantworldofhopeandresilience Likearainbowafterthestorm,these storiesremindusofwhatweallseek ofeelsafe,andtobeseen

BY LOURAINNE ALIAH

" Welcominganewlifeintot hisworldisablessing nomatterwhenitmay come"

KristinI Guntangisthe livingembodimentofthis truth,thoughherjourney hasbeenanythingbut easy Facedwithharsh judgmentfromherpeers, Kristinknowsfirsthandthe weightofdiscrimination Becomingamotherata youngagemadeheratarget forcruelwhispersand condescendingstares Doubterscalledherchilda “biologicalshackle”aburden theyassumedwouldendher dreamsandpotential Yet, Kristinrefusedtolettheirwords defineher Instead,sheheldher headhigh believingfiercelyin thepromiseofhereducation andthefutureshestillenvisions forherselfandherchild

Thepathshewalksisnot simple Everyday,Kristinbattles shadowsofdoubtandwavesof anxiety,butherspiritremains unbroken Forher,motherhoodis notanobstacle;it’samotivation, areasontostriveharderand dreambigger Evenasprejudiced voicestrytosilenceher,Kristin standsstrong,determinedto buildabetterlifeforherselfand herbaby Herresilienceisa beaconofhope,areminderthat strengthcanemergeevenfrom themostdifficultcircumstances Inaworldquicktojudge imperfections,societyoften overlooksthehumanstory behindthosejudgments Kristins journeyshedslightonthereality thateveryonecarriesunseen struggles,yetmanyriseabove themwithgraceandunwavering determination Despitethe worldsattemptstocloakherin darkness,Kristintransforms everyhurtfulwordintoastepping

stone climbinghigherand reachingfurther notjustfor herself,butforherchild,too Kristinsstoryisatestament totheresilienceofwomenwho defydiscrimination,provingthat noamountofprejudicecan extinguishthefireofa determinedheart Shestandsasa reminderthatstrengthisborn fromstruggleandthatevery womanhasthepowertorewrite herownnarrative Herjourney illuminatesthepathforothers, provingthateveninthedarkest moments,thereisalwayslight a futurewaitingtobeembraced

Inaworldquickto judgeimperfections, societyoften overlooksthehuman storybehindthose judgments

KRISTINGUNTANG YoungMother(Grade11-ALS)

BY KEISHA MAE ABOL

Inaworldwhere communicationreigns supreme,studentslikeGoldelyn Catapang adeafandmute learner facearelentlessbattle againstdiscriminationand isolation At18,Goldelyn transferredtoMambajao NationalHighSchool hopingto escapetheharshjudgment shefacedelsewhere Thoughshecannot hearthehurtful words she readsthem onlipsand faces, feeling their sting with every glance

Ifeltanxiousbecauseof howpeoplelookatme, she typed Despiteherabilitytolipreadandunderstandexpressions, thesenseofexclusionremains overwhelming Withnofriendsto fillhersilentworldwiththehues ofsound,sheoftenfeelsinvisible, trappedinsolitude ButGoldelyn isresilient learningeventhe basicsofsignlanguagerequires patience,effort,andthe unwaveringdeterminationto bridgethegap

AccordingtothePhilippine FederationoftheDeaf Goldelyns experienceisfarfromunique Over12millionFilipinoshave hearingimpairments,yetmany schoolsstilllackadequate supportsystemsfordeafand mutestudents Theyface challengesthatgobeyond academics socialexclusion,lack ofresources,anddeep-seated biasesthatmaketheirpursuitof educationevenmoredifficult Yet,Goldelynrefusestolet discriminationdefineher She

embodiesresilience facing eachchallengewithquietstrength andanunyieldingdesiretobe heard Providingaccessible resources,learningbasicsign language offeringwritten instructions,andimplementing academicaccommodations suchasextendedtimeand inclusivepolicies canbridgethe gapandempowerwomenlike Goldelyntothriveinaninclusive society Goldelynsstoryisa testamenttothestrengthof womenovercoming discrimination,provingthat silenceisnotweaknessbutacall forchange Likeagarden nurturingdiverseblooms,letus cultivatethevoicesofthese exceptionalindividuals Their silenceisnotemptiness;itisacry forjustice,anunspokenpleafor understandingandequality As Luke19:40remindsus Their silenceechoesthestonescried out,demandingjustice"Itistime wetrulylistenandact

Their silence echoesthe stonescried out, demanding justiceand itistimewe trulylisten andact

DISCRIMINATIONAGAINST PREGNANTSTUDENTS

Pregnancy at an early age can lead to discrimination in schools, where students may face judgment, exclusion, or stigma due to their condition This can affect their social interactions, academic performance and mental well-being

DEAFANDMUTE DISCRIMINATION

Deaf and mute students may face discrimination in schools due to communication barriers and misconceptions about their abilities This can lead to exclusion, lack of understanding, or unequal access to education and activities

BYMAILACRISTINE BYMAILACRISTINECESAR CESAR

Coralreefsareoneofthe mostimportantecosystemson theplanet Theysupport marinebiodiversity,improve localfisheries andprotect shorelinesfromerosion However,duetoclimate change,pollution,and overfishing,manyofthese reefsareunderthreat To combatthis,scientistsand engineersareturningto artificialcoralreefsasa solution Byusingmaterials likeconcrete steel and biodegradablesubstances, theseartificialreefsare designedtohelprestorethe damagedhabitatsofour oceans offeringalifelineto marinelifeandthe communitiesthatrelyonit

WHATAREARTIFICIAL CORALREEFS?

Artificialcoralreefsare man-madestructuresplaced intheoceantosimulate naturalcoralecosystems Thesereefsaredesignedto mimicthecomplexshapes, textures,andfeaturesof naturalreefs,providing marinespecieswiththe shelterandresourcesthey needtothrive Theuseof materialslikespecially formulatedconcretemixed withocean-friendly substancespromotescoral growthwhileminimizing environmentalharm Instead oftraditionalcement,these materialsaremorecompatible withmarinelife,ensuringthat thereefscansupportahealthy underwaterecosystem

InCamiguin,artificial coralreefshavebeen establishedinplaceslike Magting,Tupsan,andBaylao Thesereefsarecarefully constructedusingmaterials thatencouragecoralgrowth andprovidehabitatsfor variousmarinespecies The designincludespyramidshapedstructureswithfour windows,whichallowfishand

othermarineanimalstotake refugeinside Infact,three newcoralattachmentsare recordeddaily,helpingto restoretheunderwater ecosystemsaroundthese islands

HOWDOARTIFICIAL REEFSHELPTHEMARINE ENVIRONMENT?

Artificialcoralreefsplay acriticalroleinhelpingto restoremarinelife especially afternaturaldisasterslike typhoons Byreplacing damagedordestroyedreefs, thesestructuresoffershelter andstabilityformarine organisms Theyalsopromote thegrowthofcorals,providing newareasforfishtolive,feed, andreproduce

Theprocessofcreating artificialreefsbeginswith constructingthestructures andthenallowingthemto undergoaone-month solidificationphase Afterthis, thereefsarecarefullyplaced indesignatedsanctuaryzones, wheretheysinkintothe seabedhalfway Thisgradual sinkingprocessensuresthat thereefssettlesecurely, offeringlong-termbenefitsto marinelife

ACOLLABORATIONFOR CONSERVATION:POLICE REGIONALOFFICE10S CONTRIBUTION

Oneofthemostexciting developmentsinCamiguins effortstorestorecoralreefs comesfromthePolice RegionalOffice10(PRO10) Undertheleadershipof PBGENRolandoB Anduyan, RegionalDirector,thePRO10 hasbeeninstrumentalin deployingartificialcoralreefs inMantigue Mahinog Camiguin Thisinitiative,part oftheirbroader environmentalefforts,aimsto protectmarineecosystems andhelprestorethedamaged coralreefsaroundtheisland Aspartofthe Helpthe

Fishes campaign,this collaborationunderscoresthe importanceoflocaland nationaleffortsinensuring thatmarinelifehasthe resourcesitneedstosurvive andthrive THEBENEFITSFOR FISHERIESANDCOASTAL PROTECTION

Artificialreefsarenot onlyimportantformarine biodiversity buttheyalso offerbenefitstolocalfisheries Thesereefsattractfish,which inturnboostsfish populations Fishermencan thenenjoybettercatchrates, improvingtheirlivelihoods Additionally,artificialreefs playanimportantrolein protectingcoastlinesfrom erosion Byactingasbarriers againststrongwaves,these reefshelpshieldcoastal communitiesfromthe damagingeffectsofstorms andrisingsealevels Throughtheuseof scienceandtechnology, artificialreefsoffera sustainablesolutionfor safeguardingouroceansand thecommunitiesthatdepend onthem Aswecontinueto developanddeploythese structures,theyserveasa reminderofhuman innovationinpreservingour naturalenvironment AHOPEFULOUTLOOK FORCORAL CONSERVATION

Artificialcoralreefsarea testamenttothepowerof humaningenuityandthe needforinnovativesolutions topreserveourplanet’sfragile ecosystems Byprovidinga stableenvironmentformarine species,thesereefsofferhope inthefaceofgrowing environmentalchallenges Theyhelpprotectbiodiversity, supportvulnerablespecies, andprovidevaluable opportunitiesforscientific research

Aswecontinueto developthesetechnologies andinvestinconservation efforts,wecanensurethat futuregenerationswillinherit aworldwherevibrantcoral reefscontinuetoflourish In Camiguin,theartificialreefs arenotjuststructuresinthe ocean;theyareasymbolof resilience,hope,anda commitmenttopreserving thebeautyandhealthofour marineecosystems Through continuedcollaborationand innovation,wecanensure thatboththeoceansandthe communitiesthatdependon themremainvibrantand sustainableforyearstocome

BYAPRILJOY BYAPRILJOYBONGGOT BONGGOT

ThePhilippinesisa globalleaderinbanana production withthe countryproducing approximately926million metrictonsofbananasin 2023 ofwhich2354 millionmetrictonswere exported However,after harvesting,around60%of thebananaplant, includingthepseudo-stem (themaintrunk) is consideredagricultural waste

Toaddressthis challenge,expertsare exploringinnovativewaysto convertbananapseudo-stem fiber(Musaacuminate)into valuable,eco-friendly productslikepaperbags This initiativenotonly helpsreducethe estimated556 millionmetric tonsofbanana wastebutalso offersa sustainable alternativeto plasticbags SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONTO AGRICULTURAL WASTE

Bananapseudostemfibercanbe transformedinto lightweight,

durablepaperbagsthat areperfectforshopping, packaging andgifting Theprocessinvolvesusing thefiberalongwithwater andcausticsodatocreate theseenvironmentally friendlybags This innovativeuseofbanana wastenotonlyreducesthe environmentalimpactof bananafarmingbutalso helpscombatplastic pollutionbyofferinga biodegradablealternative toconventionalplastic bags

AsnotedbySinha(1974)

“Deadorganicmatter frombananaproduction, whichiscurrentlygrown onalargescale,canbe repurposedtocreateecofriendlyproducts,notably eco-friendlypaperbags”

ECO-FRIENDLY BENEFITS

Thebananapseudostemfiberisbiodegradable andenvironmentally sustainable,makingitan idealmaterialforreducing agriculturalwaste Beyond paperbags,thefibercan alsobeusedtocreatea rangeofotherproducts, suchaswindowblinds, lampdiffusers candle holders,andhandfans Theseitemsserve

practicalpurposeswhile contributingtoa reductioninplasticusage andsupportingecofriendlypractices

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Byrepurposingthe bananapseudo-stem,we arenotonlyminimizing wastebutalsopromoting sustainabilityinthe agriculturalsector The versatilityofthisfiber offersawiderangeof possibilitiesforcreating usefulproductsthathelp reduceourrelianceon harmfulplastics Embracingsuchecofriendlyalternativescan makeasignificantimpact ontheenvironment, supportingacleaner, moresustainablefuture forall

BYDHANIELLABIANCA BYDHANIELLABIANCAABIAN ABIAN

Haveyoueverwondered howyoucantellwhethera minuteoranhourhaspassed withoutlookingataclock?Our brainshaveanextraordinary abilitytotracktime helpingus navigatetheworldandmake senseofourexperiences But howdoesthisinternalclock work?Scientistshavebeen exploringthebrain’s connectiontotimeperception, uncoveringfascinating insightsintohowweprocess andexperiencetime

THEBRAIN’STIMEKEEPERS: WHERETHEMAGICHAPPENS

THEINTERNALCLOCKVS

MECHANICALCLOCKS

Deepinsidethehuman brain,severalregionswork togethertomeasuretime The suprachiasmaticnucleus(SCN) actsasour masterclock, regulatingdailyrhythmslike sleepandwakefulness Meanwhile,thecerebellumand basalgangliahelpusestimate shorterdurations,likeafew secondsorminutes These systemscommunicate seamlesslytohelpusperceive timeaccuratelyandadapttothe worldaroundus

BYLLOYDTHOMAS BYLLOYDTHOMASGRIFFITHS GRIFFITHS

Unlikethesteadytickingof amechanicalclock,ourbrain’s internalclockisdynamic It reliesonanetworkofneurons firinginsync,muchlikea biologicalstopwatch These neural ticks areinfluencedby externalcueslikelight,sound, andmovement Thisiswhyjet lagoccurs ourbrainsclock strugglestoadjusttonewtime zones,disruptingournatural rhythm

TIMEPERCEPTIONIN EVERYDAYLIFEANDBEYOND

HOWWEFEELTIME: THEROLEOF EMOTIONSAND ATTENTION Didyouknow youremotions canchangehow youperceive time?When yourehaving fun,time seemstofly, butduring stressful situations,itcan feellikeitdrags onforever This happensbecause ourperceptionoftime iscloselylinkedtoourattention andemotions Forinstance whenwe’redeeplyfocusedor excited,ourbrainprocesses informationfaster,makingtime feelshorter

Understandinghowour brainprocessestimehasrealworldapplications Ithelps researchersdeveloptreatments fordisorderslikeParkinsons disease,wherethebrain’s timingsystemsareimpaired It alsoshedslightonconditions likeADHD,whereindividuals oftenstrugglewithtime management Beyondhealth, studyingtimeperceptioneven helpsindesigningvirtualreality experiencesandimproving artificialintelligencesystems THECLOCKWITHINUS Thehumanbrainsabilityto trackandperceivetimeis nothingshortofextraordinary Likeaclocktickingawayinside ourminds,ithelpsusmake senseoftheworld,planforthe future andreflectonthepast

Fishinghasbeenawayof lifeforhumanityforover 40,000years,shapingcultures andsustainingcommunities InMambajao Camiguin a picturesqueislandtown surroundedbyazurewaters traditionalfishingcontinuesto beavitalpartofdailylife This time-honoredpractice representsnotonlyameansof livelihoodbutalsoaprofound connectionbetweenthe peopleandthesea Inaworld increasinglydominatedby moderntechnologies, preserving thesefishing traditionsinMambajaois essentialforsafeguarding boththeenvironmentandthe island'sculturalheritage

AFISHERMAN’STALE: WISDOMFROMBOLOCBOLOC,POBLACION

Tounderstandtheessence oftraditionalfishingin Mambajao,wespokewith RandySemine,aseasoned fishermanfromBoloc-boloc, Poblacion ForRandy,fishingis morethanjustcatchingfish it isacraftsteepedintradition, onethathasbeenpasseddown throughgenerations Heshared hisexperiencesandthe invaluablelessonshehas learnedfromyearsofnavigating theisland’sabundantwaters TRADITIONALTECHNIQUES

INMAMBAJAO

Amongthemanymethods employedbylocalfishermen spearfishingremainsoneofthe

mostenduring Randyexplained howthismethodrequiresnot onlyskillbutalsoadeeprespect formarinelife Unlike commercialfishingtechniques thatcanharmtheenvironment, spearfishingisselectiveand sustainable,ensuringthatfish populationsremainhealthy However,Randyexpressed concernaboutharmfulpractices suchasdynamitefishing,which threatenstherichmarine ecosystemsaroundCamiguin "Theseagivesuslife,andwe mustprotectit, hesaid His commitmenttosustainable fishingisareflectionofthe islanders'respectforthe environmentandtheir understandingofthedelicate balancebetweenhumanityand nature

FISHINGASAWAYOFLIFEIN CAMIGUIN

Formanyfamiliesin Mambajao,fishingismorethan justalivelihood itisatradition thatbindsgenerations Ina communitywherealternative sourcesofincomearelimited, fishingprovidessustenance, financialsupport,andasenseof identity Randyemphasizedthe importanceofpassingonthe knowledgeofsafeand responsiblefishingpracticesto theyoungergeneration Hisadvicetoaspiringfishermen inMambajaoissimpleyet profound:“Alwaysprioritize safety Neverfishalone, especiallyifyourenewtothe waters,andalwayslearnfrom

BRIDGINGTRADITIONAND INNOVATION

AsMambajaoandtherest ofCamiguinmovetoward modernization,thereisa growingneedtointegrate traditionalfishingmethodswith modernscience Effortssuchas introducingseasonalfishing bans,promotingmarine protectedareas,andeducating fishermenaboutsustainable practicescanensurethe longevityoftheislandsfishing heritage Bycombining ancestralwisdomwith innovativesolutions,thepeople ofMambajaocanaddress challengessuchasoverfishing andclimatechangewhile preservingtheirwayoflife

Traditionalfishingin Mambajao,Camiguin,ismore thanameansofsurvival itisa testamenttotheislanders' resilience,ingenuity,anddeep respectfornature Throughthe storiesoffishermenlikeRandy Semine,weareremindedofthe importanceofpreservingthis heritagenotonlyforitscultural significancebutalsoforitsrole inmaintainingthebalanceof marineecosystems

Atjust17yearsold LoyvenceEl-ArcB Cabelhas alreadybecomeaforcetobe reckonedwithintheworldof trackandfield.His performanceatthe ProvincialMeet, whereheclinched

Hisdeterminationcarriedhim throughthepainand frustration,andhefoundthe strengthtopushforward Even whenthingsgottough,Ikept pushingforwardbecauseIknew thateverypracticewouldmake mestronger Ifyoustop Butif w

uldn’t had urney dfield 016, was

dedicationofotherathletesin hiscommunity Whatstartedas acasual interest in running soon transformed intoan undeniable passion,propelling himtodedicatecountless hourstohoninghisskills However,thispathwasnot withoutitshurdles Fromthe verybeginning,Cabel encounteredchallengesthat testedhisresolve Oneofthe mostsignificantobstacleshe facedwasaseriousinjurythat lefthimsidelined

Now,histrainingregimen isintensified,incorporating rigorousdrillsandstrategic workoutsdesignedtoenhance hisspeedandendurance, bringinghimclosertohis goals Ashecontinues tobreakpersonal recordsand achievenew milestones, Cabelremains humbleand gratefulfor thesupport ofhis family, coach, and the community

Their encouragementis aconstant reminderofwhyI startedthis journeyandwhat Ihopeto accomplish Lookingahead,I dreamof representingthe regiononnational andinternational stages,inspiring otherswithmy storyofresilience andtriumph

byMAYANNCABARABAN

ErnestJohn Ej Obiena, bornonNovember17,1995, inTondo Manila isarising starintheworldofpole vaulting Hetookupthesport atjusteightyearsold,withhis father,EmersonObiena, servingashiscoachuntilhe turned18 Growingupwith supportiveparentswhowere bothdeeplyinvolvedin sports Ej’sathleticpotential wasnurturedfromayoung age,layingthefoundationfor hisimpressivecareer Obienashardworkhas paidoff,propellinghimto remarkableachievementsinthe sport HescurrentlyrankedNo 2intheworld apositionhehas foughthardfor,withoneofhis standoutmomentsbeinghis victoryasthefirstAsianpole vaultertoconquerthesixmetermarkattheBergenJump ChallengeinNorwayonJune

10,2023 Thismoment cementedhisplaceinhistory, showcasinghisextraordinary talentontheglobalstage The2024ParisOlympics markedanothermilestonefor Ej Althoughhenarrowly missedoutonamedal, finishinginfourthplaceinthe men’spolevaultfinal,his performancewasnothingshort ofimpressive Thecompetition, dominatedbySwedishlegend ArmandDuplantis,provedtobe atoughchallenge Obienafell shortofsecuringthebronze afterfailingtoclear595meters DespitematchingGreeces EmmanouilKaraliswitha heightof590meters,theGreek athletetriumphedon countback,havingclearedall earlierheightsinasingle attempt whileObienamadea misstepat580meters Thoughhemissedthe

podium,Obiena’sperformance wasasignificantimprovement fromhis11th-placefinishatthe TokyoOlympics Rankedasone ofthestrongestmedal contenders,Obiena’sjourneyis atestamenttohisresilience The28-year-oldfromManila battledphysicalissuesleading uptotheGames,yethe continuedtopushthroughwith determination Despitenot bringinghomeamedal, Filipinosremainproudofhis achievements,ashis persistencehashelpedelevate theprofileofFilipinoathletes ontheworldstage Lookingahead,Ejremains undeterred “Iwanttobelieve thatI’mmorethanjustthe recordsIbreakorthemedalsI bringhome, hehassaid “I alwaysseethesportasameans toanend–autilityformeto leveragebecauseofthepowerit

canbring”Thismindset exemplifieshisgrowth,notjust asanathlete,butasaperson, emphasizingtheimportanceof sportsasavehicleforpersonal developmentandconfidencebuilding AsObienacontinuesto pavehiswaytowardsgreatness, heremainsabeaconof inspirationforaspiringathletes worldwide Hisjourney highlightsthepowerof perseveranceandthe transformativenatureofsports, notonlyintermsofphysical accomplishmentsbutalsoin fosteringresilienceandselfbelief Ashelookstowardfuture competitions,Ejiscommitted tohoninghisskillsandpushing thelimitsofwhathecan achieve Heunderstandsthat everysetbackisanopportunity tolearnandgrow