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2 of 9 Grade 7 learners struggle to read; MVTS pushes LETRA, intervention underway NEWS
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EDITORIAL
When STARs hold time: Starbelle’s triumphs amid tribulations
FEATURE
Third C. Tabiliran
“Many teenagers today lack essential life and decision-making skills, leading to a concerning rise in teen pregnancies.” Ms. Chique Cherry C. Lumbay, Guidance Counselor of Molave Vocational Technical School (MVTS) stated during a brief interview with the MVTS POST while participating in the “YouFor-You” (U4U) Teen Trail Activity on November 18, 2024. This initiative, aligned with the goals of the Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) Program, empowers young people by providing them with knowledge and skills needed to make informed and healthy choices. o Continue reading on || p. 4
MVTS head bans beverage after energy drinks land students in clinic Athena Brenice Alcomendras Overconsumption of energy drinks has provoked an increase in the number of students rushing to the school clinic, prodding Molave Vocational Technical School (MVTS) to issue an on-campus beverage ban. The incident prompted the school administration, led by Principal Dr. Luther D. Castelo to order a strict ban on consuming energy drinks on campus. “This policy [energy drink ban] requires the monitoring of students during class breaks and school events,” Dr. Castelo said. “The decision was made following reports that students experienced health issues linked to energy drink consumption.” o Continue reading on || p. 16
FEATURE
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Post A
mid the alarming recent suicide attempt of a junior high student of Molave Vocational Technical School (MVTS), MVTS promptly initiated ‘Green Ribbon Week”, a classroom-based Mental Health Advocacy dedicated to presenting hope to those who are struggling with mental health, self-injury, and suicide, in support of the global ‘Project Semicolon’ movement. According Guidance Counselor II, Chique Cherry C. Lumbay, this effort aims to raise awareness about mental health issues among students and encourage them to seek help when needed. In an interview, Guidance Counselor Lumbay emphasized the importance of student-centered mental health care. “In consonance with global Project Semicolon, the Green Ribbon Week, being a classroom- based mental health advocacy, primarily offers an intimate platform. However, reaching all sections through this method posed a challenge,” she shared. To address this limitation, the school introduced a virtual lecture series. Pre-recorded videos on identifying signs of mental distress, supporting friends and family, and practicing self-care were distributed to teachers. After downloading Lumbay’s pre-recorded videos covering vital topics, classroom advisers showed them to their respective classes during their class periods. The initiative has garnered positive feedback from students and teachers despite its limited resources, “Now, I know it’s okay to ask for help!” Peter Elvis A. Cruz, a Grade 11 Senior High student expressed. Numerous students, like Kate Jumalon shared the same view, with some revelations causing relief about the stigmas around mental health, specifically in the array of coping mechanisms and destructive tendencies one can have when emotionally compromised.
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Revolutionizing Farming: MVTS students innovate rice planter for ZamboSur Agriculture, develops MT23 SCITECH
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MVTS
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Teen pregnancy soars as essential life skills plummet, Guidance Counselor says
‘Mano po’: Tradition in a touch
Political circus now open
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The Official English Publication of Molave Vocational Technical School Molave, Zamboanga del Sur Region IX - Zamboanga Peninsula VOL. XXXV No. 1 August 2024 -January 2025
PROJECT SEMICOLON Suicide attempt alarms MVTS; guidance office expands mental health support, conducts Green Ribbon Week Rhea Mae D. Maata
“I am overwhelmed with the thought that the one thing I can do is to simply ask for help. But I hope that with this activity, students like me, would be encouraged to seek and get the help we need,” explained Cedric A. Supapo, a fellow STEM student. These comments are backed by their class adviser, Mrs. Jovial Ohara Jamago, “Our students see us more than other people. I think it is also important for us, teachers to take the first big step. “As a leader, I firmly believe that my role extends beyond academics. I must create an
environment where students feel safe and supported not just academically, but emotionally and mentally, as well,” stated Dr. Luther D. Castelo in a separate interview with the MVTS Post. “Ultimate health starts in the mind of a person and taking care of it should be seen as a priority,” he added. While currently reliant on virtual content, Lumbay hopes this program will lay the groundwork for more comprehensive mental health interventions in the future. Upon recovering from hospitalization, the learner,
whose suicide attempt was reportedly triggered by a significant family problem, is now receiving regular counselling sessions at school. MVTS’ effort on the localized Project Semicolon highlights the critical importance of mental health at MVTS, ensuring that students are supported academically and emotionally in facing life’s challenges,” Lumbay said. “By promoting awareness, Project Semicolon shows MVTS’ commitment to mentally healthy education,” she added.
Pre-recorded videos covering vital topics such as identifying signs of mental distress, supporting friends and family, and practicing selfcare were distributed.
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PROMISE AND PANIC. While striving to complete the Green Ribbon Activity, Trishia Babe H. Lozada of Grade 10 Greenland struggles with mental discord of acknowledging the need for support and making the decision to seek help.
40% Strong social support systems can improve recovery rates by up to 40% for people with mental health challenges.
Photo credits: MP
MVTS STEM stude survives motorcycle mishap, urges safety Airon Starbelle G. Montebon
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near-death experience has prompted a young rider to urge her peers to always prioritize safety.
TURNING POINT. The ambulance crew gently transports the wounded Rhuanie Mae Alquizar on a stretcher into the emergency room staff at Igano Hospital, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur on December 2. Photo credits: Harold E. Bongcawel
“My traumatic experience reminds me of how crucial road safety is. I encourage young motorcyclists to always prioritize wearing helmets and other protective gear to prevent such accidents,” said Rhuannie Mae Alquizar, a STEM student who recently survived a serious motorcycle accident. According to an investigation, after a runaway dog took a sudden cross
along the road, an accident involving a Honda Wave RSX motorcycle wounded STEM student Alquizar on December 2 in Barangay Gonosan, Molave. Alquizar, who was not wearing her helmet at the time of the accident, suffered head injuries. Residing in Josefina, the student pursued her senior high school education at Molave Vocational Technical School to enroll in its STEM strand program. “I was rushed to catch the weekly convocation, which coincidentally fell on the same day as the first semester’s final exams, “ shared Rhuannie, in Cebuano.
Due to not wearing a helmet and riding in an unsafe position in the vehicle, she was thrown off when the driver abruptly braked to avoid hitting the dog. Upon impact with the road, her hair clamp punctured her scalp, causing a severe injury to the upper right side of her head. The fall also left her with cuts and bruises across her body, rendering her unconscious. Alquizar was rushed and admitted to the hospital for immediate medical
treatment. “I still could not comprehend how that day went through,” she confided. After weeks of hospitalization and physical therapy, Rhuanie shows signs of improvement. She returned to school on December 12 and has been attending classes regularly. Despite the recovery, the accident’s psychological effects, however, remain. “Passing by the site and or encountering a dog triggers my anxiety,” Alquizar shared.