MVTS Post

Teen pregnancy soars as essential life skills plummet, Guidance Counselor says

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.

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.”

Amid 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.

PROJECT SEMICOLON

Suicide attempt alarms MVTS; guidance office expands mental health support, conducts Green Ribbon Week

“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.

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HPTA new water tank project addresses water shortage, ends manual water-fetching Break stigma, end

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Conveniently Distracting

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7/11 proximity to MVTS seen convenient, distraction

Principal, Dr. Luther D. Castelo, the call for the presentation came unexpectedly. “I received a call from the late Superintendent Dr. Jeanelyn A. Aleman, relaying Regional Director Ruth Fuentes’ request for a comprehensive video showcasing our best practices. We were given less than 12 hours to produce the output,” Castelo shared.

“It was both a challenge and

an opportunity to demonstrate what MVTS stands for,” Castelo added.

With limited time allocated for each region, the video format effectively summarized the school’s accomplishments and contributions to vocational education.

“We featured the school and its faculty, working together to equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce,” continued Ms. Girly A. Pedregosa, one of the team leaders of the production. The presentation captured the attention of the attendees, including the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), Sonny Anggara. While immediate feedback from the MANCOM meeting remains unavailable,

MVTS is confident about the exposure’s positive outcome.

MVTS is feeling optimistic about the exposure it got.

“We’re hoping this leads to more sponsorships, tools, equipment, or even some cool updates to our curriculum that can help boost our vocational programs,” Pedregosa said.

“This experience really shows how important it is to be prepared and adaptable. We’re super thankful for the trust the regional office put in us and for

evaluation is stressful,” said Mrs. Ma. Teresa L Galleto, Grade 9 STE Adviser. Mrs. Nelfa A. Pelobello, an adviser from the Grade 7, also expressed losing sleep over the issue and undoing all the progress made in creating a focused and minimalist learning space.

“It’s frustrating to think about the money and time spent on classroom decorations, only to have them thrown away. If the policy changes, we’ll have to start from scratch,” Mrs. Marites A. Sumalpong Grade, 8 Adviser, also commented.

Jumalon

Other Campus 2 students disagreed, stating that the store’s proximity can sometimes tempt students to skip class and buy unnecessary goods.

Jesamae Sumalpong, a fellow ABM student, disagreed: “I often see campus two students, even from SHDS, deciding not to be present in classes just to lounge in 7/11.

Last January 13, 2025, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) staged what it called a “National Rally for Peace” at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Claimed to have gathered over a million members, the rally which publicized as a demonstration of peace and unity misled the Filipino people. Underneath the rally for peace lay a sad truth: religion was used for political gain.

Calling it a “peace rally” did not reflect what happened. This was proven by the speech delivered by senatorial candidate Rodante Dizon Marcoleta, who attacked the people behind the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio. Marcoleta’s message could not any clearer --- the rally is more like a show of force to shield a political ally, than a call for peace.

INC’s rally should have focused on the bigger problems that need urgent attention like education crises, poverty, and corruption and not on the survival of a single politician.

According to World Bank, the learning poverty in our country is 56.4 percentage points higher than the average for the East Asia and Pacific region. This means over half Filipino learners aged 10 are unable to read and understand even a short, age-appropriate text. Furthermore, Transparency International revealed our country ranked 115 out of 180 countries in terms of corruption.

Imagine millions of Filipinos rallying to demand better education or fight corruption, or other problems that affect the lives of ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor, such rally could spark real change. The EDSA People Power Revolutions of 1986 and 2001 are clear proof of this.

perspective, and never to suppress them.

Indeed, religious freedom is an important part of democracy, but it must be devoted responsibly. When religion and faith are used for political gain, it ruins both religion and politics. Leaders should focus on serving the public and solving the country’s real issues, not on securing power for themselves or their allies. When religious groups and politicians put their interests first over the public’s welfare, the result is a weakened democracy and abandoned poverty, education crisis, and corruption.

Congress has allegedly cut 12 billion pesos for the proposed DepEd budget in 2025, which procured complaints from Secretary Sonny Angara, who accused them of sabotaging their plans to further digitize public schools with computers. How could the leaders in Congress bear that they deliberately deny Filipino learners the opportunity to excel in technology?

DepEd budget cut is an action that could hamper previous trends of educational improvement by giving the institution insufficient resources to act upon their initial plans accordingly,

Although it may not seem like much compared to the approved budget of over 700 billion, it can significantly affect the lesser half of the population that resides in lesser-known and often neglected schools. In recent years, significant means have modernized schools and learning strategies. However, this is not enough, hence the increase in the budget proposal. Cutting the budget slows the country’s momentum in building a technology-adept society. It then reverses past investments and leaves those who have yet to benefit from them stranded and left behind. Suppose the modernization program is still ensued despite the trouble. In that case, it also means cutting back on hiring teaching staff and school utility funds, which only worsens the state for already undersupplied schools. For example, Molave Vocational Technical School (MTVS) has a severe supply insufficiency of books, chairs, and classrooms—all factors contributing to the undoing and suffering of the growing number of students who flock to the school yearly.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief

Mary Chloe M. Adala

Associate Editor

Cedric C. Supapo

Managing Editor

Airon Starbelle G. Montebon

Circulation Manager

Mariane Jungco

News Editor Third C. Tabiliran

Science Editor

Joelia Marielle L. Borbon

Feature Editor

Antonette D. Sasil

Sports Editor

Khalyll P. Suco

Photojournalist

Aravela O. Gomonid

Cartoonists

Ioan S. Calleno Renier M. Dayuha

Layout Artists Jade Aicel B. Tapinit

Ajan Francis M. Yap

Contributors

Smyl A. Abao

Leigh B. Adlawan

Athena

I is unlikely for a Filipino to cheer on the depreciation of the Philippine peso. Every time the peso loses in foreign exchange, the nation succumbs to inflation’s consequences. Some of these consequences involve not getting value for money as prices increase.

For example, the sack of rice a family regularly consumes might no longer be at the same price point as usual, so there needs to be an adjustment—more money for the same sack or the same money for a lesser quantity. However, for an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) child, the rise in the dollar means more money is coming in through remittances. This thought does not exempt the family from the high prices of commodities, but it sure does give them leverage in maximizing their budget.

Think of it this way: before the inflation, the OFW parent sent $500 a month to support the family. In the past, a dollar

RELEVANCE

Happiness as peso falls VIEW POINT

The Philippines’ over 7,000 islands lead one to believe that industries like fishing are thriving due to the vast expanse of water surrounding it. However, the opposite has transpired in recent years, raising questions on the competence of today’s administration’s leaders and their questionable considerations of the less fortunate.

When religious groups and politicians put their interests first over the public’s welfare, the result is a weakened democracy and abandoned poverty, education crisis, and corruption. ‘‘ No

The rally may have silenced other INC members who hold different views, with the fear that they will be excluded in the religious group. The December 1218, 2024 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows that about half of Filipinos support VP Sara’s impeachment, yet the INC rally painted those in favor of the impeachment as enemies of peace, which is in contrast with the call of peace; for true peace is achieved by accommodating different views or

While we cannot invalidate that other INC members’ intention in joining the rally is purely calling for peace, Marcoleta’s speech was a testament that the national rally was just a façade that concealed its true intention.

Peace is not just a five-letter word; it is an ideal that requires pure action for the welfare of all. Until we demand more responsibility and accountability from ourselves and our leaders, events like the ‘national rally for peace’ will remain what they are --- a façade of peace hiding serious problems.

haven’t been taken as seriously due to a lack of enough evidence that points to him. What’s worse is that human rights advocates have difficulty pressing necessary charges, making it appear that their clamor for truth aims to elicit a reaction from Duterte and not to achieve justice. And the worst part is his fans who mindlessly support his verbal directives, even those laced with machismo. For all we know, some may have done moonlight hero work because they believe Duterte drives them to take matters into their own hands.

With this, we aren’t just ignoring the initial danger for the sake of a paycheck but disregarding the importance of valuing the lives lost in this program. This action completely strays from the compassionate and hospitable reputation Filipinos have adopted over the years, staining the integrity of a great nation. The ongoing drug war criticism is an inevitable process that has been unatoned for far too long. It is time for us to take action and remove the power from the immoral hands of politicians who don’t care about us and preach that it’s okay to kill for a cause. By then, we as a nation may finally extinguish the embers of the past for good.

If the initial budget pledged by President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos does not materialize, it could have terrible repercussions for the hopeful students of the country whose future lies in the hands of those who teach and give them the chance to make a life for themselves. A budget of 12 billion is a minuscule cut compared to the 737.08 billion overall and is inevitable due to the previous secretary’s alleged foul play; it

Right after President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos removed non-tariff barriers on agricultural goods, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order 17, which details the approved importation of 25,000 metric tons of frozen fish. The irony here lies in how ridiculous this arrangement is, given its unnecessary nature and potentially detrimental effects that primarily impact the workers of the fishing industry.

By being surrounded by bodies of water, our citizens by the coast are highly adept at traversing and profiting off of the terrain. It’s taking money from fishermen and directly putting it in the hands of consumers to benefit the government. Also, the environment is supposed to give us an advantage; it is just that we don’t use it to our benefit due to a lack of emphasis on the importance of our agriculture. With this decision, fishing jobs will only become less and less due to minimal profit, preventing our country from developing true self-sufficiency.

Leigh B. Adlawan

Lance Ronald E. Pilarca

It is time for us to take action and remove the power from the immoral hands of politicians who don’t care about us.

Department

his State of the

the

pesos per kilo of rice was a little overreaching, the overspending undermined his promise by rubbing into the people’s faces just how wrong they chose him. He could have ensured that the SONA expenses were minimal, given that he has yet to fulfill an election oath, at least show some modesty. But no, he chose the elite and not the public, so we collectively burn as a consequence of our actions.

Teaching

WAhether

A recent, now-deleted video went viral among Molave Vocational Technical School (MVTS) students. It featured a grade eight student filming a vlog that showed how to cut classes on campus. While outraging to some, the video was the topic of many conversations among students—there were even those who commended him for his “bravery.” And yet, there is a thin line between bravery and stupidity.

The school faculty took the incident very seriously, taking the video down and taking disciplinary action. But the damage was already done; tons of students his age praised and mimicked his actions. Accordingly, the school promptly sought to raise the height of campus walls and even installed CCTV cameras near the area.

While the situation died down by the end of the week, there are still some pressing issues to consider, specifically the reason why students felt the need to commit these atrocities. People may argue that it’s all due to childish whim, but the cause could be far more than that. The student was young and reckless. His actions cannot be justified, but his motivations are something that we really should be considering for his sake.

In hindsight, students in TVL/ TVE sections often suffer from overcrowding. This problem occurs when there is an excess of students but a scarcity of classrooms, tables, and chairs. This environment can be suffocating and is not a place where a child can comfortably learn.

Furthermore, with the abundance of peers and only one adviser, it can be hard to regulate student behavior, making it easy for troublemakers to wreak havoc and influence others. In addition, it could just be children’s misguided curiosity that causes them to do things like this; however, they are often interested in discussions and prefer more stimulating activities.

Although some can dismiss the subject as fleeting or non-existent, the clues all point to this. While simple rebellious actions can be harmless, climbing walls near deep rivers is the opposite: a safety risk and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Hence, authorities needed to take drastic measures.

The increasing number of students who think it is right to cut classes, even risking their well-being for fun, is a huge problem that the school needs to resolve.

Many students today have to juggle both work and school, often because they need to support themselves or even help their families. This is a tough challenge, one that most of us can’t fully understand unless we’ve been in their shoes. Our community should do more to help ease the burden on these hardworking students, rather than unknowingly make it harder for them.

But how can a student focus on learning when they’re hungry or don’t have the tools they need? For some students, they face a difficult choice: go to school hungry or drop out to work.

Take a Grade 10 student from Molave Vocational Technical School (MVTS), for example. This student works hard to make sure they have money for the day, but during harvest season, they miss school to work.

HOPE despair

n Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, several individuals share the struggles and challenges they experienced. Be indulged in the following stories – a teacher’s battles for mental health, a dreamer who works hard to realize his dream, a young mother who juggles school and motherhood obligations, and a narrative of a less privileged student who struggles to balance her work and education.

Despite these adversities, they remain sturdy and even emerge tougher and more resilient. Most importantly, the positive values of being a Filipino are not forgotten – hear! Hear! Hear the resounding “Mano Po” in the corridors of MVTS.

HPo: Tradition in a touch

Reviving life with MVTS caretakers

When

STARs hold time

Starbelle’s triumphs amid tribulations

LA Circus without a Ringmaster:

Other Side of the Fence

in the air. Questions fired off like sharp arrows, piercing through nerves and confidence alike. And there she sat—steady as stone, a calm force amid a sea of blinking cursors and furrowed brows.

By December 4, she carved her way into the top 10, proving what anyone who has genuinely seen her already knew—she does not falter. Finals day came two days later, and though she didn’t claim the highest podium, she still emerged as a finalist, etching her name into a place earned, not given. 8th place—though void of gold’s sparkle—held its own kind of triumph.

After all, it’s no small feat to walk through fire and come out steady, unharmed, shoes muddied but steps unbroken. And the virtual stage closed with no confetti, no thunderous applause. Instead, prizes were handed to every finalist—a quiet testament to the effort, resilience, and intangible victories born from showing up and pressing forward. And isn’t that the kind of win that lingers longest? To rise, not for the world to see, but because giving less than your all was never an option.

The thing about her is that she never folds under the weight of expectation or circumstance. Strong-minded and unyielding, she has no qualms about voicing what she believes, no matter how brash the world might deem her words.

Yet for all her strength, she has mastered softness too—showing kindness even when life gives her every reason to withdraw. She, the quiet warrior—unshaken, unyielding, always carrying more than meets the eye—has proven again that some steps are the hardest to take yet hold the most profound meaning. Strongminded as ever, she walks her path with grace and steel, undeterred by the storms or silences.

With this, Lao Tzu was still right; after all, every journey begins with a single step. Yet, the weightiest steps are often made without fanfare—under the crush of expectation, when the world seems to tip its balance against you, and you move forward anyway. These steps are taken in quiet defiance on paths littered with doubt and difficulty, yet met with a burning passion for resolve. She has taken those steps—graceful under pressure, unyielding

When it’s event season, the buzz happens only in Campus 1. It’s the Coachella of MVTS, where every athlete, singer, and dancer gets their moment to shine. And what do we get in Campus 2?

you wish you had paid

Up

in smokes: The alarming surge of vaping

MVTSians receive vaccine shots against preventable diseases in ‘Bakuna Eskwela’

SMYLy YOURS

Smyl A. Abao

ENERGY DRINK WATCH

ETerrence

not everyone is aware of the risks of overconsumption.”

While energy drinks offer a flavorful alternative to coffee, their excessive consumption can harm one’s health. Brands like Red Bull, Cobra, and Sting, commonly available in the Philippines, contain varying amounts of caffeine.

“A 250ml bottle of Sting contains 72mg of caffeine, slightly less than Red Bull’s 80mg,” Mr. Lino Reginald O. Menioria, a school nurse at MVTS explained. “These amounts are tolerable for the body, but excessive intake can lead to caffeine intoxication, which includes symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.”

Recently, three MVTS students were rushed to the school clinic after suffering from caffeine intoxication due to consuming excessive amounts of energy drinks. They reported symptoms like difficulty breathing and increased heart rates.

Overconsumption of caffeine also causes insomnia, preventing students from getting adequate sleep. “When students stay active all night because of caffeine, they may develop mental health issues like irritability, anxiety, or even depression if this continues for several days,” Mrs. Chique Cherry C. Lumbay, the MVTS guidance counselor

“Students

Four typhoons in a month Mother Nature’s Cry for Help

Mobile Games: From Screen to Stadiums

IN LOCKSTEP

Maghanoy dynasty reigns over MVTS table tennis scene

dominates in 5 events, drowns Repole to second

BOWing to victory

FALLS, SASIL REIGNS

The 16-year-old standout from Molave Vocational Technical School (MVTS) is determined to make his comeback this year, fueled by lessons from his earlier setback. Known for his accuracy and composure under pressure, Guarin is a force not to be messed with as he trains strenuously for his return.

Guarin’s ZPRAA run last year failed to pan out as he had planned. Despite his potential, he narrowly missed the finals, leaving him in vain yearning for redemption. However, the experience proved to be a momentum shift for the young archer, who took a turn to upping up his mindset and skills.

past. Guarin’s tenacity shows the spirit of past trailblazers who surpassed similar hurdles to make their mark on bigger stages eventually.

MVTS and Guarin’s family supported his comeback. The coaches have seen how disciplined he is and noted that he has developed into a more confident competitor over the past year.

The stakes are high for Guarin as the athletic meet approaches. Yet he remains grounded, focusing on steady improvements rather ARROWS OF REDEMPTION.

BOWing to victory: Riekhan’s

BEYOND LIMITS. Mark Cabilinga stands composed, arm fired back, ready to unleash the spear with strategy and strength. Photo credits: MP

him to face stronger opponents from other QuaLCis, where he aims to carry forward his momentum and continue to break more records, not only in the javelin but also in track and field.

BJ Josuen D. Calunsag

November 3, 2024—The inaugural interschool rivalry between Molave Vocational Technical School (MVTS) and Blancia College Foundation Inc. (BCFI) was nothing short of legendary as both teams battled relentlessly in a game roaring with intensity from start to finish.

Packed with explosive plays, MVTS delivered a masterclass performance, firmly cementing their skills and making this historic rivalry a true showcase of determination and raw talent.

From the opening tip with MVTS and BCFI trading blows like heavyweight fighters, it was clear this wasn’t just another basketball game but a war on the court as MVTS No. 5 wasted no time, sinking two quick buckets to keep things neck and neck at 4-4.

BCFI answered with equal cruelty, keeping pace until Laride came up with a slicing layup, breaking through BCFI’s defense to put MVTS ahead, breaking the tie, 6-4.

As the clock ticked, the back-and-forth continued, with Ronolla and Laride combining forces to stretch the lead, widen the gap, and leave BCFI scrambling, 12-6.

The momentum surged as MVTS’s second unit stormed the court with Rosal leading the charge, stealing the center stage with a draining backto-back three-point bomb that once again dismantled BCFI’s defense, which built an imposing 24-10 lead by the end of the quarter.

The second quarter saw BCFI digging deep to mount a response as a mix of aggressive drives and perimeter shooting brought them back within striking distance; however, MVTS’s relentless rotations kept the momentum on their side with Pahayahay, and Caylan came out firing, shooting to extend the lead to 30-16.

Even a well-timed timeout by BCFI couldn’t stop the MVTS onslaught, as No. 30 and No. 9 added key buckets to close the half with MVTS firmly in control at 44-27.

The fourth quarter was a battle of wills, as BCFI put it, determined to turn the tide and went on a spirited run fueled by sharp shooting and tightened defense.

MVTS’ composure was shown through as Paigan and Ovillo delivered clutch baskets and ice-cold free throws down the stretch, sealing the deal, while BCFI’s valiant effort, including a gutsy performance from Ceballos, ultimately fell short as MVTS held on to close the game at 75-66.

IN LOCKSTEP: Derrada matches Tolero’s stride, surges to 800m victory with final push

sweep, and all eyes are on their squad as they prepare for tougher opponents, hoping to maintain their unbroken streak and bring honor to their school.