BRSHS students bag awards at TIMO ‘23-’24 Finals Carol Jasmin Miranda
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icol Regional Science High School (BRSHS) students clinched awards and showcased mathematical expertise at the 2023-2024 Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad (TIMO) Final Round last April 27-29, 2024. Among the awardees were Brendel De Leon, a silver awardee, Anthony Alpapara, a bronze awardee, and Richard Olea, a merit awardee.
“As the competition approaches, we were coached and practiced by the mathematics teachers in th school as preparaton for the TIMO,” De Leon said.
According to the participants, the intensive practice period began only weeks before the competition held in Bagkok, Thailand, however other preparations began after the TIMO Heat Round last October 22, 2023.
NEW JOURNEY AHEAD. The Philippine
National Railway(PNR) conducts its first train service operation after six years of disruption to train routes in parts of the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur in December 2023.
Participants were trained by the mathematics teachers of BRSHS namely, Maria Tricia San Jose, Loyd Quililan, Jomylene Sañosa, and Dianne Requiza.
BRSHS commits efforts for Matatag Implementation Ashley Dorothy Nueva
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ligned with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag Curriculum, the Bicol Regional Science High School (BRSHS) committed to spearhead efforts in the full-scale implementation of the Matatag Program to further improve the resilience and well-being of students. In accordance with the DepEd Memorandum No. 054 s. 2023, the MATATAG Curriculum shall be implemented in phases involving various grade levels starting from the year 2024 to 2028 along with the undergoing review of the Senior High School Curriculum.
teachers to implement the new curriculum. “We are now submitting the names of the teachers teaching in the grade seven to undergo the training for the MATATAG curriculum so that in the coming opening of the school year, they are now well equipped with what is really the MATATAG curriculum,” Relleve added.
Cristina B. Relleve, BRSHS school principal II, said that the MATATAG Curriculum implementation will start in the upcoming school year, 2024-2025 with the grade seven students, along with the kindergarten, grades one, and four students.
As for the support systems of the school, it was confirmed that the school always has the curriculum guide, the teacher and student guide, and the training and instructional materials to facilitate the successful implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum.
Relleve added that the school will always follow the mandate of the education department and ensure to prepare the
OPINION
05
Trial and Error
FEATURE
10
The Scars that Persist
SCI - TECH
12
Mind-blowing Discoveries
SPORTS
20
Mastery Asserted
HOME ALONG
THE RAILS
Rail-side residents raises worry as PNR resumes operations Chris Dominic Laguilles
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ix years after its last trip, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) continued its operations connecting routes in the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur in December, last year.
PNR resumed its operations in the region after completing the rehabilitation projects of tracks due to having been damaged by typhoons hitting the area, causing its suspension in 2017. Accomodating at least 250 passengers, PNR’s diesel-powered trains will include 16 stops, with endto-end stops in Naga City and Legazpi City, and regular stops in Pili, Iriga, Polangui, Ligao, Travesia, and Daraga Stations. The routes of PNR in the region have served as the commuter rail backbone for Bicolano commuters since its launch, including the Manila to Bicol route, ‘Bicol Express’. Armand Balaguer, a passenger bound to Naga City, said in an interview that the resume of operations of the PNR gives a convenient option or avenue for travelers in the Naga to Legazpi Route.
“The new PNR trains are now really modernized, clean, and convenient. I would take the PNR again when going to work [in Naga],” Balaguer added.
passes by and its loudness often disturb us, especially that my daughter sometimes complains of the noise when she is studying,” Altamera added.
A few individuals, however, have occupied the space near the rail tracks since its operations stopped in 2017, deciding to reside in the area. Residents near the rail tracks expressed their worries that the resumption of the PNR operations may pose risks of accidents to them, especially to their children.
Moreover, the residents also expressed their concern regarding their relocation, stating that they will abide by the authorities when they are requested to transfer, but a relocation site must be provided.
“We only worry of the danger and accidents it may cause, especially since there are a lot of children here in the area where they can be hit,” Alyssa Altamera, a resident, said. In addition, loud noise and shaking of houses were also experienced by the residents, who noted that it causes disturbance to them. “Our house also shakes whenever the train
William Propogo, barangay captain of Tuburan, said that the barangay continues to monitor and remind the residents of the dangers posed by the PNR operations through the Barangay Tanods (Barangay Police). “It is much better if the people living in the areas near the PNR will be relocated since there can be accidents. But, since they are still there, we will continue to remind them with the help of the Tanods,” Propogo added.