RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
NEWS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
GAWAD ALAB MAKES HISTORY by Lance Crisostomo
Gawad Alab will kick off on January 4 as the first-ever competition event in the Academy of Saint John solely focusing on Arts and Literature with the purpose of recognizing and developing the students’ artistic and literary faculty in line with promoting the Contemporary Philippine Arts and Literature. The event organized by the Lasallian Rheims, Academy of Saint John’s official publication, is a biannual event which will cover nine contest categories – Essay Writing, Poem Writing, Spoken Poetry, Digital Artwork, Traditional Painting, Photography, Song Composition, CinePhone and Short Film Making. There would be a plenary talk wherein professionals and notable people from various arts
and literary fields would be sharing their experiences and technical knowledge about their respective fields and inspiring the student-participants to continue dreaming and pursuing their passion. For the contest proper itself, a month long or more would be given to the participants in order to undergo their respective fieldworks to bring out the best in them and complete their contest outputs. The event would formally end with a premier night and awarding ceremony where recognitions and awards would be given to the student-participants. “What are you waiting for, join Gawad Alab. Bring out your best and be a part of HISTORY” - Blazing Excellence
LASSSAI GRANTS ASJ SUPERVISED LEVEL II
October 13 - Lasallian Schools Supervision Services Association, Inc. (LASSSAI) accorded Supervised Level II status for a period of three years to Academy of Saint John. In an interview, Vice Principal Ms. Victoria Gallardo stated that having granted Supervised Level II means the school was able to meet the standards of the Lasallian Schools Supervision Office (LASSO) on the LASSO Assessment that took place last February 20-21. According to Gallardo, the LASSO team evaluated the school in six areas: Vision and Mission, Governance, Personnel Development, Curriculum and Instruction Development, Student Development, and Physical Facilities Development. “And we made it in all 6 areas,” she added. Furthermore, the Vice Principal explained that after the period of three years ASJ will facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
Assessors from Lasallian Schools Supervision Services Assosiation, Inc. take a photo op with ASJ’s former Principal, Ms. Daisy Romero, in the conclusion of the assessment last February 21.
be eligible for graduation from the supervision system. “What's next after Supervision Level II? Tan-tan-ta-ra-ra-rantan-tan. Graduation from LASSO supervision,” she said. On the other hand, member of the De La Salle Brothers Br. Felipe Belleza Jr., FSC claimed that ASJ’s pass
ing the LASSO accreditation is a milestone for the school. “[It is] a testament to the quality of Lasallian Education that the school provides to its students and also the schools commitment to excellence in upholding the Lasallian core values of Faith, Service, and Communion,” he added. -Dave Domingo
The Lasallian Rheims
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
NEWS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
COVID INTENSIFIES THREATS by Lance Crisostomo
photo from: The Summit Express, PTV
Coronavirus disease cases rise up to 472,532 confirmed cases as of December 30 as the Department of Health (DOH) had tallied an additional 1,014 cases 4:00 p.m. yesterday. DOH has also reported 68 cases of deaths and 518 cases of recoveries bringing the total number of deaths to 9,230 and the total number of recoveries to 439,509. With the increase in the number of cases especially this Christmas season, DOH and Fr. Nicanor Austriaco from OCTA Research Group reiterated the importance of following health protocols and what it entails for the future of the Philippines. “The wave is here. Whether the wave will be a ripple or a tsunami will depend upon what the people of the Philippines will do in the next several weeks,” Fr. Austriaco stated. On the other hand, a new variant of COVID poses grave threats to the country as it is slowly creeping in to the nearby countries namely Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. According to UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock in a press conference, the strain was detected and discovered in London and south of England last December 14 and became out of control by the next week. From December 14 to 27, almost and/or more
than 20 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Nigeria, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan, have already confirmed that they already have cases of the new strain. With this, the Philippine Government is already considering a full-on travel ban since UK has started the banning of entry from other countries to mitigate the number of cases of the new variant however a temporary travel ban is already imposed by the government until January 15. “Ang travel ban lang po ngayon ay doon sa UK. Will there be [one] in the future for countries na mayroong variant? It has been highly recommended. A decision is forthcoming,” Harry Roque, Presidential Spokesperson stated in the press briefing. According to DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, Duterte wants to still allow entry of OFWs but they must undergo the strict 14-day quarantine before clearance. “Except for OFWs. ’Yun ang gusto ng pangulo na ang mga OFWs, ang mga kababayan natin hayaan silang makapasok but they will have to undergo strict 14-day quarantine,” Duque stated in an interview. The Philippines has been in the pandemic for nine months and continuous observance of health safety protocol is emphasized from time to time by DOH.
DOH STRESSES SAFE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS by Renz Bautista
The Department of Health released a Department Circular reiterating the Minimum Public Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation as the holiday season comes again this December and January. In multiple press briefings, Health Undersecretary and Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergiere addressed the public that the COVID-19 threat is heightening as the holiday season approaches. She emphasized that congested areas, close-contact settings, and confined places are three main factors that can trigger a high possibility of COVID-19 transmission. She also said that examples of events that inhibit these risk factors are attending a large family, social, or religious gatherings, in-person shopping in malls and bazaars, and an indoor gathering of a large group of people. "Alam niyo po, kahit kayo po ay naka-mask at na-
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ka-face shield, pero kung kayo naman po ay pupunta sa mga matataong lugar na halos dikit-dikit na po kayo maaari pa rin po kayo mahawa," Vegiere added. The undersecretary also stated that the public should modify the celebrations of the holiday activities to reduce the threat of the virus transmission, particularly in events in enclosed spaces and with a high number of attendees. "The risk is there and it's very high. At kung saka-sakaling kailangan naman talagang mamili, maaari naman siguro po na magkakaroon po tayo ng ibang pamamaraan para magkaroon ng ganitong activities for yourselves,” she reiterated. Events such as Christmas shopping in, Christmas and new year parties that involve family reunions, karaoke singing, and giving of pamasko as these activities will lead to the surge of COVID-19 cases.
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NEWS
RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Grade School Pupils Enjoy Online Classes more than the High School by Mitzen Sotelo, Renz Bautista, and Lance Crisostomo
The Academy of Saint John conducted an online survey last December 3 to get feedback from students and parents about the AirClass performance of school. The survey is divided into sections: Learning Management System (Schoology), the Online Instruction, the Teachers and Students, the School Curriculum, and Assessments, and the AirClass Schedule. There were 282 responses for the high school group and 224 parents for the grade school group. The survey was conducted through Google Forms and it follows a 4-point Agree-Disagree scheme where 4 means Strongly Agree, 3 means Agree, 2 means Disagree, 1 means Strongly Disagree. All except two criteria showed significance between the high school and grade school group. Some criteria with huge margins are students enjoying of online class where 9.93% strongly agree, 56.03% agree, 22.70% disagree, and 11.35% strongly disagree from the high school department, while 34.82% strongly agree, 60.27% agree, 4.91% disagree, and 0% strongly disagree from the grade school department. Teachers monitoring the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic growth of students where 73.84% agree from the high school and 93.24% agree from the grade school with mean difference of 0.4875. Students see-
ing good design on the LMS where 81.07% agree from the high school and 99.11% agree from the grade school with a mean difference of 0.4250. Students’ clear understanding on the topic received an average mean difference of 0.3190, wherein 14.54% strongly agrees from the high school and 29.73% agree from the grade school. The LMS supports interactive learning received a mean difference of 0.3680, wherein 15.96% and 71.99% strongly agree and agree, respectively from the high school department, and 41.96% and 55.36% strongly agree and agree, respectively from the grade school department. The two criteria with no significance between the mean results are the LMS ensuring data protection where 97.50% and 99.10% agree from the high school and grade school, respectively, and the LMS support team availability where 88.49% and 93.24% agree on the high school, and grade school respectively. These two criteria
received the lowest mean differences of 0.0093 and 0.0696, respectively. Criteria regarding the curriculum and assessments received low mean differences, with students mostly agree on the questions in the survey regarding the coverage of the curriculum and administration of assessments and exams. Based on the results, there are many conclusions to be made: grade school students enjoy online classes more than the high school, there is also an increased interaction between students and teachers in the grade school department than the high school department. The statistical tools used for the survey are percentage analysis, mean analysis, and the Z-test involving two means of independent samples as means of determining the significance of the grade school and high school groups. Survey and feedback regarding the LMS and the online instruction is very important for everybody. The results can be a source of motivation for the student, and the teacher to improve the overall experience of the AirClass.
CHRISTMAS PARTY PUSHES THROUGH ONLINE by Lance Crisostomo
The first-ever virtual Christmas party was held last December 18 via Zoom conference to celebrate the Christmas season before the whole ASJ community enters the two-week Christmas break. The party consisted of two parts namely a general assembly wherein a presentation from the faculty and selected grade 12 students was presented and a per-section party wherein the students together with their advisers enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour party for their section followed afterwards. According to Ms. Zeny Timajo, Grade 11 St. Benilde adviser, she found the Christmas party great and that through the party, fun and excitement were still felt despite not having the chance to come together and celebrate due to the pandemic. facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
“It was great! I enjoyed it. We weren’t deprived of the fun and excitement though it’s pandemic. Overall, I felt proud ASJ made it possible,” Timajo stated. Atasia Pineda, grade 11 STEM student, said that the party was worth remembering even though it wasn’t the same as what they used to have before. “It was worth remembering but at the same time it saddens me since this wasn’t really the type of Christmas party that I pictured before the school year 2020-2021 starts,” Pineda said. Even if the party wasn’t done in the traditional way, the students and teachers alike did have the quality time together, relieved from the academic works and stress and having a great start for their Christmas and New Year.
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
NEWS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
10 ASJ students will vie for Nationals
ASMEPPS continues through PERCdc
by Dave Domingo
Association of Science and Mathematics Educators of the Philippine Private Schools (ASMEPPS) held its first online Regional Math And Science Quiz Bee, the Online Math And Science Wizards 2020 with the theme: The Forces of Mathematics and Science in a Progressive State of Health, Livelihood, Peace and Future of the People, Dec 12. ASJ earned places in this Regional Quiz Bee. The results were announced via the ASMEPPS official Facebook Page. According to Math and Science coordinator Mr. Cris Dulutan, only the participants endorsed by the school where the student is officially enrolled shall be acknowledged and entertained as qualified participants. “The tests were administered through PERCDC LEARNHUB, wherein registered participants downloaded the app and used PERCS, provided upon payment of the registration fee, as an entry pass to the quiz. Contestants need to access ASMEPPS CLASS HUB and enter the
start code to open the quiz module,” he added. For Math Gr. 11 Renz Adrian R. Bautista - 1st place Gr. 12 Christian Dave R. Domingo - 2nd place Gr. 11 Lance Jerson C. Crisostomo - 2nd place Gr. 10 Christian Theniel L. Matro - 2nd place Gr. 10 Aaron John C. Barcelita - 7th place Gr. 3 Royce Remmor P. Cruz - 10th place For Science Gr. 11 Lance Jerson C. Crisostomo - 1st place Gr. 10 Aaron John C. Barcelita - 1st place Gr. 11 Renz Adrian R. Bautista - 2nd place Gr. 10 Christian Theniel L. Matro - 2nd place Gr. 12 Seann Ashley O. Carpizo - 3rd place Gr. 3 Elise Sheri P. Fidel - 3rd place Gr. 8 Ben Ethan P. Nivera - 6th place Gr. 4 Amber Zabene G. Barlas - 10th place
BALAIS, CAMPUS MINISTRY LEADS ADVENT 2020 IN ASJ by Lance Crisostomo
Campus Ministry of the Academy of Saint John (ASJ) led by Ms. Eva Balais spearheaded the advent activities as part of the preparation for the coming of the Christmas season. The ministry pushed through with the yearly tradition of lighting of the candles of the advent wreath and also added a new activity – the Jesse tree making of the whole ASJ community. According to the Loyola Press, the Jesse tree, the decorating of the tree itself, helps Christians to connect with the events that led to the birth of Christ which constitutes the Christmas season. “The Jesse tree helps us connect the custom of decorating Christmas trees to the events leading to Jesus’ birth. The Jesse tree is named from Isaiah 11:1,” Loyola Press stated in its official website. The Jesse tree making was participated in by students across all levels and teachers alike as it was inculcated as part of the Christian Living, particular-
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ly as product performance, of several levels. According to John Czar Salaguinto, a grade 11 STEM student, the Jesse tree was an exciting activity which really made this Advent season complete since it served as a reminder about the coming of Jesus and it helped him prepare himself for the season of Christmas. “Naexcite, kasi dahil dito nalaman kong malapit na ang Christmas at nakatulong 'to magpaalala kahit na nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya. Ito rin ay gumanap bilang pagpapahalaga sa panahon ng Advent dahil sa bawat tree na ginawa ay naisapuso natin ang pagsilang ni Jesus Christ,” Salaguinto stated. All in all, the Advent activities proved two things: first is that this online setup is not a hindrance to commemorate the traditional Advent activities in our school and lastly, this proves that nothing is impossible to be done as long as there is a way and it is willed to be done.
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
NEWS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
LASO APPOINTS OFFICERS FOR SY 2020-2021 by Dave Domingo
Due to the delays brought by pandemic, Lasallian Assembly of Student Officers (LASO) adviser Ms. Aileen Posadas and Moderator Ms. Min Figueroa chose to appoint the officers, Dec 2. In an interview, Figueroa stated that the LASO officers for the school year 2020-21 were appointed, instead of elected, due to the current situation, explaining that the pandemic has caused delays and situations that LASO cannot control. “LASO officers were selected based on the students loyalty, dedication, capability to lead, inspire and serve,” she added. LASO’s next project Figueroa mentioned that prior to the appointment, LASO had already been ‘Zooming’ and planning of what they can do to make this school year interesting. According to the moderator, LASO has listed a lot of plans this school year, noting that one of these was the Leadership Online Training held last Oct 16. Furthermore, she stated that LASO’s next project will focus on helping the needy. “We are up to our next project which ASJ STUDENTS WIN IN ONCON by Lance Crisostomo 2020 Children’s Museum and Library Incorporated (CMLI) held its first ever Online Conference with the theme “FOCUS: Envisioning a Better Normal through Holistic Leadership” from November 20 to December 21. facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
22 students from the Academy of Saint John (ASJ) led by their head delegate Tasha Pascual and teacher-adviser Ms. Min Figueroa participated in the online conference. “The participants were chosen according to their talents, capacity, and creativity,” Figueroa stated. The conference was held via Zoom and Facebook Live every weekend and the contests
is to continue helping the needy in this time of pandemic. ASJ won’t stop and should not forget community sharing, and we need to be creative in this aspect,” Figueroa added. The appointed LASO officers are as follows: President: Mervinne Militar Vice President: Fiona Tabi Secretary: Tasha Pascual Asst. Secretary: Jennie Loren Treasurer: John Darryl Doydoy Auditor: Hanna Guerra P.R.O.: Allen Paul Ronquillo P.R.O.: Samuel Robles LASAL Head Commissioner: Francis Bartolome Grade 7 Rep.: Denise Cosio Grade 7 Rep.: Elisa Camama Grade 8 Rep.: Patrick Jaso Grade 8 Rep.: Martina Ferrer Grade 9 Rep.: Beatrice Panotes Grade 9 Rep.: Bernadette de Guzman Grade 10 Rep.: Gillian Rueco Grade 11 Rep.: Iris Zamora Grade 12 Rep.: Allexandra Pascual were held from November 14 to December 14. In the end, three students from ASJ bagged places in their respective contests namely Karl Portollano and Asher Marcellano, and Lance Crisostomo from the Song Writing and Essay Writing contests, both in Filipino category, respectively. “The results of the 2020 CMLI was satisfactory regardless of what the situation is, ev-
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eryone did his job and everyone pulled through,” Figueroa said. Figueroa added that this triumph in CMLI is a testament of ASJ students being able to utilize their talents to become achievers. “ASJ people, despite the situation, can triumph in all games laid. ASJ, proved once more that we are brave, strong, and we can do all things through Christ,” Figueroa added.
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Editor-in-Chief: Christian Dave Domingo Associate EIC: Lance Jerson Crisostomo News Editor: Jade Magno Editorial: Seann Carpizo Features: Renz Bautista Mitzen Sotelo Poem: Justine Benedict Yalung Cover: Allexandra Pascual Caption: Cassandra Mae Remotigue Comics: Marcus Railey Buhain Adrianne Meigh Gonzales Layout: Marcus Diego Mugol Adviser: Mr. Kent Bryan Colocado
WE ARE OPEN FOR
CONTRIBUTORS! Submit your work at
rheims@academyofsaintjohn.edu.ph
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR ASJ? INSIGHTS Seann Carpizo
18 years. 18 years of faithful and loyal service to the Lasallian Mission as the Academy of Saint John continues to promote an outstanding educational institution for faculty, staff, and students alike. No amount of hardwork goes unnoticed, and sure enough, the school’s constant drive to providing the fundamental grounds towards its students’ growth and potential has borne fruit. Last October 13, the Academy of Saint John was granted the status of Supervised Level II for a period of three years by the Lasallian Schools Supervision Services Association, Inc. or LASSSAI for short. As per our Vice Principal, Ms. Victoria Gallardo, the school has met the standards and qualifications set by LASSSAI on the LASSO Assessment that occurred earlier this year on February 20 and 21. The assessment involved six areas of conduct: Vision-Mission, Governance, Personnel Development, Curriculum and Instruction Development, Student Development, and Physical Facilities Development, and ASJ had passed all of them. Once the three years go by, our school will finally be eligible for graduation from LASSO supervision.
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Member of the De La Salle Brothers Br. Felipe Belleza Jr., FSC claimed that ASJ’s passing of the LASSO accreditation is a milestone for the school, claiming it to be a testament to the quality of Lasallian Education that the school provides to its students and also the school’s commitment in upholding the Lasallian core values of faith, service, and communion. This is due in no small part to the code of excellency that the school and its members strive to achieve with every year as we follow St. John Baptist De La Salle’s teachings and wisdom. Both teachers and students have given their collective efforts and done their utmost as they carried upon them the values and the core of our school. Everyone deserves to be praised as all of us have played our part in this achievement. So, what does this mean for the future of ASJ and its students? As time passes by, our community continues to uphold the virtues of St. La Salle, and our victory here is but a sign of our good work. And now more than ever, we need to continue doing what we have always done and strive to even be better, as we begin to stand and progress on our own. I will be graduating this year; if ever I visit, will it still be called ASJ? Or perhaps be then known as district school De La Salle Gen. Trias?
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EDITORIAL
RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Editorial Cartoon by: Seann Carpizo
Duque: Mess Up Now COVID–19 and Face-to-face Classes, What Happened? Reason Out Later EURUS
RPTD
Lance Crisostomo
“Nine months na tayong nasa pandemic, may bagong variation na ng COVID tapos nalimutan pa ang papers for vaccine. Paano na ang kinabukasan? Paano na tayo niyan?” It has been nine months since the whole country was placed under quarantine protocols as a response to the coronavirus disease which struck the country after a woman from Wuhan, China had entered our territory with the symptoms of the said disease. Come March of 2020, the life of the Filipinos changed drastically. Everyone facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
was restricted since the threats of the coronavirus disease was intense that cases may grow exponentially if there are no measures taken early on. Fast forward to the third and fourth quarter of 2020, several vaccines were formulated and tested to fight against this disease. Vaccines such as Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and many more had emerged and are tested if it would pass the standards and would be available for the people to have. SEE PAGE 11
Renz Bautista
The COVID–19 pandemic diverted the process of education in the country. Many students were introduced to a new method of learning other than the usual faceto-face classes. These modalities may be modular learning, online learning, TV or radio learning, or blended learning, which is the combination of any of the above methods. The option of the face-toface learning is not available because of the implementation of the minimum public health standards set by the Inter-Agency Task Force, World
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Health Organization, and the Department of Health to prevent the transmission of COVID–19 such as physical distancing and the ban of any kind of gathering which is prevalent in regular face-toface classes. According to the survey conducted by the Department of Education before the opening of classes in public schools, August 24, 8.8 Million parents preferred modular learning, 3.9 Million preferred blended learning, SEE PAGE 12
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EDITORIAL
RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
PNP: TO SERVE AND PROTECT, — WHOM? GHOTI Dave Domingo
As far as I remember, the word police was never a good word to hear. It may be because whenever I hear the word, something bad has occurred. But in recent years, I think the reason has changed into something more sinister. And I don’t think I’m the only one that feels this. Filipinos have good reason to be fearful of the police for major news channels and papers have been documenting and reporting the numerous deaths in the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs since 2016. However, the problem with police brutality or the use of excessive or unnecessary force, in varying degrees, has existed even before the administration of the current PH president. The case I can remember off the top of my head is the Maguindanao Massacre in 2009 wherein the police took part in the unfortunate crime. The police department has a dismal record, a lot of them being in the wrong side of the law. This is very concerning. People who have been trained to exercise public order are the ones destroying that order. The situation didn’t get better from there. The most recent instance of police brutality took place on December 20 in the town of Paniqui in Tarlac province when police staff sergeant Jonel Nuezca shot and killed Sonya
SO TELL ME Mitzen Sotelo
Under the Black Cloud
Depression. That one term that we don’t take seriously nowadays. The word that we ignore not knowing how much this one word may actually mean to a person going through it. It is when one can’t control how he/she may feel, act, or think. It is when it slowly takes over a person’s life to the point where it builds up through time. From unnoticeable actions that will form into bigger changes up until you realize that there’s already a black cloud right over your head. This happens when you find yourself losing interest and joy from things once loved. According to a WHO newsletter last Jan 30, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. For this is an illness that changes a person’s life, to the point where that person loses the will to live until he/she resolves to commit suicide. That’s why it is in need of medication and therapy. So for those who say that depression isn't a big deal, you’re wrong. This illness drives out the life of a person mental-
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Gregorio and her son Frank. This was filmed and posted online which caused an outrage and highlighted the abuse of authority and how numbed the police are towards killing. Although the Philippine National Police claims that this is an isolated case, investigators found that Nuezca had 10 years of abuse recorded, two of them being homicide cases but were dismissed due to lack of evidence. I will not interpret what this implies and leave it to you, the reader. Other cases of police brutality and police impunity are the shooting of former military man Winston Ragos and the killing of the 17-year old Kian delos Santos. Many attribute this abuse of authority, corruption, violence, and murder to the anti-drug policy that has been put forward by the PH president. According to a United Nations (UN) report, official figures show that over 8,600 people have been killed in Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs since 2016, "with some estimates putting the real toll at more than triple that number." Human rights watchdogs gauge that the deaths could amount to 30,000, this includes individuals slaughtered by masked vigilantes. Human Rights Watch said drug war deaths spiked by in excess of 50% from April to July during the pandemic lockdown. The emboldened and above-the-law disposition displayed by the police could also come from the constant reassurance of the president to ‘protect’ them. The PNP’s motto is to serve and protect. My question is “Whom?”
ly. Imagine being alive but feeling dead because you can’t control your emotions or don’t have emotions at all. One can never understand how this feels unless he/she experiences it. Don’t judge because you have no idea of the pain and hardships a person with depression is going through. Some parents or people may look at this as laziness or annoying not knowing that it is much worse. Don’t tell depressed people to just deal with it and be strong because it isn’t as easy as that. I’m sure that those people who are going through this can’t deal with it on their own. They need support. Be that support for they are going through a dark phase. The least one can do is be their light. Because no one knows how long a person going through depression can endure this sickness, it may lead to the point where they take their own life to end the pain. That’s why parents mustn’t turn a blind eye on this and must take a look on how their children are doing because this isn’t a simple matter. (See Next Page)
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Continuation from Eurus, 2021: Duque: Mess Up Now, Reason Out Later As of the moment, Moderna posed a 94.1% effectiveness rate, AstraZeneca posed an overall 70% effectiveness rate while Pfizer had 95% effectiveness after clinical trials, specifically their phase 3 testing portions. A light of hope was lit among the Filipino people as negotiations between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. started negotiating about the Pfizer vaccine as early as July of 2020. It was projected that if the negotiation succeeds, the vaccine could be here in our country and ready for distribution and use as early as January of next year. The 10 million doses which is at stake in this negotiation may help 10% of the total population of the country to avoid having the said virus. Of course, there is still a need for more doses of vaccine for the remaining 90% of the population but still, having a supply of vaccine for 10% of the whole nation is a game-changer. This would mitigate death rates, the number of people and this will be of great help of our nation to fight and win this battle against COVID. However, this light of hope vanished as Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed that the Philippines won’t be receiving the doses of vaccine by early January of 2021. Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III failed to sign and submit the documents, particularly the Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA), which pave way for Singapore to seal the transaction first. This mistake would definitely affect the country especially its future. No reason is acceptable for such mistake. Knowing that millions of lives are at stake, the Filipino people couldn’t let this pass. According to the timeline given by Duque to Rappler, Pfizer and the government already started the conversation regarding the vaccine since June 24, 2020. The CDA papers, particularly its draft, was sent as early as August 11, 2020. From this time up until September, reviews, revisions and updates were done between Pfizer, DOH, DOST and the government. Fast forward to September 24, 2020, DOH was tasked to be one of the signatories for the CDA. Only by October 20, 2020 did Duque sign the CDA. The one-month delay of signature for the said document cost Singapore to close the deal. Mistakes after mistakes. It is costing the Filipino people so much. He has made a lot of mistakes in the past. He was against the travel ban to and from China since it would allegedly break the ties with China. According to reports, he argued that it would seem “unfair” if a travel ban for Chinese would be imposed when the virus is spread across the world. “If we do this, then the concerned country – China in this case – might question why we’re not doing the same for all other countries that have reported cases of the new coronavirus. It’s very tricky… but we commit to take this into consideration.” However, didn’t he even consider the fact that almost 6,000 Chinese had
the virus already and the possibility of those people entering the country is very high. The transmission would also be rapid at that point since the virus spreads fast through thin air. Duque also dismissed certain criticisms against DOH COVID-19 data. UP COVID-19 Response Team had seen errors in the information released by DOH last April. Shift in genders, shift in age groups, reclassification to a different location and wrong dead claims were the issues raised by the group. This is how Duque responded - “We assure the public that the issues raised are less than one percent, maliit pa sa isang porsyento (smaller than one percent) of the whole data and does not prejudice the overall data and decision making,” according to him during the live briefing. One percent?! There are a lot of mistakes that have been committed then he would be saying that this is just one percent. That one percent may have caused a lot of trouble especially panic to people. Lastly, he was allegedly part of the fifteen-billion-peso problem with PhilHealth and corruption in the health sector. There are a handful of evidences which supports the claim. Back in 2018, only 270 barangay health stations were built under the contract with JBros (which was apparently terminated) which cost 2.9 billion pesos. Fast forward to this year, it was found out that PhilHealth owed Philippine Red Cross 1.1 billion pesos for outsourced COVID-19 testing. The greatest evidence is when Duque himself admitted during the hearing for the 2021 budget that there is corruption in DOH. It is now very clear that Mr. Duque is consistent in making mistakes, filing reasons to get out of his mess and showing a clear sign of negligence regarding an international crisis. The long-term problem regarding COVID must be given utmost importance and great attention at times like this. Mistakes especially in times of such international crisis, whether big or small, must entail responsibility and accountability. The system is already messed up since there are no concrete plans in response to the pandemic. Every second that drops is costing a handful of Filipinos to die in vain. These mistakes must be not tolerable. I am clearly wondering why he is still in position despite costing our country the possible bright future and hope for recovery. The future of our country is in a blur as of the moment. Even though that Pfizer and other vaccines applied for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to our government, the question still remains on the capability to serve the whole nation with doses of such vaccines. We never know until the EUA is approved and how much are the providers willing to provide the nation. And now that the threats of a new variation of the disease has infected countries like United Kingdom, Singapore and Hong Kong, the question still remains that is DOH Sec. Duque III still capable of leading the DOH? What is in-store for the Philippines in the future?
Continuation from So Tell Me: Under the Black Cloud A simple “Are you okay?” can help one suffering from depression, but it would be more advisable to send a depressed person to a Psychiatrist for medication and therapy. These will bring more chances to a better mental health and a brighter life for that person. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Take care of it. Learn to ask for help and free yourself to give out help when you see it needfacebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
ed. We all are fighting our own battles in life, just remember that you don’t have to fight alone. “At the root of this dilemma is the way we view mental health in this country. Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg, or your brain, it’s still an illness and there should be no distinction.” - Michelle Obama.
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Continuation from RPTD, 2021: COVID–19 and Face-to-face Classes, What Happened? 3.8 million preferred an online-only instruction, 1.4 million preferred educational TV, 900,000 preferred radio learning, and 500,000 preferred other modalities such as homeschooling. From the same survey, 400,613 learners transferred from private to state, and local universities and colleges. Another 372,570 from private schools moved to public schools. As many students adapt to the new learning modalities, we sometimes wonder if the learning modality is better for learning and the educational standard. There are still feats that face-to-face classes have than other learning modalities. “[Sa] tingin ko ang advantage ng face-toface ay mas madali nakakafocus at matututukan talaga ng teachers yung students sa bawat topic pag kunwari may hindi nagegets. Di katulad sa ibang learning modalities like online na ang daming distractions kaya mahirap mag focus [tapos] mahirap din pag [di] mo magets yung topic,” Faime Sulat, a Grade 11 student, said in an interview. According to, Ms. Gladys Geren͂a, a Science teacher, “For us, we can explain the lessons well to the pupils and students. We can easily identify whether the kids understand the lessons or not. We can let them touch, see, feel and explore the things that they need to understand the lessons.” There are many activities that were cancelled or done in a way that students do not report to school. Some of these cancelled events are the annual Mr. and Ms. ASJ and the parade and mass demonstration of the students. Contests were limited due to the ban on social gatherings of the students as part of the health protocols. There were events that did continue such as career talks and webinars, the foundation day celebration and First Friday Mass. The online setup limits the capacity of education, some classroom activities such as acting performances, going to the library and other school facilities, laboratory experiments and other activities which were possible last school year, are barely or not observed during the online modality. Students could socialize more last year, could read books in the library and study together with their friends. There were plans for conducting face-toface classes for areas with low risk of COVID-19 outbreak and for selected schools for January 2021. DepEd emphasizes that this pilot study will be done with commitment between the par-
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ent, student, the local government unit, and the school, also the health standards must be followed at home, and within school premises. There will be a schedule and class size to allow proper social distancing between the students and teachers.
“What I missed about face-toface classes are the moments that I am with my classmates and friends.” A lot of students miss going back to school and the face-to-face setup due to a lot of factors, for some, it is because they will learn better and socialize with friends and teachers more, there are also less distractions in school than in home which is a factor on student learning. For now, we are sticking to other learning modalities to safeguard the health and welfare of the teachers and students. “I know they really miss going to school because in school they can explore many things. They can visit the laboratory, they can read books with their friends, they can play, they can talk directly to their teachers and they can easily ask questions in case they don't understand the lessons well,” Ms. Geren͂ a added regarding on the effectiveness of the face-to-face setup. “What I missed about face-to-face classes are the moments that I am with my classmates and friends. I missed collaborating with them and learning with them in a fun way,” Lance Crisostomo, a Grade 11 student said in an interview. He also said that he misses several contests and reviews. “I [also] learn more and I learn faster in the face-to-face setup since the setup is better in driving me to be focused at all times,” he added. COVID–19 gave problems to a lot of sectors in the country. It affected the economic, health, and safety sectors in our community. As for education, we found a way to continue the learning process in a new and unconventional manner.
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RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
FEATURES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Even if it’s hard by Seann Carpizo
The year has been very rough not only for our country but also for the whole world, as we all have been struck with such a destructive crisis. It hasn’t been a good ride for everybody. And as Christmas is supposedly characterized by cheery and joyful spirit, it’s very understandable for one to feel as such. Not everyone is blessed to have had a rather safe and sound experience the last couple of months. Many are able to still have a normal Christmas; kids excited for their gifts, delicious food are prepared on the table as everyone looks forward to sharing a happy feast. But some people lack the safe comfort of a home, some are away from their family. Some lack the salary to provide and sustain for themselves, some are affected by the virus or mourning from losses. Even if it is hard to feel and be positive with what’s happening around us, let it remind us of the good things that we’ve had in our lives. The blessings we may be taking for granted. Cherish them as we celebrate Christmas and the coming of a new year, a new start. This December, let us end on a good note as we bond with our family, our
friends, and those whom we care about. Share a good story, talk about your experiences this quarantine, eat together at the dinner table. Things around us are changing, but we can acknowledge them and still remain smiling at the end of the day with the people we love. With another year approaching, let us have hope that the coming days will be better than they are now. With those in hardships, let us keep them in mind as we pray and wish for a better year.
Last Dec. 10, Brother Felipe Belleza Jr., FSC expressed his felicitation on ASJ’s 18th Founding Anniversary. For further details, watch the video in our official Facebook page. www.facebook.com/Rheims2020
A New Year, A New Start by Mitzen Sotelo
New year’s resolution is a tradition wherein a person starts to make a promise to oneself at the beginning of the year; it maybe about accomplishing a goal or fulfilling a dream or maybe something we want to change. This tradition is said to have started over 4,000 years ago in Ancient Babylon which is still being practiced till this day. Back then, the Babylonians would celebrate this tradition during Atiku, a 12 day New year’s celebration where they would offer their crops to their gods and celebrate their reigning king. They believed that if they kept their promises, the gods would bless them for the year ahead, but eventually they would fall on the god’s bad side if they were to break their promise. To exercise more, save money, eat more healthily, loose weight, reduce stress, and get more sleep. These facebook.com/Rheims2020 @Rheims2020
are examples of the most common new year’s resolutions that millions of people wish for, in hopes for a spark of positive change. Although these are good intentions, once the new year’s spark wears off, many struggle to fulfill their goals and loses the drive to stick to their resolutions. According to the world report, 80% fail to keep their new year’s resolution because commitment to these fade out around mid-February. Loss of commitment is common among us people but there are still those who get to achieve their resolutions and the common tool that they all use to achieve it is the same thing the 80% let go off. Commitment. Still we must remember that these resolutions are just wishes, it is up to us to take action and make it happen. So here’s the question…What’s your new year’s resolution?
The Lasallian Rheims
13
Naguilian
LIFE AWAY FROM GENTR Pitch black, well, not really, it's just that you can barely see anything and it's 8 in the evening, a classic scenario here in Naguilian, Isabela, something that you will barely see in a city like General Trias. It's only been weeks since I started living here in Villa Paz, a barangay in Naguilian. Yet, I already noticed how different the lifestyle in the province is compared to the city. "Magandang umaga! Anong ulam niyo?" An unknown lady's voice woke me up, when I looked at my watch, it's just 6 am. I tried sleeping again but, the sounds of people chit-chatting, and kids playing outside are the only things that I can hear. How are people so active already? I asked myself. I went outside my room and saw a lady carrying a kid and my brother playing with other kids in the living room. The lady looked at me with a surprised and curious face, "Anak mo 'to? Nag balasang met ten." she said. She said more things that I barely un-
derstand but, I know that she talked about me being a young lady or something. I just nodded and went to the bathroom to wash my face, but there's no water. Thankfully, my dad arrived carrying two big buckets of water that he got from a poso nearby. However, I still can't wash my face because I can't find the dipper, tabo, so I just used a cup to get the water to wash my face. After eating breakfast, I have nothing to do. There is no Wi-Fi, the data connection is unstable. It's still 8 in the morning and I can't help but think that, at this time, if I were still in the city, I would still be asleep. But, rather than stare at my phone and reminisce about the things that I can do in General Trias, I decided to make my day productive. "Dianne, gising na kakain na!" My mom said as she repeatedly tapped my feet, and when I opened my eyes, I saw beams of sunlight entering my room. "Alas dose na, tumayo ka na diyan," she said before she closed the door of my room.
I still haven't do waking up, washing ing. I realized how pendent on the inte gone, my days becam how the other kids m here go by their day w
“I start liv life in a mu place awa the chaos in
Before the sun sets pretty decent things room, doing some and taking care of our I went outside to b and also to look at th things that I love abou province is the scenery
RI
by Jade Magno
one anything besides g my face, and eatmy days are so deernet. Now that it's me so dull. I wonder my age who are living with this situation.
ving a new uch simpler ay from all n the city.�
s, I think I've done s like cleaning my household chores, r dog Whitey. breathe some fresh air he sunset. One of the ut our home here in the y outside. There's plen-
photo from: Wikiwand
ty of trees, a wide field of grass, and every afternoon a beautiful sunset can be seen. Maybe living in the province is not that bad after all. Why did I volunteer to do this? Why is the water pump so far away? Why is there so much mud? I should've just stayed at home. I said to myself as I pulled down the lever of the water pump. It's 8 in the evening, I can barely see anything. The only light source that I have is the moonlight. All I know is I'm standing on the mud where my feet slowly sink in while using the poso. "Bilisan mo naman diyan," my mom said. There are 3 buckets that I need to fill. I've only filled one, yet, I'm already feeling so tired and catching my breath. I haven't done this much work ever since quarantine started. It felt like my arms started gaining muscles after filling up one pail of water. It doesn't even end there. I still need to walk through the mud path
while carrying the buckets of water back to our house, trying my best not to trip. When we arrived home, I used the water to wash my feet and do my night routine. I went inside my room and tried my best to sleep afterward. It's still very early, yet, the whole neighborhood is already sleeping. All I can hear are the sounds of the crickets and the dogs barking. It's funny how in a few weeks, my life has changed a lot. From waking up so late in the morning, browsing the internet all day, having a proper source of water, and sleeping very late, to the complete opposite. To think that this is going to be my life now scares me, new home, new people, new routine, a new lifestyle. However, I also think that this is for the best. My lifestyle before was very unhealthy. With this change, I feel that I will be physically and mentally better where I start living a new life in a much simpler place away from all the chaos in the city.
RHEIMS SPECIAL: DECEMBER
LOCAL NEWS
GenTri implements firecracker and pyrotechnics ban by Renz Bautista
The City Government of General Trias implemented City Ordinance No. 20-66 which states that the sale, distribution, possession, and use of firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and other similar explosives are banned in the city. As the New Year day nears, the demand for firecrackers and pyrotechnics are rising. The ban includes illegal fireworks such as Watusi, Piccolo, Five Star, Pla-Pla, Boga, Super Lolo, and Goodbye Philippines. This is to ensure the safety of the people and reduce the number of incidents of cases involving fireworks and explosives.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Catalagan Earthquake hits on Christmas Day by Renz Bautista
As such, the city government imposes penalties; for the first offense, there will be a Php. 1,000.00 and/or imprisonment of twenty (20) days but not more than one (1) month. For the second offense, there will be a Php. 3,000.00 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than three (3) months. For the third offense, there will be a Php. 5,000.00 and/or imprisonment of three (3) months but not more than six (6) months. All offenses accompany the confiscation of the said fireworks and pyrotechnics.
A magnitude 6.3 tectonic earthquake struck last December 25 at 7:43 AM in the town of Calatagan, Batangas. Aftershocks of magnitudes 3.2 and 3.0 were felt also at around 7:53 AM and 8:09 AM respectively. According to a bulletin published by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake happened 10 km northwest of Calatagan, Batangas. The focus of the earthquake was reported to be 109 km deep below sea level. In an interview, PHIVOLCS Undersecretary Renato Solidum said that the deep quake is likely caused by the tectonic activity in the West Philippine Sea and the Manila Trench, he also added that this is
an earthquake generator, causing frequent deep earthquakes in Batangas. There were no tsunami warnings issued and several aftershocks are being expected according to the bulletin. The quake was felt in multiple areas including: Batangas, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Laguna (Intensity IV and V), Manila City, Quezon City, Marikina City, Subic and San Felipe in Zambales, Alaminos, Pangasinan, Santo Tomas, La Union, and Mabalacat City, Pampanga (Intensity IV). Meanwhile, at around 10 AM, there was a magnitude 5.2 earthquake 89 km southeast of Sarangani, Davao Occidental and a magnitude 4.3 earthquake 9 km northwest of San Francisco, Quezon Province.
ASJ faculty and staff light candles during the Living Rosary last November 11 to celebrate the 18th Founding Anniversary of Academy of Saint John.
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Lilium
Sugar lips, sugar lips They take my bitter words away A serpent wrung around your thigh The only sin you cannot deny Sugar lips, sugar lips they make me weak They take back every bitter word I speak Kind words, such kind words Much more than I can afford Sugar lips, sugar lips they kiss me away In the blazing warmth, a comforting play Call me betwixt snow and storm I shall come, a star in form Sugar lips, sugar lips Say my name Call with no shame And I shall do the same - Justine Benedict Yalung
Ego In death, halls contort to the mind Thoughts fall as paper snow A story judged fit to unwind Stone faces wallow In trek, memories act Nostalgic memories Bound to a pact More than accessories In birth, made a call Cultivated by time Tempered by the fall In birth, made a wish In life, order is taken Judged with sin Colors laden in misery shaken One more chance is taken
- Justine Benedict Yalung
May all the stars align for you If I were to wander, under the night fall, In the sky I see fireballs, looking so small, Head laid down on the grass, unaware of the hours, Up above, I gaze upon, the endless dancing stars, Sparkling and radiant, yet so far away, In the pitch dark, beauty is what they display, Dazzling throughout the stygian skies, As twinkling lights capture my eyes. Aim for the stars, own the sky, Instead of staying on the grass, idle as the days go by, You admire the light that shines, now join it’s beam, For goals that aren’t being worked for, remains a dream, Like the stars, be brilliant in your luster, In the life’s victory and defeat, keep on a smile for you to muster, You’ll shine your own light one day, under the night’s view, Through the dims and glows of life, May all the stars align for you. - Mitzen Sotelo