The Pioneer 2025

PIONEER THE

TRANSFORMATIVE

NNCHS IMPLEMENTS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

NNCHS English collab team marks 8-year winning streak at DSPC

by Trina Garces

The

Collaborative and Desktop

DepEd Order No. 44, s. 2021, entitled “Policy Guidelines on the Provision of Educational Programs and Services for Learners with Disabilities in the K to 12 Basic Education Program”, is a pursuant to Section 3 of the Republic Act No. 10533 (R.A. 10533) known as the “Basic Education Act of 2013”, citing direction and guidance in the organization, management, and implementation of appropriate programs, services, and interventions for learners with disabilities.

According to Jeanete Donna Escobar, LSEN teacher, the goal of the program is to let students with

special needs experience the life of a regular student, and to allow them to mingle with other students. The only problem is their attitude.

“Nung una, medyo mahirap siya since may pagkaegocentric yung mga bata [At first, it was hard since the kids are sometimes egocentric,” Escobar stated when asked what were the troubles encountered during the implementation.

However, according to the LSEN Teacher, as time passed by, the students were able to adapt with the learning environment and are now showing progress and improvements.

NNCHS

Escobar further told The Pioneer that she observed how difficult it was for the students to interact with others in their first few days but is now relieved to witness them go along with their classmates very well since they already feel safe and accepted.

Meanwhile, School Principal IV Dr. Josefina S. De Peralta, showed support in the implementation of the aforementioned program by planning a more engaging way for LSEN to enjoy learning while socializing in the years to come.

prevails as Quiz Bee Champs

Lian Alexa Cabonce from Grade 10-Special Science Class and Lorelyn Cabunoc from Grade 10-Special Math Class, coached by Jean Padrigo, represented NNCHS at the aforementioned event, demonstrating their knowledge and teamwork in a competitive environment.

Cabunoc stated that she joined the quiz bee with the aim of following up on last year’s firstplace finish, working to secure the championship title this school year alongside her teammate.

“It feels great to represent our school, NNCHS, and to actually win in the competition, it gave me immense pride and joy, knowing that we were able to surpass our achievement in

the previous year,” Cabunoc said. The quiz bee promoted academic excellence and collaboration among students, allowing them to demonstrate their skills as they represent their schools. Furthermore, Padrigo mentioned that preparing the team for the competition required hard work, focus, and dedication, as they analyzed strengths and areas for improvement. Lastly, she stated that witnessing the team’s efforts came to fruition with a moment of pure joy and validation for the hard work they invested, which was a rewarding experience for both the team and those who assisted them.

4Ps beneficiaries support environmental responsibility, revamp NNCHS through community clean-up

Federated Parent Teacher Association (FPTA) President Aurora Peralta initiated the drive focused on cleaning specific areas, including the school’s agricultural area, oval, and dumpsite, making the school clean and prepared.

Head Teacher VI Rita P. Palacpac stated that the school needs to prepare for the DSPC to make sure that everything is well-organized for the participants.

“In preparation for the DSPC, the school must look presentable. It’s not

just about the contest. Since it has been a long time since we hosted this activity again, we need to prepare accordingly,” Palacpac said. The 4Ps beneficiaries brought their own tools and equipment for the clean-up drive, while the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative Incorporated supplied a boom truck and the Department of Public Works and Highways provided a backhoe and grass cutters to ensure that the cleaning efforts were effective and efficient across the school grounds.

Furthermore, Palacpac stated that the school allocated 6,000 pesos from canteen funds and received support from the FPTA to provide snacks for participants during the clean-up drive, ensuring that the 4Ps members are well catered.

In addition, she said that even without incentives, the 4Ps beneficiaries were willing to participate in the activity since their children attend NNCHS, and they wanted to ensure the school is presentable and safe for all participants.

NNCHS studs triumph at DFOT ‘25

Division Festival of Talents (DFOT), Bantay West Integrated School, Jan. 21.

The annual DFOT event provided a platform for students to showcase their critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills across various disciplines, including STEM and literature.

Representing NNCHS, Carl Jake S. Calpo, Precious G. Layda, and Jonash Maverick M. Tolentino emerged victorious in the STEMazing category, with Rennier T. Dameg serving as their coach.

“We dedicated countless hours preparing for this, and seeing our hard work pay off is incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t easy, but

NNCHS hosts DSPC ‘24

by Ryan Joel Gines Antolin

last Oct. 17-18.

The 2024 DSPC advances through different journalistic genres on individual such as News Writing, Editorial Writing, Column Writing, Feature Writing, Science and Technology Writing, Copyreading and Headline Writing, Editorial Cartooning, and Photojournalism, as well as group contests such as Collaborative and Desktop Publishing, Online Publishing, TV Broadcasting and Scriptwriting, and Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting, for elementary and secondary levels in both English and Filipino categories.

The event highlighted speeches delivered by keynote speakers, including Joel B. Lopez, EdD, CESO IV, Schools Division Superintendent; Joye D. Madalipay, EdD, CESO VI, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent; Dr. Philip John Gregory G. Aldos, SGOD Chief; Dr. Jose B. Bueno Jr., CID Chief; Dr. Josefina De Peralta, School Principal IV of NNCHS; Aurora Peralta, PTA President; Dr. Alma Tabilang, EPS, Public Schools District Supervisor; and Remedios N. Valera, Barangay Captain of Paratong, Narvacan.

Furthermore, the event aimed to exhibit a profound comprehension of journalism by adeptly demonstrating skills across various platforms with the theme “Media for Inclusion: Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Integrity through Campus Journalism.”

Through workshops and extensive trainings, the Campus Journalists

NNCHS honors exemplary educators with Gawad Nemnesio and Cabalo awards

Narvacan National Central High School (NNCHS) honored outstanding teachers and employees on Oct. 8 as part of the teacher's day program with the Gawad Nemnesio Cadiente-Borge and Gawad Eugenia Julian Cabalo awards, recognizing those who exhibit commitment to community development and support of the Department of Education's vision, mission, and goals.

MAPEH dominates 80s dance competition

pushing through the challenges and seeing everything come together in the end makes it all worth it,” Calpo said.

Dameg stated that events like these not only help students gain knowledge but also boost their confidence and strengthen their ability to work together as a team.

Meanwhile, Lujille Aisha Aprecio clinched the top spot in the Read-A-Thon (Five-Minute Pecha Kucha) competition under the guidance of Nikko Marie ReyesCosme. Further, the competition

aimed to enhance students’ skills by promoting innovation, collaboration, and cultural literacy through academic and artistic performances.

“We’re ready to take on the next challenge and bring pride to our school once again. This achievement motivates us to work even harder and prove that we have what it takes to succeed, no matter the challenge ahead,” Cosme shared.

The winners will advance to the Regional Festival of Talents this February, where they will represent the Schools Division of Ilocos Sur.

by Richiel Danielle Paz A. Sampilo

The MAPEH Department claimed victory in the ‘80s Dance Competition at Narvacan National Central High School’s Year-End Party, where faculty and staff from various departments performed in a retro-themed event, Dec. 20, 2024.

The event featured a dance competition where participants performed to ‘80s hits, with the performances judged on execution, choreography, originality, and music choice.

Moreover, the TLE Department placed 1st runner-up, while the English Department took 2nd runner-up, with staff from across the school joining the competition.

Katrine Lazarte, MAPEH Teacher I, shared that the team gave their best not only to win but also to entertain the audience.

“Winning is important, of course, but the true reward was seeing the audience smile, cheer, and fully enjoy the performance with us,” Lazarte added. Further, the event was organized by the

Faculty-Personnel Club, headed by President Rose Joy Lagmay, with alumni judges Eric Blanco, Kathleen D. Ipac, and Kristofferson Monis. Lagmay stated that the Year-End Party aimed to bring the school community together and celebrate the end of the school year in a lively way. “We are delighted that everyone was able to come together, enjoy themselves, and create lasting memories,” she said. Lagmay also mentioned that the event gave teachers a chance to express their creativity and work together as a team, which helped strengthen the sense of community among the faculty.

PECULIAR

Special needs come with definite attention, a spesh amount of care, and a peculiar timepiece. While special care is acquired,

Thereunder the Programs and Projects of Department of Education, Planning and Programming Division, specifically in the section of Inclusive Education Program integrated on December 31, 2020, states that, “Special Education Program specifically aims to enhance access and upgrade to the quality of SPED Programs and Services as well as to raise the efficiency education services for elementary and secondary schools with learners with special needs.” As per this day, the scope of SPED inclusiveness has already widened as several secondary high schools began accepting students with special needs, blending them with regular students in the campus. However, this move aroused variety of challenges, especially for teachers. Is having separate class hours for special education learners a better choice then?

According to a research conducted by Ms. Simeona T. Ebol, a Special Education Program Specialist from the Special Education Division of DepEd, there are currently 133 SPED centers throughout the Philippines, which reflected that having separate class schedules and hours for learners with special needs is much more effective as educators are able to focus more on the sole purpose of the program which is

and integration of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) and an Advisory Committee for Education of Learners with disabilities in order to ensure that they receive unabridged acceptance as if they are no different than anybody else that exists in the society. Indubitably, this movement pursued by the government depicts that every kid can contribute and make a difference for as long as they are able to find a sense of belonging from a family that loves them unconditionally, friends that help them with no hesitation, and a community that brings hope to their seemingly futile being.

rather than having to roam around and having to look unto much more matters going on in a regular, seemingly zoo-like classroom. Moreover, there are several objectives and purposes as to why special education is offered to youngsters aside from the fact that it is a part of their basic rights as children and country citizens. On the authority of the Special Education Unit, DepEd NCR, it was stated that one of the objectives of SPED is to boost the maximum potential of a learner with special needs. This way, he will not only develop the essence of self-reliance, but also the importance of taking risks, and being willing to procure wisdom though education and use this as a weapon to defeat the hurdles that blocks the way towards opportunities. Truly, education is something that exists in the real world, yet is so magical and

On 2022, Republic Act 11650 was issued by the Office of the President, which is a law was issued tackling the legality of providing equal access to education for those children and aspiring learners with disabilities. Within the released memorandum paper of this legislation, it was mandated that there shall be a creation

Further, local public schools also opened SPED Programs, which was termed as “in their curriculum this School Year 2024-2025. Locally, in Narvacan National Central High School, a public high school marked under the Division Office of Ilocos Sur, learners with special needs were welcomed with warmth as they blended with regular students as per the first quarter period; based on the statistics, majority of these students are on 8th grade level. However, as the academic calendar turns its pages, proposals are gradually emerging from different perspectives, suggesting that SPED students should have separate class hours from the regular students since both groups require completely different responses when it comes to learning, highlighting that an individual’s teenage years are usually the time of exploration and the peak of their youth. Truly, with hawk-eyed observation, this bill can actually make it into the pile of consideration since frankly, special needs come with obligatory special teachings and attention.

In addition, based on the initial memorandum of DepEd Order no. 44, s. 2021, SPED shall ensure that students with disabilities are included in mainstream or general educational environments. This is where inclusivity enters the scene as for schools with SPED centers should also pave way for students with special needs to mingle with regular students, at some point not in homeroom scenarios but primarily during school events. Through this, students with special needs are able to join different kinds of interactive activities, making them feel that they are a part and they play a vital role on the growth of the school environment that they belong to. Through education, disabilities can become capabilities; and so this can be achieved with certainty by giving the most special care to those who need it most, too in a sensitive yet inclusive learning environment, all within a peculiar timepiece.

Experimenting for Progress

Assessing the Philippine education sector is a heavy task, especially when its officials, like any other government agencies, are stained with corrupt behavior. It is hard to tell whether they are doing things that will help or if they are doing nothing at all. So, is our country’s education system progressing forward or backward?

Under Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 13, s. 2023 is the implementation of the phase 4 of the MATATAG Curriculum. The MATATAG Curriculum reduced the previously 1 hour class periods per subject to 45 minutes. Now, it is incorporating the National Reading Program (NRP) and National Math Program (NMP) along with regular subjects, which, according to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), will result in a 30 percent increase in workload—from six teaching loads, teachers will now have eight. So, I do not think it makes much sense why it is a separate subject when English and Math already exist, subjects that correspond with what these programs are initially for. During the pandemic, some students stopped due to the lack of resources such as internet access for distance learning. According to Inquirer.net, at least 1.1 million students did not enroll for the school year 2020 to 2021. So, as an answer, the MarcosDuterte administration chose to experiment with a new curriculum known as the MATATAG Curriculum to address the challenges that the K-12 Curriculum faced. It may be the long-awaited solution to our education crisis and

the answer to the heartbreaking news that the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results brought to the country: that its students have low proficiency in Reading, Math, and Science. Therefore, the NRP and NMP are relevant and timely because they aim to enhance student’s math and reading skills.

Although relevant and timely, I believe its execution is once again substandard, which is also why it is catching strays. According to a report from GMA Network, the ACT called on DepEd to stop the implementation of the new MATATAG Kindergarten to Grade 10 (K-10) Curriculum. In a press conference, ACT SecretaryGeneral Raymond Basilio said the new curriculum did not undergo a democratic and comprehensive consultation with stakeholders. Even the teachers who know better oppose this decision, so it is no surprise that students also find it hard to enjoy the new curriculum. The Philippine education system undoubtedly has flaws, with those in power creating illusions instead of solutions to redirect the nation from the real problem. When will the Philippines stop using naive students like you and this author as lab specimens and experimenting for progress?

voxpopulisports

Esports and traditional sports dominate: over 50% approves

by Lujille Aprecio

A recent online survey found that a majority of respondents (55%) enjoy both esports and tra ditional sports, 34% still stick to traditional sports, and 9% are solely interested in esports.

IS

by Cedrick Jay Dandoy

Club bags medals

Ilocos Sur Taekwondo Club showcased an exquisite maneuver as they start to carry their body and made an outstanding expertise in their game clinching gold, silver, and bronze for the poomsae category in 2024 Region 1 Taekwondo Championships held at Robinsons, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte last September 28.

Calpo routs Medrano, 3-2; secures spot for the 2024 Batang Pinoy

by Cedrick Jay Dandoy

Carl Jake Calpo, the invincible tennist of Narvacan National Central High School (NNCHS) once again proved his preeminence inside the hall of Quirino Stadium at Bantay, trouncing the agile Joseph Nathaniel Medrano of Saint Paul College of Ilocos Sur (SPCIS), 13-11, 15-13, 9-11, 11-13, 11-6, clinching his place to represent Ilocos Sur for the upcoming National Batang Pinoy 2024 during the qualification round, Sept. 14.

Equipped with determination to attain the glorious title, Calpo unleashed his annihilating techniques as he showered his rival continues attacks that immediately made the enfeebled Medrano cry in river-like-sweat in the 1st set, 13-11.

Calpo continues to dominate the match with his undying agility as he blocked every attack his opponent made with his unconquerable defense that led to his victory in the 2nd set, fading off the agile Medrano, 15-13. After countless trials and losses, Medrano who was drowned in ocean-like-sweat succeeded to construct an untamed strategy, flooding his adversary with tenacious strikes that backed him to pluck the set and turn him into smithereens, 9-11. Medrano’s might didn’t end until the 4th round as he continuously showcased his full-potent spikes that gave Calpo a hard time to regain his lead even with his undying seen skills, 11-13.

In the decision set, Medrano’s streak ended as Calpo went on with his thunderous attacks and unpassable defense, taking the match in a roller coaster ride but with his simple third-ball attack, the match officially ended, 11-16. Moreover, Calpo successfully garnered the title and is set to represent Ilocos Sur in the Batang Pinoy 2024 as he ranked first out of 17 players in the province.

Sportsfest 2024: Sepak Takraw Regu concludes with intense competition by Ayne Jaczreel Gaboy

As part of the Interschool Narvacan Sportsfest 2024, the much looked-forward-to Sepak Takraw Regu (16 year-old and under, boys) competition that took place last Nov. 3 at Narvacan’s

With the theme “Unity through sports, celebrating athleticism, teamwork, and unity,” the main event got underway on Oct. 12 with competitive sports including inter-barangay basketball, inter-zone volleyball, and inter-NGO basketball, volleyball, and Sepak Takraw Regu which were highlighted to attract local attention.

After weeks of rigorous training, Sepak Takraw Regu players’ efforts paid off as they successfully delivered their annihilating footwork and strategy, which aimed to prove their determination and capability in their matches.

As the players demonstrated their commitment and hard work for the event by winning prizes and incentives, the coaches of the teams also expressed their happiness with the parents, friends, and other supporters following the tournament.

As the Narvacan Sportsfest 2024 comes to an end, the conclusion of the Sepak Takraw Regu competition stands as a testament to the importance of sports in

camaraderie, discipline, and excellence among the youth in the municipality.

STA. MARIA, 98-65

by Cedrick Jay Dandoy

ccoutered with precision shots and steadfast defense, the fearsome player, Grant Hill “Air” Casia, paved the way in proving that Team Narvacan Naisangsangayan is a force to be reckoned with, after boxing out Team Nalibnos a Sta. Maria in their quarter match with an impressive point, 98-65, at the district finals of One Ilocos Sur Inter-Town Basketball Tournament 2024, held at Candon City Arena on Sept. 15.

Narvacan Naisangsangayan’s unstoppable Casia commanded the court with unmatched prowess, setting a monumental record of effort and dominance at the goal, securing a triumphant victory over the faltering defense of Nalibnos a Sta. Maria.

Like a famished lion on the hunt, the rugged Narvacan repeatedly rained down precise shots and unleashed an impenetrable defense on Sta. Maria showcasing their team’s fierce dominance throughout the entire first quarter. The fire between the teams ignited after Sta. Maria released their vigorous attempts to score on the board with Domopian steel and swift defense, hoping to end the quarter in their hands but the mighty Narvacan never let their guard down, continuously bolting up throughout the court, finishing the first quarter in their control, 20-10.

The formidable Nalibnos a Sta. Maria released their relentless steals and jawdropping guard trying to overpower the mighty Narvacan, only to see their efforts thwarted as Casia launched a series of stunning three-point shots, firing up the emergence of the second quarter.

Narvacan Naisangsangayan, charged

with adrenaline rush, pursued their viscous dribbling skills and unwavering determination, complemented by Mike Gabriel Cabico’s spectacular two-point, as they aimed for yet another successful maneuver and demonstrated their potential to match their impressive start, ultimately sealing the game with a thrilling sweep, 34-29. Drenched in a river-like sweat, team Narvacan Naisangsangayan freed their lethal strategies and deceptive fakes in a nonstop quest to finally vanquish team Nalibos a Sta. Maria, after their pivotal score that shattered their rivals’ dreams of securing a quarter point during the third quarter, bringing the score to 51-40.

Narvacan Naisangsangayan displayed their unyielding defense and tenacious rebounds to skunk Team Nalibnos a Sta. Maria, ultimately succumbing to a heartbreaking defeat in the final quarter with a score of 98-65.

“Masayang-masaya. Kasi tayo ang nag champion sa Second District between Sta. Maria (Very happy. Because we are the champions in the Second District against Sta. Maria),” Jovenn Bernal Ampo Jr., coach of Narvacan Team, ambitiously said.