the
Pioneers’ Eye
POWER OUTRAGE: A student trying to finish his homework with the help of his mother, despite the whole island’s blackout at Brgy 13., Dapa, Surigao del Norte on Saturday, December 8. 2024. Photo by: Danica Lim
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GUIDING LIGHT
The Official Publication of Siargao National Science High School
Pioneers’ Eye the
Truth beyond the Campus, Voice for the Community
Power outage disrupts students’ learning, tests community’s resilience
Vol. 9 No. 1 Division of Siargao • Caraga Region • July 2024-April 2025
Source: Dapa MPS
communitynews
1 nabbed, P1-M Shabu seized in Dapa Major Drug Bust by: Angel Buo
A
46-year-old resident of Purok 1, Barangay 13, Poblacion, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, considered a highvalue individual (HVI), was targeted and arrested on a conducted buy-bust operation of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of Dapa Municipal Police Station led by PCPT Violeto D. Pepito, Jr. under Pre-ops No. 30003-122024-0154 from PDEA RO 13. On December 10, 2024, at around 9:30 in the morning. According to the Dapa MPS, during the operation, a HVI in the municipality was apprehended with resistance. In a language he could understand, he was promptly informed of his constitutional right under the Miranda Doctrine. The seized evidence includes a heatsealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu valued at Php1,121.32 (Buy-bust evidence), 30 sachets with a total weight of 150.625 grams, buy-bust money of Php 3,500, a water pipe, and various drug paraphernalia. The inventory of the confiscated evidence was conducted on-the-scene in the sight of credible witnesses. Furthermore, the suspect refused to sign the certificate of orderly search and inventory. Meanwhile, the suspect has been detained at the Dapa MPS. The evidence is now under the custody of the Investigating Officer-on-Case (IOC) for surveillance. Multiple charges of violation under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), including Section 5 (Selling of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of dangerous drugs), are being prepared for summary investigation proceedings. In a Facebook statement posted by the Dapa Mps, stressing the continuous efforts of law enforcement agencies to fight against selling and possessing of dangerous drugs. “This operation highlights the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drugs in the municipality and ensure the safety of communities.”
by: Angel Buo
T
he prolonged power outage on the island of Siargao, which began on December 1, 2024, has brought increasing challenges to its residents, particularly students who rely heavily on electricity for learning. The situation has not only disrupted daily routines but has also tested the adaptability and resilience of the community. For students, the blackout has turned academics into a struggle. Many have had to find creative ways to keep up with assignments and study sessions. “It’s hard to concentrate without proper lighting at night,” shared Danica Matulin, a senior high school student. She added that the situation has worsened due to the upcoming exams. According to Matulin, the lack of power has also disrupted the internet connection system, which is essential for research projects requiring online access. “The internet is barely usable during the outages,” she said. “We have to walk to areas with generators just to charge our gadgets like our phones or laptops to download files or print our lab reports.” Teachers, on the other hand,
view these blackouts not as hindrances but as opportunities to innovate and inspire resilience in their students. “Electricity is important, but it’s not everything,” Mrs. Irish Marie Gocela ensued, a teacher at Siargao National Science High School (SNSHS). “What matters the most is that learning continues, no matter the circumstances,” she marked. Gocela further explained that with or without the presence of electricity, educators should be flexible and resourceful. In addition, other teachers, like Mrs. Jacqueline Gubaton, see the outages as an opportunity to teach life lessons. “This is a chance to show our students how to adapt to challenges,” she said. “We’re not just teaching them academics; we’re teaching them how to think critically
and solve problems in real-life situations.” However, the situation still presents challenges. Teachers often have to spend extra time and resources preparing lessons, printing materials, or travelling to areas with power. Despite these difficulties, their optimism remains unwavering. “We’ve faced earthquakes and typhoons and now power outages,” said Gubaton. “But these challenges make us stronger. They push us to be better educators and show our students that perseverance is key.” In Siargao, the determination of its teachers proves that no challenge—electricity-related or otherwise—can dim the light of education.
“
It is hard to study during blackout because I cannot concentrate without proper lighting.
- Danica Mae M. Matulin - SNSHS Student
TIED TO THE TIDES FEATURE | PAGE 10
SCITECH | PAGE 14
Source: Dapa MPS
NEWS | PAGE 3
worth of shabu were ceased during the drug bust operation
EDITORIAL | PAGE 5
UNBOTHERED QUEEN
P1.1M
FEARLESS EXPRESSION
OUTAGE OUTRAGE
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