The Pipelines_Kananga National High School_RSPC2025

URGENT PLEA FOR PROTECTION

KNHS studes criticize anti-rape schemes; survey reveals discontent

ULRIKA MARIAE ASEO, NEWS EDITOR

To know the Kananga National High School (KNHS) students’ sentiments amidst the rising rape cases in Kananga, The Pipelines conducted a survey on November 19, 2024, and the result portrayed dissatisfaction.

Subjects of the survey are 15 students each from grades 7,8,9, and 10.

According to the survey, 73% of the KNHS students are not satisfied with the measures the school implements to combat rape.

Meanwhile, 50 of the total participants said that anti-rape programs implemented by the school are entirely futile or don’t solve the issue head-on.

Regarding possible reasons why someone commits rape, KNHS students believe that it could be mainly because of psychological issues, followed by peer pressure, substance abuse, and gadget influence.

The Pipelines decided to conduct the said survey after Kananga Municipal Police Station confirmed a surge in rape cases in the municipality, totaling 12 in the last two years.

A student who wished to keep his or her anonymity stressed that KNHS, especially those in charge of security and safety, should organize symposia relevant to rape and other sexual abuses.

“Honestly, we haven’t seen any symposium pa sa school

nga focus g’yud how to avoid rape unya unsaon pud sa mga women maka-avoid aning mga sexual-related crimes (Honestly, we don’t see yet any symposium in school that focused on how to avoid rape and how women can avoid various sexual-related crimes),” the student expressed.

Another student from a higher grade level shared that, if possible, teachers should also undergo reorientation regarding Republic Act 7610 or the child abuse law to ensure students are protected from teachers who may take advantage of their vulnerability.

“It’s not only about the rape, but need pud siguro sa mga teacher, actually dile lang sa KNHS, tanan school, nga ma reorient sila sa child abuse law para dile nila maabusaran ang mga students (It’s not only about the rape, but I think teachers also need, actually not only in KNHS, but all schools, to have teachers be reoriented on the child abuse law so they will not abuse the students),” the grade 10 student, who also wished to remain anonymous, emphasized.

STORY ON PAGE 3

Responding to students’ call,

KNHS CSSPC implements new security, safety schemes

EMMANUEL ANGELO ALA, STAFF WRITER

Kananga National High School’s (KNHS) Campus Security and Safety Policy Committee (CSSPC) announced the rollout of new school security and safety measures during an emergency faculty meeting held on November 6, 2024, at the KNHS Multipurpose Hall.

Said dissemination surfaced after members of the CSSPC approved all the newly crafted safety and security guidelines on the morning of the same date.

According to the document provided by Roland Castro, Coordinator of School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) of CSSPC, the new school regulations will take effect five days after being approved by the Committee.

Aside from the five-day leeway, the new protocols will take effect only after a document with all the provisions is posted in three conspicuous places, particularly in KNHS, ABC building, and another strategic area within Kananga.

The new security policies apply to KNHS administrators, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, parents or guardians, and visitors.

Castro said that the move to craft a new set of safety and security measures is a joint effort of KNHS, the local government unit of Kananga, the Philippine National Police, and the traffic auxiliary unit.

“Ang naniguro man g’yud ani kay ang police ug traffic, mu-support lang g’yud ta. Para man ni sa safety sa tanan (The police and traffic personnel spearhead this move. We just have to support. Anyway, it’s for the safety of all),” Castro stressed.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 5

EASING FINANCIAL TROUBLES

In an interview on October 25, 2024, at the DCOP office, Corpuz said that the ‘Libreng Sakay’ measure aims to help parents save money by eliminating transportation expenses.

Moreover, Corpuz emphasized that the initiative is part of the MPS’s efforts to end local armed conflict.

Captain Corpuz noted that the Libreng Sakay is beneficial, especially for students living in remote communities.

“This initiative aims to provide free transportation service to locals, particularly students. We hope to help the parents and students by offering free rides,” expressed Corpuz.

According to Richard Pedroso, grade 10 student, KNHS MPS’s free transportation program is very timely since the price of basic commodities is skyrocketing.

“Dako kaayo ni ug ikatabang kay ang matipid nga kwarta para pamilite

magamit na para pang dagdag sa ipapalit ug pagkaon (This helps a lot since the money that will be saved out of the free transportation, will be used instead in buying food),” Pedroso shared.

Meanwhile, Corpuz clarified that KNHS MPS only offers Libreng Sakay to students, depending on the patrol car’s availability.

“Kine nga program dile namo permi nga gin-ka-conduct. May schedule siya. Dahil meron din kasi kaming ibang mga activities, like checkpoints and community patrolling (We don’t conduct this program regularly. There is a schedule because we also have other activities, like checkpoints and community patrolling),” Corpuz stressed. However, Corpuz assured that Kananga MPS will do its best to provide frequent free transportation service to Kanangahanon students, particularly in the morning and afternoon.

URGENT PLEA FOR PROTECTION

KNHS studes criticize anti-rape schemes; survey reveals discontent

Roland Castro, Campus Security and Safety Committee (CSSC) Coordinator, reiterated that KNHS employs its own Campus Security and Safety Policy (CSSP) to address all safety-related concerns on the campus.

“The CSSP, it is a very comprehensive policy that has been followed by the school in ensuring students’ safety,” Castro noted.

When it comes to rape, Castro stressed that the school crafted a mechanism for helping the victims and ensuring justice would be served.

According to Castro, if there is a possible rape victim, the adviser should conduct an initial assessment. If a victim can provide sufficient information and evidence, the complaint will be elevated to the school’s CSSC.

If the CSSC is convinced of the veracity of the report, an alleged rape victim will then be channeled to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and then to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“If there are rape cases, for example, if the student is found out to be a victim of sexual violence, the victim will proceed to the Department of Social Welfare and

Development for proper investigation and the proper handling of the cases, and after that, it will be forwarded to the Philippine National Police for another investigation and filing of cases,” Castro informed.

Castro revealed that, as of the press time, the school has at least three rape cases, but all of them are already filed in court.

But despite the reported rape cases in school, Castro said that the students are still safe inside the school premises.

In fact, Castro shared that the CSSC recently launched a new set of safety and security protocols to heighten the school’s safety nets.

Meanwhile, Dr. Marivic Pajaron, KNHS Principal IV, assured she would keep coordinating with the PNP and DSWD for more inputs on how to protect students against rape and other sexual violence.

Pajaron also noted that she will convene the CSSC from time to time to check for updates.

Castro and Pajaron guaranteed the entire KNHS community that the school administration is doing its best to spare the students from rape and other forms of sexual harassment.

hiatus.

“So magpasalamat jud ta sa SSLG for hosting, initiating, and facilitating this acquaintance party (We need to be thankful to the SSLG for hosting, initiating, and facilitating this acquaintance party),” Pajaron emphasized during her opening message at the event. Pajaron added that hosting an acquaintance party is significant, especially for students, as it effectively establishes connections and fosters bonds among students from various sections and grade levels.

SSLG, under the leadership of Dr. Irene Olanda, scheduled the acquaintance party into two groups: grades 7 and 8 in the morning and grades 9 and 10 in the afternoon.

“Acquaintance party is important because it develops friendships and camaraderie. Not to mention the battery of talents students can showcase during the event,” Olanda said.

At the outset of the acquaintance party, students across grade levels were excited and energetic, proudly showcasing their stunning outfits.

Aside from featuring their dazzling attires, students also brought food to share with their classmates and peers from other grade levels. Beyond fostering strong connections and friendships, the event also showcased the world-class talents of KNHS students through various contests.

According to Lady Venice Alcain, grade 10 student, she was very happy because it was her first time attending such a memorable event.

She also agreed that the acquaintance party is indeed

Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in English, Dr. Arlita Labaclado, represented the Leyte Schools Division Office (SDO) and led the orientation.

Labaclado pointed out the significance of conducting Phil-IRI to provide appropriate intervention to learners.

Moreover, Labaclado emphasized that high school teachers must be equipped with pedagogical skills in teaching beginning reading, even if they are not in elementary school, to solve the problem if they have non-readers in their classes.

She also disccused that teachers should know the difference between the PHIL-IRI

in elementary and the new PHIL-IRI in high school.

Meanwhile, KNHS Principal IV, Dr. Marivic Pajaron, highlighted the power of reading to shape young minds and improve critical thinking, imagination, and empathy.

Pajaron also explained the unique role of reading coordinators in fostering a vibrant reading culture within schools and inspiring teachers and students.

On the other hand, Kananga District Supervisor Dr. Jasmine Misa stressed that reading is a passport to countless adventures where every page offers a new journey.

Misa further discussed the factors

“This is the very first time since took office as the Mayor of Kananga that have personally received a school paper from Kananga National High School (KNHS). We will support you, campus journalists. Just let us know,” said Kananga Mayor Manuel Vicente ‘Matt’ Torres to The Pipelines staffers, following a courtesy call from the entire editorial team on October 1, 2024, at the Mayor’s Office.

According to Corpuz, one of the main reasons why minors are prone to committing acts of lasciviousness is gadgets.

Corpuz said that when minors watch malicious materials online, they will likely try them out of curiosity. And after trying, addiction comes, which will lead them to actually carry out rape.

To counter the rising rape cases in Kananga, especially involving minors, Corpuz shared that Kananga MPS, through Chief of Police PMAJ Romeo Sudario Jr., conducted a series of symposia, not only about preventing rape but also drug use, bullying, and other concerns related to minors.

“Ang ginawa ng mga WCPD natin at tsaka chief of police, nag-conduct kami ng mga symposium. Iyong ibang victim kasi hindi nila alam kung saan magre-report, kaya mahalaga talaga ang pagka-conduct ng symposium (What our WCPD and chief of police did, we conducted a series of symposia. Some victims are unaware of where to report, so conducting symposia is important),” Corpuz highlighted.

Corpuz added that aside from rape, Kananga MPS also noticed a gradual increase in bullying among students.

Captain Corpuz appealed to the parents to discipline their children.

“Parents should discipline their children at home. Iyong mga teachers kasi, sila ay mga second parents lang ‘yan. Ang disiplina talaga ay nagsisimula sa

tahanan (Parents should discipline their children at home. Teachers only act as second parents. Discipline should start at home),” Corpuz emphasized.

Corpuz also called for other victims of rape and other crimes to come out and report to the Kananga MPS.

“Open ang Kananga MPS, sana mag-report pa yung mga ibang biktima para mabigyan ng hustisya (Kananga MPS is open, hope other victims will report so that justice will be served),” Corpuz appealed.

Meanwhile, when asked about the level of safety when she walks the street in Kananga, a minor who wished to be called Rose, not her real name, said that it is safe overall.

However, Rose admitted that when minors go out at night, it’s like they are inviting bad elements to come over them.

“Kung minor ka, dapat dile na ka maglakaw-lakaw sa gawas ug gabii. Unya magtarong pud ka sa imong paninina (If you are a minor, you should not roam outside at night. You should also keep your dress appropriate),” pointed out Rose.

Corpuz assured Kanangahanons that Kananga MPS is doing its best to protect the welfare of all citizens.

With the series of symposia, meetings, and information dissemination campaigns, Corpuz is optimistic that rape cases and other crimes in Kananga will

According to Torres, he prioritized bringing a stable water supply to KNHS, considering its huge population.

He added that the LGU continues to make efforts to provide a reliable water supply to the entire municipality of Kananga.

“Currently, it is still ongoing. The water filtration gallery itself is done in Brgy. Matin-ao. What’s ongoing is the construction of the pipelines going to Brgy. Masarayao,” Torres said.

Mayor Torres exclaimed that, like KNHS and other barangays in Kananga, residents in Brgy. Masarayao will soon benefit from a more stable water source.

Our water supply now is already available up to Brgy. Montebello. Ways forward, it will also reach Masarayao, they will also be supplied with water from a more stable water source),” explained Torres.

Moreover, Torres shared that he wanted to rehabilitate the old Kananga water system in Brgy. Mahawan to serve a wider area.

“I already talked with Leyte IV District Congressman Richard

from Matian-ao. Alvin Adriano, grade 10 student, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of KNHS admin, SPTA, and the LGU in providing KNHS with a more stable water supply.

“Wala pa man gud na ma-tap sa source sa Matin-ao. Ang atong tubig ‘ron nahuman na siya kutob Brgy. Montebello. Ways forward, hapit na gihapon na maabot na siya

Masarayao, magkatubig

Brgy. Matin-ao.

“At last, after pila ka years, naa na g’yuy stable na tubig ang KNHS. Dile na ‘mi mahago ug kinabu-ay, kapoy man gud, manakit amo lawas (At last, after how many years, KNHS finally have a stable water. We will no longer get tired fetching water; it’s tiresome; we experienced body pain),” Adriano lamented. Mayor Torres assured that, under his administration, he would always prioritize programs and projects that would benefit the students, especially those enrolled in KNHS, the biggest public school in Kananga.

NO MORE OVERCROWDING

Torres assures completion of LGU-funded classrooms by end 2024

Former ABS-CBN Tacloban news chief and currently the communications head of LEYECO III, Sharon Evite Carangue, inspired young campus journalists in her keynote speech during the opening of the 2024 Area IV Schools Press Conference (ASPC) on December 5, 2024, at Albuera Gymnasium.

“Be the generation of journalists who not just inform but inspire,” Carangue said.

“Be the voice for those who cannot speak, the lights for those in darkness, and the bridge for those seeking understanding,” Carangue added.

With the presence of student journalists, coaches, teachers, and journalism experts, Nestor De Luna, Area IV ASPC President, stated the purpose of conducting area schools press conferences.

“The press conference aims to demonstrate understanding of the importance of journalism, recognize its role, promote fair and ethical use of media, foster camaraderie, and provide learning opportunities,” De Luna stressed.

Meanwhile, Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) of Albuera South District, Dr. Evelyn Del Prado, acknowledged the participants, particularly campus journalists from Kananga, Albuera, Matag-ob, Merida, Isabel, and Palompon. Anikka Conejos, copyreader and headline writer of Kananga National High School (KNHS), pointed out that press confabs are not just competitions but training grounds.

“Press conferences are opportunities to hone skills and apply them to our future careers,” Conejos highlighted.

Children’s Congress empowers young voices in Kananga

Mayor

Manuel Vicente ‘Matt’ Torres guaranteed that the local government unit (LGU)- funded classrooms will be finished and utilized by Kananga National High School (KNHS) students within the school year (SY) 2024- 2025.

“LGU-funded classrooms will be finished this year. It is this year’s budget, so it has to be implemented within the year, basta expect mahuman na siya, including the turnover karong tuiga (Expect that it will be finished, including the turnover within this year),” ensured Torres in an exclusive interview at the Mayor’s Office on October 18, 2024.

As of press time, construction is already underway, and its projected completion will be in December 2024.

Asked about the total budget allocations for the two classrooms, Torres disclosed that it is roughly around five to six million pesos, complete with chairs, furniture, and other amenities.

“If I‘m not mistaken, nasa mga roughly between five to six million na ata na siya. It

comes already with furniture na, meaning naa nay chairs, everything, we’re meeting the standards of DepEd (If I’m not mistaken, it is roughly between five to six million. It comes already with furniture, meaning there are chairs already, everything, we’re meeting the standards of DepEd),” Torres said. Torres expressed he prioritized granting KNHS two classrooms, considering the whopping number of its enrollees.

Based on the official data from the school’s Education Management Information System (EMIS), KNHS recorded 2,333 junior high and 620 senior high enrollees this school year.

“I learned from your head, school head of Kananga National High School, from Ma’am Pajaron, that you still need classrooms there, but the only problem is

the space, kulang mo sa space (The only problem is the space; you lack space there),” Torres stressed. Torres clarified that he is willing to provide more classrooms to KNHS and will help resolve the concerns about the land area, but the problem is the limited funds.

Mayor Torres cited the Full Devolution program anchored on Executive Order (EO) No. 138, s. 2021, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, as the main reason he is currently tight on funds.

Said EO entitled ‘Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to Local Governments’ mandated full devolution of the provision of basic services and facilities to the local government units so national government agencies can focus on resolving persistent development issues.

“Since assumed office, only availed one year lang na from the national government sa classroom building

funds. It was the time man gud nga nag-devolution transition plan (Since assumed office, was just able to avail one year only of acquiring classroom building funding from the national government. It was the time that there was a devolution transition plan),” Torres explained.

Torres noted that the building of classrooms has already been devolved to the local government units. But the problem is, Torres exclaimed, is the funds.

“The problem is the fund because it’s the same fund that we work with, so we won’t be able to meet the gap,” Torres pointed out.

Fortunately, Torres highlighted that because Kananga is a first-class municipality, the LGU can still afford four classrooms yearly based on its local budget.

Torres revealed that for SY 20242025, KNHS and Natubgan Elementary School are the beneficiaries of two

classrooms (each school is granted two classrooms) LGU will donate. Torres emphasized that the LGUfunded building will consist of two classrooms built using state-of-the-art materials.

“It’s like a pre-fab material, waterproof, fire-proof so that it will be more conducive to learning for our students,” Torres shared. He added that using advanced materials is more cost-effective than conventional construction materials.

“I personally checked the supplier of the pre-fabricated blocks; they are really sturdy. If a strong force will hit, you just need a bit of skim coat, and it will be fixed,” Torres said. Meanwhile, Ma. Isabel Claros, grade 9 student, expressed her gratitude to Mayor ‘Matt’ for giving KNHS two classrooms.

“Dako ug tabang ang duha ka classroom nga gi-donate sa LGU Kananga. Just think about it, nagsige

baya ug increase ang population sa KNHS (The two classrooms donated by LGU Kananga are a huge help. Just think about it, KNHS population is rapidly increasing),” Claros emphasized.

Torres is optimistic that the latest addition of classrooms to KNHS, the biggest secondary school in Kananga, will, somehow, lessen the gap in classroom-to-student ratio.

Currently, KNHS has 61 total number of classrooms, projecting a 1:48 classroom-to-student ratio.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the standard classroom-to-student ratio for secondary school is one classroom for every 40 students (junior and senior high school), while for primary school, it is one classroom for every 35 students.

Torres pledged to the KNHS community that he would continue finding ways to provide bigger classroom projects for KNHS in the coming years.

With the theme ‘Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines,’ the three-day event brought together participants from the Supreme Secondary Learner Governments (SSLG) of various secondary schools in Kananga.

Dave Lonzaga, president of the Kananga Municipal Children’s Association Federation, emphasized the significance of the congress.

“This children’s congress will help children improve their participation in community affairs and familiarize them with their rights. It is crucial for children to understand their rights, particularly in the context of violence against children and the means to protect themselves.” Lonzaga also underscored

Kananga’s commitment to being a child-friendly municipality, advocating that children’s welfare should always be prioritized.

Lonzaga noted the formation of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and various ordinances designed to shield children from different forms of abuse. He assured that children in Kananga could anticipate more initiatives directed at their welfare.

Highlighting the congress’s importance, Karylle Tan, president of Kananga National High School SSLG, expressed her appreciation for the event.

“Given the latest trends in technology and the evolving mindset of new generations, basic rights can sometimes be

the LGU of Kananga organized this type of event; it is incredibly helpful,”

Tan remarked in an exit interview

The event concluded with a State of the Children’s Address delivered by Kananga Mayor Manuel Vicente

‘Matt’ Torres.

In his speech, Torres encapsulated the local government’s efforts in protecting and advancing children’s rights, reiterating the municipality’s dedication to ensuring that every young Kanangahanon is well-protected and informed about their rights.

Said children’s confab coincided with the celebration of Universal Children’s Month in November, marking the adoption of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959.

2024, to evaluate the Quarter III Accomplishment Report.

Schools in Kananga, Albuera, Matag-ob, Merida, Isabel, and Palompon composed Area IV. Lucena Cuervo, Area IV focal person, led the said performance scrutiny.

According to Cuervo, the quarterly assessment is an important undertaking that checks a school’s progress within three months.

“We are doing this quarterly assessment to check if the school heads are really performing and doing their best for their respective schools,” Cuervo highlighted.

The school performance review focused on five critical performance pillars: Equity, Quality, Resilience, Well-Being, and Enabling Mechanisms. Equity highlighted the number of learners in disadvantaged situations, such as indigents and low-resourced students.

On the other hand, Quality reported schools with students who did not meet expectations in various subjects, with most schools scoring a mean percentage

of 74 and below in the first Quarterly Assessment.

Report on Resilience and Well-Being outlined the schools that successfully conducted Phase 1 of performance planning and commitment and successfully implemented the RightsBased Education (RBE) program.

Enabling Mechanism showcased the School-Based Management Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SBM WinS) initiative’s accomplishments by schools, including the number of stars granted, along with problems and suggestions for development.

“I am happy because we are hosting this important event. This is the best opportunity for us to showcase the best practices of the schools in Area IV,” Dr. Marivic Pajaron, KNHS Principal IV, expressed.

In addition to checking performance and accomplishments, the event also determined the pressing challenges faced by school heads in Area IV.

Dr. Pajaron commends KNHS SPO for organizing journo

SETTING NEW STANDARDS

Student journos sharpen skills with expert-led training

According to Benjie Andriano, School Paper Adviser, campus journalism training is essential to ensure every campus journalist is well-oriented to what campus journalism is.

“We really need to conduct campus journalism training, especially for the newbies, so all of the staffers get to familiarize themselves with the essential elements and responsibilities of being a campus journalist,”

Andriano said.

KNHS SPO invited campus journalism experts for the training, including Ronald Reyes, Kevin Siosana, Matthew Jolo Palacio, Ed Tiquen, Cynthia Agner, Aaron Cotejar, and Elkanah Torres.

Topics discussed include news writing, editorial writing, column writing, sports writing, Sci-Tech writing, feature writing, copyreading and headline writing, editorial cartooning, photojournalism, publication management, broadcasting, layout and design, collaborative desktop publishing, and online publishing.

On the first day of the training, Reyes discussed publication management, news, editorial, and column writing.

Reyes stressed that writing always has a process, and journalists must keep making drafts until they find the perfect version of their articles.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon session, Siosana tackled sports writing, broadcasting, and podcasting.

According to Siosana, continuous practice, consistent effort, and dedication are the secrets to Palacio shared valuable insights on layout, design, and collaborative desktop publishing on the second day.

He emphasized the importance of producing visually compelling and well-organized publications.

“This is a good start. believe this is how you truly begin to innovate in the school publication—by preparing

early rather than waiting until just weeks before a competition,” Palacio stated.

Tiquen, on the other hand, talked about photojournalism, emphasizing the key elements and the importance of each photo in different articles.

“Photographers are violent people. First, they shoot you, frame you, then hang you,” Tiquen highlighted. Moreover, Agner covered the key elements and the importance of editorial cartooning, headline writing, and copyreading.

Agner stressed that what they discussed with KNHS campus journalists is just basic information.

“All of you still need to practice to reach an advanced level of journalism expertise,” Agner suggested.

On the last training day, Cotejar discussed Sci-Tech and feature writing.

Cotejar emphasized the importance of understanding the structure of feature writing and the difference between news writing and feature writing.

On the other hand, Torres focused on mobile journalism.

Torres outlined the growing impact of smartphones in journalism and the power of citizens to contribute to sharing information.

“Nice kaayo ang training kay daghan kaayo ko ug na-absorb na mga new information, labi na sa akoa field nga copyreading and headline writing (The training is very nice because absorbed a lot of new information, especially in my field, which is copyreading and headline writing),” expressed Anikka Yesha Conejos, The Pipelines copyreader and headline writer.

On the other hand, Andriano stressed that the campus journalism training is just the start.

“I will continue finding ways and employ innovations to train the KNHS campus journalists year-round,” Andriano noted.

During her closing remarks, Pajaron said she is happy with the SPO’s initiative to organize training for campus journalists.

Pajaron also emphasized the importance of journalism as a profession and a noble duty.

‘Remember, being a journalist is not just a profession; it’s a calling,” Pajaron highlighted.

Pajaron added that every article a student journalist writes can spark change, challenge injustice, and “bring light to the darkness.”

The principal also commended the campus journalism experts who agreed to be the resource speakers for the training.

The KNHS SPO pulled out renowned campus journalism personalities for the training, including Ronald Reyes, Kevin

Siosana, Matthew Jolo Palacio, Ed Tiquen, Cynthia Agner, Aaron Cotejar, and Elkanah Torres. Pajaron also complimented the new KNHS SPO adviser, Benjie Andriano, for spearheading such an event to help harness the SPO staffers’ journalistic skills. Andriano said that as long as the school principal trusted him and believed in him, he would continue employing massive innovations for the KNHS SPO.

“I have a lot of plans in line. will start creating the website of The Pipelines soon. will also start running The Pipelines TV to ensure we cope with the demands of the modern journalism landscape,” the school paper adviser stressed.

The election aimed to determine the new SPTA chairman and vice chairman who will lead the association this school year.

All elected classroom PTA presidents across grade levels participated in the SPTA elections.

To ensure fairness and objectivity, each candidate presented his or her plans for the school.

After all votes were cast, Frederick Cabaltera, president of STE 9, won the election for SPTA chairman, while Jose Mosquite, president of STE 7, secured the vice chairmanship.

In addition to the election, KNHS

officials, including Principal IV Dr. Marivic Pajaron and Dr. Irene Olanda, Supreme Secondary Learner Government Adviser, discussed important matters related to the school budget and resource allocation before the body to promote transparency.

In her message, Pajaron emphasized parents’ responsibility and the significance of cooperation in achieving the best outcomes for KNHS. The new SPTA officers are expected to assist the KNHS administration in developing new programs and projects that will improve the overall well-being of KNHS students.

UNFELT PROTECTION

National High School (KNHS) students will be spared from the threat of criminals.

In November 2024, The Pipelines conducted a survey targeting 60 students across grade levels.

The main gist of the survey is to assess students’ sentiments on the school’s response to the skyrocketing number of rape cases in Kananga in the last two years.

The results were deeply concerning—73% of KNHS students reported that they had not noticed any anti-rape programs within the school.

The results of the said survey are actually scary, considering the fact that it is no less than PCPT.

Ma. Alma Corpuz, Deputy Chief of Police (DCOP) at the Kananga Municipal Police Station (MPS), raised concerns over the continuing threat of rape in Kananga.

In all fairness, the school administration is committed to supporting anti-rape initiatives; however, again, the CSSC must first come up with a more decisive plan to counter rape. Additionally, the Guidance Office should increase its efforts to ensure students are well-informed about self-protection as preventive education can be just as powerful as law enforcement in stopping these crimes before they happen.

It is alarming that only 27% of KNHS students are satisfied with the school’s efforts regarding anti-rape schemes.

The Pipelines survey also scraped the students’ point of view on the possible reasons why someone commits rape. Based on the result, KNHS students believe that psychological distress is the leading root cause of committing rape.

Since mental

According to a report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), children are exceedingly vulnerable to various forms of abuse-physical, emotional, and sexual. Moreover, it is essential to note that victims of sexual assault carry their burdens for a lifetime. Their bad experience has an absolute effect on their future, leading to low self-esteem, and more often than not, they will suffer from anxiety and depression.

With these realities in mind, we, the students, are calling for immediate action.

The CSSC, being the school’s authority regarding safety, should step up. It should develop a more stringent response to the continuously brewing rape threat in Kananga. CSSC should organize rape-related symposia, post information and dissemination materials within the school premises, and provide a platform where potential victims of rape can freely vent their complaints.

Maybe some would contest that holding antirape campaigns and other related measures will only increase the workloads of teachers, but should student safety ever be considered a burden?

Creating an action plan for anti-rape initiatives and collaborating with the Kananga MPS will cost nothing but genuine concern for student welfare.

According to The Power of the Symposium: Impacts from Students’ Perspectives, authored by Diana Vanek, Nancy Marra, Carolyn Hester, et al., conducting symposiums is vital for developing a more effective solution to a particular issue. With this, CSSC should run one that will address the threat of rape anytime soon before it becomes too late. If we truly want KNHS to be

Disconnected empathy

This surge in sexual violence has left parents and students feeling anxious and vulnerable, leading to heightened scrutiny of the school’s Campus Security and Safety Committee (CSSC).

While Roland Castro, CSSC Coordinator, stressed that they had already ironed out a system should there be an alleged rape victim that will ask for help from the CSSC office, a recent survey of The Pipelines revealed the contrary.

Said survey showed that less than 30% of KNHS students are contented with the anti-rape campaigns initiated by CSSC and even the Guidance Office.

I’m sure the surge in rape cases has left parents and students feeling increasingly anxious.

from pursuing their malicious intentions. Ultimately, believe the crux of the issue lies in communication.

the campus will subtly instill fear in criminals not to pursue their wicked activities. But unfortunately, we do not see these kinds of stuff inside KNHS.

But what explains the disconnect with the students?

The primary reason many students are unaware of the CSSC’s efforts is the lack of concrete programs. Perhaps they’re looking for more symposia addressing the rising incidents of rape in Kananga.

They might also longing for training workshops focused on rape prevention.

This data suggests that the CSSC has struggled to implement effective programs aimed at safeguarding students from the ongoing risk of sexual assault. Reports from the Kananga Municipal Police Station paint a chilling picture-12 rape cases in just two years is a dire situation that cannot be ignored.

Additionally, students may want to see posters and information dissemination materials that could effectively deter potential criminals

One of the challenges KNHS campus scribes face is students’ lack of interest in joining the student publications.

According to a survey conducted at KNHS, 74% of students said they don’t entirely grasp the essence of campus journalism. The same percentage raised concerns that they have no knowledge of the fundamental dynamics of journalism in school.

This statistic alone proves one thing: KNHS needs a massive shift in its approach to campus journalism. Looking at the declining number of The

Pipelines staff, it’s clear that something isn’t working. And with the survey results backing this observation, the root cause becomes even more evident—students lack awareness of what journalism truly means. also suspect that one of the reasons why many students are not interested in being a campus scribe is because of time management issues. Yes, the life of a campus journalist is a constant juggling of academics and the solemn responsibility of informing students, teachers, parents, and stakeholders on events and issues that

The CSSC must enhance its outreach strategies to engage students more effectively.

Utilizing social media and hosting school assemblies that focus specifically on rape and other forms of sexual abuse will make a significant difference, especially in keeping the students, parents, and school stakeholders informed on the real score inside the campus and the Kananga as a whole.

Moreover, if students see anti-rape posters posted in strategic areas in the school, they will be reminded of the do’s and don’ts to keep them being the next target of rapists.

On the other side of the coin, heightened anti-rape measures within

Campus Journalism and Why? Double-edged sword

matter. But if can still perform well in my academics while submitting my articles to my editor on time, then other students can also do it. If there’s a will, there’s a way, right?

Unlike other school organizations and clubs, campus journalists are backed by Philippine law, particularly the Republic Act No. 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. Said law mandates that all schools in the country should run an efficient program to develop young journalists who will uphold the freedom of the press inside

While having protocols and plans in place is essential, they must be complemented by tangible actions and programs to combat rape and other crimes truly.

Students rely on the CSSC to craft effective countermeasures against rape and

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) became particularly pronounced in 2016 when Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo defeated the world champion Go player.

Since 2000, AI has evolved significantly producing advanced large language models, such as OpenAI’s GPT-3. In 2023, GPT-4 was developed, providing extraordinary human-like analytical capabilities and reasoning skills.

Another huge technological milestone was the rollout of 5G technology in the market in 2015. This type of internet connection offers a whopping 20 gigabits-per-second data rate at peak. Moreover, blockchain technology gained massive support globally, signalling a shift towards decentralized financial spheres.

Massive developments in robotics and animation also occurred in 2020 as people relied on automation

to counter the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notable technological advancements like ChatGPT, cryptocurrencies, robotics, animation, and others have made people’s lives easier and more efficient. However, even with how good technology can be, we must use it squarely. Otherwise, we will face a future where human value no longer exists. For example, there is nothing wrong with using ChatGPT as long as you use it properly.

Question: How to use ChatGPT properly?

Well, it’s very simple: you must do your thing before you ask AI to refine it.

If you are writing, then write first a draft. Read and edit your article; if everything goes well, you can submit it to ChatGPT for final polishing.

Remember that AI models can never replace humans.

According to an article published on The Adroit

the academe.

Another impediment I see as another demotivating factor for prospective campus journalists is the seemingly ‘inconsiderate’ treatment of some teachers to student journalists.

Teachers must remember that campus journalists may sometimes miss classes if assigned to cover newsworthy events. As a campus journalist, see nothing wrong with it. don’t see any valid reason why some teachers will not allow student journalists to submit their missed quizzes or activities after their assignments.

to disregard and even throw ‘harsh’ words to campus journalists, it’s not impossible that the 74% of students who don’t know how campus journalism works will become 100% anytime soon. ...even with how good technology can be, we must use it squarely. Otherwise, we will face a future where human value no longer exists.

Journal website entitled Why Writing is Not Intended for Robots by Benjie Andriano, robots cannot replace humans, especially in writing, because they can’t communicate as humans do and don’t recognize empathy.

Therefore, yes, we can use ChatGPT but don’t let it write the whole thing in lieu of you. If you rely entirely on ChatGPT and other AI applications, you will certainly arrive at an erroneous output.

Same is true with using the internet- we also need to be cautious. Utilization of cell phones for searching online is not prohibited in schools; in fact, it is encouraged to ensure students are globally competitive. However, if you use your mobile phone more than listening to your teacher’s discussion, there is something wrong.

If some teachers continue to disregard and even throw ‘harsh’ words to campus journalists, it’s not impossible that the 74% of students who don’t know how campus journalism works will become 100% anytime soon. But despite endless hurdles, will forever stand proud as a member of The Pipelines, the official school and community publication of Kananga National High School. Will ever quit? The answer is simple: As long as my blood is filled with ink and my heart beats for storytelling, this cause will never end!

Blockchain is also a revolutionized way of saving and earning digital money, but don’t be carried away too much that you forget to deposit in physical banks. You must remember that when something operates online, it is always on the brink of scammers and hackers.

What if you lay all your resources online via blockchain, and the platform suddenly gets corrupted?

Indeed, we need to strike a balance in everything we do, much more in relying on technological advancements we can barely control. Now, if you think technology already invaded humans, think twice.

Again, there’s no other replacement for humans, especially in education. But you can, of course, benefit from the power of the internet but use it to supplement the discussions or the inputs imparted by your teacher.

Voices Ignored?

As a campus journalist since elementary, understand the unique dynamics of this role. Student journalists operate under the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 or the Republic Act No. 7079, which promotes campus journalism and protects freedom of the press within the academe. sometimes excuse myself from classes to fulfil my duty of informing others about significant events at school. Recently, our coverage has extended beyond school activities to encompass events throughout the entire municipality of Kananga.

Being in love constitutes complex emotions expressed through acts of kindness, words of affection, or spending quality time with someone special. Students, considering they are in the puberty stage, are the ones who are prone to developing unique feelings towards other individuals. But as much as showing affection to others causes no harm, there’s a need to strike a balance. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many students who seemingly get carried away

Despite the arduous tasks and demanding deadlines, do not complain; see it as an obligation must uphold. However, am disheartened to encounter some teachers who are inconsiderate of the efforts that my fellow campus journalists and invest in our work.

Instead of giving us leeway for the quizzes, assignments, and projects we’ve missed in line with the performance of our duty, some teachers would tell us that we are not entitled to any special arrangement.

Can you imagine how our morale drops upon hearing these demotivating

wonder why some teachers are flexible with student-athletes but not with campus journalists.

remarks? With the ‘disinterested’ gestures and sharp glares from some of my teachers, find myself questioning: Did do something wrong? Is being a campus journalist a sin?

While understand that some teachers want to maintain stringent academic standards, providing campus journalists with the flexibility and understanding we need to balance our responsibilities is essential and just. I wonder why some teachers are flexible with student-athletes but not with campus journalists. Like athletes, we

tirelessly

Conference, and

Schools Press Conference, and we aspire to excel again in the National Schools Press Conference. However, can we truly give our best when we’re burdened by the thought that some teachers are leaving us behind?

How can we concentrate on our writing knowing that we will be greeted with a mountain of schoolwork upon our

Why is K to 12 not enough?

by their emotions. Instead of focusing on academics, they prefer to spend more time talking with their boyfriend or girlfriend. And the problem goes beyond the school as many students who have engaged in relationships with the opposite sex also learned to disregard their parents.

Can you imagine how painful it is for your parents to hear you uttering harsh words to them just because you’re in love with a person whom you know only for one, two, or maybe three months?

Mind you, you can mess up with other people when circumstances necessitate, but never with your loving parents. am also a student, but it makes a lot of difference if you are a responsible student.

also felt something special toward others but never allowed it to hinder my studies. always remind myself that the very reason why my parents sent me to

Unite amidst the turmoil

The main issue boils down to VP Sara’s alleged misuse of funds while she was manning the education department.

The House of Representatives, operating on the idea of holding investigations in aid of legislation, unleashed a seemingly episodic trail to pin down the VP.

The House Quad Committee (quadcom) did its job of inviting resource persons who could shed light on the issues at hand, including VP Sara, who outrightly denied all the allegations.

Based on the accusations, a total of P150 million allocated to DepEd in 2023 has been misused in various forms by the young Duterte.

But the said amount appears to be the baseline, as additional charges related to malversation of funds surfaced in the consecutive hearings.

With a huge amount involved,

there’s nothing wrong with digging for the truth, but hopefully, this is not part of a grandstanding and political circus.

Instead of holding regular hearings, the lower house could opt to bring the issue to the proper authority- to the court. In this way, VP Sara would have to answer all the allegations in a proper forum without having the time to prepare well-crafted scripts.

Bringing the issue to the legal realm will also provide relief to VP Sara from the seemingly ‘brutal’ media crackdown she’s experiencing.

Yes, the VP enjoys immunity as long as she holds office, but one remedy is left- the impeachment.

As of press time, three impeachment complaints have been filed against the vice president, and we can only hope for the best outcome.

Again, this legal remedy of getting the VP accountable must run as soon as

possible, and non-stop media publicity should be stopped once and for all. Not only is VP Sara blaming the House for “invented” accusations, but she has also engaged in a word war with none other than President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr.

Indeed, excessive media tirades will not yield positive results, and the VP is now caught off guard.

But then again, let the justice system follow its course. Let us not derail nor judge personalities by merely relying on hearsay.

We appeal to the government’s higher-ups to maintain their composure. They must keep their professionalism no matter what happens because the nation’s future is watching.

If the Philippines’ leaders can’t unite, how much more can we expect from ordinary citizens fighting issues they barely understand?

school is so that could finish my studies and have a promising future. Certainly, having a boyfriend is not part of their plan!

If you are really in love, enjoy it and use it as a motivating factor to perform better in school.

Why not tell your special someone you both visit the library and learn new things? Why not brainstorm about your assignments or activities?

Instead of giving all your attention to your affection, don’t lose focus. Don’t

disembark on your educational journey just because you know someone who makes you feel extra special. Instead, let that person fuel you more energy to finish your studies with flying colors. hope my message is clear and every KNHS student understands my point. There is definitely nothing wrong with loving a person as long as it will not derail your future. And if you haven’t yet been swept up by the “love poison,” trust you will take my advice to heart!

The ripple effects of social media

parties.

Nowadays, scanning social media platforms has seemingly become a usual scene in Philippine households. In fact, the Digital 2022 report revealed that Filipinos aged 16-64 spend an average of 4 hours and 6 minutes using social media every day. don’t see anything wrong with using social media, as long as it is used the way it is intended. However, have noticed one problem- many people use social media, like Facebook, not for entertainment, but for ranting and posting negative content. This dilemma must change once and for all. Instead of solving your problem, if you publish it on Facebook and it is seen by millions globally, you will definitely create another problem.

Why would you post your grudge against your coworker on Facebook? Why would you air your grievances against another person online when you can discuss them personally? Facebook and other social media platforms will never solve your problem, so why post them? And remember, if you go overboard and mention the names

of individuals in your posts, you could actually be charged with cyber crimes under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175). Using social media indiscriminately can escalate situations and involve innocent parties.

For instance, teachers who post inappropriate content risk tarnishing their school’s reputation. Similarly, ordinary citizens should consider the broader implications of their posts. Ranting online can damage not just the individual targeted, but also their family, friends, and workplace, subjecting them all to unnecessary scrutiny and distress. Before sharing grievances on social media, reflect deeply on the potential fallout. Is it worth jeopardizing someone’s credibility and causing ripples of misery to others connected to them?

Thoughtful communication is crucial to prevent dragging entire communities into online disputes. Ultimately, social media should foster positive engagement rather than fuel negativity.

am writing to express my concerns regarding implementing the Philippines’ K to 12 basic education system.

According to a survey conducted in June 2022, 44% of adult respondents reported dissatisfaction with this program, a significant increase from the 28% recorded in September 2019.

As a student in a public school, feel compelled to highlight the burdens imposed by K to 12, particularly for families like mine, who live below the minimum wage threshold.

The additional two years of high school are a heavy financial strain that

adversely impacts my parents’ ability to provide for us. Since the K to 12’s first implementation way back on April 24, 2012, we have not observed significant improvements in our educational landscape; in fact, conditions appear to have worsened.

The 2022 PISA results reveal that the Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries in reading, math, and science, underscoring our low performance relative to global standards. Moreover, the Philipines Statistics Authority (PSA) said that the number

of unemployed Filipinos was 2.38 million in July, a clear disconnect between the supposed high-quality graduates we produced because of K to 12 and the employability rate.

Mr. President, it is evident that the challenges we face do not reside with the students or graduates; instead, they lie within the frameworks and individuals managing our educational programs. Extending years in basic education without achieving meaningful improvements is counterproductive. It may be more effective to enhance and expedite the

Over the fence

KNHS students are supposed to be inside the school premises until 5 in the afternoon, but because of the fence near KCS, some students even leave the school premises as early as 3 PM.

Students who cut classes don’t understand how dangerous it is to be out of school earlier than it should be.

First and foremost, if something goes wrong when they are outside, the school is not liable for it. Why? Because they illegally go out of school.

What if students who go outside as early as 3 o’clock suffer from accidents,

Seeing stray dogs and cats inside the campus is not an unusual thing. While some animals pose serious threats, especially if they are abandoned, our resolve is to employ relevant measures and initiatives to ensure students are safe together with animals. And that’s when the Class Pet program comes in.

like getting hit by a car or, worst, being a victim of crimes like rape- who’s fault it is?

Moreover, students easily getting out of school by jumping in the back fence will become a precedent for outsiders to do the same.

The sad reality is that students who cut classes will yield more serious security concerns, potentially involving criminals from outside.

But KNHS can’t be blamed if something happens to students who jump over the fence because, in the first

place, students are constantly reminded not to do such.

In fact, the guards, including SSLG officers, routinely roam at the back fence to ensure no students are loitering and eventually will escape from their classes.

However, since the root cause of the problem is traced to the student’s attitude, whatever safety measures KNHS employs will never be enough.

Stubborn students wait until the guard or SSLG officers have done their roving, and they will immediately jump over the fence.

implementation of education-related initiatives that genuinely address the core issues.

humbly urge you and our competent Department of Education Secretary, Sonny Angara, to reevaluate the K to 12 program and investigate why it has not yielded the anticipated outcomes.

Focusing on effective strategies rather than merely extending the timeline can pave the way for a more robust and equitable educational system that truly benefits our nation’s youth.

Mr. President, it is evident that the challenges we face do not reside with the students or graduates; instead, they lie within the frameworks and individuals managing our educational programs.

The sad reality is that students who cut classes will yield more serious security concerns, potentially involving criminals from outside.

On the flip side of the coin, KNHS can still do more to leave students with no option but to attend their classes.

The height of the back fence is not too high to discourage students from jumping; thus, one of the solutions could be adding more blocks to the fence.

Moreover, installing CCTV cameras at the back fence will also help deter students from further attempting to climb the fence.

Unfortunately, these countermeasures would entail funding and should be properly included in the

school’s priority projects. If only all the students were responsible for fulfilling their duty to learn and develop their full potential in school, the problem on the back fence would never exist.

At times, when see students running, smiling, and excitedly jumping off the fence, ask myself: Are these children the hope of the motherland? hope it’s not too late to appeal to your kind heart, my fellow students. If you really love KNHS, then show it beyond the 4-feet fence!

The hands-on experience students will reap from caring for class pets will prepare them for future responsibilities, whether with family duties or even professional careers.

Decoding

The Ylang-ylang tree, scientifically known as Cananga odorata, is truly a remarkable plant native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines.

Like the blossoming Ylang-ylang tree, the Kaanyag Festival serves as an emblem that celebrates the beautiful and captivating persona of every Kanangahanon.

Situated in Leyte’s heart, Kananga boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and promising future developments.

Based on the 2020 census, 59,696 people inhabited Kananga within its 144.20 square km. territory.

Various local legends weave the narrative of Kananga’s origins.

One of the stories explaining the origin of Kananga is the vast reserve of Ylangylang trees in the municipality during Spanish colonization.

Basically, Kaanyag is about showcasing how beautiful and friendly Kanangahanons are, just like how captivating Ylang-ylang is and how Angga’s tuba forged friendships among people for ages.

In 2023, the LGU Kananga launched the Kaanyag Festival, and it’s nothing but a hit! Aside from showcasing the innate

history, and at the same time, it invited many visitors. But if you’re not

And because of the irressistible scent of Ylang-ylang, Spanish soldiers will opt to spend more days in what’s now the municipalty of Kananga before going to Carigara or Ormoc.

Much like the fragrant blossoms of the Ylang-ylang tree, the people of Kananga, or the Kanangahanons, exude a warm and attractive personality. If you have the opportunity to stay in Kananga, even for just a few days, you’ll find it easy to forge genuine bonds of friendship. The Kanangahanons are friendly, loyal, and always ready to lend a helping hand in times of need.

Just like the Ylang-ylang, that is used not only in making perfumes, but also in traditional medicine, Kanangahanons are very flexible. As long as you don’t cross boundaries, they will keep you a friend no matter what your innate attitude is.

To celebrate the vibrant culture of Kananga and the significance of the Ylang-ylang tree, the Kananga Kaanyag Festival was conceived. Festival dancers showcase the rich culture of Kananga through their outfits and grooves, incorporating elements inspired by Ylang-ylang.

However, just as one should not take advantage of the Ylang-ylang’s beauty, the good hearts of Kanangahanons should be cherished. Miscalculating their kindness can lead to a gradual wilting of relationships, much like an Ylang-ylang tree that is not taken care of.

Don’t ever abuse a local of Kananga, for they are resilient enough to succeed in isolation. Kanangahanons are renowned for their exemplary ability to adapt to changes, so you must not take advantage of them.

Amidst challenges, Kanangahanons remain steadfast. They always fight battles happily just like how Ylang-ylang transcends in the lush forests of Kanannga.

As the Ylang-ylang tree sways gracefully in the breeze, it whispers a tale of cheerfulness, embodying the lively spirit of the Kanangahanons. They are often seen engaging in joyous traditional dances and celebrations, especially during the Kaanyag Festival.

The Ylang-ylang tree stands as a powerful symbol of the Kanangahanons’ resilient and charming character.

Deeply embedded in their culture, the Ylang-ylang holds immense significance for the community, showcasing the profound value they place on innate connections and bonds.

When you see an Ylang-ylang wherever you are, let it serve as a reminder that a Kanangahanon will always be by your side, offering unwavering support through both good and bad times.

Since the scientific name of Ylang-ylang is Cananga odorata, the term Kananga was used as the municipality’s name.

Another beloved story centers around Angga, wellknown as the place’s finest tuba (coconut wine) maker.

Whenever people from other places ask where to buy the finest tuba, they immediately answer, ‘Kan Angga.’ Years passed, and the place where Angga once lived is now called Kananga.

Whether it is due to the vast reserve of the captivating Ylang-ylang tree or the best tuba of Angga, one thing is sure: Kanangahanons are kind, friendly, and beautiful people.

Unlike its neighbouring towns and Ormoc City, Kananga has not had a festival for decades.

To develop Kananga’s very own festival, Hon. Mayor Manuel Vicente M. Torres instructed expert individuals, including historians, to trace the origin of Kananga.

After learning that the word ‘Kananga’ couldbe derived from the captivating Ylang-ylang tree with Cananga odorata as a Scientific name, and of course, the story of Angga, Torres did not waste time to coin Kaanyag Festival, as the official festival of the first-class municipality.

Inspiration and Empowerment at the Heart of the

Kaanyag Fest

A sea of shimmering lights and roars from the audience roamed around the stage as the once-in-a-year event of Kananga, Leyte, started.

One young woman appeared to have the most incredible sense of pride and accomplishment on her face during the event- she’s Karylle Tan, and her story is not just about the festival and glamour.

Karylle radiated a profound sense of wisdom, adorned with captivating narratives that were both unending and inspiring. Her experiences from the festival highlight the importance of hard work, self-belief, and the unparalleled might genuine companionship could bring.

“Lisod ang practice, labi na kung estrikto ang choreographer (The practice is challenging, most especially if the choreographer is strict),” Karylle acknowledges, identifying it as one of her greatest demotivating factors. Yet, she also sees it as a powerful source of self-determination and resolve. She was both respected and feared by the most formidable hurdles- the grueling workout sessions and the relentless mental fatigue that accompanied them. Yet, amidst this struggle, individuals like Karylle refused to retreat. Driven by an unyielding passion for her work, she sought to share the vibrant

UBAN FALLS Kananga’s Hidden Jewel

and nature lovers alike.

Its spectacular visuals convey much, but the journey to this enchanting landmark is what truly makes it unforgettable.

The journey begins with a thrilling 19-minute motorcycle ride from Brgy. Poblacion to Brgy. Libertad.

But

the people who cherish it.

However, there’s much more to Ylang-ylang than meets the eye. Prepare to discover ten fascinating facts about this beautiful and aromatic tree that are sure to surprise you!

1. Scientific Name Ylang-ylang’s scientific name is Cananga odorata, reflecting its aromatic nature. You bet! According to historical records, Kananga derived its name from Cananga odorata.

Ylang-ylang, a captivating tree celebrated for its enchanting fragrance, holds a profound significance in the cultural heritage of

2. Tropical Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives in tropical climates, particularly in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

3. Unique Flowers The flowers are star-shaped and can be greenish-yellow to deep yellow, releasing a sweet, floral scent.

4. Essential Oil Ylang-ylang oil is extracted from the flowers through steam distillation and is widely used in perfumes and cosmetics.

5. Aphrodisiac Properties Traditionally, Ylang-ylang is considered an aphrodisiac and is often used in romantic blends.

6. Traditional Medicine Ylang- ylang has been used in folk

medicine for various ailments, including anxiety and high blood pressure.

7. Pollinator Friendly The flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.

8. Tall Tree Ylang-ylang trees can grow up to 30 feet tall, with a broad canopy that provides plenty of shade.

9. Cultural Significance In some cultures, especially in the Philippines, Ylang-ylang flowers are used for ceremonial purposes.

10. Symbol of Love It’s often used in weddings and romantic settings, symbolizing love and attraction.

In a bold initiative to elevate the Kananga National High School Student Publications Office (KNHS SPO) into a distinguished name in local, division, and higher media circles, Principal IV Dr. Marivic R. Pajaron has appointed Benjie Andriano as the new student publication adviser starting the school year 2024- 2025.

Andriano opened up in an exclusive interview, “I’ve been a passionate would-be journalist since was a kid. Journalism has always been my refuge. used to listen to local and national news on my little bedside radio for hours,” he said with a smile.

His love for journalism began developing in high school, where he kept a “valuable” notebook to document his newfound interest in the craft.

Andriano believes it is time to implement a comprehensive innovation for the KNHS campus press.

He emphasized that Kananga is a first-class municipality and that the students in the area are intelligent; therefore, it is impossible not to find the finest homegrown journalists who could be recognized not only in the region but even on a national level.

Now that he has officially taken over, Andriano outlines a realistic vision for the KNHS SPO.

“While cannot promise extraordinary things or immediate victories, assure the KNHS community that this year marks the beginning of a more active and dynamic campus press,” Andriano said.

But it was in Tacloban, at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), where his journalistic instincts were sparked while working as a news writer and eventually as a news editor for the university’s highly regarded student publication, The Industrial Wheel. Before becoming the head of the SPO, Andriano also served as a freelance writer for the regional newspaper Opinyon 8. Moreover, he has written for several companies in the Philippines and abroad as a side hustle.

Andriano wants to create a setting where students from varying backgrounds feel comfortable telling their stories.

He also thinks that amplifying young voices will improve the publication by helping students learn to express themselves and giving them an outlet to air their sentiments.

The new adviser stressed he will equip aspiring journalists with the practical skills they need through workshops and mentorship programs, which will bridge the gap between theory and practice.

is

Andriano believes these initiatives are vital, as the KNHS SPO serves as a platform for social change within the school and surrounding communities. He also hopes to inspire students to address important issues through investigative reporting and balanced opinion writing.

Generation Alpha, born from 2010 onwards, is the first cohort to grow up entirely in the digital age, heavily influenced by social media and technology. Meanwhile, Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is characterized by its adaptability and creativity, navigating a world shaped by rapid change. Check out the 12 common slang terms used by these two generations, highlighting their creative language and how they reflect contemporary societal trends and youth culture in the Philippines.

Sana All- A phrase expressing wishful thinking; wishing good things for others.

Flex- To show off or highlight something impressive.

Chillax - A mix of chill and relax; to take it easy. Pabebe- Someone who acts cute or childlike, often with a playful attitude.

Lodi- Derived from “idol”; used to refer to someone admired.

G! (Go!) - A term used to express excitement or encouragement, like saying “let’s go!” Skibidi- is a slang term used by Generation Alpha to initiate playful, nonsensical conversations and compete in the absurdity of jokes that follow.

Cringe- A feeling of embarrassment, discomfort, or secondhand embarrassment experienced in response to an awkward or socially unacceptable behavior.

GOAT- Greatest Of All Time, used to describe someone or something as the best in their field.

Here you have it: the top 12 emerging slang words coined and used by Generation Alpha and Generation Z. As language evolves, we can expect to see even more new words in the coming years. The creativity and adaptability of these generations promise to keep the lexicon fresh and dynamic, reflecting their unique experiences and perspectives. In the vibrant landscape of Filipino youth culture, slang serves as a dynamic expression of identity and connection.

Beshie - A term for best friend; combines “best” and “friend.”

Bet- Affirmation or agreement, similar to definitely. Lowkey- Secretly, subtly.

FREE FROM THE SCARE

Kananga National High School (KNHS)

Principal IV, Dr. Marivic Pajaron, said this in her inspirational message for the Science Month Culmination held at KNHS’s covered court on September 24, 2024. Pajaron appealed to students to think scientifically and experiment to find solutions to local and even global problems.

“Yes, makasugod mo sa inyo kaugalingon. Huna-hunaa nga scientist mo, mag try mo ug experiment to provide solutions even sa atoa lang usa level, sa school ug community (Yes, start with yourselves. Think that you’re scientists; try experimenting to provide solutions, even for school and community problems),”

Pajaron urged.

Said program featured ‘Search for Scientist Look-Alike 2024’, where students impersonated famous scientists.

Among the scientists portrayed include

Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Nicola Tesla, Marie Curie, and Thomas Edison.

According to Sasha Lee Peterson, grade 10 student, the Science Look-Alike contest was an innovative way of instilling in students the value of Science.

“Very nice kaayo. Nalingaw ko kay nagtransform man ang akoa mga classmate.

Hope naa pa ni next year (It’s very nice. was entertained because my classmates have transformed. Hope this will continue next year),” Peterson shared. Students also fronted display booths showcasing various innovative projects, including machines, robots, and circuit boards.

The event also announced the winners of various competitions held during Science Month, such as the Science quiz bee (conducted per grade level), poster-

TAs early as October, Department of Agriculture

Secretary Franciso Tiu Laurel issued Memorandum Circular No. 44, series of 2024, attesting Leyte is free from the virus that usually affects birds and some mammals.

Meanwhile, according to Andrew Orais, Department of Agriculture (DA)-Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director, placing Leyte free from Avian influenza entailed hard work and consistent effort.

In fact, Orais said that it took them 90 days of continuous cleaning and disinfection before the subject poultry farms and areas yielded negative bird flu results.

“Through the concerted efforts of the local government, DA, and the Bureau of Animal Industry in applying effective disease control measures such as the immediate depopulation of infected birds, intensive cleaning

making contest, Science debate, Scidama, and Siyensikula.

According to Joyce Anne Yape, Science Department Head, they will keep thinking of new innovative contests to make next year’s Science Month even more festive. “We will make sure nga daghan pa ug new Science-related contests ang ato i-held next year. Nakita nato karon nga nice kaayo, it’s a good start na gyud (We will make sure that more Science-related contests will be held next year. We saw now that it’s very nice, it’s really a good start),” Yape said.

Pajaron encouraged students and even teachers to embrace the spirit of inquiry, emphasizing that Science is not confined to laboratories but fosters a mindset that seeks to help solve world problems.

and disinfection activities, and strengthened biosecurity measures, the threat of spreading the virus was immediately halted,” Orais stressed.

Orais said they culled 60,000 chickens in Kananga to control the disease outbreak.

Onset of Bird Flu Scare

Leyte ended its bird flufree status on March 19, 2024, after owners of Leyte Poultry Development Corp located in Kananga, Leyte, reported an unusual chicken mortality rate.

After receiving the report, the DA immediately dispatched a team to check and manage the situation.

A total of 23 workers were identified as close contacts of the infected chickens but eventually declared as negative for the virus by the DOH.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is caused by Type A viruses that primarily

affect wild waterfowl but can also impact domestic birds and other animals. Though these viruses usually do not infect humans, sporadic human cases have been reported recently.

According to the UN Health Agency, bird flu has affected 108 countries across five continents as of 2024.

To establish a stringent safety net against bird flu, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 280, allowing law enforcement agencies to employ restrictive entry measures, especially for people coming from countries identified with bird flu outbreaks.

Moreover, the DOH also heightened its surveillance efforts and even established a quick response and quarantine scheme for people suspected of being infected by the said virus.

Said celebration aims to showcase students’ talents, innovative mindsets, and promote scientific literacy.

In line with the celebration, KNHS faculty, students, and stakeholders participated in various activities, including Zumba, fun run, tree planting, and cleanup drive, organized by the Science Department, led by department head Joyce Ann Yape and subject coordinator Marina Taganas.

The celebration started around 5 AM with a warm-up routine spearheaded by MAPEH teachers.

After the warm-up, the fun run followed.

The fitness run started at the KNHS grounds and proceeded along the San Agustin- Libongao bypass road.

“Nalipay ko kaayo sa fun run kay naunat ako mga kaugatan. Maayo ni siya kay makapahealthy (I am very happy about the fun run because it stretches my veins. This is good because it keeps us healthy),” Julius Delima, grade 9 student, shared.

To ensure the safety of all participants, KNHS coordinated with the Kananga Municipal Police Station (MPS), under the baton of PMAJ Romeo Sudario Jr., for convoy patrols and security details throughout the event.

Search for Scientist Look-alike

The Science Month included the ‘Search for Scientist Look-alike’ competition, designed to highlight students’ best portrayals of their favorite scientists, complete with gestures and nuances. This contest served as the grand finale of Science Month and took place on September 24, 2024.

Precious Jahzybryn Tan Cinco, grade 9 STE student, emerged as the champion for her seamless portrayal of the renowned Polish-

Kananga National High School (KNHS), through School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) coordinator Roland Castro, in coordination with Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer Manuel Gardoque, carried out an earthquake drill on September 26, 2024, at the KNHS campus.

According to Castro, the drill aligns with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (PHIVOLCS) declaration of September 26 as the date for the nationwide simultaneous earthquake exercise for the third quarter of 2024. The school earthquake drill started at 9 AM, and after the ‘assumed’ shaking, students immediately left their classrooms, following the duck, cover, and hold protocols. Students convened at the nearest school-designated evacuation areas to ensure safety and accounting. With all risk reduction and management schemes in place, Castro is optimistic that KNHS is ready for any nature-induced calamities, particularly earthquakes, with minor to no damage or casualties.

French physicist and chemist, Marie Curie. Tree Planting and Clean-up Drive

The Science Department also organized school-wide tree planting and clean-up drive activities, on September 18, 2024, to foster environmental awareness among students.

Roland Castro, School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Coordinator, led the activity, in coordination with the Kananga Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). All STE students from grades 7 to 10 participated in the said initiative.

Poster Making Contest

In line with the celebration, a ‘Poster Making’ contest was also held. Each grade level sent two participants to create a poster based on a given theme. Grade 9 students Franz Soria and Jenny Mae Canania secured the top spot in this event.

Quiz Bee

Also adding excitement to Science Month was the Science Quiz Bee. This ‘battle of brains’ contest featured one science enthusiast from each grade level. After outsmarting all her opponents in the final round, Annika Yesha Conejos, grade 10 STE, was declared the overall winner.

According to Yape, she is very thankful to KNHS Principal IV, Dr. Marivic Pajaron, for her unwavering support of the various activities relevant to the Science Month celebration.

Moreover, Yape expressed her appreciation to all the participants who actively participated in this year’s Science Month events. The Department of Education designated September as Science Month through DepEd Memorandum No. 369, series of 2008.

LIKHA is one of the contests in the Science Fair where students introduce ingenious inventions accompanied by a paper they must defend.

According to Tan, due to their busy schedules, the entire team was unable to undergo rigorous training prior to the event.

The KNHS LIKHA team is composed of Karylle Tan, Zac Lawrence Tancinco, and Keith Ivan Porcare.

“We only had about one week of training, and we even faced challenges in getting together since we come from different grade levels,” Tan stressed.

Leyte.

Tan further added that to put up a good fight, they stick to their plan of not settling for less.

“Just like in our practice, we presented our invention to the best of our ability to the judges.

Basically, it was about a solar-powered carbon monoxide filtration system operated with the aid of Arduino,” Tan highlighted.

Meanwhile, Roland Castro, LIKHA coach, noted that limited time is a constant challenge faced by students in any contests they join, whether in science fairs, journalism, or sports.

The Department of Health - Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD), in collaboration with the National HIV-AIDS, STI Prevention, and Control Program (NASPCP), conducted a Client-Centered Case Management Training (CCMT) focused on building motivational interviewing skills from October 7- 11, 2024, at Ironwood Hotel, Tacloban City.

However, Castro pointed out that even on short notice, he is very proud that KNHS students were still able to deliver the goods for KNHS.

“I will do my best to establish a longer training period for the contestants, and am hoping that we will climb to a better rank next year,” Castro emphasized.

Aside from LIKHA, KNHS also ranked 11th in the debate and 16th in the poster making contest.

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marking a crucial advancement in enhancing healthcare access for local residents.

Healthcare practitioners in the region participated in a five-day event featuring speakers Darwin Tenoria, John Rob Mortel, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), Jhun Oliveros, Jaya Jaud, Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), and Roldan S. Bucal from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

The CCCMT training focused on incorporating personalized care through Motivational Interviewing to enhance HIV case management, emphasizing client relationships, behavior change, and improved health outcomes.

Meanwhile, DOH-EVCHD organized the Community Agenda on Transgender Health Care and Holistic Understanding of Transgender and Gender-Diverse People (CATCH-UP) training on October 12, 2024, in Tacloban City. Unlike CCCMT, CATCHUP explored transgender healthcare, SOGIESC, trans health, and human rights, addressing critical issues for genderdiverse communities.

The Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC), through its Capacity Building Committee (CBC), held a ‘Training on Research Designs, Data Science & Analytics’ from November 5-7, 2024, at Hotel de Fides in Tacloban City.

The training enhanced participants’ knowledge of research methodologies, data science, and analytics, focusing on integrating advanced technology to improve research outcomes.

Dr. Las Johansen Caluza led sessions on “Qualitative Research

“I’m very happy and thankful to the teachers in charge of our environmental programs, especially our eco-friendly coordinator, Ma’am Jennifer Salve. This is an accolade proving how serious we are in our eco-friendly programs,” said Kananga

Pajaron made the remarks after KNHS secured wins in this year’s Division-wide Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools (DSSEFS) on September 10, 2024, at the

Pajaron informed that KNHS received two awards in the said event, including the

Design,” covering methodologies like phenomenology and case studies. Hands-on workshops reinforced concepts, allowing participants to analyze real-world cases and deepen their understanding of data interpretation.

Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions about the evolving landscape of research, learning to adapt and implement contemporary data analysis techniques that can revolutionize their work in public health and other sectors.

BEATING THE BIRD FLU SCARE

Avian influenza/ avian flu, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral disease caused by the influenza A virus. Bird flu mainly affects birds. However, this highly contagious viral disease can also target other mammals, including humans.

Before the close of 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Visayas confirmed that the province of Leyte was again free from bird flu after the outbreak in Kananga, Leyte, was resolved.

Leyte is bird flu-free. How pleasing is it to read? But the question is, until when?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are ongoing bird flu outbreaks in different parts of the world. For instance, many poultry farms, including dairy cows and workers, have bird flu infections in the United States. As of the press time, 67 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the U.S., including one death associated with the said disease.

Making matters worse is that Asia is also facing the same kind of health dilemma.

In 2024, Cambodia reported 10 human cases of bird flu, including a 15-year-old child. China also recorded avian influenza infections as early as the second week of January 2025, involving a one and eight-year-old girl from two different provinces.

Indeed, the threat of bird flu shows no stepping on the brake pedal, yet the DOH VIII tells the public that everything is under control.

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Words can sometimes move mountains, but being brutally honest will save more lives if it’s about health concerns.

DOH’s tune of saying that they are in control of the situation and, days after retracting, announcing to Filipinos that a health emergency has already entered our doorstep is not new to the ears.

In retrospect, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOH even downplayed the virus until it told the public on January 30, 2020, that a 38-year-old Chinese national is the country’s first coronavirus disease 2019 patient. What happened next is history that surely no one wants to repeat.

Instead of issuing press releases that the bird flu scare in Leyte is over, DOH VIII should hold more information dissemination campaigns targeting the grassroots of the society. Remember that we can never resolve a problem, much more if it is health-related, if the mass public will not cooperate.

It’s been centuries since farming helped people thrive and keep up with the earth’s ever-growing number of inhabitants.

However, given that there are forecasts that the global population will hit nearly 9.7 billion by 2050, plus those big-time weather worries hanging over us all, old-school growing methods are not quite suitable anymore.

The United Nations says we need to produce more food- about 70% moreto meet future needs.

The question now is: How can we resolve this huge necessity?

Well, it’s about time we focus our attention on BIOTECHNOLOGY.

Biotechnology uses Biology to develop new methods, products, and organisms to bolster human health and resolve emerging societal problems.

genes; it includes many different tricks that turned food making into what we’re used to these days. From the seeds to the palatable dishes we prepare every day, biotechnology has gone too far, transforming our diet.

Using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a popular tweak for food productions that apply biotech. GMOs refer to animals, plants, and microorganisms where DNAs are altered through genetic engineering to address a particular demand or concern.

Another good example of how biotechnology comes to

More than words that calm the ears, DOH must develop more solid measures to end the bird flu scare in our country for good.

Filipinos are known to be extraordinarily resilient; thus, if given the correct dose of support and guidance, fighting bird flu is CHICKEN!

Aside from conducting a series of symposia, DOH VIII can also bolster its online and media advertisements to ensure everyone understands bird flu and what the public can do to avoid it. Moreover, providing infographics related to the disease will also contribute significantly to boosting the knowledge of the community on how to combat the disease effectively.

Magnifying the Might of Cloud Computing

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More than words that calm the ears, DOH must develop more solid measures to end the bird flu scare in our country for good.

Therefore, the world’s problem in food security can be addressed with the proper application of biotechnology.

New ideas in biotechnology are coming forward, which could change how we grow our food and what we eat. These new approaches could help us farm more efficiently and sustainably, allowing us to feed our growing population better. We can enter a new age of food production, reshaping how we cultivate and enjoy our meals.

But biotechnology isn’t just about re-configuring plants and animals’

In other words, GMOs make it possible to produce plants and animals that can withstand unfavorable conditions.

For example, Vitamin A-enriched Golden Rice serves as an effective weapon in combating vitamin A deficiency.

Golden Rice is a lifesaver, with around 250 million preschool children worldwide who are estimated to have some vitamin A deficiency.

Biotech also helps farmers grow more resilient crops to produce more yields.

Farmers often find it challenging to grow crops in areas where conditions are not conducive to planting. For instance, maize or corn varieties that require less water flourish during dry spells in sub-Saharan Africa. With the proper application of biotechnology, yields of high-breed corn varieties have increased by 17%, demonstrating their resilience in thriving in hot environments.

As we find ourselves at the edge of this tech shift, we must get on board with the opportunities it brings and watch out for what might come.

owadays, the world is no doubt driven by multitudes of data. Researchers use data as baselines for new findings, doctors use it to confirm prognoses, teachers utilize data to evaluate students, and the list is never-ending.

Since data virtually rules all fronts of the world, computing and translating data as fast as the speed of light is a game-changer. And this is where quantum computing comes in. Quantum computing basically means leveraging quantum mechanics principles in calculating data and applying quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition to solve problems traditional computers can never address.

With its extraordinary speed of calculating and translating data, various fields employ quantum computing, such as health, engineering, and defense.

Rather than relying on traditional computers that utilize bits for basic information tasks, quantum systems depend on qubits. This shift means processing complex problems much

faster than before.

So, it’s a new level of brainpower.

Think about cracking complicated puzzles in split seconds when old-school computers usually take thousands of years to solve one.

From streamlining supply lines to pursuing new medicines or treatments, the uses of quantum machines seem nearly limitless.

Well-known tech giants like IBM and Google, alongside smaller players such as Rigetti Computing, are now scrambling to explore what can be done with this innovation by investing massive amounts into their research departments.

No doubt, the journey to making quantum computers fully operational is quite challenging. Why?

Because quantum systems

are sensitive to their surroundings, it’s susceptible even to minute disturbances. If you want to get the right results or data translation, you need to ensure the surroundings are stable and free from interference.

You need to keep those qubits stable and steady for stuff that works out right. So researchers are all over trying different ways to push this thing forward, such as superconducting qubits or even ions trapped in certain conditions. Indeed, there’s more than just faster calculations at stake here regarding quantum computing. There are pressing worries about ethics and keeping information safe, especially with encryption.

Since these powerful machines might soon crack old-school encryption methods wide open, most people will

probably have to rethink how they keep important info under wraps across the globe.

Governments and businesses have to focus on cryptography and be ready for anything new coming down the line so we don’t run into major problems later on. No doubt, despite the rapid technological advancements we all experience, mankind still struggles with understanding what quantum tech means- balancing its gains and setbacks!

While most people see it as an ally that will eliminate massive hurdles quickly, there’s so much to learn about quantum computing.

Building awareness through education seems key if anyone’s going to tap into everything good this tech could bring us one day down the track!

Universities and those big-time tech giants must work together to offer courses to train future workers capable of making strides by applying innovative solutions.

As we find ourselves at the edge of this tech shift, we must get on board with the opportunities it brings and watch out for what might come.

In some respects, quantum computing shows us a peek into a time when tough questions can be answered in no time. The bottom line is that quantum computing is not merely another cool tech thing; it’s a big deal that could turn different sectors upside down.

Staying updated and getting ready for its eventual application in different fields seems necessary as we head toward such an enticing, cutting-edge technology of the future.

How AI is Transforming Patient Diagnostics and Treatment

AI contributes to a resource-efficient and personalized healthcare system, from screening and diagnosing diseases to monitoring treatments.

One of the significant uses of AI in healthcare is diagnosing. AI tools can detect early signs of diseases, including cancer, heart, or neurological diseases, by studying medical images such as CT scans, X-rays, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results.

A study published in Nature (2020) found that AI outperformed radiologists in detecting breast cancer. AI system analyzed mammograms with greater accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes.

AI tools save time and are more accurate than humans, allowing doctors to find illnesses early when they are easier to treat.

The research entitled Liquid Biopsies: The Future of Cancer Early Detection by Siobhan Connal et al. posited that early diagnosis saves lives and lowers treatment costs. Similar studies suggest that early diagnosis by AI could save 20-30% of cancer treatment expenses.

Moreover, AI is now making personalized medicine a reality. With a patient’s medical history, AI can find the best therapy for a particular person in no time.

According to McKinsey and Company (2020), an AI-facilitated medical approach enhances treatment’s effectiveness and reduces side effects, thus improving the patient’s conditions faster and way better.

The study asserted that using AI in personalized medicine increases treatment results by 5-10 % and cuts side effects by 10-20%.

Regarding patient management, AI helps to do most things in a more organized manner.

For instance, wearable devices such as smartwatches constantly monitor heart rates, blood sugar, and other vital health indicators.

According to Statista (2021), using AI-powered wearable devices ensures continuous monitoring of critical physiological parameters, which enables immediate diagnosis and timely medical interventions. While it is true that AI, when applied to the health industry, has many advantages, there are also some issues that need to be addressed.

Among the issues utilizing AI in healthcare include protecting patient data, high costs, and complex manipulation and management of AI tools and equipment. However, with the relentless advancement of technology, all AI-related issues will surely be addressed soon. Let’s just cross our fingers and remember that AI is a reliable ally of doctors in better disease prognosis,

Although

After losing their twice-to-beat advantage, the Kananga National High School (KNHS) lady spikers (Area IV), bounced back to secure a victory against Granja-Kalinawan (Area II-A), winning in straight sets, 26-24, 25-16, in the Leyte Provincial Athletic Meet volleyball women championship match, December 13, 2024, at Brgy. Guindapunan covered court, Palo, Leyte.

In the opening minutes of the first set, Shaynielle Cañete, Area IV, made her presence felt on the court, displaying explosive spikes that consistently scored points and outmaneuvered Area II-A’s blockers, establishing an early lead at 5-1.

Area II-A’s Louie Villadiego showed remarkable determination, leading her team with precise serves and attacks in an effort to shift momentum, but the comeback proved elusive as the score reached 12-5 in favor of KNHS.

Jewel Lazarte, KNHS followed suit, unleashing powerful spikes that clinched the first set 26-24.

In the second set, Area II-A’s Jenica Apordo and Villadiego

continued their assault with powerful hits down the midline, narrowing the lead to 5-4, still in favor of KNHS.

Villadiego then took charge, showcasing her elevated gameplay with a series of powerful long bombs and deft drop shots, putting pressure back on the KNHS defense.

Tension escalated when KNHS setter Lazarte suffered a foot injury due to a miscalculated landing, sidelining her for the remainder of the game.

Despite Lazarte’s absence, KNHS team captain Dexiah Napoles stepped up, delivering powerful attacks to the GranjaKalinawans’ court. Alongside Mary Joy Ochea, Napoles orchestrated a series of

combined offensive sparks that overwhelmed Area II-A, leading KNHS to a decisive victory and securing the women’s volleyball gold medal with a score of 25-16.

“We’re very thankful for winning this championship game and are looking forward to success in the upcoming EVRAA 2025,” Cañete said.

On the other hand, Villadiego expressed deep regret over Area II-A’s loss, emphasizing the pain of defeat, especially since this is her final year competing with the team.

The KNHS women’s volleyball team will represent Leyte at the 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) sports meet.

WHY POTENTIAL ISN’T ENOUGH FOR FILIPINO ATHLETES?

The Philippines is teeming with athletic potential. From basketball prodigies to emerging boxing champions, Filipino athletes are renowned for their talent and determination. However, potential alone is insufficient for achieving success in international sports. Factors such as inadequate resources, limited access to training facilities, and insufficient government support hinder the rise of these athletes on the world stage.

Statistical data underscores the disparity in sports funding across different disciplines.

According to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), funding for highprofile sports like basketball and boxing far outweighs that of less popular sports, often relegating talented athletes in other fields to the sidelines.

Aside from the disparity in the distribution of funds, the budget intended for sports has also been significantly reduced in the past few years.

A survey conducted by the Department of Education revealed that 65% of students reported not having adequate sports equipment at school. This inadequacy confines their training and development, limiting their chances of success.

Leyte Representative Richard Gomez even aired his disappointment with the budget cut, pledging to take all measures to increase the funding for the PSC.

For students, the lack of financial resources poses an even greater threat. Many aspiring athletes come from underprivileged backgrounds, where access to sports equipment, coaching, and training facilities is minimal.

Furthermore, the socio-cultural landscape in the Philippines often deemphasizes sports in favor of academics, creating an environment where athletic potential can go unrecognized.

Moreover, in 2024, the suggested allocation of P210.44 million for the PSC, which supports sports programs and training for national athletes, is under one-eighth of the agency’s previous P2.31 billion budget.

While education is crucial, a balanced approach that nurtures both academic and athletic talents is essential for holistic development.

The Philippine government must recognize the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and support for all sports disciplines.

By balancing funding and providing equal opportunities for athletes across various sports, the talents of students from institutions like Kananga National High School can be nurtured effectively, leading to greater success in national and international competitions. The message is clear: While the potential of Filipino athletes is undeniable, it requires nurturing through equitable support and resources. A

Let

While education is crucial, a balanced approach that nurtures both academic and athletic talents is essential for holistic

Kananga National High School Special Program for Sports Football Club (KNHS SPS FC) lambasted its rivals, securing 1st and second spots, respectively, in the Naval Fiesta Football Cup (NFFC) 2024, September 21- 22, 2024, at Biliran Province State University.

Kananga National High School (KNHS) basketball team delivered a dominant performance, defeating Matag-ob, 67-26, in the Area IV Sports Meet Basketball Championship on November 15, 2024, at Brgy.

After unleashing calculated kicks and precise hits from all fronts of the football oval, KNHS SPS FC first dominated the Under 16 category, forcing the Calubian

NHS Football Club to kneel in the final bout.

Meanwhile, KNHS FC routed another excellent performance, securing the first runner-up post in the Under 14 division. According to KNHS SPS FC coach

Eusebio M. Gulay Jr., his squad in the said tournament comprises homegrown footballers from KNHS Junior High and Senior High and one pickup from Kananga Central School.

Lamanoc covered court, Merida, Leyte. KNHS set the tone early, outscoring Matag-ob, 14-6 in the first period, led by Joseph Seromines and Dar Ocang. Despite Matag-ob’s efforts to close

the gap, Kananga responded with a 3410 run in the second period, ending the half with a 32-point lead, 50-18. Kananga maintained its dominance in the second half, finishing with a 41-point victory.

“We just did our best and came ready, which is why everything went smoothly,” Seromines said. With the win, KNHS will represent Area IV in the Leyte Provincial Meet.

GYMNASTICS SUPREMACY

John Carlo Gayo capped off KNHS’s dominance in the provincial gymnastics arena by clinching a gold medal in the team division, a silver in the mushroom, and a bronze in both the vault and individual all-around. “We’re thrilled to qualify for the EVRAA. This is a huge step for our team,” said Aboy in a post-game interview.

According to coach Cipmar Tarranza, the KNHS gymnasts will give their all out performance for the upcoming EVRAA to bring prestige to Kananga.

“We are doubling our efforts. We have regular training and making sure that the kids are supported in all aspects so that they can give their best shot,” Tarranza emphasized. Tarranza also expressed gratitude to the parents of the KNHS gymnasts for their untiring support. In fact, the winning coach mentioned that during times of financial constraints, the parents immediately offered help.

“The parents are very supportive, as well as the donors who provided us with financial assistance, especially for the uniforms and other materials for the different routines,” he highlighted. EVRAA 2025 is scheduled for February 20 - March 9, 2025, in three

Roderick Yape, Kananga National High School (KNHS) master teacher and taekwondo instructor, has once again brought honor to KNHS after being named the best national referee at the 2024 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Best-of-the-Best Taekwondo Championships, held on September 7 and 8, 2024, at the Ayala Malls, Manila Bay.

In an exclusive interview, Yape shared that his drive to excel in taekwondo officiating comes from a commitment to keep Eastern Visayas updated on the latest trends and rules in kyurugi and poomsae.

“As a taekwondo instructor, you must know how to officiate and continuously update your skills. My goal is to share updates from the national level to the regional and school levels,” he said, adding his hope that more students will pursue sports and bring pride to KNHS. Recognized as one of the best taekwondo referees in the Philippines, Yape sees this honor as both an achievement and a challenge to keep improving. “I will keep doing my best to ensure am always sharp in my craft, really love taekwondo ever since,” he concluded. The 2024 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Best-of-the-Best Taekwondo Championships is an annual event featuring 750 black belt competitors and recognizing top officiating officials.

strong values can confront reality head-on.

No challenge can diminish your resolvegood virtues cultivate resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. Also, good character paves the way for long-term success that spans not only one’s career as an athlete but also in life’s other landscapes. Of

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SPORTS THE PIPELINES

Kananga National High School’s (KNHS) gymnastics team secured tickets for the 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) sports meet after an outstanding finish at the Leyte provincial games, held from December 9-13, 2024, at Palo National High School.

Anthony Blier Bonto secured gold in the individual men’s, mixed pair, trio, aerobic dance, and team routines.

For the individual women’s category, Mary Jane Conejos reaped gold and also claimed another championship stripe in the mixed pair, trio, and aerobic dance events.

Alhea Leilani Quijano, on the other hand, bagged silver in the individual women’s and mixed pair categories. However, Quijano recovered to win gold in the trio, aerobic, and team (dance) categories.

Lolito Aboy took silver in the individual men’s and mixed pair

events and clinched gold in the aerobic and team spars.

In women’s artistic gymnastics (WAG), Karen Laboc won gold in the single bar, floor exercise, and team categories. Laboc also earned silver in the vault and individual allaround contest.

Mary Loise Tonacao added another gold for KNHS after dominating the balance beam, vault, and individual all-around categories. She also secured silver in the floor exercise.

Another KNHS gymnast, Chrisel Ngoho, contributed gold in the team category. Ngoho also placed third in the individual all-around and floor exercise.

In the rhythmic gymnastics category, Mary Princess Aborita led KNHS’s campaign, securing gold in hoops, clubs, ribbons, individual all-around, and the team championship. Aborita also emerged second in the ball routine.

Lean Abbygail Yanson added another gold for KNHS by securing the top spot in the team championship event. Yanson also bagged silver in the hoop and placed third in the ball and ribbon exercises.

Another gold medal was earned by Chris Sophia Centino in the team championship category. Centino also finished second in the ribbon and individual all-around contests.

Further, KNHS gymnasts crushed their opponents in men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG). Leading the way for Kananga was Lance Mari Caindoy, who won gold in the mushroom, single bar, individual all-around, and team champion contests. Additionally, Caindoy secured 2nd place in the floor exercise and vault categories. Jacinth Jai Gaquit also championed the floor exercise, vault, and team routines. He also earned a silver medal for the single and individual all-around categories.