Vol.4 No.1 . The Official Publication of Sta. Maria National High School Division of Zamboanga del Norte . Region IX September 2025-November 2025
rspc2025 In RSPC 2025, The Port secured 6th place in Page and Layout Section
To write is to anchor change and steer progress
socialissuenews
Vaccine Alert DOH pushes full vax rate, warns 4Ps families on health compliance by Marwesa Caro
The Department of Health (DOH)- Siocon Rural Health Unit and Sta. Maria National High School (SMNHS) renewed their campaign for full immunization coverage among Grade 7 students, stressing that vaccination forms part of both education and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) health compliance. This year, data showed that 110 of 136 Grade 7 students, or 81%, completed their immunization — a strong improvement from last year’s 62% coverage.
bythenumbers
Health officials work closely with teachers, parents, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to reach full protection for all learners.
bythenumbers
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as of May 2025— a nearly fourfold surge in online gamblers in the Philippines.
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EYES ON THE SCREEN. A 14-year old 4Ps student plays an online gambling app where he once won P13,000. Though his winnings helped support his family, teacher reports his frequent absences and declining grades due to his growing addiction. Photo by ICON JULES F. DESCALLAR
SOURCE: Philippine Daily Inquirer, quoting Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian (2025)
30 4ps students misuse aid for online gambling; grades drop, absenteeism up—survey by Jamila Arabi
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ccording to a school survey, 30 minor students from Sta. Maria National High School (SMNHS) continue to engage in online gambling platforms despite the initiative of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in the removal of gambling links in e-wallet apps.
All the affected students are beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), raising concern that cash aid intended for education and basic needs may be misused. A 2024 study led by researcher Tran found that 5% to 37% of minors worldwide have engaged in online gambling, with around 20% at risk of developing gambling addiction. EDUCATIONAL CRISIS
“Hindi na po ako palaging sumasama sa dagat para manghuli ng isda kasi dito po ako kumikita, mas gusto ko pa dito kaysa sa dagat kasi hindi na mahirap,” — a student who admitted to playing online gambling.
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62% or 81 out of 130 students vaccinated
81%
or 110 out of 136 students vaccinated
Increase: +19% improvement in immunization coverage
SOURCE: DOH-Rural Health Siocon Health Records
concern after noticing sudden decline in academic performance and a spike on absenteeism.
Balancing Act
“Pagkahapon wala na yung isang student ko na naglalaro ng ‘Scatter’ at as usual, ang performance ay mababa. Kung papasok naman, di rin nagpa-participate,” Grade 10 Adviser Marielle Billones said.
Low grades of student trainees spark debate among teachers
“During class hours, they tend to get irritated maybe because they lose in online gambling and ang kanilang money is ma compromise and always feel sleepy kase baka nag late-gambling sessions” she added. However, one parent of the affected student revealed that her son used to help their financial needs through fishing and online gambling.
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Teachers of affected students raised their
topstories Sta. Maria 3rd in Siocon with 55 inactive 4Ps studes enrolling to retain benefits — DSWD
Invisible Filipino Cost
Table for One
NEWS/P04
OPINION/P06
FEATURE/P12
by Fatima Khaira Cailo Complaints from studentathletes and campus journalists about their low academic grades have sparked discussions among teachers at Sta. Maria National High School (SMNHS) on how to balance class performance with extracurricular training privileges. Several students involved in sports and journalism trainings said their grades dropped this 2nd quarter despite being excused from classes for official activities. Some argued that their participation in competitions should be given more academic consideration.
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