THE SUNBEAMS - September 2024 Issue

Breaking Barriers: Carlos Yulo’s Triumph in Gymnastics

1.63 million (5.9%) students currently used e-cigarettes and this includes:

Middle School

Students

High School

Students

410,000 (3.5%) 1.21 million (7.8%)

INHS implements Information Drive on HIV, Vaping, and Smoking Awareness

To prevent students from negative risks, Isulan National High School conducted Information Drive awareness about the hazards of Human-Immuno Defeciency Virus (HIV), Vaping, and Smoking.

According to USRN Welmer Bebing, it is very critical for the student’s age, now that they are able to decide for their own health.

The Sunbeams

NAPOLCOM holds symposium on Cybercrime

“Now that vaping devices are popular among teens and are now the most commonly used form of nicotine among youth. The same with Smoking during teenage age is known to cause health problems, such as increased number and severity of respiratory illnesses.” Bebing stated.

He also emphasized that the Philippines is currently facing the fastest growing in the Western Pacific of HIV cases.

“To get tested as early as now, if you have the risk factors And if you tested positive, you need to get an access to the early treatment” he added

Moreover, he also gave a detailed presentation about the cases, that made the senior high student’s more eager to learn.

Furthermore, the program is specifically aimed at Senior High Students, to prevent this kind of cases to happen and be aware about making a decision considering their health.

To discuss the critical issues and raise awareness among students related to crime prevention, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) hosted a symposium as part of National Prevention Week, at Isulan National High School (INHS) on September 6.

The symposium featured presentations and panel discussions covering a wide range topics, including the cybercrime in the Philippines, law enforcement strategies, and technological advancements.

According to Atty. Katrina Joy Angelo, they decided to focus on the youth incrime prevention activities as the youth provides a new perspective in this ever changing world where the internet is now platforms to fully crime.

Burnout by the bell

Under DepEd Order No. 10, the MATATAG curriculum allots 45 minutes per subject, five times a week, aiming to improve education delivery...

“So our youth provides new innovation new perspective and with this new blood a fresh energy is given to the community on preventing crime,” Angelo stated.

The event highlighted the latest trends in cybercrime, including the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, growing range of online threats.

NAPOLCOM’s symposium on cybercrime served as a critical platform for raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime.

Furthermore, the event underscored the importance of a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to address this growing threat and ensure the safety and security of Filipino citizens.

Whispers of Strength: INHS fights for Mental Health

Suicide is a tragic reality for many young people, and it’s important to acknowledge its devastating impact...

UBurnout by the bell

nder DepEd Order (DO) No. 10, which governs the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum, each learning area is allotted 45 minutes, five times a week.

This initiative, outlined in DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2024, allows schools to adjust class schedules according to their specific needs and capacities, aiming to ensure smoother delivery of education despite challenges in staffing and facilities.

Students initially welcomed this new schedule, believing it would reduce their workload since class time had been shortened. Unfortunately, the reality is quite the opposite—students are now burdened with more assignments, as teachers

Acompensate for the shorter class periods by assigning additional schoolwork. This has left students with little time to manage the increased demands.

But it’s not only the students who are affected. Teacher groups like the Alliance of Concerned Teachers and the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) have urged Education Secretary Sonny Angara to revise the new MATATAG curriculum. They argue that the reduced 45-minute class duration has unintentionally resulted in teachers being tasked with more subjects to cover in a day.

There are also concerns that the current requirement of six hours of teaching per day could potentially extend to seven or eight classes, leaving teachers with almost no breaks. This situation is made even more difficult by the large number of students in each class.

Double Standard

lice Guo’s recent conviction has sparked controversy, leading to civic engagement and a rise in political satire. The public only from her arrest how the government situation. Images of officials smiling in selfies with Guo have circulated on social media, raising concerns about the professionalism and priorities of those in power.

Guo, also known as Go Hua Ping, was arrested on September 4, 2024, by Indonesian authorities, showcasing a successful operation.

Furthermore, the integration has led to a more crowded curriculum, forcing some teachers to handle subjects such as Mathematics and Reading, even if they are not familiar with them. This adds further strain on both teachers and students.

The DepEd should consider revising the MATATAG curriculum to better serve both teachers and students. While the intention behind the shorter class periods was to streamline learning, it has inadvertently led to increased workloads for both groups.

Teachers now face the pressure of covering more subjects within limited timeframes, often teaching unfamiliar subjects, which diminishes the quality of education. For students, the compressed schedule has resulted in more assignments and less time to absorb lessons effectively, leading to burnout.

However, the “peace selfie” of officials with her suggests a different narrative, one of double standards and inappropriate behavior within the justice system. Such actions have led many to question whether criminals like Guo receive special treatment.

This situation highlights the lack of seriousness and decorum expected from the government. Instead of focusing on justice, officials appeared to prioritize personal moments eroding public trust in the system. The of the situation are problematic, undermining the law’s integrity.

The issue of special treatment cannot be ignored. Would an ordinary citizen in Guo’s position receive the same leniency? It seems unlikely, leaving Filipinos frustrated by the apparent influence of power on justice. The government must uphold accountability and fairness to rebuild public trust and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

A revision that balances instructional time with manageable workloads for both teachers and students is crucial. This would not only enhance the learning experience but also ensure that both groups can maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being.

The new provision does allow for flexibility in instructional time, giving schools the ability to adapt their approach while still maintaining core learning standards.

Adapting may be challenging, but we must keep in mind the DepEd core values—Makadiyos Makakalikasan , Makatao , and Makabansa . These values serve as the foundation of our learning, reminding us not only as students and teachers but as Filipinos, of how we should treat others and ourselves.

Board S.Y. 2024-2025

Editor-in-chief: Rolando G. De Guzman III

Associate Editor: Ameerah A. Galmak

Managing Editor: Gian Takeshi Cadiang

Circulation Manager: Rhian Grace Padillo

News Editor: Goldy Lyt M. Gregorio

Opinion Editor: Alana Janna I. Adam

Feature Editor: Aizel C. Manigos

Sci Tech Editor: Cassandra Airene

Joy A. Aborde

Sports Editor: Ivan-Youseff M. Jimlah

Head Layout Artist: Dee Jay L. Gumaso & Lara Loes O. Baldeo

Head Photojournalist: Richard G. Alumbro Jr.

Head Digital Artist: Sachi A. Gialogo

Head Cartoonist: Almer

Whispers of Strength: Isulan National High School Fights for Mental Health

Whispers of Strength: Isulan National High School Fights for Mental Health

Rica Lois Depeña

We all know someone who has struggled with their mental health. This Suicide Prevention Month, we’re focusing on building a stronger, more supportive school community where everyone feels comfortable talking about their feelings and seeking help when they need it.

Suicide is a tragic reality for many young people, and it’s important to acknowledge its devastating impact. We often remember them as they once were – a whirlwind of energy, their laughter echoing through the halls, their spirit bright and unburdened. But somewhere along the way, a subtle shift occurred. A creeping sense of unease took root, a constant feeling of being lost in a world that seemed to move on without them. Then came the whispers, the doubts, the relentless self-criticism that echoed in their mind like a broken record.

Sadly, suicide ranks as a leading cause of death among youth, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention efforts, and support systems. This heartbreaking statistic underscores the importance of open

conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and providing accessible resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

With that in mind, the celebration at Isulan National High School buzzed with energy on a recent September morning, a sea of bright yellow flags waving in the air. It wasn’t a sporting event, but a testament to the school’s commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. As part of their Suicide Prevention Month celebration, students held aloft yellow flags, each emblazoned with a powerful message of hope and support. “Say No To Suicide,” read one flag, a simple yet profound message visible across the school, serving as a powerful reminder that students are not alone in their struggles.

The event was spearheaded by Ma’am Melody Gregorio and Ma’am Jean Ranara, who emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable talking about their mental health. “We should not let our emotions conquer us in every challenge of our life,” Ma’am Melody explained, “instead, we should live for

ourselves.

This wasn’t just a one-day event. Isulan National High School is taking a proactive approach to mental health, recognizing that suicide prevention is an ongoing effort.

The yellow flags, a vibrant symbol of hope and solidarity, served as a powerful visual reminder of the school’s commitment to creating a culture of care and understanding. They were a call to action, urging students to reach out for help when they need it, to support their peers, and to remember that they are not alone in their journey.

As the flags fluttered in the breeze, a sense of hope and optimism filled the air, a testament to the power of community and the importance of prioritizing mental health. Isulan National High School is leading the way in creating a school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

There was hope, a flicker of light in the storm, a promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Face Behind the Screen

Social media has been a haven for people to freely share their feelings, a day in their lives, and reconnect with their loved ones or friends. However, behind these positive qualities, there are hidden risks that we often overlook that could have a significant impact on us, such as Cybercrimes. Isulan National High School warmly welcomed the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to conduct a symposium for National Crime Prevention Week on September 10.

NAPOLCOM discussed different kinds of Cybercrimes and possible solutions to prevent them. Cybercrime uses computers, mobile devices, or internet services to commit a crime against a person. Additionally, other offenses use online platforms to commit crimes, but with a different approach, which is online sexual abuse of children.

Filipino children were abused

and exploited online in the way of grooming, phishing, and smishing—where the purpose is to conduct predatory acts, tricking a person using fraudulent messages and calls, just to reveal personal and sensitive information. Also attacking personal security, like tricking into downloading apps with trojans and viruses included. At the symposium, the speakers emphasized the importance of securing themprivacy of one’s online platforms, just like making sure that online accounts are private for limited access to the public.

In addition, to secure privacy, never show your online details, and only accept friend requests from people you know. Avoid meeting a person you just met online; be wise enough to disregard mean and nasty posts that make you uncomfortable or worried, and don’t easily give full trust to people you know online to demand returns like sharing inap-

propriate or explicit images.

Meanwhile, NAPOLCOM also shared their hotline number for people who experience unlawful acts, such as online child sexual abuse and exploitation and other wrongdoings that happen in our society or on digital platforms. Also, they showed the possible agencies that we can go to in case we want to complain about any kind of crime that we experience to seek help and guidance, such as the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) or the concerned barangay authorities, the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), the nearest police or other law enforcement agencies, the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), and the Local Committee Against Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC).

Breaking Barriers: Carlos Yulo’s Triumph in Gymnastics

Ivan-Youseff M. Jimlah

Carlos Yulo continues to defy expectations and shatter stereotypes by excelling in a sport that is usually thought to be played by women. His recent victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics proved that athletic prowess transcends gender boundaries.

Yulo’s remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication, talent, and unwavering belief in himself. His ability to execute complex routines with precision and grace has earned him widespread admiration and respect.

By proving that he can compete at the highest level in a predominantly female sport

While gymnastics has historically been viewed as a women’s sport, there is no reason why men cannot excel in it. The physical demands of the sport, such as flexibility, strength, and coordination, are not exclusive to one gender. What truly matters is an individual’s skill, determination, discipline, and the support they receive.

Yulo’s success has become a factor of change. It is sending a positive impact to the young boys and girls to go head and participate in any form of games they like free from the biased gender norms.

These barriers have been eliminated by Yulo in a bid to raise equality on sporting

“ Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”

- Heywood Broun

After2 weeks the wait is almost over as the Senior high school (SHS)students are eager to get the ball rolling as they enter the final stages of their preparation and are ready to take on the upcoming Pasiklab 2024 Intramurals that will take place on October 9 to 11.

“I feel excited and nervous at the same time knowing that Pasiklab is just right around the corner” said Dirk Cariel Leguisen, a grade 12 student.

He said that athletes in the grade 12 department are focusing on their practices to achieve the gold medal in the upcoming event.

The tryouts for various sporting events in each grade level are already underway as advisers search forthe best players in their department to

represent and lead them to victory.

With the Grade 12 department, the reigning champions from last year’s intramurals are actively looking for talented athletes and are determined to secure their title.

Meanwhile, the Grade 11 department is carefully selecting students who can chal lenge the dominance of the grade 12 department. With a strong lineup of athletes, they

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each nmuber is the Team.” - Phil Jackson

activities for everyone

Just like Carlos Yulo other athletes have also broke through stereotypes like Hidilyn Diaz in her 2016 Rio Olympics gold medal run as she proved that women can also play in a sport that has historically been dominated my men.

Carlos Yulo’s win is one for the history books. His example shows that sports has no instance of gender and that anybody can prevail in a sport even if they are a man or a woman. Yulo is providing other people with the best example of how an inclusive society in athletics should look like.

SHS gears up for Pasiklab 2024

By: Ivan-Youseff M. Jimlah

as SHS are not the only ones getting ready but the junior high school departments are as well. With tryouts starting and teams forming, the anticipation is strong.

The reigning champions, the

WATER SPORTS

Water sports participation is on the rise! In the US, 15.7% of the population participated in water sports in 2023, the highest proportion since 2013 . Millennials lead the way, with 17.2% participating in 2021. Globally, around 17 million people in the UK participate in water sports, with 3.9 million engaging in recreational boating. Swimming is particularly popular, with 4.5 million people in England swimming at least twice a month. These statistics highlight the growing popularity of water sports as people seek recreation, fitness, and adventure.