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Volume XIX, Issue No. 1
TheSunbeams The Official School Community Publication of Isulan National High School Division of Sultan Kudarat, Region XII.
COMMUNITY NEWS
SK unveils first Doctor of Medicine program, grants scholarships to students by JANICA TATEL
Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) has made history with the inauguration of its first Doctor of Medicine program, marking a significant breakthrough in medical education for the province of Sultan Kudarat.
DIGGINGINTODATA Teenage Pregnancy Statistics
5,476
This initiative, supported by the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat (PGSK), provides scholarships and financial aid to deserving students, including former Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) students of Isulan National High School (INHS). In his speech, Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu committed full support by offering free education to the 27 initial enrollees of the program, alongside a Php 10,000 monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Among the recipients of these scholarships are former STEM students of INHS, who have long aspired to pursue medical careers but faced financial constraints. “Their selection for the program reflects not only their academic excellence but also the growing impact of INHS in producing top-tier graduates ready for higher cover story education in science and medicine,” Dr. Lorely Anne F. Valencia, the INHS principal said. The Doctor of Medicine program is a result of extensive collaboration between SKSU and PGSK, backed by House Bill 6771, which was authored by Hon. Bai Rihan Sakaluran and sponsored by congressional representatives. The program received approval from CHED through Commission en Banc Resolution 633-2024.
live births recorded in Sultan Kudarat in the first semester of 2023.
17.44% of total births in the SOCCSKSARGEN region from Sultan Kudarat.
DEBUNKING CLAIMS
Top Stories
LGU Isulan stems influx of Badjao beggars NEWS | Page 4 Your Vote, Your Future EDITORIAL | Page 6 NSPC 2024 In the National Schools Press Conference 2024, The Sunbeams’ school paper adviser, Vincent B. Bialen, was recognized as one of the Outstanding School Paper Advisers of the Philippines.
Digital Art by SACHI GIALOGO
DepEd defends Sex Education Framework, INHS advocates amid family and religious groups’ opposition by GOLDY GREGORIO
The Department of Education (DepEd) is standing firm on its Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) framework despite mounting opposition from family and religious groups, asserting that the program is crucial in addressing pressing social issues such as teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence. In Isulan National High School (INHS), educators and student leaders continue to advocate for CSE’s implementation, emphasizing its role in equipping learners with essential knowledge about their bodies, relationships, and reproductive health. Despite resistance from conservative groups, they believe that withholding this information could lead to misinformation and unintended consequences among the youth. TEENAGE PREGNANCY: A GROWING CONCERN One of the driving factors behind CSE implementation
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is the persistent increase from issue of teenage 2021. pregnancy in The National the Philippines. Economic and According to Development Despite DepEd’s the Philippine Authority (NEDA) assurances, Statistics has identified religious Authority, teenage pregnancy organizations teenage as a “national and family pregnancy social emergency,” groups remain among Filipino citing its economic steadfast in their women aged 15 and social opposition.” to 19 declined consequences. from 8.6% in Early 2017 to 5.4% in pregnancies 2022. often lead to school dropouts, However, alarming figures financial struggles, and health still persist, with 3,135 risks for both mother and child. adolescent girls younger than 15 years old giving birth in INHS STRONG ADVOCACY FOR CSE 2022—a staggering 35.13% In a survey conducted by
the The Sunbeams, it found out that 7 out 10 teachers are in favor of the Comprehensive Sex Education Program. Principal Dr. Lorely Anne F. Valencia affirmed the school’s commitment to implementing the program, believing that CSE is vital in preparing students for responsible decision-making. “Our goal is to provide factual, science-based education that empowers students to make informed choices. The misinformation surrounding this program does a disservice to our youth, who deserve proper guidance,” Dr. Valencia stated.
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