CHALLENGES AHEAD EDITORIAL 06
CHAMPIONING VERITY, SHAPING CHANGE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM T R U T H . I N T E G R I T Y. C H A N G E .
DSPC2025
P LLARS
DAGUPAN CITY BEST SCHOOL PAPER
THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF WEST CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL II • DAGUPAN CITY DIVISION • REGION I • JUNE 2024 JANUARY 2025 • VOLUME XXIV ISSUE NO. 1
YOUNG HANDS, HEAVY BURDENS. Paulo Vincent M. Cagaoan, 11, works diligently, slicing meat with a focus that belies his years. His story embodies resilience but also reflects the pressing issue of child labor affecting countless children in our society. Photo by DASHR SEVEN FERRER
TOP STORY
BURDENED 2,500 BEGINNINGS 20% BYTHENUMBERS Around
estimated number of child laborers in Dagupan City.
of children living below the poverty line in Dagupan.
Child labor surge Dagupan City; locals demand for swift action NICA ETERNITY ANTONIO
I
n the heart of Dagupan City’s vibrant Wet Market, known as Milles, a heart-wrenching scene unfolds each day as children like 12-year-old Jomar labor under the weight of heavy banyeras filled with bangus. Instead of laughter and play, their mornings are filled with the clatter of fish trays and the shouts of vendors as they navigate a world that has forced them to grow up too fast.
“Bata pa lang po ako, nagtratrabaho na ako dito,” Jomar shares, his small hands aching from the burden of the work. “Gusto ko pong makapag-aral, pero kailangan naming kumita para sa pamilya.” With each fish he carries, he feels the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his young shoulders. Jomar, along with his friends Mark and Ariel, has traded his childhood for survival, sacrificing school and the carefree joys of youth for the unforgiving reality of the market.
UPHILL BATTLE
OPINION 07
But Jomar isn’t alone in this struggle. His 11-year-old brother, Paulo, also contributes to their family’s income by working as a helper in a nearby pigar-pigar. “Nagsisikap din po akong makatulong, pero gusto ko ring mag-aral,” Paulo says, his youthful voice filled with determination, despite the toll the work takes on him. He spends his afternoons slicing meat alongside older workers, enduring the heat and labor to earn a few pesos for their household.
THE REALITY OF CHILD LABOR According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), an estimated 2.2 million children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in child labor, with 1.1 million working in hazardous conditions, such as those found in markets like Milles. CONTINUED ON PAGE 02
INTERNATIONAL
BRIDGING BORDERS
Dagupan City schools adopt inno-teach strats from London GHELYN MICAH CAGUIOA
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY IN DAGUPAN SCITECH 16
FLICKERING LIMELIGHTS
T
he Schools Division Office (SDO) in Dagupan City is set to implement new teaching strategies after a recent benchmarking trip to St. Saviours RC Primary School in Lewisham, London.
The delegation, led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rowena C. Banzon, CESO V, observed best practices in inclusive education and emotional well-being, bringing back valuable insights to enhance education in Dagupan City. One of the key takeaways was the "Zones of Regulations" program, a unique approach to emotional management that
helps students start each day by assessing their feelings and choosing a designated zone that aligns with their emotional state. "We are committed to creating a more supportive learning environment for all students, and this program provides a powerful tool to help them navigate their emotions," said Dr. Banzon. Dr. Renato C. Santillan, Principal IV of West Central ES I,
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added, "The 'Zones of Regulations' program is a practical and effective way to address the emotional needs of our students. We are excited to implement this in our school and see how it can benefit our learners." CONT'D ON PAGE 03
NATIONAL
PIONEERING CHANGE
Sonny Angara bares plans for DepEd Sec post JEDEIAH CAGUIOA
S
en. Sonny Angara on Thursday announced his plans for the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary post, which he is set to take over on July 19. In an interview over Teleradyo Serbisyo, Angara said he will focus on three aspects upon his assumption of the post: streamlining the curriculum, improving quality of teaching, and providing better benefits to teachers. “We’ll go back-to-basics; we must improve our reading education. The quality of education in terms of math, languages, and science has gone low. We must improve its system as this would help the country in general,” Angara said. The senator noted how progressive countries excel in their education system by focusing on math, science and technology, and reading as their foundation. He agrees with the direction of the MATATAG curriculum that streamlines the learning competencies of students, something that he intends to continue under his term. “Let’s not do it in haste. Let’s continue simplifying our curriculum and focus on areas that matter,” Angara emphasized, reflecting on its implementation. CONTINUED ON PAGE 04