Ranya Ecaldre ||

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Following strict health protocols amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, a candle lighting ceremony was held to commemorate the 7th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda at the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) Students’ Lounge last November 9, 2020. 

The event was organized by the Ecumenical Committee headed by Mrs. Lorna Garnace. Due to the pandemic, health measures were strictly observed; therefore, only the faculty and staff were physically present. There were less than twenty people present and the wide and open venue prevented overcrowding. Face masks and physical distancing were tightly observed during the ceremony.

According to Garnace, the commemoration was held to remember the destruction and lessons learned from Yolanda as well as to ask for protection and forgiveness.

Johanna Lindsey Macababbad ||

The National Youth Congress, an annual convention that focuses on economics, was held online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Held last November 28-29, 2020 through the online video conferencing service Zoom, it celebrated its 17^th year with the theme: “Beyond the numbers: Navigating a Data-Informed Philippine Ecosystem”. It is aimed to introduce high school students to the art and importance of economics in order for students to create analysis and applications regarding economics to solve the various problems of the country.

The convention had various competitions such as the game week, quiz bee, INK category including flash fiction and essay writing contest, CAPTURE: Infographic, GLIMPSE: Video Making Contest, SMART: Idea Pitch, and Amazing Race; with some of these being already done and submitted before the conference at November 28.

The representatives of the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) who participated in this year’s NYC were seven Grade 12 students, namely: Mark Russel Caranzo, Lide Logarta, Georginne Perez, Ma. Karen Calabia, Kimberly Naputo, Marylen De la Cruz, and Gian Denaya.

PSHS-EVC brought home multiple awards such as Caranzo placing 2nd runner-up for the INK: Flash Fiction contest with “When Humans Stopped Dying” as well as placing 1st place for Essay Writing Contest with “Solving None at All”. The group also placed 1st place for CAPTURE: Infographic with their entry titled “Octubafest” and another 1st place for GLIMPSE: Video Making Contest with “Solusyon sa Kahirapan”. Overall, PSHS-EVC grabbed first place for NYC 17. 

“Economics ay isang social science. Wala itong tiyak na kasagutan kaya maaring magkaroon ng pabagong-bagong opinyon hinggil sa isang isyu… At the end of the day, ang mahalaga ay ang malaman at piliin ang mas makakabuti para sa lipunan”

, Caranzo emphasized in their video entry for the GLIMPSE contest, which focuses on whether the printing of more Philippine money is a solution to poverty in the country. 

Julian Songsong, a co-convener of NYC 17, stressed in his closing remarks that he hopes that the students would see the importance of the application of economics in the development of a country and that after the conference, they would aspire to find ways and do deeds that would help create a society that is compassionate, inclusive, and progressive.

Ranya Ecaldre ||

Scholars from Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) emerge victorious in the Ditto Sarmiento Journalism Cup (DSJC) held last September 19 – October 3. Due to the pandemic, the contest was held virtually, accepting online entry submissions from both high school and college students. The event was conducted to showcase the creativity and critical-thinking skills of young Filipino students through journalism. The awarding ceremony conducted last October 23 recognized the talents of Ma. Kristine Erika Flanco, an 11^th grader, for winning 7th place in Editorial Cartooning and Mark Russell Caranzo, a 12^th grader, for winning 10th place in Editorial Writing.

Aside from the competition, the event also included online workshop sessions from award-winning student journalists and talks from renowned personalities in the journalism field, stressing the need for responsibility in upholding fair journalism and the necessity to preserve press freedom. 

This was named after the Editor-in-Chief of the Philippine Collegian during the Marcos dictatorship, Alphan Martyr Abraham “Ditto” Sarmiento who was well-known for his phrase, “Kung ‘di tayo kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung ‘di tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?” which played a huge role in student protests during the Martial Law. 

In an interview, Caranzo stated that for the Editorial Writing Competition, they were assigned to write on the topic of balancing economic and public health in regards to the current COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned that the topic given was highly relevant because in times of a health crisis, proper information dissemination regarding guidelines and restrictions from the government is necessary. Caranzo said,

“It was meaningful and insightful at the same time because we get to meet established personalities who are very passionate in the things they do.” 

Nyphlainne Leigh Capungcol ||

As Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) made its landfall in the Bicol Region twice on November 1, 2020 and two more times in the Calabarzon Region, many were left homeless, and several deaths were recorded. People from all over the country sympathized with the victims while donation drives and rescue operations were conducted. 

With the recent landfall of Typhoon Rolly, victims of Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) remember its wrath. Various groups and organizations from Region 8 – Eastern Visayas held donations and fundraising drives to help the devastated victims of Typhoon Rolly.

The city of Tacloban rolled out a donation drive as Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin stated in an interview with SunStar Tacloban, that it is their way of expressing their gratitude to the people who helped and assisted during Typhoon Yolanda. 

Edwin Ongchuan, the governor of Northern Samar, also sent relief assistance such as instant food, bottled water, clothing, blankets, and other necessities that would be of use to the provinces of Catanduanes and Albay. By doing so, Ongchuan hoped to convey his gratefulness to the provinces who extended their hands to Northern Samar whenever the province needed help.

Additionally, a charity ride conducted by the Navara Nation Philippines – Eastern Visayas Chapter also extended their hands. They successfully brought through ten vehicles loaded with relief goods. Donations from various groups, organizations, and Yolanda survivors were delivered to Tiwi, Tabaco, Malinao, Jovellar, Plangui, and Daraga in Albay. Plywood and roofing sheets were also donated to Catanduanes.

Schools in Eastern Visayas, specifically the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC), conducted donation drives. The PSHS System organized a system-wide drive named “Pisayuda” to aid PSHS Campuses ravaged by the recent typhoons including Typhoon Rolly. The drive was initially directed specifically towards the PSHS Bicol Region Campus, but it was delayed due to the arrival of Typhoon Ulysses. During the initial drive, all the recent funds of PSHS, including PSHS-EVC, were directed towards this campus. The PSHS-EVC sent their donations in the forms of monetary donations, either through Bank transfer or GCash, and in-kind donations, specifically, on food, clothes, and sanitary commodities.