Category / Categories

by The Science Net

What to Expect When You’re Expecting (to Be in Grade 12): Tips for Your Senior Year

by Elijah Kesh Rosales || Photo Credit: Nathalia Canlas

So…, you’re going to be due in just a few months, for… graduation, that is. Right now, you might have a flurry of emotions overwhelming you one way or another. And I get it, there will be feelings of fear and anxiety as you enter your last year of school, so to help with that, here are a few tips to help you out a bit. 

Tip #1: Take a picture, it’ll last longer.

Cartoon by Kyle Ravinn Nase

Bet you didn’t expect this to be the first tip. But you’re going to be applying for colleges soon and they all want a piece of you—your gorgeous face. And I know, right now, it may seem like deadlines are far away, but trust me those numbers will creep up on you like a cockroach smelling fear, so get those ID pictures taken. 

Typically, it won’t be a one size fits all kind of deal, different universities and scholarships require varying sizing and formatting. Having to take multiple shots for an ID picture could get costly, so my advice is only to get one taken and ask for a digital copy. By having that one digital copy, you can now manipulate the dimensions to what the universities require. The most common sizes they would ask for would be 1×1, 2×2, and passport.

Tip #2: Prepare more and more (documents)!

Cartoon by Nikki Tabaranza

Just your ID pictures are not gonna cut it for your college applications, you know what? So prepare a lot of your documents in general. Note that you can’t really prepare all documents that you need as some of them, if not most, would be given in the following school year. So, for now, here are a few documents that you would be needing that you’d also be able to collate within the summer break leading to the 12th grade: your birth certificate, your parent’s income tax returns, and your Grade 11 report card (if already given by the end of the school year). 

Should you have any time to spare, it’s also a good idea to start brainstorming on what you’d like to include in your college essays and letters of request for teacher recommendations. These usually take the most time to finish and process, so start working on them as soon as you can!

Tip #3: Choose wisely.

Cartoon by Faye Rhianna Avendaño

Surprise! More college stuff. 

Think about your preferred courses now. This instant. Or else…

Just kidding, but do try to think about what courses you would like to take and sort them out on a priority list. Most universities will be giving you a myriad of choices, so think about what you really want as much as you can to avoid making hasty decisions about your future. You should think of different factors that would affect your decision. First, think about what your interests are, and what fields in STEM really excite you. Then, think about your strengths and skills and see where they intersect with your interests.

Last, but definitely not the least, is to think about those courses’ earning potential. We don’t live in an ideal world so don’t look into the future with rose-tinted glasses where we can all simply follow our dreams and become whoever we want, so try to think about how sustainable the course you’re picking is in the long run.

Tip #4: Get your head in the game. 

Cartoon by Joxyne Gravoso

Finally, something not college-related this time!

College applications aren’t the only things you’re going to do. You’re going to have to finish your STR research paper on top of all your other academic requirements. My advice is to basically just do anything as soon as you can. Procrastinating for just even one day can lead to mountains of work in the long run, so just try to do whatever you can as early as you can do it.

 Tip #5: Take a break. 

Cartoon by Ivory Dawn Castro

Hey, it is your senior year. You’ve gone through so much to get to the point where you stand today. So don’t be too hard on yourself; don’t forget to take a quick break or a breather. 

Make sure to spend as much time as you have with your friends. After all, it’s your last year before you all go on your separate ways to higher education. Cherish all the time you have with them because time goes by unbelievably fast. I literally can’t believe I’m writing this only barely a month away from our graduation; I already miss my friends, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to talk to them, albeit online, every day.

And that’s it for my tips to get you through the 12th Grade. I hope these tips help you out somehow. Nevertheless, keep going and keep fighting, cause now you know a bit on what to expect for the upcoming school year.

So, to the upcoming seniors, good luck, congratulations for making it this far, and remember: “papunta palang tayo sa exciting part.”

by The Science Net

Pursuit of Truth

by: Danielle Bryn J. Anos || Photo Credit: Joxyne Gravoso

Earlier this year, on April 13, 2022, 16th President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law a bill declaring August 30 of every year as National Press Freedom Day. The irony is quite thick, isn’t it?

It is said that press freedom in the Philippines is protected and preserved, yet the shutdown of the biggest news source in the country says otherwise. In some regions of the Philippines, ABS-CBN is the main—and sometimes the only—source of information, especially during times of calamities. The termination of such a large broadcasting company is a hit to press freedom and a huge loss for the Filipinos. 

However, the ABS-CBN shutdown is not the only incident where the freedom of the press was not defended. Rappler, another distinguished news site in the country, was recently ordered by the government to shut down, just as Former President Rodrigo Duterte was stepping down from office. The hostility between Rappler and the 16th President of the Philippines is not a concealed fact. The news site’s co-founder and Nobel Peace Prize Awardee, Maria Ressa, had even faced several criminal charges for reporting Former Pres. Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. 

In fact, there have been many cases where journalists were victims of various forms of harassment or even murder. So much so that in 2022, the Philippines placed 147 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The standing cases of press freedom suppression in the Philippines are disheartening. It is as if journalism is a crime, as if amplifying the voices of the unheard is an offense. As a student journalist, I find it frightening how one can get persecuted on unfair grounds and find it absurd how the rights of the press are taken away for being critical.

With the state of press freedom today, we come to ask: What will become of those who aspire to seek and speak the truth? Or of those who dream of seeing a better future for the country?

As we celebrate National Press Freedom Day, be reminded that one must not be so quick to vilify the country’s journalists. Word spreads like wildfire, and therefore, it is only right and safe to authenticate the information that one shares. 

To all bearers of truth, remain standing for what is right and real. No one, not even the highest officer of a nation, should take away the freedom of the press or anybody. At the end of the day, facts remain to be facts.

To the leaders of the country, we beg that you do not strip away these rights from your people. After all, there would not be much left of democracy without press freedom.

Editor’s Note: 

We at The Science Net honor the vital role that the press plays in our democratic society. As student journalists, we pledge to uphold our ethics in our intrepid pursuit of the untarnished truth. 

May we celebrate National Press Freedom Day with a vision of a country where speaking the truth is praised and not threatened.

by The Science Net

Negrense Softbelles clinch 4th in Little League Softball World Series

by: Kyrus Mathew Pampanga || Photo Credit: Little League

Representing the Asia-Pacific region, the young Negros Occidental softball team from the Philippines bowed down to their towering Virginian rival, 0-9, during the 2022 Little League Softball World Series (LLSWS) last August 16, 2022, Philippine Standard Time, in Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

As the shortest in the World Series with an average height of 5’0, the team was composed of talented Filipino girls all from different towns and cities of Negros Occidental.

Coming off a stellar performance throughout the league, Virginia’s Kaylee Hodges once again exemplified her prowess as she emerged victorious, conquering their final match-up with an impeccable strikeout spree and commanding pitches.

Kicking things off with a roaring crowd, the two teams put out an intense exchange of nerves, clouding the start with foul plays and stagnant strikeouts that left the scoreboard unruffled even after four innings for both teams.

Finally, Virginia embarked on the scoreboard after a clean base hit by Isabela Viruet following a swift execution to touch the home plate, taking the lead at 0-1.

Persisting still in a battle reminiscent of the Bible’s David and Goliath, Negros Occidental’s Jacey Pajotal took the lead for her team to try and counter Virginia’s dominance in offense and defense. 

But only then did the rain arrive, and things took a turn in their hopes to score over the Americans, shutting all doors to be neck-in-neck with the other team’s score, 0-4.

The Virginian ace batter Kammie Walter reigned over as she kept their formidable offense in check and generated striking base hits, which led her team to victory, outlasting the Filipinos by a wide margin, 0-9.

Despite their loss against the giants, the Negrese Softbelles ended their World Series campaign on a good note. The team was crowned with the 2022 Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award after exhibiting strong discipline, a bright attitude, and sportsmanship on and off the field.

“On behalf of all of us at the Little League Softball World Series, we are honored to present the 2022 Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award to Negros Occidental Little League,” Ashlea Nash, the Little League Director of Softball Development, said. “Since the moment they arrived, the players of Negros Occidental Little League have shown the excitement and sportsmanship that makes the Little League World Series experience so meaningful and have proven what it means to be Girls with Game.”

“The award surprised everyone as among the twelve competing teams, the Negros Occidental team got the award which, we feel is a gold award at that,” stated Anthony Carlo Agustin, the head of delegation and the Provincial Sports Office of Negros Occidental.

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC conducts in-person enrollment for SY 2022-2023

by: Katharine Manalo || Photo Credit: Frances Canicon

After two academic years of implementing virtual and remote enrollment, the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) finally conducted in-person clearance signing and enrollment of incoming Grades 8 to 12 scholars for SY 2022-2023 at the school campus last July 18 to August 19, as per the schedule provided by the Clearance and Enrollment Committee.

Prior to the enrollment, a schedule was distributed to the student body, informing them of their assigned dates corresponding to their year and section. Additionally, all Student Services Division (SSD) units—registrar, library, residence hall, guidance counseling, and health services—sent their clearance forms and guidelines through email ahead of schedule for the students to accomplish.

On campus, clearance signing was conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, where scholars were given priority numbers after submitting their health declaration forms. The students were then stationed outside the Multimedia Center (MMC) while they waited for their priority number to be called to proceed to the MMC for clearance signing.

“The overall clearance and enrolment process is exhausting. Most of the students in the lower years are not yet adept at accomplishing the ISO-coded enrolment forms. With this, we did individual re-orientation right there and then, and we let these students redo the erroneous forms. This delayed the flow of enrolment and resulted in extended working hours. Despite these, I am relieved and satisfied, to be able to do these core functions in-person with the rest of the SSD units,” Mr. Jhun-Jheff Cobacha, the school registrar and head of the committee, said in an interview.

“It’s good to see again your faces, especially the faces of those students who were never given a chance to set foot on campus due to the strict COVID-19 protocols. If my memory serves me well, these are the batches 2026 and 2027,” he noted.

Regarding the compliance and implementation of health protocols during the enrollment activity, Ms. Marilee Gorres, the school nurse, observed that there had been inconsistencies in following the social distancing protocols between students.

“They tend to catch up with each other in face-to-face conversation. Nevertheless, the triage process facilitates a good health screening assessment for enrollees with their companion through accomplishing the Health Check Declaration form, resulting in safe transaction activity,” she added.

As the school opens the upcoming school year this September 5 with limited face-to-face classes, Mr. Cobacha asks the scholars to continue following the minimum health standard to put an end to the pandemic.

“During and with the online learning modality, we’ve seen that many students have struggled and had difficult time adjusting. So, now that we are to take these baby steps toward having full face-to-face classes, let’s all cooperate and work together to bring back a once zero-virus community,” he stressed in his message.

In relation to this, Ms. Gorres’ message to the scholars is to go F.O.R.W.A.R.D., which stands for:

  • Fearless to face any challenges that may come your way because you can be.
  • Objective in your perspective as a highly intellectual individual.
  • Reach your dreams by playing fair with others in achieving your academic and life endeavors.
  • Whole-heartedly embrace and embody the Scholars’ Pledge to be the lighting torch of hope as future Filipino scientists and leaders.
  • Altruistic to give back to the Filipino people to whom you owe the gift of your education.
  • Radiate the scientific spirit and humanitarian values to the young individuals of today and tomorrow.
  • Discern for inner peace and spiritual connection to find meaning and purpose in life.

“Two years of the pandemic had never been easy for all of us. We had different and various good and not-so-good experiences. We were tested and challenged with the feeling of isolation, psychological warfare, and discrimination in a different sense of it. But despite all of it, we will always see the light of hope in our journey in this pandemic, and that hope is the upcoming limited face-to-face classes come September 5, 2022,” she remarked.

Photo by: Kendra Osias
by The Science Net

Creamline sweeps KingWhale in PVL Invitational, braves AVC Cup

by: Jesslie Joed Yu || Photo Credit: PVL Images/Manila Bulletin

Creamline Cool Smashers proved their dominance in the finals match of the PVL Invitational Conference after a 3-set sweep against KingWhale Taipei, 25-21, 25-19, 25-8, at the Mall of Asia Arena last Sunday, August 14.

Tots Carlos, the conference’s Most Valuable Player led Creamline’s victory with 14 points, followed by Jema Galanza with 13 markers, and the Finals Most Valuable Player, Ced Domingo with 11 points.

“Everyone is focused, we really have to go all out to secure this game since it is only a 1-game finals match,” said Finals MVP Ced Domingo.

In the first set, Creamline established a strong start with an early 6-1 run that pushed the Taiwanese team to step up their game. KingWhale tried to crawl back by making a 5-2 run which closed the gap to a 2-point deficit, 21-19, but Domingo proved her MVP prowess and stopped their momentum with a block, slashing the first blood, 25-21. 

Eager to turn the tables, KingWhale owned the second set from start to mid game, maintaining a 5-point gap against Creamline. But the Cool Smashers denied their attempt and came alive with the service ace of Valdez, restoring order with a massive 15-3 run that halted the set to 25-19.

Creamline broke the spirits of the KingWhale as they dominated the third set with ease, not even letting them score in double-digits as Valdez finished the game with a powerful kill to clinch the championship, 25-8.

Performing 9 points on the scoreboard along with 13 excellent digs and 8 excellent receptions, Alyssa Valdez remained as the best outside spiker despite her recent ankle injury. 

Meanwhile, KingWhale Taipei’s great playmaker Liao Yi-Jen and agile defender Qui Shi-Qing nabbed the best setter and best libero awards, respectively. 

As agreed, the champions Creamline faces no break as they now fly out to defend the country’s pride as representatives in the AVC Cup 2022.

“Not all are given the chance to represent or be in the national team. We’re glad that the whole team will represent, and we’ll really give our best to give all teams a nice game. We’re really excited to play,” said Conference MVP Tots Carlos. 

by The Science Net

PMUNYS 2022: Honing the Minds of the Future

by: Norielle Eco || Photo Credit: Philippine Science High School System

“Students? Discussing international political issues? What do they know? They’re just kids!”

Well, the goal of Model United Nations (MUN) is to help the students develop a deeper understanding of the world’s most pressing problems by letting them engage in research-based discussions.

As an educational simulation of the United Nations, MUN allows students to discuss and come up with meaningful solutions for current international issues and, at the same time, hone their skills in research, critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership.

This year, the Philippine Science High School System hosted the Model United Nations Youth Summit (PMUNYS) for the second time. Similar to the previous year, students from different PSHS campuses gathered virtually for the event. The three-day summit was held through Zoom from April 20-22, 2022.

When asked about how the preparations went for the summit, Mr. Emman Patata, a coach and now EVC’s MUN coordinator and Technical Working Group (TWG) member, said that compared to last year, there were improvements in how they prepared for the event.

“This time we really learned how to do the MUN the right way. The TWG really went into training with an RP from Singapore to do things right this time,” he shared.

However, despite the changes, it was still not a smooth ride for them. 

“It’s really challenging to teach students how to do the MUN because we have to do it virtually,” Mr. Patata added. “But I guess the good thing now is na-institutionalize ang MUN program ng PSHS system through the MUN club.” [But I guess the good thing now is that the MUN program of the PSHS system has been institutionalized through the MUN club.]

The Participants

Together with Mr. Patata, a total of 18 students and four coaches represented EVC in the PMUNYS 2022.

The participants spent the first two days of the summit attending simultaneous committee sessions where they tackled subtopics that align with this year’s main theme: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – “Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

Eight students from Grades 9-11 were chosen as delegates and grouped into pairs to represent four countries, each belonging to a different UN committee.

DELEGATESCOUNTRYCOMMITTEECOACH
Alchris Marie D. Ceballos
Joshua Christopher P. Capada		Grand Duchy of LuxembourgUnited Nations Development Programme (UNDP)Ms. Noemi A. Agner
Poimen Deb H. Agnila
Zenas Praise H. Agnila		Cooperative Republic of GuyanaUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)Ms. Camille Alvarez
Kyle Matthew B. Balasanos
Honey Precious Claire M. Yao		Federal Republic of SomaliaThe United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)Ms. Gina Cañete
Ma. Hannah Ninna C. Saliganan
Kyrus Mathew A. Pampanga		Swiss ConfederationUnited Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)Mr. Bong Ablay

As delegates, they were expected to research beforehand their countries’ policies and involvements regarding the topic. A position paper containing the data that they have gathered, along with a proposed action plan, were to be submitted before the conference. In the summit, the delegates had to study these proposals and discuss them extensively during the debate.

Eight other participants, namely Aine Latoja, Crishelle Yu, Katharine Manalo, Kyle Abello, Lorenne Limsiaco, Margarette Nunez, Tiffany Afable, and Vince Boonyarat, served as observers. They were expected to watch how the simulations work and learn from the delegates. Additionally, a select number of the observers were required to present a cultural presentation of their assigned country, the Republic of Korea, during the Youth Delegates Socials program on the first day.

The remaining two students were part of the DAIS for the UN Women committee. Vehuel John Bateo was the Rapporteur and Ruan Tady Baillo served as the Secretary. Prior to the event, the DAIS were trained to lead the committee and moderate the progression of the sessions.

As someone with previous MUN experience, Baillo shared how this year’s experience differed from his first one.

He recalled how he started as a delegate of a small intercampus MUN enrichment program where the training was rushed, and how they ended up just ‘joking around’ on the actual simulations—a huge contrast to being a DAIS this year with a much bigger and more serious responsibility.

“It was really different [being a DAIS] compared to being a delegate,” he stated.

“It was initially scary during PMUNYS 2022. I was secretary so I was in charge of analyzing all the delegates. I had to look at all of them and note down what they did, said, body language, and how they were as a delegate. At some point, the nerves wore down. We did what we had to do, and it wasn’t as bad as we thought.”

Awards

It was during the last day when the General Assembly for the presentation of resolutions was held and was followed by the Closing and Awarding Ceremony. The participants did not fail to make EVC proud as they bagged multiple awards.

Representatives from the UDNP Committee, Capada and Ceballos, were given the Best Position Paper Award and Honorable Mention for Best Presenters.

When asked about how he felt about winning Best Position Paper together with his partner Ceballos, Capada shared, “Personally, I didn’t expect that we would win. It was my first time participating in a MUN conference, and to represent EVC in a systemwide event for your first was a daunting task for me. So, when we were announced as winners, I was honestly surprised, but ultimately, I was happy because the payoff was more than enough in exchange for the time and effort that we have exerted into this event.”

From the UNESCO committee, the twins Agnila, P. and Agnila, Z. also bagged two awards as they received Honorable Mention for Best Position Paper & Honorable Mention for Best Presenters.

Yao and Balasanos from the UN Women committee also received the Honorable Mention for Best Position Paper.

Aside from that, our talented observers were also awarded Honorable Mention for Cultural Presentation.

Indeed, MUN not only hones the diplomatic, leadership, and public speaking skills of participants but it also teaches them to value inclusive and research-based solutions. 

As scholars, it is important that as early as now, individuals engage in these kinds of activities and expose themselves to issues that affect their community and the world since as they say, the children are the nation’s future leaders. 

by The Science Net

Marcos: The state of the nation is sound

by Samantha Macabit || Photo Credit: Veejay Villafranca/Bloomberg

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Batasang Pambansa Complex last July 25 at 4 p.m. He set forth the government’s agenda for his six-year term in office, while the country continues to face the crippling effects of the pandemic and the economic crisis.

“We live in difficult times brought about by some forces of our own making, but certainly, also by forces that are beyond our control—but we have, and we will continue to find solutions,” he said.

To strengthen the country’s economy, Marcos vowed to implement a sound fiscal management, with one of the main components being the Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy (MTFF) which will serve as an “anchor” for the annual spending and financing plan of the Congress and National Government when it comes to the annual budget preparation.

Additionally, he stated that the Philippines must become an investment destination, maximizing the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law and the economic liberalization laws.

“Hindi ito magagawa sa isang araw, hindi magagawa sa isang buwan, o isang taon lamang. Ngunit kailangan na natin simulan ngayon [It can’t be done in just a day, a month, or a year. But, we need to start now],” he emphasized, referring to the urgency of solving problems in the agricultural sector.

Under the Marcos administration, loans and financial assistance to farmers and fishermen will become an institution and a policy, alongside the intent to prioritize the modernization of farms through innovative technology and the use of science to increase agricultural production.

“As for the Filipino brand, ours is deeply rooted in our rich cultural heritage, and the tourism sector plays an invaluable role in the promotion of the Filipino brand,” he said.

To boost the country’s tourism, Marcos declared to first focus on making road improvements for convenient access to tourist landmarks and building more international airports to dissolve the congestion in the Manila International Airport, also referred to as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“Pero hindi na natin kakayanin ang isa pang lockdown. Wala na tayong gagawing lockdown [We can’t handle another lockdown. We will not be implementing lockdowns anymore],” he highlighted, in accordance to the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines.

Marcos also asserted that students should finally return to full face-to-face classes, and classrooms must be safe for the entire academic community when they resume in-person classes.

In the matter of continuing the K-12 Program, he stated that it is currently in the process of a careful review, considering all the necessary inputs and points of view.

According to Marcos, he won’t suspend any of the ongoing infrastructure projects from the Duterte administration as they have proved to be beneficial to the public.

“My order to the Department of Transportation or DOTr is really very simple: full speed ahead!” he added.

Aside from that, Marcos mentioned that the level of energy production must be increased since he intends to re-examine the strategy of building nuclear power plants in the country.

Regarding the climate agenda, he said that renewable energy is the administration’s focus, with the aim to increase sources such as hydropower, geothermal power, and solar and wind energy.

Marcos called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Information and Communications (DICT) to prioritize the digitalization of employment papers and certifications for OFWs. Moreover, he announced the future launch of One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC), which will serve as assistance to OFWs facing harm and abuse.

“On the area of foreign policy, I will not preside over any process that will abandon even one square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power,” he stressed.

Lastly, Marcos proposed multiple programs up for legislation, including, but are not limited to, the Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and National Service Training Program (NSTP), which aims to bring back the ROTC program as a requirement for senior high school in all educational institutions.

by The Science Net

Gunning Down Gun Violence

by Esmar Angelo M. Abobo || Photo Credit: Aaron Favila/The Washington Post

The tragic shooting incident that transpired at the Ateneo de Manila University was one that shook the nation, and with it, exposed the lack of gun control in the Philippines. What was supposed to be a graduation filled with laughter and joy turned into a day of bloodshed filled with panic and grief. The suspect, Chao Tiao Yumol, a physician turned shooter, took the lives of three victims: former Lamitan, Basilan mayor Rose Furigay, her long-time aide Victor George Capistrano, and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala. Yumol also wounded two victims, including Hannah Furigay—the former mayor’s daughter—who, at that time, was one of the graduates.

What does this say about the current laws on gun control in the Philippines?

The Philippines is relatively permissive in comparison to some countries when it comes to firearms. Almost everyone can possess a gun—from accountants, to cashiers, to physicians like Yumol, to even priests. With this large accessibility to firearms, incidents like homicides and murders due to such weapons are likely bound to happen. 

However, in the Ateneo de Manila University shooting incident, the .45 caliber pistol—one of his two weapons—seized from Yumol was not legally owned by him. It was instead traced back to an active soldier in Mindanao. The lost pistol may not have seemed to be a matter worth significant concern in 2019; three years later, it became a portent of a crime. 

Although owning and carrying a gun is already a great responsibility, the responsibility of securing it is far greater. In this case, armed personnel should not only be responsible for handling firearms but also for ensuring that they don’t fall into the wrong hands. Observing and implementing more restrictive laws may help prevent further similar incidents from happening.

Will implementing stricter laws help reduce the number of cases involving gun violence?

Regulating the accessibility to firearms will significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by gun violence. Although the 1,218 deaths of gun violence cases in 2019 are less than the 5,221 deaths in 2011, it is still a considerable number for a developing country. Should the Philippines resort to restrictive laws like Spain, where the deaths by armed violence in 2019 were reported at 53, suppressing this culture of violence in the country would be possible. 

To Chao Tiao Yumol, you were a physician—a profession that swore to save people’s lives—yet you took away the lives of three people and showed no remorse. Your actions and those who might follow, worship, and sympathize with you shall never be condoned.

To the government, how many more deaths caused by firearms will it take for gun control in the Philippines to be seriously regarded? These deaths aren’t to be dismissed because every single Filipino has the right to feel safe in their homeland. Listen to the voices of the people and take action.

And to the victims’ bereaved families and loved ones, we are with you. We extend our deepest condolences to you. We hope for justice to be served.

This incident is just one of the many episodes of gun violence in the Philippines; this only uncovers the truth that gun violence is a very significant issue in the country that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Hopefully, with more restrictive laws and proper responsibility regarding firearms, we may see a future where gun violence is less of a threat than it is today.

by The Science Net

PSMUNYS 2022: PSHS-EVC holds its first MUN

by Johanna Macababbad || Photo Credit: PSHS – EVC MUN Club

“The world needs your [youth’s] energy, courage, and commitment. I draw hope from seeing your generation challenge the status quo and call for transformative change.”

Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General emphasized during his message in the opening program for the first Model United Nations Youth Summit (MUNYS) independently organized by the Philippine Science-Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC).

To aid scholars in enhancing their public speaking skills as well as tackling relevant current issues, the Pisay Sinirangan MUNYS (PSMUNYS) was conducted last July 6 to 8, 2022, through Zoom, with this year’s theme being “Evaluating and ensuring environmental sustainability of emerging technologies.”

Participants consisted of students from different PSHS campuses, wherein the selected PSHS-EVC students were delegates for each of the 27 countries, while scholars from other campuses were the observers of the procedural meetings and debates.

Day 1

PSHS-EVC opened the summit with a program, primarily focusing on informing the audience on this year’s theme which coincides with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #13: Climate Action.

Elyzah Amboy Parcon, the environmental specialist and keynote speaker, discussed the environmental cons of blockchain technology, more specifically: non-fungible tokens. “The choice will always be yours, ours and the collective movement,” she added, referring to the standing concern of adapting to this technology.

After the opening program, the summit was then followed by the commencement of the General Assembly where the delegates gave their opening messages, including their stances on the topic and proposed solutions.

To summarize, nine of the delegates proposed a shift to renewable energy, while some of the countries opted for stricter regulations, or possibly, centralization of the currency.

In the afternoon, the General Assembly continued with a series of moderated and unmoderated caucuses so that the delegates can elaborate, give feedback, and press concerns regarding their or each other’s plan of action.

Day 2

Continuously, on the second day of the summit, the procedural meeting continued in which two draft resolutions were made with the topics namely, “Regulating blockchain technology by establishing a government-supervised cryptocurrency” and “International cooperation between developed and underdeveloped countries for the switch to renewable and sustainable energy.”

After the “Con” side’s speeches had been declared, the draft resolutions were voted upon for approval, wherein the draft regarding international cooperation for transitioning to renewable energy was favored by the simple majority and was passed.

Day 3

On the last day of the summit, Mark Caranzo, a PSHS-EVC alumni, relayed tips on college applications while Noemi Agner, a coach for the PMUNYS, grounded the delegates on public speaking. An awarding ceremony then followed these meaningful speeches.

For Best Summit Speaker, Kyle Andrew Abello, delegate of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea won gold, while Troyann Justin Pallones, delegate of China, and, Margarette Joelly Nuñez, delegate of United Arab Emirates, placed second and third place respectively.

For the Best Position Paper Award, Zemuel Abrito, delegate of the Philippines, Rafahil Palompon, delegate of Japan, Alexis Celine Morabe, delegate of Slovakia Republic, garnered first, second and third places, respectively.

For the final award, the Best Summit Delegate, Pallones was declared the champion, while Zenas Praise Agnila, delegate of French Republic, placed second, and Poimen Deb Agnila, delegate of the Principality of Liechtenstein, placed third.

To conclude the summit, Ruan Tady Baillo, the PSMUNYS 2022 Secretary-General, expressed his hope that this summit could be used as an inspiration to host upcoming conferences wherein students can learn from and discuss with one another. He finally closed the event by saying, “And as our club motto goes: Est quod est. It is what it is.”

by The Science Net

A Future That Burns Bright

by Minoelle Aralar || Photo Credit: Nikkei Asia

The country is currently experiencing what might be the worst economic downfall since Martial Law. Gas prices are high, consumer prices are rising, and most of all, the dollar exchange rate is rapidly falling — plummeting to a 16-year low. 

What does this mean for the future? 

Our future might be at risk of being gloomy, especially for aspiring scientists, in the country’s current ‘brain drain’ climate. At best, we may be a country recovering from the ails that plague it — a new era, they say. At the worst, however, we may just be continuing to fall lower than rock bottom. 

The country’s people seek economic security and the safety of being able to carry on with their lives without having to see poverty. For us scholars, on the other hand, it means being able to study and pursue the untarnished truth without having to worry about being unemployed after graduation. 

The current situation reflects uncertainty as to where the country is headed, especially with COVID-19 still lingering and continuing to debilitate the normal function of people’s everyday lives. It is a challenge on how to survive these unprecedented trying times. 

But even then, hope never fails to show itself. Hope prevails, even in the direst circumstances. There is still time for change to happen, for a miracle to happen. Perhaps, as the world continues to advance towards a brighter and better future, it is not too late for the Philippines to change its course for its own.

Perhaps, there is still a chance and hope for a future that burns bright.