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by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC finally holds in-person graduation for Batch Sidlak

by Patricia Galapon || Photo Credit: Sidlak: Bente dos FB Page

After two academic years of conducting virtual graduation ceremonies, Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) held its 23rd Graduation Program for Batch 2022 at the school’s gymnasium, while simultaneously airing it on the EVC Direct Facebook page, last June 10.

PSHS-EVC’s Class of 2022 named their batch “Sidlak,” which they defined as “one’s hope for the sun to shine.” The name attested to the graduates’ completion of the six-year PSHS curriculum, as Batch Sidlak’s light continues to burn for hope even at the end of their PSHS journey. 

The ceremony began with the processional of the graduating students, teachers, and staff and was followed by the opening prayer led by Benedict Joaquin H. Chua, a graduate with high honors.

Bryan Justine Dela Cruz, a graduate with high honors, opened the program with a speech. He greeted the revered guests, officials of the PSHS System, personnel, teachers, and all the students and their parents present in the gymnasium. He mentioned that all these people contributed to shaping them into becoming the individuals they are today. 

As Dela Cruz reminisced the memorable highlights throughout their secondary years, he also stated that he and his batchmates should applaud themselves for finally graduating after years of facing challenges with continuous tireless efforts. 

The Executive Director of the PSHS System, Ms. Lilia T. Habacon, congratulated the graduates and expressed her appreciation for the students’ efforts in adapting to remote learning, given its trials. She also reminded them that “the world is not a bed of roses”; thus, as the graduates welcome a new chapter in life, they should not allow setbacks to deter them from pursuing their passion as future leaders in science, technology, and innovation. 

Ms. Yvonne M. Esperas, the Campus Director, presented Batch Sidlak’s graduating students — who then shifted their tassels as a symbol of officially being recognized as high school completers. Mr. Jhun-Jeff C. Cobacha, the campus registrar, awarded them with their diplomas, while the honors and awardees were presented by PSHS-EVC’s CID Chief, Mrs. Ana Riza Gozon. 

The Secretary of DOST, Fortunato T. De la Peña said he is optimistic that the PSHS Curriculum has already equipped the students to pursue a higher degree of education. He encouraged the graduates to leave their marks in our society and to pass on excellence to future generations. 

“Padayon Batch 2022! Stand with the people for truth, excellence, and service to the nation,” Sec. De la Peña stressed.

Finally, Batch Sidlak’s Highest Honor, Jim Yvene S. Cadion, delivered his thanksgiving speech, wherein he expressed gratitude towards teachers and staff of the campus, the PSHS system, parents, batchmates, and the Creator, also adding that Pisay molded them to reflect the spirit of service to the people.

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC COMELEC announces S.A. officers for S.Y. 2022-2023

by: Samantha Macabit || Photo Credits: PSHS-EVC Comelec

The Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared the set of newly elected Student Alliance (SA) officers for the upcoming school year on their official Facebook page last Wednesday, June 8.  

For this year’s SAGE, two parties, namely Student Leaders Advocating for Youth Empowerment (SLAY) Party and Well-being, Enrichment, Linkages, Communication, Openness, Management and Empowerment (WELCOME) Party, campaigned over the course of nine days, from May 29 to June 6, as they aspired to be the future student alliance of PSHS-EVC.  

The campaign period concluded with the live presentation of the Miting de Avance and Debate was conducted last June 6 which involved segments such as presentation of platforms, and interviews from the school publications (SciNet and An Pukot), Townhall, Cross-Examination, and Fast Talk.  

The elections were then held virtually the following day, June 7, with the voting open until 5 o’clock in the afternoon.  

Garnering a range of 53% to 67% of the votes, the entire SLAY Party obtained spots in the SA: Kendra Leigh Osias for President, Alchris Marie Ceballos for Vice-President, Ranya Ecaldre for Secretary, Patricia Niña Galapon for Treasurer, Franze Christian Go for Auditor, and Ivory Dawn Castro for P.I.O. 

In an interview, each of the winning candidates expressed their excitement and gratitude to be given the responsibility to become the face and leaders of the student body.  

“The overall experience was nerve-wracking, but at the same time fun, because I knew I was surrounded by people I can trust,” Castro said. 

Go mentioned how it felt like an emotional rollercoaster due to the exhaustion from academic requirements, agitation because it was his first time running, and excitement on account of his desire to serve the student body. 

“I am proud that we were able to overcome all of those despite the tight schedules of campaigning simultaneously with examinations,” Galapon stated. 

Meanwhile, Ecaldre stressed that the whole thing was tiring, but worth it because of the multiple friendships formed and lessons learned.  

“During our term, the students could look forward to a more active academic year,” Ceballos emphasized. 

Osias explained how they want to empower the student body by giving them a voice and to become the type of leader that can accommodate the students’ needs through prioritizing their welfare with everything the SA intends to do. 

“All in all, I think the best way to describe what we’re feeling right now is: ready. Ready for what’s to come, ready for the responsibilities, and ready to serve the student body to the best of our ability,” Osias added.

by The Science Net

The Fighting Maroons triumph against Blue Eagles in a historic do-or-die UAAP Finale

by: Jeb Garganera || Photo Credit: Inquirer

The UP Fighting Maroons shut down the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ hopes of a four-peat in a fiery do-or-die basketball game at the UAAP finals. 

After three suspenseful games, the UP Fighting Maroons ultimately dominated the court against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, winning 72-69 in overtime in the do-or-die Game 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 13, 2022.

With a sliver of a second remaining, JD Cagulangan delivered a cold-blooded, step-back three — demolishing the Ateneo Blue Eagles championship three-peat run and finally ending the University of the Philippines’ 36-year title drought. 

Malick Diouf, the Finals MVP, led the Maroons with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Ricci Rivero had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals alongside Cagulangan’s 13 points. Ateneo’s SJ Belangel clinched two free throws with 56.7 seconds left, before the Maroons’ CJ Cansino replied with a clutch triple at the 47.8-second mark, leading the scoreboard into 59-59 and forcing overtime.

Gian Mamuyac of Ateneo turned into a man possessed, draining two massive threes in the extra period, the second coming from the corner at the 1:47 mark for a 69-64 lead. Despite this, UP knotted the game at 69 with 39.7 ticks left after Diouf’s dunk and Cagulangan’s wild three. This game-winning triple spoiled SJ Belangel’s 27-point performance. The step-back jumper will be remembered as one of UAAP history`s best moments. 

While Ateneo had built up an amazing run, it was UP that peaked at the right time. Indeed, the two teams have raised the bar high for Philippine college basketball.

by The Science Net

SIBOL claims “Victory” again in 31st MLBB SEA Games

by Kirstin Malinao || Photo credits: ONE Esports

Conquering the rematch, SIBOL managed to safeguard their crown after emerging victorious against Indonesia, 3-1, in the 31st Southeast Asian Games Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event last May 20, 2022. 

The SIBOL MLBB team was comprised of veterans from Blacklist International, which included Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna, Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario, Salic “Hadji” Imam, and Dexter “DEX STAR” Alaba. Newly minted rookies Howard “Owl” Gonzales, Kyle “Dominic” Soto, and Russel “Eyon” Usi completed the lineup.

Meanwhile, the Philippine team’s opponent in the finals, Team Indonesia, was composed of professionals from a variety of well-known groups. Their roster included Albert “Alberttt” Neilsen Iskandar, “Vyn” Calvin, and Rivaldi “R7” Fatah from RRQ Hoshi; Calvin “CW” Winata, “Sanz” Gilang, and Nicky “Kiboy” Fernando Pontonuwu from ONIC Esports; and “Luminaire” Ihsan Besari Kusudana from EVOS Legends.

The event consisted of two stages: commencing with the group stage wherein the top 2 teams from each group would qualify for the finals. The group stage divides the 7 teams, representing seven countries, into two sets. The groups in each set would compete, with group A having 4 teams and group B having 3. In group A, the Philippines and Malaysia were able to qualify after overthrowing Myanmar and Laos. On the other hand, group B had Indonesia and Singapore move on to the next stage after Vietnam suffered from no wins.

The final stage was in a Best-of-3 format, followed by a grand final with a Best-of-5. The semi-finals ended with the Philippines winning over Singapore, 2-1, and Indonesia thwarting Malaysia with 2-0. The two teams then played four games, with SIBOL claiming first place, 3-1. Indonesia and Singapore came in second and third, respectively.

by The Science Net

The Fight Against Climate Change

by: Gabriel Segura || Photo Credit: Louise Mikayla Lelina

On April 6, 2022, Peter Kalmus, a climate scientist working at NASA, chained himself, along with four others, to the entrance of Chase Bank. In a voice both defiant and fraught with trepidation, he decried the corporations and governments who have ignored the 50 years’ worth of research pointing toward a simple, irrefutable fact: human activity has accelerated the process of environmental change that will inevitably render the planet inhospitable to the human race. Disappointingly, he was met by 100 LAPD officers in riot gear and arrested, an approach inherent to those in power unwilling to heed the warnings of experts and concerned citizens because it means shaving a few percentage points off the profit margins. 

Spurred by the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Kalmus, alongside a collective of over 1,000 scientists named the Scientist Rebellion, took to the streets bearing banners designed to shock passers-by to their core (“1.5oC is death!”, “Climate Revolution Now!”), which warned that “rapid and deep cuts” to greenhouse gas emissions are necessary by 2025 in order not to exceed 1.5oC of global warming. Indeed, in light of this impending deadline, one finds it difficult and pointless to operate as normal. However, in the face of potential auto-genocide by inaction, Kalmus says, “Never give up!”. Living amid a climate crisis may make nihilists of us all, he says, but while there is still time, one must take a rebellious stance and advocate for environmental reform. 

This begs the question: “What can we do?” The vast majority of the population seems to think that climate reform is a matter of personal responsibility, no doubt inculcated through the educational curriculum. Look through any elementary science textbook, and you will find that measures combating climate change amount to cursory soundbites such as “Don’t leave the faucet running while brushing your teeth,” “Turn off the lights when not in use”, et cetera. While these measures must, of course, be done, one must never fail to look at the bigger picture: the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the industrial processes of corporations and the energy generation of post-industrial nations. The bulk of the burden lies not upon the ordinary citizen but upon these bad actors, like JP Morgan, of which Chase Bank is a subsidiary, and the UN, both of which have recently unveiled to the public their “greener initiatives”, whereupon close inspection turn out to be all bark and no bite.

Therefore, the apt course of action would be to indict those holding the reins. The only language that corporations understand is statistics, so when their profits are slashed and in the red, only then will they listen to the consumers. Boycott and divest your spending money from industries that practice unsustainable production methods. Likewise, the populace must elect leaders committed to the fight against climate change and support policies that will cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the energy generation sector. We as Filipinos should be vocal, as due to our geographic position in the Pacific, we bear the brunt of most of the effects of climate change, having suffered through 8 typhoons, one of which was a super typhoon, and incurring above 60 billion pesos in damages. We must demand climate justice from developed nations and push them toward true sustainability. This problem goes beyond sectors and classes; we must unite against this rising threat.

by The Science Net

Masking the Earth

by Jazie Mein T. Rangga || Photo Credit: WBUR

“Adults keep saying: ‘We owe it to the young people to give them hope.’ 

But I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act. I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if the house is on fire. Because it is.” – Greta Thunberg, Swedish environmental activist at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 25, 2019.

On April 6th, 2022, over 1,000 scientists in 26 countries risked arrest as they raised their voices and spoke about the arising dangers that fossil fuels pose to the climate. This sparked movement in the streets and on social media alike, with the #LetTheEarthBreathe rising rapidly on many top social media platforms. 

This isn’t the first protest humans have made for the sake of saving their planet. People have been arrested for speaking up about the environment all the way back in the early 1900s, only growing more desperate as the years go by. The planet grows hotter, but people are only silenced or urged to ignore it.

So why do we keep protesting? 

These protests usually end up in chaos, disorder, and disruptive behavior, after all. But the spectacle they cause is for the good of humanity. These rallies not only fight for the present but also for the future. 

The effects we witness today are proof that climate change can take so much from us. As the polluted air damages our lungs and the rising sea levels take away our homes, we’re forced to ponder, “Can we allow the future generations to suffer through that? They might even have to live through the world being sicker than it is today.”

They do not deserve to pay for the sins they had not committed. They deserve to come into a world where the sky is blue, not covered up by the grey smog of pollution.

What are we supposed to do then? 

For starters, we can follow the well-known four Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair) to lessen our environmental waste. Riding a bike or taking public transport (bus, train, etc.) is another helpful way to reduce one’s carbon footprint. On a larger scale, we can also invest in environmentally-safe materials, and of course, save water and energy. 

What is our role as Filipino citizens? 

Voting for leaders who genuinely care for the environment and possess exceptional environmental platforms is a major leap itself, especially now as the elections are approaching. 

As science students, we can also use the privilege that has been given to us to learn more about the environment and how to improve such a dire situation. As bearers of the truth, it is also our duty to actively take part in this movement.

While humanity is still in a pandemic, masking ourselves to protect one another, there is no reason for the Earth to be masked and trapped in the heat and waste that we have created. Shouldn’t it also be given the freedom to breathe like the life it has harbored?

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC holds its annual SMT Fair

by Vean Cordero || Photo Credit: SMT Fair Website

The Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) held its highly anticipated Science, Mathematics, and Technology (SMT) Fair with the theme “PSHS-EVC at 30: S&T Solutions towards a Sustainable Philippine Development” via Zoom last March 28 and 29, 2022. 

This year’s SMT Fair was organized by the SMT Unit, led by Mrs. Leslie Cruto. They developed a website that served as the central platform for the two-day event. The fair commenced with an opening message from Campus Director, Ms. Yvonne M. Esperas. Keynote Speaker Mr. Michael Tonido also delivered a heartfelt message regarding his STEM career journey, inspiring students to continue pushing forward even when faced with adversity.

The interactive games for Grades 7 to 9 students, facilitated by Grade 10 students, were the highlights of the first day. The winners won SMT merchandise such as string bags, bucket hats, and tote bags. 

“This year’s fair, being my batch’s first, was certainly a memory I’ll hold dear for the rest of my high school experience,” said Grade 7 student Samuelle Ysidore. “The games weren’t completely related to school, so it felt refreshing. My batchmates and I can’t wait to play the games prepared face to face and celebrate the fair together in person soon!” 

The fair also had a research exhibit open for viewing to all students. The exhibit showcased the posters of two groups from the 12th grade containing the significant parts of their research study. 

On the other hand, the highlight of the fair’s second day was the Research Congress of the Grades 11 and 12 students. The Grade 11 students had their research proposal defense in the morning, while the Grade 12 students had their research paper defense in the afternoon. The evaluators included PSHS-EVC teachers and guests from external institutions, who provided insights and suggestions for improving the students’ research proposals and papers. 

“It was indeed helpful,” claimed Grade 11 student Daniel Aguilos. “We got experienced advice from our teachers on how to best improve our study by suggesting to try out more efficient methods and ways to conduct it.” 

As an audience member, Grade 10 student Kyle Abello said that the research congress was bittersweet. “Bitter because we know we’ll be the next ones to experience that and sweet since it inspired me and gave a ton of new knowledge which we could use for our research.”

Simultaneously, students from Grades 7 to 9 had the Maker’s Fest in the morning and the Career Talk in the afternoon. The 1st and 2nd placers in the Mascot Design Challenge of the Maker’s Fest, Grade 9 students Zenas Agnilla and Faye Rhianna Avendaño, won cash prizes of Php 2,000 and Php 1,000, respectively. 

Students then attended career talks of three accomplished guest speakers: Abe Ernest Johann E. Isagan, Eddie Francis Cesar Plaza, and Edwin Miguel S. Anadon. They shared their experiences in their respective fields, boosting the curiosity and willingness of the students to pursue and explore more STEM careers.

To conclude the event, Curriculum and Instruction Division Chief Anariza Gozon shared in her closing message the purpose of this year’s SMT Fair: “to showcase our dearest student body’s resiliency, innovation, and creativity amidst the global crisis.”

by The Science Net

Pisay opens doors to students for pilot in-person classes

by: Ranya Ecaldre || Photo credit: Ranya Ecaldre

After almost two school years of online learning, the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS – EVC) finally implemented the pilot in-person classes last April 4 and 6. The pilot batch consisted of sixteen Grade 11 students divided into three sections based on their science core subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.  

Following a blended learning system, students underwent face-to-face sessions for their science core subjects and online classes for their humanities subjects. Sessions were conducted while observing health protocols such as wearing masks, handwashing, and social distancing. The students were also given health kits containing face masks, sanitizers, tissues, and face shields. 

In their respective classes, all students were assigned their permanent seats spaced out within the classroom to avoid physical contact. A plastic barrier was also installed on the teacher’s table to avoid the possible transmission of the virus. Each classroom was further equipped with two alcohol dispensers for sanitizing and exhaust fans to improve ventilation. 

Sessions for online and in-person students were done simultaneously. Some activities, however, were exclusive to the face-to-face students. Physics students conducted a laboratory activity regarding their topic on relativity, while Biology students roamed around the campus for their exploratory activity on their lessons in bryophytes and nonvascular plants. Chemistry core students also experienced interactive discussions with the help of physical molecular models. 

According to the students, the face-to-face discussions were more interactive and effective than online classes. Jhun Kenneth Iniego, a Chemistry core student, said that it was good to finally meet his friends after two years. Frances Canicon, a Physics core student, expressed that, compared to the online setup, face-to-face classes were more effective because they get to concentrate and focus well in the classroom due to the absence of distractions as compared to in their household.  Job Beau Linao said that it was easier and more enjoyable because they had the chance to bond with the other students. 

“It also allows a direct confrontation with the teacher, so slow internet does not become a hindrance when learning,” Jude Lagramada added. 

While the overall response was positive, students also expressed their concerns about the slow internet connection, the prohibition of roaming within the campus, the short amount of time spent in school, and the slight inaudibility of teachers during discussions. 

Unfortunately, due to Typhoon Agaton, the second week of face-to-face classes was canceled and will resume in May for Block B of the fourth quarter. 

by The Science Net

Fray Mended in the Threads of Fate

by: Margarette Joelly Nuñez || Photo credit: SF 2021-2022 Documentation Comittee

PSHS-EVC’s Virtual Sportsfest unleashed its final hurrah last March 31, 2022. House X, similar to the past year, bagged the overall champion title while Houses Z and Y placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively.  

The final wave of games began on March 30-31, featuring the Online Amazing Race, Valorant, and SF Live Quiz. Conducted by section, the Online Amazing Race included a series of questions and links that led to a finish point, with sections Diamond, Jasmine, Sodium, Neutron, and Section A dominating the scene. Meanwhile, Lapid Phenomenal Basketball of House Klotho struck gold in Valorant, which mandated two teams per house (in an open category) and was conducted in a 5v5 first-person hero shooter game. Finally, for the concluding game, the Live Quiz rewarded winning players with 200 pesos and ten house points in which Houses X, Y, and Z garnered 100, 50, and 40 points, respectively.  

To ignite the energy of the spectators, selected students and guest band Vyses showcased their talents through pre-recorded performances during the closing program;  games were also held alongside these to maintain the zest. 

The hosts finally declared House Klotho as this year’s champions, having seized 1678 points in total. House Atropos, only four points behind with a score of 1674, secured the second spot. Lastly, House Lachesis landed in third with a total of 1480 points. 

“Despite the setup, we succeeded in pushing this victory. However, the real win here was really the bond that we met along the way. This event allowed us to ease the distance between Pisay scholars in the region,” stated Margarette Nunez, the General Athletic Manager of House Klotho.

To conclude the event, Batch and Athletic Council Adviser Mrs. Daisy Gaut expressed, “This event is not only a mere experience, but it is also an enjoyable moment.”

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC celebrates its 30th founding anniversary

by Johanna Macababbad || Photo credit: PSHS-EVC FB Page

For three decades, an institution currently located in Pawing, Palo, Leyte, has been reaching incredible heights through its expertise, resilience, and vigor. The Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS – EVC) conducted the opening program for its 30th founding anniversary via Zoom last April 1, with the theme, “Pisay ha Tulo ka Dekada: Kabatikan, Kakusgan, Kadasig.”

138 people, including students, faculty, and staff, attended the online event. Yvonne Esperas, current PSHS-EVC Campus director, welcomed the audience with an opening message, stating that the road to success may be difficult, but in the process, people can create milestones.

The program was followed by a slideshow of pictures dating back to the early Pisay years, and messages from the previous campus directors namely, Dr. Pedrito Padilla, Dr. Reynaldo Garnace, and Erick John Marmol, in which they talked about how PSHS-EVC has grown throughout these years.

“Like bamboo, we are pliant, no matter what we go through, let us always look back and recall the life we threaded years back, as we head on to another year, another decade. Even if challenges and troubles come… look ahead and say to ourselves, ‘We made it, we will continue to head as we face another decade, another milestone,'” Garnace stressed.

Dr. Helen Cativo Belanzor, a PSHS-EVC alumna from Batch 2000 and prolific scientist, relayed her experience in work. She also gave an insightful message on perseverance, stating that failure is natural, and by being resilient, a person can achieve whatever goals they set their mind to.

“Keep trying, keep persisting, show up every day to make the next small step. In a month, in a year, you made a giant step, getting closer to whatever it is you’re trying to achieve,” Belanzor said.

Fortunato de la Peña, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), PSHS System Executive director Lilia Habacon, Alumni representative Catherine Bartoline-Ballon, and Parents-Teachers Association President Editha Huang, also gave their congratulatory messages. 

To conclude the event, students from Batch 2022 to 2027 wished the school a happy anniversary, with several further expressing that the school has become their home.