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by The Science Net

Sports Fest 2021 to commence virtually yet again

Kyrus Pampanga ||

Photo Credit: EURACTIV

With PSHS-EVC’s Batch 2024 stepping up to the responsibility, the annual Sports Fest is expected to be conducted online once more.

The event is to be held across the duration of three quarters, following tentative dates: November 4-5, 2021, January 17-18, 2022, and March 21-22, 2022. An estimated two hundred fifty students will participate in three major events and six minor events amid pandemic.

Athletic Council President Charles Uy announced that he anticipates this year’s Sports Fest to be a great success despite the set-up, aiming for a well-organized, highly anticipated, enjoyable event that will ensure active participation from all grade levels.

“The Sportsfest is an important event each year that helps the student body feel a sense of unity, which is all the more prevalent now that some batches aren’t even acquainted with each other yet,” Uy added.

There would be one major event and two minor events for each quarter. Tournaments in the major division, namely Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty, and Online Amazing Race, are expected to garner at least a hundred student participants overall, with cash prizes for each podium finisher. Likewise, tournaments in the minor division expect to accumulate a number of student participants from all houses for games Skribbl.io, Pinoy Henyo, Whisper Challenge, Telegram Word Game, Valorant, and Facebook Live Quiz. Prizes are to be awarded either in cash or house points.

Aside from the games, further projects such as the raffle are to be anticipated in order to put forward more opportunities for scholars to participate and engage in this year’s Sports Fest.

“I think it will push through because this time it’s calendared, but in terms of success, it will depend on the organizing committee and batch,” Daisy Gaut, the batch’s coordinator, disclosed in an interview. “I cannot say yet if it improved in any aspect [compared to the previous year] since the planning has just started.”

by The Science Net

How to Be a Prestigious School

Tiffany Glenne Afable || Illustration by Nathalia Canlas ||

Trigger warning: This article contains statements regarding sexual harassment and predatory behavior.

Sexual harassment must be condemned in all spaces, but most especially in establishments that are meant to be safe for young learners.

Unfortunately, this is becoming a common occurrence within said establishments. Incidents wherein the perpetrator is a close batchmate or a known upperclassman, or sometimes, even a trusted figure in the faculty have occurred with alarming frequency.

In the past two years, several schools have faced criticism and calls for safer learning environments. With hashtags like #MCHSDoBetter, #SPCPSQUAREUP, #USTSHSDoBetter, and #TimesUpAteneo, victims have come forward about their experiences, and student bodies have amplified their voices in order to create clamor and bring attention to these cases. 

In 2020, eleven victims— students of the Bulacan State University— shared their experiences of being sexually harassed by a teacher, which mostly occurred in their school’s computer laboratory. This sparked a movement among the student body, led by the #SafeSpacesLHSNow. More recently, a similar movement has risen among the Pisay community with the hashtag #PisayDoBetter after a number of students came forward with their stories that uncovered years worth of sexual harassment done by a well-known teacher in their campus. 

However, investigations on these cases don’t seem to be given the urgency they need.

Some educational institutions only write statements as a form of response to sexual harassment cases, such as in the case of the movement #TimesUpAteneo, which had risen within the Ateneo de Manila University’s student community. Many were disappointed with this response. Replies such as “Saddened lang? No mention that they should not tolerate it at all?” and “Last year pa ‘to ah. Hindi pa pala resolved ‘to?” were posted under the tweet. It is evident from these comments that it seems to take a long time before schools start to take action—poor action—on sexual harassment cases, as if the violation of their students’ security doesn’t  hold much gravity to them.

This kind of treatment has led victims to keep their trauma to themselves. Rather than perpetrators being afraid of the consequences of their actions, the way those in authority respond to such cases create an environment where it is instead the victims who fear the repercussions of coming forward. This place that students consider as their safeguard no longer feels secure.

With the countless times that different student bodies have clamored for justice, with the countless times hashtags like #ProtectYourStudents and #DoBetter have trended on social media, a disturbing pattern begins to emerge: some stories that had occurred years before had been kept in the dark because of how the perpetrator was a personality loved by many.

This then begs the questions: How many more of these stories are in the dark? How many more incidents are in the closets of these prestigious schools, rotting along with the other skeletons they have hidden? How many more victims have to be forced to keep silent? How many more cries have to be left unheard?

Students don’t want strict dress codes. They don’t want statements of sympathy. They want systematic change, which includes justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators. And so, this outrageous cycle of drawing a veil over the sexual harassment happening in schools has to stop, because for as long as this goes on, predators will continue to walk down school hallways; this nature that allows predators to run free and students to drown in their trauma must be eradicated.

To the teachers, you are considered as the second parents of these young learners. It is your duty to educate your students properly and to become a figure they can look up to. You must never use your authority as a pass to sexualize and take advantage of them, may it be a joke or not.

To the school administrators, every student has the right to feel secure in their learning environment, and it is your obligation to make sure nothing interferes with that. Your blatant ignorance of the sexual harassment and assault that happens within school hallways is what enables this culture to keep going, and it will continue to prey on your students until you finally decide to step in and act upon it. A reputation—no matter how glorious—is hollow when it stands in a graveyard of the stories you have sent to die without justice.

To the victims, whether you have come forward or are still finding the strength to tell your story, you are immensely courageous. This is your fight, and we will always stand by you. We will continue to push forward until a safe learning environment is made and fuel our voices until this cycle is lit ablaze.

Someday, we will finally see this culture in ashes.

by The Science Net

Fabricante Secures Spot in Finals of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Vean Cordero ||

The Philippines secures a spot in the top 16 of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge (BJC) for the fourth time as Francine Oren T. Fabricante (18), a 12th-grader from Philippine Science High School – Main Campus, was announced as one of the finalists last September 21 with her video entry “Gravitational Waves: The Invisible Key to Unlocking Our Universe”.

 The BJC is an annual global competition where students aged 13-18 are given a chance to explain and break down complex concepts or theories in life sciences, physics, and mathematics into a three-minute video. This year, the Breakthrough Prize Foundation added a new category, called Space Exploration (SE). The prize is an opportunity to attend a rocket launch that celebrates the anniversary of humanity’s 60 years in space, which is set to take place in 2022.

Fabricante’s video on gravitational waves was one of the three entries that received the highest scores from the evaluation panel. These, along with the top Space Exploration entry in the Popular Vote, will move to the final round of judging for the Space Exploration Champion. The announcement of winners and the award ceremony will happen sometime in November.

Fabricante was motivated to take part in this year’s challenge because of a webinar hosted by the UP Astronomical Society, wherein Mx. Beatrice Maquilan— who was part of the Top 10% of the BJC twice— was the guest speaker. “And because I turned 18 in May, joining the BJC 2021 would be my last chance. So, I decided to enter! If I didn’t, I knew I would regret it,” Fabricante said. 

Through her journey in this competition, she has come to realize that science is an integration of the humanities and the arts. “We need people who could find the right words and visuals to explain it. Proper science communication is the key to making humanity understand the wonders and solutions science can provide, especially during this pandemic,” she expressed.

If she were to win this year’s BJC, Fabricante shared that she would use the $250,000 prize for her college needs and the $100,000 prize to help improve her school’s research facilities. 

Fabricante plans to take up Biology as her major in college. However, if given the opportunity to study abroad, she wants to study in a school that can cater to her diverse interests in science. She also added that she wants to pursue Astronomy, so she hopes to take it as her minor.

Even after the competition, Fabricante wants to continue communicating science. “The Breakthrough Junior Challenge was a great opportunity to enhance my science communication skills. If I can continue to inspire more students, Filipinos, and women in STEM because of the way I present science, then I definitely won’t stop,” she said.  

Finally, Fabricante shared this to all aspiring students: “If I could reach this far with my first entry in the BJC, with a phone as a recording device and no prior experience in animation, then nothing is impossible! The BJC is a chance to learn and learn from others. Just do your best and enjoy the process! Good luck, and I hope to see more Pisay entries in the future!”

Taking inspiration from Fabricante, it is possible to thrive in the competition, even without state-of-the-art cameras or expensive recording gadgets. You do not need to be experienced in video editing and animations, nor do one need to be knowledgeable in complicated science concepts to join and shine in the competition. What you need to do is to start, take action, and persist. Just begin with what you know, use what you have, do what you can, and learn as you go. You never know, you might be the next Filipino to win this prestigious competition.

by The Science Net

Pasidungog: PSHS-EVC Virtual Recognition Program draws A.Y. 2020-2021 to a close

Vinci Tamayo & Daneil Cerdeña ||

To recognize the talents and efforts of scholars last Academic Year 2020-2021, Pasidungog, the Philippine Science High School– Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) Virtual Recognition Program, was streamed live on EVC Direct, the PSHS-EVC’s official Facebook group, last September 24. 

Before the recognition program, the oath-taking of the new set of Student Alliance (SA) officers, headed by Yvonne Esperas, PSHS-EVC Officer in Charge (OIC) – Campus Director, was conducted.

Elected SA President, Nicole Erroba stated, “We will try to make sure that no student will be left behind,” as she gave her inaugural speech.

The recognition program was then formally opened by Ana Riza Gozon, OIC-Curriculum Instruction Division (CID) Chief with her opening remarks. This was then followed by a speech by guest speaker, Dr. Angela Horca-Delfin, a PSHS-EVC Alumna and Registered Nurse. 

Horca-Delfin talked about her experience as an average student in PSHS, specifically her struggles with the subjects that were heavy on Math and Science and highlighted the fact that although she was average, she still achieved something in the end and found happiness in it.

“Impossible? No. Achievable? Yes,” she quoted.

The awarding of Director’s Listers and Special Awardees from all grade levels began shortly after, with song and dance intermission numbers in-between. 

To conclude the event, Esperas congratulated the scholars and emphasized that alongside achieving academic excellence is responsibility.

“We all need each other to grow, so I enjoin you to be one with us in working hand-in-hand for the greater good of everyone,” she said, encouraging students to share both their talents and knowledge to others.

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC COMELEC proclaims Student Alliance officers for A.Y. 2021-2022

Patricia Galapon ||

Garnering 85 to 94 percent of the voters’ favor, the Philippine Science High School – the Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared a new set of Student Alliance (SA) officers on their official Facebook and Twitter accounts yesterday, September 17. 

Voting results revealed that all six candidates from the Dis is Student-Centered Operatives (D.I.S.C.O) Party secured seats in the SA for this academic year. 

The elected Student Alliance officers and their corresponding votes during the SAGE 2021 are as follows:

Photo Credit: PSHS EVC COMELEC

Each of the new officers expressed their gratitude to be given the opportunity to lead.  

“It’s quite nice to know that this many people trust us in representing the student body,” Jean Lourd Misa, the elected SA Vice-President, said. 

Appointed Public Information Officer (PIO), Mervic Salipuran stated that though this school year is different from the preceding years, the SA will continue to support and to represent the student body, and that she’s looking forward to their continued support.

Bryan Dela Cruz, incoming Auditor, admits that he feels nervous about his new role in the SA; nevertheless, he is optimistic that he, together with the other officers, will do their best to deliver their platforms to the students.

“The hardest part about this online setup is communication,” elected President Nicole Erroba stressed.

She added that they would need the help of all class presidents to ensure that information is disseminated effectively through Messenger group chats and texts for the students in the modular setting.

Outgoing Student Alliance Vice-President, Kendra Osias, voiced that they are leaving the SA in good hands, and she is counting on them to put the good of the student body at the forefront during their term. 

As of now, details on the oath-taking, which will mark the new officers’ transition into their respective roles, are yet to be announced. 

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC conducts Miting de Avance, SAGE 2021 commences

Johanna Lindsey Macababbad ||

In front of their cameras, wearing crisp, cream or white blouses with the embroidered emblem of the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) sewn atop of their hearts, six students of PSHS-Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) introduced themselves to the rest of the student body as candidates for the Student Alliance (SA).

To give the student  body insight on the candidates’ messages and different platforms, the PSHS-EVC held the Student Alliance General Elections (SAGE) 2021 Miting de Avance through the PSHS-EVC Commission on Elections (COMELEC) official Facebook page, yesterday, September 16.

Attorney Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, human rights lawyer & advocate, opened the program by stressing that even at a young age, people should learn to find their voice, and find ways to get involved in concerns that matter.

“Let’s always stick to the issues and really debate about what we are concerned with rather than personalities,” Atty. Diokno added.

 Composed of six Grade 12 students, namely: Nicole Anne Erroba for President, Jean Lourd Misa, for Vice-President, Nyphlainne Leigh Capungcol for Secretary, Shelby Antonette Lim for Treasurer, Bryan Justine De La Cruz for Auditor, and Mervic Salipuran, for Public Information Officer (PIO, Dis is Student Centered Operatives (D.I.S.C.O) Party was the sole party to partake in this year’s Student Alliance General Elections. 

During the introduction of candidates, the Party gave anecdotal speeches of their leadership experience throughout their years in PSHS-EVC, in which they also introduced and detailed platforms that focused mainly on information dissemination.

“We can only do so much, but we will do what we can,” the party expressed as they concluded their messages.

Debate

Ranya Ecaldre, News Section Editor of The Science Net, official English school publication of PSHS-EVC and Jan Kaye Apa, Editor-in-chief of An Pukot, the official Filipino school publication, questioned the candidates during the Debate segment, for the purpose of providing the student body clarification and additional information regarding their platforms.

Dela Cruz, D.I.S.C.O Party’s candidate for Auditor, responded to a question regarding the distinguishing features of their platform called “Enhanced Transparency”, stating that unlike previous councils, they will inform the student body on the activities that were not approved of by the school administration.

“Hindi naman nasa amin ang kapangyarihan mag-approve, nasa amin naman ang kapangyarihan na malaman ninyo ang mga nangyayari kasi hindi lang ‘to school naming, school din ninyo ‘to ([Once elected] It’s not in our power to approve, but it is in our power that [students] are informed of what’s happening because this is not only our school, but also yours),” Misa stated.

Town hall

Students were encouraged to send in their questions for the candidates for the chance to be featured in the Town Hall segment last September 13.

“We know each other’s capabilities, we know each other’s limits so I think that will play a big part on how we will work with each other, how we will present the projects, how we will execute them and offer them to the student body,” Erroba said in response to a question on what sets their party apart from previous parties that have won.

The event concluded with Erroba’s speech, in which she expressed appreciation to the COMELEC for being able to organize the event, as well as reminding the students to vote wisely.

As Diokno stated, the students should keep in mind four things when choosing a leader: track record, dignity, love of country, and their platforms. 

The voting for this year’s SA is open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM of September 17, 2021. 

by The Science Net

Quiet, Please! The New Librarian is Here

Julianna Nebrija ||

As the pandemic progresses, there’s still no sight of students on school grounds. Classrooms lay barren and canteens lack the buzz of people stopping by to grab a bite. Despite all of this, a certain facility still aims to provide— even from miles away.

In early 2021, a job opportunity arose within the quiet walls of PSHS-EVC. It was for the school’s library— a secondary librarian to assist the current one. 

As an institution built on the principles of conducting proper research and other related matters, the PSHS-EVC  library is a spot frequented by every Pisay student, from freshman to seniors. Although it has been well over a year since face-to-face classes have been implemented, the PSHS-EVC library is still very much up and running to cater to every student’s literary needs.

Ann Sellah S. Ornopia (23) currently resides in Tacloban City with her spouse and their 2-year-old daughter. She studied Bachelor of Library and Information Science for four years at the Leyte Normal University, graduating last 2018. In that same year, she passed the Librarian’s Licensure Exam, achieving her treasured dream of becoming a licensed librarian.

When she heard that the school was offering a slot for a new librarian, Ann quickly snatched the opportunity, gave it a shot, and hoped for the best. Before applying, she already had three years of experience as a school librarian from working at Cambridge Center for International Studies— something she hoped would help her gain her footing quickly should she be able to work in Pisay. Finally, after three months of waiting, she received the winning ticket— a confirmation email of her employment. With that, her Pisay journey had begun.

“As a librarian, I am always emphasizing the importance of building up [my relationship] with students,” Ann stated. She assured students that she would always be available to aid them, whether it be for their academic and research needs or for other matters the library can address. Because of how the current remote learning setup limits her ability to connect with the students, she sincerely hopes that the pandemic ends soon so that the library can be filled with the whispers of students learning.

As of late, she and Ms. Cagara, the school’s other resident librarian, are working in tandem to find ways to provide effective online library services for students to use. They spent the last few months improving their document delivery service, as well as planning several library activities that could engage students’ minds. Ann further expressed that she was thrilled with all the work they were doing and that she would be looking forward to conversing and interacting with the students when the school year starts.

She finished recounting her story with, “Basically, I love my job and to be of help whenever the need arises.” 

Throughout the interview, Ms. Ornopia has done nothing but show how passionate she is with her occupation and how eager she is to help the students of Pisay EVC. With someone as zealous as her joining the school’s faculty and the library, it is safe to say that we, along with our books, will be in good hands.

by The Science Net

Pisay welcomes A.Y. 2021-2022 with Dukalwong iCamp

Katherine Manalo ||

To commence the Academic Year 2021-2022, Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS – EVC) held Dukalwong, a two-day interactive virtual camp, last September 2-3 via Zoom. 

Organized by Ms. Darry Portillo, Ms. Donnabelle Conde, and Mrs. Gaye Petilos-Tumulac, and selected students from Batch 2022, the event involved insightful talks on topics ranging from language to geology, bridging programs, and virtual games wherein winners were given customized Dukalwong merchandise. 

Gilbert C. Galit, a Filipino instructor from Leyte Normal University (LNU) opened the event with a talk on the appreciation of the Filipino language in which he noted that utilizing the Filipino language in public announcements would be essential in delivering clear information to more Filipinos and strengthening Filipino culture. 

“Walang ibang magtataguyod ng ating wikang pambansa kundi tayo,” Galit stressed. 

In a separate session with the senior high school students, PSHS-EVC alumni Mark Caranzo and Georginne Perez gave their advice and suggestions on college and scholarship applications.

On the last day of the event, Jamila B. Abuda, a licensed geologist and UP-Diliman instructor, held an educational talk on geology and mining by sharing her experience as an exploration and mine geologist as well as a discussion on responsible mining.

Jeahlyn D. Valenzuela, a community health nurse, concluded with a presentation on the importance of serving the people and nation through one’s career by recounting on her experiences as a medical volunteer in Samar after the onslaught of Typhoon Haiyan.

“Future scientists and professionals like you are needed in our country now more than ever,” Valenzuela added.

To end the Dukalwong iCamp, the organizers and scholars, with smiling faces, opened their cameras for a photo, and with that, the scholars left with not only joy and prizes from the games, but also learnings from each individual discussions. 

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC kicks off A.Y. 2021-2022

Ranya Ecaldre ||

To help students and parents adapt to another year of remote learning, orientations for Academic Year 2021-2022 were held last August 31 to September 1 via Google Meet. 

Aside from the usual guidelines and announcements from the school administration offices, upcoming freshmen were also oriented on K-Hub, the system-wide platform used for online learning. 

In addition, OIC Curriculum and Instruction Division Chief, Anariza Gozon highlighted the implementation of the blocking-staggered schedule. According to Gozon, in the new schedule, the total number of subjects will be divided into two blocks: A and B, and will follow an alternate schedule per month. The exemption of this will be the Research subject, which will be offered every month. Gozon further stated that exams shall be conducted every end of the month, only for those respective subjects that were taken. Students will meet their subject teachers twice a week for synchronous and asynchronous sessions.

In an interview, she mentioned that this was the same schedule implemented by PSHS-CVisC last school year. Due to the positive feedback from them, she expressed that hopefully, it would also give enough time for teachers to prepare their materials, for students to comply with their requirements, and for everyone to relax every once in a while. 

She also stated that they plan to hold a one-week health break every after quarter, which will involve various activities conducted by the Athletic Council, in order for the students to unwind. Gozon stressed the importance of balance in academics and recreation in the well-being of scholars. 

“Students really need to manage their time wisely and commit themselves to strive for excellence as they are expected to learn something and not merely complying with their academic requirements because, by this time, they are given more time to reflect,” she added.

After being asked regarding the conduct of face-to-face classes, Gozon responded that she cannot tell exactly when it is possible. Additionally, if the system imposes directives to hold face-to-face classes, the number of individuals on the campus should be limited due to our country’s current state amid the pandemic. 

by The Science Net

S.Y. 2020-2021: Yesteryear in Review

Tiffany Glenne Afable || Photo by Shawn Elizarde ||

Nothing felt more delightful than learning that the remaining school days of March 2020 had been suspended. The tasks of the day pushed to be the burden of tomorrow, the exhausting schedule of classes, cleared. 

But the rejoicing students could never have expected that their joyful vacation would suddenly turn into a tough school year of online classes. 

For the School Year 2020-2021, schools, including the PSHS System’s 16 campuses, shifted into the unfamiliar space of online learning. Physical books were replaced by laptops, face-to-face interactions by virtual meetings. 

Part of embracing this “new normal” was having to let go of yearly awaited EVC traditions. Forced to hold it online, this pandemic has robbed Batch 2023 of the chance to host a full-scale Sportsfest event. This setup has also taken away many of the freshmen’s first and seniors’ last experiences, as they bade their hellos and goodbyes over the internet. 

However, the hurdles of the school year went far beyond missing the annually anticipated occasions. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational institutions to deem traditional learning methods as unsuitable in this new setup. It has been a fast— extremely fast —unforeseen transition that has widened educational inequalities. In this so-called “new normal,” learners are required to have a computer and stable internet, a luxury not available to all. Though technology is a useful element in the academic field, access to it is a greater issue. Pivoting from the bustling environment of face-to-face classes to the declining attendance of students in online synchronous meetings, it is evident that the academic year has left many students behind. 

The school year had also proven to be mentally taxing. Neither the unfamiliar routine of online synchronous classes nor the seemingly endless stream of deadlines were helpful in easing the growing anxiety within the students. This unforgiving cycle had everyone in dire straits. Most left meetings with barely any takeaway knowledge, as they pushed through the year no longer for the sake of learning, but for the fear of being left behind. 

Just as it has been considered a new light for education, this academic system has also cast a shadow upon the people for whom its vision steers. There are gaps to close before this setup can be regarded as optimal for everyone. One can only pray that the upcoming school year will be no bigger whirlpool than the last.

Hopefully, we’ll all see each other again in face-to-face classes, and no longer through the sad distance over the screen. Until then, be proud of yourself for reaching this far, in whatever way and shape.