August 24, 2021August 24, 2021 by The Science Net

Ugas tops Pacquiao with a UD, retains WBA welterweight title

Kyrus Mathew Pampanga ||

Powering through the legend, Cuban underdog Yordenis Ugas (27-4-0, 12 KOs) held off Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) to a striking defeat via unanimous decision during the WBA welterweight championship last Sunday, Philippine Standard Time, at the jam-packed T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ugas secured dominance over Pacquiao’s scrambling defense with a combination of a quick double left jab and right hook by the 10th round. This play defined the match’s succeeding rounds, ensuring a triumphant homecoming for the Cuban.

With that, Yordenis Ugas, 35, had outclassed one of boxing’s greats, despite being an 11-day replacement, through his precise low blows, terminating jabs, staggering defense, and hijacking counterpunches right from the onset of the 36-minute-long match.

“I told you I am the champion of the WBA and I showed it tonight. A lot of respect for him, but I won the fight,” Ugas stated contentedly through a translator after the decision. “We only had two weeks of training, but I listened to my corner and it all worked out.”

Initiating the play with pressure, the People’s Champ kicked things off by showcasing his swift jabs and patent combinations, but the younger, taller Olympian unleashed massive right overhand punches that left no openings for the latter to bounce back.

In his element, the Cuban fighter laid traps for Pacquiao in the mid-rounds and waited for the opportunity to launch dismantling counterpunches alongside power combinations, hitting precisely anytime Pacquiao would get close.

Not leaving without a fight, Pacquiao and Ugas were head-to-head in the tenth round as PacMan continuously blocked the sharp rights and on-point punches, except for Ugas’s last-minute, deciding, lethal move.

Fighting the best rounds of his life, Ugas rampaged through the concluding moments of the match, seizing victory as he threw groundbreaking jabs and consistently applied pressure to the now-bleeding Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao, 42 and potential presidential candidate, gallantly accepted the defeat and apologized to Filipino fans. Regardless of the fact that this could have been his last stint in boxing, Pacquiao has not decided whether or not this will be the swan song of a 26-year-long career.

August 22, 2021August 23, 2021 by The Science Net

Dela Cruz places 2nd in PES-Visayas Economics Essay Contest

Ranya Ecaldre ||

PSHS-EVC brings home a trophy once more as 11th-grader Bryan Dela Cruz places 2nd in the PES-Visayas Economics Conference Essay Contest. The event was conducted last August 20 via Zoom with several teachers and students from high schools and colleges all over Visayas attending. It was organized by the Philippine Economic Society in coordination with several universities to uphold the theme, “Engendering, encouraging economics education and knowledge for nation-building.”

The essay’s topic was on the importance of economics in our lives. Dela Cruz wrote in his winning entry, “Economics is important in our lives because it can be integrated in everything we do and every decision we make.” He also stressed the significant role economics plays in the country’s strategy in facing the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Aside from the Essay Contest, teachers were also able to showcase their talents in the Teaching Video Competition in which Social Science teacher, Eman Patata, participated. Several talks and panel discussions were also held to shed light on misconceptions in Economics to encourage the students to pursue careers in the field and to highlight its importance in our everyday lives.

“It was an enriching experience. It made me appreciate the value of economics more and made me realize how much econ is intertwined in our life,” Dela Cruz said in an interview.

June 19, 2021June 19, 2021 by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC bags awards in PSHS MUNYS 2020

Louella Mae Sas ||

The long-awaited awarding ceremony for the Philippine Science High School System Model United Nations Youth Summit 2020 (PSHS MUNYS 2020) was live-streamed last June 10, 2021, from 10:30 in the morning to noon. Aside from the coaches and participants, all Social Science teachers and Grade 11 students were also encouraged to watch.

With the year’s theme “Good Health and Well-Being,” the MUNYS aimed to provide the scholars an opportunity to exercise roles of responsible citizenship and leadership by organizing a platform for their engagement in meaningful research, inclusive dialogue, and constructive discussion patterned after the framework of the United Nations.

The youth delegates’ were tasked to do research about their country assignment and to formulate the country’s policies and action plans in ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all through the four programmes of the United Nations: United Nations Security Council (UNSC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The PSHS-EVC was assigned the United States having eight participants and two advisers namely, Ma’am Noemi Agner and Sir Eman Patata.

The UNSC committee, with its members Nicole Anne P. Erroba and Manuel Rafael C. Quiero VII, was tasked to focus on the subtheme: strengthening the capacity for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks. Their policy paper “Invisible Defense Against the Unknown War” asserted that the global cooperation in countering bioterrorism is critical and timely as the nature of the attack is random and requires tightened regulations to prevent gaps in security and that the US can protect the world by building its walls with its strengthened defense against the elusive but invasive power of bioweapons. The pair placed 1^st Runner-up for Best Policy Paper Presenter for the UNSC.

The UNDP committee, with its members Jean Lourd B. Misa and Louella Mae A. Sas, was tasked to focus on the subtheme: achieve universal health coverage and access to quality essential health care services. Their policy paper “Unmasking The Cost of American Health Care and Services” highlighted that there is an inequality in the access to health coverage in the US and the absence of regulated pricing structures and varied care delivery patterns prevent some individuals from getting the quality health services they need without being exposed to a financial burden. The pair placed 2^nd Runner-up for Best Policy Paper Presenter for the UNDP.

The UNEP committee, with its members Bryan Justine G. Dela Cruz and Jamea Marcy Y. Magallanes, was tasked to focus on the subtheme: substantial reduction of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals, and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. Their policy paper “Safety First: Ensuring Healthy Water for Life” emphasized that the existing water safety regulations are capable of ensuring public safety from unsafe water. Enhanced surveillance, accurate data-sharing, and coordination of well-informed decisions can ensure that the existing water safety and regulation in the US could prevent a likely occurrence of a water crisis in the future.

Lastly, the UNESCO committee, with its members Julianna Rosh Nebrija and Shawn Elizarde, was tasked to focus on the subtheme: substantial increase in recruitment, development, training, and retention of good health and well-being of the workforce. Their policy paper “Bridging Health Gaps with Cultural Competence” stressed that cultural competence as part of medical care could result in a better quality of the health care system. Since informed choices may influence health outcomes, the role of culturally competent health workers is critical in ensuring that health concerns in LEP communities are well-expressed and understood.

June 7, 2021 by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC holds virtual graduation of Lamiraw

Louella Mae Sas ||

The 22^nd Graduation Program of Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus was held last May 24, 2021, at 2:00 in the afternoon live through Facebook Live and Zoom.

Graduates, parents, teachers, and other staff of the institution were present at the ceremony. The guest speakers who also graced their presence in the event were Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., the Undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology and the Officer-in-Charge of PHIVOLCS, Dir. Lilia T. Habacon, the Executive Director of the PSHS System, Ms. Elaine M. Morales, the President of the PSHS National Alumni Association, and Sec. Fortunato T. De la Peña, the Secretary of DOST.

The ceremony started with the processional of the 80 scholars who satisfactorily completed the basic requirements prescribed by the system under the six-year special science curriculum in PSHS-EVC of the academic year 2020-2021. The opening prayer was led by Mark Russell D. Caranzo, thanking the creator for all the blessings they have received, including their graduation.

In her welcoming speech, Alinelle Mae B. Reoma greeted the revered guests, respected administrators from the PSHS System, teachers and staff of the campus, parents and family, other graduates, and friends. She expressed that their graduation is undoubtedly a sign of success, not only for the graduates but also for those who have known them throughout their six years in school.

“Young people like you are the future front liners of the country, in key roles needed to maintain a humane, free, and peaceful society where men and women of science, technology, and innovation serve to make better health services available for all,” Dr. Solidum, Jr. conveyed to the graduates in his motivational speech.

In Dir. Habacon’s message, she stressed that as future leaders in science, technology, and innovation, the graduates should have the humility and courage to seek help when they feel they most need it. She then emphasized that the graduates should protect and value their mental health because it affects how they think and act as they cope with life.

Sec. De la Peña also stated that as Pisay graduates, they should be brave to face challenges they will face for they are built to excel. They are agents of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and they can help shape the future and make it a sustainable experience for humanity. He then ended his speech congratulating the graduates for their well-deserved success.

Lastly, in the thanksgiving speech by Eirene Jude P. Gomez, she expressed the graduates’ gratitude to the DOST and the PSHS System, the teachers and other staff of the campus, their family and friends.

The ceremony came to an end with the remarks, “Mabuhay ang Lamiraw! Mabuhay ang Batch 2021!”

May 24, 2021May 24, 2021 by The Science Net

The Closing Curtains: Recognizing Lamiraw’s Legacy

Julianna Rosh Nebrija ||

PSHS-EVC’s Batch Lamiraw
Photo by: Jean Lourd Misa

After a year of online classes amidst the pandemic, the school year 2020-2021 finally comes to a close. The past year posed challenges like no other for both students and teachers – with dramatic changes to everyday school life laden with great difficulties in communication and in execution. With the sense of familiarity and routine taken away from everyone, the year was certainly not an easy one.

This is especially true for Batch Lamiraw, PSHS-EVC’s graduating batch of the year. For the seniors, the challenge of learning and working in a completely remote setting was magnified with the stress of finalizing their research with little to no face-to-face interaction and of preparing and applying for numerous colleges. Despite such trials on their path, they handled it with the grace and excellence the rest of the school associates them with.

No Success without Support

To honor their efforts and contributions during the school year—and the previous years—a virtual recognition program entitled “Pagpupugay” was held last May 21, 2021. Pagpupugay is a Tagalog word that stands for “salute,” a nod of respect for the batch and their admirable achievements.

Though it may seem like they finished this year with ease because of the countless awards they garnered, the seniors would think otherwise. Just like the rest of the school body, they had their share of difficulties and needed support in order to pass the year with flying colors.

Mark Caranzo, a Batch Lamiraw senior, said that there were a lot of things in play that motivated him during online classes. The first for him was his own personal ambition. “I feel like I’m studying not just for the recognition, but [also] for the knowledge na pwede kong makuha, which I believe would prepare me for my future career,” he shared. Along with his own desire to study well as much as he can, he also added that he felt that doing good in school was the least he could do for his hardworking parents. His Christian faith and his support system composed of his classmates, friends, and church family were also important in motivating him the entire school year.

For a student leader like Iana Puayap, leading also meant taking breaks. Even though everything now has to be administered online, she still wanted to be as active as possible in the various student organizations she takes charge of. She joined an out-of-school organization that advocated for mental health, but because it needed a large portion of her time, she had to take a break from it. She felt that she needed to prioritize adjusting to the new normal before dedicating much of her time on other matters. The same reason also applied to her in the school’s SRCYC, being fully understanding when the other members did not participate much in their discussions. Because she understood that online learning demanded most of a student’s energy and time, she didn’t force starting new projects when it was clear that not everyone can be readily available for them.

Research has also become a challenge during online classes. Nico Quimsing, a tech-savvy Batch Lamiraw senior, said that there was the downside of not having access to a number of tools available at the CReST lab. Luckily for him, his study did not require as much materials and/or equipment most bio-chem studies needed as it was essentially developmental. Minus the presence of his research group mates and their adviser, he was able to work just like he normally did once he got the materials he needed on his own. To him, research is essential, especially during trying times such as now.

A Show for the Ages

Batch Lamiraw always stood out in school, even when they were still the fresh faces. They proudly shared their talent in the various productions they performed during school events, and they showed their genius and excellence when representing the school in competitions across and outside the country. Their unity as a whole has always been an inspiring attribute, both to the older and to the younger batches. Even at the face of the pandemic, with their last year taking a turn nobody expected, they shone brightly as they always have.

With everything that they have done and achieved during their time in Pisay, it is guaranteed that there will only be bigger things in store for the skilled dreamers. Soon, they’ll be on their way in making their mark on this world, ready to show them a show for the ages.

May 7, 2021 by The Science Net

New way of greeting approved on final reading

Johanna Macababbad ||

During its final reading, House Bill No. 8149 or “Bating Filipino Para sa Kalusugan Act”, formerly filed as House Bill No.7333 by Marikina Rep. Bayani Fernando, had been approved by the House of Representatives with the voting of 212-1-1, last January 19, 2021.

To avoid risking acquiring the COVID-19 virus, the bill proposed a new method of formal greeting that still expresses a sign of respect, and goodwill, like the traditional method of a handshake, but without the need for physical contact. Like listening to the beat and melody of the national anthem, with head bowed and eyes closed, a person stands with his right hand placed where his heart lays.

“The medical profession has established that the traditional, well-meaning, and innocent gesture of handshake transmits communicable diseases and is a risk to one’s health,” Fernando stressed to explain the decision of his proposal.

It is noted in the bill, when approved, that no punishment would be given to those that do not practice or follow this way of greeting. As of now, the decision of the Executive to approve or disapprove the implementation of the bill as law has not been determined.

May 7, 2021 by The Science Net

Race to Cyberspace: PSHS-EVC Online Sports Fest 2021

Kirstin Malinao ||

Photo Credits: Documentation Team of Athletic Council

The Sports Fest 2021: Race to Polaris was held live last January 24, 2021 through Facebook Live. The PSHS-EVC Athletic Council organized the celebration online, preserving Sportsfest tradition and providing non-academic activities to students amidst the pandemic. The event started with an opening program, and showcased the cheers of the three houses: Carina, Vela and Pyxis, alongside games that entertained the students.

While many initially assumed that the Sportsfest was cancelled, students were thrilled and intrigued when they heard that the event was being held online, considering physical sports were one of the main activities for this event in previous celebrations. However, quarantine protocols prohibit any type of physical sports activities in the school.

Despite all the difficulties, the celebration prospered and reached its goal to bring joy to the students at the comfort of their homes. Viewers left lively and cheerful comments reflecting their participation and enjoyment during the FB live broadcast.

In the Opening Program, short messages from the Athletic Council and its adviser, Mrs. Daisy Gaut, were given, along with intermission numbers from a few students from the organizing batch. Additionally, introduction of General Athletic Managers of the competing houses took place. The program ended with the Athletic Council declaring the official start of the Sports Fest 2021: Race to Polaris.

This year’s Sportfest included three games: Pisay Henyo, Kahoot, and Skribbl.io, which were shown in between the cheers of the three houses. This was the first time the Sportsfest was held online and the organizers were lauded for being able to pull through with such an event.

They also announced that this year’s Sports Fest is being done in an ongoing manner and will have a second iteration soon.

May 7, 2021 by The Science Net

Pandemics, quarantine and mental health

Danna Mheliza Mae D. Budaño ||

Uneasiness, anxiety, dread, tension, confusion, and hopelessness have been our loyal companions ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started ravaging the country last year.

We were optimistic that everything would go back to normal after a few months; that we would be back with our normal lives as if nothing happened. That sentiment couldn’t have been any farther from our reality.

A year has passed since the government implemented quarantine, yet, whatever we do, we can’t seem to reach the end of this dark tunnel.

We are losing hope every day.

Each day, thousands of newly recorded cases and hundreds of recorded deaths are announced. This serves as a grim reminder that whilst we are at the safety of our homes, in some other place, people are fighting a desperate match against death.

As dire as the COVID-19 pandemic is, unfortunately, it isn’t our country’s only enemy. It had brought along a string of other problems.

Problems in the economy, in the government, in the environment, and in education have been rampant in the past year, and some of these stemmed from the year-long quarantine the government had implemented. Yet, even less talked about is the population’s worsening mental health crisis amidst the quarantine and pandemic.

Mental health has always been a topic of concern even before the COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantines started. But with the endless problems the country and the rest of the world have been facing, we are starting to forget how important mental health actually is.

Quarantine certainly isn’t the best experience, and people have associated negative emotions with it such as boredom, loneliness, and uncertainty. There had also been extreme cases where quarantine had led people to commit suicide.

Prolonged quarantine can result in psychological damage due to extended exposure to stressors. A study conducted in 14 different countries had shown that people who showed symptoms of depression tripled after restrictions were implemented. 14.2% of the 14,975 respondents displayed symptoms of depression before quarantine started. After quarantine regulations were implemented, 45.2% of the respondents showed symptoms of depression.

Despite the facts above, we couldn’t simply halt quarantine. A spike in cases would trigger more unrest and anxiety to the population as compared to a prolonged quarantine.

What exactly are we supposed to do? What should our country’s leaders do?

Authorities should make concrete plans on how to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantine is a measure against the pandemic, we can only end quarantine as long as cases have decreased significantly, along with chances of future infections.

Communication with the population is necessary. The government should clearly state its plans and give updates on the situation. They should also make sure that while quarantine is implemented, the population has their basic needs fulfilled, especially the people who have lost their jobs due to quarantine.

On the other hand, as citizens, we should follow health protocols implemented by the government. Wear masks, sanitize ourselves properly, and take care of our physical well-being by taking supplements.

With the worsening mental well-being of the population during quarantine, we should start taking serious action against the pandemic itself.

By taking all the necessary steps to end the pandemic, someday, we might be able to get ourselves out of quarantine and take a fresh breath of air outside without fear.

May 3, 2021May 4, 2021 by The Science Net

A Fight for Our Eagles

Bryan Justine Dela Cruz ||

Feared close to extinction because of the rapid decline of its population, the Philippine eagle is continually being conserved and protected by Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) despite the current global health crisis.

The monogamous Philippine Eagle, a natural treasure found only in the Philippines, faces extinction due to human activities, loss of habitat, and slow reproduction rate of once every two to three years.

The year 2020 had been a chaotic year for the whole world. But for eagle conservationists, 2020 saw hope and optimism, with 7 eagles rescued and two new eagle families sighted.

“We have demonstrated over the past 30 years our commitment to conserve the mighty Philippine Eagle and by hook or by crook, we will sustain that next year and in the years to come,” said Dennis Joseph Salvador, the executive director of the PEF.

He added that he is optimistic that the protection of the species started on the right track for 2021, given the achievements of 2020.

Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuous threat of human activities, the PEF achieved a record number of rescues for the year.

“We are very glad that despite the pandemic’s travel and movement restrictions, we were able to save six of these seven precious birds, with three of them healed and successfully released back to their respective forest homes,” claimed Salvador.

Additionally, with an estimate of 400 nesting pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the wild, the sighting of two families of the raptors, one within Mount Apo Key Biodiversity Area and another within Mount Kampalili-Putting Bato Key Biodiversity Area, was a milestone worth celebrating for the foundation.

“We are very happy every time we discover new pairs,” Jayson Ibanez, research and conservation director at the PEF, said. “It is important to locate the nesting sites so that we can put in place protective measures to ensure they will be out of harm’s way so that the species can reproduce and will not become extinct.”

“Conserving these core areas of reproduction and keeping the nesting pair and their young safe is pivotal to the success of saving the species from being lost forever,” Ibanez added.

In efforts to conserve the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the PEF has put together various movements and programs like the Bird of Prey: To Save Our Eagle Online Film Screening.

“I’m hopeful that [our film] will make a difference,” says Rettig, “because I’ve seen how images have the power to change the way people look at nature, change the way they look at the environment, and change the way they care.”

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s debut film in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the award-winning documentary entitled Bird of Prey, depicts the moving story of a small group of conservationists who are dedicated to their goals and work tirelessly to save these rare eagles from extinction.

“If we lose the Philippine Eagle here in the Philippines, then the whole world loses,” says Professor Perry Ong, University of the Philippines. “The eagle may be found here, but it belongs to the world.”

The Philippine eagle is most certainly a breathtaking beauty of nature that will be a huge loss not only to the Philippines, but also to the whole world if these majestic animals become extinct.

Therefore, one thing is certain: The PEF will continue its efforts to conserve the population of the Philippine Eagle until thousands of these majestic birds will be soaring high in the sky.

May 3, 2021 by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC garners awards in KVIS-ISF

Crishelle Phoebe Yu ||

To provide a mechanism for students with a strong interest in the sciences, Kamnoetvidya Science Academy held the 4th KVIS Invitational Science Fair virtually in Thailand last February 6-20, 2021. With the theme “Scientific Endeavors in One Click”, the fair aimed to provide opportunities for students who have a strong passion for science and technology to be paired with mentors from different schools and exchange scientific knowledge by connecting with other young scientists through an online platform.

Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus students from grade 12 brought home the bacon by winning the “Best Oral Presentation Award in Biology Research” with Mark Russell Caranzo, Kristen Clarisse Loreto, and Alinelle Mae Reoma as the presenters of their study “Spatiotemporal Analysis of Dengue Cases in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines” and “Best Social Inspiration Award in Chemistry Research” participated by Georginne Reese Perez, Darren Pearl Reynera and Queenie Anne Yanuario for their research “Qualitative Analysis and Preliminary Anticancer Activity Evaluation of Alkaloids in Chrysophyllum caimito leaves”.

“KVIS was really fun. At first, my groupmates and I were really nervous because we had researchers from all over the world there, but it was exciting getting to know them and listening to them present their research projects. We were able to learn a lot, and it was a wonderful experience seeing the directions that the people belonging to our generation, from all over the world, were leading scientific innovations in various fields,” Perez stated.

Over the fair, the students were a part of poster presentations, science activities, and making friends from across the globe with the vision of being a leading science high school promoting wisdom, research, and technology for the nation’s sustainable development.

“We were, at first, intimidated by the judges who would be on the Chemistry panel because some of them had previously won international awards in their respective fields, but their questions were very engaging, and they showed genuine interest and respect for all the presenters’ research topics, so the presentation day turned out to be a lot more fun than we were expecting,” Perez pointed out.