via Emmanuel Salazar | The QuantumCopyedited by: Estella TaluaPhotos by: Santine Susa, Chainne Guevarra Pasay City National Science High School, in partnership with Accenture and Mad Travel, held a research symposium with the theme “Circular Economy with Community: Empowering the Climate Vulnerable to Climate Solutions” at the school gymnasium on September 9, 2025. Mr. Raf Dionisio, co-founder of Mad Travel, discussed the impact of waste on the earth’s climate and the ways to address it. The symposium included activities with students from Grade 8 to 11, where they exchanged ideas and presented their outputs.
Research Symposium kasama ang Accenture at MAD Travel, ginanap
: Adrian Banaag at Christine Fernandez: Chainne Guevarra at Santine Susa Idinaos ang Research Symposium na may temang “Circular Economy with Community: Empowering the Climate Vulnerable to Climate Solutions” kasama ang ilang kawani ng Accenture at MAD Travel, mga piling mag-aaral sa ikawalo hanggang ika-11 baitang, at mga guro, sa Pasay City National Science High School ngayong ika-15 ng Setyembre. Nagbahagi si G. Raf Dionisio, Co-founder ng MAD Travel tungkol sa epekto ng basura sa ating ecosystem at mga solusyon tulad ng paggawa ng mga bagong produkto mula rito. Nagsagawa ng iba’t ibang aktibidad ang mga mag-aaral patungkol sa naging lektyur.
BAYANI honors PaScians’ excellence in history
via Nikita Xyzelle Pariña | The QuantumCopyedited by: Estella TaluaPhotos by: Aliyah Lopez Pasay City National Science High School’s official Araling Panlipunan (AP) Club, BAYANI, proudly awarded top performers during the Quiz Bee and Poster Making contests, spotlighting student brilliance in history, creativity, and engagement last Friday, September 12. Vincent Mamaril, President of BAYANI, emphasized the role of students in preserving historical values. “History is not just about our past–it serves as the foundation of our present and the guide for our future. As Pascian students, the guide should begin with us, learning and expanding our knowledge on history, and passing knowledge to the next generation. In this way, we not only honor the sacrifices of our heroes, but also ensure that the values continue to live through the next generation,” said Mamaril. Mamaril also expressed gratitude to participants and organizers, acknowledging their efforts with certificates and heartfelt appreciation. “I’m truly grateful for all the participants and officers in charge for giving their time and effort while the intramurals were ongoing. I acknowledge them through actions and words—by giving everyone a certificate of participation and telling them that this event wouldn’t have been possible without them and how grateful I am for their time and effort,” he added.
3rd Quarter NSED, isinagawa
| Adrian Banaag| Vincent Besmonte Nakibahagi sa 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) ang mga mag-aaral, guro, at iba pang kinatawan ng Pasay City National Science High School (PCNSciHS) ngayong ika-11 ng Setyembre, kaninang alas-4:00 ng hapon. Pinangunahan ni Gng. Sarah Jane T. De Los Santos, kawaksing punongguro ng PCNSciHS, katuwang ang Batang Empowered at Resilient Team (BERT), Red Cross Youth (RCY), Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP), at Sentience ang nasabing gawain. Sa pakikipagtulungan nina Chairman Alejandro Acabado III at iba pang barangay officials ng Brgy. 98, matagumpay na nakalikas ang lahat ng mga kinatawan at mag-aaral ng PCNSciHS sa loob ng tatlong minuto at 25 segundo.
An Eye For AI
by: Aljhur P. DangananCopyedited by: Ayesha Ronquillo, Estella TaluaPublication by: Marthiena Veniezha Atienza Artificial intelligence has long embedded itself in our society—applied in fields, industries, and communications, becoming a common place in routine lives. The problem, however, is when we are living amid an era where AI fuels misinformation, the truth relies on our ability to be literate—a standard that too often falls short. Scrolling through social media can feel tiresome, especially when confronted with uninspired, AI-generated videos. Yet the danger escalates when these same tools are weaponized to spread misinformation. What is most alarming is not the presence of such content—it is the overwhelmingly large number of people who fail to see its deceptions. When an AI-manipulated photo of a trailer truck caught on fire in Manila spread online, the response of four fire trucks from the Manila International Container Terminal was rendered useless. If a fake image produced in presumably mere seconds was able to deceive the public, what more if these tactics are wielded for far graver purposes? From digital smear campaigns, deepfakes, to automated texts and generative media disguised as convenience, the media landscape is plagued with distrust and deception. This constant exposure has posed the greatest threat: one’s inability to discern what is real. Casual remarks like “Is this AI?” and “AI siguro ‘yan” seem harmless on the surface, but they reveal a deeper, dangerous crisis—people conditioned to consume media irrationally. Yet another frustrating byproduct of this issue lies in the baseless accusations thrown at any work deemed “too perfect.” A rather impressive digital artwork will not be spared from being labeled as AI. In another case, you would be one em dash away from dealing with the same situation. Actress Angel Aquino denounced the use of AI to violate women’s rights in a senate hearing last Thursday after falling victim to deepfake pornography. In a tech-driven age, the dehumanization of human rights, especially with women, have become far more alarming. Aquino rightly urged the committee to punish cyber perpetrators and seek legislation of stronger laws regarding the proliferation of deepfakes. On the other hand, shaming people who fall victim to AI-driven misinformation will not solve anything. Media literacy may not be dead, but it remains in a fragile state. When the masses are being exposed to the threats of AI, it is only right that they are equipped with separating facts from falsehoods. Likewise, they must be able to approach any piece of media in more than just a superficial way. Adapting to the digital era will always require one thing: literacy. Literacy is not exclusive to reading and writing, nor is it confined to academics. It is our ability to analyze, question, and navigate lifelong information that is crucial in shaping the world. It is the foundation of societal progress. AI and media literacy, specifically, have become a need for our digitally divided civilization. In the Philippines, the adoption of AI tools and partnerships for literacy development have begun to take shape. Albeit, the education system still falls short in offering specific disciplines or courses focused on understanding AI itself. What truly matters is equipping people to grasp how intelligent systems work. Because the problem is not AI itself. The deeper issue lies in how we utilize it ethically. When people grow accustomed to irresponsibly using AI, you get the worst of both worlds: the loss of genuine human effort, and the spread of its abuse meant to manipulate the masses. If our only course of action is to hold AI responsible, then we are fundamentally failing to grasp the issue at hand. AI bears no liability for misinformation—it is merely a tool, one that happens to be accessible for its perpetrators. Perhaps, the crux of the matter is not AI itself, but the people. False news has always been a product of human schemes, AI only makes it harder to recognize. To fight against misinformation is to advance media literacy with AI. To be literate is to engage with information with purpose, provided with awareness, education, and tools that will mold a literate society towards truth. The pursuit of truth will only crumble when AI remains unchecked, left in the hands of the culprits. Because no matter how advanced misinformation can get, a well-informed and resilient public is the strongest defense against manipulation. It is only through being adept and competent that we can empower ourselves to verify information we encounter, enter the digital world with no fear of deception, and navigate the media landscape with one mindset: that no amount of generative exploits must overwrite the truth. Only then can we truly say that we are not just passive consumers of media, but conscious truth-bearers, ready to bring what’s real to light in a world riddled with illusions.
Science Fair sa Buwan ng Setyembre, sinimulan sa PaSci
: Jashley Damaso : Dexter Ogale at Ellise Salipande Sinimulan ang Science Fair – Kick-off Event na nilahukan ng mga mag-aaral at mga guro sa gymnasium ng Pasay City National Science High School nitong ika-4 ng Setyembre. Sinimulan ang programa sa pagpapakilala ni Gng. Rosalida Sinsuan, Puno ng Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya. Sinundan ito ng pagrampa at pick-up lines nang magpakilala ang mga guro sa nasabing asignatura. Pormal na sinimulan ang programa sa panalangin ni Zoe David, Pangulo ng Young Researchers’ Guild (YRG) at pagkanta ng Pambansang Awit at himno ng Pasay na pinangunahan ng PCNSciHS Chorale sa pagkumpas ni G. Napoleon M. Anteja Jr., guro sa Matematika. Ipinahayag ni Gng. Sarah T. Delos Santos, kawaksing punongguro ng paaralan, ang pambungad na mensahe. “Today, let’s celebrate not just the geniusness of the scientists, but also the future scientists, engineers, and innovators who may be in this gymnasium,” hatid niya sa pagtatapos ng kaniyang mensahe. Naghatid naman ng kasiyahan sa pamamagitan ng isang awitin si Erica Puno mula sa ika-11 baitang. Sinundan ito ng isang audio-visual presentation na inihanda ng Sentience, YES-O, at YRG. Kasunod nito ang “Science Showcase presentation” na isang patimpalak sa Science Fair. Binubuo ito ng mga piling mag-aaral na kumakatawan sa kanilang pangkat at ang mga hurado ay sina Gng. Delos Santos, Gng. Sinsuan, at Gng. Arlyn Esber, puno ng kagawaran ng Matematika. Nauna ang ika-7 baitang na may temang “Concept Hat”, sinundan ng ika-8 baitang para sa “Cell Hats”, ika-9 baitang na tungkol sa “Organ Hats” at ika-10 hanggang ika-12 baitang na may temang “Science-Look-Alike”. Inilahad naman ni Hans Malicana, kawaksing pangulo ng Sentience, ang mga aktibidad at patimpalak na magaganap sa Science Fair. Matapos nito, inanunsyo na ang mga nagwagi sa Science Showcase sa bawat baitang at kategorya: Sandare Tusi – 7-Newton Samantha Bago – 8-Aristotle Tyrell Fiecas – 9-Dalton Juan Carlos Llames – 10-Faraday Jhiean Ching – 11-Banzon Steven Caibigan – 11-Campos Carl Vincent Chua – 12-Biyo Nagtapos ang programa sa panghuling mensahe ni Gng. Sinsuan na nagsabing “I guarantee that this month of September, mapapagod, magsasaya at matututo kayo,” ang inaasahang kalagayan ng programa ngayong pagbubukas ng Science Fair. Naging maayos ang daloy ng programa sa tulong nina Martha Clave, kinatawan ng Ika – 10 baitang ng Sentience at Shanaiyen Salazar, miyembro ng nabanggit na club isa sa mga punong-abala sa programa.
Buwan ng Wika 2025, idinaos
: Zacharie MacalaladMga larawang kuha ni: Dexter Ogale, Rhed Figuera, Jhanelle Voluntad Naisakatuparan nang matagumpay ang pampinid na palatuntunan para sa Buwan ng Wika 2025 na dinaluhan ng mga guro, mga empleyado ng paaralan, mga magulang at mga mag-aaral mula ika-7 hanggang ika-12 baitang sa Gymnasium ng Pasay City National Science High School ngayong ika-3 ng Setyembre. Ipinagdiwang ang Buwan ng Wika ngayong taon na may temang “Paglinang sa Wikang Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa,” na naglalayong itampok ang kahalagahan ng wika sa pagkakaisa at pag-unlad ng bayan, gayundin sa pagpapanatili ng kultura, kasaysayan, at identidad ng bawat pangkat etnolinggwistiko. Nagsimula ang programa sa parada ng mga guro at kawani ng paaralan, na sinundan ng pambungad na pananalita ni Ayesha Salazar, Punong Patnugot ng Ang Liwanag. “Ang ating tema ‘Paglinang sa Wikang Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa’ ay nagsilbing gabay upang ipaalala na ang wika ay hindi lamang isang sangkap ng komunikasyon bagkus ito ay ang ating diwa, ating kasaysayan, at ating pagkakaisa…ang wikang Filipino at ating mga katutubong wika ay bahagi ng ating kayamanang bayan.” Nagbigay rin ng mensahe si G. Mark Anthony F. Familaran, punongguro ng PaSci at Gng. Sara Jane T. Delos Santos, kawaksing punongguro. “Ito ang tunay na lasa ng mga Pilipino. Nawa’y magsilbing paalala ang buwan ng wika na hindi natatapos ngayong araw lamang ang paggamit at paglinang ng ating sariling wika. Gamitin natin ito sa pang-araw-araw…. at ipagmalaki sa mga sunod na henerasyon,” ‘ika ni G. Familaran. “Sa pagtatapos ng Buwan ng Wika, ating ipinagtibay ang diwa ng pagkakaisa sa pamamagitan ng paghirang at sa pagpapakilala ng wikang Filipino at mga katutubong wika,” sambit naman ni Gng. Delos Santos Pagkatapos ay ginawaran ang mga mag-aaral na nagwagi sa Indibidwal na paligsahan: islogan, komikolohiya, pagkuha ng larawan, at spoken word poetry. Bukod dito, nagtanghal ang mga nagwagi sa pangkatang paligsahan para sa bawat baitang. Itinampok ng 7-Newton ang kanilang Readers Theatre, gayundin ng 8-Aristotle ang kanilang RadyoDrama. Nagpakitang-gilas naman ang 9-Dalton sa Sabayang Pagbigkas, 10-Einstein sa Infomercial, 11-Banzon sa SayAwit, at 12-Zara sa Paglikha ng Awit. Kasunod nito, iginawad ang mga sertipiko at plake sa mga pangkat na nabanggit. Binigyan din ng sertipiko ang mga tagapagsalita, mga inampalan, at ang Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Asignaturang Filipino (KamFil), Ang Liwanag, at Bayani bilang mga organisasyong tumulong sa mga gawain ng Buwan ng Wika. Nagbigay-buhay naman sa programa ang mga mag-aaral na sina Remmy Parcia, Mark Renier Llamas, Janieve Gabrielle Dayangco, at Althea Ventura mula sa The PaScian Glee Club at mga mananayaw ng palarong pambansa mula sa 9 – Mendeleev, mga cultural dancers, at mga miyembro ng dance sports. Nagsilbing gurong tagapagsanay si G. Marlower M. Abuan kay Parcia at Aldin O. Lozada sa mga kasali ng dance sports at mga mananayaw ng palarong pambansa. Nagwagi naman sa sopresang patimpalak para sa natatanging kasuotang Filipiniana si Gng. Rosalida L. Sinsuan, puno ng Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknokohiya at G. John Bryan P. Pacris, guro sa Kagawaran ng Matematika para sa natatanging kasuotang Panrehiyon. Naging maayos ang programa sa tulong ng PaSci Chorale para sa mga preliminaryong gawain at mga tagapagpadaloy ng programa na sina Yamamoto at Salazar. Natapos ang programa sa pangwakas na pananalita ni Sofia Michiko L. Yamamoto, Pangulo ng KamFil. “Hindi lamang ito isang selebrasyon kundi ito ay isang paalala. Paalala na ang ating wikang Filipino ay buhay at tungkulin natin na panatilihin ang mga kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na paggamit…,” ani Yamamoto.
PCNSciHS celebrates Teachers’ Month ‘25
via Emmanuel Salazar | The Quantum Copyedited by: Christian Dave Tabada Photos by: Pearl Beleña, Dexter Ogale, Ryza Sophia Anabo, Aliyah Lopez, Santine Mauritius Susa, Gabrielle Ayesha Nicolas, Elyzza Esteban, Kylie Jerrilyn Ronquillo Pasay City National Science High School launched the celebration of National Teachers’ Month with a Eucharistic Mass and tribute program at the school gymnasium on September 5, 2025, to honor its teachers and staff. The celebration began with a mass gathering of students, faculty, and school personnel, followed by a short break. The Teachers’ Month celebration themed: “Legends of Knowledge: A Voyage to Celebrate the Great Wonders of Education,” was led by the Supreme Secondary Learners’ Government (SSLG) and the School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA). The program opened with the entrance of teachers from various faculties, showcasing their pirate-themed outfits. The preliminaries were led by the Pascian Glee Club, followed by the opening remarks of Mrs. Sara Jane Delos Santos, Assistant Principal II and an inspirational message delivered by Dr. Mark Anthony Familaran, School Principal II. An intermission number was performed by Mr. Norberto Barnuevo, followed by the first game, Chair Relay, which was participated in by teachers and staff from different faculties. Le Compendium performed the second intermission, after which the second game, Picture Perfect, was held. Certificates were awarded to the administration, teaching personnel, winners of each game, and runners-up for best dressed, with Mr. Marlon Palaganas winning first place. Mrs. Jackyline Lagaña, Faculty and Employees Association (FEA) president and English Department Head Teacher III, gave her closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the teachers’ dedication.
PaSci kicks off Science Month ‘25
via Emmanuel Salazar | The QuantumCopyedited by: Joebbie Krizel GauganoPhotos: Kylie Jerrilyn Ronquillo, Ryza Sophia Anabo, Reizhen Tualla, Pearl Beleña, Dexter Ogale, Leina Eavonne Miguel, Santine Mauritius Susa Science and Technology Fair with the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” opened Science Month 2025, at Pasay City National Science High School gymnasium, September 4, 2025. The event began with the entrance of teachers from the Science and Technology Faculty, headed by Mrs. Rosalida Sinsuan, Head teacher. The preliminary activities started with the opening prayer led by Young Researchers’ Guild (YRG) President, Zoe Brianna David, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and Pasay Hymn led by The Pascian Glee Club. Mrs. Sara Jane De Los Santos, Assistant Principal II, gave her opening remarks followed by an Intermission number by Erica Puno from Grade 11 Campos and the Official Opening Video. The Science Showcase began with the Grade 7 students with the theme “Elements hat,” followed by Grade 8, themed “Cell hat,” Grade 9 with the theme “Organ System Hat,” Grade 10 with the “Global Scientist Look-a-like” and “Filipino Scientist Look-a-like” for Grades 11 and 12. Hans Malicana, Sentience Vice President, announced the activities to be held in the celebration of Science Month. Sanddie Tusi of 7-Newton, Samantha Bago of 8-Aristotle, Tyrell Fiecas from 9-Dalton, Juan Carlos Llames from 10-Faraday, Jhiean Ching from 11-Banzon and Steven Caibigan from 11-Campos, and Carl Chua from 12-Biyo won at their respective categories. “Kung may siyensya, may konsensya,” Mrs. Sinsuan stated at her closing remarks, ending the program.
From Carols to Parols
by Gellian Marie TierraCopyedited by: Carlos Reily AgripaPublication by: Peter Aslan Bien Christmas is celebrated nowhere quite like in the Philippines. As soon as September arrives, malls echo with Jose Mari Chan’s medley, varicolored parols and holiday lights illuminate the streets, and anywhere you go, you’ll be met with a festive atmosphere. While the rest of the world waits for December, Filipinos set up their Christmas trees four months earlier, making the Philippines home to the longest Christmas season in the world. Catholicism plays a central role in how Filipinos celebrate Christmas, but it isn’t the sole reason the merriment begins so soon. The liturgical calendar shows that the formal preparation for Christ’s birth, known as Advent, doesn’t actually start until late November, with the four Sundays leading to Christmas Day. If not purely religious, what drives this four-month-long holiday spirit? “Christmas anxiety” is something many Filipinos experience as they strive to make the holiday season perfect for their families. The long celebration means months of preparing decorations inside and outside homes, finding the perfect gift for loved ones, and overwhelming endless expenses. According to sociologist Bro. Clifford Sorita, the early start of Christmas in the Philippines is due to a psychological countdown framework. Beginning on September 16, the 100-day countdown helps Filipinos manage holiday-related stress by providing ample time to prepare. It acts as a “secondary motivator,” allowing people to better allocate their time to important tasks like gift-buying and decoration. Instead of letting Christmas time turn into a nightmare of sold-out essentials and overcrowded grocery lines, Filipinos learn to manage their time efficiently and wisely to enjoy the rest of their “Ber Months”. The Ber Months are not only about tradition and festivities—they also bring significant economic and social effects across the country. This lengthy celebration boosts consumer spending, which helps the economy to flourish. Malls and markets see increased sales as early as September, particularly in early gift purchases, clothing, and decorations. The demand for parols, Christmas lights, and holiday treats like Puto Bumbong, Leche Flan, and Hamón rises during Ber Months, which profits small businesses and street vendors, helping them to also prepare Christmas for their families. In Divisoria, stalls overflow with fairy lights, Santa hats, and affordable toys — making it the perfect place for Filipinos to shop for Christmas essentials. The bustling market comes alive with the chatter of vendors, eager buyers, and glitter of decorations that fall to the ground. This prolonged holiday season has been referred to as an “economic stimulus” that keeps local companies and jobs afloat in the year’s last quarter. Socially, Ber Months help reconnect friends and families together again. Filipinos organize and plan reunions, Christmas parties, and attend Simbang Gabi with their loved ones, participating in small but meaningful customs because of the early preparation. This season’s social component emphasizes Filipino virtues of hospitality, generosity, and community. This last quarter in the Philippines is also a feast for the senses. Everywhere the eye lands, there’s prismatic lights and a kaleidoscope of decorations that evoke familiarity and nostalgia. Streets are adorned with varicolored parols, houses wrapped with glimmering lights, and malls transformed into winter wonderlands, even in a country with no snow. The sounds of Christmas are unmistakable. As soon as September begins, Jose Mari Chan’s timeless carols fill shopping malls, jeepneys, and radio stations. Choirs rehearse for Simbang Gabi, while children roam neighborhoods singing carols with makeshift tambourines and drums made of bottle caps and cans to earn a little bit for themselves. The music is a constant reminder that the season of joy has arrived. But perhaps the most indelible of all is the feeling. It’s the warmth of neighbors greeting each other with “Merry Christmas” in this tropical late November. It’s the anticipation of seeing your distant family members in reunions happening just before Christmas. It’s the sweet feeling after eating Bibingka and Puto Bumbong that’s never the same with each homemade recipe. And it’s the bubbly, light-hearted feeling while wrapping presents, wanting the receiver to appreciate it as much as you do them. Christmas is more than just a time of year in the Philippines; it’s a drum that begins to beat in our hearts as early as September. We start not because we are impatient but rather because love demands time: time to find gifts that come with love, time to hang parols that light up our nights, and time to create memories that will endure beyond the year and the season.