Republic of the Philippines

Pasay City National Science High School

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

𝙉𝙊 𝙎𝙄𝘿𝙀𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙀 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙒𝙊𝙈𝙀𝙉. Students took the stage in full force, dressed as champions of different sectors: healthcare, education, labor, politics, science, and more. In a world still battling for equality, these students proved that women do not wait for spaces to be given—they take them. The theme for National Women’s Month 2025, “Babae sa Iba’t Ibang Sektor: Aangat sa Bagong Pilipinas,” was not just a statement. It was a declaration.  

Isinulat ni: Ma. Jhoanna MuegaPatnugot ni: Ashley Ballesteros Lumitaw na muli ang sinag ng inang araw sa bintana ng aking kwarto, hudyat ng isang bagong araw sa eskwelahang pinapasukan ko. Pagtapak sa paaralan, nasilayan ko ang mga kukay lila at rosas na banderitas, nakasabit sa tarangkahan. Sinalubong ako ng mga ngiti ng babaeng guwardiya, na siyang aming proteksyon mula pagpasok at paglabas sa eskwelahan. Habang naglalakad sa pasilyo, papasok sa aming silid-aralan, nakasalubong ko ang isang binibini na may dalang panlinis, na siyang nagpapanatili ng kagandahan ng paaralan. At nang makapasok na’ko, nariyan sila, ang aking mga babaeng kamag-aral na nagtatawanan, nagkukwentuhan, at masipag na nagsusunog ng kilay. Dumaan ang ilang minuto at dumating na ang aming guro, isang ginang na aming “Pangalawang ina” sa aming pamilya sa paaralan. Sa lahat ng aking mga naranasan kasama sila, aking napagtanto na bawat isa ay may ambag sa buhay ko. Ngayong mas lalo nating pinapansin ang mga papel ng kababaihan sa paaralan, ating bigyang pagpupugay ang kanilang mga paghihirap at sakripisyo na ibinigay para sa kapwa nila kababaihan, na nag- aaral at susunod sa kanilang sinimulang pag-asa. Kung kaya’t para sa mga kababaihang haligi ng edukasyon at kinabukasan, kayo ang nagpasimula at maghuhulma sa kapwa babae, na umabante at lumaban sa mundong ating ginagalawan.

Isinulat ni: Claire DomendenPatnugot ni: Leon Manlangit Sa bawat bansa at sa bawat sulok ng mundo, may kababaihang nag-iiwan ng bakas ng husay at katatagan. Mga indibidwal na patuloy na nakikibaka sa lipunan para sa kanilang karapatan — para sa karapat-dapat na respeto. Mga babae na unti-unting nagiging parte ng iba’t ibang larangan: Agham, Sipnayan, Politika, Edukasyon, at iba pang mga larangan na daan para sa patuloy na pagsulong ng bayan. Ngayon, sila ay hindi na lamang bahagi ng lipunan — sila mismo ang pundasyon nito. Ngayong ipinagdiriwang natin ang Buwan ng mga Kababaihan, hindi lamang ang kanilang tagumpay ang ating kinikilala kundi maging ang kanilang mga sakripisyo, pangarap, at maging ang kanilang patuloy na laban para sa pagkakapantay-pantay, diskriminasyon, maging ang hinaharap nilang stereotyping. Gayunpaman, walang humpay pa rin ang kanilang motibasyon upang patuloy na sumulong sa pamamagitan ng kanilang kaalaman, kasanayan, at determinasyon. Sa modernisadong mundo, kasama na rin ang kababaihan na nagiging boses ng mga inaapi, at nagbibigay inspirasyon sa mga kabataang nangangarap. Sa bawat paghakbang nila tungo sa tagumpay ay hindi malayong makamit natin ang isang mundong patas at makatarungan para sa lahat. Sa pagpapatibay ng selebrasyong ito at para na rin mas lalong mabigyang pansin ang mga nakamit ng mga kababaihan sa buong mundo ay naglulunsad ng mga programa ang iba’t ibang ahensya sa buong mundo, pampubliko man o pribado. Mga programang daan upang mamulat ang masa sa tunay na kalagayan ng kababaihan at kanilang mga kakayahan. Ilan sa mga programang ito ay ang mga seminar, awareness campaign, at paggawad ng mga parangal sa mga natatanging babae sa bawat sulok ng mundo. Higit sa lahat, daan ang buwan na ito upang mas mapaigting ang pagpapahalaga sa mga adbokasiya, batas, at patakaran na patungkol sa mga kababaihan upang kahit papaano ay maging pantay ang lipunang kanilang ginagalawan. Masasabi nating kakaiba at hindi lamang basta-basta ang mga kababaihan. Ating silang protektahan at bigyang pagkilala ang kani-kanilang angking abilidad. Tapos na ang panahon na nananatili na lamang sa likod ng tagumpay ang mga babae sapagkat ngayon, sila na mismo ay kaagapay natin sa pagkamit ng tagumpay. Maligayang Buwan ng Kababaihan, Pascians!

As the celebration of the 2025 Women’s Month comes to its end, school leaders Mark Anthony Familaran and Sara Jane Delos Santos gave powerful statements in their opening remarks.

Publication: Yelena Kazmier Fabricante, and Angelique Inlong Home is Batch 2025’s acceptance of its queer population—an embrace that made it a class like no other. In Xyrel James Canonoy’s “Built Different, Beki!”, he looks back on how the LGBTQIA+ members of this community weren’t just present—they were vital. They were leaders, artists, and friends who thrived because those around them chose love over judgment, pride over silence. Because when a group makes room for its queer hearts, it becomes more than just a graduating class. It becomes home. And Batch 2025? They weren’t just different—they were built different, beki! #DOSErye2025

From the writers of Ang Liwanag and The Quantum in Grade 12, we proudly present DOSErye—a series of articles capturing the stories of endings, challenges, and triumphs of Batch 2025. For our first feature, we bring you “Anim, Libo-libo” by Zyriel Josh Coronel, Associate Editor of The Quantum—a heartfelt reflection on six years filled with dreams, tears, and relentless perseverance. #DOSErye2025  

By: Chloe Cristobal Publication: Rianne Dane Lopez Chatter filled the dainty room with a vibrant atmosphere, lighting up the eyes of all those who were taking part in the discussion. Students, engaged and eager, bounced ideas off each other–their voices a harmonious blend of insight. In the space, every question and opinion was welcomed, and every answer and counter fueled the next step in the journey of learning. At the forefront, the mastermind running the gears behind the livelyscene that unfolded, was a woman who stood with utmost confidence in her eyes and spoke with utter passion behind every word she taught. The spectacle is a familiar memory to many. I’m sure we all have had a female teacher that embodies a beacon of warmth and wisdom, her presence magnetic. A teacher who ignites passion, fosters curiosity, and nurtures the potential in every student she sees. Eventually, these great women get to work behind the scenes because of their mastery in the art of teaching. Instead of teaching the students, they have now become the leaders that guide the teachers in their respective journeys towards achieving the dream: leaving a positive impact on the lives of these pupils. Each woman tells a different story, and for Asst. Principal Mrs. Sarah Delos Santos, the pushing force that inspired her to pursue leadership in the sector of education is none other than the words of her peers that encouraged her to continue to persevere. Wise, compassionate, and humane are some of the many characteristics she demonstrates. As someone who inspires growth, empowers others, and leads with both strength and empathy, it is not surprising to hear that her motivation in her career is the challenges she faces and accomplishments she garners. “[…], I always consider every challenge and every accomplishment as opportunities to grow and remind myself that I still have a long way to go”, she said enthusiastically. But when asked what kept her going, it was surprisingly not the awards nor the hurdles. It is the passion for learning new things that allowed her to get to where she is today, alongside the guidance of her mentors. According to her, she hopes to see continued opportunities for women to rise in leadership in the Department of Education (DepEd). This can be achieved by fostering an environment where women feel encouraged to lead to strengthen the system for future generations. However, being a woman in the field comes with a hefty amount of challenges. For Mrs. Jackyline Lagana, the real challenge that she has encountered so far is not discrimination or unequal opportunities but finding the right balance between her responsibilities as a leader, a mother, and a wife. Between the tedious hours at work and tiring moments at home, the push and pull for attention of both areas is a struggle most women encounter. For her, juggling these roles has not always been easy, but she has learned that balance doesn’t necessarily mean perfection. It means doing her best with each responsibility she has without sacrificing the other. Some of the ways she maintains balance is by establishing boundaries by dedicating focused hours to work and family. Self-care, such as resting and recharging in whatever way feels most relaxing, is also a necessary component to maintain her mindset that has made it easier to navigate the challenges of being a leader. “Through it all, my passion for what I do and the support of my family have kept me going. Knowing that I can make a difference at work while also being present for my family is what keeps me motivated every day”, she explained. She sends a message to young girls who aspire to be leaders like her. Regardless of how scary the notion of possible discouragement, negativity, and self-doubt thrown in their way, believing in yourself costs nothing. The passion and determination to do the best in everything one does will lead them in the right path. Hard work, perseverance, and self-assurance are what matters most in these girls’ journeys, according to her. Finally, she emphasizes the true meaning of leadership as the way you make others feel, how you inspire them, and how you empower those beneath you. As for Mrs. Arlyn Esber, when encountering moments of self-doubt, she overcomes it through prayer and His guidance. She gives shines the spotlight on these moments of struggle and brings awareness of their normality. However, according to her, these brief glimpses of discouragement or loss of hope does not diminish the accomplishments of a woman, the power of staying true to your self does wonders. “[…] believe in your unique value and embrace your journey. The path may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it”, she said when asked about what advice she would give to her younger self. The stories of these leaders are only few of the many tales women have. This Women’s Month, may everyone be reminded of the boundless potential of women everywhere. They are the architects of change, weaving threads of wisdom and compassion to every fabric of society. They are the heartbeats of families and communities worldwide, serving as the core to every group. Their presence is immeasurable, as their beings continuously remind the world that true greatness is defined not by awards or certificates, but by strength of character, the courage to dream, and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow—a world in peaceful harmony.

Time and again, Ms. Shannen Dorothy Gomez exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding mentor—one whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. With a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and a genuine passion for nurturing young minds, she consistently cultivates an environment where curiosity thrives, critical thinking is sharpened, and innovation takes root. It is with great pride that we recognize Ms. Shannen Dorothy Gomez as the Most Outstanding Research Adviser of the 2025 National Science and Engineering Fair—a well-deserved honor that speaks to her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication as one of Pasay City National Science High School’s research pillars.  

Caption: Stefhanie Khaye Barca Layout: Ziandra Santos and Ana Celso   Today, we honor the strength and courage of women who continue to rise above challenges. From fighting for equality to challenging societal norms, they have always shown unwavering resilience. Every woman’s determination to demand change has paved the way for a more fair and inclusive world. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only their achievements but also their persistence in moving forward. Let’s stand in solidarity with women anywhere, everywhere—amplifying their voices, respecting their choices, and supporting their rights. A story of a woman is a story interconnected to strength, and together, we can build a future where they are completely free from the shackles of oppression; where they can lead, dream, and thrive. This Women’s Day, may we commit to supporting the women in our lives and beyond.

IN PHOTOS: Jed Palonpon captures the heat of the moment earlier as the Schools Division of Parañaque City welcomes participants, and advisers at the Awarding Ceremonies of the Regional Schools Press Conference 2025.