Republic of the Philippines

Pasay City National Science High School

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

Photos: Mark Reniel Balolo 36 years, countless students, and a legacy that won’t fade. Mrs. Arlene Arcellana is closing her gradebook one last time. From her early years at Pasay City South High School to leading the Science Department at Pasay City National Science High School, she didn’t just teach—she shaped futures. Today, March 6, her colleagues came together to celebrate her journey—one filled with lessons, laughter, and the kind of impact that textbooks could never capture. Tomorrow marks her last day, but her influence will echo in every student who ever saw the magic in science because of her. Enjoy your well-deserved rest, Ma’am Arcellana. The experiment of life now calls for a new adventure!

By: Xyrel James Canonoy If organizations could have siblings, Kalakbay: The Pascian Teen Center and Prisma: The Gender and Development Club would be just that—sisters. Two different hearts, beating in sync. Two different missions, bound by a shared purpose. One focused on the mind, the other on identity, both fighting to create spaces where Pascian students could breathe, feel, and exist without fear. A year ago, Kalakbay was just an idea in the heart of my best friend, May Relyn De Paz. A dream of a safe space, a quiet refuge where students could rest their weary minds without judgment. It was built on the belief that mental health matters just as much as grades, that emotions are not weaknesses but truths that deserve to be heard. And now, Kalakbay stands firm on the second floor—a sanctuary for those who need to be reminded that they are not alone. Prisma, in many ways, was its twin flame. I built it with the hope that Pascian students—regardless of their gender, their identity, their stories—could finally have a space that saw them, recognized them, fought for them. What started as a student-led initiative for gender and development became a movement, one that refused to be ignored, one that challenged norms and stood proudly in its truth. Kalakbay and Prisma didn’t just exist. They moved, they led, they shook things up. Together, they spearheaded last year’s Women’s Month celebration, not just as an event but as a statement: that mental health and gender rights are not side issues, but at the core of what it means to be human. They proved that student organizations aren’t just for extra-curriculars but for real, tangible change. Sisters don’t just grow together. They fight together. One year in, and Kalakbay and Prisma are more than just clubs—they are institutions. They are proof that young people, with enough passion and courage, can create spaces that truly matter. But this is not where the story ends. The fight for mental health awareness continues. The push for gender inclusivity is far from over. Kalakbay and Prisma will continue to stand—side by side, hand in hand. Because at the end of the day, these aren’t just organizations. They are homes. And as long as Pascian students need them, these sister clubs will remain, unwavering in their purpose, unbreakable in their bond.

By: Shaun Mustang Jacinto & Paul Angelo SalvahanPublication: Angelique Inlong Schools have always mirrored our society. From price hikes to social dynamics, it’s a microcosm of what the ‘real’ world is. School elections, for instance, mimic well the nuances and trends we see in local and national elections. Ideally, they offer us students a democratic process that gives where they majority selects their supposed rightful leaders. But what happens if that power bears no brawn and intelligence? Would cutting the head of the snake solve the problem, or would fostering an environment unfit for a snake to wreak havoc be a better course of action? Due to their striking resemblance to larger-scale elections, school elections play a critical role in raising a generation of voters. However, this similarity also implies that the same deep-rooted issues—political dynasties, monopolized leadership, and voter ignorance—are present even at the school level. One particularly concerning trend is how certain candidates benefit from political affiliations tied to previous administrations. This holds true in Pulse Asia’s last preference survey for the upcoming senatorial election, when familiar surnames dominated the top 14 spots most of which are re-electionists and the rest coming from known political dynasties. They wouldn’t be able to do this without their own way of deception however, which is why on top of their engraved names in the mind of the people, their delusive campaigning also plays a huge factor to their triumph. Take for example the ‘Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ partylist leveraged off of their slate filled of “experienced” candidates who already once held positions in the legislative and local governments. The perfect concoction that deludes the masses, requiring a blaring wake-up call to break free from these illusions and recognize the minimal impact flashy candidates have made during their time in service. Credit grabbing and unnecessarily lengthy credentials are the shadows that dim the light to this reality. The very issues that plague national and local elections hide in the underbelly of school elections, reinforcing the idea that our political problems are systemic rather than incidental. Just as in larger-scale elections, school elections tend to favor name recognition over merit, reward performative and populist leaders over genuine service, and create a cycle where the same people retain power. This mirrors the deeply embedded political dynasties and patronage systems that cripple Philippine politics, where elections are less about democratic representation and more about maintaining control. One clear example that exacerbates this is the “vote straight” culture in school party systems, where students are encouraged to elect an entire slate rather than evaluating individual candidates based on merit. Albeit party affiliations can provide structure, they often serve as pylons for exclusivity, prioritizing alliances over competence. This mimics the way political parties in the Philippines operate, particularly in the party-list system, which was meant to give marginalized groups representation but has instead been co-opted by elite interests. Just as established names dominate the ballots in national elections, school parties often become monopolized by the same groups, making it difficult for independent candidates or newcomers to break through this chain. This culture discourages critical voting and reinforces blind loyalty over informed decision-making. The sad metaphor of “musical chairs” aptly describes this cycle of Philippine politics: the same names resurface, ensuring that power remains within the same networks. It is clear that voter education alone cannot fix an electoral process designed to benefit the powerful. While it is often seen as the key to better election outcomes, education means little when the system itself encourages popularity over substance, exclusivity over inclusivity, and familiarity over fresh leadership. Without institutional reforms that address elite control, unregulated campaign practices, and voter apathy, educating students on how to vote wisely will not be enough to disrupt the status quo. This is why school elections should not be treated as just mock elections, but as opportunities to demand and practice real democratic principles. Political change does not begin and end at the ballot box—it must start where power structures first take its form: within the confines of schools. If student elections continue to manifest the dysfunctions of national politics, then we are merely training the next generation to accept corruption, performative leadership, and political stagnation as the norm. Breaking this cycle demands continuous efforts to demand transparency, hold student leaders accountable, and push for fairer election policies within schools. Change begins at the grassroots level, not just in national government, but in the very institutions where we first learn to engage in politics.

For the first time in history, Pasay City National Science High School competed in the Philippine Geography Olympiad series, participating in its 14th year yesterday and today, February 22-23, the country’s largest geography competition for high school students. Representatives May Relyn De Paz and Xyrel James Canonoy tackled a 50-item written exam and a challenging two-hour field exam across University of the Philippines-Diliman, navigating from Quezon Hall to the wetlands along University Avenue, the playground at UP Integrated School, and the College of Arts and Letters. Trained by Mr. Emerson Constantino and accompanied by Mrs. Mary Grace Dela Cruz, the two-day competition ended with the bets exiting Sunday morning, after the qualifying rounds. Their participation however marked an important milestone, setting the stage for future contenders.

Defying Gravity in Pisika-alaman 2025! Pasay City National Science High School’s team—Maxine Arella Reyes, Carl Niño Carasco, and Heiza Adeth Banaag—made a strong showing in Pisikaalaman 2025, the country’s premier high school physics competition. As one of only twenty four teams to qualify for the finals, they competed in the face-to-face-format event held at the National Institute of Physics, UP Diliman, on February 22. Under the mentorship of Sarah Lee Fedelin Delgado, the team tackled complex physics problems with determination and skill, proudly representing the school in its historic appearance in the competition.

Annyeong, world! From shaping young minds at The Quantum to representing Pascian excellence on the international stage, Mr. Mark Reniel L. Balolo is ready to make waves in the 2025 Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Programme! As a mentor, leader, and passionate educator, Sir Mark continues to inspire, proving that great teachers don’t just teach—they transform lives.  

To be a journalist is to bear witness—to listen when others turn away, to amplify voices that would otherwise be drowned out, and to write the stories that demand to be told, no matter how difficult. As The Quantum fulfills its mission to illuminate Pasay City’s most pressing issues, we remain steadfast in our duty as Vanguards of Truth. This past year has been a testament to transformation—one defined by journalistic integrity, unwavering excellence, and an unrelenting pursuit of truth. From the desperate pleas of fisher calling for the suspension of reclamation projects to the ripple effects of political break-ups and governance shifts, our stories capture the realities that shape our city and nation. With pens poised and voices unshaken, The Quantum continues to challenge the status quo—for free speech, for fearless journalism, for the stories that demand to be told. Ad Veritatem: There is no other way forward than with the truth. Read the issue here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/7d4ce4ee51.html  

“Tagapaghayag ng KATOTOHANAN, Tagahatid ng KAMALAYAN” – ANG LIWANAG Nailathala! #HusayNgPaSci

Caption: Joebbie Gaugano and Ron David SantiagoLayout: Maria Pascual Hello, PaScians! Love is in the air! Can you spot the hearts around you? If not, you surely will this February 13-14, 2025 as we come together to celebrate the season of love—Valentine’s Day! The SSLG has prepared a lineup of 7 exciting booths to make these two days extra special! Whether you’re spending it with a significant other, embracing singlehood, secretly admiring your crush, enjoying quality time with friends, or indulging in well-deserved self-love, this celebration is for you. Expect fun-filled moments, heartwarming surprises, and a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, mark your calendars and get ready to feel the love in the air! Don’t miss out—join us and make this Valentine’s celebration one to remember! NOTE: These are self-service booths available for you anytime! Make sure to read each slide to know more!

Xyrel’s journey in campus journalism began with curiosity and a love for storytelling. From his early days as a science and health writer to becoming a news writer, a broadcaster, and eventually The Quantum’s Editor-in-Chief, he has continuously pushed himself beyond limits. Today, that passion and perseverance have earned him the title of Pasay City’s Most Outstanding Campus Journalist. The Quantum takes immense pride in you, Xyrel.