Republic of the Philippines

Pasay City National Science High School

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

By: Darleene AnavisoCartoon: Chesca Domondon Every child possesses unique talents and aspirations. Yet, the Philippine government’s approach to education—particularly its focus on the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand within the Senior High School (SHS) program—risks the potential of countless students. This bias, evident in funding allocation, scholarship opportunities, and even societal perception, is not just unfair; it’s a threat to the nation’s overall progress. The K-12 program, including SHS with its four tracks (Arts and Design, Sports, Technical and Vocational, and Academic—which includes STEM), aims to enhance the quality of education and provide new opportunities. However, the reality is far from equitable. The STEM strand consistently receives larger shares of the budget and scholarships, leaving other tracks struggling for resources and recognition. Big corporations and NGOs often prioritize STEM graduates for internships and entry-level positions, further perpetuating the perception that STEM is the only viable career path. This unfair treatment is deeply felt by students. Amanda Joy Villaroman, a HUMSS student, describes her frustration at the shortage of scholarships for humanities students, a sentiment echoed by countless others. The perception that STEM is the only valuable path is not only disheartening but actively detrimental to students’ aspirations and the nation’s future. While the government’s focus on STEM is understandable, given its importance in economic development, neglecting other strands creates a critical flaw. Critical thinking is not solely the domain of STEM; the arts, humanities, and vocational skills are equally crucial for a well-rounded and thriving society. How can we build a strong nation if we undervalue the skills needed to understand its social, cultural, and economic frameworks? The current system creates a frustrating disparity, where some students are equipped with complete resources while others struggle with deprivation. The rising cost of tuition further worsens this inequality. Scholarships are essential for many students, yet the current distribution system intensifies the existing bias. This lack of fair opportunity not only limits individual potential but also hinders the nation’s ability to cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce. STEM cannot stand on its own. It is not the only strand that is crucial; all of the strands are. They are connected with the humanities, social sciences, and arts, forming a complex and dynamic ecosystem of knowledge and innovation. The development of sustainable technologies requires not only scientific expertise but also a deep understanding of social and cultural factors that influence adoption and implementation. By embracing their connection, we can create a more holistic and ethical approach to addressing the challenges we may experience, making meaningful progress that can benefit us all. The solution is not to diminish the importance of STEM but to create a level playing field for all SHS tracks. This requires a fundamental shift in resource allocation, scholarship programs, and societal perception. According to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Research Congress, more people apply for STEM than other strands because it offers a pathway to high-demand careers with good salaries, provides valuable skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, and is considered crucial for driving innovation and technological advancements in today’s world. This pathway should not only be offered in STEM but also in every other strand. Every student deserves a fair chance, and every opportunity they encounter is a golden chance to shape their future and contribute to the nation’s progress. The government and private sectors must act decisively and create projects or programs such as equal funding allocation and diverse scholarships to ensure every strand has equal opportunities in both academic and work environments, making this golden chance available to all.

Caption: Yasmine Resse RoselLayout: Carl Carasco and Ana Celso It’s okay to feel lost. It’s okay to not have everything figured out. Life isn’t a race, and everyone moves at their own pace. Just because others seem to have a clear path doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Dreams don’t always come to us fully formed—they take time, experience, and self-discovery. If you find yourself unsure of what lies ahead, take comfort in knowing that uncertainty is not a sign of failure but a phase of growth. Embrace the process, explore different opportunities, and allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Every step you take, even the small ones, brings you closer to where you’re meant to be. For now, be patient with yourself. Keep moving forward, and trust that your path will unfold in its own time.

Caption: Stefhanie Khaye BarcaLayout: Carl Carasco Sometimes, the hardest step is saying, “I’m not okay.”’ But that moment of vulnerability lies the beginning of healing. It’s not easy to open up, especially when it gets too much—with feelings being hard to express through words. Yet, telling others what you really feel allows others to truly see you, to understand what you’re going through, and to offer the support you deserve. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or someone you trust, know that there’s always someone willing to listen and help. Healing starts with a simple conversation—one where you remind yourself that you do not have to face your struggles alone

Caption: Camille AtienzaLayout: Carl Carasco and Yasmine Rosel According to Simon Sinek, dedicating eight minutes for such moments serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing connection. It’s not about solving every problem but being there in the moment, fully attentive, and offering a sense of comfort and care. 8 minutes is a short period of time, yet it has the ability to evoke every feeling and emotion that fortifies a relationship’s ties. People often convince themselves that more time will become available eventually. Responsibilities and responsibilities frequently take precedence, leaving little time for genuine talks. However, when a loved one or friend is going through a difficult moment, the importance of simply being there cannot be overstated Spare 8 minutes out of your day to be there for someone. It’s a small effort with a big impact!

Caption: Loren MangahasLayout: Carl Carasco Crying releases the emotions we can’t express in words. Each tears are the emotions we carry in our heart, each tears make our heart lighter and stronger. It is in these moments of vulnerability that we find clarity and strength to move forward. Always remember that crying doesn’t make you any less of a person. It symbolizes how strong you are and makes us connect and understand our self-being. In these moments we cry, let us embrace the tears and always be reminded that we can always comeback stronger and face the world again

By: Maria Ghianella TuqueroPublication: Angelique Inlong To every student, parent, and citizen of Metro Manila buzzing in the anticipation of holidays, we might want to reconsider new gift items to wrap and give our loved ones: an umbrella, a blanket, and perhaps a jacket. We are facing a crucial moment where gifts must not be the only one we’re excited to foresee—but the weather too. As the year 2024 paces and reaches its final weeks, Metro Manila must expect rainy and cooler days as La Niña  continues to persist. La Niña is the cooler-than-usual temperature in the Equatorial Pacific, and has a 74% chance to persist throughout this season, which may lead to intensified precipitation and wet conditions in the region. According to a specialized forecast released by The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the regional climate outlook for the National Capital Region projects the northeast monsoon or the amihan may accentuate the effects of La Niña. It is predicted that precipitation will be 211.9 mm, which is above-normal of conventional rainfall levels. Consequently, the above normal-rainfall may bring localized flooding and interruptions to holiday plans. Weather disturbances such as low-pressure area (LPA), and localized thunderstorms are also expected to contribute to unpredictable rainfall, which PAGASA advises Metro Manila residents to be prepared for. Additionally, several key weather stations such as the northeast monsoon/amihan, localized thunderstorm, low-pressure areas, and tropical cyclones may impact the region. In order to prepare for weather occurrences during these last weeks, PAGASA advises Metro Manila residents to stay informed through official weather updates and advisories, prepare for possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and adjust holiday travel plans to accommodate potential rainy conditions. The weather agency prompts Metro Manila residents to embrace the cool season while remaining conscious during instances of heavy rainfall. Bracing for the forecasted conditions, preparation also serves as our most valuable gift. While the cooler temperatures offer respite from the whirlwind weather conditions experienced for this year, preparedness remains a vital key to manage and prevent disruptions caused by the rainy weather.

Caption: Yasmine Resse RoselLayout: Carl Carasco It’s okay to take a moment and mourn the person you once were—the version of yourself that carried you through so much, even when things felt impossible. It’s okay to grieve the person you hoped to become—the dreams and plans you had for the future that didn’t go the way you expected. Growth isn’t always a straight line, and it doesn’t mean letting go of every part of who you were. Instead, it’s about learning to embrace change, honor your past, and find peace with the path you’re on now You are allowed to feel sadness for the version of yourself you’ve outgrown and the goals you’ve had to let go of, but remember that your journey is still unfolding. Even in the midst of loss, there is so much room for new opportunities, new dreams, and new strength to emerge. Trust that every step forward, no matter how small, is shaping you into someone even more resilient, compassionate, and capable. Be gentle with yourself—healing and growth take time, and you are exactly where you need to be in this moment

Caption: Rachel Angel DavidLayout: Carl Carasco Through the turbulence, the lonely nights, and the darkest moments, we sometimes lose our way. Yet, there are always those silent supporters who stand by us—catching us when we fall and cheering us on as we rise. Their proud eyes remind us of our strength and resilience. To the Pascians who’ve overcome every hardship: your journey inspires, and your perseverance shines. Some may not support you simply because it’s YOU, but others will always stand by you BECAUSE it’s you. Let’s continue to rise together!

Caption: Stefhanie Khaye BarcaLayout: Carl Carasco Exams are over, and many of you might feel unsure about how you did. Maybe you’ll be reminded of moments where you hold your test papers and feel disappointment in yourself — the ‘nag-review naman ako…. bakit parang kulang pa rin?’ kind of frustration. But, here’s the thing: just the effort you put in reviewing, staying up late, or doing your best to manage your time learning despite having other schoolworks to accomplish is already something to be proud of “Exams doesn’t always define your worth or capabilities”— we already heard this saying a lot of times, and it has always been true. Sometimes, our performance might not be the same with our expectations, and that’s okay What matters is that you tried, and that effort is speaks volume about your determination. So, take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and use this experience as a motivation to keep going. Always reassure yourself— you’ve got this!

Caption: Rachel Angel DavidLayout: Carl Carasco Hey, Pascians! How have you been lately? Hope you’re hanging in there! Kalakbay is here with a gentle reminder for you “Do I deserve to take a break? I still have so many pending tasks…” We hear you—it’s tough. The whirlwind of tasks, deadlines, and changes can leave you feeling drained. But let’s take a moment to reflect on this: you’ve cried oceans, but you didn’t drown. Instead, you stayed afloat, and that’s something to celebrate. Rest isn’t about giving up; it’s about taking a pause It’s knowing you have the option to reset—no matter how many times it takes—to get back on track. It’s a chance to change the course, shift the direction, or try a new method, but it’s never a reason to quit. Your ultimate goal is still waiting for you, so keep going Give yourself permission to rest. Do something creative, something that recharges you emotionally, physically, and mentally Unplug, stay grounded, and just breathe. Sometimes, rest is the most productive thing you can do for yourself. You’ve made it through the hardest times before, so there’s no doubt you can conquer this one too. Let’s move forward, Pascians, with hope, courage, and an unstoppable spirit. The journey may not be perfect, but it’s yours—and that makes it priceless. Let’s keep rolling! Cheers, Your fellow Pascian