Eid’l Adha

Ngayong ika-6 ng Hunyo, ating ipinagdiriwang ang Eid’l Adha — kilala rin bilang Pista ng Sakripisyo. Sa ating mga kapatid na muslim, nawa’y maging makabuluhan ang inyong pagdiriwang na puno ng kapayapaan at pagmamahalan. Kami ay nakikiisa sa inyong selebrasyon at dalangin na nawa’y patuloy kayong pagpalain ng Maykapal sa inyong pananampalataya. Eid Mubarak!

Will they finally listen, or let another term pass soaked in silence?

As a new Congress opens this June, we ask: Will they finally listen, or let another term pass soaked in silence? SOGIESC stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics — terms that describe how we identify, express ourselves, and experience the world. Contrary to the myth that the SOGIESC Equality Bill only protects the LGBTQIA+ community, the truth is this: everyone has a SOGIESC. Whether you’re cisgender or queer, straight or gay, you have a sexual orientation, a gender identity, a way of expressing that identity, and physical traits related to sex. That’s why the SOGIESC Equality Bill matters. It’s not about granting special privileges — it’s about ensuring no one is harmed, excluded, or denied opportunities just because of who they are or how they express themselves. For too long, students, workers, and everyday Filipinos have been denied protection simply because their SOGIESC doesn’t align with outdated norms. For more than 2 decades, the SOGIESC Equality Bill has gathered dust while more and more lives are ridiculed, restricted, and rejected. Enough delay. Enough excuses. The time to pass the SOGIESC Bill is now. Read from the archives: Soggy Bill https://www.facebook.com/share/1EhHRY4jNx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Mahalaga ka.

Ngayong sumapit na ang Buwan ng Hunyo, dala-dala natin ang iba’t ibang kwento ng pag-ibig—mga kwentong hindi lamang nagpapakita ng katapangan, kundi ng kalayaan. Pag-ibig na nagsasabing karapat-dapat kang magmahal at mahalin, kahit minsan ang mundo ay sinusubukan kang patahimikin. Isa itong pagdiriwang ng malalim na kahulugan ng kalayaan at pagmamahal. Pagmamahal na hindi nakakulong sa kung ano ang idinidikta ng lipunan. Dahil ang pag-ibig ay mapagpalaya. Sa ating patuloy na paglaban para sa mga karapatan, mahalaga ka—hindi lang ngayon, hindi lang ngayong buwan na tila may puwang ka sa mundo, kundi lalo na sa mga araw na pakiramdam mo’y wala kang halaga. Sa mga gabing tila hindi ka nauunawaan. Sa mga oras na napapagod kang ipaglaban ang sarili mong katotohanan. Sa mga panahong iyon, may kakampi ka. May puwang na sa’yo nakalaan. At may pag-ibig na handang sumalubong kahit sa gitna ng katahimikan. Pag-ibig na mananatili kahit hindi madali. Sa panahong ang pagmamahal ay rebolusyon, ang pananatiling totoo sa sarili ay isang anyo ng katapangan na kailanma’y hindi matatalo.

When a teacher writes from the heart, the world listens.

Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo, The Quantum’s School Paper Adviser, has just been featured on the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Teacher Exchange for Global Education (APTE) blog. His essay entitled ‘Thoughtful Tears’, is a breathtaking reflection on Teachers’ Day. An ode to the quiet power, unseen labor, and enduring grace of those who choose to teach. In a world that often overlooks the soul of education, Sir Mark’s words remind us that teaching is not just a profession, but a promise—to care, to guide, to never give up. Read Thoughtful Tears and witness a story that speaks to every teacher’s heart: https://aptenpebbles.blogspot.com/…/teachers-day-around… A Pascian voice. A global platform. A story that lingers.

Pasci bags sixth in Aghamazing

Carrying the banner #HusayNgPasci, National Capital Region representatives Xhian Alsola, Elyzza Esteban, and Zyriel Coronel secured 6th place in the recently held 2025 National Festival of Talents’ STEMazing: Aghamazing competition. With the given problem of invasive alien species, the group presented their output, “SOLARIS: A Solar-powered Artificial Intelligence-based Autonomous Robot for Water Hyacinth Management” The robot, equipped with spatial coverage map generation, collects water hyacinth through traditional conveyor belt action as it covers the water area automatically through a camera and an ultrasonic sensor. Location is also constantly updated as data and the generated spatial coverage maps are sent to a control center for future trend monitoring and analysis. The students were trained by Mr. Christian Jayvon Laluna, Mr. Don King Evangelista, Head Teacher III at Longos National High School, and Dr. Rhowell Tiozon of the International Rice Research Institute. They were also guided by Dr. Maripaz Mendoza, Education Program Supervisor for Science; Ms. Micah Pacheco, Education Program Supervisor; Mrs. Rosalida Sinsuan, Head Teacher III of the Science and Technology Department; and School Principal Dr. Mark Anthony Familaran. This achievement further highlights the sustained excellence of Pasay City National Science High School in the fields of research and innovation.

Sanaysay ng Pascian Teacher, Inilathala ng UNESCO APTE

Isinulat ni: Zacharie MacalaladPatnugot ni: Psalm NuguitSinuri nina: Gng. Myra Jaime at Ayesha Salazar Itinampok sa blog ng UNESCO Asia-Pacific Teacher Exchange for Global Education (APTE) ang sanaysay ni G. Mark Reniel L. Balolo, Teacher III ng Pasay City National Science High School at kasalukuyang guest teacher sa Suncheon Hyosan High School sa Korea. Bilang paggunita sa Araw ng mga Guro sa Korea noong ika-15 ng Mayo, hinilingan ng APTE sina G. Balolo at isang guro mula sa Mongolia na ibahagi ang kanilang mga alaala tungkol sa pagdiriwang sa kani-kanilang bansa. Sa kanyang sanaysay na pinamagatang “Thoughtful Tears,” inilahad ni G. Balolo ang mga kaugalian ng mga Pilipino tuwing ipinagdiriwang ang Araw ng mga Guro. “On October 5, students or the school’s Supreme Student Government often organize events, sometimes with special activities planned for each class. Students show their appreciation by giving flowers, chocolates, handwritten letters, small gifts- or even singing songs for their teachers!” ayon sa kanya. Dagdag pa ng guro, nadarama niya ang malalim na pasasalamat at kasiyahan tuwing ipinagdiriwang ito. Sa kanyang halos siyam na taong pagtuturo, nauunawaan niyang hindi madaling propesyon ang pagtuturo dahil kalakip nito ang malaking responsibilidad sa paghubog ng pagkatuto at pangarap ng mga mag-aaral. Isa si G. Balolo sa mga kalahok sa Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Program 2025, na bahagi ng APTE. Layunin ng programang ito na paigtingin ang pandaigdigang kakayahang pang-edukasyon, palalimin ang pag-unawa at kooperasyon sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa, maibahagi ang mga karanasang pang-edukasyon, at mapabuti ang kabuuang kalidad ng pagtuturo at pagkatuto. Bisitahin ang link na ito para mabasa ang buong sanaysay ni G. Balolo, “Thoughtful Tears”: https://aptenpebbles.blogspot.com/…/teachers-day-around…

PCNSHS Celebrates Education Support Personnel Day with Fun, Camaraderie, and Heartfelt Appreciation

(By Ms. Arlyn Esber and Ms. Rosalida Sinsuan) Pasay City, Philippines – May 16, 2025 — In honor of the often-unsung heroes of the education sector, Pasay City National Science High School (PCNSciHS) celebrated Education Support Personnel Day with a full day of festivities, recognition, and gratitude dedicated to its non-teaching staff.   Declared a special working holiday by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Republic Act No. 12178, May 16 has been set aside to acknowledge the essential contributions of education support personnel—those working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth functioning of schools across the nation.   Under the leadership of Dr. Mark Anthony Familaran, Principal II, and Ms. Sara Jane De Los Santos, Assistant Principal II, PCNSciHS embraced this national celebration by treating its non-teaching staff to a well-deserved break from their daily routines. The day began at the SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Area, where the staff engaged in a friendly and spirited bowling tournament. Laughter filled the arcade as colleagues teamed up, cheered each other on, and enjoyed the camaraderie that extended far beyond the school walls.   Following the games, the group moved to a videoke lounge, where hidden singing talents took center stage. The joyous energy of the gathering highlighted the vibrant and close-knit nature of the PCNSciHS staff community.   The celebration culminated in a hearty dinner at Congo Grill Restaurant, where warm conversations and delicious food were shared. School leaders took this moment to express their deepest appreciation for the dedication and support of the non-teaching personnel.   Dr. Familaran reflected on the importance of their work, noting, “Kaya pala napapalitan taon-taon ang principal, nananatiling maayos ang takbo ng Science, kasi po ang admin ay nagtutulungan.” (“Perhaps the reason the school continues to function smoothly despite changes in leadership is because the administrative staff always work together in harmony.”)   More than just a day of leisure, the event served to recognize the integral role of non-teaching staff in the success of the institution. From administrative support to operations and logistics, these individuals ensure that students and teachers alike have the environment and resources needed to thrive.   As the evening wound down, participants left not only with full hearts and satisfied appetites but also with a renewed sense of unity and purpose. With celebrations like these, PCNSciHS continues to foster a culture of appreciation, teamwork, and mutual respect—proving that every role, whether inside or outside the classroom, is vital to educational success.

Panulat, Paninindigan, at Pangarap

Isinulat ni: Claire DomendenDibuho ni: Leigh Ann PradoSinuri nina: Gng. Myra Jaime at Ayesha Salazar Ngayong sumapit na ang ika-19 ng Mayo 2025, unti-unting tumitindi ang tibok ng puso ng bawat kabataang mamamahayag sa bansa. Ang National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) ay higit pa sa isang paligsahan — ito ay isang paglalakbay ng mga kabataan na handang maging tagapagsalita ng katotohanan. Hindi lamang ito laban ng talino at husay, kundi laban din ng prinsipyo at layunin. Sa entabladong ito, bitbit namin ang panata: magsulat hindi lang para manalo, kundi upang mamulat, magmulat, at magsilbing tinig ng bayan. Hindi madali ang paghahanda. Habang ang iba’y nagpapahinga, ang mga mamamahayag ay nakayuko sa mga papel, nakikipaglaban sa pagod at pagpupuyat. Isinusuko ang ginhawa at aliw ng karaniwang kabataan — ang gala tuwing Sabado, ang tulog sa hapon, at minsan pati na ang mga kasiyahan kasama ang pamilya. Lahat nang ito’y pinapalitan ng oras para magsanay, magsulat, at patuloy na humasa ng kakayahan. Para sa amin, ang bawat sakripisyo ay binhi ng tagumpay. Kasama rin sa paghahanda ang paglampas sa sariling mga takot. Oo, ngayon kami’y kinakabahan — sa bigat ng kompetisyon, sa laki ng inaasahan. Ngunit sa halip na umatras, kami’y lalapit pa lalo. Sapagkat ang tunay na mamamahayag ay hindi lang mahusay magsulat — marunong ding tumindig sa gitna ng kaba, maglakad sa kabila ng duda, at magsalita kahit walang pumapalakpak. Ang NSPC ay higit pa sa tropeo. Isa itong paalala na ang aming boses ay mahalaga. Na sa murang edad, kaya nating magbigay-liwanag, mag-udyok ng pagkilos, at maghatid ng kaalaman. Isa tayong pwersa — kabataan na may panulat, kabataan na may layunin, at kabataan na handang magsakripisyo para sa mas malaking dahilan kaysa sa sarili. At ngayong papalapit na ang laban, dala-dala namin ang kani-kaniyang layunin, husay, at puso. Hindi kami perpekto, pero kami’y handa. Handa kaming magsulat para sa bayan, magsalita para sa katotohanan, at makinig sa tinig ng bawat Pilipino. Sa NSPC, kami ay hindi lamang mga kalahok — kami ang kinabukasan ng malaya at responsableng pamamahayag.

STEMazing: Aghamazing in Ilocos Sur.

STEMazing: Aghamazing participants Elyzza Esteban, Xhian Alsola, Zyriel Coronel, and trainer Christian Jayvon Laluna have now arrived at San Sebastian National High School in Ilocos Sur. Wish them the best of luck as they proudly carry the banner of #HusayNgPasci in the National Festival of Talents!

#Halalan2025

Correspondents: Gabrielle Ayesha Nicolas & Aliyah Lopez With just two hours remaining before the election concludes, voting is still ongoing at Marcela Marcelo Elementary School and Timoteo Paez Elementary School. First Aid stations are present at each precinct, offering medical assistance to those in need.