The Games are Out: DSPC 2024 launches!
By: Xyrel James Canonoy Copyedited by: Mekylla Villapaña Photos by: Jed Palonpon ICYMI: Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School opened its gates to the week-long 42nd Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) last January 19-20, with the theme, “The Role of Campus Journalism in Fostering DepEd Matatag: Addressing Literacy, Chartering a New Path.” The said conference, in accordance with the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, seeks to showcase the significance of journalism through various approaches, sustain social consciousness through advocacies, encourage responsible journalism and ethical social media use, and improve journalistic competence through friendly competitions. January 19: Day One The first day showcased the preliminary events of field competitions in Collaborative Desktop Publishing, Online Publishing, Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting, Photojournalism, and Sports Writing —These competitions demanded strategic coverage spaces, that is why the day opened with a doubleheader punch —an organized press conference and exhilarating live sports action. Broadcasting events were aired live on the given “DSPC News Express” program name, at 850 kilohertz. January 20: Day Two The second day launches with the official opening ceremony. Messages of inspiration were shared by Dr. Arturo Tolentino, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, CESO VI, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent, Hon. Joey C. Isidro Jr, Councilor, District II, and Chairman for Education Affairs, Hon. Tony G. Calixto, Congressman of the Lone District of Pasay City, and City Mayor Hon. Emi Calixto-Rubiano. Remmy Parcia, from Grade 10 – Pascal, performed an intermission number. Following this, another highlight was Ang Liwanag’s (Official Filipino Publication of PCNSciHS) School Paper Adviser, Mrs. Myra R. Jaime, who spoke as the President of the Pasay City Secondary School Paper Advisers Association. Mr. Tyrone Jasper C. Piad, a Business Reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, served as the keynote speaker. He emphasized the significance of youth and journalism in nation-building, stating, “Bata tayo, at marami tayong kayang gawin.” (We are children, and we can accomplish many things). The orientation for contests was led by Dr. Imelda V. Boquiren, Education Program Supervisor- English, and Rowela R. Cadayona, Education Program Supervisor- Filipino. The focus of the second day was on off-site activities in the News Writing, Editorial Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial Cartooning, Column Writing, Science and Technology Writing, and Copyreading and Headline Writing categories. “I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true” — Rica Angela A. Calubaquib, The Quantum’s Editor-in-Chief, Pasay City National Science High School’s Official English Publication, led the oath of the Journalist’s Creed. The competitions commenced in their respective rooms. The week-long competition will mark its culmination with an awarding ceremony tomorrow, January 26. Will PaScians emerge victorious? Stay tuned for more updates.
PaSci launches Project NUMERO; aims to improve numeracy skills.
By: Xyrel James Canonoy Pasay City National Science High School has introduced Project NUMERO (Numeracy Enhancement and Reinforcement Opportunities), a specialized program aimed at boosting students’ proficiency in mathematics. As part of a local initiative under the Office of the City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Dr. Rogelio S. Junio as the main proponent, and the Schools Division of Pasay City, Project NUMERO is designed to reinforce the mathematics curriculum by equipping learners with critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills essential for academic success and real-life applications. The Department of Education’s goal is to cultivate numeracy among students, enabling them to apply mathematical skills in various contexts. Through Project NUMERO, the school emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and critical thinking in mathematics education, with these skills embedded in both the curriculum and assessment methods. In response to identified learning gaps, Project NUMERO serves as a targeted intervention for students at Pasay City National Science High School. The program includes engaging, hands-on activities to make math concepts more accessible and to support students who may need additional reinforcement in numeracy. This initiative also functions as a learning recovery strategy, helping students to strengthen their foundational skills and keep pace with their grade-level expectations. Objectives of Project NUMERO include to gauge the numeracy proficiency of students from Grades 1-10, identifying areas for improvement, gain insights into each learner’s mathematical understanding to provide targeted support and implement activities designed to improve and enhance students’ numeracy skills. The program is set to begin with the start of the new school year and is expected to create a lasting impact on students’ mathematical competencies at Pasay City National Science High School.
PCNSciHS Seminar on Fostering Well-being: Exploring the Intersection of High Grades and Mental Health Education
By: MARIA LUZ A. ROGACION-TII Pasay City National Science High School (PCNSciHS) supports the Philippine government’s goal of protecting the human rights of women and is committed to addressing all forms of gender-based violence. In line with this, we hosted a one-day seminar titled “Fostering Well-being: Exploring the Intersection of High Grades and Mental Health Education,” targeting issues identified by teachers at PCNSciHS. The relationship between high grades and mental health is complex, influenced by individual experiences, cultural factors, and societal expectations. In the Philippines, where educational achievement is often highly valued, various factors can affect this relationship. Mr. Gil C. Ganelo, our guidance counselor, discussed the reasons behind the mental health challenges faced by our students and the intricate link between high academic performance and mental well-being. He also shared strategies for addressing these issues in the classroom. At the conclusion of the discussion, the guest speaker invited attendees to reflect on the question, “Is This Structure?” He provided various scenarios and guided us through appropriate responses. The teachers actively participated, sharing insights and discussing how to handle special situations encountered in the classroom. The seminar proved to be valuable for the teachers, who left with new lessons and strategies. A photo opportunity followed, capturing moments with school heads Mr. Rouell A. Santero and guest speaker Mr. Gil C. Ganelo.
Project S.I.K.A.P. launched at PaSci
By: Amiel Emanuele Gonzaga and Gero Achilles H. FernandezPhotos by: Irish Manalang, Juan Carlos Llames, Mervyn Valdez The Launch of Project S.I.K.A.P. sets forth with the opening address of Mr. Librado F. Torres, Chief Education Program Supervisor – CID. Following this, Dr. Maripaz T. Mendoza, the Education Program Supervisor in Science, presents the overview and the implementers of the program. Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent, expresses his message regarding the project before Hon. Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, Mayor of Pasay City, and Hon. Antonio G. Calixto, Congressman of Pasay City, conveyed their keynote address.
Valuing the Apertures of Imperfection: A Teacher’s Day Special about Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo
Copyedited by Stacie Marie Catallo Pubmat by Lucie Gabrielle Echon I stretched my hands towards the horizon knowing no matter what I did, I would never be able to touch it. I was a man with a simple devotion – to propagate extraordinary messages through a common language. Journalism. Writing. Communication. Stepping inside my school, it was within my expectations that I would learn the laws of motion and the parts of the cell. Never to improve my passion full of imperfections, for I am no prodigy, and I knew better than to expect aid from a system catered to itself and itself alone. My first encounter with Sir Mark Reniel Balolo was when he walked into a messy classroom of ours with a face held high and a confidence brooding enflamed whilst confronting the entire class whose classroom was filled to the brim with silent tension. I was immediately hooked (and terrified) but none of it indicated that he was going to be someone whom I would be looking forward to – until time proved me wrong. His presence was one thing. His passion was another. I was told that in cross-cultural communication, it’s not about sending the right message, but rather, eliciting the right response and by God, he was exemplary at that. He has knowledge discernibly established as he utters it with absolute assertion. He possesses a cadence of soaring merit – a standout among the best. He walks the talk and never leaves a single intrusive question hanging. He never stays in one place as he captures your attention and holds it, engaging you in words written on a whiteboard as if they’re the greatest novel in existence. All these are contributions as to why his words either inspire or trigger. Moreover, his eye for skill and potential is impeccable and so are his chosen ways to handle them. He’s meticulous in his ways – refusing to settle for less. He’s mindful of your case; are you moving forward or lagging? I was ecstatic once I found out such a persona had the same interests as me. It felt like it was time for the seeds of my skills long buried beneath the soil of unproductive environments and sky-scraping expectations to finally begin sprouting. Yet, it wasn’t that straightforward. Despite fully knowing that my passion is a rough wall full of blemishes, I was sky-high thinking I was somehow already the best whilst being simultaneously insecure about my lack of experience. It’s conflicting and complicated but having someone just listen to you and know both your aptitudes and weaknesses is a reassuring sentiment for now I know that I finally have a certainty to believe in – a certainty that I’m on the right path. But it doesn’t stop there; not at one student. While I was told that you don’t realize the impact of something if it hasn’t impacted you, I think looking around to see his effect on my fellow students is what made me more astonished. As someone whose vision had always been to influence for the greater good, I’m glad that even those who share different interests are now appreciative of writing and communication because of such a great educator. Seeing my classmates, most of whom are fellow friends, go out of their comfort zones and see them feel the waters in the fields I consider home fills me with indescribable fondness. All these made me realize how incredibly wrong I was to assume that thriving in this harsh environment is impossible, but with that being said, you can’t just stretch your arms alone and expect them to reach the stars. You’re going to need help. A wonderful teacher taught me, albeit indirectly, that my flaws are not a hindrance between my hands and the distant horizon but rather keys to understanding who I am and what I value in what I do. That I have what it takes not because of some special talent but because I’m willing to do whatever it takes. By such a bare sentiment and deed, he has ignited what I thought was meant to stay fixed. Ladies and gentlemen, The Quantum’s adviser, Pasay City National Science’s very own English department teacher, Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo!
