Republic of the Philippines

Pasay City National Science High School

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

#AtinAngWestPhilippineSea: A Primer on the Philippine-China Maritime Dispute Introduction The maritime conflict between China and the Philippines has been ongoing for the past eight years—six under President Rodrigo Duterte and the first two under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Central to this dispute is China’s claim to the nine-dash line, which covers 3 million km² of the 3.5 million km² surface area of the South China Sea, or 86% of the entire area. On May 7, 2009, China presented this map to the United Nations. However, the dashes had no set coordinates, and China could not explain their legal basis, leading to protests from numerous countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This disagreement has recently gotten worse due to events such as the Philippines removing a floating barrier close to Scarborough Shoal and deploying its Coast Guard in the midst of increased activity by the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) near Julian Felipe Reef.  List of Acronyms UNCLOS – United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea PCA – Permanent Court of Arbitration CCG – Chinese Coast Guard CMM – Chinese Maritime Militia PCG – Philippine Coast Guard EEZ – Exclusive Economic Zone West Philippine Sea As per Section 29 of Administrative Order No. As of 2012, the waters surrounding, inside, and next to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), and the Luzon Sea are all considered to be part of the West Philippine Sea. South China Sea Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, the South China Sea is a semi-enclosed sea. It is located to the east of Vietnam, to the west of the Philippines, to the south of China, and the north of Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia.  History Late 90’s When China built military installations and a radar structure on Subi Reef in 1988, it took control of the reef from the Philippines, sparking the start of a conflict between the two nations.  China also constructed several octagonal houses on Mischief Reef (Panganiban) in February 1995. Beijing received a diplomatic complaint from the Ramos administration. The Chinese Foreign Ministry initially refuted reports that there were buildings on the reef. Later on, they stated that the local fishing authorities had approved their construction as Chinese fishermen’s shelters and that Filipino fishermen would eventually be permitted to utilize the facilities. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) declared both of these incidents to be illegal. According to UNCLOS, only the Philippines is permitted to use Subi and Mischief Reefs’s natural resources, build structures, or even turn the reefs into artificial islands.  2011 The conflict between these countries rose again after the Chinese warship Dongguan fired three shots at the vessels F/V Jaime DLS, F/V Mama Lydia DLS and F/V Maricris 12, who were fishing in Quirino, or Jackson atoll, a Philippine-claimed islet off Palawan, in February 2011. As per the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the fishing vessels received a radio warning from the Chinese warship stating, “You are in Chinese territory. Leave the area immediately… I will shoot you.” The fishing boats started to pull away, but the naval ship still fired three shots that landed 0.3 nautical miles (556 meters) away from the F/V Maricris 12. The same fishing boat came back to the location three days later to retrieve an anchor that had come loose earlier that week. Upon arrival, the crews of F/V Maricris 12 saw three Chinese fishing boats exploiting local marine resources. In March of the same year, two Chinese boats chased away a Philippine seismic survey ship near the Spratly Islands.  The Philippines later invited bids for the exploration of Area 3 and Area 4 in the Reed Bank, an area still included in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). China objected on July 4 and demanded that the Philippines “refrain from any action that infringes on China’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.” On October 20, the Philippine Navy issued an apology to China after one of its warships accidentally rammed a Chinese fishing boat in the disputed Reed Bank. 2012 – The Scarborough Shoal Standoff On April 8, 2012, the Philippine Navy spotted eight Chinese fishing vessels anchored in the waters of the Scarborough Shoal, while on April 11, a Philippine surveillance aircraft identified Chinese fishing vessels at the shoal. Due to these, the Philippine Navy deployed its largest warship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar to the area. In response, China sent surveillance ships to warn the Philippine Navy to leave the area, claimed by both countries, prompting a standoff. The Philippines later withdrew BRP Gregorio del Pilar; however, the standoff persisted, as China dispatched a third vessel to the area. Chinese fishing boats and a marine survey ship departed the shoal on the 14th day of the same month, allegedly carrying illicitly harvested endangered species. China also erected barriers to the access site to the Scarborough Shoal lagoon in the South China Sea in July of that same year, preventing Philippine ships and fishing vessels from entering. Administrative Order No. 29 was enacted on September 5 by former President Benigno S. Aquino III. This ordered the official use of “West Philippine Sea” to refer to maritime areas surrounding territories claimed by the Philippines. 2013 – The Atribation Case The Philippines sought out the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) over its territorial dispute with China. On January 22, 2013, the Philippines decided to submit the maritime dispute to Annex VII arbitration under the UNCLOS. The Philippines requested that the tribunal rule China’s claims to be “invalid” and that the aforementioned maritime zones adhere to UNCLOS. However, on February 19, China turned down the Philippines’ request for arbitration to settle its territorial dispute in the area.  Around May, approximately thirty Chinese fishing vessels, comprising three Chinese government ships, were observed for over a week at Ayungin Shoal, located in the Kalayaan Island Group off the coast of Palawan. China published an updated official map of the country on June 7th, continue reading : Philippines-China Maritime Dispute

By: Yasmine Resse Rosel  |  Copyedited by: Mekylla Marie Villapaña  |  Publication: Rianne Lopez 5th best editorial writer in the Philippines! Angelleanne Marfa, representing the National Capital Region, bags a remarkable 5th place in the Pagsulat ng Pangulong Tudling category at the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) on July 12, 2024, at Carcar Gym in Carcar City, Cebu.  This achievement marks the first-ever NSPC award for Pasay City National Science High School (PCNSciHS), establishing a historic milestone for the school. Marfa said that it’s an honor to be part of the school’s history and to be the first to bring home a NSPC award.  Her victory goes beyond personal success; it paves the way for future generations of PaScian journalists.“Being the first doesn’t just mean I’ve achieved something; it means I’ve opened doors for the next and future generations to carry forward this legacy,” she explained. The writer credited her growth as a campus journalist to her willingness to learn from her mistakes. Her love and passion for storytelling and journalism drove her to work hard and strive for excellence, leading to her current success. Encouraging fellow PaScian journalists, Marfa advised them to make journalism a habit and a way of life that requires dedication and perseverance. “We have the power to change the world, one story at a time,” she claimed. The journalist’s triumph reflects the dedication of her trainers, Mrs. Myra Jaime of Ang Liwanag and  Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo of The Quantum, who provided crucial guidance throughout her preparation. Marfa noted: “Their guidance through my JOURNey and my drive to improve were essential to my success.”  She also extends her heartfelt gratitude to the school’s heads, including former and current principals, Mr. Rouell Santero and Dr. Mark Anthony Familaran, for their unwavering support.  Latest Posts Marfa Secures PCNSciHS’ First-Ever NSPC Win SONA 2024: A Trip Down Fashion Lane I Can See Who Skipped RaTQing SONA 2024 Palihan Tungkol sa Cybersecurity, Idinaos sa Buwan ng Wika sa PaSci NCAE Returns Administration Nationwide for SY 2024-2025 DESIGNATION AS OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE OFFICE OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF PASAY CITY NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOOL DESIGNATION AS OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE OFFICE OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF PASAY CITY NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOOL DESIGNATION AS OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE OFFICE OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF PASAY CITY NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOOL Pasay City National Science High School Students Engage in Wastewater Management Education Campaign

By: Sarah Lee Fedelin- Delgado and Aizah C. Agub August 17, 2024- In a landmark event focused on advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Philippines, participants from various regions gathered at the UP NISMED Auditorium to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The event, held in collaboration with VEX Robotics, brought together educators, and industry professionals from Regions II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and the National Capital Region (NCR), all united in their commitment to enhancing STEM education across the country. The program began with an inspiring welcome address by Prof. Sheryl C. Monterola, Ph.D., the esteemed Director of the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (NISMED). Prof. Monterola emphasized the critical role of STEM in shaping the future, highlighting the need for educators to continuously innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing educational landscape. A highlight of the event was the introduction of the guest speaker, Jason McKenna, Vice President of VEX Robotics. A renowned author and teacher, McKenna has been a pivotal figure in promoting robotics as a powerful tool for teaching STEM concepts. His work has inspired countless educators worldwide to integrate robotics into their curriculum, making learning more engaging and hands-on. In his keynote address, McKenna shared insights on the importance of robotics in education, emphasizing how it fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among students. “Robotics isn’t just about building machines; it’s about building the future. Through robotics, students learn to collaborate, think critically, and approach challenges with an innovative mindset,” McKenna stated. Participants also engaged in hands-on activities at the UP NISMED Auditorium, such as creating and coding robots using the VEX 123 system. These interactive sessions allowed educators alike to experience the power of STEM learning firsthand, exploring the fundamentals of robotics and programming in a practical, engaging way. The collaboration with VEX Robotics provided a unique opportunity to showcase cutting-edge tools and technologies that can be used in classroom learning. The event was also attended by key representatives from Pasay City National Science High School, including Mr. Mark Anthony F. Familaran, school principal; Ms. Sarah Lee C. Fedelin, a physics and research teacher; and Ms. Aizah C. Agub, an electronics and robotics teacher. Their presence underscored the growing interest and commitment to integrating advanced STEM methodologies in schools across the nation. The lecturers and the participants received their certificates of appearance and participation, organized by UP NISMED. The power of STEM has indeed been unleashed, and with the dedication of educators like Prof. Monterola and industry leaders like Jason McKenna, along with the active participation of schools like Pasay City National Science High School, the future of education looks brighter than ever.

Isinulat ni: G. Randie D. Pimentel, Guro sa Filipino, SHS   Larawan ni: Shanelie Monique G. Dantes, Kalihim, KMAF   Naidaos nang matagumpay  ang pantas-aral tungkol sa Cybersecurity nitong ika-16 ng Agosto, 2024 sa Pasay City National Science High School sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Filipino katuwang ang Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Asignaturang Filipino at Ang Liwanag bilang bahagi  ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2024 na may temang “Filipino:Wikang Mapagpalaya”. Ibinahagi ni Dr. Mark Anthony F. Familaran  Punongguro ng Pasay City National Science High School ang kahalagahan ng cybersecurity lalo na sa mga mag-aaral na madalas na gumagamit ng internet at social media. Aniya “Walang masama sa paggamit ng mga AI na application ng mga  mag-aaral sa pag-aaral ngunit kailangang maging mapanuri, gamitin ito nang wasto at ingatan ang mga pribadong impormasyon sa paggamit ng social media at internet.”  dagdag pa niya malaki rin ang ginagampanan ng ating Wikang Pambansa sa paghubog sa mga mag-aaral  na magsisilbing daan tungo sa lubos na pagkatuto. Detalyadong tinalakay ni Gng. Rose Ann Decena-Quezon ang mga mahahalagang paksa na kaugnay sa Cybersecurity, kabilang dito ang mga isyu ng posibleng mga sanhi ng online cyber-attack katulad ng  Phishing, hacking at malware. Nagbigay  rin si Gng. Quezon ng mga hakbang na makatutulong sa mga mag-aaral kung paano lubusang malalabanan ang mga  ganitong uri ng mga pag-atake online. Sa huling bahagi ng palatuntunan ay ipinaalala ni Gng. Myra R. Jaime Tagapag-ugnay ng Kagawaran ng Filipino ang kahalagahan ng Wikang Pambansa bilang Wikang Mapagpalaya at ang patuloy na pagpapahalaga rito hindi lamang tuwing Buwan ng Wika bagkus ito ay isabuhay at gamitin ang mga natutuhan mula pantas-aral sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay.  

By: Jean P. Verdera, Teacher II The examination was conducted for two consecutive days within a five-day testing window, two weeks after the opening of classes, in accordance with DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016, titled “Policy Guidelines on the National Assessment of Student Learning for the K–12 Basic Education Program.” This school year, the National Capital Region (NCR) administered the NCAE on August 15–16, 2024, at all public and private secondary schools. As practiced in previous national assessments, teachers from different schools switched roles as room examiners. For Pasay City National Science High School, room examiners were from Sta. Clara Parish School Inc., while Grade 10 teachers from PCNSciHS served as room examiners at the said school. This practice ensures fairness and consistency in the examination process. Since 2011, the NCAE has provided students with guidance in their education and career choices by helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses, understand their abilities, gain insights into their aptitudes, and use this information to pursue their desired professions. The assessment encompasses the General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA), Academic Track, and Occupational Interest Inventory (OLI) domains. With an understanding of its purpose, a total of 115 Grade 10 PaScian learners eagerly engaged with the NCAE, working through each booklet as they took what they viewed as an essential step in finding the right career path. Each question offered a clearer perspective on their future aspirations as they looked forward to receiving the exam results.  

by: Mrs. Arlene I. Arcellana, Head Teacher III-Science Department Pasay City, Philippines – August 13, 2024 – Grade 10 students from Pasay City National Science High School participated in a comprehensive wastewater management education campaign organized by Maynilad Water Services, Inc. The event aimed to support the Clean Water Act by raising awareness about effective wastewater management practices. The campaign was led by Engr. Cedric Paulino R. Orcio, Officer-in-Charge of the Pasay Water Reclamation Facility, with support from Maynilad Project Operation engineers, including Engr. Lester Dean V. Maldecir, Engr. Nigel Kenu M. Arellano, and Engr. Jayson P. Perez. The engineers conducted engaging presentations and discussions, providing students with crucial insights into wastewater treatment processes. In addition to the Grade 10 program, Maynilad has committed to aiding Grade 12 students in their forthcoming immersion program, focusing on the importance of wastewater management and the role of reclamation facilities in the Pasay and Parañaque regions. The event was also attended by Mrs. Arlene I. Arcellana, Head of the Science and Technology Department; Mrs. Shannen Dorothy P. Gomez, Research Teacher; and Ms. Aizah C. Agub, Electronics and Robotics Teacher. The lecturers received certificates of appreciation and had the chance to take commemorative photos with the students and faculty. This educational initiative not only enhanced the students’ knowledge of wastewater management but also strengthened the partnership between Pasay City National Science High School and key industry stakeholders committed to environmental sustainability.

Film: Jedrick Lawrence Palonpon Technical Application: Travis-Jan Barroga

By: Alhea Jane Barrios Copyedited by: Jeyana Sophia Caparros and Estella Marie Talua Pasay City National Science High School held a turnover ceremony last August 8, 2024, in the school’s Audio-Visual Room to formally acknowledge the donations from the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) and Aviation Partnership Philippines Corporation, a Cebu Pacific subsidiary.   Valued at approximately PHP 20,000.00, the donations are part of the Aviation Partnership Philippines Corporation’s commitment to supporting partner communities and will aid in preparing the school for the upcoming academic year as part of the Brigada Eskwela program.   The event began with preliminaries and welcome remarks by Mrs. Arlene I. Arcellana. Following this, Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo introduced the guests and partners, including Ms. Michelle B. Matias, Director for Capacity Planning; Ms. Krizia Katrina P. Lapis, Human Resources and Administration Director; and Mr. Gil C. Gatchalian, Head of Training and Aircraft Structure Adviser.   Remarks from the partner company highlighted their commitment to supporting the school’s work immersion program for Grade 12 students, aligning with their focus on aviation.   Representatives from PCNSciHS included Mrs. Maria Leonora Luisa Angeles, Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo, Mrs. Arlene I. Arcellana, Mr. Gil Ganelo, Mrs. Pinky Esguerra, Mrs. Anabella V. Cusi, and Mrs. Myra R. Jaime.   The ceremony included the turnover of donations, the awarding of the certificate of appreciation to the partner company, and a photo opportunity with all attendees.

Correspondent: Zyriel Coronel, Elijah La Torre, Jeanine Daliva Copyedited by: Stacie Marie Catallo Photos: Aliyah lopez, Mervyn Valdez, Reisha Uy, Zyriel Josh Coronel, Juan Carlos Llames, and Mark Reniel Balololo DAY 1, Monday With the theme “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” Brigada Eskwela 2024 commenced on July 22, at exactly 8:30 a.m. The opening ceremony started with the doxology, followed by the opening remarks of Dr. Mark Anthony Familaran. Jackyline Lagaña, Brigada Eskwela Coordinator, then discussed the overview of activities for the week-long event. A keynote address was delivered afterward by SPTA President Alvin Concepcion. Sofia Michiko Yamamoto, Supreme Secondary Learner Government President, then gave the program’s closing remarks. After the opening ceremony, the school’s Red Cross Youth conducted a Basic Life Support Seminar at the school canteen at 9:45 a.m. The speakers, RCY members and officers, discussed the principles of first aid and its proper administration in different life-threatening conditions. The training ended around 11 a.m. with the distribution of certificates. At 1:15 in the afternoon, the Batang Empowered and Resilient Team, led by adviser Randie Pimentel, conducted a student-led school watching and hazard mapping throughout the facilities of the school. Possible hazards that may cause harm to students were identified by BERT officers and members, as well as participants. Day 1 of Brigada Eskwela 2024 ended at 3:50 p.m. DAY 2, Tuesday The second day of Brigada Eskwela started at 8:36 a.m. with a leadership seminar for student leaders entitled “Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders” led by Demi Sable from Every Nation Campus. At 11:12 a.m., the next speaker, former SSLG President, Kean Bunye, proceeded with his talk “Capacitating Learners through Knowledge and Experience.” At 12:14 p.m., current SSLG President Yamamoto ended the seminar with another topic—What It Means to Lead: Triumphing Over Setbacks. Due to the strong rain caused by Typhoon Carina, all activities in the afternoon were canceled. Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto also suspended the classes within Pasay. DAY 3 and DAY 4, Wednesday and Thursday As Carina continued to slam the country, activities on the third and fourth days of Brigada Eskwela were canceled to ensure the safety of volunteers. Meanwhile, the PaScian students uphold the school’s vision of being imbued with proper values and attitudes and becoming upright and productive citizens, with school organizations showing online bayanihan with the posting of typhoon updates and emergency landlines. These organizations include the SSLG, BERT, and The Quantum. DAY 5, Friday After a two-day halt due to Carina, Brigada Eskwela continues Friday, July 26, with Brigada Pagbasa, an outreach program to children in Barangay 98. The event, hosted by Alicia Venus and Matthew Vitug, started at 2:31 p.m. with opening remarks from Anabella Cusi, English teacher, followed by a message from Brgy. 98 Chairman Acabado III. During the program, six children volunteered to read the well-known folk tale “Alamat ng Piña,” followed by the distribution of free school supplies. Wash in Schools (WINs) club adviser, Demetria Lappay, also demonstrated proper handwashing. A feeding program was held afterward. Sports for a Cause started at around 2:30 p.m. with volleyball and basketball. DAY 6, Saturday In preparation for the opening of classes on Monday, June 29, Pasay City National Science High School conducted the General Parents’ Orientation for School Year 2024-2025 at the school’s gymnasium today, June 27. The orientation for Grades 7, 11, and 12 took place this morning, while the sessions for Grades 8, 9, and 10 were held in the afternoon. The program began with opening remarks from Arlene Arcellana, Head Teacher III. The faculty of each grade level was given the spotlight, spearheaded by their respective grade level coordinators. This was followed by the introduction of the SPTA officers and non-teaching staff. Dr. Familaran gave the State of the School Address, where he discussed enrollment, school funding, development efforts, and plans for the school year. “Hindi po ito kaya ng anak niyo lang; kailangan po ang tulong ninyo, kailangan po ng suporta ninyo,” (Your child cannot do this alone; they need your help, they need your support.), said Familaran. “My dream is they will graduate here in Pasay City National Science High School,” he added in emphasizing the importance of parents in supporting their children. Afterward, Gil Ganelo, guidance coordinator, presented the School-Parent Agreement for S.Y. ‘24-’25. An open forum took place afterward. As the orientation drew to a close, Jackyline Lagaña, English Department Head, presented the class program, outlining the duration and frequency of the various subject areas. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Familaran. Parents were later encouraged to visit their children’s classrooms to assist on the final day of Brigade Eskwela 2024.  

Correspondent: Xyrel James Canonoy President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. names Senator Sonny Angara as new Secretary of Department of Education effective July 19, 2024. Angara is known for his significant contributions to the education sector in the Philippines, particularly through his role in passing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which ensures free tuition in state universities and colleges. He has been a strong advocate for the K-12 education program, increased funding for scholarships, better teacher compensation, and improved school infrastructure.