by: Danella De Vera Copyedited by: Carlos Agripa Publication by: Yelena Fabricante Association is one thing; amity is another. Aligning is one thing; intertwining is another. Yesterday, July 23, marked the 69th year celebration of a significant partnership—a friendship that tied knots and raveled unfinished history, one that transcended borders, bonded in culture, and paved the way for peace. Almost seven decades ago, the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan were formalized through the signing of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement on July 23, 1956. Consequently, to recognize the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the nations’ relations, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared July 23 as the official Philippines-Japan Friendship Day and 2006 as the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year through Proclamation 854 s. 2005 and Proclamation 905 s. 2005, respectively. Enriching this friendship through frequent gatherings and affiliations, the Philippines and Japan have accomplished several notable projects: Transport and Infrastructure Development Under Japan’s first cooperation pillar of ‘Strengthening a Foundation for Sustainable Economic Growth’ railway developments in Metro Manila were implemented. Under this is the ongoing provision of financial and technical support in the Metro Manila Subway project and the rehabilitation and modernization of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3. Equipped with Japan’s advanced technology, these projects aim to accommodate the increasing demand in transportation and to aid traffic congestion and issues of frequent malfunction. Along with this, Japan has also been involved in several road and bridge projects around the Philippines, including the Davao City Bypass, the Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge, and the San Juanico Bridge. Life Protection and Capacity Development Japan has also taken part in assistance to several healthcare, medical, and hygiene services in the country. This includes advanced medical equipment, infectious disease control, vaccination facilitation, and social rehabilitation. Moreover, to ensure the increase of opportunities and to recognize potentials, Japan has provided aid in education, including the funding for construction of schools and facilities, academic scholarships, and exchange student and teacher programs. Through several partnerships, Japan has also provided job opportunities in the country under the automotive, high-tech, electricity, and chemicals sectors in the Philippines. Contributions to Peace and Stability In the pursuit of peace and solitude, after years of conflict, Japan has implemented a wide range of assistance in the consolidation of peace in Mindanao, particularly the reconstruction of Marawi City after armed conflict in 2017. Training assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard and advanced armaments to the Philippine National Police were also provided to strengthen law enforcement and capabilities, proving that Japan stands with the Filipino people and is ready to assist the country to safety. The Philippines-Japan partnership proves a partnership that is built not only on mutual goals but on a profound sense of solidarity. This bond serves as a bridge between borders of culture and technology. And just like human-to-human friendships, the relationship between nations can stand the test of time, reminding us that in the face of challenges, company matters. References: The Modernization and Extension of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1). Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100816860.pdf. Accessed 24 July 2025. �Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100217186.pdf. Accessed 24 July 2025. �”The Philippines and Japan Celebrate 69 Strong Years of Friendship.” The Manila Times, 23 July 2025, https://www.manilatimes.net/…/the…/2153637/amp. Accessed 24 July 2025.

Leptospirosis: Banta ng panganib ng tag-ulan
: Marc Jared Sario: Leigh Ann Prado Sa bawat pagbuhos ng ulan sa Pilipinas, karaniwang tanawin na ang pagbaha sa mga lansangan, lalo na sa mga urbanong lugar. Ngunit kasabay ng tubig-baha ang panganib na hindi agad namamalayan ng marami—ang leptospirosis. Isa itong bacterial infection na dulot ng Leptospira, isang uri ng mikrobyo na karaniwang nakukuha mula sa ihi ng daga. Kapag humalo ang ihi sa tubig-baha at nakapasok sa katawan ng tao sa pamamagitan ng sugat, gasgas, o kahit sa mata at bibig, maaari itong magdulot ng malubhang sakit. Ang leptospirosis ay may mga sintomas na sa unang tingin ay kahalintulad lamang ng karaniwang trangkaso. Kabilang dito ang mataas na lagnat, pananakit ng kalamnan, pananakit ng ulo, at paninilaw ng balat o mata (jaundice), Sa ilang kaso, may kasamang pagsusuka, pananakit ng tiyan, at pamamantal. Kung hindi agad malunasan, maaaring mauwi ito sa komplikasyon gaya ng kidney failure, liver damage, at sa pinakamasamang kaso, kamatayan. Ayon sa pinakahuling ulat ng Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD), patuloy na tumataas ang bilang ng mga kaso ng leptospirosis, lalo na tuwing tag-ulan. Sa taong ito, naitala ang 37% pagtaas ng kaso at 67% pagdami ng mga nasawi kumpara sa parehong panahon noong nakaraang taon. Ang mabilis na pagtaas ng bilang ay patunay na maraming Pilipino pa rin ang kulang sa kaalaman tungkol sa sakit na ito. Upang makaiwas sa leptospirosis, mahalagang iwasan ang paglusong sa baha, lalo na kung may sugat sa balat. Magsuot ng protektibong gamit tulad ng bota o makapal na sapatos, at siguraduhing maghugas agad ng kamay at paa pagkatapos makontak ang maruming tubig. Kung hindi maiiwasang lumusong sa baha, mainam na kumonsulta agad sa health center upang maagapan ang posibleng sintomas. Maaari ring magpaturok ng prophylaxis kung inirekomenda ng doktor. Mahalaga ang patuloy na pampublikong impormasyon at edukasyon tungkol sa leptospirosis upang maiwasan ang pagkalat nito. Sa panahon ng tag-ulan, hindi lamang baha ang dapat bantayan, kundi pati na rin ang mga sakit na maaaring idulot nito. Sa pamamagitan ng wastong kaalaman at maingat na pag-iingat, maiiwasan ang panganib ng leptospirosis sa ating mga komunidad. __ Sanggunian: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1254437

ISKOLAR TOUR lands in PaSci
via Nikita Xyzelle Pariña | The Quantum PaScians joined the Iskolar Tour session with CAUSE PH, spotlighting global learning opportunities and youth access to international scholarships tonight via Zoom. Guest speakers Xyve Flores, Alyx Estella, Jay Lotivio, and Yanna Tenorio shared insights on navigating admissions processes both locally and abroad, emphasizing preparation, authenticity, and strategic choices, as well as securing financial aid. Students learned practical steps to strengthen their applications and were inspired to pursue global opportunities with confidence.

Final Batch of Financial Assistance for School Year 2024–2025
via Elyzza Esteban | The Quantum The final batch of financial assistance for School Year 2024–2025 was successfully distributed today, July 18, at Pasay City National Science High School, despite the suspension of classes. Parents and guardians arrived on campus to claim the financial aid, while school staff ensured a smooth and orderly distribution throughout the day.

PaSci SPTA at BOD Officers, Idineklara
: Zacharie Macalalad: Lianne Villamena: Ashley Ballesteros Pormal nang ipinroklama ni Bb. Joanna Marie B. Luciano, kinatawan ng Board of Directors Electoral Committee (BOD ELECOM), kasama si Dr. Mark Anthony F. Familaran, Punongguro, Gng. Sara Jane de Los Santos, Kawaksing Punongguro, at Rebecca O. Esguerra, Admin Officer II ng Pasay City National Science High School, ang bagong hanay ng mga opisyal ng School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) at Board of Directors (BOD) para sa Taong Panuruan 2025–2026. Ginanap ang proklamasyon sa Audio-Visual Room ng paaralan noong ika-11 ng Hulyo. Bilang kinatawan ni G. Emerson T. Constantino, SPTA Focal Person, pinamunuan din ni Bb. Luciano ang isinagawang ballot voting para sa mga opisyal ng SPTA. Tanging ang posisyon ng Kalihim ang pinagbotohan mula sa hanay ng mga guro. Dumalo at nagsilbing Lupon ng Halalan ang mga guro sa Araling Panlipunan na sina Bb. Joanna Marie B. Luciano at G. Oscar Q. Adrayan Jr., guro sa ICT na si Gng. Rose Ann D. Quezon, at Guro sa Agham na si Gng. Florence E. Gacasan. Kasama rin ang mga kinatawan ng bawat antas na inihalal ng mga pangulo ng Homeroom Parent-Teacher Association (HRPTA), gayundin ang tatlong gurong tagapayo na nahirang bilang bahagi ng Board of Directors. Narito ang mga opisyal na nahalal sa SPTA: Pangulo: Jenny M. Delos Santos Pangalawang Pangulo: Noli A. Diaz Kalihim: Mary Grace T. Dela Cruz Ingat-yaman: Nenita P. Daliva Awditor: Angelyn G. Langote Samantala, ang mga bumubuo sa Board of Directors ay ang mga magulang na sina G. Raul Sy at Bb. Irish Cañete, at mga guro sa Araling Panlipunan na sina G. Jojo Ray C. Dela Cruz at G. Benjamin N. Lañada.

CASIO Philippines returns to PaSci
via Elyzza Esteban | The QuantumPhotos by: Aliyah Lopez, Santine Mauritius Susa, Dexter Ogale, Gabrielle Ayesha Nicolas “CASIO Philippines has always been there for us, and thank you, CASIO, for always choosing PaSci,” said The Euclidean President, Angelique L. Inlong, during her closing remarks at the CASIO Campus Tour Workshop held on Wednesday, July 16, at the Pasay City National Science High School Gymnasium. The Casio Campus Tour, part of The Euclidean’s annual project, marked another year of collaboration between CASIO Philippines and Pasay Science, providing valuable learning opportunities for PaScian Students. The workshop was divided into two sessions tailored to different grade levels. The morning session, held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, focused on topics for Grades 7 to 9, while the afternoon session, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., addressed lessons for Grades 10 to 12. Mr. Aaron John Martinez, a representative from CASIO Philippines, served as the speaker for both sessions. He demonstrated how to use scientific calculators efficiently across subjects that require complex mathematical formulas and concepts, while students from all levels actively participated and responded with enthusiasm. The event concluded with Inlong’s message of appreciation, followed by a group photo with participants led by The Euclidean officers—bringing the workshop to a close.

Math Campus Tour, Idinaos sa PCNSciHS
: Ghea Nadera at Jashley Damaso: Zia Mayo at Juan Miguel Santos Matagumpay na isinagawa ang CASIO Math Campus Tour para sa mga mag-aaral ng Baitang 7 hanggang 9 sa PCNSciHS Gymnasium noong umaga ng ika-16 ng Hulyo. Layunin ng programa ang maipakilala sa mga mag-aaral kung paano mas napadadali at napahuhusay ang kanilang kasanayan sa Matematika gamit ang mga makabagong calculator mula sa CASIO. Nagsimula ang programa ganap na 9:00 ng umaga at nagtapos ng 11:30, kung saan masiglang nakibahagi ang mga estudyante sa iba’t ibang aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa Matematika. Nagbahagi ang kinatawan ng CASIO ng mga kapaki-pakinabang na kaalaman at tips kung paano epektibong gamitin ang kanilang calculator, lalo na sa pagsagot ng mga komplikadong math problems. Bukod sa mga natutuhan, naging masigla rin ang mga aktibidad na nagbigay aliw at karagdagang kaalaman sa mga dumalo. Samantala, nakibahagi rin sa nasabing Math Campus Tour ang mga mag-aaral mula Baitang 10 hanggang 12 sa hiwalay na sesyon. Nagbigay ng pambungad na pananalita si Ginang Arlyn Esber, puno ng Kagawaran ng Matematika, at iniwan niya ang mensaheng: “Let the power of math incline your curiosity.” Samantala, si Ginoong Aaron John Martinez mula sa CASIO Philippines ang nagturo ng mga makabago at epektibong paraan ng paggamit ng calculator sa larangan ng Matematika.

Korean Odyssey: Balolo’s Global Journey with Media Literacy
via Elyzza Esteban | The QuantumPhotos by: Mark Reniel BaloloPublication: Yelena Fabriancte Mark Reniel R. Balolo, participant under the 2025 Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Program (KPTEP), has officially returned to the country after a three-month teaching and cultural exchange stint at Suncheon Hyosan High School in South Korea, this Monday—July 14. Balolo, who represented the Philippines in the international exchange program, delivered lectures centered on Media Literacy—empowering students with critical skills to responsibly and effectively engage with digital platforms. The KPTEP program seeks to promote global citizenship through education, while fostering intercultural understanding between Korea and the Philippines. Capping his stay, Balolo was chosen to take part in the final presentation of their projects for the Philippines, showcasing details regarding his lectures regarding media literacy and its impact on his students, held last Friday, July 11. The event was also attended by Dr. Margarita Ballesteros, Director from the Department of Education, and Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, Deputy Head of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in South Korea, who both offered feedback on the presentation. Along with Mr. Balolo, the final presenters also included Ms. Ma. Lourdes D. Rola from Caloocan High School, Ms. Toni Rose S. Sayson from Dumaguete Science High School, and Mr. Raleigh J. Ojanola from Koronadal Comprehensive High School. Upon his return, Mr. Balolo paid a courtesy call to Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, CESO VI, wherein he was joined by Pasay City National Science High School Principal Dr. Mark Anthony F. Familaran, Assistant Principal Mrs. Sarah Jane T. Delos Santos, and Head Teacher III Mrs. Jackyline T. Lagaña.

Magiting na Guro, Inspirasyon ng Bayan
:Althea Loro: Ashley Ballesteros “Annyeonghaseyo,” marahil ang isa sa mga naging bukambibig niya sa mga nagdaang buwan. Talagang nakamamanghang isipin na ang kaniyang kakayahan bilang isang guro ay hindi lamang naranasan ng mga mag-aaral dito sa Pilipinas. Dinala niya ang kultura at edukasyon ng lupang sinilangan sa ibang bansa—sa katimugan ng Korea o mas kilala bilang South Korea. Matunog ang kaniyang ngalan dahil sa kaniyang posturang makaagaw pansin, mga matang laging nagmamasid, at tinig na naabot ang kaloob-looban ng sinumang kaniyang makasalamuha. Kilala n’yo ba siya? Isa siya sa apat na mapapalad at nagkaroon ng pagkakataong lumipad papunta sa banyagang lupa. Ang oportunidad na ito ay hindi madaling makuha subalit dahil sa sipag at tiyaga, sa lahat ng mga tagapagturo sa Pilipinas, siya ay isa sa mga napiling kinatawan ng ating bayan. Sa ilalim ng Korea-Philippines Teacher Exchange Program 2025 o KPTEP, siya ay nagturo sa Suncheon Hyosan High School mula Abril 15 hanggang Hulyo 12. Maliban pa sa pagiging panday-kaalaman, nagningning din siya bilang simbolo ng kultura sa ginanap na World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development—isang selebrasyong ipinagdiriwang ang iba’t ibang kultura sa mundo. Taas-noo siyang rumampa sa ginanap na fashion show habang suot ang Barong Tagalog, ang pambansang kasuotan ng kalalakihan sa bansa. Iginagalang, tinitingila, at hinahangaan. Tunay siyang inspirasyon hindi lamang ng kabataan kundi pati na rin ng mga guro. Hindi lamang aral na magagamit sa paaralan ang kaniyang ibinabahagi; hindi rin siya nagdadalawang-isip na magbigay ng mga salitang tatatak sa isip at puso ng bawat isa. Saglit man ang kaniyang naging paglalakbay, tiyak kong maraming naabot ang kaniyang tinig na makapangyarihan. Paulit-ulit niyang pinatunayan na ang kaniyang kakayahan ay hindi lamang limitado sa Pilipinas. Sa alinmang larangan siya tumindig—bilang guro, mamamahayag, o tagapagsalita, hindi magmamaliw ang sinag ng kaniyang diwa na nagbibigay-ilaw at pag-asa sa nakararami. Kilala n’yo na ba siya? Kung gayon, sabay-sabay natin siyang batiin ng… Maligayang pagbabalik, G. Mark Reniel L. Balolo!

PCNSciHS General Assembly 2025-2026
via Elyzza Esteban | The QuantumPhotos by: Chainne Ysabelle Guevarra, Dexter Ogale, Aliyah Lopez, Santine Mauritius Susa Parents and faculty members of Pasay City National Science High School gathered at the school gymnasium this morning, July 11, for the annual General Assembly. During the program, the outgoing School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) officers, featured reports and shared updates on the projects accomplished from the previous school year. In the afternoon, participants took part in the election of new officers for both the Homeroom Parent-Teacher Association (HRPTA) and the SPTA—reinforcing the school’s continued partnership with its stakeholders.