Republic of the Philippines

Pasay City National Science High School

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

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students, workers, and everyday Filipinos have been denied protection simply because their SOGIESC doesn’t align with outdated norms.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

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.

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!

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.

As part of the National Festival of Talents’ “Cliniquing” program under the AGHAMazing category, a special educational tour was held at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna today. This enriching experience gathered young science enthusiasts from Pasay City National Science High School including Zyriel Josh Coronel, Ellyza Esteban and Xhian Miguel Alsola along with their science teachers including Aizah Agub, Rosalinda Sinsuan, Shannen Dorothy Gomez, Shiella Mae Narzoles, Christian Jayvon Laluna, Mae Claire Siguros, Maria Theresa Estilong, and Jenny Alingod for a day of scientific exploration and research planning focused on food security—one of the most pressing global challenges. The event was made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Education and IRRI, then featured a guided tour led by Dr. Rhowell N. Tiozon Jr., a Postdoctoral Fellow specializing in Consumer-driven Grain Quality and Nutrition at IRRI. With his expertise, Dr. Tiozon offered participants an in-depth look into the current state and future direction of rice research and its critical role in sustaining global food systems. 𝗔 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 Pascians were given access to some of IRRI’s most advanced and essential facilities: – Grain Quality and Nutrition Center: Here, students learned about the technologies and methodologies used to evaluate rice grain properties—such as taste, texture, nutritional value, and cooking behavior—that influence consumer preferences and marketability. – Rice Genebank: Participants witnessed IRRI’s vast collection of over 130,000 rice varieties from around the world, conserved to ensure genetic diversity and resilience against future challenges such as climate change and disease outbreaks. – Rice Fields: The visit to the experimental rice paddies allowed students to observe field trials and understand how research is translated from lab to land. – Seed Viability Testing Laboratory: In this facility, they learned about the importance of seed health and storage techniques in maintaining crop reliability and long-term food security. 𝗔 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 The highlight of the day was an interactive session where students were tasked to develop their own research plans centered around the theme of food security. Guided by their tour experience and the insights shared by Dr. Tiozon, each group presented innovative ideas ranging from climate-resilient rice breeding and sustainable farming practices to enhancing rice nutritional content. Dr. Tiozon provided constructive feedback on each proposal, mentoring the young researchers on how to strengthen their scientific methodology, align with real-world agricultural challenges, and focus on community impact. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The cliniquing session aimed to immerse students in real-world science while nurturing their potential as future researchers, innovators, and policymakers. It also highlighted the role of institutions like IRRI in shaping a more secure, equitable, and sustainable food future. As the students left IRRI’s campus, they carried with them not only scientific knowledge but a renewed sense of purpose—to contribute to solving one of the world’s greatest challenges through science, research, and collaboration.

As part of the National Festival of Talents, AGHAMazing cliniquing at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna, Pascian researchers explored key research facilities, including the Rice Genebank and the seed viability test laboratory, gaining insights into advanced agricultural innovations and were guided by Dr. Rhowell N. Tiozon Jr., Postdoc Fellow, Consumer-driven Grain Quality and Nutrition, IRRI. Researchers were tasked to develop a research plan focused on food security, to present their ideas to Dr. Tiozon for evaluation earlier today.

Publication: Ysabel Celestial Tagon After two days with four rounds of voting, the College of Cardinals has successfully elected a new pope. Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, OSA, now officially recognized as Pope Leo XIV, has been chosen to serve as the supreme pontiff and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, succeeding Saint Peter. Pope Leo XIV, known for his deep commitment to faith and service, continues his mission of strengthening the church through thoughtful leadership in bishop selection, has now become the first Vicar of Christ from the United States of America and the 267th Bishop of Rome.

Publication: Xyrel James Canonoy Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Latin American and Jesuit to assume the papacy, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.  Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for his progressive views and efforts to address institutional issues within the Church. He condemned clergy sexual abuse cover-ups, advocated for migrants, raised concerns about climate change, and supported civil unions for same-sex couples. He also called for the abolition of the death penalty and labeled the treatment of Indigenous students in Canadian church-run schools as “genocide.” Despite his reformist stance, he maintained certain traditional Church values.  Francis experienced multiple health complications, including lung issues from his youth and recurrent respiratory infections, which led to several hospitalizations in recent years. He had previously suggested he might retire due to health concerns. His papacy was marked by both significant reforms and profound challenges in modernizing the image and operations of the Catholic Church.  Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, officially confirmed his death and began the ceremonial process which includes defacing the papal ring and initiating the procedures to select a new pope within three weeks.  Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, controversy, and commitment to modernizing the Catholic Church. May he rest in peace.