Hilltop Echo School Publication 2011

PNHS garnered a gold, four silver and seven bronze medals from Provincial Meet 2011 in Cuyo, Palawan on November 20-24. A total number of 83 participants completed the Española athletic delegation that represented t h e municipality in Cuyo. Mcjoe Lozada of III- Dignity

caught gold medal for winning lightflyweight division in boxing against the Narra boxer. PNHS swimmers: Rezel Jay Lamanilao, Jerold Rufino, Omar Bashier Abdurajak and Jero Mendoza grabbed four silver medals in 4x100 freestyle relay and t h e

team tie competition. Dianne Grace Caasi and Jonamie Pagliawan played badminton doubles in girls, while Shaien Danielle Arevalo on Single A and Rea Casantosan on Single B. Also, Sey Tabujara of III- Dignity got bronze medal in Taekwondo. Likewise, Jess Kintanar of IVBonifacio got fourth place in Table Tennis Single B. The victories of these students

are under the supervision of their coaches. They were Mr. Ryan George Toledo in Boxing, Ms. Ma. Filipinas Fronda in Swimming, Mr. Ruby Carias and Benjie Vasquez in Badminton, Mr. Cyryl Jerez in Taekwondo and Ms. Kristein Bona in Table Tennis. The PNHS delegation was led Mr. Toto A. Zapanta, SS Principal 1. (Jenny Yano & Dianne Grace Caasi)

fourth place in 4x50 freestyle relay. These swimmers already made a record last provincial meet when they got four bronze medals in 50 m. freestyle relay in Brooke’s Point, Palawan. Bernabe Veo and Eliaquim Precinillo seized two bronze medals in boxingvacuum weight division for 42 kg. Badminton girls burnished in the court after winning four bronze medals in their

Technical Vocational (TechVoc) has now arrived in Pulot NHS. Of all the high schools in Palawan, there are only two schools in Southern Palawan which implement this new curriculum and PNHS is one of those schools. In this curriculum, students have their own career path. The curriculum in TechVoc is more focused on the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) classes than that of other subjects. There are four components in TLE which

HILLTOPEcho Vol. IX No.1 • June-November, 2011

the

Gold, silver, bronze captured in Cuyo

Technical vocational reaches Pulot NHS

the students can choose from; the Culinary Arts, Business, Industrial Arts and Agriculture. The skills of the students are expected to be developed because they only focus on their field of specialization with less worry about the other subjects; thus achieve the purpose of this program which is to enhance student’s skills and ability. At present, the school has two sections for Tech. Voc. Classes, the I-Aster and I-Begonia with the total of 130 students. (Jenny Yano)

The Official Student Publication of Pulot National School Sofronio Espanola, Palawan Division of Palawan, Region IV-B MIMAROPA

PNOC discovered more oil deposits in Palawan

Oil well to explore in Espaňola

Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) identified last November 8 one of the bigger prospects to be tapped for oil exploration as the Aboabo discovery in Sofronio Espaňola. It was estimated to hold 222 million barrels of oil.

Swimmers fetch silver in 4x100 freestyle relay

Pinoys, since then, are noted with their ability in sports like bowling, basketball, billiard, athletics, boxing, and a lot more. Supported by the government or not; given attention or taken for granted, because of Pinoy athletes’ determination, the Team Pilipinas now draws attention in the international arena of sports. Soccer is made more popular in the Philippines because of the Philippines Azkals. Adopted their name from “asong kalye”, they used to practice anywhere and they had no home to stay as a team. After having beaten Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and others, they are no longer “asong kalye” but “Azkaleros” who presently makes history in every Football Cup Competition. Whether they lose or win, Filipinos are happy and proud to have them. Who says that it’s only the one who has money can be well-known in the field of sports? This didn’t bother the Philippine Homeless Street Soccer team for advancing in the knockout round. They are also Pinoys, from being street children into transformed soccer players. This was their inspiration on battling in the 2011 Homeless World Cup in Paris, France and as a result they have defeated Switzerland and got a chance to advance in the knockout

After bringing home bronze medals last by the seaside while I am afar that’s why they Provincial Meet 2010, Pulot NHS swimmers once are more advanced than me.” Opportunely, again proved their skills when they fetched Jero, the fourth swimmer, made all his best and silver medals in 4x100 freestyle relay. effort to overtake his opponents. At last, the They were Rezel Jay Lamanilao, Jerold team made it to silver. All their hardships and Rufino, Omar Basheir Abdurajak, and Jero guts were paid. Mendoza, all fourth year students. These swimmers have only a very limited They won the relay in 4 minutes time in practicing because the municipal and twenty three seconds. Rezel personnel decided not to bring them in The taekwondo belter in red, Sey Tabujara embraces was the first swimmer; Jerold, the Provincial Meet. But with their great his chance to win during the second; Basheir was next determination and efforts they were able to join a sizzling match got the and Jero was the last swimmer. the team. bronze home. At first, Rezel and Jerold led According to them, strong determination the other swimmers. Everybody and thirst to win pushed them to reach their thought that they would get goal. Even though they didn’t undergo a proper stage. They were also able to belong against smoking Australia, Japan, the gold. Unfortunately, and rigid training under a trainer or coach before in the top 10 nations to compete on Italy, and Puerto Rico. They also set during Basheir’s turn, the the Provincial Meet, they still practiced by their the said round. new world records in every event team’s speed got slower own and disciplined their selves. Strong faith Rugby was said to be a game of that they won. However, behind and got behind. “I lacked in God and perseverance were their weapon to the well-offs but when the Philippine this they are not yet recognized by practice,” Omar Bashier win the game. Miss Ma. Filipinas Fronda was Volcanoes erupted in the the Philippine Sports Commission stated during an interview. their coach during the Palarong Panlalawigan. International Rugby (PSC). Due to this, the paddlers never “All of my team mates live (Jenny Yano and Dianne Grace Caasi) Competition, rugby was expected to receive any supports formally introduced from the Philippine government. in the Philippines. They were always denied by the Philippine Volcanoes. PSC. So, through the supports of Their members are their families and the unbelievable supports of their co-Filipinos they won and bring the bacon home. See, deficiency in financial and moral support is not the hindrance to success. If we believe in ourselves we can end up, winning and achieving our aims. Being positive will help us attain and reach what we want. Athletes should possess this half Australian and half Filipino. attitude. So, even they’re outside, Like Azkals, they are also marking wrestling against other nations for the sports history. They were able the Philippines’ honour; whether to defeat the China, United Arab with or without any help from the As Lozada makes it to the golden success, Bernabe Veo (blue) also works Emirates (UAE), and Korea. They also government, still they can fight hard and wins bronze for Sofronio Española in Palarong Panlalawigan. made it on top 8. Even they are half and win through their families and Pulot NHS boxer, Mcjoe Lozada as the 2011 boxing champion in lightPinoys, they are proud to represent fellow Filipinos shoring them up. got into the box with a dare breast to flyweight division. their country the Philippines. When lacking in experience and fight contrary to Narra’s blower in their Mcjoe admitted that before the Then, here comes the Dragon training, they had their loved ones championship game. fight, he got nervous upon knowing Warriors, the Philippine Dragon Boat to inspire them. They fight like they The bell clanged out loud asserted that his opponent was a two-year Federation Team. The team ended dance, to the tune of their avid and to get the ball rolling at round one consecutive Pambansa player. His its 10th International Dragon Boat ever loyal Filipino fans who shout and the two opposing fighter took opponent looked so strong and Federation World Championship as like a harmonic orchestra. Hooray! their smashing punches to each other. confident but he stood still and victors in Tampa Bay, Florida. In What a sight to behold a Filipino Mcjoe got the first shuttering blow prayed to God. “I know that God the opening they won against Japan, being crowned as a champion! (Alsolidly to his opponent’s abdomen. would help me with my fight and Trinidad, and Tobago. In the end they Mahmod Marajan) Mcjoe had one step backward then– bring home the gold. I prayed hard also won and stamped their class WHOA!!!-yelled by the crowd. A because I knew that I couldn’t do it rapid, sure and strong uppercut hit his by myself,” said Mcjoe. opponent’s jaw and drove Lozada to His triumph was under the win; the referee began to count again supervision of Mr. Ryan George then stopped the game and proclaimed Toledo. “Sir Toledo is the best coach Referee Stop Contest due to Retirement ever!” Mcjoe said proudly. (Jenny Outlast (RSPC). Mcjoe was declared Yano and Ali-akbar Abdulpatta)

Española boxing champion punches gold in prov’l meet

The Hilltop Echo reached out for these kids-played, sang and learned with them last November 26-27. (Story below)

Echoers reach out to Muslim kids

More than 50 Muslim children benefit from the Hilltop Echo Muslim Literacy Program conducted in Luntab, Pulot Shore, Sofronio Espaňola last November 26-27. The Hilltop Echo adopted Luntab, a small sitio and started a literacy campaign for pre-school children. The staff, together with their adviser, invited and gathered the children in a shed. The echoers introduced themselves and opened the activity with energizing songs. During Art time, the kids were allowed to work on the provided

coloring books while the staff guided and supervised them. The alphabets, as well as counting numbers were also introduced to them. After the lessons, the staff held games. They also taught the children songs of peace. “It was the first time that an activity like this was done here in our place,” said a mother of one of the children. “We hope this would not be the first and last. We expect it to happen again next time.” “This awakened the side of me which desires to teach little kids,”

stated Mrs. Castro, the publication’s adviser. “I used to teach children in our church when I was young. Having this program initiated this year, I am now having a vision of the Hilltop Echo regularly reaching out to the Muslim Community in the years to come.” This program aimed to reach out to the Muslim community through education, initiate peace building efforts and promote better understanding between Christians and Muslims. (Ali Akbar Abdulpatta & Ravina Abubakar)

Through the DepEd’s School Initiated Intervention (SII) and DropOut Reduction Programs (DORP), the Pulot NHS Administration reported a 6.74% decrease in the Drop-Out Rate in the previous school year. As of School year 2009-2010, the Principal’s office reported an 11.32% drop-out rate. After a few months of applying SII and DORP, it lowered down to 4.58%. The feat has been achieved through the use of various approaches to significantly

reduce if not totally eradicate the problem of drop-outs. After having attended the Training on Drop-out Reduction Program in Tagaytay City , Mrs. Melissa Fabrigas, Guidance Counselor and Mr. Toto A. Zapanta, School Principal initiated the organization of DORP Council. The council identified all the Students at Risk of Dropping Out (SARDOs) and planned a series of DORP activities. There were 192 recognized SARDOs as of November last year. The

Guidance and Counselling Office had employed some visitations and closed door counseling with these concerned parents and students to discover the reasons of and the solutions to their dropping out from school. Separate conferences among parents and students were conducted. DSWD Officer Grace Dela Torre was the speaker during the meetings. She emphasized responsible parenthood. As a result of these interventions, 132 of these SARDOs were saved and brought back to school and 80 of them were promoted. “We have experienced this remarkable success in reducing the drop-out rate in our school because of our effective intervention programs through DORP,” Mrs. Fabrigas stated. The guidance counsellor stressed that the school administration, through the help of the teacheradvisers, has to continually work hard to be able to reach and bring back to school some more schoolaged children who are out of school and not only the drop-outs. DORP is a valuable tool for the Philippines to enable it to meet the United Nations goal of Education for All (EFA) by 2015. (Jenny Yano)

Interventions lower drop-out rate

Some students use “Balsa” as their means of transportation; one of the difficulties being encountered by some students in attending their classes.

“We haven’t heard about it yet,” Mayor Zenaida Gomez stated during an interview. “But since it is your publication itself which inform us, we will conduct a research and check out for more details about it.” Mayor Gomez expressed her belief that this venture would mean progress to the municipality. “We welcome new discoveries like this as long as it would be beneficial to the Espaňolans,” she added. The PNOC-Exploration Corp. currently holds a 50-percent interest and is the operator of the field, while the remaining 50 percent by Australian firm NIDO Petroleum Ltd. The joint venture operating Service Contract 63 off southeast Palawan plans to spend roughly P1.8 billion to drill an exploration well. This SC 63 is located at the northeast end of the tertiary-aged offshore fold and thrust belt, which was reported to

be a “prolific hydrocarbon province.” The belt extends from Brunei through Sabah, Malaysia, and into the southern Palawan basin. Both PNOC EC and Nido Petroleum earlier agreed to enter the sub-phase of the exploration program with the Department of Energy, which called for the drilling of an offshore exploratory well. They have already identified the current window to drill the commitment well to be between June and October 2012. However, according to the PNOC Exploration Corp.Cahirman and Chief Executive Officer Gemiliano Lopez; the final date for spudding a well would depend on the selection of a drill site, identified from a number of prospects by a joint geo-scientific group and rig availability. If this project would be materialized, Aboabo would be another oil producer of Palawan. (Jenny Yano)

Pulot National High School opens new gate of knowledge in Barangay Punang. Hon. Hamrin L. Allip, the Punang Barangay Captain and Mr. Toto A. Zapanta, Pulot NHS Principal II led for the approval of this extension. Punang extension has been opened last June 6 with the consent from the Division Office. To support the provision of the access to education for all in Sofronio Espaňola and to provide quality and reasonably priced education are the main reasons why Captain Allip pursued for the realization of this extension. According to Hon. Allip, parents were not able to send their children in school because they can’t afford the money that will be spent for their schooling. When they decided to go to high school, they have only three choices in Espaňola where they can pursue their schooling; whether in Pulot NHS, Panitian NHS, or Abo abo NHS. And it takes hours before reaching these schools with an expensive travelling fee and lodging or boarding house. At present, there is a total of 86 students; 63 first year and 23 second year populating the local school. They have 5 teachers; 3 from Citinickel Mining Corporation, 1 from the barangay government, 1 from local government unit, and 1 from PNHS. At present,

the regional approval for the PNHS extension in Punang is on the process and they still believe Punang extension will finally be nationaliz ed. Learning is widened outside Pulot NHS. The extension of the school is a dream come true. (Milysa Palapa)

Pulot NHS extends to Barangay Punang

Editorial

In Palarong Pambayan

Mining: Killer or Defender

Mining will generate employment in the locality. It will also increase income of the district through tax. Yes… But… Mining is the basic way of getting minerals and other objects underground. It is not actually bad since we actually benefit from the wealth we get from there. It also attracts investors from other countries. To be able to make a nice decision regarding this matter, or any matter related to this, we must not only present the disadvantages or the advantages, but rather both, as this will give people a clear and non-biased view of the matter, so they can make wise decisions themselves, and not just for the mere sake of saying you “helped” stop mining in Palawan. Mining has always been a blessing to us, after all, why were they created in the first place? God wouldn’t create such places where we can benefit from if they were just going to do us harm. It even attracts more tourists. The real problem is, how we choose to handle them. Well, we can’t blame it all on the government, but also us, the people, who, because of our selfish needs for power, wealth, or anything of the like, abuse what we have been given to nurture and to preserve. We cannot deny this reality: mining will definitely create damage to the environment. Large area of land will be affected and utilized starting from blasting, preparation of tailing ponds & tailing disposals, the crusher plant area, stockpile area for ore materials & waste materials, etc. Chemicals such as mercury and cyanide used in mining will impose health hazards to plants, animals and human. Mining can cause erosion and landslide that will vastly cause death and destroy surrounding environment like farms, rivers or anybody of waters. Mining chemicals also makes soil not suitable for planting. Damages to environment made by mining industry cannot be restored in the span of 20 years! What if we took the risk to actually control and lessen the activities? What if the government had put priority on these things? It’s actually better, acquiring benefits from the natural resources and at the same time not being harmful to the environment. It’s a nice thought, isn’t it? Why can’t we take an extra step, a giant step in somewhat “solving” this problem? Is it because we’re too lazy, afraid, or what? Stopping the mining though, would be a great help if we’re all looking for an easy way out.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Willingness

the

“Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all He owns. He is the One you are really working for.” Colossians 3:23-24 A man once walked into a store and took his place in line behind four other customers. Before long, he realized the line wasn’t moving. A trio of clerks behind the counter were involved in a personal discussion, and it was only after they sensed the restlessness of those waiting that they turned to give them attention. Even then, they did not offer service cheerfully. They acted as if the customers were interfering with their social lives and continued their personal conversation. After making his purchase, the man asked to see the manager. Suddenly, the clerk’s attitude changed. He became all smiles as he said, “I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.” The man smiled back and said, “Don’t worry, it won’t happen again. I can assure you it won’t.” if that sounded like a threat—it was little did the clerk know that he had neglected the owner of the store! Most teachers have tolerance for their students’ work that is not perfect, but few have tolerance for those who fail to show good effort or enthusiasm at their assigned tasks. A willing student can be trained, even without the necessary experience.

The Official Student Publication of Pulot National School

EDITORIAL STAFF SY 2011-2012

Editor-in-Chief: Jenny Yano Associate Editor: Keziah Millones Managing Editors: Asfiah Sahiddin & Aisa Hassan News Editors: Ravina Abubakar, John Rafael Triño, & Aubrey Onque News Writers: Dianne Grace Caasi, Mark Darwin Abela Ronnie Dalgo, Milysa Palapa, Neiza Geronimo, Hannah Janairo, Saudia Sitti Nur-in Sunny Feature/Literary Editors: Al-mahmod Marajan, Genese Divine Cayabo, & Vangeline Jamion Feature/Literary Writers: Fardiah Ibrahim, Frances Inna batongbakal, Marjorie Liaso, Nurzaida Jamion Sports Editors: Ali-akbar Abdulpatta, Ariel Bandales, Ernie Wabingga Sports Writers: Jamie Alhaqq Jamion, Ester Alipoon, Alqusayer Taha, Nursea Assan, Zhaibo Niza Abdurajak, Jufel Sapitula, Jumratia Kikih, Senneth Owen Tesorio Photo Journalists: David Curl Galan, Jerome Brien Pacanza, Honny Grace Oczon, Vanessa Galan, Miss Mayra Ardais Cartoonist: Reynald Alipoon Layout Artists: Mohamed Panji Gacis, Asfiah Sahiddin & Jenny Yano Contributors: Katreen Ann Suyat & Meriam Geronimo Rio A. Lontes-Castro - Adviser Benjie Vasquez, Leah Rondael, Damiana Mades - Consultant/Critic Toto A. Zapanta - Principal II

Pulot giant spikers clutch Championship

“Rain or shine” the game must go on. The volleyball boys championship game was played between Panitian NHs and Pulot NHS in the Municipal Meet last October 6-7 at the Municipal Gymnasium ground. To gain a forceful with and cut

high score, Pulot fighters attacked their opponent jump serves with the combination of cross court shots. Panitian’ blockers also approached and attacked the opponent’s ball. They blocked and bumped but to no avail for the Pulot NHS’ acers trapped them and reached the total score of 25-21 in the first set. During the second set, Panitian hitters tried to key against Pulot. They stuffed, penetrated and roofed. However, Pulot did not lose the momentum. Setters against attackers; spikers in opposition to hitters; both teams jousted until the game ended with the score, 25-19 bringing Pulot NHS to their triumph. (Ester Alipoon and Nursea Assan)

“Whoosh! Saved by the bell,” Mike whispered. Ma’am Agham left it as an assignment to Mike and the class. I’m halfway sure that Mike would just ignore that question. Instead, he will go out with his peers and play DOTA on weekend. If ever our teacher would ask him on Monday, he will pretend that he forgot to think of it, or worst, he will escape from our class. He went home alone from school. This was my first time to see him far from his naughty friends. Opposite to what I’ve thought, those questions triggered him. I didn’t expect that he would be serious with the question. On weekend, he did nothing but meditate to himself. He realized a lot. “I’m the only hope of my parents, I must do my responsibility on them,

and I’m one of the youths that will save my country from its sullied situation.” From then on, he started to be diligent and responsible son and student. We were surprised of his changes. Ten years had passed, we already graduated and we have our stable jobs. Others became engineers, nurse, teachers, doctors, some went abroad, and have their family there. But who would think that Mike would become the Mayor of our municipality? Yes, he became our mayor. Thanks to Dr. Jose Rizal’s principle. It is so true. Mike is now one of the heroes, who help our country. If all of the youth will be like Mike, who opened up his mind and take the action, ten years is enough to take us away from our shameful situation. I know that this principle is too familiar to you. But how true are you when it comes to responsibility? Rizal had done his part, and Mike has his too. How about you? Don’t let that principle slumber on your palm. By the way, I’m Marrian, Mike’s wife, a psychologist.

Ma’am, Paki tagalog po…

We, Filipinos constantly push for using our national language as much as possible while we keep a high regard of English and prod fun at those who are not good with it. When former action star-turned Sen. Lito Lapid admitted that he is unable to participate in debates in the Senate because he can’t speak English well, several raised eye brows and mocked him. It’s unfortunate to be mocked in your own country for being not well-versed in a foreign language, but that’s the sad state we are in. The Philippine basic education is now also at a critical crossroad. We affirm the need to improve learning competencies in all subject areas, including English. But what is the most effective bridge to and foundation for the learning of other languages like English? Many of our lawmakers and national leaders still hold on to the unfounded but long-held belief that an English-dominated initial basic education will produce superior learners. We submit that such educational strategy will only benefit

a very small number of Filipinos— those who belong to families where English is the home language. But the truth is that the majority of our school children come from homes where the mother tongue is the predominant language. This explains their marginalization in the classroom. Such marginalized learners, as pointed out by scientific evidences face the double burden of learning. They are struggling to learn the 3Rs on top of the big burden of learning an alien language in which they are taught. This predicament is one of the major culprits of poor performance and high drop-out rates. All of these imply the needed approach-- teach the yet unknown 3Rs through the already familiar local language and culture, build the learner’s capacity to learn and introduce a second language with the correct phasing.

With such, the mastery of all the learning areas including English is effectively attained. Some Filipinos forgot their rich cultural heritage. Maybe, because the school first taught them to do so. Being so strict in using English as the medium of instruction in all subjects escept Filipino somehow deteriorates the education system in the Philippines and puts the poorer students at a disadvantage. Requiring its use in schools ironically deters the students’ abilities to learn the language. The use of English alienates students from their cultural heritage, impairs their emotional security and self-worth, and “results in inferiority complex among lower-class children who are stigmatized for using the native tongue.” I don’t say that we should not learn to speak English. But not to the extent that we forget or disregard our own tongue. Let us patronize Filipino as our medium of language. If we use it, everyone can understand what we are discussing about. If you’re truly proud to be JUAN DELA CRUZ, love first your own language, Filipino.

The waggish game started by volleying a shuttle cock back and forth over a high, narrow net. The singeing ball and the furious racket led the Pulot NHS to the championship. Pulot NHS had just routed their adversary in the badminton competition of the Municipal Meet held at Pulot National Ground on October 7. The players intrepidly faced their opponent with hostility. Along the match, the smashers showed their fluentness in playing the match. Their hairpin net shots and drop shots are always seen along the game that smashers became more aggressive as well as the game more interesting. But Pulot birders blocked the gallant gamblers of Panitian NHS at both Single A and Doubles- Boys with

almost corresponding 2-0 at the edge of the game. Pulot supporters conquered their fears when David Curl Galan beat the Panitian birder and won the championship game in Single A. Likewise, Mark Kevin Canja starred in the oppressively hot and humid assails of whirl against Punang Extension’s trifler on Single B. A powerful hot attacks of smashes is one of the styles made by the frivolous DUO, McJoe Lozada and Jerome Brien Pacanza in their scorching doubles against Panitian NHS, scoring an exult 2-0. These triumphant players will also purported Sofronio Española in the 2011 Provincial Meet under their coach, Mr. Benjie Vasquez . (Ali Akbar Abdupatta, Jumratia Kikih and Milysa Palapa)

Sprinters push opponents hitting the wall

The Undying Principle

One day, Ma’am Agham asked a question to our class. “What do you think among all the principles of Dr. Jose P. Rizal that contributes a lot to our country’s present situation?”Everybody was so quiet and passive. No one wanted to raise their hand and answer her question. Until, one of my classmates raised his hand. He always sleeps at our class, cut classes, wears rugged polo and is considered the nosiest and the naughtiest among our group. He answered tiredly, “Youth is the hope of the nation, Ma’am”. His answer is correct but, it was just due to the boring discussion we have that’s why he answered the question. See? Even the good-for-nothing men still know this principle. “Very well-said, Mike!” exclaimed Ma’am Agham. She immediately followed up the question to Mike, “As a youth of today’s generation, do you think, you are one of those youth that will serve as hope of our nation, Mike?” The class was in deep silence. Until…“Ting! Ting! Ting!..” English time is over.

Badminton boy gamblers beat, vanquish rivals for championship

Walton Basal blocks and attacks the opponents’ ball, some of the winning actions being done to get the title.

I

t was a very unforgettable and astounding sailing experience to the 2011 Provincial Meet in Cuyo, Palawan. Our journey started on November 13. We arrived at Puerto Princesa at about 6 pm. Then, we proceeded to the naval ship. At first, I was so excited upon seeing the ship because I really missed sailing like what we always did in Malaysia. But when we entered the ship, I was shocked of what I’ve seen. There were almost 5,000 passengers from the different municipalities of Palawan. There was almost no enough space for everyone. Boys and girls slept side by side, with almost no air to breathe but the very hot temperature under the ship plus the emitted odour from its engine. We didn’t eat regularly. When nothing was left from the limited packed baon that some brought, we ate biscuits and juice to fill our stomach. In the midst of our journey, others started to get dizzy and vomit. However, I enjoyed the whole trip myself! I thought that it was another thrilling experience which I could share with my friends when I go back to my home in Española. When we went up to the upper part of the ship, I saw the fresh, greeny, beautiful islands nearby. We also adored the

October 7. The runners of PNHS faced a great fight with their opponents from PNHS Punang Extension, Panitian NHS, and from Abo-abo NHS. After doing some stretching and aerobics, the game begun. PNHSians did not stop from dominating the 1,500 m run and 4 x 4 relay where they grabbed 1st places. Jerahmeel Limson on the 1,500 m while Joseph Granatin, Ariel John Bandales, Mark Anthony Rac and Madshar Ibrahim on the 4 x 4 relay. Ibrahim also won 2nd place in the 100 m run and 3rd place in the 200 m run. Ariel John Bandales

scene of the fishes jumping in the water as if welcoming us with great joy. “Oh, what a beautiful creation God has made!” I also met old friends from different delegations, especially chess players. We shared lot of stories to each other and I thought that made my trip to Cuyo even more unforgettable! We didn’t see each other for almost one year and we missed

each other a lot. I also met new friends from other municipalities and I felt so excited to know them more. Suddenly, hard rain fell. Many of us got wet. I slept above the piled bags because no space was left for me. I was about to fall asleep at last when suddenly, the ship moved from left to right forcefully! And it got worst as minutes passed by. Then, we heard the captain declaring “emergency” and asked everyone who slept in the upper part of the ship to go down because they might fall to the sea. Afterwards, they stopped one engine from operating ‘till the ship got steady and

grabbed 4th place in both 100 m and 200 m run. Albert Pasignase ranked 3rd place in the 400 m run and Mark Anthony Rac was titled 4th in the same category. Bryan Leniasan got 4th in the 1500 m run. After the Palarong Pambayan, the champions dedicatedly practiced after their classes every afternoon to maintain stamina and improve speed and skills. They were trained by their coaches; Janelyn francisco, Juda Sediaco and Bernito Pantinople. The sprinters represented Sofronio Espanola in the PalarongPanlalawigan 2011. (Mark Darwin Abela Ravina Abubakar and John Rafael Trino)

back into its normal state. Some started to get nervous of what may happen in the midst of the sea, but I just prayed to God to help us and protect us that time. That situation was no longer new to me. I already experienced riding on a ship almost sinking in the sea. I couldn’t imagine experiencing it again. The fear of this past experience repeated that night. Only faith became my strength. I never stopped praying ‘till I heard the captain said something and ended his statement with the only words that I understood, a “thank you” and the ship started to get calm and still. Thank God! I knew that He was the One who worked and saved us all from any untoward incident When morning came, we went up to the upper deck and I felt so overwhelmed of the fresh sea breeze and of the rising sun from the sea level. It was a perfect feeling after a fearful night. And finally, after 20 hours of sailing, we reached Cuyo! People welcomed us so warmly, they were so hospitable! Everybody was clapping and smiling. It was just so amazing to meet people like them. This was my first time to feel the Cuyonin’s hospitality. The difficulties we experienced on our way to Cuyo were all worth it because this is the best place I’ve ever been! (Jenny Yano)

Joseph Granatin shows faith to reach the finish line and get the gold.

PNHS rippers smash ANHS in Table Tennis

The fickle weather did not stop the event in the Municipal Meet 2011. The championship game of the Table Tennis boys was played between Pulot NHS and Abo-abo NHS at the Municipal Gymnasium last October 7. Jerico Tesoro of Pulot NHS and Marvin Alejandro of Abo-abo NHS battled for the title in single A. It was an intense battle of chops and lobs. The rally between two teams reached the dead-locked score of 10-10 and they proceeded to the advantage of two. Both were very eager to win and every single moment was a breathtaking one. At last, after a kill shot, Jericho was declared winner in the first set. The remaining set was so easy for Jericho after learning the weakness of his opponent. He made a lot of smash and chop and after several times, he was declared as the champion for Single A. Next game was played between Jess Kintanar of Pulot NHS and Gian Moren Arib of Abo-abo NHS for Single B. The atmosphere was bounded with the cheers of both teams. Jess executed winning kills during the game. The doubles category was also an extreme

of rips between Anold Abella and Yvan Somongsong of Pulot NHS and Rey Alejandro and Melmar Alejandro of ANHS. The encounter was so hard. Both teams were good. Whenever one smashes the other lobs the ball stops it from spinning. After the serve, a smash immediately follows. Both teams have a very strong coordination. But Pulot NHS players gave their best and made a very impressive performance, and were declared as winner. After the heated exchange of pips and loops, Pulot NHS also won the team event. The event was facilitated by Mrs. Carmela Celadiña, Mrs. Kreisten Bona, Mrs. Melissa Fabrigas, Mr. Ryan George Toledo, and Mrs. Dinah Matudi. (Alm a h m o d Marajan and Ernie Wabingga)

battle

Jess Kintanar smashes and kills all the attempts of his opponent and wins.

Senior defenders dunk for championship in intrams

Editorial

Discipline matters

“The one who would like to be an athlete, but who is unwilling to discipline his body by regular exercise and by abstinence, is not free to excel on the field or the tracks. His failure to train rigorously and to live abstemiously denies him the freedom to go over the bar at the desired height, or to run with the desired speed and endurance. With one concerted voice the giants of the devotional life apply the same principle for the whole of life with the dictum: Discipline is the price of freedom”. (David Elton Trueblood, The New Man for our Time) There a question arising here. Does a coach need to be harsh and loud to be an effective disciplinarian? Discipline does not have to involve intimidation or anger, nor be automatically attached to punishment. Discipline will thrive in any environment that accepts its necessity and has no emotional baggage attached to its enforcement. A coach cannot impose discipline on others. He can only encourage it by the force of his personal example. As in all things, teaching by example is the best way to instill the lessons of disciplining young athletes. Discipline is much more than volume. It has everything to do with doing the right things in the right way on a routine basis in order to create an identity that will guide us through difficult times. In sports, the discipline to do the right thing in the right way every day builds the habits that we need to win on the practice field so that they’ll be available to us automatically in the game. As an example, if we follow a discipline of warm-up and stretching before every practice, and doing it in again will come as second nature and our injury rate will be much lower. If we are in the habit of performing our little tasks to a high standard even when no one else is looking, and that discipline will carry over into how we performed on the big tasks. Whether you care to be an athlete or not, true discipline and focus carries over from one area of your life to another, from one task, to event, to circumstance, to every life situation. How do you discipline your life, your thoughts, your actions? So often we (and certainly myself) get caught up in the moment. Moments of excitement, moments of anger, moments of confusion, jealousy, greed, etc. Discipline your mind in the way you want it to go; so that you are prepared for the worst; because whether we like it or not, those situations occur.

Intramurals pageant 2011 enthrones Almonicar, Lopot May Angelic Lopot of I - Special Science Class and Nicko Noel Almonicar of III-Charity were adjudged Mr. and Ms. Intramural Meet 2011 last September 1 during the Opening Program. Lhic-Lhic was born on May 4, 1999 at Puerto Princesa City. Her

Mr. and Miss Intrams 2011 display their best sportswear, smile and crowns and scepters of triumph.

upholding parents are Mr. and Mrs. Liberato Lopot. Kuya Nick as called by many was born on November 30, 1996 in Manila to Mr. and Mrs. Cecilia Almonicar. During the pageant, all candidates ramped in their best sports attire and gave their most excellent retort in the question and answer portion. They were judged according to the blot of Mr. and Ms. Intelligence, confidence and contest, sport wear with poise and bearing. Nicko got the judges’ favor in the Sports Wear Competition. He was also declared the Mr. Intelligence; while Aisa Hassan of Seniors, the First Runner Up, captured Ms. Intelligence. Jihad Ijiran of Sophomores was paired to Hassan as the First Runner Ups. Madzhar Ibrahim from the Freshmen Team and Allana Nicole Faye Ares of II-Emerald were crowned as Second Runner Ups. Sweet Pamela Zumaraga of Juniors, who also bested in Sports Wear; and Razmil Abirin of Seniors got the Third Runner Ups. The congregated money in the Popularity Contest was utilized to purchase musical instruments for the school. (Ravina Abubakar, NurseaAssan, and Jufel Sapitula)

The referee tossed up the ball then, Wham! Ruptured the ball by the swing man of the team, the Mikagi, Akmad Alpad. The ball flew first to the opponent’s hand the sophomore, but after the skillful blocked shot, Alpad ran dribbling and drove the ball to the basket and made the first scorching point. Senior team gained victory in the basketball championship against sophomores during school meet 2011 on September 02. During the championship match, each team showed immunity with prowess of assists, breaks and dunks. Sophomores made fabulous shots in the first quarter. But this good start didn’t last. The techniques of blind passing and boxing out the opponents led to the Seniors’ big score. Getting familiar with Seniors’ strategy, Sophies’ powered dribbler, Manuelito Quiocson also did fast breaks and Gerald Bantan, high percentage shots. Seniors continued to gain scores for the last 14 minutes and 5 seconds. Finally Rex Tabujara, also known to Seniors as Rukawa ended the first half of the game with his fantastic shot. During the final minutes of the second quarter, Reymark Alipoon,

Quiocson of the sophies and Boludan, seniors’ star players step up, jump for a slam dunk; grip and reach the ball to dunk it and win the championship.

the Akagi of Seniors Team boasted a number of inside shooting and Michael Bulodan, a.k.a Sakuragi; performed several layups. The big man Vegay Dave Cario maintained defense while the Cisde of the team Jero Mendoza always saved the ball

for the team. Both of the two team opponents aimed to win the clash. Bulodan made a slam dunk during the last 30 seconds and finally ended the game and became the champion with the scores 27-10. ( Ali-akbar Adulpatta and Aubrey Ongque)

The volleyball fight between Junior and Sophomore girls during the championship game invited more spectators compared to some other events . With the score 16-14, Juniors won over Sophomores. During the first set, the attacks of the Sophies were cut shot by the Juniors and had the fortune of winning with the score of 25 against Sophomores’ 19. In return, the sophomores did their deep sets and obtained the score of 25; while Juniors gained 17. During the decision game, the

coaches of every team decided that the scoring will only be up to 15. The sophomores first reached 14, leaving Juniors at 12. But the later executed more fiery bumps and cross court shots. The Juniors took chances from the sophies resulting to a dead-luck 14. After taking the advantage of 2, Juniors were declared the title holder. According to Mrs. Vangeline Valeriano, the Juniors’ coach, she encouraged the players to trust their skills and let them believe that nothing is impossible. “Just play the game,” she remarked with a smile.

“I showed them that they are needed and important”, she added. These, Mrs. Valeriano believed, could initiate cooperation and trust to each teammate. “Congratulations and keep up the good work,” her message to the winners. “Just embrace the spirit of sportsmanship especially during the game.” Juniors were composed of Milya Taka, Maylene Bayron, Catherine Aboabo, Norian cautibar, Angelic Bucayan and Lovely Ecolastico. (Marjorie Liaso, Nurzaida Jamion and Alqusayer Taha)

ilipino athletes, not only men, but also WOMEN are known for being quick and sturdy. What they lack in height, they make up for in speed and tenacity. They move swiftly and with grace and strive for focus and precision in movement. There was Mona Sulaiman, a Mindanao-born sprinter who was declared Asia’s fastest woman in the 1962 Jakarta Asiad. And also Lydia de Vega-Mercado who was also considered the Asia’s fastest woman in the 1980’s. Then, a sprinter, a hurdler and long jumper was born at the Southeast Asian Games. She is Elma Muros-Posadas. Another one, Mikee Cojuangco, a former actress, clinched a gold medal in the equestrian individual show jumping event at the 14th Asian Games held in Busan, South Korea in October 2002. Women in the field of Sports—too many to mention. Filipino women are born tacticians, who carefully calculate speed, motion, force and space to determine the target. Although not as disciplined or as scientific as western athletes, they have agility to compensate.

Recently, Filipinos offer applause to their new idol inside the ring. And this athlete is not a “he”. She is a Filipino-American. She was born on July 5, 1980 in San Francisco, California, United States. A Filipina, who stands 5’5”, is proud to fight as a Filipino and hopes to capitalize on the

stature but passion. They are the Malditas. Some of the Malditas are half-Filipinos. Filipino-American Heather Cooke is a daughter of a US Naval officer and a Filipina. Her mother is an Ilongga. Aside from the 21-year-old Cooke, the team features another Filipina-American, Patrice Impelido, Filipina-Germans Cristina Keuter, whose mother is from Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental and Lorrene Bayani; and Canadian Mallory Dayot. The other members of the team are captain Marielle Benitez, Maan del Carmen, Louella Leah Amamio, Isabella Fernando, Samantha Nierras, Stephanie Pheasant, Jowee-Ann Barruga, Marice Magdolot, Nikki Regalado, Natasha Alquiros, Joma Clemente, Betina Yang, Inna Palacios, Jane Mariz Pacana, Camille Rodriguez, Aiza Mondero, Zipporah Luna, M a r i e Magdolot, Pricilla Rubio, Nenita Burgess, and Kyra Tagbo. These stories of women’s fame in their field prove that women are not bound just to stay at home, to do only household chores, to keep updated with fashion and trends, to study and get a job and be wives and mothers, but they are women who can run, jump, and kick the ball. (AlMahmod Marajan)

Junior girl netters block sophies’ in 3 sets

F

rising popularity of women’s boxing. She is Luciana a.k.a Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton. And she proves that not only Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao but also a woman like her can be “Ang Pambansang Kamao.” Another group of women arises and they want to prove that football is not just a man’s sports. They believe that it is not bound for human’s

In life, there are complicated decisions we should make. Some can make us happy while others may make us sad. But we need to choose. Just like in love. We cannot say that we will not meet problems or hindrances in love. Similar to other things, we should opt what we really need out of everything. Now, let us put ourselves for a while on the “tsunami walk queen’s” shoes, Miss Universe Third Runner Up, Shamcey Supsup and anwer this question: “Would you change your religious beliefs for the person that you love?” Mariel Caparanga, IV Rizal. “No, because I give importance to my religion and my religious belief. I also know that God will give me the right person to love; the one whose religion is also the same with mine. I trust the Lord!” Jasry Burong, III Beauty. “No. I respect my religion. Even I love that person; I will still choose to follow my religious beliefs. I believe

wants. No matter what happens, I will still love him. I also believe that if the two persons truly love each other, they will understand and respect each religious belief.” Mr. Benjie Vasquez, MAPEH Teacher. that there is a person meant for me out there who has the same beliefs with me.” Mohamed Panji Gacis, II Special Science Class. “No, because I love God above all. God was the One who created me. Because of Him, I am now living where I found so many things to love. But, even I had loved all His wonderful creation, God is still the best in my heart.” Shaien Danielle Arevalo, I Special Science Class. “Yes. I believe that love is sacrificing. If you love that person, you will give all the things that he or she

No, because I’m a person who gives importance to my religion. My parents raised me as a real Christian. I also believe in the saying, “Love God above all things;” therefore, the love that I feel to the person I love is just my second priority. Miss Maria Filipinas Fronda, Filipino Teacher. No I will never replace my God to the man I love. I firmly believe to my God who created the heaven and the earth in six days then rested on the Sabbath Day. I’m willing to sacrifice my feelings. Maybe he is not God’s will for me. But if he truly me, he will accept my God as his personal Savior.

among youth. It is also under this provision that the students should be bunched up with ideas about this so that someday if they realize that they still can’t support a family and they made a mistake for a night, they can take an emergency contraceptive within 72 hours. On the other hand, the church and others believe that such move would be a big step to the morality of us Filipinos. They believed that RH Bill is about abortion, may be in 72 hours no new life is formed but the presence of the real purpose of sex is already present and the inclusion of sex education will induce sex and propagate immoral ideas and virtues. This would lead to sexual intercourse experimentation then followed by unwanted pregnancy then again leads to abortion. The parents should

be the one to educate their children subject hatter. For further understanding, both are in good stand, but as we go deeply into it, we’ll see the brighter idea behind it by uniting the stand. Why don’t we talk about things that are related to responsible parenthood, population, family planning, developmental health and health and care services among others without the contraceptives include. In this, we can expose the poor economic that we have in our country, that, this cannot widely support the huge number of us. If you know that you are not from a good financial status and you love the women in your lives, then why don’t you lift first your status so that you can afford the family. Life is precious, God did NOT say “Go into the world and multiply UNTIL YOU DIE.” Women are not materials to be used only to bear lives. They also have their own to keep. We are intended to give birth to numbers of children according to how much we can afford to give them a peaceful and wonderful life.

Quantity Over Morality... Beware

Reproductive Health Bill brings about the use of contraceptive, condoms and the planned insertion of sex education. This proposal of Department of Health (DOH) has ignited a great deal of arguments and debates between the government and the Catholic Church. This aims to lessen the continuous growth of population that was considered to be the main cause of poverty in Philippines. The administration and the other celebrities as well, believe that such bill should be established here in our country because we never had the right opportunity to improve our lives. According to some, this bill is about Maternal Health, protecting your beloved mother, sister and wife’s health at the most. RH Bill in an overall concept is not only about attaining a good economic status as what some people pertain; it actually covers mainly the health of the mothers. We are female and we should understand the advantages the bill can give to protect us Filipinos. Another thing for us to have knowledge about in having a family is sex education

Are my students doing their work or they just.. What the..? *&!@$

a hat w! W ible o W ons resp d r gua

Where is ny book?? Waah?!!! Naku!!! Tomorrow already?? What a rush!!

Gosh..!! Am I doin’ it right? It’s... Huh!! hard

Yes! this place is cool

by Reynald Alipoon

It’s better to have a review here!...

Unified Thoughts on Unified Test

Unified test changed the traditional way of taking periodical exam in Region IV-B MIMAROPA. This is the first year that the administration of periodical exams in every public school in Palawan is being unified. The implementation of this program led to explosion of mixed reactions among students and teachers. During the first days of classes, a huge transition period happened. Lessons were administered through the application of the Understanding by Design (UbD) Curriculum. As expected, whenever a change takes place, both the teachers and the students blurted their feelings about this. Lesson guides were provided by the DepEd; though other teachers had to buy theirs from certain bookstores due to production shortage. Teachers, committed and dedicated to their profession, manifested more resourcefulness in searching for the references in line with what the guides direct. They spent a lot of time browsing a number of books and even broadband load surfing the net to find the selections or topics needed in the lesson. Students asked for their textbooks. Since, there are no specific references available; teachers encourage them to be as resourceful as they are. Diligent students find it more challenging to study more and this time, not only depend to their teachers. They study their lessons in advance and they take their studies more seriously. Even though, nobody could guess on which learning competencies would the unified test focus, teachers assured that they had followed and finished all the topics and activities

directed in their respective lesson guides. Despite some complaints and expressions of dissatisfaction, teachers also aired their appreciation of the fact that this new program means less time and effort in making tests. Constructing questions for an examination usually takes several hours. Having this unified test from the Division Office means lessening the teachers’ unending tasks. Parents and students were grateful as well cause the school administration had cut the test paper fee from the PTA contributions. The payment of the sets of questionnaires for the test will be funded by the school’s MOOE (Memorandum Order Operating Expenses). After having this unified test successfully administered during the first and second grading, the school community puts its positive reception across. However, there are still few feedbacks about some parts found in the tests which were not taught in class. Teachers defended that they just follow what the guides convey. These situations were handled through conducting makeup classes. Teachers conducted item analysis after the test. This aims to measure the reliability and validity of the result. Generally, the new program is now adapted and somehow appreciated.

The plan of the Philippine government to adopt Divorce Bill results into debates and great deal of arguments between the pro and anti in the country. Major governing body of the Roman Catholic Churches (CBCP) is one of those who disagree about the divorce bill. They believe that only death can separate the couples. Additionally, more Filipinos are devoted in their religions who believe that such movement will bring out many problems and damages in Filipino family. Over the world, Philippines is much known for having a strong family ties and viewing big happy family no matter what life’s situations are. But as the country moves forward, the morality decreases. There are only few who succeed in having a happy family. Commonly, couples do not fit each other due to early marriage and misunderstandings. The question is this, “is divorce the only solution to this problem?” Divorcing is defined as legal way of ending a marriage. It is accepted by different countries to solve the family problems. Today, Philippines faces the increasing problem of marriages

and building families: repeated physical violence, moral pressure, prostitution, drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, lesbianism or homosexuality, bigamous marriage, sexual infidelity or perversion, life threats, and abandonment. A petition for [legal separation] DIVORCE may be filed on any of these grounds. The consequence…a broken family. No one wants to be part of this lonely and miserable situation. Who are affected so much? As a matter of fact, it’s the children. The love and care that they need is gone. Their dream to have a happy family that will support them and guide them to become good persons is shattered. Emptiness taunts them and just to fill it they turn to other people who usually influence them to become different. So, these children from broken families feel so much depression and no longer happy in life. Parents are responsible in making their family stronger. It is their obligation to be good partners for life with true love and respect to each other. They must be patient and able to understand at all times. Each of them should try their best to support each other especially in times of challenges. If every member takes his/her responsibilities, separation can be avoided. Philippines doesn’t need to adopt Divorce bill. We are Filipinos. We are born to build a happy family and a better country.

NO to Divorce Bill

End of the World As the day comes there’s a lot of question that we ask to our self about what might happen in the future. Predicting the future has been a part of our daily lives. Over the years we invented various types of predicting the future. Others do their insights through the supernatural phenomenon and some in the magic. There are some people who were popular in this field one of them is Mr. Nostradamos. He is a French physician popular to his prophesy predicting the future.

The basis of all his prophesy is about the idea of Mayan calendar, it is a complex calendar based on excellent astronomical knowledge, and elaborates architectural techniques .Based on the Christian prophecy; to prescribe the period 2000, a prophecy well-known as a millennial kingdom; is that in every end there’s always a beginning and in every beginning there would be an end. It was said that those who attempted to set dates for the end of the world or for the beginning of millennial kingdom, focused their attention on the number 6,000.This number was significant because the six days of creation described in Genesis were commonly interpreted in terms of the scripture that declares “one day is with the Lord as a

For You, My teacher Dear Ma’am and Sir, I thought back. Waaay back to my school days. You inspired me, you made me believe I could do anything. You changed my life. Whether or not I knew it then, I know it now. You are still in the business of changing lives. By believing in your students. By encouraging them to work hard and dream big. And by helping kids discover that anything really is possible. You are the person who make a real difference in our world. So maybe it’s our turn to make a difference in yours, by honouring your hard work and dedication. But how? You are one of the greatest person whom I can across in my life. You are not only the selfless giver but also the mentor of my life. At every step of my life, I come cross you who devote your entire life in the enlightenment of students like me. For sure, your definition can’t be limited because anyone who guides me in my life is YOU. Many a times in life, I feel like thanking you but I do not find a proper occasion...or appropriate words of expression. What else could I say aside from “Thank you?” “You are the best Teacher in this world. Wherever I may go in my life, I will always remember that I had an excellent guide in the form of a teacher, you.” “I found guidance, friendship, discipline and love, everything, in one person. And that person is you.” “Without you, we would have been lost. Thank you teacher for guiding us, inspiring us and making us what we are today.” “We will always be thankful to you for all the hard work and efforts you have put in, for educating us.” “You are not only our teacher. Rather, you are friend, philosopher and guide, all moulded into one person. We will always be grateful to you for your support.” “I may not say it always. But, I mean it whenever I say it. Thank You Teacher for all the things you have done for us.” “You have been the mentor of life. Though I did not realize it earlier. Now it feels great to have someone who guided me to the right track in life.” “Thanks for being my teacher and guiding me towards the right path of life. I am grateful to you teacher!” “With a great teacher like you, I was sure that life would be a successful journey but I never knew you will also make the journey to success such a cakewalk.” “Success is your blessing, teacher. I would always be thankful to you.” “Best of me, reminds me of you.” Are those lines enough? NO. But at least... Your Student

thousand years “(2 Peter 3:8) .The six days of creation thus symbolized how the world would for 6,000 year, while the seventh day symbolized the millennial kingdom. A Christian text from the early 2nd century AD, the Epistle to Barnabas, exemplifies this belief. Listen carefully to these words: God finished his work in six days. That means that in 6000 years God will bring all things to completion, because for him a day of the lord is 1000 years for humans. Therefore in six days that is in 6000 years, the universe will come to its end. ‘’ And the seventh day he rested.’’ The conclusion of the 6000 years and the beginning of the 7th millennium, a Sabbath day of rest for the world, was fervently anticipated by Christian at various points in early Christian history. This theory, often called the sabbatical Millennium or World Week, remains influential for believers who think that the year 2000 marks approximately 6000 years since the creation of the world. I’m sure I open certain ideas in your mind on what will most likely happen in the future. But it’s up to you if you are a believer or not. The key to those questions in your mind that still has indistinct answers is: believe in God.

L.O.L

Short Jokes For Teacher’s Day

A little girl came home from school and said to her mother, “Mommy, today in school I was punished for something that I didn’t do. “The mother exclaimed, “But that’s terrible! I’m going to have a talk with your teacher about this ... by the way, what was it that you didn’t do?” The little girl replied, “My homework.”

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The child comes home from his first day at school. Mother asks, “What did you learn today?” The kid replies, “Not enough. I have to go back tomorrow.” •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The teacher is droning away in the classroom when he notices a student sleeping way up in the back row. The teacher shouts to the sleeping student’s neighbor, “Hey wake that student up!” The neighbour yells back, “You put him to sleep, you wake him up!”

Now this is something we are all waiting for, the promises that he (yes, and his sisters) made during election. Some said that his camp promised the moon and the stars during the 2011 presidential campaign period. That is a big picture to find out. Let us fix our gaze in the president’s plans for education. We would like to remind President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino about his 10-point agenda for education in his SONA 2010. In his State of the Nation Address last year, President Benigno Aquino III focused on three of these points, namely, the 12-year basic education cycle, additional classrooms, and GASTPE. First, the addition of two years to our basic education cycle. Aquino said, “We will be able to expand our basic education cycle from ten years to the global standard of twelve years.” We have the shortest basic

Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE), a program that funds part of the tuition of poor students in private schools in places where there are no public high schools. GASTPE fits in well with Aquino’s overall vision of public-private partnerships (a logical extension of the People Power that installed both Cory and Noynoy). GASTPE helps both students and private schools; conversely, private schools help the government fulfil its duty to educate everyone. In his 10-point Education Agenda, Aquino promised to replace GASTPE’s education voucher system (EVS) with education service contracting (ESC); in the SONA, Aquino thus mentioned ESC. This is just a reminder. And we would like to leave a question to our respected president. After this promises u made last year, why then have you halved the budget of the education department’s schoolbuilding program from P2 billion ($46 million) in 2010 to P1 billion ($23 million) in 2011? Only 13,147 new classrooms will be built this year against the public school classroom backlog of some 113,000. And much more...

There is no such thing as free lunch

“Nothing is obtained free”. It is one of the most sensitive things ever said. And it sums up the economy. Everything has to be paid for one way or another. If you drink water, it isn’t free. One might say, “We only drink from well so we don’t pay for it.” You’re wrong! It became well that is useful to drink, because someone hired a man to dig it. You may even think of getting a free lunch because you are not paying for it. But in fact, someone else will have to pay for it. Take a look at these; if you ordered rice, which is a product of the planter, the harvester, the

miller, the cook, you must pay for it. If you are eating a steak, it comes from the cow raised by ranchers and slaughtered by butchers. If you eat on a restaurant, the owner must pay for the rent and tax, waiters and janitors are there to serve you, but they are being paid for that. It is a fact that every step in the process costs money. So, you cannot say that you are not going to pay the price, because nothing is free. There is always a consequence for everything. This is something that our public officials should realize when they spend so much money

by millions or billions on various things. They may perhaps think, “Anyway, it is all free, it is the government money”. But it isn’t free, and it is not the government’s money. It is the taxpayer’s money. Taxes are deducted from people’s earnings, and some of them work very hard

to earn that money. It’s not that easy. Sadly, there are really some public officials who are abusing the power they possess, like having their own establishments and touring wherever they want and they will say that all of these are just part of their work. They do not consider the hardship and sufferings of the people just to pay for their taxes. They just spend it for their luxuries. It is always said that public schools offer free education, but as students we still have responsibilities in school. We must pay the fees for the school.

The school couldn’t offer quality education if the fund is lacking and there will be no more projects that will be built or worst, the school will stop and close. It is just like an engine that won’t work if there is no gasoline or main maintenance. “There is no such thing as free lunch.”This is one thing that we, as students, must seriously consider. We are very lucky that we are studying in spite of the fact that poverty is almost everywhere. It is universal and considered as one of our foes. We must face it with faith or else, we will bear the consequences.

by Vangeline Jamion Point and slide, click a link Tooty-toodle-w, google searching Answers your w’s Oh! I like that music, it’s just my type Easy access 24/7, gaunt with the latest Fiasco would not be the word—forte-candor Uhm..let’s search that one. Tweet and comment—like and like! Post my latest photos or change my prime. What are trending/ is it about me? Just one touch of my powerful hand, With a blink and gleaming wink Horde of followers go frenzy crazy.

From the moment I learn how to walk, From the time I know how to talk You never stopped striving for me And you always teach and guide me into the right way Now, I am a child no more But there’s one thing for sure, I’m your daughter; you’re my mother what a big pleasure! ‘Cause Mama, you’re so special that forever I will treasure.

Richer than Bill Gates Powerful than the President of United States Invented more things than Thomas Edison And owned a huge throne Stronger than Manny Pacquiao To Him great kings shall bow Famous than Kobe Bryant And smarter than any man

Just to remind PNoy education cycle in the whole world. In all other countries in the world, a student needs to have gone through 12 or more years of formal schooling before being admitted to a university. Since 10 percent of our population work abroad and need credentials recognized internationally, we have no choice but to raise the standards of both our basic and higher education. By moving some of the subjects taught in the first two years of college to high school, we free at least one year of college for more major courses. Therefore, we not only make our basic education quantitatively equal to that of other countries, but we also make our higher education qualitatively comparable to that of foreign universities. Second, Aquino mentioned classrooms twice during the SONA. The money squandered by the National Food Authority could have built “all the classrooms that our country needs, which cost P130 billion,” and public-private partnerships will allow the government to build more classrooms. Money that should not be lost and money that can be earned will certainly solve the problem of classrooms. Third, Aquino mentioned

by Catherine Colindon

I still remember the memories with you You always protect me even you get hurt through You just look and give your sweetest smile to me Then you hold my two hands away from anxiety

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Teacher: I told you to stand at the end of the line? Pupil: I tried, but there was someone already there! Teacher: Johnny, you know you can’t sleep in my class. Pupil: I know. But, maybe if you were just a little quieter, I could. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Q - Why was the head teacher worried? A - Because there were so many rulers in the school! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A teacher was having trouble teaching arithmetic to one little boy. So she said, “if you reached in your right pocket and found a nickel, and you reached in your left pocket and found another one, what would you have?” “Someone else’s pants”.

by Keziah Milliones When I was a little child, young and innocent, I often smell your sweet scent And when I hear those lovely voice of yours All my fears and loneliness vanish.

Greatest compared to Cyrus and Alexander And the only immortal peacemaker He is most known hero than Jose Rizal Your best friend, buddy, mentor and pal

All the zombies are craving for my brain What they don ‘t know is that I am air-headed “Ever launchin’, ever crashin’, let’s hit The pigs ‘til they’al go pop With the best birds goin’ angry If you take our eggs, we’ll never gonna stop.” Traxex of DOTA All Stars loved this one. No eat, no bathe, no sleep Tht’s my pledge, Side-up, side-down, side by side Whatever position in my couch Or any place right in this house; In the park or maybe at school—I’m satisfied With my touch by touch iPod touch.

He wants you to be His friend Life and future from Him you lend He’s definitely the best we can have He’s the one just look above You are blessed, the King of kings wants you The Lord of lords absolutely protects you He throws away the hurts and pain Be with Him and there’ll no more rain. Margie, a working student is now in Fourth Year High School.

After doing her tasks, she reviews and studies her lessons every night.

But only a few know that she works hard to pursue studying

She’ll conquer it all... she will finish her studies.. she dreams.

Despite all odds, Margie still excels in class.

And only a few, as well, understand her real situation.

Good morning Ma’am... I’m sorry for being late. You’re too early for the next subject miss Lazo.

And she made it. She graduated... as Valedictorian.

Margie never stopped striving and she succeeded. She now speaks in front of the graduates... another dream come true

I was born poor. I had nothing but I never stopped persevering to achieve even just a highschool diploma the only treasure that I got all my life.

by Katherine Aboabo

God never left me. Because I never forgot to hold on to him. He gave to me more than what I asked for. In return, I would like to share these blessings.

T

By Mohamed Panji M. Gacis

he muddy water of the dirt-filled ditch sparkled as a ray of light coming from the bright moon struck it. The smell of horse droppings littered in the street dominated the air. The street-lamps were drearily lighted as if the whole place was going to snooze.

By Genese Divine Cayabo

Crashed, abandoned, lost and despair I felt like I’s dying, but no one was there I kept my eyes on searching, but no one seemed to care Family and friends, suddenly disappeared. I didn’t know where to go, where to find happiness In a world of darkness and full of sadness Tired of everything, I walked away from you But still your presence guided me wherever I go In those loving arms, I know I’m secure In the arms full of love,hurts are cured I know he’ll catch me whenever I fall Unfailingly reach me every time I call In His loving arms, I found healing The touch of grace, so overwhelming In His loving arms, I wanna stay forever Jesus Christ loves me…He’ll take me home again.

By Frances Inna Batongbakal

Daddy, you are really the best A dad so real and so selfless I am proud for being your child A dad so patient when we’re wild

I may not have been so happy I always knew that I’m lucky To have you as my great daddy! Coz I always knew you love me

A protector who guides all the time You always make me feel so fine Thanks Dad for being around When I mess up and fell around

A dad who is like Superman You’re really our number one Dad who doesn’t make us feel bad You’re the Most Valuable Dad.

Two shadows appeared from the dark street. The other one took longer steps and outpaced his companion. He drew a coin from his pocket and threw it in the can as he passed by. The clinging sound awakened its owner but only drew a frown on his face because he heard a sound of metal ticking from a distance. He froze and his heart beat as if it was his last day. He knew he has run fast as he could but there’s nowhere to go! The sound came nearer and nearer until he could see it in front of him. The man who came asked him how much he earned that day and then he said back that his money was just enough for his dinner that night. Another man asked him again if his debt to them will be paid that night. He laughed aloud teasing the beggar. He was addressed as Alex. He answered them with courage and told them that it’s hard to earn money to pay them urgently. “Aha! Look, Pare, he is answering back to us,” the third man said. “Yeah, let’s make sure this smart bastard gets what he wants,” the first man answered. The three of them attacked Alex, punched and kicked him brutally. His sighs echoed in the dark night. He squirmed the pains in his body and the three goons left him lying there. A white- dressed man happened to passed by seeing him with so much blood leaking. Alex turned his head and saw a good Samaritan. Yes it was him. The sound of the church’s bells ding-dong brought back memories… When he was a student he was a notorious bully in his school. He and his barkadas enjoyed teasing and fighting around the school campus. All the students were afraid t o them, especially Charley, a weak, poor but a smart student in their school. Every time there was an assignment, he left it to Charley to do it for him. At home, he was a black sheep. He used to give a lot of headaches to his mother. Alex was very clever in changing locker number combinations and unlocking the doors. Sometimes he used these techniques to peek on what’s inside. He was very expert in this kind of deeds. One day, Alex stole the gift of his teacher for his fiancée. The teacher knew it was Alex who did it but when they checked all the lockers, the gift was found in Charley’s locker. Charley denied all the accusations

By Jamie Al-Haqq Jamion

Where all fire fails, ashamed And cringes back, defamed Some unseen battery commands And roars unheard, yet cracks all lands Amory of armories! Do you know what this is? The unseen store of braveries Reserve all blood for peace But if there’s need to fight at all, They shoot at it, yet themselves fall, For human forces can’t excel, As only good historians would often tell, This kind of power-how invincible So blasphemer not the terrible!

and cried bitterly but to no avail. He was transferred to another school. Alex was very delighted and he enjoyed his way of life a lot. He continued his bullying ways. Until one day, his father got fired from his job and was imprisoned due to estafa. They were forced to move out of their mansion, so they were strained to live in the squatters area. All their things were taken as payment for the millions that his father had stolen. No one helped them to survive from their miserable life. His mother worked day and night to meet their daily needs. Alex also tried to apply for jobs but no one wanted to hire him. After a long period of working day by day, their mother died from rheumatic heart disease. Their relatives had no interest to take them. So, they worked by their own. His older sister worked in a nightclub while his older brother sold cigarettes in the streets. Alex, together with his old friends, became drug dependents; however, when his friends knew that he had no more money, they left him. He wandered in different places until he became weak and helpless. He is now a beggar who waits for the people to give him some alms, food or money. The white-dressed man led him up. “Are you alright?” he asked. Alex has no strength to answer. In some ways he is happy, very happy to see someone whom he considered ever since as inferior and his enemy. The man helped him to find a comfortable position beside the street and promised to come back and treat his wounds and bruises. The white-dressed man hurried to run off leaving him lying alone. He never minded even if his friend and enemy forgot to recognize him. Besides, the Alex that he had known as wealthy, well-dressed, and with a muscular frame is now a beggar, dirty-old looking and with a skeleton-like physique begging alms on the streets. Alex was on a deep thought also. The white-dressed man was Charley, he was sure of it. He wanted to apologize to him for everything. But he felt he was falling asleep. He wanted to wake up but he thought he didn’t deserve a chance. He said sorry to himself. His breath was much shorter and faster now and he could see that it was growing darker. The cold flow of wind chilled him. He heard the familiar steps approaching. He closed his eyes and his lips smiled…

The Battle between Human and Nature Each Student: A Partner Man should think and try to understand the relationship between the natural phenomena and to be aware not to misuse the natural gifts. From earliest times, human beings have noticed patterns in nature: night and day, tides and lunar cycles, the changing seasons, plant succession, and animal migration. While recognizing patterns conferred great survival advantage, we are now in danger from our own success in multiplying our numbers and altering those patterns for our own purposes. It is imperative that we engage again with the patterns of nature, but this time, with awareness of our impact as a species. How will burgeoning human populations affect the health of ecosystems? Is loss of species simply a regrettable byproduct of human expansion? Or is the planet passing into a new epoch in just a few human generations? As our world goes modern, new technologies and inventions are being

made and discovered. These bring huge change to a progressive world. However, as humanity embraces this inevitable change, an unexpected battle emerges and it is between human and nature. According to the Bible, human was created by the Almighty God not only as the exact replicate of Himself but as the highest kind among His creations. He made human special and with intellect. He made him responsible and superior over others. It is good to hear that we, humans, are the caretakers and at the same time the beneficiaries of the earth. But what have we done? Do we dispose our garbage

properly? Are we aware that burning plastics and even smoking, using aerosol and insecticides harm the ozone layer? Do we fish from our bodies of water without using any illegal things like dynamite and cyanide? Is it not brutal cutting many trees without replanting? How about kaingin? Mining? Aren’t these destructing the nature? Our environment is rapidly devastated. Are we still not awakened by the calamities happening around— landslide, flashflood, tsunami, earthquakes, global warming, climate change. Haven’t we noticed that as we abuse it, it takes lives and even terminates hope and future in return? Human being is an important part of Nature. It is not possible for one to exist without the other. If we don’t take actions now to regain Mother Earth’s love and be constantly at odds with nature instead, we would totally lose not only her but also ourselves and the whole of mankind.

Connected by Blood

In these modern times where the idea of family values is more a political stumping point or a buzz word of little real intrinsic value, there was a time when it meant so much more. Instead of saying that family values are important, or that Filipinos want more family values in their way of life, it should be noted that true family values come from actually placing value on families. This is something that was rooted deep. Something that is lived and breathed each day, not something that had to be reminded or legislated. This is something that I have been learning more and more about as I spoke to people in the family and to friends and acquaintances. I always thought I knew what it meant to value the family; what it meant to keep a family together. And most especially, how it is to value siblings and stay together. But even today, my mom is still teaching me. When I was a child, I always wished I had a youngest sibling, especially a youngest brother who could tease me nonstop about my crushes, nonsense things or even my

weird habits. Although I have an older sister, I long for a younger brother. A sibling can also be a friend, an enemy, a competitor or a confidant. But ever once I never treat my sister as my enemy or a competitor. Because she is my only “ate” and I know she knows and understands the real me even others do not. It is really funny that sometimes I envy others who have a younger brother. At present I am now satisfied with my older sister who always cares for me and appreciates the things I do. Some people treat their siblings as pain in the neck, while others are glad to have one and found a loyal companion with them. I asked my cousins about their sibling relationship. They said, “Kung walang kapatid, boring ang life”, and I agreed. Others say, they are

close with their siblings, others claim the opposite. It is true that not all have the same sibling relationships. Somehow loyal siblings continue to participate in the family affairs and show support for each other in times of crisis. We cannot avoid relationships perceived by anger, bitterness and other negative feelings between siblings. These are such reasons for having a sibling gaps including pride, insecurities, competition, unresolved issues, favoritism and identity crisis. For other instances, people do not have any kind of communication with their siblings for years because they don’t want to swallow their ego. People need to take more time, it’s not easy to forgive and forget. Siblings need love, loyalty, appreciation, caring and understanding. It is our obligation to love and be loved in return by our sisters and brothers. It reminds us to be a good sister or brother from them not only for them but also for parents. Let us share our tender loving care to them and let them appreciate it from the bottom of their hearts.

WE would like to say thank you, PULOT NHS. Because of you we’ve learned many things. We will not forget the fulfilment that PNHS gave to us. We will treasure it forever.*** WE thank our parents for always loving us unconditionally and incessantly being there to support us in our studies and our perseverance as journalists. ***WE are grateful to all the teachers for the best inspiration they give along with the wisdom they impart. We are truly touched by your generosity and loving guidance. ***Thanks to

our friends for accepting us for who we are. We wish that God would lengthen our life span so that we can bond longer and enjoy life to the fullest. *** And Ma’am Rio Castro, our Adviser, for being so cool and so persevering—adjusting to our stubbornness and laziness at times.. Haha..and for being such a good mentor. Our gratitude, Ma’am Reeyo for your trust and for believing in us.*** To the publication, the Hilltop Echo—it’s such an honour to be a part of this hall of famer journal. With this, we thank Madame Leah

Rondael. We owe you a lot! *** We realized that we can do all things that seemed impossible before and through this, we expressed our own thoughts and ideas effectively. It is our greatest pleasure to be a part of the Hilltop Echo family. We are honored that we have shared our knowledge, hopes and dreams to our fellow students in the way of writing. We will pray for more success of the Echo in the years to come. Thank you…and WE SAY IT AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL! – HILLTOP ECHOERS

The Echo’s Gratitude

“THE GRADUATE: A Partner Towards Transformational Society, An Answer to Societal Change” Are you aware where you can read this line? Last year’s graduation theme reminds us of how important to be a graduate nowadays. This reminder is in front of us every day, written in bold letters in a tarpaulin on the school’s stage. But how many of us, students realize the meaning of it? Are we doing our best in our studies and strive to be one of those real “partners”? Yap, an educated person is considered as an asset of his parents. Honestly speaking, being educated is the intense aspiration of every parent for their children. This is their plan for us even before we were born on this fascinated world. Our future depends on what we have achieved. This is why they work hard to earn for our studies. They suffer the hardship of living just to send u in school to pursue our education. But… wait a minute. Are you sure that you’ve done your best to fulfill their plans for you? Being a student, you must rise early in bed to prepare yourself to come to school everyday. But are you not ready yet? Let’s count the ways: you sleep late at night not because of your assignments in school. You stay awake up to past midnight because of your computer games in the “video” shop, playing your favourite games like DOTA, Counterstrike or Plants vs. Zombies or maybe you’re too busy chatting with your friends in facebook, twitter, etc. Using computers nowadays is a necessity, but if you’re not wise in utilizing it you’ll be a loser. How can you concentrate on your studies if you are drowsy? Instead of specializing yourself in computer games, can’t you open your notebook , hold your pen and do your assignments? Have you ever been praised by your teacher after doing your activities in school?

Maybe you are already bored hearing the annoying voice of your teachers talking about the lessons they wanted you to learn. The red ballpen used by your teachers to rate your blank notebooks is like a red rose to your sight. The quizzes and periodical tests returned to you are all rated failed. So, your outlet is to the computer shop. Take a look, while you are enjoying you happy-go-lucky lifestyle as a student, your mother is busy washing the clothes of your rich neighbors. After receiving her small compensation, there you again always ready to open your palm asking your daily allowance. And how about your father,whom you have not seen for a long time? There he is in a faraway place, suffering from home sickness and trying to earn more money to support your family, especially you. Are you numb or blind? Unaware of the truth that you are ruining your own life because of the entertainment given to you by computer games. You don’t even care that the money you spent is from the hardship of your parents. Are you sure that your addiction in computer games can help you in your future? If you are an expert in gaining high scores in those games, how many times had you got a passing score in your daily quiz? If you had memorized all the characters of your favorite computer games, how many are the characters of the short story in your English class do you remember? Lastly, look forward to all the difficulties your parents had been doing for you. Their sacrifices and offerings are their gift for you because they love you. They wanted you to live a fruitful life someday. And being an educated person is only one way to reach that goal. It’s not too late for you to change your attitudes, before you realize that it’s your future that you are building now. Don’t wait for a time that you’re old enough to blame yourself for the poverty in life. Your destiny is not a matter of chance, it’s your choice. So, choose now before you regret. And this reminder in front of us every day, because it’s written in bold letters in the tarpaulin in our stage. But how many percent of us students realized the meaning of it? Are we doing our best in our studies to be one of them?

Mayor Gomez allocates budget pro-agri “It has been my dream to improve Espanola. 20% of the municipal budget will be allocated to the construction of roads, bridges and farm to market roads,” Mayor Zenaida Gomez once pledged during an interview of the Hilltop Echo last year. This program has already been initiated. Mayor Gomez enumerated the projects that her administration had accomplished. The construction of box culvert single barrel in Barangay Punang was completed last October. It was budgeted with Php 200,000.00. “Drivers and commuters are now safer in crossing bridges because of its better foundation,” said a resident in Punang. The rip-rapping of Carasanan foot bridge approach is already built. This was made for the bridge’s stronger groundwork. The municipal government had spent Php 200,000.00 for this project and finished it last October.

Mayor Gomez also reassured that the construction of the diversion dam in Sitio Binasbas, Pulot Center

“Provincial government should set aside funds for cassava farming to help poor Palawenos,” stated former gubernatorial candidate Jose Chaves Alvarez (JCA) during media conference invited by his brother, 1st Palawan District Rep. Antonio C. Alvarez, last July 31. Alvarez is encouraging the provincial government of Palawan to set aside much-needed funds in the farming of “kamoteng kahoy or balinghoy” (cassava) and other profitable livelihood projects to many families that remain poverty-stricken in distant municipalities. Out of the P1.4 billion budget of the province for 2012, JCA recommended to the administration of Gov. Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra to set aside 20 million pesos to fund projects like cassava farming to provide profits to many families that are still waiting for help. The Businessman-philanthropist who has not been seen since the last election, joined in and had the

opportunity to clarify the allegation that the cassava farming project he encourages in municipalities in the province might cause destruction of the environment . JCA denied allegations that the families he is helping farm cassava are cutting down trees to clear lands to be able to participate in the project.   In Southern Palawan, around 800 hectares of land are being targeted for cassava, and 1,000 hectares in Northern Palawan. Beneficiaries of the project, according to JCA, are given loans of up to P15,000 without interest by partner San Miguel Corporation (SMC). In Sofronio Espaňola, there is an approximate 114 hectares of cassava plantation. It is found near the Rural Health Unit in Pulot Center, Pulot Shore, Pulot II, Pulot Interior, Abo-abo and Isumbo. Mayor Gomez, through the assistance of the Department of Agriculture,supports this livelihood program. (Dianne Grace Caasi and Ariel John Bandales )

Mayor Zenaida Gomez, a hands-on leader, personally supervises the construction of the bridges in Bgy. Punang.

Mass cassava production intends to help Palaweňos

and the Department of Health’s water system project in El Salvador are about to be implemented. The Japanese Government, through the department of Agrarian Reform and the Provincial Government, will manage the construction of it. These projects assure convenient transportation of better agricultural products from the farm to the market.

The PTA also funded the improvement and beautification of the pergola shed which outlayed Php 15,000. It was done last May. The MAPEH Club initiated the Popularity Contest during the Intramural Meet last September 1 of

The Hilltop Echo once again has proven its worth after being declared as fourth place in News Page during the 2011 National Schools Press Conference. The NSPC was held at Butuan City last April 10-15. After garnering first place in Layout/ Page Design, Feature and Literay Page, and Sports page; third in News Page; and fourth place in Editorial Page; it was declared the best school paper in the Divisional School Press Conference held in ASMES, Roxas, Palawan. In the RSPC, it won third place in Layout/ Page Design, sixth place in Editorial Page, ninth place in Sports Page and third place in the over-all ranking. This school publication is circulating in Pulot National High School and in the locality of Sofronio Española for over thirteen years now. It is a consistent winner in category BEnglish in the divisional as well as to the regional and national levels from the past years. (John Rafael Triňo)

4Ps ushers 240 PNHSians to livelihood Pantawid Pamilya, the country’s version of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, is now serving and providing assistance to poor households of Sofronio Espanola. At present, there are 201 studentbeneficiaries in Pulot National High School (PNHS) and 39 in Punang Extension. “These students were certified by the Office of the Guidance Counselor as bonafide students of the school,” says Mrs. Melissa Fabrigas, the Guidance Counselor. The certification proving that they are studying and attending school was one of the requirements for qualification. 4Ps (Pantawid Pangkabuhayan Pamilyang Pilipino) invests in the future of children to help their families rise from poverty by having them go to school regularly and providing them

Zapanta kicks off projects for development

For the school year 20112012, further improvements and developments were done under the leadership of Mr. Toto A. Zapanta, the Pulot National High School Principal II. First of the projects is a building located at the right side of school’s entrance. It has four classrooms now housing I Special Science Class, II Special Science Class, I Dahlia and I Aster. This project is amounting Php 700,000. The budget is collected from the contributions and donations of the school’s stakeholders: the Parents Teachers Association, the local government Unit (LGU) , the alumni federation headed by Mr. Nerio Osano, the Student Supreme Government (SSG), the Samahan ng mga Munting Bayani (APan Club), and from the (STEP). The construction started last October 2009 and was finished this June 2011. Another visible project in the school vicinity is the SSG Waiting Shed. The construction started last October 2010 and ended last Decemberof the same year. The operation was done during Saturdays and Sundays. This SSG Project costs Php 20,000 from the SSG fund, S.Y. 2010-2011.

In livelihood program, Mayor Gomez plans to provide capital to interested and unemployed Espaňolan to plant Agar-aga. “I’m very proud to say that I’m doing my best as a leader to serve Espanola and I’m happy that I can do good things for our Province Palawan.” Mayor Gomez ended. (Dianne Grace Caasi, Aisa Hassan and Jenny yano)

The Hilltop Echo, consistent awardee in national level

which the school was able to purchase additional drums and marimba for the Drum and Lyre Corps. These instruments amounting to Php34,300 were delivered last September 22. (Mark Darwin Abela and Zhaibo Niza Abdurajak)

By Nonel B. Arro

with proper health care and nutrition. The 4P’s provides cash grants to poor eligible households on the condition that lactating or pregnant mothers and young children avail of preventive health care and that schoolaged children regularly attend school. The students must be present in class and are allowed to have only two absences in 19 school days and three in 22 school days of a certain month.

Mothers should attend mother classes. A mother can only have 3 children aged 14 years and below as qualified beneficiaries of the program. The program is now on its midlevel target of reaching the 4.6 million poor households identified by the National Statistical and Coordination Board (NSCB) by the end of 2013. (Ravina B. Abubakar & Nursea Assan)

The local government of Sofronio Espaňola under the administration of Mayor Zenaida Gomez continually offers projects for the community’s better life. First of these municipal admin’s program is the municipal wide electrification. This project means brighter and safer nights among the targeted remote areas where families do not have electricity at home. From Pulot Center to Pulot II Elementary School, the Mayor’s Office distributed 3 kms of electrical wires; from Iraray to Iraray II, 1.5 kms.; in Pulot Shore, 6 kms.of wires; and in Carasanan, 1 km of wires. In cooperation of PALECO,

this program will be accomplished this last quarter of the year. To provide a more convenient place for marketing, Mayor Gomez instigated the concreting the Public Market Building last April. It was budgeted with Php 100,000. It was followed up with the roofing on its Phase I last October. The local administration also aims to deliver a safer supply of meat among its people. To achieve this purpose, a Slaughter House (Phase III) including the Livestock Fence was put up with the budget of PhP300,000 last March to April. (Jenny Yano and Dianne Grace Caasi)

I was young when I started to dream Beside the Mother’s love and sacrifices The father’s sweat and blood under sun’s gleam Made me grab opportunities and chances

O

“A hundred and fifty years ago, June 10, 1861, a hero was born in Calamba, Laguna to Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo. He was Jose Protacio Mercado y Alonzo Realonda, a versatile and a model, man. With his mother as his first teacher, he began his early education at home and continued it in Biñan, Laguna. On March 23, 1877, he finished Bachelor en Artes at the Ataneo de Manila. He also studied medicine at the University of Santo Thomas and finished it at the Unibersidad Central de Madrid along with the philosophy and letters.” “Rizal was also a writer. He has two famous books that made him a marked man for the Spaniards friars. These books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibus Terismo, exposed the cruelty of the Spanish friars in the Philippines, the defects of the Spanish administration, and the vice of clergy. Rizal also published a newspaper called “La Solidaridad “, wherein the cruelty of the Spanish friars were exposed. “On June 26, 1892, Rizal organized the La Liga Filipina which aimed to unite the Filipinos and to promote progress through commerce, industry, and agriculture.” “On July 6, 1892, he was imprisoned at Fort Santiago and then, 8 days later, he was exiled to Dapi-

ne warm evening of June, one of my little brothers asked something about his assignment to me. He says, “Kuya, can I ask you about my assignment? Who is our national hero?.” “Oh, it’s Dr. Jose Rizal,” I actively answered him. Then he thanked me and went away. He went to a corner. Then, I heard him whispering these words, “Why is it important to know those people who had lived in the past hundred years?” “Because they were the people behind our success. They risked their lives just to give us our freedom. They also sacrificed themselves to avenge the death of their loved ones. What important is to give recognition to them. One of them is the brave Dr. Jose P. Rizal,” I answered without pausing. “You know my little brother I want you to listen on my story about the brave and the courageous doctor of the past.” He quickly find a comfortable seat to listen to my story. tan where he stayed for four years treating the sick, guiding the people in opening up a school and making the place safe and beautiful.” “You know, Rizal also became a volunteer surgeon, but when he was on his way to Cuba, he was arrested again and sent back to the Philippines. Again, he was imprisoned at Fort Santiago.” “Then on December 26, 1896, after a mock trial, Rizal was sentenced to die for spreading ideals of revolution. He was shot by using musketry at Bagumbayan (Now Luneta), Manila on December 30, 1896.” “Wow!” my little brother suddenly exclaimed. “What an interesting and heroic story! I hope when I get older, I could also be a hero to our nation.” “That’s why you are given assignments like that to remember the superhuman effort of the heroes. Don’t you know that Rizal was a poet, writer, engineer, scientist, sculptor, economist, philosopher and a great doctor of our nation? Tomorrow is another day that challenges the

A mother with her child receives her 4P’s allowance for the family’s pantawid pangkabuhayan while several others patiently wait for their turn.

Local government uplifts Espaňolans’ way of living

The SSG multi-purpose waiting shed is not only a place for the students to rest and have leisure, but also for their other studies-related tasks.

By Al-Mamod H. Marajan

by Marjorie Liaso

At the hilltop Close the house of the empress Your temple is dark, murky Thick clouds trap Vapid, motionless. The presence of yours was lost there from your door Your voice spread, then vanished. In times beyond this time Were you robbed in darkness? You were known then, as the great goddess.

You were the best among others. More terrible than anybody else Mom now that you are not here But your memories are still At your favorite place.

youth about their responsibility. And you know what that responsibility is? To live up as the hope of our land.”

I

Before, I tried to be apart I lived in another world and struggled so hard In there I’ve realized God’s purpose and art The foundation of my dream was all I had Now is the time for the test and challenges, To continue my fight with might and face; Conquer it with willingness and take charges I won’t stop, my goals will be attained I press on with courage in my heart I’ll be persistent, I’ll dispel all my doubts and fear If I fall, I get up again, and start Then I see my goals come so near The path to my dream is lined with determination In giving all I had with self-gratification And strengthen the virtues of FAITH,HOPE,LOVE So in the end, I’m like a mighty eagle Destined to rise above

By Vangeline Jamion

t’s 11’oclock at night, Jian, a 4th year accounting student at PSU-main PPC, was locked into his room, cramming as hard as he could. His room is cheap and dingy. Among the students he had few friends or acquaintances and these few promised not to disturbed him at night, knowing he was at last reading in the earnest. It was, therefore, with feelings of surprise that he heard his doorbell ring on this particular night and realized that he was to have a visitor.

“The fellows all know I’m reading for the exam. Why in the world so they come to bother me at such an hour?” Jian, standing by the open door, book in hand, ready to greet this man but the man did not appear. A sudden sensation of fear and shiver came down his back. Suddenly, a man from the dark came out, short in figure and very broad. His face was a color of chalk, and the eyes which were very bright had heavy lines underneath them. He was well dressed but wore no hat and carried none in his hand, and although had been falling steadily all the evening he appeared to have neither over coat nor umbrella. The stranger turned his head a little so that the gaslight in the hall fell upon his features. Then Jian recognized him. “Alfie?! Is it you?” he gasped Jian and Alfie used to be in a same private school and were best friends. But after high school they parted and heard only new of each other. Alfie had gone wild later; he remembered hearing about it all- drink, a woman, cepium, or something of the sort – he could exact call to mind. “Come in,” he said, his anger vanishing. “There’s been something wrong I can see. Come in and tell me about it and perhaps I can help.” He led the way across the hall, shutting the front door. Alfie looked exhausted and hadn’t eaten for several days. ‘Come along,’ he said cheerfully. “I’m glad to see you. I was going to have bite of something to eat, and you’re just in time to join me.” The other made no audible reply, and shuffled so feeble with his feet that Jian took his arm by way of support. He noticed for the first time that the clothes hung on him with pitiful looseness. He was thin as a skeleton. Dinner was ready then. “Let’s tuck in,” he said, “and afterwards we’ll have a pipe and a chat. I’m reading for the exam, you know and I’m always having something about this time. It’s jolly to have a companion.” Jian noticed something strange. Alfie’s coat was over dust, and on one shoulder was a bit of cobweb. It was perfectly dry; but it was raining when he arrived. Jian had pretty well made up his mind by this time that he would not ask any question until he had eaten and slept. Alfie ate voraciously all the dishes Jian prepared and let him sleep in his bed while he reviews ‘til dawn in the sofa. The used plates were filed on the sink and he’ll just clean them tomorrow. Jian can hear Alfie’s heavy breathing like someone suffering from asthma while he’s at the sofa and thought what could have happened to him. Many questions uttered his mind. “I’ll just take a little nap and when I wake up I’ll continue my reading.” Jian said with a sigh. “Kring! Kring! Kring!” a loud ring came from the telephone on the top of the table near the room where Alfie is asleep. “Who could that be? Calling in such an hour?! Do people really know when I needed to rest and relax the most?!” Jian cringe as he answered the call. It was her sister, Kim. “What on earth made you call? Is everything fine there?

How are mom and dad? Is there any problem that can’t wait to be said ‘til tomorrow?”. “Jian, ‘Kim answered in a low tone voice. “What is it?”. “I think you’re the first who needs to know about this, Alfie is…” “Alfie is fine here with me,” Jian interrupted. “How could that be?! Alfie was found dead just by now. He escaped in the rehabilitation center three days before. When one of the personnel’s in the hospital found him in the streets he was said three hours dead.”

Jian hung up with fear and shivering and full of curiosity he opened the light in his room. Alfie was nowhere to be found. But his breathing can be clearly heard. Jian searched everywhere but found nothing. The bed where Alfie slept was shaped of human’s body and the pillow folded and was where the “breathing” came from. Without any words, Jian ran out of his room. Catching his breath he reviewed and tried to look back on what happened. Was it only a dream? He returned to his room. “It’s just a dream.” He said to calm himself. He opened his refrigerator and the foods he cooked was still there. But the piles of plates were on the sink. He turned pale. The “breathing” was audible throughout the room. A flash of thunder went to his brain. He remembered back in high school that made him sit at the sofa like almost fainting. Jian and Alfie promised each other to show themselves to the each other when who first died, and that promise was sealed to blood compact.

By: Ronnie G. Dalgo

I

t was Sunday evening. T h e r e were so many stars that added brightness to the night. It is also a humorous night. Except from the sounds of the insects, different voices of people filled the night air. Moon was smiling to every perso. One hour and 3 minutes before the birthday of Jesus Christ, yes exactly one hour and 3 minutes before Christmas. All people were joyful, sharing blessings and affection to each other, but who is that girl? At the back of an acacia tree, disturbing the precious of the night. Hearted, sad, lonely, tearful and eyes were really waiting, she’s Rizza... One year ago but still fresh on her intellect when Erique made her in love. Rizza was an attractive girl ,a reason why many handsome men fell on her. But Rizza didn’t mind the love that other people gave her. One day, Erique courted her. She ran to their kitchen and vomited. What an ugly creature Erique was! Time went by when she encountered an accident and maybe she died without Erique’s help. She found out that Erique was a righteous man and they became lovers. They loved each other and they were ready for the new responsibility. They wanted to marry each other. Rizza’s parent agreed to their decision. Erique didn’t have any parent, though. They were very happy and they set their nuptial on Christmas Eve. But something happened one day. Rizza was ironing her dress. She felt discomfort. Her chest ached. She couldn’t breathe on a severe pain. She

went immediately to the near hospital on her own. Erique was on his office working. The doctor said, she has an enlargement of the heart and she needed a heart transplant soon. The doctor said that her disease didn’t have any other treatment, except a miracle. She cried and cried. She got only 3 months to live. She was so sad but still, she did not let anyone see it. She didn’t want to hurt the people she loved. She will die on Christmas eve, on Christ’s birthday. It is now their wedding, everyone is really prepared. Rizza was crying when she saw Erique waiting her at the altar. As she walked, she felt the same discomfort and she eventually fell down on the floor. Her families and Erique ran toward her. In a weakening voice, she told the whole truth about her illness. Everyone cried. Erique sat still beside Rizza until she closed her eyes. Morning came. Rizza opened her eyes. She couldn’t believe that she is still alive. She saw the smiling faces of all her family except Erique. Nobody knew where Erique was. But Rizza could still feel that Erique is just around...right beside her...never afar.

Malaria outbreak slows down to 84%

Gushing of tears, tears of sadness Surpass the sunrise in new lines A million litres of water that takes away all the misery The stone that lost my life temptation And the rain that cleaned the human misfortune. Tears of problem, are you for real? Or just disguise in my life to divulge that I’m ill And constitute by my sense that crawls and finds contentment But why if you’re on my way, if you’re on my shoulder My heart weeps, full of tears, my heart has thorn Tears of problem, what’s the stuff you contain? That mixes my emotion and alter my simple vivacity And even my human nature cries and looses the pain You touch my life and possess me in liberty What will I do, fight you? Or let you flow?

This mother believes that above all the doctor’s advice and medications, her prayer is still the most powerful treatment for her child being infected.

By Ronnie G. Dalgo Jr.

Tears of problem, are you just a twitch wherein there’s a goal waiting? Tears of problem, are you a land that if I dig there’s a path of treasure roaring? Tears of problem, are you a chain that jerk me aiming? Oh, God give it to me to become robust and to apprehend how to love. But whatever, whoever, wherever you are I will face you, I will fight you and I will conquer you.

By Mark Darwin Abela

A teacher builds a temple With loving and infinite care Planning each stone with prayer None proud of her increasing effort None knew her wondrous plans For the temple the teacher built Was unseen for the eyes of man Gon’s is the builder’s temple Gobbled into scathe dust Low lays the stately pillar Food for summing rust But the temple the teacher built Will last while ages roll For the lost beautiful unseen temple Is the child’s immortal Lord

Ali akbar Abdulpatta

Walking fooly anywhere with my dreams I’m wishing to be My mind was all about her, I’m thinking ‘bout that she’d with me I woke up in a corner, my eyes were signing a victory It was shiny and it seem like I won in a lottery

Girls lead by 1.94% over boys’ populace

The Pulot NHS populace as of June is 1,458 enrollees, with 736 girls higher by 1.94% over the population of the boys, which is 722. This includes the students in new Punang-Pulot NHS Extension, I and II Science Classes and Open High Students. Based on the record of the Principal’s Office, there are 424 Freshmen students in the Main

Campus and 65 in Punang Extension, 371 Sophomores in PNHS Main and 26 in Punang, 318 Juniors, and 258 Senior students. The ratio of the boys and girls has been calculated. In the First Year Level in PNHS Main Campus, there are 55 boys in every 51 girls while in Punang 5 boys is to 2 girls; Second Year, 25:28 in PNHS and 7:5 in Punang Extension; Third Year, 70:89; and Fourth Year, 64:65. The total ratio of the boys to girls is 361:368. PNHS is presently manned by 44 faculty and staff and a guard among which are 3 Municipal funded, 1 PTA sponsored and 3 Citinickel funded. (Mohamed Panji Gacis)

Math whiz kids brought to Pulot NHS 6 medals from the Philippine Mathematics Olympiad Division Level last October 12.

The competition was held in Narra, Palawan. Jynel Kyle Ruiz and Frank Arjie de Vera from I Special Science

Lonely day for me, that made me feel down for this whole day My dream was the problem why do I end up this degree Im thinking for a solution for that hurting misery But knowing love’s will make a way to know that she’s not for me

By: Hannah o. Janairo

One day, I travelled in a toilsome road. My heart was full of pain and grief. I thought I was alone, With no one can lean on. I was scared And I felt that I was useless. My soul was so desperate And became tattered in the ways of life. Suddenly something flashed in my mind! How foolish I was to forget my God How could he pardon me? And forgive my iniquity? At last, the torture of my heart wrenched to confession, blossom into faith. Now possessed of hope that was fast and sure. Old things passed away, All my strange night turned to a new day! Now, I had a heart So kind, so wise , so true.

Catherine Ambi-Barroma, one of the unit’s health personnel. They worked on impregnation of mosquito, distribution of impregnated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying in every house for every six months, health education, school information, distribution of IEC (Information Education Community Materials), and blood smearing for positive malaria treatment. The World Malaria Day is being celebrated on April 25 yearly. A Malaria Awareness Day is also being observed during the month of

November. Programs were conducted during these events which aim to open the community’s awareness about the disease. The staffs distribute impregnated mosquito nets for free to all the households in the municipality. The health workers determine the schedule and the area of the distribution depending on the availability of the nets. In state of positive malaria cases, the health unit provides medication and monitors the condition of the affected people until they recover fully. (Aubrey Ongque and Genese Divine Cayabo)

46 candidates ramped on the PNHS stage wearing the national costumes of their chosen country last October 26. This was to feature another year of celebrating United Nations Day. The celebration highlighted the pageant and coronation of the Mr. and Ms. UN 2011. Every section was represented by two contestants for Mr. and Ms. UN. Each was given a

quota of 500. Hansley Pantinople of I Sampaguita and Shane Valerie Padilla of I Special Science Class got the highest over goal raised and were crowned Mr and Ms. UN 2011. Genese Divine Cayabo of IV Rizal in her gorgeous Spanish gown and Ian Gabriel Evangelista of III Charity in his white elegant Barong Tagalog won Best in Costume. Asrimen Marapa

of III love and Mary Louise Lopot captured Mr. and Ms. Personality. A raffle draw was done right after the coronation. Three cellphone units and eight consolation prizes were given away. This activity was sponsored by the Apan Club headed by the Apan teachers with the support of all other teachers. The proceeds will be used to purchase useful materials for Apan Club and the school.

46 nationalities parade on United Nations Day

United Nation Day celebration portrays unity among different countries despite their varied customs and traditions.

Math wizards bring 6 medals home First Consolidated Bank

Love at first sight , it would be in every angle I could see Cause of an angle that haunts me she seems like a white lady My heart would be on labyrinth when fate is against on me And not as good as a fairy tale like in a love story What abundance I could feel she look and took a smile on me She said a ”hi” and a handsway that made glad exactly “hi angelo, nice to see you” signs that she had somebody I think that its not me, but somebody’s happy behind me

Malaria cases in Sofronio Española decreased by 84% as of June. Based from the malaria monitoring chart in the RHU(Rural Health Unit), there were 941 positive cases of malaria in 2006, 995 in 2007, a total of 651 cases in the following year; 481 in the year 2009, 365 last year, and only 153 cases as of the second quarter of 2011. “This remarkable slowing down of malaria cases has resulted from the processes and activities being done by the RHU,” said Mrs.

Jynel Kyle Ruiz, accompanied by her coach, Carmela Celadina, is just one of the winning PNHSians who received medals in the Math Olympiad.

Class got the second and third places. Mohamed Panji Gacis and Rizza May Merincilla of II Special Science Class were awarded first and second. Both Keziah Millones and Aisa Hassan, representatives from Third Year and Fourth Year, ranked third. The contest aimed to choose 50 student-qualifiers for the DepEd Division of Palawan Training Workshop on Intensive Capability Building in Teaching Learning Mathematics (ICBTLM) 6 PNHS students; Gacis, Merencilla, Millones, and Hassan were among the chosen ones. Asfiah Sahiddin and Jamie Al-haqq Jamion were also included in the group. The training was held last October 14-17 at Division Conference Hall. After another set of qualifying exam, 15 students represented the Division of Palawan in the 2011 Philippine Mathematical Olympiad (PMO) among which were two students from PNHS, Mohamed Panji Gacis and Aisa Hassan. (Asfiah Sahiddin & Ravina Abubakar)

ascends for Espaňolans

A branch of First Consolidated Bank, Philippines is presently serving the Sofronio Espaňola community. Its building construction started last July 7 is about to be inaugurated soon. The First Consolidated Bank, also known by its initials FCB, is a private, independent development savings bank organized in 1982 in the province of Bohol in the Philippines by a group of Filipino businesspeople. It operates out of Tagbilaran City and has 49 branches in different parts of

the country. The 50th branch is now soon to open in Pulot Center, Sofronio Espaňola. “We also had just installed an ATM kiosk in the Municipal Hall,” says Mr. Danny Francisco, an FCB Engineering Department Supervisor. “This machine will help the beneficiaries to withdraw their money in a more convenient and accessible system,” he added. The planning of FCB building construction is under Engr. Arturo Serna. (Jenny Yano)

PTA Pres Lopot bears plans for PNHS

The Municipal Treasurer, Mrs. Wilma Lopot was elected as the new president of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Pulot National High School. During an interview with her, Lopot detailed some of her plans for Pulot NHS. As a new President of PTA, Mrs.Lopot prefers to have many projects built in PNHS campus.

First of which is to build one unit school building with one or two classrooms. The said project will be built through the support of the local government and Mayor Zenaida B. Gomez. It will start on the first or second quarter of the year 2012. The project costs about Php 500,000. According to her, she proposed this kind of project to help sustain the needs of PNHS

population and to leave a tribute of her administration. Aside from the first project, she also wants to repair and repaint the walls of every classroom. Everyone is expecting to be led by a good leader, so as what Mrs.Lopot said, she and the other members of the PTA will ensure to support all the schools activities and projects. (Al-Mahmod Marajan)

The inauguration of the First Consolidated Bank built in Pulot Center, which guarantees more convenient bank transactions, is much awaited at present.

Palaweño studes commemorate Rizal’s 150th

Young Participants from the different clusters in Palawan actively participated in the celebration of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s 150th birthday last June 17 at Division Conference Roof top hall, Puerto Princesa City. Two students from Pulot NHS, Ariel John Bandales and Jenny Yano, attended the event. The students contested in the quiz bee, dagliang talumpati, dagliang pagsulat and the short play. Yano of Pulot NHS participated in the DagliangTalumpati and owned the Third Place. Her topic was about the most remarkable principles of idealism of Dr. Rizal. SSG Federation Election was also one of the activities that day and Bandales was elected as the Auditor. This was the first time that DepEd Palawan conducted a Division celebration honouring Dr. Rizal’s birthday. It was also announced that every school should conduct a fun run on June 19 and June 20 was declared as a non-working holiday all over the Philippines. (Jenny Yano)

DepEd Philippines embarks UbD

Due to its success in USA, UbD has made its way to the Philippines education method and the DepEdDivision of Palawan, specifically Pulot NHS adapted the program last June. UbD was implemented in some public schools as early as 2007, and this triggers to the making of Senate Resolution 1295 which was filed by Sen. Manny Villar last August 2009. Understanding by Design(UbD) is a framework in education which aims to improve student’s way of learning and understanding. It emphasizes the teacher’s critical role in teaching their lessons in the way that students will understand and learn the lessons. This design, which was introduced by Jay McTighe and Grant P. Wiggins in 1998, is anchored in the principle of “teaching for understanding” and is used as guide by the teachers. It adopts the procedure of “backward design” which was made for the achievement of school curriculum. “There are points on how the lessons are being taught in UbD. The Firm Up, Deepen, and Transfer,” Sir Toto Zapanta explained during

Alay Lakad steps forward for OSY “Hakbang sa Pagbabago, Alay sa Kabataang Pilipino.” This is the theme of the Alay Lakad this year. Pulot NHS’ teachers and students actively participated in the event last September 4 and were declared as the Biggest and the Jolliest Group. 4:30 in the morning, Alay Lakad started from Petron Station to Municipal Hall of Sofronio Española. The special guests participated in the event were Honorable Board Member Sunny Batul, Mayor Zenaida B. Gomez and our Vice Mayor Arnold A. Galan. Sofronio Espanola Central School and PSU teachers and students, Sofronio Española Market Vendor and the LGU of Punang, Iraray, Pulot Interior, Pulot Shore and PulotCenter also joined to testify the Alay Lakad 2011. A program was held in the Municipal Hall after the parade. It was opened by a remark delivered

by Vice Mayor Galan. Mayor Gomez and Board Member Batul also gave their inspirational messages. According to Mrs. Zeny Gomez the purpose of this activity was to raise fund for the out of school youth helping them to attend school again. The last part of the program was the awarding ceremony. Allaine Ryll Neri, 3 years old, was awarded “The Youngest Participant.” He was born on December 12, 2008. Lola Gloria Garma was given tribute by being “The Oldest Participant.” She was born on March 30, 1929. PSU was recognized for being “The Most Disciplined Group”. The Best in Uniform Award was given to the Market Vendor Associations. The most awaited part of the program was the raffle draw. Irene Venus Narca brought home the first prize amounting to1,500 pesos. (Mark Darwin Abela, KeziahMillones, Ernie Wabingga)

by Al-Mahmod Marajan

Students, with the teacher’s supervision, interact and work as a group during class discussion and participation

an interview. “In the Firm up; the teachers and the students use the discovery method, then deepen it through researches and finding some references. After these, the transfer of knowledge is done through some activities and assignments for further understanding.”

Teachers are given by the Department of Education with Teaching and Curriculum Guides where they base the lessons to teach and find their own strategic ways of teaching. But at present, teachers are experiencing difficulty in preparing teaching aids due to lack of materials

and unavailable sources. In response, local educational publishers circulate instructional materials aligned in UbD. Other launched a UbD website to assist educators in understanding and implementing UbD in the Philippines. (Jenny Yano)

Pulot NHS administered the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) to its 335 Third Year and selected Fourth Year students last September 28. In accordance to the announcement of the Department of Education, it has been moved from the first schedule, August 31. NCAE which used to be given to fourth year high school students is now administered for third year high school students both in public and private secondary schools. Also covered to take the NCAE are fourth year high school students who are applying for scholarship programs offered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). They should belong to the top ten percent (10%) of each secondary high school regardless of school size. Also, they should have a general weighted average of eighty percent (80%) in third year and should come from a family whose gross annual income is not more than P300,000. The results of the NCAE will show the interest and career inclination

of the student, whether it is technicalvocational, entrepreneurial, or a full college education course. “This way parents and students will be guided on what career track is best to take after high school graduation,” says Mr. Toto A. Zapanta, the Principal. He also reminded that according to

Luistro, the result of the NCAE is not mandatory but recommendatory. NCAE is also open to other interested fourth year students, outof-school youth and A & E passers. In Pulot NHS, 30 seniors took the test. (Jenny Yano)

NCAE, administered to 335 examinees

Pulot NHS conducts feeding program Pulot National High School conducted a school level celebration and feeding program last July 12. The events participated in were cooking contest, slogan making

contest, on the spot painting, nutrition quiz bee and jingle making contest. Aside from the contests, every classroom prepared chicken soup or porridge for under

Pulot NHS conducts a feeding program for undernourished students to celebrate Nutrition providing them nutritious soup and porridge.

nourished students in support of the school feeding program. “Isulong ang Breastfeeding Tama, Sapat, at Eksklusibo’’ was the focus of the nutrition month and health awareness celebration held last July. The winners during the school level nutrition contests represented the PNHS in the municipal level which was held last July 28. In the cooking contest, the Malunggballs in Vege Soup with Lumpia of Aubrey A. Ongque and Genese Divine B. Cayabo got the first place. Reynald Alipoon and Keziah Millones got the first and third in the on the spot painting. Ernie Wabingga, Mohamed Panji Gacis and Jenny Yano, got the first, second and third places in the slogan-making contest. Lastly, in the jingle making contest, Pulot National High School, represented by the two-time school and municipal level champions, the freshmen; got the first place. (Aubrey Ongque, Genese Divine Cayabo and Ernie Wabingga)

Death is a very painful and emotional time, yet one that may be filled with hope and mercy. Muslims believe that death is a departure from the life of this world, but not the end of a person’s existence. Rather, eternal life is to come, and we pray for God’s mercy to be with the departed, in hopes that they may find peace and happiness in the life to come. When a Muslim is near death, those around him or her are called upon to give comfort, and reminders of God’s mercy and forgiveness. They may recite verses from the Qur’an, give physical comfort, and encourage the dying one to recite words of remembrance and prayer. It is recommended, if at all possible, for a Muslim’s last words to be the declaration of faith: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.” When a Muslim dies he is called “Mayat”. Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. The eyes of the deceased should be closed, and the body covered temporarily with a clean sheet. It is forbidden for those in mourning to excessively wail, scream, or thrash about. Grief is normal when one has lost a loved one, and it is natural and permitted to cry. When the Prophet Muhammad’s own son died, he

E Ernie Wabingga does his best to think, solve and outwit his competitor in the Sci-Dama competition and won the second place. (Story below)

PNHSians sustain devt through science fest Inspired by the theme “Sustaining Development Through Science and Technology”, nine students led by their four coaches from Pulot NHS joined the 3rd Division Science Festival 2011. The Sci-fest was held at Quezon National High School last August 21-22. Ernie Wabingga and Reynald Alipoon, both III-Love won 2nd places on the SciDama and On the Spot Painting contests correspondingly; Bryan Joseph Mendigoria of I-Special Science Class was declared 5th place in the SciDama contest; Melody Joy Coyoca of II-Diamond got 6th place in the Science Quiz Bee and KeziahMillones of III-Love won 7th place in the same category. “Just to represent my school is an honor. Winning isn’t everything in any competition. Friendship and what

one learned is a lot more important”, caught by Vangeline Jamion, also a participant in the event. A total of 37 Special Science Class Students both First Year and Second Year also attended the Festival. They joined to observe and at the same time to prepare for the next school year’s investigatory project. Mrs. BirthemindaCaasi, Adviser of II- Special Science Class and Mrs. Rinaly Pacanza, a Third Year Science teacher guided them in the said fieldtrip. The contestants were coached by Mr. Cyrus Trino, Mr. Rodrigo Fabrigas, Mrs. Janelyn Francisco and Mr. Cyryl Jerez. (VangelineJa mion&KeziahMillones) (Correspondents: Sitti Fathra Sahiddin, Arlyn Bahala, Jerah Joy Alim)

ach of us meets someone whom we admire and may idolize. We get acquainted with people who leave remarkable spot in our mind and heart. Perhaps it is because of what he had done or been doing. During my 14 years here on earth, I have already came across a number of people. But there is only one person who had left a tattoo in my life, a woman who has been my inspiration, and she is Elsa. Elsa: 52 year-old woman, a high school teacher, a loving wife, and a perfect mother to her four children. Elsa is not that tall or short. She is medium built. Her hair, which in my imagination reaches her shoulder, are slighty curly. At a first glance, Elsa is just a typical woman—an image of a content wife and a cool mom. However, as a human, she also got problems and also had come through tests of the teasing fate of life; tests that she had to courageously face as a wife and as a mother. If I am not mistaken, Elsa was only 23 when she got married. Their lives together were so happy and were blessed with four children. Her husband had no regular job; but he did everything to earn money for the family, doing whatever jobs he could. Like other

said: “The eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except which pleases our Lord.” One should strive to be patient, and remember that Allah is the One who gives life and takes it away, at a time appointed by Him. It is not for us to question His wisdom. Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased. If the person dies in the morning, all things must be done v immediately for he would be buried in the afternoon. If a person dies at night, the bereaved family waits till morning arises. An autopsy may be performed, if necessary, but should be done with the utmost respect for the dead. In preparation for burial, the family or other members of the community will wash and shroud the body. (If the deceased was killed as a martyr, this step is not performed; martyrs are buried in the clothes they died in.) The deceased will be washed respectfully, with clean and scented water, in a manner similar to how Muslims make ablutions for prayer. The body will then be wrapped in sheets of clean, white cloth (called the kafan). Before going to the burial place the family will give coins to any chil-

dren, then, all members of the family and its relatives must pass 3 times under the mayat, so that they will not be visited by the soul of the mayat. People who wants to voluntarily accompany the mayat, could also come. The panji (looks like an umbrella with a white cloth on it, which indicates whether the person is an ordinary person, a haji, datu, imam, salip and others, is also prepared. Afterwards, the people can proceed to the burial place to bring the mayat to his final destiny. The mayat must be carried on the shoulder for that is obligatory in the laws of Islam. The procession is led by the “panji”, followed by the people who carry the boarded wood (tabla), and the last is the mayat. The deceased is then transported to the site of the funeral prayers (salatl-janazah). These prayers are commonly held outdoors, in a courtyard or public square, not inside the mosque. The community gathers, and the imam (prayer leader) stands in front of the deceased, facing away from the worshippers. The funeral prayer is similar in structure to the five daily prayers, with a few variations. (For example, there is no bowing or prostration, and the entire prayer is said silently but for a few words.) The deceased is then taken to the

by Mohamed Panji Gacis

typical couple, Elsa and her husband also got problems and misunderstanding. The latter was a “womanizer” (or perhaps women just love his appeal.. hehe..) and he was also a drunkard which were often the reasons of their quarrel. Elsa learned to get used to it. Until a traumatic incident happened one day. Elsa’s husband got seriously ill. This incident tested their marriage her husband was diagnosed with “nervous breakdown”. Their world almost turned upside down. It affected not only Elsa herself but also their children; the whole family. They were misunderstood. Many people didn’t identify with her husband’s ill health. It was really a huge challenge. But the family was able to surpass it… Years passed swiftly. The test seemingly not gets tired on defying Elsa’s strength. Her husband is presently suffering from another disease, having troubles

with his kidneys. And Elsa still stands firm and fights with her good faith. As a mother, I could show proof that nobody could beat Elsa’s loving heart. She will do anything, everything for her children. Her eldest child, the only girl among the siblings, presently works in Manila. Thanks for she could now help her mother, Elsa in meeting the unending demands of the family. But it is still not that easy—Elsa is now supporting two colleges and a high school student. Elsa bears all these tests, from her husband—for his medications, to her children—in persevering for their education. Elsa does everything for the sake of her family. Be it big or small problems, Elsa faces it. For her, every test makes her tougher as a person, as a wife and as a mother. Her trust and love to God and her family itself serve as her power and weapon to face all the storms in her life. I still clearly remember what she always says, and perhaps this also is her inspiring principle; “Do your best and GOD will do the rest”. I really admire Elsa a lot. Perhaps others look at Elsa as a plain and a normal woman. But for me, she is an amazing person. I feel so lucky to know her—the one who taught me of many things. I wouldn’t be here without her. I wouldn’t be who I am now if not because of her as well. She is my inspiration and I adore her. Maybe, she doesn’t possess any super powers or magic like Darna or Wonderwoman but her strength and vigor makes her a Superhero for me. She is Super Elsa, my incredible Mother!

cemetery for burial (al-dafin). While all members of the community attend the funeral prayers, only the men of the community accompany the body to the gravesite. It is preferred for a Muslim to be buried where he or she died, and not be transported to another location or country (which may cause delays or require embalming the body). If available, a cemetery (or section of one) set aside for Muslims is preferred. The mayat will be placed on it slowly. The mayat must no lie down, he should be placed sideways facing the soil part. Then, the imam will make a “bang”(for male) or “kamatan” (for female). The deceased is laid in the grave (without a coffin if permitted by local law) on his or her right side, facing Mecca. At the gravesite, it is discouraged for people to erect tombstones, elaborate markers, or put flowers or other momentos. Rather, one should humbly remember Allah and His mercy, and pray for the

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deceased. Loved ones and relatives are to observe a 3-day mourning period. Mourning is observed in Islam by increased devotion, receiving visitors and condolences, and avoiding decorative clothing and jewelry. Widows observe an extended mourning period (iddah), 4 months and 10 days long, in accordance with the Qur’an 2:234. During this time, she is not to remarry, move from her home, or wear decorative clothing or jewelry. When one dies, everything in this earthly life is left behind, and there are no more opportunities to perform acts of righteousness and faith. The Prophet Muhammad once said that there are three things, however, which may continue to benefit a person after death: charity given during life which continues to help others, knowledge from which people continue to benefit, and a righteous child who prays for him or her.

h! Wow! Is that how it works?? Amazzingg… with a touch and a slide, lots of images and information flash in a full screen gadget handled by a single hand. Ipads, android tablets and E-tablets are the latest and the mostly used modern tech-ies in universities,

by Vangie Asfiah Ali-Akbar

colleges, and many high cost tuition fee school nowadays. Podcasting in the classroom are introduced to schools for convenience of information resources. These includes “ Education Podcast Network” which is a categorized directory of hundreds school produced and educationally relevant comprehensive collection of information for gadget lover- students. These techy gadgets at present almost replace books! The sense that the world is in the middle of a continuing communications, revolution has been strong when television made its great breakthrough. The world is becoming a global village. It was then that the word “media” became part of daily speech, covering not only electronic media, live television, but older print media, particularly the press. Look at how technological advances made in recent decades have created a revolution in the media, allowing people to communicate in ways they had never dreamed of. These new modes of communication—including the television, the personal computer, the Internet, and other digital technologies—are available throughout many parts of the world, these media may be used in different ways depending upon the prevailing political and social circumstances. It was the newspaper that became the dominant pre-electronic medium, following in the wake of the pamphlet and the book and in the company of the periodical. It was then that the communications revolution speeded up, beginning with transport, the railway, and leading on through the telegraph, the telephone, radio, and motion pictures into the 20th-century world of the motor car and the airplane. Before, getting information needs a whole room to store the books, for solving mathematical problems there are calculators, for

relieving stress there are DVD players, cassettes, radios and televisions, when meeting alien words there comes thousand pages of dictionaries and encyclopedias, to preserve precious moments it need cameras to communicate you need cellphone, all of this makes your home fully packed just to satisfy your way of living. But all of those big bags of appliances are now part of the computer’s program as computers became smaller and more powerful. They became “personal” too, as well as institutional, with memory and storage increasing and display becoming crisper. They were thought of, like people, in terms of generations, with the distance between generations much smaller. Through computer it now became possible to combine thousands and millions, of individual transistors on a single chip. It gives the information a way to spread throughout the world as what media aims. The “web,” as it came to be called, was designed to serve military and academic needs. Soon, however, as a “world web,” it attracted a wide range of participants, becoming an electronic exchange system, operating from below.. Now that several websites are found in just a click, information becomes easier to find and it comes into numbers of choice and ideas. Through social websites you can exchange ideas with your computer friends and debate with them about an issue. Pages of information with embedded addresses, allowed users of all ages and types to link to other sites at the click of a “mouse” button. The continuing communications revolution has brought the media not only into the library or the office but into the home. It is tempting, indeed, to believe that the “technology of tomorrow” is already here. It may well be that through an effort to chart the words that we

“His nature grudged thinking, for it crippled his speed in action”, caught byThomas Edward Lawrence. “There is one young hero from World War I that few knows about yet fought and stood for the rights of others in his time.” Always ready to give strength to everyone, needing his help through his rugged calm hand, and warm treatment … words that suit to modify him enough, SahiddanManzul. Anyone feels in harmony with this. He is the eldest among the twelve children and the breadwinner of the family. With his enterprising and ambitious spirit, he strived so hard to achieve his dummy-headed dream that they could have a good life. But the abstract asset of him plugged up at the time of Japanese invasion in Cagayan,Mindanao which he witnessed how the Filipinos were killed without subsidy from getting their home . According to Mr. Sahiddan, those happenings were just the struggles given by God that made him stronger to face the endless challenges in life though sometimes they annoy and irritate him. His name is familiar in terms of healing damaged bones. In his time, he was the healer. Many patients went to his place for treatment. If you still remember, Fa Sahiddan, himself is the one who heals the fractured, cracked, and or broken parts of the bone and the damaged muscles of anyone. Through his massage and rubbing process the patients feel relax and comfortable with their injury. Al-

most half of his life was switched on helping people with his unique knowledge of healing them. Almost fifty years of helping others by giving strength and healing them and making them happy. However, the great thing with these, he never and never tried to ask for payment in all his medications throughout those golden years. According to him, it depends on the people whether they give anything or not. Matter factly, he is the one who gave money to those patients who were very poor, and no finances to spend back home. Fa Sahiddan, on his experience in his chosen path, never felt and told himself to stop helping other people, rather, whenever there are people who need his help, he would not plug it up. In his career, time does not matter. Whenever there are people in need he will always be a friend in deed and ready to help and lend a grudgeless and a willing ear and hand. Even he encountered accidents and other unexpected tragedy, he never put his arms up but he bravely endeavored to help. Actors and actresses like Iza Calzado and Vandolph Quezon also found this good healer

of bone related damages. These two big personalities were also his patients few years ago. He doesn’t only stay in one place to serve people but go around where he is needed. He has already been in different big places like in Mindanao and Cagayan. Mr. Sahiddan became more popular when he had a clinic built many years ago with the help of one of his patient. He is now more than 100 years old but still having constant ire belief. He wanted to have an absence of awkward and still living belief, even if he is gone. He had just passed and taught his belief to his whole big family, and even his power of healing to his chosen children to pursue helping people with passion and willingness like what he has done

throughout his life. He’s also now a Hadji with humble attitude and old commandments from his ancient time. Mr. Sahiddan is happy .With his career he got friends and he knew himself wider .He has also fruitful endeavor and felt great to leave his family merely then …He wished to his family to do what he has done, help people willingly and… the grudge? No way…

by Ali-Akbar M. Abdulpatta

Municipal environ homes infras

Newly-accomplished and under construction buildings are presently seen in the municipal hall vicinity. “I see to it that my administration grants more programs and good projects for the Españolans,” Mayor Gomez stated in an interview. “These ventures have no other purpose but to endow better services to the community.” The lawn tennis court is presently being utilized by both tennis players and enthusiasts. It is on purpose not only for fun but also for the physical health benefits and mental strength, camaraderie and sportsmanship. The Sofronio Espaňola Lawn Tennis Club leads the achievement of these purposes. According to the Engineering office, the fund used in this project, which was finished last May, was Php 245,493.65. The Women’s Building Center is also near to its completion. This was constructed for safe keeping

of abused women and children and even children in conflict with the law (CICL). The center could also be an accessible home for women’s meetings and activities. This project started in October with the budget of Php 500,000.00. Another project near is the Multipurpose Building. According to Mayor Gomez, this building is very valuable to the residence of Sofronio Española. This could be an Evacuation Center during untoward incidents or calamities and also a venue for different activities. One more project that is still in progress is the Motor Pool Building. This construction is now at work with the budget of Php 1,890,000.00. It is divided into two phases wherein, the phase 1 amounting to Php 1,410,000 was allocated by the previous administration; while phase 2, costing Php 480,000 is under the present government.

Marjun Hulguin and Roel Rios, two of Pulot National High School’s winners from the Student Technologists and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines (STEP) School Level Competitions won first place in the

Division Level last October 14. Hulguin, a students from II Emerald and his model, Neiza Geronimo from III Love captured the judges’ eyes and got the first place in Facial Make-up with Hairstyling.

PNHSians prevail in Division STEP

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iven the current social networking boom, it’s amazing that the advantages and disadvantages of social networks are still open to discussion. After all, in the past 10 years the value of social networking sites has been well-proven and documented. According to the survey, facebook is the largest and most used networking site worldwide, having overtaken its biggest competitor Myspace in 2008. Facebook was founded in February 2004 by a computer science student in Harvard University, Mark Zuckerberg with his three roommates Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovits, and Chris Hughes. As of year 2011, it has already 700 million active users worldwide. Facebook allows users to declare themselves to be at least 13 years old to become registered users. However, there are 7.5 million children users who are under 13, violating the

By Frances Inna Batongbakal and Nurzaida Jamion terms of the site. Some people believe that social networks are harmful to society. These folks will go as far as saying that social networking should be banned. For the most part, these fears are based on the affects that social networks have on children and teenagers. Some also worry about Internet child stalkers. Others are concerned that their children are simply spending too much time on the Internet. These situations are indeed cause for concern. On the other hand, consider when the baby boomers were kids. Many of them had pen pals. This was considered a desirable way to teach kids about other cultures. Pen pals communicated on a one-to-one basis. A social network can supply you with pen pals from all over the globe. What better way to promote cultural understanding? In addition, the Internet is the ultimate online textbook. Students no longer need to take out six library books at a time. Much of what they need to know they can find online.

In looking deeper at this social network paranoia, it’s possible that some, but certainly not all of it, is based on an irrational fear of globalization. In other words, some parents might be uncomfortable about having their kids associating

with people from other countries, simply because they, themselves are not comfortable with non-Americans. As the song says, you have to be carefully taught. That said, world peace can only come about with global communication. What if social networks were used as a teaching tool in the classroom? Throughout the years, participants of social networks have found love, formed new businesses, enhanced their existing businesses, sold merchandise, received assistance when in trouble, found property, found new jobs, made friends, connected with old friends…the list goes on. On the other hand, many people cite identity theft, cyber-stalking and Internet addiction as some of the disadvantages of social networking. Which side has it right? In any debate like this, it’s important to weigh both opinions in order to thoroughly explore the advantages and disadvantages of social networking. Confirm or ignore? The decision is still yours.

By Jenny Yano “Breast milk is the best for baby up to two years of age and beyond.” We always hear this reminder from TV commercials and even in our community. This really means that breast-feeding brings a lot of significance to both mother and baby Why breastfeeding is important? Let’s find out. Breastfeeding protects babies. Early breast milk is liquid gold –Colostrum, known as liquid gold, is the thick yellow first breast milk that mothers make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect the baby. Breast milk is also easier to digest – For most babies — especially premature babies — breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cow’s milk and it takes time for babies’ stomachs to adjust to digesting them. Breast milk fights disease – The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique; formula cannot match the chemical makeup of human breast milk Mothers benefit. Mothers benefit from breastfeeding. Life can be easier when you breastfeed –when you breastfeed, there are no bottles and nipples to sterilize. You do not have to buy, measure, and mix formula. And there are no bottles to warm in the middle of the night! You can satisfy your baby’s hunger right away when breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can save money—no need to spend money on buying artificial milk formula. Breastfeeding can feel great – Physical contact is important to newborns. It can help them feel more secure, warm, and comforted. Breastfeeding can be good for the mother’s health, too – Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of these health problems in women: diabetes, cancer, and postpartum depression. Mothers miss less work – Breastfeeding mothers miss fewer days from work because their infants are sick less often. Breastfeeding benefits society. The nation benefits overall when mothers breastfeed. Recent research shows that if 90 percent of families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths among infants could be prevented.. Breastfed infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations. Breastfeeding also contributes to a more productive workforce since mothers miss less work to care for sick infants. Breastfeeding is also better for the environment. There is less trash and plastic waste compared to that produced by formula cans and bottle supplies. Breastfeeding during emergency. When an emergency occurs, breastfeeding can save lives: Breastfeeding protects babies from the risks of a contaminated water supply and diseases. It is readily available without needing other supplies. Breastfeeding is the best way of nurturing LIFE.

Marjun Hulguin presents his model, Neiza Geronimo, in front of the judges and spectators and explains the facial make-up and hairstyling he applied to her.

Young artists shine in provincial VEGCAP

Selected students of Pulot National High School bagged the second place during the Sayawit competition at the 2nd Provincial VEGCAP Convention held at the PNS Multipurpose Hall last September 23-24. Ten different schools from the different municipalities had joined this Sayawit Competition. The Narra National High School hit the title. The PNHSians performed a traditional Muslim Dance mixed with modern. They used some musical instruments such as marimba, kulintang, organ, guitar, drums, gong, and tambourine as

their musical instruments as well as chime, bamboo and the rain maker. The performers were guided by their choreographer,Mr. Benjie Vasquez; the Guidance Counsellor,Mrs. Melissa Fabrigas; and their Values Teachers, Mrs. Rinaly Pacanza, Mrs. Elvigia Rios and Mrs. Carmela Celadiňa. The theme of this year’s VEGCAP Convention is “KAAGAPAY SA PATULOY NA PAGPAPAHUSAY SA PAGTUTURO NG EDUKASYON SA PAGPAPAHALAGA.” (Neiza Geronimo & Frances Inna Batongbakal)

The mananayaw and mang-aawit of Pulot NHS, the winning artists show their best performance during the “Sayawit” competition in the 2nd VEGCAP.

Gomez. Pulot NHS Principal II, Sir Toto A. Zapanta; Sofronio Espaňola District Supervisor, Sir Melanio G. Bundac,; the Barangay Captains and selected municipal officers are the members of MDC. (Jenny Yano and Dianne Grace Caasi)

The National Agencies was declared First Runner Up in the municipal celebration of the Philippine Civil Service 111th Anniversary. It was held in two consecutive days, September 7-8, 2011. They won over the competing teams; LGU A or Team A, LGU C or Team C and the Barangay Team. LGU B or Team B was declared Champion. Hon. Zenaida Gomez gave her inspirational message during the opening program and emphasized that the sports fest should be enjoyed with the friendly spirit of sportsmanship. Every team competed in banner raising, cheer dance competition, parlour games, ball games, athletics, and also in dancing and singing competition. The theme was Championing R.A.CE (Responsive, Accessible, Courteous, and Effective). (Al-mahmod Marajan)

The whole world celebrates Teacher’s day last October 5 with the theme: “My Teacher, My Hero”. The District of Sofronio Española partook in this tribute at the Municipal gymnasium. The celebration was graced by the presence of the District Supervisor, Sir Melanio G. Bundac, Pulot NHS Principal, Sir Toto A. Zapanta, Head Teachers, retired teachers, SSG and SPG officers and teachers from different schools themselves. The first part of the program was a parade participated by all the teachers. They were ushered by the Pulot National High School and Sofronio Española Central School Drum and Lyre Corps. An opening program followed inspired by the message given by Renato D. Tan, the Head Teacher of

Labog Elementary School. Mr. Bundac also gave his heart warming message. “Teaching is a profession that teaches all profession,” he said. SSG and SPG officers from different schools led the paying of tribute to the heroic deeds of their teachers. Garlands were offered to the teachers by the students. During the program, there were different contests in slogan-making, on the spot painting, poster and cardmaking contest. The teachers also played parlor games. Aside from the activities held in the gym, the SSG Officers of Pulot NHS also conducted a short program in IV-Mabini Room. They invited their teachers and showed a funny power point presentation as a way of showing credit and appreciation to them. (Ernie Wabingga and Alqusayer Taha)

The municipal government, in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD)-Sofronio Espaňola, shows concern for the rights of women and even children in building this center.

These projects were proposed by the MDC (Municipal Development Council) under Mayor Zenaida

Rios, from IV Mabini, contested in the making of Knockdown Toddlers Furniture Study Table. The other winners in the event were Jenny Yano, Ernie Wabingga and Neiza Geronimo who competed in Business Planning Contest. Ernie Wabingga, as well as Jess Kintanar, placed 4th in Lamayu Making and Dish Gardening Contests. The event was blessed by the presence of Division Superintendent Officer-in-Charge Raul Marin. “Learning doesn’t occur only in the four walls of the classroom but in discovering and developing different skills in all categories,” Mr. Marin said in his message. The contestants were guided by their coaches: Ruby Carias, Bernito Pantinople, Luz Velasco, Elvigia Rios, Lilia Hemor, Marianne Aban, and Benjie Vasquez. This 10th Division Level STEP Competition was held at Narra National High School. (Ernie Wabingga, Marjorie Liaso, Jovelyn Bahala, Hannah Janairo and Alqusayer Taha)

DepEd National Agencies join PCS 111th anniv

Españolans offer tribute to teachers

Seniors memorialize Bonifacio on a holiday On November 30, an official holiday; the 4th year students celebrated Andres Bonifacio’s 148th birthday in the school campus. In honor of the Katipunan hero, the celebration focused on how he made a big change on the life of the Filipino people to achieve their freedom against the enemies. Before the proper program started the students carried out a tree planting on the school ground and almost 100 mahogany seedlings were sown. A variety of presentations were performed during the program. IV Rizal presented a role play portraying Bonifacio’s heroic life. Ariel John Bandales acted as Andres and Jumratia Kikih played the role of his wife, Gregoria de Jesus. IV Malvar, IV Mabini and IV Aguinaldo rendered special song numbers. The last performance was acted by the IV Bonifacio. They danced a special song interpretation acknowledging their hero. Though it was a holiday, some teachers and other year level students came to school to witness the event. Sir Toto A. Zapanta, the school principal, also graced it with his inspiring message. Ronnie Dalgo and Genese Divine Cayabo of IV- Rizal were the emcees of the program. (Ariel John Bandales and Jumratia Kikih)

The fourth year students clean their area for tree planting; one of the community services they do on Bonifacio Day, a working holiday for them.

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By Vangeline Jamion

t has been thirty-four years of hard work and dedicated teaching in this institution during which she distinguished herself for professionalism and commitment. Luz Tabujara-Velasco will soon bow out of service. Her record as a teacher is worthy of remembering and appreciation. Strong, lively and committed to work; at her age of 60, Ma’am Luz Velasco is still active and energetic in her daily undertakings. According to her she enjoys most of her time in school than in their house. “I am glad to serve and teach students specially those who are lively during classes. I don’t want to go out of service yet but it’s time for me to settle down and enjoy what I have earned in more than three decades of service,” she added. A woman with lots of courage and determination, Ma’am Luz stepped on this place in 1976. She started teaching in Pulot Barrio High School, under Brooke’s Point District with only a small honorarium for almost 3 years. She became a regular/permanent teacher by the year 1979. She was born on October 9, 1950 in Camp-I Maramag, Bukidnon. Finishing her studies had been really hard. She switched schools many times because her father, who meant to be an adventurous person always go to different places. She acquired her elementary education, grades 1-3 in Maramag , Bukidnon, Grades 4-5 in Negros Occidental, and Grade 6 in Sandoval Elementary School. She acquired her Secondary Education in Dancalan Private School .She earned her degree, Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in Home Economics, Minor in General Science in University of Negros Occidental Recoletos . Life for them in Bukidnon would have beeen a lot easier if her parents didn’t had a legal separation, which had been the most painful thing she had experienced. Mrs. Velasco was the only one who graduated among her 9 brothers and sisters. She didn’t expect that she’ll graduate. But with a lot of determination together with faith in God, gladly she succeeded. While she was in college she stayed with her relatives to serve them. Her relatives’ misjudgment and criticisms gave her eagerness to pursue her studying, hence, prove them wrong. At present, Ma’am Luz lives happily under God’s grace together with her husband, Armando P. Velasco. They are blessed with 5 children; Alvin, Alona, Arlo, Alena, Abdi, and adopted neice-Rei. Her name “Luz” means “light” and she is, not only for her family but also to her friends, co-workers and students.

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ummer. The sun’s touch was getting hot on my skin. I was so excited when my friend asked me for a ride to the mountain to visit his aunt. Unmindful of the rough road, I diverted my attention on the sceneries along the way. At my age, I haven’t realized that there is beauty at the end of this forgotten road. Tall trees. Green meadows. Wild flowers. Chirping birds. Running rivers. Marvelous paradise! But when we were approaching to my friend’s house, I noticed unusual holes beside the river. I also saw some other huge openings at some parts of the mountain as we passed by. I asked my friend what are all of those holes for? He chuckled and told me to reserve my question until we reach his relatives’ home. I was so worried about what I observed so I asked Aunt Dinang. Those are the traces of gold panning in their area, she said. Gold panning? That was their livelihood before. Then I never gaze away from her face when she explained furthely. Gold panning, or simply panning, is a form of placer mining that extracts gold from a plac-

SONG REVIEW

By Asfiah Sahiddin

By Jenny Yano & Dianne Grace Caasi Cassava is an easy-to-grow crop for farmers. It “grows well on poor soils found on eroded hillsides because it resists adverse conditions such as drought”. In the Philippines, cassava is best grown in deep soil with friable structure such as light sandy loams of medium fertility. Top soil should be 30 centimeters in depth. Successful use of almost all soil types is possible, provided that they are not waterlogged, shallow or stony. Growing cassava entails simple farm operations such as land preparation, planting, replanting, weeding, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting. Small scale production requires 51 man-days to operate a hectare of land. The plantation type of production needs 55 man-days per hectare to undertake all the necessary farm operations. Cassava plantation has been initiated in Sofronio Espaňola and other parts of Palawan. The people and the economy would profit from it. But let us not talk about money. Let’s converse about health. Then, what are the health benefits of cassava? A study has been conducted looking into the effects of root crops and legumes in lowering cholesterol levels in the human body, among them was the cassava which thrives in abundance in tropical countries. It has also shown that cassava can

decrease significantly the (LDL) low density lipoprotein which is known as “bad” cholesterol. It may also help in the lowering triglyceride levels due to its high total dietary fiber content. Dietary fiber has been associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and in the control of diabetes. Cassava root is very rich in starch and contains considerable amounts of calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Cassava flour does not contain gluten, an allergenic protein found in wheat, barley, oats and rye. It is also known as tapioca flour which can be used by gluten intolerant people to replace wheat flour. In the US, cassava flour is used to thicken gravy but it has long been used in Asia to make savvy dishes and desserts, like the cassava cake. Cassava can be used for French fries instead of potatoes. In Central America, specifically Costa Rica and Nicaragua, boiled yucca is an ingredient in salad and other dishes, while cassava flour has been used for making lasagna noodles.

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oday, I don’t feel like doing anything, I just wanna lay on my bed…” This famous Lazy song is good enough to highlight the prominent story of Juan Tamad, a popular Filipino folklore that best describes the Filipino’s daily? Remember when he was asked to buy crabs for their lunch? On his way home, he saw a woman carrying a laundry basket. He asked the woman where she is going, the woman answered, “I’m going to give this laundry to your mother.” He grabbed the basket and secretly inserted the crabs and left immediately. He left the woman without saying anything. While walking he saw a tall guava tree with plenty of ripe fruits in it. He was delighted by it, but instead of climbing the tree he choose to stay

er deposit using a pan. It is the oldest method of mining gold. The first recorded instances of placer mining are from ancient Rome, where gold and other precious metals were extracted from streams and mountainsides using sluices and panning. Panning is one of the simplest ways to extract gold, and is popular with geology enthusiasts because of its cheap cost and the relatively simple process involved. It was believed to be simple. But it is not. At the age of 63, Mang Pldina can no longer do panning. During his younger age, he led his tribe in doing the job. They survey the river for a suitable placer deposits. Usually, it is found at the center of the stream. Once located, they lift huge rocks, of which cannot be done of his old age anymore. When the area is cleared of gigantic stones, they burrow using bara, pala, or shovel. Then, some sediment from it is scooped into a pan, where it is then gently agitated in water. Materials with a low specific gravity are allowed to spill out of the pan, whereas materials with a high specific gravity sink to the bottom of the sediment during agitation and remain within the pan for examination and collection by the gold buyer. These dense materials usually consist primarily of a black, magnetite sand with whatever gemstones or metal dust that may be found in the deposit that is used for source material. The whole time the panners work, the lower part of their body are soaked and stayed wet; while their upper parts most specially the heads were at the boiling point due to the heat of the sun. They stand for hours in water, digging sand or silt from riverbeds and then carrying bags of mud on their heads or backs to sieving and washing sites. Better still if it’s rainy because the whole body gets cold and not “pasma”. However, rain could make rivers flood, therefore, they work on a sunny day and luckier are the ones who pan at summer time or when the day is sunny; because the hope for them is also stronger—they will be able to find a piece or two of the same size as that of a matchstick. Yes, a gold or precious stone as tiny as the matchstick. For a “larger” production, some children mine alongside their families or other community

under the tree and wait for the guava to fall into his mouth. But as the saying says “nothing ventured, nothing gained, he waited for nothing and decided to go home. At home the sermons about the crabs in the laundry basket and for going home late welcomed him. What a sad ending for the lazy Juan. Another popular song is Billionaire with the lyrics “I wanna be a billionaire, so freakin’ bad... Buy all of the things I never had…” this song really fits to feature Pepito Manaloto. A man was living with his wife and only son in such desperate but funny situation. He loved lottery a lot because he dreamt to be a millionaire someday and this was his only way of achieving his goal since he never attended school. He worked as a construction worker with his bestfriend Patrick. Suddenly on his way home an accident happened; a car crashed right on his way and a twenty pesos flew into his face. He took the twenty pesos and took the woman who was driving the car into the nearest hospital. Again, on his way home, he saw the lottery was crowded. He did not let the opportunity run away and tested his luck, since the twenty pesos before is not a waste. After waiting for long it was him to take his turn, he marked the numbers of his birthday, his son’s, his wife’s and their anniversary. How lucky was poor Pepito! A man, who was living in a half built hut, is now a millionaire living in a mansion! The songs above were just two of Peter Gene Hernandez’ compositions, better known by his stage name Bruno Mars, a Filipino-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and record producer. Mars is from a family of musicians and began making music at a young age.

members after school or during holidays. Some drop out of school to work full time. . The typical child gold miner is a boy between the ages of 15 – 17 years old who is a school dropout and who contributes about 30 per cent of the overall family income. Girls are sometimes involved, particularly in panning, but generally are exploited in other ways – by having to forego education to look after younger siblings and perform household chores. And it usually turns up only gold dust that is usually collected as a souvenir. Nuggets and considerable amounts of dust are occasionally found, but panning is not generally profitable. Despite these hardships, people in Maribong preferred panning as their main source of living before because they had no choice but to believe that panning for gold can be used to locate the larger parent veins of gold that most placer deposits originate from. Is there a brighter future in gold panning? We don’t know. The tribal community of Maribong ceased from doing it because of the constant bad weather and most of all the prohibition of the government. If only they had other choices before to usher their families’ lives across poverty, they would not choose gold panning. The hardship of the job, the health risks it brought to them and even the jeopardized education of their children could not be paid by a “golden matchstick.”

After performing in various musical venues in his hometown throughout his childhood, he decided to pursue a musical career and moved to Los Angeles after graduating from high school. Mars began producing songs for other artists, joining production team, The Smeezingtons. Mars’ music has been noted for displaying a wide variety of styles and influences, including pop, rock, reggae, R&B, soul, and hip hop. Although Mars has been referenced as “soft” because of his penchant for using a falsetto voice, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times called him “one of the most versatile and accessible singers in pop, with a light, soul-influenced voice that’s an easy fit in a range of styles, a universal donor.” Lyrically, many of Mars’ songs have been described as “feel-good”, carefree, and optimistic, however, darker subjects are addressed in songs such as “Grenade”, “Liquor Store Blues”, and “Talking to the Moon”, which detail failed relationships and self-destructive behavior. His compositions Billionaire and The Lazy Song showcase the funny truth behind Filipinos. We loved daydreaming, we dream to be a millionaire, be famous, meet our idols, tour around the world, be a respectable person, be the world’s topic, own a mansion and etc. but all these things are just an endless fantasy of us that remains as a dream because we dreamed a lot but do nothing for it. How annoying to think that these people are contented to begin and end their dreams in a daydream. Do you want to make your future just a dream and when wake up the pain reality awaits you?

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n the cloak of anonymity the thugs strike and slay but continue to perpetuate - that is when impunity reigns. While the we remain threatened and intimidated Joel Lamangan’s film is converse as it does present heart-pounding scenes that communicates deeply its advocacy to point culprits without repress. This film is a political thriller and is the first film to depict boldly the brutal and heinous media killings at its alarming rate. Deadline (Reign of Impunity) is an indie film directed and scripted by the come back duo of award-winning director Joel Lamangan and scriptwriter Bonifacio Ilagan of “Dukot” and “Sigwa” which exhibits similarities on extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. The film is indebted to its existence to its producers XITI Productions of Ma. Gracia A. Lara and Butch de los Reyes, and AEI Movie Productions of Atty. Ariel E. Inton, Jr. Furthermore,it would not have been possible with the cooperation of its co advocates, the Asian Congress for Media and Communications (CMC), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP). The stories of four journalists and

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even new teachers, a disbursing officer and a guard were added to Pulot National High School this year. They are expected to strengthen more the workface and manpower in the service of delivering quality education for PNHSians. Mrs. Vangeline Castro Valeriano was born on March 28, 1983 at Poblacion, Bataraza, Palawan to Mr. and Mrs. Warlito Castro. She acquired her Bachelor of Education, Major in Mathematics at Western Philippines University (WPU), Aborlan as Magna Cum laude. She is presently a third year mathematics teacher in Pulot NHS. Mr. Cyryl Triste Jerez, a 22 year old teacher is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Mauro Jerez. He was born on Septembar 22, 1989 at Puerto Princesa City. Also an alumnus of WPU, he finished his tertiary education with the degree of BSEd Major in Science as a Magna Com laude as well. He said he is inspired by the

private armies in search high and low of Allen Dizon and Ina Feleo played the role of Azad and Claire. The film rolls on in an intensified scenes of terror culled from the concept of impunity in the Maguindanao carnage which draws the paradox of a democratic country notched as most dangerous place for journalist in the world. A l though t h i s movie w a s filled with less stellar actors, its cast were worthy to receive appraisal when their background of experience and awards were to speak as

By Mark Darwin Abela saying “Time waits for no one. Hence, live your life to the googleness of camaraderie.” He teaches Science and APAN III. A graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Library Science, Mrs. Mechell Daganta-Magallanes teaches Values-II in Pulot NHS. She was born on August 1, 1983 at Pulot Center, Sofronio Española, Palawan. She is married to Mr. Jommar Magallanes and has 2 children. Miss Elsa Malem, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lolito Malem, is a General Science Teacher from PSU-CCRD, Narra. She was born on October 10, 1980. She is presently teaching in Punang Extension. She believes that “Education is her life and God is always her guide.” “Just do your best and God will do the rest,” says Miss Divina Padul, from Cuyo. She started and finished all her educational attainment in her hometown. She was born on September 4,, 1987 to Mr. and Mrs Domingo Padul. Presently, she teaches Filipino in Punang Extension. A 23 year old woman, Miss Fely Rose was born on November 28, 1988. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfredo Diaz, Sr. Along with the hardships and challenges in life, she is still being inspired by her motto in life; “Poverty

is not a hindrance to success.” She finished her Bachelor of Secondary Education in PSU-CCRD, Brooke’s Point. She is now a teacher in Punang Extension educating her students in Math. Jose Majid Ibrahim is a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in History in Fullbright College. He was born on March 18, 1988 to Mr. and Mrs Naziruddin Ibrahim. He is now teaching in Punang Extension. He prefers to express his belief in life in Filipino, “Edukasyon ang tanging paraan upang mkaaklas sa gapos ng kamangmangan.” Mrs. Gladys Acoy-Calimutan is the school’s new disbursing officer. She was born on March 13,1979 at Aborlan, Palawan to Mr. and Mrs. Camilo Acoy. She finished her tertiary education at Palawan State University with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. “Manong Guard” started serving Pulot NHS last July 4. He was also a student of this school , a member of 1984 graduates. He has been working in different institution as a security guard for 6 years now. He is married to Mrs. Rhodora Cabangon and is blessed with 4 children. He was born in Negros Occidental on June 17, 1963. Our 48 years old and dedicated guard is Mr. Samuel Cabangon.

GRADUATE EDITOR CURVE

a ruthless and power-thirsting politician lives up at par to the alleged real life politicians who practices the same personalities behind their smiling façade. Another point to ponder is the movie’s exclusive feature. It’s unique characteristic to capture the viewers’ bewilderment of getting attached to it as if watching it akin to the existent real life. It will be

screening held at Palawan State University main campus admitted high school students to witness the film. As it boldly communicates the reality some of the scenes were inevitably presented in too bold and violent ways for the minors to witness. The staff should have required age appropriateness such as the NC-17

By Glenda May Ladag broadcasters have intertwined and found themselves hunted in deep tracks because of the unearthed filth of conspiracy in the government’s electoral pool and the prevalence of media killings. TJ Trinidad as Ross Rivera, a known envelop writer who’s job was to cover tracks of his clients has undergone self-scrutiny as tussled by his conscience right after Lovi Poe’s (Greta Manarang) journalist boyfriend was gunned down. Both puzzled by the latter’s death found the culprit in a town reigned by Tirso Cruz (Muntazir Ghazi) whose Pons were

evidence. FAMAS award for Best Actor for “Paupahan” and “Dukot” were garnered by Allen Dizon; Lovi Poe who was twice crowned as Best Actress of Famas and Cinemalaya’s Awards in “Sagrade Familia” and “Mayohan”; and Ina Feleo who also succeeded as two-time Best Actress in “Endo”, “Sanglaan” and “Presa” by the Gawad Tanglaw and Cinemalaya. Another is a veteran and caliber packed actor, Tirso Cruz III. He is a FAP and FAMAS Best Actor for “Bilangin ang Mga Bituin sa Langit”. Cruz’s act of impersonating

precise to say that it is because its most intense and potent scenes has inspired its authenticity in reality. Of course this is not alone of what make it intense, commendable musical backdrop that fits shocking and suspense scenes made its role playing convincing. The fabricated realm of terror in the whole play was also well made up. The director on the other hand, in his struggle to inflect our minds his perceived revulsion towards the rotting trend of injustice has presented some unpleasant and violent panoramas unfitted in the eyes of the innocents. Furthermore, the movie

(No Children Under 17 Admitted). To reiterate, Joel Lamangan’s film attempts to inculcate and reveal the ailing social and political malaise to its viewers on the issues of unresolved media killings and subtle election fraud, private armies and political dynasties. Its heart-pounding scenes are eye-opener to the desensitized public who are victims and aggressors as well for its tolerance and inaction. It is evocative, bold and phenomenal film that is at par in the roster of awardwinning and caliber packed films.