MARCH 2014

VOL. XXVIII
NO. 1

US Embassy Grants Scholarship to Selected Studes

The US Embassy Manila student-scholars of the
launched the Access Micro- program.
scholarship Program at Dr. Rogier also gave
Navotas National High the Access teachers, Mr.
School on June 09, 2014. Marco D. Meduranda and
The Access Program, being Mrs. Josephine O. Fuentes
one of U.S. Government’s lecture/seminar on Online
premier English language English Language Teaching
program offers talented Resources. During the
13 to 16 year-olds from launching, NNHS teachers,
economically disadvantaged also received a workshop
sectors a foundation of on Rubric Development
English language skills by for Alternative Assessment Selected Access Program scholars from Grade 9 grab a photo opportunity with the US Embassy
providing 360 hours of which was facilitated by representatives, Dr. Kelly Wonder (2nd row, 2nd from left) and Dr. Dawn Rogier (9th from left).
after-school classes and Dr. Kelly Wonder, a Senior They are flanked with (2nd row, L-R) Mrs. Narcisa Evangelista, Ms. Isabel Palomar, Mr. Clint
intensive sessions over a English Language Fellow. Geronimo, Dr. Loreta B. Torrecampo, Mayor John Rey M. Tiangco, Mrs. Magdalena Arañez and
NNHS principal, Dr. Maria Cristina A. Robles.
period of two years. On the other hand,
Dr. Dawn Rogier of the certificates of recognition
Regional English Language were given to the US US Embassy for helping was intended to take place employment prospects,
Office Manila, marked the Embassy representatives raise the quality of second three years ago but it came which in turn increase the
launching of the program by the school principal, Dr. language instruction in through a very long process socio-economic success
by presenting certificates of Maria Cristina A. Robles to the school. Dr. Robles before it was signed and of their families and
award to 40 selected bright express gratitude to the stated that the program finally implemented on communities. The program
June 2014. Thus, she hoped also exposes participants
that everyone involved to a broader world of
Meneses, Isidro bag gold, silver in Korea in the program would be ideas and opportunities;
By Ryan Rey A. Corpin committed. increases their academic
With improved English opportunities; and
The Young Inventors IV-EC students - Patricia Omega 3 Supplement, for language skills acquired improves their chances
of Navotas National High Ericka Isidro won a gold adults and children that
through the Access of qualifying for U.S.
School bagged Gold and medal and a special enhances the enzymes
Silver medals with a Special award with her invention: needed by the body. Program, participants Government and other
Award in the 2014 Glami “Saluyot (Corchorus Olitorius): Meanwhile, Mrs. benefit from enhanced exchange programs.
Awards: International Youth Cleopatra’s Beauty Secret Elizabeth Joseph, Research
Invention Contest (IYIC) while Keith Konrad Adviser of the winners, was
held on August 7-10, 2014 Meneses, went home chosen to be one of the Masangya, Sese excel in
at Seoul Exhibition & Trade
Center (SETEC), Seoul, Korea.
with a Silver Medal, for his
“Pink Pearls”: A Lycopene,
judges in the said event.
Together with Professor International Science Tilt
Lee Jhung of Korea, they By Ryan Rey A. Corpin
judged 27 participating Justin Carlo Masangya and Renart Christian Sese, both
inventions. Mrs. Joseph from IV-EC, won a gold medal in the Kaohsiung International
was awarded International Invention Exhibition 2014 (KIE), held in Kaohsiung Taiwan
Judge and Research on December 19-21, 2014.
Adviser by the Korea
Masangya and Sese won a gold medal with their
University International
Association. invention: “Nata de Coco for the Invention of High Class and
The contest was Unique Quality Board for Circuits”. This is a biodegradable
participated in by 383 board which is highly comparable with other commercial
student-inventors coming circuit boards like our sim cards, credit cards, and ATM cards
from different countries all that are non-biodegradable. . This invention helps minimize
over the world like China, wastes that destroy the environment. Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph
Keith Konrad Meneses and Patricia Ericka Isidro with their
coach/adviser Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph, present their medals USA, UAE, Vietnam, Egypt, was their trainer/coach.
and certificates to Schools Division Superintendent Loreta Indonesia, Romania, Sri This year’s KIE, together with World Invention Intellectual
B. Torrecampo after winning in the 2014 Glami Awards: Property Association (WIIPA) and Taiwan Invention Product
International Youth Invention Contest (IYIC) held at Seoul Lanka, Malaysia, Canada,
Exhibition & Trade Center (SETEC), Seoul, Korea on August 7-10 Philippines, and Taiwan. Promotion Association (TIPPA), was participated in by 300
inventions from 20 countries from Europe, USA, and Asia.
 2 news

IV-EC studes win gold, special award

in Indonesia

Andan, Roldan win The group of Edlie FunctionalDevicewasmade invention Lock-in-Chair: A

in Regional Press Con Joshua Vargas, Ryan Rey

Corpin and Angelica Jan
Ignacio, all from IV-EC won
a gold medal in the 10th
International Exhibition
for Young Inventors 2014,
(IEYI) held on October 30
to November 1, 2014 in
Jakarta , Indonesia.
NNHS brought home one
of the 20 gold medals in the
said contest, the only gold
that the Philippines had
won in the event.
The group’s invention
“E(x)-scrap: A Multi-
from scrap materials of PC
fan, DVD spindle motor,
cell phone charger and
5-V battery. This invention
aimed to showcase a
multi-functional feature
of an electric fan, charger,
cooling pad and a light that
can be used during travel,
camping, brown-outs,
leisure and emergencies.
Meanwhile, Jezreel
Catamio (IV-EC), and
Danyelle Dimaala (Gr.9-
Aquino), won the special
award from Taiwan for their
Dura-Chair for Physically
Challenged Students. They
used waste materials from
wooden pallets imported
from other countries.
With this year’s theme
“Creating a Better Future
through Innovation”, the
exhibition was participated
by more than 300 young
inventors from Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia,
Philippines, Nigeria,
Taiwan with a total of 140
inventions.
By Patricia Ericka Isidro

Studes top First National

Theresa Marie Roldan and Angelica Andan brim with pride
during a photo-opp with Mrs. Leonida P. Nepomuceno, EPS in
English and the The Net adviser, Mrs. Mona Liza F. Adriano after
winning in the Regional Press Con held at Aurora A. Quezon
Elementary School last November 8.
Angelica Andan (7-SSC) and Theresa Marie Roldan
(9-Aquino) won in the Regional Secondary Schools Press
Conference (RSSPC) 2014 held at Aurora A. Quezon
Elementary School on November 8, 2014.
Andan won 9th Place in “Pagsulat ng Lathalain “while
Roldan got 10th Place in “Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng
Balita”. The two “Ang Lambat” campus writers bested
almost 300 participants from different private and public
secondary schools in the NCR.
Other participants in the 38th Regional Press Con were
the scribes from “The Net” and “Ang Lambat”, with their
respective advisers, Mrs. Mona Liza F. Adriano and Mrs.
Carina Evangelista.
By Ryan Rey A. Corpin
Science and Youth Congress
NNHS was proclaimed champion when two groups of IV-EC students bagged
awards in the 1st National Science and Youth Congress competitions held at the
Engineering building of UP Los Banos, Laguna last February 28.
The team of Edlie Joshua C. Vargas, Christian Jay S. Alfaro and Bernard Davadilla won
first place in the Green Technology Category while the team of Alyssa Marie Despi
and Shana Nicole Belarmino was declared 1st runner-up in the Green Life Category of
the Youth Greenovation. The groups were trained by Mr. Russell P. Samson and Miss
Heydiliza A. Santos. The students bested other contestants from private and public
secondary schools in the NCR and Region 4A.
Youth Greenovation is a part of the 1st National Science and Youth Congress
(NSYC), an inter-high school competition which aimed to celebrate today’s young
and innovative minds through a quiz contest (Mental Smack down), Essay Writing
contest, Extemporaneous Speech Contest, Poster Making Contest, Science Fair (Youth
Greenovation) and a symposium. This is a venue for high school students to showcase
their scientific knowledge through art, literature, and public speaking. On its first year,
the awareness on the energy crisis in the country will be discussed to fuel the scientific
minds of today’s youth. NSYC celebrates the intellectual prowess of tomorrow’s
generation.
NSYC is organized by the UP Association of Chemical Engineering Students.
By Mexica Bausa
 news 3

Corpin cops 3rd in WCC

Academic Competitions
By Angelica Jan Ignacio
Ryan Rey A. Corpin (IV-EC) won 3rd place in the 2nd World
Citi Colleges’ Academic Competitions: Math Olympiad held
at World Citi Colleges– Caloocan Campus on October 3,
2014
Corpin outsmarted sixteen student-participants from
schools in the division of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas,
Valenzuela and Rizal. He received Php. 2000, a trophy and
a certificate in the said competition. He was trained by Mr.
Jonathan Lardizabal, Math teacher

Domingo wins 3rd in

BSP Oratorical Contest
By Edlie Joshua Vargas

Ryan Rey Corpin smiles confidently with his coach Jonathan
Lardizabal after winning Third Place in the brain-wrecking Math
Challenge competition in the 2nd World Citi Colleges’ Academic
Competitions: Math Olympiad held at World Citi Colleges–
Caloocan Campus on October 3.
Claire Domingo won 3rd Place in the 16th Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) NCR DepEd
Oratorical Contest last October 27, 2014 held at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. With the
theme,”National Statistics Month at 25 years and Beyond Solid and Responsive Philippines
Statistical System and Support of Globalization and Regional Economic Integration”, the
oratorical contest was participated by 15 contestants from different public and private
secondary schools in the NCR.. Domingo was trained by Mrs. Jean Catandijan, English
Teacher. The piece was written by Mr. Marco Meduranda.

Bacalla, Vargas win

Grandslam in Division Grade 7 - Prince Edrow Dela
Cruz, Karla Nadine Abad and Elijah
in NCR Science Fair
MTAP Math Challenge
Andrew Pineda.
Grade 8 - Samantha Nicole
By Justin Carlo Masangya
By Edlie Joshua Vargas Soria, Arcie Magtanong and Franco
Lord Azhrin Bacalla and Edlie Joshua Vargas won in the
Gaturian.
Navotas National High School was hailed as 2014 Regional Science and Technology Fair held at Navotas
Grade 9 - Jared Tabuzo, Joanna
Overall Champion in the 2015 Division Meet City Sports Complex, on Novem ber 8, 2014.
Marie San Jose, Mark Kenneth
Metrobank MTAP DepEd Math Challenge last Bacalla (Gr.8-SSC) won 1st Place in the On-the-Spot
Solanoy.
January 14 at Navotas National High School. Poster Making Contest while Vargas (IV-EC), won 4th Place
4th Year-Ryan Rey A. Corpin,
NNHS won by landslide when students in the Science Investigatory Project (SIP): Applied Science
Jerome A. Balatbat and Renart
from Gr 7 to 4th year won First Place in the Individual Category for his invention, X-Scrap: The Future of
Christian J. Sese.
said activity. The following were the students the Past.
All of the contestants qualified in
who won in the contest: Meanwhile, Mr. Russell Samson, Science teacher in
the Area Orals (CAMANAVA).
NNHS, placed 2nd on the Strategic Intervention Materials
(SIM) contest.
This was the first time that Navotas City hosted
NNHS readers bring home the bacon
By Danilo Navarro
the annual NCR Science and Technology Fair. Booths
showcasing inventions of students from different private
Navotas National High from public and private Dioquino and Mrs. and public secondary schools in the National Capital Region
School was proclaimed secondary schools in Josephine Fuentes. highlighted the event.
over-all champion in Navotas. In Filipino, First Place
the recently concluded In English, First Place winners were Theresa
2015 Reading Proficiency winners were Jezreel Marie Roldan (Gr. 9-Aquino)
Contest (both in English and Catamio (IV-EC), Christine and Mexica Bausa (Gr.
Filipino), held at Navotas Jocson (Gr. 9-Aquino) and 8-SSC); Second Place
Elementary School (NES- Samantha Nicole Soria (Gr. winners were Sansweet
Central) last February 11. 8-SSC); while Fourth Place Manarang (IV-EC) and
NNHS participants from winner was Zyrus Vander Edrow del Cruz (Gr. 7-SSC).
Gr. 7 to 4th year capped Rico (Gr. 7-SSC). Their respective trainers
the championship title Their respective trainers were Mrs. Gina Valdez, Mrs.
when all of them emerged were Mrs. Mona Liza Elvira Siason, Mrs. Carina
winners for each year level F. Adriano, Mr. Marco Evangelista and Mr. Ariel
besting other participants Meduranda, Mrs. Katherine Santos.
 4 news
Teachers indulge in TQC seminar through NCAF leadership journey
By Ryan Rey Corpin
Navotas National High
School teachers were
indulged in a two-day/
three-weekend leadership
seminars sponsored by the
Ninoy and Cory Aquino
Foundation (NCAF) .
The Leadership Journey
for Public School Teachers is
one of Ninoy & Cory Aquino
Foundation’s pioneering
program in forming
and inspiring teachers
into loving and caring
servant-leaders. It aimed
to enhance ones values
and attitudes of a teacher
not only as a profession
but also as a vocation.
Dubbed as “Ninoy and
Cory Aquino Leadership
Journey” (NCALJ) for
Public School Teachers, this
Teacher Quality Circle (TQC)
seminar, was conducted in
three separate sessions.
Guest speakers were
notable teachers themselves
who shared their own
Teachers incorporate Active Learning strategies
that the commitment of organizers and staff headed
Navotas National High by the Lopa brothers – Sir
School led by its principal, Rapa, and Sir Jim (NCAF
Dr. Maria Cristina A. Robles chairman), nephews of the
to undergo the Leadership late President Cory Aquino;
Journey determined the and to the facilitators led
success of the program. by Sir Jampao Reyes, to
On the other hand, NNHS this rare and remarkable
teachers led by Dr. Robles, experience given to them by
were grateful to the NCAF the group.
Batch 2 graduates of the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Leadership
Journey (NCALJ) pose gratefully with the NCALJ organizers Sir
Jim (2nd row-standing), Sir Jampao 1st row - (left), Sir Rapa
(4th from left) and DepEd Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera (6th Science Dep’t secures 5-peat
Overall Championship
from left) after the remarkable two-day seminar at the Manresa
Retreat House last January 24-25, which reawakened the
teachers’ passion to teach.
By Jerome Balatbat
The Science Department of Navotas National High
insights on leadership and Filipino Awardee. Juanita
spirituality in teaching. Ms. Alajar is a principal from School secured its 5-peat title after winning the overall
championship in the Division Science Fair 2014 held at
Sabrina Ongkiko, a young Justice Cecilia Muñoz
graduate from Ateneo Palma High School (Payatas, Tanza National High School last October 1, 2014. Prior
to this, NNHS has been the Overall Champion in the
De Manila University is a Quezon City.)
teacher at Culiat Elementary Department of Education said event for five consecutive years since 2010.
Students and teachers bagged awards in the said
School, Quezon City. Mr. Undersecretary Rizalino
Onofre Pagsanghan, also Rivera was visible contest. In the Science Quiz Bee, Mexica Bausa (8-SSC)
won 1st place, while Theresa Marie Roldan (9-Aquino)
known as Mr. Pagsi, an throughout the duration
Ateneo graduate himself is of the 3 sessions/two-day and Mikaella De Guia (8-Galileo) capped 3rd place.
Lord Ahzrin Bacalla dominated the On-the-Spot
a Metrobank Outstanding seminar. He also shared
significant story of his life Poster Making Contest by landing on the first place.
as a public servant, a family In the Science Investigatory Project (SIP), first
man and as an ordinary place winners were Edlie Joshua Vargas, Justin Carlo
co-worker. He said, “As a Masangya, Jezreel Catamio (all from IV-EC), Christine
teacher, you were given Jocson, Rhogina Gonzales and Naomi Gayle Dela Cruz
the opportunity to touch (all from Gr.9-Aquino). Second place winners were
the lives of your students.” Jerome Balatbat, Angelica Jan Ignacio, Alyssa Marie
Showing support to the Despi (all from IV-EC), Danyelle Dimaala, Rhandolf
Filipino public school Traje, Shana Belarmino (all from Gr.9-Aquino), and
teachers, he added, Kayle Traquina (IV-Benevolence). Third place winners
“We are fighting for you. were Ryan Rey Corpin, Patricia Isidro (both from IV-
Whatever happens, we are EC), Erica Malaca , Theresa Marie Roldan, and Alexis
here for you”. Acusin (all from 9-Aquino).
Mr. Rapa Lopa, In the Strategic Intervention Material (SIM), First
Chairman-Philippine Busi- place winners were Mr. Russell Samson, Mr. James
ness for Social Progress Oliver Pingol and Ms. Grace Magno. Second place
(PBSP) acknowledged winners were Ms. Anika Dana Sengco, Ms. Heydiliza
Santos and Ms. Ronalyn Bautista; while third place
was Mrs. Socora Retuya.

Teachers are incorporating Active Learning strategies in their classes after they went
through another TQC (Teacher Quality Circle) activity - a training-workshop on Active
Learning pedagogy which highlighted the School Learning Action Cell (SLAC) at the NNHS
last September 3 and a follow-through training-workshop on November 17.
Entitled “Redefining MCART: Meaningful Collaborative Activities for Revitalized Teaching
& Learning,” the in-service training engaged teachers in revisiting student-centered learning
techniques and active learning approach as well as re-examining and re-engineering their
lesson plans to maximum student engagement. Project Proponent and workshop facilitator
was Mr. Marco D. Meduranda, Master Teacher I in English.
This project is an offshoot of M-CART 3.0 (NNHS Reading Literacy Program). It covers
integration of Active Learning strategies in the preparation of multi-media (M-CART)
lessons which contained the thousand and one reading tools utilized in M-CART 2.0 lessons Students and Science teachers celebrate their 5-peat
(M-CART as a tool for ADM (Alternative Delivery Mode) entitled M-ISOS (Modified In- championship victory with Ms. Isabel Palomar, EPS in
School/Off-school Scheme). Science and Dr. Florabel Santos, Science Department
It is envisioned that for SY 2015-2016 and onwards, the school will be able to offer single Head, after being proclaimed champion for the fifth time
shift classes with 40-45 students per class. This can be done with the use of chairs, tables in five consecutive years in the Division Science Fair .
and classroom space intended for active learning situations. By Justin Carlo Masangya
 news
Scribes bag awards in the 1st Division Press Con
NNHS was hailed
champion after staffers
of “The Net” and “Ang
Lambat” bagged gold,
silver, and bronze medals
in the 1st Division Press
Conference (for Secondary
and Elementary Schools)
Campus writers receive 1st Intensive
Summer Journalism Camp
The School conducted
a Summer Journalism
Training for the NNHS
campus writers dubbed
as “1st Intensive Summer
Journalism Camp”, last
April 2-8, at the NNHS
computer laboratory.
With the theme -
“Getting the Balance
Right: Gender, Media and
Journalism”, the summer
camp, was the first ever
intensive journalism
training for campus writers
in the city of Navotas.
Spearheaded by Mrs.
Mona Liza F. Adriano, The
Net adviser and Mr. Marco
D. Meduranda, Master
Teacher 1 of the English
Department, its main
objective was to develop
and harness the journalistic
and writing skills of the
potential campus writers
and newspaper staffs. It
further aimed to make the
participants write well-
organized articles and
identify and develop styles
held at Navotas Elementary
School - Central last Sept. 13
and 27, 2014.
With the theme,
“Empowering Resilient
Communities Through
Campus Journalism”
NNHS scribes outsmarted
By Ryan Rey Corpin
appropriate to varied
writing situations.
The journalism camp
was an intensive five-
day, 30 hours free
training workshop on
campus journalism.
It was conceptualized
and facilitated by Mr.
Meduranda and Mrs.
Adriano, who discussed
about newspaper writing
styles, strategies and
techniques. They made use
of “interactive lectures and
collaborative” approaches
in teaching campus
journalism concepts
with the aid of M-CART
(Mobile Computer-
Aided Reinforcement for
Teaching). The forty (40)
participants from incoming
Grades 8, 9 and 4th year
were pre-selected based on
their writing skills and level
of motivation to become
campus journalists or
school paper contributors
NNHS principal, Dr. Maria
Cristina A. Robles, in her
5
By Rizaldy Arriego
112 participants from Isidro-Photojournalism, Balatbat (IV-EC)-Pagsulat
seven public and private both from IV-EC and ng Balitang Isports, Theresa
secondary schools in Christine S. Jocson Marie Roldan (9-Aquino)-
Navotas City. (9-Aquino)-Science and Pagwawasto at Pag-
For The Net staff, First Technology Feature uulo ng Balita, Angelica
Place winners were Ryan Writing. Second Place Andan (7-SSC)-Pagsulat
Rey A. Corpin-Editorial was Darly F. San Pedro ng Lathalain and Trixie G.
Writing, Patricia Ericka (IV-EC)-Copy reading and Castro (IV-EC)-Pagkuha ng
Headline Writing. Third Larawan; Second Place
Place winners were Jezreel was Shana Belarmino
F. Catamio (IV-EC)-Feature (9-Aquino)-Pagsulat ng
Writing and Danillo B. Balitang Agham; Third Place
Navarro (9-Aquino)-News were Nicole Pascual (IV-
Writing; Fifth Place was EC)-Pagsulat ng Editoryal
Mexica Bausa (8-SSC)- and Mark Kenneth Solanoy
Editorial Cartooning; and (9-Aquino)-Kartuning; 4th
Edlie Joshua C. Vargas (IV- was Shennalyn Canes (IV-
EC) got Sixth Place in Sports EC)-Pagsulat ng Balita.
News Writing. The scribes were with
Ang Lambat Staffers their trainer-advisers –
also capped medals in the Mrs. Mona Liza F. Adriano
said contest. First Place (The Net) and Mrs. Carina
winners were Jerome A. Evangelista ( Ang Lambat).
NNHS campus writers are hailed champions after winning several
gold medals in the 1st Division Press Conference 2014 held at Navotas
Elementary School - Central last September 13 and 27. Newspaper
advisers Mrs. Mona Liza F. Adriano and Mrs. Carina Evangelista pose
proudly with the winners.
Participants in the 1st Intensive Summer Journalism Camp 2014 are thankful to NNHS principal,
Dr. Maria Cristina A. Robles and the training facilitators Mr. Marco Meduranda and Mrs, Mona Liza
F. Adriano during the seminar’s graduation ceremony last April 8.
Opening Message, stressed Guest Speaker Mr. a worthwhile activity and
out the importance of Ernesto L. Español, Jr., an challenged the campers in
being a well-rounded officer of the NCRSSPAA becoming effective school
campus writer and added (NCR Secondary Schools paper writers through the
that she hoped that Paper Adviser Association), summer journalism training
through the summer discussed about Lay-outing and workshop. Also in
journalism training, the using the Adobe Page attendance were Ms. Isabel
participants would become Maker application. Palomar (EPS-Science),
more equipped campus Asst. Schools Division NNHS department heads-
journalists and become Superintendent Mrs. Mr. Mario Siason (English)
more competitive not only Ma. Evalou Concepcion Mrs. Florabel F. Santos
in the regional but in the A. Agustin commended (Science) and Mr. Rico
national newspaper writing Mr. Meduranda and Mrs. Tarectecan (Filipino).
competition as well. Adriano for initiating such
 6 opinion
Editorial Staff
S.Y. 2014-2015
Ryan Rey A. Corpin
Editor-in-Chief
Jezreel F. Catamio
Associate Editor-in-Chief
Edlie Joshua Vargas
Justin Carlo Masangya
Managing Editor
Jezreel F. Catamio
Feature Editor
Chistine Jocson
Science & Technology
Jerome Balatbat / DARLY SAN PEDRO
Literary Editor
Danilo Navarro
News Editor
Edlie Joshua Vargas
Sports Editor
Patricia Ericka Isidro
Photo Journalist
Rizaldy Arriego
Circulation Manager
Mexica Bausa
Cartoonist
Theresa Marie Roldan
Karen Cabangbang
Glaiza Delos Santos
Danielle Sunga
Angelica Jan Ignacio
Contributors
Mrs. Mona Liza F. Adriano
Adviser, The Net
Mr. Mario M. Siason
Head, English Department
Dr. Maria Cristina A. Robles
Principal IV
Dr. Loreta B. Torrecampo, CESO V
Schools Division Superintendent
Bangsamoro Basic Law:
Sign or Decline?
On October 15, 2014, the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) signed a historic agreement that hope will end the armed conflict in Mindanao.
Amidst these peace talks, a very alarming incident took place last January 25. Forty-four (44)
members of Special Action Force (SAF) got ambushed and killed by the Bangsamoro Islamic
Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and MILF. The question now is, should the Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL) be continued and signed or stopped and declined?
The agreement signed by GPH and MILF last October is called the Framework Agreement
on Bangsamoro (FAB). This FAB is not the end agreement but rather an “outline” or a major
step on the path to peace. The Framework includes the establishment of the Bangsamoro;
formulation of basic law and powers; determination of revenue generation and wealth sharing
and territory; and the basic rights of all people within the territory - Muslim, indigenous and all
others living there. As stated by the President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the FAB “symbolizes
and honors the struggles of our forebears in Mindanao, and celebrates the history and
character of that part of our nation.”
Al Haj Murad, chairman of the MILF, said in his speech during the signing that the Framework
Agreement is the “most important document in the chapter of our history – landmark
document that restores our people their Bangsamoro identity and their homeland, their right
to govern themselves and the power to forge their destiny and future with their very hands.”
The BBL went smoothly in the Congress until a whistle broke the silence on this matter.
A clash, between the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (allegedly
joined by the United States Army Special Forces and the Federal Bureau of Investigation), BIFF,
and MILF.
Originally a mission that aims to serve arrest warrants for most wanted terrorists, led to the
deaths of forty-four (44) members of SAF, at least eighteen (18) from MILF and five (5) from the
BIFF and several civilians. The death of Zulkifli Abdhir, one of the most wanted terrorists, was
confirmed by the FBI and NBI due to a matching DNA result.
Is it obvious? Is it obvious that we’re being abused in our own homeland? The Philippine
Government is now like a dog obeying all of the orders given by its master (MILF). And after the
Mamasapano Clash, would the government still sign the BBL? We can recall that on year 2000,
Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada declared an all-out-war against the MILF which
captured its headquarters and other camps.
For now, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not the solution to the security crises happening
in Mindanao. Suggestions for the declaration of an all-out-war must be considered. Yes, it’s
going to be dangerous. But do we have a choice? Things become even worse every time we
make agreements with them.
We did it before and we succeeded, we can do it again.
 opinion 7

Welcome to HIV World by Edlie Joshua Vargas

Rumors and stories have been quickly
spreading on the internet and social media sites.
As we enter the season of hearts, not just love
is spreading amongst us but a dreadful disease
called “HIV”.
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is an
illness that alters the immune system, making
people much more vulnerable to infections and
diseases. The virus is passed from one person
to another through blood-to-blood and sexual
contact. This virus can also develop into AIDS
or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome – a
disease which is more serious and causes more
harm to the host than HIV.
These diseases, up to now, have no known
cure and continue to pass on from generation to
generation. The disease was first recognized and
identified in the early 1980s.
As the story happened, it was in Recto (Claro
M. Recto Avenue), one of the busiest and most
crowded places in Manila. There was a female
student from University of Sto. Tomas who was
wandering in the streets to buy some books.
Sudden she felt her arm grow a little heavier
than usual. Then she checked and saw a syringe
plunged in her arm with a note saying “Welcome
to the HIV world”. At first, she thought it was just
a prank made by an attention-seeker. She then
decided to get a check-up in the UST Hospital when the hero/heroine in the story gets a sudden
and the result was a shocking “positive”. (Source: sickness or falls into a spell given by a witch it is
facebook post from Jerremiah Kriziah Bataller) “an act of true love” that saves them, if we could
This post has not yet been proven even today, just believe that we were in a fairy tale and try
but this post has alarmed the public of the new loving these people- maybe “an act of true love”
way of spreading HIV. Some people who have can truly cure them.
HIV are said to be depressed of their lives and are Even if I stand to treat them as normal human
believed to do strange things like these to others. beings, let us not forget the precautionary
As modern technology branches, many people measures upon meeting them face to face. Let
are now becoming curious of what life offers. Let us always remember that this sickness has “no
us not be afraid and be judgmental to the people cure” up to now. Let us all be careful and be wise
who have HIV, but let us help them see the beauty at all times.
of life and what God has planned for them.
For me, it is a matter of acceptance that we deal
with these things. We are only human beings, we
are vulnerable to sickness, pain and grief yet we
treat each other like we think that we are hard as
stones, hard enough to withstand the agony of
being judged and ridiculed. If we don’t love these
people, there will be an unending cycle of people
who have lives hiding in the shadows, staying in
the presence of misery and gloom.
Let us not neglect these types of situations,
because if we put ourselves in their shoes- it is not
just a joke to survive the life of being “Positive”.
Now is the time to make a change, to disregard
their sickness and treat them just like normal
human beings, God’s Creation. In fairy tales,

Letters to the Editor

Students’ Opinion About Active Learning
• The concept of Active Learning
reminds me about a quote that
talks about knowledge by using
all our senses than just sitting on
our chairs and listening to our
teachers’ lectures. It improves
my imagination, the way I
think, and interact with my co-
students. Active Learning is a
trend designed for knowledge
with a twist.
Danillo Navarro
(9-Aquino)
• Active Learning, for me, is
enhancing each others’ skills.
It is for learning together with
new friends and interacting
with other students. It is the
time when you can share your
knowledge with each other
together with different thoughts
and opinions. It is learning
with active interaction and
collaboration.
Loi Deseree Dimaapi
(9-Aquino)
• For a Grade 9 student like me,
active learning really helps me
a lot. It boosts my confidence
and the way I interact with
“active learners”. It also helps
us to accomplish tasks easier
since we work collaboratively. I
can say that active learning is a
great modern approach to 21st
century learners.
Riomel F. Bravo
(9-Aquino)
• For me, active learning is a
strategy wherein students’
skills are enhanced. As
from my own experience, it
makes my everyday learning
more enjoyable. It’s about
transforming students’ thoughts
into a large picture of know-
ledge. Active learning makes
learning more interesting to
students, For me, it’s having fun
while learning.
Naomi Daenielle A. De Leon
(9-Aquino)
• In my own opinion, “Active • As a Grade 9 student, the “Active
Learning” plays a big role in Learning” technique helps me a lot
the implementation of quality in expressing myself with my ideas
education at its finest. Active and thoughts through an active
learning does not only focus on participation and interaction with
education but gives emphasis my classmates. It is an approach
to the way students are able wherein I can feel that I am “in”.
to learn thru experience and Learning becomes more fun and
group interaction. Specifically, interesting. It becomes easier
this strategy makes up room for because I am able to understand
enjoyment and entertainment the lessons and apply it actively. It
while learning. The significance also boosts my confidence and self-
of this technique is to reinforce esteem because I can showcase and
rapport between teachers and share what I have learned. Thank you
students – at the same time for the proponents of this program.
bring out the best in them. “We can now learn, socialize, then
Christian Jay Alfaro have fun.
(9-Bonifacio) Theresa Marie Roldan
(9-Aquino)
• I think active learning is the best way for the students to learn. Active
learning gives the students the opportunity to enhance and express their
own talents and creativity with fun learning. I hope that this program
will not be a short-term approach, and will be implemented to different
schools, not only in Navotas, but also in the National Capital Region, so
that other students will enjoy learning as much as we do.
Rhogina Gil Gonzales
(9-Aquino)
 8 feature
FALLEN
By Jezreel Catamio
January 25, 2015, Sunday,
a police operation took place
in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano,
Maguindanao between the Special
Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine
National Police (PNP), joined by
the United States Army Special
Forces (USASF) and Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI). The PNP-
SAF’s mission was to serve arrest
warrants to the two world’s most
wanted terrorists - “Marwan” and
“Usman”. The operation of the SAF
Troopers, unfortunately, triggered
the senses of the Bangsamoro
Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)
and Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) to crossfire against them. In
the end, the fight led to the deaths
of the 44 members of the PNP-SAF,
five from BIFF and at least 18 from
MILF. It also resulted to the death of
Zulkifli Abdhir or “Marwan”, and the
escape of “Usman”. The incident
caused the Philippine Congress
to temporarily stop the “peace-
process” of the Bangsamoro Basic
Law (BBL).
As students, it is hard for us
to understand the concept of
“dying for our country”. We
already knew that many Filipino
heroes from the past had suffered
injuries- physically, mentally, and
emotionally and those people who
contributed in the progress of our
society in the present.
Maybe it’s just normal to us
whenever we hear that a soldier
died from a fight or a soldier
sacrificed his own life to save his co-
soldier. We may often think that it’s
just okay because it’s their job. It’s
easy for us to say that this soldier’s
courage is enduring. But whenever
we think of ourselves dying, it’s hard
for us to say, “Goodbye”. Maybe
most of us think that wearing that
“camouflage” is cool, and so you
want to be a soldier? When you’re
a soldier, you’ll be given badges
and pins which will show how far
you have risen from the ranks.
When you’re a soldier, you’ll be
given commendations, awards and
recognitions. But when you think of
losing a fight, and dying from your
enemy’s hands, you would actually
say, “I don’t like being a soldier. It’s
not cool anyway.”
Being a soldier is a blessing, but
this can also be a downfall. It is
considered an honor and a gallantry
for a soldier to be given a chance
to be deployed to the battlefield
because through this, he could
be able to show concern for the
innocent civilians he is trying to
protect and show his love for his
country. But have we asked, how
much pain does a soldier bear to be
away from his family for days, for
weeks or for months, thinking if his
family still have something to eat?
How much pain do these soldiers
carry in their hearts every time they
leave their families preparing to go
to the “battlefield”, unsure if they
could still come back and hug them
once again? Thinking, maybe…, this
will be their last fight.
When you’re a fighter, you must
always be prepared to die. Your
mind must be set in a 50/50 chance
of survival. When you join a fight,
you have two choices: to survive or
to die. When you survive, it means
you have achieved your goal, your
mission and you won. But when
you die, nevertheless, you still
deserve another round of applause.
It is simply because, you did your
best to survive.
The families and relatives of
the SAF troopers suffered all the
pain, not just physically but also
emotionally. We could never
imagine what had happened to
them, on that ill-fated day. It’s like
being in the dark searching for light.
And for their fallen comrades, we
could never explain the pain that
their families have suffered. The
pain will always be in the hearts of
their bereaved families. The only
thing that they could do is to pray
for their loved ones’ soul. And for
consolation, tell themselves that
maybe it was their time to go to
heaven.
Until now, it has always been
proven that our country is worth
dying for and in the end, we
realize that the Fallen 44 and their
comrades who survived the battle
in the Mamasapano are heroes of
our time!

Lolo Kiko
By Jezreel F. Catamio / Edlie Joshua Vargas
He is definitely the one. From a simple
man named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, to being
Pope Francis. The one—who is chosen by
the Almighty Creator, to help Him spread His
teachings, all for the common good. He is, the
Pope who will reconnect us all.
From the very first day of his visit in the
country, January 15 up to the last, January 19
of the year 2015, Pope Francis had been the
talk in every tabloids and broadsheets, from
the Philippines’ Jolo to Batanes, and from ear
of one Christian to another. As we can recall,
the Philippines is one of the biggest God-
loving nation along the globe. And as Papa
Francisco came with his sacredness as being
the head of the Catholic Church, people of
the Philippines became interested in seeing
and hearing the Pope’s masses. Every Filipino
has his own way of showing great solemnity in terms of faith. They are real
contributors of spreading God’s grace to each other and they are religious
in their own ways. By these characteristics of these people in the country,
Pope Francis continued what he was supposed to do—to congregate every
Christian despite of their diversity, that they should have the ears and eyes
to experience God’s Holiness. His stay in our country left a great mark in
history that we can never forget.
Indeed, the Pope’s visit in the Philippines quenched the Filipinos’ thirst
for the word of God and imparted a great
account of the Pope’s impact across the
world. This led to the transformation of
many Filipino citizens; rich or poor, young
or old, skinny or fat, white or black – into
people with mercy and compassion. He also
oriented us of the importance of “Humility”
in the lives of human beings. As the saying
goes: “Humility is the only virtue that the
devil cannot imitate”, Lolo Kiko set aside all
the luxury and fame that he could all have
and always tried to reach out the poor and
lame.
Pope Francis’ unbiased perception of
family also credits to the evidences of him
being the “People’s Pope”. He also said: “The
family is the greatest treasure of any country.
Let us all work to protect and strengthen
this, the cornerstone of society”- meaning
the family is the most fundamental piece in
our civilization.
These facts about Pope Francis’ unending devotion to the church and
people merely show a portion of God’s blessing to our nation. We all know
that the Pope’s presence in our country truly is a blessing that triggered
the button in the hearts of every Filipino citizen, which made a role in
strengthening our faith in God. May Lolo Kiko’s words become a lesson in
our lives, and let us impart it to the lives of others. “We, who are Christians,
members of God’s family, are called to go out to the needy and serve them”,
let us now receive God’s calling.
 feature
Gaining a Deeper Perspective
and Character through Reading
in the Libraries By Christine Jocson
Reading is always an important key to success. For this reason, libraries are considered
very essential in developing reading skills that will propel an individual to greater heights.
Indeed, through reading, we discover new things and explore the facts in the world. It
enhances our capability to understand life and help us appreciate the value of creative
thinking and imagination. As Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is better than knowledge.”
Truly, reading helps shape one’s perspective, character, and leadership ability.
First, reading is a way to change our perspective. In reading, we make movies wherein
we are the director of our thoughts. We become knowledgeable of the things happening
around us and formulate our own opinions about the issues in our society. In addition,
through reading, we discover and know ourselves more.
Furthermore, reading improves a person’s character through critical thinking. We can
determine the differences between right and wrong. Knowledge is useless if we cannot imagine
how it looks like. It is as if we know the concept but do not know how to apply it to our lives.
Finally, reading gives us the motivation to be leaders. We gain confidence that helps us
face the reality – the future in our hands. Reading the biographies of democratic leaders and
their triumph is a great way for us to have
a warm heart for our country and help
reach its dreams for its people. Our minds
become broad when it comes to facing the
challenges that we encounter in our lives.
Truly, every Filipino must possess and
develop the habit of reading so that we will
be able to contribute to nation-building
and gain knowledge that will serve as our
guide for the bright future that waits on
our way.
“Delay for Today!” - How to Beat Procrastination?
By Jezreel F. Catamio
pro-cras-ti-na-tion |prəˌkrastəˈnāSHən, prō-|noun.
1. is the practice of carrying out less urgent tasks in preference to more urgent ones, or
doing more pleasurable things in place of less pleasurable ones, and thus putting off
impending tasks to a later time, sometimes to the “last minute” before the deadline.
2. the action of delaying or postponing something. -Wikipedia.
When you are already in the state of writing the first word of your English essay, and
then a cute ivory monkey poofed from somewhere, what will you do? When you are about
to hold the first plate of a mountain of dirty dishes and an enormous cone of ice cream
knocked on your door, what will you do? When you are awaken by the self-set alarm clock
but your hotdog pillow is still hugging you whispering “love me harder”, what will you do?
Of course my dear procrastinator, you will gratify yourself by spending your supposed
time to be spent in the Have-To-Dos by doing the guilty pleasures or the Want-To-Dos. The
primary tip to beat procrastination is to AVOID IT. AVOID IT, DUDE.
Procrastinators are the people who don’t know how to don’t do procrastination,
says Tim Urban, blogger. But, how can they still do their need-to-do things? The word:
“PANIIIIIIIIIC!”—Panic, says Tim Urban, is the red alarm from an over-pleasured-body to
work, and these people are the ones who will consequently hate the aftermath of their
procrastination; it could be a public embarrassment, a career disaster, a trust-of-the-boss-
lie low, or some seriously scary results. Oh my gosh, you should really be scared! Don’t let
that cute ivory monkey deceive you! (Well, it really seemed very cute!)
Avoid procrastination. That’s the easiest way to beat it. Avoid only seeing the pretty parts
of gratifying things, that’s not even necessary! Say it to your mind, always! Always skip into
conclusion if you know that you are a procrastinator, and never let Metallica band allure you
to heavy-metal, because if not, your teacher will scold you, your assignments would be a
block of thick accordion and your eyes will have a couple of dark bags… you would not like
or want that, don’t you?
So, don’t you dare tweet to the world that you are a procrastinator! Keep the cute ivory
monkey on your locker, write the words of your essay, wash the filthy dishes and wake
up on right time. Improve yourself now, because if you do the “Delay for Today!”, your
procrastination will devour you, to death!
9
The 9GAG to
Cure Your DepressionBy Jezreel F. Catamio
Don’t deny the truth that you’re often logged in your
Facebook (you’ve already liked their page), don’t ever
dare to deny that you’re signed in to your Twitter (you’ve
already followed their account) and, don’t you lie about you
laughing about what you’re sharing and retweeting… that
all comes from 9GAG.
Today’s generation of teenagers (oh, and don’t forget
some cool adults) were usually ‘on’ in their social networking
accounts—the times where mothers are often caught
scolding their child for a long period of time of networking.
Well, let’s introduce them (our mothers) the internet things
that will make them love you because you are awesome for
letting them know what’s in it.
9GAG.com is an operated social media website by
9GAG, Inc. where users upload several variations of “user-
generated” images, videos and GIFs (moving images). The
website was launched on 23rd of April, 2008 and has grown
its popularity until today—reaching more than twenty (20)
million ‘FB likes’ and over three (3) million ‘Twitter followers’.
The co-founder of 9GAG, Ray Chan was still standing for
their over-philanthropist slogan, “where people will go
whenever they want to kill some time and have a laugh.”
What is in it and why people are now addicted to it? Well,
the contents include “memes”—you don’t know them?
They are the funny internet pictures that you usually see
on the internet; show things that will make you go laugh-
out-loud and rolling-on-the-floor-laughing. They’re often
called as “internet jokes” and are very popular because of
at least 99.9% of people in the world would always relate.
The Netizens (or the citizens of internet) that are addicted
to 9GAG are called the ‘9Gaggers’. So-so… they’ve already
built their community! How about joining them?
The contents-of-laughing posted on 9GAG have different
categories; either hot, trending, fresh, TV, girl, guy, comic,
NSFW (oh, this means ‘Not Safe For Work’ or the “not
suitable for very young audiences” category), cosplay
(costume play), geeky, timely, meme, WTF, and a few others
such as cute, food, GIFs, so that even your mood for today
can be suited easily for another time of laughing. The overly
enjoying part in 9GAG is you can even comment on those
posted threads and do your laughing-thing on the internet!
That’s one big reason, teenagers nowadays became so
moody and attached to their laptops and smartphones,
they tend to cure their depression and longing by seeing
some kind of stuffs in 9GAG.
“Laughing is the best medicine to cure depression,” said
by psychologists, which is we often find true because in
this stressing world, you would really seek for things that
can escape you awhile from the sadness. You won’t let that
depression eat you, right? So now, you can already go to
9GAG—the place where people will go whenever they want
to kill some time and have a laugh.
 10
An Outbreak
By Christine Jocson
Way back in 1976, Doctor Baron
Peter Piot discovered the Ebola
hemorrhagic fever or also known
as the Ebola virus. He received a
blood sample from a dead Belgian
nun and could not identify the
disease. Together with his friends,
they went to Zaire to stop the
outbreak spreading in the country.
They gave information to many
people and for three months, the
epidemic stopped which killed
almost 300 people. Many years
passed, on March 2014 in West
By Christine S. Jocson
The Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-
CoV), known before as “novel
coronavirus 2012” or also termed
as “EMC/2012”, is a single stranded
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), which
is essential for all forms of life
together with the Deoxyribonucleic
Acid (RNA) and proteins, of the
Betacoronavirus. It is a severe
illness and has caused death in
several countries.
It was first reported in Saudi
Arabia in 2012. Dr. Ali Mohamed
Zaki, a virologist at the Dr. Soliman
Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia, received a call from a doctor,
who was worried for a 60-year old
man with severe viral pneumonia,
and wanted him to identify the
virus. He obtained a sputum from
the patient and worked. He sent
the samples to a virology lab at
Rotterdam. While waiting for the
results, he took another test and
got a positive result. The results
said that the infectious agent
came from a family of pathogens
called coronaviruses. This was
never seen before. To alert other
scientists, he posted on proMED, an
Africa, the Ebola virus again spread
and compared to its last outbreak,
this time was more complex.
The Ebola virus disease (EVD)
is often fatal illness to humans
if untreated. It came from wild
animals like bats which were
commonly found in forests.
In 1976, it first appeared in
Nzara, Sudan and in Yambuku,
Democratic Republic of Congo. It
came from the Ebola river from
which its name was taken. The
current EVD outbreak occurred in
internet reporting of the infectious
diseases to public health agencies.
Unfortunately, when he went back
to Egypt, his contract in the hospital
was terminated because the Saudi
Arabian Ministry of Health didn’t
like the post he made in proMED.
Despite of his contract being
terminated, it was still good for him
because it was his duty.
Then there was the second case
found in September 2012. A 49-
year old man from Qatar had several
flu symptoms and was similar to
the first case. In November 2012,
similar cases were noted in Qatar
and Saudi Arabia, with deaths
associated. It is not certain that it
is human-to-human transmission.
The viruses from the EMC/2012
were recommended to be coming
from a single zoonotic event. This
means that MERS-CoV has been
flowing in the human population
for greater than one year without
any detection.
On February 13, 2013, the World
Health Organization (WHO) stated
“the risk of sustained person-to-
person transmission appears to be
very low.” As of May 29, 2013, WHO
the villages of Central Africa and
later in urban areas. There were
5 species identified but only three
of them have been associated
with large outbreaks in Africa –
Zaire, Bundibugyo, and Sudan
ebola virus. The most severely
affected countries were Sierra
Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. It was
said that these countries have very
weak health systems.
Ebola then spreads through
human-to-human transmission via
direct contact (through broken skin
or mucous membranes) with the
blood, secretions, organs or other
bodily fluids of infected people,
and with surfaces and materials
contaminated with these fluids.
Also, health-care workers have
frequently been infected while
treating their patients who were
suspected to have the Ebola virus
disease, specifically, if infection
control precautions are not strictly
practiced. It can also come from
burial ceremonies where the
mourners have physical contact to
the body of the deceased person.
Men who have recovered from the
disease can still transmit the virus
through their semen for up to 7
MERS-CoV Today
warned that MERS-CoV is a “threat
to the entire world”. T h e
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) list MERS-CoV
as “transmissible fom human-to-
human”.
This virus seems to be descended
from bats. Serological evidence
shows that these viruses infected
camels at least 20 years before.
According to a study published
in The Lancet, it is likely to have
been transmitted from animals to
humans. And based on a European
study, camels could be a reservoir of
the mysterious virus.
Doctors describe it as “flu-like
illness” with signs and symptoms
of pneumonia. The most common
signs and symptoms of MERS-CoV
observed are difficulty in breathing,
chest pain, body aches, sore throat,
malaise, headache, diarrhea,
nausea, and kidney failure.
According to US CDC and WHO ,
there are no specific treatments for
MERS-CoV. What doctors can give
is supportive care to help relieve
the symptoms. The virus does not
seem to pass between humans
without a close contact. Thus,
science & tech
weeks after recovery from illness.
Its symptoms can appear from
2 to 21 days. It can be difficult
to distinguish EVD from other
infectious diseases such as malaria,
typhoid fever and meningitis. First
symptoms are the sudden onset
of fever fatigue, muscle pain,
headache and sore throat. This is
followed by vomiting, diarrhoea,
rash, symptoms of impaired kidney
and liver function, and in some
cases, both internal and external
bleeding. No licensed vaccines
are available yet but 2 potential
vaccines are being developed.
On August 8, the World Health
Organization (WHO) Director-
General Dr. Margaret Chan
declared this outbreak as a Public
Health Emergency of Internation
Concern.
Community engagement and
resilience are factors that can
lessen Ebola virus’ occurrence.
Health-care workers should
always practice precautions when
caring for patients. Being aware
of risk factors for Ebola infection
and protective measures that
individuals can take is an effective
way to reduce human transmission.
By Christine S. Jocson
guidance should be pursued from
health care professionals.
Meanwhile, scientists have
developed a strain of the MERS-
CoV that can be used to develop
a vaccine against the deadly
pathogen. A new study led by
researchers from Purdue University
in West Lafayette, IN details a way
of disabling a part of the virus. They
say that their findings may lead
to the creation of vaccine agains
MERS-CoV.
In February 17, 2015, the
Philippines confirmed one case of
MERS-CoV involving a pregnant
Filipina nurse who came from
Saudi Arabia. Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy
of Department of Health (DOH)
said at a press briefing that three
earlier persons were “patients
under investigation”. She was
brought to the Research Institute
for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and
after having three succeeding
negative results taken every other
day, she has been dischared.
Acting Health Secretary Janette
Garin said, “We are happy to
announce that the index case has
just been discharged.”
literary
Dearest SAF survivors,
First of all, sir, sending you a letter
is a great privilege for me. I may
not know you personally, but you
became my inspiration in life. I am
a 16-year- old female student who
really dreams to be like you, who
risk your life to fight for our country.
When I heard the news about Fallen
44, my heart broke into pieces and
inspired me at the same time. It
gave me that eagerness to be like
you, to fight, and fight until the
very last breath. We are all blessed
to have brave heroes like you.
Please don’t drown yourself in
sadness, pain and anger for Fallen
44. They are good people as well
as you, and they surely are in a
more peaceful place right now.
No anger, no bullets, no war. We
are probably chosen by God for a
mission and that task is to inspire
other people like me. I am proud of
you, Sir! Thank you for risking your
life. I hope I can also send some
gratitude for the Fallen 44. I am
praying for your fast recovery and
good health. I salute you, Sir! God
bless.
Will forever salute you,
Danielle Sunga (IV-EC)
Dear Survivors,
It’s a great privilege for me to write
this letter to you. The news about
the Fallen 44 has been continuously
spreading in the newspapers,
television and radio. I, as a student,
am very proud of the bravery you’ve
shown and your stories will forever be
in the history of our country. May you
all recover peace from the deaths of
your brethren?
Glaiza Delos Santos (IV-EC)
To the heroes of our nation,
You are my idol! I am very grateful
of the bravery you’ve shown and have
manifested in the desire of restoring
peace in our country, particularly in
the Mamasapano, Mindanao. I am
so proud to be a Filipino, for the world
has seen the courage that we Filipinos
possess. To you, I give my dearest
thanks and admiration.
Karen G. Cabangbang (IV-EC)
To the heroes of today,
I am very much grateful for your
endeavor in bringing up peace in our
country. I know that your duty is indeed
a very tough and risky one. Death,
hardships and sufferings have been
reflected in your eyes, but it is justice,
courage and hope in my eyes. May
you continue to serve our country and
our fellowmen. Don’t be afraid and
desperate for the loss of your brethren,
justice will be in your favor.
Edlie Joshua C. Vargas (IV-EC)
They heroically and bravely fought
without any doubts in their hearts, just
for our country, just for the peace we
aim to have. They did not die in vain,
they died in action. The whole country is
mourning due to the death of the fallen
SAF 44. To these forty-four brave and
gallant men, I salute you. You made
supreme sacrifices while fighting for
the country. I, as a student, as a Filipino,
as your countryman would also like
to pay respect to you guys, our new
heroes, for fighting without any doubts
in your hearts, without any hesitations,
just for the peace that our country seeks
to have.
Giving you volley shots and
drumming of marching band,
Angelica Jan F. Ignacio (IV-EC)
11
To my dearest SAF Survivors,
Good day!
The “over kill” of the SAF Troopers has
alarmed the people of the Philippines.
The scenario brought up pain and
grief to the family of the Fallen 44. To
you, the survivors, I give my deepest
appreciation for the courage you’ve
all shown. Thank you my idol, my hero.
You are truly an inspiration.
Keith Konrad P. Meneses (IV-EC)
To the Fallen 44,
Your lives were taken, your loving
hearts now gone, your families left
devastated, but your death shall never,
andwillneverbeinvain.We,yourfellow
countrymen have pondered since that
event in Mamasapano on the 25th day
of January, over why something as
tragic as this had to happen. Are those
people from MILF not worth the peace
treaty they are being offered? Did
heroes like you really have to give up
their lives to people like them? Is this
what Filipinos deserve? There were
anger, hatred and frustration. Maybe
these freedom fighters fight not for
freedom, but for greed instead? But
then I read an article, quoting “The SAF
44 commandos are like the Sparta’s
300, their bravery sparked a United
Greece against a Persian invasion”.
And that made me realized that it’s
probably it. Your 44 lives, none of it
went to waste, instead, it will be the
key to the country’s complete peace.
And maybe God will never let your
deaths be left in vain. From the Fallen
44 comrades a peace revolution has
sparked. And with that, I sincerely and
whole heartedly thank you. God bless
the Philippines.
Respectfully yours,
Patricia Ericka Isidro (4-EC)
 sports
The Public-PRISAA Meet 2014
The Public-PRISAA Meet 2014 was conducted on October 28-30, which
was participated by all public and private schools in Navotas City. Each team
was composed of selected athletes from the different public secondary
schools in Navotas to compete against the Private Secondary schools in the
city.
The Public-PRISAA Meet showcased competitions in the field of
Dancesports (Latin and Standard), , Sepak Takraw, Swimming (Men’s
and Women’s Category), Table Tennis (Men’s and Women’s Category),
Chess (Men’s and Women’s’ Category), Taekwondo (Men’s and Women’s
Category), Volleyball (Men’s and Women’s Category), Badminton (Men’s
and Women’s Category) and Basketball (Men’s and Women’s Category).
The winning teams in the Public-PRISAA Meet 2014 will compete in the
forthcoming NCR Palaro.

Jake Erato and Roan Crisel Marinda awed the audience with their
dancing prowess in the Dancesports Competition.

The Girls Volleyball Team shows their symbolic movement of

Dr. Maria Cristina A. Robles tosses the ball to signify the start of the Basketball Game returning to the center every attained point to show their unity

SEPAK TAKRAW BADMINTON VOLLEYBALL CHESS

In Sepak Takraw, the Navotas
Public Selection Team ruled in
the Division Meet 2014 held
at Kaunlaran National High
School last October 28-30. By
winning first place, NNHS team
comprising of: Cyrus Jan Bino,
Rommel Brix Baron, Marwin
Fuentes, Michael Learn Gonzales
and Leonardo Sales managed
to end the game into a striking
victory. The Blue Sharks now
engages their position toward
the NCR Palaro. “They have
showed great teamwork…,”
Mr. Janno Abance said after the
competition.
(BOYS)
Bless Linaban
reigned Champion
in the Men’s Singles
Category in the
2014 Division
Meet held at the RS Badminton
Court. His victory was achieved
after a rally with his opponent
following a strong smash to
finish up the game. Linaban
is now approaching to the
NCR Palaro. “His dedication to
training and experience has
molded him well…,” said Mr.
Rolly Belina, his coach/trainer
(Girls) Charlene Ramos arrived
at second place after a series
In the Secondary Girls of battles in the Secondary
Category, the Navotas Public Girls Category in the Division
Selection Team won First Place Meet. The Inter-School Chess
in this year’s Division Meet 2014. Tournament was hosted by
The team managed to won in Navotas National High School
the contest after strengthening and was participated by all the
their offense and defense- public and private secondary
achieving a major lead in the schools in Navotas
sets. The Women’s Volleyball
Division Meet was held at the
Navotas Sporks Complex last
October 28-30. Their coach
was Mr. Rafael Felices and their
trainer was Mr. Avengel Joseph
Federis.