BRSHS adopts K+12 Basic Education Program

Copla joins Phil team to Asian Int’l Math

Olympiad in HongkongA third year student of BR-

SHS, Elijah Copla, together with her coach Mrs. Cher-ryl Lita was out to Hongkong last July 27, 2012 to August 4, 2012 for the Asian Mathematics Olympiad via the Mathemat-ics Trainers’ Guild trainings.

Before she made it to the Philippine team as an alternate qualifier for the competition, Copla qualified to undergo an in-house intensive training for a month, from April 17 to May 18, 2012, the last of a series of rounds of training where she vied with other trainees to rep-resent the country to Hongkong.

According to Mrs. Lita, she has raised the flag of the Philip-pines and proved that our country is never poor when it comes to brain and that we have the strength to compete with other nations.

“Elijah is the pride of Bicol Regional Science High School. May she serve as an example and

DepEd V sponsors reg’l training on digital campus journalismGuinobatan, Albay. Corol-

lary to Campus Journalism Act of 1991, a showcase of talents and concentration on electronic newspapering was exhibited dur-ing the two-wave Regional Train-ing of Secondary Paper Advisers and Campus Writers (August 20-24 for English and August 27-31 for Filipino) spearheaded by the Department of Education, Region V in support to the ex-pansion of global digital literacy in the 21st Century core skill.

As stated in the Regional Mem-orandum No. 86, s. 2012, the train-ing aspires to build up Campus Journalism in the region; enhance the skills of the editorial staff in producing a quality school publi-cation; provide an avenue for the simulation on collaborative pub-lishing event; and manifest com-petence in digital literacy as 21st Century core skill through the uti-lization of advanced technology.

In consonance with this, The Matrix, the BRSHS publication, manifests its support to digi-

tal campus paper production by sending four of its editorial staff Amiel Van E. Llaneta, Kimb-hert M. Prollamante, Jasmine A. Pajarin and Jacqueleen N. Oli together with their adviser Mrs. Diana L. Desuyo to attend the training at Charisma Func-tion Hall, Guinobatan, Albay.

They were among the other edi-torial staff of the top 5 school pa-pers of each division in Bicol who were required to bring a laptop (with Adobe Indesign program), printer, extension wire, digital cam-era, and articles/data for inclusion in the first issue of the paper, photo-graphs, latest newspapers and USB.

All the 13 divisions were represented in the training, to-taling to 220 campus journal-ists and school paper advisers.

Having credible speakers who shared their expertise in the field and having participants who produced an e-copy of their re-spective school paper, the inten-sive training ended successfully.

-Jasmin Pajarin

The Matrix goes for e-paper

role model to young students to continue achieving their goals. That when we strive more, we earn more. Who knows, may-be one day you will be the one who will compete with other people from different parts of the world,” Mrs. Lita concluded.

June 4, 2012 marks the com-mencement of the full implemen-tation of the K+12 Basic Educa-tion Program across all public and private schools including the seventeen (17) Regional Sci-ence High Schools nationwide, adding two years to the ten-year education system and a precon-dition of finishing kindergar-ten for those entering Grade 1.

According to studies, the ad-ditional year of schooling in-creases earnings by 7.5. Stud-ies validate that improvement in the quality of education will in-crease Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by 2% to 2.2%.

But the implementation of the basic education program gone through a lot of challenges, es-pecially in terms of infrastruc-

ture and the number of teach-ers needed to accommodate the extra load of students entering Grade 7 this year. This was men-tioned by DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro during interviews.

In fact, the Department of Ed-ucation (DepEd) said it still needs an additional 50,000 classrooms and about 1.3 million chairs for the school year and additional 74000 teachers to accommo-date the new education program.

Nevertheless, the Department of Education is still confident that the K+12 basic education program will be successfully implemented in all schools to include Bicol Regional Science High School (BRSHS) for Region V, though deemed faced with big changes and modifications in its curriculum.

The DepEd improved the qual-ity of education in secondary level by adding new life-skill subjects including Electronics, Edukasyong Pagpapakatao, and Independent Cooperative Learning (ITC).

“One advantage of the new system is that it is not congested compared to the previous educa-tion program,” a group of BRSHS Grade 7 students commented.

Furthermore, a national mass training for Grade 7 teachers was held last May 14-18, 2012 in preparation for the full imple-mentation of the K+12 educa-tion program. They were oriented about the features of the enhanced curriculum program in all sub-ject areas covered for Grade 7. -Amiel Van Llaneta

After winning in the Ibalong Street Presen-tation last August 20, 2011, the Bicol Regional Science High School dancers, in cooperation with the Ligao East Central School, again proved their skills as they danced in the Mainstreet Pa-rade 2011 of Ligao City on December 25.

...turn to page 6

21st CENTURY CAMPUS PAPER AT HAND. The four editorial board representatives of The Matrix with their adviser are all eager to finish the layout of their paperless campus publication.

Hardwork exerted for Ligao City mainstreet competition paid off

Gr. 7- Earth Gr. 7- Mercury Gr. 7- Venus

10

14

5

1

12

6

9

3

6 5

8 8 Independent

(90-100) Above Average

(85-89)

Based on the reading assess-ment conducted, sixty-one percent (61%) or 53 out of 87 Grade 7 students of Bicol Regional Science High School are independent or advanced read-ers.while the remaining 39% or 34 of them are above aver-age readers.

Grade 7 Reading Profile

Source: Reading Program, BRSHS English Dept.

INSIDE

Anatomy of a Science Encampment

A Level to Beat

Fruits for a Good Heart

Veggie gardening caps 2012 Nutrition Month fest

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Division of Ligao City June - December 2012 Region V - Bicol Vol. IX No. 1

The School-Community Publication of Bicol Regional Science High School

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p.6 p.7

Vol. IX No. 12 Opinion

Despite the predicaments we are always encountering in the gov-ernment, there is a need for an advocacy in the system of our education which will not ruin the endowment but will strengthen it. The Depart-ment of Education headed by Secretary Brother Armin A. Luistro FSC, introduce K to 12 Basic Education Program as the answer to this rising predicament in the system of education in our country and for the de-teriorating bedrock of our country’s education. It aspires to repair the basic education curriculum by adding two more years to the system.

The people proposing the K to 12 Basic Education Program face an extremely difficult task. This is actually one of the most severe chang-es being pushed by our government and if this proposal is successful, it will surely mark the legacy of the Aquino’s Administration.

Even though this amendment has been met with many criticisms from different sectors, DepEd assures that this K to 12 program is the best solution to the declining quality of education.

Why is there a great need to support this new system of education in our country?

Enhancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines is ur-gent and critical. The poor quality of basic education in our country is reflected in the low achievement test scores of the Filipino students. International test results consistently show Filipino students lagging way behind practically everybody else in the world. In the 2008 math-ematics exam, for example, we came in dead last. One main reason for that is the inadequate instructional time or time of tasks in schools.

The K to 12 focuses not only on the theories or concepts that the students can learn on the four corners of the classroom but also the ap-plication of the different concepts to the real world. The new system focuses on the enhancement of the curriculum and the expansion of the basic education cycle.

There are lots of standpoints in any system. More so, there is a vast array of unidentified loopholes. But what supports the growth of a foundation is always positivity. If we have found a solution to our problem, the task is not to forever look at it and analyze where it might take us. The task is to properly implement each step to ensure its suc-cess. Preparing to Fly: K to 12 Basic Education Program.

According to studies, we are behind our nation counterparts in Asia. We are very far from what they have achieved in different as-pects and if we will not look at the problem deeply, we will never make a change.

The K to 12 Basic Education Program focuses on the development of the old curriculum and of course, the expansion of the of the basic education cycle. An example for that is that the current system does not have trainings for agriculture and commerce. The current system is only to theories and lacks the elements of “application”.

The K to 12 Basic Education Program has a very high goal: To enhance human development in terms of understanding the world and zest for lifelong learning. aK to 12 foundation would address the ba-sic learning needs: learning to learn, acquisition of numeracy, litera-cies and scientific and technological life. But the Philippines is already ready for this kind of reform? Think about it!

“Patience is not just the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”

One thing that I have learned in 2011 was that, things just don’t happen instantly. There are indeed times that we need to wait to get good results. Rushing things does not always accomplish everything, and sometimes the outcome may be too haphazard that we will have to do it all over again. This wastes not only our time but also our effort.

This year, I know, that once again, there are a lot of things that I will have to endure. I will have to bear with many people who ironi-cally inspire me , working with all of the late night projects, and the like. As such, I must have the pa-tience and determination to face all

the things without losing my cool; to be able to tolerate things that do not go as planned and to carry on as if nothing wrong happened. A bad temper and the inability to wait surely won’t let me accomplish anything; it will just give me a co-lossal mountain of complaints not only from myself but also from my constituents.

I have to keep in mind, howev-er, that I should not only endure but must also have the will to be con-tinue despite hardships, to be more persistent and persevering when confronted with obstacles.

And since I’m going to start this year with persistence and persever-ance, I was somewhat curious as to how other people will start theirs. I conducted a short interview to

some of the people from school and asked them how they will face this New Year.

Ms. Cyrille Chavez said, she wants to live with the present and she will do her best in everything.

The president of the SSG. Mr. Joriz Nace shared his plan as well. ‘I want to start the new year with a bang. As everyone knows, the lead training is yet to come. We are to make it a reality this coming Feb-ruary.

With all of these things, giving up in all of the hindrances and hard-ships that this new year will offer is no longer a choice.

Our preparations made us all geared to success, and our every endeavor will become more immi-nent.

2012 = Patience and Determination‘I must have the patience and determination to face all the

things without losing my cool; to be able to tolerate things that do not go as planned and to carry on as if nothing wrong happened.’

Amiel Van LlanetaEditor in Chief

Bernadette CabaccangAssociate Editor

Marie Adrienne EugenioManaging Editor

Nińo Boy DacerCirculation Manager

Kimbhert ProllamanteCopy Editor

John Frederick ImperialNews Editor

Shielo PasaholFeature Editor

Joshua Patrick SiapnoLiterary Editor

Angel Mae AlsuaSports Editor

John Paul NotarioPhotojournalist

Reuben Matthieu S. HermioCartoonists

Jacqueleen OliJasmin Pajarin

Thea Alysa MartinezNińa Angela Alano

Jae Vie DavidMichael Tanay

Marlou PrincesaApril Atoli

Bernadette CedenoPrecious Mella

Michaelah Reinee Convocar

Contributors

Diana L. DesuyoAdviser, The Matrix

Cynthia B. LlacerAdviser, Ang Hulmahan

Engr. Gerard O.AberinGPTCA President

Eduardo L. NañozPrincipal I

Alicia O. RetonaEPS I, English

Evangeline P. PalenciaSchools Division Superintendent

Ligao City Divsion

Editorial BoardS.Y 2012-2013

Structuring the Ladder: A vision of the Future In the

o r d i n a r y business of life, whatever good things we build end up building us. High aims form high characters, and great objects bring out great yields. The idea is that the future is purchased by the present. At this moment therefore, it is a necessity rather than obligation to embark on creating our best plans for our dreams of the future. Conversely we quote, “Failure to plan is plan-ning to fail.”

People and organizations, to all intents and purposes, ought to es-tablish a deliberate framework con-sisting of: a vision of the future, a mission that defines their existence, great goals into which efforts are directed, and clear-cut objectives that describe intentions for perfor-mance improvements and personal growth. Indeed, there are so much literature and studies attesting how clear statements of

vision, mission, goals, and ob-jectives set the stage for individual and organizational advancement.

With great attempts, we are di-rected towards a sense of direction characterizing the certainty of our future. Managerial as well as per-sonal successes depend on how well we define and live by each of the vi-tal phase of our organizational and/or personal strategic framework.

The future, logically, is not pre-determined. It is indefinite. It seems to us that every individual has more than one future available

to him. But, let’s take a whole new way to look at the future. It is possible to ascertain an ideal tomorrow through the actions we make today.

Certainly, constructing a sys-tematic and solid plan can be a use-ful tool for discovering potential trends and possible patterns.

Designing this can help us an-ticipate opportunities and obsta-cles. Nevertheless, these tools do not possess any magical power to shape what will happen.

No matter how exquisite it may become, it is still our passion for creating better tomorrows, and our hard work to grow and develop, which will make the future ours.

The future is not the start of something done before. It is just a continuation of the what you’ve done in the past. Structuring the ladder, a vision of the future. If you have a vision in life, you’re future will be a ladder to success.

High aims form high characters, and great objects bring out great yields. The idea is that the future is purchased by the present. At this moment therefore, it is a necessity rather than obligation to embark on creating our best plans for our dreams of the future. Conversely we quote, “Failure to plan is plan-ning to fail.”

A level to beatEditorial

today. The sudden changes of tem-perature from very hot to rainy, plus the flash floods, landslides and earthquakes that are happening here and abroad are the many few but

terrible effects of global warming.It is very important for all of us

to know that this phenomenal con-dition is very alarming. We should ask ourselves: “Would there be any hope for our dear Mother Earth?”

Your answers may depend on your faith. If you answered “Yes”,

3Opinion

Literacy? There has always been a need for such thing. Education is

said to be one of the most vital and irrevocable possessions of a person in his entire lifetime. It is said to conquer most ad-versities and prevent a great deal of misunderstandings and

not to mention, hostilities…but it

is also said to change its standards along with the changing of time.Over the years, the once simple class sessions held besides huge mango trees or the meeker home teaching from parents and guard-ians has evolved towards entirely computerized class rooms with high-end facilities and dizzyingly high stacks of floors and stairs.

And though there are still huge populations of Filipinos who are not as fortunate as those in the ur-ban areas, it is still undeniable that the standard for quality education has stepped-up with the passage of time; along with this absurdly fast progression though, lies the inevi-table ordeal that comes with being a country of a lower IT standards: Lack of proper digital literacy.

Filipinos lacking such literacy come not only from those secluded areas in highlands and farms,but even from those already living in the most advanced areas in the Phil-ippines.

Such fact represents the utter

The Matrix is on the lookout for more writers. Stu-dents, parents and members of the faculty may share articles, subject to the approval of the editorial board. If interested, submit articles to the Matrix staff or to the school paper adviser, Mrs. Diana L. Desuyo.

deficiency in the Filipino education despite its attempts at catching up with the modern-day advancements of other foreign countries.

But despite the struggles with reaching the quota for complete digital literacy, it is rather admira-ble that our government has an un-wavering patience and time in edu-

cating and equipping us with the proper knowledge needed for a life

that does not exactly aim to lead in the world of IT, but at least receive a respectable degree or education in such field. But is mere patience re-ally enough?

Throughout the Philippines lies the abundant number of youth who, despite receiving a proper educa-tion, still remains ignorant to the world of IT. Most public school students are deprived of the benefit of government provided computers. Out of hundreds or even thousands of students in a single learning in-stitution, only several tens could

touch, let alone handle or manipu-late a computer properly. For de-spite the constant attempts towards the achievement of literacy, we can-not deny yet again another resurfac-ing problem: Meager facilities.

It is a fact, and not only an opinion that before one achieves

complete mastery of a certain undertaking, one must first be sup-ported with the proper facilities and that’s what is lacking in our consti-tution. We continuously search for the comfort of having knowledge in advanced technology and trying to enforce such knowledge to others as well, that we forget to first meet the needed requirements. Necessi-tating a computer before one could even own one is a lot like drinking scorching hot soup in one gulp and forgetting to cool it down before-hand. The result would be wasting the experience and flavor of the food and harming your mouth as well.

Such problem is quite obvi-ous, but how come nobody notices this? The answer? Well it leads to the former problem: lack of proper digital literacy.

Teenagers in the 21st Century

There is always a turning point in a person’s life as years go by. As we continue to know and use the ends of modernization, we put in ourselves new society and civilization. This is a reality for us teenagers and not a fantasy to rely on.

As of now, we are now in the age of computers and electronic devices. We now have new inter-ests in games, gadgets, fashion, music and artists. In gadgets, we are very familiar with the “in” things today like the Android Tab-lets, the IPods, and the Iphone 4S. These things will surely help us in our studies if we will use it in a proper way and it is very helpful in communicating to other peo-ple. In games, we always play the

Angry Birds, Tetris Battle, Back-yard Monsters and the new game Temple Run. Researches show that games or video games make us smarter but these things must not hinder our studies. In fashion, we are very familiar with these trend-ing fashions because of our favorite celebrities especially in Hollywood.

In fashion, the things that are wide-ly used are the cropped tops, plaid tops, the loose tops, statement tops, high-waisted skirts and sleeveless dresses with cardigans for girls. Plaid tops, skinny jeans and high cut sneakers for boys. In addition to that, customized varsity jackets are quite popular among boys and girls. Fashion can be a way to express yourself and to let others know that you are born this way.

Let us also not forget the latest trends in music. K-Pop artists like Super Junior, Big Bang, 2NE1 and K-Pop songs have been more fa-mous especially in the international scene. We also admire many artists from the Hollywood like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Adele, Chris-tina Perri and One Direction. Music inspires people to express them-selves. Music also brings people to unity and to be with each other. In the local entertainment industry, we admire Julia Montes, Daniel Pa-dilla, Kathryn Bernardo and Sam Concepcion. We admire the way they look and the way they act and sometimes, we imitate them.

We may welcome all these things in this natural world. These are interests that become a trade-mark of every generation. But in the end, we must not forget to pre-serve and maintain our own tradi-tions, our own personal views and our utmost priorities in life.

Uplift an ESL Classroom

‘That this curriculum change in the Philippine educational system is indeed gearing toward globalization and made me accept the challenge of molding our 21st century Filipino students to become competitive and productive members of the country .....”

`Going to an alien world some-where in Goa, Camarines Sur is somewhat atypical for a teacher who is a first timer in such a place.

I was a bit excited to go to Phil-ippine Science High School but with less enthusiasm to be part of a flock of eagles soaring high for another strenuous and challeng-ing two-week long training. Hav-ing the thought of… Oh my! What will happen to my planned vacation with my family if I’ll be out of Li-gao City for such a long time?

Well, what a relief! Just like how the first day started right, my first week stay was such an exciting yet challenging one though there were lots of murmurs and feedback, both the plusses and the minuses about the K+12 Basic Education Program of the Department of Education. How come I have grown and ex-panded my territory when I attend-ed the Upgrading Program: Learn-

ing Institute for Teachers (UPLIFT) focusing on the implementation of DepEd’s K+12 Basic Education system in a science-oriented high school? Let me share you these…

Getting Started: Getting to Know Activities, House Rules and Leveling Expectations

Championing Change, General Competencies in Grade 7 English and Weekly Competencies in Grade 7 English in the K-12 Curriculum, Language Trend: World Englishes, Speech Clinic with Sir Jerry No-veno:

“We are facing an educational-change…”

I, as a teacher, was motivated to learn and accept new learning from the training, and refreshed myself that I am indeed a social being… and not a weird island. My cloudy mind was cleared out by the com-prehensive sessions and interactive discussions on K-12 English 7 Cur-riculum we had. Those mind-bog-gling activities on World Englishes and Speech made me more ready to face my students this school year. I am now ready to face my stu-dents… I am now a champion of change, ready to make another big difference in their lives.

”Nature of English as a Second Language in the Philippine Setting, Multilingual Education (MLE) Framework, Domains and Strands in Grade 7 English and Assess-ment of Learner’s Performance in the K-12 Curriculum with Mrs. Joy Melga B. Olazo:

“Being happy doesn’t mean ev-erything is perfect. It means you have decided to look beyond the

imperfections.” Behold my second week in

Pisay! It was more of an intensive review and enhancement exercis-es of the different features of the English language, encompassing grammar and the macro-skills of language learning and teaching: lis-tening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing.

Grammar Enrichment for Teach-ers, Teaching ESL through Collab-orative Approach and Cooperative Learning, Teaching Reading for

Academic Pur-poses, Reading for Academic Purposes with Madam Mari-cor:

“Let us ac-cept the fact

that we teachers of ESL commit er-rors…”

This is indeed true, especially when teaching grammar. Those intensive review of the language structures and functions of English exposed my sometimes hidden or ignored weaknesses as a teacher. How shameful yet challenging it is to see the truth that nobody is per-fect! But at least we had a wonder-

ful time curing and mending those waterloos we committed.

“Love reading as teachers, so we won’t have hard time to encour-age our students to read and widen their vocabulary.”

With all those insights and knowledge I gained from the lec-ture-workshops, the more I am at-tracted to reading books and texts, making me a genius bookworm, thus influencing my students to also become one.

“You only ever grow as a hu-man being if you’re outside your comfort zone.”

Those fun-filled games we have witnessed and experienced from one group to another advanced my wit as to how these teaching tools will have a meaningful, lasting im-pact in the lives of my students as they enjoy learning English.

“God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we can hear twice as much as we say.”

I really nodded with a dim smile when the discussant repeatedly said that listening in an ESL class, lis-tening is an integral skill to learn-ing the language yet the much ne-glected one.

It was indeed a splendid ex-perience being with a ponkan as we wrote short paragraphs about it. tening to those funny yet witty short descriptive paragraphs and in letter forms amazed each of us. See how powerful our pens are! And see how thankful to God we should be for giving us talents and skills to express ourselves through effective writing!

THE EARTH’S CONDITION TODAY As stewards of God’s cre-

ation, we are tasks or assigned to preserve, love and care our Mother Nature, our Mother dear. But be-cause of abuse and misuse, we are slowly degrading our environ-ment.

And now, here comes the ef-fect-Climate Change and Global Warming!

If someone doesn’t know about this worldwide phenomenon, the answer lies in our environment

it means you still believe that there’s still a chance people would change their attitudes towards the environ-ment.

On the other hand, if you an-swered “no”, it’s better that you dig your grave right now and prepare to die because you believe the Earth’s condition would last forever.

Always remember that there’s still a hope to change our Earth. How? You may ask. We can begin it in ourselves by being responsible stewards of God’s creations.

Let’s do our share in making the environment clean and green.

Stand up and make a change!

But in the end, we must not forget to preserve and maintain our own traditions, our own personal views and our utmost priorities in life.

‘We continuously search for the comfort of having knowl-edge in advanced technology and trying to enforce such knowledge to others as well, that we forget to first meet the needed requirements.’

Vol. IX No. 1

We should ask ourselves: “Would there be any hope for our dear Mother Earth?”

Vol. IX No. 1

ANATOMY OF SCIENCE ENCAMPMENTREADY? 3,2,1… say CHEESE! FLASH!!!Like the blinding flashes

of light originating from a camera, forever captur-ing moments that could be taken by no other way, the Youth Science Technol-ogy and Environment Camp (YSTEC), with its great ide-als, seizing and showing

what cannot easily be ex-posed during any other

camp, has truly cap-tured great moments. May the moments be good, or may they be bad… they all have a single destination, a single goal: To provide

experience that would otherwise be unreach-

able in any other occasion.

Like the lens of a camera, Y S T E C has eyes t h a t s e e s a n d captures

the ac-tion. The

lens, which perceives and

creates photos

that despite its stillness, could say a thousand words in a single glimpse, are the YSTEC student staff. Having experienced the wonders of the National Youth Science Technology and Environ-ment Camp (NYSTEC) and being reliable student lead-ers in-training, the staff has taken it into their hands to observe and “echo” the teachings of the national camp. The staff observes, focuses and zooms into the on-going action. But YSTEC, so much like a camera, can-not operate with one mere lens.

For you see, the lens would be useless bereft of an important part which functions to instruct the such part on which amongst the thousands or even mil-lions of angles to effective-ly capture and store. This important part is the ever vital shutter… the ever vital teachers.

The teachers, with their wisdom, carefully instructs the lens to perceive and store photos of not only those perfect moments or wonderful poses, but also of those hardships and falls, reminding us not only of the glorious triumphs, but

also of the difficulties that served as a passage way towards success… towards learning. But even the shutter would be useless if placed under the dark oblivion of ignorance.

Light… probably the most important physical concept in cameras, com-mon, yes, but it is the only sensible weapon in con-quering darkness, and this weapon is held by the flash. Lighting up the once dark and lost minds, the flash is knowledge. It is the knowl-edge imparted upon us by the ever patient lecturers, spending a valuable amount of their time on educating the youth on the informa-tion that they would surely use in further undertak-ings.

The lens, the shutter, and the flash… All these function together towards the accomplishment of their roles and the achievement of a single goal… All these function because of the un-wavering student energy… All these function because of the battery.

Like how a camera func-tions only when a fully charged battery is present, YSTEC functions properly

“Science is the most reliable guide for civilization, for life, for success

in the world. Searching a guide other than the science is

meaning carelessness, ig-norance and heresy”.

Science has contributed a lot to the society. It is the soul of all knowl-edge that makes all phenomena go round and to be known to human kind. It is said that learn-ing is useless without fun. In fact, you can-

not learn something without the essence of

enjoying it to the full-est. So, the Bicol Region-

al Science High School con-

4ducted activities that make science clubbing more fun.Youth Science Technology and Environment Camp (YSTEC) is an annual activity of the three science clubs in BR-SHS namely, The Equilibrium Club, Youth for Environment Schools Organization (YES-O), and, Chemistry Unified Bri-sayan Students Organiza-tion (CUBS-O). These three science organizations plan activities to make science clubbing more fun in BRSHS. Every year, the activities of the YSTEC are patterned to the activities during the Na-tional Youth Science Tech-nology and Environment Camp (NYSTESC). The NY-

5Features

ANATOMY OF SCIENCE ENCAMPMENTexercise, the needed

willpower, discipline and resilience can only be sup-plied by the bat tery. The battery, which, as the cy-cle seems to demonstrate, may be able to capture mo-ments, but can never really store it. For this, we need the so called “memory card.”

As the name itself im-plies, the memory card is responsible for the storage of the moments captured by the camera. In YSTEC, the memory card contains our memories. As good or as bad as these memories may be, they will all be stored and compiled within the card. It could be a memory that could make us smile whenever we look back and reminisce the events, or one that could make you shudder even with the simplest reminder, it will barely matter. The fact that they existed would still re-main, forever molding you into the person that you will turn out to be.

There are moments in the process of taking these

notable photos though, that due to fear, nervous-ness or even excitement, the photographer’s hand would shake uncontrollably. It would distort the images and get in the way of docu-menting those important moments containing such pronounced emotional im-pact that it actually got in the way of a professional. In moments like these, the best weapon that would add to the make-up of a perfect camera is the tripod.

The tripod for an actual camera provides support and stability. It allows the photographer some breath-ing space… some time to rest his tired arms. For YSTEC, the tripod is our parents, unwaveringly supporting us with unconditional care and love… giving us a place to rest, a place we know that we could always come back to and depend upon. The tripods could do all these but only one part could of-fer protection: The camera case.

The camera case pro-vides the protection and

the preservation like how our Lord gives us the pro-tection that guides us in all our endeavors. A protection that, if one is unfortunate enough to lose, would en-danger every experience, every memory one has ac-quired. It is therefore only sensible to treat it with care and appreciation.

YSTEC in many ways is like a camera. It captures and brings out both the worst and the best in you while at the same time teaching and giving memo-ries that one would cherish for his lifetime.

YSTEC is like a cam-era, it captures the photos that 40, 60 years from now would still be preserved. So, once you see those familiar flashes and hear those familiar words, be ready to smile and strike your best pose… be ready to preserve your knowledge… to preserve your YSTEC experi-ence.

STESC were attended by students all over the coun-try and conducted by the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs (PSYSC).Activities done every year are all about knowing the im-portance of Science as a sub-ject and caring for the envi-ronment. Almost all themes every year are all about Ad-aptation in the 21st Century.YSTEC includes lectures, workshops, community im-mersions and Search for the Environment. The search highlights the camp activities and gave color to the activity.The YSTEC activities like tree planting helps in the

community. Each and every tree that grows helps in reducing pol-lution, protecting the land against erosion and wearing a way of topsoil. As every tree they plant, they produce the security of every-body in the community. In having such activi-ties, students cannot just only treasure the benefits of knowledge but also the feeling of enjoyment because of the fulfillment of their aid that they have done. Indeed, the Sci-ence Camp makes an

impact to the students and make science club-bing really more fun because of these ac-tivities conducted by these three sci-ence organizations.

-Amiel Van Llaneta-Kimbhert Prollamante-Jasmin Pajarin-Jacqueleen Oli-Diana Desuyo

Hardwork exerted...

Vol. IX No. 16 News

May 20-26, 2012-- To ensure that all public elementary and high schools are ready for the school opening, the National Schools Maintenance Week also known as Brigada Eskwela was conducted across the country.

This school maintenance pro-gram engaged all stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and re-sources in ensuring that all public school facilities are set in time for the new school year.

Brigada Eskwela, a week-long clean-up and repair activity was spearheaded by the Department of Education with the cooperation of non-government organizations, parents, students, teachers, the business community and civic or-ganizations.

Instead of cash donations, the

Brigada Eskwela sets schools ready for June opening

Despite the rainy weather BRSHS and LECS still presented with high energy and managed to grab 1st runner –up, outshining ten other contingents in the Street Parade. They also received a con-solation prize as Best in Float gar-nering a total of Php 75,000.

The Brisayano family and friends showed their support by wearing red shirts. Spectators cheered and shouted as they saw the BR-LECS in their dazzling Mulan outfits.

Mr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone, contingent head for BRSHS and LECS shared, “We know that we did our best and all our hard works had paid off. Thank God and all of those who supported us to the end. ”

It is really a great Christ-mas gift for the BRSHS to attain such an achievement. Everyone went home with satisfaction in their eyes and eager for what they would showcase next year. - Glenette Broma

participants who were touched by the bayanihan spirit donated construction and cleaning mate-rials and served as volunteers to prepare the schools two weeks before the opening of classes.

Meanwhile, Bicol Regional Science High School is very much grateful for the overwhelm-ing support of the donors, GPTA officers and parents, teaching and non-teaching staff, Supreme Student Government and the stu-dents.

At the end of the program, souvenirs were given to the Bri-sayans who gave their time and full effort during the week-long event.

Seventeen (17) students of Bicol Regional Science High School (BRSHS) together with two science teachers attended the 2012 National Youth Scien-ace, Technology and Environ-ment Camp (NYSTESC 2012) at Malagos Garden Resort, Davao City.

With its theme, “Operation AQUILA: Illuminating the Code, Linking the Chains, Decrypting

the Patterns”, the students from all over the country learned about optics, material science, com-plex systems and solar energy from the different lectures and workshops given in the four-day camp.

There were also contests in essay writing, slogan making, black light presentation, pasalu-bong festival, and the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs

(PSYSC) Science Olympiad where Amiel Van E. Llaneta, a IV-Einstein student won 2nd over-all.

The PSYSC and volunteers from the University of the Philippines (U.P.) spearheaded the national summer camp with the help of the Department of Science and Technology and the City Government of Davao.

-Kimbhert Prollamante

17 studes join NYSTESC 2012; Llaneta, 2nd in PSYSC Science Olympiad

from front page

Eating vegetables, a healthy diet.

Aware of the importance of eating vegetables to have a healthy lifestyle and to support the National Greening Program (Executive Order No. 26) promot-ing vegetable consumption

and production in schools, the administrators, faculty and stu-dent of Bicol Regional Science High School joined the launching of vegetable gardening last July 2, 2012.

Focusing on the theme “Pag-kain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain,” this simultaneous

conduct of the launching event in all public elementary and sec-ondary schools nationwide was spearheaded by the National Nu-trition Council.

Furthermore, the month-long celebration of BRSHS also fea-tured other activities to emphasize the value of good health.

The different sections showed off their skills in preparing deli-cious and nutritious foods during the Cook Fest, where the teachers also served as judges.

The Cooking Demo by Mr. Alfons Jayson O. Pelgone, a fac-ulty member also gave the repre-sentatives of each section an op-portunity to show their talents in cooking.

Two participants from each section also competed in the veg-etable planting contest held near the BRSHS Gym.

New media is also used in cel-ebrating Nutrition Month through the Digital Poster Making, held at the Computer Laboratory where students have shown their skills and knowledge in using Adobe Photoshop.

The event was indeed a great success in promoting the spirit and importance of proper nutri-tion in every student and in every Filipino.

- Frederick Imperial

Veggie gardening caps 2012 Nutrition Month fest

SSG holds 1st Brisayan DayShowcasing the Brisayan

spirit with harmony and team-work, the Supreme Student Government, along with the school’s clubs and organiza-tions, spearheaded the 1st Bri-sayan Day and Induction Night last July 20, 2012.

The whole event revolved around its theme, “Treading Life’s Journey through Nurturing Young Leaders of Today “and kicked off with an opening Induction Cere-mony where the members of each club swore and bound to their re-spective duties and organizations.

A lecture on Human Rights was conducted for the students at the school gymnasium. A series of intermission numbers from the first year and second year students also added color to the event.

After the opening program, the clubs were arranged in their pre-determined clusters, MESH

(M-atrix, E-nglish Club, S-amafil, and H-ulmahan), the Sci Cluster (YES-O, CUBS-O, The Equilibri-um), the AP Club, Dance Theater-DLC Cluster, and the Math Club.

The groups of each cluster pre-pared games and exhibits which represent their respective clubs. Other students were invited to visit each cluster to witness each exhibit and know about the dif-ferent organizations in the school. They also played games set up by each group.

The whole-day activity ended with an Awarding Ceremony. Vid-eos about each section were also shown to the audience. The DT-DLC Pair emerged Overall Cham-pion; Sci Cluster, 1st Runner Up and AP Club, 2nd Runner Up. The funds earned by the groups will serve as their initial standing funds for the current school year.

--Frederick Imperial

SCIENCE WHIZ. Amiel Van Llaneta with the other contestants from other regions is on his strategic momentum of grabbing the PSYSC Science Olympiad Championship, Davao City, April 2.

WINNING MOVES. The Bicol Regional Science HighSchool with Ligao East Central School fascinate the Ligao City con-stituents with their dazzling Mulan outfits and rhythmic moves.

CARE FOR HEALTH. Preparing the land to plant some vegetables, the Brisayan students manisfest love for their health last July 2, 2012.

Vol. IX No. 1 7LiteraryNews

By Vincent Abo

You've been with me through thick and thin,a

You've never let me down,You're always there to lend a hand when there's no one

else's around,You had the faith,

When no one else believed you gave me strength,

Cause you saw the good in me.

I can't imagine me without you or you without me,we've always been two- best friends naturally,

And if I'm ever afraid you'll help me pull through,

Forever best friends me and you.

You need to know you're not alone I'll be back real

soon,There's not a day when I'm away when I won't think of

you,Don't give up hope,

we'll be a team again and in your heart you've got toknow I'll always be you

friend.

I can't imagine me without you or you without me,we've always been two- best friends naturally,

And if I'm ever afraid you'll help me pull through-,

forever best friends me and you.

By Mar lou Pr incesa

Splash! a small little voice I hear

Coming from the hydro-sphere

No one listens,To the voice loud and clear,

"please, don't throw trash at me dear"

Splash! Trash is being thrown

To the ocean floor againI can hear the ocean moan

"You will suffer, you evil men"

Splash!, As the days pass by

Nobody hears the ocean cry

"This is too much I can't take it "

"I won't let my fishes die"

Splash! A big roaring thunder

With rain as it passes byThe drainages clogged

underIt's Flooding! My oh my!

"Haha!" a big chuckle I hear

coming form the ocean's bay

"That's what you get for messing with me!"

"What have you got to say?"

"May this serve as a les-son to you"

"To not throw garbage at me"

"Cause you won't like what I'll do"

"Maybe I'll flood you too!"

Words are powerful. If used wisely, they could revolutionize the world; treated without care, they could destroy the very foundation of a person. They can scar deeply and leave marks that can never be erased no matter how hard one tries. God gave us the ability to express what we think and what we feel. He gave us the means of con-veyance, but what we convey is up to us. He gave us the right to articulate and with it came the responsibility to hold back some words that are simply too rude to utter.

I write this while painfully looking back to the time when I felt

most vulnerable, a time when I felt most deeply scarred, so deeply crestfallen. I have always known that in whatever thing you do, there would always be a critic. I have al-ways known this and though I never took comfort in such knowledge… I was still caught off guard. I still recoil at the memory when harsh words and painful criticism lashed though me like wild fire, when misused words and deteriorating thoughts made me weak and fragile. I have barely had troubles in holding back my tears in the past, but at that unbearable moment when I felt so insubstantial, no matter what

strength I had gave way. For you see, during that moment, I experienced yet again the potency of words uttered lacking so much care that it sniped at almost every single bit of me it could reach.

When I say some words are not meant to be stated, I say it with deep emotion. Because no matter how much an opinion may count, its still a matter of having the ethics to control your words. To be rejected no matter how much you try, to have all your hard work be treated like trash, to hear people say that what you did merits not even their attention is so excruciating, it feels like you’ve just

been sawed in half.So, once your opinion is asked

on any particular subject, consider first what it took to reach that line. Consider the time, the effort, and the intentions, because time will truly come when you would find yourself in that very same position and asking for this same courtesy. I ask not for people to speak lies and say the opposite of what they truly feel just for the benefit of obscuring the facts… but simply the manners to hold back their tongues, because sticks and stones will only break your bones but words could shatter the soul.

The world is a catwalk where fashion has been long lording over.

Fashion, in the past, has been a determiner of your social sta-tus. This has been embedded in the rich Filipino culture, particularly on how our ancestors would adorn their bodies with colorful cloth and ink to mirror what part of the society they play the role of. For instance, the body tattoos of the Cordillera tribes would identify their level in the tribe caste. The feath-ers of male warriors would usu-ally determine how many warriors they have killed in the bloodbaths of tribe versus tribe, one feather for every life cut short by their bows and arrows or spears. Down south, jewelry of gold and gems and extravagant headdresses were your maharlika identification. The more of those accessories that you have and the more colorful and intricately designed your clothes are, the more you are looked upon in the society. That is how much fashion affected people back then. It identifies who you are in the societal ecosystem of lords and slaves. It gives you your identity. It emphasizes where you rightfully belong.

With the world revolving and with the changing of times, ways, and means, which comes along, fashion has still been the same. Of course, the members of our society are given much more freedom that they have stepped away from being the slaves of those who are in power and those who happen to be more financially stable, but still, the rudiments of how fashion has branded people has never been erased.

Fashion has been accessible to those who have the money to spend for things that go beyond

the physiological need of cloth-ing. Indeed, people have been suggesting ways to be hippy and cool without having to spend a lot, but there will still be some-thing that should be bought. And then, there’s high fashion that has yet raised the comparison notches higher. Talk about celebrities talking about how their dresses are made by this and that designer who has conquered the world of fashion. Talk about those elite who talk about jargons and brands that only they know because only they could afford.

The thing is, we are taken over by fashion when, in fact, we should be taking over it. Fashion has been a societal lord when, in fact, it should not be like that.

The tendency is that, for the sake of fashion, we sacrifice com-fort. Girls wear those stilettos that they see models wear because it is the trend, even if they actually find it hard to walk and despite the bruises that they get after a day of walking around and feel-ing fashionable with them. They would even match it with really short skirts that they adjust from time to time because more than what should be seen in them is seen. Guys would wear pants re-ally low to show their boxers or briefs because cool celebrities are like that, not minding if it is not comfortable anymore. I respect that people tend to showcase the type of fashion that they want, but isn’t it too much that your comfort has been sacrificed for it?

It is fine to be fashionable. The society has made us believe that fashion actually matters that we cannot get away from that fact anymore. However, if you are venturing into a makeover where

you make yourself more pleasing to the eye, you have to make sure that you are comfortable in what you wear and that people around you would not be bothered with how you look. You have to battle out within yourself if you are going fashionable for yourself or for other people. If the former would apply, wear something that will not get in the way of your daily tasks. If the latter, make it a point that you wear the right outfit for the right occasion. Most likely, you have to comply with both.

I am not fashionable. For a fashion-themed issue, I have been obviously wrongly placed. Thus, what I could only tell is that you should not be identified just because of what you wear. You are more than what people would think of you just because you are wearing shorts and a T-shirt or even a Kalinga g-string. It takes more than mere fashion for you to be judged as a person. Choose something that you are comfortable with.

Choose something that will not violate your character. Choose something that you wear because you feel like wearing it. Consider the rules of where you are going before deciding what to wear, but never fear what people might think if you are not wearing something fashionable, as long as you are complying with what should be worn.

Whatever you are wearing, wear it proud. Stand tall and promote a positive aura that is way beyond the outfit. Be identified by who you actually are.

You might be wearing clothes from an expensive line, but if you don’t have the attitude, you might as well be naked.

Why do we need fruits for a good heart? Hearts don’t liter-ally need fruits, they need good virtues to become healthy. If you don’t have any of the common virtues, you don’t have a heart so you are considered futile from the society. Idiomatically speak-ing, you ate rotten fruits in that

situation. Do you know of some Virtues? Some of these are obedience, diligence, honesty, patience, cleanliness of the mind, heart and words, and many more. If you take an enumeration test about these virtues, it would be easy to perfect it. But having these virtues applied to our life

is never as easy as to mention them orally, and we may have a good brain instead of a good heart. No matter how smart or good-looking you are, if you don’t have a good heart, you will never be good enough to live a worthwhile life. Let’s ponder about it.

Words could shatter the Soul

Fruits for a Good Heart

Of Fashion and Lack of It

by Marie Adrienne Eugenio

SPLASH

by Jasmin Pajarin

Best of Friends

from front page

by Michael Salvador Tanay

Vol. IX No. 1 8

While it is important for stu-dents to focus on schooling and make it the top priority in their lives, they must branch out and fo-cus on some other significant things to be truly well-rounded. And one of which is engaging in sports de-velopment programs in schools.

The conduct of school sports

is one great way for students to learn life lessons that will pay off for the rest of their lives.

When on a sports team, they learn how to interact with team-mates and realize the importance of relying on one another. These skills will eventually be applied to the classroom and to their ca-reer and workplaces in the future.

Everyone runs into tough times and must make tough decisions. One is constantly knocked down and has to deal with life’s set-backs. It is important for one to learn how to pick him up and press on, even in the face of adversity. School sports indeed give a sense of perseverance as he continu-ously plays his sport even when

he runs into some problems like injuries and little playing time.

It is also significant for one to learn about hard work and to add that characteristic to all aspects of his life. Every student will learn about hardwork as he strives to excel at the sport he loves. This dedication and determination to-

wards a goal or task will continue in him to the class-room and, even-

tually, to his work office.Sports do more than giving

people a way to express them-selves and a way to be athlet-ic. They provide students with the various life skills that they need to be upright individuals in school and in their future career.

With these implications of how sports help complete the individu-ality of every learner, the conduct of intramurals and interschool sports activities in and among schools still plays a crucial role.

Definitely after more than five years of not holding such event in BRSHS, students are not just intensely looking for-ward to but desperately longing to have BRSHS Intramurals 2012.

BRSHS conducts mini intrams 2012

April Atoli, a second year student of Bicol Regional Sci-ence High School garnered 5th place for the pre-juniors category (age group 13-14) individual all-round and in rope apparatus in the 9th

International Singapore Open for Gymnastics Championships (ISOGC) held at the Bishan Sports Hall, Singapore last June 4-13, 2012.

Atoli performed her floor rou-tine with rope, hoop, ball, ribbon

and clubs. Her coach and trainor were Marian Vivan Alejandre and Mariel Velarde respectively, both teachers of Ligao West Central Elementary School (Binatagan).

The contestants in the pre-ju-niors category were from differ-ent Asian countries specifically Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singa-pore and Philippines. The Singa-pore Team ranked the 1st to 4th place in the individual all-around

category while Atoli ranked 5th place in both individual all-around and in rope apparatus.

The Urban Dance Center (UDC) of Ligao City represented the Philippine team as the UDC-Philippines. Not only contestants from Ligao,City competed in Singapore but also gymnasts from Cebu City.

Representing the Philippines-UDC Team, Atoli was also with

Genemy Joice Diaz from St. Mary’s Academy of Ligao who competed in Junior’s category, Frances Mae Ramirez from Ligao East Central School and Mary Jo Frances Alejandre from Ligao West Central Elementary School (Binatagan) who both competed for the pre-junior (age group 10-12) category.

-Kimbhert Prollamante

Expressing talents, skills, and love for the Filipino language, the BRSHS students engage in the vig-orous Laro ng Lahi in the Buwan ng Wika celebration last August 17, 2012.

Embracing the opportunity to temporarily free themselves of the hectic school works and deadlines, the students made sure to make their time count by energetically participat-ing in the spirited events organized by the ever attentive Sama-Fil Officers.

The event involved traditional Fili-pino games such as “Kadang- Kadang” and “Patintero” and other popular games like “Sack Race” and the “Hoola Hoop Contest.” These games promoted the student’s teamwork and cooperation. It also boosted their confidence through shouting non-stop cheers for the partici-pants representing their class. In these events, the students’ physical fitness and ability to maintain vitality despite the simul-t a n e o u s activities were ad-m i r a b l e .

Aside from physical games though, the Laro ng Lahi also hosted events such as “Sungka” that mainly requires and expands a student’s logical prowess and capacity to think under pressure.

The Laro ng Lahi ended once all the games were finished and once the champions were identified.

The students, having been freshly reminded of the joys of tra-ditional Filipino activities, head-ed home with exhilarated smiles of triumph and good memories.

At the end of the day, the Laro ng Lahi proved to be a great success. It al-lowed the students to see not only the past in the world of modern-day com-puter games but also the past of the frantic world of exams and deadlines. It did not only refresh the students’ mind but also molded their character through

accepting defeat with good grace and receiving wins with utmost humility.

With this year’s Buwan ng Wika being a great success, the students cross their fingers for an-other great event next school year.

-Jacqueleen Oli

AIM HIGH, JUMP HIGH. Dave Lobigan of II - Hyacinth grabs the crown in a sack race competition during the Buwan ng Wika.

BRSHS Dance Theaterbags 3rd place Best Exhibition

in Magayon Festival 2012After winning in the Ibalong

Festival Street Presentation last August 20, 2011, the Bicol Re-gional Science High School (BR-SHS) dance theater , again proved their skills as they competed in thea Magayon Festival Street Presentation on April 31, 2012.

The contingents from different places presented with high energy and managed to grab 2nd Runner-Up , outshining twelve other con-

tingents in the Street Presentation. The Brisayano family and

friends showed their support by wearing red shirts. Specta-tors cheered and shouted as they saw the contingents from BR-SHS in their dazzling outfits.

Mr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone, contingent head for BRSHS shared, “We know that we did our best and all our hard works had paid off. Thank God and all of

those who support us to the end making us more competitive and eager to do our best which results to what we have received now.”

It is really a great achieve-ment for the BRSHS to attain such success. Everyone went home with satisfaction in their eyes and eager for what they would showcase next year,

Craving for a break

-Amiel Van Llaneta