Iniilathala ni: Christine Mae Karunungan
Petsang Inilathala: Abril 4, 2025
Oras na Inilathala: 6:49 PM
Friday, April 4, 2025
𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠: “Katatagan para sa Pagbabago” ni Raine Gabriel G. Tolentino
Inilathala ni: John Kurt Gabriel Reyes
Petsang Inilathala: Abril 4, 2025
Oras na Inilathala: 6:17 PM
Ang mga Pilipino ay kilala bilang mga matatag na indibidwal na hindi basta basta nagpapatalo sa anumang problema o sakuna. Umaraw man o bumagyo, patuloy na babangon ang mga Pilipino para harapin ang paparating na pagsubok. Gayunpaman, sa likod ng tila positibong epekto nito, may nakatagong komplikadong resulta ito sa buhay ng mga mamamayang Pilipino.
Ang “Filipino Resiliency” o ang pagiging matatag ay isang pang-kulturang katangian ng mga Pilipino na patuloy na tumindig at tiisin ang mga pagsubok na kanilang kinakaharap. Dahil sa taglay na pagmamahal ng mga Pilipino para sa kanilang pamilya at kapwa, nabuo ang kaisipan na ito at hanggang ngayon, dala pa rin ito ng marami sa atin. [1] Ngunit sa kabila ng kagandahan ng salitang ‘matatag’ ay ang patuloy na pagtitiis ng mga Pilipino sa kung anong meron sila. Isa sa mga negatibong epekto ng katatagan ng mga Pilipino ay ang maging normal ang pagdurusa. Sa patuloy na pag-asa sa mga Pilipino na maging matatag, hindi sinasadyang lumikha tayo ng isang kultura na tinitignan ang kahirapan bilang isang normal na bahagi ng ating buhay.
Bukod pa rito, ang “Filipino resiliency” ay kadalasan ding gamitin upang bigyang-katwiran ang kakulangan ng suporta ng gobyerno para sa mga Pilipino. [2] Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay-diin sa kakayahan ng mga Pilipino na makayanan ang mga pagsubok, ang mga lider na namumuno ay mas pipiliin na hindi na magbigay ng sapat na serbisyong panlipunan at magtatag ng mga programa na makakatulong sa kalamidad. Ngunit mahalaga na isaalang alang na ang pagiging matatag ay hindi dapat isang aspeto na patuloy nating isakatuparan, lalo na kung may matinding sakuna, sa halip ay gamitin ito ng gobyerno na oportunidad para sa pagbabago.
Kung patuloy nating tatanggapin ang ganitong kaisipan, maaaring humantong sa kakulangan ng pananagutan ang mga nasa kapangyarihan, dahil umaasa sila sa katatagan ng kanilang mga nasasakupan na tiisin ang mahirap na kalagayan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagkilala sa isyung ito, maaari nating simulan na ituon ang ating pansin sa paglikha ng isang mas makatarungan at pantay na lipunan, isang lipunan na magpapahalaga sa kakayahan at dignidad ng lahat ng mga Pilipino.
Ang katatagan ay tunay na nakakaapekto sa pangangailangan ng sistematikong pagbabago sa ating bansa. Kaya naman sa pamamagitan ng pagtuon ng ating pansin sa mga tunay na sanhi ng kahirapan, gaya na ang hindi pagkakapantay-pantay at hindi makatarungang pamumuhay, maiiwasan natin ang pagtutok sa indibidwal na katatagan. Panahon na upang tanggalin natin ang ganitong kaisipan dahil ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagiging matatag ay ang lumaban para sa pagbabago.
MGA SANGGUNIAN:
[1] Hernandez, A.M. (2024, December 10).
The ‘Resilient Filipino’: From Romanticised Climate Narratives Towards Resilience-Focused Climate Policy in the Philippines. Fulcrum.
https://fulcrum.sg/reclaiming-the-resilient-filipino.../
[2] Agbay, A. (2024, May 16). The Filipino Resilience as a Form of Systemic Burden. GirlPowerTalk.
https://girlpowertalk.com/filipino-resilience-as-a-form.../
𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗡: “Baliktad na Mundo” ni Khim Lhady May Galasinao
Inilathala ni: John David Viñas
Petsang Inilathala: Abril 04, 2025
Oras na Inilathala: 3:39 PM
Kategorya: Prosa
Tema: Perspektibo ng mga taong naaabuso dahil sa kawalan ng karapatan at hustisya.
Malamig ang hangin nang gabing iyon, ngunit hindi iyon ang nagdulot ng panginginig sa katawan ni Pael. Nakayuko siya habang tahimik na naglalakad sa isang madilim na eskinita, dama ang bigat ng mga matang sumusunod sa bawat hakbang niya. Pakiramdam niya’y hinuhubaran siya ng mga titig, kinakalkula, sinusuri, parang isang bagay na hindi niya pag-aari ang sarili niyang katawan.
Bumilis ang tibok ng kanyang puso nang may lumapit. Isang babae, ang mga mata’y mabagal siyang sinuri mula ulo hanggang paa. Ngumiti ito—hindi malambing, hindi magiliw. Isang ngiti ng pag-aari at pagnanasa.
"Kanina pa kita pinapanood," anito, ang tinig ay halos pabulong ngunit puno ng kumpiyansa. "Para kang nawawala."
Umiling si Pael, pilit na itinago ang kaba. "Hindi, uuwi na ako."
Ngunit hindi siya pinakawalan ng tingin nito. May kung anong humigpit sa kanyang lalamunan.
Ramdam mo na ba?
Ang pagdikit ng takot sa balat, ang kawalan ng kontrol sa isang sitwasyong hindi mo hiniling? Ang pakiramdam ng pagiging isang hayop sa kulungan, pinagmamasdan at hinihintay na maging sapat na mahina upang lapitan?
"Anong ibig mong sabihing tinatakot kita?" Malambing ang boses ng babae, halos mapanukso. "Hindi ba’t ganito lang talaga? Tingnan mo ang sarili mo—ang postura mo, ang paraan ng paggalaw mo. Hindi mo ba alam kung ano ang sinasabi ng katawan mo?"
Napaatras si Pael. Hindi niya alam kung paano sasagot.
"Ano’ng ibig mong sabihin, hindi mo ‘to ginusto?" Tumawa ito, ngunit walang saya sa tunog nito. "Kung ayaw mo, bakit ka lumabas nang ganyan ang itsura? Bakit mo hinayaang makita kita?"
Sinubukan niyang magsalita, ngunit parang natunaw ang kanyang boses. Parang kahit anong sabihin niya, wala nang saysay.
Ganito pala.
Ganito pala ang pakiramdam ng pagiging biktima sa mata ng isang taong may hawak ng kontrol.
Hindi niya namalayang bumibilis ang kanyang paghinga. Hindi niya namalayang kinuyom niya ang kanyang kamao.
Masaya pa ba?
Hindi, ‘di ba? Nakakasuka. Nakakabaliw.
At ngayon, sa unang pagkakataon, alam mo na.
Alam mo na kung paano kami mabuhay. Alam mo na kung paano kami kinukulong sa titig, sa salita, sa takot na hindi mo mahawakan ngunit hindi mo rin matakasan.
At tulad namin, gusto mo ring tumakbo.
Ngunit wala kang ibang pagpipilian kundi lumaban.
Ngayon, sabihin mo sa akin,
Kaya mo bang harapin kami?
O matutulad ka na lang sa amin—tahimik, pilit na nagtatago, at nangangarap ng isang mundong hindi na kailangang ipaglaban ang dignidad na dapat ay sa lahat.
𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗡: “Summer Break is Coming” by Shekinah Samantha H. Olajide
Published by: Christine Mae Karunungan
Date Published: April 4, 2025
Time Published: 3:32 PM
𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: “It Was Easier with You” by Frans Danielle R. Castillo
Published by: Christine Mae Karunungan
Date Published: April 4, 2025
Time Published: 3:25 PM
Category: Prose
Theme: Not wanting to try again with someone new.
I don’t understand how some people find it easy to be with someone new after not working it out with their past lover. I don’t get how it’s easy for them to introduce themselves over and over again. Telling the new person their favorite color, their favorite food, their interests—only for them to not last long.
I can’t imagine that I’ll be in that kind of position. I can’t imagine myself sharing my deepest secrets and expect them not to be scared away. Admitting my mistakes and thinking that they will still accept me nevertheless. Showing my vulnerability without silently begging that they will stay by my side.
I could never handle the idea of undressing myself for someone new.
They would never understand. They wouldn't understand like you do. It’s different with you. It was easier with you.
It was easier to tell you my secrets because it never scared you away; you thought of it as a way to know me more. It was easier to admit my mistakes because you never failed to assure me that it’s okay. It was never hard to show you my vulnerability because you’re always there to wrap your arms around me as you constantly whisper that it will be alright.
You helped me undress the bad parts that I was too scared to show to anyone. From the way I cry about every minor inconvenience I have. The way I tend to walk away for a while whenever I feel that something's off. The way I aggressively handle things because it is what I was taught to be. But in the end, you're still there, quietly standing behind me as you patiently wait for me to come run to you.
So no, I could never handle the idea of allowing someone new to know me. If it’s not you, then I’d rather be alone.
𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦-𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘: "SURVIVAL OF THE STEM-BEST: Students conquer ultimate challenges in STEM Day 2025" by Iony Ghail M. Castillo
Published by: John David Viñas
Date Published: April 4, 2025
Time Published: 12:53 PM
The Danilo V. Ayap (DVA) Gymnasium buzzed with excitement as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students gathered to step into the ultimate test of skill, endurance, and teamwork for the Squid Game-themed STEM Day on March 27.
Guided by the siSTEMa officers and advisers, students successfully faced a series of exciting challenges, proving that in this competition, strength and strategy were the keys to survival.
Ready, Set, STEM! A Game to STEM-vival
The day began with the registration of sections, marking the official start of the competition. To get their adrenaline pumping, students participated in a Zumba session where the energy began to build up.
The excitement soared even higher when Lian Mallabo, Haggai's president, took the floor for a student intermission performance, setting the stage on fire with her dynamic dance that had the crowd cheering.
With the energy at its peak, students spread out across game stations, where 15 players per section competed in a mix of skill-based and strategic challenges, including the famous games from the Korean series: Flying Stones, Gonggi, Ddakji, Sipa, and Bottle Flip.
At first, many underestimated the difficulty of these seemingly simple childhood games until they started playing.
Sipa tested their foot-eye coordination in ways they did not expect, while the Flying Stones game added an unexpected challenge when some stones mysteriously went missing.
The siSTEMa officers even had to announce that some stones were gone, drawing laughter from the crowd. Whether misplaced or kept as souvenirs, the missing stones became an amusing side story during the intense competition.
Every section fought hard to outplay their opponents, proving that STEM students know how to combine quick thinking with precise execution.
Battle of the Best, Who Will Outlast the Rest?
The competition intensified in the afternoon, starting with a second round of registration and the highly anticipated announcement of the Top 10 sections based on their scores: Zephaniah, Salem, Shema, Sephar, Nahum, Corinthians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Simeon, and Haggai.
Hold the Rope or Lose the Hope
One of the most intense moments of the event was the Tug-of-War competition, where teams needed more than just strength and power. They had to work together, stay focused and never give up.
The gym was filled with shouts as teams gripped the rope tightly and feet pressing firmly into the ground. As the countdown began, players leaned back, pulling with all their strength.
Sections Zephaniah, Simeon, Timothy, Haggai, and Sephar quickly showed their dominance, proving that coordination mattered just as much as power. Some rounds ended in seconds, with one team pulling hard enough to send their opponents stumbling forward. Others turned into intense battles, with neither side willing to give in.
Mugunghwa Kkoci Pieot Seumnida: Move Wisely, Stop Precisely
The famous Red Light, Green Light brought excitement to the crowd with its twist. Instead of a voice command, music sets the pace.
The moment the beat dropped, players dashed forward, eyes locked on the finish line. Laughter and cheers echoed through the gym as some players raced ahead while others are cautious with their movements.
But as soon as the music stopped, chaos followed. Players froze in hilarious poses while others barely keeping their balance. Those caught moving, even by an inch were immediately eliminated.
Sections Zephaniah, Haggai, and Simeon showed impressive control, mastering the rhythm of movement and balance. Some players underestimated the challenge, thinking they could quickly stop only to be caught by the sharp eyes of the siSTEMa officers.
The suspense built with each round, the crowd holding their breath as players tried to cross the finished line to bring honor to their section.
After a full day of intense competition, the final results were tallied and the top winners were Zephaniah as 3rd, Simeon taking 2nd, and Haggai clinching 1st place.
With the competition over, the winning sections gathered for a photo opportunity, capturing the moment of triumph.
Victory in Unity
In an interview, Haggai's Vice President and siSTEMa officer Hershey Mhae Salonga shared that their win was more than about just claiming first place—it was about teamwork and joy.
"Sobrang saya po and super duper proud po ako sa mga klase ko kasi we didn’t expect to win talaga," she said, emphasizing that their goal wasn’t to win but simply to enjoy the STEM Day experience.
Despite her role as a facilitator, Salonga still witnessed the teamwork that brought her section to victory.
"Super proud po ako sa kanila kasi facilitator po ako noong time na 'yun, so hindi ko po talaga sila nababantayan, pero kitang-kita ko po sa kanila yung cooperation and unity. I think yun ang mas nagpanalo sa section namin kasi naniniwala po akong there is victory in unity."
She also highlighted how the strong support among her classmates made a significant difference for their victory.
Seeing their enthusiasm and encouragement for one another boosted the confidence of those competing. She believed that having the support of their section gave players the motivation to perform at their best.
For Salonga, the true victory was not just about winning but about enjoying the event. The experience and memories they created mattered more than the final results.
Regardless of the outcome, as long as her classmates had fun, they were already winners in her eyes.
She ended her message with a heartfelt congratulations to her section and the entire STEM community.
"To my section, congratulations talaga! Ang gagaling ninyo, proud na proud ako sa inyo—keep it up lang, Haggai!"
"At sa lahat po ng STEM students na umattend kahapon, thank you po sa pag-attend niyo at sa pagbigay ng oras. Sana po na-enjoy niyo yung STEM Day and congratulations po sa ating lahat. Thank you po," she added.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Despite the event’s success, siSTEMa President Nachiel Albino shared both the triumphs and challenges they faced during STEM Day. She described the event as "unforgettable" noting that while it was enjoyable she was disappointed that not all students were able to attend and experience the event.
"Most of the attendees were in grade 11 since they were the only ones required to attend. It's such a shame that grade 12 students, especially now that they are graduating, didn't get to attend. But what's in the past stays in the past, and I would just like to look at the bright side since the grade 11 students got to experience what STEM Day feels like for the first time," she said.
Albino also highlighted the struggles they encountered, particularly with the venue.
During the afternoon session, the venue had to be moved to the small gym since both Alta and Shark Squad were practicing at the DVA gym, leaving little space to accommodate the attendees.
In addition to the venue change, technical difficulties arose as only portable microphones and speakers were available, which had to be provided independently.
The situation became chaotic as a large number of students had to be managed in a small space with a poor sound system.
Despite these challenges, Albino expressed gratitude for the support of her officers, their adviser, and other teachers, particularly Sir Wynn, in ensuring the event continued smoothly.
STEM Day was successfully wrapped up as a day of pure fun, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. Whether pulling ropes, racing to the finish line, or mastering games, students proved that STEM isn’t just about science and math.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Scientists create woolly mice to revive woolly mammoth" by Matthew Hermoso Baluca
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Published by: Jean Ashley Lugod
Date Published: April 3, 2025
Time Published: 6:41 PM
An astronomical breakthrough occurred as genetic researchers in Texas successfully engineered woolly mice as announced on March 4 by Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech company specializing in de-extinction projects.
The achievement represented a notable milestone in de-extinction efforts, demonstrating the potential of genetic engineering to restore extinct species by successfully integrating mammoth traits into living mice.
By analyzing ancient DNA, scientists identified mammoth-specific genes responsible for traits such as thick fur and cold adaptation.
Dr. George Church, a lead geneticist on the project, stated, “We successfully transferred mammoth-specific genes into mice, allowing us to observe how these traits function in a living organism.”
This process involved using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), a gene-editing technology that splice mammoth genes into mouse embryos, resulting in a woolly mice — a genetically engineered mice that exhibit a thick brown coat of a mammoth. That can withstand winter environment for a period of time.
Colossal Biosciences aims to utilized in this success to advance their goal of resurrecting the woolly mammoth. The company plans to integrate mammoth genes into Asian elephant cells, with the objective of producing a winter proof elephant that exhibit a core biological traits of the woolly mammoth.
This venture is part of a broader mission to develop a de-extinction library of animals, housing genetic DNA and embryos from endangered species to combat population loss.
While some scientists acknowledge the achievement, others debate ethical concerns that could disrupt the existing ecosystem or whether it is better to use for endangered species.
Dr. Love Dalén, a paleogeneticist, warned, “Reintroducing mammoth traits into modern animals raises concerns about unforeseen genetic consequences and environmental impact.”
"I think there is a lot of technological development that can be done [and] we can learn a lot about how to edit genomes, and that could be really useful for endangered species today," he added.
Despite these challenges, Colossal Biosciences remains committed to develop their technological advancements. The company continues to improve its gene-editing techniques and explore the broader applications of its research in de-extinction and preservation.
REFERENCES:
[1] Neuman, S (2021, September 14) Scientists Say They Could Bring Back Woolly Mammoths. But Maybe They Shouldn't — NPR
[2] Davis, N (2025, March 4) Genetically modified woolly mice bring scientists closer to resurrecting the mammoth —THE GUARDIAN
[3] GMA INTEGRATED NEWS (2025, March 6) Scientists trying to bring back woolly mammoth create woolly mice
[4] Larson, C (2025, March 7) Scientists trying to bring back the woolly mammoth end up with woolly mice — INDEPENDENT
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