OPINION | PAGE 5
Drafting
a brighter
future
School revives
specialization
after a decade
MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCA BELAS
A
fter more than two years
of remote learning,
students at General
Santos City National Secondary
School of Arts and Trades
(GSCNSSAT) had something to
look forward to this School Year
2022-2023 aside from the return
to in-person classes and that is
the reintroduction of drafting as
a specialization offering to the
school’s curriculum.
GSCNSSAT, which was once
known for producing skilled artists
and draftsmen, has not been offering
drafting for the past 10 years.
This has led to concerns among
students, parents, and industry
partners about the school’s ability to
produce students who are capable
to compete in industries that require
technical skills.
The current school principal,
Bienvenido L. Ruedas Jr,
acknowledged GSCNSSAT’s past
reputation and expressed his desire
to restore the same by reintroducing
drafting as one of the institution’s
specializations.
“We recognize the importance of
providing tradeans with the technical
skills they need to succeed in the
workforce,” Mr. Ruedas explained.
He also stressed the essence of
offering the specialization as it is
also needed in a variety of industries
surrounding the GSCNSSAT
community.
Faculty members and staff also
expressed their support for the
reoffering of the specialization.
For Jeanette Adolfo, teacher
assigned to teach the drafting
subject for the past years, the move
showed the schools commitment
to providing students with quality
technical-vocational education.
Currently, there are 45 students
under the drafting specialization in
the grade eight level.
INSIDE PAGES
NEWS 02
OPINIONS 05
FEATURES 08
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MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCA BELAS
G
eneral Santos City National Secondary School of Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT),
a public high school offering the Strengthened Technical Vocational Education
Program (STVEP) opened its portals in the resumption of in-person classes for their
technical-vocational students.
According to Bienvenido L.
Ruedas Jr., GSCNSSAT school head,
technical-vocational subjects such
as automotive servicing, electrical
installation and maintenance, and
computer hardware servicing require
hands-on training and practical
application, which cannot be fully
replicated through distance learning.
“By returning to in-person
classes, we hope to provide our
students with a more immersive and
interactive learning environment,
under the guidance of experienced
teachers,” Ruedas said.
The school head also explained
that modular learning has been
challenging for learners of technical
and vocational subjects as it limits
Reading Woes: Challenges surface as F2F classes begin
WISELY BANGKIL
T
he return to in-person classes in General
Santos City National Secondary School
11 of Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT) after an
extended period of distance modular learning
14
presented an opportunity to assess the
impact of this modality on students’ literacy
skills.
A report from the school reading coordinator
revealed that a number of students from grades
seven to 12 lack the skills of a fluent reader or
those who read below grade level and struggles
with comprehension.
According to Sheila Mae B. Alitao, school
reading coordinator, factors such as access to
digital technology and internet connectivity as
well as socioeconomic status may be influencing
the extent of students struggles in their liracy
skills.
“Students who have limited access to these
resources may have struggled more with
distance modular learning, and therefore, may
be more likely to be non-readers,” Ms. Alitao
explained.
She also added that another factor that may
contribute to reading woes is the social and
emotional impact of the pandemic.
TRISHA MAE LANDERO
C
OVID-19 has disrupted
education in the Philippines
with schools across the
country closed since March
FROM VIRTUAL TO REAL. This tradean under the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) 2020 to prevent the spread of
specialization of General Santos City National Secondary School of Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT)
can finally hone his skill through practical application of lessons as the school returns to the the virus, which affected more
face-to-face classes after more than two years of distance learning. than 25 million students and 1.2
Photo by Kristina Caledecion | Digital Art by Prince Kingston Duran
million teachers.
To continue learning during
the pandemic, the Department
of Education (DepEd) has
implemented alternative modes of
learning, including online, modular,
and TV/radio-based instruction.
However, the shift to these modes
of learning has posed significant
challenges, particularly for students
from low-income families and those
living in areas with limited internet
connectivity.
According to a report by UNICEF,
an estimated 4.4 million Filipino
students have no access to the
internet, while 7.5 million have
limited access. This has made it
difficult for them to participate in
online classes and access online...
FOLLOW STORY ON PAGE 3
BY THE NUMBERS
4.4M
their access to equipment and tools needed for practical
application.
The return to in-person classes has been welcomed
by GSCNSSAT’s students and parents, who have
expressed their eagerness to learn in a more hands-on
environment.
“I’m excited to go have access to the tools and
equipment needed for my automotive technology class,” Filipino students have no
access to the internet
7.5M
said Elphie Opena, a grade nine student.
He also said that modular learning has been
challenging, and being in the classroom with his
classmates and teachers will help him learn better.
When asked about the challenges of distance
learning, John said, “It’s hard to ask questions and clarify
things online. Sometimes, the teacher can’t explain
things as well, and it’s difficult to see what’s happening
when they demonstrate something on the computer. I Filipino students have
think being in the classroom with the equipment and limited access to the
tools in front of you makes a big difference.” internet
Data from a report by UNICEF
appropriate reading materials
35
and resources were conducted in
coordination with classroom advisers
and language teachers.
UNLOCKING DIFFICULTIES. Identified junior high school learners, considered as non-readers,
undergo literacy intervention sessions with the use of appropriate materials and resources to
TOTAL NUMBER OF JHS
alleviate the students’ plight in learning various subject areas. LEARNERS IDENTIFIED
AS NON-READERS
Photo by Shiela Mae Alitao
40% GRADE 7
“Students may have faced disruptions to their routines, a loss
of motivation, or feelings of anxiety or depression. All of these
29%GRADE 8
factors can impact reading ability and make it more difficult for
students to engage with the material,” the GSCNSSAT reading
coordinator explained.
In response to this problem, the school took proactive steps to
address the issue of non-readers among its student population. 20%GRADE 9
11% GRADE 10
Targeted literacy interventions such as small group
instructions or one-on-one tutoring, and providing access to
 thecraftsman | 02 | THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES

News
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EDITOR MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCE BELAS

‘NO ID, NO ENTRY’

School intensifies security through mandatory ID policy
BRITNEY SHANE DECENA

U
nder Office Memorandum
No. 139, s. 2022, the “No
ID, No Entry” policy was
implemented for all students of
the General Santos City National
Secondary School of Arts and
Trades (GSCNSSAT) from grade 7
to grade 12 starting November 2,
2022.
The said memorandum was signed by
Mr. Bienvenido L. Ruedas Jr., the school’s
principal, to protect the safety of the
students inside the school.
Mrs. Estela Marie M. Pahuway, Grade
9 teacher, believes that implementing the
“No ID, No Entry”Policy is helpful in the
safety and identification of students.
“…for the safety sa mga bata. Mas
safe para maiwasan ang pagpasok ng
mga outsider. Lalo na ngayon na hindi
mandatory ang pagsuot ng uniform,
makatutulong ito sa pagkakakilanlan ng
mga magaaral,”Ms. Pahuway explained.
Meanwhile Ms. Sheryl L. Yabo, a Grade
7 teacher, said the school policy was not
strictly enforced before.
“Sa mga taong nagtuturo ako rito
sa paaralan, may pagkakataon naming
nakapagbigay ang paaralan ng ID sa mga SCAN TO KNOW
mag-aaral. Hindi nga lang mahigpit ang MORE ABOUT
DEPED’S POLICY ON

pagpapatupad ng“No ID, No Entry,”Ms. THE VOLUNTARY

WEARING OF
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Yabo said.

“
Maria Adrienna
Bianca Belas,
President of the
ENSURING SAFETY AND SECURITY. Kuya Dario, the guard on duty, checks the Identification Card of a Tradean before entering the school premises
in accordance with Office Memorandum No. 139, series of 2022 or the “No ID, No Entry” policy of GSCNSSAT as a mechanism to ensure safety of Tradeans ok voluntary
wearing of uniforms
students, teachers, and other personnel of the institution.

...mas Supreme Student

Government (SSG),
Photo by Kristina Caledecion

mapadadali supported the said

para sa policy saying it
eskwelahan helps to facilitate the
– lalo na sa monitoring of entry
MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCA BELAS
GSCNSSAT shines in 15th Tuna Festival
S
eventy out of 100 students of General
SURVEY NEWS

school guards of students and Santos City National Secondary School of

confirm whether a
ang pagbantay certain individual is
sa pagpasok indeed a student of
ng mga the school.
estudyante at
“I actually
kumpirmahin support the idea
of having”No ID,
na ito ay No Entry”Policy
mag-aaral ng sa school. Dahil
eskwelahan naniniwala po ako
natin na sa ganitong
paraan ay mas
mapadadali para
sa eskwelahan – lalo na sa school guards
ang pagbantay sa pagpasok ng mga
estudyante at kumpirmahin na ito ay
mag-aaral ng eskwelahan natin,”the SSG
president expressed.
As for Rhea Gel V. Napud, a student
in grade 9, the provision of the“No
ID, No Entry”Policy to students is only
appropriate to ensure each student’s
safety.
“Ang pagbibigay po ng”No ID, No
Entry”Policy po ay nararapat to ensure our
safety, and saka if there’s an emergency ay
madali lang I-contact yung mga parents a
or guardian naming,”Napud added.
Mrs. Jan Louise C. Rosel, a parent, gave
approval to the policy saying that the
presence and implementation of“No ID,
No Entry”provides assurance and makes
parents feel safe that their children are safe
inside the school.
“Mas nindot nga anaay“No ID, No
Entry”Policy kay ako as a parent gusto
nako nga safe akong anak sa sulod sa
eskwelahan. Maong ang kini nga polisiya
nagahatag sa akoa isip parent og security
and peace of mind,”Mrs. Rosel said.
Skills Olympics
KAZHMYR GONZAGA
T
radeans soared in the 15th
Tuna Festival Skills Olympics
conducted by Goldenstate
College, held at Veranza Mall,
General Santos City, on September
1 to 2, 2022.
James Paul M. Necosia,
Dame Fay Clare and Grace Ann
Callo brought home the Cake
Decoration championship with
the help of their coach Ms. Eleonor
Gutierrez.
With the help of trainer Bb.
Coralyn Lim, contestant Ivan
Angelo V. Capa won second prize
in the Battle of Bartending.
Meanwhile, participants Maria
Gabriella Tapel, Queen Nicole
Latonio, and Roselle Gannaban
bagged the second prize in the
Market Basket with the support of
their trainer Ms. Judelyn Malasaga.
Participants Nicolette Edo
and Angel Hosoya also grabbed
second prize in Tuna Pasta Salad
making with the aid of Bb. Kristine
Pineda is their trainer.
Donarose G. Jimenea, Hannah
Grace C. Sarsaba, and Jona Ansing
DeGarmo also secured second
prize in Fruit & Vegetable Carving
with the help of trainer, Ms. Anna
Liza Said.
With the assistance of Mr. Ariel
Ebio, Angel Caryl M. Pitogo, and
Leonardjhon C. Agrado also took
Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT) are in favor of
the reiteration of the Department of Education’s
(DepEd) policy on the voluntary wearing of school
uniforms.
This was the result of the survey conducted by
the craftsman, the official English publication of
GSCNSSAT, to identify students’ perceptions about
the issue on wearing school uniforms in public
schools.
Majority of the students who participated in the
survey cited reasons such as comfort, convenience,
and personal style as the main factors behind their
SHOWCASE OF SKILL. Tradeans demonstrate their skills in various
competitions during the 15th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics decision to support the policy.
Photo by Mary Grace Sigarra Kazhmyr Gonzaga, a grade 8 student, mentioned
that being allowed to wear their preferred clothing
would give them a greater sense of individuality and
home the second prize in the Waiter’s Relay. self-expression.
Taking the second prize for Bartending is Ma. “As a free space, the school needs to be a venue
Angelina Lunzaga in the SHS category with the for students to feel they are who they are an one way
backing of her trainer, Ms. Lea Tablo. of doing that is by letting us wear whatever we are
Moreover, participant Eliza Bianca D. comfortable with, as long as this does not violate the
took home the fourth prize in the dress code,” Gonzaga explained.
Table Napkin Folding Competition Meanwhile, Rasheed Solaiman refuted this by
with the help of Mrs. Marydeth saying that allowing students to voluntarily wear
Balansag as her trainer. their uniform opens up the school to safety and
Participants Jayvien security issues.
Torreblanca, Tracy Ramirez, “Kapag hindi mandatory ang uniforms, may
and Francis Mayoral also tendency na baka kahit sinu-sino na lang ang
took home the fourth pumasok dito sa school,” Solaiman said.
prize in the Grand Flower Vice President Sara Duterte, who also serves as
Arrangement battle with Education Secretary in a concurrent capacity, issued
the aid of their coach, Mr. a directive in a bid to avoid additional expenses for
Clyde Belasa. families and students stating that school uniforms
The said event was are not required for School Year 2022-2023.
conducted as part of the According to DepEd Order (DO) No. 065, s.,
City’s celebration of Tuna wearing school uniforms is not even required during
Festival 2022, supported by the the pre-pandemic period. 2010.
Local Government of the City of Duterte insisted that the DepEd will be more
General Santos. mindful of this as the country deals with the
coronavirus pandemic and inflationary pressures.
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES | thecraftsman
VOLUME XXXII | NUMBER 1 | AUGUST 2022 TO MARCH 2023 News 03

SSG leads club registration day

KRISTINA CALEDECION

2,544
Pursuant to the Department of of the SSG along with SSG officials led
Education (DepEd) Memorandum the preparation for the conduct of
No. 067, S. 2022 which disseminates the said activity which lasted for three
RA 11913 or the declaration of days.
August 12 of every year as National Student registration was conducted
Youth Day, the GSCNSSAT Supreme every afternoon at four o’clock.
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO Student Government (SSG) Mr. Yumang believes that
REGISTERED FOR A CLUB spearheaded the Club Membership conducting the said activity will be
MEMBERSHIP DURING THE Registration Day held in select very helpful not only to the students
CLUB REGISTRATION DAY LED classrooms on October 12, 2022. but also to the counselors of the
BY THE GSCNSSAT SUPREME The purpose of this activity is for organizations.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT students to choose the organizations “I believe conducting this Club
I WANT IN. More than 2,500 tradeans participated in the club registration
they want to join and appoint new Registration Day will help the advisers day spearheaded by the GSCNSSAT Supreme Student Government
officers for the 2022-2023 school year. promote and encourage the students Photo courtesy: GSCNSSAT - SSG FB PAGE
Mr. Dexter John R. Yumang, advisor to join their clubs.”

PNP equips tradeans through GSCNSSAT,

partners ensure
Drug Awareness Symposium preparedness as
F2F classes return
RHEA MARIE MARTINEZ MARY JOVYNNE ONDOY

I
n preparation for the return
to face-to-face classes and to
ensure students’ safety, General
Santos City National Secondary
School of Arts and Trades
(GSCNSSAT) conducted Oplan
Bayanihan as part of the annual
Brigada Eskwela with the theme
“Brigada Eskwela: Tugon sa Hamon
ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral” on the 4th
of August.
The event was led by Ms. Agnes
Yumang, Mr. Armando Gaper and Mr.
Nelson Gerona, Technical Vocational
teachers of the school in collaboration
ANTI-DRUG “ART”WARENESS. Selected participants of the Anti-Drug Awareness Symposium spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) with the Barangay Council of San Isidro
express their thoughts about the dangers of drug abuse and how these substances can destroy one’s health and well-being. under the leadership of Brgy. Captain
Photo courtesy: GSCNSSAT-SSG FB PAGE
Edward Frederick J. Yumang.
Other stakeholders and partners were
also present during the activity which
includes the Bureau of Fire Protection

A
bout 140 students of any crime against women and youth explained the theme of the seminar. fire prevention and first aid with the of General Santos City, San Isidro Police
General Santos City especially minor students. Following this, a member of the PNP participants. Station 4 with its Criminology interns from
National Secondary School It also aims to intensify information discussed drug awareness and counter There was also an actual Golden State College, and some staff of
of Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT) dissemination about anti-drug abuse and terrorism. The students were shown demonstration on the use of a fire Brgy. San Isidro.
attended the Anti-Drug Awareness anti-alcohol abuse different extinguisher. According to Patrolwoman

Symposium conducted by the
Philippine National Police (PNP)
in partnership with the Supreme
Student Government (SSG) and
Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) which
was held at the SPTA dome of the
school on February 25.
The said symposium was conducted
to raise awareness and prevention of
“
among types of After sharing the lecture, Prince Michelle G. Lerias, Community Affairs
Tradeans BUHAY AY INGATAN, bombs, Kingston I. Duran from Grade 9 was Development, the Bureau of Fire
and
encourage
DROGA AY IWASAN particularly
those
awarded as the winner of the Poster
Making Contest held on February 23
Protection San Isidro Substation has
always been actively participating in
leaders used in with the theme, “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y school activities and programs.
to include anti-drug abuse prevention the bombing in some parts of South Iwasan.” Mr. Dexter John R. Yumang, SSG Meanwhile, Ms. Matty B. Napoles,
in their training. First to give the word of Cotabato. advisor along with some SSG officials also Principal of GSCNSSAT, expressed her
God was Pastor Lumar J. Consad followed Finally, a representative of the presented Certificates of Recognition to thanks to all those who gave their
by PMAJ. Abdulsam Mamalinta Jr. who Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) shared the guest speakers. donation and service during the
bayanihan during her speech at the event.

Tradean CJs qualify for RSPC 2023 FROM PAGE 1

KRISTINA CALEDECION 2022: THE YEAR

V
ictory!
This was the cry of the
student journalists of the
General Santos City National
Secondary School of Arts
and Trades (GSCNSSAT) after
applauding the Division School
Press Conference (DSPC) 2023
held at the Irineo L. Santiago
National High School of Metro
Dadiangas and Dadiangas South
Central Elementary School for in
Individual Events and Bula Central
Elementary School for Group
Events.
The DSPC was held on March 25
with the participation of public and
private elementary and secondary
schools from all over GenSan.
Representatives Angel Ann P.
Castillon, Dustin O. Estavila, Elphie
Charles C. Opeña, Aliyah Kaye
V. Algarme and Kate Wynslete
R. Andoyo took home the
championship for Collaborative
Desktop Publishing - Filipino
Category.
Also, the representatives of
Collaborative Desktop Publishing –
English Category also bagged the
top spot which was participated
by Maria Adrienna Bianca M. Belas,
Prince Kingston Duran, Kristina
Caledecion, Trisha Mae Landero and
Wisely Bangkil.
Meanwhile, Britney Shane D.
Decena, Aleah Rica Phem Lastimado,
Clariss Palacio, Bemrose Salado and
Kazhmyr Gonzaga took home the
Second prize in the Online Publishing
- English Category contest.
On the other hand, the
representatives Christopher Jonbeth
Siarot, Mary Jovyne Ondoy, Katharine
Lu, Marc Dominique Nocos and
Jhiezel Gabo placed third in the
Online Publishing – Filipino Category.
Tradean representatives of radio
broadcasting - English also took
home special awards. The team
placed second for Best Anchor and
third for Best Infomercial.
For individual events, Jen Kristine
Jordan took third place in Editorial
Cartooning - English, Stephanie
Jones C. Rosel won fourth place
in news writing - Filipino, and
Julia Faye Cabonilas placed fifth in
Photojournalism - Filipino.
Reggie D. Galindez, school
paper adviser of thecraftsman,
expressed thanks to Bienvenido L.
Ruedas Jr., school head of GSCNSSAT,
for the support.
THAT CHANGED
THE FACE
OF EDUCATION
...learning materials.
The pandemic has also
highlighted the digital divide in the
WITH PENS IN HAND AND MINDS ON FIRE. Tradeans proved their mettle at the DSPC, emerging as champions country, with students from affluent
both in heart and in print. Their dedication and hard work paid off as they shone bright amidst fierce competition, families having an advantage over
leaving an indelible mark on the stage and in the hearts of their peers.
Photo by Precious S. Catacutan
those from low-income households.
To address this issue, the government
and various organizations have
He also thanked Helen Grace along with the coaches Coralyn Lim, provided assistance, including free
Malabuyoc, Anthony Villanueva and and Ariel Ebio. tablets and laptops, and internet
all the school staff. “To my fellow school paper connectivity subsidies to students in
“This would not have been advisers, Luna Vivienne L. Diomampo, need.
achieved without the all-out support JimBoy Lomocho, and Precious The shift to alternative modes of
of our school administration headed Catacutan, our coaches, Ms. Coralyn learning has also posed challenges
by our School Head, Sir Bienvenido Lim for photojourn and Sir Ariel Ebio for teachers, who had to adapt
Ruedas. Our heartfelt thanks also to for radio broadcasting for extending quickly to the new online and
Ma’am Helen Grace Malabuyoc, Sir their expertise to prepare our CJs,” he modular instruction formats. The
Antoni Ladiet Villanueva and the rest added. DepEd has provided training and
of our admin staff, for facilitating our The top theree winners for the support for teachers to deliver
needs for logistics and other financial individual events and first placers effective online and modular
concerns,” Mr. Galindez said in his for group events will represent the instruction, but the transition has
Facebook post. City of Champions in the RSPC 2023 still been challenging for many
thecraftsman school paper which will be held in Koronadal City educators.
adviser also thanked his fellow on April 15 to 16.
moderators and trainers Luna GenSan RSPC qualifiers are now SCAN TO KNOW
MORE ABOUT
Vivienne L. Diomampo, James participating in the enhancement REAL-TIME COVID
STATISTICS
Lomocho and Precious Catacutan, program, according to G. Lomocho.
 News
04
LONG OVERDUE
GSCNSSAT gets own covered court after 22 years
WISELY BANGKIL
A
fter more than two decades
of separating from the
Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority
(TESDA), the General Santos City
National Secondary School of Arts
and Trades (GSCNSSAT) finally has
its own covered court.
The construction of the covered
court broke ground in February 21,
2022 and was finally completed on
March 2023.
The project cost over 5 million
pesos and was funded by the office
of Congressman Alberto “Bobby”
Pacquiao through the endorsement
of then city councilor and president
of GenSan’s Liga ng mga Barangay,
now City Mayor, Hon. Lorelie G.
Pacquiao.
“The GSCNSSAT community has
been waiting for a covered court for
over two decades. The school does
not have a facility that served as a
venue for various school events and
activities, and the lack of it made it
difficult to hold events during the
rainy season or extreme weather
conditions,” Bienvenido L. Ruedas Jr.,
school head, said.
He also added that the new
covered court will provide a much-
needed venue for various school
activities, such as sports events,
programs, and other school-related
events and will also serves as a
protection against harsh weather
conditions, ensuring the safety and
comfort of the students and faculty
members.
Students lead
classroom-based
celebration for
WTD 2022
MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCA BELAS
T
o give value and recognition to
teachers, the Supreme Student
Government (SSG) launched
a Classroom-Based Activity as part
of the celebration of Teachers’ Day
with the theme “Filipino Teachers:
Honor of the Filipino People” held at
GSCNSSAT on October 5, 2022.
During the Classroom-Based
Activity, the students from Grades 7 to
12 prepared different surprises for their
teachers as a way of thanking them for
their hard work and dedication.
Some students wrote letters
expressing their gratitude and
admiration, while others gave
chocolates and flowers as a symbol
of appreciation. Additionally, some
students prepared songs, dances, and
small feasts as a way of showcasing their
talents and skills to their teachers.
The SSG officials also contributed
to the celebration by serenading the
school principal, Mr. Bienvenido L.
Ruedas Jr., and the school staff with a
heartfelt song.
This gesture served as a tribute to
the hard work and dedication of the
school’s administration and staff.
Apart from the Classroom-
Based Activity, the Faculty and Staff
Association (FASA) organized games for
the teachers, such as balloon popping,
egg catching, volleyball, and basketball.
These games brought joy to the
teachers and provided them with a
fun and engaging way of celebrating
Teachers’ Day.
Lastly, the contributions of retired
teachers in the school were recognized
and appreciated.
This served as a reminder that their
hard work and dedication did not go
unnoticed and that they continue
to be valued members of the school
community.
thecraftsman | THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES
SHELTER FROM THE HEAT. The new covered court of GSCNSSAT stands tall, providing a much-needed shelter for the students and staff alike. This
state-of-the-art facility not only offers a spacious area for various sports and events but also serves as a hub for creating unforgettable memories.
Photo courtesy: Michael Jamis
The covered court’s construction
was met with excitement and
gratitude from the school’s
administration, faculty members, and
students.
The GSCNSSAT principal, also
expressed his appreciation for the
DepEd and the local government’s
efforts in providing the school with a
much-needed facility.
The local government of General
Santos City has been focusing on
NEWS ANALYSIS
Low parental support, promised government subsidy
cause funding struggles for SPTA
MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCA BELAS
G
eneral Santos City National Secondary
School of Arts and Trades’ (GSCNSSAT)
School Parents-Teachers Association (SPTA)
revealed that it only received support from a small
percentage of parents in the first five months of the
School Year 2022 - 2023.
In comparison, in previous years, around 45%
of parents would have already completed their PTA
donations by October.
However, this year’s projection shows that only 25%
of parents will contribute.
Rodolfo P. Lumawag Jr., the SPTA president,
pointed to the promised support of LGU-GenSan in
contributing to the SPTA in all public schools in the city
as the primary reason for the decline in the collection.
The local government, however, was unable to fulfill
this until now, which has caused funding concerns for
various projects and school organizations.
In addition to the lack of support from the
local government, parents are also facing financial
challenges due to the ongoing pandemic.
Tradeans clinch awards in Division Reading Fest
MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCA BELAS
T
he students of General Santos City National
Secondary School of Arts and Trades emerged
victorious as representatives of the GSC
North District after winning the championship in
Sabayang Pagbigkas and garnering third place
in Speech Choir at the Division Reading Festival
2022 held at Pedro Acharon Sr. Central Elementary
School on December 3.
The participants in Sabayang Pagbigkas delivered
an emotional interpretation of Patrocinio Villafuerte’s
poem, “Wikang Filipino sa Pambansang Kalayaan
at Pagkakaisa,” which resonated with the judges.
Meanwhile, the Speech Choir participants gave a
creative interpretation of Prof. Felix Bautista’s “The
Anatomy of a Filipino.”
The representatives of GSC North District won
first place in the Sabayang Pagbigkas competition,
followed by Pedro Acharon District in second place
VOLUME XXXII | NUMBER 1 | AUGUST 2022 TO MARCH 2023
JOURNeying
continues
School Publications
fortify CJs’
journalistic skills
MARIA ADRIENNA BIANCA BELAS
I
n order to strengthen the
students’ skills in writing
journalistic articles, a School-
based campus Journalism Training
was held at the SBM Showroom of
the General Santos City National
Secondary School of Arts and
Trades (GSCNSSAT) on February
25-26.
The said training was organized
by the GSCNSSAT school paper
advisers led by Reggie D. Galindez,
Luna Vivienne L. Diomampo, James B.
Lomocho and Precious S. Catacutan.
More than 60 aspiring campus
journalists of GSCNSSAT-Main and
GSCNSSAT-Extension participated in
the two-day training.
On the first day, Coralyn A.
Lim shared her knowledge and
experience in photography.
After this, the skills and abilities
of the participants were tested in
copyreading and headline writing
in Mr. Lomocho’s session for the said
event.
Following this, Jennifer Alejandro,
improving the city’s educational milestone for the school and the teacher from General Santos City
facilities, and the construction of the community,” Marydeth Balansag, SpEd Integrated School, gave a
GSCNSSAT covered court is just one grade 7 teacher, said. lecture about proper news writing.
of their many initiatives. She also added that the facility Meanwhile, Ms. Diomampo
The city’s mayor, Lorelie G. will provide a better learning handled feature writing and added
Pacquiao, has committed to environment for the students and things to remember when writing
providing quality education to all encourage them to participate in the publication.
residents during her State of the City school activities and events. The first day of training ended
Address (SOCA) and this project is a The project’s success is a result with Mr. Galindez teaching editorial
testament to that. of the collaborative efforts of the cartooning.
“The completion of the GSCNSSAT DepEd, the local government, and On the second day, Mr. Lomocho
covered court is a significant the school administration. started as he shared about writing
sports news.
Ms. Catacutan followed by
delivering the lecture on Science and
Technology writing.
It was immediately followed by
the sharing of Ma. Princess C. Alagos
about her knowledge in editorial
writing.
In the afternoon, students
Many have lost their jobs, businesses, or income, were taught collaborative Desktop
making it difficult to contribute to the SPTA. Publishing and layouting under the
Despite these challenges, the SPTA said it remains guidance of Mr. Galindez.
committed to providing quality education to all In the last part of the training, the
students. students demonstrated their skills in
They also added that the organiziation actively Radio broadcasting which was also
seeks alternative means to encourage parents for led by Mr. Galindez.
60+
support, even devising the “honesty” donation box at
the SPTA office.
The SPTA also recognizes the importance of
parental involvement in their children’s education
and is exploring ways to encourage more parents to
participate in school activities and programs.
While the SPTA is facing several challenges this year,
it promised to remain optimistic about their ability to
continue supporting the school programs, activities, NUMBER OF ASPIRING
and projects (PAPs). CAMPUS JOURNALISTS WHO
“We are hopeful that with the community’s JOINED THE SCHOOL-BASED
support, we will overcome these obstacles and provide CAMPUS JOURNALISM
a better education for all students,” the SPTA president TRAINING
assured.
POSE OF VICTORY. GSCNSSAT emerges triumphant, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication, as they
claim victory in the events.
Photo by James Lomocho
and North Fatima District in third. In the Speech Choir competition, Apopong District came in first,
followed by Cahilsot District in second place and GSC North District in third.
Mr. James B. Lomocho served as the coach for Sabayang Pagbigkas, while Mr. Rod John F.
Ramirez served as the coach for Speech Choir. The representatives brought great honor to their
school after proudly waving its name in the field of Sabayang Pagbigkas and Speech Choir.