PH STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF EVIDENCE-BASED CULTURAL TOWARDS ZERO HUNGER THRU feature

POLICY MAKING, IN CONTEXTS OF GLOBAL THREATS, CRISES TRADEAN BAHAY-ANI PROJECT

24

in this issue
AS WELL AS IN SUPPORTING CREATIVE ECONOMY, AT THE The school plays an important role in helping students to
UNESCO-MONDIACULT 2022 learn beyond boundaries and to take part in nation building.

culture • photostory news DEFINING HAPPINESS

Happiness is something that has many
07 11 definitions. For some, happiness is finding
comfort with something that gives us peace.

NCBUCP Officers for 2022-2023 •

youth seampathy NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The Role of Youth in Protecting Our 04-05 23 Dr. Serafin A. Arviola Jr. Chairman, Philippine Normal University -
Manila • Alicia Andanar-Pedracio Vice-President for Internal Affairs,
Oceans for Sustainable Development UNESCO CLUBS PH winners of “International Festival De La Salle Araneta University • Ronel M. Villanueva President, Bicol
Since its inception, the National Coordinating Body of UNESCO The Planet of the Art 2022” University • Abdulcader Alsoufi Vice-President for External Affairs,
EMITERIO NICOLAS Clubs in the Philippines, Inc has collaborated with young Filipinos to Cotabato City National High School Main Campus Supreme Student
Three students from St. Bridget School Quezon City, Philippines were
purpose advocacy-driven projects on a local, regional, national, and Government Organization • Christian Mac Juane Secretary General,
winners of the “International Festival The Planet of the Art 2022”
even international scale. Paranaque National High School • Norman M. Mirabel Treasurer,
Our oceans have been gravely suffering in our contemporary organized by The Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs.
LGU of Taguig City • Violeta S. Taleon Auditor, Parang High School •
era. In our globalized communities, throw-away culture has Danika Maria Sandra Corias Public Relations Offficer for Mindanao,

06
been a norm that contributes much to the environmental Ateneo International Studies Students Organization • Stephen LLyod
problems we face today. For instance, there is this incessant CasonoPublic Relations Officers for Visayas, Lambunao National High
consumption of products wrapped in single-use plastics,
and such waste pile up in our oceans and our seas thereby
contributing to the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans.
UNACOM Leads Discussions on PH
Aligned with country commitments during the 2021 World Summit
26-27 School • Ricky O. Aguilar Public Relations Officer for Luzon, Aurora
National High School

Ocean plastic pollution in itself is a serious environmental
problem that poses threat to our marine wildlife and such
calls for actions and solutions from us who care. Hence, as
youth advocates, we have a crucial role in protecting our
oceans and restoring its balance through which we can
achieve by exemplifying SEAmpathy – kindness for our seas.
Pepe Herrera, a Filipino engage. When we engage, we now
on Education for Sustainable Development, the UNESCO National
Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM or PH NatCom) collaborated
with the University of San Jose - Recoletos ESD Center for Research,
Training and Development in partnership with SEAMEO-ESD
Universities....
07
Soaring through Pandemic Challenges
When a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases during the early stages of the
pandemic led to the shutdown of schools all over the country, it
was announced in Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon
Campus (PSHS-CLC) that school club activities were to be temporarily
suspended as well for a few weeks.
BOARD MEMBERS
Geraldine Remo Member, St. Bridget School of Quezon City • Noemi
T. Cabaddu Member, St. Paul University Philippines • Roland Keno
Chua Member, Tinajeros National High School • Raniella M. Navarro
Member, Ang Sinag, Albay Central School • Madrilyn Garcia Member,
Enrile Vocational High School - Supreme Student Government • Dante
Guittu Jr. Member, UP Namnama - University of the Philippines,
Baguio City • John Joseph Hernandez Member, Valenzuela
Nationala High School

comedian and actor, would be
one of those influential stars who
advocate to the protection of
our oceans. For many years now,
he has been doing his personal
commitment of picking up plastic
trash in seas. Collaborating with
Greenpeace Philippines, Herrera
has been at the forefront of the
organization in advocating for
the fight against plastic pollution
in our oceans. Herrera proves to
partake in actions and become
part of the solution. In terms of
taking care of our oceans, there
are simple but meaningful ways
we can do. Like Pepe Herrera, we
can take part in youth-led initia-
tives like beach clean-up drives
and mangrove planting activities.
Fundamentally, in engaging, we
should emphasize mindful actions
and ensure that what we do is for
the purpose of taking care of our
11
28
NATIONAL STANDING COMMITTEES
ACS Ang Sinag pushes Marine Committee on Legal Affairs
To address the pressing problem on Marine Ecosystem, Ang Sinag Harold L. Bembenuto UNESCO Club Padang Chapter
spearheaded Plastic out campaign In promoting Marine Conservation.
Committee on Membership
Fatima Eleonor Villasenor Youth Development Affairs of Laguna •
The Boat is Sinking, Xavier P. Sandot Saint Therese Parish Youth Coordinating Council
Group yourself with Sustainability • Ma. Theresa Pilapil Pelones Mindanao State University, General
The ocean’s aesthetic waves and its pleasurable sound is threatened
in the present times. The wonders of the oceanic scenery as well as its
awe-inspiring diverse species in different countries across the globe is
Santos City

Committee on International Linkages

be a great example of a man with
SEAmpathy.
As youth, we can learn a lot
of things from Herrera’s prolific
example. Like him, we should
recognize that we have the power
to protect our oceans to promote
sustainable development. In this
sense, I will share three things that
we can do as youth to exemplify
oceans for sustainable develop-
ment.
Empower. It is not enough that
we only do things for the sake of
doing it, but it is more beautiful
if we empower others to do the
same thing we do. In protecting
our oceans, we should empower
our fellow youth as well as the
adults so that may get ignited to
Towards Zero Hunger...
The school plays an important role in helping students to learn
beyond boundaries and to take part in nation building. Among
learning beyond boundaries is mitigating the possibility of
food shortage and instilling a sense of responsibility, patience,
resilience, appreciation, and collaboration with the community and
stakeholders.
reaching its dangerous phase. The endpoint of something worthwhile
is slowly turning into a catastrophic one. The boat is sinking: how can
we group ourselves in this continuous oceanic afflict?
scan the code
Be updated! Follow UNESCO to get
Jo-Mari Hieras Midshipman in Charge of Library - MAAP • Allan
Peejay Lapay St. Paul University - Tuguegarao City
Committee on Training and Eductaion
Kim Patrick Caparal Ilaya Barangka Integrated School - Supreme
Student Government • Kean Carlo Suicon Elpidio Quirino High
School UNESCO Club

16-17
genuine SEAmpathy: to ignite, to engage in environmental actions,

engage, and to empower.
Ignite. As youth, we have to
be aware of what’s happening in
our oceans. From our awareness,
it should ignite within us a sense
of responsibility to care. When we
say ignite, we talk about having
the passion and the drive to do
something as well as having the
ideas that will guide us to actually
achieving our purpose. Hence, to
protect our oceans, as youth we
should ignite within ourselves the
heart to care and this should ignite
our ideas that will contribute to
ocean protection for sustainable
development. When we ignite, we
jumpstart the change, and now is
the time that we ignite to protect
our oceans.
Engage. When we are mind-
fully ready and ignited to take on
the challenge of protecting our
oceans, it is now the time for us to
and ripple the same to empower
others. Empowerment is import-
ant because protecting our oceans
is not an individual responsibility.
It is our collective responsibility
as humans to take care of this
planet, to take care of our oceans,
and ensure sustainable develop-
ment for the welfare of the future
generations.
SEAmpathy, as I coined it, is
kindness for our oceans. As youth,
I recognize how much potential we
have to contribute to the protec-
tion of our oceans for sustainable
development. We are young,
talented, passionate, and I know
that our hands and voices will be
fundamental contributors to the
protection of our environment in
general. Let us now be part of the
solution and let’s exemplify SEAm-
pathy to protect our seas
UNESCO
the lastest updates. Get in touch with
them through (en.unesco.org/)
BulSU Research Enthusiasts
The Junior Academic Research Enthusiast Society (JARES) of Bulacan
State University (BulSU) held its 2nd Junior Interdisciplinary Research editorial board &
Conference last December 11, 2021 virtually thru Zoom and Facebook
live platforms. Despite the challenge of the pandemic, the Research
staff • AY 2021-2022
Conference showcased the research and fact-checking skills of Editor-in-Chief: Ranielle Miranda-Navarro •
different participating institutions nationwide. Editors: Abdulcader Alsoufi, Abegail Saysay, Jmie Gueco, Pamela
Garcia, Ricky Aguilar, Sofia Ubaldo, Stephanie Rose Ellema, Vonn
Derick Belando Bunao •
Writers: Arrafi Suhaidi, Mariella Louise Limpin, Nelson Gacutan, John
Kenneth Babaran, Loren Joy Manuel, Dante Guittu Jr., Jay-Ar Malana,
Junan Romero, Kim Vincent Tumala, Raine Chloe Velesrubio, Mark
Jhumacel Alaisa, Arjhun Barja, Denver Gil Morin, Angelo Jabonete,
Jocelyn Javier, Jillian Marie Almasa, Geraldine Remo, Joshua
Bryan Cordova, Louise Anne Apuli, Aleanne Oliver, Trixie Job, Darla
Roselyn Valera, Julie Eleanor Ciron, Nestor Paul Casipit, Anette Grace
Padrinao, Gabrielle Francine Gonzales, Athen Psyche Lee, Keane Carlo
SuiconIsabel Victorino
Technical Adviser: Dr. Serafin Arviola Jr., EnP Lindsay Barrientos,
Michelle Dulay
Layout Artists: Erwin Jim Seludo, Jose Joseph Ongonion
04-05 infographic
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
06 unesco The Official Newsletter of Accredited United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization en.unesco.org/
07

news
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022

PH supports UNESCO Recommendation

on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
ARRAFI SUHAIDI
WMSU Youth Peace Mediators
Editor: Ranielle Navarro
True to its mandate as an however, that the adoption of this

“
intellectual arm of the
United Nations (UN), UNESCO
vehemently pushed for the
adoption of the very first
Designing a transformative global instrument that delves
education is no longer a choice. It is on the ethical dimension of
an obligation for every survival of the artificial intelligence.
species of the planet. Therefore, more This standard-setting
than ever, we believe in the fundamental document comes in a form of
a Recommendation that set-
role of education in addressing out actions to be taken by the
challenges.... Member-States to ensure that
while it profoundly contributes to
Margarete Sachs-Israel the development of societies, no
UNESCO Bangkok Chief forms of transgression on human
rights, privacy, security and even
environment will be created and
perpetuated given the unremitting
global instrument is not antithetical
to the widely felt technological
advances that swiftly evolved since
the beginning of the internet era
in 1990. UNESCO recognizes the
countless contributions of these
technological advances, which play
a crucial role in responding to the
many challenges and limitations
imposed upon us by the COVID-19
pandemic.
All-too-often, the need to
examine the risk and threats
of these developments to our
fundamental rights and privacy is
ignored as we tend to place more
attention on the convenience and
accessibility it provides. Hence,
this Recommendation shall form
a basis for a legislative agenda

UNACOM Leads Discussions on PH Initiatives on

and rapidly changing face of
technology.
The adoption of this
Instrument at the 41st Session
of the UNESCO General
at the country level to determine
what laws and policies are needed
and to undertake measures that
will encourage cooperation and
compliance by technology creators.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Conference, with an astounding
193 votes from the Member
States, is an acknowledgement
of the immense impact of AI
not only on the economy and
ARRAFI SUHAIDI global market but also on our
WMSU Youth Peace Mediators day-to-day affairs. Further, the
discussion and exchange that
Aligned with country commitments during the 2021 World facilitated the development of this
Recommendation have evidently
Summit on Education for Sustainable Development, the shown the urgency to push further
UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM the conversation about how AI and
or PH NatCom) collaborated with the University of San Jose - the configuration of data collection
Recoletos ESD Center for Research, Training and Development and utilization can in fact be a
in partnership with SEAMEO-ESD Universities in the conduct tool—intended or unintended-
of the Workshop (hybrid set-up) on the Development of a -for violation of human rights,
Comprehensive Study/Report on the Philippines Initiatives on perpetuation of gender biases and
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) on July 19-20, various form of discrimination.
2022. It is important to emphasize,
The UNESCO National
Commission of the Philippines
(UNACOM) is conducting awareness
raising sessions to initiate
conversations on the relevance
of this Recommendation to the
Philippines. UNACOM is also
exploring potential collaboration
with partner agencies that deem
the need to align this UNESCO
Recommendation with national
policies and laws. UNACOM
envisions the UNESCO Clubs as
among its partners in undertaking
activities that put into light
the broader context of these
technological developments and its
impact on human vulnerabilities.

This initiative brought together
representatives from education
agencies: DepEd, CHED, TESDA,
UNESCO Clubs, ASPNet Philippines,
non-government agencies, private
sectors and other partners, to map
out the country’s ESD initiatives,
including related policies, capacity
development, and practices on
formal, informal, and non-formal
education with an emphasis on
youth, women, and local level
action.
The workshop was co-
supported by the active SEAMEO
ESD Fellows Dr. Jennifer Paño of
Cebu Normal University, Dr. Anna
Liza Santillana of Philippine Normal
University, and Dr. Lynette Camello
of Cebu Technological University
and the highly-distinguished ESD
representatives Dr. Donna Grace
Cotejo of Cebu Normal University
and Dr. Felina Espique of Saint Louie
University Baguio in one force.
Leveling up and refocusing the
significance of ESD in the country,
the speakers in the workshop
included local and international
ESD fellows: Dr. Athapol
Anunthavorasakul of Chulalongkorn
University in Thailand, Dr. Chanita
Rukspollmuang of Siam University
in Bangkok, Thailand, Dr. Aurelio
Vilbar of the University of the
Philippines-Cebu, Dr. Ethel Agnes
Valenzuela, the SEAMEO Director,
and Dr. Jestoni Babia.
Those who conveyed messages
of support were: Rev. Fr. Leo G.
Alaras, the USJ-R Vice President
for Academics, Ms. Margarete
Sachs-Israel, Chief of the Section
for Inclusive Quality Education
Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau
for Education, UNESCO Bangkok,
Dr. Rosein Ancheta, the President
of Cebu Technological University,
Prof. Sondrew Baya of Sekolah
Victory Plus School, Indonesia and
Dr. Mohamed Djelid, Director of
UNESCO Jakarta.
In her message, UNESCO
Bangkok Chief Margarete Sachs-
Israel highlighted that as a follow-
up to the Global Action Programme
(GAP), UNESCO adopted a
resolution entitled: Education for
Sustainable Development in the
Framework of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development during its
40th General Conference in 2019.
This serves as the global framework
for ESD implementation from 2020
to 2030.
The roadmap, established by
UNESCO, invites Member States to
mobilize stakeholders working in
the five priority action areas and to
facilitate collaborative networking
under a coordinated strategy
relevant to the national framework
for the SDGs. These are the
priority action areas: (1) Advancing
policies; (2) Transforming learning
environment; (3) Building capacities
of educators; (4) Empowering and
mobilizing; and (5) Accelerating
local level actions.
She said that, “Designing a
transformative education is no
longer a choice. It is an obligation
for every survival of the species
of the planet. Therefore, more
than ever, we believe in the
fundamental role of education in
addressing challenges. It must be a
transformational force for resilience
and for sustainable development.
These aspirations are core elements
of SDG 4.7.”
UNACOM OIC Barrientos stated
that the ESD Roadmap for 2030
promotes lifelong and life-wide
learning, gender equality, and
women and youth empowerment.
She also said that since there have
been ESD milestones reached
over the decades, UNACOM
recognizes the need to harmonize
or consolidate efforts in the
Philippines in light of the ESD for
2030 roadmap.
In addition to this
undertaking and to complement
the development of the ESD
Philippine Report, UNACOM is also
collaborating with a number of
partners, specialists, and writings
to present an ESD guidebook that
seeks to contextualize the ESD
framework based on Philippine,
regional, and local settings with a Country Report, and I encourage
focus on ESD Priority Areas. continuous effort on ESD up to the
school level to mainstream ESD.” CULTURE
UNACOM OIC Barrientos also UNACOM intends to widely
encouraged the participants, disseminate the Comprehensive
especially the youth, to impart their Report on the Philippines
innovative ideas and perspectives. Initiatives on ESD with inputs from
She also expressed hope that this stakeholders.
activity, with participants’ valuable
contributions, may significantly
contribute to a comprehensive
study or report. “The role of the
education agencies is imperative
in this initiative. Together with
all the stakeholders, let us make
transformative education a
possible dream.”
To conclude the event,
UNESCO Director Mohamed Djelid
conveyed that, “ESD plays a crucial
role in providing quality education
and learning so that learners
become a responsible and better
child of society, the environment,
UNACOM The Philippines participated in the momentous UNESCO World Conference on
Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development — MONDIACULT 2022 which was held
Be updated! Follow UNACOM to in Mexico City from 28 to 30 September 2022 forty years after the first MONDIACULT
and the world in which we live. get the lastest updates. Get in Conference in Mexico in 1982, and 24 years after the MONDIACULT Conference in
ESD transformed life. We are touch with them through (INSERT Sweden in 1998 where hundreds of cultural ministers, experts, advocates, and
grateful for all the participants’ UNACOM EMAIL)
networks convene to dialogue and respond to existing threats and crises as well as
input to enrich the content of the emerging trends in the field of culture.
08 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
UNACOM supports online forum on
status of PH Indigenous languages
ARRAFI SUHAIDI
WMSU Youth Peace Mediators
In celebration of the ongoing International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL) 2022-2032
and the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa in August, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office
of Public and Cultural Diplomacy (DFA-OPCD) and the UNESCO National Commission of the
Philippines (UNACOM) co-organized a project e To address the pressing problem on Marine
Ecosystem, Ang Sinag spearheaded Plastic out campaign In promoting Marine Conservation.
The online forum focused
on the discussions about the
state of indigenous languages
in the Philippines as well as the
identification of possible tracks
to contribute to preserving
and avoiding the extinction
of indigenous languages and
exchange of local and multilateral
perspectives on current initiatives
and programs to preserve
indigenous languages in the
Philippines.
DFA officials and esteemed
panelists from UNESCO, Komisyon
sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), the
Department of Science and
Technology-Philippine Council for
Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technology Research and
Development (DOST-PCIEERD)
shared and highlighted the
importance of addressing
language endangerment as an
emerging global issue on language.
These experts discussed their
respective advocacies to preserve
and revitalize linguistic diversity
and multilingualism at the local
and global levels.
Several initiatives and
language programmes
were featured such as the
Dokumentasyong Pangwika,
Bahay-Wika and Master-
Apprentice Language Learning
Program (MALLP), and Pagbuo
ng Ortograpiya ng mga Wika
ng Pilipinas from KWF, ICT- and
AI-powered programmes such
as Marayum, MinNa, Multi-lingual
Chatbot, Senti AI, and DANAS of
DOST-PCIEERD, and UNESCO’s
implementation of the Global Pllan
of Action for IDIL 2022-2032.
An online forum was held
afterwards to provide participants
an opportunity to explore and
U
UNACOM supports the Celebration of the 1st
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
ARRAFI SUHAIDI
WMSU Youth Peace Mediators
UNESCO, through its General
Conference, designates 03
November as the International
Day for Biosphere Reserves
(IDBR). This international day
serves as a wake-up call on the
importance of caring for the
environment and achieving
a balance between human
activities and the conservation
of natural resources - and on
the leading role that the World
Network of Biosphere Reserves
plays.
During the International Day,
national and regional leaders and
decision-makers are enticed to
highlight actions reinforcing care
for the environment and promote
support to practices and systems of
production and consumption that
balance human activities with the
conservation of natural resources,
thus contributing to meeting global
challenges.
UNESCO enjoined all UNESCO
Biosphere Reserves to commemorate
this International Day for Biosphere
Reserves at the national and local
levels through activities and events
that will contribute to a better
knowledge of the role and impact
of biosphere reserves. It is intended
to mobilize and acknowledge the
commitment, actions and solutions
by the entire MAB family - the people,
institutions and partners that make up
the global network.
ask further on the speakers’
presentations and discussions.
The exchange among speakers
and participants explored varying
queries and concerns related to
indigenous languages, including
the discussion of the roles of
media, educators, community
and youth organizations such
as NCBUCP and ASPNet,
and other stakeholders to
address the emerging threats
to indigenous languages; the
use of technology to preserve
languages; the importance of
using the mother tongue in the
basic education; and the call
for collaborative participation
of the society for sustainable,
progressive, and inclusive efforts
to the preservation, revitalization,
and promotion of indigenous
languages.
en.unesco.org/
news 09
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
Aligned with UNESCO Objectives,
UNACOM partnered with the Philippine
Biosphere Reserves Network (led
by the country’s designated BRs)
and community-based youth
movements and women’s groups to
engage hundreds of stakeholders
including local government leaders
in celebrating the IDBR through
activities and events that highlight
the importance of sustainability
and solidarity. The UNESCO Man
and Biosphere Programme (MAB)
Youth Network was also introduced
during the celebration with the goal
of enjoining more BR-based youth
groups to participate in the upcoming
events of said youth network.
In addition to the conduct of
each BR’s activities that included a
simultaneous launch or online sharing
(through websites and social media
platforms) of their respective BR logos
to celebrate the 1st International Day
for Biosphere Reserves, UNACOM
conducted an exchange programme
among the youth and the focal
persons within the Philippine BRs to
encourage them to learn and share ACS Ang Sinag pushes Marine
Conservation with YMCAs in USA, PH
sustainable practices and experience
what the activities in another
biosphere reserve.
The exchange programme Ranielle Navarro
was held simultaneously on 02-04 Adviser, Ang Sinag Publication
November 2022 in Puerto Galera
BR, Palawan BR and Albay BR. The
To address the pressing problem on Marine Ecosystem, Ang Sinag spearheaded Plastic out
campaign In promoting Marine Conservation.
well-attended and supported first
celebration of the International Day
for BRs led to the commitment of Trained as one of th YMCA Eco-Leaders from the Philippines, Sandrey Lita and Shaun Lois Faeldonea, ACS
UNACOM to collaborate annually with Sinag staffers joins other volunteers from YMCA Ann Arbor, and Florida, USA in CARE for Climate Project.
the three BRS in the country for the CARE for Climate Project is a Youth-led solutions recognized by World YMCA that aims to educate and
encourage youth around the globe to take part in environmental action.
conduct of the exchange programme
in Biosphere Reserves. Lita and Faeldonea, started out the Plastic out Advocacu Campaign in Albay Central School, Legazpi City,
Albay to encourage their schoolmates to ditch single use plastics.
In response to their campaign, their schoolmates pledged to advocate and practice plastic out in school and
their homes.
Alongside the campaign is their participation in Coral Planting and Coastal Clean-up at Puro, Legazpi City
last October 15,2022. They underwent a lecture with the Professional Divers of Integrated Coastal Resource
Management (ICRM) for Coral Planting, Rehabilitation, and Conservation. The lecture helped them understand the
situation of the Marine life as affected by climate change and plastic pollution.
ACS Ang Sinag promotes urban
gardening through livelihood training
Ranielle Navarro
Adviser, Ang Sinag Publication
In celebration of the World Soil women.
Day last December 11,2021, Aside from the livelihood
ACS Ang Sinag partners with training, the women of Bgy. Misibis
YMCA of Albay in giving skills received gardening equipment and
supply from Ang Sinag.
training for learners and Also, ACS Ang Sinag promoted
women. urban gardening to students
from Province of Albay through
To augment the income of a webinar. Students from Albay
families in Bgy. Misibis, Albay, ACS Central School, Taysan ES, Legazpi
Ang Sinag with YMCA of Albay and Port ES, Bicol University, Bicol
PNP 2nd Albay PMFC spearheaded College, United Institute joined
a livelihood training on Dish the World Celebration and Skills
Gardening and Hydrophonics for training on Urban Gardening.
10 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
Towards Zamboanga
City's Good Governance
WMSU Youth Peace Mediators - UNESCO
Club launches Handang Halalan Project
ARRAFI SUHAIDI
WMSU Youth Peace Mediators
With poverty and violent extremism at an unprecedented peak, good
governance is critical to addressing these issues in our society. The WMSU
Youth Peace Mediators - UNESCO Club’s Handang Halalan project steered
the battle toward good governance in May 2021, reaching ten far-flung
barangays in Zamboanga City on electoral education and social awareness
of the city’s youth.
The project focused on voter
education and voting literacy campaigns,
as well as registration assistance in the
selected barangays in Zamboanga City in
response to the recent May 2022 national
and local elections. Handang Halalan is
a project initiative of WMSU Youth Peace
Mediators UNESCO Club in partnership
with KRIS Library, Extremely Together
Philippines-Panaghiusa & KOFI ANAN
Foundation, funded by the European
Union. Through the guidance of Extremely
Together Philippines-Panaghiusa, the
project team was able to conduct mock
elections and training sessions, as well as
to collect data from unregistered voters in
the communities visited.
The first installation of the Handang
Halalan project took place in six barangays:
Tumaga, Sta Maria, Campo Islam,
Baliwasan, Sangali, and Talon-talon. Youth
and first-time voters of the said barangays
participated in information dissemination
seminars on their right to vote, their role
in elections, and awareness on election-
related violence. Mock elections were
conducted as well in these communities.
Project Head Ms. Lorella Marie S.
Fabriga remarked, “Handang Halalan
started in 2021 when the youth were
being judged for being vocal about the
lapses of the Philippine government. I
was scrolling through social media and
thought about creating a project for the
community in relation to the problem.
U
For youth leadership & empowerment,
HRPIOI-SSG launches
Project E-Connect
MARIELLA LOUISE LIMPIN
Holy Rosary Parochial Institute of Orani, Inc.
The Supreme Student Government (SSG) of Holy
Rosary Parochial Institute of Orani, Inc. (HRPIOI)
successfully launched its first-ever webinar
series, PROJECT E-CONNECT, in February 2021,
for youth leadership and empowerment.
PROJECT E-CONNECT is a month-long webinar series
project that aims to develop the school community’s
values of being "Educated, Engaged, and Empowered"
through four educational webinars held every Friday from
February 19 to March 18.
Furthermore, despite the pandemic's challenges,
the project aims to transform students from the youth
into effective change agents outside of the school
community. The topics discussed involve enhancing
skills in communicating and disseminating information,
strengthening one’s mental health, and inspiring women
to enter the online business world as faced by the rapid
digital transformation, which also adheres to the endeavor
implemented by the Philippine Commission on Women
(PWC) during the 2021 National Women’s Month.
Acknowledging that support is vital in encouraging
youth transformation, PROJECT E-CONNECT hosted a
webinar, attended by parents and teachers, to discuss
strategies for effectively developing leadership in remote
learners through resilience and motivation.
Meanwhile, the webinar series will be conducted
every year to consistently produce empowered student
leaders that are capable of initiating change in their own
communities.
We just proved that even though we are
still young, we were able to take a step
for peace and prevent election-related
violence”. She added, “The project will not HRPIOI-SSG
be successfully implemented without the Be updated! Follow HRPI Supreme
help of the people in our organization.” Student Government to get the lastest
updates. Get in touch with them
The Handang Halalan Team consists
of Shareeka Jean Villamer, Clarise Jane
through hrpissg@gmail.com
Tayao, Lorella Marie Fabriga, Toey Gian
Kim, Kyle Louie Agura, Juniel Añoso, Jason
Sayson, Tricia De Leon, Albaser Hiya,
and the volunteers, with the guidance of
adviser Engr. Marlon Grande.
Zamboangeños’ warm response to
the advocacy allowed Project Handang
Halalan to launch its Second Installation,
“Handang Halalan 2.0” targeting four more
barangays: Bolong, Ayala, Divisoria, and
Curuan. As a result, the project covered
additional beneficiaries and led to
significant results for its purpose, reaching
wider areas and assistance.
The project’s long-term mission is to
bridge youth worldwide and remind every
individual of the importance of suffrage. In
doing this, one must overcome the stigma
that people themselves have placed for
centuries. They need to come out of their
shells and present a brand-new idea fit
for the present generation and the next to
come.
The project solidifies this viewpoint,
bringing forth a mission that is adaptable
to the ever-changing tides of the world,
CONTINUE ON PAGE 13...
en.unesco.org/
“
...we were optimistic
in extending this
project not just for
the SSG and the
school but also to the
community as well,
in this case, the local
residents of Barangay
San Jose.
Nelson Gacutan
SSG Adviser
Towards Zero Hunger
thru Tradean Bahay-Ani Project
NELSON GACUTAN,
JOHN KENNETH BABARAN
Enrile Vocational High School
Supreme Student Government
The school plays an important role in helping students to learn beyond boundaries
and to take part in nation building. Among learning beyond boundaries is
mitigating the possibility of food shortage and instilling a sense of responsibility,
patience, resilience, appreciation, and collaboration with the community and
stakeholders.
Fortifying this vision and supporting
United Nations’ Sustainable Development
Goal 2 on Zero Hunger, newly elected SY 2021-
2022 Supreme Student Government officers
of Enrile Vocational High School launched
their school year-round project: the Tradean
Bahay-Ani Project, which creates a vertical
or communal backyard garden. The project
scales up with the addition of 55 local residents
in Zone 4 – Barangay San Jose in promoting
the development of backyard gardens in their
residences.
“Seeing the promising future of this project
in addressing food security in the community,
we were optimistic in extending this project
not just for the SSG and the school but also to
the community as well, in this case, the local
residents of Barangay San Jose.” Mr. Nelson
Gacutan – SSG Adviser, said.
THE ROOTS
Tradean Bahay-Ani Project takes
accoradance with Deped Memorandum No. 053
s. 2020, Joint Implementation Guidelines on the
2020 Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela
Relative to Covid-19 Situation, Enclosure No.
2, Joint Implementing Guidelines on the 2020
Brigada Eskwela Mandated Partnership and
Stakeholders Engagement Under the New
Normal for Schools. No. 3, E. Coordinate with
the concerned DepEd units of the possible
implementation of Gulayan sa Tahanan or
Urban Vegetable Gardening at Home as part of
Brigada Eskwela and School-Family Community
partnerships to promote sustainable food
supply at homes, as well as on communicating
to stakeholders on how they can support the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
school emergency and contingency to ensure
resiliency.
In its first year of implementation, he
Supreme Student Government officers through
project proponet Mr. Nelson L. Gacutan, saw
fruitful results and they didn’t think twice
to continue the Tradean Bahay-Ani in the
succeeding school year.
THE HARVEST AMID THE PANDEMIC
The development of communal gardens has
been relevant and timely when the pandemic
hit. Along with the quarantines and lock downs,
the Supreme Student Government Officers and
local residents of Barangay San Jose devoted
some of their time in continuing the said project
amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The learnings
and experiences they gained from the first year
of implementation of the project were crucial for
its success.
“This is my second year participating in
the Tradean Bahay-Ani project, and I can truly
say that the benefit of this project is beyond
the adversities we face during this time of
pandemic. It helped me become productive
during the prevalence of COVID 19 as well as
making me realize the importance of having
your own source of food, especially when we’re
confined due to the pandemic, “SSG President
Jhon Kenneth M. Babaran emphasized.
Additionally, Rosebelle T. Villasana, SSG Vice
President stated, “Tradean Bahay Ani project
boosted my sense of responsibility and my love
for nature. I want all my vegetables to grow
healthy. My brother who is not eating vegetables
were able to learn how to eat such kinds of
vegetables because he wants to savor the fruits
news 11
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
ENRILE
VOCATIONAL
HIGH
SCHOOL
Be updated! Follow
EVHS Supreme Student
Government to get the
lastest updates.
ENSURING
FOOD ACCESS
The Enrile Vocational
High School SSG
empowers community
by localizing community
gardens in Barangay
San Jose to ensure
food access and
security.
of his hard work through helping me in the
garden. I and my family were able to bond as we
take good care of our vegetables and take turns
in watering it.”
Fatima, one of the project beneficiaries
mentioned that the project is a big help
especially in the middle of COVID-19 crisis. The
project strengthened her community’s patience,
dedication, hard work, and collaboration.
I-SAVED to administer
Alay Pagbibigayan through
Drop-A-Gift Drive
LOREN JOY MANUEL
lorenjoymanuel@gmail.com
The I-SAVED of Cagayan Valley blasts
off a new activity to hand over
donated goods to severely wasted
students in Cagayan.
The goods were collected through the
Drop-A-Gift program arranged by the I-Saved
founder Dr. John Mauro Manuel which
started to accept donations on April 5, 2021.
On the I-SAVED’s ultimate goal, Mr.
Manuel stated, “Maging tahanan ang
organisasyong ito ng pagsusumikap at
pagtulong sa mga tao..”
The donated items were given by
different Local Government Units (LGU’s)
of the province ranging from rice, canned
goods, coffee, clothes and even learning
materials inside a gift pack.
Sherwin Tangan, one of the volunteers
who are present in the packaging of the
goods, stated, “Extending help during the
toughest of times through a simple gift is
CONTINUE ON PAGE 13...
12 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
GIL-AYAB:
Ilocanos Igniting the Flame of Global Excellence
DANTE GUITTU, JR.
dtguittu@up.edu.ph
UP NAMNAMA – Baguio is a duly-accredited ethnolinguistic organization in the
University of the Philippines Baguio that seeks to raise awareness, promote, and
preserve the Ilocano culture. Situated in the Northern Luzon area, the organization
continues to strive to reach both Ilocano and non-Ilocano youth through its wide and
strong patronage to share the passion, service, and commitment with the purpose of
redefining the Ilocano identity.
For many years now, UP NAMNAMA – Baguio
has taken pride in its flagship event Sirib ken
Saririt (SkS). This year marked the 40th Sirib
Quiz Show ken 13th Saririt Cultural Festival, a
program that seeks to continuously ignite the
interest of elementary pupils and high school
students in Ilocano culture, heritage, language,
and literature. With the theme, “Naraniag a
Bituen: Emanating Ilocano Excellence as One
Community,” SkS 2022 engaged 800 pupils and
students in various competitions such as Essay
Writing, Quiz Show, Traditional and Digital Poster
Making, Poem Writing, Vocal Solo, Impromptu
Speaking, and Debate Competitions, all tackling
social problems and the role of Ilocanos in the
development of the community as a whole.
However, this academic year, another event of
Baguio made its name for itself in the education
sector—SURO. SURO is an annual review session
catering to incoming college freshmen with
this year’s theme, “Forging Excellence in this
Challenged Setting.” Students from across
the country, mainly the Ilocos Region and
Cordillera Administrative Region, took part in
free review sessions regarding Mathematics,
Science, Reading Comprehension, and Language
Proficiency. SURO was originally exclusive to
students from Region 1 and CAR, however, the
organization sought to reach students from
other regions in spite of the limitations brought
by the pandemic.
“UPN’s SURO helped me to improve my
knowledge about getting a chance to choose
my desired university and I earned a lot of
experience when I joined SURO. My confidence
was also boosted by the facilitators who acted
as our older brothers and sisters,” said Kristine
Santos, one of the participants of SURO.
To ensure that the students received the
highest possible quality of education, the
organization, together with the Diliman
chapter, contacted and recruited alumni
from the organization and the university to
teach the courses. Moreover, a career talk and
consultations were conducted by the end of
the event to help prepare the students with the
necessary knowledge for their respective college
journeys.
In its first year in the pandemic, more than
a thousand students from all over the country
registered for the event, proving once again that
UP NAMNAMA is still one of the most trusted
review programs in the nation. A pre-test was
conducted first to assess the strengths and
weaknesses of the students in specific subjects
or topics that teachers can provide assistance
with. Moreover, to be more efficient during the
lecture series, the students were given review
materials to study in advance. Another link to a
Google Form was also sent after the lectures to
address unanswered questions and clarifications
of students during the Q&A portion.
The organization recognized the economic
burdens brought about by the pandemic,
thus, UP NAMNAMA conducted the event
for free—from access to review materials to
lecturers and information. This is in line with
the organization’s advocacy to call for free
education, demonstrating how it can be very
helpful to students who cannot afford to pay for
quality education.
Furthermore, though some students may
still be unsure about their decision to partake
in college entrance exams, the tutorial services
have been proven to be helpful with their high
school classes. Additionally, the organization
U
recognizes the need to conduct tutorial services
despite the absence of actual College Entrance
Tests with the main goal of equipping the
students with the basic knowledge necessary to
start their college lives.
“SURO helped me to get a glimpse of what
college looks like, and trust me, it doesn’t look
like what the movies project. As a high school
student, it gave me an eye-opener of the things
that I need to prepare for college and SURO was
a great event for us, especially for those who
cannot afford to avail CETs tutorial services,” said
Franz Valdriz
On its next installment, UP NAMNAMA –
Baguio, together with the Diliman chapter, will
be looking into an expansion as more and more
“
students have signified their interest to join the
free tutorial services.
UPN’s SURO helped me
to improve my knowledge
about getting a chance
to choose my desired
university and I earned a lot
of experience when I joined
SURO.
Kristine Santos
Participant, SURO
UP
NAMNAMA
BAGUIO
Be updated! Follow the facebook page of
University of the Philippines Namnama - Baguio
en.unesco.org/
news 13
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
Ligao NHS teachers upskill FROM PAGE 10...
towards Digital Citizenship
WMSU Youth Peace Mediators -
UNESCO Club launches Handang
Halalan Project
PAMELA GARCIA to raise awareness on social issues that affect
@unesco_pamelagarcia everyone. Through electoral knowledge,
awareness of their inherent right to vote, and
roles in nation-building, the youth will be better
Ligao National High School (LNHS) teaching personnel were equipped on Digital prepared to face the future.
Citizenship Literacies through a learning cell by Pinas Forward in partnership with Proactive voices will be heard in the context
“The Apprentice”, the official student community publication in English of Ligao of addressing any political issues and violence,
National High School together and with “Ang Ilaya”, its co-publication in Filipino, advocating truth towards good governance,
April 22nd. and prioritizing the betterment of everyone by
training them to be competitive with a heart in
Pinas Forward is a national movement that “Since teachers cater to our learners who we order to reshape world peace.
seeks to empower Filipinos to dream together consider as digital natives and digital citizens,
for a better country through the power of learning about digital citizenship literacies
connectivity. Since 2018, the organization
has conducted 949 highly successful training
sessions in over 600 schools, organizations, and
local government units. Despite the pandemic,
is relevant to LNHS educators,” Segumalian
remarked.
The Apprentice is an accredited UNESCO
Club in the Philippines and a Global Citizenship
FROM PAGE 11...
I-SAVED to administer Alay
Pagbibigayan through Drop-A-Gift
Drive
Pinas Forward continued to deliver the program Education (GCED) advocate. The professional
via online platforms like Zoom and Facebook development opportunity promotes and
Live. The said learning cell was the first training supports the programs of the Information and one way of giving back to the community. I
to be conducted face-to-face two years amidst Communication sector, one of the five major believe that small things can give a smile to a
the health crisis. UNESCO themes in its programs. single person, and if we can make everyone
happy, I think that's the most fulfilling part.”
Pinas Forward campaign director Jeff Richard Moreover, GenLit; Digital Citizenship Literacies
S. Segumalian shared with 245 LNHSian teachers serves as the first of the many activities that the This is also the third time that such an
Gen LIT! - an enlightening and engaging training publication office plans to spearhead to further undertaking is being organized.
program on digital citizenship that equips its capacitate teachers and its student staffers on According to Mr. Manuel, the activity’s aim is
participants 21st century knowledge and skills Global Citizenship Education. to encourage volunteerism and invite the public
to participate in community building.
in utilizing technology for the common good.
“
I think it is
irresponsibility not to
exercise our right to
vote. The election is the
primordial right for us to
select our leader.
Atty. Michael Camangeg
Supervisor, COMELEC Region II
CSU BIOMORGAN holds
TALAKAYAN III for Election 2022
JAY-AR MALANA
jrmln07@gmail.com
Cagayan State University-Biology Majors Organization (CSU BIOMORGAN) conducted the youths’ power to make a change in the new
webinar series entitled, “TALAKAYAN III: ROAD TO 2022 ELECTIONS” last September generation governance. He emphasized that
24, 2021 to foster awareness on Filipino’s right to vote. The webinar highlighted the everyone should speak so that they could be
importance of the exercising their right to suffrage, and the power of the youth to heard by the society. The vote of the people is
make difference our voice.- he added.
The said webinar was a success with three
It started with the first speaker Atty. Michael irresponsibility not to exercise our right to vote. hundred participants though Zoom meeting.
Camangeg, the Provincial Election Supervisor
of COMELEC Region 02. He discussed the DOs
The election is the primordial right for us to
select our leader.” – he added during his lecture.
It was also live via the Organization’s page via
Facebook Live.
and DON’Ts during the election, the importance Meanwhile, former senatorial candidate
of exercising one’s right to suffrage. “I think it is Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno talked about
14 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
CLEAN & GREEN MOVEMENT:
TAKING IT TO THE
NEXT LEVEL
JUNAN N. ROMERO • junan.romero@deped.gov.ph
Pio V. Corpus, Masbate - Continuing the advocacy for climate action and the
green movement, the Supreme Student Government of Buenasuerte Integrated
School (SSGBIS) took its key environmental program entitled Clean and
Green Campaign to the next level by implementing it to the whole district last
November 19 - 25, 2021 which was participated by learners, parents, teachers,
and other stakeholders.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
SSGBIS partnered with the
Youth Formation Program of Pio V.
Corpus District and Supreme Pupil/
Student Government (SPG/SSG)
organizations to make the campaign
more inclusive by engaging
numerous residents from different
barangays in conducting the three
major activities namely Alay Linis
(Coastal Clean-up), Alay Limpyo
(Home and Community Clean-up),
and Alay Tanim (Tree Planting).
Due to the increasing number of
COVID-19 cases and the prohibition
of any social gatherings, participants
were given alternative ways to join
the campaign.
In their own homes, participants
did the clean-ups and tree planting.
It can be done inside the house,
in the backyard, and even in their
rooms. Participants also carried
out the clean-ups for those who
were just near the bodies of water
like coastlines, rivers, and creeks
given that they were following the
public health protocols. Meantime,
schools that conducted face-to-
face activities ensured that all
participants were vaccinated and
followed the necessary public
health procedures by their Local
Government Units (LGUs).
Through the assistance of the
SPG and SSG teacher-advisers,
participants conducted the Alay Linis
(Coastal Clean-up) and Alay Limpyo
(Home and Community Clean-up)
from November 19 – 22 while the
Alay Tanim (Tree Planting) from
November 23 – 25. The campaign
was under Global Warming and
Climate Change Consciousness
Week, National Day for Youth
in Climate Action, and Disaster
Resilience Day.
All the participants recorded
the type and number of trash
they collected using the Alay
Bilang Form and submitted it via
messenger group chat or any other
online platforms. The SSG and SPG
teacher-advisers consolidated the
reports and furnished copies to their
respective LGUs which served as a
basis for crafting and implementing
environmental resolution and
ordinance.
DIRECT BENEFICIARIES
Major benefits of the Clean and
Green Campaign were achieving
favorable and healthy learning
atmospheres amongst the learners
and teachers which also led to
increased academic performance
and smooth teaching and learning
process, especially amidst the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mahalaga po ang isang
malinis na kapaligiran para maging
malayo tayo sa anumang sakit at
sakuna. Bilang isang mag-aaral,
nakatutulong po ang isang malinis
na kapaligiran upang magkaroon po
ako ng matiwasay at komportableng
pakiramdam na nakakatutulong sa
aking pag-aaral.” uttered by Aprilyn
Collamar, Grade 10 learner, during
the interview. (Clean environment
is important because it keeps us
away to any sickness and disaster.
As a learner, a clean environment
helps me to have a peaceful and
comfortable feeling which is helpful
in my studies).
“Clean environment helps me
as a teacher to do my work well. As
a teacher doing my unending job,
a clean environment helps me feel
at ease in working” cited by Rene
Alcaraz, Grade 10 teacher.
“As a teacher, a clean and
green environment promotes a
safe workspace, reduces stress,
and offers a positive outlook in my
working area,” said Romela M. Tamis,
Grade 7 teacher.
On the other hand, a clean
environment helped the parents
to enjoy a safe and comfortable
household resulting in a happy and
healthy family.
“Bilang isang magulang,
mahalaga ito upang magkaroon ng
malinis at presentable na paligid
upang malayo sa anumang sakit ang
aking pamilya. Nakakatulong din ang
malinis na kapaligiran para maging
malusog ang lahat ng miyembro ng
aking pamilya at masigurado ang
kanilang kaligtasan.” emphasized by
Visitacion Collamar, a parent, during
the conduct of the campaign. (As
a parent, it is important to have a
clean and presentable environment
in order to distance my family to any
sickness. Clean environment also
ensures that all my family members
are healthy and safe).
LONG-TERM VISION
With the success of the
campaign, SSGBIS aims to make the
campaign a long-term advocacy
by partnering with different larger
organizations and sectors in the
future. In connection with this,
U
the organization continued the
campaign via its social media
platform, particularly through its
official Facebook page dubbed
Virtual Clean and Green Campaign
from March 28 – April 25, 2022,
discussing different environmental
issues and concepts. The
organization was able to produce
20 environmental discussions with
Senator Loren Legarda, a renowned
green development advocate, as the
guest speaker.
“The organization wants to
make sure that we will be able to
sustain the eagerness of the people
in safeguarding our environment
utilizing participating in the different
environmental programs and
activities.” highlighted by Libeth A.
Alisla, SSGBIS President.
“In the future, we want to reach
more people with our advocacies
by partnering with different groups
and individuals that can help us
strengthen our activities,” she
added.
SSGBIS was acknowledged as
the 2021 National Finalist for Gawad
Siklab for SSG Best Implementer
– Makakalikasan category by the
Youth Formation Division of the
Department of Education and the
2021 Outstanding UNESCO Club
of the Philippines for Education
category. The Clean and Green
Campaign was also recognized by
the Youth Registration Organization
Program under the National Youth
Commission for its efforts in
receiving bamboo notebooks and
the Disaster Risk Reduction learning
toolkit.
en.unesco.org/
news 15
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
On July 4th-9th, 2021,
the Ateneo International
CEMDS-SC, ISSA, DMSO
Organizes First SDG Summit
Studies Student
Organization (AISSO)
held an event called XX
@xx
KaSAMa ni JUAN: US-PH
Thriving Relations Through Indang, 2021— The International Studies Students’ Association, College of
the Years via Zoom Economics, Management, Development Studies-Student Council (CEMDS-
Conference. SC), and the Development Management Students’ Organization (DMSO)
launched its first SDG Summit last November 14-15, with the theme “Creating
Sustainable Future through Responsible Actions and Solutions”.
AISSO HOLDS FIRST PH- The event was presented online via Zoom, conservation and the continous risks of
US FRIENDSHIP WEEK with simultaneous livestream on Facebook in mismanagement of the exploitation of
line with ongoing health and safety protocols. natural resources. Moreover, he highlighted
The event featured commended speakers the importance of biodiversity and its crucial
KIM VINCENT TUMALA
@unesco_kimvincenttumala that focused on specific topics in line with the role in maintaining the equilibrium of the
United Nations’ Sustainable Development world.
This is the first six-day event conducted Goals. Moreover, it also highlighted open Lastly, Kay G. Losabia, an Organizational
by AISSO. Different US-PH relations-centered forum and other activities where participants and Institutional Development graduate
activities were held throughout the week as presented possible solutions to avert the discussed SDG 16, Peace, Justice, and
it celebrated the long-established relations future possible conflicts. Strong Institutions. She emphasized on
between the two states and their shared The event focused on three of the 17 UN the maintenance of a strong and effective
endeavors. Sustainable Development Goals; namely (4) justice system, which she identified crucial
There was also dissemination of multiple
Quality Education, (13) Climate Action, and community development.
inspiring testimonies from alumni, through (16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Moreover, she also highlighted the
social media, who had good fortune to be a Speakers were invited under different SDG’s importance of maintaining an equitable
part of the shared programs and partnerships
in pursuit of careers and goals oriented to the
to present factual and thorough discussions justice system in the Philippines, ensuring
betterment of both nations and of the common that highlights its importance and its that the law should always prevail. The
humanity. significance to the ever-changing world. discussions also focused on the need to
With the interest of gathering as many Mark Christopher Dalisay Malaluan, LPT, progress and develop while maintaining
interested participants as possible in the MAEd, an educator from the University of the adherence to the United Nations’ SDG,
Friendship Week, AISSO also collaborated with the Philippines, discussed the SDG 4. He stating that technology and innovation are
the following organizations: Benilde Central highlighted the importance of education, what keeps the nation forward.
Student Government, MSU-General Santos as well as improving the current state of the The United Nations Sustainable
City, Office of International Affairs, Yabong education system in the Philippines, which Development Goals are collection of 17 goals
Philippines, UNESCO, and the U.S. Embassy in
plays a crucial role in developing the future’s organized in 2015 that envisions a world
the Philippines, the Ateneo Diplomatic Corps,
and Liceo Corps Diplomatique. leaders and professionals. “leaving no one behind” by the year 2030.
The event aimed to provide youth with On the other hand, Felino J. Gutierrez The goals presented a holistic approach
good understanding of Philippine-US relations Jr., a Forestry and Philosophy graduate to achieve balanced development through
and venue for the participants to reinforce their talked about the SDG 13, Climate Actions. He strategies that aims to improve various
interest in nation building and the maintenance highlighted the significance of environmental sectors of the community.
of harmonious relationships. The event focused
on the webinar on the last day, which offered
platform and opportunity for the participants,
experts, and speakers to meaningfully engage
with one another in activities that shared the
professional’s expertise with that of the youth.
Brett Blackshaw, the U.S. Embassy’s U.S.
Political Counselor talked about PH-US Affairs.
Mr. Blackshaw emphasized the importance of
people bonding which assists states in their
friendly endeavors. Moreover, he stated that
democracy in action played vital role in PH-US
relations. He further added that the value of
the voice of democracy in Southeast Asia is
crucial in relation to good governance. Most
important is the value attached to the Visiting
Forces Agreement under the Mutual Defense
Treaty when seen in the light of engagements
done between the two partners.
Lt. Col James H. Kim, the Deputy Chief
of the Joint US Military Assistance Group-
Philippines discussed on PH-US Security
Alliance. Mr. Kim talked on the great historical
relations between the two partners, which
is evident in the bilateral engagements. This
CONTINUE ON PAGE 16-17...
16 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
7th Hanep
sa Science at
Math
RAINE CHLOE VELESRUBIO
rainechloeav@gmail.com
The University of the Philippines
Association of Chemistry Majors and
Enthusiasts (UP ACME) is a student
organization from UP Diliman aimed
at nurturing the study of chemistry
and sciences in the Philippines. Last
May 22, 2021, UP ACME conducted
its annual flagship event, Hanep
sa Science at Math via Zoom and
Facebook Live.
Pre-pandemic, the event was a math
and sciences quiz bee for private and public
high school students in Metro Manila and
CALABARZON. Due to the circumstances
brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 7th
edition was rebranded as an online scientific
writing symposium and competition for high
school students nationwide to pursue and
amplify the organization’s thrust of making
matter meet purpose.
The symposium featured talks on
scientific writing, the importance of fact-
checking, and the chemical perspective
of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines. This was
followed by the competition aimed at honing
the scientific writing skills and applying
the learnings of the participants from the
symposium. The event was a great success,
garnering over 180 participants from all over
the country.
As a UNESCO Club, it is UP ACME’s goal
to continue advocating scientific knowledge
to Filipino students and empowering future
student scientists through Hanep sa Science
at Math.
“
This conference
was the fruit of
labor of efforts
not only from the
JARES Officers,
Members, and
Advisers but
also from the
competitors
themselves
Angel Payongayong
ARES BulSU 2021-2022 President
BulSU Research Enthusiasts
hold 2nd Junior Interdisciplinary
Research Confab
MARK JHUMACEL ALAISA
jhumacelhalaisa@gmail.com
The Junior Academic Research Enthusiast Society (JARES) of Bulacan State University
(BulSU) held its 2nd Junior Interdisciplinary Research Conference last December 11,
2021 virtually thru Zoom and Facebook live platforms. Despite the challenge of the
pandemic, the Research Conference showcased the research and fact-checking skills
of different participating institutions nationwide.
Two years since JARES started the
conference in 2020, the research competition
has been joined by secondary schools and
colleges such as Sorsogon State University,
National University- Baliuag, Saint Louis
University, Collegio de San Gabriel Archangel,
Bulacan State University, Quezon City Science
High School, Tondo High School and Mindanao
State University.
Dr. Gualberto A. Magdaraog Jr., JARES BulSU
adviser and Mr. Bobby DG. Lopez, a faculty from
FROM PAGE 15...
AISSO holds first PH-US Friendship Week
leads to development programs students
of both states. Finally, the U.S. has given
relevant security assistance to the Philippines,
which is critical as it enhances training and
provides better safety for combatants and
noncombatants.
The third speaker was Mr. Anthony Ranses
who talked about the Foreign Service Officer
under USAID/Philippines. He provided the USAID
program’s background in providing assistance
to the vulnerable and empowering them in
U
College of Science of Bulacan State University
presented keynote messages to further
advocate research efforts in the Philippines
while Mr. Leomed Medina served as the plenary
speaker.
The researchers discussed their proposals to
a panel and were judged according to research
ethics and criterion. Best Presenter and Best
Paper Awards was given to Marianne Kaye
Aguilar, Emiely Kyla Cabungcal, and Sophia
Angela Mortos from Quezon City Science High
various activities designed for different sectors
of society.
He further adds the U.S. government has
given financial support to COVID-19 mitigation
projects and has been manifesting in various
forms such as a strengthening of the vaccination
program, which is one example.
The overall event was a success. It
highlighted the past and current ways US-PH
relations. It has also allowed for a beneficial and
extensive discourse concerning various topics
of interest to future Filipino youth leaders and
reinforced their national pride and eagerness
to serve the country by ensuring that the same
friendly relations between the two continue
en.unesco.org/
School with their research entitled “Utilization of
Narra(Pterocarpus Indicus), Tridax Daisy(Tridax
Procumbens) and Chili(Capsicum Annuum)
against Aspergillus Niger, the causal pathogen
of Tomato rot” while the Best Abstract Award
was given to Denice Liana Novenario, Mikaella
Estrada, and Christian Joseph Ordonez from
the combined team of National University-
Baliuag and Saint Louis University with their
research entitled “A Comparative Study of MIR4
Cryptocurrency and On-Site Part-time work as a
source of Extra Income Work” .
“This conference was the fruit of labor
of efforts not only from the JARES Officers,
Members, and Advisers but also from the
competitors themselves” Angel Payongayong,
the JARES BulSU 2021-2022 President said.
onwards and is replicated with other friendly
states in the international community.
Lastly, the event has provided the expertise
and experience brought forth by professionals in
the academe as an opportunity to disclose their
research and understanding of US-PH relations
as to how they have perceived it, which will
prove valuable in the future to come.
Though the pandemic has disrupted the
usual flow of events, it has proven to be a
success. In light of this, it shows that this was
not solely a challenge to be overcome in the
pursuit of knowledge but also an opportunity to
adapt to a changing world even as it attempts to
rectify the crisis.
news 17
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
BSCE Students joins 2022 Asia-Virtual
Academy Spring Forums
ARJHUN BARJA
arjhuntaroy.barja@bicol-u.edu.ph
The 2022 Asia-Virtual Academy proved Technology, and Environmental Social
to be eventful and fruitful for the BSCE Governance (ESG) Trends in Asia.
According to Professor Elmer Lorenzana,
Students of Bicol University which was
conducted last April 12, May 3, and May one of the event's key speakers, we must first
31. conduct rehabilitation at the local level before
implementing the SDGs' targets for economic
recovery, and SUCs play a significant role in
The set of forums aimed to instigate this re-adjustment. Emman Banania, one of
actions toward a sustainable and prosperous the CE students who joined the event also said
future through dialogues made by various that the forums have been beneficial to the
experts to produce valuable ideas and field of Civil Engineering because of the timely
share them with the participants. The event topics discussed in terms of materials and
consisted of 3 sets of forums that discussed equipment improvements.
the Asia-Pacific Economic Growth in the
Post COVID-19 Era, the AI Industry and 4.0
This year’s AVA Spring Forums was hosted
by the National University of Kaohsiung.
MCL continues its legacy
DENVERGIL MORIN, ANGELO JABONETE
Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
For the past two years, the Midshipman in Charge of Library has been accredited
by the UNESCO Club of the Philippines, proving its worth as the pinnacle of a
bidder on sustainable development. The club is also hailed as the “outstanding
UNESCO Club” in the education sector.
The Midshipman In Charge of Library is one amassed content of the library.
of the other clubs at the Maritime Academy "Joining the MCL is a great opportunity for
of Asia and the Pacific. This club aims at skill development, expressing leadership and
promoting the three pillars of the library: management skills, meaningful interactions
knowledge preservation, intellectual freedom, with fellow bookworms, and contributing to
and ease of access to all available information. programs beyond the Academy's gates," said
Its mission is to assist the MAAP library in its the club's president.
pursuit of providing quality materials, services, As of 2022, the MCL Club is the only
and information to midshipmen, graduate organization in the Academy that is accredited
students, and even faculty and staff. Hence, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific,
this club serves as custodians and exponents and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, which
of knowledge and creativity, not only in the is proof enough of its prestige.
maritime field but also in the sum of the
18 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
NDEP-BKD-AHIS celebrates
2021 Drug Abuse, control week
JOCELYN JAVIER
jocelyn.javier001@deped.gov.ph
Last November 14-28, 2021, the National Drug Education Program-Barkada Kontra
Droga – Addition Hills Integrated School (NDEP-BKD-AHIS) observed the 2021 Drug Abuse
Prevention (DAPC) Week with the theme “Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives.
DAPC Week is celebrated
every third week of November
and because NDEP-BKD-AHIS is
one with UNESCO in promoting
the social development of human
personality and contributing
to their members’ education in
civics and democracy, NDEP-
BKD-AHIS conducted several
activities to honor the celebration
of 2021 DAPC Week including the
launching program, rapping and
meme contests and webinar on
the implications of the Covid-19
pandemic on mental health
and substance use among the
youth and engaging the teens in
substance use prevention and the
closing and awarding program.
The launching of 2021 DAPC
Week was held on November
16, 2021, via the Addition
Hills Integrated School (AHIS)
Facebook Page. The launching
program was graced by DIR III
Christian O. Frivaldo, Regional
Director of the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency. He lauded
NDEP-BKD-AHIS for supporting
the government’s effort in
creating a drug-free Philippines.
Laica Rose S. Ubay, President
of NDEP-BKD-AHIS explained the
purpose of celebrating the 2021
DAPC Week. She mentioned that
the very aim of the activity is to
encourage public understanding
of the negative effects of
using illegal drugs as well as
participation in the government’s
anti-drug effort.
To better understand what
is NDEP and Barkada Kontra
Droga, Officers Kristel Reyes and
Diana Rose Felias explained the
rationale behind the creation
and institutionalization of the
National Drug Education Program
(NDEP) and Barkada Kontra in
every school.
It was followed by the
announcement of activities for
the 2021 DAPC Week by John
Patrick Nazaro, Vice-President
Internal of NDEP-BKD-AHIS. VP-
Internal John Patrick stated that
there will be two contests for this
year’s celebration of DAPC Week.
It includes the Rap Contest and
Meme Making Contests.
These contests aim to
develop the abilities, talents,
and skills of students toward
the realistic eradication of drug
use among children and youth.
Patrick also added that there
will be a webinar about the
implications of the Covid-19
pandemic on mental health
and substance abuse among
teenagers. He explained that
the very goal of the webinar is to
engage the youth in substance
use prevention. The webinar is
conducted in partnership with
the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA) and the Rotary
Club of Greater Mandaluyong
(RCGM).
A mini-online game preceded
and was headed by Sheree
Rogero, secretary of NDEP-BKD-
AHIS. In the mini-online game,
the participants will tell whether
the statement being read by
Secretary Sheree is a fact or a
bluff.
After the mini-online game, a
pledge of support from Addition
Hills Integrated School and the
community preceded. Teachers,
staff, parents, students, and
other stakeholders gave their
oath to support the advocacies of
NDEP-BKD-AHIS. The launching
program was closed by Mrs.
U
UST CRS Speech-Language Pathology provides
aid for parents with visually-impaired children
JILLIAN MARIE ALMASA • jillianmarie.almasa.crs@ust.edu.ph | UST CRS Speech-Language Pathology Society
MANILA, PHILIPPINES–With
the title, “Spotting ReFUSAL:
Red Flags Under Speech and
Language,” the CRS Speech-
Language Pathology Society
(SLP Society) of the University
of Santo Tomas held a talk
and offered free rehabilitation
services to parents with visually
impaired children as well as
other students of the university
through a Zoom meeting last
November 5, 2021.
In partnership with other
rehabilitation courses such as the
Yleya P. Solomon, Assistant to
the Principal in the Elementary
Department.
Philippine National Screening of the 15th
During the webinar, the
speaker was Mr. Paulo Victr A.
Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa
Daculla from the Preventive GERALDINE REMO
Education and Community NCBUCP Board Member
Involvement Service (PECIS) of
the PDEA. PDEA has long been The Philippine National
the partner of NDEP-BKD-AHIS Screening of the 15th
in promoting the nationwide
Mitsubishi Asian Children’s
anti-drug crusade through the Enikki Festa was held on
conduct of massive preventive
drug education projects and the thirteenth of November
2021. The judging was held at
programs.
The webinar was also made the Conference Room of St.
possible through the help of the Bridget School Quezon City.
RCGM with the leadership of Life-
Changing President Lyndon Jay A total of two thousand two
F.Calbone and Assistant Governor hundred ninety seven (2,297) Enikki
Joan Marie C. Tejada. The webinar entries with 5-page illustrations
was attended by Alternative and descriptions were carefully
judged by the National Screening
Learning System (ALS) students,
Committee headed by Ms. Mary
senior high school students, and
teachers from ALS and Senior Grace O. Awkit, the Chairperson of
High School.
en.unesco.org/
UST CRS Occupational Therapy
Society, the UST CRS Sports Science
Society, and the UST CRS Physical
Therapy Society, the project was
implemented with the aim of
providing free assistance to parents
who had limited access to healthcare
due to the pandemic. Additionally,
the aforementioned societies also
provided their own talks and free
rehabilitation to selected local
communities.
Ms. Veronica Yu, CSP-PASP, a
professor at the University of Santo
Tomas and a certified speech-
language pathologist, was invited to
be the speaker at the event. Through
the Board of Judges.
Ms. Awkit was joined by Vice-
Chairperson of the Board of Judges
Mr. Ricky Aguilar, Mr. John Joseph
Fernandez, Mr. Roland Keno Chua,
Ms. Alice Pedracio, Mr. Junbert
Pabon, Mr. Christian Mac Juane,
Mr. Norman Mirabel, Ms. Geraldine
Remo and Ms. Violeta Taleon.
The 15th Mitsubishi Asian
Children’s Enikki Festa is an event
organized by the Mitsubishi Public
Affairs Committee in partnership
with the National Federation of
UNESCO Associations in Japan
(NFUAJ) and in coordination
with Serafin Arviola Jr., PhD,
the Chairperson of the National
Coordinating Body of UNESCO
Clubs Philippines, Inc. (NCBUCP).
Talk with hands and listen with eyes:
SPEDSA’s Project #ISign
In early April of 2022, the Special Education Students Association conducted a webinar entitled
“SPEDSA Project #ISign” which is about the History of Filipino Sign Language.
Facts about FSL and video
tutorials of FSL Alphabet, FSL
Numbers, Basic Greetings and
Communication, and FSL of Common
Verbs. SPEDSA used facebook as a
platform for the project wherein they
posted infographics, videos and a live
webinar for the viewers.
her talk, the partaking parents and
participants were informed of facts
regarding the milestones of speech
and language development that
children are commonly expected to
exhibit at various age points in their
lives.
Particularly, Ms. Yu highlighted
the “red flags” or the warning signs
of speech and language disorders
that parents might see reflected in
their own children. Moreover, as a
way of helping struggling parents
in the pandemic that had limited
access to healthcare, she provided
tips and examples of feasible
activities that parents may execute
Last April 2022, the SPEDSA
Project #ISign was launched,
where the project was very timely
and relevant for the people. The
Project #ISign’s goal is to teach
people how to do sign language
properly, to communicate with the
Deaf community, and break the
news 19
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
at home to improve the speech and in an online setup for the safety of
language skills of their children. the participants, the initiative of the
An extension of the timeframe students in the SLP Society to help
for the question and answer others in need was left unbound.
portion of the event was provided Consequently, the pandemic
to accommodate the various only made them realize that parents
questions of the attendees, as well need the help of professionals
as the option to directly message more than ever, especially in the
the speaker for additional questions absence of accessible and available
and thoughts regarding the event. healthcare services. Through
Pamphlets were also given after their collective effort, the parents,
the event containing the speaker’s students, and others that had also
slides and a summary of what she participated in the event were
had spoken about during the event. able to take home some of the
Though many constraints were knowledge from the talk to also use
brought about by the pandemic, with their children, loved ones, and
limiting the talk to be conducted those around them.
15th Mitsubishi Asian Children’s
Enikki Festa Winners
XANTARA M. SAN JUAN
01 Dr. Artemio E. Natividad Elementary School (Taguig
City)
02 AR-RAILYN M. IRIBANI
Salih Yusah Elementary School (Jolo, Sulu)
NICOLE AUDREI S. RILLES
03 De La Salle Santiago Zobel - Br. Rafael Donato FSC
Night HighSchool (Muntinlupa)
04 RAPHAEL ARISTHEROS N. ORAYE
Guinobatan East Central School (Iraya, Guinobatan)
05 Danica DG. Baraero
Meycauayan National High School (Meycauyan,
Bulacan)
06 SAMANTHA MAE T. KAPAWAN
Assumption Antipolo (Antipolo, Rizal)
JAM HAYLEY J. MENDOZA
07 Francisco
Benitez Elementary School (Tondo,
Manila)
08 KC JANNAH MARIE F. DIAZ
Pontevedra Elementary School (Capiz)
JOSHUA BRYAN B. CORDOVA
SPEDSA Vice Chairperson
every person, especially the deaf
community. They are afraid of
being judged and misinterpreted by
misconceptions about people who everyone.
are deaf. They taught basic Filipino Therefore, as Special Needs
Sign Language like greetings, Educators and Advocates and
letters, numbers, and Common together as the Special Education
Verbs. Student’s Association, we created
In this Darkest of times, brought a Project wherein we are able to
by the pandemic many people are promote inclusivity and Unity in
affected. It creates adjustments in every people and community.
20 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited U
en.unesco.org/
news 21
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022 (UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022

JPPhA – Gamma
Chapter boosts public
SDTC relaunches ‘A Thousand
health awareness on
new pharmacy modes
Paper Bag Campaign’
LOUISE ANNE APULI JILLIAN MARIE ALMASA, ALEANNE OLIVER, TRIXIE JOB
JPPhA - Gamma Chapter, External PRO Science Dynamic Thinkers Club

The Junior Philippine Pharmacists’ Association NAGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR – Science Dynamic
– Gamma Chapter (JPPhA – Gamma Chapter) Thinkers Club relaunched one of its pioneer programs
titled “A Thousand Paper Bag Campaign (ATPBC)” last
launched three webinars from 2020 to 2022
targeting emerging fields in pharmacy to raise September 30, 2022, at the University of Nueva Caceres.
public awareness among pharmacy students at The campaign was partaken by 295 members of the
organization, ranging from Grades 7-10.
the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
LEADERSHIP IN PHARMACY With the goal of creating 1000 paper bags every campaign
Over 300 participants from the Pharmacy department session and raising awareness regarding the importance of
under the UST Faculty of Pharmacy (UST-FOP) flocked recycling, ATPBC began in August 2017 and ran through until
to the JPPhA – Gamma Chapter’s LEGACY: Empowering February 2020. However, the campaign was temporarily postponed
Leadership Within career orientation and leadership due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
webinar held last April 30, 2021, in celebration of UST- “The goal of this project is to increase public awareness
FOP’s 150th anniversary. about single-use plastic and assist the local government in their
The full-slot event explored the importance of campaign in source-based segregation, reduction, recycling, and
leadership in different areas of pharmacy from the reusing,” said Nera, a participant in the campaign.
industrial sector to medicine. According to Steve, the club board president, “Other
organizations can also imitate this project, and could be eye-
ON VACCINE HESITANCY opening for everyone on the status of plastic usage, especially
In a community development project executed among the youth in Naga City.”
last September 19, 2021, experts from the Department “The creativity and craftsmanship of the members were seen
of Health (DOH) discussed misconceptions about and improved throughout the activity, not only this but also their
Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) and its treatment plans cooperation as one team was seen and enhanced,” added Mrs.
to citizens of NTA Rodriguez Rizal in JPPhA – Gamma Galicia, who facilitated the event. As of September 30, 2022, the
Chapter’s Lingkod Pharma Kalusugan. organizers estimated that 17000 paper bags have already been
Following the webinar was a donation drive of distributed to the dry goods vendor of Naga City People’s Mall since
Buklod Sining celebrates National
Arts Month at National Commission
for Culture and the Arts
XSIFHWIUFICDSUFSID
dsdjfdfhdjfhjdfhjdf
In celebration of National Arts Month, the Buklod Sining
Organization held an event for its 33rd founding anniversary with
an exhibition entitled “Sa Pagitan ng Gabi at Bukang Liwayway”.
Attended by members of Bukod Sining as well as alumni artists,
the exhibition was part of the competitive grant program of NCCA
selected from various artists, groups, and collectives all over the
country.
The chosen group received a curatorial, space, and promotional support
including a creative research output – the “Sa Pagitan ng Gabi at Bukang
Liwayway” publication with ISBN, which will be distributed in private, public,
local and international art institutions and libraries for free. The art exhibition
was held at the NCCA Gallery in Intramuros last February 15 to March 3, 2022,
and served as the official opening celebration of National Arts Month.

“
hygiene kits, and COVID-19 pamphlets for the attendees.
TELEPHARMACY WORKSHOP
Fourth-year UST pharmacy students underwent
JPPhA - Gamma Chapter’s The Pharmacist is Online:
Virtual Telepharmacy Workshop, a lecture webinar,
and workshop on online patient counseling held on
September 22, 2021.
To immerse the students in the eHealth practice, the
lecture proceeded with an interactive workshop where
participants demonstrated their skills in simulation
counseling cases.
JPPhA – Gamma Chapter continuously aims to
strengthen partnerships with other organizations to
conduct more public interest projects for the UST
pharmacy students following the success of the event.
the establishment of the said campaign program. The exhibition showcased the visual memoirs of people, situations,
and their journey from midnight to dawn before and during the pandemic
on how time could serve as both the protagonist and antagonist in their
decisions, conditions and choices. It could be under the notion of pure and
Nera
‘A Thousand Paper Bag Campaign’ Participant mathematical time.
Since the problem of time has been interesting to different thinkers like
SCIENCE DYNAMIC Henri Bergson and Michael Foucault. The participating artists from different
The goal of this project is to increase public THINKERS CLUB art disciplines used this concept to visually suture the stories happening from
twelve midnight to half-past five in the morning.
awareness about single-use plastic and assist Be updated! Follow the page of In the Philippines, socio-political development brought us to a new shift
the local government in their campaign in source- Science Dynamic Thinkers Club to in how we live based on our need to survive: According to the study, numbers
get the lastest updates.
based segregation, reduction, recycling, and are relative to time zones and reference frames and conventional agreements
about how to define the second, the conventional unit for measuring time.
reusing. Just imagine the different stories happening all over the archipelago in
this time frame where half of the world is sleeping while some are awake,
and probably some are staring to nothingness and some are rhythmically
listening to the laments of the night.

DIVING
On November 12, 2021, the SBS Tangkay Organization held its first live understanding of marine-related
webinar via Facebook entitled “UNDER THE SEA: Truths About the Unseen environmental issues our world
World Beneath Us” to commemorate the World Science Day for Peace and currently faces. It mainly highlighted
Development, celebrated every November 10th. the recent discovery of Dr. Deo
Florence L. Onda on the existence of United Nations

DEEP INTO The organization held the event Foundation, Inc. plastic wastes at the Emden Deep, Department of Economic and Social Affairs
with the objectives of discussing and The event was made possible with help the deepest part of the Philippine Sustainable Development
Trench and how it affect deep-sea

SDG 14
DARLA ROSELYN VALERA
darlavalera111@gmail.com
comprehending the connectivity and
linkages of marine ecosystems, and raising
awareness about the pervasiveness of
plastics in our oceans, which was brought
to light by guest speaker, Miraflor A.
Pandela–Sanchez, the CEO/President of
Sustainable Environmental Resources and
Vision Empowerment, Inc. and Consultant
of the Marine Environment and Resource
of Tangkay’s partners: ASHS Matanglawin,
BUCEILS UNESCO Club, and YACAP NCR,
assuring that they have tapped the interests
of many audiences in participating with this
event.
Accordingly, Tangkay have also
distributed a 12-page learning module
on Facebook and the school’s online
class platform to aid the audience’s
species.
With thousands of views and Conserve and sustainably use
engagements, the organization can
claim it was a success, and hopes the oceans, seas and marine
to conduct more events like this in
the future, especially in support of
resources for sustainable
SDG 14: Life Below Water and the development
UN Decade of Ocean Science for
Sustainable Development.
22 news
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
TSL spearheads “Theatherapy”
to cope with FTF transition
JULIE ELEANOR CIRON
Tslusi2000@gmail.com
As schools transition to full face-to-face (FTF) classes come
August 2022, the Teatro de Sta. Luisa (TSL) started a project
that intends to use theater as a means to let the participants
efficiently manage their return.
Facilitated by Mr. Alcid
Valencia, a recipient of the 2021
UNESCO Outstanding Cultural
Worker of the Year and the artistic
director and playwright of the
organization, a total of 35 partici-
pants joined the first of the series
of “Theatherapy” held last July
11-12, 2022 at the Universidad de
Sta. Isabel (USI) Ozanam Hall.
The COVID-19 pandemic
which took the world by storm has
left a lasting imprint in almost all
facets of human existence. The
educational institution, which
is one of the most hardly hit
experienced lots of challenges as
disruptions took on all forms from
school routines, access to learning
opportunities like in-person ses-
sions and hands-on trainings and
social relationships.
The threat and stigma of being
contracted with the virus and
other health-related crises that
resulted in economic setbacks,
leaving a lot of people helpless
and frustrated, resulted in trauma
in both direct and indirect ways.
A case in point was observed
from some student achievers who
projected a high level of anxiety
during the face to face final exam-
ination of the Higher Education
(HED), and unfortunately scored
lower than expected, due perhaps
to the “newness” of the experi-
ence again.
There are also those who after
being subjected to stay at home
for prolonged period of time are
overwhelmed every time they find
themselves in populated-crowded
places.
Other similar stories redound
to the need of the students to be
assisted in coping with the chal-
lenges of the transition in the new
normal of education, if we would
not want their physical re-integra-
tion to the school community to
be a threatening experience for
them.
These scenarios prompted
the Teatro de Sta. Luisa’s con-
ceptualization of the project to
use theater as a means to make
the participants manage in the
return to the face to face learning.
Theatherapy or theater therapy
(aka Drama therapy) shows how
theater can be utilized not only
to entertain and relax audience
members, but also stimulate one’s
thoughts and emotional process-
es.
The two-day theater activity
culminated with a short theater
production presented each by the
three groups of participants which
featured stories of the struggles
and triumphs of people in the con-
text of the students’ experiences
during the contagion.
Future prospects of the TSL
included a similar project for the
faculty group fashioned within the
realm of experiences of teachers
during the pandemic which is
planned to be in partnership with
the Human Resource Department
of USI.
U
en.unesco.org/
news 23
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
Ligao frontliners receive #MaskPINASafe PH winners of
“International
NCBUCP, UNESCO Japan aid Festival
The Planet
PAMELA GARCIA
The Apprentice
(CDRRMO) Ligao and Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) Ligao.
COMELEC Election Officer IV Atty. Ednalyn
schools such as the medical, utility, and maintenance
staff who deal with parents, stakeholders, and clients
first hand.
of the Art
The Apprentice and Ang Ilaya, the official student-community
Garcia-Referiza said that the high-quality face masks
ensured the health and safety of the poll workers
A total of 1,440 packs of face masks were
distributed during the ceremony which also served as
2022” by The
publications of Ligao National High School conducted the
turn-over ceremony of Project #MaskPINASafe, a donation of
last May 2022 National and Local Elections. All 700
poll workers and electoral board members of the
the formal awarding of The Apprentice’s accredited
status as a UNESCO Club in the Philippines.
Kazakhstan
Japanese face masks to select frontline institutions all over
the country, made possible by the National Coordinating
voting precincts in Ligao City received the said face
masks.
SSP IV Jessica U. Sayson underscored that this
undertaking will open Ligao National High School’s
National
Body of UNESCO Clubs in the Philippines (NCBUCP) UNESCO
Clubs Philippines, UNESCO Japan, Iris Healthcare Japan, and
The CDRRMO, through CGDH I Rossauro C.
Perillo received 250 packs of the facemasks. The
campus journalism advocacies on a global scale. Federation of
Philippine Normal University (PNU). The turnover ceremony
was conducted last March 31 at Ligao National HS 3F LAT
masks were mostly used in their quick rescue
and response operations to the accidents and UNESCO Clubs
Building. emergencies that happen around the city. THE PAMELA GARCIA
Education Program Supervisor Leopoldo C.
Brizuela Jr. represented the Schools Division Office
APPRENTICE The Apprentice
NCBUCP President Ronel M. Villanueva graced the occasion and Be updated! Follow the page of
of Ligao City in receiving the 200 packs allotted.
facilitated the turn-over of facemasks to the frontliners of Schools Division
Office of Ligao City, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office
The masks were distributed to non-teaching school
The Apprentice to get the lastest
updates. Three students from St.
personnel in chosen elementary and secondary
Bridget School Quezon City,
Philippines were winners of
the “International Festival
UST-IEC’S THREE-PHASED DUNONG The Planet of the Art 2022”
organized by The Kazakhstan
SULONG PROJECT National Federation of
UNESCO Clubs. The project
covered more than 8,000
NESTOR PAUL CASIPIT, ANETTE GRACE PADRINAO, & GABRIELLE FRANCINE GONZALES children in the nominations
“Silk Road: Cultural Heritage”,
Amid the ongoing pandemic, of the computer and Microsoft Office literacy training for the faculty of the
“Silk Road: Innovation” and
applications via a courier. partner institution as well as the UST
people would think that “Silk Road: Friendship of
supporting advocacies, which It was then followed by phase 2 of industrial engineering students, is
the project entitled “From the Bottom conducted. Peoples”. The participants
is the core of community ANDREA MICHAELLA MENDOZA were children and youth aged
to the Top: Thriving for Success”, As the event further proceeded,
services, is only bound to which was held last April 2, 2022. It is a the speaker Asst. Prof. Charmina Lou 3 to 18 from around the world.
create a short-term impact motivational webinar where different C. Bautista, PIE, RFP, CSS shared her
to the community due to speakers shared inspiring stories vast knowledge in managing finances, The art part of “The Planet
different restrictions that may that surely touched the hearts of the as well as the different ways in of ART – 2022” was devoted to
occur along the way. However, Industrial Engineering students and handling and generating money that a comprehensive study of the
that does not seem to be the partner community members. can serve as a financial support for heritage of the Silk Road and was
case when the UST Industrial The first speaker is Assoc. Prof. one’s lifestyle and future. held in celebration of the Year
Carlos Ignacio P. Lugay, Ph.D., PIE, The second day of Dunong Sulong of Children in Kazakhstan, the
Engineering Circle (UST-IEC)
launched its community ASEAN Engineer, an instructor from Phase 3 officially began on April 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s
the UST IE department. He shared 23, 2022, according to the project entry into UNESCO and the 75th
development project of the
his journey from his tertiary life up leaders and facilitators. TechTalk: anniversary of the founding of the
year called “Dunong Sulong”. to finishing his doctorate degree. He Introduction to Web Design for UNESCO club movement.
emphasized the importance of rest Business is a topic that has been a This is the 2nd Art International
This project revolves around along the way. He finished his talk with great success. Industrial engineers are contest won by Mary Flor RV A.
the idea of economic justice for the words “We are successful in our recognized for their tendency toward Ponce. She was the Grand Prix
all, which aims to provide more own lives”. the business environment, according winner of the 14th Mitsubishi Asian
opportunities to thrive and prosper The second speaker is Ms. Alpha to Ms. Alma V. Perol of MIT, who gave JULIANNA VILLAFRIA Children’s Enikki Festa in 2019. The
in the given economy. Together Z. Cristobal, LPT, MAEd, the Assistant the motivational speech. awarding in Japan was canceled.
with the UST Computer Science Principal at Our Lady of Mercy School Giving the introductory remarks, Instead, the awarding took place
Society (UST-CSS), IEC has chosen of Quezon City. Her talk focused Asst. Prof. Jerralyn T. Padua, MSCS in the Philippines due to pandemic
to lend a helping hand to the faculty more on what to think when a person (Dean, UST-CICS) extends a hearty restrictions in Japan.
of Ateneo Casa Famiglia Servants thinks that they are lost or somewhat welcome to the IE community. They were invited to attend
of the Poor Inc., the partner misdirected. There was a lot of knowledge master classes with leading
community for this project, from the The program is concluded by being shared as the TechTalk: artists of Kazakhstan, excursion,
City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Asst. Prof. Mildred C. Duran, MBA, the Introduction to Web Design for creative evenings, training, and
Dunong Sulong was officially Community Development Coordinator Business got underway. The hosts of receive the awards and prizes
launched on the 1st day of April from UST College of Information and Dunong Sulong Day 2 from CSS, Jan last September 29 – October 1,
2022. The project was divided into Computing Sciences. Andrei Carlos and Monica Mendiola, 2022 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The
three phases. For the first phase Following this, the project heads commend Ms. Alma V. Perol for the festival’s program included an
which was held last April 1, 2022, and facilitators have formally kicked insightful presentation. exhibition of works by the finalists,
the project heads facilitated the off the first day of Dunong Sulong Everything must come to an end, as well as an award ceremony for
delivery of bond paper reams, Phase 3 on April 8, 2022. On the given and Rev. Rogelio R. Cruz, Director of the winners of the festival and a
envelopes, printer inks, and a date, a webinar called “FinTalk: An Partner Community, led the closing concert with performances from the
flash drive that contains digital
modules about the basic functions
Asset to Life”, which is a financial remarks with an uplifting message. MARY FLOR RV PONCE participants.
24 features
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
What is Happiness?
Is it when you buy a new bag?
Is it when you buy a new skin for your favorite game?
Is it when you spend time with your loved ones?
Is it seeing your pet smiling at you while waiting for food first thing in the morning?
Happiness is something that has many
definitions. For some, happiness is finding
comfort with something that gives us peace.
Since 2006, Ingat Nang Asuncion’s
definition of Happiness is giving love and
support to the community, especially to the
deprived ones. For six jubilant years, we are
happy take part in numerous community
service projects hosted by the organization
itself and its affiliates.Happiness can also be
defined in nourishing the love of students
to Earth while enhancing their English
vocabulary and Math skills.
One of the organization’s benevolent
joys is the Gardening and Tutorial for Grade
11 and 12 that happened last October 14
and November 10, 2022. Guided with the
project’s theme, “Itanam at turwan tana ing
kinabukasan ning Villa Maria!” (Let’s plant
and teach the future of Villa Maria), the team
aimed to plant vegetables for the students of
Villa Maria Integrated School students, as well
as to give them tutorials for basic English and
statistics. The event also gave food and soap
for the indigenous families in the said village.
This is Ingat Nang Asuncion first
post-pandemic project. The month-long
preparation was fruitful officers through the
help of Community Ministry and Community
Extension Office of University of the
Assumption and other donors from various
rotary and individual partners.
INGAT NANG ASUNCION
Be updated! Follow the page of Ingat Nang
Asuncion (INA) to get the lastest updates.
U
ATHENA PSYCHE LEE
We must amplify the vision and mission of UNESCO for
the youth within and across our stakeholders.
The iconic Anne Frank said, “No one
gets poor by giving”. True indeed, the
team provided self-learning modules
that will not just give Villa Maria
Integrated School their “fish”, but
teach how to catch it. The modules
were crafted with the help and
consultation of former officers and
partners.
Every time we see the students of
Villa Maria Integrated School beamingly
smiling ear to ear, we also feel happiness and
contentment. Ingat Nang Asuncion is happy
when we also share happiness to others
through countless collaborations
and planning initiatives, mainly with
the support of the University of
Assumption.
We dream of a community where
no one will be deprived of anything
that is needed for us to be smart and
survive this world. We may not see
the results as early as it is, but we
believe that little by little, we can
make all this possible. A positive
change, no matter how small it is,
is still a change and consistently,
it will give great impact into
someone’s life.
And that is HAPPINESS,
the Ingat Nang Asuncion
Way. What’s yours?
en.unesco.org/
features 25
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022
KEANE CARLO SUICON
Elpidio Quirino High School UNESCO Club is the first Junior High School Public
School in the Division of City Schools Manila to be an accredited member of the
National Coordinating Body of UNESCO Club in the Philippines and the Philippine
National Commission for UNESCO. This recognition of NCBUCP echoes a bigger
responsibility in our organization to be faithful to our mandate to become the
grassroots organization of UNESCO. We must amplify the vision and mission of
UNESCO for the youth within and across our stakeholders.
Through the leadership of our principal implemented Facemasked Hero 2021 wherein
Dr. Dante A. Felizardo, he supported every the youth were challenged to create their
project in our school, especially the advocacy design facemask to encourage them to always
programs of the EQHS UNESCO Club. The Head follow health protocol. These programs were
Teacher of the Araling Panlipunan Department, well participated by our youth and they have
Ms. Eliza O. Remanez, is our team captain that positive feedback on them.
makes sure the programs of our club are well This year, were able to celebrate United
sound. The vigorous support of our Master Nations Month through limited face-to-face
Teacher Mrs. Concepcion O. Pagarigan makes and virtual celebration. We conducted three
the benchmarking and partnership with main contest such as Slogan Making Contest
our international partners made possible. 2022, Global Cuisine 2022, Mr. Ambassadors
Our club’s projects and advocacy are made and Ms. Ambassadress 2022 and On-the-
possible through the support of our Araling Spot Poster Making Contest 2022. This year
Panlipunan teachers. celebrates International Year of Sustainable
In 2021, EQHS UNESCO Club United Nation Mountain Development. The contest and event
Forum has partnered with the University were well participated by the learners and
Utara Malaysia and Institut Teknologi Dan other stakeholders of the community
Bisnis Ahmad Dahlan Jakarta, Indonesia. We Now we are launching Paragon of
invited speakers from these schools to share Cultivations, wherein we advocate reading
their expertise and knowledge in line with the literacy and comprehension to our learners.
celebration of the International Year of Creative Hand in hand with the different programs of
Economy for Sustainable Development. They the Department of Education, we will help to
share the best practices in their country about achieve goal number 4 Quality education for
the creative economy. This forum was well SDG. We also want to raise awareness of the
attended by all learners and other stakeholders importance of history and taking care of our
through social media. heritage for sustainable growth. This is good
Our advocacy #SegreGain (a waste training for the youth in ensuring that no child
segregation campaign of our club) was in will be left behind. This advocacy is holistic
we encourage our learners and the youth because it will help both the beneficiaries
to practice waste segregation in their own and the members of the UNESCO Club. This
homes. This will help the youth to be aware program will be conducted and was created by
of protecting the environment and health youth and members of the UNESCO Club. These
hazards by proper disposal of their facemask.
The UNECOPEC or the United Nations E-
are the many programs that the EQHS UNESCO
Club has to contribute to nation building and
EQHS
Costume Photo Editing Contest wherein even echoes the advocacy of UNESCO to the youth. UNESCO CLUB
in their own home, they can wear the national We will continue to be the warriors of peace.
costume of their desired country by editing We will continue to allied with UNESCO in
Be updated! Follow the page of
Elpidio Quirino High School (EQHS)
their photos on their cellphones. We also achieving our aspirations and goals. the lastest updates.
26 features
The Official Newsletter of Accredited U
en.unesco.org/
features 27
The Official Newsletter of Accredited
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022 (UNESCO) Club Philippines • January - November 2022

At first, it was
temporary...
When a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases
during the early stages of the pandemic
led to the shutdown of schools all over the
country, it was announced in Philippine
Science High School - Central Luzon Campus
(PSHS-CLC) that school club activities were
to be temporarily suspended as well for a
few weeks. But as the supposedly temporary
weeks grew into months, and months led to
the start of a new school year, characterized
by online meetings, gadgets, and self-paced
studying, it soon sank in for the members
that their club, for a little while more, will,
unfortunately, continue to be dormant.
To ease the burden of adjusting to a new
environment, the school administration
decided to continue the suspension of
academic clubs for S.Y. 2021 - 2022, including
PSHS-CLC Kalasaglahi.
After a dormant school year, PSHS-CLC
Kalasaglahi was finally given the heads up to
resume its club activities, once again opening
an avenue for young minds that are eager
to learn the social sciences outside of the
four walls of the classroom, as well as young
hearts that are eager to serve the people.
Following the club’s relaunch on social
media as well as the call for new members,
the club kickstarted the school year with
a virtual version of its annual martial law
commemoration. During pre-pandemic
times, the event was usually marked with
scholars lighting candles in respect for
those who fought during one of the darkest
periods in Philippine history, as well as a
few speeches from the club officials and
several teachers. However, due to the school
year still being set in an online setting, the
club set up a film showing instead called
Pelikulasaglahi, celebrating “Dekada ‘70” by
Lualhati Bautista, as well as “The Kingmaker”
by Lauren Greenfield. The critically
acclaimed films, carefully chosen by the club
officers, were taken in by wide-eyed
scholars who attended the
commemoration. A panel discussion then
followed, with speakers from the school’s
Social Science Unit, the Human Rights
Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission,
and the Active Vista institution eagerly
answering questions asked by curious
scholars.
The success of the virtual Pelikulasaglahi
was only the start of many firsts for the club
for the school year. Two months later, the
club proudly launched TalaKAYAn: Malayang
Sampaksaan, a webinar series adapted from
the Katipunan’s newspaper, Ang Kalayaan,
with the purpose of enlightening scholars on
the state of peace education, climate justice,
and human rights in the country, as well as
invigorating them to take personal initiatives
toward social action through lectures
and sharing of discussants. The webinar
was preceded by the posting of a series
of publication materials with additional
information regarding the topics
to be discussed in the webinar. There
were three speakers in total: Xian Guevarra
from YACAP Philippines, Kier Aventurado
from KRIS Inc. and Extremely Together
- Philippines Panaghuisa, and Atty. Chel
Diokno, the chair of the Free Legal Assistance
Group.
Following TalaKAYAn as a major project,
PSHS-CLC Kalasaglahi launched iRead,
a reading enrichment, and development
project, along with the English Unit
and Library Department of PSHS-CLC.
Kalasaglahi, through a donation drive,
raised money to purchase school supplies
and reading materials for the 150 IPED/
Aeta students and teachers of Kanaynayan
Community School, Castillejos, Zambales.
Though compelled to continue work in
an online setting, PSHS-CLC Kalasaglahi was
able to rise up to the challenge, producing
novel projects such as Pelikulasaglahi,
TalaKAYAn, and iRead. At a time when
uncertainty and confusion mark their place
in the world, it seems that the organization
only continues to shine in its advocacy to
uphold human rights and empower the
youth.

A Round-up of SBS Idinayale’s 2021 Projects

ISABEL VICTORINO • sbsidinayale@gmail.com

On September 21, 2021 SBS Idinayale held their first event of
the 2021-2022 academic year called “Martial Law, Martial Law,
Anong Iniwan Mo?” To commemorate the 49th anniversary since
Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law, the organization decided
they would hold two “masterclasses”, or virtual discussions
through Google Meet.
Masterclass A, Balikasaysayan: Pagtuklas sa Saysay ng Kasaysayan, had
an audience of students from grades 7-9. Here, multi-awarded playwright,
filmmaker, and activist Ka Bonifacio “Boni” Ilagan, spoke about his lived
experiences as an activist and survivor of the Marcos Martial Law. He also
spoke about art in social action–how creative endeavors can be used to
speak to social issues and be utilized as a form of protest.
Afterwards, Masterclass B, Kabataan boses ng Katarungan: finding your
voice amidst injustice, was held for the students from grades 10-12. Sir
Maverick Flores, a communications campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines,
Vice President of Communications of National Society of Parliamentarians
Inc., and a paralegal under the Human Rights Victims Claims Board spoke
about the issue of fake news and shared tips on how not to fall victim to it.
Sir Flores also emphasized journalism as “a watchdog of democracy”
and its role in keeping the government in check. At the end of each session,
five minutes were allotted for a short Q&A with the speaker, and an
additional 20 minutes was given for breakout rooms facilitated by chosen
teachers wherein students reflected on the discussion.
To amplify the campaign against VAWC for the entire student body, SBS
Idinayale’s next project was divided into two parts. In “A Journey Screens,
Struggles, and Stories Untold: A Journey on Braving the Unknown”, the
organization collaborated with the Council of Student Officers to hold a
virtual storytelling event for students from Kinder to Grade 3, as well as a
discussion on bullying for Grades 4-6.
The stories shared with the children, I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont,
Si Emang Engkantada at ang Tatlong Haragan by Rene O.Villanueva, and
Mommy ni Kuya, Mommy Ko! by Segundo D. Matias Jr. were purposefully
selected to let them grasp the value of respect without touching on more
mature topics that come hand in hand with VAWC.
In “Screens, Struggles, and Stories Untold: A Journey on Loving
Thyself”, targeted towards the high school department, SBS Idinayale
partnered with the Senior High Executive Envoy Panel (SHEEP) of a sister
school, St. Bridget College, Batangas. A two-part web-series with speakers
was posted on the organization’s Facebook and Instagram pages. In the
first episode, uploaded on December 6, 2021, Senator Risa Hontiveros
talked about her work in ensuring the rights of women and children through
legislation.
The second episode, uploaded on December 14, 2021, was led by Miss
Jasmine Cruz, the events coordinator of Time’s Up Ateneo. She discussed
the laws in place that protect women and children from cyberbullying,
cyber libel, and school harassment.
Come March, SBS Idinayale organized E-Leksyon: Saan Boto Patungo?
With the Philippine General Elections looming then, the project was made
with the goal of helping the school community make informed decisions
as they cast their ballots. The first leg of the project saw the organization’s
Facebook and Instagram accounts posting pubmats of six presidential
candidates and three vice presidential candidates.
The second leg of the project was another two-part web-series.
Members of the organization gathered election-related questions from the
High School students and sat down with Professor Maria Lourdes Turalde-
Jarabe, a convenor of election watchdog Kontra Daya.
The first episode of the web-series, uploaded on March 10, 2022, was
a recorded video of Professor Turalde-Jarabe discussing the value of the
“youth vote” and how the youth can help change the country for the better.
In the second episode, she answered in-depth five questions from the
students.
The last project was titled “Dear Diary: From a Flicker to a Blaze”. To
synthesize the celebration of National Women’s Month, the organization
invited different speakers to discuss, through pre-recorded videos, key
ideas about safe spaces and supportive environments with the goal of
empowering youth, especially girls, to become effective members and
leaders of their communities.
The event took place on April 5, 2022, with the entire High School
Department invited. Miss Alexis Schutz gave an impactful speech about
the importance of fostering safe communities and making space for girls,
emphasizing that they are potential leaders too. Miss Theresa Symons, Good
Shepherd International Foundation’s Asia-Pacific regional manager, had a
conversation with Miss Sashirekha Natarajan, a teacher at a Good Shepherd
School in India who works closely with girls as they pursue international
advocacy.
Together, they talked about the importance of adults supporting
youth-led initiatives and spoke to their experiences with the matter. Lastly,
to motivate their fellow students, Bridgetines past and present gave short
overviews of their advocacy work and testimonies about how the school had
helped shape them as student leaders.
Jelena Balonso, an 11 STEM student who has worked with GreenPeace
Philippines; Khassandra Cañada, a Grade 10 student who has worked with
the Asia-Pacific branch of the Good Shepherd International Foundation; and
Miss Jamilla Briñas, a UP Diliman student who holds leadership positions
several student and youth organizations.
 The Boat is Sinking,
Group yourself with Sustainability
The ocean’s aesthetic waves and its
pleasurable sound is threatened in the
present times. The wonders of the oceanic
scenery as well as its awe-inspiring diverse
species in different countries across the
globe is reaching its dangerous phase. The
endpoint of something worthwhile is slowly
turning into a catastrophic one. The boat is
sinking: how can we group ourselves in this
continuous oceanic afflict?
The situation of our present time encompasses
the different innovations in different fields. Different
technological advancements are currently taking
place across borders and it is unavoidable in all
terms. Different countries compete with each
other in innovative strategies, methodologies,
and approaches to rank themselves up in the
contemporary times. Diversified expansion of
scientific progress is taking up the spotlight in
the quest of enriching ourselves with a shield
and protection towards ending the detrimental
effects of the ongoing medical crisis. Unfortunately
as it is, there is also an ongoing conflict on our
environmental side. Our ocean’s state as of today
has a prospects of losing its track on its beneficial
and substantial disposition.
As pandemic requires different components
that are used as a safeguard in protecting us from
different inimical implications it may cause to
ourselves and to those who are around us, it poses
a pernicious repercussions in our bodies of
water. Looking at the status of our nature,
it is not evolving forward for a better and
sustainable aspect as it should be. The
current state of our oceans across the
borders is losing its track towards
progress. Humans, as we should
be, must be held accountable at all
times in this current predicament.
Our micro acts including improper
and inhumane segregation of
waste from our households, and
setting aside our obliged acts
paves the way for the macro
effects that are being evidently
seen as of today.
Tons and lots of garbage
of plastics and harmful
wastes comes close to
our aquatic resources,
and it is alarming at
all broad aspects.
Its reverberation in
our lives continues
to affect us in
the simplest yet
destructive
manner on
all
sides. Sooner or later, this pile of aquatic trash that
came from ourselves will end up in the stomachs
of our marine animals and as we benefit from the
resources and living of the wonders of the ocean,
we cannot afford the time that oceans will lose its
valuable ambience. Different species of marine
animals are being endangered as our wastes are
mistakenly considered as their food as they have
seen it. Time will come, sometime or other, our
overwhelming foods that originate from the bodies
of water will become terrific as it contains what
we have thrown. Non-biodegradable wastes that
are thrown in the steams and bodies of waters
is calamitous in the habitats of all species as it
destructs their place that is used to grow their
number of species, surrounding our sceneries with
their presence and provide us an equitable live as
we survive.
What we have done to nature must come back
to ourselves in later time, they say. Needless to say,
our destructive acts will eventually devastate us
in the most unexpected ways. As the foundations
of its effects come and originate from ourselves
and within our acts, it is our time to meaningfully
solve all of this. Our capacity as humans, especially
with our ability to influence and leave an impact to
others are the vital prospects that will serve as a
turning point for the general populace to learn all
of these, understand and evaluate, then create an
action that will benefit all of us.
The concrete solution in our mind must not be
isolated or confined theoretically in ourselves. All
of the concurring effects of our ocean’s continuous
destruction must be addressed, not later, but now.
As being part of the youth sector, the solution is in
our collective efforts to address this all. As catalysts
of change in different endeavors, it is now seen and
proven: our acts can do progressive movements to
create and provide a sustainable development that
can be benefited by everyone, most especially, by
the younger generation and those who are still not
with us in the present times.
As communication is made easier for us
today, we can easily connect with other youth,
or in general, in the masses as a whole. Different
initiatives can be made by us, as small or large
steps as it is, in our current age to help solve the
enormous effects of these oceanic conflicts that are
affecting each of us in all ways. As active members
of society, the youth as being the most beneficiary
of the social media platforms, must maximize its
use. Infographics that are worthy and catchy can
be made as collaborative projects of different
organizations. Maximize the advancements of
social media outlets, campaign materials through
videos and songs can be made to establish the
expansion of knowledge to others. Plastic
waste is being expanded and reached out
to the public most especially now that the
trend of online shopping and delivery with
packaging made in unsustainable ways
are prevalent. It is our time to reach out
for our friends, acquaintances, family, and
neighbours, and go with a sustainable
way of attaining and buying
things. Reach out to the young entrepreneurs with
our reach, make them understand that there is a
more sustainable way of wrapping up things that
will lessen the waste that will soon be transferred
to bodies of water, unfortunately. Have a
compassionate discourse, reach out to the masses.
If the general population will soon know the effects
of this ocean problem, they will be equipped with
understanding and realization that they must have
an obligation and effort in their simplest way to help
resolve the conflict of the oceans.
As youth, we have the power to be included in
the decision-making of the government, eventually,
we are the next in line in governing and leading
our nation. Obligate the government, make them
accountable. Resist unsustainable state policies
and have a dissent against large scale companies
that are destroying our bodies of water. Be aware,
evaluate, and call for action. But as soon as it is, we
are leaders in ourselves, we have the capacity to
build youth-led organizations with shared goals:
to educate others, to make the masses understand
the situation, and to help them make an action with
the youth. Lead in your sustainable ways, create
solutions that are concrete and tangible. Establish
plans and activities with environmental movements
that will help our community, a more sustainable
one. Time will come, when the masses are equipped
with sufficient understanding, it will be passed
on and the ripple effects of our collective actions
will create a tangible effect in the community. Let
them be an aquatic warrior and an environmental
army of themselves with the aid of the youth. Ignite
the youth sector, and the younger generation
to help them kindle their burning desire for the
environment too. When the general community are
being inspired with our sustainable acts, they will
not be scared ro take a step with themselves.
Having an understanding that there are
plenty of environmental warriors that will
help them stand strong for sustainable
developments in regards not only with our
ocean’s focus, but to the entirety of our
nature’s condition.
The boat is sinking, how can we group
ourselves? The decision is in our hands.
Will we go with sustainable acts that will
benefit our bodies of water and the entire
environment, or will we make it more
destructive as it is until it eventually sinks?
The boat, the earth in its entirety, with the
whole population being the passengers, can
sink in these waves of problems, but we
must persist and go towards a sustainable
point. The youth, the sector of the future
professionals or in a more substantial
way: sustainable aquatic warriors, are
the lead of this journey in the quest
of achieving a sustainable voyage
until our last breath. The
direction of the boat, if
it will sink or move
forward, lies within
ourselves.