Dapitan CNHS launches Open High

Mentors tutor 29 inmates

PNoy signs anti-bullying law
DCNHS intensifies campaign alongside
To prohibit incidents of bullying in schools all over the country, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 last September 12. The said law required all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address bullying in their institutions. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said the landmark piece of legislation further enhances the DepEds existing Child Protection Policy which puts primacy on the well-being of children. On the other hand, Dapitan City National High School intensified its campaign against bullying so as to ensure a safe learning environment to its 1,864 students. The Office of the Guidance Counselor had promptly kept records of students involved in bullying, conducted appropriate investigation and provided corresponding action to those involve in it. Mrs. Cora S. Palmere, the schools Guidance Counselor reported more than 20 cases bullying from the month of June to November all of which were given corresponding action. In our school, cases of bullying are more raging in Grade VII. This is maybe because its their adjustment period, Mrs. Palmere said. Students involved in bullying underwent intensive counseling with their parents in some serious cases, she added. To intensify further its campaign against bullying, DCNHS sent an SSG officer, Cykee Hannah Q. Lumongsod to attend the Student And Pupil Government Leadership Training: Special Course on Integrating Leadership Values to Fight Against Bullying, with the theme, I am a Pupil; I am a Student: The End Of Bullying Begins With Me.

Education knows no bound! This has been proven tru to a fifty nine years old Grade VII student ___________________ who never stopped dreaming to finish high school even locked in a detention cell.
His dream came true indeed as Dapitan City National High School launcged its Open High School Program with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Dapitan City on September 12. The said launching highlighted the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which was attended by S/Insp. Nathanel L. Aljas, City Jail Warden, Hon. Hermilo R. Hamak, Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dapitan, Sherlito E. Sagapsapan, School Principal of DCNHS and Ma.Liza Tabilon, Education Program Supervisor. OHSP is a project of the DepEd but we made twist and offered it to the inmates to provide them access to education, Mr.

Sagapsapan uttered. The program offered an opportunity to inmates who desire to complete high school curriculum outside the formal school structure. On the other hand, aside from the 29 inmates of the city jail, DCNHS also catered _______ walk in students under the said program.

Due to the no collection policy upon enrolment, Dapitan City National High School registered an 8.4% increase in the number of students enrolees in the Main Campus and Talisay Extension this year based on research of The Shrine Quill (TSQ). Record shows that there are 1,864 students who enrolled this year compared to the 1,719 students last year. In an interview with the acting school Planning Officer

School enrolment hikes 8.4%

Mrs. Vina S. Baes, the administration is glad of the enrollment increase because it signifies the trust of the Dapitanons into the schools capacity of carrying out

quality education considering that there are ten other public and private secondary schools in the city.

ZN Press Club prepares next generation writers

Writers are not born. They are developed and constantly equipped with practice. To hone the writing skills of budding campus journalists in nine cluster areas throughout the province of Zamboanga del Norte, including the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club (ZNPC) has been conducting journalistic writing workshops for free from July to September each year. The said group of media practitioners has been doing such activity for several decades now and since its start, ZNPCs Campus Journalism Seminar had already benefited more than 40,000 students many of whom emerged as winners in the regional and national school press conferences and quite a number of them are now professionals

RP wins Asias best in gender equality

Wow Philippines! Our country has etched another international mark that every Filipino should be proud of being the Asias best in gender equality. Within the Asia-Pacific region, Philippines ranked first when it comes to gender equality and fifth place globally in the 2013 Global Gender Gap Report. This latest annual gender-equality-focused report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked 136 countries on their ability to close the gender gap in four key areaseconomic equality, political participation, health and survival, and educational attainment. The Philippines remains the most advanced country in the [Asia-Pacific] region in terms of gender equality, ranking fifth in the global index. It improved as a result of advances in economic participation and opportunity, a sub-index of the report, as well as by having a strong score in terms of political participation, the WEF said. The report said the Asia-Pacific region had now closed 67 percent of its gender gap but still lagged behind every region in the world except the Middle East and North Africa when it comes to economic equality between the sexes, having closed only 56 percent. The eighth annual edition of the report ranked Iceland closest to equality for the fifth year running. Iceland, along with Finland (second), Norway (third) and Sweden (fourth), has now closed over 80 percent of its gender gap.

pursuing their respective careers but still consider writing as their first love. I feel great whenever I see improvements in the work of the participants, how they apply my tips in writing their pieces and when I sense their interest

in writing, said club president Rosemarie Patangan-Miranda, a former employee of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and now Civil Registrar of Dipolog City. Holding writing workshops for free is baloney but for the men and women of this club, it is a priceless act of sharing and transferring knowledge and skills to budding campus writers. During the early years of the project implementation, the club officers and members would contribute some amount in order to raise funds for the prizes of the winners of the different writing competitions For the past five years now, cash prizes for the winners are provided by the US Embassy.

ESEP studes plant mangroves

In connection with the celebration of the Fish Conservation Week, twenty three Biotechnology students of the Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP) of Dapitan City National High School participated in the mangrove planting at Brgy. Tag-ulo, Dapitan City on Oct. 16. The group was spearheaded by the school principal Mr. Sherlito E. Sagapsapan and was facilitated by the Biotechnology teacher Mrs. Jeannie T. Navaja with the support of other teachers- Mr. Randolph Navaja, Mr. Gerardo C. Jalosjos and Mr. Dexter M. Dubal. We are happy to be a part of this noble activity and very positive to see the mangroves we planted grow, said Mrs. Navaja who also expressed her thanks to the City Government of Dapitan for providing them transportation. The purpose of said activity is to rehabilitate the mangrove diversity of the said place in order to ensure conservation of fish and other marine-breeding grounds so they will continue to provide nutrients to marine organisms.

DCNHSian beats 8 regions in battle of the brains

Sounds of bugles at the Dapitan Port reverberated as Dapitan City National High School grandly welcomed the arrival of Pamela Bation, a third year student of Dapitan City National High School who brought home glory as she won second place in Pambansang Paindis-indis Talino sa Sagisag Kultura held at UP Visayas, Iloilo City on Nov. 13 Contenders from Region XI- Davao surfaced Regions IX and V who got second and third places respectively. Along with Bation was Alessandra Eguia, a fourth year student of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) Corporate High School who received 10,000 pesos cash prize, a trophy and a certificate. Beating eight other regions of the country, the said students were accompanied by their coaches Evelin E. Luzarita, Filipino teacher of DCNHS and Paterno Baguinat teacher of Jose Rizal Memorial State University Corporate High School. The said competition aimed to strengthen and disseminate awareness and understanding of the cultural icons that represented Filipino identity. Bations achievement marks another feat for DCNHS as it continues to soar higher in providing students quality education and nurturing them to harness their potentials in preparation for a better future.

DepEd paralympics training up Pinoys dominate Singapore math tilt

The Department of Education (DepEd) is holding special training for differently-abled athletes nationwide to help them win in international sports competitions. Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the training seminars aim to create better public awareness on the governments sports program for differently-abled athletes from the grassroots up to the national level. These athletes are equally capable and deserving of all the state support they need, Luistro said. The training of trainors, technical and classification seminars for the differently-abled person will be conducted by the DepEd and the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently-Abled-National Paralympics Committee of the Philippines (PHILSPADA-NPC), under the auspices of the Philippine Sports Commission. The agencies finished yesterday the two-day training in Cagayan de Oro City for the Mindanao leg. The Visayas leg is slated Sept. 20-22 in Tacloban while the Luzon training starts Oct. 11 in Baguio City. Luistro said the training seminar aims to establish a pool of coaches, trainors, technical officials and classifiers who will help differently-abled athletes in all levels of competition. The training-seminar has three components training of trainors and coaches; technical and classification seminars and talent identification. Filipino students brought 161 medals in the International Mathematics Contest (IMC) in Singapore, ending Chinas dominance in the competition. According to the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines (MTG), the Philippine team won 23 gold, 45 silver and 93 bronze medals, finishing first in the 9th IMC. China, which has been dominating the IMC for several years, settled for second place with 153 medals 22 gold, 44 silver and 87 bronze. About 1,300 participants from 10 countries joined this years competition. This year is emerging as very fruitful for our young math wizards. The medals won in Singapore are in addition to the medals and awards we won

in math contests in Bulgaria, Turkey, China and Hong Kong, Dr. Simon Chua, head of the Philippine delegation and president of MTG, said in a statement. Singapore placed third in this years IMC with 124 medals, followed by Taiwan (117 medals), Indonesia (93 medals), South Korea (78 medals), Thailand (51 medals), Hong Kong (six medals), Iran (five medals) and India (three medals).

DepEd launches reading program

To bring back the interest of students in reading instead spending too much time on internet and online activities, the Department of Education launched a reading program and declared November as National Reading Month. Education Secretary Armin Luistro issued Memorandum No. 244 directing various reading activities as part of DepEds move to institutionalize the national Every Child a Reader program. Activities were lined up such as the Read-a-Thon, which aims to discover outstanding readers in class; the Dear program, which engages students in 15 to 20 minutes of reading daily; and the shared reading or read-

ers mentoring program, where older students are encouraged to assist younger readers with reading difficulties. Schools are also urged to hold vocabulary and A Paragraph A Day sessions, where students learn one new word a day and read aloud one or two paragraphs every day to enhance their speaking skills.

English Club initiates Walk for a Reading Nook

In pursuit of providing students a comfortable place for reading, researching and studying, Dapitan City National High Schools English Club initiated a fund raising activity called Walk for a Reading Nook on Oct. 25. The said activity aimed to raise funds for the construction of a reading center and school publication office near the ESEP building Students, office personnel, PTA officials and oth-

TSQ scribes amass awards in ZN Press confab

Giving pride and honor to their school, scribes of the Shrine Quill hoarded awards during the Campus Journalism Seminar- Workshop held at Dapitan City National High School sponsored by Zamboanga Del Norte Press Club on Aug. 24-25. In individual contest, Kerth Jay O. Alunan got first in Sportswritting, first in Editorial Writing, first in Copyreading and Headline Writing, second in Newswriting and second in Feature Writing; Folyn B. Sales got first in Feature Writing, third in Editorial Writing and third in Copyreading and Headline Writing; Regine V. Elopre got first in News Writing. In Radio Broadcasting, Herard B. Mandantes was adjudged as the better anchor, Katrina Lou S. Dinapo as good anchor. On the other hand, Mary Lyndie G. Borgonia, Lisette Joy B. Calasang and Marielle Sagario were dubbed as good infomercial endorsers. I am very proud of my writers. Keep up the good work and strive more in our next battle, TSQ adviser Mrs. Ana Fiela B. Quimiguing said when asked of her reaction after the awarding ceremony. The said activity aimed to develop the journalistic talents and skills of the students and to let them discover their potential in the field of journalism. The said seminar workshop was participated in by eleven secondary schools of Dapitan City division.

DCNHS studes grab awards in regl English fest

ZN execs mull measure to protect eagles habitat

Zamboanga del Norte environment officials were considering measures in declaring Linay mountain forests of Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte as protected area after two rare Philippine eagles were observed mating there on Sept. 9. In a news release, Atty. Liza Jane Estao, chief of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) said such declaration would ensure protection and safety of the eagles. The birds were found mating in a forested area that can be reached after a threehour hike from the town center,

Estao said. She further added that they were also pushing for the provincial legislative board to declare the Linay mountain range as Eagle National Park of Zamboanga del Norte to pumpprime the rehabilitation and development of its natural ecology for the sake of the pair of eagles and other rare and endangered species found therein. The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a critically endangered species endemic to the tropical forests of the country. Its population has severely declined due to massive deforestation and hunting, according the Philippine Eagle Foundation based in Davao City.

WECAN links DCNHS in clean-up drive

Go for a clean and green Dapitan! Yells reverberated every corner as students from Dapitan City National High School participated in the clean-up drive and tree planting activity initiated by the citys youth organization, the Welfare Extended Creating Achievers of the Nation (WECAN) on October 12, at the Sunset Boulevard, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Dapitan City. The said activity was spearheaded by its adviser, the 26- year old elected member of the Sanguniang Panglungsod of Dapitan, Hon. Jimmy Patrick Israel B. Chan with the theme, Clean up the world; Inspire and empower communities; Plant and protect the environment. DCNHS students involvement of the said activity is a strong manifestation of their support to the aim of the City Government in preserving, conserving, and safeguarding our environment for peoples very existence depends on it. Other participants were officials from Brgy. Sta. Cruz, youths from the diferrent baran-

DCNHS studes grab awards in regl English fest Fifteen students of Dapitan City National High School won second place in Jazz Chant contest and third place in Readers Theatre competition during the 2013 Regional English Festival held at the covered court of Rizal Memorial Institute of Dapi-

gays of Dapitan City, students from Jose Rizal Memorial State University specifically the officers and cadets of Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), leaders and members of Political Science Society, and Alpha Phi Omega of JRMSU Chapter. The said activity ended with a program that highlighted a lecture on the proper garbage segregation and disposal which was delivered by Mr. Reynaldo A. Bangcua from the City Vice Mayors office with the presence of Vice Mayor Ruben E. Cad who extended his message of thanks to the participants

Dapitan CDRRMC designs disaster plan

aid, medical supplies and equipments, foods for the victims of calamities and procurement of life saving devices whereas 30% of the Calamity Fund or Quick Response Fund is allocated to be used when disaster happens. On the other hand, Mayor Rosalina G. Jalosjos stressed out that aside from the active emergency response team like the React Shriners Group and ORACIS, the local government should create city rescue teams and volunteers in every barangay to ensure immediate response when calamity comes. The said gathering was attended by Mr. Jimmy L. Capuyan, city government operations officer; Psupt. Jerome D. Afuyog, chief of police; Lt. Aubrey Gale S. Maddul of the Philippine Army 101st Infantry Brigade; Insp. Ricardo I. Acaylar, city fire marshal; Dr. Rolito V. Cataluna, city health officer; Dr. Mark Ian L. Llagas, Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) coordinator, DepEd Supervisor Germanico C. Malacat; React Shriners group chief Eleno M. Lasola and other representatives from national and local offices.

tan City Inc. on Nov. 7. Bringing fame to their school in Jazz Chant were Cykee Hannah Lumongsod, Kimberly Cuenca, Renz Mark Ruiz, Folyn Sales, Glecyl Jean Sagapsapan, Marianne Palma, Cres John Montemayor, Jacinth Clair Cuevas, Herard Mandantes, Jason Padao, Jaime Dalman and Melvin Inding. On the other hand, proud

in their performance in Readers Theatre were Katrina Lou Dinapo, Mariele Sagario, Renz Mark Ruiz and Herard Mandantes. The said competition aimed to hone communicative skills and competence of the students with its theme Effective Communication: A Tool for Good Governance. Based on the overall ranking of the different contested categories., Pagadian City got the first place, Zamboanga Sibugay, garnered second place, and Zamboanga del Sur earned the third place. Seven divisions of Zamboanga Peninsula participated the said activity namely Zamboanga Sibugay Division, ZAmboanga del Norte Division, Zambonga del Sur Division, Pagadian City Division, Dipolog City Division, Isabela City Division, and the host division of the said activity, Dapitan City Division.

PH students win in intl trade tilt

Two high school students from the Philippines won 1st place in the FedEx- Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge held on August 19 to 22, 2013 in Hong Kong. Pamela Frances T. Gaw and Katrina L. Chan, representing Immaculate Concepcion Academy Greenhills, were awarded the title of Entrepreneur of the Year during the threeday competition. The Philippine Team impressed the panel of judges with their innovative business proposal in response to this years challenge in addressing the global issue of recycling materials by developing a new innovative product or service for the Argentinian market using reused jeans. The said team came up with the concept of Eco-Gear, a set of recycled, durable and affordable sports equipment, in-

er guests responded positively to the said fund raising activity which started at the city plaza kiosk and finished at DCNHS ground.. After the walk for a cause, the school principal Mr. Sherlito E. Sagapsapan spearheaded the ceremonial filing of hollow blocks for the said construction together with the head of the English department Mrs. Ursulita Rafanan, English Club adviser Ms. Lydia I. Kilapkilap and Head Teacher of Talisay Extension Mr. Lindo Adasa.

cluding goalie gloves, a soccer ball and shin guards, targeting the soccer-loving Argentinians. The first runner-up was Team New Zealand, represented by James Rankin and Lauren McCarthy, who devised a plan to recycle denim to make shoes. For every pair of shoes purchased, a pair was to be donated to the needy in Argentina. Second runner-up was Team Hong Kongs Ng Yu Hin and Wong Bo Hang who thought of manufacturing a denim 100 Wishes quilt, from scraps of denim from China garment factories. The quilts were to be sold to lower income Argentinians from the south of the country. This year 54 students, aged between 15 to 19, won a place to represent their markets in the FedEx/JA ITC Regional Finals by confidently demonstrating their teamwork, resourcefulness, creativity and entrepreneurial skills during the local market competitions.

To prepare for possible calamities, the City Government of Dapitan through its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council designed the 2014 Risk Reduction Management Plan last Oct. 10 at the Dapitan City Government Center. Engr. Lasola, the focal person of the said convention reiterated that 70% of the 5% citys regular income for calamity fund will be used for the training on basic life support and first

 When President Benigno Simeon Aquino III rose into power when he won the ______ elections, advocacy on good and clean governance has become so popular. Transparency on the government has become a mandate towards what has been so popularized as transformational government. The advocacy has reached to an unprecedented level that since the annals of Philippine history, it is only during the occupancy of President Noynoy that a number of government officials and even non-government personalities in all echelons, were brought before the courts of justice to make them answer the crimes they committed against the Philippine Treasury and the Filipino people. The latest and the biggest scandal on graft and corruption was the Napoles phenomenon- the pork barrel scam. It was dealt with accordingly. It is during these times of transformational leadership of the Noynoy Aquino government that campus writers boldly come to the open in sharp and strong criticisms against public figures government and non-government. Not since that student-writers gained so much courage in expressing opinions even against the giants of politics and the fiercest thieves of peoples money. Campus journalism indeed, waged a consistent and violent war against the evils of society perpetrated by the supposed leaders of the people and their cohorts. Unwittingly, campus journalists has become trusted and faithful partners of the government towards achieving todays governmental objective which is good and clean governance. Campus journalism has become a somewhat indispensable ally of the government towards realization of transformational leadership geared toward achieving its goals. The blazing points of the students pen, the might of their fingers, the brilliance of their minds and the vigor of the young writers make campus journalism a very powerful vehicle into attaining bulls eye the target of transformational leadership. The impact of the creative young minds of campus journalists could best be gleaned not only in the printed word but in illustrative and communicative graphs of figures or caricatures. Campus journalism works and serves as check and balance to official and even personal affairs of key government figures and their connections in governmental transactions that involve public funds and wealth. As the hands of time daily repeats its cycle, campus journalism keeps on maturing with enormous strength until it becomes established as a powerful avenue wherein governmental transformation is geared into fulfilling its very purposes.

Pushing the Pen for Govt Transformation

Kerth Jay O. Alunan

Clever Sense

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is studying the proposal to abolish Sangguniang Kabataan. This created a huge tremor especially to young Filipinos like us. It needs broader understanding about the issue in order to identify appropriate action to be taken. In its original context, SK has its noble purpose. It was created to serve as a training ground for the young minds who will be soon the countrys future leaders, a place for those who wanted to know about politics, thus acquiring skills for what it takes to become a future leader of our nation. The said noble purpose has been twisted and

On SKs Abolition
FUZZY BEES
Texting. Calling. Listening to music. Taking pictures. Opening Instagram and Facebook. These are but a few of the daily activities students engaged in even during class hours inside their classrooms. While teachers are delivering their lessons, undeniably, some students are not listening to them. Instead, they are hooked to their gadgets and found them more entertaining and instructive than the subject matter presented by the teacher. No one will argue that modern technology keeps people at pace with up-tothe-minute news updates and information as well as entertainment. It also offers speedy connection of people around the globe with just a click of the mouse. Yes, gadgets are truly functional tools if used responsibly especially by students. Our school strictly prohibits the use of cellphones and other gadgets specifically

turned into something that is no longer in congruence with its original purpose. It has become a training ground of graft and corruption as it was observed. The worst thing, political clans controlled the SK, putting their youngest kins in the councils until the latter could take over regular government positions and eventually perpetuate the political dynasty. Let us take a closer glimpse of the history of SK. Before, there was no budget allotted for the youth group. The intent was clear, it was pure volunteerism, meaning to say, those who joined did it with genuine desire to learn and to serve without expecting monetary reward. It was far different from the current trend of young politicians where their service is equally compensated and allocated by the government.

A Wise Move

In the present system, a certain portion of the local budget is allocated for the SK to implement its own projects, thus, making them vulnerable to usury, fraud and corruption. These are the reasons pointed out by those who favor on its abolition. If corruption is really the reason, why not continue the SK but with zero budget? Why not give the youth their organization to learn about politics so they will be prepared enough when their time comes? Abolishing SK is not the best way to address the problem. It is a deliberate approach to discourage young Filipinos from participating in local governance and community service. It is a sort of deprivation of ones right. Let the youth be a part of building a better nation for themselves and their generation.

dream in this promise land with endless wars from the Spanish era up to the Lisette Joy B. Calasang present. Mindanao, the Land Nur Misuari, the fireof Promise stayed true to brand of the Moro National its name. It is rich in natuLiberation Front (MNLF) conral resources- the bountiful tinues to chase the dream of source of national wealth. It an autonomous Bangsamoro is the melting pot of different republic. He has ended it in cultures, strains of millions of hostility. Christians and Muslims trying Ordinary Juan Dela to adapt to each others way Cruz suffers. He whose ultiof life. mate aim each day is to sim But at some point in ply survive amidst financial history, conflict mushroomed crisis- putting food in the tabetween these two groups of ble at least three times a day, people no matter how much sending children to school they tried to understand each and sheltering them in simple others differences. This could quarters. be traced in the olden times. Because of the hostilA century old conflict bloomed ities between the government to its fullest. And peace has forces and MNLF in Zamboeventually become an elusive anga, many lives had been

Straight to the Point

Give Peace A Chance

lost, a lot properties had been damaged and some livelihood had gone. The worst of all, children are traumatized. The future of our country is very grim. Jose Rizal once said, Youth is the hope of our motherland. At an early age, young people are being exposed to violence. This will continue to haunt them and no one can tell until when. War is too immoral. In a war, nobody wins. It is sad to know that we are fighting against each other. We are all Filipinos and we are of the same breed. Why fight against each other? Let us not divide ourselves because of ideology. Let us stand together as one nation and give peace a chance to reign in our hearts.

Soar High City High!

It is evident that our school had undergone lots of changes and improvements. T h e school administration, teaching and non-teaching staff, Parents-Teachers Association and other stakeholders passed through the entire process of brainstorming, strategic planning, multi-tasking and pooling of resources. The school posted an average of 54.4% in the Mean Percentage Scores (MPS) in the National Achievement Test (NAT) for the past two school years. This only shows that the performance of our students has improved compared to the previous school years but we still need to do more to achieve at least 75% MPS. Our students showed exemplary performance in the curricular and co-curricular activities. Ma. Pamela Bation brought honor and prestige to our school when she won as Second Placer in the 2013 Pambansang Paindis-indis sa Tagisan ng Talino sa Sagisag at Kultura . The recently concluded Regional English Festival provided our students with the avenue to showcase their talents and skills and emerged as Second Placer in the Jazz Chant Competition and Third Placer in the Readers Theater. Not only those students who are in school are given the opportunity to excel but we also venture on educational innovation by reaching out to the inmates of Dapitan City Jail who are currently studying under the Open High School Program (OHSP) of the school. Our teachers hold classes inside the facility to check the modules given to the inmates. We want to give them hope and to inspire those inmates who aspire to finish high school. A number of out-of-school youth are also enrolled under the OHSP. This is in response to the attainment of both Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDG). In line with our commitment to push through for higher quality standards, we double our efforts in improving our physical facilities. In School Year 2012-2013, we were able to construct a One-Storey Two-Classroom School Building with Comfort Rooms worth P 1,458,648.95 and Two-Storey Two-Classroom School Building worth P 1,743,503.10 funded by the Department of Education. This school year, our school is a recipient of a Two-Storey Four- Classroom School Building, Two-Storey Six-Classroom School Building, One Classroom School Building with Comfort Rooms and Three units Comfort Rooms with a total cost of P 13,873,000. Upon completion of the projects, we are hopeful that shortage of classrooms will be addressed. We have also improved our Security Services through the support of the Parents-Teachers Association and the City Government of Dapitan and they provided us with two watchmen to ensure the safety of our teachers and students as well as the properties of the school. The PTA had also constructed a concrete perimeter fence to secure the premises of the school and spent P 140,000 for the project. Much has yet to be done for Dapitan City National High School but we remain steadfast with our vision of providing quality education and services to our students. We want to maintain the momentum that drives us towards our goal and to continue to soar high amidst the challenges that we meet along the way.

Politics Surge

The issue of political dynasty in the country that stained our politics is nothing short of a blotch on our honor as a people and a hard-hitting blow on the pride of every Filipino. For many years of elections, the same surnames are written in every ballot and the same surnames occupy the godly seats of our government, local or national; seems like owning a designated territory in their home-

Our Boat Will Stay Float

towns, cities and provinces. These political dynasties in the country mushroom amidst the hullabaloos of those who are moving heaven and hell to put a stop to its proliferation as the Filipino community prepares for the coming elections. Moreover, it can be noted that in every election, government officials who finished their term limits are replaced by a spouse, a son or daughter, a sibling or a close relative. This kind of set up is where corruption galore starts. This is the reason why

bloody violence ad criminality during elections rise not only in the national arena but also in the local. As the barangay election approaches, let us be reminded that we, the intelligent voting public has the command and power to correct this debasing situation for it is in our hands lies the power to dump or allow political dynasty to flourish in our country. It is now time to stand firmly and stop political dynasty by not allowing ourselves to be manipulated by favor-seekers and by not being threatened of risks posed by those who are hungry for government seats.

Let us hear the different views of students regarding the proposed abolition of the Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) in the government system of the Republic of the Philippines. As I see it, SK has been used as I am in favor of SKs abolition. I believe a breeding ground for political dynasties. I it is a training ground of corruption. Young peolooked forward for some reforms in the system ple are early exposed to corrupt practices. but not to eradicate it totally. Karla Laclac Jenelyn Jamarolin Grade 8 -Diamond IV- Edison Money is the root of all evils. Youth can I firmly say no to SKs abolition. Youth still serve the country without monetary reempowerment is still needed in our governward. Why not serve with pure intention? Why ment. Therefore, we should not be deprived of not render free service? our right to be a part of national development. Marian Palma April Tacbaya III- Virgo III- Pisces Youth comprised the majority of population so our voice needs to be heard. We should have representation in the government. Abolishing SK constitutes deprivation of our rights to be heard. Aimer Dengal Grade 7- Luna SK needs reform not abolition. Government should realize this. This is one of the things that our government leaders should take into consideration. Holly Ann Cabasag IV- Mendelev

during class hours for some valid reasons. First, it is a sign of disrespect to the teacher or to anyone who speaks infront of the class. It should be understood that respect is very fundamental in a student-teacher relationship. Second, students attention is disrupted. Thus, he cannot concentrate to listen to the discussion and engage himself in meaningful group activities that would foster camaraderie among students. Third, using cellphones during class hours deteriorates students focus which is highly needed in order to assimilate new knowledge. And the last one, cellphones and other gadgets if used irresponsibly will ruin ones future. Therefore, our school is very reasonable to forbid the use of cellphones and other modern gadgets inside the classrooms especially during class hours. As students, we should heed to this call. Let us let our boat stay afloat and sail in the right direction. We can prevent our boat from sinking and dooming if we will cooperate in achieving with the mission and vision of our school.

Dear Editor, Have a pleasant day! How glad am I that you allot a portion of this publication for us to convey our sentiments, express our voice and ask questions in order for us to be clarified. We have noticed a tarpaulin posted on the gate of our school that says: No ID, No Uniform, No Entry. For security reasons, this policy is really very beneficial for all of us. We have read it very clear but what is not clear to us is that, is this only limited to students like us? What about the teachers and office personnels? Are they exception of this rule? I have seen some of them not wearing school ID and uniform. That is why I wonder if this policy is only for us students. I hope we will be enlightened by your answer. Sincerely yours, Janeca B. Amigo IV - Einstein

Dear Janeca, I appreciate your concern about our schools policy of wearing school ID and uniform. I asked our school principal about this issue because I know he is the person in authority to answer this. In our talk, he said that teachers are not exempted from the said policy. However in their case, failure to do so does not mean they will not be allowed to enter the school premises. Teachers not wearing prescribed uniform will be given corresponding sanctions as stipulated in Memorandum No._________. If happened frequently, it will greatly affect in their performance assessment at the end of the school year. Our school principal is also challenging everyone to submit to his office names of teachers not wearing uniform. Thank you so much for your concern. I hope I had shed light to you. Yours truly, Editor

THE FEATS

OPPOSITE SIDES

Glorious moments. The deafening applause. The seemingly unending acclamation of feats and successes. This year, the Philippines once again was placed in the center of the spotlight in almost all fields of competition. Number one country in the whole Asia in gender equality and fifth in the whole world. Philippines also bagged International Transparency Award in UK Summit. Arent they feats? In sports, Philippine national basketball team Gilas Filipinas defeated Korea earning to play Iran in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship Final. Rubylin Amit of Cebu grabbed the championship trophy of billiard in the 2nd Womens World 10-Ball Championship. 2013 has been a very successful year for the Philippines in international beauty pageants. Four Filipinas took the top spots. Mutya Johanna Datul became the first Filipina to have won the title Miss Supranational. Ariella Arida was hailed third runner-up in the Miss Universe beauty pageant. Annalie Forbes, took third runner-up At Miss Grand International 2013. And the most astonishing and triumphant achievement which took the Philippines some decades or even centuries to produce, is its bagging of the Miss World title courtesy of Miss Megan Young the first ever Filipina who was crowned with one of the most coveted title ever won by any woman. The psychedelic and intoxicating chains of victories lifted the heads of every Filipino which conveyed the message proud ako to be Pinoy! Both the spoken and unspoken screams of victory were aptly recorded in the pages of our history, printed in the mind and etched in the heart. Never was there any year since history began that the Philippines has been so applauded but this instant year 2013.

The astounding feats which placed the Philippines in the limelight of fame and honor, however seemed to have been neutralized or even swallowed up and suffocated by the series of calamities which not only rocked but shaken the very foundation of the nation that only the slightest debris of the zeal of its people remained. While misfortunes during the past few years or even the past decades might have assaulted this country, yet this years series of force majeure or the most fitting term acts of God have bitterly drilled boundless and bottomless craters in the heart and mind of every Filipino. Nobody could ever forget the howls, the screams of agonizing pains, the untold miseries and sorrows of the victims and survivors of Cebu Ferry mishap as St Thomas Aquinas ferry collided with the cargo vessel MV Sulpicio Express Siete last August 16, claiming more than 70 lives. Not long after, magnitude 7.2 earthquake, one of the most horrendous quakes struck Cebu and Bohol on October 15 that claimed hundreds of lives and millions of properties mostly the antiquated properties of the nation. This was followed by the harrowing wreckage cruelly inflicted by super typhoon Yolanda which tore down properties into pieces of rubbish. Thousands of people were slain like a school of tiny fishes thrown with an oversized dynamite. These series of catastrophes successfully powderized the spirit in the Filipino as the stigma of these disasters left them seemed to be drilling machines sadistically expanding and deepening the puncture, exploding the hearts of every survivor and even the heart of every compassionate Filipino. The haunting memories of these catastrophes indeed seemed to be sharp knives crossing to and fro a bleeding wound. The Filipino, known for his resilience might have reached to his limits - he exploded. He was crushed. He lost his vigor. His spirit was without perceptible piece that remained. Yet the Filipino, wounded, broken, disheartened, desolate, a picture of total want and devastation TODAY. But watch him RISE UP in the MORROW with a rejuvenated spirit and exclaim Totoo ka talagang Pinoy!

AND THE DEFEATS?

What Inspires Teachers To Teach

Along the celebration of World Teachers Day, scribes of The Shrine Quill took time in asking the mentors of Dapitan City National High School on what motivated them to teach knowing that teaching is a very tedious yet rewarding vocation. Let us share with you what we heard from them. Pic ( Ana Fiela B. Quimiguing ) Sharing knowledge to students that they may use in their battle of life is what inspires me to teach. This is a lifetime treasure they will always remember and being a part of that treasure is more than an achievement for me. Pic ( Its very inspiring to see satisfied faces of students at the end of the lesson. All my efforts are worth it. Pi ( I am very happy to see students asking questions and showing their thirst for knowledge. I feel more challenged to give them satisfactory answers. Pic ( Giving students the gift of education is what makes me smile. Only a few are given such an opportunity. Pic ( The hope of seeing them successful someday motivates me even more. Pic ( Influencing students in a positive way and teaching them lessons for a lifetime is what inspires me everyday. Pic ( Seeing smiles of students after they learn a new skill makes me more motivated to double my effort in transmitting knowledge to them. It is when I see my students succeed in their respective endeavor and me being a part of it. They may forget me afterall but that wont affect how I feel for them.

How To Be The Best Student In Your Class

Getting first rank in the class is desired by many students. The truth is that there is no proper alternative to hard work and having a plan. Here are some tips on how to achieve this as best as you can. 1.Know what you want. It is very important that you realize that reading few articles on how to achieve the best grades is not going to help you out. Whatever plan you make, you need to ensure that you stick to it. These are not just books but lessons for lifetime and if taken up with proper attitude you can enjoy studying as well. 2.Be attentive in class. Paying attention is a simple way to do well. Not only will your teacher appreciate it, but its a surefire way to score well on tests and be able to finish your homework faster. Take proper notes. You should write anything important down, write to

where you can read it, etc. This may seem like a pain but the notes will pay off when youre studying for your next test. 3. Participate. More than just paying attention, participate! Many teachers factor participation into their grading, but even if they dont your participation is a great way to please your teacher by proving that youre paying attention. Moreover, your mind will be less likely to wander if youre constantly looking for ways to participate. Dont be afraid to ask questions. It will only help you improve. Also, it is okay if you are wrong once in a while. 4.Sitting Partner. You will be able to concentrate better by sitting next to someone who is good in studies and you might also get some tips to do better. 5.Complete homework and assignments on time. Most teachers assign homework for a reasonto reinforce the things you learn in class. Completing your homework will help you prepare for tests and will also give you something to refer to when you participate (I was a little lost on problem 5 or This reminds me of chapter 9 from last nights reading because...)

What to Do During an Earthquake

Oct. 4, 2013 Dear Teachers, Recently, I heard October 5 is World Teachers Day, so I want to say Happy Teachers Day to you. I think cards seem impersonal. Writing a letter can really show my care, so I am trying that. As you are my teacher, I want to thank for your help. I enjoy being taught by you. You are the most excellent Ive ever seen. To be a teacher must be very tiring and boring. Especially for you, you are so young but you still chose this job in your youth. Everyday, you need to correct so much work but you enjoy it. Your spirit influences me! In my view, great teachers do more than teach, they encourage and inspire. Youve done all these. You make a dull lesson become exciting. You make me start loving English. Thank you all the time. No matter whether you still work as a teacher or not, I think you are the best! Once again, Happy Teachers Day! Wishing you happiness and health forever! Your student, GREGORIO G. ACAYLAR Jr.

Indoor Safety

If you are inside, stay inside. DO NOT run outside or to other rooms during shaking. In MOST situations, you will reduce your chance of injury from falling objects and even building collapse if you immediately: DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary. COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under the shelter of a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying

furniture that wont fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around. DO NOT stand in a doorway. You are safer under a table. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. The doorway does not protect you from the most likely source of injuryfalling or flying objects. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by falling or flying objects (e.g., TVs, lamps, glass, bookcases), or by being knocked to the ground.

Dengue tops moms most feared diseases Center show that children and

DID YOU KNOW THAT

SCIENCE TRIVIA

Scientists detect pirate ant in the Phil

The pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank, but dark-colored patches around their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship. Discovered by a team of German scientists while on a trip to the Philippines, Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockliterally. PhD student Sabine Frohschammer from the University of Regensburg and her colleague Bernhard Seifert from Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Gorlitz were searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed when she saw individuals that didnt look like any other known species. Due to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants, they were nearly invisible, Frohschammer said in a press release. As she looked more closely, however, Frohschammer knew she had found something special. Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesdark patches that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates. A search of the research literature revealed that Frohschammers initial hunch was correct: Not only was this an entirely new species of ant, the coloration was unique as well. The researchersrecently reported their find in the journal ZooKeys. But unlike Captain Hook, these ants dont live on a pirate ship. Instead, Frohschammer believes that the ants live their entire lives buried underground in almost complete darkness. Their eyes reflect their lives in the dark, as they contain an abnormally small number of light receptors.

Why life cant be easy? If it were, I would have traveled and toured all majestic places around the globe and have enjoyed life instead of going to school listening to boring lectures and doing endless homeworks. Yes, my friend. Life is not easy as what you might think it is. It is unpredictable and nothing stays permanent. For instance, one day youre on the utmost height of the world financially; the next day you just found yourself with just a bottom peso out in your pocket. Today, you look forward of getting to school for a better future, then tomorrow you will end up dead. This time you are at the zenith of your happiness and later you will end up crying in a corner. Yes, lovers and relatives die, close friends become worst enemies, buildings are torn down and replaced with new ones. Nothing endures and the person who is not attuned to this reality often finds himself in quandary and cannot figure out why . Life is like a roller coaster ride. It has its ups and downs. Its like riding a plane or a ship with turbulent wind and waves so unkind. To smoothen the ride, we need to live with a purpose and direction. Afterall, without the former, we are merely existing not living; without the latter, life would be like a ship without the rudder. Life is an odyssey. We journey and go on an exodus to the unknown future that is beyond human vision and perception. Only God knows our fate and destiny but He bestowed us with freewill so its up to us which road to take. Its a matter of making the right choice. Afterall, we are the master of our fate and the captain of our soul. Life is full of criticism. Despite all odds, we must live life to the fullest. Criticisms leveled at us should be accepted with open arms should there be any because it spice up our lives. According to Plato, a life without criticism is not worth living. The reality is it adds meaning to our lives. Perhaps, without them life is devoid of color. Afterall, life should be colorful and wonderful. These are the realities of life that we, students must ponder upon so we will not get lost along our way.

Realities of Life

Minions! Minions! Minions!

Oh! There they are again, talking in their nonsense incomprehensible language. A skin of yellow and a jumper of color blue running like a duck all around the lab of Gru. Who are these guys? said the lady in a floral patterned dress. Questions just bounced out in her head. She unwind and unwind and unwind all around the room and asked each single person about these little creatures. The kid in a pink top and a white pair of shorts replied, They are called Minions, Maam! Confusion just came out in her head. So much questions about these little ones. As she watched the maie entitled Despicable Me with her family and friends, she asked herself once again, Why are they called Minions? These little life forms are funny. They can entertain us by just doing some gibberish works. The way they laugh, it is so amusing. The crowd likely laughs hard and can even slap someone in the face because of the Minions wit. These Minions are just so irresistible. They are so hard to forget. When someone will talk about the movie, all they can say about is the sense of humor of the minions. Minions! Minions! Minions! They are just so hilarious. The lady in a floral patterned dress replied, Minions? I see And the kid in a pink top and a white pair of shorts nodded. They are just so charming just like you, pretty kid! she said joyously. Roaming around the lab again and again, these are so called Minions with a skin of yellow and a jumper of color blue. With or without hair, and with glasses or without, Minions you re so entertaining.

Researchers discover new species of bird in PH

Birds are subjects of great interest to many people. They are often easy-to-spot, charismatic and beautiful. Because of this interest, birds tend to be well-studied, and most years see only a handful of new bird species discovered and described in scientific journals. However, this past year has seen 23 new birds described so far. Remarkably, three of those new birds have been introduced to science by researchers at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute. And a KU graduate student in ecology and evolutionary biology, Pete Hosner, has co-authored two of those. I

Together with the common flu, typhoid, hepatitis, among others, dengue is up there in the list as one of the most dreaded diseases that moms worry their kids may contract. Unlike the other illnesses, dengue does not have a vaccine that can provide immediate protection. Prevalent in tropical countries such as the Philippines, dengue affects people differently. While others may stop at having flu-like symptoms such as high fever and muscleand-joint pains and rash, others suffer life-threatening complications. A few succumb to Dengue Shock Syndrome, in which the patients white blood cells drop to a dangerous level, leading to internal bleeding. In some of these cases, dengue becomes fatal. While it is true that all people, regardless of age, can be infected with dengue, statistics from the Department of Healths National Epidemiology

adolescents are hit the hardest. Almost half of the dengue cases last year were from five-14 year age range. Another alarming discovery is that the disease that many people think can be contracted only during the day is now a round-the-clock menace. Experts from the Philippine Association of Entomologists found out that another mosquito species, the Aedes albopictus, is known to have peak biting hours during the night: from 6 to 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The well-studied species Aedes aegypti, the day-biter, has peak biting hours between 6 and 8 a.m., and 4 and 6 p.m. It is no wonder that moms are looking for ways to protect their children from getting exposed to dengue, both during the day and night. I make sure that there is no stagnant water in the house and make sure our surroundings are clear from mosquito-breeding grounds, says Candice Arcangel, who has two sons, Carl and Craig, aged 12 and 10, respectively.

A crickets ears are on its knees? That a fly has tastebuds on its feet? ---o0o-- Mexico City is sinking at a rate of 18 inches per year as a result of draining the water table for human consumption. ---o0o-- Pure water does not conduct electricity Impurities found in water conduct electricity (such as salt). ---o0o-- If one places 2 straws in ones mouth, one inside of a drink and the other on the outside one wont be able to drink through either of them. ---o0o-- A can of diet coke will float in water, while a can of regular coke will sink. Its because that if an object displaces more than its weight in liquid, it floats; otherwise it sinks... ---o0o--So the regular Coke can sinks as it is more dense than water due to sugar content in it. ---o0o-- A ball made of glass will bounce higher than a ball of rubber. And a ball entirely made of steel will bounce even higher than a ball of glass. ---o0o-- Scientists are working on technology to create roads that can charge electric cars as they drive on it. ---o0o-- Scientists have found that our Milky Way galaxy contains at least 100 billion planets, many of which can support life.

think these discoveries reflect the opportunities Ive had to work in tropical forests, where most new bird species are found, said Hosner. Since I began my doctorate in 2007, KU ornithology has had active field research in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania. Even though undescribed bird species are a rare find, with such a broad search radius, new things are bound to turn up. The KU researchers most recent find is dubbed the Sierra Madre Ground-Warbler, a ground-dwelling forest bird that lives on Luzon Island of the Philippine archipelago. Its description is published in the August issue of The Condor, a scientific journal of the Cooper Ornithological Society. T h e ground-warblers are very unique birds, said Hosner. Theyre only known from the northern Philippines, and they have no close relatives.

Hemps make scooter

Hemp is a fiber that comes from the cannabis plant and is known for its tensile strength. In Amsterdam, it was recently used to make a prototype of the first electric hemp scooter by Dutch developers. According to The Weed Blog, the Philippines is one of the countries with the toughest laws against marijuana, but elsewhere around the world cannabis has proven useful not just as medicine, but as alternative materials to other industries as well. This has led to the partial, or sometimes full legalization of the plant, like the US state of Washington last year allowing recreational use. The prototype scooter is called the Be.e and runs fully on electric power and can clock

in up to 25kph. Reuters reported that it can even travel for 80 kilometers when fully charged. The scooters monocoque structure or external shell is entirely made of sustainable materials, including 80 percent hemp. Other materials used in its manufacture were biocomposite and bioresins, and because of these natural materials, it could possibly offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel. No steel, glass fiber, or carbon fiber was used to make the scooters support structure. This technique has been used in high ends ports cars, but is newly applied to the Be.e scooter. In the Philippines, hemp, being a variety of the Cannabis sativa L., is still considered illegal, except when its use involves scientific experiments and research purposes. KDM, GMA News

Best Filipino Inventions

Filipinos are a creative lot as confirmed in this years winning inventions of the 2012 National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE). This years best include a fun board game, a low-cost bamboo splitter, a transforming ladder, enzyme for cheese, a guide for the blind, a remote power-line disconnection system, among others. They were designed for a variety of purposes but are all one in their aim of making life better for Filipinos. Tuklas Award-Challenge 21 (First Place, Outstanding Invention) A unique board game that is truly Filipino, Challenge 21 promotes mental alertness, abstract thinking, observation skills and strategizing or thinking out-of-the-box. Challenge 21 also received a special award from the World Intellectual Property Office. Motorcycle stand-alarming system (Second Place, Outstanding Invention). Young inventor Timor Miguel El-estwani of Agusan del Norte at 14 is still too young to be issued a drivers license but he was able to develop this important device for bike driv-

Climate Change: Havoc to Philippines

Our country is not spared from the devastating effects of climate change. When the United Nations opened its 19th Framework Convention on Climate Change in Warsaw, Poland, delegate of the Philippines Naderey Yeb Sano exasperated resounding remarks saying, To anyone who continues to deny the reality that is climate change, I dare you to get off your ivory tower and away from the comfort of your armchair. I dare you to go to the islands of the Pacific, the islands of the Caribbean and the islands of the Indian Ocean and see the impacts of rising sea levels; to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and the Andes to see communities confronting glacial floods, to the Arctic where communities grapple with the fast dwindling polar ice caps, to the large deltas of the Mekong, the Ganges, the Amazon and the Nile where lives and livelihoods are drowned, to the hills of Central America that confront similar monstrous hurricanes, to the vast savannas of Africa where climate change has likewise become a matter of life and death as food and water become scarce. Those were the exact words reverberated from the heart of a Filipino representing his countrymen. No nation on earth has more to fear from its climate than the Philippines, an archipelago of 7,100 islands and 98 million souls. The climate has always wrought havoc in our country. Now its getting worse. The storms are becoming more frequent and more intense. Super typhoon Haiyan popularly known as Yolanda in our country was the most powerful typhoon ever to hit our land and it claimed more than 2000 lives. Since then, benign neglect and a succession of corrupt governments didnt build the infrastructure that might have helped mitigate the effect of Haiyan. Now climate disasters are coming so fast that our country cant catch up. All government structures around the globe could not simply set aside the problem of climate change. It is tailing the leaders who are as of the present, seemed helpless in settling down with the issue. Until now, no scientist or environmentalist could present a truly intelligent move for the extermination of this highly gigantic problem. It remains a gripping challenge humanity is yet to win.

ers. Called the motorcycle stand-alarming system, it creates a sound to alert the driver starting the bike that the stand is still vertical. The alarm also goes off when the stand acci-

dentally slides down to vertical position during the ride. Vertical bike stands have caused a number of accidents, thus, this alarm will help prevent mishaps of this kind. Bamboo splitting machine (First Place, Outstanding Utility Model) C R E AT E D by Stanley C. Malab and Jose A. Zafaralla of Mariano Marcos State University, Ilocos Norte, this machine will help improve the prospects of locally manufactured bamboo products in both local and export markets. It can split round bamboo poles much faster than a bolo, and produce straight and same-width splits better than other mechanized bamboo pole splitters.

Pinoy scientist wins American Biz Award

Filipino research geneticist Alfredo Galvez was awarded the 2013 Peoples Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite New Consumer Product and a bronze Stevie Award at the 11th American Business Awards in San Francisco. He received the award for LunaRich X, a nutritional product made from the anti-cancer properties of soybeans which he developed in partnership with Reliv International, manufacturer of patented nutritional supplements. A research scientist at the Center of Excellence in Nutritional Genomics at the University of California in Davis, and director of research for the Missouri Plant Science Center in Mexico, Galvez said Lunasins discovery was a lucky mistake. Galvez shared that he discovered an extraordinary plant peptide as an accidental by-product of the work conducted in a gene cloning laboratory at the University of California in Berkeley in 1996. He named the by-product Lunasin a Filipino word for to heal or to remedy -which was shown to disrupt cancer cell division and prevent tumor formation. He conducted further research on the c a n cer-inhibiting peptide a n d found t h a t Lunasin, in its bioactive form, had the Galvezs findings were published in the Journal of Cancer Research and other prestigious journals. Since then, Lunasin has become one of the most heavily researched and scientifically supported nutritional compounds available today, with more than 50 published papers from more than 25 research institutions. Lunasin is a naturally occurring peptide that has been identified as responsible for many of soys documented health benefits, including cholesterol support and general cellular health, Galvez added. Lunasin is one of the first bioactive compounds identified to affect expression and promote optimum health at the epigenetic level. The epigenome, which literally means beyond the genome, is a higher level of complexity within the cell, he explained. Last Thursday, Galvez presented to 30 medical doctors in Bacolod the Lunasin technology. He explained how the Lunasin technology is applicable to their various disciplines and discussed possible clinical trials in the country.

A Grappling Call
cord-breaking summer helped push average global temperatures higher this year, and rising sea levels worsened the situation in the Philippines. Jarraud further stressed out that the impact of this cyclone was definitely and significantly more than what it would have been 100 years ago because of the simple mechanical fact that the sea level is higher. Storm surges have a much more devastating effect than they would have had decades ago.The same typhoon 50 years ago would have had less impact because the sea level was lower. Catastrophic events are getting worse every year. These could never be solved unless given utmost attention by our government leaders. Should we wait for another disaster to come before making a move?

ability to essentially turn off the bad genes, and turn on the good genes in our bodies. In other words, Lunasin, found in miniscule quantities in soybeans, makes cells less receptive to disease.

People nowadays are getting entangled with diverse everyday business expanding establishments, bank accounts, business and political jurisdictions, knowledge, skills and many other factors that seemed to have consumed their effort and time but of course, with the corresponding growth of savings, control and power. Little is given to the real threatening problem which has confronted the world communities decades now the climate change phenomenon. The United Nations meteorological agency has found the effects of climate change making the impact of severe storms like Typhoon Haiyan worse. The World Meteorological Organizations Michel Jarraud says Australias re-

How Water Could Help Make Better Batteries

Water could be the key to producing a cheaper, more environmentally friendly and less dangerous way of making the lithium-ion batteries that power so many everyday gadgets, researchers say. Currently, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are typically found in mobile devices such as cellphones, laptops and tablet computers, and they are increasingly being used to power hybrid and electric vehicles. As their uses grow, scientists would like to manufacture the batteries in a manner thats both less expensive and more environmentally friendly. The application of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles is hindered by their high cost, researcher Jianlin Li, a materials scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, told TechNewsDaily. For example, the cost of the lithium-ion batteries in the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Colt is about $500 per kilowatt-hour, which is almost five times of the target cost $110 per kilowatt-hour of an electric vehicle lithium-ion battery set by the presidents EV Everywhere Grand Challenge. Currently, more than 80 percent of the costs of making lithium-ion batteries are due to materials and the processing of those materials. Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee are now aiming to reduce the price of both of these factors. All batteries generate electricity by flowing electric current between two electrodes a positively charged cathode and a negatively charged anode. Cathodes make up about 70 percent of the total cost of high-power batteries, and the organic solvent used to make the lithium ion battery cathodes, N-methylpyrrolidone or NMP, is expensive, toxic and generates flammable vapors. Making batteries with this solvent also requires expensive, explosion-proof processing equipment and costly solvent recovery and recycling systems. Instead of using NMP, the researchers say they can replace it with a system that uses water, which is much safer, greener and at least 150 times cheaper than the organic solvent.