April 22, 2021 by The Science Net

Earth Day 2021: Silenced Symphonies

“Silenced Symphonies” is a poem written and performed by Kendra Leigh D. Osias. It won 2nd Place at the 2020 Sri Aman Environmental & English Youth Leadership Summit (SAEYLS) Poetry Competition. The piece carries a powerful message, one that is especially relevant with the theme of Earth Day 2021, Restore Our Earth.

Osias’ live performance at SAEYLS 2020. Performance starts at 50:25.

Pre-recorded video of Osias performing “Silenced Symphonies”

Poem transcript:

SILENCED SYMPHONIES
Kendra Leigh D. Osias

The wind howls
on a cold, bleak night
as another falls to nature’s plight,
I can’t help but vividly recall the brighter times
when she was kinder, simpler,
not filled with senseless anger.

She crafted her pitch-perfect melody
for all life on earth –
from the wide melodic range of the strongest tree
unrelenting in the breeze,
to the narrow  range of the smallest flower
swaying as it please.

She sang her song gently
like that of a desperate, hopelessly romantic lover's,
strumming her guitar softly
beneath the soft, morning sun,
offering her affection, hoping to capture
the heart of another.

She hummed a hypnotic lullaby
like that of a mother's,
soothing and rocking to deep slumber her precious children
beneath the warm glow of the moon,
giving them maternal protection
in a serene, peaceful tune.

Now, all we can hear are her roars,
Thundering and deafening our ears.
We only listen to the verses
that leave us shuddering in fear.
We took for granted those soft, calming ones
that are slowly beginning to disappear.

We have neglected her songs for so long,
we took advantage of her melodies
when all she wished was to bring us peace.
Do we even notice
that her songs are vanishing,
fading into nothingness?

February 19, 2021 by The Science Net

PH gov’t takes steps in addressing climate change

Aya Ecaldre ||

President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change in the Philippines. In a press statement last January 27, 2021, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the government is taking all necessary steps to strengthen our capacities to mitigate and address the effects of climate change.

This statement was in response to Germanwatch, an environmental policy study showing which nations were most affected by extreme weather in the last two decades. The Global Climate Risk Index 2020 Report ranked the Philippines 4th out of 180 countries most affected by extreme weather. There were 317 extreme weather cases reported in the Philippines, and the high score in the climate risk index indicates the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and their effects.

Roque stated that the country ranking fourth in the index did not come as a surprise since the country has already been known to be one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons, flooding, landslides, and droughts. He also added that this vulnerability prompted Duterte to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, a global pact that aims to keep the temperature from rising above the pre-industrial level.

The administration formulated a Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction Roadmap for 2018 to 2022 to aid and prepare identified vulnerable provinces and major cities like Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao from natural disasters and their possible effects.

Roque stressed that climate change is a global challenge that has worsened existing inequalities and vulnerabilities from within and between nations. He hopes that the public would work together with the government. “Through our collective action, we can build adaptive and resilient communities across the archipelago. This would be our gift to the future generations of Filipinos,” he stated.

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by The Science Net

TV Shows to Watch for Quarantainment

Julianna Rosh Nebrija ||

With the community quarantine in the country lasting nearly one year, it seems that everyone has tried every hobby imaginable, from baking cakes to attempting to keep garden plants alive. For many Pisay students, the same can be said. Sometimes, though, settling down and turning on a beloved TV show seems more preferable than embarking on the daunting task of trying something new. Here are some of our scholars’ all-time favorite shows that kept them afloat during these hectic times:

Modern Family – This 11-season show has been a long-time favorite for American families due to its relatable humor and the life lessons learned from living with a large family full of unique individuals. Now that online streaming services such as Netflix made it even more accessible for fans all over the world, it is no surprise that Modern Family quickly became well-loved by Pisay scholars. One student exclaimed that its light-heartedness makes it the perfect show to binge on when you want to unwind from pressing school requirements. Though it certainly is a comedy show, it also tackles real topics such as societal and familial pressures placed upon teens and young adults, marriage and its various ups-and-downs, and starting a family as a person of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. With its balance of comedy and solemnity, this is a must-watch family show to pass the time.

Grey’s Anatomy – With 17 seasons under its belt and another one in production, Grey’s Anatomy holds the title for the longest-running medical drama—and for a good reason. Despite it running for almost 20 years now, its fan base only seems to grow as time goes by because of its well-written storylines and characters. Its latest season centers on a very relevant issue today: the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re a scholar wondering if med school would be the right fit for you, perhaps give this show a try during your downtime.

Avatar: The Last Airbender – Almost every Nickelodeon-loving scholar has probably encountered this at least once during their childhood. This cult-classic children’s show centers on a fictional world where nature bends (wink wink) to your will. Don’t let its seemingly simple premise fool you into thinking that it’s only enjoyable for kids, though. This show has been widely acclaimed by critics and watchers alike with its wonderful storytelling and awe-worthy character redemption arcs. The show also portrays the dynamics of politics in a fantasy setting realistically; and, through its sequel series, The Legend of Korra, explores different types of political ideologies. Many scholars enjoy watching and rewatching it either for the first time or simply for nostalgia. If you plan on starting this series, brew some tea while you’re at it!

Headspace Guide to Meditation – From the same creators of the meditation app Headspace and the podcast Radio Headspace, this new series was created in hopes to lead its viewers to a calmer mindset as 2021 begins. It is no secret that 2020 has been immensely taxing and depressing for everyone, so a show dedicated to help you learn the skills to rest and clear your mind would be a helpful addition to your watching habits as the quarantine stretches out. The show only comprises 8 episodes as of late and is animated with colorful yet soothing visuals, making it both a light and beneficial watch.

BoJack Horseman – With its cartoonish style and anthropomorphic animals as the dominant group of people in its world, BoJack Horseman can be easily mistaken for a high-spirited comedic program at first glance. While there is some truth to that, this show leans often to more serious issues that are prominent in today’s world. It stars the titular horse character BoJack, who was the star of a failed 90’s sitcom, doing everything he can possibly do in order to regain high status in Hollywood. The series does not glorify its main character in any way, exposing his past and future actions and behavior that not only hurt him, but also the people he cares about—even beyond the point of reconciliation. It is certainly not an easy watch, and it may not be suitable for a lot of viewers. For some scholars, though, its pragmatism to otherwise taboo topics gives a certain kind of comfort especially during a time where nothing is certain. If you feel like tapping into your feelings, grab some tissues and try this show out.

For us scholars, it is important that we give time for ourselves just as much time we give for our academic and home responsibilities, especially since the pandemic has taken away the everyday things we enjoy and the things we are familiar with. Whether your idea of that is watching TV show reruns or calling your friends, treasure it as much as you can, as you should.

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by The Science Net

Biden to dismantle Trump’s legacy

Crishelle Phoebe Yu ||

After the transfer of authority in the United States, the newly elected president, Joe Biden, is making rapid use of the unilateral powers he now possesses. Within hours after taking the oath of office at the Capitol, Biden signed the orders pivoting swiftly from his walled-down inauguration ceremony to the promulgation of his agenda. At the end of his first full week, he had provided 39 executive actions – orders, memoranda, and proclamations that could drastically shift the direction of American governance without any intervention by lawmakers in Congress.

Seeking to unify the global response to the coronavirus, Biden intends to regain the membership of the U.S. in the World Health Organization (WHO) immediately, which Trump formally withdrew in May 2020, claiming that China had put too much pressure on the agency. Biden included an order requiring everyone to wear a mask wherever they go.

“The World Health Organization plays a crucial role in the fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic as well as countless other threats to global health and health security,” Biden stated.

Biden also rejoined the Paris climate agreement, revoked the Keystone XL oil pipeline permit, and instructed the Environmental Protection Agency and the transportation department to reestablish fuel efficiency mandates as a part of overturning the environmental policies set by Trump.

To advance racial equality and eradicate systemic racism from federal programs and institutions, Biden released an executive order to help underserved populations. He stated that one of the priorities of his administration is to dismantle systemic racism.

“The president-elect has promised to root out systemic racism from our institutions,” Domestic Policy Council director, Susan Rice, pointed out.

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC completes Wi-Fi project to ease distance learning

Aya Ecaldre ||

In line with the transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PSHS-EVC implemented a project on improving the campus’s internet connection. The new network now features 500 Mbps speed and improved Wi-Fi area coverage.

This project was spearheaded by the school director, Erick John Marmol, in collaboration with the Management Information System (MIS) Coordinator, Lalaine Llose, and the Information Systems Analyst (ISA), John Paul Soledad. The project had been set to be implemented in the first quarter of 2020. However, due to the strict health protocols brought forth by the pandemic, the project had been delayed, resulting in the improved network to be launched later in January 2021.

Wi-Fi networks located in each building are connected to the Campus Server Room through a fiber optic cable. Before, the Wi-Fi connection was only accessible from inside the employees’ buildings. Now, the Wi-Fi is open to everyone in the admin building, hallways, gym, dormitory, and canteen. Currently, the CReST and the Learning Resource buildings are not yet connected. However, they are set to be included in the cabling project for 2021.

All students, faculty, and staff will have free access to the Wi-Fi network through their log-in accounts. Guests and visitors may also have access as per request. Although there are still weak spots such as the open field and park, the network is still supposedly strong enough to be used in school-related tasks. As of now, the bandwidth of the network has no limit. However, when face to face classes resume, a limit on the upload and download will be set to regulate the internet usage.

Llose stressed the need for a stable internet connection in conducting online classes. She emphasized,

“One of the parameters to successfully conduct an online class is a reliable internet connection. With the Structured Network Cabling and Wi-Fi Network Project on the campus, this is made possible.”

February 4, 2021 by The Science Net

Rediscovery of the Pinatubo Volcano Mouse

Bryan Justine G. Dela Cruz ||

30 years ago, in the province of Zambales, endless amounts of magma and ash spewed out of the mouth of Mount Pinatubo. Lava that pooled into layers up to 600 feet thick in the valleys burned and destroyed everything it touched. The once lavish green forests covering the mountains were dead, and everything in sight was black and grey. Recorded as the second-most powerful volcanic eruption of the 20^th century, life and diversity in the area was hanging on a thread. As days turned to years, Mount Pinatubo’s rich ecosystem had seemed to be long forgotten, until Danny Balete showed interest and surveyed the mammalian population fairing on Mount Pinatubo.

Over several months, in early 2011 and again in 2012, Danny Balete, a Filipino zoologist and biologist, researched on the mammal fauna of Mount Pinatubo. Balete and his team scouted from the bottom to near the top of the mountain. The devastation brought by the eruption was still evident, landscapes were unstable and hazardous, yet they pursued the investigation.

Balete and his team wanted to know the fate of Apomys sacobianus, commonly called the Pinatubo Volcano Mouse, that was thought to have been all wiped out by the eruption. The Pinatubo Volcano Mouse is a rodent found only in the tropical dry forests in the Philippines and was once thought to be extinct.

After months of monitoring the dangerous and unstable land of Mount Pinatubo, the team produced surprising results. Overwhelmingly, the most surprising discovery was the abundance of Apomys sacobianus. Far from extinction, this species was thriving in the disturbed land.

After completing the investigation, Danny Balete returned to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and prepared for his eventual publication; however, in 2017, Balete died with the publication unfinished. Eric Rickart and Larry Heaney, co-authors of Balete, picked up and completed the study as a tribute to him. Balete is now recognized as one of the most important figures in the Philippine Biodiversity Science.

February 3, 2021 by The Science Net

Earth’s not feeling well, Mr. Stark

Elijah Kesh Rosales ||

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine the expanse of the azure blue sky as it blankets the world in its entirety. Imagine the waves that paint and distort reflections of the very same sky in shades of blues and hues one’s eyes can only ever imagine. Imagine the animals that roam the surface of great mother Gaia, the birds that dance so gracefully in the air, the fishes that glide through the crystal blue waters, and the land animals that graze the fertile soil. Now open your eyes and pray with all your might as it is inevitable that all will disintegrate into dust, vanishing before your eyes. You better memorize all of the details and intricacies of our world in your head, because all that beauty is going to go “I’m not feeling well, Mr. Stark” soon in a fiery red hot ball of tragedy that nobody can escape from.

I think we all know and recognize at this point that climate change and global warming is a very real issue that we have virtually no escape from. If you still don’t believe in it, then frankly, you should evaluate yourself. I personally believe those who haven’t taken the time to learn about this pressing matter must share the same amount of brain cells with a sea sponge. Funnily enough, I’ve always said that climate change is like a government; it’s of the people, by the people, and for the people. This awful atrocity didn’t happen overnight as it didn’t pop up suddenly in one day like that zit which appeared out of nowhere during hell week. Climate change is a beast that humanity has been feeding and nourishing for years, which will eventually eat them up too. It’s a ticking time bomb waiting for the right time to snap. The question now lies in whether or not we can do anything about it. Can we?

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021 by The Science Net

Inequality in the Solution

Niel Dustin Benedict Agner ||

Photo Credit: International Disability Alliance

In recent years, nothing has ever been as disruptive to human society as the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic took the world by surprise, and amidst this life-changing experience, one of the voices that need to be heard is the World Health Organization (WHO), which PubMed describes as one that “plays an essential role in the global governance of health and disease due to its core global functions of establishing, monitoring and enforcing international norms and standards, and coordinating multiple actors toward common goals.”

An article on nrp.org cited that WHO describes itself as the “the global guardian of health.” It is imperative to ask: What does its leadership have to say now, after a year of the global health crisis that challenged its organization?

In a speech delivered by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director General, some key lessons about the pandemic were discussed. First, COVID-19 exposed the capacity of nations around the world in terms of crisis preparedness and response. Second, the pandemic illustrates the close association between and among the health of humans, animals, and the planet. Third, the global pandemic requires a very reliant and competent WHO.

The question now is: Since vaccination is supposedly the cure to this pandemic, what does WHO have to say about the distribution of it?

Dr. Ghebreyesus calls upon all countries for the equal distribution and deployment of vaccines. He emphasized,

“It’s not right that younger, healthier adults in rich countries are vaccinated before health workers and older people in poorer countries. Prioritize those most at risk of severe diseases and death.”

As much as WHO desires to achieve the equal and fair distribution of vaccines, a substantial amount of work still has to be done. WHO reported that more than 39 million doses of vaccine have been given to at least 49 higher-income countries, whereas only 25 doses have been given in one lower-income country.

This unequal distribution of vaccines can lead to unwanted scenarios that WHO wanted to avoid such as vaccine hoarders, market chaos, uncoordinated responses, and continued social and economic disruption.

“Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering,”

the WHO Director General warned.

February 2, 2021February 10, 2021 by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC kickstarts Online Sportsfest 2021

Kyrus Pampanga ||

Due to the pandemic, Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) upheld its annual sports tradition, Sportsfest, virtually. The event took place through Google Meet and SKRIBBL last January 22-23, 2021, while schedules for upcoming additional games and activities are yet to be announced.

Given the limitations of an online event, Sportsfest 2021 only featured three games: Pisay Henyo, Skribbl.io, and Kahoot. House Carina, House Vela, and House Pyxis are the three factions competing for the trophy.

“However, despite this year’s hindrance, our annual Sportsfest can still be celebrated. Utilizing our modern technology, an online sportsfest can be an alternative experience. Amid the pandemic’s difficulties, by combining Esports and online events, we can keep up with the sportsfest spirit,”

Athletic Council President Alchris Ceballos said.

Starting with the classic Pisay Henyo, the school’s version of Pinoy Henyo, pairs from the houses (1 pair per category) will guess terms given by their teammates. Second, an online multiplayer game entitled Skribbl.io will accommodate 3 participants per category (each house) to label the drawings of fellow players. Lastly, a quiz-like Kahoot with 12 players per house (2 players per batch) will challenge the knowledge and reading comprehension of the scholars.

In the meantime, House Vela leads to bag the overall champion award upon dominating Kahoot and tying with House Carina in Skribbl.io. The general results will be declared in a week’s time.

The half-day stretch in the kick-starter event for the online sportsfest has concluded and has officially sparked the competition. Alchris Ceballos added,

“As much as we want to hold a full-blown amazing event, the time frame given to us was just short, only half a day for this quarter. Although, we are expecting the events will be held in an ongoing manner. We will be working hard for the succeeding iterations and events.”

February 2, 2021February 10, 2021 by The Science Net

IATF-EID eases age restrictions in MGCQ areas

Louella Mae A. Sas ||

Starting from February 1, 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) will ease the age restrictions in areas placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), which the Presidential spokesman, Harry Roque, announced last January 22. From the previous age restriction of 15 to 65 years old, the agency will now allow children aged 10 to 14 years old to go outside their residences. However, they can only leave their homes if accompanied by their parents.

For the areas still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), the respective local governments would have to decide whether they would also adopt the eased restrictions. Moreover, the eased age-based restrictions mean that persons below 10 years old and older than 65 years old are still not allowed to go out and are required to stay home at all times except for essential activities.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) were the offices that proposed to ease the age restrictions to help stimulate economic activity. They explained that Filipino children have already been staying in their homes for ten months and that allowing them to leave their houses is good for their physical, social, and mental health.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez also stated that, based on their conducted surveys, business revenues could potentially double or triple once more people would be allowed to go outside. He said that this would prevent the closure of enterprises and job loss. It is also a way of helping businesses survive during the pandemic since economic activities would be re-stimulated.

Not easing restrictions would result in further economic deterioration; thus, the government needs to balance opening the economy and controlling the spread of the virus. The task force is then reassuring the public that health protocols would be strictly followed.

“As long as we continue to implement and comply with the minimum public health standards, kahit anong age ang lumalabas as long as compliant tayo, we are protected,”

DOH spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire stated.

Moreover, the agency clarified that allowing children to go out is not the same as letting them attend face-to-face classes since they differ in nature, intensity, and proximity.