Friday, May 28, 2021

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

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Pisay-Davao students get scholarships in schools abroad

Posted: 27 May 2021 09:13 AM PDT

THE challenges in the educational system due to the pandemic did not stop the four students of the Philippine Science High School -Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) in Mintal, Davao City to excel in school and receive offers to study in prestigious universities.

Jysel Ashley Ayop passed the screening by four universities: National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan) to take up Engineering Technology, with scholarship inclusive of tuition fee and stipend; Jacobs University Bremen (Germany) to take up Industrial Engineering, awarded Jacobs at Ease Financial Aid Award; Bentley University (USA) to take up Actuarial Science; and Rangsit University (Thailand) to take up Information and Communication Technology.

Offered with scholarship grants, Mary Catherine Therese Lemana was invited by the New York University Shanghai (China) to study.

Jeris Grace Gonzales was awarded scholarship grants to pursue biomedical engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (USA), Rutgers University-New Brunswick (USA), and University of Florida (USA).

Officially enrolled in New York University Shanghai (China), Kaye Richelle Duarte will study neuroscience, with scholarship grant of full tuition and fees. She also qualified in the neuroscience program of Hofstra University (USA) and was offered Provost Scholarship.

The Philippine Science High School System is a service institute of the Department of Science and Technology, whose mandate is to offer scholarship in secondary education with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences to prepare its students for a science career (Republic Act 3661).

"To study abroad is a right that comes with responsibility. PSHS graduates may pursue international education. We just hope that they will give back to our country by sharing their expertise with the Filipino people," said Lilia T. Habacon, PSHS System executive director. (Aries N. Oliveros/PSHS)

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Pisay grad receives full scholarship from Yale

Posted: 27 May 2021 09:07 AM PDT

A GRADUATE of Philippine Science High School–Central Mindanao Campus (PSHS-CMC) has received a full scholarship at Yale University in the United States (US).

Nathan Wayne Ariston, member of Class 2021 of PSHS-CMC, received admission offers from Yale University (USA), Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), University of California-Irvine (USA) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore).

Taking pride in his Teduray indigenous roots, Ariston will study at Yale University, a prestigious Ivy League school, where he is planning to major in physics.

His full-ride scholarship will cover the yearly estimated cost of attendance.

"I feel so lucky for being part of the Yale Class of 2025. And it just excites me that I am given the opportunity to explore beyond anywhere I've been so far to learn and to contribute to the community there and eventually here as well," Ariston said.

He is the first graduate of PSHS-CMC to be accepted at Yale University. He graduated from Nuro Central Elementary School in Maguindanao and decided to study at PSHS-CMC in Baloi, Lanao del Norte.

"Pisay certainly contributed a great deal to my development both in intellect and in character, and I shall not graduate without having to thank Pisay and the people who supported me," he said.

"I am prouder of where I came from than my academic achievements. I am proud of my ethnic identity," he said.

A proud son of a farmer and an elementary school teacher, Ariston said science and technology have always been close to his heart, no less so are the people who surround him in his community.

"The best way that I could give back to our country is through offering my soon-to-be expertise in Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Program) that I could acquire through this education grant to serve in whatever way I can the people immediately around, specifically in Maguindanao and the other Muslim Mindanao areas," he said.

Ariston brought honors to the country when he won the silver medal in the International Earth Science Olympiad organized in Daegu, South Korea and the bronze medal in the 2020 International Chemistry Olympiad organized in Istanbul, Turkey. Both competitions were organized virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

When asked about his advice to Filipino students on the challenges of remote/online learning, he said, "The most important value that every Filipino learner should embody, to me at least, is the unceasing drive to learn and to remain curious and to discover new ideas and principles."

"This applies whether classes are online or whatever. After all, learning is the goal, and it is conveniently the most fulfilling one. Of course, some may be disadvantaged due to the lack of resources, time, or money, but it is through these challenges that we realize the helpful spirit of Filipinos," he added. (Aries N. Oliveros/PSHS)

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Davao City mayor extends liquor ban, curfew to July 31

Posted: 27 May 2021 09:07 AM PDT

MAYOR Sara Duterte-Carpio, through an executive order (EO), extended the 24-hour liquor ban and curfew in Davao City for another two months.

Duterte-Carpio issued EO 30 on Thursday, May 27, ordering the extension of the curfew and liquor ban in the city until July 31, 2021.

The liquor ban and curfew currently being implemented until May 31, 2021, are provided in Section 21 of Executive Order No. 12-B, Series of 2021.

"There is a need to extend the liquor ban and curfew to regulate some activities that can contribute to local transmission in the city," the mayor said in the EO.

Section 1 of the EO states that the liquor ban in all public places shall be 24 hours every day while the curfew time in all public places is from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. every day. Those who work or do business during these hours are exempted.

Duterte-Carpio said in her previous interview that the city government is not lifting the implementation of the curfew and liquor ban anytime soon as the city is anticipating a possible surge.

She added that lifting it would encourage mass gathering, which could cause an uptick in the transmission of the Covid-19 virus.

Although prior to the extension, the mayor said she has been thinking about "creating a balance" that would meet all the needs of stakeholders without sacrificing the basic public minimum health standards.

With the current surge, Duterte-Carpio reiterated the need for Dabawenyos to comply with the basic public minimum health standards and to only leave their homes for essential goods and services or work or doing business to reduce the risk of local transmission.

"We have a stay-home quarantine order because we are under GCQ. Dapat mga tawo naa lang sa sulod sa balay, ginatugtan lang mugawas sa balay tong mu-access for essential goods and services, magwork or magnegosyo," she said.

(People must just stay at home as those allowed to go out are only those accessing essential goods and services, those working and doing business.)

Davao City has been placed under the general community quarantine (GCQ) from modified GCQ (MGCQ) by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on November 20, 2020. However, the city had already reimposed two restrictions prior to being placed under GCQ.

EO 31 Amendment

Duterte-Carpio also issued EO 31-A, known as "An Order Regulating All Barangay, Local and National Government Office Office Events Including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation Events" on Wednesday, May 26, which took effect immediately.

This is an amendment to the issued EO 31 on Monday, May 24.

All activities of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force are exempted from the ban on government activities under the updated EO 31-A, Series of 2021 of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

EO 31-A added a section for Task Force Activities, which states, "All government activities of the response, vaccination, and recovery clusters of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force are exempted from the provisions of this Order."

The banned government events under EO 31-A until after the lifting of the state of calamity are inauguration, anniversary, thanksgiving, ribbon-cutting, blessing, turnover, groundbreaking activity, launching program, salo-salo, birthday, press conference, oath-taking program, photo opportunity, retirement honors, welcome honors, testimonial program, summer outing, and all other similar activities. But all these events are allowed online.

Meanwhile, Section 3 of EO 31-A listed all face-to-face non-emergency essential government activities that are temporarily suspended until August 31, 2021. The list includes training, seminar, medical mission, operation tuli, gupitan sa barangay, registration, sign-up activity, tree planting activity, and all other similar activities.

Activities such as training and seminars are allowed via online platforms.

EO 31-A applies to all barangay, local and national government offices, agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations.

The mayor said contact tracing information has revealed that there were confirmed positive Covid-19 cases who attended government events.

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Kadayawan to still be staged online in 2021

Posted: 27 May 2021 09:06 AM PDT

FOLLOWING the prohibition of all government face-to-face events and activities due to the surge in cases in Davao City, the 36th celebration of the Kadayawan Festival will still be online in 2021.

Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) Head Generose Tecson confirmed in a SunStar Davao interview on Thursday afternoon, May 27, that this will be the second year the Kadayawan will be done virtually.

"We had hoped na pwedeng (that we can do it) hybrid, but the way we're going now na mukhang magkaka-surge (because of the possible surge), we have to scrap that idea and go back nalang muna na (instead for the meantime to) online celebration," Tecson said in a phone interview.

The CTOO referred to "hybrid" celebration as a mix of live and online activities.

This comes after Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio issued Executive Order (EO) No. 31 on Monday, May 24, prohibiting all face-to-face non-essential events of all local and national government offices events and activities effective May 26 to August 31, 2021.

According to the EO, among the banned government events are inauguration, anniversary, thanksgiving, ribbon-cutting, blessing, turnover, groundbreaking activity, launching program, salo-salo, birthday, press conference, oath-taking program, photo opportunity, retirement honors, welcome honors, testimonial program, summer outing, and all other similar activities. All these events are allowed online.

Tecson said they already started their planning stage as early as February this year. She said they have not yet set definite activities that will be lined up this year.

The official added they also considered the Covid-19 situation in the city. The celebration could have gone hybrid if the active cases continued to go downwards.

Tecson, however, said the essence of the festivity, which will highlight the 11 tribes of the city and their cultures, will still be there.

"I think this is the best time to be able to explain kung ano 'yung mga suot ng tribe (the attire of our tribes)," she said.

She also assured that the online celebration will still have an impact not only on the Dabawenyos but also on other people since the festival will have a wider reach.

Tecson admitted they were sad that this year's celebration did not push through due to the pandemic. She said they will save it for next year, with the hope that things will be back to normal.

The official said they are optimistic that the tourism industry, particularly the meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (Mice) can gradually recover next year, especially with the ongoing vaccine rollout in the city.

"We were saddened because we were hoping na ma-OK ang tanan, magha-hybrid na sana. 'Yung Mice sana, itutuloy natin ngayong October [this year] (that everything will be OK this year, and we could go hybrid. We were also targeting to push through with the Mice events this October)," she said.

She also reminded the public to impose self-discipline and continuously observe minimum health protocols.

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Davao City eyes mega vaccination site in Lanang

Posted: 27 May 2021 08:58 AM PDT

TO FASTTRACK the Covid-19 vaccination program in Davao City, the City Health Office (CHO) is planning to set up a mega vaccination site at the Azuela Cove in Lanang, which will accommodate 1,000 persons per day.

CHO Acting Head Dr. Ashley Lopez said in a radio interview on Wednesday, May 26, that the City is targeting to administer the vaccines at The Tent with the Azuela Cove.

"[This is] one of the venues proposed na himuong (to be designated as) mega vaccination sites that will cater at least 1,000 vaccinations per day. Kung madayon na siya, dako na siya'g contribution para atong ma-maximize and ma-attain ang atong target (If this will push through, this will be of big contribution for us to maximize and attain our target)," Lopez said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

Azuela Cove's The Tent is a 2,000-square meter air-conditioned events venue wherein future conventions, festivals, and other special events are targeted to be held. It has a capacity of about 1,500 people.

The Azuela Cove is a 25-hectare waterside development project of Aviana Development Corporation, a joint venture partnership between real estate giant Ayala Land and homegrown The Alcantara Group of Companies. Azuela has been the venue of the Ironman 70.3 Davao race in 2018 and 2019.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview on Monday, May 24, the City Government is targeting to vaccinate at least 10,000 Dabawenyos per day in order to achieve the targeted herd immunity before the end of this year.

Duterte-Carpio said this was initially discussed, but this will only be achievable if there will be ample and stable supply of vaccines in the city.

Lopez said this is based on the minimum average of 500 persons per vaccination site.

Lopez said it is possible since they were able to inoculate more than 10,000 individuals last week.

The CHO head said that the city will be hiring 300 additional health workers to augment the vaccination teams.

He admitted the city still lacks personnel in the vaccination sites. He added they had to deploy their staff from the district health centers to the vaccination sites.

The city currently has a total of 20 vaccination sites. He said the City is targeting to open a total of 25 sites.

Lopez said they will officially open vaccination hubs for A3 priority list or those with comorbidities on Monday, May 31.

Qualified under the A3 priority group are those aged 18 to 59 years old with existing health conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, malignancy, diabetes, obesity, chronic liver disease, neurologic disease, and immunodeficiency state, among others.

According to Lopez, those who fall under this category and would want to be vaccinated can register at the nearest health centers. The City Government of Davao Facebook page posted on Tuesday, May 25, that those who wish to register can do so via Davao City vaccination hotlines 0961-073-4965 (Smart) or 0927-022-9087 (Globe).

Lopez clarified that the patient must seek certification from their private or public physician to make sure their condition is stable.

Davao City is targeting to inoculate at least 70 percent of its 1.2 million population to achieve "herd immunity."

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Estremera: Life is still good

Posted: 27 May 2021 08:58 AM PDT

I HAVE been texted by SafeDavao, and that freaked me out. There I was, enjoying a quiet weekend outside, realizing too late that in those few hours, a person who tested positive of Covid-19 happened to be around. We're now officially F2/F3, and I'm home, alone, as my companions are in their own homes.

A day after receiving the message, I was waiting inside the car, lined up with what could be a hundred cars idling at the main road of Crocodile Park for our free swabs. It was hot and boring. I wanted to rant, but no.

We're in a World War, remember? My generation's parents had it worse... worst.

Growing up, I learned about how mom and her family hid in Sierra Madre and came up with ingenious cuisines to make up for what war deprived them of. The likes of "kastanyog," roasted mature coconut meat that gives a hint of "kastanyas" (chestnuts). Then there's "minanok," flame-grilled whole eggplant cooked in the milk of grated coconut scorched in red hot charcoal. I was watching on YouTube a culinary contest where "minanok" was featured, and I could just shake my head at how the cook explained why it was called that. She totally missed it. Apparently, she just learned how to cook it but did not learn about the context. All she could say was minanok was a dish that has no "manok." Duh?

That is why context is very important. Imagine yourself as a seven-year-old child, surviving in the mountains amid a world war. All you want is normalcy, but there is no normalcy in a war. So, the elders make the most of what's there, including squeezing the hints of flavor from the little food they had.

Savor "minanok" like it might be your last decent meal and realize... there is indeed the flavor of chicken brought about by the combination of ginger, peppercorn, a hint of vinegar, and milk from coal-scorched grated coconut.

I have also been listening to retired business leader Anggie Angliongto recall how their family fled to Malita from their Davao City home with their things and himself (being just around seven then) on a "kangga" pulled by a carabao. My dive buddies and I went to Malita in a van in the mid-2000s when there was still no cemented highway, and we almost didn't reach it. Sir Anggie rode a kangga while his elder siblings walked and that was 1944. It must have been the wilderness.

So, there I was inside a car as the morning turned to noon, waiting in vain to be swabbed. We didn't reach the swabbing stations in time. We were among those turned away just when there were just maybe ten vehicles in front. But... who am I to complain when all that was asked of me was to wait and waste one morning? While every day, as the world battles a virus, I am expected to stay in the comfort of my home, and wait for my turn to be jabbed as my civic duty, as my enlistment call.

By the way, we were assured of slots five days later. That's another five days of living in limbo plus more days to await the swab results. But... at least I can do that in comfort... with an electric stove and food to cook at home, alone. No kanga rides, no fleeing to the mountains. No bombs. And for this, I have nothing but gratitude. saestremera@gmail.com

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Understanding quarter-life crisis

Posted: 27 May 2021 08:58 AM PDT

PEOPLE in their 20s to early 30s usually face self-doubt and/or lack of motivation. This is especially highlighted amidst the pandemic when most of us stay at home. We have more time to overthink, to worry, and to scroll through social media. As we might know by now, social media both have negative and positive impacts on young professionals. For some, it could be a source of inspiration. Others, on the other hand, look at their friends' posts online and begin to question their own capacity to reach for their dreams as well.

This is the time when some of our friends get married, engaged, promoted, or start a business. Those who are still struggling to be young adults may find this a trigger to self-doubt and eventually, quarter-life crisis.

Gabriel Sebastian N. Lizada, RPm, Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (Copers) External Director defines quarter-life crisis as a possible experience of an individual in the period we call as 'emerging adulthood' -- it is a period wherein an individual is in transition between adolescence and adulthood. There is an internal struggle happening to the individual between independence and commitment.

Although an individual may possibly go through his or her 20s and 30s without going through a quarter-life crisis, there are still quite a number of young professionals who do experience this. From the online interview with Lizada, we've come up with different ways to determine if you're going through a quarter-life crisis and how best to face it. Here's what he has to say:

1. Questions will come. They're normal.

It's normal to ask yourself whether or not your current job, for example, is for the future. For us Filipinos, it's very common that we stay in the house of our parents after graduation until we are confident enough to live on our own. So that question you ask yourself, "Should I leave my parents' house and start an independent life?" is a very common thing we ask ourselves.

One of the signs that you're experiencing a quarter-life crisis is beginning to question. Quarter-life crisis is questioning identity, job/occupation. The feeling of emptiness is there. There's a feeling of something lacking.

2. Social media could trigger positive and negative impacts on a person going through a crisis

If you see your friends and your peers succeeding, how will you react to it? Will you see it as a motivating and a driving force? Or do you feel self-pity and think they're living better lives than you?

Exposure to social media decreases their self-esteem. But for some, it serves as a driving motivation. They see that their peers can do it, they challenge themselves to also do it. It depends on how you approach the situation. But generally, social media can do little more harm than good especially if you begin to compare yourself with other people.

3. Sometimes the only help we need is to be listened to.

Sometimes listening is enough. When someone approaches you and tells you their problem, our default mode is to provide answers and solutions to their problem. But sometimes being there, listening to that person, just allowing them to express what they feel, is enough help for them.

This is because not all problems are meant to be solved by you. Sometimes problems can be solved on their own just by being there for that friend.

4. Asking for help is not a bad thing.

Be honest with yourself. Are you having this quarter-life crisis? Understand what triggers it. Is it finances, relationship, work, feelings of being stagnant? Be honest with your parents and friends. They might be able to help you.

Ask yourself the difficult questions. The feelings of stagnation, lack of motivation may keep on recurring because you fail to confront the difficult questions.

And if your self-interventions are not working, seek help. There's nothing wrong with asking for help. Let's normalize asking for help. Seeking help from a mental health professional is not bad. It doesn't make you crazy. On the contrary, it implies strength.

***

COPERS offers online counseling for those who feel like they need it. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

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Keeping yourself busy at home

Posted: 27 May 2021 08:56 AM PDT

PEOPLE around the world have been locked up in their own homes just to keep away from Covid-19, and what better way to overcome boredom than to make a bucket list.

Over the past year, citizens were forced to stay home. Due to the deadly virus spreading last 2019, governments from all over have installed strict lockdowns as insurance for the people's safety.

Since the culture of staying out has been practiced for centuries already, the sudden change of norms has been an impact on many. With the substantial free hours that just landed on our hands, what can we do to pass the time?

Start a bucket list

Cambridge Dictionary defines the bucket list as a list of things one wants to achieve or finish. In the past, people relentlessly complained about never having free time to do the things they want. Now that we are all faced with this lockdown, why not attain those goals you wanted to achieve years back?

Personally, I think creating a list of goals is an investment you will never regret. The bucket list will push you to go further than your limit. It's an opportunity for growth that one should embrace freely.

Start journaling

Journaling has been done for as long as I can remember. Many people think this act is simply a waste of time, but in reality, journaling can be very beneficial for you. It boosts creativity, improves handwriting, and surprisingly relieves stress. Based on my opinion, the best part about journaling is self-reflection done through writing. I get to process the pain, happiness, and every other emotion I have felt that day. The reflection part can also help you make better choices for tomorrow's crossroads.

Start a workout routine

You often see people on your social media feed working out. Not because it was a trend, but because now you have the time to focus on achieving the body you have always dreamed of having. To help you out, you can always go to workout sites to find the best routine for you.

Learn a new skill

Personally, this goal does not go well with me. Learning a new skill can either be frustrating, challenging, or pleasing to whoever dares to achieve it. It might seem rough at first, but this goal has a lot of benefits to it. Benefits such as improving brain function and it opens more doors to opportunities.

These lists will push you beyond your limit. With the call of the times, people should take advantage of this lockdown. Making a bucket list will not only help you transition from the old life to the new, but it will also be your opportunity for growth. So grab a pen, find the nearest piece of paper, and start listing those goals.

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