The Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum Training- Workshop for Teachers of Core Subjects was held on August 15 and August 29, 2026 at Marinduque Midwest College Function Hall to improve the ability of secondary teachers in teaching the primary subjects and to ensure that students experience quality learning, , Selected teachers from public and private schools within the Gasan District attended the seminar- workshops. The schools representedTheTheTheFor the first time. Marinduque Midwest College will join the District Schools Press Conference (DSPC) on August 29, 2026 for a training at Tiguion National High School and on September 7, 2026 for the competition proper at Bognuyan National High School. Fifty-two Midwest student- journalists will train and compete in nine Individual and two Group Categories (in English and Filipino). The Individual Categories include News Writing, Features Writing, Sports Writing, Science and Technology Writing, Editorial Writing, Column Writing, Editorial Cartooning Photojournalism, and Copyreading and Headline Writingwhile the Group Categories consist of Radio Scriptwriting and Broadcasting and Collaborative Desktop Publishing. As first-time participants, the student- journalists prepared for the DSPC by completing an intensive school-based training program led by their coaches and advisers from August 10 to 14, 2026. The program consisted of actual student journalism work aimed at guiding the participants to publish The Cornerstone, official campus paper of MMC, in time for the August 29, 2026 submission deadline set by DSPC. Over 100 aspiring Midwest student- journalists signed up on August 4, 2026 for the school journalism clinicOfficial Campus Publication of Marinduque Midwest CollegeOfficial Campus Publication of Marinduque Midwest College Issue 1 . 2026Issue 1 . 2026Official Campus Publication of Marinduque Midwest College Issue 1 . 2026MidwestMidwestMidwest Debuts atDebuts atDebuts at DSPC with 52DSPC with 52DSPC with 52 JournJournJournososos Midwest Debuts at DSPC with 52 Journosinclude Bangbang National High School; Bognuyan National High School; Marinduque Midwest College; Marinduque Technical Vocational Institute; Paciano A. Sena Memorial High School; Tapuyan National High School; and Tiguion National High School; Marinduque Midwest College; Marinduque Technical Vocational Institute; Paciano A. Sena Memorial High School; Tapuyan National High School; and Tiguion National High School. Strengthening Teaching Skills for SHS Core Subjects Training-Seminar Held in Midwestcontinued on page 5 AI: Kaakbay o Kaaway?May Pax-kinabang ba ang Magsasaka sa Pax Silica?Sa panahon ng AI, maraming mag-aaal ang nalilito kung paano siya gamitin. Alamin kung ano ang sikreto para makinabang dito. PAHINA 6Patuloy at pinahigpit pa ng Midwest ang pagharap sa usaping bullying sa pamamagitan ng mga seminars at ang pagpapatupad ng Child Protection Policy sa campus. Nakikipag-ugnayan din sila sa mga eksperto at awtoridad. PAHINA 2 Anti-Bullying, Pinaigtingcontinued on page 5Kung kinakailangan ng Pax Silica ng 1600 ektarya ng lupa, paano pa makakapagtanim ang mga magsasaka? Para kanino ba talaga ang proyektong ito? PAHINA 8 by Cazzandra Shaine M. Monterey by Lhexine Mae Rescober

222BALITABALITABALITATHE CORNERSTONEPagbaba ng Presyo ng Gasolina, Hindi Ramdam ng Komyuter"Dati nagtaas ‘yung (presyo) ng gasolina kaya okay lang na nagtaas yung pamasahe... Now na nagbaba na ‘yung presyo, hindi nararamdaman ‘yung pagbaba ng pamasahe kasi naka-fix na." Ito ang pahayag ni Francheska Gayle Mongis, isang mag-aaral sa Marinduque Midwest College, sa isinagawang panayam ng pahayagan ng paaralan tungkol sa karanasan ng mga komyuter sa pamasahe matapos magbaba ng presyo ng gasolina. Ayon sa Philstar.com, halos dalawang linggo na ang nakalilipas nang ibinaba ang presyo ng gasolina sa Pilipinas. Noong Agosto 10, 2026, matatandaang nag-anunsyo ang Kagawaran ng Enerhiya (DOE) ng malaking pagbabawas sa presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo na ipatutupad mula Agosto 11 hanggang 17, 2026. Bababa ng ₱4.70 kada litro ang gasolina, ₱4.30 kada litro ang diesel, at ₱4.88 naman kada litro ang kerosene. Sinabi rin ng iba pang nakapanayam na ang sunod-sunod na pagbaba ng presyo ng gasolina ay malaking ginhawa para sa mgamotorista at tsuper ng pampublikong sasakyan. Subalit para sa mga komyuter, lalo na sa mga mag-aaral na gaya ni Mongis, hindi pa rin nararamdaman ang ginhawa dahil hindi bumababa ang singil sa pamasahe. Huling inaprubahan ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) at Department of Transportation (DOTr) ang dagdag-pasahe noong Marso 19, 2026 bunsod ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Mula noon, nanatiling nakatakda ang taripa kaya hindi ito sumasabay sa kasalukuyang pagbaba ng presyo ng gasolina. Bilang pagtatapos, nilahad ni Mongis na “kung masyadong malaki yung pamasahe, mahirap ma-meet ang standard na gastusin bilang estudyante.”Kampanya Laban sa Bullying, PinaigtingBilang pagsuporta sa Republic Act Blg. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Bullying Act of 2013) ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) at bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagtataguyod ng ligtas at mapayapang paaralan, pinaigting ng Marinduque Midwest College (MMC) ang kampanya nito laban sa bullying. Noong Hulyo 2026, nagdaos ang MMC kasama ang Marinduque Midwest College Student Body Organization (MMCSBO) ng pangalawa nitong Anti- Bullying Campaign and Prevention Seminar. Bunsod din ito ng dumadaming insidente ng karahasan sa ibang mga paaralan. Para sa seminar na ito, nag-imbita sila ng panauhin mula sa kapulisan na si PMSg Gretchen Moldon, at Social Welfare Officer lll na si Gng. Rebecca Bisnar. “Mas mahalaga ba ang tumulong sa kapwa o sumunod sa batas?” Ito ang pambungad na tanong ni Gng. Bisnar na nagbukas sa kaisipan ng bawat mag-aaral at nagbigay-daan sa malayang pagpapalitan ng opinyon. Ipinaliwanag din ni Gng. Bisnar ang kahulugan at iba’t -ibang anyo ng bullying. Tinalakay naman ni PMSg Moldon ang mga batas na naglalayong bawasan ang pangyayari ng bullying atprotektahan ang mga biktima. Noong 2025 naman, matagumpay ring naisagawa ang kauna-unahang Bullying Awareness and Prevention Seminar-Workshop. Dinaluhan ito ng mahigit 40 mag-aaral mula High School at Kolehiyo, kasama ang mga guro, faculty members, at ilang mga magulang. Mas malawak ang saklaw ng nasabing seminar. Tinalakay nito ang mga batas ukol sa bullying; mga epekto na sikolohikal at emosyonal; ang kahalagahan ng pagpapayo at pananampalataya; at mga hakbang na dapat gawin upang mabawasan at maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayari. Kabilang sa mga panauhin noon sina Atty. Ayzel Lea Palmero mula sa DepEd, Fr. Elino Esplana mula sa Diyosesis ng Boac, Mrs. Rebecca Bisnar, mula sa Social Welfare Office ng Gasan at mga dalubhasang sikoholista/tagapayo na sina Dr. Rosalyn Janda Dasco at Dr. Jellian T. Ricafrente. Nauna sa dalawang seminar, naging opisyal na kinatawan sina Gng. Helen Lineses, punong-gurocontinued on page 5ni Marneth Caluscusan ni Ezra Jolleen Par

Editorial Box333EDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIALLimiting Single Use-Plastics in the CampusLimiting Single Use-Plastics in the CampusThe growing amount of waste, particularly single-use plastics, has become a growing issue inside the campus. The Student Council and the school staff have reported plastic waste scattered around the campus and found in places where it should not be, showing that proper waste disposal continues to be a challenge. Students and other people in school use plastic bottles, wrappers, bags, and other disposable materials every day because of their convenience. Although plastics can be useful for certain activities, their improper disposal remains a significant problem. Schools should strictly restrict and limit the use of single- use plastics inside the campus to reduce waste and protect the environment. Single-use plastics negatively affect the environment and are considered major contributors to environmental degradation. According to Amila Sandaruwan Ratnayake, plastics are made from synthetic polymers that resist iological breakdown, making them difficult to decompose and manage.Plastic waste can pollute the environment and negatively affect the cleanliness and overall condition of school surroundings. When improperly disposed of, plastic waste can accumulate around the campus and contribute to an unhealthy and unpleasant environment for students, teachers, and staff. “There is no such thing as ‘away.’ When you throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” Because single-use plastics are designed to be used only once before being thrown away, they contribute greatly to the increasing amount of waste produced every day. These findings prove that plastic waste is not simply an issue of cleanliness but also an environmental concern that requires action. As Annie Leonard said, “There is no such thing as ‘away.’ When you throw anything away, it must gosomewhere.” This reminds us that throwing away a plastic bottle, wrapper, or bag does not make the problem disappear. Inside the campus, improperly disposed plastic waste can contribute to littered surroundings and create an unclean and unhealthy school environment. To reduce waste, the school can encourage students to bring tumblers instead of disposable plastic bottles and metal utensils instead of disposable spoons and forks. The school can also reduce or restrict the selling and distribution of unnecessary single- use plastics in canteens and school events. Proper waste disposal, discipline, and cooperation among students, teachers, and school staff must also accompany these restrictions. The choice is simple; continue choosing convenience or choose responsibility. By limiting single-use plastics, encouraging reusable alternatives, and enforcing proper waste management, the school can take a meaningful step toward a cleaner and healthier campus. And that action can begin with something as simple as refusing single-use plastics.THE CORNERSTONEThe CORNERSTONEEditor Fritz Andre Saet Managing Editor Aliah Czyrine Marie Sapunto Writers Irish Gee-Ann Acuzar Marneth Caluscusan Arianna Ferangco Samantha Nicole Manlisis Cazzandra Shaine Monterey Aleah Jean Morales Ezra Joleen Par Lhexine Mae Rescober Mallerck Clare Soberano Jamecah Mae Seno Zeanor Benedick Soleta Gian Carlo Venzon Deamie Villaruel Dhanea Villavicencio Editorial Izel Margaux Fanoga Hanna Labay Katrina Isabelle Lineses Deneth Jane Palomares Maxine Quintela Jamecah Mae Seno Lyra Angelic Torres Editorial Cartoonists James Evan Lagar James Nash Mayores Djae Pascual Frenz Nathanniel Vitto Photographers Krizza Mhay Abling Verra Shaine Zoleta Copyreaders Mariam Makled Queen Zhyreen Mazo Zoe Ysabelle Sales Seth Nimrod Sapungan School Paper Adviser Wilgrace P. MaglalangThe CORNERSTONE is the official student publication of Marinduque Midwest College located in Dili, Gasan, Marinduque.by Maxine Quintela(042) 342-1014marinduque.midwestcollege@g mail.com

444OPINIONOPINIONOPINIONSchools should be a safe place where students can learn without fear. Students deserve to feel protected while they are inside the school, and everyone has a role in keeping the campus safe. DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment, provides guidelines for maintaining a safe and motivating school environment.Schools should continue bag inspections while making sure that authorized personnel follow proper procedures. Students should also cooperate and understand that the purpose is protection, not punishment. With this in mind, the reasonableTHE CORNERSTONESome students may feel uncomfortable having their bags checked. This concern is understandable. Still, safety should not be ignored. Inspections should be done fairly and respectfully, without embarrassing or targeting students. Some students may feel uncomfortable having their bags checked. This concern is understandable. Still, safety should not be ignored. Inspections should be done fairly and respectfully, without embarrassing or targeting students.One way to help prevent violence inside the campus is by inspecting the bag of the students at the gate. This will help deter students who can cause violence in the campus. It can also serve as a reminder that bringing dangerous items to school can put everyone in school at risk. Bag inspections are also important because they can stop prohibited and dangerous items from getting inside the campus. It make take only a few minutes, but that small action can protect students, teachers and staff from getting hurt.BETTER SAFE THAN SORRYBag Inspection in Schooland properly implemented safety measures can contribute to preventing incidents that may threaten the welfare of learnersSa panahon ngayon, malawakang kilala ang Artificial Intelligence (AI) na sinisisi sa maraming kabiguan sa edukasyon. Madalas kong naririnig ang mga salitang “Artificial Intelligence: Salot at Walang Magandang Dulot na Dala.” Pero sino nga ba ang mga hindi sumubok maghanap ng sagot sao mali. Ang sagot ay nakabase sa kung paano ito gagamitin. Sa bawat pindot at search, may kaakibat na epekto ito at ang gumagamit ang may kapangyarihang magtakda kung paano ito gagamitin. Kaya ang desisyon ay nasa ating mga kamay at wala sa mga imbensiyong AI. Sa loob ng silid-aralan, hindi na bago ang paggamit ng AI. Mula sa pagsulat ng sanaysay hanggang sa pagsagot sa mga kumplikadong problema sa Matematika, naging matalik na kaibigan na ito ng maraming mag-aaral. Sa edukasyon, ang AI ay hindi dapat tingnan bilang isang "shortcut" kundi bilang isang "study buddy" o isang kaakbay sa pag- aaral. Halimbawa, kapag nahihirapan akong intindihin ang isang konsepto sa Syensiya, ginagamit ko ang AI upang mapaliwanag ito sa mas simpleng paraan. Sa halip na mangopya,ChatGPT o kaya'y gumamit ng AI para tapusin ang isang takdang- aralin? Sa mundong paulit-ulit na nagbabago, isang malaking tanong ang bumabagabag sa maraming mag-aaral: Ang AI ba ay kaibigan o kalaban sa pag-aaral? Ang totoo, hindi ito itim o puti, walang tamamas mainam na gamitin ito bilang gabay lamang sa paglikha mula sa ating sariling ideya dahil walang kasiguraduhan na ang lahat ng impormasyong ibinibigay nito ay tama. Bukod sa edukasyon, nakakatulong din ang AI sa iba pang aspeto ng buhay-estudyante. Sa pag-oorganisa ng oras, may mga AI tools na nagpapaalala ng deadlines at nag-aayos ng schedule. Ang susi ay ang tamang paggamit nito; dapat tayo pa rin ang nag-iisip, nag-aanalisa, at nag-dedesisyon sa ating pag-aaral. Dapat tayo ang gumagawa o kumikilos, hindi ang AI. Itatak natin sa ating isip na ang daan sa pagkatuto ay kamalayan at pagiging responsable at hindi ang pagsampalataya sa makabagong teknolohiya. Bago gamitin ang AI, magtanong muna tayo: “Natututo ba ako gawa ng AI, o nagiging tamad lang ako?"and school personnel. However, safety must never become an excuse for disrespect. Bag inspections should be conducted by authorized personnel, following proper procedures. Students should also cooperate and understand that the purpose s protection, not punishment. Instead of waiting for violence, injuries, or dangerous incidents to happen, let's act now to prevent them from happening.Ating Kaabay, Hindi Alalay by Deneth Jane D. Palomares ni Jamecah Seno

555FEATUREFEATUREFEATURETHE CORNERSTONETHE HAND BEHIND THE IMAGEWhen a poster can be made in seconds, is it any better than the one made by hand?Scenario One: A blank sheet of paper awaits. A student grabs a pencil. The first line is uncertain. It is erased. The student tries again. The circle is crooked, the letters are uneven, and the colors do not look as imagined. Still, he continues by hand. Hours pass. The poster becomes more than a paper. It becomes evidence of the student who struggles to bring an idea to life.Scenario Two: Another student types a few prompts inside a box. A picture appears. No erased lines. No stained fingers. No failed sketches. Just an image, polished and ready to submit.The question is no longer whether artificial intelligence (AI) can make a better poster. Perhaps the more important question is what disappears when the struggle to create art, such as a poster, is no longer visible?Traditional poster-making has always been more than a contest of finished pictures. Behind every hand-drawn poster has, behind it, a process invisible in the final output: rough sketches, wrong colors, measurements, revisions, frustration, and the decision tothe value of time spent creating it by hand? For students, this distinction matters. Imagine, two posters that carry the same message. One took an afternoon of sketching again. The other began with a prompt. Both may look impressive but they Treceive an image within seconds, complete with illustrations and colors. Technology is indeed powerful and can help people visualize ideas and exploretell different stories. One might say, “Look what I made,” while the other may quietly say, “Look what I produced.” That is difference; and that deserves an attention. This does not mean AI has no place in education nor in being creative. It may help students who struggle with artistic skills but have strong ideas to express. The problem begins when the tool stops being an instrument of creativity and becomes the creator itself. It forces people to reconsider a simple question; If an AI produces the image, who deserves to be called the artist? Traditional poster-making can remain a place where students demonstrate artistic skills, patience, and originality. Digital competitions can allow technological creativity, with clear rules for AI assistance. The goal of innovation should not be to make human creativity obsolete. A machine does not stare at an empty page wondering where to begin. A student does. Maybe that is what we should remember when we admire the finished image. Perhaps, that is what a poster should still be—a picture that tells the story of the hands that brought it to life.CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1, DSPCdesigned to select potential DSPC participants. Mrs. Helen S. Lineses, school principal, leads this year’s MMC DSPC campaign with the support of Ms. Willa Maglalang, school paper adviser; Mrs. Irish Camille Sales and Ms. Anjaneth Mayorga, assistant school paper advisers; and coaches Mrs. Jane Valencia (feature writing), Mr. Gerald Mataya (sports writing), Mr. John Axil Alejo (science and technology writing), Ms. Carlyn Grace Recto (column writing), Ms. Sophie Rhys Fabunan (editorial cartooning), Mr. Jhon-Jhon Julao (Photojounalism), Mr. Benjie Cha, Mr. Robert Hernandez and Mr. John Carl Comendador (radio broadcasting).Marinduque Technical Vocational Institute (MTVI) is the other private school that will participate in the DSPC, making the tech-voc institute and MMC the first two private schools to be part of the annual campus journalism competition.CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1, SSHSThe training-workshop opened with a pre-test that was administered by the Program Management Team and followed by the explanation of characteristics and meaning of the strengthened Senior High School Curriculum.Teacher-participants also discussed teaching strategies for the five primary SHS subjects such as Effective Communication; Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino; General Science; Generalthe training-workshop was held in two days to provide adequate time fo teachers to improve their teaching strategies. Teachers who attended the activity are expected to be more prepared and confident in teaching and managing the class that will result in the improved level of knowledge of SHS students.Mathematics; and Life and Career Skills. In addition, they updated their teaching approaches and deepened their understanding of the SSHS Curriculum. Present at the seminar-workshop were Gasan District Supervisor Joven M. Mogol ; Education Program Supervisor (EPS) English Gelly Sore; MMC School President Milton V. Mendoza MMC School Principal Helen Lineses; and Tiguion National High School Principal Jimmy M. Romasanta.MULA SA PAHINA 2, BULLYINGat si Gng. Willa Maglalang, guidance counsellor-designate, sa Anti-Bullying and Autism Seminar na idinaos ng Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Marinduque Chapter sa Educational System Technological Institute sa Boac, Marinduque. Bukod sa mga seminar,

In celebration of Buwan ng Wika, Marinduque Midwest College (MMC) held a Short Film Making Workshop on August 3, 2026 at the school Function Hall with award-winning filmmakers Lee Briones-Meily and Kiko Meily as guest facilitators.The mother-and-son team took the 45 pre-selected high school and college student-participants through the different aspects of filmmaking by providing exercises that included observing, following instructions, being self-aware, and applying different techniques in directing. The workshop participants also got to discuss and present their photo essay and their silent one-minute film about love. Before the workshop ended, Ms. Lee and Direk Kiko divided the participants into seven groups tasked to produce a five-minute short film each for the Buwan ng Wika 2026 Short Film Making Competition with a film screening and awarding ceremony scheduled on August 10, 2026.The competition was set to award 10 prizes which give the participants ample opportunities to showcase their creativity,666NEWS FEATURENEWS FEATURENEWS FEATUREFEATURES SHORT FILFEATURES SHORT FILFEATURES SHORT FILAward- Winning Filmmakers Invitedstorytelling and directing skills through short films. The participants interacted with the guest filmmakers after the workshop and lined up for souvenir photos and autographs. The Buwan ng Wika 2026 Short Film Making Workshop and Competition was organized by Mr. Nicon Saguid and Ms. Willa Maglalang together with the Marinduque Midwest College Student Body Organization (MMCSBO) and student volunteers. Additional support was provided by Gasan Vice- Mayor Lidany “Leng” Baldo; Gasan Councilwoman Merlie Soberano; MMC Alumni Association VP- International Florely Palomares-Jackson; and MMC Alumni Association Secretary Marissa Zoleta. Through the Short Film Making workshop, the participants were given a chance to celebrate the national language by using it to express their ideas in films.by Lhexine Mae Rescober 6

Pag-asa, a film about a son who bounced back from a family tragedy brought hope and tears to the viewers. According to Kyle Fidelino, actor and production designer of the film, the story came to the group after he shared a personal expereince that eventually inspired the making of Pag-Asa. Sa Dulo ng Takbo, an action film that tells the story of a brother willing to do everything for his younger sibling even at the greatest personal cost drew the loudest reaction from the audience. As the audience followed the suspenseful twist and turn of events, they would yell at the leading actor to move quickly and rescue his sister. When the fistfight in the film was shown, almost everybody was already punching their fists in the air. In the afternoon of August 13, 2026, the Short Film Making Competition Awarding Ceremony was held at the Alejandro Roces Hall where the awards where handed out to the filmmakers in between a singing contest and intermission numbers.777THE CORNERSTONEM MAKING WORKSHOPLM MAKING WORKSHOPM MAKING WORKSHOPYoung Filmmakers Steal Spotlight in Short Film Making CompetitionPag-asa won Best Film as well as Best Direction for Lyrah Jane Reonal; Best Cinematography for Khate Montoya; and Best Production Design for Kyle Fidelino. The team said that they almost stopped filming because of their busy schedule. They also became emotional when the audience appreciated the film during the screening, having felt that Pag- Asa’s story was rooted in real-life experiences. Sa Dulo ng Takbo secured 2nd Best Film and took home several awards including Best Musical Score, Best Story, Best Editing, Best Film Poster, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Behind the emotional film, the team shared that they endured sleepless nights, rains, exhaustion, and repeated takes but which in the end gave them a strong bond and lasting memories. Meanwhile, Ay, Ka-ibigan Lang Pala?! earned 3rd Best Film and a Special Mention for Best Visual Effects. Although nervous during the awarding, the team celebrated their recognition and remained proud of what they created. All the groups received trophies and certificates of recognition with only The Best Film getting prize money. After the awarding ceremony, Kiko Meily, one of the guest facilitator-filmmakers, sent a video congratulating all the winners, participants and organizers. “Congratulations sa mga filmmakers! Hindi biro ang gumawa ng sarili ninyong pelikula!” he said. He added that he hopes to see stories from Marinduque being made into beautfiul films in the future.Kilig, hiyaw, at iyak filled the school Function Hall as three groups of filmmakers who completed the Short Film Making Workshop finally presented their short films on the morning of August 13, 2026 before a mixed audience of high school and college students and faculty members. Before each film was screened, the filmmakers introduced their work and their teammates. The first to be screened was Ay, Ka-ibigan Lang Pala?! a film which follows two friends whose everyday routine slowly turns into something more. The audience giggled as the “cutesy and cheesy” parts of the film resonated with their adolescent life.Panalo Lahat! by Lhexine Mae Rescober

Tarlac na nakararamdan ng pagkabagabag at pangamba. Ito ay dahil hindi lamang simpleng malaking porsyento ng lupain ang “makakamkam” ng Pax Silica, maging ang kanilang kabuhayan, tahanan at ang seguridad ng pagkain sa bansa ay maaaring maglaho. Nabanggit ng BCDA na magbubukas ng libu-libong de- kalidad at mataas na sweldong trabaho ang itatayong Pax Silica. Ngunit ang mga trabahong ito ay hindi para sa mga papalayasing manggagawa kun’di para sa mga propesyonal. “Saan po kami dadalhin tulad po ng kabuhayan namin?” tanong ni Rosalinda David, isang residente ng Sitio, Binyayan sa Tarlac, habang pumapatak ang kaniyang mga luha.888FEATUREFEATUREFEATURETHE CORNERSTONEPax-Kinabang o Pax-hihirap saPax-Kinabang o Pax-hihirap sa sakahan?sakahan? Pax-Kinabang o Pax-hihirap sa sakahan?Sa patuloy na paglubog at pagsikat ng araw sa Tarlac, itinataguyod ng mga magsasaka, gaya ng mga nasa Bamban at Capas, ang laman-tiyan at seguridad sa pagkain ng mga Pilipino. Ngunit sa isang iglap, ang mga bukirin na kanilang sinasaka at mga lupa na tinitirhan ay maaaring mawala sa pagdating ng tinataguriang modernisasyon---ang mga data centers. Ang mga data centers ay bahagi ng proyektong Pax Silica na siyang sagot ng Pilipinas sa pagpapaunlad ng teknolohiya dito sa bansa. Ito ay isang internasyunal at pang-ekonomiyang alyansa na pinamumunuan ng Estados Unidos upang patatagin ang kadena ng suplay ng mga semikonduktor, artificial intelligence o AI, at mga kritikal na mineral, ayon sa Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). Ang proyektong ito ay itatayo sa malaking parte ng lupain ng Capas, Tarlac at umaabot din ito hanggang sa mga bahagi ng Bamban, Tarlac na mayroong 1,620 kabuouang ektarya. Layunin nitong bumuo ng makabagong teknolohiya tulad ng AI upang maging mabilis ang paglalahad ng mga impormasyon gamit ang mga dambuhalang na di- umano ay kompyuter ay humihigop at lumalamon ng ng 120 milyon hanggang sa 130 milyong litro ng tubig kada araw at talong milyong kilowatts ng kuryente sa Luzon. Sa proyektong ito na may layuning “mapalago” ang konomiya ng bansa at makasabay sa pandaigdigang modernisasyon ay natatapakan naman ang mga magsasaka sa Bamban, at Capas,Mantakin ang laki ng tubig at enerhiya na gagamitin nito sa pagpapalamig ng milyon-milyong kompyuter na sa halip sana ay gamitin nang wasto para sa pagpapaunlad ng agrikultura. Sa ngayon ay parang napakalayo na mangyari ito sa ating lalawigan. Ngunit ang unti-unti na pamimili ng mga tagataguyod ng Pax Silica ng mga lupain sa Iloilo, isang maliit na probinsiya sa Bisaya, ay isang pagbabadya para sa atin. Kung mangyari ito sa Marinduque ay maraming magsasaka ang lalong maghihirap. Mababawasan ang produksiyon ng mga produkto tulad ng mais, bigas at iba pang yamang-lupa. Maraming ding pamilya ang ang maaapektuhan. Patunay ito na ang labis na mapapasama ang kalagayan ay ang mga dukhang nangangarap ng matiwasay na buhay. Base sa pinakahuling talaan ng listahan 3 ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), mayroong higit 11,628 na mahihirap na komunidad ng mga magsasaka. Kung sa ngalan ng modernisasyon ay mawala nang tuluyan ang mga magsasakang patuloy na lumalaban para sa kanilang lupain ay wala nang ang mga magsasakang patuloy na lumalaban para sa kanilang lupain ay wala nang magmamanang pagtatanim ng ating pagkain at maging ang pagsasaka bilang hanapbuhay sa bansa ay baka tuluyan nang mamatay. Dahil sa huli, tanging bunga lamang ng dugo’t pawis ng mga magsasaka ang ating kakainin—hindi ang mga mikrotsip na naglalahad ng mga impormasyon na maaari namang makalap sa mga aklat gamit ang sariling isip ng tao.Photo courtesy of Via VillarinInalok ng BCDA ang mga magsasaka ng ₱300,000 kapalit ng bawat ektarya ng lupa ngunit para sa kanila hindi sapat ang pera para ipagpalit ang upaing tumataguyod sa lkanilang pamumuhay nang lmahabang panahon na. augnay nito, may bahid ng kalungkutan na sinabi ni Pacita Julian, asawa ng magsasaka, “Ayaw ko sanang pabayad ’yung k’wan (ektarya ng lupa) dahil doon lang kami nabubuhay.” Maliban sa lupain, ari-arian at kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka, nakataya rin dito ang kanilang dignidad. Maging ang kinabukasan ng mga susunod na henerasyon ng magsasaka ay ipinagdaramot ng proyektong Pax Silica. ni Deamie Villaruel “Saan po kami dadalhin tulad po ng kabuhayan namin?” Pax SilicaPax SilicaPax Silica

ALIN ANG SCHOOL TERM NA PIPILIIN MO?”Sa loob ng maraming dekada, ang haba ng bawat school year ay nahahati sa apat na grading periods o ang tinatawag na quarters system. Pero sa pagbubukas ng school year 2026-2027, opisyal nang napalitan ang dating four-quarter system ng three-term calendar sa pamamagitan ng DepEd Order (DO) No. 009, series of 2026 na kamakailan ay nilagdaan ng Kalihim ng Edukasyon G. Sonny Angara Sa ilalim ng DO no. 009, s. 2026, ang buong taon ng pag-aaral ay hinati sa 201 araw, na nagsimula ng ika-8 ng Hunyo, 2026 at magtatapos sa ika-8 ng Abril, 2027. .“Mas gusto ko po ang three- term calendar dahil mas mahaba ang oras para matutuhan ang mga aralin.”Abril 8. Itinakda naman ng DO ang bakasyon mula Disyembre 19 hanggang Enero 3 para sa Kapaskuhan at mula Abril 9 hanggang Mayo 9 naman para sa Tag- init. Sa isang panayam, sinabi ni Ahya Flores, isang mag-aaral na nasa ika- walong baitang, na mas gusto niya ang three-term calendar kesa sa four grading periods. “Mas gusto ko po ang three-term calendar dahil mas mahaba ang oras para matutuhan ang mga aralin.” Dagdag pa niya, mas may oras.The new three-term curriculum seems to be overloading students with excessive tasks and extra-curricular demands that may cause severe stress and burnout and, in turn, lead to late submissions, skipped meals, and a loss of interest in hobbies. As a student, I believe that schools must assign a reasonable number of task and extra-curricular activities to students. This balanced approach can help students manage their time effectively and maintain a healthy and balanced schedule, especially with the new three-term curriculum. This suggests that a balanced schedule allows us to build life skills, pursue hobbies, and spend time with friends. Learning time management and social skills are just as important as grades and can be used in everyday life. Some might say that more activities can build resilience and look good on resumes. This can have a beneficial result, however, this can cause some students to experience severe mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to academic burnout and a decline in overall health, hurting both mental health and grades. Excessive activities can be stressing for students, but this can be solved if schools and parents worked together to create a balance workload. We can also help by giving the right amount of work and time for rest, hobbies, and friends, which can ensure that students have a room to breathe while having time to do their activities.Gaya nina Ahya at Deneth, pabor si Ma’am MJ, isang guro mula sa Tabionan, sa three-term calendar. Para sa kanya, may sapat naman na oras para maturuan ang kanyang mga estudyante. Ngunit may hinaing din siya, gaya ni Deneth: “Walang available na resources sa pagtuturo”. Para kay Ma’am MJ hindi madaling makahanap ng resources sa pagtuturo. Kailangan pa niyang gugulin ang kanyang oras para gumawa nito.999FEATUREFEATUREFEATURETHE CORNERSTONEAPAT o TATLO:Hindi biro ang pagkakaroon ng panibagong sistema sa edukasyon. Maraming mag-aaral ang nahihirapan na makibagay. Mayroon naman na mga nalilito. Bawat isa ay may kanya-kanyang saloobin at opinyon tungkol sa three- term system at four grading periods ngunit alinman dito ang sinusunod ng ating paaralan, nanatiling isa lang ang ating pangarap at layunin -- ang makapag-tapos ng pag-aaral “Kung ikaw ang papapiliin, apat o tatlo?” ni Aliah Czyrine Marie L. Sapuntosiyang makapag-isip at pag-aralan ang aralin bago ang pagsusulit. Sa kabilang banda naman, nagugustuhan man ng na nasa ika- walong baitang na mag-aaral na si Deneth Palomares ang three-term calendar, may hinaing naman siya dito. Sabi niya, “kulang ang oras para makapagpahinga dahil sa mga schoolwork. Mahalaga rin ang sapat na pahinga para makapag-focus sa pag-aaral”. Para sa kanya mahalaga ang kalusugan ng isang estudyante para makapag-aral nang maayos.Ayon sa isang artikulo sa Philippine News Agency, ang unang termino (first term) ay may 54 na araw ng pagtuturo at 10 araw na pagsusulit, kasama na ang limang araw ng opening block. Ito ay mula Hunyo 8 hanggang Setyembre 15. Ang pangalawang termino naman ay may 55 araw na klase at 10 araw na pagsusulit. Mula naman Setyembre 16 hanggang Disyembre 18 ang pangalawang termino. Samantala, ang pangatlong termino ay may 61 na ng pagpasok at mas maikling araw ng pagsusulit sa loob ng anim na araw. Tumatagal ang terminong ito mula Enero 4 hanggang“Kulang ang oras para makapagpahinga dahil sa mga schoolwork. Mahalaga rin ang sapat na pahinga para makapag-focus sa pag-aaral”. NO STUDENT SHOULD BE OVERWHELMED BY TASKS ni Katrina Isabelle Lineses

SANIB-PWERSA PARA SA AGRIKULTURA:SANIB-PWERSA PARA SA AGRIKULTURA: Teknolohiya at KalikasanTeknolohiya at Kalikasan SANIB-PWERSA PARA SA AGRIKULTURA: Teknolohiya at Kalikasanni Irish Gee-Ann S. Acuzar101010SCI-TECHSCI-TECHSCI-TECHTHE CORNERSTONESa bawat gulay, prutas at butil ng palay na napupunta sa hapag, nakasalalay hindi lamang ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka kundi pati ang seguridad sa pagkain ng buong bansa. Ngunit habang humaharap ang agrikultura sa pabago-bagong klima; pagdami ng peste; pagkasira ng lupa; kakulangan sa tubig; at iba pang hamon, isang bagong katuwang ang unti-unting humuhubog sa bukid—ang agham at teknolohiya.Nakabuo ng makabagong teknolohiya at mga pamamaraan ang mga syentista upang mapabuti at mapatibay ang produktibidad ng mga pananim. Sa paggamit ng mga bioteknolohiya at pag-eenginiryo ng gene, nakakalikha ng mga matitibayna pananim o tinatawag na “super crops” na may kakayahang mabuha sa tagtuyot at paglaban sa mga peste nang hindi umaasa sa kemikal. Dahil dito, hindi lang ito nagpapalakas ng produksiyon pagdating sa agrikultura, kundi nagpapatibay sa kaligtasan ng mga pananim laban sa mga pagbabago ng klima habang nababawasan ang mga pinsala sa ating kalikasan. Isa sa pinakamabigat na hamon ng mga magsasaka ay ang pagbabago ng klima. Ang matinding init, tagtuyot, pabago-bagong pag-ulan, at malalakas na bagyo ay maaaring magdulot ng pinsala sa pananim at pagbaba ng ani. Kapag lumiit ang produksiyon, maaaring maapektuhan ang kita ng magsasaka at maging ang suplay at presyo ng pagkain. Dito nagiging mahalaga ang crop science at bio- technology. Sa pamamagitan ng makabagong pananaliksik at plantbreeding, maaaring makabuo o makapili ng mga uri ng pananim na may katangiang mas angkop sa partikular na kondisyon ng kapaligiran—kabilang ang mas mahusay na pagtitiis sa tagtuyot o resistensiya sa ilang peste at sakit. Gayunman, hindi nangangahulugang ang teknolohiya ay awtomatikong solusyon sa lahat ng suliranin sa agrikultura. Ang bawat bagong teknolohiya ay kailangang suriin batay sa siyentipikong ebidensiya, kaligtasan, epekto sa kapaligiran, pagiging angkop sa lokal na kondisyon, at kakayahan ng mga magsasakang gamitin ito. Sa pagharap sa hinaharap, hindi dapat ituring na magkalaban ang teknolohiya at kalikasan. Maaaring tulungan ng teknolohiya ang magsasaka na gumawa ng mas matalinong desisyon. Maaaringpalakasin ng agham ang resistensiya ng mga pananim. Maaaring makatulong ang makabagong sistema sa mas episyenteng paggamit ng tubig, lupa, at iba pang yaman. Ngunit may isang mahalagang kondisyon: dapat itong maging responsable, siyentipiko, naaangkop, at makakalikasan. Hindi sapat na maging makabago ang isang pamamaraan kung hindi naman ito abot-kaya o kapaki-pakinabang sa magsasaka. Hindi rin sapat na mataas ang ani kung kapalit naman nito ang pangmatagalang pagkasira ng lupa, tubig, at biodiversity. Kaya ang hinaharap ng agrikultura ay hindi dapat nakasalalay sa teknolohiya lamang.Sa kabuuan, ang paggamit ng teknolohiya ay nagpapalakas ng produksiyon at napapatibay ang kaligtasan ng mga pananim sa iba’t ibang dulot ng klima. Ang natural na pagsasaka naman ay mainam na nakakatulong upang mapigilan ang mga pinsala katulad ng pagkasira ng mga greenhouse gases. Sa pamamagitan ng dalawang pamamaraan, mainam na makakatulong at maitataguyod nito ang ating sektor ng agrikultura. Ito ang magsisilbing paraan upang masiguro ang kasaganaan ng ating ekonomiya gamit ang makabagong teknolohiya na katuwang at hindi kalaban ng ating kalikasan. Hindi sapat na maging makabago. Dapat ay ekolohikal din ang pag-unlad. Hindi kailangang maging magkalaban ang pag unlad at ang kalikasan kung magtutulungan ang mga tao sa pamamagitan ng matalinong paggamit ng natural na yaman at maingat na paglalapat ng agham. Ito ang magiging susi upang maprotektahan ang ating kapaligiran habang patuloy na pinapalago ang ating kabuhayan. Sa bukid ng kinabukasan, ang teknolohiya ay dapat maging katuwang ng kalikasan at ang kalikasan ang dapat manatiling pundasyon ng pag-unlad.sariling kakayahan ng kalikasan na magpanatili ng buhay.Dapat itong nakaugat sa pagsasanib ng kaalaman ng magsasaka, tuklas ng siyentista, kakayahan ng teknolohiya, atPhoto by inspired.pencil

Invisible Threat:Invisible Threat: When the Air WeWhen the Air We Breathe Harms UsBreathe Harms Us Invisible Threat: When the Air We Breathe Harms Us111111SCI-TECHSCI-TECHSCI-TECHTHE CORNERSTONEIt is a common belief that if the air appears clean, it must be safe. However, there are some harmful pollutants in the air so small that we cannot see them. This can make them a hidden danger to our life. One pollutant that scientists are keeping a close eye on is particulate matter, especially PM2.5, minute particles capable of reaching deep into our respiratory system. The quality of air depends on the amount and kind of gases and pollutants present in the air we breathe. Pollutants are harmful substances which are either released into the air or are produced as a result of chemical reactions. They can originate from such things as burning of fossil fuels or erupting of volcanoes and can affect us through various pathways. Obviously, such pollutants can cause serious health damage. Air quality may vary from one part of the day to another as a result of weather conditions, human activities, and the quantity of pollutants in the atmosphere. Pollutants which affect the air we breathe can be given off by traffic, factories, construction work, agricultural operations, and the burning of fossil fuels. Weather also has a significant role since wind can disperse the pollutants while air can keep them close to the ground. Ground-level ozone is also a significant pollutant since it is formed when various pollutants react in the sunlight. Breathing can become more difficult when there are high concentrations of these pollutants and the health risks may increase, particularly for children, older people, and those who already have respiratory disorders. The risks from air pollution may not always be obvious to us, it is still essential to carry out accurate monitoring and forecasting if communities are to be protected. By carrying out scientific research and improving the predictions of airquality, organizations such as The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) enable us to better understand the air we breathe and help us make informed decisions to protect our health. NOAA carries out researcH to give decision-makers the information they need for monitoring and improving air quality. Its research is concerned with understanding the processes that control particulate matter, including PM2.5, and improving the predictions of air quality. To measure the levels of pollutants and to detect changes in the atmosphere, scientists use air- quality monitoring stations and various other technologies. Such measurements enable the authorities to decide when the air quality has become unhealthy and when it is necessary for communities to take precautions. Moreover, by studying the air- quality data, researchers are able to improve their forecasts and gain an understanding of how pollution moves through different environments. Technology and scientific research has an important role to play in dealing with air pollution. As a result of accurate monitoring, it is possible for communities to detect invisible pollutants before they turn into a more serious threat. When we have better information we can make safer choices, and governments and organizations can draw up measures which reduce pollution at its source. Ongoing scientific research, precise monitoring, and responsible behavior on the part of communities can all contribute to improving air quality and creating a healthier environment for all. By then we can be sure that the air we breathe is good for us.Students exposed to poor air quality may experience coughing, headaches, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing. The Department of Health (DOH) states that children and teens are more vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster than adults. This means they inhale more pollutants relative to their body size. These symptoms make it hard for learners to focus during discussions and exams. Prolonged exposure can also worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. DOH lists respiratory diseases among the leading causes of illness among school-aged children in the Philippines. This leads to more absences. When students miss class or cannot participate fully, their learning is affected. Studies show that high levels of PM2.5 can reduce cognitive performance and memory. Sports and PE may also need to be adjusted when the Air Quality Index shows “unhealthy” levels, as reported by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).Journal of Political Economy, reveal that students sitting exams on days with high particulate matter spikes experience measurable drops in test scores. Young children face a disproportionate biological threat because their brains are still developing and they breathe at a faster metabolic rate relative to their body size. Teachers are equally vulnerable to toxic indoor micro-climates, mental sluggishness, executive fatigue, and

The national team achieved the breakthrough through a stellar combination of disciplined batting and clinical defensive execution at the ASPAC Secondary Stadium.The historic momentum carried by the underdog Filipino batters into a demanding Thursday doubleheader, while coach Jaki Bascarrisas squad ultimately bowed out of the tournament following a tough 2–1 loss to host Chinese Taipei and a 0–10 shutout against powerhouse Venezuela, finishing their maiden campaign with a 2–3 record. Still, the team proved they can leave a mark on the global stage.Team Philippines etched a monumental chapter in sports by capturing its first-ever victories at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan—flashing their might to trade-mark “Pinay power.” The World No. 8 Philippines staged a dramatic bounce-back from an initial loss to defending champions Japan by dismantling World No. 7 Cuba with a stunning 6–0 shutout. Refusing to lift their feet off the gas, the debutante national squad kept the momentum blazing just August 27, 2026, unloading an early offensive barrage to dismantle Great Britain, 6–2, and proudly hold an impressive 2–1 win-loss record in the tournament. .121212SPORTSSPORTSSPORTSTHE CORNERSTONETeam PH Grabs First-Ever Women’s Baseball WorldTeam PH Grabs First-Ever Women’s Baseball World Cup WinsCup Wins Team PH Grabs First-Ever Women’s Baseball World Cup WinsTUTOK SA STAR ATHLETES NG MIDWESTMatinding Paghahanda sa Intrams ni Mallerck Claire Soberano Inilabas ng mga atletang mag-aaral ng Marinduque Midwest College ang buo nilang husay at matinding determinasyon sa ginanap na pagsasanay noong Agosto 22, 2026 bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na District Intramurals na nakatakda sa Setyembre 10-12. Pinangunahan ng mga opisyal at tagapagsanay ng Intrams Committee ang serye ng mga conditioning drills at iba pang palarong pagsasanay upang itaas ang antas ng kahandaan ng bawat koponan. "Hindi lamang medalya at kampeonato ang layunin ng Intrams. Higit sa lahat, inaasahang maging daan ito upang mapalakas ang pagkakaisa at sportsmanship ng bawat estudyante," wika ni Elebron John Palomares, isang mag-aaral mula sa Grade 7-Pearl. Nagtipon-tipon din ng araw na iyon ang iba't-ibang baitang upang bumoto ng opisyal na mamumuno sa mga gawain at palaro sa nalalapit na Intrams. Bago pa man ang pagsasanay na ito, nagpamalas na rin ang mga atletang basketbolista ng kaniilang gilas sa tryouts noong Huwebes, Agosto 13, mula 4:30 pm hanggang 5:30 pm sa Brgy. Dili Covered Court. by Ariana FerangcoKilala ang Marinduque Midwest College sa galing at talento ng mga mag-aaral nito sa larangang akademiko at kultural. Pero alam ba ninyo na may ibubuga rin ang school pagdating sa palakasan? Isa si Filicity Nacawili, kasalukuyang nasa ika-12 baitang, sa mga tinaguriang star athletes ng Midwest. Spiker siya sa volleyball at naging miyembro ng Gasan Team na nagwagi ng kampeonato sa ginanap na Palarong Panlalawigan Volleyball Championship 2025. Ito ang naging daan para makasama sa MIMAROPA Atletic Association (MRAA) Games na ginanap sa Oriental Mindoro.Unang sumabak si Charles Damayan sa larong badminton noong 2022. Tuluy-tuloy ang panalo niya hanggang 2025 kung kailan dalawang beses siyang na nalo ng gintong medalya. Ngayong 2026, lakas ng loob at determinasyong manalo ang kanyang bitbit para sa Palarong Panlalawigan.Gaya nina Filicity at Charles, may mga naibulsa na ring mga medalya si Mark. Nagsimula si Mark ng 2023 bilang gold medalist sa Gasan District Meet. Sa darating na Gasan District Meet ng Setyembre 2026, sasabak ulit siya at inaasahang may masungkit ulit na medalya. ni Gian Carlo Venzon