Science Month 2025: Building a Better Future Together

   This year's National Science Month is all about "Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through

Science and Innovation." It means using science to make our lives better and solve the problems we face. 

Science isn't just for scientists in labs; it's for everyone. During Science Month, we'll see fun activities like quiz bees, amazing robots, and creative posters and slogans that show how cool science can be.

In the coming years, science will play an even bigger role in our lives. New ideas in areas like computers that think (AI), medicine that uses our bodies (biotechnology), clean energy, and tiny machines will change how we live, work, and take care of our planet. AI can help businesses do things faster, but we need to make sure it doesn't take away jobs. Biotechnology can help us fight diseases, but we need to think about who gets access to these new treatments.

    To make the most of science, we need to help everyone understand it. That means teaching science in schools, talking about science in our communities, and making sure scientists, leaders, and regular people can talk to each other. When we all understand science better, we can make sure it's used in ways that are good for everyone. We also need to make sure that everyone has a chance to be part of science, no matter who they are.

In the end, our future depends on how well we use science to explore new things. By being curious,

working together, and using science responsibly, we can build a future where science helps us solve problems, stay healthy, and create a world that is fair and sustainable for all. Science Month is a great time to celebrate all the amazing things that science can do!

References:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid022aq1edYpmJxrvEfduEekBN8AYcCuFUC6YvvzWCq4jbiYFFvab55CEuWPqz7YpAPgl&id=100057594732052

https://www.dice.com/career-advice/biotechnology-industry-desperately-needs-technologists-data-experts

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid024o3M4ZcEfuvmf8tM3wGmS7BwL6X2qFYZU9zfMXfJV4cRoAGLKk6B5kvwjQZJ8Rcpl&id=61577851770490

The Philippines: Facing Climate Change with Strength

  

The Philippines, a nation of beautiful islands, is facing significant challenges because of climate change. These changes in the environment are affecting the lives and homes of many Filipinos. Our location in the world, how much we depend on nature, and the way our society works all make us open to these problems. Understanding these reasons helps us see why our environment is changing and how it's impacting people.

One of the biggest issues is the number of strong typhoons that hit our country. The Philippines is right in the path of these storms, experiencing about 20 every year. These typhoons bring heavy rains, strong

winds, and big waves, which cause floods, landslides, and damage to buildings and roads. Scientists say that climate change is making these typhoons even stronger and happen more often. This is especially hard for people living near the coast and in low areas, where they are always at risk.

   

    Another major problem is the loss of our forests. Over time, many forests have been cut down for logging, mining, and to create farms. When we lose forests, there are fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, a gas that warms the planet. Also, without trees to hold the soil in place, we have a higher risk of soil erosion, landslides, and floods. These forests are also important for indigenous communities, who rely on them for food, medicine, and their way of life.

    In addition, the growth of our cities and industries has led to pollution and unsustainable use of our resources. As more people live in cities and more factories operate, our air and water become more polluted. Trash is often not handled well, and there aren't enough clean water systems. In farming, too many chemicals can harm the land and water. Our oceans are also suffering, with destructive fishing methods reducing the number of fish and damaging coral reefs. These practices threaten the income and food of many families who live by the coast.

    Despite these serious challenges, Filipinos are showing their strength and ability to recover. Communities have developed traditional ways to deal with disasters, like building strong houses and

planting trees to protect the soil. Many also use sustainable farming methods passed down through their families. The government is also working to fight climate change and protect our environment by investing in clean energy, promoting responsible land use, and improving how we prepare for disasters.

      By understanding these problems and working together, we can build a stronger and more sustainable future for all Filipinos.

Resources:

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/03/with-global-warming-of-just-1-2c-why-has-the-weather-gotten-so-extreme/

https://fulcrum.sg/reclaiming-the-resilient-filipino-from-romanticised-climate-narratives-towards-resilience-focused-climate-policy-in-the-philippines/

https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/climber-defining-strategies-to-increase-filipino-farmers-climate-resilience/

Intramurals: Sunshine, Showers, and School Spirit

    Okay, so Intramurals, right? It's like the one time of year everyone in school gets to go a little crazy, show off their team pride, and (try to) be athletic. This year's two-day event was no exception, but it definitely had its own unique flavor, thanks to the weather.

    Day one actually started off pretty awesome. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the opening ceremonies were in full swing. We had the parade, with all the teams showing off their banners and costumes. Then came the racing of flags – seriously, who knew that could be so intense? And of course, there was the Ms. and Mr. Intramurals competition, which is always good for a few laughs and some serious talent.

    I was even supposed to be part of the badminton team, but here's where things got a little complicated. I had a class I couldn't miss, so I made the tough call to go to school instead of playing. Yeah, I know, bad teammate move. Ended up getting disqualified, but hey, priorities, right?

    Anyway, by the afternoon, the weather decided to rain, rain, and more rain. But honestly, it didn't kill the vibe.

   I spent most of the afternoon in the gym, watching the basketball games. My classmate, Joseph, was playing, so I had to be there to cheer them on. And let me tell you, it was way more exciting than sitting in a classroom.

    Day two was pretty much the same: sunshine in the morning, followed by an afternoon downpour. But rain or shine, the spirit of Intramurals was alive and well. Even though I missed out on badminton, and even though the weather wasn't always on our side, it was still a blast. It's all about coming together as a school, having some fun, and making memories that will last way longer than the bruises from those "friendly" games.

Sources:

1st and 2nd picture: Captured by me

3rd picture: From John Joseph Dasalla