The Electron

28/07/2025

MARCOS LAYS OUT VISION IN SONA 2025
By Miguel Austria

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday at the Batasang Pambansa.

The President acknowledged the achievements of his administration and outlined plans for the second half of his six-year term.

Marcos mentioned the economic discontent of the Filipino people, expressing frustration with government services and the exclusion of the poor from economic growth.

"Ang lahat ng ito ay palamuti lamang kung ang ating mga kababayan ay hirap pa rin,” emphasized Marcos.

Aligned with this, Marcos encouraged the local government units (LGUs) to enroll people in the 4Ps program and other Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) initiatives to help them.

Marcos also mentioned the country’s evident flood control crisis and confronted the rampant graft in flood control and construction projects, then assuring the people that new evacuation centers will be built across the nation.

"Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa pagbaha! Mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa ninyo, na binulsa niyo lang ang pera," he said.

He stated what his leadership has done, starting with the ₱20/kg rice goal, stating that the Philippines has proven it can be accomplished without farmers incurring a loss of profit due to traders taking advantage.

"Hahabulin namin kayo [traders]... Ang trato namin sa inyong ginagawa ay tinuturing naming economic sabotage," said Marcos, threatening rice hoarders who manipulate rice price and deceive farmers.

Marcos mentioned that he strengthened healthcare by implementing Zero-Balance Billing in public hospitals and securing a P1.7 B cancer assistance fund to provide free dialysis among Department of Health (DOH) facilities.

Despite this, Marcos stressed that problems with the high costs, limited facilities, and doctor shortages in rural healthcare areas still exist.

Talking about education, he highlighted the benefits of both teachers and students under the newly launched Yaman ng Kalusugan Program Para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) Caravan, which include free medical check-ups, free lab tests, and free medicine.
Marcos claimed that there is an education crisis, as evidenced by low literacy rates, high dropout rates, and classroom shortages.

To solve this, he hopes to add 40,000 classrooms before the end of his administration with the help of the private sector.

He also announced that he will allocate ₱16 billion for free education in public colleges and that he plans to incorporate Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) education and training into senior high school curricula, enabling students to assess better which programs to pursue in college.

Marcos’ SONA lasted for one hour and 11 minutes.

27/07/2025

SINK OR SWIM
By Thien Than Mangubat

Filipinos are drowning in the flood of corruption, and yet the people have learned nothing, done nothing, and improved nothing.

Over the recent years, the Philippines has been a victim of hundreds of weather-related disasters. As a matter of fact, during this week alone, the recent disruptions caused by Typhoon Dante have affected an estimated 4.6 million people, with local government units (LGUs) receiving an uproar of criticisms from the public for their late, unorganized suspension announcements, and funds allocated for these flood control programs have shown nowhere near effectiveness. Evidence of improvement is lacking, funds continue to rise each year proportionally to casualties, and the government, despite its reported accomplishments and promises, is found to be nowhere near taking these matters seriously at all.

To prove this, despite flood control programs being implemented every year, the recent effects caused by the typhoon are estimated to cost about P24.48 million for the repair of national bridges, garnering a total of P483.69 million worth of damage to national roads. These all stemmed from poor and unfinished flood control systems, which immediately miss the whole purpose of the allocation of funds.

Following this, the P244.7 B budget for these projects was audited to be even higher in comparison to budgets allocated for healthcare, transportation, and environment, yet Filipinos continue to struggle even more with the modernization of drainage areas. To add to this, only a small fraction of the funds collected over the past years included the minimization of solid waste waterways, completely underestimating the impact it may have during floods and other disasters.

Permit challenges, right-of-way issues, and underfunded foreign-assisted schemes are reasons by the government for the delay of these projects. However, these reasons are not even near justifying the ₱1.9 trillion spent since 2011, hinting at a participation of corruption. At best, their efforts have shown to be ineffective, as proven by the recurring flooding, fatalities, and community devastation. Without genuine accountability, transparency, and long-term planning from the beginning, promises of change become hollow.

Let this be a reminder to the Filipino government that resilience is not a flood control plan. People need protection, but instead are drowning in the pool of corruption. The government must deal with this problem more seriously before Filipinos are caught once again in the cycle of learning nothing, doing nothing, and improving nothing – left to sink or swim.

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21/07/2025

All good things must come to an end, just as we must close our screening applications.

Due to the unexpected number of students who have expressed their interest in joining the publication, we will now be officially closing our applications for this academic year. This is to ensure that we will be able to efficiently and promptly facilitate this round of screening.

For those who have messaged our page, kindly check if you have received messages regarding the screening process.

Thank you for your interest in joining The Electron! We look forward to your participation in our future specials and in VERIS, our annual local press conference.

🖋️ | Sophia Braganza
🎨 | Dana Llenos, Jillian Sarmiento

21/07/2025

LAST CALL! The Electron is opening its doors one final time for this school year!

For those interested in joining the publication but didn't make it in time for the screening, this is your final sign from the universe!

Send a message to our page for more details. We will only be entertaining messages until TOMORROW (July 22) at 12 NOON.

Don't miss your chance, future campus journalist!

🖋️ | Sophia Braganza, Dain Dela Cruz
🎨 | Thea Comines, Angela Alcantara

19/07/2025

QCSHS Batch 2000 invites the Scientian community to the block screening of Fantastic Four on August 1, 7PM at Fishermall VIP Cinema Parkway.

Don’t miss out on this FUNtastic chance to enjoy a FANTASTIC movie and help make the homecoming a success!

Join us for a block screening of Fantastic Four on August 1, 7PM at Fishermall VIP Cinema Parkway!

Proceeds will help fund this year’s Quesci Grand Alumni Homecoming in September. Tickets are sold for P1,000, inclusive of popcorn and a drink.

You may send your payments via GCash of Mr. Myk Durana from Batch 2000 at 09266738559. Please indicate in the Message that the payment is for the movie. 😊

Don’t miss out on this FUNtastic chance to enjoy a FANTASTIC movie and help make the homecoming a success!

16/07/2025

QCSHS HOLDS ORBIT 2025
By Alexa Haznelle Bilo
Photos by Sophia Braganza, Dain Dela Cruz

Scientians enter a new orbit.

Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) held its annual club recruitment, “ORBIT 2025”, on July 15 and 16 at the QCSHS Dome.

The two-day event was organized by the QCSHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) with the academic and faith & advocacy sectors featured on the first day, followed by the sports and analysis & discourse sectors on the second day.

Coordinating Council of Campus Co-Curricular Organizations (4Cs) Head Hannah Lualhati shared the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of hosting the event.

“This year's ORBIT has been a hassle to host because of numerous requirements and documents. But all was worth the effort,” stated Lualhati.

Students visited during their scheduled breaks to explore colorful and interactive club booths and learn more about various clubs they could join.

Grade 12 student Jesse Follosco expressed her appreciation for the event’s impact on their interests and involvement when asked about her experience.

“ORBIT has sparked a feeling of advocacy and newfound interests in various fields I haven't previously considered,” said Follosco.

Club presidents and representatives also acknowledged the smooth flow and organization of the event due to the significant contribution of the SSLG-CGL.

“With their organized planning and clear instructions, every Scientian was surely able to enjoy Day 1, joining a club they love hassle-free,” said English Club President Zoe Nascasas.

15/07/2025

ICYMI | ORBIT 2025

Students visit the club registration booths for the first day of ORBIT 2025 at the QCSHS Dome today, July 15.

Caption | Sophia Braganza
Photo | Sheika Arami

14/07/2025

QCSHS SPTA ‘24-’25 DONATES SCHOOL SERVICE VEHICLE
by Sophia Braganza and Mia Agustin
Photos by Mia Agustin

The Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) turned over their school service vehicle project at the QCSHS grounds today, July 14.

Due to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) strict measures against solicitation, SPTA President Jeanly Soriano stated that it was a challenge to amass funds for the vehicle.

“Dating pangarap ko ito noong una akong pumasok sa QCSHS; na [magkaroon] ng school service,” said Soriano.

Soriano shared that it took four months of back-and-forth discussions with Education Affairs Unit Officer-in-Charge Maricris Veloso before they could get in touch with Mayor Belmonte; for which, she thanked Veloso and the past and current SPTA officers for their hard work throughout the trials.

“It was a combined effort of the Office of the Mayor, parents of alumni like Dr. Amy Lacsa, the current parents for supporting the SPTA activities for this project, and the District 1 councilors,” noted Soriano.

“This project serves as an inspiration for the Quezon City Local Government Unit to better serve its other public schools. It really is more a project of the school rather than [a project of] Quezon City,” said Veloso.

Veloso relayed that helping in this school service project is one of the many ways Mayor Joy Belmonte plans to improve the school’s facilities stemming from ’s desire to “bring back the glory of QCSHS”.

School Principal Dr. George Martin expressed that this donation will primarily serve QCSHS students.

“Rest assured, this project will be maintained for it to serve its purpose: to benefit Scientians,” said Martin.

The school service was turned over through its blessing facilitated by Rev. Fr. Julius Callanga, followed by a program hosted by Sir Jeric Pascual.

09/07/2025

09/07/2025

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗧𝗘𝗣 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆

The E-Waste Project or TEP, now celebrating its 13th year of advocacy, has consistently taken initiative and raised awareness on the proper disposal and management of e-waste. This July 2025, mark your calendars for the first-ever TEP Month, a month-long series of events designed to amplify our advocacy and make a bigger impact than ever before.

The month starts with TEP Caravan, an information session held in FEU Institute of Technology on July 9 and TEPTalk, a webinar live on Zoom and via TEP’s page on July 14, both of which are educational sessions designed to equip attendees with a deeper understanding of the e-waste crisis and how they can be part of the solution. And as always, action is just as important as awareness. This year’s Collection Drive will run for two weeks, from July 10 to July 12 and July 17 to July 19, at the Engineering Lawn in UP Diliman. Donors can drop off items such as old phones, small appliances, batteries, and even CDs. For those who can’t make it, 24/7 drop-off points are also available at the EEEI Building, CS Library, and Molave Residence Hall. It’s a convenient way to ensure your unused electronics are put to better use, rather than ending up in a landfill.

To culminate the month, TEP will be holding ESCON 2025, the Electronics Sustainability Convention, this July 26 at UP Diliman. This highly anticipated event will feature a roundtable discussion, digital art competition, speaker talks, and a case presentation competition that brings together innovators, advocates, and changemakers to share ideas and solutions for the e-waste crisis.

Every small sTEP counts — Para sa Bayan, Para sa Mundo.

For more details of the events follow The E-Waste Project’s official page at facebook.com/theewasteproject for the latest updates.

04/07/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦, 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦!

The wait is finally over. You are no longer applicants aspiring to become campus journalists, for your journey with The Electron has already begun! Your passion has brought you here, and perseverance will take you to greater heights as campus journalists.

Kindly check your emails tonight for details to proceed with your membership.

To more words with you!

🎨 | Jillian Sarmiento, Sophia Braganza

26/06/2025

BROADCAST | UNANG HIRIT VISITS QCSHS CAMPUS

Unang Hirit visits Quezon City Science High School (QCSHS) with celebrity hosts Josh Ford, Mad Ramos, and Cheska Fausto for Unang Hirit: Schoolmates segment today.

💻 | Jamila Perez
🖋️| Marcus Lugod, Jamila Perez
🎥 | Mikyla España, Jela Flores, Jamila Perez, Marcus Lugod