Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) Senior High School (SHS) Department expanded its horizons this year as it launched the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand starting S.Y. 2023-2024.
The decision to incorporate the HUMSS strand under the academic track aside from the two existing ones comprised of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strands HSCI’s curriculum is driven by a commitment to delivering a well-rounded education.
The strand is designed to focus on developing learners’ critical thinking and analysis skills, communication, and understanding of social, cultural, and political issues and aims to prepare learners for careers in fields such as education, law, journalism, social work, and politics.
The HUMSS strand offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing various subjects including specialized subjects aligned with the school’s standard education.
The institution believes that the HUMSS strand’s implementation will equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to positively contribute to society.
In addition, fortifying the SHS department’s offering will allow learners to choose a path that is aligned with their interests and talents.
It underscores the institution’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education that equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to excel not only in their tertiary education, but to the world of employment.
Two investiture ceremonies were held for both Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) and Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) members of the Elementary and Junior High School levels of Hua Siong College of Iloilo at the Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium, Ledesco Campus last November 10, 2023.
LAGING HANDA. Boy Scouts of Hua Siong College of Iloilo Elementary and Junior High School levels were all in attention as they executed the scout salute during the investiture ceremony held last November 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of PDSS
The GSP Investiture was conducted in the morning and was attended by the Star, Junior, and Senior Scouts who recited the Girl Scout Promise and Law with the pinning and march to end the program.
The ceremony was led by Mrs. Nida Moreno and Ms. Chelle Denise Huyaban, guided by the GSP members, Mrs. Helen Deguma, council board member, Commissioner on Training, Ms. Irrah Davacol, council board member, Young Representative, and Mrs. Gudelia V. Coo, council board member and Vice President for International Affairs.
Moreover, the BSP Investiture followed in the afternoon, where the Kab, Boy, and Senior Scouts recited the pledges and principles of scouting.
The BSP ceremony was spearheaded by Mr. Jaycee Dela Mar, BSP coordinator of the Ledesco Campus, and Ms. Kimberly Cabangon, BSP coordinator of the Main Campus, guided by BSP member, Mr. Jolly A. Cabangon, council board member.
“It is heartwarming to see the Girl Scouts getting invested and welcomed to the sisterhood of scouting, ready to take on leadership roles inside and outside the school. One of our school’s goals for providing quality education for our learners, is to not just excel in academics but to produce empowered young women in service of the school and the community. We hope that our girls will engrave their promise in their hearts and be the change the world needs,” Mrs. Moreno said.
Subsequently, the scouts gathered in the Ledesco Campus for an overnight camp where they participated in various team-building activities.
Hua Siong College of Iloilo hopes that the Red Phoenixes will be of service to the community as official members of the GSP and BSP associations.
Dubbed as the Strands Summit, the Senior High School (SHS) learners from both Main and Ledesco campuses participated in the SHS Days, showcasing their skills in various contests and highlighted their own interest last October 12-13 at Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium, Ledesco Campus.
TERROR TO TRIUMPH. Nailing first place, AJ Joshua Lema (center), displays his outstanding impersonation skills as he does an impression of the horrifying antagonist, Pennywise, in the movie “It.” Photo courtesy of Cliff Jester Nobleza
Mrs. Janet J. Escubio, principal of the English Department, expressed her gratitude to the senior phoenixes for being able to find time in order to both prepare and stage the many activities in her opening remarks while the school’s academic director, Dr. Jose Barcelona, formally declared the program open.
“I was very excited about the Strands Summit, especially the Lip Synch competition since it was one of the categories I participated in. I had a lot of fun performing on stage and giving my all,” said Juliann Patrona, a Grade 11 Ledesco learner who represented his curriculum in multiple events.
Senior phoenixes were able to show in full display their talents, wits, and expertise in different fields and gave their best in their chosen competition,whether it was their knowledge in different subjects in the Battle of the Brains, their acting abilities in the Lip Synchronization and Character Impersonation, or their teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship in the Mobile Legends tournament.
“My experience during the Strands Summit indeed made me hopeful for future school activities and events. I’m really hoping that the school will have more activities that will encourage learners to exhibit their talents,” said Steah Anne Tolosa, a Grade 11 Main Campus learner.
Other events that learners were able to take part in and exhibit their skills included the Promotional Video-Making, also known as the “Stories of Excellence” and a Career Fair, which became a platform for learners to display their grasp and understanding of their academic strand and their artistic creativity, and the Dance Mob, where the energy, flexibility, and coordination of each learner was tested as they danced to the tune of their selected artist in their own choreographed steps.
Last September 26, 2023, the event titled, “Through the Lens: AstroCamp” was held in Hua Siong Ledesco Campus spearheaded by the teachers from Main and Ledesco campuses and attended by the Phoenix Graders. AstroCamp is an annual gathering of Science enthusiasts which allows learners to know more about the universe, space, and different scientific topics.
REACH FOR THE STARS. Phoenix Graders embark on a starry adventure and ignite their passion about outer space during the Astricamp held in HSCI Ledesco Campus. Photo courtesy of PDSS
Dr. Larry Buban, a faculty of West Visayas State University, shared his knowledge about the universe and its different elements. He also taught learners about the constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies.
One of the biggest features of the event was the time where learners used a telescope to see the moon and stars up close offering an exciting and unique experience for the learners.
The camp also featured various Math and Science-related activities, including games, and contests.
These games include the String Labyrinth and the well-known Melt-the-Ice competition facilitated by Dr. Buban’s team. The activities were designed to make learning fun and interactive, and the learners could apply the concepts during the sessions.
Overall, the AstroCamp was a great and successful learning experience for the learners as this allowed them to learn about Science, Technology, Mathematics, and the outer space in a fun and interactive way.
It was a great opportunity for young minds to tap into their curiosity and learn about the fascinating world around them. The organizers were successful in creating awareness among the students about the importance of science and technology in our daily lives.
The American Dream is becoming more realizable for Beatrice Maureen Sanagustin, a Grade 12 learner of Hua Siong College of Iloilo Main Campus as she attended the boot camp of the College Prep Program in Baguio last August 21–26, 2023, being one of only 15 qualifiers out of 350 aspiring participants in the Philippines.
Every year, only a limited number of qualified participants are chosen to be part of the Fulbright Program. During this year’s U.S. Embassy College Prep Program, organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and EducationUSA, only four qualified candidates came from Western Visayas, one of which was Sanagustin.
The boot camp took place at the exclusive U.S. Embassy residence in Camp John Hay in Baguio City, where they got to spend a week in a residence full of history, attend classes in one of the rooms where Fernando Amorsolo’s painting is hung, and eat at the dining hall tables where Yamashita is said to have signed his surrender.
The program consisted of engaging in intensive one-on-one mentorship sessions, delving into crucial aspects of refining one’s school list of achievements, and honing one’s writing and communication skills through workshops. Beyond the academic aspect, they also took part in an enriching cultural exchange, had karaoke nights, made smores, and even studied until midnight.
“Overall, the program equipped me with the tools to navigate the college admissions landscape effectively and fostered a sense of community and cultural appreciation,” she expressed
regarding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Sanagustin shared .
Moreover, for Sanagustin to be qualified for the Fulbright Program, she had to undergo the application process, which, according to her, was definitely challenging but also honed her ability to articulate her unique story. Subsequently, she was chosen as one of the applicants, and a week later, she received the news of being one of the mentees last April.
“This news filled me with excitement and elation. This unexpected recognition serves as a profound affirmation of my efforts, and I am overjoyed to be part of a prestigious mentoring program. This has equipped me with a lot of opportunities and resources as I journey towards reaching my American Dream,” she added
Through qualifying for the program, she received extensive advice and resources, including an in-person summer application boot camp, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT) preparation, and guidance on applying for U.S. college programs and scholarships.
Indeed, Hua Siong cultivates its learners to go beyond and magnify excellence. This has also proven that through passion and grit, dreams are made possible.
The Junior and Senior High School Science and Math Departments spearheaded the MathScilympics 2023 held last September 8, 2023, held at the Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium, Hua Siong College of Iloilo Ledesco Campus.
YOUNG INNOVATORS TAKE THE STAGE. Sharing their Rainwater Harvesting System solution to boost green awareness in school, the Senior High School learners exhibit their advocacy to help protect Mother Earth during the Greenovation portion of the MathScilympics 2023.
With the theme “Innovations in Science and Math: Navigating a Path to Global Wellness,” the event fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and showcased the importance of these subjects in shaping a better world.
It was designed to empower learners, develop skills, strengthen collaboration, and inspire future leaders in critical fields.
The event featured contests like Greenovation, Battle of the Brains, STEMathlon, and Math Eco-Fashion Fusion.
The MathScilympics event gave highlight to the Greenovation Project, a platform for Senior High School learners to showcase their passion and commitment to the school community or to the environment.
Learners were able to apply the concepts they learned in school to develop proposals that could potentially solve issues within the school.
Mr. Jayson I. Gula, Head of the Senior High School Department Main Campus and one of the organizers of the event said, “The ideas presented by the learners in Greenovation are not only timely but also contextually relevant to the school environment. For instance, transforming a pile of papers into a new project reflects their innovative approach. Additionally, their proposal to gather rainwater for generating water within the school showcases a practical and sustainable solution to address specific needs.”
“The program went smoothly. This is a product of collaboration of administrators, teachers, parents and students,” he added.
These events inspired teamwork, analytical and critical thinking, and problem-solving among learners, preparing them for leadership roles in Science and Mathematics, sparking enthusiasm for real-world applications and future success.
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