By Gilli Aquino

To protect and preserve!

Blossoming flowers, a flourishing culture, and a community that is safe and protected from all harm — this picturesque dream of what the future could entail may seem too out of our reach. However, with the aid of those willing to protect and preserve what matters the most, this dream could become a reality for our future sons and daughters. Within the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) exists these guiding pillars that aim to turn this dream into a reality. 

With the event of CSC week, many Sandigans in the ASHS had their advocacies and passions showcased to all. From matters of the mind to the issues plaguing our community, students of the ASHS were exposed to a multitude of worlds that reminded us of the passion and devotion our fellow students possess to make our world a better place. Among these are the Sandigans that aim to protect and preserve what is most fundamental to society. Whether it be our safety, environment, or culture, these organizations aim to make an impact that will last for generations to come.

For Our Safety

With unpredictability striking behind every corner, ASHS Sandigan Kanlaon serves as the disaster readiness and risk reduction organization of Ateneo which aims to prepare and equip students with the proper knowledge and skills to be ready in the face of disaster through various events and activities. 

The head of Sandigan Kanlaon, Fiel Torres, mentions several activities that the organization has conducted such as outreach programs for disaster training, the creation of emergency exit routes within campus, and emergency videos to spread awareness on proper disaster responses. According to Fiel regarding the organization’s initiatives and activities, “These seminars and training sessions are particularly held to train ASHS individuals so that they become skilled in aiding others and so they are also aware on how to handle an emergency.” Unbeknownst to us these skills may be the difference between life and death amid danger. 

From tiny clouds to mini traffic cones, Kanlaon featured a wide range of DRR-inspired crochet keychains during CSC week, in which all proceeds were donated to Angat Buhay Operations, an organization promoting climate action and sustainability. At its core, Kanlaon is built on the passion to help others, reflected through multiple activities such as these. Every seminar, training, or program ultimately serves the purpose of building a disaster-resilient ASHS community that is ready for anything. 

“As the head of my organization, I just want our community to be skilled and prepared and not ignorant nor intimidated for whatever disaster is bound to happen,” Fiel explains, expounding on her driving motivations in heading the sandigan. “That’s why I continue to advocate for disaster resiliency and that’s why we continue to conduct training for the benefit of all of us in the future.” Disaster readiness is something that should be taken seriously in the ASHS community, for the safety of ourselves, our community and our future. 

Para sa Bayan

“Para sa pagtataguyod at pagpapanatili ng mga wika at kultura Filipino,” encapsulates the mission and vision of ASHS Sandigan Alunsina, a committee dedicated to the preservation and empowerment of Filipino language and culture within the ASHS community. As an organization, they aim to instill a deep love for our country within the hearts of students in the hope that this will spark a movement of positive changes within our society. Antonio Miguel Reyes, the head of Sandigan Alunsina, talks about the various advocacies within the organization which include spreading awareness of the country’s current issues. However, one of their most important advocacies is the redefinition of what it means to be nationalistic.

“Isa pang bahagi ng adbokosiya ay ang pagsaayos ng kahulugan ng nationalismo at patriotismo,”  Antonio describes, further detailing the goals of the organization. “Hindi ninanais ng Alunsina na ipabatid sa ASHS na mahalin natin ang Pilipinas kahit may nangyayaring masama dito ‘satin o kahit may marami tayong problema sa lipunan, hindi ganun kundi minamahal natin ang bansa natin para mag udyok tayo ng positibong pagbabago sa lipunan.” As illustrated by Alunsina, a nationalistic love is not one that simply surrenders to the issues we face, but it is a love that fights for the hope of a brighter tomorrow. 

Alunsina has organized a variety of events and projects that allowed ASHS students to immerse themselves in these advocacies. This recent CSC week, Alunsina held Tanghalin, an open mic event in which students were given the chance to express their talents and abilities whether that be through music or spoken word poetry. 

Despite it being difficult to always spark interest within students, according to Antonio this does not deter their determination. “Para sa amin, hindi na bale na lahat ng mag-aaral sa ASHS mahihikayat namin,” He states. “As long as makita nila na yung pagmamahal sa ating wika at kultura ay hindi namamatay, patuloy at patuloy bawat taon meron din pagsusulong nito sa ASHS.” In the midst of such an unsure time in our country, Alunsina reminds us to never stop trying, never stop loving, para sa kinabukasan ng mga Pilipino. 

For Our World

In line with a future of hope,  ASHS Sandigan Matanglawin is the committee of environmental sustainability that aims to take action to combat ecological issues. Through their initiatives, ASHS students are given the opportunity to become catalysts of change for our Mother Earth. According to Hannah Bayhon, the head of Sandigan Matanglawin, the organization strives to educate and spread awareness to senior high school students about the current state of our environment. “The advocacy for our environment is such a nuanced topic,” Hannah explains further on the complexities of the advocacy, “It is deeply interconnected with other issues we face as a country, like politics and international relations.” 

Among these initiatives include Matang & Tangled which aimed to promote alternative ways of waste disposal. Through this, the organization was able to sell handcrafted paper bead bracelets using 100% recycled paper during the entirety of CSC week. The success of this event resulted in 33.5 kilograms worth of paper donated to Berteng Kalabaw. Whether it be through donation drives or outreach programs, Matanglawin offers a variety of unique ways for students to engage in meaningful activities that contribute to the fight for our environment. 

Combating these ecological issues takes a leap of action from every individual person, however, this is not always an easy advocacy to promote especially toward the vast crowd of ASHS students. According to Matanglawin’s head regarding the organization’s obstacles, “There is a bit of a struggle promoting our advocacy as it is a bit hard to reach a broad audience within the senior high school.” Additionally she describes the difficulty in promoting the organization’s projects and causes due to a lack of interest. 

Regardless of this, Sandigan Matanglawin will always remain a protector for the place we call home. “Overall I want not only for the students to acknowledge the advocacy but also apply it in their everyday life,” Hannah states, explaining the aim of Matanglawin towards the ASHS community. “It is not just a topic to learn about but an advocacy to live with your everyday actions.” Behind every program and initiative is a group of passionate individuals willing to work towards a sustainable future; one a bit brighter and a bit greener.

In times when the future is uncertain, we must remember those people who are willing to fight for a world in which our ideal future exists. CSC week reminds us that these individuals will always be there to fight and protect what matters the most, leaving an impact that will last until future generations.