I-WRITE!

The Art and Science of Journalism

SELF-LEARNING MODULE
in COLUMN WRITING
Definition │ Objectives │ Qualities │ Types │
Tips | Parts of a Column
SPJ Self-Learning Module (SLM)
COLUMN
First Edition, 2023
Second Edition, 2024

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary
for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among
other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their
respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek
permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The
publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Development Team of the Module

Writers: APRIL LOVE A. MENDOZA and LIBERTY T. LABAJO

Editor: BILMON E. PASAMANERO
Reviewers: JOHN JERSON P. CONSTANTINO and ANALIZA A. DOMINGO
Learning Resource Evaluator: ELLIN T. VICERA/ LUZ T. BERSE
Layout Artist: ARIEL C. LALISAN
Cover Art Designer: BRYLL O. REGIDOR
Management Team: RUTH L. ESTACIO, PhD, CEO V - Schools Division Superintendent
Atty. NELYN B. FRINAL, CESO VI - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
DONNA S. PANES, PhD – Chief, CID
JUDITH B. ALBA, PhD – EPS, LRMS
LAFOREZA L. MAGUATE- EPS, English (Retired)
ANALIZA A. DOMINGO – EPS, Filipino
JOHN JERSON P. CONSTANTINO- Reading Coordinator/ EPS, English

Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – SARANGANI Division

Address: Capitol Compound, Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani Province
Telephone Nos.: (083) 508-2039 to 40 / (083) 892-5500
Email Address: sarangani@deped.gov.ph

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Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Special Program in Journalism Self-Learning Module (SLM) in

COLUMN WRITING!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed, and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints
in schooling as well as needed training or competence in campus journalism.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking
into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body
of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the Special Program in Journalism Self-Learning Module (SLM) in

COLUMN WRITING!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and
time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while
being an active learner.

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This module has the following parts and corresponding icons I-WRITE:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

competencies you are expected to learn
in the module as well as the needed
important information about the said
module.
This part includes an activity that aims to
check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip
this module.
This section provides a brief discussion of
the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.
This section should also provide a brief drill
or review to help you link the current
lesson with the previous one.
This comprises activities for practice to
solidify your understanding and skills of the
topic. You may check the answers to the
exercises using the Answer Key at the end
of the module.
This includes questions or blank
sentence/paragraph to be filled in to
process what you learned from the lesson
for an independent practice.
This section also provides an activity which
will help you transfer your new knowledge
or skill into real life situations or concerns.
This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

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 In this portion, another activity will be
given to you to enrich your knowledge or
skill of the lesson learned. This also tends
retention of learned concepts. Lastly, a
rubric will be provided to guide your level
of competence in this module/lesson.

At the end of this module, you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part
of the module.
2. Don’t forget to answer Work on This! before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with
it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do
it!

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 In this module you will demonstrate understanding of processes in
Column Writing.

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the skills in Column Writing. It is here to help you define, describe,
and discuss the purposes of column and its important parts. Furthermore, it is
also here to help you write a column well. The scope of this module permits it
to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes
the diverse vocabulary level of pupils. The lessons are arranged that follows the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can
be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Define column and its type as journalistic text. (SPJ5OPW-IIIa-1)

2. Discuss the qualities of an effective column. (SPJ5OPW-IIIa-2; SPJ6OPW-
IIf-13; SPJ5OPW-IIIc-4)
3. Describe the parts of a column. (SPJ5OPW-IIIb-3)
4. Write a column on current issues in school or community, national, or
international issue. (SPJ6OPW-IIf-15; SPJ6OPW-IIh-18; SPJ5OPW-IIId-6;
SPJ8OPW-If-20)

PRETEST
Part 1: Write TRUE if the statement best fits the quality of an effective
column and FALSE if it is not. Write your answer on the space
provided before the number.

_______ 1. Column has a news peg.

_______ 2. It presents one topic or issue
_______ 3. A column covers timely topic or issue.
_______ 4. It is written according to the style of the columnist.
_______ 5. The style in the presentation of the opinion is informal.

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Part II. Identify what type of column in terms of BEATS best fits the topic.
Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on the space
provided before the number.
A. Economic
B. Entertainment
C. Police
D. Political
E. Science and Technology
F. Sports

_______ 6. Explaining the virus symptoms

_______ 7. Unemployment in the Digital Age
_______ 8. Backing a candidate in an election
_______ 9. Analyzing how pageant affects Filipinos
_______ 10. Pointing out how an athlete wins the competition

WHAT IS A COLUMN?
Column is an article that contains the idea or opinion and
stand of the columnist on one or more timely issues. Unlike the editorial,
it stands and represents only that of the writer and not of the entire
editorial staff, hence the author is identified and, in most cases, bears
the author’s picture.
Column appears every issue under the same space on the
page, with the same column title and written by the same author.
OBJECTIVES OF A COLUMN
• To explain the writer’s stand on a selected topic or topics
• To clarify certain points of fact or argument that readers may find
confusing or complicated
• Column should use the language that is understood by the target
audience
• Column should discuss both local and national concerns (the
latter being analyzed in relation to the local context)
• Column should reflect the learner movement’s advocacy

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QUALITIES OF A COLUMN

• It has a news peg

• It covers timely topic or issue
• It presents one or more various topics or issues
• It is written according to the style of the columnist
• The style in the presentation of the opinion could be formal or
informal
QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE COLUMNIST

• Wide reader
• Keen observer
• Has sound reasoning
• Has wide vocabulary
• Good judgment on events
• Has his own style and originality
• Wide degree of knowledge on different topics or issues

TYPES OF COLUMNS IN TERMS of BEATS

1. Political and Social Issues Column – Focuses on current social and

political events, government issues, policies, and political /social
figures.
2. Economic/Business Column – Deals with business trends,
economic updates, market analysis, and financial advice.
3. Sports Column – Covers sports news, analysis, commentaries on
games, athletes, and sports events.
4. Police Column – Reports on crime, law enforcement activities, and
public safety concerns.
5. Entertainment Column – Highlights news in the entertainment
industry, including celebrity updates, film, TV, and music reviews.
6. Science and Technology Column – Discusses new discoveries,
technological advancements, and innovations in science and
technology fields.

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TYPES OF COLUMNS IN TERMS of FORM

1. Essay (single topic)

2. Capsule (multiple topics) - a "Capsule" approach that covers
multiple topics involves presenting brief, concise discussions on
various subjects within a single column. Each topic gets its own
dedicated section, providing readers with key insights, opinions,
or updates in a short, digestible format. This style is ideal for
columns where the writer wants to address several relevant
issues, trends, or themes in one piece without going into
excessive detail on any single topic.
3. Combination (e.g., essay with a capsule at the beginning or end,
which can be an announcement or joke to lighten up the
discussion)

TIPS IN WRITING COLUMN

• Know your target audience

• Engage your readers with a strong opening
• Gather as much data as you can on the issue or issues to be
written about
• Enlightening without being preachy
• Analyze and take a stand on the issue or issues based on the
given facts
• Write in a manner that is understandable to your defined target
audience
• Maintain a consistent tone and style
• Be concise and focused

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PARTS AND STRUCTURE OF A COLUMN
Basically, a typical column has five parts. These are:

1. Title - A short, compelling headline that captures the essence

of the column’s topic. It aims to draw readers' attention and
gives a glimpse of the subject matter.

Note: This article “Fatal Bite” by Fatima Ignacio Gimenez will

be used as example to show parts of a column.

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2. Byline - The name of the columnist, this is usually placed
below the title or at the bottom of the column.

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3. Introduction - The opening section that hooks the reader and
introduces the topic. It sets the tone for the column and often
includes a personal anecdote, question, or statement that
grabs attention.

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4. Body - The main section where the columnist presents their
opinion or argument. This part is usually well-supported with
facts, personal insights, examples, or analysis. The body may
explore multiple perspectives but ultimately reflects the
columnist's stance.

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5. Conclusion - The final paragraph that wraps up the column by
summarizing key points or offering a final thought and stand. It
may include a call to action or leave readers with something
to ponder.

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Example articles:
Dear Editor,

"Respecting others is the best tool to earn respect"

My parents have been reminding me about this quotation, even our teachers
in our school too, but it seems like some of the students do not understand what this
really means.

Once, a junior high school student cursed the guard on duty when he (the
guard) reproved the student for not wearing the prescribed uniform. The guard just
did what our principal had instructed him and besides wearing of prescribed
uniform is one of the rules in our school.

I care about the image of our school, and I don't like it to be stained and
most of all I don't like it when others' hasty generalization about us (students of ANHS)
being disrespectful will spread through the entire place of Alabel because it is such
a shame.

I am looking forward to your response about this matter and I am hoping that
your response will enlighten my mind.

-Grade 9 Fellow

Nagpapapansin
ni Pearl Iah C. Galono

Mainit-init pang isyu ngayon ang ‘di umano’y hindi pagbabayad ng

Ms. Universe Philippines sa isang artist na si Jef Albea para sa ginawa nitong
trophy.

Kakampi na sana lahat ni Jef nang mabasa ng netizens na bayad

naman pala ito pero kulang ng 75,000 pesos ayon sa assistant ni Alba.

pa

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 Hindi natanggap ni Albea ang kulang dahil hindi nakapagpasa ng
papeles gaya ng billing ang artist na siya namang kailangan ng MUPH ang
papeles dahil ito ay malaking organisasyon.

Nabayaran naman pala at babayaran naman siya, bakit kailangan

niya pang i-post? Baka publicity stunt na naman ito.

Gusto lang mapag-usapan kaya ngawa nang ngawa.

Dahil sa post niya, binigyan niya lang ng pagkakataon ang mga
taong mahanap ang mga isyu niyang hindi pa tapos.

Sa susunod kasi, pag-isipan muna kung anong i-po-post at huwag

padalos-dalos at kung gustong magpapansin, huwag sa social media dahil
daig pa ng magaling ang mga netizens. #

Magulong pagtatatag ng MATATAG

ni Pearl Iah C. Galono

Anong nangyari? Bakit maraming dismayado sa magulong

pagsasagawa ng MATATAG Curriculum?

Hindi ko sila masisisi sa mga reaksyon nila noong na-implement na

ang MATATAG Curriculum dahil maging ako'y kumunot ang noo sa nakita
ko. May halos isang taon ang Department of Education (DepEd) na
maghanda sa bagong curriculum na ipinatupad ni VP Sara noong DepEd
secretary pa siya. Ngunit ang mga panahon na ito'y parang wala namang
naging saysay.

pa

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 May mga nagulat na guro nang malamang may idaragdag na
subject sa kanila at ito ay ang National Mathematics Program (NMP) kahit
hindi sila math teacher at walang karanasan sa pagtuturo ng asignaturang
matematika. Dagdag pa nito ay may bagong iskedyul kung saan mayroon
na lamang 45 minuto ang bawat asignatura at hindi na isang oras na siyang
hindi sinasang-ayunan ng karamihan sa guro't estudyante.

Malamang may mag-aaral na masaya sa bagong iskedyul na ito dahil

gusto nilang maka-uwi nang maaga ngunit hindi ba't pumapasok ang mga
estudyante sa paaralan para matuto? Bakit masaya pa ang iba na mas
mahihirapan silang matuto sa plastadang ito?

Aaminin kong hindi ako kagalingan sa matematika at kung noon nga

ay kulang pa ang isang oras para maintindihan kong maigi ang pinag-
aaralan, ano na lang kaya ang kahihinatnan ko sa 45 minutong klase kada
subject.

Isa rin sa bagay na ikinalito ko noong balik eskwela ay ang pag-iiba

ng oras sa math at NMP. Pwede naman nila itong idugtong na lang. Hindi ko
talaga maiintindihan kung bakit may isa pang asignaturang pumapagitan
sa dalawa.

Masyadong "too good to be true" ang MATATAG Curriculum at sa

tingin ko'y maraming gustong gawin ang DepEd ngunit hindi nila maisagawa
nang maayos kaya hindi rin ako umasang magiging maayos ang
pagsisimula ng bagong kurikulum. Pero hindi ko rin akalain na ganito kagulo
ang pagsisimula nito.

Hiling ko na sana'y ibalik na nila sa isang oras na klase ang bawat

asignatura dahil pakiramdam ko'y isa akong pusang hinahabol sa 45 na
minutong klase namin. #

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 Dahilan ng pagbibitiw, confidential?

ni Pearl Iah C. Galono

Totoo nga ang balitang magbibitiw na si VP Sara Z. Duterte bilang

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary at Vice Chairperson ng National
Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Gulat ang lahat nang malaman ito lalo na ang ating mga guro. Gusto
kasi ng iba si Sara na maging kalihim ng DepEd dahil sa ginawa niyang utos
na pinagbabawalan silang tumanggap ng trabaho sa loob ng isang buwan
para makapagpahinga o magbakasyon. Kaya naman nagtataka ang halos
lahat ng tao ngayon dahil sa desiyon niyang ito. Ngunit hindi na ako nagulat
lalo na’t may mga isyu rin siya noon na tiyak akong naging isa rin sa rason
bakit siya umalis sa puwesto.

Balikan muna natin ang taong 2022 kung saan nabulabog ang buong
Pilipinas sa balitang gumastos ang Office of the Vice President (OVP) ng 125
milyon confidential funds sa loob lang ng 77 araw.

Naiintindihan ko naman na “confidential” nga ito at hindi dapat

isapubliko ngunit para sa mga politiko gaya na lang ni Sara, hindi dapat
inililihim sa mata ng publiko kung ano ang mga pinanggagamitan nila ng
mga perang ito lalo na’t ang pera na iyan ay galing sa mga buwis ng
mamamayan.

pa

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 “Kung sino man ang kumukontra sa confidential funds ay kumukontra
sa kapayapaan. Kung sino man ang kumukontra sa kalayaan ay kalaban ng
bayan.” Isa ito sa naging pahayag noon ni VP Sara na umani ng samut saring
reaksyon ngunit ang mga “haha” at memes na ginawa ng mga tao sa
pahayag niya ay isa sa mga hindi ko malilimutan.

Sa loob ng halos dalawang taong panunungkulan niya sa DepEd ang

pagbibigay bakasyon sa mga guro pa lang ang narinig kong positibo.

Ano pa ba ang nagawa niya? Hindi ko lang ba nababalitaan o

sadyang wala na talaga siyang nagawa (na positibo)?

Hindi man sinabi ang dahilan niya, tama lang ang ginawang
pagbibitiw ng Ginang lalo na’t nagkakalabuan na ang alyansang UniTEAM
nila ni Pang. Marcos.

Hay naku, nagiging isang palabas na ang mga nagyayari sa mundo

ng pulitika dahil nagiging aktor at aktres na ang iilang nakaupo sa puwesto.
Sana alalahanin ng mga kabataan na nasa kamay nila ang kapangyarihang
iluklok sa puwesto ang mga nararapat at hindi dahil sila ay sikat. #

Makinig upang makapagbahagi, hindi upang makapagsalita

ni April Love Arapoc - Mendoza

Sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika ngayong taon, nais kong bigyang

tuon ang pinakamahalagang aspeto ng paggamit ng wika na madalas
naisasawalang bahala – ang pakikinig.

pa

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 Sa kasalukuyang panahon, madalas tayong hinihikayat na magsalita,
magpahayag ng opinyon, at ipakita ang ating mga ideya. Gayunpaman,
mayroong mas malalim na kasanayan na kinakailangang paunlarin; ang
pakikinig ng may tunay na malasakit, puso, at pang-unawa.

Mayroong malaking pagkakaiba ang simpleng pakikinig sa buong

pusong pakikinig. Sa unang tingin, ang pakikinig ay nagmumukhang
positibong gawain – isang kasayanang ginagawa habang naghihintay tayo
ng pagkakataong tayo naman ang magsalita. Ngunit ang tunay na pakikinig
ay aktibo, nangangailangan ng atensyon at intensiyon. Kapag tayo ay
nakikinig upang makapagbahagi, hindi lamang natin inaantay na matapos
magsalita ang iba, kundi sinisikap nating maunawaan ang bawat wika at
damdamin.

Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na ang Agosto ay nakalaan upang

ipagdiwang natin ang buwan ng wika. Dito binibigyang diin ang
kahalagahan ng pagtangkilik ng ating sariling wika. Ang ipagmalaki ito sa
mundo. Ang gawin itong sandata sa pakikipagtalastasan, sa pagsabay sa
agos ng mundo, sa pagsupil ng ingay at pagpapalaya ng kamalayan.

Subalit, dapat nating maintindihan na hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon

kailangan nating bumitaw ng salita at ilabas ang armas sa anyo ng wika
upang makapagbahagi. Bago pa man simulan ang salpukan ng ideya at
opinion, hasain muna natin ang ating kasanayan sa pakikinig.

Kapag tayo ay nakikinig nang maayos, nagiging bukas tayo sa

perspektibo ng iba. Sa ganitong paraan, natututo tayong magpalawak ng
ating pananaw sa mundo, sa iba’t-ibang paksa at usapin. Nagiging mas
epektibo din ang pagbibigay ng payo, opinyon, o kahit simpleng kaalaman.

pa

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 Ang pagiging isang mahusay na tagapakinig ay isang anyo ng serbisyo
sa kapwa – isang hakbanging nagpapakita na tayo ay nagmamalasakit at
may layuning makatulong.

Bukod pa rito, ang pakikinig ang humuhulma ng mas malalim na

koneksyon. Sa halip na lumikha ng tensiyon o hindi pagkakaintindihan, o
magbigay ng payo o komento na hindi akma, nagiging mas tama at sensitibo
ang ating mga binibitawang wika. Sa ganitong paraan, sa tanikala ng hindi
pagkakaunawaan, ang ating pakikibahagi ay mas nauunawaan at
makabuluhan. Ang ganitong uri ng pakikinig ang nagbibigay katuturan sa
bawat wikang mamumutawi sa ating bibig, nagpapalaya sa ating kaisipan
mula sa mga pagkiling at pagkagapos sa hindi pagkakaunawaan. #

El Niño – the doom of the Philippines

by Tania Alexandra Gustilo

I hope the government and private schools start to take this heat wave
seriously. It’s better to spend a huge amount of money on supplies like electric
fans or air conditioners to make sure that the students well-being and school
days aren't sacrificed and suspension won't have to be an option.

Too Hot to Handle.

The current heat index is quite literally too hot to handle. An update
from PAG-ASA says the heat index is at 42 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees
Celsius. Take note that the body works best within the range of 36 to 37.5
degrees Celsius. As stated by an article from center for Science and
Environment, reaching 40 degrees Celsius can be dangerous and 50 degrees
Celsius is a critical situation. A student cannot withstand that kind of heat and
force their brain to learn.

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Hyperthermia is No Joke.

The immense heat can lead to heat strokes or heat exhaustion.

Hyperthermia is definitely what students will get if they were forced to go to
school with this weather. In my personal experience as a student, constant
headaches and dehydration is inevitable. No around of mini-fans or cold water
could make me feel better with this heat. I could only imagine how hard it is for
students with a really weak immune system. Imagine if classes weren't
suspended, I bet we have students fainting left and right which lead me to my
next point.

Loss of Will to Learn.

Feeling nauseous, constant headaches, feeling extreme thirst, and heavy

sweating can be huge distractions while trying to force your brain to absorb your
lessons being taught. Rather than focusing on the lectures, students are going to
focus on how they’re going to survive the heat. Panting and complaining will fill
the classroom, leaning no room for learning.

Lack of Common Sense and Budget.

Now, here's the most infuriating part for me. It is heavily evident that
Philippines is really a hot country. News from inquirer, PAG-ASA, and Sunstar have
been warning us since 2023 that our temperature is getting hotter and hotter. The
government didn't even see this as a threat or a place to take initiative. Students
have to give money out of their pockets just so they can buy one electric fan for
a big classroom. There should be an allotted budget for schools wherein they'll
be provided with electric fans enough for the whole classroom.

Eventually, if we fail to act decisively, we risk sacrificing the quality of

education and the health of our youth. The time for change is now; we must
embrace practical solutions to create a more conducive learning environment
in the face of our changing climate. Let us not wait until the situation becomes
critical—our students deserve better. #

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 We have forgotten kindness
by Liv Licardo

The self-care accounts on TikTok and Instagram have said it all—we

should put ourselves first.
In the last weeks, I have come across many videos and collages in my
online space that throw around terms like “right headspace” and “emotional
burden”. I have seen many TikTokers preach about the whims of cutting off
anyone in your life who does not “serve you”. I have even seen influencers
rant about conversations with their significant others and equate them to
“trauma dumping”.
While I am glad to see us become more aware of our boundaries and
limits as human beings, I am also confused by the messages of many of these
videos. Maybe you don’t get along with acquaintances or classmates, but
that does not mean they have “negative energy”. It is understandable to be
too tired to talk to your friends on some nights, but reflecting on their lives
through conversation does not make them an “emotional burden”. Most of
the time, it seems that many people quickly confuse these normal and healthy
relationships as toxic ones without closer examination of their interactions.
However, I don’t blame the current generation for falling into this set of
ideals. We now tend to fall into the mindset that if our relationships are not
currently giving us anything, then they must be taking something from us.
As a tired medical student, I have reflected on these ideas too.
Sometimes, I am too busy trying to pass my next exam or make it through the
day to have patience for anyone I need to banter and bother. Most days, I
am just trying to survive. In fact, we all are.

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 In the post-pandemic world, this is our constant chase for survival. And
in this world, we apparently cannot afford to give out our energy or time to
just anyone. Thus, we live in the idea that we must prioritize ourselves and our
desires.
Most of Generation Z has learned this mindset from social media, and
with this, it is unsurprising that we have turned the tables from how previous
generations talked about mental health. We have quit skirting around
compassion and refused those who don’t align with us. We are unforgiving in
the face of anything tiring, and consideration is a challenge for us all.
However, in this modern age of self-care and survival, have we
forgotten to be kind?
Empathy is a harbored rarity in today’s times. We blur our limits with
people-pleasing and forget what is truly best for ourselves. We are contrived,
awkward, and unapologetic with ourselves, even when we are wrong. We
care too much about how we hold ourselves to figure out how to hold the rest
of the world.
In our quest for individuality, most of us have forgotten to be kind. After
all, what is kindness worth in the age of survival if you can’t put it in a resume
or put food on the table with it?
I have always believed that heartless people are not born—they are
made. The frustration of being taken for granted leads us to forget
compassion, as is the fear of hoping we fit in that leads us to forget our
conscience.

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 It is through our bitterness that we forget that we are meant to owe each
other and carry the weight of each other’s burdens. No one is meant to suffer
alone, and when our friendships become a transactional business
arrangement rather than a foundation of love, we succumb to the inhumane
systems of today.
In my favorite movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” one
character does a whole monologue on the importance of being kind. He
describes his childlike wonder and passion for life as his weapon against the
rest of the world. For him, empathy is his main tool for survival, because when
you realize how life is hard for everyone, it can be the only thing that helps.
After all, as cliché as it sounds, we could all do our part to make this world a
better place.
If only we could all think a little more like him. With his good sentiments
in mind, I, too, would like to have a little bit more patience with the world and
remember that kindness is our true legacy to the world and the generations to
come. Even without the grandstanders or trophies, I will be happy to know that
I left this world a little better than it was before.
Everyone on this planet could do with a little more kindness. I can only
hope that we can all remember this every time we go out in the world.
And maybe, just maybe, we will remember how to love, too. #

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Mahal na Patnugot,

Isang maganda at pinagpalang araw!

Isa po ako sa maraming mag-aaral ng paaralang ito na naka-antabay

sa ating paaralang pampahayagan. Sumulat po ako sa inyo upang iparating
ang aking pangamba hinggil sa pagtaas ng bilang ng aking mga kaklase na
nagkakasakit ng Dengue.
Ako po ay nangangamba na baka magkaroon ng dengue outbreak
sa ating lugar. Dahil dito, nais ko po sanang paalalahanan ang aking kapwa
mag-aaral na panatilihing malinis ang ating paligid at huwag maglalaro sa
mga madidilim na parte ng ating paaralan kung saan maraming lamok ang
namamahay. Bukod po rito, sana po ay magkaroon tayo ng fogging at iba
pang mga hakbang upang maagapan ang problemang ito.

Sumasainyo,

John Daniel Limba

Mag-aaral sa ika-limang Baitang

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Activity 1: In the table below, list down at least three (3) issues that confront
your school, community, and country.
School Issues Community Issues National Issues

Activity 2: Read the article “We have forgotten kindness” by Liv Licardo on
page 18-20. Discuss the qualities of a column in terms of style of the
columnist, presentation of the opinion/reasoning, and its form. Write your
answer on the space provided.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Activity 3: Read the article “Dahilan ng pagbibitiw, confidential?” by Pearl Iah

C. Galono on page 13-14 and answer the following questions in a
complete sentence on the space provided.
1. How did the columnist present her opinion or argument?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Describe how the conclusion impacts the overall effectiveness
of an article.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

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Instructions: Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer from
the given options. Encircle the letter that corresponds to your
answer.
1. What distinguishes an editorial column from an editorial?
A. It is published only once.
B. It is always written anonymously.
C. It represents only the writer's opinion.
D. It represents the entire editorial staff's opinion.

2. Which of the following is one of the main objectives of a column?

A. To criticize the audience.
B. To promote advertisements.
C. To entertain readers with fiction.
D. To clarify points of fact or argument.

3. What is the primary difference between a political column and a business

column?
A. The political column focuses on sports, while the business column
focuses on government issues.
B. The political column deals with social and political events, while the
business column covers economic trends.
C. The business column covers crime reports, while the political column
covers market analysis.
D. Both columns cover the same topics.

4. Which part of a column is used to capture readers' attention and give a

glimpse of the subject matter?
A. body C. introduction
B. byline D. title
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5. What is the key quality of an effective editorial columnist?
A. They use only formal language.
B. They rely solely on others’ opinions.
C. They follow trends without analysis.
D. They have wide knowledge on various topics and issues.

6. What type of column focuses on analyzing and commenting on sports

events?
A. Sports Column
B. Police Column
C. Economic/Business Column
D. Political/Social Issues Column

7. Which of the following is NOT a quality of an effective editorial column?

A. It uses a random style in writing.
B. It covers timely topics or issues.
C. It presents one or more varied topics.
D. It is written according to the columnist's style.

8. What should a columnist consider when writing an editorial column?

A. The columnist's mood at the moment.
B. Ignoring the audience’s knowledge of the topic.
C. Writing in a formal and technical language only.
D. Gathering data and writing in a way that suits the target audience.

9. In terms of form, what is an essay column?

A. A column that discusses only a single topic.
B. A column with multiple topics in one piece.
C. A column focused on announcements and jokes.
D. A column that covers a combination of jokes and serious topics.

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10. Which part of a column usually contains a personal anecdote, question,
or statement to engage the readers?
A. body C. conclusion
B. byline D. introduction

Write a column or an editorial column from the issues you have

listed on the Interpret This part. Use the following rubrics in composing
and checking your writeup. Write your article in a clean long bond
paper.

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KEY ANSWERS

REFERENCES:

Arao, Danilo. University of the Philippines, 2017.

Denila, Anthony D. Opinion Writing, Regional Training of Trainers in

Campus Journalism. City Schools Division of

Koronadal, 2017.

Gimenez, Fatima Ignacio. Fatal bite, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2024.

Licardo, Liv. We have forgotten kindness, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2024.

Vidar, Dennis. Schools Division of Imus City, 2017.

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 DISCLAIMER

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) by DepEd Sarangani is for

educational use only. No part of this module may be reproduced,
distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written
permission from DepEd. Unauthorized sale or distribution is strictly
prohibited.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education–SARANGANI
Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management Section (LRMS)

Address: Capitol Compound, Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani Province

Telephone Nos.: (083) 508-2039 to 40 / (083) 892-5500
Email Address: sarangani@deped.gov.ph

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