School: Saint Louis Laboratory High School
    Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

4 students, ages 15 worked together to complete this Doors to Diplomacy project on March 15, 2012. They have participated in Doors to Diplomacy in the following year(s): 2011

Classes and Teachers: Vincent Tabor, Florida Martin, Lorenzo, Angela, James, Abegail

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.slu.edu.ph

1. Description of Our Team

Our team is composed of students fifteen years of age that have different specializations but similar interests. Starting with a simple accident, our team was formed and we were aided by: Mr. Vincent Tabor, an educator in the field of Technology and Home Economics who helped in the building of the website and Mr. Elizer Jay Delos Reyes, a specialist in the sciences of Social Studies was an advisor. The members of the team, Lorenzo, James, Angela and Abegail have known each other for three years. Lorenzo, the school paper’s news editor, is proficient in the English language and a member of the Debate Society. Angela is a resourceful person, good in arts and crafts and is an active member of the Liturgy and Vocation Club. Abegail is currently one of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and is active in extra-curricular activities. James, simply, loves science. We have a goal, that is, to make people aware that the peaceful atmosphere was not just caused by coincidence but by the government.

2. Summary of Our Project

Our website generally showcases awareness on what the Philippine(and foreign) government did, is doing, and will do against external threats, specifically, terrorism. Basically, it contains several media, such as images and articles, which present facts and some other information on the efforts of the government, such as talks, mostly regarding on peacekeeping efforts. Although the main focus is on the threat against the Philippines, it may be possible, yet most certain that it will include the government’s preventive measures against world-wide threats that affect(ed) the Philippines and other related territories. As for the appearance of the website, it is as follows. As much as possible, the site will appear appealing to attract viewers, and in a way. It will also appear clean, to make it comfortable to all ages, wherein images, as much as possible, won’t contain any violent content that is beyond tolerance.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:2-3

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

As teenagers, we are still in the process of changing or discovering what life could offer; thus, ours is quite congested due to the rallies of schoolwork. Furthermore, not everything has been taught; thus we experienced difficulty in the production of a presentable end-product (website). Another problem is the limited bandwith. To overcome these obstacles, we had to abstain from any other hobbies or activities that could impede our work. We had to organize our schedule, so that there was enough time for each of our activities, forming equilibrium. As for the congested bandwith (as many terminals are connected to one router), we had to be batient, despite the exasperating speed of the internet.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

'When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence; excellence becomes a reality'- Joe Paterno

6. How did your activities and research for this Doors to Diplomacy Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

The website’s development up to its finishing already boosted some skills and already had an impact in the academic and personal field of the students, including us. The international project is part of the curriculum at present. Other than the academic field, the project addressed issues concerning safety, which stretched out to the political field and other external departments. Research and further reading widened our perspective on diplomacy. This project helped achieve awareness, not only on diplomatic/ international issues but even on the factors affecting the events situated within our content, including having a deeper knowledge on one another within the group. The educational system used by the Laboratory High School is basically on visual aids made of papers, cartolina and even the chalk on the blackboard. However, as for the subject of technology and home economics, the school incorporates the use of computers. Though it may be great, when it comes to effectivity, it is dependent on the man on issues of trust. Since media in the internet is not guaranteed as accurate as those in books, it is still advisable to receive person-to-person communication for education.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your Doors to Diplomacy project?

To complete our project, we used the following information tools and technologies. •The computers, our most valuable tool, help us in gathering information in the web. A total of 4 personal computers provided us facts and evidences concerning the said topic and additional knowledge for constructing the website. •Telephones and/or mobile phones that were used form exchange of information and communication between the members were located in the each member’s home. It foster unity because of its power to unite the members while doing different tasks at different places. •Video and digital still cameras ,some are owned by the members’ families while some are owned by the members, captured the present surrounding that will later serve as basis and proofs. •Scanners at home and in nearby computer shops were used to digitize hardcopy of information gathered by a member that will later be send to the other three by means of the internet. •Newspapers in the library and at home were used to be updated to the present situations and issues in the country concerning the topic. •Television and radio local channels ,located in the members’ houses, were used as the eyes and ears of the members in the country ,just like the newspaper. The most valuable tools we have used were the computer and Digital Cameras. The computer helped us a lot in gathering information even prior to our birth and made us aware of the efforts the government do to keep the Philippines a safe place. The video and digital still cameras proved us the data we had previously found out and let it be shared to the our classmates, relatives and to the whole world.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your Doors to Diplomacy project both on-line and in person.

As young Filipino citizens, we have a desire to stop or at least lessen the violence in our country due to terrorist attacks. Being young as we are doesn’t hinder us from this burning desire, because we are inspired by what our government does to eliminate Terrorism with their power, skills, and equipment to do our share of eliminating Terrorism. We served as ambassadors online and in person in ways that were surely helpful. Online, our project served as site to explain reasons why and what factors in the Philippines(and other nations) triggered the start of terrorism , but focusing on the efforts of the Government. With our discussion, we inform people of the condition of the Philippines(and other nations) that terrorism exists in it, raising the awareness of the people to be careful at all times, letting them gain the knowledge of how terrorism existed and how they can prevent it from happening in their own homes, and also to let them know the Government is doing their best for the sake of the citizens.

With this, we help the government in disseminating information. Therefore opening the eyes of other young people like us that they can do something for the country no matter how young they are and how much they contribute.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

The project has made an impact on the different levels of the community/society. The goal to bring about awareness, in our point of view, was a success. Since the launching of the website, we have shown other people our product. Not just students alone, but also to teachers and even family members and other friends outside school. The notion of many people is that our government is sloppy and is unprepared toward threats that origin out of the nation. With the help of the website, we showcased what the government did, is doing and planning to do against these. Did it make a difference? Well, yes. The notion was changed. Though that point of view of the people is not absolutely relieved with the presence of poverty and other problems, the website has changed what others think when it comes to national security and safety. Others think of our idea to be vague, but surely, this project would change their mind.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

Since the project is mostly concentrated on democratic and social issues, we asked help from someone we know who is knowledgeable of these: Mr. Elizer Jay Delos Reyes. There was not much need of online communication. He was reached by foot, meaning we just walked up to him and asked for advice on the content, since he is also a teacher in our school. We have known this man for at least a year or two, since he was our teacher in Asian history for the previous year. Honestly speaking, as for the moment, no one has volunteered to help us other than our coach. But surely, we would add someone else in this list in the near future.