Pen Reflections

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦, 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦

Every journalist tells stories. Today, we celebrate yours. As radio broadcasters who gave voices to stories and cartoonists who illustrated ideas through creativity, you have made your mark with talent, passion, and dedication.

As Marian L. Capacio asked, “Are you proud of yourself?”
𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀! 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴!!

𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Students from Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School gathered for their recognition day at the Don Vicente Memorial Elementary School Gym on March 26, 2026.

Junior High and Senior High school students were awarded and recognized on stage with honor and pride for their outstanding academic performances in school, as well as their achievements on competitions where they represented the school.

Among the most recognized students were Marian L. Capacio, John Paul B. dela Fuente, and Fatima Mae Y. Dublin, all students from Grade 12 - HUMSS 1. They received multiple distinctions including the Leadership Award, along with accolades from the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) and other competitive events.

The recognition ceremony then ended successfully with the school, its honorable staffs, and the barangay officials delivering a heartfelt message and warm congratulations to the students for their exceptional skills and accomplishments.

The academic excellence of Ramanians shows how they value education and how hard working they are to achieve success and build a great future ahead of them.

𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁: Jahmira Espadilla and Jezryl Gomez

𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲

"𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝, 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣'𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣. 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨."

In these words, Khaled Hosseini portrays the harsh reality faced by women. Although there have been countless debates issued about the definite meaning of a woman, many have shared their own perspectives. People expressed their understanding of the word, some believed that a woman is defined by their biological features, some have defined the word etymologically, and some struggle to form a clear understanding of it all. However, for me, a woman more often than not is silenced into a corner of being seen as wrong - until the moment comes when she has to prove herself right.

The numerous stigma of what being a woman is have been constructed over centuries. Such as the stereotypes claiming that a woman cannot lead because they supposedly lack emotional regulation, or maybe the taboos surrounding their own bodily fluids, and many other beliefs on the condition of a woman is without scientific basis. Women have been discriminated, disrespected, and taught since girlhood to endure all criticisms, harsh, and harassing comments with a polite smile.

Yet when a woman finally says no, and stands her ground, fingers are pointed easily at her, and people's spite is relentlessly directed her way.

Women have revolted numerous times to prove their worth and value, yet men did not and still will not listen. But slowly, our society is accepting this foreign belief and understanding of women standing at equal field with men. The women of the past paved the way for the girls of today to create a society where they can freely choose what decisions they want to pursue - not only in education, but also in careers, families, and other aspirations that women have been once barred to do.

Women can now be seen as leaders, providers, and even as how they choose to identify themselves as. A woman's definition may be open to interpretation, but one truth can be heard from it all, and that is a woman fights with her last breath for what she believes is true.

Because a woman, despite all efforts from a historically patriarchal system built to suppress them, rises above an uneven playing ground. And just like a compass needle that always points north, a woman's determined finger will always lead the way.

Yet the fight is not over. Women all over the corners of the world are still being limited by the definitions that an individual forces upon them. But a woman bends those bars, and shapes themselves as who they truly identify as.

Women will always be the bringer of nurture and the future required by our society to move forward. Because a woman is the source of life, and the driving force for progress.

In the end, no matter the weight of pressure weighed on the back of women, they will always prevail.

𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 : 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐋. 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐎
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : 𝐌𝐘𝐊𝐄 𝐉𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐆. 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐉𝐎𝐒

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵, 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲.

Featuring articles about inspiring women: Angelina Jolie, Malala Yousafzai, Hidilyn Diaz, Catriona Gray, and Emily Dickinson.

𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧. 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐬.

CAPTION AND LAYOUT BY : 𝐌𝐘𝐊𝐄 𝐉𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐆. 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐉𝐎𝐒

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝟏𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟏𝟐 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

With important decisions about their future approaching, Grade 12 and Grade 10 students gathered for a Career Guidance program designed to help them better understand the opportunities that await them after junior and senior high school. The activity brought together guest speakers from Southwestern University PHINMA, University of the Southern Philippines Foundation, and a representative from the maritime industry, who shared valuable insights about college life, career paths, and choosing the right academic direction.

The first part of the program was dedicated to Grade 12 students, focusing on preparing them for their transition from senior high school to college. During the session, speakers discussed various degree programs, scholarship opportunities, and the realities of university life, giving students a clearer perspective on the choices they will soon face.

A representative from Southwestern University PHINMA introduced several programs offered by the university, particularly those related to health sciences, business, and technology. The speaker emphasized the importance of selecting a course that aligns not only with career opportunities but also with a student’s personal interests and strengths.

Meanwhile, the speaker from University of the Southern Philippines Foundation highlighted the need for adaptability in today’s fast-changing job market. According to the speaker, students must develop more than academic knowledge—they must also cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and resilience to succeed in modern workplaces.

Providing a different perspective, the maritime representative shared experiences about life at sea and the global opportunities available in the maritime industry. The discussion sparked interest among many students who are considering careers as seafarers, marine engineers, or maritime officers. The speaker explained the discipline, training, and dedication required in the maritime field while also highlighting the rewarding nature of the profession.

While the Grade 12 students focused on preparing for college and professional careers, the program also served as an important guide for Grade 10 students who are about to choose their Senior High School strand. During their session, the speakers facilitated an in-depth discussion about the different Senior High School strands and how each can influence future academic and career opportunities.

The speakers explained the focus and advantages of strands such as STEM strand, ABM strand, and HUMSS strand, helping students understand which strand best matches their interests and abilities. By providing detailed explanations and examples of possible career paths, the discussion helped students reflect on their talents, passions, and future goals.

Throughout the event, students actively listened, asked questions, and participated in the open forum, showing enthusiasm and curiosity about the possibilities that lie ahead. For many participants, the Career Guidance program became an eye-opening experience that helped them better understand the decisions they will soon make.

More than just an informational session, the program inspired students to begin shaping their future with confidence and purpose. As the event concluded, both Grade 10 and Grade 12 students left the venue carrying not only new knowledge but also a clearer vision of the paths they hope to pursue in the years ahead.

𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 : 𝐒𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐀 𝐂𝐘𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐌 𝐏. 𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐙
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : 𝐌𝐘𝐊𝐄 𝐉𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐆. 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐉𝐎𝐒

𝙍𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨

‎Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School conducted an earthquake drill to promote disaster risk preparedness at the school premises last March 12, 2026 at 3 pm and onwards.

‎Students and teachers participated in the proper safety procedures including the "duck, cover, and hold" while inside their rooms. After the simulated alarm stopped, they calmly evacuated to the evacuation area which was the school grounds. Students then proceeded with post-evacuation procedures such as head counting and checking for injured individuals.
‎
‎Through this activity, DVRMNHS continues to ensure that everyone in school is prepared in case of an actual earthquake. The earthquake drill served as an important reminder of the importance of readiness, awareness and cooperation during these emergencies.

𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 : 𝐉𝐀𝐇𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐀 𝐂. 𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀
𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐘 : 𝐌𝐘𝐊𝐄 𝐉𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐆. 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐉𝐎𝐒

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰?

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

It is not unusual to pass by streets named after our heroes or monuments where history stood its ground. We walk past them the same way we glance at a familiar stranger—a moment of curiosity, yet we choose to let it go.

One of these streets is EDSA.

Epifanio De los Santos Avenue, the street where commuters now make a beeline, vendors and their shops stand at the side, and cars are stuck in endless traffic. Students scroll on their phones and sunlight reflects on car windows, everyday it stays that way. But there was once a time when the noise wasn't about the blare of horns, or the people selling water bottles but the collective sounds of people who could no longer sit still in fear.

"Past is past," some would say.

Yet under the layers of concrete were once the foothold of countless people—mothers clutching rosaries, students holding up signs, fathers with empty pockets, priests, workers, children, and strangers who all chose to fight back. Beneath that asphalt lies a history that once disturbed the entire nation.

One speaks.

Then another one.

Until it creates a harmony of distressed whispers too loud to be ignored.

The People's Power Revolution was not built overnight, but through years of suffering. Whispers about corruption, and unsatisfactory answers from the people who held power. A protest to regain democracy. To seek freedom through nonviolence.

They succeeded.

But did the corruption in our country truly disappear?

The "Culminating Activity for Trends,
Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century" will answer that question for you. Today's headline: “𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀: 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀”

Peace—what a fragile and stubborn thing it is. Corruption has long been exposed.. It is still around us, noticeable, and out in the open—still wicked yet still blurred. 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀. Decisions are made on people's blind spots, leaders turning to only serve a few of many, and questionable promises that are yet to be granted. This is the corruption we see and know of today.

The talk by Mr. Raymart A. Ybañez highlights the corruption lingering around us.

Disinformation creeps across the internet, where most people now spend their time. Each post in social media starts to stand between the line of truth or made-up truth. Facts are filtered. Stories compete with others, opinions clash, facts compete with rumors. Memories become altered.

He talks about the occurrences of smear campaigns or institutional and democratic erosion causing public concerns.

Mr. Ybañez talks about how information can now be altered by artificial intelligence and manipulated online. Stories go through twists and turns, making the people who knew the truth question if what they knew wasn't the real thing. The corrupt people get painted as saints by people paid to make them sound like saints, all to win and fail this nation.

Corruption was never truly gone, it simply laid down low and waited for the right time. It changed shape. It morphed into the lies people wanted to see. It adapted.

But the noise also adapted.

It lives in people's stories, comment sections, internet conversations, and posts all over platforms. Where there's corruption, there will always be noise—even if it's a different kind.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 was responsible?
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 did it really cost?
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 did it all go?

These questions are always repeated in history, the civic ones.

Not only does Mr. Ybañez bring up corruption, but also the actions made to fight it. Civic actions need not grand gestures, but the courage to question. Corruption sneaks behind the shadows of the people, wearing disguises of progress or patriotism, or simply surviving because no one gives enough questions.

He gives a guide on the importance and impact of civic action: youth activism, Filipino influencers launching "Creators against corruption", and the Trillion Peso March.

Civic action does not need violence, nor does it always require a revolution—it can take form as someone's effort to verify information, to look into backgrounds, and to actually choose wisely. It's when organizing takes place, when you actually listen, when you actually observe who deserves the right to sit on the chair.

Just because these actions don't create noise like the marching of people, it still reflects the same idea of the protests people did on EDSA.

Democracy needs the cooperation of both the leader and the people being led. It is a practice.

It needs people who remember the truth—not just the victories but also the struggles of the citizens who worked to win. It asks people to examine the past honestly, even when the truth is uncomfortable. 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 when it is uncomfortable.

Because letting the truth fly above our heads is easy.

Forgetting turns revolutions into mere holidays.
Forgetting turns history into decoration.
Forgetting allows the same mistakes to quietly return wearing different names.

And that is why the noise 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 remain. Whether it may be people holding banners or people who simply value truth.

But if some of us are still like this—still forgetting, still silent—then what now?

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐋𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐒. 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲: 𝐌𝐲𝐤𝐞 𝐉𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐬

𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝: 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐔𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞

While many students spent their day attending classes as usual, a group of young leaders took on a different responsibility—ensuring that every vote was collected, protected, and counted. Serving as student election officers, they worked behind the scenes to make the school’s electoral process run smoothly, despite having little preparation and facing unexpected challenges along the way.

Without formal training, these student volunteers relied on their critical thinking, teamwork, and sense of responsibility to guide them through the day. They were assigned various roles—runners, election officers, and election coordinators—each carrying unique duties but sharing one common mission: to safeguard the voice of the student body.

The day began early, long before the first ballots were gathered. Teams were deployed to different sections to distribute, collect, and monitor voting materials. Yet, as in any real-world situation, not everything went according to plan.

The officers encountered several obstacles, including shortages of essential supplies such as ink and stamp pads. At times, they also had to maintain patience and professionalism while managing students’ playful behavior during the process. These moments tested not only their organization skills but also their ability to adapt quickly and remain composed under pressure.

“No plan is ever perfect,” one student officer shared, reflecting on the experience. “We had to respond to problems as they came, and that meant working together and thinking fast.”

Despite the hurdles, the team remained committed to their responsibilities. They moved from room to room, carefully gathering ballots and ensuring that each one was handled properly. The work was demanding, stretching from early morning until late afternoon, but the officers understood the importance of what they were doing.

By the time the sun began to set, the mission had been accomplished. Every ballot had been secured, and the election process was successfully completed. What seemed at first like a daunting task turned into a meaningful experience—one that highlighted leadership, accountability, and service.

More than just fulfilling a duty, these student election officers demonstrated that participation in school governance is not limited to casting votes. It also involves dedication, integrity, and the willingness to work for the greater good of the community.

In the end, the experience left them with more than satisfaction—it gave them a lasting memory of what it means to be trusted with responsibility and to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐏. 𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐳
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲: 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲: 𝐌𝐲𝐤𝐞 𝐉𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐬

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭

The steady beat of music echoed across the grounds of Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School on February 27, 2026, as excitement slowly built among the crowd. Students gathered under the warm afternoon sun at exactly 1 P.M., their eyes fixed on the performance area, waiting for the much-anticipated Grade 10 Cheerdance Presentation to begin—an activity organized and guided by the Grade 10 MAPEH teachers.

As the first song played, the performers of St. Florian stepped forward with confidence, opening the program with an energetic routine that immediately awakened the crowd’s spirit. One after another, the sections followed in sequence—St. Benedict, St. Henry, St. Augustine, and St. Gregory—each bringing their own rhythm, formations, and creativity to the ground. Cheers rose from every corner as classmates supported their teams with loud applause and encouragement.

The momentum continued as SPS Alpha and St. Jude performed with determination, their captivating movements reflecting weeks of preparation and teamwork. Soon after, SPS Beta and St. Ignatius took their turn, filling the grounds with lively choreography and impressive 2nd-level stunts that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

Finally, St. Elizabeth stepped into the spotlight, delivering the closing performance that wrapped the presentation with strength and spirit. When the final routine ended, performers lingered on the grounds, capturing moments with photos and smiles. Laughter mingled with the warm afternoon sun, and for some, a quiet nostalgia surfaced—these vibrant memories of their Grade 10 journey at DVR would soon be treasured.

Behind every routine were weeks of practice and guidance from the MAPEH teachers who organized the activity. Through this presentation, the Grade 10 students were able to showcase not only their creativity in dance but also the teamwork, discipline, and confidence that the MAPEH subject aims to develop.

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐁. 𝐋𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐬𝐨
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲: 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭: 𝐌𝐲𝐤𝐞 𝐉𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐬

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑩𝒆 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐲𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨

For many students, campus journalism is simply another extracurricular activity—a competition, a school paper, a passing experience in life. But for Venice Faye Babao, it became far more than that. It became a calling, a passion, and a commitment she carried with dedication throughout her high school journey.

Year after year, press conference after press conference, Babao dedicated herself to the craft of journalism. Her journey was not built overnight—it was formed through countless hours of training, sleepless nights spent refining articles, and a deep commitment using her voice and her words with purpose.

Her record speaks for itself. She competed tirelessly in the Division Schools Press Conference six times, advanced to the Regional Schools Press Conference four times, and proudly represented her work at the National Schools Press Conference twice. Her experience revolved around both Filipino and English categories, in both individual and group competitions—clear proof of her dedication and versatility and determination as a student journalist.

But Babao’s contribution to campus journalism went far beyond competitions. She became a mentor and a leader. As an officer in journalism organizations at the division and national levels, she helped guide fellow student journalists and even served as a facilitator in outreach programs, sharing her knowledge with young learners who were only beginning to explore the world of campus journalism.

For many students, journalism is simply about writing. For Babao, it was about service—using words to educate, empower, and inspire.

However, even the most passionate journeys encounter unexpected obstacles.

In what should have been another well-earned opportunity to represent her division at the regional level, Babao faced a heartbreaking setback. Due to a technical lapse beyond her control, she was not allowed to compete. The opportunity she had prepared for months—perhaps years of commitment to her field—was taken away before she even had the chance to prove herself.

For someone who had devoted nearly her entire high school life to campus journalism, the loss was deeply painful.

What makes her experience even more heartbreaking is that she was not denied because she lacked the qualifications, the discipline, or the experience. She was denied because of a failure in a system that should have protected the students it was meant to guide. In this sense, her experience becomes a quiet but powerful call for fairness, accountability, and a system that ensures deserving student journalists are given the equal chance they have worked so hard to earn.

And yet, even in that moment of loss, Babao refused to be reduced by what was taken from her.

Instead of allowing disappointment to silence her, she chose to speak. Not only for herself, but for every student journalist who has spent years working in good faith, trusting that effort, merit, and dedication would be met with equal fairness. In doing so, she reminded others of a truth that lies at the heart of journalism itself: it is not just about reporting facts—it is about standing up for what is right.

Babao embodies the spirit of student journalism: courageous, passionate, and relentless in the pursuit of truth. Even when the system fails to recognize dedication, the impact of a journalist’s work cannot simply disappear.

Because recognition is not only measured in medals or titles.

It is found in the years of dedication, the countless stories written, the students inspired, and the courage to speak even when it is difficult.

Venice Faye Babao may have lost the chance to compete, but what happened did not diminish the years she gave to her craft. It did not erase the discipline she built, the service she offered, or the voice she shaped through time, sacrifice, and conviction.

If anything, it revealed the kind of journalist she truly is.

Not one defined by a single missed opportunity, but one defined by resilience. Not one remembered only for what she was denied, but for the strength with which she rose above it. Not one silenced by injustice, but one made even stronger by it.

Because competitions may end, opportunities may be taken, and recognition may sometimes fail to arrive where it is most deserved.

But a real journalist endures.

And long after the noise of the system fades, the voice that stood for truth will remain the one people remember.

Correspondent: Sophia Cyclim Velez & John Paul dela Fuente
Layout by: Myke Jhurick G. Vallejos

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School recently held a leadership workshop symposium titled “Digital Leaders: Protecting Youth from Online Sexual Exploitation of Children" last February 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the school's mini gym.

Class presidents from Grades 7 to 12 arrived and registered at 12:45 PM. The program officially started with a patriotic song and an opening prayer, setting a meaningful tone for the afternoon. Afterwards, Mr. Ronaldo Ruiz Jr. warmly welcomed the participants and introduced the student leaders who would take part in the workshop.

The school's Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Mae F. Palapar, RGC, led the different sessions. In the first session, titled “Understanding OSAEC,” she explained important concepts about online sexual exploitation of children and helped students better understand the risks and warning signs. To make the learning more engaging, participants took part in a role-playing activity where they applied what they had learned to real-life situations.

The second session, “Leadership Action Planning Workshop,” focused on turning knowledge into action. Student leaders worked together to create practical plans that would help promote online safety within their school community.

The workshop symposium highlighted the important role that young leaders play in today’s digital world. By empowering students with knowledge and responsibility, the school aims to ensure that children are protected from online dangers and guided toward safe, respectful, and responsible internet use.

𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁: Rhianne Jocel Nemenzo
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘆: Kate Yvonne Alkuino