The Apex

IN PHOTOS | Fearless in expression, united in diversity, and proud of their ASEAN heritage, participating higher education institutions across CALABARZON set sails for “CALABARZON’s VOYAGE 2026” with the theme VOices of Young ASEAN Global Engagement: Connecting CALABARZON to the ASEAN Community 2026, at Assemblyman Rafael R. Recto Gymnasium, BatState-U, The NEU –Lipa, August 24.

“Filipinos have always had talent, and that Filipinos have always had the potential. What we need is opportunity and courage to seize it—and when we work together the problems we face as a country become lighter, the challenges become more manageable, and the possibilities become greater.” — Dr. Rogelio T. Galera, Jr., CESO III, Regional Director of CHEDRO IV, emphasized in his opening remarks, highlighting that working together toward a common goal shows the world what it means to be a Filipino.

Continuing on the day’s opening rites, participants put their knowledge, artistry, and appreciation of ASEAN on full display as the event transitioned into its much-anticipated competitions. The ASEAN Cultural Presentation took center stage at the Assemblyman Rafael R. Recto Gymnasium, BatState-U, The NEU-Lipa, where participating institutions brought the diverse traditions, identities, and cultural expressions of the ASEAN Member States to life through graceful, powerful, and enticing traditional dance performances.

The celebration then simultaneously took over at National University - Lipa through academic excellence, artistic flair, and cultural diversity the event featured competitive showcases—including the ASEAN Quest and ASEAN Poster Making Competition under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”. These segments embody regional pride and promote greater awareness and understanding—nurturing future-ready, globally minded citizens, and actively building bridges across Southeast Asia.

More than a showcase of talent and competition, the activities highlighted the importance of cultural appreciation, regional understanding, and meaningful youth participation in building stronger connections within the ASEAN community—truly embodying the spirit of “NAVIGATING OUR FUTURE, TOGETHER.”

via EJ Carl Odencio, Katelene Amor Fabroquez
photos by Alysa Celine Fajardo, Aramie Magas

TalaLarawan | Marami nang nabaybay na kalsada ang aking mga paa. Malayo na ang narating ng aking mga tapak. Kilala na rin ng mga daliri ko sa paa ang pakiramdam ng mga bato at alikabok na humahalik dito, subalit hindi ko pa rin magawang iwaksi ang mumunting hiling ng aking puso—isang pares ng tsinelas para sa paa kong puno ng paltos at kalyo.

Sa rami ng mga pagsubok at pag-aalinlangang nakaharap ko, kailangan ko ba talagang masanay para masabing nabuhay ako nang may dangal?

mga salita ni Isabella Angel Francisco
larawan ni John Carlo Masa

𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗟 | One Ninoy, Walang Katulad

May mga bagay na hindi na kailangang ipaglaban matapos paglamayan. Kahit pa siguro, pinalaki na tayo sa bansang madalas na nauuna ang pagluluksa bago ang pagkilos.

Noong Agosto 21, 1983, isang putok ng baril ang kumitil sa buhay ni Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., isang kritiko ng pamahalaan. Ngunit nabigo ang sinuman sa pagpapatahimik noon, sapagkat inilantad lamang nito ang bigat ng takot at pang-aabusong matagal nang dinadala ng bansa. Isang bayang pinatahimik sa takot ang unti-unting nagising na naging mitsa ng malawakang pagkilos na, makalipas ang tatlong taon, ay sumiklab sa EDSA People Power Revolution.

Bagama’t apatnapu't tatlong taon na ang lumipas at marami ang nagbago, naiwan ang mga Pilipino sa paniniwalang may sasagip muli sa atin. Na baka, may darating na kayang isakripisyo ang buhay para sa malawakang pag-aaklas.

Ngayong taon pa lamang, sunod-sunod ang naitalang namatay sa iba't ibang trahedya. Noong Abril, kabilang sina Alyssa Alano, isang lider-estudyante ng University of the Philippines, at RJ Nichole Ledesma, isang mamamahayag at tagapagtanggol ng karapatang pantao, sa 19 na nasawi sa insidente sa Toboso, Negros Occidental. Noong Hunyo, tatlong estudyante naman ang nasawi at 20 ang nasugatan sa pamamaril sa isang paaralan sa Tacloban City. Wala pang dalawang buwan ang lumipas bago muling binulabog ang isang paaralan sa Zamboanga City, kung saan dalawang menor de edad ang nasawi sa isa na namang pamamaril.

Sa parehong taon, umakyat na sa 92 ang naiulat na nasawi sa magnitude-7.8 na lindol sa Mindanao, habang 29 naman ang naitalang namatay dahil sa pinagsamang epekto ng mga bagyo at habagat nitong Agosto. At hindi pa kabilang rito ang ibang pang isyung naganap noon na siya ring pinagkaguluhan matapos may makitilan ng panghabangbuhay na pagkakataong makita ang bansang magbago.

Magkaiba ang mga trahedyang ito. Magkakaiba rin ang sanhi at pananagutan. Ngunit pare-pareho nitong pinatutunayan ang kapabayaan at patuloy na paniniwala na kailangan munang magkaroon ng mga bangkay bago magkaroon ng malakas na panawagan para sa pagbabago.

Ang pagkamatay ni Ninoy ay nagmulat sa isang bayang matagal nang binusalan ng takot. Ngunit hindi dapat maging kondisyon ang kamatayan upang manatiling gising ang bayan. Paalala ito na hindi na natin kailangang ulitin ang trahedya upang maulit ang tapang. Sapagkat higit pa sa isang holiday ang Agosto 21.

Taun-taon binibigkas ang pangalan ni Ninoy. Inaalala ang bawat sakripisyo at ipinagmamalaki ang EDSA bilang patunay ng kapangyarihan ng nagkakaisang mamamayan. Ngunit magiging hungkag ang paggunita kung ang tapang na ipinagdiriwang ay hanggang sa mga seremonyang ligtas at komportable lamang.

Hindi maaaring ipagdiwang ang isang taong pinaslang dahil sa kaniyang paninindigan habang hinihintay ang susunod na biktima bago gamitin ang sarili nating boses. Lalong hindi rin sapat ang “hindi na mauulit” kung ang tinutukoy lamang ay ang mismong trahedya. Mas dapat ngang bantayan ang mga pangyayaring nauuna rito tulad ng mga problemang matagal nang alam ngunit hindi pinapansin.

Umaandar ang orasan. Hindi ito tumitigil upang ibaling ang lente sa sinumang ibinuburol.

Minsan nang ipinaglaban ang demokrasyang ito, huwag sana nating sayangin. Hindi ito ibinigay upang magsalita lamang kapag galit na ang lahat. Ang paninindigan ay hindi dapat maging emergency response lang. Hindi ito dapat lumitaw lamang kapag viral na ang isang pangalan o kapag nasa lansangan na ang mga tao.

Apatnapu't tatlong taon na ang lumipas mula nang bumagsak si Ninoy. Ngunit mula noon, sunod sunod pa rin ang nagbabagsakang mga Pilipino dahil sa mga sistemang matagal nang nakikitang may mali na inaaksiyunan lamang kapag may buhay nang inialay. Animo’y kulto na rito.

Hindi na kailangang may mamatay pang muli para magsalita. Hindi na kailangang may maging martir para manindigan. Lalong hindi na natin kinakailangan ng panibagong sakripisyo na pagagawan ng esatwa upang maging inspirasyon sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Hindi na natin kailangan ng panibagong Ninoy upang patunayang buhay pa ang tapang ng sambayanang minsan nang nagpabago sa kasaysayan.

Sapagkat hindi sa rami ng nakikiluksa makikita ang paninindigan. Nasa pagpigil ito sa susunod na pagpanaw.

dibuho ni Kirby Porillo

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄, 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘀. 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁!

Today is your 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬, as The APEX Group of Publications await those daring to answer the call—it’s now or never for aspiring writers, layout artists, artists, photojournalists, videographers, editors, and news correspondents. Why wait until the last minute? Apply now!

The summit awaits for your story, your voice, and your quest for truth. Step into The APEX’s Fifth Annual Qualifying Examination through 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁, and be one of the protégés of forthright journalism!

Submit your application here. Forms close 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗠 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.
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For other inquiries, you can contact us at our official page, or send an email through [email protected].

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Malacañang announced the enforcement of alternative work and learning arrangements for government offices and schools in Batangas for Thursday, August 20, 2026, in light of heavy rainfall associated with the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 131 and the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), all levels, including public and private schools in the province of Batangas shall adopt to alternative learning modes in light of risks of localized flooding and travel hazards.

Agencies providing basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential functions will continue operating and delivering necessary assistance.

Decisions on suspending work for private companies and offices rest with their respective managements.

Stay safe, dry, and informed, Red Spartans!

Source: Memorandum Circular No. 131, Presidential Communications Office

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿?

𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗙𝗧, as The APEX Group of Publications cracks the door open for aspiring writers, layout artists, artists, photojournalists, videographers, editors, and news correspondents. What are you waiting for? Apply now!

The hour draws near. Step into The APEX’s Fifth Annual Qualifying Examination through 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁, and be one of the protégés of forthright journalism!

Submit your application here until August 20 only:
https://forms.gle/T64cMKazU82MpAgj9
https://forms.gle/T64cMKazU82MpAgj9
https://forms.gle/T64cMKazU82MpAgj9

For other inquiries, you can contact us at our official page, or send an email through [email protected].

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘀.

𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡, as The APEX Group of Publications opens the newsroom for the new generation of eager scribes—writers, artists, photojournalists, videographers, editors, layout artists, and news correspondents.

What are you waiting for? Rise to the occasion, step up to the challenge, and get ready to carve truth beyond the summit!

𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬:
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For other inquiries, you can contact us at our official page, or send an email through [email protected].

ICYMI | First day of classes were abruptly disrupted at Batangas State University, The National Engineering University - Lipa following the suspension under Memorandum Circular 127, August 17.

Issued in response to inclement weather brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), the directive immediately halted academic festivities and forced the dismissal of campus events, classes, and office services, cutting short what was meant to be a smooth start to the Academic Year 2026-2027.

The suspension immediately triggered heavy traffic congestion around the university as students, faculty, and staff simultaneously exited.

via Alysa Celine Fajardo
photos by Aramie Magas

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Malacañang announced the enforcement of alternative work and learning arrangements for government offices and schools in Batangas for tomorrow, August 18, 2026, in light of heavy rainfall associated with the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 128 and the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), all levels, including public and private schools in the province of Batangas shall adopt to alternative learning modes in pursuit of everyone's welfare and security.

Agencies providing basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential functions will continue operating and delivering necessary assistance.

Decisions on suspending work for private companies and offices rest with their respective managements.

Stay safe, dry, and informed, Red Spartans!

Source: Memorandum Circular No. 128, Presidential Communications Office