The Verity

𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀!!

OCSHS Athletes, your passion and hard work have led you to this moment. As you compete in the Palarong Pambansa 2026, held in the Municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur from May 24–31, 2026, remember to trust your training, stay confident, and let your passion drive you forward.

Win with humility, lose with grace, and always show sportsmanship and respect toward your fellow athletes. Whether you bring home a medal or not, stepping onto the stage and giving your best is already a victory in itself.

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝗢𝗖𝗦𝗛𝗦 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

OCSHS students gathered at Ormoc City Senior High School at 8 AM on May 6 for the launch of Summer Aral 2026, a program designed to strengthen reading comprehension and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the session, students engaged in activities including reading, reflective writing, and role-playing while getting to know their new peers. Teachers fostered a respectful and supportive environment, encouraging students to speak confidently and without fear of judgment.

The four-hour program will run for 20 days, from May 7 to June 2, to further improve students’ literacy and numeracy skills. As it continues, participants are building friendships alongside academic skills.



🖋 John Gabriel Lecciones
📷 Photo Courtesy to Sir Reggie Cantiga

"𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵.”
‎—Maria Ressa
‎
‎On this day, as we commemorate the sacrifices made in the name of press freedom, let us not forget the voices of truth that relentlessly seek answers to our nation's most pressing problems. Their courage to speak, to question, and to hold power accountable remains our safeguard against misinformation and injustice.




💻 Chamyrene Ludevise

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁

The Department of Education’s plan to adopt a trimester system for School Year 2026–2027 has drawn mixed reactions. Some see it as a step forward, while others worry about implementation.

The goal is to decongest the school year and improve learning. But as with any major reform, success depends less on intent and more on ex*****on. Done well, it could enhance education. Done poorly, it could create more problems than it solves. The key is careful planning and ex*****on to ensure students truly benefit.

The trimester system aims for better balance. Dividing the year into three terms allows for shorter, more focused learning periods followed by breaks. This rhythm can help prevent burnout, keep students engaged, and improve retention. Students learn, rest, then return refreshed. Teachers also gain more flexibility to plan lessons and develop new learning opportunities.

Still, theory and reality often diverge. A major concern is readiness. Many schools already face classroom shortages, overwhelmed teachers, and limited resources. Introducing a new structure without addressing these core issues risks adding complexity.

Teachers may bear the heaviest burden — revising curricula, updating assessments, and adapting to tighter schedules, often without adequate support.

For students, the impact could cut both ways. Shorter terms and frequent breaks may reduce stress and provide fresh starts. Yet the faster pace could overwhelm learners who already struggle. Without sufficient support such as tutoring or guidance, some may feel they’re falling behind. With the right interventions, however, the shift could be positive. Success hinges on balancing rigor with support.

Ultimately, the Department of Education must ensure these changes are workable and equitable. That means transparent planning, proper teacher training, and responsiveness to feedback.

The trimester system isn’t just a calendar change. It redefines how students learn and how teachers teach in the Philippines. A shift this significant demands more than rescheduling. It requires commitment, clear goals, and genuine concern for both students and teachers.

So we’re left with the question: Is this change truly for the students, or are we fixing something that isn’t broken?



🖋 Sophia Coyoca
🖼 Jasmine Navarro

𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

On this day, May 1, we celebrate Labor Day in honoring the strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication of Filipino workers. From farmers and fisherfolk to professionals and workers in every field, their hard work continues to shape, sustain, and move our nation forward.

Your daily efforts and sacrifices, inspires and strengthen our communities. As we recognize your invaluable contributions, we reaffirm to respect, protect, and uphold the dignity of every manggagawang Pilipino.

Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!



💻 Chamyrene Ludevise

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

“𝘕𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘤𝘩, 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 grievance𝘴.”

Those powerful words from Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution affirm that the protection of the people's voice is the rock of which our democracy is built upon.

This constitutional mandate is the definitive line in the sand. Activism is the living exercise of these rights, whereas terrorism is a criminal act that seeks to undermine the very life and liberty the Constitution protects. To equate the two is not just a semantic error—it is a constitutional violation.

Activism is the act of campaigning to bring about social, political, or economic change. It is driven by civic duty and a desire for justice. It utilizes legal and peaceful ways such as protests, petitions, and advocacy. In total contrast, terrorism is the use of violence, intimidation, and the targeting of civilians to sow fear. It aims to destroy the democratic fabric that activism seeks to repair. To put it simply, an activist demands accountability; a terrorist sows chaos.

Labeling critics as terrorists also referred to as "𝘳𝘦𝘥-𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨"—is a direct assault on the Bill of Rights. When teachers, farmers, or students are branded as "𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦" for simply opposing a policy, it creates a "𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 effec𝘵." This fear paralyzes the public discourse necessary for a healthy nation. When we silence the activist, we do not achieve peace; we only mask the symptoms of social injustice.

History is the greatest witness to the necessity of protest. Many of the rights we enjoy today—the eight-hour workday, minimum wage, and even the restoration of our democracy in 1986—were not gifts handed down by the powerful. They were won through the persistence of activists. If every voice of dissent in our history had been treated as an act of terrorism, the Philippines would remain stagnant and silenced.

Criticizing the government is an act of patriotism, not treason. It is an expression of hope that the system can be better. Silencing activists by branding them as terrorists does not solve the problems of peace and order; it merely ignores the root causes of unrest.

We must remain vigilant in protecting the right to speak out. Activism is empathy in action. Activism is a constitutional right. Activism is not, and will never be, terrorism.



🖋Libcarl Jabon
Cartoon by Jasmine Niña Navarro

In the interest of accountability, we have released an official statement addressing our previous post. We take full responsibility and remain committed to verified reporting.

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 | A tragic drowning incident was reported yesterday afternoon, April 18, in Talisayan, Albuera, Leyte. The victim was identified as Daniel Guillemer Pepito, a Grade 11 STEM–Newton student of Ormoc City Senior High School.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and relatives during this difficult time.

(𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗)

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | NSPC 2026 awarding rites and closing ceremony at Ormoc City Superdome, April 17, 2026.




📷 John Emmanuel Laurente

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗖 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀; 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗭𝗢𝗡 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻

ORMOC CITY — The National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) 2026 concluded on Friday, April 17, at the Ormoc City Superdome, marked by loud cheers from student journalists as winners across different categories were announced.

Delegates from different regions erupted in applause whenever a regionmate was called to the stage, waving banners and celebrating each recognition as a shared achievement. Between announcements, participants gathered in groups around the venue to take photos, documenting their experience in the national competition. Students were seen posing with teammates, coaches, and fellow delegates, capturing moments inside the Superdome as the conference came to a close.

Despite the competitive nature of the event, many participants who did not place remained engaged during the ceremony, applauding winners and interacting with their fellow campus journalists. The atmosphere reflected a sense of fulfillment among delegates who represented their respective regions at the national level.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the overall results of NSPC 2026 were formally announced, shifting the celebration from individual wins to the final standing of top-performing delegations. CALABARZON emerged as the top-performing region after posting strong results across both individual and group categories. The National Capital Region followed in second place, with Region II in third, while Region V and Region III completed the top five.

Following the announcement of winners and rankings, Bureau of Curriculum Development Director Ebenezer A. Beloy delivered the closing message, reminding participants that the value of journalism extends beyond competition. He emphasized the importance of truth, responsibility, and integrity, urging student journalists to prioritize ethical reporting over recognition.

The event concluded under the theme “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag,” emphasizing the role of student journalists in promoting critical, principled, and responsible journalism as they return to their respective schools and communities.




🖋 Miel Orellano
📷 John Emmanuel Laurente

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Most Outstanding Campus Journalists of the Secondary Level at the National Schools Press Conference 2026. Your excellence, dedication, and voice continue to inspire the future of campus journalism.




🖼 Chamyrene Ludevise
📷 John Emmanuel Laurente