Sienan Veritas, Rafael Alunan Avenue, Koronadal (2026)

09/08/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | NDSSM's Datu Yussef Dimalao Helps Marbel Children's Chorus Clinch Grand Prix Glory in Thailand ICF.

Grade 9–Saint Raymond of Peñafort student Datu Yussef Dimalao joins the Marbel Children's Chorus in its way to victory at the 3rd Thailand International Choral Festival in Bangkok, Thailand, held August 3-7, 2026. Winning a gold medal in the Young Children Choir category, and another gold in the Folksong category. Their conducter—Jeward T. Cardenas, showed exceptional leadership and artistry-that help lead the chorus to their victory.

Marbel Children's Choir was awarded with the Gold medal in the Young Children Choir category, with a 88.78 point rating. In addition-they were awarded another Gold medal, this time in the Folksong category, they recieved a 91.38 point rating. Both entries were marked "Winner of the category". Not only that, their conductor-Jeward T. Cardenas, was awarded the "Special Jury's award for Outstanding Conducting". These awards ultimately led them to win the grand prize. Their awards are not just mere achievements-but are the result of countless rehearsals, unwavering commitment, dedication, and discipline.

The Thailand International Choral Festival is an annual international choral competition and gathering held in Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 2024 by the Thailand Choral Association, the event features, global choir competitions, workshops, and friendship concerts. The Thailand ICF connects choirs from around the globe through musical, social, and cultural exchanges made to break international barriers. They host competions not only to show talent-but to also exchange cultures from different nations through singing and other activities. With Marbel Children's choir, Datu Yussef was able to participate in this major event and help them to their succes in the festival.

Words by Joaquin Escoton

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

09/08/2026

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | SAINTEMENTAL

"A reading from the gospel according to grief"

"Glory to you Rene".

1 And it came to pass that the serpent departed not from the garden, but remained among the children of men. Only it had changed its countenance.
2 No longer did it speak through forbidden fruit, but through grief.
3 And it whispered unto the multitude, saying, "Speak no ill of the dead."
4 And they hearkened unto its voice. For it taught that death was the washing away of every fault, that tragedy was the making of every hero, and that every soul taken too soon was fit for a halo.
5 But grief, though holy in its mourning, was never ordained to rewrite the truth.

This is not the Gospel of Christ.
This is a gospel according to grief.

Rene Bartebonia's death is undeniably tragic. Regarded as a kind person, loving son, and a humble star. A young life, full of promises and hope, gone too soon. For his family, they lost a son. A brother to his teammates. And another one of their own to the community.

The sorrow is real.
And his death deserves compassion,
but there's nothing compassionate about how our grief can hiss us away from the truth.

Just days after his passing, social media flagged his name and waved it for everyone to see. Instead of letting him rest in peace, they made him rest on a pedestal. Posts about his supposed “martyrdom” and his supposed path toward sainthood spread across the internet. Social media had begun placing halos where there had only ever been memories.

Saints are not declared by hashtags, candle emojis, or public affection.

Sainthood is not the reward for dying young, nor for being admired, nor for becoming the subject of collective heartbreak. It follows a long and deliberate discernment of a life marked by heroic virtue.

Even martyrdom has a definition: one dies because of hatred for the faith, not because fate proved cruel.

Perhaps people never intended a theological statement. Perhaps "saint" was merely shorthand for "good person" Yet Catholics, of all people, know that words such as saint, martyr, and heroic virtue are not empty compliments. They carry histories, doctrines, and standards that deserve more than sentimental inflation.

More so, a hero is not simply someone whose death leaves us devastated. Heroism is measured not by the sadness of an ending but by extraordinary acts of courage, sacrifice, or service. Tragedy may make us weep. It does not, by itself, make someone a hero.

To say this is not to diminish Rene Baterbonia.
It is to refuse to diminish the words we use to honor others.

Rene was already enough.

He was a gifted basketball player. He was a son whose ambitions carried the hopes of his family. He inspired many young athletes who saw in him the possibility of rising beyond circumstance. Those truths require neither embellishment nor exaggeration.

Yet perhaps exaggeration comforts us because reality does not.

The greatest respect we can offer the dead is not exaggeration.

It is honesty.

Not every life cut short is the life of a martyr. Not every tragedy produces a hero. Not every beloved soul is a saint awaiting canonization. To acknowledge this is not an act of disrespect; it is an act of honor. Because if we truly loved the person we lost, should we not also love the truth about the person we lost?

Perhaps grief should not be allowed to write the Gospel.

Let memory remember.

Let truth speak.

Besides, grief had only ever made us Saintementals.

Words by A.J Clemens

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

09/08/2026

𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: 𝐒𝐑. 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐀. 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄, 𝐎.𝐏. 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

Guided by a shared vision of faith and quality education, Notre Dame-Siena School of Marbel steps into a transformative year centered on academic growth and compassionate service. As the institution embrace this year's theme, "Rooted by Faith, Driven by Excellence," the Sienan community continues to unite in its ongoing preparations for the upcoming PAASCU accreditation and a lineup of meaningful institutional activities.

In this special on-the-scene interview coverage by The Veritas, sit down with Sr. Susana A. Bravante, O.P. as she shares key insights into the school's roadmap, the rigor behind PAASCU readiness, and the heartwarming vision behind the 80 Sienans Acts of Love campaign. Discover and explore how each initiative reflects the spirit of service and continuous improvement that defines our community!

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

Words by: Robert Stephen Franilla
Correspondent: Bella Ocampo
Director/Team Lead: Christer Levy Atanoso
Editor: Christer Levy Atanoso

08/08/2026

𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍 | Tanglaw ng Katotohanan

Ipinagdiriwang tuwing Agosto 8 ang kapistahan ni Santo Domingo de Guzman o kilala bilang Sto. Domingo. Bilang tagapagtatag ng Orden ng mga Dominikano, naging inspirasyon siya sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagmamahal sa katotohanan at dedikasyon sa pagpapahayag ng Salita ng Diyos. Naniniwala siya na ang karunungan ay dapat gamitin upang makiisa sa paglapit sa Diyos.

Tulad ng isang tanglaw na nagbibigay-liwanag sa madilim na landas, naging gabay si Santo Domingo de Guzman sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pananampalataya, karunungan, walang-sawang paghahanap at pagpapahayag ng katotohanan. Ang pamana niyang ito ay isang paanyaya na patuloy na isabuhay ang Mabuting Balita sa bawat salita at gawa.

Sa kanyang misyon, binibigyang-diin ni Sto. Domingo na ang katotohanan ay hindi lamang ipinapahayag sa pamamagitan ng mga salita kundi sa pamamagitan ng pagsasabuhay ng pagmamahal sa Diyos at kapwa. Naniniwala siya na ang kaalaman ay dapat gamitin upang akayin ang iba at hindi para sa sariling kapakinabangan. Kaya noong nagkaroon ng malubhang taggutom, ibinenta niya ang kanyang mga libro at kagamitan upang tulungan ang mga nagugutom at mahihirap.

Mahigit walong siglo na ang lumipas, ngunit nananatiling buhay ang kanyang pamana. Sa mga paaralan, simbahan, at komunidad ng mga Dominikano, patuloy na isinasabuhay ang kanyang mga aral. Ang bawat pagtuturo ng katotohanan, bawat tapat na paglilingkod, at bawat mabuting gawa ay sumasalamin sa misyong kanyang sinimulan.

Sa panahon ngayon, kung saan mabilis na kumakalat ang mga maling impormasyon sa social media, mahalagang isabuhay ng kabataan ang mga aral ni Sto. Domingo—ang walang-sawang paghahanap sa katotohanan, kahit mahirap itong tuklasin, at ang pagiging tanglaw ng katotohanan para sa iba.

Nawa'y magsilbing inspirasyon si Sto. Domingo sa bawat isa. Sa panahong maraming tinig ang naglalaban para sa ating pansin, ipinapaalala ng kanyang buhay na ang katotohanan ay dapat hanapin, ipagtanggol, at isabuhay. Tunay ngang si Sto. Domingo ay nananatiling Tanglaw ng Katotohanan, isang liwanag na patuloy na gumagabay sa bawat henerasyon.

Mga salita ni Tricia Remollo

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

06/08/2026

𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀 | Pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika 2026 sa Notre Dame-Siena School of Marbel: Umaarangkada na!

KORONADAL CITY — Noong Agosto 3, 2026 matagumpay na idinaos ang pagbubukas ng Buwan ng Wika sa Notre Dame Siena School of Marbel na may temang "Wikang Filipino at AI: Kasangkapan sa Pananaliksik at Tulay sa Yaman ng Impormasyon" sa pangunguna ni Bb. Kristine C. Repospolo.

Dito ay inanunsyo ang apat na patimpalak kabilang na ang Bulletin Board Contest, paggawa ng poster para sa primarya, paggawa ng slogan, at ang paggawa ng reels.

Matapos ipinahayag ang mga kompetisyon ay hinarana ang mga g**o at mag-aaral nina Jeicah Rhiz Caballero ng ika-limang baitang at ng duweto nina Althea Feria ng ikalabing-isang baitang at Aaron Feria ng ikalabing-dalawa baitang. Nagpakitang-gilas din ang mga miyembro ng performing Arts Club sa kanilang inihandog na sayaw.

Natapos ang programa sa pamamagitan ng isang paalala sa wastong paggamit ng AI bilang kasangkapan sa pagpapalawak ng kaalaman at nabigyang diin ang kahalagahan ng wikang Filipino bilang katuwang ng makabagong teknolohiya sa pananaliksik at pagkatuto.

Mga salita ni Princess Joy Ramos

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

05/08/2026

𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 | An estimated 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Mindanao at approximately 12:14 p.m. on August 5, 2026, with the tremor felt across several areas, prompting residents to remain alert and follow earthquake safety protocols. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess any possible impacts, while the public is advised to stay calm, rely on verified updates, and remain prepared for possible aftershocks.

29/07/2026

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍 | NDSSM Conducts First Fire Drill for SY 2026-2027.

28/07/2026

𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇 | Shielding the Shield: Sierra Madre

When a massive typhoon sweeps into Luzon, most of us stay glued to the news tracking the path of the storm. But long before the rain ever reaches our neighborhood, a five hundred kilometer green wall along the eastern coast is already fighting the storm for us. The Sierra Madre mountain range has stood as Luzon's ultimate natural shield for centuries, quietly absorbing heavy rains and breaking fierce winds. Yet, illegal logging and quarrying operations continue to tear away at this forest every single day, making the floods and landslides in nearby provinces far worse than they used to be.

From an environmental science perspective, a healthy forest functions like a giant natural drainage system. When heavy rain falls, the thick canopy of leaves breaks the impact of falling water, preventing it from washing away loose dirt. Beneath the ground, massive tree roots weave together to anchor the soil in place and soak up huge amounts of water. When logging clears away trees and quarrying blasts apart hills for stone, this natural sponge disappears. Without roots to hold the earth, rainwater rushes straight down the mountains, dragging tons of mud into river channels and overflowing lowland communities.

For our school and community, protecting the Sierra Madre is not just a topic for science class; it is a critical requirement for public safety. Combining strict enforcement of environmental laws with modern monitoring technology gives us a real chance to protect what is left of our natural shield. The Sierra Madre has guarded Luzon from nature's worst storms for generations, and using science to preserve this mountain range is the best way to ensure it keeps protecting us for generations to come.

Words by Seichel Chloe Floro

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

26/07/2026

𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 | SYNERGY 2026: Igniting the Leaders from Within

Leadership does not merely flow from a single lecture. Growth and knowledge come from experience, the bond among peers, and a determination to exceed the boundaries of what one knows. These are the values nurtured in the SYNERGY 2026: Club and Classroom Officers Leadership Training for Notre Dame-Siena School of Marbel's student officers. Led by the meaningful theme, "Leading with Character, Serving with Purpose," the training provided valuable experiences in preparing the officers for the role they will play throughout the whole school year.

To me, this training challenged the common idea that leadership begins with a title. I believe that the best leaders are not simply elected or appointed. They are shaped by the experiences that teach them how to serve others with humility and purpose.

The activity commenced with an opening program, followed by the introduction of the objectives and house rules. Participants were divided into 12 groups that stayed together throughout the training. This gave everyone the chance to build trust, strengthen communication, and develop teamwork.

In one of the first activities, The Human Knot, seemed like a simple icebreaker at first. However, it quickly became a challenge that required communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. More importantly, it taught participants that leadership is not about working alone but about moving together toward a common goal.

The different parallel sessions also gave participants the opportunity to learn according to their respective roles. The three major club officers attended discussions on transparency, documentation, and accountability in student-managed organizations, while classroom and other club officers focused on servant leadership and how they can make a positive impact in their clubs and classrooms. These sessions showed that leadership is more than organizing activities, it also means being responsible, dependable, and committed to serving others.

For many participants, the physical activities became the highlight of the training. Although they expected simple games, the stations turned out to be more challenging than expected. Every challenge required teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Through these activities, participants learned that trust and cooperation are essential qualities of a good leader.

More than just a one-day training, SYNERGY 2026 equipped student officers with valuable leadership skills, strengthened friendships, and reminded everyone that leadership is rooted in service. The lessons learned during the training will continue beyond the event, proving that true leadership is not measured by a title but by the ability to inspire, guide, and serve others. To me, that is the true meaning of leadership.

Words by Paulo Villarete

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

24/07/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐍 | Limited CaPAXity

It's undeniable that pax silica is not merely just an international partnership for us Filipinos, it is the systematic betrayal of public trust and an erosion of our integrity. On April 17, 2026, the Philippines, during a high-level summit in Washington, D.C. signed the Pax silica declaration, marking the start of its contribution to an international coalition aimed at strengthening supply chains. Due to its implications regarding Philippine sovereignty, Artificial Intelligence (A.I) use, and environmental impact, this quickly sparked debate online.

Pax silica, as aforementioned, is essentially a global initiative focused on toughening supply chains, which could increase demand for mining, water-intensive industries, and energy consumption in the future, especially here in the Philippines as a mineral-rich country. This, as a result, can affect our environment, natural resources and displace communities, including students just like me. What they call our nation’s development hands nothing but a future that holds no promises for future generations.

According to the Philippine government, the proposed Economic Security Zone alone spans 1,620 hectares. As researchers estimate that training a single advanced AI model like GPT-3 consumed about 700,000 liters of freshwater, global AI demand could require 4.2–6.6 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2027. The enormous water requirements of AI systems show why environmentalists are concerned about AI infrastructure and industrial initiatives supported under Pax Silica.

As a student, my heart aches for communities that could be displaced if development proceeds without adequate safeguards. Concerns over possible pressure on local water supplies and the possible conversion of agricultural land into industrial zones for most Filipinos isn't a future crisis but a catastrophe. A country with limited capacity cannot afford limitless exploitation.

Words by Erich Alleyah Tapel
Cartoon by Datu Abdul Rauf Talembo

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐬

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09/08/2026

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