The Rippler

22/04/2026

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:
𝗡𝗜𝗥 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝗨𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗧 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁

April 22, 2026 — In this year's National Festival of Talents (NFOT), Negros Island Region (NIR) representatives Luis Enzo Mateo and Jade G. Andrada secured 1st Runner-Up in the Advocacy Pitch Contest, capping off a string of victories from the Division to the National Level.

The NFOT officially opened on April 19 at Roxas City, Capiz with the theme "Empowering Change, Redefining Excellence"—bringing together more than 2,000 student delegates from across the country to showcase their talents and skills through various competitions.

In the Advocacy Pitch contest — which was held on April 21 at Filamer Christian University —participants were tasked to present solutions to real-life problems through structured advocacy presentations via visual aids and supporting materials.

Entries were evaluated based on content, organization, delivery, and visual aids, with greater emphasis on the content and presentation alongside judges who were experts and avid researchers of literature and linguistics.

Alongside winners Mateo and Andrada, were coaches Mylene Gonzaga, Wilrose Moreno-Ayala, and Dr. Citrobelle Aldeguer, who also played key roles in the participants' overall successes in the competition.

Moreover, when participant Mateo was asked by the Rippler on how he felt about their landmark victory, he expressed great relief on how their efforts paid off and were not left vain. He also added "this is where my extracurricular life ends, and by God's grace, it ended with a bang. But, I'm still open for more opportunities like this where I can interact with people. However, as of now, rest is needed."

Words by John Zydryck Solina
Photo by Ms. Mylene Gonzaga

06/04/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗷𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗷𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁.

It has carried the weight of victory and loss—of pressure and pride, of stories both published and left untold.

And now, you get to 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀.

A story by Tiffany Cashey Ylagan

02/04/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄. 💧

We spent these months at the edge, putting things out there and seeing where they landed. Some stayed small, and some reached further than we expected. Either way, they mattered.

To our Rippler seniors, you were the first movement in this water. A place remembers the weight of your presence long after you’ve moved on, and you’ve changed the pulse here for everyone coming after you. As you step away, remember that the circles you started haven’t stopped moving just because you’ve reached the bank.

A ripple never finds its way back to the center, as it only reaches for new shores.

𝗘𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 — 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱.

02/04/2026

𝗔 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵.

29/03/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦-𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲

The Rippler's TV scriptwriting and broadcasting team claimed another victory at the University of Negros Occidental—Recoletos' WARAGWAG 2026: TV and Radio Broadcasting, spearheaded by the UNO-R Communication Society on March 28, 2026.

The group represented Doña Hortencia Salas Benedicto National High School - Senior High School in the English category and were the first to perform, kicking off the program at the Communication Studio with their live newscast production.

Their production ex*****on earned them the top spot as 1st Place Best Production, 1st Place Best Script, and 1st Place Best Female News Presenter, awarded to Thea Base.

Words by Sylvia Mariz Barrato

Radyo Rekoleto 88.5 FM

29/03/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦-𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆'𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Environment and Natural Resource Management Office (ENRMO) organized the symbolic "Lights Off" program on March 28, 2026, where the Rippler's Radio Broadcasting Team of Doña Hortencia Salas Benedicto National High School Senior High School raised their voices for the environment amid the dimming lights of Earth Hour 2026.

The group utilized the platform to share relevant stories about international crises, energy emergencies, and transport strikes as part of the program's radio broadcasting lineup—echoing the voice of truth to spur action and stand for the environment.

Words by Sylvia Mariz Barrato
Photos by Chryse Euree Oblepias

28/03/2026

𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗼, 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🏆

Huge congratulations to 𝗟𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝘇𝗼 𝗧. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗼 and 𝗝𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗚. 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮 for earning 1st place at the Negros Island Region Festival of Talents 2026 with an outstanding performance!

Among 21 Schools Division Offices (SDOs) across the region, they brought forward meaningful advocacy and sharp insight, showing the real impact of student voices in today’s conversations. A massive salute also goes to their dedicated coaches, Wilrose M. Ayala and Mylene Gonzaga, for guiding them every step of the way.

The journey continues, as they will represent the region at the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) 2026, carrying the theme “Embracing Change, Redefining Excellence.”

Keep inspiring, keep leading, and keep rising! ✨

Photo Courtesy of Ms. Mylene Gonzaga

23/03/2026

𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗗𝗛𝗦𝗕𝗡𝗛𝗦-𝗦𝗛𝗦 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁

March 23, 2026 — A bloodletting activity organized by Negros First, Society of Young Scientists (SYS), and the Science Faculty was conducted at the STEM Conference Hall of DHSBNHS-SHS to strengthen the community’s blood supply and support local hospitals.

The activity, held at 9:00 AM until 11:00 PM, gathered qualified volunteers, educators, and students who took part in the blood drive with the goal of raising awareness of the value of blood donation and encouraging humanitarian service.

Participants were properly screened to make sure they fulfilled the requirements for blood donation, which included being in excellent health, getting enough sleep, and being the right age and weight.

To protect donors' safety and wellbeing, pre-donation and post-donation policies were also put in place.

Through the bloodletting activity, organizers reinforced the importance of compassion and teamwork in saving lives by highlighting the impact that even a single contribution can have.

Words by Trixie Lagtapon
Photos by Verchiel Clair Asuncion

23/03/2026

Every drop counts. 🩸

The Society of Young Scientists invites everyone to be part of today’s bloodletting activity at the DHSBNHS-SHS Conference Hall, 9 AM. Give blood to save lives, and be someone’s reason to hope. 💉

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞.💉🧬

In support of life-saving medical practice and evidence-based healthcare, a bloodletting activity will be conducted within 𝗗𝗛𝗦𝗕𝗡𝗛𝗦-𝗦𝗛𝗦. Participation is open to 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.

Donors are advised to wear comfortable attire with easily adjustable sleeves to ensure a safe and efficient donation process.

‼️DETAILS:
🕘 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 9:00 𝗔𝗠
📆 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: MARCH 23, 2026
🏡 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: 𝗗𝗛𝗦𝗕𝗡𝗛𝗦–𝗦𝗛𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹

📍𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.

21/03/2026

𝐄𝐢𝐝 𝐚𝐥-𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐫, the joyous celebration marking the end of Ramadan observed by our Muslim communities, is a time of gratitude, generosity, and renewed faith. It is a day when families gather, prayers are offered, and communities share in the spirit of giving.

This holiday reminds us of the values of compassion and humility.

Beyond the festivities, Eid al-Fitr calls us to reflect on what truly unites us. Across different beliefs and traditions, we all long for connection, understanding, and peace. May this celebration inspire us to bridge religions, embrace one another with respect, and choose love over division.

In every smile shared and every hand extended, we take a step closer to a world grounded in harmony and hope. 𝗘𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗸!

Words by Gwyn Rodriguez
Layout by Aleczander Euahn Estrebillo

19/03/2026

𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗦𝗣𝗖 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲! 🌊✨

What started as small ripples turned into waves that can’t be ignored. From March 15–17, our Ripples showed what it truly means to rise as learners, turning their passion and creativity into unstoppable momentum.

Huge congratulations to our winners! 🏆

Most Outstanding School Paper Adviser:

🥉 3rd Place - Charmae Capangyarihan

Most Outstanding Campus Journalist:

🎖️5th Place - Julan A. Bajan

Individual Categories:

🥈 2nd Place Copyreading & Headline Writing - Yhuan Cebastian Garcia
🥈 2nd Place Editorial Cartooning - Julan Bajan
🥈 2nd Place Photojournalism - Chryse Euree Oblepias

Group Category (TV Scriptwriting & Broadcasting):

🥉 3rd Place Best Reporter - Thea Joyce Base
🏅 4th Place Best Technical Application
🏅 5th Place Best Script
🥉 3rd Place Overall Best Newscast

- Sylvia Mariz Barrato
- Leonegene Jhemaima Villo
- Khrizel Anne Catinan
- Luis Enzo Mateo
- Thea Joyce Base
- Gian Azumie Amante
- Jan Art Seciona

Participants:

Feature Writing - Tiffany Cashey Ylagan
Editorial Writing - Trixie Lagtapon
Science & Technology Writing - Verchiel Clair Asuncion

Online Desktop Publishing:
- Dheus Ceantino Garcia
- Shane Cabalatungan
- Khriziah Lorhine Eraga
- Joerish Fuentespina
- Sweetzel Salvador

You’ve proven that the smallest ripple can move the entire ocean. The tide is turning, and we’re just getting started! 🌊

18/03/2026

𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗗𝗛𝗦𝗕𝗡𝗛𝗦-𝗦𝗛𝗦 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆, 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘

LA CARLOTA CITY, Philippines — In celebration of academic excellence, students and teachers of DHSBNHS-SHS gathered at the Senior High School Conference Hall on March 18, 2026, for a recognition and awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in foundational literacy and numeracy.

Organized under the Celebrating Arithmetic and Reading Excellence (CARE) of the DepEd NIR, the event highlighted the fruits of the labor of both teachers and students who have demonstrated excellence in various fields. The ceremony officially commenced at exactly 4:20 in the afternoon with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Rowena C. Golez, PhD, Principal II, commended the dedication and hard work of the coaches, teachers, and Hortencian students who continue to excel in different academic and literary aspects.

The program proceeded with the awarding of teachers for their exemplary contributions in their respective fields, including English, Filipino, and Mathematics, as well as special recognitions such as the Outstanding Writer and Publications Award and the Campus Journalism Mentor Award.

Meanwhile, students were recognized for their achievements through various categories, including Pagbasa at Pasulat/Literasiya sa Komunikasyon sa Filipino, Campus Journalist Award, Outstanding Speaker Award, Short Story Writer Excellence Award, Poem Writing Excellence Award, and Outstanding Spelling Proficiency Award.

The ceremony then concluded with photo opportunities, allowing both teachers and students to celebrate and commemorate their remarkable success in the field of learning literacy.

Words by Rj Santisteban
Photo courtesy of Keisha Robelle Panaguiton & Jade Danica Larosa