The Chronicle- The Official Publication of URSM Laboratory School (2025)

08/10/2025

What a day to celebrate the greatness of our educators!

This is your chance to express your gratitude to every teacher, mentor, and adviser who shapes our minds and continuously pushes us to our limits.

We want to hear your stories. Why don't you find the picture of your chosen teacher and share the most unforgettable moments you’ve shared, best piece of advice you received from him/her, or his/her favorite lines in the comment section? You may opt-to share this post too.

Come on, GIANTS! Don’t hold back!

Caption by Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez
Layout by Franchesca Louise N. Maniago, Carl Jhevan A. Pronuevo, and Alana Isabel R. Trinidad

06/10/2025

[LITERARY]
With Every Plant That Blooms.
By Ma. Antonia Isabelle C. Regencia

They walk beside us and not ahead or behind.
But in every step where we stumble,
And every step where we rise.

Every class, every activity,
In every lesson that we choose to study—
It is all a seed planted deep,
In such young hearts for it to bloom sweet.

Yet every plant takes its time.
Just like how we fail and stumble otherwise.
And though the garden takes its time to thrive,
They always seem to be there by our side.

With chalk-stained hands and tired smiles,
Even with papers stacked in piles,
In late nights and exhausting mornings,
They choose for their presence to be there—
Being such a longtime blessing.

Through every noise of doubt,
They are the voices that choose to shout loud.
In every confused student who drowns in doubt,
Is a voice telling you, "Keep going, I'm proud," oh so loud.

When dreams seem far and heavy,
They keep on staying by our side with such glee.
Through busy nights and tears falling to their papers,
They remind us that learning is not a race—
But a journey of courage and grace.

With patient care and open hands,
They encourage us with opportunities in our paths.
All while they smile and laugh,
They don't know how big our gratitude is—not even half.

So with every plant that blooms,
Never forget who stayed longest in the garden.
And never forget to thank them.
For never leaving our side when we were broken.
For walking every step with us every season.

For believing in us, for making us realize we are capable,
For teaching us, for their never-ending support.
We thank you, teachers, as much as we are able.
We'll thank you beyond this day to honor your record.

Illustrated by Naomi Kirsten S. Salvador

06/10/2025

[FEATURE]
Sharing Light with Some, Gathering Students’ Wisdom
By Rania Ysabella F. Arnesto

Several students are experiencing difficulties while studying—gradually losing their academic spark and motivation—yet they still managed to graduate smoothly, all made possible with the assistance of teachers. They serve as a guide whose light can fuel up the wonderful minds of every student.

Every fifth of October, teachers across the globe are honored for sharing their light, like candles, with their students. Their dedication often goes unnoticed, yet their impact lasts a lifetime. By showing patience and genuine care, teachers help students regain their spark, proving that education is not merely about academic success but about shaping character and resilience. Students who may have been silent within the walls will be able to find hope again through a teacher's encouragement.

Teachers do more than just discuss lessons and grade papers. They notice when a student seems lost and uninspired, offering encouragement that can reignite their passion for learning. A simple “You can do it! ” “You’re doing great! ” or even just a genuine, reassuring smile during a tough day can effortlessly brighten someone's day. In all sorts of ways, teachers are known for being the firestarters to light up the students’ bright future.

Their guidance extends beyond academics. They teach all students kindness, resilience, and the essence of hard work. Even when students stumble, teachers help them rise, learn, and continue what they have started. And because of having that guidance, students who experienced several challenges are now crossing the stage—not just as graduates, but as individuals who have rediscovered their light within the depths of darkness.

One student once shared that she almost gave up during her final year, overwhelmed by pressure and self-doubt. But her teacher noticed her silence—the kind that hides exhaustion—and simply said, “You’ve come this far; don’t stop now.” Those words, small as they seemed, became the push she needed to keep going. Months later, as she received her diploma, she searched the crowd and saw her teacher smiling proudly. In that moment, she realized that her success was not hers alone—it was also the reflection of a teacher’s unwavering faith.

In every classroom, a light flickers—sometimes dim, sometimes bright. But with every word of encouragement and every act of kindness, teachers make sure that flame never dies. And for that, the world will always owe them its brightest days.

Illustrated by Khara Fier C. Cuerdo

25/09/2025

[EDITORIAL]
The Illusion of Reform: How Greed Drowns the Filipino Public
By Alexis Gabriel D.L. Concepcion

The water keeps rising—but it’s not just the rain. A ₱1.9 trillion flood control scandal has drowned public trust, exposing corruption so deep it triggered resignations many call political theater. Streets are submerged, and so is faith in the system.

Speaker Martin Romualdez resigned on September 17 amid mounting pressure over the ₱1.9 trillion flood control scandal. He claimed his exit would “lift the burden” from Congress and allow investigations to proceed freely. Political analyst Arjan Aguirre called it “proxy leadership,” suggesting the move was meant to preserve influence while deflecting accountability.

Defenders of the current leadership claim that the recent resignations show accountability is already happening and that reforms are underway.

DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral resigned the day after Romualdez, following allegations of budget insertions. She asked to skip Senate hearings but was subpoenaed after Senator Marcoleta called her message to Senate President Sotto “very damning.”

But the scandal didn’t stop at resignations. Sarah and Curlee Discaya, whose firms held billions in DPWH contracts, testified that lawmakers demanded 10–25% kickbacks. Romualdez denied the allegations, calling them “malicious.”

Some officials say these claims are politically motivated. Others argue that resignations and budget reviews show reform—but critics call them surface-level gestures.

President Marcos ordered a full review of DPWH’s ₱881.3-billion 2026 budget, citing widespread irregularities. Thousands of projects were flagged for duplication or fabrication, prompting a two-week purge led by Budget Secretary Pangandaman.

The scandal broke just as the country marked the 53rd anniversary of martial law. Protesters said the flood control mess shows that corruption is still alive, just wearing a new face. Instead of just remembering the past, they’re now demanding real change.

Public frustration is growing. The University of Santo Tomas warned, “Worse than rising waters is the greed of those entrusted to protect us… a betrayal of public trust.”

As protests like the “Trillion Peso March” erupted across the country, Filipinos demanded more than resignations—they called for:

• Public budget transparency
• Jail time for guilty officials
• Ban repeat contracts with flagged firms
• Oversight with citizen watchdogs

These steps won’t fix everything overnight—but they’re a start toward rebuilding trust.

At the September 21 rally, Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma declared, “Bawat buwis ay dugo’t pawis ng mamamayang Pilipino,” reminding all that public funds carry the people’s sacrifice—their long hours, lost sleep, and daily struggle.

“Fire is catching,” a line from popular fiction—but today, it’s real. This is no longer a plea. It’s a reckoning. The public will not be swept aside.

REFERENCES:
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2110811/romualdez-quits-as-speaker-amid-flood-probe-pressure
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/dpwh-exec-cabral-quits-post-senate-orders-subpoena/ar-AA1MM2Z3
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/witness-bid-sarah-curlee-discaya-link-politicians-dpwh-engineers-kickbacks/
https://opinion.inquirer.net/185978/dpwh-drowning-in-corruption
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/filipinos-mounting-mass-protests-vs-corruption-on-martial-law-anniv/ar-AA1MYKdU?ocid=socialshare
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/flood-prone-ust-decries-corruption-in-flood-control-projects/ar-AA1MMpDa?ocid=socialshare
https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/9/22/-panagutin-lahat-ng-kurakot-miss-ph-earth-joy-barcoma-nag-speech-sa-anti-corruption-rally-1835

Illustration by Cedric N. Bernaldez

25/09/2025

[FEATURE]
Never Forget What Martial Law Took from the Nation
By Vincent Andrei G. Dela Cruz

On September 23, 1972, former president and dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. announced to the nation through television and radio Presidential Proclamation No. 1081, which he had signed two days earlier on September 21, placing the Philippines under martial law.

Marcos justified his move by pointing to alleged threats from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), claiming they sought to overthrow the government. He promised peace and progress but also warned that those who resisted would face harsh punishment.

Soon after, opposition leaders, activists, and journalists were arrested and detained. Thousands of Filipinos suffered human rights abuses—arrests without warrants, torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. Even the media was silenced, with 464 outlets closed, including 8 major English newspapers, 18 vernacular and Spanish dailies, 60 community papers, 66 TV channels, 20 radio stations, and 292 provincial radio stations.

According to Amnesty International, over 70,000 people were imprisoned, at least 34,000 were tortured, and more than 3,200 were killed. The Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC) has also recognized 11,103 victims who suffered abuses under martial law.

It has now been 53 years since the declaration of martial law. The People Power Revolution of 1986 ended Marcos’ dictatorship, but the scars of his rule remain, as corruption, abuse of power, and disinformation continue to threaten our democracy today. In our fight against these challenges, may we carry the same courage shown by those who stood firm in the darkness of the dictatorship.

For no matter how much false information spreads online, the truth about martial law cannot be erased. As Filipinos, we must remember, stand firm, and hold those in power accountable to ensure that the dark years of dictatorship are never repeated. For the victims, for the truth, and for the future: Never Again, Never Forget.

References:
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/04/five-things-to-know-about-martial-law-in-the-philippines/
https://learn.martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/declaration-of-martial-law/
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1490968/marcos-martial-law-golden-age-for-corruption-abuse
https://hrvvmc.gov.ph/roll-of-victims/
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1167808/fast-facts-the-marcos-martial-law-regime

Layout by Alana Isabel R. Trinidad and Franchesca Louise N. Maniago

23/09/2025

[FEATURE]
Voice of the Truth: A Nation’s Call for Justice
By Mary Dwin A. Logdat

On September 21, 2025, the streets of Manila once again became the stage for collective voices calling for accountability and justice. Protesters marched from Luneta Park to Mendiola and from EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument, raising concerns over alleged corruption in flood control projects—an issue that cuts deep in a country where lives and livelihoods are constantly threatened by typhoons and rising waters.

At Rizal Park, banners of “Marcos, Duterte walang pinag-iba! Parehong Korap, Pahirap sa Masa! ” and “Ibalik niyo ang pera ng taumbayan! were highly lifted by learners, youth groups, and members of progressive organizations such as the League of Filipino Students, Sinag Bayan, and the Student Movement of the Philippines. They were joined by representatives from party-list groups including Kabataan, Gabriela, and ACT teachers, who pushed forward toward Mendiola, symbolically close to the seat of government.

The rallies drew not only students and politicians but also high-profile entertainers. One of these artists is Vice Ganda, who said, "Hinahamon ka namin, Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Kung nais mong magkaroon ng magandang legasiya sa pangalan mo, ipakulong mo ang lahat ng magnanakaw." Vice Ganda’s forceful statement, printed above as a rallying cry, became one of the clearer examples of how celebrities are using their platforms to hold power to account. Their messages do more than draw cameras—they crystallize public anger into direct demands aimed at specific officials and institutions.

What began as a sprinted demonstration was not without confrontation. According to ABS-CBN News, tension erupted near Mendiola when a group of suspected gang members reportedly mingled with protesters and attempted to push through police barricades. The clash led to scuffles, with authorities arresting at least 17 individuals believed to include gang-affiliated participants. Among those affected was the mother of one detainee, who tearfully said, “Kakain in nga po wala, ipang-papyansa pa sa kanila,” stressing that the little money they have is meant for food, not bail. Police claimed they were maintaining order while rights groups quickly condemned the incident. arguing that the arrest blurred the line between genuine demonstration and disruptive elements—and warning that the heavy-handed response risked intimidating citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.

At the heart of the September 21 rallies lies a pressing question: where have the billions for flood control gone? For communities that endure floods every rainy season, corruption in these projects feels not only unjust but also life-threatening. Misuse of funds to prevent disasters deepens distrust in government and fuels public anger.

September 21 is a date already heavy with history, marking the declaration of martial law in 1972. Today, the rallies redefined it once more—as a reminder that vigilance is ongoing, and the fight against corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power is far from over.

The sight of students, politicians, and celebrities marching together—and the image of protesters being arrested—illustrates the tension between people power and state power. Yet the message resounds clearly: the call for transparency, justice, and accountability will not be silenced.

References:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/959843/september-21-rallies-filipino-celebrities/story
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/959841/sept-21-protesters-begin-march-from-luneta-to-mendiola-edsa-shrine-to-people-power-monument/story/?top_picks&order=1
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/21/17-arrested-after-tension-erupts-during-sept-21-protest-in-manila-1540

Layout by Carl Jhevan A. Pronuevo and Franchesca Louise N. Maniago

Photo courtesy of:
- ABS-CBN News
- The Manila Times
- GMA News

22/09/2025

ADVISORY | Municipality of Morong Suspends Face-to-Face Classes due to Orange Rainfall Warning

Face-to-face classes are suspended in the town of Morong in public and private schools at all levels for tomorrow, September 23, 2025 (Tuesday), due to the possible effects of Super Typhoon Nando. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) CALABARZON issued an Orange Rainfall Warning to Rizal. Alongside this, alternative delivery modes of learning shall be implemented.

Report by Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez

21/09/2025

ADVISORY | Morong LGU Suspends Classes and Government Work

Morning and afternoon classes in all levels, both public and private schools for tomorrow, September 22, 2025 (Monday), are suspended, in line with the RED ALERT status issued by the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Additionally, government work in the afternoon will be suspended in observance of Family Week and “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day, pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 96 issued by the Office of the President.

Alongside this, the suspension of work in private establishments depends on the decision and policy of their management.

Report by Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez

16/09/2025

PUBLIC ADVISORY | Suspension of Afternoon Classes

Afternoon classes for today, September 16, 2025 (Tuesday), are suspended due to rising water levels of San Juan Creek, according to the university memorandum issued by the Campus Director. Offline activities will be assigned to the learners to ensure continuous learning. Stay safe, GIANTS!

Report by Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez

14/09/2025

PUBLIC ADVISORY | Municipality of Morong Suspends Face-to-Face Classes Due to Unfavorable Weather Conditions

All face-to-face classes and activities in both public and private schools at all grade levels for today, September 15, 2025 (Monday), are suspended, as per the announcement issued by the Municipality of Morong. Alternative delivery modes will be implemented to ensure the continuity of learning.

Stay tuned for further updates, and the university memorandum will be uploaded in the comments section once disseminated. Stay safe, GIANTS!

Report by Rhaiza Jade B. Ramirez

12/09/2025

[SPORTS]
By Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez

The University of Rizal System-Morong (URSM) Laboratory Schools and The High School Chronicle also wish to commend our student-athletes and coaches for their remarkable victories in the primary levels of badminton and swimming at the 2025 Municipal Meet.

Zabrina De Guzman displayed enthusiasm and skill, securing the win in Singles A Badminton under the guidance of her coach Dr. Erleen Luciano.

In swimming, the Balajadia siblings did their utmost, earning multiple medals and achieving triumph with the support of their coaches, Prof. Mary Ann Clemente and Prof. Rauquel Llaneta. Arvy Fael P. Balajadia dominated the pool, bagging gold medals in 50 meters butterfly, 100 meters butterfly, 50 meters backstroke, 100 meters backstroke, and 50 meters freestyle.

Her sibling, Krio Rafael P. Balajadia, also showcased excellence in swimming, winning gold in the 100-meter butterfly, silver in the 100-meter backstroke and the 100-meter individual medley—butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle—silver in the 100-meter breaststroke, and placed 5th in the 50-meter backstroke.

We admire your perseverance, hard work, and dedication. Your achievements bring honor to us, and we are excited to see what the future holds for you in the world of sports. Abante, Higante!

12/09/2025

[SPORTS]
By Xyzeus Krych L. Simbajon

The University of Rizal System–Morong (URSM) Laboratory Schools and The High School Chronicle extend our regards to our representatives, together with their coaches, across the secondary categories of badminton, chess, pencak silat, taekwondo, and basketball in the 2025 Municipal Athletic Meet.

In badminton, Faith Amadea Ferrer became champion in the Singles category, Arienne Dela Cruz and Angela Christelle Reluao in Women’s Doubles, Dominic Palce in Men’s Singles B, and Terenz Jaynel Soriano and Zachary Santi De Guzman in Men’s Doubles, with the help of their coaches, Prof. Katrina Feliciano and Dr. Erleen Luciano.

Jerrieana Candice Pasague and Lazir Ledesma placed 2nd in chess, coached by Prof. Ramona Marcialina Reodique and Dr. Xenia Canale, with the assistance of Ms. Angela Arwin E. Nogpo.

Vernie Marie B. Santos also got gold in Category E of Pencak Silat with the guidance of her coach, Prof. Dianna Ramos.

Lastly, Reid Aiden T. Casaclang qualified for the Provincial Meet Taekwondo with the help of Prof. Dianna Ramos.

The faculty and students of the school have witnessed your outstanding commitment. We appreciate your efforts, and we look forward to seeing you all excel even more in the sports field. Abante, Higante!

The Chronicle- The Official Publication of URSM Laboratory School

08/10/2025

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