The Hillside Echo Junior (2026)

24/08/2026

𝗘𝗹 𝗡𝗶ñ𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲

WASHINGTON — El Niño may become stronger and affect temperature and rain in some parts of the world in the coming months, according to weather forecasters.

According to the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is more than a 90% possibility that El Niño will become “very strong” in the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter of 2026–27. There is also a 69% possibility that it could reach historical strength during the October–December period.

El Niño is a climate pattern that happens when the water in the central and eastern parts of the tropical Pacific Ocean becomes warmer than normal. It can change the normal pattern of rain and temperature in different regions.

According to NOAA, the condition has intensified over the past month, with sea-surface temperature anomalies going over 2°C in the eastern equatorial Pacific. The condition is expected to grow stronger until the end of 2026.

In some parts of the world, El Niño has been connected to changes in weather. Heavy rainfall in Peru was reported to have disrupted access to Machu Picchu. In Indonesia, almost 95,000 hectares of land were damaged by wildfires in July, according to officials cited by Reuters.

Agriculture and food supply may also be affected due to the change in temperature and rainfall. Weather agencies continue to monitor the condition to know its possible effects in the coming months.

✍️ | Crisanto Jr. Deluria Tresvalles, Lian Ghem Albor
🖌️ | Angel Lorraine Benliro

23/08/2026

𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 | This week's verse is taken from the book of Joshua 1:9,

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This verse tells us to be strong and courageous in difficult or unsure moments because the Lord is with us.

With exams coming up this week, this verse reminds us that instead of being afraid or worrying about the outcome of our exams, we must have focus whilst taking the exam because the Lord will guide us as we answer them. As students, we may worry more about if we will still remember everything we studied and if we will pass the test. These thoughts lead us to being distracted, fear takes away our focus and we think more about the consequences than doing things properly. But Joshua 1:9 tells us to not be afraid and instead, let God guide us to become strong and courageous in completing our work because he is beside us.

God will take away all of our worries and in return, give us reassurance and a clear mind to focus well on our exams or other kinds of important matters. Whenever you are nervous or discouraged in doing something, let God walk with you through your troubles and have faith in Him to give you the strength you need to continue.

With this in mind, let us pray,

Lord, I deeply ask you to be by my side to start off this week, especially during examinations. I cast all my fear and worries onto You and I have my full trust in You to give me the strength and knowledge I need to be able to answer and focus on my exam. But I am not only asking for this because of examinations, I ask for You to hold my hand whenever I feel unsure of something. I trust you oh, Lord, for whatever plan you have for me next.
Amen.

✍️&🖌️ | Rexie Grace Enate

22/08/2026

𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹

Samantha Dainyhel Jamelarin of Filamer Christian University, Inc. (FCU) secured a bronze medal in the 16–17 age group of the 3-kilometer event at the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Festival, held at New Coast Boracay, Aklan, on August 22, 2026.

Jamelarin finished third in her age group after completing the 3K open-water event, earning a place on the podium in the division.

She also competed in the 3-kilometer Open Category, completing the race as a finisher alongside swimmers in the open division.

Her participation covered both the age-group and open divisions of the 3K event at the swimming festival.

✍️ | Lian Ghem Albor
🖌 | Leon Cloud Neri

22/08/2026

‎𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥-𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗭 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

‎CAPIZ — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Capiz deputized more than 30 Philippine Army personnel from Camp Peralta in Jamindan to assist in environmental law enforcement and monitoring in forest and mountainous areas.
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‎According to Jenie Mae Buencuchillo, Forester I of the Technical Services Division of DENR-Capiz, the deputized personnel can assist in monitoring remote and mountainous areas that DENR personnel cannot regularly access.
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‎The deputation was requested by the Philippine Army after its personnel reported observing activities involving forest resources, including illegal logging and kaingin, according to Buencuchillo.
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‎The deputized personnel will assist in monitoring areas and reporting possible violations of environmental laws. When forest products are confiscated, DENR personnel are called to facilitate their proper turnover. Confiscated timber is then inventoried and scaled before being processed by the agency in accordance with established procedures.
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‎The deputation is intended to improve coordination between the Philippine Army and DENR-Capiz in monitoring forest areas and responding to reported environmental law violations.

✍️ | Lian Ghem Albor and Crisanto Tresvalles
🖌 | Leon Cloud Neri

22/08/2026

𝗔𝗺 𝗜 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴?

Have you ever experienced being called hurtful names, just for it to get ignored or get called a "joke" in school? As if your feelings don't matter, like a white crayon that's just useless on a blank sheet of paper. Even with how much you scribble on the paper, it just gets overlooked.

Bullying isn't always obvious and straightforward; it can hide between jokes and laughter, gossip, repeated embarrassment and pointing out insecurities. In school, this happens often that it's treated as fairly normal—yet it shouldn't be. Some people may laugh along just to fit in with the crowd or maybe to not be seen as a "killjoy".

No one ever sees the target, praying for the ground to swallow them and get them away from this "comedy show". What bullying does to a person can be long-lasting. Like depression, anxiety, isolation and low self-esteem—which is a big no because school is a place we are safe and accepted.

We, as students and classmates shouldn't just be a mere bystander or an NPC that just goes with the flow. Instead of laughing along, we should refuse to join in. If possible—we should speak up when it's safe, checking on the person afterwards or telling a trusted adult. Just a simple act can help a person's mental health and avoid struggles they shouldn't face alone.

For me, bullying is not funny and never will be. Not only does it cause someone's feelings to be overlooked, but it may also contribute to even bigger problems in their personal life. If we ever find ourselves in a situation where bullying occurs, we should never just watch or laugh along. We should be the ones who oppose it. A joke should never be used as an excuse to hurt someone, because if it hurts someone, it isn't harmless.

✍️ | Schealtiel Ann F. Pedrosa
🖌️ | Nigel Drew V. Andrada

20/08/2026

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 | Calls for Help: How Grass Communicates

We all know the distinct smell of freshly cut grass—the fresh, earthy scent that fills the air whenever a lawn is mowed. But have you ever wondered what actually causes that smell?

That familiar scent comes from a group of chemicals known as GLVs (Green Leaf Volatiles). When grass is cut or physically damaged, it releases compounds such as cis-3-hexenal, which our brains perceive as a fresh, earthy, or “green” smell. But these chemicals serve a purpose beyond creating a pleasant scent. GLVs are part of a plant’s natural defense system, acting as distress signals that can alert nearby plants to danger and, in some cases, attract predators of plant-eating insects.

The chemicals responsible for the smell of freshly cut grass are also used by the perfume industry in fragrances. So, the next time you cut grass, remember that the smell isn't just an aroma—it may be part of the plant’s chemical alarm system.

Maybe that fresh scent is the grass’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m being attacked!”

✍️ | Sky Jewell Bolido & Alexandrace Hongco
🖌️ | Aleiyah Louise Bulaclac & Ysabelle Gienah Egasan

20/08/2026

𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, Philippines — A shooting incident was reported at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Santa Maria, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday morning. According to authorities, it left two students dead and nine others injured.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that one of the fatalities was the Grade 9 student suspected of carrying out the shooting, while the other was a Grade 10 student. As stated by Remulla, the incident occurred at approximately 7:50 a.m., when the suspected student entered the school campus and began firing, hitting a Grade 10 student. The suspected shooter later died during the incident.

Authorities immediately responded to the scene, while school officials coordinated with law enforcement to secure the area and assist students, faculty and other affected individuals.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting, establish how the fi****ms entered the school, and determine whether there were any security or procedural lapses that may have contributed to the incident.

Officials said the situation is under control and urged parents, guardians, students, and the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information as the investigation continues. The circumstances and motive behind the incident remain under investigation.

✍️ | Sky Jewell Bolido & Lian Ghem Albor
🖌️ | Angel Lorraine Benliro

18/08/2026

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 | 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗞𝗗 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝟵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗲𝗸𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀

Filamer Christian University, Inc. ( FCU ) taekwondo jins from the Junior High School Department captured 9 medals at the 2026 Taekwondo Visayas Championships, held at Ateneo de Iloilo Santa Maria Catholic School on August 8 to 9. Displaying grit, discipline, and commanding performances.

The two-day tournament began with the Poomsae competition on Saturday, August 8, where athletes competed through choreographed and freestyle forms that tested their precision, balance, technique, artistry, and control.

The competition continued on Sunday, August 9, with the Kyorugi matches, putting the jins’ speed, timing, strategy, and fighting skills to the stage.

The Filamerian jins, Eirha Gavrielle Buyo and Chleann Levi Robles claimed two gold medals while Kobe Samino and Dian Joyce Chohan added two silver medals to the achievements.

Five more Filamerians secured bronze, with Genesis Chloe Badilla, Kenn Mae Wahing, Summer Charm Basas, Jaedok Lim, and Hershey Camaymayan finishing on the podium.

The nine-medal haul marked a strong showing for the Filamerian jins, with each athlete competing against jins from across the region.

Behind every medal was a commitment to training, discipline, and preparation. Efforts that carried beyond the tournament floor and into each athlete’s performance.

Their nine-medal finish stands as a reflection of carrying the school's pride on the regional stage.

✍️ | Jay Ann Difuntorum
🖌️ | Leon Cloud R. Neri

17/08/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘇 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹: 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹, 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲

ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ — Held annually alongside the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival, the Capiz Shell Festival celebrates the shell our province is named after and is famous for.

The streets come alive with performers in costumes decorated with these shelled treasures. Visitors witness the artistry of shellcraft—seeing how shells are cleaned, cut, and polished. Authentic handcrafted products are also available at the market fair, where visitors can buy directly from those who make them.

Thousands of families earn a living from this craft. Capiz shells are among our country’s leading exports, reaching more than 30 countries worldwide. The festival also reminds us to harvest responsibly—to take only what we need, so our seas remain bountiful for generations to come. This skill has been passed down through generations, and the tradition continues to this day.

Free and open to everyone, this festival is more than just a celebration—it is our identity and a reminder that the greatest treasures are the ones we’ve always had.

✍️ | Crisanto Jr. D. Tresvalles
🖌️ | Angel Lorraine V. Benliro

17/08/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | Junior High School students gathered on the campus grounds as Pettit 9 led the flag ceremony, marking the start of another week of learning.
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‎During the program, Highschool Principal Mrs. Fatima G. Palmes informed students to conserve energy by properly using air conditioners and ventilating classrooms before turning the air-conditioners. They were also reminded that they can submit their examination permits next week.
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‎DLC members who performed last Saturday were recognized, while Ms. Christine Constantino congratulated Taekwondo athletes who competed at international, national, and regional level.
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‎Lastly, Mrs. Shiela Mae Farinas adviser of Socio Cultural Guild announced the Round 2 of the auditions for P-POP competition will be held on Wednesday, with only a few slots remaining. Students were encouraged to prepare performances that showcase their talents.

✍️ | Lian Ghem Albor
📷 | Precious Sophia Cadena

The Hillside Echo Junior

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