The Torch

12/04/2026

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 || 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗠 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗧:
𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮, 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗡𝘂𝗲𝘃𝗮 𝗘𝗰𝗶𝗷𝗮'𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗟𝗥𝗔𝗔 2026 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀; 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀

Fuelled with blazing energy and sharp executions, the power-packed open hitters Sam Andrei Alcantara and King Donato led Nueva Ecija's Volleyball Team to a commanding set of victories during the prestigious event of Central Luzon Regional Athletics Association (CLRAA) 2026, thrilling the crowd and elevating Nueva Ecija's tournament standing.

After two decades of waiting – Nueva Ecija's Mighty Generals rose back up and shook the court once again, they pulled off a hair-raising, formidable reverse sweep to overpower the City Division of Angeles City, 27-25, 25-14, and 15-10, today, April 12, 2026, held at Bagsakan Center, Dipaculao, Aurora.

Though they fell short in the opening set, 27-25 in favour of Angeles City, they used it as fuel to surge in the second set, 25-14.

A nip-and-tuck battle approached in the early goings of the final set, with both teams locked in for a relentless exchange of points. An open hope appeared, and the momentum quickly bagged in following Alcantara and Donato – they rose above to give cannon-like attacks while keeping the defense guessing with crafty placements which made offensive bursts create separation, carving out a 4-point cushion in the latter stretch set.

As the last set approached, Angeles City fought to stay afloat, but Nueva Ecija's Mighty Generals gritted their teeth to impose focus on their offense and defense, finishing the set with a 15-10 victory and snapping a 23-year wait to punch their ticket back to the championship stage.

“Trinabaho mabuti lalo na sa training, sunod sa utos ng Coaches at Trainers, more tune ups sa labas, colleges at high schools sa ibat ibang lugar... Tapang sa paglalaro at puso sa laban at sa mga naniniwala sa aming kakayahan na patuloy na sumusuporta, sa JOLNHS Family, sa aming mga magulang, sa mga loved ones, sa mga kaibigan namin, sa mga nahingan namin ng tulong lalo na kay Sir Elmer H. Espiritu at syempre kay God through prayer. Bilang Captain Ball, ako’y natutuwa dahil nagampanan ko ito. At higit sa lahat, kaya kami nagtagumpay at umabot sa Championship dahil sa unity namin sa loob at sa labas ng court.” - Captain Earlon Jay Palancia delivered.

They are set to face SDO San Jose Del Monte tomorrow at 8:00 am in the morning to witness who will bring home the bacon to fly to the most awaited Palarong Pambansa 2026.

𝚂𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚑 - 𝙵𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.

✍️: Eryza Yuna Caraang
👨🏻‍💻: Benneth Gamrot
: Micaiah Jhiem Castro

12/04/2026

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 || 𝗗𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝘇𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗟𝗥𝗔𝗔 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿-𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Another promising pair of Jolians has risen as Tristan G. De Guzman and Angel Nina S. Abas emerged as one of the standout pairs in the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) Dancesport Secondary Level, delivering a performance that reflected both precision and artistry. Representing Nueva Ecija, the duo translated months of preparation into a composed and competitive showing on the regional stage.

Amid the deafening music and roaring crowd, the dynamic duo of Julia Ortiz Luiz National High School (JOLNHS) delivered powerful steps and graceful movements that earned them a shining silver medal in the overall finals of the recently concluded CLRAA Dancesport Secondary Level. The event was held this afternoon, April 12, at the Sentro Baler Gymnasium in Baler, Aurora.

The formidable pair exhibited enchanting performances that deeply captivated the audience, securing silver medals across multiple categories, including Samba, Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive. Earning an overall silver in Garde A.

Tristan and Angel demonstrated remarkable resilience and perseverance. After qualifying on CLRAA for the fourth time, they returned stronger, dedicating themselves to intense preparation and ultimately achieving a well-deserved comeback victory.

𝚂𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚑 - 𝙵𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.

✍️: Liztine Marie L. Laureta
📸: Nueva Ecija Mighty Generals Infoboard
👨🏻‍💻: Benneth Gamrot
: Micaiah Jhiem Castro

12/04/2026

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 || 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆; 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁

Sharpened by every challenge, Jayden Reece Ballado of Julia Ortiz Luis National High School rose above the noise, proving her strength as she claimed the ticket to Palarong Pambansa after an impressive win in Tennis Secondary Girls Singles B at CLRAA 2026, held on March 26, 2026.

Ballado dismantled Olongapo City with a commanding 8–2 victory, turning the court into her statement of dominance as she secured her place to represent Nueva Ecija on the national stage.

With this breakthrough performance, the young athlete continues to carry the pride of her school and province, now setting her sights on a bigger stage where the competition grows tougher and the spotlight shines brighter as she prepares for the challenge of Palarong Pambansa.

𝚂𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚑 - 𝙵𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.

✍️: Ayesha Moreen Cabanayan
📸: Coach Ferdinand Sarmiento
👨🏻‍💻: Benneth Gamrot
: Micaiah Jhiem Castro

03/04/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PROUD GRADUATES AND COMPLETERS OF THE TORCH! 🔥✨

Your journey has been marked by passion, perseverance, and courage to tell stories that matter.

01/04/2026

"The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It's doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile."

The Torch is not just an organization—it is a voice, a purpose, and a home. Being recognized as one of the best this School Year is a reflection of every story we dared to tell, every truth we chose to uphold, and every challenge we faced with courage. Behind every published piece are sleepless nights, silent struggles, and hearts that refused to let the flame die.

We didn’t just write—we ignite change. And this recognition is for every Torchbearer who kept the light alive.
Because once you carry the flame, you become the light others will follow.

Padayon!
𝚂𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚑 - 𝙵𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.

12/03/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 || 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆: 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗢𝗟𝗡𝗛𝗦 “𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗕 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁”

Paintings filled with colors, ideas, and emotions welcomed visitors as student artists from Julia Ortiz Luis National High School (JOLNHS) showcased their creativity during the opening of the “KOLAB Exhibit: The Convergence of Sining, Saliksik, at Karanasan” on March 10, 2026, at Waltermart Talavera.

The exhibit, carrying the theme “Uniting Talents, Ideas, and Community Engagement,” brought together artworks and academic outputs created by students, turning a simple display space into a celebration of youthful creativity, the exhibit gives learners an opportunity to present their talents while allowing the public to witness the artistic potential of young minds.

The students’ chorale “Canta” performed a Makabayan song, energizing the crowd and highlighting the school’s pride in Filipino culture and expression.

For many educators, events like the KOLAB Exhibit are more than just displays of artwork, they are opportunities for students to discover and develop their abilities.

During her welcome remarks, MAPEH Division Supervisor Michelle Tolentino emphasized the importance of creating spaces where students can freely express their creativity.

According to Tolentino, the exhibit highlights various talents of learners—from painting and dancing to research outputs—showing that creativity exists in many forms.

She noted that although Arts Month had recently concluded, the school continued its celebration of creativity through the exhibit.

Among the young artists featured in the exhibit is Jerome Baldo, a student painter whose work reflects his emotions and experiences.

For Baldo, painting is not only a hobby but also a way of expressing his feelings.

He shared a message for aspiring artists who may hesitate to pursue their passion.

Baldo encouraged them to remain confident and fearless in developing their craft.

“Habang nagpinta ako, iniisip ko lang ang emotions ko at lagi kong sinasabi na gaganda din ito,” he said, explaining that he focuses on his emotions while painting and trusts that the final work will eventually come together.

School leaders also highlighted the importance of supporting student creativity.

JOLNHS Principal IV Racquel Diaz encouraged learners to continue discovering and nurturing their talents.

“Show, discover and nurture every talent,” Racquel Diaz reminded the students.

After the messages, school officials and guests gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the exhibit.

Visitors soon explored the display area, carefully observing the paintings and other creative works produced by the students.

Some attendees paused to take photos of the artworks, while others admired the effort and imagination reflected in each piece.

For many students, the exhibit became more than just a display—it became a moment of recognition and pride.

Through initiatives like this, JOLNHS continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing both the academic and creative growth of its students.

𝚂𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚑 - 𝙵𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.

✍🏼: Benneth Gamrot
💻: Micaiah Jhiem Castro
📷: Ang Tanglaw
The Torch

07/03/2026

12/02/2026

If you are curious 🧐 about how things work, excited by new inventions, or passionate about making a difference, STE is for you👌. It challenges you to think deeper, ask questions, and push beyond limits. Yes, it may not always be easy—but growth happens when you challenge yourself.

By choosing STE, you open doors to countless opportunities in medicine🧑🏼‍🔬💊, robotics🤖, engineering🧑‍🔧, environmental science, technology👨‍💻, and many more fields. More importantly, you prepare yourself to help solve real-world problems and contribute to a better future.

Be brave. Be curious. Be innovative.
So, what are you waiting for, choose STE—and start building the future today. 🚀

03/02/2026