90% COMPLETE
New 3-Storey Building Signals improved Learning Conditions
The long-anticipated 15classroom building project at Looc National High School is now 90 percent complete, marking a major step toward addressing long-standing issues of overcrowding and limited learning space within the campus
From steel frames rising steadily in previous months, the structure has now entered its final stage of construction, bringing the school closer to providing students with a more conducive and modern learning environment Once completed, the facility is expected to house spacious classrooms and specialized learning areas designed to support diverse academic needs
According to project engineer Oliver M Trogon of Rolco Construction and Development Corporation, the development has progressed steadily despite minor delays caused by weather conditions With only finishing works such as painting, installation of fixtures, and final inspections remaining, the building is expected to be completed and turned over within the year
School administrators expressed optimism that the additional classrooms will significantly improve class arrangements and may help address long-standing concerns on overcrowding The expansion is also seen as a step toward achieving a more stable and efficient school system, potentially allowing smoother scheduling and better learning conditions for students
LNHS A Adv AL
Athletes from Looc National High School (LNHS) delivered an impressive performance for Team Romblon in the recently concluded MRAA Meet, hauling medals in archery, boxing, table tennis, pole vault, volleyball, and taekwondo from March 9–12 in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
The archery team emerged as Overall Champion in the girls’ category, collecting six gold, two silver, and three bronze medals Hazel Ace D Garciano was also named Best Archer In athletics, pole vaulter Cedric Mendoza clinched gold, while Renz Sevilla broke a previous record with a 14 41-meter mark, earning two gold medals in triple jump and one silver in high jump
Adding to the school’s historic achievements, Andrei Yen Conanan made history as the first-ever gold medalist in taekwondo (bantamweight category), marking a milestone victory for LNHS in the said sport
Meanwhile, boxing, table tennis, and volleyball teams each secured bronze medals
Following his standout performance, Sevilla was recruited by Jose Rizal University, where he is expected to further develop his skills under the guidance of renowned athlete Elma MurosPosadas
Garciano, Sevilla, Mendoza, and Conanan have qualified for the Palarong Pambansa 2025, set to be held in Agusan del Sur Garciano encouraged aspiring student-athletes to stay committed “Ang maipapayo ko
lang sa mga gustong maging student-athlete ay siguraduhin ninyo na gusto ninyo talagang sumali sa ganitong larangan, lalo na sa napili ninyong sport Dapat handa ang katawan, isip, at puso,” she said
The athletes’ success reflects their perseverance, discipline, and teamwork, supported by school officials led by Principal IV Erwin M Marquez, as well as the Local Government Unit of Looc under Mayor Lisette M Arboleda Their continued support has been vital in providing the resources needed for training, preparation, and competition
ANDREA LEOCADIO
Golden Triumph. LNHS athletes smile with pride along with their proud coaches as they celebrate their victories
Youth, Culture Thrive in Panublion 2026
To highlight youth creativity and cultural pride, Looc, Romblon staged PANUBLION 2026: Celebrating Voices and Talents at the Looc Public Plaza on March 19.
The program was spearheaded by Looc National High School through its Special Program in the Arts, in partnership with LGU Looc, SK Federation of Looc, and the Looc Tourism Office, bringing together youth organizations and local talents in a showcase of creativity and culture
The event featured a series of competitions in music, literature, and the arts, allowing students from different schools in the municipality to demonstrate their
talents in singing, performance, creative writing, and visual media Literary contests highlighted Onhan spoken word and storytelling of Talabukon, showcasing local folklore and language Musical and performing arts competitions included vocal solo, and modern dance, while digital and applied arts featured photography, promotional video, and landscape painting exhibits
The activity formed part of
Looc Town’s 152nd Foundati celebration, which aims to fo deeper appreciation of local traditions and artistic herita among Loocnons and visitor
Representing Provincial Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Ricmel S Falquesa underscored the importance of preserving culture through the arts, stating, “Ang kasaysayan ang tunay na yaman ng bayan, kaya sana ipagpatuloy ninyong awitin ang kwento, isulat ang kasaysayan, at huwag kalimutang ibahagi ito sa mga susunod na henerasyon”
Organizers emphasized that the initiative aims to create meaningful opportunities for youth engagement, strengthen community participation, and promote artistic excellence, discipline, and cultural awareness among residents of Looc With its strong focus on talent development, cultural preservation, and community unity, PANUBLION 2026 presented Looc’s identity as a community that values creativity, supports its youth, and celebrates the richness of its cultural expression
Inclusive Training Program Opens Opportunities for LSENs
To provide real-life work experience and better prepare Learners with Special Education Needs (LSENs) for future employment, Looc National High School (LNHS) has launched its Inclusive Work Experience Program, titled Pathways to Employment
For learners, the nearing completion of the building signals a long-awaited change
“I am so happy that our new building is about to be finished I am so excited to explore the newly built building of LNHS,” said Ma Allison Flores Taladtad, a Grade 9 student under the Special Program in Journalism She added that a more comfortable environment would make it easier for students to focus and actively participate in class
Teachers likewise view the project as a vital response to existing challenges Sir Lyndon C Glori, a junior high school teacher, shared that overcrowded classrooms and aging facilities have long affected both teaching and learning
The school-led initiative aims to give LSENs meaningful and guided workplace exposure, equipping them with practical skills essential for independent living and career readiness The program was implemented in two phases to ensure that activities are ageappropriate and properly supervised Phase 1 ran until March 6, 2026, while Phase 2 was conducted from March 9 to 13, 2026
Through hands-on experiences, the program helps learners develop communication, interpersonal, and job-related skills, while also building their confidence, responsibility, and independence in real-world settings
The initiative is anchored on each learner’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and aligns with the inclusive education goals of the Department of Education (DepEd), which promotes equal opportunities for all learners regardless of their abilities
The program was spearheaded by teachers Arlyn V
and Lovely Joy T Gregorio, in collaboration with partner institutions such as Athenas, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Looc, and various government agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Human Resources Office (HR)
School officials thanked Principal Erwin M Marquez and the Schools Division Office for their support, emphasizing that the program reinforces LNHS’s commitment to inclusive education and preparing LSENs for the workforce and community The initiative also inspires confidence and independence among the learners
“Most of the classrooms are not conducive for learning e just he y, e ment, n, tter dent ical e of al en g, ges nal cation
BEA YUANJIA GUMBOC
Masajo
Kim Cyrus Amar, a Grade 12 student of Looc National High School, clinched first place in the Landscape Painting contest, one of the highlights of PANUBLION 2026
Cultural Showcase Students take center stage during PANUBLION 2026 in Looc, Romblon, as young performers express creativity and cultural pride
Steps Learners with Special Education Needs (LSENs), together with teachers and partners, participate in Looc National High School’s Inclusive Work Experience Program, promoting skills development and real-world readiness
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Today’ pins. Everybody is vulnerable, everybody’ challenges because of mass media influence, vices, drugs, idance from parents, a debate arose, should religious activities be conducted in public schools?
As one of the students in public school, I believe activities promoting the spiritual life of the youths are very important. urgent and needed. In Looc National High School where student populace is composed of denominations, varied activities are also held each month. churches of every Saturday encourage young people to attend and be ac during Sundays. recollections and retreats, too, which participants can reflect and renew their faith.
Language Transition: The Voice of Change
Observe the surroundings. Have a quick chitchat with young professionals. Talk to children.
Then, pay attention to how they converse. Can't you notice your nose bleeding? With all the colloquial expressions, slang, and accents uncommon in our usual practice, someone new and unfamiliar with the trend could easily feel stunned. Is English dominating the Filipino voice and altering our own mother tongue?
The English language is the gateway to big opportunities in education, work, business, and media. No wonder statistical data analysis from Google reveals that urban and highly
educated regions like the NCR, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao have the highest English users, while rural and remote areas likeARMM and some parts of Mindanao show lower active speaking rates, although comprehension of the English language during conversation remains high. With the influence of mass media, English is dominating our mother tongue.
Despite the many advantages of being a fluent speaker, we should not neglect our own. Filipino is our official language.Aside from it, the Philippines is home to around 170 recognized languages and dialects. These include major regional languages such as Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray,
nurture that seed in our life until we
In conclusion, academic excellence, spirituality and morality are equally important. I believe if a person possesses these three, the devil cannot open the gate of hell for
partnership with the church can serve as a guiding light for students. Continuing religious programs and activities is essential, as they promote strong moral values and help nurture a deeper spiritual
Kapampangan, Pangasinense, Tausug, and Bikolano, along with many indigenous and minority languages spoken across the archipelago.
Romblon’s main dialects, Onhan, Asi, and Ini, have blended with Tagalog due to migration, creating a distinct local sound. Mass media also shapes communication, as many children learn English through TV shows and cartoons.Although English has become more dominant, it does not replace Filipino languages. Instead, Filipinos’fluency in English shows adaptability, enriching rather than abandoning their mother tongue and contributing to a uniquely modern Filipino way of speaking.
Jiliann Faith Z Macalisang
JENNYLYN TORRES
Bullseye Dream Bullseye Dream
It’s not the will to win that matters; everyone has that It’s the will to prepare to win that matters ” -Paul “Bear” Bryant “
At the age of 16, Palarong Pambansa qualifier, Hazel Ace Garciano, already proved that sometimes, the path to success takes an unexpected turn
A flying arrow, a steady hand, and the courage to keep aiming this is how she made her remarks and inspire others in every shot she takes as she represent Looc National High School and Team Rombalon in Mimaropa Meet 2026, March 9-12 at Sablayan Occidental Mindoro
Sacrifice Behind the Bow
From Ball to Bow
Before she discovered archery, Garciano was a devoted softball player In Grade 9, when her school discontinued softball, opportunity knocked in the form of a search for a new archer Sir John Michael Ballovar encouraged her to try out, bringing her to Coach Elme John Gacura On her first attempt, Hazel hit the target instantly sparking a new passion Since then, archery has become her specialization, and daily training has been her routine
A YOUNG SHARPSHOOTER’S JOURNEY TO PALARONG PAMBANSA
b i h h ll h
She also maintains her athletic skills and stays focused while holding her bow during her winning streak in the provincial meet She has become more relaxed and braver in every match, no longer feeling pressure but instead enjoying the game
Bullseye Aim
Garciano comes from a hardworking family of five Her mother works as a fisherwoman, and her father is a construction worker Their unwavering support, alongside her coach’s guidance, has made an exceptional foundation for her success
Garciano also shared her gratitude to her family and her mentors "Thankful ako sa family ko kasi sila ang nag susuporta sa akin palagi at sa aking coach na si Coach Elme John Gacura kasi palagi nya kaming tinuturuan at gusto ko po itong suklian ng magandang performance sa laban," Hazel says
The journey has not
Hazel Ace D Graciano is proof that with perseverance, hard work, and the support of family, a dream can become reality
Garciano's achievement is remarkable She recalls her unforgettable moment defeating three former Palarong Pambansa athletes and breaking the 30-meter record at the MIMAROPA Meet, that was the first time she reached such score In that moment she reminded herself that victory comes from having faith in yourself.
Looking ahead, she hopes to shine at Palarong Pambansa 2026 "Pinagpepray ko po ngayon ana sana po manalo ako sa parating na palarong pambansa 2026, o kung hindi man po ay sana magka medal man lang kasi malaking bagay na po yun para sa akin," she said.