THE BAY ECHO VOL 37, ISSUE 3

THE BAY ECHO

VOLUME XXXVII ISSUE 3 MIMAROPA REGION DIVISION OF ROMBLON NOVEMBER 2025-FEBRUARY 2026

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF LOOC NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

BROADCASTING

BRILLIANCE LNHS Celebrates LNHS Celebrates Early Early Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day with Joy with Joy and and Creativity Creativity RIANNE CYMON DEL ROSARIO

Looc National High School joyfully celebrated an early Valentine’s Day on February 13, 2026, filling the campus with love, friendship, and excitement.

The event featured a variety of engaging and creative booths, including the Marriage Booth, where students took part in a fun and symbolic “wedding ceremony,” and the Blind Date Booth, which brought thrill and laughter as participants met new friends in a lighthearted and entertaining way. Several other interactive booths and activities were also set up, giving students plenty of opportunities to participate and enjoy throughout the day.

Adding to the excitement was the presence of special guest Ash Galang, who captivated the audience with an engaging performance. The program was made possible through the guidance and support of the dedicated teachers and the hardworking SSLG officers, who worked together to ensure the event’s success.

The celebration highlighted the unity, creativity, and vibrant spirit of the students of Looc National High School. It was truly a day filled with smiles, music, and unforgettable memories.

Sweet Gesture. Ash Galang shares a sweet moment with one of the LNHS students during the early celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Broadcasting Triumph. LNHS TV Broadcasting Team earns a number of awards during the RSPC 2026 competition.

LNHS TV LNHS TV Broadcasting Broadcasting Team Team makes Strong makes Strong RSPC RSPC Finish Finish BEA YUANJIA GUMBOC

Looc National High School’s (LNHS) TV Broadcasting Filipino Team made a strong mark at the MIMAROPA Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) 2026 held in Nasugbu, Batangas on February 3-6, 2026 under this year’s theme, “Navigating Truth, Amplifying Voices: MIMAROPA Journalists Building Informed Communities.”

TV Broadcasting anchor Andrea Leocadio described the experience as the highlight of her journey as a campus journalist, saying it was an unforgettable achievement and an honor to represent the school and the whole division of Romblon as she prepares to graduate from Senior High School and close her high school chapter at LNHS. Coach Villaruel expressed pride in the team's performance, noting that their achievement was a testament to the team’s dedication, teamwork, and skills in TV broadcasting.

“Bilang coach, masasabi kong napaka-significant ng pagkapanalo namin ng 5th place at 3rd Best in Technical Application dahil hindi lang ito simpleng award kundi patunay ng dedikasyon, teamwork, at kakayahan ng team ko sa larangan ng TV broadcasting.

Para sa akin, malaking success ito dahil nakita ko ang pag-unlad ng bawat miyembro mula sa basic skills hanggang sa actual na aplikasyon sa kompetisyon,” Villaruel said in an interview.

Villaruel also shared that there is still room for improvement, particularly in scriptwriting by strengthening local news connections and improving technical aspects, such as HDMI connections, for smoother production.

stayed overnight in the studio for extended practice to ensure a polished performance.

The team prepared intensively for the competition through regular scriptwriting workshops, mock broadcasts, and technical rehearsals under Villaruel’s guidance.

“The most challenging part was the pre-production time frame. We only had four hours to complete five complex news files, which were different from our usual training exercises. Despite the difficulties, placing 3rd in Best in Technical Application made me proud, especially of my group, who gave their best,” Diaz said.

“As a coach, our preparation for the competition was intensive and well-structured. We conducted regular scriptwriting workshops to deepen content quality and strengthen its connection to local issues, invited a guest speaker to further train the team in scriptwriting and delivery, and held mock broadcasts to enhance their confidence and on-camera presence. We also dedicated extra time to technical rehearsals to master camera setup, proper HDMI connections, and overall equipment management.”

He also revealed that they even

Technical Director Adrian Diaz said the competition was challenging due to limited production time and complex news segments.

The school also recognized the support of Principal Erwin M. Marquez, parents and guardians, subject teachers, and Hon. Mayor Lisette M. Arboleda, along with the LGU Looc, whose encouragement helped the students prepare and compete.

The LNHS team’s success adds to the school’s growing record in regional journalism competitions and highlights the dedication, skill, and teamwork of its campus journalists.

LNHS Goes LNHS Goes Global Global as as Young Young Innovators Innovators Shine Shine at at International Robotics International Robotics Competition Competition

ANDREA LEOCADIO

Students from Looc National High School (LNHS) brought pride to their school and the country after securing top spots in the Online International Entrepreneurship Competition, the largest robotics event in Northern Iran, held on November 26–28, 2025.

Representing Team Philippines, two LNHS teams placed 5th and 6th overall in the prestigious international event, organized by Fibonacci Iran in partnership with various Iranian government agencies and private companies.

The competition featured participants from different countries, showcasing innovation, crea-

tivity, and technological excellence in robotics and entrepreneurship.

The 5th Place award was won by Team LIMPYO, coached by Christian S. Siba, with members Kurt Anthony I. Fabellar, John Harold C. Asinas, and Cristine Mae Rosas. Meanwhile, Team Silent Signals secured 6th Place under the guidance of Coach Catherine M. Castejon, with members Venice Keith G. Lota, Hezekiah Luise P. Gaytano, and Princess Ryan S. Javier.

Global Recognition. LNHS students celebrate their top placements at an international robotics competition

In an interview, Kurt Anthony I. Fabellar, a member of Team LIMPYO, shared his thoughts on

their victory. He admitted the team did not expect to win and thanked their coaches for their support.

“We wanted the school to be recognized as ‘The school for Achievers,’” he said, adding that the award motivates them to continue striving for excellence.

The Philippine delegates, winners from the eROBOLUTION Dubai 2025 online preliminaries, showcased outstanding innovations from around the world.

This achievement reinforces LNHS’s growing impact in STEM and highlights Filipino students’ excellence on the global stage.

RISE THROUGH RISE THROUGH MERIT MERIT DepEd rewards DepEd rewards educators; educators; Romblon Romblon teachers teachers rise rise under under ECP ECP AQUISHA KATE SABIGAN

Recognizing teachers’ efforts, experience, and professional growth, the Department of Education (DepEd) granted the promotion of qualified educators under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

A total of 1,303 educators across Romblon were promoted and formally took their oath during a Mass OathTaking Ceremony held at the Romblon Public Plaza on February 2. Among them were 56

teachers from Looc National High School, highlighting the institution’s strong commitment to excellence in education.

The significant event was graced by key provincial officials, including Congressman Budoy Madrona, Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic, Vice Governor Armand Gutierrez, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and mayors from various municipalities in Romblon, along with representatives from the Civil Service Commission. Their presence underscored the collective support of the province in celebrating the achievements of its educators.

Adding prestige to the ceremony, Regional Director Niclas Capulong led the oath-taking, inspiring the promotees as they stepped into higher roles in public service.

The ECP System allows teachers to advance in rank based on merit, without the need to wait for vacant positions or the retirement of other personnel. This initiative aims to reward dedication, competence, and commitment, providing educators with faster and more meaningful opportunities for career advancement.

More than just a formal ceremony, the oath-taking served as a celebration of dreams, perseverance, and dedication. It reaffirmed the educators’ commitment to delivering quality education and continuing their service to every Romblomanon learner.

HEALTHY CAMPUS: HEALTHY CAMPUS: LNHS Advances LNHS Advances in in WinS Program WinS Program BEA YUANJIA GUMBOC

Looc National High School (LNHS) opened its campus to regional and division validators for the assessment of its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program, demonstrating its continued commitment to maintaining a healthy and learner-friendly environment on February 11, 2026.

The activity formed part of the monitoring efforts of the Department of Education to ensure that schools meet standards in sanitation, safe water access, and proper hygiene practices for both learners and school personnel.

Leading the validation team was Dr. Felicidesta L. Rolluqui, Regional WinS Coordinator and Dentist III. She was joined by Karla Isabel C. Zapata, Technical Assistant I (TA I) and SchoolBased Feeding Program (SBFP) Focal Person; Hannah R. Pacija, Technical Assistant II (TA II) and School Mental Health (SMH) Focal Person; Frances Reynova Monton, WinS Focal Person; Julie Ann Tan, Medical and Dental Nursing Services (MDNS) Focal Person; Jenalyn Motin, Technical Assistant for SBFP; Jameson Mirabete, Administrative Aide I (ADA I); Angelica Gan, SBFP Milk Component Focal Person; and Liezl Yasu, SMH Focal Person.

During the validation, the team conducted a campus inspection to assess LNHS facilities and programs related to sanitation and health. Areas inspected included comfort rooms, handwashing stations, drinking water sources, and the school canteen to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and food safety.

The validators also reviewed the school’s implementation of WinS initiatives and observed how hygiene practices are integrated into daily school routines. Teachers, learners, and school personnel assisted the visitors and presented the school’s ongoing efforts to sustain a safe and sanitary environment.

Rolluqui noted that the school has improved from last year’s assessment, while officials highlighted the activity as a chance to showcase LNHS’s best practices in hygiene and childfriendly facilities.

Unified Commitment. Over 1,300 educators across Romblon take their oath following promotion under the Department of Education's Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

Through the continued implementation of WinS and related programs, LNHS aims to further improve the well-being of learners while fostering a culture of cleanliness, safety, and shared responsibility within the school community.

THE BAY ECHO THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF LOOC NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

3 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF ZAHKI STEFFANO M. MALABAO ASSOCIATE EDITORS RIANE CYMON P. DEL ROSARIO NERBERTH D. DIMAANGAY SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR: ANDREA FAYE G. LEOCADIO JUNIOR MANAGING EDITORS: RHIAN L. ROBELLO AQUISHA KATE B. SABIGAN CIRCULATION MANAGERS: MA. ALLISON F. TALADTAD NOEL KARL R. YBANEZ OPINION WRITERS: VRYLLE JEZZEL SHAY J. GAA JOSE MARIA EMMANUEL MAGBATA RHEAN GATALLO JILLIAN FAITH MACALISANG FAYE DANIELLE TERROBIAS LEXINE O. CASTILLO IRENEIA P. CUASAY JAPHETH L. BANTANG

FLOODED BY BETRAYAL, DROWNING IN GREED The Philippines is once again shaken by corruption, as the fraudulent flood control projects of 2025 come to light. Authorities revealed that disaster mitigation funds were siphoned off through fake contracts amounting to billions of pesos. Outraged citizens took to the streets, staging protests across the country. The movement reached its peak during the massive “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA Shrine, echoed by similar demonstrations in provinces nationwide.

By early 2026, the scandal had significantly reshaped the Philippine political landscape. Senate President Chiz Escudero was removed from his position, Senator Bong Revilla was arrested, Representative Zaldy Co remains missing, Undersecretary Catalina Cabral was found dead in a ravine in Baguio, and the Department of Public

NEWS WRITERS: ALLYZA MAE TENOSO HEZEKIAH LUISE GAYTANO BEA YUANJIA M. GUMBOC PRINCESS JANDEE M. ADLIT AYESHA FRANCISCO ROJAN HILARIO FEATURE WRITERS: FATIMA ROSE OSORIO NADINE PAHAYAHAY NAYUMI GABUNA ANGEL IBABAO LEOMAR S. FALLORINA ALEXIE M. MARCELO SG R. SOMBILON CHESKA JAMILLE F. MAZO DIANE A. MERIALES GYWN ZHAUNDREI C. GUYO RHIAN S. VILLA SPORTS WRITERS: JENNYLYN TORRES JOHN LEO GACURA CARL JOHN CULLAMAT PRINCESS LOUJELYN V. ENON SCI-TECH WRITERS: ALTHEA CLAIRE T. OBCIANAL REITHER WAYNE EZEKIEL G. DAGOHOY KESIAH DANIEL MAGALLANES LITERARY WRITERS: ALLYSA ZERESH H. GAA MARIAN NINA CANE PHOTOJOURNALISTS: TRISHA CASTILLO ANNE MARLYN G. CASIMERO DASH JUCER C. NALZARO ANGELA FONTAMILLAS RHEAN SOFIE A. MARIANO MICAH ASINAS CARTOONISTS: MAE ANGELLA M. TEOLOGO MARIANNE ISABEL R. CLAUD MC JOHNSON G. MALLORCA LARRY B. BUSTAMANTE JR. RICHARD MARK T. DE GUZMAN JAY FLORENCE ERANES JEREMIAH C. VILLANUEVA MIEL ELVERN N. DELOVIAR EZEKIELA M. DUMALAG ARNEL FELIZAR G. FLORENDO LAYOUT ARTISTS: HILLARY MALUNES GAVE S. SABIGAN PRINCESS ERICH SANTIAGO DENISE GABRIELLE PIOQUINTO

Works and Highways (DPWH) suffered a major blow to its credibility. For many Filipinos, these events serve as clear evidence that corruption has deeply penetrated the system.

The nation’s laws clearly condemn such acts. The 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms that public office is a public trust, requiring officials to serve with integrity and accountability. The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) criminalizes actions that harm the government or unjustly benefit private interests.

Meanwhile, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for .

SPECTRUM

Andrea Faye G. Leocadio

Public Officials (RA 6713) mandates transparency in the use of public funds. The flood control scandal violates all these principles, betraying both the Constitution and the Filipino people.

The consequences are severe.

Communities now face greater risks from typhoons and flooding because funds intended for protection were stolen. Political stability has been shaken, and the Philippines ranked 120th out of 182 nations in Transparency International’s 2026 Corruption Perceptions Index. Yet amid the damage, the scandal has also sparked unity. Citizens from all walks of life have come together to demand accountability, refusing to accept corruption in silence.

As student journalists, we stand firmly against corruption. It undermines the nation’s values and leaves ordinary Filipinos vulnerable.

This betrayal is not merely a political issue—it is a threat to the safety, trust, and future of our country. While we already struggle against rising floodwaters, we must not allow ourselves to be drowned further by the greed of those in power.

ALTERING CULTURE

Conservation of culture in a modern world

Despite being a blip on the map, Romblon is rich and incomparable.

From natural resources up to people’s beliefs and values, spoken dialects, arts and literature spreading across customs and traditions, Romblon’s culture is intricately woven and crafted.

However, as humanity continues instead of Tagalog or English; to progress, does local culture still inviting elders or cultural practitioners flourish today, or is it gently for storytelling sessions every Sunday disappearing under the influence of in the community; buying and digitalization? promoting locally made products like our very Modernization can kill our culture. own Sarsa and Suman; organizing As the older ones fight to preserve and participating in traditional events, the identity and cultural heritage dances, and rituals; and using digital passed by our ancestors, the platforms to share cultural content. availability of unlimited internet access blended with the influence of Both school and the community blend with cultural preservation, the migration, greatly influence the way have roles to play. Kudos to the answer is a resounding YES. the younger generations think and organizers of the recent Festival of Modernization does not erase the live today.

Talents! Because of Bayle sa Kalye, line – it can reinforce it and serve as Siniliksik, Sayawitan, and Histopop the binding thread that unites the Romblon’s culture struggles to among others, we are not far from past and the present. With a positive survive especially among the Gen Z. preservation of our Romblomanon mindset and openness to We cannot blame them. But we can identity. Through the various event possibilities, Romblomanons can alter the course of their thinking. categories, student participants did excel at both.

Here’s how: allotting a specific day not just showcase local culture; they athome in which local dialect is became catalysts for promoting it. spoken among family members When asked if modernization can

New e-Sport on the Rise

4 SCI-TECH

RoboSoccer Thrills at the 2025 Division Robotics Competition CHLOWEE V. GARACHICO

THE RISE OF

ROBOTICS IN EDUCATION AND SOCIETY

BY REITHER WAYNE EZEKIEL G. DAGOHOY Robots have seized today’s world, expanding its limits from professionals to young enthusiasts. Robots are automated machineries encoded to perform complex actions or tasks – an awe-inspiring discovery showing that science beats the impossible. In 1954, George Devol invented Unimate, the first digitally controlled and programmable robotic arm. Later, Joseph Engelberger marketed Unimate and founded the first robotics company “Unimation,” pinning the modern robotics industry in history.

This beginning proves that robotics innovation augments critical thinking and transforms theories into reality. Its functions have advanced beyond artificial life, like Surgical Robots, Rehabilitation Robots, and Collaborative Robots, challenging the world to settle for an easier lifestyle.

Robotics machineries are made of expensive parts and need proper maintenance. Societal dependency is another issue. If we rely too much on these inventions, we might not obtain true skills but develop limitations on talents, confidence, and independence.

Since robotics impacted the world and the Philippine education system, the Department of Education began participating in organizations to include Robotics and Research as learning competencies. With these implications, the number of students in Special Science Classes has increased, showing technology catches youth curiosity. Programs and contests challenge young minds and keep their interest from division levels like the Sci-Math and Robotics Fair held at Looc National High on November 12–14, up to national levels.

Since robots ask for personal data, privacy concerns arise. Robots may simplify life but can lead to job displacement. Lastly, some worry robots may take over the world since they disregard limits of basic motion resembling living characteristics.

Even with issues dividing opinions, experts still support upgrades for robots. “Sometimes a technology is so impressive that imagination runs with it – often far, far away from reality,” says Daniel H. Wilson.

Robots will never be an opposing danger. With proper supervision and operational commands, we can achieve better collaboration. Robotics did not just conquer education. It is education itself.

However, robotics innovation is costly.

The excitement of robotics reached new heights this year as RoboSoccer took center stage at the 2025 Romblon Division Robotics Competition. Students and enthusiasts gathered to witness robots not just racing or solving mazes, but actually playing the world’s most beloved sport- soccer.

Robots on the Pitch In RoboSoccer, teams design and program autonomous robots capable of passing and scoring goals. Unlike remote-controlled machines, these robots rely on sensors, coding, and artificial intelligence to make splitsecond decisions. The result? A fastpaced match where every move is calculated by algorithms, yet still full of surprises.

From Local to Global While RoboSoccer entertained audiences at the Division Robotics Competition, it is also part of a global movement known as RoboCup. Founded in 1996, RoboCup’s ambitious mission is that by 2050, a team of autonomous humanoid robots should be able to defeat the FIFA World Cup champions. Today, RoboCup attracts thousands of teams worldwide, making RoboSoccer one of the most popular robot games internationally.

Why It Captivates Audiences RoboSoccer captivates audiences for several reasons. Its familiarity makes it instantly relatable, as everyone understands the game of soccer and can easily follow the action. At the same time, it highlights innovation, with matches showcasing cutting-edge robotics, from advanced vision systems to complex teamwork algorithms. Adding to the excitement is the entertainment factor, as robots sometimes miss shots, pull off clever passes, or score dramatic goals; creating a thrilling spectacle that blends science with sport.

Inspiring the Next Generation For many students, buildrobot is their first step into and artificial intelligence. only tests engineering creativity, solving-

ing a soccer-playing the world of robotics The competition not skills but also inspires teamwork, and problemqualities essential for the future of science and technology.

RoboSoccer at the 2025 Division Robotics Competition wasn’t just a game; it was a glimpse into the future of robotics, where machines learn teamwork, strategy, and innovation on the field.