The ANHS Transparency

| 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘃𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿, 𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵

In neon-lit v**e stores and swiping TikTok feeds, va**ng shimmers with the allure of something cleaner, cooler, and safer than smokes. The flavors are childlike—mango ice, cotton candy, bubblegum—and the devices are chic enough to masquerade as USB drives. It is less of a vice and more of a lifestyle add-on for most young Filipinos. But strip away the sweet haze, and the bitter reality rushes in: quietly, these devices are addicting a generation and poisoning the world they will inherit.

The science is clear. The World Health Organization keeps sounding the warning that e-cigarettes are bad for health. Here in the Philippines, numbers don't lie: one in seven students between 13 to 15 is already a user of e-cigarettes, according to the 2019 Global Youth To***co Survey. More alarming, more than a third of the youth—37.1 percent—said that nobody prevents them from purchasing to***co products, whether from retail shops, street vendors, or even online. What does it reveal about our laws if kids are able to so readily acquire an addictive tool wrapped in candy-colored boxes?

Rather than strengthening the protections, the Republic Act 11900—enacted in July 2022—reduced the minimum age for use from 21 to 18 and transferred regulatory control from the Department of Health to the Department of Trade and Industry. With one stroke, va**ng products were regarded less as health threats and more as consumer devices. Benevolent intentions notwithstanding, this act opened wider gates to addiction while pushing public health professionals to the sideline. Choices made in Congress today have the potential to engrave scars on the lungs—and lives—of our young people tomorrow.

The risk does not stop in our bodies. V**e litter is an environmental time bomb waiting to explode. Every disposable v**e contains plastic, heavy metals, and lithium-ion batteries that don’t biodegrade and don’t belong in landfills. Left untreated, they leak toxins into soil and water and even spark landfill fires. Globally, the scale is staggering: in just one year, the United Kingdom threw away enough lithium from v**es to build 2,500 electric car batteries. Imagine the damage if the Philippines follows that trail of toxic litter.

And yet, false information flourishes where rules are weak. On social media—where Filipinos obtain most of their information about the world—ads and influencers wrap va**ng in wellness, convenience, and even revolutionary language. Most teens view a hip device, not an apparatus for delivering ni****ne. Some nursing students in the Visayas even had no firm knowledge of va**ng hazards, based on a new prevalence study, indicating that even future health professionals require better education. When truth is drowned out by paid promotion, what hope do ordinary consumers have?

The price is not only individual but intergenerational. Each v**e carelessly discarded is tomorrow's polluted runoff, tomorrow's contaminated fish, tomorrow's scorched landfill. The hard reality is this: va**ng is not only a health problem or an adolescent problem—it's an infrastructure problem, an environmental problem, a national problem. The Philippines cannot afford to wait for other countries to do the same thing that will lead us to tragedy by waiting for a full-blown crisis to take action.

This is where policy, technology, and science intersect. Innovation without responsibility always leaves devastation. If companies can design dozens of candy flavors to addict teenagers, why can't they design devices that are recyclable, rechargeable, and responsibly sold? If we can legislate in order to control commerce, why can't we legislate to protect landscapes and lungs simultaneously? If we are able to view the data so clearly, why do we elect to close our eyes to it?

We don't need to see another generation suffocate on flavored lies. National policy needs to be reformed to prioritize health and environment. Funding for research needs to reveal the long-term effect of e-cigarettes in Philippine society. Schools need to educate—not tweet—about va**ng. And all Filipinos, from policymakers to parents, need to treat these as what they are: toxic electronic rubbish, not innocent toys.

The v***r may be sweet. But the truth? It is bitter enough to make us all cough.

How Filipino Became Our National Language

When you think of the Philippines, you don’t just think of its stunning islands, savory foods, or colorful festivals — you also think of how its people speak and communicate with each other. Not simply the sound of conversation, but the language that carries the nation’s identity. That language, now called Filipino, has taken a long and winding journey to become what it is today.

Centuries ago, that language sounded very different. Under Spanish rule, the official language was Spanish. It was mostly used during church sermons and government records. Ordinary Filipinos, however, continued speaking their own mother tongues. In 1898, the Americans arrived, bringing the English language to the Philippines. At first, English and Spanish were both used officially, but over time, English took over. Yet, in the heart of the fight for freedom, something else was stirring. The Katipuneros were writing their documents in Tagalog, not just as a practical choice, but as a declaration that we have our own identity.

The dream of a national language moved forward during the Commonwealth period. In 1934, the Tydings–McDuffie Act was signed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its main purpose was to prepare the Philippines for independence after 10 years.

President Manuel L. Quezon, later called the “Father of the National Language,” recognized the need to have our own national language. On October 27, 1936, he announced plans to create a language institute. A month later, Commonwealth Act No. 184 established the Surian ng Wikang Pambansa. By January 1937, its members were appointed, and on November 7, they recommended Tagalog as the basis of the national language. The reasons behind this were that Tagalog was widely spoken, had a rich literary tradition, and a grammar that was relatively easy to learn. On December 30, 1937, Quezon signed Executive Order No. 134, officially making Tagalog the foundation of the national language.

From there, the language evolved alongside the nation’s history. In 1940, the first Tagalog grammar book and dictionary were published, and schools began teaching it. During the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), Tagalog and Japanese were declared official languages. In 1946, upon independence, Commonwealth Act No. 570 made the national language one of the country’s official languages.

By 1959, Education Secretary Jose F. Romero renamed it Pilipino to reflect its growing inclusion of words from other local languages. According to him, “Kailan ma’t tukuyin ang Wikang Pambansa, ito ay tatawaging Pilipino.” By the 1970s, Pilipino was being used widely in elementary schools as a medium of instruction by virtue of Resolution No. 70.

A major shift came in 1987 with the ratification of the new Constitution. The national language of the Philippines was officially named Filipino, the lingua franca of the Filipinos. It was now defined as a living, evolving language enriched by words from all Philippine languages and even foreign ones. Filipino became the bridge that connects over 180 living languages spoken across the archipelago.

Today, Filipino is more than a set of grammar rules or vocabulary lists. It is the language through which we express our thoughts, share our stories, and connect with one another. It carries within it the nation’s history, struggles, and identity. Like the country it represents, it continues to grow, adapt, and find new ways to reflect who we are. As we celebrate Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, may we be reminded that every time we speak in Filipino, we are not merely communicating but we are honoring our heritage and carrying forward the story of how Filipino bacame our national language.

🖋️ Jhem Rex T. Timuat

LOOK | With drums pounding and lyres ringing, the Agban National High School Drum and Lyre Corps proudly participated in the opening parade of the 128th Baras Town Fiesta on August 9, filling the streets with lively music, vibrant colors, and a strong sense of community spirit.

photos by Ioanesse Gaverielle B. Hubaldo

𝗔𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

A poster-making contest was recently held at Agban National High School as part of the school’s Nutrition Month celebration. The event, which was held on August 1, 2025, drew strong participation from students, who expressed both their creativity and their growing awareness of proper nutrition through vivid imagery and thoughtful messaging.

The contest winners were announced as follows:
🥇 First Place: Irish Tatad
🥈 Second Place: Daniel Teves
🥉 Third Place: Marco Taniegra

These young artists demonstrated not only artistic talent but also a meaningful grasp of the health themes they illustrated. The poster-making contest became a platform for students to communicate powerful messages about wellness, using art as a medium of advocacy. By turning complex nutrition ideas into visual narratives, the activity inspired discussion and reflection across the student body.

Second-place winner Daniel Teves described the experience as a return to his artistic roots. “Masaya akong nakasali muli sa pagguhit ng poster kahit matagal tagal na rin ang nakalipas. Nakakabilib ang dami na ring mamaw,” he said, recalling how poster contests sparked his early passion for art. “Naalala ko pa noon, nag-second place ako at ‘yun na rin ang nag-udyok sa’kin para ipagpatuloy ang pagmamahal ko sa sining at pagguhit.”

The Nutrition Month celebration is a nationwide observance in the Philippines that promotes awareness of health and wellness through community-centered activities. Through contests like this, schools like Agban NHS continue to find creative ways to bring learning to life and ensure that lessons on health aren’t just in textbooks but are seen, felt, and remembered.

via Gian Butial
photos by Ioanesse Gaverielle Hubaldo

𝗩𝗢𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗚𝗚𝗜𝗘𝗦
𝗔𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁

Agban National High School held a Costume Making Contest as part of its Nutrition Month celebration, to promote healthy lifestyles and creativity this afternoon, August 1, 2025. The contest was held in the school's multipurpose hall, representing various grade levels, participated by making and wearing costumes from environmentally sustainable and nutrition oriented materials, for everyone to see the creative and artistic talent of the students.

The Costume Making Contest was held as part of the school's celebration of Nutrition Month, and was designed to raise awareness of sustainability, health and working together as part of the student body.

Camille S. Tatad secured first place, whose vibrant and innovative costume captured the essence of “Healthy Diet, Gawing Affordable For All.” Kimberly Bonita got second place, while Jolie Ann Bruce was awarded third place for her creative design and presentation.

In an interview, Camille shared the challenges and triumphs behind their entry, “sa totoo lang nung nag announce pa lang nawalan na kami ning pagasa para maggibo pero nilaban pa man syempre namo kahit grabe ang gibuhon, dahil una pa lang alam namo na chance namo to, and we need to give our best para manggana ang grade 11. Nag enjoy kami at napawi gabos na pagod namo sa paggibo ning costume.

The event not only inspired students to be imaginative, it also reminded them about the significance of nutrition in everyday life. Teachers and judges commend the participants for their commitment, creativity, and teamwork.

The Nutrition Month Celebration ended with clapping, cheers, and photos, once again showing that when passion meets purpose, students can create something extraordinary.

via Angel Chem Torres
photos by Jhem Rex T. Timuat, Dyza Tusi and Ioanesse Gaverielle Hubaldo

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗡
𝗔𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 2025

Agban National High School celebrated Nutrition Month today, August 1, 2025, with the theme "Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat." The celebration served as an awareness campaign for good nutrition for students.

Among the highlights of the celebration was the Slogan Making Contest, which helped to bring out the imagination of the students while inspiring them on healthy eating habits and the importance of nutrition in life.

Jessica Tusi, John Mark Besco, and John Rey Tanael emerged as the first, second, and third winners, respectively, of the competition. They were all noted for their creativity and effective language use for promoting health-related concepts.

The event showcased Agban National High School's dedication to spreading health and wellness through meaningful and informative activities, inspiring students to be propagators of proper nutrition among their families and communities.

via Sharina Tesorero
photos by Ioanesse Gaverielle Hubaldo

𝗔𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗛𝗦 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗼, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗸-𝗼𝗳𝗳

Agban National High School (ANHS) brought the 2025 Nutrition Month celebration to a flavorful close this afternoon, August 1, with a Cooking Contest held at the school’s Multipurpose Hall. The event served as the culminating activity for the school’s month-long participation in promoting health and nutrition awareness.

This year’s theme, set by the Department of Education, emphasized the importance of collective action and food security:“Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyon sapat, para sa lahat! Food at Nutrition Security Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!”

Each section across different grade levels was represented by two student participants, who showcased their culinary creativity by preparing dishes based on the three major food groups; go (energy-giving), grow (body-building), and glow (body-regulating).

Three esteemed teachers; Lorie Jane Bonaobra, Cherry Romero, Julie Ann Tipo and Daniel Tayam served as judges. Each dish was evaluated based on taste, presentation, nutritional value, and originality. After careful deliberation, the winners were announced:

1st Place – Grade 12 Maunawain (represented by Angel Chem Torres and Princess Zyra Aguilar)
2nd Place – Grade 12 Mapagkalinga (represented by Sarah Faith Tanael and Nicole Llaneta)
3rd Place – Grade 8 Masinop (represented by Ioanesse Gaverielle Hubaldo and Elery Timbal)

The event concluded with words of appreciation from the judges, commending the efforts, teamwork, and creativity of all participants. The Cooking Contest not only celebrated the essence of Nutrition Month but also encouraged students to adopt healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging way.

ANHS once again proved that nutrition advocacy can be both educational and exciting served with passion, plated with purpose.

via Vanessa Tapia

In an interview with the newly elected SPTA President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Abines emphasized that her administration will prioritize transparency. While no concrete plans have been finalized at this stage, she stated that their initiatives will be guided by the current needs and circumstances of the school.

Abines elected as new ANHS SPTA president, board chair for SY '25–'26

Maritony L. Abines has been officially elected as the new president and chairperson of the board of directors of the School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) of Agban National High School (ANHS) for School Year 2025–2026 during the general SPTA meeting and election held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at ANHS Multipurpose Building.

An alumna of ANHS Batch 2010-2011, Abines now returns to her alma mater and assumes the leadership role following the recently concluded SPTA election. The selection process was carried out within the school community as part of its commitment to maintain active parental and community involvement in school governance.

The SPTA at ANHS serves as an important link between parents, teachers, and school administrators, working to support student welfare and promote shared responsibility in educational development. Meanwhile, in an interview, she said that her administration will be transparent and will be open on suggestions and reviews: “Siguro magiging transparent po kami, ma base na lang kami sa kung ano ang pangangaipo ning eskuwelahan”, said Abines.

School PTA Board of Directors (SPTA-BOD)
Chairperson: Maritony L. Abines
Vice Chairperson: Joevily T. Guerrero
Secretary: Marissa T. Aguilar
Treasurer: Aileen A. Balamban
Members:
• Sharon G. Alcantara
• Ruel T. Rodriguez
• Eva G. Besco
• Alvin T. Icaranom
• Jorge E. Tejada

School PTA - Executive Committee (SPTA-ExeCom)
President: Maritony L. Abines
Vice President: Joevily T. Guerrero
Secretary: Marissa T. Aguilar
Collecting and Disbursing Officer: Olive E. Guerrero
Auditor: Eleanor B. Valenzuela
Business Manager: Elva S. Omayan

Adviser: Jenylin I. Taopo

| 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀-𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗣𝗥 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗛𝗦

Agban National High School, together with the Philippine Red Cross-Catanduanes Chapter, conducted a session with regard to mass Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for 50 selected students in Agban SHS, Laboratory Room. The session started at 8:30 AM and ended at 10:30 AM.

At the start of the lecture, Mr. Reymond Renaldo introduced the history of the Red Cross, which was said to be ignited from the experience of the blazing mercy of Henry Dunant for the wounded soldiers back in the Battle of Solferino in 1859. He saw the scarcity of medical help given to the soldiers, which fueled his and 4 other Genevan men's intuition to form an organization entitled International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, which these days is called the Red Cross, and the rest is history.

Following is the brief discussion of Mr. Hanz Tatac on first aid and basic life support (BLS), including an extended lecture on high-quality CPR, and rescue breathing. The session ended with a return demonstration, reflecting the students' knowledge on how to properly perform CPR.

By way of celebrating July as the "National CPR Month" of the Red Cross Community, sessions were done in schools by the Red
Cross-Catanduanes Chapter throughout the province, including Agban National High School, aiming to raise awareness in handling emergencies, thus equipping school communities with life-saving skills they can use whenever a life is at risk.

Having little to no warning when it comes to the occurence of emergencies, this step of learning plays a pivotal role in everyday situations. For this community to be "always first, always ready, always there."—Red Cross

𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑹𝒉𝒆𝒂 𝑱𝒐𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑩. 𝑻𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒐

| Class suspension declared in Catanduanes starting noon today amid tsunami threat

As a precautionary measure following the tsunami alert issued due to the recent earthquake in Russia, all classes in both public and private schools across the island of Catanduanes are suspended starting 12:00 noon today, July 30, 2025, as announced by Governor Patrick Azanza.

Authorities urge everyone to stay alert and avoid coastal areas, beaches, and any locations near the sea. Residents are advised to take extra precautions and ensure open communication with all family members for safety.