horizonhorizonhorizonThe Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 June 2026 - April 2027Scan this QR Code to access the official Facebook Page of HORIZONs of 2026, Sangat National High School manages its waste through two routes, with students bringing their trash home, and Taiheiyo Cement Industry collecting accumulated waste through its garbage truck. One of the school's waste- management practices is the “Basura Mo, Ibulsa Mo” policy, which requires students to keep their waste with them and bring it home after leaving the campus. The practice aims to reduce the amount of waste left within the school grounds while encouraging students to take responsibility for the waste they produce. However, students have mixed views on how effective the policy is. In a survey with 37 SNHS students, 19 agreed that “Basura Mo, Ibulsa Mo” has helped lessen the amount of trash in the school, while 18 disagreed. The nearly even responses show that while the policy is recognized by some students as helpful, others do not see the same effect. On the other hand, garbage trucks from Taheiyo Cement Industry collects the waste from all schools in San Fernando, though this serves as the sole garbage truck provider at Sangat National Highschool.For waste that remains accumulated at the school, Taiheiyo Cement Industry serves as the school's garbage collection provider. Its garbage trucks collect waste from schools across San Fernando, including Sangat NHS. The collection has no fixed schedule, the school principal— Mrs. Rosmariwen G. Renes contacts Taiheiyo when the school’s accumulated waste is ready for collection. When collected, the truck is often filled with approximately 20 sacks of waste from SNHS. After collection, Taiheiyo transports the waste to its power plant, where it is burned as part of the company's waste- management process. This means that the school's waste continues through another stage even after it has been removed from the campus. The waste-management process at SNHS does not end when trash leaves the school, from students bringing their waste home to its collection and processing, the trash continues its journey beyond the school grounds.ATRASHTRASHTAKEOVERTAKEOVERTAKEOVERIndia Mirafuentes bythenumbers20 sacksapprox.are collected per trash collection session in Sangat NHS sidebar SURVEY FROM 37 SANGAT NHS STUDENTS: Do you believe that the “Basura mo, Ibulsa mo” policy helped lessen the amount of trash inside the campus? AGREES 51.4% DISA- GREES 48.69% COVER STORY DENR, NBI Nabs Cebu Resident Over Illegal Agarwood Trade A woman from Barangay Sangat was arrested for allegedly selling agarwood seedlings without the required government permit during a joint operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday, February 20.WHAT’S INSIDE 070707 Before the Verdict, Verify171717 111111 The Quiet Hand: A Legacy of InspirationNancy Grace Roman, A Name? A Telescope? Or Both? 191919 Small Beginnings, Big Moves OPINION FEATURE SCITECH SPORTS

02 03newsnews HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 2027 We cannot ask people to rise above their conditions when we refuse to rise above our own indifference.Cartoon by Emmanuel B. Quiñones SAN FERNANDO, Cebu–The number of businesses in Sangat has increased in recent years, bringing more opportunities and activity to the community. Store branches like O-Save, Rose Pharmacy, Chooks to Go, 7/11 and other small enterprises have gradually appeared across the area as the population continues to expand. Sherly Ann Rivas, a Sangat resident, said the growing number of businesses is one of the changes she has noticed in the community. "As more businesses open, the area becomes busier and more convenient for residents," Rivas said. She noted that the increasing population may also be encouraging more entrepreneurs to set up businesses in Sangat. The rise of local enterprises reflects the community's steady growth as residents and businesses continue to contribute to its progress. LOCAL NEWS Sangat on the Rise: Businesses Support Community Growth Athena Marie L. Laroa LOCAL NEWS Businesses Dish Up Livelihood in Sangat Athena Marie L. Laroa Shyrel Jean M. AlfecheUNITED IN PRAYER Sangat NHS Observes First Friday Mass Monthly Razel G. Juegas SPORTS NEWSLOCAL NEWS DRAINAGE TROUBLES: Clogged waterways cause recurring floods in Barangay Sangat Kisyle Chester MondejarPhoto by Alex Chandria Generalao CAMPUS NEWS Gun Threats Reported at SNHS Felix Daryl P. Abesia SAN FERNANDO, Cebu-Food businesses in Sangat have grown, providing livelihood and job opportunities while meeting the community's demand for accessible food. The growing number of food businesses reflects the community's increasing demand for convenient and affordable meals. Small food stalls, carinderias, and other food-related businesses have become common sources of income for families in the area. A resident of Sangat, Irenea Enad, said that she observed that many businesses are operating in Sangat as people establish them mainly for their livelihood. These businesses also contribute to the community by providing employment opportunities for residents. Power Outages Hit Sangat Amid Rotational Brownouts LOCAL NEWS Power supply shortages have caused the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) to implement rotational brownouts, resulting in sudden one-hour power interruptions during peak hours in Barangay Sangat, San Fernando. The interruptions have affected several parts of the municipality as the Visayas grid continues to experience limited power reserves. Residents in Sangat have also reported reduced water pressure and temporary water shortages, which they attributed to municipal pumping stations going offline during power interruptions. Visayan Electric continues to monitor the power situation and has advised consumers to unplug sensitive appliances during outages to help prevent damage from possible power surges when electricity is restored. SAN FERNANDO, Cebu — Sangat National High School holds a Mass every first Friday of the month as part of its regular activities promoting prayer, reflection, and spiritual formation among learners and school personnel. Different grade levels take turn sponsoring the monthly mass. Grade 9 adviser Joy Marie Enad said the monthly celebration provides members of the school community with an opportunity to gather in prayer. Teachers and learners participate according to the schedule prepared by the school, while assigned grade levels assist in organizing each celebration. Through the regular observance, Sangat NHS seeks to strengthen faith and encourage unity among members of the school community.Photo from Sangat NHS SSLG Caption by Mary Joy ParreñasPhoto by Keisha Lee G. LuzaPhoto by Keisha Lee G. Luza SAN FERNANDO, Cebu—Severe drainage blockages and landscape continue to trigger recurring floodwaters in parts of barangay Sangat during rain showers— according to local residents. Resident Sherly Ann Rivos said that floodwaters frequently submerge streets near the local mini-market and Flying V gas station, noting that even light rain causes immediate water build-up. Blockages near commercial structures, trapped trash, and accumulated soil prevent water from draining toward the sewage which causes flooding. Despite public attention generated by a viral video coverage from GMA Network, formal municipal budget infrastructure solutions remain pending, with reported allocations possibly delayed until 2027. Sangat National High School (SNHS) reported two separate gun threats on July 30 and August 4, prompting school authorities to suspend classes and coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP). The first incident was reported on July 30, when a gun threat was allegedly directed toward the school. The second incident occurred on August 4, when another threat was posted on a local social media platform, specifically Facebook. In the August 4 post, the alleged

Photo by Keisha Lee G. LuzaPhoto by Santiago Leonardo I. MurilloSNHS opens second canteen to ease recess crowds Kisyle Chester Mondejar CAMPUS NEWSPhoto by Keisha Lee G. Luza READ-Y, SET, GROW! ARAL Program Strengthens Reading Skills READ-Y, SET, GROW! ARAL Program Strengthens Reading Skills CAMPUS NEWS AN FERNANDO, Cebu - Sangat National High School implements the ARAL program on July 27, 2026, providing twice-weekly reading support to learners struggling with reading and comprehension. The program focuses on learners who experience difficulties in reading and understanding simple texts, providing them with additional instruction and activities to help strengthen their basic reading skills. DENR, NBI Nabs Cebu Resident Over Illegal Agarwood Trade Shyrel Jean M. AlfecheS Athena Marie L. Laroa 51,222 Classrooms Face Closure by 2028 Felix Daryl P. Abesia NATIONAL NEWS he country’s classroom shortage may worsen as 51,222 aging classrooms are projected to be condemned by 2028, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). The classrooms will reach 50 years of use by 2028, threatening to increase the existing shortage of 165,443 classrooms nationwide. EDCOM II described the situation as a growing crisis involving both inadequate facilities and deteriorating school buildings. Of approximately 329,716 public school buildings, 122,518 have already exceeded the Department of Education’s standard 25-year design life. Exposure to natural disasters, along with years of wear and tear, further raises concerns about their safety. TPhoto from MyTV Cebu Sangat National High School (SNHS) student-journalists brought home 75 medals, including 36 golds, after placing among the top three in various categories at the District School Press Conference (DSPC) held on August 23 in Sangat, San Fernando. The school’s English publication, Horizon, led the haul with 40 medals, while its Filipino publication, Bulong, earned 35 medals. A total of 24 journalists from Horizon and 22 from Bulong placed among the top three in their respective categories. Horizon student-journalists won 20 gold, seven silver, and five bronze medals, while five placed fourth and three placed fifth. Meanwhile, Bulong student- journalists secured 16 gold, five silver, and eight bronze medals, with three fourth-place and three fifth-place finishes. Only the students who placed in the top three will advance to the Division School Press Conference (DSPC) this September. Despite the limited preparation time, SNHS English School Paper Adviser Kerryl Christine Manugas said the student-journalists continued self-practicing under the Department of Education’s no- disruption-of-classes policy. Instead of conducting regular training sessions, coaches provided the journalists with topics and information sheets that they could use for practice. With the Division School Press Conference scheduled for September 7 to 11 in Carmen, Cebu, the qualifiers are set to begin their training next week based on their coaches’ instructions. Sangat NHS journalists win 75 medals at district press con Felix Daryl P. Abesia CAMPUS NEWS MONSOON HAVOC Habagat disrupts classes for 8.4M learners Kisyle Chester Mondejar EDCOM II called for a long- term, risk-informed school infrastructure plan to prevent the shortage from worsening. To help address the backlog, the commission recommended expanding construction methods beyond the Department of Public Works and Highways’ traditional procurement process. Proposed measures include partnerships with local government units and the private sector. The Department of Education has begun pursuing partnerships and public-private arrangements to build more classrooms. However, EDCOM II emphasized that solving the shortage will require sustained funding and cooperation beyond a single year or administration. HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 202704 05newsnews SAN FERNANDO, Cebu – Sangat National High School opened a second canteen for School Year 2026–2027 to reduce long lines and gate congestion during recess. Before the opening, the school’s only canteen served more than 2,000 students. Many students had to buy food from vendors outside the campus because of the long queues. “We could not really cater all the students with only Canteen 1,” Principal Rosemariwen G. Renes said in an interview. “Students were flocking to the gate during recess, which raised concerns about their safety and campus orderliness,” Renes added. The second canteen gives students another place to buy food without leaving the school grounds. Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers and designated coordinators operate the canteen. Other faculty members also assist during their vacant periods. The canteen offers nutritious food choices in line with Department of Education guidelines on healthy food and beverages in schools. DepEd policy promotes healthy, nutritious and affo

by Diana Jillian P. Baclayon Why Evidence—Not Politics—Must Decide the Verdict. Why Evidence—Not Politics—Must Decide the Verdict.BEFOREBEFORETHETHEVERDICT,VERDICT,VERIFYVERIFYVERIFY EXPLAINER ox silica, pak sili—NO COMMENT” With those flippant syllables, a viral national soundbite reduced what should be a rigorous economic and environmental debate into a shrugged joke. Ironically, most Filipino citizens have no idea about Pax Silica – a looming dilemma for the nation. But in order to solve a problem, one must understand how it became a problem first. There are promising reasons why the Philippines might allow this project, but the negative effects that must be considered beforehand. A policy cannot be built on blind optimism while our sovereignty and ecological survival hang in the balance. For a country that's about to gamble its resources to a foreign entity, Filipinos must look past the glowing projections and squarely face the heavy, irreversible consequences of Pax Silica. Under the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, the rapid expansion of AI data centers threatens to impose heavy industrial burdens on local communities. This aggressive push puts technology ahead of the environment, dropping massive data centers right into people's homes. According to Headquarters, a prominent media hub, existing data centers constantly emit a loud, persistent humming sound that reaches up to 96 decibels—a high-level threshold widely considered dangerous to human hearing. For families living in congested urban communities right beside burgeoning IT parks and BPO hubs, this ceaseless industrial roar is not a distant abstract threat; it is a permanent neighbor. Humans can tolerate up to 70 decibels; prolonged exposure beyond this level can cause hearing damage, including possible eardrum rupture, according to the Hearing Health Foundation. For a tool that functions as an aid for humans, it’s ironic how it slowly and gradually destroys them too. Yet, the assault on communities does not stop at hearing; it also devastates the natural resources essential for human life. A report from the media company CNN stated that right after the establishment of a Meta data center in Morgan County, Georgia, the towns’ water quality changed, making it murky and undrinkable. For communities surrounding the Philippines' rapidly expanding industrial and economic zones, where local water districts and agricultural irrigation systems are already stretched thin, this is a dangerous precedent. So much risk for an opportunity that promises nothing but uncertainty. Beyond the environmental effects, it also corrodes the creativity and critical thinking skills of those who use it. Prompt after prompt, the mind develops reliance – a dependence that comes at a steep resource cost. One question is equivalent to 500 milliliters of freshwater, which is now scarce in some countries. One quick video or image generation is equivalent to as much power as 19-kilowatt hours, a power that can light 10 LED bulbs for hours in households already reeling from some of the highest power rates in Southeast Asia. Tayo'y gumagapang pataas, lumalaban ng patas”—until our resources, wellness, and local communities are quietly sold off to fuel a foreign invasion we never asked for.opinions0607 HORIZON EDITORIAL BOARD ‘26-’27FFF Development is not inherently bad. The opportunities it offers, the new advancements it promises, and the industries it seeks to build can help a country grow. But not when it comes with degrading the environment, and natural resources—the very fundamentals of life. True progress cannot mean draining local water systems, paving over agricultural lands, and destabilizing fragile ecosystems just to fuel a foreign-backed digital gold rush forced upon communities that never asked for it. Ultimately, the rise of Pax Silica presents a stark choice between pragmatic technological dependence and long-term national survival. Policymakers can no longer afford to rubber- stamp resource-draining infrastructure under the guise of progress; they must enforce rigorous environmental impact assessments, cap excessive resource consumption, and demand uncompromising transparency. But governance alone is not enough. Because the public bears the ultimate cost of grid failures and depleted watersheds, citizens must reclaim their right to critical thought, reject blind reliance, and hold both industry and government accountable. Before our natural lifelines are sacrificed for another automated prompt, we must muster collective resolve to demand the truth—and know when to shut the Pax down.FFF rom our social media feeds to school hallways, the impeachment trial has become impossible for us to ignore. Political arguments fill the comment sections, with some avoiding the issue while others seem ready (to render) a verdict. Since May 2026, Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives, and as of July 2026, the Senate trial remains ongoing. Yet a

ave you ever walked through streets where poverty is evident, and the first thing you notice is the plastic trash in the alleys and streets, the makeshift canals clogged with waste, and the piles of garbage everywhere? Usually, our conclusion is that the poor do not know cleanliness—that they should be lectured more and need more discipline. But this is not a failure of values; it is a failure of the government and society. In the long-running debate between society and the government, the poor are being blamed for problems that they did not create alone and have no power to solve by themselves. Every day, the government posts on social media about environmental safety and cleanliness. Society lectures people about keeping their surroundings clean. Neighbors lecture them about proper waste disposal and cleanliness. But the truth is that these people wash their clothes and clean their surroundings every day. Unfortunately, the lack of proper places for waste disposal and limited access to clean water have created some of the greatest challenges in solving this environmental crisis. The debate between the government and society about the poor's cleanliness has not been one-sided; both are responsible. The government would say, “We have already put rules in place, and it's up to the people to follow them.” The government would implement cleanup drives and impose fines on anyone who broke the rules— anything that would look good on camera. But when the event ends, the action ends too. On the other hand, the middle class and the wealthy look at the poor with judgment and say, “If only they were cleaner and more organized.” We fail to see the situation clearly. We blame the poor and look down on them, yet we cannot see that we have contributed to this problem too. We fail to recognize the differences in the conditions people live in. We ignore the fact that the wealthy make one of the greatest contributions to waste, yet we blame the poor for everything. For me, this problem should not be carried by the poor alone. It should be carried by everyone because they are not the only ones who contributed to the growing piles of trash. They should not be the ones expected to clean up other people's and communities' waste. The poor are not the only ones who created these problems; the middle and wealthy classes have also contributed. The poor do not need another lecture. They need service. They need infrastructure. They need a government that delivers what it promises and a society that stops judging people based on the conditions they are forced to live in. This debate between society and the government will continue to go in circles until both sides stop blaming the victim. Cleanliness is not a privilege of the rich—it is a right of every citizen. It cannot be taught where it cannot be practiced. Stop giving lectures. Start giving systems. Until the government provides people with the means to be clean, and until society stops equating poverty with filth, the dirt will remain. And it will not be the fault of those who live closest to it. 08 HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 2027 09opinionsopinions HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 2027 Don’t you think creativity is something that should come from within a student’s ability? Can we consider using tools for enhancement and ideas, or are we growing dependent on them? A student’s ability to create a masterpiece is considered creative. To be honest, creativity is a broad term that can be viewed through different perspectives. Some might say creativity means using tools for enhancement, while some may assume it’s completely unnecessary if you’re creative in nature. Creativity should not equate to reliance on tools like Artificial Intelligence; we must draw the line. I recall seeing multiple posters plastered even in the most extravagant events, only to see AI-generated graphics. Even some schools use AI for convenience. Shouldn’t schools be the nurturers of art—not places for easygoing pieces? Imagine, years from now, we’re going to see infographics, slogans, and posters everywhere, and we’re unable to distinguish if they’re AI-generated or human-made artwork. Scary, isn’t it? Perhaps, disturbing enough. I think making a masterpiece doesn’t need any more tools as long as it is made from imagination and human skill. Art should be made from within, not from outside influences. If we keep on making art with dependence on Artificial Intelligence, aren’t we weakening the instincts that make us human? A skill no programmed robot can replace. Your messiest, most chaotic ideas are the ones that actually matter. Step away from the generator and trust the raw human instinct only you possess; if a machine can dream for you, what is left for you to feel?THE OPEN MICA Tool, Not a Lifelong CreatorDaisy Rae Lopernes TangubTHE LONG VIEW

10 opinions HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 2027CAMPUS FREQUENCYStudents’ Politi-clout : When Hype Outshines PolicyJaiyana Suzanne Salaño t is easy to view student council elections as pure clout-chasing, where social media hype triumphs over real political strategy. The reality, however, is more nuanced. Dismissing social media as mere fluff ignores how modern communication works. Hype is genuinely necessary to catch students’ attention and bridge the gap between voters and representatives. The problem arises when campaigns stop at the trend. To truly serve the student body, candidates must find a middle ground that treats social media hype as an essential tool for outreach, but never as a substitute for policy substance. For student leadership to become a vehicle for genuine change, it must move beyond performative projects, social media theatrics, and résumé padding. The label "popularity contest" is less a reflection of candidate vanity and more a symptom of how student power is structured. Due to school administrations retaining ultimate control over systemic issues, student councils are frequently left with symbolic authority. This reliance on hype feeds three core structural flaws in student government. First, tokenism over policy—councils often dedicate the vast majority of their budgets and bandwidth to social events and giveaways. While these boost short-term visibility, they frequently serve as cover for a lack of actionable policy advocacy on issues like mental health resources, or academic regulations. Second, résumé padding— positions of authority are too often treated as cosmetic credentials for post-graduation job applications. When the title is the goal, the mandate of the office becomes an afterthought. Third, the literacy gap— according to a report by the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC), a striking 84.85% of surveyed students report limited awareness of how their school's actual governance works. This systemic lack of civic education creates a vacuum. When voters do not understand what real governance looks like, they naturally revert to choosing the most visible or trendy face on their feed. The issue is not that students lack intelligence; it is that performative campaigning has been normalized. When candidates only showcase fluff, voters are given no real substance to evaluate. There is a pragmatic reality to campus politics: you cannot govern if you do not win. In today's media landscape, visibility is a prerequisite for engagement. Using social media, creative branding, and relatable content is not inherently bad—it is a tool to reach a broad, disconnected student body. The problem arises when campaign It is time for student representation to grow up— moving past the spectacle of popularity and stepping into the work of real institutional change. ICAMPUS FREQUENCYOne Sweep Away : Why Recovery Isn’t EnoughJannette Jazsmine Ymalay The world is full of unexpected disaster events. Whenever a disaster strikes, people come together as one community to help one another. They repair houses, clear roads, provide shelter and food, and help each other recover. Communities praise each other for their bravery and resilience, uniting to overcome difficult challenges. But when facing such disasters, are we really disaster- ready, or have we simply become good at cleaning up afterward? Communities should prepare through strong infrastructure, evacuation plans, and risk- reduction policies. Disaster recovery should never be mistaken for disaster preparedness. A community should not measure its resilience by how quickly it removes debris or rebuilds damaged structures. True resilience means knowing how to prevent or reduce avoidable damage before another disaster happens. Preparedness should include strong roads, working drainage systems, evacuation centers, and reliable early-warning announcements. These can save lives and lessen the destruction caused by disasters. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), investing in disaster risk reduction and preparedness can help prevent hazards from becoming devastating disasters. Unfortunately, some communities are neither prepared nor fast enough to face disasters, acting only when danger is already at their doorstep. Flood-prone areas may lack proper drainage, warnings may not reach everyone on time, and evacuation facilities may be insufficient. When these weaknesses remain unaddressed, every typhoon, earthquake, flood, or landslide becomes another problem to solve before the next disaster happens. Responsibility should not fall only on communities helping one another, but also on government officials responsible for protecting them. The government must shift its focus from reaction to prevention by strengthening public infrastructure, maintaining drainage and flood-control systems, improving early- warning communication, enf

The familiar faces behind every student's favorite bites.The familiar faces behind every student's favorite bites.The afternoon sun hangs above the campus, but the small stall outside the school gate remains alive. The crackle of freshly cooked fries mixes with the chatter of students rushing toward the counter, their coins ready and their eyes fixed on the golden snack before them. One student leaves, another takes their place, and the familiar aroma lingers in the air. Behind the busy little stall, a pair of hands continues to prepare, scoop, and serve without pause. For the students who pass by every day, it may seem like an ordinary scene—but behind those golden fries is a story that began long before the first order was made. Her name is Ofelia, but to the students who know her, she is simply Nanay—the familiar face behind the famous golden fries at the front of the campus. Her small business is more than a way of earning money; it is a daily journey shaped by hard work, challenges, and perseverance. Long before students arrive at school, Nanay has already begun working, proving that behind every simple serving of food is someone carrying a much bigger responsibility. At exactly 5 a.m., Nanay wakes up and begins preparing for another day. By 6 or 7 a.m., she travels to the public market in the next municipality to buy the supplies she needs. While much of the campus is still beginning its morning, she is already working toward the day ahead. By exactly 10 a.m., her stall is open, ready to welcome students searching for something warm, crispy, and satisfying. The hours that follow are not as easy as the finished fries may make them seem. Nanay spends much of the day preparing orders, serving students, and staying on her feet as one customer follows another. There are moments when the work becomes tiring, especially after waking before sunrise and traveling for supplies. Yet she continues, because closing early means leaving behind the students who still come looking for the snack they have grown familiar with. Over time, her stall has become part of the campus routine. For some students, it is where they grab a quick snack between classes; for others, it is a familiar place that feels almost impossible to pass without stopping. The golden fries may be what first catches their attention, but it is Nanay's consistency that keeps the stall remembered. Every day she returns to the same work, quietly turning long hours and simple ingredients into a livelihood. As the campus slowly empties, Nanay finally closes the stall that has witnessed countless student conversations, hurried breaks, and shared snacks. The last serving may be gone, but the story behind it remains. Her golden fries are not merely food; they are the product of early mornings, long hours, and unwavering determination. Tomorrow, while the campus is still quiet, Nanay will wake up and begin the same journey once more. And when the first golden fries are served again, they will carry with them a taste of something greater than hunger—the taste of perseverance. Streetlights twinkle softly along a quiet road, far from the noise of cars and busy crowds. Only the cool, gentle breeze moves freely here. In this peaceful place, one person remains awake. He moves slowly as he gathers his things to go home. Even after a long day, his heart feels light and his face carries a calm smile. This quiet scene opens the story of someone who stays steady while the world moves on. He is Alejandro—a familiar face with a simple cart, serving not just food but warmth that ties the neighborhood together. Every afternoon at four o’clock, Alejandro arrives in Sangat to begin his work. As prices keep rising day by day, he works hard to earn enough and still serve his customers well. You can hear the nice sound of food cooking fresh in his pan. He hands every order with a warm smile —always ready to make people feel good. He has lived this life for fifteen years. Through splashing hot oil, bright burning sun, and rain tapping on his cart’s umbrella, he never doubted: he knew his work helped many. He has watched the streets change and seen students grow up step by step and go their own ways. But Alejandro stays—steady like the sun that sets to rest at night, yet always rises again to shine on everyone. Many think selling food on the road is very easy—just cook and fill people’s stomachs. But there is more to it: behind every happy smile are years of hard sweat, long patience, and a hope that he shares with every person he meets. Alejandro does more than feed hungry passersby—he builds his family’s future little by little, like laying bricks for a strong home. He is like the breeze: not always perfectly steady or strong. Some days he feels tired or weak, and hard times test him too. But no matter what happens, he always finds the will to stand up and keep moving forward. He reminds us that honest hearts shine brightest—quietly feeding lives today so tomorrow can be full of

by Trishia Mae Paradero Carmelle Love TatoySTOP AT NOTHING:THE LEADER BEHIND THE HEAVY TITLECARRYINGMORE THAN A BACKPACK 141414 opinions HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 2027 HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 2027 15scitechCarcar CitySan FernandoNaga CityMinglanillaTalisay CityCebu CityLiloanDanao CityCompostelaConsolacionMandaueCordovaLapu-Lapu CityCebu IslandTHE FOREST BEHIND OUR WATERPROTECTING CEBU’S WATERSHEDS Dennise Noel Tapales ong before water reaches our glasses, its journey begins high in the mountains. Hidden among Cebu’s forests, watersheds quietly collect and filter rainwater providing communities with water they rely on every day. The Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) is one of these important areas. Its forests help protect Cebu’s water supply while also reducing erosion and flooding. A watershed is an area of land where rainwater drains into a shared water source, such as a river, stream, or reservoir. This process relies heavily on healthy forests. Their roots help rainwater seep into the soil and replenish groundwater, while the forest itself helps trap soil and other materials before they reach waterways. Water sources such as Buhisan and Lusaran benefit from healthy and protected watersheds. Keeping these forests healthy also means restoring areas that have been damaged or cleared. Reforestation or the restoration of forests through planting and growing trees, can help protect the soil. Tree roots hold soil in place, while trees slow down surface runoff, or water flowing across the ground. This reduces the amount of soil carried into rivers and streams and it helps prevent siltation, the buildup of sediment that can affect waterways and contribute to flooding. Still, protecting watersheds cannot be left to the government alone. Communities are essential to this effort. People can plant and care for trees, maintain nurseries, help monitor protected areas, and report illegal logging and quarrying. In June 2026, the DENR reported that 1,139 volunteers planted 7,460 seedlings across 5.72 hectares in Central Visayas, including Lusaran in Cebu City. Their actions show that protecting watersheds can begin with a single tree and the commitment to care for it. The mountains may stand far from our homes but every drop of water reminds us that they are never truly distant. What happens in Cebu’s forests eventually reaches our rivers, our communities, and our homes. Protecting watersheds means preserving the forests, water, and communities that depend on them. By protecting the forests that give us water, we are not just protecting a lifeline. We are making sure Cebu’s lifeline never runs dry. LLLMETRO CEBU’S WATERSHED MANAGEMENT UNITSLEPTOSPIROSISa monster after the raina monster after the raina monster after the rain Trishia Mae Paradero ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FEATURE At 17, Alex Chandria L. Generalao (-Alex-) already carries a responsibility larger than her years. As the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) President of Sangat National High School, she stands not merely as a name printed on a position paper, but as a voice entrusted with the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of an entire student body. Serving the school brings Alex genuine joy, yet the role is not without its weight. Every decision can carry consequences, and every choice demands courage. At times, pressure creeps in, accompanied by the quiet fear of whether she is choosing what is right. Still, she refuses to let uncertainty become an anchor. Believing that leading a large student community is never a solitary endeavor—it is a tapestry woven from cooperation, trust, and teamwork. With every program she initiates and every project she helps bring to life, she continues to pursue one vision: a school that grows alongside its students. Behind her vibrant presence lies a quiet struggle with self-doubt, stress, and pressure—battles that may remain invisible beneath a smile. But what keeps her moving is the belief of the people around her: classmates, students, and teachers who saw potential in her even when she sometimes struggled to see it herself. And her parents that remain her strongest foundation, supporting her in every step. Balancing leadership, responsibilities and academic demand is challenging, but Alex has learned that resilience also means knowing when to pause. "If I really can't take it anymore, I take a rest," she explains. "I know there is still another day and time to finish my responsibilities." And perhaps the most fitting reflection of her journey lies in three words: “Stop at nothing.” A promise to continue despite pressure, to rise despite doubt, and to serve despite the weight of responsibility. And whatever may stand in her way, she chooses to stop at nothing. The shrill ring of the alarm pierced through the quiet morning, pulling students f

HORIZON | The Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 | June 2026 - April 2027THE MOON THAT FOLLOWS YOU:A PARALLAX MYSTERY Trishia Mae Paraderonancy grace roman SCIENCE EXPLAINER SPACE SCIENCE FEATURE ave you ever heard of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope? It is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s newest astrophysics observatory; a facility designed for observing celestial phenomena and conducting research in the field of astrophysics. It is equipped with various instruments, such as telescopes and detectors, to study astronomical objects and collect data on their properties and behaviors. What is this space telescope? When and where will it launch? According to NASA, this space telescope will study dark energy, exoplanets, a planet outside our solar system, and astrophysics, a branch of space science that applies physics and mathematics to study the universe. It will launch in Aug. 30,2026. It will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Liftoff will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will peer through dust and across vast stretches of space using infrared light, a light that is completely invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. Roman's primary mirror is 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) across. The large surface of the telescope mirror gathers lots of light. More light equals finer details. In addition, if you're wondering who Nancy Grace Roman is, she was NASA's first chief astronomer and the first female executive at the agency, and she is known as " the mother of the Hubble Space Telescope." In conclusion, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will be launched this August 30,2026. It will scan large sections of space and help scientists and astronomers answer questions about dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and more. HHH Have you ever walked home at night and noticed that the Moon seems to follow you? No matter how far you walk or turn, it appears to stay almost in the same position in the sky. While it may seem mysterious, this familiar phenomenon can be explained by distance, perspective, and how our eyes and brain interpret movement. The Moon is about 384,400 kilometers away from Earth— roughly 30 Earths placed side by side. Because it is so far away, moving a few meters or even several kilometers causes only a tiny change in its apparent position. In contrast, nearby objects such as trees, cars, and buildings seem to move quickly across our field of view because their apparent position changes much more as we move. This effect is related to parallax, the apparent change in an object's position when viewed from different locations. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explains that parallax is more noticeable in nearby objects. Since the Moon is extremely distant, its apparent shift as we walk is very small. Our brains may then interpret the Moon as moving along with us while nearby objects appear to move past quickly. The Moon is not actually following us. It continues to orbit Earth, completing one orbit in about 27.3 days. What changes is simply our viewpoint as we move across Earth's surface. This everyday experience shows how science can explain things that seem mysterious. So, the next time the Moon appears to follow you, remember: it isn't following you—you are simply seeing the fascinating effects of distance, perspective, and parallax. foodforthought As humanity prepares to look deeper into the universe through the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, we continue spending billions of resources searching for answers beyond Earth. But as we search for dark energy, distant planets, and the mysteries of the cosmos, one question remains: Are we exploring space simply because we are curious—or because humanity has always believed that the answers to its greatest problems must lie somewhere beyond itself? Perhaps the most important discovery we make will not only be about what exists billions of light-years away—but what our search for the universe reveals about ourselves.WHEN THE AIR BECOMEs DEADLY PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATIVE FEATURE Princess T. Traya In the pitch-black, suffocating corridors of a Tondo settlement known locally as Rancho, the sky is completely hidden from view. They call this "Lupang Walang Langit" (land without a sky), this dense labyrinth of over a hundred makeshift homes serves as a literal petri dish for one of humanity’s oldest pathogens: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis — a bacterium that causes Tuberculosis (TB). It most often affects the lungs spreading through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit. A person needs to inhale only a few germs to become infected, this is according to World Health Organization (WHO). In places like Tondo, where multiple families are crammed into single, unventilated rooms, the air stagnates. When a patient coughs, the bacteria remain tr

WHAT’S MEANT FOR WILL ALWAYS FIND WHAT’S MEANT FOR WILL ALWAYS FINDSPORTS NEWS The Next Move: Chess Becomes Official Club Athena Marie L. Laroa SPORTS FEATURE SAN FERNANDO, Cebu — The Chess Club officially became an independent organization at Sangat National High School on June 26, 2026, marking a new chapter for its members. The Chess Club now operates as its own organization, giving members a dedicated space to develop their chess skills, compete in tournaments, and connect with fellow players. Chess Club President, Danie Boy A. Carpio Jr., said he felt delighted to see the club become independent, as separating it from the Sports Club had been one of his plans for the organization. As an independent club, it aims to help members strengthen their critical-thinking skills, improve their chess abilities, and build friendships through the sport. Carpio stated that he plans to conduct monthly chess tournaments and hold more entertaining and engaging activities to encourage student participation. Looking ahead, the president hopes the Chess Club will become more active and engaging while encouraging future members and leaders to continue building the organization. SPORTS NEWS Santiago Leonardo I. Murillo Jeddah C. Andales Small Beginnings, Big Moves Kisha Cabaluna Jaguars outlast Stallions in tight elimination clash Kisha Cabaluna SPORTS FEATURE Zsanea Mariz De Los AngelesLEVELING UP!THE RISE OF ESPORTS AS A RESPECTED SPORTSPORTS FEATUREYhanielyn Sabellano Yhanielyn Sabellano Competitive gaming has come a long way from a simple pastime into a global phenomenon. The very first recorded eSports event took place on October 19, 1972, at the Stanford University Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, featuring the Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics. Over the past decade (2016– 2026), the eSports audience has experienced explosive growth, expanding from roughly 250 million to over 640 million players and participants worldwide. Today, hundreds of students and adults engage in competitive gaming annually. This growth is increasingly backed by educational institutions, which now integrate eSports programs and host official school competitions. Beyond the screens and high- stakes matches, eSports thrives because it fosters genuine connection. Winning and succeeding in these games require players to communicate, strategize, and work closely together, building strong camaraderie and lasting relationships among teammates. Moreover, competitive gaming offers high-level rewards. Top-tier winning teams can earn millions of dollars in prize money, providing opportunities for players to share their success and contribute meaningfully back to their communities. For a true student athlete, the final whistle never really blows. While most students head home when the school bell rings, the real work is just beginning, training continues, and there is no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Under Coach Artajo, giving up is never an option, from the moment we step onto the court, we are expected to give our best and use all the strength we have. “It was really hard because we need to put all our strength, and we are not allowed to get tired,” athlete Anne Del Poso shared. Out of the daily grinds, the drills are definitely the hardest part standing out to as the ultimate test of endurance, mimicking the high pressure moments of competition, these drills leave little room for recovery. “The drills are so challenging because the rest time is extremely limited, and it drains so much energy,” Del Poso said. But the challenge does not only happen on the court, being a student athlete also means balancing schoolworks and training. Managing time between academics and sports can be difficult, especially when there is barely enough time to rest. “Balancing my time is a major challenge. As a student- athlete, it’s really hard to balance academics and sports to the point where I rarely get to rest,” Del Poso explained. With training still actively underway, the grind continues without pause, but through the sweats, exhausting drills, and sleepless nights, Coach Artajo’s squad remains focused on the bigger picture, turning relentless effort into triumph when it matters most. SAN FERNANDO, Cebu — The Yellow Jaguars (Grade 8) overpowered the Pink Stallions (Grade 11), 34-30, in a thrilling Girls' Basketball Elimination match at the Sangat Basketball Court on August 12, 2024. Intense pressure was felt by both teams as they fiercely fought for the win. The Yellow Jaguars set the tone early, dominating the first quarter with a 12-8 lead. Displaying great defense, strong collaboration, and sharp scoring, their solid performance gave them an early advantage. However, the Pink Stallions fought back in the second quarter. A crucial steal shifted the momentum, followed by a quick two-point shot that cut the Jaguars' four- point lead down to just two, bringing the Stallions within striking distance. Despite the late surge, the Yellow Jaguars held off the Pink Stal

SPORTS EDITORIALA student should not give up the racket simply because the ballpen has become heavier to hold.horizonhorizonhorizonThe Official English Publication of Sangat National High School Volume 04 Issue 02 June 2026 - April 2027Scan this QR Code to access the official Facebook Page of HORIZONWHAT’S INSIDE181818What’s Meant for You Will Always Find You191919 Jaguars outlasts stallions in tight elimination clash191919 Leveling Up! The Rise of Esports as a Respected Sportball cannot spin across the table when the hand meant to hold the racket is busy holding a ballpen instead. For most student- athletes, the hardest match they can take part in is having to face an ultimatum of choosing either being a student or an athlete. For when education demands more attention, an option to play the ball is getting harder to go for. Sports are deeply valued in the education sector, as it aims to hone the students holistically. However, as a new curriculum gets followed, the existence of uninterrupted classes creates challenges for a student who is also an aspiring athlete. This is a true part of Simon Magno I. Murillo’s life. As an academic achiever and an athlete who desires to win the upcoming Batang Pinoy-Cebu Province Selection, juggling school priorities and his table tennis training has become a struggle. He mostly misses his after-class training sessions to take part in required group activities, leaving only his weekends as his free time and the only chance to train—causing him to get overwhelmed and even think of giving his sports up. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Many student-athletes reach a point wherethey consider abandoning their sport due to an inflexible training schedule brought by the demands of the new curriculum. What should be an opportunity to develop both the mind and the body instead becomes a choice between the two. The purpose of education should not be reduced to what happens inside the classroom. Sports also heighten a student’s dedication, skill, wisdom, and character, contributing to a child’s development that cannot always be learned from a textbook. In other words, it certainly is not something that can be overlooked; it holds its rightful place in a student’s life— side by side with academics. Of course, academics remain the utmost priority. Being an athlete is not an excuse to neglect one’s academic needs and responsibilities. However, student- athletes are not asking for it to be set aside, but rather ask for a room to fulfill both—a room where academic excellence would not have come at the expense of athletic growth. Schools can help achieve this through meticulous planning— establishing training schedules that do not conflict with academic activities while stillgiving the students enough time to recuperate, helping them maintain their well-being. Additionally, teachers and coaches can work together to ensure that students remain accountable for their academic requirements without unnecessarily sacrificing their training. After all, supporting student-athletes does not mean lowering academic standards—it means giving them a fair opportunity to meet those standards while pursuing their athletic goals. For Murillo and numerous other student-athletes, the struggle is not about choosing only one of the two things that matter in their lives, it is about knowing that one now weighs more than to the other, and that having the answer to this ultimatum may have to be given earlier than expected. Being a student-athlete should be a balanced pursuit; just like a pingpong ball and a racket that goes side by side. With the education sector’s help, the court and the classroom will not be on the opposite side of the match, these two places shall be where a student and an athlete grow together spinning balls and turning pages.Cartoon by Emmanuel B. QuiñonesA