The North STAR Tribune - Luis Y. Ferrer, Jr. North National High School

13/10/2026

𝗦𝗖𝗜-𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Super El Niño: A Super Problem?

A severe dry spell has forced 107 cities and municipalities into a State of Calamity as extreme heat and water scarcity hit the country, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Affected areas include 66 municipalities in Cagayan, 23 in Caraga, 12 in Bicol, four in CALABARZON, and one in SOCCSKSARGEN.

"Sa pinakahuling nakalap natin na State of Calamity dahil sa El Niño, 107 po na mga lungsod at munisipyo ang nagdeklara nito. Karamihan dito doon pa rin sa Region 2 sa Cagayan Valley," stated OCD Spokesperson Juny Castillo.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

With agricultural lands damaged, task forces have been formed to address food security, water supply, and heat illnesses. To stimulate rainfall over affected farms, the government has deployed cloud seeding—a technique dispersing compounds like silver iodide into clouds.

WHAT IS SUPER EL NIÑO?

While "Super El Niño" is a media term rather than an official scientific classification, Grade 8 student Kaizen from Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. National High School (LYFJNNHS) described it simply: “Super El Niño is a super drought in the country.”

Scientifically, El Niño involves the abnormal warming of Pacific ocean temperatures, reducing rainfall for 9 to 12 months. However, tropical cyclones can still enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and bring localized flash floods during dry periods.

A LESSON FROM HISTORY

Extreme climate cycles are not new. In 1877, a massive El Niño caused widespread drought, famine, and disease globally, resulting in an estimated 50 million deaths—about 3% of the world's population at the time.

To stay safe, keep emergency water covered to prevent dengue-carrying mosquitoes, and boil water before drinking.

Drink plenty of water and stay in shaded areas. As LYFJNNHS student Maye from 8-Mabait shared, using fans and staying hydrated are crucial steps to avoid heat stroke.

Armed with awareness and preparation, communities can work together to stay safe.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆: 𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙞 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝘼. 𝙍𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙤, 𝙏𝙉𝙏

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗠𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝘆: 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚 𝙄. 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙏𝙉𝙏

11/10/2026

Congratulations po dear SPAs 💐💕😇👏👏

Sir Jhigz Domingo
Mam Margie Rodriguez
Mam Liezel Deliva Globio
Sir Christopher Vecino Pegollo

VICTORIOUS | North High SPAs Capture Back-to-Back Wins in Division Publication and Social Media Training

The DepEd Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. North National High School (LYFJNNHS) community proudly congratulates its dedicated School Paper Advisers (SPAs) for their remarkable back-to-back victories in the recently concluded Division Training on School Publication and Social Media Management, held on October 8-10, 2026, at the SDO General Trias City Multi-Purpose Hall.

The three-day seminar-workshop gathered more than a hundred school paper advisers and school information officers (SIOs) from schools across the division. Demonstrating exceptional writing skills, creativity, and commitment to campus journalism, the North High SPAs secured the following impressive recognitions:

🏆 1st Place – Press Release Writing (English)
🏆 1st Place – Sports Writing (English)
🥈 2nd Place – Feature Writing (English)
🏅 4th Place – News Writing (English)
🏅 5th Place – Feature Writing (English)
🏅 9th Place – News Writing (English)

These accomplishments reflect the SPAs’ dedication to excellence, effective school communication, and the continuing development of quality campus journalism. Their success also highlights the importance of equipping educators with the knowledge and skills needed to guide young writers and strengthen school publications.

The North High community extends its sincere appreciation to Public Schools District Supervisor of Cluster 9, Ms. Arlene Malabanan Hernandez, who spearheaded the divisionwide seminar-workshop, and to North High Principal, Mr. Patricio H. Cruzada, for his unwavering support of the school paper advisers.

This outstanding achievement is a source of pride and inspiration to the entire school community. May it encourage our SPAs to continue pursuing excellence, nurturing the next generation of campus journalists, and bringing honor to North High. Congratulations, dear SPAs - your dedication, talent, and passion have truly made your school and division proud!

11/10/2026

Congratulations po dear teachers🙏👏😇💐💕🎂

11/10/2026

Thank you po Mayor Jon-Jon Ferrer 🙏😇💕

28/09/2026

FEATURE | Reclaiming the Dinner Table

On September 28, 2026, the usual rhythm of communities across the Philippines changed as public offices and schools released employees and learners earlier than usual. The 1:00 p.m. early dismissal gave families an opportunity to return home, set aside their demanding schedules, and share a meal in observance of Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, a national reminder of the importance of eating and spending meaningful time together as a family.

The early dismissal, issued through Malacañang Memorandum Circular No. 136 pursuant to Proclamation Nos. 60 and 326, formed part of the observance of the 34th National Family Day. More than an administrative measure, the early release carried a message that resonated deeply with Filipino households: family time deserves to be protected. For parents balancing work and household responsibilities and for learners managing academic demands, the afternoon became an opportunity to place family connection at the center of the day.

Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day emphasizes that a family meal is about more than the food served on the table. It is a time when parents listen to their children’s stories, siblings share laughter, and older family members pass on memories, traditions, and values. Within the DepEd Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. North National High School community, the occasion also highlights the partnership between home and school, recognizing that respect, empathy, responsibility, gratitude, and resilience are nurtured not only in classrooms but also through everyday family conversations.

For one mother, the significance of the occasion lies in the presence of family members around the same table. “A family meal may look simple, but it gives us something very important – the chance to listen to one another, understand what each family member is going through, and remind our children that they are loved and supported,” she shared. Her proposed reflection represents the quiet but powerful meaning of family meals in many Filipino homes, where food becomes an expression of care and togetherness.

Another mother described the observance as a reminder that family bonding does not require an expensive celebration or elaborate program. “We do not need a grand event to make our family feel special. Sometimes, a home-cooked meal, a few stories, and an honest conversation are enough to bring us closer and make our children feel that home is always a place where they belong,” she said. Her words capture the heart of Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day: meaningful connection is often created through ordinary moments shared with sincerity.

The early dismissal also brought happiness to North High students who welcomed the chance to spend more uninterrupted time with their families. “I was happy that we could go home early because I had more time to be with my family. We were able to eat together and talk without rushing, and it felt good to have everyone present,” one North High student said. The student’s proposed statement reflects how young people value opportunities to reconnect with their parents and loved ones beyond their usual school routines.

Another North High student expressed appreciation for the simple joy of being together at home. “What made me happy was not only eating with my family but also hearing everyone’s stories and laughing together. It reminded me that even ordinary moments can become special when we spend them with the people we love,” the student shared. Their reflections show that family time is not only important to parents; it also gives learners comfort, belonging, and emotional support.

As evening fell, the spirit of National Family Day continued to unfold in homes through warm meals, shared laughter, familiar stories, and meaningful conversations. For North High, the observance serves as a reminder that education extends beyond lessons and examinations. The values that shape compassionate, responsible, and resilient citizens are also strengthened at home, often across a simple meal. In reclaiming the dinner table, Filipino families reaffirmed that when people deliberately make time for one another, they strengthen not only their homes but also the community and nation they share. ~ Giane Eduarte, TNT

🖼 Brittany Manalo, TNT

25/09/2026

TRUTH & TROPHIES: When Journalism Becomes Just a Contest

Campus journalism was never meant to be only about medals, certificates, rankings, and applause at the end of a competition. At its heart is a greater responsibility: to give young people a voice, seek the truth, ask meaningful questions, and tell stories that deserve to be heard. Yet as school press conferences and journalism activities become increasingly centered on performance and recognition, there is a danger that the deeper purpose of the craft gets pushed aside. Perhaps the more important question is not simply, “Who stood out?” but, “What truth did we discover, what stories did we bring forward, and whose voices did we help others hear?”

There is, of course, value in competition. It can sharpen skills, encourage discipline, and give young journalists opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned. But journalism is more than performing before a panel of judges. When students begin writing primarily according to what is likely to be rewarded rather than what their communities genuinely need to know, the craft can gradually lose its direction. A polished story may earn recognition, but journalism finds its deeper value when it informs, questions, illuminates, and serves the public.

This matters especially when young people encounter concerns involving fairness, student welfare, accountability, use of resources, or the exercise of authority in their communities. Such concerns should neither be exaggerated nor ignored. Allegations of corruption, abuse, or wrongdoing must always be supported by credible evidence, properly verified, and presented fairly. But responsible journalism should not mean avoiding difficult subjects simply because they are uncomfortable. A student journalist must learn that asking questions is not an act of disrespect. It is part of responsible citizenship - provided those questions are grounded in facts, fairness, and a genuine pursuit of truth.

What, then, is the purpose of teaching young people to write editorials if they are never encouraged to examine the realities around them? What is the meaning of giving students a journalistic voice if that voice is heard only when it fits comfortably within predetermined formats? The school newsroom should be a training ground where students learn to observe their surroundings, listen to different perspectives, verify information, and responsibly discuss issues affecting their fellow students and communities. Journalism should not teach young people to attack institutions or individuals. It should teach them how to ask difficult questions without abandoning fairness, accuracy, or compassion.

The most meaningful journalistic work may not always stand on an awarding stage. Its value can instead be found in a carefully verified story that brings attention to a neglected concern, gives context to a complicated issue, or allows an overlooked voice to be heard. A certificate can acknowledge technical skill, but it cannot fully measure the impact of journalism that helps a community understand itself. The true measure of a student journalist is not simply how well they perform under pressure, but how responsibly they use their skills when they have something important to say.

Let the competitions continue - but let them remain training grounds, not the finish line. Let young journalists develop their skills in writing, broadcasting, photography, and other disciplines, while remembering the responsibility that comes with having a platform. They must learn to investigate before concluding, verify before publishing, listen before judging, and speak with courage without sacrificing fairness. When the trophies are eventually placed on shelves and the applause fades, what should remain is not merely a record of achievement, but a young journalist who understands why the craft matters. Because truth is not simply a category in journalism. Truth is the reason journalism exists.

Illustration: AI-assisted

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

SAFE TOGETHER. Duck, Cover, and Hold – with a fur baby. A young learner takes cover beneath a sturdy table as her cat stays close, underscoring disaster experts’ warning that pets left out of evacuation plans can be injured, lost, or worse during emergencies.








Photos by Viana Faye A. Martinez

19/07/2026

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER | PasCam II PWD Association marks milestones in 2nd Quarter Assembly

The Persons with Disability Association (PWDA) of Brgy. Pasong Camachile 2 held its 2nd Quarter General Assembly on July 18, 2026, marking another milestone in its mission to uplift and empower persons with disabilities through community-driven programs, livelihood initiatives, and social support. The event gathered members, families, and barangay officials in a celebration of unity, progress, and compassion.

Covering accomplishments from April to June, the assembly highlighted the association’s active participation in various community endeavors. Among these were the successful 1st Quarter PWD payout, the historic 1st Barangay PWD Paralympics in May, and the “Zumba for a Cause” spearheaded by Councilor Hon. KonsiVice Jojo Garcia in support of the PWD livelihood fund. The group also took part in June’s Brigada Eskwela and the vibrant Karakol festivities, showcasing the PWD community’s spirit of inclusion and volunteerism.

Barangay Chairman Hon. Jowie Sinsay Carampot expressed his unwavering support for the association’s initiatives, saying, “The PWDs of PasCam II are an inspiration to us all. Their determination to contribute to the community despite challenges reminds us that true strength lies in unity and compassion. The barangay will continue to stand behind every program that uplifts their lives.”

PWDA President Mr. Jimmy Madlangbayan proudly presented the association’s progress report, emphasizing the group’s growing impact. “We have come a long way in building a community where every PWD feels valued and supported,” he said. “Our vision is to sustain programs that not only provide assistance but also empower our members to live with dignity and purpose.”

Secretary Ms. Grazie Cardona detailed the organization’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and accountability. “We encourage all members to settle their monthly dues before the September 30, 2026, cut-off,” she reminded. “These contributions are vital for our Christmas party preparations and for sustaining our medical, burial, and Damayan support systems.” She also reiterated the importance of the Sunong Dunong educational assistance program, which continues to support grade school to junior high students, including SPED and SNED learners.

The assembly also announced the distribution of validated PWD ID xerox copies for record-keeping and verification. Members were reminded of the upcoming 2nd Quarter birthday cash gift and social pension payout scheduled on July 22, 2026, at the Brgy. Santiago Covered Court at 8:00 a.m., with patrol transport available from 7:00 to 7:45 a.m. A special “Birth Bash” will also be held to honor members celebrating birthdays from April to June.

Ms. Cardona further shared, “Our association is not just about assistance – it’s about belonging. Every project, every event, and every outreach is a testament to our shared commitment to care for one another.” Her words resonated deeply among attendees, many of whom have witnessed firsthand the positive changes brought by the organization’s initiatives.

A PWD member expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Before joining the association, I felt isolated. Now, I have a family that understands and supports me. The livelihood programs helped me earn and regain confidence.” Another member added, “The PWDA gave me purpose. Through their activities, I learned that disability does not mean inability.”

Parents of child PWDs also shared their appreciation for the group’s inclusive programs. “The Sunong Dunong assistance has been a blessing,” said mother of a SPED learner. “It lightened our financial burden and gave my child the chance to continue schooling with pride and hope.”

The assembly concluded with the presentation of new and existing livelihood products. Members proudly showcased their homemade goods – new additions such as polvoron, pastillas, and mini barquillos joined the popular peanut butter and chili garlic oil. Consignment products from Ms. Jane, including chicharong baboy, mini bayong, and leche flan, were also featured, reflecting the association’s growing entrepreneurial spirit.

As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and camaraderie. The PWDA of PasCam II continues to prove that with collective effort, compassion, and determination, barriers can be broken and lives transformed. The 2nd Quarter General Assembly stood not only as a report of accomplishments but as a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the boundless potential of every person with a disability. ~Jhigz Domingo

28/06/2026

Congratulations! 👏👏👏