The Webbytes

𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 | “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.” - George Orwell, Animal Farm (1945)

While the Philippines may technically be free, it is not truly and fully in a state of independence, but rather in a state of “in dependence.” This Independence Day, our country is akin to an animal farm. For centuries, we were seen as mere livestock under the boots of cruel owners—from the Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese—who whipped our backs, branded our flesh, and milked our resources until we were hollowed out to the bone. Driven by desperation, we rose up; under the brilliant, cunning leadership of the pigs among us, we charged the farmhouse, broke our chains, and overthrew the humans because of their savage ways.

We believed that when the old masters fled, freedom would finally be ours. But look closely through the farmhouse windows today, past the smoke and the flying confetti of June 12, 1898, the pigs have grown fat, they have learned to walk on two legs, and they have become their own enemy, turning into the very owners they once taught us to hate. And outside in the mud, we, sheep, remain, chanting patriotic slogans we were fed, utterly enslaved and dependent on the pigs whom we are led by.

The tragedy of Philippine sovereignty is that it has always been treated as an animal bred for the slaughterhouse, to be beaten and to be sold. We rejoiced in the barnyard when the Spaniards went away, entirely blind that we had already been bought like common cattle to the next highest bidder. In 1898, the United States purchased our entire archipelago for a mere $20 million in the Treaty of Paris, replacing the brutal farmer with a sneaky butcher. Decades later, Imperial Japan marched into our pens, hoisting another flag of false prosperity while bleeding the nation dry. A question that remains unanswered needs to be asked, why do we romanticize a freedom that was taken away before it could even be achieved? We point to the calendar and celebrate the departure of the white men and the empires, yet we ignore the dark truth that the farm was never actually given back to the working animals. It was just passed around from one owner to the other.

To ensure the animals remain oblivious to its captivity, the ruling pigs deliberately starve the public educational system. Our leaders have allowed Philippine classrooms to rot to the core. According to the World Bank in 2022, the Philippines suffers from a 91% “learning poverty” rate, meaning nine out of ten 10-year-old Filipino children cannot read or understand a simple text. Approximately 18 million Filipinos who are graduates from the country’s basic education system could be “functionally illiterate,” as per the data from the Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2024. An uneducated flock is an obedient flock, unable to challenge its masters, easily swayed by historical distortion, and easily pacified by empty entertainment.

The foreign humans have left, but the local pigs have moved into the grand farmhouse, slept in the lush beds, and started drinking the wine of absolute power. Our politicians, who are bloated by corruption and feast on dynastic wealth, abuse their power to treat the Filipino electorate not as a proud citizenry, but as a submissive flock of sheep to be sheared at election time and left to starve for the rest of the year. This is reflected by the PSA in 2024, which reported that poverty incidence among the population officially stands at 15.5%, which means nearly 17.5 million Filipinos are trapped in deep poverty, struggling every day just to meet their basic food and non-food needs. This phenomenon has turned the halls of governance into the perfect hiding spot for elite thieves; here, high-ranking criminals roam freely with power, while a common animal stealing scraps just to survive is instantly thrown into a cage. They hand unsustainable cash handouts, conditioning the poor to view their basic human rights as benevolent gifts from an owner. We are fed just enough slop to keep us from rioting, but never enough to make us self-sufficient. Indeed, it is true when George Orwell stated, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

Because we cannot think, we cannot break free from the ancient leashes that have caged our generations. The original leaders of our republic took to the battlefields to liberate our people from lack of education, poverty, and injustice. Yet today, more than a 100 years after the colonial flags were lowered, a massive segment of our population still needs liberation from those exact same problems. True independence has been completely slaughtered, replaced by a toothless annual ritual of empty nationalism where we boast about our freedom inside the very barns that confine us. We are in a cycle where history repeats itself precisely because the deep roots of our oppression were never uprooted from the pasture, the fences were just mended, and the old whips were handed over to new masters who were once just like us.

In the end, we must realize that we traded foreign owners for a local ruling class, while we remain as livestock gazing blindly through the glass. For too long we have slumbered while the clever elite pigs stripped the trees of its wood and left the soil without its leaves. The crops are withering and the hayfields are dry, yet we drown out our own hunger with a loud and patriotic sigh. We can no longer tolerate the fat, walking swine who wine and dine inside the farmhouse. We live in a nation where the pigs are followed by the herd, while the cries of the other animals are left unheard. To finally achieve true independence, we must first escape living in dependence.

𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘺𝘻𝘢 𝘔𝘶ñ𝘰𝘻

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Legazpi City Science High School (LEGASCI) conducted a joint earthquake drill with Bitano Elementary School on June 11, 2026, as part of its efforts to strengthen the disaster preparedness of the school community.

With assistance from various stakeholders, including the Philippine National Police, Legazpi City Public Safety Office, and several barangay tanod from Brgy. Bitano, school officials guided students from the campus to the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation (ICR), the designated evacuation area for students during an earthquake.

Prior to the drill, Citinistas remained at the school's covered court following an earlier orientation and attended a briefing led by Jay Asuncion, former LEGASCI Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction coordinator, on the school's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) plan, evacuation procedures, and safety protocols.

“Because of the recent earthquakes in Albay and parts of Mindanao, the school finds it necessary to reorient students and the school community on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, especially if it occurs on campus,” Asuncion said in an interview.

“It is very important that all students know the location of the evacuation assembly area. For that reason, we conduct actual evacuation drills to the muster point,” he added, underscoring the importance of both the school and its students being proactive in disaster preparedness.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘓𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 | 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘢, 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭, 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘩 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘻𝘢

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | Amid the power outage, the campus halls of Legazpi City Science High School still came alive on June 8 as students formally commenced the academic year through an opening assembly at the covered court.

The morning began with the traditional Flag Ceremony, followed by a short opening program spearheaded by the Supreme Secondary Learner Government. School Principal Freddierick Apuli delivered his welcome remarks to the Citinista community, followed by the formal introduction of teachers from different departments and non-teaching personnel.

Moreover, the Sindak-Urayon Dance Troupe splashed colors and energy to the program through their blazing performance, right before school officials discussed key reminders on proper uniform policies, student conduct, and other institutional guidelines.

The assembly further highlighted expectations for the year ahead, as learners were oriented on school standards and responsibilities. Meanwhile, Grade 11 students remained for a focused discussion on the newly implemented Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum, where key curricular reforms and academic expectations were presented.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘰
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘻 𝘖𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰, 𝘎𝘢𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘻

📚 𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐕𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒, 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒!

Set those alarm clocks and get your school bags ready. Tomorrow, June 8, officially marks the opening of School Year 2026–2027.

As another academic year begins, new opportunities, meaningful friendships, and memorable experiences await every Citinista. May this school year be filled with growth, learning, and achievements both inside and beyond the classroom.

Students are also reminded to wear the proper and complete school uniform. For incoming and newly enrolled students who have yet to secure their uniforms, the prescribed attire is a plain white T-shirt and maong pants.

With only a few hours remaining before the first day of classes, make sure everything is prepared—including a water bottle to stay hydrated amid the warm weather.

Stay tuned as the Webbytes covers tomorrow's event highlights.

See you on campus, Citinistas!

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘓𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴
𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘮 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘦, 𝘕𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘰

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | The Legazpi City Science High School conducted its Brigada Eskwela and enrollment activities for incoming Grade 12 Citinistas on May 15, 2026, at the school campus, marking the culmination of the school’s week-long Brigada Eskwela activities in preparation for the opening of classes for School Year 2026–2027.

During the orientation, school officials discussed key curriculum changes and initiatives, including the implementation of the three-term school calendar, the school’s S.O.S. (Safety, Orderliness, and Security) initiative, and proposed projects aimed at improving school facilities and strengthening policies and regulations to promote discipline, orderliness, and a safer learning environment for learners.

Enrollment activities for incoming Grade 12 students were later conducted in their designated classrooms during the afternoon session.

Through the active participation and cooperation of parents, teachers, and students throughout the four-day Brigada Eskwela, the school community looks forward to welcoming the new academic year with preparedness, unity, and enthusiasm.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘢 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘰
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘻 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘖𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | As preparations for School Year 2026–2027 continue, incoming Grade 11 learners and parents participated in Day 3 of Brigada Eskwela and Senior High School enrollment on May 14, 2026, at Legazpi City Science High School.

The orientation centered on the implementation of the strengthened Senior High School curriculum and the transition to the Department of Education’s revised trimester academic system.

School officials discussed key curriculum changes, including the streamlining of core subjects to provide more focused and competency-based learning for students. They also noted that the incoming Grade 11 learners for School Year 2026–2027 will serve as the pioneering batch to experience the newly enhanced curriculum and academic structure.

The orientation also highlighted a more flexible elective-based setup under the Academic and Technical-Professional (TechPro) tracks, allowing learners to align their studies with their interests and future career paths.

Moreover, enrollment activities for incoming Grade 11 students were conducted in designated classrooms in the afternoon, with faculty members and student volunteers assisting parents and enrollees throughout the process.

Tomorrow marks the final day of Brigada Eskwela activities ahead of the opening of classes for S.Y 2026–2027.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘰
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺: 𝘚𝘩𝘺𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘰

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | Parents and incoming Grades 8, 9, and 10 Citinistas took part in Day 2 of Brigada Eskwela and the teacher-parent orientation held on May 13, 2026, at the Legazpi City Science High School, as preparations for School Year 2026–2027 continue.

The orientation highlighted reminders on the proper wearing of school uniforms and observance of curfew policies, underscoring the stricter implementation of these regulations to promote discipline, accountability, and academic excellence among learners.

The school is also set to implement the DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2026, also known as the “3 Term Calendar," alongside several adjustments in the academic timeline, including the schedule of final examinations and year-end rites.

Meanwhile, enrollment activities for incoming Grades 8, 9, and 10 students were conducted in their designated classrooms, marking the final day of Junior High School enrollment.

Enrollment for Senior High School learners officially begins tomorrow, May 14, 2026, as the school continues its preparations for the upcoming academic year.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘒𝘪𝘦𝘭 𝘛𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘢
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘎𝘢𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘻

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | Themed “Bayanihan Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” the Legazpi City Science High School officially kicked off School Year 2026–2027 through Brigada Eskwela and teacher-parent orientation for incoming Grade 7 Citinistas on May 11, 2026, at the school’s covered court.

The orientation included discussions on newly issued DepEd orders, including the learner rights policy, which highlighted the role of Local Government Units and other sectors in promoting proactive learning and positive discipline among learners.

Details on the newly implemented gadget ban, in line with DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2026, were also discussed, alongside reminders on campus safety, anti-bullying protocols, and other school policies.

Enrollment for incoming Grade 7 students then proceeded in their respective classrooms in the afternoon.

Through the collective efforts of parents, teachers, learners, and stakeholders, the school reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and learner-centered environment as it formally welcomes SY 2026–2027.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘢 𝘓𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘰

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Legazpi City Science High School (LegaSci) officially welcomed 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐂. 𝐀𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐢 as its new School Principal this Monday, February 16.

Apuli has been an integral part of the LegaSci community, first serving as a teacher and later as Head Teacher. He also acted as Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the School Principal before being assigned to lead other public schools in Legazpi City.

Following the Flag Ceremony, a short welcome program was held for the new principal, featuring messages from faculty and staff, as well as welcome-back banners and small tokens from the Citinistas.

Returning to LegaSci, Apuli brings with him years of experience in school leadership and administration as he takes on the responsibility of guiding the school and its academic community forward.

𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 | 𝘔𝘪𝘺𝘶𝘬𝘪 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘢 𝘕𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘢, 𝘎𝘢𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘻, & 𝘑𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘉𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘧𝘦