“Beterano at Salinlahi, Sandigan ng Matatag na Sambayanan”

ni: Avan Bañares

University if Iloilo (High School Department)

(Adjudged Best Piece – 2^nd Prize in the recently concluded 15^th National Oratorical Contest in connection with the 65^th Commemoration of the Araw Ng KAgitingan and Philippine Veterans Week, April 2, 2007)

“Sulong mga Kabataan, kayo ang buhay at pag-asa nitong Bayan. Nasa inyo ang lakas ng kapangyarihan. Magpatuloy kabataan, habang kayo ay matuwid at habang ang bandilang inyong iwinawasiwas ay bandila ng kalayaan at demokrasya at habang ang tinatahak ninyong landas ay yaong binuksan ng ating kabataan kahapon, kayo’y hindi mabibigo, bagkus magwawagi. Huwag matakot sa mga unos ng mga paratang o pakutya. Pagkatapos ng unos, sisikat ang maningning na araw!”

Kay sarap pakinggan! Kay sarap damhin! Ang mga katagang punong-puno ng pagtitiwala, paggalang at pagmamalaki sa kakayahan, katapatan, kagalingan ng mga kabataang salinlahi ng mga dakilang beterano.

Ang kabataan kahapon ay siyang buhay at nangungusap na halimbawa ng kabataan sa kasalukuyang panahon. Ipinagpatuloy lamang ng mga kabataan ang hindi natapos na gawain ng yumaong kabataan sa kadahilanang “Sila ang Sandigan ng Matatag na Sambayanan.”

Hindi madali para sa mga kabataan ang tungkuling nakaatang sa kanilang balikat. Maraming hamon at pagsubok ang napagdaanan na hanggang sa ngayon ay patuloy pa ring isinasagawa ang pakikipaglaban… mahabang panahong pakikipaglaban. Mula’t mula pa ang ating bansa ay dumaan sa masalimuot na proseso ng muling pagbangon. Humarap tayo sa maraming hamon sa ekonomiya, pulitika at militar. Naglunsad ng iba’t-ibang programa para sa kaayusan at kaunlaran ng bayan, ang mga naging pangulo ng bayan. Marami ang bumatikos sa programang kanilang inilunsad at sa mga polisiyang ipinatupad. Ating nasaksihan na ang pagpapalit ng mga lider ay hindi solusyon sa problema ng ating bansa na ang dapat tingnan ay ang ugat ng problema upang malapatan ng wasto at tumpak na solusyon. Di katakataka na malimit na nakatambad sa ating paningin ang iba’t-ibang nakaririmarim, kasuklamsuklam, nakalilimahid na gawain tulad ng hold-up, pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan, pang-atake ng terorista at marami pang iba na sa isa mang libong pag-iisip ay di natin matatarok kung bakit nangyayari ang ganitong karahasan. Nakapanghihinayang, nakapanlulumong isipin ang buhay na ibinuwis ng ating mga bayani, mga dakilang beterano, para lamang magkaroon ng maaliwalas na kinabukasan ang ating minamahal na bayan na ang mga mamamayan ay Pilipinong taas-noo, may tiwala sa sarili, may dignidad.

Nakalulungkot dahil sa hinaharap na kalaban ay hindi na ang mapaniil na dayuhan. Ang laban ay Pilipino laban sa Pilipino… laban na ito ng malalakas at mahihina… ng katarungan at kaapihan… ng katotohanan at kasinungalingan… sa ngalan ng salapi at kapangyarihan….

Ngayon, heto ako isa lamang sa libu-libong kabataang mula sa lahi ng mga magigiting; mga beteranong tapang ang pinuhunan, buhay ang ipinalit para ang bayan ay lumaya.

Pinatunayan ng mga kabataang nauuna sa akin ang hindi nila pagkalimot sa dugong nananalaytay sa bawat himlay ng kanilang kalamnan kung sino sila at kung ano ang kanilang tungkulin sa bayan. Buong giting na ginawang sandata ang kasaysayan ng mga beterano. Ang bawat tilamsik ng kanilang dugo ay simbulo ng kanilang katatagan at pagka-Pilipino.

Sa panahon na lumalakas ang diskuntento ng mga Pilipino dahil sa patuloy na pagbagsak ng kabuhayan at sinisikil ang karapatan ng mga mamamayang naroon ang mga kabataang ginagawang bahay ang lansangan, nagtitiis ng init, lamig, gutom upang ituloy ang pagkilos laban sa mga programa at patakaran ng gobyerno na nagpapahirap sa mga Pilipino, nakaroon ng People Power, ang EDSA uno, ang EDSA dos… nagpapakita lamang na ang mga kabataan ay hindi nagpapabaya.

At ngayo’y malayo na ang ating narating; sa panahon na tayo ng makabagong teknolohiya sumusulong na ang bansa. Kahit na hindi maikakaila na marami pa ring suliraning hinaharap ng ating bayan subalit patuloy ang salinlahi ng mga beterano sa pakikipaglaban na ang sandata ay ang kakayahan at ang edukasyong nakatam. Hindi naduduwag sa kasikatan ng ibang bansa dahil sa may sariling ningning na maipagmamalaki. Lalong naging matatag, may tiwala sa sarili, at mahinahon sa pagharap sa lahat ng pagsubok. Naging lalong matingkad ang kasikatan sa maraming larangan; sa edulkasyon, sa siyensiya, musika, isport, sining at maging sa industriya at teknolohiya. Samakatwid, tayo ay salinlahi na nagtataglay ng pag-iisip at saloobing naaayon sa pangangailangan ng bansa lalong-lalo na sa kalagayang panlipunan. Salinlahing nalilinang ang pisikal at ispiritwal na aspeto ng iba’t-ibang lakas ng mga institusyong sosyal, edukasyunal, pulitikal, at pangkabuhayan. Salinlahing may kamalayang maka-Pilipino. Pilipinong may kakayahang mamahala ng pamahalaan para sa mga Pilipino; may sapat na lakas sa pagpapatakbo ng ekonomiya. Pilipinong hinubog sa isang siyantipikong edukasyon tungo sa direksiyon ng pambansang industriyalisasyon upang mapag-alaman ang mga bagay-bagay sa totoong kalagayan. Nagpapahalaga sa mga akdang tunay na naglalahad at nagbibigay ng tamang datos tungkol sa kalagayan ng bansa. Nagpapalaganap ng mga demokratikong pananaw na babaka sa diskriminasyong batay sa uri, lahi, kasarian, relihiyon, at iba pang mapang-aping pananaw.

Ang karunungang natamo ay makapagbubuo ng mga pagpapahalaga na makatulong sa ikauunlad ng kanilang sarili. Mga pagpapahalaga tulad ng pananalig sa Diyos, Kapayapaan ng Bansa, pagkamit ng makalidad na Edukasyon, may pag-ibig at pagkalinga sa kapwa, pagkamagalang, pagkamasipag, mapagkumbaba, pagkamatapat, kahalintulad sa katapatan na ipinamalas ng ating mga kababayan na ipinagbunyi ng ibang bansa at nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bayan.

Mga mahal kong tagapakinig, iyan ang Imahen ng salinlahi ng mga dakilang beterano. Ang tapang at lakas ay ang wastong edukasyon na humuhubog sa buong personalidad ng isang indibidwal. Wastong Edukasyon na sandata sa makabagong panahon. Salinlahi ng mga dakilang beterano, na hindi bulag, bingi, at pipi. Taas noong nakikipaglaban, tumutuligsa, at bumabatikos laban sa malalakas, laban sa kaapihan, at laban sa kasinungalingan.

Tayong salinlahi ng magigiting at dakilang beterano ay ang buhay at pag-asa ng ating bayan.

“Sandigan ng Matatag na Sambayanan.”

Mabuhay ang mga Beterano….

Mabuhay ang kanilang Salinlahi….

Mabuhay ang Pilipino….

VFP-SDAI RVP	:	Milagros Balgos
Trainer / Coach	:	Erlinda Gerzon

Araw Ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week

Observance of the 65^th Commemoration of the Araw Ng Kagitingan
and Philippine Veterans Week with the theme:
“Beterano at Salinlahi, Sandigan ng Matatag na Sambayanan.”

The nation observed Araw Ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week 2007 pursuant to Executive Order No. 203, series of 1987 and Proclamation No. 466, series of 1989, respectively declaring April 9 of every year as the Araw Ng Kagitingan and April 5-11 annually as the Philippine Veterans Week. The annual observance is held to commemorate the heroism and gallant deeds of our World War II veterans and to promote, preserve, and memorialize the principles, ideals and deeds of our war veterans and enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth.

To ensure the success of the celebration, Secretary Jesli A. Lapus designates the Undersecretary for Regional Operations to represent the Department to the National Inter-Agency Task Force with the Special Events Unit headed by Ms. Luzviminda F. Dela Rosa as the Secretariat for DepED and Member of the Technical Working Committee.

Different activities were undertaken and were attended and participated in by the Department on the following dates and venues:

April 2 15^th National Oratorical Contest held at the VFP Museum, Library and Archives, Veterans Center, Taguig City.

Students from the different regions competed in the contest with the theme: “Beterano at Salinlahi, Sandigan ng Matatag na Sambayanan.”

CYRILYN CLAIRE NICOLAS – adjudged as the Champion – from Region III, St. Mary’s College with her coach, Ms. Myrna Cuarto and the VFP-SDAI Regional Vice-President (RVP), Ms. Luzviminda Marasigan.

AVAN BAÑARES – is the Region VI entry and is from the University of Iloilo, with coach Ms. Erlinda Gerzon and VFP-SDAI RVP Ms. Milagros Balgos, won as the First (1^st) Runner-Up. His oratorical piece was pronounced as the “BEST PIECE” because it touches the innermost emotions of the listeners and reader and that it answers the clarion call for the FILIPINO YOUTH.

BERNADETTE PALO (Region V) – from Partido State University, with coach Ms. Janice Badiola and VFP-RVP Ms. Edna Roa got the Second (2^nd) Runner-Up position.

April 5 Sunrise Ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City. This ceremony provides the veterans an opportunity to honor their fallen comrades by way of laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. This also serve as the Kick-Off ceremony of the Philippine Veterans Week.

Wreath Laying Ceremony – different sectors particularly the youth (represented DepED students, Boy and Girl Scouts) pay homage to the veterans through floral and wreath offerings.

Review in Honor of the Veterans – Armed Forces of the Philippines’ way of honoring our veterans.

April 8 Tribute to All Filipino Heroes at the Corregidor Islands, Cavite. This ceremony is held to honor or pay tribute to all the heroes from the time of Lapu-Lapu to the Katipuneros of the Philippine Revolution, the World War II soldiers and guerillas, and even the participants of the EDSA Revolution. This memorial at Corregidor Islands, Cavite is “dedicated to the Filipino who knows to die for the love of freedom and liberty.”

April 9 Araw Ng Kagitingan at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat, Pilar Bataan – is celebrated in honor of the American and Filipino troops who defended the Bataan Peninsula against the Japanese during the WWII. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo represented by the Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita was the Guest of Honor (GOH). Also, the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Philippines, Her Excellency Kristie A. Kenney and His Excellency Ryuichiro Yamazaki, the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, graced the occasion. Carla Katherine P. Pizarro, a fourth year student of Bataan Peninsula High School, read the message during the Tolling of Bells.

April 10 Paggunita sa Capas at the Capas National Shrine, Capas, Tarlac. This is our remembrance to the infamous DEATH MARCH and those held in captivity at the Camp O’Donnell concentration camp, not to relieve the pain but rather to remind us of the hardships and struggles that our gallant veterans endured during that time to serve as an inspiration to younger generations and for us to appreciate more the freedom we enjoy today. Our very own, Secretary Jesli A. Lapus was the Guest of Honor (GOH) on this very momentous occasion. Krizzle Anne G. Macalinao, graduated valedictorian of the Aranguren Elementary School read the message for the Tolling of Bells.

April 11 Sunset Ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City opens an opportunity to all the widows, sons, daughters, and kin to pay their respect to the departed veterans by lighting candles to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. This activity symbolizes the closing of the Philippine Veterans Week.

Flag Raising and Wreath Laying Ceremonies at the 41^st Division (PA-USAFFE) Memorial Shrine at Tagaytay City was included to this years celebration to give recognition to the officer and members of the 41^st Division, PA who bravely fought during the Battle of Bataan. Three (3) among the students of the Tagaytay National High School participated in the Wreath-Laying Ceremony namely: Loriel C. Yala, Kristine Marie T. Ronario, and Cherrie C. Orendain.

The Department of Education would like to acknowledge the attendance and participation of the following Divisions/Schools during the weeks’ activity:

Dr. Norma A. Adamos – Division Schools Superintendent, DepED NCR -Division of Taguig/Pateros;

Ms. Ester C. Tanguilan – Principal, Pateros National High School, and its teachers and students;

Ms. Natividad M. Jimenez – Pricipal, Signal Village Elementary School, and its teachers and students;

Dr. Flordeliza A. Magday – Schools Division Superintendent, DepED Region III - Division of Bataan, and its teachers and students;

Ms. Rosalinda S. Ibarra – Principal, Aranguren Elementary School, and its teachers and students;

Mr. Abelardo Corpuz – Principal, Capas National High School, and its teachers and students;

Ms. May G. Sawit – District Supervisor, DepED Region III, District of Capas West;

Mrs. Anita M. Rom – Principal, Tagaytay National High School, DepED Region IV-Calabarzon, Division of Cavite teachers and students; and

Ms. Evelina P. Barandoc – Principal, Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales, and its teachers and CAT students.

To all the veterans, we salute your victory in defending our freedom!

Center for Special and Commemorative Events
505 Bonifacio Building, DepED Complex,
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Tel Nos. (+632) 637-5834
Telfax Nos. (+632) 637-5832
Trunkline No. (+632) 632-1361 loc. 2211

AFFIRMING CAPABILTIES, SEIZING CHALLENGES, CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS

by: Arthur James Fernandez
Grand Champion of Excellence on Oratory
December 28, 2006

On the sixth day, God breathed life on a palmful of dust, creating man after his own image. And from then on, the creation evolved through the years into a complex creature, ever questioning, ever unpredictable. In the core of his structural complexity is a brain that reasons out and a heart that feels, to freely seek and pursue a will. A will to do good or evil, a will to survive or perish, a will to excel or diminish, and a will to succeed or fail..

Thus, man holds the knowledge and the ability to seek his own destiny, to mould his own future, to chart his own life. Yet, ironically, it is only man on the animal kingdom who can affod to laugh at his own mistake, consciously plot his own disaster, ignore his capabilities to impose change in a world gone berserk, by seizing the challenge and making a difference.

In the history of mankind, numberless men had lived unfulfilled. But most importantly, nearly all men had died, unknowing that they held that power to make that change and to achieve that difference. And those who recognize the power within themselves, use it to extol the selves and subjugate the rest, with a nary a resistance, strong enough to buoy hopes of redemption. Tyrants, indeed are made by men who know nothing better than to submit.

As as young man, I am daily confronted by three predicaments. That of a son, that of a student, and that of a citizen of a county, devastated by political bickering. As a son, I am expected to toe the line within the perimeters of tradition. As a student, I have to contend with the and absorb the knowledge from the minds of those who came before me. And as a citizen, I have to probe into the issues that concern my community and my country.

I acknowledge these responsibilities, and because God has equipped me with fully functioning faculties, I affirm my capabilities and seize the challenge which borders on two levels, either live with it or overcome it. I choose to overcome it, with every little victory celebrated in the privacy of my thoughts and in dialogged with my God from my heart.

We all have that power to make that difference! You, me, the richest tycoon in the hills of Alabang and the poorest beggar in the putrid alleys of Payatas, hold the same equal chance to make a better world. If they can address the predicaments that daily confront them in their own respective social orbits. The differences that they make may vary in degree and intensity, but equal in importance for they all sum up to spell better lives in a better world.

Recognize the problems around you, translate them into opportunities, acknowledge your capabilities, believe in your competence and confront the challenge on a head on collision. Defeat is not in failing, for victory is in knowing that you had the chance to make things better and you seized it.

God gave us the brains to rationalize, harness it. God gave us the eyes to see, be vigilant. God gave us the heart to feel, be compassionate. God gave us the mouth to express what we feel, speak up! And God gave us the will to choose, engage!

I know a man who did all these, he was a Filipino. He died more than a century ago. That Filipino sought boldly what others thought futile. The enemy placed stumbling blocks before him but he took them as stepping stones to achieve his goals for his countrymen. He saw, he felt, he understood, he spoke through his pen and reach the multitude, he committed, he involved himself and he was butchered. For he dared to face the threat of a conquering adversary, not for himself but for his countrymen who wallowed in the quagmire of misery, discontent and enslavement!

I may mourn the passing of this greatest Filipino who ever lived. But my lamentation is more on the narrow understanding of his death which was shamelessly questioned by those who do not believe that his pen was mightier than the armed sporadic uprisings in the countryside. I shudder at the intellectual tirades that his death did not merit the status of a national hero. For this very death, paved the way to deliverance. For it triggered the weak, the fearful, the displaced and the submissive to awaken, to rise up against oppression, and fight for freedom from more than three centuries of colonial suppression and exploitation.

Let me quote part of the lyrics of Dr. Jose Rizal's song before he was assassinated in the musical play about his life entitled, Calamba Joe. "I must die that you may live, understand and please forgive. Someday you will remember me and lovingly for what I did today." Yes, we are thankful,indeed, that we are now living in the luxury of independence and democracy that Rizal's blood had nurtured. Lovingly remembering him through the years and celebrating his achievements for they are the lighted guideposts that will lead us to political, social and economic stability.

In closing, let my seventeen year old mind, express my own understanding of the present state of affairs in my beloved Philippines.

There is a famine in our country today. A famine not so much on food or money, but a famine of men. Men of integrity, compassion, dedication, honesty, commitment and involvement. For as long as this famine could not be addressed, the Philippines will never rise from the depths of despair.. I like to think that you are all here to affirm your capabilities and seize the challenge... For I like to believe that you and I are here to address this famine..

Let us then celebrate this singular achievement! A good day to all of you.

Center for Special and Commemorative Events
505 Bonifacio Building, DepED Complex,
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Tel Nos. (+632) 637-5834
Telfax Nos. (+632) 637-5832
Trunkline No. (+632) 632-1361 loc. 2211

First Rizal National Festival of Excellence

By: Luzviminda F. Dela Rosa, Head-Special Events Unit

For more than century now, we have religiously done our task to enrich the memory of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal who offered his life to safeguard the dignity of our country.

Rizal was a living testament of what our race was capable of doing – denouncing injustices in our society and offering non-violent means to attain peace , equality, and freedom for our people.

Rizal served as a role model for all generations, inspiring and motivating people to stand up for their rights, and to excel in their chosen fields of endeavor towards the advancement of our country’s interest.

Today, the whole nation led by the Order of the Knights of Rizal, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the Department of Education, League of Provinces of the Philippines, National Historical Institute, Commission on Higher Education, and other participating agencies and institutions conducted the First Rizal National Festival of Excellence anchored on the theme: “Affirm Capabilities. Seize Challenges. Celebrate Achievements.” with its thematic call to action “Kagalingan. Kabayanihyan. Kaya Namin ‘Yan!” in commemoration of the 110^th Anniversary of the Martyrdom and the sublime talent and patriotism of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Students of the whole archipelago (Luzon Visayas, and Mindanao) have participated in the three areas of competition: Music Theater and Rizal / History Quiz for high school students and Oratory for college students.

The objectives of the competition are:

1. Draw greater attention of the youth to Rizal as reference point of excellence and achievement;

2. Inspire the youth with the compelling contemporary relevance of Rizal, his life , humanity and love of country;

3. Affirm and invigorate the spirit and capacity of the youth to excel and become the best in the land;

4. Recognize and celebrate outstanding students in their achievements relating to history and culture through competitive performances;

5. Heighten the respect of the youth for Filipino heroic traditions and develop their ability to adopt to the values in those traditions; and

6. Develop a national community of youth achievers in the spirit of the country’s national hero and create an antidote to the present feeling of unease and indifference.

The three competitions were held in three levels: Regional Eliminations, Cluster Level Competitions, and the Grand National. Schedule of the competition are as follows:

Regional Competition (Rizal Quiz)

DATES	REGION	VENUE
August 15, 2006	VII	ECOTECH Center, Lahug, Cebu City
August 22, 2006	VI	RELC – Duran St., Iloilo City
August 29, 2006	VIII	RELC – Candahug, Palo, Leyte
September 13, 2006	IV-Calabarzon	Calamba City, Laguna
September 19, 2006	IV-Mimaropa	JJ Leido MNHS, Calapan City
September 22, 2006	V	RELC – Rawis, Legaspi City
September 26, 2006	XI	Eagle’s View Hotel, Tagum City
October 10, 2006	XII	General Santos City
October 16, 2006	IX	Division Conference Hall, Dapitan City
October 20, 2006	X	RELC – Cagayan De Oro City
October 26, 2006	Caraga	Regional Office Conference Hall, Butuan City
November 7, 2006	CAR	Regional Office Conference Hall, Baguio City
November 10, 2006	I	RELC – San Fernando City, La Union
November 14, 2006	II	RELC – Tuguegarao City
November 17, 2006	III	Mariano Ponce MHS, Baliuag Bulacan
November 20, 2006	ARMM	ARMM Regional Office, Cotabato City
November 22, 2006	NCR	Regional Office Conference Hall, Quezon City

Cluster Competition (Music Theater)

DATE	CLUSTER	VENUE
November 23, 2006	VIS (R VI, VII, VIII)	RELC – Candahug, Palo, Leyte
November 28, 2006	NL (R I, II, III, CAR)	Vigan City Culture and Trade Center
December 4, 2006	SM (R XI, XII, ARMM)	SM Entertainment Plaza, Davao City
December 8, 2006	NM (R IX, X, Caraga)	Don Pablo Lorenzo MHS, Zamboanga City
December 27, 2006	SL (NCR, IV-A&B, V	Manila Science High Schoo

The Grand Finals for the Rizal / History Quiz and the Oratorical Contest were held last December 28, 2006 at Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila while the Music Theater Competition culminated at the GSIS Theater, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Pasay City on December 29, 2006. The competitions were emceed by Mr. Jyleazar F. Dela Rosa, a youth leader of San Sebastian College – Recolletos Manila and a former youth leader and speaker of Sigaw ng Bayan.

RIZAL / HISTORY QUIZ CONTEST

Affirm and invigorate the spirit and capacity of the youth to excel and become the best in the land. This was the feeling generated by the 17 high school students from all over the country who tried to outdo each other in the battle of the brains.

The students who joined the competition were asked to answer questions on the life of Rizal (70%) and History and Culture (30%). The contest was divided in three categories: easy, average, and difficult. Especially difficult questions were prepared to break the tie among the students.

Students who were fortunate enough to join the December 28, 2006 Rizal/History Quiz Contest Grand Finals at Bayview Park Hotel were as follows:

Name	School	Region (Division)
Lorraine Bugayong	Bacnotan NHS	I (La Union)
Johnadel Antipolo	Quezon NHS	II (Isabela)
Ian Basallo	Bonifacio Camacho NHS	III (Bataan)
Noel Omandap	Maabud NHS	IV-Calabarzon (Batangas)
Nomer Magallanes	Roxas NHS	IV-Mimaropa (Palawan)
Francis Lim	San Felipe NHS	V (Camarines Norte)
Madeline Miravalles	Hipona NHS	VI (Capiz)
Joshua Jola	Mandaue City Science HS	VII (Cebu)
Kristine Cabalona	Leyte NHS	VIII (Tacloban City)
Junry Onganiza	Sulangon NHS	IX (Dapitan City)
Allen Mallari	Labo NHS	X (Osamiz City)
Nelsein Ferrer	Samal NHS	XI (Is. Garden City of Samal)
Charlene Ingay	Alabel National Science HS	XII (Sarangani Province )
Precy Ann Espares	Trenato NHS	Caraga (Agusan del Sur)
Omayah Maruhom	Pualas NHS	ARMM (Lanao del Sur)
Charlton Sean Gaerlan, II	Baguio City NHS	CAR (Baguio City)
Emerson Anit	Manila science HS	NCR (Manila)

Dr. Regino P. Paular (Chair) of National Historical Institute, Ms. Flocerfida G. Faustino of STI, and Ms. Luzviminda F. Dela Rosa of the Department of Education composed the Board of Consultants.

Three outstanding students who dominated the contest were as follows:

Junry B. Organiza
Grand Champion of Excellence
School: Sulangon National High School
Region/Division: Region IX - Division of Dapitan City
Coach: Mr. Lindo O. Adasa, Jr.
Prize: P25, 000.00 + Certificate of Recognition + Books

Francis D. Lim II
First Runner-Up
School: San Felipe National High School
Region/Division: Region V - Division of Camarines Norte
Coach: Ms. Alicia I. Quinito
Prize: P15, 000.00 + Certificate of Recognition + Books

Emerson M. Anit – Second Runner-Up
School: Manila Science High School
Region/Division: NCR - Division of Manila
Coach: Mrs. Julieta U. Fajardo
Prize: P10, 000.00 + Certificate of Recognition + Books

MUSIC THEATER COMPETITION

The Music Theater Competition inspired the youth and the old alike with the participants drawing parallelism from Rizal’s life, humanity, and love of country to the present time.

The competition was participated in by five schools from Visayas Cluster, Northern Luzon Cluster, Northern Mindanao Cluster, Southern Mindanao Cluster, and Southern Luzon Cluster

Contestants for the competition submitted synopses of the play, and names of the cast and crew which was limited to 25 members only- including the director, actors, and crew. They were given 20 to 22 minutes each to present an original contemporary musical.

The Grand National Finals managed by the National Technical Working Committee designated the Board of Judges composed of Mr. Leopoldo Lopez of UP College of Music, Dr. Glessy Atienza of PETA and NCCA, and Dr. Amalia Rosales (Chair) of FAMAS/PUP where the criteria for judging in the selection of winners were based on Libretto (40%), Staging (30%), and Performance (30%).

The Winners are:

Teatro Gingoog
Grand Champion of Excellence
Title of the Musical: Anak
Region / Division: Region X - Gingoog City
Northern Mindanao Cluster
School: Gingoog City Comprehensive National High School
Prize: P100, 000.00 + Certificates of Recognition + Books

Manila Science High School Chorale
First Runner-Up
Title of the Musical: Isang Rizal: Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas
Region / Division: NCR - Manila
Southern Luzon ClusterSchoo: Manila Science High School
Prize: P50, 000.00 + Certificates of Recognition + Books

Himig Kabataan Performing Arts of Digos City
Second Runner-Up
Title of the Musical: Kabataan Para sa Kabayanihan
Region / Division: Region XI - Digos City
Southern Mindanao Cluster
School: Digis City National High School
Prize: P20, 000.00 + Certificates of Recognition + Books

ORATORICAL CONTEST

The Grand Finals of the Oratorical Competition at the Bayview Park Hotel was participated in by five college students who impressed the judges by drawing their dreams and keen attention to Rizal as reference point of excellence and achievement in their young life.

The Board of Judges was composed of Director Betty Lou Peñera of the Philippine Information Agency (Chair ); Mr. Alex Raoul S. Villano, Assistant Secretary General of League of Provinces of the Philippines, and Mr. Christopher Grajo, Managing Director of Digital Information and DepED Consultant on Development of Schools Writer/Researcher.

The winners were chosen according to following criteria where they were given 10 minutes each to convey to the audience their message: Content (50%), Delivery (35%) and Persuasion (15%).

The first orator, Arcilla Vera Cruz of the University of Rizal System – Region IV-CALABARZON with oratorical piece titled Rizal’s Ideals: The Conglomeration of the Promised New Dawn gave emphasis on the death of Rizal as symbol of hope for the Filipinos.

For this hope to have meaning, the second orator, Virgil Patrick Delos Santos of AMA Computer University-NCR said that our youth should act more responsibly and not to be victims to the dregs of society and of self centered indulgences; they should focus more on nation building.

The third orator, Severo Blanco II of Region VIII believes that to experience and sustain genuine peace, prosperity, and freedom, our youth should uphold integrity, and honesty in their young life. According to him, we can still have a better nation if we will faithfully consider and value the content and writings of Rizal.

The fourth orator, Arthur James M. Fernandez of Southwestern University - Region VII says that we all have the power to make a difference - from the richest tycoon in the Beverly Hills to the poorest beggar in the alleys of Pasil. Our youth must translate problems to opportunities, acknowledge capabilities, and confront challenges head on.

The fifth and last orator, Czar Daryll S. Baylon of Western Visayas College of Science and Technology – Region VII with oratorical piece titled Dr. Jose Rizal: The Filipino People’s Inspiration for Excellence cannot overemphasize the great need for our youth to stand up for what is right and take the high moral grounds in eradicating graft and corruption and vengeful politics by advocating social reforms through peaceful means.

Winners of the Oratorical Contest are as follows:

Arthur James M. Fernande
Grand Champion of Excellence
School: Southwestern University
Region: Region VII
Piece: Affirm Capabilities. Seize Challenges. Celebrate Achievements.
Coach: Al Evangelio
Prize: P25, 000.00 + Certificate of Recognition + Books

Czar Daryll S. Baylon
First Runner Up
School: Western Visayas College of Science and Technology
Region: Region VI
Piece: Dr. Jose Rizal, Filipino People’s Inspiration for Excellence
Coach: Ms. Josefa Dalipe
Prize: P15, 000.00 + Certificate of Recognition + Books

Virgil Patrick D. Delos Santos
Second Runner Up
School: AMA Computer University
Region: National Capital Region
Piece: Affirm Capabilities. Seize Challenges. Celebrate Achievements.
Coach: Ms. Susan B. Valentin
Prize: P10, 000.00 + Certificate of Recognition + Books

For more than a century has passed from the time our forefathers of our nation built the foundations of democracy we enjoy today. It is remarkable that the martyrdom of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, has, for more than a century, continued to be the symbol of patriotism to the elders and youth of the land. His life becomes a constant reminder to all of us to fulfill our duties to our country, and to lead in making better tomorrow for the generations to come.

The rough times call for unity once again among all of us Filipinos. Rizal’s message for love of country echoes a loud as during the Revolution of 1898. We must heed his call for patriotism, for only a nation can depend on its citizens can achieve its goals peace, prosperity and freedom.

Indeed, we must continue reaching to the four corners of the land so that more youth can learn and re-learn our rich history particularly the contributions of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. We can only chart a productive and meaningful course for the future if we know the value and memories of our past.

It is heartening to note that despite the limited budget and time, the organizers of the First Rizal National Festival of Excellence remarkably managed to make this event a success. They are as follows:

The Department of Education – is the body mandated to provide quality basic education that is equitably accessible to all and lays the foundation for life-long learning and service for the common good;

The Order of Knights of Rizal – OKOR was established on 30 December 1911 and was granted a legislative charter as a civic and patriotic organization on 14 June 1951 by Republic Act 646 to pay tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, the National hero of the Philippines;

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines – was formed primarily to serve as the proper forum where the Leagues can openly discuss and reach a consensus and general agreements on several national policies and issues affecting the Leagues and LGU’s;

The ULAP National Executive Board, inducted into Office by President Joseph E. Estrada last Oct. 10, 1998, is comprised of the Presidents of the twelve (12) Leagues of Local Governments and Local Officials. It now has an additional two (2) associate members. Other organized Leagues of Local officials can still join and become an associate member of ULAP

The League of Provinces of the Philippines – primarily aims to ventilate, articulate, and crystallize issues affecting provincial and metropolitan government administrations. It likewise serves to secure, through proper and legal means, solutions to problems confronting the locales.

LPP aims to collaborate with national and other local government agencies in attaining efficient and effective inter-governmental relations to provide development programs that will enrich and upgrade the capabilities of local government units;

Commission on Higher Education – is a governing body covering both public and private higher education institutions as well as degree-granting programs in all tertiary educational institutions in the Philippines. The CHED was established in May 18, 1994 through Republic Act 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994; and

All other participating institutions and organizations – e.g. Philippine Association of Teachers of History and Rizal (PATHRI), Vice-Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP), Public Administrators League of the Philippines (PALP), and Organizational Change Consultants Incorporated International (OCCI)

The Rizal National Festival of Excellence sets out a modest contribution to the continuing development of the social infrastructure of the country focused on the young. It had its run of limitations, but we, the organizers and the participants believed in the possible. Kudos to all of us! Mabuhay!