PASIG CITY, April 17, 2019 – Learners enrolled in public secondary schools nationwide showcased their skills and talents in painting, essay writing, and oration in line with the celebration of the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week.

Anchored on the theme, “Pamanang Kalayaan ng mga Beterano: Isabuhay at Pagyamanin ng Lahing Pilipino,” the celebrations aimed to present the veterans as among the country’s national treasures; to revive the culture of heroism and love for country which the Filipino race has been known for; and to strengthen our collective sense of national pride and patriotism.

The Department of Education (DepEd), through its External Partnerships Service-Special Events Unit (EPS-SEU), led the Creative Painting, Essay Writing, and Oratorical contests, in close coordination with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP).

The winners of the Oratorical Contest were awarded last April 8, 2019 at Richville Hotel in Mandaluyong City and were again recognized during the Awarding ceremony together with the winners of the National Creative Painting and Essay Writing Contests in Mt. Samat, Bataan. Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Service Tonisito Umali, Esq, led the conferment of awards to the following winners:

National Creative Painting Contest
Champion: John Carlo B. Bautista from San Juan High School, Pampanga (Coach: Allwena M. Mayati)
1st Runner-Up: Timothy Andrie M. Milambiling from Marinduque National High School, Marinduque (Coach: Elvin C. Perlas)
2nd Runner-Up: Mayshelle Janzenne A. Reyes from Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School, Quezon City (Coach: Susana Tolentino)

National Essay Writing Contest
Champion: Luis B. Tabligan III from Zambales National High School, Zambales (Coach: Joeper A. Sembrano)
1st Runner-Up: Michaela C. Pangilinan from Juan R. Liwanag Memorial High School, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija (Coach: Arjay S. Angeles)
2nd Runner-Up: Kresha C. Wassay from Gumaca National High School, Quezon (Coach: Jayson B. Bueno)

National Oratorical Contest
Champion: Casandra Nicole T. Lagmay from Rizal National High School, Santiago City, Isabela (Coach: Irene E. Otanes)
1st Runner-Up: Nick Clarence M. Gallego from Davao City National High School, Davao City (Coach: Romel B. Allawan)
2nd Runner-Up: Oscar Given V. Paghunasan from Navotas National High School, NCR (Coach: Felix B. Ternida Jr.)
3rd Runner-Up: Danica P. Catubig from Ibarra National High School, Maasin City, Leyte (Coach: Chrisopher B. Montesclaros)

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones expressed her gratitude to and congratulated the learners, as well as their coaches, for participating in these activities which promote the value of patriotism and valor.

Other activities attended and participated in by DepEd officials, personnel, and learners to further raise awareness on the said celebrations include:

· Sunrise and Wreath-Laying Ceremonies on April 5 at the Libingan ng
mga Bayani, Taguig City
· Review in Honor of the Veterans on April 5 at the Philippine Army
Headquarters, Taguig City
· Tribute to all Filipino Heroes on April 7 at Corregidor Island, Cavite
· Paggunita sa Capas on April 10 at the Capas National Shrine, Capas,
Tarlac
· Sunset Ceremony on April 11 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig
City

Likewise, various activities were conducted at the school level to highlight the courage and patriotism of veterans such as integration of said topic in classroom and round table discussions, and conduct of simple campus program participated in by the learners.

These efforts are pursuant to DepEd Memorandum No. 42, s. 2019, or the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week Celebration which is available online at www.deped.gov.ph.

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