Author
Abigael V. Nalzaro
Secondary School Teacher III
They entered. They persisted. They succeeded.
These are the fitting words to describe the first senior high school graduates of the country under the K to 12 program. After the Department of Education embraced the said curriculum reform as mandated by Republic Act No. 10533, otherwise known as “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013”, the whole nation is a witness as the 1.25 million pioneer batch of SH students march triumphantly this April 2018 all over the archipelago. This is indeed a defining moment and triumph in the history of our nation’s educational system. From the former 10-year basic education curriculum, the K to 12 program mandates 1 year of Kindergarten and 10 years of basic education, comprising of 6 years of primary, 4 years of junior high school and two years of senior high school. This definitely makes the Filipino graduates globally competitive, highly-trained, and ideally in-demand skilled individuals ready to face life’s challenges.
Zamboanga del Norte National High School, one of the secondary public high schools in the divisionoffering courses in the Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMMS), Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), General Academic Strand (GAS), and Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL) which includes strands in Computer Systems and Servicing, Food and Beverage Servicing, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Cookery and Electrical Installations and Maintenance held its first senior high school commencement exercises at Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center last April 6, 2018 with the presence of Dipolog DepEd officials headed by the Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Liza R. Tabilon who confirmed batch 2018 as graduates. Said rite highlighted the occasion, evidenced with formalities and serenity in the presentation of the candidates by ZNNHS School Principal IV Dr. Edgardo S. Cabalida.
Before handing over the diplomas and awards, Chief of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amelinda D. Montero delivered the message of DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones. In her message, Sec. Briones commended the determination, perseverance and hardwork of the graduates. She also reminded the graduates to uphold the core values of the Alma Mater and DepEd’sMaka-Diyos, Makakalikasan, Makatao and Makabansa.
A total of 418 graduates went on stage to receive their diplomas and awards after completing the basic requirements of their tracks and strands. Some graduates were acknowledged in the ceremony as National Certificate holders in different fields. 90% or 37 out 41 students passed the NC III in Bookkeeping; 100% of the takers passed the NC II in Bread and Pastry; and 100% of the takers passed the NC II in Cookery. This certification could already merit the work-ready attributes of the first K to 12 graduates; provided further, that work immersion program has been included in the curriculum. This was what the graduates sought for after four years of challenging junior high school and two years of toilsome but rewarding senior high school. For them to be called graduates and after having received their diplomas awards and certificates, they considered these as milestones of success that were fueled with perseverance, hard work and determination in the process. These reward their parents, teachers and the community of their implied goals and promise to be nation-influencers and builders of tomorrow as K to 12 graduates.
Making the event more memorable was the presence of the commencement speaker Mrs. Rebecca Ageas-Loro, ZNNHS Batch 1997 Salutatorian. She is currently the proposal manager of Genesys Telecom Labs in Quezon City.In her message, she challenged the graduates to believe in themselves especially when they go and hurdle the college years.Also present in the event was Mr. GobertMorados, the alumni president of ZNNHS who led the graduates to their pledge of loyalty.
Meanwhile, the ZNNHS first senior high school graduation was made possible and meaningful by the senior high school faculty headed by the ZNNHS-SHS Principal I Dr. Gina O. Regañon. She further messaged the graduates to be equipped and well-braced of the challenges ahead of them.
The committees behind the success of the first senior high school graduation labored all the details including the technical aspects that made the affair worth reminiscing and essentially filling with formalities and glitz combined. As a gesture of gratitude to parents and guardians, graduates interpreted the song “Awit ng AnaksaMagulang”, composed by Bro. Ernie Magtuto. Their rendition of the tribute song drew some tears not only from the graduates but also from their parents. Consequently, the graduation song entitled “Fight Song” by Rachel Plattern speaks for the myriads of challenges that every senior high school student went through. Graduates interpretation of the song lightened the mood and wowed the spectators as they meaningfully and joyfully sang and danced the choreographed song to their hearts content.
The first senior high school graduation came to an end accentuated with showering balloons hovering the graduates, flying toga caps and tremendous cheers generated from the graduates themselves. To say that the activity was a success, is an understatement. It was way beyond successful and the ZNNHS administration with Dr. Edgardo Cabalidaand Dr. Gina O. Regañon, could not help but be proud of the SHS graduation committee members.
Co-author
Dr. GilM. Darcera
Originally published in Deped Dipolog City Division Newsletter: April, 2019
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