The Spring Volume 1 - 2024-2025
The Spring Volume 1 - 2024-2025
Sirib National High School: A New Era Under Dr. Norman Galabo and a Year of Milestones, Outreach, and Student Achievement
Abstract
The appointment of Norman Galabo, EdD, as the new school head of Sirib National High School marked a pivotal turning point for the institution, signaling a shift toward renewed leadership and innovative approaches. The formal installation occurred on September 2, 2024, in conjunction with the school’s flag-raising ceremony, and was welcomed by educators from nearby schools who attended to show solidarity for SNHS’s refreshed direction. Galabo’s prior leadership at Tambobong National High School positioned him as someone who could bring fresh strategies to bolster teaching quality, student outcomes, and school culture. The event underscored the collaborative spirit among educational leaders in Clusters 8 and 9, with officials emphasizing the importance of a strong support network to drive ongoing academic growth. (Page 1)
The gathering featured remarks from Cluster 8 Public Schools District Supervisor Reynaldo Capul, who stressed that effective leadership is essential for a school’s progress. Capul articulated confidence that Galabo would guide Sirib NHS back onto a constructive course and encourage a climate where both teachers and students could thrive. His presence underscored district-level backing for the new administration and the belief that SNHS could achieve meaningful improvements under Galabo’s stewardship. (Page 1)
Making Waves: A Young Athlete’s Journey of Dedication and Perseverance follows a young SNHS student who embodies determination beyond raw talent. Sheikha Motasam, a 12-year-old Grade 7 student from Sampaguita, has shown remarkable commitment by competing across multiple events despite obstacles. Her perseverance is presented as a core asset—her willingness to face challenges head-on and maintain a consistent training mindset has helped her navigate transitions from elementary to secondary education. The narrative highlights how hard work, discipline, and a resilient mindset can open doors to continued achievement, even when progress seems slow. This portrait of Motasam serves as an inspirational touchstone for readers, illustrating how persistence can translate into steady growth in sports and beyond. (Page 10)
SNHS Road to DSPC 2025 details a cohort of twenty-four Sirib NHS students who competed in the Division School Press Conference (DSPC) 2025, hosted at Mintal Comprehensive High School from January 29 to February 1, 2025. Participants demonstrated their range across journalism categories, including feature writing, editorial writing, news reporting, column work, sports journalism, editorial cartooning, science and technology writing, photojournalism, and broadcast media in both English and Filipino. The event drew participants from multiple public and private schools across Davao City, providing a platform to showcase communication skills, teamwork, and journalistic versatility. (Page 3)
In a parallel thread, an outreach initiative organized by the UM Alumni EdD Chapter sought to enrich the professional development of Sirib NHS educators. Fifteen Sirib NHS teachers and fourteen Cluster 8 school heads participated, benefiting from guidance on graduate studies, leadership development, and career advancement. The program emphasized aligning advanced education with real-world classroom and administrative responsibilities, with senior education leaders sharing practical insights on pursuing further studies recognized by CHED. The session also featured a career guidance component for senior high students to help them map future college and career paths, equipping them with the information needed to make informed choices. The event was designed to minimize disruption to classes and was supported by district officials who highlighted the broader goal of elevating educational outcomes across the cluster. (No page)
Living Tradition captures a significant Indigenous People’s Day celebration on October 31, 2024, at Sirib NHS, centered on the theme “Katutubong Karunungan Tungo Ingklusibong Kaunlaran.” The day featured Indigenous Peoples students showcasing traditional attire and participating in a range of cultural activities, with involvement from parents, teachers, and tribal leaders led by Datu Castillo Mantawil. The event spotlighted local games such as kadang, sack racing, tug-of-war, and kasing, underscoring the importance of teamwork and community engagement in sustaining cultural heritage. City councilor Myrna Dalodo attended, echoing support for IP students and acknowledging the role of cultural traditions in shaping inclusive education. The program also acknowledged the broader community’s contributions to IP education and leadership within the school. (Page 6)
Another highlight within Living Tradition notes the involvement of the University of Mindanao Alumni of Doctor of Education (UM Alumni EdD) Chapter, which hosted an outreach aligned with IP Day and related activities. The engagement featured Dr. Argel Pingot and Dr. Norman Galabo among the presenters and organizers, reinforcing the collaboration between higher-education professionals and SNHS to promote graduate study, career pathways, and leadership development for teachers and school leaders. The outreach emphasized practical guidance on pursuing graduate credentials recognized by CHED, and it also promoted ongoing professional growth as a route to improved classroom practice and school management. (Page 6)
SNHS CSPC success: SNHS Students Shine at CSPC, Bringing Home Multiple Awards highlights how SNHS students participated in the Cluster Schools Press Conference (CSPC) hosted at Wangan National High School. The event showcased a diverse slate of entries in journalism, including English and Filipino categories across features, editorials, news, and cartoons, along with science-technology writing, photojournalism, and radio broadcasting. SNHS earned several top placements, including a third place in Filipino Editorial Writing (Charlit Joy Resando), second place in Filipino Column Writing (Darren Pandi), and third place in English Science and Technology (Christian Karl Ayuno). In broadcasting, SNHS also earned commendations in both English and Filipino categories, underscoring the depth of the school’s journalism program and the effectiveness of its advisers and coaches. The results reflect a strong culture of student mentorship and hands-on learning in the School Paper program, with gratitude extended to advisers who guided the participants through preparation and performance. The CSPC experience positioned SNHS to advance to the DSPC 2025, signaling continued opportunities for student journalists to grow on larger competitive stages. (Page 8)
SNHS Road to DSPC, dated January 30, 2025, chronicles a bustling first day of competition where SNHS entries spanned multiple categories. Participants engaged in rigorous one-hour writing sessions guided by proctors and used prepared fact sheets to craft their pieces. Notable qualifiers emerged from the group, including Zyra Leigh Igianon (Editorial Cartooning, English) and Darren Pandi (Column Writing, Filipino), who advanced to subsequent rounds. The second day featured continued competition, with additional SNHS entrants advancing in radio broadcasting and other categories. The narrative captures the intensity of the moment, the camaraderie among SNHS participants, and their resolve to perform at a high level despite the pressure of a competitive atmosphere. The broader takeaway emphasizes how such competitions cultivate publication-ready skill sets, analytical thinking, and effective communication. (Page 3)
Preparation and Celebration of SNHS on Pakig-AMBIT 2024 describes SNHS’s engagement in Pakig-AMBIT 2024, a school-wide celebration designed to foster creativity and communal pride. Principal Norman R. Galabo directed teachers to create a parol for every section, turning the campus into a luminous display of lantern artistry. Grade 7 science observations by Ma’am Faye Pasamonte underscored the event’s emphasis on hands-on learning and student observation. A Grade 7 student named Jake T. Cuevas provided a thoughtful account of the experience, highlighting the joy of having visitors in the classroom and the opportunity to explore concepts like force and motion. The parol decorating contest culminated with Grade 10 Rizal’s entry earning top honors, demonstrating how cross-grade collaboration can produce celebrated results. Pakig-AMBIT 2024 stands as a testament to school spirit, creativity, and teamwork among students and staff. (No page)
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE GYM OF SNHS outlines the practical steps taken to bring a long-awaited facility to life. Beginning on March 7, 2024, the project has continued toward completion, with ongoing responsibilities including floor restoration, equipment setup, and coordination with the elementary school to prevent timetable conflicts. The gym’s construction, funded by a 7 million-peso allocation from Regular Infrastructure Projects for Fiscal Year 2024, involves Jameetrix Construction Incorporated as the contractor. When finished, the facility will provide a versatile space for performances, assemblies, and extracurricular activities, reducing scheduling bottlenecks and expanding opportunities for student programs. The experience also underscores the importance of collaboration with neighboring schools to ensure smooth operations and maximum use of shared spaces. (No page)
Sirib National High School Celebrates its 56th Founding Anniversary, as reported by Rachelle Ann Emba, spotlights a day-long celebration on October 26, 2025. The events included a stakeholders’ forum, a Holy Mass, a formal program, and the coronation of Mr. and Ms. Sirib NHS 2024, followed by a recognition ceremony for key stakeholders. The day closed with a heartfelt message from the faculty president, who expressed gratitude for ongoing community support. The program structure highlighted the school’s values and the vital role played by students, staff, and partners in advancing Sirib NHS’s mission. (No page)
Sirib National High School’s Intramurals 2024 brought together the school community for a day of competitive play and sportsmanship beginning on September 13, 2024. The opening program featured a ceremonial invocation and the national anthem, followed by calisthenics and spirited team introductions. Competitions spanned multiple sports—volleyball, sepak takraw, chess, badminton, track and field, and even a new e-sports component (Mobile Legends Bang Bang). The event celebrated teamwork, resilience, and athletic excellence, with Grade 11 Tanks, Grade 12 Assassins, and Grade 10 Mages among the notable teams. The day culminated with the Mr. & Ms. Intramurals 2024 titles going to Jharied D. Quidet and Charmel O. Eding, while other teams earned trophies and recognition for their efforts. The overall tone emphasized camaraderie and the role of sports in strengthening school spirit. (No page)
Beyond the school’s internal activities, the district’s broader sports scene is reflected in SNHS-related coverage of regional competition. The Davao City Durians—an SNHS-affiliated squad—captured the DAVRAA 2024 volleyball championship by defeating the Davao del Norte Pioneers, earning gold and earning MVP honors for Dale Haver Balintaculo. The victory underscored the program’s depth and the rewards of dedicated training and teamwork, as well as the community pride that emerges when students excel in regional events. (No page)
A separate sports feature, The Clash Between Blue Hawks and Green Pythons, recounts a September 21, 2024 volleyball showdown. The Blue Hawks, led by Wency Capricho, faced a formidable Green Pythons lineup and ultimately claimed the title in a hard-fought match. The narrative highlights key moments—service rallies, defensive stops, and tactical adjustments—that shaped the outcome, while acknowledging the efforts of both teams and the supportive crowd that cheered them on. (No page)
The issue also includes a broad note on professional-grade sports coverage, exemplified by a recap of a recent NBA Finals series in which the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games. The article synthesizes player performances, coaching decisions, and pivotal moments across the series, with an emphasis on how leadership, teamwork, and strategic execution translated into success at the highest level of competition. While presented as a sports highlight within the same publication, the piece reinforces the interconnectedness of discipline, practice, and perseverance across athletic domains. (No page)
In sum, this Spring volume presents a multi-faceted portrait of Sirib National High School’s evolving leadership, student achievements, and community partnerships. It documents a year rich with leadership transitions, student journalism milestones, cultural celebrations, targeted professional development for staff, and a spectrum of athletic events that showcase the school’s commitment to holistic education. The recurring themes—collaboration, capacity-building, and a culture of excellence—appear across administrative changes, classroom innovations, and competitive endeavors, painting a portrait of a school dedicated to growth, inclusion, and the cultivation of both academic and personal strengths in its students. (No page)
