The Pillars - Ang Haligi

02/03/2026

𝐌𝐇𝐒 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐠 𝐬𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

Nagpakitang-gilas ang mga mag-aaral mula sa Matalam High School (MHS) sa iba't ibang patimpalak sa pagdiriwang ng National Arts Month na inorganisa ng Local Government Unit of Matalam noong Pebrero 27, 2026.

Nakuha ni Aloha Morada ang kampeonato sa patimpalak na On-the-Spot Painting, na kahanga-hanga ang pagkamalikhain, teknika, at interpretasyon ng tema sa ilalim ng gabay ni coach Reynante Espiritu.

Ang Folk Dance troupe ng paaralan ay nanalo rin bilang kampeon matapos maipakita ang isang magkakaugnay at makulay na pagtatanghal ng kultura. Ang mga nagwaging mananayaw ay sina Windy Lee Capaho, Trexie Fate Corpuz, Nathalie Amihan, Sophia Maquiling, Samantha Nicole Nieves, Rogen Joy Alcampor, Angel Shem Angeles, Ryan Jay Guanzon, Majeed Ganion, Marc Joseph Porras, Julmar Trillian Estomata, at Ian Jim Ibba. Sila ay sinanay nina Rogene Chris Nacario, Nestle Nacario, Lenn Nacario, at Junel Corpuz.

Sa kategoryang Kundiman, nakamit ni Chloe Jane Sesuca ang ikalawang puwesto, na ipinakita ang mahusay na kontrol sa boses at damdaming ipinapahayag sa kanyang pagtatanghal sa ilalim ng mentorship ni Jennifer Kent Mitchao.

Ipinahayag ni Ms. Claribel Amor M. Juromay, ang Special Program in the Arts Coordinator ng MHS, ang kanyang pagmamalaki sa mga tagumpay ng mag-aaral. "Lubos naming ipinagmamalaki ang aming mga estudyante sa kanilang sipag at dedikasyon. Ang kanilang tagumpay sa Matalam Arts Month ay sumasalamin hindi lamang sa kanilang talento kundi pati na rin sa kanilang pagmamahal sa sining. Ito ay patunay sa kahalagahan ng pagpapalago ng pagkamalikhain at pagpapahalaga sa kultura sa aming paaralan," aniya.

Ang kahanga-hangang pagtatanghal ng mga mag-aaral ay nagpatunay sa patuloy na kahusayan ng paaralan sa pagpapaunlad ng talento sa visual at performing arts, at nagpapatibay sa pangako nitong itaguyod ang pagpapahalaga sa kultura sa mga kabataan.

✍️ 💻 Leonard John Ramos

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

𝐌𝐇𝐒 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐒𝐏𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Campus journalists from Matalam High School (MHS) showcased their journalistic excellence after securing multiple awards at the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) held February 25–28 in Surallah, South Cotabato.

Leading the winners, Meguil John Benlot clinched the championship in Mobile Journalism (MoJo) Filipino category under the guidance of coach Ritchie Lou Baysa, bringing top honors to the school.

In the Mojo English category, Jeff Edriel Diesto earned 2nd place in Mobile Journalism with coach Angelique Bicera, while the team of Rafhael Franzin Balaque, Chiarra Yvette Aguanta, Shahana Jane Wahab, Winnie Jirah Subibe, Precious Czyra Balah, Althea Rhianne Olano, and Khiarra Shane Hierro secured 2nd place in Collaborative Desktop Publishing, coached by Willie De Guzman Jr. and Zia Beronilla.

Meanwhile, Cristyl Mae Camaddo placed 3rd in Copyediting and Headline Writing under coach Zia Beronilla, and McDave Dela Rosa finished 4th in Pagguhit ng Kartung Editoryal with coach Dennis Jann Vios.

The achievements highlight the dedication, skill, and teamwork of MHS campus journalists, further strengthening the school’s reputation in scholastic journalism across the region.

07/02/2026

𝐌𝐇𝐒 𝐂𝐉𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐁 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Campus journalists and advisers of The Pillars and Ang Haligi of Matalam High School (MHS) proved their excellence in campus journalism by clinching multiple awards at the PRESSLAB: Interschool Journalism Competition, held on February 6, 2026, at the Commercial Building, University of Southern Mindanao.

The prestigious competition gathered student writers and journalism advisers from various schools in Mindanao, providing a platform to showcase journalistic skills spearheaded by the Department of English Language and Literature of the College of Arts and Social Sciences of the University of Southern Mindanao - Main Campus, Kabacan, Cotabato.

Leading MHS’s triumph was Mark Gabriel Tuzon, who emerged as Champion in Opinion Writing (English), Junior High School category, under the mentorship of Coach Cris Ian Nengasca. His winning piece stood out for its clarity, depth of insight, and strong argumentative structure.

Adding to the school’s accolades, Angelie Relator secured Second Place in Science and Technology Writing (English), Senior High School category, under Coach Willie De Guzman Jr., while Eunice Rudas claimed Third Place in Opinion Writing (Filipino), Senior High School category, under Coach Renyl Corpuz.

Matalam High School also made its mark in the Advisers’ Category, as Zia Beronilla earned Second Place in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English), and Willie De Guzman Jr. garnered Second Place in Science and Technology Writing (English)—highlighting the strong mentorship and journalistic expertise within the school.

Expressing her pride in the school’s achievement, MHS Principal III Dr. Margarita Pagasian commended both the student journalists and their mentors, stating, “Your perseverance, passion, and commitment truly bring pride to Matalam High School.”

05/02/2026

𝐌𝐇𝐒 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫-𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

Matalam High School (MHS) beams with pride as two of its teacher-authors earned national recognition at the Gawad Teodora 2025: National Competition on Storybook Writing, with the awarding ceremony held on February 4, 2026. The prestigious event celebrates educators who excel not only in teaching but also in the creative arts of writing, illustrating, and storytelling—providing a national platform for stories that shape and inspire young minds.

One of the award-winning works is Hiraya: Sa Tugtog ng Panahon, authored by Mr. Jame Valenia, the Subject Coordinator of the Filipino department. The story follows Hiraya, a student who awakens to the harsh realities of life, facing trials from family struggles, academics, love, and social media, and sees herself as a cracked mirror striving to put her life back together. The book was illustrated by Mr. Randy Dimamay of Manupal Elementary School and designed by Mr. Jay-Ar Espartero of Carmen National High School. It proudly garnered the ReadEx Readers’ Choice Award, ranking first as chosen by young adult readers. Valenia described the honor as a shared victory, stating, “Ito ay kolektibong tagumpay. Tulad ng pamagat, ang mga puso namin ay nangarap at nagnais na mapabilang sa hanay ng may karangalan.”

Equally commendable is the recognition received by Hardin ni Pequiña, a chapter book written for Grades 7 and 8 by Ms. Claribel Amor Juromay, the SPA Coordinator. The story centers on an incoming Grade 7 learner with dwarfism who courageously faces life’s challenges and triumphs through self-trust and inner strength. The book was illustrated by Mr. Paul Ryan Singco of Dilangalen Central Elementary School and beautifully laid out by Mr. Britt Hart Juromay of MHS. Hardin ni Pequiña was honored as a ReadEx Pick, a distinction given to outstanding titles that advanced to the final deliberations of the judges. Expressing her gratitude, Juromay said, “I am thankful for this award, and through my children’s story, I want to show young readers that overcoming challenges begins with trusting in oneself.”

School principal Dr. Margarita Pagasian stated that these national accolades reflect the excellence, creativity, and passion of MHS educators. She added that achievements stand as a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing not only academic competence but also artistic brilliance—bringing honor to the institution and inspiration to learners across the country.

29/01/2026

𝐌𝐇𝐒 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢, 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬

After a grueling 14 hours of scriptwriting, shooting, and editing, Matalam High School (MHS) filmmakers, with their film entitled “Panorama,” convincingly took home the championship in SineMunti, a short film competition under the Division Festival of Talents for Special Program in the Arts (SPA) Implementing Schools, held from January 27 to 29, 2026, in Banisilan, Cotabato.

MHS also hauled all the special awards in the contest, undoubtedly securing their spot in the Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) this February in Sarangani Province. The special awards are as follows:

Best Screenplay – Myra Sol Molina
Best Story – Myra Sol Molina
Best in Cinematography – Jeff Edriel Diesto
Best Director – Meguil John Benlot
Best Actor – Rowel Angelo Parpan
Best Film – Panorama

According to director Meguil John Benlot, “Winning at SineMunti really means a lot to us. It shows that all the effort we put in was worth it. This win motivates our group to keep pushing ourselves and telling stories that truly matter.”

Ms. Angelique Bicera, the coach, said that their success was attributed to their shared passion for filmmaking and the strong character they uphold as a team. “We do not seek recognition for ourselves; rather, we aim to glorify God through our talents by creating stories that touch the hearts of our viewers,” Ms. Bicera added.

Meanwhile, Ralph Emerson Mayo, under the tutelage of his coach, Mr. Dennis Jann Vios, also competed in the Pintahusay Visual Arts competition. Denxia Marielle Gallego, Christian Jake Saunil, and Nate Gadiel Arconado showed excellence in song writing and performed exceptionally in the Likhawitan category under the guidance of their coaches, Mr. Jennifer Kent Mitchao and Ms. Vivian Falcis.

26/01/2026

𝐌𝐇𝐒 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Matalam High School once again brought honor and distinction to their institution after delivering outstanding performances at the Municipal English Festival of Talents, held on January 26, 2026, at Dalapitan High School.

Competing against top contenders from various schools across the municipality, the MHS delegation proved its excellence in English communication, critical thinking, and creative expression.

🥇Grade 10 | Advocacy Pitch
1st Place – Mark Gabriel Tuzon & Kizel Cris Dumlao
Coach: Rocille Ann S. Elumbaring & Angelique J. Tuyan

🥇Grade 11 | Movie Analysis
1st Place – Precious Jewel Fanuncio & Abbygail Bernal
Coaches: Jonalyn Legaspi & Lorena Taton

🥈Grade 7 | Story Retelling
2nd Place – Jayson B. Belandres
Coach: Cristelle Joy P. Dagangon

🥈Grade 8 | Story Analysis
2nd Place – Princess Yarrah Ehu Gurl Mosaid
Coach: Claribel Amor Juromay, Edlyn Ruiz, & Rechel Capistrano

🥉Grade 9 | Poem Writing and Delivery
3rd Place – Christine Dianne Calibara
Coaches: Remie Lynn P. Alcalde & Zia Beronilla

🥉Grade 12 | Immersive Reading Quiz Bee
3rd Place – Princess Mae Novisteros
Coaches: Junaira Baraguir & Sharifa Gani