The Tradean

07/03/2026

𝐒𝐌𝐒𝐀𝐓 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝟕 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐕𝐋 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬

By Janice Cereñado

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘇 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 (𝗦𝗠𝗦𝗔𝗧) 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝟳 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹'𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮 𝗚𝘆𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺.

The orientation aimed to familiarize students with the different technical-vocational specializations they will encounter as they progress in the Special Program in Technical-Vocational Education (SPTVE).

Elmer S. Torida, Technical Drafting Teacher represented the Head of Vocational Subjects Department, Alvaro P. Padua, and explained that the SPTVE was designed to equip learners with industry standard technical skills in fields, agriculture, fishery arts, home economics, industrial arts and information and communications technology (ICT)

As part of this activity, the TVL Teachers introduced their respective areas of specialization and the core competencies that students will learn in Grades 8, 9, and 10.

Elmer S. Torida - Technical Drafting
Grade 8
- Lettering
- Free hand Drawing
- Mechanical Drawing (T-Square, Triangles, Compass)
- Orthographic Drawing (2D)
- Pictorial Drawing (3D)
- Arts Appreciation
- Charcoal Drawing
- Ink Rendering
- Paint
Grade 9
- Engineering Drawing
- Basic House Planning
Grade 10
- Autocad
- Assessment for NCII in Technical Drafting

Nancy G. Apostol - Bartending, Events Planning, Ship's Catering
Grade 8
- Bartending
Grade 9
- Barista and Event Management
Grade 10
- Ship's Catering

Benjamin S. Catenza Jr. - Electrical Installation and Maintenance
Grade 8
- Installation of Pipes or Conduits
Grade 9
- Intallation Protective Devices (Fuse, Breakers, Switches)
Grade 10
- Solar Installation
- PV System Installation
- Assesment of PV Installation of EIM
- Reparing of Domestic Appliances (Electric Fan, Washing Machine and etc.

Jimwel M. De Leon - Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Motorcycle, Small Engine Servicing
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Welding Safety Practices
- Basic Welding Skills
- Small Engine and Motorcycle Repair

Harold John A. Materum - Animation (2D)
5 Core Competencies
- 2D or Traditional Drawing
- Turn Around Drawings
- Clean Up Drawings
- In-betweening
- Digital Drawing

Juan B. Ilac - Furniture and Cabinet Making
6 Core Competencies
- Wood Working Machine
- Bench Work Operation (working tools and set-up)
- Furniture Design and Construction
- Wood Finishing
- Wood Carving
- Wood Turning

Eleazar H. Tangonan - Plumbing, Masonry, Tile Setting
Grade 8
- Plumbing
- Making of Pipe Joints
- Basic Construction Work (Laying Out of Pipes)
Grade 9
- Masonry
- Perform Basic Masonry Works
- Perform Plastering Works
- Laying out Concrete Hollow Blocks
- Installing Baluster
Grade 10
- Tile Setting
- Install and Repair Floor and Wall Tiles
- How to Install Tile with Corners
- Tiling Curve Spaces (Mosaic Tiling)

Cherrie Mae B. Bautista - Handicrafts, Basketry, Macrame, Leathercraft, Woodcraft
Grade 8
- Wood Craft
- Macrame
- Leather Craft
- Basic Stitches
Grade 9 (Brando D. Azurin)
- Quilting
- Knitting
- Embroidery
- Crocheting
Grade 10 (Divina De Leon)
- Hand Loom and Fashion Accessories

Brando D. Azurin - Nail Care, Wellness Massage, Hairdressing
Grade 8
- Nail Care
Grade 9 (Myrene Agpalza)
- Barbering
Grade 10
- Hairdressing

Photographed by Naomi Domingo

07/03/2026

𝐒𝐌𝐒𝐀𝐓 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝟏𝟎 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

By Janice Cereñado

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘇 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 (𝗦𝗠𝗦𝗔𝗧) 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟬 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗣𝗘𝗦𝗢) 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 “𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀.”

The program aimed to provide students with insights into various career opportunities and prepare them for making informed decisions about their future academic and professional paths.

The career talk segment was facilitated by Mrs. Glennah Marie F. Fuertes, Municipal PESO Manager, who shared valuable information about career planning and readiness, highlighting the ISTIV values which stands for Industrious, Systematic, Time-conscious, Innovative, and Strong Value for Work.

As part of this event, the students dressed as their chosen or aspired professions, showcasing their dreams and ambitions.

According to Alejandro A. Bangay, Principal lll of SMSAT, “Walang mahirap kung ika’y dedikado” emphasizing that dedication and determination can help individuals overcome challenges along their chosen career paths.

Photographed by Naomi Domingo and Ruffia Cabuyadao

11/02/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗡
𝐈𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐬' 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

By Marle Ifurung
Illustrated by Ace Yague

Just like Icarus, junior students who fly high without proper development and experience will inevitably fall to their demise.

Elections are now the hot topic at the Sanchez Mira School of Arts and Trades (SMSAT), with voting starting on February 12, 2026. However, the election is starting to become more of a popularity vote, disregarding the matter of qualifications and responsibility.

Our school's student government shouldn't be taken lightly, for it decides the state of the school year. I believe that we dispose of our biases and look at how qualified our candidates truly are.

𝗦𝗞𝗬
In Greek mythology, Icarus made wax wings to fly. Similarly, students establish their names to soar high in organizations, especially the Supreme Secondary Learner's Government (SSLG), which is highest student government of SMSAT.

Moreover, to be elected as a candidate of the highest positions is not an easy task. It's an honorable achievement that you can get, as you are recognized for your efforts and experience in the lower positions.

Yet, as an SMSAT student, I've personally observed in recent campaigns how some younger candidates are running for high positions, even in the SSLG. Despite the fact that they don't have any background and experiences in any previous organizations.

This worried me. If they are not established in the responsibility of having an entire studentry on their shoulders, then what will become of our school will likely and undeniably be disappointing. However, we know that some candidates are running not because they want to, but because they are forced.

𝗦𝗨𝗡
More often than you think, students are flocking to become candidates of school organizations, unable to bear the scorch of others' coercing.

As a friend of some of the candidates, they vented to me how they originally didn't plan to run in any organizations, but the pressure and persuasion from teachers and peers made them change their minds. These people talk about "experience" but they urge candidates to bite off more than they can chew.

Let's face it, students are left with no choice as they are forced to participate for supposed ''experience."

However, to be a true leader, you must stand your ground and be humble, no matter how much others try to push you down. Only then can you rise up to the top, or else the sun will make you fall and stop.

𝗙𝗟𝗬
We should carefully reflect on how our country chooses its President and learn from it. In the 1987 Philippine Constitution Article 7, Section 2, it is strictly enforced that no person may be elected if they are unable to meet requirements including age and background.

A school is a nation full of students and it calls for a responsible and reliable government. Governing is a sky we must traverse, and the sun will burn us if we are careless. We must choose the more experienced and more qualified for the stability of our school. You might say it's bias against the younger generations, but it's important to note that governments aren't training grounds, a fact more prominent in the case of the SSLG.

For if we want our school to soar at a great height, then surely we won't make the same mistake as the one in Icarus' flight.

07/02/2026

We pay tribute to Ma’am Jocelyn Y. Descalzo for her remarkable service as School Paper Adviser and campus journalism coach, whose guidance, dedication, and commitment to excellence brought pride and recognition to our school while shaping confident, responsible student journalists who will carry her legacy forward.

31/01/2026

𝟑 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐒𝐏𝐂; 𝐈𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐂

Three members of The Tradean staff earned awards at the recently concluded 2026 Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC), with column editor Marle Neale Keizr L. Ifurung taking first place in Column Writing – English and securing a spot for the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

Joining him among the winners was copy editor Henrica Agguiao, who placed third in Copyreading and Headline Writing (Filipino).

Editor-in-chief Naomi Vialeigne C. Domingo also brought honor to the publication after finishing fifth in Science and Technology Writing (English).

The awardees were guided by their respective coaches: Mr. Jay S. Maguddayao mentored Ifurung, Ms. Shamen O. Rubino coached Agguiao, and Mrs. Cathlyn Rose S. Utrera trained Domingo.

The NSPC is set to take place in April 2026 in Ormoc City.

31/01/2026

Masayang ipinapaabot namin ang balita na ang pahayagang ANG TRADEAN ay nagkamit ng Ikaanim na Pwesto sa Pahinang Balita sa 2026 RSPC School Paper Contest

27/01/2026

27/01/2026

𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙠, 𝙍𝙎𝙋𝘾 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙨!

As the Regional Schools Press Conference unfolds from January 28 to 31, 2026 in Tumauini, Cagayan, we proudly send off our champions who will represent our school and the Division of Cagayan with excellence, integrity, and heart.

• Naomi Vialeigne C. Domingo – Science and Technology Writing (English)
Coach: Mrs. Cathlyn Rose S. Utrera

• Marle Neale Keizr Ifurung – Column Writing (English)
Coach: Mr. Jay S. Maguddayao

• Henrica Agguiao – Copyreading and Headline Writing (Filipino)
Coach: Miss Shamen O. Rubino

• Ang Tradean – School Paper Contest
School Paper Coordinator: Mr. Carlos B. Garcia

May your pens be sharp, your minds clear, and your voices bold. Represent us with pride and purpose—your school and division stand behind you!

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals and groups who generously supported our campus journalists. Your financial assistance has empowered their journey and uplifted the spirit of campus journalism:
• LGU - Pamplona
• Mr. Alejandro A. Bangay
• Dr. Walter U. Veracion
• Mr. Alvaro P. Padua
• SMSAT Teachers and Employees
• Miss Shieina Lou D. Tabian
• Miss Anjeanette May A. Cachapero
• Mrs. Lo**ta Perdido
• Mrs. Esmie Perdido
• Mr. Domingo Perdido
• Mr. Joey Macamus
• Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Perdido
• Mrs. Mayshelle Callo
• Mr. Harvey Cristobal
• Mrs. Hiling Mariano
• Mrs. Julie Anne Alegado
• Hon. and Mrs. Clarence Agabin
• Mr. and Mrs. Alejandro Matipo
• Mrs. Maylene Dalma
• Ms. Jenny Cacacho
• Mr. Airon Paul Caliva
• Mr. and Mrs. Ziganay
• Mr. and Ms. Guillermo-Liban
• Reymundo Camarao Jr.
• Marites Amorin
• Mrs. Jeanette Diana Blanco
• Mrs. Marry Phil R. Dela Cruz

Your kindness fuels the dreams of our young writers. Thank you for believing in their voice and vision.

24/12/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲
𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗻𝘂𝗹𝘂𝘆𝗮𝗻

By Ace Yague

What happens when Christmas itself comes knocking?

Rooted in Spanish-era religious practices, Panunuluyan is a traditional Filipino Christmas reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. It is usually performed on Christmas Eve, with actors going from house to house or toward a church, singing verses written in old Tagalog. The repeated refusals are symbolic, highlighting humility, patience, and faith before the final welcome.

As the procession unfolds, the streets turn into a moving stage. Lanterns glow like fireflies, and the singers’ voices weave through the night air, half-prayer, half-poetry. Each closed door is not rejection but rhythm, a necessary pause in a story Filipinos know by heart.

Beyond its pageantry, Panunuluyan gently teaches values that feel especially fragile in a fast world. It reminds communities to make room—not just in homes, but in hearts—for strangers, stories, and grace. In its quiet way, the tradition asks people to practice compassion before celebrating joy.

So what happens when Christmas comes knocking? In Panunuluyan, it teaches us to listen, to open the door, and to welcome faith with both hands, because the truest celebration begins with a simple, heartfelt “come in.”

23/12/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲
𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝗔𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗼

By Almira Pilarca

"Wherever there are people giving gifts, exchanging cards, I believe that Christmas is truly in their hearts."

In the rhythm of songs, echoes the melody of laughter traveling through every corner as scraps of colorful shredded paper scatter across houses, towns and countries. Ribbons that are carefully tied on beautifully crafted boxes are handed down to children, friends, loved ones and special someone, in the form of tradition and what Filipinos call as, “Aguinaldo”.

Aguinaldo, a word derived from the Spanish word that means 'Gift', a well-honored tradition of Filipinos. During Christmas, the “aguinaldo” tradition can be spotted in various of ways, from children caroling in exchange for money or gift, to doing exchange gifts with family and friends.

"Let's light our Christmas trees for a bright tomorrow where nations are at peace and all are one in God"

You will spot these gifts under Christmas trees, hidden in paper bags, discreetly tucked inside pockets and clutched tightly between fingers. It may vary in size, form, and weigh, but its true meaning lies in the thought, effort, and love beyond the giver and the receiver. What matters isn’t how expensive it is, but the sentiment behind it.

Aguinaldo reflects the true essence of Christmas, as it expresses the deep connection shared by every Filipino. It is more than a tradition; it is a way of showing how deeply you care for someone, how much you love them, and how willing you are to make an effort. It serves as a reminder that the best aguinaldo comes from the heart, and that the true essence of the season is about love, joy, and hope.

22/12/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲
𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹

By Gerome Ilac

Click! Lights flicker on as the Christmas season arrives. Rustle! Paper lanterns sway in the evening breeze. The holidays bring a warm and colorful excitement. How does one small light tell the story of Filipino Christmas traditions?

In the Philippines, the parol is a cherished Christmas tradition seen in homes, streets, and communities. More than a decoration, it reflects Filipino values of faith, hope, and togetherness. The word “parol” comes from the Spanish word farol, meaning lantern, reflecting the influence of Spanish culture during the colonial period. Its history dates back to when Filipinos used lanterns to light their way to Simbang Gabi, the early morning Christmas masses. Over time, these lanterns evolved into the star-shaped parol, inspired by the Star of Bethlehem.

Every carefully shaped bamboo frame, bright paper, and glowing light shows creativity and effort, proving that in Filipino culture, beauty and meaning come from dedication rather than expensive materials. Passed down through generations, parol-making continues to showcase Filipino craftsmanship and imagination.

As parols light up the night, they bring smiles and a sense of closeness. Their glow fills neighborhoods with warmth, strengthening family bonds and reminding people of shared traditions during the Christmas season.

In the end, it becomes clear how one small light tells the story of Filipino Christmas traditions: it carries faith, history, and unity, shining as a symbol of hope that brings families and communities togetherness

21/12/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲
𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻

By Angela Dalma

“Ano yung mga nakatayo roon? Tara! Tignan natin!”

That is what the people seems to whisper during Christmas in the Philippines. Displayed in homes, churches, and town plazas, it quietly brings people together to reflect on the birth of Jesus amid the holiday rush.

Many people might not notice that some Filipino belens do more than just show the Nativity—they include everyday Filipino Christmas traditions. Through the ‘Pailaw’ that every municipality launches, or a simple altar that is displayed inside or outside our homes, the Belens will always be standing there, sharing the spirit of the birth of our mighty Jesus.

This small detail turns the belen into a story of community and shared joy. It reminds people that Christmas is not only about lights and gifts, but about simple acts of kindness, togetherness, and keeping traditions alive.

During the holidays, the belen inspires Filipinos to celebrate in a way that is heartfelt and meaningful. It shows that even in simple moments, the spirit of Christmas filled with faith, humility, and love can shine brightly in every home and along every street.