The Grower

06/08/2025

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Part 2 Coverage of the 66th Araw ng Santo Tomas

04/08/2025

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | The Gaani Festival coverage in celebration of the 66th Araw ng Santo Tomas

29/07/2025

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 | 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗠 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝘁

Sto. Tomas National High School has once again asserted its visual excellence as Danica Venice Pandio, a Grade 9 visual arts student under the Special Program in the Arts (SPA), emerged as first placer in the recently concluded National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) Poster Making Competition held at VIP Clubhouse, Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

With the theme, KUMIKILOS para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan at Katatagan, the Tomasian artist underscored the significance of disaster preparedness and resilience, highlighting the roles of media, medical practitioners, and government agencies.

In a Facebook post, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) congratulated the artists who showcased their creativity, passion, and advocacy through artworks.

NDRM 2025 aimed to strengthen preparedness as a shared responsibility, continuing commitment, and collaboration among stakeholders.

Photo/PDRRMO Facebook

05/07/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Aiming to strengthen disaster awareness-building and resilience, the School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (SDRRMO), in partnership with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), led the Basic Life Support Training for teaching and non-teaching personnel today, July 5, at Sto. Tomas National High School gymnasium.

Photos/The Grower

02/07/2025

𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗

Ricardo Jr Olmedo raised his fist as a gesture of ‘graceful exit’ as Principal IV of Sto. Tomas National High School. In an installation and turnover ceremony today, the outgoing school chief known as ‘Man of Action’ recalled the legacy he built to the Tomasian community.

“We are doing good business,” Olmedo said highlighting the contribution of the faculty and staff who molded learners under his term.

Meanwhile, Dr. Armando M. Olmedo, the new principal, vowed to continue what his brother had started, pointing out his four agenda: love for work, respect, professionalism, and excellence.

“If there is respect, there is harmonious relationship. I am always open for communication,” he said.

He further said that in striving for excellence, one must uphold professional standards and ethics and give 100 percent love for work.

The ceremony was attended by Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Janette Veloso, Public Schools District Supervisor Eric Indie, Local Government Unit officials, School Parent-Teacher Association officers, Supreme Secondary Learner Government officers, faculty, and staff.

Layout & Design by Paul Rex Manile, former EIC

28/05/2025

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚

Hannah Ashlei J. Regaya delivered an exceptional performance by winning gold in shot put, showcasing her outstanding athleticism and contributing significantly to Davao Eagles’ medal haul at the Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

📷Suzette Villarino

27/05/2025

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚

Tomasian athlete Marco Arela sets a new national record as he clinched gold medal in 2,000-meter Walkathon at the Palarong Pambansa 2025 held in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

More details to follow.

📷 Milchay Nudalo Moreno/Facebook

25/05/2025

𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧!

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) of Davao del Norte issued a warning regarding the water level at Menzi Bridge.

As of 9:10 p.m. on May 25, the water level has reached the Monitoring Phase (Unang Alerto) as per Installed Flood Monitoring Camera, prompting Tomasians to closely monitor should conditions worsen.

For emergencies and disaster incidents, the public is advised to contact the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) through their hotline: 0968-880-7079.

22/05/2025

The Grower commends Dr. Vicente A. Pines, Jr. for being one of the Most Outstanding School Paper Advisers (MOSPA) during the National Schools Press Conference in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Read his Executive Summary:

Kilala sa kanyang marubdob na pagpapaalab ng pamahayagang pangkampus di lamang sa Dibisyon ng Davao del Norte bagkus maging sa buong Rehiyon Onse.

Ipinamalas ang kanyang di-matatawarang kahusayan sa larangan ng pamahayagang pangkampus sa lahat ng kategorya ng individual at group events. Pinanday ng labinlimang taong pagpupunyagi at pagsasakrisyo sa paghubog ng mga batang mamamahayag na tinitingala sa buong Region XI.

Sa kanyang tuluyang pagpapalawig ng pamahayagang pangkampus hindi niya pinagkait ang pagbabahagi sa mga tagapayo ng kanyang Distrito, sa buong Division ng Davao del Norte at maging sa mga karatig na Dibisyon gayundin sa sa ibang rehiyon.

Namukod-tangi ang kanyang pagkislap, bilang tagapayo ng Ang Taga-Punla-na kinilala bilang pangatlong pinakamahusay na pamahayagang pangkampus sa buong Pilipinas sa taong 2023. Nagantimpalaan din bilang pangalawang puwesto para sa pahinang lathalain at pang-apat na puwesto para sa pag-aanyo at pagdidisenyo hanggang patuloy pa ang kanyang pagtingkad sa mga susunod na taon bilang NSPC qualifier sa halos lahat ng pahina.

Gayundin nagningning bilang tagapagsanay sa individual contest na naging konsistent National Schools Press Conference qualifier para sa pagsulat ng balita, editorial cartooning hanggang nasungkit ang pangatlong puwesto sa 2024 National Schools Press Conference sa pagsulat editoryal.

Pinatunayan din niya ang kanyang bagwis maging sa group events, palagiang kinatawan ng Davao del Norte para sa Radio Broadcasting at TV Broadcasting konsistent na nagkamit ng pangalawa at pangatlong puwesto. Hanggang mapalad na madomina ang Regional Schools Press Conference 2019 na naging kampeon sa Radio Broadcasting Secondary para sa NSPC Tuguegarao.

Maliban pa, naging tagapanguna sa pagpapalawig ng pamahayagang pangkampus, nahirang bilang pangulo ng Sto Tomas West District Campus Journalism, team leader sa tv broadcasting coverage para sa DAVRAA 2023 at tagapangulo ng Journalism Academy ng Davao del Norte sa taong 2025.

Higit pang tinitingala ang kanyang pagkislap nang mahaplos niya mga batang mamamahayag at mga tagapayo sa adhika ng pamahayagang pangkampus. Maging ang pinakaliblib na Distrito ng Langilan ay kanyang nilakbay sa pagpapalasap sa tamis ng campus journalism. Naging suki ng mga school-based, District Press Conferences ng Davao del Norte Division at maging sa mga Division Press Conferences ng Digos, Samal at Mati City.

Tunay na ang kanyang liwanag ay patuloy sa pagliyab. Ang paglathala ng mga kagamitang pampagtuturo na nagmarka nang di mapapantayang dedikasyon. Naging manunulat sa Region XI Senior High Contextualized Learning Resources, National TV lesson materials, naging taga-ambag ng Davao Eagles Scribes at nakilala sa news feature articles ng Deped Onse.

Malayo na ang kanyang nilakbay sa larangan ng pamahayagang pangkampus, ang kanyang lunggati ay lubusan nang yumabong. Subalit patuloy pa rin ang kanyang pagpupumiglas para sa tuluyan pagbulusok ng adhikang di kayang buwagin ng kapanahunan.

DAVNOR'S SPA NAMED MOST OUTSTANDING 🏆

School Paper Adviser Dr. Vicente A. Pines of Sto. Tomas National High School in Davao del Norte was recognized as the Most Outstanding SPA (Secondary Level) during the 2025 National Schools Press Conference held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

He earned the award for his leadership in campus journalism and consistent achievements in the field.

📸 DepEd Davao del Norte / Facebook

21/05/2025

𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗛’𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

The Grower is the country's Third Best Sports Section, Secondary English during the National Schools Press Conference held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Competing against more than 80 best school papers in the Philippines, The Grower highlighted the stories of Tomasian athletes who are now scholars at the University of Santo Tomas and Jose Rizal University, sustaining their athletic legacy in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 100. The Grower also featured the prowess of Santo Tomas Athletic Association (STAA) which has surmounted athletics for 12 years and the resurrected glory of STNHS Boxing Team after it halted for years.

Congratulations to the men and women of The Grower for clinching this historic recognition.

Editor-in-Chief: Catherine Jude Royo
Associate Editors: Jenny Rose Canturna and Rhyza Mae Ruiz
Managing Editors: Gweeneth Hillary Gador and Margareth Jude Royo
Sports Editor: Mhike Degorio
Writers: April Jade Pineda, Nicole Jade Mallorca, Raflessia Hyacinth Morales, Gemar Rueda, Joseph Edward Bautista, Quesiah Remolino, and Stephanie Q**m Salubre
Sports Photojournalist: Rizza Palabrica
Cartoonist: Keirah Mace Pleños
Alumnus-Graphics Artist: Paul Rex Manile
School Paper Advisers: Ryan Poliran and Bernadeth Clarin
Consultants: Ricardo Jr. Olmedo (Principal IV) and Jerome Mariano (Assistant School Principal II)

With words, we cultivate truth!

28/03/2025

𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯'𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒

Behind those books and leading voices of authority lies a tale untold, filled with heartbreak, conquest, and determination. A story without the cast of magic, instead a flicker of a mother's miracle.

With the clicking sound of her heels against the classroom floor, wearing a beige-like uniform, her hair tied in a messy bun, she exudes confidence and resilience – showcasing the individual she is behind the gentle tugging smile on her lips.

But underneath this poised facade is a vulnerable woman shining through.

Evon Mae Mandreza, a Grade 9 TLE teacher and single mother of 3 fragile young boys, shoulders immense responsibility. Two of her children struggle with autism, a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how a person behaves or interacts. With her husband's absence, Mandreza considers her sister as her rock in raising them, along with the financial support she receives from her ex-husband's family.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

While many parents hesitate to acknowledge their children's disorder, Mandreza believes that there is nothing to be embarrassed about; instead, she often refers to her sons as "AUsome," based on her page, dedicated to her life as a single mom. Despite her unwavering love and dedication as a mother towards her children, who she considers as her world, she cannot help but admit the challenges she faced.

"It's quite difficult actually. Until now, they still throw tantrums, which requires a lot of patience; fortunately, I don't lack that kind of quality,” she said.

“And I know my children are special, but I want them to experience life as others would. I don't want them to be treated differently," Mandreza said in Bisaya, her voice a mix of melancholy and affection, with a hint of determination.

"They're currently attending therapy," she added, her tone pleased.

However, she does not solely rely on it, nor does she let her sons grow at the hands of specialists from Magsaysay Elementary School, where Mandreza's sons are currently studying. Thus, beyond professional help, she had become her son’s biggest ally. With the assistance of platforms such as Google, she learned to bridge the gap between necessary information she could learn and the current knowledge she possessed to better understand her children's situation.

Her voice cracked with fortitude and strength. She wanted to be there for them—watch them grow and learn to be amazing individuals in the future. She looked at me with eyes glistening from courage, "There's no other person who can nurture them, unlike me. I am a woman, I am their mother and their biggest supporter, and I hope fellow parents who share the same situation as me feel the same way." With a heartfelt smile, she concluded her story. Although her life was far from easy, Mandreza refused to let it hinder her role as a loving mother to her children.

Story by Yvony Clauvin Maghari
Photo by Evon Mae Mandreza

21/03/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Seven scribes of The Grower publication secured spots during the Regional Schools Press Conference held at Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. With the new format of the competition, Tomasians demonstrated the power of storytelling!

𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫
Second Placer, News Writing

𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐨
Fifth Placer, Feature Writing

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐳
𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐳𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐳
𝐋𝐲𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞
𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐚
𝐉𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐚
Third Placers, Online Publishing

Congratulations also to the following finalists who made it to the Top 15:
Angelie Bantulo (Copyreading and Headline Writing), Abbygail Serentas (Column Writing), Yvony Clauvin Maghari (Feature Writing), Dione Mariane Wong (Editorial Writing)