APC opens new school year with rituals, community engagement, and steady enrollment

The school management team, teachers, visiting Jesuit novices, parents and students attended the ritual for school opening. Datu Nestor Menaling led the ritual with other members of the Bendum Tribal Council.

The APC school opened School Year 2025-2026 with a two-day program that celebrated Pulangiyēn culture, strengthened community bonds, and oriented students and parents for the year ahead. The same opening activities were also carried out in APC’s connecting schools in Mindagulos, Nabawang, and Nabag-o, reinforcing a shared commitment to holistic and culture-based education across the Upper Pulangi area.

The first day began with a ritual led by members of the Bendum Tribal Council, welcoming students, teachers, and visitors. This was followed by a pahina (community clean-up) involving both parents and students, embodying the spirit of shared responsibility for the learning environment. Snacks were provided mid-morning and lunch was shared among teachers and tribal leaders.

In the afternoon, students were engaged in various games while key school officials and teachers facilitated a general orientation session for parents which included introductions of teaching staff, school expectations, grading systems, and discussions on the Dalēpaan and parent roles in school life.

The second day focused on classroom-level activities. Students engaged in “Getting to Know” sessions, set expectations with their teachers, and participated in storytelling and art activities to reflect on their summer break experiences. High school students also elected their Student Body Officers, helping build leadership skills and encouraging active student involvement.

This year, the APC school welcomed a total of 390 students: 133 in the three connecting schools offering Kinder to Grade 3, and 257 in Bendum from across all grade levels, from Kinder to Grade 12. The enrollment figures are consistent with last year’s numbers, reflecting continued community trust in APC’s educational approach.

As the new school year begins, APC continues its mission to provide an education rooted in indigenous identity, environmental guardianship, and community participation that contribute to forming young leaders equipped to serve both their people and their land.