Celebrating growth, culture, and community: APC holds quarterly card distribution and parents’ meetings

At APC, every end of the quarterly grading period becomes more than a time to distribute cards and extends into a gentle gathering of families, teachers, tribal leaders, and students who come together to celebrate learning, culture, and community.

This schoolyear’s school Card Distribution for the first and second grading periods and parents’ meetings once again filled the campus with warmth, reminding everyone that a child’s education is carried not just by the learner, but also by their support system – their families and by the whole community standing beside them.

The First Grading Card Distribution and Parents’ Meeting opened with bright smiles as students received their cards and heard encouraging words from teachers. Many children showed good performance, earning higher grades and special recognition, and their parents stood proudly beside them, celebrating every achievement – big or small.

As the day unfolded, the campus shifted into the lively colors of the Buwan ng Wika Showcase of Learning. Learners offered dasang, limbay, Pulangiyēn songs, dances, and friendly games, creating an afternoon filled with laughter and cultural pride. Teachers described it as “one of the best celebrations here at APC,” a celebration where joy, culture, and learning blended so naturally that families were reminded why APC’s education is rooted in their own identity.

For the Second Grading Card Distribution and Parents’ Meeting, the community gathered with the same spirit of unity. APC School Manager Maura Lipanda welcomed everyone – sitio leaders, tribal elders, parents, teachers, and students who walked or traveled from distant villages to be present. In her message, she reminded the children that every award is the fruit of patience and effort, and that those who did not receive recognition should not be discouraged but continue to persevere.

As teachers called students onto the stage for Pigbantug or awarding, from Kinder to Grade 12, each child walked up with shy smiles while parents applauded proudly. Even for those who did not receive awards, teachers made sure the message remained clear: learning is a journey, and every day offers a new chance to grow.

The celebration continued with heartfelt presentations. Grade school students sang an original lyric piece written by Teacher Corazon Almahan, while high school learners energized the crowd with their muya-muya dance. These moments highlighted talent, creativity, and cultural pride that APC nurtures with care.

Busdi Barangay Kagawad and tribal member Danilo Deloso congratulated the students in his message and reminded them that success comes not from being the brightest overnight but from the commitment to keep going “because only those who persevere usually finish their studies.” He encouraged the children to study well, behave with respect, and care for one another – values that strengthen both the school and the community.

The parents’ meeting that followed in the afternoon became a space for open reflection and shared responsibility. Ate Mercy Pakiwag, APC Coordinator for Teacher and Student Formation, expressed concerns about absences, tardiness, and the rising use of gadgets, encouraging parents to help their children balance responsibilities, manage their time, and participate in school activities. Ate Thelma Compade, Kinder Teacher and Grade School Coordinator, reminded families of the link between attendance and 4Ps or IPs benefits, stressing the importance of keeping children in school during class hours. A meaningful conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) also sparked reflections on how gadgets shape culture, rituals, and relationships. Both Ate Maura and Ate Thelma emphasized the need for balance – welcoming the benefits of technology while protecting Indigenous cultural practices and the rhythms of daily life.

The meeting also touched on the feeding program, with Ate Thelma encouraging parents to be mindful of their schedules for cooking, bringing firewood, and supporting the collective effort to nourish the children each day. School Registrar Risajean Berdesola clarified the parental contribution and reminded families about the importance of securing PSA birth certificates, especially for Grade 12 students. She also explained procedures for enrollment certificates and Form 137 requests. Although only six parents from the farthest villages were able to attend due to the weather, teachers made sure no family was left behind by distributing cards through advisers.

As the gathering concluded, the community looked forward to the months ahead. The Third Grading Card Distribution and Parents’ Meeting is set for 21 February 2026, while the Fourth Grading Recognition and Final Card Distribution will take place during the Closing Ceremonies in March 2026. These upcoming events will again be moments to honor effort, address challenges, and strengthen the shared care that guides every learner.

Through these first two grading periods, APC shows that learning thrives where community grows. Every prayer, every round of applause, every reminder from a teacher, and every parent who shows up contributes to raising children who understand where they come from, who value their culture, and who walk their educational journey supported by family and community.

At APC, education is not just about grades but also about shaping young people rooted in culture, strengthened by community, and filled with hope for the future.