In commemoration with the 119th Independence Day with the theme “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin”, CES pupils enjoyed a monthlong celebration of fun and stimulating activities that demonstrates their patriotism.  Headed by the Araling Panlipunan Coordinator, Mr.  Jonas Oja and AP Teacher, Ms. Acrima Labay with the support of their current School Head, Genalin S.  Ong, an array of activities was prepared to give pupils opportunities to express their love of country in different forms. The activities consisted of a unified Flag Ceremony, Poster and Slogan Making Contest, Quiz Bee and a Culminating activity. The event was held solely in Cuneta Elementary School.

The first activity was a unified Flag Ceremony to participated by pupils of all grade level to revere the Philippine Flag. In order to facilitate every grade level, the committee planned a temporary ground accommodation for the students while an on-going construction on school ground happens. Current School Head, Mrs.  Genalin S. Ong welcomed CES students for the event and stressed the importance of celebrating the Independence Day.

The second activity was a slogan and poster making contest and was held on June 21, 2017. The participants came from Grade Four to Grade Six. They were given the theme of the event and mechanics that they should base their works on. Mr. Jonas Oja and Ms. Acrima Labay facilitated the event with the help of the pupils’ advisers to ensure the contest proceeds smoothly. The winners of the event were Kyle Andrei Espanola from Grade VI-Rizal for Slogan and Chlotair De La Cruz from Grade VI-Rizal for the poster.

On June 27, 2017, Mr. Jonas Oja and Ms. Acrima Labay gathered six pupils each from Grade Three to Grade Six to participate in a Quiz Bee with questions centered on important facts about the Independence Day. The event was held in the ICT room. Each PUPIL was grouped into six consisted of every grade level to give students opportunities to connect with the lower and higher grade levels. For the winners, the two advisers chose three groups that won the 1st place to 3rd place.

To give emphasize on the purpose of the activities, a culminating event was arranged in the room of Grade Three and Grade Five and was attended by the pupils. Master of Ceremony, Ruby Jane Satosa welcomed each student and explained the purpose of the activity and was followed by the current school head, Mrs. Genalin S. Ong who gave an opening speech on why Independence Day was celebrated every year.

Different grade levels participated in the culminating event and chose a particular activity that expresses reverence for the Independence Day. The first group was from Grade Three with the leadership of their two advisers, Mrs. Julieta Ballesteros and Mrs. Leah Bumanlag. Grade Three students endeared the audience through their Acrostics of the word ‘Kalayaan’.

The next one to perform was from Grade Four-Carinosa with the leadership of Ms. Acrima Labay and with the support of their classroom adviser Mrs. Lorena Aliperio. Grade Four students earned a staggering clap from the audience with their speech choir. The last group came from the Grade Six level under the training of Mr. Jonas Oja. They awed the audience with their intricate dance interpretation of the “Handog ng Pilipino’ song.

After each group performed, Mrs. Genalin S. Ong awarded the winners of the Slogan and Poster Making contest. The 1st place winners to 3rd place winners were also given certificates to accentuate their participation. The event ended with Mr. Jonas Oja and Ms. Acrima Labay’s speech who thanked everyone for their active participation in the culminating activity.

The monthlong-activity stressed the need that each Filipino should celebrate the Independence Day by remembering every Hero that fought for freedom. There are so many forms of arts inspired by the Independence Day and it is heart-warming to see CES pupils contribute to its long list. Despite the on-going construction that hindered all CES students to participate, all school personnel helped in ensuring the event still happens. This reflects the event’s theme of helping each other to overcome any challenges.