By: Glenn D. Tipay, EPS II-SMN
Olongapo City – The Schools Division of Olongapo City successfully held the 2025 Division Musabaqah Festival on February 27, 2025, at Olongapo City National High School from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN. The event, spearheaded by Dr. Danilo M. Dela Rosa, Education Program Supervisor, provided enriching opportunities for Madrasah Education Program learners to showcase their talents, strengthen their cultural identity, and deepen their appreciation of Islamic heritage.
The program started with a warm Welcome Remarks from Dr. Sandy T. Cabarle, Principal IV of Olongapo City National High School, who emphasized the significance of the event in promoting active participation and enhancing students’ learning experiences. The inspirational message given by CID Chief Education Program Supervisor Dr. Eleonor C. Cayabyab put emphasis on the festival’s contribution to fostering a greater understanding of culture among young people, and Engr. Alix Pasandalan, the respected Muslim Community Overall Chairman of Zambales, highlighted the festival’s role in deepening cultural appreciation among the youth.
Dr. Danilo M. Dela Rosa, Education Program Supervisor, then presented the Statement of Purpose, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural and religious heritage among students. The proceedings were further enriched by the Presentation of Judges led by Nita V. Mago, Head Teacher V of Olongapo City National High School, who ensured fairness and transparency throughout the competition.
The event gave learners a chance to demonstrate their mastery of subjects including Harf Touch, Arabic language spelling, oration (Naseehah), and Qur’an Reading. These categories emphasized the value of cultural heritage and religious knowledge in addition to testing the participants’ academic abilities.
The winners per category are:
🔹 Harf Touch Contest
🥇 First Place: Alfarise I. Camama – Tabacuhan Elementary School
🥈 Second Place: Sittie Aisah Dimasira – Nellie E. Brown Elementary School
🥉 Third Place: Nisren Rasamala – East Bajac-Bajac Elementary School
🔹 Arabic Language Spelling (Imla) Contest
🥇 First Place: Amerah D. Sarip – Tabacuhan Elementary School
🥈 Second Place: Sittie Sohailah S. Ali – Olongapo City Elementary School
🥉 Third Place: Muhammad Amoran – East Bajac-Bajac Elementary School
🔹 Oration (Naseehah) Contest
🥇 First Place: Shamia D. Begosa – Tabacuhan Elementary School
🥈 Second Place: Esnihaya Tangcolo – Olongapo City Elementary School
🥉 Third Place: Jamilah Batuan – East Bajac-Bajac Elementary School
🔹 Reading Quran Contest
🥇 First Place: Jennylyn Rose Gamueda Asinan Elementary School
🥈 Second Place: – Raihan A. Saidamen -Tabacuhan Elementary School
🥉 Third Place: Afnan S. Pasandalan East Bajac Bajac Elementary School
All participants received certificates of participation, with medals and certificates awarded to the winners in each category. Coaches of the winning participants were also acknowledged for their dedication and support.
The Division Musabaqah Festival not only served as a platform for academic and cultural enrichment but also celebrated the diversity and unity within the community. Participants and organizers alike expressed their enthusiasm for future editions, hopeful that such events would continue to inspire and empower students across Olongapo City.
As the festivities concluded, participants departed with a renewed sense of pride in their achievements and a commitment to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage through education.
