Angara honors heroic teen, achievers at School Safety Week launch

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara honored on Monday the extraordinary bravery of a high school student and the achievements of four international competition medalists during the Department of Education (DepEd) Awards held to coincide with the launch of National School Safety Week at Cainta Elementary School in Rizal.

Angara conferred the DepEd Heroes Award on 14-year-old Bryan Ezel Pamonag of Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, for his heroic actions during a school shooting incident on Sept. 18.

Despite having a gunshot wound on his arm, Pamonag confronted the assailant, closed the classroom door, and blocked the window to buy time for his classmates to escape to safety.

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READ: Student who fought off Banga school shooter: ‘I’ll do it again’

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Angara also presented the newly established DepEd Achievers Award to four international competition medalists from Fountain International School in San Juan City — Jamil Oumar Hataman, Mateo Antonio Sarandi, Prince Akram Qayum, and Mysha Mahreen Macabuat.

The students brought home top honors after winning medals in categories including Spelling Bee, Debate, and Knowledge Quiz at the TeenEagle English Global Finals in London, United Kingdom, last June.

An inspiration, but also a reminder

“Bryan’s bravery gives inspiration, but it’s also a reminder of our responsibility to make sure that every child has a safe environment where they are free to learn, dream, and reach their full potential,” Angara said in Filipino, stressing the shared responsibility of schools, families, and communities in ensuring school safety.

Fame or heroism, Pamonag said, was farthest from his mind during the shooting incident.

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“The wound in my arm will heal, but the pain of losing our classmates, including the victims and those who died in this tragedy, will always remind us how valuable the life of every person is,” Pamonag said.

He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who provided guidance, care, and support during his recovery.

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“That’s why this award is not only for me. I offer it to them, to their families, and to the entire Banga National High School. Thank you for proving that, even if I’m 14 years old, I am not alone. This award is for our determination to rise up,” Pamonag said.

Shining on the global stage

Angara highlighted the milestone of Filipino learners shining on the global stage, noting that their accomplishments reflect the true potential of the nation’s youth.

According to Angara, this initial batch of DepEd Achievers Award recipients marks the beginning of a broader effort by DepEd to recognize returning champions, including learner-athletes and faculty members.

READ: PH improves rank in international education assessment

“This award is also a tribute to parents and school communities, a testament to what we are all capable of achieving together,” Angara said.

Speaking on behalf of Fountain International School and her fellow awardees, Mysha Mahreen Macabuat said that receiving the DepEd Achievers Award was a profound honor, thanking DepEd for celebrating the unlocked potential of young Filipino learners.

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“Attending and winning an international competition was a formative experience that challenged us as learners to look beyond the classroom and recognize what dedication and perseverance can culminate in,” Macabuat said. /atm