On the 19th of August, senior students in APEC Schools hosted an amusing Tribal Welcome for the new students. There was also an orientation for the opening of the school year with the whole Cluster E. It was hosted by 10th graders, John Cruz and Ian Hernandez, from the Las Piñas Branch.

The tribes that 7th grade has represented are Tagalog, Aeta, Waray, Cebuano, and T’BOLI.

For the 10th grade, the tribe of Tausug was added, and the rest are similar to the 7th grade. Game facilitators Jervie Dela Rosa and Audrey Diaz conducted 4 Pics 1 Word with several rounds, and the iconic Jollibee branch near APEC-Roxas was included.

Everyone showed off their sections’ own customized backgrounds according to the tribes given. Grade 7 Pangkat Aeta and Grade 10 Pangkat T’Boli won the Most Creative Tribal Welcome Background Award. The camera-ready award was also given to John Wayne Cruz because of his charming reactions while hosting. The Best in OOTD (Outfit of the Day) Award was given to Ammiel John Basquinas and Anne Jayriebelle Soria for the artistic and fitting theme they displayed while on camera.

Before ending the meeting, words of wisdom and encouragement despite the COVID outbreak were given. The messages also gave the students hope.

The significance of celebrating tribals in the country demonstrates that despite the adversity of tribes, the Philippines is still rich in different cultures and customs. However, we remain united as Filipinos, bringing our flag's pride, and the practice of respect gets stronger in stopping stereotypes.