Letran SHS conquers field demonstration 2024

Crisjan Magaddatu

MANILA, Philippines — Students from Grade 11 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strands were crowned as the overall champion in the field demonstration 2024 held on November 25 at the St. Thomas Grounds.

Spearheaded by the Letran Senior High School, the event was attended by students across different grade levels from kindergarten to college. 

“To continue the legacy of service to Deus, Patria, and Letran, we need to exercise or put into practice what we have learned and collaborate with others,” Vice President for Religious Affairs, Rev. Fr. Patricio P. Hiwatig O.P. said in his opening remarks.

He also shared the history of the Colegio in terms of camaraderie, emphasizing how the institution was formed through the collaboration of two people.

“Sana katulad ni St. Liem, sana walang iwanan sa saya like today as we celebrate Colegio week,” Father Hiwatig added, citing the martyrdom of Letran’s alumnus, Saint Vincent Liem Dela Paz.

This event culminates the month-long preparations of each team, which was priorly given their respective concepts to work with, highlighting this year's theme: “A Journey to Opportunity for Sustainability and Empowerment.”

The students set the stage ablazed with their dance grooves and colorful costumes as they perform in front of the panel of judges comprised of Jerwen Sabandal, a Physical Education and Health (PEH) teacher; Mark Pernia, a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in MAPEH; and Martin Emmanuel Agliam, a multi-medalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts and the former President of Letran SHS Danza En Ritmo Performing Group. 

“Yung first factor na pinaka-hinahanap ko is, of course, yung relevance sa theme tapos kung pa’no ginawa ‘yung steps or kung paano ‘yung transition nila, ‘yung uniqueness ng steps, and lastly ‘yung execution ng students,” Agliam stated, explaining his criteria for judging. 

He also praised all the dancers for all the effort that they exerted throughout the event.

“Since galing din naman ako sa Letran, alam ko kung gaano kahirap maglaan ng oras for practice, so good job sa kanila,” he further expounded. 

With this, Grade 11 and 12 STEM and ICT strands bagged the championship title and the first place respectively while the ABM and HE strands were hailed as the second and third placers.

In an interview, Mr. Roliezon Tagaytay, the overall in-charge for the event, revealed that unforeseen circumstances posed a significant hindrance for them.

“Tulong-tulong kami para mabuo ‘to kaya nakakatuwa kasi hindi na namin siya nakikita bilang problema but as a strength for us to improve our performances,” he stated.

He also expressed his gratitude to God and the Letran community for giving him the opportunity to lead this event.

“Thank you so much for all the support especially to God, kasi siya ang kapitan natin kapag nahihirapan na tayo. Sana maging malaki ang impact nito sa Colegio week,” Mr. Tagaytay noted.

The field demonstration was originally scheduled last November 4 but was postponed along with the entire Colegio week celebration due to multiple class suspensions brought by the successive tropical cyclones that hit the country.