In many schools today, one truth is becoming painfully clear: progress is impossible without students' participation. Stated by Principal II, Richard Celo of Surallah Central Elementary School, during the third Municipal-Wide Journalist Training, the principal is the captain of the ship—they must be responsible in leading schools. However, how can one lead hundreds of students when they lack the effort in helping enhance or improve the school? Classrooms can be repaired, programs can be launched, and teachers can give their full effort—but if students themselves lack awareness, cooperation, and responsibility, no school can truly improve. And this is exactly the problem we face now. 

Principal Richard Celo of Surallah Central Elementary School may not make national headlines, but his daily work shows what true school leadership looks like. Being a principal isn’t just about schedules, budgets, or reports—it’s about guiding students, mentoring teachers, and building community. “Hindi kayo kailangan masaktan para matuto,” he reminds his students, modeling leadership that is both caring and legally grounded under DepEd Order No. 40 and RA 7610.

In the age of technology and global connectivity, it is alarming that a segment of the Filipino population remains trapped in the shadows of educational illiteracy. According to the 2023 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), approximately 6.9 million Filipinos aged 10–64 are functionally illiterate, unable to read, write, or comprehend simple messages in everyday life. This is not just a number—it is a societal time bomb.