Magallanes Elementary School

A Legacy Rekindled: Magallanes Rondalla's Triumphant Return

After 25 years, Magallanes Elementary School has once again made its mark in the 53rd National Music Competitions for Young Artists, advancing to the elimination round. This achievement carries not only the pride of the present but also the legacy of the past.

That legacy began with Sir Sabino Verula Ibarra, the first Music and Rondalla Teacher at Magallanes ES, who was recently awarded the Gawad Sining Dabaw for Music by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA). This prestigious recognition was presented at the 1st Gawad Sining Dabaw on February 28, 2025, honoring his lifelong contributions to music and culture.

From Sir Ibarra’s pioneering work, the torch was passed to his student, Sir Jim Delola Pascua, who continued to train the school’s Rondalla and nurture its artistry. Later, one of Sir Ibarra's own student, Sir Cristiane Dirk Garduque, once a Rondalla member himself, stepped into the role of coach. This mentorship chain — Ibarra to Pascua to Garduque — is a living testament to how passion and dedication can ripple across generations.

Today, under the guidance of Sir Pascua and Sir Garduque, the learners in the Special Program in the Arts – Music (Instruments) Discipline are proof of how powerful arts education can be. These programs don’t just teach students to play; they instill discipline, creativity, and confidence, shaping young people in ways that reach far beyond the stage.

For Magallanes Elementary School, this milestone is more than a competition victory — it’s a celebration of tradition, mentorship, and the transformative impact of the arts. It shows how the passion of mentors can inspire learners to discover their voices and carry forward a legacy with pride.

👏 Congratulations to the entire team — your hard work and artistry have truly paid off.

Text: MES-SPA Creative Writing
Photos: Sir Cristiane Dirk Garduque

MES SPA PROGRAM OPENS ITS THIRD YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION

Magallanes Elementary School, the pioneering and first elementary school in the Davao Region to offer the Special Program in the Arts (SPA), officially commenced the third year of its program implementation through orientation sessions and preliminary workshops for aspiring young artists.

The SPA orientation and preliminary workshops were conducted on Thursday, June 18, 2026, across the program's seven disciplines. Learners were introduced to the expectations, goals, and learning experiences that await them as they embark on another year of artistic growth and development.

The workshops were facilitated by the following trainers:

Media Arts – Dan Ray Diaz and Warren Bautista

Creative Writing – Lunamira Carpenteros, Ma. Soledad Sularte, and Leila Aberion

Theater Arts – Jhea Impas and Ma.Katrina Lee

Dance Arts – Jocelyn Villareiz, Josiah Nonan, and Engiela Gecali

Music Arts (Vocals) – Ma.Linda Ebol and Graciela Agua

Music Arts (Instruments) – Cristiane Dirk Garduque

Visual Arts – Remegio Acampado and Jose Daryl Torres

Having received various awards and recognitions both in local and national competitions and presentations, the Special Program in the Arts continues to provide learners with opportunities to develop their talents, enhance their creativity, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts. Through the dedication of its trainers, administrators, and community partners, Magallanes Elementary School remains committed to nurturing future artists and showcasing the transformative power of arts education.

As the pioneering elementary SPA institution in the Davao Region, Magallanes Elementary School continues to inspire young learners to dream, create, and excel through the arts.

"Empowering young minds, inspiring creative hearts, and shaping future artists through excellence in arts education."



Text: MES SPA Creative Writing
Photos: MES SPA disciplines

For inquiries, please look for Mr. Cristiane Dirk Garduque- MES SPA Music Instruments Adviser

Magallanes Elementary School Special Program in the Arts

MES Successfully Conducts National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

Magallanes Elementary School actively participated in the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) to strengthen earthquake preparedness and ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and school personnel.

The drill was conducted on June 18, 2026 as part of the government's continuing efforts to promote disaster awareness and readiness among schools and communities. Under the leadership of School Principal Ma'am Vi-Cherry U. Ledesma and School DRRM Coordinator, Mr. Remegio Acampado, participants practiced the proper earthquake response procedure, "Duck, Cover, and Hold."

When the alarm sounded, students, teachers, and school staff immediately performed the safety procedure before calmly proceeding to their designated evacuation areas wearing their hard hats. Each class assembled in assigned locations and carried section signages to facilitate an organized headcount and monitoring of learners.

The activity highlighted the importance of preparedness, especially in light of recent earthquakes experienced in different parts of the country especially in Mindanao. School officials emphasized that regular drills help develop awareness, discipline, and readiness during emergency situations.

The drill was successfully conducted, with participants remaining calm and cooperative throughout the activity. Through the guidance of the school administration and the collective effort of the entire school community, learners gained valuable knowledge and experience in responding appropriately during earthquake emergencies.

Magallanes Elementary School remains committed to promoting a culture of safety and resilience through disaster risk reduction and management programs. Activities such as the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill help ensure that everyone is prepared to respond effectively when emergencies occur.

"Prepared Today, Safe Tomorrow."

Text by: Princess Erica T. Obenza, SPA Creative Writing

Photos by: SPA Media Arts

!!!OFFICIAL ANNOUNCMENT!!!
TO ALL LEARNERS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

👉👉Welcome to Magallanes Elementary School. SY 2026-2027