Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School

MARES represent!❤️❤️❤️

30 YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE
Honoring Ma’am Minnie C. Empasis, Principal III

Congratulations, Ma’am Minnie, on 30 remarkable years of dedicated service to the Department of Education!

Three decades of service is a testament to a life devoted to education, leadership, and the Filipino child. Through the years, you have touched countless lives, inspired educators, nurtured learners, and led with compassion and purpose.

As you continue your journey as Principal of MARES, may your wisdom, dedication, and passion continue to inspire our school community and leave a lasting legacy of excellence.

30 years of service.
30 years of inspiring lives.
30 years of making a difference.

With heartfelt gratitude and admiration,

THE MARES FAMILY

“30 Years of Service, A Lifetime of Inspiring Lives.”

TINY FEET, MIGHTY BEATS
MARES Drum & Lyre Corps makes Its Kadayawan Debut

Before the sun fully rose over Davao City, the excitement was already beating loud in the hearts of the young performers of Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School (MARES). From adorable Kindergarten learners to confident Grade Six pupils, the first-ever MARES Drum & Lyre Corps stepped into the Kadayawan 2026 Street Parade, bringing music, color, energy, and pride to the streets as the parade started along Roxas Street and made its way toward San Pedro Street on August 16, 2026.

For many of the young performers, it was more than a parade—it was their first taste of performing before a huge crowd and becoming part of one of Davao City’s most anticipated celebrations.

“We are excited and nervous at the same time, but we are very happy because this is our first Kadayawan Street Parade as the MARES Drum & Lyre Corps,” shared one of the young performers, capturing the mixture of anticipation and joy felt by the children before the parade began.

The learners expressed their excitement as they prepared to showcase the skills they had developed through rehearsals. Whether holding a lyre, beating a drum, marching as a majorette, or proudly carrying the colors as a color guard, each learner embraced a role that contributed to the unity and identity of the young corps.

But behind every polished uniform, perfectly arranged hairstyle, carefully applied makeup, and energetic performance was a story of dedication that began long before the first drumbeat echoed through the streets.

We woke up as early as 4:00 in the morning to make sure our children were ready—their hair, makeup, costumes, food, and everything they needed for the parade. We are tired, but seeing them excited and happy makes it all worth it,” a parent shared.

The early morning preparations reflected the strong support of families who stood behind the young performers. Parents and guardians carefully prepared their children's wardrobes, packed food and essentials, fixed their hair and makeup, and accompanied them as they took part in this milestone.

The Kadayawan Festival, one of Davao City's most celebrated annual festivities, brings communities together through vibrant cultural presentations, music, dance, and colorful street performances. In 2026, the MARES Drum & Lyre Corps became part of this celebration for the first time, giving its young learners an opportunity to experience the excitement and responsibility of performing in a major city-wide event.

The corps brought together learners from different grade levels, creating a remarkable blend of youthful enthusiasm and emerging talent. The Kindergarten learners added an unmistakable charm as they marched alongside their older schoolmates, while the Grade Six learners demonstrated confidence and leadership.

The performers took on different roles— lyrists, drummers, majorettes, and color guards- but marched with one purpose: to represent MARES with pride.

As the parade moved from Roxas Street toward San Pedro Street, the rhythm of drums, the sparkle of lyres, the graceful movements of majorettes, and the coordinated steps of the color guards transformed the young learners into one spirited performing unit.

The streets became their stage, while their families, teachers, fellow Dabawenyos, and spectators became witnesses to a new chapter in the school's performing arts journey.

For the young performers, however, the most memorable part of the day was not simply reaching the end of the parade route. It was the experience of discovering that courage can begin with a small step—and sometimes, with a tiny pair of marching shoes.

The first Kadayawan participation of the MARES Drum & Lyre Corps was more than a debut performance. It was a celebration of teamwork, discipline, family support, confidence, and young talent.

From the parents who rose before dawn to the teachers and mentors who helped prepare the learners, and most especially to the Kindergarten to Grade Six performers who marched despite their excitement and nervousness, every drumbeat carried a story of dedication.

As the final notes echoed along the parade route, the MARES Drum & Lyre Corps left behind more than music and color. They left a message that even the youngest learners can take on a big stage when supported by a community that believes in them.

Their first Kadayawan may have ended at San Pedro Street, but for MARES, the beat has only just begun.

Our warmest and most heartfelt thanks to our dedicated and selfless teacher- moderators, Ma’am Maria Camille Osorio and Ma’am Dolly Ann Alamillo.

Through Motion and Mission: MARES first-time MOJOs rise to the challenge at Campus Journalism Academy IV

Three first-time Mobile Journalism (MOJO) aspirants from Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School (MARES) proved that determination can overcome even the toughest journey as they joined fellow campus journalists from public and private elementary schools across Davao City in the Campus Journalism Academy Year IV, a two-day training-workshop on Mobile Journalism held at Crossing Bayabas National High School, Toril, Davao City.

Representing MARES were Georginia Armentano, Pauleen Entero, and Addy Queen Antipuesto, who took their first steps into the evolving world of mobile journalism as they prepared for the anticipated Davao City Schools Press Conference in September 2026.

For Addy Queen Antipuesto, being a first-timer was both exciting and challenging. The training opened a new opportunity for her to discover how a simple mobile device can become a powerful tool for storytelling, documentation, and journalism.

“At first, I felt nervous because this was my first time joining a Mobile Journalism training, but I also felt excited because I knew that I would learn new skills and meet other young journalists,”Addy shared.

The two-day workshop introduced participants to the fundamentals and practical applications of Mobile Journalism, allowing aspiring MOJOs to develop skills in gathering information, capturing visuals, conducting interviews, writing stories, and producing news content using mobile technology.

Yet before the cameras started rolling and the stories began unfolding, the three MARES delegates had to overcome another challenge—the journey itself.

Traveling to Crossing Bayabas National High School in Toril was not easy for the young journalists. The trip to and from the venue became a test of endurance as all three struggled with motion sickness during the journey.

The discomfort was particularly challenging because they had to endure the feeling not only on their way to the training but also on their return trip. Despite the physical struggle, they chose to continue, keeping their eyes on the opportunity waiting for them at the academy.

For Georginia Armentano, the experience became more than simply attending a training session. It became a lesson in perseverance.

“The travel was really difficult for us because we experienced motion sickness, but we still continued because we wanted to learn and represent MARES. We reminded ourselves that the journey was part of the experience, and giving up was never an option,”Georginia said.

The Campus Journalism Academy Year IV brought together aspiring young journalists from different public and private elementary schools in Davao City for intensive learning and hands-on activities in Mobile Journalism.

As the landscape of journalism continues to evolve, MOJO provides young journalists with an accessible platform where smartphones and other mobile devices can be transformed into tools for responsible storytelling.

For the MARES delegates, the training was an opportunity not only to acquire technical skills but also to develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and journalistic discipline.

Their participation also serves as an important preparation for the Davao City Schools Press Conference, which is expected to take place in September 2026, where young journalists will have the opportunity to showcase their developing talents and compete alongside other campus journalists in the city.

The experience of Armentano, Entero, and Antipuesto reminds the MARES community that meaningful achievements often begin with uncomfortable journeys. From battling motion sickness on the road to facing the unfamiliar challenges of their first MOJO training, the three young aspirants continued moving forward.

Their journey to the Campus Journalism Academy was therefore more than a trip to a training venue. It was their first significant step toward becoming storytellers who can use technology to inform, inspire, and give voice to the stories of their school and community.

As the Davao City Schools Press Conference draws closer, MARES now looks forward to seeing its first-time MOJO aspirants transform the lessons of the academy into stories that matter—one frame, one interview, and one story at a time.

HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR
A simple device, a meaningful investment in every teacher’s voice

DAVAO CITY —In a meaningful gesture of support for teachers, the Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School (MARES) in Davao City expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office and Secretary Sonny Angara for providing an individual lapel microphone to each of its 35 teachers.

The distribution of the lapel microphones marks more than just the arrival of new equipment. For the teachers of MARES, it represents a practical investment in their daily work—helping make classroom instruction, presentations, school programs, meetings, and other learning activities more audible, engaging, and accessible.

With one lapel microphone provided for every teacher, all 35 members of the teaching force can now have access to a personal audio device that can support clearer communication while performing their instructional and school-related responsibilities.

For teachers who spend hours speaking, explaining, facilitating activities, and engaging learners, the small device can make a significant difference.

A teacher’s voice is one of the most important tools in the classroom. It carries instructions, explains concepts, encourages learners, tells stories, asks questions, and inspires children to participate. With the support provided through the individual lapel microphones, teachers can deliver these messages with greater convenience and clarity.

The initiative also reflects the continuing effort to equip teachers with appropriate tools that respond to the realities of modern teaching. Technology, when placed in the hands of educators, becomes more than equipment—it becomes a means of strengthening instruction and improving the learning experience of children.

For MARES, the distribution is particularly meaningful because all 35 teachers received their own lapel microphone. Instead of sharing limited equipment, every teacher is given an opportunity to use the device whenever it is needed for classroom or school activities.

The school community sees this support as a reminder that teachers’ needs matter and that providing them with the right tools can contribute to a more effective and empowered teaching force.

More importantly, the microphones are expected to be put to work—not simply stored as equipment, but used in classrooms, school programs, presentations, learning activities, and other occasions where the teachers’ voices need to be heard clearly.

Behind every microphone is a teacher with a story to tell, a lesson to share, and learners to inspire.

As the 35 teachers of Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School receive this modest yet valuable piece of equipment, the school extends its sincere appreciation to DepEd Central Office and Secretary Sonny Angara for this meaningful support.

Thank you, DepEd Central Office and Secretary Sonny Angara, for helping make every teacher’s voice heard—loud and clear.

At MARES, the microphone may be small, but the message it carries is powerful: when teachers are equipped, learners are empowered.

CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (IP) DAY
August 10, 2026 | Manuel A. Roxas Elementary SchooL

In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Day on August 10, 2026, Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School (MARES) highlighted the rich cultural identity, heritage, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples through a meaningful celebration held immediately after the flag-raising ceremony.

Under the guidance of Ma’am Hazel C. Kunong, District IP Coordinator, the school gathered learners belonging to the Sama Di-Laut community, popularly known as Badjao learners, who proudly wore their traditional attire and cultural costumes. The activity provided an opportunity for the learners to showcase their identity and heritage through a cultural pictorial and musical performance, creating a vibrant and meaningful atmosphere of pride and appreciation.

Adding significance to the celebration, Ma’am Minnie C. Empasis, School Principal, delivered a reflective message emphasizing the importance of recognizing, respecting, and preserving the culture and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. She reminded everyone that diversity is a strength and that every learner, regardless of cultural background, deserves to be respected, valued, and given the opportunity to learn and thrive.

The celebration served not only as a recognition of Indigenous culture but also as a reminder that education is a powerful bridge for inclusion, understanding, and cultural preservation. Through activities such as this, MARES continues to foster a school community where every learner is seen, heard, respected, and celebrated.

MARES proudly stands with our Indigenous learners in honoring their identity, celebrating their heritage, and building a more inclusive and culturally responsive school community.

YOUNG VOICES, BOLD VISIONS

With pens poised, ideas flowing, and creativity turned into compelling stories and illustrations, young campus journalists from across Davao City converged at Crossing Bayabas National High School, Toril, Davao City, on August 8, 2026, for the Davao Schools Press Conference Academy X (DSPC Academy X)—a one-day training-workshop designed to sharpen the skills and deepen the commitment of campus journalists from both public and private elementary and secondary schools.

Among the participants were campus journalists from Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School (MARES), who took part in various journalism disciplines alongside fellow young writers and artists from schools throughout the city.

Representing MARES were Rym Ameerah Tocalo in News Writing–English, Keith Corpuz in Feature Writing, DJ Pareno in Column Writing, Jash Gardose in Sci-Tech Writing, Misael Deleon in Pagsulat ng Agham, Farhanah Khan, Chloe Anasco, and Jehaan Mauna in Editorial Cartooning, and Xyrell Baynosa in Pagguhit ng Tudling.

For Jash Gardose, the academy became more than a classroom for learning the fundamentals of science and technology writing. It became an opportunity to transform scientific information into stories that young readers could understand and appreciate.

“Science writing is not just about giving facts. It is also about explaining science in a simple, clear, and interesting way so that other people can understand it.” Gardose said.

Her dedication paid off when his Sci-Tech Writing output received a Bronze Medal, marking a significant achievement in the one-day training-workshop.

The recognition underscored how effective science communication can bridge the gap between technical knowledge and everyday understanding—especially when young journalists are given the opportunity to tell stories through their own perspectives.

While words carried the stories of some young journalists, Farhanah Khan allowed lines, symbols, and visual messages to speak.

Her output in Editorial Cartooning was selected for 2nd Place, proving that a powerful message does not always require paragraphs of text. With a keen eye for social issues and a creative hand, Khan translated ideas into a visual commentary capable of communicating meaning at a glance.

“Editorial cartooning taught me that even a simple drawing can make people think, ask questions, and understand an issue,” Khan said.

Her achievement demonstrated the essential role of editorial cartooning in campus journalism—a discipline where creativity meets commentary and where a single image can challenge readers to look beyond the surface.

DSPC Academy X gathered campus journalists from public and private elementary and secondary schools across Davao City, creating a dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and skills development.

The one-day training-workshop provided participants with opportunities to strengthen their competencies in different journalism disciplines while gaining valuable insights from school paper advisers and coaches.

The MARES delegation was accompanied by school paper advisers and coaches Marife Mawanag – MOJO, Rigan Alam – News Writing, Jamilah Mauna – Column Writing, Krisna Mae Landasan – Editorial Cartooning, and Wendell Cartagena – Sci-Tech Writing/Pagsulat ng Agham.

Beyond technical skills, the academy emphasized the responsibility of young journalists to seek truth, observe carefully, write accurately, and communicate responsibly.

For the participants, the experience was not merely about producing an output for a competition. It was about discovering that journalism is a craft that demands curiosity, courage, creativity, and integrity.

The accomplishments of Khan and Gardose became highlights of MARES' participation in DSPC Academy X, but the greater victory was shared by the entire delegation.

Every story drafted, every column written, every scientific concept explained, and every line drawn represented hours of preparation and the willingness of young learners to find their voices.

As the academy came to a close, the young journalists returned to their respective schools carrying new lessons, renewed confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.

The DSPC Academy X may have lasted only a day, but for these young journalists, it opened a longer journey—one where stories become voices, ideas become messages, and every stroke of a pen or pencil becomes a chance to illuminate the truth.

For in campus journalism, the youngest voices may hold the smallest pens—but they can write stories big enough to move a city.

Congratulations!

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Wikang Filipino, Pinagyaman ng AI sa Makabagong Panahon

Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School, Matagumpay na Binuksan ang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2026

Sa layuning higit pang palalimin ang pagmamahal sa wikang pambansa at maipakita ang kahalagahan nito sa makabagong teknolohiya, matagumpay na isinagawa ng Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School ang Pambungad na Pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2026 nitong Agosto 3, 2026. Tampok sa pagdiriwang ang temang “Wikang Filipino at AI: Kasangkapan sa Pananaliksik at Tulay sa Yaman ng Impormasyon,” na nagbibigay-diin sa makabuluhang ugnayan ng Wikang Filipino at Artificial Intelligence bilang katuwang sa pagkatuto, pananaliksik, at pagpapalawak ng kaalaman.

Naging makahulugan ang pagbubukas ng programa sa pamamagitan ng taimtim na panalangin na pinangunahan ni Ainsly Mayon, mag-aaral ng Ikaanim na Baitang – Pangkat Fort Del Pilar, na humiling ng patnubay upang maging matagumpay ang buong pagdiriwang.

Ipinaliwanag naman ni Bb. Virginia A. Fuentes, Tagapag-ugnay sa Filipino, ang kahalagahan ng pagdiriwang at ang mensahe ng tema. Binigyang-diin niya na sa panahon ng mabilis na pag-unlad ng teknolohiya, nananatiling mahalagang gamitin at pagyamanin ang Wikang Filipino bilang daluyan ng kaalaman, kultura, at pambansang pagkakakilanlan, habang matalinong ginagamit ang Artificial Intelligence bilang kasangkapan sa pananaliksik at pagkatuto.

Kasunod nito ang Mensahe ng Inspirasyon mula sa Punongg**o na si Gng. Minnie C. Empasis, na humikayat sa mga mag-aaral na patuloy na mahalin, gamitin, at ipagmalaki ang Wikang Filipino sa loob at labas ng paaralan, kasabay ng responsable at makabuluhang paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya.

“Ang Wikang Filipino ay nananatiling puso ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Pilipino. Habang umuunlad ang teknolohiya at Artificial Intelligence, lalo nating dapat gamitin ang ating wika upang maging daan ng makabuluhang pananaliksik, wastong impormasyon, at makataong pagkatuto.” — Gng. Minnie C. Empasis, Punongg**o

Lalong naging makulay at masigla ang pagdiriwang sa pamamagitan ng iba't ibang pagtatanghal na nagbigay-buhay sa mayamang kulturang Pilipino at nagpakita ng talento ng mga mag-aaral.

Nagbigay aliw si Chami Lanos mula sa Ikatlong Baitang – Pangkat Del Pilar sa kanyang madamdaming isahang awit, habang ipinamalas naman ng piling mga mag-aaral ng Ikaanim na Baitang ang kagandahan ng kulturang Pilipino sa kanilang makulay at masiglang katutubong sayaw (Folk Dance).

Nagkaroon din ng mga paligsahan sa bugtong at trivia question and answer na lalong nagpasigla sa programa.

Hindi lamang nito sinubok ang kaalaman ng mga mag-aaral sa Wikang Filipino at kulturang Pilipino, kundi lalo rin nitong hinikayat ang kanilang aktibong pakikilahok at pagpapahalaga sa sariling wika.

Ang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa tuwing buwan ng Agosto ay isang taunang programa ng mga paaralan sa buong bansa upang gunitain ang kahalagahan ng Wikang Filipino bilang pambansang wika at sagisag ng ating pagkakaisa. Sa taong ito, binibigyang-tuon ng temang “Wikang Filipino at AI: Kasangkapan sa Pananaliksik at Tulay sa Yaman ng Impormasyon” ang mahalagang papel ng Wikang Filipino sa makabagong panahon, kung saan ang Artificial Intelligence ay nagsisilbing katuwang sa pananaliksik at pag-access ng impormasyon, habang nananatiling sentro ang tao sa responsable at etikal na paggamit nito.

Sa matagumpay na pagbubukas ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2026, muling pinatunayan ng Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School ang matatag nitong adhikain na hubugin ang mga mag-aaral na may pagmamahal sa sariling wika, kultura, at pagkakakilanlan. Sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pakikilahok ng mga g**o, mag-aaral, at pamunuan ng paaralan, naging makabuluhang paalala ang pagdiriwang na ang Wikang Filipino ay hindi lamang tulay ng komunikasyon kundi isa ring matatag na kasangkapan sa paglinang ng karunungan at responsableng paggamit ng Artificial Intelligence tungo sa mas maunlad at makabagong lipunan.