19/09/2026
MARES unites stakeholders in 2nd General SPTA Assembly, unveils programs for excellence and success
By: The Metro Aperture | Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School
In a meaningful convergence of parents, school leaders, teachers, community partners, and governance stakeholders, Manuel A. Roxas Elementary School (MARES) successfully held its 2nd General School Parents-Teachers Association (SPTA) Assembly for School Year 2026–2027, highlighted by the convergence of the SPTA and the School Governance Council (SGC) in launching and unveiling the school’s programs, projects, initiatives, and best practices.
Held at the MARES Gymnasium, the assembly served not only as a venue for transparency and consultation but also as a celebration of the school community’s shared commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and thriving learning environment for every MARESian.
Anchored on the school’s guiding philosophy, Ad Excellentiam, Ad Successum— “Toward Excellence, Toward Success,” the gathering emphasized that meaningful school improvement is not achieved by the school alone. Rather, it is strengthened through the collective efforts of teachers, parents, learners, community leaders, and stakeholders.
A Convergence of School and Community
The assembly was graced by Sta. Ana District Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Lilian F. Libre, who delivered an inspiring message to the parents and stakeholders.
Her presence and message underscored the importance of a strong school-community partnership in responding to the needs of learners and in sustaining programs that contribute to their holistic development.
School Principal Ma’am Minnie C. Empasis likewise expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the parents and guardians for their unwavering support to MARES.
She recognized the continued efforts of families who stand beside the school—not only during school activities but also in supporting its programs, projects, initiatives, and best practices designed to help learners grow, learn, and thrive.
For Ma’am Minnie, the strength of MARES lies in the unity of its people. The continued participation of parents and guardians serves as an essential foundation in building a learning environment where children feel supported and encouraged to do their best.
Adding the voice of the community, SGC Elected Chairperson Hon. Lito D. Maquiling, Barangay Chairman of Barangay 25-C, encouraged parents to remain actively involved in the lives of their children.
He emphasized the importance of continuously supporting, guiding, and monitoring learners, particularly as they navigate the challenges of growing up and developing into responsible and productive individuals.
Meanwhile, SPTA President Ma’am Azel D. Polancos extended her appreciation to all parents for their time, effort, and continued support to the school. She also called for an even stronger partnership between the SPTA and the school as MARES continues to implement programs and projects responsive to the needs of its learners.
Transparency and Accountability at the Heart of the Assembly
The assembly also reaffirmed the importance of transparency and accountability in school-community governance.
Ma’am Goldwyn Phoebe Domondon, SPTA Secretary, presented and enunciated the minutes of the previous General SPTA Assembly, providing members with a clear account of previous discussions, agreements, and actions undertaken.
This was followed by the financial reporting of SPTA funds, presented by SPTA Treasurer Ms. Kioko Musa, giving parents and stakeholders an opportunity to be informed about the association’s financial transactions and utilization of funds.
The reports reflected the assembly’s commitment to openness and responsible stewardship—ensuring that parents and stakeholders remain informed and involved in matters concerning the school community.
A Vibrant Unveiling of MARES Programs and Innovations
The highlight of the gathering came with the ceremonial unveiling of MARES’ Programs, Projects, Initiatives, and Best Practices.
The unveiling became a celebration in itself as the MARES Drum and Lyre Corps, under the baton of Ma’am Dolly Ann Alamillo and Ma’am Maria Camille Osorio**, delivered a vibrant and energetic performance that filled the gymnasium with excitement and school spirit.
The entire program was masterfully facilitated by Ma’am Veirnard Angelli Soriano, whose smooth and engaging delivery guided the assembly from one significant part of the program to another.
Following the unveiling, Sir Wendell F. Cartagena presented and explained the different programs, projects, initiatives, and best practices of the school, providing parents and stakeholders with a deeper understanding of how each initiative responds to specific needs of MARES learners.
At the center of these initiatives is the school’s guiding philosophy:
Ad Excellentiam, Ad Successum.
Toward Excellence. Toward Success.
This philosophy is reflected in the school emblem and in the **Roxas Aperture**, the concept that gives meaning to the school’s identity as a learning community that seeks to open opportunities, broaden perspectives, and illuminate pathways toward learning and success.
Among the programs and initiatives unveiled were:
Project M.A.B.U.T.I. – *Moving Against Bullying through Understanding, Teamwork, and Inclusion*, the school’s campaign promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment free from bullying.
Project BALIK-TIWALA – an initiative designed to cultivate honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness among learners, anchored on Homeroom Guidance and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC).
Project S.M.A.R.T. – a reading intervention designed to provide focused support to struggling readers and help them develop essential literacy skills.
Project LIFT– a learning recovery and summer intervention campaign aimed at providing learners with additional opportunities to strengthen their foundational skills.
Project TATITORE – a Key Stage 2 reading intervention approach utilizing the Phil-IRI as a tool for identifying reading needs and providing appropriate intervention.
Project TRUMPA – a school-wide unified announcement system designed to strengthen communication, coordination, and the timely dissemination of important information within the school.
Project SIKAT and Project SIGLA– initiatives supporting recognition, appraisal, motivation, and the celebration of accomplishments among learners and teachers.
Other MARES initiatives and best practices designed to promote learning recovery, learner welfare, safety, health, discipline, participation, teacher development, and stakeholder engagement.
Together, these initiatives represent MARES’ continuing effort to move beyond traditional school practices and create responsive, collaborative, and learner-centered approaches.
They also demonstrate that every program has a purpose: to address a need, create an opportunity, solve a challenge, or celebrate a success.
Celebrating Success, Supporting Every Learner
Following the program unveiling, the assembly transitioned into another important moment—the distribution of Term 1 Report Cards.
The distribution served as a culmination of the learners’ efforts throughout the first term and provided an opportunity for parents and teachers to celebrate academic achievements, recognize improvements, and identify areas where learners may still need additional support.
More than simply presenting grades, the report card distribution became a reminder that every learner has a different pace of learning and a different story of growth.
For those who achieved commendable results, the occasion became a celebration of perseverance and hard work.
For learners who obtained lower grades, however, the message remained equally important: a grade is not the end of the journey, but an opportunity to identify what needs to be strengthened and how school and family can work together to provide support.
Through conversations between teachers and parents, the report card distribution opened opportunities for collaborative planning, encouragement, and intervention.
One MARES, One Direction
The 2nd General SPTA Assembly ultimately became more than an ordinary school meeting.
It became a convergence of purpose.
The SPTA, SGC, school leadership, teachers, parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders stood together in reaffirming a shared commitment—to make every learner feel supported, protected, valued, and given meaningful opportunities to succeed.
From transparency and accountability to innovation and learning recovery; from learner protection to parent participation; from recognizing achievements to supporting those who need help—the assembly reflected what MARES seeks to become: a school community that works together and grows together.
As MARES continues its journey under the banner of Ad Excellentiam, Ad Successum — Toward Excellence, Toward Success, the school community carries with it a simple but powerful commitment:
When the school and the home work hand in hand, every learner is given a stronger pathway toward success.
And at MARES, that pathway continues to be illuminated—one learner, one family, one partnership, and one shared success at a time.
