07/12/2025
Population and Development Week 2025 Celebrated with Purpose and Passion
The Zambales National High School (ZNHS) marked a dynamic celebration of Population and Development (PopDev) Week on December 3, 2025, guided by the theme “Tao Ang Puso ng Pag-unlad.”
The event was led by Sir Joeper A. Sembrano, adviser of the PopEd Club, together with Ma’am Jennifer D. Rapada, PopEd Club co-adviser, and the dedicated student officers of the organization. Their leadership helped bring to life an engaging and meaningful program for the second day of the PopDev Week celebration.
Two major competitions took center stage; Infomercial Making and Spoken Poetry. Both geared toward deepening students’ awareness of population issues and highlighting the vital role individuals play in shaping sustainable development. Participants showcased creativity and advocacy as they expressed how people remain at the heart of progress.
Sir Sembrano emphasized the importance of empowering the youth with knowledge, saying that understanding population concerns “helps students grasp how every decision and action impacts community growth and national development.”
Ma’am Rapada added that PopDev education encourages learners “to take an active part in shaping a future where human welfare, responsibility, and development go hand in hand.”
As a continuation of the celebration, December 4, 2025 featured another intellectually stimulating competition: the Extemporaneous Speech. Students delivered insightful speeches on timely and relevant topics including fake news, inclusivity, gender equality, artificial intelligence, social justice, corruption, violence against women and their children, teenage pregnancy, and peer pressure. Through their spontaneous yet powerful reflections, participants demonstrated awareness, critical thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility, further embodying the essence of PopDev Week.
To honor the success of the events, the PopEd Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the judges whose expertise and support contributed greatly to the integrity and meaningful conduct of the competitions.
Judges for Infomercial Making:
• Christian Gerard De Leon – Teacher I
• Mary Princess Mundia – Teacher III
• Nerrie Domalanta – Head Teacher III
Judges for Spoken Poetry:
• Lea L. Domincil - Teacher II
• Mariane Joy M. Fermil - Teacher II
• Exelsa D. Dilag - Master Teacher I
Judges for Extemporaneous Speech:
• Daisy M. Nalicat, EdD - Master Teacher I
• Paula A. Anilao - Teacher I
• Jennifer A. Sulapas - Teacher II
At the end of the program, the advisers expressed their hope that students continue to become informed, responsible, and proactive citizens and be the champions of development and advocates of a progressive society.
