05/07/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ข-๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐, ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ
Jaro National High School officially commenced the first day of Pahampang 2026 on July 4, 2026. Countless students from each council gathered on campus, transforming the grounds into a vibrant sea of colors. Every learner from Grades 7 to 12 filled the venue with excitement as loud music blasted through the speakers and cheers echoed across the grounds, marking the beginning of the highly awaited sports festival.
Hosted by emcees Anngelyn Hojilla and Elma Grace Genova, the opening ceremony featured the traditional parade of participants, led by the Grade 7 procession and followed progressively by Grades 8 through 12. Each council waved their banners, chanted cheers, and exhibited proud smiles. While the junior high school students brought a youthful energy to the parade, the senior high school students showcased confident dynamics, highlighting the overall enthusiasm and unity of the JNHS community.
The official program began with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by the formal welcome of guests and participants. Sir Raquel C. Arancillo III, Master Teacher I, delivered the opening remarks for this year's sports festival. In his speech, he emphasized that the event serves not only as a venue for games, but also as a reminder of the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and unity throughout the competition.
"As we compete in different events, let us remember that winning is not the only goal. What truly matters is giving our best, respecting one another, and enjoying the experience," Sir Arancillo stated.
The ceremonial rituals soon followed as the Grade 7 Council initiated the hoisting of banners. Francesca Nicole Perez Chua, a standout student-athlete, then led the highlight of the ceremony by lighting the Pahampang torch to signal the formal start of the festivities. Afterwards, the participating athletes took part in the Oath of Sportsmanship, pledging to compete with fairness, integrity, and respect. Following the protocols, an intermission number from the Salog Dance Troupe energized the audience.
At exactly 8:00 A.M., Maam Edralyn Grozen officially opened the sports festival, declaring, "Let the games begin! Soar High, Jaro High." The announcement immediately sparked an explosion of cheers from every council throughout the venue.
With the opening ceremonies concluded, the competitions officially got underway as student-athletes from Grades 7 to 12 headed to their respective venues. The first Saturday roster featured strategic battles in chess and table tennis alongside fast-paced action in basketball, volleyball, badminton, and sepak takraw. Every match showcased determination, transforming the entire school campus into a vibrant arena filled with athletic drive.
Among all the sporting events, basketball drew the biggest crowd and the loudest cheers throughout the entire day. The Uswag Gym was packed to capacity with enthusiastic students whose nonstop applause created an electric atmosphere that fueled the players on the court, making the sport stand out as a clear crowd favorite.
Interviews with the student-athletes revealed a mixture of emotions as the tournament schedule progressed. While some participants admitted to feeling initial nerves before stepping onto the court, others expressed absolute confidence in their readiness to compete. Several athletes shared that they had sufficient time to prepare, while others noted they were working with a limited training window. Despite these differences in preparation, multiple competitors successfully secured their spots in the upcoming championship rounds.
Coaches also expressed immense pride in the student body for showcasing talent and determination across the different sporting events. They emphasized that while not every athlete begins with elite experience, every competition serves as a critical opportunity to learn and improve.
"They're learning, and eventually, even those who lostโI have faith in them to continue playing and never give up," one coach shared, highlighting the importance of perseverance beyond the final scoreboard results.
โ๏ธ: Jamilah Jasmine B. Dugano & Mi Antoinette B. Camporedondo
๐ธ: Yhanwhyne A. Concepcion & Andrea Jane D. Arenal