Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School

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In view of the May 1 holiday, which falls on a Friday, there will be no compressed workweek next week. Accordingly, upon the approval of the School President, the reporting schedule for all personnel from April 27 to April 30, 2026, will be from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Regular operations shall resume for the month of May, following the standard Monday to Friday schedule.

Registration of the Math Summer Bridging Classes is EXTENDED until Monday (April 20).

You may register online by scanning the QR in the poster or you may directly go to school to pay for the fee: Php 4000.

You may also pay online through bank and Gcash.

Classes will start on April 20 at 8 am.

𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘
𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

𝘐𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘕𝘰. 23, 𝘴. 2026 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘰 𝘥𝘦 𝘐𝘭𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘦.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘭 30, 2026

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝘐𝘯 𝘖𝘮𝘯𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘴 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘋𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘰.

Be part of our story! Join our team.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨?: 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗨𝗗'𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗙 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦

Why was I transferred to this school? Who are the new friends that I will be making? What memories will I take with me after my twelve, six, or even two years in this institution?

A multitude of questions asked within ourselves waiting to be answered as we stepped into unfamiliar classrooms and new beginnings. At that time, it all seemed uncertain and the answers felt far away. But as the days turned into months, and months into years, those answers came– not all at once but through the moments we shared. In the shy introductions that later turned into shameless conversations with friends, in the late-nights and cramming before the test started, in the failures that stung and successes that lifted us, we came to realize that the journey itself answered the questions we carried with uncertainty.

But as we near the goodbye we have all been dreading–or waiting for– allow me to ask this simple question of you; one that, unlike the other questions we once asked, I hope you will never be uncertain of. Who are you? Sin-o ka guid man bala subong nga ma graduate na ta?

We have taken our pictures, crossed the stage, and received our diplomas–some donned with awards, others bearing achievements no medal can show. We have done everything a graduate should be. Now I ask, who are you? Some of you might reply, “Grace, I am an achiever!” When I ask how, what will you say? “Because look! I am an honor student and a recipient of the character, service, leadership, discipline, and sports awards!” Strip yourselves of those medallions and now tell me, who are you?

Or maybe some will reply “Grace, I am just an average student or sa organized competitions guid ko ya ga excel! ‘Di man guid amo na ka alam, pero pasado man grades ko ah.” Strip yourselves off of your former victories and what you think you may lack and now tell me, who are you?

Truth be told, not everyone walks away with an accolade, and that is perfectly alright. Each of us has walked a different path to reach this moment. To those who earned these recognitions, well done! But to everyone one of you, whether your journey was marked by awards or quiet, personal victories, what matters most is this: you showed up, you grew, and you made it here today. Though our achievements may take different forms, there is one truth that remains constant within all of us, when every applause fades and when every title is gone.

Now, set aside extra tokens and look at that medallion resting against your chest. Feel the weight against your heart, and see how the school’s seal are not mere symbols pasted on, but engraved deep into the metal itself, as if the very essence of who we are has been forged into it. There are the two wolves and pot of Loyola, symbolizing generosity and nobility reminding us, students, before we leave that what matters most is not what we hold for ourselves, but what we give to others. Above burns the radiant IHS on the Jesuit shield, a reminder that Christ’s light will illuminate every path we walk on beyond these four walls. And beneath it all are the words “In Omnibus Amare et Servire”- etched to the metal as a call and a promise to be continually shaped by love and service. And so, beyond what we have achieved and beyond what we think we may lack, this is who we are and who we will forever be– an Atenean. Remember this truth and live out this identity.

So do not fret, for it is an honor we should wear with quiet pride to be Atenean graduates. We may not yet carry the wisdom the world demands of us, but trust that the foundations this school has laid in us will guide every decision we make, and slowly lead us to the life we dream of. Fail if you must and do not be ashamed for there is far greater shame in remaining stuck in a place where curiosity no longer thrives and growth refuses to take root. And one day, when we have finally reached the peak we struggled to climb, pray that triumph will not swell our pride until our heads grow as large as the mountains beneath our feet.

And so the real challenge begins now: continue to be compassionate and stay in love– with yourself, those around you, and the life ahead. Continue to seek wisdom that will never tire of learning, growing in competence for the life that is often uncomfortable. Continue to speak with clarity, guided by the conscience that commits to what is right. Continue to carry yourself with quiet dignity, reflecting the weight of the character this school helped shape. Always strive for more, and above all, remember that you are called to be in the service of the community for God’s greater glory.

Kaya sa muli, magpasalamat tayo sa lahat ng taong sumuporta sa ating paglalakbay. Sa aming mga mahal na tagapaghubog, maraming salamat sa pasensyang ipinakita ninyo sa amin, kahit sa mga panahong tunay na isinubok namin kayo. Maaaring hindi namin lubos naunawaan kung bakit, ngayon ay aming napagtanto na ang bawat aral, patakaran, at sermon ay naghahanda sa amin para sa mas malaking layunin.

To our dear parents and guardians, no words will ever be fully enough to articulate our gratitude to you. And with that, may I ask my fellow graduates to stand, face our families, and give them the most heartfelt applause they deserve. Because to whom could we owe the zeal to persevere if not for their hard work, emotional and financial support, and most of all, their undying love and care for us?

Thank you to our concessionaires for keeping our tummies full, to our guards for keeping us safe and dismissing our funny ideas of going home early, and to our manangs and manongs from the ROMAC for the kind of service that inspires us to be hardworking just like them.

And batchmates, let us not forget to acknowledge ourselves. Because who stood in front of the panelists with shaking fingers, who wrote those articles and took those pictures, who trained day and night for the competitions, who mesmerized the community with their talents, who volunteered and passed the proposals, who suffered hair loss from our choreographies and naughty classmates, who stayed up all night for the difficult exams, who is graduating tonight if not us? If not you? And lastly, let us not forget to thank God, who has been our guiding light and source of strength in each step of the way.

So that is it, alright? Remember who you are–not just senior high school graduates, but Atenean graduates! Remember your roots, the values that water them, and choose happiness as you move forward. Do not think of this as the end, but as the beginning of something real. The Ateneo will always welcome back its students who lived life and found their purpose, and we will return home again. But before we do, let us first, in the words of St. Ignatius, “Go forth and set the world on fire!”

Thank you and congratulations to us all, Batch 2026!



📸| Tomas Fermindoza

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗛 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗭𝗘𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗝𝗔𝗗𝗔'𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦

The universe is infinite, and so is our light. Today, we claim it—not just for ourselves, but for all who will follow.

It is with great honor and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you to this momentous and long-awaited occasion—the 2026 Senior High Graduation Rites of Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School.

Ateneans, this day has finally arrived—the date many of us once marked on our calendars the moment we learned when it will be. For years, this moment felt so distant, a milestone that once seemed far beyond our reach. Yet here we are, living this moment—dressed in our togas and caps, preparing to receive our diplomas with immense pride and joy. In just a few hours, we can proudly proclaim “I am a high school graduate of Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School.”

Over the years, we looked up to those who came before us—the seniors, the graduates, the mentors who guided us like stars in the night sky, showing us the way forward. Now, the roles have shifted. We have become the stars that younger Ateneans will look up to, the lights that will inspire, guide, and encourage them on their own paths. This graduation is not merely a ceremony: it is a witness to the experiences, values, and mindsets that were built within the walls of this institution, and it is in this sense that this day is remarkable among the rest. This is our moment. Today, we are the brightest stars in the sky.

To my fellow graduates, I am no telepath, but I know many of us are not fully present right now. Some are reminiscing the moments we shared, others thinking of the uncertainties that lie ahead. But for now, I invite you all to be fully here. Not just in body, but in mind—to savor this moment entirely.

As each of us embark on our concluding march within these walls, I urge you to acknowledge every individual who sets foot on this stage. Whether they are your closest friends, your classmates, or someone you barely know, remember that they are part of your journey.

Let us also take a moment to look around this space—to see the faces of the parents, guardians, family, and friends who supported us every step of the way. Let us remember the teachers who challenged us to grow, the administrators who guided us, the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, the security personnel who kept us safe, and the janitors who cared for the spaces we called our second home. These are the people who helped make our journey more meaningful and manageable. Thus, on behalf of the batch, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you.

Today marks the culmination of a long, challenging, yet deeply rewarding journey. We honor this milestone with sincere gratitude, even as we recognize the bittersweet truth that life will lead us in different directions. Though our paths may scatter us far and wide, the light we carry, including the memories, the friendships, and the lessons, will continue to shine, guiding us and those who look up to us for years to come.

I am proud of each and every one of you, and I know the entire Atenean community shares in that pride. Congratulations to us, Batch 2026! Always United, Semper Unitus! And with that, I welcome you all to the 54th Commencement Exercises of the Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

📸| Tomas Fermindoza

𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙎𝙏𝘼 𝙆𝘼 𝘽𝘼?: 𝗚𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗛 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗨𝗟𝗔 𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗡'𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗙 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦

Atenista ka ba? Alam nating lahat ang sagot sa tanong na ito. Tayo ay mga Atenista. Hindi nasusukat ang ating pagkatao sa dami ng gantimpala o tagumpay sa kompetisyon. Higit sa lahat, nasasalamin ang tunay na pagiging Atenista sa kung sino tayo nagiging at kung paano tayo naglilingkod sa kapwa.

And because this is who we are, in a world that continues to face challenges and uncertainties, our Ignatian formation calls us to respond—clearly, quickly, and always with conscience and compassion.

Today is the day when the fruits of our labor are recognized. Can you believe it? We were capable enough of standing on this stage. We are here. We were told, "You are worthy to move up." But to stand on this stage, we faced more than a few bumps.

Those days we practiced lines for skits - only to get 10/20 because we forgot them. Those GCs we made just to chase one wild idea after another. Those presentations with 10 props, and somehow, we pulled them off. That’s competence, not perfection, but commitment in ex*****on.

And, of course, the 11:59 PM submissions - resenting our past selves for starting late. If procrastination were a special award, half our names might be on a list in the admin lobby. Then hearing from our Research teacher: “This isn’t cohesive at all. Redo it.” It wasn’t funny then. It is now. Because we learned to adjust, to stay respectful, to keep showing up. That’s character - steady, patient, growth-minded.

Not every moment was a struggle. Remember our first Acquaintance Party — we were all in business casual, but we danced like we weren’t in blazers and trousers! Even our prom surprised us. Many were skeptical about having a partner outside our batch, and then we realized we just met people we never thought we’d talk to. That’s cura personalis - seeing and caring for each other.

Looking back at our journey, I find myself thinking about what my mother always told me, "E enjoy mo ang Junior High School, yan ang isa sa mga pinaka masayang karanasan sa buhay mo. Ang importante ay maging masaya ka." Of course, everyone has their own experiences.

Ours started in Grade 7. Does 'Ang Ibong Adarna' sound familiar? Like the bird itself, we showed our colorful feathers to each other the first time we met in a real classroom — wide-eyed, uncertain, but full of color. And like the bird that had to cope with the loss of its master, we too had to adjust, slowly finding our footing after everything the pandemic had taken from us. Grade 8 was no different. Like Florante, who endured everything before he could rise, we pushed through — surviving Akwe, Laro ng Lahi, Character Day, and Intrams. And who could forget the lines: “Noy, noy, kabalo kapa sang bones kag muscles ka body?” Those first two years taught us not just lessons, but each other in all the ways that mattered most.

Grade 9 came, and Noli Me Tangere perfectly captured what it felt like. Like Ibarra, we began fighting for something bigger than ourselves — starting with our first cheerdance. The anxiety that made some of us want to disappear, the fire that carried us through every practice, and the pride that filled our hearts as two sections placed 4th and 5th. But the most unforgettable part of Grade 9 happened beyond these walls. During our immersion in Maasin, families opened their homes and their lives to us. In their simplicity and warmth, we found a lesson no textbook could ever teach.

Finally, there was Grade 10 — and like Simoun from El Filibusterismo, we fought our fiercest battle yet. As the manangs and manongs, we led with everything we had, making sure every Grade 10 class placed in the top 5 during Intramurals. When the results were announced, hearts pounding, arms around the people we had trained with for months, it hit us — that was our last cheerdance. Then our Bagging activity grounded us, reminding us of the dignity in humble, honest work. And at our Retreat, our parents wrote us Palanca letters, whose words held close for years, finally reaching us. For many of us, that was the moment everything became real.

We will never be the same people we were four years ago — and that is exactly the point.

Masdan ang iyong paligid. Damhin ang pagkakataong ito. Ito ang huling pagkakataong maisusuot natin ang unipormeng naging kaagapay natin sa araw-araw na hamon. Ang mga alaalang ito ay hindi basta-basta nabibili. Subalit ang mga natutunan natin ay mananatili sa atin… habambuhay.

And as we move on from this chapter, we carry with us the one thing that will never change: as Ateneans, our purpose is to serve.

For this, we have our parents, teachers, and other significant people to thank. To our parents, who have supported us and have given their all to ensure we have everything we could ever need in order to continue with our endeavors, thank you. You have stayed with us through our sleepless nights, and spent even more just to help us with our schoolwork. Your unconditional love has been one of the biggest contributions towards our success. To our teachers, who have shown us their unwavering patience and wisdom that have shaped us into the people we are now, thank you. Your trust is an investment in our future, and your belief in our capabilities is a force that will push us to be better in every way possible. And to my fellow completers, thank you for being a significant part of my life. We have all developed bonds with each other, bonds that neither time nor hardship will ever destroy. The memories we have made will serve as momentous reminders that life is never that serious. The journey we have shared together will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I know that is the case for all of us. Take a moment to say hello to the people next to you, because later we will be saying our goodbyes.

时间会流逝，如何利用时间取决于我们自己。Once more, I ask you to remember who you were 4 years ago, when we hadn't yet encountered the hardships of Junior High School. But time has passed, and we've grown from helpless individuals into capable people with the capacity to move forward and make a change. The 7C's, our school values, and every experience — good and bad — have shaped who we are today.

If you had never persisted despite your disappointments, would you have graduated? If you had never stepped outside of your shell, would you be the person you are today? We have dared to step beyond boundaries. We have been formed to become leaders. And we will leave Junior High School as changed individuals. As we close this chapter, let us carry the values that Ateneo has taught us.

My fellow batchmates, being an Atenean was never about being better than others. It has always been about becoming leaders who serve as catalysts of change — to become somebody, someday.

Go forth, Ateneans, set the world on fire, make your presence felt, and ignite the flames of change. Congratulations, Junior High School Batch 2026!




📸| Mariana Cacho
🖌️| Audrey Therese Aray

𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗞𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢'𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Some moments in life deserve to be remembered forever—today is one of those moments.

It is with a full heart and the deepest sense of honor that I welcome every one of you to this year’s Junior High School Completion Rites for the Batch of 2026.

Today is far more than a school event—it is a testament to perseverance, growth, and the countless sacrifices made both inside and outside the classroom. It is a milestone that belongs not only to us, the completers, but to every person in this hall who believed in us and helped carry us to this moment.

Sa lahat ng ating pinagdaanan — sa mga gabing halos sumuko na tayo, sa mga sandaling nagtataka tayo kung kaya pa natin, sa mga pagkakataong gusto na nating bitawan ang lahat — hindi natin alam noon na inihahanda pala tayo para sa araw na ito. Bawat pagod, bawat luha, bawat pagkabigo na tila walang katapusan — lahat ng iyon ay may layunin. At ngayon, narito na tayo. Hindi lang bilang mga estudyante na tapos na sa isang antas, kundi bilang mga kabataang lumago, natuto, nagbago, at handa nang humarap sa susunod na kabanata ng ating buhay.

Ang araw na ito ay para sa bawat isa sa atin—at para rin sa bawat taong nasa likod natin na hindi nakilala sa entablado, ngunit palaging naroon sa ating tabi.

Today is also an opportunity for us to honor the people who have walked with us along the way. We are thankful to our formators and administrators for their guidance, patience, and dedication in shaping us not only as students, but as individuals who continue to grow.

Sa aming mga magulang at pamilya, maraming salamat po. Ang inyong pagmamahal, sakripisyo, at suporta ang naging lakas namin sa bawat hakbang. Ang araw na ito ay paalala na sa likod ng bawat tagumpay ay may pamilyang naniwala, at patuloy na sumusuporta sa amin.

To my fellow completers, today is a celebration of the journey we shared—the challenges we overcame, the memories we created, and the friendships that made our four years in Junior High School truly unforgettable.

Higit sa lahat, nagpapasalamat tayo sa Diyos sa Kanyang patnubay at biyaya. Sa Kanyang paggabay, nalampasan natin ang bawat hamon at narating natin ang mahalagang sandaling ito.

As we celebrate this achievement, we also begin to look ahead.

Today marks the completion of one chapter, but it is just as much the beginning of a new one. Our Grade 10 completion is an important milestone — one that has prepared us and opened doors to new opportunities, new dreams, and new challenges that will continue to shape us as we grow.

May the lessons we have learned, the values we have built, and the memories we have shared here continue to guide us as we move forward. And wherever our next steps may lead, may we carry with us everything that this journey has given us.

And so, on behalf of the Junior High School Batch 2026, it is with immense pride, deep gratitude, and a heart full of hope that I formally welcome everyone to our Grade 10 Completion Rites.

May this celebration honor every sacrifice that brought us here, and may it mark the beginning of something even greater for each one of us.




📸| Mariana Cacho
🖌️| Audrey Therese Aray