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𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮 𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺. The Official Student Media of Philippine Normal University Mindanao

The Torch Mindanao is an autonomous, student-led organization dedicated to serving the academic community and the wider public. Anchored in the principles of being pro-student and pro-people, it is committed to meeting the dynamic needs of its readership while steadfastly adhering to the highest standards of journalistic integrity and ethics. The publication is devoted to advancing the rights and

welfare of both students and the public, and to nurturing the growth of informed, responsible, and engaged student leaders and journalists. The Torch Mindanao operates from its office located at the Philippine Normal University Mindanao, Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

27/05/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | OFW children graduate from holistic capacity-building program

Children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Philippine Normal University (PNU) Mindanao completed a holistic capacity-building program during a graduation and awarding ceremony held on May 26, 2026.

The milestone event formally concluded an initiative designed to equip students with life skills, emotional resilience, academic motivation, financial literacy, and leadership development.

To meet these objectives, participants completed a comprehensive curriculum of six specialized training modules across 15 sessions held throughout the first term of Academic Year 2025–2026.
Student Affairs and Services Unit Head Dr. Gregie Tampon opened the ceremony by highlighting the program’s deeper emotional and developmental purpose.

“This program was created not only to provide learning sessions and activities, but also to strengthen the confidence, resilience, and sense of responsibility of our children of overseas Filipino workers,” Dr. Tampon said.

Department of Migrant Workers Chief Labor and Employment Officer Eval Makinano then challenged participants to treat their completion of the program as a springboard for personal growth rather than an endpoint.

“As you move forward, remember that this culmination is not the end of your journey — rather, it is the beginning of greater opportunities,” Makinano said.

Pilipino, Anak ng Global-Active Superhero Abroad (PAG-ASA) president Juliana Sumaya and Student Government president Jonah Shayne Asis also took the stage to share personal reflections on their growth and the program’s impact.

The ceremony concluded with an awarding segment that recognized participating students, honored guest speakers who facilitated the sessions, and celebrated the partnership between the Department of Migrant Workers and the university.

Article by Fiona Curie
Photos by Krizhen Martin

25/05/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Thousands of young Filipino athletes, coaches, and delegates witnessed a night of color, culture, and unity as the 2026 Palarong Pambansa officially opened at the DLMCC in Agusan del Sur. The ceremony brought together the best of Agusanon heritage and sporting spirit — from the solemn hoisting of banners and a heartfelt Tri-People Ecumenical Prayer, to the emotional lighting of the Friendship Cauldron by the province’s finest athletes, capping the night with a dazzling fireworks display that signaled the start of the country’s most celebrated youth sporting event.

Photos by Ivan James Villarin and Rasheed Jay Taping

25/05/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Agusan del Sur rolled out the grandest welcome as the 2026 Palarong Pambansa officially opened its doors at the DLMCC, bringing together student-athletes and delegations from 20 regions across the Philippines. From the vibrant Parade of Colors and breathtaking cultural performances by local Agusanon performers, to the symbolic lighting of the Friendship Cauldron by elite Agusanon athletes and a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky — the opening ceremony was a stunning and unforgettable celebration of sports, culture, and Filipino pride.

Photos by Rasheed Jay Taping and Ivan James Villarin

25/05/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Agusan del Sur officially opened the 2026 Palarong Pambansa with a grand and electrifying ceremony at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. D.O. Plaza Sports Complex, welcoming delegations from 20 regions, Para games participants, the Philippine Schools Overseas, and the National Academy of Sports on May 24.

The night came alive with a colorful Parade of Colors, a breathtaking cultural showcase by local Agusanon performers, and a soulful National Anthem rendition by Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Champion Carmelle Collado. The symbolic lighting of the Friendship Cauldron, led by elite Agusanon athletes, stood as the ceremony’s most powerful and defining moment.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto “Anton” F. Lagdameo Jr. formally declared the games open on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., while Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz led the Oath of Officiating Officials.

The celebration concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and high-energy performances by Carmelle Collado and P-Pop sensation BGYO.

The medal tally is now underway and will run through the week.

Anchored by Roneline Madalo
Shot by Jefferson Morata, Ivan James Villarin, and Rasheed Jay Taping
Edited by Jefferson Morata
Script by Junathan Pabia
Caption by Danessa Royo
assisted by Wilson Olorbeda

22/05/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | The flame of excellence once again illuminated the community as it gathered for Flame of Excellence 2026, celebrating the remarkable achievement of securing a 100% passing rate and Rank 1 distinction in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. Honoring its 15 topnotchers and passers, the celebration became a powerful tribute to the resilience, sacrifices, and dedication of future educators whose journeys continue to inspire the entire pamantasan. Through heartfelt speeches, cultural performances, and the symbolic torch parade, the event reflected how excellence is not only earned individually, but strengthened through unity, service, and a shared commitment to education.

Anchored by Frenz Morete
Field Correspondent Jerson Geraldez
Script by Lady Jean Dotollo
Shot by Eric Dingding, Cristel Mahinay, Jefferson Morata, and Samantha Manansala
Edited by Angel Balala
Production led by Rone Madalo

22/05/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | PNU Mindanao honors the dedication, sacrifice, and triumph of its March 2026 LEPT passers and topnotchers. These moments capture a proud community celebrating the new generation of licensed teachers ready to inspire the classrooms of tomorrow.

Photos by Rasheed Jay Taping, Ivan James Villarin, Krizhen Emerson Martin, and Jheney Claire Clarito

22/05/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | FLAME OF EXCELLENCE 2026: PNU Mindanao Honors New Generation of Licensed Teachers

Torches were raised, plaques were given, and a hall full of proud families witnessed the moment when years of sacrifice and sleepless reviews finally converged into a name called out before an applauding crowd.

The Flame of Excellence, held on May 21, at Covered Court 1, was Philippine Normal University Mindanao’s celebration of its March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) topnotchers and passers, graduates who did not merely pass a board exam but rose to the top of a national examination that measures the depth of their preparation and the quality of the institution that shaped them.

Among those honored were Top 10 placer Ms. Krizza N. Jaojao (BPHE), Top 9 placers Mr. Reynaldo C. Almano, Jr. (BSE-Physics) and Mr. Glowen Kyle D. Aparece (BME), Top 8 placers Mr. Jayson B. Acabo (BPHE), Ms. Ruby Joy O. Lopez (BMSEE), and Ms. Pauline June M. Llegue (BMSEE), Top 7 placers Ms. Janine A. Alcantara (BPHE), Mr. Jovic P. Campus (BEE), Ms. Grecel Juliet M. Maybuena (BSE-Physics), and Ms. Ivone S. Pablo (BSE-Physics), and Top 5 finishers Ms. Erica O. Gonzalez (BPHE), Ms. Feyanna C. Martelino (BMSEE), Ms. Maria Bernadette C. Plaza (BSCIEPHY), Mr. Jun Carlo M. Pormiento (BMSEE), and Ms. Hannah Faye D. Tampos (BECED), each a testament to the excellence cultivated across PNU Mindanao’s diverse programs.

Campus Officials formally awarded Plaques of Commendation and Cash Incentives to each honoree, while the Tud-Um Chorale and Kaliyagan Dance Troupe gave the afternoon its cultural soul.

“Behind every passer and topnotcher is a community that believed, guided, supported, and prayed together,” said Dr. Adelyne M. Costelo-Abrea, Executive Director and Provost. She also called on everyone to follow the footsteps of the honorees, noting that their journey through the challenges of the pandemic years proves that excellence is not reserved for the gifted. It belongs to those who keep moving forward despite fear, pressure, and difficulty.

The program closed with the symbolic Lighting of the Torch, a reminder that the fire of excellence, once kindled, is never meant to be kept to oneself. As the evening moved into a Torch Parade and celebratory dinner, one thing was certain: the classrooms of tomorrow are in capable hand.

Article by Danessa Katrina Royo
Photos by Ivan James Villarin, Rasheed Jay Taping, Krizhen Emerson Martin, and Jheney Claire Clarito

21/05/2026

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Pride and celebration fill the atmosphere at PNU Mindanao as the university holds its Flame of Excellence ceremony at CC1, 2:00 PM today, honoring its outstanding performance in the March LET Examination 2026 after securing the Top 1 spot in the secondary level and achieving a 100% passing rate.

Students, newly licensed professional teachers, and the 15 board topnotchers gathered for a grand entrance led by the topnotchers in the first line, marking the start of the celebration. The program officially opened with remarks from Dr. Lyzl Banuag, who reminded the passers that “today’s recognition is a beginning of a greater future.”

Photos by Rasheed Jay Taping, Krizhen Emerson Martin, and Jheney Claire Dangin Clarito

21/05/2026

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Flame of Excellence

The symbolic torch of excellence of Philippine Normal University Mindanao once again burns brightly with pride as it celebrates its remarkable achievement of attaining a 100% passing rate and securing the Rank 1 distinction in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers, while honoring its 15 individual topnotchers through The Flame of Excellence: A Celebration for March 2026 LEPT Topnotchers and Passers.

Shot by Jefferson Morata and Eric Dingding
Edited by Cristy Jandayan

19/05/2026

𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | We are pleased to inform all members of Batch 2025 (Batch Sinag) that yearbooks may be claimed on May 21, 2026 at Covered Court 1, 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 the Flame of Excellence program starts or 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 the program ends, to avoid any disruptions during the event.

Please bring a valid ID and a screenshot of your PWEBBS Payment when claiming. If you cannot claim in person, you may send an authorized representative with the required documents.

15/05/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | TEIs Uphold Global Citizenship Education Through Salupongan 2026

Future educators and academic mentors from across the region convened virtually as Philippine Normal University Mindanao (PNUM) spearheaded Salupongan 2026: A Regional Student Teachers’ and Supervising Instructors’ Summit on May 15 via Zoom, carrying the theme, “Synergy in Pedagogy: Integrating Global Citizenship in Teacher Education.”

The summit gathered participating institutions including Agusan del Sur State University(ADSSU), Caraga State University Main (CSU), Caraga State University Cabadbaran Campus (CSUCC), Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), Saint Michael College of Caraga (SMCC), and PNUM, fostering collaboration among pre-service teachers and supervising instructors in advancing transformative and globally responsive education.

In an inspiring message, Dr. Rolynna S. Trugillo, Supervising Education Program Specialist of the Commission on Higher Education Caraga, congratulated Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) for their success in the March 2026 licensure examination results and emphasized the vital role of educators in strengthening the quality of Philippine education. She encouraged teachers to become more committed in delivering transformative learning experiences and in building synergy in pedagogy grounded in service and excellence.

Meanwhile, keynote speaker Dr. Rowena R. Hibanada, Director of the GCED Cooperation Center-Philippines under Philippine Normal University Manila, underscored the importance of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in shaping future educators.

“Kayong mga g**o ang pag-asa ng mga pag-asa ng bayan,” she said, reminding participants that teachers must not only be deeply culturally rooted but also active global citizens. She further stressed that education is never neutral, urging educators to become socially aware and ethically grounded. According to her, a balanced teacher must possess not only technical competence but also empathy, ethical leadership, intercultural understanding, social responsibility, and critical awareness. She added that GCED ultimately shapes teachers who shape the world.

The summit also featured interactive sessions on GCED in teacher education, focusing on challenges, innovations, and best practices among institutions. Participants engaged in conversations, research and CBAR presentations, and demonstration teaching sessions conducted by selected student teachers from various participating schools.

Through Salupongan 2026, TEIs reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating globally competent and socially responsible educators. The summit served as a platform for future teachers and mentors to exchange insights, strengthen professional networks, and collectively pursue a more inclusive, transformative, and globally conscious direction for teacher education in the Philippines.

Article by Marielle Javier
Photos by 4th year students

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