Compostela East Supreme Student Government

𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐫. 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 "𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐠" 𝐄. 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳
𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟷𝟼, 𝟷𝟿𝟽𝟹 – 𝙹𝚊𝚗𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝟼, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟷

The halls of Compostela National High School (CNHS) carry a certain stillness when we remember the man who once filled them with vision, energy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Mr. Ritchel "Jong" E. Cruz was more than just a School Principal IV; he was a mentor, a father figure, and a cornerstone of the educational community in Compostela.

As we mark the anniversary of his passing, we reflect on a life dedicated to the noble cause of shaping the future through the youth.

Sir Jong didn't just manage a school; he nurtured an environment where both students and teachers could thrive. His tenure at Compostela National High School was marked by a relentless pursuit of progress. He believed that every student, regardless of their background, deserved access to quality education and a safe place to dream.

Under his leadership the school is called "𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝑒𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈𝓉𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝐸𝒹𝓊𝒸𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒫𝑒𝓇𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓂𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒", CNHS saw significant strides in both academic and extracurricular fields. He believed that a great school starts with motivated educators, often acting as a bridge between administrative needs and classroom realities. He was a constant presence at school events, always cheering the loudest for the students’ successes.

To those who knew him closely, "Sir Jong" was more than his professional credentials. Born on May 16, 1973, he possessed a vibrant spirit that balanced authority with genuine kindness. He was a man of the people—accessible, approachable, and always ready with a word of encouragement or a firm nudge toward a better path.

His passing on January 6, 2021, left a void that was felt deeply across the province. In the face of the challenges of that time, his steady hand and optimistic outlook provided much-needed stability for the CNHS family.

"A leader's true greatness is not found in the titles they hold, but in the lives they touch and the seeds of inspiration they plant in others."

Though he is no longer with us in person, the "Cruz Legacy" lives on in every graduate of Compostela National High School who strives for excellence and every teacher who continues to teach with passion.

We remember him not with sorrow for his departure, but with profound gratitude for the years he shared with the world. His life was a masterclass in service, and his memory remains a guiding light for the community he loved so dearly.

Rest in eternal peace, Sir Jong. Your mission is accomplished, and your impact is eternal.

Words and Photo by Raul M. Balidio

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐚’𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝’𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫:
𝐀𝐫𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞

𝑰𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆’𝒔 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒎,
𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆.

𝐂𝐍𝐇𝐒 students, teachers, and school heads warmly welcome 𝐀𝐫𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐨, a proud alumna of Compostela National High School (CNHS), as she returns to her roots after years of academic pursuit at 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲.

She brings inspiration to all CNHS students, encouraging them to reach their dreams. Her journey—marked by exceptional achievements and a deep commitment to her community—is an inspiring tale for students and educators alike. Like a bird in flight, no matter where it roams, it always finds its way back home, where love and warmth remain.

Aryenne's story began in the classrooms of CNHS, where she excelled not only academically but also as a leader and active participant in various school activities. Teachers remember her as a bright, inquisitive student with a passion for learning and an unwavering determination to succeed.

After receiving numerous rejections from different universities in the Philippines, Aryenne explored international opportunities and secured a full-ride scholarship to Harvard, proving that stars align for those who courageously chase their destiny.

During her return, Aryenne was accompanied by fellow Harvard students from various disciplines as part of a J-term delegation organized by the Harvard Undergraduate Philippine Forum (HUPF). The group visited CNHS to engage with aspiring students and conduct meaningful activities, aiming to inspire the youth of Davao de Oro.

Her journey is a testament to the power of education and the importance of giving back. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for the students of Compostela, proving that with dedication and a strong foundation, they too can achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world.

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑪𝑵𝑯𝑺 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒅’𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆,
𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒍.
𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏’𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆,
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒂𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉. 🌟

🖋️ 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐎. 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐋

We are beyond proud to announce that the Compostela East District Federated SSLG has been recognized as the Most Outstanding District SSLG Implementer during the prestigious Gawad Gintong Makabata held last December 2025.

The plaque and certificate of recognition were officially turned over to the District Office and wholeheartedly accepted by our Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Dr. Maroja R. Belisario. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our student leaders and teacher-advisers across the district.

Congratulations to everyone who made this milestone possible specially to our ever supportive PSDS, School Heads and LGU headed by Hon. Mayor Levi Ebdao! Let us continue to empower our youth and strive for even greater heights. 🌟

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐍𝐇𝐒 𝐒𝐒𝐋𝐆 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!

A day of pride and victory for Compostela National High School as the SSLG brings home prestigious awards during the 3rd Gawad Ginto Makabata 2025 held at Heroben Hometel, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, on December 10, 2025.

✨ Awardees & Recognitions
🏆 Most Outstanding SSLG Adviser — RAUL M. BALIDIO
🏆Most Outstanding SSLG President 2024-2025 — HOONNIE MAE CASTILIANO
🏆 Most Outstanding SSLG Implementer — Compostela National High School

✨ Project ASAL Category WINNER
🏆Project ASAL-Makatao Implementer — Compostela National High School
🏆Project ASA- Makadiyos Implementer — Compostela National High School
🏆 Project ASAL-Makalikasan Implementer — Compostela National High School
🏆 Project ASAL-Makabansa Implementer — Compostela National High School

🏅 Most Outstanding District Federated SSLG Implementer— Compostela East

Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to service continue to inspire the youth of Compostela. Truly, leadership with purpose creates impact that lasts.

Padayon, CNHS SSLG! More milestones ahead! ✨
Write to Venus Hope Cabiling

𝗣𝗶𝘀𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗯𝗼
Let every piso we share reflect our love and compassion for others.

Even the smallest coin can carry the biggest meaning. Through this simple act of giving, we stand together with our brothers and sisters in Cebu, proving that kindness knows no distance.

Each piso dropped is a spark of hope, a reminder that when hearts unite, even the heaviest burdens can be lifted.

When the Earth Moves: What to Do During an Earthquake

After the recent strong earthquake that shook parts of Mindanao, awareness and preparedness have become more important than ever. This infographic serves as a simple reminder of what to do before, during, and after an earthquake to stay safe.

Let’s all stay alert, prepare our emergency kits, and most importantly—stay calm, don’t panic, and help one another. Safety starts with each of us.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS | TEACHCULAR: District Video-Making Contest
Compostela East District

The wait is over! The results for the TEACHCULAR: District Video-Making Contest are finally in!

Each participating school showcased their creativity and heartfelt appreciation for our teachers through inspiring and meaningful videos. Your efforts truly reflected how teachers continue to be the light of every classroom.

🏆 CHAMPION: Compostela National High School
🥇 1ST PLACE: Consuelo Valderrama National High School
🥈 2ND PLACE: Diosdado Macapagal National High School
🥉 3RD PLACE: Compostela Christian School
🎖 4TH PLACE: Bongkilaton Integrated School

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making this year’s TEACHCULAR a remarkable tribute to our beloved teachers!

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁, 𝗚𝘂𝗿𝗼!

“𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗺𝗼 ’𝘆𝗮𝗻.” “𝗪𝗮𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝘂𝗸𝗼.” “𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗸𝗼 𝘀𝗮 𝗶𝘆𝗼.” These simple yet powerful words from teachers stay with us and give us the strength to keep moving forward.

Through songs, dances, and messages, students expressed their love and gratitude for their mentors. Just like the song line, “𝗔𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁𝗼’𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮’𝘆𝗼, 𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘂𝗯𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗴 𝗱𝗶 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀𝗶.” Every tribute became a heartfelt “thank you” to the ones who never stop believing in us.

To our beloved teachers—our second parents, inspirations, and everyday heroes—thank you for your patience, sacrifices, and endless love. Truly, the loudest words we can say today are: 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼, 𝗠𝗮’𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗿!

The Compostela East District Government gathered earlier for an emergency meeting to prepare for the upcoming Teachers’ Day Celebration. Plans were set to make this event extra special for our beloved teachers. There’s also something special being prepared that will add more excitement to the event, so better watch out!
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‎A fun surprise awaits that will surely make this celebration more memorable. Stay tuned for more updates!