EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara honored the extraordinary bravery of a young student and celebrated the global achievements of four international medalists during the Department of Education (DepEd) Awards, held alongside the launch of National School Safety Week at Cainta Elementary School.
Secretary Angara conferred the DepEd Heroes Award on 14-year-old Bryan Ezel Pamonag from Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
Pamonag showed remarkable courage during a school shooting incident last September 18, 2026.
Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to his arm, he confronted the assailant, closed the classroom door, and blocked the window to give his classmates time to escape to safety.
During the same ceremony, Angara introduced the newly established DepEd Achievers Award, presenting it to four international competition medalists from Fountain International School in San Juan City: Jamil Oumar Hataman, Mateo Antonio Sarandi, Prince Akram Qayum, and Mysha Mahreen Macabuat.
The students earned top honors in categories such as Spelling Bee, Debate, and Knowledge Quiz at the TeenEagle English Global Finals in London last June.
Angara emphasized that amid negative headlines, society must spotlight the strength of character and academic excellence of Filipino youth.
“Ang katapangan ni Bryan ay nagbibigay inspirasyon, ngunit paalala rin ito ng ating pananagutang tiyakin na ang bawat bata ay may ligtas na kapaligiran,” Angara said, stressing the shared responsibility of schools, families, and communities in safeguarding students.
Reflecting on his experience, Pamonag shared that saving his classmates was his only priority during the tragedy.
He dedicated his award to his school, his community, and the victims of the incident, noting that his physical wounds will heal, but the memory of the tragedy underscores the profound value of human life.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the achievers, Macabuat expressed deep gratitude to DepEd, noting that competing internationally challenged them to look beyond the classroom and witness what perseverance can achieve.
Angara added that this initial batch of awardees marks the beginning of a broader DepEd initiative to recognize returning champions, including learner-athletes and educators nationwide.