By GMA News
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The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday recognized five students for their bravery and achievements in an international competition.
The agency awarded 14-year-old student Bryan Ezel Pamonag with the DepEd Heroes Award for his bravery during the school shooting in Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato last September 18, 2026.
Despite being wounded on the arm,Pamona locked the classroom door and blocked the window to allow his classmates to safely escape.
“Ang katapangan ni Bryan ay nagbibigay inspirasyon, ngunit paalala rin ito ng ating pananagutang tiyakin na ang bawat bata ay may ligtas na kapaligiran na malaya silang matuto, mangarap, at maabot ang kanilang buong potensyal,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said during his speech.
(Bryan’s bravery is inspiring, but it also reminds us of our responsibility to ensure that every child has a safe environment where they can learn, dream, and reach their full potential.)Meanwhile, Pamonag dedicated the award to the students and parents of Banga National School as a testament to their collective resilience.
“Ang award na ito ay hindi na lamang para sa sarili ko. Inaalay ko po ito para sa kanila, sa kanilang pamilya, at sa buong Banga National High School,” Pamonag said.
(This award is not just for me but also to my fellow students, their families, and the entire Banga National High School community.)
“Salamat po dahil pinatunayan ninyo na kahit 14 years old pa lamang ako, hindi ako nag-iisa. Ang award na ito ay para sa katatagan sa pagbangon nating lahat,” he added.
(Thank you for proving to me that even though I am only 14 years old, I am not alone. This award is a testament to our collective resilience in rising above adversity.)
Authorities confirmed at least three children, including the shooter, died following the shooting in Banga.
International achievement
DepEd also awarded the first-ever DepEd Achievers Award to four students who won medals in the Spelling Bee, Debate, and Knowledge Quiz categories at the TeenEagle English Global Finals in London, United Kingdom, last July.
The students are Jamil Oumar Hataman, Mateo Antonio Sarandi, Prince Akram Qayum, and Mysha Mahreen Macabuat of Fountain International School in San Juan City.
Angara said this award is also a tribute to parents and school communities, who help students achieve such recognitions.
“This award is also a tribute to parents and school communities, a testament to what we are all capable of achieving together,” Angara said.
Meanwhile, Macabuat described the international competition as a “formative experience” that challenged them to “look beyond the classroom.”
“Attending and winning an international competition was a formative experience that challenged us as learners to look beyond the classroom and recognize what dedication and perseverance can culminate into,” Macabuat said. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News