The morning air at Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. North National High School was thick with anticipation as the final round of the Speech Choir Competition kicked off at 8:00 a.m. on August 28. Like thunder rolling across the school grounds, the voices of nine finalist sections – handpicked from over 30 contenders across Grades 7 to 10 – rose in powerful harmony, each vying for the crown with passion and pride. The event, a centerpiece of the school’s Buwan ng Wika celebration, was more than a contest – it was a cultural awakening.

Grade 10-Aguinaldo emerged as the champion, with 10-Bravery, 10-Duty, and 9-Conservation following closely behind. Each group breathed life into Jennifer Aguilar’s piece “Wikang Katutubo Tungo sa Isang Bansang Pilipino,” transforming words into waves of emotion. “It felt like the ground was shaking beneath us,” said Grade 10 student Althea Faye Diaz. “We didn’t just perform – we spoke for every Filipino who believes in the power of our native tongue.”

The judges, stunned by the mastery, voice quality, diction, pitch, articulation, costumes, props, and audience impact, were left in awe. Parents and students alike were swept into the moment. “I couldn’t believe my daughter could speak with such conviction,” shared Mr. Ibal, a proud parent of a Grade 7 student. “It’s not just a performance – it’s a declaration of identity.”

The event was led by the Filipino Department, with Focal Person Ms. Irine D. Macalindong at the helm and Principal Dr. Naneth P. Salvador overseeing the program. “This competition is a celebration of our linguistic heritage,” Dr. Salvador said. “Our students didn’t just memorize lines – they embodied the spirit of the Filipino language. Today, they proved that our voices, when united, can move mountains.”

As the echoes of applause faded, one thing remained clear: North High’s Speech Choir Finals was not just a showcase of talent – it was a resounding call to honor and preserve the richness of our native languages. And in that moment, every voice became a thread in the vibrant tapestry of Filipino identity.