THE Department of Education (DepEd) division of Lanao del Norte was declared champion of this year's Higalaay Choral Competition last Thursday, August 22, at the event center of Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.
According to Robin Tabar, education program supervisor in Mapeh department of DepEd Lanao del Norte division, it was not their first time joining and winning in a choral competition.
In 2016 DepEd Lanao del Norte won first place and in 2017 they won as champions. They also competed in the national level for the Himig Bulilit where their team of elementary students and SPED learners became champions as well.
"I believe that we did our best to win the competition. One of the best practices that we have is focus. Well-discipline yung mga bata namin," Tabar said.
"Our preparation, we only utilize our vacant time during classes hours and during Saturdays and Sundays," he added.
Tabar also shared that they spent more than a P100,000 for the dresses, transportation, other expenses needed by the 25 students participating in their choral group.
"Regarding our expenses, our local government unit of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte extended their financial support to our students. And of course our division of Lanao del Norte," Tabar said.
"Hindi na kami nag mind pa sa gastos. Our purpose is to expose our students and to promote the culture and arts of Lanao del Norte," he added.
DepEd Lanao del Norte also bagged the Best in Conductor award.
Apart from DepEd Lanao del Norte who received P100,000 and a trophy, the DepEd division of Oroquieta City also won third place, receiving P50,000 and a trophy; while the DepEd division of Iligan City won second place, winning P70,000 and a trophy.
Divisions of Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Tangub City, Gingoog City, Valencia City, Camiguin, El Salvador City, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Ozamis City also won consolation prizes.
The Higalaay Choral Competition is an initiative of DepEd-Northern Mindanao which aims to unite the 14 divisions of the region.