Pythons assemble as SHS embrace this years FWH

Senior High School (SHS) department of PHINMA University of Pangasinan (UPang) led by the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) warmly welcomed incoming grade 11 and 12 students this school year 2026–2027 with an insightful program during the week-long celebration of First Week Hi (FWH) 2026 with the theme “SIMULA: First Week Hi! Pythons Edition” last July 8 at the University Gymnasium.

“Because in showing up, you are choosing your future against the challenges. You are choosing the opportunities against the challenges,” Sir Adele Traspe, Center for Student Development and Leadership Director instilled during his opening remarks.

Director Traspe inspired SHS students with reminders that will greatly help them in their journey emphasizing that no matter what we are facing it’s important that we show up because we are UPang Flame and nothing is impossible.

As the program continued, parade of uniforms commenced that was soon followed by the introduction of different organizations: Ang Dagitab, The Flaming Courier, Aghamayan, English Literature Enthusiasts, PIXELS Multimedia Arts Club, Social Arts and Humanities Association (SAHA), Senior High Athletes Association, Tagapagtaguyod ng Lahi at Wikang Filipino and lastly the SSLG.

“I have one word to say to all of you. And that is the word, equanimity. Equanimity means that all of what you encounter, all the setbacks, you are able to face, not as a way for you to step down, or to be done, but instead, see you in a brighter light,” SSLG President Dylan De Guzman stated, inspiring the student body.

Keeping the momentum going, a solidarity message by Mrs. Ginalyn Y. Manipud, Senior High School Department Principal soon commenced.

Principal Manipud began her message reassuring that the Grade 11 students made the right choice of enrolling at the PHINMA UPang because they chose a school that believes in them before they believe in themselves and a school that does not celebrate your success but also stands beside you during your struggles. And they chose a school that will guide them from their first day in senior high school until the day they proudly walk across the stage as senior high school graduates. Emphasizing the mantra of PHINMA UPang, Sasamahan Kita.

“I want all of you to become role models for our Grade 11 students. I want you to show them what perseverance looks like. I want you to show them what responsibility looks like. And I want you to show them that success is not measured only by grades but also by character, kindness, and resilience,” Principal Manipud urged the Grade 12 students.

Principal Ginalyn ended her message to the studentry with full of encouragement, “And to all of our students, para sa inyong lahat, whether you are beginning your secret high school journey or preparing to complete it, always remember that your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your future is worth working hard for,”

Maintaining the student’s enthusiasm, an intermission dance number performed by the SSLG officers followed by SAHA band performance entertained them and let them feel the FWH celebration.