On April 2, 2025, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. awarded Certificates of Recognition to five outstanding students for bringing pride to the city through their victories in the 2025 Regional Festival of Talents. These young achievers showcased not only academic and creative excellence but also the richness of Muslim culture and heritage.
Mayor Lazatin personally congratulated Jabbar Hanapi, Wajid Mobacar, Jibrane Musa, Norhizam Noroden, and Ellisah Arquio during the awarding ceremony. The Mayor commended their dedication and brilliance, noting how their success reflects the city’s inclusive and diverse educational landscape.
Jabbar Hanapi of Pampang Elementary School bagged first place in the Harf Touch category, a competition that highlights Arabic script proficiency. Wajid Mobacar of Sto. Rosario Elementary School clinched the championship title in Oration, while his schoolmate Ellisah Arquio emerged as champion in the READ-A-THON Story Resolution Challenge.
Meanwhile, Jibrane Musa placed second in the Arabic Language Category, and Norhizam Noroden secured third place in the Quran Reading competition, both also from Sto. Rosario Elementary School. These remarkable wins were celebrated as milestones not only for the schools but also for the local Muslim community.
Mayor Lazatin praised the students for upholding their cultural identity while excelling in their respective fields. “Ang inyong tagumpay ay hindi lamang tagumpay ng inyong paaralan kundi ng buong lungsod. Patuloy ninyong ipagmalaki ang inyong kultura at pagkatao,” he said.
Joining the ceremony were Division Muslim Education Program (MEP) Focal Person Anastacia Nimfa Aquino, Pampang Elementary School Principal Helen Juguilon, Sto. Rosario Elementary School Principal William Canlas, and supportive educators and guardians including Almairah Sarip, Norhaida Sarip, Sheilla Delos Santos, and Art Quiambao.
This recognition from the city government is part of its continuing advocacy to empower youth through education, support cultural diversity, and celebrate academic and cultural achievements among students of all backgrounds.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
