Bukidnon school wins top plum in national drum and lyre championship

TheMindanaoToday.com | Bukidnon school wins top plum in national drum and lyre championship

By: Jessa M. Cleopas

MALAYBALAY CITY – Saint Peter National High School, a small public school in a remote village in Malaybalay City, was named the 2025 National Drum and Lyre Champion during the competition held May 18 in Bacoor, Cavite.

Punong Barangay Domingo Hingpit said that the school earned eight top awards: Best in Majorette, Marching, Discipline, Conductor, Drumline, Mallet, Music, and Visual. It also received three runner-up honors for Choreography, Uniform, and Color Guard.

“This is inspiring. The school excelled, beating teams from all over the country, and took home eight grand awards. We were named Best in Majorette, Marching, Discipline, Conductor, Drumline, Mallet, Music, and Visual. We also won three more awards as First Runner-Up for Choreography, Uniform, and Color Guard. Hence, we were declared the national champion,” Hingpit said.

Coach Dexter Deles said the team surpassed competitors from Rizal, Quezon, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte.

He shared that the school had previously joined only local contests, making this its first national title.

“We won because everyone worked together. This victory is for the St. Peter community, the Department of Education, the city and provincial governments, and the second congressional district. From early morning to late-night drills, we made it happen through hard work,” the coach recounted.

He added that the band, Gold Griffins, often trains during weekends and holidays.

“Even with few resources, the students did their best to keep up with school while preparing for competitions,” he added.

Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran commended the group’s effort. “This win shows how talented our young people are. Saint Peter National High School may be small, but they proved that a united community can make things happen,” the mayor said.

School officials said Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores helped the team by providing funds and equipment so they could join the national competition.

“These students didn’t just win. They showed the whole country that we are strong and united. Their victory supports the NCCA’s [National Commission for Culture and the Arts] mission to uplift young Filipino talents. Their hard work shows the NCCA’s dream in action— building pride, talent, and teamwork,” Flores said.

The provincial government also recognized the achievement as a notable moment for Bukidnon on the national stage. (JMC/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

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