15/01/2026
๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐: ๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ข๐ญ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ "๐๐จ๐ง๐ " ๐. ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ณ
๐ผ๐๐ข ๐ท๐ผ, ๐ท๐ฟ๐ฝ๐น โ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐ผ, ๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐ท
The halls of Compostela National High School (CNHS) carry a certain stillness when we remember the man who once filled them with vision, energy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Mr. Ritchel "Jong" E. Cruz was more than just a School Principal IV; he was a mentor, a father figure, and a cornerstone of the educational community in Compostela.
As we mark the anniversary of his passing, we reflect on a life dedicated to the noble cause of shaping the future through the youth.
Sir Jong didn't just manage a school; he nurtured an environment where both students and teachers could thrive. His tenure at Compostela National High School was marked by a relentless pursuit of progress. He believed that every student, regardless of their background, deserved access to quality education and a safe place to dream.
Under his leadership the school is called "๐ฏ๐ฝ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐ธ๐น๐๐ธ๐ถ๐๐พ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ป๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐ธ๐", CNHS saw significant strides in both academic and extracurricular fields. He believed that a great school starts with motivated educators, often acting as a bridge between administrative needs and classroom realities. He was a constant presence at school events, always cheering the loudest for the studentsโ successes.
To those who knew him closely, "Sir Jong" was more than his professional credentials. Born on May 16, 1973, he possessed a vibrant spirit that balanced authority with genuine kindness. He was a man of the peopleโaccessible, approachable, and always ready with a word of encouragement or a firm nudge toward a better path.
His passing on January 6, 2021, left a void that was felt deeply across the province. In the face of the challenges of that time, his steady hand and optimistic outlook provided much-needed stability for the CNHS family.
"A leader's true greatness is not found in the titles they hold, but in the lives they touch and the seeds of inspiration they plant in others."
Though he is no longer with us in person, the "Cruz Legacy" lives on in every graduate of Compostela National High School who strives for excellence and every teacher who continues to teach with passion.
We remember him not with sorrow for his departure, but with profound gratitude for the years he shared with the world. His life was a masterclass in service, and his memory remains a guiding light for the community he loved so dearly.
Rest in eternal peace, Sir Jong. Your mission is accomplished, and your impact is eternal.
Words and Photo by Raul M. Balidio
