The University of Northern Philippines delegation has officially arrived in Iloilo City today, April 7, to represent Region I in the National Culture and Arts Festival hosted at West Visayas State University.
Leading the delegation is Cultural Director Dr. Chasen Almazan, joined by cultural staff Engr. Rio Nico Costales, Dr. Mia Gracia Petate, the delegation’s Nurse, and Mr. Kennedy Jetajobe, who serves as documenter and assistant coach for the Short and Sweet Play category. Guiding the student-artists are coaches: Mr. Delmar Torrano, who mentors the visual artists in charcoal and painting; Ms. Marie Grace Jaramilla, handling the vocal duet performers; Mr. Joshua Regalado, coaching the contemporary dance duo; and Mr. Johnny Allagadan Jr., leading the Short and Sweet Play Musical team. In the literary and speech categories, Prof. Imelda Nesperos oversees pagsulat at sanaysay, Prof. Nelson Benson trains the declamation entry, while Dr. Maria Jesusa Unciano and Dr. Norvie Urbis guide the participants in oral interpretation of poetry and persuasive oratory, respectively.
Earlier, Ms. PASUC I candidate Gabrielle May Acebal arrived in Iloilo with her coaches Dr. Glenn Paul Briones and Prof. Greggie Talingdan to participate in pre-pageant events and related activities.
Representing Region I, the UNP delegation features a strong lineup of student-artists. In visual arts, Christian Agustin competes in charcoal, while Joshua Arce showcases his talent in painting. In music, Reizel Anne Talabera and Ejen Glenn Torda perform as a vocal duet, while Earlwin Areola and Jhuzlyn Zafaralla take the stage in the contemporary duo category. The Short and Sweet Play Musical team is composed of Roamn Paolo Atianzar, Daniela Estelle Iya, Maria Caro, Anne Rapacon, George Puruganan Jr., Krisha Ben Louise Meguizo, and Euver Horton, bringing theatrical storytelling to life.
In the literary and speech events, Venice Anne Navarro represents the group in pagsulat at sanaysay, while Robert Organo I delivers in declamation. For oral interpretation of poetry, Forelai Tiara Shae Garcia and Daryl Valdez are set to captivate audiences with their performances.
As the festival begins, the UNP delegation stands ready to demonstrate Region I’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence, aiming not only for awards but also to celebrate the enduring spirit of Filipino creativity.
