The Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF) formally opened on April 8, 2026 at West Visayas State University with a vibrant grand parade featuring delegations from state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the country.
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) led by University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna in the Region 1 delegation marched with the officials, coaches and student-artists in a celebration of culture, creativity, and national identity.
The opening program gathered key figures in Philippine education and culture, including Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Hon. Shirley Agrupis, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairperson Dr. Eric Zerrudo, NCAF Management Committee Chairperson Baby Boy Benjamin Nebres III, and PASUC President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo. The dignitaries warmly welcomed participants, emphasizing the vital role of the arts in nation-building and youth development.
Scheduled from April 8 to 11, the festival serves as a national platform for SUCs to showcase artistic excellence through a wide range of competitions. These include Contemporary Dance, Folk Dance, Short and Sweet Play (Musical and Dialogue), Drama Duo, Banduria, Classical Guitar, the Search for Mr. & Ms. PASUC, Songwriting, Photography, Radio Drama, Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Dagliang Talumpati, Pagkukwento, Oral Interpretation of Poetry, Dramatic Monologue, and Declamation.
UNP enters the competition with a formidable roster of talented student-artists in multiple disciplines. In visual arts, Christian Agustin competes in charcoal drawing, while Joshua Arce demonstrates his skill in painting. The music category features Reizel Anne Talabera and Ejen Glenn Torda in the vocal duet, with Earlwin Areola and Jhuzlyn Zafaralla in the contemporary duo performance.
Meanwhile, UNP’s Short and Sweet Play Musical team—composed of Roman Paolo Atianzar, Daniela Estelle Iya, Maria Caro, Anne Rapacon, George Purugganan Jr., Krisha Ben Louise Meguizo, and Euver Horton—promises to bring dynamic storytelling and theatrical artistry to the stage.
Gabrielle May Acebal proudly stands as the official candidate of Region I for the prestigious Ms. PASUC title, carrying the banner of her region with grace, confidence, and distinction.
As the festival unfolds, the UNP delegation stands poised to showcase Region I’s rich cultural heritage and creative excellence joining fellow SUCs in a celebration that highlights the diversity and vibrancy of Filipino artistry.
