To officially open the anticipated cultural and artistic activities, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region VIII – Regional Culture and the Arts Festival (RCAF) 2025 officially opened at the Polompon Civic Center (PCC) on Tuesday, December 9.

The opening ceremony commenced with a town parade attended by Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) student-artists and coaches, together with delegates from nine other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the region, proceeding along the town streets of Palompon.

After, the ceremony formally commenced with festival and cultural performances, featuring a spectacular display of traditional dances, along with the Lawig Festival presentation at the Palompon Civic Center (PCC).

In his welcome remarks, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) President Dr. Claudine Igot emphasized the significance of cultural expression in promoting camaraderie and sportsmanship among participating state universities and colleges.

“You carry with you the pride of your universities, and your honor, your communities, by simply showing up and giving your best. But beyond the competition, I hope you embrace what this festival truly stands for: sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the joy of creation,” said Dr. Igot.

Meanwhile, PASUC-8 President Dr. Victor Cañezo shared that the festival stands as a celebration of unity in diversity, strengthening regional identity through the arts and renewing the cultural legacy for the youth to carry forward.

“This festival is far more than a competition. It is a homecoming of creativity—a renewal of culture and promise that our youth will continue the legacy of those who came before us,” the PASUC-8 President said.

The program concluded with the formal opening of the PASUC-8 Regional Culture and the Arts Festival, presided over by PIT OIC President Dr. Claudine Igot, highlighted by a unity dance featuring the host community’s cultural song.

Artistic and cultural activities and competitions are set to commence on Wednesday to Thursday, December 10-11, and will run simultaneously across multiple venues in and outside the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) campus.

Meanwhile, the awarding ceremony will be held on Friday, December 12.

Article by James Magayon