Student-led booth fairs showcase EVSUnistas’ arts, crafts in SIKLAB ’26

Graphics by Jhon Carl Moron

To foster student artistry and creativity, the Student Booth Fair and Organization Days commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of the 119th Founding Anniversary, Sports, Culture, and the Arts Festival 2026 at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus grounds on Monday, February 23.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by University President Dr. Dennis de Paz, who formally opened the Student Booth Fair and Organization Days in the presence of faculty members and Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers under the theme “Sustaining Excellence and Innovation Towards NURCA (National University for Resiliency and Climate Action).”

Students visited and participated in hands-on activities as 31 recognized student organizations showcased interactive booths featuring games, live demonstrations, exhibits, merchandise, food, and handmade crafts across the grounds.

In her opening remarks, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services Dr. Analyn Españo emphasized that students remain central to the university’s mission and institutional development, noting that student organizations contribute to the institution’s goal of becoming a national university.

“Our students are at the heart of this university. You are the reason why we exist as a university. It is fit and right to celebrate with you and to make you part of our mission and the face of development in this university. Remember, the mission our President is urging is for us to become a national university with a sturdy seat and a bright future,” Dr. Españo said.

In an interview, Jaye Marie Malazarte of the Society of Student Nutritionist-Dietitians (SSND) said their organization conducted meetings to plan their booth concept, aiming to create a traditional yet welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

“Nag-meeting kami kun ano it amon gusto nga outcome han amon booth ngan makaka-wow han mga tawo. It took a lot of time to decide, kay an theme is tradition, pero ha bulig han akon mga ka-org, nagdecide kami nga maghimo hin something close ha amon—something homie ngan comforting nga vibe ngan style”, Malazarte explained.

Meanwhile, Nick Andrei Pantin from the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) shared that he found the fair both enjoyable and meaningful, noting that he appreciated visiting the various booths and observing their creative displays.

“It was fun and meaningful. I enjoyed visiting different booths because they had creative displays on their booths,” Pantin shared

The booth fair will run until Friday, February 27, featuring daily activities designed to further develop students’ competencies.

Article by Jairra Sey Villar