Graphics by Jhon Carl Moron

To formally commence the week-long festivities of the 119th Founding Anniversary and Sports, Culture, and the Arts Festival 2026, dubbed “SIKLAB 2026,” Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) officially opened the celebration through a Grand Opening Program held at the university’s Open Field on Monday, February 23.

The program kick-started with the introduction of the athletes and artists, followed by the unity dance performed by the Samleyaw Performing Arts Group, along with students from the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (BPEd) and Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education (BCAEd).

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Dennis de Paz emphasized in his message that as the university aligns its initiatives with National University with Resilience and Climate Action (NURCA), it remains steadfast in upholding quality and continuous improvement, positioning SIKLAB as a platform where students preserve traditions for future generations.

“As we align our efforts towards NURCA, we reaffirm our commitment to quality, competitiveness, and continuous improvement. Let SIKLAB serve as a platform where excellence is demonstrated, where our athletes challenge their limits, our artists convey powerful narratives, and our cultural performers keep traditions alive while reimagining them for future generations,” said the University President.

Said program was followed by the Playground Demonstration Competition, participated in by the Sky Eco-Arts Eagles of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), Blue Eco-Eagles of the School of Education (SED), Maroon Tech-Eagles of the School of Technology (SOT), and Golden Eco-Biz Eagles of the School of Accountancy, Management, and Entrepreneurship (SAME).

The Sky Eco-Arts Eagles were hailed as champions in the said competition, with the Blue Eco-Eagles securing second place, followed by the Maroon Tech-Eagles in third place, while the Golden Eco-Biz Eagles finished fourth.

Meanwhile, Nash Gabriel Enrile, a student performer from SAS’ Sky Eco-Arts Eagles, shared his emotions after their team secured the championship spot, expressing a mix of excitement, relief, and validation as their late-night practices and the dancers’ efforts to balance rehearsals with academic responsibilities finally paid off.

“I felt a mix of excitement, relief, and validation kay nagbunga an hard work and efforts han dancers tikang ha pagpagabi nga practice, and also an iba gIhap nga ginhatag na efforts na ginpapagsabay an practice ngan an study han mga dancers han SAS,” said Enrile

He then asserted their preparations and efforts before the competition commenced, highlighting how their choreographer ensured everyone was fully prepared through blocking rehearsals at the roof deck and a collective prayer at the SAS lobby to seek guidance before performing.

“Before the competition our choreographer made sure that all the dancers are all set, and also we did blockings and practiced first at the roof deck, and lastly all dancers gathered at SAS Lobby to pray to our dear Lord to guide us during the competition,” Enrile shared.

The program was followed by a vibrant fireworks display, in celebration of the university’s 119 years of legacy and commitment to academic excellence.

Moreover, the program concluded with the Battle of the Bands where student artists from the SOT took the championship title, followed by the SED artist as first runner-up, while the SAAD and SAS performers secured second and third runners-up, respectively.

The week-long festivities will run until Saturday, February 28, with simultaneous sports and cultural events to be held both inside and outside the campus.

Article by James Magayon