MANILA, Philippines – Student-artist delegates from Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) touched down in Manila earlier today, April 22, to participate in the 2024 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges – National Culture and the Arts Festival (PASUC-NCAF).

Over 20 student-artists, accompanied by university officials and coaches, are set to participate in the said cultural festival, hosted by the National Capital Region (NCR) at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) on April 23-25.

Anchored on the theme, “BIDLISIW: Paghilom, Pagbangon, at Pagsulong,” the said culture and art competition will converge student artists and performers across the country to compete for artistic and cultural excellence, representing each region.

Further, four cultural artist teams from the said university, who clinched victory in the previous PASUC Regional Culture and the Arts Festival held last year in Baybay City, Leyte, will represent the Eastern Visayas region in various contest categories: Radio Drama, Vocal Solo (Kundiman), Dance Group (Hip-hop), and Instrumental Solo (Banduria).

According to the University’s Director for Culture and the Arts Dr. Biato Ambe Jr., four groups from two campuses of the university are set to participate in the region in the said festival.

“We have four groups that will represent the Region 8 ha PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival. For the hip-hop category, an Tanauan Campus an ma-represent, while for the Radio Drama, Vocal Solo Kundiman, and Instrumental Solo Banduria liwat are from Main Campus,” he said.

However, Dr. Ambe expressed his dismay after the participant for the Instrumental Solo (Banduria) category, was involved in a motorcycle accident last Friday, April 19.

“Unfortunately, usa nga aton problem yana is an aton representative para han Instrumental Solo Banduria, nadisgrasya kasangkulop. Nag-chat kanina’n aga ha akon an iya head coach,” he said.

The contestant for the said category, Almar Jude Baleros, won’t be able to partake in this year’s PASUC-NCAF due to an injury to his right arm, hindering his ability to play the Banduria, as confirmed by his head coach, Duanne Gariando.

In a message given by the University President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, he extended his wishes for the delegation’s safety and good luck during their visit to his office.

“Good luck to all of you. I am praying for your safety, siyempre that’s number one. Also, na mag-enjoy gihap kamo didto hit competition. Ngan pagbalik niyo, sigurado ako na diri niyo masisiring nga mapapahiya it Region 8 han iyo representation,” he said.

Dr. de Paz also reminded the delegates that winning the cultural festival is merely a “bonus,” as the opportunity to represent the region on the national stage is a privilege not accessible to everyone.

Article by Alrey Lacaba