Day: December 22, 2025

The WVSU Panayana Cultural Group clinched second place at the Ambahanon sa Pototan 2025 (Season 3) Chorale Competition on Dec. 19, showcasing musical excellence in a regional Christmas choral festival held in front of the Pototan Municipal Hall.

Conducted by Ronnie A. Libutaque, the university choir stood out among four competing ensembles with a repertoire that blended traditional holiday themes and socially reflective music. Their performance featured “Diwa ng Pasko” by Ramon Tapales, arranged by Lucio San Pedro; “Bahay” by Gary Granada; and “Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko” by Andrei Dionisio.

The Ambahanon sa Pototan is a community-based choral competition organized by the local government of Pototan as part of its Christmas festivities. The event brings together school, church, and community choirs from across Western Visayas and neighboring regions to celebrate music, culture, and the spirit of the season.

The Panayana Cultural Group’s strong showing underscored WVSU’s continuing commitment to cultural artistry and performance excellence, reinforcing the university’s presence in regional artistic platforms while fostering community engagement through music.

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The West Visayas State University Federated Alumni Association, Inc. (WVSUFAAI) officially kicked off activities for the 2026 Grand Alumni Homecoming with the launching and opening of an art exhibit at SM City Iloilo on Dec. 16, 2025.

Dubbed a prelude activity to the Grand Jubilarian Alumni Homecoming set in January 2026, the exhibit runs until Dec. 20 and features works by alumni artists Joel Senina Adrias (WVSU–College of Education Batch 1976) and Joel Eugenio E. Ferraris (WVSU High School Batch 1976).

The opening program included the National Anthem, opening prayer, and the WVSU Hymn, followed by words of welcome from Dr. Jonathan C. Glorial, director of WVSU Alumni Affairs. Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU president, delivered the keynote message, underscoring the role of alumni engagement in sustaining the university’s legacy. A message was also delivered by Faculty Regent Shim Lester de Pio, president of the Federated Faculty Association.

Ribbon-cutting rites were led by Mr. Jeremias Adrias, brother of artist Joel Adrias; Inesitas Lacson-Palermo, Former Alumni Queen 2023 (WVSU-COE Batch 1971); Dr. Ricky Magno, dean of the College of Education; and Shim Lester de Pio.

Adrias presented a series of 20 circular-themed works, while Ferraris showcased one large acrylic piece alongside several other artworks. Ferraris also enhanced the exhibit with a multimedia component—a video loop featuring his artworks and artist interviews—displayed on a flat-screen monitor installed at the venue.

Alumni from various jubilarian batches, including WVSU-COE Classes of 1971, 1976, 1991 and 1992, WVSU-CAS-1981, WVSU-CAF 1981 and 1986 attended the opening, reflecting strong intergenerational support for the homecoming buildup.

The exhibit not only celebrates alumni creativity but also supports creative entrepreneurship, with selected artworks available for viewing. Serving as the event’s emcee was Prof. Bonifacio P. Gaverza.

WVSUFAAI said the launching and exhibit set the tone for the 2026 Grand Alumni Homecoming, highlighting unity, creativity, and sustained alumni involvement as the university prepares for its major alumni gathering early next year.

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