Day: January 29, 2026

Banaag sang West shone even brighter as more competitions were held on the second day of 2026 University Days on the afternoon of January 28. At the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center, the Lip-Sync Battle brought out the best in each participating team’s creativity and talent, matched by the roaring cheers of supporters and attendees.

“I now feel excited to be part of something bigger, widening my talents and cherishing the memories I made with these people,” said Leigh Ush Violet Silvestre, one of the performing contestants from Tribu Mayari, College of Business and Management.

Competing teams in the Lip-Sync Battle were composed of 15 to 25 members who performed pop culture-inspired songs for three to five minutes, while others also touched on contemporary issues and trends in the country. As teams faced off head-on, each performed with full effort in their dances, props, and costumes, syncing their movements and expressions to capture the judges’ votes and the support of the audience.

Prince Lance Tuvilla, a second-year BSBA-FM student, expressed his reaction after witnessing the event. “I find it unique and very entertaining. It’s like you can’t get your eyes off of them (performers),” he said.

The contestants showcased intense energy throughout the competition, as the audience did not disappoint in lifting their spirits and igniting the atmosphere inside the venue. This overwhelming energy pushed the performers to innovate and improve year after year, keeping the audience engaged and the surprises coming.

The competition served as a platform for Taga-West to display their talent and expertise in lip-syncing, highlighting their competitive spirit and passion for performance. Their shared goal was to bring pride and glory to their respective campuses and colleges.

Winners will be announced later today, January 29, at the WVSU Cultural Center, along with the results of other University Week competitions.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications
Caption by Nicole Ponsoy, The Innovator
Photos by Ena Kristelle De Nuevo, The Innovator

The morning brilliance met an audience filled with anticipation as the Binalaybay and Sugidanon Contest of the 2026 University Days showcased compelling chronicles at the Quezon Hall Merged Room on January 28.

University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson Psalms Matthew Saligumba opened the event by emphasizing the richness of the Hiligaynon language. In his opening remarks, he underscored the vital importance of cultural preservation through the Hiligaynon Category Contest.

Contestants from different colleges illuminated the stage with performances that echoed the spirit of this year’s University Days theme, “BANAAG SANG WEST: Celebrating our Radiant Gleam in Illuminating Generations.” Each piece served as a living testament to the university’s mission of safeguarding Hiligaynon for the generations yet to come.

Thirteen Binalaybay contenders delivered memorized poems rich with emotion and local color, weaving verses that spoke of heritage, struggle, and pride. Meanwhile, twelve Sugidanon participants brought forth heartfelt narratives—stories born from lived experiences, aspirations, and hope—anchored in themes of perseverance and passion.

Ensuring a fair and esteemed evaluation, the university welcomed distinguished alumni from the University of the Philippines Visayas—John Ian Allenciaga, Eliodora Dimzon, and Noel Galon De Leon—as members of the panel of judges. Performances were assessed under strict guidelines: entries must be written and delivered solely in Hiligaynon, align with the official theme, run for three to five minutes, and be presented without background music, sound effects, or props.

Through eloquence, authenticity, and unwavering pride in their roots, Taga-West students once again proved that brilliance thrives not only in classrooms, but also in the voices that keep culture alive.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

Caption by Keiane Grace Casera, The Innovator
Photos by Kim Janna Provido, The Innovator

Bursting with verse and imagination, 17 competing teams from various colleges and campuses of West Visayas State University gathered for the English Literary Writing Category of 2026 University Days on Jan. 27, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the second floor of the University Learning Resource Center.

The competition featured two categories—Poetry Writing and Essay Writing—challenging participants’ critical thinking, creativity, and command of the English language.

Poetry writers were given the topic “How does a voice refuse to disappear even when ignored?” at the venue and were allotted two hours to conceptualize and complete their entries. Essayists, meanwhile, demonstrated their literary prowess by articulating well-structured and insightful perspectives through their compositions.

The awarding ceremony for the English Literary Writing Category was held on Jan. 28 at the University Cultural Center, recognizing outstanding works in both divisions. The event highlighted not only the university’s academic excellence but also the wit, creativity, and literary skill of its students.

Here are the colleges whose light shone brightest among the rest:

Essay Writing

Champion: College of Nursing

1st Runner-up: College of Communication

2nd Runner-up: College of Medicine

3rd Runner-up: College of Education

4th Runner-up: Integrated Laboratory School

Poetry Writing

Champion: College of Education

1st Runner-up: College of Communication

2nd Runner-up: College of Arts and Sciences

3rd Runner-up: College of Medicine

4th Runner-up: Janiuay Campus

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications
Write-up by Fritz Jaime Sumbo, SILAK Media
Photos by Yoj Frances Chiva, SILAK Media