By Leo Almonte
West Visayas State University (WVSU) represents Indonesia during the week-long ASEAN Exhibit: A Showcase of ASEAN Culture and Education that started last September 26, 2022, at Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City.
ASEAN, a regional body, composed of 10 member states founded in 1967, is committed to promoting intergovernmental cooperation in economic development, security, military, politics, and education.
CHED Region VI and Western Visayas Association of Higher Education Institutions (WVAHEI) organized the event in collaboration with WVAHEI members to celebrate the 55th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Higher Education Institutions participating in the event stand-in for an ASEAN member state through booths showcasing its culture. Assigned to represent Indonesia, WVSU’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) booth featured its culture through Indonesian-inspired decorations, visuals, and symbols.
WVSU’s Janiuay and Lambunao Campuses put their culinary skills into high gear by preparing Indonesian cuisines like Beef Rendang, Ayam Goreng, Chicken Satay, Cilor, and Klepon. Mall goers swarmed the booths for free food tasting and a closer look at the display. ILLO staff and interns manning the booth donned Indonesian-themed outfits.
The ASEAN Exhibit became an opportunity for the different WVSU campuses to work as a team and contribute to the event’s success. The other units that contributed to cultural production, logistics, booth set-up, concept development, theme, design and promotion were the Dance Cultural Affairs Office, College of Business and Management, Pototan Campus, MIS, PAMCO, WVSU Artist Guild, ILLO and PAMCO interns, and the General Service Office.
Like in all the booths, WVSU’s corner garnered visitors for selfies, food-tasting, and small talks with staff about their “adopted” country. The ASEAN Exhibit is open to the public until September 30, 2022 at Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City.
