Category: University Days

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.

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2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

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

Dawning with rhymes and creativity, students from 17 colleges and campuses of West Visayas State University gathered for the Filipino Literary Writing Competition of 2026 University Days, held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the University Learning Resource Center Reference Section.

Participants showcased their wit and eloquence as they competed in Pagsulat ng Sanaysay and Pagsulat ng Tula, writing original works on the common theme, “Ang Pagpapahalaga sa Kulturang Pilipino sa Kabila ng Pagsulong ng Makabagong Teknolohiya.”

Entries were written anonymously within the allotted time and evaluated based on content relevance, originality, clarity, organization, creativity, language use, and overall structure.

The competition was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of judges composed of Palanca Award winner Kimberly Rose Pillo–Frufonga, award-winning publication adviser of Philippine Science High School Roden Pedrajas, and Dr. Joel Labos of the University of the Philippines Visayas.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications
Write-up by Chris Gem Quimba, SILAK Media
Photos by Yoj Frances Chiva, SILAK Media

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

Armed with confidence and stage presence, 17 participants from different tribes showcased their storytelling skills during the Pagkukuwento Contest of the ongoing University Days 2026, held at the CON Building, Room 302, Jan. 28, 2026.

The contest served as a venue for students to demonstrate proficiency in Filipino while highlighting narrative structure, vocal expression, and creative delivery through original and adapted stories.

Jan Dennis Dariagan, representative of Tribu Elag from the College of Information and Communications Technology, recalled the challenges he faced prior to the contest, including the absence of a coach, limited preparation time of three days, and simultaneous participation in the Suguidanon competition.

“Three days before the contest, I got a runny nose, but despite that, I continued training on my own, especially practicing how to master my ‘lolo’ voice for my Pagkukuwento performance, and thankfully, I managed it,” Dariagan said.

Allan Ken Dominguez, University Student Council councilor, board member of the Federated Student Council, and contest chair for the Filipino Speech Category, said that despite the success of the event, several setbacks were encountered, such as difficulty in sourcing appropriate stories and balancing responsibilities as both contest chair and Suguidanon contestant.

“For the past few days, we have been busy preparing for the event plus managing academic demands, and being a contest chair is not easy. We struggled to find stories to be used, and although our adviser attempted to source pieces from PASUC, none were available. I also had to juggle my role as contest chair and as a contestant for my tribe in Suguidanon the reason why I have to leave for a while the responsibilities to my fellow FSC members and with proper time management, we made it,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez also expressed gratitude to contest facilitators from various colleges and external campuses for their responsiveness and support, noting that their cooperation greatly helped in ensuring sufficient manpower and smooth coordination.

While contest pieces vary each year, organizers noted that this year’s entries mostly carried moral lessons and were largely “kuwentong pambata,” challenging participants to perform as if speaking to children despite being college students.

Pagkukuwento, one of the contests under the Filipino Speech Category, was held on the second day of University Days 2026 alongside the English and Hiligaynon Speech Categories and the Lip Sync Battle.

University Days 2026 commenced on January 27 and will conclude on Jan. 30, 2026, carrying the theme “BANAAG sang WEST: Celebrating our Radiant Gleam in Illuminating Generations.”

Words by Jose Alphonso E. Ceria and Pia E. Maleriado, SBR Class
Photos by Jemmar T. Tejero, SBR Class

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
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Harnessing their prowess in delivery, representatives hailing from colleges and satellite campuses flocked to the Audio-Visual Hall as the declamation competition began at 1 p.m. on Jan. 28 with pieces reflecting the University Days theme; Banaag sang West: Celebrating our Radiant Gleam Illuminating Generation, the declaimers swept the stage.

Contorted faces, potent voices, and powerful pieces were the focal point of the craft. “Ever since I was a kid, super gid ko ka OA, and a lot of my teachers will say, ‘Why don’t you try this kind of thing acting and declamation?’ Karl Jaesop Sapul, a contender from the Tribu Delan tells us. Years of practice and competitions have led them to the university’s light, taking their place among the generations it has illuminated. In fleshing out stories, they were not only delivered with prowess but were grounded to the temperaments of the locality.

“As students we should be advocates. There should be a balance between tradition and medication,” explains Andrea Gwyneth Casabuena, Tribu Haliya’s contender. Each of their pieces echoed through the four walls of the hall and branded themselves on the hearts of those dawned with the university’s banaag.

“I was expecting to see a lot of different talents; each campus and college brings out their best, and I was really excited to see what each college has to offer in terms of experience, in terms of skill, it’s all a wonderful mix,” says Jeff Sambrano, facilitator for the Tribu Haliya. With audiences flooding the AVH, excitement surged through its high ceilings as declamation contestants took center stage to give life to their pieces. “You’ve gotten this far, you did all your best, and all I can say is bring it out here for the world to see because you deserve to shine,” Jeff tells their contender.

Shining the light for the success of the competition, the performances spoke for themselves; it took a village. “Another thing that I have is the support system from those people that watched out for our performance, and somehow I delivered my performance for them and gave them my all,” confides Karl.

Every number ended with resounding applause.

Words by Tamali Marie Superales, Michael Jansen dela Cruz and Carla Eunice Guevara, SBR Class

Photos by Tamali Marie Superales and Carla Eunice Guevara, SBR Class

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

Fifteen students from the different colleges and external campuses of West Visayas State University competed in the English oration contest on Jan. 28, 2026, at the Audio-Visual Hall as part of University Days 2026.

The contest carried this year’s theme, “BANAAG sang West: Celebrating Our Radiant Gleam in Illuminating Generations,” and featured speeches that blended oratorical skill with personal stories of struggle, inspiration and resilience.

Contestants delivered their pieces with projected voices and deliberate gestures, drawing the audience into their narratives and message.

Among the participants was Janquel Carampatana, a first-year student from Tribu Dalikmata of the College of PESCAR, who joined the category for the first time.

Carampatana said he briefly forgot a portion of his piece during his delivery but recovered and finished the speech.

“It was part of my practice to teach myself how to compose when I make a mistake,” he said. “What I do is I actually skip the part, but I don’t make it obvious. As much as possible, I try to be really composed and remain in the momentum so the audience would not be able to notice.”

A significant part of his speech focused on first-generation graduates in Filipino families, a theme he said he found personally meaningful.

Oration is the second contest under the English speech category. It follows extemporaneous speaking and will be followed by storytelling, declamation and character impersonation.

Words by Edniel De Los Reyes and Ramil Ivan Nequia, SBR Class

Photos by Sebastian Acana and Ramil Ivan Nequia, SBR Class

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West Visayas State University highlighted its research and community programs during the Fair on Innovation, Research and Extension Services (FIRES) 2026, held as part of the 2026 University Days on Jan. 28 at the Research and Extension Building.

FIRES 2026 brought together WVSU faculty, students, researchers, and extension workers to showcase ongoing studies, innovative programs, and community initiatives. The event aimed to strengthen knowledge sharing and coordination among university units.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Reynaldo T. Sy, Regional Director of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Region VI, emphasized the role of digital systems in research and extension work. He presented examples of government-supported ICT programs used by public institutions to improve data management, communication, and service delivery. He emphasized practical use of technology to support research dissemination and community engagement.

FIRES 2026 also highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to boost research productivity and enhance extension services. Presentations and exhibits focused on initiatives aligned with regional and national development goals, offering WVSU faculty and students opportunities to learn from and collaborate with peers across disciplines.

𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 WVSU Research Journal

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Besting 15 other entries from the university’s different colleges and campuses, the College of Arts and Sciences bagged the top award in the 3rd Sulong Film Festival held at the University Cultural Center on Day 1 of the University Week celebration, Jan. 27, 2026.

Tribu Adlaw’s winning entry, Amar, sent chills and goosebumps through the audience as it used elements of folklore and suspense to tackle the social issue of injustice, leaving a strong impression on viewers during the festival screening.

A total of 15 short films from various colleges and campuses competed in the festival, showcasing diverse narratives and filmmaking styles. Entries included SIDLAK 1896 (WVSU Pototan); LFR – Looking for Raffy (COC); Joy Loves Hope (CBM); Dahang Liwanag (CAF); Ang Kabug-at sang Aton Tinion (COM); Sketch Badge (Lambunao Campus); Dagaang (COE); Duwa ka Bilog (CICT); Paghiyom (Janiuay Campus); Lulan sa Pangandoy (Himamaylan Campus); Across the Universe(s) (CON); Amar (CAS); When the Moon Calls (COP); Pasubli (Calinog Campus); and Iwag sa Kahilum (COD).

In the awards night, the College of Communication (COC) entry dominated several minor awards, winning Best Poster, Best Teaser Video, Best Editing, and Best Screenplay. The College of Medicine (COM) received a Special Jury Citation. Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) secured Best Musical Score and Sound Design, Best Performance in a Leading Role through Dick Mathew Montano, Best Director for Timothy James Sampang, and Best Picture.

In the major awards, the College of Nursing (CON) placed fifth, followed by the College of Education (COE) in fourth place, the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) in third, the College of Communication (COC) in second, and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) emerging as the overall champion.

In an interview with Daniel de la Cruz, award-winning director, and judge, he noted that this year’s Sulong Film Festival highlighted what it truly means to be Taga-West, with films that inspire, bring joy, and challenge broken systems affecting communities, adding that despite limited resources, the entries reflected the passion, resilience, and bold imagination of WVSU student filmmakers.

He also reminded student filmmakers that their stories have the power to move and shape perspectives, encouraging them to keep creating with intention and confidence, and to share regional narratives boldly as an essential part of Philippine cinema.

“Your stories make people feel seen, heard, and moved; that’s how powerful they are. They shape how others see the world. Platforms like the Sulong Film Festival exist because they believe in the power of your voice. So keep creating, keep learning, and keep lifting each other up, because we can only build a stronger community together. Your stories from the community are part of a bigger Filipino narrative, regional cinema is Philippine cinema, so don’t be afraid to share them boldly and proudly,” de la Cruz said.

Sulong Film Festival, now in its third year on the University Days roster of events, provides a platform for student-made short films not just as entries, but a form of expression for youth perspectives, social realities, creative risks converged, and meaningful storytelling within and beyond the university, underscoring the importance of student cinema as an avenue for dialogue and illumination.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

Write-up by Gierson Bordon, The Mediator
Photos by Matthew Immanuel Sayman, The Mediator

Sa ikalawang araw ng University Week, muling nagtipon ang iba’t ibang departamento upang ipamalas ang kani-kanilang husay at talino. Sa umaga, isinagawa ang patimpalak sa Filipino category na ginanap sa CON Building, Room 301. Isa itong makulay na yugto ng selebrasyon na nagbigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng wika bilang daluyan ng damdamin, ideya, at pagkakaisa ng pamantasan.

May 16 na kalahok ang lumahok sa Talumpati, bawat isa ay nagdala ng sariling tinig at pananaw mula sa kani-kanilang kolehiyo. Ang entablado ay nagsilbing bukas na espasyo kung saan ang mga estudyante ay nakapagpahayag ng kanilang saloobin.

‎Si Lycerme John D. Ybañez, isang mag-aaral mula sa College of Education, ay nagbahagi ng kanyang saloobin tungkol sa kaganapan.

‎“Personal, mas pinapanigan ko ang College of Education dahil sa kanyang tamang diksyon at malinaw na tinig. Nagustuhan ko ang piraso, at bukod sa College of Education, nagustuhan ko rin ang kalahok mula sa College of Communication,” ani Ybañez.

Dalawa sa mga kalahok ang namukod-tangi sa kanilang pagganap: Si Aaron Justin Sentin mula sa College of Education at si Loudette Belencion mula sa College of Communication. Ang kanilang talumpati ay hindi lamang nagpakita ng husay sa retorika kundi nagbigay rin ng matinding damdamin at paninindigan. Ang kanilang tinig ay kumakatawan sa lakas ng kabataan na handang tumindig para sa bayan at pamantasan.

‎Sa temang “BANAAG sang WEST: Celebrating our Radiant Gleam in Illuminating Generations,” naging gabay ang diwa ng pagdiriwang upang ipakita ang liwanag ng bawat estudyante. Ang tema ay nagsilbing paalala na ang pamantasan ay hindi lamang tahanan ng kaalaman, kundi bukal din ng inspirasyon at pag-asa. Sa pamamagitan ng Talumpati, naipakita ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa sa kabila ng pagkakaiba-iba ng pinagmulan.

Ang University Week ay hindi lamang selebrasyon ng talento kundi isang pagkakataon upang muling pag-isahin ang iba’t ibang tinig mula sa iba’t ibang departamento. Sa bawat pagtatanghal, lumilitaw ang mensahe na ang tunay na lakas ng pamantasan ay nasa pagkakaisa ng komunidad. Ang mga kalahok ay hindi lamang nagtagisan ng husay, kundi nagbigay rin ng inspirasyon sa kanilang mga kapwa mag-aaral.

Ang ikalawang araw ng University Week ay nagsilbing patunay na ang pamantasan ay tahanan ng mga tinig na handang magbigay-liwanag sa lipunan. Sa pamamagitan ng Talumpati, naipamalas ang tapang, talino, at malasakit ng kabataan. Ang kanilang mga tinig, bagama’t nagmula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo, ay nagtagpo upang ipakita ang isang nagkakaisang pamantasan—isang pamantasan na patuloy na nagliliwanag para sa susunod na henerasyon.

Ni Frenchie Banias at Rayver John Ilano, SBR Class
Mga larawan kuha ni Jianna Maurice Santos, SBR Class

Narrowing the field to two teams, the 2026 Banggianay semifinals concluded with Tribu Adlaw of the College of Arts and Sciences and Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing advancing to the championship round.

The semifinals featured two debate matches under the Modified Oxford-Oregon format, each determining which team would advance to the finals.

Match 1: Tribu Adlaw outargues Tribu Dalikmata in a decisive showdown

Amid a contested exchange, Tribu Adlaw of the College of Arts and Sciences prevailed against Tribu Dalikmata of the College of PESCAR during the first match of the semifinals.

The teams debated around the motion “Let it be resolved that the Philippine Department of Education should implement mandatory reproductive health education.”

Opening for the affirmative, necessity speaker Joe Allen Marañon argued that mandatory reproductive health education (RHE) is a constitutional obligation, asserting that “we should not protect children from information, but protect children through information.”

The affirmative asserted that making reproductive health education mandatory ensures equal access to accurate information, protecting students from stigma and misinformation.

The negative side, Tribu Dalikmata, countered that mandating RHE fails to address deeper structural issues such as poverty, weak public services, and uneven implementation.

In rebuttal, the affirmative maintained that institutionalizing RHE enables accountability, regulation, and consistent delivery nationwide.

Match 2: Tribu Haliya outlasts Tribu Hanan in fiery clash of minds

In a heated round marked by sharp interpellations and repeated appeals for decorum, Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing (CON) edged Tribu Hanan of the College of Education (COE) in the second match of the round.

The teams debated the motion, “Let it be resolved that government employees be allowed to directly engage in partisan election campaigns.”

Opening for the affirmative, necessity speaker Angelie Marie C. Garrido argued that existing civil service restrictions are overly broad, silencing rank-and-file government employees who possess no coercive power yet hold critical institutional knowledge.

The negative side, Tribu Hanan, warned that allowing partisan campaigning undermines state neutrality, politicizes public service delivery, and erodes the constitutional merit and fitness system.

In rebuttal, the affirmative argued that narrowly tailored regulations better protect against abuse while preserving political participation.

After clinching their semifinal win, Tribu Adlaw and Tribu Haliya will face off in the Championship round of this year’s iteration of Banggianay on January 30, where the champion will be determined.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

Write-up by Tracy Anne Freires, The Courier

Photos by Cassandra Alexa Ciasico and April Diesmartis Macantan, The Courier