West Visayas State University (WVSU) administered the oath of office for the new set of officers of the University Non-Teaching Personnel Organization (UNPO) Inc., and recognized the successful hosting of the National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF) 2026 during its flag-raising ceremony held on Apr. 20, at Jubilee Park, led by the University Research and Development Center headed by Dr. Ryan Michael Oducado.

The newly elected UNPO officers for 2026-2028, led by President Ms. Elsie Retotar, registrar of the College of Medicine, formally took their oath before Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris.

University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz expressed his gratitude to the WVSU community for the successful hosting of NCAF 2026, noting positive feedback from state university and college presidents and members of the NCAF national technical secretariat. He also congratulated participating students and awardees, encouraging them to take pride in their achievements.

Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, likewise acknowledged the collective effort of faculty, staff and students who contributed to the success of the national event.

Members of the organizing committees were also recognized during the program. Dr. Jon Kristoffer Deguma commended the working committees, while Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr. acknowledged the technical teams and emphasized their continued commitment to excellence.

Meanwhile, Prof. Liberty Porras highlighted the achievements of student artists, noting that Region VI placed first runner-up with 171 points, of which 103 points, or 60 percent, were contributed by WVSU delegates.

The ceremony concluded with performances from NCAF champions in Storytelling and Vocal Solo (Kundiman), as well as winning groups in Folk Dance, Indigenous Dance, and Street Dance.