Text and photos by John Felip Gerasol
Dominating the 56th ASEAN Founding Anniversary and Exhibit, West Visayas State University bagged seven awards for the cultural booth competition and others held at SM City Iloilo, September 1, 2023.
WVSU garnered the following awards: Most Impactful Booth, Best ASEAN Story, Best Storyteller, Best in National Costume – Group Category, Best in National Costume – Individual Category(Male), and Best in National Costume – Individual Category (Female).
Overall, the university was recognized second runner-up in the Best Booth competition among 10 participating universities in Region VI.
The WVSU booth preparation was led by the director of the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) Prof. Edel Carmela Subong Csoka in collaboration with Dr. Arturo Souribio who oversaw the booth’s landscape conceptualization.
On the other hand, Prof. Liberty Porras, director of Dance and Cultural Affairs, with Prof. Ryan Puljanan spearheaded the artistic direction of the cultural performances.
Different colleges and external campuses also showed their support for the success of the ASEAN Exhibit.
The 56th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was celebrated during a grand opening at SM City Iloilo on August 29, 2023, participated by 13 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Region VI representing their designated ASEAN countries.
Themed “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” the anniversary celebration echoed the pivotal role of the ASEAN community in the ever-evolving global landscape.
“We need to be at the forefront because higher education is very important. That is something I need to highlight this afternoon”, said Dr. Raul Alvarez Jr., Director IV of CHEDRO VI, emphasizing the essential role of Higher Educational Institutions in attaining global peace.