By Abegail G. Lapating, Elyn Joy B. Estimada, Mary Angel Lou S. Tribiano
ILOILO CITY– In celebration of the 55th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Founding Anniversary and collaboration with the Western Visayas Association of Higher Education Institutions (WVAHEI), CHED Region VI launched the ASEAN Exhibit: A Showcase of ASEAN Culture and Education, a week-long celebration, last September 26, 2022, at Robinsons Mall Jaro, Iloilo City.
West Visayas State University (WVSU) showcased the culture of Indonesia together with nine other private and government higher educational institutions around Panay and Guimaras, representing the ten ASEAN members.
Various Colleges and universities exhibited the rich culture and heritage of ASEAN nations through their well-designed, thematic, and festive booths with the University of Antique representing Brunei, Iloilo Science and Technology University (Cambodia), West Visayas State University (Indonesia), Aklan State University (Laos), Capiz State University (Malaysia), Colegio de San Jose (Myanmar), Northern Iloilo State University (Singapore), Guimaras State University (Thailand), Iloilo State College of Fisheries (Vietnam), Central Philippine University (Philippines).
Dr. Raul C. Alvarez (Regional Director, CHEDRO VI), Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño (Guimaras State University President), and Dr. Raul F. Muyong (Iloilo Science and Technology University and WVAHEI President) opened the exhibit with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, VP for Academic Affairs, represented WVSU in the event.
Representatives from different colleges and universities joined the parade of flags in their respective traditional attires. The cultural group from WVSU, Panayana, sang the opening prayer, followed by their soulful renditions of the Philippine National Anthem, ASEAN Hymn, Iloilo City Hymn, and CHED Hymn.
Dr. Raul Muyong delivered the welcome message, while Dr. Raul C. Alvarez declared the ASEAN Exhibit open after his keynote speech. Day One of the Celebration commenced with successive cultural presentations of groups from each university and college.
The ASEAN Exhibit is open to the public from September 26 to 30, 2022, at the Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City.
