The curtain on the region’s grandest stage for student artists and performers has once again been lifted as the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges – National Capital Region (PASUC-NCR) Regional Culture and Arts Festival (RCAF) opened on March 4, 2026, at the Open-Air Auditorium of Rizal Park, bringing together 1,582 student artists and performers from state universities and colleges across the National Capital Region. Hosted this year by the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), the regional festival carries the theme “Pagsaulog: Honoring Our Cultural Heritage and Treasures.”
The festival celebrates creativity, heritage, and student expression through a variety of cultural performances, artistic showcases, and competitions. Participants represented their institutions in categories ranging from traditional cultural presentations to modern artistic interpretations.
The event kicked off with a sagala-inspired parade that started from the National Museum Complex and proceeded to the Open-Air Auditorium. Contingents from the seven PASUC-NCR institutions were led by their respective candidates for Mr. and Ms. PASUC-NCR.
During the opening program, PASUC-NCR Executive Director and Vice President for Finance and Administration of the Philippine Normal University, Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara, introduced key officials and guests and presented the various student artist delegations. Meanwhile, the University President of the host institution, the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Rogelio T. Mamaradlo, commended the efforts of the student artists and wished them the best during the three-day competition.
A highlight of the event was the Festival Keynote Message delivered by Cong. Jude Avorque Acidre, Representative of the Tingog Partylist and Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education. In his message, Cong. Acidre emphasized the importance of cultural memory in shaping national identity. “When we celebrate culture, we refuse to forget,” Acidre said, underscoring the role of the youth and educational institutions in preserving and promoting Filipino heritage.
Formally signaling the start of the 12th season of the PASUC-NCR RCAF was PASUC-NCR Chair and Philippine Normal University President, Dr. Bert J. Tuga. Summarizing Cong. Acidre’s message, Dr Tuga urged all participants to be “bearers of cultural memory, conveyors of cultural meaning, and actors of cultural mission.”
Shortly after, the Search for Mr. and Ms. PASUC-NCR 2026 followed. After a fierce battle of pageantry, the title of Mr. PASUC-NCR 2026 was awarded to the representative from the Technological University of the Philippines, while the Ms. PASUC-NCR 2026 crown went to a candidate from the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, PNU’s John Andrei R. Juvida delivered a strong performance that earned him the recognitions Best in Talent and Best in Sagala, ultimately securing the 1st Runner-Up title.
The PASUC-NCR RCAF continues to serve as a platform where student artists showcase their creativity while highlighting the richness of Filipino cultural traditions. Organizers noted that beyond competition, the event aims to strengthen appreciation for the arts and encourage collaboration among institutions.
𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 Kenji F. Bonagua 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗡𝗨 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺
