With the theme: “Unity through Culture and the Arts in State Universities and Colleges for Bicol Regional Development,” the four-day Bicol SUC Culture and the Arts Festival 2024, hosted by Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), officially kicked off with a festival parade participated by nine (9) competing State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across Bicol Region, including the Sorsogon State University (SorSU), from February 6-9, 2024, at the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), Daet, Camarines Norte.
Following the festival parade, SUC President III of CNSC, Dr. Marlo M. De la Cruz, provided the welcome remarks of the event, which proceeded with special messages from Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, CESO III (Regional Director, CHED ROV) and Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III (SUC President IV, Bicol University & National Chair, Technical Management of PASUC Culture and Arts).
Meanwhile, the festival opening ceremony was headed by Dr. Alberto N. Naperi (SUC President IV, CBSUA & Chairperson, PASUC-V), while the presentation of delegates was delivered by Culture and Arts Coordinators of Bicol SUCs, wherein SorSU has a total of 114 delegates (78 student-participants, 19 coaches, and 17 committees). Mr. Ricardo “Ricky” A. Lee, esteemed National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts (2022), also graced the event as this year’s guest speaker. In addition, a Unity Dance concluded the short opening program involving all PASUC delegates and performers.
Afterward, a Ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing of Collaborations among the nine (9) Bicol SUCs (Bicol University, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture & Technology, Partido State University, and Sorsogon State University) on Instruction, Research and Extension transpired at the CNSC Covered Court.
Prior to the official commencement of the four-day regional event, a solidarity meeting with coaches was organized relative to criteria and mechanics of various event categories. Moreover, a Solidarity Night/Governor’s Night culminated the Day 1 of Bicol SUC Culture and the Arts Festival 2024.
The four-day regional competition intends to serve as an avenue for showcasing the region’s unique cultural heritage in an effort to promote unity and create significant undertakings toward regional development. (SorSU PIO)
