September 2, 2022
To conclude the recently held Regional ASEAN Month Celebration, the Closing and Awarding Ceremony took place at Doña Remedios Trinidad Medical Foundation Gymnasium on September 2, 2022.
The said program started with the doxology performed by the CHED Regional Office VIII staff, followed by the National Anthem spearheaded by the University of Eastern Philippines chorale. To formally open the program, Atty. Cheryl L. Chu, the chairperson of the Management Committee of RTRMF, gave the welcome message. The hosts also recognized the presence of the key officials of the different HEIs in Region 8. After that, the UEP dance troupe entertained the attendees with a dance intermission number.
Dr. Maximo Aljibe, DPM, CESO III, also delivered his message that morning, highlighting the unity and cooperation manifested by the participating private and public HEIs. He also expressed his gratitude for the presence of all the attendees despite the challenges made by COVID and other calamities. He also challenged all the HEIs to produce globally competitive, morally upright, and culturally balanced graduates to address the challenges we are facing. He ended his speech with the quote: “Together we stand, divided we fall.”
Afterward, special awards were given to HEIs who actively participated in the activities during the Regional ASEAN month-long celebration. To break the ice, a dance intermission number was also presented by the CHEDRO 8 staff. During the lunch break, the attendees were serenaded by the UEP Performing Arts.
The program resumed with the awarding of winners of the Annual Commemorative Contest and ASEANWave Webxhibition Festival. The awarding of winners was a heartstopper for the participants because of the thrill made by the accompanying music and cheering of all the attendees, the Samar State University contenders bagged the following awards:
1st Place – Interactive Digital Painting
Contestants: Mr. Joshua Rubion Cabutin & Mr. Christ A. Palmiano
Coach: Ulysses Eduardo B. De Guia
1st Place – Facemask Competition
Contestant: Mr. Romel Cerbito Abantao
Coach: Prof. Rowel A. Dacanay
1st Place – Video Production
Contestant: #WaysForward Team led by Dr. Ma Ri Fe Mustacisa-Lacaba
2nd Place – Online Demo Teaching
Contestant: Ms. Maria Lyme Flores Correche
Coach: Ms. Manilyn Serpajuan-Sablan
3rd Place – Essay Writing
Contestant: Ms. Karen Gabejan
Coach: Prof. Mae Saschiel Montallana
Both Interactive Digital Painting and Video Production will proceed to the national level based on the mechanics provided by the host. HEIs who participated in the HEI Fair were also given certificates of participation and a special citation was awarded to the SSU booth. The Asian Development Foundation College Symphony Orchestra captivated the attention of the delegates by playing some classical music like “Parokya ni Edgar” medley, “Silent Sanctuary” medley, “Brownman Revival” medley, Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston, and the likes.
Dr. Catherine Iglesias delivered the closing remarks to formally close the event and expressed her gratitude to all the people behind the success of the 2022 Regional ASEAN Month Celebration.
