By Jonas Rey Lugas Macabangon / September 04, 2023
PALO, LEYTE — Samar State University (SSU) took center stage at the ASEAN Festival of Talents and Closing Ceremony 2023. The event, which was part of the Regional ASEAN Month Celebration organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VIII, showcased the talents and achievements of various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the region under the theme “ASEAN MATTERS: Epicentrum of Growth.” The grand event took place at the Mary Ngo Auditorium of Saint Paul School of Professional Studies in Palo, Leyte last August 30, 2023.
The ceremony was marked by a vibrant display of cultural diversity as different HEIs across the region presented cultural performances representing an ASEAN member country. Selected SSU students mesmerized the audience with their graceful performances of the Inang Semara and Joget Saputangan Malaysian dances, symbolizing the rich heritage of the ASEAN region.
The university’s active participation throughout the 2023 Regional ASEAN Celebration were acknowledged by CHED Regional Director, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, DPM, CESO III. The commendable efforts of the university were also recognized in the 2023 Commemorative Contest, where SSU’s remarkable performance earned them accolades.
Adding to the university’s list of achievements, SSU secured the coveted “Best in Costume (Group Category)” award. Moreover, Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, the University President, won “Best in Costume (Individual Category)”, a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and creativity exhibited by the participants. Additionally, the SSU Chorale, coached by Prof. Bliss C. Gara, achieved a remarkable feat by winning 3rd place for their piece “Tagumpay Nating Lahat,” further highlighting the university’s excellence in the realm of music and performance arts.
Dr. Aljibe, in his welcome message, commended Samar State University for not only its remarkable achievements in the cultural realm but also its significant accomplishments in the academic arena. He highlighted the university’s recent distinction as the Top 1 in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Ranking in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, underscoring SSU’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and education in a rapidly evolving world.
The ASEAN Festival of Talents and Closing Ceremony 2023 not only celebrated the diversity and talents of the region’s educational institutions but also showcased SSU’s commitment to excellence, cultural appreciation, and academic advancement. SSU’s remarkable participation underscored the university’s dedication to fostering collaboration and its unwavering support for the ASEAN community’s growth and development.
