To advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), through the Office of International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP), led the culmination of the three-week-long Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Festival, held at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Center on September 17, 2024.
Anchored to the theme 'When ASEAN Meets SDGs Twice,' the participating institutions included Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), City College of San Fernando (CCSF), and Guagua Community College (GCC).
“We only have admiration for DHVSU. Truly, Honorian way is excellence,” said Dr. Lora Yusi, Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office III in her message.
Dr. Yusi also shared a few words of advice with the participating institutions, emphasizing that while pursuing success in terms of rankings and achievements, they should remember that something more important than success is significance.
Through the initiatives of the OIPP, led by Director Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo, the partnership with seven other institutions serves as a platform to establish and explore how the ASEAN community can work together to advance the SDGs.
Dr. Crisostomo also mentioned that the OIPP collaborated with the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, the Office of Culture and Arts, and the Architecture Program faculty from the College of Engineering and Architecture.
In various contested categories during the celebration, Honorians received recognition in the following:
• 1st Place in Cultural Dance (Recorded) - Sandiquil Dance Troupe (Alvin A. Cantero, Josh Annly M. Alvaro, Jefferson F. Portacio, Donalyn V. Senyo, Keiana Gabrielle C. Dizon, and Lindsey Danielle G. Lazarraga)
• 1st Place in Online Cooking Demo Competition - Joshua Carbungco
• 1st Place in Digital Art Competition - Ron Shanelle S. Salunga
• 2nd Place in ASEAN Booth Designs Competition – College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Team Philippines)
• 2nd Place in Research Pitching Competition - Gideon L. Catahan, Rowen Jr. M. Luprandado, Hyacint C. Bariao, John Luis O. Guarin, Jaslee C. Campo
• 3rd Place in Free Speech Competition - Ronald Ace A. Miranda • 3rd Place in Digital Poster Competition - Billyrei L. Rubia
Meanwhile, key representatives of the partner institutions are as follows:
• Engr. Reden Hernandez – Vice President for Academic Affairs and concurrent OICExecutive Vice President and OIC-Vice President for Administration and Finance
• Dr. Dolores Quiambao – Vice President for Student Affairs and Services
• Dr. Edmar Franguera – Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training of TAU
• Mx. Clyde Pumihic – Director for International Affairs of IFSU
• Dr. Sylvia de Guzman – Vice President for Academic Affairs of PSAU
• Dr. Cecilia Santiago – Vice President for Academic Affairs of BASC
• Dr. Joseph Gonzales – Director for International Affairs of ASCOT
• Dr. Melanie Villoria-Briones – Vice President for Academic Affairs and International Engagement of CCSF
• Mr. Alan Mendoza – President of GCC
• Hon. Anthony Joseph S. Torres – Municipal Mayor of Guagua, Pampanga
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the participating institutions to acknowledge their mutual desire to cooperate in establishing arrangements for the provision of quality, meaningful, and result-oriented collaboration in both academic and non-academic programs and projects.
Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit
