March 11, 2026
PANABO CITY — Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) prevailed in the Region XI Culture and the Arts Festival (RCAF) held on March 6–8, 2026 at its main campus, with its student artists earning multiple podium finishes and sweeping all gold medals in the Dance Arts category.
The festival gathered representatives from six member institutions of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region XI: Davao del Norte State College, Davao de Oro State College, Davao Oriental State University, Davao del Sur State College, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, and the University of Southeastern Philippines.
Among DNSC’s strongest performances came from the Dance Arts competitions, where the DNSC Daloy Sinalayan Cultural Dance Ensemble dominated the category by winning gold medals in Street Dance, Indigenous Dance, and Contemporary Duo.
The Street Dance team, coached by Verzon Jay R. Calipayan, was composed of Jaira Marie C. Crebillo, Daniella Grace A. Luna, Arvie B. Paler, James R. Tabal, Alden M. Pradia, Jay Luther S. Dongiapon, Kenn D. Umbac, and Jessica Mae Aurelio.
The Indigenous Dance group also secured the gold medal. The dancers were Jonna Kayle B. Abrea, Grace Marie Andres, Kim Xyra Callora, Jaira Marie Crebillo, Arielle Keigh Eugenio, Jennise Nicole Maasin, Britney Shayne Langga, Ashly Natividad Morales, Niña Joy Nieva, Carel Angel Rocello, Joaila Kim Tingson, and Kyte Zabala. They were supported by instrumentalists Queenie Concon, Ace Hadlocon, Wynndyll Lopez, Saidamen Alamada, and Loudel Serna under the mentorship of coach Dave Gavino Filipino.
In Contemporary Duo, Genevieve Pangantihon and Hubert Aldrin Olog captured the gold medal under coach Romeo Selim.
DNSC also secured several other gold medal finishes in the literary and performing arts categories. Eross Y. Yting won gold in Declamation under coach Reymart H. Mancao. Rubieliza C. Tangcomoan placed first in Dramatic Monologue (English), while James Van G. Sion topped Dramatic Monologue (Filipino), both under coach Rizalyn P. Duran.
The DNSC Show Choir likewise earned the gold medal under the direction of coach Erlyn M. Dag-Uman and assistant coach and conductor Eduardo C. Geronimo Jr. The ensemble members included Khazandra Camille Grace Torrevillas, Kristine Mae C. Petalcorin, Chrishaline C. Cubijano, Nia Jean Y. Ruedas, Jhesyl An T. Cano, Kyla P. Bungalan, Corinthia Fiat S. Inojales, Marianne M. Tutor, Princess Nicole Antiola, Princess Claire D. Verano, Sol Christian F. Vistal, Louie Causing, Prince Hilary L. Lapasaran, Matthew D. Cretecio, Franklin A. Palconite, Jolo Casaña, Rain Kieffer Montealto, Carl Daniel C. Menorias, Jhon Lee B. Capuyan, and Red Sunwin Ben E. Tepace.
Several DNSC representatives also brought home silver medals. Nicole Majarreís placed second in On-the-Spot Poster Making under coach Czarina Nicole Lara M. Lanes, while Jasmine Minque Centillas secured silver in Pencil Drawing under coach Michael Aaron Puzon.
Jerol Maulias also won silver in Storytelling under the mentorship of Saimehen Lloid P. Iluis. The Radio Drama team composed of Christian Paul S. Ocba, Christopher James D. Marcial, Jean Jewel A. Castor, Jallen S. Vistal, and Alwynn Louise P. Alinsub earned silver under coach Kimberly G. Sulla.
In acting competitions, Samantha Alyssa L. Pascual and Jeaster Nikko Suarez captured silver in Duo Acting (English) under coach John Rae V. Duran, while James Benedic B. Lismoras and Axcel Emmanuel Castanares placed second in Pangdalawahang Pag-arte (Filipino) with Rizalyn P. Duran as coach.
DNSC also secured a silver medal in Banduria through Aiyeza Divine D. Sato with guitar accompanist Loudel A. Serna under coach Sabar G. Hasan.
Several participants achieved bronze finishes for the college. Rayvan P. Panes placed third in Solo Piano under coach Sabar G. Hasan. Adrian James D. Pingot earned bronze in Pagkukuwento under coach Sancho I. Macalisang.
Mhaurien Codio-an also secured bronze in Oral Interpretation of Poetry under Saimehen Lloid P. Iluis, while Prince Algy M. Banquil placed third in Persuasive Oratory under coach Leo D. Rayon Jr. Nil Gabriel P. Boloron likewise earned bronze in Pop Solo under coach Carylmae B. Balmores.
Aside from the RCAF qualifiers, DNSC will also send automatic national qualifiers to the upcoming national festival in Iloilo City. These include the highest-ranking podium finishers from the most recent Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Friendship Games, specifically the representatives in Mr. and Ms. PASUC, Folk Dance, and Contemporary Group Dance.
