PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) participated in the 12th National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF), held from April 6 to 12, 2026, in Iloilo City.
The week-long national event is organized by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), in partnership with the Iloilo City Government and host institution, West Visayas State University.
The festival opened through a Grand Parade and Opening Ceremony on April 8, gathering student-artists, cultural performers, and delegates from state universities and colleges across the country. DNSC sent a strong delegation of more than 70 participants, showcasing the College’s commitment to promoting arts, culture, and heritage on the national stage.
In a keynote message from Sen. Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts and Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, delivered by PASUC President Tirso A. Ronquillo, the significance of cultural preservation and practice was emphasized.
“The theme of this celebration calls on us to practice our cultural heritage daily, teach it systematically, and protect it through concrete policies and programs… NCAF serves as a national stage for Filipino creativity, where we see dance, music, literature, theater, and visual arts rooted in the stories, languages, and traditions of our diverse communities,” the message read.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education, through Chair Shirley C. Agrupis, underscored the role of education in preserving culture.
“Ang kultura natin ay hindi lamang ipinapakita, ito ay inaalagaan, pinag-aaralan, at ipinapasa sa susunod na henerasyon,” Chair Agrupis conveyed.
DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa was also present during the event, showing full support to the College’s and Davao Region’s delegation.
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