PANABO CITY – 51 students and 11 coaches from Davao del Norte State College completed Davao Region’s delegation to the 11th National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF), organized by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC). The event was held at the Philippine Normal University and other venues within the City of Manila on February 23 – 26, 2024.

DNSC’s pageant bets, Mary Bless Araño and Prince Varry Laureano, were crowned as Mr. and Ms. PASUC-NCAF 2024. Araño, during the question-and-answer portion, highlighted her advocacy of sustainable tourism in bridging the gap between modernization and cultural preservation. Laureano gave the winning answer by emphasizing language as one part of a culture that needs to be protected. “If we lose a part of our culture, we lose a part of ourselves,” he uttered.

The contemporary dance team, mentored by Diane Rashane Dayag, secured fourth place in their category. The rest of the DNSC teams represented the region in Folk Dance, Indigenous Dance, Streetdance, and Painting.

Sen. Pia Cayetano, the keynote speaker during the festival’s opening program, emphasized the importance of culture and the arts in driving the country’s plans forward. “Our history and culture will pave our future. We can’t plan for the future if we do not understand the intangible things that define who we are – our songs, dances, and stories,” she added.

The delegation was accompanied by College President Joy M. Sorrosa, Student Development and Services Director Josiedel C. Santamaria, Sociocultural Regional Director Ian S. Somosot, and other officials.