Western Mindanao State University officially launched its ASEAN 2026 Festival and hosted the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office IX ASEAN 2026 Culminating Activity on September 18, 2026, at the Dr. Juanito A. Bruno Gymnasium, bringing together participating higher education institutions (HEIs) in a celebration of culture, diversity, and regional cooperation.
The celebration formed part of the 59th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and was anchored on the Philippinesβ 2026 ASEAN Chairship under the theme βNavigating Our Future, Together.β The theme reflects the Philippinesβ Chairship vision of advancing a more peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN through greater regional cooperation.
The joint opening and culminating event highlighted the rich cultural diversity of Southeast Asia while providing students and participating institutions with a platform to express the values of unity, creativity, understanding, and cooperation that underpin the ASEAN community.
The program opened with the ASEAN Parade of Nations, featuring representatives from various WMSU colleges and offices representing the different ASEAN member states.
In her welcome remarks, WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena emphasized the importance of embracing differences as a means of strengthening connections among communities. βDifferences do not have to divide us; they can become the colors that make our shared story more beautiful.β She further emphasized βUnity does not mean uniformity. Unity means choosing to move forward together while honoring what makes each of us unique.β
The celebration also featured a keynote address by Dr. Joseph Lou C. Sta. Teresa, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED Regional Office IX, who described the commemoration as a celebration of βdecades of unity, shared identity, and peace across the region.β
A video message was also delivered by Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director IV and Director-in-Charge of the CHED International Affairs Service. Using the metaphor of a vessel, she described regional cooperation as βa vessel where every oarsman pulls in unison to ride the tides of change toward a common shore.β Relating the metaphor to the regionβs shared journey amid rapid digital transformation and global challenges, Dr. Ferrer emphasized the vital role of higher education in shaping ASEANβs future. βHigher education isn’t merely a passenger on this ship. It is the very guide of our direction and the wind that propels our region forward,β she said.
She further underscored that this transformation is not driven by national offices alone but is also made possible by the dedication of higher education institutions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Addressing the participating institutions, she said, βYou are the operational engine of this transformation.β
Following the opening ceremonies, the event proceeded to the competition proper, featuring four (4) major regional competitions of the CHED-RO9 ASEAN celebration. Participating HEIs showcased their creativity through musical and dance performances, visual arts, and film, presenting their interpretations of ASEAN identity, culture, and regional cooperation.
Meanwhile, the WMSU ASEAN Festival featured the ASEAN parade of nations, landmark, national costume, and digital photography competitions. These activities encouraged WMSU students to explore the cultures and identities of Southeast Asian nations while expressing the festivalβs central message of unity in diversity.
The celebration will continue on September 21-22 with additional activities lined up as part of the WMSU ASEAN 2026 Festival. These activities will further engage the university community in celebrating ASEANβs diverse cultures and strengthening awareness of regional identity, cooperation, and shared aspirations.
: Allen Jade Obina Rivera, PAO/BA Journ Intern | LMP, PAO
: PAO
