26/08/2026
๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง โ๐๐
Fostering cultural awareness and solidarity across Southeast Asia, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) celebrated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Month 2026 on August 24 at the campus covered court.
With the presence of faculties, staff, and students from four campuses wearing their ASEAN-inspired attires, the program began with the traditional entrance of colors and the singing of the national anthem, university hymn, and ASEAN anthem.
Dr. Ma. Elena C. Demdam, International Relations Office (IRO) director, extended the official welcome, while Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the opening address.
SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus took the floor for her keynote, stressing the deep historical and cultural threads that tie ASEAN nations together and urging the academic community to value differences as strengths.
โDespite the differences in ideology, politics, and religions, most of us are descended from the same Malay race. In our modern times, let us revive our ancient linkages and build a multicultural society within the ASEAN region,โ Dr. De Jesus said.
In a message shared by Gian D. Detablan, Supreme Student Council (SSC) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) president, he emphasized that cooperation and unity among Southeast Asian nations can build a better future.
โASEAN reminds us that although we may come from different countries, speak different languages, and have different traditions and cultures, we share many common values, aspirations, and hopes for a better future,โ Detablan stated.
Moreover, the day was packed with activities, including cultural presentations, an ASEAN costume parade, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Ms. Micah P. Arellano spoke about international study opportunities, while Dr. Michael John Jamora shared findings from the PHUM Archaeological Project based in Cambodia, giving attendees a glimpse into cross-border academic collaboration.
Excitement peaked during the awarding of winners across three competitive categories.
In the ASEAN Cultural Booth Fair, the College of Engineering and Architecture (CoEA) bagged first place representing Brunei with 94.33%, Castilla Campus followed in second place as Myanmar with 93%, and the Graduate School took third representing Singapore with 92%.
For the ASEAN Cultural Presentation, CoEA dominated once more, securing the top spot with its Brunei performance and a score of 97.33%, the College of Teacher Education (CoTEd) placed second representing Indonesia at 94.67%, and the College of Business and Management (CBM) finished third representing Thailand with 92.33%.
In the TikTok Cultural Presentation, CBM claimed first place representing Thailand with 90%, CoTEd landed second with Indonesia at 89.33%, and the College of Technology (CoT) rounded out the podium in third place representing Vietnam with 89%.
The event was hosted by Mr. Vincent Marion Oro and Ms. Cosna Joan E. Jacob and spearheaded by the IRO.
via | Richelle Ann Mariano, News Writer
Photos: Ya-l Adrin Desuyo and Luisa Catherine Alamer (Photojournalists)
