Iloilo City becomes hub of Filipino arts and culture

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City transforms into a national stage for Filipino artistry as student performers from 113 state universities and colleges converge for four days for the 12th Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF).

The celebration, hosted by West Visayas State University (WVSU), opened on Wednesday, April 8, with a parade from the Jaro Plaza to the university’s historic Quezon Hall, showcasing colorful costumes, music, and dance that highlighted the diversity of Filipino culture.

State universities and colleges from all 18 regions — including the first-time participation of the Negros Island Region — brought their unique stories, traditions, and artistic expressions to the national stage.

The festival, which runs April 8-11, is themed “Pagsaulog: Pagpasidungog sa Aton Panublio, Kultura kag mga Bahandi.”

WVSU President Joselito Villaruz said the celebration invited Filipinos to immerse themselves in a living showcase of their identity, highlighting the treasures of the past, the vibrant expressions of the present, and the possibilities of the cultural future.

“May this gathering spark inspiration, nurture collaboration, and deepen our love for the arts. Culture is not just a reflection of the past — it is a living, breathing force that shapes our present and guides the future of every Filipino artist and cultural advocate,” he said.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairperson Eric Zerrudo stressed that culture and identity are continually threatened worldwide, especially with the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“Every day our culture is impacted, and we are always on the edge because heritage sites are destroyed, temples are bombed, archives, libraries, and artifacts are looted. We cannot afford a world with amnesia; this is the end of humanity,” he warned.

With culture and heritage preservation under threat, Zerrudo stressed that state universities and colleges play a vital role not only as centers of learning but as spaces where cultural identity is strengthened, upheld, and passed on.

“NCAF is more than a festival; it is a platform where creativity, heritage, and diversity of our many regions converge. It affirms that culture is alive in our campuses, in the stories we tell, in the music we create, the dances we perform, and the traditions we continue to uphold,” he said.

NCAF is a major annual event organized by the NCCA.

Through the initiative, Zerrudo said the NCCA aims to nurture a generation of Filipinos who are academically excellent and deeply rooted in their cultural identity.

“Culture, arts, history, and heritage are dignity. It is the dignification of man. In a rapidly changing world, this grounding becomes our source of strength, pride, unity, and sense of belonging,” he said.

The NCCA chief further urged participants to ensure the festival goes beyond performances.

“Let this be an opportunity for deeper engagement where students understand the meaning behind their art, where institutions collaborate, and culture becomes a bridge across regions and disciplines,” he added.