The Commission on Higher Education – Caraga Regional Office (CHED Caraga) concluded the month-long celebration of the 54th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Founding Anniversary on August 27, 2021 with a virtual culmination program attended by all CHED Caraga personnel, heads of Caraga Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and heads of partner government agencies via ZOOM Teleconferencing and Facebook Live. The given theme for the year is “PADYAK! Moving forward, claiming victory for Philippine Higher Education (PHE) in the ASEAN Community.”
Regional Director Dr. Leonida Calagui gave everyone a warm welcome as they gathered for the grand finale of the month-long festivities.
“On behalf of CHED Caraga, please allow me to express our wholehearted appreciation and recognition to our HEIs as our partners in the pursuit of this activity in the region for your active support and cooperation,” she expressed.
From beginning to end, the culmination program served as an opportunity and platform for showcasing the talents and leadership of the students, faculty, and key officials of the Caraga HEIs. Virtual pre-recorded performances for the opening prayer and national anthem were given by the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Voices of Light Chorale and Caraga State University (CSU) Budjong Chorale Ensemble respectively. Audiences were also entertained by pre-recorded cultural performances given by the Philippine Normal University Mindanao (PNU Mindanao) Kaliyagan Dance Troupe and the Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) Sadjao Surigao Dance Theater.
Throughout the month, CHED Caraga organized and facilitated various competitions for students and faculty to showcase their talents and skills. All participants returned to finally hear the announcement of winners during the awarding ceremony portion of the culmination program. Below are the list of winners for each competition:
| Essay Writing (English) | 1st Place – Cyrus-Ian Balatero | Surigao del Sur State University |
| 2nd Place – Hannah Franchesca Tabal | Father Saturnino Urios University | |
| 3rd Place – Justin John Diegor | Philippine Normal University Mindanao | |
| Essay Writing (Filipino) | 1st Place – Gretchen Jane Jimenez | Agusan del Sur College, Inc. |
| 2nd Place – Janrose Evangelio | Philippine Normal University Mindanao | |
| 3rd Place – Miljane Mae Alulod | Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College | |
| Digital Infographics Making | 1st Place – Var Jersam L. Malaque | Merchant Marine Academy of Caraga, Inc. |
| 2nd Place – Jaylan Daras | Don Jose Ecleo Memorial Foundation College of Science and Technology | |
| 3rd Place – Gerald Allen A. Bangero | Philippine Normal University Mindanao | |
| Consolation – Karlo D. Amores | Surigao State College of Technology | |
| Consolation – Calvin John J. Ampo | Caraga State University – Cabadbaran Campus | |
| Digital Poster Making | 1st Place – Shanley Mangomayao & Hannah Clarice P. Cagadas | Philippine Normal University Mindanao |
| 2nd Place – “Reven Jay D. Anodan | Agusan Colleges, Inc. | |
| 3rd Place – King James D. Malupa | Surigao State College of Technology | |
| Netizen’s Award – Shanley Mangomayao & Hannah Clarice P. Cagadas | Philippine Normal University Mindanao | |
| Spoken Word Poetry | 1st Place – Kerstan Isaic Requiza | Philippine Normal University Mindanao |
| 2nd Place – Rhoann Rieza | Don Jose Ecleo Memorial Foundation College of Science and Technology | |
| 3rd Place – Ian Christopher Cervantes | Surigao del Sur State University Lianga | |
| Online Teaching Demo | 1st Place – Prof. June R. Dumanhug | Philippine Normal University Mindanao |
| 2nd Place – Ms. Rochelle A. Valencia | Father Saturnino Urios University | |
| 3rd Place – Mr. Matthew E. Cañeda | Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology |
Winners were also announced for the contests held by the Caraga Council of Tourism Deans and Educators and the Caraga Regional Association of Arts and Sciences Educators Inc. (CRAASEI) in partnership with CHED Caraga.
Beyond the merriment of the awardings, participants were also treated with a surprise game and raffle draw for a chance to win prizes. Trivia questions were asked to test the participants’ knowledge of ASEAN, and those who answered correctly were awarded with load cards. Lucky participants also won load card prizes through the raffle draw.
Special awards for Best Costume were also given to HEIs and individuals. Northeastern Mindanao Colleges (NEMCO) won the Best Costume award during the Opening Ceremonies, while Saint Michael College Cantilan (SMC) won the same award for the Culmination. Individual Best Costume awards were given to the following: Dr. Marilyn Castillo (Opening, Female Category), Dr. Romy Jun A. Sunico (Opening, Male Category), Vivian Daug (Culmination, Female Category), and finally Joselito Magtibay (Culmination, Male Category).
To commemorate what has been an eventful month, participants enjoyed a video looking back on all that has transpired. This was followed by a special video presentation of HEI presidents, key officials, students, and CHED Caraga personnel altogether singing to the song, “We Are Unity,” symbolizing the partnership and camaraderie not just within the Higher Education community in Caraga, but also within the ASEAN family.
Dr. Anthony Penaso, President of the Caraga HEIs Association of Presidents and Heads (CHEIAPH), brought the culmination program, as well as the month-long celebration of the 54th ASEAN Founding Anniversary, to a close with his message.
“Indeed the future of the ASEAN is bright and promising for all of us. As we wrap up this month-long celebration, thank you once again for your splendid participation that made this celebration fruitful, successful, and meaningful for all of us,” said Dr. Penaso.
The month-long activities for the 54th ASEAN Founding Anniversary ran from August 9 to 27, 2021. See the recorded virtual events at our official website, www.chedcaraga.ph, or at our official Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/CHEDCaragaPH.