One NDMU Community, One ASEAN Future: NDMU Celebrates ASEAN 2026 Through Culture, Collaboration, and Regional Solidarity
- Notre Dame of Marbel University
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Koronadal City, South Cotabato — Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) proudly celebrated ASEAN 2026 with the theme “One NDMU Community, One ASEAN Future,” bringing together students, administrators, and guests in a vibrant showcase of Southeast Asian culture, regional solidarity, and global citizenship.
The celebration commenced with an Opening Prayer led by Messy Samson, President of the Marist Scholars, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by the Tambuli Singers and Symphonic Band and the NDMU Hymn rendered by the Tambuli Singers and Rondalla Ensemble under the direction of Ms. Lovelyn Langga.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
In his Opening Message and Rationale of the Celebration, Dr. Wilter C. Friales, Acting Vice President for External Affairs, emphasized the importance of ASEAN as a community bound by shared aspirations for peace, development, and cooperation. He highlighted NDMU’s continuing efforts to strengthen internationalization initiatives and cultivate globally competent graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the ASEAN region.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
The audience was then treated to a captivating cultural performance by the NDMU Kariktan Dance Troupe, showcasing the richness and diversity of Philippine culture through music and dance. The performance highlighted the country's vibrant traditions and served as a fitting opening to the celebration of ASEAN heritage.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
A significant highlight of the program was the message delivered by Br. Paterno S. Corpus, FMS, University President, on “The Role of NDMU in the ASEAN Region.” In his address, he reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing regional engagement through academic collaborations, research partnerships, cultural exchanges, and student development programs that promote intercultural understanding and global competence.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
The university's support for ASEAN cooperation was further expressed through the Declaration of Support and Inspiring Message from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region XII, represented by Danstone Guy P. Dayaday, Education Supervisor II, in the presence of Leah S. Manon-og. The CHED representatives encouraged the NDMU community to continue embracing diversity, collaboration, and shared responsibility in building a stronger and more connected ASEAN Community.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
NDMU also showcased a special video presentation entitled "What NDMU Has Contributed to ASEAN So Far," highlighting the university's growing engagement in the region through international research collaborations, faculty and student mobility programs, academic exchanges, conference participation, and partnerships with institutions across Southeast Asia. The presentation underscored NDMU's commitment to contributing to ASEAN's goals of regional cooperation, educational excellence, and sustainable development.
One of the most anticipated segments of the celebration featured the ASEAN Cultural Presentations prepared by the university's academic colleges. Through creative performances and artistic showcases, students brought to life the unique traditions and heritage of various ASEAN member states.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
The College of Education presented a lively Indonesian Cultural Dance, highlighting the elegance and beauty of Indonesia's traditional performing arts. The College of Arts and Sciences showcased a creative presentation on Thai Culture, featuring elements of Thailand's customs, traditions, and national identity. The presentation was performed by Cedrick B. Egos, BSSW 1 and CASSC Deputy, and Althea Nicole S. Alib, BA-PolSci 2 and CASSC Deputy, with the support of the CASSC committee, including Kristelle J. Anotado, CASSC Vice Governor, and Fellianne Marie C. Villacruz, CASSC Secretary.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
Meanwhile, the College of Business, Governance, and Accountancy energized the audience with a vibrant Malaysian Cultural Dance, reflecting Malaysia's multicultural heritage.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
Demonstrating artistic creativity and craftsmanship, the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computing presented a Cambodian Arts and Crafts Exhibition, allowing participants to appreciate the country's rich artistic traditions and cultural expressions. The College of Health Sciences completed the cultural showcase with a graceful Vietnamese Cultural Dance, celebrating Vietnam's enduring cultural heritage and artistic excellence.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
Demonstrating artistic creativity and craftsmanship, the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computing presented a Cambodian Arts and Crafts Exhibition, allowing participants to appreciate the country's rich artistic traditions and cultural expressions. The College of Health Sciences completed the cultural showcase with a graceful Vietnamese Cultural Dance, celebrating Vietnam's enduring cultural heritage and artistic excellence.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
These performances not only highlighted the talents of NDMU students but also reinforced the values of cultural appreciation, mutual respect, and regional unity that define the ASEAN Community.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
In her Message of Challenge, Dr. Joan P. Palma, Academic Vice President, called on students and educators to become active agents of positive change by embracing innovation, inclusivity, and intercultural understanding. She challenged the NDMU community to use education as a bridge toward regional cooperation and sustainable development.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
Following her message, Dr. Wilter C. Friales introduced Mr. Normie Al Bognoson, who shared an inspiring testimony about his experiences and personal growth through leadership opportunities and engagements that reflect the spirit of ASEAN collaboration. His testimony encouraged students to seize opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and regional engagement.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
The celebration concluded with a Closing Message from Atty. Rene M. Barrion, Administrative Vice President, who emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with neighboring nations and nurturing a generation of leaders committed to service, excellence, and international cooperation.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
The event also marked the opening of the ASEAN Wall of Commitments, where students, faculty, and staff expressed their pledges to promote peace, cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and active citizenship within the ASEAN region.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
Following the program, participants gathered for a special ASEAN Food Festival, where delicacies from various ASEAN member countries were served as snacks. The culinary showcase offered students, faculty, staff, and guests a flavorful journey across Southeast Asia, highlighting the region's rich and diverse food traditions.
Photo Credits: Dr. Eliseo Villaganas
Featured delicacies included Pulut Panggang from Brunei Darussalam, Fish Amok from Cambodia, Dadar Gulung from Indonesia, Chicken Satay from Malaysia, Kaya Toast from Singapore, Mango Sticky Rice from Thailand, Pitsi-Pitsi and Bicho-Bicho from the Philippines, Batagor from Timor-Leste, Banh Cuon/Nem Ran from Vietnam, Khao Tom from Laos, and Mote Lone Yay Paw from Myanmar. Representing the Philippines, Pitsi-Pitsi and Bicho-Bicho showcased the country's rich culinary heritage and demonstrated how traditional food remains an important part of Filipino culture and community life.
Photo Credits: Dr. Eliseo Villaganas
The successful conduct of the celebration was made possible through the leadership of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) headed by its President, Carlos Miguel Misperos, in collaboration with the university's collegiate councils. The student leaders facilitated the various cultural presentations and activities, with valuable support from the Marist Scholars organization.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
Serving as Masters of Ceremony were Janella Faith Panaguiton and Joseph Daniel Cobrador, Psychology Department Marist Ambassador, who guided participants throughout the program with enthusiasm and professionalism.
Photo Credits: OMNIANA – The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University
More than a celebration of culture, the ASEAN 2026 Program served as a reaffirmation of NDMU's commitment to internationalization and regional engagement. Through meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, artistic expression, and shared culinary experiences, the university continues to strengthen its role in shaping globally minded individuals who embody the values of unity, diversity, and cooperation.
As ASEAN continues to navigate the opportunities and challenges of an interconnected world, NDMU remains steadfast in its mission of forming leaders who will contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Southeast Asia—truly living out the vision of “One NDMU Community, One ASEAN Future.”
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