Caraganon arts and culture filled Iloilo as 99 Golden Paddlers joined the delegation for the Caraga Region in the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges – National Culture and the Arts Festival (PASUC-NCAF) on April 8-11, 2026. Caraga recorded the biggest delegation of the year, comprising 238 students from its four state universities for this nationwide friendship games of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
With 17 confirmed competitions tagged for Golden Paddler participants, CSU was able to secure the biggest share of points in the regions 9th overall ranking through the placements in the following events:
Champion in In Situ Painting: Clarence M. Dingding (Participant) and Ivy Y. Naptong (Coach)
1st Runner-Up for Storytelling: Laurence M. Laswe (Participant) and Maricel C. Palasan (Coach)
1st Runner-Up for Song Writing: Key C. Dapar, Tenshei L. Asilum (Participants), and Geryll M. Odtojan (Coach)
3rd Runner-Up and Best in Indigenous Attire for Ms. PASUC: Fatima Alexis N. Glocenda (Participant), Mr. Hermogenes Aying, and Ms. Aquessa Piamonte (Coaches)
3rd Runner-Up in Pagkukwento: Rachel Ann V. Mintuda (Participant) and Dr. Rolyn Yandug (Coach)
3rd Runners-Up for Live Band: Esther Faith Dumanon, Kyla Faith dela Cruz, Mike Roily Contamina, Christopher Rey Sanico, Reed Peralta, Steven Nacar, Roberto Cusap Jr., (Participants) Rod Ford Oppus and Rex Makinano (Coaches)
4th Runners-Up for Radio Drama: Carl Tagalogon, Althia Mae Berou, Kirby Brylle Joansen Atamosa, Fial Jelanie, John Mark Pintasan (Participants),Mark Vincent G. Vergara and Ronald B. Sarsaba (Coaches)
Prior to their PASUC stint, these students earned either championships or the highest placements for the region in the friendship games of the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) at Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental. In the said event, CSU bested 34 SUCs in the socio-cultural events, bringing home the Championship title and a Php 400,000.00 cash prize from the provincial government of Misamis Occidental.
Congratulations, Golden Paddlers. Bugsay!
Photos via PASUC Caraga Region
