THE SPECTRUM

The Teacher-Education Student’s Society (TESS) launched the highly anticipated EDUC FEST, themed “Kulay, Awit, Wagayway, Alay, Tagumpay,” with a vibrant and lively parade that showcased the spirit of Filipino festivals. The parade, which began with the CBSUA Showband, featured the College of Education (COE) faculty and staff, TESS officers and facilitators, and six districts, each representing a distinct Philippine festival last March 4, 2025.

The districts, each dressed in their respective colors, were:

1. Red District (Pusog Dayag) – Dinagyang Festival

2. Pink District (Las Rosas De Peñafrancia) – Peñafrancia Festival

3. Green District (Green Antheia) – Panagbenga Festival

4. Blue District (Cyan Alimyong) – Sinulog Festival

5. Yellow District (Sunblaze Tribe) – Kadayawan Festival

6. Purple District (Lilang Hiyas) – Pahiyas Festival

The parade culminated in a thrilling presentation of district yells, bringing the crowd together in a burst of energy and excitement. Before the main program began, the TESS Officers led a unifying dance that energized the crowd.

The event officially started with an opening prayer led by SAMBIT ng CBSUA-Calabanga, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, performed by Ms. Mary Joan Bustamante and the CBSUA Marching Band.

Dr. Christian Vega, Head of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), gave the opening remarks, drawing parallels between life and the Squid Game movie. He emphasized that life is not a competition, and that everyone has their own place in the world. He also connected the EDUK FEST theme to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, explaining that the elements—Kulay, Awit, Wagayway, Alay, and Tagumpay—represent basic, psychological, and self-fulfillment needs. Dr. Vega encouraged self-reflection and helping others along the way.

Dr. Jenelyn Aguelo, Dean of the College of Education (COE), delivered an inspirational message, urging students to participate in events like EDUK FEST and to always choose victory in life.

TESS President Ms. Yani Calisura then provided an overview of the activities planned for the second and third days of the festival, emphasizing that the purpose of EDUK FEST was to foster friendships, create lasting memories, and encourage both personal and professional growth, rather than focusing solely on competition. She ended her speech with the spirited declaration: “Basta COE-Matitibay!”

The district leaders introduced themselves and delivered motivational speeches, symbolizing unity and camaraderie. As a gesture of goodwill, the district leaders participated in a celebratory toast, raising glasses of wine in a moment of solidarity.

Mr. Jordan Lauron, TESS Co-Adviser, introduced the panel of judges, and the festival of talents began. Each district showcased their talents in a spirited competition, beginning with the Red District and proceeding through Pink, Green, Blue, Yellow, and Purple.

The Colours Edition Dance Troupe (CEDT) performed a vibrant intermission number, and the ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to the judges and the announcement of the winning district performances.

Dr. Analiza Bordado, TESS Adviser, offered the closing remarks, marking the end of the opening festivities.

In the afternoon, the Alternative Class Program took place, with students from each district participating in a variety of classes, including:

1. Ballroom Dance

2. Bartending

3. Basketball

4. Bingo

5. Chess

6. Coffee Painting

7. Drawing

8. Film Viewing

9. Journalism

10. Modern Dance

11. Photography

12. Public Speaking

13. Music Class

14. Uno

15. Arnis

The day was filled with energy, creativity, and collaboration as students engaged in both fun and educational activities.

Words by Regine Atondo

Photos by Jan Christian  Montañez

Guild of Elementary Mentors (GEM) hosted a seminar-workshop on teaching beginning reading for by second-year and third-year BEED students at the CBSUA Library last February 28, 2025.

The seminar began with an opening prayer and the singing of the National Anthem, presented through an audio-visual display. Ms. Maria Ezekiela De Alday, a BEED 3 student, introduced the resource speaker, Ms. Jessica Julio. The session started with a group activity where each group created and presented a unique yell. Following this, Ms. Julio engaged the participants in testing their background knowledge by showing flashcards with letters, asking the students to identify and produce the corresponding sounds. Most group representatives answered correctly.

The morning session was divided into two parts. The first, “The Foundation of Teaching Beginning Reading,” introduced five key concepts in beginning reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, the look-and-say method, the language experience approach, and the content support method.

The second part, “Developing Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Skills,”focused on the Marungko Approach and the Fuller Approach, with Ms. Julio explaining how each method supports beginning readers.

In the afternoon, Dr. Christian Vega delivered an inspiring message, encouraging participants to become effective and responsible educators. This was followed by a workshop where participants were tasked with creating instructional materials based on the Marungko and Fuller Approaches. The BEED students presented their work confidently and creatively, demonstrating their understanding of the techniques shared by Ms. Julio.

The event concluded with the presentation of a certificate of commendation to Ms. Jessica Julio for her valuable contribution. Certificates of participation were also awarded to the BEED 2 and BEED 3 students. GEM President John Paul Benaid gave the closing remarks, thanking the resource speaker and recognizing the efforts of Dr. Nilda Olores (GEM Adviser), Dr. Jenelyn Aguelo (COE Dean), Mr. Jordan Lauron and Ms. Ilonah Jean De Mesa (COE Instructors), as well as the GEM officers and committees. The event was emceed by Rochelle Sobiono and Joyce Yvonne Añasco.

Words by Regine Atondo

Photos by Mr. Jordan Lauron and Ms. Jessica B. Julio