‘CHAMPIONS ARE CHAMPIONING' COED launches College Days via 'Bungkaras'

Education students once again soared in a showcase of talent as the College of Education (COED) kicked off its two-day College Days, dubbed as “Bungkaras” on Thursday, September 21, with each program’s Grand Entrance and Cultural Competitions.

Anchored to the theme “Embracing Diversity and Adversity towards a Resilient COED Community,” students across various COED programs exhibited their flair in championing culture and the arts on the first day of the said event, attesting to their reputation as the “Home of Champions.”

Despite adverse weather conditions, the college’s students and faculty enthusiastically participated in the short parade and opening salvo inside the Samar State University (SSU) Gymnasium, setting the event in a festive mood.

Championing wisdom

In her opening remarks, Cultural Coordinator and Student Government Organization Adviser Dr. Naomi P. Jabonete welcomed the attendees and put emphasis on the purpose of the said gathering.

“Apparently, to our COED students, you are not only coming to school to be trained academically. Hence, this kind of event in the college will serve as an avenue for you to project your talents, capabilities, and interests, your wits and potentials which should be match with positive attitudes,” Dr. Jabonete expressed.

“Also, this activity aims to promote your welfare in all aspects— spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, and physical well-being. All the more, these activities provide you the opportunities to foster healthy interactions with your co-COED students, with the staff, and your professors, needed in establishing a harmonious and resilient COED academic community,” she added.

Meanwhile, Acting College Dean Dr. Laura B. Boller, in her inspirational message, characterized cultural competitions as “threads that wove the tapestry of the diverse and vibrant society.”

“One of the most beautiful aspects of cultural competitions is that students like you showcase the beauty of our traditions, of our customs, and of our artistic expressions. Whether it’s traditional, music, dances, literature, or visual arts, these will allow us to share our cultural stories and pass them down to the future generations,” said Dr. Boller.

She then left phrases reminding the COED community on the importance of cultural preservation and celebration.

“As we gather today to celebrate this “Bungkaras,” let us remember that these events are not just about winning or losing. They are about the journey of discovery, the celebration out of diversity, and strengthening our cultural bonds. They are the reminders that our cultural heritage are sources of our inspiration, creativity, and unity,” she uttered.

“Together, let us ensure that the beauty of our culture continues to shine brightly for generations to come,” the dean added.

Championing talent

As the competition officially commenced, representatives of each program excellently showcased their prowess in various cultural competitions, including pop solo, vocal duet, folk dance, instrumental, hip-hop, siday, photo contest, and on-the-spot poster making.

The SSU Gymnasium resounded with applause and cheers from the different programs as they hyped up their respective representatives.

In the end, the Society of Physical Educators demonstrated their dominance as they triumphantly swayed three (3) first places, which include vocal duet, folk dance, and hip-hop.

Meanwhile, the Mathematics Society has successfully equated their way to the top in the instrumental and siday contest, securing first place in both categories.

Furthermore, it is a back-to-back win for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education as its representative once again clinched the pop solo category.

The Bungkaras Cultural Competitions paved way for the two-day COED Days organized by the Student Government Organization and concluded with closing remarks from Associate Dean Dr. Jonah Gay V. Pedraza.