TACLOBAN CITY — Student writers and performers from state universities and colleges across Eastern Visayas gathered here on Wednesday, March 11, for the Regional Culture and Arts Festival (RCAF) Literary Arts Competition 2026 hosted by Leyte Normal University(LNU) and Eastern Visayas State University(EVSU).
The competition opened with a program at the LNU HRDC Alba Hall, highlighting the region’s cultural heritage under the theme “Pagpasidungog Sa Aton Panublion, Kultura, Kag Mga Bahandi” (Honoring Our Cultural Heritage and Treasures).
During the opening ceremony, EVSU president Dennis de Paz emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural identity and encouraging literary excellence among students in the region.
The program also featured performances by the LNU Performing Arts groups, showcasing traditional and contemporary artistic expressions reflective of Eastern Visayas’ heritage.
Following the opening rites, representatives from participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) met with coaches and contest officials before the simultaneous start of the literary arts competitions.
EVSU cultural director Jerry Mores said the festival serves as a platform for young artists and writers to showcase their talents while preserving the region’s culture and traditions.
“This festival is not only about preserving our culture and heritage but also about providing a platform for our student performers,” Mores said, adding that the goal is for the region’s cultural achievements to gain recognition not only nationally but also internationally.
Participants came from several SUCs in Region 8, including Biliran Province State University, Eastern Samar State University, Northwest Samar State University, Palompon Institute of Technology, Samar State University, and Visayas State University, along with the host institutions LNU and EVSU.
The literary arts competition featured events in both English and Filipino categories.
English events included Essay Writing, Storytelling, Extemporaneous Speech, Declamation, Dramatic Monologue, Oral Interpretation of Poetry, and Persuasive Oratory.
Meanwhile, the Filipino category featured Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Pagkukwento, Dagliang Talumpati, Deklamasyon, Dramatic Monologue, Oral Interpretation of Poetry, and Oratoryo.
At the end of the competition, Northwest Samar State University emerged as overall champion, followed by Leyte Normal University in second place and Samar State University in third.
Winning participants will represent Eastern Visayas in the National Culture and Arts Festival scheduled on April 8–11, 2026 at West Visayas State University.
(GRAYDELLE JANZY S. CAHAYAG,LNU STUDENT INTERN)
