With more than 400 participants, the Philippines’ state universities and colleges most talented representatives for culture and the arts flooded Batangas State University, the National Engineering University, during the PASUC National Training Workshop for Directors, Coaches, and Trainers on February 13, 2024.

The three-day training, fronted by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, aimed to inform the public about its development and preparations. North Eastern Mindanao State University also graced the said training led by the University Director for Culture and Arts, Dr. Shyla O. Moreno, with the university’s winning coaches and trainers joining the march.

During the opening program, PASUC Pres. Tirso A. Ronquillo ensured that the National Culture and the Arts Festival will be pursued this year, which will commence on April 23–25, 2024, at the Philippine Normal University in Manila. In his speech, he highlighted the goal of this festival: to unfold the subconscious meaning and purpose of life, achieve the inner shell of culture and the arts, and give hope to the audience and performers through the delivery of various art forms.

In the same vein, Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara laid down the salient points of the activity, emphasizing the support for the promulgation of the arts in the country. He also cited several existing laws and national mandates that align with the conduct of the NCAF 2024, complementing socio-cultural components in the curriculum.
Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin Nebres III, in his talk, discussed the science of coaching, unveiling techniques and strategies to win and produce excellent performances. Also, he encouraged coaches and trainers to discover and select students with competitive talents and skills, as it is their responsibility to pick the cream of the crop while they represent their respective universities, becoming carriers of our national colors.

Keynote speaker Commissioner Arvin Manuel Villalon of the Commission of the National Culture and the Arts stimulated the crowd with his awe-inspiring speech. “Artists are near temptation, for they also do the first work of God,” said Prof. Villalon as he cited the challenges that artists faced. He also criticized the Filipino mantra that we become too competition-oriented, which is a current problem.

The subsequent days were spent with several experts and connoisseurs of culture and the arts who disclosed the best practices applicable to their respective art forms with a drive to produce informed and rooted practitioners in the arts.