USTP Panaon celebrates GEC Day 2026 showcasing student learning and achievement

By Gizelle John M. Tacas-tacas, MBA, LPT, CET Panaon Coordinator/ GEC Faculty
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Panaon, Misamis Occidental (USTP Panaon) successfully celebrated GEC Day 2026 on May 26, 2026, bringing together students from various General Education (GEC) courses in a campus-wide showcase of Performance Innovative Tasks (PITs). The event highlighted students’ academic achievements, creativity, cultural appreciation, and holistic development through a series of educational and co-curricular activities.

The celebration opened with a Fun Run organized by students enrolled in Physical Education 2 (PE 2), promoting physical fitness, wellness, and sportsmanship among participants. The activity concluded with the recognition of outstanding runners, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Students from the Gender and Society course also organized Mx USTP 2026, an activity that promoted gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity within the University community. Open to participants of all gender identities, the event emphasized respect for individual expression and celebrated the values of equality and acceptance. Ashley Caballero emerged as Mx USTP 2026, exemplifying confidence, inclusivity, and leadership.

The afternoon featured academic exhibitions that showcased students’ learning outcomes across several General Education courses. Students from Art Appreciation and The Contemporary World presented creative works exploring the relationship between society, technology, culture, and the economy through visual arts.

Meanwhile, students enrolled in Philippine Indigenous Communities and Peace Studies Education (PICPE) organized cultural exhibits representing various Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines. The exhibits featured replicas of traditional artifacts, interactive language demonstrations, and presentations of indigenous cuisine, providing participants with a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The activity also included a Cultural Walk, where students showcased the traditional attire of different indigenous communities. The BSIT 3A class received the Best Cultural Display and Best Traditional Dish awards.

Students enrolled in Physical Education 4 (Dance) from the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology programs also competed in an Ethnic Dance Competition, demonstrating cultural appreciation through movement and performance. The BSMB 2A class emerged as the champion, while BSIT 2A and BSIT 2B were recognized as first and second runners-up, respectively.

Complementing the campus-based activities, students taking Physical Education 4 (Outdoor Activities) from the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education programs conducted a two-day outdoor learning activity in San Andres, Panaon, Misamis Occidental. The experiential activity provided opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, survival skills, and environmental awareness through immersive outdoor education.

GEC Day 2026 reflected USTP Panaon’s commitment to holistic education by integrating academic learning with physical wellness, cultural preservation, gender advocacy, creativity, and experiential learning. Through interdisciplinary activities that promote both personal and professional growth, the University continues to cultivate well-rounded graduates equipped with the knowledge, values, and competencies needed to become responsible and globally competitive professionals.