USTP Panaon celebrates student unity and leadership at Panag-Ilhanay 2026
By Gizelle John M. Tacas-tacas, MBA, LPT, CET Panaon Coordinator/ SSC Moderator
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Panaon (USTP Panaon) brought together students, faculty members, and student organization leaders for Coachella Night: Panag-Ilhanay 2026 on September 24, 2026, at the Jimenez Cultural and Training Center. The event featured student leadership ceremonies, competitions, and interactive activities aimed at strengthening campus engagement and camaraderie.
The program officially commenced with opening remarks from Acting Campus Director Dr. Leny Q. Añasco, followed by an inspirational message delivered by Mr. Primo Tare, Private Secretary to Panaon Municipal Mayor Francisco Paylaga. A key milestone of the event was the official Oath-Taking Ceremony, where newly elected leaders from the Supreme Student Council (SSC), CASO (FEG, LIT, OCEAN, SABUAG, E-THEATRO), classroom officers, and the Parents-Teachers-Community Association (PTCA) were formally sworn into office by Punta, Panaon Barangay Captain Hon. Philip Cali-at.
Spotlighting student talent and charm, the stage lit up for the highly anticipated Mr. & Ms. Panag-Ilhanay 2026 competition. Candidates captivated the crowd as they vied for titles including People’s Choice Award, Best in Coachella Attire, Best in Formal Attire, and others. The Department of Technology and Livelihood Education emerged as the overall winner, followed by top performances from the Department of Marine Biology and the Department of Information Technology.
Following the pageant, the event transitioned into the interactive Panag-Ilhanay Ceremony, designed to build camaraderie across all year levels. Students actively participated in crowd-engaging activities, beginning with Bleacher Bingo, where students were asked random fun facts about themselves; those who fit the description stood up, allowing everyone to learn surprising details about their schoolmates at a glance.
The event reached its emotional peak during Pass the Spirit, which served as the guiding and closing cue for the ceremony. With the venue lights dimmed, the crowd lit up the space with their cellphone flashlights, waving them to the rhythm and singing along as lyrics flashed across the LED screen—creating an unforgettable sight and atmosphere of shared voices.
As evening set in, attendees gathered for a festive community dinner before proceeding to the Awarding Ceremony, where faculty and student officers recognized winners for Best Attire, Best Face, Head Turner, and Coachella Icon honors across multiple categories. The celebration concluded on a high note with a closing address from SSC Moderator Gizelle John M. Tacas-tacas, followed by a live DJ set and Unity Dance led by DJ Dyn Mark Abuton alongside the SSC Officers.
More than just a vibrant festival of lights, music, and friendly competition, Coachella Night: Panag-Ilhanay 2026 reaffirmed the USTP Panaon community’s commitment to unity and leadership. As the Trailblazers step into the new academic year, the memories and connections forged during this historic gathering promise to set a spirited tone for campus life and student collaboration ahead.
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