By Jennielou Pigao

An idea born inside the classroom has taken the main stage at MMSU Student Center when Grades 7-12 students of Mariano Marcos State University Laboratory Schools- Batac managed to stage Dayaw: Art Exhibit and Recital yesterday, May 16. 

Started as a culmination of performance tasks conducted inside the classroom, the initiative served as a platform for students to showcase their works and be easily accessed by the MMSU community in general. Now in its second year, Dayaw has become a staple activity among LS students, which is aimed at nurturing the students’ potential along visual and performing arts. 

Dr. Prima Fe Franco, vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., vice president for Planning and Strategic Foresight., Prof. Philistia Mercuria Bagayas, principal of University Laboratory Schools (ULS), Prof. Herdy Yumul, director of the Office for Strategic Communication, and ULS faculty and staff, graced the event. 

Ms. Mignon Cecilia Diego, head teacher of ULS-Batac, expressed her elation about this activity. She stated that this initiative is a great motivation for the students as they were given a space to channel and celebrate their artistic sides.

Mr. Macquen Balucio, adviser of the PHEM club and lead initiator of the event, said that this endeavor started way before the pandemic era, and has evolved over the years. “This is one of the ways to achieve the competencies in our curriculum, so I always make sure to conduct a culminating activity like this one at the end of the school year,” he added. 

He also highlighted that the activity is a good way “to share a space with the parents to see how their kids are holistically trained at MMSU.”

Aside from the art exhibit, the activity also involved a dance recital where students brought together the beauty of diverse dance forms from the 1950s up to the present.