By Crisdeniele H. Clemente

Mariano Marcos State University has again solidified its cultural supremacy, clinching its 19th consecutive overall champion title in the 2024 Regional Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Culture and the Arts Festival, held on March 20-21 at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in San Fernando, La Union. 

Holding the record for the longest winning streak in Region I, MMSU triumphed over four rival state universities and colleges in the region. 

The MMSU team won first place in piano and violin instrumental solo, kundiman vocal solo, radio drama, contemporary dance, short and sweet play musical, show choir, and standard choir; second place in pencil drawing, indigenous dance, pop solo, and on-the-spot poster making; and third place in classical guitar, painting, vocal duet, and bandurria instrumental solo. The Green and Gold contingent garnered a total of 154 points.

Showing prowess in the regional pageant, Neil Bryant Domingo, a third-year Secondary Education student, clinched the Mr. PASUC-1 first runner-up title, while Azhlyn Root, a third-year BS Nursing student, was adjudged as Ms. PASUC-1 third runner-up.

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University landed second in the overall ranking after garnering 150 points while Pangasinan State University obtained 138 points to settle for 3rd place; They were followed by the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, 88 points; and the University of Northern Philippines, 86 points. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis greeted the Stallion artists on their victory and thanked them for proving once more that MMSU is a powerhouse for the culture and the arts. She also commended the coaches and trainers, and the Center for Human Movement and Studies (CHuMS) headed by Prof. Ryan Dean Sucgang, for their dedication and efforts to bring out the best in the Stallions. (MKA_StratCom)