By Niña Christelle M. Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent

Kenli Marc Sibayan, a fourth-year Filipino major from the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE), was named national champion in the Community Caravan Spoken Word Poetry contest during the awarding ceremony on October 25, at The Heritage Hotel Manila.

The competition, organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) as part of last year’s "Communications Month 2023," celebrated Filipino unity and creativity with the theme “CommUNITY: Nagkakaisang Tinig Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.” College students from state and private universities nationwide competed in events like short filmmaking, songwriting, essay writing, mural painting, and spoken word poetry.

In his acceptance speech, Sibayan thanked his mentor, Dr. Maria Eliza Lopez, and his peers, highlighting the importance of art in social change. He said in Filipino, “Isang karangalan na makamit ko ang kampeonato sa National Level sapagkat dito ko napatunayan na mayroon ding ibubuga ang mga Ilokano pagdating sa larangan ng Spoken Word Poetry. Napakagandang oportunidad ang patimpalak na ito para sa mga kabataang Pilipino. Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino, Bagong Pagkakataon” (It is an honor for me to win the national championship because here I proved that Ilocanos also excel in spoken word poetry. This contest is a great opportunity for Filipino youth. New Philippines, New Filipinos, New Opportunity.).

CTE Dean Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal praised Sibayan’s accomplishment, saying, “Sibayan’s win not only brings pride to MMSU but also underscores the university's commitment to nurturing creativity and excellence among its students.”