CALBAYOG CITY, Samar – Northwest Samar State University proudly celebrated the achievements of 36 scholars who completed the Graduate Diploma in Cultural Education (GDCE) during a culminating activity held on December 1, 2024, at the Business Development Center.
GDCE is a postgraduate scholarship program sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), designed to integrate Philippine arts, culture, and heritage into the basic education curriculum. Mr. Phil Harold Mercurio, faculty member of the GDCE Program and Project Documenter, added that the GDCE program is a collaborative initiative between NCCA and NwSSU. He emphasized that this partnership reflects the university’s commitment to empowering educators in cultural preservation and pedagogy.
During the culmination, scholars of NwSSU Graduate School wore Filipiniana attire to honor the country’s rich cultural traditions. The event highlighted the keynote address of Mr. Etelbert D. Conde, a GDCE alumnus and a passionate advocate for heritage preservation. He emphasized the completers’ vital role as champions of cultural awareness and education, urging them to leverage their knowledge to inspire the youth. Conde also stressed the growing community of cultural advocates whose efforts in promoting heritage have positively impacted young leaders and communities. “You are the next generation of active agents of cultural preservation and societal development,” he declared.
Project Coordinator, Avin Carl V. Cruzada formally introduced the 36 GDCE scholars, who are also educators of DepEd and NwSSU. They shared heartfelt testimonies on how the program enriched their teaching practices and inspired a deeper appreciation for Philippine culture and heritage.
A vibrant cultural presentation followed. Iconic Filipino songs, including “Baka Ikaw Sa May Bintana,” “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Tikbubulan,” and “Kuratsa Vocalis” were performed by NwSSU singers. Adding to the cultural richness, Mr. Nemesio Baldesco, Calbayog City’s poet laureate, graced the event and performed a siday (poetic recitation), captivating everyone with his artistry. Scholar, Josephine T. Ornopia also performed beloved Waray-Waray songs, including “Balud,” which added a heartfelt local touch to the celebration.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, led by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President represented by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, VP for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the Graduate School and at the same time the GDCE Program Director. In her closing remarks, Dr. Gamusa encouraged the scholars to embody the NwSSU’s core values, the RISE—Resilience, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—and to continue advocating for cultural preservation in their respective communities.