“You can tour and taste the Philippines in one venue.”
This is the statement of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Popoy De Vera as CHED, in partnership with Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges-National Capital Region (PASUC-NCR), launched its 2022 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair on June 28-July 1, 2022 at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Music Hall, Pasay City.
“Under my term, we successfully launched the SUC Fair in 2020 in Trinoma at dinumog talaga ng tao. Now we’re doing it at SM MOA. Close to 100 SUCs will exhibit their products. So if you want to see and taste the Philippines but you don’t have the money for airfare, just go to SM MOA,” De Vera said.
With the theme, “Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Culture & Arts for National Development and Global Competitiveness,” the event offers an opportunity for SUCs to exhibit their knowledge products, inventions and commodities as the country slowly recovers from the COVID19 pandemic.
Incoming House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also expressed his support as he opened the SUC Fair.
“I am very happy to be given this invitation to be a part of this celebration. Maganda itong nangyayari ngayon. Nagkakaisa na tayong lahat. That was the message that resonated amongst our people. Nakikita natin na kapag nagkaisa tayong lahat, walang imposible,” Romualdez said.
The SUC Fair also provides opportunities for participating institutions to present and highlight their unique identity through various contests and exhibitions. Presentations and contest pieces will revolve on the idea of a collective healing and recovery of the landscape of public higher education in the country.
There are also contests to choose the best products and cultural presentations among the participating HEIs.
Taste the flavors of longganisa, pickled native chicken egg and bagnet offered in Region I or own a uniquely designed Abaca handicrafts from Region 8.
“You want the best barong, you can get the piña barong of Aklan State University or the silk barong from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University. The rabbit empanada and pinakbet pizza of Region 1 are a “must taste” experience,” De Vera said.
Your experience will not be complete without tasting the coco and seaweed wine of Samar State University and the seaweed salad of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology.
“This year’s Fair is a manifestation of SUCs’ resiliency, tenacity, and desire to move forward towards recovery and the “new normal” education,” said Dr. Bert J. Tuga, Philippine Normal University President and PASUC-NCR Chairperson.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic is slowly being controlled, we can now finally hold this annual SUC Fair this year. Kaya sa ating mga kababayan naninirahan buong Metro Manila, pumunta na kayo sa SUC Fair. It is an opportunity to try and experience the products from all over the country which are pooled in a convenient venue,” De Vera said.
Download the press release here: https://ched.gov.ph/cheds-2022-suc-fair-kicks-off-on-june-28-at-sm-mall-of-asia/?fbclid=IwAR1PcxoMCE-I4k7NkZTeujAKF3dj2qnv4acVE6-HcU2fuvQFfOuSKC0ak3k
