The highly anticipated UC United Nations Celebration unfolded on November 7, 2024, at the UC Auditorium. Centered around the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” this year’s event featured activities that highlighted unity, creativity, and the appreciation of diverse cultures.
The event began with pre-activities, including a Poster-Making Contest and a Selfie Challenge hosted on Facebook. The poster-making contest, themed “Art for Peace,” encouraged students to visually express the meaning of peace, allowing them to channel their creativity into powerful symbols of harmony. The Selfie Challenge offered students an opportunity to show their support for peace online, promoting a culture of peace through a widely accessible platform.
The celebration’s main event took place at the UC Auditorium from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., where a forum was led by the Student Development and Welfare Office (SDW). The keynote speaker, Dr. Sheridan Athena Y. Gajete, Presidential Officer I at the National Youth Commission, spoke passionately on “The Role of Youth in Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” Her memorable message, “Peace starts with a smile,” resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring young people to see peace as a personal and attainable goal.
Following the forum, the International Food Festival brought a delicious and diverse spread to The Sanctuary, the room beside the auditorium. This festival was headed by Mr. Ryan Roy Q. Bartolome, a faculty member from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and featured dishes from around the world. Students, faculty, and guests enjoyed the flavors and traditions from various countries, fostering a spirit of unity through food.
The event was a collaborative success, led by the Student Development and Welfare Office, under Ms. Jennifer P. Malayo, and supported by the International Students Organization, advised by Mr. JohnFrey C. Cabalonga, the University Student Council, advised by Mr. Franklin B. Macarayo, and the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, headed by Mr. Ryan Roy Q. Bartolome.
