Student dancers, athletes, speakers, and debaters from UP Mindanao showcased excellence and brought home top honors at the 1st DACUN ACS (Academic, Cultural, and Sports) Competition held on May 25, 2025, at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gymnasium.
In the DanceSport events, the duo of Karisse Arellano (BA Communication and Media Arts) and David John Bentulan (Associate in Arts in Sports Studies) claimed the championship title in the Latin American category, while Aisha Nigela Manansala and Oliver Andrei Tangara (both from AASS) were declared champions in the Modern Standard category. Both teams were trained under Assistant Professor Annaliza Castro.
Meanwhile, the UP Mindanao Debate Varsity—composed of Jemuel Valenzuela (1BS Biology), Axel Ann Banihit (1BA Communication and Media Arts), and Kevin Dwayne Lampon (1BS Biology)—advanced to the Grand Finals of the Debate competition, which followed the Asian Parliamentary format. Kevin Lampon was recognized as Best Speaker in the Finals.
The UP Mindanao delegation also actively participated in other categories, including Street Dance, Vocal Solo, Extemporaneous Speaking, Esports, Volleyball, and Basketball.
“We would also like to thank fellow residents, alumni, and trainees for their continued support,” stated the Debate Varsity in a post-competition bulletin.
“Your hard work has brought pride to our university. Padayon!” read the message from the Department of Human Kinetics.
The Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN)—comprising 11 higher education institutions, including UP Mindanao—was created to promote collaboration in academics, culture, and sports across the region.
Sources: Dept of Human Kinetics, UP Mindanao DebateVarsity
UPDATE: More photos from the Office of Student Affairs [here].