Angela Sucaldito | 15 December 2025
UP Mindanao formally closed its 30th Anniversary celebration with Kasadya 2025, the university’s annual Christmas festivity: “Kasadya sa Kahayag, Kalipay sa Panaghiusa,” (Joy in Light, Happiness in Unity), which shone even brighter this year with the revival of the beloved Parolan Parade—a tradition not seen in recent years.
The parade began at the Bago Oshiro Barangay Hall and made its way to the UP Mindanao campus, featuring a vibrant procession of participants from various university offices and partner groups. Among those who joined were the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA), Human Resource Development Office, Elias B. Lopez (EBL) Dormitory, University Student Council, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development-Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (DSWD-RRCY), campus security personnel, and the Janitorial/RLS staff.
Each contingent presented their handcrafted parol entries for the community and UPMin category of the annual competition. The procession was further energized by Agipo, the official drumming institution of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, whose lively performance helped set a festive atmosphere.
In her opening remarks, Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao highlighted how the spirit of giving remains central to UP Mindanao’s mission of public service.
“We saw this in our support for the Piapi Fire Survivors Drive led by the USC; in our contributions to the UP Padayon Public Service Drive for the survivors of Bagyong Tino and Uwan; and in our participation in the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod’s relief operations and psychological first aid for those affected by the September 30 Cebu earthquake,” she said.
Kasadya 2025 also hosted a series of competitions that brought excitement and camaraderie to the celebration. This year’s winners are as follows:
Panaygon Competition
• 1st – The Divas
• 2nd – Associate in Arts in Sports Science Students (AASS)
• 3rd – Korox
Dance Competition
• 1st – Department of Human Kinetics (DHK)
• 2nd – BS Biology
Parol Competition (Community Category)
• 1st – Janitorial/RLS
• 2nd – UPMin Security
• 3rd – DSWD RRCY
Parol Competition (UPMin Category)
• 1st – EBL Dormitory
• 2nd – DHK
• 3rd – OVCAA
Building Decoration Contest
• 1st – EBL
• 2nd – College of Humanities and Social Science (CHSS)
• 3rd – Sports Complex
The program also featured raffle draws for students and employees, headed by Asst. Prof. Analiza Castro, adding excitement and engagement throughout the celebration.
In addition to the main festivities, Kasadya 2025 featured several campus-wide activities, including the Pailaw sa Oblation on November 14, 2025; a week-long film viewing series; and the Color Run for a Cause: Dagan Para sa Katawhanong Katungod, Year 2, organized by the University Student Council. The celebration also showcased a special Christmas performance by The One Light Orchestra from the Davao School for the Blind on December 3, 2025.
With community spirit, creativity, and shared celebration at its core, Kasadya 2025 served as a meaningful and festive culmination to UP Mindanao’s milestone 30th Anniversary year.
This year’s Kasadya was headed by the Office of the Student Affairs, chaired by Associate Prof. Ligaya Leal, together with various subcommittees.
