By AC Putong
Majority of the students voted to move Higala 2025: The All-University-Acquaintance Party (AUAP) to the Hibalag Festival following the onslaught of tropical storm Crising, a survey of the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Committee revealed.
According to the survey result, 70.9-percent of the total respondents are in favor of pushing the event to a later date which was originally scheduled last July 18 to conclude this year’s Genesis.
The SUSG STRAW made the inquiry due to the provincial-wide suspension of classes from July 18 to 20 which affected all work operations and on-campus activities.
Moreover, the said survey inquired students’ perception and suggestions on indefinitely postponing the event for their “improved experience” and to consider the safety of guests and artists.
“This pause is all for a good reason: to make sure everyone stays safe, from students to performers to the crew working tirelessly behind the scenes,” the SUSG Cheering Committee wrote in its official announcement.
This year’s AUAP aimed to highlight the value of “higala” by uniting a “deep sense of companionship with nostalgia.”
According to SUSG Cheering Committee Vice-chairperson Alyza Estrellanes, they aim to bring back the “essence of pre-pandemic gatherings” despite not following the original plan.
“Open, inclusive, and community-centered. We focused on making sure the experience, even with changes, stays meaningful and memorable for everyone,” she said.
Meanwhile, SUSG Cheering Committee Chairperson Samantha Rae Sumanoy said the committee had to cancel and reschedule the event to prioritize everyone’s safety.
“Pushing through despite the weather could’ve affected [the audience] turnout and overall success due to the risks and inconvenience,” she said.
What’s with the new date?
SUSG Vice President Antonio Delicana also mentioned that they will explore a revamp to the event’s format, however, nothing has been finalized yet.
“The SUSG sees this as a chance to elevate the experience and deliver something even bigger and better for our students,” he said.
Moreover, SUSG Cheering Committee Vice-chairperson Renz Anntoni Dordado said that the new schedule is “not a challenge” but rather gives more time for performers to prepare.
“For us organizers, it gives us more time to market, finalize details, and make the event bigger and more exciting for everyone,” Dordado said.
The AUAP is presented by the SUSG Cheering Committee, co-presented by the SUSG Special Projects Committee and Infomedia Committee, and in collaboration with Ang Sandigan.
It was previously held to kick-off the Hibalag Festival for the past three years since its return from the pandemic.
