University of Luzon Hosts Regional Folk Dance Seminar-Workshop Organized by PFDS

The University of Luzon (UL) officially commenced a significant three-day cultural immersion event today, October 17, 2025, hosting the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS) Regional Folk Dance Seminar-Workshop at the UL Gym. Running until October 19, 2025, this comprehensive training initiative serves as a vital platform for the instruction and preservation of the nation’s rich terpsichorean heritage, drawing attendance from a wide swath of educators, students, and performing arts groups across Northern and Central Luzon.

This regional gathering has attracted a diverse body of participants from seven provinces, underscoring its broad geographic reach and importance to cultural practitioners in the region. Attendees—comprising dedicated teachers, passionate dance students, and established members of regional dance troupes—have journeyed to the University of Luzon campus from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Abra, and Cagayan. The presence of numerous students, many of whom are aspiring Luzonians in the performing arts, highlights the university’s dedication to facilitating educational opportunities that transcend traditional academic boundaries and directly support the growth of the local and regional creative community.

The central focus of the seminar-workshop is the introduction and detailed instruction of new Philippine folk dances, a critical process that ensures the dynamic evolution and relevance of the country’s traditional performing arts. By disseminating these recently researched and codified dances, the PFDS and UL aim to standardize their performance, elevate the quality of instruction in regional schools, and integrate fresh material into the repertoire of cultural practitioners. This specialized instruction reinforces the communal effort required to keep national cultural identity vibrant and accessible to succeeding generations.

The success of this high-level training is ensured by the expertise of the PFDS National and Regional Trainors who serve as resource persons and lecturers. The distinguished roster includes Professor Childe Libertad, President of PFDS Region 1 and Pangasinan, Dr. Joanne Orbillo, Vice President, and Dr. Mila Ancheta, Regional Adviser, all of whom bring profound knowledge and experience to the floor. They are joined by esteemed lecturers and trainers, Professors Benjie Calaramo, Jeff Bachr, and Jordan Neri. Furthermore, the event benefits from the active coordination of the University of Luzon’s own officers, Professor Nash Aquino and Professor Dan Padrid, ensuring seamless integration of the PFDS programming within the university’s facilities and operational structure.

The initiation of such a significant regional cultural event is a clear demonstration of the University of Luzon’s commitment to achieving specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, this seminar-workshop aligns strongly with SDG 4: Quality Education by providing specialized, high-level cultural literacy training that enhances the skills of educators and students. Crucially, the activity also contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, specifically target 11.4, which calls for strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. By actively preserving, teaching, and propagating Philippine folk dances, UL and PFDS are ensuring that this intangible cultural asset endures and remains an integral part of community identity across the region.