Heritage Month highlights creativity, cultural identity as CAFA launches exhibit featuring student artistry

The College of Architecture and Fine Arts of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation formally opened its heritage-themed exhibit, at the Ground Floor Exhibit Room of the CAFA Building as part of the University’s observance of National Heritage Month 2026, May 6. 

The opening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting led by guest of honor Ar. Jeric Tan, former president of the United Architects of the Philippines–Quezon Chapter, assisted by Vice President for External Relations Celso Jaballa, CAFA Dean Ar. Jennifer Sanchez and faculty member Melba Sardea.

Students, faculty members, invited guests and friends attended the event, which showcased architecture, visual arts and design works inspired by Filipino heritage and identity.

The exhibit featured heritage-inspired visual compositions, architectural studies, creative renderings and artistic installations that reflected students’ interpretations of culture, tradition and memory through contemporary artistic expression.

In her message, Sanchez described the exhibit as a reflection of the students’ artistic skill, cultural awareness and appreciation of Filipino heritage.

She emphasized that the collection allowed students to transform history, identity and tradition into visual language, making art and architecture meaningful tools for preserving and interpreting culture.

VP Jaballa underscored the importance of the exhibit as part of the University’s National Heritage Month celebration anchored on the theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future.”

“Heritage is not only found in monuments, archives or old traditions, but also in the creative expressions of the present generation,” VP Jaballa said. “Through the works of the students, heritage becomes visible, relevant and alive.”

He added that the exhibit demonstrated how younger generations continue to honor and reinterpret Filipino heritage through new perspectives and forms of expression.

The exhibit forms part of the University’s month-long observance of National Heritage Month in response to the call of the Commission on Higher Education and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

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The activity reflected the University’s core values of Excellence, Mindfulness and Unity by promoting cultural appreciation, artistic expression and shared national identity. It also supported transformative learning by encouraging students to connect heritage with contemporary creativity and design practice.

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: The exhibit promoted creative and cultural learning through student-centered artistic expression.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Preserving and promoting cultural heritage supports sustainable and inclusive communities.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The exhibit strengthened collaboration among academic leaders, students and cultural advocates.