By Patricia Pedroso, BA-Communication 4, The Centralian Link Intern

Students support food stalls at the “Hugod: The Ilonggo Fusion” fair organized by the Project Management students and professors under the College of Business & Accountancy.

Where the hustle of trade meets the heartbeat of tradition, the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) students transformed the campus into a vibrant tapestry of Ilonggo heritage from April 6 to 8, 2026. Under the banner “Hugod: The Ilonggo Fusion,” the exhibition served as the culmination of their Project Management classes, expanding their learnings beyond the four walls of the classroom to the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park and the walkway between Roblee Science Hall and the Dr. Alfonso Uy Building.

The event saw students from various year levels and courses collaborating to breathe life into four distinct sectors: food, garments, handicrafts, and tourism. Under the guidance of their Project Management professors, elected student officers spearheaded the organization of the event, while each booth sought to attract the Centralian community through photobooths, games, and visually appealing design. Success was measured not just in aesthetics, but through student surveys and engagement metrics presented at each sector.

Onlookers visit the Promenade to view the displays and local products on offer.

For the participants, the event was an exercise in professional networking. Adrian Mamuric (BSMA-3), a student from the tourism sector who collaborated directly with local travel agencies, noted that the exhibition served a dual purpose. Besides serving as an academic requirement, it was also an avenue for partner businesses to endorse their services directly to the Centralian community, bridging the gap between local businesses and a young potential market. He expressed his appreciation and enthusiasm when onlookers visited their booths, stating that it reaffirmed that their preparations paid off.

“Hugod” stood as a vibrant testament to the diligence and industriousness of the Ilonggo spirit. By bridging the gap between classroom lectures and cultural commerce, these students proved that the future of Iloilo’s diverse industries is not only in capable hands but in creative ones.