By Iza Camposo
More freshmen attended this year’s Genesis 2026, after the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) launched new gimmicks at Nursing Lane last June 8 to 11.
This year’s Genesis featured more booths, One Big Tuyok, and Freshie Walk that encouraged students to engage with SU campus culture.
SUSG President Zild Jan Teves said organizers began preparing for Genesis months before the opening of classes.
“We focused on not just the day itself, but [also] on how we’re going to market it to incoming Sillimanians, [especially] incoming freshmen who still don’t have access to our social media pages,” she said.
She added that the SUSG released its “Welcome Home, Sillimanians” video to reach more incoming students to strengthen its welcoming campaign.
SUSG Vice-President Frienzylle Kate Jamera said they aimed to include more organizations outside the SUSG Executive Committees.
“We also strengthened our communication with the League of Governors, some colleges actually incorporated the Genesis event in their week-long events, ” she said.
The SUSG also considered feedback from last year’s Genesis by introducing designated dining areas and additional seating for students.
The fair, themed “Biyaheng Sillimanian,” showcased Filipino culture and community through activities and programs inspired by “the spirit of hospitality and togetherness.”
First-year Accountancy student Keisha Lace Tayko said that Genesis provided an opportunity to explore organizations that matched her interests.
“My interests definitely tie into things like pins and stickers, which is why I joined the [SU Geek Culture Society]. I enjoyed looking around the booths because everything was well decorated,” she said.
Tayko also said that Genesis helped her become more familiar with organizations and committees within the university.
Meanwhile, SU College of Arts and Sciences Governor Alleizah Mae Elumbaring said that this year’s Genesis featured more activities from the SUSG.
“Daghan kaayo og activities na giprepare ang executive committee sa SUSG. At the same time, with the participation of other colleges, mas na-bongga jud siya and na-bibo jud ang Genesis,” Elumbaring said.
[The SUSG Executive Committees prepared a lot of activities, and with the participation of the different colleges, Genesis became more vibrant and exciting.]
“Last year, ang college namo, naa ray upat ka buok ang ni participate for the One Big Tuyok. But karon, I think it was more than four.” she said.
[Last year, only four students from our college participated in the One Big Tuyok. But now, I think it was more than four.]
A total of 20 SUSG executive committees, 16 SU organizations, and 10 concessionaires participated in this year’s Genesis.
