06/10/2025
IN PHOTOS | The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) successfully commenced its annual Iskoka and Torch Night 2025 on October 2, by the theme: “Iskolar ng Bayan, Bumalikwas sa Tanikala! Buwagin ang Edukasyong Kolonyal, Komersyalisado, at Pasista!” The event served as a critical platform for student advocacy and talent, with freshmen representatives illuminating the plight of marginalized sectors through presentations.
The BA Communication and Media Arts program dominated the categories, securing the Winner title in the Freshmen Presentation and achieving an impressive two-peat victory as the Winner of the Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP) contest focusing on the Media Workers sector. Other top performers in the AVP included the BS Biology program as 1st runner-up showcasing Women in STEM, and the BA English (Creative Writing) program as 2nd runner-up for their animated piece focusing on National Minorities.
In the Freshmen Presentation, the Department of Human Kinetics (DHK) representing Urban Poor sector took 1st runner-up, and BS Applied Mathematics campaigning Youth and Education sector secured 2nd runner-up. The BS Computer Science program was also recognized with Teatro Lambigit's Choice Award.
The night also featured the formal introduction of the ISKOKA candidates through their "Wear Your Course" attire and talent showcases, marking the start of the pageant search. A key symbolic moment was the presentation of the torches by all participating degree programs, each designed to represent the sectors and struggles they champion.
Photos by YC, LA, JP, DB
