Ateneo Higher Education Community Celebrates 78th University Fiesta with Pamilyang Ateneo Salo-Salo and Jam In Faith
On 13 August 2026, the Ateneo de Davao Higher Education community gathered to celebrate the 78th University Fiesta with the theme “Inang Maria, Huwaran ng Bawat Atenista sa Pagpapahalaga ng Dangal ng Tao, Pag-ibig, at Paghahabi ng Pag-asa.”
The fiesta began at the Our Lady of Assumption Chapel, the starting point for the blessing and procession of the Image of Mary. Faculty, staff, and members of the university community gathered for the procession, which wound from Rodriguez Hall through Roxas Street, Claveria Street, and Jacinto Gate, before arriving at the 4th Floor of Martin Hall for the Eucharistic Mass.
The Mass was presided over by Fr. Bien Emmanuel Cruz, SJ, with concelebrants Fr. Joseph Tu Vinh Le, SJ; Fr. Antonio Basilio, SJ; Fr. Anthony Phi Lam, SJ; and Fr. Errol Nebrao, SJ. Fr. Charlie Cenzon, SJ, led the Blessing of the Image of Mary.
Following the Mass, Pamilyang Ateneo: Fiesta Salo-Salo opened at Arrupe Hall, featuring an array of traditional Filipino kakanin served to students, faculty, and non-teaching personnel. Meanwhile, families and children of Ateneo faculty and personnel gathered in front of the Jubilee Building for games and amusements, with snacks and sorbetes adding to the day’s festivities.
The Council of Organizations of the Ateneo – Davao also organized Palarong Pinoy and Filipino-themed bazaars in front of the Office of the President and at Arrupe Hall.
In the late afternoon, the Samahan ng Mga Mag-aaral ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Davao (SAMAHAN) organized Grace Abounds: The Ateneo Jam In Faith 2026 at the 4th Floor of Martin Hall.
The program opened with a Parade of Colors, as the university’s different clusters marched from Finster Building, Laudato Si, and Arrupe Hall toward Martin Hall.
The Ateneo Dance Crew and Ateneo Repertory Company opened the program with a performance, followed by praise and worship sets from the university clusters, Awakened by Grace and Surrendered and Sent by Grace.
Andrea Bess Millana delivered the exhortation, followed by a symbolic candle lighting and a donation drive for Youth for Christ.
In observance of the celebration, 7:30 AM classes proceeded as scheduled. Faculty were encouraged to dismiss students early for the chapel gathering. Classes from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM were suspended for the fiesta activities, while evening classes resumed at 6:00 PM, with faculty given the option to join the Jam In Faith program at Martin Hall.
