PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY (PalawanSU) formally opened the Philippine Architecture and Allied Arts Festival (PAAAF) Puerto Princesa, Palawan 2026 on October 1, 2026, at the PalawanSU Amphitheatre in Puerto Princesa City, bringing together architects, designers, planners, educators, artists, and creative professionals from the Philippines and abroad.
With the theme “Bayan, Biyahe, Buhay: Architecture and Allied Arts for Tourism-Driven Growth,” PAAAF 2026 highlights the role of architecture and the allied arts in shaping tourism destinations while promoting community development, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and inclusive growth.
In his welcome remarks, PalawanSU President Dr. Venzon L. Limpiada described the gathering as a milestone made possible through the collaboration of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), festival organizers, local partners, and the university community. He emphasized that tourism development should go beyond attracting visitors and should create places where communities are valued, culture is respected, nature is protected, and opportunities are shared. He also called for stronger collaboration among the university’s architecture, tourism, hospitality, and arts programs, particularly in community-based initiatives and interdisciplinary research involving Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Anchored on the IGNITE Agenda and the PalawanSU Strategic Plan 2026–2031, he said the festival advances the university’s efforts in sustainable design, heritage preservation, climate-resilient architecture, research and innovation, student development, and community engagement. He further encouraged young architects, designers, planners, artists, and future professionals to approach their work with imagination and responsibility, emphasizing the role of universities in translating knowledge into meaningful action for communities and the nation.
The opening program continued with a message from Assoc. Prof. Cathe Nadal, NCAAA Chairperson, followed by the launching of the PAAAF 2026 theme song by June Ocampo. The Festival Briefer and Opening Gong Ritual was then led by Ar. Jefferson Bulan, M.Arch, Dean of the College of Architecture and Design and Festival Director, officially setting the activities in motion.
Throughout the festival, participants will engage in activities that provide opportunities for learning, creative exchange, and professional interaction, including plenary talks, a motorcade, exhibits, and a panel forum.
Through PAAAF 2026, PalawanSU provides a venue for professionals, educators, students, artists, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and examine how architecture and the allied arts can contribute to tourism, cultural preservation, community development, and the creation of more sustainable and inclusive destinations.
