SAHAYA 2026: PUP JME Steers a Powerful Wave of Cultural and Environmental Impact

The PUP Junior Marketing Executives (PUP JME) proudly celebrated the success of SAHAYA: Sailing Beyond Currents, Amplifying Waves of Influence, held last May 15, 2026 at the PUP Theater. United by a common purpose, students, partners, and advocates gathered to transform awareness into action—turning influence into a force for genuine cultural and environmental change.

Opening the Waves: Welcoming Remarks & Introduction of Project Heads

The Vinta has finally reached its shore. The event opened with inspiring welcoming remarks, grounding the audience in an afternoon dedicated to cultural respect, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.

“Mahalagang palakasin natin ang boses ng mga tunay na may malasakit at mabuting hangarin—mga taong nagsusulong ng wastong kaalaman, kamalayan, at pag-unawa para sa mas inklusibo, ligtas at makataong lipunan.” said Ms. Frances Marianne Tiemsem, Project Chairman

The introduction of the Project Heads highlighted the dedicated leaders navigating SAHAYA’s mission.

Ms. Frances Marianne N. Tiemsem, Vice President for Marketing and Mr. Jerome B. Lapore, Vice President for Finance as the Project Chairmen and Ms. Madelyn Joyce E. Toñacao, VP for System Control & Quality Audit, Ms. Phoebie Joy B. Samson, VP for Administration, Ms. Alexandra Amani C. Kelly, Associate Executive Secretary for Documentation, Ms. Jhoie Ann M. Pumarada, Associate VP for Projects and Mr. Aljon S. Cadena, Associate VP for Research & Development as the Project Heads.

Hand in hand, they steered the Vinta that carried SAHAYA’s purpose—empowering voices, honoring identity, and amplifying truths too long silenced.

Anchoring the Flow: Hosts & Performers

With warmth, grace, and the spirit of pakikipag-kapwa, Mr. Arwinn Saplor and Ms. Jovie Viñas anchored the gathering, guiding every moment with sincerity and vibrant energy. Their presence created a welcoming space where stories, voices, and shared experiences flowed naturally among the community.

The stage came alive through the meaningful performances of Ms. Marjorie Baradi and Ms. Roxanne Correa Demudo, the Jambayan Performers, Mr. Reynan Dal-anay, and the Earist Anihan Dance Group. Each presentation reflected the soul of SAHAYA—honoring culture, resilience, collective memory, and the enduring strength found in unity and shared heritage.

Voices of Insight: Keynote Speaker, Guest Speaker & Workshop Speaker

Keynote Speaker – Ms. Giullienne Sanchez

Her keynote resonated like a tide returning home, reminding the audience that spirituality, memory, and nature bind all Filipinos together. She shared stories of displacement, discrimination, and the stereotypes shaped by colonial mentality—urging everyone to unlearn harmful notions and replace them with understanding and humanity.

“No matter where we come from, we all have something in common—and that is our humanity.”

Her message echoed SAHAYA’s core: reconnecting with our roots, our environment, and our shared heritage.

Guest Speaker – Ms. Aldren Ross Balaba

She illuminated the deep connections between land, culture, and survival. Emphasized that environmental degradation is not merely an ecological crisis—it is a human crisis. She painted a vivid picture: When forests vanish, identities fade. When land becomes unlivable, people are forced to move. When communities are displaced, culture wavers.

“When the land suffers, people suffer. When people are displaced, culture fades. And when culture is lost, we all lose a part of our humanity.”

Her message challenged the audience to listen—not just to people, but to the land itself.

Workshop Speaker – Mx. Jy Marie

Mx. Jy Marie opened a meaningful conversation on representation, responsibility, and the impact of influence in today’s digital spaces. Mx. highlighted how marginalized communities—especially Indigenous Peoples—are often reduced to commodities, trends, or subjects of ridicule online, stripping away the dignity and lived realities behind their stories.

“Kapag ang isang karanasan ay ginawang katatawanan, ito ay nagiging problematic.”
(pertaining to the Badjao trend)

Through the workshop, students were encouraged to practice storytelling that is authentic, ethical, and rooted in pananagutan and empathy—reflecting SAHAYA’s vision of using influence not for exploitation, but as a force for awareness, solidarity, and genuine social change.

Purpose in Action: Beneficiary Segment

Represented by Mr. Jo Louis Camiguing, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation took center stage to introduce the Badjao community, the partner community at the heart of SAHAYA. The segment underscored how the initiative’s fundraising efforts fuel educational programs, community support, and development opportunities for Badjao youth. The compass pointed clearly toward its destination: creating impact that extends beyond the event and reaches the communities that need it most. 

Sailing Through Expression: SANDIWA Declamation Final Round

The SANDIWA elevated the afternoon’s emotional current. Finalists delivered powerful, soul-stirring performances—each piece a wave of truth crashing against years of silence and misconception. Their voices embodied the spirit of SAHAYA: rooted in truth, rising in courage, and moving with purpose.

Celebrating Excellence: Awarding of SAHAYA Competitions

The celebration of excellence followed through the awarding of SAHAYA’s four competition streams:

• SANDIWA: Rooted Voices, Rising Stories
• AGOS: Connecting Voices Across Currents
• DALUYAN: Rechanneling Influence, Visualizing Inclusion
• LAYAG: Sailing Sustainability Through Culture

These competitions showcased the creativity, advocacy, and passion of students committed to amplifying stories that matter. In every entry, SAHAYA’s message lived on—voices united for visibility, dignity, and change.

Closing the Journey, Continuing the Movement
The event came to a meaningful close through the heartfelt closing remarks whose words served as both a reminder and a call to action:

“Ang mga katutubo ay hindi paksa ng biro. Sila ay mga taong may kasaysayan, may kultura, may karapatan, at may dignidad na dapat kinikilala at pinapangalagaan.” said Mr. Jerome Lapore, Project Chairman 

A Wave That Continues to Rise

SAHAYA stands as a reflection of what can happen when influence is guided by intention, empathy, and collective responsibility. It is a movement that honors stories, uplifts communities, and inspires the people to create waves with purpose. Like the tides, its message flows forward—carried by every voice, every story, and every act of compassion toward building a more inclusive, aware, and humane society for Indigenous communities and the lands of the Philippines.

For more information, follow the PUP Junior Marketing Executives:

Facebook: PUP Junior Marketing Executives – JME 

Instagram: @pupjme

LinkedIn: @pupjme

TikTok: @pupjme