In a night defined by elegance, cultural pride, and intellectual wit, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) emerged as the winner of the NIR RASUC 18 Regional Culture and the Arts Festival (RCAF) 2026.

The coronation night, held on February 26, 2026 at the NORSU Sports and Cultural Complex, saw the host institution clinch both the Mr. and Ms. RASUC 2026 titles. The event kicked off with a Grand Production Number, setting the stage for a rigorous competition among representatives from various state universities and colleges across the region.

Candidates competed in several categories, including Regional Attire, Barong Tagalog and Terno, and Question and Answer portion. The program showcased not just the beauty of the candidates but also their deep connection to Filipino heritage and their respective academic institutions.

NORSU dominated the stage, taking home the prestigious crowns:
Mr. RASUC 2026 - Gevan Estrellanes (NORSU)
Ms. RASUC 2026 - Elisha Silva (NORSU)

The runners-up reflected the diverse talent across the region:

1st Runners-Up
Daniel Villanueva - Central Philippines State University (CPSU)
Heart Marie Salde - State University of Northern Negros (SUNN)

2nd Runners-Up
Gabriel Sudayan - State University of Northern Negros (SUNN)
Zuria Mae Mirano - Central Philippines State University (CPSU)

3rd Runners-Up
Kenneth Cabigo - Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU)
Roldelyn Olhon - Siquijor State College (SSC)

4th Runners-Up
Rhean Amahit - Siquijor State College (SSC)
Czarinah Marie Gatoteo - Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU)

Beyond the main titles, several candidates were recognized for their exceptional performances in specific categories:

CORPORATE AWARD
Mr. and Ms. Casino Femme
Daniel Villanueva (CPSU)
Elisha Silva (NORSU)

SPECIAL AWARDS
Mr. and Ms. Congeniality
Daniel Villanueva (CPSU)
Czarinah Marie Gatoteo (CHMSU)

Mr. and Ms. Professionalism
Gevan Estrellanes (NORSU)
Zuria Mae Mirano (CPSU)

Mr. and Ms. Social Media
Daniel Villanueva (CPSU)
Zuria Mae Mirano (CPSU)

Mr. and Ms. Photogenic
Kenneth Cabigo (CHMSU)
Elisha Silva (NORSU)

MINOR AWARDS

Best in Talent
Gabriel Sudayan (SUNN)
Heart Marie Salde (SUNN)

Best in School Uniform
Daniel Villanueva (CPSU)
Elisha Silva (NORSU)

Best in Production Number
Gabriel Sudayan (SUNN)
Elisha Silva (NORSU)

Best in Regional Attire
Gevan Estrellanes (NORSU)
Elisha Silva (NORSU)

Best Speaker
Kenneth Cabigo (CHMSU)
Elisha Silva (NORSU)

Best in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana
Gabriel Sudayan (SUNN)
Zuria Mae Mirano (CPSU)

NORSU’s female candidate swept a significant number of minor awards, including Best in Production Number, Best Speaker, and Best in Regional Attire. As the newly crowned ambassadors of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC), the winners are expected to represent the culture, arts, and academic excellence of the Negros Island Region in the upcoming PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF) 2026.