Celebrating this year’s 78th Ateneo Fiesta, the community commemorated its long-standing tradition of openness and inclusivity towards diversity, opening the campus to visitors and extending the celebration outside the university halls. 

The Ateneo fiesta commenced with a mass at the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel and was followed by the university community’s fiesta traditions such as the salo-salo, larong Pinoy, bazaar, and Jam in Faith.

Samahan ng Mga Mag-Aaral sa Pamantasang Ateneo de Davao (SAMAHAN) moderator Dr. Lunar Fayloga expressed how shared faith brings people together, strengthening the Ateneo community bond.

“The idea when it comes to faith, it’s always inclusive. I think that’s one of our common denominators—our faith in the Lord,” Fayloga emphasized.

He also shared that this year’s Ateneo Fiesta welcomed employees’ families for the first time, encouraging the practice to be sustained as the number of attendees continues to grow.

“Ang focus kay ang mga Ateneo employees, mga bata nila—wala na last time. I think that’s what needs to be continued,” Fayloga said.

Fourth-year BS Nursing student Sheree Indino highlighted the fiesta’s inclusive environment, noting that the event was open not only to the university’s students but also to its personnel.

“Not only students can celebrate it but also the janitors, and the personnels who work here that are not enrolled in this university. It’s actually a whole community and that’s what makes [Ateneo fiesta] different,” Indino commented.

Second-year BS Chemical Engineering student Will Symon Castillo also commended the Ateneo Fiesta’s core of faith formation, which unites people beyond religious boundaries and celebrates diverse worship practices.

“This fiesta has taught me to love God in all ways despite being other religions—and I love Ateneo fiesta for that,” said Castillo.

Looking back, Fayloga also reflected on the impact of the pandemic that affected the lives of the people and the experiences it took away from them.

“Despite all the challenges that we experienced, we are still here at the Ateneo de Davao University…marami ang ninakaw sa atin ang COVID—yung memories—so I hope, gradually, we improve our attendance and participation during the fiesta celebration,” added Fayloga.

The 78th Ateneo Fiesta was celebrated last August 13, 2026, at the Ateneo de Davao University Jacinto Campus.