Lansad, the hallmark annual photo exhibit of the XU Development Communication (DevCom) Department, successfully concluded its three-day run from 11 to 13 May 2026 at the Activity Center, Ayala Centrio Mall.

More than just a gallery display, this year’s exhibit, LANSAD ASINSO D’SEA OTSO, marked the 18th edition of a prestigious department tradition. It serves as a vital platform for emerging DevCom storytellers to merge technical skills with social advocacy, documenting the lived realities of local communities. Organized by first-year students as the capstone of their DC6 – Photography in Development course, the event centered on the rich heritage of salt farming and the "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) pride of the Municipality of Alubijid.

For nearly two decades, the Lansad series has functioned as a bridge between the academe and communities. By focusing on the salt farmers of Alubijid, the 18th edition highlighted the "Development" in DevCom—using the camera lens not merely for aesthetics, but as a tool for social documentation and community empowerment.

The opening program featured a moving performance by the salt farmers themselves, who sang an original composition about their livelihood. This integration of folk art and photography underscored the exhibit's goal: to amplify the voices of those often left in the margins.

The opening program brought together academic leaders and local government officials to celebrate the intersection of communication and community service:

• Hon Rhanndy Labis Acut (Vice Mayor, Alubijid): Thanked the organizers for showcasing Alubijid’s unique beauty and regional businesses.
• Hon Princess Nacional-Emano (Board Member, Misamis Oriental): Emphasized the role of cultural heritage promotion in provincial development.
• Karl Anton Noob (OIC, DevCom Department): Noted that storytelling is essential for maintaining regional identity and praised the students for elevating community voices.
• Dr Shiella Balbutin (Faculty, DevCom): Urged the students to create stories that link education with actual community advancement.

A major highlight of the 18th edition was the ceremonial handover of the coffee table book to the Alubijid Local Government Unit. Led by the class instructor, Jerome Torres and project head Ashley Lois Dolalas, the handover symbolized the students' commitment to leaving a lasting record of the town's salt farming legacy. This document ensures that the narratives captured during the DC6 course remain a permanent resource for the municipality.

The second day of the event sparked curiosity as participants from different academic institutions in Cagayan de Oro gathered to listen to the Lansad Roundtable and Stories Behind the Lens, featuring the project heads and committee members of previous Lansad exhibitions, Mr Lian Gallaron, Ms Noelle Yap, and Ms Ivana Otoc, who shared their Lansad experiences, as well as professional veteran photographer Mr Froilan Gallardo, City Mayor’s Office photographer Ms Isabelle Soriano, and Photographer-Videographer Mr Jayson Amolato, who shared their stories and insights on responsible and ethical journalism. The discussions centered on the role of photojournalism in amplifying unheard voices, preserving narratives, and portraying realities with truth and sensitivity. Participants were also given the opportunity to engage with the speakers through an open forum where they get to ask questions about community immersion experiences, challenges in documentation, and the impact of visual storytelling for development.

Moreover, the documentaries “Pagharap sa Alon” and “Tahimik na Tapang” premiered, showcasing the stories of the people in the coastal area of Baybay and the living resilience of the people in the community. Performances followed as Press Play and Hot Males set the stage on fire with their captivating performances.

The last day of Lansad made a historic conclusion with its awarding ceremony for the people’s choice award, together with three new awards on the best photo, best story, and the capitol’s choice personally chosen by the guest photographers and Hon. Board Member Princess Nacional-Emano. Winning the best story award were Lebron James Ipan, Ezekiel Francisco, and Mike Juario. Followed by the best portrait award, Ezekiel Francisco, took the victory. Historic achievements were also awarded to the top three best photos, with Darren Ormillada taking first place, while Ethan Magto and Mat Joseph Dy took the second and third place respectively. Lastly, this year’s awarding concluded with the capitol’s choice award, with Lebron James Ipan taking the win.

Followed by electrifying performances from The Mental and LoveGwen, the crowd brought energy and excitement to the stage. Marking the end of the celebration, words of gratitude were delivered by Associate Project Heads Lebron Ipan and Eleona Caliao who expressed their gratitude for the support of the collective, as well as Lansad Asinso Project Head Ashley Dolalas who reflected on their journey of using their cameras to bridge narratives and create positive change.

Through LANSAD ASINSO D’SEA OTSO, the first-year DevCom students proved that photography in development is more than taking pictures—it is honoring human dignity. By celebrating 18 years of this historic tradition, the department reaffirms its mission to produce communicators who are not only technically proficient but are also deeply rooted in the service of their communities.