26/05/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE UPV FAIR 2026
It is with great regret that the UPV Fair 2026 Core Team informs the public of the postponement of the UPV Fair originally scheduled on May 29-30, 2026.
This decision was not made lightly. Following the disapproval of the conduct of the fair and a recommendation for postponement, the Core Team continued to exhaust all possible contingencies for the campaigns of the small-scale fisherfolk. The disapproval came amid perceived conflicts with the universityโs austerity measures and schedule. It also meant we could not carry on with the pre-selling of tickets where funding heavily relied on, and our financial targets were deemed no longer feasible despite best efforts. In addition, despite the ardency of external collaborations, sponsorship efforts remain strained due to the broader financial climate.
Still, even as the tides shift, the fair continues to sail through. The UPV Fair 2026 Core Team and its committees remain fully committed to giving life to the advocacies and calls embodied by the Fair. Preparations continue behind the scenes with the hope of creating conditions that will better allow the fair to become the meaningful gathering and platform that amplifies the collective struggle of the communities it seeks to serve, especially the small-scale fisheries sector, through culture, arts, and camaraderie. While the UPV Fair 2026 may not proceed as originally planned, a cultural night of student performances and advocacies spotlighting the same calls and campaigns will continue to be held this Friday, May 29, in honor and recognition of National Fisherfolk Day this May 31.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all committee members, partner organizations, sponsors, and performers who have dedicated their time, effort, and trust to this endeavor. Your belief in the UPV Fair and what it stands for is akin to the multitude of hands that are required to pull a sahid, which inspires us to keep moving forward despite the weight of the tides and a current of setbacks.
With the postponement, we remain steadfast in ensuring that the works already poured into the Fair will not be put to waste. Rather, we hope that this will allow us to cast wider horizons for what the UPV Fair 2026 can ultimately achieve for the community and the causes it stands for.
The UPV Fair 2026 is set to return next semester.
