Photo Exhibit at Bukidnon Studies Center honors Mindanao’s Indigenous People Legacy

The Bukidnon Studies Center (BSC) of Bukidnon State University (BukSU) launched the  Mountain Hymn, a photo exhibit and cultural workshop series focused on Mindanao’s indigenous heritage, beginning  on March 26, 2026.

“The activity is a collaboration with Fotomoto Philippines in promoting cultural appreciation and culture sensitivity among indigenous cultures in Bukidnon and Mindanao,” said Ms. Loreta Sol L. Dinlayan, BukSU- BSC Director.

“With the annual Kaamulan Festival, the exhibit combines visual arts an educational program designed to promote cultural sensitivity toward the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) of Bukidnon and wider Mindanao region.” Dinlayan added.

BSC conducted seminar on documentary photography, participants to document ancestral stories with critical and respectful lens.

The exhibit featured collection of photographs showcasing the traditions, landscapes, and daily lives of communities whose identities are rooted in the highland territories of the province and in Mindanao, curated by Angelo Gian De Mesa and Neal Oshima.

The exhibit showcases a compelling collection of photographs capturing the everyday life, traditions, and landscapes of Bukidnon and its neighboring regions. Through the lens of acclaimed photographers such as Neal Oshima, Francisco Guerrero, Martin San Diego, Gio Panlilio, Pau Villanueva, and Veejay Villafranca, who leads the initiative as President of Fotomoto PH, the works bring to life stories of identity, memory, and belonging. This collaboration with Fotomoto PH as a key partner institution reinforces a shared commitment to preserving and promoting the diverse cultural narratives rooted in these ancestral lands.

With BukSU officials, the activity was attended by Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, Bukidnon 2nd District Board Member Bobby Jay Dinlayan, Bukidnon 4th District Representative Cong. Laarni L. Roque and other community partners.

“The initiative ensures that representation goes beyond aesthetics and into ethical storytelling,” the BSC organizers noted, emphasizing the importance of accurate cultural narratives.

The exhibit is located in the gallery of Bukidnon Studies Center inside the BukSU main campus and is open to the public until April 19, 2026.

BSC aims to reinforce its dedication to service as a cultural steward, bridging the gap between artistic documentation and institutional preservation of Mindanao’s heritage. (Menard Labor, BukSU IU intern)