ComDev student joins Indigenous cultural gathering at Dayaw 2026

A Bukidnon State University (BukSU) student from Talakag, Bukidnon, joined more than 200 Indigenous people, cultural bearers, artists, educators and youth representatives from 41 Indigenous Peoples community clusters across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao at Dayaw 2026, held October 13-15 at Foro de Intramuros, Manila.

Naizell L. Alahay, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Community Development student, participated as part of the Higaonon delegation at the gathering organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month.

The event carried the theme “Pagkamalikhain ng Katutubong Filipino: Pinagtibay ng mga Pagsubok, Umaalab ang Bagong Pag-asa.”

Alahay joined Indigenous representatives who presented their communities’ cultural practices through traditional arts, music, dance and food. The gathering also featured cultural performances, arts and crafts demonstrations, knowledge-sharing forums and a trade fair.

“This opportunity brought me onto the national stage, where our heritage, as well as others was respected, acknowledged and celebrated. I witnessed culture bearers, elders, and youth who share the same responsibility to keep our traditions burning bright,” Alahay said.

NCCA Chairman Eric Babar Zerrudo said Dayaw provided Indigenous communities with a venue to present their skills and express their cultural identities. He also said the gathering could help Filipinos learn about the country’s cultural diversity and encourage younger generations to continue their communities’ traditions.

For Alahay and the Higaonon delegation, the gathering provided an opportunity to recognize the role of young people in passing cultural heritage to future generations.

“To the individuals who made this journey possible, “Madakul ha salamat hu pagsalig yu hu kabatan-onan, daw sa pag-ila yu hu bili ta herensya taw [Thank you very much for your trust in the youth, and for recognizing the value of our heritage.],” she said.

Alahay said the experience affirmed the importance of cultural identity and the continued transmission of Indigenous heritage.

“Dayaw 2026 reminded me that our identity is not weakness. It is our strength; it is creativity. It is our hope. And as long as we continue to share it from this generation to future generations, the fire of our ancestors will never fade. “Garbo ta sa Tribo Ta!” Madakul, ha, salamat,” Alahay added. (With information from Naizell L. Alahay, 3^rd Year ComDev Student)