CHED, BukSU lead in the 1st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education

The Commission on Higher Education with Bukidnon State University (BukSU) hosted the 1st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education BIGKIS: on July 4-5, 2024 at BukSU, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The two-day conference brought together participants from across the Philippines to discuss and chart a path forward for strengthening Indigenous Peoples (IP) education within the country’s higher education system.

Building Indigenous Knowledge for Inclusivity and Sustainability (BIGKIS) is an initiative by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Peoples’ culture within higher education institutions (HEIs) across the Philippines.

BIGKIS 2024 tackles strengthening IP education in Philippine universities through various means: sharing best practices, addressing challenges, fostering intercultural dialogue, exploring alternative learning methods, and promoting cultural preservation and collaboration for sustainable development.

It achieved this goal through a variety of sessions, including:

• Sharing best practices: Institutions showcased successful IP education initiatives, fostering cross-institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Addressing challenges: Open discussions explored the existing hurdles in implementing IP education programs, paving the way for solutions and improved approaches.
• Fostering intercultural dialogue: Participants engaged in discussions that promoted mutual understanding and respect between indigenous and non-indigenous communities within the higher education landscape.
• Exploring alternative learning methods: The conference investigated innovative pedagogical approaches that effectively promote and preserve indigenous knowledge systems.
• Promoting cultural preservation and collaboration for sustainable development: BIGKIS 2024 emphasized the significance of safeguarding indigenous cultures while fostering collaborative efforts towards a sustainable future.

𝗕𝘂𝗸𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) led the ritual for opening the 1st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education, dubbed BIGKIS (Building Indigenous Knowledge for Inclusivity and Sustainability), on July 4, 2024, at the Bukidnon Studies Center.

It has been a practice at BukSU to adhere to cultural protocol each time the university conducts activities related to Bukidnon culture.

The conduct of a community ritual, the first part of the BIGKIS activities, is asking for the blessings of Magbabaya and, at the same time, an expression of paying respect to the Keeper of the indigenous culture of Bukidnon.

The participation of BukSU officials, CHED officials, faculty, students, personnel, and some BIGKIS participants in this ritual symbolizes a gathering of people who value the importance of indigenous knowledge in the development of humanity.

The ritual was officiated by Bai Inatlawan, a baylan of the Bukidnon tribe. She is also one of the provincial IP leaders.

Opening Ceremony

The historic BIGKIS: 1st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education officially opened on July 4, 2024, at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CESO III (Director IV, CHED Regional Office X), described the rich culture and living traditions of the seven ethnic tribes in his opening message, with BukSU at the forefront of engaging the indigenous communities through various programs aimed at promoting indigenous projects and sustainable practices.

CHED Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat, keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of advocating peace education and bringing indigenous communities into higher education.

“This even underscores the vital importance of indigenous knowledge systems. These systems are not merely relics of the past but living testaments to our collective resilience. This realization compels us to create spaces that celebrate diversity, promote cultural sensitivity, and enrich our understanding of the world and our place within it,” he said.

CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1 Series of 2019 mandates the integration of peace education, while CMO No. 2 focuses on Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) within the higher education curriculum.

“Sustainability thrives on the interconnectedness of all life forms. As the saying goes, “for indigenous peoples, land is life. My journey as an advocate for IP and peace education is deeply personal. Growing up in the Teduray tribe, I witnessed their wisdom firsthand. Education has been the cornerstone of our advocacy, equipping them with the tools to understand the world around them,” he added.

Following the preliminary sessions of Bigkis are plenary talks on the role of HEIs and integrating indigenous knowledge into the curricula, and IP music and arts as alternative platforms for indigenous peoples education.

𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗜𝗜𝗧’𝘀 𝗜𝗣𝗗𝗠 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗘𝗜𝘀

The Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) underscores inclusivity and sustainable development among higher education institutions (HEIs) by integrating the perspective of Indigenous Peoples into educational policies and programs.

According to IPDM Director Dr. Mark Anthony J. Torres, HEIs play an important role in promoting intercultural dialogue. They ensure that educational initiatives are responsive to the specific needs of Indigenous Peoples communities through continuous feedback mechanisms and community engagement.

Dr. Torres, the first plenary speaker during BIGKIS: 1st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education on July 4, 2024, at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, discussed “HEIs and their Role in Facilitating Inter-Cultural Dialogue.”

“Involving IP leaders and communities in developing educational policies ensures that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. This participatory approach fosters trust and cooperation between the government and indigenous communities,” said Torres.

Dr. Torres added that adequate resource allocation, including funding for infrastructure and teacher training, supports the sustainability of these efforts. Strengthening legal frameworks and promoting transparency further ensure accountability and trust in educational policies.

Furthermore, Dr. Torres said these initiatives prioritize economic support for IP students, health initiatives, and cultural exchange programs to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment. By empowering Indigenous youth and preserving their cultural heritage, these efforts aim to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups in the Philippines.

𝗕𝘂𝗸𝗦𝗨 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗞𝗜𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) showcased its efforts in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development through its initiative of integrating indigenous knowledge into higher education curricula.

BukSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, shared with the participants of BIGKIS the university’s strategies in curriculum development, research, and community engagement that focus on the rich traditions of Bukidnon’s seven tribes during the conference’s second plenary session.

“BukSU has introduced culture-responsive courses that incorporate Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP), such as Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology and Indigenous Knowledge Management Systems,” said Abejuela.

These courses, offered across various academic disciplines at BukSU, aim to provide students with a deep understanding of indigenous cultural and ecological aspects, fostering a holistic educational approach.

BukSU also established the Bukidnon Studies Center as a cultural space and repository of indigenous properties, promoting inclusive teaching practices like storytelling and the translation of indigenous literature.

Additionally, initiatives like big books and culture-based materials make learning engaging for indigenous students.

“Our commitment to integrating Indigenous Knowledge into our curriculum is not just about preservation but about enriching the educational experience for all students,” Abejuela added.

𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀

“The vibrant culture of Bukidnon’s indigenous communities in the Philippines is deeply rooted in connections to the land, ancestral heritage, and spiritual beliefs,” said Datu Rodelio ‘Waway’ L. Saway during the BIGKIS conference, where he served as one of the plenary speakers on the topic, “IP Music and Arts: Alternative Platforms for Indigenous Peoples Education.”

Saway, a renowned artist and leader of the Talaandig tribe of Lantapan, Bukidnon, whose family established the Talaandig School of the Living Traditions, endeavors to keep alive the artistic traditions and cultural values of the community.

During his talk, Saway highlighted the importance of traditional languages, rituals, music, arts, and customs in maintaining the cultural identity of the Bukidnon IP communities.

“The vibrant traditional music, arts, and dance of the Bukidnon IP are not merely artistic expressions but also repositories of wisdom, community values, and spiritual connections. These cultural forms are living manifestations of enduring traditions and legacies, encapsulating the collective identity and heritage of the indigenous communities,” he said.

Traditional music and arts are integral to Bukidnon IP’s cultural expression, conveying history, beliefs, and values to successive generations. Intricate crop dances, captivating storytelling, and evocative melodies serve as platforms for preserving and transmitting indigenous culture, highlighting their historical narratives, communal wisdom, and spiritual significance.

𝗛𝗘𝗜𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗣 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Rich cultures are preserved through the creativity and talents showcased in the contemporary dance competition at the BIGKIS conference 2024, highlighting the diversity of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines.

Four higher education institutions participated in the competition, each representing their respective regions across the country.

The contemporary dance performances blend modern movement techniques with traditional cultural elements, expressing Indigenous heritage through innovative choreography.

The competition served as a platform for dancers and choreographers to showcase their creativity through original dance pieces that push the boundaries of movement and storytelling, fostering Indigenous knowledge for inclusivity and sustainability.

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗, 𝗛𝗘𝗜𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗣 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and various higher education institutions (HEIs) gathered to affirm their commitment to promoting Indigenous Peoples and peace education in their institutions through a signing board activity.

The Signing of the Commitment Board was one of the highlights of the first day of BIGKIS: 1st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education, held on July 4 at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The Commitment Board calls on different stakeholders to “pursue and promote innovative integration of IP education in the curricula in higher education institutions in the Philippines for inclusive and sustainable development in the country.”

CHED Commissioner Ronald Adamat expressed his commitment to “sustainable, quality, and culturally responsive education.”

Cherry Mae Balingit, a delegate from Central Mindanao University, wrote: “CMU strongly supports the strengthening and sustaining of IP education integration in its academic, research, and extension programs.”

Meanwhile, a delegate from Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) in Bacolor, Pampanga, expressed commitment to “strengthen and sustain our efforts for an inclusive HEI for IPs for peace and for all genders. We are DHVSU. We are ka-BIGKIS.”

The Signing of the Commitment Board aims to advance IP education and peace in the Philippines by collecting pledges of support to empower indigenous communities through culturally relevant and inclusive educational practices.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁

“Integrating indigenous studies into Philippine higher education is important for honoring indigenous cultural heritage and knowledge.”

This is what Pangasinan Polytechnic College Interim President, Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos, underscored in his talk as a plenary speaker during the second day of BIGKIS: 1st Philippine Higher Education for Indigenous Peoples Education on July 5, 2024, at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

With the topic “Mainstreaming Indigenous Voices: Building Indigenous Knowledge Hubs in Philippine Higher Education,” Rovillos said that integrating indigenous studies fosters cultural understanding, equity, and social justice in higher education.

“This contributes to national reconciliation and honors the Philippines’ diverse cultural heritage,” he said.

“Indigenous studies aim to respect indigenous knowledge and practices, critique Western hegemony, advance Indigenous epistemologies, and support social justice for Indigenous communities,” he added.

Rovillos further emphasized the importance of theoretical foundations as a guide in the integration of Indigenous Studies in Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs). This promotes cultural resilience, knowledge preservation, and the empowerment of Indigenous communities within academia and beyond.

𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗣 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗞𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Seven schools competed in the Most Innovative Higher Education Institution category at the BIGKIS conference, showcasing sustainable best practices and innovative approaches to integrating Indigenous Peoples (IP) studies into their curricula.

The participating schools included Kalinga State University, San Agustin University, University of Southeastern Philippines, Bukidnon State University, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc., Don Honorio Ventura State University, and Agusan del Sur State College for Agriculture and Technology.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Offices selected these schools to represent their respective regions.

After screening their produced videos, school representatives answered questions from the panel of judges, elaborating on how they implement their programs, the challenges they have overcome, and the best practices they have developed.

In 2019, CHED issued Memorandum Order No. 2, titled “Integration of Indigenous Peoples’ Studies/Education into the Relevant Higher Education Curricula.” Through this directive, CHED seeks to ensure that higher education institutions play a vital role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines while advancing educational equity and social justice for Indigenous Peoples.

𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗣 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) initiated new strategies to empower Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines.

These initiatives were shared by NCIP Chairperson, Bae Limpayen Jennifer Pia Sibug-las, during the BIGKIS conference, where she served as one of the plenary speakers. Her talk centered on “Empowering Indigenous Communities through Knowledge Integration: Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”

One of the strategies is integrating indigenous knowledge into modern development frameworks, emphasizing its importance for sustainability and cultural preservation.

“Indigenous knowledge holds invaluable insights and practices essential for adapting to the 21st century,” said Sibug-las.

Another major component of the NCIP’s strategy is the empowerment of indigenous women. The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) ensures equal rights and opportunities for indigenous women, advocating their participation in all aspects of life.

“Ensuring the participation of indigenous women in all aspects of life is crucial for balanced and inclusive development,” she said.

The NCIP chairperson also called for the integration of indigenous knowledge into mainstream education and policy development. The agency plans to collaborate with academic institutions, government bodies, and private organizations to enhance the role of indigenous knowledge in national development.

“By integrating indigenous knowledge into our national framework, we can build a future that respects and leverages the contributions of our indigenous communities,” said Sibug-las.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁’𝘀 “𝗪𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲” 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Students from two schools participated in the Group Vocal Performance competition, where they showcased their vocal prowess in an a cappella rendition of the song “We Are One.”

This song, an original composition by Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat, highlights the themes of unity and togetherness.

Adamat also served as chairperson of the board of judges for the competition, together with Talaandig tribe musician Waway Saway and music educator Phoebe Jumalon.

 

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) from Region 1, Region 3, Region 7, Region 10, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) presented their initiatives and best practices on Indigenous Peoples (IP) studies and peace education on the last day of the BIGKIS conference.

CHED Region 1 (Ilocos Region) highlighted their “Culture and Arts Trainers and Instructors Summit” and “Project SAGIP: A Student Convergence for Safe Space, Anti-Hazing, Anti-Illegal Drugs, Gender and Development, Indigenous Peoples, and Peace Education.”

CHED Region 3 (Central Luzon) took pride in the increasing number of IP graduates under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program.

CHED Region 7 (Central Visayas) reported a series of webinars on IP and peace education for their stakeholders.

CHED Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) conducted “Capacity Building among Peace Educators” and established a partnership with Southeast Asian University on IP and peace education.

CHED CAR successfully established the program “Cordillera Heritage: CORDI 101 (Inclusivity, Attainability, Adaptability, Sustainability).”

Meanwhile, CHED Mimaropa successfully integrated IP knowledge within the curriculum of various higher education institutions in the region and adopted community learning centers for extension activities.

All of these initiatives demonstrate CHED’s commitment to advancing IP studies and peace education across different regions of the Philippines.

𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Songs originally composed by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat were brought to life by student performers from six schools representing different regions.

The competition for Solo Vocal Performance aimed to showcase the vocal talents of individual performers passionate about music, who aimed to demonstrate their skills before an audience and a panel of judges.

Contestants from various regions included:

• Region 12: Danica May R. Beldeniza, Holy Child Central College Inc. – “Greedy Love”

• Region 13 (CARAGA): Jickson Hayahay, North Eastern Mindanao State College

• Region 3 (Central Luzon): Ms. Larey Cajobe, Ramon Magsaysay

• Region 10 (Northern Mindanao): Catherine A. Alin, Saint Michael College

• Region 11: Alex Sugue, UM Digos College

• Region 7 (Central Visayas): Kenny Rey Zulla, University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue

The competition featured a diverse range of musical styles and genres, providing a platform for both amateur and seasoned vocalists.

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝘀

Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) administered the oath of office to the Northern Mindanao Peace Educators Council officers and the Bukidnon State University (BukSU) Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Peace Educators Council during the BIGKIS conference.

The Northern Mindanao Peace Educators Council was formed after a series of workshops conducted by Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology and CHED Region 10 on June 23, 2024.

This initiative subsequently inspired the creation of the BukSU IP and Peace Educators Council, pioneering a similar organization at the higher education institution level dedicated to IP and Peace Education.

Cultural Show, Fellowship Dinner cap the Bigkis: 1^st Philippine Higher Education Conference for Indigenous Peoples Education

The Bigkis: 1^st Philippine Higher Education for Indigenous Peoples Education capped the event through a cultural show and fellowship dinner on July 5, 2024 at the host tertiary school, Bukidnon State University.

Indigenous songs such as “Bukidnon” and “Iitsa Tamoka Yataki Tombi” were performed, alongside traditional dances including Pansak si Laley, various Bukidnon dances representing the seven tribes, and the community dance, Igsayaw.

Youth from indigenous communities of Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Kalatungan who joined the Sounds Like Change Project of Bukidnon, a three-day songwriting workshop last April, performed on stage their songs which were lauded by guests and participants.

Winners were also recognized during the ceremony from multiple categories: Creative Contemporary Dance, Most Innovative Higher Education Institutions in Promoting Indigenous Peoples Education, and Vocal Group Performance.

Creative Contemporary Dance:

• Winner: North Eastern Mindanao State University
• 1^st Runner-up: Bukidnon State University
• 2^nd Runner-up: University of Mindanao Digos College

Vocal Solo Performance:

• Winner: University of Mindanao Digos College
• 1^st Runner-up: President Ramon Magsaysay State University
• 2^nd Runner-up: North Eastern Mindanao State University

Vocal Group Performance:

• Winner: Bukidnon State University
• 1^st Runner-up: North Eastern Mindanao State University

Most Innovative Higher Education Institutions in Promoting Indigenous Peoples Education:

• Winner: Bukidnon State University
• 1^st Runner-up: Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology
• 2^nd Runner-up: University of Southeastern Philippines

Winners received cash prizes sponsored by the Commission on Higher Education.

Special performances were also rendered by Bukidnon State University through the BukSU Rondalla, BukSU Folk Dance Team, and BukSU Indigenous Dance Team.

Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director IV of the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) of the Commission on Higher Education, delivered the closing remarks, commending the higher education institutions for their outstanding contributions and dedication to preserving and promoting indigenous cultures through education.

“With Adamat’s leadership, it made the higher education as instruments to building for inclusivity and sustainability,” commending the Commissioner for his dedication to indigenous peoples education and peace education.

“I encourage you more to continue to weave, the weaving have just started until we complete the tapestry of higher education in the Philippines,” she added.

The CHED-OPSD presented a Plaque of Recognition to SMART BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol for its leadership and commitment to the success of the 1^st Philippine higher education conference for indigenous peoples education.

“#BukSU you’re totally awesome and inspiring!”, Director Ancheta-Diego emphasized. (BukSU-Information Unit)