CHED Names BukSU Most Innovative in IP Education in Ph

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized Bukidnon State University (BukSU) as the Philippines’ Most Innovative Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Promoting Indigenous Peoples Education.

The award was given during the culmination of CHED’s “BIGKIS: 1st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education,” held on July 4-5, 2024, at BukSU.

Seven HEIs, selected by CHED Regional Offices, presented videos highlighting programs integrating Indigenous Peoples (IP) knowledge into their academic curriculum and other IP-related activities. The judges also interviewed representatives from these institutions to further scrutinize their initiatives.

BukSU’s initiatives highlighted the integration of IP studies into the curriculum across academic programs, the establishment of the Bukidnon Studies Center, the Cultural Heritage Mapping Program, the radio program Kaglambaga supporting cultural education and awareness, and extension projects in various IP communities.

According to BukSU’s Chief Administrative Officer for Administration, Rosanna S. Generato, as of the second semester of the school year 2023-2024, 66 percent of the enrolled students were IPs. During the recent graduation ceremonies, 1,100 IP students completed their degrees. “The foundation of these initiatives is built on our collaboration with various partners. Through this collaboration, we document the cultural heritage of the Bukidnon IP communities. This documentation serves as data for our curriculum, research development, and the instructional materials prepared by our faculty,” Generato added.

In 2019, CHED issued Memorandum Order No. 2, titled “Integration of Indigenous Peoples’ Studies/Education into the Relevant Higher Education Curricula.” This directive aims 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.

“I would like to thank Bukidnon State University for their advanced implementation of Indigenous Peoples education, which is now integrated into the higher curricula of almost all their major programs. I salute you because you are now a model that can be emulated by other universities and higher education institutions throughout the country,” said CHED Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat.

The participating schools included Kalinga State University (CAR), Don Honorio Ventura State University (Region 3), San Agustin University (Region 6), Bukidnon State University (Region 10), University of Southeastern Philippines (Region 11), Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (Region 12), and Agusan del Sur State College for Agriculture and Technology (Caraga).

Agusan del Sur State College for Agriculture and Technology was named 1st runner up, and the University of Southeastern Philippines was named 2nd runner up for the Most Innovative Higher Education Institution in Promoting Indigenous Peoples Education.

The BIGKIS conference was attended by more than 200 educators from various public and private schools across the country. It aimed to innovate IP education practices, promote inclusivity, address implementation challenges, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines through HEIs. (BukSU-Information Unit)