Bukidnon Hosts PH’s First Conference on IP Education

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The Philippines’ first higher education conference on indigenous peoples (IPs) commenced on Thursday in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon province, aiming to integrate IP knowledge and practices into modern industry. Dr. Hazel Jean Abejuela, vice president for academic affairs of Bukidnon State University, commended the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for organizing the “Bigkis 2024” conference.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is part of the university’s commitment to incorporating IP knowledge and traditions into its academic curriculum. “BukSU has introduced culture-responsive courses that incorporate Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices, such as Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology and Indigenous Knowledge Management Systems,” she stated. The two-day conference gathered participants nationwide to develop mechanisms for strengthening IP education within higher education and various industries.

CHED Commissioner Ronald Adamat emphasized that IP knowledge systems are not just “relics of the past but living testaments to our collective resilience.” Among the presenters was tribal leader and IP arts and music conservationist Datu Rodelio “Waway” Saway. Saway highlighted that the traditional music, arts, and dance of the Bukidnon IPs 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.

Saway, a renowned artist and leader of the Talaandig tribe from Lantapan town, Bukidnon, established the Talaandig School of the Living Traditions with his family.