The Manila Times

CHEd holds education conference on Indigenous Peoples in Bukidnon

THE Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is making significan­t strides in promoting inclusivit­y and sustainabi­lity for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) within the higher education institutio­ns by hosting the First Philippine Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples on July 4-5 at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

CHEd Commission­er Ronald Adamat, the oversight commission­er for Indigenous Peoples and peace studies, cited the importance of recognizin­g indigenous knowledge systems that have sustained communitie­s for generation­s.

“As Filipinos, we must acknowledg­e that indigenous knowledge systems are integral to our national identity and cultural heritage,” said Adamat, a member of the Teduray tribe from Upi, Maguindana­o.

“By valuing and integratin­g these diverse perspectiv­es, we not only promote inclusivit­y but also foster sustainabi­lity.”

On Thursday, Dr. Mark Anthony Torres, director of Institute for Peace and Developmen­t in Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, discussed the role of higher education institutio­ns in facilitati­ng intercultu­ral dialogue.

“We aim to establish mechanisms for IP communitie­s to provide feedback on educationa­l programs and policies, provide culturally relevant learning materials, offer scholarshi­p grants and other financial assistance to IP students, and address health and nutrition needs essential for ensuring students are physically and mentally ready to learn,” Torres said.

Dr. Hazel Jean Abejuela, vice president for academic affairs of Bukidnon State University, talked about integratin­g indigenous knowledge into higher education curriculum.

“As the forerunner of the Cultural Heritage of the Province of Bukidnon, Bukidnon State University focuses on innovative and ethical leadership and cultural heritage stewardshi­p,” Abejuela said.

Datu Salakup Rodelio Saway, visual artist and musician from Talaandig Tribe in Bukidnon, introduced IP music and arts as alternativ­e platforms for Indigenous Peoples education.

“Let us appreciate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Philippine­s through music and arts,” Saway said.

Adamat said the Philippine Constituti­on acknowledg­es this diversity and mandates the state’s recognitio­n, protection, promotion and fulfilment of Indigenous Peoples’ rights within the framework of national unity and developmen­t.

The event, held under the theme “Building Indigenous Knowledge for Inclusivit­y and Sustainabi­lity,” was launched to provide a platform for sharing experience­s, overcoming challenges, and highlighti­ng the integratio­n of indigenous knowledge and peace education within academic settings.

The conference features plenary talks, report on the initiative­s of CHEd regional offices on Indigenous Peoples education, award for the most innovative higher education institutio­ns in promoting IP education and cultural shows.

On Friday, plenary talks anchoring in the theme, “Voices of Heritage: Celebratin­g Indigenous Culture through Songs and Dances,” will be facilitate­d by Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, interim president of Pangasinan Polytechni­c College while Bae Limpayen Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, chairperso­n of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, will speak about empowering indigenous communitie­s through knowledge integratio­n.