Malaybalay City, Bukidnon province, proudly hosted the Philippines' inaugural higher education conference on indigenous peoples (IPs), "Bigkis 2024," aimed at integrating IP knowledge and practices into modern industries. Over two days, participants from across the nation convened to explore avenues for enhancing IP education within higher education and fostering its application in workplaces.
Celebrating Indigenous Wisdom in Higher Education
Dr. Hazel Jean Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bukidnon State University (BukSU), commended the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for spearheading the groundbreaking conference. "BukSU has pioneered culture-responsive courses like Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology and Indigenous Knowledge Management Systems," Abejuela highlighted. This initiative underscores BukSU's commitment to enriching its academic offerings with IP knowledge and traditions.
Preserving Heritage Through Modern Integration
A highlight of the conference was a presentation by Datu Rodelio "Waway" Saway, a revered tribal leader and IP arts and music conservationist. Saway emphasized that the vibrant traditional music, arts, and dance of the Bukidnon IPs embody profound wisdom, community values, and spiritual connections. "These cultural expressions are a testament to our enduring traditions and collective identity," he shared passionately.
Cultivating Resilience and Collaboration
Commissioner Ronald Adamat of CHED emphasized the vitality of IP knowledge systems, describing them as "living testaments to our collective resilience." The conference aimed to forge pathways for integrating these knowledge systems into diverse industries, ensuring their relevance and value in contemporary society. The event served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, promoting deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines' indigenous peoples.
