USTP CDO showcases rich indigenous culture in Heritage Month Program
By Kristine Jane M. Laid, USTP System STRATCOMM
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In celebration of the 2025 National Heritage Month, the Social Sciences Unit of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro (USTP CDO) held a series of activities from May 5 to 7, 2025, at USTP CDO. With the theme “Katutubong Fiesta: Honoring the Guardians of Heritage,” students from the Philippine Indigenous Communities and Peace Education (PICPE) course showcased their knowledge, skills, and talents in a vibrant three-day event celebrating Indigenous culture, including festivals, tribes, and traditions from across the Philippines.
Preserving Cultural Heritage through Creativity and Competition
The celebration officially kicked off on May 5, 2025, with a colorful cultural parade, a lively street dance competition, and a booth display contest featuring traditional cuisine and creative decorations. Participants representing various tribes and local festivals proudly showcased their cultural heritage through elaborate costumes and spirited performances.
COMPLETE LIST OF FESTIVALS AND TRIBES
Instructor: Jose Vicente Q. Cuevas
IT 3R9 – Bagobo Tribe
IT 3R10 – Maranao Tribe
IT 3R11 – Higaonon Tribe
TCM 3K5 – Talaandig Tribe
TCM 3K7 – Higaonon Tribe
CS 3C – Manobo Tribe
Instructor: Jerel G. Eduave
BSGE 1A – Kuyamis Festival
BSAM 1J1 – Kaamulan Festival
TCM 1K2 – Pahiyas Festival
EMT 3P2 – Panagbenga Festival
CPE 1D – Manobo Tribe
MR 3P2 – Kadayawan Festival
Instructor: Althea Mae B. Galinada
TCM 3K3 – Maranao Tribe
MET 3T3 – Maranao Tribe
IT 3R8 – Maranao Tribe
TCM 3K1 – Maranao Tribe (Pag-apir & Pagdanggo)
TCM 3K4 – Ati-Atihan Festival
CS 3A – Yakan People Basilan
Instructor: Ma. Cynthia Fe V. Siwagan
IT 3R3 – Cebuano
IT 3R2 – Manobo Tribe
MET 3T1 – Maranao Tribe
IT 3R1 – Maranao Tribe
IT 3R4 – Bagsamoro
Instructor: Jeffrey G. Tabios
TCM 3K6 – Maranao
IT 3R6 – Bagobo – Tagbanua
Instructor: Marjones Talines
CS3B – Subanen
Ms. Nena U. Lumandong, the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Focal Person from the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office, led a symposium titled “Storyline to Preserve,” which was also held during the opening day. The symposium is a concise discussion on safeguarding indigenous narratives, landscapes, artifacts, and traditions.
Photo courtesy: Social Sciences Unit – USTP CDO
The street dancing competition, held at the DRER Memorial Hall, showcased the vibrant festivals and diverse tribes of the Philippines. A panel of judges—Ms. Fritzie B. Salado and Mr. Sean Jayehm Dael, faculty members from USTP CDO; and Mr. Edmor F. Ebajay, a faculty member from the Department of Education (DepEd)—evaluated the performances. All winners came from the Bachelor of Science in Technology Communication Management (BS TCM) program, clinching every top spot in the competition.
Street Dancing Competition Winners:
- 1st Place: TCM 3K4 class representing Ati-Atihan Festival Dance.
- 2nd Place: TCM 3K3 representing Pag-Apir Maranao Traditional Dance.
- 3rd Place: TCM 3K5 representing Talaandig Ethnic Dance.
On May 6, 2025, students competed in the PICPE Quiz Bee at the Science Building, testing their knowledge of Indigenous cultures, peace education, and Filipino history.
Quiz Bee Winners:
- 1st Place: Reige J. Bongo, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, from IT 3R5.
- 2nd Place: Kristal A. Saroza, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, from IT 3r6.
- 2nd Place: Kein Jake A. Culanggo, a Bachelor of Science in Data Science student, from DS 3A.
Photo courtesy: Social Sciences Unit – USTP CDO
Voices of Culture
The final day, May 7, 2025, featured a spoken poetry competition that gave students a platform to express their thoughts, emotions, and cultural insights through performance poetry.
Spoken Poetry Winners:
- 1st Place: Mildred Jade Palma, a Bachelor of Science in Technology Communication Management student, from TCM 1K2.
- 2nd Place: Christian Harry E. Paasa, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, from IT 3R4.
- 3rd Place: Alyanna Marie A. Verdida, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, from IT 3R2.
Photo courtesy: Social Sciences Unit – USTP CDO
The winners of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Booth Decoration Contest and IP Cuisine Contest were announced on the same day, recognizing creativity in booth design and traditional food presentation.
IP Booth Decoration Contest Winners:
- 1st Place: GE 1A
- 2nd Place: TCM 3k3
- 3rd Place: IT 3r4
IP Cuisine Contest Winners:
- 1st Place: IT 3R4
- 2nd Place: CPE 1D
- 3rd Place: IT 3R1
Photo courtesy: Social Sciences Unit – USTP CDO
Honoring Cultural Heritage Through Education
The activities helped students think creatively and feel closer to the Indigenous cultures of the Philippines. They didn’t just read or listen—they learned by doing things like research, performing, and telling stories. They didn’t just learn facts. They saw, heard, and felt what the traditions were like. It helped them understand and appreciate the diverse cultures that comprise our country.
A student from the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program shared:
“These activities helped us learn more about our culture because we had to research and present it. My knowledge was limited before, but it expanded through these experiences. To preserve Filipino culture, we need to respect, advocate, and teach it—especially to the youth.”
The National Heritage Month 2025 activities are more than just a celebration—they serve as a vital initiative to strengthen the preservation of Philippine cultural heritage. At the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), the celebration also emphasizes a collective effort within the community to protect, understand, and respect the unique characteristics that define Filipino identity.
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