15/05/2026
๐๐๐ก๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ: ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
In celebration of National Heritage Month, the KSU- Department of Social Sciences chaired by Mr. Ali Tucay conducted an activity, โEchoes from the Highlands: Celebrating Cordilleran Heritage and Cultural Traditionsโ on May 14, 2026 at the KSU Gymnasium, a gathering designed to strengthen studentsโ understanding and appreciation of Cordilleran indigenous knowledge systems, promote cultural identity, and encourage active participation in preserving local traditions.
At its core, the program sought to remind the academic community that heritage is not only something to be remembered, but something to be experienced, practiced, and sustained. It provided a platform where students could engage directly with cultural expressions, from performances and exhibits to food and traditional practices, highlighting the richness of Cordilleran life and identity.
University President Dr. Joy Grace P. Doctor emphasized that education must go beyond academic instruction, noting that universities play a vital role in nurturing individuals who are grounded in their culture and aware of their responsibility to preserve it.
A key highlight of the program was the presentation of the guest speaker, Dr. Therese Grail C. Lawagan, who delivered a clear and grounded message on the present condition of Cordilleran heritage. She emphasized that the culture of the Cordillera continues to โspeakโ through everyday practices through the rhythm of the gangsa, the wisdom shared in community spaces such as the dap-ay, and the enduring value of peace agreements like the bodong. She explained that these are not simply traditions of the past, but part of a living system where culture is expressed both in practical community life and in spiritual meaning. In this context, she challenged students to reflect on their role, not just as observers of culture, but as individuals who must choose to listen, learn, and take part in keeping these traditions alive .
Dr. Lawagan also pointed out that one of the pressing challenges today is not the loss of time, but the growing distractions that distance people from their cultural roots. She encouraged the youth to spend time learning from elders, understanding the meaning behind practices, and becoming more intentional in preserving their identity. In her framing, students are called to move from being passive spectators to becoming active carriers of culture, those who document, practice, and pass on what they have received. The program came alive through cultural performances and a community dance, where students showcased Cordilleran traditions through music and movement. These presentations reflected not only creativity, but also a strong sense of identity and pride.
In the afternoon, Mr. Gonnay presented on behalf of his wife, Mrs. Rowena Gonnay of Slow Food Kalinga, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional food practices as part of cultural heritage. The discussion connected culture to daily living, emphasizing that heritage is also found in the way communities prepare, share, and sustain their food traditions.
The celebration continued with interactive and participatory activities including the Creative Pavilion, indigenous delicacies presentation, traditional attire modeling, indigenous chant performances, and Cordilleran traditional games. These activities allowed students to engage with culture firsthand, deepening their appreciation and understanding.
More than a one-day event, the program carried a clear message: Cordilleran heritage is a living tradition, one that continues to shape identity, strengthen community, and connect generations. It also reaffirmed the role of the youth as future stewards of culture, entrusted with preserving and carrying these traditions forward.
The echoes from the highlands are not just stories of the past, but responsibilities of the present, sustained by those who choose to keep them alive.
