Written by Beverly Laltoog & Wylleth Sacyaten (UB-BIMAAK advisers)
Baguio City, Philippines — On November 22, 2025, the University of Baguio (UB) came alive with color, rhythm, and heritage as it proudly hosted the 3rd Fiesta Cordillera ed UB. Under the theme “TAWID: Transcending Boundaries and Appreciating the Wealth of Indigenous Diversity in the Cordillera and Beyond,” the event celebrated the richness of Cordilleran culture while providing a platform for students to showcase artistry, knowledge, and advocacy.
Rooted in the spirit of tawid, or heritage passed from one generation to the next, the Fiesta Cordillera offered a vibrant tapestry of cultural performances, art exhibitions, and pageantry, drawing students, faculty, and community members into a shared celebration of identity, pride, and learning.
UB’s Commitment to Cordillera Heritage: Past, Present, and Celebration
The University of Baguio, founded as the Baguio Technical and Commercial Institute in 1948 and granted university status in 1969, has long honored the Cordillera peoples. Its founder, Dr. Fernando Bautista (fondly called Tatay by the UB community), envisioned a university deeply committed to cultural preservation. In touching tribute to the Igorots and Ibalois who have taken him to their hearts as one of them, Tatay said:
“To the end that the native culture be allowed to flourish unhampered among the Igorots, to the end that this culture be further enriched and given more impetus for wholesome growth, and to the end that positive ways be sought to galvanize worthy groups with high ideals and great potentialities, this university will exert more than casual efforts….”
In August 2023, UB was commended by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for being the first higher education institution in CAR to offer Cordillera Heritage 101 as a general education course across all programs. Complementing this, UB successfully launched the first regional HERITAGE FITS (Faculty Immersion and Training Services), themed “ABOYAN NAN CORDILLERA HERITAGE 101” (Anoint faculty, Bless the teaching, and Organize Youth appreciation to Autonomy by Nurturing Cordillera Heritage 101). These initiatives reflect UB’s dedication to fostering deep cultural knowledge and critical engagement among faculty and students alike.
Building on this foundation, Fiesta Cordillera exemplifies an innovative fusion of culture and student-centered education. Moving beyond traditional university- and professor-centered models, the FIESTA Cordillera ed UB program connects the region’s diverse ethnolinguistic groups through experiential learning, creative expression, and community engagement. Courses such as Cordillera: History and Socio-Cultural Heritage and Art Appreciation empower students to understand and celebrate indigenous knowledge, while applying these lessons through multimedia exhibitions, cultural performances, and the Mr. and Ms. Cordillera UB Pageant.
A Purpose Beyond Celebration
Fiesta Cordillera is more than a festival; it embodies UB’s commitment to multicultural education and the preservation of indigenous heritage. In a society enriched by both local and international students, the University recognizes the importance of balancing cultural blending with the preservation of local traditions.
“Witnessing the talent, passion, and cultural pride of our students today has been truly inspiring,” shared Mr. Jeofrence Yangyang, one of the judges. “Every performance, artwork, and presentation reflects not only creativity but also a deep respect for the traditions and stories of the Cordillera. Events like Fiesta Cordillera remind us of the power of education to preserve heritage, empower communities, and instill pride in our identity. I am confident that these students, carrying the spirit of tawid, will continue to honor our culture and inspire others to do the same.”
Indigenous communities in the Cordillera face challenges such as cultural misappropriation, dilution of rituals, and social conflicts, which hinder sustainable development. Commodification of indigenous culture often erodes traditional values and perpetuates stereotypes. Recognizing the vital role of quality education in empowering individuals and fostering peaceful societies, UB and other educational institutions in CAR have integrated Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Peace Studies Education into higher education, in line with CHED Regional Memorandum No. 56, series of 2023.
Complementing these efforts, Art Appreciation courses cultivate critical engagement with Filipino arts, encouraging students to explore cultural roots and heritage through interdisciplinary methods. Together, these programs deepen understanding of history, artistic expression, and indigenous knowledge.
Cultural Presentations: Bringing Cordillera to Life
The morning session showcased 11 student groups across different programs of the university performing narratives inspired by the BIMAAK provinces—Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Abra, and Kalinga:
- Nariha Kabugao Performing Arts (SIHTM, Section HBJ) – Champion; swept awards for Excellence in Cultural Authenticity, Most Creative Cultural Interpretation, Most Inspiring Cultural Presentation, Most Meaningful Cultural Narrative, and Best in Attire, Accessories, and Props.
- Banaag Cultural Group (SEA, Section EBA 3) – 1st Runner-Up; won Best Male Performer and Best in Attire, Accessories, and Props.
- Donglala-ay Cultural Group (SCJPS, Sections BAC, BAB, BFA, and BAE) – 2nd Runner-Up; won Best Female Performer.
Art Exhibition: Stories on Canvas
Simultaneously, the UB Gym hosted an impressive Art Exhibit, showcasing student creativity and cultural insight. Artworks ranged from group collaborations to individual masterpieces, narrating stories of identity, resilience, and indigenous knowledge.
- Group Category: Entry 16 (SNS, Section NAJ) – Champion; Entry 12 (SBAA, ABC) – 1st Runner-Up; Entry 11 (SNS, Section NAF) – 2nd Runner-Up
- Individual Category: Entry 1 (SEA, Section EAB2) – Champion; Entry 2 (SCJPS, Section BFD) – 1st Runner-Up; Entry 5 (SCJPS, Section BFD) – 2nd Runner-Up
Special awards recognized visual impact, cultural inspiration, and meaningful storytelling, ensuring every participant’s effort was celebrated.
Mr. & Ms. Cordillera UB: Beauty, Advocacy, and Heritage
The afternoon spotlight shifted to the Mr. and Ms. Cordillera UB Pageant, blending beauty, poise, and cultural advocacy. Contestants demonstrated elegance alongside a deep understanding of Cordilleran traditions and values:
- Mr. Cordillera UB: Jchrizlei Jedd Anguitay (MR. 3) from SNS
- Ms. Cordillera UB: Keziah Joy Tamayo (MS. 7) from SIHTM
- 1st Runner-Up: Ievy Casuga (MR.) from SIHTM, Tracy Basilio (MS.) from SCJPS
- 2nd Runner-Up: Ian Solang (MR.) from SIHTM, Chloe De Guero (MS.) from SIHTM
- 3rd Runner-Up: Jim Tagure (MR.) from SIHTM, Nicole Dominglos (MS.) from SIHTM
Special awards celebrated cultural attire, advocacy, charisma, and congeniality, highlighting students’ engagement, creativity, and respect for heritage.
- Best in Cultural Attire: Jedd Anguitay (MR.), Keziah Joy Tamayo (MS.)
- Best in Advocacy, Charisma, and Darling of the Crowd: Jim Tagure (MR.), Keziah Joy Tamayo (MS.)
- Mr. & Ms. Congeniality:Ace Martin (MR.), Keziah Eniaca (MS.)
Judges and Partnerships: Expertise Across Institutions
The event was evaluated by esteemed UB faculty, in partnership with experts from CHED–CAR, Benguet State University (BSU), Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), University of the Cordilleras (UC), the National Youth Commission – CAR (NYC–CAR) and the Kadangyan Cultural Heritage Group (KCHG) Their combined expertise ensured culturally grounded, credible, and fair judging across all competitions.
Advancing Sustainable Development Goals
The 3rd Fiesta Cordillera also advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promotes inclusive education rooted in indigenous knowledge.
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Ensures equal participation for all genders in cultural and artistic events.
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Respects indigenous peoples and ethnolinguistic diversity.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Preserves cultural heritage as a pillar of sustainable communities.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Encourages intercultural understanding, unity, and cooperation.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Highlights collaboration among UB, CHED–CAR, BSU, CCDC, UC, NYC–CAR, and student organizations.
A Cultural Encounter Beyond the Classroom
Learning transcends the classroom. The culminating TAWID Cordillera project offered students an immersive experience, allowing them to apply acquired knowledge through cultural performances, art exhibitions, and pageantry. It fostered Cultural Encounters, helping students challenge misconceptions, celebrate diversity, and promote respect for Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Practices (IKSP).
Embodying the spirit of ub-ubfo (bayanihan), the event demonstrated how teachers, learners, and stakeholders can unite to celebrate One Cordillera, honoring heritage, fostering creative expression, and inspiring intercultural understanding.
A Celebration to Remember
The 3rd Fiesta Cordillera ed UB was more than an event; it was a living classroom where culture, education, and community converged. As the echoes of music, dance, and applause faded from the UB Gym, the spirit of Cordillera—its resilience, pride, and unity—remained vibrant, a testament to the enduring power of culture in education and society.
