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Baguio Central University

"Soaring High Towards Excellence"

BCU INVITED BY IFSU TO SHARE INSIGHTS ON INDIGENOUS WISDOM AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING: BRIDGING TRADITION AND THE FUTURE

Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang (BCU) and Mr. Emmanuel S. Pimentel (IFSU) address doctoral students at the forum "Indigenous Wisdom in a Modern World: Sustaining Cultural Knowledge for a Sustainable Future."

Baguio Central University (BCU) proudly shares that its Graduate School Dean and International Relations Officer, Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, was invited as speaker by the Ifugao State University (IFSU) College of Advanced Education for the webinar titled “Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainable Living: Bridging Tradition and the Future.” This Graduate School event was organized by the second-year Doctor of Philosophy in Management students, enrolled in the Indigenous Knowledge, Skills, and Practices (IKSP) course at IFSU-Lamut Campus. The forum was attended by students coming from the Ifugao State University, Arellano University, Baguio Central University, and the University of Baguio.

 

Kupang expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Christian Dave L. Dulnuan (Group Representative), proponent Mr. Jojo Ivan D. Inuguidan (faculty of University of Baguio and Doctoral student at IFSU), for personally inviting her as a resource speaker, and to Dr. Jennifer Madonna G. Dait, Dean of the College of Advanced Education, as well as Dr. Michelle J. Dulay, Professor and forum moderator, who articulated the event’s purpose and significance.

 

The event began with a warm welcome and a formal introduction of Dr. Kupang by Mr. Jojo Ivan D. Inuguidan. Kupang, in her sharing , commended IFSU’s commitment to the integration of Indigenous Peoples’ Studies pursuant to CHED Memorandum Order No. 02, Series of 2019. She underscored the relevance of the UN International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) in sustaining cultural knowledge and practices. Her  perspective, rooted in profound spirituality and a deep reverence for nature, is essential for achieving SDG #4.7, which promotes education for sustainable development and global citizenship, and SDG #13, which calls for climate action.

 

Kupang started with a disclaimer saying “The perspectives that I humbly share today are grounded in intergenerational wisdom gifted to me/us by our elders, wisdom keepers, ritualists, master dream weavers, chanters, historians, shamans, storytellers, and cultural bearers from indigenous communities globally. I acknowledge these teachings as collective cultural heritage, not individual intellectual property, and present them with respect for their sacred origins.”

In her presentation, Genevieve B. Kupang shared that she had the privilege to join the Global Indigenous Initiative in 2004, held at Napa Valley in Northern California, where indigenous representatives from six continents gathered. She emphasized that from this remarkable experience, she learned a wealth of indigenous wisdom from the six continents’ representatives, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures and their knowledge systems. Photo credit: Mikuak Rai, World Bridge Media

Drawing from a wealth of intergenerational knowledge, she honored indigenous wisdom keepers from the around the world including the Cordilleras, inviting attendees to value a holistic, eco-centric worldview rooted in spirituality, deep listening, and reverence for nature. Through vivid narratives and real-world examples—the rich culture surrounding the rice terraces, mushroom foraging, ancient practice of rain rituals, “lumdang” (thanksgiving after harvest), herding among the Sami people, ice wisdom among the Inuit Eskimo-Kalaallit  represented by Uncle Elder Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq, the indigenous healing and curing, the artistry of Badjao weavers, among many varied examples she gave—Kupang demonstrated how indigenous practices for sustainable living have been respected for centuries, offering vital lessons for harmonious coexistence with nature even in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

 

Kupang demonstrated how these indigenous philosophies, offer practical solutions for environmental justice and sustainable living. Her presentation fostered a space for meaningful dialogue, encouraging attendees to reflect on the importance of ancestral wisdom in creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

To celebrate Indigenous People’s Month under the theme “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan” (Indigenous People and Indigenous Knowledge: Value, Protect, and Honor), Kupang showcased evocative visual art created by Dr. Lyha Fias-ilon’s class. These artworks represent the cultural heritage, creative expressions, and enduring practices of Indigenous communities.

Kupang encouraged engagement, highlighting the importance of shared rituals and ancestral wisdom in forging a more just and sustainable future. Following the forum, participants expressed appreciation for her presentation. Mark Justine V. Boletin of Arellano University remarked, “Thank you very much, Ma’am. The session was both informative and interesting.” Aprilyn Joy F. Fagsao, MAEE, added, “I am grateful for this wonderful Zoom presentation—it was enlightening.” Jocelyn G. Abuan, PHAS, shared, “Thank you so much, Ma’am, for your inspiring presentation.” Reflecting the profound cultural resonance of the event, Josefa P. Dampilag, PHAS,  offered her gratitude in the indigenous Kankanaey dialect with a sincere “Iyaman kendakayo, Ma’am,” meaning “Thank you very much, Ma’am.” This collective appreciation underscores the significance of Kupang’s sharing on indigenous wisdom and sustainable living, inspiring attendees from diverse backgrounds to carry forward these essential lessons.

Certificate of Recognition presented by Ifugao State University to Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang for her invaluable service as speaker in the forum, 'Indigenous Wisdom in the Modern World: Sustaining Cultural Knowledge for a Sustainable Future.”

The Culinary Treasures of Ifugao: A Gastronomic Journey for Tourists

Latud/Pihing, a dish made with taro leaves and meat

The other resource speaker was Mr. Emmanuel S. Pimentel, BS Tourism Instructor and IFSU Hotel Manager. Introduced by Mr. James C. Lobhoy, Pimentel captivated the audience with his talk, “The Culinary Treasures of Ifugao: A Gastronomic Journey for Tourists,” offering insights into Ifugao’s rich culinary traditions and their role in cultural tourism. He has presented several slide presentations, but here below are just few examples:

Inlambong (Wat wat
Pinunog, a traditional smoked sausage specialty from Ifugao province, celebrated for its rich flavor and cultural heritage.

His talk offered an engaging look into how Ifugao’s culinary tradition can be a powerful tool for cultural tourism and economic development. After the presentations, a lively open forum allowed participants to share their thoughts and reactions, deepening the engagement and expanding perspectives on both indigenous wisdom and sustainable tourism. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to the resource speakers and a closing message from Mr. Christian Dave L. Dulnuan. The event wrapped up with a photo opportunity, commemorating a meaningful gathering of minds and cultures.

Special thanks are extended to the organizing team—Mr. Christian Dave L. Dulnuan, Mr. Jojo Ivan D. Inuguidan, and Mr. James C. Lobhoy—whose dedication ensured the event’s resounding success. The participation of all, including graduate students from IFSU, UB, Arellano, and BCU, along with Dr. Genevieve Kupang, Mr. Emmanuel S. Pimentel, and the organizing committee, exemplifies these Universities’ steadfast commitment to championing cultural heritage, sustainable development, and indigenous knowledge systems. This collective effort further reinforces these universities’ role as a leader in education, advocacy, and community engagement.

#CMO#2Series2019

#IndigenousKnowledgeSkillsandPractices

#BCUGraduateSchoolSoarsHigher

#UNSDG#17;#UNSDG#4.7;#UNSDG#13

#UNInternationalDecadeofIndigenousLanguages(2022-2032)