06/11/2025
. In celebration of Indigenous Peoplesโ Education (IPED) Month, the Benguet State University Secondary Laboratory School held a day-long program on October 20, 2025, with the theme "๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐๐ธ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ป, ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐ด๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ป.โ The event aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage, wisdom, and rights of indigenous communities through different educational and cultural activities. Students, teachers, and guests gathered to witness performances and discussions that showed the continuing relevance of indigenous knowledge in shaping a more inclusive future.
The celebration featured guest speaker ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ถ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฎ, who delivered an inspiring message on the importance of preserving indigenous identity as well as traditions of the Agusan Manobo textile heritage, emphasizing how clothing reflects social hierarchy, identity, and honor within the community. He explained the traditional class structure, from the Datu and Bae to the Bagani, Baylan, and lower social groups, explaining how garments, abaca fibers, natural dyes, and intricate Suyam embroidery serve as symbols of power, belief, and storytelling. Amalla also presented various Suyam designs rooted in Manobo iconography and described the practice as a living tradition that continues to embody the cultural identity of the Agusanon Manobo. He concluded with an astounding performance titled "Papet Baylan - Noong Unang Panahon" that showcased indigenous narratives through puppetry.
In line with the theme, the program also showcased a series of activities including cultural dance competitions, traditional games or 'Larong Lahi', and amazing musical performances like the Battle of the Bands. As the event ended, students were reminded that embracing our own culture is key to forging a future that is built upon respect, identity, and a common ground. ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐! ๐ฟ
Special thanks to the photographers for taking these pictures!
๐ธDhenz Pedro
๐ธDemyushin Pundo
๐ธYohan Bolcio
๐ธCindy Compala
๐ธTrisha Butangen
IPED PHOTOS BATCH NO.1โจ
