Davao City, Philippinesโ The inaugural TINGUG International Conference in 2024 has embarked on a resounding celebration of culture and knowledge to explore Indigenous issues and their significance in todayโs world through research and creative work presentations organized by the Institute of Languages and Creative Arts (ILCA) of the University of Southeastern Philippines, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel on October 24-25, 2024.
The two-day conference, with the theme โVoices of Ancestry: Cultural Heritage and Oral Traditions,โ opened by launching its official soundtrack, Singgit, which resonates with the audience and inspires a sense of unity and cultural appreciation.
President Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. extended a warm welcome to the speakers and participants, emphasizing that for nearly 46 years, USeP has remained steadfast in its commitment to realizing its vision, mission, and goals while upholding its core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Resilience, Excellence, and Service. โAt the heart of our commitment lies our core competency: providing inclusive and innovative quality education for community transformation. In this context, the University, through the Institute of Language and Creative Arts, has organized this International Conference as part of the broader IKSP project,โ he stated. The TINGUG International Conference and its associated IKSP projects exemplify the Universityโs commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples and enhancing their role in sustainable development. In this spirit, USeP continues to offer academic research and development programs tailored to our Indigenous communities.
Following the conference anthem, Senator of the Philippines Lorna Regina โLorenโ Legarda delivered a keynote address through Asst. Prof. Virgel S. Torremocha. In her message, Sen. Legarda expressed that our indigenous heritage is an invaluable source of wisdom that shapes our identity and connects us to our roots. “This conference amplifies the voices of our ancestors, preserves our cultural wealth, and fosters meaningful dialogue among indigenous communities. Beyond legislation, I have long championed initiatives such as the creation of the Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) to ensure the transmission of cultural knowledge and skills from elders to the younger generation. These initiatives directly impact the preservation of IKSP, ensuring that they do not fade but will continue to enrich our communities and our national identity.” She noted in her message.
Meanwhile, the plenary sessions featured a lineup of esteemed international and local scholars.
Dr. Kristov Savski from Prince of Songkla University in Thailand addressed the critical role of language education in fostering global citizenship. According to him, our world’s increasing globalization and interconnectedness have led to the rapid circulation of information, people, knowledge, and resources, thus challenging traditional notions of physical and cultural borders. As a result, the relationships between language, culture, and identity have become more complex and fluid.
He elaborated, “What was once perceived as fixed and stable connections between language, culture, and identity are now being questioned and reimagined. The globalization process has exposed the fluidity and dynamism of these relationships, prompting us to reconsider the very nature of cultural and linguistic boundaries.”
Dr. Sue Shore from Charles Darwin University in Australia provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of collaborating with First Nations communities. She remarked, “Institutions that embrace modern, inclusive practices often fail to address the economic, cultural, and structural issues. The intent frequently leans towards โcatching upโ by equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and social practices necessary to succeed, thereby encouraging them to conform to societal norms often referred to as conventional, typical, ordinary, or mainstream expectations of leadership and employment.” In concluding her plenary talk, Dr. Shore reminded participants that effective leadership requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach, especially in a context shaped by a historical legacy. It necessitates a conscious acknowledgment of history’s positive and negative aspects and understanding their ongoing influence on contemporary society.
Additionally, Philippine experts contributed valuable perspectives on culture. Mindanao State Universityโs Dr. Hannbal H. Bara delved into the Islamic discourse on the Tausug concept of state. The University of the Philippines-Dilimanโs Dr. Abraham P. Sakili presented salient aspects of Philippine Muslim spaces of history, culture, art, and identity.
Dr. Bara’s plenary speech focuses on the Bangsa Sug assertion of self-determination based on adat (customs), which serves as a framework for their way of life. This term reflects the Bangsa Sug’s interpretation of Islamic teachings. According to Dr. Bara’s speech, a notable aspect of adat law is the Hula-Bangsa-Agama doctrine, an ancient concept among the Bangsa Sug that envisions the ideal state as comprising Hula (territory), Bangsa (nation), and Agama (ideology). As Dr. Bara noted, “Hula resembles a farm, with Bangsa as the guardian and Agama as the garden. None can thrive without the others.”
On a related note, Dr. Sakili stated, “The distinction that characterized IP nationalities in the Philippines were conditioned by their respective historical developments that proceeded along two different directions and orientations.” His presentation covers two primary topics: first, Philippine Muslims’ cultural space and identity, particularly addressing the challenges of representation (and misrepresentation) in the recorded history of Suluโs power and sovereignty. The second topic focuses on the indigenous maritime arts of Sulu and their connection to the global issue of climate change. These subjects are interlinked through the foundational context of indigenous Tausug culture and the historical narratives surrounding the power and sovereignty of Sulu, or Lupah Sug.
On the discourse on remembering the future and the continuum that we are, Dr. Aurelio Solver Agcaoili, from the University of Hawaiโi at Manoa, shared his insights on the second day. Also, Dr. Nasirin Abdillah from Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia discussed the cultural sensitivity and indigenous peoples, proposing the CAKERA model for sustainable development in the context of UNESCOโs SDGs.
According to Dr. Agcaoili, remembering the future is the duty to reach back to then-and-there and reach ahead to that there-tomorrow. The here-and-now of this continuum that we areโthe continuum of ourselves, our languages, our lifeways, and our historiesโis not a matter of segmented and fragmented time and space but a time-as-space/space-as-time to our commitment to being itself, this being-as-becoming even as it is also becoming-as-being. This left the participant with a challenge, saying, “The choice is clear: Either we commit ourselves to the โtugโ of the ancestors and the young coming after us, or we remain unhearing.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Nasirin shared the critical intersection of cultural sensitivity and Indigenous Peoples’ rights within the framework of UNESCO’s SDGs by proposing the CAKERA Model as a framework for sustainable development that prioritizes the cultural integrity and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. The CAKERA Model, an acronym for Cultural Awareness, Knowledge Exchange, Respect for Indigenous Traditions, Environmental Stewardship, and Rights-Based Approach, outlines key principles and strategies for integrating Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives into sustainable development initiatives. “By emphasizing cultural awareness, knowledge exchange, and respect for Indigenous traditions, the model aims to promote equitable and sustainable development that benefits both Indigenous Peoples and broader society,” he said.
In addition to the academic presentations, the conference featured the launch of three significant publications by ILCA. One noteworthy publication from the Mindanao Center for Policy Studies (MCPS) research project is titled ‘Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of Selected IP Groups in the Davao Region.’ This work highlights the latest research on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices in the Philippines. With the support of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the consent of the selected Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the authorsโJoy R. Risonar, Gladys Florangel I. Ortiz, Sajed S. Ingilan, Francis N. Reginio, Lilibeth A. Cenojas, Mary Grace Z. Agbas, and Virgel S. Torremochaโutilized a diverse range of data collection methods.
The findings showed that eight Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups, despite their topographical differences, face various disasters like droughts, pest infestations, landslides, typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. These events have severely impacted their communities, causing damage to homes, loss of livestock and crops, malnutrition, and even deaths. IP leaders took charge during these crises, working with government agencies while stressing the importance of combining Indigenous knowledge with modern disaster prediction methods. The research explores how this integration can better address the challenges of living in disaster-prone areas.
Another publication, The Legend of Durian, presented a popular folktale from Mindanao that is translated into 46 different languages, highlighting the regionโs linguistic diversity as retold by Ms. Jenifer R. Tuban. Additionally, this project aligns very well with the University’s Language and Literature Department mission to celebrate and preserve the cultural diversity of our region. By translating this folktale into 46 languages, the editor honors the Universityโs legacy and supports the SDG of providing inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. This project also reflects the ILCA’s mandate to produce enriching literary and educational materials. With the effort of the leaders, members, writers, and translators, this project dramatically contributes to education, cultural preservation, and global understanding.
Finally, Kapandayan: A Journey to the Wisdom of the Selected IP Groups in the Davao Region explores the traditional knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, providing valuable insights into their cultural heritage, authored by Mr. Khmer Griffin Alonzo, Josephine May Grace Famoso, Kethelle I. Sajonia, and Mr. Hermoso Tupas, Jr. Kapandayan is derived from the Bagobo language and is closely linked to the Malay term Kepandaian, which is rooted in pandai and signifies intelligence, wisdom, wisdom, or knowledge. This term encapsulates a vast reservoir of cultural knowledge handed down through generations, safeguarding not only the material aspects of society but also its philosophy, worldview, and identity. The book serves as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage and profound wisdom of these communities, offering readers a glimpse into the diverse and resilient traditions that have shaped the identities of Indigenous Peoples.
The conference subsequently transitioned into parallel sessions, where participants showcased their research papers. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing among scholars from diverse fields, including Indigenous issues and their contemporary relevance. As USeP stands at the intersection of research, indigenous knowledge, and community empowerment, the University is committed to leveraging this knowledge nexus to foster lasting positive change for indigenous communities. The University believes that research should go beyond mere knowledge acquisition; it should also uplift and empower the communities it aims to support.
Dr. Roger C. Montepio, the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, inspired attendees to engage in research and creative endeavors with his words: โOur commitment extends beyond merely hearing Indigenous voices; it necessitates allowing their wisdom to guide us toward sustainable solutions, ensuring their rights and dignity are honored at every step.โ Looking ahead, USeP pledges to conduct research initiatives with the highest levels of integrity and respect, dedicated to preserving and honoring the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples. Their knowledge systems, cultural traditions, and experiences must be recognized, safeguarded, and seamlessly integrated into our research methodologies. The insights gleaned from the discussions and proceedings of this conference will be invaluable contributions to policy development and practical action.
The event ultimately embraced a cultural turn by highlighting the region’s rich heritage through performance arts, including music, dance, and storytelling. The event concluded with the presentations of “Durian Legend,” a musical theater production led by Dr. Angelo Lenard E. Yu, and “Balyan,” a dialogue theater directed by Ms. Reah Izza T. Paglinawan.
The TINGUG International Conference provided a rich and stimulating intellectual experience for attendees. The diverse scope of topics and speakers exhibited the conferenceโs commitment to fostering discourse, cultural appreciation, and a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and issues.
โSinggitโ TINGUG soundtrack composed by Maric Gavino
Lyrics by Liza C. Asombrado
Produced and Arranged by Joshua Jimeno
Caption by Rey Kenneth John G. Marces
Photos and Videos by LIKHA Production
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