Benguet State University (BSU) held the 8th installment of the Think Talk series titled “A Closer Perspective on Philippine Northern Languages: (Series 2) Ibaloy, Kalanguya, and Tuwali.” The webinar was conducted at the Research and Extension Everlasting Hall and was also broadcasted live in Facebook on April 8, 2025.

VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres represented by Higher Education Regional Research Center (HERRC) Director Janet Lynn M. Balagtey welcomed the participants and expressed how crucial it is to understand the culture, traditions, and values that shape the society.

“Language is not just a means of communication, it is a window of the history, customs, and world view of our people,” Balagtey said.

College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) Dean Ronda B. Tulay also greeted the participants and speakers with a message. Tulay mentioned that Think Talk became a platform to further advance advocacies and promotion of local languages and literature.

“I believe that this Think Talk series will affirm and deepen our profound and essential role as speakers of these languages. We are custodians of rich cultural heritage entrusted with the responsibility of preserving, passing on, and nurturing the languages that define our communities” Tulay said.

Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD) Language, Literature, Arts, and Communication Division Chief Marilyn W. Macwes presented the activity’s overview and rationale. This was followed by the discussions from the key speakers of the activity.

This activity highlighted the insights and studies on the Ibaloy, Kalanguya and Tuwali languages presented by BSU VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud, Ifugao State University – Tinoc Campus Professor Leticia D. Guinsiman, BSU International Language Center Director Jhordan T. Cuilan, and Macwes. The discussions provided information on the origins of these languages including the emphasis of how they are a big part of our identity within the region.

After each discussion, an open forum was conducted in order for the participants to ask questions and clarify what was discussed.

CAH Faculty Member Richard A. Giye presented the synthesis, a summary of all the discussions throughout the activity.

Finally, ISRD Director Ann Heather B. Kiwang represented by Macwes closed the activity expressing her gratitude towards the BSU executives, administration, speakers, organizers, CAH faculty, technical staff and interns and the participants for joining the activity.//EBawang