The College of Social Sciences (CSS) together with the Gender and Development Office (GAD) of Benguet State University (BSU) hosted an activity “Understanding Gender and Cultural Expressions of the Cordilleras and Lowlands: An Intercultural Exchange that promotes Appreciations of Local Heritage” on October 29, 2024. The activity serves as a way to preserve and introduce diverse cultures ranging from songs, dances and food presentation of the cordilleras and the lowlands to students who have not been exposed to different cultural practices outside their own.

The activity was conducted at the open grounds in front of the CSS and CNAS building. Students from the different Colleges were assigned to research and study the cultural practices of each province in the Cordillera Administrative Region and some lowlands provinces. They then translated what they studied to cooking native cuisines and performances presented during the event.

GAD Director Estrelita M. Daclan gave the opening remarks while CSS Extension Coordinator Gigy G. Banes provided the rationale behind the activity. CSS faculty members Elvie D. Nang-is and Elvis P. Ballacay introduced the Panel of Evaluators while Queses K. Quela presented the criteria of evaluation.

During the presentations of songs and dances, University President Felipe Salaing Comila gave a short message and encouraged the students to continue in helping preserve the culture of CAR. During the lunch break, the students served the native cuisines they cooked for the evaluators to taste and rate.//EBawang