Benguet State University, through the Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD) in collaboration with the BSU College of Social Sciences (CSS) and the Partners of Indigenous Knowledge Philippines (PIKP), hosted the forum on “AP-APAT: Valuing and Promoting IK Towards Transformative Leadership and Governance” held on October 29-30, 2024 at the Research and Extension Everlasting Hall. The event was live-streamed on Facebook.

The forum aimed to showcase recent research findings on the value of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and explore salient points for good leadership and governance that are mindful of the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IP). Participants from BSU, PKIP, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Department of Education (DepEd) Benguet and Baguio attended the two-day event.

In his welcome remarks, VPRE Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres expressed his appreciation for the rich Cordillera culture and encouraged everyone always to remember where we came from.

“What is being discussed in research is more on commercialization and more on technology, but at the same time, we should never forget our roots. So, we should always go back to where we came from,” he said. He hopes that the University, the ISRD, and the BSU researchers and extensionists will serve as role models in continuously transmitting indigenous knowledge to future generations, thereby empowering the community.

After ISRD Director Ann Heather B. Kiwang presented the activity’s rationale, resource speakers delved into various topics, sharing their insights and research findings. Open forums were held after each presentation.

Former NCIP Commissioner Zenaida-Brigida Hamada Pawid shared her experience, insights, and reflections on IK. She emphasized in her talk that culture should be respected not preserved.

Pawid also encouraged researchers to move away from biases and prejudices against Indigenous Peoples, highlighting the role of research in combating discrimination and promoting understanding. She further emphasized the importance of considering the purpose and beneficiaries of research. She questioned, “Why do we research? For whom? For what?” and stressed the need to involve policymakers in research.

Mark Joshua S. Balao-as, a faculty member at the CSS, delivered a presentation on his research, titled “Sango: A Conflict Resolution System among the Adasen” in Abra. He explored the process, guidelines, and stages of this traditional dispute resolution method.

Florence M. Daguitan, a researcher at the PIKP, presented community action research on Indigenous Natural Farming Practices of Payew Farmers in Besao, Mountain Province. The study investigated the sustainable features of IK on food production systems such as being ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane, culturally appropriate, and grounded in holistic and natural science.

Melanie L. Singson, another researcher at the PIKP, shared a research documentation titled “Revitalizing the “Ba-eng” Ibaloy Home Garden in Baguio City, Philippines.” Ba-engis an Ibaloy term for home gardening. The study aimed to document the experience and challenges faced by Baguio’s home gardeners and ba-eng practitioners and identify the roles of indigenous home gardeners in shaping Baguio as a sustainable city.

Matyline A. Camfili-Talastas, IKS Division Chief of the ISRD, discussed the study “Negotiating the Practice of Pakde Through Time: Narratives from the People of Bedbed, Mankayan, Benguet.” The study documented the community’s practice of pakde, a ritual performed to give thanks to Kabunyan or God for bountiful harvests and to seek protection from adversities.

Afterwards, BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila expressed his support for the event and encouraged everyone to embrace indigenous culture and traditions, such as the inayan culture.

The event also marked the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the BSU and PIKP to promote Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).

On the second day, Rocky Jake C. Ngalob of the NCIP delivered a presentation on the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) guidelines and provided a case study illustrating an actual FPIC process.

Karryle Mae C. Ngina, a faculty member at the CSS, presented her research on “Indigenous Feminist Leadership and Environmental Stewardship.” The study documented how Indigenous women specifically in Sagada, Sadanga, and Tinglayan of Kalinga, have demonstrated resilience by coming together to protect ancestral lands and uphold cultural values, exemplifying leadership and environmental stewardship.

Ngina further shared research, titled “Sustainable Peace: Lessons from Indigenous Peace Making to Whole of Nation Approach” that investigated the peace-building efforts of Sagada in Mountain Province.

PIKP Director Jacqueline K. Cariño shared the PIKP’s initiatives to advocate IP rights and presented a video that features the role of IP in biodiversity conservation.

Following the presentations, an interactive session was held, in which participants shared their proposed contributions to the promotion of IK, including research agendas, textbook inclusion in basic education, higher education initiatives, and collaborative activities.

In her closing remarks, Baguitan reiterated the significance of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and urged researchers to play a pivotal role in bridging the generational gap between elders and the youth.

“Go back to the communities and be part of the continuing process for transformative governance and leadership,” she encouraged.//EBawayan