Cultural summit seen to foster culture-based instruction in MPSPC

          To consistently offer basic and tertiary education teachers with knowledge and conceptual framework and theoretical design in the indigenization, localization and contextualization of lessons and  learning resources on the various components of Philippine culture, an in-service training on culture-based education on Mga Durungawan ng Kulturang Filipino was held at the Heritage Hall of Ifugao State University (IFSU) last October 17-19. The summit was organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as part of IFSU’s centennial kick-off activities.

           Various resource speakers were invited to provide input on a wide array of topics. During her first plenary lecture on mapping the terrain of Philippine culture-based education, Dr. Ricamela S. Palis, Associate Professor from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba explained, “Culture-based education is using and recognizing the knowledge, experiences and language of students at home and the local place where he or she was born and culture-based education should be answering not only on the knowledge in the certain subject  but also the learner’s knowledge and loyalty in his or her place.”

          The summit consisted of seven Kuwadros. The first kuwadro was titled “Lutong Pinoy: A Filipino Feast of the Senses” and was given by Dr. Elena B. Toquero. She presented the different traditional food being prepared by Filipinos during occasions. The MPSPC team presented and shared the process of making a traditional dessert from the municipality of Besao, the “linapet’’. The second kuwadro was titled “Larong Pinoy: Discovering Filipino Values in Traditional Filipino Games and was discussed by Ms. Sevieh Hamoy and Mr. Lucio Jamero. “Traditional games may be inculcated and utilized while teaching a subject where students could develop socialization skills, teamwork and be engaged in physical activities”, they added.

          The third kuwadro discussed by Dr. Vicente Handa centered on the topic “The Wikang Pinoy: Language as Cultural Expression”. The discussion centered on the importance of Filipino as the national language and the significance of mother tongue in instruction was also emphasized. Meanwhile, the fourth kuwadro was tackled by Dr. Shirley Maloles who focused her discussion on the topic “Exploring Folk Narratives as Indicative of Collective Memory and Communal Aspirations.” She expounded mainly on local heroes in the Philippines.

          The fifth kuwadro centered on traditional Filipino fashion, particularly on the topic “Bihis Pinoy: Vestments, Accoutrements and Fashioning of Filipino Identity.” Before the discussion, the participants were tasked to wear properly the cultural attires in their respective localities. MPSPC featured the Bontoc tapis which was modeled by Ms. Lichelyn Nasungan and won first place. The sixth kuwadro titled “Kasariang Pinoy: Marking Intersections in Filipino Gender, Sexuality and Culture was discussed by Mr. Rene Carbayas. He stressed on the gender issues like the SOGIE Bill, the use of Non-Sexist language and issues about equality among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual and Demi sexual (LGBTQIAPD). The seventh kuwadro, “Sining Pinoy: Philippine Arts as Social and Cultural Signifier was tackled by Mr. Ronnie Mirabuena from the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The discussion featured and recognized the contributions of ocal and national actors, painters, dancers and singers.

          To culminate the cultural summit, a third plenary lecture on “Developing a Case-based Instructional Plan: Implication for Integration, Contextualization, Localization and Indigenization of Curriculum” was facilitated by Dr. Orlando Magno. This was followed by a Demo Lecture on “Culture-based Instructional Plan” which was demonstrated by Mr. Etelbert Conde. This demonstration emphasized the relevance of culture-based lesson plan to instruction.

          MPSPC faculty members who attended the cultural summit recognized the importance of the activity to instruction and learning in higher education. Dr. Arel Sia-ed expressed, “This seminar will help us utilize a culture-based education in our teaching to help students beccome more appreciative of their own culture and we are very grateful of this summit.” Aside from encouraging other co-faculty members in integrating a culture-based education in their teaching, the MPSPC faculty members who attended the event also want to develop culture-based instructional materials. “Since we are integrating IPED in our syllabus, we might as well have a seminar for all instructors here in MPSPC,” Dr. Sia-ed added.