SLCB Joins 5th NiCHE National Conference

St. Louis College of Bulanao joins the National Coalition of Indigenous Peoples’ Higher Education
Conference held at St. Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya on September 5-7, 2018 with the
theme: “Indigenous Cultural Communities and Higher Education : Innovating Learning Spaces for
Indigenous Creativities”

Fr. Manuel D. Valencia, College President, Dr. Therese Grail C. Lawagan, Academic Dean, Ms. Leah R.
Garming, Finance Officer & Mr. Victor F. Ganaban, guidance counselor participated in the said event.
+Bp. Jun P. Andaya, the AVT-Schools Board of Trustees Chairperson & National Commissioner on
Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (ECIP) delivered an inspirational speech during the second
day. He talked about the protection & preservation of IP culture in the country, mentioning some of the
IP initiatives of SLCB through its Cultural Heritage Research Center.Dr. Prospero E. De Vera III, CHED
Commissioner was the guest speaker. In his message, he expressed his appreciation & full support to
Higher Education Institutions that give importance to IP Education. He shared his beautiful experience of
spending college summer vacations in the province of his IP college friend.

The Dean of Academics, Dr. Therese Grail C. Lawagan is one of the concurrent speakers. She shared the
SLCB’s IP Initiatives summarized below:

Saint Louis College of Bulanao, the only Catholic Higher Education Institution in the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk
Catholic Schools System, covers the Indigenous Peoples in Kalinga and Apayao. One of its Vision-Mission is being
Culture Responsive and Committed to the promotion of the P.E.A.C.E. values. The Peace and Justice Consciousness
and Action Committee has organized the Peacemaker’s Movement (PMM) of victims of tribal or criminal violence
that rejected the practice of revenge by putting up seminars on mediation, reconciliation and counseling,
establishment of a Peace Memorial Shrine for conflict victims; and provided educational assistance for orphans.
Meanwhile, the Ecological and Cultural Awareness and Involvement have helped Kalinga students recover their
pride in culture and identity through the School of Living Tradition (SLT) on Kalinga music and dances and eco-
cultural clubs in the College. The Academic Excellence and Competence has led to the inclusion of six curriculum
units on the Kalinga values and the peace mechanism called “Bodong” (Peace Pact). More importantly, Academics
prepare the Kalinga students to survive in the 21st Century. Christian Discipleship and Community Leadership
upholds first that IPs are brothers and sisters; creation is Godly; Laudato Si cares for the environment; and
leadership is servant leadership. Secondly, it Mandates IP- friendly school policies. Finally, a community of disciples
is formed through Theology Classes, the Campus Ministry and Apostolate. Educational Professionalism and
Employability asks the Kalinga students to become specialists in their indigenous culture first, and then, to become
professionals who are locally and globally competitive.

The last day of the conference was held at the Banaue Hotel in Banaue, Ifugao providing opportunity for
the heads of HEIs from the South to experience the culture of the IPs of Ifugao though Ifugao
community dancing.