Written by Beverly Banaken Laltoog
Following the success of the first regional HERITAGE Faculty Immersion Training Service on Cordillera Heritage in August 2023, hosted by the University of Baguio, the institution, through its School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) faculty members, proudly participated once again in a promising initiative: The Cordillera Heritage 101 Book Launching and Faculty Immersion and Training Seminar (FITS). This event took place from February 4 to 6, 2025, at Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, and was organized by Ifugao State University. The immersive program was designed to equip faculty with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach Cordillera Heritage 101, further enriching the region’s academic landscape.
The seminar is part of Project H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. (Higher Education Regional Integration and Teaching of Appropriate, Genuine, and Exhaustive Studies on Indigenous Peoples), a collaborative initiative between the Commission on Higher Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), several state universities and colleges, and other higher education institutions. The project introduces Cordillera Heritage 101: History and Socio-Cultural Heritage as a foundational course aimed at preserving the Cordilleran identity through an exploration of the region’s knowledge systems, practices, settlements, and institutions. Set to run for three years, the initiative ensures that the heritage of the Cordillera region is preserved and passed on to future generations.
Representing the authors for the chapter on Baguio City Heritage was lead author Ms. Beverly B. Laltoog, a faculty member of the University of Baguio. As one of the seminar trainers, she shared insights into the conceptualization of the Baguio City heritage topic and its connection to the broader socio-cultural heritage of the region. In her presentation, she outlined strategies for teaching this topic and highlighted the University of Baguio’s ongoing efforts to promote Cordillera heritage. These efforts have garnered recognition from the Commission on Higher Education for being the first institution to offer Cordillera Heritage 101 across all academic programs.
Furthermore, she discussed the University’s support for reactivating the University of Baguio Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga (UBIMAAK) Indigenous Peoples group, as well as various initiatives such as the Cultural Workshop series, Fiesta Cordillera, seminars, and other cultural events that celebrate Cordillera heritage. Other co-authors for the chapter on Baguio City Heritage include Mr. Alexander Killip, who joined her as a panelist and evaluator for the faculty participants’ teaching simulation.
As co-authors of the Cordillera Heritage 101 book, the University of Baguio was honored to participate in the book launch alongside authors from other institutions in the Cordillera region. Through these contributions, the University plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the unique heritage of the area.
The University’s commitment to Cordilleran culture is evident through its various initiatives, which demonstrate its dedication to addressing regional educational needs. These efforts highlight the University’s role in enriching the educational landscape by integrating subjects that respect and promote Cordilleran knowledge, practices, values, and culture.
