24/10/2025
*Cataratan Integrated School Celebrates IP Community Engagement Day with Resounding Success*
October 21, 2025 - Cataratan Integrated School proudly celebrated the Indigenous Peoples' (IP) Community Engagement Day, bringing together the IP community, local leaders, and partner organizations. The event was graced by Mrs. Crispina S. Dela Cruz, Division of Cagayan IPED Focal Person, and Mr. Manuel Abuyuan, an elder of the Agta community, as special guests.
The celebration showcased the talents and skills of IP learners, who impressed the audience with their performances. The IP community also wowed the crowd with their traditional singing and dancing, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the Gangsa.
The highlight of the event was the gift-giving ceremony, where students and community members received thoughtful presents. Additionally, a free haircut and feeding program were provided to the IP group, spreading joy and nourishment.
Mr. Manuel Abuyuan, the Agta elder, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school principal and teachers for their dedication to educating and supporting the IP learners. He thanked the government and private organizations and individuals for their support, which has made the IP community feel valued and included. Abuyuan emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving their culture, encouraging the community to continue practicing and passing it down to future generations.
The event was attended by Mam Marisol Guiyab and Mam Liza Rowena Tabian from SGOD of the Division Office of Cagayan and different IPEd focal persons from other schools district., partner organizations, and local leaders, including Hon. Mayor Yvonne Katharina S. Florida of Allacapan represented by Sir William calabazaron and Sir Jonathan Tunac , Samahang Ilocano- Allacapan Chapter, represented by Mr. Patrick Rabanal Cortez and other members, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 02, represented by PSSgt Edward Vinagrera, Gaylords Trading represented by Mrs. Julie Uy, Northsteel Hardware Corp. represented by Mr. Alexander Uy, and members of the Cataratan Barangay Council headed by barangay Captain Dante D. Padua, Jr., School Heads of Allacapan North District headed by the supportive public schools district supervisor Mr. Liberato T. Umangay, Jr., and the active GPTA officials led by Mr. Aubrey Christian T. Benosa.
Through this celebration, Cataratan Integrated School reinforced its commitment to promoting inclusive education, community engagement and respect for the IP community, aligning with the Department of Education's vision of fostering culturally responsive education. The success of this event demonstrates the power of partnership and collaboration in promoting the welfare and rights of indigenous people.
