04/09/2024
๐๐ข๐ฟ๐ฆ๐จ, ๐ก๐๐๐ฃ, ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐๐/๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฃ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ
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The Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Davao Oriental, and Mandaya Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of CADT 101 formalized a groundbreaking partnership to establish an Indigenous Peoples (IP) tertiary education institution within the CADT 101 ancestral domain in Caraga.
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The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by the parties on September 2, outlines the collaborative effort to establish an extension or satellite campus that integrates indigenous customs, traditions, knowledge systems, and practices into formal educationโ a significant step toward protecting the cultural integrity of the Mandaya people and fostering inclusive higher education.
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During the ceremonial MOU signing, Atty. James Ian A. Generale, NCIP Davao Oriental OIC Provincial Officer, elucidated the provisions stipulated in the MOU and reaffirmed the commission's unwavering support for the endeavor.
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In his message of support, DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce expressed his deep commitment to the partnership, noting that the MOU marked a culmination of years of planning and a dream realized. He emphasized the significance of this initial step, stating that it would set the course for future collaborations and activities. Dr. Ponce further highlighted the importance of preserving Mandaya cultural practices and outlined the university's plans to bring higher education to the Mandaya community.
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Tribal Chieftain Christine Banugan-Bondoc, representing the Mandaya ICCs/IPs of CADT 01, expressed her gratitude and optimism for the partnership. Echoing the sentiments of her late father, former Tribal Chieftain Copertino Banugan, she expressed her hopes for the younger generation of Indigenous Peoples and emphasized the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.
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The MOU signing gathered the Council of Elders, representatives from NCIP Davao Oriental, DOrSU officials, and students, demonstrating broad support for the initiative that significantly advances DOrSU's overarching regenerative futures vision.
