Center for Arts, Tradition and Cultural Heritage - CATCH

25/08/2026

DOrSU and KSA Partnership: PaglaugTabing Community Extension Initiative

Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU)–Main Campus formally strengthened its partnership with the Kabubayan of Sangab Association (KSA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 11, 2026, at 1:30 in the afternoon, at the Function Hall, Sitio Sangab, Barangay Pichon, Caraga, Davao Oriental. The partnership centers on Project PaglaugTabing, a community extension initiative implemented by the DOrSU - Center for Arts, Traditions, and Cultural Heritage (CATCH), which seeks to preserve, promote, and sustain Mandaya cultural expressions while creating opportunities for community-based livelihood and cultural transmission.

The MOA was signed by DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce and KSA Chairwoman Mrs. Nita Quizon, symbolizing a shared commitment to nurture Mandaya cultural heritage through meaningful university–community collaboration. The ceremony was witnessed by DOrSU officials, research and extension personnel, community leaders, elders, and members of the Kabubayan. Representing the community leadership was Tribal Chieftain Christine B. Bondoc, whose presence affirmed the importance of indigenous leadership and community participation in initiatives concerning Mandaya cultural heritage.
Following the MOA signing, the activity continued with the distribution of embroidery kits to the identified beneficiary members of the Kabubayan. The distribution was more than the provision of materials; it represented the beginning of a collective effort to keep the tradition of Mandaya embroidery alive through the hands of the community. With the participation of elders, cultural bearers, leaders, and community members, the activity highlighted the vital role of intergenerational knowledge transmission in ensuring that traditional skills, designs, meanings, and creative practices remain rooted in the community.

The gathering was further graced by representatives of the provincial and local government, including Board Member Dayanan and Sangguniang Bayan Member Daisy Jane Polancos, whose presence reflected the importance of multi-sectoral support in strengthening indigenous cultural initiatives.

“Madyaw na pagdawat mayo, mga Kabubayan ng Sangab. Mabuwi ing tribu!”
May the spirit of the tribe live on through our culture, our hands, and the generations yet to come.

14/05/2026

Mabuhay and Madayaw.

Davao Oriental State University – Center for Arts, Tradition and Cultural Heritage (CATCH) proudly joins the nationwide observance of the National Heritage Month this month of May, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 439, with its theme: “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future.”

This annual celebration honors the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Filipino people and strengthens our collective consciousness, pride, respect, and love for the enduring legacies of Philippine history, traditions, and identity. It serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of safeguarding and promoting our tangible and intangible cultural treasures for future generations.

The Province of Davao Oriental is home to the vibrant and living traditions of the Mandaya people and the Kagan people, whose rich customs, oral traditions, artistry, music, dances, and indigenous knowledge systems continue to shape the cultural identity of the province. Their invaluable contributions reflect the spirit of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride deeply rooted in Mindanaoan heritage.
In solidarity with this celebration, the University reaffirms its commitment to preserving, promoting, and nurturing the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the communities of Davao Oriental through education, cultural engagement, research, and community partnership.

# salamatsirjosegarciano

27/11/2025

27/11/2025

This is during Padamaan - a cultural show of identity. Participating tribe are Mandayas of Mal'layo and Mangal'lagan, Mansaka, Kagan/Kallagan and Tausug.

N.b
video credit to maam Terry Jumawan

27/11/2025

The 3rd Panaggubuk sang DOrSU, held on Nov 26–27, 2025 at the Old Library, DOrSU Main Campus, is a celebration dedicated to our Indigenous Peoples (IP) students, spearheaded by the Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, Center for Arts, Tradition, and Cultural Heritage, in cooperation with the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Communication, and the Faculty of Teacher Education.

We likewise extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Filipino, Muslim Student Organization, League of Indigenous Peoples Advocates, Liberal and Innovative Social Transformation Alliance, Association of Special Needs Educators, Tubaw Mindanao Agongan aw Kulintangan, the Committee on Creative Arts, and the Mandaya and Kagan community leaders. Your participation and expertise have enriched this meaningful celebration.

To the working committees of Panaggubuk, the SocScie 11 students, the Humanities, and all participating students—our sincerest thanks for your dedication and commitment.
The Panaggubuk celebration was first held in October 2023 in honor of the National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year, we are grateful to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, under the leadership of former Vice Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Jr., and with the authorship of IP Board Member Eleuterio C. Manaytay, for approving the ordinance in March 2025.

This celebration serves as a bridge—connecting the intact Indigenous communities to the settled and semi-settled IP communities. It is an initiative led by us, the DOrSU IPs, as we honor and regenerate our history as a people. Panaggubuk is not merely a gathering; it is an affirmation of our traditional roots. It deepens cultural awareness, strengthens our shared values, and reminds the wider public of the beauty, dignity, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. Above all, it reinforces our social responsibility to protect, honor, and pass on our cultural heritage as bearers of tradition to future generations.

Lastly, this celebration would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our University President, Dr. Roy G. Ponce.
Above all, we offer our deepest gratitude to Magbabaya (God). Salamat ng kadyaw mo kanami. Kanunay al-ladi kami. May His guidance, blessings, and protection continue to be with us in all our endeavors.

Once again, congratulations to all of us—and mabuhay!

27/11/2025

The 3rd Panaggubuk sang DORSU celebrated on November 26-27, 2025.

Thank you to our working committees for all the effort you put into making this event run smoothly. Thank you to our judges for your time and expertise, and to our guests and participants for being part of this celebration. We also extend our gratitude to our DORSU VP for Academics, Dr. Edito Sumile, VP for RIE division, Dr. Lea Jimenez, VP for International Relations Dr. Lilibeth Galves and to the DORSU President, Dr. Roy G. Ponce, for the unwavering support.

A big thank, also to our sponsors for their support and contributions.

To everyone who helped and supported in any way, thank you. This event was possible because of you.Mabuhay!