BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
LAMUT, Ifugao (March 30, 2023)—The Ifugao State University (IFSU) hosted the launching ceremonies of four pioneering projects, namely Masaganang Cordillera, Project Store, Carasuc Hymn, and Cordillera Heritage 101 at the Heritage Convention Center, Ifugao State University (IFSU)-Lamut Campus.
According to Richard Baliao, IFSU department of communication, public and international affairs director, the launching was joined by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (Carasuc).
Baliao said the Masaganang Cordillera project aims to develop a community model farm for sustainable food production that locals can adopt, develop the area for agricultural tourism, and conduct continuing research based on the principles of regenerative agriculture.
He explained that the model farm is a response of IFSU University President and Carasuc Chair Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon to the call of CHEd-Cordillera Administrative Region Director Dr. Demetrio Anduyan Jr. for state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region to implement innovative projects that will uplift the lives of the communities.
The demo farm was funded by the university administration from its Higher Education Innovation and Research Fund under the General Appropriations Act.
The first-of-its-kind in the region, Baliao said the farm is located beside the Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT) Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) center of the IFSU Lamut Campus.
On the other hand, the Project Store or Skills Training to Rejuvenate Entrepreneurship aims to enhance the intention of creating spaces for the Cordillera Region to climb the ranks of the entrepreneurship ladder in the country.
Baliao said this project further aims to harmonize the activities of SUCs and establish a regional academy managed and initiated by higher education.
Meanwhile, the Carasuc Hymn, composed and arranged by Rector Fr. Daniel Cariño, was launched with the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College Minstrels singing it on stage.
Cordillera Heritage 101, the newest subject to be integrated into the general curriculum in higher education institutions in CAR, was expounded by IFSU Prof. Serafin Ngoyahon.
Ngoyahon said this three-unit course preserves and focuses on the history and heritage of the Cordillerans.
Dr. Marita Rana Canapi, CHEd Commissioner and IFSU Board of Regents Chairperson, said the Cordillera Heritage 101 is an innovative cultural heritage practice of preservation and an innovative way of educating people today.
“I congratulate our Regional Director Demetrio Anduyan Jr., Carasuc presidents, men and women of SUCs for doing their duties to preserve our heritage,” she said.
As Olmaya, IFSU’s adoptive daughter, Canapi also expressed that as a sister, she has a duty to fulfill and that is to nurture and love her brothers and sisters at IFSU.
“Rest assured that I’ll be doing my best to uphold the interests of all the people in our state universities and colleges in CAR,” she said.
During the event on March 24, 2023, Lamut town Mayor Victomar Bunnol welcomed Canapi and Anduyan, including MPSPC President Dr. Edgar Cue, Kalinga State University Dr. Eduardo Bagtang, Benguet State University Dr. Felipe Salaing Comila, University of Abra President Dr. Gregorio Turqueza Jr., National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-CAR Director lawyer Atanacio Addog, DepEd-CAR Director Dr. Estela Leon-Cariño, former board member Agustin Calya-en representing Ifugao Governor Jerry Dalipog, and Apayao State College President Dr. John Cabansag, represented by Dr. Randy Cabilatazan.