The Cordillera Regional Development Council Committee on Indigenous Peoples Concerns (CIPC), in partnership with the Ifugao State University (IFSU), successfully concluded the second part of the two-part “Dad-an Tako” Conference on October 22, 2025. Now in its 6th year, the conference marched forward at the University under the theme: “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development.”
Dubbed “Dad-an Tako,” a Kankanaey phrase meaning “Our Journey,” the webinar series was held in observance of Indigenous Peoples Month and the 28th commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) this October. The hybrid event saw both onsite participants at the University and virtual attendees via Zoom and four Facebook pages livestreams.
University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, represented by Dr. Freddie B. Caday, Vice President for Administration, thanked the Technical Working Group for selecting IFSU as the venue for these critical conversations. He emphasized that IFSU champions unity and diversity, capitalizing on its indigenous roots and practices to elevate the institution onto the global landscape.
In his Opening Message, Jose H. Dado, Jr., OIC-Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev-CAR), acknowledged that the event is a recognition of challenges and accomplishments that shape indigenous communities. “The Dad-an Tako” is more than just an event; it is a movement and a mission,” he said.
Dr. Marie Grace T. Pascua, NCIP Chairperson and concurrent Commissioner for CAR and Region I, virtually addressed the conference, stressing that cultural integrity—which embodies the distinct identity, knowledge, and traditions of every Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC)—must be preserved, respected, promoted, and developed. She underscored the importance of the four bundles of rights of Indigenous Peoples: the rights to ancestral domains and lands, cultural integrity, self-governance, and social justice and human rights.
The technical sessions provided deep insights into various facets of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP):
Dr. Rudy T. Papsa-ao Jr. of Mountain Province State University shared his study on “Cultural Mechanisms of Peace: The Indigenous Peacekeeping Practices among the Kankanaey in Mountain Province.” His research concluded that the Kankanaey justice system is restorative and community-centered, prioritizing guidance, accountability, and reconciliation over punitive western models.
Ellayne Buhong Abellera, TESD Specialist of TESDA-Ifugao, discussed “Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Skills into TESDA Programs,” noting that Indigenous skills like weaving, blacksmithing, and woodcraft are now recognized under TESDA’s competency framework. She shared that TESDA plans to include competency standards for basketry, pottery, bamboo/woodcraft, and cultural food to provide certified qualifications and livelihood opportunities to cultural artisans.
Judy C. Baggo, Director of the IRT-GIAHS Center of IFSU, presented “Exploring the Metaverse in Safeguarding Cultural Heritage.” He demonstrated how a mobile application digitizes five cultural artifacts in 3-D mode to leverage technology for IKSP learning, particularly for the younger generation.
Rocky Jake C. Ngalob, Administrative Officer IV of the NCIP-CAR, presented the amendments to the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process specifically for research and documentation on IKSPs, which is expected to significantly aid the academic sector.
Dir. Dado, Jr. discussed the “Study on Fiscal Viability of an Autonomous Cordillera Region.” The study estimated the fiscal requirements and revenue-generating capacity in anticipation of the region’s possible autonomous status, as mandated by the Philippine Constitution.
The event concluded with a cultural presentation by students from the College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development (CASD) and the College of Computing Sciences (CCS). Following this were closing remarks by Esther Nalliw-Licnachan, Provincial Officer of NCIP – Ifugao, who thanked IFSU for being a gracious host and shared how her office assisted IFSU students and faculty in securing research consents within indigenous communities.
IRT-GIAHS Center spearheaded the participation of IFSU in this regional event.**Faith B. Napudo
