BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio Cordillera Studies Center (CSC) launched the book Rooting Indigeneity in the Philippines: Contexts and Complexities on October 1 at the Museo Kordilyera Reception Hall as part of the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Month.
The launch was attended by members of the academe, researchers, students, and advocates of Indigenous Studies.
Edited by UP Baguio Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Leah Abayao, York University history professor Prof. Carolyn Podruchny, and retired UP Baguio faculty member and former College of Arts and Communication Dean Prof. Jimmy Fong, the publication was developed to provide additional learning resources for students and researchers as Indigenous Studies continues to grow in the Philippines.
According to the editors, the publication aims to support the teaching of Indigenous Studies by providing course readings for students. They added that the book builds on UP Baguio’s continuing efforts to develop the field following the establishment of the country’s first Southeast Asian doctoral program in Indigenous Studies.
The volume brings together works by emerging Indigenous Studies scholars that explore the histories, cultures, and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, with particular focus on the Cordillera region. It also examines Indigenous communities’ continuing efforts to preserve their identity and pursue self-determination.
The publication is expected to serve as a valuable resource for educators, students, and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of indigenous communities and the diverse experiences of indigenous peoples in the country.
During the launch, UP Baguio Chancellor Joel M. Addawe joined editors Abayao and Fong in presenting the newly released publication, reaffirming the University’s continuing support for Indigenous Studies and research.
Meanwhile, UP-CSC Director Maileenita Peñalba acknowledged the donation of Dr. Maria Lourdes-Scheerer and Dr. Richard Scheerer, which will allow copies of the book to be distributed free of charge to municipalities and local libraries across the Cordillera, making the publication more accessible to communities throughout the region.
The book is available for sale at the Cordillera Studies Center Office at UP Baguio. **JPL/PIA-CAR, with reports from UPB OPA
