The University of the Cordilleras (UC) continues to advance inclusive cultural development and creative expression through a series of programs, festivals, and international collaborations. These initiatives support heritage preservation, artistic growth, and community participation across the university and its partner sectors.
CordeMayo 2024: A Four-Day Celebration of Cordilleran Culture
UC marked the annual CordeMayo (Cordilleran Festival in May)
with a comprehensive four-day program highlighting Cordilleran identity and cultural traditions. The festival opened with a ceremony, photo exhibit, and food festival, followed by an Arts Festival showcasing performances by the UC Center for Creative Productions (UC-CCP). A seminar and workshop on traditional arts were held on the third day, and the celebration concluded with a parade along Session Road that involved all UC students and faculty.
Day 1 opened with the presence of Baguio City officials alongside the UC Executive Council, marking a strong show of support for the festival. Day 2 drew more than 800 attendees where various groups from the Center for Creative Productions presented traditional dance and music representative of the Cordillera Region, while Day 3 featured workshops led by cultural worker and rattan weaver Jason D. Domling, welcoming students from various colleges across Baguio City. The final day’s parade brought together participants from the university’s academic and administrative sectors, creating one of the widest community engagements of the celebration.
CordeMayo 2024 showcased the Cordillera’s cultural heritage through its arts festival, seminars, workshops, and Torch Parade. It highlighted UC’s commitment to preserving local traditions and fostering learning, leaving a strong impression by deepening cultural appreciation and community collaboration.
SAYTURA: Sayaw at Kultura ng Pilipinas
In celebration of National Arts Month, UC staged Saytura: Sayaw at Kultura ng Pilipinas, featuring all UC-CCP performing groups. The concert presented traditional and contemporary Filipino dances rooted in historical and cultural narratives. The event gathered approximately 500 high school students from Baguio City. It was also featured during the yesUCan Concert on November 22, 2024, at the UC Theater.
Saytura contributed to cultural education among youth audiences and strengthened UC’s role in promoting Philippine dance traditions within the community.
Sining na Buhay
It is an annual celebration that highlights the vibrant musical talent and creativity within the UC community. It showcase a diverse array of performances from various talented groups of the Center for Creative Productions, UC Featured Artists, UC Chorale, and UC Percussion and Orchestra. Each act is designed to evoke deep emotions and create lasting memories through a mix of classic and contemporary pieces that resonate with audiences of all ages.
This annual event fosters a sense of unity among students, faculty, and the audience, creating a shared experience that transcends generations and cultures. By blending international hits, OPM classics, and traditional‑inspired pieces, Sining na Buhay reaffirmed UC’s commitment to nurturing artistic growth.
UC and Skyline College Conduct Cultural Exchange Program
The College of Arts and Sciences hosted nine students and one community researcher from Skyline College, California, for the cultural exchange program titled “Sharing Stories, Shaping Futures.” Activities included cultural performances by UC-CCP, academic discussions on identity and diaspora, learning walks, a simulated dap-ay session, and hands-on workshops on traditional Cordilleran music and dance.
UC students and faculty participated actively through performances, collaborative sessions, and intercultural dialogues.
The exchange strengthened international cultural understanding and provided a platform for meaningful interaction on heritage, identity, and community practices.
Across the year, UC conducted more than 60 cultural initiatives through the UC Center for Creative Productions and its partner colleges. These included performances, heritage exhibits, educational workshops, community engagements, and collaborations with local and international institutions.
These programs supported the preservation of cultural heritage, fostered inclusive participation, and advanced the university’s commitment to creating culturally enriched and sustainable communities in line with SDG 11.2.6.
References:
CordeMayo 2024: Cordilleran Festival in May. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/05/23/cordemayo-2024-cordilleran-festival-in-may/
Saytura (Sayaw at Kultura ng Pilipinas). Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/22/saytura-2024-sayaw-at-kultura-ng-pilipinas/
UC CAS Hosts Cultural Exhange with Skyline College. Retrived from https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/09/uc-cas-hosts-skyline-college/
