The University of the Cordilleras (UC), through the Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble under the Center for Creative Productions (CCP), participated in the 3rd Manila International Dance Festival, held at Foro de Intramuros, Manila, from September 18–21, 2025.
The four-day festival featured a series of cultural activities, including pocket performances in public spaces, an International Dance Summit, and a Cultural Expo showcasing traditional crafts, costumes, and creative products from participating groups. The event gathered cultural, contemporary, folkloric, and community-based dance ensembles from across the Philippines, with special participation from international groups representing Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, strengthening regional cultural exchange in Southeast Asia.
Advancing Cultural Exchange and Creative Tourism
Organized as a platform for artistic dialogue and collaboration, the Manila International Dance Festival aims to promote peace, unity, and cultural understanding through dance. The festival highlights the richness of Filipino heritage from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, while fostering international participation, accessible public performances, and the recognition of creative leaders in the performing arts.
Through its programming, the festival supports the development of creative tourism, encourages intercultural collaboration, and deepens public appreciation of traditional and contemporary dance forms as expressions of identity and shared humanity.
Showcasing Cordilleran Identity on the National and International Stage
During the festival, the UC Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble was invited to perform four times across different venues, allowing diverse audiences to engage with the dances and traditions of the Cordillera region. The ensemble’s performances highlighted indigenous movement, rhythm, and storytelling, offering audiences a deeper understanding of Cordilleran cultural expressions.
Promoting Cordilleran culture remains the ensemble’s primary objective. Through national and international platforms, the group seeks to preserve indigenous traditions while fostering awareness and respect for the cultural heritage of the region.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The participation of the UC Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:
SDG 4: Quality Education
The festival provided experiential learning opportunities that enhanced students’ cultural literacy, artistic competence, and global awareness.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
By promoting cultural heritage and traditional dance, the ensemble contributed to the preservation and sustainability of indigenous cultural expressions.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The festival’s emphasis on peace-building and intercultural understanding aligns with the role of culture as a bridge for dialogue and unity.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Engagement with local and international dance groups strengthened cultural partnerships and collaborative networks in the creative sector.
Alignment with UC Key Result Areas (KRAs)
The activity supports the University of the Cordilleras’ Key Result Areas by advancing:
Student Development and Holistic Formation through cultural immersion, performance discipline, and intercultural engagement
Creative Innovation and Cultural Excellence by sustaining indigenous performance traditions within contemporary platforms
Community Engagement and Cultural Development by promoting regional identity and cultural awareness
Institutional Visibility and Global Engagement through participation in national and international cultural events
Sustaining Culture Through Performance
The UC Center for Creative Productions remains committed to advancing the university’s mandate to preserve, promote, and sustain cultural heritage through quality performances and meaningful engagement. Beyond artistic excellence, the participation of the UC Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble in the Manila International Dance Festival reinforced the university’s role in nation-building, cultural preservation, and global cultural dialogue.
Through continued participation in platforms that celebrate diversity and heritage, the University of the Cordilleras affirms its commitment to nurturing culturally grounded, socially responsible, and globally aware individuals.
Author: Dr. Peejay Natiola | CCP Director
