Center for Creative Productions

In alignment with SDG 11.3.1, which emphasizes strengthening inclusive, participatory, and sustainable urban development through support for cultural heritage and community engagement, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) continues to prioritize meaningful investment in the arts and preservation of local identity. Through purposeful allocation of resources and active programming, UC demonstrates its commitment to sustaining cultural vibrancy, fostering creativity, and nurturing community participation.

One of the university’s flagship initiatives is CordeMayo 2024: Cordilleran Festival in May, a four-day celebration held from May 23. This immersive festival highlighted the richness of Cordilleran culture through a variety of activities, including a food festival, artistic performances, cultural exhibits, academic seminars, and the revival of the traditional Torch Parade. Beyond celebrating heritage, CordeMayo provided experiential learning opportunities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in quality education, cultural preservation, and community collaboration. The event showcased how UC’s investments in cultural programming strengthen identity and unity within the university and the wider community.

UC’s artistic commitment is further emphasized through Sining na Buhay 2024, an annual performance gathering the university’s most talented musicians and artists. Featuring the UC Center for Creative Productions, UC Featured Artists, UC Chorale, and the UC Percussion and Orchestra, this year’s program offered a captivating blend of Disney medleys, Filipino classics, and orchestral renditions. Through sustained financial and institutional support, UC ensures that music remains a transformative force that bridges generations and fosters artistic excellence.

Promoting creativity in engineering and sustainable innovation, the PICE-UCSC Bridge and Tower Building Competition—held on April 6, 2024—showcased UC’s commitment to holistic learning. Using simple materials such as BBQ sticks and rubber bands, civil engineering students designed small-scale structures emphasizing sustainability, teamwork, and problem-solving. This event aligns with SDG 11’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and illustrates how investments in technical and creative competitions support responsible urban development.

UC’s dedication to cultural sustainability is also reflected in its support for the Tanabata Festival 2024, organized by the UC Language Department in partnership with the Language and Literature Society and the Filipino-Japanese Foundation of Northern Luzon Inc. Held on July 10 at the UC Theater, the festival celebrated Filipino–Japanese friendship through arts, traditions, and shared cultural expressions. By hosting this annual event, UC strengthens intercultural understanding and reinforces its commitment to heritage preservation.

Through these initiatives and sustained financial support for arts, culture, and heritage, the University of the Cordilleras continues to advance SDG 11.3.1, ensuring that cultural development, creativity, and community participation remain integral to sustainable and inclusive urban growth.

References:

CordeMayo 2024: Cordilleran Festival in May. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/05/23/cordemayo-2024-cordilleran-festival-in-may/

Sining na Buhay 2024. Retrived from https://ccp.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/11/21/sining-na-buhay-2024/

PICE-UCSC’s Bridge and Tower Building Competition. Retrived from https://cea.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/04/08/pice-ucscs-bridge-and-tower-building-competition/

Celebrating Culture and Sustainability: The Tanabata Festival 2024
. Retrived from https://cas.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/07/11/university-of-the-cordilleras-honors-japanese-tradition-with-tanabata-festival-2024/