Three schools in Mindanao have been recognized for their initiatives in promoting Indigenous Peoples (IP) education.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) named the Bukidnon State University (BukSU) as the Philippine’s Most Innovative Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Promoting IP Education.

Agusan del Sur State College for Agriculture and Technology in Caraga was hailed as first runner-up, followed by the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City.

The award was given during the culmination of CHED’s “BIGKIS: 1^st Philippine Higher Education Conference on Indigenous Peoples Education” earlier this month, which aimed to innovate IP education practices, promote inclusivity, and address implementation challenges.

The rest of the participating schools include Kalinga State University (CAR), Don Honorio Ventura State University (Region 3), San Agustin University (Region 6), and Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (Region 12).

The awardees were determined based on the interview and videos they presented highlighting the school’s IP-related initiatives, programs, and activities.

Among the BukSU’s initiatives in promoting IP education are the integration of IP studies into the curriculum across academic programs, establishment of the Bukidnon Studies Center, Cultural Heritage Mapping Program, radio program Kaglambaga supporting cultural education and awareness, and extension projects in various IP communities.

As of the second semester of school year 2023-2024, 66 percent of the enrolled students were IPs while 1,100 IP students have finished their degrees during the recent graduation rites.

“The foundation of these initiatives is built on our collaboration with various partners. Through this collaboration, we documented the cultural heritage of the Bukidnon IP communities. This documentation serves as data for our curriculum, research development, and the instructional materials prepared by our faculty,” BukSU Chief Administrative Officer for Administration, Rosanna Generato, said.

In 2019, CHED issued a memorandum directing HEIs to advance and promote educational equity and social justice for the IP.