UC launches Cordilleran cultural festival

As part of its commitment to uphold the vision of its founder, Atty. Benjamin Romero Salvosa - who envisioned UC to be in the forefront of the preservation and promotion of Filipino culture and values, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) is set to launch a Cordilleran cultural festival entitled "CORdeMAYO."

Intended to become an annual event every month of May, its initial offering of activities will focus on the relaunching of the university's flagship performing arts group. Formerly and popularly known as the "Hapiyoh Mi Cultural Group," they are now performing under the name "UC Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble." "Saeng ya Kasay" translates as "Torch and Shield" in the local dialect which resonates the group's role in sharing and preserving the rich Cordilleran heritage.

The festival will kick off on May 17, 2017 with a photo exhibit featuring members of the Saeng ya Kasay garbed in traditional attires of the six provinces of the Cordillera region. This is accompanied by a live mannequin display and Cordilleran-themed refreshments prepared by the UC's College of Hospitality and Tourism students.

On May 18, 2017, the College of Teacher Education, in partnership with Cordillera News Agency (CNA) Foundation, will host a lecture symposium on cultural sensitivity. The speakers Ms. Malen Catajan and Ms. Sonia Daoas will talk on the perception of the younger generation towards indigenous cultural tradition and heritage in the modern age. The symposium is scheduled at 9:30 AM at the UC Auditorium.

On May 20, 2017, 6PM, the festival will culminate with a grand cultural show headlined by the Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble. They will render theatrical presentations of the music and dances of the six provinces of the Cordilleras. A pre-show at 3PM will feature contemporary performances by the university's chorale, orchestra and senior high school students.

All activities are open to the public.

In time for the opening of classes, the University of the Cordilleras in partnership with Children International Philippines Inc. (CIPI) donated thousands of books amounting to approximately P5.2M pesos to 31 public elementary and high schools in Kapangan, Benguet.

As part of its commitment to uphold the vision of its founder, Atty. Benjamin Romero Salvosa - who envisioned UC to be in the forefront of the preservation and promotion of Filipino culture and values, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) is set to launch a Cordilleran cultural festival entitled "CORdeMAYO."

Benjamin Salvosa, Founder of the Baguio Colleges Foundation, was named one of ten Awardees of the Quezon "Medalya ng Karangalan" by Quezon Province Governor Wilfrido L. Enverga and Quezon Day Awards Committee Chairman Antonio P. Acyata. Mr. Salvosa, who traces his roots to Unisan, Quezon; served in 1954 as Chairman and General Manager of the Philippine Coconut Administration (PHILCOA), drafted into government service by then President Ramon Magsaysay. Mr. Salvosa was cited posthumously for his accomplishments on behalf of the Coconut Farmers of the country, and for his contributions to the development of the Philippine Coconut Industry. The occasion for the Awards is this year's 125th birth anniversary of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, to be commemorated on August 19, 2003, at Lucena City.

The University of the Cordilleras is the newest holder of the Hall of Fame award in the regional category of the Gawad Kalasag for disaster readiness and emergency management.

Proving the university's solid support to government initiatives on disaster response, the University of the Cordilleras has been named the Best School (Urban-Private Category) for the second consecutive time in the Cordillera tilt of the 2015 Gawad Kalasag.