On November 6, 2025, the delegates from the University of Guam, guided by Dr. Gigy G. Banes, Ms. Karryl Mae C. Ngina, and Mr. Jon Nicole Gutierrez from the College of Social Sciences, Mr. Jiban M. Caligtan from the Institute of Social Research and Development, and Mr. Roldan G. Day-ong from the International Relations Office, participated in a cultural immersion and educational tour around Benguet and Baguio City.
The tour also aimed to deepen the groupโs understanding of Cordilleran culture and heritage, providing valuable context to their collaborative research and documentation on Indigenous healing practices between Benguet State University and the University of Guam.
The day began with a Courtesy Call at La Trinidad Mayorโs Office, where the delegation discussed the objectives of the visit and explored potential areas for future partnership and cultural collaboration. The visitors then enjoyed a hands-on experience at the Strawberry Farm, where they learned about local farming practices and participated in strawberry picking, one of Benguetโs well-known attractions.
The group then visited the Igorot Stone Kingdom, where they immersed themselves in Igorot heritage, learning from the stories, artistry, and symbolism embodied in the stone structures and cultural displays crafted by local artists. Their journey continued to Tam-awan Village, where they explored traditional Kalinga and Ifugao huts, giving them a glimpse of the Cordilleraโs diverse Indigenous architecture and way of life.
The group then visited the University of the Philippines Baguio, where they toured the Cordillera Studies Center to learn about its publications on the Cordillera region. They also visited the Museo Kordilyera, viewing curated exhibits that feature artifacts and cultural objects representing the Indigenous peoples of Northern Luzon.
The tour concluded with a networking dinner at La Faayette, joined by IRO Director Dr. Rex John G. Bawang, IRO Staff Ms. Racquel M. Fatog and Mr. Jeric Raye T. Bayating, and ISRD Staff Ms. Kacy O. Labon. The dinner served as a reflective and collaborative session where participants exchanged insights, strengthened connections, and discussed ways forward for continuing partnership and future projects on academics, Indigenous knowledge, culture, and healing practices.
This cultural immersion forms part of the continuing partnership between Benguet State University and the University of Guam, further strengthening academic collaboration and promoting mutual appreciation of Indigenous knowledge, healing practices, and heritage preservation.
This initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #SDG4QualityEducation, #SDG11sustainablecitiesandcommunities, and #SDG17partnershipsforthegoals
