Cenphilians gathered to mark the culmination of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Month and commemorate the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 on October 17, 2025, at the Clemente Sports Complex.

Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representation (IPMR) officers from various Kabankalan City barangays joined the CPSU community in celebrating the 28th year of the landmark signing of the IPRA or Republic Act No. 8371, enacted on October 29, 1997.

CPSU’s 2025 celebration of the IPs Month and IPRA featured the theme “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development.”

Ms. Jeorgelyn V. Largado delivered the resource speech on behalf of Hon. Jeorge M. Largado, former National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Ethnographic Commissioner Island Groups and Rest of Visayas, and a former CPSU student.

“Kaya sa ating pagdiriwang ngayon, nawa’y maging inspirasyon sa ating lahat ang pagkakaisa at paggalang sa kulturang katutubo. Patuloy nating pangalagaan ang kasaysayan, buhayin ang ating sining, at ipamalas ang ating mga katutubong karunungan sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Sa CPSU, isang Pamantasan na may puso para sa bayan, para sa kalikasan, at para sa mga katutubo, maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na pakikipagkaisa. Mabuhay ang Central Philippines State University sa ika-79 ninyong anibersaryo, mabuhay ang ating mga katutubong mamamayan, at mabuhay ang ating kulturang Pilipino,” said Ms. Largado.

Representing Kabankalan City Mayor Hon. Benjie M. Miranda, Dr. Joel R. Palata, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, delivered an inspirational message to Cenphilians and profoundly discussed the IPRA’s Core Provisions and challenged the students, especially IP Cenphilians, to dream big in life.

Dr. Grenny I. Jungco, CPSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed guests and students in attendance and stated, “The right to ancestral domains, the right to self-governance, the right to social justice and human rights, and the right to cultural integrity—these rights are not privileges. They are fundamental entitlements that we as a society must actively protect and uphold. As we go through today’s programs through the sharing of stories, cultural performances, and dialogues, may we open our hearts and minds to the lessons that our IP brothers and sisters offer. Lessons of humility, resilience, harmony, and peace—let us weave these lessons into the fabric of our educational pursuits.”

Dr. Pilipinas Ma. D. Jareño, Curriculum Planning and Development Director, gave an overview of the history of the annual Indigenous Peoples Month celebration in the university, elucidated the rationale of the IPRA law, and highlighted its significance not only to Cenphilians but also to inclusive nation-building.

Delivering an inspirational message as a proud member of the IP community, Ma’am Nelly N. Cabu-al, Board Secretary V, challenged: “My dear youthful indigenous people, we don’t only enjoy rights and privileges—we must also uphold our roles and responsibilities as IPs, including our obligations to the government and to our country, the Philippines. My dear students, IPs serve vital roles as stewards of biodiversity, custodians of our cultural heritage, and partners in sustainable development. You must be a model to your fellow students.”

This culmination was organized by the Future Leaders of the Philippines (FLP), led by adviser Ma’am Annalyne D. Recaña; the Historical and Cultural Heritage Office under Director Dr. Jose Gay D. Gallego; and the Curriculum Planning and Development Office headed by Dr. Jareño.

Cenphilians also showcased their talents, skills, and artistry while honoring indigenous Filipino culture and heritage—competing in their indigenous song and dance performances; indigenous clothes and tapestry were also featured prominently in a fashion showcase that paraded a glimpse of Filipinos’ rich indigenous creativity and resourcefulness.

Nostalgia pummeled the batang 90’s and early 2000’s, simultaneously igniting the competitive spirit of Cenphilians in the indigenous games played as part of the celebration.

The CPSU IP-Youth Scholars and the Tali-Ambong officers and members also enriched the rich cultural and indigenous celebration through their respective performances.

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