USeP-ILCA Turns Over Books to Indigenous Communities in Davao
Championing works about and for the indigenous cultural communities, the USeP Institute of Languages and Creative Arts, a certified publisher by the National Book Development Board- Philippines, handed three book publications to the Ata and Bagobo Klata communities.
Konolan Boyson Anib of the Ata community in Paquibato District, Davao City received the Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of Selected IP Groups in the Davao Region, The Legend of Durian: A Mindanawon Folktale in 46 Languages, and the Kapandayan: A Journey to the Wisdom of Selected IP Groups in the Davao Region, on June 26, 2025.
“Kami nga komunidad sa Ata dako ang among kalipay ug pagpasalamat nga naapil kami sa maong mga libro. Kini usa ka halangdong lakang sa pagpreserba sa among mga kaalam, kultura, ug mga buhing tradisyon nga gipasa-pasa sa among mga katigulangan. Dili lamang kini makatabang sa among komunidad, apan usa usab kini ka paagi aron mapadungog ang among mga tingug ug mapasigarbo ang among pagkatawo isip Ata sa Paquibato,” Konolan Anib shared.
Meanwhile, Pongngu-o Rosalito Anog of the Bagobo- Klata community in Sirib, Calinan District, Davao City, were also given copies of the same publications.
“Dako kaayo nga tabang kaning mga libro kay naa na gyud mi magamit sa pagpalambo sa among kultura,” Pongngu-o Anog expressed.
In a conversation with Anog, AB English Language student David Matthew Ng enlarged his consciousness about the struggles and hopes of the Bagobo-Klata, inspiring him to support the advocacy of USeP to recognize and promote the voice of the IPs.
ILCA Head Francis N. Reginio articulated that these publications are our way of honoring and preserving the living heritage of our indigenous peoples. “As Head of the Institute, I am truly thankful and proud to see how the Bagobo-Klata community has embraced these books as a way to keep their culture and wisdom alive. One meaningful part of this publication is how it supports elders in teaching the younger generation. In community learning sessions, they share their stories, knowledge, and life lessons, passing down culture from one generation to the next, “ Reginio expounded.
While walking along the uncemented road going to the community, USeP Language Students’ Society External Vice President Sebastian Rhode C. Maghinay, whose grandparents had good encounters with the Bagobo Klata as reminisced by Pongngu-o Anog, hopes that there will be more research and extension projects to complement with the efforts of the Bagobo Klata to preserve and sustain their IKSP.
The aforementioned publications and copies of Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development, a Q2 Scopus-indexed journal, were also given to the UP Mindanao Library, supplementing the references on IP studies.
Savoring the durian offered by the Bagobo-Klata community, IKSP 2 Project Leader and SPJRD Chief Editor Sajed S. Ingilan remarked that USeP is committed to advancing the welfare of the IPs through RDE projects. “Just like the taste of the durian, we will continue to savor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the IPs through our publications,” Ingilan expressed
In its goal to move beyond the social media platforms, the USeP ILCA continues to directly connect with the recipients of their works and other partners.
Read the article and view the images here:
https://www.facebook.com/ILCAUSeP/posts/721118857440043/
Article by Sajed S. Ingilan
Photos by David Matthew Ng
