BAGUIO CITY (July 27, 2007)--The University of the Cordilleras (UC) this week marked the 20th observance of the establishment of the Cordillera Administrative Region with various campus activities underlying the theme “Claiming the Best for the Cordilleras.”
Spearheaded by the Student Affairs Office under Director Cecilio D. Gallardo in cooperation with various student organizations, the observance took off with tribal rituals, music and dances, exhibits and a mini trade fair at the UC covered court last July 26, 2007.
True to form, UC cultural dancers performed an ethnic solidarity dance in full ethnic costume after an uggayam (prayer) delivered by a native student performer. The opening activities were attended by members of the administrative and academic councils of the school and the student population.
Students were then treated to the sights and sounds of the Cordillera region through photo exhibits and video presentations amid the sounds of gangsas and solibaos. Even foreign students were awed by the showcase of Cordillera culture, music, and products on display.
Other events coinciding with the observance are a live mannequin show, concerts and performances, and a student forum with established resource persons about the Cordillera culture and way of life.
Gallardo said the event, which the University launches annually, is aimed at deepening student appreciation and pride of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines’ highland region.
The Cordillera Administrative Region was established in 1997 by Pres. Corazon Aquino to pave the way for the establishment of a Cordillera Autonomous Region in response to public clamor at that time. However, the conversion of the region into an autonomous unit was twice rejected by the region in two separate plebiscites held for that purpose.
