SMU Joins 8th Pun-oh-ohhaan Festival in Villaverde
The community of Cabuluan, Villaverde, recently became a vibrant hub of culture and cooperation as it celebrated the 8th Pun-oh-ohhaan Festival. Guided by the theme “Sama-samang Saya: Araw ng Pagkakaisa at Pasasalamat,” the event served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in indigenous heritage and communal solidarity. The festivities commenced with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Evedi Awidan, which set a spiritual and grateful tone for the busy day ahead.
Representing Saint Mary’s University, the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Center (CEIPC) team took an active role in the celebration. Led by the Director Dr. Christopher Allen S. Marquez and IPS Coordinator Ms. Laurice Kaye P. Laguinday, the delegation included CBCP-ECIP Scholars Claodenjay Juan, Wilhelm Calinggangan, Angel Veah Nazaria, and Kathleen Basug. Also in attendance were Mr. Christian Josh Acosta, lead of Project E-pause, and a documentation team from The Marian consisting of a videographer and a photojournalist.
The SMU team was deeply integrated into the day’s various programs, ensuring their presence was both felt and impactful. Dr. Marquez lent his expertise to the festivities by chairing the Board of Judges for the Cultural Presentation, while the scholars were stationed at the Day Care Center to provide frontline assistance. There, they helped community members navigate essential government services, including National ID, COMELEC, and PSA Birth registrations.
Parallel to these services, Mr. Acosta engaged in critical discussions with the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) regarding the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes for Project E-pause. Meanwhile, The Marian media team conducted interviews to capture the heart of the community for a documentary on the Mangipad-Tau Ritual, a sacred tradition previously performed at the University during IP and Museum Month.
The morning program drew to a close with messages of solidarity from various officials and representatives of Nueva Vizcaya. Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton shared words of encouragement, affirming his support for the community’s continued growth and cultural preservation. To cap off the morning’s events, everyone gathered for a traditional lunch observed through watwat, a communal feast that perfectly embodied the festival’s spirit of shared joy and indigenous pride.
Through participation in events like the Pun-oh-ohhaan Festival, SMU continues to strengthen its ties with Indigenous communities, ensuring that our scholars remain grounded in service and cultural appreciation.
SDG 4, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 17
Written by: Laurice Kaye P. Laguinday, Indigenous Peoples Studies Coordinator
