Solidifying its vision of becoming a leading center for the empowerment of diverse populations and the preservation of Indigenous cultures, Saint Mary’s University (SMU), through the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC), met with Bugkalot culture bearers from Barangay Pelaway, Alfonso Castañeda, on September 18 to invite them to participate in a series of cultural showcases for the upcoming Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Museum Month celebration this October.

Represented by Frederick Barcelo, along with two Bugkalot culture bearers, the meeting formalized the participation of the Bugkalot Indigenous community in Museo de Maria’s annual cultural artifacts exhibit and the university’s Thanksgiving community feast.

Additionally, the meeting included the collection of Bugkalot material culture and heirlooms to be featured in Museo de Maria’s Pabuzza Galleria, in hopes of educating the academic community and fostering a deeper appreciation for Bugkalot heritage.

The Pabuzza Galleria, established in 2025, takes its name from the Bugkalot term “pabuzza,” shared by Barcelo himself, which means “to light and to watch”. Then on, the gallery was established as a space for the presentation of art and cultural materials.

CEIPSC plans to continue the annual exhibit by featuring different Indigenous communities in the province. Last year, Museo de Maria featured Ayangan culture and traditions.

Meanwhile, the Ǵatok Thanksgiving ritual shall be featured on the last day of the celebration, following the “ipad” ritual of the Ayangans in the past two years.

The IP and Museum Month shall run from the first day of October through November 4, with the theme “Honoring Indigenous Lifeways: Safeguarding Life and Well-being”.