BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Saint Mary’s University (SMU) marked the culmination of its month-long observance of Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Museum Month on November 4 with the participation of two distinguished champions of indigenous culture and heritage: Most Rev. Valentin C. Dimoc, D.D., Apostolic Vicar of Bontoc-Lagawe and Vice Chairman

of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (CBCP-ECIP), and Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Chairman and Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Their presence was made possible through the invitation of Rev. Fr. Earl Antoine Alan C. Cura, CICM, IP Education Head of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (CBCP-ECIP) and CICM Liaison Officer of SMU.

Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Dimoc reflected on the similarities between the Bugkalot community’s thanksgiving ritual and the Eucharist, noting that both express reverence and gratitude through sacrifice. While the Bugkalot offer sacrifices as a sign of respect to unseen spirits, Christians recognize Christ, the Lamb of God, as the ultimate sacrifice.

The bishop underscored the wisdom of indigenous communities in environmental stewardship and sustainable living. He emphasized that indigenous identity is rooted not merely in attire or rituals but in values, decisions, and a way of life grounded in respect for nature and community. Challenging conventional notions of progress, he argued that simple and environmentally responsible lifestyles offer valuable lessons for modern society.

“Being indigenous is in the mind and heart, in the way we live, in the way we think, in the way that we make decisions. So let us try to maintain that. … But what is really indigenous is the stewardship that was practiced by the indigenous people,” he stressed.

Joining the celebration was Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Chairman and Executive Director of the NCCA. A respected cultural administrator, educator, and heritage advocate, he shares his expertise at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference Episcopal Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church. His contributions to heritage conservation extend to the international arena, having previously served as the Philippines’ Commissioner to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and Focal Person for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention.

Recognized for his extensive work in cultural heritage mapping and preservation, Dr. Zerrudo has led numerous heritage initiatives across the country and continues to promote interdisciplinary and values-based approaches to conservation. During the culmination program, he underscored the diverse ways indigenous peoples and indigenous cultural communities preserve and express their identity, particularly through traditional textiles and cultural practices. Drawing inspiration from his recent visit to Baguio City, he expressed optimism at seeing more Filipinos, especially the youth, proudly embracing their heritage, and encouraged Marians to celebrate, preserve, and showcase their cultural roots.

Together, Bishop Dimoc and Dr. Zerrudo emphasized the importance of cultural pride, heritage preservation, environmental stewardship, and the enduring relevance of indigenous knowledge in contemporary society.

The month-long observance was organized and monitored by the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC), reaffirming SMU’s commitment to promoting and preserving indigenous cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems.

SDG4 #SDG 10 #SDG11 #SDG13 #SDG15 #SDG 16 #SDG17

With reports and pictures from SMU-CEIPSC, SMU-PIO, CBCP, and NCCA