| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
SMU graduate students organize BADDANG 4.0
Community engagement is an integral component of the Master of Arts in Teaching – Social Studies program of Saint Mary’s University, particularly in the course Advanced Intercultural Geography. This approach recognizes that meaningful learning happens not only through theoretical instruction but also through immersive, real-world experiences that foster civic involvement, cultural awareness, and participatory learning.
One notable initiative is BADDANG 4.0, held on May 17, 2025, in Imugan, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. The word “Baddang” comes from the Kankana-ey language, meaning “to help,” “assist,” or “support.” It embodies the Filipino value of bayanihan—the spirit of communal unity, cooperation, and mutual aid. This initiative encourages people to unite for the common good, particularly in uplifting marginalized communities. In the realms of education and cultural preservation, Baddang represents the power of collective action to empower communities through meaningful support and engagement.
BADDANG 4.0 embodies this spirit by seamlessly integrating community outreach with cultural exchange. The event was organized by MAT Social Studies students under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth L. Maslang, in collaboration with the Social Science and Philosophy Department. It was made possible through the valuable support of the Barangay Imugan Council, Imugan elders, and the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).
The activity featured three main components that celebrated community, learning, and culture:
- Educational Outreach – Thirty-two elementary pupils received essential school supplies and participated in fun, interactive games designed to stimulate creativity and foster social connection.
- Environmental Immersion – Participants, facilitators, and organizers took a nature walk to Imugan Falls, cultivating a deeper appreciation for the area’s ecological and cultural heritage.
- Tongtongan (Dialogue) – The highlight of the event was a cultural dialogue with five Imugan elders, who shared indigenous knowledge and traditions, promoting cultural pride and intergenerational understanding.
More than just a service initiative, BADDANG 4.0 became a living classroom, bringing to life the principles taught in Advanced Intercultural Geography. The experience helped participants develop a deeper understanding of how local histories, traditions, and daily life shape identity and strengthen community resilience. The Tongtongan underscored the value of indigenous wisdom in fostering sustainable and culturally rooted ways of living.
The activity also dissolves traditional boundaries between teacher and learner, demonstrating that education thrives through shared, participatory engagement. Ultimately, BADDANG 4.0 deepened participants’ understanding of the profound connection between learning, culture, and community – inspiring more authentic, respectful, and transformative ways of engaging with the world around them.
Ms. Gielliane Guillermo – MATSS Student
Mr. Rainier A. Ignacio – MATSS Student
Dr. Kenneth L. Maslang – Faculty, School of Graduate Studies
