Strengthening Indigenous Research: SMU Concludes Project STIR Phase 2
BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA – Bridging the geographical and academic divide between the peaks of the Himalayas and the heart of Nueva Vizcaya, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) successfully conducted the high-stakes Phase 2 of Project STIR (Specialized Training on Indigenous Research) on April 29, 2026. This landmark event, held at the AVR 1, served as a scholarly avenue where local indigenous narratives were met with international expertise, reinforcing the university’s commitment to research that is as ethically grounded as it is academically rigorous.
The presence of the distinguished international evaluators was made possible through the leadership of Dr. Christopher Allen S. Marquez, Director of the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC), who facilitated their involvement to provide a global benchmark for the university’s research initiatives.
The program commenced at 10:30 AM with opening remarks from Dr. Gertrude G. Danao, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, followed by a statement of objectives and the introduction of evaluators by Ms. Laurice Kaye P. Laguinday, the Indigenous Peoples Studies Coordinator. To provide a global perspective and expert guidance, the University invited distinguished international evaluators from Nepal: Dr. Pasang Dolma Sherpa of the Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Research and Development (CIPRED) and Dr. Indra Mani Rai of Kathmandu University.
With Ms. Ivonny Lorvin M. Adducul serving as the moderator and emcee, the presentation proper encouraged constructive dialogue and critical reflection on the cultural responsiveness of the following studies:
Exploring Entrepreneurial Mindsets Among University Business Students – Presented by Mr. John Lindy Soriano (Business and Accountancy Cluster).
Love, Union, and Tradition: Courtship and Wedding Practices of the Gaddang Indigenous Cultural Community – Presented by Dr. Kenneth Maslang (Teacher Education Cluster 2).
Games as Living Heritage: Exploring Indigenous Play, Culture, and Identity Among Selected Indigenous Peoples of Nueva Vizcaya – Presented by Dr. Mary Grace Bulatao (Teacher Education Cluster 1).
Ethnobotanical Documentation of Medicinal Plants in Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya: Toward the Development of a Pictorial Cyclopedia for Community and Science Instruction – Presented by Mrs. Cathelyn Mariano (Health and Natural Sciences, and Mathematics Cluster).
Contextualizing Heritage: A Proposed Vernacular Village Development in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – Presented by Engr. Tomas Binbinon (Engineering, Developmental Arts and Design, Library Sciences, and Information Cluster).
The event concluded with a closing prayer by Dr. Loreta V. Garlitos, Graduate Program Cluster Department Head. By fostering these research initiatives, Project STIR continues to bridge the gap between academic discourse and the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples. These studies not only aim to be methodologically sound but are designed to be socially responsive and aligned with the aspirations of the community, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge systems and practices are respected and preserved for future generations.
SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 15, SDG 17
Laurice Kaye P. Laguinday, IPS Coordinator
