BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR), in partnership with the Hapiyoh Mi Culture and Arts Center, Inc. and Baguio City National High School (BCNHS), successfully held a Summer Cultural Workshop on 17 May 2025 at the BCNHS campus.
DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD, discussed the richness of Cordilleran culture, including indigenous arts, traditional practices, attires, music, and dances from across the Cordillera provinces.
Aplaten is also the founder of Hapiyoh Mi, which is a cultural organization committed to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing Cordilleran indigenous culture through the performing arts. The group’s name comes from an Ifugao term for shield. Founded by Aplaten in 2000, it serves as a hub for cultural education, artistic expression, and community engagement, particularly among the youth. Hapiyoh Mi has been at the forefront of cultural advocacy in the region, conducting workshops, performances, and community activities that showcase the rich traditions of the Cordillera.
The workshop which was originally planned to gather 75 participants, was attended by over a hundred individuals composed of children, youth, adults, DSWD FO CAR personnel, and Hapiyoh Mi pioneers.
During the activity, the participants explored traditional Cordillera dances and music. Guided by experienced cultural facilitators, participants immersed themselves in the distinct rhythms and movements that characterize the region’s rich performing arts heritage. The workshop culminated in group performances where attendees proudly showcased what they had learned in a spirit of celebration and unity.
“As ambassadors of culture, it is your primordial role to recognize, promote, and protect the rights of Indigenous People’s material culture, so you won’t become a perpetrator of the historic injustices that indigenous peoples continue to suffer today. Instead, you should be practitioners who uphold cultural integrity,” emphasized Aplaten in her message.
Participants shared their appreciation for the experience, particularly the opportunity to reconnect with Cordillera heritage. Many expressed hopes for more workshops in the future, especially for the younger generation, who they believe are key to keeping cultural traditions alive.
Aplaten also extended her gratitude to the DSWD FO CAR staff, Hapiyoh Mi pioneers, BCNHS, Crown Legacy Hotel, Saint Joseph Driving School, Atty. Danielle Faith Aplaten, Jennifer Tacloy, and all facilitators and partners who helped make the event a success.
The DSWD, focused on social welfare and development also supports the protection and promotion of the well-being of the Indigenous Peoples as it supervises the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The NCIP and the DSWD collaborate to implement comprehensive programs and services to address the unique challenges faced by indigenous communities. By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado
