The College of Teacher Education (CTE), through its Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) and Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education (BCAEd) programs, staged “Sala Ti Biyag: Traveling with Rhythm in the Islands of the Pearl of the Orient — Dancing Through Diversity, Celebrating Gender and Culture,” a cultural show highlighting Philippine folk traditions and promoting gender inclusivity.
Held on November 24, the event featured performances inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, showcasing how traditional dances can evolve to reflect equality, respect, and shared identity. The program also aligned with global development priorities, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through its emphasis on cultural literacy, equal representation, and heritage preservation.
The cultural showcase integrated a gender-sensitive approach, reframing folk dances to emphasize partnership and inclusivity while honoring the authenticity of traditional movements. Performers demonstrated how cultural expressions can adapt to contemporary understandings of gender roles without losing their historical roots.
Guest speaker Dr. Victoria Arce highlighted the importance of using the arts as a bridge for unity and social awareness, noting that events like Sala Ti Biyag encourage communities to appreciate diversity while strengthening cultural identity.
Beyond entertainment, the activity served as an educational journey, aiming to deepen students’ cultural awareness, promote gender sensitivity, and inspire dynamic reinterpretations of Filipino folk traditions. Organizers emphasized that the initiative embodies the CTE’s commitment to fostering inclusive, empowered, and culturally grounded future educators.
Article by Mathilde Concordia, Photos by John Patrick Ecal.
