The Future Early Childhood and Special Needs Teachers’ Organization (FESTO) spearheaded the 2024 Indigenous People Convergence, with the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Wisdom, Heritage, and Resilience,” at the CTE Function Hall, November 15.

Before the program began, FESTO members, together with faculty members Mr. Christian Dem Haluber and Mrs. Didith Ramos, prepared four booths that promoted foods and products from four selected Indigenous groups: Ilokano, Tinguian, Isnag, and Kankanaey.

Dr. Santiago Reolalas, the resource speaker, educated the participants about the legal bases and mandates of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) that protects the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Dr. Reolalas also showed pictures and a video of how indigenous peoples dance during rituals.

After the lecture, the FESTO members showcased the cultural dances of their selected indigenous groups, while the SEA Teacher participants from Thailand and Indonesia also performed their cultural dances.

The FESTO members and the SEA Teacher Participants danced together as they celebrated the exchange between cultures.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Julien Marie Quitevis, FESTO Vice President, thanking everyone for making the event possible.

Article by Jomarie Lopez. Photo by The Rabbi.