The University of Northern Philippines College of Teacher Education (UNP-CTE) transformed its Academic Building Grounds into a vibrant showcase of culture and creativity as it held KaLIKHArt 2026: A CTE Showcase of Midterm Projects on October 7, 2026, highlighting the artistic talents and creative ingenuity of future educators.
Anchored on the theme, “Weaving Heritage, Creating Culture: Celebrating Indigenous Knowledge through Art and Creativity,” the showcase featured the diverse creative works and midterm projects of students from the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education/Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTLED/BTVTED), and Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education (BCAED) programs.
More than an academic requirement, KaLIKHArt 2026 provided students with a platform to translate indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and artistic expression into meaningful and innovative works, demonstrating how creativity can serve as a bridge between heritage and contemporary education.
Held in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month pursuant to Proclamation No. 1906, s. 2009, KaLIKHArt 2026 provided students with a meaningful platform to translate classroom learning into creative expressions rooted in Filipino culture and heritage.
The showcase featured artworks and projects inspired by indigenous knowledge, traditional practices, local materials, and cultural traditions, allowing students to explore and reinterpret elements of the country’s rich cultural heritage through art and creativity.
Among the featured works were paper-quilling pieces inspired by Ilocano traditions, decorative crafts and displays, miniature representations of traditional societies, and traditional musical instruments. Adding a dynamic dimension to the exhibit, BCAED II students performed a Rondalla, bringing Filipino musical traditions to life and enriching the celebration of indigenous culture and heritage.
CTE Dean Dr. Ma. Teresa Susan Manzano lauded KaLIKHArt 2026 for giving students a venue to showcase their creativity while celebrating Filipino culture and indigenous heritage. She emphasized the value of creating opportunities for students to connect academic learning with cultural knowledge and creative expression, making education more meaningful and relevant.
Beyond showcasing student outputs, the activity promoted cultural appreciation, sustainability, and creativity as integral elements of teacher education. Through KaLIKHArt 2026, the college encouraged future educators to recognize the significance of indigenous knowledge and traditions and to take an active role in preserving and promoting the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
The showcase brought together students and faculty in a shared celebration of art, culture, and heritage, demonstrating how learning can extend beyond the classroom through experiences that are creative, culturally grounded, and responsive to the communities educators are called to serve.
Article by Arthur V. Pascua. Photo by Marnie P. Tabilin.
