“THERE is a need to challenge Cultural Education efforts to effect enormous change in the national level. It will put the issue of cultural education back to the public agenda, and help to ensure the provision of a coherent cultural education especially to the youth across the country.
“My appeal is this, if you have a passion for your culture and you love the Igorot people, be a cultural advocate. Educating ourselves on our cultural heritage is the link that connects us from our past in order to understand the present and guide our path in sustaining the future.
As Igorots, we cannot tarry much longer, lest we will be left only to sigh in deep regret if the shadows of the past leave us to be exposed to the heat of ignorance of our very own culture in terms of what is applicable and contributory to peace and development.” - Dr. Maria Aplaten
I was delighted to have attended the book launching of “Nan Nataguan Tako” (a book on Cordillera History, Attires, Music, Dances and Festivals) authored by Dr. Maria Aplaten last January 11 at the Baguio Museum. The need and passion for social transformation through cultural education drove Hapiyoh Mi and Dr. Maria Aplaten (executive director) to produce this book. Its objective is to share the orally transmitted knowledge gained from their cultural education work into written words for others to know and learn from.
Cultural education indeed starts from the home like the Hapiyoh Mi children for knowing by heart and soul their cultural heritage. The young must be exposed to various multicultural experiences and diverse friendships to champion respect.
Cheers to Hapiyoh Mi and Dr. Aplaten! Benefactors can get their copies at the Baguio Museum to support the continuance and sustainability of cultural education especially of the Cordillera. Info from Dr. Maria Apalten.
(drbrendaleeavillanueva@ymail.com)