Baguio City, June 6, 2022 -The CordeMayo was established in 2017 as an official event to promote the rich culture and traditions of the Cordillera region. It has the “Cordilleran Festival in May” as an overarching theme. Cultural performances and activities are open to the public as a means of giving back to the community.

This annual event is designed to illuminate the creative spirit and innovation of its participants, comprised of both students and employees. This cultural spectacle features a diverse range of events, including folk and art exhibitions, informative forum and symposiums on cultural appropriations, photo exhibits about the region, food festivals, workshops on different Cordillera dances and sound instruments, thought-provoking film screenings of different tourist destinations through short films developed by UC students, as well as awe-inspiring performing arts.

The primary objective of the CordeMayo is to provide a platform for students and employees to showcase their creative and innovative work, celebrating the unique Cordilleran cultural heritage. It also aims to foster collaboration with various colleges and departments, offering educational immersion opportunities.

Furthermore, the event actively contributes to strengthening communities that are mindful of environmental impact, which prioritize inclusivity and equal access to opportunities, and that stand resilient in the face of challenges, whether they be of an environmental, social, or economic nature. CordeMayo not only gives a forum for creativity, but it also corresponds with the underlying objectives of UN SDG 11 which underscores necessity of creating urban and rural areas that are not only environmentally responsible but also inclusive and resilient.

For this year, CordeMayo was held from May 26 to 31, 2022 at the UC Theater and was spearheaded by the UC Center for Creative Productions (UC-CCP). Dance and music performances were staged by its Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble, Dance Company, UC Chorale, and the UC Percussion & Orchestra. Various colleges and departments of the university participated in fostering an atmosphere of collective creativity.

One of the highlights of the CordeMayo this year was the Cordillera Photo Exhibit and Gallery featuring the Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble. The exhibit displayed the diverse culture and traditions of the six provinces of the Cordillera Region: Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province. It spotlighted a captivating array of attires and artifacts, offering an intimate glimpse into the rich tapestry of Cordilleran culture. The UC Center for Creative Production exhibited distinct cultural attire, artifacts, and instruments from different provinces of the Cordilleras.

Additionally, cultural performances this year were infused with creativity and innovation with the diverse groups collaborating to produce original songs and dance acts. For this year’s CordeMayo, the performances focused on the music and dances of Mt. Province.

CordeMayo’s aim, in essence, goes beyond celebration; it acts as a monument to the significance of developing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities and communities, mirroring the important objectives of SDG 11. As a result, it serves as a model for other towns and events to emulate in their pursuit of sustainable growth and a better future for all.