The University of the Cordilleras – College of Teacher Education (UC-CTE), through its grant as a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), formed a team in conducting research on the Cultural Icons of the Ifugaos, an initiative in preserving their tangible and intangible cultural heritage through modification of the curriculum intended for the younger generation of the Ifugaos.

The UC-CTE team is composed of faculty members from various disciplines. Upon the approval of CHED, the team coordinated and had the courtesy visit at the office of the Provincial Governor in February 2022. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Commission on indigenous Peoples was forged after the orientation and meeting with the elders and members of Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representations (IPMRs) in August 2022. Data gathering was conducted after receiving the notice to proceed from the involved agencies.

The modified curriculum is open to the community’s teaching-learning processes complementing with that developed by DepEd. The department recognizes that the ancestral domain where Indigenous Knowledge systems and Practices (IKSPs) are experienced, lived, and learned is the primary learning environment and learning space for indigenous learners. Such being the case, cultural mapping needs to be undertaken in order to document those undocumented cultural icons which can be used for learning.

The design of a culturally-appropriate and responsive curriculum is anchored on the defining features of indigenous communities: the ancestral domain, the community’s worldview, and its indigenous cultural institutions. It includes and respects the community’s expression of spirituality and strengthens indigenous cultural identity. The curriculum is designed to enable indigenous learners to be future culture-bearers, capable of exercising their right to self-determination as they interact with other cultures.

This project is conducted to locate, identify, and document unidentified and/or undocumented accounts of the Ifugaos’ indigenous culture, heritage, and arts through the icons of the Ifugaos. The project also focuses on the historical, socio-cultural, and economic meanings of the icons before these are lost, either by losing the elders, who are knowledgeable about these icons, or by the youth, who seem to be losing their cultural identity, amidst the changes brought about by development and globalization.

In the context of the Enhanced Basic Education Program, commonly known as the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, the integration of Cordillera’s regional culture and tradition becomes not just beneficial but imperative. Embracing the rich heritage of the Cordilleras within the educational framework is crucial for a holistic and culturally sensitive learning experience.

To achieve this integration seamlessly, there arises a need for a comprehensive cultural mapping initiative. Cultural mapping, in essence, represents a systematic approach to identifying, documenting, and categorizing a community’s cultural resources, specifically in this study, the indigenous icons. These icons serve as valuable content for integration, allowing students to connect with their heritage on a profound level.

Through cultural mapping, these indigenous icons are meticulously described and visualized. This process is essential because it provides a clear understanding of where the community has been, where it stands presently, and how it can navigate towards a culturally enriched future.

Cultural icons, in this context, encompass a wide array of elements within the Cordillera culture. They might manifest as visual symbols, auditory expressions, physical objects, revered individuals, or even groups that embody the essence of the culture. Recognized by members of the community, these icons play a pivotal role in representing various facets of cultural identity.

By embracing cultural mapping and incorporating these icons into the educational curriculum, the K to 12 program not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a deep sense of pride and respect for the Cordillera heritage. This approach ensures that the younger generation not only learns about their culture but also learns from it, enriching their educational journey and fostering a strong connection with their roots.