Honoring Heritage, Advancing Knowledge
Within the framework of the WE-BREW 2026 International Research Conference, Mountain Province State University’s College of Advanced Education convened a collaborative landmark dialogue meeting on September 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the College of Advanced Education Office to deliberate on the opening of the Master of Arts in Indigenous Studies program. This milestone initiative — under the visionary leadership and envisioned as the academic brainchild of University President Dr. Edgar G. Cue — embodies MPSU’s enduring commitment to advancing inclusivity, cultural sustainability, and academic excellence, ensuring that the voices and traditions of Indigenous communities are elevated within the academic sphere.
The meeting was graced by Dr. Marilyn L. Ngales, Professor at the Graduate School of Indigenous Studies Program, Lyceum of the Philippines University–Manila, a distinguished academic, researcher, and advocate for Indigenous Peoples, and a significant speaker in the WE-BREW 2026 International Research Conference. Alongside her was Ms. Leonora H. Astete, Director of the Center for Inclusive Communities and Development Advocacy (CICADA), a research and advocacy network established in June 2024 at LPU Manila to protect the rights, history, and development of Indigenous Peoples and hunter-gatherer communities. Dr. Ngales spearheaded CICADA’s development, co-led by Ms. Astete, underscoring their shared commitment to inclusive education and Indigenous empowerment.
Representing MPSU were Dr. Geraldine L. Madjaco, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Francisco C. Armas, Dean of the College of Advanced Education; Ms. Karyl A. Po-or, CAE’s Administrative and Strategic Affairs Officer; and Social Studies Professors Dr. Lorena Dalmacio, Mr. Reynaldo Jr. P. Gayo (Vice President for Administration and Finance), Mr. Arnel P. Kisofen, Mr. Art Say-eo, and Mr. Felix T. Falag-ey, Jr.
