In observance of National Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Month, Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria, Inc. (COSCA) joins the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA), in commemorating Dayaw 2026, a three-day celebration held from October 13 to 15.
The observance is conducted in accordance with Memorandum No. 400, series of 2026, issued by the Commission on Higher Education–Negros Island Region (CHED-NIR) on October 5. Carrying the theme “Pagkamalikhain ng Katutubong Filipino: Pinagtibay ng mga Pagsubok, Umaalab ang Bagong Pag-asa,” Dayaw 2026 highlights the resilience and creativity of Indigenous communities, whose cultural identities remain deeply rooted in ancestral traditions despite the challenges of a rapidly changing society.
Behind every intricate weave, traditional dance, and ancestral song lies a story of resilience, identity, and belonging. These cultural expressions are not merely remnants of the past; they are living testimonies to generations of Indigenous peoples who continue to preserve their heritage amid cultural erosion, inequality, and displacement. However, preserving Indigenous heritage requires more than celebrating the beauty of traditional arts. It also calls for recognizing the communities behind these practices, respecting their rights, and acknowledging that Indigenous cultures are not relics of history but living, evolving parts of the nation’s cultural identity.
As COSCA joins the nationwide observance, Dayaw 2026 reminds every Catalinan that cultural appreciation must extend beyond festivities. Preserving Indigenous heritage is a shared responsibility that calls for listening to Indigenous voices, valuing their knowledge, and ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
A nation’s identity is not written in history books alone; it also lives in the traditions, stories, and voices of the people who continue to keep their heritage alive. | via Marianne Faye S. Cardenas, Chimes Correspondent
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