FIRST IN CENTRAL LUZON: NEUST launches Reg’l Center for IP education

To empower indigenous communities across Central Luzon through education and sustainable development initiatives, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) launched the Regional Center for Indigenous People (ReCIPE) at the Mini Convention Center, NEUST Sumacab Campus on January 28, 2025.

Dr. Ronald Adamat,  Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner, said that “the center will not only preserve indigenous history but also serve as a foundation for their future,” adding that “ReCIPE will contribute significantly to promoting indigenous peoples’ culture, identity, and rights.” 

Dr. Lora Yusi, CHED Region III Director, commended State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Central Luzon for their dedication to advancing indigenous peoples’ welfare and emphasized the crucial role of ReCIPE in this advocacy.

 “We gather today not just to launch a center. We are here to affirm our commitment to inclusion. We are here to affirm our advocacy that we want to recognize every voice. And that voice will also include our IPs,” Dr. Yusi stated.

Meanwhile, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo emphasized NEUST’s commitment to supporting the welfare of indigenous communities and ensuring that their identity is upheld.

“Ang ReCIPE ay hindi lamang isang pasilidad; tinitingnan natin ito bilang isang tahanan ng pag-asa at tagumpay para sa mga katutubo,” Dr. Jugo said. “Ang Regional Center na ito ay magiging kanlungan rin ng ating sama-samang pagkilos, pag-unlad, at pag-agapay sa bawat isa. Sa pamamagitan ng sentrong ito, ipapamalas natin sa mundo na ang ating rehiyon ay isang huwaran ng pagkakaisa at malasakit.”

The said launching was graced by different IIndigenous Peoples (IP) groups and advocates including ADIBAI IP Youth Organization.

Messages of Support

Advocates of IP also vouched their messages of support to the regional center. 

Atty. Atanacio Addog, Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 3, stated that ReCIPE will serve as a bridge to convey accurate historical narratives and correct past injustices faced by indigenous peoples, saying: “Soon, our State Universities and Colleges – our professors – will be the bridge to convey the true information and history of our indigenous peoples in the Philippines.”

Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, President of Pangasinan Polytechnic College and Chairman of the Technical Panel for Indigenous Peoples and Peace Studies/Education, said that “this regional center is significant in addressing challenges faced by indigenous communities, particularly as a marginalized sector, while fostering cultural diversity and enhancing their welfare.”

Strengthening Partnership 

Following the messages, President Jugo formalized NEUST’s partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that promotes Indigenous Peoples Education with Dr. Teody San Andres, Bulacan State University (BulSU) President; Dr. Silverio Ramon Salunson, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) President; and Atty. Addog.

NEUST officials including Engr. Feliciana Jacoba, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA); Atty. Bembol Castillo, Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance (VPABF); and Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (VPRET); some members of the Administrative Council, NEUST IP students, and Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies (BALCS) students attended the event.

To show their support, officials and representatives from the following were also present: National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), NCIP Provincial Offices, President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU), Tarlac State University (TSU), Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), Polytechnic College of Botolan, DOST-Central Luzon, DOST-Nueva Ecija, Philhealth Regional Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), as well as various indigenous communities in Region III.

The ReCIPE, headed by Dr. Vilma Ramos, was originated from NEUST’s Center for Indigenous Peoples Education (CIPE), established in 2018, with a mission to empower indigenous communities through education, cultural recognition, and sustainable development.

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