Ifugao State University (IFSU) signed a new partnership agreement with National Chengchi University (NCCU) of Taiwan and Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMo) based in Kiangan, Ifugao to sustain the gains of the past 3-year contract through an online ceremonial signing on May 23, 2022.

The two Universities and the local non-government organization inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will usher in another 3-year partnership starting this month to May 2024.

The said collaboration will strengthen the academic exchange of materials and information; educational visits by faculty members and researchers; joint international fora; and joint conduct of research projects.

In 2018, the same partnership gave birth to the Center for Taiwan-Philippines Indigenous Knowledge, Local Knowledge, and Sustainable Studies (CTPILS) at IFSU – Lamut Campus.

The CTPILS subsequently created the Ifugao Indigenous Knowledge Educators Training Program which aims to train public school teachers to develop modules incorporated with indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices. Its Phase 1 ended after the 3-year contract with more than a hundred trained teachers.

Today, IFSU through the CTPILS continues to draw attention from international and local institutions widening its influence, and mainstreaming Ifugao Indigenous Knowledge and Systems (IKS) as a field of study.

Dr. Ming-Cheng Kuo, University President of NCCU, thanked IFSU and SITMo for the partnership. “It is an enormous pleasure working with IFSU and an honor establishing connections with the SITMo,” he said.

The top official also hopes that students will be rooted locally and think globally. “We welcome international students to come and explore what they can learn from Taiwan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, IFSU University President, vowed her full support for the platform to preserve and perpetuate the rich IKS of both countries.

“As a University that envisions excellence amidst rich cultural heritage, IFSU stays true to its commitment to strong research leadership and culture to intensify the conservation of the rich cultural heritage,” she said

Moreover, Marlon M. Martin, SITmo Chief Operations Officer, assured that the Ifugao community, the elders, and knowledge bearers will always support IFSU and NCCU in advancing the rights of the indigenous peoples.

Eulalie D. Dulnuan, Director for the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) - Cordillera Regional Museum and former Director for IRT - Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS); Jude C. Baggo, current Director for IRT-GIAHS; Joy A. Nanglegan, Director for Department of Extension and Training; and Dr. Elpidio B. Basilio Jr., Director for Research Development witnessed the signing.