The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Cordillera (NCIP-CAR) is requesting a portion of the storied BIBAK (Baguio, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga) property for the establishment of a regional school of living tradition (SLT) for education on cultural practices and traditions.
“A school of living tradition for all tribes, aside from a regional museum, and a dormitory for IP students from the provinces. That is our plan for the BIBAK area that was supported by both the Regional Development Council and the Cordillera Congressmen in 2018,” NCIP Regional Director and lawyer Ronald Calde said.
He said that they want only a portion of the BIBAK lot, which will not come into conflict with the local government’s plans for a government center and a parking area in the same compound.
According to Calde, originally, NCIP-CAR sought to have the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) develop a plan for the SLT way back in 2018 with the approval of Congress, but the plans fell through because of the pandemic and Calde’s own reassignment to another post.
With Calde having been reassigned yet again to the Cordillera region, he is attempting to revive the original project to have a dedicated Cordillera cultural center.
He said some floors of the proposed SLT will be used to present songs, dances, practices, and cultural activities like weaving and gong-making.
