BCU’s Contribution to the UN Decade of Indigenous Languages-2022-2032
November 7, 2026, Tuscany Hotel, Baguio City. Baguio Central University (BCU) proudly celebrates the launch of INAYAN: Culturally Responsive Leadership and Governance , authored by Dr. Maria Atitiw Catbagan-Aplaten , an Outstanding Women Leader of Baguio City in Culture and the Arts. Edited by Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang (WURI Historian, Dean of the BCU Graduate School, and International Relations Officer), the book is published by the Center for Empowerment Seminars and Workshops, Inc. (CESWI), represented by its Marketing Director, Ms. Leah Marie Bautista , and Program Head, Ms. Faye Liong .
Book editor Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang delivers her message of gratitude during the launch of INAYAN, highlighting the harmony between Cordillera cultural values and global sacred traditions. Tuscany Hotel, Nov. 7, 2026. (Photo Credit: Rotaract Club of Baguio Angels)
TOKEN OF GRATITUDE: Author Dr. Maria Atitiw Catbagan-Aplaten (left) presents a Certificate of Appreciation and a gift basket of local indigenous produce to book editor Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang (right) in recognition of her invaluable editorial work on Inayan: Culturally Responsive Leadership and Governance. The publication contributes to the UN International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032). Photo Credit: Rotaract, Club of Baguio Angels.
Held on November 7, 2026 , at the Tuscany Hotel Urban in Baguio City, the event brought together librarians, educators, indigenous culture bearers, community leaders, scholars, and sustainable development advocates to honor a work deeply rooted in Cordillera wisdom yet urgently relevant to contemporary leadership.
Representing University President Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Elma D. Donaal emphasized the executive leadership’s strong support for the project, highlighting the publication as BCU’s institutional contribution to the UN International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).
(Left): Author Dr. Maria Atitiw Catbagan-Aplaten signs copies of her newly launched book. (Right): Dr. Aplaten (seated center) is flanked by Baguio Central University Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Elma D. Donaal (left) and Mr. Derick Wooden (right), representing Party-List Congressman Kenneth Paolo Codeng (Tereng)
Photo Credit: Vashti Nicole F. Sabóy
At the heart of the celebration was the editorial contribution of Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, Dean of the Baguio Central University Graduate School and editor of Inayan. Her role went beyond refining a manuscript. It involved curating a living heritage by weaving together indigenous knowledge, spiritual insight, ecological ethics, and leadership principles. This deep contribution resonated strongly with participants, as reflected in the meaningful dialogue and reflections that followed her presentation.
A book rooted in Inayan
Cordilleran life, Inayan expresses reverence, restraint, accountability, and harmony with the Creator, community, ancestors, land, water, air, fire, and all living beings. It is a moral compass that reminds people that no achievement is meaningful if it damages relationships, exploits nature, or neglects the common good.
The author, Dr. Maria Atitiw Catbagan-Aplaten, conveyed her deep appreciation to the academic leaders, indigenous culture bearers, civic officials, and community members whose presence and shared support ensured the success of this milestone publication. Tawid ti Igorot PH.
Dr. Catbagan-Aplaten’s book translates this enduring worldview into the language of leadership and governance. It invites readers, especially educators, administrators, public servants, and community leaders, to view leadership as sacred responsibility. In this vision, a leader listens before deciding, serves before commanding, and protects the welfare of both people and planet.
The launch of the book comes at a significant time. As institutions confront environmental crises, cultural erosion, ethical challenges, and the demand for more humane governance, Inayan offers a framework grounded not in imported slogans but in the lived wisdom of the Cordillera.
The Book editor Genevieve B. Kupang, Architect Vic Ragarag, current President of the United Architects of the Philippines Cordillera, Dr. Lily Huwang, medical doctor and nutritionist, and Mr. Derick Wooden (right), representing Party-List Congressman Kenneth Paolo Codeng (Tereng). Dr. Lily Huang.
The editor’s calling
As editor, Kupang brought to the project a combination of academic expertise, cultural sensitivity, applied cosmic anthropology, and spiritual depth. Her editorial remarks, delivered during the launch, framed the book as part of a larger global conversation on indigenous knowledge, ecological responsibility, spirituality, and ethical leadership.
She described Inayan as a work that “curates Cordillera heritage and harmonizes values with a global indigenous sacred ethos.” This framing is important: the book does not isolate Cordilleran wisdom as merely local tradition. Instead, it presents it as a powerful contribution to universal questions: how should human beings live with one another, how should leaders exercise power, and how can societies remain in balance with the Earth and have deep reverence with the Creator and creation?
Dr. Kupang’s work as an applied cosmic anthropologist has long been shaped by encounters with elders, ritualists, weavers, chanters, storytellers, historians, and culture bearers across the Philippines and beyond. From the Cordillera rice terraces to the communities of the Visayas and Mindanao, she has listened to indigenous voices that see humanity not as separate from nature, but as part of a sacred web of life.
This profound perspective shaped her editorial vision for Inayan. The book, she explained, serves to preserve the rich cultural heritage gifted by our ancestors, allowing sacred ancestral wisdom to speak clearly and courageously to contemporary governance.
Indigenous wisdom, global relevance
One of the dimensions of the launch was its recognition that Cordilleran values resonate with indigenous traditions around the world. Dr. Kupang connected Inayan with the Inuit understanding of sacred relationship with land, ice, and weather; the Sámi principle of Birgejupmi , which emphasizes spiritual restraint and stewardship; the Andean ethic of Ayni , or sacred reciprocity; and African traditions such as Ubuntu , which affirm that “I am because we are.”
These connections reveal a shared truth: many indigenous peoples understand leadership as service, restraint, and responsibility. The Earth is not treated as an object to be consumed, but as a sacred living home, and the created beings are sacred kin. Human beings are not kings above creation; they are kin within the circle of life.
For Kupang, this is the urgent message from Inayan . In an age marked by climate change, conflict, inequality, war, violence, and environmental degradation, indigenous communities often stand as guardians of wisdom that post-modern societies urgently need. Their traditions remind humanity that progress cannot be measured by profit alone. True progress must protect life, restore balance, and secure a future for generations yet to come.
Leadership for the Cordillera and beyond
The relevance of Inayan is especially strong for Baguio Central University and the wider Cordillera region. As an institution of higher learning, BCU recognizes that education must not only produce skilled professionals; it must form leaders with conscience, cultural rootedness, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Dr. Catbagan-Aplaten’s book speaks directly to this mission. It encourages leaders to practice culturally responsive governance—leadership that respects indigenous identity, listens to communities, protects ancestral knowledge, and promotes justice. It also affirms the importance of integrating Indigenous Peoples’ education into higher education, in harmony with national efforts to recognize indigenous knowledge systems and practices in academic institutions.
For students in graduate programs, particularly in administration and supervision, Inayan offers a valuable framework. It challenges future leaders to ask difficult questions: Whose voices are heard in decision-making? Who benefits from development? What is sacrificed when economic growth ignores culture and environment? How can leadership heal rather than divide?
These questions are not abstract. They concern the mountains, rivers, farms, schools, barangays, and communities of the Cordillera. They also concern the future of the Philippines and the world.
A celebration of collaboration
The book launch was also a celebration of collaboration. Behind every published work are countless conversations, revisions, reflections, and acts of trust. Kupang’s editorial role represents the quiet but essential labor of helping an author’s vision take form. She clarified ideas, strengthened structure, honored voice, and ensured that the message reached readers with integrity.
Her participation as book editor and Dean of Baguio Central University (BCU) exemplifies the institution’s commitment to scholarship that actively serves community and culture. BCU recognizes that true knowledge transcends classroom walls, academic journals, and corporate boardrooms. It lives within oral traditions, sacred rituals, native landscapes, family histories, community practices, and the enduring wisdom of elders.
By supporting works such as Inayan , BCU affirms that indigenous knowledge is a living source of insight for education, governance, peacebuilding, environmental protection, and human development.
INAYAN Editor Genevieve B. Kupang with Jennifer G. Mendoza of the Baguio Benguet Sports & Fitness Coaches Association Inc. (BBSFCAI)
Carrying the message forward
During the launch, Kupang expressed hope that Inayan will receive wide recognition, including consideration for national literary and academic honors. Yet the deeper hope is greater than any award. It is the hope that the book will be read, discussed, taught, and lived.
May Inayan inspires leaders to govern with humility. May it encourage educators to teach with reverence for culture and creation. May it remind communities that their ancestral values are foundations for a more just and sustainable future.
As Kupang reminded the participants, the teachings of indigenous elders are a collective inheritance. They belong to the land, ancestors, and to the generations who will come after us. To honor them is to accept responsibility: to listen, to protect, to share, and to act.
In the end, Inayan calls each reader back to a simple but profound truth: leadership begins with reverence. When we honor the sacredness of life, we learn to lead as borrowed caretakers. When we recognize that all beings are kin, we discover a path toward peace, balance, and genuine human flourishing.
Baguio Central University congratulates Dr. Maria Atitiw Catbagan-Aplaten on the publication of Inayan: Culturally Responsive Leadership and Governance , and proudly recognizes Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang for her editorial leadership in bringing this important work to life.
Iyaiyman. Matago-tago tako ngamin.
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If you wish to order the book, connect with the publisher, Leah Marie Bautista, Marketing Director of CESWI- 0925 7625 263, or email her at ceswi@gmail.com,
Photo Credits: Jennifer G. Mendoza, Tawid ti Igorot PH, Rotaract, Club of Baguio Angels, Vashti Nicole F. Sabóy, Derick Wooden, and Dr. Lily Huang
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