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The University of Southern Mindanao, through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), led by Dir. Ma. Leida M. Donque launched the first Kailian Festival on September 30, 2024, held at the facade of the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences (CHEFS), USM, Kabacan, Cotabato. The event was part of the weeklong celebration of USM’s 70th Founding Anniversary.
In her opening remarks, Professor Yvonne V. Saliling, a faculty member from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) and a member of the “Kankanaey” (Igorot) tribe, referred to the celebration as a magnet that pulls the tribal groups together to celebrate and enjoy the diversity of cultures in USM. Further, she emphasized that the event manifests that USM is inclusive and welcomes students of all faith perspectives. Kailian was derived from the Ilocano word “ili” which translates in Filipino as “bayan”; hence kailian means “kababayan”.
Francisco Gil N. Garcia, PhD, President of the University of Southern Mindanao, expressed his immense gratitude to the Office of Student Affairs and all the attendees who made the event possible.
The event concluded with a festive fellowship meal of different delicacies and a community ethnic dance led by the Erumanen ne Menuvu tribe with Christians, Muslims, and fellow Indigenous people participating.
