The Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC) successfully hosted the launch of the Cordillera Heritage 101 book, alongside the Faculty Immersion and Training Seminar (FITS) and the Bamboo Industry Development Program Project Exhibits and 2025 Fund Implementation Planning. This three-day event took place from February 4 to 6, 2025, at the Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

The event convened key stakeholders in higher education, including university presidents from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), vice presidents for academic affairs, vice presidents for research, authors of the Cordillera Heritage 101 workbook, team members of the Bamboo Project, and faculty members designated to teach the Cordillera Heritage 101 course.

The launch of Cordillera Heritage 101 represents a crucial initiative in preserving and advancing the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. To enhance the instructional capacity of faculty members, FITS was conducted as an immersive training program designed to equip educators with the necessary expertise to effectively deliver the course. Concurrently, the Bamboo Industry Development Program presented ongoing initiatives through curated exhibits and facilitated strategic discussions on fund implementation for 2025.

Distinguished guests were the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and Senator Loren Legarda, both of whom played instrumental roles in advancing regional development initiatives for CAR-SUCs. The event also welcomed other officials such as Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Hon. Ronald L. Adamat, Former CHED-CAR Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., National Commission on Indigenous Peoples - CAR Regional Director Atty. Atanacio D. Addog, and Project Cordillera Heritage Leader Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon.

Dr. Joy Grace P. Doctor, University President, led the Kalinga State University team in both the Cordillera 101 initiative and the Bamboo Project.

This event underscored CARASUC’s firm commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation, and sustainable industry development. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders reaffirmed the significance of education in safeguarding the Cordillera’s heritage while fostering regional progress through strategic and well-coordinated programs.