USM Celebrates Third Kailian Festival, Brings Cultures Closer to Students

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) brought together the different cultures, traditions, and beliefs represented in the University during the third Kailian Festival on September 30, 2026 at the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.

Kailian comes from the Ilocano word ili, which means town, home, or community. It refers to a fellow community member or kababayan, reflecting the festival’s aim of creating a space where students and members of the USM community can learn about and appreciate one another’s cultural backgrounds.

This year’s celebration featured cultural items from different communities, including Tboli attire, Tnalak clothes made from abaca fibers, and Luwag or grasp belts. Maguindanaon cultural items such as the kupiya, sajadhah, and hijab were also displayed.

The exhibits also introduced traditional instruments, including the bamboo-made selurey and kuving, along with demonstrations of their use in music and tribal dances.

Beyond the displays, the festival gave students a chance to experience culture through performances and food. A song translated into the Tboli language was presented, while food from different tribes was prepared for the exhibit and made available for participants to taste.

The activity was initiated by Associate Professor Yvonne Saliling with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), headed by Dr. Ma. Leida Donque, as an avenue for the USM community to learn more about the diverse cultures represented in the University,particularly those of its Tri-people community.

For OSA, the celebration could also grow beyond a yearly event. The office shared its wish to establish a Gulayan ni Kailian and expressed hope for the passage of a bill through the University Student Government (USG) that would allow students to wear their respective cultural attire on a designated day in school.

USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel also reminded students to carry with them the culture of respect they experience in the University.

He said students should be proud to say that they came from USM when they leave the University, where different cultures are recognized and given equal opportunities to grow and be represented.

Pres. Pimentel also emphasized that USM recognizes its Tri-people community and provides opportunities for its members to develop their talents and contribute to the University.

He also encouraged students to treat one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of their cultural background.

“You have to preserve your culture,” he said, stressing the importance of protecting cultural traditions and keeping them alive.

Looking ahead, the president shared his vision of establishing a center in the University where people from different cultures could come together and share their traditions and experiences.

Now on its third year, the Kailian Festival continues to bring these cultures closer to the USM community through traditions, stories, music, food, and experiences that students can see and experience within the campus.