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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) celebrated the Kailian Festival, a cultural event dedicated to honoring the rich heritage and unity of the tri-people — the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the Bangsamoro, and the Christian communities — with students, faculty, and staff at USM, Kabacan, Cotabato on September 29, 2025.
“Kailian” is a Cordilleran term that means “fellow native” or “community,” reflecting the spirit of belonging and unity among different ethnolinguistic groups. The Kailian Festival in USM featured traditional performances, songs, and exhibits that showcased the rich heritage of tri-people, and their continuing role in shaping the nation’s identity.
Prof. Leo M. Gayao, a faculty member of the PALMA- Extension Classes, served as guest of honor and speaker. He shared that it is disheartening to see how many young people are more familiar with foreign words than their native languages. However, he expressed appreciation to USM for organizing activities like the Kailian Festival, which help sustain and pass on indigenous culture to the next generation. He reminded students to take pride in their roots and to value the wisdom of indigenous traditions as part of their identity as Filipinos.
The event showed USM’s commitment to promoting inclusion and cultural awareness, ensuring that the voices and heritage of Indigenous Peoples remain alive within the USM community.
