PGLU JOINS 13TH NAKEM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
[wp-svg-icons icon="user" wrap="span"] By: Darlene Joy V. Acosta, PITO-PGLU | [wp-svg-icons icon="calendar" wrap="span"] Date: May 31, 2018
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) participated in the13th Nakem International Conference on May 24 to 26, 2018 at the Center for Culture and Arts, Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City, Benguet.
Now on its 13th year, the Nakem Conferences have always been at the forefront in the pursuit of cultural pluralism, mother language education and heritage education in the country. The 3-day conference sessions were attended by Academic Researchers and Professionals from all over the world with more than 100 participants.
The President of the host university, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, welcomed the guests in the opening program held at the SLU Theatre. He stressed that Nakem evokes sense of spirituality reactivating the “nakem” (consciousness which determines with finality what makes an ethical conduct) in us. Vice President for Planning and Finance of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Engr. Ami Ruth Cocson, likewise gave her welcome speech representing the MMSU President, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis.
The president of Nakem USA, Dr. Aurelio S. Agcaoili, also welcomed the paticipants and discussed the need to sustain the tripod of issues that ought to mark a meaningful life of communities and countries all over the world: linguistic diversity, cultural democracy, and liberation education. His book “Zona Zero/Zone Zero” and the book of Dr. Sonja A. Chan entitled “Dear Heart” were launched together with the book “Pakasaritaan: Story in History, History as Story and Liberation Education” in honor of the late Dr. Julius Bajet Soria of Nakem USA.
Officer in Charge of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and guest speaker of the conference, Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, delivered his keynote speech saying “Nakem” is a movement, it is an expression of the ilokano self and sense of being. The introduction of the new Ilokano Learning Application named “Sanut” (which means wisdom) was presented by Mr. Lee Carlo F. Simon of Smart Communications.
Highlights of the succeeding days were Plenary and Parallel Sessions. During the Plenary Sessions, dedicated professionals imparted their knowledge and experiences on the idea of exclusivity of Ilokano culture that shapes the Ilokano identity and consciousness of an individual. The speakers further pointed out issues and challenges affecting our culture. Speakers were Dr. Jimmy Fong, Dr. Jeofrey M. Almazan and Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos. Initiation of Parallel Sessions took place as researchers, students and professors presented topics particularly on Educational and Linguistic Foundations, Research, Experiences and Best Practices; Language and Literature Education, Arts, Sports, Sciences and Related Topics; and Local History, Culture and Society in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Another highlight of the 3-day conference is the Opening Ceremony of the Amianan Studies Corner of the SLU Library. The Ribbon Cutting and Opening of the Corner took place after the messages from Rev. Fr. Sales and Dr. Agcaoili were given.
The President of Nakem Philippines, Dr. Alegria T. Visaya, was represented by Dr. Bonifacio V. Ramos in formally closing the conference. It is announced that the next Nakem Conference will be held at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Manila.
The Nakem Conference was timely and significant to the continuing efforts of the PGLU in cultural heritage and Iloko language preservation and promotions.
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