by: John Marlou B. Salido

The CPU School of Graduate Studies turned over a graduate thesis promoting Indigenous Peoples’ empowerment and community development during the 2026 Pambansang Buwan ng mga Katutubo celebration in Malay, Aklan.

The Central Philippine University (CPU) School of Graduate Studies reaffirmed its commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ empowerment and socio-cultural development through its participation in the 2026 Pambansang Buwan ng mga Katutubo celebration held on October 27, 2026, at Cubay Elementary School in Malay, Aklan.

Anchored on the theme “Katutubong Edukasyon: Unang Dekada, Unang Ani ng Pag-asa,” the LGU celebration featured the formal turnover of the graduate thesis entitled “Indigenous Voices: A Case Study of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan through Participatory Needs Analysis,” authored by John Marlou B. Salido, a graduate of CPU’s Master of Science in Social Work program.

Joining Salido during the activity were his thesis adviser, Dr. Gynnyn G. Gumban, and Bibian Lastimoso, CPU School of Graduate Studies staff.

During his message, Salido emphasized the research’s value as a reference for future community development initiatives:

“Ang purpose ng thesis na ito is that if ever na may dumating na individual, grupo, o organization na nais tulungan ang komunidad, maaari niyo pong maipakita ang thesis na ito sa kanila dahil nakalahad po rito ang inyong mga minimithi, mga hamong kinakaharap, at mga oportunidad na mayroon kayo.”

The initiative reflects CPU’s continuing commitment to socially responsive research that amplifies Indigenous voices, preserves cultural identity, and translates academic scholarship into meaningful contributions to inclusive and sustainable community development.