Caraga State University (CSU), through the College of Education (CEd), conducted Project KAHIUSA: Training-Workshop on the Development of Contextualized and Indigenized Instructional Materials in Mathematics Reflecting Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) at the Manobo Tribal Hall, CADT 135 in Anticala, Butuan City, on June 30, 2026.
The extension activity aims to strengthen the capacity of the Manobo Para-Teachers, tribal leaders designated to teach in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Program in Butuan City, to identify, document, validate, and appropriately integrate IKSPs into mathematics instructional materials and learning resources. By equipping these educators with the necessary knowledge and skills, the project sought to enhance the quality of mathematics instruction in the IP communities. More importantly, the activity aims to empower IP communities through quality and culturally responsive education.
Spearheading the Project KAHIUSA is Dr. Maris T. Lasco, who was also one of the key resource persons for the extension activity. Besides Dr. Lasco, two other CSU resource persons who featured insightful presentations were Dr. Evelyn B. Ballenas and Mr. Abzonie B. Reño. The CSU team was warmly welcomed by Tribal Leader Bae Tessie Dapiniagan Tecson, Datu Dominador D. Enggayas, Manobo Tribal Leader Datu Robin Mandahinog, and other tribal council members and representatives.
In addition to the capability-building component, the activity served as a venue for the monitoring and evaluation of the ongoing IPs scholarship and extension projects implemented under Project KAHIUSA. The evaluation assessed the effectiveness, sustainability, and impact of these initiatives on beneficiaries and partner communities. The findings generated through this process will provide valuable evidence to improve future extension interventions, enhance project implementation strategies, and ensure that the objectives of indigenous education programs are achieved effectively and sustainably.
