Conversations on land rights, identity, and cultural preservation unfold at PUP.
Issues of land-grabbing, colonial mentality, and the fight to preserve indigenous identity were at the forefront during “SAHAYA: Sailing Beyond Currents, Amplifying Waves of Influence,” as students, advocates, and performers gathered to spotlight stories of culture, representation, and lived experiences often left out of mainstream conversations.
Spearheaded by junior marketing executives and students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the event was held on Friday, May 15, at the PUP Theater in Manila as part of an initiative aimed at amplifying Indigenous voices and encouraging conversations on cultural empowerment.
The marketing of a movement
Indigenous Peoples’ rights advocate Giulienne Sanchez; Aldren Ross Balaba; and education instructor and content creator led keynote discussions on culture, identity, and influence in the modern age.
“The Voice Kids” Season 2 runner-up Reynan Dal-anay also performed for attendees, who took part in interactive games and a declamation contest throughout the program.
Derived from the Tausug word for “illumination,” SAHAYA centers on indigenous narratives, identity, and lived experiences, creating space for stories and perspectives that are often overlooked.
Empowering the roots. PUP theater highlights indigenous struggles during the SAHAYA cultural forum.
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Supporting indigenous communities ethically
Practice IP rights over aesthetics. When purchasing traditional textiles (like Yakan or Inabal weaves) for fashion or interior design projects, do not alter or cut sacred patterns without consulting the weaving community. Treating indigenous craftsmanship as mere raw material strips it of its spiritual and historical value.
Adopt fair-trade supply lines: Avoid buying indigenous crafts from unregulated city middlemen who absorb the majority of the profit margins. Prioritize purchasing directly from tribal cooperatives or social enterprises that guarantee a living wage to the actual artisans in the provinces.
Use your digital platform to elevate indigenous content creators and educators who speak on their own terms. True empowerment means stepping past the microphone rather than speaking on behalf of a community that already has a voice.
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