The spirit of unity, sustainability, and cultural pride took center stage in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office XII successfully staged the ASEAN 2025 Programme at Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) on August 14, 2025. Anchored on the theme “Weaving Cultures, Sustaining Traditions: Indigenous Peoples and ASEAN Identity,” the celebration became a vibrant convergence of tradition, education, and sustainable development.

This year, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) joined forces with New Hope School of Agriculture and Fishery, Inc. (NHSAFI) and Santo Nino College Foundation, Inc. (SNCFI) to create a collaborative showcase that reflected not only the rich heritage of South Cotabato but also a shared commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth. Their joint booth featured indigenous textiles of the Tboli tribe, live demonstrations of traditional weaving, sustainable crafts, and eco-friendly entrepreneurial products—ranging from agriculture to fisheries—each accompanied by stories of community empowerment, responsible resource use, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The programme opened with a heartfelt invocation by Rosie Godwino Sula “Boi Limingon,” followed by the Philippine National Anthem, ASEAN Anthem, and CHED Hymn performed by the NDMU Tambuli Singers. In their remarks, NDMU President Bro. Paterno S. Corpus, FMS; CHEDRO XII Regional Director Rody P. Garcia, MDM, JD, EdD; and DOT XII Chief Tourism Operations Officer Mx. Rodel Margaux E. Hilado emphasized the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions while integrating climate-conscious practices into education, tourism, and local industries—underscoring that heritage and sustainability must go hand in hand.

Following the ASEAN Expo Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, the joint HCCCI–NHSAFI–SNCFI exhibit quickly became a focal point for visitors, offering interactive demonstrations, cultural storytelling, and practical examples of eco-entrepreneurship. Guests were also treated to a savory serving of tuna sashimi—a dish of thinly sliced, fresh raw tuna—adding a flavorful highlight to the booth experience. From minimizing single-use plastics to promoting fair-trade indigenous crafts, the institutions demonstrated how local traditions can thrive in harmony with environmental responsibility.

The cultural highlight of the day came with the NDMU Kariktan Dance Troupe’s stirring performance, which flowed seamlessly into the panel discussion on “Weaving Cultures, Sustaining Traditions: Indigenous Peoples and ASEAN Identity.” Panelists from CHED Region XII, DOT Region XII, NCIP Region XII, and the Council of International Relations Officers discussed the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into higher education, the role of cultural preservation in shaping ASEAN identity, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities. The active participation of HCCCI, NHSAFI, and SNCFI added real-world examples of how academic institutions can collaborate to advance sustainability-driven, culturally grounded initiatives.

With South Cotabato serving as the Week 2 sponsor area for ASEAN Month, the unified effort between these three institutions sent a strong and clear message: sustainable development is most effective when rooted in cooperation, shared resources, and a common vision for the future. Through cultural showcases, academic engagement, and environmental advocacy, HCCCI, NHSAFI, and SNCFI reaffirmed their roles as champions of both cultural preservation and sustainable progress within the ASEAN community.

As the event concluded with the awarding of certificates and a renewed call for regional unity, it left behind more than memories—it solidified a commitment. In weaving cultures and sustaining traditions, these institutions are also weaving a future that is resilient, inclusive, and firmly aligned with the global sustainability agenda.