ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (CBCP / Dec. 11) - Ateneo de Zamboanga University, a Jesuit school in western Mindanao, is envisioning to come up with documentation of materials about the history, culture and the present situation of the indigenous peoples of Western Mindanao, according to the university sources.
The initiative is done under the aegis of Institute of Cultural Studies for Western Mindanao (ICSWM).
It plans to produce visuals portraying the major ethnic tribes in the region, showing their costumes and habitat.
Other plans also include compilation of comprehensive biographies of prominent personalities in the history of Zamboanga City and the region and collection of artifacts such as ethnic costumes, crafts, cooking utensils, tools and equipment used in handicraft making, agriculture and weaponry.
ICSWM aims to enhance unity, understanding and acceptance among peoples and to aid in the formation and transformation of society.
The ICSWM commits itself to provide an avenue for better understanding among the multi-cultural and multi-religious peoples of Western Mindanao through increased awareness and knowledge of each other’s history and culture by: collecting books, photographs, maps and other historical and cultural materials obtained through donation, reproduction or purchase, and cataloguing such as collected materials and making them available to students and researchers.
ICSWM will sponsor seminars and workshops on various topics or issues on history, literature, culture, religion and Muslim and Christian relations in the region for the Ateneo community and other interested groups, undertaking the celebration of ethnic festivals in Western Mindanao in coordination with government and non-government agencies, focusing on cultural presentations (literary, musical, dance, and drama) on the various aspects of the socio-cultural world of the indigenous peoples.
The ICSWM was established on October 16, 1990—a step in the realization of the Ateneo de Zamboanga’s commitment to assist the people of the city and the region in accepting and working within the reality that ours is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
As an educational institution, the Ateneo de Zamboanga has the unique opportunity to help overcome the ignorance, prejudices and animosities of the past.
The thrust of the ICSWM is in line with the direction throughout the world of the Society of Jesus, which shows a keen interest in activities that promote inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue.
ICSWM’s collection includes an extensive bibliography, annotated vertical files and materials on the history and culture of Western Mindanao.
The ICSWM gets its financial support from donations of various organizations within the Philippines and abroad. (CBCP - Santosh Digal)
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