CERTIFICATES FOR HIGYAW MINDANAO

Report on Higyaw Mindanao 2020 Online Competition and Its Relevance 

1. Introduction

The Higyaw Mindanao 2020 Online Competition was conceived and executed during the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020 – July 2021) as an innovative initiative by the Tribal Government of the Philippines in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The project not only promoted and preserved indigenous culture and arts but also leveraged digital tools and quad media to reach diverse communities. This report outlines the project’s background, implementation, and outcomes, and its role focused on education, early childhood development, and community engagement.

2. Background of the Higyaw Mindanao Project

• Context:
  Amid the global COVID-19 crisis, traditional modes of cultural promotion and community engagement were disrupted. Higyaw Mindanao 2020 was developed as an adaptive response, transitioning cultural celebrations and competitions to online platforms.

• Project Timeline:
  The project spanned from October 2020 to July 2021, covering multiple phases from online engagement to in-person rituals in various municipalities.

3. Project Overview and Features

3.1 Higyaw Mindanao Online Competition

• Digital Engagement:
  
  

• The core of the project was an online competition that attracted 173 entries across diverse categories. Participants submitted creative content reflecting their cultural heritage, showcasing talents, and addressing current social realities.

• Use of Quad Media:

  • Print Media: Newspaper outputs were generated, providing a tangible record of the competition’s highlights.
  • Social Media & Online Platforms: A dedicated website, YouTube videos, Facebook pages, groups, and boosted posts ensured broad visibility and engagement.
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  • Radio: Regular radio appearances helped disseminate updates and discussed the competition’s positive societal impacts.

4. Objectives of Higyaw Mindanao 2020

The project was designed with multiple objectives that resonate with broader developmental and educational goals:

• Implementation of an Online Framework: Adapt cultural promotion and competitions to digital environments amid pandemic restrictions.
• Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Use digital platforms to showcase indigenous arts and culture.
• Community Engagement: Interview community leaders and role models via online formats (e.g., Zoom interviews), thereby educating and inspiring both youths and adults.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Address pertinent issues such as the non-recognition of indigenous rights, using documentaries, social media narratives (hugot lines and memes), and direct community interactions.
• Capacity Building: Encourage communities to document and share their achievements and challenges, fostering a culture of self-expression and resilience.

5. Implementation and Outcomes

5.1 Implementation Strategy

• Digital Competence:
  The project effectively transitioned from traditional to online methods. Zoom interviews, digital submissions, and social media engagements were central to its operation.
• Multi-Media Integration:
  Coordinated efforts across print, online,  and radio ensured that the competition reached a wide audience. Each medium played a strategic role in building credibility and engagement.
• Community Rituals:
  Despite pandemic restrictions, in-person rituals were conducted in multiple municipalities, reinforcing community bonds and ensuring the project’s cultural authenticity.

5.2 Key Outcomes

• High Participation:
  With 173 competitive entries, the project demonstrated strong community engagement even during challenging times.
• Policy Impact:
  A documentary from the competition led to action by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), resulting in the validation and recognition of indigenous groups affected by mining operations.
• Digital Transformation:
  The project showcased how digital tools can be harnessed to promote cultural education and community resilience, providing a template for future initiatives under crisis conditions.
• Enhanced Visibility of Indigenous Issues:
  Through interviews and media coverage, the project elevated the voices of indigenous leaders and highlighted their challenges, aligning with broader social and educational advocacy.

6. Relevance to the UNICEF Consultancy Role

The UNICEF consultancy role in Education and Early Childhood Development focuses on supporting initiatives that are evidence-based, equitable, and inclusive. The experience with Higyaw Mindanao 2020 is highly relevant in several ways:

• Digital Innovation and Adaptability:
  The project’s successful transition to online methodologies reflects the kind of innovative problem-solving required in modern education systems, especially under crisis conditions.

• Community-Centered Approach:
  Like UNICEF’s emphasis on reaching vulnerable children and communities, the project engaged indigenous groups, showcasing practical strategies for inclusive community development and cultural preservation.

• Multi-Media Engagement:
  The integration of various media channels mirrors UNICEF’s approach to leveraging communication tools for education and awareness, essential for addressing learning crises and ensuring holistic development.

• Evidence-Based Impact:
  The project produced tangible outcomes (e.g., NCIP validation and recognition) that demonstrate how well-planned initiatives can drive policy changes. This evidence-based approach is directly applicable to UNICEF’s work in policy implementation and monitoring in the education sector.

• Capacity Building and Empowerment:
  By engaging youths, tribal leaders, and other community members, the initiative built local capacity and encouraged self-reliance—a core principle in UNICEF’s programming for sustainable development.

7. Conclusion

The Higyaw Mindanao 2020 Online Competition is a prime example of how digital innovation, multi-media strategies, and community engagement can be effectively combined to address critical societal challenges. The lessons learned from this project provide a relevant foundation particularly in terms of promoting inclusive education, leveraging technology in crisis contexts, and implementing evidence-based policies that empower communities. This project not only reflects a deep commitment to cultural preservation and community development but also aligns to ensure that every child—and community—receives a fair chance at a better future.