NBSC STRENGTHENS INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH BENCHMARKING
Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC), through the Community Extension Services Division (CESD), successfully conducted a benchmarking activity between the Sinontao Clan Indigenous People of Barangay Santiago, Manolo Fortich, and the Indigenous People of Tboli on October 22-24, 2025, in the Municipality of Tboli, South Cotabato.
The activity aimed to learn from the best practices of the Tboli community in implementing community-based cultural tourism and sustainable indigenous enterprises that promote both cultural preservation and economic development.
The benchmarking visit provided the Sinontao Clan with valuable insights into how the Tboli people have effectively managed their cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and eco-tourism initiatives. The engagement included interactive discussions with Tboli leaders, visits to cultural villages, and observations of local livelihood enterprises, such as weaving, handicraft-making, beadwork, and the performing arts.
This initiative serves as a preparatory step for the Sinontao Clan to develop their own culture-based tourism enterprise, ensuring that the younger generations sustain their cultural identity while gaining meaningful economic opportunities. NBSC’s facilitation of this activity reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, culture-sensitive, and sustainable community development, empowering Indigenous Peoples through education, exposure, and enterprise-based learning.
The collaboration among NBSC, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich through its Tourism Office,and the Tboli LGU and community leaders contributed to the success of this endeavor, fostered intercultural learning and solidarity among Mindanao’s Indigenous communities.
Furthermore, this initiative was actively participated in by the Extension Coordinators and Program Heads of Northern Bukidnon State College and was strongly supported by the College President, Dr. Christie Jean Villanueva-Ganiera, CESE, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jovelyn G. Delosa. Their leadership and encouragement underscore the institution’s commitment to advancing institutionalized programs that integrate indigenous knowledge systems, cultural preservation, and sustainable enterprise development within NBSC’s academic and extension framework.
This collaborative effort highlights NBSC’s continuing mission to nurture empowered, self-reliant, and culturally grounded communities.
