Micah Jabiniar Aguilar, a proud Higaonon youth from Barangay Cugman, and an incoming second year Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education student of the City College of Cagayan de Oro, stood as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and educational inclusion as she opened the First Indigenous Peoples (IP) Youth Assembly held at Cronin Hall, Cathedral Compound last August 1, 2025.
Known within her tribe as “Bae Malumo,” Aguilar’s presence was both ceremonial and deeply meaningful—representing the emerging leadership of Indigenous youth who continue to bridge the worlds of ancestral heritage and modern learning. In her speech, she emphasized the vital role of education in empowering Indigenous Peoples, calling on fellow IP youth to pursue learning not just as a personal goal but as a tool for preserving culture, advocating for their communities, and shaping a better future.
Her active role in the assembly also reflects the City College of Cagayan de Oro’s strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As both a student and cultural bearer, she embodies the College’s mission to provide inclusive, transformative education that uplifts Indigenous communities and cultivates leadership rooted in identity, equity, and empowerment. The event brought together over 80 IP youth delegates from the hinterland communities of Bayanga, Dansolihon, Lumbia, Taglimao, and Tuburan.
Spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD) through its IP Section under the leadership of Bae Rose Lumandong, the assembly was held in partnership with the Public Attorney’s Office and the City Gender and Development Office.
The gathering aimed to amplify the role of IP youth in fostering inclusive and community-driven development, while creating safe spaces to share perspectives, raise awareness, and build solidarity. — Photo courtesy of CDO City Information Office and Bae Rose Lumandong.