HCDC at 74 highlights synodal and historic dialogue with tri-people

In the five-day fiesta celebration of the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) for its 74 years, community leaders and members of the Indigenous People (IP), Muslim, and Settler–the Tri-people of Mindanao, Philippines, came together for a dialogue, marking a history in the institution.

The event dubbed ‘Crossian Tri-People: Pakighinabi 2025’ gave honor to Mindanao’s diverse identity through dialogue, performances, and interactive festivities, fostering understanding and unity.

Themed “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Education, Blooming in Celebration,” community leaders from respective communities joined for a dialogue in the segment titled ‘Pakighinabi: Culture and Education Table Discussion.’

Present were Imam Ibrahim Datumanong, a Tausug Muslim leader; Datu Rodolfo Mande, from the IP community leader and founder of Skolar ng Tribu; and Rev. Fr. Cirilio Bermudez, DCD, representing the settler community.

Ibrahim Datumanong of the Muslim community highlighted the importance of respect and shared humanity.

“We should not be ashamed of our culture and religion, but instead love and understand each other, because we are one people,” Datumanong said.

HCDC President, Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, S.C., reminded the community of HCDC’s openness to other faiths and traditions, even in celebrating its founding anniversary and fiesta.

“This celebration affirms our desire for inclusivity and dignity among the tri-people,” Br. Deloria said.

He emphasized that Catholic means universal, therefore being inclusive to the people in different walks of life.

“As an Archdiocesan college, we will continue this cultural dialogue because it fosters openness, breaks biases, and strengthens unity,” Brother Noel added, noting that the Tri-People celebration will return as a practice in the years ahead.

Students like Sam Denielle Palmon, a third year BA Communication student, found the event inspiring and eye-opening, with different cultures and beliefs interacting harmoniously in one school celebration.

As a complement to the dialogue, afternoon festivities included musical and Dula Pakigdait, a showcase of cultural games such as Siklot, Sisibow, Kambayebaye, Sipa sa Lama, Dampa, Sack Race, Husoroy, which encouraged camaraderie while preserving traditional practices.

“These games are not only for fun, they carry the creativity of our ancestors and the essence of unity in diversity,” HCDC Supreme Student Government President Jovannie Momo said, who also headed the traditional games segment of the tri-people event.

The 74th fiesta celebration reminds the HCDC community that diversity is not a division, but a strength that promotes peace, unified progress, and synodality. (CrossTV)