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  • ISPSC joins Ilokano scholars at NAKEM Conference 2025

    The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) participated in the 20th NAKEM Conference at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on November 19-21, 2025, joining scholars and cultural advocates in discussions anchored on the theme “Coming in Full Circle: Reevaluating Language Justice, Cultural Democracy & Emancipatory Education.”

    ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero was featured as a plenary speaker with his talk, “Language Justice, Cultural Democracy, and Emancipatory Education: Our Vision for a Better World,” delivered on his behalf by Dr. Jocelyn L. Absolor, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension.

    The plenary underscored the moral and transformative role of educational institutions in promoting equitable language policies, fostering cultural empowerment, and advancing liberatory approaches to teaching and learning. It also emphasized ISPSC’s contribution to shaping inclusive educational spaces rooted in identity, justice, and community participation.

    ISPSC also presented several research studies during the conference. Dr. Absolor and Dr. Orlando Batara presented their study, “The Cultural Significance of One Town, One Product (OTOP) in the Province of Ilocos Sur,” highlighting the initiative’s role in heritage preservation and local identity formation.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Ana Blesilda Atendido and Dr. Mandy Roie Atendido shared their research, “Utilization of the Partograph: Investigating Midwives’ Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Implementation Practices,” offering insights into maternal care and health service delivery. Ms. Joselita Viado also added to the cultural discourse with her study, “Panagkalamay: A Basis for Ilocano Folk Dance,” which explored the artistic, ritual, and traditional roots of kalamay-making as a cultural expression.

    Other ISPSC participants include Dr. Annie Dorada, Dr. Robert Ablog, and Dr. Ma. Cecilia Lazarte, who joined discussions with educators, researchers, and cultural workers from various institutions, contributing to broader dialogues on language, cultural identity, and community empowerment.

    NAKEM conferences provide a platform for promoting Ilokano language, culture, and community-centered education across the diaspora. Since its inception, NAKEM has gathered educators, researchers, and cultural advocates to discuss heritage, identity, and social development. (????????????)

    Photos by Dr. Jocelyn Absolor, Dr. Ana Blesilda Atendido, Ms. Joselita Viado