Cultural Integration in Higher Education: Embedding Oro Higalaay Dance Festival in Tertiary Physical Education Curriculum

  • Alice B. Artazo Xavier University - Ateneo De Cagayan, Philippines
  • Jason O. Manaois Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
  • Lourdes G. Tolod Xavier University - Ateneo De Cagayan, Philippines
Keywords: Oro Higalaay Festival, street dance, PATHFiT curriculum, physical education

Abstract

The study aims to integrate the Oro Higalaay Street Dance into the Physical Education curriculum at the tertiary level. In line with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) mandate, the revised curriculum, now known as PATHFiT (Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness), highlights the holistic development of students through physical fitness, stress management, and appreciation of cultural expressions. Although dance is listed as a component in PATHFiT 3 and 4, it remains underrepresented in classroom instruction. The integration of cultural and festival dances, such as those from the Oro Higalaay Festival, offers an opportunity to enhance the PE program by promoting cultural heritage while addressing physical well-being. The study employs a phenomenological research design within a qualitative framework, relying on in-depth interviews, audio recordings, and the transcription of local experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the festival’s impact. Through this approach, the study uncovers the role of street dancing not just as a form of entertainment but as a medium for preserving local traditions and promoting cultural pride among the people of Cagayan de Oro and its neighboring communities. The latest version of the street dance features a combination of religious and cultural elements in its choreography, music, attire, and thematic presentations. These elements allow audiences to connect more deeply with the city’s heritage while the dance becomes a powerful storytelling vehicle. Ultimately, this research enhances the understanding of the festival’s role in sustaining cultural identity and preserving traditions through the dynamic medium of dance.

Author Biographies

Alice B. Artazo, Xavier University - Ateneo De Cagayan, Philippines

Alice B. Artazo is a faculty of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan for 36 years. She served as the Physical Education Chairperson for 10 years. Being a Physical Education teacher for almost half of her life, she utilizes innovative teaching methods that inspire students to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. As a person who led the Physical Education Department, she fostered a positive and inclusive environment that encouraged teamwork and sportsmanship. Aside from being a Physical Education Faculty, she has been the Artistic Director of the Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe for 30 years and, as a passionate teacher of dance, she oversees the overall artistic direction of performances to align with cultural authenticity and creative innovation, encouraging the organization to participate in workshops, training, and outreach programs to connect with people from different walks of life.

Jason O. Manaois, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines

Jason O. Manaois is a professor of psychology at the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Philippines. He is a licensed psychometrician and professional teacher, with a PhD in Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University and both MA and BS degrees in Psychology from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. Beyond the university, he is actively engaged in community-based mental health and resilience initiatives, integrating psychosocial support with participatory approaches to strengthen local communities. His research interests include leadership, organizational psychology, workplace wellness, resilience studies, and the Filipino psyche.

Lourdes G. Tolod, Xavier University - Ateneo De Cagayan, Philippines

Lourdes G. Tolod is currently a faculty member of the Graduate Studies Program, School of Education, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, and a lecturer in the School of Teacher Education at Liceo de Cagayan University. She is an Emeritus Awardee of Xavier University and has served both the public and private sectors in education, including as Education Supervisor for Teacher Education at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Region X, and Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd), Region X. In the private sector, she taught at the University of the Visayas and Velez College in Cebu City, and upon transferring to Cagayan de Oro, she was appointed Chair of the English Department at Xavier University. After her retirement from DepEd, she rejoined Xavier University as Dean of the School of Education and was awarded scholarship grants, including a study and travel grant from the British Council as a Research Fellow in English for Specific Purposes at the University of Birmingham, England, and a grant under the International Visitor Program of the U.S. Government on Teaching English as a Second Language. In the area of research, she has published articles and studies on outcomes-based education, emotional intelligence and teacher commitment, the cultural evolution of dances in Cagayan de Oro, and other related topics.

Published
2026-06-24
How to Cite
Artazo, A., Manaois, J., & Tolod, L. (2026, June 24). Cultural Integration in Higher Education: Embedding Oro Higalaay Dance Festival in Tertiary Physical Education Curriculum. Puissant, 7, 3360-3380. Retrieved from //puissant.stepacademic.net/puissant/article/view/829
Issue
Vol 7 (2026): Volume 7
Section
Articles