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Kultura at Kizuna 2026 Strengthens Global Bonds Through LIYAG LINK+ Inbound Cultural Exchange at CMC

Central Mindanao Colleges successfully hosted Kultura at Kizuna: A Japan Philippines Cultural Exchange on February 20, 2026, at the Students Activity Center, placing culture and the arts at the heart of its inbound international engagement. The activity was implemented under the LIYAG Banner Program through the LINK+ Program, CMC’s institutional platform for global engagement, cultural diplomacy, and international convergence initiatives.

The event welcomed Japanese delegates to campus and created a vibrant space where traditions were celebrated through dance, creativity, and shared experiences. As part of CIAL’s home based internationalization efforts, the inbound exchange strengthened intercultural dialogue while reinforcing CMC’s direction of CMC and Beyond.

The program opened with a captivating cultural dance performance by the Institute of Culture and the Arts, showcasing the richness of Filipino heritage through music, rhythm, and movement. The presentation set the tone for a day grounded in artistic excellence and cultural pride.

Adding depth to the celebration were representatives of the Arumanen Manobo community, who graced the event in traditional attire and shared cultural expressions that highlighted the beauty of indigenous identity. Their presence affirmed CMC’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for local heritage within the broader context of global exchange, ensuring that internationalization remains community rooted and socially responsive.

Japanese guests shared elements of their culture through interactive activities such as origami, introducing participants to the delicate art of paper folding. Students eagerly learned how to create symbolic shapes, transforming simple sheets of paper into meaningful works of art. The session became a hands on bridge between cultures, fostering patience, creativity, and mutual appreciation.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship lunch where participants experienced a simple yet meaningful cultural immersion by using chopsticks. The shared meal provided an informal space for dialogue and connection, strengthening bonds beyond formal program segments. What began as a cultural exchange evolved into genuine intercultural friendship.

The initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Social Work Department, the Junior Association of Social Workers in the Philippines, the Center for International Affairs and Linkages, and the Institute of Culture and the Arts. Their coordinated leadership ensured that the exchange was meaningful, organized, and aligned with CIAL’s core functions in partnership development, global events management, and international engagement.

Kultura at Kizuna 2026 supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 Quality Education through intercultural learning, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities by highlighting indigenous representation, SDG 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through cultural understanding, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening international collaboration.

The program also reflects alignment with the World University Rankings for Innovation WURI framework, particularly in the areas of cultural diplomacy, social responsibility, and community integrated internationalization. By integrating arts, indigenous representation, and international partnership within a single platform, CMC demonstrates an innovative and impact driven model of global engagement.

Through dance, art, dialogue, and shared meals, Kultura at Kizuna 2026 affirmed that meaningful internationalization is not measured solely by mobility numbers but by the strength of relationships built and the respect cultivated among cultures. It stands as a living expression of LIYAG in action and of CMC’s continuing pursuit of Excellence Without Borders.

Roar CMC Lions,

CMC and Beyond,

Excellence Without Borders!

Publishers: CMC Cial Activities