About Gintong Ani Highlands Cultural Legacy

Gintong Ani Highlands Cultural Legacy is a community initiative founded by Christian Jann Lagadan and friends at ISPSC - Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. The group was formerly known as GAUCDO — Gintong Ani Uplands Cultural Dance Organization.

Our Purpose

Gintong Ani is a student-led group organization for Igorot people studying at the ISPSC Sta. Maria campus. Our mission is to showcase the talents, cultural beliefs, and living knowledge about indigenous dances. We preserve and share movement, song, costume, and the community stories that accompany them.

History & Evolution

When the group first started (as GAUCDO — Gintong Ani Uplands Cultural Dance Organization), we explored a variety of dance forms including modern styles. Over time our focus shifted intentionally to prioritise traditional Igorot dances.

On November 4, 2022, the organization was officially accredited and recognized by ISPSC - Sta. Maria Campus as a legitimate student organization. This accreditation marked a major milestone — affirming our purpose to preserve and promote Igorot cultural heritage within the academic community.

In September, 2024, the organization officially adopted a new name: Gintong Ani Highlands Cultural Legacy (GAHCL). This change reflected our broader cultural vision — expanding from dance performance to include education, documentation, and the preservation of Highlands traditions across the six Igorot provinces.

Today, the preservation and transmission of indigenous Highlands dance traditions remain our primary purpose:

  • Documenting steps, songs, and costume elements with elders and community consent
  • Teaching through workshops and apprenticeship programs
  • Presenting community performances and participating in cultural festivals

Cultural Reach — The Six Provinces

We learn and share traditions drawn from the six principal Igorot provinces:

Abra
Apayao
Benguet
Ifugao
Kalinga
Mountain Province

What We Do

Workshops & Training

Hands-on workshops led by elders and senior practitioners to transmit choreography, rhythms, and meanings.

Documentation

Field notes, audio-visual recordings, and archiving of costume details so knowledge remains accessible to future generations.

Performances

Community events and festivals that celebrate the Highlands cultural heritage and bring people together.

Youth Engagement

Apprenticeships and school partnerships focusing on training young Igorot students at ISPSC Sta. Maria campus.

Our Focus Today

While we explored modern dance forms earlier in our journey, our current emphasis is on traditional Igorot dances — ensuring that movement vocabulary, songs, and the cultural contexts of the Highlands remain alive and meaningful.

Want to get involved? Contact us to ask about workshops, donations, or performance opportunities.

Acknowledgements

The Gintong Ani Highlands Cultural Legacy stands on the dedication and generosity of many people. We would like to thank specifically:

  • Sir Richard Dela Cruz — our first Adviser. His guidance and support were essential in maintaining the newly founded organization within the school.
  • Lovely Del Rosario — designer of our very first logo. Her creative work gave Gintong Ani a strong visual identity from the start.
  • Roilan Mangibat — the organization's first President, whose leadership helped shape our early programs and direction.
  • Adrian Laolao (former SSC) — a supportive member throughout the year who greatly helped our activities and outreach.

These individuals and many others formed the solid foundation of this organization — we are deeply grateful for their time, effort, and belief in our mission.