In a joyful display of unity and gratitude, Ifugao State University (IFSU) students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community came together as the Investiture Celebration of Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, University President, reached its zenith with a Thanksgiving called ‘Munhana Ami Festival' on September 7, 2023 at the IFSU Eco-park, Lamut. The event highlighted the launching of IFSU Special Projects, namely: Landmark, Centennial Forest Park, IFSU Women’s Garden, Sen. Angara Training Center, and 100 Steps and Beyond Challenge.

The Munhana Ami festival, a tuwali term for ‘we are grateful,’ is a four-day activity that commenced with a thanksgiving ceremony administered by the Lamut Association of Ministers and Pastors, invoking blessings and offering prayers for the University’s prosperity and well-being.

Visitors were greeted by a cultural performance by the Cultural Theater Arts Group and IKSP classes of the College of Education.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Manuel Malingan III, Director for Alumni Affairs, said the festival is made possible through the hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering support of one another and the spirit of unity that binds everyone as a community. Dr. Malingan expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for everyone’s presence, especially the Guest of Honor, CHED Commissioner, and IFSU BOR Chairperson, Dr. Marita Rana Canapi. "We are like flowers in the wilderness, but your very presence today is a gift to us and to everyone," stated Dr. Malingan.

In her speech, Dr. Dugyon extended heartfelt gratitude to the entire university community for their support and dedication in their commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. " I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and humility as we gathered on this joyous occasion of Thanksgiving.  "Your presence here today is a testament to the strength and unity of our community as we embark on a journey towards a future filled with boundless possibilities," remarked Dr. Dugyon. Our diversity is our strength, and our shared pursuit of knowledge will propel us forward."

Part of the program is the adoption of a tree (Molave) by Dr. Canapi. She wishes and hopes that the people of Ifugao will nurture it so that she can visit it one day.

"I’m learning a lot here in IFSU. In the 24 State University and Colleges (SUCs) that I am handling, IFSU is one of those that really showed their hearts, minds, and spirits, and because of these, I will do my very best in order to bring more development through your president" enthused Dr. Canapi. "Rest assured that in the Board of Regents, IFSU will always be the champion."

The four-day festival includes an orientation on indigenous and good governance by the College of Advanced Education; a workshop on doing small construction projects by the College of Engineering and Industrial Technology; and the installation of iron-framed verses from Hebrew literature along the stairways to instill values among visitors to the site.

Moreover, hands-on training on indigenous delicacies and ribbon making was conducted by the College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development and the College of Business and Management to the students of the Ifugao Provincial Science High School and the SBC Women’s Organization. Through a food fest, the outputs of trainees were enjoyed during the program.

Further, the Baddangan Program of the festival was facilitated by the IFSU Alumni Association Main Campus, Inc., and participated in by enforcement agencies like Special Action Force (SAF), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Philippine National Police Mobile Force to promote tree parenting and civic work volunteerism.

The Muhana Ami Festival served as a powerful testament to the University’s resilience, unity, and determination to forge ahead towards a brighter future, hand in hand. The 28 hectares of land were donated to IFSU by the late Col. Francisco Paredes, Sr.