Involving Youth in Cultural Heritage Preservation, PGLU Holds Taoid Camp 2023
By: Joy Ann Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Ryan Marlo “Mico” Salamanca, LUPTO | Date: May 22 – 26, 2023
With the aim to promote and elevate the importance of heritage preservation by engaging the youth in this cultural advocacy, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office – Culture and the Arts Unit conducted the 2nd year of the La Union Annual Youth Taoid Camp (LUAYTC) on May 22 – 26, 2023 at Camp Avenue, Barangay Taboc, San Juan, La Union.
The event brought together 20 young heritage advocates and cultural workers from the province's city and municipalities. The camp was initiated following the passing of Provincial Ordinance No. 420-2023, principally authored by Hon. Alyssa Kristine B. Sibuma, Committee Chairperson on Youth and Sports Development, which institutionalized the Youth Taoid Camp.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David herself has been lauded as a “youth leader,” being the youngest elected Governor of the Province of La Union. In her message, Gov. Rafy stressed that the Taoid Camp is not just to bridge a gap between the young generation and the past but it is a perfect avenue for our youth sector to commemorate and appreciate the rich cultural heritage that has been passed down to us by our ancestors.
“As young Kaprobinsiaan na hand-picked by your LGUs to be Ambassadors of Culture and Heritage, you play a vital role in the preservation and promotion of our heritage, kaya I want to challenge all of you. Your responsibilities as ambassadors will only be fulfilled when you are equipped with the knowledge of our history kaya dapat you go beyond the norm because we aim to empower the youth in establishing, promoting, and preserving local cultural heritage,” Gov. Rafy said.
The camp began with team-building activities and a cultural night called Taoid ng Tanghalan. Provincial Tourism Officer Arthur S. Cortez, Jr. congratulated the youth leaders for being chosen as the Youth Heritage Ambassadors of the province. Board Member Sibuma expressed her excitement to see how young kaprobinsiaan embrace their culture and tradition.
Taoid Camp also featured a forum discussing various topics, including Cultural Consciousness and Indigenous Identity in the Time of Social Media; Addressing the Challenges and Issues in Initiating Youth Heritage Programs; Culture, Heritage and Sustainable Development; Culture, Heritage and Sustainable Development; Cultural Heritage Research and Documentation; and Impact of Cultural Immersion Experience. Speakers and facilitators includes Anthony D. Latoja and John Carlo A. Manabat, both youth advocates and educators from Saint Louis College; Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano – La Union Chapter Board of Director Justin Paul D. Marbella; Prof. Lorenzo B. Isla of National University; Farland D. Valera of DMMMSU Open University; and Jemwelson A. Mariano, a Department of Tourism-Accredited Tour Guide of Region IV-A .
The participants also crafted a group project proposal on promoting culture, arts, and heritage, and conducted a cultural heritage tour in the province.
The LUAYTC 2023 concluded with PANAGSAPATAoid or a pledge of commitment led by Committee Chairperson on Education, Culture and Arts Hon. Cynthia Angelica M. Bacurnay, emphasizing the participants' dedication to champion sustainability and resilience.
As part of the #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan spirit, the PGLU commits to continue the conduct of this annual program as part of the National Heritage Month celebration to highlight the importance of heritage by providing sustainable and inclusive programs, projects, and activities.
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