Youth Step Up as Heritage Champions in La Union in 4th Taoid Camp; LUACH Officers Named
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Mico Salamanca, LUPTO | Date: May 19 to 23, 2025
In celebration of National Heritage Month, the Provincial Government of La Union, through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office – Culture and the Arts Unit, successfully conducted the 4th La Union Annual Youth Taoid Camp (LUAYTC) from May 19 to 23, 2025. The camp brought together 20 youth leaders committed to championing the preservation and promotion of local heritage.
The opening ceremony was led by Board Member Cynthia Angelica M. Bacurnay, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Culture, and Arts, who delivered a message on behalf of Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David. She emphasized the crucial role of the youth in safeguarding cultural heritage. Board Member Harold Dave E. Sibuma, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President, also highlighted youth participation during a heritage tour in the province’s second district.
Throughout the camp, participants engaged in a dynamic program of workshops, forums, site visits, and cultural activities that deepened their understanding and pride in La Union’s rich history. Anchored on Provincial Ordinance No. 420-2023, the camp also challenged youth delegates to conceptualize heritage initiatives they can lead in their respective communities.
A highlight of the camp was the heritage forum, which featured notable speakers from the academic and tourism sectors. Topics discussed included cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, traditional arts, and youth empowerment.
Another major milestone was the formal establishment and election of officers of the La Union Ambassadors for Culture and Heritage (LUACH), a federation of youth heritage ambassadors trained since 2022. LUACH unifies and empowers young cultural advocates to sustain their efforts beyond the camp.
The elected officers of LUACH are Marvin L. Ordines as Chairperson; John Kirby G. Savellano and Ben Johnson M. Dangca as Vice Chairpersons for Districts 1 and 2, respectively; Joevilyn N. Doctolero as Secretary; Daryll Jay A. De Guzman as Assistant Secretary; Patricia Maegan B. Suyat as Treasurer; Herald P. Ubungen as Auditor; Rio Rose D. Cabalona as Public Relations Officer; and Ian Christian C. Mostoles as Peace Officer.
Committee heads were also appointed to lead various focus areas. Pearley B. Bautista was named Chairperson of the Committee on Heritage Preservation, with Angelica D. Cardenas as Vice Chairperson. In the Committee on Performing Arts, Flora Leigh D. Saranilla was selected to lead theater, Dave O. Olivar for music, and Ven Paul Halili for dance. Christian M. Soriano was appointed head of the Visual Arts Committee, with Emma Concepcion D. Benicta as Vice Chairperson.
For literature, Arjie C. Rivera was named Chairperson, with Philip Jerome A. Posas as Vice Chairperson. The Research Committee includes Karen D. Nang-is, Jehrus Bien B. Laconsay, Joberlyn G. Diano, Liezel A. Queddeng, Josephine O. Cabradilla, and John Patrick G. Paneda. The Gastronomy Committee is headed by Jumel P. Tabucol, with Sophia P. Valdez and Angelica C. Real as Vice Chairpersons for Districts 1 and 2, respectively.
The initiative was further supported by JCI Naguilian Basi, headed by Architect Krista Vanimei Peñaflor. As a symbol of their commitment, participating youth heritage ambassadors were awarded badge pins, affirming their roles as stewards of La Union’s cultural legacy.
The successful execution of this year’s LUAYTC showcased the dedication of La Union’s youth in preserving local culture. It also opened new avenues for community outreach and strengthened partnerships, paving the way for sustained heritage advocacy. It was evident that the young participants left with new knowledge, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding La Union’s cultural treasures for future generations.
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