MANAOAG, Pangasinan – “There is unity in diversity.”

This was the rallying theme as 39 young leaders of the Ilocos and Cordillera regions gathered last week in Danglas, Abra for the Indigenous People (IP) Cultural Camp.

The three-day camp was not only a showcase and sharing of different IP cultural practices and traditions in the form of songs, dances, and prayers but also a platform to mold the participants as the government’s peace partners.

Cultural exposure consisted of tree planting within the ancestral domain and a tour of local tourist spots, such as the Century-Old Balite, Reflection Site, view decks, and the Law-ing (looking back) Heritage Site where the old ways of our forefathers were showcased.

“It was very informative and one thing that impressed me aside from loving our culture as IPs, is about developing the leader within me,” said Jyl Bright Cadalig, a participant from Quirino, Ilocos Sur of the Applai Tribe.

Brig. Gen. Kris Mortela of the 702nd Infantry Brigade said, “Culture is about us as a people. Culture fosters unity across tribes and tongues. We can only have peace if we collectively preserve such rich IP culture.”