‘UGNAYAN 2025’: Indigenous youth from across Philippines held cultural exchange in Tabuk City

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Indigenous young people from across the Philippines came together on October 11, 2025, for UGNAYAN: Indigenous Youth Conversations and Learning Exchange 2025, a four-day gathering held at the Pastoral Center in Bulanao, for cultural sharing, leadership development, and solidarity among youth from diverse Indigenous communities.

Participants from various tribes, which included iKalingas, Isnags, Palaw'an, Dumagat, Ayta, Mangyan Alangan, Ati, and T'boli, exchanged personal insights, traditional customs, and stories—bound by a common goal of maintaining their identities and cultures in a world that is rapidly changing.

The event opened with an inspiring message from Datu Agong Aljun Cayawan, a proud member of the Manobo Agusanon tribe and a gold medalist at the 2018 World Championship of Performing Arts. Cayawan shared his personal journey of embracing his roots and using performance arts as means of empowerment, reminding participants of the strength and pride found in cultural identity.

Through workshops, group discussions, cultural presentations, and learning sessions, participants exchanged experiences and traditions while addressing common issues affecting Indigenous Peoples in the country.

During the exchange, the young participants were encouraged to reflect on their roles as future stewards of their communities with dialogues covering topics particularly on IP advocacy in digital and social media.

Key figures in the IP community who graced the event included Provincial IPMR Michael Suguiyao represented by Benedicto Suguiyao and Kalinga Elder Mr. Placido Alsiyang Jr., among others.

Said event was hosted by the Social Action Center of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk,Inc., led by its director Rev. Fr Jeorge D. Manisem and organized by the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc.