Surigao Norte IP youth communicators converge to digitalize heritage, empower young voices
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In celebration of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month, young communicators from indigenous communities across the province of Surigao del Norte, including the Mamanwa tribe and the Bajao, gathered at the Surigao del Norte Sangguniang Panlungsod conference hall in Surigao City for the IP Youth Communicators’ Conference.
Anchored on the theme “Empowering Voices, Bridging Cultures: Equipping IP Youth with Digital Communication Skills for the Future,” the October 22 conference focused on bridging traditional indigenous culture with modern digital tools. The event aimed to equip young advocates with practical knowledge in digital communication, storytelling, mobile journalism, basic photography, and responsible social media practices.
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga spearheaded the activity, in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga and its Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Government Office for Culture and Arts, and UN-Habitat Philippines.
The primary goal of the conference was to address the digital divide and empower indigenous youth to become effective storytellers, community advocates, and guardians of their own cultural heritage. By training young IP communicators, the organizers aim to help indigenous communities control their own narratives, showcase their living traditions, and bring their localized concerns to a global audience.
In his message, Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Eddie Geed Gokiangkee encouraged the youth to maximize every learning opportunity as they navigate an increasingly complex world. Acknowledging modern socioeconomic pressures, including the rising cost of basic commodities,
Gokiangkee commended the participants for taking active roles in community building. He emphasized that the knowledge gained from the training should uplift, inform, and build resilience within their respective ancestral domains.
NCIP Caraga Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero Jr., underscored that digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for indigenous voices to be heard, respected, and valued worldwide.
Rocero highlighted that authentic cultural promotion starts from within: young people must first immerse themselves in and deeply understand their own traditions before they can accurately convey their significance to external audiences.
Throughout the conference, government practitioners and media specialists led interactive capacity-building sessions designed to turn everyday mobile devices into tools for advocacy and journalism.
John Charles Malazarte, media production specialist at PIA Caraga, facilitated a session on content strategy and mobile journalism. He demonstrated how smartphones can be utilized to produce timely news and multimedia stories, emphasizing the crucial role of community-based reporting, firsthand accounts, and strict verification of sources.
Kelvin Kennt Generalao, media production assistant at PIA Caraga, introduced the User Needs Model. He explained how youth communicators can tailor their content to satisfy specific audience needs—such as obtaining factual updates, seeking fresh perspectives, finding inspiration, or accessing emergency guidance—thereby ensuring their stories remain engaging and impactful.
Mark Hyro Robuca, media production assistant at PIA Caraga, guided participants through basic photography techniques, including compositional principles like the rule of thirds. He demonstrated how thoughtful visuals can convey deep cultural meaning, document sacred customs, and capture the everyday reality of IP life.
Surigao del Norte Provincial ICT Chief Graciela Mante presented the Digital Shield: Protecting Our Stories. Lands and Identities, with discussion focused on online safety, avoiding digital scams, and navigating social media responsibly. Mante warned participants to remain vigilant against digital threats and to actively safeguard sensitive personal data and cultural stories from exploitation or distortion online.
For the young indigenous participants, the training provided not only technical skills but also a renewed sense of pride and agency in their heritage.
“For a long time, external observers and media have told our stories for us, and at times our culture gets misrepresented or misunderstood,” said Annalou, an 18-year-old participant from the Mamanwa tribe.
“Through this conference, we realized that the smartphones in our hands are powerful tools for truth. Now, we have the confidence and skills to document our genuine traditions, protect our identity, and share our community’s actual challenges and triumphs directly with the wider world,” she added.
In a closing message, PIA Caraga Regional Head Venus L. Garcia commended the youth for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the workshop. She pointed out that the participants now carry a vital responsibility in their communities. Beyond preserving cultural heritage, young IP communicators are uniquely positioned to serve as reliable information channels during natural disasters and local emergencies, as well as crucial defenders against the spread of misinformation and disinformation online.
She also reaffirmed PIA Caraga’s ongoing commitment to empowering indigenous communities across the region through communication initiatives, concluding with an appeal to the youth to remain ethical, responsible, and proactive digital ambassadors for their people. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
