BAGUIO CITY – The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) - Cordillera said the region’s indigenous culture continues to thrive as more young people embrace and take pride in their heritage. “It is good that today, they are empowered and proud of their culture. Even children proudly wear their traditional attire during school events and dance the traditional steps that, in the past, young boys were too shy to perform and wear G-strings,” lawyer Roland Calde, regional director of the NCIP, said in an interview. Calde, a native of Mountain Province, said it is heartening to see not just elders but also young people and children wearing native garments and performing during festivals. They now also play traditional instruments, such as the gangsa (gong), solibao (drums), and nose flute. “We can see their pride as they perform the dances during festivities. You can see a lot of children properly executing the moves. It’s inspiring even the smallest children now understand and appreciate their cultural roots,” Calde said. He attributed the growing cultural appreciation to greater exposure, participation in community activities, and the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) in schools. “Children have become appreciative of their culture,” he added. He acknowledged that modernization has influenced cultural practices, but said Cordillera IPs have learned to adapt. He explained that while weaving traditions have evolved – producing new fabric designs that serve modern purposes – they still keep sacred patterns exclusive to rituals. “These innovations allow our people to wear woven fabrics with pride, as a symbol of identity and belonging,” Calde said. He said the ongoing celebration of the 28th Indigenous Peoples Month serves as a reminder of the country’s recognition of IP rights through the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.