The final day, August 8, 2026, of the International Course on Multiculturalism and Humanity (ICOMUH) 2026 with the theme Advancing Climate Resilience through Humanity and Multicultural Collaboration concluded with an enriching journey to the beautiful Pindul Cave and its surrounding river in Yogyakarta.
The activity provided the delegates from Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) with an opportunity to connect with nature through a tubing adventure while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between the environment, local culture, and community livelihood.
Building a deeper understanding of nature goes beyond simply gathering scientific information; it also involves experiencing the environment firsthand, developing empathy, strengthening environmental awareness, and appreciating the richness of biodiversity. This perspective guided the participants as they explored Pindul Cave, where they experienced the unique beauty of its natural rock formations while tubing through the cave. The formations inside the cave are not only geological features but are also associated with local customs, stories, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. This experience demonstrated how nature can become an important part of a community’s cultural identity and heritage.
Beyond its cultural significance, the river surrounding Pindul Cave serves as an important source of water for the local community. Water is essential to their daily lives and livelihoods, highlighting the importance of protecting natural resources and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Through the tubing activity, participants were able to experience the river firsthand and recognize how closely human communities depend on nature for survival and well-being.
The activity also provided a meaningful opportunity for healing and reflection through exposure to nature. Surrounded by the calm waters, limestone formations, and natural landscapes, participants were given the opportunity to pause from their usual routines and appreciate the beauty and importance of the environment. This experience strengthened their awareness that caring for nature is not only an environmental responsibility but also a way of promoting human well-being and community resilience.
After the activity, the participants traveled back to Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), arriving at approximately 7:15 PM. As ICOMUH 2026 came to an end, the journey left participants with valuable lessons about the importance of nature, cultural diversity, community, and environmental responsibility. From the different cultural experiences to the exploration of natural landscapes, the course demonstrated that understanding and appreciating diversity can help build stronger communities that are better prepared to respond to the challenges of climate change.
The activities of the final day were closely connected to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, through the appreciation and protection of water resources; SDG 15: Life on Land, through environmental awareness and appreciation of natural ecosystems; and SDG 13: Climate Action, by strengthening participants’ understanding of environmental responsibility and climate resilience.
This meaningful ICOMUH 2026 experience was made possible with HCDC’s global exposure programs, through the Center for Internationalization, providing students Lorelie Vern M. Cabunilas (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science) and Modather B. Lintangi (Bachelor of Science in Social Work), with an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and engage with nature, culture, and communities in an international setting.