Results and highlights of the 41st People’s Cordillera Day celebration

In Photo: Participants at the venue of the 41st Peoples’ Cordillera Day celebration.

The 41st People’s Cordillera Day emerged as a resounding success amidst threats, harassment, and the intensified State repression against the Cordillera Indigenous Peoples and marginalized sectors. It is yet another testament to the enduring struggles of the Cordillera people for the defense of ancestral lands, self-determination, and national freedom and democracy in the face of corporate plunder and destruction of ancestral lands and resources coupled with militarization, human rights violations, and repressive laws and policies.

Guided by the central theme, “Assert our rights. Persist in the struggle for self-determination. Advance the politics of change,” the 41st People’s Cordillera Day celebration consisted of various activities held in Metro Manila on April 13, Kalinga provincial celebration in Tabuk City and a forum in Hawaii, USA on April 23, regional celebration in Baguio City from April 24-26, and Cultural Festival in Hong Kong on April 27. The People’s Cordillera Day was also commemorated during the University of the Philippines Baguio Fair on April 27.

Despite relentless red-tagging, state surveillance, and overt acts of harassment targeting the People’s Cordillera Day activities, the 41st People’s Cordillera Day not only pushed through—it thrived. A total of 3,000 participants from the Cordillera region and Indigenous Peoples and advocates from various parts of the country and abroad made their way to the said celebrations. The powerful turnout and the strong message of resistance demonstrated the continued resilience of the Cordillera people’s movement.

Cordillera Day began as the Macli-ing Memorial (1981–1984), honoring Macli-ing Dulag and other heroes and martyrs of the Anti-Chico Dam Struggle, and has since transformed into a deeply rooted annual mobilization celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ resistance and unity. Since 1985, the Cordillera Day celebration has traveled across the region and the world, carried forward by the people’s unwavering will.

Protest against the Makilala mining project

 The regional celebration kicked off with a protest against the Makilala mining project held on April 24 at the regional offices of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in Baguio City. More than a hundred delegates from Kalinga province joined by delegates from Baguio City and Metro Manila trooped to the said offices to submit the petition of the communities affected by the mining project for the cancellation of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) and the Certification Precondition or Free Prior and Informed Consent certification which were granted to the Makilala Mining Company, Inc. (MMCI). The petition also demanded for the voidance of the MMCI’s Memorandum of Agreement with the pro-mining members of the Balatoc tribe. MMCI, a subsidiary of Australia’s Celsius Resources, was granted a permit (MPSA) in 2024 to mine a 2,500-hectare land belonging to the Balatoc tribe in Kalinga province for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years. The delegation also protested the Maharlika Investment Corporation’s recent $76.4 million bridge loan facility to the Makilala mining company, which only shows the government’s push for state-sponsored environmental plunder with disregard for Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The Maharlika Investment Corporation manages the Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund (public funds) supposedly to foster national development, but is heavily criticized by various groups, especially because of its potential for corruption and abuse.

Cordillera Summit on Just Energy Transition and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

Against the backdrop of the international and national push for energy transition resulting in the aggressive entry of mining and energy (hydro, geothermal and wind power) projects in the Cordillera, a summit was successfully held on April 25-26 in Baguio City, with the participation of more than 800 representatives of people’s organizations and communities in the Cordillera, joined by Indigenous Peoples and advocates from Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Mindanao, and international groups.

The summit served as venue for the participants to gain a deeper understanding and analysis of the international context of the energy transition and the climate crisis, and the Philippine government’s policy reforms to hasten the processing of permits for mining and energy projects and to encourage more foreign investments in the country under the pretext of energy transition. The discussions were further enriched by the presentations on the current state of mining and renewable energy projects and applications in the Cordillera and its impacts on the environment, natural resources, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Concrete experiences and current challenges in resisting such destructive projects were also shared by prominent leaders from the Cordillera provinces and Ilocos Norte. Moreover, a discussion on the current state of intensified militarization and human rights violations in the region has demonstrated the correlation of development aggression and political repression, further noting that the attacks against environmental defenders are attacks against the Cordillera people.

The summit came out with a strong Unity Declaration for the protection of the environment, defense of ancestral land, and assertion of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.  The Unity Declaration underscored the fact that the imperialist plunder of lands, resources, and communities through energy transition projects only worsens the climate crisis and the plight of Indigenous Peoples and marginalized sectors. It also emphasized the people’s resolve to defend our rights to ancestral lands and self-determination as we continue to expose and oppose anti-people laws, programs, and policies of the government, including the Anti-Terrorism Law and the National Task Force – End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

A Celebration of Culture, Unity and Solidarity

This year’s People’s Cordillera Day is also a celebration of the Cordillera Indigenous People’s culture, the continued unity and solidarity of the Cordillera people, and the sustained solidarity and support of Indigenous Peoples and advocates from various regions of the country and abroad. These were showcased through cultural performances (theatrical productions, poetry, songs and dances), “Pedal for Rivers” sports activity to raise awareness on the threats to our rivers, workshops, and meaningful discussions on various topics. Over 50 solidarity messages poured in from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, National Capital Region and Mindanao, and international allies from Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Belgium, Hongkong, Denmark, and USA in support of the 41st People’s Cordillera Day.

The celebrations also paid tribute to the heroes and martyrs of the Cordillera people, with whom we draw strength and unity in continuing the struggle for the defense of ancestral lands, natural resources, ili, and right to self-determination. The celebrations likewise commemorated the second anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo de Jesus who remain missing to this day.

Advancing the Politics of Change

In light of the upcoming national elections, the 41st People’s Cordillera Day tackled the Cordillera people’s electoral agenda where key demands for Indigenous Peoples rights, peace and human rights, basic social services, and national democracy were highlighted. It also served as the framework in assessing electoral candidates, especially since corrupt officials and political dynasties are once again vying for seats in power. It is important for Cordillera peoples to select leaders of the nation who carry an impeccable track record of service and truly embody the interest of the people. 

Following the conclusion of the Summit in the morning of the 26th, participants marched through the streets of Baguio’s central business district bearing banners and streamers marked with the people’s calls and demands. Boasting an estimated number of 1,500 participants, the march served as a powerful act of unity and solidarity.

The march led to People’s Park where a Miting de Avance for candidates from the Makabayan Coalition was held. The following candidates delivered their commitment for new politics free from corruption, exploitation, and tyranny:  Labor leader Jerome Adonis for workers’ rights and welfare, Nurse Alyn Andamo for health workers, Arlene Brosas for women and children, activist and journalist Teddy Casiño, Teacher France Castro who led the inquiry on the confidential funds spent by Vice President Sarah Duterte,  Amirah Lidasan from the sector of national minorities (Moro peoples and Indigenous Peoples), transport leader Mody Floranda for the transport sector, Mimi Doringo from the urban poor sector, Ronnel Arambulo from fisherfolk, prominent lawmaker and public servant Liza Maza, and Danilo Ramos from the farmers’ sector. Community leaders from the different provinces in the Cordillera wholeheartedly endorsed these candidates  as a resistance against the current landscape of Philippine politics where political dynasties, landlords, corrupt celebrities, and business tycoons continue to rule. 

Assert, Persist, Advance!

As attacks against our communities, organizations and progressive movements escalate, the Cordillera peoples stand firm. The 41st Peoples’ Cordillera Day is proof that even in the face of adversity, the fire of collective struggle cannot be extinguished. We remain undaunted. We remain united. And we are determined to carry forward the fight for a just, self-determined, and sustainable future.

Assert, Persist, Advance! For new politics and land!

Reference:

Sarah “Bestang” Dekdeken – Secretary General, Cordillera Peoples Alliance