600 Ayta Gather in San Marcelino for Ayta Day 2026, Strengthen Unity to Defend Ancestral Lands

Katribu Nasyunal
10 minutes ago
2 min read

SAN MARCELINO, ZAMBALES — Around 600 Ayta from communities across Central Luzon gathered in San Marcelino, Zambales on August 10 for the commemoration of Ayta Day 2026, organized by Mansaway, a local Ayta organization, together with PAMILALAMU-Church and Ayta Partnership in Central Luzon, and KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas.

The gathering was held in line with the observance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP), celebrated every August 9. With the theme “Ka allwan nin pamilalamu ni aw Ka Aytahan” (Araw ng pagkakaisa ng mga Ka Aytahan), the celebration brought together more than 10 Ayta communities across Zambales and Pampanga. Meanwhile, around 200 delegates from Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, human rights advocates, church groups, and other allies joined in solidarity. The scale of this year’s gathering marked a significant moment for Ayta communities in Central Luzon as they called for wider support in defending their ancestral lands against destructive renewable energy and extractive projects, as well as the looming threat of the US-led Pax Silica Initiative.

The celebration was originally set to be held at Mt. Bagang, an important gathering place for Ayta communities in San Marcelino. However, due to strong winds and heavy rains, the celebration was moved to the Rabanes Barangay Hall. Despite the gloomy weather, the program proceeded with determination from the participating delegations, beginning with cultural performances from Ayta communities. Embedded in their performances were calls to defend their lands, livelihoods, and culture against the continuing attacks of corporations and the state.

Funa-ay Claver, Secretary-General of KATRIBU, highlighted the significance of Ayta Day amid the continuing plunder of the ancestral lands of Ayta communities and other Indigenous Peoples. “Ang pagkakaisa at mariing pagtutol ng mga Ayta sa mga mapanirang proyekto ay inspirasyon sa buong sambayanang Pilipino na patuloy na lumaban, manindigan, at palakasin ang sama-samang paggiit ng ating mga karapatan,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rica Torres, coordinator of Mansaway, discussed the current situation of Ayta communities in the region, including the continuing threats to their ancestral territories and the challenges they face in defending their land, livelihoods, and rights.

The gathering concluded with a declaration of unity among Mansaway, Pamilalamu, and the rest of the delegation towards advancing the defense of Ayta ancestral lands, rights, culture, and self-determination. The declaration underscored the communities’ commitment to stand together against threats posed by destructive projects, including mining and renewable energy developments, and to strengthen their collective response to emerging initiatives such as Pax Silica, which further intensify the exploitation of Indigenous territories.

Ayta Day 2026 demonstrated that the defense of ancestral land is a continuing struggle for the survival, dignity, and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. As Ayta communities face increasing pressure on their territories, they reaffirmed that their ancestral lands are not commodities for extraction and their rights cannot be sacrificed for corporate profit.