Indigenous Peoples across the Philippines joins the 42nd Peoples’ Cordillera Day celebration in Tadian, Mountain Province

Indigenous Peoples from different parts of the Philippines—including the Cordillera, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal, Mindanao, Panay, and Pampanga—enthusiastically joined the 42nd Peoples’ Cordillera Day celebration in Sitio Madange, Tadian, Mountain Province last April 24, 2026. Delegates from various Indigenous communities such as the Igorot, Palaw’an, Tumandok, Lumad, Dumagat, Aeta gathered in solidarity with the Cordillera peoples in commemorating decades of struggle for land, life, and self-determination.

Throughout the celebration, delegates participated in programs, workshops, and discussions that highlighted the continuing struggles and victories of the Cordillera peoples movement. The event became a venue not only for learning from the experiences of the Cordillera masses, but also for sharing the situations and campaigns in their own communities across the country in which victories and struggles are exchanged.

“Sa gitna ng matinding atake sa Mindanao, inspirasyon na makitang hindi natitinag ang mga organisasyon sa Cordillera,” said Julieta, a Lumad-Manobo. “Pinaghuhugutan namin ng inspirasyon ang kanilang pagkakaisa at tuloy-tuloy na pag-organisa sa kanilang komunidad.”

[“In the face of intense attacks in Mindanao, it is inspiring to see that the organizations in the Cordillera remain steadfast. We draw inspiration from their unity and their continuing efforts to organize their communities.”]

Among the workshops conducted was a discussion on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and the Right to Self-Determination, led by Beverly Longid, national convener of Katribu. The workshop tackled the persistent attacks on Indigenous rights and ancestral lands, while emphasizing the collective assertion of Indigenous Peoples over their territories, governance, and future.

“The real issue is not just legal design,” said Beverly, referring to the FPIC and the laws and policies in the country surrounding it, “but on who actually controls land, resources, and decision-making? Indigenous Peoples, through their organizations and communities, should assert and defend their right to self-determination.”

Katribu, TAKDER, and allied organizations also led the commemoration of the third year since the abduction of Indigenous rights defenders Dexter Capuyan and Gene Roz “Bazoo” De Jesus, who were forcibly disappeared by suspected state agents in 2023. Video messages from the family and friends of Dexter and Bazoo were presented, and Dexter’s daughter Chuwaley shared a touching written reflection. Delegates collectively called for justice and the surfacing of Dexter and Bazoo, condemning the continuing attacks against activists and human rights defenders.

The solidarity night became one of the highlights of the gathering as delegates shared Indigenous dances, songs, chants, and cultural performances from their respective communities. Through cultural exchange, the participants strengthened bonds of solidarity among different Indigenous Peoples nationwide.

“Doon ko na-realize na buhay ang kultura at buo ang tribu ng mga Katutubong Igorot,” said Noli, and Mangyan-Iraya. “Doon ko nakita yung pattong, nakita silang tumitindig sa kanilang ipinaglalaban. Kahit saan tayo nagmula, pare-parehas ang ating pinaglalaban: karapatan bilang tao, lupang ninuno ng mga Katutubo.”

[“That was when I realized that the culture of the Igorot Indigenous Peoples remains alive, and that their tribe remains intact. There, I witnessed the pattong and saw them firmly standing for what they are fighting for. No matter where we come from, we share the same struggle: our rights as people and the ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples.”]

Overall, the commemoration in Sitio Madange had served as a powerful learning experience for many Indigenous Peoples who also have similar initiatives that are being strengthened, Dumagat Day in Rizal and Quezon, Mangyan Day in Mindoro, Tumandok Day in Panay, Mangulayon Day in Mindanao, Ayta Day in Central Luzon, and others. Virginia, a Palaw’an, said “Malaki ang napulot namin mga pwede ding gawin sa amin, tulad sa nakitang sistema ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan sa pagkain. Nakita na maliksi at aktibo ang mga kabataan sa mga programa at sa pagtalakay ng isyu na kinakaharap ng mga Katutubo.”

[“We learned a lot of things that can also be applied in our communities, such as the system of unity and collective cooperation in preparing and sharing food. We also saw how agile and active the youth are in the programs and in discussing the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples.”]

Indigenous Peoples affirm that the learnings taken from the experience will certainly reach their communities, which in turn will contribute to strengthening the people’s determination in defending their rights to ancestral land and self-determination. Berna, a Tumandok, holds this sentiment close and said, “Bitbit ko ang mga hamon na natutunan at ipapaliwanag sa aming hanay ng mga Tumandok.”

[“I carry with me the lessons and challenges I learned here, which I will share with our fellow Tumandok.”]

The 42nd Peoples’ Cordillera Day once again served as a powerful reminder that the struggles of Indigenous Peoples across the Philippines are interconnected. Amid continuing land dispossession, militarization, development aggression, and human rights violations, delegates affirmed their unity in defending ancestral lands, asserting self-determination, and advancing the collective struggle of national minorities and the Filipino people.#