AFTER 5 YEARS OF DECENTRALIZED CELEBRATIONS, THE PEOPLES’ CORDILLERA DAY MAKES A GRAND CENTRALIZED COMEBACK
In Photo: (Top photo) Redtagging Paraphernalia Medical and Dental Mission
(Below left photo) Dr. Chandu Claver delivers his keynote address in Ilocano, translated into English by Cynthia Dacanay-Jaramillo.
Intimidation and counteractivities of the usual red tagging disinformation by the police, military, and elements of the NTF-ELCAC did not deter the community of Tanglag, Lubuagan, Kalinga in hosting the successful 40th Peoples’ Cordillera Day last April 23-24, 2024. An estimated 1500 delegates coming from the Cordillera and elsewhere graced the celebration with utmost enthusiasm and solidarity.
Prior to the days of the celebration itself, build-up activities in Hawaii, Metro Manila, Baguio City, and Kalinga were conducted, ranging from an advocacy biking activity for rivers, online and onsite situations, up to a medical and dental mission for the host community. While the latter activities were ongoing, we subsequently received reports of attempts by state security elements to counter the conduct of the celebration through the distribution of red tagging flyers and implementation of sudden red tagging forums guised under a medical mission and a youth summit within the community. Further, the route going to the venue exhibited crudely painted sacks containing red tagging statements against CPA. It has also come to the attention of the CPA that local government officials are being questioned and intimidated for allowing the celebration to happen.
Nonetheless, bearing the very apt theme “Courageously advance the struggle for land, life, and honor,” the Peoples’ Cordillera Day pushed through with a resounding success!
On April 23, after an official welcome and roll call of delegates, Dr. Chandu Claver, a beloved CPA leader in Kalinga, gave a heartfelt keynote address. Teddy Casiño of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) provided a brief input on the national situation, followed by updates on the Cordillera Situation provided by CPA Spokesperson Ned Tuguinay. Solidarity messages from present national personalities and CPA pioneers capped the program with inspiring lessons and experiences.
On April 24, delegates were divided into 7 workshop groups covering sectoral issues and current challenges in the defense of ancestral land and self-determination. The results of the workshops were creatively presented through songs, chants, interpretative dancing, and poetry. To synthesize all of these, the delegation approved a Declaration of Unity Against Plunder and State Terrorism Under the US-Marcos Regime.
Cultural productions pumped up the solidarity evenings on both days. Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera’s (DKK) “Sumingising: Adal ti Panagtignay iti Kaigorotan” (Lessons from the Kaigorotan Mass Movement) left a strong and inspiring message of hope, courage, and determination
The rallying call for the entire celebration was “Sumkad!,” a Kalinga word meaning to rise, resist, and defend. “Sinumkad ti Tanglag, Sinumkad ti Kalinga, Sinumkad ti Kordiliera!” Tuguinay remarked in the 40th Peoples’ Cordillera Day Closing Statement.### (PR)
