The 29th Cordillera Day Celebration in Ifugao was simple yet full of sharing of experiences, issues and lessons from the participants. It also showcased the growing mass movement in Ifugao. More people’s organizations and advocates are joining the Cordillera Day celebration from the two districts of Ifugao unlike in the past celebrations.
In total, at least 300 participants attended the 29th Cordillera Day Celebration at IFSU Lagawe, Ifugao on April 24, 2013. The participants are representatives and chapters of the Ifugao Peasant Movement (IPM) and Katribu Indigenous Peoples Party list from the different municipalities of Ifugao. Support groups and institutions also joined the celebration such as the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC), Cordillera Women Action Education and Research Center (CWAERC), Migrante-Hongkong, Alliance of Concern Teachers (ACT), Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA), Montanosa Research and Development Center (MRDC). There is also a significant number of first time participants to the Cordillera Day.
Also, among the delegates of this 29th Cordillera Day are victims, families and relatives of Martial Law Victims from Hungduan and Tinoc respectively.
The one-day affair focused on the discussion of the Cordillera Day history; the current electoral situation in the country; the Ifugao Provincial situation; and the discussion of the automated election system and poll watching.
A main highlight of the Cordillera Day was the presentation and affirmation by the delegates on the seven petitions prepared by people’s organizations mostly from Tinoc, Ifugao. These petitions include the numerous violations on the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) by the NCIP, environmental and climate change issues, militarization, peasant issues in the corn areas, and a petition for the immediate release of political detainees and political prisoners.
Another highlight during the celebration was the presentation of the Ifugao provincial situation in a cultural form. This was highly appreciated by the participants.
In the evening, the cultural night was opened through the commemoration of martyrs. The night was characterized by different presentations from singing, dancing, telling stories from the participants. Interestingly, participants from Alfonso Lista who are indigenous Gaddang showcased their different dances to the delight of the audience.
The celebration also showed the spirit of self reliance. Participants brought their own contributions such as vegetables, coffee, bananas, rice and firewood. Others contributed in providing breakfast for the participants such as dozens of eggs. Commercial establishments and few politicians also shared in terms financial and material support. These contributions made the celebration of the 29th Cordillera Day in Ifugao a great success.