On the occasion of the 42nd Cordillera Peoples Day, the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC) stands not just in solidarity, but in unwavering alliance with the Indigenous Peoples of the Cordillera. We raise our voices together in a powerful, collective demand to defend our ancestral lands, our very lives, and secure our fundamental livelihoods.
This year’s call, “Ipinget ti Karbengan iti Daga, Biag, ken Kabiagan!” (Assert Our Right to Land, Life, and Livelihood), is not just a message. It is a cry for justice.
As a development non-government organization dedicated to championing Indigenous Peoples’ rights and the welfare of marginalized sectors, we recognize the deep historical and cultural connection that the Cordillera peoples have to their ancestral lands. Their ongoing fight to protect their territories from exploitation, safeguard their environment, and sustain their traditional ways of life is a testament to resilience and courage. These struggles reflect the very essence of our own advocacy—defending community rights, promoting inclusive development, and ensuring that progress uplifts rather than displaces.
We are inspired by the collective action of indigenous communities who, for decades, have stood firm against threats such as land grabbing, destructive mining, energy projects like dams, geothermal, and militarization. Their leadership and unity in the face of adversity remind us that the right to land is inseparable from the right to life and livelihood. Without secure land tenure, communities remain vulnerable to poverty, displacement, and the erosion of their cultural heritage.
In our work, we strive to amplify these voices—providing platforms for dialogue, supporting campaigns for land rights, and building partnerships that empower indigenous and rural communities. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is treated with dignity, where sustainable livelihoods are protected, and where the stewardship of the environment is a collective duty.
As we celebrate Cordillera Peoples Day, we reaffirm our solidarity with the Cordillera peoples and all Indigenous Peoples in their pursuit of self-determination and genuine autonomy. We call on all sectors to join us in advocating for policies that respect indigenous rights, uphold social justice, and advance sustainable futures for all.
Together, let us honor the legacy of the Cordillera peoples, celebrate their victories, and strengthen our resolve to stand with them in the ongoing struggle for land, life, and livelihood.###