‘Kalinga Stands Firm!’ – Gov. Edduba rallies Cordillerans behind regional autonomy as Marcos declares July 15 a holiday

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba reaffirmed Kalinga's unwavering support for the pursuit of Cordillera regional autonomy during the kickoff of the 39th Cordillera Month Celebration on July 1 at the Benguet Sports Complex in La Trinidad, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared July 15 a Special Non-Working Day across the region.

In a video message presented during the regionwide celebration, Edduba emphasized that Kalinga stands united with the rest of the Cordillera in advancing self-governance, sustainable development, and inclusive progress.

This year's celebration carries the theme, "Smart Cordillera: Enabling Local Enterprises through Digital Transformation and Accelerated Regional Autonomy," highlighting the region's commitment to innovation, economic growth, and self-governance.

Edduba said the theme challenges local government units, entrepreneurs, farmers, and small businesses to embrace digital transformation and innovation to strengthen the region's economy.

"This year's theme challenges us to look ahead with great vision and determination. It calls on us to empower our local enterprises, farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to harness the opportunities offered by digital technology and innovation," he said.

The governor likewise reaffirmed Kalinga's commitment to the realization of a Cordillera Autonomous Region, saying it would allow the region to make decisions that better reflect its unique culture, heritage, and development priorities.

"The Province of Kalinga stands firmly with all Cordillerans in support of the realization of regional autonomy. We firmly believe that an autonomous Cordillera will enable us to make decisions that are more responsive to our unique culture, heritage, and development priorities. Through greater self-governance, we can unlock our region's full potential and ensure that progress truly benefits every Cordilleran," he said.

President Marcos Jr. declares July 15 a Special Non-Working Day

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Proclamation No. 1334, declared July 15, 2026 a Special Non-Working Day throughout the Cordillera Administrative Region in celebration of the region's 39th Founding Anniversary.

Observed every July, Cordillera Month commemorates the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) through Executive Order No. 220, signed on July 15, 1987. The annual celebration also continues to promote public awareness and strengthen support for the establishment of a Cordillera Autonomous Region, as envisioned under the 1987 Philippine Constitution.