Keeping Cordillera's legacy alive: Balbalan marks 39th Cordillera Day to honor ancestors' fight for rights and autonomy

Balbalan, Kalinga – In honor of the courage and sacrifices of Cordilleran ancestors who fought for indigenous peoples' rights, the protection of ancestral lands, and the pursuit of regional autonomy, the Municipality of Balbalan held its own municipal-wide celebration of the 39th Cordillera Day on July 15, 2026.

The celebration featured a simple yet meaningful program at the Municipal Hall, attended by Mayor Almar Malannag, Vice Mayor Regina Munda Cruz, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, including Municipal Councilors Amy Ulep, Renato Calma, Junior Dao-ayan, Fred Tabcao, Marion "Bentong" Gacayan, Simeon Apaling Jr., Clarence Tongdo, and Ricardo Ignacio.

According to Mayor Malannag, although he was invited to attend the grand Cordillera Day celebration in Baguio City, he chose to remain in Balbalan and celebrate with fellow local officials, employees, and constituents. He shared that the municipality decided to hold its own observance this year—the first time Balbalan has celebrated Cordillera Day locally after years of joining the regional celebration in Baguio City.

"Tatta, we honor our rich Cordilleran heritage and history, isu nga haan tayon napan idiay Baguio, ditoy tayon lattan Balbalan nag-celebrate tapnu collectively, dakami amin ditoy Balbalan, ket agmaymaysa nga mangi-celebrar ken maki-celebrar ditoy Cordillera Day tayo," Malannag said.

The mayor emphasized that the celebration is more than a commemoration of the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in 1987. More importantly, it serves as a tribute to the bravery and heroism of Cordilleran forefathers whose struggle to protect indigenous rights, defend ancestral domains, and pursue regional autonomy laid the foundation for the Cordillera's identity and continuing aspiration for self-governance.

By bringing the celebration closer to the people, the Municipal Government of Balbalan hopes to deepen public appreciation of Cordillera Day and inspire the younger generation to remember the sacrifices of those who came before them while carrying forward the shared vision of a united, progressive, and self-determined Cordillera.