Mankakailyan Beyond Borders: CordiVIGOR opens doors to fellow Cordillerans in Australia who may need assistance

FEATURE

Even miles away from home, the spirit of mankakailyan continues to thrive as the Cordilleran Victoria Igorot Organization (CordiVIGOR) encourages Cordillerans in Australia—especially those who are new, isolated, or in need—to reach out, stay connected, and strengthen their sense of community.

Based in Melbourne, Victoria, CordiVIGOR serves as a unifying hub for Cordillerans living in the region and nearby areas. It functions both as a support network and a cultural association, providing assistance and solidarity to kailyans who may be new to the country or facing challenges, while fostering a sense of belonging through shared identity.

History of CordiVIGOR

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera via video call, founder and former chairperson Jun Balao-as and current chairperson Collin Lumpican shared the history and programs of the organization, including its evolution from informal family gatherings into a formally registered group.

What began as simple Cordilleran meet-ups in 2015 gradually developed into an organized association with leadership and regular activities. Previously known as “Makakailyan Tako,” the group later became CordiVIGOR. Balao-as explained that participation in other groups inspired them to form their own organization due to distance and accessibility challenges.

“Adda da metlang ti other Igorot groups, ngem I would say nga daytoy CordiVIGOR ti most active ken registered gamin. Prior ditoy, adda diay BIBAK organization ditoy idi metlang—maybe early 80s—ket nakiparticipate kami met idi idiay. Ngem gapo ta medyo adayo idi, isu met nakapanunotan mi nga irugi daytoy ‘Makakailyan Tako,’” he said.

The organization’s officers shared that they regularly hold gatherings and provide support through coordination, assisting newcomers, students, and members in need—including a death aid program—while also collaborating with other groups.

Lumpican added that most members come from Benguet and Mountain Province, with only a few from other Cordillera provinces. The organization currently has more than 300 members and continues to grow.

Purpose and challenges

Like many community groups, CordiVIGOR faces challenges such as limited funding, geographic distance among members, and varying work and school schedules, which have slowed expansion plans.

“Di previous, adda maala-ala nga grant or assistance from the council or government per season. Ngem tatta, ti agreement mi ket, as much as possible once or twice a year ti gatherings. For 2026, bareng kaya mi ti thrice, depende metlang ti pondo ken ti agreement mi nga officers. Kasla kasjay ti target mi paylang,” Lumpican explained.

Despite these challenges, the organization remains committed to preserving Igorot culture while supporting members, especially students and newcomers. It also encourages the younger generation to stay connected by participating in events and learning traditional practices such as dances, music, and indigenous instruments.

“Of course, we have our own bylaws, ngem to make it simple, our main purpose ket to instill unity among us nga agkakailyan—panagtinnulong. Babaen ditoy nga organization, makatulong tayo nu adda ti maseknan,” Balao-as said.

“Ti maysa pay nga purpose ket tapnu ma-preserve tayo ti ugugali tayo nga Igorots. Uray adda kami ditoy Australia, kayat mi latta nga ma-maintain dagiti practices tayo—mamati kami nga saan dapat malipatan ti nagapuan,” Lumpican added.

He further emphasized that beyond social and cultural activities, the organization ensures that no kailyan feels alone in a foreign land, especially with a community ready to welcome and support them.

Message to kailyans

When asked for their message, the officers encouraged Cordillerans—especially newcomers—to reach out through their official page for support or membership.

“We want our kailyans to know nga adda ti grupo ditoy nga mabalin da nga asitgan wenno pagkapitan. Karkaru nu barbaru ka ditoy, narigat nu awan ti connection mo. Nu adda am-ammo yo ditoy Australia, lalo ditoy Victoria, nga agkasapulan ti tulong wenno kayat makisali, adda diay page. Open kami nga mang-accommodate ken tumulong—mangibirok kami ti agabangan wenno pagyanan yo. Ta in line met daytoy iti goals mi nga tumulong kadagiti kailyan tayo,” Lumpican said.

As migration continues to bring more Cordillerans to Australia, the organization reaffirms its commitment to unity, cultural preservation, and community support—embodying the enduring spirit of mankakailyan across borders.