The Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) proudly joins the celebration of the 42nd Cordillera Day this 2026, extending our warmest congratulations and solidarity to the Indigenous Peoples of the Cordillera.
For more than four decades, Cordillera Day shone as an inspiration for Indigenous youth movements across Asia and beyond.
Cordillera Day carries a history of Indigenous elders and youth unafraid to carry the task and responsibility to fight for the next generations whether authoritarian dictatorships, imperialist exploitation, discrimination and marginalization. Born from the courageous struggle against destructive projects and oppression, it has become a living reminder that when communities unite we can collectively shape our own future. Cordillera Day’s spirit remains youthful, powerful, and relevant today especially for Indigenous young people searching for their roots in a rapidly changing world.
We recognize AYIPN’s start back to the Cordillera Indigenous youth movement. What was once the Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network drew life, and inspiration from the energy, organizing experience, and leadership of Cordillera youth. Through the years, under the Cordillera stewardship nurtured by comrades and leaders from the Cordillera, the network grew into a home and training ground for new Indigenous leaders across Asia and globally.
Because of this foundation, countless Indigenous youth were able to retrace our Indigenous identity, reconnect with our militant history, and ensure intergenerational continuity in the face of a fast changing world. AYIPN has witnessed how youth exchanges and training in Cordillera, the solidarity work, and movement-building have ignited young Indigenous Peoples leadership to fight for our rights to education and culture, dignified livelihoods, ancestral lands, and self-determination.
We are especially grateful for the opportunity to always be with Cordilleran elders, leaders, communities, and youth—living Macliing’s legacy, learning from the ka-Igorotan victories, and standing with you in times of escalating rights violations and environment exploitation.
As we celebrate the 42nd Cordillera Day, we commit to continue to ignite the hearts of Indigenous youth everywhere. There’s not a time too early for the Indigenous youth to lead. And many more young people will rise with pride in embracing their identity, confidence in their power as youth, and commitment to learn more as present challenges grow.
From the mountains of the Cordillera to Indigenous territories across Asia, we celebrate with you today.
Mabuhay ang Cordillera Peoples!
Long live Indigenous youth solidarity!
Defend ancestral lands, rights, and self-determination!
