Metro Manila witnessed a powerful display of solidarity today as Indigenous Peoples’ rights advocates, environmentalists, and concerned citizens participated in “Pedal 4R”—a bicycle ride from the University of the Philippines to Mandala Park in Mandaluyong City. This event, timed to coincide with the 41st People’s Cordillera Day, highlighted the ongoing struggle against destructive mega-dam projects threatening the Cordillera region.
The ride culminated in a vibrant gathering at Mandala Park, organized by TAKDER. Speakers condemned the lack of free, prior, and informed consent from affected communities regarding these projects. The message was clear: the Cordillera’s rivers, mountains, and communities are not commodities to be exploited for profit. TAKDER’s statement powerfully declared, “The Cordillera is not for sale.”
The day included informative forums featuring prominent figures like senatorial aspirant Amirah Lidasan and former Representative Neri Colmenares. Discussions covered environmental issues, Indigenous rights, agroecology, and food sovereignty. Participants engaged in workshops on traditional crafts and music, fostering cultural exchange and creative resistance. Musical performances by Talahib People’s Music, Oriang, Anima, and DJs from SAKA provided a vibrant soundtrack to the day’s events.
People’s Cordillera Day commemorates the 1980 assassination of Macli-ing Dulag, a Kalinga leader who bravely opposed the Chico River Dam project. Pedal 4R served as a potent reminder of the enduring fight for Indigenous rights and environmental protection, urging continued collective action against large-scale extractive projects and support for community-led development. The event concluded with a renewed call for accountability from the government and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable future for the Cordillera and beyond.
