In a historic and defiant display of solidarity, indigenous leaders from the Cordillera endorsed the full senatorial slate of Makabayan and its 4 partylist during the Makabayan Cordillera Miting de Avance held in Baguio, City on April 26, 2025. With the theme, “Laban Amianan! Iyabante ti Baro a Pulitika,” the coalition’s MDA capped the 3-day commemoration of the 41st People’s Cordillera Day from April 24-26.
In a powerful act of unity, community leaders and veterans of the Chico dams struggles raised the hands of Makabayan’s candidates — a symbolic gesture affirming the continuing struggle for land, self-determination, and justice.
The gathering drew over 1,500 delegates from all provinces of the Cordillera, including national and international supporters. Held as part of the 41st celebration of Peoples’ Cordillera Day, the event tied Makabayan’s electoral campaign to the decades-long resistance of indigenous communities against development aggression, militarization, and environmental plunder.
Makabayan’s 11 senatorial candidates were present in the activity: Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno, nurse Alyn Andamo, PAMALAKAYA leader Ronnel Arambulo, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, Bayan Muna Chairperson Teddy Casiño, ACT Teachers Representative France Castro, KADAMAY leader Mimi Doringo, PISTON President Mody Floranda, Moro leader Amirah Lidasan, Makabayan President Liza Maza, and KMP Chairperson Danilo Ramos. It also featured nominees from all 4 partylists under Makabayan, including Bayan Muna, Act Teachers Partylits, Gabriela Women’s Party and Kabataan Partylist.
The Miting de Avance kicked off with a vibrant people’s march through the streets of Baguio City, with cultural performances, protest art, and fiery speeches. Throughout the program, speakers called for a national democratic alternative to a political system long dominated by political dynasties and corrupt politicians.
The endorsement by indigenous leaders served as the highlight of the day. Far more than a symbolic gesture, it served as a resounding affirmation of the coalition’s unwavering commitment to the Cordillera Peoples’ Agenda. It was a stark reminder that the struggle for land, rights, and self-determination is not only alive, but is uncompromising and relentlessly advancing.
Following the Cordillera MDA, Makabayan continued its Northern Luzon campaign with a anothet MDA in La Union on April 27, launching its Ilocandia leg and further consolidating grassroots support across Northern Luzon.
With only 15 days remaining before the 2025 Midterm Elections, Makabayan Cordillera calls on its volunteers and supporters to carry on and further strengthen the coalition’s grassroots campaign. It echoes the people’s desire for a people’s opposition both in Congress and Senate. Moreover, it reminds the public to stay vigilant amid the continuing attacks and possible electoral fraud that may taint election results. It scores that the people’s unity and call to action goes beyond the ballots.
