The onslaught of globalization and the worsening economic crisis has pushed Cordillera indigenous peoples towards greater oppression and marginalization, and violations to our individual and collective rights keep mounting. Through the years, we did not succumb to these. Instead, we fought collectively as our ancestors did, to uphold our rights especially under the state terror unleashed by the Arroyo regime. Under this regime, our struggle for self determination was confronted with state terrorism, political persecution and killings. But we will not waver in this fight. We will remain steadfast and resolute as we continue to pursue our right to self determination, our right to own and control our lands, territories and resources, our right to free, prior, and informed consent among others.
We only have one Cordillera homeland to inherit and defend. Thus, the legacy of those who have gone ahead of us should not be in vain, as it is upon us to continue this task of ensuring that our right to self determination is recognized and upheld.
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act
