BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Malacañang has declared July 15, 2026 (Wednesday), a special non-working day in the Cordillera Administrative Region, marking the 39th founding anniversary of the region.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Cordillera Administrative Region be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” according to Proclamation No. 1334 signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Regional Development Council-Cordillera, through the Sectoral Committee on Economic Development, and the province of Benguet are hosting this year’s celebration with month-long activities.
The Cordillera Day main program on July 15, 2026, is set at the Benguet Sports Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Activities will kick off with the parade of delegates from the different provinces, local government units, national line agencies, law enforcement agencies, academe, civil society organizations, private sector and other stakeholders.
The parade will start at the Benguet Provincial Capitol, going through Poblacion-Buyagan, and to the BSC gymnasium for the program.
Traditional rituals such as the “owik” and “tayao” will be held at the sports complex grounds led by the Benguet officials with RDC representatives and other leaders from the provinces.
The Cordillera Administrative Region was established in accordance with Executive Order 220, signed on July 15, 1987, to lay the groundwork for the creation of an autonomous region in the Cordilleras, as provided in the 1987 Constitution.
July of every year is celebrated as the Cordillera Month to commemorate a significant historical event and to promote greater awareness, deeper appreciation, and active participation among the people of the Cordilleras in the pursuit of regional autonomy.
This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Smart Cordillera: Enabling Local Enterprises through Digital Transformation and Accelerated Regional Autonomy.” **JDP/RMC-PIA CAR
