BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

The celebration of the 16th Ibaloi Day in Baguio City on Saturday focused on the ongoing struggle of the Ibaloy people to reclaim their ancestral land claims.

The issue remains a significant challenge in the city, further complicated by a Supreme Court decision in December 2024, which made the process even more difficult.

Despite this, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Maximo Edwin Jr. remains hopeful. “The process is very slow, but at least we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. We are now gradually being recognized,” he said.

The celebration underscored the importance of cultural recognition and the rights of the Ibaloi people in the city. Crescencio Cariño Pacalso, a board member of Onjon ni Ivadoi, emphasized the significance of the event. “The Ibaloi were among the first settlers of Baguio, and it is only fitting that the city institutionalized Ibaloi Day to be celebrated annually,” he said.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Pan-iinajuan, Paunong Shi Kaibadoyan,” which translates to (insert Tagalog translation).

Baguio City Councilor Engr. Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan highlighted the importance of preserving Ibaloi heritage. A resolution was passed in the city council to institutionalize the event further.

City Council Resolution No. 395, Series of 2009 formally declared February 23 as Ibaloi Day, while Resolution No. 182, Series of 2010 designated the Ibaloi Heritage Garden in Burnham Park as a gathering place for cultural celebrations and events.

Through these measures, the Ibaloi people continue to gain recognition for their cultural heritage and representation in the city.