Holiday in the Cordilleras

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — It’s a special non-working holiday today in the Cordilleras in observance of the 36th anniversary of a peace pact signed between the government and the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBAd-CPLA).

The pact, signed on Sept. 13, 1986 by then president Corazon Aquino and representatives of the CBAd-CPLA, signified the cessation of hostilities in the region.

The agreement acknowledged the aspirations for autonomy of the people of the Cordilleras.

“It is but fitting and proper that people in the Cordilleras be given an opportunity to participate in the occasion,” Malacañang said in declaring the holiday.