Sept. 13 declared holiday in Cordillera to mark 37th “Sipat” anniversary

Bauko, Mt. Province – Malacañang declared Sept. 13, 2023, as a special non-working holiday in the Cordillera to mark the 37th “Sipat” anniversary celebration.

The holiday announcement was contained in Proclamation No. 324 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“It is fitting and proper that the people of Cordillera be given the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion,” the proclamation read.

On said day in 1986, “Sipat” or peace agreement was forged between then President Corazon Aquino and Cordillera People’s Liberation Army led by Fr. Conrado Balweg at the Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, Mt. Province.

During the historic event, a spear and a shield were turned over by CPLA and Cordillera Bodong Administration to Aquino, while the latter handed over a bible, a rosary, and an Armalite rifle to signify formal cessation of hostilities.

The moment, witnessed by former Mayor Gabino Ganggangan of Sadanga, Mt. Province and others, paved the way for the signing of Executive Order 220 on July 15, 1987 by the same president, marking the genuine Cordillera Day.

Cordillera elder Leonardo Bun-as, who was among the signatories to the peace agreement, lived to tell the region’s journey towards development. During the 34th Mount Data Sipat anniversary commemoration, he reminded the essence of the event and called on the government to intensify efforts for the realization of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

LISTEN TO STATION 1 RADIO: CLICK ME

OTHER NEWS 

Baguio plans to relaunch rat-catching challenge to combat leptospirosis surge

Follow Guru Press Cordillera  on Facebook for more News and Information