SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — About 600 Ayta from more than 10 communities in Zambales and Pampanga gathered here on Monday, Aug. 10 for Ayta Day 2026, calling for unity in defending their ancestral lands, livelihoods and rights.

The gathering was organized by Mansaway, a local Ayta organization, with PAMILALAMU-Church, Ayta Partnership in Central Luzon and KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas. About 200 delegates from Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, human rights groups, churches and other allied organizations also attended.

The event coincided with the observance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, marked annually on Aug. 9. This year’s Ayta Day carried the theme “Ka allwan nin pamilalamu ni aw Ka Aytahan,” or “Araw ng pagkakaisa ng mga Ka Aytahan.”

Organizers said the gathering aimed to strengthen solidarity among Ayta communities as they face threats to their ancestral territories from mining, renewable energy and other development projects. Participants also raised concerns about what they described as the potential impact of the U.S.-led Pax Silica Initiative on Indigenous territories.

The celebration was initially scheduled at Mt. Bagang, an important gathering place for Ayta communities in San Marcelino, but was moved to the Rabanes Barangay Hall because of strong winds and heavy rain.

The program continued with cultural performances by Ayta communities, with participants highlighting the importance of protecting their land, livelihoods and culture.

Funa-ay Claver, secretary-general of KATRIBU, said the Ayta communities’ opposition to projects they consider destructive could serve as an example for other Filipinos fighting for their rights.

“Ang pagkakaisa at mariing pagtutol ng mga Ayta sa mga mapanirang proyekto ay inspirasyon sa buong sambayanang Pilipino na patuloy na lumaban, manindigan, at palakasin ang sama-samang paggiit ng ating mga karapatan,” Claver said.

Rica Torres, coordinator of Mansaway, discussed the situation of Ayta communities in Central Luzon, including threats to their ancestral territories and the challenges of protecting their land, livelihoods and rights.

The gathering ended with a declaration of unity among Mansaway, PAMILALAMU and participating organizations to strengthen efforts to defend Ayta ancestral lands, rights, culture and self-determination.

Participants said they would continue opposing projects they consider harmful to Indigenous territories and strengthen their collective response to emerging development initiatives. (Ang Pahayagan Reportorial Team)

📸 KATRIBU