CAR gets July 15 special holiday for 38th founding anniversary

Malacañang has declared July 15, 2025 (Tuesday), a special non-working holiday in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to mark its 38th founding anniversary.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 939 on June 17, stating that it is appropriate for CAR residents to participate fully in the celebration and enjoy the occasion.

The Cordillera Administrative Region was officially established through Executive Order No. 220, signed by President Corazon Aquino on July 15, 1987, following peace talks with the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA).

These negotiations, based on traditional 'bodong' peace processes, led to the CPLA's decision to cease hostilities and lay down their arms.

EO 220 set CAR up as a transition region towards full autonomy, similar to the model in Muslim Mindanao.