The Colayo Indigenous Peoples are a tribal community residing in the municipality of Pasil, within the province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. As part of the broader Kalinga ethnolinguistic group, the Colayo people have maintained a deep connection to their ancestral lands, practicing traditional agriculture and preserving rich cultural customs. Their societal structures are deeply rooted in communal decision-making and reverence for nature, reflecting a harmonious relationship with their environment.
The Colayo community faces significant challenges due to external development pressures. Notably, a proposed geothermal project posed a threat to their ancestral domain, risking displacement and environmental degradation. In response, organizations like Tebtebba have supported the Colayo and neighboring tribes by disseminating information, conducting education campaigns on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and developing community protocols to strengthen customary governance over their lands and territories. These initiatives aim to empower the Colayo to assert their rights and protect their environment from unsustainable exploitation.
Despite these challenges, the Colayo people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to preserving their cultural heritage and natural environment. Through active participation in environmental conservation efforts and the revitalization of traditional practices, they continue to assert their identity and rights. Their proactive stance in defending their ancestral lands serves as an inspiring example of Indigenous communities’ capacity to lead in sustainable development and cultural preservation.
