Sherwin De Vera

Cordillera

Writer at Freelance

Activist. Writer. Cook.

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Articles

Cordillera cultural workers bag global human rights award

1 month ago | rappler.com | Sherwin De Vera

BAGUIO, Philippines – A collective of cultural workers has spent decades chronicling indigenous peoples’ struggle not with guns but with gongs, poems and protest plays in a region long scarred by militarization and land grabs. This year, their work has been recognized on the world stage. Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK) was awarded the 2025 Special Prize of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights by South Korea’s May 18 Memorial Foundation.
Ortegas beat Ortegas in La Union’s gubernatorial, congressional races

1 month ago | rappler.com | Sherwin De Vera

BAGUIO, Philippines – The Ortega political clan of La Union has retained control of the province’s top posts despite intra-family rivalry, holding on to the gubernatorial seat and the congressional post in the province’s 1st District. La Union Vice Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega defeated his grandniece, Governor Raphaelle “Rafy” Ortega-David, to claim the governorship. His running mate, Aringay Mayor Eric Sibuma, won the vice gubernatorial race.
Buluts maintain unchallenged reign in Apayao

1 month ago | rappler.com | Sherwin De Vera

BAGUIO, Philippines – The Bulut political dynasty has once again solidified its dominance in Apayao, securing the province’s top posts without opposition – no one ran against them – in the May 12 midterm elections. Elias “Butzy” Bulut Jr., a three-term congressional representative for Apayao, returns as governor. He previously held the post in 2013 and 2016, and served as mayor of Calanasan from 1998 to 2001 before entering Congress.
Buluts maintain unchallenged reign in Apayao

1 month ago | rappler.com | Sherwin De Vera

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Singson clan expands political stronghold in Ilocos Sur

1 month ago | rappler.com | Sherwin De Vera

BAGUIO, Philippines – Members of the influential Singson family are set to expand their control in Ilocos Sur politics, with new names joining the roster of elected officials while more senior relatives consolidate higher positions following the May 12 polls. Annea de Leon, granddaughter of the late Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Honey Girl Singson-De Leon, won the mayoral race in Santo Domingo. She worked at the Office of the President’s Appointments Office from 2016 to 2020.
Groups decry terror financing complaint vs Cordillera labor leader

Feb 16, 2025 | rappler.com | Sherwin De Vera

BAGUIO, Philippines – A labor leader and cultural worker in the Cordillera has become the latest individual to face a terrorism financing complaint amid the government’s bid to exit the gray list of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Labor leader Michael Cabangon is the 12th person in Northern Luzon to be formally accused under the anti-terrorism law since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office.
Groups warn of more rights abuses as Marcos pushes for large dams

Feb 2, 2025 | altermidya.net | Sherwin De Vera |Mark Saludes

By SHERWIN DE VERAwww.nordis.netTABUK CITY, Kalinga—Indigenous peoples’ organizations in the Cordillera warned of more rights violations in the region following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize funding for large dams for irrigation and other purposes. In a meeting with National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officials, the president promised to ensure sufficient funding for the construction of large dams for various uses, including irrigation.
Baguio City calls for IPRA revision to address ancestral land issues

Jan 20, 2025 | altermidya.net | Sherwin De Vera |Mark Saludes

By SHERWIN DE VERAwww.nordis.netBAGUIO CITY—City officials are urging the repeal of Section 78 of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA), citing its discriminatory impact on the city’s indigenous peoples. This call was made during a special session with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on January 14.
Baguio council approves city law against red-tagging

Dec 10, 2024 | rappler.com | Mia Magdalena Fokno |Sherwin De Vera

BAGUIO, Philippines – Baguio City’s legislators approved an ordinance on Monday, December 9, prohibiting red-tagging – a practice often used to discredit activists by branding them as terrorists or enemies of the state. The new city law seeks to address concerns over the safety of activists and human rights defenders in Baguio, where red-tagging has been linked to harassment, violence, and even killings. Its approval comes ahead of the 76th International Human Rights Day.
After terrorist designation, Igorot activist faces terrorism financing charge

Dec 2, 2024 | rappler.com | Sherwin De Vera

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