RDC chair calls for unity in quest for Cordillera autonomy

LUNA, Apayao -- As the 28th Cordillera Administrative Region founding anniversary kicked off in  Apayao,  Cordillera Regional Development Council chairman Abra Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin urged  more active participation and “renewal of the commitment of the present generation of Cordillerans to the thoughts and aspirations of our forefathers.”

In a message posted on CordiLink magazine, the official publication of the RDC,  Bersamin hailed the role Cordillerans played to shape the history not only of the Cordillera, but the Philippines

.

“Geographically, the word Cordillera refers to a mountain range that serves as a backbone to the main island of Luzon. The word Cordillera though has come to be more profoundly associated with such noble notions as self-determination, brotherhood and loyalty.

The Cordillerans are known in history books as the ‘tri bus independientes’ during the Spanish Period, the stalwart oppositionists during the Martial Law and the fierce crusaders for autonomy,” he added.

This year’s celebration of CAR’s founding anniversary is also a celebration of such distinct identity of the Cordillerans, fierceness in upholding their culture, their land and their people, he said.

Bersamin urged everyone to participate and support activities lined up in  provinces in the region, relative to

Cordillera Day, particularly tree planting, eco-tour and trade and job fairs in Apayao.

“May the celebrations serve to strengthen the tie that binds us as one people –- our shared commitment to the cause of a more peaceful and progressive Cordillera,” he said.

A program and public hearing on Cordillera  Autonomy bill by the House committee on local government ad hoc committee was held here July `15.

Executive Order No. 220  signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino on July 15, 1987  established the Cordillera Administrative Region composed of the provinces of Abra, Benguet and Mountain Province and the City of Baguio from Region I and the provinces of Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao from Region Cagayan Valley as the government’s initial commitment to the signing of the  Mount Data peace agreement between President Aquino and former Catholic priest ConradoBalweg of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army  on September 13, 1986.

This year’s theme for the CAR founding anniversary is “Conserving the environment towards a greener Cordillera.”