Nat’l gov’t execs push Cordillera autonomy

By Gigi Estanoco

BAGUIO CITY – National government officials pushed creation of a Cordillera Autonomous Region saying this was a constitutional provision during the 33^rd July founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region. 

Latest to air support to the measure were House of Representatives committee on local government chairman and Tarlac 3rd District Rep.  Noel Villanueva and Assistant Secretary Orville Ballitoc of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office during celebration of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s 33rd founding anniversary this July.

Celebrations were conducted through collaboration of the Regional Development Council and the National Economic and Development Authority as its secretariat, with the economic development sectoral committee as lead committee.
“The challenges brought about by the current pandemic underscores the importance of greater autonomy to local government units,” Villanueva said.

He called for establishment of Cordillera autonomy alongside the Bangsamoro saying it was a “constitutional command. We urge the people of the Cordillera together with their local government officials and their fellow leaders to work hand-in-hand, unified in action, singular in purpose and direction to craft and pass the enabling law on the creation of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.”

Assistant Secretary Orville Ballitoc committed support of his office, the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) in pushing the approval of Cordillera autonomy as priority bill of the administration. Ballitoc recalled the manifesto of support to Cordillera autonomy signed by the PLLO, with all Cordillera Congressmen, RDC, Regional Peace and Order Council and regional private sector representatives on Dec. 12, 2019 during the multi-stakeholders’ gathering on Cordillera autonomy.

Ballitoc urged Cordillerans to “take this year's celebration as an opportunity to come together as one, whether face-to-face or virtual, so that the goal of autonomy of the region shall soon be realized.”

Agriculture Secretary William Dar, was keynote speaker during the 33rd Cordillera foundation anniversary on July 15.

“Let the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera be born,” Dar said, adding, “pursuit of autonomy should guide socio-economic development in the Cordillera region.”

He noted continued campaign for Cordillera autonomy must provide needed technical support and guidance to advance local government and community initiatives in addressing peoples’ lack of understanding and awareness of the Cordillera autonomy and combatting misinformation by some groups.

Dar highlighted resilience of the Cordillerans which he said was rooted ways of indigenous peoples of the Cordillera which can encourage faster development in the region and contribute to nation building.

Citing Sadanga, Mountain Province, he said indigenous systems are being practiced such as responsibility of members in considering each other’s needs, inlcuding citizens’ right to participate in socio-political discourses and decision-making.

With this month’s celebration theme “One Resilient Cordillera: Embracing the New Normal towards Recovery,” Dar committed ₱1.1 billion for development of agriculture and rural areas in the Cordillera.

The State of the Region Address was presented on July 29 in a culminating event which detailed the region’s development gains and ways forward.

Cordillera congressmen also pushed for regional autonomy in their messages commemorating CAR’s founding anniversary.

Baguio City Rep. Mark Go said while the journey in pursuing Cordillera autonomy has been difficult and continues to be tough, Cordillerans should not lose faith.

He urged Cordillerans to use the same resilience shown during this pandemic to “strengthen our communities more until we internalize the fact that we are one indivisible region”.
Mountain Province Congressman Maximo Dalog, Jr. also told Cordillerans to support House Bill 5687. “This will provide the region the needed foundation to pursue sustainable development like Covid-19 pandemic that elicited the unity of our people.”

Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang said,” Our experiences shaped us as individuals and as a region which strengthened our unity and cooperation to achieve our dreams, especially Cordillera autonomy. Isu dagitoy iti nangpairut iti panagkaykaysa ken panagsisinaranay tapno magun-od tayo dagiti natatakneng nga arapaap tayo, nangnangruna iti gandat tayo iti awtonomiya.”

While new to the Cordillera and its pursuit of regional autonomy, ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Eric Yap showed solidarity in filing for a bill proclaiming July 15 as a regular holiday in the Cordillera.

Yap is current Congressional Caretaker of Benguet following demise of former Rep. Nestor Fongwan.

Other national officials also lauded the Cordillera’s collective resilience and manifested their support to the region in its pursuit of regional autonomy with various messages.

"While asserting your right to self-determination, you diligently seek to make a mark in the world", said Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año.

He cited “traits of Cordillerans in various fronts while being deeply rooted in their proud cultural heritage to include gallantry in peace and order and security, excellence in academe, brilliance and creativity in technological advancement, and hard work in industry and infrastructure.”

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar Dulay, a son of the Cordillera also mentioned “distinct Cordillera resilience, resourcefulness, and strong sense of community which are the inspirations for the quest for Cordillera autonomy.”

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Rafael-Banaag, who traces her roots from Mountain Province, cited “commitment to being one resilient Cordillera, carrying values, hopes and dreams of past leaders of the Cordillera in which the culture, traditions, experiences, and collective vision have led to a region that is always ready to face new challenges.”

Dept. of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, an adopted daughter of Kalinga, also commended the unity and resilience of Cordillerans amid the struggles the region faced from the time the Cordillera region was established.
DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña, and DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said they were committed in helping the region by assisting and supporting investors, providing quality skills training which can help empower Cordillerans.

These included price monitoring, providing livelihood kits, and SME loans among others.
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez meanwhile urged everyone to work hand-in-hand and continue to move forward for a more peaceful, progressive, and autonomous Cordillera.

The RDC economic sectoral committee through DTI, Department of Science and Technology, Tourism and TESDA conducted webinars on Cordilleran and business resilience during Cordillera Month celebration.