Cordillera autonomy advocates plan moves

By Bob Lyndon B. Daroya

BAGUIO CITY -- Cordillera autonomy advocates, speakers and partners met for a 2-day virtual assembly on April 13-14 to set plan in thrust to make the Cordillera an autonomous region.
    The Social Preparation for Cordillera Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program was assessed on the its communication plan through digital platforms among others.
    Regional Development Council-CAR acting vice chairperson and National Economic and Development Authority-CAR OIC-regional director Stephanie Christiansen opened the program recognizing resilience of partners and their willingness to continue advocating for the region’s pursuit of autonomy even in this pandemic.
    She presented the program’s accomplishments in 2020 last year.
    Christiansen said the SPCAR program had to shift its activities from face-to-face to a blended modality to adapt to the new normal.
    Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, chair of the committee on local government-technical working group on House Bill 5687 and 7778, was guest speaker for the first day of the event.
    He gave updates on status of the house bills and findings of the TWG on certain provisions of the bills.
    After discussion with partners, it was agreed that a workshop shall be conducted after the next CLG-TWG meeting to consolidate inputs in addressing issues on the provisions. “I want this bill to be approved before the end of this 18th Congress,” he added.
    The SPCAR communication plan was also presented to the partners to solicit recommendations to fine tune it considering the new normal and to further the program’s reach in advocating for Cordillera autonomy.
    Effective utilization of the online platform was highlighted keeping due to the pandemic.
    The second day was on capacitating partners with Ma. Lourdes Tiquia, CEO of Publicus Asia Inc., as the resource speaker.
    She lectures on, “Building your digital ecosystem”. 
    Tiquia shared insights on social media advocacy, providing tips and strategies on how to advance information dissemination and gain public support for autonomy virtually.
    Another activity will be set with Tiquia to boost online presence and advocacy for regional autonomy.